Good morning, Lafayette.

Lafayette officials are investing over $619,000 to upgrade Thomas Park by installing a two-sided mural and replacing four courts with new tennis courts — improvements that include upgraded fencing and planned future lighting.

Construction is underway and more enhancements are scheduled.

Sixteen Cracklins from Acadiana will compete in the Hogs for the Cause cookoff to raise funds for children battling brain cancer (sponsored by Service Chevrolet Cadillac) and showcase local culinary talent.

The Lafayette Public Library Foundation is hosting its Annual Awards Celebration Luncheon to boost support for the library system — Al Hebert previews event details provided by Bayou Vermilion District.

Newsweek's ranking of responsible companies released April 10 highlighted two Louisiana firms; Lumen Technologies in Monroe (271) and Entergy in New Orleans (549) were noted for strong environmental, social and corporate practices.

Hancock Whitney has named banking veteran Larry Attenhofer as Lafayette market president while also appointing Blake Champagne as a community banker.

Attenhofer brings nearly three decades of experience — his local expertise is expected to drive client growth in the region.

Downtown Lafayette is celebrating festival season with Downtown Alive launching a weekend of music, art, food, and community events *bringing locals and visitors together* through Sunday.

Louisiana has ghost towns like Elliot City, abandoned after floods in the early 1900s in Pointe Coupee Parish.

Visitors can explore these old sites to see remnants of our past.

The Louisiana House Labor Committee killed a bill that would have raised the minimum wage to $12 by 2027 and $15 by 2029, leaving the federal rate of $7.25 in place.

Local café owner Elizabeth Payne said higher costs make it hard for small food businesses to absorb wage hikes.

The Oakbourne Country Club’s Crawfish Classic tennis tournament is taking over Lafayette by drawing 1,000 players to enjoy a blend of sport and local culture — organizers say it brings about $500K in revenue to the local economy.

LSU baseball will take on Ole Miss today at 4 p.m. CT at Swayze Field in Oxford, with the game streaming exclusively on SEC Network+ via the ESPN app.

The Tigers are set to continue their SEC series against the Rebels.

Caroline Bradley earned Farm Bureau Insurance/LSWA Miss Basketball honors for the second year in a row.

The Oak Grove junior center, who has signed with LSU, helped her team reach state semifinals last season while averaging 27 points and 16.9 rebounds per game.

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.

Acadiana Go Red for Women Luncheon

11 AM – 2 PM — Le Pavillon at Parc Lafayette — Ticket details not provided — Celebrate women's heart health with the American Heart Association's annual event featuring expert talks and community awareness.

Kappa Derby Day Party

3-9 p.m. — Calvary Creek — Fundraiser event — Celebrate the Derby with style while supporting community initiatives.