Many in political circles are wondering if Governor-elect John Bel Edwards will push to raise the state’s minimum wage once he takes office. Louisiana is one of five states that has not set a minimum wage, instead defaulting to the federal government’s $7.25 rate. Louisiana Budget Project Director Jan Moller says Edwards’ support on the issue gives those in favor of a minimum wage increase hope…

cut 4 (10) “few more months”

Opponents of a higher minimum wage say new mandates would have an adverse effect on the current state of the economy. Moller says it’s too early to predict whether a minimum wage bill will make it to the governor’s desk.

Governor Bobby Jindal and Governor-elect John Bel Edwards will host a joint press conference this afternoon following their meeting at the Governor’s Mansion. Jindal is expected to give Edwards a tour of the mansion and they will discuss the transition process. Edwards will be sworn in as Louisiana’s 56th governor on January 11th.

State Police report that four fatal crashes on Louisiana roadways over the Thanksgiving Holiday weekend resulted in a total of ten fatalities. The youngest victim was a two month old infant from Baton Rouge, while the oldest was an 87-year-old man from Ville Platte. L-S-P Sergeant Nick Manale reminds motorists keep safety first in an effort to prevent more fatalities this holiday season…

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Manale says if you happen to notice aggressive or impaired driving, don’t hesitate to call State Police.

The American Automobile Association says the plunging prices at the pump have the state moving into a direction that could bring gas prices to their lowest level since 2008. The current statewide average for a gallon of regular is about $1.86. But AAA fuel analyst Don Redman says, statewide, we could be in the $1.60 range by mid-December, and dropping…

cut 9 (08) “current thought”