1:30 LRN Newscast March 30

Senator Bill Cassidy tells Politico he’s considering a run for governor in 2023. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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The Louisiana House has voted to override Governor John Bel Edwards’ veto of a Republican-drawn Congressional map that has one majority Black District. 70 votes were needed in the 105 member House.  Speaker Clay Schexnayder reads the final vote…

Cut 12 (06) “…(applause).”

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As a line of severe thunderstorms moves slowly through the state, National Weather Service meteorologist Matthew Duplantis says Southeast Louisiana should stay on alert.

Cut 9 (11) “…later on today.”

Tornado warnings are already in effect for West Monroe and Sterlington until 1:45 pm.

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The State Fire Marshal’s Office has issued an open burning safety warning as four people have died this year from burn piles, three in the last week. Spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says that if you are in an area that permits open burns, be sure that it is at least 75 feet away from any structure including your neighbors. Also, set a five-foot wet control line around the burn area.

Cut 8 (11) “… five-foot line.”

Rodrigue says never use flammable liquids to ignite the burn, have a water source handy and never leave it unattended.

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12:30 LRN Newscast March 30

Severe weather is entering the state and has already prompted tornado warnings and watches. Tornado Warnings have been issued for Jackson, Bienville, Wynn, and Natchitoches until 12:45. Much of the state is under a tornado watch through the remainder of the day. Be sure to check your local forecast and take proper precautions today.

The Veto Override session is officially underway in both chambers. Since Governor Edwards rejected the congressional maps passed last month because they failed to create a second majority-minority congressional district lawmakers are meeting to override his veto. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says the prospect of this override session lacks the enthusiasm of last year.

Cut 14 (13)  “..almost like a sleeper.”

House Speaker Clay Schexnayder expects the veto session to wrap up tomorrow

Republican Senator Bill Cassidy tells Politico.com he’s considering a run for Louisiana Governor in 2023. U-L Lafayette Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says Cassidy is known as a moderate and that’s helped Governor John Bel Edwards win two terms in office…

Cut 4 (08) “…strong candidate.”

After 4 people were killed in separate open burns recently the State Fire Marshal’s Office issues a safety warning. Spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says if open burns are legal in your area check weather conditions before you begin, especially wind speeds and direction because they can change quickly.

Cut 7 (09) “…to rain.” 

She says to make sure you are 75 feet from any structure and set a five-foot wet control line around the burn.

 

11:30 LRN Newscast March 30

A strong line of thunderstorms is moving through northwest Louisiana and a tornado warning is in effect until 11:45 for areas southeast of Bossier City and that includes the city of Minden. Meanwhile, in south Louisiana, strong winds are ahead of this front. Wind gusts of up to 40 miles per hour have been reported in New Iberia.

After Hurricane Ida, many tenants were evicted in a matter of days. House Bill 160 would give lessees at least 30 days before they are kicked out of their homes…
cut 1 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington”

Republican Senator Bill Cassidy tells Politico.com he’s considering a run for Louisiana Governor in 2023. U-L Lafayette Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says if Cassidy ran, he would not be the front-runner, because a recent JMC Analytics poll had his approval rating at 38-percent…
Cut 3 (11) “…problematic.”
Cassidy has been in the Republican Party’s doghouse since his vote to impeach former President Donald Trump.

The State Fire Marshal’s Office has issued an open burning safety warning as four people have been killed this year from burn piles. Spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says spring cleaning tends to prompt open burns but the flames can erupt into large grass fires
Cut 6 (09) “…the public.”
Three people have died in the last week from burn piles that got out of control.

10:30 LRN Newscast March 30

Another round of severe weather is set to hit the state today. Meteorologist John Wetherbee says northeast Louisiana, much of central Louisiana, the Northshore, and the Baton Rouge area are at the greatest risk…

Cut 4 (11)  “…state of Louisiana.”

There is a threat of tornados south of I-10 today, a week after a deadly tornado ripped through St. Bernard Parish.

The veto session to override Gov Edwards’ rejection of congressional maps because they lacked a second majority-minority district begins today. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says to override it will take 70 of 105 votes in the House and 26 of 39 in the Senate, and whether they’ll be able to is anyone’s guess…:

Cut 15 (08)  “…the governor’s veto.”

The veto session should wrap by Sunday.

The House Civil Law Committee heard emotional testimony from a man who says his landlord forced him to leave his apartment in Houma during the aftermath of Hurricane Ida…

Cut 9 (07)  “…the law.”
Ben Toups says he’s now living in Denham Springs and paying more for rent. State lawmakers are looking to pass a bill that would prevent evictions for 30 days following the declaration of a federal disaster.

Metairie Representative Laurie Schlegel introduces legislation to prohibit smoking or vaping marijuana in motor vehicles, both for drivers and passengers. Schlegel says the bill is not intended to target anyone, but to ensure safety on the road.

Cut 10 (08) “…in a car.”

The bill passed out of House Transportation 11-3.

9:30 LRN Newscast March 30

We’ve got another round of severe weather today. Meteorologist John Wetherbee says northeast Louisiana, much of central Louisiana, the Northshore, and the Baton Rouge area are at the greatest risk for severe weather. Lafayette, Natchitoches, and Ruston are under an enhanced risk and there’s a slight risk for the Shreveport area…

Cut 5 (09) “,…mid-afternoon on” 

The Veto Override session gets underway today. Governor Edwards rejected the congressional maps passed by both chambers last month because they failed to create a second majority-minority congressional district. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says the prospect of this override session lacks the enthusiasm of last year.

Cut 14 (13)  “..almost like a sleeper.”

The Veto Override session should end by Sunday.

Metairie Representative Laurie Schlegel introduces legislation to prohibit smoking or vaping marijuana in motor vehicles, both for drivers and passengers. Louisiana State Police Captain Robert Burns says enforcement is the biggest problem, particularly if it relies on officers to make a visual determination of what is being inhaled.

Cut 12 (10) “…in the vehicle.”

The bill passed out of House Transportation 11 to 3.

After some tenants were evicted just days after Hurricane Ida New Orleans Representative Mandie Landry’s introduces legislation prohibiting property owners from filing legal proceedings for 30 days after a Federally declared disaster.  Ben Toups says he was only given days to vacate his Houma apartment even though it was deemed livable.

Cut 8 (12)  “…consequences.”

Toups says he had to move to Denham Springs and live in a rental that he can barely afford.

8:30 LRN Newscast March 30

Eight days after a deadly tornado tore through St. Bernard Parish, Louisiana is once again under the threat of tornadoes. Much of the northern half of the state is under a tornado watch until 1 PM and meteorologist John Wetherbee says isolated tornadoes are possible in south Louisiana later today…
cut 6 (12) “….pay attention”

After Hurricane Ida, many tenants were evicted in a matter of days. New Orleans Representative Mandie Landry’s bill will give lessees at least a month, after a Federally declared disaster, before property owners can file legal proceedings. Ben Toups had to leave his Houma apartment.

Cut 7 (11) “…your space.”
Toups re-located to Denham Springs. A bill addressing this issue heads to the House floor.

Marijuana has been a burning topic during the legislative session, and a lawmaker takes the discussion to the state’s roadways. David Grubb has more.
Cut 2 (33) “…I’m David Grubb.”

State Fire Marshal Butch Browning has issued an open burning safety warning following multiple deaths stemming from out-of-control burn piles. Browning says there have been four deaths since January attributed to open burning accidents. The latest incident happened Monday in Webster Parish, killing an 80-year-old man.

7:30 LRN Newscast March 30

A strong storm system that has the potential to produce damaging winds, large hail, and isolated tornadoes will cross the state from the west to the east today. A tornado watch has already been posted for most of the northern half of the state until 1 PM today.

The state legislature starts a Veto Override session at noon today, to debate whether to override Governor Edwards’ veto of congressional district maps approved in the redistricting session.
Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”
The House Civil Law Committee heard emotional testimony from a man who says his landlord forced him to leave his apartment in Houma during the aftermath of Hurricane Ida…
cut 9 (07) “….the law”
Ben Toups says he’s now living in Denham Springs and paying more for rent. State lawmakers are looking to pass a bill that would prevent evictions for 30 days following the declaration of a federal disaster.

The House Transportation Committee has approved a bill that says you can not smoke or vape marijuana in motor vehicles. The bill does not provide guidelines for enforcement, but Metairie Representative Laurie Schlegel says it does send a message…
cut 11 (11) “…in a car”
Violators would face a 100-dollar fine.

6:30 LRN Newscast

Another round of severe weather is set to hit the state today. Meteorologist John Wetherbee says northeast Louisiana, much of central Louisiana, the Northshore and the Baton Rouge area are at the greatest risk for severe weather…
cut 4 (11) “…state of Louisiana”
Most of north Louisiana is under a tornado watch until 1 PM today.

At noon today, lawmakers will begin a veto session as the Republican-led Legislature will attempt to override the governor’s veto of the Congressional District map approved by legislators last month. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says it will take a two-thirds vote in the House and Senate to override the veto…
cut 13 (12) “…this is life and death”

After Hurricane Ida, many tenants were evicted in a matter of days. House Bill 160 would give lessees at least 30 days before they are kicked out of their homes…
cut 1 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington”

LRN AM Newscall March 30

After Hurricane Ida, many tenants were evicted in a matter of days. House Bill 160 would give lessees at 30 days before they’d be forced to leave. Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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Marijuana has been a burning topic during the session, and Metairie Representative Laurie Schlegel takes the discussion to the state’s roadways. David Grubb has more.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m David Grubb.” 

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The state legislature starts a Veto Override session today, to resolve congressional district maps rejected last month by Governor Edwards. More from Kevin Gallagher…:

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.” 

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Another round of severe weather is set to hit the state today. Meteorologist John Wetherbee says northeast Louisiana, much of central Louisiana, the Northshore, and the Baton Rouge area are at the greatest risk for severe weather…

Cut 4 (11)  “…state of Louisiana.”

Wetherbee says Lafayette, Natchitoches and Ruston are under an enhanced risk for severe weather and there’s a slight risk for the Shreveport area…

Cut 5 (09) “,…mid-afternoon on” 

A deadly tornado ripped through St. Bernard Parish in southeast Louisiana last week. Wetherbee says a tornado threat south of I-10 exits for this weather system too…

Cut 6 (12)  “..pay attention too.”

_______________________________________

After Hurricane Ida, many tenants were evicted in a matter of days and given few options. New Orleans Representative Mandie Landry’s bill will give lessees at least a month, after a Federally declared disaster, before property owners can file legal proceedings.  Ben Toups says he was sent a barrage of emails telling him to leave his Houma apartment.

Cut 7 (11) “…your space.”

Toups says he was given just seven days to leave the apartment, and his options were limited due to widespread damages and the limited supply of rentals was out of his price range. He says it was one of the worst experiences of his life.

Cut 8 (12)  “…consequences.”

Houma Representative Tanner Magee says some landlords sent eviction notices to tenants before their property was even inspected making the housing situation even worse. Toups says he was one of those residents who was involuntarily displaced that shouldn’t have been.

Cut 9 (07)  “…the law.”

The bill received full passage in House Civil Law and Procedure and heads to the House.

____________________________________________

Metairie Representative Laurie Schlegel has introduced legislation that would prohibit smoking or vaping marijuana in motor vehicles, both for drivers and passengers. Schlegel says the bill is not intended to target anyone, but to ensure safety on the road.

Cut 10 (08) “…in a car.”

House Bill 234, if passed, would make smoking or vaping marijuana in a moving vehicle a nonmoving violation punishable by a 100-dollar fine. The bill does not provide guidelines for enforcement, but Schlegel says it does send a message.

Cut  11 (11)  “…in a car.”  

Captain Robert Burns of the Louisiana State Police said enforcement is the biggest problem with the bill, particularly if it relies on officers and troopers to make a visual determination of what is being smoked.

Cut 12 (10) “…in the vehicle.”

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State lawmakers put their regular session on hold for a few days to convene today’s Veto Override effort. Governor John Bel Edwards vetoed congressional maps passed by both the House and the Senate last month. He said they failed to create a second majority-minority congressional voting district. Political analyst & Capitol-watcher Bernie Pinsonat says he’s not sensing much “buzz” among lawmakers about it…:

Cut 13 (12) “…this is life and death.”

Last year lawmakers held a failed override session, to overturn Governor’s Edwards vetoes of a transgender athletes ban and a bill to end concealed carry permits. Pinsonat says the prospect of this override session lacks the enthusiasm of last year…:

Cut 14 (15)  “..almost like a sleeper.”

Overriding the governor’s veto will require 70 of 105 votes in the House and 26 of 39 votes in the Senate. Pinsonat says whether they’ll be able to muster those votes is anyone’s guess…:

Cut 15 (08)  “…the governor’s veto.”

The Veto Override session starts today and should end by Sunday. If lawmakers overturn the vetoes, the maps they passed will be submitted to the feds, but will likely need to be decided in court.

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New Orleans Saints head coach Dennis Allen spoke with the media while attending the NFL owner’s meetings in Palm Beach, Florida. Allen was asked about his handling of the Jameis Winston situation, with the team flirting with Deshaun Watson before reaching an agreement with Winston to be the team’s unchallenged starter at quarterback.

Cut 16 (19)  “…to improve on.”

Last season’s other quarterback, Taysom Hill, will concentrate on playing tight end this year says Allen. He believes that keeping Hill’s playmaking ability and nose for the end zone on the field catching passes is more valuable to the team than having him on the sidelines as a backup signal-caller.

Cut 17 (13) “ …on the sideline.” 

Allen also discussed another major piece of the offense, revealing that he visited All-Pro receiver Michael Thomas in California while he continues to rehab from surgery. Thomas has missed 26 of 33 games over the last two seasons.

Cut 18 (20) “ …just personally.” 

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5:30 LRN Newscast March 29

The Veto Override session gets underway Wednesday. Governor John Bel Edwards vetoed congressional maps passed by both the House and the Senate last month because they failed to create a second majority-minority congressional district. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says he’s not sensing much “buzz” among lawmakers about it…:

Cut 13 (12) “…this is life and death.”

After Hurricane Ida, many tenants were evicted in a matter of days. New Orleans Representative Mandie Landry’s bill will give lessees at least a month before property owners can file legal proceedings.  Ben Toups says he was sent a barrage of emails telling him to leave his Houma apartment.

Cut 7 (11) “…your space.”

The bill now heads to the House floor.

The Louisiana House approves a bill to give 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 (10) “…compelling reason.”

The bill heads to the Senate for more discussion.

The House postpones a vote on Breaux Bridge Representative Mike Huval’s bill to create a new set of fines for holding a phone while driving. Amite Representative Robby Carter who represents a district where more than half live below the poverty level says the bill hurts those who have limited means.

Cut 11 (12)  “…against anyone.”  

Huval plans to rewrite the bill and present it again later.