Headlines from KATC, KLFY & The Current · Updated hourly
KLFY13d ago
Local Government & Politics

Louisiana amendment aims to prohibit bail for crimes against minors

Louisiana voters will soon decide on a statewide amendment that would prohibit bail for individuals convicted of crimes against minors. This legislative measure reflects ongoing efforts to strengthen protections for children in Louisiana's criminal justice system.

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The Current14d ago
Local Government & Politics

A rare show of unity on the Sulphur City Council — against the mayor

The Sulphur City Council displayed unusual unity during Tuesday's meeting, with previously divided members taking a collective stance against the mayor. The show of solidarity marks a notable shift in the typically contentious dynamics of the council.

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The Current14d ago
Local Government & Politics

A rare show of unity on the Sulphur City Council — against the mayor

The Sulphur City Council showed unusual unity during Tuesday's meeting, with previously feuding members presenting a rare display of solidarity. The council's unified stance appears to have been directed against the mayor, marking a notable shift from their typical contentious dynamics.

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KLFY14d ago
Local Government & Politics

Multiple states report suspicious packages with white powder at election offices

Louisiana Secretary of State Nancy Landry announced that her Baton Rouge office was evacuated after receiving a suspicious package containing white powder. The incident is part of a pattern across multiple states where election offices have received similar suspicious packages in the weeks before the midterm elections.

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KLFY14d ago
Local Government & Politics

John Fleming pushes for Louisiana homestead tax exemption increase

Louisiana State Treasurer John Fleming is advocating for an increase to the homestead property tax exemption, citing examples from other states that have raised their exemption limits. This statewide proposal could provide property tax relief to homeowners across Louisiana, including those in Acadiana.

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Video
KLFY14d ago
Local Government & Politics

St. Martinville begins enforcing junk vehicle policy on private property

St. Martinville Mayor Jason Willis has announced the city will immediately begin enforcing a policy against junk and abandoned vehicles parked on private property. The enforcement effort aims to improve the city's appearance and protect property values.

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The Current14d 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 judicial candidates need to be parents to preside over family law cases. The unusual race highlights a debate over qualifications for the bench in a court that handles custody, divorce, and related matters affecting many local families.

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The Current14d 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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Video
KLFY15d 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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Video
KLFY15d 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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Video
KLFY15d 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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KLFY15d 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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Video
KLFY16d 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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KATC16d 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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KATC16d 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 Current16d 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 Current16d 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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KLFY16d 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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KLFY17d 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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KATC17d 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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KLFY21d 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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Video
KLFY21d 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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Video
KLFY21d 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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Video
KLFY23d 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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