Today
in Lafayette
Friday, May 8th, 2026
Good morning, Lafayette. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 8th of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The Fit Fête Foundation is hosting free community wellness events downtown at Parc Sans Souci. The family-friendly Fit Fête Fusion series runs from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on the second Saturday of each month, with the next event on Saturday, May 9. News 15
- ➤ Wing Wars of Acadiana will soon raise funds for homeless children after a preview at Empire Wingz on Ambassador Caffery Parkway in Lafayette where organizer David Owens (with Gifting Grace Project) discussed event plans with Al Hebert. News 15
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ A space exploration company is in talks to buy a large coastal tract in southwest Louisiana that could generate billions in revenue and $100 million for coastal restoration. A legislative committee will review incentives next week to attract aerospace investments in Vermilion Parish (near Pecan Island). The Advocate
- ➤ AT&T Fiber expanded service into nearly 5,000 more Lafayette homes and businesses. A ribbon cutting on Saint John Street celebrated the company's growing coverage, which now includes more than 67,000 customer locations. KATC
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ South Louisiana artist Tony Bernard will have his artwork displayed in Venice, Italy until November following years of collaboration with George Rodrigue. His colorful pieces include signature pelican paintings created as a tribute to his longtime mentor. KATC
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ The Children’s Museum of Acadiana will host Insect Day for families and educators on Saturday, May 9 at the museum from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Guests can explore over 100 live insects — interactive exhibits offer hands-on learning. KATC
- ➤ Louisiana lawmakers advanced Senate Bill 157, which would grant public school employees six weeks of paid parental leave (after birth, adoption, or foster care) to bond with new children. The measure cleared two committees on May 7 and may help attract and retain teachers. The Daily Advertiser
- ➤ Myrtle Place Elementary School students were honored for reading excellence at an on-campus ceremony on May 7, where those in the Accelerated Reading Program received awards. News 15
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries warns residents that increased water temperatures (along with storms and extended cloudy skies) may lead to fish kills in inland and nearshore waters statewide. The department asks anyone who sees a kill to report it for investigation. KATC
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Congress members introduced the Living Wage for All Act, which would raise the federal minimum wage to $25 in phases, affecting Louisiana workers (currently paid $7.25). The legislation aims to keep wages aligned with average earnings as state proposals to increase pay have stalled. The Daily Advertiser
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Ochsner Lafayette General Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Institute will offer free sports physicals for middle and high school athletes on Friday, May 8 from 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the facility on West Congress Street. News 15
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ After beating Troy, Louisiana softball faced ULM in the SBC Softball Championship quarterfinal on May 7 at 4:00 p.m. at Yvette Girouard Field; the contest was broadcast on ESPN+ amid cloudy skies with a slight chance of rain. The Daily Advertiser
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
Créole Culture Day Celebration
10 AM - 4 PM — Bayou Vermilion District Camellia Canoe/Kayak Launch — Free entry — Celebrate the vibrant Créole cultures with a day of festivities at Vermilionville.
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
Art is not what you see, but what you make others see.
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