Governor John Bel Edwards announced some of his key cabinet and staff members Wednesday. They include Joey Strickland as the Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs and Juana Marine-Lombard the new ATC Commissioner. Edwards says he knows Louisiana has a tough road ahead, but he’s never been more optimistic about the future of our state…:
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The head of State Police and National Guard get to keep their posts.

State Treasurer John Kennedy says the .25 percent increase in a key interest rate by the Federal Reserve means they believe the economy as a whole is a lot healthier…:
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He says we may not feel that the economy is better in Louisiana due to a struggling oil industry, but he’s confident that will bounce back.

The LSU Vet School has a reminder to keep your pets safe during the holiday season. Don Molino has more…
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A man found guilty of killing a Baton Rouge cop over two decades ago has reportedly been taken off death row after a judge ruled he’s mentally handicapped. A 5th Circuit Court of Appeals hearing found Kevan Brumfield cannot be put to death because he is intellectually disabled. In 1993, Brumfield killed Corporal Betty Smothers Dunn, the mother of NFL player Warrick Dunn. The DA’s office says a comment would be released today.

The Federal Reserve announced Wednesday that it would raise interest rates for the first time in nearly 7 years, so what does this mean for Louisianians? State Treasurer John Kennedy says the Fed lowered rates to almost zero during the 2008 financial crisis, but moved it up .25 percent to .5 percent. He says this means a couple things for consumers…:
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The LSU Vet School wants to remind pet owners to be careful when feeding their animals table food during the holidays. Assistant Professor Dr. Nancy Welborne says every year during this time, their clinics see an increase in digestive issues with family pets, often because of eating a high fat diet that they’re not used to…:
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Louisiana State Police graduates 57 new troopers today. Emelie Gunn chats with Sgt. Nick Manale…
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The Advocate is reporting that the state Inspector General is examining possible criminal activity on the part of outgoing Angola warden Burl Cain. Two television stations interviewed Cain to hear his explanation as to why he suddenly announced his retirement from the prison, which is apparently what prompted the criminal investigation. Before his resignation, the Advocate published reports questioning whether Cain was making business deals with inmates which is a violation of policy.

Governor-elect John Bel Edwards announced some members of his cabinet and staff. State Police Col Mike Edmonson will remain at his post, former US Representative Charlie Melancon will be the new Wildlife and Fisheries Secretary, DOTD Chief of staff Shawn Wilson will now head the agency. Edwards says he’s proud of the team he’s assembled to tackle the challenges that lie ahead…:
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Some others listed Wednesday include retiring state Representative Karen St. Germain who will head the Office of Motor Vehicles and Don Pierson will serve as secretary of Louisiana Economic Development.

An Avoyelles Parish judge today will decide whether or not to lower the bonds of the two former Marksville Police Officers accused in the death of 6-year-old Jeremy Mardis and injuring of his father, Chris Few. The family of Norris Greenhouse Jr. already posted a $1 million dollar property bond for the suspect, but want that reduced. Derrick Stafford remains in jail and his lawyer is arguing there is no way his client could post the bond.

A man wanted for the shooting death of a Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office sergeant has been arrested in Alabama, Sheriff Newell Normand said at a Wednesday afternoon news conference. Tuscaloosa police and U.S. Marshals arrested 48-year-old James Darby in the second degree murder of Sgt. Tracy Marshall.

State Police is graduating a new cadet class today. These 57 men and women have been in training for the last 16 weeks and will continue field training for 12 weeks after graduation. Trooper Nick Manale says this is their third cadet class in the past few years and they’re excited to increase the number of troopers in Louisiana…:
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He says each cadet is assigned to a troop area across Louisiana.

Governor-elect John Bel Edwards announced some members of his cabinet and staff during a news conference Wednesday. State Police Col Mike Edmonson will remain at his post, former US Representative Charlie Melancon will be the new Wildlife and Fisheries Secretary, DOTD Cheif of staff Shawn Wilson will now head the agency. Edwards says he’s delivering on his promise to establish a staff that looks like the state…:
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Some others listed Wednesday include retiring state Representative Karen St. Germain who will head the Office of Motor Vehicles and Don Pierson will serve as secretary of Louisiana Economic Development.

The Louisiana High School Athletic Association says they’ve completed their Bogalusa Sportsmanship hearing and will submit recommendations to the Executive Director tomorrow. Today’s discussion was about the fight that ended the Lumberjacks’ game at Amite High on November 27.

If you’re gifting a drone for Christmas you should know there are new regulations set for by the Federal Aviation Administration. FAA spokesperson Lynn Lunsford says any drone weighing between half a pound and 55 pounds must be registered before it can fly. He encourages drone operators to learn some basic safety rules before taking flight…:
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You can register your drone online at FAA-dot-gov beginning December 21st.

The Louisiana Oil and Gas Industry is applauding Congress for wrapping up a deal late Tuesday that included a provision that would lift the four-decade ban on most exports of oil. President Don Briggs says this would make the US more energy independent and create thousands of jobs in the state…:
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Opponents of lifting the ban say more drilling would harm the environment.

Governor-elect John Bel Edwards announced key personnel during a news conference Wednesday. The revelations included members of his cabinet as well as staff for his term. Among the list is State Police Col Mike Edmonson who will remain at his post. Wildlife and Fisheries Secretary is Charlie Melancon and the head of DOTD will be Shawn Wilson.

Police in Tangipahoa Parish are investigating an apparent “love triangle” double murder/suicide that has shocked the town of Independence. Emelie Gunn reports…:
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The Louisiana Oil and Gas Industry is applauding Congress for wrapping up a deal late Tuesday that included a provision that would lift the four-decade ban on most exports of oil. But Daryl Malek-Wiley with the environmental group Sierra Club says they feel dirty fuels should be left in the ground and the US should focus on transitioning to renewable forms of energy…:
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Entergy Louisiana says scams are going around and is warning residents to make sure you don’t become a victim of theft if you pay bills over the phone. She says often during the holiday season, we get wrapped up in what we need to do that we let our guard down…:
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McNeese State officially announced Defensive Coordinator Lance Guidry will be the next head coach of The Cowboys, taking over for Matt Viator. Guidry served as Viator’s DC since 2013.

Congress wrapped up a deal late Tuesday that included a provision that would lift the four-decade ban on most exports of oil. Louisiana Oil and Gas Association President Don Briggs says this is a help to the industry…:
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Opponents of lifting the ban say more drilling would harm the environment. Congress hopes to have this bill on the President’s desk by the end of the week.

In an e-mail to supporters, former Republican congressman Joseph Cao (GOW) announced his plans to run for Senator David Vitter’s soon to be vacant seat. Cao joins fellow Republicans Congressmen Charles Boustany and John Fleming and others in announcing their intent to seek the seat. Political analyst Clancy Dubos says you can expect to see many more entering the race…

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If a drone is under your Christmas tree, the Federal Aviation Administration says you should know about some new regulations. Eric Gill reports..:
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A man wanted for the shooting death of a Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office sergeant has been arrested in Alabama authorities announced. Tuscaloosa police and U.S. Marshals arrested 48-year-old James Darby yesterday in the death of Sergeant Tracy Marshal. JPSO Sheriff Newell Normand said the two had a rocky relationship years ago.