Good morning, Lafayette.

Today, the Lafayette City and Parish Councils will approve funds for 100 Black Men of Greater Lafayette's new mentoring facility at 300 Pershing Avenue—leaders said the center will offer mentoring, education, economic empowerment and health and wellness programs and plan to break ground soon.

Rondell Nelson—a wanted Scott man—was arrested in Acadia Parish on nine counts of attempted first-degree murder in connection with two separate incidents.

Mayor Ken Ritter announced that Grammy Award-winning Lauren Daigle will perform live at the Youngsville Sports Complex Amphitheater on Saturday, September 13 — tickets go on sale Friday, April 11 at 10 a.m.

Local business owner Kiki Frayard’s children’s book Lila Says No received a strong review from Kirkus (described as quirky and entertaining) and an endorsement from child psychologist Carolyn Helm, and it was well-received by parents and educators.

Frayard said more projects could be on the horizon as she builds on her success.

The annual Juneteenth Job Fair will be held on April 26 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the George Dupuis Recreation Center – 1212 E.

Pont des Mouton Road, with no fee for vendors or job seekers.

LEDA Job Fair will be held on Tuesday, May 13 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Cajundome Convention Center in Lafayette—where over 100 top employers will screen candidates—and job seekers should dress professionally and bring copies of their resumes.

One Acadiana has launched the Return to Learn Scholarship to help local students returning to school in Acadiana.

The program provides financial aid for final or returning students at select colleges—having awarded nearly $60,000 to more than 35 students since 2021—and is now accepting applications and donations to reach a $15,000 goal through May 2.

The University of Louisiana at Lafayette will lead a $5.8-million multi-state research project that brings together more than 30 researchers from six universities along with community partners from Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama to develop tools that help coastal communities prepare for floods. The project is funded by the National Science Foundation and will guide decision makers in planning response strategies—aiming to improve regional flood management.

Buck moth caterpillars are showing up early in Louisiana and can cause painful stings when their spines break off in the skin; experts advise removing the spines with adhesive tape (or using a cold compress, antihistamines, and soap and water) to ease the pain.

The caterpillars will grow larger as warm weather fuels their activity from April through June.

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.