News from the South - Louisiana News Feed

Louisiana lawmakers decline to hold veto override session

Published

2 months ago

July 22, 2025

Staff Editor

lailluminator.com – Julie O’Donoghue – 2025-07-22 05:30:00

by Julie O’Donoghue, Louisiana Illuminator
July 22, 2025

The Louisiana Legislature has declined to reconvene for a veto override session this year.

The majority of lawmakers – 87 members of the House of Representatives and 29 in the Senate – voted not to hold a special session in which lawmakers try to overturn Gov. Jeff Landry’s rejection of bills.

In all, the governor vetoed 15 pieces of the legislation and removed portions of three budget proposals that legislators could have voted to reinstate. The legislation Landry rejected dealt with matters ranging from new registered dietician regulations to a prohibition on outdoor balloon releases.

Veto override sessions are extremely rare in Louisiana. There have been just three in the past 50 years, and they all took place from 2021-23.

At the time, state government was politically divided with Democrat John Bel Edwards as governor and Republicans controlling the two legislative chambers. Edwards and the GOP legislative leadership were at odds over topics such as transgender rights and political redistricting.

Landry and legislative leaders are all Republicans, making it much less likely lawmakers would openly buck the governor to overturn one of his decisions.

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Louisiana Illuminator is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Louisiana Illuminator maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Greg LaRose for questions: info@lailluminator.com.

The post Louisiana lawmakers decline to hold veto override session appeared first on lailluminator.com

Note: The following A.I. based commentary is not part of the original article, reproduced above, but is offered in the hopes that it will promote greater media literacy and critical thinking, by making any potential bias more visible to the reader –Staff Editor.

Political Bias Rating: Centrist

This article presents a straightforward report on the Louisiana Legislature’s decision not to reconvene for a veto override session following Gov. Jeff Landry’s vetoes. It provides factual context about the rarity of such sessions and the political dynamics involved, noting the unified Republican control of both the governorship and legislature. The language is neutral, focusing on legislative procedure and political composition without endorsing any particular viewpoint or framing the governor’s actions in a positive or negative light. Overall, the content maintains balanced reporting without discernible ideological bias.

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News from the South - Louisiana News Feed

Haynes wanted in on Wildlife bribery scheme too, informant says

Published

18 hours ago

September 11, 2025

Staff Editor

thecurrentla.com – Leslie Turk – 2025-09-11 15:30:00

SUMMARY: Dusty Guidry, a former consultant who pleaded guilty to accepting $800,000 in bribes, testified that Assistant District Attorney Gary Haynes sought involvement in a bribery scheme at the Louisiana Department of Wildlife & Fisheries. Haynes, on trial for conspiracy, bribery, money laundering, and obstruction, was previously appointed to run Lafayette’s pretrial diversion program after supporting DA Don Landry. Guidry revealed Haynes pressured him to include him in a similar diversion program scheme at Wildlife & Fisheries, receiving checks totaling $90,000. The scheme involved splitting bribes among Guidry, vendor Leonard Franques, and former department secretary Jack Montoucet, who has also been charged. The statewide program never launched.

Read the full article

The post Haynes wanted in on Wildlife bribery scheme too, informant says appeared first on thecurrentla.com

News from the South - Louisiana News Feed

OPPJ Comprehensive Plan

Published

2 days ago

September 10, 2025

Staff Editor

www.youtube.com – KTVE – 2025-09-10 21:15:08

SUMMARY: The Ouachita Parish Police Jury is conducting a series of community meetings to gather public input for their comprehensive plan guiding future growth. Police Jury members, including Larry Bratton from District D, emphasize the importance of reflecting residents’ voices in the master plan. Community members participated in interactive stations, allocating resources to priorities like infrastructure and downtown development, to help shape goals for the next 2, 5, and 20 years. Landscape architect Matt Pizatella and partners from Atlas support the effort. Bratton stresses that without proactive planning, the parish risks costly and less beneficial outcomes in the long term.

OPPJ Comprehensive Plan

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News from the South - Louisiana News Feed

Mayor Cantrell pleads not guilty to federal corruption charges; judge imposes travel restrictions

Published

2 days ago

September 10, 2025

Staff Editor

www.youtube.com – WWLTV – 2025-09-10 18:17:37

SUMMARY: Mayor Latoya Cantrell pleaded not guilty to 11 federal charges including conspiracy, fraud, obstruction, and making false statements. The indictment links an alleged affair with her police bodyguard, Officer Vappy, to misuse of city funds and efforts to conceal deleted encrypted WhatsApp messages. Although no personal financial benefit is claimed, the charges accuse Cantrell of arranging unnecessary protective details for Vappy, costing taxpayers $70,000. Released without bond, Cantrell must surrender her passport, requires approval for travel outside Louisiana, and is barred from discussing the case with city employees or Vappy. Despite restrictions, court rules her ability to manage city operations remains unaffected.