Good morning, Lafayette.

Acadiana Area for Veterans is collecting donations to prepare care packages for local veterans, retired firefighters and police officers in nursing homes across Lafayette Parish.

Donations will be accepted starting Sept. 4 at sites including Ride Elementary, Gordy Automotive on Fillmore Road, and NuNu’s in Scott.

Lafayette native LeTesha Davis Pyke grows LDP Decor - a seasonal décor business selling handcrafted wreaths on Etsy.

The local venture offers unique fall decorations for residents and online shoppers.

Louisiana chef Cory Bahr offered cooking tips on alligator recipes as the state begins its first recreational gator hunting season this fall.

He advised marinating the meat in buttermilk and hot sauce (using local brands) to improve flavor before frying.

Breaux Bridge was named the prettiest town in Louisiana by Architectural Digest as it hosts an annual crawfish festival, boasts scenic views & historic landmarks, and showcases vibrant Cajun and Creole culture.

Extreme heat with index values reaching between 108 and 114 forced Cathedral Carmel School in Lafayette to adjust recess and physical education routines as students returned for the new school year.

Teachers are closely monitoring outdoor activities (students may need more frequent breaks) to prevent heat-related illnesses.

Lafayette Parish schools are starting the 2026-2027 year with over 20,000 bus riders facing crowding, delays and issues with a new tracking app as officials adjust routes after Comeaux High closed & address driver scheduling.

Transportation staff are refining operations to smooth out the challenges.

The Lafayette Parish School System released the meal menu for Aug.

24-28 (jambalaya, nachos, and chicken sandwiches included) with free breakfast and lunch available to all enrolled students; parents can review daily menus online.

Local builders and realtors report rising interest in a 14-acre tract near Kaplan as Vermilion Parish anticipates Gov. Jeff Landry's press conference — at 11 a.m. Tuesday — expected to confirm SpaceX's plan to build a multibillion-dollar spaceport that could spark new home developments.

Northside High School hosted Westminster Christian Academy for a football scrimmage in preparation for the 2026 season.

The Vikings, led by new coach Brandon Green, built on last year's breakthrough while Westminster Christian set high expectations.

With the 2026 football season two weeks away, the Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns are turning to a thin senior class (only 14 of 105 players) to fill starting roles, including redshirt senior safety Collin Jacob.

The team will host Lamar at Our Lady of Lourdes Stadium.

Northwest senior Markez Davis committed to LSU football, fulfilling his lifelong dream of playing on a big stage — he excelled in basketball and football and prepared during his final season at Northwest.

Opelousas Little League honored standout players at its annual awards banquet at the Yambilee Building + former MLB players Dusty Baker and Danny Ardoin along with UL Lafayette baseball coach Matt Deggs encouraged the youth athletes.

High school football teams across Acadiana held preseason scrimmages on Thursday as Teurlings Catholic hosted Carencro and Vermilion Catholic faced Opelousas Catholic at Donald Gardner Stadium in Opelousas.