It’s January first, and today 21 states have officially raised the minimum wage, but Louisiana is not one of them. Critics of a higher wage say it forces some businesses to reduce their work force, But Tulane Business professor Mark Rosa says government can minimize the impact, by raising it slightly, or index it to inflation.
CUT 7 (09) “50 percent”

The CDC is reporting the flu has now reached the epidemic level in the U.S. and the State Department of Health and Hospitals says its going to get worse before it gets better here in the Bayou State.
Cut 3 (06) “influenza-like symptoms”
Medical director for the immunization program, Dr. Frank Welch, who says get a flu shot.

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The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is now accepting applications to become a wildlife and fisheries field agent. Emelie Gunn has more…
Cut 2 (27) “reporting”

New Year’s Day has turned out to be a wet, dreary and chilly one for most of north and central Louisiana, keeping most people inside. For the rest of the state…
CUT 14 (05) Q: “to be wet”
That’s Marty Mayeaux, with the National Weather Service Office in Shreveport.