A mass shooting in Natchitoches early yesterday morning claimed the life of an 18-year-old. Latravion Stallworth of Natchitoches was one of six people shot. Police Sergeant John Greely says the other five were taken to the hospital. Three of them have been released from the hospital, and two are in stable condition.

Cut 4 (05) “…late night eateries.”

It’s unknown what led up to the shooting and so far, no one is in custody.

And in Iberville Parish, the St. Gabriel Police Department is grieving one of their own. 12-year veteran, Captain Devin Boutte was found stabbed to death at a home Sunday morning after the alleged killer informed St. Gabriel police Chief of an incident. In an interview with WBRZ channel 2, Chief Kevin Ambeau called it a gruesome death. 25-year-old Warren Mitchell III has been arrested but no motive was given.

A 12-member team, including firefighters from Baton Rouge, Zachary, West Feliciana, and Shreveport Fire Departments, deployed to Texas to aid in the catastrophic flood response, particularly in Kerr County.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

President Donald Trump signed the Big Beautiful Bill on the Fourth of July and Senator Bill Cassidy says some Louisiana taxpayers will feel it right away.

Cut 6 (05) “…overtime begin.”

He says the legislation extends tax cuts approved in 2017 and ends several consumer tax credits connected to clean energy including those for electric vehicle charging stations.

In the devastating Texas flash flood tragedies, heroes and heroines emerge. Emma Foltz of Alexandria was instrumental in evacuating 14 of her campers to safety. She has served as Counselor at Camp Mystic for the last three years and is a rising star at Louisiana Tech. Governor Jeff Landry posted a heartfelt thanks to Emma on X.

A 12-member task force comprised of firefighters from Baton Rouge, Zachary, West Feliciana, and Shreveport are in Texas to aid in catastrophic flood response. Baton Rouge Fire Chief Michael Kimble says the firefighters trained in swift water rescue and urban search and rescue equipped with advanced rescue boats and specialized gear dropped everything to go help support overwhelmed local crews. Deployment duration is based on ongoing needs. Kimble commended the rapid response of Governor Jeff Landry to approve the 14-day deployment.

Cut 11 (12) “…continue the operation.” 

Crime continues to plague Natchitoches, with the latest incident happening early yesterday morning. Police Sergeant John Greely says there was a deadly mass shooting shortly after 1:30.

Cut 3 (08) “…was pronounced deceased.” (six shot, one fatally)

The man who died has been identified as 18-year-old Latravion Stallworth of Natchitoches. So far, no one is in custody

Congratulations to Garrett Nussmeier, he got down on one knee over the holiday weekend to propose to his longtime girlfriend. Jeff Palermo has the happy story…

Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Today in a 218 to 214 vote, the U. S. House gave final legislative passage for President Trump’s sweeping tax cut and spending bill. Two Republicans and every Democrat in the House voted against the measure. New Orleans Democratic Congressman Troy Carter says Trump’s Big Ugly Bill will increase energy costs by 400-dollars per household, give tax breaks to the rich, and rip away health coverage from 17 million Americans. House Speaker Mike Johnson says the One Big Beautiful Bill will provide tax relief for the middle class and save every American from a tax increase…

Cut 16 (10) “…on the bill.”

With the latest LEAP test results showing overall student proficiency up a percentage point for third to eighter graders but down a point for high schoolers. Erin Bendily with the Pelican Institute, says while the state has certainly come a long way in the last few years, we still has a way to go.

Cut 5 (14) “…will soon face.”

Fireworks will be popping tonight and tomorrow as America celebrates its 249th birthday. State Fire Marshal spokesperson Ken Pastorick says if you plan to shoot fireworks, make sure you are 200 feet away from buildings and vehicles, never let children handle fireworks, light one firework at a time and do not use fireworks impaired by alcohol or drugs.

Cut 9 (10)  “…eleven deaths.”

And Planning a 4th of July barbecue expect higher prices for some staples, with beef up seven-percent, ground beef up ten-percent and potatoes and pork n beans also costing more, according to Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain.

Cut 12 (11) “…over a year ago.”

The U-S House gave final legislative passage today to President Trump’s sweeping tax cut and spending bill. House Speaker Mike Johnson says the One Big Beautiful Bill will permanently lower taxes for families and businesses, secures the border and unleashes American energy dominance…

Cut 15 (10) “…you vote today.”

The vote was 218 to 214, with two Republicans breaking party-lines to vote against the legislation. Every single Democrat in the House voted against the measure.

Heartbreaking tragedy in West Baton Rouge Parish as a Port Allen 3 year old drowns in a neighbor’s swimming pool. The sheriff’s office says while her family was inside, Jacie Lee walked out of the garage of her home yesterday afternoon. Sergeant Landon Groger says following an intense search, a deputy found the little girl unresponsive in a neighbor’s pool.

Cut 6 (11) “…apparent drowning.”

It is Fourth of July weekend, and the State Fire Marshal’s office is urging those who plan to light up the sky to do so safely. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

The latest LEAP test results are in and overall student proficiency for students in third through eighth grade is up a percentage point while highschoolers declined a point. Erin Bendily, the senior vice president of the Pelican Institute, says while it’s important to get younger students off to a good start, it’s also important for high school students.

Cut 4 (10) “…in the workplace.”

LEAP test results show progress among younger learners, but a slight decline in those closer to graduation. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

A man who reportedly opened fire on Lake Charles Police was shot and killed in a Lake Charles neighborhood Thursday morning. Lake Charles Police SWAT officers, were reportedly conducting an investigation when the man opened fire then retreated to a backyard then shot at officers again when asked to come out. Officers then shot the man who was transported to a hospital where he died. No officers were hurt. State police have been called in to investigate the incident.

Fireworks have become a big part of the nation’s birthday celebration and State Fire Marshal spokesperson Ken Pastorick says they are beautiful but dangerous. He adds, state law requires fireworks sellers to be properly licensed  by the State Fire Marshall’s office.  There are more than 600 retail fireworks stands that are permitted statewide. They should have their permit posted where you can see it.

Cut 11 (10) “…5452.” (2nd time)

If a barbecue is part of your Independence Day celebration expect higher prices for some staples like beef, ground beef, potatoes, and pork n beans. Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain says the American Farm Bureau Federation estimates that an average cookout for ten people will cost about 70-dollars. Strain says for grocery prices to drop, more stability is needed in the market.

Cut 14 (10) “…input cost.”

New Orleans-based Delta Utilities has completed its purchase of Entergy’s natural gas business. Delta Utilities CEO Tim Poche (poe-SHAY) says for those customers, the transition from Entergy will be seamless. The main difference they’ll see is getting two separate bills instead of one.

Cut 11 (09) “…will continue seamlessly.”

Texas State is officially set to leave the Sun Belt for the revamped PAC-12 in 2026 after approving the five-million-dollar buyout earlier this week. Louisiana Tech was rumored to be the apparent replacement, but Dave Schultz of the Locked On Sun Belt Podcast says the conference’s non-Louisiana schools feel the Sun Belt would be over saturated by the Bayou state.

Cut 6 (09) “…two weeks ago.”

You can now book your tickets for Amtrak’s Mardi Gras Service from New Orleans to Mobile, Alabama.  Sean Richardson has more.

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The sale of Entergy’s natural gas business to New Orleans based Delta Utilities is complete. Delta CEO, Tim Poche says the transition was seamless.

Cut 12 (13) “…that same service.”

If your Entergy service included natural gas, you will now receive a separate bill for it from Delta.

The Christian world is mourning the passing of Jimmy Swaggart, who died yesterday at the age of 90. He had gone into cardiac arrest in June and never regained consciousness. Jimmy Swaggart Ministries spokeswoman Megan Kelly says his family is grieving but in good spirits.

Cut 7 (09) “…good peace.”

The Senate passed the Big Beautiful Bill, but it’s not headed to President Trump’s desk just yet. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

A text message blast from CVS is the focus of one of three lawsuits Attorney General Liz Murrill files against the pharmacy chain last month. She alleges that CVS used private patient information to send out a political message Liz Murrill. She says she herself received the text and it targeted seniors, veterans and people with serious health issues.

Cut 14 (07) “…to scare people.”

The subject of the text was a bill in the legislature that would have banned pharmacy benefit managers from owning pharmacies.

Prominent Louisiana televangelist Reverend Jimmy Swaggart has died at the age of 90. His television ministry, started in 1975, reached millions globally. A Grammy-nominated gospel artist, he sold over 15 million records. Louisiana Radio Network President Jim Engster says Swaggart, cousin to Jerry Lee Lewis and Mickey Gilley, gave up a successful commercial music career to be a minister.

Cut 5 (12) “…Jimmy Swaggart.”

The Louisiana Department of Health is launching a campaign this Fourth of July week to help veterans experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder. As part of the effort, the Office of the Surgeon General has released a TV public service announcement to reach veterans across the state. Surgeon General Dr. Ralph Abraham says PTSD is serious.

Cut 13 (11)  “…to help them.”

The board that investigates ethics violations by public officials has new rules. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (36) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

A federal judge has granted Serve Louisiana a preliminary injunction reinstating the AmeriCorps grant that had been abruptly canceled as part of a nationwide termination effort earlier this year at the direction of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).  Serve Louisiana Program Director Maggie Connaro (Connor-roe) says the ruling allows members to complete the 11-month service terms.

Cut 10 (09) “…end of the month.”

A new law means new rules for the Louisiana Board of Ethics. The bill sailed through both houses of legislature as many believe the old rules left room for misuse for political gain. Public Affairs Research Council expressed concern over a provision in the new law requiring the board to determine whether the investigation is too expensive. PAR President Steven Procopio says the legislature did address PAR’s biggest concerns including a provision that required having evidence before launching an investigation.

Cut 9 (06)  “…couple other things.”

A federal judge has granted Serve Louisiana’s motion for a preliminary injunction, reinstating the AmeriCorps grant that had been abruptly canceled as part of a nationwide termination effort earlier this year. Serve Louisiana Program Director Maggie Connaro (Connor-roe) says this ruling will not only be beneficial to team members that are serving but to the people the members were serving in the Corps from food access, youth development, housing access and coastal restoration.

Cut 12 (06) “…serve the community.”

Televangelist Jimmy Swaggart passed away at 90 years old after suffering a cardiac arrest last month at his home in Baton Rouge. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

The Louisiana Department of Health is launching a campaign this Fourth of July week to help veterans experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder. The Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Charlton Meginley says PTSD is very prevalent among service members who were in combat.

Cut 15 (08) “…may be marital.”

Veterans experiencing PTSD are encouraged to call the Louisiana 988 Helpline and press 1 or text 838255 for support and help

As part of the Louisiana Department of Health’s campaign launching this 4^th of July week, the Office of the Surgeon General has released a TV public service announcement to reach Louisiana veterans experiencing Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Surgeon General Dr. Ralph Abraham urges any veteran experiencing PTSD to call the Louisiana 988 Helpline and press 1 or text 838255 to talk to specialists who provide emotional support to service members, veterans and their families.

Cut 14 (08) “…to do that.”

Serve Louisiana has been granted a preliminary injunction by a federal judge which reinstates AmeriCorps grants that had been canceled by the Department of Government Efficiency.  But Serve Louisiana Program Director Maggie Connaro (Connor-roe) says the battle is far from over as the injunction can be appealed within 60-days.

Cut 11 (12) “…might come about.”

A new law means the board that investigates alleged ethics violations against public officials will have to abide by some new restrictions. New Iberia Republican Beau Beaullieu (BOW-lee-ay) says that these new rules do not give officials elected or not permission to act unethically.

Cut 7 (06) “…from that standpoint.”

The bill sailed through both houses of legislature but faced criticism from the Public Affairs Research Council. Regarding a provision that the board of ethics has to determine that the investigation is not too expensive, either for the board or for the person it’s investigating.

Reverend Jimmy Swaggart has died at 90 after suffering a cardiac arrest last month. He began his television ministry in 1975 and reached millions across the globe and founded Jimmy Swaggart Ministries and Bible College Louisiana Radio Network President Jim Engster says though he lost credibility in a 1988 prostitution scandal, he came back like a lion.

Cut 4 (10) “…an amazing life.”

His ministry continues with his wife, Frances and son, Donnie.