06:30 Newscast January 1, 2016

US oil prices fell 30-percent in 2015, so what could we expect in 2016? David Dismukes is the executive director at LSU’s Center for Energy Studies and he says there needs to be an increase in demand for oil for prices to go back up, but he doesn’t see that happening anytime soon…

cut 6 (10) “rebound in 16”

On the New York Mercantile Exchange, a barrel of oil is going for 37-dollars, a far cry from 2014 when oil was trading for 100-dollars a barrel.

Because of high river levels on the Mississippi River, the US Army Corps of Engineers is preparing to possibly open the Bonnet Carre Spillway in St. Charles Parish next weekend. Corps spokesperson Ricky Boyett says they are closely monitoring crest projections…

cut 12 (09) “we’ll move forward”

2011 was the last time the flood control structure was opened.

Saturday’s estimated Powerball jackpot climbs to an amazing $334 million with a cash value of $205 million. Louisiana Lottery spokesperson Kimberly Chopin says it’s been a while since we’ve seen a Powerball jackpot at this level…

cut 3 (10) “at that time”

She says this jackpot has been growing since November 4th.

The Smoking Cessation Trust is offering tips to Louisiana smokers to help them quit in 2016. Spokesperson Jim Pittman says any resident that started smoking before September 1, 1988 is eligible for free programs and services, including cessation medication, nicotine replacement therapy, and counseling. He says there are also several other recommendations for those who want to quit…

cut 9 (09) “about you”