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.”

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.”

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.”

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.”

Protestors will gather in Lafayette Square in downtown New Orleans this evening to demand a stop to the ICE raids across the country. It’s the culmination of a tour of ICE detention facilities in Louisiana that the group dubbed “detention alley.” Siti Pulcheon, whose mother is an immigrant, says she could see the anguish in the faces of the people being held.

Cut 6 (11) “…here or elsewhere”

Governor Landry signed a series of bills yesterday aimed at reforming DOTD. During a bill signing ceremony, Landry said the reforms aim to make DOTD more effective and accountable, restoring public trust and maximizing taxpayer value.

Cut 9 (12)  “…for the people.”

A new era of college athletics has arrived. Schools can now pay athletes directly, thanks to revenue sharing in the NCAA. Kace Kieschnick has more.

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

President Trump nominates Jefferson Parish Attorney David Courcelle for U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Louisiana. He would oversee federal prosecutions over a 13-parish region, which would include New Orleans. His nomination is subject to confirmation by the Senate.

Civil rights activists and faith leaders will come together in downtown New Orleans this evening to demand a stop to ICE raids and the release of immigrant workers who have not committed any crimes. Siti Pulcheon (SEE-tee PUHL-shin), a child of an immigrant mother, says what’s going on is inhumane.

Cut 4 (11) “…in horrible conditions.”

The rally at Lafayette Square starts at 5:30.

Governor Landry signs a series of bills yesterday in a ceremony at the Capitol to reform DOTD. Among them is one that creates a pair of offices. The Office of Project Delivery will ensure the timely completion of DOTD projects, and the Office of Transformation, led by the deputy secretary, will set performance indicators to enhance efficiency.

Cut 8 (08) “…over the horizon.”

This is the time of year that West Nile Virus starts to ramp up, and Dr. Alma Roy, the director of LSU’s Vector-Borne Disease Diagnostic Lab, says this year could be a busy one.

Cut 13 (09)  “…season this year.”

It’s a new day in collegiate athletics; as starting today, revenue sharing launches across the country. Schools can now pay up to 20.5-million dollars of athletics revenue directly to athletes. The Advocate’s Wilson Alexander says revenue sharing will leave LSU’s athletics department eight-million dollars in the hole this year; but through additional revenue streams, they hope to balance the budget by 2027.

Cut 11 (12) “…dollars a year.”

A rally will be held in downtown New Orleans this evening to call attention to immigration crackdowns that’s happening across the country, including in Louisiana. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Yesterday, Governor Jeff Landry signed a series of bills to reform the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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A new era of college athletics has arrived. Schools can now pay athletes directly, thanks to revenue sharing in the NCAA. Kace Kieschnick has more.

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

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With immigration raids ramping up across the country, activists have been holding protests outside ICE detention facilities throughout what’s been dubbed Louisiana’s “detention alley.” And their journey culminates with a rally in New Orleans this evening. Service and care workers will be joined by civil rights activists and faith leaders in Lafayette Square to demand the release of immigrant workers who have not committed any crimes. Siti Pulcheon (SEE-tee PUHL-shin), a child of an immigrant mother, says what’s going on is inhumane.

Cut 4 (11) “…in horrible conditions.”

Yesterday, the group held demonstrations outside ICE processing centers in Basile and Jena. Pulcheon says the conditions inside those facilities are deplorable.

Cut 5 (11) “…solitary confinement.”

Pulcheon says during the rally, you could see the anguish in the faces of the people being held in the detention facilities.

Cut 6 (11) “…here or elsewhere”

The rally starts at 5:30.

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Governor Jeff Landry signed a series of bills to reform Louisiana’s Department of Transportation and Development yesterday. HB 640 established the Office of Louisiana Highway Construction to manage five-thousand miles of non-federal aid roads, aiming to improve project delivery.

Cut 7 (10) “…the private sector.”

The Office of Project Delivery was created to ensure the timely completion of DOTD projects. Landry says the Office of Transformation, led by the deputy secretary, will set performance indicators to enhance efficiency.

Cut 8 (08) “…over the horizon.”

These reforms aim to make DOTD more effective and accountable. Landry emphasized restoring public trust and maximizing taxpayer value.

Cut 9 (12)  “…for the people.”

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A new era of college athletics begins, as revenue sharing launches across the nation today. Schools can now pay up to 20.5-million dollars of athletics revenue directly to athletes. The Advocate’s Wilson Alexander says LSU will spend around 75-percent of that on football, 15-percent on men’s basketball and five-percent on women’s basketball. That leaves a small percentage for some of LSU’s other marquee sports like baseball, gymnastics and track and field, but Alexander says officials plan on paying every sport and finding other NIL opportunities.

Cut 10 (12) “…an athlete.”

The expense from revenue sharing will leave LSU’s typically profitable athletics department in a projected eight-million-dollar deficit this fiscal year. Wilson says the administration intends to focus less on cutting expenses and more on increasing revenue through sponsorships like corporate logos that will be coming to Tiger Stadium this season. Alexander says they hope to have a balanced budget by 2027.

Cut 11 (12) “…dollars a year.”

The NCAA will police revenue sharing cap limits 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, Alexander 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’ over 10-million-dollar investment and Ohio State’s near 20-million-dollar payout.

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This is the time of year that West Nile Virus starts to ramp up, and Dr. Alma Roy, the director of LSU’s Vector-Borne Disease Diagnostic Lab, says this year could be a busy one.

Cut 13 (09)  “…season this year.”

So far this year, West Nile Virus has been detected in 14 parishes, with Livingston Parish reporting the state’s first human case last month. Dr. Roy says West Nile is not the only virus that mosquitos can transmit to humans.

Cut 14 (15) “…eastern equine encephalitis.”

Roy says while St. Louis encephalitis and eastern equine encephalitis are not as common as West Nile Virus, they are both just as dangerous.

Cut 15 (11) “…people very ill.”

One Orleans Parish Jail escapee from six weeks ago remains on the loose. 27-year-old convicted murderer Derrick Groves is the last one still at large following Friday’s capture of Antoine Massey. New Orleans Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick has a blunt message for Groves.

Cut 3 (10) “…turn yourself in.”

A 50-thousand-dollar reward for information leading to Graves’ capture remains on the table.

Governor Jeff Landry signed several bills to address Louisiana’s insurance crisis this morning. Among them is SB 61, which forces insurance companies to tell customers if they’re raising rates based on credit scores.

Cut 6 (05) “…know about it.”

Other bills Landry signed include one that bans hand-held cell phone use while driving and one that prohibits advertising expenses in rate filings.

Recent polls show that voters are largely unhappy with Governor Landry and the legislature. Pollster Bernie Pinsonat says a poll he conducted just prior to the session found that the number of people who felt that the state was going in the right direction was rather low.

Cut 10 (11) “…they just weren’t.”

Karlos Knott of Arnaudville is the new King of Louisiana Seafood. He won the title with his entry of a Roman-style pizza with butter poached Louisiana shrimp.

Cut 13 (12)  “…open-faced sandwiches.”

Knott will represent Louisiana in the 21st annual Great American Seafood Cook-Off in New Orleans on August 2nd.

One Orleans Parish Jail escapee from six weeks ago remains on the loose. 27-year-old convicted murderer Derrick Groves is the last one still at large following Friday’s capture of Antoine Massey. New Orleans Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick has a blunt message for Groves.

Cut 3 (10) “…turn yourself in.”

The 50-thousand-dollar reward for information leading to Groves’ capture is still on the table.

A new king of Louisiana seafood is crowned.

Cut 12 (08) “…Arnaudville, Louisiana.”

Karlos Knott’s winning entry was a Roman-style pizza with butter poached Louisiana shrimp. As the newly anointed King of Louisiana Seafood, Knott will represent Louisiana in the 21st annual Great American Seafood Cook-Off in New Orleans on August 2nd.

Governor Jeff Landry signed multiple bills into law today to combat Louisiana’s ongoing insurance crisis.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

And now, a look at today’s commodities.

Nine down, one to go. The search continues for the last remaining fugitive from the Orleans Parish jailbreak. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Governor Jeff Landry signed multiple bills into law today to combat Louisiana’s ongoing insurance crisis.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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One Orleans Parish Jail escapee from six weeks ago remains on the loose. 27-year-old convicted murderer Derrick Groves is the last one still at large following Friday’s capture of Antoine Massey. New Orleans Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick has a blunt message for Groves.

Cut 3 (10) “…turn yourself in.”

State Police Superintendent Colonel Robert Hodges says the 50-thousand-dollar reward for information leading to Groves’ capture is still on the table.

Cut 4 (10) “…for that reward.”

Groves was among ten inmates who escaped from the Orleans Parish Jail during the early morning hours of May 16th. Sheriff Susan Hutson says work is ongoing to harden and modernize the jail so that something like this does not happen again.

Cut 5 (10) “…the entire community.”

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Governor Jeff Landry sat at his desk today and signed a number of bills to address Louisiana’s insurance crisis. Landry signed SB 61 that forces insurance companies to tell customers if they are raising rates based on credit scores.

Cut 6 (05) “…know about it.”

Landry says, finally, Louisiana was able to pass a distracted driver bill, saying that it’s one of the biggest things that it could do to lower premiums.

Cut 7 (09) “…less lawsuits.”

Landry vetoed a medical transparency bill last year that he says even though it was worked on by both sides, it was ultimately a bad bill and says they can do better.

Cut 8 (08) “…amounts paid.”

Landry says all these bills are for the people of Louisiana that should drive down insurance rates.

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Recent polls show that voters are largely unhappy with Governor Landry and the legislature. Pollster Bernie Pinsonat says voters are particularly turned off by the bickering between Landry and Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple, especially since they’re both from the same political party.

Cut 9 (07)  “…the insurance commissioner.”

Pinsonat says he conducted a poll just prior to the start of this year’s legislative session, and he found that the number of people who felt that the state was going in the right direction was rather low.

Cut 10 (11) “…they just weren’t.”

Pinsonat says what’s especially telling is that the discontent with Republican legislators is coming from within their own party.

Cut 11 (14) “…unhappy with Republicans.”

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A new king of Louisiana seafood is crowned.

Cut 12 (08) “…Arnaudville, Louisiana.”

Karlos Knott’s winning entry was a Roman-style pizza with butter poached Louisiana shrimp.

Cut 13 (12)  “…open-faced sandwiches.”

After being crowned the winner, Knott said seafood has been a big part of his life.

Cut 14 (11) “…was always seafood.”

As the newly anointed King of Louisiana Seafood, Knott will serve as a Louisiana ambassador for seafood for the next year, and he will represent Louisiana in the 21st annual Great American Seafood Cook-Off in New Orleans on August 2nd.