Today
in Lafayette
Saturday, April 19th, 2025
Good morning, Lafayette. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 19th of April.
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ Nijalay Kelly, a 16-year-old student with medical conditions, went missing from the Chemin Metairie area around 8:30 p.m. on April 17 and her family asks anyone with information to call (337-359-7866). KATC
- ➤ Thirty-one people were arrested across Louisiana between April 14 and 18 by FBI New Orleans and ICE in a joint operation that included three alleged members of Tren de Aragua, and all of the suspects are now in ICE custody. The Advocate
- ➤ Brian Desormeaux, owner of a Lafayette Parish non-profit, and his daughters—Amy Desormeaux Hernandez and Lenzi Desormeaux Babineaux—were indicted in federal court for conspiracy to commit wire fraud totaling at least $400,000 by allegedly changing day care providers' statuses to submit false claims for a program that feeds children. The Advocate
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The downtown Lafayette Acadiana Center for the Arts installed a new digital marquee on April 17—drawing attention to upcoming events and marking its 50th year of support for regional artists. News 15
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Local students Rylann Viator and Coeyn Wise were recognized as Students of the Year at the Vermilion Parish School Board meeting in Abbeville on April 17th. The honor—awarded for their school achievements—shows their hard work in class. News 15
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Louisiana's national parks face staff cuts that may reduce visitor hours and trail access while challenging resource protection. The federal agency fired about 1,000 workers as part of a workforce downsizing effort (critics warn that closures and job losses might follow). The Daily Advertiser
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Broussard held a ribbon cutting Wednesday for its new $5 million public service complex on U.S. 90 that now houses the police, fire and public works headquarters. City officials said the 70000 square foot facility on an 11.6 acre site was built after the old offices proved too small — the complex replaces outdated space to support growing city services. The Advocate
- ➤ LUS work crews installed power boxes on poles downtown as Lafayette prepared for Festival International next week. The extra electrical support will help keep the biggest party running smoothly. News 15
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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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Career Ignite Expo - Business Registration
9 a.m. - 1 p.m. — Martin Luther King Recreation Center — Free entry — Eighth graders explore career and education opportunities from local businesses.
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