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(AP) — President Donald Trump has signed an executive order to block states from regulating artificial intelligence. He argues that heavy regulations could stifle the industry, especially given competition from China. Trump says the U.S. needs a unified approach to AI regulation to avoid complications from state-by-state rules. The order directs the administration to draw up a list of problematic regulations for the Attorney General to challenge. States with laws could lose access to broadband funding, according to the text of the order. Some states have already passed AI laws focusing on transparency and limiting data collection.

WASHINGTON (AP) — A new AP-NORC poll finds this holiday season isn’t quite so merry for American shoppers as large shares of them are dipping into savings, scouring for bargains and feeling like the overall economy is stuck in a rut under President Donald Trump. The vast majority of U.S. adults say they’ve noticed higher than usual prices for groceries, electricity and holiday gifts. Roughly half of Americans say it’s harder than usual to afford the things they want to give as holiday gifts. It’s a sobering assessment for the Republican president, who returned to the White House in large part by promising to lower prices.

The Jeff Davis Parish Police Jury recently approved changes to the ordinance definition of a farm for exemption consideration, agriculture sale limitations and building inspection exemptions.

Residents will continue to see improvements at Greenwood Cemetery, including a completed pavilion, paved driveway and expansion of burial sites.

— Auction of oil and gas drilling rights in the Gulf of America for the first time since 2023 was held Wednesday in New Orleans, marking a key milestone in the Trump administration’s effort to unleash energy production in federal waters.

The Jeff Davis Parish Library Board of Control voted this week on a proposed budget for the 2026 fiscal year.