Good morning, Lafayette.

Gotcha, a new Japanese-inspired arcade, opened today at 4701 Ambassaddor Caffery Parkway in Lafayette and draws steady crowds with its token-based claw-machine games offering prizes from anime collectibles to gaming consoles.

Owner Chen Xiaoling—who was inspired by a trip to Tokyo—says he will open more locations if demand stays high.

Lafayette High School, the Early College Academy, and South Louisiana Community College were locked down Thursday morning after a 47-year-old inmate escaped from Ochsner University Hospital and Clinics — police are searching the area near Bertrand Drive and West Congress Street and rerouting buses while advising motorists to avoid the vicinity.

A six-year-old girl was shot during a balloon release at Debaillon Park in Lafayette and is in a coma at a Baton Rouge hospital while police arrested two suspects on attempted second-degree murder charges—Ja Andre Willis, 25, and Daylon Andrus, 21.

Meteorologist Jim Cantore is in New Orleans this week for the 20-year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina—he rode out the storm on the Mississippi Coast in 2005 and now covers special events while highlighting his ties to Acadiana through his relationship with local meteorologist Jobie Lagrange.

Electricity bills in Louisiana have increased 14.1% over the past year due to aging transmission systems – rising natural gas and coal prices and extreme temperatures have boosted costs.

More than 60 utility companies plan further rate hikes, and residents can expect higher bills in the future.

A pending Supreme Court case that challenges whether race should factor into Louisiana’s congressional maps could reshape voter representation — state leaders warn that a decision in the coming months may redefine fair representation under the Voting Rights Act.

Lawmakers stressed that the outcome will impact how local voices are heard in government.

A lane on S. Buchanan Street near E.

Congress Street will be closed from Monday, September 1 until Friday, September 19 to let LUS repair a sewer mainline—detours will guide northeast-bound drivers along E. Congress, Jefferson, and Garfield Streets until the cement sets.

The Lafayette Parish Sheriff's Office and South Louisiana Community College opened a new 10-bay welding training facility on Aug 27 at 1825 W.

Willow St. in Scott — it replaces the old mobile unit and prepares inmates for welding careers.

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.

Movies at Moncus: Shrek

Sunset — Moncus Park — $10 parking per vehicle — Enjoy a rescheduled screening of the beloved animated classic Shrek along with themed family activities and local food vendors.

Redwine and Justus Concert

7 PM - 1 AM — Whiskey & Vine — Ticket info not provided — Experience the fusion of traditional jazz and Cajun Musettes with clarinetist Ben Redwine and Chas Justus.

Alyse Young Live Performance

6-10 p.m. — Bushido-Lafayette — Cost information not provided — Enjoy an evening of live music with the talented local artist Alyse Young.

Ben Folds Concert

7:30-9:00 p.m. — Heymann Performing Arts Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience the genre-bending music of acclaimed singer-songwriter Ben Folds in a captivating live performance.