Louisiana Breaking News

11/15/2025

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Caddo Deputies Arrest Suspect In Deadly Vivian Officer Shooting; Booked On Second-Degree Murder

Vivian, LA — A man accused of opening fire on law enforcement officers in Vivian Friday evening — killing one officer — has been arrested and booked into Caddo Correctional Center on charges of Second Degree Murder and Cyberstalking.

According to information gathered by Love Shreveport-Bossier , the incident unfolded around 5:28 p.m. on November 14, when Caddo Parish Sheriff’s deputies responded to a call for backup involving reports that an officer had been shot. Early details indicated that Vivian Police Department officers were attempting to execute a warrant at a residence for cyberstalking. When the officers arrived at the front door, Alexander fired multiple shots through the closed door, injuring one of the Vivian officers.

The officer was transported to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced deceased shortly after arrival. No additional officer injuries were reported.

Following the shooting, law enforcement established a perimeter around the residence, leading to a standoff that lasted roughly three hours. Over 50 units from multiple agencies responded, including Caddo Parish Sheriff's Office, Vivian Police Department, Louisiana State Police, Minden Police, Shreveport Police, SWAT, and other supporting units from the region. Officials worked to negotiate a peaceful surrender as the situation remained highly volatile.

The suspect, identified as 58-year-old Nicholas Edward Alexander, eventually surrendered without further incident. Deputies took him into custody and transported him to Caddo Correctional Center, where he was booked on charges of Second Degree Murder and Cyberstalking. Additional charges may be considered as investigators continue to process evidence and interview witnesses.

The investigation remains active as authorities work to piece together the events leading up to the deadly shooting and the earlier warrant service.

Love Shreveport-Bossier will continue to follow developments and provide confirmed updates from law enforcement.

11/12/2025

The most beautiful “Northern Lights” photo we’ve seen submitted to us so far.. 🥰👀

📍 Bodcau Dam

10/23/2025

New Orleans Faces Payroll Crisis as FEMA Funding Delay Deepens City to $160M Deficit

New Orleans, La — The City of New Orleans is teetering on the edge of a payroll crisis as officials scramble to secure emergency funding following a $120 million FEMA reimbursement delay. The setback has widened the city’s budget deficit to an estimated $160 million, raising concerns about whether thousands of municipal employees will receive paychecks on time.

Sources inside City Hall confirmed to Louisiana Breaking News that the delayed FEMA payment—originally expected earlier this month—was meant to offset costs from hurricane-related infrastructure repairs and recovery projects. Without that reimbursement, the city’s general fund balance has dipped to critically low levels, forcing leadership to explore short-term financing options.

Chief Administrative Officer Gilbert Montaño told Louisiana Breaking News the administration is “working around the clock” to prevent any disruption in payroll. “Our team is negotiating bridge financing to sustain payroll operations while FEMA finalizes its disbursement,” Montaño said. He added that essential departments—public safety, sanitation, and emergency services—would remain fully funded despite the shortfall.

The New Orleans City Council has scheduled a series of emergency sessions to consider internal budget transfers and potential loans against reserve accounts. Council President Helena Moreno described the shortfall as a “wake-up call” for how reliant the city has become on delayed federal reimbursements. Fiscal analysts also told Louisiana Breaking News the issue underscores a broader problem affecting local governments statewide—slow-moving disaster recovery funds that create liquidity crises for cities still managing long-term hurricane repairs.

Economists warn that if FEMA funding continues to lag, New Orleans could face recurring fiscal instability each year. Some state lawmakers are now pushing for Louisiana to establish a municipal stabilization fund, which would act as a financial bridge when federal payments are delayed. Louisiana Breaking News will continue monitoring developments at City Hall and report updates as negotiations with FEMA and potential lenders move forward.

10/21/2025

New Orleans may be unable to pay city workers for the rest of 2025 after officials discovered a $160 million budget deficit

10/20/2025

Buc-ee’s Groundbreaking in Ruston, Louisiana

Ruston, La — The long-anticipated arrival of Buc-ee’s in Louisiana is officially reality. State and local leaders confirmed to Louisiana Breaking News that the Texas-based travel center giant broke ground on its first Louisiana location in Ruston on September 22, 2025, marking a transformative moment for North Louisiana’s economy and travel infrastructure.

The massive facility will cover more than 74,000 square feet and feature 120 fueling stations, a full-service car wash, and Buc-ee’s signature Texas-style market known for brisket sandwiches and Beaver Nuggets. Executives told Louisiana Breaking News the Ruston site was chosen for its “strategic central location” along Interstate 20, offering access to both cross-country truckers and regional travelers. The project is projected to bring 200 full-time jobs and hundreds more during construction.

Ruston Mayor Ronny Walker said the development is one of the most significant private investments in the city’s history. “Buc-ee’s choosing Ruston shows that Louisiana can compete for big names,” Walker told Louisiana Breaking News. “It’s a statement that we’re ready to grow, attract more business, and showcase what North Louisiana has to offer.”

Economists say the project’s economic impact will extend far beyond Ruston. With Shreveport and Monroe less than 70 miles away, the store is expected to pull travelers from across the I-20 corridor. Local business groups anticipate boosts in lodging, dining, and retail spending — potentially generating millions in new annual tourism revenue. Louisiana Breaking News has confirmed the Louisiana Department of Transportation is reviewing nearby roadway adjustments to manage increased traffic flow once Buc-ee’s opens in 2026.

Meanwhile, Louisiana Breaking News has also learned that a second Buc-ee’s is under construction in Lafayette, though that project has been delayed by about two years. Originally slated to open in 2026, the Lafayette site’s new expected completion is 2028, due to design revisions and supply-chain challenges. Despite the delay, officials say the southern Louisiana project remains fully funded and will complement the Ruston location as part of Buc-ee’s larger expansion across the Gulf South.

Louisiana Breaking News will continue tracking both the Ruston and Lafayette developments, including hiring announcements and infrastructure updates throughout 2026 and beyond.

10/20/2025

Louisiana SNAP Benefits Threatened by Federal Shutdown

Baton Rouge, La — Louisiana officials are warning that federal food-assistance programs could face immediate disruption if Congress fails to pass a budget, putting pressure on nearly 900,000 residents who depend on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

The Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) told Louisiana Breaking News that contingency reserves would cover only about two weeks of benefits in a shutdown scenario.

SNAP supports roughly 18 percent of Louisiana households, one of the highest rates in the nation. Many are still recovering from pandemic-era economic strains and recent hurricane-related job losses. DCFS said it is coordinating with local food banks and parish agencies to prepare for emergency distributions if federal funding halts.

Community advocates told Louisiana Breaking News that a lapse in payments would be “devastating,” especially for working families with fixed incomes. “Most families living paycheck to paycheck can’t absorb even one missed month of benefits,” said a Baton Rouge nonprofit director assisting low-income households.

Local grocery chains have also expressed concern over consumer spending drops if SNAP delays occur. Retail associations warn that small grocers in rural areas may see immediate sales declines. State economists estimate a shutdown could remove over $140 million in monthly spending from Louisiana’s economy.

Louisiana Breaking News has reached out to state and federal representatives for updates on emergency planning and will continue tracking the potential economic fallout if budget negotiations fail in Washington.

10/17/2025

Meta Secures $30 Billion Financing for Massive Richland Parish Louisiana Data Center

Richland Parish, La — Meta Platforms, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, has officially secured a $30 billion financing package for construction of its Hyperion Data Center, a massive next-generation facility slated for Richland Parish. Louisiana economic officials have confirmed to Louisiana Breaking News that this project ranks among the largest private capital investments in state history, signaling a new era for Louisiana’s tech and infrastructure growth.

The financing was arranged through a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) partnership, with Meta retaining a 20 percent stake and investment giants Blue Owl Capital and PIMCO funding the remainder. Morgan Stanley led the structuring process, coordinating an international lending group to secure terms. According to documents reviewed by Louisiana Breaking News, construction could begin by early 2026 with completion targeted for late 2029.

Beyond the Richland Parish build, talks are also underway for a second Meta-affiliated data hub in the Shreveport-Bossier market, local officials confirmed. While the Shreveport site remains under evaluation, parish sources told Louisiana Breaking News it could focus on “edge-computing” technology to enhance Meta’s southern U.S. network reliability. Combined, both projects could position Louisiana as a key digital corridor between Texas and Mississippi.

The Hyperion facility will support Meta’s artificial-intelligence computing systems, high-capacity cloud operations, and data-storage management. Meta representatives said they plan to integrate renewable power sources through regional energy partners and utilize Louisiana-based contractors for a majority of the development. When fully operational, the project is projected to create more than 300 permanent jobs and thousands of temporary construction positions, generating long-term growth for surrounding communities.

Governor Jeff Landry called the deal “a milestone for innovation in Louisiana,” telling Louisiana Breaking News that the project demonstrates how the state’s business climate is “turning heads on the global stage.” Local development officials echoed that sentiment, noting that Meta’s arrival could attract other technology partners seeking infrastructure-ready sites. “This isn’t just another corporate expansion,” one Richland Parish board member told Louisiana Breaking News. “It’s a signal that Louisiana is ready to compete in the digital economy.”

Louisiana Breaking News has been tracking the Hyperion project since early negotiations began in 2024 and will continue to follow the Shreveport expansion discussions as they develop.

10/06/2025

Two People And A Dog Killed After Vehicle Struck By Train In South Shreveport

Shreveport, La. — In the early morning hours of Monday, October 6, 2025, two people and a dog were killed when their vehicle was struck by a train in south Shreveport.

The crash happened around 2:09 a.m. near East 84th and East 85th Streets off Fairfield Avenue. According to Shreveport Police, preliminary information indicates the vehicle drove around the lowered crossing bars moments before being hit by an oncoming train.

Emergency crews from the Shreveport Police and Fire Departments responded within minutes, but both victims were pronounced dead at the scene. A dog inside the vehicle also died from the impact.

Authorities are continuing to investigate the deadly crash. The names of the victims have not yet been released pending notification of their families.

10/06/2025

Woman Shot on N. Market in Shreveport; Crash Follows Near North Hearne

Shreveport, LA — A Sunday, October 5, 2025 evening shooting on Shreveport’s north side led to a chaotic scene when the vehicle with a gunshot victim crashed during an attempted rush to a nearby hospital.

According to Shreveport Police, the incident began around 5:50 p.m. on North Market Street near Kitty Lane, when an unidentified suspect opened fire on a Chevy Camaro, striking a female occupant. Before first responders could arrive, the driver attempted to transport the victim to a nearby hospital for medical help.

Moments later, the vehicle crashed near North Market and North Hearne Avenue, forcing emergency crews to respond to both the shooting and the wreck within minutes.

Shreveport Fire Department medics provided emergency aid at the scene before transporting the woman to Ochsner LSU Health for further treatment. Her current condition has not been released.

A male individual was detained for questioning as investigators worked to secure both locations and collect evidence. Witnesses reported heavy police presence, with at least eight Shreveport Police units and multiple fire department vehicles responding to the area.

Detectives with the Violent Crimes Unit are leading the investigation to determine what led up to the gunfire and whether the victim or vehicle was specifically targeted.

Authorities say additional information will be released as the case develops.

10/05/2025

New Orleans Saints Extend SuperDome Lease Through 2035

New Orleans, LA — The New Orleans Saints have signed a new lease agreement keeping the franchise in the Caesars Superdome through at least the 2035 season, securing the team’s long-term home in downtown New Orleans.

Team officials and state leaders announced the extension following months of negotiations involving the Louisiana Stadium and Exposition District. The deal includes stadium upgrades, infrastructure improvements, and extended maintenance funding shared between the franchise and the state.

Renovations totaling more than $500 million are either completed or under way, focusing on concourse expansion, new premium seating, upgraded restrooms, and energy-efficient systems designed to modernize the 49-year-old stadium.

Governor Jeff Landry praised the agreement as a “win for Louisiana fans and taxpayers,” emphasizing that the Saints’ continued presence bolsters tourism, hospitality, and downtown economic activity. Economists estimate NFL home games generate tens of millions annually for local businesses.

The Saints, founded in 1967, have played in the Superdome since 1975. The updated lease reinforces the team’s commitment to staying in Louisiana and continuing its partnership with New Orleans events and community programs.

10/05/2025

Planned Parenthood Ends Operations in Louisiana After Four Decades

Baton Rouge, LA — After more than forty years of providing reproductive health care in Louisiana, Planned Parenthood has formally closed its remaining clinics in the state, ending operations amid tightening laws, political pressure, and rising operational costs.

The closures mark the first time in decades that Louisiana will have no active Planned Parenthood health centers. The organization previously operated locations in New Orleans and Baton Rouge, offering family-planning services, cancer screenings, HIV testing, and contraception programs to thousands of low-income residents.

Officials cited a combination of legislative restrictions, funding limitations, and security challenges that made continued operation unsustainable. Recent state measures limited both abortion access and certain reproductive-care reimbursements, while federal Title X rule changes further reduced revenue streams.

Advocates warn the absence of these clinics will leave a major gap in preventive and reproductive health services, particularly for women without private insurance. Local health departments and nonprofit providers are exploring ways to absorb displaced patients, but capacity remains limited.

Public-health analysts say Louisiana now joins a growing list of states with drastically reduced reproductive-care infrastructure since the 2022 federal court rulings reshaped abortion access nationwide.