Good morning, Lafayette.

WWII and Korean War veteran Bill Laird celebrated his 99th birthday with neighbors and friends in Lafayette, with a party organized by Laurie Cauthern from Rouse's grocery store.

The event honored his long service and life in the community.

Fezzo's Seafood, Steakhouse & Oyster Bar in Broussard is hosting the seventh week of Tito's 'Tini Tuesday Tour, featuring a Berry Smash Martini fundraiser to benefit Healing House, which offers free grief support for local children.

Bordelon's Home Furnishings sponsors the event.

Dustin Poirier's Good Fight Foundation distributed about 1,000 backpacks with school supplies to Acadiana families at Service Chevrolet — an annual event that helps ease school supply costs for local kids.

Local radio station Z105.9 reported that former hosts Porsha Evans (Beatrice Wilson) and Tommy C. (Tommy Clark) died, leaving behind a legacy that touched local airwaves for more than four decades and prompting heartfelt tributes from fellow broadcasters.

A Lafayette event honored the legacy of the Buffalo Soldiers as veterans and community members gathered recently for a Meal of Remembrance (hosted by Once Was Inc. and sponsored by Progressive Baptist Church) to share stories and learn about available services.

The Greenroom in Downtown Lafayette was named by USA TODAY as one of the best bars in the US for 2026.

Today, The Greenroom (a downtown Lafayette bar) was named one of USA TODAY’s best bars for its craft beer selection and friendly vibe.

Manager Ryan Starling said the recognition shows its strong community spirit.

Federal officials issued an emergency order for the Southwest Power Pool (covering Texas and parts of Louisiana) because a heat dome is stressing the grid; while Acadiana is expected to remain unaffected, utility companies urge residents to conserve energy through Saturday.

Louisiana law says children under 12 cannot ride in the open bed of a truck or on fenders, running boards, or tailgates when the vehicle is moving, except during controlled parades or emergencies + the rule applies to pickup trucks with a gross weight of 6,000 pounds or less on highways.

Lafayette Regional Airport added a new 2026 Oshkosh Striker firefighting truck that costs $1.8 million and pumps 3,000 gallons with Purple-K dry chemical.

The FAA, Louisiana DOTD Office of Aviation and the Lafayette Airport Commission funded the upgrade.

Acadiana Waste Services will change trash and recycling pick-up days for many residents starting Aug.

3. The new schedule consolidates all services onto one day to manage increased recycling participation (residents should check the notice they received).

Louisiana was ranked last in U.S. News & World Report’s Best States report released Tuesday, July 28 at 8:27 a.m. CT, with high poverty, heavy industrial pollution, poor roads, and obesity affecting its overall performance despite a top-five ranking in affordability.

Lafayette Police Sgt. Matthew Benoit warns that parked vehicles can heat rapidly — a child’s body temperature rises much faster than an adult’s — and urges bystanders to call 911 and force entry if needed under Good Samaritan laws.

Northside High School head football coach Brandon Green is building on the Vikings’ 2025 playoff success as he prepares the team for the 2026 season opener by highlighting the players’ energy and depth.

The former Viking and state title relay winner expressed strong confidence in his team's work ethic.

Louisiana softball under Coach Habetz rebuilt its roster after last season by adding three transfers from Power 4 programs.

The new signings—pitcher KG Favors from South Carolina, catcher Danika Spinogatti from Florida State, and infielder Angelyna Conde from Texas Tech—are expected to boost the team’s lineup.