Louisiana
Louisiana Office of Tourism creates new website for bird lovers
LAKE CHARLES, La. (KPLC) – The Bayou State is home to over 450 species of rare and unique birds.
Birdinglouisiana.Com is a brand-new interactive website that divides our state into different birding regions and shows users the species living in the Bayou State.
Sharon Calcote at the Louisiana Office of Tourism says the website has long been in the works and was created because Louisiana has a unique ecosystem to offer residents.
“People are already coming from around the world to Louisiana for birdwatching,” she said. “We’re one of the top bird-watching spots in the United States. This is going to boost our tourism and communities and bring overall advocation of our birds.”
Calcote hopes it will get people to visit rural areas of the state. The site is for all ages and is easy to use.
One Southwest Louisiana birder, Vicki Sensat, enjoys bird photography.
“I’m very excited about this new website,” she said. “It’s gonna grow the birding community. Birding connects you with nature and it has really calmed me during difficult times in my life.”
Sensat’s grandson is only eight but is already following in her footsteps.
“I love going birding and taking photos of birds and I really hope people start loving birds as much as I do.”
Another local birder Claire Sylvet shares an emotional side to birding.
“So, my mom passed two and a half years ago and sitting out on my porch watching the birds really gave me a sense of calm and serenity,” Sylvet said. “I think this website is gonna do the same for people, people love our birds in Southwest Louisiana.”
The website is only two weeks old, but the creators hope the hard work pays off and people will flock to Louisiana much like migratory birds do every year.
Copyright 2024 KPLC. All rights reserved.
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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