Today
in Lafayette
Monday, August 18th, 2025
Good morning, Lafayette. Here's your local news at a glance for Monday, the 18th of August.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Today, local war hero James Bollich turned 104 surrounded by family and friends—he is one of the last survivors of the Bataan Death March and a respected veteran from World War II. KATC
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ A woman sustained second-degree burns to her hands and arms in a kitchen fire on Burrow Drive near Scott on Sunday, August 17 at 9 a.m.—firefighters quickly extinguished the blaze, confirmed no one else was inside, and noted her home's minor damage while she is expected to recover. News 15
- ➤ On Saturday evening, Lafayette Fire Department responded to a fire at a vacant house on Eleventh Street after a neighbor saw smoke—firefighters controlled the blaze within 20 minutes, though the building suffered heavy damage. KATC
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Scrappie Studio opened its soft operations today and will have its grand opening on Aug 22 at the old Alexander Bookstore on Johnston Street—only a few blocks from the University. Founders Raeleigh Boyd and Preslie Such left their previous jobs to create a community space that sells art supplies and hosts workshops and classes. The Advocate
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ David Thibodaux STEM Magnet Academy will soon have a new $5 million gym after the Lafayette Parish School Board approved the project on Aug. 14—students, parents and teachers supported the plan for a space that will hold 1,000 people and include concession stands, coaches' offices and a lobby; construction is expected to begin quickly. The Daily Advertiser
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ A new study shows that menhaden boats caught 3.6% extra fish by accident, a number that meets state limits but has local anglers and conservation groups worried about redfish safety. The industry says its work supports many local jobs—while critics call for tougher rules to protect coastal life. The Advocate
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Today, Lafayette Fire Chief Robert Benoit begins a new role as fire liaison supervisor for Acadian Ambulance after a 46-year career that included 32 years as chief. Benoit said his move will keep him connected to fire services — a change he welcomed after decades of work. The Advocate
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Ochsner St. Martin Hospital dedicated a new helipad Aug. 13—named in honor of EMS pioneer Richard Zuschlag—to improve the rapid transport of critically ill patients to higher-level care. The project was completed through a collaboration with St. Martin Parish Hospital Service District No. 2 and Acadian Ambulance Service, with local officials and family members in attendance. The Daily Advertiser
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Prep football fans in Lafayette Parish will have a busy week as high school teams are set to play scrimmages starting August 21 and jamborees through August 29 — the schedule from The Daily Advertiser details start times and local matchups for the upcoming season. Fans can look forward to several games at 6 p.m. and key regional contests that highlight the community’s football spirit. The Daily Advertiser
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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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Alyse Young Live Performance
6-9 p.m. — Park Bistro — Free entry — Enjoy an evening of original music from local singer-songwriter Alyse Young.
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Good Vibes Highway Tour
7 PM - 1 AM — Artmosphere — Ticket price not listed — Enjoy an uplifting evening of Acoustic Rock with a positive vibe in Lafayette, Louisiana.
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