Recently announced new members of Governor-elect John Bel Edwards Administration say they are ready to begin service. Shawn Wilson will be taking the reins now as Secretary of the state Department of Transportation and Development. He’s been the DOTD Chief of Staff for 10 years and says he looks forward to carrying out Edwards’ vision for a comprehensive transportation system…:
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Edwards says there are more announcements coming.

The LSU Vet school is reminding pet owners to be mindful of what their pets get into as the holidays approach. Assistant Professor Dr. Nancy Welborne says watch out for toys and ornaments to make sure pets don’t ingest or choke on parts…:

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A request for a lower bond is denied in the case of a Marksville deputy who is connected to the fatal shooting of a six-year-old boy. Jeff Palermo reports…:
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57 new troopers were honored in Baton Rouge this morning as State Police welcomed the most recent cadet class during graduation ceremonies.

Newly announced key cabinet members say they are up to the challenge of taking on their role for the incoming Edwards Administration. Former Congressman Charlie Melancon will be the new head of the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. He says he’s looking forward to trying to find a balance between private and commercial fisherman…:
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Melancon served in the US House of Representatives from 2006-2011.

A man from Jena, who wasn’t wearing his seatbelt, died in a LaSalle Parish crash according to State Police. 55-year-old Rawlins Breland was traveling on La Highway 127 when his 2015 Ford pickup ran off the side of the road, crashed into an embankment and began over turning, investigators said. State Police remind motorists that wearing your seatbelt could save your life.

A man who was being sought by cops for allegedly placing a video camera inside a men’s urinal has been arrested by the Baton Rouge Police Department. 52-year-old Stephen McCants is charged with video voyeurism. Someone noticed the camera inside the urinal and notified authorities, according to BRPD Corporal L’Jean Mckneely …:
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He says a tip from the public lead to the arrest.

The $1 million dollar bond reduction motion was reportedly denied for two former Marksville Police Officers accused in the murder of a 6-year-old boy. Norris Greenhouse Jr. is out on a million dollar property bond, and Derrick Stafford is still in jail on $1 million dollar bond. The two were indicted last week in the shooting death of 6-year-old Jeremy Mardis and wounding of his father, Christopher Few.

Governor-elect John Bel Edwards announced some members of his cabinet and staff during a news conference Wednesday. Michelle Southern reports…:
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A man who allegedly placed a camera inside a urinal in a men’s restroom at an office building has been arrested by the Baton Rouge Police Department. 52-year-old Stephen McCants is charged with video voyeurism after detectives say they received a tip from the public following the release of a picture of the suspect cops were able to capture from the camera’s footage.

So how would the Federal Reserve interest rate hike affect consumers in Louisiana? The Fed raised rates .25% to .5%. State Treasurer John Kennedy says this is just a sign that they feel the economy is headed in the right direction, but for the most part consumers won’t notice. He says you may have slightly higher interest rates on mortgage or car loans. If you have a savings account…:
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He says the Fed is taking baby steps with this first increase in nearly a decade.

57 new State Police cadets graduate today and will soon be patrolling our roads. Sgt. Nick Manale says the graduates still have 12 weeks of field training to go, but then they’ll be out protecting our communities. He says there isn’t a set date for the next cadet class but he encourages anyone interested to submit an application…:
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He says the new troopers will be assigned to locations throughout the state.

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 Chief 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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Edwards will be sworn in January 11th.

An Avoyelles Parish judge today will reportedly 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.

State Police is graduating a new cadet class today. Sgt. Nick Manale says each of these new 57 men and women troopers will be assigned to areas across Louisiana, on patrol, to keep our roadways and communities safe…:
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Manale encourages anyone who may be interested in becoming a trooper to apply.

The LSU Vet School says every year during the holidays they see an increase in pets coming in with digestive issues because they’re getting table scraps. Assistant Professor Dr. Nancy Welborne says also dark chocolate in those stockings should never be in your pet’s reach…:
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She’s urging pet owners to be mindful of what their animals are getting into this Christmas.

The New Orleans City Council is set to vote today during their meeting at this hour to decide whether or not Confederate monuments are a nuisance.

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.