The Acadiana Advocate

For over a hundred years, The Advocate has been a key news source for Louisiana, and it has recently begun the daily publication of The Acadiana Advocate.

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Gov. Jeff Landry and Louisiana's oil industry are at odds over bill heading for key vote

22 hours ago | theadvocate.com | David Mitchell

Gov. Jeff Landry turned heads this week when he accused the oil-and-gas industry of "hypocrisy" in a dispute over a bill making its way through the state Legislature. That bill drawing the oil industry's ire is now headed for a key vote this weekend. The comments from the Republican governor came in defense of a sprawling bill that includes changes to how the state and its courts deal with a class of oil field cleanup litigation known as "legacy" lawsuits. The bill, SB 244 by Sen.
Crowley man dies in Acadia Parish crash, Louisiana State Police say

1 day ago | theadvocate.com | Jakori Madison

A Crowley man died Thursday in an Acadia Parish crash, according to Louisiana State Police. Police said the crash claimed the life of 60-year-old Roderick Boullion of Crowley. Just after noon Thursday, troopers began investigating a two-vehicle crash on Louisiana Highway 13 near its intersection with Airport Road in Acadia Parish. The preliminary investigation revealed that a 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis, driven by Boullion was traveling north on Highway 13.
Acadiana Meta Fest: Highlighting the vibrant and growing metaphysical scene in Acadiana

1 day ago | theadvocate.com | Jakori Madison

Get ready to raise your vibration at the 2nd annual Acadiana Meta Fest as it returns to Lafayette this weekend for a day full of magic, music, and fun. On Saturday from 10am to 5pm at Downtown Convention Center in Lafayette, the fest will include something to do for the whole family. Free for everyone, this all-day event brings together energy healers, divination readers, artists, local vendors, music, dance, and more — all designed to uplift, inspire, and connect the metaphysical community.
For every Baton Rouge restaurant that has closed in 2025, four have opened. See what closed.

1 day ago | theadvocate.com | Lauren Cheramie

As summer sets in and the days grow longer, Louisiana restaurant closures often follow — the seasonal “summer slump” can hit hard. But in Baton Rouge this year, the trend is bucking expectations: For every restaurant that has closed, four have opened. So far in 2025, 24 restaurants have opened in the Baton Rouge area, while just six have closed.
Jennings man arrested on child sex crimes, police say

1 day ago | theadvocate.com | Stephen Marcantel

Jennings police arrested a man in connection with sex crimes involving children. LJ Shawn Dietz, 31, of Jennings, was arrested Tuesday and faces 12 counts of carnal knowledge of a juvenile, three counts of first-degree rape of a victim under the age of 13 and one count of contempt of court. Dietz is being held at the Jefferson Davis Parish Jail. He is being held without bond.
Double Wednesday shooting in Jeanerette leads to three arrests

1 day ago | theadvocate.com | Stephen Marcantel

Three people were arrested in connection with two separate shootings that occurred Wednesday in Jeanerette. Jeanerette police responded around 3 p.m. to reports of a shooting in the 600 block of Canal Street, according to a Jeanerette Police Department announcement. Upon arrival, police discovered a male victim suffering from non-life-threatening injuries. Officers unsuccessfully pursued five suspected people on foot.
3 indicted on murder charges in killing of Louisiana state legislator's grandson

1 day ago | theadvocate.com | Matt Bruce

Three East Baton Rouge Parish men have been indicted in the killing of a Louisiana state representative’s grandson. D’Shawn Brown, 22, died in a hail of bullets after he was shot multiple times in a McDonald’s parking lot Jan. 20. Brown is the grandson of state Rep C. Denise Marcelle, D-Baton Rouge. Baton Rouge police arrested a trio of suspects in connection to the shooting in the ensuing days.
Popular Baton Rouge chef is headed to Mississippi Gulf Coast. See what restaurant he's opening.

1 day ago | theadvocate.com | Lauren Cheramie

Baton Rouge chef David Dickensauge is on the move again. Except this time, he's saying farewell to Louisiana to open a restaurant of his own on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Dickensauge has had a hand in numerous Baton Rouge restaurants — consulting on menus and running kitchens. The list includes Beausoleil Coastal Cuisine, Pizza Art Wine, Bin 77 Bistro & Bar, Proverbial Wine Bistro, Tsunami, Zeeland Street, Library Wine and Provisions in Gonzales and, most recently, The Colonel's Club.
After 1,326 shows, Baton Rouge's Red Dragon Listening Room will cease its gentle roar June 28

1 day ago | theadvocate.com | John Wirt

Since 2002, the Red Dragon Listening Room has been Baton Rouge’s haven for singer-songwriters and their fans. Possibly no one loves the noncommercial singer-songwriter and folk music genres more than Red Dragon founder Chris Maxwell. He’s presented 1,326 shows, beginning at the venue’s original Government Street location and later at the Florida Street address it’s occupied since 2008.
Louisiana's House passed an anti-DEI bill after racially charged debate. Then it stalled.

2 days ago | theadvocate.com | Tyler Bridges

A bill that would ban Louisiana’s diversity, equity and inclusion programs provoked charges of racism by Black legislators, an anguished response from White colleagues and tears by the measure’s sponsor when it was debated on the floor of the state House of Representatives. That was more than two weeks ago. Since then, House Bill 685 has remained stuck on the Senate calendar, dying on the vine, in the final days of the legislative session.