Good morning, Lafayette.

Lafayette’s Chicken Salad Chick began offering free kids’ meals on Oct 28 to help families amid the SNAP benefits pause.

The restaurant serves one free meal per child for dine-in guests (located at 101 Saloom Farm Rd, Suite 101) until the benefits are restored.

A CareerMinds survey of 3,002 workers found Ochsner Health is Louisiana's top company for career development, with employees noting strong upskilling opportunities + high workplace satisfaction.

The company has also earned accolades from Fortune and U.S. News & World Report for its leadership in health care.

Celebrate Halloween this weekend in Lafayette with haunted attractions — live music and costume parties — offering fun for the whole family.

Most Louisiana cities allow residents to keep backyard chickens with varying rules, and Lafayette permits up to five hens when kept in proper coops — Bossier City is considering a new ordinance to allow up to four non-commercial chickens.

Councilman Kenneth Boudreaux urged the Boulet administration to rethink the new Mardi Gras parade route through Downtown—he said decision makers were bypassed and safety concerns remain.

The administration said discussion is welcome but maintained that the route change is not a legislative matter as officials prepare adjustments for the upcoming event.

Tuesday evening, Broussard City Council approved a resolution to build a sidewalk along Fairfield Drive and Marteau Road near Martial Billeaud Elementary so students in Ambassador Commons and Paige Place can walk safely.

The school, whose enrollment is expected to top 1,300 by 2027, was mentioned as council members also discussed moving facility repairs to an in-house Public Works sub-department — a change aimed to save money and improve service.

Louisiana residents are urged by the State Fire Marshal's Office to follow safe home heating practices as the strongest fall cold front nears; officials remind everyone to keep space heaters 3 to 5 feet from flammable items and to plug them directly into wall outlets without using extension cords. The agency also supports Operation Save-A-Life—offering free smoke alarms and installation for households in need.

The Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns will face South Alabama on Nov.

1 at Hancock Whitney Stadium in Mobile at 2:30 p.m. on ESPN+—both teams aim to break their two-win season and boost their postseason hopes.

Comeaux football has turned its season around after breaking a 32-game losing streak and posting a 5-3 record by Week 9 as the Spartans aim to host a playoff game at home for the first time in five years.

Coach Marquis Newsome said renewed confidence and contributions from top rusher Jaden Celestine have boosted the team and strengthened local support as they prepare for the final two games.

Gov. Jeff Landry said he will not let LSU AD Scott Woodward choose the new head football coach after LSU fired Brian Kelly following a heavy loss to Texas A&M.

He noted that the LSU Board of Supervisors will form a search committee to protect taxpayers—he criticized high ticket prices and costly contracts.

Alyse Young Live Performance

6-9 p.m. — Sushi Mizu — No cover charge — Enjoy soothing tunes from singer-songwriter Alyse Young while dining on delicious sushi.

Acadiana Eats Festival

11 a.m.-5 p.m. — Cottage Developers — Free entry — Celebrate local cuisine with delicious food and family-friendly activities at this beloved festival.

Tunnel to Towers 5K Run & Walk

8:30-11:00 a.m. — Moncus Park — Registration fee applies — Honor the legacy of a heroic firefighter while enjoying a community run and walk.

Kat Higgins Live Performance

7:30-11:30 p.m. — Acadiana Center for the Arts — Cost info not specified — Experience the enchanting Irish folk sounds of Kat Higgins fresh from Vancouver.

Texas State Bobcats vs. Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns Football

1-4 p.m. — Cajun Field — Entry fee varies — Catch the action as the Texas State Bobcats take on the Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns in this exciting football matchup.

Alyse Young Live Performance

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

LHSAA State Farm Prep Classic Championship

3:30 AM – 2:00 PM — CAJUNDOME & Convention Center — VIP ticket packages available — Experience the excitement of high school championship football with premium seating and exclusive amenities.

Wild Kratts Live Show

3:30-5:00 p.m. — Heymann Performing Arts Center — Check for ticket prices — Experience an exciting adventure with the Kratt Brothers on stage.

LHSAA State Volleyball Finals

8:00 – 9:30 AM — CAJUNDOME & Convention Center — VIP ticket packages available — Experience the excitement of high school volleyball championship with premium seating and entertainment.

Scott Mulvahill Presents Paul Simon’s Graceland

— Time not specified — Acadiana Center for the Arts — Tickets available — Experience a heartfelt tribute to Graceland with Scott Mulvahill and talented musicians.