Early voting begins today for the November 18 election, and Secretary of State Tom Schedler expects a lower turnout than the 14% in the primary. He says the numbers would be even lower if not for New Orleans’ mayoral race…:
Cut 6 (13) “my prediction”
Also on the November ballot is a state treasurer race, and local propositions in 32 parishes.

Republicans in Congress say the new tax plan unveiled Thursday will benefit nearly all Americans. Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves says when tax cuts were approved in the past, it caused more money to be circulated in the economy…:
Cut 8 (08) “U.S. economy”
But opponents feel the cuts in the package will affect services many rely on like healthcare and retirement.

The group Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility want to sue to put the Louisiana Black Bear back on the endangered species list. PEER attorney Paula Dinerstien (Dinner-stien) says one reason is that bears from Minnesota were relocated to the Bayou State in the 1960s, and they feel native bears will continue to mate with them…:
Cut 11 (07) “gene pool”
She also says the black bear population is nowhere near being recovered.

If you love omelettes, then Vermillion Parish is where you need to be this weekend. The town of Abbeville is holding their 33rd annual Giant Omelette Celebration and spokeswoman Arlene Collee (Coal-lee) says if you’re wondering how a 5,033 egg omelette tastes? It’s all about the ingredients:
Cut 16 (05) “the recipe”
The festival will be held both days this weekend, with the omelette preparation to begin at 1pm Sunday.