Louisiana

Louisiana Cruise Guests Warned – Avoid Two Popular Ports of Call

Published

2 years ago

February 5, 2024

Louisiana Cruise Guests Warned – Avoid Two Popular Ports of Call

As the calendar moves into February in Louisiana those of us who call cities like Lafayette, Lake Charles, Shreveport, and New Orleans home are focusing on three major occurences. There is Mardi Gras. The parades are already rolling across most of Louisiana even though Fat Tuesday is still a week away.

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Then, there is Valentine’s Day which this year falls on Ash Wednesday. Many restaurants are having to rethink their strategy because of that quirk in the calendar. Some places are offering Valentine’s deals on both Wednesday and Thursday nights just in case a romantic evening on Ash Wednesday does not fit your sensibilities.

close up of a couple drinking wine on valentines day

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The third aspect of consideration for this time of the year is spring break, which will be coming soon. And since many school systems in Louisiana shut down for Mardi Gras, you could say there are “two” spring breaks happening very shortly. And for many Louisiana residents that means an ocean-going getaway.

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Louisiana Cruisers Warned of Dangers in Certain Ports

Many cruises that begin and end in Louisiana have a Caribbean flair to them. Most of the itineraries that sail out of New Orleans include stops like Cozumel, Cancun, Jamaica, and the Bahamas. And while violence and trouble along the border with Mexico have been reported, the areas visited by tourists are still relatively safe.

The same statements can’t be made for Louisiana cruisers who are planning a stop in Nassau in the Bahamas or at any of the ports in Jamaica. The reason for the concern? Crime.

Shooting Crime

Photo courtesy of Maxim Hopman

Both Jamaica and The Bahamas are now included in U.S. Department of State Travel Advisories. The advisories not only warn of crimes and potential crimes but the advisory for Jamaica suggests that medical care could be very spotty on the island. That is certainly something to consider before going ashore.

The U.S. Department of State advisory for Jamaica goes as far as saying “Travelers should reconsider their plans”. And while most guests in both The Bahamas and Jamaica can expect a certain amount of security in the well-guarded resort areas, it’s those areas outside the gated resorts where tourists could find themselves and their security compromised.

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Gallery Credit: Bruce Mikells

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Louisiana

This Japanese partnership will advance carbon capture in Louisiana

Published

2 hours 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.