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.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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.

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

The Governor was busy signing bills today – many concerning the state’s insurance crisis. Governor Landry also signed a reworked medical transparency bill that he vetoed last year.

Cut 8 (08) “…amounts paid.”

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.”

The poll was conducted just prior to the start of this year’s legislative session.

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.”

Triple-A says it expects more than 72-million people to head out of town for the Fourth of July holiday. Don Redman with Triple-A says you can expect heavy traffic – not just this week, but next week as well.

Cut 5 (12) “…on the roadway.”

There is a $50,000 reward for information leading to the capture of convicted murderer, Derrick Groves, the last remaining escapee from the May 16^th Orleans Parish Jail break. 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.”

Louisiana has a new Seafood King. Karlos Knott was crowned this past weekend at the 18^th Annual Louisiana Seafood Cookoff. His winning entry was a Roman-style pizza with butter poached Louisiana shrimp.

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

As 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.

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.”

Recent polls show that voters are largely unhappy with Governor Landry and the legislature. Pollster Bernie Pinsonat says discontent with Republican legislators is coming from within their own party.

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

The poll was conducted just prior to the start of this year’s legislative session

Governor Landry was at his desk signing insurance related bills today. One of the bills addressed distracted driving. Landry says the bill is one of the biggest things that could be done to lower premiums.

Cut 7 (05) “…less lawsuits.”

Landry signed a reworked version of the medical transparency bill he vetoed last year.

Neither the governor nor the legislature did very well in a poll conducted just prior to the start of this year’s legislative session. Pollster Bernie Pinsonat says it showed a low number of people felt the state was heading in the right direction.

Cut 10 (11) “…they just weren’t.”

With Friday’s capture of Antoine Massey, nine of the ten escaped inmates from the May 16^th Orleans Parish Jail break have been recaptured and State Police Superintendent Colonel Robert Hodges says there is a 50-thousand-dollar reward for information leading to the capture of convicted murderer Derrick Groves who is still at large.

Cut 4 (10) “…for that reward.”

A new king of Louisiana seafood is crowned. Karlos Knott will represent Louisiana in the 21st annual Great American Seafood Cook-Off in New Orleans on August 2nd. He says seafood has been a big part of his life.

Cut 14 (11) “…was always seafood.”

He was crowned at the 18^th Annual Seafood Cook-off this past weekend.