Today
in Lafayette
Saturday, August 9th, 2025
Good morning, Lafayette. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 9th of August.
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Elmer Chocolate, the maker of Gold Brick Eggs and Heavenly Hash, was sold to the Florida-based Hoffman Family of Companies, ending nearly two centuries of local ownership. The new owners promise to keep local jobs and current management while helping the company grow—expanding its offerings beyond seasonal sweets. The Advocate
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ A Lafayette Parish jury found Ronnie Simon guilty of second degree murder in the killing of April Rollins and attempted aggravated assault with a fireman for Rosa Ledet on August 8—announced by the 15th Judicial District Attorney’s Office. BY Local News
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Acadiana cousins Kyle Arceneaux (from Beauville) and Tory Landry (from Lafayette) competed on Food Network’s Family Recipe Showdown by sharing cherished family recipes. Kyle cooked a traditional catfish and shrimp coubion while Tory made a nostalgic corn maque choux on the fifth episode that aired on July 17 and is now streaming on HBO Max. The Advocate
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Louisiana is pushing math reforms using teacher coaching, new screening tests and a tougher school-rating system to build on last year’s reading recovery gains. The state also faces reduced federal oversight and planned school closures as enrollment drops — raising concerns over funding and educational quality. The Advocate
- ➤ Since early 2025, The Current has looked into LPSS school projects and found conflicts when audits showed bid rule breaks—raising worries about proper oversight. Officials said an unlicensed contractor was hired on May 11, law enforcement took over a forgery probe on June 18, and two construction employees were placed on leave on June 25, while neighbors said maintenance manager John Young misused school vehicles—Superintendent Francis Touchet declined to comment. The Current
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Lafayette Consolidated Government installed a new traffic signal at Congress Street and Marie Antoinette Street to improve safety near Lafayette High School—its dedicated left turn arrow supports a new parking and traffic layout. The city will add crosswalks, extra signage, and refine signal timing to help manage increased student and commuter traffic. City of Lafayette
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Acadian Culture Day 2025
10 AM – 5 PM — Lafayette Parish Bayou Vermilion District — Free admission — Celebrate Acadian culture with live music, crafts, and delicious local food at this family-friendly festival.
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Louisiana Theatre Festival
7-9:30 p.m. — Wonderland Performing Arts — Ticketed event — Experience talented groups from across Louisiana competing with their best short scenes for fantastic prizes.
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Public Art Workshop Series
12-5 p.m. — Acadiana Center for the Arts — Scholarships available — Build your skills in 3D public art with expert guidance and hands-on experience.
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One Vision of Queen Featuring Marc Martel
8-9:30 p.m. — Heymann Performing Arts Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience the world's largest Queen tribute band with an incredible performance by Marc Martel.
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The Greg Gordon Project Live Concert
7 p.m. — Brass Room — Ticket info not provided — Experience a soulful night with Louisiana's own Greg Gordon and his signature blend of soul and R&B.
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Louisiana Words Launch Event
6:30-8:30 p.m. — Cavalier House Books - Lafayette — Free entry — Celebrate local authors as they read their works at this inclusive nonprofit kickoff event.
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Rice Owls vs. Louisiana Ragin Cajuns Football
7-8:30 p.m. — Cajun Field — Lowest Price Guaranteed — Catch an exciting college football matchup between the Rice Owls and Ragin Cajuns.
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Alyse Young Live Performance
6-10 p.m. — La Pizzeria Lafayette — Free entry — Enjoy an evening of heartfelt tunes from local singer-songwriter Alyse Young as she serenades diners.
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McNeese State Cowboys at Louisiana Ragin Cajuns Football
7-8:30 p.m. — Cajun Field — Lowest Price Guaranteed — Experience the thrill of college football as the Cowboys face off against the Ragin Cajuns.
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CajunMan Race
7-11 a.m. — T.R.A.I.L. Transportation Recreation Alternatives in Louisiana — Entry fee required — Immerse yourself in a tradition of endurance with a triathlon, duathlon, or 5k run/walk.
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