The Louisiana National Guard has mobilized over 500 soldiers to Florida in anticipation of  major damage from Hurricane Milton. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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Good news kids – you’ll be spending less time taking LEAP tests this year! Andrew Greenstein reports.

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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.”

Additionally, 500 soldiers from the 225th Engineer Brigade will support recovery efforts, including 20 route clearance teams and six engineer work teams focused on debris removal and restoring essential infrastructure. Collins says a  60-Soldier Light Medium Truck Company will also assist…

Cut 4 (08) “…critical supplies.”

The Louisiana Guard is also on standby to aid in states affected by Hurricane Helene. Their response efforts have already contributed to significant operations across the Southeast, involving thousands of responders and the delivery of millions of pounds of aid. The Guard’s commitment to multi-state support highlights their readiness to provide essential assistance during hurricane recovery.

Cut 5 (12) “…provide in return.”

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Good news, kids – this year’s LEAP tests will be shorter!

Cut 6 (10) “…quality of result.”

State Superintendent of Education 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.”

The English tests will take up to 70 minutes less time to complete, while the time to complete the math tests will drop by about 40 minutes. Teachers and parents are hailing the move, saying that the tests cause undue stress for their kids. Brumley says the change is effective immediately.

Cut 8 (06) “…taking LEAP tests.”

Standardized tests like Louisiana’s LEAP tests are required by federal law.

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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.

Cut 9 (12)  “…dollars a barrel.”

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

Cut 10 (10) “…closed to tankers.”

Redman says this price increase is more regional in nature, and it shouldn’t be too long until gas prices come back down.

Cut 11 (06) “…Texas and Louisiana.”

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

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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.

Cut 12 (12) “…two homicide victims.”

Craft says deputies secured the home and detectives started processing and collecting evidence.

Cut 13 (12) “…inch by inch.” 

Craft stated that there is currently no perceived danger to the public, and encourages anyone with information to contact Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office.

Cut 14 (10) “…this investigation.”

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

When severe weather hits in the south, GOHSEP is ready to help. Andrew Greenstein reports.

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Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser is back from India promoting tourism in Louisiana.  Sena Richardson has the story.

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GOHSEP is pitching to help states impacted by severe storms. Nearly 100 personnel have been deployed to Virginia and the Carolinas after Hurricane Helene left destruction in its wake, and another 77 are headed to Florida as Milton bears down on that state. Mike Steele with GOHSEP says states often turn to Louisiana to help out in the wake of severe weather.

Cut 3 (16) “…and help out.”

Steele says other states have helped Louisiana when our state was impacted by hurricanes, so this is a chance for Louisiana to return the favor.

Cut 4 (10) “…our partner states.”

Steele says GHOSEP should have the manpower to help states impacted by Hurricane Helene and, later this week, Hurricane Milton. But especially with parts of Louisiana still recovering from Hurricane Francine, the state may need to dole out resources carefully.

Cut 5 (11) “…of that time.”

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We’re now a little more than a day away from Hurricane Milton’s landfall, and forecasters say this will be catastrophic.

Cut 6 (14) “…south of Tampa.”

LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim says millions of people live in Milton’s direct path, so those who need to evacuate should not wait any longer in doing so.

Cut 7 (09) “…the last century.”

Keim says job one is to move away from the coast and onto higher land.

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As of late this morning, Milton has weakened to a strong Category Four storm, but Keim says the storm surge will still be akin to that of a Category Five storm. Landfall is forecast for late tomorrow night.

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The Public Affairs Research Council released the Guide to the 2024 Constitutional Amendments, outlining the impact of five constitutional amendments appearing on the Nov. 5 and Dec. 7 ballots. PAR President Dr. Steven Procopio says this nonpartisan review is designed to inform voters about the nature of each amendment and the implications of their potential approval.

Cut 9 (07)  “…for and against.”

The guide presents an educational overview, helping readers understand the legal and social changes each proposition might bring. This allows individuals to form their perspectives based on the content and consequences of the proposed amendments.  Procopio emphasized that these amendments are somewhat hyperboring and not considered controversial…

Cut 10 (07) “…functioning of government.”

The guide aims to clarify the amendments’ language and context, Procopio says, ensuring that voters are better equipped to make informed decisions on election day.

Cut 11 (08) “…and facebook.”

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The Louisiana Office of Tourism concluded its first promotional mission to India on September 27, in Mumbai and New Delhi. Led by Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser.  The mission aimed to boost Louisiana’s appeal to Indian travelers and media by showcasing its cultural experiences, cuisine, music, festivals, and outdoor adventures. Nungesser says after visiting Italy, Spain, and India, and enthusiastic about seeing the results from this tourism mission…

Cut 12 (08) “…visitors to Louisiana.”

This outreach is part of Louisiana’s strategy to tap into India’s growing travel market, which saw a 17-percent increase in visitors to the U.S. from January to July 2024. With support from a U.S. Department of Commerce grant, Louisiana is strengthening its presence in India through partnerships with U.S. Commercial Services and the U.S. Embassy.

Cut 13 (12) “…market for us.” 

Louisiana’s central location and the connectivity of the Louis Armstrong International Airport in New Orleans make it accessible to Indian cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore. In 2024, the state is celebrating the “Year of Music,” promoting its heritage as the birthplace of jazz, Cajun, and Zydeco music to attract more international visitors.

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The fall Angola Rodeo is back each Sunday in October, offering the best in prison rodeo excitement.  Sean Richardson has more.

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Establish rail service between Baton Rouge and New Orleans, or widen Interstate 10 between the two cities? A rail commissioner asks, why not both? Andrew Greenstein reports.

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The Angola Prison Rodeo is back every Sunday in October, featuring adrenaline-pumping events like Convict Poker, Wild Cow Milking, and the renowned Guts-n-Glory. Held at the Louisiana State Penitentiary, the show starts at 1 p.m., with gates opening at 8 a.m. for pre-rodeo festivities.  Warden Tim Hooper says visitors can enjoy delicious Southern cuisine and shop a variety of handmade crafts such as jewelry, leather goods, and woodworking.

Cut 3 (11) “…come out a purchase.”

This year’s events are on October 6, 13, 20, and 27, with tickets available for $20 each. Purchases can be made online or by phone. All proceeds fund reentry programs to help inmates reintegrate successfully after release.

Cut 4 (08) “…home with a trade.”

For families, there are kid-friendly attractions like pony rides and carnival games. Hooper says come for the excitement, stay for the crafts, and support a good cause.

Cut 5 (08) “…to do all day long.”

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The Louisiana State Police now has 55 more officers. They graduated from Cadet Class 104 this morning during a ceremony outside Istrouma (is-TROO-ma) Baptist Church in Baton Rouge. Captain Nick Manale (ma-NAAL-ee) says they completed their 24-week training that began in late April.

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And now, Captain Manale says those graduates are ready to go on patrol.

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Manale says if you’re interested in becoming a Louisiana state trooper, there will be additional training classes coming up.

Cut 8 (06) “…later in 2025.”

More information is available on the Louisiana State Police’s website.

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Governor Landry has come out and said while he does not oppose passenger rail service connecting Baton Rouge and New Orleans, he’d rather see money go towards widening I-10 between the two cities. John Spain, a member of the Southern Rail Commission, says, why not both?

Cut 9 (10)  “…can have both.”

Spain says adding passenger rail would ease congestion on I-10.

Cut 10 (11) “…of that congestion”

Governor Landry has questioned whether a Baton Rouge-New Orleans train corridor would get used. Spain says polls show that it would.

Cut 11 (07) “…ride the train.”

Landry’s predecessor, John Bel Edwards, had dedicated more than 20-million dollars to the rail project. It would be up to Governor Landry to decide whether to move forward. Spain notes that the Biden administration has committed 60-billion dollars for intercity rail.

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Faith House is relaunching the Purple Light Project this October to honor Domestic Violence Awareness Month and bring attention to the issue of domestic abuse. The campaign encourages community members to replace their porch lights with purple bulbs.  Prevention and Development Director Kimberly Boutte says it symbolizes peace, courage, survival, and solidarity with survivors.

Cut 12 (05) “…October for sure.”

Boutte says for a donation of $10 or more, Faith House will provide a complimentary purple bulb to display throughout October.

Cut 13 (13) “…lights will help.” 

The Purple Light Project was a success last year, and Faith House hopes to see even more homes and businesses join in. Boutte emphasizes by uniting as a community, we can shine a light on domestic violence and create meaningful change.

Cut 14 (09) “…ending the violence.”

Donations can be made online at Faith-House-Acadiana-dot-com