Today
in Lafayette
Thursday, April 16th, 2026
Good morning, Lafayette. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 16th of April.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Feeding Others Outreach Distribution will pick up leftover food from Festival International de Louisiane and place it in community fridges to help people in need. The initiative presented by Bayou Vermilion District supports local food reuse. News 15
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ On April 14, a candle sparked an apartment fire on Rue Royal that displaced nine residents from a four-unit building + a neighbor helped a disabled resident escape before firefighters arrived, and no injuries were reported. The Daily Advertiser
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Raising Cane’s will reopen its renovated Lafayette restaurant on April 27 at 2516 Kaliste Saloom Rd, as part of an expansion announced in March. The Daily Advertiser
- ➤ Trader Joe's plans to open three new stores in Louisiana within the coming months at 3377 U.S. Hwy 190 in Mandeville + 1710 Camellia Blvd in Lafayette + 2428 Napoleon Ave in New Orleans. The Daily Advertiser
- ➤ A third Dunkin store will open in Lafayette Parish soon inside the Walmart Supercenter in Broussard at 123 St. Nazaire Road. The build is valued at $250,000 and is part of a $3.7 million remodel to expand Dunkin's presence. The Advocate
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ House Bill 342 advanced by a 98-3 vote on Wednesday, Apr. 15, requiring education agencies to prove they provide proper special education services in disputes. Lawmakers say the measure can ease financial barriers for parents seeking help. The Daily Advertiser
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ LUS warns that phone scammers threaten rapid electric service shutoffs and demand payment using gift or pre-paid debit cards; customers should verify account details through official notifications for security. KATC
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Former LSU coach Brian Kelly said Lane Kiffin doesn’t need advice as he takes over the Tigers, noting his experience spans from the NFL to USC. Kelly told USA TODAY that adapting to increased transfer activity will be key to success in Baton Rouge. The Daily Advertiser
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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.
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Comedy on the Swamp
9-11 a.m. — Feed & Seed Lafayette — Free admission — Local wheelchair comedian sharing laughs and meaningful messages from Lafayette, Louisiana.
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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.
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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.
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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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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.
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Kappa Derby Day Party
3-9 p.m. — Calvary Creek — Fundraiser event — Celebrate the Derby with style while supporting community initiatives.
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2026 LEDA Job Fair
9 AM – 1 PM — CAJUNDOME & Convention Center — Free entry — Connect with top local employers for job opportunities at Acadiana's largest job recruitment event.
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Louisiana Music Museum's Rock the Block Kickoff Party
5-8 p.m. — Acadiana Center for the Arts — Free entry — Celebrate local music and culture at Lafayette's vibrant street party featuring live performances and local cuisine.
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No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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Reveal the authorAbout Today in Lafayette
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