Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 2nd of April.
Good morning, Lafayette.
Acadiana Teen Court lets students serve as judges, prosecutors, and jurors in handling minor cases and assigning tailored sentences like community service (the program was revived in 2021 by a local nonprofit).
Its aim is to build leadership and accountability among local youth while planning to expand across the region.
U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy recognized Lafayette resident David Hoke for his work sharing personalized leather bound Bibles with elected leaders and spouses (as featured in his March Local Spotlight).
Hoke is honored for spreading Scripture and upholding community values.
Youngsville is set to host the BYOB Hamburger and Hotdog Festival (Bringing You Our Best) after Charles Sharma of Krewe de Acadian and Katelyn Mire of Quality Companies discussed the upcoming event on MidDay with Darla.
Further details are yet to be announced.
The 40th Annual Festival International de Louisiane held a flag-raising ceremony at Lafayette City Hall on Wednesday, April 1 (1:55 p.m. CT) to kick off seasonal preparations for festivities scheduled from April 22 to 26.
Louisiana personal injury attorney Gordon McKernan is launching his firm's sixth annual Gordon’s Grads laptop giveaway (15 laptops statewide) for high school seniors, aiming to support their education.
Lawmakers advanced Senate Bill 14 on Monday to simplify rules allowing retired teachers to return to classrooms while retaining retirement benefits.
The measure would let eligible educators earn up to 50% of their final salary and aims to alleviate the state's ongoing shortage of teachers.
Louisiana lawmakers advanced three vocational training bills, including a measure from Rep. Ken Brass (D-Vacherie) that would let high school seniors earn extra TOPS Tech financial aid by completing dual-enrollment coursework.
The bills, set for the 2026–27 school year, aim to offer more flexible training options statewide.
Keith and Daniella Poirrrier established the Poirrier Group LLC Founder's Partner Investment Fund in Sales at UL-Lafayette to support business students through mentorship, applied learning, and exposure to executive sales careers.
The gift honors Keith's parents (Gail and Steven Poirrrier) whose ties with the university date back to 1964.
Local officials announced adjusted services for Good Friday and Easter; transit services will not run on April 3, city-parish buildings and recreation centers will close, and K-12 students will begin their holiday break until April 10 while grocery stores offer modified hours on April 5.
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.
2026 Annual Session of the Louisiana Dental Hygienists' Association
7 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. — City Club at River Ranch — Registration required — Enhance your skills with engaging sessions and networking opportunities for dental professionals.
Festival After Party with Pirates and Bards
8 PM – 2 AM — Artmosphere — Check for ticket info — A night of banjo twang, sea shanties, and street-singin’ chaos awaits.
Lafayette Utility Coordination Diggers Night Out
5:45-8 p.m. — River Oaks Catering — Free entry — Network with utility professionals at a fun evening focused on damage prevention and socializing.
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