A tax expert says the average worker in Louisiana probably doesn’t need to worry about keeping those 2018 receipts for itemizing on their tax returns…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

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The family of the LSU basketball player that was gunned down in September has a charitable cause in his honor.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”  

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The government shutdown is now nearly a week old, and Senator John Kennedy says the chances of a quick end are getting dimmer by the day…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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With the New Year right around the corner it’s time to start getting your tax ducks in a row. LA Champagne and Company partner Wayne Dussel says the tax reform bill passed at the beginning of the year means less tax work, and the end of middle class folks with straight forward finances having to save their 2018 receipts for expenses and charity to itemize for optimal tax results.

Cut 4 (09) “…forward″

Because of the increased standard deduction, many will no longer see a benefit from reporting tax write offs like donations and mortgage interest for the average home. Dussel says that means a lower tax incentives for those activities.

Cut 5 (09) “…do that.”

And Dussel says the average wage earner hoping for a noticeably bigger return from the 1.5 trillion dollar tax cut is  likely to be disappointed. He says it’s not a middle class tax cut.

Cut 6 (08) “will see”

The IRS will start accepting returns January 29^th.

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The LSU basketball player who was gunned down in September has a charitable cause named in his memory.  The family of Wayde Sims is establishing the Wayde Forever 44 Emotional Support Dog Fund, which will help students with the costs associated with caring for a support dog.  Senior Director of Development at the LSU Vet School, Tracy Evans, says Sims had his own emotional support dog.

Cut 7 (06) “…his dog Buddha.”

Evans says the financial impact that students may incur in having an animal may be overwhelming.

Cut 8 (09) “…for their apartment.”

Evans says they hope to have enough contributions to get the fund kicked off in time for the fall semester.

Cut 9 (12) “…was December 13th.″

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According to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, the number of law enforcement professionals who died in the line of duty nationwide in 2018 increased by 12% over the previous year, a total of 144.  CEO for the organization Chris Floyd says of the four officers killed in Louisiana, one was struck by a vehicle, one in a motorcycle crash, and two died in automobile crashes, making traffic related accidents a great concern.

Cut 10 (08)   “…among officers nationwide.”

The four who died in 2018 were Zachary Police Officer Michael Lawton, Monroe Police Officer Ayriana Michelle Williams, Montgomery Assistant Chief of Police Kirt Roy Ricks III, and Slidell Police Officer Jason Michael Seals.

Floyd says while in previous years traffic fatalities outnumbered gun related deaths, that was not the case this year.

Cut 11 (12) “…deaths among officers.”

While the number of deaths may have increased from last year, compared to the average of the last ten years, the number is slightly below average and the decade over all is seeing lower numbers than were recorded in the 70s.

Cut 12 (12)   “…a 35% drop.”

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The government shutdown is now into it’s sixth day. Senator John Kennedy says negotiations have stalled, and it’s looking increasingly unlikely they’ll have the votes to pass a budget that includes 5.7 billion in border wall funding demanded by the President.

Cut 13 (10) “…Representatives”

The shutdown has impacted an estimated 850,000 federal workers. 

Democrats say they’ll refuse to sign any budget that pays for the President’s border wall. Kennedy blames the impasse on internal party politics surrounding potential Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi.

Cut 14 (10) “…yet”

A bill with wall money narrowly cleared the House, but is stuck in the Senate, where it needs 60 votes for approval. Many conservative advocates have called on Republican leaders to exercise the “nuclear option” that would allow items to pass the Senate with only a 51 vote majority, but…

Cut 15 (11) “…stop them.”

Governor Edwards says the shutdown is shameful, and needs to be solved quickly in a bi-partisan manner.

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Even though the Saints have locked up the number one seed in the N-F-C playoffs, there’s still something to play for on Sunday when they take on the Carolina Panthers. A win and the Black and Gold can set the franchise record for most regular wins in a single season. Quarterback Drew Brees says that’s important

Cut 16 (12)  significant yes”

It’s unclear how much Brees will play on Sunday. He can use the game to pad his stats to help boost his M-V-P campaign. Brees needs just eight more passing yards to eclipse 4,000 yards for a 13th consecutive season, but the future Hall of Famer is not worried about individual awards

 cut 17 (17)     get here” 

Veteran backup quarterback Teddy Bridgewater is expected to see snaps on Sunday as Brees is not expected to play the whole game. Bridgewater was a former starter in Minnesota and has been ready for his chance in New Orleans…

Cut 18 (19)     stay ready” 

Bridgewater led the Vikings to the playoffs in 2015, but suffered a significant knee injury and missed all of 2016 and only played in one game last year. The 26-year-old says he’s hoping to see the field on Sunday

One of the two men being sought for a December 16^th double murder near Lacassine has turned himself in. 21-year-old Jordan Legros is suspected to have participated in the robbery that left Walter and Darlene Gotreaux dead in their home. Jefferson Davis Chief Deputy Chris Ivey says the Gotreauxs were well known in the small community, and were likely targeted because of their property rental business. He says everyone’s hoping for a quick end to the troubling incident.

Cut 8 (10) “…this happen.”
Cops were cracking down on drunk drivers, resulting in 97 DWI arrests in central and northern Louisiana.  State Police spokesperson Trooper Glenn Younger says the state has seen a drop in traffic fatalities.
Cut 11 (09) “…on our way.”

A Texas motorist traveling on the I-10 Atchafalaya Basin Bridge was arrested yesterday for allegedly performing lewd acts on himself with his two young girls in the car. State Police Sergeant Jared Sandifer says the suspect was stopped by the L-S-P after a dispatcher was informed by another driver with a sharp eye.

Cut 12 (12)   “…traffic stop” 

47-year-old James Toomey of Spring, Texas, has been charged with two counts of Indecent Behavior and Contributing to the Delinquency of Juveniles.

It’s not currently known whether or not Toomey is a registered sex offender, but Sandifer says once the stop was made, the kids were separated from their father, and child welfare specialists were called to take over custody.

And finally, at the Independence Bowl in Shreveport today, Duke scored three touchdowns in the third quarter on their way to a 27-56 win over the Temple Owls.

The Saints host Carolina on Sunday. New Orleans already owns homefield advantage throughout the N-F-C playoffs, but Quarterback Drew Brees says the Black and Gold are not taking their foot off the gas pedal…
cut 30 (16) “…ready for”
Brees needs eight more passing yards to eclipse 4,000 in a single season for a 13th straight year. A win over the Panthers will also give New Orleans 14 victories on the regular season, which would be a franchise record.

The Pelicans franchise is heading in the wrong direction as New Orleans lost its fifth straight last night, a three-point defeat in Dallas. But Head Coach Alvin Gentry says Elfrid Payton is getting closer to returning as he’s been practicing with a splint on his broken finger.

The LSU football team is expected to arrive in Arizona later this evening as they are five days away from facing U-C-F in the Fiesta Bowl on New Year’s Day. The Knights have the nation’s third best offense, averaging 545 yards a game. Tigers defensive back Jacoby Stevens says Central Florida has a lot of weapons on offense…
cut 18 (20) “….good team”
Stevens’ teammate, Kary Vincent is mourning the death of his father. Kary Vincent Senior died at the age of 49. Twice this year the former teacher and coach in Port Arthur, Texas has battled pneumonia. The second bout forced him into coma.

And at the Independence Bowl in Shreveport, Duke scored three touchdowns in the third quarter on their way to a XXX win over the Temple Owls.

Southeast Louisiana remains under a tornado watch, and scattered flash flood watches are warnings are in effect until 6 PM tonight. State Climatologist Barry Keim says it’s nasty, and likely means street flooding.

Cut 3 (12) “…more rainfall.”

One of the two men being sought for a December 16^th double murder near Lacassine has turned himself in. 21-year-old Jordan Legros is suspected to have participated in the robbery/murder. Authorities say 23-year-old Javari Guidry, who allegedly also played a part in the murder/robbery is still in hiding, and Jefferson Davis Chief Deputy Chris Ivey says they’re asking for help from the public.

Cut 7 (09) “…and dangerous.”

The search currently involves agencies in both Louisiana and Texas. The alleged incident left Walter and Darlene Gotreaux dead in their home.

A Texas motorist traveling on the I-10 Atchafalaya Basin Bridge was arrested yesterday for allegedly performing lewd acts on himself with his two young girls in the car. It’s not currently known whether or not 47-year-old James Toomey of Spring, Texas is a registered sex offender, but State Police Sergeant Jared Sandifer says he been separated from his two daughters.

Cut 13 (11) “…had four victims.”

Toomey was reported by another motorist on I-10.

The effort of law enforcement to focus on highway safety by curbing fatalities caused by impaired drivers has seen many arrests in central and northern Louisiana.  State Police spokesperson Trooper Glenn Younger says  the goal is to have zero DWI fatalities, so anything that can be done to get closer to that goal is a good thing.

Cut 10 (09) “…on our roadways.”

One of the two men being sought for a December 16^th double murder near Lacassine has turned himself in. 21-year-old Jordan Legros is suspected to have participated in the robbery that left Walter and Darlene Gotreaux dead in their home. Jefferson Davis Chief Deputy Chris Ivey says Legros presented himself unannounced to authorities.
Cut 6 (08) “…courthouse.”
Walter was the former president of the Lake Charles Cajun French Music Association.
The effort of law enforcement to focus on highway safety by curbing fatalities caused by impaired drivers has seen many arrests in central and northern Louisiana.  State Police spokesperson Trooper Glenn Younger says in the three troop areas for Bossier City, Monroe, and Alexandria have netted 97 DWI arrests over the Christmas weekend.
Cut 9 (08) “…total of 97.″

State Police arrest a Texas man after a motorist on the I-10 Atchafalaya Basin Bridge allegedly saw the suspect performing lewd acts on himself, with kids in the car. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”  

A Ponchatula woman is dead after a tree fell through the roof of her camper due to severe weather.  First responders who were on scene believe the woman was killed instantly while in her sleep.  The victim has been identified as 58-year-old Roxanne Kliebert.

Southeast Louisiana remains under a tornado watch until six PM tonight. State Climatologist Barry Keim says a strong cold front brought heavy rainfall and strong winds to the entire state today…
cut 4 (12) “…down trees”
There are reports of scattered power outages.

A Texas motorist traveling on the I-10 Atchafalaya Basin Bridge was arrested yesterday for allegedly performing lewd acts on himself with his two young girls in the car. State Police Sergeant Jared Sandifer.
cut 12 (12) “…traffic stop”
47-year-old James Toomey of Spring, Texas, has been charged with Indecent Behavior and Contributing to the Delinquency of Juveniles.

There’s some good news regarding the number of traffic fatalities in Louisiana. State Police Trooper Glenn Younger says 655 have died in traffic crashes this year, but that’s a double-digit percent decline from this same time last year…
cut 11 (09) “…on our way”
Younger says you can expect increased patrols during the New Year’s holiday.

One of the two men suspected in the double homicide of an elderly couple near Lacassine is in custody. Jefferson Davis Parish Sheriff Chief Deputy Chris Ivey says 21-year-old Jordan Legros of Welsh turned himself in last night, which is a relief to those who knew the victims, Walter and Darlene Gotreaux…
cut 8 (10) “….this happen”
The search continues for 23-year-old Javari Guidry.

A strong storm system has knocked down trees and caused power outages across the state today. Entergy reports that nearly 68-hundred customers are without power. Southeast Louisiana is under a tornado watch and flash flood watch.

State Police has arrested a Texas man after a motorist on the I-10 Atchafalaya Basin Bridge allegedly saw the suspect performing lewd acts on himself, with kids in the car. Matt Doyle has more.
Cut 2 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

The Jefferson Davis Parish Sheriff’s office says one man has turned himself in and the search continues for the second suspect in the murder of an elderly couple on December 16th. Walter and Darlene Gotreaux were found dead in their home near Lacassine and Chief Deputy Christopher Ivey says 21-year-old Jordan Legros turned himself in last night on first-degree murder charges and they are actively searching for 23-year-old Javari Guidry…
cut 7 (09) “…and dangerous”
It’s possible Guidry is in Texas.

State Police troops in north and central Louisiana say they made 97 DWI arrests over the Christmas holiday weekend. Trooper Glenn Younger says the goal is to have zero DWI fatalities, so anything that can be done to get closer to that goal is a good thing…
cut 10 (09) “….on our roadways”

Much of south Louisiana and the Delta Region of the state are under a tornado watch until 6 PM tonight as a strong line of thunderstorms associated with a cold front moves across the state. State Climatologist Barry Keim says along with nasty winds, we’ll be seeing quite a bit of rain.

Cut 5 (12) “…right now.”

One of the two men being sought for a December 16^th double murder near Lacassine has turned himself in. 21-year-old Jordan Legros is suspected to have participated in the robbery that left Walter and Darlene Gotreaux dead in their home. Jefferson Davis Chief Deputy Chris Ivey says Legros presented himself unannounced to authorities.

Cut 6 (08) “…courthouse.”

Authorities say 23-year-old Javari Guidry, who allegedly also played a part in the murder/robbery is still in hiding, and is considered armed and dangerous.

Santa’s sleigh wasn’t the only thing weaving around Louisiana over Christmas weekend as State Police made dozens of DWI arrests.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Kevin Barnhart.”

and now commodities.

A good portion of Louisiana is under a tornado watch until six PM tonight. The watch box includes Lafayette, Baton Rouge, New Orleans and Natchez, Mississippi. State Climatologist Barry Keim says a strong cold front is bringing the state heavy rainfall and strong winds…
cut 4 (12) “…down trees”
There are reports of scattered power outages.

State Police report dozens of DWI arrests in north and central Louisiana during an effort to curb drunk driving fatalities over the Christmas weekend. State Police Trooper Glenn Younger says several drivers were also booked on drug charges…
cut 9 (08) “….total of 97”
Younger says they are encouraged that there’s been a 14-percent decline from last year in traffic fatalities statewide

Congressman Ralph Abraham holds a fundraiser in Monroe tonight as he strengthens his campaign war chest ahead of the 2019 governor’s race…
Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

At the Independence Bowl Fan Fest in Shreveport, fans have a chance to consume a bowl from the world’s largest pot of gumbo. Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser is there…
cut 30 (08) “…good seafood”
Proceeds will go to the Fisher House Foundation to provide housing for families of militiary patients in the hospital.

Much of south Louisiana and the Delta Region of the state are under a tornado watch until 6 PM tonight as a strong line of thunderstorms associated with a cold front moves across the state. State Climatologist Barry Keim says the squall line is also producing heavy rainfall…
cut 3 (12) “…more rainfall”
We’re also seeing strong winds ahead of the front.

Investigators continue to track down leads in the double homicide that took place Sunday night in Independence. Tangipahoa Sheriff Daniel Edwards hopes the public can provide information into the slayings of 45-year-old Daytra Miller and her 13-year-old son Robert West Junior….
cut 6 (11) “…everything out”
Edwards’ office has issued a 25-hundred dollar reward for information leading to an arrest in this double homicide.

A man who was once on death row for the murder of a pizza delivery boy in Livingston Parish now faces a 25-year-sentence after pleading guility to manslaughter in the death of 16-year-old Eric Walber. Michael Wearry’s previous death sentence was tossed out by the U-S Supreme Court. District Attorney Scott Perrilloux says one of the reasons he accepted this new plea deal is that there’s not enough evidence to convict Wearry on second-degree murder…
cut 14 (10) “….as of today”
Wearry will receive credit for time served dating back to 1999, which allows him to become a free man in 2024.

The Jefferson Davis Sheriff’s office announces an arrest has been made in the first-degree murder deaths of Walkter and Darlene Gotreaux. The elderly couple was found dead in their home on December 16. 21-year-old Jodran Legros of Welsh turned himself in last night and the search continues for the other suspect, 23-year-old Javari Guidry.