Tropical Storm Nate has formed near the coast of Nicaragua and the long range forecast calls for Nate to develop into a hurricane in the Gulf of Mexico and make landfall along the northern Gulf coast this weekend. The National Hurricane Center’s forecast track for the storm has moved west, so southeast Louisiana is now in the cone of uncertainity.

LSU researcher Eugene Turner has discovered the Menhaden, a small silver fish, that can be found along the Gulf coast has shrunk in size over the last 65 years, becuase of warmer sea surface temperatures…
cut 15 (08) “…in the 60s”
Menhaden is known as one of the most economically important fish as they make up one-half of the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico fish harvest and they are a significant food source for birds, whales, striped bass and other animals.

20 people have been arrested after an investigation into drug trafficking in Winn Parish. Eleven individuals face federal charges and 10 people will be brought up on state charges. Acting U.S. Attorney for the Western District Alexander Van Hook says the defendants facing federal charges were involved in the distribution of large amounts of methamphetamines….
cut 7 (11) “…imprisonment”

Visitation is today for Lafayette Police Officer Michael Middlebrook who was killed in the line of duty on Sunday. Police Chief Toby Aguillard says Middlebrook was an excellent officer and dedicated to his community as he received the Heart of Law Enforcement Award….
cut 5 (11) “…less fortunate”
Middlebrook leaves behind a wife, a three-year-old and two step children.