The deal to transfer control of University Health Hospitals in Shreveport and Monroe from BRF to Oschner has been finalized and should become effective October 1st. The 294-million dollar deal with Oschner is a 40-million dollar increase over the current contract with BRF. Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne says it’s a fitting end to a long saga.
Cut 6 (07) “…going forward”
Dardenne says the new partnership should lead to expanded services and gets LSU more involved in the training of future doctors.

LSU is the highest ranked Louisiana university and in the top half of the SEC at fifth, according to the Washington Monthly 2018 College Guide. Forbes also recognizes the purple and gold in its top college rankings. LSU President F. King Alexander credits the accolades to the return on investment students see upon graduation.
Cut 13 (06) “…that we like.”

In the past week, southwest Louisiana authorities have seen an uptick in synthetic marijuana overdoeses, where the users would become unconscious shortly after they ingested it. Acadian Ambulance Medical Director Dr. Chuck Burnell says the users told authorities the product was called Gumbo or Bubblegum…
Cut 3 (10) “…unconscious”
Burnell says no fatalities were reported.

The Louisiana Lottery is not too concerned about a revenue drop now that Mississippi has passed legislation to create its own state lottery. Louisiana lottery spokesperson Kim Chopin says they know some of their retailers near the Mississippi border will see some impact…
cut 11 (10) “…total sales”
It will take about a year for Mississippi to get its own lottery going.