A report released today finds that Louisiana’s drug, alcohol and suicide death rate could increase 42 percent in the next ten years. Well Being Trust helped put the study together and it’s chief policy officer, Ben Miller, says the opioid epidemic is at the root of this troubling report…
Cut 9 (10) “themselves addicted.”
The report outlines a strategy of prevention, early identification and treatment for those addicted to opioids.

Longtime state legislator Francis Thompson has been diagnosed with prostate cancer. The 76-year-old from Delhi says an MRI discovered the cancer and he’s hoping for a quick recovery….
cut 4 (10) “….work out well”
Thompson was first elected to the state House of Representatives in 1974 and doesn’t plan on having this health care stop his political career.

Nicholls State is preparing to host its first ever college football playoff game. Athletics Director Matthew Roan says since the announcement was made that the Colonels are hosting a playoff game, the ticket’s office phones have not stopped ringing…
cut 6 (07) “…rolling today”
The Colonels will host South Dakota at 3 PM at John L Guidry Stadium on Saturday in the opening round of the FCS playoffs.

In north Louisiana, a Calhoun man has spent the last several months constrcuting a Candy Cane Lane, which will be a mile long drive through tour of Christmas lights. We asked Ben Hanson how much electricy does it take to power….
cut 12 (05) “…house meters”
The Christmas Park will be open to visitors on Thanksgiving Day.