Mike Johnson has spent just six years in the U-S House but now finds himself in possession of the gavel as he was elected as the House Speaker yesterday. The 51-year-old is from Benton in Bossier Parish and the mayor of Benton, Shelly Horton, believes Johnson’s temperament and people’s skills will make him an excellent speaker…
cut 12 (10) “….skills”

At the state capitol today, the House Education Committee will meet this morning to discuss a proposal approved by BESE that will give seniors an appeals process that would still allow them to graduate, despite not passing the LEAP exit exam. Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley opposes the policy…
cut 7 (12) “….they need”
If the House Education Committee does not approve, Governor Edwards can still act and allow the policy to go into effect.

The House Transportation Committee rejected the use of tolls to partially fund a new $2.1 billion I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge. Brooke Thorington reports DOTD has other options.
Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

I-55 in St. John the Baptist Parish remains closed following Monday’s deadly pile-up crash that killed eight people and involved 168 vehicles. No timeline on when the bridge will open. Inspectors have identified several areas that need repairs.