Democrat John Bel Edwards will be sworn in as the state’s next governor in one week. The governor-elect’s deputy chief of staff, Julie Baxter Payer, says the new administration plans to keep an open dialogue with the public when it comes to the harsh realities the state faces with its budget situation…

cut 14 (08) “for Louisiana”

Incoming Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne has pegged the shortfall for this fiscal year at 750-million dollars and one-point-nine billion dollars next fiscal year.

Can lawmakers can make up this budget shortfall without raising taxes? Council for a Better Louisiana President Barry Erwin says it seems almost inevitable that the legislature will have to raise some new revenues. Erwin says an increase in the state sales tax is one possible area lawmakers may target…

cut 5 (08) “in some way”

He says lawmakers could also raise income, gasoline, and “sin” taxes.

With the new year, many make resolutions to live a healthier lifestyle. LSU Health New Orleans Clinical Psychologist Dr. Michelle Moore says many people have good intentions to live a better lifestyle at the start of the new year, but often fall off by the end of January. She says giving yourself a plan and building on it every month will help you to keep up with your resolution…

cut 11 (10) “the diet”

She says not to make dramatic resolutions right off the bat because they are hard to keep.

Nobody won Saturday night’s PowerBall drawing. The estimated jackpot for Wednesday night’s drawing climbs to $400 million.