Governor-elect John Bel Edwards made his first address since winning Saturday’s election at the annual Louisiana Federation of Teachers convention in Lake Charles. Edwards told teachers that he will insist on more autonomy for local school systems when it comes to charter schools in their district…

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Edwards also said he would not ban vouchers or close charter schools.

A National Federation of Independent Business/American Express survey finds a record number of people plan to shop local for Small Business Saturday. NFIB state director, Dawn Starns, is excited about the survey’s results…

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Starns encourages shoppers to keep local stores in mind throughout the holiday season.

Several authorities, including the he Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry, are seeking information on 86 suspected arsons in northwest Louisiana. Investigators have determined that a majority of these fires occurred on properties owned by timber company Weyerhaeuser Industries. Ag Commissioner Mike Strain says a substantial reward is being offered for information leading to the capture of these arsonists…

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He says these suspicious fires happened between August 30th and October 21st.

The Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office is investigating a fatal Monday night shooting in Harvey. They say when police responded to a report of shots fired, they found a male victim at the foot of a stairway. Authorities say the 34-year-old unidentified man was suffering from several gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead at the scene. The police investigation is continuing.