Louisiana
Local leaders seek federal aid after storm damage plagues north Louisiana
MONROE, La. (KNOE) – Local and state leaders are mobilizing resources and reaching out to Washington for support following the devastating storm.
President Donald Trump has already signed a Federal Disaster Declaration, a critical first step that opens the door for the state to access federal resources and recovery funds. This declaration sets the recovery process in motion and signals the federal government’s commitment to supporting affected areas.
Monroe Mayor Friday Ellis has been working the phones, staying in contact with House Speaker Mike Johnson and Congresswoman Julia Letlow to ensure his city gets the support it needs.
A significant development: the necessary paperwork has been filed to get the disaster classified as Category A Emergency Work. This designation is crucial for local communities because it means recovery efforts will be reimbursable at a higher rate—stretching federal dollars further and easing the financial burden on municipalities.
According to FEMA, Category A Emergency Work is focused primarily on debris removal, one of the most immediate and pressing needs following major storms.
Congressional Leaders Respond
Congresswoman Julia Letlow has made it clear that disaster response is a priority. Her office reports she has been focused on providing informational resources to constituents and maintaining open lines of communication with local leaders about the storm’s impacts.
Speaker Mike Johnson is also actively engaged with local officials. His office emphasizes that while aid is forthcoming, the approval process takes time—a reminder that recovery is a marathon, not a sprint.
Senator Bill Cassidy announced a major development today: nearly half a billion dollars in support from previous hurricanes in 2020 and 2021 is being directed to help Louisiana recover. He’s also personally committed to working with local leaders in the region.
“Today I spoke with West Monroe Mayor Stacey Mitchell and learned of their needs,” Cassidy said. “I’ve committed to work together with them. A delegation from the City of Monroe also spoke with us about what we can accomplish on the federal level.”
Efforts to secure additional support continue across the board, with local delegations meeting with federal representatives to outline specific community needs and identify federal resources that can be deployed.
The coordination between local and federal leaders demonstrates that when disaster strikes, government at all levels can work together to support recovery and rebuilding efforts.
Copyright 2026 KNOE. All rights reserved.
Yasin Gungor
19 April 2026•Update: 19 April 2026
At least eight children were killed and two others were wounded in a shooting in the US state of Louisiana, local police said Sunday.
Shreveport Police Department spokesperson Christopher Bordelon said officers responded to the shooting just after 6 am (1100GMT), following a domestic disturbance call.
The age of the deceased ranged from one to 14 years, he said, adding that the incident involved at least 10 individuals across four separate locations.
The suspect attempted to flee by carjacking a vehicle and driving to neighboring Bossier City, where police located and shot him dead.
Bordelon said Shreveport police officers pursued the suspect’s vehicle into Bossier, where three officers discharged their firearms, killing him. He said investigators believe the suspect was the only person who opened fire at the locations.
Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux described the attack as “maybe the worst tragic situation we’ve ever had,” adding: “It’s a terrible morning.”
No immediate information was available about the condition of the injured.
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When it comes to retiring, the best places to do so often are affordable, have a high quality of life and access to quality healthcare.
If you’re looking for a place to retire, Niche has identified the best places for retirees in Louisiana.
In its list, Niche has taken into account factors like weather, crime rates, housing costs and access to amenities.
The 5 best places to retire in Louisiana according to Niche
These are the top five best places to retire in Louisiana, according to Niche.
1. Oak Hills Place
Oak Hills Place is a suburb of Baton Rouge and is the overall best place to retire in Louisiana. This suburb, located in East Baton Rouge Parish, has a population of 9,038 and offers residents an urban suburban mix feel. The area is highly rated for families, diversity, as well as health and fitness. Here, the median home value is $437,900 and the median rent is $1,422, according to Niche.
2. Westminster
Westminster is another suburb of Baton Rouge and is the second-best place to retire in Louisiana. Located in East Baton Rouge Parish, this suburb has a population of 2,559 and offers residents an urban suburban mix feel. This area is highly rated for nightlife, diversity, families, health and fitness, as well as commute. The median home value here is $266,100 and the median rent is $1,482, says Niche.
3. River Ridge
River Ridge is a suburb of New Orleans, located in Jefferson Parish, and is the third-best place to retire in Louisiana. This suburb has a population of 13,312 and offers residents a dense suburban feel. The area is highly rated for public schools, family, nightlife and diversity. The median home value is $357,400 and the median rent is $1,127, according to Niche.
4. Westlake
Westlake is a town in Calcasieu Parish that is among the best places to retire in Louisiana. With a population of 4,743, this town offers residents a rural feel. The town is highly rated for public schools, housing, families, jobs, cost of living, nightlife and weather. Here, the median home value is $166,100 and the median rent is $1,049, says Niche.
5. Prien
Prien is another town in Calcasieu Parish that is among the best places to retire in Louisiana. This town has a population of 7,119 and offers residents a suburban rural mix feel. The town is highly rated for public schools, housing, families, nightlife and weather. The median home value here is $278,000 and the median rent is $1,292, according to Niche.
Presley Bo Tyler is the Louisiana Deep South Connect Team reporter for USA Today Network. Find her on X @PresleyTyler02 and email at PTyler@Gannett.com
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