A slew of new laws goes into effect Saturday. Among them is one that allows retired teachers to return to the classroom without having their retirement benefits reduced. It was authored by Gonzales Senator Ed Price, who says it will help support teachers and the school systems.

Cut 8 (10) “…agreed to.”

Another one toughens penalties for those who assault teachers and other school personnel. That was authored by New Orleans Representative Candace Newell. Among other things, it subjects students who assault teachers to expulsion, and it allows up to a year of paid medical leave for teachers and other school personnel who are injured on the job by an unruly student. Newell says her bill gives them peace of mind.

Cut 7 (12) “…of their administration.”

WIC participants may begin using their new EBT cards tomorrow. LDH Nutrition Operations Manager Leslie Lewis says these cards are different from the old cards that had to have benefits loaded in person every three months.

Cut 10 (08) “…be loaded remotely.” 

Saints wide receiver Chris Olave speaks one day after signing a four-year, 132-million-dollar contract extension. Kace Kieschnick has more.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

A Cameron Parish seaman who was killed during World War Two 85 years ago will finally have a proper funeral tomorrow. Joseph Connor was aboard the USS Utah on December 7th, 1941, when it was attacked in Pearl Harbor. His remains went unidentified until this past May. Louisiana V-A Secretary Charlton Meginley says Conner’s name was listed on what’s commonly known as The Punchbowl. 

Cut 5 (12) “…finally found him.”

Participants in Louisiana’s WIC program can use their new EBT cards starting tomorrow. LDH Nutrition Operations Manager Leslie Lewis says benefits will be loaded onto those cards remotely, meaning most participants will no longer have to visit a clinic every three months.

Cut 11 (07) “…just about yearly.”

A slew of new laws goes into effect tomorrow. One of them, authored by New Orleans Representative Candace Newell (new-WELL), toughens penalties for those who assault teachers and other school personnel. Newell says unruly students have been pushing teachers out of the profession.

Cut 6 (07) “…in the classroom.”

We’re hearing from Chris Olave, one day after he signed a four-year, 132-million-dollar contract extension with the Saints. Olave said he’s glad to get back onto the field and didn’t want to bring any negativity to the team.

Cut 14 (08) “…be a leader.”

New Orleans traded up to draft Olave 11th overall in 2022. He had the best season of his career last season with 100 catches, over one-thousand yards receiving and nine touchdowns.

After 85 years, a Cameron Parish seaman will finally get a proper funeral in his home state Saturday. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (42) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Saints wide receiver Chris Olave speaks one day after signing a four-year, 132-million-dollar contract extension. Kace Kieschnick has more.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Kace Kieschncik.”

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More than 85 years after he was killed in Pearl Harbor, a Cameron Parish Navy seaman is coming home, and his funeral service will be in Lake Charles Saturday. Louisiana Veterans Affairs Secretary Charlton Meginley says using anthropological and mitochondrial DNA analysis, the Defense Accounting Agency and the Armed Forces Medical Examiner System positively identified the remains of Joseph Ucline Conner.

Cut 3 (12) “…from family members.”

Conner was born on June 30th, 1915, in Lake Charles and enlisted in the armed forces when he was 24 years old – a relatively late age, as Meginley pointed out. Meginley says Conner rose to the rank of Fireman 1st Class when he was aboard the USS Utah on that fateful day in 1941.

Cut 4 (11) “…including Joseph Conner.”

After his death, Conner was decorated with the Purple Heart, the World War Two Victory Medal, the Combat Action Ribbon, the American Defense Service Medal and the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal. Meginley says his name and the names of the others who were unidentified were listed on what’s commonly known as The Punchbowl.

Cut 5 (12) “…finally found him.”

Meginley also points out that Conner’s brother, William, was also lost during World War Two – he was aboard the USS Houston. William Conner’s remains are missing to this day.

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A slew of new laws goes into effect Saturday. Among them are two laws pertaining to the classroom. One of them, authored by New Orleans Representative Candace Newell (new-WELL), toughens penalties for those who assault teachers and other school personnel. Newell says unruly students have been pushing teachers out of the profession.

Cut 6 (07) “…in the classroom.”

Among other things, Newell’s law subjects students who assault teachers to expulsion, and it allows up to a year of paid medical leave for teachers and other school personnel who are injured on the job by an unruly student. Newell says her bill gives them peace of mind.

Cut 7 (12) “…of their administration.”

Another law going into effect Saturday is one that allows retired teachers to return to the classroom without having their retirement benefits reduced. It was authored by Gonzales Senator Ed Price, who says it will help support teachers and the school system.

Cut 8 (10) “…agreed to.”

To receive benefits while being employed, a teacher must be over 65 years old and have been retired for at least a year.

The new law raises the earning limit of returned retirees from 25-percent to 50-percent of their final average compensation. It also allows retirees to suspend their benefits and regain membership in the retirement system and allows for a new supplemental benefit. Price says the new law should benefit all parties.

Cut 9 (09)  “…retirement system.”

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Participants in the Louisiana Women, Infants and Children program may begin using their new EBT cards tomorrow. Leslie Lewis, the nutrition operations manager at the Louisiana Department of Health, says these cards are different from the old cards that had to have benefits loaded in person every three months.

Cut 10 (08) “…be loaded remotely.”

Lewis says that means in most cases, participants will not have to visit clinics nearly as often beyond the initial appointment in which they obtain their cards.

Cut 11 (07) “…just about yearly.”

Lewis says the new cards help the Department of Health modernize the whole system.

Cut 12 (08) “…a federal requirement.”

Participants will need to choose a PIN before using their new cards; they may do so by calling the number on the back of the card or by using the myWIC app.

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We’re hearing from Saints wide receiver Chris Olave one day after he signed a four-year, 132-million dollar contract extension. While he’s had three one-thousand-yard seasons, his four concussions since entering the league were a major concern. That said, Olave says this deal is fair for both sides.

Cut 13 (11) “…communicating that.”

The contract makes Olave the highest paid Saints and sixth-highest paid receiver in the league. Olave wanted to get the deal done before camp and held in for the first two practices during negotiations. He said he was glad to get back onto the field and didn’t want to bring any negativity to the team.

Cut 14 (08) “…be a leader.”

New Orleans traded up to draft Olave 11th overall in 2022. He had the best season of his career last season with 100 catches, over one-thousand yards receiving and nine touchdowns. He says this is the most momentum there has been in  New Orleans since he’s been there, and it means a lot to stay long-term.

Cut 15 (11) “…that every day.”

A Cameron Parish seaman who was killed in World War Two 85 years ago is finally having a proper funeral in his home state tomorrow. Joseph Conner was born on June 30th, 1915, in Lake Charles and enlisted in the Navy when he was 24 years old. Louisiana V-A Secretary Charlton Meginley says Conner was aboard the USS Utah on that fateful day in 1941.

Cut 4 (11) “…including Joseph Conner.”

Conner’s remains went unidentified until May.

Participants in the Louisiana Women, Infants and Children program may begin using their new EBT cards tomorrow. Leslie Lewis, the nutrition operations manager at the Louisiana Department of Health, says these cards are different from the old cards that had to have benefits loaded in person every three months.

Cut 10 (08) “…be loaded remotely.” 

A slew of new laws goes into effect tomorrow, including one that allows retired teachers to return to the classroom without a reduction in their benefits. The author of the bill, Gonzales Senator Ed Price, says it’s a win for everyone.

Cut 9 (09)  “…retirement system.”

Saints wide receiver Chris Olave speaks one day after signing a four-year, 132-million-dollar contract extension. Kace Kieschnick has more.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Kace Kieschncik.”

A slew of new laws goes into effect Saturday. Among them are two laws pertaining to the classroom. One of them, authored by New Orleans Representative Candace Newell (new-WELL), toughens penalties for those who assault teachers and other school personnel. Newell says unruly students have been pushing teachers out of the profession.

Cut 6 (07) “…in the classroom.”

Another law going into effect Saturday is one that allows retired teachers to return to the classroom without having their retirement benefits reduced. It was authored by Gonzales Senator Ed Price, who says it will help support teachers and the school system.

Cut 8 (10) “…agreed to.”

To receive benefits while being employed, a teacher must be over 65 years old and have been retired for at least a year. 

The general election is just over three months away, and the Louisiana Secretary of State’s Office has put out its inactive voter list. That number is currently at about 447-thousand, accounting for 15-percent of all registered voters. Registered voters are placed on the inactive voter list if they have not cast a ballot in ten years and have not responded to an address confirmation request.

The Saints agreed to a contract extension with their top offensive playmaker. Kace Kieschnick has more.

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

A grim milestone in Louisiana’s cyclosporiasis outbreak as the state has now confirmed 100 cases of people infected with the parasite that causes explosive diarrhea. State Epidemiologist Theresa Sokol says that’s considerably more than the state usually sees in the first seven months of the year.

Cut 10 (11) “…we typically see.”

If you’re looking for something to do this weekend and you’re into the paranormal, may we suggest ParaCon in New Orleans’ French Quarter? Event Producer Jennifer Talley says it takes place at the Crowne Plaza Hotel today through Sunday.

Cut 4 (10) “…come and learn.”

You can find out more information on the event’s website, New Orleans ParaCon-dot-com. 

A slew of new laws goes into effect tomorrow. Among them is one that prohibits retailers from tacking on surcharges to those who pay with debit cards. The author of the bill, Franklinton Senator Beth Mizell, says consumers can contact the Attorney General’s consumer protection hotline if a business tacks on a surcharge anyways.

Cut 9 (08)  “…fine that business.”

The Saints agree to a four-year contract extension with All-Pro wide receiver Chris Olave worth 132-million dollars. With a quarterback and two offensive tackles on rookie contracts, Locked On Saints podcast host Ross Jackson says these are the types of deals the Saints can afford.

Cut 14 (08) “…keep him around.”

Olave ranked in the top eight of the NFL in receptions, yards and touchdowns last season.

If you’re looking for something to do this weekend, Andrew Greenstein has a suggestion for those of you who are interested in the paranormal.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Starting tomorrow, it will be against state law for retailers and businesses to charge you a fee when you pay with a debit card. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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The Saints agreed to a contract extension with their top offensive playmaker. Kace Kieschnick has more.

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

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If you’re looking for something to do this weekend and you’re into the paranormal, may we suggest ParaCon in New Orleans’ French Quarter? Event Producer Jennifer Talley says it takes place at the Crowne Plaza Hotel today through Sunday.

Cut 4 (10) “…come and learn.”

Talley says the three-day event invites paranormal enthusiasts, investigators and history lovers to explore the unexplained.

Cut 5 (09) “…developing psychic abilities.”

Talley says there are free educational workshops and paid classes, and it’s not too late for you to get in on all the fun.

Cut 6 (12) “…16-ish and up.”

You can find out more information on the event’s website, New Orleans ParaCon-dot-com.

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A bunch of new state laws go into effect Saturday, and one of them will make consumers happy. Act 751 from the 2026 legislative session prohibits businesses from adding a surcharge to your bill if you pay with a debit card. Franklinton Senator Beth Mizell is the author of the measure.

Cut 7 (07) “…our own money.”

Businesses can still charge a fee when you use a credit card, but no surcharge can be added when you pay with a debit card. Mizell says it’s already against federal law to charge a debit card fee, but her legislation gives Louisiana consumers more protection.

Cut 8 (07) “…hear from people.”

Businesses that violate the law face a 500-dollar fine. The law also allows debit card users to take legal action if a business doesn’t refund the fee within 30 days.

Mizell says consumers can also contact the Attorney General’s consumer protection hotline if a business charges them a fee for using a debit card.

Cut 9 (08)  “…fine that business.”

________________________________________________

A grim milestone in Louisiana’s cyclosporiasis outbreak as the state has now confirmed 100 cases of people infected with the parasite that causes explosive diarrhea. State Epidemiologist Theresa Sokol says that’s considerably more than the state usually sees in the first seven months of the year.

Cut 10 (11) “…we typically see.”

Of those 100 patients, six have been hospitalized. Sokol says while cyclosporiasis is not considered to be a deadly disease, one of the characteristics is that it can be prolonged.

Cut 11 (07) “…they may return.”

Sokol says if you typically like to start your dinner each night with a salad, you shouldn’t be afraid to continue doing so. She says it’s simply important to take the precautions you should be taking anyways with fresh produce, including thoroughly washing it ahead of time – and perhaps taking one or two extra steps for the time being.

Cut 12 (11) “…of the parasites.”

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The Saints agreed to terms with All-Pro wide receiver Chris Olave on a four-year, 132-million-dollar contract extension. Olave held in for the first two practices of training camp while he negotiated the deal, and Locked On Saints podcast host Ross Jackson says he’s surprised by how quickly the two sides got it done.

Cut 13 (12)  “…to everybody’s benefit.”

The deal will make him the NFL’s sixth-highest-paid receiver behind the Cowboys’ CeeDee Lamb and ahead of the Steelers’ D.K. Metcalf. Olave ranked in the top eight of the NFL in receptions, yards and touchdowns last season. With a quarterback and two offensive tackles on rookie contracts, Jackson says these are the types of deals the Saints can afford.

Cut 14 (08) “…keep him around.”

There have been injury concerns for Olave, who has suffered four concussions since being drafted 11th overall in 2022. After playing just eight games in 2024, he had a career year and missed only the final game of last season. Jackson says this is a fair deal for both sides, but the Saints will need to protect themselves.

Cut 15 (08) “…the bigger question.”

_______________________________________

Tight end Juwan Johnson is entering his seventh season with the Saints, but the veteran pass catcher was actually college teammates with second-year quarterback Tyler Shough. The pair played together at Oregon in 2019 during Johnson’s graduate season. He says they’ve built great chemistry in their time together.

Cut 16 (16) “…the biggest thing (2x).”

Linebacker Kaden Elliss returned to New Orleans this offseason after being drafted in the seventh round of the 2019 draft by the Saints. He spent three seasons in Atlanta, where he became one of the league’s best linebackers. He says Saints GM Mickey Loomis has maintained the culture of the playoff teams he was a part of.

Cut 17 (19) “…a hundred percent.”

The Louisiana Hemp Beverage Coalition is working to get a federal ban on THC products overturned before it goes into effect November 12th. Coalition President Joe Gerrity, who’s also the CEO of Crescent Canna, says there’s a bill that he supports that would not only accomplish that, but it would also address concerns expressed by the ban’s supporters, who say THC drinks and gummies pose safety risks to children.

Cut 11 (12) “…we’re for that.”

Saints defensive tackle Bryan Bresee (bruh-ZEE) went down with a devastating knee injury on the first day of training camp yesterday. Head Coach Kellen Moore says it looks like a season-ending ACL tear, but the team is waiting on a second opinion.

Cut 7 (09) “…training camp’s about.”

A Delcambre (DEL-kum) angler just won free beer for a year. Kace Kieschnick has the story.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

Not a good ranking for the Bayou State. A U.S. News and World Report study named Louisiana the worst overall state in the country. The study measured 71 metrics across categories like economy, education, infrastructure, healthcare and crime. Louisiana is the only state to rank in the bottom 10 in each of the eight total categories.

Certain school support staff might not be getting stipends this year. 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 24 (09) “…counselors some stipends.”

Saints Swiss Army Knife Taysom Hill announced he will not be returning to the black and gold in an emotional social media post yesterday. Hill spent nine years in New Orleans and became the only player in the Super Bowl era with over one-thousand yards rushing, receiving and passing. Head coach Kellen Moore says he is one of a kind.

Cut 6 (11) “…in this community.”

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.”

This study comes as a federal ban on THC products gets set to take effect November 12th. Joe Gerrity, the CEO of Crescent Canna, says it’s a travesty that some are unwilling to examine the benefits of THC.

Cut 23 (06) “…so many ways.”

Certain school support staff might not be getting stipends this year, so unions representing them are looking to come up with ways to get them that money. D’Shay Oaks, the president of the Louisiana Association of Educators, says if it comes to that, they need to do it in a way that doesn’t cause any collateral damage.

Cut 8 (12) “…the key here.” 

Louisiana is the number-one state in the nation in year-over-year construction job growth by percentage. The Associated General Contractors of America says every major metropolitan area reported growth in construction jobs, leading to about a 22-percent year-over-year increase. Louisiana Chapter President Reldon Owens expects that momentum to continue.

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

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. In severe dementia and in the late stages of life, agitation is a common neuropsychiatric symptom. Dr. Jeff Keller of LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center says symptoms include vocal outbursts, verbal hostility, hitting and throwing of property.

Cut 11 (09) “…these folks reside.”

As the Saints continue with training camp, Tyler Shough is looking to have a big year in his first full season as the starting quarterback. 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.”