Today
in Lafayette
Thursday, May 7th, 2026
Good morning, Lafayette. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 7th of May.
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ American Sugar Refining announced that it will invest nearly $800 million to expand and modernize its Domino sugar refinery in Chalmette, creating 15 new permanent jobs — construction is underway with the first phase set to complete in 2028. The Daily Advertiser
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Lafayette will unveil its tourism presence at France’s Festival Interceltique de Lorient at a press conference on Saturday, May 9 at 10 a.m. at Wild Child Wines — the event continues with a celebration featuring Louisiana musician Louis Michot from 12 to 5 p.m. Lafayette Convention & Visitors Commission
- ➤ The Spring Swing Music Festival returns to Parc International on Saturday, May 9 from 2 to 10 p.m. Organized by Positive People Making Decisions and Friends, the outdoor event will feature live Southern Soul, blues and zydeco, local food, and family activities in honor of Mother's Day. KATC
- ➤ The LEGO convention will be held July 18-19 at Blackham Coliseum with interactive building zones, professional LEGO artist displays, themed areas including a Star Wars display and castle build zone, and free Vet Tix tickets for military families while benefiting Creations for Charity. The Advocate
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Louisiana lawmakers approved bills on May 6 that offer tax exemptions and sales tax rebates for aerospace companies investing $1B to create 200 jobs. The incentive package may lure SpaceX to develop a campus near Pecan Island and Freshwater City in Vermillion Parish — though details remain unconfirmed. The Daily Advertiser
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Niche ranked the top five college campuses in Louisiana using student reviews and key data, citing affordable meal plans, good housing, and a lively social scene. Southeastern, Tulane, Lafayette, Northwestern State, and LSU Alexandria are recognized for their overall campus amenities. The Daily Advertiser
- ➤ Students from W.B. and Mary Baker Career Center observed professional electrical installations Tuesday at Love Our Schools home on Porch View Lane, where Savoy Electric also discussed future job opportunities. This hands-on experience connected classroom learning with practical trade skills. News 15
- ➤ The Lafayette Parish School Board released the 2026 graduation schedule with ceremonies at the Cajundome and Convention Center from May 14 to May 21 and school-specific rehearsals before each event. Parking is available at Cajun Field. The Daily Advertiser
- ➤ Teche Center for the Arts announced summer camps for children and teens that offer hands-on experiences in Cajun heritage, photography, and theater. Executive Director Jeanne McBride discussed the programs on MidDay with Darla, with camps running this summer in Breaux Bridge. News 15
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Lafayette Police Department announced the return of its Citizen Police Academy, a 10-week program for residents to observe law enforcement operations (details shared by Sr. Cpl. Marion Borel on MidDay with Darla). News 15
- ➤ Lafayette Transit is launching a six-month microtransit pilot this summer with three minivans and one wheelchair-accessible vehicle in a service zone on the city's east side. The service, which requires a $25 annual pass and smartphone ride requests, is meant to ease paratransit strain and better serve zero-car households. The Advocate
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Local medical professionals in Acadiana are offering a low-dose radiation therapy for osteoarthritis that targets pain in large joints, including knees, hips, shoulders, and wrists. They say patients should continue current treatments as improvements may take one to three months & side effects are minimal. News 15
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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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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.
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Candlelight: 90s Hip-Hop on Strings
6:00-7:15 p.m. — Petroleum Club of Lafayette — Get your tickets now for a unique take on 90s hip-hop music performed with strings in a magical atmosphere.
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Emo Philips Live Show
7-9 p.m. — DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Lafayette — VIP: $30, GA: $25 — Enjoy a night of laughs with renowned comedian Emo Philips at Club 337.
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One Last Breath: A Tribute to Creed
9:00 PM — Rock'n'Bowl® de Lafayette — $17 cover charge — Experience a night of Creed's greatest hits with opening act Ashes After.
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