It’s been five years since a package of state criminal justice reform laws went into effect. The legislation lowered the state’s prison population, which allowed the state to re-invest that money elsewhere. The governor’s communications director Lauren Leist says today the governor will visit an organization in Lafayette that helps domestic violence victims and he has more events planned later this week…
Cut 11 (09) “…re-investment”

Experts say the record low Mississippi River levels are taking a big toll on the economy. Clint Wilson is the director of the LSU Center for River Studies says the impact is being felt from Illinois to the Gulf of Mexico as barges can’t carry full loads.
Cut 3 (09) “..to it”
Accuweather estimates the economic loss at around 20-billion dollars.

It’s Halloween and Louisiana State Police have some tips on how to make it a safe one for trick-or-treaters. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Tonight’s Powerball Jackpot has reached one billion dollars, that’s a billion with a B, and Louisiana Lottery Spokesperson Dustin Annison says it has a cash value of $497-million dollars
Cut 6 (09) “…jackpot ever.”
Tonight’s drawing is just before 10 PM.