Good morning, Lafayette.

Lafayette entrepreneur Nick Pugh was named the 2026 Civic Cup honoree in recognition of his decades of leadership in education and community service — his family foundation recently committed $9.1 million to support public schools, and the award will be presented Tuesday, Nov.

10 at City Club at River Ranch.

Acadiana Leadership Institute director Lindsey Faulk will resign on Dec.

4 after serving for a year, saying the group needs a leader who can fully guide its mission. Registration for Leadership Lafayette’s 2027 class opened with a deadline of 5 p.m. Nov. 20.

Coffee with a Cop happens today at Jet Coffee on Johnston Street from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. and invites Lafayette PD, Louisiana State Police Troop I + Lafayette Parish Sheriff's Office to engage in community dialogue.

Lafayette Travel now accepts nominations for the third annual Allons Awards, which honor local hospitality achievements from Oct.

2025 through Oct. 2026. Nominations close at 11:59 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31 and winners will be announced at the Awards Banquet on Wednesday, Nov. 11 (details available online).

SpaceX is bringing $100 billion investment to create 3,000 direct jobs and 8,100 indirect jobs—with 1,000 direct positions arriving by 2031—in Vermilion Parish, though rising wages may challenge local businesses & intensify competition for skilled workers.

Festivals Acadiens et Créoles will start at Girard Park Oct.

8-11, celebrating Cajun and Creole culture near campus. The four-day event will feature local and international musical acts, a pre-festival symposium, and a documentary premiere (highlighting traditional music contributions) to honor South Louisiana traditions.

St. Landry Catholic Church Cemetery Tours return this year, offering visitors a chance to explore local history through costumed re-enactors stationed throughout the cemetery (Al Hebert recently visited one tour).

SpaceX's planned launch site in Pecan Island is raising concerns about wildlife and coastal wetlands, as experts worry that up to 30 daily launches could further stress areas already affected by significant wetland loss.

Gov. Jeff Landry said $100 million from the land sale will support restoration along the coast.

Tropical Depression 9 was upgraded by the National Hurricane Center and is expected to become a tropical storm tonight before strengthening to a Category 2 hurricane by Friday.

Acadiana may see scattered rain bands Friday night into Saturday (residents should monitor local forecasts).

The Lafayette Fire Department has responded to several lithium-ion battery fires—including two involving e-bikes—and urges residents to follow safe charging tips during Fire Prevention Week (Oct.

4-10). The department is also offering fire safety classes and a poster contest to educate locals on proper battery care.