Tagged News

• Supreme Court voids majority Black congressional district in Louisiana, boosting Republican chances Play Video

  April 29, 2026 10:13 AM

  WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court on Wednesday struck down Louisiana’s second majority Black congressional district in a decision that could open the door for Republican-led states to eliminate Black and Latino electoral districts that tend to favor Democrats and affect the balance of power in Congress. In a... more »

• Coroner: 50-year-old man dies after passenger van collides with log truck in Zachary Play Video

  April 29, 2026 9:26 AM

  ZACHARY — A 50-year-old man who was driving a passenger van died when the vehicle collided with a log truck in Zachary. The East Baton Rouge Parish Coroner's Office said that Earnest Matthews died in the Tuesday morning crash at the intersection of Mt. Pleasant and Barnett Cutoff roads.... more »

• House committee passes heavily amended bill on universities presidential searches, donor records Play Video

  April 29, 2026 9:10 AM

  BATON ROUGE – A heavily amended Senate bill that would limit the public release of information on who is a candidate for high-profile university positions and also shield the identity of university donors advanced through a House committee Tuesday. As amended, Senate Bill 289 , authored by Sen. Mark... more »

• Bill to reduce homelessness advances despite concerns about using criminal courts Play Video

  April 29, 2026 8:38 AM

  BATON ROUGE - A proposal aimed at addressing homelessness in Louisiana is advancing through the Legislature, though it has sparked concern among some lawmakers and advocates about charging people living on the streets with criminal misdemeanors. House Bill 211 , by Rep. Debbie Villio, R-Kenner, cleared the Senate Judiciary... more »

• Silver Alert issued for 78-year-old man last seen leaving hospital in Alexandria Play Video

  April 29, 2026 6:39 AM

  ALEXANDRIA — Late Tuesday night, Louisiana State Police issued a Silver Alert for an elderly Alexandria man last seen being discharged from a local hospital. Ronald Reeder, 78, was last seen on Monday around 4:04 p.m. LSP was then asked to issue a Silver Alert on Tuesday around 10:17... more »

• Louisiana diesel prices surpass $5 a gallon as Iran war drives fuel costs up Play Video

  April 28, 2026 6:37 PM

  BATON ROUGE - As the war in Iran rages on, gas prices in the United States hit a four-year high, hitting farmers and truckers the hardest. Since the war started, the cost of diesel has risen by 45 cents, and the longer the war goes on, the more likely... more »

• 'Jody's Law' passes both chambers unanimously as hit-and-run bail, sentencing bill heads to governor Play Video

  April 28, 2026 2:13 PM

  BATON ROUGE — A bill that aims to create stricter laws for those accused of hit-and-runs has passed both chambers of the Louisiana Legislature and now heads to Gov. Jeff Landry's desk to be signed into law. HB 806, also known as "Jody's Law" after Jody Mann, who was... more »

• Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama could gain more control over their coastal waters under new bill Play Video

  April 28, 2026 2:00 PM

  WASHINGTON — A bipartisan group of lawmakers introduced legislation that would extend offshore boundaries for Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama to match those of Texas and Florida. Rep. Troy Carter Sr. (D-LA) introduced the Offshore Parity Act alongside Reps. Mike Ezell (R-MS), Clay Higgins (R-LA) and Shomari Figures (D-LA). ... more »

• Turner Industries to open nuclear fabrication facilities in New Iberia and Port Allen Play Video

  April 28, 2026 1:09 PM

  PORT ALLEN — Turner Industries is building two nuclear fabrication facilities in Louisiana, one in New Iberia and one in Port Allen, that are expected to create 1,000 direct new jobs. The 1,000 direct jobs will be split evenly between the two sites, with 500 at each location. Louisiana... more »

• House unanimously raises family compensation for police, firefighters killed in line of duty

  April 28, 2026 11:15 AM

  BATON ROUGE – A bipartisan bill increasing the financial compensation to more than $400,000 for family members of law enforcement officers and firefighters who lose their lives in the line of duty advanced unanimously on the House floor Monday. Rep. Jeffery “Jeff” Wiley, R-Maurepas, a retired Ascension Parish sheriff,... more »

• House approves bill to mandate publishing prison data on Corrections Department website

  April 28, 2026 10:12 AM

  BATON ROUGE – A House bill requiring the Department of Public Safety and Corrections to publish prison data on its website advanced 59-32 Monday with no debate. House Bill 525 , authored by Rep. Barbara Carpenter, D-Baton Rouge, would require the Corrections Department to upload to its website accessible... more »

• Soldier arrested after allegedly saying his 'goal in life' was to 'to kill every single Jew' in a synagogue Play Video

  April 28, 2026 9:58 AM

  LAFAYETTE – Federal prosecutors have charged a 22-year-old soldier stationed at Fort Polk with threat charges after he told people that he wanted to kill Jewish people in a synagogue. Jakob Marcoulier faces up to five years in prison, the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of... more »

• Damages cap on carbon-capture mishaps would be nullified under House bill

  April 28, 2026 9:36 AM

  BATON ROUGE – A bill aimed at reshaping how Louisiana handles liability for carbon-capture incidents is gaining traction at the State Capitol, signaling a potential shift in how the emerging industry is regulated. House Bill 79 , sponsored by Rep. Robby Carter, D-Greensburg, advanced without opposition Monday from the... more »

• Baton Rouge Soccer Club's Unified Soccer Program honors one of its members injured in Louisiana Mall shooting Play Video

  April 27, 2026 11:33 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Monday evening, the Baton Rouge Soccer Club honored one of the victims of last week's shooting inside the Mall of Louisiana. Donnie Guillory, who is still in the hospital after being injured during the shooting, participates in BRSC's Unified Soccer program, which is dedicated to athletes... more »

• Markel Lee's past involvement in Baton Rouge violence prevention program draws renewed attention Play Video

  April 27, 2026 7:33 PM

  BATON ROUGE — A program meant to prevent violence in Baton Rouge is now on hold following city-parish budget cuts, and questions are growing about what its loss could mean for the community. The Baton Rouge Community Street Team, once involving Markel Lee , who is now accused in... more »

• Suspect in Louisiana Mall shooting that killed 1 and injured 5 others held without bond Play Video

  April 27, 2026 6:57 PM

  BATON ROUGE — A suspect in the Louisiana mall shooting that killed 17-year-old Martha Odom and injured five others appeared in court on Monday facing several charges in relation to the shooting. Markel Lee , 17, surrendered to Baton Rouge police on Friday and now faces one count of... more »

• DA aims to revoke bond for Istrouma student previously arrested on gun charges Play Video

  April 27, 2026 6:43 PM

  BATON ROUGE — District Attorney Hillar Moore wants to have an Istrouma High School student, who was previously arrested after a gun went off during class, put back in jail in East Baton Rouge. According to court documents, the East Baton Rouge Parish District Attorney's Office filed a motion... more »

• Slidell couple charged in Baton Rouge with lying to receive Medicaid benefits Play Video

  April 27, 2026 5:10 PM

  BATON ROUGE — A Slidell couple is accused of defrauding Louisiana's Medicaid program of nearly $135,000, according to the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation. Agents received a tip from the state Department of Health involving Phuc Pham and Tran Pham, who were receiving benefits at their home in Slidell. Investigators... more »

• Monday PM Forecast: Summer preview to end abruptly as next cold front arrives Play Video

  April 27, 2026 4:26 PM

  Heat will continue to dominate on Tuesday as highs near 90° for the second straight day. However, a looming cold front is set to flip the script, bringing several rounds of rain and significantly cooler temperatures by the end of the week. Tonight & Tomorrow: After reaching 90° for... more »

• Police have identity of second person sought in Mall of Louisiana shooting, and say he's wanted for questioning Play Video

  April 27, 2026 2:26 PM

  BATON ROUGE — Police said Monday they had identified a person originally called a suspect in the Mall of Louisiana mass shooting, and now say he is only wanted for questioning. On Friday, the day after a shooting broke out between two groups at the mall food court, killing... more »

• Baton Rouge records year's first 90-degree day, hitting an annual milestone

  April 27, 2026 2:08 PM

  Baton Rouge has reached the low 90s for the first time in 2026. The official thermometer for record-keeping purposes at Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport registered an air temperature of 90° at approximately 3:48 p.m. Monday. Out of 134 years of record, only in 13 years has Baton Rouge experienced its... more »

• Death penalty prisoners would have to prove low IQ for successful disability claim

  April 27, 2026 10:24 AM

  BATON ROUGE – A House bill that would require people convicted in death penalty cases to submit evidence of an IQ below 75 to claim an intellectual disability defense advanced in a committee last week after vigorous debate. House Bill 1107 defines “intellectually disabled” as a condition that occurred... more »

• Sunday PM Forecast: Heat grows as rain chances fade, another cold front on the horizon Play Video

  April 26, 2026 5:38 PM

  It’s a tale of two forecasts this week. Heat will dominate the start of the week as rain chances fade; however, another cold front on the horizon will eventually send temperatures crashing and usher in more rounds of rain. Tonight & Tomorrow: While a spotty evening shower or thunderstorm... more »

• Sunday AM Forecast: Pesky pop-up storms today, pattern shift next week Play Video

  April 26, 2026 9:44 AM

  Pop-up storms will continue to be a nuisance for the rest of the weekend. A change in pattern comes next week, but at a cost. Today & Tonight: As suspected, a strong storm cluster managed to graze the Capital Area early Sunday. Isolated activity should remain in the area... more »

• Mall of Louisiana reopens two days after death of high school senior in mass shooting Play Video

  April 25, 2026 1:39 PM

  BATON ROUGE — The shopping mall where a high school senior was shot dead during a gun battle between rival groups reopened Saturday behind a makeshift memorial erected by the mall's operator. A spray of flowers accompanied by a sign reading "Our Hearts are Joined in Sorrow" stood near... more »

• Saturday AM Forecast: Charging up additional rounds of storms this weekend Play Video

  April 25, 2026 10:51 AM

  With the sun breaking through, Saturday’s heat will charge up a round of isolated showers and storms. That threat will continue into Sunday. Neither day will be a washout, but be ready to head indoors if skies darken quickly. Today & Tonight: Following a stormy night, Saturday morning is... more »

• Candlelight prayer vigil held at Mall of Louisiana following Thursday's fatal shooting Play Video

  April 24, 2026 6:29 PM

  BATON ROUGE — A candlelight vigil was held at the Mall of Louisiana on Monday following a fatal shooting that killed one and injured five others at the mall on Thursday. The gathering was used as a time for prayer, reflection, and unity for Martha Odom , who died... more »

• Teen killed in Mall of Louisiana shooting taught at dance studio and was editor of student newspaper Play Video

  April 24, 2026 6:19 PM

  BATON ROUGE — Martha Odom , a 17-year-old senior from Ascension Episcopal School, died after being shot in the chest in a Thursday afternoon shooting at the Mall of Louisiana that left five people hospitalized. While a pair of Baton Rouge "groups" met at the mall to settle a... more »

• Baton Rouge bishop calls for prayer, end to violence after Mall of Louisiana shooting Play Video

  April 24, 2026 5:40 PM

  BATON ROUGE — The bishop of Baton Rouge called for prayers Friday after a mass shooting at the Mall of Louisiana. Bishop Michael G. Duca said prayers are with those who were critically injured in Thursday's violence, all who were harmed and every family whose lives have been shaken... more »

• Legislature passes plan to consolidate Orleans Parish court clerk offices after heated debate

  April 24, 2026 1:58 PM

  BATON ROUGE — The Louisiana House on Thursday voted 63-28 to eliminate the New Orleans clerk of criminal court position, a move that would prevent newly elected clerk Calvin Duncan from serving his term. Duncan, who was sworn in on April 22 after winning 68% of the vote, will... more »

• 17-year-old arrested in Mall of Louisiana shooting; Landry blames violence on parents, judges Play Video

  April 24, 2026 1:41 PM

  BATON ROUGE — Police on Friday arrested a teenager and are looking for another suspect in a fatal mass shooting at the Mall of Louisiana, while Gov. Jeff Landry blamed the violence on “failures” at home and judges who follow “hug-a-thug” policies. Markel Lee, 17, surrendered Friday, Baton Rouge... more »

• Storm Prediction Center raises severe weather risk over Louisiana Friday night

  April 24, 2026 10:11 AM

  A round of strong to severe thunderstorms is expected to impact parts of Louisiana later today and especially tonight, with the greatest concern centered over northern and central portions of the state. The Storm Prediction Center has outlined much of the region in a level 2 “Slight Risk,” with a... more »

• House votes to shield athletic revenue-sharing figures from public disclosure

  April 24, 2026 8:35 AM

  BATON ROUGE – The Louisiana House voted 91-4 this week to create new public records exemptions allowing universities to conceal information about how college athletics programs spend public dollars on revenue sharing with athletes. Existing state law shields contract documents from being publicly disclosed for college athletes who earn... more »

• 1 dead, 5 injured in mass shooting inside Mall of Louisiana; 5 people in custody Play Video

  April 23, 2026 2:43 PM

  BATON ROUGE - An argument between two groups of people led to gunfire at the Mall of Louisiana's food court on Thursday. One person was killed and five others were injured in the lunchtime melee. "It does not appear to be a random act of violence," Police Chief... more »

• House approves bill to require minors to have parental permission to download apps

  April 23, 2026 11:05 AM

  BATON ROUGE – The House unanimously approved a bill Wednesday that would require app providers to verify the age of anyone in Louisiana who creates a digital account and require minors to associate their accounts with those of their parents. House Bill 977, authored by Rep. Beau Beaullieu, R-New... more »

• FEMA awards nearly $12 million to Livingston Parish to assist in flood mitigation Play Video

  April 23, 2026 10:28 AM

  LIVINGSTON — The Federal Emergency Management Agency has awarded nearly $12 million to Livingston Parish to assist in flood mitigation. The $11.72 million in funding is part of more than $117 million from FEMA to support flood mitigation efforts in Louisiana and Texas. The funding will be used to... more »

• Southeastern Louisiana University shifts to remote operations Thursday after power outage

  April 23, 2026 9:46 AM

  HAMMOND — Southeastern Louisiana University transitioned to remote operations on Thursday after a campus power outage. Campus operations are expected to resume as normal on Friday, the university said. "This is not a closure, and all employees who are able to do so are expected to continue to... more »

• Should Louisiana place a lifetime term limit on governors? A close House vote says no Play Video

  April 23, 2026 8:40 AM

  BATON ROUGE – The Louisiana House shot down a bill by only three votes Wednesday that sought to create a lifetime limit of two terms as governor. House Bill 225 by Rep. Michael Bayham, R-Chalmette, would have asked voters to amend the state Constitution to set the limit on... more »

• LDWF, LDH investigating after deer carcass found in fridge of Pineville restaurant

  April 23, 2026 7:13 AM

  PINEVILLE — The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries and the Louisiana Department of Health are investigating after a deer carcass was found in a Pineville restaurant's freezer, which was being stored alongside other food items. The Pineville Police Department initially began investigating the restaurant along the 2900 block... more »

• Understanding drought categories as the bayou becomes thirstier

  April 22, 2026 9:42 PM

  Louisiana is no stranger to water; it quite literally defines the state’s geography and way of life. So, when rain dries up over a prolonged period, the landscape shifts rapidly. It's happening across the state as significant rain continues to be scarce. Drought is more than just a lack... more »

• State lawmaker apologizes to attorney general after comparing bill push to Nazi Germany Play Video

  April 22, 2026 6:45 PM

  BATON ROUGE — A Louisiana lawmaker apologized to the Attorney General Liz Murrill and colleagues after comparing the push to pass a bill to Nazi Germany. Republican state Rep. Brian Glorioso from Slidell criticized a bill backed by Murrill during a heated debate on the House floor. House Bill... more »

• George Rodrigue Foundation announces 2026 scholarship contest winners; see and hear the winning pieces

  April 22, 2026 2:04 PM

  NEW ORLEANS — The George Rodrigue Foundation of the Arts has announced the winners of its annual visual art and songwriting contests, who will each receive a share of $25,000 in scholarships. The Rodrigue Foundation's theme for its 2026 contest was "Unveiling the Bayou: Light and Shadow." Thirteen... more »

• DOTD crews join Love the Boot Week to clean up Baton Rouge communities Play Video

  April 22, 2026 12:35 PM

  BATON ROUGE — The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development is helping clean up communities across Baton Rouge as part of Love the Boot Week, Louisiana's largest litter removal and beautification effort. DOTD crews are working in all 64 parishes, picking up trash and improving roadways. The initiative is... more »

• Air Liquide says it's investing $350 million into Louisiana industrial gas production Play Video

  April 22, 2026 12:22 PM

  CONVENT — Industrial gas supplier Air Liquide said Wednesday that it is investing $350 million into Louisiana's industrial gas production infrastructure. The expansion intends to support the proposed $5.8 billion Hyundai steel mill, as well as manufacturing along the Mississippi River. The expansion will include a new air separation... more »

• This Earth Day, National Audubon Society program highlights importance of sediment in coastal restoration Play Video

  April 22, 2026 9:21 AM

  BATON ROUGE — This Earth Day, 2une In looks at the importance of the sediment found along the Mississippi River Delta and how that is a key to restoring Louisiana's coastline. Sediment, solid, loose material ranging from fine clay and silt to sand and gravel that is eroded from... more »

• Farmers in multiple Capital area parishes eligible for USDA loans amid patches of southern drought Play Video

  April 22, 2026 8:31 AM

  BATON ROUGE — Multiple parishes in the Capital region are eligible for emergency loans to replace equipment or livestock, for reorganization of a farming operation or to refinance certain debts amid drought across the South. The United States Department of Agriculture's Farm Service Agency designated East Feliciana, St. Helena,... more »

• Licensed security guards would gain civil liability protections for using justified force under new House bill

  April 22, 2026 7:06 AM

  BATON ROUGE – Despite the opposition of Black Caucus members, the House advanced a bill 70-28 that would protect licensed armed security guards from civil liability charges if they are proven justified in discharging a firearm. House Bill 71 by Rep. Josh Carlson, R-Lafayette, advanced Monday to the Senate... more »

• State Senate approves stricter agent oversight in NIL deals for high school, college athletes Play Video

  April 22, 2026 7:00 AM

  BATON ROUGE – The Louisiana Senate unanimously passed a bill Tuesday that would provide protections for high school and college student-athletes engaging in Name, Image and Likeness contracts. NIL programs allow student-athletes to receive compensation from third-party companies for the use of their name, photos, videos and voices in... more »

• 4/21 AMA HOLD: Constitutional Amendment 3 would fund Louisiana teacher raises by paying down retirement debt

  April 21, 2026 5:57 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Teachers and support staff have complained for years of low pay, and for several years, lawmakers have provided them with one-time stipends. On May 16, voters could decide whether to fully fund a pay bump for teachers, but some educators are opposed to the way the change... more »

• State program expands to allow cardholders at all Louisiana public libraries to visit state parks for free Play Video

  April 21, 2026 10:48 AM

  BATON ROUGE — Louisiana residents with a library card at any of the state's 68 library systems can now get free day passes to Louisiana's state parks. Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser and the State Library of Louisiana announced the expansion of the "Check Out Louisiana" program to include all... more »

• City of St. George aims to separate from EBR Schools, pushes for its own school district Play Video

  April 20, 2026 6:46 PM

  ST. GEORGE - Voters across Louisiana will decide in May if the City of St. George should create its own school district. The decade-long fight reached the next stage on Monday when St. George Mayor Dustin Yates pushed for a "yes" vote on Amendment 2. As the fifth-largest city... more »

• Monday PM Forecast: Watching for a few showers in the days ahead Play Video

  April 20, 2026 3:55 PM

  One more chilly night is ahead before the forecast trends soggier. A few showers will come with a midweek disturbance, immediately followed by a bounce back into spring. Tonight & Tomorrow: Another cool and crisp night is in store for the Capital Area. Passing high clouds might keep temperatures... more »

• Louisiana officials urge residents to seek emotional support after Shreveport shooting Play Video

  April 20, 2026 2:27 PM

  SHREVEPORT — Several entities are offering mental health support to people affected by the mass shooting in Shreveport. Louisiana 988 is available for emergency emotional support by calling or texting 988 or chatting online at Louisiana988.org. The service connects people to specialists who provide free, confidential support 24/7. ... more »

• Gonzales woman dies after being hit along La. 44, State Police say Play Video

  April 20, 2026 11:50 AM

  GALVEZ — A Gonzales woman walking along La. 44 died after being struck by a pickup truck, State Police said Monday. Jacqueline Merritt, 20, was hit Sunday night by a Chevrolet Silverado while walking in the southbound lane, troopers said. A Dodge Ram then hit the Chevy. The... more »

• Shreveport officials say couple was in process of separating before shooting of 8 children Play Video

  April 20, 2026 11:41 AM

  SHREVEPORT — A Louisiana man who fatally shot seven of his children and another child in an attack against his family was in the middle of separating from his wife, who also was shot and wounded, a relative said. The violence that unfolded early Sunday across two houses in... more »

• Policy experts weigh in on five constitutional amendments to be voted on May 16 Play Video

  April 20, 2026 9:07 AM

  BATON ROUGE – A Public Affairs Research Council webinar brought together policy experts who expressed sharp differences on the five constitutional amendments voters will consider in the May 16 election. The topics include civil service protections, the creation of a new school district for the city of St. George,... more »

• Ochsner Health expands Eat Fit program from Louisiana restaurants into hospitals Play Video

  April 20, 2026 8:29 AM

  BATON ROUGE — Ochsner Health has brought its Eat Fit program inside its hospitals and medical facilities after success at restaurants across Louisiana. The orange Eat Fit seal already appears at restaurants like Mestizo Mexican, Lit Pizza and Tsunami, marking healthier menu options for customers. Now, patients and visitors... more »

• Central High baseball coach suspended after stripping off top half of uniform during game, reports say

  April 20, 2026 8:20 AM

  CENTRAL — Central High School's head baseball coach has been suspended by the Louisiana High School Athletics Association after he began stripping off his uniform during a game, LouisianaSports.net reports. Coach Sham Gabehart was suspended for the rest of the season, including playoffs, after he came out of the... more »