Today
in Lafayette
Saturday, May 16th, 2026
Good morning, Lafayette. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 16th of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Census data released Thursday shows that Broussard and Youngsville in Lafayette Parish led state population growth between July 1, 2024 and July 1, 2025, rising (3% and 5.3%) as residents increased while other nearby municipalities saw mixed results. The Advocate
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ A demolition permit has been filed on Johnston Street to tear down the building that houses Sticks Billiards and Johnston Street Coin Laundry, paving way for a future Chipotle. Sticks will close today before hosting a private event Sunday and relocating near The District. The Advocate
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Jean Lafitte National Historical Park shows Louisiana's history by preserving wetlands and cultural exhibits from the Battle of New Orleans to bayou life — visitors can explore swamp trails and exhibits at the Acadian Cultural Center in Lafayette. The Daily Advertiser
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ The Lafayette Parish School Board voted Thursday to transfer the NJROTC program from Comeaux High to Acadiana High for the 2026-27 school year, a move that residents say is part of a broader shift that may reduce enrollment at Comeaux High. Instructors praised the program's 31-year history of achievements. The Advocate
- ➤ The Lafayette Parish School Board agreed Thursday to transfer the Navy Junior ROTC program from Comeaux High to Acadiana High for the 2026-27 school year — a move that reduces enrollment by shifting programs to other schools. The Advocate
- ➤ The Lafayette Parish School Board approved pay hikes for bus drivers and support staff at public schools starting July 1 (part of the 2026-27 budget), raising drivers' starting salary to $25,000 with a $4,000 increase and adding $1,500 annually for support staff. The Advocate
- ➤ Young adults ages 16 to 24 can register for the free Career Ignite Youth Conference at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette Student Union (620 McKinley Street) on Friday, June 5. Attendees will explore career pathways in healthcare, IT, and manufacturing, with registration closing Friday, May 23. KATC
- ➤ UL awarded 1,775 degrees during its Spring 2026 Commencement at the Cajundome in Lafayette on Friday, May 15. The ceremony set records for bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees with top honors going to Abbey Poirier (education) and Madeline Moore (environmental science). News 15
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Louisiana voters will decide on Amendment No. 3 today, May 16, which would give teachers a permanent $2,250 raise and support staff a $1,125 raise by dissolving three education trust funds (a measure supported by the governor and teacher unions but opposed by critics of the funding change). The Daily Advertiser
- ➤ Lafayette City Council is revising the adjudicated property program as a 200-case backlog (and a legal dispute at Ransome Street) have stalled redevelopment, prompting local officials and community leaders to push for changes that protect neighborhoods from outside investors. The Advocate
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ LCA running back Caiden Bellard had a breakout season last year with 1,532 rushing yards and 24 touchdowns. He received 26 college offers (including from LSU and Ohio State) and will lead his team as captain in the upcoming fall campaign. The Daily Advertiser
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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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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.
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CFMA Cajun Jam
1-3 p.m. — Vermilionville Historic Village — Free entry — Enjoy toe-tapping tunes led by local musicians in a vibrant Cajun jam session.
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