Today
in Lafayette
Thursday, April 23rd, 2026
Good morning, Lafayette. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 23rd of April.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Louisiana libraries now offer free day passes through the Check Out Louisiana program, letting cardholders enjoy one-day access to state parks, historic sites & museums at local branches while supplies last. The program now covers all 64 parishes and also offers a Geaux Explore backpack with outdoor tools. The Daily Advertiser
- ➤ Registration is open for a free heart screening on May 30 at Heart Hospital for individuals 45+; register online by May 27. Free insurance help is available at Teche Theater in St. Mary Parish, and the St. Martin Sheriff's Office is receiving autism kits from Acadian Ambulance. KATC
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ DMR Technologies, which stands for Drone Manufacturing & Research, is building drones in Lafayette to improve national security and create local jobs. Company leaders Brennan Castille and Wes Mathews said the domestic assembly plant helps cut the risk of foreign control over critical data. News 15
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Festival International de Louisiane prepared its vendor grounds Wednesday as artist Kelly Guidry explained the setup process — a reconfiguration to welcome local booths and exhibits — that got the site ready for community participation. News 15
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Attorneys for the school system filed an appeal against a judge’s injunction that stopped plans to close Comeaux High School after the board reversed its closure vote and canceled a public hearing. A trial is set for April 29 to review board procedures & request a ruling. The Advocate
- ➤ Students at UL safely held and took photos with baby alligators brought to campus by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries for an educational experience, while wild alligators in Cypress Lake remained untouchable. News 15
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Mayor-President Monique B. Boulet named Earl Borden as the new fire chief after a months-long search across local to national candidates — Borden brings 20+ years of fire service experience, including serving as chief in St. Bernard, and will assume the role upon completing the hiring process. News 15
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Acadian Health piloted a six-month Medicaid program that delivered in-home care to high-use patients, cutting avoidable ER visits by 88% and saving $9.26 million + results shared at a Chicago conference support plans to expand care across Louisiana. The Daily Advertiser
- ➤ Ochsner Lafayette General will staff a medical tent at Festival International de Louisiane from Wednesday through Sunday to treat minor health issues and emergencies for festival-goers. News 15
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ LSU football players are projected to be early picks in the 2026 NFL Draft starting today in Pittsburgh (mock drafts rank cornerback Mansoor Delane and safety AJ Haulcy among the top LSU prospects). The Daily Advertiser
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
Kappa Derby Day Party
3-9 p.m. — Calvary Creek — Fundraiser event — Celebrate the Derby with style while supporting community initiatives.
-
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.
-
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.
-
Cajun Heartland State Fair 2026
6-9 p.m. — CAJUNDOME & Convention Center — Tickets required — Experience the vibrant atmosphere and entertainment of the Cajun Heartland State Fair in Lafayette.
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
Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all.
Know who said this? Send us an email!
Reveal the authorAbout Today in Lafayette
Welcome to the Today in Lafayette, your community newsletter that's anything but snooze-worthy, packed with positive, impactful local news + events across the Lafayette, Louisiana community. If you like the Today in Lafayette, support us by subscribing to our email newsletter and sharing us with your friends and family in Lafayette.
Advertising Opportunities
Advertising with us will make sure you stay at the top of everyone's mind—in Lafayette and across Louisiana. You can learn more here. We'll work together to build a custom plan to hit your goals this year.
Alternatively, you can submit events, announcements, real estate listings, and job postings. We'll include them in our newsletter on whichever dates you like.
Community, delivered
Our hyper-local media company activates communities through daily email newsletters that curate the most positive, impactful local news + events – all for free.
Subscribe to Today in Lafayette
A free Lafayette community newsletter.
- Daily local news
- We curate the most positive, impactful local news + events.
- 6AM City
- A publication of 6AM City, the nation's leading local newsletter-first media network. Nominate your city.
© 6AM City Inc. 2025. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy. Terms of Service. Questions? Contact us here
Sitemap: https://todayinlafayette.com/sitemap