Lafayette Reporter

WASHINGTON. – Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, today announced $9,443,948 in Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) grants for Louisiana disaster aid."Many Louisianians are still recovering from Hurricane Ida’s damage. This $9.4 million will help repair electric lines in south Louisiana and support Lafourche Parish Hospital’s continued recovery," said Kennedy.The FEMA aid will fund $6,941,868 to the Dixie Electric Membership Corporation for line and facility repairs as a result of Hurricane Ida, and $2,502,080 to Lafourche...

Senators Kennedy and Scott Introduce Bill to Protect Small Business Lenders from Biden Administration's SBA Plan

Sen. John Kennedy and Sen. Tim Scott have introduced the Protecting Access to Credit for Small Businesses Act, a bill aimed at preventing the Biden administration from using the Small Business Administration (SBA) as a direct lender for the 7(a) Loan Program.Kennedy expressed his concerns, stating, "Fraud and inefficiency characterize the Small Business Administration’s history in direct lending. The government shouldn’t crowd out private lenders that are already doing a good job getting funds to the small businesses that need them."Similarly, Scott emphasized the risks...

CITY-PARISH ATTORNEY MOVES TO DISMISS APPEAL IN FEDERAL COURT CASE

In Lafayette, Louisiana, City-Parish Attorney Patrick S. Ottinger has taken a significant step in a federal court case by filing a motion to dismiss the appeal currently pending in the United States Court of Appeals, Fifth Circuit in New Orleans. The appeal originates from a decision made in September 2023 by the United States District Court, Western Division of Louisiana, which dismissed without prejudice a lawsuit brought by the Lafayette City-Parish Consolidated Government against St. Martin Parish and the United States Army Corps of Engineers.The lawsuit was triggered...

LAFAYETTE PARC COACHES AWARDS NIGHT CELEBRATES VOLUNTEER EXCELLENCE IN YOUTH SPORTS

Lafayette, LA – Lafayette Parks, Arts, Recreation, & Culture (PARC) will host its annual PARC Coaches Awards Night on Thursday, March 21, 2024. The event aims to honor the dedicated coaches of all teams in the PARC football, flag football, and basketball programs who generously volunteered their time and expertise during the fall and winter seasons.The Coaches Awards Night will take place at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Center located at 309 Cora St. in Lafayette, starting at 7:00 p.m. The evening will be filled with appreciation and recognition for the invaluable...

1 gas station in cities throughout Acadia Parish had the cheapest regular gas in week ending Mar. 16

The only price of regular gas in cities throughout Acadia Parish was found at a single gas station in the week ending Mar. 16, according to GasBuddy.com.

Medium state superintendent cade brumley 2023

Acadia Parish Education: 2,201 Black students were enrolled in schools in 2022-23 school year

Acadia Parish schools reported 2,201 Black students enrolled in the 2022-23 school year.

Kennedy, Coons introduce bipartisan bill to help more small businesses win government contracts

Sen. John Kennedy from Louisiana and Sen. Chris Coons from Connecticut have introduced the bipartisan Small Business Contracting Transparency Act to assist small businesses in winning contracts with federal agencies. According to Kennedy, "Louisiana’s small businesses are the backbone of our economy, and they deserve a fair shot at working with the federal government." He emphasized the importance of the act in providing job creators with opportunities.Coons also expressed his support for the bill, stating, "When small businesses are able to fulfill federal contracts,...

Senators Kennedy and Barrasso Call for Reversal of Apprenticeship Program Mandates

Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) and Sen. John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) have come together to urge the Biden administration to reverse a proposed rule by the Department of Labor that could negatively impact small businesses and non-union shops participating in the National Apprenticeship System.Kennedy expressed his concerns, stating, “The new regulation the Biden administration is putting in place effectively attacks good jobs that use apprenticeship programs to train Americans for a variety of careers. By punishing non-union job creators, the Department of Labor is also making it...

Kennedy, Louisiana delegation urge SBA to make emergency declaration for crawfish producers

Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) and members of the Louisiana congressional delegation are calling on Small Business Association (SBA) Administrator Isabel Guzman to provide emergency assistance to Louisiana's crawfish industry. The lawmakers are urging the SBA to make a disaster declaration to support crawfish processors, wholesalers, boilers, and other related enterprises impacted by adverse weather conditions in 2023.In a joint letter, the lawmakers highlighted the challenges faced by Louisiana's crawfish industry, stating, "Many industries throughout Louisiana suffered...

Where were the cheapest places to fill up on midgrade gas in cities in Lafayette Parish in week ending Mar. 16?

The only price of midgrade gas in cities throughout Lafayette Parish was found at a single gas station in the week ending Mar. 16, according to GasBuddy.com.

Cheapest premium gas in cities across Lafayette Parish in week ending Mar. 16

The only price of premium gas in cities throughout Lafayette Parish was found at a single gas station in the week ending Mar. 16, according to GasBuddy.com.

Lafayette Consolidated Government Invites Residents to Brown Park Public Meeting

Lafayette Consolidated Government (LCG) has announced a public meeting to discuss the future of Brown Park, a cherished space in the Lafayette community. The meeting is scheduled for March 25 at 6:00 p.m. at the Dupuis Recreation Center.According to LCG, Brown Park holds a special place in the hearts of Lafayette residents, serving as a focal point for community gatherings. The government entity is encouraging all residents and stakeholders to attend the meeting to receive updates on the project plans.City officials, in collaboration with representatives from the Parks,...

Kennedy announces $32.2 million in Hurricane Laura aid for Diocese of Lake Charles

MADISONVILLE, La. – Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, today announced $32,204,014 in Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) grants for Louisiana disaster aid."Hurricane Laura left many buildings in the Lake Charles community with severe damage. I’m grateful to see that this $32.2 million will help repair the St. Louis High School and benefit Louisianians in the area," said Kennedy.The FEMA aid will fund the following:- $21,022,561 to the Society of the Roman Catholic Church of the Diocese of Lake Charles for repairs to the...

Lafayette Parish Education: 14,175 Black students were enrolled in schools in 2022-23 school year

Black students made up 40.7% of the enrollment in Lafayette Parish public schools in the 2022-23 school year.

Lane Closure Announced for 2300 Block of Kaliste Saloom Road in Lafayette

Lafayette, LA – The southwest bound exterior lane in the 2300 block of Kaliste Saloom Road will be closed for construction from March 18 to March 22, 2024. The closure is necessary as the contractor for Superior Grill will be constructing a driveway to access the development.This lane closure will impact traffic flow in the area for the specified duration. Residents and commuters are advised to plan their routes accordingly during this period. The closure is expected to facilitate the construction of the driveway for Superior Grill's development.The closure announcement...

Kennedy, Hyde-Smith claim victory for U.S. catfish producers as Biden admin reverses antidumping order