Today
in Lafayette
Wednesday, March 18th, 2026
Good morning, Lafayette. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 18th of March.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ At J. Wallace James Elementary, three students were surprised during a St. Patrick's Day celebration as their military dads returned early from a yearlong deployment overseas—bringing heartfelt joy to the school. KATC
- ➤ Two Lafayette National Guard fathers surprised their children yesterday at J. Wallace James Elementary School when they emerged from hidden boxes on stage after a yearlong deployment overseas, creating an emotional reunion before plans for crawfish and dirt bikes later that day. The Advocate
- ➤ The Junior League of Lafayette will host its annual Touch-a-Truck event on Saturday, Mar. 21, at Blackham Coliseum from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Families can explore trucks, enjoy food and games, and take part in a quiet hour (2 to 3 p.m.). News 15
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Gray Media’s pending $171 million acquisition of KADN + nine other stations, announced in August, is now delayed as the DOJ submits multiple information requests; officials expect partial approval while federal review continues. The Advocate
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Conni Castille’s new documentary film lineup Marvelous Rebels spots beloved local cultural touchstones including ironing, rice and gravy, crawfish and horses. The films will explore creative stories behind these traditions across South Louisiana. Lafayette Convention & Visitors Commission
- ➤ Lafayette celebrates its deep farm-to-table tradition with guided tours at the oldest rice mill (Konriko Company Store in New Iberia) and local events honoring rice, crawfish, oysters, and sugarcane heritage while offering hands-on experiences of Acadiana’s culinary culture. Lafayette Convention & Visitors Commission
- ➤ Lafayette Ballet Theatre will perform A Midsummer Night's Dream on Saturday, Mar. 21 at 7 p.m. at the Heymann Center; co-artistic director Shannon Heath shared production details with News 15. News 15
- ➤ Attorney Raven Boxie from Doran and Cawthorne, P.L.L.C explained balancing a courtroom career and motherhood during Women's History Month as she shared her insights with News 15. News 15
- ➤ The Open Studio Tours of Acadiana will take place this weekend, giving locals a chance to view artists' studios and learn how art is created. Hannah Bridges from the Louisiana Crafts Guild provides details, with the event presented by Bayou Vermilion District. News 15
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ The school board voted to close Comeaux High School and use the campus as a new career center to save $2 million; affected students will join Southside, Acadiana, or Lafayette High. Protests by students, teachers, and alumni continue as community members push for a reversal of the shutdown. News 15
- ➤ Layla Touchet, an award-winning school counselor at Prairie Elementary who was named Louisiana School Counselor of the Year in 2023, will be honored as one of the Top 20 Under 40 Acadiana Leadership Award winners at a banquet on April 10 at the ULL Student Union Ballroom. The Advocate
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Lafayette Public Library reported a surplus on Tuesday, March 17 that supports ongoing renovations and plans for a new branch while voters prepare to decide its tax renewal in May. The board announced plans to hire staff and upgrade software (including a new time-and-attendance system) at its recent meeting. The Daily Advertiser
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ A WalletHub study released on March 17 found that Lafayette ranked sixth for obesity, with Baton Rouge tenth and Shreveport eighth. The study compared obesity rates, health consequences, and low fruit and vegetable consumption (a sign of ongoing challenges) across these cities. The Daily Advertiser
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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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Cliff Cash Live Stand-Up Comedy
7:30-9 p.m. — Club 337 — $25 plus taxes/fees — Enjoy a night of laughs with comedian Cliff Cash, known for his appearances on Comedy Central and Sirius XM.
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