Good morning, Lafayette.

LEDA completed a Market Value Analysis last Thursday using data from Reinvestment Fund to pinpoint Lafayette's residential real estate trends (a key step in guiding targeted investments), officials said.

A report by WorldAtlas showed that five of Louisiana's six largest cities experienced population declines as of March 12, while Lafayette — known for its affordable living and rich cultural scene — kept growing.

The findings reflect shifting economic trends in the region.

Louisiana workers will keep the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour while twenty states raised their wages at the start of 2026; state lawmakers are not planning any changes amid past proposals.

Lafayette Parish School Board voted Thursday to name the new northside school Paul Breaux Elementary and Middle School.

The $50 million K-8 facility will merge students from J.W. Faulk, Dr. Raphael Baranco, and Paul Breaux Middle, with construction starting in April and completion by December 2027.

Actor Roger Timber (a UL grad known for his roles in Law and Order and Young Sheldon) visited Truman Early Childhood Education Center on Thursday, Mar.

12 to encourage students with insights on friendship and imagination from his book, The Adventures of Relle and Ellis.

Lafayette Parish School Board voted to close Comeaux High and convert its campus into a career center that could save the district $2 million (over 100 community members voiced concerns at the meeting).

Software engineer Terysa Ridgeway has launched Code and Play, a hands-on learning opportunity where children explore coding and technology on the first and third Saturday of each month in Lafayette Parish.

Ridgeway said the program reflects her family’s teaching tradition and gives kids a fun way to learn tech fundamentals.

Jorden R. Melton Jr. is UL Lafayette’s associate director and program director who supports over 150 students through the Louisiana Educate Program.

He is a Top 20 Under 40 nominee who will be honored (by Advancial Federal Credit Union) at a banquet on April 10 at the Student Union Ballroom.

Students gathered at City Hall to join Empowerment Through Education, a leadership program led by the League of Women Voters that connected them with government, higher education, and community leaders to build skills for future success.

The Ragin’ Cajuns will start SBC play today at 6 p.m. at M.L.

Tigue Moore Field in Lafayette as they face South Alabama with ESPN+ streaming the game.

Monster trucks are set to thrill audiences at the Cajundome this Saturday afternoon as crews haul dirt into the arena — preparing for an event that features Blockhead, Dozer, Maximus and freestyle motocross stunts.

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.