Good morning, Lafayette.

BISSELL Pet Foundation will host its Empty the Shelters adoption event from July 5 to 26, offering reduced-fee adoptions at more than a dozen south Louisiana shelters.

Families can welcome a new pet as shelters ease space challenges this summer.

Spencer’s will open a new store at Ambassador Town Center on Saturday, June 27 from 1 to 5 p.m.—the grand opening will feature giveaways, sweet treats, and a $10 gift card for the first 100 guests.

Lafayette author Trent Angers is writing his new book, Orphan Train to Louisiana (a look at the forgotten story of orphaned children relocated by charities), which details how religious organizations helped find loving families for vulnerable children in the area.

Richard Fontenot was reelected as president of the Louisiana Farm Bureau on June 21 in New Orleans, where over 2,000 producers gathered to elect a leadership team focused on advancing the $13 billion agriculture industry to the national stage.

Vermilion Parish farmer Laura Hebert, a fourth generation sugarcane, rice & crawfish grower, received the Louisiana Farm Bureau's top honor, the 2026 Young Farmer and Ranchers Achievement Award, for her resilience amid economic challenges; her prize includes $35,000 cash & a trip to the American Farm Bureau Federation Convention.

UL Lafayette shut down the Cecil J.

Picard Center for Child Development and Lifelong Learning along with the Marine Survival Training Center last week as part of an organizational restructuring. Research programs moved to the College of Education and Human Development are expected to save around $703,000 a year.

The Louisiana Department of Insurance released new guidance for policyholders affected by Tropical Storm Arthur.

Residents can visit the Storm Resource Center webpage — which simplifies access to flood, auto, and homeowners claims resources, or download the LDIConnect app today.

Louisiana Farm Bureau President Richard Fontenot was reelected to a third term at the convention in New Orleans on June 21 — the fourth-generation crawfish farmer from Ville Platte will guide the state’s $13 billion agriculture industry as it shapes policy from local to national levels.

The UL baseball team retained key players including Colt Brown, Blaze Rodriguez, and Noah Lewis and added a first baseman from Texas State plus three pitchers from Marshall to boost its roster.

The team builds momentum for 2027 following a narrow conference tournament miss after an NCAA regional run.

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.

Alien Art Family Day

1-3 p.m. — Painting with a Twist — $30 per person — Unleash your creative side with this family-friendly art class designed for ages 6 and up.

Lafayette Nutcracker Market - Christmas In July

10:00 AM – 4:30 PM — CAJUNDOME & Convention Center — Support local businesses — Shop for boutique clothing, unique decor, and gourmet treats in a festive atmosphere.