 BY DOUG GRAHAM | Staff writer A study commissioned by a group of local leaders lays out a number of ways in which a unified Baton Rouge law enforcement agency might operate more efficiently than the current separate departments. The leaders of those departments do not cotton to the idea of combining forces, however. "They keep going around using this word 'consolidation.' And this report is not consolidation," Police Chief Thomas Morse said. "It is the elimination of the Baton Rouge Police Department, and the Baton Rouge Police Department has been here for over 100 years." Read why the study suggests the move could prove to be beneficial for the city.
A record number of Louisiana residents has already cast ballots for the candidates and issues in the Nov. 5 election, as across the country early voting is emerging as a new norm, according to veterans of political races. More Republicans than Democrats have voted so far in the state, but political experts are mixed on whether you can use those numbers to draw any conclusions about the outcome of the 2024 presidential race. Read how they are reading the tea leaves at this point.
Cassandra High says she and her husband, Marlo, wanted to bring survivors of Hurricane Helene in North Carolina "a taste of Louisiana, some hospitality,” so they traveled to the area to treat the taste buds of those in need with a serving of kindness. “We’re used to the hurricanes — this was a shocker for them,” Cassandra said. “So we decided to come and show them some love. Because we believe that food feeds the soul.” Read how the couple have made a habit of aiding those in need after natural disasters. | 
