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”

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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” 

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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” 

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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”

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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.

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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.”

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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” 

The powerful storm system that moved through Louisiana has claimed three lives. The Bossier Parish Sheriff’s office says two people died in the Haughton area when strong winds possibly associated with a tornado moved a home 200 feet away from its foundation, killing the two people inside. Three dogs inside the home are also unaccounated for. A preliminary report says at least 50 homes damaged in the area.

Another death has been reported in Caddo Parish. Authorities say a large tree fell on a home in Oil City killing an elderly man inside. His wife was not injured.

Thousands are without power across the state because of the high winds associated with the strong squall line. About 35-thousand Entergy customers are without electricity. Cleco reported earlier this morning that 12-thousand of its customers were without power. SWEPCO’s latest update says 22-thousand of its customers are in the dark.

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”

The LSU/Clemson showdown in the Dome Monday night is expected to bring a lot of revenue and national attention to the state. Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says it’s exposure you just can’t pay for…
Cut 6 (09) “Louisiana”
LSU students at the Baton Rouge campus do not have to worry about school on Monday and Tuesday, classes have been canceled both days.

A strong line of storms has claimed the lives of three people in northwest Louisiana, two in Bossier Parish and one in Caddo Parish. Lt. Bill Davis with the Bossier Parish Sheriff’s office confirms two fatalities in the Haughton area. Strong winds demolished the victims’ trailer home. Bossier Parish deputies also report there’s been roof damage to Benton Middle School that’s led to many flooded rooms.

In Caddo Parish, an elderly man died when a large tree fell on his home in Oil City. His wife survived the terrifying incident.

Storm debris has led to road closures and there are scattered power outages across the state. Entergy reports that close to 24-thousand of their customers are without power. Cleco has about 12-thousand customers in the dark. The hardest-hit parishes for Cleco are Avoyelles, Iberia, and Rapides.

The strong squall line is moving through metro New Orleans at this hour.

LSU students can go to New Orleans for the championship game and stay up late that night without worrying about going to school. Kevin Barnhart has the story…
cut 2 (30) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”

The LSU/Clemson game is bringing tourism dollars and great exposure to the state. Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says a lot of the country is rooting for LSU, because it’s a team full of players with great character, led by Heisman winner Joe Burrow…
Cut 7 (06) “that team.”

The intense line of storms moving through Louisiana is responsible for at least three deaths in northwest Louisiana. Bossier Parish sheriff deputies found an elderly couple dead early this morning near their demolished trailer just west of Highway 157. An elderly man also died in Caddo Parish. Deputies say a large tree fell on his home in Oil City. His wife thankfully was uninjured.

The National Weather Service in Shreveport says they will send storm survey teams to Haughton, Bossier City, Oil City and Webster Parish.

Numerous trees and power lines are down across the state. Cleco says as of 8 AM 12-thousand customers were without power.

The Bayou State is not out danger yet from severe weather. A strong line of storms is moving through southeast Louisiana and approaching, Houma, Hammond and New Orleans.

The LSU football team is in New Orleans getting ready for Monday night’s national championship game against Clemson. Larose native and LSU football coach Ed Orgeron says it’s a dream come true to play for a title in the purple and gold…
cut 30 (19) “…to the community”
Orgeron and the Tigers will face a Clemson squad that has won 29 in a row. The Tigers last loss was to Alabama in the 2018 Sugar bowl. Jennings native and Clemson running back Travis Etienne was a freshman that season and didn’t play well after taking a big hit on the opening kickoff
cut 19 (16) my brothers
Clemson is a 5.5 point underdog.

Three people are dead in the Shreveport area as a result of a powerful line of thunderstorms that currently stretches from northeast Louisiana down to Acadiana. Bossier Parish Sheriff deputies say an elderly couple was found dead early Saturday morning near their demolished trailer on Davis Road, just west of Highway 157. Caddo Parish authorities say an elderly man died when a tree fell on his house in Oil City.

Storm damage has led to the closure of a part of Interstate 20 in Webster Parish. State Police say I-20 is closed eastbound at milepost 49 and is closed westbound at milepost 52. The state department of transportation says congestion has reached two miles in length in both directions. Trees and power lines are dead across many roadways.

All of southeast Louisiana is under a tornado watch until noon.

The LSU/Clemson showdown in the Dome Monday night for the CFP National Championship is expected to bring a lot of money and attention to New Orleans. Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says events like these can generate tens and even hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue, but even more so than that, it’s exposure you can’t pay for…
Cut 6 (09) “Louisiana”
The LSU Board of Supervisors has called an audible. On Friday, the board voted to cancel classes on the Baton Rouge campus Monday and Tuesday because of the national title game. Earlier in the week, the university said classes would take place as scheduled. Board member Ronnie Anderson supported the proposal
Cut 12 (14) “…to agree.”
The university will be open those two days, but there will be no classes.

Severe weather is expected to impact north Louisiana tonight, and southeast Louisiana tomorrow, just in time for the crowds to start packing the Quarter ahead of Monday night’s CFP Championship Game. Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser thinks it won’t spoil the fun…

Cut 8 (11) “…good time”

There’s strong opposition in Mandeville over a proposed hotel and conference center at Fontainebleau State Park. A standing-room crowd gathered at the Mandeville Community Center to hear more about the idea by Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser, and things got heated quickly. state representative-elect Richard Nelson says those who could not get in, banged on windows and doors to show their opposition.

Cut 10 (10) “…large hostile crowd.”

Nungesser says the plan would generate revenue to improve state parks, but it won’t be implemented unless it has community support.

The LSU Board of Supervisors has called an audible. The board voted today to cancel classes on the Baton Rouge campus Monday and Tuesday because of the national title game. Earlier in the week, the university said classes would take place as scheduled. LSU interim president Thomas Galligan says he respects the board’s decision, but it causes scheduling issues…

Cut 13 (15) “…of class.”

27-year-old Lacey Jordan of Oakdale is thought by police to be behind the fatal hit and run just south of Alexandria that killed Alexandria native, 50-year-old Taurus McQuarn who was bike riding. Trooper Casey Wallace says it’s a tragedy, but also a reminder to practice the best bike safety you can…

Cut 5 (09) “…just always key.”

Routine toxicology tests are pending.

Severe weather is expected in Louisiana tonight and into tomorrow.  This severe weather should be impacting southeast Louisiana just as the crowds pour into the city ahead of the CFP Championship game. State Climatologist Barry Keim says if you’re heading over, be careful.
Cut 16  (10)  …brisk” 
The LSU/Clemson game in the Dome is set to bring tens of millions of dollars in revenue to the city and state, along with immeasurable levels of exposure for the state’s tourism industry, and Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says it’s largely thanks to a team full of players with great character, led by Heisman winner Joe Burrow…
Cut 7 (06) “that team.”

Nungesser highlighted Burrow’s Heisman speech where the QB called attention to poverty in his hometown.

There’s strong opposition in Mandeville over a proposed hotel and conference center at Fontainebleau State Park. Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says the development could also include a zipline and horseback riding, which would generate revenue to fund improvements at other state parks. A standing-room crowd gathered at the Mandeville Community Center to hear more about Nungesser’s proposal. State representative-elect Richard Nelson Nelson says those who could not get in, banged on windows and doors to show their opposition

Cut 10 (10) “…large hostile crowd.”

Nungesser says if there is a lot of opposition, the proposal will not move forward.

27-year-old Lacey Jade of Oakdale has been identified as allegedly being the driver behind a hit and run that killed 50-year-old Taurus McQuarn of Alexandria on US Highway 165. Trooper Casey Wallace says Jordan has not been charged yet…

Cut 4 (08) “…her as well.”

The LSU/Clemson showdown in the Dome Monday night for the CFP National Championship is expected to bring a lot of revenue and national attention to the state.  Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says it’s exposure you just can’t pay for…

Cut 6 (09) “Louisiana”

LSU students can go to New Orleans for the championship game and stay up late that night without worrying about going to school. Kevin Barnhart has the story…

cut  2 (30) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”

Severe weather is expected in Louisiana tonight and into tomorrow.  State Climatologist Barry Keim Keim says the number one concern is the possibility for tornadoes and hail because while it’ll be wet, it won’t be dangerously so.

Cut 15 (10) “…issues”

This severe weather should be impacting southeast Louisiana just as the crowds pour into the city ahead of the CFP Championship game.

State Police has identified the driver involved in a fatal hit and run of a bicyclist  Thursday morning just south of Alexandria. Trooper Casey Wallace says 27-year-old Lacey Jade Jordan of Oakdale was behind the wheel of a Chevy Silverado that hit a 50-year-old Taurus McQuarn of Alexandria on US Highway 165.

Cut 3 (08)  “… he became deceased.” 

Wallace says Jordan has not been charged yet as the investigation continues into the intricate details of the crash.

Monday night’s big game is expected to bring big bucks to the Big Easy and the Bayou State. Matt Doyle has more…
Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

And LSU students no longer have to worry about classes on Monday and Tuesday. After saying all week the spring semester will begin Monday, the LSU Board of Supervisors voted today to cancel classes at the Baton Rouge campus for Monday and Tuesday. The university will remain open.

Severe weather is expected in Louisiana tonight and into tomorrow. State Climatologist Barry Keim says a powerful cold front will spark the storms…
Cut 14 (09) “…about.”
Shreveport and Monroe are under a moderate risk for severe weather tonight and into tomorrow morning.

There’s strong opposition in Mandeville over a proposed hotel and conference center at Fontainebleau State Park. Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says the development could also include a zipline and horseback riding, which would generate revenue to fund improvements at other state parks. But state representative-elect Richard Nelson says locals are opposed…
Cut 9 (11) “…connection to it..”
Nungesser says if the opposition is strong enough, the proposal won’t move forward.

The LSU Board of Supervisors votes to reverse course and cancel LSU classes Monday and Tuesday ahead of Monday night’s showdown with Clemson for the CFP Championship game.  Board member Ronnie Anderson supported the proposal

Cut 12 (14) “…to agree.”

The following Monday is MLK Day, which means some students will be missing two straight weeks of classes as a result.

With that decision in the books students can now start pouring into the city for a three and a half days of pregaming before kickoff. They’ll be joined by tens of thousands of visitors from around the world in the Quarter, which is set to be inundated with rain from a severe weather event Saturday. Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says that shouldn’t tamp down the fun, and the bad weather shouldn’t last too long.

Cut 8 (11) “…good time”

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State Police has identified 27-year-old Lacey Jade Jordan of Oakdale as the driver involved in a fatal hit and run of a bicyclist Thursday morning just south of Alexandria. Routine toxicology tests are pending. Trooper Casey Wallace says the crash is a reminder for cyclists to take measures to protect themselves.

Cut 5 (09) “…just always key.”

The victim was 50-year-old Taurus McQuarn of Alexandria.

Mandeville State Representative-elect Richard Nelson was in attendance at a heated meeting involving Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser, where area residents opposed a pitch to construct a hotel and conference center in Fontainebleau State Park. Nungesser accused Nelson of getting forceful with him.  Nelson explains his side of the story.

Cut 11 (13) “…is their park.”