Good morning, Lafayette.

Lafayette Parks, Arts, Recreation and Culture extended open swim season at the Martin Luther King Recreation Center pool, giving residents extra chances to swim this fall.

The pool will be open Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 5 p.m. through Oct. 4 with unchanged admission rates (adults $5, children $3).

Charter Communications cleared its final regulatory hurdle to acquire Cox Communications in a $34 billion deal that serves Acadiana, including Lafayette, Acadia, St. Martin, Vermilion and Iberia parishes.

The merger will create the largest cable TV and broadband internet operator in the nation.

Southern Living has named ten Louisiana food brands to its Food Hall of Fame as part of its list of iconic Southern foods announced on Aug.

17. The honored brands (including favorites from New Orleans and Crowley) have long been local staples that highlight our rich Louisiana culinary tradition.

Louisiana law does not set a minimum age for leaving kids home alone after school, so parents must decide based on a child’s maturity.

The National SAFE KIDS Campaign recommends not leaving children under 12 unsupervised (and suggests older siblings be at least 15) to ensure their safety.

UL Lafayette hosted its Pioneering Louisiana event today to show research in semiconductors, energy, biotech, and aerospace that could create local jobs and boost Acadiana’s economy (featuring work by students and industry leaders).

University officials say the initiative is strengthening the region’s skilled workforce.

Louisiana received federal approval on Aug.

17 to build the Louisiana International Terminal in St. Bernard Parish — a deep water port to modernize trade; financing for the $2 to $3 billion project remains pending, and Gov. Jeff Landry said it will boost economic growth and keep Louisiana competitive.

Lafayette Consolidated Government began demolishing the abandoned 180-room former La Quinta Inn on Northeast Evangeline Thruway today as part of a plan to tackle blighted properties; city officials aim to turn the site into an active commercial space + local businesses look forward to a positive change nearby.

Local high school football teams are set for scrimmages and jamborees, with games scheduled Aug.

20, 21, 27 and 28 in venues across the area — including matchups at Cajun Field and local schools. Fans will get a taste of the upcoming 2026 season as teams prepare for competitive play.