168 stories in our archive · page 2 of 7.
Local Government & PoliticsA Lafayette Parish School System board member is publicly addressing a conflict with the board president regarding allegations of improper relationships in the district's health insurance contracting decisions. The dispute highlights concerns about potential inside deals in how LPSS manages its health insurance policies.
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Local Government & PoliticsSt. Landry Parish animal control services were briefly shut down by Parish President Jessie Bellard due to budget shortfall and lack of dedicated funding, but operations reopened the following morning. The closure highlighted funding challenges facing the parish's animal control department.
Read moreLocal Government & PoliticsLouisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill has had all felony charges against her dismissed by a special prosecutor just weeks after her indictment. The dismissal marks a significant development in the case involving the state's top legal officer.
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Local Government & PoliticsSt. Landry Parish animal control operations, which faced closure, will now continue under management by a nonprofit organization. Parish President Jessie Bellard is negotiating an agreement to transfer the operations following significant community and nonprofit support for keeping the services open.
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Local Government & PoliticsReggie Thomas has announced his candidacy for a second six-year term as Lafayette City Marshal. His campaign platform emphasizes expanded community partnerships and improved school safety initiatives.
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Local Government & PoliticsSt. Landry Parish President Jessie Bellard has reversed an order to shut down animal control operations, allowing the department to continue serving the parish through the end of the year. The decision buys time as parish leadership seeks nonprofit assistance to help manage the rising costs of operating the animal control service.
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Local Government & PoliticsLafayette Parish Tax Assessor Justin Centanni is launching pop-up events throughout the parish to bring property tax assistance services directly to local communities. The initiative aims to help residents, especially seniors, access services like the senior freeze program without having to travel to the downtown office.
Read moreLocal Government & PoliticsLafayette Parish Tax Assessor Justin Centanni is launching "parish pop-up" events to bring property tax assistance directly to residents throughout local communities. These mobile events aim to help Lafayette Parish residents with tax-related questions and services in convenient locations near their homes.
Read moreLocal Government & PoliticsState Senator Bob Hensgens addressed rumors about Space X and Blue Origin potentially locating operations in the area during a parish meeting. The senator spoke directly with residents about the matter, though no public questions were permitted during or after the event.
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Local Government & PoliticsLouisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill says the indictment against her was a misuse of the grand jury system after charges were dismissed. Murrill called the indictment "extraordinarily disturbing" and vowed that the legal matter is not over as she seeks answers about how the charges were brought.
Read moreLocal Government & PoliticsMayor-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."
Read moreLocal Government & PoliticsSt. 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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Local Government & PoliticsA 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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Local Government & PoliticsThe 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.
Read moreLocal Government & PoliticsLafayette 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.
Read moreLocal Government & PoliticsA 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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Local Government & PoliticsThe 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.
Read moreLocal Government & PoliticsThe 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.
Read moreLocal Government & PoliticsA 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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Local Government & PoliticsThe 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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Local Government & PoliticsA 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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Local Government & PoliticsRep. 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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Local Government & PoliticsLafayette 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.
Read moreLocal Government & PoliticsCongressman 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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