6:30 AM Dec 17 LRN Newscast

Attorney General Liz Murrill told lawmakers on Tuesday that UnitedHealthcare potentially owes the state between $380 million and $768 million in overpayments for pharmacy costs, which is why her office instructed L-D-H to cancel its contract with the state, forcing thousands of Medicaid patients to switch insurance providers.

Cut 10 (13) “…this much money.”

She says UnitedHealthcare has also failed to turn over documents that prove they are complying with the contract.

The Revenue Estimating Conference has determined that the legislature will end the current fiscal year with a 293-million-dollar budget surplus. State Treasurer John Fleming suggests giving that money back to the taxpayers in the form of tax cuts.

Cut 14 (09) “…cuts over time.”

A former New Iberia police officer has been arrested for allegedly plotting an attack in New Orleans. Andre Champagne reports.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

Libraries throughout the state are becoming more popular. The latest report shows that in 2024, libraries welcomed more than 11-million visitors – up eight and a half percent from 2023. State Librarian Meg Placke (PLACK-ee) says the trend is very encouraging.

Cut 6 (09) “…workforce development classes.”

 

LRN AM Newscall December 17

A former New Iberia police officer is arrested for allegedly plotting an attack in New Orleans. Andre Champagne reports he allegedly has ties to an anti-government group in California.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

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The state’s libraries are growing in popularity. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Louisiana is awarded a huge grant to study the impacts of high-dosage tutoring on literacy. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Libraries throughout the state are becoming more and more popular. The latest statistical report shows that in 2024, libraries welcomed more than 11-million visitors – that’s up eight and a half percent from 2023. State Librarian Meg Placke (PLACK-ee) says the trend is very encouraging.

Cut 4 (09) “…numbers reflect that.”

Not only do public libraries offer books that are available to borrow, but they also host scores of programs throughout the year. And Placke says in 2024, the 337 public libraries throughout the state hosted almost 90-thousand in-person and live virtual programs. 

Cut 5 (10) “…are looking for.”

Placke says in every way, public libraries are a staple of their communities.

Cut 6 (09) “…workforce development classes.”

In 2024, Louisiana had about 2.28-million library cardholders. That accounts for 52-percent of the state’s population.

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The U.S. Department of Education awards Louisiana a 15-million-dollar grant to lead a five-year study on the impact of high-dosage tutoring on first and second-graders. Deputy Superintendent Dr. Jenna Chiasson (CHASS-on) says the project will serve about 45-hundred students in both traditional public schools and charter schools.

Cut 7 (12) “…around literacy instruction.”

Chiasson says the awarding of the grant recognizes the state’s leadership in advancing evidence-based literacy solutions.

Cut 8 (10) “…more about it.”

Chiasson says Louisiana has been a national leader in high-dosage tutoring; and while there is still work yet to be done, it has led to tremendous progress in literacy.

Cut 9 (11)  “…Louisiana can read.”

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Attorney General Liz Murrill told lawmakers on Tuesday that UnitedHealthcare potentially owes the state between $380 million and $768 million in overpayments for pharmacy costs, which is why her office instructed L-D-H to cancel its contract with the state, forcing thousands of Medicaid patients to switch insurance providers.

Cut 10 (13) “…this much money.”

Murrill says UnitedHealthcare has also failed to turn over documents that prove they are complying with the contract.

Louisiana lawmakers expressed concern about ending the contract on January 1st, so LDH Secretary Bruce Greenstein told a legislative committee yesterday that they will give UnitedHealthcare through March to comply with the state’s orders. Murrill is okay with that…

Cut 11 (09) “…owe us that.”

Lawmakers were concerned that ending the UnitedHealthcare contract on January 1st would result in a lapse of coverage for thousands of Medicaid patients, because it will take several weeks to get those Medicaid recipients on another insurance, which is why Greenstein said there will be a 90-day extension.

Murrill says the state has been litigating with UnitedHealthcare for five years…

Cut 12 (11) “…us the documents.”

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With the Revenue Estimating Conference determining that the legislature will end the current fiscal year with a 293-million-dollar budget surplus, State Treasurer John Fleming is suggesting giving that money back to the taxpayers in the form of tax cuts.

Cut 13 (08)  “…therefore more revenue”

The Revenue Estimating Conference identified stronger than expected income tax revenue as one of the main drivers behind the surplus, despite the fact that the legislature cut the income tax rate across the board last year. Treasurer Fleming says for this reason, further tax cuts are the most effective way to return the surplus to the taxpayers. 

Cut 14 (09) “…cuts over time.”

Fleming says the ultimate goal is to make income taxes in Louisiana a thing of the past.

Cut 15 (06) “…in this state.”

Fleming points out that Texas, Tennessee and Florida are doing the best economically in the country, and none of those states have a state income tax.

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UL-Lafayette plays in its eighth straight bowl game tonight as it takes on the Delaware Blue Hens in the 68 Ventures Bowl in Mobile, Alabama, at 7:30 p.m. Cajuns head coach Michael Desormeaux (DEZ-er-moe) says the bowl game is one last chance for some of his players to play the game of football.

Cut 16 (20) “…going to play.”

The Cajuns have dealt with the injury bug all season, and it’s going to be no different tonight as the team is without several starters. Desormeaux says the team will rely on its younger starters and knows his players will benefit from the adversity they faced this season.

Cut 17 (18)  “…progress they’ve made.”

UL-Lafayette quarterbacks Lunch Winfield and Walker Howard will both be available for tonight’s game. Howard helped lead the Cajuns to a 30-27 overtime win over ULM after Winfield exited the game with an undisclosed injury. Desormeaux says he has full confidence in both to get the job done.

Cut 18 (17)  “…helping each other.”

5:30 LRN Newscast

The St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office says a neighbor fatally shot a man who was attacking his girlfriend with a knife. Lieutenant Suzanne Carboni says the victim escaped her Mandeville area home through a window and frantically knocked on neighbors’ doors seeking help. She says one of the neighbors went outside to assist.

Cut 9 (08)  “…stop.”

No arrests have been made so far.

The application period for the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries’ 38th enforcement academy is now open and runs through December 22nd. What’s different about this one is that this is a hybrid academy, meaning it will be open to both POST-certified police officers and non-POST-certified officers. Enforcement Division Superintendent Stephen Clark says POST-certified officers chosen will have a slightly accelerated academy when it starts in late March.

Cut 5 (08) “…to 24 weeks.”

LSU moves one step closer to launching a School of Construction. College of Engineering Dean Vicki Colvin says construction is a very vital part of the U.S. economy.

Cut 8 (11) “…transforming this industry.”

The school would build on the current construction management program, which boasts some two-thousand students. The Board of Supervisors approved it last week, sending it to the Board of Regents for a vote sometime next year.

The last of the five people indicted in February’s hazing-related killing of Southern University student and Human Jukebox member Caleb Wilson has been booked into jail. 24-year-old Jadyn Landrum and four others were indicted last week on charges ranging from manslaughter to felony hazing to obstruction of justice. Landrum is charged with principal to felony hazing; he was booked into the East Baton Rouge Parish Jail this morning.

4:45 LRN Sportscast

The fifth ranked LSU women’s basketball team cruised to another victory as the Lady Tigers easily defeated Morgan State out of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference, 91 to 33. Flau’jae Johnson and Mikaylah Williams each had 14 points. LSU’s next game is Sunday against Texas-Arlington.

After missing the first five games with a calf injury, Saints defensive end Chase Young is quietly putting together a good season. He now has six sacks, three of them have come in the last five games and Coach Kellen Moore says he’s done a great job of being productive after the injury…

Cut 18 (17) “….on this team”

The Saints host the 3-and-11 Jets this Sunday.

 

Some interesting transfer portal candidates at the quarterback position have emerged for LSU. Florida quarterback DJ Lagway is the latest big name to announce he plans to enter the portal. Lagway faced injuries throughout his two years in Gainesville and struggled during a September matchup at Tiger Stadium, where he threw five interceptions.

Other quarterbacks that have announced plans to enter the portal, Nebraska’s Dylan Raiola who threw for two-thousand yards before breaking his fibula. Arizona State’s Sam Leavitt had an injury plagued sophomore season. But in 2024 he led the Sun Devils to the Big 12 Championship.

And then there’s Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss who is seeking a waiver for an extra year of eligibility. He was asked if he gets that year of eligibility, will he return to Ole Miss…

Cut 27 (12) “…go into that”

Speculation is high Chambliss will leave Ole Miss for LSU if he’s granted another year of eligibility by the NCAA.

4:30 PM Dec 16 LRN Newscast

The St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office is investigating an incident where a neighbor used lethal force to end a domestic dispute. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

The application period for the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries’ 38th enforcement academy is open through December 22nd. It open to those with and without law enforcement experience. Division Superintendent Stephen Clark says POST-certified officers chosen will have a slightly accelerated academy

Cut 5 (08) “…to 24 weeks.”

The Revenue Estimating Conference has determined that the legislature will end the current fiscal year with a 293-million-dollar budget surplus. State Treasurer John Fleming suggests giving that money back to the taxpayers in the form of tax cuts.

Cut 13 (08)  “…therefore more revenue”

Though the legislature cut income taxes last year, stronger than expected income tax revenue is said to be one of the main reasons for the surplus. Fleming points out that the economies of Texas, Tennessee and Florida are doing the best in the country, and none of them have a state income tax.

LSU moves one step closer to launching the School of Construction. It would build on the current construction management program. College of Engineering Dean Vicki Colvin says the earliest graduates are paying it forward in creating the new School of Construction.

Cut 7 (11) “…possible for us.”

3:30 PM Dec 16 LRN Newscast

Over three hundred people have been detained by U.S. Border Patrol agents in Louisiana since Operation Catahoula Crunch began over two weeks ago. That’s according to a social media post by Commander Gregory Bovino. The Department of Homeland Security said their goal was to detain 5,000 “worst of the worst” violent illegal immigrants targeting those with criminal records. Bovino said an aggravated felon drug trafficker who had previously been deported has been arrested. Some detainees have charges for violent crimes and others have traffic violations.

The St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office says a man was attacking his girlfriend with a knife when her neighbor fatally shot him. The Mandeville area woman attempted to flee her attacker by going through a window and frantically knocking on a neighbors’ door. Lt. Suzanne Carboni says one of the neighbors went outside to help her and commanded the attacker to stop and when he refused, the neighbor shot the attacker. Carboni says no charges have been filed at this time, but the investigation continues

Cut 11 (04) “..the facts”

LSU is about to lead a building revolution. The Board of Supervisors approved the creation of the School of Construction within its College of Engineering, last week. College of Engineering Dean Vicki Colvin says the school would build on the current construction management program.

Cut 6 (07) “…two-thousand students.”

She says construction is a vital part of the U.S. economy. The Board of Regents will vote on the program’s approval sometime next year.

LDWF is looking to train new Wildlife and Fisheries enforcement officers. Stephen Clark, the superintendent of the enforcement division of LDWF, says applications are now being accepted for the department’s 38th enforcement academy.

Cut 4 (06) “…end of March.”

He says the academy is a hybrid academy, open to both POST-certified police officers and non-POST-certified officers. Clark says POST-certified officers chosen will have a slightly accelerated academy.

2:30 PM Dec 16 LRN Newscast

The Louisiana law that requires social media companies to verify users’ ages and provide parental controls including parental consent has been blocked by a federal judge. In his ruling that granted a permanent injunction, Judge John deGravelles said, the Secure Online Child Interaction and Age Limitation Act passed in 2023 violates the First Amendment. He cited a ruling on a California law that attempted to restrict violent video games and said legal speech is protected on social media even for minors. Attorney Liz Murrill called the ruling unfortunate, saying the ruling protects corporations that facilitate child exploitation over the legislative policy to require simple age verification mechanisms.

A man attacking his girlfriend with a knife was fatally shot by the woman’s neighbor while he was attacking her says the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office. Lt. Suzanne Carboni says the victim escaped her Mandeville area home through a window and knocked on neighbors’ doors. The neighbor commanded the attacker to stop and when he refused, the neighbor fired his gun

Cut 10 (07) “…the scene.”

Carboni says no charges have been filed at this time, but the investigation continues

LSU is on the cusp of creating the School of Construction. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

If you’ve ever thought of becoming a Wildlife and Fisheries enforcement officer, now’s your chance. Stephen Clark, the superintendent of the enforcement division of LDWF, says applications are now being accepted for the department’s 38th enforcement academy.

Cut 3 (06) “…through December 22nd.”

He says when the application window closes, they will choose the best applicants to take part in the academy.

LRN PM Newscall December 16

LSU is on the cusp of creating the School of Construction. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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The St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office is investigating an incident where a neighbor used lethal force to end a domestic dispute. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Do you think you have what it takes to be a Wildlife and Fisheries enforcement officer? If so, now’s your chance to join the force! Stephen Clark, the superintendent of the enforcement division of LDWF, says applications are now being accepted for the department’s 38th enforcement academy.

Cut 3 (06) “…through December 22nd.”

Clark says when the application window closes, they will choose the best applicants to take part in the academy.

Cut 4 (06) “…end of March.”

What’s different about this one is that this is a hybrid academy, meaning it will be open to both POST-certified police officers and non-POST-certified officers. Clark says POST-certified officers chosen will have a slightly accelerated academy.

Cut 5 (08) “…to 24 weeks.”

___________________________________________________

LSU is about to lead a building revolution, moving one step closer to launching the School of Construction within its College of Engineering. The Board of Supervisors approved its creation last week, advancing the proposal to the Louisiana Board of Regents for a vote sometime next year. College of Engineering Dean Vicki Colvin says the school would build on the current construction management program, and the number of students in that program is astounding.

Cut 6 (07) “…two-thousand students.”

Colvin says the construction management started in the 1970s, and the earliest graduates are paying it forward in creating the new School of Construction.

Cut 7 (11) “…possible for us.”

Donors have already given 42-million dollars for the facility, which the state has matched. Colvin says construction is a very vital part of the U.S. economy.

Cut 8 (11) “…transforming this industry.”

________________________________________________

The St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office says a neighbor fatally shot a man attacking his girlfriend with a knife. Lieutenant Suzanne (soo-ZAHN) Carboni says the victim escaped her Mandeville area home through a window and frantically knocked on neighbors’ doors seeking help. She says one of the neighbors went outside to assist.

Cut 9 (08)  “…stop.”

Carboni says the neighbor told the boyfriend to stop attacking the girl and when he refused to do so, the neighbor shot the attacker.

Cut 10 (07) “…the scene.”

Carboni says no charges have been filed at this time, but the investigation continues.

Cut 11 (04) “..the facts.”

 

1:30 LRN Newscast

The St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office says a neighbor fatally shot a man who was attacking his girlfriend with a knife. Lieutenant Suzanne Carboni says the victim escaped her Mandeville area home through a window and frantically knocked on neighbors’ doors seeking help. She says one of the neighbors went outside to assist.

Cut 9 (08)  “…stop.”

No arrests have been made so far.

The application period for the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries’ 38th enforcement academy is now open and runs through December 22nd. What’s different about this one is that this is a hybrid academy, meaning it will be open to both POST-certified police officers and non-POST-certified officers. Enforcement Division Superintendent Stephen Clark says POST-certified officers chosen will have a slightly accelerated academy when it starts in late March.

Cut 5 (08) “…to 24 weeks.”

LSU moves one step closer to launching a School of Construction. College of Engineering Dean Vicki Colvin says construction is a very vital part of the U.S. economy.

Cut 8 (11) “…transforming this industry.”

The school would build on the current construction management program, which boasts some two-thousand students. The Board of Supervisors approved it last week, sending it to the Board of Regents for a vote sometime next year.

The last of the five people indicted in February’s hazing-related killing of Southern University student and Human Jukebox member Caleb Wilson has been booked into jail. 24-year-old Jadyn Landrum and four others were indicted last week on charges ranging from manslaughter to felony hazing to obstruction of justice. Landrum is charged with principal to felony hazing; he was booked into the East Baton Rouge Parish Jail this morning.

12:30 LRN Newscast

LSU moves one step closer to launching the School of Construction. It would build on the current construction management program, which started in the 1970s. College of Engineering Dean Vicki Colvin says the earliest graduates are paying it forward in creating the new School of Construction.

Cut 7 (11) “…possible for us.”

Donors have already given 42-million dollars for the facility, which the state has matched.

Applications are now being accepted for the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries’ 38th enforcement academy. Stephen Clark, the superintendent of the enforcement division of LDWF, says the application window closes December 22nd, and they will then choose the best applicants to take part in the academy.

Cut 4 (06) “…end of March.”

The St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office is investigating an incident where a neighbor used lethal force to end a domestic dispute. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

A former New Iberia police officer is arrested for allegedly helping plot a New Year’s Eve terror attack in Southern California. The FBI says agents arrested 29-year-old Micah Legnon after he had loaded what appeared to be an assault rifle and body armor into his vehicle. They say he was likely headed to New Orleans to carry out an attack there.