Good morning, Lafayette.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.