Louisiana
Shoppers hurry for last-minute groceries, supplies before Louisiana’s winter storm
METAIRIE, La. (WVUE) — On the day before a forecasted winter storm is expected to hit Southeast Louisiana, the most dominant grocery chain in the region saw shoppers descending on its various locations.
Karah Smith was shopping at the Rouses Supermarket on Airline Highway in Metairie. It was her second visit to the store in recent days.
“I was picking up for a mix of things, like we would normally cook for dinner. But I also wanted to have some non-perishable food for backup, if we lose power,” she said.
For many in Louisiana, this week will be the first time they’ve seen snow in years, for some maybe ever. That’ll certainly be the case for Smith’s daughter. She’s only 2 months old.
“I’m excited for her,” Smith said. “We’ll have pictures of her in her little snowsuit, outside hopefully.”
Marc Ardoin manages the Rouses on Airline Highway. He said workers stayed busy keeping shelves full. It’s a drill they have down pat from similar years of hurricane preparations.
“There’s definitely the water and those kinds of items we buy during hurricane season, but people are looking for a lot more cold weather items,” Ardoin said. “So, you’re seeing stew meat, and that kind of stuff. People are getting what they need to make gumbo.”
Former actor and radio personality John “Spud” McConnell was one of the customers near the freezer aisle. He said he’s unsure what the winter storm will bring, but his household will be fed.
“I got a couple of big Boston butts and I’m going to put them in the oven tomorrow when it’s really cold,” he said. “I’m going to bake them bad boys all day and I’m going to be eating pig like the pig that I am.”
Preparing for wintry weather also requires warm gear.
“People have definitely been coming out and stocking up on gloves, hats for the kids, anything that’s going to keep them warm,” said Bubba Henry, a sales associate at Massey’s Outfitters in Mid-City.
The store on Carrollton Avenue had a shipment of gloves arriving a few hours before closing time Monday. Henry expected the gloves to move quickly. He advised anyone planning to be out in the winter conditions to dress in layers.
“If they have base layers, that would be great,” Henry said. “If they have athletic wear similar to when they go play soccer — that stretchy spandex — something like that.”
Even for customers who’ve spent time in cold climates, there’s no such thing as being overly prepared. Arturo Peal visited Massey’s Outfitters on Monday for one essential. After that, he felt ready for the forecasted freeze.
“Oh yeah, the only thing I needed was wool socks, because I have no idea where my wool socks are. I haven’t seen them. They’re buried somewhere in storage,” Peal said.
Most businesses, schools and government offices will be closed Tuesday.
While Southeast Louisiana is unfamiliar with winter storms, the region’s next collective step resembles what many communities take during hurricane season: Waiting for the storm to pass.
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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.
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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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