Good morning, Lafayette.

Local city and parish leaders celebrated the groundbreaking of the Heymann Park amphitheater near Paul Breaux Middle School on Monday.

The $4.68 million project - a three-phase remodel designed to host up to 5,000 people - is expected to be completed in a year with half its funding from the state and an additional $6.4 million in potential funds.

Louisiana Growth Fund used federal money to help local startups—Pet Krewe, Codegig, 28bio and hampr—and held a roundtable to plan more funding.

The fund supported 20 companies from a pool of $50 million in federal funds and $50 million from state partners, with $6 million already committed and an additional $4 million expected by year-end.

Lafayette Travel has released the third episode of Gumbo People — a series that spotlights local creative forces — which features Michelle 'Malentina' Colon, a performer, producer and cultural advocate who uses music, theater and storytelling to empower the Latin community in Lafayette. Upcoming episodes will feature other local artists and add to the growing celebration of Lafayette’s cultural identity.

Randy Demette was named Teacher of the Year and his wife Karen Demette was named Support Staff of the Year at the Lafayette Parish Career Center during a surprise ceremony on Friday.

They have worked together at the center for the past year and carpool to work—marking 30 years of marriage.

Gov. Jeff Landry said cleanup changes began Monday at the Smitty's Supply plant site after video footage showed oiled sections of a pond and the Tangipahoa River near Roseland—he pledged to restore the area to its pre-fire condition.

Lafayette Parks, Arts, Recreation, and Culture director Tim Sensley abruptly resigned Friday—his final day was set for Monday.

Mayor President Monique Boulet said he had discussed family and personnel issues with her but did not provide further details.

Granules Pharmaceuticals Inc. recalled its generic Adderall extended release capsules on August 28 due to an unknown impurity and Lannett Company Inc. recalled its 10 mg tablets on August 21 for bottle strength mislabeling that reduced drug efficacy.

The recalls may affect Louisiana patients amid an ongoing ADHD medication shortage—patients unable to fill prescriptions should consult their doctors for alternative options.

Advocate staff have shared a list of favorite Lafayette coffee spots that serve a range of unique blends, with one local shop selling iced coffee by the bucket (an unusual option) and others offering custom recipes (from half-sweet espresso to bold black coffee) for every taste.

Yesterday, local coffee shops celebrated National Coffee Day—CC’s Coffee House, PJ’s Coffee, Starbucks, Jet Coffee, Community Coffee, and Bayou Barista offered free coffee and special discounts.

UL football now looks to sophomore quarterback Lunch Winfield to lead the team after he threw for 125 yards and two touchdowns in a win against Marshall as the unit managed five or six injuries during idle week.

Coach Michael Desormeaux said the backups on both offense and defense stepped up—preparing the team for its game against James Madison on October 11.

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.

Forged in the Fire: The Forgiven

4:30-6:30 p.m. — Cité des Arts — Check event page for cost — A powerful stage play exploring redemption and forgiveness that promises to inspire.

Alyse Young Performance at Park Bistro

6-10 p.m. — Park Bistro — Free entry — Enjoy an evening of music with local artist Alyse Young in a cozy bistro setting.