Governor-elect John Bel Edwards has named Democratic Public Service Commissioner Foster Campbell as the co-chair of his transition committee that will take a look at the state’s budget problems. Campbell says members definitely have their work cut out for them…:
CUT 5 (10) “stands today”
Former inspector general and assistant legislative auditor Sharon Robinson will serve with Campbell as co-chair of the committee.

State Senator Troy Brown, who was arrested after last weekend’s Bayou Classic in New Orleans for allegedly punching his longtime girlfriend, has reportedly decided to step down as vice chairman of the Senate Environmental Quality Committee while his legal issues pan out. Apparently this was a mutual agreement. Brown says he can’t remember the details of what happened in the alleged attack at the New Orleans hotel.

The City of Alexandria announces their first annual Alex Winter Fete. The Alexandria Winter Season Festival kicks off today and runs through Saturday and will accompany the 12 Nights of Christmas program. Director of Community Services for the City of Alexandria, Daniel Williams, says tonight they’ll get a visit from Santa and enjoy entertainment from street performers…:
CUT 8 (08) “the tree”
The New Alexandria Winter-Season Festival will also feature giant snow globes for photo opportunities and jumping, now and an ice skating rink.

According to business-report-dot-com, LSU President F King Alexander says the final decision on whether to keep Les Miles as head coach was not made until after a halftime meeting during the A-and-M game. Alexander says the cost of the buyout, even though university funds would not be used, and the show of public support for Miles went into the decision.

Governor-elect John Bel Edwards says he plans to issue an executive order with the intent of protecting gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender state workers and contractors from unfair treatment and discrimination. Edwards says this directive will not be something new to Louisiana…:
CUT 3 (08) “were governors”
He says it’s the right thing to do.

Domestic catfish farmers have been issuing warnings about the safety of cheaper imports. Now, new, stricter food safety testing for catfish has the local industry cheering, and importers not so much. Chad Causey with The Catfish Institute says the new rules apply across the board and if catfish imports are safe and free of contaminants, it will be allowed to come in…:
Cut 9 (09) “restaurant tables”

A report from the national Mental Health Association shows Louisiana as a state with among the highest occurrences of mental illness and the lowest rates to access to care. Eric Gill reports…:
CUT 1 (29) “I’m Eric Gill”

The US House is expected to vote today on a transportation bill that would provide Louisiana an additional 100-million dollars a year in federal highway dollars. Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves helped craft the legislation and he says the bill also provides states with grant opportunities to help pay for major transportation improvements including in south Louisiana.

At the Council for a Better Louisiana’s annual luncheon, Governor-elect John Bel Edwards previewed what his administration will seek to do over the next four years. Even though Edwards spoke before a group of business leaders, he expressed his wish for equal pay between men and women and a higher wage for the state’s poorest workers…

cut 15 (09) “kid or two”

Edwards also hinted at making changes to the state’s accountability system for public education.

A vote is scheduled today in the US House on a transportation bill that would provide Louisiana an additional 100-million dollars a year in federal highway dollars. Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves says there are provisions in this legislation that are biased towards Louisiana to help improve traffic flow…

cut 12 (09) “by the day”

He says the bill also provides grant opportunities to help pay for major transportation improvements in south Louisiana.

The United States Department of Agriculture has unveiled new rules for catfish. Michelle Southern reports…

cut 2 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

A study from carinsurancecomparison-dot-com ranks Louisiana drivers as the fifth worst in the nation. The website compiled their ranking based on data such as number of fatalities, traffic violations, seat belt infractions, and drunk driving. Louisiana ranked worst in the nation in the failure to obey traffic laws. Speeding was the state’s best category where it came in at number 33. Montana has the worst drivers in the country, Minnesota the best.

Governor-elect John Bel Edwards spoke at the Council for a Better Louisiana’s annual luncheon and discussed future plans for his administration. Emelie Gunn has more…..

cut 3 (29) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

Governor-elect Edwards reportedly plans to issue an executive order to protect gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender state workers and contractors from unfair treatment and discrimination. Former Democratic Governors Edwin Edwards and Kathleen Blanco signed similar decrees to protect LGBT state workers from harassment. Edwards says issuing an order like this is the right thing to do.

The United States Department of Agriculture has issued a mandate requiring stricter inspection standards for catfish. The Catfish Institute’s Chad Causey says the rule will require both domestic and imported catfish to meet safety standards set by USDA in a similar fashion to meat and poultry. He says catfish at grocery stores will have the stamp to let consumers know that the product has been inspected and passed by the USDA…

cut 8 (05) “contaminants”

The rules go into effect in 90 days.

A report from the national Mental Health Association shows Louisiana ranks 47th for mental health care access. Brittany Howard, Director of Mental Health America of Louisiana, says mental illness has developed a stigma due to it being associated with several mass shooting that have occurred around the country. She says they need to change that mindset because mental illness rarely turns violent and there is really nothing to be afraid of…

cut 6 (10) “anyone else”

Governor-elect John Bel Edwards previewed his administration’s first term goals at the Council for a Better Louisiana’s annual luncheon. During the 17 minute speech, Edwards hinted at making changes to the state’s accountability system for public education. He wonders if our students are taking too many standardized tests…

cut 14 (10) “too many things”

Edwards will be sworn into office January 11th.

A vote is expected today in the US House on a transportation bill that would provide Louisiana an additional 100-million dollars a year in federal highway dollars. Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves says the legislation would also help state and local governments interface traffic management with cell phones, Google, and Waze maps…

cut 11 (11) “existing roadways”

Graves helped craft the bill.

Louisiana ranks 47th for mental health care access according to the Mental Health Association. Director of Mental Health America of Louisiana, Brittany Howard, says Medicaid expansion would improve access to care, but that’s just one part of the puzzle. She says lawmakers need to be educated more on the importance of access to health care…

cut 5 (07) “to succeed”

She says 1 in 4 people suffer from some sort of mental illness.

The United States Department of Agriculture has mandated stricter inspection standards for catfish before it can be sold as food. Chad Causey with The Catfish Institute says they applaud the program because it’s another step in making food safer…

cut 7 (11) “healthy product”

Causey says the rule will require both domestic and imported catfish to meet safety standards set by the USDA.

The Pelicans have now dropped four in a row after losing to the Houston Rockets 108-101. James Harden led the way for the Rockets with 24 as six Houston players scored in double figures. The Pels’ Anthony Davis led all scorers with 29. The Pelicans are now 4-15 on the season and will host LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers tomorrow night.

The Saints welcome the 11-0 Carolina Panthers to the Mercedes Benz Superdome for a 3:25 kickoff this Sunday. Panthers quarterback Cam Newton is having an MVP type season as he’s thrown for 24-hundred yards and 20 touchdowns. Saints coach Sean Payton says Newton is generating a lot of big plays…

Cut 19 (18) “poised and confident”

The Black & Gold are 4-7 and bring a three game losing streak into Sunday’s game.

A very frustrating season for the ULM Warhawks comes to a close this Saturday when they host New Mexico State in the regular season finale. ULM has lost ten in a row and interim head coach John Mumford says getting a win for the seniors on Saturday is important…

cut 16 (16) “right way”

ULM’s last win was September 12th against Nicholls State.

In college basketball last night, LSU scored 71 in the second half to defeat North Florida 119-108. Ben Simmons led all scorers with 43 as the win ended the Tigers’ three game losing streak.

Dylan Osetkowski’s layup with 33 seconds remaining gave Tulane the lead for good as they defeated UNO 64-62. The Green Wave will host Georgia Tech Saturday while the Privateers travel to Ball State.

Grambling fell to Marquette 95-49.

Governor-elect John Bel Edwards previews what his administration will seek to do over the next four years. Edwards says he will continue to act on his promises made during his campaign and be as bi-partisan as possible to solve the state’s problems…

cut 13 (11) “political spectrum”

Edwards spoke at the Council for a Better Louisiana’s annual luncheon.

A report from the national Mental Health Association shows Louisiana as a state with among the highest occurrences of mental illness and the lowest rates to access to care. Brittany Howard, Director of Mental Health America of Louisiana, says Governor-elect Edwards’ plan for Medicaid expansion gives them hope that these numbers improve…

cut 4 (09) “access to care”

The Bayou State ranks 47th on the 2015 list.

The US House is expected to vote today on a transportation bill that would provide Louisiana an additional 100-million dollars a year in federal highway dollars. Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves helped craft the legislation and he says the bill also provides states with grant opportunities to help pay for major transportation improvements in south Louisiana…

cut 10 (09) “I-12″

Graves was a conferee during negotiations between the House and Senate over the final details of this five-year highway funding bill.

Governor Bobby Jindal says the letter from the White House saying the state would start getting detailed information about the Syrian refugees resettling in Louisiana, is not good enough. President Obama’s Chief of Staff says a monthly report will be provided to governors with refugees entering their state. Jindal says isn’t satisfied with that…:
CUT 6 (10) “into our state”

Governor-elect John Bel Edwards spoke to a group of business leaders today at the annual luncheon of the Council for a Better Louisiana. He says they’ve been extremely busy since November 21st leading up to the day he takes office January 11th…:
CUT 1 (10) “catch my breath”
Edwards also said he plans to govern from the center, and not the far left.

Amite High is fighting the decision by the LHSAA to disqualify them from the Class 3A playoffs after an on-field altercation cleared the benches during the quarterfinal victory over Bogalusa. Rules say players who leave the bench to fight are to be suspended for the next game. Tangipahoa School system attorney Chris Moody argues players left the sidelines because the team was about to kick an extra point…:
CUT 13 (06) “to fight”
A hearing has been set in the suit for Friday.

The Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office says a corrections officer is facing several charges after allegedly setting up a situation where several inmates could beat up another inmate who was a witness in a previous criminal matter. They say Calvin Powell was arrested for conspiracy to Obstruction of Justice, Conspiracy to commit Intimidating, impeding or injuring witnesses and Malfeasance.

Governor-elect John Bel Edwards endorses New Orleans Democrat Walt Leger as the next state Speaker of the House. Although Republicans hold a majority of state House seats, the governor has traditionally played a big role in the selection of the Speaker. Edwards believes Leger’s ability to work across the isle will reinforce the Governor-elect’s bipartisan approach to state government…:
CUT 5 (06) “effective legislature”
Leger currently serves as Speaker Pro Tempore of the Louisiana House. Edwards takes office January 11th.

Attorney General-elect Jeff Landry is asking employees at the Department of Justice to reapply for their jobs if they want to stay for his administration. Landry, who also takes office January 11th after defeating incumbent Buddy Caldwell, sent out a letter asking current AG office employees to submit resumes again so that everyone has a fair and equal opportunity to be considered.

The Amite high school football team has been ousted from the playoffs by the LHSAA. Jeff Palermo has more…:
CUT 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

The family members of the first wife of millionaire Robert Durst, who has been in prison in New Orleans since March on weapons charges, are reportedly suing Durst for $100 million dollars. Kathleen McCormack Durst disappeared in 1982 and her family alleges Robert Durst has known where her body has been buried for more than 30 years.

Governor-elect John Bel Edwards has publicly endorsed New Orleans Democrat Walt Leger as the next state Speaker of the House. Eric Gill reports…
CUT 1 (28) “I’m Eric Gill”

The US Justice Department has dropped the manslaughter charges against two BP employees responsible for safety when the Deepwater Horizon oil rig exploded in 2010, killing 11 workers. They said in a statement that it could not develop a legal standard in the case which would warrant involuntary manslaughter charges.

The LHSAA says the Amite High football team has been removed from the Class 3A semi-finals following an on-field fight during the Bogalusa playoff game that cleared the benches. Tangipahoa School system attorney Chris Moody says they’ve filed a suit and hope a state judge reverses what he calls a “harsh” decision…:
cut 12 (07) “next year”
Amite was set to host St. James Friday night, but if the LHSAA ruling is upheld, St. James automatically advances to the 3A title game.

This weekend we’ll know what bowl game LSU will play in this year. Jerry Palm makes bowl projections for cbs-sports-dot-com and says LSU could play in a bowl game in Florida or the Texas Bowl in Houston. He says Louisiana Tech could play in the R-and-L Carriers New Orleans Bowl. Bowl announcements will be official Sunday after all conference title games have been completed.