Central Louisiana News

On May 21, 2024, U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Chris Murphy (D-CT), and Tim Kaine (D-VA) introduced a resolution affirming Congress’ support for an international mission to restore peace and security in Haiti and return the country to democratic governance. The resolution comes in response to the deteriorating security situation in Haiti following the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021. Armed gangs have since taken control of critical infrastructure, obstructing access to humanitarian aid and causing thousands of Haitians to be displaced while cholera cases...

Where were the cheapest places to fill up on regular gas in cities in Grant Parish in week ending May 18?

The only price of regular gas in cities throughout Grant Parish was found at a single gas station in the week ending May 18, according to GasBuddy.com.

Senator Cassidy calls for reforms to lower US energy costs amid competition with China

U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), underscored the necessity for ongoing fossil fuel production to reduce energy costs, support U.S. competitiveness, and ensure baseload electricity availability during a U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee hearing today. Cassidy questioned leaders in the U.S. energy sector about the role of fossil fuels and the insufficiency of renewable energy to meet U.S. electricity demand. He also emphasized the importance of supporting American energy production to remain competitive with China.

Senators call on VA over alleged misuse of $11 million in bonuses

On May 21, 2024, U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), and ten Republican colleagues demanded the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) repay nearly $11 million in unjustified bonuses distributed to senior executives within the VA. They also called for the immediate dismissal of the responsible officials.

Where could drivers find the cheapest gas in cities within Natchitoches Parish in week ending May 18?

The only price of midgrade gas in cities throughout Natchitoches Parish was found at a single gas station in the week ending May 18, according to GasBuddy.com.

Where could drivers find the cheapest gas in cities within Concordia Parish in week ending May 18?

The only price of premium gas in cities throughout Concordia Parish was found at a single gas station in the week ending May 18, according to GasBuddy.com.

Cassidy announces $2.8 million in brownfield grants from infrastructure law

U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) announced that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will grant Louisiana a total of $2,790,550 in Brownfield Grants from his Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). The IIJA has provided an additional $1.5 billion for Brownfield Cleanup Grants.

Cassidy awards $52 million from IIJA for replacing aging natural gas pipes

On Friday afternoon, Senator Cassidy awarded grants totaling over $52 million from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) to municipalities and gas utility districts seeking to replace aging natural gas infrastructure with new pipelines. “This money will decrease the risk of explosion and decrease the amount of wasted methane which people are paying for, thus saving folks money,” said Dr. Cassidy. “It also cleans up our environment. It’s a good investment of taxpayer dollars for the benefit of folks in Louisiana.”

1 gas station in cities throughout Rapides Parish had the cheapest diesel in week ending May 18

By Central Louisiana News | May 19, 2024

The only price of diesel in cities throughout Rapides Parish was found at a single gas station in the week ending May 18, according to GasBuddy.com.

1 gas station in cities throughout Concordia Parish had the cheapest midgrade gas in week ending May 18

By Central Louisiana News | May 19, 2024

The only price of midgrade gas in cities throughout Concordia Parish was found at a single gas station in the week ending May 18, according to GasBuddy.com.

Central Louisiana News area weekly mass times

By Central Louisiana News | May 18, 2024

The following parishes in the Central Louisiana News coverage area hold weekly mass at these designated times.

8% of citizens unemployed in Avoyelles Parish in 2021

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.

Chloe Bennett, former Rosepine High School softball player will compete for a chance to play for the College World Series