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• 7 selected for Louisiana Justice Hall of Fame

  June 17, 2013 9:34 AM

  BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) - The Louisiana State Penitentiary Museum Foundation will induct seven people into the Louisiana Justice Hall of Fame in ceremonies July 12 at the prison museum and in Baton Rouge. The 2013 honorees include West Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff Mike Cazes, former judge and U.S. Attorney... more »

• Louisiana Weekly Gas Price Update and Outlook - June

  June 3, 2013 8:38 AM

  Louisiana, June 3- Average retail gasoline prices in Louisiana have fallen 1.4 cents per gallon in the past week, averaging $3.29/g yesterday, according to GasBuddy's daily survey of 2,436 gas outlets in Louisiana. This compares with the national average that has fallen 1.5 cents per gallon in the last week... more »

• Louisiana Weekly Gas Price Update and Outlook - May

  May 20, 2013 7:50 AM

  Average retail gasoline prices in Louisiana have fallen 0.6 cents per gallon in the past week, averaging $3.29/g yesterday, according to GasBuddy's daily survey of 2,436 gas outlets in Louisiana. This compares with the national average that has increased 8.9 cents per gallon in the last week to $3.67/g, according... more »

• Oil tank explodes in Louisiana; homes evacuated

  May 3, 2013 9:09 AM

  DENHAM SPRINGS, La. (AP) - An oil tank has exploded in Louisiana in an area outside Baton Rouge, prompting the evacuation of 30 to 35 homes. The explosion happened late Thursday night near Denham Springs. No injuries had been reported early Friday. Livingston Parish Office of Homeland Security and Emergency... more »

• Louisiana Eye Care Facing Possible Changes Play Video

  April 22, 2013 11:50 PM

  Changes could be on the way for eye care in Louisiana. Under House Bill 527, optometrists could perform procedures now performed by medical doctors. A board may determine whether optometrists could give certain injections or perform laser surgery. Eye care doctors across the state are at odds because there... more »

• Louisiana State Knights of Columbus Convention Play Video

  April 18, 2013 7:55 AM

  The Louisiana State Knights of Columbus will have three days full of events. Between April 26 - 28, 2013, there will be a Community Golf Tournament, Crawfish Boil, KC Kid Camp and a State Banquet at the Cajundome Convention For more info on these events call: 337-235-2220 Or... more »

• Louisiana Schools Will Transition to Online Testing Play Video

  April 9, 2013 7:06 PM

  For years, standardized testing has been the same in Louisiana, the Leap and the I-Leap. Soon, those tests will be a thing of the past. The new test, Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers, or "PARCC" will be online. The test is designed to track students'... more »

• Louisiana Weekly Gas Price Update and Outlook

  March 11, 2013 6:19 AM

  Average retail gasoline prices in Louisiana have fallen 4.4 cents per gallon in the past week, averaging $3.54/g yesterday, according to GasBuddy's daily survey of 2,436 gas outlets in Louisiana. This compares with the national average that has fallen 3.2 cents per gallon in the last week to $3.66/g, according... more »

• Catholic school enrollment drops in Louisiana

  February 25, 2013 8:51 AM

  BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) - New figures show enrollment in Catholic schools has fallen 18 percent statewide during the past 13 years. Enrollment has dropped 9 percent in the Diocese of Baton Rouge since 2000 and has fallen 25 percent in schools that make up the Archdiocese of New Orleans,... more »

• LANtec of Louisiana's 2013 Computer Training Scholarship Play Video

  January 31, 2013 8:47 AM

  LANtec of Louisiana is now accepting applications for the LANtec of Louisiana computer training scholarship to deserving Louisiana student. The application deadline is February 28, 2013; applicants must be between the ages of 18 - 25, and a resident of one of the following parishes: Acadia, Ascension, East and West... more »

• La. cemeteries sinking, washing away

  January 3, 2013 8:51 AM

  LEEVILLE, La. (AP) - As a young adult, Kathleen Cheramie visited her grandmother's grave in a tree-lined cemetery where white concrete crosses dotted a plot of lush green grass just off Louisiana Highway 1. Now, the cemetery in Leeville is a skeleton of its former self. The few trees still... more »

• ASA Louisiana Christmas Concert Play Video

  December 11, 2012 8:11 AM

  Acadiana Symphony Association presents a "Louisiana Christmas" concert at the Heymann Center. This event takes place on Thursday, December 13, 2012 at 7:30 pm. ASO children's chorus and special guest artist, Sonny Landreth. Traditional holiday favorites will be mixed with original Louisiana music for a musical feast not to be... more »

• Gulf of Mexico Oil and Gas Lease Sale Could Impact Acadiana Play Video

  November 27, 2012 11:48 PM

  Wednesday could be a big day for the oil and gas industry in Louisiana, with more than 20 million acres up for sale in the Western Gulf of Mexico. The areas are open for oil and gas exploration and development and are being put up for sale by the US... more »

• PAR creates Louisiana tax code advisory group

  November 13, 2012 4:12 AM

  BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) - A nonpartisan government watchdog organization has assembled an advisory panel to look at potential tax code changes for Louisiana residents and businesses. The Public Affairs Research Council's study work comes as the Jindal administration pushes a revamp of the state's tax structure in the next... more »

• Louisiana Weekly Gas Price Update and Outlook

  November 12, 2012 7:40 AM

  Louisiana, November 12- Average retail gasoline prices in Louisiana have fallen 5.5 cents per gallon in the past week, averaging $3.23/g yesterday. This compares with the national average that has fallen 3.2 cents per gallon in the last week to $3.46/g, according to gasoline price website LouisianaGasPrices.com. Including the... more »

• Texas fugitive caught in Louisiana, son, 4, safe

  November 1, 2012 7:21 AM

  TYLER, Texas (AP) - An East Texas man charged with killing his ex-wife and snatching their 4-year-old son has been arrested in Louisiana and the boy is safe. Tyler police early Thursday announced the arrest of James Calvert in West Monroe, La., on a capital murder warrant. His son, Lucas,... more »

• Louisiana hosts annual book festival Saturday

  October 26, 2012 8:48 AM

  BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) - Book lovers will get the opportunity to hear from and speak with authors on Saturday at the annual Louisiana Book Festival. The celebration of reading and writing, held in downtown Baton Rouge around the state Capitol, runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The event... more »

• Louisiana College plans $50M capital campaign

  October 25, 2012 7:41 AM

  INEVILLE, La. (AP) - Louisiana College is embarking on a $50 million capital campaign, asking for $12 million from Louisiana Baptist Convention churches. Last month, the executive board of the Louisiana Baptist Convention approved the college's request to make direct appeals to churches to raise a portion of a capital... more »

• 'Medicaid Misery' bus tour of La hospitals

  September 24, 2012 6:56 AM

  BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) - People from community groups and professional associations took a bus tour of five hospitals from New Orleans to Pineville affected by hundreds of millions of dollars in state budget cuts. The Advocate reports that former patient Deborah Hughes of Baton Rouge told the group that... more »

• Louisiana motorcyclist dies in New Mexico wreck

  September 3, 2012 4:36 AM

  AZTEC, N.M. (AP) - Sheriff's officials in a northwestern New Mexico county say a motorcyclist from Louisiana and the driver of a sports utility vehicle have died after a collision. San Juan County Sheriff's spokeswoman Beth Utley says three men were riding their motorcycles south on U.S. 550 at midmorning... more »

• Louisiana boards and commissions near 500

  August 21, 2012 9:28 AM

  BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) - Despite efforts to shrink the number of Louisiana's governing boards and commissions, the total of such panels is higher now than when Gov. Bobby Jindal took office in 2008, according to a review by the Louisiana Legislative Auditor's office released this week. The auditor's report... more »

• Louisiana's Own American Idol, Joshua Ledet, Returns on "Idol" Tour Play Video

  July 30, 2012 10:32 PM

  American Idol fans traveled from hundreds of miles away Monday in order to see the top ten from last season take the stage at the Cajundome. Louisiana's favorite American Idol, Joshua Ledet was back in his home state after the Westlake native finished in the top three on American Idol... more »

• Louisiana Man Sentenced to Life in Prison

  July 29, 2012 4:05 PM

  LAKE CHARLES, La. (AP) - A Louisiana man has been sentenced to life in prison without parole in the shooting death of a Marine during a 2009 party in Lake Charles. The American Press reports that Bryce Perkins was sentenced for second-degree murder this past week in the death of... more »

• John Folse takes Louisiana cooking to Olympics

  July 24, 2012 7:57 AM

  BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) - Chef John Folse is taking a taste of Louisiana and the "Spirit of the Gulf Coast" to what he calls the "ultimate" stage. Folse is leading the "Team USA" of the culinary world - eight chefs from Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida - to the... more »

• Landrieu: $1.4M for Louisiana homeless vets

  July 18, 2012 7:10 AM

  NEW ORLEANS (AP) - U.S. Sen. Mary L. Landrieu says $1.4 million in grants has been set aside for Louisiana organizations to prevent homelessness among veterans. Landrieu said Tuesday the money was awarded through the Supportive Services for Veterans Families Program, which is part of the Department of Veterans Affairs'... more »

• Labor: Louisiana day cares violating wage laws

  July 13, 2012 6:36 AM

  NEW ORLEANS (AP) - The U.S. Department of Labor says more north Louisiana child care businesses are paying workers a legal wage after a crackdown by the Wage and Hour Division. But it says a majority of such businesses in Bossier, Caddo, East Carroll, Lincoln and Ouachita parishes are still... more »

• La. father, son drown in Tenn. mountain pool

  July 6, 2012 9:08 AM

  ELIZABETHTON, Tenn. (AP) - A Louisiana man and his teenage son have drowned in a Tennessee mountain waterfall pool while hiking on the Appalachian Trail. Carter County authorities identified the victims as 42-year-old Dwight F. Cope and 15-year-old Dagan Cope, both of Breaux Bridge, La. According to the Johnson City... more »

• Miss. opposing La. expansion of state waters

  July 3, 2012 6:45 AM

  BILOXI, Miss. (AP) - The state of Mississippi will oppose Louisiana's effort to extend its state water boundaries out to 10.4 miles. The Sun Herald reports that the Mississippi Commission on Marine Resources on Monday unanimously passed a resolution opposing Louisiana's plan. In June, the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission... more »

• Nobody wins big-money lotteries sold in Louisiana

  July 2, 2012 5:45 AM

  NEW ORLEANS (AP) - The Louisiana Lottery Corp. says nobody won the jackpots in big-money lottery games sold in Louisiana. That means Wednesday's jackpots rise to $60 million for Powerball, $1.65 million for Lotto and $330,000 for Easy 5. It says the biggest prize for any Saturday lottery in Louisiana... more »

• Slate of new courses set for La. schools

  June 27, 2012 8:33 AM

  BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) - Louisiana is about to become what officials call the first state to launch a huge expansion of how courses are offered to public school students, with private firms, colleges and even former teachers expected to enter a revamped education system. The Advocate reports education leaders... more »

• Acadiana Business Owners Discuss Mission to France Play Video

  June 21, 2012 6:36 PM

  Acadiana business owners met at LITE in Lafayette Thursday to discuss a mid-October Trade mission to France to grow their businesses. Many business owners say this trip could open up a world of possibilities. "We would love to make every effort to build bridges between Louisiana companies and... more »

• Iowa ticket wins Powerball, no big winners in La.

  June 14, 2012 6:27 AM

  BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) - Lottery officials say the winning ticket in Wednesday's $240 million Powerball drawing was sold in Iowa and there were no big winners in Louisiana. The next Powerball drawing on Saturday has an estimated jackpot of $40 million. There were no big winners in the Louisiana... more »

• FEMA gives nearly $8M for La SPCA

  June 5, 2012 6:35 AM

  NEW ORLEANS (AP) - The Federal Emergency Management Agency says nearly $8 million in consolidated funding has been set aside for the Louisiana Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, allowing the private, nonprofit to construct their new animal control facility on higher ground. The Louisiana SPCA's facility, which... more »

• Louisiana lawmakers wrap up work on $25.6B budget

  June 4, 2012 10:54 AM

  BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) - The Louisiana House gave final approval Sunday to a $25.6 billion budget for the next fiscal year that includes hundreds of millions of dollars in spending above the amount sought by a group conservative Republicans, wrapping up one of the biggest unresolved BATON ROUGE, La.... more »

• Gas prices in Louisiana

  June 4, 2012 8:44 AM

  Average retail gasoline prices in Louisiana have fallen 5.1 cents per gallon in the past week, averaging $3.31/g yesterday. This compares with the national average that has fallen 4.5 cents per gallon in the last week to $3.61/g, according to gasoline price website LouisianaGasPrices.com. Including the change in gas... more »

• 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

  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

  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

  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

  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

  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

  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

  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 »