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Trump: U.S., Iran reach peace deal President says Strait of Hormuz to reopen soon BY MUNIR AHMED, JULIA FRANKEL, ABBY SEWELL and WILL WEISSERT
Associated Press
ISLAMABAD — The United States and Iran have reached an agreement to end the war and open the Strait of Hormuz, offering relief to the global economy more than three months since fighting began. Details of the deal were not immediately available. Key mediator
Pakistan said the signing will be Friday in Switzerland. Key issues like Iran’s nuclear program are expected to be addressed later. President Donald Trump confirmed a deal had been reached and said he had authorized an end to the U.S. naval blockade of Iranian ports in the Strait of Hormuz, imposed in retaliation for Iran’s grip on the crucial waterway. “Congratulations to all!” Trump
wrote on social media, adding: “I hereby fully authorize the toll free opening of the Strait of Hormuz, and, simultaneously herewith, authorize the immediate removal of the United States Naval blockade.” The U.S. previously said it would ease its blockade of Iranian ports as the strait reopens, and would agree to relax sanctions to allow Iran to sell more of its oil and strengthen its battered economy.
Iran’s deputy foreign minister, Kazem Gharibabadi, confirmed the agreement on state television but said Iran would not start impleTrump menting it until it was signed on Friday. He said the deal followed over 14 hours of talks in Tehran with a representative from Qatar, another mediator. Iranian state TV showed a
Lawmakers pass bills to lower drug costs
banner asserting: “US was forced to sign an agreement to end the war.” Pakistan first announced the deal after a day in which Israel, sidelined from the negotiations, attacked Beirut’s southern suburbs while pursuing the Iranian-backed Hezbollah. The attacks posed a threat to completing the negotiations. “Both sides have declared the immediate and permanent termi-
ä See PEACE, page 4A
FESTIVAL INTERNATIONAL de LOUISIANE
Organizers reflect on 40 years ‘A lot of hurdles’ but still free
BY JOANNA BROWN
Staff writer
STAFF FILE PHOTO By BRETT DUKE
In the legislative session that ended June 1, lawmakers boosted the amount of money locally owned pharmacies would get paid for dispensing drugs. And they placed tougher restrictions on pharmacy benefit managers, which handle prescription drug coverage for health plans and reimburse pharmacies for the drugs they dispense.
New Louisiana regulations await Landry’s signature BY ALYSE PFEIL
Staff writer
Louisiana lawmakers in recent years have targeted the high cost of prescription drugs, and this year took what they hope is another big step — new legislation that more tightly regulates the companies involved in all aspects of the industry. One example: Health insurers could soon be required to cover cheaper generic drugs. “Mandating generic drugs when available to consumers means significant savings for everyday Louisianans trying to manage their healthcare costs,” said state Rep. Chris Turner, R-Ruston, who sponsored the bill.
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agers, which handle prescription drug coverage for health plans and reimburse pharmacies for the drugs they dispense. The package of bills still needs the signature of Gov. Jeff Landry to become law. While legislators say the new state-level regulations are aimed at tamping down drug costs for patients, some people involved in the complex system of pharmaSTAFF FILE PHOTO By JAVIER GALLEGOS cies, drugmakers and insurLawmakers passed legislation that would boost the amount ance companies say it’s unclear whether consumers of money locally owned pharmacies would get paid for will see a difference. dispensing drugs. “The overwhelming majority of the cost of preAlong with new rules for macies would get paid for scription drugs is deterhealth insurers, lawmak- dispensing drugs. And they mined by federal law and ers boosted the amount of placed tougher restrictions ä See DRUG, page 4A money locally owned phar- on pharmacy benefit man-
Festival International de Louisiane celebrated 40 years in 2026, a big anniversary with a lot of accomplishments behind it. The festival was born from challenging times. Lafayette was in an economic downtown in the 1980s after losing oil and gas jobs, and the community needed a way to distinguish and celebrate the things that make Acadiana special. For the festival’s founders, that was the region’s French culture, uniquely geared toward the rest of the francophone world. People like Herman Mhire, and a team of supporters, felt Lafayette had what it took to welcome musicians and visitors from across the globe — while showing off the music, language, food and artistry that sets southwest Louisiana apart. “I’m so proud to work for this organization, because it worked,” said Carly Viator Courville, marketing director for Festival International. “Today, Festival brings in millions of dollars and 300,000 attendees over the five days, all because of music and art. That’s incredible.” Courville moderated a panel with her Festival International colleagues on Friday about
ä See FESTIVAL, page 4A
FILE PHOTO By PAUL KIEU
Spectators wave their hands along to music by Cuban band Primera Linea during Festival International de Louisiane in Lafayette on April 25.
Classified .....................5A Living............................5C Nation-World ................2A Comics-Puzzles .....7C-9C Lottery ..........................4B Opinion ........................2B Commentary ................3B Metro ...........................1B Sports ..........................1C
101ST yEAR, NO. 350