Amtrak announces that its Mardi Gras Service will begin August 18. It revives passenger rail between New Orleans and Mobile, Alabama, with four stops in Mississippi – Bay St. Louis, Gulfport, Biloxi, and Pascagoula. Southern Rail Commission Chairman Knox Ross says you can get your tickets now.

Cut 3 (08) “…limited number.”

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

Cut 7 (09) “…good peace.”

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.

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

Cut 23 (32) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

One school board is considering reinstating corporal punishment for the upcoming school year. The Rapides Parish School Board took up the issue at its meeting last night, with Board Member Linda Burgess saying she received calls from parents requesting that it be brought back. Surveys are being sent to principals at all district campuses to get their thoughts. The board will be taking up the issue again at a meeting later this month.

The Big, Beautiful Bill is headed to the House after Vice President J.D. Vance cast the tie-breaking vote in the Senate. LSU political science professor Robert 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 then have to go back to the Senate.

Beginning next month, you’ll want to keep your hands and eyes off your cell phone at all times while you’re driving.  The new law means no texting, social media, or shopping, and you can only talk on your phone hands free. State lawmakers approved the bill since distracted driving has led to more fatalities and severe injuries.  The fine will be $100 or $250 in school or construction zones.  But officials say it’s not really about fines, but educating drivers and keeping the roads safe.

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The Christian world is mourning the passing of Jimmy Swaggart, who died yesterday at the age of 90. Swaggart began his ministry in 1973, televising and broadcasting the gospel to the world. After a prostitution scandal in 1988, Swaggart Ministries Spokesperson Megan Kelly says he 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 12^th.  A celebration of life service will be Sunday, July 13^th.

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.”

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.”

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.  It its text blast, CVS said if the bill were to pass, it would have to close all of its pharmacies in Louisiana. The AG has filed three lawsuits against the company.

Cut 15 (10) “…out of business.”

CVS has previously issued a statement denying all allegations.

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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.”

The Big, Beautiful Bill now heads to the House after Vice President J.D. Vance cast the tie-breaking vote in the Senate.  One of the most contentious issues was the cuts to Medicaid and how many people would lose coverage as a result. LSU political science professor Robert Hogan

Cut 5 (08) “…ultimately receive it.”

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.”

Beginning next month, you’ll want to keep your hands and eyes off your cell phone at all times while you’re driving.  The new law means no texting, social media, or shopping, and you can only talk on your phone hands free. State lawmakers approved the bill since distracted driving has led to more fatalities and severe injuries.  The fine will be $100 or $250 in school or construction zones.  But officials say it’s not really about fines, but educating drivers and keeping the roads safe.

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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 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.”

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.

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

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

The Big, Beautiful Bill is Headed to the House after Vice President cast the tie-breaking vote in the Senate.  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.”

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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.”

A text from CVS that opposed legislation that would ban pharmacy benefit managers from owning pharmacies, is the focus of one of the three lawsuits filed against the drug store chain last month by Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill.   The AG says CVS used private patient information to send out a political message, which she received.  She says it targeted seniors, veterans and people with serious health issues.

Cut 14 (08) “…to scare people.”

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.”

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.