Today
in Lafayette
Friday, April 17th, 2026
Good morning, Lafayette. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 17th of April.
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Entergy got fast-track PSC approval to seek final permission to build seven natural gas plants to power Meta’s $27 billion AI data center in Richland Parish. A final decision will come in December and Meta will cover all plant costs without passing them on to customers. The Daily Advertiser
- ➤ Raising Cane’s is reopening its renovated Lafayette restaurant at 2516 Kaliste Saloom Rd on April 27. The effort is part of the chain’s expansion + new locations are launching in other areas. The Daily Advertiser
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Two UL Lafayette alumni helped NASA with its Artemis II, the first flight around the moon in 50 years. Dr. Megan Borel worked on lunar science (her analysis and training) while Robert Southers helped test crew safety; the mission launched on April 1 and returned on April 10. The Advocate
- ➤ Community leaders, including the NAACP and local council members, have raised concerns over the plan to move the W.D. and Mary Baker Smith Career Center from 18th Street as the board repurposes Comeaux High and they worry the change will limit access for north Lafayette students. The Advocate
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Vermilionville will host an Earth Day celebration on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with eco-friendly activities for families, including live music, local food and educational crafts, after Al Hebert previewed the event earlier. News 15
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Sen. Bill Cassidy said a 25 percent tariff on imported rail tank cars saved 350 local jobs at the only remaining U.S. tank car plant in Alexandria. Officials reported the move protects domestic production by stopping foreign manufacturers from undercutting local prices. The Daily Advertiser
- ➤ Fire Station #13 at 6507 Johnston Street will close today for roof replacement and interior upgrades. Firefighters will work from a nearby facility at 201 Curran Lane while the $582,000 project takes six months to complete. KATC
- ➤ Congresswoman Julia Letlow filed a bill April 16 to require the federal government to buy only domestic seafood in a bid to revive Louisiana's struggling shrimp industry. The law aims to help local fishermen as shrimpers declined from 20,000 in the 1980s to under 1,500 today. The Daily Advertiser
- ➤ Rep. Beryl Amedee's proposal to remove the meningitis vaccine requirement in Louisiana schools stalled this week in the House Education Committee (with an 8-4 vote) as health experts and lawmakers urged keeping the mandate in place. KATC
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Lafayette-area student-athletes signed letters of intent with colleges and universities (advancing athletic and academic ambitions) during events on April 16 across Lafayette Parish and nearby areas. The Daily Advertiser
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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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