Central Louisiana News

The unemployment rate in Avoyelles Parish hit 8% among residents aged 16 and 65 years old in 2021.

Cheapest regular gas in cities across Grant Parish in week ending May 11

The only price of regular gas in cities throughout Grant Parish was found at a single gas station in the week ending May 11, according to GasBuddy.com.

Senators Cassidy and Cardin Support OAS Observation Mission in Guatemala

U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) and Ben Cardin (D-MD) have voiced their support for Guatemalan President Bernardo Arevalo's request for an Organization of American States (OAS) observation mission to oversee the selection process for justices for Guatemala’s Supreme Court and Court of Appeals. The senators sent a letter to OAS Secretary General Luis Almagro, highlighting the crucial role that the OAS has played in safeguarding Guatemalan democracy and its potential to continue doing so in order to uphold the integrity and independence of Guatemala’s judicial system.

Senate advances bill to enhance FEMA's workforce planning and disaster response

Legislation spearheaded by U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy, M.D. and Gary Peters (D-MI) has made headway in the Senate. The bill, aimed at directing the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to formulate a comprehensive plan for efficient workforce management, is designed to ensure communities are adequately equipped to handle natural disasters.

Senators introduce bill to intensify crackdown on illegal pill presses

U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH) have proposed legislation to increase penalties for individuals using pill presses to manufacture counterfeit drugs, including opioids. The Criminalizing Abused Substance Templates (CAST) Act aims to modify the Controlled Substances Act by defining the criminal penalty for creating counterfeit drugs with a pill press. The current law, which prohibits this practice, is deemed to have insufficient penalties, particularly in relation to fentanyl.

Congresswoman Letlow and Senator Kennedy introduce crop insurance amendment act

Congresswoman Julia Letlow (LA-05) and Senator John Kennedy (R-LA) have introduced the Quality Loss Adjustment Improvement for Farmers Act. The proposed legislation aims to amend the Federal Crop Insurance Act, providing enhanced and more flexible insurance coverage for farmers who have suffered crop quality loss.

Republican senators introduce resolution to block Biden's ATF rule

U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), John Cornyn (R-TX), Thom Tillis (R-NC), and 41 Senate Republicans have introduced a joint resolution of disapproval under the Congressional Review Act to strike down the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives’ (ATF) rule on the definition of “Engaged in the Business” as a Dealer in Firearms. They argue that the rule flagrantly violates the Constitution by requiring anyone who sells a firearm to register as a federal firearm licensee.

Senators propose 'Vets Get Outside Day' to address veteran mental health issues

U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), Angus King (I-ME), and Kevin Cramer (R-ND) have proposed a resolution to establish “Vets Get Outside Day” in an effort to aid veterans grappling with mental health issues. The period between 2020 and 2022 saw nearly 460,000 veterans diagnosed with traumatic brain injuries, while the year 2020 alone recorded 6,146 veteran suicide deaths. U.S. Representatives Garret Graves (R-LA-06), Seth Moulton (D-MA-06), and Gabe Amo (D-RI-01) also introduced the resolution in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Senators Cassidy and Whitehouse propose legislation for primary care provider payment reform

Senators Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) have initiated a significant step towards addressing primary care challenges and reforming physician payment models. The senators released a Request for Information (RFI) in conjunction with the introduction of their bipartisan Pay PCPs Act. This legislation aims to enhance support and improve pay for high-quality primary care providers.

Senator Cassidy announces $2.8 million FEMA relief for Louisiana post-Hurricane Ida

U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) has announced that Louisiana will receive $2,812,028.40 from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for Hurricane Ida relief. The Franciscan Ministries of Our Lady Health System is set to receive $1,537,769.70 for the permanent restoration of the Franciscan Ministries OLS Building. Additionally, Lafourche Parish will be granted $1,274,258.70 for damages to the Lockport Ball Field Park.

Bipartisan resolution introduced to honor fallen law enforcement officers

On May 15, 2024, a bipartisan resolution was introduced by Congresswoman Julia Letlow (R-LA), Congressman Michael Guest (R-MS), Congressman Chris Pappas (D-NH), and Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger (D-VA). The resolution aims to honor and memorialize law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty. H. Res. 1226 also expresses unwavering support for law enforcement across the nation and underscores the importance of equipping police officers with necessary resources to ensure community safety.

Senators introduce resolution recognizing National Police Week 2024

U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Dick Durbin (D-IL), and 73 Senate colleagues have introduced a resolution designating the week of May 12 through 18, 2024, as National Police Week.

Senator Cassidy highlights bipartisan solution for Social Security insolvency

U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) recently expressed his concerns in a Letter to the Editor in the Washington Post, highlighting the urgent need for a solution to the imminent insolvency of Social Security and Medicare. He pointed out that neither leading presidential candidate has proposed a plan to address this pressing issue.

1 gas station in cities throughout Beauregard Parish had the cheapest regular gas in week ending May 11

The only price of regular gas in cities throughout Beauregard Parish was found at a single gas station in the week ending May 11, according to GasBuddy.com.

Where were the cheapest places to fill up on regular gas in cities in Rapides Parish in week ending May 11?

The only price of regular gas in cities throughout Rapides Parish was found at a single gas station in the week ending May 11, according to GasBuddy.com.

Senator Cassidy supports Louisiana's lawsuit against Biden's PWFA regulation

U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) has expressed his support for the State of Louisiana's lawsuit against the Biden administration, accusing it of unlawfully incorporating abortion politics into its enforcement regulations of the bipartisan Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA). Louisiana is not alone in this legal endeavor; Mississippi has also joined the fight against the Biden administration. In a similar vein, Tennessee and 16 other states have filed comparable litigation in the Eastern District of Arkansas.

Senators propose bill to rename post office after late Congressman Luke Letlow

U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) and John Kennedy (R-LA) have proposed legislation to rename the United States Postal Service facility at 103 Benedette Street in Rayville, Louisiana, as the "Luke Letlow Post Office Building". Luke Letlow was a native of Start who devoted his life to public service. He was elected in 2020 to represent the 5th Congressional District of Louisiana but tragically died from COVID-19 complications before he could be sworn into office.

U.S. Senators introduce resolution supporting U.S.-Paraguay relationship