Louisiana
Celebrate 125 years with Louisiana Baptist Children’s Home reunion
Recently, former and current residents, family, friends, and staff gathered for the 2024 Louisiana Baptist Children’s Home Reunion. This year was especially momentous as the ministry celebrated its 125th Anniversary. The reunion drew over 200 attendees, with alumni traveling from as far away as Canada and New Hampshire to reconnect and reminisce with their loved ones. The group not only enjoyed great food and entertainment but also found the most joy in perusing hundreds of photos and sharing deeply personal stories from their past with their “family.”
A former resident and current LBCH Trustee, Ricky Bullock, shared a heartfelt sentiment: “I keep telling everyone you know I left here 53 years ago, and I still tell people this is home.”
A standout moment of the reunion was the unveiling the Children’s Home’s new Legacy Room. This room displays a historical timeline of the ministry along with photos and artifacts collected over the years, beautifully narrating how God has provided love, care, and hope for children and families in need for 125 years. The Legacy Room is now open for tours by appointment.
The origins of this enduring ministry trace back to Pastor William Cooksey’s compassionate vision to start an orphanage in 1899. From the first donation—a silver dollar by fourteen-year-old Jim Bowen—to the present day, Louisiana Baptists have upheld their commitment to meeting needs and changing lives through the Christ-centered ministries of the Children’s Home. This legacy of love, care, and hope has touched countless lives, a testament to the enduring impact of our ministry.
Under the direction of President and CEO Dr. Perry Hancock, the services of the Louisiana Baptist Children’s Home & Family Ministries currently include:
-Residential Child Care (Private Placement and DCFS Placement)-Residential Family Care (Homeless children and mothers)-Foster & Adoption Ministries-Granberry Counseling Centers-Women’s Learning Center (includes HiSET training and testing)-Minister Care Residential Program-Compassion for Kids-International Orphan Care
For more information, visit lbch.org or call 318.343.2244
Louisiana
At least 8 children killed in shooting in Louisiana, US
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
‘Growth pays for growth’: Entergy’s Fair Share Plus model to save Louisiana customers $2.8 billion
Louisiana
Thinking of retiring in Louisiana? These are 5 best places to do so
Think tank proposes capping Social Security benefits at $100,000
A Washington think tank proposed capping annual Social Security benefits at $100,000 for couples as a way to shrink a looming deficit in the retirement trust fund.
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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