Good morning, Lafayette.

20 Under 40 honoree Calvary Sampson is a teen and adult therapist who said rebuilding her life in Lafayette after Hurricane Katrina changed her views on mental health and community support.

She started The College Transition Journal and Ready, Set, College! to help first-generation college students and will be honored at a May 2 banquet (Advancial Federal Credit Union).

Calvary Sampson, a teen and adult therapist and owner of Calvary De'Rosa Counseling and Consulting, is one of the Top 20 Under 40 Acadiana Leadership Award honorees who will be celebrated at an award banquet (May 2).

She grew up in New Orleans and was influenced by Hurricane Katrina before rebuilding her life in Lafayette (a journey that led her to launch a college support group and a journal to help students adjust).

Political and business leaders in Louisiana warned that rising homeowners' insurance premiums and living costs have driven residents to seek jobs elsewhere, so they urged lowering costs + boosting local infrastructure and job opportunities to strengthen the state’s economy.

A coalition of civic groups and new state investments may guide policy changes in the coming election to improve affordable housing and basic services.

Gracie, a teen from Lafayette and a member of the Boys and Girls Club of Acadiana, won a $25,000 scholarship for her phone case design — a win that surprised her — as Cox Communications held the contest to spark young ideas.

On March 25, education leaders gathered at Comeaux Recreation Center in Lafayette when state superintendent Cade Brumley met with parents and students to discuss challenges and plans for improving schooling—he stressed a return to educational basics.

Mayor-President Monique Blanco-Boulet spoke Tuesday morning at the downtown convention center as neighbors, city leaders, and business owners gathered for the annual breakfast—she discussed infrastructure issues, economic development plans, and ideas to activate the city core.

Officials sealed voting machines at a warehouse in Scott on March 26 in preparation for Saturday’s special election in Lafayette Parish that will include four state constitutional amendments and two local tax propositions — polls will open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Alyse Young Live Performance

6-10 p.m. | Sushi Mizu | Free entry | Enjoy a night of live music with local singer-songwriter Alyse Young in an inviting atmosphere.

Alyse Young Live Concert

10:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. | Cafe Sydnie Mae | Ticket prices vary | Enjoy an afternoon of live music with Alyse Young in a cozy café setting.

Louisiana Export Bootcamp

9 AM - 12 PM — Lafayette Economic Development Authority (LEDA) — Free to all — Enhance your exporting knowledge through expert-led sessions on logistics, financing, and compliance.

Rhythms on the River: Souled Out

5:30-8:30 p.m. — City Club at River Ranch — Free entry — Experience a vibrant outdoor concert series in the heart of Lafayette.

Scott Boudin Festival

6-11:30 p.m. — Scott Boudin Festival — Cost varies — Celebrate Cajun culture with delicious boudin from local vendors.

Alyse Young Live Performance

6-10 p.m. — Blu Basil Asian Fusion — Cost information not provided — Enjoy an evening of original tunes from Lafayette's own singer-songwriter Alyse Young.

Acadiana Junior High & High School Rodeo

April 11-13 — Yambilee Ag Arena — $15/weekend pass, kids under 5 free — Celebrate youth rodeo talent and tradition in a vibrant community setting.

Cajun Jam

11 AM – 4 PM — Vermilionville Historic Village — Free entry — Enjoy vibrant Cajun music performed by local musicians in a festive setting.

Property Insurance: Will It Make or Break The Deal?

6-8 p.m. — Walk-On's Sports Bistreaux — Food and drinks required — Explore the impact of new insurance strategies on property deals with insights from industry experts.

Live Music with Alyse Young

6-10 p.m. — El Paso Mexican Grill — Free entry — Enjoy a night of original tunes and heartfelt melodies from Lafayette's talented singer-songwriter Alyse Young.