Saturday, September 12, 2026Lafayette & Acadiana · Updated hourlyVol. I · No. 92
The Current52d ago
Local Government & Politics

Boulet’s budget focuses on roads, drainage, parks 

Mayor-President Monique Boulet has proposed an $830 million budget for the upcoming year, the largest in the city's history. The budget prioritizes infrastructure development, with a focus on roads, drainage improvements, and parks as part of efforts to build what Boulet calls "infrastructure for tomorrow."

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KLFY52d ago
Local Government & Politics

St. Landry Parish ceases all animal control operations

St. Landry Parish Government is ending all animal control operations effective July 22, shifting responsibility to individual municipalities and law enforcement in unincorporated areas. This change will decentralize animal control services across the parish.

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KLFY52d ago
Local Government & Politics

Indictment against La. Attorney General Liz Murrill dismissed

A 16-count indictment against Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill has been dismissed as of Wednesday, July 22. Murrill announced the dismissal of the charges against her.

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KLFY52d ago
Local Government & Politics

Public hearing set for Jeff Davis Parish 2026 tax millage rates

The Jefferson Davis Parish Police Jury will hold a public hearing on August 12 to discuss and consider proposed property tax millage rates for the 2026 tax year. This hearing will allow residents to provide input on the proposed tax rates before they are finalized.

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KATC53d ago
Local Government & Politics

Lafayette councils review proposed $830 million budget, highlighting first responder pay, parks and drainage

Lafayette city councils are reviewing a proposed $830 million budget that prioritizes first responder pay increases, park improvements, and drainage infrastructure projects. Budget review meetings are scheduled for August 6, 11, and 13 before the proposal advances through the council approval process.

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KATC53d ago
Local Government & Politics

Judge rules in favor of Melville farm in flooding dispute with St. Landry Parish government

A judge has ruled in favor of Artell Brothers Farms in a flooding dispute with St. Landry Parish government, lifting a temporary restraining order (TRO) in the case. The parish indicates it will continue pursuing the matter, including further analysis of the farm's pumping operations.

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KLFY53d ago
Local Government & Politics

Jennings City Council votes to demolish former James Ward Elementary

The Jennings City Council has voted to condemn and demolish the former James Ward Elementary School, which has been abandoned since 2005. The decision addresses community concerns about the deteriorating property that has become an eyesore in the city.

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KLFY53d ago
Local Government & Politics

Jennings City Council votes to demolish former James Ward Elementary

The Jennings City Council has voted to condemn and demolish the former James Ward Elementary School, which has been abandoned for over two decades. The decision comes in response to community concerns about the dilapidated property that has sat empty since 2005.

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KATC53d ago
Local Government & Politics

Proposed Scott subdivision raises drainage questions before construction begins

A proposed 16-lot subdivision in Scott is moving through the city's approval process, with some residents raising concerns about drainage infrastructure. City leaders say existing safeguards are already in place to address drainage issues before construction begins.

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KLFY53d ago
Local Government & Politics

Permanent daylight saving time could mean darker mornings for Louisiana students

The U.S. House has passed the Sunshine Protection Act, which would make daylight saving time permanent nationwide if approved by the Senate and President. Louisiana students and residents could face darker morning commutes if the legislation becomes law.

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KLFY53d ago
Local Government & Politics

St. Landry Parish denied injunction in dispute with farm over pumping floodwaters

A district court judge ruled against St. Landry Parish in a legal dispute with a family farm regarding the parish's efforts to pump floodwater off farmland. The denial of the injunction represents a setback for the parish in the ongoing water management dispute.

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KLFY53d ago
Local Government & Politics

Louisiana Democrat won't run for reelection after redistricting 

Rep. Cleo Fields, a Louisiana Democrat, announced he will not seek reelection to the 6th Congressional District following GOP-led redistricting that made the seat more Republican-favoring. Fields said he made the decision after prayer and reflection, choosing not to run in the redrawn 6th District or any other district in Louisiana.

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KLFY53d ago
Local Government & Politics

Boulet to introduce 2026-27 proposed budget at Tuesday council meeting

Lafayette Mayor-President Monique Boulet will present her proposed budget for fiscal year 2026-27 during Tuesday's City and Parish Council meetings. The budget presentation is a key part of the annual municipal planning process for the Lafayette area.

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KATC53d ago
Local Government & Politics

Congressman Fields' statement on upcoming Congressional election

Congressman Cleo Fields released a statement regarding his decision about the upcoming congressional election. The statement indicates Fields' plans for his political future in Louisiana's congressional representation.

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KLFY53d ago
Local Government & Politics

Cleo Fields not seeking re-election to Congress, running for State Senate

Congressman Cleo Fields, who represents Louisiana, has announced he will not seek re-election to his current Congressional seat. Instead, Fields is running for a State Senate position, marking a shift in his political career and representation level.

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KATC53d ago
Local Government & Politics

Sources confirm: UL Athletic Director headed to Missouri

Bryan Maggard, PhD., Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, is departing from his position to take a job in Missouri. Sources have confirmed his departure from the university.

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The Current54d 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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KATC54d 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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KLFY57d 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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KATC57d 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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KLFY58d 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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KLFY59d 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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KLFY59d 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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KLFY59d 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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