There are now about 8,000 Entergy customers without power, and over 1500 with DEMCO in the dark, as a severe storm churns over southeast Louisiana, and moves slowly west. Massive flooding has been reported throughout the region. In East Baton Rouge Parish, Central Mayor Jr. Shelton says they’ve had close to 10 inches of rain since midnight…:
CUT 1 (09) “new territory now”
He says they’ve received hundreds of calls from people requesting help and sandbags, and that’s the case in many areas. Forecasters are urging residents to watch for rising streams, creeks ditches and other low lying areas. More flooding is expected tonight and the flash flood watch remains in effect until 7am for all of Southeast Louisiana and most of Acadiana. Most schools are closed today, as are state and city offices. Officials are continuing to monitor this fluid situation.

A suspect is in critical condition following an officer-involved shooting in Iberville Parish. Sheriff Brett Stassi says the suspect apparently beat his mother around her head, and later allegedly pulled out a gun on responding deputies…:
CUT 15 (10) “buttocks area”
Stassi says the suspect was critically wounded and transported to a hospital in Baton Rouge. He says none of the deputies were injured.

Louisiana ranks in the top ten lowest gas prices in the country, according to AAA. Fuel analyst Don Redman expects what motorists pay at the pump will remain below average into September and October…:
CUT 11 (08) “since 2004”
Redman says the demand usually goes down close to Labor Day, so prices could get even lower.