Good morning, Lafayette.

Louisiana author Karly Pierre’s debut children's book 'Soggy Like Cush Cush' (inspired by her childhood memories) will represent the state at the National Book Festival on Aug.

22 in Washington, D.C. The selection honors Louisiana’s Black Creole culture and traditions.

French Table is set for Friday, June 12 from 8:30 a.m. — 10 a.m. at Valsin Broussard House on West Main Street in Broussard and welcomes both French learners and fluent speakers.

The Louisiana Legislature has marked June 19 as Juneteenth (Emancipation Day) to honor freedom and African American history.

Federal offices will be closed while private carriers keep delivering mail as usual.

Local author Troy Broussard has published his novel, Where Lies the Truth, inspired by true events in rural St. Landry Parish & his early experiences with school integration.

The coming-of-age story explores race and the need to rethink long-held views.

One Acadiana has approved a $10M investment to expand AVEX at Acadiana Regional Airport (with a 178.95-acre site) by building a three-bay hangar and enlarging office and warehouse space.

The project will create 249 jobs and is expected to finish late next year.

The Lafayette Parish School System is holding a job fair for cafeteria workers on June 16 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 101 Evans Lane in Lafayette.

Meta will launch America’s Workforce Academy’s first AI infrastructure training class in Baton Rouge, offering lodging and a stipend during the four-to-five-week course — participants receive a guaranteed job with a Meta contractor.

The program is part of a broader AI data center investment across Louisiana to boost skilled trades opportunities.

Some local sources suggest Argentine black and white tegus may be sighted in Louisiana, even though official mapping systems have not yet confirmed their presence.

Nearby states report rising populations, and a 2023 state ban on these invasive lizards remains in effect — officials say the situation will be monitored.

Lafayette officials cut the ribbon on new ADA-compliant sidewalks at six downtown intersections Monday, enhancing drainage, accessibility, and safety at key spots like South Washington and Lafayette Streets (the Phase II project cost about $912K and ran from September 2025 to June 2026).

Byron Starks, a former UL basketball standout & member of the Athletic Hall of Fame, has been named the new director of Lafayette Parks, Arts, Recreation & Culture.

He will lead the department and expand community programs when he officially assumes the role in July.

Louisiana softball coach Alyson Habetz is working to rebuild the team as the transfer portal is open from June 8 to June 22 for new players.

Five seniors are leaving while pitcher Julianne Tipton and catcher Natalie Johnson join the squad to help the team bounce back in 2027.

CFMA Cajun Jam

1-3 p.m. — Vermilionville Historic Village — Free entry — Enjoy toe-tapping tunes led by local musicians in a vibrant Cajun jam session.

Roddie Romero and the Hub City All-Stars

7-11 p.m. — Blue Moon Saloon & Guest House — Tickets starting at $18.95 — Experience a night of alternative rock with Roddie Romero and his All-Stars.

Free Educational Estate Planning Seminar

4-5 p.m. — Lafayette Public Library - Main Library — Free entry — Learn the essentials of estate planning in a relaxed and informative setting.

Journey Concert

7:30–9 p.m. — Cajundome & Convention Center — Ticketed event — Experience the legendary rock band Journey live and relive their classic hits.

Stars & Stripes Festival Souled Out

Evening — Parc Sans Souci — Free entry — Enjoy a night filled with fireworks, live music, food, and family-friendly entertainment.