Today
in Lafayette
Thursday, July 31st, 2025
Good morning, Lafayette. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 31st of July.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Lafayette Animal Shelter and Care Center teamed up with Friends of the Lafayette Animal Shelter to install three microchip scanning stations in the parking lots of the animal shelter, the police department, and Youngsville police department — more stations will be added soon. The stations let pet owners scan for their pet’s chip and call registry numbers, and those without a chip can be microchipped for $15 during weekday business hours. KLFY
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ Just before 11 p.m. on July 30, Louisiana State Police responded to a single-vehicle crash on LA 724 near Paul Molbert Road in Lafayette Parish that claimed the life of Schuyler Lewis, 36, of Abbeville—he was driving a 2023 Kia Sportage that left the roadway in a curve and struck an embankment, tree and utility pole. KLFY
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ St. Anne Catholic Church in Youngsville is preserving local landmarks—an old church building saved for sacraments and a nearby estate with a cedar wood barn dedicated as St. Joachim's Barn. The church also restored the Dupleix house—renamed the Le Presbytere—and plans to offer guided tours to share this heritage with the community. The Advocate
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Starting in September, the Lafayette Public Library will allow UL Lafayette and South Louisiana Community College students, faculty, and staff free access to its resources by using only their school IDs — nearly 22,000 people can use materials, study rooms, and online tutoring. Library Director Danny Gillane said this is the first program of its kind at a university or college. The Advocate
- ➤ Joseph Savoie, who served UL for over 35 years and Louisiana higher education for nearly 50, steps down as president effective today—he is named president emeritus while Dr. Jaimie Hebert becomes interim president. The UL System Board of Supervisors approved the changes after 17 years of his leadership and significant campus improvements. KATC
- ➤ UL Lafayette President Dr. Joe Savoie stepped down today and will serve as president emeritus at his current salary of $510,500 — Provost Dr. Jaimie Hebert is now interim president as the university searches for a permanent successor. The Current
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Lafayette Fire Chief Robert Benoit is retiring after more than 40 years of service and 32 years as chief. He joined the department in May 1979, became chief in August 1993, and grew the number of fire stations from 7 to 14 — marking the end of his long career. News 15
- ➤ Lafayette Consolidated Government broke ground on a $5 million streetscape project at 12th and Surrey streets—new sidewalks, stamped brick crosswalks, upgraded bus stops, and landscaping are part of the work. The project began last week and will finish in about 18 months as part of the Evangeline Corridor Revitalization Plan. The Daily Advertiser
- ➤ Lafayette Consolidated Government will close the 1400 block of Lajaunie Road on Aug 4 for a $2 million project to replace the aging Bayou St. Clair Lateral 1 bridge; construction will last about nine months if weather permits. Detour routes will be clearly marked—Merrick, LLC is the contractor and local access will be maintained. KLFY
- ➤ Lafayette Consolidated Government announced a $17 million plan to renovate City Hall and modernize services by addressing outdated systems and accessibility issues—Holly & Smith Architects will lead the phased project that begins design work in Fall/Winter 2025 with public meetings planned soon. The facility, originally built as a Sears store in 1957, will remain open during construction while bidding opens in Summer 2026 and work starts in Fall 2026. City of Lafayette
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Alyse Young Live Performance
6-10 p.m. — Bushido-Lafayette — Free entry — Enjoy an evening of original music from local artist Alyse Young in a vibrant restaurant setting.
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Alyse Young Live Performance
6-10 p.m. — La Pizzeria Lafayette — Free entry — Enjoy an evening of live music by local singer-songwriter Alyse Young in a cozy pizzeria setting.
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Acadian Culture Day 2025
10 AM – 5 PM — Lafayette Parish Bayou Vermilion District — Free admission — Celebrate Acadian culture with live music, crafts, and delicious local food at this family-friendly festival.
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Louisiana Theatre Festival
7-9:30 p.m. — Wonderland Performing Arts — Ticketed event — Experience talented groups from across Louisiana competing with their best short scenes for fantastic prizes.
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Public Art Workshop Series
12-5 p.m. — Acadiana Center for the Arts — Scholarships available — Build your skills in 3D public art with expert guidance and hands-on experience.
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One Vision of Queen Featuring Marc Martel
8-9:30 p.m. — Heymann Performing Arts Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience the world's largest Queen tribute band with an incredible performance by Marc Martel.
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The Greg Gordon Project Live Concert
7 p.m. — Brass Room — Ticket info not provided — Experience a soulful night with Louisiana's own Greg Gordon and his signature blend of soul and R&B.
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Louisiana Words Launch Event
6:30-8:30 p.m. — Cavalier House Books - Lafayette — Free entry — Celebrate local authors as they read their works at this inclusive nonprofit kickoff event.
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Rice Owls vs. Louisiana Ragin Cajuns Football
7-8:30 p.m. — Cajun Field — Lowest Price Guaranteed — Catch an exciting college football matchup between the Rice Owls and Ragin Cajuns.
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