There’s one job sector where Louisiana ranks second to none in year-over-year growth. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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A new study finds a combination of THC and CBD can significantly reduce agitation in people with advanced dementia who are receiving end-of-life care. Jeff Palermo reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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LSU coach Lane Kiffin spoke to the Baton Rouge Rotary Club yesterday and commented on the use of A-I in the football program. Kace Kieschnick has the story.

Cut 3 (29) “…I’m Kace Kieshnick.”

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Construction jobs are booming in Louisiana – so much so that the Associated General Contractors of America ranks Louisiana as number-one in the nation in year-over-year construction job growth by percentage and number-three in the nation in number of new construction jobs. Reldon Owens, the CEO of AGC’s Louisiana chapter, says the construction boom is being driven by Meta and other data center projects.

Cut 4 (11) “…St Francisville area.”

Owens says the construction boom is also being fueled by the industrial sector.

Cut 5 (11) “…in Ascension Parish.”

AGC says every major metropolitan area in Louisiana reported growth in construction jobs, leading to about a 22-percent year-over-year increase statewide. Owens expects that momentum to continue.

Cut 6 (11) “…conscious career choice.”

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Certain school support staff, including counselors, therapists and nurses, might not be getting stipends this year. This, according to information from the State Department of Education. That’s setting off alarm bells among unions representing those employees. D’Shay Oaks, the president of the Louisiana Association of Educators, says if those staffers are left on the stipend chopping block, they’ll be looking for alternate sources for the stipends.

Cut 7 (09) “…counselors some stipends.”

Oaks says they have to be careful that providing stipends doesn’t cause any collateral damage – robbing Peter to pay Paul, per se.

Cut 8 (12) “…the key here.”

Oaks says finding the money to provide support staff stipends would be easier in some areas than in others.

Cut 9 (09)  “…pennies as is.”

The scramble to find money for the stipends comes after voters rejected a constitutional amendment that would have turned the annual stipends into permanent pay raises.

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New research has found that the combination of CBD and THC significantly reduces agitation for people with dementia who are at the end of their lives. Dr. Jeff Keller of LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center is one of the principal investigators of the clinical trial.

Cut 10 (10) “…to manage agitation.”

In severe dementia and in the late stages of life, agitation is a common neuropsychiatric symptom. Keller says the symptoms include vocal outbursts, verbal hostility, hitting and throwing of property.

Cut 11 (09) “…these folks reside.”

Keller says nine out of every ten study participants showed overall improvement in target symptoms from the THC-CBD combination, which is remarkable. He says these results offer new hope for providing greater comfort and dignity to people with advanced dementia at the end of their lives. However, Keller says more research is needed to see if this type of treatment can help those with mid- and late-stage Alzheimer’s.

Cut 12 (10) “…all the questions.”

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The Saints kicked off training camp yesterday. Second-year quarterback Tyler Shough will need to improve as the full-time starter this season if the Saints want to contend for an NFC South title. He says he’s focused on growing as a leader of the team.

Cut 13 (09)  “…to get better.”

Shough hosted pass catchers on a trip to San Diego for offseason workouts and passing sessions. Saints legends Drew Brees and Lance Moore stopped by to give tips, and Shough says it was hard not to be star-struck, especially for Louisiana native running back Travis Etienne (AY-chan).

Cut 14 (12) “…he’s cool man.”

Prairieville native and former LSU safety Justin Reid is entering his second season in New Orleans. He says he remembers coming to Saints games as a kid when it felt like a parade inside the Superdome. He says he hopes winning will bring that feeling back this season.

Cut 15 (08) “…pushing it forward.”

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LSU football coach Lane Kiffin worries the SEC’s new nine-game conference schedule could cost the league College Football Playoff spots. Kiffin says the selection committee doesn’t appear to be placing enough emphasis on strength of schedule when choosing and seeding the 12-team field. Speaking to the Baton Rouge Rotary Club, he jokingly suggested there’s a better way to determine the college football playoff bracket.

Cut 16 (12) “…team is better?”

Kiffin says the transfer portal has created more parity in the SEC and by playing a ninth SEC game, it increases the chances of a team losing an additional game. He fears three loss SEC teams will not make the College Football playoffs this season.

Cut 17 (17) “…and one team.”

ESPN’s Football Power Index ranks LSU with the nation’s 11th-toughest schedule, and every SEC team is among the top 20. Preseason camp opens next week; and Kiffin says with such a demanding schedule, no player will be guaranteed a starting job or playing time.

Cut 18 (14) “…day in practice.”

Ole Miss filed lawsuits against two LSU football players for nearly one-million-dollars. Kace Kieschnick has more.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

If you were hoping to cash in on the 800-million-dollar Mega Millions jackpot last night – hate to break the news to you, but one player in Florida won it. But don’t despair, you have a chance – albeit a rather miniscule one – to win tonight’s Powerball jackpot. It’s worth 663-million dollars.

A large clinical trial led by researchers at LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center and others has shown that specialized treatments for kids and teens with obesity can be delivered at their primary care doctor’s office. Dr. Amanda Staiano, the director of the pediatric obesity laboratory at Pennington, says the findings are from a study involving more than 700 children across four states.

Cut 6 (08) “…quality of life.”

The Saints hit the field for the first practice of training camp today. Defensive end Cameron Jordan returned to finish his career in New Orleans after testing free agency for the first time this offseason. He says the team feels more optimistic than it has in recent years.

Cut 9 (12)  “…the pads on.”

Ole Miss filed lawsuits against two LSU football players for nearly one-million-dollars. Kace Kieschnick has more.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

Louisiana now has 100 cases of cyclosporiasis. That’s up from the 79 that the Louisiana Department of Health confirmed last week. However, LDH says the number of hospitalizations has not gone up from last week – it remains at six. LDH also says no one has died from the parasite that causes explosive diarrhea. 

A large clinical trial led by researchers at LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center and others has shown that kids and teens with obesity can be effectively treated at their primary care doctor’s office. Dr. Amanda Staiano, the director of the pediatric obesity laboratory at Pennington, says the study is based on a short program that has long-lasting impacts.

Cut 7 (12) “…the program’s over.”

The Saints hit the field for the first practice of training camp today. Defensive end Cameron Jordan returned to finish his career in New Orleans after testing free agency for the first time this offseason. He says the team feels more optimistic than it has in recent years.

Cut 9 (12)  “…put the pads on.”

Ole Miss is suing LSU players Princewill Umanmielen and Devin Harper for nearly one-million dollars. Ole Miss says the former Rebels have not paid the buyout clause of the revenue-sharing agreement they signed with the school before leaving for LSU. Sam Hutchens with the Clarion-Ledger broke the news and says Ole Miss AD Keith Carter told him the Rebels have paid similar buyouts for transfers.

Cut 3 (14) “…behalf of the player.”

Umanmielen’s buyout is 550-thousand-dollars, and Harper’s buyout is 400-thousand-dollars. LSU has declined to comment on the lawsuit.

Former LSU wide receiver Demetrius Byrd is arrested after allegedly threatening a man with a knife aboard a bus in Miami Beach. CBS News reports the 40-year-old Byrd got into an argument with the man before pulling out the knife and asking him, quote, “Who wants to die?” 

A new law taking effect Saturday will ban outdoor balloon releases in Louisiana. Harahan Representative John Illg says people have found alternatives to other traditions, like replacing rice at weddings with bird seed, and he believes families can find other ways to honor loved ones or celebrate special occasions.

Cut 6 (08) “…one of them.”

Lawmakers approved the ban last year, but Governor Landry vetoed it. This year, the governor allowed the measure to become law without his signature. 

Louisiana unveils its new “I Voted” sticker at the Old Governor’s Mansion. It was created by New Orleans artist Terrence Osborne, who says he created his image in a way to symbolize a trumpet blaring the story of Louisiana through images.

Cut 15 (10) “…they represent sound.”

More bad blood between Ole Miss and LSU. The University of Mississippi sues two former Rebels who transferred to LSU. They say edge rusher Princewill Umanmielen (oo-MAHN-mee-ell-in) and offensive lineman Devin Harper owe nearly one-million dollars in buyout payments. LSU has declined to comment.

Starting Saturday, outdoor balloon releases for memorials and celebrations will be illegal in Louisiana. Jeff Palermo explains why.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Households that suffered financial losses from Tropical Storm Arthur can apply for Disaster SNAP benefits this week. Tim Jenkins, who oversees the SNAP program for the Louisiana Department of Health, says applicants must live in designated disaster areas of Avoyelles, St. Landry, St. Tammany or Terrebonne parishes, but not everyone in those parishes will qualify.

Cut 7 (09) “…census block ratio.”

The state unveils its new “I Voted” sticker at the Old Governor’s Mansion. It was created by New Orleans artist Terrence Osborn, and it features a trumpet with various items representing Louisiana coming out of it as if it was music. Osborne says it was important to incorporate various symbols of Louisiana.

Cut 14 (08) “…nod to New Orleans.”

This is the sixth sticker since the “I Voted” sticker program was launched ten years ago.

Starting Saturday, outdoor balloon releases for memorials and celebrations will be illegal in Louisiana. Jeff Palermo explains why.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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The next time you cast your ballot, your “I voted” sticker will have a new look. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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The Saints begin preseason practice in year two of the Kellen Moore era today. Kace Kieschnick has more.

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Kace Kieshnick.”

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A new law taking effect Saturday will ban outdoor balloon releases in Louisiana for memorials and celebrations. Harahan Representative John Illg authored the measure and says balloons can create environmental problems when they are released.

Cut 4 (08) “…our waterways.”

Lawmakers approved the ban last year, but Governor Jeff Landry vetoed it. This year, the governor allowed the measure to become law without his signature. Illg says the ban has support from Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser and the agriculture industry.

Cut 5 (10) “…then possibly die.”

Illg says people have found alternatives to other traditions, like replacing rice at weddings with bird seed, and he believes families can find other ways to honor loved ones or celebrate special occasions.

Cut 6 (08) “…one of them.”

First-time violators could face a fine of up to 500 dollars or eight hours of community service. Repeat offenders could face fines up to 25-hundred dollars and lose their driver’s license. Illg says the goal is not to punish people, but to educate the public about the environmental impact of plastic balloons.

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Households that suffered financial losses from Tropical Storm Arthur can apply for Disaster SNAP benefits this week. Tim Jenkins, who oversees the SNAP program for the Louisiana Department of Health, says applicants must live in designated disaster areas of Avoyelles, St. Landry, St. Tammany or Terrebonne parishes, but not everyone in those parishes will qualify.

Cut 7 (09) “…census block ratio.”

Eligibility is based on ZIP code and whether a household was impacted by flooding in the designated disaster areas.

Applications will be accepted through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. by calling 888-524-3578. Jenkins says most applicants will find out during their interview if they qualify.

Cut 8 (11) “…eligible for assistance.”

Today, households with last names beginning with N through Z can apply. On Thursday and Friday, applications will be accepted from anyone in the eligible areas. Jenkins says D-SNAP is intended to help families recover from storm-related financial losses.

Cut 9 (12)  “…participating in that.”

Current SNAP recipients are not eligible for D-SNAP and should not apply.

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A voting system will be undergoing testing for certification this morning in Baton Rouge. Secretary of State Nancy Landry says after five voting systems and one ballot marking device have been previously certified, a voting system manufactured by Smartmatic will now be tested.

Cut 10 (10) “…to be certified.”

The testing will happen at the Louisiana State Archives from nine to noon – and Secretary Landry says the best part is, you’re invited.

Cut 11 (03) “…see the demonstration.”

Landry says the state is still on track to select a new voting system by the end of this year.

Cut 12 (12) “…it after this.”

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The next time you cast your ballot, your “I voted” sticker will look a little different. The crawfish named Mark de Ballot is being retired; in its place is a work of art created by New Orleans artist Terrence Osborne. The sticker pays tribute to the whole state, and the centerpiece is a trumpet. Osborne says his imagination took over from there.

Cut 13 (09)  “…of the horn.”

Osborne says it was important to incorporate various symbols of Louisiana.

Cut 14 (08) “…to New Orleans.”

Osborne says he created his image in a way to symbolize the trumpet blaring the story of Louisiana through images.

Cut 15 (10) “…they represent sound.”

As for Mark de Ballot, there’s no truth to the rumor that he’s been boiled in Tony Chachere’s seasoning with potatoes and corn.

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The Saints hold their first practice of training camp today. It’s one of the most optimistic preseasons in recent years for a Saints team trying to end a five-year playoff drought. That is largely thanks to second-year quarterback Tyler Shough, who General Manager Mickey Loomis says confirmed he has the intangibles to be a successful quarterback this offseason.

Cut 16 (14) “…can take us.”

To help Shough make the next step in year two, the Saints signed running back Travis Etienne (AY-chan) and drafted first-round wide receiver Jordyn Tyson. Head coach Kellen Moore says maybe most important to Shough’s production will be All-Pro receiver Chris Olave.

Cut 17 (16) “…continuing to grow.”

Loomis says Olave and the team are in negotiations for a contract extension, and both sides would like the former first-rounder to stay in New Orleans.

New Orleans was able to bring back veteran stars Cameron Jordan and Alvin Kamara this offseason. Kamara took a pay cut to fill a new role alongside Etienne in the backfield, and Moore says last year’s stagnant run game can now be a strength of the team.

Cut 18 (16) “…group for us.”

Wide receiver Mason Tipton and defensive lineman Keeshawn Silver were placed on the Physically Unable to Perform list to start camp. Loomis said Olave and Tyson, as well as running back Kendre Miller, are all cleared and good to go.

Conservation groups and the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries are working to restore a popular fishing area in Terrebonne Parish. Coastal Conservation Association Louisiana Chief Marketing Officer Ryan Page says crews are installing 650 NATRX exoform reef structures to enhance the area.

Cut 12 (12) “…excited about that.”

A voting system will be undergoing testing for certification tomorrow  morning in Baton Rouge. Secretary of State Nancy Landry says after five voting systems and one ballot marking device have been previously certified, a voting system manufactured by Smartmatic will now be tested.

Cut 10 (10) “…to be certified.”

Louisiana is one of five states still in the running to host a Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campus. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo .”

Former LSU football coach Brian Kelly has a new job. Kelly is a part of CBS Sports’ college football coverage. Kelly will be a member of the studio show “Inside College Football” on Tuesdays and call mainly Mountain West games. His booth debut will come August 29 in a week zero matchup between North Dakota State and Jacksonville State.

Louisiana is one of five states under consideration for a new Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campus. Patrick Courreges with the Louisiana Department of Conservation and Energy says the U.S. Department of Energy chose the five states after reviewing 28 applications from 26 states…

Cut 4 (10) “…go forward.”

Utah, Tennessee, Oklahoma and Idaho are the other finalists.

The next time you cast your ballot, your “I voted” sticker will look a little different. The crawfish named Mark de Ballot is being retired; in its place is a work of art created by New Orleans artist Terrence Osborne. The sticker pays tribute to the whole state, and the centerpiece is a trumpet. Osborne says his imagination took over from there.

Cut 13 (09)  “…of the horn.”

The Saints reported for training camp today, with practice kicking off tomorrow. Kace Kieschnick has more.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick”

One Saints rookie is already making an early impression in the community. Yesterday, defensive tackle Christen Miller was at a Rouses in Metairie, when he entered the checkout line with just one bag of fresh shrimp. A woman named Leslie let him go in front of her – and Miller proceeded to pay for her entire grocery order. Needless to say, Leslie was speechless.

A Thibodaux man is charged with sex crimes involving a child. Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Captain Brennan Matherne says juvenile detectives began investigating 61-year-old Gregory Leblanc last month after allegations surfaced about inappropriate behavior years ago with a girl who was under ten years old at the time.

Cut 9 (05)  “…the child’s knowledge.”

Leblanc is charged with multiple counts of indecent behavior, video voyeurism, child pornography and child molestation.

A beloved St. Landry Parish elementary school teacher was killed in a head-on crash on I-49 Sunday. Leonville Elementary School confirmed the death of Katelyn LeBlanc in a Facebook post yesterday. Andre Champagne was one of her students and says she taught him life lessons like patience that prepared him for life beyond the classroom.

Cut 6 (06) “…stuck with me.”

LeBlanc’s four daughters attend Leonville Elementary. 

The economic impact of Meta’s 50-billion-dollar A-I data center is already being felt across northeast Louisiana. Grow NELA President and CEO Rob Cleveland says the economic boom is fueling residential development, and local restaurants and other businesses are seeing increased customer traffic.

Cut 15 (09) “…normal business activity.”

The Hyperion data center is expected to become operational in 2030, and final completion is expected by 2032.

State Education Superintendent Dr. Cade Brumley is urging school districts to crack down on unruly student behavior this upcoming school year. Brumley is calling on districts to make a commitment to stand firm on inappropriate behavior.

Cut 7 (11) “…make that happen.”

Brumley is also calling on school systems to enforce the state’s anti-bullying laws.

The St. Landry Parish community is mourning the death of a Leonville Elementary School teacher, killed in a head-on car crash on I-49 Sunday. Kace Kieschnick reports.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

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The state education superintendent has a message for school district leaders – crack down on unruly kids. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Northeast Louisiana is already seeing an economic boost from Meta’s artificial intelligence data center — and the facility isn’t even open yet. Jeff Palermo reports.

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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A beloved St. Landry Parish elementary school teacher was killed in a head-on crash on I-49 Sunday. Leonville Elementary School confirmed the death of Katelyn LeBlanc in a Facebook post that read, “She loved her students wholeheartedly and poured herself into helping them learn, grow, and feel valued each day.” One of her former students, Andre Champagne, says she was a pure soul.

Cut 4 (09) “…of the classroom.”

Champagne says LeBlanc was a beloved mentor in the tight-knit Leonville community. He says she made students look forward to coming to class each day and cared about them inside and outside of the classroom.

Cut 5 (09) “…that same resource.”

Champagne says LeBlanc’s guidance as an English teacher helped him become a professional sportswriter. More importantly, though, he says she taught her students life lessons like patience and prepared them for life beyond the classroom.

Cut 6 (06) “…stuck with me.”

LeBlanc’s four daughters attend Leonville Elementary.

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State Education Superintendent Dr. Cade Brumley is urging school districts to crack down on unruly student behavior this upcoming school year. Brumley is calling on districts to make a commitment to stand firm on inappropriate behavior.

Cut 7 (11) “…make that happen.”

Brumley says laws are in place to deal with students who habitually disrupt classroom learning.

Cut 8 (11) “…an automatic expulsion.”

In this past legislative session, lawmakers adopted a House resolution which urges school systems to comply with and enforce the state’s anti-bullying laws. Brumley says students have made such tremendous strides in the classroom in recent years, and he doesn’t want to see it undone by a select few students who act up.

Cut 9 (08)  “…inappropriate student behavior.”

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The search for the remains of 15-year-old Ja’Derrius Minnieweather is now in its third week in the North Landfill in Zachary, near Baton Rouge. East Baton Rouge District Attorney Hillar Moore says the hot, humid conditions are making things very hard for the searchers, especially with them being covered in gear from head to toe.

Cut 10 (12) “…go back out.”

Moore says the searchers are sifting through thousands of cubic yards of material, including hazardous items.

Cut 11 (10) “…in-home care.”

Investigators say 51-year-old Maurice Parms killed the teen and put his body in a dumpster, and those contents were subsequently dumped in the landfill. Moore says the searchers are not giving up.

Cut 12 (11) “…were their child.”

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The economic impact of Meta’s 50-billion-dollar A-I data center is already being felt across northeast Louisiana. Grow NELA President and CEO Rob Cleveland says just 18 months into construction, sales tax collections are soaring.

Cut 13 (09)  “…40-million dollars”

The Hyperion data center is under construction in Richland Parish, where Cleveland says first-quarter sales tax collections reached 38-million dollars — six times higher than during the same period last year. He says sales tax revenues are also climbing in neighboring Franklin Parish, while Ouachita Parish is on pace for a record-breaking year.

Cleveland says Meta’s investment is also attracting new businesses to the region.

Cut 14 (10) “…in Ouachita Parish.”

Cleveland says the economic boom is fueling residential development, and local restaurants and other businesses are seeing increased customer traffic.

Cut 15 (09) “…normal business activity.”

The Hyperion data center is expected to become operational in 2030, and final completion is expected by 2032. The massive A-I data center is expected to produce 75-hundred construction jobs and one-thousand permanent jobs once construction is completed.

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The Saints report for their second training camp under head coach Kellen Moore today. New Orleans went 6-and-11 in Moore’s first season but ended the season 5-and-4 when rookie Tyler Shough took over as the starting quarterback. Luke Johnson covers the Saints for NOLA-dot-com and says fans should be hopeful heading into year two.

Cut 16 (16) “…of the ball.”

With Shough returning and big free agent additions like running back Travis Etienne (AY-chan), guard David Edwards and linebacker Kaden Ellis, Johnson says there will not be as many preseason battles to earn a starting spot. He’s more intrigued by depth battles like in the running back room.

Cut 17 (15) “…for this team.”

The Saints and wide receiver Chris Olave are negotiating a contract extension after the former first-rounder’s All-Pro season last year. Johnson says it isn’t a question of if an extension gets done but when. He expects Olave to be a top playmaker for the Black and Gold offense.

Cut 18 (13) “…he stays healthy.”