Headlines from KATC, KLFY & The Current · Updated hourly
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KLFY44d ago
Local Government & Politics

St. Martin Parish considers up to $750K to clear blighted properties

St. Martin Parish Government is seeking up to $750,000 in state funding through Louisiana's Community Development Block Grant Clearance Program to demolish and remove blighted properties in unincorporated areas of the parish. The funding would target abandoned residential and commercial structures that are negatively impacting the community.

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KLFY44d ago
Local Government & Politics

US Department of Justice gives Louisiana $1M to support victims of digital abuse

Louisiana's Attorney General's Office received $1 million in federal funding from the U.S. Department of Justice to support victims of digital abuse. The grant will help the state expand services and resources for those experiencing online harassment, cyberstalking, and other forms of digital abuse.

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The Current44d ago
Local Government & Politics

When industry knocks, what say do coastal communities get?

Gov. Jeff Landry has moved to centralize state control over major industrial projects, reducing local authority in decisions affecting coastal communities. Cameron Parish officials are grappling with the implications of this shift as the region faces a potential LNG development boom, questioning what input they'll have in shaping their community's industrial future.

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KLFY44d ago
Local Government & Politics

Democrats block data center electricity bill, calling it 'toothless'

Senate Democrats blocked a bill addressing data center electricity costs, calling it ineffective despite House passage with bipartisan support. The Ratepayer Protection Act failed to secure the 60 votes needed to overcome a filibuster in a procedural vote. This statewide energy and economic development issue affects Louisiana's ability to attract and support data center operations.

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The Current44d ago
Local Government & Politics

Got thoughts on Johnston Street? Lafayette wants to know

Lafayette Consolidated Government is surveying residents and business owners about their priorities for improvements to Johnston Street as part of the M-P's (Metropolitan Planning Organization) project. The city wants community input to guide the development of this major thoroughfare.

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KLFY44d ago
Local Government & Politics

Louisiana, Alabama and Arkansas suing these 3 states over abortion shield laws

Louisiana's Attorney General has joined Alabama and Arkansas in filing a federal lawsuit challenging abortion shield laws in three other states that protect the mailing of abortion pills. This lawsuit reflects Louisiana's restrictive abortion stance and could affect access to medication abortion for residents across the region.

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KLFY45d ago
Local Government & Politics

St. Landry Parish deputy error led to wrongful arrest of Melville Mayor

St. Landry Parish Sheriff Bobby Guidroz confirmed that deputies mistakenly arrested Melville Mayor Caretta Robertson due to a miscommunication. The arrest was unauthorized, as officers were only instructed to notify her to appear in court. A shift supervisor misinterpreted a judicial order, leading to the improper apprehension.

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KLFY45d ago
Local Government & Politics

5 Republican candidates running for Louisiana's 6th District to debate

Five Republican candidates vying for Louisiana's 6th Congressional District seat are scheduled to debate in Denham Springs. This statewide election race directly affects voters across the region, including those in Acadiana.

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KLFY45d ago
Local Government & Politics

Louisiana weighs changes to utility assistance funding for low-income households

The Louisiana Housing Corporation proposed changes to the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program during a public hearing, redirecting funding priorities toward cooling assistance and crisis support while reducing weatherization program allocations. This statewide policy shift will affect how utility assistance reaches low-income households across Louisiana, including Acadiana residents.

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KLFY46d ago
Local Government & Politics

DDA asks Lafayette to rethink downtown alcohol rules, new bar approvals

The Downtown Development Authority is asking Lafayette city leaders to reconsider the city's alcohol rules and bar approval process, citing concerns about late-night crowds, public safety issues, and strain on police resources in the downtown area. The DDA CEO stated that concerns have grown as more people gather outside bars and in parking areas late into the night.

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KLFY46d ago
Local Government & Politics

DDA asks Lafayette to rethink downtown alcohol rules, new bar approvals

The Downtown Development Authority is urging Lafayette city leaders to reconsider alcohol licensing rules and the approval process for new bars, citing growing concerns about late-night crowds, public safety issues, and strain on police resources in the downtown area.

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The Current46d ago
Local Government & Politics

After a brief search, M-P names a new OSHEP director

Mayor-President Monique Boulet has appointed a new director to lead Lafayette Parish's Office of Homeland Security And Emergency Preparedness following a brief search process. The new director will oversee emergency management and preparedness efforts for the parish.

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KLFY46d ago
Local Government & Politics

Mayor of Melville arrested on civil warrant: St. Landry Parish Sheriff's Office

Caretta Robertson, 55-year-old mayor of Melville in St. Landry Parish, was arrested on a civil warrant by the St. Landry Parish Sheriff's Office. No additional details about the nature of the warrant were provided in the available information.

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KLFY46d ago
Local Government & Politics

LCG announces new director of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness

Lafayette City-Parish Government has announced Christopher D. Hebert as the new director of the Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, succeeding Chad Sonnier, who has been appointed Louisiana State Fire Marshal.

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KLFY46d ago
Local Government & Politics

Jeanerette City Marshal wins re-election and award nomination

Jeanerette City Marshal Fernest "Pacman" Martin Sr. has been re-elected as National President of the National Constable and Marshal Association for the 2027 and 2028 terms. The announcement was made during the association's national conference held in Pensacola, Florida. In addition to his re-election, Marshal Martin received a nomination for an award.

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KLFY46d ago
Local Government & Politics

Downtown Lafayette bars face violations in alcohol check

Lafayette police and the Louisiana Office of Alcohol and Tobacco Control conducted a joint enforcement operation in downtown Lafayette, inspecting bars for underage alcohol sales and issuing violations and summonses at four establishments.

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The Current46d ago
Local Government & Politics

Boulet wants to start moving on Johnston Street – will she succeed?

Mayor-President Monique Boulet is launching a public engagement process this week for the first phase of a Johnston Street revitalization project focused on the downtown Lafayette segment. The initiative marks the beginning of efforts to improve this major thoroughfare in the heart of the city.

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The Current48d ago
Local Government & Politics

Downtown authority asks for tighter restrictions on open containers 

The Downtown Development Authority is requesting that Lafayette's city council consider implementing tighter restrictions on open containers in the Downtown Lafayette area. The proposal aims to regulate alcohol consumption in public spaces within the downtown district.

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KLFY49d ago
Local Government & Politics

LSU officials, AG Liz Murrill asks judge to toss SEC suit over eligibility

Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill and LSU officials are asking a federal judge to dismiss a lawsuit filed by the Southeastern Conference over player eligibility issues. This statewide legal matter directly affects LSU, a major institution with significant ties to Acadiana.

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KLFY50d ago
Local Government & Politics

SpaceX representatives speak directly to Vermilion Parish residents

SpaceX held a public meeting in Vermilion Parish to discuss the proposed Starbase Louisiana facility with community residents. The meeting addressed local concerns about the project more than 30 days after its formal announcement.

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KLFY50d ago
Local Government & Politics

St. Mary Parish Council votes to repeal personnel manual

The St. Mary Parish Council voted 7-1 to repeal its personnel policy manual and launch an investigation into three years of personnel decisions. The action comes after concerns were raised about whether employees have adequate procedures to challenge discipline and termination.

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KLFY50d ago
Local Government & Politics

What Louisiana voters need to know ahead of the Nov. 3 election

Louisiana voters are preparing for the November 3 elections featuring both general and open-primary races for U.S. Senate and House seats. As the state marks Voter Registration Week, residents in Acadiana and across Louisiana should familiarize themselves with voting procedures and deadlines.

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KLFY51d ago
Local Government & Politics

Six months left for St. Landry Parish to pay $1.65M bond

St. Landry Parish has approximately six months to pay a $1.65 million bond to avoid a state takeover of its finances. If the parish fails to make the payment, the Louisiana Legislative Auditor's Office will assume control of its financial affairs.

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KLFY51d ago
Local Government & Politics

Alderman Vernon Martin responds to allegations of Facebook Live threats

Crowley Alderman Vernon Martin is responding to allegations that he made threats during a Facebook Live video. Martin claims his comments were taken out of context and denies making direct threats, though the video raised concerns among some citizens.

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