Headlines from KATC, KLFY & The Current · Updated hourly
KATC98d ago
Business & Economy

New sugarcane pest brings questions about treatments in Acadiana

A new sugarcane pest is threatening Louisiana's sugar crop, prompting farmers across Acadiana to implement pest control treatments. As spraying operations expand across thousands of acres, some residents are raising concerns about what chemicals are being used and requesting more transparency about the treatments.

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The Current98d ago
Business & Economy

Cameron wants LNG. Construction? Not so much.

Cameron, Louisiana is pursuing liquefied natural gas (LNG) development as part of a broader push to establish Southwest Louisiana as a major LNG industry hub. However, as several LNG projects advance in the region, local concerns are mounting over the environmental and infrastructural impacts of the construction required for these facilities.

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KLFY99d ago
Business & Economy

Speculation grows over massive SpaceX development in Vermilion Parish

SpaceX is rumored to be planning a major aerospace development project in Vermilion Parish, which has generated speculation among local residents. The potential project has sparked discussion about the economic benefits it could bring versus concerns about protecting the area's traditional coastal industries.

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KLFY99d ago
Business & Economy

New Congress Street LUS office replaces Pinhook location

Lafayette Utilities System opened a new customer service center at 4010 W. Congress Street in Lafayette, replacing its previous location in Pinhook. The move consolidates the utility's customer service operations to the new Congress Street facility.

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The Current99d ago
Business & Economy

The battle over ‘Battle Row’

Lake Charles' Railroad Avenue, once a thriving commercial boulevard known as 'Battle Row,' has fallen into abandonment. A recent effort to secure federal funding to revitalize the historic street was unsuccessful this week.

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KLFY100d ago
Business & Economy

Shrimp industry fights $9.4M loss from federal turtle device mandate

The Louisiana Shrimp Association is challenging a federal mandate requiring shrimp boats longer than 40 feet to use turtle protection devices in their nets. A federal appeals court heard arguments Tuesday on the case, with the state's shrimp industry arguing the rule could result in $9.4 million in losses.

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The Current103d ago
Business & Economy

Despite dramatic rate hikes, these sewer systems are still failing

Magnolia Water, a utility company that acquires struggling sewer systems in Louisiana, has implemented dramatic rate increases while promising the funds will go toward infrastructure repairs. However, many of the systems the company operates continue to fail, with limited immediate accountability for the promised improvements.

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KLFY105d ago
Business & Economy

See how much Louisiana to get in settlement with Walmart over delivery service

Louisiana will receive $1 million in a settlement with Walmart over its Spark Driver delivery service program, as announced by Attorney General Liz Murrill. The settlement addresses issues with Walmart's independent contractor delivery service in the state.

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KLFY106d ago
Business & Economy

House Speaker Phillip DeVillier defends state’s push for data centers amid public concerns

House Speaker Phillip DeVillier is defending Louisiana's push to attract large-scale data center developments, including Hut 8's River Bend project, as an opportunity to strengthen the state's economy. Despite DeVillier's support, residents have raised concerns about transparency, electricity demand, and community impacts of these major industrial projects.

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KLFY106d ago
Business & Economy

Louisiana named one of five finalists for national nuclear innovation hub

Louisiana has been selected as one of five finalists for the U.S. Department of Energy's "Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campuses" initiative. This designation recognizes Louisiana's potential to host a major nuclear innovation hub that could bring economic development and advanced technology research to the state.

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KATC106d ago
Business & Economy

Louisiana bans debit card surcharges at restaurants, retailers

Louisiana has enacted a new law prohibiting debit card surcharges at restaurants and retailers, while requiring businesses to clearly disclose any legitimate fees to customers. This regulation aims to protect consumers from unexpected charges when using debit cards for purchases.

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KLFY106d ago
Business & Economy

Dr. De'Angellica Vaughn-Allen joins Opelousas General in August

Dr. De'Angellica Vaughn-Allen will join Opelousas General Health System in August 2026, bringing specialized expertise in infectious disease management. The physician will establish a new service line focused on complex infection management and primary care for patients with HIV and sepsis.

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KLFY107d ago
Business & Economy

USDA announces $35 million for feral hog eradication in most Louisiana parishes

The USDA has announced $35 million in federal funding for feral hog eradication efforts across most Louisiana parishes, including those in south Louisiana. This funding aims to help farmers tackle one of the region's most persistent agricultural challenges by providing access to resources for controlling feral hog populations that damage crops and property.

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KLFY108d ago
Business & Economy

New law changes costs for local pharmacy prescriptions

A new Louisiana law (Act 913) is changing how pharmacy benefit managers reimburse local pharmacies for prescription drugs, potentially affecting what patients pay at the pharmacy counter. The Louisiana Independent Pharmacies Association is raising questions about the implications of this reimbursement reform.

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KLFY108d ago
Business & Economy

Louisiana advances in federal nuclear initiative negotiations

Louisiana has advanced to the next phase of negotiations to participate in a federal nuclear initiative after Governor Jeff Landry signed an agreement with the U.S. Department of Energy. The state is moving forward in discussions that could bring nuclear energy development opportunities to Louisiana.

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KLFY109d ago
Business & Economy

Lafayette Regional Airport receives $1.8 million Stryker fire truck

Lafayette Regional Airport has received a new $1.8 million Stryker fire truck manufactured by Oshkosh to improve its emergency response capabilities. This acquisition enhances the airport's safety infrastructure and readiness for potential incidents.

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KATC109d ago
Business & Economy

Opelousas Downtown Development District invests $100K through BIG Program

The Opelousas Downtown Development District announced recipients of its BIG Program, distributing $100,000 in grants to 11 businesses and organizations for exterior building improvements. The initiative aims to stimulate continued investment and revitalization in downtown Opelousas.

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The Current109d ago
Business & Economy

Carbon sequestration may expand in Cameron Parish

A Lake Charles company has applied for a permit to inject and store up to 19 million metric tons of carbon dioxide into two wells in Cameron Parish. If approved, this would become the third carbon sequestration project in Louisiana and the second in Cameron Parish, representing potential economic development through environmental technology.

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KLFY109d ago
Business & Economy

Louisiana workers most at risk for job burnout: Study

A recent study identifies Louisiana as the state where workers face the highest risk for job burnout. The findings highlight workplace stress and burnout concerns affecting the state's workforce.

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KLFY112d ago
Business & Economy

Invasive apple snails threaten Louisiana crawfish farms

An invasive species of apple snails that was first detected in South Louisiana in 2018 continues to spread across the region, posing a significant threat to the local crawfish farming industry. The snails are causing severe damage to crawfish farms throughout Louisiana's aquaculture areas.

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The Current113d ago
Business & Economy

Vermilion Parish senator wants to join the ‘new space race’

State Sen. Bob Hensgens is optimistic about a potential SpaceX facility in Vermilion Parish, viewing it as an opportunity for economic growth in the region. The senator believes proper preparation could make the rumored deal beneficial for the district and the broader Acadiana area.

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KLFY114d ago
Business & Economy

State Senator Hensgens discusses potential SpaceX project impact on Vermilion Parish

State Senator Bob Hensgens addressed the Rotary Club of Abbeville about rumors of SpaceX's potential interest in developing a project on Pecan Island in Vermilion Parish. The senator urged the parish to prepare for possible economic impacts and growth that could result from the aerospace company's involvement in the area.

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The Current115d ago
Business & Economy

Coushatta Legacy Tower project faces $40 million shortfall

The Coushatta Casino's Legacy Tower project is facing a $40 million budget shortfall, according to a memo from the casino's CFO to the Tribal Council. The CFO has recommended hiring freezes and cost-cutting measures while taking responsibility for the financial miscalculations.

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The Current115d ago
Business & Economy

Could Louisiana ‘Cajunize’ the space industry?

SpaceX may establish operations in Vermilion Parish, Louisiana, as legal obstacles have been cleared for the space company to set up shop in the area. State Senator Bob Hensgens is optimistic about the potential economic opportunities this development could bring to the region.

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