Tagged News

• Lafayette man sentenced to 37 months in federal prison for cyberstalking victims across Louisiana

  November 12, 2026 6:46 PM

  BATON ROUGE – A Lafayette man has been sentenced to 37 months in federal prison following his conviction for cyberstalking several victims in the federal Middle District of Louisiana and elsewhere. According to admissions made as part of his guilty plea, 49-year-old Anthony Joseph Depa repeatedly threatened, harassed, and... more »

• Construction crews break ground on new Buc-ee's coming to Lafayette Play Video

  November 10, 2026 8:44 AM

  LAFAYETTE — Work is officially underway on the new Buc-ee's coming to Lafayette. A groundbreaking ceremony was held Monday at the site of I-10 near Louisiana Avenue. The 74,000-square-foot gas station, which will cost $72 million, is expected to open in early 2028. When it is finished, it... more »

• 600 bikes and helmets to be given away as part of 14th annual Gordon Gives Bike Giveaway Play Video

  November 9, 2026 12:20 PM

  BATON ROUGE — Louisiana personal injury attorney Gordon McKernan will give away 600 bikes and helmets to children across eight cities this holiday season as part of the 14th annual Gordon Gives Bike Giveaway. The tradition began in 2012 with McKernan giving away 94 bikes in Baton Rouge. ... more »

• Child care access could unlock billions in economic growth for Louisiana Play Video

  October 13, 2026 2:47 PM

  BATON ROUGE — A new report released on Tuesday shows that child care challenges are limiting parents’ employment opportunities and that statewide, comprehensive early childhood education could generate $3.2 billion in additional earnings and $5.3 billion in economic output. That's according to the Louisiana Policy Institute for Children, which... more »

• Buc-ee's breaking ground on Lafayette location in November Play Video

  September 30, 2026 1:59 PM

  LAFAYETTE — Buc-ee's will break ground on its Lafayette location in November. Buc-ee's founder and CEO Arch "Beaver" Aplin will attend the Nov. 9 groundbreaking ceremony for the 74,000-square-foot store that is set to be built at the northeast corner of Louisiana Avenue and I-10, the paper reported Wednesday.... more »

• Two Lafayette men sentenced in multi-state theft conspiracy following Homeland Security investigation Play Video

  September 28, 2026 9:53 AM

  BATON ROUGE — Two Lafayette men who previously pleaded guilty in a multi-state conspiracy to transport a stolen motor vehicle were sentenced on Monday. U.S. Attorney Kurt L. Wall announced on Dec. 19 that Dennis Sizemore, 54, and Gregory Brazell, 41, pleaded guilty to multiple charges related to a... more »

• Former police officer, ex-Marine from New Iberia pleads guilty to terrorism charges in federal court Play Video

  September 9, 2026 11:50 AM

  LAFAYETTE — A former police officer and ex-Marine from New Iberia has pleaded guilty to terrorism charges. Micah Legnon, 29, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to provide material support to terrorists in federal court on Tuesday. In early 2025, Legnon joined the "Order of the Black Lotus," a faction... more »

• Police investigating after firefighters rescue man trapped in Lafayette storm drain for two days Play Video

  September 9, 2026 9:06 AM

  LAFAYETTE — Police are investigating after a man who was trapped in a Lafayette storm drain for two days was rescued by firefighters. According to the Lafayette Fire Department, first responders were called to West Pont De Mouton Road on Tuesday after receiving reports of someone being in the... more »

• Louisiana Blue Foundation names 2026 Angel Award honorees across the state

  August 26, 2026 11:28 AM

  BATON ROUGE — The Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana Foundation has announced its honorees for The Angel Award, recognizing everyday Louisianians who have worked to improve the health and well-being of children across the state. Now in its 32nd year, the annual award comes with a $30,000... more »

• Fire breaks out on M. L. Tigue Moore Field in Russo Park at the University of Louisiana Lafayette

  August 21, 2026 6:18 PM

  LAFAYETTE — A fire broke out on M. L. Tigue Moore Field in Russo Park at the University of Louisiana Lafayette on Friday. According to the Lafayette Fire Department, the fire was caused by sparks from construction equipment igniting pine needles in the area. Officials said the fire... more »

• Report: Elon Musk's private plane spotted in Lafayette

  August 13, 2026 6:30 PM

  LAFAYETTE - SpaceX founder Elon Musk's private jet spent a few hours in Lafayette on Thursday. The plane is tracked by elonjet.net, an account on Bluesky that keeps track of where Musk's personal planes travel. According to posts, his plane left from Austin, Texas, landed in Lafayette around... more »

• Planters Nutmobile stops in Baton Rouge as part of 'nutty' multi-state road trip Play Video

  August 13, 2026 12:45 PM

  BATON ROUGE — The Planters Nutmobile has traveled through 20 states this summer, and now it's making a few stops in Louisiana! During its trek across the country, the peanut-shaped vehicle stopped in Baton Rouge on Wednesday and Thursday. After visiting with April Davis at WBRZ along Highland... more »

• Lafayette man allegedly broke into 3 Livingston Parish homes in one day, stole $40k worth of property

  August 7, 2026 3:12 PM

  LIVINGSTON PARISH — A Lafayette man broke into three Livingston Parish homes in one day and stole nearly $40,000 worth of property, according to the Livingston Parish Sheriff's Office. Sheriff Jason Ard said the burglaries happened Jan. 23 in Denham Springs, Livingston and Holden. Livingston Parish deputies arrested Rashon... more »

• Original musical by 2 Baton Rouge Women explores Orphan Annie's adulthood, takes stage in Lafayette Play Video

  August 4, 2026 12:04 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Two Baton Rouge women are bringing their original musical "Ms. Warbucks" to the stage for its second run at Cite des Artes in downtown Lafayette. Caroline Helm Huval, a hospice worker and performer and Bonny McDonald, a Southern University theater professor, co-wrote the show. It runs... more »

• Former LDWF secretary sentenced to more than 2 years behind bars on bribery charges, reports say Play Video

  June 30, 2026 2:53 PM

  LAFAYETTE — Jack Montoucet, the former secretary of the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries who, earlier this year, pleaded guilty to playing a role in a kickback scheme involving a statewide department contract, has been sentenced to more than two years in federal prison, The Advocate reported Tuesday. ... more »

• Former detention officer sentenced to 36 months in prison for sexually abusing detainee at ICE facility Play Video

  June 29, 2026 9:35 AM

  LAFAYETTE — A former contract detention officer was sentenced to 36 months in prison on Friday after pleading guilty to the sexual abuse of a Nicaraguan detainee at the South Louisiana ICE Processing Center in Basile. According to court records, 56-year-old David Courvelle was a contract detention officer at... more »

• From Chitimacha Reservation to Hollywood, a Louisiana actor landed a role on 'Euphoria,' other productions Play Video

  June 3, 2026 9:50 AM

  BATON ROUGE- A Louisiana native is getting attention for his role in one of television's biggest dramas. James Landry Hébert was born in Lafayette and spent much of his adolescence on the Chitimacha Indian Reservation in Charenton. Hébert later graduated from LSU and is now appearing in the latest... more »

• Zachary Keller confirmed as US attorney for Western District of Louisiana

  May 19, 2026 2:20 PM

  LAFAYETTE — The U.S. Senate confirmed Zachary A. Keller as the U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Louisiana on Monday. Keller has been serving in the role on an interim basis since September 2025. "Since beginning my service, I've woken up every morning with the mindset that... more »

• Silver Alert cancelled after missing 66-year-old Lafayette woman is found safe

  May 10, 2026 11:19 AM

  LAFAYETTE — The Louisiana State Police issued a Silver Alert on Sunday for a missing 66-year-old woman from Lafayette. By early afternoon on Monday, the alert was canceled after she was found safe. more »

• Lafayette principal returns to school after being placed on leave following Boosie's appearance on campus Play Video

  May 6, 2026 9:04 AM

  LAFAYETTE — A Lafayette high school principal is back at school following a short stint on administrative leave after the rapper Boosie visited the school last week, multiple Lafayette news outlets report. Last week, Northside High School Principal James Rollins was placed on administrative leave after Boosie, whose real... more »

• Boosie responds after Lafayette principal placed on leave following rapper's visit to the school Play Video

  May 1, 2026 7:06 AM

  LAFAYETTE — A Lafayette high school principal has been placed on leave after the rapper Boosie visited the school earlier in the week, The Acadiana Advocate reports. Northside High School Principal James Rollins was placed on administrative leave after Boosie, whose real name is Torrence Hatch, visited the school... more »

• Family of Martha Odom announces funeral services, fund in her name after fatal shooting at Mall of Louisiana Play Video

  April 28, 2026 1:40 PM

  LAFAYETTE — The family of 17-year-old Martha Odom, the Ascension Episcopal School senior who died in last week's shooting at the Mall of Louisiana, has started a fund dedicated to her legacy. The Martha Odom Legacy of Joyful Grace in Motion fund at the Community Foundation of Acadiana is... more »

• Jaguar baseball travels to Lafayette for Tuesday night game vs. Cajuns

  April 28, 2026 12:47 PM

  LAFAYETTE — Southern baseball is headed to Lafayette for a Tuesday night game against the University of Louisiana. The Jags enter the midweek matchup at No. 4 in the SWAC standings, with a 14-7 conference record (21-20 overall). The 9-12 (25-18) Ragin' Cajuns, on the other hand, sit... 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 »

• Lafayette Police: Officer shot at man who brandished weapon near Festival International de Louisiane Play Video

  April 26, 2026 11:40 AM

  LAFAYETTE — Lafayette's police department says one of its officers shot at a man near the site of the Festival International de Louisiane after the man waved a gun at a number of people. Television station KADN reported Sunday that Jai'Quan Pierre, 19, of Crowley, allegedly threatened a crowd.... 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 »

• Lafayette high school IDs 17-year-old senior killed in Mall of Louisiana shooting Play Video

  April 24, 2026 10:02 AM

  BATON ROUGE — A 17-year-old from a Lafayette high school died after she was shot in the chest in a Thursday afternoon shooting at the Mall of Louisiana that also left five people hospitalized. The teenage victim was identified by Ascension Episcopal School as Martha Odom. Two other Ascension... more »

• 20-year-old Lafayette woman dies in head-on crash with 18-wheeler in St. Mary Parish

  April 10, 2026 2:04 PM

  PATTERSON — A Lafayette woman died after driving into oncoming traffic and crashing head-on into an 18-wheeler, Louisiana State Police said Friday. Kylee Nobles, 20, was driving west in the eastbound lanes of U.S. 90 near Cotton Road in Patterson when she collided head-on with the 18-wheeler, LSP said.... more »

• 'Wipe. Them. Out:' Rep. Clay Higgins says US should attack Iran 'harder than ever' ahead of Trump deadline Play Video

  April 7, 2026 10:48 AM

  LAFAYETTE — Rep. Clay Higgins says that he wants to see the United States attack the Middle East "harder than ever" as President Donald Trump's deadline for Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz nears. "Wipe. Them. Out," Higgins, who represents western Louisiana, wrote on X. "Hit them so... more »

• Former LDWF secretary pleads guilty to bribery charges; faces jail time, fines Play Video

  March 31, 2026 12:10 PM

  LAFAYETTE — Jack Montoucet, the former secretary of the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, pleaded guilty to playing a role in a kickback scheme involving a statewide department contract, the U.S. Attorney's Office said Tuesday. Montoucet was initially indicted on one count of conspiracy to commit bribery and... more »

• Three Baton Rouge men arrested in connection with appliance burglaries in Lafayette Parish Play Video

  March 6, 2026 1:38 PM

  LAFAYETTE —Three Baton Rouge men were arrested by the Lafayette Parish Sheriff's Office following an investigation into several residential burglaries at new home construction sites. According to the sheriff's office, detectives conducted a multi-week investigation after receiving reports of nearly 10 new appliances being stolen from building sites near... more »

• Glenn Armentor resigns from LSU Board of Supervisors; Landry to name his successor pending Senate approval Play Video

  March 3, 2026 11:06 AM

  BATON ROUGE — An LSU Board of Supervisors member has resigned, leaving the appointment of a new boardmember up to Gov. Jeff Landry. Landry said Tuesday that he received Glenn Armentor's letter of resignation from the board. "I respect his desire to devote his full attention to his... more »

• Lafayette woman sentenced to 4 years for role in heavy equipment theft Play Video

  February 27, 2026 10:31 AM

  BATON ROUGE — A Lafayette woman was sentenced to four years in federal prison for her role in a multi-state operation that involved stealing and selling heavy equipment. The U.S. Attorney's office in Baton Rouge said Adrienne Marie King , 39, had previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to transport... more »

• Festival International De Louisiane announces music lineup for 40th anniversary Play Video

  February 18, 2026 3:54 PM

  LAFAYETTE - Festival International De Louisiane announced its music lineup for its upcoming 40th anniversary festival in April. The cultural celebration will span five days in Downtown Lafayette. The festival will showcase music from around the world with a lineup that ranges from dozens of countries, allowing audiences to... more »

• State Police: Man arrested for third time after allegedly deceiving 'nannies' into changing his diapers Play Video

  January 30, 2026 12:33 PM

  LAFAYETTE — A man accused of pretending to be a person with special needs has been arrested on human trafficking charges after allegedly deceiving caretakers into changing his diapers, Louisiana State Police said. Detectives with the Louisiana State Police Special Victims Unit arrested 35-year-old Rutledge Deas IV on Thursday... more »

• FMOL Health announces that it will be increasing minimum wage to $15 an hour Play Video

  January 28, 2026 1:42 PM

  BATON ROUGE — Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health says it will increase its minimum wage to $15 an hour in all of its hospitals, clinics and other locations. FMOL Health is also adjusting the compensation rate systemwide in an "ongoing commitment to meaningfully invest in its team members."... more »

• WBRZ Investigative Unit: Angola inmate dies over weekend; West Feliciana Sheriff says investigation underway Play Video

  January 26, 2026 11:51 AM

  ANGOLA — The death of an inmate at the Louisiana State Penitentiary that happened over the weekend is under investigation, West Feliciana Parish Sheriff Brian Spillman told the Investigative Unit on Monday. Harold Brooks, a 37-year-old Angola inmate from Lafayette, died Saturday. According to the sheriff, the death was... more »

• State Police cancels missing child advisory for Lafayette children

  January 5, 2026 9:03 PM

  LAFAYETTE - Louisiana State Police canceled a missing child advisory for two Lafayette children. Anyone with information should immediately contact the Lafayette Police Department at 337-291-5612 or call 911. more »

• Contract detention officer pleads guilty to sexually abusing Nicaraguan detainee at ICE facility in Basile Play Video

  December 29, 2025 2:48 PM

  LAFAYETTE — A former contract detention officer pleaded guilty Monday to the sexual abuse of a Nicaraguan detainee at the South Louisiana ICE Processing Center in Basile. Court records show David Courvelle, 56, was a contract detention officer at the Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility from Jan. 1 to... more »

• State Police locates two Lafayette children

  December 10, 2025 3:51 PM

  LAFAYETTE — Louisiana State Police located two missing children from Lafayette on Wednesday, officials confirmed. Officials said the two were located safe following a Level II Endangered/Missing Child Advisory. more »

• 30-year-old daughter of LSU great Kevin Faulk passes away unexpectedly Play Video

  December 9, 2025 10:28 PM

  BATON ROUGE - The 30-year-old daughter of local football legend Kevin Faulk and his wife, Latisha, died unexpectedly Saturday in Lafayette. Tanasha Faulk, 30, died at the Oschner Lafayette General Medical Center. No immediate details on her death were released, but foul play is not suspected. Tanasha Faulk... more »

• KOK Wings offering free meals to college students, families affected by SNAP disruption Play Video

  November 6, 2025 12:04 PM

  BATON ROUGE — KOK Wings and Things is offering free meals to families and college students impacted by SNAP benefits being put on hold amid the ongoing government shutdown. Starting Sunday, Nov. 16, and continuing through Nov. 30, KOK locations in Baton Rouge, as well as New Iberia and... more »

• FBI says a Louisiana resident assisted Hamas and lied on his US visa application Play Video

  October 17, 2025 1:18 PM

  NEW ORLEANS (AP) — The FBI has accused a Louisiana resident of participating in the Hamas-led attack on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, then lying about his past and fraudulently obtaining a visa to live in the U.S. According to an FBI criminal complaint unsealed this week, Mahmoud Amin... more »

• Former Lafayette assistant district attorney convicted on 6 bribery-related counts Play Video

  September 18, 2025 4:01 PM

  LAFAYETTE — A federal jury on Thursday convicted a former Lafayette Parish assistant district attorney on bribery-related charges. Gary Haynes was named in a six-count indictment accusing him of directing pre-trial diversion defendants to specific programs in exchange for kickbacks from program owners. He was found guilty of all... more »

• FBI: Man wanted on child porn charges taken into custody in Youngsville Play Video

  September 9, 2025 11:18 AM

  YOUNGSVILLE — The FBI said Thursday that a man who was wanted for possessing child pornography was taken into custody. On Aug. 29, a federal arrest warrant was issued for 35-year-old Moses Steven Hernandez. On Tuesday, the FBI asked the public to help find Hernandez after he was last... more »

• Festival Acadiens et Creoles lineup announced; 2025 fest opening with Zachary Richard performance

  August 4, 2025 1:36 PM

  LAFAYETTE — The lineup for the 2025 Festivals Acadiens et Créoles will be anchored by performances from Zachary Richard, Wayne Toups and Rockin’ Dopsie, organizers said Monday. The festival in Girard Park in Lafayette will kick off with Richard on Oct. 10, who performed at the second-ever Tribute to... more »

• University of Louisiana at Lafayette president to retire immediately

  July 31, 2025 12:20 PM

  University of Louisiana at Lafayette President Joseph Savoie will retire at the end of the week. Savoie’s retirement was announced Wednesday by University of Louisiana System Board of Supervisors Chairman Mark Romero at a special board meeting. Its members voted unanimously to name Savoie ULL’s president emeritus. Savoie... more »

• LSU's Wildlife Hospital of Louisiana sees increase in migratory birds with gunshot wounds Play Video

  July 30, 2025 6:38 PM

  BATON ROUGE - The LSU School of Veterinary Medicine said that its Wildlife Hospital of Louisiana has had to treat a substantially higher number of Mississippi kite birds compared to this time last year. What concerns them is how many of these birds have gunshot wounds. "We've... more »

• Lafayette convenience store sells $2 million winning Powerball lottery ticket

  July 14, 2025 1:26 PM

  LAFAYETTE — A Lafayette convenience store sold the $2 million winning Powerball with Power Play ticket for the lottery's most recent drawing. Shop Rite #78 along North University Avenue sold the ticket with the winning numbers picked during the July 5 drawing. Three days later, Fermon Bonin of Carencro... more »

• REPORT: Construction of Buc-ee's in Lafayette slightly delayed amid poor weather conditions Play Video

  July 11, 2025 10:43 AM

  LAFAYETTE — The contractor behind the construction of Lafayette's Buc-ee's says the project is on pause due to both design delays and poor weather conditions, Developing Lafayette reported Friday. According to Triton Construction, there have been recent discussions between ownership and contractors to resume work on the massive gas... more »

• Gov. Landry signs bills intending to fortify energy industry, encourage oil production in state Play Video

  June 24, 2025 6:10 PM

  LAFAYETTE - Gov. Jeff Landry signed multiple bills in Lafayette on Tuesday that he says will encourage oil production and fortify the energy industry. Landry said the bills include Senate Bill 244, which will "[re-organize] the Department of Energy and natural resources, limits regulatory oversight of pipelines and distribution... more »

• Suspects arrested, businesses closed in multi-agency illegal vape crackdown Play Video

  June 16, 2025 6:42 AM

  BATON ROUGE - Six smoke shops across Louisiana, including one in Baton Rouge, had their licenses suspended as part of "Operation Vape Out.” The Louisiana Office of Alcohol and Tobacco Control headed the four-week investigation. "The goal of which was to confiscate unauthorized and illegal vape products, and... more »

• Former head of LDWF pleads not guilty to money laundering, conspiracy charges Play Video

  June 12, 2025 2:17 PM

  LAFAYETTE — Jack Montoucet, the former secretary of the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, pleaded not guilty in his first day in court for his alleged role in a kickback scheme involving a statewide department contract, The Advocate reported Thursday. Montoucet, 77, pleaded not guilty conspiracy to commit... more »

• LSP: No grenades found in Lafayette Regional Airport after explosive scare Play Video

  June 10, 2025 12:40 PM

  LAFAYETTE - The Lafayette Regional Airport was under a lockdown Tuesday morning after an explosives scare involving hand grenades that were reportedly found inside the building. According to KATC, State Police searched the area and found no explosives. Airport Director Steven Picou sent the following statement to the... more »

• Hammond man accused of dealing cocaine arrested after traffic stop in Lafayette Play Video

  May 27, 2025 12:41 PM

  LAFAYETTE — A Hammond man accused of having more than 1,000 grams of cocaine in his car was arrested in Lafayette over the weekend. The sheriff's office said Jermaine Beauchamp, 46, was arrested Sunday after Lafayette Parish deputies stopped his car on I-10. According to deputies, Beauchamp had... more »

• Missing Lafayette children found safe; endangerment alert canceled Play Video

  April 15, 2025 4:33 AM

  LAFAYETTE - Louisiana State Police canceled an endangered/missing child advisory two missing boys were found safe. Both children were discovered missing from their home on Bridgeway Drive in Lafayette around 8:30 p.m. Monday. They were found safe shortly before 8 a.m. Tuesday. more »

• LSP: Lafayette officer shoots, kills 27-year-old while investigating burglary

  September 7, 2024 11:51 AM

  LAFAYETTE - A 27-year-old was shot and killed by a Lafayette Police officer while law enforcement was investigating a burglary complaint. Louisiana State Police said officers were called to Sybil Drive around 3 a.m. for a burglary. Troopers said the officer found a suspect vehicle and as they walked... more »

• I-10 westbound heading to Lafayette reopened after hours-long closure after 18-wheeler incident Play Video

  August 28, 2024 7:38 AM

  HENDERSON - I-10 westbound between Atchafalaya and Breaux Bridge is open again after being closed for hours on Wednesday morning while state police continue to work on multiple crashes, one of which involved multiple 18-wheelers. Troopers said one of two crashes involved six vehicles, including four 18-wheelers as well... more »