Good morning, Lafayette.

A local nonprofit that has served over 3,000 girls in Louisiana will host its third annual fundraising brunch with few tickets remaining.

Susan Titus, its founder, discussed the event and its mission on MidDay with Darla in Lafayette.

The Martin Luther King and Robicheaux Center pools will open this weekend from noon to 5 p.m. until Aug.

7, while Girard Park remains closed for repairs and OJ Mouton is under major repair (essential work pending). Lafayette Parish Schools let out in late May, leaving children only four weekends to swim this season.

Investments in North Lafayette are boosting local commerce as $300,000 was secured for North Orange Street improvements & nearly $3 million was allocated for Jefferson Street infrastructure upgrades.

New businesses, including the Wilyard event venue and Signature Cigar Lounge, welcomed residents and are set to improve access to daily amenities.

Fourteen restaurants in Lafayette have closed this year, with one more set to close by the end of July; closures include local favorites like Acadian Superette and Pat’s Downtown + chain spots like Pizza Hut and Half Shell Oyster House.

An internal audit uncovered nearly $77,000 in unauthorized athletic spending, prompting UL to inform the district attorney's office and adopt a new reporting policy (effective June 30) as a criminal probe continues over false expense documentation by a former recruiter and supervisor.

Abita Mystery House in Abita Springs is recognized by Fifty Grande as Louisiana's weirdest roadside attraction.

The museum displays a vintage service station, a 100-year-old Creole cottage, a House of Shards & quirky collections for visitors to explore.

Lafayette Parish School System is accepting applications for its 2026-27 Superintendent's Advisory Panel to guide school improvements; community members including parents, educators, and leaders will meet every three months on Wednesdays starting in September + will work with the Teacher Advisory Panel and school principals.

On July 7, Congressmembers Delia Ramirez, Jesús García, Lateefah Simon and Analilia Mejia introduced the Living Wage for All Act, which would raise the federal minimum wage to $25—large employers reaching that rate by 2031 and small employers by 2038—while Louisiana remains at $7.25 as local bills stalled.

Broussard and Youngsville have approved budgets that will continue road improvement projects over the next 12 months.

The plans include widening Highway 89 and starting a roundabout at Larriviere Road and Young Street, with state and federal grants funding most of the costs (Youngsville will cover 75% for the roundabout).

Data shows the median sale price of a home in Lafayette Parish has increased by about $65,000 since 2019 to $256,996 through June — new listings have risen for the third consecutive year while total sales nearly match pre-pandemic levels.

LSU football added Ruston four-star safety Jayden Anding who committed on July 7 via social media.

He chose LSU over Ole Miss and will join his older brother in Baton Rouge (adding to a 2027 class now bolstered by five defensive recruits).

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.

Back to School Potluck

6-8 p.m. — Blue Moon Saloon & Guest House — Drinks available — Bring a dish to share and connect with local educators and community members.