A poll by Southern Media and Opinion Research finds Governor John Bel Edwards has the highest approval ratings since he took office at 65-percent. Pollster Bernie Pinsonat says timing has proved to be the key to Edwards popularity.:
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The 65% approval rating beats Edwards previous high of 63, and is much higher than the 54-percent in May.

Nearly 64,000 Americans died last year from drug overdoses, leading to a decline in life expectancy for the second year in a row, according to the CDC. Addiction Policy Forum President and CEO, Jessica Hulsey Nickel, blames the exploding opioid epidemic..:
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According to the World Health Organization, The United states now ranks below several dozen other countries in average life expectancy.

The federal tax reform bill means fans can no longer deduct the donations they make for the right to purchase season tickets for college athletics. Kelley Ray looks at what it means for LSU…:
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Saints Head Coach Sean Payton has apologized for the choke gesture he made towards Falcons running back Devonta Freeman. TV cameras caught the incident when the two teams met two weeks ago in Atlanta and the two teams are set to meet again this Sunday. In a conference call with Atlanta reporters, Payton said he let his emotions get the best of him. Freeman says he’s not bothered by Payton’s actions.