Louisiana

This Crystal-Clear Lake In Louisiana Just Opened To The Public For The First Time

Published

5 months ago

July 15, 2025

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This Crystal-Clear Lake In Louisiana Just Opened To The Public For The First Time

Key Takeaways

Lake Isabel Farm, a crystal-clear, mile-long lake in Louisiana is now open to the public.
Only 75 tickets are sold each day.
Private events and overnight camping options are available.

Turquoise water and powdery white sand aren’t typically what you expect to find in the middle of Louisiana’s woods, but that’s exactly what’s waiting at Lake Isabel Farm. Tucked away on a 422-acre farm in Washington Parish, the private, mile-long lake has been kept under wraps for years. Now, for the first time, it’s open to the public.

About Lake Isabel Farm

With day passes, cabana rentals, and beach access now available, Lake Isabel is offering one of the most unexpected swimming spots in the state. “We’re so excited to finally welcome the community to our little slice of paradise that’s been years in the making,” says owner Anthony Sedlak. “We want Lake Isabel Farm to be a place where people can recharge, enjoy natural beauty unlike anywhere else in the region, and connect with friends and family away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.”

Courtesy Of Lake Isabel Farm

The area is tailor-made for laid-back summer afternoons. Guests can kayak across the spring-fed water, dive off the platform, or stretch out in one of the solar-powered cabanas that come with fans, comfortable seating, and large ice chests. Around the lake, guests can explore a mix of amenities, from beach volleyball, lawn games, propane grills, quiet fishing spots, and a three-mile walking trail. Private events and overnight camping are also available.

For now, it’s a bring-your-own-towel kind of day trip, but there’s more on the horizon. Sedlak is working with New Orleans-based architecture firm CICADA on a long-term vision that includes modern lakefront vacation rentals, farm-to-table dinners, and a full event venue. “Lake Isabel is the kind of project designers dream of where nature, design, and experience come together,” says CICADA partner James Catalano.

Plan Your Visit

Lake Isabel Farm is located at 54254 Cavenham Road in Bogalusa, Louisiana—just over an hour from New Orleans and 30 minutes from Covington. The lake is open daily from 11 a.m. to 15 minutes after sunset.

Only 75 tickets are available each day and must be purchased in advance at lakeisabelfarm.com. Guests are welcome to bring their own food, beverages, and alcohol. Cabana bookings and private event inquiries are also available online. For updates, follow @lakeisabelfarm on Instagram.

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Louisiana

This Japanese partnership will advance carbon capture in Louisiana

Published

9 hours ago

December 12, 2025

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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

21 hours ago

December 11, 2025

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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.