Governor John Bel Edwards took time today to reflect on what he says has been a rewarding but challenging year as well. Jeff Palermo has the story…:
CUT 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

Governor Edwards also appeared with State Police Col Mike Edmonson today to announce that Louisiana will become the first state in the nation to supply all state troopers with body cameras. Edmonson says they plan to roll out the cameras in the French Quarter next year and expand from there. He adds the cost will be about $5.3 million over the next five years with money from the existing budget.

A trail camera in Morehouse Parish captured a pic of a live wild cougar, and it’s been authenticated by the state Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. Maria Davidson is LDWF’s Large Carnivore Program Manager. She says they got the picture in November and it’s not likely that this animal is still in Northeast Louisiana…:
CUT 7 (09) “the same place”
She says they encourage people to report any physical evidence of cougar sightings.

Many people don’t know that when they buy an item online from a retailer that doesn’t tack on state and local sales taxes, consumers are responsible for reporting the purchase. Amazon is going to begin automatically adding the taxes in January according to Revenue Secretary Kimberly Robinson…:
CUT 13 (09) “on me”
She says the state should see an improvement in collections as a result of this.