LRN AM Newscall December 18

Ochsner receives a million-dollar grant to help combat the opioid crisis in rural Louisiana. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

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Among Governor John Bel Edwards’ proudest accomplishments is Medicaid Expansion. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (30)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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Term Limited Randal Gaines may be leaving the Louisiana Legislature but he isn’t leaving service to the Louisiana Democratic Party. Colleen Crain has more.

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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Ochsner Lafayette General is launching a million-dollar initiative to confront opioid addiction and abuse head-on in rural communities. Family Doctor James McNally at Ochsner Health Center in Jennings says the project provides critical resources to rural communities that lack services and focuses on…

Cut 4 (12) “…the future.”

The initiative funds preventative and educational programming expenses related to treatment and recovery support.

McNally says Louisiana recorded more than two thousand overdose deaths in 2021 and fentanyl is largely to blame. Among parishes, he says per capita, there are higher numbers of cases in southwest Louisiana.

Cut 5 (08) “…the country.”

More than two thousand Louisianans died from a drug-related overdose in 2021 nearly doubling the national average, according to the CDC. McNally says it’s vitally important to remove the stigma associated with opioid addiction.

Cut 6 (13) “…more people.”

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After an extremely hot and dry summer, mudbugs are starting to emerge in south Louisiana crawfish ponds. That’s according to LSU AgCenter Crawfish Specialist Todd Fontenot, who says the emergence started a few weeks later than normal, which could push back the crawfish season…

Cut 7 (09) “…their survival”

Fontenot says the intrusion of salt water into freshwater marshes and bayous has many crawfish farmers concerned…

Cut 8 (11) “…talked about” 

St. Landry Parish crawfish farmer Zack Herbert says crawfish supply will likely be a major issue in 2024…

Cut 9 (12)  “… industry-wide.”

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Among Governor John Bel Edwards’ proudest accomplishments in office is Medicaid expansion. He says it’s cheaper for a person to be on Medicaid for 10 cents on the dollar as opposed to paying 40 cents on the dollar when they’re uninsured and get care…

Cut 10 (12) “…to do.”

Approximately a half-million Louisiana residents have Medicaid coverage as a result.

Louisiana is also one of two states in the deep south that opted for Medicaid Expansion under the Affordability Care Act, and as a result Edwards’ says….

Cut 11 (12) “…the country.” 

Arkansas is the only other state in the southeast with expanded Medicaid.

While many hardline conservatives are against Medicaid expansion, Edwards, a pro-life Democrat, says allowing the working poor to have healthcare is a pro-life value.

Cut 12 (10) “…is pro-life.” 

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State Representative Randal Gaines of LaPlace is term limited, but is now seeking to be the next chairman of the Louisiana Democratic Party. Gaines says he was recruited to run as many state and national officials reached out to him…

Cut 13 (09) “…get people elected.”

Gaines says, the Democrats represent a cross-section of Louisiana and he wants to assess what’s important to the people. He says the turn out in the last election shows leadership failed in its responsibility to reach the people and convey the party’s message and identity.

Cut 14 (12) “…we represent.” 

Gaines says he has support of business and faith-based leaders. He seeks to replace the current Democratic Chair, Katie Bernhardt. Gaines says hhe recently shared a positive message with Edwards…

Cut 15 (05) “…the Deep South.”

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The Saints put together one of their better performances of the season as the Black and Gold defeated the New York Giants 24-6. New Orleans held the Giants to 193 total yards and the offense converted on both of its red zone opportunities. Coach Dennis Allen says it was great complimentary..

 Cut 16 (15) “…our team”

Unprovoked, Allen said it was a good game from quarterback Derek Carr, who has received a bunch of criticism from the fan base.

Cut 17 (15) “….played well” 

Carr threw for 218 yards and three touchdowns. There were very few boos from the home crowd in this game and he appreciated the love the fans showed…

Cut 18 (14)  “…our team.” 

The Saints are now 7-7 and tied with Tampa Bay for first place in the NFC South. New Orleans will visit the L-A Rams on Thursday night.

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For the second straight year, the Ragin Cajuns lost their bowl game, and finish with a losing record of 6-7. Despite scoring three defensive touchdowns, Jacksonville State beat U-L Lafayette 34-31 in overtime in the New Orleans Bowl. Cajuns coach Michael Desormeaux’s offense only had 247 yards of offense…

Cut 19 (18) “…with me” 

Desormeaux says it was a tough way to end the season…

Cut 20 (20) “…like this”