The latest headlines from across Acadiana, newest first. Filter by topic, or open any story to read it at the source.
WeatherA weak weather front will bring drier conditions and sunshine to the Lafayette area on Sunday, providing a brief break from humidity. Summer heat will continue throughout the week with returning humidity and afternoon storms expected.
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WeatherA weak frontal boundary is expected to move through Louisiana later tonight, bringing isolated to scattered showers and storms to the region. Residents should prepare for potentially wet conditions overnight.
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Community & EventsThe Baits Motel has recently opened in New Iberia, Louisiana, completing a development project that took nearly a decade to finish. Located along Bayou Teche, the motel features four specialized rooms designed to celebrate different aspects of South Louisiana culture and history.
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WeatherA weak cold front will bring slightly lower humidity and possible showers to the Lafayette area Sunday night, followed by warmer weather with mid-90s temperatures. Daily storms and increased humidity are expected to return early next week as conditions become more typical for the season.
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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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Crime & Public SafetyA 22-year-old Guatemalan civil detainee escaped from an ICE facility in Pine Prairie yesterday afternoon. Authorities have launched a search for the escaped individual. The incident highlights security concerns at the immigration detention facility.
Read moreCrime & Public SafetyA 15-year-old has been identified as the victim in a fatal shooting that occurred on Sherwood Drive in Lafayette on Friday afternoon, according to the Lafayette Police Department.
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WeatherLafayette will experience continued hot temperatures in the mid-90s with variable humidity through Sunday. Spotty rain chances are expected early Sunday morning, with more heat and afternoon storms forecast to return next week.
Read moreSportsUL football coach Tito Chikere is emphasizing a championship mindset for the Cajuns after they finished last season 6-7 overall with a 5-3 conference record, falling just short of Sun Belt Championship contention. One additional win would have put the team in position to compete for the conference title.
Read moreSportsThe New Orleans Saints are three days into training camp with roster competition heating up as the team prepares for its preseason opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars on August 15. Travis Etienne is adding depth to the Saints backfield during the competitive camp sessions.
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Community & EventsFuneral services for local radio DJ and on-air personality Porsha Evans will be held Sunday, August 9th at Kinchen Funeral Home. Visitation begins at 2 p.m. with the funeral service starting at 4 p.m., and the family is requesting financial assistance to help cover final expenses.
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Community & EventsOpelousas will host a state track meet this Saturday morning at Donald Gardner Stadium, beginning at 9:30 a.m. The event is open to young athletes between the ages of 5 and 17 from across the state.
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Community & EventsLester Bourque, the 82-year-old owner of Bourque's Supermarket, has passed away after more than 60 years of dedicated service to the Port Barre community. The Port Barre community is mourning the loss of this longstanding local business owner and community figure.
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Community & EventsA family of eight, including Brittany and Chris Royter and their six children, escaped a destructive house fire in Church Point yesterday that destroyed their home. The community has rallied to support the family following the loss.
Read moreWeatherAugust is starting off hot across Acadiana with high temperatures expected to persist through Sunday. Little to no rain is forecasted during this period as the region heads into the new month.
Read moreCommunity & EventsThe Jay & Lionel Hebert Municipal Golf Course in Lafayette celebrated its 100th anniversary on Friday, marking a century of operation in the community. This milestone represents a significant achievement for one of the area's long-standing recreational facilities.
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Community & EventsThe Iberia Parish Animal Shelter is undergoing a $1.7 million expansion project aimed at improving animal care and increasing facility capacity. The expansion will also enhance the work environment for employees and create a better experience for families interested in adopting pets.
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Crime & Public SafetyA deadly shooting occurred in the 200 block of Sherwood Drive in Lafayette on July 31 at approximately 4:21 p.m. The incident resulted in at least one fatality and prompted a police response to the area.
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Community & EventsThe Youngsville Police Department will offer a free e-bike and golf cart safety course to the public at the Youngsville Sports Complex Expansion Field Pavilion next week. The course aims to educate residents on safe operation and best practices for these increasingly popular vehicles in the community.
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Crime & Public SafetyA 20-year-old deputy with the Rapides Parish Sheriff's Office has been arrested and fired for allegedly smuggling marijuana and other contraband into a penal facility. The charges represent a serious breach of law enforcement duties in the region.
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WeatherAcadiana will experience very hot and muggy conditions this weekend with feels-like temperatures in the 100s and low rain chances. A weak cold front is expected to move through parts of the region late Saturday as it stalls across the Gulf coast, with overnight lows in the lower 80s.
Read moreCrime & Public SafetyAn 18-month-old child in foster care in Louisiana died while in the care of a man who had been certified by the Department of Children and Family Services over two years prior. The toddler had been in foster care for less than a month before her death, raising questions about the vetting and oversight of foster care placements.
Read moreTraffic & InfrastructureLafayette City-Parish Government announces a temporary road closure of Girard Park Circle between E. St. Mary Boulevard and Girard Park Lane starting Monday, August 3, 2026, and lasting through Monday, August 17, 2026. Residents and commuters should plan alternative routes during this closure period.
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Business & EconomyLouisiana will receive $1 million in a settlement with Walmart over its Spark Driver delivery service program, as announced by Attorney General Liz Murrill. The settlement addresses issues with Walmart's independent contractor delivery service in the state.
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Community & EventsLouisiana health officials are advising residents to throw away or return eggs that are part of a large recall due to potential salmonella contamination. Residents should check their eggs for recall information and take appropriate action to protect their health.
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Crime & Public SafetyA Lake Charles man was arrested following a major drug seizure operation on July 24, in which approximately $100,000 worth of illegal narcotics were recovered from two separate properties. The arrest was part of an ongoing drug investigation by local officials.
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WeatherLouisiana has reported seven heat-related deaths through July 2026, with six deaths occurring in June and one in July, according to the Louisiana Department of Health. The state is experiencing dangerous heat conditions that are resulting in fatalities among residents.
Read moreCommunity & EventsArtists Chasa and Charliese West have created "Swell: In Concert," a project that combines art with cultural preservation and environmental advocacy. The siblings are using their work to engage their community in important conversations about Creole culture and coastal erosion, issues that directly impact South Louisiana.
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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.
Read moreLocal 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.
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Crime & Public SafetyA Utah man has been arrested and charged with second degree murder and obstruction of justice in connection with the death of an 18-month-old foster child in Beauregard Parish. Alberto Marin, 31, of Salt Lake City, is accused in the death of Melanie Trahan, who died on Sunday.
Read moreTraffic & InfrastructureOpelousas is conducting repairs on a major water line and residents may experience temporary water discoloration during the work. Mayor Julius Alsandor is asking residents to report any ongoing issues to city crews so they can respond quickly to problems.
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Crime & Public SafetyA small chlorine leak at the LUS Water Treatment Plant in Lafayette was quickly contained after a malfunctioning valve caused the release. No injuries were reported from the incident.
Read moreCrime & Public SafetyA man from Sunset in St. Landry Parish has been sentenced to 308 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to attempted carjacking, carjacking, robbery, and discharging a firearm during a crime of violence. The crimes were committed as part of a Texas crime spree.
Read moreCrime & Public SafetyThe Louisiana Department of Health has launched a cyclosporiasis dashboard to track cases across the state. Lafayette Parish currently has the second-highest number of cases, trailing only East Baton Rouge Parish.
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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Community & EventsThe City of Abbeville has lifted its citywide water boil advisory after the Louisiana Department of Health confirmed that collected water samples meet all state drinking water standards. Residents and businesses can now resume using tap water for consumption and other purposes immediately.
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Crime & Public SafetyA Louisiana man, Eddie Lee Clark III, has been arrested in connection with dumping a barber's body into a bayou in 2023. His bond has been set at $1.25 million following the arrest.
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Traffic & InfrastructureAn 18-wheeler crash on I-10 in Baton Rouge sparked a fire early Friday morning after the truck hit a guardrail, forcing a portion of the interstate to close. Two people were transported to the hospital as a result of the incident.
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Crime & Public SafetyThe 15th Judicial District courthouse in downtown Lafayette was evacuated this morning following a bomb threat. Authorities cleared the building and the all-clear was subsequently issued.
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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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Community & EventsAcadiana is hosting the 2026 USSSA National All State Baseball Championship this week, attracting over 2,200 players and 171 teams to local baseball fields. The championship is one of the largest youth baseball tournaments to come to the region.
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WeatherLafayette is experiencing continued summer heat this weekend with highs in the mid 90s and only a few shower chances. A weak front moving through will provide slight relief from humidity later in the weekend.
Read moreWeatherLafayette will experience continued summer heat this weekend with highs in the mid-90s and a slight chance of showers. A weak cold front is expected to bring some relief from humidity levels by the weekend.
Read moreWeatherAcadiana can expect a dry finish to Friday, July 31st, with minimal shower chances in the forecast. Rain opportunities will continue to diminish through the weekend as dry conditions settle in over the 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.
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Community & EventsMarley Trahan, a student at Acadiana Renaissance Charter Academy, is featured as this week's Acadiana Kidcaster. She aspires to become a hair stylist in the future.
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Traffic & InfrastructureA tree has fallen on a powerline in Crowley, causing authorities to close N. Ave. J and E. 14th Street. CLECO crews are expected to arrive to make repairs, and motorists are urged to avoid the affected area.
Read moreCommunity & EventsA 14-year-old from the Acadiana area has developed a smart doghouse that has earned international recognition through their passion for technology and innovation. The young inventor's creation is opening doors and opportunities around the world.
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Business & EconomyHouse Speaker Phillip DeVillier is defending Louisiana's push to attract large-scale data center developments, including Hut 8's River Bend project, as an opportunity to strengthen the state's economy. Despite DeVillier's support, residents have raised concerns about transparency, electricity demand, and community impacts of these major industrial projects.
Read moreCrime & Public SafetyThe family of missing Nolan Wells has hired audio engineers to review a distress call made from a boat on the day of his disappearance. The legal team is examining the call in hopes of finding new information related to the case. This development marks a new step in the investigation into Wells' disappearance.
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.
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SportsNew Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave has agreed to a four-year contract extension worth up to $132 million, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. The deal keeps the Saints' star receiver with the team for the long term.
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Community & EventsOchsner Lafayette General has received multiple American Heart Association Get with the Guidelines achievement awards for demonstrating commitment to following research-based guidelines for heart disease and stroke treatment. The awards recognize the hospital's efforts to help save lives, support recovery, and reduce hospital readmissions.
Read moreCrime & Public SafetyScammers are impersonating St. Landry Parish President Jessie Bellard through text messages in a fraudulent scheme. Residents are urged not to respond to these messages or call any phone numbers provided by the scammers.
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Community & EventsA Church Point family of eight lost their home and belongings in a house fire on July 30, 2026. A GoFundMe page has been launched to help the family rebuild after the devastating fire.
Read moreCommunity & EventsUnited Way's Early Head Start Center in Lafayette is celebrating 15 years of providing federally funded child care to ALICE families — those who are Asset Limited, Income Constrained, and Employed. The program operates locations in both Lafayette and Abbeville, serving working families in need of affordable childcare support.
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Business & EconomyLouisiana has been selected as one of five finalists for the U.S. Department of Energy's "Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campuses" initiative. This designation recognizes Louisiana's potential to host a major nuclear innovation hub that could bring economic development and advanced technology research to the state.
Read moreBusiness & EconomyLouisiana has enacted a new law prohibiting debit card surcharges at restaurants and retailers, while requiring businesses to clearly disclose any legitimate fees to customers. This regulation aims to protect consumers from unexpected charges when using debit cards for purchases.
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Traffic & InfrastructureJeff Davis Electric Cooperative has announced a scheduled outage planned for Friday, August 14. The planned maintenance is part of the cooperative's regular infrastructure maintenance program.
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