One of the reasons the GOP is happy with tax reform is the change afforded to businesses in trying to urge corporations to come back to the U.S.  Brandon Legarde with the Society of Louisiana CPAs says his office is still trying to determine how all the tax breaks will benefit businesses and if they will be able to get around some of the new laws…

Cut 5  (09)  “the process.”

49 aspiring Troopers have reported for the 97th State Police academy cadet class.  Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 3  (29) “I’m Jeff Palermo”  

Now that Daylight Saving Time has ended, it’s getting darker earlier.  State Farm insurance wants to remind people to watch out for deer while driving.  State Farm Spokesman Kip Diggs says it’s important to drive with your high beams on as frequently as possible because the earlier you see a deer, the more time you have to avoid a crash. He reminds motorists that they also travel in packs.

Cut 9 (11)  “animal”

Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser and 10 Louisiana chefs are in New York City to prepare the Bayou State’s world-class food and give the Big Apple a taste of what we have to offer. Chefs like Cory Bahr, Bonnie Breaux and Jay Ducote are joining the lt. governor on this trip. Nungesser says 60 interviews will be conducted with the chefs to talk about all things Louisiana, as they are from every corner of the state.

Cut 11 (09) “around Louisiana.”

The House GOP tax plan promises to lower taxes for most Americans and also simplify the tax code so that many individuals will be able to file their own taxes on a postcard. Brandon Legarde is a member of the Louisiana CPA Society and he imagines tax preparers will still be needed…
cut 6 (04) “…us busy”
There is some concern the House GOP tax proporsal will not pass the Senate.

47 men and women have reported to the State Police Training Academy to begin several weeks of grueling training to become a State Trooper. Sergeant Jared Sandifer says they’ll join the 96th cadet class, who is in its 11th week of training. Sandifer says they’ll soon add dozens of new troopers to the force….
cut 14 (11) “…much better”
And State Police is accepting applications for the next cadet class.

According to Triple-A, the statewide average price for a gallon of regular gasoline has increased four cents in the last week to $2.26. We are also paying about 30-cents more for gasoline than we did at this time last year.

State Farm is reminding drivers to be extra cautious of deer crossing the road, as it’s getting darker earlier. Emelie Gunn has more…
Voicer 2 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

The Saints have won six in a row. They defeated Tampa Bay 30-10 yesterday. Up next is a trip to Buffalo to face the Bills this Sunday.

There’s been a lot of talk, but how will the GOP tax reform plan affect you? Kelley Ray sheds some light…
Voicer 1 (30) “I’m Kelley Ray”

Bastrop Police are seeking the public’s help in the death of a five-year-old girl. Authorities say the homicide occurred Saturday morning. And Ascension Parish authorities also need the community’s assistance to help solve the murder of a 44-year-old man, who was found lying in the street not far from his home in the affluent neighborhood of Pelican Point.

For the first time since 2005, two state police cadet classes are running simultaneously. The 97th cadet class, which includes 49 individuals, began training yesterday. And the 96th class is entering their 11th week of training. Sgt. Jared Sandifer says both classes are going through an intense training program…
Cut 13 (08) “those lines.”
And State Police is accepting applications for the next cadet class.

With the changing of the clocks this past weekend, more individuals will be driving home when the sun goes down. State Farm spokesperson Kip Diggs says be on the lookout for deer on rural roads and if you feel a collision with a deer is inevitable, do not swerve away. He says vehicles are deisgned to take an impact like this…
cut 8 (10) “…a ditch”

So what do local tax preparers have to say about how the GOP tax plan will affect our pocketbooks? Among the changes, the plan eliminates the ability to deduct state income tax, which is between two and six percent in Louisiana. Brandon Legarde with the Society of Louisiana CPA’s says that one change impacts everyone…
Cut 4 (08) “on that.”
Legarde says even with the promise of being able to file your taxes on a postcard, the simplicity of the tax code remains to be seen.

The 97th cadet class has begun training at the State Police Training Academy in Baton Rouge. Trooper Jared Sandifer says 47 men and women started their intense training yesterday, while the 96th cadet class is entering its 11th week of training….
cut 15 (07) “….can be”
After graduation, troopers will participate in a 10-14 week field training program before beginning their new careers.

Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser and 10 chefs are in New York City to promote Louisiana cuisine. Nungesser says during the three-day visit to the Big Apple the Louisiana chefs will be able to meet with writers, producers and editors who cover in food and travel….
cut 12 (10) “…their hometown”
The participating chefs are from Monroe, Lake Charles, Baton Rouge, New Orleans and several places in between.

It will get dark earlier today, since we moved the clocks back one hour. State Farm spokesperson Kip Diggs says be on the look out for deer along rural roads on you way home today….
cut 7 (09) “…they have”
State Farm finds the odds Louisiana drivers will hit a deer is down at 1 in 332, lower than the national average.

Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser and 10 Louisiana chefs are in New York City to prepare the Bayou State’s world-class food and give the Big Apple a taste of what we have to offer. Nungesser says they hope to woo people with our culture and encourage them to take their next vacation to Louisiana.
Cut 10 (08) “to do”
Chefs like Cory Bahr, Bonnie Breaux and Jay Ducote are joining the Lt. governor on this trip.

Republicans in the U-S House say their tax plan will jump start the U-S economy by simpilifying the tax code and lower tax rates on individuals and businesses. Brandon Legard is with the Louisiana C-P-A Society and says his office is still trying to determine how all te tax breaks will benefit businesses…
cut 5 (09) “…the process”
The national small business lobbying group has already come out and said the tax reform plan will not help them.

A Sweet 16 party turned deadly in Kenner this weekend when authorities say 17-year-old Renee Holloway fatally shot 18-year-old Jontrell Wells after arguing about an ongoing neighborhood rivalry. Holloway is charged with second-degree murder.

The sun will likely be either going down or it will be dark for your ride home today, because we turned the clocks back one hour this week. State Farm spokesperson Kipp Diggs says also be on the look out for deer crossing the road in rural areas…
cut 9 (11) “…animal”

Officers say a three-year-old toddler has died as the result of an alleged accidental shooting in St. Martin Parish.  Police have arrested the uncle 28-year-old Dracolby Numa Journet of Arnaudville.  He has been charged with Illegal Possession of a Stolen Firearm and Obstruction of Justice.  Sheriff’s Office spokeswoman Major Ginny Higgins says this is a tragic situation, not only for the family, but also for responding deputies…:

Cut 10 (09) “involved”

Early voting for the November 18 election begins today.  Secretary of State Tom Schedler is expecting a low turnout, around 10 percent.  There is a statewide treasurer’s race, the New Orleans mayoral race and a handful of local ballot items in about half of the state’s parishes.  Early voting continues through next Saturday.

A Mandeville man has been arrested for allegedly holding two teenagers at gunpoint after they toilet papered his house. Emelie Gunn has more…..

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

As we’re turning our clocks back an hour on Sunday to end Daylight Saving Time, State Fire Marshal Butch Browning says it’s a good time to check your smoke alarm batteries.   He says if you can’t afford an alarm the “Operation Save-A-Life” program will install a smoke detector in your home…

Cut 5  (10)  “smoke alarms”

A 67-year-old grandmother is dead in Plaquemine after her grandson allegedly shot her by mistake.  Police say 19-year-old Blaise Horton reported he was holding a gun in a house when Kathleen Fulton was killed.  Police Chief Kenny Payne says the bullet grazed a dog and struck Fulton in the back.  He says Horton’s sister was in the home at the time and evidence at the scene matches up with the story Horton and the sister told officers…:

Cut 7 (12) “to the grandmother”

A Mandeville man has been arrested after allegedly blocking off the exit of a subdivision and holding two teens at gunpoint after they toilet papered his house. Police Chief Gerald Sticker says homeowner Craig Scott unjustifiably took matters into his own hands.

Cut 11 (08) “minutes flat”

Early voting for the November 18 election has started.  Secretary of State Tom Schedler is expecting a low turnout, around 10 percent.  There is a statewide treasurer’s race, the New Orleans mayoral race and a handful of local ballot items in about half of the state’s parishes.  Early voting continues through next Saturday.

LSU fans are somewhat torn on how to feel about the game against Alabama on Saturday. On the one hand, the Tigers are huge underdogs headed into Bryant-Denny Stadium, but the matchup between The Bayou Bengals and Crimson Tide has been a wild ride in recent years. These fans bleed purple and gold and would never say LSU can’t beat Alabama…:

Cut 13 (11)  “LSU all the way”

The senate approved a 23 month contract extension Friday for the state’s Medicaid managed-care companies unanimously, but House members voted against it, blocking the Governor’s efforts to help extend high-dollar contracts for managed-care companies beyond January.  House Appropriations Committee chairman Cameron Henry expects more meetings next month to find savings in the proposed 15.4-billion-dollar deal.

Officers say a three-year-old toddler has died as the result of an alleged accidental self-inflicted shooting in St. Martin Parish.  Police have arrested the uncle 28-year-old Dracolby Numa Journet of Arnaudville.  He has been charged with Illegal Possession of a Stolen Firearm and Obstruction of Justice.  Sheriff’s Office spokeswoman Major Ginny Higgins says cops responded to the call around 7pm Thursday…:

Cut 9 (07)  “gunshot wound”

As we’re turning our clocks back an hour on Sunday for Daylight Saving Time, State Fire Marshal Butch Browning reminds residents now is a good time to check the batteries in your smoke alarm. He says first generation fire alarms need to have the batteries replaced every 12 months, and it also might be time for an upgrade…:

Cut 3 (11) “of security”

LSU fans are somewhat torn on how to feel about the game against Alabama on Saturday. Michelle Southern reports…:

Cut 2 (29) “I’m Michelle Southern”