Early voting begins today for the November 18 election which includes a state treasurer race, New Orleans mayoral contest and local propositions in 32 parishes. The October primary only saw a 14 percent turnout, and Secretary of State Tom Schedler predicts it will be even lower this month:
Cut 4 (07) “much further”
Early voting will remain open daily from 8:30am to 6pm until November 11.

The House GOP tax reform plan announced Thursday would consolidate the current seven tax brackets into four and would double the standard deduction, giving an average family of four nearly 12-hundred-dollars more income per year. But Jan Moller with the Louisiana Budget Project doesn’t think everyone will see significant tax cuts as promised…:
Cut 9 (07) “no relief”
Supporters say this will mean more money being pumped into the economy.

A group committed to the survival of the Louisiana black bear has announced their intent to file suit to place them back on the endangered species list. Emelie Gunn has more…:
Cut 2 (29) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

Police in Plaquemine say a 19-year-old allegedly shot and killed his grandmother when a gun went off by mistake. They say Blaise Horton was reportedly unloading the weapon when it accidentally fired, striking 67-year-old Kathleen Fulton, and a dog next to her. Horton has been arrested and will be charged with negligent homicide.