Today
in Lafayette
Thursday, March 12th, 2026
Good morning, Lafayette. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 12th of March.
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Basin Arts has launched its spring raffle fundraiser (Laffy Raffy), where $10 tickets are on sale through March 31 to support its 10th anniversary and local artist partnerships. Winners will be announced online on April 2. KATC
- ➤ Al Hebert interviews Tony Daveron about the Celtic Bayou Festival happening this weekend organized by Bayou Vermilion District. A wind advisory is in effect until 5 PM CDT for parts of the region (with gusts up to 30 mph) that festival attendees should heed. News 15
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Researchers at UL Lafayette report that First Solar’s expanding U.S. manufacturing network—which includes a major facility in Louisiana—will support 39,320 jobs and add $7.8 billion to GDP by 2027. The study shows a strong local economic impact as solar manufacturing continues to grow. The Daily Advertiser
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Children aged 6 to 17 will run their own businesses at the spring Kidpreneurs Market on April 12 at 1424 St. John St. in Lafayette, as Confidence Campaign of Acadiana offers optional workshops on entrepreneurship (a $15 vendor fee applies). The Advocate
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Lawmakers consider a bill to allow a recreational alligator hunting season for 5,000 lottery-selected hunters with a two-gator limit if approved by the Legislature. The season would allow harvests from land using hook & line and might start Oct. 1. The Daily Advertiser
- ➤ A new federal law will raise Louisiana’s SNAP costs by $42.3 million next fiscal year, changing work rules and prompting lawmakers to act on lowering error rates to avoid an extra $95 million. Food banks worry that stricter rules may leave more families in need. The Daily Advertiser
- ➤ Lafayette Housing Authority in partnership with KSU TAB is inviting local residents to a visioning workshop for the redeveloped Surrey Street property on Tuesday, Mar. 18 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at 115 Kattie Drive (snacks and refreshments available and children encouraged). KATC
- ➤ Lafayette Consolidated Government began work on nearly half a mile of new sidewalks along Carmel Drive, adding ADA-compliant crosswalks to boost pedestrian safety — the project will finish in September with funding from the American Rescue Plan Act and city dollars. The Advocate
- ➤ Elmwood Drive in Lafayette will stay closed until March 20 for subsurface cross drain replacement near Waterwood Drive—detour routes are set on Robley Drive, Broadmoor Boulevard, and Maplewood Drive while local access remains open. News 15
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ A building along Johnston Street that houses Sticks Billiards, Dawn Nails and Johnston Street Coin Laundry will be demolished to make way for a new Chipotle location after the property was sold for $800,000 to developer Craig Ripley (New Orleans). The Advocate
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Northside boys basketball reached the LHSAA Select DII Finals in Lake Charles on March 11 after beating Madison Prep 65-61. The Vikings now await a championship matchup with the winner between Peabody and Washington-Marion. The Daily Advertiser
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Easter Fest
4-7 p.m. — Moncus Park — Free entry — Celebrate Easter with family-friendly activities and community fun at Moncus Park.
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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.
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Swan Lake
7-10 p.m. — Heymann Performing Arts Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience love and magic in this timeless ballet performance.
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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.
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