Governor John Bel Edwards was sworn in today to begin his second term on a rainy day in Baton Rouge. Edwards says education will be a top priority during his next four years and that means more funding for pre-K.
cut 9 (12) “…our state”
Early childhood education advocates are calling for an 80 million dollar upfront investment, with increased yearly funding so that eventually there is universal access into pre-K.

Edwards scored a political victory on the first day of his second term and that was Gonzales Representative Clay Schexnayder being elected as House Speaker over Albany Representative Sherman Mack. Political Analysts say Schexnayder is the better choice for Edwards, but Schexnayder says the People’s House will speak for itself…
Cut 6 (11) “citizen”

Cleanup continues in northwest Louisiana from a tornado that claimed three lives over the weekend. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington”

We are getting closer to kickoff for tonight’s national championship game between a pair of undefeated heavyweights, LSU and Clemson. The Bayou Bengals are 14-0 for the first time ever, but Running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire says the job is not done…
cut 16 (12) “….dominate

About an hour ago Governor John Bell Edwards was sworn into his second term as governor of Louisiana.

Cut 30 :15 clapping

In the Legislature Gonzales, Republican Representative Clay Schexnayder wins the Speaker vote 60-45 over Albany Republican Sherman Mack. Senator John Kennedy and AG Jeff Landry pushed Republicans to unify behind whoever received the most Republican support, but that didn’t happen, and Schexnayder won with a majority of his votes coming from Democrats…

Cut 8 (12) “…important”

The House is two members shy of a Republican Supermajority.

In Northwest Louisiana, power is being restored and cleanup crews have moved in after an EF-2 tornado swept through the area around 2 am Saturday morning. Lt Bill Davis with the Bossier Parish Sheriff office says Swepco has restored power to most of the area.

Cut 3 (11)  “…along well.” 

LSU’s record-breaking offense gets its biggest challenge yet tonight going up against Clemson’s stingy defense in tonight’s national championship game. Clemson defensive coordinator Brent Venables is one of the best in the nation. LSU Quarterback Joe Burrow….

Cut 14 (11) “…lightly”

Kick-off is at 7:15 in the dome.

Current and former statewide elected officials are gathered on the steps of the State Capitol for today’s inauguration ceremony. Governor John Bel Edwards gets sworn in for a second term and he’s already picked up a legislative win. The more moderate Republican, Clay Schexnayder was elected as House Speaker over the more conservative Sherman Mack. After the election, the new speaker laid out his priorities…
cut 7 (09) “…legacy”

Lafayette Senator Page Cortez was unanimously elected as Senate President for the new four-year term. Cortez will lead an Upper Chamber that has a supermajority of Republicans in it…
ut 12 (13) “…Louisiana.”

No classes at Benton Middle School in Bossier Parish today. An early Saturday morning tornado ripped part of the school’s roof off. Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Lieutenant Bill Davis describes the scene…
cut 5 (11) “…damage inside”
Crews are cleaning up debris and students are expected to attend class tomorrow.

It was an E-F two tornado that swept through through the region, killing two people in Haughton and third a person in Oil City in Caddo Parish. At least 50 homes sustained damage in Bossier Parish.

Governor John Bel Edwards is set to be sworn in for his second term and he’s already won a legislative battle. Gonzales Republican Representative Clay Schexnayder has been elected as Speaker of the House over Albany Representative Sherman Mack. Schexnayder was backed by a coalition of Democrats and moderate Republicans and is thought to be a more friendly choice for Edwards, but he says the People’s House will speak for itself…
Cut 6 (11) “citizen”
Lafayette Republican Page Cortez was elected Senate President.

In Bossier Parish, cleanup continues from Saturday morning’s EF-2 tornado that killed three people in northwest Louisiana. BPSO lieutenant Bill Davis says at least 50 homes sustained damage in Bossier Parish…
cut 4 (11) “…homes effected”
Classes were canceled today at Benton Middle School as a tornado ripped part of the school’s roof off.

Coach O’s hometown of Larose in Lafourche Parish has special electricity in the air as the LSU Tigers are at the doorstep of a national championship.
Cut 3 (29) “… I’m Kevin Barnhart”

In his final press conference before tonight’s game, Orgeron said he kept the preparation for this game close to what they’ve done all year
Cut 14 (14) “…antsy too”

Governor John Bel Edwards will be sworn in today at 11:30 AM for his second term of office on the steps of the Capitol, weather allowing. Advisor to Governor Richard Carbo says attendees will get to hear from Edwards about his plans for the next four years, and enjoy some top-notch Louisiana talent.

Cut 4 (11) “…a treat.”

In Northwest, Louisiana power is being restored and clean-up crews have moved in after an EF-2 tornado swept through the area around 2am Saturday morning. Lt Bill Davis with the Bossier Parish Sheriff office says Swepco has restored power to most of the area.

Cut 3 along well :11

A new state legislature will choose their leaders for the next four years today. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says the selection of House Speaker has huge ramifications. It’s between Albany Representative Sherman Mack and Gonzales Representative Clay Schexnayder.

Pisonat says if Mack wins, the governor will not have an ally leading the House…

Cut 10 (10) “…input”

The Senate is expected to elect Lafayette Senator Page Cortez as Senate President.

Ed Orgeron’s hometown of Larose is decked out in purple and gold ready for the big game tonight, Larose attorney and longtime friend of Orgeron, Henry LaFont says having Coach O be a hometown boy adds something special to the National Championship this time.

Cut 13 (10) “…mean it’s unbelievable.”

Governor John Bel Edwards will be sworn in for a second term at 11:30 this morning. Matt Doyle has a preview….
voicer 1 (31) “….I’m Matt Doyle”

A new legislature also gets sworn in today and Political Analyst Bernie Pinsonat says there’s a close race for House Speaker, between Republican state representatives Sherman Mack and Clay Schexnayder…
cut 8 (10) “…Democrats”

Larose has it’s purple and gold ready for the big game tonight. The Lafourche Parish town is Coach O’s hometown. Larose attorney and longtime friend of Orgeron Henry LaFont says there is a surreal feeling, because everyone knows about the long path it took for Orgeron to lead the LSU football program to the doorstep of a championship.
Cut 11 (08) “…happen this quick.”
LSU is seeking its fourth national title in program history, while Clemson can win its third championship in four years. Clemson Coach Dabo Swinney says the focus is not trying to become college football’s next great dynasty…
Cut 15 (14) “…get ready”
Kick-off tonight is at 7:15.

After a long 15-day layoff since winning the Peach Bowl, LSU and Clemson strap on the helmets tonight in college football’s national championship game. Coach Ed Orgeron says he’s tried to keep the preparation for this game close to what they’ve done all year
Cut 14 (14) “…antsy too”
Coach O took over the team on an interim basis in 2016 before being named the permanent head coach. In the time since Orgeron’s good friend and Larose attorney Henry LaFont says he has been most impressed with the way Orgeron has treated his players and his staff.
Cut 12 (09) “…second to them.”
Kick-off is at 7:15.

It’s inauguration day at the State Capitol and it’s unclear who will be the House Speaker as a new legislature convenes at 10 AM….
voicer 2 (31) “….I’m Matt Doyle”

U-L Lafayette Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says there’s a supermajority of Republicans in the Senate and a near supermajority in the House, which will likely tank Governor Edwards long-running campaign promise of a minimum wage hike, so he’ll have to focus on other issues…
cut 7 (08) “…like that”

Governor John Bel Edwards will be sworn in for his second term as the 56th Governor of Louisiana at 11:30 AM. Second term celebrations tend to be smaller than they were for the first term, but an advisor to the governor, Richard Carbo still expects a good number of supporters to attend.
Cut 5 (11) “…crowd.”
The big question is whether the inauguration festivities will take place outside on the steps of the State Capitol or will rain move the proceedings into the House.

The House will elect a new Speaker of the House this morning. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says Albany Representative Sherman Mack is the favorite but…
cut 9 (05) “…Republicans”
Gonzales Representative Clay Schexnayder is the other candidate to be House Speaker.

LSU is a 5.5 point favorite to beat Clemson in tonight’s college football national championship game. Tigers coach Ed Orgeron says the team that makes the best in-game adjustments will win and he says the Tigers have the quarterback to do it…
cut 16 (10) “…let them play”
There will be dozens of watch parties in the Lafourche Parish town of Larose tonight. That’s the hometown of Coach O. Longtime friend and attorney Henry LaFont …
cut 13 (10) “….it’s unbelievable”
Kick-off is at 7:15.

No classes at Benton Middle School in Bossier Parish today. An early Saturday morning tornado ripped part of the roof off at the school damaging classrooms, books and supplies. Three people died in the stormy weather.

Coach O’s hometown of Larose in Lafourche Parish has special electricity in the air as the LSU Tigers are at the doorstep of a national championship.
Cut 3 (29) “… I’m Kevin Barnhart”

Many around the country poke fun at Coach O’s accent and Orgeron has used that to his advantage…
cut 17 (10) “…my career”
Kick-off between LSU and Clemson tonight is at 7:15.

Before tonight’s national championship game, inauguration ceremonies for Louisiana’s statewide elected officials will take place at 11 AM at the state capitol. Governor John Bel Edwards will be sworn in at 11:30 for a second term. U-L Lafayette Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says the mood will be celebratory, but it won’t last long…
cut 6 (12) “….the House”
A new state legislature convenes at 10 AM. The first order of business is electing new House and Senate leaders. Lafayette Senator Page Cortez is expected to be sworn in as Senate President and Albany Representative Sherman Mack and Gonzales Representative Clay Schexnayder are up for House Speaker.

State leaders of all stripes will gather today at the foot of the State Capitol for Governor Edwards 11:30 AM swearing-in. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Matt Doyle”

________________________________________

Two Republicans square off today for Speaker of the House, and political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says the result could have massive Legislative implications…

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Matt Doyle” 

____________________________________________

Coach O’s hometown of Larose in Lafourche Parish has a special electricity in the air as the LSU Tigers are at the doorstep of a national championship.

Cut 3 (29)  “… I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

____________________________________________

Governor John Bel Edwards will be sworn in today at 11:30 AM for his second term of office on the steps of the Capitol, weather permitting.

Advisor to the Governor Richard Carbo says attendees will get to hear from Edwards about his plans for the next four years, and enjoy some top-notch Louisiana talent.

Cut 4 (11) “…a treat.”

The Governor’s Ball is traditionally held the night of the inauguration, but it’s been canceled to allow state dignitaries to head down to New Orleans for the CFP National Championship.

Second term celebrations tend to be a bit smaller than they were for the first term, but Carbo still expects a good number of supporters of both Edwards and the new Legislative class to attend.

Cut 5 (11) “…crowd.”

The House and Senate convene at 10 AM, before the ceremony.

The mood will be celebratory, but UL Lafayette Poli Sci Professor Pearson Cross says it won’t last long…

Cut 6 (12) “…the House.”

Cross says that’ll likely continue to tank his long-running campaign promise of a minimum wage hike. Instead, he’ll have to find some issues where there’s broad Legislative consensus.

Cut 7 (08) “like that”

_____________________________

A new state legislature will choose their leaders for the next four years today. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says Lafayette Senator Page Cortez is expected to be picked as Senate President, but it’s a battle for House Speaker, between Albany Representative Sherman Mack and Gonzales Representative Clay Schexnayder…

Cut 8 (10) “…Democrats.”

Mack represents the conservative wing of the near supermajority of Republicans in the House. Pinsonat says Mack has the backing of US Senator John Kennedy and Attorney General Jeff Landry…

Cut 9 (06) “…Republicans”

Kennedy and Landry co-signed an open letter telling Republicans to back whichever candidate receives the most Republican support, to keep Democrats from having any influence on the Speaker selection.

Pinsonat says the selection of House Speaker has huge ramifications. If Mack wins, the governor will not have an ally leading the House….

Cut 10 (10) “…input”

The Louisiana Legislature convenes at 10 AM.

____________________

Larose has it’s purple and gold ready for the big game tonight. The Lafourche Parish town is where Coach O grew up. Larose attorney and longtime friend of Orgeron Henry LaFont says there is a surreal feeling in the town following his long path to get to the helm of LSU’s football program and at the doorstep of a championship.

Cut 11 (08) “…happen this quick.”

Coach O took over the team on an interim basis in 2016 before being named the permanent head coach. In the time since, LaFont says he has been most impressed with the way he has treated his players and his staff.

Cut 12 (09) “…second to them.”

LSU has played for a national championship before, but LaFont says having Coach O be a hometown boy adds something special to the situation.

Cut 13 (10) “…mean it’s unbelievable.”

_____________________________

After a long 15-day layoff since winning the Peach Bowl, LSU and Clemson strap on the helmets tonight in college football’s national championship game. Coach Ed Orgeron says he’s tried to keep the preparation for this game close to what they’ve done all year

Cut 14 (14) “…antsy too”

LSU is seeking its fourth national title in program history, while Clemson can win its third championship in four years. Clemson Coach Dabo Swinney says the focus is not trying to become college football’s next great dynasty…

Cut 15 (14) “…get ready”

Orgeron says after studying Clemson for two weeks, they are prepared for what they’ll try to do tonight, but he knows they’ll get some different looks. He says the team that makes the best in game adjustments will win

Cut 16  (10)  …let them play” 

Orgeron not only goes into this game representing LSU, he’s also representing Cajuns. Many around the country poke fun at Coach O’s accent and the coach has used that to his advantage

Cut 17  (10) “my career”