On Inauguration Day, Governor John Bel Edwards says a modest, but meaningful increase needs to be made to the minimum wage in Louisiana. So what would that mean for workers and businesses? LSU Economist Jim Richardson says a wage hike would not be “free money” as it currently belongs to someone..:
CUT 5 (10) “to spend it”
Richardson says he’s heard talk of raising the state’s minimum wage to $8.50 to $10.10 per hour.

Edwards also wants to expand Medicaid and is set to announce those plans this hour.

The Powerball jackpot for tomorrow’s drawing was raised to $1.5 billion dollars. Legal analyst Tim Meche says it’s more important than ever to make sure you sign the back of your ticket:
CUT 8 (08) “your ticket”

A Homer man has been arrested in connection with the murder of a 68-year-old Webster Parish Sheriff’s Office employee. Emelie Gunn has more…:
CUT 1 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

A Baton Rouge doctor is under arrest for allegedly prescribing medication illegally. BRPD says 57-year-old Dr. Randy LaMartiniere is accused of handing out over 3200 doses of Schedule II narcotics, 44 of Schedule III and 333 of Schedule IV while he was suspended by the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners. He faces 31 counts of illegal distribution.