Louisiana

Louisiana State University student spends summer performing on tour with Tim McGraw

Published

1 year ago

June 24, 2024

Louisiana State University student spends summer performing on tour with Tim McGraw

NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — A Louisiana State University student is spending his summer vacation unlike most college students, he’s currently on tour with country music star Tim McGraw.

The 21-year-old music sensation Timothy Wayne shares a special connection to McGraw.

God made this country boy to go on tour this summer with country superstar and Louisiana native McGraw.

“Tim McGraw’s my uncle, and he’s been one of my heroes and idols,” said Wayne.

Wayne is an LSU history major in the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity. He’s signed to a major record label, UMG Nashville, and just happens to be McGraw’s nephew. His mom and manager, Sandy, is McGraw’s sister.

Wayne grew up in Franklin, Tennessee, but chose to go to LSU.

“When I went down and saw all the oak trees and met all the people, I fell in love. I made my decision while I was in Baton Rouge that I was going to LSU. Another reason I chose LSU is because the history there is extremely rich and I’m a huge history buff,” he said.

He said that he didn’t ask if he could go on tour with his famous uncle.

“I didn’t really ask. I started singing junior year of high school well into college and it blossomed from there. After I signed my record deal and made a name for myself, is what like I had what it takes to go on tour,” he said.

McGraw said on social media that his nephew is the “real deal.” Speaking of deals, how did Wayne get his record deal with UMG Nashville? It all started after he performed at the famous Nashville bar Bluebird Cafe.

“I went there to do a song and someone from the crowd videotaped it, and it made its way to UMG,” he said.

He hasn’t slowed down since. His debut song, “God Made A Country Boy,” is proof that this country boy’s got the goods.

“‘God Made A Country Boy’ is a lesson on how to be a good person. There’s a line in the song, my favorite line in the song, ‘We need someone who just believes and doesn’t hate you if you don’t agree,’” he said.

Something he soon won’t forget is his summer tour with enough material to write a paper at LSU as to how he spent his summer vacation.

“I got a lot of hard work and a lot of miles to go. Going to be an awesome journey,” he said.

Next, McGraw’s “Standing Room Only” Tour heads to Phoenix, then California. In the fall, Wayne will head back to start his junior year at LSU.

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Related Topics:concerts country country music Entertainment Featured kenny lopez lsu lsu tigers Music nashville standing room only tour tim mcgraw timothy wayne

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Louisiana

This Japanese partnership will advance carbon capture in Louisiana

Published

1 hour 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

Published

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.