LAFAYETTE, KATC - Nearly one million people in the United States are living with Parkinsons Disease. This illness affects the central nervous system often resulting in involuntary shaking, slowness of movements, and other cognitive impairments. Thats where Rise Therapy, a clinic that specializes in enhancing the quality of life for people with Parkinsons Disease through brain-stimulating activities comes into play. They offer a Rock Steady Boxing Class that takes place twice a week. With over 50 boxers, this class helps patients with their fine-motor skills, prioritizing mental health, and ult ..read more

ABBEVILLE, KATC - Its festival season and everyone in town is feeling the excitement. Its not everyday when your average 11-year-old gets to go to Festival International, so I think thats very cool, LeBlanc Elementary fifth grader Christine Baudin said. At 11 years old, she along with 33 other young musicians from LeBlanc Elementary Schools fiddle club are playing at Festival International - a cultural celebration with over 300,000 visitors. Honestly, its magical. You get to learn a new instrument and then you feel really proud of yourself, and then you also have your friends that are playing ..read more

The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) is hosting an open house public meeting to share information and gather your comments on the I-49 Lafayette Connector Project. Attend In-Person or Virtually The meeting will be held both in-person and virtually on Tuesday, April 30th, 2024. In-Person Meeting Date: Tuesday, April 30, 2024 Time: Choose one session - 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM or 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM Location: Lafayette Public Library - Main Branch, Second Floor Conference Room (301 W Congress Street, Lafayette, LA) Virtual Meeting Date: Tuesday, April 3 ..read more

LAFAYETTE, La. - Local non-profit Sky High for Kids is teeing up hope for a brighter future at their 17th annual Lafayette fundraiser, the Hometown Classic Golf Tournament. Taking place on Thursday, April 25th at Oakbourne Country Club, the event aims to raise critical funds and awareness for their mission of eradicating childhood cancer. A Day of Giving Back The day kicks off with a chance for golfers to hit the links, with tee times starting at 8:00 AM. Following the tournament, attendees can relax and enjoy a delightful luncheon, providing an opportunity to connect with fellow supporters. C ..read more

Opelousas native Loren Carriere said he was led down the wrong path with drugs and alcohol within the community. When he was released from jail he wanted to change the world, but he had to change himself first. Being in jail wearing the orange jumpsuit and shackles was not a great feeling," said Carriere. "I didn't like being viewed as a criminal, it was an embarrassing moment for me. Carriere went back to UL and graduated in 2005. After school, he had a job fixing guitars, but he wanted to help fix the community and the only way to do that was to connect with kids from the area. We looked ove ..read more

Lafayette, La. - Louisianas largest little cleanup initiative Love the Boot took place this week. Volunteers from across the parish came together Saturday morning in Lafayette for Trash Bash. This event focuses on beautifying the city by removing litter, planting moss near indigenous trails, and refurbishing gardens. John Robert Marks from Young Life Lafayette spent his Saturday morning with his students cleaning the environment. We work with students, we want to get them involved in their community and point them to where life is found and part of that is giving back to the community, Marks s ..read more

Like I said we just dont know what to do anymore, its ruining all of our toilets, tubs, and the smell give you an headache. Its just terrible, Donna Vidrine said. Iota Resident Donna Vidrine, is fed up after dealing with water issues in her home for 6 months. Donna told me the water is staining things in her home, including items she puts in her washer. After showers, Donna says the water causes issues with her skin. It makes me feel terrible because I cant sleep at night because I itch, I burn, its ridiculous," Donna said. "I shouldnt have to be going through this and Im not the only one. Do ..read more

Acadiana Center for the Arts Supporting Young Musicians with Camp Funding, Mentorship, and More. APPLY HERE ..read more

Acadia Parish resident's trash could potentially be used for renewable energy at their local landfill. The Acadia Parish landfill is the primary disposal area for the parish. The landfill is 117 acres, 90 acres of which is used for waste disposal. Acadia Parish Police Jury is in talks about a potential Methane Project that would capture, recover and clean methane and combine it with landfill gas created from waste. Its going to be captured and its going into the system, and blend it with methane which is natural gas thats already taken from underground," Brett Bayard said. "Its going to become ..read more

Gueydan, La. - According to the USDA, Louisiana typically produces more than three million pounds of honey but with last years drought and deep freeze, the state saw a 44% decrease in honey production. In 2022, Louisiana produced 2.5 million pounds of honey, whereas in 2023, Louisiana bees were only able to make 1.5 million pounds. While severe weather has affected beekeepers across the state, Gueydan Honey Producer Timmie and Lonnie Melancon experienced the complete opposite. Timmie told KATC that this has been her best season. She says having multiple water canals in the nearby area help her ..read more