- A pair of whooping cranes in Jeff Davis Parish has hatched Louisiana’s first chick of 2026.

The experienced pair has successfully reared a chick each year for the past three years, according to the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries

ABBEVILLE, La. (AP) — Jacob Sagrera unrolls an alligator skin and lays it flat on a metal table, brushing off flecks of salt. He holds it up to the light, looking for blemishes, and gives it a score. That score will help a tannery an ocean away prepare it to be used by a luxury designer — for items like boots, watch bands and handbags destined for fashion runways and posh shops.

Then he adds it to a pile of hides, each with a yellow tracking tag that allows authorities to enforce legal trade.

Abbeville kicks off 'Sounds in the Square' with performance by Lukas Meaux and Cajun Beat

Each Fall and Spring, they host performers in Magdalen Square. Thursday evening, people from around Acadiana attended the concert, even welcoming guests from as far as Canada and New York.

Lukas Meaux, a firefighter with Abbeville Fire Department, got the opportunity to perform to kick off this year’s series of concerts.

Vermilion Parish is taking center stage in the premiere episode of Louisiana Public Broadcasting’s new television series LA64, which highlights the unique cultures found throughout the state.