Good morning, Lafayette.

Faith House of Acadiana announced that the Night of Hope fundraiser – scheduled for Friday, October 17 at Warehouse 535 – will support survivors of domestic violence with a $20,000 donation from the Stuller Family Foundation.

Guests will enjoy live music, food, dancing, auctions, raffles and a wine pull as they come together to back the cause.

Focus Clubhouse was named Non-Profit of the Month by the Glenn Armentor Law Corporation after receiving a $500 donation—this support aims to boost its efforts to help adults with mental illness by providing friendship, job, housing, and education resources.

The nonprofit continues to spread mental health awareness across the community.

Techneaux and Fresh Pickin's Produce, two local businesses on Kaliste Saloom Road, have engaged in a playful sign war for about three to four weeks.

The friendly rivalry started when Techneaux noticed Fresh Pickin's green peanuts sign—prompting a humorous peanut-themed reply that captured the attention of drivers and social media users.

Prime Time Head Start opened a new center at the historic Holy Rosary Institute on Sept.

23—adding four classrooms for 56 preschoolers and unveiling shared family services with the nearby IHM campus as community leaders celebrated the landmark's revitalization.

The free speech debate on college campuses grew after right-wing activist Charlie Kirk was killed during a college debate, with ULL professor William Davie warning that censorship is rising and Attorney General Liz Murrill pledging stronger protections for universities like LSU.

Officials say schools must serve as forums for debate on all views to uphold the First Amendment.

During sugarcane harvest season, Acadiana drivers are told to be careful around large cane trucks on rural roads as these vehicles can be hard to see and have been linked to crashes.

Louisiana State Police and the American Sugarcane League have started a safety campaign—urging drivers to give extra space to these trucks.

Lafayette Consolidated Government and the Lafayette Parish Office of Homeland Security said 911 phone lines are back online — multiple AT&T fiber lines were cut, causing phone problems in parts of Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama.

UL's interim president Jaimie Hebert announced that the university faces a $25 million structural deficit and that most divisions will cut spending 10%—Academic Affairs will see only a 5% reduction to protect teaching.

A town hall meeting on Oct. 1 and further savings efforts will be part of UL's ongoing work to balance its budget.

Local officials, including Mayor-President Boulet, warned at a recent forum that nearly $50 million in annual funding will vanish in 2027 if voters do not approve millages on October 11 and November 15 — the cuts could affect local schools, fire prevention, road repairs, and river cleanup programs.

Statewide 9-1-1 phone lines are down and texts to 9-1-1 are working — residents should call 337-232-1400 for emergencies.

LCG and OHSEP will update the public when the systems are restored.

On September 24, LPSO received the Joe D.

May Public Policy Award at the LCTCS Impact Awards Gala in New Orleans for its groundbreaking re-entry welding program developed with South Louisiana Community College—an honor that recognized high completion and job placement rates. The program has led to a new permanent Welding Technology Facility that will ensure long-term training sustainability and strengthen workforce development.

Louisiana residents now need a prescription to get the updated COVID-19 vaccine at pharmacies—only those aged 65 and older are exempt.

Urgent care providers will give same-day evaluations for people under 65 or without a primary doctor.

Lafayette High seniors Xzaban Williams and Parker Abshire were named the Courtesy Automotive Group Legendary Players of the Week for Week 2 — their strong play on offense and defense has boosted the Lion football team.

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.

Treats at the Village

5-8 p.m. — LARC's Acadian Village — Free entry — Celebrate Halloween with a special trick-or-treat experience designed for individuals with special needs and their families.

Alyse Young Live Performance

6-10 p.m. — El Paso Mexican Grill — Free entry — Enjoy an evening of live music with singer-songwriter Alyse Young from Lafayette.

Rory Scovel Live Comedy Show

7-10 PM — Club 337 — Reserved Seating ($30) + General Admission ($25) — Enjoy a night of laughs with comedian Rory Scovel known for his appearances on Netflix, HBO, and Apple TV+.

Daryl Felsberg Stand-Up Comedy Show

7-8:30 p.m. — Cité des Arts — Tickets available — Enjoy a night of laughs with the larger-than-life comedian Daryl Felsberg.