News

Residents urged to plan for sober ride

Fri, 07/03/2026 - 05:23

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Louisiana’s Destination Zero Deaths is reminding drivers that drinking and driving is deadly and never an option. Join NHTSA and DZD in sharing this message for a safe celebration of Independence Day: Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving.

Audit finds barriers hinder Louisiana WIC enrollment

Fri, 07/03/2026 - 05:23

(The Center Square) — More than half of Louisiana's WIC clinics failed to meet required outreach standards, most operated only during traditional business hours, and the state ranked last in the nation for participation in the federal nutrition program, according to a performance audit by the Louisiana Legislative Auditor.

Air Products cancels state clean energy project

Fri, 07/03/2026 - 05:23

(The Center Square) — Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. announced Tuesday it will not proceed with development of the Louisiana Clean Energy Complex, the company's proposed multi-billion-dollar blue hydrogen and carbon capture project in Ascension Parish.

State collects $14.5M of $73M in Medicaid fraud restitution

Fri, 07/03/2026 - 05:23

(The Center Square) — Louisiana has secured more than $73 million in restitution orders tied to Medicaid fraud and related cases under Attorney General Liz Murrill, but only about $14.5 million has actually been collected.

POLICE REPORT

Fri, 07/03/2026 - 05:23

(Editor’s Note: An arrest does not indicate whether a person is guilty of the crime with which they have been charged. A person is not considered guilty until they are convicted of a crime in a court of law.)

Renewed call for constitutional amendment after SCOTUS ruling

Fri, 07/03/2026 - 05:23

(The Center Square) — After the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the 14th Amendment applies to children born in the U.S.

Matthews Funeral Home: Continuing a tradition of compassionate service while embracing families’ changing needs

Fri, 07/03/2026 - 05:23

For generations, families throughout Jeff Davis and Vermillion parishes, as well as the surrounding areas, have turned to Matthews Funeral Home during some of life’s most difficult moments. While the funeral home is now under new ownership, the commitment to serving families with dignity, compassion and respect remains at the heart of everything they do.

CURRENT DATA CENTER PROJECTS MAY BE EXEMPT FROM LOUISIANA RULE

Fri, 07/03/2026 - 05:23

(The Center Square) — Gov. Jeff Landry wants new taxpayer protections for data centers, but the largest projects already under construction will not have to follow them.

One-year-old Sonny Landry is all smiles as communities across the nation celebrate America’s 250th birthday. Sonny lives in Jennings with his parents Bailey and Kade Landry and sibling River. Daily News photo by Erin Hargrave

RED, WHITE & adorable

Fri, 07/03/2026 - 05:23

Local fourth grader Etta Landry proudly displays her work of art symbolizing what America means to her. The elementary student is the daughter of Ben and Amber Landry, the granddaughter of Tony and Sharon Comeaux, Todd and Sandy Landry and the great-granddaughter of Albert and Linda Wilson and Mary Landry, all of Jennings. Submitted photo

Local youth claims national honors

Fri, 07/03/2026 - 05:23

What started as a fun art project for 9-year-old Etta Landry has blossomed into a national honor. The Jennings homeschool fourth grader was recently named a 2026 America’s Field Trip award winner, earning recognition in the nationwide contest spon- sored by America250, the official organization established by Congress to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States.