SUMMARY: Hurricane Raphael has strengthened to 80 mph but is expected to have minimal impact on land. Projected to become a Category 2 storm, it will move over Western Cuba before potentially strengthening again in the Gulf of Mexico late Wednesday into early Friday. However, dry air and hostile conditions in the Gulf are likely to weaken the storm significantly. While it may regain some strength as it moves westward, it is expected to dissipate without making landfall as an organized system. Any impacts along the coast might occur late Sunday into Monday, dependent on the storm’s path.

Chief meteorologist Chris Franklin says Hurricane Rafael is strengthening, but expected to weaken as it approaches the Gulf of Mexico.

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SUMMARY: U.S. Rep. Julia Letlow, R-La., won reelection in Louisiana‘s 5th Congressional District, securing 63% of the vote with 200,990 ballots cast in her favor. Her opponents, Republican M.V. Mendoza and Democrat Michael Vallien Jr., garnered 11% and 26% of the votes, respectively, unable to match her financial support or campaign momentum. Letlow expressed her gratitude on X, emphasizing her commitment to representing her constituents over the next two years. Having first been elected in a 2021 special election, she continues to serve on important House committees, advocating for oil, gas, agriculture, and conservative policies.

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SUMMARY: U.S. Rep. Steve Scalise, R-La., won his eighth term in Louisiana‘s 1st Congressional District, securing 67% of the vote. He raised over $13 million, focusing on national security, immigration, and support for Israel, appealing to conservatives. Democratic challenger Mel Manuel received 22% of the vote, while Randall Arrington garnered 14,000 votes. Scalise has served since 2008, briefly running for House Speaker in 2023 and announcing a blood cancer diagnosis, later achieving remission. He has voted on significant conservative legislation, including the National Defense Authorization Act and efforts to reduce federal spending, while supporting fellow Louisianan Mike Johnson’s speakership.

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