Good morning, Lafayette.

Melinda Taylor, executive director of Lafayette Habitat for Humanity, will retire in December after 26 years of service, having overseen the building of more than 150 homes (a legacy of hope) for Acadiana families.

Her work helped communities recover after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Acadiana will host its 31st Vermilion Celebrity Waiter Dinner and Auction on Thursday, July 16 at 6 p.m. at Quality Sports Authority in Erath, with Brian Ford & Jacob Landry discussing the fundraiser on MidDay with Darla to benefit the Rodney Simon Unit.

Buc-ee’s has broken ground on Louisiana’s first travel center in Ruston to open in April or May 2027, and a second site in Lafayette is set to open summer 2027.

The Ruston center will feature signature items and local flavors (including boudin) and is expected to employ 200 workers.

Buc-ee’s is building a travel center in Ruston set to open by May next year and a second center in Lafayette opening in summer, which will offer Texas barbecue with local boudin (a nod to Louisiana flavor) and is expected to create 200 jobs and draw 15,000 vehicles daily.

Downtown Lafayette announced its Fall 2026 Downtown Alive! lineup with the Ragin’ Cajuns DTA! at Parc Sans Souci.

This free series featuring local talent and community partners including UL (University of Louisiana at Lafayette) athletics runs Aug. 28, Oct. 2, and Nov. 6 from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

UL Lafayette professor Linus Wilson spent 29 days hauling 200+ pounds of gear to reach Denali’s top, making him the first known Louisiana resident to conquer the highest point in all 50 states.

He will try climbing Aconcagua in Argentina and resume sailing the Great Loop (a journey around US waterways).

Niche revealed the top 5 Louisiana college campuses based on food, housing, party scene and safety (the list includes University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Southeastern Louisiana University, Tulane University, Northwestern State University and LSU at Alexandria), giving students a guide to campus life.

Camp Invention offers hands-on STEAM activities for Lafayette Parish students from kindergarten through fifth grade at Broussard Middle School and four other school sites this summer.

The program (organized by Love Our Schools and the Stellar Family Foundation) is brought to you by Bayou Vermilion District.

On Wednesday, the Louisiana Department of Health reported 23 cases of cyclospora infection, including one hospitalization, across the state.

Officials advise residents to wash fresh produce and cook vegetables to help prevent the spread of the parasite.

Jacoby Landry has revitalized Northgate Mall in Lafayette by rebranding it as The Hub, growing tenant numbers from 14 to 36 & raising monthly rent from $15,000 to $60,000 over the past year.

Construction on a rooftop bar will resume soon while an urgent care clinic is planned for the property.

Louisiana high school football season kicks off with practice on July 27 for some players and Aug.

3 for others, followed by a regular season from Sept. 3 to Nov. 7. The LHSAA championships will occur Dec. 10 to 12 at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans.

LSU baseball outfielder Jake Brown, a multi-year starter from Sulphur, was having a standout season with a .304 average + 28 home runs before a broken hand during a Texas A&M game ended his play, likely marking the close of his LSU career.

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.