Powerball and Mega Millions are sitting at a combined six hundred ninety million dollars for the drawings that start tomorrow night. LA lottery spokesperson Dustin Annison says Powerball usually runs higher, but  Mega Millions made a big change earlier this year to bring jackpots in line with its competitor…:
Cut 5 (07) “increase jackpots”
Mega Millions’ Friday night drawing is worth 306-million, while Saturday night’s Powerball drawing is at 384-million.

A 21-year-old Gramercy man was arrested Thursday on a count of second-degree battery in the beating of a teen on Christmas Eve at a bonfire on the levee. The St. James Parish Sheriff’s Office says Jordan Hitt was booked into jail following an investigation into a fight that broke out between a group of white males and a group of black males. Investigators have found no evidence so far of a racial motive for the fight.

Louisiana State Parks are encouraging people to celebrate the new year with outdoor activities…:
Cut 1 (31) “I’m Kelley Ray”

LSU offensive coordinator Matt Canada met with the media Friday at the Citrus Bowl for the first time since before the season opener. Amid reports that there’s an impending split between he and the Tigers once the game is finished, Canada said he would like to be here next year, and that the focus right now is to get 10 wins. Monday’s game against Notre Dame kicks off at 12noon on ABC.