Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 20th of March.
Good morning, Lafayette.
🎭 Culture
The Lafayette International Center announced that The McIlhenny Company (known for Tabasco Sauce) will receive the International Achievement Award for enhancing Acadiana's international reputation.
The award ceremony is scheduled for April 24 (the company is excited to showcase the region's culture).
🎓 Education
Louisiana has a low literacy rate with 72.9% of residents meeting expected reading levels—nearly one in four adults struggle with basic literacy and many young students fall below grade level.
The state legislature has passed laws that require early literacy training for teachers and mandated reading tests to help improve these issues.
🌲 Environment
Louisiana's top environmental official said new recycling technologies such as (pyrolysis) could eventually turn dumped tires into usable fuel and reduce illegal dumping.
The state will use $1.3 million in grant funds from a $7.6 million trust fund to help local governments while officials work on tougher enforcement measures and exploring economic solutions.
🏛️ Government
Lafayette Parish grew by 3,755 residents from July 1, 2023 to July 1, 2024, outpacing Calcasieu, East Baton Rouge and Livingston as the fastest-growing parish in the state.
The area saw a net migration of 2,536 residents — driven by 1,417 international arrivals and a natural increase of 1,208, while many other parishes lost residents.
NOAA laid off nearly 1,029 employees while The Weather Channel will soon reassign local meteorologists to Atlanta, a change that may affect weather forecasts in Louisiana.
Allen Media Group, which serves Lafayette, has not yet confirmed how these shifts will impact its local reporting.
📰 Lifestyle
A new hotel guide in Lafayette shows visitors where to sleep with options like the downtown Juliet Hotel near restaurants and the Rock ’n’ Bowl and the AAA 4-Diamond Carriage House in River Ranch.
It also lists budget hotels, family-friendly RV spots, bed and breakfasts, hostels and farm stays—giving travelers many choices.
🎉 Lafayette Events
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Acadiana Boat Show at Evangeline Downs Racetrack & Casino
Explore a variety of RVs, boats, and outdoor gear with industry professionals available to offer advice and savings on your next adventure.
Kappa Delta Annual Color Fun Run 2025
The Kappa Delta chapter at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette is hosting an annual fun run to support local charities including Faith House of Acadiana and Prevent Child Abuse America.
Alyse Young Live Performance
8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. | GoodWolf Power Yoga Studio | Cost not specified | Enjoy an uplifting live performance from local singer-songwriter Alyse Young in a cozy yoga studio setting.
Alyse Young Live Performance
6-10 p.m. | Sushi Mizu | Free entry | Enjoy a night of live music with local singer-songwriter Alyse Young in an inviting atmosphere.
Alyse Young Live Concert
10:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. | Cafe Sydnie Mae | Ticket prices vary | Enjoy an afternoon of live music with Alyse Young in a cozy café setting.
Louisiana Export Bootcamp
9 AM - 12 PM — Lafayette Economic Development Authority (LEDA) — Free to all — Enhance your exporting knowledge through expert-led sessions on logistics, financing, and compliance.
Rhythms on the River: Souled Out
5:30-8:30 p.m. — City Club at River Ranch — Free entry — Experience a vibrant outdoor concert series in the heart of Lafayette.
Scott Boudin Festival
6-11:30 p.m. — Scott Boudin Festival — Cost varies — Celebrate Cajun culture with delicious boudin from local vendors.
Alyse Young Live Performance
6-10 p.m. — Blu Basil Asian Fusion — Cost information not provided — Enjoy an evening of original tunes from Lafayette's own singer-songwriter Alyse Young.
Acadiana Junior High & High School Rodeo
April 11-13 — Yambilee Ag Arena — $15/weekend pass, kids under 5 free — Celebrate youth rodeo talent and tradition in a vibrant community setting.
🏠 Lafayette Real Estate
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💼 Lafayette Job Board
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📣 Lafayette Announcements
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