Today
in Lafayette
Friday, October 17th, 2025
Good morning, Lafayette. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 17th of October.
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Al Hebert met with a few locals to preview Gulf Brew, which will be the largest craft beer festival in Louisiana in downtown Lafayette—presented by Bayou Vermilion District. News 15
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Rice farmers in Acadiana are facing hard times as harvest season starts—drought, falling rice prices, and rising equipment costs are wiping out profits. Gerrad Theriot from Gerrad Theriot Farms said he spends over $1 million each year and will work through these challenges until next year's harvest. News 15
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ UL Lafayette's full-time undergraduate enrollment dropped by 1,700 students since 2015—resulting in a $20 million revenue loss—while the university added a net 467 positions that increased recurring costs by $60 million. Officials said the school now faces a $25 million budget deficit with potential staff cuts ahead. The Current
- ➤ A new study by the Strada Education Foundation finds that 70% of public college graduates nationwide can expect a positive return on investment within 10 years — only 69% of Louisiana graduates will earn enough to cover the cost of their degree. Bachelor’s degree recipients must earn $43,570 and associate degree recipients $37,594 annually compared to a high school median of $35,100. The Advocate
- ➤ The Early College Academy was named a 2025 Louisiana Blue Ribbon School by the state's department of education on Thursday morning—one of eight schools in the state honored for strong academic performance and progress in closing achievement gaps. The school helps juniors and seniors earn a high school diploma and an associate degree through its partnership with South Louisiana Community College. The Advocate
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Burn bans cover many parts of the Louisiana/Texas border as several Acadiana parishes act under a moderate drought while Lafayette and St. Martin have kept outdoor fires open. The Weather Channel forecast shows a 24% chance of rain this weekend — a similar chance on Tuesday as the region awaits relief. The Advocate
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ LUS has closed lanes on S. College Road for South Gravity Lift Station work near W. Bayou Parkway and Girard Park Drive, and the closure will continue until November 14. The project requires multiple lanes to be closed for large boring operations with drill pipe trailers (and trucks hauling drilling mud) and vacuum trucks (removing material) while motorists are advised to follow posted signage. City of Lafayette
- ➤ St. Landry Parish officials have proposed new safety rules—mandating an age limit of 25 and a no-soliciting policy—for trail rides and large events after recent disturbances. Organizers will review these proposals while officials meet again in January to finalize the guidelines and address traffic issues. The Advocate
- ➤ Residents gathered in St. Martin Parish at the Catahoula Building for a meeting on flood protection in the Atchafalaya Basin where local leaders unveiled a plan to manage sediment build-up that may reduce the basin’s capacity to hold flood waters. The plan—supported by Lafayette, St. Martin, St. Landry, Iberville, and Assumption parishes—could take several years to gain state agency approval. News 15
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ A SmileHub study shows Louisiana is ranked 45 out of 50 states for children based on health, education, support and family work life factors—placing it among the bottom five. The study also found the state scored low in life expectancy and child well-being, indicating significant challenges in support systems. The Daily Advertiser
- ➤ Cheerleaders and dance teams from Breaux Bridge, Cecilia, and St. Martinville high schools gathered at Pat’s in Henderson for the second annual rally — an event that raised breast cancer awareness with survivor stories and advice on regular mammograms, part of October’s Acadiana activities. News 15
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Daryl Felsberg Stand-Up Comedy Show
7-8:30 p.m. — Cité des Arts — Tickets available — Enjoy a night of laughs with the larger-than-life comedian Daryl Felsberg.
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Forged in the Fire: The Forgiven
4:30-6:30 p.m. — Cité des Arts — Check event page for cost — A powerful stage play exploring redemption and forgiveness that promises to inspire.
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Alyse Young Performance at Park Bistro
6-10 p.m. — Park Bistro — Free entry — Enjoy an evening of music with local artist Alyse Young in a cozy bistro setting.
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2025 Hometown Classic Golf Tournament
7:00 AM – 3:30 PM — Oakbourne Country Club — Registration required — Play in the 18th Annual Spring fundraiser supporting local initiatives at a beloved Lafayette course.
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T' Monde: Blackpot Festival 2025
2-6 p.m. — Vermilionville Performance Center — Check back for ticket details — Experience the vibrant sounds of Cajun music performed by local talent Drew Simon.
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Insiders' Salon
Evening — Acadiana Center for the Arts — RSVP required — Experience a soirée of art, conversation, and live music in a creative setting.
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Alyse Young Live Performance
6-9 p.m. — Sushi Mizu — No cover charge — Enjoy soothing tunes from singer-songwriter Alyse Young while dining on delicious sushi.
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Acadiana Eats Festival
11 a.m.-5 p.m. — Cottage Developers — Free entry — Celebrate local cuisine with delicious food and family-friendly activities at this beloved festival.
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Tunnel to Towers 5K Run & Walk
8:30-11:00 a.m. — Moncus Park — Registration fee applies — Honor the legacy of a heroic firefighter while enjoying a community run and walk.
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Kat Higgins Live Performance
7:30-11:30 p.m. — Acadiana Center for the Arts — Cost info not specified — Experience the enchanting Irish folk sounds of Kat Higgins fresh from Vancouver.
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