LRN AM Newscall July 2

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.”

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People are looking back at the life and ministry of the Reverend Jimmy Swaggart, who passed away yesterday at the age of 90. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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Entergy’s natural gas customers will now be making payments to a new company. Colleen Crain reports.

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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The Big, Beautiful Bill now heads to the House after passing in the Senate 51-to-50, with Vice President J.D. Vance casting the tie-breaking vote. The final vote came after more than 24 hours of votes on amendments, most of which were put forth by Democrats. LSU political science professor Robert Hogan says the bill deals with a lot of controversial issues.

Cut 4 (08) “…state like Louisiana.”

One of the most contentious issues was the cuts to Medicaid and how many people would lose coverage as a result. Hogan says after hours of debate, there was little movement on the issue.

Cut 5 (08) “…ultimately receive it.”

Hogan says passing the bill as-is in the House is far from a slam-dunk.

Cut 6 (16) “…to accept it.”

If the House makes any changes, it would have to go back to the Senate. Hogan says he believes one way or another, the bill will get passed in some form and will end up on President Trump’s desk.

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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.”

Swaggart began his ministry in 1973, televising and broadcasting the gospel to the world. Kelly says its incredible to think there’s not one place on this earth that his ministry hasn’t touched.

Cut 8 (10) “…of Jimmy Swaggart.”

Swaggart had a fall from grace with a prostitution scandal in 1988. But he didn’t lose his faith, and Kelly says Swaggart got on his knees and asked God for forgiveness and to change his life.

Cut 9 (11)  “…is just tremendous.”

The public viewing and wake will be held Saturday, July 12th, from 11 to two; and the celebration of life service is Sunday, July 13th, at six p-m. Both will be held at the Family Worship Center in Baton Rouge.

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New Orleans-based Delta Utilities has completed its purchase of Entergy’s natural gas business, adding more than 200-thousand customers in New Orleans and Baton Rouge. Delta Utilities CEO Tim Poche (poe-SHAY) says for those customers, the transition from Entergy will be seamless.

Cut 10 (06) “…will continue unaffected.”

Poche says the biggest difference those customers will experience is instead of receiving a single bill from Entergy for both electric and natural gas service, they will now receive a separate bill from Delta.

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

Poche says the transition was also seamless for those who used to work for Entergy’s natural gas operations.

Cut 12 (13) “…that same service.”

Entergy says the sale of its natural gas operation will allow it to sharpen its focus on its electric operations. With its acquisition of Entergy’s natural gas operation, along with its earlier acquisition of CenterPoint’s natural gas operations in Louisiana and Mississippi, Delta Utilities becomes the largest regulated natural gas utility in Louisiana.

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Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill says CVS was being deceptive when sending text messages opposing legislation that would ban pharmacy benefit managers from owning pharmacies.

Cut 13 (08)  “…lawsuits is about.”

That text blast is the focus of one of the three lawsuits Murrill filed against the drug store chain last month, with the attorney general alleging that CVS used private patient information to send out a political message. Murrill says she received one of those text messages; she says it targeted seniors, veterans and people with serious health issues.

Cut 14 (08) “…to scare people.”

CVS said in its text blast that if House Bill 358 had passed, it would have to close all of its pharmacies throughout Louisiana, putting hundreds of employees out of work. Murrill says in an indirect way, that’s the focus of another of her lawsuits against the company.

Cut 15 (10) “…out of business.”

CVS has previously issued a statement denying all allegations.

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WWL’s Mike Detillier spoke with LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier at the Manning Passing Academy. Nussmeier was confident in the Tigers revamped offensive line and always lethal weapons. One target he expects to play a big role is six-seven sophomore tight end Trey’Dez Green.

Cut 16 (16) “…really long time.”

Green played in all 13 games his freshman season and tallied 4 touchdowns and 101 yards on just 13 receptions.

On the other side of the ball, Nussmeier highlighted five-star freshman cornerback DJ Pickett. The 6-foot-4 Florida product was ranked as the No. 1 overall corner in the 2025 class by On3 and Rivals and second by ESPN and 247Sports. Nussmeier says Pickett is next in the line of great LSU corners.

Cut 17 (12)  “…elite cornerback”

LSU will kick off the season at Clemson August 30. Detillier previewed the matchup with Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik, who was also in Thibodaux this past weekend. The junior signal caller is looking forward to welcoming the Tigers to Memorial Stadium.

Cut 18 (15)  “…like Garrett.”

Klubnik passed for over 36-hundred yards and 36 touchdowns in his second season as a starter. The former five-star out of Austin Westlake High School in Texas says he chose Clemson because of head coach Dabo Swinney.

Cut 19 (16) “…love to do it.”

5:30 LRN Newscast

Reverend Jimmy Swaggart has died in Baton Rouge at the age of 90, about two weeks after going into cardiac arrest. Louisiana Radio Network President Jim Engster, whose first full-time job out of college was working for Swaggart at the Baton Rouge gospel radio station then known as WLUX, says Swaggart was a kind, Christian man.

Cut 3 (12) “…after his death.”

The Louisiana Department of Health is launching a campaign this Fourth of July week to help veterans experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder. Surgeon General Dr. Ralph Abraham urges any veteran experiencing PTSD to call the Louisiana 988 Helpline.

Cut 14 (08) “…to do that.”

The board that investigates alleged ethics violations against public officials has new restrictions to abide by. That’s due to a new law as a result of the passage of House Bill 674 by New Iberia Republican Beau Beaullieu (BOW-lee-ay), who says officials have complained for years about the egregious nature of ethics investigations – especially during campaign season. 

Cut 6 (07) “…in a campaign.”

The bill sailed through both houses of legislature, with only two Republican senators voting against it. However, the Public Affairs Research Council of Louisiana has expressed criticism. PAR President Steven Procopio says among his concerns is 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.

Cut 8 (06) “…you were investigating.”

4:45 LRN Sportscast

Revenue sharing in college athletics launched today following the NCAA House settlement. Schools are now allowed to pay student athletes directly up to $20.5 million of their athletic revenue. Wilson Alexander of the Advocate spoke to LSU officials trying to navigate a new era of collegiate sports. LSU’s usually profitable athletics department is facing a projected 8-million-dollar deficit thanks to revenue sharing. He says the school will find a new revenue stream in advertisements on the 25-yard-line at Tiger Stadium, and officials hope to be back in the black by 2027…

Cut 11 (12) “…dollars a year.”

Alexander says LSU has a sponsor lined up and plans to seamlessly integrate the on-field logo with a purple and gold color scheme.

Oregon left-hander Santiago Garcia announced his commitment to LSU. The sophomore New Mexico native was the high school teammate of Tigers shortstop Steven Milam. He tallied 49 strikeouts in 30 innings with the Ducks last season. 

Former UL-Lafayette All-American left-hander and pitching coach Gunner Leger announced his resignation after two seasons. Leger’s staff showed promise his first year helping the team to a Sun Belt title with a 4.48 ERA, but that mark jumped to 5.53 this year.

Former LSU forward Trendon Watford agreed to a two-year $5.3 million deal with the 76ers last night. Watford spent the previous two seasons with the Nets after signing with the Trailblazers as an undrafted free agent in 2021. He averaged over ten points in 44 games last season.

The Pelicans announced their preseason schedule today. New Orleans will tip off in Melbourne Australia October 3 with games against Melbourne United and South East Melbourne Phoenix. New Orleans will return home to host the Rockets in Birmingham October 14 before wrapping up the preseason against the Magic.

4:30 PM LRN Newscast

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.”

3:30 PM LRN Newscast

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

2:30 PM LRN Newscast

As part of the Louisiana Department of Health’s campaign launching this 4th 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.

LRN PM Newscall July 1

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.”

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

Cut 2 (36) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Reverend Jimmy Swaggart, a prominent Louisiana televangelist, died at 90 after suffering a cardiac arrest last month at his Baton Rouge home. Louisiana Radio Network President Jim Engster, whose first full-time job out of college was working for Swaggart at the Baton Rouge gospel radio station then known as WLUX, says Swaggart was a kind, Christian man.

Cut 3 (12) “…after his death.”

Born in Ferriday, Swaggart founded Jimmy Swaggart Ministries and Bible College, serving as senior pastor of Family Worship Center. Ordained by the Assemblies of God in 1961, he was defrocked in 1988 after a prostitution scandal. Engster says even though he lost his credibility, he came back like a lion.

Cut 4 (10) “…an amazing life.”

His television ministry, which started in 1975, reached millions globally. A Grammy-nominated gospel artist, he sold over 15 million records. Engster says Swaggart, who was a cousin to Jerry Lee Lewis and Mickey Gilley, gave up a successful commercial music career to be a minister.

Cut 5 (12) “…Jimmy Swaggart.”

Swaggart leaves behind his wife, Frances, and son, Donnie, who continue his ministry through SonLife Broadcasting.

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The board that investigates alleged ethics violations against public officials has new restrictions to abide by. That’s due to a new law as a result of the passage of House Bill 674 by New Iberia Republican Beau Beaullieu (BOW-lee-ay), who says officials have complained for years about the egregious nature of ethics investigations – especially during campaign season.

Cut 6 (07) “…in a campaign.”

Beaullieu stresses, however, that these new rules by no means gives any public official – elected or otherwise – permission to act unethically.

Cut 7 (06) “…from that standpoint.”

The bill sailed through both houses of legislature, with only two Republican senators voting against it. However, the Public Affairs Research Council of Louisiana has expressed criticism. PAR President Steven Procopio says among his concerns is 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.

Cut 8 (06) “…you were investigating.”

However, Procopio says the legislature did address PAR’s biggest concerns by the time the bill got to Governor Landry’s desk, including a provision that required having evidence before even launching the investigation.

Cut 9 (06)  “…couple other things.”

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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 (CON-er-row) says the ruling restores the program’s operations and allows members to complete the 11-month service terms.

Cut 10 (09) “…end of the month.”

Serve Louisiana filed suit in early May following the sudden cancelation of its federal grant by AmeriCorps at the direction of the newly-formed Department of Government Efficiency.  Connaro says the preliminary injunction can be appealed within 60 days, and the battle is far from over.

Cut 11 (12) “…might come about.”

Connaro says this ruling will not only be beneficial to team members that are serving, but also 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.”

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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.”

Dr. Abraham urges any veteran experiencing PTSD to call the Louisiana 988 Helpline and press 1 or text 838255 to talk to specialists who focus on providing emotional support to service members, veterans and their families.

Cut 14 (08) “…to do that.”

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.”

1:30 PM LRN Newscast

Prominent Louisiana televangelist, Reverend Jimmy Swaggart has died at age of 90 after suffering a cardiac arrest last month at his Baton Rouge home. Louisiana Radio Network President Jim Engster says Swaggart was a kind, Christian man.

Cut 3 (12) “…after his death.”

He leaves behind his wife, Frances, and son, Donnie, who continue his ministry through SonLife Broadcasting.

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.”

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

Cut 2 (36) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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.”

Dr. Abraham urges any veteran experiencing PTSD to call the Louisiana 988 Helpline and press 1 or text 838255

12:30 LRN Newscast

The board that investigates alleged ethics violations against public officials has new restrictions to abide by. That’s due to a new law as a result of the passage of House Bill 674 by New Iberia Republican Beau Beaullieu (BOW-lee-ay), who says officials have complained for years about the egregious nature of ethics investigations – especially during campaign season. 

Cut 6 (07) “…in a campaign.”

The bill sailed through both houses of legislature, with only two Republican senators voting against it. However, the Public Affairs Research Council of Louisiana has expressed criticism. PAR President Steven Procopio says among his concerns is 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.

Cut 8 (06) “…you were investigating.”

However, Procopio says the legislature did address PAR’s biggest concerns by the time the bill got to Governor Landry’s desk.

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.”

11:40 LRN Sportscast

Revenue sharing in college athletics begins today. The NCAA will police the 20.5-million-dollar revenue sharing cap limit with the new College Sports Commission. NIL deals over 600 dollars will also be reviewed by the NIL Go board to determine whether they serve a valid business purpose and fall within a reasonable range of compensation. LSU has been outspent by its competitors so far in the NIL era; but with the shift away from collective-based bargaining, Wilson Alexander of the Advocate says officials believe the Tigers can offer just as much as other schools.

Cut 12 (13) “…programs these days.”

LSU spent 5.5-million dollars out of its Bayou Collective on the football roster last year, compared to Ole Miss’s over 10-million-dollar investment and Ohio State’s near 20-million-dollar payout.

Baseball America predicted LSU lefty Kade Anderson to go first overall in their most recent MLB mock draft. Anderson led division one in strikeouts this season and projects to be one of the surest prospects in this year’s class. Round one of the draft is set for July 13.

The Pelicans agreed to a two-year 16-million-dollar deal with 29-year-old center Kevon Looney. The 6-foot-9 vet averaged 4-and-a-half points and six boards a game last season mostly off the bench and will bring experience to a frontcourt featuring second-year center Yves Missi and rookie Derik Queen. The Team also announced yesterday a multi-year contract extension with TV announcers Joel Meyers and Antonio Daniels.

Conference USA officially welcomed new members Delaware and Missouri State today. The 11th and 12th members of the league will make the jump from FCS to FBS this season.

The Saints announced their training camp schedule kicking off July 23 in Metairie. There will be nine open practices this season. Tickets are free and reservations opened this morning at neworleanssaints.com/trainingcamp