Headlines from KATC, KLFY & The Current · Updated hourly
The Current51d ago
Local Government & Politics

Government inaction, cuts are worsening Louisiana’s health outcomes

Louisiana continues to rank last or near-last on many health metrics due to state budget cuts and policy decisions by government officials. Advocates are working to improve the state's health outcomes, but progress remains slow without significant policy changes and increased funding.

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KLFY51d ago
Local Government & Politics

Report: Josh Guillory files motion to quash felony charges in St. Martin Parish case

Former Lafayette Mayor-President Josh Guillory has filed a motion to quash all four felony charges against him in a St. Martin Parish case. The motion seeks to have the charges dismissed before trial.

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KLFY52d ago
Local Government & Politics

Lafayette School Board sued over public comment limits

A lawsuit has been filed against the Lafayette Parish School Board challenging how it handles public comment during meetings, with allegations of Open Meetings Act violations. The suit was filed by Suzanne Higginbotham, a former board member, and targets four separate board meetings.

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The Current52d ago
Local Government & Politics

Former M-P Josh Guillory files ‘motion to quash’ in felony case

Former Cane River Creole Mayor-President Josh Guillory has filed a motion to quash felony charges in St. Martin Parish, where he faces four counts of malfeasance in office related to a covert drainage project. Guillory has maintained the charges are politically motivated.

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KATC52d ago
Local Government & Politics

Louisiana replaces 50-year-old OMV technology with modern digital platform

Gov. Jeff Landry announced the rollout of a modern digital platform to replace the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles' 50-year-old technology system. The new Driver Services platform will improve efficiency and user experience for Louisiana residents renewing licenses and registering vehicles.

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KLFY52d ago
Local Government & Politics

New OMV Driver Services platform seeks to end long delays and outages

Governor Landry announced that Louisiana's Office of Motor Vehicles has launched a new Driver Services platform, replacing a 50-year-old system with modern technology designed to eliminate the long delays and outages that have plagued OMV operations. The upgraded CHAMP Titles system represents a major statewide improvement that will benefit Louisiana residents seeking driver services.

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The Current52d ago
Local Government & Politics

Local activist sues school board after DA declines to take action

A local activist has filed a lawsuit against the school board after the district attorney declined to pursue charges related to alleged open meetings law violations. The lawsuit claims the school board approved substantive matters in a single collective vote, which limited public comment opportunities and violated Louisiana's open meetings requirements.

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The Current52d ago
Local Government & Politics

The M-P wanted a walkable Bertrand — is the project dead?  

Mayor-President Monique Boulet's plan to make Bertrand Drive more walkable in Lafayette has stalled due to community pushback. The setback raises concerns about the viability of other marquee infrastructure projects in the area.

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KLFY53d ago
Local Government & Politics

New lawsuit filed against LPSS alleging violations of Open Meetings Act

The Lafayette Parish School Board, Superintendent Francis Touchet, and Board President Hannah Mason are facing a lawsuit alleging they violated the Open Meetings Act by improperly conducting recent board meetings. The lawsuit challenges the legality of the board's meeting procedures and adherence to public transparency laws.

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The Current53d ago
Local Government & Politics

Lafayette superintendent gave school employees paid days off — DA investigates

Lafayette Parish School Superintendent Francis Touchet is under investigation by the district attorney for allegedly authorizing paid days off and work schedules for school employees that exceeded what the school board had approved. The probe examines whether the superintendent overstepped his authority in compensation matters.

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KLFY53d ago
Local Government & Politics

Major Louisiana fortified roof program investment to be announced

Gov. Jeff Landry and Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple will announce a major investment in Louisiana's fortified roof program Monday afternoon. This statewide initiative aims to strengthen roofs against severe weather damage, directly benefiting Acadiana residents facing hurricane and storm risks.

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KLFY54d ago
Local Government & Politics

Iberia Parish leaders remember Errol ‘Romo’ Romero’s decades of public service

Former Iberia Parish Sheriff Errol 'Romo' Romero is being remembered by current parish leaders who credit his decades of public service and guidance with shaping their careers. The tribute highlights Romero's significant impact on Iberia Parish leadership and governance.

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KLFY54d ago
Local Government & Politics

Louisiana, 18 other states approved permanent daylight saving time: The last obstacle to locking their clocks could soon fall

Louisiana is among 19 states approved for permanent daylight saving time, though the state must still await federal authorization to implement the change. The shift would eliminate the twice-yearly clock changes that affect residents and businesses across the state.

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KLFY57d ago
Local Government & Politics

Former Iberia Parish sheriff, state legislator Errol 'Romo' Romero dies at 89

Errol A. 'Romo' Romero, Sr., a former Iberia Parish sheriff and state legislator, has died at age 89. Romero served in multiple leadership roles representing the Acadiana region throughout his career in law enforcement and public service.

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KLFY57d ago
Local Government & Politics

Study names Louisiana as second-least happy state in the US

A WalletHub study ranks Louisiana as the second-least happy state in the US, based on quality of life measures across multiple categories. The findings suggest that happier states tend to offer residents a higher overall quality of life in areas like employment, healthcare, education, and community engagement.

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KLFY58d ago
Local Government & Politics

Himbola Manor to be demolished as LCG announces relocation plan

Lafayette Consolidated Government has announced plans to demolish Himbola Manor apartments following inspections that deemed many units unlivable. Tenants are facing relocation, with federal assistance from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to help with the transition.

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KLFY58d ago
Local Government & Politics

New QR code decals coming to Louisiana in 2027

Louisiana will eliminate mandatory vehicle inspection stickers on January 1, 2027, replacing them with QR code stickers under the new Louisiana Vehicle Identification Program. Drivers will receive the QR code stickers when renewing vehicle registrations through the Office of Motor Vehicles or licensed public tag agents.

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KLFY58d ago
Local Government & Politics

Surveillance cameras grant coming to Lafayette to catch illegal littering

The Lafayette Parish Sheriff's Office has received a $9,100 grant from Keep Louisiana Beautiful to launch a surveillance camera program targeting illegal littering and dumping in the parish. The initiative aims to deter environmental crimes and hold violators accountable through documented evidence.

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KLFY59d ago
Local Government & Politics

Residents will be moved out of Himbola Manor Apartments after decision set from Lafayette City Council

The Lafayette City Council voted to relocate residents from Himbola Manor Apartments, with the city planning to condemn and demolish buildings at the complex due to unlivable conditions. The Lafayette Consolidated Government is working with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Lafayette Housing Authority to help residents find new housing.

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KLFY59d ago
Local Government & Politics

Louisiana wins court battle over Title VI disparate-impact requirements

A federal judge has ruled in favor of Louisiana in a lawsuit against the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Justice, blocking enforcement of certain Title VI disparate-impact requirements in the state. The decision, backed by Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill, affects how federal agencies can regulate entities under these civil rights provisions. This statewide legal victory impacts how Louisiana businesses and institutions operate under federal environmental and civil rights law.

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KLFY59d ago
Local Government & Politics

Henderson clearing 25 blighted properties through state-funded program

The town of Henderson is demolishing 25 blighted properties—including old homes, trailers, and commercial buildings—through a state-funded program that Mayor Sherbin Collette says has been years in the making. Property owners participating in the program will not be charged for the demolition services.

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The Current60d ago
Local Government & Politics

Council Preview: City council to receive update on Himbola Manor

The Lafayette City Council will receive an update on Himbola Manor, an apartment complex that was found in egregious violation of over 100 city maintenance codes more than two years ago. The council will discuss the current state of the property and determine what steps should be taken next to address the ongoing issues.

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The Current63d ago
Local Government & Politics

There’s something rotten in the city of Sulphur

A special meeting of the Sulphur City Council last month descended into chaos, raising questions about internal conflicts within the municipal government. The article explores the underlying drama and issues causing tensions among council members.

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The Current63d ago
Local Government & Politics

Mayor-President’s budget largely passes as proposed

Lafayette's parish and city councils approved Mayor-President Monique Boulet's proposed budget on Thursday, largely as submitted. The approved budget includes additional spending allocated for Lafayette parks and recreation improvements.

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