Good morning, Lafayette.

Valerie Thompson (20 Under 40 honoree) will be recognized on April 10 at the Student Union Ballroom at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette for her work as a tobacco cessation coordinator and nutritionist at SWLAHEC.

She leads community health efforts that help make wellness more accessible.

Entergy and Meta have planned to build seven new natural gas plants in Richland Parish to power Meta’s expanding AI data center.

The project will add 5,200 megawatts with all costs covered by both parties (ensuring no extra charge to local customers).

In Friday Feed, Al Hebert and chef Rusty Noel of Rusty's Seasonings for Every Stuff showed how to prepare Seafood Corn Maque Choux as a Lenten dish, with Kirk's U Needa Butcher sponsoring the feature.

Two Lafayette Parish educators, Holly Boffy and Alysa Leblanc, were named semifinalists for Louisiana’s top education honors on March 27; state honorees will be announced later this spring and celebrated at the Educator Excellence Awards Gala this summer.

The Lafayette Parish School Board approved the nearly $360 million General Fund budget for the 2026/27 school year+raising bus drivers' salaries to $25,000 and increasing support staff pay by $1,500 annually.

The board expects final approval in May with implementation starting July 1.

Two Lafayette Parish educators are state semifinalists for principal and teacher of the year.

Holly Boffy, principal at W.D. Smith and Mary Baker Career Center, and Alysa Leblanc of Milton Elementary have been nominated — finalists will be announced later this spring.

Due to a partial government shutdown affecting TSA staffing, wait times at New Orleans International Airport now can exceed 2 hours during peak periods (4 to 7 a.m. and 3 to 6 p.m.), while Shreveport and Baton Rouge airports report average waits under 20 minutes.

Travelers are advised to arrive early.

Today, the National Weather Service in Lake Charles issued a Red Flag Warning for southwest and central Louisiana from 11 AM to 7 PM, with strong north winds and low humidity expected.

Miles Perret Cancer Services is celebrating 26 years of free support programs for cancer patients across 10 parishes.

After last night's contest, Louisiana baseball continues its three-game SBC series against ULM at M.L.

Tigue Moore Field in Lafayette. Today's game starts at 2 p.m. on ESPN+ and the series concludes Sunday at 1 p.m.

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.

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.

Matthew Broussard Live Comedy Show

7-7:30 p.m. — Club 337 — $20 — Watch comedian Matthew Broussard deliver his unique blend of humor and education on stage.

Southeastern Louisiana Lions vs. Louisiana Ragin Cajuns Baseball

6-10 p.m. — ML 'Tigue' Moore Field at Russo Park — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a thrilling college baseball matchup between two local teams.

Fit for All Series: Tai Chi

Tai Chi in the Park — Time TBD — Moncus Park — Free entry — Slow down and move with intention through gentle, low-impact Tai Chi exercises.

Artist Talk with Kathy Reed and Steve Breaux

4:30 – 6:00 PM — Acadiana Center for the Arts — Free entry — Engage with accomplished artists discussing their work and influence in the local arts community.

Coastal Carolina Chanticleers vs Louisiana Ragin Cajuns Softball

12 – 4 AM — Yvette Girouard Field at Lamson Park — Entry price varies — Catch the excitement of college softball as Coastal Carolina takes on the Ragin Cajuns.

Comedy on the Swamp

9-11 a.m. — Feed & Seed Lafayette — Free admission — Local wheelchair comedian sharing laughs and meaningful messages from Lafayette, Louisiana.