Headlines from KATC, KLFY & The Current · Updated hourly
KLFY50d ago
Business & Economy

SpaceX representatives speak directly to Vermilion Parish residents

SpaceX held a public meeting in Vermilion Parish to discuss the proposed Starbase Louisiana facility and address community concerns about the project. The meeting occurred more than 30 days after the formal project announcement, allowing residents to directly engage with SpaceX representatives.

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KLFY50d ago
Business & Economy

Space X: Realtor discusses new interest in Vermilion Parish area property

Realtors in Acadiana are reporting increased interest in properties in Vermilion Parish following SpaceX's announcement of a new Starbase facility in the area. The development is expected to bring economic activity and growth to the region.

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The Current50d ago
Business & Economy

SpaceX is bringing jobs — is Acadiana ready to fill them?

SpaceX's potential expansion into Louisiana could bring significant job opportunities to the Acadiana region, but local workforce development leaders say they have received no concrete information from the company yet about hiring plans or timelines. The community is working to assess whether the local workforce can meet the demands of a major aerospace employer.

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KATC50d ago
Business & Economy

Louisiana-themed SONIC Slush soon available statewide

SONIC Drive-In is launching a new Louisiana-themed slush that will be available at all locations throughout the state. The special beverage celebrates local flavor and will soon be rolled out statewide, giving Acadiana residents another reason to visit their neighborhood SONIC.

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KLFY50d ago
Business & Economy

Manufacturer expands production in Broussard, Youngsville facilities

A Lafayette Parish manufacturer is expanding production and workforce at facilities in Broussard and Youngsville, according to Louisiana Economic Development. The expansion represents a continued investment in manufacturing operations across the Acadiana region.

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KLFY51d ago
Business & Economy

One Acadiana helps SpaceX ramp up hiring in Vermilion Parish

One Acadiana says it has been actively involved with SpaceX's development project in Vermilion Parish from the start, helping connect the aerospace company with state and local leaders. The organization continues to support the company's hiring expansion and project planning efforts as SpaceX ramps up operations in the parish.

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KLFY51d ago
Business & Economy

Gov. Landry declares State of Emergency on farm diesel prices

Gov. Jeff Landry has declared a State of Emergency allowing Louisiana farmers and timber harvesters to immediately use dyed diesel fuel, which is typically restricted. This executive order aims to provide relief to agricultural operations across the state, including those in Acadiana, dealing with rising diesel costs.

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KLFY52d ago
Business & Economy

R44 AIRTRUCK tested in New Iberia for future offshore operations

A heavy-lift drone called the R44 AIRTRUCK, built from Robinson Helicopter Company's R44 helicopter design, is being tested in New Iberia. The unmanned aircraft can carry up to 1,000 pounds of cargo and is being evaluated for potential future use delivering supplies to offshore oil and gas platforms in the Gulf of Mexico.

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KLFY52d ago
Business & Economy

The U.S. Postal Service announces 2026 holiday shipping deadlines

The U.S. Postal Service has announced the recommended mailing and shipping deadlines for the 2026 holiday season to ensure packages arrive before Christmas. Acadiana residents and businesses should note these deadlines when planning their holiday shipping to meet delivery expectations. The Postal Service provides specific cutoff dates for different mail classes in the contiguous U.S.

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KLFY52d ago
Business & Economy

Gov. Landry, LMOGA react to surge in diesel prices and proposed export ban

Governor Jeff Landry proposed a 90-day ban on U.S. diesel exports in response to surging diesel prices, but the Louisiana Marine Operators & Guides Association called the proposal "misguided." The disagreement highlights tensions between state energy policy and the marine industry that depends on fuel availability.

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KLFY57d ago
Business & Economy

Trader Joe's grocery store now open in Lafayette

Trader Joe's, the popular specialty grocery chain, has officially opened its first location in Lafayette. The opening marks a major retail milestone for the Acadiana region and brings new shopping options to local consumers.

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The Current59d ago
Business & Economy

A community grocery store is coming to Lafayette’s Northside

Jefferson Market, a new community grocery store, is set to open on Lafayette's Northside in early 2025 after facing initial delays and organizational restructuring. The store aims to bring fresh groceries and economic development to the neighborhood.

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KLFY60d ago
Business & Economy

High school seniors predict brighter futures following SpaceX expansion

SpaceX's expansion announcement is generating economic optimism in Vermilion Parish, with expectations for new jobs, businesses, and infrastructure improvements. High school seniors in the parish are expressing confidence in the area's future prospects based on this development.

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The Current60d ago
Business & Economy

Despite moratorium, carbon sequestration moves forward in SWLA

Carbon sequestration projects are moving forward in Southwest Louisiana despite a moratorium, raising concerns among residents about potential threats to the Chicot Aquifer, which provides drinking water for 15 parishes in the region.

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KLFY63d ago
Business & Economy

Louisiana auto insurance rates fall as State Farm returns millions to drivers

Louisiana auto insurance rates have declined as multiple insurance companies, including State Farm, reduce premiums and return money to drivers. State Farm returned over $136 million to qualifying customers through dividends as claim costs have fallen across the state.

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The Current64d ago
Business & Economy

Cameron Parish fishers sue Venture Global

Commercial fishers, fishing guides, and seafood processors in southwest Louisiana are suing Venture Global, claiming the company's dredging operations for a new liquefied natural gas terminal caused a sediment spill that killed millions of oysters and reduced catches of finfish, crabs, and shrimp.

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KATC64d ago
Business & Economy

Proposed data center north of Moss Bluff still in exploration stage, company says

A data center has been proposed for a location north of Moss Bluff in Acadia Parish, Louisiana, with a state congressman confirming the project. The company behind the proposal says the project remains in the exploration stage as it evaluates feasibility.

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Video
KLFY64d ago
Business & Economy

Trader Joe's is set to open its first Lafayette location

Trader Joe's, the popular grocery chain, is opening its first Lafayette location on Thursday, September 17. This marks a significant retail expansion for the Acadiana area, bringing the specialty grocer's unique product selection and competitive pricing to local shoppers.

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KLFY65d ago
Business & Economy

Louisiana Shrimpers seek federal help amidst economic crises

Louisiana shrimpers are facing severe economic pressure from low dockside prices, rising operating costs, and competition from imported shrimp. The Louisiana Shrimp Association is seeking federal assistance to help the industry recover from these mounting challenges that threaten the livelihoods of fishermen across the state.

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KLFY66d ago
Business & Economy

Lafayette-area CRNA named president of national anesthesia association

Tracy Young, a Lafayette-area certified registered nurse anesthetist, has been named president of the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (AANA) for its 2027 member year. With over 25 years of experience as a CRNA, Young will lead the national organization representing more than 70,000 nurse anesthesia professionals.

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KLFY70d ago
Business & Economy

Coastal Machine expands in Carencro with $25.5 million investment

Coastal Machine and Supply is investing $25.5 million to expand its operations in Carencro, Louisiana. This expansion comes as the company prepares for a new space launch site planned in neighboring Vermilion Parish, signaling significant growth for the regional industrial sector.

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The Current70d ago
Business & Economy

Will SpaceX save Louisiana’s coast?

SpaceX plans to build a $100 billion rocket launch complex on Louisiana's coast, which could bring investment in marsh restoration and shoreline protection. However, according to state officials, the extent and cost of these environmental restoration efforts remain unclear.

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KLFY70d ago
Business & Economy

Vermilion Parish Tourism Commission comments on SpaceX development

The Vermilion Parish Tourism Commission is responding to SpaceX's development plans for a new spaceport in the parish, noting potential economic benefits and tourism opportunities while emphasizing the importance of preserving the region's unique culture and traditions.

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KLFY70d ago
Business & Economy

Carencro manufacturer announces expansion in anticipation of SpaceX

Carencro-based Coastal Machine & Supply Inc. is investing $25.5 million to expand its Lafayette Parish manufacturing operations. The expansion is being made in anticipation of SpaceX's planned activities in the region.

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