| BY BOB WARREN | Staff writer |
Passenger rail booster: The quest for passenger rail services between New Orleans and Baton Rouge got a $20.5 million boost recently and the money comes, in a roundabout way, from the old Road Home program started after Hurricane Katrina. Not everyone is happy to see it go to the long-dreamed-of rail project, Sam Karlin reports. Scorched: Hundreds of wildfires have broken out across Louisiana as the state continues to suffer through this awful summer. And with no sign that the heatwave will relent anytime soon, more could be on the way, Faimon Roberts and Tristan Baurick report. Hurricane watch: A hurricane is threatening the Saints' game against the Chargers Sunday night. Here's the crazy thing: The game is in Los Angeles. Southern California is preparing for a hit from Hurricane Hilary, and the NFL is in monitor mode, Jeff Duncan reports. Meanwhile, closer to home, we've always got our eyes on the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico this time of year. And we're watching a handful of weather blobs right now. Big dippers: Remember the Melting Pot fondue restaurant? It’s been gone for a while now, but our dining guy Ian McNulty says a return could be “bubbling up” soon. Thanks for taking some time with us today. If you aren't a subscriber, here's a great deal. Cheers, Bob | 