The National Hurricane Center says the area of low pressure in the Gulf of Mexico is becoming better organized. They say the disturbance will likely become a tropical or subtropical cyclone later today. GOHSEP spokesperson Mike Steele says many parishes are already handing out sandbags in preparation for what is mostly forecast now to be a rain event, and is expected to peak Wednesday and Thursday…:
Cut 14 (12) “another issue”
A Tropical Storm Warning continues along the Louisiana coast.

The St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office is investigating a double homicide, which they say occurred yesterday evening in the Pearl River area. No further details are currently available.

The LSU Tigers are licking their wounds today after an embarrassing 13-1 loss last night to Oregon State in the College World Series. The Bayou Bengals now head into an elimination game against Florida State tomorrow night.

Louisiana becomes the first state to “ban-the-box,” prohibiting state colleges from inquiring about a potential student’s criminal history during the application process. Annie Freitas, the program director with the Louisiana Prison Education Coalition, says this bill, that the governor signed, had bi-partisan support after public testimony…:
Cut 6 (o9) “people’s lives”
She says the recidivism rate drops by at least 40-percent when a convicted felon is able to access any kind of higher education.

The 10th annual Louisiana Seafood Cook-Off gets underway today at the CajunDome in Lafayette. Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says it’s great that the Acadiana region is hosting such a high profile event…:
Cut 9 (10) “for Lafayette”
The cook-off, which is relocating from New Orleans, will feature a dozen Louisiana chefs competing.