Good morning, Lafayette.

Lafayette Consolidated Government unveiled new signage on Wednesday morning to honor youth soccer pioneer Deanna Bostick, known as Ma D, who helped open play opportunities for local children.

Her granddaughter said the tribute recognizes decades of community service+ support.

Downtown Lafayette Unlimited will launch the Fall 2026 season of Downtown Alive on Aug.

28 with The Vermillionaires and opening act The Pride of Acadiana at the downtown event & local campus partners and vendors will join the free concert series celebrating our vibrant college town.

Festivals Acadiens et Créoles will host its 2026 lineup from October 8-11 at Girard Park following a Smithsonian partnership (reviving the Scène '76 stage).

The free festival will feature traditional and new sounds with acts like Jeffery Broussard and the Creole Cowboys, and Wayne Toups closing on Sunday.

Lafayette Parish is set to see five key projects in 2026.

Trader Joe’s will open soon on Camellia Boulevard and Bluebird Drive, while a downtown hotel’s foundation pours early Saturday; a Buc-ee’s store, a massive Youngsville residential development + a refreshed Northgate Mall are in progress.

About 3,400 UL students are moving into dorms and apartments this week ahead of the Fall 2026 semester.

Temporary road closures and traffic changes will affect campus areas on Thursday & Friday, with detours recommended for access to nearby businesses and facilities.

University of Louisiana System President Rick Gallot said classrooms on all eight campuses displayed Ten Commandments posters as classes began this week to meet a 2024 state law (its first full school year following the law).