Louisiana
La. lawmakers send SB 1 to Gov. Landry
SHREVEPORT, La. (KSLA) — Law-abiding citizens will be able to carry concealed handguns without needing a permit if Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry signs a bill that’s headed to his desk.
Senate Bill 1 was approved by the Legislature, but not without drawing some opposition, both inside and outside the legislative chambers.
“It increases the risk of fatality when it’s not intended,” one Northwest Louisiana man said.
Another Northwest Louisiana resident said the right to bear arms is a part of his constitutional rights. “It’s the Second Amendment to keep and bear arms to protect ourselves and possessions, our families.”
After passing through both legislative chambers, the no-permit concealed carry law could become the new norm for those who are 18 or older in Louisiana. Landry is expected to sign off on SB 1.
“We’ve always had open carry in Louisiana,” said state Rep. Danny McCormick, R-Oil City. “And this allows people to conceal carry without that government permission. So that’s really important to people to be able to self-protect themselves from criminals.”
State Rep. Tammy Phelps, D-Shreveport, is concerned about more guns being out on the streets.
“We know that those that do not abide by the law are already carrying these weapons without permission. So there was a great concern with putting more guns on the street in that same manner.”
McCormick believes permitless concealed carry will help decrease crime. “In Louisiana, guns are a problem today. Guns aren’t a problem in the hands of law-abiding citizens.”
Without a permit, Phelps asked, how can one determine who’s obeying the law? “You can distinguish a law-abiding citizen as one who has a license and someone who doesn’t. That’s why it’s been this way for so long.”
Copyright 2024 KSLA. All rights reserved.
Yasin Gungor
19 April 2026•Update: 19 April 2026
At least eight children were killed and two others were wounded in a shooting in the US state of Louisiana, local police said Sunday.
Shreveport Police Department spokesperson Christopher Bordelon said officers responded to the shooting just after 6 am (1100GMT), following a domestic disturbance call.
The age of the deceased ranged from one to 14 years, he said, adding that the incident involved at least 10 individuals across four separate locations.
The suspect attempted to flee by carjacking a vehicle and driving to neighboring Bossier City, where police located and shot him dead.
Bordelon said Shreveport police officers pursued the suspect’s vehicle into Bossier, where three officers discharged their firearms, killing him. He said investigators believe the suspect was the only person who opened fire at the locations.
Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux described the attack as “maybe the worst tragic situation we’ve ever had,” adding: “It’s a terrible morning.”
No immediate information was available about the condition of the injured.
Louisiana
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When it comes to retiring, the best places to do so often are affordable, have a high quality of life and access to quality healthcare.
If you’re looking for a place to retire, Niche has identified the best places for retirees in Louisiana.
In its list, Niche has taken into account factors like weather, crime rates, housing costs and access to amenities.
The 5 best places to retire in Louisiana according to Niche
These are the top five best places to retire in Louisiana, according to Niche.
1. Oak Hills Place
Oak Hills Place is a suburb of Baton Rouge and is the overall best place to retire in Louisiana. This suburb, located in East Baton Rouge Parish, has a population of 9,038 and offers residents an urban suburban mix feel. The area is highly rated for families, diversity, as well as health and fitness. Here, the median home value is $437,900 and the median rent is $1,422, according to Niche.
2. Westminster
Westminster is another suburb of Baton Rouge and is the second-best place to retire in Louisiana. Located in East Baton Rouge Parish, this suburb has a population of 2,559 and offers residents an urban suburban mix feel. This area is highly rated for nightlife, diversity, families, health and fitness, as well as commute. The median home value here is $266,100 and the median rent is $1,482, says Niche.
3. River Ridge
River Ridge is a suburb of New Orleans, located in Jefferson Parish, and is the third-best place to retire in Louisiana. This suburb has a population of 13,312 and offers residents a dense suburban feel. The area is highly rated for public schools, family, nightlife and diversity. The median home value is $357,400 and the median rent is $1,127, according to Niche.
4. Westlake
Westlake is a town in Calcasieu Parish that is among the best places to retire in Louisiana. With a population of 4,743, this town offers residents a rural feel. The town is highly rated for public schools, housing, families, jobs, cost of living, nightlife and weather. Here, the median home value is $166,100 and the median rent is $1,049, says Niche.
5. Prien
Prien is another town in Calcasieu Parish that is among the best places to retire in Louisiana. This town has a population of 7,119 and offers residents a suburban rural mix feel. The town is highly rated for public schools, housing, families, nightlife and weather. The median home value here is $278,000 and the median rent is $1,292, according to Niche.
Presley Bo Tyler is the Louisiana Deep South Connect Team reporter for USA Today Network. Find her on X @PresleyTyler02 and email at PTyler@Gannett.com
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