Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 1st of May.
Good morning, Lafayette.
The Lafayette Animal Shelter is part of the BISSELL Pet Foundation's Empty the Shelters event, offering $0 adoptions for dogs and cats from today to May 15.
Families can visit the shelter—where all animals are vaccinated, microchipped, and spayed/neutered—to help reduce overcrowding and find a new furry friend.
Lafayette Parish deputies stopped a Broussard couple’s vehicle on Tuesday, April 29 on Johnston Street—officers found narcotics during the stop and a home search later uncovered over 1,298 grams of powdered cocaine, MDMA, crack cocaine, a firearm, and cash, leading to arrests on multiple drug and weapons charges with a bond over $650,000.
Lafayette High School is hosting Serve Day on May 17 from 7 a.m. to noon to help teachers pack up supplies for a historic move to a new facility—volunteers including families, businesses, and community groups can join without needing special skills.
The Lafayette Public Library announced the winners of its 2025 Writes of Spring Writing Contest after 412 students from Lafayette Parish and nearby areas submitted original fiction, poetry, or personal narratives in English, French, or Spanish.
Winners will receive a certificate and an anthology—recognizing their creative efforts.
A state House panel rejected a bill that would let local voters decide on carbon capture projects—some residents wanted a local vote—and instead passed a measure that makes regulators listen to local officials' comments.
Lawmakers said the change will help make permit decisions stronger—an approach they believe mirrors the coastal process.
After severe weather and flash flooding on April 24, the Lafayette Parish Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness asked residents and business owners to report any home damage on Damage.LA.Gov so emergency officials can quickly coordinate response efforts—clear photos and accurate location details are key, and safety precautions should be followed.
A proposed law would let Lafayette and Lake Charles police sergeants who pass a civil service exam be considered for promotion to major and require annual reviews by the police chief to keep them accountable.
The bill, supported unanimously by the Senate’s Local and Municipal Affairs Committee on Wednesday—spurred by a vacancy from Major Michael Brown’s retirement, would allow 70 to 80 more officers to apply if enacted.
In Louisiana the average property tax bill on a single-family home increased 10% last year to $1,585—roughly a third of Texas's average of $4,298.
Lafayette Parish had an average tax bill of $1,509, below the levels seen in Orleans, St. Tammany, and East Baton Rouge.
Acadiana Bird Fair
9 a.m. - 5 p.m. — The District Event Center — Admission fee applies — Experience a vibrant live bird sale featuring various species and accessories for bird lovers.
Commissions Best Practices Workshop
— Acadiana Center for the Arts — Inquire about pricing — Learn how to effectively handle art commissions and avoid common pitfalls.
Alyse Young Live Performance
6-10 p.m. — Blu Basil Asian Fusion — Enjoy a night of live music with singer-songwriter Alyse Young, performing her original songs.
Le Bal du Dimanche featuring Cedric Watson & Bijou Creole
1-4 p.m. — Vermilionville Performance Center — $10 admission — Enjoy lively Cajun and Creole music and a buffet showcasing local cuisine.
Alyse Young Live Performance
6-10 p.m. — El Paso Mexican Grill — No cover charge — Experience the soulful sounds of singer-songwriter Alyse Young in a vibrant atmosphere.
Music for Shakespeare
9-10 p.m. — Acadiana Center for the Arts — Check for ticket pricing — Experience the musical adaptations of Shakespeare's works performed by the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra.
Artist Round Up: Zine Making Workshop
Time TBA — Acadiana Center for the Arts — Free to attend — Gather with fellow creatives for an inspiring zine making workshop themed around UFOs.
Acadiana Brew HaHa
10 AM – 3 PM — Vermilionville Performance Center — $10-$25 — Celebrate the history and culture of Louisiana brewing with tastings, workshops, and a People’s Choice award.
38th Annual Zydeco Extravaganza
12-11:30 p.m. — Blackham Coliseum — Cost information not provided — A lively celebration featuring the best Zydeco bands, food, and good times.
Memorial Day Run for Heroes
8-11 a.m. — Moncus Park — Registration fee to support veterans — Kick off Memorial Day with a meaningful run honoring heroes.
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