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.

The rivalry between LSU and Ole Miss has moved from the football field to the courtroom. The University of Mississippi has sued LSU football players Princewill Umanmielen and Devin Harper, claiming the former Rebels owe nearly $1 million for violating revenue-sharing agreements they signed in January. According to the lawsuits, the players breached those contracts when they entered the transfer portal and later signed with LSU. LSU has declined to comment.

The Saints open training camp today. Kace Kieschnick has more on year two under head coach Kellen Moore…

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

Starting Saturday, it will be illegal to release balloons outdoors in Louisiana. 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. Harahan Representative John Illg says the legislation is backed by Louisiana’s agriculture industry…

Cut 5 (10) “…then possibly die.”

Violators can be fined hundreds of dollars, but Illg says the goal is to educate the public rather than issue citations.

The Louisiana Secretary of State’s Office is testing a voting system from Smartmatic today at the State Archives building in Baton Rouge. Smartmatic is one of several companies hoping to provide the state’s next voting machines. Secretary of State Nancy Landry says a final decision is expected by January…

Cut 12 (12) “…after this.”

The economic impact of Meta’s $50 billion AI data center is already being felt across northeast Louisiana. Grow NELA President and CEO Rob Cleveland says just 18 months into construction, the project is driving a major increase in local revenue…
Cut 26 (09) “…40-million dollars”

In Richland Parish, first-quarter sales tax collections reached $38 million — six times higher than the same period last year.

Louisiana is also looking to expand its role in nuclear energy production. The state is one of five finalists for a Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campus. Louisiana Department of Conservation and Energy spokesperson Patrick Courreges says Governor Jeff Landry believes the state is well positioned to strengthen America’s energy security…
Cut 5 (09) “…playoffs”

The Saints are back at training camp as preparations begin for the 2026 season. The team will take the practice field tomorrow, and WWL Radio Saints analyst Mike Detillier says there’s little time to waste with 47 days until the season opener in Detroit…
Cut 7 (13) “…ground running”

A popular Terrebonne Parish fishing area is getting a boost with a new artificial reef project. Crews are installing 650 NATRX exoform reef structures at the historic Sulphur Mine site to improve habitat for speckled trout and redfish. CCA Louisiana Conservation and Habitat Chairman John Walther says anglers can begin fishing the new reefs right away…
Cut 13 (09) “…life there”

The mourning continues in St. Landry Parish for Leonville Elementary School teacher Katelyn LeBlanc, who was killed in a head-on crash on I-49 on Sunday. One of her former students, Andre Champagne, says LeBlanc was a beloved mentor and many hearts are broken over her death…

Cut 20 (09) “…that same resource.”

LeBlanc also leaves behind four children. The investigation into the fatal wreck is ongoing.

A Thibodaux man is facing sex crime charges for alleged inappropriate behavior with a girl who was under ten years old at the time. Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Captain Brennan Matherne says 61-year-old Gregory Leblanc faces a slew of charges…

Cut 10 (11) “…of juvenile” (2x)

Mathene says at this time they are only aware of one victim.

The U-S Energy Department has identified Louisiana as one of five states for a Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campus. Utah, Tennessee, Oklahoma and Idaho are the other finalists. Louisiana Department of Conservation and Energy spokesperson Patrick Courreges says the federal energy department chose the five states after reviewing applications from 26 states…

Cut 4 (10) “…go forward.”

The campuses would help the U-S grow it nuclear energy production.

Work is underway on the New Pelto Island Reef Project in coastal Terrebonne Parish. Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Artificial Reef Coordinator Mike McDonough says the agency is partnering with ConocoPhillips to restore the popular fishing destination known as the Sulphur Mine…

Cut 14 (11 “…our anglers.”

The habitat will attract speckled trout and redfish.

Louisiana is one of five states under consideration for a new Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campus as the Trump Administration looks to expand the nation’s nuclear energy industry. Louisiana Department of Conservation and Energy spokesperson Patrick Courreges says the campus would support every stage of the nuclear fuel cycle…

Cut 3 (10) “…different state.”

Utah, Tennessee, Oklahoma and Idaho are the other finalists. The Energy Department says the campuses would create thousands of high-paying jobs.

It’s back to work for the Saints who report to training camp today. New Orleans is looking to improve on last year’s six and 11 season.  WWL Radio Saints analyst Mike Detillier expects the Black and Gold to win a couple more games this season…

Cut 8 (12) “…something together”

Saints General Manager Mickey Loomis and head coach Kellen Moore will speak this afternoon.

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

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

The Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office has arrested 61-year-old Gregory Leblanc of Thibodaux for alleged inappropriate behavior with a female that occurred several years ago when the victim was a child. Sheriff’s Captain Brennan Matherne says investigators do not know of any other victims…

Cut 11 (11) “…offenders to justice”

Louisiana Superintendent of Education Doctor Cade Brumley is urging school leaders to take a firm stance against student misbehavior and bullying. Brumley says maintaining orderly classrooms is critical to keeping student achievement on the rise. He says state law already provides consequences for students who repeatedly disrupt learning…
Cut 8 (11) “…an automatic expulsion”
Beginning August first, students convicted of assaulting a school employee will face a mandatory two-semester expulsion.

St. Landry Parish is mourning the loss of Leonville Elementary teacher Katelyn LeBlanc, who was killed in a head-on crash on I-49 this weekend. Former student Andre Champagne says LeBlanc cared deeply about every child…
Cut 4 (09) “…of classroom”
LeBlanc leaves behind four daughters who attend Leonville Elementary.

The search for the remains of 15-year-old Ja’Derrius Minnieweather has entered its third week at a Baton Rouge-area landfill. East Baton Rouge Parish District Attorney Hillar Moore says the search is difficult…
Cut 11 (10) “…in-home care.”
Investigators say 51-year-old Maurice Parms killed Minnieweather, put his body in a garbage can, and it was later taken to the landfill by a garbage truck.

Meta’s $50 billion AI data center is already boosting northeast Louisiana’s economy. Grow NELA President and CEO Rob Cleveland says the project is attracting new businesses…
Cut 14 (10) “…in Ouachita Parish.”
Cleveland says the growth is also driving new housing construction and bringing more customers to local restaurants and businesses.