Good morning, Lafayette.

A crash on East Kaliste Saloom Road near Hugh Wallis Road South knocked down powerlines, causing traffic delays & Lafayette Police are on the scene advising drivers to avoid the area.

Rochelle Christopher Bruno, 43, was sentenced to 60 years in prison in Lafayette for a fentanyl distribution charge under the Habitual Offender law and received additional 40-year and 20-year terms for methamphetamine and oxycodone convictions (court records show he had 13 arrests since 2000).

Early education advocates urged Louisiana lawmakers yesterday to restore nearly $9 million cut from child care and preschool funding.

They argued that raising the proposed allocation from a little over $78 million to $87.8 million is essential amid a state budget that cuts spending by about $440 million while boosting teacher stipends and funding the LA GATOR program.

Acadiana will receive $1.2 million in an EPA grant—Acadiana Planning Commission will use the funds to clean up and revitalize old properties across four parishes, including the vacant Abdalla's Department Store in Opelousas.

The commission will also address environmental challenges at sites in Abbeville, Ville Platte and Eunice.

The Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services announced on April 28 that eligible school-age children will receive a one-time $120 grocery benefit this summer through the SUN Bucks program—children in households receiving SNAP, TANF, or free/reduced-price meals will be enrolled automatically while others may qualify if their family meets income rules. The benefit will be added to SNAP accounts or provided separately starting in the second half of May.

Lafayette General is southwest Louisiana's only Level II Trauma Center—its team gave fast, careful help to 19-year-old Kallen LeBlanc who was hurt in a car crash on July 8 while she was getting a snowball—and her care inspired her to start nursing school.

The hospital treated thousands of patients with many serious injuries and worked with specialists to help them get back to their families.

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.

Grand Opening of Parkside Cottages

Join the Youngsville Chamber of Commerce and ReHive to celebrate the Grand Opening of Parkside Cottages on May 29th at 9am! Parkside Cottages is Youngsville’s first and only boutique cottage court community, located next to Foster Park and minutes from the Youngsville Sports Complex. https://www.parkside-cottages.com

LWA Heartland Heat & Fan Expo

6:00-7:30 p.m. — CAJUNDOME & Convention Center — Cost info not provided — Enjoy an exciting night of wrestling alongside a vibrant expo featuring pro wrestling, cosplay, and local artists.

Explore the Wonders at Lafayette Science Museum

8 a.m. — Lafayette Science Museum — Museum Admission — Discover interactive exhibits and planetarium shows that bring science to life.

Dwight James & the Royals Concert

Time TBD — Acadiana Center for the Arts — Ticket info available — Experience a blend of Southern rock, blues, soul, and R&B from Louisiana's own Dwight James.

Créole Culture Day Celebration

10 AM – 4 PM — Lafayette Parish Bayou Vermilion District — Free entry — Celebrate the vibrant contributions of Créole culture to the Acadiana region.

State of the Arts Symposium 2025

1-8 p.m. — Acadiana Center for the Arts — Ticket info available — Explore the intersection of arts and economy with expert panels and a keynote on the power of creativity.

Downtown Lafayette Art Walk

5-9 p.m. — Parc de Lafayette — Free entry — Experience vibrant arts and culture with exhibits, live music, and immersive performances throughout Downtown Lafayette.