Good morning, Lafayette.

A heavy wind storm brought down a tree on Pearl Street near Four Corners on September 17 that trapped residents in a home, but first responders freed them quickly and a neighbor offered help while the Red Cross assisted those who lost belongings.

Lafayette’s ancient live oaks are celebrated for their deep roots in our local history and culture—showcased by sites such as the 450-year-old Cathedral Oak in downtown and the Twentieth Century Oaks planted by Dr. Edwin Lewis Stephens, whose vision formed the Live Oak Society in 1934. These trees continue to mark our heritage, serving as natural monuments that guide and protect our community.

A weekend festival is being held at Heymann Park to celebrate the cultural history of okra through food, music, and education.

Local chefs will serve okra specialties and live music with storytelling and games will engage visitors—admission is free.

The Lafayette Parish School System announced that several local high school seniors were named National Merit Semifinalists for the 2026 National Merit Scholarship Program—students from Early College Academy, Lafayette High School, Ovey Comeaux High School and David Thibodaux STEM Magnet Academy may later compete for nearly $26 million in scholarships.

Alumni from Lafayette High School gathered on September 16 for the Alumni Memory Walk at the new replacement building to revisit their school memories and express excitement for the future of the campus.

Former students from multiple classes explored the large building—sharing reflections and remarks on its impressive size.

The Lafayette Parish School Board will vote today on a plan to build a new K-8 facility on the J.W.

Faulk Elementary site that will merge Faulk, Baranco, and Paul Breaux schools with a planned opening in 2027 or 2028. The board will also decide on bond underwriting and construction financing proposals totaling up to $50 million—$46,375,000 for planning and construction plus $2.6 million for contingencies.

A new Louisiana audit released today found that the Office of Motor Vehicles collected $164 million in license fees last year with over $104 million coming from insurance cancellation violations—raising questions about fairness and the need to update old systems as more than 255,000 licenses were suspended.

One Acadiana launched its 2025 Elections Hub today offering a free resource with key election dates — a Ballot Guide and the new 1A Ballot Briefings video series.

Lafayette Parish voters will decide on local millage renewals for the Lafayette Parish School System and the Bayou Vermilion District on Oct. 11 while early voting runs Sept. 27-Oct. 4.

Louisiana's Lafayette Airport Commission secured $6.6 million in federal funding to shift an airline taxiway and improve airport safety and modernization—Senator Bill Cassidy announced the funds came from the FAA via the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.

Today, the Lafayette Fire Department received a new LUCAS device that automates chest compressions—this machine frees up responders during cardiac emergencies.

The department got a grant of over $20,000 from the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation and said the device may double the success rate of saving lives.

Louisiana’s popular deer archery season will start in select areas on Sept.

20 and expand statewide on Oct. 1 — while the early teal duck season ends on Sept. 28. The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries said deer are the most popular game and hunters must have the proper licenses and tags.

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.

ACLA Latin Music Festival

4 PM – 10 PM — Parc International — Check back for more details — A family-friendly multicultural celebration of Latin music since 2002.

Alyse Young Live at La Pizzeria

6-10 p.m. — La Pizzeria Lafayette — Free entry — Enjoy an evening of soulful music from Lafayette's own singer-songwriter Alyse Young.

PetSmart Adoption Event

10 AM – 1 PM — PetSmart — Free entry — Meet adorable adoptable cats and dogs ready to find their forever homes.

Sax in the City: Dee Lucas with The Dave Mouton EXPerience

7-10 p.m. — Brass Room — Tickets available — Experience a night of jazz featuring soulful saxophone and vibrant performances.