Governor John Bel Edwards outlined his pledges today in his first address after taking the oath of office on the steps of the State Capitol. The Democratic governor says he’s going to accept federal funds to expand Medicaid beginning tomorrow. He addressed the importance of improving Louisiana’s education system…:
cut 10 (13) “must change”
Edwards says we need a modest, but meaningful increase to the minimum wage.

President Barack Obama will speak at McKinley High during his visit to Baton Rouge on Thursday. The White House says Mr. Obama’s speech will begin at 9:45am. The president’s visit will come two days after his final State of the Union address.

Nearly 300 Louisiana National Guard personnel have been mobilized to help build barriers against approaching flood waters from the Mississippi and Atchafalaya Rivers. Lt. Rebekah Malone says protective levees are being built in Krotz Springs and Avoca Island. She says this has worked well in the past…:
CUT 4 (07) “backwater flooding”
The US Army Corps of Engineers opened the Bonnet Carre Spillway Sunday, but today said the operations of the Morganza Spillway reliefs are not needed as the latest high water projections show the river crest can safely pass through Louisiana without opening the Morganza.

A 96-year-old woman mistakenly hit the gas instead of the break when parking at the Mandeville community center, and as a result crashed her vehicle through a glass wall causing 4 people to be injured. Mandeville Police identify the driver as Rita Williams. The four injuries were not believed to be life threatening. It is unknown if Williams will face charges in the crash.