5:30 LRN Newscast

Two men suspected in a Lake Charles murder over the weekend are under arrest. The Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office says 22-year-old Larry Bigelow was taken into custody in Beaumont, Texas, and 22-year-old Titus Tezeno (TEZ-eh-noh) turned himself in. Both are charged with second-degree murder in the shooting death of 23-year-old Kalin (KAY-lin) Stevens.

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

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

One state senator is expressing frustration over the Supreme Court delaying a ruling over Louisiana’s congressional map. Shreveport Republican Alan Seabaugh is a vocal critic of the current map, and he argued it prioritizes race over equal representation, violating the 14th Amendment.

Cut 10 (11) “…what happened.”

Even though the redrawn map flipped a Republican seat to Democrat last year, the state has argued in favor of that redrawn map.

With Texas State set to leave the Sun Belt for the revamped PAC-12, could Louisiana Tech fill the void? Dave Schultz of the Locked On Sun Belt Podcast says, don’t count on it. He says the Sun Belt has reached out to East Carolina, who responded with a wait-and-see.

Cut 7 (09) “…of the A-A-C.”

4:45 LRN Sportscast

LSU outfielder Derek Curiel and right-handed pitcher Casan Evans were named first team Freshman All-Americans by D1Baseball. Curiel led the Tigers with a .345 batting average this season and was also named a second-team All-American and second-team All-SEC. Evans posted a 5-and-1 record on the season with a 2.05 ERA and 71 strikeouts in 52-and-two-thirds innings.

LSU pitching coach Nate Yeskie recapped the championship run and previewed next year’s staff with Tiger Rag Radio last night. The Tigers have added three lefties in the portal and Yeskie is looking forward to the return of junior right-hander Gavin Guidry.

Cut 20 (13) “…get him too.”

WWL’s Mike Detillier spoke with Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik ahead of his season opener versus LSU. Klubnik passed for over 36-hundred yards and 36 touchdowns in his second season as a starter last year. The former five-star says he chose Clemson because of head coach Dabo Swinney.

Cut 19 (16) “…love to do it.”

The Sun Belt will look to replace Texas State as the Bobcats head to the PAC-12 in 2026. Locked On Sun Belt Podcast host Dave Scultz says the conference has been surprisingly slow on the issue, and doubts there will be an answer by Sun Belt Media Days July 22. He hopes this is because they’re taking the time to consider expansion to 16 teams.

Cut 8 (09) “…and E-C-U.”

4:30 LRN Newscast

One of two suspects in a Lake Charles weekend murder has been apprehended. The Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office reports that 22-year-old Larry Bigelow was arrested in Beaumont, Texas. The second suspect, 22-year-old Titus Tezeno (TEZ-eh-noh), remains at large. Both are charged with the shooting death of 23-year-old Kalin (KAY-lin) Stevens of Lake Charles late Sunday night.

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.Offering twice-daily scenic trips along the Gulf Coast, it connects to major Amtrak routes like the City of New Orleans. Ross says the service will bring convenience that one stop a day doesn’t have.

Cut 4 (08) “…and tourism.”

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.”

Shreveport Senator Alan Seabaugh expressed frustration over the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to delay ruling on Louisiana versus Callais, a case challenging the state’s new congressional map with two majority-Black districts.

Cut 9 (08)  “…for a ruling.”

3:30 LRN Newscast

One of the two suspects in a Lake Charles murder over the weekend has been captured. The Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office says 22-year-old Larry Bigelow was taken into custody in Beaumont, Texas. 22-year-old Titus Tezeno (TEZ-eh-noh) remains on the loose. They’re both charged with shooting and killing 23-year-old Kalin (KAY-lin) Stevens of Lake Charles late Sunday night.

Texas State is leaving Sun Belt for the PAC-12 next year. Louisiana Tech is a hopeful replacement, but the sun might be setting on the Bulldogs. Kace Kieschnick has more.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

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.”

Shreveport Senator Alan Seabaugh expressed frustration over the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to delay ruling on a challenge to Louisiana’s congressional map. Seabaugh says the newly-drawn sixth district has already been ruled unconstitutional and lines should be redrawn before the next election; but only Governor Landry can call lawmakers back to address the issue, and that’s not going to happen.

Cut 11 (06) “…uphold that deal.”

The state has argued that the map, with two majority Black districts, should remain as is. The new map flipped one of Louisiana’s six seats from Republican to Democrat last year.

LRN PM Newscall July 2

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

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

___________________________________________________

Texas State announced they’ll be moving on from the Sun Belt for the PAC-12 next year. Louisiana Tech is a hopeful replacement, but the sun might be setting on the Bulldogs. Kace Kieschnick has more.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

___________________________________________________

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.”

Offering twice-daily scenic trips along the Gulf Coast, it connects to major Amtrak routes like the City of New Orleans. Ross says the service will bring convenience that one stop a day doesn’t have.

Cut 4 (08) “…and tourism.”

Restoring service lost since Hurricane Katrina, it boosts tourism, jobs, and regional mobility while celebrating Gulf Coast culture. Ross says the service reflects significant infrastructure investment, improving connectivity and economic growth.

Cut 5 (12) “…trying to do.”

________________________________________________

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.”

While U-L Lafayette and ULM are pushing the Bulldogs due to their historic rivalries and quick commutes, others argue Tech won’t add new TV markets for the conference. Schultz says the Sun Belt has reached out to East Carolina who responded with a wait-and-see.

Cut 7 (09) “…of the A-A-C.”

Schultz says if the Sun Belt wanted Louisiana Tech, there would have been a quick announcement. The conference has been surprisingly slow on the issue and Schultz expects there won’t be an answer by Sun Belt Media Days July 22. He hopes this is because they’re taking the time to consider expansion to 16 teams.

Cut 8 (09) “…and E-C-U.”

________________________________________________

Shreveport Senator Alan Seabaugh expressed frustration over the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to delay ruling on Louisiana versus Callais, a case challenging the state’s new congressional map with two majority-Black districts.

Cut 9 (08)  “…for a ruling.”

Last Friday, the Court opted for re-argument, leaving the map in place for now. Seabaugh, a vocal critic of the redistricting, argued it prioritizes race over equal representation, violating the 14th Amendment.

Cut 10 (11) “…what happened.”

Seabaugh says the district has already been ruled unconstitutional and lines should be redrawn before the next election; but only Governor Landry can call lawmakers back to address the issue, and that’s not going to happen.

Cut 11 (06) “…uphold that deal.”

2:30 LRN Newscast

Amtrak announces that its Mardi Gras Service will begin August 18. It revives passenger rail between New Orleans and Mobile, Alabama,  Restoring service lost since Hurricane Katrina, it boosts tourism, jobs, and regional mobility while celebrating Gulf Coast culture. Ross says the service reflects significant infrastructure investment, improving connectivity and economic growth.

Cut 5 (12) “…trying to do.”

After a five-million-dollar buyout earlier this week, Texas State is officially set to leave the Sun Belt for the revamped PAC-12 in 2026. UL-Lafayette and ULM are pushing for La Tech to fill the gap.  Host of the Locked on Sun Belt Podcast, Dave Schultz, says if the Sun Belt wanted the Bullgods, there would have been a quick announcement. The conference has been surprisingly slow on the issue, and Schultz expects there won’t be an answer by Sun Belt Media Days July 22. He hopes this is because they’re taking the time to consider expansion to 16 teams.

Cut 8 (09) “…and E-C-U.”

Shreveport Senator Alan Seabaugh expressed frustration over the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to delay ruling on a case challenging the state’s new congressional map with two majority-Black districts. Last Friday, the Court opted for re-argument, leaving the map in place for now. Seabaugh, a vocal critic of the redistricting, argued it prioritizes race over equal representation, violating the 14th Amendment.

Cut 10 (11) “…what happened.”

Authorities in Lake Charles are looking for two men who they say shot and killed a man over the weekend. 23-year-old Kalin (KAY-lin) Stevens of Lake Charles was found dead along U.S. 90 late Sunday night. Calcasieu Parish Sheriff Stitch Guillory says the suspects are Larry Bigelow and Titus Tezeno (TEZ-eh-noh), both of Lake Charles. Sheriff Guillory says the shooting was the result of an argument that Stevens had with the two suspects. He says both are convicted felons.

Cut 13 (10)  “…with a firearm.”

1:30 LRN Newscast

Amtrak announces that its Mardi Gras Service will begin on August 18. It revives passenger rail between New Orleans and Mobile, Alabama.  Offering twice-daily scenic trips along the Gulf Coast, it connects to major Amtrak routes like the City of New Orleans. Southern rail Commission Chairman Knox Ross says the service will bring convenience that one stop a day doesn’t have.

Cut 4 (08) “…and tourism.”

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. While U-L Lafayette and ULM are pushing the Bulldogs due to their historic rivalries and quick commutes, others argue Tech won’t add new TV markets for the conferenceDave Schultz of the Locked On Sun Belt Podcast saysthe Sun Belt has reached out to East Carolina who responded with a wait-and-see.

Cut 7 (09) “…of the A-A-C.”

Shreveport Senator Alan Seabaugh expressed frustration over the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to delay ruling on Louisiana v. Callais, a case challenging the state’s new congressional map with two majority-Black districts.

Cut 9 (08)  “…for a ruling.”

Authorities in Lake Charles are looking for two men who they say shot and killed a man over the weekend. 23-year-old Kalin (KAY-lin) Stevens of Lake Charles was found dead along U.S. 90 late Sunday night. Calcasieu Parish Sheriff Stitch Guillory says the suspects are Larry Bigelow and Titus Tezeno (TEZ-eh-noh), both of Lake Charles.

Cut 12 (08) “…1.5-million apiece.”

12:30 PM LRN Newscast

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.”

11:40 LRN Sportscast

LSU will kick off the football season at Clemson August 30. WWL’s Mike Detillier previewed the matchup with Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik, who was at the Manning Passing Academy this past weekend. The junior signal caller is looking forward to welcoming the Tigers to Memorial Stadium.

Cut 18 (15)  “…like Garrett.”

LSU Linebacker Whit Weeks was named a Walter Camp second-team preseason All-American. The junior finished second in the SEC in tackles last year as the anchor of the Tigers defense.

Southern University outfielder Cardell Thibodaux announced he’d be entering the transfer portal yesterday. The junior had a monster 2025 campaign where he batted .435 with 18 homers and 71 RBI and was named the SWAC player of the year.

Detillier also spoke to LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier about the Tigers‘ improved roster. 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”

Texas State is officially PAC-12 bound and will be leaving the Sun Belt next season. The conference’s Louisiana schools have been pushing for Louisiana Tech to join the Sun Belt West, but other schools are looking to expand the conference’s media footprint. Host of the Locked On Sun Belt Podcast Dave Schultz says the league has already reached out to East Carolina.

Cut 7 (09) “…of the A-A-C.”

11:30 AM LRN Newscast

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.