Governor-elect John Bel Edwards continues to put together his transition teams ahead of his inauguration on January 11th. The higher education transition committee is tasked with coming up with policy recommendations for colleges and universities. CABLE President Barry Erwin says they need to find extra funds for grants and scholarships, but that won’t be easy..:
CUT 5 (10) “can get rid of”
Today Edwards announced a third transition committee, this one dealing with Economic Development.

The Baton Rouge Police Department says one of two men accused in the murders and kidnappings of the Duplantiers is back in Louisiana after he was extradited back today from Florida. They say 42-year-old Ernesto Alonso is officially charged with 2 counts each of first degree murder and second degree kidnapping. His alleged accomplice, 48-year-old Frank Garcia, is still in the Florida Jail.

A state judge has dismissed the lawsuit filed by the Tangipahoa Parish School System on behalf of Amite High School in an effort to lift the football team’s suspension from the Class 3A playoffs. The LHSAA ruled Amite couldn’t compete in the semi-finals because a bench clearing brawl broke out in their previous victory. Legal analyst Tim Meche isn’t surprised…:
CUT 9 (09) “get involved”
A lawyer representing Amite says they are disappointed in the ruling for the team and the kids, but there is no chance for an appeal and the season is over.

The AP is reporting there is a stiff competition brewing in the race to be Louisiana’s next House speaker. Governor-elect John Bel Edwards says he supports Democrat Walt Leger, but Republican Cameron Henry is also running. Questions are being raised as to whether or not this leadership dispute could make things more complicated for lawmakers to work together in February’s special session to address the state’s budget woes.