Clay Higgins calls for unity as Crowley town hall turns heated over key issues BY JOEL THOMPSON | Staff writer Aug 14, 2026 Congressman Clay Higgins opened a Crowley town hall Thursday with a call for Americans to respect one another despite political disagreements.
High water bills in Opelousas define tense mayor's race as incumbent faces six challengers BY JOEL THOMPSON | Staff writer Updated Aug 13, 2026 A meeting of the Opelousas City Council on Tuesday heavily focused on residents' concerns regarding water billing and quality amid a tumultous re-election campaign for incumbent mayor Julius A…
Campaign signs are going up in Lafayette. Here's where they can — and can't — be placed. BY KRISTIN ASKELSON | Staff writer Aug 11, 2026 Campaign signs are going up across Lafayette Parish ahead of the Nov. 3 election, but candidates and property owners should know there are limits on where the signs can be placed and how large…
Here's who will be on the Nov. 3 ballot in Lafayette Parish BY JOEL THOMPSON | Staff writer Aug 7, 2026 The three-day candidate qualifying period for the Nov. 3 election ended on Friday.Â
Tempers flare as St. Landry leaders clash over parish finances BY JOEL THOMPSON | Staff writer Aug 6, 2026 A St. Landry Parish Council committee meeting turned contentious Wednesday as council members and Parish President Jessie Bellard clashed over a state audit that found the parish improperly us…
Here’s who has qualified so far in Lafayette Parish races for Nov. 3 election BY CLAIRE TAYLOR | Staff writer Aug 6, 2026 The following people have qualified to run in various Lafayette Parish races on Nov. 3.
+2 Here’s who qualified Wednesday for the Nov. 3 races in Lafayette Parish BY CLAIRE TAYLOR | Staff writer Aug 5, 2026 Candidates began qualifying Wednesday for the Nov. 3 elections which, in Lafayette Parish, include 15th Judicial District judges, district attorney and mayors, councils and police chiefs in se…
Lafayette City Marshal Reggie Thomas announces bid for second six-year term BY KRISTIN ASKELSON | Staff writer Jul 24, 2026 Lafayette City Marshal Reggie Thomas announced Thursday that he is seeking a second six-year term, saying he wants to continue expanding public safety initiatives and community programs.
St. Landry Parish suspends animal control services, citing budget constraints BY JOEL THOMPSON | Staff writer Jul 22, 2026 The St. Landry Parish Government announced Wednesday it has suspended all animal control services, citing budget constraints and legal obligations that officials say require the parish to focu…
+7 Acadiana Black leaders urge voter engagement effort after congressional map changes BY JOEL THOMPSON | Staff writer Jul 16, 2026 Black lawmakers and civil rights leaders gathered in Lafayette on Wednesday to launch a voter engagement effort they said is needed after ¶¶Òõh lawmakers eliminated one of the state's two …
A ¶¶Òõh mayor earns about $12 an hour as this town fights to escape financial crisis BY JOEL THOMPSON | Staff writer Jul 14, 2026 The Town of Elton is slashing salaries for its mayor and police chief amidst financial turmoil that stems back several years.Â
+2 Anita Levy sworn in as Abbeville's first Black mayor, promises new direction BY JOEL THOMPSON | Staff writer Jun 30, 2026 Anita Levy became the first Black mayor in Abbeville's history Tuesday, taking office alongside several newly elected officials who promised greater transparency and a new direction for city g…
See Acadiana area, statewide results from June 27 election Staff report Jun 27, 2026 To view live results from any election, go to the voter portal on the ¶¶Òõh Secretary of State website.Â
Check before you vote: Flooding changes polling locations in Avoyelles, St. Landry parishes BY KRISTIN ASKELSON | Staff writer Jun 24, 2026 Flood damage from Tropical Storm Arthur has prompted polling location changes in parts of Avoyelles and St. Landry parishes for Saturday's election, according to the ¶¶Òõh Secretary of Sta…
Shoppers to pay extra tax after New Iberia approves development district BY JOEL THOMPSON | Staff writer Jun 17, 2026 The New Iberia City Council unanimously approved a new Economic Development District on Tuesday over minor public opposition.
Former candidate for Lafayette city marshal announces bid for Youngsville chief of police BY JOEL THOMPSON | Staff writer Jun 17, 2026 John Trahan Jr., a former candidate for Lafayette city marshal in 2020, has announced his bid for Youngsville chief of police in November as a No Party candidate.
Abbeville councilman-elect and businessman dies at age 58 BY JOEL THOMPSON | Staff writer Jun 11, 2026 Abbeville-based businessman and councilman-elect Neal Richard died Wednesday at the age of 58.
See what's on the ballot for the June 27 election in Lafayette Parish BY CLAIRE TAYLOR | Staff writer Jun 11, 2026 Early voting began Friday in the June 27 election to decide the U.S. Senate candidates for the Republican and Democratic parties who will face off this fall.
Shopping at this New Iberia retail center could soon cost more; residents get chance to weigh in. BY JOEL THOMPSON | Staff writer Jun 3, 2026 The City of New Iberia will hold a public meeting June 16 to discuss the creation of a new Economic Development District to be located at the Lagniappe Village shopping center at 1102 Admiral …
Youngsville council approves new requirements for developers seeking property variances BY JOEL THOMPSON | Staff writer Jun 2, 2026 Youngsville has introduced new guidelines for businesses seeking variances to the city’s ordinances that could increase the likelihood of requests being denied.
Former ¶¶Òõh congressman recounts six hours in a Kyiv bunker: ‘It’s very harrowing’ BY JOEL THOMPSON | Staff writer Jun 2, 2026 Former Congressman Charles Boustany’s visit to Kyiv gave him a firsthand look at the harsh realities of the war in Ukraine.
'No on all': Here's why voters across Acadiana rejected property millages last Saturday BY JOEL THOMPSON | Staff writer May 23, 2026 A massive wave of rejection swept across ¶¶Òõh last Saturday. Proposals that would allow parishes to opt out of taxing business inventory, create new school districts and use teacher retir…
St. Landry cancels trail rides for remainder of 2026: ‘Public safety must come first’ BY JOEL THOMPSON | Staff writer May 20, 2026 St. Landry Parish Government on Tuesday announced the cancellation of all trail rides for the remainder of 2026 and identified several suspects accused of violent activity at a trail ride over…
Lake Charles voters reject three property tax renewals for roads, parks, first responders BY MEGAN WYATT | Staff Writer May 19, 2026 While Lake Charles voters rejected three property tax renewals during the May 16 election, Calcasieu Parish voters approved two bond measures for school improvements. Lake Charles Mayor Marsha…
+2 Weekend violence threatens tradition: ‘The future of trail rides’ in jeopardy in St. Landry BY JOEL THOMPSON | Staff writer May 18, 2026 Trail rides are a time-honored tradition for St. Landry Parish's African American community, but recent violence could threaten their continued existence. The trail rides are considered a cele…
+2 Lafayette Parish voters reject public library property tax renewal BY CLAIRE TAYLOR | Staff writer May 16, 2026 Lafayette Parish voters on Saturday rejected the renewal of a parishwide property tax that provides about 65% of the annual revenue for public libraries.
Democrat Anita Levy elected as mayor of Abbeville; full city election results BY JOEL THOMPSON | Staff writer May 16, 2026 Democrat Anita Levy defeated No Party incumbent Roslyn White in the Abbeville mayoral election Saturday.
Democrat Jason Willis re-elected as mayor of St. Martinville; full city election results BY JOEL THOMPSON | Staff writer May 16, 2026 Democrat incumbent Jason Willis defeated three opponents in the St. Martinville mayoral election on Saturday.