Louisiana is the 11^th state to put regulations in place for earned wage access, which allows an employee to access wages earned before their pay day. Franklin Representative Vinney St. Blanc who authored the Louisiana Earned Wage Access Services Act says about 80-thousand workers in Louisiana have access to E-W-A services and it’s a great feature for those who encounter an emergency and there’s a small fee.

Cut 5 (06) “…working people.”

Back to school shopping has begun or soon will. For those looking to save money, Bankrate analyst Ted Rossman says look for ways to stack discounts and if some items can wait, many go on sale after Labor Day. He says families can also use back-to-school shopping to teach their children about budgeting.

Cut 9 (11) “…back in another.”

Two New Orleans Saints icons announced their retirement. Kace Kieschnick reports.

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

A New Orleans non-profit is helping to restore Louisiana’s coastline. Ricky Ostry with Glass Half Full says they are recycling glass into sand and rebuilding parts of the Louisiana coast with the sand and they’re working with many businesses to collect all types of glass.

Cut 15 (15) “…amounts of glass.”

One New Orleans non-profit is turning glass into sand to help rebuild parts of the Louisiana Coast. Ricky Ostry with Glass Half Full says believe it or not, glass can be crushed so fine that it’s softer and more comfortable to walk on than beach sand in Pensacola.

Cut 14 (07) “…than native sediment.”

He says they’re working with many businesses to collect all types of glass and while most glass will work, coated glass like auto glass will not.

The new school year is right around the corner and soon back-to-school shopping will be in full swing. Bankrate analyst Ted Rossman says back-to-school shoppers looking for ways to save money should consider stacking discounts.

Cut 7 (09) “…online shopping portal.”

He also suggests if it’s not necessary for the beginning of the school year, wait to buy it because many items go on sale after Labor Day.

Thanks to legislation approved by state lawmakers, regulations are now in place for Earned Wage Access, which allows workers to access a portion of their paycheck before payday. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

The Saints begin training camp today and the talk of the preseason will be the battle for the starting quarterback spot. GM Mickey Loomis says it will be a three-way fight between returners Jake Haener and Spencer Rattler and second-round pick Tyler Shough (“shuck”). Moore says he’ll try to give each an equal opportunity to compete.

Cut 11 (12) “…the consistency.”

A New Orleans non-profit is doing its part to help restore Louisiana’s coastline. Ricky Ostry with Glass Half Full says the organization is collecting glass and recycling it into sand to rebuild parts of the Louisiana coast.

Cut 13 (10)  “…sort of thing”

Most glass items will work for the project except coated glass like auto glass.

Earned Wage Access allows an employee to access wages earned prior to their pay day and Louisiana is the 11^th state to put regulations in place for it. Franklin Representative Vinney St. Blanc authored the Louisiana Earned Wage Access Services Act.

Cut 4 (11) “…ATM.”

He says about 80-thousand workers in Louisiana have access to E-W-A and now that there are guardrails in place, he hopes more employers will offer it and workers will take advantage of it.

As back-to-school shopping gets set to ramp up, Andrew Greenstein has some money-saving tips.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Saints training camp begins today. With new head coach Kellen Moore and the retirement of quarterback Derek Carr, it will be a fresh start in New Orleans, and GM Mickey Loomis says there’s always an opportunity to be successful.

Cut 10 (12) “…excited about that.”

Beginning late next year, Hood Container will begin a modernization project at its St. Francisville paper mill. The state offered the company an incentive package including an 8-hundred-thousand-dollar tax credit to secure the project. West Feliciana Parish President Kenny Havard hopes this won’t be the last investment that comes to the area.

Cut 8 (13) “…open for business.”

Alexandria native and Centenary College graduate, Josh Johnson makes his television hosting debut tonight on Comedy Central’s satire show alongside Jon Stewart. Johnson has been behind the scenes with Stewart for almost a decade writing for the Daily Show hosted by his fellow comedian. Johnson will be on Tuesday through Thursday with in a rotation of hosting comedians.

It was a banner year for the State Treasury in its campaign to reunite unclaimed cash with its rightful owners. Jeff Palermo reports.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Sun Belt Football Media Days kicked off in New Orleans today. ULM started 5-and-1 under first-year head coach Bryant Vincent last season before dropping their last six straight and failing to reach a bowl game. Vincent says phase one of rebuilding the Warhawks was establishing culture. Phase two was holding on to players despite the growing pains.

Cut 14 (12) “…role in that.”

In a tragic discovery, missing 16-year-old Iris Davis was found deceased on Monday. Iris was first reported missing last Thursday. Her body was found in a field not far from her St. Martin Parish home. St. Martinville Police Chief Ricky Martin says investigators are treating her death as a homicide. The investigation is ongoing.

We’re all feeling the heat and temperatures are expected to remain in the upper 90s for the rest of the week. Evan Canzoneri, a safety service consultant with LWCC, says When working outside in these conditions, dress accordingly.

Cut 5 (12) “…head is vital.”

Hood Container is modernizing their St. Francisville paper mill to the tune of close to 120 million dollars increasing production capacity by 80-thousand tons per year. Since taking ownership in 2015, Hood Container has invested more than 160 million dollars in the facility. West Feliciana Parish President Kenny Havard says this project will help retain 295 jobs in the parish.

Cut 7 (12) “…community partner.”

Upgrades begin in late 2026, and phase two will be completed during the mill’s annual outage in May of 2027.

The Louisiana Department of Treasury paid out almost 70-million dollars in unclaimed property funds in the 2025 fiscal year. State Treasurer John Fleming says many people who claimed money owed to them found out about it through the department’s outreach efforts.

Cut 11 (09) “…were owed money.”

The unclaimed property is in the form of payroll checks, old bank accounts, utility deposits and interest payments.

The Honey Badger is hanging up his cleats. Announcing his retirement from the Saints today after twelve seasons in the NFL, Tyrann Mathieu posted on social media, As I hang up my cleats, I’m filled with gratitude as I close this chapter of life and officially retire from the game that’s shaped me in every way.” The former LSU star was respected off the field too – nominated for the Walter Peyton Man of the Year and worked to create positive change in the lives of youth.

Last week, President Trump spoke with Coca-Cola about using real cane sugar in Coke in the United States and today Coca-Cola announced the release of a new version of its classic drink sweetened with U.S. sugar. Coke products sold in the U-K and Mexico already use cane sugar. Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain says Coca-Cola’s decision to use cane syrup could have a big impact on Louisiana…

Cut 13 (08)  “…few days.”

If you’re working outside this week, you’ll want to take extra precautions given the hot conditions. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Almost 70-million dollars in unclaimed property funds found its rightful owners in the 2025 fiscal year. The Louisiana Department of Treasury paid both current and former residents and State Treasurer John Fleming says claiming money that’s owed to you isn’t difficult.

Cut 10 (10) “…it right there.” (Website: LaCashClaim.org)

Unclaimed property could be payroll checks, old bank accounts, utility deposits and interest payments.

A teen is killed and two others are hurt in a drive-by shooting in Ponchatoula. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Some of the uncertainty for the upcoming school year is removed as the Trump administration releases 28-million dollars in previously withheld after-school grants for Louisiana. Michael Faulk, the executive director of the Louisiana School Superintendents Association…

Cut 10 (10) “…in those programs.”

If you’re planning to spend significant time outdoors this week, you’ll want to take extra precautions. Meteorologist Bill Jacquemin says throughout much of the state, daytime highs will be in the upper 90s with overnight lows in the 70s and the heat indexes will make it feel much hotter.

Cut 12 (11) “…and 110 degrees.”

Seek medical attention for signs of heat related illness like nausea, vomiting, muscle cramps, and headache.

Today is Southland Conference Football Media Day in San Antonio. Nicholls will open the season week zero in the first college football game played on American soil this season. Defending Southland Conference champions Incarnate Word will visit Thibodaux August 23. Nicholls head coach Tommy Rybacki…

Cut 7 (14) “…any other way.”

The game will be broadcast nationally on ESPN2.

A drive-by shooting in Ponchatoula claimed the life of one and injured two others. Police Chief Bry (“bree”) Layrisson says it happened Sunday afternoon.

Cut 4 (12) “…since been released.” (Dead teen’s name is Marvin Wells)

Layrisson says 18-year-old Julius Glass Jr., 17-year-old Kera Wolbers and 16-year-old Ray Carter have been arrested in what investigators are calling a targeted attack. They are facing first-degree murder charges.

Temperatures will be in the upper 90s across much of Louisiana this week. Meteorologist Bill Jacquemin says residents should be prepared and he warns, just using a fan won’t be enough.

Cut 14 (12) “…death over time.”

Tips to cope without a/c include taking cool showers, avoiding use of your stove and oven, staying hydrated, and spending time in air-conditioned buildings like libraries and shopping malls during the hottest part of the day.  Seek medical attention if you experience signs of heat related illness like nausea, vomiting, muscle cramps, and headaches.

Southland Conference players and coaches are in San Antonio to preview the upcoming football season. Kace Kieschnick reports.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

The Trump administration is releasing 28-million dollars in previously-withheld after-school grants for Louisiana. Michael Faulk, the executive director of the Louisiana School Superintendents Association, says this is good news for school districts planning their after-school programs for the upcoming school year.

Cut 9 (11)  “…a great help.”

A teen is killed and two others are hurt in  a drive-by shooting in Ponchatoula. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

The Trump administration releases 28-million dollars in previously-withheld after-school grants for Louisiana. Michael Faulk, the executive director of the Louisiana School Superintendents Association, says this is good news but that money only represents a fraction of the amount schools and he says some school districts have to do some significant belt-tightening.

Cut 11 (06) “…to receive more.”

You may want to plan indoor activities this week. Meteorologist Bill Jacquemin says throughout much of the state, daytime highs will be in the upper 90s with heat indexes will make it feel much hotter.

Cut 13 (10)  “…body cools itself.”

Even so, it’s important to stay hydrated.

Southland Conference Football Media Day is today in San Antonio. Nicholls head coach Tommy Rybacki will lead the program for the first time this season after ten years as the Colonels’ defensive coordinator.  Rybacki’s defense has consistently been one of the best in the Southland, and he’s looking to continue their success.

Cut 6 (10) “…next ten years.”

Nicholls will open the season week zero in the first college football game played on American soil this season.

Louisiana’s own Dustin Poirier will close out his UFC career in New Orleans, for the city’s first time hosting a UFC Championship. Poirier takes on Max Holloway at the Smoothie King Center tomorrow night and Kelly Schulz with New Orleans and Company says this is another way for New Orleans to showcase herself to the world.

Cut 5 (10) “…a great destination.”

She says the UFC championship is the latest in a long string of high-profile events.

Following an NCAA settlement, schools are allowed to pay up to 20.5-million dollars of athletic revenue directly to athletes and UL Lafayette is launching the Cajuns Edge fund so fans can support revenue sharing. Deputy Athletics Director Trey Frazier says they won’t pay out the full 20.5-million. They are trying to remain competitive with the top of the Sun Belt. He says in the early stages of fundraising, most of the revenue will go toward ticketed sports.

Cut 9 (08)  “…his goals there.”

Most of the money for the Mid-Barataria Sediment Diversion Project  that was cancelled yesterday would come from the BP Deepwater Horizon oil spill settlement but Governor Landry has said continuing the three billion dollar project would cost the state money that it doesn’t have.

Cut 13 (14)  “…the whole coast.”

Senator and physician Bill Cassidy urging people to get vaccinated against measles and stresses that measles can be deadly.

Cut 14 (09) “…died from measles.”

He points out that both Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and State Surgeon General Dr. Ralph Abraham recommend the vaccine.