The Pelican Post

KLFY5h ago

Local Government & Politics

Two Louisiana congressional candidates attend freshman orientation despite unfinished runoff elections

Two Louisiana Republican congressional candidates attended freshman orientation in Washington, D.C., even though their runoff elections for the 5th and 6th districts are scheduled for December 12. The candidates are moving forward with orientation preparations while their races remain unresolved. This development comes as Louisiana's congressional races head toward their final voting stage.

Video

KLFY6h ago

Local Government & Politics

Lafayette receives $22 million for flood control project

Lafayette has secured $22 million in funding for the Bayou Vermilion Flood Control and Homewood Detention project, a major drainage investment that has faced financial and regulatory challenges for years. Mayor-President Monique Boulet announced the development alongside state and local officials.

Video

KLFY9h ago

Local Government & Politics

Lafayette rejects permit for 'AI bar' downtown

The Lafayette City Council rejected a conditional use permit for Plush Syndicate, a planned downtown venue at 201 Jefferson Street that gained attention online as an "AI bar." Following the rejection, Mayor-President Monique Blanco Boulet's administration suspended accepting new conditional use permit applications for downtown bars.

Video

KLFY15h ago

Local Government & Politics

Arrests of public officials connected with new charges, State Police confirm

Three public officials in Evangeline Parish, including a candidate for Opelousas Police Chief, were re-arrested Thursday on new charges, according to Louisiana State Police. The re-arrests represent a significant development in what appears to be an ongoing investigation involving local government figures in the Acadiana region.

KLFY16h ago

Local Government & Politics

Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry eyes 2027 re-election bid, highlights record

Gov. Jeff Landry announced plans for infrastructure investments during a Thursday visit to New Orleans while simultaneously launching his 2027 re-election campaign. The governor highlighted his record as he prepares for a second term.

KATC1d ago

Local Government & Politics

UL System president reportedly owes $350K in back federal taxes

UL System President Rick Gallot reportedly owes $350,000 in back federal taxes, prompting the board to schedule an emergency meeting for Friday, November 13. The situation raises questions about leadership and governance at the University of Louisiana System, which directly affects students and institutions across Acadiana.

KATC1d ago

Local Government & Politics

Louisiana suing Kalshi, Polymarket and other online prediction markets

Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill filed a lawsuit against five online prediction market platforms, including Kalshi and Polymarket, claiming they operate as illegal gambling operations. The statewide action affects Louisiana residents' access to these platforms and reflects the state's enforcement of gambling laws.

KLFY1d ago

Local Government & Politics

Atty. Gen. Murrill: Lawsuit filed against Kalshi, others in Louisiana state court

Louisiana Attorney General Murrill has filed a lawsuit in state court against Kalshi, Polymarket, and others, accusing them of violating Louisiana laws related to what appears to be illegal gambling or prediction market operations. The action represents a statewide enforcement effort that affects Louisiana residents' rights and protections under state law.

KATC1d ago

Local Government & Politics

Opelousas police chief candidate Yolanda Lewis arrested again

Yolanda Lewis, a candidate for Opelousas police chief, was arrested again by Louisiana State Police, according to Evangeline Parish Jail records. The arrest adds to her criminal history and raises questions about her candidacy for the position.

Video

KLFY1d ago

Local Government & Politics

Opelousas police chief candidate Yolanda Lewis arrested by State Police

Yolanda Lewis, a 49-year-old Opelousas resident and candidate for police chief, was arrested by State Police on charges of criminal conspiracy, computer trespassing, and obstruction of justice. The arrest raises questions about her candidacy for the position in St. Landry Parish.

KLFY1d ago

Local Government & Politics

Louisiana state Rep. Mike Bayham dies at 52

State Representative Mike Bayham, a Republican from Chalmette, has died at age 52. His death represents a significant loss for the Louisiana Legislature and will likely trigger a special election process for his St. Bernard Parish seat.

KATC2d ago

Local Government & Politics

Abbeville veterans honored for Vermilion Parish National Guard milestone

Macedonia Baptist Church in Abbeville honored two Vermilion Parish veterans, Donald Ray Shelvin Sr. and Marion J. Bessard Jr., for their service and a National Guard milestone. The community gathering recognized the contributions of these local military veterans to the parish.

KATC2d ago

Local Government & Politics

‘Plush’ owner vows to fight permit denial for proposed high-tech bar

The owner of Plush, a proposed high-tech bar in downtown Lafayette, announced plans to pursue legal action after the Lafayette City Council denied his permit on Tuesday. The dispute centers on the Council's decision to reject the business application for the downtown venue.

The Current2d ago

Local Government & Politics

Lafayette hits pause on Downtown bars

The Lafayette City-Parish Council voted to deny a permit for a new bar, prompting Mayor Monique Boulet's administration to pause all bar permitting while they review the process. The move signals a potential shift in how the city handles new bar licenses in the downtown area.

KATC3d ago

Local Government & Politics

Lafayette City Council rejects proposed new downtown AI bar

The Lafayette City Council voted to reject a proposed new high-tech bar planned for downtown Lafayette during a late-night Tuesday meeting. The decision marks the end of the project's pursuit of city approval.

Video

KLFY3d ago

Local Government & Politics

Daniel Kelly dismissed from Lafayette Public Library Board of Control

The Lafayette Parish Council unanimously voted to immediately dismiss Daniel Kelly from the Lafayette Public Library Board of Control due to his absence from nine board meetings over two years. The decision followed a public hearing at City Hall regarding Kelly's repeated absences.

Video

KLFY3d ago

Local Government & Politics

Jeff Davis Parish votes to regulate data centers

The Jeff Davis Parish Police Jury unanimously approved a new ordinance to regulate data centers in the parish. The measure establishes rules and standards for these facilities as a precautionary measure, even though parish officials say there are currently no active proposals to build a data center in the area.

The Current3d ago

Local Government & Politics

‘The malfeasance statute is special’: Guillory defense challenges legal basis of indictment

Former Lafayette Mayor-President Josh Guillory is challenging the legal basis of four felony malfeasance charges against him, questioning both where he is being prosecuted and the validity of the charges themselves. His defense team is arguing that the malfeasance statute as applied to his case may be improper.

Video

KLFY3d ago

Local Government & Politics

Arnaudville K9 Toji is set to get a new bullet- and stab-protective vest

K9 Toji, a police dog with the Arnaudville Police Department, will receive a bullet- and stab-protective vest through a donation from Vested Interest in K9s, Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting law enforcement canines across the country.

KATC3d ago

Local Government & Politics

Gov. Landry: Louisiana to give more than 18,000 computers, tablets to local organizations with Étouffée program

Gov. Landry announced the Étouffée program will distribute more than 18,000 computers and tablets to local organizations across Louisiana, including those serving Acadiana. The initiative aims to expand digital access and technology resources to underserved communities throughout the state.

Video

KLFY4d ago

Local Government & Politics

Lafayette political adviser sues over election probe

A Lafayette political adviser filed a federal lawsuit against state and local law enforcement officials, claiming they violated his constitutional rights during an investigation into election misinformation. The suit was filed in U.S. District Court for the Western District of Louisiana and challenges the authorities' conduct during their election-related inquiry.

Video

KLFY4d ago

Local Government & Politics

Parish president seeks budget fix for court lawsuit

St. Landry Parish President Jessie Bellard is working to resolve pending lawsuits from the 27th Judicial District Court and the District Attorney's office through budget adjustments. Bellard expressed confidence that the upcoming budget process will help address the legal disputes facing the parish.

KLFY4d ago

Local Government & Politics

Lafayette voters face nine tax propositions on Dec. 12 ballot

Lafayette Parish voters will decide on nine tax propositions on December 12, including one bond measure and eight millage renewals. The ballot contains no new taxes, only renewals of existing property taxes that fund government services, facilities, and infrastructure, with five propositions appearing parishwide and four limited to specific areas.

The Current4d ago

Local Government & Politics

Council Preview: Conservative pastor may be axed from library board

The Lafayette City-Parish Council will consider removing a conservative pastor from the library board after he failed to attend required meetings. The meeting agenda also includes discussion of $6 million in federal funding that Lafayette Community Government has received to replace aging water lines.