Good morning, Lafayette.

Lafayette Fire Captain Coby Bailey won PBS's Great American Recipe by beating seven other cooks with a winning meal of cornbread-stuffed chicken over grits, andouille cream sauce, coleslaw and potatoes—he said he cared most about what Cajun folks thought.

World War II veteran Jim Bollich of Lafayette celebrated his 104th birthday on August 15 as Speaker Phillip DeVillier and Purple Heart veterans honored his service with a car parade organized by the Military Order of the Purple Heart.

Bollich credited his long life to staying mentally and physically active — advice he shared when donating trilobite fossils to the local university — and his story stands as a testament to resilience.

Firefighters responded to a fire on Eleventh Street near SW Evangeline Thruway at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, August 16 after neighbors reported smoke coming from a house that had been vacant for about a year, and they got the blaze under control within 20 minutes while officials investigate its cause.

Trader Joe’s will soon open a 16,500-square-foot store at 1710 Camellia Boulevard, near River Ranch.

The neighborhood-style store will offer unique private-label items and seasonal products — DL acquired documents state.

Between 2017 and 2021, Louisiana reported an average of 7,170 stolen guns with handguns making up over 70% of thefts—offenders face penalties from two to 30 years in prison and fines up to $5,000.

Northside High School students, including athlete Paul Clues, began Saturday morning by throwing chairs, tires, and paint cans into a dumpster as part of their annual campus clean-up day—organized by the athletic department—with help from coaches and cheerleaders.

The second annual Running of the Kindergartners took place on August 15 at the Acadiana Renaissance Charter Academy football stadium in Youngsville — the event served as a fundraiser for the Athletic Department and marked the start of the new school year as families cheered the little runners despite rain and heat.

A Louisiana Judiciary Commission recommended that 15th Judicial District Judge Royale Colbert be censured for two alleged misconduct incidents—one involving interference in the city's effort to cancel a rap concert in 2021 after a shooting and the other a confrontation with a police officer during a traffic stop in 2023. The Supreme Court will decide his final discipline.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Alyse Young Live Performance

6-10 p.m. — La Pizzeria Lafayette — Free entry — Enjoy an evening of heartfelt tunes from local singer-songwriter Alyse Young as she serenades diners.

McNeese State Cowboys at Louisiana Ragin Cajuns Football

7-8:30 p.m. — Cajun Field — Lowest Price Guaranteed — Experience the thrill of college football as the Cowboys face off against the Ragin Cajuns.

CajunMan Race

7-11 a.m. — T.R.A.I.L. Transportation Recreation Alternatives in Louisiana — Entry fee required — Immerse yourself in a tradition of endurance with a triathlon, duathlon, or 5k run/walk.

Alyse Young Live Performance

6-9 p.m. — Park Bistro — Free entry — Enjoy an evening of original music from local singer-songwriter Alyse Young.

Good Vibes Highway Tour

7 PM - 1 AM — Artmosphere — Ticket price not listed — Enjoy an uplifting evening of Acoustic Rock with a positive vibe in Lafayette, Louisiana.