Good morning, Lafayette.

A memorial service will be held tomorrow at the Cecil J.

Picard Center — 200 E. Devalcourt Street — to honor Dr. Vitalis Okechukwu, known as Dr. OK, who died on March 21 in Houston after serving Acadiana hospitals including Lafayette and Opelousas. He is survived by four children, seven siblings, and his devoted parents.

Aleke Kanonu Jr. is the only mail carrier in a small Acadiana town who drives 100 miles a day on dirt and gravel roads to deliver mail to over 655 addresses.

Local residents depend on his service—essential for receiving bills, medications and friendly greetings—as discussions about postal privatization raise concerns for rural delivery.

A lightning strike sparked a morning fire at a two-story home on Orchard Park Avenue in Lafayette on May 1, just after 10 a.m.—firefighters controlled the blaze in 15 minutes while nearby construction was damaged and no injuries were reported.

Acadian Ambulance’s lawyers asked a federal judge to dismiss a class action suit that alleges a 2024 data breach exposed sensitive information of 2.9 million people because victims did not prove any harm—Judge Carol Whitehurst said she will rule on the request later.

Tyler Robertson, chief operating officer at Rader Solutions, was born and raised in Lafayette and credits his high school teachers for shaping his success.

He returned home after studying and working elsewhere and said he hopes local business and government leaders will boost tech training and IT investments to keep young professionals in Acadiana — a plan that supports a thriving local economy.

Acadiana Workforce Solutions and local partners hosted a Career Expo for eighth graders in Lafayette Parish where about 1,300 students visited nearly 70 booths to learn about many jobs—students took part in hands-on activities for careers in fields like medicine, music and sports.

The event also introduced programs to help guide students in planning their futures.

Acadiana Bird Fair

9 a.m. - 5 p.m. — The District Event Center — Admission fee applies — Experience a vibrant live bird sale featuring various species and accessories for bird lovers.

Commissions Best Practices Workshop

— Acadiana Center for the Arts — Inquire about pricing — Learn how to effectively handle art commissions and avoid common pitfalls.

Alyse Young Live Performance

6-10 p.m. — Blu Basil Asian Fusion — Enjoy a night of live music with singer-songwriter Alyse Young, performing her original songs.

Le Bal du Dimanche featuring Cedric Watson & Bijou Creole

1-4 p.m. — Vermilionville Performance Center — $10 admission — Enjoy lively Cajun and Creole music and a buffet showcasing local cuisine.

Alyse Young Live Performance

6-10 p.m. — El Paso Mexican Grill — No cover charge — Experience the soulful sounds of singer-songwriter Alyse Young in a vibrant atmosphere.

Music for Shakespeare

9-10 p.m. — Acadiana Center for the Arts — Check for ticket pricing — Experience the musical adaptations of Shakespeare's works performed by the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra.

Artist Round Up: Zine Making Workshop

Time TBA — Acadiana Center for the Arts — Free to attend — Gather with fellow creatives for an inspiring zine making workshop themed around UFOs.

Acadiana Brew HaHa

10 AM – 3 PM — Vermilionville Performance Center — $10-$25 — Celebrate the history and culture of Louisiana brewing with tastings, workshops, and a People’s Choice award.

38th Annual Zydeco Extravaganza

12-11:30 p.m. — Blackham Coliseum — Cost information not provided — A lively celebration featuring the best Zydeco bands, food, and good times.

Memorial Day Run for Heroes

8-11 a.m. — Moncus Park — Registration fee to support veterans — Kick off Memorial Day with a meaningful run honoring heroes.

Open House at 411 Churchill Dr. Sunday, May 4th 12:30 to 2:30

Beautifully remodled home with over 3,000 sq ft of covered outdoor space, ideal for versatile outdoor living, a studio or a home business under RS-1 zoning.