Headlines from KATC, KLFY & The Current · Updated hourly
KLFY115d ago
Community & Events

UFC's Poirier opens up on arrest, decision to quit drinking

Dustin Poirier, the renowned UFC fighter and Lafayette native, recently opened up about a past arrest and its life-changing consequences on "The Diary of a CEO" podcast. The incident prompted Poirier to quit drinking entirely and resulted in the loss of a major sponsorship deal. Poirier's candid discussion highlights his personal growth and commitment to sobriety moving forward.

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KATC115d ago
Community & Events

Lafayette Fire gives fireworks safety reminders after two holiday incidents

Lafayette Fire Department is issuing fireworks safety reminders after two holiday-related incidents in the area. Both incidents occurred without causing significant damage, but highlighted the potential dangers that fireworks present, even after they've been used. The reminders come as a precaution to keep residents safe during holiday celebrations.

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KLFY115d ago
Community & Events

UL professor climbs highest mountain in North America, completes all 50 state highest points

Linus Wilson, a finance professor at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, made history by becoming the first Louisiana resident to reach the highest natural point in all 50 U.S. states. Wilson completed his historic achievement on June 17 when he climbed to the summit of North America's highest mountain in Alaska, fulfilling a remarkable personal goal.

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KLFY115d ago
Community & Events

Vitalant seeks type O blood donors to address critical shortage

Vitalant is urgently seeking type O blood donors to address a critical blood shortage affecting the Lafayette region. The organization has thousands of unfilled donation appointments through the end of July and is calling on community members to help meet this vital need.

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KATC116d ago
Community & Events

Langston Faulk is making athletes Eyeconik one shirt at a time

Lafayette entrepreneur Langston Faulk has built Eyeconik, a clothing brand that has reached over 2,000 athletes and individuals across Louisiana with a message about legacy and identity. Through his clothing line, Faulk has turned his entrepreneurial venture into a meaningful calling that resonates with the local community.

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KATC117d ago
Community & Events

Lafayette marks July 4 with stars, stripes and 250 years of American history

Lafayette celebrated Independence Day and the nation's 250th anniversary with live music, food, and tributes to veterans. Mayor-President Monique Blanque reflected on 250 years of American freedom and history during the local festivities.

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KLFY117d ago
Community & Events

Russian family celebrates first Independence Day after fleeing from war

A Russian family fleeing from war has found a new home in south Louisiana and is celebrating their first Independence Day in the region. The family's relocation was facilitated through an online friendship that developed via video games, which blossomed into a new beginning for them in Acadiana.

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KATC117d ago
Community & Events

Ville Platte gears up for 3rd annual Independence Day celebration with music, food, fireworks

Ville Platte is hosting its 3rd Annual Independence Day Celebration tonight at the Ville Platte Community Center, featuring food trucks, live music, and fireworks. The event is a local tradition bringing together the community to celebrate the Fourth of July with food, entertainment, and festivities.

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KATC118d ago
Community & Events

Freedom, family, and free hot dogs, inside Crowley's July 4 tradition

A Crowley resident has carried on a seven-year tradition of distributing free hot dogs to the community on Independence Day, a practice that began during the COVID-19 pandemic. The annual event celebrates freedom, family, and community spirit in the small Louisiana town. This year's celebration continues the man's commitment to giving back to his neighbors on the Fourth of July.

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KATC118d ago
Community & Events

Youngsville kicks off Fourth of July early with Red, White and Boom celebration

Youngsville hosted its Red, White and Boom celebration ahead of the Fourth of July, featuring food, live music, dancing, and fireworks. The event drew families to the area to enjoy patriotic festivities in the local community.

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KLFY118d ago
Community & Events

Youngsville celebrates Independence Day with annual Red, White & Boom event

Youngsville hosted its annual Red, White & Boom Independence Day celebration at the Sports Complex on Friday evening, drawing families from across the Acadiana region. The event featured traditional Independence Day festivities as part of the city's Fourth of July commemorations.

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KATC118d ago
Community & Events

Youngsville families share Fourth of July traditions at local fireworks stand

Youngsville families are preparing for Fourth of July celebrations, with residents sharing their holiday traditions while shopping at a local fireworks stand. The article highlights diverse plans ranging from pickleball games to poolside gatherings, showcasing how the local community celebrates Independence Day.

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KATC118d ago
Community & Events

In Your Parish Headlines: July 3, 2026

This is a local news roundup highlighting headlines affecting parishes in the Acadiana/Lafayette area for Friday, July 3, 2026. The article invites readers to submit local news tips and event information to the station's news department. It serves as a daily digest of parish-level news and community happenings.

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The Current118d ago
Community & Events

It’s too easy loving The Freeze. Tracking it down? Not so much.

A team of Lafayette documentarians is investigating the mysterious origins of "The Freeze," a line dance that became a craze in Louisiana for generations, despite its roots as a Nashville B-side. The project explores how this song and dance became such a significant part of Louisiana culture and the challenges in tracing its actual history and origins.

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KATC118d ago
Community & Events

CORRECTION: Honey Bee Farmer's Market is set for July 18

The Honey Bee Farmer's Market has been corrected to July 18, not tomorrow as initially reported. The article provides updated details about the market event for the Lafayette area community.

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KATC118d ago
Community & Events

Beyond the fireworks: Supporting veterans with PTSD this Independence Day

The Acadiana Veteran Alliance is providing support for local veterans dealing with PTSD during Independence Day celebrations, as fireworks can trigger difficult reactions in those with service-related trauma. The organization is offering resources and community awareness about how residents can help veterans cope during the holiday festivities.

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KATC119d ago
Community & Events

Corbin NeSmith finding purpose through mixed martial arts

Corbin NeSmith, a Lafayette-based biochemistry major, has found purpose and direction through mixed martial arts after initially struggling to adjust to life in the area. The local athlete is preparing for his professional MMA debut scheduled for October in Houston, marking a significant milestone in his fighting career.

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KATC119d ago
Community & Events

Paramedic shares heat safety tips ahead of summer holidays

An Acadian Ambulance paramedic is offering heat safety advice ahead of the summer holiday season, emphasizing that proper hydration should begin the day before outdoor activities, not just during them. The tip is aimed at helping Acadiana residents avoid heat-related emergencies as temperatures rise this summer.

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KATC119d ago
Community & Events

Hot dog eating contest set for Lafayette's Fourth of July celebration

Fat Pat's is hosting a hot dog eating contest as part of Lafayette's Fourth of July celebration at the Stars and Stripes event. The contest will be a featured attraction at the holiday festivities in the Acadiana area.

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KLFY119d ago
Community & Events

Lafayette student wins 2026 Congressional Art Competition

Lafayette homeschool student Kristian Richard has won the 2026 Congressional Art Competition for Louisiana's 3rd District, as announced by Congressman Clay Higgins. Her winning artwork, titled "With God All Things Are Possible," features the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist in Lafayette. This achievement recognizes Richard's artistic talent and local pride in depicting an iconic Lafayette landmark.

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KATC119d ago
Community & Events

Back to School Bash for kids of the incarcerated coming to Robicheaux Center

A back to school bash specifically designed to support children of incarcerated parents will be held at the Robicheaux Recreation Center on Eraste Landry Road in Lafayette on Saturday, July 11. The event aims to provide resources and assistance to local youth during the back-to-school season.

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KATC119d ago
Community & Events

In Your Parish Headlines: July 2, 2026

This is a local news roundup highlighting headlines affecting parishes in the Acadiana/Lafayette area for Thursday, July 2, 2026. The article serves as a compilation of significant local news stories and invites community members to submit event information and news tips to KATC's news team.

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KATC120d ago
Community & Events

Two families receive keys to new Lafayette Habitat homes built with community support

Two families have received keys to newly constructed homes built by Habitat for Humanity in Lafayette, with significant community involvement. The homes were built through the collaborative efforts of Habitat volunteers and the future homeowners themselves, who completed required work hours alongside construction crews. This project demonstrates the community support behind expanding affordable housing options in the Lafayette area.

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KLFY120d ago
Community & Events

Lafayette woman first in LA to get new cataract implant

A Lafayette woman, Orelia Bessard, has made history as the first person in Louisiana to receive the FineVision HP, a newly FDA-approved artificial lens implant for cataract treatment. The innovative procedure was performed by Dr. Blake K. Williamson in the local area. This advancement in cataract surgery technology is now available to Louisiana residents seeking improved vision correction options.

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