Early voting for the November 18 election is open starting today.  There is a state treasurer race, New Orleans mayoral contest and local propositions in 32 parishes to be decided.  Secretary of State Tom Schedler predicts a very low turnout for this election.  Only 13 percent turned out for the October 18 election and he’s predicting around 10 or 11 percent this time around.

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”

DST ends at 2am Sunday

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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 says the one-and-a-half-trillion-dollar cuts in the package over ten years will affect services many rely on…

Cut 7 (10)  “them today.”

Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves says when tax cuts were approved in the past, it caused more money to be circulated in the economy, which helped to raise incomes and protect federal programs already in place…

Cut 8 (08) “U.S. economy.”

The House GOP tax reform plan would consolidate the current seven brackets into four, and would double the standard deduction. But Jan Moller with the Louisiana Budget Project says the one-and-a-half-trillion-dollar cuts in the package over ten years will affect services many rely on..:
Cut 7 (10) “them today”
But Republicans say this would put more money into the economy which would eventually fuel overall job growth.

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, after hitting a dog next to her. Horton has been arrested and charged with negligent homicide.

Early voting opens today for the November 18 election, but there is not much excitement surrounding the state treasurer’s race…:
Cut 1 (31) “I’m Kelley Ray”

This weekend the Vermilion Parish town of Abbeville will hold their annual Giant Omelette Celebration. The event has been held for 33 years Spokesperson Arlene Collee (Coal-lee) says this celebration shares it’s heritage with seven other similar events around the world…:
Cut 15 (09) “Belgium”

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.

The GOP says their tax reform plan will bring relief to working families, but opponents feel it will lead to the end of some federal programs:
Cut 3 (31) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

The St. Martin Parish Sheriff’s Office says a three year old child who was shot last night has passed away. They say deputies responded to a home around 7:20 yesterday evening following a report of a shooting of the little boy. An investigation into the incident is ongoing. No other details are being released at this time.

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. In 1992, the black bear was declared endangered, but the designation was removed last year after the population had grown. But Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility attorney Paula Dinerstien (Dinner-stien) says 700 bears is not enough…:
Cut 13 (10) “and recovered”
She says before they can file a suit, they have to file a 60 day notice under rules in the Endangered Species Act.

This weekend the Vermilion Parish town of Abbeville will hold their annual Giant Omelette Celebration. Spokesperson Arlene Collee (Coal-lee) says they will use 5,033 eggs cooked in a 12-foot skillet with several different ingredients…:
Cut 14 (13) “pepper sauce”
The eating of the omelette will take place after Mass on Sunday.

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.

Early voting opens today for the November 18 election, but there is not much excitement surrounding the state treasurer’s race.  Kelley Ray has more…

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Kelley Ray”

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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”

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Republicans say their tax reform plan will bring relief to working families, but opponents say it will lead to the end of some federal programs. Jeff Palermo has the story..

Cut 3  (31) “I’m Jeff Palermo”  

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Early voting begins today for the November 18 election. There is a state treasurer race, New Orleans mayoral contest and local propositions in 32 parishes to be decided.  The October 13 election only saw a 14 percent turnout.  Secretary of State Tom Schedler predicts an even lower turnout this month…

Cut 4  (07) “much further.”

Schedler says it costs taxpayers six-million-dollars to hold an election, even if the  turnout is low. Some legislators are questioning the validity of holding so many elections to fill vacancies, such as the recent Public Service Commission seat…

Cut 5  (07)  “good sign.”

Schedler says the numbers for the special election would really be low if it wasn’t for the historic New Orleans mayors race…

Cut 6 (13) “my prediction.”

Early voting will remain open daily from 8:30am to 6pm until November 11 with the exception of November 10 for  Veteran’s Day and Sunday November 5.

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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 says the one-and-a-half-trillion-dollar cuts in the package over ten years will affect services many rely on…

Cut 7 (10)  “them today.”

Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves says when tax cuts were approved in the past, it caused more money to be circulated in the economy, which helped to raise incomes and protect federal programs…

Cut 8 (08) “U.S. economy.”

Moller says based on his knowledge of the bill not everyone will see significant tax cuts as promised…

Cut 9 (07)  “no relief.”

Graves says if this proposed tax code doesn’t go into effect, American corporations will continue to look overseas, jeopardizing the financial security of many in the long run…

Cut 10 (10)  “American families.”

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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. The Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility contends they were removed prematurely. PEER attorney Paula Dinerstien (Dinner-stien) says bears from Minnesota were relocated to the Bayou State in the 1960s and fears the native Louisiana bears will continue to mate with them…

Cut 11 (07) “gene pool.”

Dinerstien says before they can file a suit, they have to file a 60 day notice under rules in the Endangered Species Act.  She is hopeful this will be enough to get the Fish and Wildlife Service to act…

Cut 12 (08) “that reestablished.”

In 1992, the U.S Fish and Wildlife Service declared the black bear endangered, but then revoked the designation last year after they said population had recovered sufficiently.   She said having 700 native bears is not enough…

Cut 13 (10) “and recovered.”

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service says they stand by their decision, but decline comment on pending litigation.

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This weekend the Vermilion Parish town of Abbeville will hold their annual Giant Omelette Celebration.  The event has been held for 33 years and was created after a group who traveled to France to attend a similar festival.  Spokesperson Arlene Collee (Coal-lee) says they will use 5,033 eggs cooked in a 12-foot skillet with several different ingredients…

Cut 14 (13) “pepper sauce.”

Collee says this celebration shares it’s heritage with seven other similar events around the world…

Cut 15 (09) “Belgium.”

How does a 5,033 egg omelette taste?  Collee says some ingredients make all the difference…

Cut 16  (05)  “the recipe.”

The festival will be held Saturday and Sunday with the omelette preparation to begin at 1pm Sunday.

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Not many people are giving LSU the chance to beat top ranked Alabama on Saturday night in Tuscaloosa. The Tigers are three touchdown underdogs. Senior wide receiver DJ Chark says his teammates know they face a big challenge

Cut 17 (20)  “after that”

Alabama has won six straight games against LSU. 2010 was the last time the Tigers scored more than 20 points in a game against the Crimson Tide. Chark says winning the battle of field position will be important in this game…

Cut 18 (17) “get em” 

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The Saints look to extend their winning streak to six games on Sunday when they host NFC South rival Tampa Bay at 12:00 in the Mercedes Benz Superdome. The Bucs are 2-and-5, but New Orleans quarterback Drew Brees expects a tough game…

Cut 19 (12)      beat them” 

The Saints defense has played well during the winning streak, but Brees sees areas of improvement on offense. They’ve committed seven turnovers in the last three games and they only converted twice on third down last week….

cut 20 (20)  “better and better” 

GOP leaders on Capitol Hill unveiled today the key details in a new tax plan. The proposal lowers the number of tax brackets from seven to four, and increases the standard deductions. Louisiana Congressman Clay Higgins says this is major reform which is pro citizen and pro economic growth…:
CUT 12 (07) “virtually doubled”

A Navy veteran has chosen not to accept the Peoples Health Champion Award at the next Saints home game…:
Cut 1 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

A poll from Morning Consult finds in his second year in office, Governor John Bel Edwards has an approval rating of 53-percent. LSU Political Science Professor Robert Hogan says the governor has received high marks when it comes to dealing with the number of natural disasters in Louisiana:
Cut 9 (09) “other states”
He says any time a governor has an approval of over 50-percent that’s good news.

Another legal battle is brewing between the governor and Republican Attorney General Jeff Landry. Landry is confident a state judge will rule that his office can supersede the governor’s opioid lawsuit, and the AG plans to expand it once his office takes control:
Cut 8 (08) “particular issue”
The department of health filed its lawsuit on September 27th claiming drug manufacturers intentionally flooded Louisiana with highly addictive drugs.

A United States Navy veteran has declined to accept the Peoples Health Champion Award during this Sunday’s New Orleans Saints game in the Superdome. Commander John Wells says he was very honored and excited when he was named a recipient. But he says the anthem protests by NFL players are a slap in the face to veterans…:
Cut 3 (08) “for years”
He believes in a good conversation, but doesn’t agree with disrespecting the flag that gives us the right to have that conversation.

November is Adoption Awareness month, and DCFS reports a record number of kids got permanent homes in a one year period ending September 30. Child Welfare manager Shannon Catanzaro (cat-an-zaro) says there are still children waiting to be adopted…:
Cut 14 (12) “forever home”
764 children were adopted up from the record of 735 the previous year.

Another feud is brewing between Governor John Bel Edwards and Attorney General Jeff Landry. The AG believes his office should be handling the lawsuit against opiod companies; not the administration. The state Department of Health claims in a suit that drug manufacturers intentionally flooded Louisiana with highly addictive. Landry says his office is working on its own litigation…:
Cut 7 (09) “I’ll say”
The AG won a legal battle this week over the governor’s office on an executive order dealing with discrimination of LGBT state workers.

There are now 14 former LSU Tigers who are World Champions. The latest two are third baseman Alex Bregman and relief pitcher Will Harris, who helped the Astros win their first world series title in franchise history.

Another legal battle is brewing between Democratic Governor John Bel Edwards and Republican Attorney General Jeff Landry. The A-G filed a motion in court this week to take control of the Edwards administration suit that accuses pharmaceutical companies of worsening the opioid crisis. Landry says it only makes sense for the AG to handle this litigation…:
Cut 6 (08) “Attorney General’s office”
The state filed its lawsuit on September 27th claiming drug manufacturers intentionally flooded Louisiana with highly addictive opioids.

A veteran from Slidell has declined to accept an award that was to have been presented during Sunday’s Saints game. Retired Navy Cmdr. John Wells, who is the head of a local military veterans’ organization, was named a Peoples Health Champion, awarded to citizens over 65 who have made significant accomplishments after reaching “senior citizen” status. Wells declined the award saying he was unable “in good conscience, to enter an NFL stadium” where some players disrespect the flag.

UL Lafayette has fired its highly successful softball coach, claiming that Michael Lotief created a hostile learning and working environment. His attorney, John McElligott feels Lotief wasn’t liked by higher ups because he fought for more support for women athletics…:
Cut 11 (12) “federal law”
The university says Lotief subjected students and coworkers to violent, vulgar language.

The Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services reports a record number of kids were adopted form the state’s foster care system in a one year period ending September 30. Child Welfare manager Shannon Catanzaro says many of these children are getting forever homes from relatives…:
Cut 15 (09) “as well”
November is Adoption Awareness Month.