Louisiana
Opioid-related deaths: Louisiana ranks third in United States
SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS) – U.S. opioid-related deaths dramatically increased between 2015 and 2020, but which states have more opioid-related deaths than all others?
South Dakota developed the highest growth in opioid-related deaths when their state’s statistics rose by 355%.
Montana had a 311% increase.
Louisiana came in third on the list, with a 293% increase in opioid-related death statistics during the five-year period.
According to the Louisiana Department of Health, opioid abuse is a problem in Louisiana where almost all indicators… addiction to opioid medications, overdose deaths, emergency room admissions and over-prescribing… are evidence of the problem.
Three states also decreased the number of opioid-related deaths during the same period. Those states were Oklahoma, Utah, and New Hampshire.
A nationwide rise in the number of opioid-related deaths seems to have been driven by a corresponding rise in synthetic opioids such as fentanyl.
The opioid crisis has caused record levels of addictions and deaths, and efforts to curb the crisis often highlight public health and policy issues.
Indiana, Delaware, and New Jersey also saw a more than 200% increase in the number of people who died of opioid-related issues between 2015 and 2020.
A spokesperson for Whitley Law Firm, which conducted a study to determine which state had the largest rise in the number of opioid-related deaths, said that it’s crucial to adopt comprehensive strategies if we are, as a society, to address the growing epidemic known as opioid addiction.
Whitley Law Firm promotes the expansion of access to addiction treatment, the implementation of robust prevention programs, and enhancing harm reduction efforts like naloxone distribution.
The firm used data from Center for Disease Control and Prevention in their study. They used data about deaths between 2015 and 2020.
Check out the following list to find out where your state ranks on the list:
Rank
State
% increase in opioid-related deaths
(2015-2020)
1
South Dakota
355%
2
Montana
311%
3
Louisiana
293%
4
Indiana
268%
5
Delaware
214%
6
New Jersey
203%
7
Mississippi
196%
8
Pennsylvania
193%
9
North Dakota
187%
10
Florida
180%
11
Arizona
171%
12
California
168%
13
Illinois
165%
14
South Carolina
160%
15
Virginia
146%
16
Tennessee
137%
17
Vermont
136%
18
Minnesota
133%
19
North Carolina
128%
20
Wisconsin
125%
21
New York
121%
22
Alabama
116%
23
Nebraska
109%
24
Maryland
106%
25
Colorado
98%
26
Connecticut
92%
27
Missouri
91%
28
West Virginia
89%
29(=)
Kentucky
88%
Wyoming
31
Idaho
83%
32
New Mexico
76%
33(=)
Michigan
68%
Kansas
35
Texas
64%
36
Maine
61%
37
Oregon
59%
38
Georgia
58%
39
Washington
55%
40
Ohio
37%
41
Arkansas
35%
42
Iowa
34%
43
Alaska
33%
44
Nevada
23%
45
Hawaii
11%
46
Massachusetts
6%
47
Rhode Island
4%
48
New Hampshire
-21%
49
Utah
-22%
50
Oklahoma
-27%
If you or someone you know has an opioid addiction, visit the state of Louisiana’s opioid help website.
Louisiana
Heart of Louisiana: Lafitte Wetlands
NEW ORLEANS, La (WVUE) – A new education center in the town of Jean Lafitte is giving visitors a chance to learn about south Louisiana’s coast.
Dave McNamara explores how the center combines history, culture, science, and a walk through a cypress swamp in the heart of Louisiana.
For more, visit the Heart of Louisiana archive here.
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Copyright 2026 WVUE. All rights reserved.
Louisiana
Looking for a luxurious place to stay? These are Louisiana’s 6 best resorts
Luxury resort in Sarasota County ranked among South’s best new hotels
Luxury resort in Sarasota County ranked among South’s best new hotels
When you think of resorts, you probably think of hotels with expansive grounds, upscale amenities and all-inclusive packages.
While these types of resorts can surely be found in major-destination cities and foreign countries, Louisiana has its own resorts that are just as nice.
At Louisiana’s resorts, you can enjoy all the same amenities and stay at locations that are just as luxurious.
Plan your stays with Booking.com
Why these 6 resorts are the best in Louisiana for 2026
Travel US News has ranked the six best resorts in Louisiana based on hotel class rating, property type and guest reviews.
1. L’Auberge Casino Resort in Lake Charles
L’Auberge Casino Resort in Lake Charles is the best resort to stay in Louisiana, with a guest rating of 8.7 out of 10. More than just a nice place to stay, this resort offers premiere casino games, plenty of shopping, golfing opportunities, a spa, relaxing cabanas and upscale restaurants. The hotel also has business and fitness centers, and the rooms are in the modern arts and crafts style.
2. Caesars in New Orleans
Caesars in New Orleans is the second-best resort in Louisiana and has a guest rating of 7.9 out of 10. This resort has a great location within the Central Business District, making it near all the top attractions in the Crescent City. Here, there are plenty of dining and gambling opportunities. The rooms are equipped with standard amenities and are in a Louisiana-inspired style.
3. Margaritaville Resort Casino in Bossier City
Margaritaville Resort Casino in Bossier City is the third-best resort in Louisiana, with a guest rating of 8.7 out of 10. Strategically located across the Red River from Shreveport, this resort offers plenty to do, like testing your luck at the casino, spending a day by the pool, relaxing at the spa, eating delicious food at one of the restaurants or enjoying live entertainment at the performance hall.
4. Bally’s Casino & Hotel in Shreveport
Bally’s Casino & Hotel in Shreveport is among the best resorts in Louisiana and has a guest rating of 7.6 out of 10. Bally’s offers plenty of casino games and dining opportunities, and you can keep the night going with drinks and dancing at one of the lounges. The hotel offers business and fitness centers and the rooms come with standard amenities, like flat-screen TVs and minifridges.
5. Nottoway Plantation Resort in White Castle
Nottoway Plantation Resort in White Castle is one of the best resorts in Louisiana, as it is among the 4.0 star hotel class. This historic antebellum plantation, originally constructed in 1859, includes nine Acadian-style cottages, a salon, an outdoor pool, a fitness center and tennis courts. Visitors can tour the plantation house itself and embark on a guided tour of the on-site museum.
6. Cypress Bend Resort, a Wyndham Hotel in Many
Cypress Bend Resort, a Wyndham Hotel in Many is among the best resorts in Louisiana, with a guest rating of 7.7 out of 10. This hotel features two restaurants, a golf course, fitness center indoor and outdoor pools, as well as a bar and lounge. Belonging to the 3.0 star hotel class, this casual resort is the perfect spot for a quick getaway, as it’s set on 600 acres on Toledo Bend Lake.
Presley Bo Tyler is the Louisiana Deep South Connect Team for USA Today Network. Find her on X @PresleyTyler02 and email at PTyler@Gannett.com
Louisiana
Louisiana Lottery Powerball, Pick 3 results for July 6, 2026
The Louisiana Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big.
Here’s a look at July 6, 2026, results for each game:
Winning Powerball numbers from July 6 drawing
17-44-63-66-67, Powerball: 04, Power Play: 2
Check Powerball payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Pick 3 numbers from July 6 drawing
8-7-1
Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Pick 4 numbers from July 6 drawing
5-9-3-6
Check Pick 4 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Pick 5 numbers from July 6 drawing
0-3-3-5-6
Check Pick 5 payouts and previous drawings here.
Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results
Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your lottery prize
All Louisiana Lottery retailers will redeem prizes up to $600. For prizes over $600, winners can submit winning tickets through the mail or in person at Louisiana Lottery offices. Prizes of over $5,000 must be claimed at Lottery office.
By mail, follow these instructions:
- Sign and complete the information on the back of your winning ticket, ensuring all barcodes are clearly visible (remove all scratch-off material from scratch-off tickets).
- Photocopy the front and back of the ticket (except for Powerball and Mega Millions tickets, as photocopies are not accepted for these games).
- Complete the Louisiana Lottery Prize Claim Form, including your telephone number and mailing address for prize check processing.
- Photocopy your valid driver’s license or current picture identification.
Mail all of the above in a single envelope to:
Louisiana Lottery Headquarters
555 Laurel Street
Baton Rouge, LA 70801
To submit in person, visit Louisiana Lottery headquarters:
555 Laurel Street, Baton Rouge, LA 70801, (225) 297-2000.
Hours: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. This office can cash prizes of any amount.
Check previous winning numbers and payouts at Louisiana Lottery.
When are the Louisiana Lottery drawings held?
- Powerball: 9:59 p.m. CT Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
- Mega Millions: 10 p.m. CT Tuesday and Friday.
- Pick 3, Pick 4 and Pick 5: Daily at 9:59 p.m. CT.
- Easy 5: 9:59 p.m. CT Wednesday and Saturday.
- Lotto: 9:59 p.m. CT Wednesday and Saturday.
This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Louisiana editor. You can send feedback using this form.
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