Sweltering temperatures are expected across the state this weekend. State Climatologist Barry Keim says dangerous heat levels are expected into the first part of next week. He says afternoon high temps will be in the triple digits across Louisiana…:
CUT 9 (06) “in Baton Rouge”
The National Weather Service says record high temperatures are possible in some areas of the state.

An arrest has been made in connection to a double homicide which happened in January near Donaldsonville in Ascension Parish. Deputies have charged 26-year-old Quinton Jackson of New Orleans with two counts of first degree murder. 37-year-old Chad Nichols and 29-year-old Benny Booker were found fatally shot at a home in what officials believe was a drug-related crime with the possible motive of robbery. Jackson was arrested with the help of New Orleans cops. Ascension Sheriff Wiley emphasized that this investigation is far from over.

The National Federation of Independent business is encouraging people to shop local as the annual state sales tax holiday is expected to give small business a much needed shot in the arm. Retail items are exempt from the 4 percent state sales tax today and tomorrow. NFIB State Director Dawn Starns says local businesses have been suffering of late…:
CUT 3 (11) “floated around”
She asks back to school shoppers to consider your mom and pop stores this weekend.

Gas prices dropped another penny from the day before. The current statewide average for a gallon of regular is $2.36.