KATC.com

Tagged News

• Crowley Could End Fire Protection Services Outside City-Limits

  April 12, 2013 6:45 PM

  The City-of-Crowley could cut off fire protection services for areas outside of city limits. Tuesday, the Crowley City Council said it's frustrated the Acadia Parish Police Jury hasn't finalized a contract. If a deal isn't reached, Crowley will stop providing fire protection by June first. For more than... more »

• New Businesses Bringing New Jobs to Duson Play Video

  March 18, 2013 6:36 PM

  The Town of Duson was once known as the town that cannot grow. Mayor Johnny Thibodeaux is looking to change that even creating the slogan "discover the new Duson." "With the interstate being so close to the Town of Duson, we need to use the interstate because it's so... more »

• Ed Koch, mayor who became a symbol of NYC, dies

  February 1, 2013 6:19 AM

  NEW YORK (AP) - Former New York Mayor Ed Koch, the combative politician who rescued the city from near-financial ruin during three City Hall terms, has died at age 88. Spokesman George Arzt says Koch died Friday morning of congestive heart failure. In City Hall, Koch embodied New York for... more »

• Covington council to name acting mayor

  September 11, 2012 7:37 AM

  COVINGTON, La. (AP) - The Covington City Council will officially appoint Council President Sam O'Keefe as acting mayor while Mayor Mike Cooper continues his recovery from emergency surgery. Cooper underwent colon surgery Aug. 28. While successful, officials say he continues to recover at the hospital. He hopes to be discharged... more »

• Alexandria mayor wants to build utility pipeline

  June 27, 2012 7:15 AM

  ALEXANDRIA, La. (AP) - Alexandria Mayor Jacques M. Roy wants to build natural gas pipeline. Roy told the Alexandria City Council's Utility Committee Tuesday he wanted to talk about a new project -- building the city's own natural gas interconnect. The project would cost about $5.5 million. Roy says the... more »

• New Orleans mayor to give state-of-the-city speech

  May 22, 2012 6:20 AM

  NEW ORLEANS (AP) - New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu, beginning his third year in office, is set to give his annual state-of-the-city address. Tuesday afternoon's speech was scheduled to be delivered at the New Orleans Center for the Creative Arts. It comes at a time when progress in the recovery... more »

• NJ gov., mayor channel Seinfeld in video parody

  May 16, 2012 7:21 AM

  TRENTON, N.J. (AP) - New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and the mayor of New Jersey's largest city are channeling the Seinfeld-Newman rivalry in a video parody that spoofs the mayor's heroics and Christie's vice presidential potential. The Republican governor finds himself thwarted at do-gooding by Newark Mayor Cory Booker. The... more »

• Opelousas Mayor Facing Ethics Violation Charges Play Video

  May 7, 2012 7:36 PM

  The Louisiana Board of Ethics is charging Opelousas Mayor Donald Cravins, Sr. with allegedly violating state law because he failed to report income he received from the Louisiana Teacher Retirement System. According to Louisiana law, elected officials must file an accurate financial statement every year, reporting income received by... more »

• Monroe mayor considers shift in airport oversight

  April 11, 2012 9:22 AM

  MONROE, La. (AP) - Monroe Mayor Jamie Mayo is considering a shift in oversight for the Monroe Regional Airport. Currently, the airport is under the city's Department of Public Works. The News-Star reports that Mayo may move the airport under his executive division. Mayo said he's already talked with Public... more »

• Hernando's mayor cited as national good example

  April 3, 2012 9:26 AM

  NEW ORLEANS (AP) - Two national health organizations say the mayor of Hernando, Miss., is doing a great job of helping residents get healthier. Chip Johnson will join officials from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute for a teleconference Tuesday about their state-by-state... more »

• Echols resigns as Forest Hill mayor

  March 2, 2012 8:20 AM

  FOREST HILL, La. (AP) - Sam Echols has officially resigned as mayor of Forest Hill. The Town Talk reports Echols has submitted a notarized letter to the Secretary of State's Office. Echols said in the statement that even though Forest Hill is a village, the time required to be an... more »

• Jennings Police Chief & Mayor React to Documentary Play Video

  March 1, 2012 11:09 PM

  A documentary called "Dark Minds" airing on Investigative Discovery features the Jennings 8 murder case and to some, it might seem like the program drags law enforcement through the mud. After a full hour, "Dark Minds" creator M. William Phelps explored every possible theory on who killed eight women... more »

• Mayor, police chief say be nice during Carnival

  February 9, 2012 9:54 AM

  NEW ORLEANS (AP) - As the parade season gets underway in New Orleans this weekend, and the mayor and police chief are asking people to practice three things - common sense, common courtesy and common safety. Mayor Mitch Landrieu on Wednesday said the combination would make Mardi Gras more fun... more »

• Former mayor taking case to the La. Supreme Court

  January 17, 2012 10:17 AM

  MONROE, La. (AP) - Former Richwood Mayor Ed Harris is asking the Louisiana Supreme Court to overturn his malfeasance conviction for illegally writing checks to himself and other employees during the last hours of his administration. Defense attorney Charles Kincade tells The News-Star that the district and appeal courts failed... more »

• Conviction, Sentence of Richwood's EX-Mayor Upheld

  December 13, 2011 5:59 AM

  MONROE, La. (AP) - A state appeal court has upheld the conviction and sentence of former Richwood Mayor Ed Harris. Harris was convicted in 2010 of malfeasance in office after illegally writing more than $90,000 in checks to himself and other employees during the last hours of his administration. Harris... more »

• Former Jeanerette Mayor Arthur Lee Verret Passes Away

  September 19, 2011 12:06 AM

  Former Jeanerette Mayor, Arthur Verret died this morning at the age of 78. For more than two decades, about a third of his life, he served as mayor of Jeanerette. It was just at the end of June when we last caught up with longtime Jeanerette Mayor Arthur Verret,... more »

• Mayor: marsh fire hot spots out

  September 12, 2011 9:45 AM

  NEW ORLEANS (AP) - New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu says Louisiana National Guard helicopters have extinguished what appeared to be the last three hot spots from a marsh fire that hazed the city with smoke for most of a week. He says that means the helicopters and their huge water... more »

• Edwards Makes First Trip Back to Acadiana

  August 22, 2011 12:58 AM

  A story of politics, friendship, and a birthday party; former Governor Edwin Edwards making his first trip back to Acadiana Sunday night. Music, dancing, and good food is key to any Cajun birthday party in Acadiana, but at Pat's Fisherman's Warf in Henderson, it was one heck of a party... more »

• Baton Rouge mayor asks voters to pass tax package

  July 11, 2011 10:51 AM

  BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) - Baton Rouge Mayor-President Kip Holden will ask voters to approve a $748 million capital improvements bond proposal this fall, marking his third attempt to pass tax package. The proposal is about $150 million less than the one voters rejected in fall 2009. This November, pending... more »

• FEMA Wants Town of Washington to repay $72,100

  June 27, 2011 11:31 PM

  The mayor of Washington is under fire by State government for money given to the town to pay for Katrina evacuees. But Mayor Joe Pitre isn't backing down, and his citizens are standing behind him. After Hurricane Katrina, the small town of Washington was flooded with evacuees. "There... more »

• Washington Mayor Says State Law, Audit Target Him

  May 31, 2011 11:04 PM

  The Mayor of Washington speaks out to KATC after an audit of his town was released stating he was illegally keeping revenue from traffic ticket fines. But Mayor Joe Pitre said he believes the law is unconstitutional and that he's being singled out. In 2009 Louisiana passed the "speed... more »

• Opelousas Mayor Upset Over OHA Audit Accusations

  May 24, 2011 10:59 PM

  The Mayor of Opelousas coming under fire after an independent audit of the Opelousas Housing Authority for the fiscal year from July 1, 2009, to June 30, 2010. Mayor Donald Cravins, Sr. said he doesn't often get upset about what is said about him in the public eye, but... more »

• Ball Mayor, Town Clerk Plead Guilty

  February 6, 2011 1:13 PM

  ALEXANDRIA, La. (AP) - Two top officials of the Louisiana town of Ball, including the mayor, have pleaded guilty to conspiring to defraud the Federal Emergency Management Agency following Hurricane Gustav in 2008. Mayor Roy Hebron and town clerk Brenda Kimball entered the pleas Saturday in federal court in Alexandria.... more »

• Former aide to Shreveport mayor arrested

  January 4, 2011 9:40 PM

  SHREVEPORT, La. (AP) - Shreveport police have arrested a former aide to Shreveport Mayor Cedric Glover on charges he forced a young woman to have sex with him in a government building. Police spokesman Bill Goodin says 43-year-old Richard A. Seaton Jr. of Shreveport surrendered to investigators at about 3... more »

• Krotz Springs Moving Forward With New Mayor and Police Chief

  January 3, 2011 11:57 PM

  Krotz Springs officially got a new mayor and chief of police Monday night, but not before more than half of the police department resigned. New Chief Norman Mouille said the department might be shorthanded right now, but not without help. "We're going to work with Chief Mouille, train his officers,... more »

• New Year, New Mayor in Maurice

  January 2, 2011 11:17 PM

  It was a hard fought election in Maurice, but Sunday, the new Mayor took his oath of office...KATC'S Chris Welty was at the inauguration. "It's always been a dream of mine to serve the people." No longer a dream, now a reality for Wayne Theriot, newest Mayor for... more »

• Ville Platte Swears in First African American Mayor

  December 31, 2010 6:37 PM

  It was a day of firsts for the city of Ville Platte. Jennifer Vidrine grew up in the town and never imagined she'd be sworn in as the mayor. She is the first African American and the first female mayor of the city. She said, "it's a very important day... more »

• Criminal probe ousts mayor's aide

  December 28, 2010 9:51 PM

  SHREVEPORT, La. (AP) - Shreveport Mayor Cedric Glover fires a top aide, saying it's because of a criminal investigation by police. Glover's four-sentence announcement did not give any details about the allegations against Rick Seaton, his assistant chief administrative officer. It says Seaton was fired immediately, following procedures used in... more »

• Hearing Officer: Emanuel can Run for Chicago Mayor

  December 26, 2010 12:27 PM

  CHICAGO (AP) - Former White House chief of staff Rahm Emanuel cleared an important hurdle in his bid to be Chicago mayor early Thursday when a hearing officer recommended his name appear on the February ballot, even though Emanuel spent much of the last two years living in Washington working... more »

• Eunice overhauls government offices

  November 3, 2010 7:11 PM

  The zydeco, still rolling outside Dee's Cajun Gifts and Music in downtown Eunice: playing the same music for the last 15 years; but the city changed overnight. "These people are gonna hit the road running." Fred Charlie says, "(they are) ready to work and put forward some type of change."... more »

• Ex-Mandeville mayor violated ethics laws

  October 15, 2010 10:07 PM

  BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) - The state ethics board has decided that former Mandeville Mayor Eddie Price violated state ethics laws by accepting golf and hunting trips and other gifts from companies seeking contracts and permits from the city. The board did not fine Price for the infractions, however, taking... more »

• Kaplan Hospital Tax

  October 13, 2010 7:37 PM

  A hospital in Vermilion Parish is banking on voters to keep it's doors open. A sales tax in Kaplan is up for renewal on November 2nd. If passed, it will continue to fund Abrom Kaplan Memorial Hospital. The hospital has served Vermilion Parish residents for 50 years, as the only... more »

• New Mayor in Grand Coteau Wins by Large Margin

  October 4, 2010 7:28 PM

  St. Landry Parish voters must really want change ---- they ousted the incumbent mayor this weekend by a huge margin. Grand Coteau Mayor, Gail Lark, will be leaving office after one term. Four years ago, Lark's campaign slogan was "Moving Grand Coteau into the Future", but the new... more »

• Purvis Morrison wins Mayor of Scott

  October 4, 2010 4:38 PM

  Purvis Morrison, City Parish Councilman, was elected the next mayor of Scott. Morrison will take his new position at the start of next year creating a vacancy for his Council seat. The Council must appoint someone to fill the seat within 15 days of a councilman's resignation. more »

• RESULTS St. Landry Parish Election 2010

  October 3, 2010 12:38 AM

  St. Landry parish numbers are in. Eunice Mayor Bob Morris is in a runoff with Claud Rusty Moody. There's also a runoff for Mayor in Opelousas between incumbent Don Cravins and Rev. Frank Ford. Here's a look at the numbers for all races: ... more »

• RESULTS Vermilion Parish Election 2010

  October 3, 2010 12:18 AM

  Election results are in for Vermilion Parish. Voters ousted the incumbent mayor in Maurice. Newcomer Wayne Theriot defeated Robert Ferguson on Saturday night. Maurice voters keep their Police Chief. Warren Rost has been in the office more than two decades. Here's a look at the final numbers:... more »

• Opelousas Mayoral Race

  September 30, 2010 7:59 PM

  Voter turnout is expected to be higher than normal in Opelousas, for the October 2nd election. This, as interest in the Mayor's race grows. Three candidates are challenging incumbent Donald Cravins, Sr.: Harvey Darbonne, the Rev. Frank Ford and Lena Anderson. All three challengers spoke with KATC on Thursday,... more »

• Elections in Your Parish

  September 27, 2010 10:48 AM

  All Acadiana parishes will hold elections October 2nd for local offices ranging from mayor and police chief to school board members. Every parish in the state will also decide on which one of eight candidates will become lieutenant governor. Polls are open Saturday from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Here's... more »

• New Orleans' deputy mayor resigns after audit

  September 24, 2010 9:21 PM

  NEW ORLEANS (AP) - Greg St. Etienne has resigned from his post as deputy mayor following an audit criticizing questionable financial practices at a nonprofit he used to run. WWL-TV reported Friday that St. Etienne, the city's deputy mayor of operations, had resigned after an audit said he steered loans... more »

• Buying Votes in Mamou

  September 22, 2010 7:53 PM

  Early voting for the October 2nd election is underway, and scandal is following close behind in Mamou. Police arrested and charged Ricky John McGee with six counts of voter bribery. But, these allegations aren't coming as much of a shock to the community. Mamou resident, Donald Lebleu says his... more »

• Sunset Fire Department Lacking Man Power

  September 16, 2010 7:17 PM

  The small town of Sunset in Saint Landry Parish is dealing with a safety crisis--no one in-town to respond immediately during fires. Resident Earl Courvelle said, "to me that's a very serious problem--when you don't have anyone to respond to a fire within your municipality." Courvelle says he's... more »

• Chicago Mayor Daley hears from Oprah Winfrey

  September 8, 2010 10:11 PM

  CHICAGO (AP) - Chicago Mayor Richard Daley's decision to not run for another term prompted a call from someone else who's famous name is synonymous with the nation's third-largest city: Oprah Winfrey. Winfrey was among the notables who have called Daley since his announcement Tuesday that he would give up... more »

• Port Allen mayor, police chief indicted

  September 1, 2010 9:38 PM

  BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) - Port Allen's mayor and police chief have been indicted on federal racketeering charges for allegedly taking bribes from businesspeople. The charges against Mayor Derek Lewis and Police Chief Frederick Smith in Wednesday's 22-count indictment include violating the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, mail fraud... more »

• New Interim Police Chief in Jennings

  August 20, 2010 10:51 AM

  Jennings Police Chief Johnny Lassister is no longer the top cop in the city. At a media conference this morning at Jennings City Hall, Mayor Terry Duhon announced a change in leadership. He named Todd D'Albor interim chief. D'Albor arrives at Jennings from an administrative position with the St.... more »

• 6th Term for Baldwin Mayor

  August 9, 2010 10:57 AM

  BALDWIN, La. (AP) - When Baldwin Mayor Wayne Breaux first stepped into office, the Soviet Union was still going strong, Americans only knew of one President Bush and Bobby Hebert was taking snaps for the New Orleans Saints. A lot has changed since Breaux first took the oath of office... more »

• White Castle Mayor Pleads in Racketeering Case

  July 14, 2010 8:23 PM

  BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) - White Castle Mayor Maurice Brown, one of three public officials indicted in a federal investigation, has pleaded not guilty to 13 criminal counts, including racketeering and conspiracy. He also faces four counts of mail fraud and two counts of wire fraud. If convicted on all... more »

• Crowley Fluoridation

  July 14, 2010 7:18 PM

  The battle over what's in Crowley's water system is brewing once again. For the past two years, the city has added fluoride to the water, after the council approved the measure. Now, fluoridation is mandated by the state. But, some residents are not happy with the additional chemical in their... more »

• NYC Mayor Says World Should Not Rush to Judge BP

  June 11, 2010 2:05 PM

  NEW YORK (AP) - New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg says the world should not rush to judge BP over its huge oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. The billionaire mayor is a former CEO and is known for defending private businesses dealing with public relations problems. Bloomberg said Friday... more »

• New Orleans Mayor Asks For Help With Troubled Police

  May 17, 2010 12:48 PM

  NEW ORLEANS (AP) - U.S. Justice Department officials are in New Orleans, where the new mayor has asked for help with a troubled police department. An assistant attorney general from the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division was sheduled to appear at a news conference Monday with U.S. Attorney Jim Letten... more »

• New Orleans' New Mayor: Mitch Landrieu

  May 3, 2010 11:26 AM

  NEW ORLEANS (AP) - Cathedral bells in the French Quarter marked the start of inauguration festivities for New Orleans' new mayor. Mitch Landrieu arrived Monday at St. Louis Cathedral, followed by more than a dozen religious leaders, for an interfaith service preceding his swearing in. Landrieu, who is vacating the... more »

• Ambassador Extension Complete

  April 14, 2010 6:34 PM

  The Ambassador Caffery Extension in complete. Now, the road stretches all the way from I-10 to US 90 (Evangeline Thruway). A ribbon cutting was held Wednesday afternoon for the final portion, from La Neuville to Youngsville Hwy. That few miles of road, is now the center of debate. The... more »

• Jennings Tax Vote

  March 25, 2010 7:27 PM

  Almost half of one city's budget could be altered by Saturday's election results. In Jennings, residents will vote on a 1cent sales tax. But, some were concerned that this was a new tax. In fact, Mayor Terry Duhon says it's not. Duhon says the citizens approved the tax back in... more »

• New Orleans Mayor Makes Super Bowl Bet

  January 29, 2010 2:37 PM

  NEW ORLEANS, La. (AP) - New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin appears to be betting the loot left over from the Saints championship game on the Super Bowl. Nagin bet Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak that the Saints would beat the Minnesota Vikings. His wager included CDs, pralines, mix for the square... more »

• Former Grand Coteau Mayor Passes Away

  January 27, 2010 9:23 PM

  Funeral services will be held Monday, February 1, 2010 at an 11:00 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial in St. Charles Borromeo Roman Catholic Church for Jean Jones Coco, age 61, who passed away Monday, January 25, 2010 at Opelousas General Health System in Opelousas. Interment will be in St.... more »

• Mitch Landrieu Planning Run For New Orleans Mayor Job

  December 8, 2009 4:14 PM

  NEW ORLEANS (AP) - Will the third time be the charm for Mitch Landrieu? Five months after saying he had no plans to run for New Orleans' mayor and one day before qualifying opens for the Feb. 6 primary, Landrieu said Tuesday that he's in. The announcement follows weeks of... more »

• New Iberia street repair to begin

  November 25, 2009 3:42 PM

  The Asphalt Street Repair Project will begin on Monday, November 30, 2009 in the following areas: Rita Street Danny Street Weldon Street Bergerie Street Calhoun Street Twenty Arpent Road E. First Street Carter Street Rex Street The duration... more »

• New Center Name to be Unveiled at Opelousas Council Meeting

  November 2, 2009 11:59 AM

  (November 2, 2009) - The official name of the City of Opelousas' new civic center will be unveiled to the public this week during the City Council Committee Meeting scheduled for Wednesday, November 4, at 4:00 pm. The new name is the result of a month long community wide... more »

• Sales Tax Vote in Grand Coteau Raises Concern

  October 16, 2009 6:07 PM

  Grand Coteau residents take to the polls Saturday to decide whether to increase local sales tax. Tom Colley and his wife co-own Days Gone By, a home decor shop in Grand Coteau. Colley says he wouldn't mind if people in town voted yes to raise local sales tax by... more »