Researchers and doctors are looking at different ways to treat addiction at the American Society of Addiction Medicine’s annual conference that’s underway in New Orleans. Addiction Specialist Ross DeLeonardo with LSU Health New Orleans says they’re working to develop new maintenance drug treatments like a rod put under the skin.

Cut 9 (10) “prescriptions”

Critics of maintenance medications say users can abuse the drugs.

The Department of Transportation breaks ground on a project to widen I-10 from I-49 to the Atchafalaya Basin. DOTD Secretary Shawn Wilson says this will increase the highway’s capacity for the 60-thousand people who drive the 7 mile stretch every day.

Cut 4 (09) “on interstates”

The Bayou State gets a big gain in economic development, as Lotte Chemical’s headquarters is moving from Houston to Lake Charles. LED Secretary Don Pierson says the Korean based company is partnering with Westlake Chemical out of Taiwan on a $2 billion ethane cracker at the junction of Interstates 10 and 210.

Cut 15 (09) “chemical production”

Pierson says Lotte also added a $1 billion plant at the junction.

The Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival kicks off today. Festival King Bill Wheat says people should get their strawberries soon because the season is winding down.

Cut 11 (11) “on supply”

The weekend festival draws around 200 thousand people a year.