Today
in Lafayette
Saturday, April 18th, 2026
Good morning, Lafayette. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 18th of April.
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Lafayette Consolidated Government finished $1.9 million improvements to Parc International with new lighting, restrooms, and updated amenities ahead of Festival International celebrations. The project, funded with federal and local money, will boost safety and support big events and everyday use. The Advocate
- ➤ Festival International organizers are preparing weather plans to protect attendees if needed, according to Executive Director Scott Feehan - they rely on local expert input and downtown measures to decide if performances should be paused. KATC
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Paige Carter of Louisiana Economic Development said college graduates leaving Louisiana dropped from 10,000 to 3,000 in two years & a $91 billion investment will create 9,500 jobs. Lafayette Parish has grown by adding over 16,000 residents, with UL Lafayette retaining most of its graduates. The Advocate
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Comeaux High will start next school year as normal while the school board holds a public hearing on April 23 and an April 29 trial may set its closure, since declining enrollment and rising demand for the career center drove changes in board policy. The Advocate
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Citizen scientists and an LSU entomologist confirmed that Asian needle ants have been spotted in Louisiana—one ant was collected from a local park in 2025. The venomous ants can inflict dangerous stings that may cause severe allergic reactions. The Daily Advertiser
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Lafayette Parish School Board voted unanimously (9-0) on April 16 to support an amendment that will use funds from education trust funds to raise salaries for teachers and staff. However, a proposed change in job posting policy was rejected after educators raised concerns. The Daily Advertiser
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Senate Health and Welfare Committee debated Senate Bill 433 on Wednesday to require Medicaid to cover FDA+approved weight-loss drugs for about 145,000 adults, with first-half fiscal costs estimated at $189 million starting Jan. 1. Lawmakers say the measure may lower overall health spending over time. KATC
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ Walmart in Broussard (123 St. Nazaire Road) is set for a $3.8 million remodel based on permit filings from April 8-14. Stuart and Co. General Contractor will manage the project as part of Lafayette Parish’s recent construction updates. The Advocate
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ LSU football players Mansoor Delane and Garrett Nussmeier are projected to be picked by the Washington Commanders & Pittsburgh Steelers when the NFL Draft starts Thursday, April 23 in Pittsburgh. Delane will attend the event to see where he lands. The Daily Advertiser
- ➤ Louisiana baseball faces Troy in a three game SBC series starting Friday at Riddle Pace Field, with games on ESPN+ streaming as the Cajuns seek to build on recent wins. The series will continue with Game 2 at 3:30 p.m. Saturday and Game 3 at 1 p.m. Sunday. The Daily Advertiser
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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.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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