Louisiana

One of Louisiana's Last Independent Movie Theaters to Close After 52 Years

Published

2 years ago

January 14, 2024

One of Louisiana's Last Independent Movie Theaters to Close After 52 Years

In a bittersweet announcement that marks the end of an era, Morgan City’s Lake Cinema, one of Louisiana’s last independent movie theaters, will be shutting its doors on February 1, 2024, after 52 years of operation. The closure has not only sparked reactions of sadness from the local community but heartfelt memories and a discussion on broader challenges faced by the movie theater industry in the digital age.

Situated in the Inglewood Mall shopping center at 1030 9th St, Morgan City, LA, Lake Cinema has been a cherished establishment in the area. It recently celebrated its 50th anniversary during the pandemic, a period that unfortunately saw many theaters closing as consumer habits shifted towards at-home and streaming entertainment options.

The announcement was made through a Facebook post by Caleb Bryan, apparently speaking on behalf of the cinema’s management. “We are sad to announce, with over 52 years of serving the community, the Lake Cinema will be closing their doors,” the post read, signed off by a person named Darlene, who expressed heartfelt gratitude to patrons and lamented the loss of this community staple.

The news has resulted an outpouring of nostalgia and sadness from locals. Comments on social media pointed out the overall decline of people stepping out to go to the movies, the economic challenges faced by theaters, and the personal memories tied to Lake Cinema. “This is so heartbreaking,” one comment read, echoing the sentiment of many. Another local reminisced, “Aww- my first job was in the snack bar,” highlighting the personal connections many had with the theater.

The struggle of independent theaters like Lake Cinema is just the latest sign of the industry’s shift in recent years. With a vast selection of affordable high-definition home entertainment systems and the rapid release of movies on streaming platforms, consumer preferences have evolved. One comment pointed out, “The movie industry leaves very little room for the theaters to profit… COVID killed the film industry.” This sentiment reflects a broader challenge as theaters compete with the convenience and affordability of home viewing.

The closure of Lake Cinema not only represents the end of a business but also the fading of a space where locals remembered getting together with friends and loved ones. For a community like Morgan City, the cinema was more than just a place to watch movies; it was a venue for creating memories, a part of the local identity.

With its closing, the legacy of independent movie theaters like Lake Cinema, offering affordable and accessible entertainment, will certainly be remembered by those who were lucky enough to experience what slowly feels like it is becoming part of a bygone era.

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Gallery Credit: Madison Troyer

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Louisiana

This Japanese partnership will advance carbon capture in Louisiana

Published

2 hours ago

December 12, 2025

Press Room

Newlab New Orleans is deepening its energy-tech ambitions with a new partnership alongside JERA, Japan’s largest power generator, to accelerate next-generation carbon capture solutions for heavy industries across Louisiana and the Gulf Coast, The Center Square writes.

The collaboration brings JERA Ventures into Newlab’s public-private innovation hub, where startups gain access to lab space and high-end machinery to commercialize technologies aimed at cutting emissions and improving industrial efficiency.

The move builds momentum as Newlab prepares to open its fifth global hub next fall at the former Naval Support Activity site, adding New Orleans to a network that includes Riyadh and Detroit. JERA’s footprint in Louisiana is already growing—from a joint venture on CF Industries’ planned $4 billion low-carbon ammonia plant to investments in solar generation and Haynesville shale assets—positioning the company as a significant player in the state’s clean-energy transition.

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Louisiana

Fed’s ‘Catahoula Crunch’ finished its first week in Louisiana

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14 hours ago

December 11, 2025

Press Room

Federal immigration authorities are keeping a tight lid on key details as “Catahoula Crunch” closes its first week in southeast Louisiana, Verite writes.

The operation—one of Department of Homeland Security’s largest recent urban crackdowns—began with raids at home-improvement stores and aims for 5,000 arrests, according to plans previously reviewed by the Associated Press. While DHS publicly highlighted arrests of immigrants with violent criminal records, AP data shows fewer than one-third of the 38 detainees in the first two days had prior convictions.

Meanwhile, advocacy groups report widespread fear in Hispanic communities, with residents avoiding hospitals, schools, workplaces and even grocery stores amid sightings of federal agents.

Business impacts are already visible: restaurants and Hispanic-serving corridors like Broad Street appear unusually quiet, with staff shortages forcing menu cuts and temporary closures. School absenteeism has doubled in Jefferson Parish, and protests have spread across New Orleans and surrounding suburbs as local leaders demand transparency around federal tactics.

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Louisiana

Louisiana State Police hosts open house to recruit new troopers

Published

1 day ago

December 11, 2025

Press Room

Louisiana State Police hosts open house to recruit new troopers

BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — The Louisiana State Police is opening its doors throughout December, hosting open house events aimed at giving potential applicants a closer look at what it takes to become a state trooper.

Troop leaders said the goal is to recruit men and women who are prepared for the demands of the job and committed to serving their communities.

Troop A Public Information Officer Shelby Mayfield said the open houses are designed to make the application process more accessible.

“One of the reasons we generated these open houses was to allow our applicants to come in and get a look inside the troop, meet some state troopers from across the troop area, and ask whatever questions they may have to the recruiters who are present,” Mayfield said.

Along with information sessions, Mayfield said the events help future applicants better understand the daily responsibilities of law enforcement and the mindset troopers are expected to bring to the job.

“We want to make sure that that trooper knows how important officer safety is,” he said. “But more importantly, we want to make sure they go out there with a pure heart.”

The Louisiana State Police Training Academy is known for its rigorous curriculum that prepares cadets for real-world situations. From crash investigations to communication skills, instructors focus on developing well-rounded troopers who can serve safely and effectively.

Mayfield said applicants must be ready for a variety of interactions, not just emergencies.

“Not everything is going to be a high-intensity, rapidly evolving situation,” he said. “You need to be able to deal with the public to accomplish your job, and that’s why we preach not just getting the job done, but being able to relate to the public so you can meet their needs.”

The application deadline for Cadet Class 109 is Jan. 6, 2026. Mayfield encourages anyone who feels called to the profession to take the next step.

“If this is something you genuinely have in your heart to do, reach out to somebody when it’s convenient for you,” he said. “Even if you miss a deadline, never give up because it’s never too late.”

Open house events will continue throughout the month at troop locations across Louisiana. More information on Cadet Class 109 and the application process is available on the Louisiana State Police website.