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.

6:45 LRN Sportscast March 30

For the third consecutive game, LSU reached double figures in runs as the Tigers scored six in the first inning on their way to a 15-4 victory over ULM. Designated hitter Brayden Jobert is swinging a hot bat as he launched two home runs last night and had 7 RBIs.

Cole McConnell drove in three runs but it was not enough as Louisiana Tech fell to Dallas Baptist seven to four.

Julian Brock belted a two-run homer in the seventh as the Ragin Cajuns defeated Southeastern Louisiana six to four to sweep the season series.

Talvin Hester was introduced as the 19th men’s basketball coach in Louisiana Tech history yesterday. Hester says the Dunkin Dogs will play tenacious defense in order to win the Conference USA tournament…
cut 30 (10) “…on top”

The Saints have signed quarterback Andy Dalton to a one-year contract and he’ll serve as Jameis Winston’s back-up. The 34-year-old Dalton played eight games for the Bears last season, starting six of them, and completed 63-percent of his passes, throwing for 15-hundred yards and eight touchdowns.

So what does this mean for Taysom Hill who threw for nearly one thousand yards last season. Coach Dennis Allen says Hill will concentrate on playing tight end and catching passes in the red zone…
cut 17 (13) “…on the sidelines”
The NFL has changed overtime rules in the postseason. Each team will now get the chance to possess the ball at least once.

Conference USA says they’ve reached an agreement that will allow Southern Miss, Old Dominion, and Marshall to move into the Sun Belt for the start of the 2022 football season.

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.”

____________________________________

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.” 

_____________________________________

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.” 

____________________________________

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.”

____________________________________________

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.

______________________________________________

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.” 

_______________________________________________

4:45 LRN Sportscast March 29

Talvin Hester was introduced as Louisiana Tech’s new head men’s basketball coach today. Prior to joining the staff at Texas Tech, where he helped the Red Raiders reach the Sweet 16 of this year’s NCAA tournament, Hester spent three seasons as an assistant in Ruston under Eric Konkol. Now, he will be calling the shots for the Dunkin’ Dogs. Hester says the Bulldogs will play tough, and they will play fast.

Cut 21 (20) “…do that.”

The LSU men’s basketball team loses one player and gains another. Forward Shareef O’Neal has decided to enter the transfer portal. O’Neal played in 14 games for the Tigers. Coming in…former Northwestern State center Kendal Coleman, who becomes the first transfer signee for new coach Matt McMahon. The 6-8 junior averaged 15.4 point6s and 10.1 boards in 30 games and was one of only 15 players in the country to average a double-double last season.

The New Orleans Saints secured their starter in Jameis Winston last week and Tuesday they found their backup. The Saints have reached agreement on a reported one-year $3 million deal with 11-year veteran Andy Dalton. Dalton spent last season with the Chicago Bears, going 3-3 as a starter. General manager Mickey Loomis spoke about the deal while attending the NFL owners’ meetings in Palm Beach, Florida.

Cut 22 (12) “…games with him.”

The NFL announced that it has approved a tweaking to its overtime format next season. But, it only applies to the playoffs. The Indianapolis Colts and Philadelphia Eagles proposed a mandatory possession for both teams in all games, regular season and playoffs, but competition committee chairman Rich McKay said there was not enough support among owners to pass the rule unless it was amended to the postseason only. It passed by a vote of 29-3.

Three games on the college baseball diamond tonight as the UL Ragin’ Cajuns visit Southeastern to take on the Lions. Tulane and UNO square off in a matchup of crosstown rivals, and UL-Monroe heads to The Box to battle 13th-ranked LSU.

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.