Twenty states have minimum wage increases taking effect today, while the minimum wage in Louisiana remains set by the federal government, $7.25 an hour and it’s been that way since 2009. Governor John Bel Edwards will attempt once again this year to raise that minimum wage…

cut 6 (06) “…right thing to do”
Previous attempts to raise the wage have faced resistance from groups who say it will increase the costs of running a business.

324 members of the Golden Band from Tigerland are in Glendale today for the Fiesta Bowl, joining the Fighting Tigers in representing LSU in Arizona. LSU Videographer and former band member Steven Miley, on Talk Louisiana, said when the band takes a big trip like this, it’s all business.
Cut 3 (12) “band trip.”
Kick-off today is at noon.

A story to watch in 2019 is what happens with a federal lawsuit that’s already won one court battle in its attempt to dismantle the Affordable Care Act. Louisiana Democrats want to see legislation passed to make sure key provisions of Obamacare are protected. Plaquemine Representative Chad Brown…
cut 13 (10) “….the states”
Brown says he’ll file legislation this year that would allow children to stay on their parents’ health insurance until the age of 26 and make sure people with pre-existing conditions are protected, if Obamacare is ruled unconstitutional.

The Gulf Coast oyster population remains on the decline since the 2010 BP Oil spill. That’s according to coastal and marine conservation director for the Nature conservancy, Seth Blitch, says hurricanes and a lack of salinity levels in the water are other factors in the decline…
cut 10 (10) “…the coast”
The Nature Conservancy wants to see more BP funds used on building up oyster reefs.