Bunkie Man Faces Decades in Federal Prison on Drug and Firearm Charges. A federal grand jury returned an indictment on June 17, 2026, charging Rininski Edwards, 33, of Bunkie, with possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon as an armed career criminal, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. According to court documents, on March 31, 2026, Edwards allegedly possessed 500 grams or more of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and carried a loaded .45 caliber pistol in furtherance of those activities. Prosecutors further allege Edwards had three prior convictions for drug trafficking or violent felonies, qualifying him as an armed career criminal under federal law. The case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Louisiana. An indictment is an allegation only — Edwards is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

Rapides Parish Schools Breaks Ground on CTE Building at Buckeye High School. The Rapides Parish School Board broke ground on a new Career and Technical Education building at Buckeye High School, a project approved at the board’s February 2026 meeting and expected to be ready for students in early 2027. The facility will expand opportunities for students to earn industry-based credentials in fields actively sought by Central Louisiana employers, including HVAC operations and sheet metal fabrication. Students in the HVAC program can pursue dual-enrollment classes leading to foundational safety credentials and the federal EPA Section 608 refrigerant handling certification, positioning graduates to move directly into apprenticeships, further training, or employment. Local partners ACA and Foster Construction are supporting both construction and work-based learning experiences. State Representative Mike Johnson attended the groundbreaking.

Alexandria Woman, Four Juveniles Arrested in West Alexandria Vehicle Burglary Spree. The Alexandria Police Department arrested Mariana Byrd, 19, of Alexandria, and charged four juveniles — all Bunkie residents — in connection with a series of vehicle burglaries reported on the city’s west side between July 30 and August 4. Byrd faces 12 counts of vehicle burglary and four counts of contributing to the delinquency of a juvenile, with investigators determining she transported and assisted the juveniles during the crimes. The same four juveniles had been arrested by the Bunkie Police Department two days prior in connection with a separate string of vehicle burglaries in Bunkie. APD said the investigation is ongoing and additional charges are possible. Anyone with information is asked to contact APD at (318) 441-6416.

November 3 Election Qualifying Closes Today. Candidate qualifying for the November 3, 2026 election closes today, August 7, at the Louisiana Secretary of State’s office or at the Courthouse in Rapides Parish. Races in Rapides Parish include Alexandria City Council seats, Rapides Parish Police Jury positions, and judicial races across the 9th Judicial District.

First Day of School — Today for Most RPSB Students. Rapides Parish schools open this morning for the first day of the 2026-2027 school year, with the exception of Alexandria Senior High School, where students continue virtual instruction following the asbestos remediation delay. The district will post ASH updates each Friday afternoon.