12:30 LRN Newscast

The 2025 legislative session ended with drama over a pharmacy benefits managers bill and Governor Landry threatening a special session. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says PBMs are the middlemen who manage pharmacy benefits…

Cut 12 (15) “…pharmaceutical process”

The bill prohibits companies from owning both pharmacy benefits managers and pharmacies. It died in the Senate after it was approved by the House on Wednesday. Landry says the legislation will lower prescription drugs and plans to call a special session so the bill can be approved this year.

Can LSU win an eighth national championship in baseball? ESPN’s Kyle Peterson says the Tigers have the pitching to do it with their two aces Kade Anderson and Anthony Eyanson…

Cut 10 (10) “…got to that point”

Attorney General Liz Murrill is hailing the passage of a bill aimed at speeding up the post-conviction relief process, with an emphasis on death penalty cases. Colleen Crain reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

11:40 LRN Sportscast

Tomorrow night is a monumental matchup in the College World Series as LSU faces Arkansas. Many believe the two best teams in the field are playing each other in the opening round of the C-W-S. Tigers first baseman Jared Jones says the Razorbacks have one of the best pitching staffs in the country…

Cut 17 (19) “…to the plate”

Tiger Rag-dot-com Executive Editor Todd Horne has LSU beating Arkansas on Saturday night and winning its side of the bracket …

Cut 9 (14) “…LSU Tigers”

It’s a special Father’s Day Weekend for Bill Pearson of West Monroe. He will watch his two sons, Josh and John Pearson compete in the College World Series when the LSU Tigers take on Arkansas on Saturday night. Bill Pearson says he loves watching his kids achieve their dreams…

Cut 15 (11) “…kind of surreal”

Josh Pearson is looking for his second national championship ring.

Bossier City native Ford Pemberton is the new head coach at ULM. The Warhawks finished last in the Sun Belt this past season, but Pemberton believes, with the help of northeast Louisiana, he can turn a struggling ULM program around…

Cut 20 (19) “…get going”

11:30 LRN Newscast

The 2025 legislative session ended yesterday.  And on the final day, lawmakers approved a bill that expands the TOPS scholarship program.  Leaders for a Better Louisiana Chief Policy Officer Barry Erwin says students with an ACT of 31 or higher will receive higher scholarship amounts, to combat the brain drain…

Cut 6 (09) “…places in Mississippi.”

Attorney General Liz Murrill is hailing the passage of House Bill 675. That’s the bill by Slidell Republican Brian Glorioso that speeds up the post-conviction relief process in which inmates seek to have their sentences shortened or overturned.  While its main focus is on death penalty cases, Murrill says Glorioso’s bill also ends the process of drawing out the appeals process for years and even decades.

Cut 8 (09) “…that from happening.”

 

Winn Parish District Attorney Chris Nevils has dropped the manslaughter charge against Andrew Camp who is accused of fatally shooting his father  Chad Camp in 2023.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

Many are waiting to see if Mahmound Khalil will be released from the Central Louisiana ICE Processing Center in Jena. A federal judge has ordered for the release of the pro-Palestinian activist. The Trump Administration is seeking to deport Khalil, claiming his presence compromises a compelling foreign policy interest. Khalil, who is a green card holder, says his free speech rights have been eroded by the Trump administration.

10:30 LRN Newscast

The legislative session is over, and Governor Jeff Landry is pleased with what lawmakers accomplished starting with the legislation aimed at lowering auto insurance rates…

Cut 10 (10) “…and insurance companies”

Landry also pushed for reorganization of the Louisiana Department of Transportation. Leaders for a Better Louisiana Chief Policy Officer Barry Erwin explains why it was important…

Cut 5 (08) “…more effectively”

But the governor did not get everything he wanted. The Louisiana Legislature allocated 50-million dollars less than what he was seeking for the LA Gator Scholarship Program.

And the Senate failed to act on a pharmacy benefits bill the governor said would lower prescription drug prices. CVS threatened to close its stores if the legislation was approved. Landry says he will call a special session to get the bill passed.

Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill is hailing the passage of a post-conviction relief bill. Murrill says murderers convicted of the death penalty no longer have the right to delay their appeals indefinitely…

Cut 7 (10) “…in our state”

Murrill says the legislation puts in place clear timetables and deadlines, so death penalty cases can move forward to finality.

It’s a special Father’s Day Weekend for Bill Pearson of West Monroe. He will watch his two sons, Josh and John Pearson compete in the College World Series when the LSU Tigers take on Arkansas on Saturday night. Bill Pearson says he loves watching his kids achieve their dreams…

Cut 15 (11) “…kind of surreal”

Josh Pearson is looking for his second national championship ring.

LRN PM Newscall June 12

Governor Landry signed into law a bill that offers critical legal protections for survivors of domestic abuse, sexual assault, or stalking by requiring car manufacturers to disable remote access technology

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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The St. Tammany Parish coroner is dusting off an old PSA after an infant dies in a bed instead of a crib. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Victims of domestic abuse, sexual assault and stalking now have added protections, thanks to a new law signed by Governor Landry. The new law requires car manufacturers to disable remote access technology, such as tracking and control features, within two days of receiving a certified protective or restraining order. Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Detective Kelly Downey was instrumental in getting House Bill 74 passed.

Cut 3 (11) “…track or monitor.”

Downey collaborated closely with lawmakers and survivors, providing expert testimony and highlighting the risks posed by abuser-controlled vehicle systems saying 80-percent of all domestic homicide victims were stalked.

Cut 4 (12) “…helps both sides”

Downey expressed pride in helping craft legislation that empowers victims to reclaim safety and independence as they begin to heal from trauma.

Cut 5 (09) “…do the same.”

Survivors must either own the vehicle or have exclusive use granted by the court.

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A Medicare advocacy group is urging Congress to protect the Medicare Advantage program. When the One Big Beautiful Bill made it out of the House, the program was left intact. However, Darren Grubb with Medicare Advantage Majority says the Senate has the program in its crosshairs.

Cut 6 (08) “…essentially cut funding.”

Grubb says if that happens, that would have a devastating effect on Louisiana’s 540-thousand seniors.

Cut 7 (10) “…services they need.”

Grubb says polls among seniors show an overwhelming majority want Congress to preserve the Medicare Advantage program.

Cut 8 (15) “…their family members.”

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After an infant in St. Tammany Parish died last weekend while sharing a bed with his mother and a sibling, Coroner Dr. Christopher Tape has re-released a PSA warning people of the dangers of babies sleeping in the same bed with others. Coroner’s spokesman James Hartman says it’s a very important message.

Cut 9 (14)  “…out there again.”

Hartman says when putting infants to bed, always use the ABC rule – Alone, on their Back and in a Crib.

Cut 10 (07) “…with a child.”

Hartman says the 30-second spot is very moving.

Cut 11 (14) “…was under her.”

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The Louisiana Legislature has approved a 46-billion-dollar budget for next fiscal year. The spending plan does not contain the 93-million dollars Governor Landry wanted for the LA Gator program, which provides parents with state money to pay for private school tuition.  House Appropriations Chairman Jack McFarland says most of the families that applied for LA Gator funds, already have children attending a private school…

Cut 12 (08) “…private schools.”

The LA Gator program is receiving 43-million dollars, 50-million dollars less than what the governor wanted. LA Gator is replacing the state’s current voucher program, and McFarland says a majority of lawmaker believe funding for private school vouchers should remain relatively the same…

Cut 13 (12)  “…for better opportunity”

Thirty of the 50-million dollars Governor Landry wanted to go to the LA Gator scholarship program went to high dosage tutoring in K-through-12 education and another 18-million went to sheriffs to help cover the costs of housing state prisoners in their local jails. McFarland says this is the first year of the LA Gator Scholarship program, so it’s best to take a conservative approach when funding it…

Cut 14 (10) “…of this.”

1:30 LRN Newscast

CVS sent out a mass text message to its customers telling them if House Bill 358 was approved, it would result in the closure of CVS pharmacies in Louisiana. Attorney General Liz Murrill says CVS may have violated state law by using personal information to push a political message. It remains to be seen if the pharmacy benefit manager legislation will pass in the final hours of the session.

Governor Landry signed into law a bill that offers legal protections for survivors of domestic abuse, sexual assault, or stalking by requiring car manufacturers to disable remote access technology

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

The Louisiana Legislature has approved a 46-billion-dollar budget for the fiscal year that begins July 1st. The spending plan does not contain the 93-million dollars Governor Jeff Landry wanted for the LA Gator program, which replaces the state’s current voucher program that provides parents with state money to pay for private school tuition.  House Appropriations Chairman Jack McFarland says most of the families that applied for LA Gator funds, already have children attending a private school…

Cut 12 (08) “….private schools”

The LA Gator program is receiving 43-million dollars, 50-million dollars less than what the governor wanted.

There is a concern the Medicare Advantage Program could be cut as the U-S Senate considers making changes to the House approved One Big Beautiful Bill. Darren Grugg with Medicare Advantage Majority says a recent poll of seniors shows that an overwhelming majority want Congress to preserve the Medicare Advantage program.

Cut 8 (15) “…their family members.”

11:40 LRN Sportscast

It’s believed LSU has enough pitching to win the program’s eighth national championship. The development of Chase Shores is one of the reasons why. Shores started the season as LSU’s Sunday starter. In April he was moved to the bullpen and has become a dependable reliver. Shores got the final out in the Super Regional series against West Virginia. The six-foot-eight flame thrower on why he’s succeeded in his new role.

Cut 17 (12)  “…better too.”

ULM has named Memphis assistant Ford Pemberton as its new head baseball coach. Former Barbe High standout Donovan LaSalle is transferring from Oklahoma State to play for the Ragin Cajuns. Colby Lunsford is transferring from ULM to play for Louisiana Tech.

 

Saints safety Tyrann Mathieu is heading into his 13th season in the NFL and his fifth season with the Saints. Kellen Moore is the third head coach he’s had in New Orleans, and the Honey Badger likes that Moore is a bright offensive mind…

Cut 19 (17) “…offensive league.”

The Saints would like to add a veteran running back to the room. Cam Akers was brought in during minicamp for a tryout. He’s rushed for over two-thousand yards in his career, but he’s also suffered two achilles injuries.

The SEC has announced the TV windows for the 2025 football season. LSU has two games listed in the Early window, Vanderbilt and Arkansas. Arkansas is a home game. That means those two games will start at either 11 AM or noon. Alabama will be a night game, while Ole Miss, South Carolina, Texas A-and-M and Oklahoma will kick off in either the afternoon or night. Also, the game on September 20th against Southeastern Louisiana will begin at 6:45.

9:30 LRN Newscast

Today is the final day of the legislative session. The drugstore chain C-V-S has launched a massive public lobbying campaign against a House approved bill that would ban pharmacy benefit managers from owning pharmacies. C-V-S says if the Senate passes the bill, it will force them to close 119 Louisiana pharmacies. Supporters of the legislation, including Governor Landry say it’s a pro-patient bill that will help control drug prices.

A bill is heading to the governor’s desk that allows Louisiana residents to sue  out-of-state doctors for sending abortion pills by mail.

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

Churchill Downs has announced plans to surrender its racing license for the New Orleans Fair Grounds due to a recent Louisiana Supreme Court ruling banning historical horse racing slot machines without local voter approval. HHR machines, which are a major source of off-track betting revenue, were deemed a new form of gambling. Tyler Bridges with the Times-Picayune says Churchill sent a letter to the Louisiana Racing Commission saying they are serious about pulling out.

Cut 13 (12)  “…go through March.”

Churchill is seeking a 20-million dollar subsidy from the state, but Bridges says it’s unlikely that the legislature will provide that amount of funding.

A 13.5 foot-high, 31-foot-long fiberglass Mike the Tiger float is on its way to Omaha. It’s expected to arrive before LSU plays Arkansas in the College World Series on Saturday night. Deborah Ward, executive director of Visit Omaha says they are excited about the float that was built by Kern Studios in New Orleans…

Cut 9 (11) “….fans in general”

8:30 LRN Newscast

The state’s largest military base, Fort Johnson in Vernon Parish, is set to undergo another name change. President Trump says the seven Army base names changed during the Biden Administration will go back to their original names, but this time the military bases, will not be named after Confederate soldiers. Rosepine Representative Charles Owen is excited that the Leesville base will be named after General James H Polk…

Cut 6 (09) “….James K Polk”

No word on when the name change will officially go through.

The Louisiana Legislature has sent a bill to the governor’s desk that would allow a woman to sue an out of state doctor or medical provider for providing them with abortion inducing drugs. New Orleans Senator Royce Duplessis voted against the legislation calling it unnecessary and furthering limiting healthcare options for pregnant women…

Cut 12 (08) “…be more restrictive”

 

Omaha is getting ready for an onslaught of LSU fans. Michelle Southern reports.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Michelle Southern.”

And there was a good group of fans that were on hand to wish the team luck as they left Baton Rouge yesterday…

Cut 26 (07) “…Tigers win, Tigers win”

ULM has named Bossier City native Ford Pemberton as its new head baseball coach. He spent the last two seasons as an assistant at Memphis. He’s also been an assistant at Southeastern and Nicholls.

7:30 LRN Newscast

A member of the Louisiana legislature that represents the Fort Johnson area in Vernon Parish is hailing the plans by President Trump to rename the military base back to its original name. Rosepine Republican Chuck Owen says there was a lot of ill will when the Congressional Naming Commission changed the name to Fort Johnson in 2023.

Cut 4 (14) “…name was changed.”

The base was originally named for Confederate soldier Leonidas Polk. But following the creation of the Congressional Naming Commission the name was changed to honor William Henry Johnson, a Black World War One hero. This time the military base in Leesville will be named after General James Polk, a World War Two hero. The Southern Poverty Law Center calls President Trump’s move insulting to rename military bases that were previously named after confederate leaders.

Omaha is getting ready for an onslaught of LSU fans for the College World Series. Deborah Ward, the executive director of Visit Omaha, says the city’s arms are wider when LSU fans show up.

Cut 7 (12) “…you last year.”

This is LSU’s 20th time in the College World Series.

Will there be horse racing at the New Orleans Fairgrounds this year? The track’s owner, Churchill Downs, is planning to relinquish its racing license. Churchill Downs says it needs financial support from the state, since the Louisiana Supreme Court has said it cannot have historical horse racing slot machines without voter approval. NOLA.com reporter Tyler Bridges says its possible the state could come up with some money to help…

Cut 15 (12) “….racing season going”