As a federal ban on THC products draws nearer, local businesses which deal in the product are working to get it overturned. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Several new state laws go into effect on Saturday. One of the new pieces of legislation bans retail and hospitality businesses from adding a surcharge to transactions when customers pay with a debit card. Businesses that violate the law face fines up of up to five-hundred dollars per violation.

A fisherman from Delcambre has won free beer for a year as he caught a tagged redfish during the CCA Louisiana Star Tournament. Tournament director Micah Den-ess says at first, Wayne Toups, thought it was just a yellow tag for a free T-shirt…

Cut 4 (09) “…what that is”

Toups brought the tag to Don’s Boat Landing in Erath, gave Denesse a call and celebrated his catch.

Next week, LSU begins preseason practice and Coach Lane Kiffin says the competition for playing time officially begins…

Cut 18 (14) “…day in practice”

Kiffin says starting quarterback Sam Leavitt is healthy and ready to go after taking it slow in spring football as he recovered from foot surgery.

Construction jobs are booming in Louisiana. The Associated General Contractors of America ranks the state first in the nation for year-over-year construction job growth by percentage and third for the number of new jobs created. AGC Louisiana CEO Reldon Owens says major projects, including Meta’s data center and other developments, are fueling the surge.
Cut 4 (11) “…St. Francisville area.”
Every major metro area in Louisiana added construction jobs, helping drive a 22-percent increase statewide.

A federal ban on THC products is scheduled to take effect November 12th after Congress approved the measure in legislation passed late last year. Crescent Canna CEO and Louisiana Hemp Beverage Coalition President Joe Gerrity says the ban would force his company to lay off its entire workforce.
Cut 9 (08) “…as well.”
The coalition is backing legislation that would repeal the ban while adding safeguards supporters say are needed to keep THC products away from children. THC products generate an estimated 33 million dollars a year in Louisiana.

Researchers at LSU’s Pennington Biomedical say a THC-CBD combination significantly reduced agitation in hospice patients with dementia, with nine out of 10 participants showing improvement. Principal investigator Dr. Jeff Keller says the findings could improve comfort and dignity for patients at the end of life, but more research is needed.
Cut 12 (10) “…all the questions.”

Saints training camp is underway, but the Black and Gold have already suffered a major setback. Defensive tackle Bryan Bresee appears to have torn his ACL during a non-contact drill. Coach Kellen Moore says the team is awaiting a second opinion.
Cut 7 (09) “…training camp’s about.”
Bresee tore the ACL in his other knee while at Clemson in 2021.

The University of Mississippi has sued former Rebels Princewill Umanmielen and Devin Harper, claiming the two players owe nearly $1 million after transferring to LSU. Ole Miss says both signed revenue-sharing agreements requiring them to repay the school if they left before fulfilling their commitment. Days later, they transferred to LSU. Sam Hutchens of the Clarion Ledger says Ole Miss also sought payment from LSU, but the Tigers say they’re not a party to those agreements.

Cut 4 (13) “…whole thing.”

LSU has declined to comment.

Saints training camp is underway, and running back Alvin Kamara is preparing for his tenth NFL season. Despite offseason speculation about his future in New Orleans, Kamara says his approach hasn’t changed.

Cut 10 (12) “…last year.”

A major clinical trial involving LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center has found specialized obesity treatment for children and teens can be successfully provided through primary care doctors.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Louisiana has a new “I Voted” sticker for this fall’s elections. The design by New Orleans artist Terrence Osborne features a trumpet decorated with magnolia blossoms and Mardi Gras beads.

Cut 13 (09) “…of the horn.”

The University of Mississippi has filed a lawsuit against two of its former football players who followed Lane Kiffin to LSU. They claim edge rusher Princewill Umanmielen and offensive lineman Devin Harper signed a revenue sharing agreement with Ole Miss and they are in breach of that contract because the agreement called for them to pay a buyout to Ole Miss if they broke that contract. Sam Hutchens with the Clarion Ledger expects this case will be settled out of court…

Cut 5 (11) “…deal with all this”

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 and Terrebonne parishes….

`Cut 29 (09) “…census block ratio.”

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 and health behavior 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 program involves teaching kids and parents how to cook healthy meals, helping with grocery shopping, devising physical activity strategies and managing stress.

Training camp is underway for the Saints. Head Coach Kellen Moore is expecting big seasons out second-year quarterback Tyler Shough and All-Pro receiver Chris Olave…

Cut 17 (16) “…continuing to grow”

The University of Mississippi has sued former Rebels Princewill Umanmielen and Devin Harper, claiming the two players owe nearly $1 million after transferring to LSU. Ole Miss says both signed revenue-sharing agreements in January that required them to repay the school if they left before fulfilling their commitment. Days later, they entered the transfer portal and enrolled at LSU. Sam Hutchens of the Clarion Ledger says Ole Miss also sought payment from LSU, but the Tigers responded they are not a party to those agreements.

Cut 4 (13) “…whole thing.”

LSU has declined to comment.

Households in Avoyelles, St. Landry, St. Tammany and Terrebonne parishes that suffered losses from Tropical Storm Arthur can apply for Disaster SNAP benefits this week. Louisiana SNAP Director Tim Jenkins says anyone seeking more information should call 1-888-524-3578.

cut 9 (12) “…participating in that.”

Qualifying for Louisiana’s congressional races begins one week from today. Congressman Cleo Fields has already announced he will not seek another term in the 6th District and instead will run for the state Senate. Meanwhile, New Iberia Senator Blake Miguez has yet to announce his plans. President Trump endorsed Miguez for the 5th Congressional District under the old map, but the newly redrawn 6th District is closer to his primary residence.

Louisiana voters will also see a new “I Voted” sticker in the November and December elections. Andrew Greenstein has more…

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

The contentious relationship between Ole Miss and LSU has spilled into the courtroom. The University of Mississippi has sued two former Rebels who transferred to LSU, claiming edge rusher Princewill Umanmielen and offensive lineman Devin Harper owe nearly $1 million in buyout payments. Ole Miss says both players signed revenue-sharing agreements requiring them to repay a predetermined amount if they left before fulfilling their commitments. LSU has declined to comment on the lawsuits.

Residents in select areas of Avoyelles, St. Landry, St. Tammany and Terrebonne parishes can apply for Disaster SNAP benefits this week by calling 1-888-524-3578. State SNAP Director Tim Jenkins says most eligible applicants will learn 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 living in the eligible disaster areas.

Louisiana is moving closer to replacing its aging voting machines. State election officials will test a voting system from Smartmatic today at the State Archives building in Baton Rouge. Secretary of State Nancy Landry says the state certified five voting systems and one ballot-marking device last year, and this final demonstration will help determine whether another system should also be certified…

Cut 10 (10) “…to be certified”

The state expects to select a new voting system by the end of the year.

The Secretary of State’s Office has also unveiled Louisiana’s new “I Voted” sticker for the November and December elections. The design, created by New Orleans artist Terrence Osborne, features a trumpet filled with magnolia blossoms and wrapped in Mardi Gras beads…

Cut 13 (09) “…of the horn”

Ole Miss has taken its rivalry with LSU to the courtroom. The University of Mississippi claims two former Rebels now playing for the Tigers owe nearly $1 million for violating revenue-sharing agreements they signed before transferring to LSU. Ole Miss has filed lawsuits in Mississippi state court against LSU edge rusher Princewill Umanmielen and offensive lineman Devin Harper. LSU has declined to comment.

A new Louisiana law taking effect Saturday bans the outdoor release of balloons for memorials and celebrations. Harahan Representative John Illg, who authored the measure, says released balloons often end up harming wildlife and polluting the environment.

Cut 4 (08) “…our waterways.”

Illg says just as people replaced throwing rice at weddings with birdseed, families can find other meaningful ways to celebrate special occasions and honor loved ones.

The Secretary of State’s Office has unveiled Louisiana’s 2026 “I Voted” sticker that voters will receive in November. The winning design, created by New Orleans artist Terrence Osborn, features a trumpet filled with magnolia blossoms wrapped in Mardi Gras beads. Osborn says the artwork tells Louisiana’s story through familiar symbols.

Cut 15 (10) “…they represent sound.”

The Secretary of State’s Office is also testing a new voting system today at the Louisiana State Archives building in Baton Rouge as it looks to replace the state’s 35-year-old voting machines.

Cut 11 (03) “…see the demonstration.”

Secretary of State Nancy Landry says six certified vendors remain under consideration, with a final decision expected before the end of the year.