Headlines from KATC, KLFY & The Current · Updated hourly
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 judges need to be parents themselves to serve in family court. The unusual challenge highlights ongoing debates about judicial qualifications and experience in family law matters.

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KLFY31d ago
Local Government & Politics

New St. Martin Parish Consolidated Water System executive director appointment faces validity claim

Ronald Daigle was appointed as the new executive director of the St. Martin Parish Consolidated Water System in a 3-2 board vote. However, board member Donald Resweber is challenging the validity of the appointment, claiming procedural errors occurred during the voting process.

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KLFY31d ago
Local Government & Politics

Federal rules ease suppressor purchases in Louisiana

The federal government has eliminated the $200 tax on firearm suppressors and removed the requirement for registration and government approval when purchasing them in Louisiana. This change affects Louisiana residents and gun owners across the state who purchase suppressors.

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KLFY31d ago
Local Government & Politics

St. Martin Parish Republican official to resign after Knights of Columbus arrest

St. Martin Parish Republican official Chad Christopher Hardy, 57, of Arnaudville has announced his resignation from his elected party positions following his arrest on October 12 on a theft charge. The arrest is connected to a suspected theft involving a Knights of Columbus account.

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KLFY31d ago
Local Government & Politics

Louisiana Secretary of State's Office returns to normal operations after suspicious package found

The Elections Division of the Louisiana Secretary of State's Office in Baton Rouge was evacuated Tuesday after an employee opened a suspicious package containing an unknown white powder. The office has since returned to normal operations after authorities determined the contents posed no threat. The incident highlights ongoing security concerns at state government facilities.

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KLFY32d ago
Local Government & Politics

St. Martin Parish water consolidation project gets new director

Ronald Daigle, St. Martin Parish Water Manager, has been appointed director of the St. Martin Parish water consolidation project following a parish council vote. The council interviewed two candidates and considered public input before making the 3-2 decision during a recent meeting.

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KATC32d ago
Local Government & Politics

Lifetime term limit for Louisiana governors to be decided by voters

Louisiana voters will decide whether to impose a lifetime term limit on governors, potentially changing the state's executive leadership rules. The measure comes as former Governor John Bel Edwards, who is not seeking a third term, leaves office after his current service.

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KATC32d ago
Local Government & Politics

Louisiana voters to decide on two-term limit for governors

Louisiana voters will decide whether to impose a two-term limit on governors in an upcoming election. The measure comes as former Gov. John Bel Edwards, who has served two terms, has not expressed interest in running for a third term, though the constitutional amendment would prevent any future governor from serving more than two consecutive terms.

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The Current32d ago
Local Government & Politics

Lafayette could shut down five more ‘nuisance’ properties

Lafayette Consolidated Government and law enforcement have announced a plan to expedite the closure of five additional "nuisance" properties to address crime and blight in the community. The fast-track initiative aims to remove problem properties that negatively impact neighborhoods and public safety.

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The Current32d ago
Local Government & Politics

Lafayette could shut down five more ‘nuisance’ properties

Lafayette Consolidated Government and law enforcement announced a plan to expedite the closure of five additional properties classified as 'nuisances' in an effort to reduce crime and blight in the community. The fast-track initiative aims to address problem properties that negatively impact public safety and neighborhood conditions.

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KLFY32d ago
Local Government & Politics

New LDWF rules for firearm suppressors explained

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries has announced new guidelines for how its agents will handle firearm suppressors following a federal court ruling and Congressional action that eliminated the federal tax on suppressors. The new rules clarify enforcement procedures for hunters and sportsmen in Louisiana who use or possess suppressors.

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KLFY32d ago
Local Government & Politics

Deadline to register to vote online before Nov. 3 election in Louisiana is Tuesday

Louisiana voters have until Tuesday to register to vote online before the November 3 election. The online registration deadline is approaching as the state prepares for the upcoming election.

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KATC33d ago
Local Government & Politics

Speaker Mike Johnson campaigns in Louisiana’s 4th District ahead of midterms

Speaker of the House Mike Johnson campaigned in Louisiana's 4th Congressional District on October 10 ahead of the midterm elections. The visit highlighted the district's importance in the broader political landscape as Republicans and Democrats prepare for the vote.

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KLFY37d ago
Local Government & Politics

Race for the 15th Judicial District Attorney; Landry touts success of his office, Earles wants to bring change

Don Landry, the District Attorney for the 15th Judicial District covering Acadia, Vermilion, and Lafayette parishes, is highlighting crime reduction achievements in his re-election bid since taking office in January 2021. His challenger, Kristian Earles, is campaigning on the need for systemic changes, particularly addressing the lack of jury trials in the local justice system.

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KLFY37d ago
Local Government & Politics

St. Martinville highway named in honor of 9-year-old Phillip “Poppa” Dauterive III

A portion of Louisiana Highway 96 in St. Martinville has been named in honor of 9-year-old Phillip "Poppa" Dauterive III, whose family says his short life made a meaningful impact on the community. The highway designation recognizes the young boy's legacy and the impression he left on those around him.

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KLFY37d ago
Local Government & Politics

Mamou Police warn against destroying election signs

The Mamou Police Department issued a warning on social media against tampering with or damaging political candidates' signs. Officials cautioned that defacing or destroying campaign signs can result in formal criminal charges and financial penalties.

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KLFY39d ago
Local Government & Politics

Court hears second lawsuit over Lafayette School Board

A preliminary hearing was held Monday in a second lawsuit against the Lafayette Parish School System, its board president, and Superintendent Francis Touchet Junior, alleging violations of the state's open meetings law. The case centers on claims that the school board failed to properly conduct meetings in accordance with Louisiana's public records and open meetings requirements.

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The Current39d ago
Local Government & Politics

Council Preview: Updates on schools, Northside development

Lafayette Parish Superintendent Francis Touchet will present updates on schools to the parish council, while LEDA CEO Mandi Mitchell will brief the city council on development plans to address blight in the Northside neighborhood.

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KLFY39d ago
Local Government & Politics

Louisiana Sen. John Kennedy considers presidential run

U.S. Senator John Kennedy (R-La.) announced on NBC's "Meet the Press" that he is considering a presidential run. The announcement comes as Kennedy continues to represent Louisiana in the U.S. Senate.

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Video
KLFY42d ago
Local Government & Politics

Himbola Manor demolition paused to avoid resident displacement

Lafayette City Council is pausing demolition plans for Himbola Manor Apartments to explore renovation alternatives instead. Local officials are seeking solutions that would keep current residents from being displaced while addressing the complex's issues.

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KLFY43d ago
Local Government & Politics

Lafayette City Marshall gets $100k for new security equipment

The Lafayette City Marshal's Office has received $100,000 in state funding to purchase portable metal detectors for use at local events and venues. Marshal Reggie Thomas plans to use the equipment to enhance security at gatherings throughout Lafayette where deputies provide protection.

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KLFY43d ago
Local Government & Politics

Permanent daylight saving time bill's future uncertain after Senate adjourns

A bill that would make daylight saving time permanent in Louisiana faces an uncertain future after the state Senate adjourned without voting on it. The measure, which would eliminate the twice-yearly clock changes, did not advance before the legislative session ended.

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KLFY43d ago
Local Government & Politics

Scott mayor signs twin-city agreement with Ploemeur, France

Scott Mayor Jan-Scott Richard signed a sister city agreement with Ploemeur, France, a municipality in Brittany in northwestern France. The mayor called the historic agreement a significant moment for the city of Scott.

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KLFY44d ago
Local Government & Politics

Jeanerette City Marshal Fernest “Pacman” Martin named National Marshal of the Year

Jeanerette City Marshal Fernest "Pacman" Martin has been named Marshal of the Year by the National Constables and Marshals Association, recognizing his more than three decades of service in law enforcement. Martin received the honor at the association's awards banquet in Pensacola, Florida, a recognition that came as a surprise to the veteran lawman.

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