Good morning, Lafayette.

The Le Grenadier speakeasy in downtown Lafayette, which opened last summer, will close May 10 due to ongoing disputes with its landlord—owner Mia Stanford said that structural issues and repeated mistreatment by the landlord have forced the decision.

Proceeds from the next two weeks will go toward legal efforts as the bar plans to reopen at another location in the future.

ICE agents arrested 73-year-old grandfather Jose Francisco Garcia Rodriguez at a Circle K in Lafayette on his way to work—he had lived in the US for over 45 years—and took him to an ICE detention facility in Evangeline Parish while his family questioned his detention.

Lafayette police responded at 11:25 p.m. Thursday night to a shooting in the 800 block of MLK Jr. Dr. and found 24-year-old Joseph Bargeman Jr. dead from a gunshot wound — investigators are gathering clues.

Don's Specialty Meats has been a cherished part of Acadiana for 32 years as it makes regular, smoked and seafood boudin along with boudin balls and tater tots.

Owner Aubrey Cole explained the process by boiling, grinding and mixing meat with rice, spices and boudin juice - a recipe that locals trust for its consistent flavor.

Giles Automotive Group marked a milestone on April 4 by donating its 200th bulletproof vest to local law enforcement; the donation included 10 vests (five for Delcambre and five for Melville police departments) and police chiefs attended the presentation at Giles Nissan on Johnston Street. This gesture honored the service of local officers.

Sen. John Kennedy announced $1,265,547 in FEMA grants on April 3 for Louisiana disaster aid to help the Office of Risk Management replace office contents damaged by Hurricane Ida—supporting recovery efforts statewide.

Senator John Kennedy announced on April 2 that FEMA granted $32,386,791 to Louisiana for Hurricane Laura and Ida recovery—funds that will pay for debris removal, school repairs and other recovery work in several parishes.

This aid comes as part of ongoing efforts to rebuild communities affected by the storms.

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.

Paques in the Parc Celebration

12-7:30 p.m. — Vermilionville Performance Center — Admission required — Celebrate Paques with lively music from local bands and a festive atmosphere.

Festival International de Louisiane

Apr 22 - Apr 28 — Parc Sans Souci — Free entry — Celebrate South Louisiana's vibrant culture with music, food, and art at this international festival.

Cycle Zydeco: Louisiana's Cajun & Créole Cycling Festival

8 AM - 5 PM — Cycle Zydeco - Louisiana's Cajun & Créole Cycling Festival — Registration required — A four-day bike ride with breakfast rides, local dining, and zydeco dance lessons.

Rigzone Oil & Gas Career Fair

9 AM – 1 PM — CAJUNDOME & Convention Center — Free entry — Explore job opportunities with top employers in the oil and gas industry.

Alyse Young Live Performance

6-10 p.m. — Sushi Mizu — Free entry — Experience the soulful tunes of Lafayette's own singer-songwriter, Alyse Young, in a relaxed sushi setting.

Festival International de Louisiane

April 26-27 — Parc International — Free admission — Experience a vibrant celebration of music, food, and culture in the heart of Lafayette.