Good morning, Lafayette.

Federal jurors will begin the trial of Lafayette Assistant District Attorney Gary Haynes Monday at 9 a.m. at the federal courthouse in Lafayette—he was indicted in September on charges including bribery, conspiracy, money laundering, and obstruction of justice—related to a kickback scheme in the DA's office.

The Louisiana Supreme Court denied rehearing requests in two high-profile Rapides Parish murder cases—one involving Kayla Giles, convicted for shooting her estranged husband in 2018, and one concerning Darrell Robinson, sentenced to death for a 1996 quadruple murder.

St. Martin Parish sheriff's deputies arrested Robert Lee Wiltz (36) from Carencro after he allegedly beat Amy Louviere (40) who died at a Breaux Bridge hospital on Thursday and upgraded his charge to second-degree murder while he is held at the correctional center.

Lafayette Police arrested 19-year-old Rickey Chaney on a warrant for attempted second-degree murder in Lake Charles on Thursday—he is the fourth suspect in connection with the Aug.

24 shooting that left a 6-year-old girl critically injured during a vigil in north Lafayette while three other suspects are already in custody.

Today, Downtown Lafayette Unlimited launched the Fall season of Downtown Alive in partnership with the University of Louisiana at Lafayette — featuring live music from The Good Dudes and on-site activations from UL Athletics, the UL Alumni Association, campus partners, and community vendors.

South Louisiana Community College and Ochsner Lafayette General launched a new PN to RN program to help working LPNs earn an associate nursing degree — the classes are on evenings and weekends so students can keep their full-time jobs.

Eight Ochsner employees started the program on Aug. 18 at the Lafayette campus and are set to graduate in August 2026.

At J.W. Faulk Elementary, teachers and principals used extra funds and the new ACE program—an initiative with the Lafayette Parish School System and the Pugh Family Foundation—to help students build trust and improve behavior, leading to better reading and math scores compared to last fall. Data shows more students reached grade-level benchmarks by year-end, proving that with the right support, children can thrive.

Travel and Leisure has named Lafayette one of the top 10 places to live in the South — the city offers affordable housing, a strong job market and a vibrant culture.

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.

Full Throttle Tour 2025

7-9 p.m. — CAJUNDOME & Convention Center — Ticket prices may vary — Country superstar Jason Aldean hits the stage with special guests Nate Smith, RaeLynn, and Dee Jay Silver.

Bayou Fest & Boat Parade 2025

10 a.m. – 6 p.m. — Lafayette Parish Bayou Vermilion District — Registration fee applies — Celebrate the Bayou Vermilion with paddling, music, contests, and fun for all ages.

Downtown Rising 2025

11 a.m. – 8 p.m. — Parc International — Tickets available — Celebrate music and community with The Wailers and local artists in an epic reggae event.