3:30 LRN Newscast

Tropical moisture combined with a stalled cold front could result in six to eight inches of rain across Louisiana this week. LSU Health Climatologist Barry Keim says Louisiana residents should be prepared for heavy rains and the possibility of flooding.

Cut 4 (06) “…big time flooding.”

AN LSU Pennington Biomedical study found severely obese Americans are receiving fewer surgeries despite national obesity rates rising. Senior author of the study, Dr. Vance Albaugh suspects insurance coverage is partially to blame.

Cut 8 (11) “…liver disease.”

In 2024, the Louisiana Legislature and Governor Landry passed a law requiring commercial health insurance plans to include coverage for bariatric surgery. Albaugh says it has yet to be enacted.

A bill that would create a Prescription Drug Affordability Board passed overwhelmingly in the legislature and is awaiting Governor Landry’s signature. Co-Founder of Americans for Lower Drug Prices Jason Young cautions that the bill does not impose any price controls or set reimbursement limits.

Cut 13 (06) “…put anything out.”

The deadline to put your name in the lottery for one of three thousand fortified roof grants is this Friday. Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple says fortified roofs protect against extreme weather and extreme homeowners’ insurance prices. Resilient roofs limit claims, prevent damage and lower insurance rates.

Cut 11 (12) “…fortified roof on.”

LRN PM Newscall June 15

Flooding is a possibility this week as excessive rainfall may produce flash flooding. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Researchers from LSU’s Pennington Biomedical found that despite increasing obesity rates, severely obese individuals are receiving fewer surgeries. Kace Kieschnick has more…

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

____________________________________________

Nearly the entire state is under a flood watch as tropical moisture from a disturbance in the Gulf interacts with a stalled cold front, which is expected to produce between three to six inches of rain, with the possibility that some areas could see up to ten inches of rain fall over the next few days. LSU Health Climatologist Barry Keim…

Cut 3 (11) “…same location”

Keim says Louisiana residents should be prepared for heavy rains and the possibility of flooding.

Cut 4 (06) “…big time flooding.”

Keim says the chances for rain are high every day through Saturday. He says once this week ends, it’s likely the state will no longer be concerned with drought conditions…

Cut 5 (09) “…this fast.”

Keim says we could see the biggest rainfall totals on Tuesday going into Wednesday, but again a heavy downpour is possible every day this week, especially during the afternoon hours.

We’ve seen heavy rainfall across the I-20 corridor. In the Shreveport-Bossier area numerous cars had to be abandoned because they got stuck in flood waters.

________________________________________

An LSU Pennington Biomedical study found that Americans with severe obesity are undergoing fewer surgical procedures. Senior author of the study, Dr. Vance Albaugh says extreme obesity can predispose patients to knee or hip replacements, heart disease and other health issues that require operation. Despite rising national obesity rates, these individuals are undergoing fewer operations.

Cut 6 (07) “…their obesity.”

Albaugh says one cause of this trend could be insurance coverage. He says many insurance plans do not cover bariatric surgeries or GLP-1 medications to help with extreme weight loss.

Cut 7 (09) “…first place.”

In 2024, the Louisiana Legislature and Governor Landry passed a law requiring commercial health insurance plans to include coverage for bariatric surgery. The law was supposed to go into effect in January of 2025, but Albaugh says it has yet to be enacted.

Cut 8 (11) “…liver disease.”

_____________________________________________________________

Registration for the Fortified Roof Program lottery closes Friday at 5 p.m. 3,000 individuals will receive grants of up to ten-thousand-dollars for a new fortified roof. Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple says residents can create a profile and register at ldi.la.gov.

Cut 9 (10)  “…the grant.”

A new law signed last month allowed 50-million-dollars in Louisiana Citizens Insurance excess Katrina bonds to be allocated to the Fortified Roof Program. Temple says Louisiana is the fastest-growing state in the country for FORTIFIED.

Cut 10 (09) “…twelve months.” 

Temple says fortified roofs protect against extreme weather and extreme homeowners’ insurance prices. Resilient roofs limit claims, prevent damage and lower insurance rates.

Cut 11 (12) “…fortified roof on.”

______________________________________________________

The creation of a Prescription Drug Affordability Board is just Governor Landry’s signature away from becoming a reality. Jason Young, the co-founder of Americans for Lower Drug Prices, says Senate Bill 401, which passed overwhelmingly in the legislature, is designed to address what lawmakers say is a lack of accountability.

Cut 12 (12) “…to respond to.” 

Young cautions that the bill does not impose any price controls or set reimbursement limits.

Cut 13 (06) “…put anything out.”

Young says Americans are paying through the roof for prescription drugs and are fed up.

Cut 14 (11) “…exact same factory?”

Young says prescription drug companies respond to that by saying transparency could hurt innovation or access to prescription drugs.

 

2:30 LRN Newscast

Nearly the entire state is under a flood watch as tropical moisture from a disturbance in the Gulf interacts with a stalled cold front. Three to six inches of rain is predicted, with the possibility that some areas could see up to ten inches of rain over the next few days. LSU Health Climatologist Barry Keim…

Cut 3 (11) “…same location”

That’s what happened today In the Shreveport-Bossier area as numerous cars had to be abandoned.

Legislation was approved in the recently completed legislative session that seeks to lower prescription drug prices. One of the measures puts tougher restrictions on pharmacy benefits managers. P-B-Ms handle prescription drug coverage for health plans. There’s also a bill that creates the Prescription Drug Affordability Board. Jason Young is the co-founder for Americans for Lower Drug Prices…

Cut 14 (11) “..exact same factory”

 

Researchers out of LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center finds that despite increasing obesity rates, severely obese individuals are receiving fewer surgeries. Kace Kieschnick has more…

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

The viral World Cup traveler from Germany, identified on “X” as Freddy, had quite the visit to Louisiana on his way to watch World Cup matches in Houston. He got a tour of the Saints and Pelicans training facilities and during his trip through Baton Rouge, he and his buddies got a tour of Tiger Stadium. Freddy also ate at the original Raisin Cane’s restaurant next to the Baton Rouge campus and said it was life changing.

1:30 LRN Newscast

Flooding is a possibility this week as excessive rainfall may produce flash flooding. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Registration for the Fortified Roof Program lottery closes Friday at 5 p.m. Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple says Louisiana is the fastest-growing state in the country for fortified roofs.

Cut 10 (09) “…twelve months.” 

The creation of a Prescription Drug Affordability Board is just Governor Landry’s signature away from becoming a reality. Jason Young, the co-founder of Americans for Lower Drug Prices, says Senate Bill 401, which passed overwhelmingly in the legislature, is designed to address what lawmakers say is a lack of accountability.

Cut 12 (12) “…to respond to.” 

An LSU Pennington Biomedical study found that Americans with severe obesity are undergoing fewer surgical procedures. The study’s senior author, Dr. Vance Albaugh, says one cause of this trend could be insurance coverage, saying many insurance plans do not cover bariatric surgeries or GLP1 medications.

Cut 7 (09) “…first place.”

12:30 LRN Sportscast

Most of Louisiana is facing a flood watch this week as a tropical disturbance in the Gulf meets a stalled cold front over the state. LSU Health Climatologist Barry Keim says the chances for rain are high every day through Saturday. He says once this week ends, it’s likely the state will no longer be concerned with drought conditions…

Cut 5 (09) “…this fast.”

Keim says we could see the biggest rainfall totals on Tuesday, but a heavy downpour is possible every day this week, especially during the afternoon hours.

A Pennington Biomedical study found that Americans with severe obesity are undergoing fewer surgical procedures. Senior author of the study, Dr. Vance Albaugh says extreme obesity can predispose patients to knee or hip replacements, heart disease and other health issues that require operation. Despite rising national obesity rates, these individuals are undergoing fewer operations.

Cut 6 (07) “…their obesity.”

Registration for the Fortified Roof Program lottery closes Friday at 5 p.m. 3,000 individuals will receive grants of up to ten-thousand-dollars for a new fortified roof. Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple says residents can create a profile and register at ldi.la.gov.

Cut 9 (10)  “…the grant.”

Temple says Louisiana is the fastest-growing state for fortified roofs with 13,000 homes across South Louisiana.

McNeese Athletics officially trademarked the nickname Bayou Bandits. Sports Information Director Matthew Bonnette says securing the trademark and protecting the identity they’ve been working to build has been a goal for a while now. He says the Bayou Bandits represent the tradition and people of Southwest Louisiana.

Cut 15 (10) “…that to happen.”

11:40 LRN Sportscast

Jay Johnson is adding more help in the outfield as Tulane transfer Jason Wachs committed to LSU. Another lefty bat, the 6-2 rising junior hit .327 with 21 doubles, nine home runs and 54 RBIs with the Green Wave this season. He’s played all three outfield positions and spent most of his time in right and will join Notre Dame transfer Bino Watters in the outfield.

LSU pitcher Mavrick Rizy announced he’ll be transferring to Ole Miss. Rizy pitched 21-and-one-third innings his sophomore season with the Tigers with a 4.22 ERA and 28 strikeouts.

Louisiana Tech freshman closer Thomas Allen announced he’d be entering the transfer portal over the weekend. The Benton native was an NCBWA Freshman All-American second team selection after posting a 3.54 ERA with 49 strikeouts and 5 saves.

Also over the weekend, Diamond Dog first baseman Trey Hawsey announced he’d be joining former West Monroe High teammate Hayden Federico at Ole Miss next season. Hawsey hit .335 with 15 homers and 47 RBI this year.

LSU softball ace Jayden Heavener is headed to Texas Tech. Heavener pitched 16 complete games this season and finished the year with a 2.81 ERA, 128 strikeouts and a 13-and-9 record.

LSU basketball coach Will Wade officially signed his first four transfers. Michigan State junior guard Divine Ugochukwu averaged just five points in 16 minutes a game with the Spartans last season, but The Advocate’s TJ Brown says he has the tools to take a big step forward next year if Wade gives him the keys to the Tigers’ offense. He says he reminds him of former Tigers guard Eric Gaines.

Cut 17 (16)  “…get up.”

The other three transfers are Kansas State guard Abi Bashir, Kentucky forward Mo Dioubate and UTSA guard Austin Nunez.

11:30 LRN Newscast

The potential for flooding exists for most of the state this week as rain chances are very high and it’s possible several inches of rain could fall in a short period. LSU Health Climatologist Barry Keim says a stalled cold front is interacting with tropical moisture, which will result in several inches of rain this week…

Cut 4 (07) “….big time flooding”

Keim says we could see the biggest rainfall totals on Tuesday, but again heavy downpour is possible every day this week.

During a speaking event at the New Hampshire Institute of Politics, Louisiana U-S Senator John Kennedy, says donors to his 2028 re-election campaign have approached him about running for President and he has not ruled out the idea. LSU Political Science Professor Robert Hogan says a Kennedy presidential campaign has a chance to gain traction, because he agrees with many of President Trump’s priorities. But Hogan says it’s hard to say who Republicans will support post-Trump…

Cut 12 (07) “…looking for.”

Kennedy is 74-years-old. He’s currently serving his second term as U.S. Senator.

 

LSU Researchers at Pennington Biomedical in Baton Rouge have found that despite increasing obesity rates, severely obese individuals are receiving fewer surgeries.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

Gas prices continue to fall. The statewide average for a gallon of regular gasoline fell another penny to $3.64 overnight. That’s eight-cents lower than a week ago and 36-cents cheaper than a month ago.

10:30 LRN Newscast

U-S Senator John Kennedy said during a speaking event at the New Hampshire Institute of Politics that donors have urged him to run for President and it’s an idea he has not dismissed. Kennedy is not as well-known as other potential Republican Presidential candidates like Vice President J.D. Vance or Secretary of State Marco Rubio, but political analyst Ron Faucheux says those who follow politics are aware of Kennedy…

Cut 11 (06) “…what he says.”

Kennedy is 74-years-old. He’s currently serving his second term as U.S. Senator.

Louisiana came in 19th in WalletHub’s ranking of the best states for military retirees, climbing seven spots from last year. State Department of Veteran Affairs Secretary Charlton Meginley says there are jobs in Louisiana for post-military life…

Cut 4 (12) “…good work.”

 

Nearly the entire state is under a flood watch as tropical moisture interacts with a stalled cold front, which is expected to produce between three to six inches of rain for much of the state, with the possibility that some areas could see up to ten inches of rain fall over the next few days. LSU Health Climatologist Barry Keim…

Cut 3 (11) “…same location”

Keim says drier weather will not move into the state until Sunday.

The Lieutenant Governor’s office says more than 50 litter citations have been issued in recent months as a result of an increased effort to get the public to report when they see someone littering. Keep Louisiana Beautiful Director Susan Russell says people who submit reports must sign an affidavit…

Cut 8 (10) “….the proper investigation”

Russell says you can report littering by calling 855-LA-Litter or online through Keep Louisiana Beautiful.

9:30 LRN Newscast

During a public appearance, U-S Senator John Kennedy says he’s been courted by donors to run for President and he has not ruled out the idea. Jeanne Burns has the story…

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Jeanne Burns.”

Gas prices continue to fall. The statewide average for a gallon of regular gasoline fell another penny to $3.64. That’s eight-cents lower than a week ago and 36-cents cheaper from a month ago.

 

Louisiana has moved up seven spots to number 19 in WalletHub’s 2025 “Best States for Military Retirees” rankings.   According to the report the increase I driven by affordability, quality of life, veteran community support and access to services. Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Charlton Meginley says attracting and supporting veterans benefits all Louisianians…

Cut 6 (12) “…the economy”

McNeese athletics officially trademarked the nickname Bayou Bandits. The moniker has become synonymous with the Cowboys men’s basketball. McNeese Sports Information Director Matthew Bonnette says the name has spread throughout Southwest Louisiana.

Cut 13 (09)  “…for us.”

The Bayou Bandits became the identity of the men’s basketball team during its run of three straight Southland Championships and trips to the NCAA tournament.

8:30 LRN Newscast

U-S Senator John Kennedy is seeking re-election in 2028, but is he eyeing an even higher office? While speaking on Friday at the New Hampshire Institute of Politics. Kennedy said his donors have approached him about running for President and he has not ruled out the idea. Political analyst Ron Faucheux says Kennedy would be an interesting Republican Presidential candidate because of his way with words…

Cut 10 (08) “…a lot of people.”

Littering is not a laughing matter, but the Lieutenant Governor’s Office announces more than 50 litter citations have been issued in the last few months. Susan Russell is the executive director of Keep Louisiana Beautiful and says if you see someone littering call 855-LA-Litter or you can report it online through the Keep Louisiana Beautiful website…

Cut 9 (08) “…we’ll enforce it”

 

Louisiana has climbed seven spots to number 19 for the Best States for Military Retirees. Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Charlton Meginley says it’s great to have military retirees in your state, because they remain active after they are done with the military. Meglinley says according to the V-A Annual benefits report, there was a 9-point-5 percent increase in Louisiana’s veterans using their education benefits…

Cut 5 (10) “…percent increase”

McNeese athletics has secured federal trademark registration for Bayou Bandits. It’s a name that has defined McNeese men’s basketball during this run of three straight Southland titles. Sports Information director Matthew Bonnette says securing the trademark and protecting the identity they’ve been working to build has been a goal for a while….

Cut 15 (10) “…that to happen”