168 stories in our archive · page 1 of 7.
Local Government & PoliticsChief Todd D'Albor of the New Iberia Police Department has passed away. The New Iberia Police Department announced the loss of their leader, marking a significant change in the department's leadership.
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Local Government & PoliticsScott Fire Chief Chad Sonnier has been appointed as Louisiana State Fire Marshal by Gov. Jeff Landry. Chief Bryan Adams has been promoted to Principal Assistant to the Deputy Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Public Safety.
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Local Government & PoliticsGov. Jeff Landry has appointed Chief Chad P. Sonnier as Louisiana's State Fire Marshal and promoted Chief Bryan J Adams to Principal Assistant to the Deputy Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Public Safety. This leadership transition affects the state's fire and public safety operations.
Read moreLocal Government & PoliticsMunicipal-Parish Monique Boulet has proposed a budget for the next fiscal year with infrastructure as the primary focus. The budget proposal maintains the current cost-sharing arrangement between the city and parish rather than implementing changes to how expenses are split.
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Local Government & PoliticsSeveral new Louisiana laws take effect on August 1, covering consumer protection, student safety, environmental regulations, and driver penalties. These statewide legislation changes will affect residents across Louisiana, including the Acadiana region.
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Local Government & PoliticsCrowley residents are demanding action on a deteriorating property at 1015 Jeanette Street that poses health and safety risks to the neighborhood. The adjudicated lot has multiple city code violations on record, though municipal officials say the owner's incarceration has hindered efforts to resolve the issue. Mayor Chad Monceaux is involved in addressing the situation.
Read moreLocal Government & PoliticsA report from the Kathleen Babineaux Blanco Public Policy Center has identified significant employment barriers facing formerly incarcerated Louisianans as they reintegrate into society. The research highlights how stable employment remains difficult to achieve for this population after leaving the justice system.
Read moreLocal Government & PoliticsA column highlights how Lafayette's sidewalks, parks, and bus shelters are deteriorating due to what appears to be budget constraints, but investigates that millions of dollars are actually sitting untapped in the city's budget. The piece raises questions about the city's spending priorities and resource allocation.
Read moreLocal Government & PoliticsThe Grand Coteau Town Council voted against implementing a proposed traffic enforcement program called P.A.C.E. after more than an hour of debate. The council decided to maintain the existing L.A.C.E. traffic enforcement program instead.
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Local Government & PoliticsSt. Martinville's interim police chief Andrew Broussard has outlined his vision for the department, prioritizing community trust and building a police force that residents know and can rely on. Broussard aims to transform the department into a visible community presence beyond traditional law enforcement.
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Local Government & PoliticsLouisiana Secretary of State Nancy Landry's office is evaluating a new voting system from Smartmatic to replace the state's outdated election machinery. The company demonstrated its proposed system at the Louisiana State Archives, though the demonstration has faced skepticism from observers.
Read moreLocal Government & PoliticsDowntown Lafayette Unlimited held a meeting Wednesday to discuss the progress the downtown area has achieved since 2020, while also addressing ongoing challenges facing the district. The meeting highlighted developments and future initiatives for the downtown Lafayette community.
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Local Government & PoliticsLouisiana is addressing the problem of abandoned and neglected boats cluttering its waterways with proposed legislation that would fine Louisianans for leaving boats unattended. Local residents and workers in affected areas are supporting the measure as a necessary step to clean up and protect the state's water systems.
Read moreLocal Government & PoliticsSpeaker of the House Mike Johnson held a closed-door legislative meeting in Sulphur for over 200 business leaders to discuss legislative priorities for Southwest Louisiana. The event brought together local business community members to hear directly from the House Speaker about upcoming legislative initiatives.
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Local Government & PoliticsTwo women, Marva Williams and Shameka Bazile, have been arrested and charged with forgery, public payroll fraud, and theft in connection with their employment at Lafayette Renaissance Charter Academy. The charges suggest unauthorized manipulation of payroll records at the local charter school.
Read moreLocal Government & PoliticsTwo former Lafayette Riverfront Convention and Visitors Commission (LRCA) employees, Shameka Bazile and Marva Williams, have been arrested and charged with public payroll fraud, theft, and forgery related to the misuse of tens of thousands of dollars in public funds. Both women have been released on bail as the investigation into the alleged scheme continues.
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Local Government & PoliticsLafayette Consolidated Government is conducting a nationwide search to fill the position of Director of Traffic, Roads, and Bridges after the departure of Warren Abadie. The position oversees traffic management and infrastructure development for the city.
Read moreLocal Government & PoliticsThe U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority are hosting a public meeting Thursday in Abbeville to discuss updates on the Southwest Coastal Home Elevation Project. This initiative aims to protect homes in the coastal region through elevation improvements.
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Local Government & PoliticsThe U.S. House of Representatives unanimously passed legislation to rename the Lafayette Veterans Affairs Health Clinic in honor of Rodney C. Hamilton, a prominent veteran advocate. The bill recognizes Hamilton's contributions to supporting veterans in the Lafayette community.
Read moreLocal Government & PoliticsState Senator Bob Hensgens from Abbeville claimed he did not sign a non-disclosure agreement regarding a potential aerospace project in his district, but public records show he did sign an NDA. The discrepancy raises questions about transparency regarding the project.
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Local Government & PoliticsThe Lafayette Police Department has launched an investigation into Lafayette Renaissance Charter Academy following a complaint filed on April 2 alleging payroll mismanagement and financial impropriety. The allegations include claims of payroll fraud, forgery, ethics violations, and theft at the charter school.
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Local Government & PoliticsCajun Navy 2016 has filed a defamation lawsuit against United Cajun Navy, claiming the organization has damaged its reputation and the reputation of its volunteers. The lawsuit seeks to protect the Cajun Navy 2016 name and the integrity of those who have served under it.
Read moreLocal Government & PoliticsLafayette City-Parish Government (LCG) is advising residents against making roadside donations at intersections, citing safety concerns and lack of vetting of recipients. The advisory is part of a community education initiative encouraging residents to support trusted local organizations instead.
Read moreLocal Government & PoliticsFEMA is reminding disaster survivors in Louisiana how to properly use relief funds they receive. Recipients must spend assistance only on approved disaster-related expenses and should be careful stewards of the money.
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