Today
in Lafayette
Tuesday, April 21st, 2026
Good morning, Lafayette. Here's your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 21st of April.
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ KOK Wings & Things opened its second location in the old Hooters space at 3221 Ambassador Caffery Parkway last Saturday after receiving a certificate of occupancy from Lafayette Consolidated Government. The restaurant will have its grand opening on May 9 as it trains its new staff. The Advocate
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Viral food critic Keith Lee announced he will soon visit Lafayette. He is asking locals for their favorite mom-and-pop restaurants to showcase the city’s unique food culture. The Daily Advertiser
- ➤ Monday Mangé with The Frosted Apron aired a segment on Apr. 20 where Al Hebert and Stacey Dempsey took the show to St. Pierre's Center for the Arts in Lafayette, blending food and art (sponsored by Gold Premium Welding Products at National Welding Supply and Courtesy Automotive Group). News 15
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is offering free boating safety courses this Saturday, April 25 at nine locations, including one in Lafayette. Boaters must register as spots are limited on a first-come, first-served basis. KATC
- ➤ UL Lafayette President Ramesh Kolluru said the university’s financial deficit dropped from $50 million to $12 million. He called the reduction his opportunity to restore fiscal health (a sign of progress for the campus community). The Advocate
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The USDA has designated parts of Acadiana as disaster areas, making local farmers eligible to apply for FSA emergency loans until Dec. 10; FSA will review each application based on production losses & repayment ability. KATC
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Construction is underway at 8000 Ambassador Caffery Parkway for a new 14,000 sqft offsite emergency center by Ochsner Lafayette General that will offer eight exam bays, ultrasound, x-rays, CT scans and lab services and open in Broussard by summer 2027. KATC
- ➤ A new stand-alone emergency hospital is under construction in Broussard by Ochsner Lafayette General to expand care for local residents in a fast-growing area. The 14,000 sqft facility began in spring and will open next summer. News 15
- ➤ April is Distracted Driver Awareness Month and the Department of Transportation warns drivers to focus on the road — a new law that went into effect Jan. 1 bans handheld phone use except when the device is mounted, hands-free, or needed for an emergency. Experts urge passengers to speak up if they see a driver distracted. News 15
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Lafayette-area high school baseball and softball playoffs are in progress as 28 teams from each sport began postseason, with 24 baseball and 17 softball teams still competing. Top-seeded teams like Opelousas Catholic and Kaplan are set to advance in matchups this week — fans can follow the local action. The Daily Advertiser
- ➤ On April 20, 2026, Cecilia football's 4-star wide receiver Braylon Calais announced his commitment in a humorous style that surprised fans. His move moves local recruiting forward+ fueling excitement for the upcoming 2027 season. The Daily Advertiser
- ➤ UL Diamond sports head coaches Matt Deggs and Alyson Habetz discussed recent SBC play, noting that the softball team swept Coastal Carolina and the baseball team lost 2-1 to Troy. The Daily Advertiser
- ➤ Cecilia’s standout receiver, Braylon Calais, committed to LSU football on April 20 after posting 26 touchdowns and 1,500 yards, uplifting local pride— his versatile play cements his role as a future star. He will further his career while finishing his senior season with Cecilia. 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.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.
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Reveal the authorAbout Today in Lafayette
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