Headlines from KATC, KLFY & The Current · Updated hourly
KLFY62d ago
Local Government & Politics

Pecan Island residents voice opposition to SpaceX launch site

SpaceX is planning operations near Pecan Island that could bring economic benefits to the Acadiana region, but local residents and officials are raising concerns about potential impacts on wildlife and natural habitats. The project involves previously undeveloped land and has sparked questions about environmental consequences.

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KLFY62d ago
Local Government & Politics

'Why not us?': Vermilion Parish police jury president speaks on SpaceX

Vermilion Parish Police Jury President Chad Vallo discussed potential SpaceX plans for the parish, saying he initially learned about the project through rumors before formal negotiations began. Vallo's comments reflect local interest in attracting major aerospace development to the region.

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KATC62d ago
Local Government & Politics

Small fire breaks out at Lafayette City Hall

A small electrical fire broke out at Lafayette City Hall on Thursday afternoon. No injuries were reported and fire officials have determined the fire was caused by an electrical issue.

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The Current63d ago
Local Government & Politics

How are Louisiana sheriffs spending opioid settlement funds? We decided to find out.

Louisiana sheriffs receive 20% of the state's opioid settlement funds. A records review of 43 sheriffs reveals how they are spending their allocations from these settlement payments.

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KLFY63d ago
Local Government & Politics

Louisiana flags lowered to half-staff for Dolly Parton

Governor Jeff Landry has ordered all flags across Louisiana to be flown at half-staff on Thursday, August 27, to honor the legacy of country music icon Dolly Parton. This statewide directive reflects recognition of Parton's significant cultural impact.

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KLFY63d ago
Local Government & Politics

Louisiana gets $180 million in META lawsuit settlement; AG plans to use money to protect children online

Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill announced that the state will receive $180 million from META, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, as part of a larger $12 billion settlement. Murrill plans to use portions of the settlement to protect young people from child predators online.

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The Current64d ago
Local Government & Politics

Federal court rejects petition against Cameron LNG facility

A federal appeals court rejected environmental groups' and commercial fishermen's legal challenge to the Cameron LNG facility's new CP2 terminal expansion. The ruling allows the project to move forward despite concerns from local stakeholders about environmental and economic impacts.

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KLFY64d ago
Local Government & Politics

Louisiana to receive $180 million from META settlement

Louisiana will receive $180 million from Meta's settlement related to a lawsuit over teen social media addiction, Attorney General Liz Murrill announced. This settlement represents a significant financial recovery for the state from the social media platform.

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KATC65d ago
Local Government & Politics

Wildlife Federation says SpaceX announcement raises more questions than answers

The Louisiana Wildlife Federation has raised concerns about SpaceX's announcement regarding potential operations in Louisiana, citing insufficient details about wetland protection measures and the proposed waiver of federal environmental laws. The federation's statement suggests the company's plans lack transparency on critical environmental safeguards for the state's sensitive coastal ecosystems.

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KLFY65d ago
Local Government & Politics

Environmental groups oppose relaxing protections for wildlife for SpaceX facility

Environmental groups including the Louisiana Wildlife Federation, National Wildlife Federation, and Pontchartrain Conservancy have filed comments opposing proposed FAA rule changes that would relax wildlife protections for a SpaceX commercial space launch facility in Louisiana. The groups are pushing back against federal regulatory changes that could impact local ecosystems and wildlife habitats.

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KLFY65d ago
Local Government & Politics

Remembering 9/11: Lafayette Police Deputy Chief recalls time in military after attacks

Lafayette Police Deputy Chief Dorian Brabham reflects on his military service and his transition to civilian life around the time of the September 11th attacks. The article highlights how the tragic events influenced his career path and his perspective as a law enforcement leader in Lafayette.

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KATC66d ago
Local Government & Politics

St. Martinville expands crackdown on nuisance vehicles

St. Martinville is strengthening its efforts to combat blight by adopting an amended ordinance that targets abandoned and nuisance vehicles on private property. The expanded crackdown represents the town's commitment to improving neighborhood conditions and quality of life.

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The Current66d ago
Local Government & Politics

Lafayette’s fight on blight is restarting — with new rules 

Lafayette is restarting its process for addressing abandoned properties with new fees and requirements for property acquisition. The revised program aims to tackle blight throughout the city with updated regulations.

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KLFY66d ago
Local Government & Politics

Blake Miguez GOP endorsement in 6th Congressional District draws criticism

Blake Miguez received the Louisiana GOP's endorsement in the race for Louisiana's 6th Congressional District, prompting criticism and disappointment from other candidates running for the seat. The endorsement has become a point of contention among the candidates competing in the district.

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KATC69d ago
Local Government & Politics

KATC Investigates: Church Point police chief candidate carries violent criminal past

KATC Investigates found that Church Point police chief candidate Terrance Garrick Jr. has a documented history of violence-related arrests dating back to 2015. The investigation compiled a timeline of these arrests to inform voters about the candidate's background.

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The Current69d ago
Local Government & Politics

‘Major,’ super secret deal to be announced in Abbeville

Governor Jeff Landry has announced he will reveal a major deal in Abbeville on Tuesday. The announcement is being kept secret, with speculation ranging from a major expansion of the Best Stop to potentially attracting a large company like SpaceX to the area.

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KLFY69d ago
Local Government & Politics

Acadia Parish announces remote voter registration events in September

Acadia Parish is hosting remote voter registration events during National Voter Registration Week from September 21-25. The initiative aims to increase voter participation across the parish during the designated week.

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KLFY69d ago
Local Government & Politics

New Iberia citizen prepares petition to compel release of public documents

A New Iberia resident is preparing to file a lawsuit against the city to obtain public records she requested while investigating whether city officials considered legal action against her over her criticism of the proposed Lagniappe Village tax project.

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KATC70d ago
Local Government & Politics

St. Landry Parish leaders face off in court over jail funding dispute

St. Landry Parish leaders are in a legal dispute over funding responsibilities for housing state inmates in the parish jail. The disagreement brought parish officials before a judge Thursday morning to resolve the financial dispute.

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KATC70d ago
Local Government & Politics

Lafayette Police Headquarters to close for Maintenance

The Lafayette Police headquarters building will temporarily close for scheduled maintenance over the next couple of days. The department expects to resume normal operations at the headquarters by Sunday.

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KLFY70d ago
Local Government & Politics

Broussard police chief reflects on 9/11

Broussard Police Chief Vance Olivier reflects on his memories of September 11th, 2001, recounting where he was and what he experienced during the tragic events that day.

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KLFY70d ago
Local Government & Politics

Broussard police chief reflects on 9/11

Broussard Police Chief Vance Olivier reflects on his memories of September 11th, 2001, and where he was when the terrorist attacks occurred. The article captures a local law enforcement leader's personal recollection of this significant national tragedy.

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KLFY70d ago
Local Government & Politics

Staffing shortages leaves Grand Coteau police with three officers

Two Grand Coteau police officers, including former police chief Michael Buck, were placed on administrative leave by aldermen, reducing the department to just three full-time officers to serve the town. The decision leaves the small police department significantly understaffed during an ongoing shortage of personnel.

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The Current71d ago
Local Government & Politics

Dread the dredge: Army Corps promises Vermilion cleanup, but not full dredging

The Army Corps of Engineers addressed concerns about flooding in Vermilion at a council meeting Tuesday, promising some cleanup efforts but stopping short of committing to a full dredging of the river. Locals and officials have been requesting the Corps deepen the Vermilion for over a decade as a potential flood solution.

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