SUMMARY: The Heritage Foundation ranks Louisiana ninth for election integrity, prompting scrutiny from state officials. Governor Jeff Landry’s August executive order mandates the Office of Motor Vehicles provide a list of non-permanent residents with state identification, emphasizing only U.S. citizens can vote. The narrow margin in the Caddo Parish sheriff election raised concerns about absentee ballots and voter eligibility. New laws tightening absentee voting procedures, criticized for disenfranchising disabled voters, were passed in August 2024. Deputy Secretary of State Joel Watson assured a smooth election day, emphasizing secure voting machines and thorough testing procedures, while other states face election-related legal challenges.

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SUMMARY: A developing tropical system is located approximately 260 miles south of Jamaica and is strengthening, with the potential to be named soon. The system is expected to approach the Cayman Islands as a possible hurricane by Tuesday and near Cuba by Wednesday. It’s projected to enter the Gulf of Mexico by Thursday, but may weaken quickly due to wind shear, dry air, and cooler water temperatures. The National Hurricane Center suggests a low overall concern for impacts, forecasting only light rain and breezy conditions for Friday and Saturday, with updates necessary as the storm develops.

A developing storm is moving through the Caribbean Monday morning. The system, likely to get the name Rafael, will move toward Cuba by Wednesday as a hurricane.

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SUMMARY: This week will feel summery as a potential tropical Cyclone 18 in the Southern Caribbean is expected to gain strength, likely becoming Tropical Storm Raphael. It currently has sustained winds of 35 mph and is moving north at 6 mph. By Wednesday, it could reach category 1 hurricane strength while moving near western Cuba and then into the Gulf of Mexico. As it approaches, it is expected to weaken to a tropical storm due to high pressure, drier air, and increased wind shear. Higher rain chances are anticipated later in the week, but experts believe it won’t be a major concern.

Meteorologist Alexa Trischler says the tropical system is expected to weaken as it enters the Gulf of Mexico.

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