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Faith Communities Urged To Become A Consistent Source Of Support For Foster Children

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BATON ROUGE, Louisiana ( LAAN 54 ) —  Churches and faith communities can play a lasting role in supporting children in foster care, according to Dr. Sharen Ford, director of  Foster Care and Adoption at Focus on the Family. Ford, who has spent 14 years with the ministry, said children entering foster care should not be viewed as “bad kids,” but as children who have experienced abuse, neglect or trauma and need stability, love and care. She encouraged churches to move beyond one-time drives and special events and become consistent sources of support for children and foster families. “The church is the answer for the children in our foster care system,” Ford said. She said that support can include foster families willing to open their homes, individuals praying for children and churches providing practical resources. One example is Focus on the Family’s Suitcase Bundle program, which provides children entering foster care with a 30-inch wheeled duffel bag, a teddy bear and an ag...
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Louisiana Ranks Second-Widest For DUI Enforcement Gap

BATON ROUGE, Louisiana ( LAAN 54 ) —  Louisiana ranks second nationally for the widest gap between DUI crashes and DUI arrests, according to a new 50-state analysis by Grigor Law Injury and Car Accident Lawyers. The study found Louisiana averages about 163 DUI crashes and 3,377 DUI arrests annually. The state’s DUI crash rate is 3.53 per 100,000 residents, significantly higher than the national average of 2.10. Louisiana recorded a crash-to-arrest ratio of 20.77 in the analysis. That places the state behind only Delaware, which recorded a ratio of 8.92. Florida ranked third-widest at 36.84, while Texas ranked 10th at 75.63. South Dakota recorded the largest ratio among the states analyzed. The study compares average DUI crashes and arrests across the 50 states. The figures do not explain why states have different crash or arrest patterns and should not be interpreted as a direct assessment of individual law-enforcement agencies. The findings nevertheless highlight how Louisiana’s D...
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Baton Rouge Ranks Among Nation’s Most Dangerous Cities For Night Driving

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BATON ROUGE, Louisiana  ( LAAN 54 ) — Baton Rouge has one of the highest shares of fatal crashes occurring after dark in the country, according to a September 2026 study of nighttime traffic safety in 280 U.S. cities. The Hines Law study found 173 fatal crashes occurred in darkness in Baton Rouge from 2020 through 2024, with 79 pedestrians killed during nighttime crashes. About 70% of the city’s fatal crashes occurred after dark, one of the highest rates identified in the study. Researchers found 188 people were killed in nighttime crashes during the five-year period. The study calculated nighttime fatality rates using city populations and examined crashes recorded by police as occurring in darkness. It also considered fatal crashes occurring on roads without street lighting and pedestrian deaths. Researchers noted that speeding was involved in about 18% of Baton Rouge’s nighttime crashes examined in the study. A Hines Law legal expert said nighttime crashes can be influenced ...
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Louisiana Officials Address Rising Infrastructure Costs

BATON ROUGE, Louisiana ( LAAN 54 ) — Louisiana officials are continuing to address infrastructure needs across the state as communities prepare for continued growth and development. Transportation projects in Lafayette, Shreveport and other Louisiana communities remain a major focus for local and state governments. In Lafayette, officials recently announced a major federal infrastructure award connected to the I-49 Connector. State officials have also continued efforts to modernize government services and strengthen infrastructure designed to support residents and businesses. Infrastructure spending remains an important part of Louisiana's economic development strategy.
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Lafayette Extends Becky Lane Closure For Drainage Work

  LAFAYETTE, Louisiana ( LAAN 54 ) — Lafayette officials extended a temporary closure on Becky Lane as crews continue drainage improvements. The roadway between Kaliste Saloom Road and Drury Lane is scheduled to close daily from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Oct. 31. Drivers traveling through the area are encouraged to plan for additional travel time and use alternate routes when possible. The project is part of ongoing infrastructure work designed to improve drainage and transportation conditions in Lafayette. Officials said the closure schedule could affect motorists during daytime travel.
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Lafayette Invests More Than $1 Million In Thomas Park Improvements

LAFAYETTE, Louisiana ( LAAN 54 ) — Lafayette officials announced continued improvements at Thomas Park, including the addition of four new tennis courts. The city said more than $1.2 million has been invested in improvements at the park in less than two years. The project is part of Lafayette's broader investment in recreational facilities and public spaces. Officials say improvements to parks provide residents with additional opportunities for recreation and community activities. The investment comes as Lafayette continues to expand programming and infrastructure throughout the city and parish.
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New Orleans Council And Governor Discuss Local Issues

NEW ORLEANS, Louisiana ( LAAN 54 ) — Gov. Jeff Landry met with New Orleans City Councilmember Eugene Green in Baton Rouge as state and local officials discussed issues affecting Green's district. The meeting lasted approximately an hour, according to reports, and came amid political tensions involving the New Orleans City Council. Landry also indicated he planned to reach out to Councilmember Lesli Harris. The meeting focused on district-specific concerns and represented an effort to maintain communication between state and city leaders. State and local cooperation remains important as New Orleans addresses infrastructure, public safety and other city priorities.
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