Governor-elect John Bel Edwards names longtime state senator Ben Nevers of Boglausa as his chief of staff when he takes office. Nevers will also lead the new governor’s transition team. Edwards says Nevers has been a mentor to him in the legislature…

cut 9 (09) “of Louisiana”

Lake Charles business owner Laura Leach, Monroe Mayor Jamie Mayo, Jefferson Parish Sheriff Newell Normand, Baton Rouge senator Sharon Weston Broome, former legislator Taylor Townsend and Baton Rouge businessman Richard Lipsey are also on the transition team.

The Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office says a Minden woman is under arrest after allegedly shooting two people in a car she was riding in, killing her son. They say 47-year-old Dora Blake was riding in the back seat when she found a gun in the vehicle and shot and killed her son, 22-year-old Patrick Hollingsworth, and wounded a female passenger in the front seat. Blake is charged with first degree murder and attempted first degree murder. Authorities say Blake was highly intoxicated.

Republican Congressman Charles Boustany has announced his intention to run for David Vitter’s Senate seat next year. Vitter announced Saturday night that he would not seek re-election. UL-Lafayette Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says this announcement was expected.

cut 3 (11) “his plans”

The congressman plans to make a formal campaign announcement in his hometown of Lafayette in the near future.

Louisiana ranks fourth for best state to live in for low taxes and eighth for retirees according to the personal finance website, Kiplinger. Senior Associate Editor Sandra Block says the Pelican State has a variety of tax friendly policies, but a downside is that low taxes could lead to cuts in social services, roads and education…

cut 6 (10) “good services”

She says the state’s low gasoline tax and income tax rate plays into Louisiana’s favor.