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• Louisiana Senate rejects smoking ban extension

  May 23, 2012 7:41 AM

  BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) - The Louisiana Senate has refused to prohibit smoking within 25 feet of the entrance to any building where smoking already is banned, even after the measure was limited to state-owned buildings. Louisiana prohibits smoking in restaurants, public places, public buildings and many places of employment.... more »

• La. man sentenced for not paying child support

  May 16, 2012 5:47 AM

  BRANDON, Miss. (AP) - A Louisiana man has been sentenced to serve eight months in prison for failing to pay support for his child in Mississippi. Attorney General Jim Hood says 49-year-old Mark Bushnell, of Alexandria, La., pleaded guilty Monday in Rankin County Circuit Court. Bushnell was sentenced to five... more »

• Ark. man killed in La. Crash

  May 14, 2012 10:42 AM

  BASTROP, La. (AP) - Louisiana State Police are investigating a single car crash in Morehouse Parish that left an Arkansas man dead. The News-Star reports the accident happened around 12:16 p.m. Saturday on La. Highway 142 near the Arkansas state line. Troopers say a car driven by 45-year-old Jeffery Carr... more »

• "Trayvon Bill" to hit House floor Play Video

  May 7, 2012 11:16 PM

  A new bill would re-write Louisiana criminal law in response to the February shooting in Florida of 17-year-old Trayvon Martin. The bill, HB1100 , targets what's known as a "Stand Your Ground law." State lawmakers say as it reads right now, prosecutors would have a tough time pressing charges... more »

• $5M grants to clinics in Louisiana, Mississippi

  May 7, 2012 6:35 AM

  MONROE, La. (AP) - Clinics that serve low-income residents of Monroe, La., and Mound Bayou, Miss., have received $5 million each to expand. Catherine Tonore is chief executive at Primary Health Services Center in Monroe. She tells The News-Star that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services grant will... more »

• La. joins anti-fraud network

  May 2, 2012 8:30 AM

  BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) - Louisiana has to agree to share information with a federal network designed to cut down on insurance fraud. The Advocate reports that the agreement covers the Treasury Department's Financial Crimes Enforcement Network and the Louisiana Department of Insurance. State Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says the... more »

• Foreclosures pick up in Louisiana

  April 12, 2012 7:43 AM

  NEW ORLEANS (AP) - The housing slide is taking an increasing toll on Louisiana homeowners. Irvine, Calif.-based RealtyTrac, which tracks foreclosures nationwide, says 4,552 Louisiana properties were targeted by some sort of foreclosure-related notice during the first quarter. Those range from an initial notice of default to repossession by a... more »

• Louisiana looking for why babies are born early

  April 5, 2012 10:59 AM

  NEW ORLEANS (AP) - Louisiana has some of the nation's highest percentages of premature babies and underweight newborns. Now it's begun adding information about why babies are born early to its birth statistics. Dr. Rebekah Gee directs the health department's Birth Outcomes Initiative to reduce premature birth and infant mortality.... more »

• Proposed Bill Would Rewrite Louisiana's "Right to Bear Arms" Play Video

  April 4, 2012 7:18 PM

  The right to bear arms, and it's core values, will now go to discussion on Louisiana's state senate floor as part of Senate Bill 303. Senator Neil Riser's bill would change the wording of Louisiana's Constitution, making it harder for lawmakers to pass restrictions on people's right to own... more »

• Thunderstorm march across Louisiana

  April 4, 2012 9:49 AM

  NEW ORLEANS (AP) - Storms that brought tornadoes to Texas are moving across Louisiana bringing heavy rain and strong gusty winds. The National Weather Service reports high winds and downed trees and power lines across the northern part of Louisiana late Tuesday and early Wednesday. Golf ball size hail was... more »

• La gets $575K in housing grants for homeless vets

  March 29, 2012 9:29 AM

  NEW ORLEANS (AP) - Four Louisiana cities are getting a total of $575,000 to help house homeless veterans. A news release Wednesday from U.S. Senator Mary L. Landrieu and Rep. Cedric Richmond said the money is going to housing authorities in East Baton Rouge, New Orleans and Lafayette, and to... more »

• Study: Agriculture worth $10.7B in Louisiana

  March 27, 2012 5:50 AM

  BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) - The LSU AgCenter says agriculture was worth $10.7 billion to Louisiana's economy last year. AgCenter economist John Westra says the 7 percent gain from 2010 represents the first $10 billion year since 2007. Last year was plagued by drought and flooding. But Westra said Monday... more »

• Gasoline Prices in Louisiana Have Risen

  March 26, 2012 6:15 AM

  Louisiana - Average retail gasoline prices in Louisiana have risen 6.9 cents per gallon in the past week, averaging $3.73/g yesterday. This compares with the national average that has increased 4.5 cents per gallon in the last week to $3.86/g, according to gasoline price website LouisianaGasPrices.com . Including the... more »

• Santorum Looks for Rebound in Louisiana

  March 24, 2012 2:20 PM

  Rick Santorum is looking to Louisiana for a much-needed rebound as Republican voters go to the polls Saturday in the state's GOP primary. The former Pennsylvania senator is expected to do well in the contest, just a handful of days after a decisive loss to front-runner Mitt Romney in Illinois... more »

• Louisiana House of Representatives Passes Expansive School Voucher Program

  March 23, 2012 10:27 AM

  Press Release - Louisiana Federation for Children Baton Rouge, La. - In a huge victory for families in Louisiana, the state House of Representatives last night passed a comprehensive school choice bill that aims to create a statewide expansion of the current New Orleans voucher program and provide additional... more »

• Louisiana matters more this time as primary nears

  March 23, 2012 6:27 AM

  BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) - Twenty delegates are up for grabs in Saturday's Republican presidential preference primary, but state party chairman Roger Villere says something else is also at stake: "Perception of momentum." With Mitt Romney not yet able to lay claim to the GOP nomination, Newt Gingrich and Rick... more »

• Heavy rain continues across Louisiana

  March 21, 2012 9:15 AM

  NEW ORLEANS (AP) - Slow, strong storms are slogging through Louisiana, making a major mess from the Arkansas border to the Gulf of Mexico. Heavy rains closed at least a dozen school systems Wednesday in the west and Cajun country. On the coast, days of strong southerly winds ahead of... more »

• Rouses' Chef David A. Absbire La Seafood Recipes

  March 20, 2012 8:43 AM

  Rouses' Chef David. A Abshire Creole Remoulade 1/4 cup Red Onions (Fine Diced) 1/4 cup Celery (Fine Diced) 1/4 cup Worcestershire (Lea & Perrins) 1/4 cup Frank's Wing Sauce 1/2 ea. Lime (Juice & Membrane Only) 4 cups Mayo 1/2 cup Creole Mustard 1/2 cup Dijon Mustard ... more »

• La. to unveil bicentennial events

  March 19, 2012 6:07 AM

  BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) - State officials plan to unveil details of events connected to Louisiana's bicentennial celebration on Monday at the Capitol Museum Park. Lt. Gov. Jay Dardenne, retired Army Lt. General Russell Honoré and members of the Louisiana Bicentennial Commission will be on hand for a press conference... more »

• Strong winds move through parts of Louisiana

  March 12, 2012 7:36 AM

  JENNINGS, La. (AP) - Strong thunderstorms caused damage in different parts of Louisiana overnight, but no injuries were reported. A line moved across southwest Louisiana downing trees and power lines. The National Weather Service in Lake Charles reports a tree fell on a house in Jennings and power lines were... more »

• Arrests put big dent in La., Tex. meth supply

  March 7, 2012 8:29 AM

  MANSFIELD, La. (AP) - The sheriffs of DeSoto Parish in Louisiana and Shelby County, Texas, say the arrest of a 37-year-old Joaquin, Texas man suspected of trafficking millions of dollars in methamphetamine into East Texas and northwest Louisiana will put a big dent into the local drug trade. DeSoto Parish... more »

• Louisiana Ranks 4th in Train-Vehicle Crashes, Injuries

  March 6, 2012 9:57 AM

  Louisiana recorded fewer vehicle-train collisions and fatalities last year, but the number of related injuries rose slightly. That's according to preliminary 2011 data from the Federal Railroad Administration. Louisiana Operation Lifesaver said Monday the state ranked fourth nationally in the number of collisions and fourth in injuries The state had... more »

• Coastal Carolina's Gradnigo charged with assault

  March 5, 2012 8:53 AM

  CONWAY, S.C. (AP) - Coastal Carolina forward Chris Gradnigo has been arrested and charged with third degree assault and battery. Campus police arrested the 6-foot-7 player around 5 a.m. Sunday. The details of the charges were not immediately available Monday morning. The senior from Lake Charles La., averaged nearly 15... more »

• Free exhibit includes rare Louisiana furnishings

  March 5, 2012 5:47 AM

  NEW ORLEANS (AP) - More than 50 pieces of early Louisiana furniture will be on display through June 17 in a free exhibit at The Historic New Orleans Collection. The exhibit, called "Furnishing Louisiana," includes 12 galleries of Creole and rustic Acadian furniture such as armoires, high-post beds, chests, tables,... more »

• First Lady Announces New Student Artwork to be Featured at Governor's Mansion

  March 1, 2012 10:29 AM

  BATON ROUGE - As a part of the Jindal family's initiative to feature young artists, Louisiana's First Lady Supriya Jindal announced today the artwork that was selected for display in the Louisiana's Governor's Mansion for the month of March. First Lady Supriya Jindal said, "It is truly wonderful to... more »

• Louisiana Weekly Gas Price Update and Outlook

  February 20, 2012 10:11 AM

  Louisiana, February 19- Average retail gasoline prices in Louisiana have risen 4.0 cents per gallon in the past week, averaging $3.47/g yesterday. This compares with the national average that has increased 4.5 cents per gallon in the last week to $3.51/g, according to gasoline price website LouisianaGasPrices.com. Including the... more »

• La. gets $22M from corps for river and port work

  February 9, 2012 10:38 AM

  NEW ORLEANS (AP) - The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development says two Louisiana tribes will get a total of $184,600 in Indian Housing Block Grants, and the Mississippi Band of Choctaws will get almost $3.2 million. In Louisiana, the Chitimacha Tribe Housing Authority in Charenton is getting nearly... more »

• Louisiana's 2nd Gulf Dead Zone from E La to Ala

  February 2, 2012 8:41 AM

  A new study finds that Louisiana's second Gulf of Mexico dead zone stretches at least from the Chandeleur Sound off Louisiana to Alabama's Dauphin Island - and could be bigger. The Lake Pontchartrain Basin Foundation says it could check only as far as Dauphin Island last year. Officials hope to... more »

• Reality TV booms in Louisiana

  February 1, 2012 10:50 AM

  NEW ORLEANS (AP) - Alligator hunters, raccoon wranglers and crawfish catchers in Louisiana's critter-filled swamps and bayous are increasingly becoming a common sight on television. Since the introduction of the History Channel series "Swamp People" in 2010, roughly a dozen other Louisiana-based reality shows have made their television debuts, among... more »

• Louisiana's Primary Could Make a Difference This Year Play Video

  January 30, 2012 11:21 PM

  Historically, a presidential nominee has already emerged by the time Louisiana holds a primary election. But this year could be different, and Louisiana's primary could actually matter this time around. As the Republican National Convention nears,with no one candidate as a clear nominee, it's more apparent that every vote... more »

• Louisiana Mississippi and others get federal grants for park marinas

  January 27, 2012 9:57 AM

  NEW ORLEANS (AP) - Parks in Slidell, La., and Iuka, Miss., are getting federal grants to improve their marinas. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service says Slidell's Heritage Park is getting $1.5 million, with $802,500 going to J.P. Coleman State Park in Iuka. Marinas in Alabama, Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Florida,... more »

• Louisiana shuts down for MLK Day holiday

  January 16, 2012 9:50 AM

  BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) - State offices in Louisiana are closed on Monday in observance of the Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday. Federal offices, local schools and other institutions also will be closed for the day, though many businesses will be open. U.S. financial markets and many banks also... more »

• Odor control maker moving to Louisiana

  January 13, 2012 10:30 AM

  BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) - A company that manufactures odor control products for restrooms has agreed to move its headquarters from California to Baton Rouge and its manufacturing operation from Illinois to Baton Rouge. State economic development officials say the move by West Sanitation Services Inc. will involve a $1.4... more »

• Survey: La. schools score high on accountability

  January 13, 2012 10:12 AM

  NEW ORLEANS (AP) - A national education publication's annual ranking of state education efforts is again a mixed bag for Louisiana, with high scores for standards and accountability but a failing grade for overall student achievement in grades kindergarten through 12. Education Week released the results of its annual "Quality... more »

• Major Construction Taking Place at UL Play Video

  January 12, 2012 4:03 PM

  After a much deserved break, thousands of UL Lafayette students returned to school Wednesday. This school year brings lots of excitement as UL has several major construction projects underway. Just last year, UL's new dorms became a reality and one week ago, the newsest dorms, Huger Hall opened.... more »

• Education documentary to be shown free in La.

  January 12, 2012 10:52 AM

  METAIRIE, La. (AP) - A documentary narrated by actor Matt Damon that addresses problems facing the nation's public education system is being shown free of charge in Metairie, La. The film, "American Teacher," is being circulated among education officials nationwide. On Monday, a free screening is being offered in Louisiana... more »

• Louisiana foreclosures slow a bit in 2011

  January 12, 2012 10:39 AM

  NEW ORLEANS (AP) - The pace of home foreclosures in Louisiana slowed a bit in 2011, following a national trend that soon may be reversed. That's according to Irvine, Calif.-based RealtyTrac, which tracks foreclosures nationwide. RealtyTrac says that, in 2011, 15,521 homes in Louisiana were hit by some sort of... more »

• Jindal: "mission is not accomplished." Play Video

  January 9, 2012 6:32 PM

  Governor Bobby Jindal takes the oath of office at the Old State Capitol and faces a list of challengers to cover in his second term. "I, Bobby Jindal, do solemnly swear that I will faithfully and impartially discharge and perform all duties incumbent upon me." Governor Jindal is... more »

• Vote and vote often Lafayette as Tastiest Town of the South Play Video

  January 6, 2012 12:41 PM

  Lafayette is currently in the running to be named Southern Living Magazine's Tastiest Town of the South. As of 11:30 Friday morning, Lafayette has more than 40,000 votes, but Louisville, Kentucky is trailing close behind. Lafayette isn't the only Louisiana city in the running, New Orleans is also competing... more »

• Louisiana Named Best State for Filmmakers Play Video

  December 22, 2011 12:00 AM

  P3 Update, a magazine for film industry-insiders, ranked Louisiana as the best state in the country for movie production. The magazine compiles the list once a year based on factors including: tax incentives, crew base, talent pool, infrastructure and popularity among filmmakers. "In reality, I think that we have... more »

• LEAP Test Will Soon Be Gone Play Video

  December 12, 2011 7:38 PM

  State officials say a test for fourth- and eighth-graders that became a symbol of Louisiana's bid to improve public schools will be phased out. The exam, which is called LEAP, will be scrubbed in three years because new tests will be launched in connection with a national drive to... more »

• RANT: Louisiana Phasing Out LEAP Tests

  December 12, 2011 11:42 AM

  RANT: No more LEAP testing. In three years, the test used to decide whether 4th and 8th graders would advance to the next grade level will be phased out. Now the question, how should we determine whether students should advance to the next grade in these key grades? The new... more »

• On the ballot: Amendment #1 Play Video

  November 9, 2011 3:02 AM

  On the November 19th ballot voters will find a statewide constitutional amendment: Proposed Amendment No. 1 , which could have a big impact on those in the real estate market. If approved, Amendment No. 1 would prohibit what are known as "transfer taxes," essentially new fees on the sale... more »

• BP Claims Czar: "new rules to deal particularly with Louisiana shrimpers." Play Video

  October 28, 2011 12:40 AM

  Congressman Jeff Landry laid the heat on BP Claims Czar Kenneth Feinberg at a hearing in Washington. "I agree with you, Congressman," Feinberg replied to Landry's ideas. "I appreciate that," Congressman Landry said. "The question is, what are you going to do about it?" "In the next... more »

• Domestic Violence Training in St. Mary Parish Play Video

  October 24, 2011 7:23 PM

  When it comes to domestic violence fatalities, Louisiana is one of the leading states. St. Mary Parish officials are helping lead the way to educate officers about how to handle these sometimes deadly situations. Sheriff Mark Hebert said, "it's a lot bigger than people understand it to be. Most... more »

• Louisiana gets $341,000 specialty crop block grant

  October 12, 2011 9:19 AM

  BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) - A $341,000 U.S. Department of Agriculture grant to improve competitiveness of specialty crops will be divided among four projects - two at the LSU AgCenter, one by a video production company and one bu the nonprofit that runs the Crescent City Farmers Market, Agriculture Commissioner... more »

• Atchafalya Bridge has Second Name Play Video

  October 2, 2011 1:39 PM

  Some call it the Long Bridge, the Basin Bridge, or the Almost Home Bridge. We're talking of course about the bridge over the Atchafalaya Basin, KATC'S Chris Welty found out what the bridges name really is. Everyday, thousands of cars drive the 18 and a half miles over the... more »

• La. secretary of state's race is 2 in 1 decision

  September 28, 2011 5:42 AM

  BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) - The election for secretary of state is a two-in-one race for the candidates and voters. When voters choose between two Republicans - Tom Schedler and Jim Tucker - they will be electing someone to fill what's left of the current term of office as well... more »

• Attorney Tells Details of Louisiana Offshore Workers Missing Days at Sea Play Video

  September 27, 2011 7:06 PM

  The two Louisiana offshore workers who spent days missing in the Gulf of Mexico, struggling to stay alive, are slowly recovering. The ten men who abandoned their lift-boat were stranded at sea after Tropical Storm Nate tore through the Gulf. It's been almost three weeks since the offshore workers... more »

• Buying a House May Get Harder for Louisiana Residents Play Video

  September 27, 2011 6:47 PM

  Are you waiting for the economy to pick up before buying a house? If so, you aren't alone. For the first time in 50 years, the lowest number of Americans purchased new homes in the most recent six month ratings period. Realtors said the Lafayette real estate market is... more »

• Attorney Talks About Trinity II Lawsuit Play Video

  September 27, 2011 10:36 AM

  The Louisiana offshore workers who were missing for three days in the Gulf of Mexico during Tropical Storm Nate are taking their case to the courts. Ted Derise Jr. of New Iberia, Jeremy Parfait of Houma, along with family of Craig Myers, one of the deceased workers from New Iberia,... more »

• Eunice City Lake Resoration Starts Play Video

  September 21, 2011 7:04 PM

  The Eunice City Lake is finally getting restored, eleven years after a hazardous train explosion. Thirty-three train cars derailed and two exploded in May 2000- not far from the water's edge. The accident released potentially hazardous materials and chemicals in the air. However, officials guaranteed their were no health... more »

• La. unemployment-check error rate high

  September 19, 2011 10:37 AM

  BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) - More than four in 10 unemployment checks in Louisiana were issued improperly because they failed to meet the state's own standards. That's according to a federal report issued last week. The U.S. Labor Department identified over $497 million in unemployment "overpayments" from 2009 to 2011,... more »

• One in Five Louisiana Residents Without Health Insurance Play Video

  September 14, 2011 7:09 PM

  The number of Americans without healthcare insurance is higher than ever. According to the latest census, almost 50 million people don't have it. Louisiana has almost 900 uninsured residents. Louisiana Consumer Healthcare Coalition Executive Director, Moriba Karamoko, said, "premiums in Louisiana have been increasing at three and four times... more »

• Louisiana to get mine safety training money

  September 8, 2011 6:21 AM

  BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) - Louisiana is getting a share of federal money for safety training to miners. The Labor Department said Wednesday that it has allocated just over $81,000 to the state. It comes from a national pool of $8.4 million. The grants cover training and retraining of miners... more »

• Flu Clinic Schedule 2011

  September 7, 2011 6:46 AM

  Shots will be given from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. September 12, 2011 Youngsville City Hall 305 Iberia Street Youngsville, LA September 16, 2011 LaBelle Maison 203 E. Second Street Broussard, LA 837-6552 September 19, 2011 St. Martin Council on Aging 391 Cannery Rd. Breaux Bridge, LA... more »

• State Officials Advise to Start Saving for College Early Play Video

  September 6, 2011 7:31 PM

  Paying for college can be a huge expense for parents, but one state program is helping alleviate some of those costs. It's a college savings program called a 529 plan. It doesn't cost anything to open up the account and you can start saving as soon as your child gets... more »

• College plans program on Louisiana statehood

  September 6, 2011 6:26 AM

  CHALMETTE, La. (AP) - The bicentennial of Louisiana statehood is the topic of a Sept. 12 presentation planned at Nunez Community College. The session kicks off the 10th year of a series of historical lectures and will be presented by Nunez history professor Ron Chapman. Louisiana officially became a state... more »

• Shrimp and Petroleum Festival Loses Money After Tropical Storm Lee Play Video

  September 5, 2011 6:42 PM

  Over the weekend, the attendance at the Shrimp and Petroleum Festival in Morgan City was low, which was an upset for many of the vendors. It's been a big money maker is past years, but this year the economic impact may be worse than Tropical Storm Lee itself. Two... more »

• Foreclosure sales take steep discount in Louisiana

  August 25, 2011 9:49 AM

  NEW ORLEANS (AP) - A national tracking firm says second-quarter sales of Louisiana homes in some stage of foreclosure went for about a third less than homes not in trouble. Irvine, Calif.-based RealtyTrac said 930 foreclosed homes were sold in the state in the April-through-June period at an average price... more »

• La. gets major flood disaster declaration

  August 19, 2011 10:01 AM

  NEW ORLEANS (AP) - President Barack Obama has issued a major disaster declaration for Louisiana that allows state and local governments to apply for federal funds to repair damage from Mississippi River flooding earlier this year. The Federal Emergency Management Agency says Thursday's disaster declaration covers 15 parishes affected by... more »

• Louisiana Ranks 49th in Overall Child Well-Being

  August 17, 2011 7:06 PM

  A new study reveals Louisiana is one of the worst states for overall child well being. The 2011 Kids Count national study ranks Louisiana 49th in children's overall well-being. It doesn't surprise Picard Center Executive Director, Dr. Billy Stokes. A major reason is because a child's well-being is a direct... more »

• La. ranks 49th in children's wellbeing

  August 17, 2011 10:20 AM

  BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) - Louisiana once again ranks 49th in the nation when it comes to the wellbeing of its children, according to the annual Kids Count survey. The Advocate reports it's the 10th year in a row Louisiana has ranked second-to-last on this annual survey of indicators collected... more »

• La.'s first online charter school starts

  August 16, 2011 10:41 AM

  BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) - Nearly 600 students have started school from the comfort of their homes as Louisiana's first online charter school for kindergarten through 12th grade opened. The Advocate reports (http://bit.ly/pvMHkH ) the school, Louisiana Connections Academy, is based in Baton Rouge. What makes it different is that,... more »

• La. Democratic voter registration below 50 percent

  August 15, 2011 9:21 AM

  BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) - For the first time in modern history, Democrats no longer hold a majority of Louisiana's registered voters. The Advocate reported that voter statistics show Democratic registration has dipped below 50 percent for the first time since 1957 - the earliest date that records cover. The... more »

• La rice growers can test new stink bug insecticide

  August 11, 2011 9:49 AM

  BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) - The federal government has approved use of a new chemical to control stink bugs on up to 50,000 acres of rice in Louisiana for a study to see whether it works better than the pesticides now in use, the LSU AgCenter says. Dinotefuran, sold by... more »

• July home foreclosures drop in Louisiana

  August 11, 2011 9:48 AM

  NEW ORLEANS (AP) - Louisiana followed the national pattern in home foreclosures last month, seeing a sharp decline from both June and July 2010. But foreclosure tracking firm RealtyTrac said that is not cheery news for housing markets. The Irvine, Calif.-based company said Thursday that delays on clearing out the... more »

• La. coastal protection projects get federal grants

  August 10, 2011 9:20 AM

  NEW ORLEANS (AP) - The state of Louisiana and Vermilion Parish have been awarded nearly $500,000 in federal grants for coastal restoration and protection projects. The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement announced Tuesday that it has awarded more than $295,000 to the state Department of Natural Resources... more »

• 2 companies protest La Medicaid contract choices

  August 10, 2011 9:10 AM

  BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) - Three companies have protested Louisiana's choice of other companies to run managed care networks for $2.2 billion of the state's Medicaid program. Aetna Better Health and Coventry Health Care of Louisiana Inc. filed protests Monday, said Lisa Faust, spokeswoman for the Department of Health and... more »

• No Child Left Behind Tweaked to Help Schools Play Video

  August 9, 2011 7:21 PM

  When the No Child Left Behind Act was first signed by President Bush in 2001, it was supposed to grade every student nation-wide by the same standards by 2014. The problem is many schools across the nation aren't up-to-par, including Louisiana schools, but state education officials are hoping to side... more »

• Military Families Reflect on Lives Lost Play Video

  August 8, 2011 12:09 AM

  Sunday in Acadiana, military families reflected on lives lost in Afghanistan. Everyday thousands of troops are constantly training to protect us and our country from any potential threats. In Breaux Bridge, the Louisiana National Guard was doing just that, learning more about decontamination and hazmat situations. "Obviously dirty... more »

• Cajundome Repair Work Finished Early, Under Budget

  August 7, 2011 2:35 PM

  LAFAYETTE, La. (AP) - The Cajundome's operations director says permanent bracing at weak points in the outer walls is done, 13 months ahead of schedule and $50,000 under budget. Phil Ashurst tells The Advocate (http://bit.ly/oa2gSS ) the arena's good for another 50 or 75 years. Where support beams had reinforced... more »

• Former Lawmakers Seek Return to LA Legislature

  August 7, 2011 2:25 PM

  BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) - Term limits cleared out much of Louisiana's Legislature within the last few years, and some of those lawmakers weren't ready to go when their time was up. Now, a few longtime legislators are trying to return, seeking to oust those who took their place. Others... more »

• 1 arrested in La. after Miss. bank robbery

  August 4, 2011 10:28 AM

  GULFPORT, Miss. (AP) - Police in Gulfport are reporting the arrest of a man in connection with the robbery of a Whitney Bank branch. The man, 24-year-old Markis White, was found Wednesday in Louisiana's Tangipahoa Parish. White's home town was not available. The robbery happened around 4 p.m. Tuesday at... more »

• State Tax Free Weekend August 5-6 Play Video

  August 3, 2011 7:47 PM

  Wouldn't it be nice to save money on the giant list of school supplies your kids need? You can this weekend, it's tax free weekend and you won't have to pay any sales tax. Many children are ready to go back to school, one reason is back to school shopping.... more »

• Miss. man booked with La. shooting death

  July 28, 2011 9:50 AM

  GRETNA, La. (AP) - A 25-year-old Mississippi man has been arrested in connection with a shooting death during the Independence Day weekend in Louisiana. Terrance Miller of Pattison, Miss., was booked with second-degree murder Monday after being extradited from Mississippi to the Jefferson Parish Correctional Center in Gretna. He is... more »

• Farmers are Ready for a Break from the Rain Play Video

  July 27, 2011 7:19 PM

  It's going on three weeks of constant rain in some parts of Acadiana. Many residents are getting tired of it and so are local farmers. During the first few weeks of Summer Sugarcane Farmer, Tim Albert, said, "we were getting concerned. We were actually on vacation when it started... more »

• Audit: Town Must Pay the State

  July 24, 2011 12:43 PM

  WASHINGTON, La. (AP) - An audit suggests the town of Washington owes state government $222,130 from speeding tickets issued by police officers on Interstate 49. State law requires fines collected by local law enforcement from motorists exceeding the speed limit by less than 10 miles per hour on an interstate... more »

• Teenager Dies in Crash

  July 23, 2011 10:16 AM

  On July 21, 2011, at approximately 10:30 p.m., troopers with Louisiana State Police Troop D responded to a single-vehicle crash on Foreman Road near Trahan Road in Beauregard Parish that claimed the life of a 19-year-old woman from Longville. Investigating troopers report that a 2003 Chevrolet Blazer driven by... more »

• Harry Potter Movie has Lafayette Connection Play Video

  July 15, 2011 7:34 PM

  All over the world, thousands are packing theaters for Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part Two. At the Grand Theater on Johnston Street, almost 35-hundred people flew in to see the final battle between Harry Potter and Lord Voldermort. Since 1997, Harry Potter books have captured the... more »

• Centralized child abuse hotline launched in La.

  July 13, 2011 5:56 AM

  BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) - Louisiana has a new 24-hour hotline for people to report allegations of child abuse or neglect. The toll-free statewide number is 1-855-4-LA-KIDS. The Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services said Tuesday that it will replace 25 regional and parish phone numbers it has been... more »

• Fundraising for La's 2nd bicentennial in decade

  July 11, 2011 7:19 AM

  BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) - Less than a decade after one yearlong bicentennial bash, Louisiana is gearing up for another. The agency throwing the statehood bash says it's about one-third of the way toward the $1.9 million needed to do it right. Louisiana became the 18th state on April 30,... more »

• New law tries to control La. feral hog population

  July 8, 2011 7:25 AM

  BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) - Louisiana residents will no longer need a state license to shoot or trap wild pigs. The new law, sponsored by New Roads Rep. Major Thibaut, is designed to control the population of feral hogs, which have destroyed crops, torn up gardens and damaged property in... more »

• 2 plead guilty to La., Texas bank holdups

  July 7, 2011 10:47 AM

  SHREVEPORT, La. (AP) - Two Louisiana men have pleaded guilty in federal court to robbing banks in Louisiana and Texas. Sentencing was set for Oct. 28 for 33-year-old Dwayne Hooks and 31-year-old Kevin Brown, both of Mansfield. On Wednesday in U.S. District Court in Shreveport, Hooks and Brown pleaded guilty... more »

• Obesity rates still rising in many states

  July 7, 2011 10:17 AM

  WASHINGTON (AP) - In 1995, no state had an obesity rate above 20 percent. Today, all but one does. An annual obesity report by two public health groups looked for the first time at state-by-state statistics over the last two decades. The state with the lowest obesity rate today would... more »

• Online Betting Now Legal at Louisiana Race Tracks Play Video

  July 5, 2011 7:31 PM

  In recent years , there's been a steady decline in people betting at Louisiana's horse racing tracks. At Evangeline Downs for example, only about five percent of all bets are made at the track. A new law will allow online betting at all Louisiana tracks, which officials believe will... more »

• New Jersey students doing repairs in Louisiana

  June 30, 2011 10:01 AM

  DULAC, La. (AP) - High school students from a church in New Jersey are visiting Louisiana's bayou country on a volunteer mission. Ninety-two volunteers from The Presbyterian Church in Westfield, N.J., arrived Saturday in Dulac (DOO-lack) and have been repairing more than a dozen homes there. The group is comprised... more »

• Jindal backs probation and parole fee hikes in La.

  June 29, 2011 6:04 AM

  BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) - Probation and parole fees are going up in Louisiana. Gov. Bobby Jindal signed into law Tuesday a package of fee hikes sponsored by Belle Chasse Rep. Ernest Wooton to raise costs on probationers and parolees. The general probation and parole fees will be boosted by... more »

• LA Cities Expect Changes After Legislative Session Ends Play Video

  June 28, 2011 11:23 PM

  With the regular legislative session just coming to a close, cities and towns across Louisiana will have a few changes coming their way. There's been a lot of talk about budget cuts, higher education and redistricting at the State capitol. But there were also those in Baton Rouge fighting... more »

• Edwin Edwards--New Reality TV star? Play Video

  June 27, 2011 7:22 PM

  Edwin Edwards is weeks away from being a free man. He is expected to complete his federal prison sentence on July 6. He's spent the last several months under home incarceration since his release from federal prison in January. He's already making big plans for the future. According... more »

• Plan to link La, Ark national wildlife refuges

  June 24, 2011 9:09 AM

  NEW ORLEANS (AP) - The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service hopes to expand and link national wildlife refuges in southeast Arkansas and northeast Louisiana, creating an expanse of more than 172,000 acres. An Arkansas state wildlife management area that links the Felsenthal National Wildlife Refuge and the Ouachita National Wildlife... more »

• 4 killed in crash of La. church van

  June 23, 2011 9:48 AM

  OAK GROVE, La. (AP) - Four people were killed, including two children, and seven were hospitalized after a church van veered off a northern Louisiana highway and struck a culvert. Trooper Mark Dennis said Thursday that a 4-year-old and a 12-year-old were among those killed in the Wednesday night accident... more »

• La. getting about $390,000 for job assistance

  June 21, 2011 8:50 AM

  NEW ORLEANS (AP) - The federal Labor Department has awarded Louisiana just under $390,000 to get the unemployed back to work and to gauge the eligibility of jobless benefit recipients. The money is part of $48.7 million the Labor Department awarded for such programs in 37 states and the District... more »

• Blaze Destroys Historical Building

  June 21, 2011 7:12 AM

  The Iberia Parish Fire Department is working to extinguish a blaze in the 200 block of Main Street in Historical Downtown New Iberia. The blaze broke out around 11:00 Monday night at the Aurora Masonic Lodge which also houses the Louisiana Medical Supply Company. Officials wouldn't allow our crew... more »

• OWI Checkpoint Results In

  June 19, 2011 3:15 PM

  The results are in from Saturday night's OWI checkpoint in Lafayette. The Lafayette Police and Sheriff's Departments conducted a sobriety checkpoint in the 2700 Block of Louisiana Avenue. 274 cars passed through the checkpoint, of those vehicles seven were pulled over for additional testing, and three citations were issued... more »