John Bel Edwards was sworn in today as Louisiana’s 56th governor. In his first address, the new Democratic governor said the structural budget deficit needs a major overhaul before any of our other problems can be fixed. He says we must make it possible for all Louisiana citizens to be healthy and prosperous…:
CUT 9 (12) “to healthcare”
Edwards also says double-digit tuition hikes need to come to an end, and the state should should support higher education institutions.

Republican presidential hopeful Ted Cruz is in Louisiana today. The US Senator from Texas is expected to draw a big crowd at a rally in Baton Rouge today, before heading off to New Orleans for another event tonight. Louisiana’s presidential primary is scheduled for March 5.

Republican New Iberia Representative Taylor Barras is Louisiana’s new Speaker of the House. Barras was nominated for the post by Lafayette Republican Representative Stuart Bishop…:
CUT 7 (06) “of Louisiana”
Barras defeated Governor John Bel Edwards’ candidate, New Orleans Democrat Walt Leger, in a runoff.

LifeShare Blood Centers is reporting that the blood supply has dropped to critically low levels. Spokesperson Tina Hooper says they unfortunately saw very low blood donor turnout throughout December and into early January. She says, unfortunately, patients use hundreds of units of blood everyday throughout the state…:
cut 12 (08) “most blood types”
The largest use of donated blood is for cancer patients undergoing treatment, but Hooper says it’s needed for so much more.