News from the South - Louisiana News Feed
Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry signs order for ‘Gulf of America’ change to all state laws, documents
Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry signs order for ‘Gulf of America’ change to all state laws, documents
by Greg LaRose, Louisiana Illuminator
March 13, 2025
GRAY – Following the lead of President Donald Trump, Republican Gov. Jeff Landry signed an executive order Thursday that directs state agencies to change all references to the Gulf of Mexico in Louisiana laws and other documents to the “Gulf of America.”
Landry, who signed the order before he spoke at a business luncheon in Terrebonne Parish, invited state lawmakers in attendance to join in for the ceremony.
The same order also urges Congress to make the same name change to the body of water and establish what the governor called a “uniform state territorial jurisdiction of water limits.”
“That means we’re going to all get the same amount of miles off the coast as everyone else,” Landry told the audience.
Florida and Texas claim fishing and energy exploration rights to waters 9 nautical miles off their respective Gulf coasts, but the limit in Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama is 3 miles. The difference goes back to when Florida and Texas gained their statehood in 1845. Both were allowed to maintain the offshore boundaries established when they were Spanish territories, while the other three states stayed at the 3-mile mark then-Secretary of State Thomas Jefferson established in 1793.
Members of Louisiana’s congressional delegation have tried unsuccessfully for decades to extend its offshore water to 9 miles.
A copy of the executive order wasn’t immediately available from the governor’s office.
This is a developing story that will be updated.
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On Louisiana’s coast, communities embrace ‘Gulf of America’ rebrand
Louisiana Illuminator is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Louisiana Illuminator maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Greg LaRose for questions: info@lailluminator.com.
The post Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry signs order for ‘Gulf of America’ change to all state laws, documents appeared first on lailluminator.com
News from the South - Louisiana News Feed
Be prepared for severe storms later today
SUMMARY: Be prepared for severe storms later today, especially in San Antonio. Rain chances are low until after lunch but will rise by early afternoon with storms forming in the Hill Country. By late afternoon and evening, there’s about a 70% chance of rain, continuing through midnight. The storms are driven by fronts from the north, ample moisture, and upper-level energy, leading to potential strong to severe storms with gusty winds, hail, and localized flooding. Tornado risk is low but present. Tomorrow will be cooler with lingering clouds, dry conditions, and temperatures around 79°F. More storms are possible next week.

The best odds for rain will be between 7 and 10pm.
News from the South - Louisiana News Feed
Jury finds Hannah Landon guilty of murdering 6-year-old Bella Fontenelle
SUMMARY: Hannah Landon was found guilty of first-degree murder and two counts of obstruction of justice for the death of 6-year-old Bella Fontenelle. Bella’s body was discovered in a bucket outside her mother’s home two years ago. The jury deliberated for less than an hour before reaching the verdict. During the trial, defense arguments questioned Landon’s mental state at the time of the crime, while a state psychologist testified she knew right from wrong. The judge decided not to pursue the death penalty, and Landon faces life in prison with no parole. Sentencing is scheduled for May 7th.

Sentencing is set for Tuesday, May 6, at 9 a.m.
News from the South - Louisiana News Feed
Jury convicts woman of murder after six-year-old girl was found dead in a bucket
SUMMARY: A jury convicted Landon, the girlfriend of a six-year-old girl’s father, of first-degree murder after the child’s death. The girl, Bella Fontanel, was strangled, placed in a bucket, and left on her mother’s lawn. Despite an insanity plea, the jury found Landon guilty on all counts after less than an hour of deliberation, sentencing her to mandatory life without parole. Prosecutors described Landon as calculated and bitter, motivated by tensions with Bella’s father. Emotional testimonies and evidence showed premeditation. Landon remained silent during the trial. Sentencing is scheduled in five days in Jefferson Parish.

Jury convicts woman of murder after six-year-old girl was found dead in a bucket
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