Good morning, Lafayette.

Cajun FOOLS, a firefighters’ group, held a relay on April 5 to help injured Captain Erik Mannting cover his medical bills, rehabilitation and recovery—Mannting was hurt in a fire on January 1.

Firefighters from Broussard, Youngsville and Lafayette took part as food and music filled Apex Training Gym on Young Street in Broussard.

Fallen Senior Corporal Segus Jolivette was honored at Broussard Sports Complex during the baseball and softball opening ceremony, where his family received a framed jersey with his badge number—his son Asher threw the first pitch in tribute as he recalled playing catch with his dad; he was killed last July during a standoff in Jeanerette.

Fewer students took TOPS scholarships in 2024, with fewer than 48,000 recipients awarded $270.4 million as rising tuition and stagnant award amounts made the aid less attractive.

Lawmakers plan to introduce bills this month to raise award amounts and expand eligibility—efforts meant to keep Louisiana's top students in state.

Mary Fox Luquette at the BI Moody III College of Business says that fear of money mistakes can hold back smart choices and advises local investors to meet with a financial planner.

She recommends looking into investments—like index funds, mutual funds and quality stocks—to grow and protect their money.

Gov. Jeff Landry's administration paused nearly all work on the Mid-Barataria Sediment Diversion project for 90 days to stem rising costs that pushed the plan past $3 billion.

Work that began in August near Ironton in Plaquemines Parish stopped—only limited tasks like pipeline relocation continue as officials plan a smaller approach.

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.

Cajun Jam

11 AM – 4 PM — Vermilionville Historic Village — Free entry — Enjoy vibrant Cajun music performed by local musicians in a festive setting.

Property Insurance: Will It Make or Break The Deal?

6-8 p.m. — Walk-On's Sports Bistreaux — Food and drinks required — Explore the impact of new insurance strategies on property deals with insights from industry experts.

Live Music with Alyse Young

6-10 p.m. — El Paso Mexican Grill — Free entry — Enjoy a night of original tunes and heartfelt melodies from Lafayette's talented singer-songwriter Alyse Young.

Paques in the Parc Celebration

12-7:30 p.m. — Vermilionville Performance Center — Admission required — Celebrate Paques with lively music from local bands and a festive atmosphere.

Festival International de Louisiane

Apr 22 - Apr 28 — Parc Sans Souci — Free entry — Celebrate South Louisiana's vibrant culture with music, food, and art at this international festival.

Cycle Zydeco: Louisiana's Cajun & Créole Cycling Festival

8 AM - 5 PM — Cycle Zydeco - Louisiana's Cajun & Créole Cycling Festival — Registration required — A four-day bike ride with breakfast rides, local dining, and zydeco dance lessons.

Rigzone Oil & Gas Career Fair

9 AM – 1 PM — CAJUNDOME & Convention Center — Free entry — Explore job opportunities with top employers in the oil and gas industry.

Alyse Young Live Performance

6-10 p.m. — Sushi Mizu — Free entry — Experience the soulful tunes of Lafayette's own singer-songwriter, Alyse Young, in a relaxed sushi setting.

Festival International de Louisiane

April 26-27 — Parc International — Free admission — Experience a vibrant celebration of music, food, and culture in the heart of Lafayette.