Good morning, Lafayette.

Members of Lafayette's Venezuelan community are hosting a donation drive to support families affected by deadly earthquakes in Venezuela; the drive accepts non-perishable food, clothing, hygiene items, and baby supplies at 626 Verot School Road, Suite C.

The Acadiana Veteran Alliance received a $5,000 Homes for Heroes grant on Thursday, June 25 at The Room at Corner Bar on Johnston Street to expand its programs that help veterans find jobs and needed resources.

News 15 and Doran & Cawthorne Attorneys at Law recognized Dream Academy of St. Landry as Nonprofit of the Month for June by awarding a $500 donation to honor its work in growing safe youth sports programs and inspiring positive choices among local kids.

KK’s Café will open a second location in the former Pizza Amore space at 3730 NE Evangeline Thruway, Suite F in Carencro before Aug.

1 — the Youngsville restaurant offers breakfast, lunch and dinner with homemade meals and 15-flavor cheesecake.

The University of Louisiana at Lafayette appointed a new vice president (earning over $260k) on June 25 while faculty remain upset over three years without a cost-of-living raise; UL President Ramesh Kolluru said the budget gap was closed for the fiscal year (despite a projected $26 million shortfall next year).

Hundreds of alumni, staff, and community members visited Comeaux High on Thursday, June 26 to take a final walk-through before the school closes on June 30 to become a career center.

The event marked an emotional farewell for the school that opened in 1966.

The National EMS Academy in Lafayette will begin a 12‑week hybrid EMT course on July 13 for $400 tuition, providing a direct path to an emergency care career.

Applicants need a high school diploma or GED and a valid driver’s license — Acadian Ambulance offers tuition reimbursement.

Flooding from Tropical Storm Arthur has submerged crop fields in Avoyelles and St. Landry (including Bayou Current), and local farmers face projected multi-million-dollar losses as they worry about how long the floodwaters will remain.

Lafayette police will enforce a new anti-camping law starting Jan.

1 that fines and jails anyone camping on public property and offers diversion programs through a Homeless Court. Local officials & homeless service providers will meet next Thursday to plan actions amid shelter shortages.

The Lafayette Fire Department reminds residents fireworks are illegal in city limits and allowed only in unincorporated areas from June 25 to July 5, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. with a 1 a.m. curfew on July 5 (minors are prohibited).

Locals are urged to attend downtown Stars and Stripes on July 4.

On Friday, three sites along Chemin Metairie Parkway were certified for development under One Acadiana's Site Development Program.

The sites (two commercial, one industrial) are owned by the Lafayette Parish School System, have Highway 90 access, and may spur leasing opportunities and job growth.

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.

Zydeco Sunday at Rock'n'Bowl

5-11 p.m. — Rock'n'Bowl® de Lafayette — $17.43 total — Experience lively Zydeco music and a vibrant atmosphere.