Headlines from KATC, KLFY & The Current · Updated hourly
KLFY42d 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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KLFY42d 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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KLFY43d 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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KLFY43d 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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KLFY43d 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 Current45d 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 Current48d 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 Current48d 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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KLFY48d ago
Local Government & Politics

Louisiana leaders reflect on 9/11 as nation marks 25 years since attacks

Louisiana leaders are joining the nation in commemorating the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. State officials are reflecting on the tragedy's lasting impact and honoring those who lost their lives in the attacks.

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Video
KLFY48d ago
Local Government & Politics

New Lower St. Martin substation provides space for deputy operations

The St. Martin Parish Sheriff's Office officially opened a new $250,000 Lower St. Martin Substation on Thursday, replacing a 360-square-foot facility with a modern 1,400-square-foot building. The new substation features four offices and provides deputies with expanded workspace and residents with private spaces to meet with law enforcement.

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KLFY49d ago
Local Government & Politics

Louisiana OMV centers to close Monday, Sept. 14

Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles centers statewide will close Monday, September 14 for modernization and staff training. Some online and private agent services will also be unavailable starting September 12. Residents should plan ahead for any OMV needs during this closure.

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KLFY50d ago
Local Government & Politics

Liz Murrill defends LSU amid SEC legal battle

Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill is defending LSU in a legal dispute with the SEC as the university faces a critical meeting about its conference membership. The defense comes as LSU navigates significant changes to its athletic and academic future within the Southeastern Conference.

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KLFY50d ago
Local Government & Politics

Legal proceedings against Opelousas Chief LeBlanc paused for elections

Legal proceedings against Opelousas Police Chief Graig LeBlanc on obstruction and malfeasance charges have been paused until after the current election period. LeBlanc is currently running for reelection as police chief while the charges filed in December 2023 remain suspended.

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The Current51d ago
Local Government & Politics

Inside the growing fight for public records access in Lake Charles

Lake Charles city officials have repeatedly refused to release public records over at least two administrations, using various creative and questionable legal justifications. The growing dispute highlights concerns about government transparency and accountability in Southwest Louisiana.

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KATC51d ago
Local Government & Politics

Louisiana elected leaders clash at SEC court hearing

Louisiana elected leaders, including district attorneys, clashed during a hearing at the Securities and Exchange Commission. According to a Dillard University Political Analyst, while the participation of DAs in such proceedings is legal, it remains an uncommon occurrence.

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KLFY54d ago
Local Government & Politics

St. Mary Parish Jail adds new library branch for inmates

St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center has opened a new library branch within the jail facility to provide inmates with educational and rehabilitation resources. The initiative is part of ongoing efforts to improve conditions and support inmate rehabilitation programs.

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KLFY55d ago
Local Government & Politics

Judge allows Hubert Augustine to remain in Breaux Bridge police chief race

A St. Martin Parish judge has ruled that Hubert Augustine can remain as a candidate in the Breaux Bridge police chief race, rejecting a challenge filed by the District Attorney's Office that questioned whether he legally resided within city limits.

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The Current56d ago
Local Government & Politics

Left out by the state, residents take SpaceX concerns to FAA

Louisiana residents from Vermilion Parish are taking their concerns about a major SpaceX project to the Federal Aviation Administration after state leadership failed to seek public comment on the massive development. The local community is bypassing the state process to voice their issues directly to federal regulators.

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KLFY57d ago
Local Government & Politics

LDWF speaks on SpaceX involvement

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is in preliminary discussions with SpaceX regarding a proposed Starbase Louisiana facility. The state agency will oversee potential environmental and natural resource impacts as the project planning advances.

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The Current59d ago
Local Government & Politics

Council Preview: Funds for nonprofits, raises for law enforcement

Lafayette city council is set to consider federal funding allocations for several local nonprofit organizations. Additionally, the marshal's office is requesting increased budget for salary raises for law enforcement personnel.

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The Current59d ago
Local Government & Politics

What does SpaceX’s legal shield mean for Vermilion Parish residents?

New state laws have granted SpaceX legal protections that shield the company from many lawsuits over damages caused by its Starbase Louisiana launch operations in Vermilion Parish. Legal experts warn that these protections leave residents vulnerable and limit their ability to seek recourse for any harm resulting from the facility's activities.

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KLFY59d ago
Local Government & Politics

Gov. Landry appoints state lawmaker to DOTD leadership position

Governor Jeff Landry has appointed State Representative Mark Wright of Covington to lead the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development's Office of Multimodal Commerce. This appointment represents a significant leadership change within Louisiana's transportation agency.

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KLFY61d ago
Local Government & Politics

Sexual abuse survivors fear more delays as Lafayette Diocese moves court

The Diocese of Lafayette has hired a prominent bankruptcy attorney for a filed case in state court, raising concerns among attorneys representing sexual abuse survivors. The move has sparked worry about potential delays in addressing the survivors' claims, though the diocese has not yet filed for bankruptcy.

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KLFY62d ago
Local Government & Politics

St. Martin Parish Sheriff’s Office opens new online public comment portal

The St. Martin Parish Sheriff's Office has launched a new online public comment portal to allow residents to provide feedback and communicate with the agency. This new digital tool offers an additional avenue for community members to voice their concerns and suggestions to local law enforcement.

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