Good morning, Lafayette.

Lafayette Animal Shelter & Care Center is hosting free adoptions for dogs and cats at 410 N Dugas Rd. from October 1–15, where all pets are fully vaccinated, microchipped, and spayed/neutered through the Empty the Shelters event sponsored by BISSELL Pet Foundation.

PARC will host the Pink Picnic — a community event supporting breast cancer awareness — at Girard Park Pavilion on October 17 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., where free burgers, a line dance led by Corey 'Spoken Red', and local health resources will be offered.

South Louisiana Community College announced it is part of the Metallica Scholars Initiative for a third straight year and will receive $25,000 for its Precision Machining workforce training program (supporting scholarships and training supplies) and outreach materials (boosting student skill development).

UL Lafayette is facing a $25 million deficit and Interim President Jamie Hebert announced layoffs that cut six positions—including closing the Office of Sustainability and Community Engagement, and restructuring the Offices of Communications and Marketing and Auxiliary Services—in a letter sent this week. A town hall meeting is scheduled later today at the Student Union’s Bayou Bijou Theater to discuss next steps.

Louisiana high schools are showing growing interest in launching Turning Point USA Club America chapters after Charlie Kirk’s death, with student Levi Gregory organizing a parishwide event in Pearl River that drew about 100 people—Lafayette schools have also seen students file paperwork even as some parents remain skeptical. The effort has attracted over 1,000 inquiries and is supported by a new U.S. Department of Education partnership but no public high school in the region has yet approved a chapter.

Timothy Sensley, director of Lafayette’s Parks Arts Recreation and Culture, resigned last week and his final day was Monday with Mayor President Monique Boulet saying he discussed family and work issues before stepping down—officials have requested a copy of his resignation letter.

Federal lawmakers could not agree on funding before Oct.

1 and a shutdown began that may affect Lafayette nonprofits relying on HUD field support—if the shutdown lasts long, these groups could face cash flow problems and delayed services. Second Harvest and similar organizations reported they might see higher demand for food as federal workers are furloughed.

Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office was honored on Sept.

24 with the Joe D. May Public Policy Award for its re-entry welding program developed with South Louisiana Community College + SoLAcc. The program, which started in 2017, helped inmates earn welding skills and now features a permanent 10-bay facility that has achieved high completion and job placement rates.

Destination Zero Deaths Acadiana is urging drivers to be extra cautious during National Pedestrian Safety Month as foot traffic rises.

In 2023, Acadiana had 68 pedestrian crashes with 16 deaths and 52 serious injuries—officials say slowing down, driving sober and stopping for walkers can save lives.

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.