Good morning, Lafayette.

LARC supports individuals with developmental disabilities for 60 years and now serves over 150 daily with day programs on a campus featuring 10 rooms (including two bingo rooms).

Nicole Harrison and Karon Davis discussed the agency’s impact on the Discover Lafayette podcast.

Louisiana now has the highest combined state and local sales tax rate at 10.11%, compared with the national average of 7.53%, according to the Tax Foundation.

The rate increase follows the state raising its sales tax from 4.45% to 5% in January 2025.

At the 2026 Kiwanis Regional Spelling Bee on March 6 at SoLAcc, students from eight parishes competed and Grand Champion Nayan Junampally from Edgar A.

Martin Middle School will represent Acadiana at the Scripps National Spelling Bee the week of May 25.

In early February, UL Lafayette hosted a planning meeting to launch the NSF-backed Accessible Healthcare through AI-Augmented Decisions (AHeAD) Center with 185 participants including 65 industry reps.

A follow-up event is set for May 13 at the University of Florida to further advance AI innovation in healthcare.

Lafayette Consolidated Government approved demolition of the long-vacant La Quinta Inn on NE Evangeline Thruway after a fatal fire raised safety concerns for the community; bidding will start in the next two weeks (more updates to come).

LCG is upgrading sidewalks on Carmel Drive with ADA-compliant paths and enhanced crosswalks (covering 0.45 miles from Teurlings Drive to near Highway 94) and the project began in January and will finish in September.

Residents are advised to use caution near the construction area east of Louisiana Avenue.

Louisiana softball is set to face Southern Mississippi in SBC play this week after a record of two wins and two losses at the Okana Invitational in Norman, as the team relies on its balanced lineup of top hitters and emerging pitchers to try to secure a win.

JS Clark Leadership Academy's girls basketball team lost to top-ranked Southern Lab 43-38 in the Division IV select championship on Saturday at Southeastern Louisiana’s University Center, falling short of their second title in three seasons.

Toughest Monster Truck Tour

3–5 p.m. — CAJUNDOME & Convention Center — Tickets required — Experience the thrills of monster trucks and Freestyle Motocross in an action-packed event.

Rocky Dale Davis Live

7:30-11:59 PM — Club 337 — $25 General Admission, $35 VIP — Enjoy a night of laughs with comedian Rocky Dale Davis at Lafayette's own Club 337.

Jill Butler and her Joyride Band Performing Hits

7:30 p.m. — Heymann Performing Arts Center — Cost Info Not Provided — Enjoy an evening of soulful music inspired by Roberta Flack and Quincy Jones with Jill Butler and her Joyride Band.

Louisiana Energy Education Workshop for Teachers

8 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. — DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Lafayette — Free entry — A workshop for 6th-12th grade science teachers focused on energy education with meals provided.

2026 Louisiana Environmental Conference and Trade Fair

8 AM – 12 PM — CAJUNDOME & Convention Center — Registration required — Explore vital environmental regulations and network with industry professionals.

Candlelight: Tribute to Adele

8:30-9:45 p.m. — Petroleum Club of Lafayette — Get your tickets now to relive the music of Adele in a magical candlelight setting.

Easter Fest

4-7 p.m. — Moncus Park — Free entry — Celebrate Easter with family-friendly activities and community fun at Moncus Park.

Bark in the Park 2026

11 AM – 3 PM — Girard Park — Donations welcome — Celebrate pets and community with food, vendors, and adoptions for a great cause.

Swan Lake

7-10 p.m. — Heymann Performing Arts Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience love and magic in this timeless ballet performance.

Troy Trojans vs Louisiana Ragin Cajuns Softball

4-10 p.m. — Yvette Girouard Field at Lamson Park — Check local listings for ticket prices — Cheer on the Ragin Cajuns in a thrilling softball matchup against the Troy Trojans.