Headlines from KATC, KLFY & The Current · Updated hourly
The Current23d ago
Local Government & Politics

Seven decades of Salooms in city court come to an end

Judge Doug Saloom is retiring after 31 years on the Lafayette City Court bench, ending a seven-decade tenure by the Saloom family in the city's judicial system. The prominent Lebanese-American family has maintained a significant presence in local government through multiple generations of service.

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The Current23d ago
Local Government & Politics

Election 2026: Seven decades of Salooms in city court come to an end

Judge Doug Saloom is retiring after 31 years on the Lafayette City Court bench, ending a seven-decade tenure for the prominent Saloom family in the position. The retirement marks the end of a significant era for the Lebanese-American family's involvement in city court.

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KATC24d ago
Local Government & Politics

State treasurer Fleming pushes first homestead exemption hike in 46 years

Louisiana State Treasurer Fleming is proposing the first increase to Louisiana's homestead property tax exemption in 46 years, raising the exemption limit from $75,000 to $350,000 in fair market value. The proposal would reduce property tax bills for homeowners across the state, including Acadiana residents, but could significantly impact funding for local agencies and municipalities that rely on property tax revenue.

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Video
KLFY24d ago
Local Government & Politics

Lafayette hosts Kennedy and Letlow for GOP early voting

U.S. Sen. John Kennedy visited Lafayette on Tuesday to meet with regional business executives and campaign alongside Republican U.S. Senate candidate Julia Letlow at an early voting rally. The event took place ahead of the Nov. 3 election.

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KLFY24d ago
Local Government & Politics

Louisiana early voting starts for Nov. 3 election

Louisiana voters can now participate in early voting for the Nov. 3 election, which began this week. This gives Acadiana residents and voters across the state an opportunity to cast their ballots before Election Day.

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KLFY24d ago
Local Government & Politics

Longtime Vermilion Parish Sheriff Raywood 'Ray' Lemaire dies

Raywood 'Ray' Lemaire, who served as Vermilion Parish Sheriff for 20 years, has passed away. Current Sheriff Eddie Langlinais announced the death of the longtime law enforcement leader who dedicated two decades to serving the parish.

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KLFY24d ago
Local Government & Politics

Louisiana adds kratom substances to state's Schedule I list

Louisiana health officials issued an emergency ruling adding three kratom substances to the state's controlled dangerous substances schedule I list. This statewide policy change affects Acadiana residents and businesses dealing with kratom products. The substances are now classified alongside the most restrictive category of controlled drugs in Louisiana.

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KLFY24d ago
Local Government & Politics

Where can campaign signs be placed in Louisiana? DOTD explains rules

The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development has reminded political candidates about regulations for placing campaign signs along state highways in Louisiana. Signs placed in highway rights-of-way will be removed and stored at parish maintenance units for 30 days after the election.

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Video
KLFY24d ago
Local Government & Politics

New federal grant expands cancer screening for Lafayette firefighters

Lafayette firefighters and retirees are now eligible for expanded cancer screening and early detection services through a Federal Emergency Management Agency Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program. The federal grant of $178,000, combined with a $17,795.46 local match, totals $195,750 in funding for these health services.

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Video
KLFY24d ago
Local Government & Politics

Former Lafayette Council Chairman Patrick 'Pat' Lewis dies

Patrick 'Pat' Lewis, a former Lafayette City Council Chairman, has passed away. Lewis was a prominent figure in local government who served on the city council in a leadership capacity.

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Video
KLFY24d ago
Local Government & Politics

Former Lafayette Council Chairman Patrick 'Pat' Lewis dies

Former Lafayette City Council Chairman Patrick 'Pat' Lewis has passed away. Lewis served in a leadership role on the city council and was a prominent figure in Lafayette's local government.

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Video
KLFY25d ago
Local Government & Politics

Louisiana Wildlife Federation submits SpaceX site concerns to FAA

The Louisiana Wildlife Federation has submitted concerns to the Federal Aviation Administration regarding potential SpaceX spaceport sites in South Louisiana. The organization is urging federal agencies to evaluate environmental and community impacts before selecting launch locations for the proposed facilities.

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The Current25d ago
Local Government & Politics

Council Preview: Should another bar be allowed downtown?

Lafayette's city council will consider a new bar proposal downtown after LCG staff recommended approval, but the Downtown Development Authority has opposed the project. The decision now moves to a city council vote.

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The Current25d ago
Local Government & Politics

Council Preview: Should another bar be allowed downtown?

The Lafayette City Council will consider whether to approve a new bar in downtown Lafayette after city staff recommended approval. The Downtown Development Authority has opposed the proposal, setting up a debate at the upcoming council meeting.

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KLFY25d ago
Local Government & Politics

Upcoming forum to feature 15th JDC District Attorney candidates

The Lafayette Bar Association will host a candidate forum for 15th JDC District Attorney on Wednesday, October 21, from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the South Regional Library Auditorium. The public is invited to meet and hear from the 15 candidates running for the position.

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KLFY25d ago
Local Government & Politics

Town of Gueydan dinged in audit for paying employees sent home for Christmas

The Town of Gueydan has been flagged in an audit by the Louisiana Legislative Auditor's Office for multiple issues, including paying employees who were sent home for Christmas. The audit raises concerns about the town's financial management and employee compensation practices.

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KLFY28d ago
Local Government & Politics

Louisiana reports estimated $565 million budget surplus

Louisiana's state budget is projected to have a $565 million surplus, according to state leaders. The extra funds could be used to strengthen the state's emergency reserve fund, pay down debt, and invest in infrastructure improvements that would benefit communities throughout Louisiana, including Acadiana.

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KLFY29d ago
Local Government & Politics

Louisiana amendment aims to prohibit bail for crimes against minors

Louisiana voters will soon decide on a statewide amendment that would prohibit bail for individuals convicted of crimes against minors. This legislative measure reflects ongoing efforts to strengthen protections for children in Louisiana's criminal justice system.

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The Current29d ago
Local Government & Politics

A rare show of unity on the Sulphur City Council — against the mayor

The Sulphur City Council displayed unusual unity during Tuesday's meeting, with previously divided members taking a collective stance against the mayor. The show of solidarity marks a notable shift in the typically contentious dynamics of the council.

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The Current29d ago
Local Government & Politics

A rare show of unity on the Sulphur City Council — against the mayor

The Sulphur City Council showed unusual unity during Tuesday's meeting, with previously feuding members presenting a rare display of solidarity. The council's unified stance appears to have been directed against the mayor, marking a notable shift from their typical contentious dynamics.

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KLFY29d ago
Local Government & Politics

Multiple states report suspicious packages with white powder at election offices

Louisiana Secretary of State Nancy Landry announced that her Baton Rouge office was evacuated after receiving a suspicious package containing white powder. The incident is part of a pattern across multiple states where election offices have received similar suspicious packages in the weeks before the midterm elections.

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KLFY29d ago
Local Government & Politics

John Fleming pushes for Louisiana homestead tax exemption increase

Louisiana State Treasurer John Fleming is advocating for an increase to the homestead property tax exemption, citing examples from other states that have raised their exemption limits. This statewide proposal could provide property tax relief to homeowners across Louisiana, including those in Acadiana.

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Video
KLFY30d ago
Local Government & Politics

St. Martinville begins enforcing junk vehicle policy on private property

St. Martinville Mayor Jason Willis has announced the city will immediately begin enforcing a policy against junk and abandoned vehicles parked on private property. The enforcement effort aims to improve the city's appearance and protect property values.

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The Current30d ago
Local Government & Politics

Election 2026: An unusual challenge at Lafayette Family Court

A Lafayette family lawyer is challenging a sitting judge in the 2026 Lafayette Family Court election, raising questions about whether judicial candidates need to be parents to preside over family law cases. The unusual race highlights a debate over qualifications for the bench in a court that handles custody, divorce, and related matters affecting many local families.

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