Good morning, Lafayette.

AT&T completed a major fiber expansion on Lafayette’s northside Thursday, adding service to 4,700 locations to reduce the digital divide.

Local officials said the ribbon-cutting ceremony will boost community connectivity and foster economic growth.

Gas prices in Louisiana averaged $4.02 a gallon on May 7 — with parishes such as Cameron at $4.27 and West Carroll at $3.79 — according to AAA Gas Prices.

More than 100 employers will gather at the Cajundome Convention Center on Tuesday, May 12, for the 31st annual LEDA Job Fair in Lafayette, running from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and offering job seekers valuable career opportunities.

South Louisiana Community College will hold its Spring 2026 graduation on Thursday, May 14 at 9:30 a.m. at the Cajundome, where more than 600 graduates will cross the stage to earn diplomas — a milestone that leads to new local opportunities.

The Dr. Raphael Baranco school building turned 100 last Friday, May 8, and the Lafayette Parish School System hosted a celebration for students and staff.

Principal Cayce Otwell said the milestone is meant to inspire school pride for future educational success.

Anthony Paternostro was given the Meritorious Service Award Friday by Acadian Ambulance after he rescued a classmate from a pool, performing CPR & monitoring vital signs until first responders arrived.

His Emergency Medical Responder training helped him act fast to save the life.

Gov. Jeff Landry signed a bill that creates a new recreational alligator hunting season to manage Louisiana's expanding alligator population, allowing 5,000 lottery-selected hunters to harvest two gators each.

The season, using hook + line, will begin as soon as Oct. 1 on approved lands.

Ochsner broke ground on a 16,500 sqft medical facility at 806 N.

Manceaux Ave. in Kaplan to expand primary care and therapy services. The building will open in summer 2027 with clinical and rehab spaces ($9M from a local hospital district & $2M from Ochsner Lafayette General).

Lafayette restaurants are preparing special Mother’s Day brunch menus for families tomorrow.

The options range from Cajun breakfast favorites to upscale seafood dining, with many locations offering brunch cocktails and varied hours.

Construction is set to begin on the long-vacant Travelodge motel near the Oil Center, with plans to convert it into an upscale boutique hotel (historic tax credit approval lets work move forward after years of delays).

Trappey's redevelopment project is on hold after Evangeline Bank & Trust filed to seize the property, and local architect Stephen Ortego said he is negotiating with a new partner to either resume plans for a mixed-use riverfront development or sell it.

Negotiations may offer an opportunity for local investment.

The UL softball season ended Thursday (May 8) after a 3-0 loss to ULM in the Sun Belt Tournament quarterfinal at Yvette Girouard Field at Lamson Park.

ULM pitcher Ashanti McDade held the team to four hits in a complete-game shutout.

Three basketball players from Lafayette Renaissance Charter Academy signed letters of intent on Thursday, May 7; Teyler John joined Dillard University in New Orleans while Jon'Tavon Etienne and Matthew Gordon committed to the Louisiana Knights Post Grad Academy in Lafayette.

2026 LEDA Job Fair

9 AM – 1 PM — CAJUNDOME & Convention Center — Free entry — Connect with top local employers for job opportunities at Acadiana's largest job recruitment event.

Louisiana Music Museum's Rock the Block Kickoff Party

5-8 p.m. — Acadiana Center for the Arts — Free entry — Celebrate local music and culture at Lafayette's vibrant street party featuring live performances and local cuisine.

Cajun Heartland State Fair 2026

6-9 p.m. — CAJUNDOME & Convention Center — Tickets required — Experience the vibrant atmosphere and entertainment of the Cajun Heartland State Fair in Lafayette.

Candlelight: 90s Hip-Hop on Strings

6:00-7:15 p.m. — Petroleum Club of Lafayette — Get your tickets now for a unique take on 90s hip-hop music performed with strings in a magical atmosphere.

Emo Philips Live Show

7-9 p.m. — DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Lafayette — VIP: $30, GA: $25 — Enjoy a night of laughs with renowned comedian Emo Philips at Club 337.

One Last Breath: A Tribute to Creed

9:00 PM — Rock'n'Bowl® de Lafayette — $17 cover charge — Experience a night of Creed's greatest hits with opening act Ashes After.

Créole Culture Day Celebration

10 AM - 4 PM — Bayou Vermilion District Camellia Canoe/Kayak Launch — Free entry — Celebrate the vibrant Créole cultures with a day of festivities at Vermilionville.