Over 500 Louisiana National Guard soldiers have been mobilized to support Florida in anticipation of Hurricane Milton, which is expected to make landfall near Tampa Bay late this evening. Two UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters and eight Guardsmen are in staging areas near Tallahassee. Lt. Col. Noel Collins says these helicopters are pre-positioned for rapid aerial search and rescue.

Cut 3 (07) “…conditions allow.”

Good news, kids – this year’s LEAP tests will be shorter! State Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley says the English and math tests given to students in the third through eighth grade will take about 20-percent less time to complete.

Cut 7 (10) “…kids are testing.”

Drivers filling up their tanks today had quite the sticker shock. Don Redman with Triple-A Louisiana says gas prices spiked by about five cents overnight.

Cut 9 (12)  “…dollars a barrel.”

Mid-grade is averaging $3.25 and premium is averaging $3.63.

If you play Mega Millions, get ready for some changes next spring. The price for each ticket is increasing from two dollars to five dollars. Kimberly Chopin (show-PAN) with the Louisiana Lottery says as a result, the starting jackpot will be much higher, and it will take no time at all for the jackpot to balloon to astronomical figures.

Cut 13 (08)  “…these huge jackpots.”