The LSU AgCenter and the Town of Jean Lafitte are teaming up to re-establish the firefly population. Colleen Crain reports.
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A major achievement among Louisiana’s high school graduates. Andrew Greenstein reports.
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A state lawmaker raises concerns about the organizational changes made with the LSU System and what it means for the future of LSU Health Shreveport. Andre Champagne has the story.
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Firefly populations have hit historically low numbers in Louisiana and other parts of the country where fireflies are native. The Town of Jean Lafitte has reached out to the LSU AgCenter to work on a plan to re-establish firefly populations in the Wetland Trace boardwalk trail. Aaron Ashbrook, the urban and peri-urban extension entomologist at the LSU AgCenter, says part of that plan involves planting 375 native plants within a 15-hundred-square-foot area.
Cut 4 (10) “…Jean Lafitte Barataria.”
Ashbrook says fireflies are a major part of Louisiana’s culture.
Cut 5 (09) “…would engage in.”
Ashbrook says besides being a part of people’s childhoods, fireflies also provide benefits to the ecosystem.
Cut 6 (09) “…for our gardens.”
Pesticides, urban development, invasive insects and light pollution are all cited as reasons for the significant drop in firefly population.
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State lawmakers will get answers today on why the Louisiana Health Department decided to end its Medicaid contract with UnitedHealthcare. Senate Insurance Chairman Kirk Talbot says the decision to cut ties with UnitedHealthcare surprised legislators.
Cut 7 (07) “…the renewal date.”
LDH says the 333-thousand Medicaid recipients who are covered by UnitedHealthcare will be switched to another health care plan in 2026. Talbot says he and other lawmakers want to know how that will work.
Democratic legislators have raised concerns that some Medicaid recipients may be forced to find a new doctor if their new insurance provider is not in-network. Talbot says his committee, along with Senate Health and Welfare, will have a chance to hear from LDH leaders at a hearing at 10 this morning.
Cut 9 (11) “…good reason why.”
Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill says the state is in litigation with UnitedHealthcare for allegedly overcharging Medicaid recipients for prescription drugs.
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Among all high school graduates in the Class of 2024 in the State of Louisiana, three out of every four graduated having already racked up credits towards college degrees or certifications. The 75-percent rate is an 11-point increase from 2019. Tristan Denley, the deputy commissioner for academic affairs and innovation at the Louisiana Board of Regents, says high school students can earn college credit in a number of ways.
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Denley says while the vast majority of dual enrollment courses were taken in the aforementioned academic fields, nearly one out of every five students who took dual enrollment courses took courses in career and technical fields.
Cut 11 (12) “…be an electrician.”
Denley says the overwhelming success of the initiative has the state optimistic about achieving its ultimate goal of every student graduating with dual enrollment credits.
Cut 12 (11) “…short-term workforce credential.”
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A state lawmaker is worried about the future of LSU Health Shreveport. The LSU Board of Supervisors has approved major organizational changes that include giving the Baton Rouge campus direct oversight of operations at its research institutions. Shreveport Senator Thomas Pressly says the restructuring ends 25 years of local autonomy for LSU Health Shreveport.
Cut 13 (12) “…that concerns me.”
LSU Chancellor James Dalton says a unified research structure better positions LSU to successfully compete for major grants, attract exceptional faculty and expand discoveries that can improve life in Louisiana. But Pressly is concerned LSU Health New Orleans and Pennington Research Center in New Orleans will get more of the research grant dollars.
Cut 14 (08) “…aspect of things.”
Pressly says he’s received assurances from LSU Board Chairman Scott Ballard that LSU Health New Orleans will not get more attention than LSU Health Shreveport. Pressly says he will make sure that Ballard and other LSU leaders stick to their word.
Cut 15 (09) “…science and research..”
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The Saints improved to 4-and-10 on the season after beating the Panthers Sunday, 20-17. New Orleans’ defense came up with a big stop to give its offense the ball with 57 seconds left in the game. Charlie Symth’s 47-yard game-winning field goal sealed the deal. Head coach Kellen Moore says he’s proud of his team’s fight.
Rookie quarterback Tyler Shough had an impressive game, as he threw for 272 yards with a touchdown and led the team in rushing with 32 yards on the ground. Moore says that sitting Shough at the beginning of the season has allowed him to develop into a better quarterback.
Cut 17 (18) “…advantage of that.”
After missing the first five games of the season with a calf injury, Saints defensive end Chase Young has put together an impressive season. Young had six tackles and a sack in the win. Young has six sacks in nine games, and Moore says he’s done a great job of being productive after the injury.