Starting next January, SNAP recipients will no longer be able to use their state issued EBT card to purchase soda, energy drinks and candy. Louisiana Health Secretary Bruce Greenstein (Green-steen) says the state’s SNAP program costs the federal government one-point-nine billion dollars and SNAP recipients use their benefits to purchase about 350-million dollars in soda every year…

Cut 13 (11)  “…dairy products.”

SNAP recipients can still purchase soda candy, but they’ll have to use their own money.

Louisiana Tech, LSU and Southern are sharing a grant from NASA that will allow the universities to create smarter ways to construct and fix large space structures without relying on bolts, screws or glue. La Tech chemical engineering professor, Doctor Andrew Peters, says Louisiana is the perfect place for this research, because of its strong plastics industry…

Cut 11 (07) “…and manufacturing capabilities.”

With the new school year about to begin, Andrew Greenstein has some tips for kids to get to and from school safely.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

State Fire Marshal deputies have arrested a Ville Platte man for setting fire to a unit at an elderly and disabled senior living apartment complex in Ville Platte. Fifty-six-year-old William McBride has been charged with aggravated arson. Smoke alarms alerted residents, so everyone evacuated safely and no injuries were reported. A motive on why McBridge allegedly started the fire has not been released.

A new school year is upon us, so now is the time to start to pay extra close attention on the roadways. Greg Fischer with the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission says kids who walk to and from school should be focused solely on that single task and doing everything they can to stay safe.

Cut 7 (11) “…way as possible.”

One emphasis this year for the Louisiana Department of Education is to expand work-based learning opportunities for high school students. State Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley says that means more high school students will participate in internships…

Cut 3 (11) “…this year.”

According to Leaders for a Better Louisiana, just over two-thousand high school students graduated with an internship credit.

Starting in January, SNAP recipients will no longer be able to use their food stamp benefits to purchase soda, energy drinks and candy. Governor Landry asked the federal government to prohibit these foods from being purchased with SNAP benefits because they contribute to poor health outcomes…

Cut 12 (06) “…chronic diseases.”

Landry talked about the upcoming changes to the SNAP program on his “Diner Days” podcast he recorded at a restaurant in Broussard.

A 1.4-million-dollar grant from NASA will support a three-year research collaboration between LSU, Southern and Louisiana Tech. Dr. Andrew Peters, a professor of chemical engineering at Louisiana Tech, says the money will be used to research ways to construct and fix large space structures without relying on bolts, screws or glue.

Cut 9 (09)  “…kind of stuff.”

Autonomous trucks could be coming to Louisiana. They are already driving between Dallas and Houston at night. Renee Amar, the executive director of the Louisiana Motor Transport Association, says there have already been test runs for the self-driving trucks in the state but for now, those drivers will remain at night during low traffic hours and with a human driver in the vehicle.

Cut 5 (10) “…on the road.”

Amar says once autonomous trucks are approved for a full rollout, they could transform the industry.

In an effort to better the health of Louisiana public assistance recipients, five more parishes have been added to a Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program pilot for a total of 11 parishes where recipients can receive a bonus of 30 cents for every SNAP dollar they spend on fresh produce. There’s a limit of $25 per month that can be added back to the SNAP assistance. Last week, it was announced that Louisiana is one of six more states where SNAP cards will soon not cover candy, soda, and energy drinks.

A new school year has arrived. The head of the State Department of Education talked about a couple of new priorities this year. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

With school starting again, it’s time to pay extra attention to roadways. Greg Fischer with the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission says you can start by giving yourself a little extra time to get to and from work.

Cut 6 (12) “…at those times.”

Angola State Penitentiary may begin housing detained immigrants in a currently unused part of the prison. According to the Advocate, Louisiana leaders and the Trump administration are in early talks to use the facility – possibly a wing previously known as Camp J which closed in 2018 due to its condition. Concerns have reportedly been raised over housing non-violent immigrants in the same facility as those convicted of violent crimes. And at least one interested party reportedly expressed concern over the conditions of Camp J.

A new school year begins this week and is bringing some new areas of emphasis. State Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley says more high school students will participate in internships as they expand work-based learning opportunities. Educators are also putting an emphasis on more structured physical education classes…

Cut 4 (10) “…thoughtful than that.’”

Brumley says structured P-E classes will complement mandatory recess time for students between kindergarten and fifth grade.

In a first of its kind deal, B.J. Bell, the Voice of Grambling State’s World-Famous Tiger Marching Band has landed an NIL deal.

Cut 7 (13) “…NIL deal.”

He signed with Monroe-based Attorney Eddie Clark and Associates. Bell and Clark both attended Carroll High School in Monroe.

A new school year gets underway this week and the Louisiana Department of Education has plans to expand work-based learning opportunities for high school students and have more structured physical education classes which will complement mandatory recess time for students between kindergarten and fifth grade. State Superintendent of Education, Cade Brumley…

Cut 5 (11) “…too long.”

Starting this school year, school districts will be permitted to accept advertising from politicians and political groups for athletics and other school clubs. The new law was written by Gonzales Senator Eddie Lambert, who says rural school districts were put at a huge disadvantage under the old law.

Cut 10 (13) “…support the teams.”

Self-driving trucks are taking to the highways between Dallas and Houston and could service the Bayou State as soon as 2027. Kace Kieschnick has more.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

In an effort to better the health of Louisiana public assistance recipients, five parishes have been added to a Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program pilot for a total of 11 parishes where recipients receive a bonus of 30 cents for every SNAP dollar they spend on fresh produce. There’s a limit of $25 per month that can be added back to the SNAP assistance. Last week, it was announced that Louisiana is one of six more states where SNAP cards will soon not cover candy, soda, and energy drinks.

A new school year gets underway this week and an emphasis this year for the Louisiana Department of Education is to expand work-based learning opportunities for high school students. State Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley says that means more high school students will participate in internships…

Cut 3 (11) “…this year.”

Starting this school year, districts will be permitted to accept advertising from politicians and political groups for athletics and other school clubs. The new law does not obligate them to do so – they still have the ability to establish rules and guidelines. The law’s author, Gonzales Senator Eddie Lambert, says for any political advertisement placed in a facility that may be used as a polling place, electioneering rules still apply.

Cut 12 (10) “…be taken down.”

Autonomous trucks are now driving between Dallas and Houston at night, and it may not be long before they make their way to Louisiana. Renee Amar, the executive director of the Louisiana Motor Transport Association, says a law was passed in 2019 allowing autonomous trucking in the state.

Cut 4 (09) “…on their own.”

A pair of big athletic events are happening in New Orleans this week. The third NOLA Pickle Fest starts today at the Morial Convention Center, and the U.S. Gymnastics Championships start tomorrow at the Smoothie King Center. Kelly Schulz with New Orleans and Company says the latter event’s return to New Orleans is a long time coming.

Cut 14 (06) “…some incredible athletes.”

And you could eventually see some of the gymnasts competing this weekend in Los Angeles three years from now in the Olympics.

Autonomous trucks are now driving between Dallas and Houston at night, and it may not be long before they make their way to Louisiana. Renee Amar, the executive director of the Louisiana Motor Transport Association,  says Amar says there have already been test runs for self-driving trucks in the state, though for now, they’ll only be at night during low traffic hours and with a human driver in the vehicle.

Cut 5 (10) “…on the road.”

Starting now, Louisiana school districts will be allowed to accept advertising from politicians and political groups for athletics and other school clubs. It’s a new law which was written by Gonzales Republican Senator Eddie Lambert who says rural areas need every source of revenue they can get.

Cut 11 (09) “…year to advertise.”

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A pair of big athletic events are happening in New Orleans this week. The third NOLA Pickle Fest starts today at the Morial Convention Center and the U.S. Gymnastics Championships start tomorrow at the Smoothie King Center.  Kelly Schulz with New Orleans and Company  says you may see some of the athletes competing on the mat at the Smoothie King Center this week in Los Angeles three years from now.

Cut 15 (06) “…incredible talented gymnasts.”

Both events run through Sunday.

He’s the voice of Grambling State’s World Famed Tiger Marching Band.  Now BJ Bell has become the first band announcer to land an NIL deal. Bell signed with Monroe-based Attorney Eddie Clark & Associates. Bell, who always dreamed of playing in the Tiger Marching Band, says announcing for them has allowed him to live those dreams.

Cut 9 (08)  “…great feeling.”

It might not be long before self-driving trucks are rolling in Louisiana.  They’re already driving between Dallas and Houston at night. Renee Amar, the executive director of the Louisiana Motor Transport Association,  says autonomous trucks could transform the industry, but not without employment concerns.

Cut 6 (08) “…down the line.”

He’s the voice of Grambling’s World Famous Tiger Marching Band…and now B.J. Bell has become the first band announcer to land an NIL deal. Bell signed with Monroe-based Attorney Eddie Clark & Associates. Bell says the partnership will take advantage of his local stardom.

Cut 8 (12) “…came into play.”

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Starting this school year, school districts now have the option to accept advertising from politicians and political groups. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Big sporting week in New Orleans as the third NOLA Pickle Fest starts today at the Morial Convention Center. Kelly Schulz with New Orleans and Company

Cut 13 (07)  “…Brees Dream Foundation.”

And that’s not all, the US Gymnastics Championships kick off tomorrow at the Smoothie King Center.  Both events run through Sunday.