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.”

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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.”

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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.”

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.