Jury Research Project – Participants Wanted!

Alexandria-area residents have a unique opportunity to peek behind the legal curtain next month while earning some extra cash.

Proven Focus, a Denver-based trial consulting company, is seeking local participants for a paid jury research project regarding an upcoming legal matter.

The three-hour sessions will take place on Friday, July 10, and Saturday, July 11. Two time slots are available each day: 9 a.m. to noon and 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Participation Details

To qualify for the research focus group, individuals must meet the following criteria:

  • Must be 18 years of age or older.
  • Must be a resident of Alexandria or the surrounding parishes.

Participants will be compensated $110 at the conclusion of their session. Individuals are only permitted to attend one of the four scheduled sessions.

How to Apply

Those interested in participating or who have questions regarding the project should email info@proven-focus.com for more information.

Paid Content


Cleco prepared for Tropical Storm Arthur

Customers encouraged to take precautions due to projected rainfall, flooding and high winds

Cleco is prepared for Tropical Storm Arthur, which is projected to bring heavy rain, flooding and high winds, as it moves northeastward across Louisiana tonight and tomorrow.

“As heavy rain and strong winds move through Cleco’s service territory, customers may experience outages,” said Clint Robichaux, director of distribution operations and reliability. “Cleco is ready to respond to any power outages caused by the storm, and we encourage customers to take the following precautions before and during the storm.”

How customers can prepare:

  • Create an emergency plan and be ready to evacuate if needed.
  • Prepare a storm kit with food, water, flashlights, batteries, medications and a first aid kit.
  • Test generators before the storm and operate them in a well-ventilated area.   
  • Never walk, swim or drive through floodwater. Turn around and find another route. If water begins rising around your home or business, turn off electricity at the main breaker and evacuate. Have an electrician check the wiring before using electricity.
  • Stay away from downed lines. Assume all downed power lines are energized.

How to report an outage:

Customers can report an outage by texting “OUT” to 69378 or by calling Cleco’s Customer Call Center at 1-800-622-6537.


Arrest Report

The following arrests were made by local law enforcement officers from June 1 – June 7.

This information has been provided by a law enforcement agency as public information. Persons named as suspects in a criminal investigation, or arrested and charged with a crime, have not been convicted of any criminal offense and are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.


APSO announces sandbag availability

The Avoyelles Parish Sheriff’s Office is sharing information regarding sandbag availability ahead of the expected upcoming severe weather and heavy rainfall.

Sandbags are available for parish residents starting today at the following location:

The Parish Police Jury Barn
2346 Valley Street
Mansura, Louisiana

The Avoyelles Parish Police Jury advises that this is a self-serve location. Residents must fill their own bags, and it is recommended to bring a shovel.

APSO asks all residents to take precautions, monitor local weather updates closely, and remain mindful of safety.

For Emergencies Dial 911. For Non-Emergencies call The Avoyelles Communications Center at 318-253-4000 or email info@AvoyellesSO.org.


Plaucheville Elementary School gets new principal

Avoyelles Parish School Board has announced Claudine Rogers as Principal of Plaucheville Elementary School.

A former student, teacher, instructional coach, and leader at PES, Claudine’s journey has come full circle. Her passion for student success and commitment to building strong relationships will continue to benefit the entire school community.

Learn more about her vision for Plaucheville Elementary on the APSB website: www.avoyellespsb.com.


Weather Outlook: Hot, humid, and storm-prone

Residents across Avoyelles Parish should prepare for a hot, humid, and storm-prone stretch of June weather as summer conditions settle across central Louisiana. The forecast from Wednesday, June 17 through Tuesday, June 23 calls for frequent thunderstorm chances, muggy afternoons, and periods of heavy rainfall that could lead to localized flooding in low-lying areas.

Wednesday, June 17: Warm and humid conditions return with high temperatures near 88°F and overnight lows around 77°F. Variable cloudiness will dominate the sky, and scattered thunderstorms may develop during the afternoon and evening hours. Brief heavy rain and lightning will be possible in stronger storms.

Thursday, June 18: An unsettled weather pattern continues, with highs near 81°F and overnight lows around 73°F. Showers and thunderstorms are expected to become more widespread, and forecasters warn that additional rainfall could create localized flooding concerns, especially in poor drainage areas.

Friday, June 19: Mostly cloudy skies and continued humidity will keep conditions muggy. Highs are expected near 86°F, with lows around 73°F overnight. A few rounds of showers and thunderstorms remain possible throughout the day, particularly during the afternoon and evening.

Saturday, June 20: Clouds will mix with intervals of sunshine as temperatures climb back to around 88°F. Morning thunderstorms are possible, followed by a warm and humid afternoon. Rain coverage may be less widespread than earlier in the week, though isolated storms remain likely.

Sunday, June 21: Typical early summer weather settles in with a combination of clouds and sunshine, highs near 87°F, and overnight lows near 75°F. Humidity levels stay elevated, and while rain chances diminish slightly, an isolated afternoon thunderstorm cannot be ruled out.

Monday, June 22: Warm and humid weather continues with afternoon temperatures reaching the upper-80s. Expect partly cloudy skies and a slight chance of scattered thunderstorms, especially during peak afternoon heating.

Tuesday, June 23: The forecast period closes with continued summer heat and humidity, featuring highs in the upper-80s to near 90°F and muggy overnight conditions. Spotty thunderstorms remain possible as Gulf moisture lingers over the region.

Forecast Summary

  • Temperatures: Highs will generally range from the lower-80s to upper-80s, while overnight lows remain warm in the low-to-mid 70s.
  • Rain Chances: Scattered thunderstorms are expected on multiple days, with the highest concern for heavier rainfall and localized flooding on Thursday and Friday.
  • Humidity: Muggy summer air will persist throughout the forecast period, making conditions feel warmer than actual temperatures during afternoon hours.

Great news for Avoyelles Parish elementary families

As part of the Avoyelles Parish School Board’s commitment to supporting students and families, Avoyelles Parish Schools will purchase and provide the initial school supplies for all students in Pre-K through 6th grade for the 2026-2027 school year. (Backpacks are not included.)

Elementary families will only need to pay the $30 student fee, which may be paid during summer registration by check, money order, or through the MySchooBucks app.

By providing these supplies, APSB is helping ensure that the youngest learners have the tools they need to start the school year ready to achieve.

Students in 7th through 12th grade will continue to provide their own school supplies. The student fee for high school students is $50.

For information about registration dates, school supplies, student fees, and other back-to-school resources, visit: www.avoyellespsb.com/backtoschool


“Operation Blight Fight” update: First of 23 abandoned structures demolished in Bunkie

(Image courtesy of the City of Bunkie.)

The first of twenty-three (23) abandoned and dilapidated structures identified for demolition and removal is now being cleared as part of the City of Bunkie’s “Operation Blight Fight” initiative. The demolished property is located at 112 North Elm Street.

These unsafe, unsightly, and property-devaluing structures are being addressed through a $250,000 grant secured by Mayor Brenda C. Sampson and the Bunkie City Council to improve neighborhoods and enhance community safety.

Mayor Sampson stated, “This is the culmination of four years of hard work and dedication. I would like to thank the Bunkie City Council, City Hall staff, and Pan American Engineers for their efforts in making this major blight-abatement initiative a reality.”

The demolition of these properties represents a significant step toward revitalizing the community, improving the quality of life for residents, and creating a cleaner, safer, and more attractive Bunkie.


Louisiana inspection sticker law changing in 2027

Louisiana motorists will no longer be required to display vehicle inspection stickers on personal, non-commercial vehicles beginning Jan. 1, 2027, under a new state law approved during the 2026 Regular Legislative Session.

House Bill 1085 was passed by the Louisiana Legislature and signed into law by Gov. Jeff Landry. The law eliminates the inspection sticker requirement for personal, non-commercial vehicles registered in Louisiana starting Jan. 1, 2027.

The law also creates a transition period beginning June 30, 2026. From June 30, 2026, through Jan. 1, 2027, law enforcement officers may not issue citations solely for failing to display or produce a certificate of inspection.

As a result, Louisiana State Police announced that it has immediately stopped enforcing inspection sticker violations.

Even though inspection sticker enforcement has ended, other traffic and vehicle laws remain in effect. Drivers are still responsible for ensuring their vehicles are safe and properly maintained, including working lights, brakes, tires and other required equipment.

Louisiana State Police said its focus during the transition period will be on educating motorists and helping the public understand how the new law affects them moving forward.

  • June 30, 2026: Officers can no longer issue citations solely for missing inspection stickers or certificates.
  • Jan. 1, 2027: Personal, non-commercial vehicles in Louisiana are no longer required to display inspection stickers.

If you drive a personal, non-commercial vehicle in Louisiana, you do not need to worry about receiving a ticket for an expired or missing inspection sticker during the transition period, and the sticker requirement will officially end on Jan. 1, 2027. However, your vehicle must still meet all other safety and equipment laws on Louisiana roadways.


My Appeal to the Voters of Louisiana

By Republican U.S. Senate Candidate John Fleming, M.D.

Now that the incumbent, Dr. Bill Cassidy, has been eliminated from the Republican Party’s runoff election, Louisiana voters need to decide who is the best candidate to represent them in the U.S. Senate.

All voters hear from my opponent, Congresswoman Julia Letlow, is that she “earned the endorsement of President Trump.” However, the endorsement was totally engineered by Governor Jeff Landry through the political back door.

What did Julia Letlow do to earn the endorsement? Was it her lifetime commitment as a liberal academic to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), policies that President Trump strenuously opposes? Was it her liberal voting record in Congress that was in direct opposition to the President’s Make America Great Again (MAGA) and America First agenda?

Was it her vote to fund the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) during the Biden administration that allocated taxpayer money toward abortions and gender reassignment surgeries overseas?

Was it her staunch support for Biden’s Green Energy and Climate Change agenda, including carbon sequestration?

Was it her record of incompetence, passing no bills into law during her five years in Congress?

In contrast to her history of liberalism and ineffectiveness, I offer Louisiana voters a record of achievement and honest service. I am a physician, military veteran, small business owner, and job creator. I served as a Louisiana Congressman, Deputy Chief of Staff to President Trump, and was Co-Founder of the House Freedom Caucus. Presently, I am honored to serve as your Louisiana State Treasurer.

My voting record is unabashedly conservative, staunchly supporting MAGA and America First policies. I totally oppose the Green Energy and Carbon Sequestration scams.

Unlike my opponent, whose campaign has been referred to both the Federal Election Commission and the Department of Justice for investigation and who admitted to late filings of 210 stock trades, there is no blemish on my record. In fact, as a Congressman, I did not engage in stock trading.

As Julia Letlow’s liberal views are being exposed, her poll numbers are falling. In recent days, her own pollster announced that I am leading in the polls.

The more she drops in the polls, the more desperate and unhinged her attacks become. Her campaign is panicking and issuing shrill statements to confuse and intimidate voters.

Fortunately, Louisiana voters are smart. They know Julia Letlow will not debate me because she cannot defend her record. They know that Governor Landry and his allies are pumping millions of dollars of dark money into this race to support her. These insiders oppose me because they know I cannot be bought, bullied, or bossed.

I am running for the United States Senate because Louisiana needs a senator who will challenge the political establishment, both in our home state and in our Nation’s Capital, not accommodate it.

Louisiana voters face a clear choice in this Senate runoff. You can continue sending politicians like Julia Letlow to Washington who only talk about conservative values, or you can elect me, a proven conservative fighter who has spent a lifetime defending them.

Throughout my career, I have stood unapologetically for limited government, fiscal responsibility, secure borders, energy independence, and the sanctity of life. I have consistently placed principles above political convenience.

Friends, as the only genuine MAGA conservative in the runoff, I am asking for your vote to become Louisiana’s next U.S. Senator.

Early voting continues through June 20, and Election Day is June 27.