The Storm Prediction Center puts Monroe, Alexandria, the Delta Parishes, Baton Rouge, and Hammond under a four out of five risk for severe weather. There’s the potential for tornadoes and damaging straight-line winds. State Climatologist Barry Keim says the entire state needs to be on its toes…
Cut 7 (10) “…for the state.”

The Louisiana House approves a bill that gives adoptees access to their birth certificate once they reach the age of 24. Rosepine Representative Charles Owen, who’s adopted himself, says adopted children born in Louisiana are barred from seeing their original birth certificate unless they provide a judge with a compelling reason like…
Cut 3 (11) “…compelling reason.”
The bill heads to the Senate for more discussion.

How do Louisiana voters feel about a few of our statewide elected officials? A new poll says “not that great.” David Grubb has more.
Cut 2 (34) “…I’m David Grubb.”

For the first time since the state began reporting COVID hospitalizations, there are fewer than 100 people in the hospital suffering from COVID. But health officials continue to urge the unvaccinated to get the COVID shot…
cut 1 (30) “…..I’m Brook Thorington”

The state’s vaccination rate is nearly 53-percent.

A statewide poll of 600 likely voters finds that 48-percent of respondents believe Governor John Bel Edwards did a good job of handling the pandemic and that same poll gives the governor a 49-percent approval rating.

Waiting for debate on the House floor is a bill that could lead to jail time for those under the age of 18 who are convicted of marijuana possession. Stonewall Representative Larry Bagley’s bill would punish first offenders possessing half an ounce or less to probation, but no more than 15 days in jail. Having more than 14 grams could lead to no more than six months. Bagley compares his proposed sentencing to one of the first states to legalize recreational marijuana for adults while forbidding it for minors; Colorado…:
Cut 11 (09) “…comparing the areas.”

Warm today with temperatures in the low 80s, but there’s another threat for severe weather tomorrow from a cold front that will sweep across the state. State Climatologist Barry Keim says everyone should be weather aware tomorrow.
cut 6 (10) “…approaches”

A new JMC Analytics poll indicates Governor John Bel Edwards has an approval rating of 48 percent. Pollster John Couvillon says however it’s bit more favorable for Republican, Senator John Kennedy with a 53-percent approval rating and his base is pretty reflective of the state’s voting habits.

Cut 9 (07)  “…leaning voters.”

The state’s senior Senator Republican Bill Cassidy has a 38 percent approval rating.

The House Criminal Justice Committee advances a bill establishing penalties for juveniles in possession of small amounts of marijuana. DeSoto Parish Republican Larry Bagley’s bill corrects an oversight where possession penalties were lessened last year because the bill made no specific mention of minors in possession.

Cut 10 (13) “…doing it.”

After Baton Rouge TV station WBRZ broke a story that three State Civil Service employees received exorbitant raises leader of the department Byron Decoteau appeared before Senate Finance. Decoteau received a $20-thousand raise in a month, One employee’s pay increased 100-percent over a six-year period and another had a $43,000 increase in three years. Senator Bodi White…

Cut 15 (10)  “…over 100-percent.”

Decoteau says the raises were given to keep employees from leaving the department.

And the things you do for love can get you arrested… while attempting to bond her boyfriend out of the Grant Parish Detention Center, 21-year-old Alaina Cole of Houma was arrested because she drove a stolen vehicle to pick him up. Officials says Cole confessed and she was arrested for illegal possession of stolen things.

The House Criminal Justice Committee advances a bill establishing penalties for minors in possession of small amounts of marijuana. Kevin Gallagher has more…:

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.” 

A Shreveport man who killed a postal worker pleas guilty to second-degree murder. 34-year-old Michael Gentry will be sentenced to 40 years in federal prison as part of the plea agreement. Gentry killed 52-year-old Antonio Williams in June of 2019 while he was delivering mail. Gentry also faces state charges.

The state marks a milestone with less than 100 hospitalized with COVID however LSU Infectious Disease expert Dr. Catherine O’Neal says we need to be better prepared for the next surge and only 53-percent of Louisianans are vaccinated. O’Neal says there are no significant long-term side effects from the vaccine and it’s still the best form of preventing severe COVID.

Cut 5 (08) “…protection.”

After Baton Rouge TV station WBRZ reported three State Civil Service employees received significant pay raises in a span of a few years the leader of the division appeared before Senate Finance to answer questions. Byron Decoteau, who received a $20,000 pay increase within a month says the pay raises were given under the optional pay rule.

Cut 13 (10) “…your employees “

One Civil Service employee’s pay increased 100-percent in a six-year period

How do Louisiana voters feel about a few of our statewide elected officials? A new poll says “not that great.” David Grubb has more.
Cut 2 (34) “…I’m David Grubb.”

State lawmakers will suspend the ongoing regular session to hold a veto session tomorrow. So starting tomorrow at noon, the Republican-led Legislature will attempt to muster the two-thirds vote needed to override the governor’s veto of the Congressional district map.

A bill awaiting debate on the House floor could lead to jail time for minors convicted of marijuana possession. Louisiana Progress opposes the bill because the proposed law would lead to harsher punishments for juveniles than adults when it comes to marijuana possession, but Hammond Representative Nicholas Muscarello says…
cut 12 (10) “…get you better”

And the state is in really good shape when it comes to COVID as there are now fewer than 100 people hospitalized as a result of the virus. But LSU Infectious Disease Expert Doctor Catherine O’ Neal says we will see another COVID surge…
cut 6 (09) “…to us”
O’ Neal says the state needs to get more people vaccinated. Nearly 53-percent of the population is vaccinated.

For the first time since the state began reporting COVID hospitalizations, there are fewer than 100 people in the hospital suffering from COVID. But health officials continue to urge the unvaccinated to get the COVID shot…
cut 1 (30) “…..I’m Brook Thorington”

The state’s vaccination rate is nearly 53-percent.

There’s another chance for severe weather tomorrow as forecasters say a strong line of thunderstorms capable of producing tornadoes and severe wind gusts will move across the state.

A statewide poll of 600 likely voters shows Senator Bill Cassidy’s approval rating has dropped to 38-percent and the Republican’s disapproval rating is at 49-percent. JMC Analytics pollster John Couvillon says Cassidy’s popularity took a hit last year when he voted to impeach former President Donald Trump….
cut 8 (12) “….those necessary changes”
Meanwhile, Senator John Kennedy’s voter approval rating is 53-percent and he’s up for re-election this year.

State Civil Service Director Byron Decoteau was grilled by members of the Senate Finance committee about big pay raises given to himself and his Deputy Director Chris Deer and Chief Operating Officer Nicole Tucker. Decoteau told Senate Finance Chairman Bodi White raises are warranted…
cut 14 (12) “…subordinates made”
White calls the raises absurd.

There are now fewer than 100 people hospitalized statewide with COVID, a mark that LSU Infectious Disease expert Dr. Catherine O’Neal says gives the medical community a much-deserved break. But with only 53% of the state’s population vaccinated, O’Neal says that lull could easily change.
Cut 4 (07) “…next surge.”
According to the Louisiana Department of Health, 34-hundred people in the state last week received their first shot.

A statewide poll of 600 likely voters finds that 48-percent of respondents believe Governor John Bel Edwards did a good job of handling the pandemic and that same poll gives the governor a 49-percent approval rating. JMC Analytics pollster John Couvillon says in a red state, a Democrat like Edwards has to walk a tightrope…
cut 7 (10) “….of his term”

The House Criminal Justice Committee advances a bill establishing penalties for minors in possession of small amounts of marijuana. Kevin Gallagher has more…:
Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

State lawmakers will hold a veto session as there will be an effort to override the governor’s veto of the Congressional District map approved in the redistricting session. House Speaker Clay Schexnayder says the override session will begin at noon on Wednesday…

Cut 12 (07) “…regular session.” 

Governor Edwards vetoed two new congressional maps approved by lawmakers.

The House Criminal Justice Committee advances a bill establishing penalties for juveniles in possession of small amounts of marijuana. DeSoto Parish Republican Larry Bagley says his bill is to correct an oversight from when possession penalties were lessened last year. He says that bill made no specific mention of persons under 18…:

Cut 10 (15) “…or to fine them.”

After Baton Rouge TV station WBRZ reported three State Civil Service employees received significant pay raises in a span of a few years the leader of the division appeared before Senate Finance to answer questions. Byron Decoteau, who received a $20,000 pay increase within a month says the pay raises were given under the optional pay rule.

Cut 13 (10) “…your employees “

State Civil Service chief operating officer, Nicole Tucker, her pay increased by $34,000 over a six-year period and Deputy Director Chris Deer’s pay increased by $43,000 in a matter of three years. Senator Bodi White also told the committee that the Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne was not aware of the raises.

Cut 15 (10)  “…over 100%”

Four men are behind bars after firing shots at a Monroe Police vehicle and the Police Chief Vic Zordan says they’ve had enough of repeat offenders. Brooke Thorington has more…:

CUT 02(32)      “….Brooke Thorington”

Deputies in West Baton Rouge Parish are investigating a double homicide in the tiny town of Brusly. Officers believe a home invasion robbery was behind the violence that left a 66-year-old man and 29-year-old woman stabbed to death. A suspect is in custody, while the investigation continues.

A statewide poll looking ahead to the next governor’s race shows it’s wide open. Pollster John Couvillon of JMC Analytics asked 600 likely voters last week who they would vote for in 2023 among eight different potential candidates and Republican Senator John Kennedy received the most support at 22-percent…:

CUT 03(10)      “…all three.”

So far only Attorney General Jeff Landry and Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser have indicated they would run.

Are you feeling stressed? Well, you aren’t alone. April is Stress Awareness Month and a survey by personal finance website WalletHub.com has ranked Louisiana as the nation’s most stressed state. The survey compares all 50 states across 41 key metrics and the numbers don’t look good says analyst Jill Gonzales…:

CUT 09(09)      “…major categories.”

Louisiana ranks fifth-worst in hours worked, fourth in divorce rate and percentage of adults in poor health, second in people living in poverty, and no state has a higher overall crime rate.

The 2023 election for Louisiana’s next governor is over a year away, but a new statewide poll shows it is wide open. Jeff Palermo has the story…:

CUT 01  (30)        “… Jeff Palermo.”

A Covington woman is in jail after her six-month-old child died in the hospital from a severe head injury. Hospital workers called police on March 23^rd, after seeing how badly the baby was hurt. The infant died Saturday. The mother, 28-year-old Madelyn Mejia-Gallo is charged with 2^nd degree murder.

State Lawmakers will put their regular legislative session on pause, to hold a special veto override session starting Wednesday. Governor Edwards vetoed a congressional district map passed by GOP majorities in the House & Senate. He objected to it not creating a second majority black congressional voting district. The House will need 70 of 105 votes to overturn the veto; the senate 29 votes. House Speaker Clay Schexnayder says lawmakers should vote based upon what their district would want…:

CUT 14  (09)        “…district back home.”

There are 68 Republicans in the House, so an override will require at least one Democrat and one Independent to vote for it.

The state supplement to the pay local police and fire fighters get would go up by $100 a month under legislation approved Monday by the Senate Finance Committee. That would take it from an extra $500 a month to $600 a month. Passed without objection, the bill now goes to the Senate floor for debate.