Headlines from KATC, KLFY & The Current · Updated hourly
The Current101d ago
Local Government & Politics

Council Preview: Lafayette M-P rolls out 2027 budget proposals

Lafayette's Municipal-Parochial Council will review the 2027 budget proposals from Mayor-President Monique Boulet in an in-depth session. The council has until October 31 to amend and approve the final budget.

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KATC101d ago
Local Government & Politics

Auditor finds issue with Cheneyville's finances

Auditors have identified significant financial issues with the town of Cheneyville in Rapides Parish, including a lack of proper documentation that prevented them from issuing an official audit opinion. The town failed to send payroll taxes to the IRS and could not produce meeting minutes, raising concerns about financial management and transparency.

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KLFY104d ago
Local Government & Politics

Court hearings for Dr. Ben Sabbaghian delayed until October

Court hearings for Dr. Bahmen "Ben" Sabbaghian, a Jeff Davis Parish surgeon facing misdemeanor sexual battery charges, have been postponed from July 22 to mid-October. The delay will allow both the defense and prosecution time to evaluate expert witnesses for the case.

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KATC104d ago
Local Government & Politics

Louisiana’s Brig. Gen. John Plunkett retires

The Louisiana Army National Guard honored Brig. Gen. John Plunkett last week as he retired after more than 43 years of service. Plunkett's distinguished career was marked by strong leadership, expertise in Army aviation, and commitment to his soldiers.

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KLFY105d ago
Local Government & Politics

Elton approves new pay structure for future elected officials amid ongoing budget challenge

The Town of Elton has approved a new pay structure for future elected officials as part of efforts to stabilize the town's finances under an austerity budget. The changes will take effect in January 2027 and will only apply to elected officials taking office after that date.

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KLFY105d ago
Local Government & Politics

St. Martinville Police launch community walks to strengthen community connections

The St. Martinville Police Department launched its first community walk initiative on Wednesday evening, with officers walking through District One to meet residents, answer questions, and address neighborhood concerns. The program is designed to strengthen relationships between law enforcement and the community.

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KLFY106d ago
Local Government & Politics

Opelousas receives Main Street honor

Opelousas has been recognized as one of 19 cities in Louisiana to receive an honor for its Main Street Program this year. The recognition provides the city with a stronger platform to pursue grants and other funding opportunities for future development.

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KLFY106d ago
Local Government & Politics

Billy Noegel sworn in as Abbeville District A councilman

Billy Noegel has been sworn in as the District A Council Member for the Abbeville City Council, filling the position until the November election. Noegel was officially sworn into office by City Attorney Bart Broussard at a recent City Council meeting with his wife present.

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KATC106d ago
Local Government & Politics

Interim council member appointed, sworn in

Billy Noegel has been appointed and sworn in to serve in the District A council seat until an election is held this fall. The seat became vacant following the death of Neal Richard, who had been elected to the position in June.

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KATC107d ago
Local Government & Politics

Boosie says he paid for a pardon he didn't get; wants a refund

Baton Rouge rapper Boosie Badazz is attempting to recover $300,000 he paid to a Washington lobbying firm that he hired to help secure a presidential pardon from Donald Trump, but the firm failed to deliver on the promise.

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KLFY107d ago
Local Government & Politics

Flags at half-staff in Louisiana in honor of State Sen. Larry Selders

Governor Jeff Landry has ordered flags across Louisiana to fly at half-staff on Tuesday to honor the memory of State Senator Larry Selders. This is a statewide tribute to the late legislator.

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KLFY108d ago
Local Government & Politics

Louisiana Democrats push to boost voter turnout ahead of November election

Louisiana Democrats are launching the "No More Silence: Road to the Polls" campaign to increase voter turnout for the November election. The initiative includes voter registration drives, community outreach events, and organizing efforts to reconnect with voters throughout the state.

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KLFY108d ago
Local Government & Politics

Funeral services set for State Sen. Larry Selders

State Senator Larry Selders, a Louisiana legislator, has passed away at age 44. Funeral services have been arranged for the state official who died on Tuesday.

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KLFY108d ago
Local Government & Politics

Lawsuit filed against the City of Baton Rouge after pastor fired due to pronoun dispute

A nonprofit organization has filed a lawsuit against the City of Baton Rouge over the termination of a pastor who worked at a library. The pastor was allegedly fired because his religious beliefs were incompatible with his employment at the library facility.

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KATC108d ago
Local Government & Politics

In Your Parish Headlines: July 13, 2026

Mobile 'Parish Pop-Ups' are touring the area to improve local representation and taxpayer services, while Abbeville is holding its first meeting under its new mayor to address property assessments and community concerns.

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KLFY109d ago
Local Government & Politics

St. Martinville Police Department announces community walk initiative

The St. Martinville Police Department is launching a new community policing initiative with officers conducting neighborhood walks to strengthen relationships with residents. The first Community Walk is scheduled for Wednesday, July 15, at 6:30 p.m. in District One, led by Interim Police Chief Andrew Broussard.

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KATC109d ago
Local Government & Politics

UL political scientist weighs in on housing bill becoming law without Trump's signature

University of Louisiana political science professor David Hughes commented on a housing bill that became law without President Trump's signature. Hughes explained that the president's decision was not due to opposition to the housing bill itself, but rather stemmed from broader disagreements with Congress over election-related legislation.

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The Current111d ago
Local Government & Politics

Boulet’s budget proposal boosts pay for police, firefighters, other city employees

Mayor-President Monique Boulet has proposed a budget that includes salary increases of at least $3,000 over the next two years for police officers, firefighters, and other city employees. The pay raises are being funded by increased sales tax revenue in the city.

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The Current111d ago
Local Government & Politics

LETTER: Let’s reset the Bertrand conversation 

A letter to the editor compares the Bertrand and University projects, using a metaphor about regional gumbo varieties to discuss these local developments. The writer is advocating for a reset of the conversation around the Bertrand project.

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KLFY111d ago
Local Government & Politics

Lafayette Parish leaders seek public input on future growth plan 

Lafayette Consolidated Government is hosting a community meeting Thursday evening at the Carencro Community Center to gather public input on updates to the parish's long-term growth plan. The meeting aims to help shape the future development of unincorporated areas in Lafayette Parish. Residents are encouraged to attend and participate in the planning process that will guide the region's growth strategy.

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KLFY112d ago
Local Government & Politics

Grand Coteau police to get $1.50 raise per hour

Grand Coteau police officers will receive a $1.50-per-hour raise effective July 1, approved by the town council. Police Chief Brad Randell had requested higher starting pay to help the department compete with nearby agencies in recruiting new officers. The raise applies to all current and new officers in the department.

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KATC112d ago
Local Government & Politics

Funeral arrangements announced for State Sen. Larry Selders

Funeral arrangements have been announced for State Senator Larry Selders, a Baton Rouge Democrat and former state representative. Selders served in the Louisiana State Legislature and was a notable figure in state politics. The announcement of his funeral services marks the end of his tenure in public service to Louisiana.

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KLFY112d ago
Local Government & Politics

Louisiana AG joins push to strengthen illegal robocall rules

Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill has joined other state attorneys general in urging the Federal Communications Commission to strengthen regulations against illegal robocalls. The effort aims to protect Louisiana residents from unwanted and potentially fraudulent robocall schemes through enhanced federal oversight and stricter enforcement rules.

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KLFY112d ago
Local Government & Politics

Louisiana Supreme Court appoints judge to preside over Attorney General Liz Murrill case

The Louisiana Supreme Court has appointed Judge Robert Chaisson as judge ad hoc to preside over the criminal case against Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill. Murrill faces 16 counts total, including eight counts of malfeasance in office and eight counts of public intimidation. This judicial assignment marks a significant development in the high-profile case involving the state's top law enforcement official.

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