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.

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

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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. Redman says you can blame the upcoming landfall of Hurricane Milton to the Florida Gulf Coast for this price spike.

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

A woman and her daughter are found dead inside their home in Vernon Parish. Sheriff Sam Craft says deputies discovered the bodies of 86-year-old Ruth Holt and her 64-year-old daughter Fredda Pierce. Craft stated that there is currently no perceived danger to the public, and encourages anyone with information to contact Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office.

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The investigation is ongoing, with detectives processing the scene for evidence. As of now, no additional information is available for release.