There is a heat advisory in effect for almost the entire state until 7 this evening. High temps are in the upper 90s south of I-10 and in the low 100s north of the cooridor with heat index values of 109-113. Danielle Manning, with the National Weather Service in Slidell, says everyone should take precautions outdoors…:
CUT 8 (07) “work outside”
She says there is a weak cold front moving in as we approach the weekend that will mainly just drop humitity levels.

The Slidell Police Department says a group of organized criminals were busted for stealing close to $500,000 at businesses with ATMs and check cashing outlets over the past year. They say two suspects, identified as Marvin Hudson and Allden Jones, were arrested after trying to steal $12,000 from the Cash Cow in Slidell. Investigators believe the two ran a ring that included practice runs of the thefts. Cops believe other people are possibly involved in the ring.

LSU football is ranked once again in the top 25 teams in the nation in the preseason coaches poll as the Tigers were tabbed No. 13. It’s the 15th straight season the Bayou Bengals are ranked in the top 25. ESPN-dot-com college football writer Chris Low says the Tigers defense is what will win them a bunch of games this season…:
CUT 10 (10) “one defense”
LSU is one of eight teams from the SEC in the Top 25.

According to a new poll released today, Governor Bobby Jindal is still not in the top 10 of support for Republican Presidential candidates. The numbers show Jindal tied for 11th place in the field with former Texas Governor Rick Perry.

Sweltering heat continues to impact Louisiana. Much of the state us under a heat advisory today, whcih an Extreme Heat Advisory in effect for northeast Louisiana. Danielle Manning with the National Weather Service in Slidell says a weak cold front will move across the state as we approach the weekend…:
CUT 6 (08) “humid”
Several locations in the state matched or broke hi temp records yesterday.

The LSU Tigers, who are coming off an eight and five eason and have question marks at the quarterback position, are ranked 13th in the preseason coaches poll. ESPN.com college football writer Chris Low expects Brandon Harris to win the starting QB battle…:
CUT 9 (10) “end up going”
The Bayou Bengals are one of eight teams from the SEC ranked in the top 25.

State Police say a single vehicle crash in Allen Parish has left one dead and another injured. They say 38-year-old Jeremy Drake of Oakdale lost control of his vehicle, left the roadway, and struck a tree head on. Drake, who was unrestrained, was pronounced dead at the scene. A passenger, 36-year-old Tabitha Johnson, was transported to a local hospital with serious injuries. Authorities say impairment could be a factor in the crash. The investigation is ongoing.

Baton Rouge Police say a Morgan City man, wanted in a Lafayette shooting death, was killed during a shootout with police. Cpl L’Jean McKneely says members of the US Marshal’s Task Force learned that 37-year-old Lawrence Blackburn was hiding in an apartment complex in Baton Rouge. He says authorities began evacuating the apartments…:
CUT 3 (09) “Task Force”
Blackburn was on the run, wanted for first degree murder in the death of an 18-year-old. He died on the scene.

A gathering is taking place in Lafayette this evening for the Acadiana community to reflect together on the tragic movie theater shooting which took place a week ago. Two women were killed and 9 others injured and all victims and their families will be honored at the “Lafayette Strong: Unite. Honor.Heal.” event. City government spokeswoman Cydra (sid-ruh) Wingerter…:
CUT 9 (11) “to heal”
The event is from 7pm-8:30 and will be held at Blackham Coliseum.

Baton Rouge Police say a Morgan City man, wanted for first degree murder in a Lafayette shooting death, was shot and killed by law enforcement authorities in the Capitol City last night. 37-year-old Lawrence Blackburn was being sought by authorities for the murder of 18-year-old Dravin Stevenson who was killed Monday.

According to a new report from the National Partnership for Women and Families, more than 45% of the private sector workforce in Louisiana cannot earn paid sick days. Scott Carwile reports…::
CUT 3 (28) “reporting”

East Baton Rouge District Attorney District Attorney Hillar Moore says it’s likely the criminal charges against LSU quarterback Anthony Jennings could be dropped. Moore says he’s waiting on some paperwork to decide. Jennings and two other football players were arrested in an alleged break-in last month. Moore says the victim is not seeking to pursue charges.

East Baton Rouge District Attorney Hillar Moore says it’s likely that the criminal charges against LSU quarterback Anthony Jennings could be dropped. Michelle Southern reports…

cut 2 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

Shreveport Police have arrested a homeless man for allegedly claiming to have planted an explosive device in a local library. They say 41-year-old Derek Robinette was overheard telling another person he had left a bomb inside the library. The area was evacuated and authorities conducted a thorough sweep of the building. No expolsive devices were found. Robinette is charged with committing false information of arson.

A new report from the National Partnership for Women and Families shows that almost half of the private sector workforce in Louisiana cannot earn paid sick days. The National Federation of Independent Business opposes any mandate requiring employers to offer paid sick time. State Director Dawn Starns says owners should be able to have flexibility when it comes to running their operation…

cut 16 (10) “for their employees”

The NPWF says, for a typical family in the US without paid sick days, 3.5 days lost to illness is equal to a family’s entire monthly grocery budget.

Nachitoches has been named by Good Houskeeping magazine as one of the 50 Most Beautiful Small Towns in America. Public Relations Director for the city of Nachitoches, Samantha Bonnette, says she can see how Good Housekeeping picked Natchitoches for this list…

Cut 6 (07) “streetscape together”

Other small towns on the list include Breckenridge, Colorado, Sedona, Arizona, and Cooperstown, New York.

Lafayette Strong: Unite.Honor.Heal, a ceremony to celebrate the lives of the victims of last week’s theater shooting, will be held tonight. Emelie Gunn has more on what the community has planned…

cut 1 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

State Police say a single vehicle crash in Allen Parish has left one dead and another injured. They say 38-year-old Jeremy Drake of Oakdale lost control of his vehicle, left the roadway, and struck a tree head on. Drake, who was unrestrained, was pronounced dead at the scene. A passenger, 36-year-old Tabitha Johnson, was transported to a local hospital with serious injuries. Authorities say impairment could be a factor in the crash. The investigation is ongoing.

More than 45% of the private sector workforce in Louisiana cannot earn paid sick days, according to a new report from the National Partnership for Women and Families. Spokeswoman Vicky Shabo says about 90 percent of workers in restaurants can not earn even a single paid sick day…

cut 14 (05) “significant concern”

However, the National Federation of Independent Business says they found 75% of employers already offer some form of paid sick leave

Nachitoches has named as one of the 50 Most Beautiful Small Towns in America by Good Houskeeping magazine. Samantha Bonnette, Public Relations Director for the city of Nachitoches, says they are proud to be on this list that features some real high quality small towns across the country…

cut 5 (07) “it’s just amazing”

Natchitoches was also recently named Best Southern Small Town by readers of USA Today and 10Best-dot-com.

A new report from the National Partnership for Women and Families shows that over 45% of the private sector workforce in Louisiana cannot earn paid sick days. However, National Federation of Independent Business State Director Dawn Starns says they found 75% of employers already offer some form of paid sick leave and the government should not be telling people how to run their business…

cut 15 (07) “and unnecessary”

The NPWF says when people can’t take paid time away from work, they often jeopardize their job and their ability to make ends meet

Lafayette Strong: Unite.Honor.Heal, a healing ceremony to reflect on those lost and injured in The Grand movie theater shooting, takes place tonight at Blackham Coliseum. Lafayette Government Spokesperson Cyrda Wingerter says they want the gathering to portray the culture and spirit of Lafayette…

cut 8 (11) “larger capacity”

The event will begin at 7PM.

It’s likely that the criminal charges against LSU quarterback Anthony Jennings could be dropped according to East Baton Rouge District Attorney Hillar Moore. Moore is not giving a timetable on making a decision but did say that all he needs at this point is paperwork on what the complainants told cops the night of the incident…

cut 11 (09) “a week or two”

Jennings, defensive tackle Maquedius Bain and safety Dwayne Thomas were all charged with unauthorized entry of an inhabited dwelling and suspended from the team.

Good Houskeeping magazine has named Nachitoches as one of the 50 Most Beautiful Small Towns in America. Samantha Bonnette, Public Relations Director for the city of Nachitoches, says they are excited to be part of this list…

cut 4 (10) “more pleased”

The publication selected one town from each state to make up their list.

Lafayette Strong: Unite.Honor.Heal, a community gathering to reflect on those lost and injured in The Grand movie theater shooting, will take place tonight at Blackham Coliseum. Lafayette Government Spokesperson Cyrda Wingerter says they are expecting a big crowd…

cut 7 (12) “our community”

Wingerter says they will recognize people involved, including those caring for victims after the tragedy.

East Baton Rouge District Attorney Hillar Moore says it’s likely that the criminal charges against LSU quarterback Anthony Jennings could be dropped. Reports indicate the QB and two other Tigers were accused of breaking into someone’s apartment in June to retrieve items which belonged to Jennings. Moore says the tenant has contacted his office…

cut 10 (05) “be persued”

LSU Coach Les Miles says the status of the players fully depends on the schedule of the DA.

According to a new report from the National Partnership for Women and Families, more than 45% of the private sector workforce in Louisiana cannot earn paid sick days. Spokeswoman Vicky Shabo says when people can’t take paid time away from work, they often jeopardize their job or their ability to make ends meet…

cut 13 (10) “for public health”

The National Federation of Independent Business opposes any kind of mandate which would require employers to offer paid sick time.