The National Hurricane Center says Tropical Storm Cindy has weakened a bit as of late this morning, but the heavy downpours expected with the system still remain a major threat. Forecasters say Cindy is still expected to move inland near the Texas Louisiana border sometime tomorrow.

Southwest Louisiana residents are getting prepared. Calcasieu Parish Sheriff Tony Mancuso says they’ve moved boats and high water vehicles to both sides of the river in preparation for the storm. He says they’re as ready as they can be…:
Cut 6 (11) “we’re ready”

Southeast Louisiana is under a tornado watch until 7pm this evening. Governor John Bel Edwards has declared a state of emergency for as a result of Cindy and will provide an update at this hour.

The FBI announced at a briefing this morning, James Hodgekinson, the man who allegedly shot Congressman Steve Scalise at a baseball practice last week, has no ties to terrorism. Hodgekinson was shot by Capitol Police Officers and later died. FBI Special Agent Tim Slater says the shooter acted alone and has a history of anger problems…:
Cut 12 (10) “problem”
Congressman Scalise continues to make good progress, as he is now listed in fair condition.

The Louisiana Seafood Promotion and Marketing Board crowned the first woman, Chef Bonnie Breaux, the queen of Louisiana Seafood. After competing against 11 contestants, Breaux, of St. Martinville, took the title at the 10th annual Seafood Cook-Off in Lafayette. She says the honor is surreal…:
Cut 10 (09) “appreciate it”

Tropical Storm Cindy is expected to make landfall tomorrow near the Texas-Louisiana border. Stephen Carboni with the National Weather Service in Lake Charles says strong winds will be a concern in southwest Louisiana.

Cut 13 (11) “southwest Louisiana”

Rain will be the biggest problem in southeast Louisiana, as forecasters are calling for more than a foot of rain in some areas. A tornado watch has been issued for much of south Louisiana.

Some federal lawmakers suggest allowing congressmen to carry concealed weapons after a shootout on members of congressmen left five people injured. Richland Parish Congressmen Ralph Abraham supports the proposal, but says it’s important to make sure those that carry do so safely.

Cut 12 (08) “concealed carry course”

A third of companies are willing to offer better benefits to attract skilled workers, according to a survey by the Society for Humane Research Management. UNO business professor Mark Rosa says giving employees flexible work arrangements has also become popular.

Cut 6 (09) “the office”

Rosa says providing health plans with low deductibles is also beneficial because there are no added taxes.

A new law allows the Office of Tourism to partner with businesses to add upgraded attractions at state parks. Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says they’re thrilled at the possibilities these public private partnerships will offer.

Cut 8 (11) “for us”

Nungesser says they’ll make sure the new companies don’t compete with local businesses.

Governor John Bel Edwards has declared a state of emergency for Louisiana as a result of Tropical Storm Cindy. The governor says the potential for heavy rainfall associated with this system is the main threat, primarily in southeast Louisiana. Area wide rainfall totals of 4 to 8 inches are in the forecast, with the potential of 10 to 15 inches or more in some spots.

But southwest Louisiana is where the storm is slated to make landfall tomorrow. Stephen Carboni with the National Weather Service in Lake Charles says wind damage will be a bigger concern than rain for that part of the state…:
Cut 14 (08) “tree limbs down”

The Governor says GOHSEP is currently in 24 hour operations and is coordinating with state agencies, parish officials and first responders who are putting resources in place for citizens who may need assistance.

One third of businesses are increasing benefits in order to attract talented employees, according to a study by the Society for Human Resource Management….:
Cut 1 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

LSU faces Florida State again tonight in the College World Series. This time the loser will be eliminated. Shortstop Kramer Robertson on what it will take to beat F-S-U again…:
Cut 17 (09) “the game”
First pitch is set for 6pm.

The National Hurricane Center says the primary threat from Tropical Storm Cindy continues to be very heavy rainfall over portions of the central and eastern Gulf Coast, which could cause flash flooding in some locations. Total rain accumulations of 6 to 9 inches, with isolated maximum amounts of 12 inches, are expected over southeastern Louisiana. Cindy is expected to make landfall tomorrow near the Texas-Louisiana border.

After the shootout on members of congress at a Virginia ball park, a bill is expected to be filed that would allow congressmen to carry concealed weapons. Richland Parish Congressman Ralph Abraham says lawmakers don’t have security detail like House Majority Whip Steve Scalise…:
Cut 11 (09) “every one of us”
Abraham says as a strong supporter of Second Amendment rights, he’s all for people having guns and using them properly

The state Office of Tourism is now able to enter public-private partnerships to upgrade attractions at state parks…:
Cut 2 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

The FBI is planning to release additional details today on the Congressional Baseball attack which gravely injured House Majority Whip Steve Scalise. The Congressman from Jefferson Parish remains in serious condition, but is said to be well enough to talk and text, and is expected to make a full recovery.

LSU faces Florida State again tonight in the College World Series. This time the loser will be eliminated.

Tropical Storm Cindy is expected to move inland over southeastern Texas or southwestern Louisiana tomorrow. Alek Krautman with the National Weather Service in New Orleans says although the center of the storm will move westward, the eastern side of the state will get most of the rain…:
Cut 16 (09) “Gulf Coast”
He says area wide rainfall totals of 4 to 8 inches are in the forecast, with the potential of 10 to 15 inches or more in some spots.

There is a new law that allows the state Office of Tourism to sell naming rights or grant leases for state parks to add new attractions. Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser the state parks have always been a burden on taxpayers that never brought in any money…:
Cut 7 (11) “horseback riding”

One third of businesses are increasing benefits in order to attract talented employees, according to a recent study. University of New Orleans Business Professor Mark Rosa says this can be a more effective way to entice people, even over an increase in salary…:
Cut 4 (08) “in cash”

LSU tries to keep its season alive tonight when they face Florida State in the College World Series. Jeff Palermo has the preview…:
Cut 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

Tropical Storm Cindy is expected to make landfall tomorrow near the Texas-Louisiana border. Stephen Carboni with the National Weather Service in Lake Charles says southwest Louisiana can expect strong winds…:
Cut 13 (11) “southwest Louisiana”
Rain will be more of a problem in the southeastern portion of the state. Alek Krautman with the National Weather Service in New Orleans says forecasters expect periods of very heavy showers to last until Thursday:
Cut 15 (09) “some communities”
Governor John Bel Edwards is slated to get an update on the storm this morning from the Unified Command Group, then hold a news conference following the meeting.

After the shootout on members of congress at a Virginia ball park, a bill is expected to be filed that would allow congressmen to carry concealed weapons. Richland Parish Congressman Ralph Abraham says it’s also about the people around lawmakers…:
Cut 10 (09) “for myself”
House Majority Whip Steve Scalise had his security detail with him the morning of the shooting, but other members of Congress do not have such protection.

A survey by the Society for Human Research Management finds one third companies are willing to provide employees with better benefits in order to attract more talented workers…:
Cut 5 (07) “it’s meaningful”
That’s University of New Orleans Business Professor Mark Rosa.

Tropical Storm Cindy is expected to make landfall in southwest Louisiana Thursday, bringing with it the potential for a foot of rain in some areas. State climatologist Barry Keim says the heaviest rains are expected in southeast Louisiana, but the entire coast is vulnerable.

Cut 8 (09) “heavy rainfall”

Lafourche Parish residents are already gearing up for the worst. Brennan Matherne with the Sheriff’s Office says Port Fourchon Harbor Police will monitor for storm surge along LA 1. He urges residents who are prone to flooding to take precautions.

Cut 10 (11) “changes”

The Department of Education announces beginning July 1 all new applicants for the state’s Childcare Assistance Program will be placed on a wait list. Michelle Southern has more…

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Michelle Southern”

St. Tammany Parish authorities say a suspected murderer is behind bars after he was found walking down a wooded area of I-59. 40-year-old Jason Magee III is wanted in the death of his ex-wife and her boyfriend, who were fatally shot at home yesterday evening. Police say the investigation into the deadly shooting is ongoing.

Flash flood watches are in effect across south Louisiana through Thursday night as Tropical Storm Cindy is expected to dump a lot of rain in the next two days. State Climatologist Barry Keim says storm surge could be an issue in coastal areas and there is a possibility of a tornado. But he says rain and potential flash flooding will be the biggest problem.
Cut 7 (09) “rain volumes”

Lafource Parish is preparing for the heavy rainfall as the parish is continuing to pump down drainage canals. Brennan Matherne with the Sheriff’s Office says sandbags are available at all parish field office locations.
Cut 9 (09) “your own”

A flash flood watch is in effect for north Louisiana from Wednesday night to Friday morning.

Governor John Bel Edwards signed a bill into law that prevents public schools from physically punishing students with developmental disabilities. Senate Education Chairman Blade Morrish says this allows the administration to take a step back and realize certain students are not allowed to receive corporal punishments.
Cut 14 (09) “the policy”

38 out of 69 public school districts in the state permit paddling or spanking.

The Department of Education announces new applicants will be placed on a waiting list starting July 1st as the demand for state childcare assistance rises. Assistant superintendent of early childhood development Jenna Conway says this program offers subsidies for working families to choose a childcare provider.
Cut 3 (11) “childcare”