The Louisiana National Guard has mobilized almost 300 personnel to build protective barriers against approaching flood waters from the Mississippi and Atchafalaya Rivers. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 1 (29)  “I’m Eric Gill”

================

John Bel Edwards was sworn in today as Louisiana’s 56th governor. Michelle Southern reports…:

CUT 2 (34)  “I’m Michelle Southern”

===================

The Louisiana National Guard has mobilized almost 300 personnel to build protective barriers against approaching flood waters from the Mississippi and Atchafalaya Rivers. Lt. Rebekah Malone says protective levees are being constructed in Krotz Springs in St. Landry Parish and Avoca Island in St. Mary Parish. Malone says 120 guardsmen are in St. Mary to build the levee…

CUT 3 (10)  “that’s approaching”

More than 60 engineers are working to build protective levees in Krotz Springs. Malone says the Guard learned a lot of lessons from the flood of 2011 and are utilizing that knowledge now. She says the protective levee being built on Avoca Island worked very well in the past…

CUT 4 (07)  “backwater flooding”

Guardsmen are also conducting aerial surveys of the area and 24-hour levee patrols to check for leaks or seepage. Malone says guardsmen are working against the clock to ensure these protective levees are built in time…

CUT 5 (10)  “walls installed”

============================

Louisiana’s new Speaker of the House is Republican New Iberia Representative Taylor Barras (BAR-rah). Barras defeated Governor John Bel Edwards’ candidate New Orleans Democrat Walt Leger in a runoff. Barras was nominated for the post by Lafayette Republican Representative Stuart Bishop…

CUT 6 (07) “of Louisiana”

it’s reported that Barras was not even considered a candidate for the position until a Republican Party gathering Sunday night. Barras has served in the state House since 2008. Bishop says Barras has shown his willingness to work across the aisle in the state House…

CUT 7 (06) “of Louisiana” 

In the initial vote, Barras came in third behind Leger and Republican Cameron Henry of Metairie. Henry removed his name from consideration, paving the way for a Barras victory… (Leger was later elected to serve as Speaker Pro Tem.)

CUT 8 (12) “of Representatives”

============================

John Bel Edwards was sworn in today as Louisiana’s 56th governor. In his first address, the new Democratic governor said the structural budget deficit needs a major overhaul before any of our other problems can be fixed. He says we must make it possible for all Louisiana citizens to be healthy and prosperous…:

CUT 9 (12)  “to healthcare”

On the issue of poverty, Edwards said on top of many of Louisiana’s workers not getting paid a living wage, it’s unacceptable that we’re the worst state in the nation for pay equity. 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. He says a more educated and trained workforce is our greatest long-term economic generator. Edwards says double-digit tuition hikes need to come to an end, and the state should should support higher education institutions..:

Cut 11 (14) “tuition and fees”

============================

LifeShare Blood Centers is reporting that the blood supply has dropped to critically low levels. Spokesperson Tina Hooper says they unfortunately saw very low blood donor turnout throughout December and into early January. She says, unfortunately, patients use hundreds of units of blood everyday throughout the state…

cut 12 (08) “most blood types”

She says the blood center currently has a supply of less than two days for most blood types. The largest use of donated blood is for cancer patients undergoing treatment, but Hooper says it’s needed for so much more…

cut 13 (09)  “many of those”

The only source of blood for the blood center is donors. Hooper encourages people who are eligible to donate blood to please do so to ensure their supply does not run out…

cut 14 (08)  “try to give”

============================

Bakeries from throughout the state are getting involved in the boudin king cake craze that originated in Acadiana. Michelle Southern reports..:

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

______________________________________

 Governor-elect John Bel Edwards has a full day in store for him as he will become the 56^th governor of Louisiana at noon today. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

______________________________________

Governor-elect John Bel Edwards is sworn into office today and Jeff Palermo looks at the obstacles he faces…

Cut 3 (25) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

______________________________________

The US Army Corps of Engineers opened the Bonnet Carre Spillway Sunday morning to alleviate the flood threat of the Mississippi River in New Orleans. Corps spokesman Ricky Boyett says the spillway is an amazing structure…

cut 4  (09)  “an entire river”

This is the 11th time the spillway has been opened since its completion in 1931. The Bonnet Carre diverts Mississippi River waters to Lake Pontchartrain and into the Gulf to protect New Orleans. Boyett says, if river levels get too high, the Morganza Spillway protects Baton Rouge in much the same way.

Cut 5  (05)  “the Atchafalaya”

The Morganza could be opened as early as Thursday. Boyett says an issue with opening the Morganza is the impact to the Louisiana black bear population living in the floodway. He says, because of this, a slow opening is planned…

Cut 6 (09)  “of harm’s way” 

______________________________________

What started as a culinary experiment last year has taken on a life of its own as the boudin king cake is quickly becoming one of the most popular pastries to get your hands on during carnival season. Bob Carriker is a UL-Lafayette professor, and he used his food blogging sites, boudinlink.com and kingcaker.com, to introduce his invention to Louisiana. It took off…:

CUT 7 (08)  “it’s incredible”

The boudin king cake uses bread that is savory, stuffed with boudin, topped with Steen’s cane syrup then sprinkled with cracklins. Carriker says people have started calling it the most Cajun food ever…:

Cut 8  (11)  “together”

Carriker says he’s been contacted by bakeries all over the state and the nation asking permission to use the concept and get some tips. He says he originally teamed up with Lafayette’s Twins Burgers and Sweets last year after the idea went viral, and the restaurant says they can’t get them out of the oven fast enough…:

Cut 9 (06)  “online orders”

______________________________________

Today is inauguration day and Governor-elect John Bel Edwards will start out today with his family at St. Joseph’s cathedral in Baton Rouge before the ceremony at 11:30 a.m. Richard Carbo, Edwards’ communication director, says the voice of LSU, Jim Hawthorne, will be the master of ceremonies of the inauguration. ..

Cut 10 (11) “have died” 

Carbo says the swearing in will happen right at noon and then Governor Edwards will make his inauguration address on the steps of the Capitol. He says there is a surprise planned for the new governor.

cut 11 (10) “real treat”

Carbo believes Edwards will be optimistic about the days ahead for Louisiana in his inauguration speech. He says the governor-elect is going to urge both democrats and republicans to be engaged in the process and contribute ideas to help the state.

Cut 12 (10) “be like”

______________________________________

So what can we expect from Democrat John Bel Edwards once he is sworn in as governor? Political analyst Clancy Dubos says Edwards plans to immediately expand Medicaid and he is going to call a special session to deal with all the fiscal issues in the state.

Cut 13 (09)  “in place”

Dubos says right after the special session ends, Edwards will jump right into a regular session to deal with issues not regarding the budget. He believes the democratic governor will have a fairly easy time with the Senate, but the challenge will be in the House.

Cut 14 (09) “every matter”

Dubos says most people of Louisiana want to see more state funding for higher education, healthcare and highways. But he says that will be hard to do, as the state’s budget is in bad shape…

Cut 15  (10) “tax rates”

_________________________________________________

There’s still three and a half weeks left before national signing day and LSU is in position to reel in the number one football recruiting class. The Tigers have 20 verbal commitments and according to 24-7 sports, LSU has the top ranked class. Recruiting analyst Shea Dixon says LSU has received verbal pledges from some of the top players in the country in recent days

Cut 16  (19)  “suit there”

Dixon says LSU’s highest ranked commitment to this point is Saivion Smith a five-star cornerback from Florida…

Cut 17 (15) “of Houston”

Dixon says there’s still time to add to this star studded class…

Cut 18 (13) “at John Curtis”

Please allow 30 minutes from receipt of this email for links to become active.

Bakeries from throughout the state are getting involved in the boudin king cake craze that originated in Acadiana. Michelle Southern reports..:

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

______________________________________

 Governor-elect John Bel Edwards has a full day in store for him as he will become the 56^th governor of Louisiana at noon today. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

______________________________________

Governor-elect John Bel Edwards is sworn into office today and Jeff Palermo looks at the obstacles he faces…

Cut 3 (25) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

______________________________________

The US Army Corps of Engineers opened the Bonnet Carre Spillway Sunday morning to alleviate the flood threat of the Mississippi River in New Orleans. Corps spokesman Ricky Boyett says the spillway is an amazing structure…

cut 4  (09)  “an entire river”

This is the 11th time the spillway has been opened since its completion in 1931. The Bonnet Carre diverts Mississippi River waters to Lake Pontchartrain and into the Gulf to protect New Orleans. Boyett says, if river levels get too high, the Morganza Spillway protects Baton Rouge in much the same way.

Cut 5  (05)  “the Atchafalaya”

The Morganza could be opened as early as Wednesday. Boyett says an issue with opening the Morganza is the impact to the Louisiana black bear population living in the floodway. He says, because of this, a slow opening is planned…

Cut 6 (09)  “of harm’s way” 

______________________________________

What started as a culinary experiment last year has taken on a life of its own as the boudin king cake is quickly becoming one of the most popular pastries to get your hands on during carnival season. Bob Carriker is a UL-Lafayette professor, and he used his food blogging sites, boudinlink.com and kingcaker.com, to introduce his invention to Louisiana. It took off…:

CUT 7 (08)  “it’s incredible”

The boudin king cake uses bread that is savory, stuffed with boudin, topped with Steen’s cane syrup then sprinkled with cracklins. Carriker says people have started calling it the most Cajun food ever…:

Cut 8  (11)  “together”

Carriker says he’s been contacted by bakeries all over the state and the nation asking permission to use the concept and get some tips. He says he originally teamed up with Lafayette’s Twins Burgers and Sweets last year after the idea went viral, and the restaurant says they can’t get them out of the oven fast enough…:

Cut 9 (06)  “online orders”

______________________________________

Today is inauguration day and Governor-elect John Bel Edwards will start out today with his family at St. Joseph’s cathedral in Baton Rouge before the ceremony at 11:30 a.m. Richard Carbo, Edwards’ communication director, says the voice of LSU, Jim Hawthorne, will be the master of ceremonies of the inauguration. ..

Cut 10 (11) “have died” 

Carbo says the swearing in will happen right at noon and then Governor Edwards will make his inauguration address on the steps of the Capitol. He says there is a surprise planned for the new governor.

cut 11 (10) “real treat”

Carbo believes Edwards will be optimistic about the days ahead for Louisiana in his inauguration speech. He says the governor-elect is going to urge both democrats and republicans to be engaged in the process and contribute ideas to help the state.

Cut 12 (10) “be like”

______________________________________

So what can we expect from Democrat John Bel Edwards once he is sworn in as governor? Political analyst Clancy Dubos says Edwards plans to immediately expand Medicaid and he is going to call a special session to deal with all the fiscal issues in the state.

Cut 13 (09)  “in place”

Dubos says right after the special session ends, Edwards will jump right into a regular session to deal with issues not regarding the budget. He believes the democratic governor will have a fairly easy time with the Senate, but the challenge will be in the House.

Cut 14 (09) “every matter”

Dubos says most people of Louisiana want to see more state funding for higher education, healthcare and highways. But he says that will be hard to do, as the state’s budget is in bad shape…

Cut 15  (10) “tax rates”

_________________________________________________

There’s still three and a half weeks left before national signing day and LSU is in position to reel in the number one football recruiting class. The Tigers have 20 verbal commitments and according to 24-7 sports, LSU has the top ranked class. Recruiting analyst Shea Dixon says LSU has received verbal pledges from some of the top players in the country in recent days

Cut 16  (19)  “suit there”

Dixon says LSU’s highest ranked commitment to this point is Saivion Smith a five-star cornerback from Florida…

Cut 17 (15) “of Houston”

Dixon says there’s still time to add to this star studded class…

Cut 18 (13) “at John Curtis”

______________________________________

The US Army Corps of Engineers announces plans to begin diverting river water from the Mississippi into Lake Pontchartrain. Jeff Palermo has the details…

CUT 1 (30)  “I’m Jeff Palermo”

================

The White House announces that President Barack Obama will make his first trip to Baton Rouge as president on Thursday, January 14th. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 2 (29)  “I’m Eric Gill”

===================

Due of recent changes in river forecasts, the US Army Corps of Engineers has announced the timeline for opening the Bonnet Carre and Morganza Spillways has changed. The opening of the Bonnet Carre will now begin at 10AM Sunday. Corps spokesperson Ricky Boyett says the Bonnet Carre allows them to control the Mississippi River coming into New Orleans…

CUT 3 (10)  “in New Orleans”

Opening the spillways will alleviate flood threats due to rising water levels on the Mississippi River. As far as the Morganza Spillway in Pointe Coupee Parish, Boyett says they are closely monitoring river levels to see if they reach the level required to open the flood gates…

CUT 4 (07)  “12th of January”

He says no decision has been made at this time but there’s is a strong possibility of opening the Morganza on January 12th. Boyette says there is one driving force behind their decisions to open the spillways…

CUT 5 (07)  “in this area”

============================

The White House announces that President Barack Obama will make his first trip to Baton Rouge as president next week. The president will visit the Capital City Thursday, January 14th, two days after his State of the Union address. LSU Political Science Professor Robert Hogan says it’s not uncommon for the president to hit the road after the State of the Union…

CUT 6 (08) “president’s policies”

He says a visit to Louisiana is a bit of a surprise since the state has not always been supportive of President Obama’s policies. Hogan says the recent election of Democratic John Bel Edwards in the governor’s race could have played a role in the president scheduling a visit to Baton Rouge…

CUT 7 (09) “in the state” 

President Obama is expected focus on state gains in the past seven years, including a drop in the unemployment rate and new aid for Louisiana’s early childhood education programs. Governor-elect Edwards has stated that Medicaid expansion is one of the top priorities for his administration. Hogan believes President Obama will use Louisiana as an example to get more states to jump on board…

CUT 8 (09) “of his administration”

============================

Four Louisiana universities have banned the use of hoverboards on campus due to safety concerns. LSU, U-L Lafayette, Nicholls, and Southeastern have all decided these devices are a hazard because they have been found to burst into flames while charging and cause injuries to riders. Southeastern Louisiana University spokesperson Rene Abadie…

CUT 9 (10)  “the campus”

Abadie says hoverboard batteries have been known to combust and start fires while charging, so they don’t want them in S-L-U housing units because of the fire hazard.

cut 10 (10)  “the rider”

Abadie says riders have also been known to fall off hoverboards and break bones or get concussions, which is an additional safety concern. He says these policies are put in place with the general interest of the safety of their students.

Cut 11 (05) “certainly”

============================

The Powerball jackpot is now the largest in US history estimating at a whopping 800 million dollars. UNO Mathematics chair, Dr. Tumulesh (Too-muh-lesh) Solanky (soe-LAWN-key), says the odds of one person winning the jackpot is about one in 292-million. He says the more tickets you buy, the better your chances are.

cut 12 (08) “292 million”

The cash value of the jackpot is 496 million dollars. Dr. Solanky says when people pool their money to buy a lot of tickets, the odds of winning keep getting better. He says the jackpot numbers are completely random, so certain numbers aren’t luckier than others.

cut 13 (07)  “the best”

Jennifer Bordes, a CPA in Metairie, advises if you win the 800 million dollar Powerball jackpot, there is no financial incentive if you take the lump sum or the annuity.

cut 14 (08)  “an attorney”

Bordes says if you go in as a group to purchase a bunch of tickets, have an agreement in writing to ensure everyone knows their role and how much was contributed. She reminds the winner that they’ll be hit with huge new taxes.

cut 15 (10)  “estate tax”

============================

Bobby Jindal will end his two terms as governor when John Bel Edwards is sworn into office on Monday. Jeff Palermo has more on Jindal’s eight years in office…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

______________________________________

The red snapper season begins today and there are new regulations that are sure to make anglers happy. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

______________________________________

The Powerball jackpot reaches the highest mark for a lottery prize in US history at $700 million dollars. Michelle Southern reports…:

Cut 3 (29) “I’m Michelle Southern”

______________________________________

A new law is in effect in Louisiana that cracks down on marriage fraud, especially in cases where illegal immigrants attempt to fraudulently gain US citizenship. Denham Springs State Representative Valarie Hodges, who sponsored the measure, says state marriage licenses haven’t been updated for about 40 years. She says these changes protect the institution of marriage…

cut 4  (09)  “to fraud”

The changes will bar anyone from receiving a marriage license without a birth certificate, valid international ID, or passport and require the couple to attest, under oath, that they did not lie on their paperwork. Hodges says these new requirements not only protects the reliability of information, it also tackles a bigger issue…

Cut 5  (08)  “United States”

She says marriage fraud is a common way for foreign nationals to gain permanent residency in the United States. Hodges says this legislation really tightens marriage laws in Louisiana ensuring immigrants are here legally before getting married…

Cut 6 (06)  “agree with me” 

______________________________________

The red snapper fishing season opens today and the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries has extended the limit from three to nine miles offshore for recreational fishing. Assistant Secretary Randy Pausina says Texas and Florida have always had nine nautical miles and they worked hard to get the same boundary here…

CUT 7 (10)  “a start”

Pausina says it’s also unique to open the season in January as they’ve been able to prove that a longer season will not hurt the population….

Cut 8  (08)  “anglers”

Pausina says for years the red snapper season didn’t begin until June 1^st because of federal regulations. But he says the department worked hard to change those rules with the help of anglers who recorded how much red snapper they caught…

Cut 9 (11)  “do that”

______________________________________

Bobby Jindal’s two terms as governor ends on Monday as Governor-elect John Bel Edwards is sworn in. U-L-Lafayette Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says Jindal came into office as a bright young man with the promise of making Louisiana a better state. He says the soon to be ex-governor had early success in ethics and education.

Cut 10 (10) “are evaluated” 

Cross says Jindal is leaving on somewhat bad terms because the people of Louisiana got sick of his absence during the end of his eight years in office.

cut 11 (06) “president”

Cross says budget problems led to deep cuts to higher education during his two terms, which is how many will remember him. He says the governor also tried to put Louisiana government on smaller footing.

Cut 12 (08) “to Louisiana”

______________________________________

It’s clear that more people than ever are playing the Powerball as it reaches the highest mark for a lottery prize in US history at $700 million dollars. The cash value is $428.4 million and Louisiana Lottery spokeswoman Kimberly Chopin says the prize could go even higher before Saturday’s drawing. She says this has shattered all records…:

Cut 13 (09)  “in US history”

In Wednesday’s drawing, a ticket at a New Roads gas station matched 5 for $1 million dollars and so did a ticket sold in New Iberia.  Chopin says when they have a huge playership and coverage of the numbers at this level, more than likely when the jackpot does get hit there will be multiple winners…:

Cut 14 (07) “something to behold”

Chopin says when the jackpot gets this big, more people play, which causes the prize to get larger and larger. She says it’s happening at historic levels and sales are ridiculous…:

Cut 15  (09) “$4.2 million dollars”

_________________________________________________

The LSU Tigers look to keep their good play going on Saturday when they visit Florida in SEC hoops action. The Tigers are 2-0 in the SEC and they’ve won five of their last six. It was six games ago, when sophomore Craig Victor became eligible to play after transferring in from Arizona State. Coach Johnny Jones says Victor has provided a boost

Cut 16  (10)  “lot of areas”

LSU beat Florida twice last year, including an 18 point victory in Gainesville. Jones says it’s not easy to win on the Gators home court

Cut 17 (20) “extremely talented”

Florida is 9-5, 1-1 in SEC play under first-year head coach Mike White, who is the former head coach at Louisiana Tech. White took over for the highly successful Billy Donovan and Jones says Florida’s style of play hasn’t changed drastically…

Cut 18 (17) “of the floor”

The Louisiana National Guard is mobilizing to assist local, parish, and state emergency officials in advance of flooding threats due to near record crests expected along the Mississippi River. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 1 (28)  “I’m Eric Gill”

================

Louisiana ranks 49th in the country for academic achievement in a report conducted by Education Week Magazine. Jeff Palermo has the story…

CUT 2 (30)  “I’m Jeff Palermo”

===================

The Louisiana National Guard is mobilizing to assist local, parish, and state emergency officials in advance of flooding threats due to near record crests expected along the Mississippi River. Col. Pete Schneider says they’re bringing on extra soldiers and airmen to aid efforts…

CUT 3 (08)  “for the flooding”

He says on Friday guardsmen will begin 24-hour levee inspections in Concordia, East Carroll, Madison, and Tensas Parishes to look for seepage. Schneider says The Guard will perform a variety of operations…

CUT 4 (09)  “the spillways”

The guard has issued 13,000 sand bags to West Feliciana Parish and an additional 13,000 are being sent to Avoyelles Parish for the anticipated opening of the Morganza Spillway. More guardsmen are expected to be brought on in the coming days. Schneider says The Guard stands ready to help the people of the Louisiana…

CUT 5 (10)  “of the state”

============================

In an effort to contend with the rising waters of the Mississippi River, the US Army Corps of Engineers announces that the Morganza Spillway in Pointe Coupee Parish will be opened on Monday. The spillway is expected to be fully operational on January 13. Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves says opening the Morganza diverts water from the Mississippi River into the Atchafalaya Basin…

CUT 6 (08) “down the river”

Graves was the head of the Louisiana Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority when the Morganza was last opened in 2011. He says that while opening the spillway will protect Baton Rouge and New Orleans from massive flooding, it could cause flooding in the lower Atchafalaya Basin…

CUT 7 (08) “from flooding” 

With the opening of the spillway, there is the potential risk of flood from Butte La Rose down to Morgan City. Graves says how long the Morganza will remain open depends on how the Mississippi flows in the next week or two…

CUT 8 (09) “ramping down”

============================

The man accused of stabbing LSU Football tight end Dillon Gordon at Reggie’s Bar in Tigerland early Tuesday morning has been arrested by the U.S. Marshal’s Task Force. Baton Rouge Police Cpl. L’Jean McKneely says 20-year-old Jamal Joseph Vaughn was booked into East Baton Rouge Parish Prison this morning and charged with aggravated 2^nd Degree Battery.

CUT 9 (08)  “interview him”

McKneely says there was an argument between Gordon and Vaughn, which led to a fist fight at the bar. He says Gordon was stabbed multiple times during the fight.

cut 10 (07)  “the scene”

============================

The new mayor of Springfield has reinstated former Police Chief Jimmy Jones after he pled guilty to misdemeanor criminal mischief last year for trashing a woman’s DUI citation as a favor to the previous mayor. The town’s attorney Brian Abels says Springfield needed a police chief and the people of the town wanted him back in the position.

Cut 11 (10) “law enforcement”

Prosecutor with the State Attorney General’s Office, David Caldwell, says this isn’t a good idea because it could affect the Springfield Police Department with future investigations. But Abels says the town of Springfield believes Jones will do a good job as police chief.

cut 12 (05) “somehow envisioned”

_____________________________________

For a second straight year, Louisiana’s public schools rank 49th in the nation in academic achievement. That’s according to Education Week Magazine, who has unveiled its Quality Counts report. Education Week Research Center director Holly Yetcick (Yet-ick) says Louisiana scored a 69 out of 100 for classroom performance, which is just above a passing grade

cut 13 (02)  “this year”

Yetcick says their report looks at a variety of factors, including how schools are financed and Louisiana saw its score drop in that category

cut 14 (05)  “this year”

Yetcick says they do see areas where Louisiana is making slight gains. She says the biggest improvement was seen with fourth graders and their reading ability

cut 15 (10)  “pretty low”

According to a personal finance site, Ruston is one of the top 10 cities, out of about 2500 nationwide, with the least sustainable credit card debt. Michelle Southern reports..:

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

______________________________________

Governor-elect John Bel Edwards takes office on Monday and two former governors have some advice for Edwards. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

______________________________________

The coach that guided the Saints to their only Super Bowl victory is not ready to leave the Big Easy. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (23) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

______________________________________

According to a personal finance site, Ruston is one of the top 10 cities out of about 2500 nationwide, with the least sustainable credit card debt. CardHub determined that the average credit card debt for a Ruston resident is $5,323. They say it would take 173 months for that debt to be paid off, at a cost of $7,138. Dr. Bill McCumber, finance professor at Louisiana Tech, says there are about 24,000 people in Ruston:

cut 4  (10)  “adds up”

Several cities on CardHub’s least sustainable credit card debt list are college towns, like Ruston. McCumber says most students are without jobs and use plastic more to pay for things with the idea they’ll get full time employment once they graduate…:

Cut 5  (09)  “to that income”

CardHub analysts looked at various data to determine the number of months required to pay off the average credit card balances and associated finance costs in 2,547 cities. McCumber believes the CardHub study is skewed, but raising awareness about credit card debt is a worthy cause…:

Cut 6 (10)  “with credit card debt” 

______________________________________

Governor-elect John Bel Edwards takes office on Monday and two former governors have some advice. Democrat Kathleen Blanco, who was governor of Louisiana from 2004 to 2008, says Edwards has a tough road ahead with all of the budget issues and dealing with legislators over the state’s finances is not easy…

CUT 7 (09)  “the boys”

Blanco says every new governor is tested when they first enter office. She says it remains to be seen how the governor handles those pressures with the legislature.

Cut 8  (09)  “unpredictable”

Former Republican governor Mike Foster says he had some rules to live by while in office and advises governor-elect Edwards to tell his staff to forget politics. He says to do what you think is the best for the state of Louisiana.

Cut 9 (10)  “do it”

Foster says make those who try to be your enemies your friend. He says that bit of advice is something he found to really work while in office.

Cut 10 (08) “have them” 

______________________________________

Small businesses in Louisiana aren’t too optimistic about 2016. Dawn Starns, state director of the National Federation of Independent Business, says owners haven’t changed their negative outlook in quite some time. She says things were more upbeat a couple of years ago, but now businesses have much lower expectations…:

cut 11 (09) “with the economy”

Starns feels many Louisiana businesses are in “wait and see” mode with a brand new administration beginning Monday. She says before owners start to make decisions about whether to expand, build or bring on new staff, they’ll be waiting to see how Governor-elect John Bel Edwards plans to fix the state’s fiscal mess…:

Cut 12 (11) “of optimism”

Starns says the sluggish oil and gas industry seems to be making consumers and potential business owners nervous and uncertain about the future of Louisiana’s economy…:

Cut 13 (11)  “on Louisiana”

______________________________________

Sean Payton remains the head coach of the Saints, despite weeks of speculation that he may want to coach for another NFL team. Payton spoke with reporters for about an hour talking about his love for the fans, the franchise and the city, despite all of its faults

Cut 14 (12) “it is home”

In the last several weeks, there’s been reports about team wanting to speak with Payton, who is under contract with the Saints for the next two seasons. But Payton says he can’t envision coaching for another club

Cut 15  (13) “do here”

Payton has brought the Saints to the playoffs five times since his first season in New Orleans in 2006. His postseason record is 6-4, but during his tenure, the Saints defense is often ranked as one of the worst  in the NFL. The head coach knows that has to change

Cut 16  (11)  “focus on”

Governor-elect John Bel Edwards has reappointed Jimmy LeBlanc as secretary of the Department of Public Safety and Corrections. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 1 (28)  “I’m Eric Gill”

================

State Fire Marshal investigators and the Acadia Parish Sheriff’s Office have arrested a man for allegedly killing his girlfriend and trying to burn her body. Emelie Gunn has more…

CUT 2 (31)  “I’m Emelie Gunn”

===================

Trial dates have been set for the two deputy Marksville city marshals charged with the shooting death of a 6-year-old boy in November. 32-year-old Derrick Stafford and 24-year-old Norris Greenhouse entered pleas of not guilty and will be tried separately in the death of Jeremy Mardis. Legal analyst Tim Meche says it’s not a surprise that the two men will be tried separately…

CUT 3 (10)  “as well”

Stafford’s trial is set to begin September 26th, while Greenhouse’s trial will start November 28th. Meche says trials of this nature rarely start on there original start date. But since Stafford remains jailed on a $1 million bond, Meche says he would be eager to get his trial underway…

CUT 4 (09)  “goes to trial”

Greenhouse was released from jail after his family posted a $1 million bail in November. This case has garnered a lot of media attention and Meche says that attention can cut both ways. He says it will be up to the defendants as to whether or not they’ll try to move their trials elsewhere…

CUT 5 (10)  “Avoyelles Parish”

============================

Governor-elect John Bel Edwards has reappointed Jimmy LeBlanc as secretary of the Department of Public Safety and Corrections. LeBlanc says he and Edwards are on the same page when it comes to reducing Louisiana’s prison population. He says progress has been made in reducing the state’s incarceration rate…

CUT 6 (08) “big prisons”

Louisiana currently has the highest incarceration rate in the world. Moving forward, LeBlanc says solving the state’s prison problem is not something that can happen overnight…

CUT 7 (09) “to the plate” 

LeBlanc is the lone cabinet level holdover from the Jindal Administration. LeBlanc is also a friend and business associate of former Angola warden Burl Cain, who is being investigated for questionable business dealings. Edwards is assured that LeBlanc took no part in any of those activities…

CUT 8 (09) “on the team”

============================

The Acadia Parish Sheriff’s Office along with State Fire Marshal investigators have arrested a Crowley man for allegedly  killing his girlfriend and burning her body and home. 33-year-old Nicholas Dupuis has been taken into custody on a warrant for first degree murder and arson. Deputy Chief Fire Marshal Brant Thompson says Dupuis is a violent offender with a past and posted on social media about the murder before he was arrested.

CUT 9 (11)  “officers”

Thompson says police first arrested 22-year-old Kantarise Lazaro of Church Point as an accomplice after finding his vehicle at the scene of the house fire. He says Lazaro told authorities he followed Dupuis to a remote location where Dupuis tried to burn his girlfriend’s, 31-year-old Shontel Joseph, body, then helped Dupuis move her body to her house.

cut 10 (08)  “this case”

Thompson says there are three different crime scenes, where Joseph was shot and killed, where she was originally burned, and where her body was moved and home set on fire. He expects additional arrests will be made throughout the course of the investigation.

Cut 11 (09) “as well”

============================

Tonight’s PowerBall jackpot has jumped to $500 million. The lottery prize is the 6th largest jackpot in history offered in North America. The thought of winning half a billion dollars has many people dreaming of what they would do with the money. Some people say they would definitely take care of family…

cut 12 (11) “she wants”

Tonight’s jackpot has a cash value of $306 million. The deadline to purchase tickets for tonight’s drawing is 9PM. For some, the thought of winning $500 million is just too much to comprehend. Others say they would want to help those less fortunate…

cut 13 (04)  “of myself”

============================

Sean Payton will remain head coach of the New Orleans Saints. Payton said today, going forward, even though it was a disappointing season in many ways, there were a lot of good things that happened. He says he’s up to the challenge and isn’t going anywhere…:

cut 14 (10)  “any other clubs” 

Payton still has two years left on his current deal and said any talk of a contract extension will take care of itself. When asked about rumors that he’s leaving New Orleans, Payton said there was no backstory or hidden conversations. He says there were some who may have speculated that he should leave the Saints while he was ahead…:

cut 15 (11)  “wagon out of town”

Governor-elect John Bel Edwards names Doctor Rebekah Gee as his secretary for the department of health and hospitals. Jeff Palermo has more…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

______________________________________

 Mardi Gras season kicks off today with King’s Day and bakeries all over the state will be busy cooking up king cakes. Emelie Gunn has more….

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

______________________________________

The US set a new auto sales record in 2015, but Louisiana didn’t see such a boost. Michelle Southern reports…:

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

______________________________________

At $450 million dollars, tonight’s Powerball jackpot is the 4th largest in the game’s history. The cash value for the Wednesday drawing is worth an estimated $275.4 million dollars. Louisiana Lottery spokeswoman Kimberly Chopin says sales for this run have been through the roof, which is why it was raised from $400 million…:

cut 4  (07)  “for that drawing”

Chopin says today’s jackpot is also the biggest the multi-state game has had since February of last year, when three winners split $564.1 million. She says many people in Louisiana play Powerball when the jackpots get this big…:

Cut 5  (09)  “Powerball alone”

Chopin says they like to send out a few reminders to players who like to go in on some tickets with friends or in an office pool…:

Cut 6 (10)  “in Powerball” 

______________________________________

LSU public health professor Doctor Rebekah Gee is the new secretary for the Department of Health and Hospitals. Gee says expanding the eligibility qualifications, so more people can participate in the state’s Medicaid program is her top priority. She says it would benefit thousands of poor working adults

CUT 7 (12)  “health insurance”

Governor-elect John Bel Edwards says putting procedures in place to expand the state’s Medicaid program will be one of his first duties when he takes office on Monday. Edwards says the expansion will go into effect this summer..

Cut 8  (11)  “wallets”

Gee will oversee a nine-point-seven billion dollar agency that has about seven-thousand employees. She also takes the job during a budget crisis, but the challenge doesn’t faze her

Cut 9 (08)  “will address them”

______________________________________

Twelfth night is today and that means it’s the kick off to Mardi Gras season and a busy time for bakeries. Co-owner of Haydel’s Bakery in New Orleans, David Haydel, says with Fat Tuesday on February 9^th and a short Mardi Gras season, king cakes will be selling quickly.

Cut 10 (08) “us busy” 

Haydel says this is the time where the bakery has all hands on deck to make sure they make enough king cakes for everyone. He says his bakery ships cakes worldwide, so no matter where you are, you can celebrate.

cut 11 (08) “king cake to”

Sam Scelfo, owner of Gambino’s Bakery, says because this Mardi Gras season is so short, they’re going to be extra busy making king cakes. He hopes people start having a lot of parties soon to ensure they’ll sell lots of cakes in the short amount of time.

Cut 12 (10) “your sales”

Scelfo says during the offseason, they play around with many different cake flavors and combinations to keep things interesting during Mardi Gras. He says they’re introducing some new flavors this season that they’ve never had before.

Cut 13 (08)  “always offered”

______________________________________

The US set a new auto sales record in 2015, but Louisiana didn’t see such a boost. Automakers announced Tuesday that last year, nationwide sales hit a record of about 17 million vehicles. Bob Israel is the President of the Louisiana Automobile Dealers Association. He says our oil based economy is suffering which played a part in a slight auto sales decline in Louisiana last year:

Cut 14 (10) “not devastating”

Israel says Louisiana set a record for auto sales in 2014, and those were down about 3.7 percent last year…:

Cut 15  (10) “for us”

Israel says the industry as a whole benefits from easy credit, low gas prices and economic growth, but the low oil prices are affecting sectors across the board in Louisiana. Still, he says, dealers in The Bayou State aren’t complaining…:

 Cut 16  (05)  “it was a good year”

With the state looking at about a 13-billion dollar transportation backlog, Governor-elect John Bel Edwards is looking at funding solutions. Jeff Palermo has the story…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

______________________________________

 Speculation continues over whether Sean Payton will go or stay the head coach of the Saints in 2016. Jeff Palermo has more….

Cut 2 (27) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

______________________________________

 Analysts believe we’ll continue to see affordable gas prices in Louisiana during 2016. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

______________________________________

Governor-elect John Bel Edwards advisory panel on transportation recommends tax increases to provide an additional 75-million dollars a year in transportation funding. A higher gasoline tax, a sales tax on auto repairs and tolls are some of the suggestions. Incoming Transportation Secretary Shawn Wilson says more dialogue is needed before a decision on where the additional dollars will come from…

cut 4  (09)  “for the buck”

Wilson is unsure when or if Edwards will ask lawmakers to raise taxes to provide more transportation dollars. He says in the meantime, they’ll look to stop the practice of using gasoline tax money to help pay for state police

Cut 5  (10)  “overnight”

Wilson says the backlog of highway projects is nearly 13-billion dollars. He says the new administration is also looking to develop light rail service between Baton Rouge and New Orleans and in north Louisiana…

Cut 6 (08)  “process moving” 

______________________________________

The National Weather Service is lowering the projected crest of the Mississippi River from the Louisiana-Arkansas line to about Vicksburg, Mississippi. Marty Pope, with the N-W-S in Pearl, Mississippi, says they’re now expecting a foot and a half drop in the river crest.

CUT 7 (10)  “the 17th”

 Pope says a drop in these crest projections is good news, especially in Vidalia, where there is a convention center, many hotels and a hospital along the riverfront. He says hopefully these river estimates will hold up.

Cut 8  (08)  “the area”

Pope says they are not changing crest projections for Red River Landing and areas to the south like Baton Rouge and New Orleans. He explains why….

Cut 9 (10)  “the past”

______________________________________

There’s a million dollar unclaimed Powerball prize in Louisiana, and time is running out for the winner to come forward. Kimberly Chopin with the Louisiana Lottery says the prize was won on August 5th from a ticket that was sold in Terrebonne Parish and is set to expire February 1st. She says this doesn’t happen often…:

Cut 10 (10) “winning ticket” 

Chopin says the winning ticket was purchased at Pointe-Aux-Chenes Supermarket on Highway 665 in Montegut. She says in all draw style games, including Powerball, winners have 180 days from the date of the drawing in which to claim their prize…:

cut 11 (10) “scratch off games”

Chopin says players should know that there are several ways you can win prizes on a Powerball game, and in this case the ticket matched 5 numbers which is good for $1 million dollars. She says anytime you buy a Powerball ticket, you should treat it like cash and sign the back right away…:

Cut 12 (09) “that ticket”

______________________________________

Analysts predict we’ll continue to see affordable gas prices in 2016. Don Redman, with the American Automobile Association, says we could see prices dropping even more before springtime.

Cut 13 (08)  “to decline”

Redman says right now we’re looking at a statewide average of $1.77 for a gallon of regular gasoline compared to $2.06 at this time last year. But he says be cautious, because tension in the Middle East could create an increase in prices.

Cut 14 (10) “the day”

Redman says we’ll see the highest prices of the calendar year during March through May because of the switch to summer grade gasoline.

Cut 15  (08) “not dramatically”

______________________________________

 Speculation continues to grow over whether Sean Payton will be the head coach of the Saints in 2016. Several teams are reportedly interested in talking with Payton, who is still under contract with the Saints. Quarterback Drew Brees wants Payton back…

Cut 16  (13)  “strong relationship”

 Payton is under contract with the Saints, while Brees has just one year left on his deal. Brees says he’d be willing to talk about a contract extension.

Cut 17 (13) “day after”

The Saints PR staff says that Payton will speak with reporters on Wednesday. Brees hopes the uncertainty surrounding who will be the head coach next year will be resolved soon.

Cut 18 (12) “steam ahead”