LRN AM Newscall November 15

LSU Health New Orleans researchers revealed the tremendous loss hospitals face financially when treating patients with firearm injuries. Whitney Thomas has more…

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Whitney Thomas.”

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Senator John Kennedy says he’s thinking about running for Governor next year and will decide soon. How might that affect a race the state Republican Party wants Jeff Landry to win? Kevin Gallagher has more…:

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

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An inmate survives after jumping from the third story of a parking deck during an escape attempt. Brooke Thorington has more from the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office.

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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An LSU Health New Orleans School of Medicine study indicates a huge financial loss from treating gun violence patients. Firearm injuries cost its Level One trauma center more than $ 20 million over a four-year period. Associate Professor of Clinical Orthopedic Surgery Dr. Christopher Marrero says when victims of firearm-related injuries can not pay their medical expenses, the hospitals write off unpaid medical bills as medical losses and that cost trickles down to you

Cut 4 (12)  “…these losses.”

The study examined gunshot wound patients from 2016 to 2019. The estimated cost of treatment was $ 37 million however the hospital only collected $ 17 million resulting in a net loss of $ 20 million. Marrero says Medicaid only paid hospitals on average 90 cents for every dollar spent caring for patients.

Cut 5 (10) “…wound injuries.”

Nonfatal gunshot injuries are highest in the South, and Louisiana leads the nation in such wounds.  The financial impact extends beyond one day care to follow-up visits, rehabilitation, and secondary surgeries.

Marrero says further research is needed to find solutions for this ever-growing public health issue.

Cut 6 (09)  “… taxpayers.” 

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Newly re-elected Senator John Kennedy says he is considering running for governor next year, despite the state GOP emphatically backing Attorney General Jeff Landry. What effect might his entering the race have? LSU political science professor Robert Hogan says Kennedy’s announcement has the logic of numbers behind it…:

Cut 7 (11) “…voters in the state.”

Hogan thinks Kennedy officially getting into the race may well affect the plans of others interested in running. He says Kennedy is not the kind of opponent most candidates want…:

Cut 8 (12)  “…somebody like that.”

Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser, Treasurer John Schroder, and state Senator Sharon Hewitt have all expressed interest in running under the GOP banner. Hogan says Kennedy’s entry might dissuade that.

Within a short time of Senator Kennedy’s message that he may decide to run, the Louisiana Republican party re-affirmed its endorsement of Jeff Landry. Hogan says, despite that, the Attorney General may be less palatable for many as governor…:

Cut 9 (07)  “…it’s safe to assume.”

Kennedy was re-elected to the U.S. Senate last week with well over 60-percent of the vote.

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In Rapides Parish, an inmate jumped from the third floor of a parking deck trying to make an escape after a court appearance Monday morning. Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Tommy Carnline says the inmate was in court for an obscenity charge.

Cut 10 (12) “…below.” 

Carnline says the prisoner sustained a broken foot and leg and the incident happened after his court appearance as he was being transported back to the Rapides Parish Detention Center Three. The inmate’s name has not been released pending family notification.

Cut  11 (07)   “…that information.” 

And while escape attempts during court transportations have happened before, Carnline says he doesn’t recall an inmate ever jumping off the third story of the parking deck.

Cut 12 (07) “…any further.”

The inmate was transported to a local hospital and the incident is under investigation.

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Construction kicked off Monday in Broussard to begin the Ambassador Caffery Interchange and a future 1-49 south project. Transportation Secretary Shawn Wilson says the $136 million, three-mile project will complete a full interchange at the Ambassador Caffery I-49 or US 90 intersection that’s currently signalized.

Cut 13 (09) “…interstate standards.”

Wilson says the project will improve safety for motorists at the interchange. He says those traveling from Albertson’s Parkway to Ambassador Caffery will complete the interchange without traveling on the mainline and great separation for those going into Lafayette from the south…

Cut 14 (08)  “…capacity standpoint.”

Wilson says they’ve already brought other projects in the area up to interstate grade and as these links begin to connect, he says you’ll start to see a much safer footprint and more efficient traffic.

Cut 15 (12)  “…more efficient.”

The 1-49 south corridor includes approximately 160 miles of roadways which more than 100 miles have been completed or are currently under construction.

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The Saints are 3-7 and tied for last in the NFC South and appear to be going nowhere this season. But Coach Dennis Allen is not ready to quit on the season…

Cut  16 (16)  “…good enough”

The Saints could make another change at quarterback. The offense under the direction of quarterback Andy Dalton has scored just two touchdowns over the last two games. Opening day starter Jameis Winston never got his job back after injuring his back and Allen says Winston is still not fully healthy…

Cut 17 (16) “…being there.”

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LSU Coach Brian Kelly is sure to get coach of the year votes for taking a program that had less than 40 scholarship players in January to a squad that will appear in the SEC Championship game on December 3rd. Kelly used the transfer portal to help rebuild the program quickly and despite all the new players, the team has good chemistry…

Cut 18 (18) “…pulling the same way” 

LSU hosts UAB this Saturday and then will conclude the regular season on November 26th at Texas A&M. Kelly says his staff will not look ahead to do some pre-planning for Georgia in the SEC title game…

Cut 19 (19) “…individual games”

LSU’s offense had its struggles last Saturday in Fayetteville as quarterback Jayden Daniels threw for 86 yards and was sacked seven times. Kelly says the Razorbacks game plan on defense gave them problems…

Cut 20 (19) “…one step ahead”