Today
in Lafayette
Thursday, April 17th, 2025
Good morning, Lafayette. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 17th of April.
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ The Lafayette Parish School System announced that Tia Mechelle Trahan, the 2024 Louisiana Overall Principal of the Year, will serve as principal of Paul Breaux Middle School for the 2025–26 school year starting in July 2025—she previously led Lafayette Middle School where her leadership increased the school performance score by 11.1 points. BY Local News
- ➤ Donovan Cade Soileau has been named principal of Ridge Elementary School (announcement made April 16) as he replaces Rhonda Dickerson (appointed LPSS chief of Elementary Schools) and brings over a decade of teaching and leadership experience to guide the school forward. BY Local News
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ State Sen. Gerald Boudreaux unveiled a bill on April 16 to rename four Lafayette parks and honor local figures who impacted the community. The bill would rename Brown Park for Merlin Leger, Moore Park for the late Deanna Bostick, the Heymann Park Complex for John 'Cush' LeBlanc, and Lafayette City Park for Ernest Nabors Jr.—a former head of Lafayette Parks and Recreation. News 15
- ➤ U.S. Rep. Cleo Fields met with Lafayette residents Monday and warned that 206,000 district members are at risk of losing Medicaid if the new budget resolution is approved — he also said tariffs could hurt agriculture and urged Congress to reclaim its authority over trade measures. The Advocate
- ➤ Four Lafayette park complexes may get new names if bills by state Sen. Gerald Boudreaux (former director of Lafayette Parks and Recreation) are approved. City Park will honor Ernest Nabors Jr., Moore Park will honor Deanna Ma D Bostick, Brown Memorial Park will honor Merlin Leger, and Heymann Recreation Center will honor John Cush Leblanc (each recognized for decades of local service). The Advocate
- ➤ Mayor-President Monique Boulet is inviting Lafayette Parish high school students in grades 9 to 12 to apply for the Youth Advisory Council — applications remain open until June 16 as selected members will meet for the first time in August. City of Lafayette
- ➤ Girard Park Circle between Girard Park Lane and E. Lewis Street will close from Monday, April 21 until Monday, May 5 for sewer work for the Our Lady of Wisdom Church and Catholic Student Center project (detour routes include E. Lewis Street, Johnston Street, E. St. Mary Boulevard, Girard Park Lane and Girard Park Drive). City of Lafayette
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ April is Foot Health Awareness Month and outdoor activities have led to a rise in foot and ankle injuries, with pickleball noted as a common cause. Dr. Noah Oliver said people should treat injuries with the RICE method — rest, ice, compression, and elevation — and seek care if pain or swelling persists. News 15
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ Earlier this week the unique unoccupied greenhouse on Moss Street in Carencro was listed for sale at $400,000 along with a two-bedroom home and three acres of land. The property, built around 1984 and now in disrepair, features a three-story design with offices and a catwalk built using telephone poles and cables—echoing its past as a thriving plant nursery. The Advocate
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Luke Winslow-King Concert
2:30-6:30 a.m. — Amtrak Station - LFT — Free entry — Experience the soulful sounds of slide guitar and traditional jazz from a celebrated artist.
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The Greg Gordon Project Live
7 p.m. — Brass Room — Cost Info Unavailable — Experience an evening of rhythm & blues performed live from The Brass Room.
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One-Night Event with Kevin and Kathi Zadai
6-9:30 p.m. — Home2 Suites by Hilton Parc Lafayette — No cost listed — Experience a night of fellowship and teaching in a welcoming environment.
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Chrysler 300 Club Spring Meet
April 30 – May 4 — Hilton Garden Inn Lafayette/Cajundome — Registration Fee Required — Celebrate the 54th Annual Chrysler 300 Club Spring Meet with fellow enthusiasts in Lafayette.
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