Homecoming in Lafayette became a test of resilience for Louisiana Ragin Cajuns football before the game even began.

Linebacker Conor McPherson was ruled out for the season with an upper-body injury, while a proposal to move Louisiana, Louisiana Tech and ULM to the FCS stirred debate.

The forecasted downpour largely missed the stadium, but the setbacks continued against Arkansas State.

Running back Darrell Smith left after an early fumble, and safety Collin Jacob later appeared on the sideline with his arm in a sling.

Stepping in for McPherson, Micah Johnson led Louisiana with 10 tackles.

Arkansas State took a 20-17 fourth-quarter lead, but quarterback Lunch Winfield and JJ Garner helped set up Tony Sterner’s tying field goal.

After a defensive three-and-out, Louisiana drove 72 yards in 12 plays, and Sterner’s 37-yard kick sealed a gritty Sun Belt homecoming win.

Jim Deggy’s Brick Oven Pizza and Brew House reportedly closed Saturday, September 26, leaving its downtown Lafayette location at Jefferson and Cypress streets quiet.

Employees were reportedly told just days before the closure, giving them little time to prepare for lost work.

Opened in 2024 in the former Dat Dog space, the restaurant had become a familiar stop for local diners.

Its apparent shutdown has disappointed customers and left workers facing a more immediate concern: finding their next paycheck.

No reason for the closure has been confirmed, and the owners have not said whether Jim Deggy’s Pizza might reopen elsewhere.

There is also no confirmed plan for a new tenant at the downtown corner.

For now, the future of the space, the staff and the business remains uncertain.

Agave has new owners and fresh ideas. Michael and Elizabeth Carvajal took over the four-location restaurant business in May.

Their plans draw on family recipes and Caribbean and South American influences, with additions including elote, a Cuban sandwich, flan and a family hot sauce.

Downtown changes include lounge seating and expanded coffee options, alongside monthly Latin Night gatherings and plans for weekend live music.

Explore the dinner menu, find a location, or read the new-owner profile before your next visit.

Don Juanz Baja Beach Tacos is planning a Lafayette location at 2011 Kaliste Saloom Road, in the former Super Chix space across from River Ranch.

Founder Don O’Byrne drew inspiration from travels through Baja California before opening the Louisiana-based restaurant in Bossier City in 2006.

The menu features made-to-order Mexican dishes, fresh tortillas and scratch-made salsas, with seafood taking a prominent place.

Choices include a yellowfin tuna taco with creamy lime-cilantro dressing, a mahi-mahi taco with mango salsa, and shrimp tacos.

Skirt-steak tacos, carnitas, burritos, bowls and quesadillas offer other options.

Plans for the Lafayette space include a full bar, new booths, updated lighting and bathrooms, and a pergola in place of the existing patio covering.

No opening date has been announced.

Linda’s wish list is simple: walks, playtime, affection, and a family of her own.

This two-year-old, 32-pound terrier is calm and playful, enjoys spending time with people, and gets along well with other dogs.

She’s waiting in Kennel 12 at the Lafayette Animal Shelter & Care Center, with an adoption fee of $35.

Could Linda be your new best friend? Visit Linda’s adoption profile and take the first step toward giving her a home.

La Louisiane Podcast returns Monday, Oct. 5, with longtime Acadiana broadcast journalist Marcelle Fontenot stepping into the host’s chair. Fontenot, now chief communications officer at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, will open the relaunched series with Andy Benoit, the university’s vice president for Student Success, for a conversation focused on students and campus life.

Fontenot joined UL Lafayette in April after more than two decades in regional broadcast journalism. An Opelousas native, she now leads university communications, marketing, media relations, digital engagement and storytelling. Her new role with the podcast gives Lafayette listeners a familiar voice in a different setting.

The show is part of La Louisiane, the university storytelling platform that began as a magazine in 1989 and has expanded across print, digital, podcast, email, radio and social media. Multimedia storyteller Kade Parker produces the series in coordination with KRVS 88.7 FM.

The relaunch gives students, graduates and Lafayette neighbors another way to hear directly from the people whose work and experiences connect UL Lafayette with Acadiana. Episodes will air on KRVS and will also be available through video and university social channels.

The first new episode arrives Oct. 5, with future conversations expected to highlight the people, ideas and experiences shaping the university and the communities it serves.

Antoni’s Italian Cafe brings a personal touch to Italian dining in Lafayette’s Oil Center.

Owners Holly and Eli Cure took over in 2013, keeping the neighborhood restaurant’s familiar warmth while making room for new favorites.

Holly already knew many regulars from her time behind the bar, while Eli brought restaurant management experience and a love of music.

Guided by guest requests and weekend specials, they added dishes including Chicken Parmesan, now a best seller.

A children’s menu with a coloring map of Italy helps make family meals feel welcome, too.

The Blu Room, which began as a waiting area in 2018, has become a lounge and dining space featuring a mural by Lafayette artist Robert Dafford.

Live performances, often scheduled on weekends, add another reason to linger over dinner or a drink.

Check the music schedule and room availability before planning a night out.

Buc-ee’s Lafayette is moving closer to reality, with a groundbreaking ceremony planned for November 9.

The 74,000-square-foot travel center is planned for the northeast corner of Louisiana Avenue and I-10.

The project is reported at about $72.5 million, with founder and CEO Arch “Beaver” Aplin expected to attend the groundbreaking.

No firm opening date has been announced, but current reports indicate the Lafayette location could be completed in early 2028.

For families on Lafayette’s Northside, finding affordable summer care can be a challenge.

Joyce Gaymon created Camp Inspire to give local children an enriching place to spend their days when school is out.

A veteran and longtime public servant, Gaymon will be recognized as a Wavemaker at the sixth annual Undercurrent Awards in Lafayette on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026.

Her work addresses a concern for parents balancing jobs, household costs and their children’s needs.

David Begnaud and Do Good Crew are hosting and co-producing the celebration, which honors people making a difference in their communities.

Tickets start at $25, with Premium and VIP options available.

For Gaymon, the recognition also shines a light on the Northside children and families Camp Inspire was created to serve.

Bangkok Thai could move from its longtime Johnston Street location to a planned strip center at 101 Gerald Drive, according to development renderings.

The restaurant has operated at 3904 Johnston St. since about 2010, but the relocation has not been confirmed.

The proposed 9,660-square-foot center would have multiple storefronts, and two Lafayette Consolidated Government permits cover work valued at just over $2.3 million.

The property owner, 4953 Johnston LLC, is linked to Bangkok Thai through a person listed as an officer of the restaurant.

A leasing listing advertises 6,600 square feet for retail, office, restaurant or service businesses.

For local diners, a move would mark another change along a familiar stretch of Johnston Street: Bangkok Thai’s current site previously housed Pimon Thai and, before that, Stop & Shop Bar-B-Q.

No opening date or lineup for the other storefronts has been announced.

Shyla arrived at the shelter alongside several other dogs and puppies, where staff believe she may have played the role of big sister to the group.

Since then, she has been gradually coming out of her shell, revealing a curious and eager personality with each passing day.

She is kennel trained, heartworm negative, and absolutely loves other dogs — making a home with a friendly canine companion an ideal match.

Still young, Shyla has so much life ahead of her.

What she needs most is a patient adopter who will give her the time and space to feel truly safe and settled.

She may take a little while to fully trust — but those who wait will find plenty of sweetness on the other side.

A cracked windshield can disrupt a busy day, but Lafayette drivers now have another way to arrange auto glass service.

Geaux Auto Glass has moved to 409A Mecca Street, near South College Road and Verot School Road, offering both in-shop appointments and mobile service.

The locally owned company provides free mobile installation for qualifying repair and replacement jobs, allowing eligible customers to have a technician come to their home or workplace.

Founded in December 2023, the business has grown to 10 employees and serves customers from its Lafayette and Kenner locations, with technicians stationed elsewhere across Louisiana.

Drivers can describe the damage when scheduling to find out whether repair or replacement is appropriate and whether their job qualifies for mobile service.

Customers interested in an in-shop discount or Halloween giveaway should confirm whether those promotions are still available.

Thousands of honeybees built an open-air hive in a camellia tree between Foster and Girard halls at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, giving passersby an unusual sight.

Beekeeper Rachael Clayton estimated the exposed colony held at least 65,000 bees and believed it had been growing since around June.

She said a long stretch without rain can allow bees to build comb in the open, a striking occurrence in South Louisiana.

University officials chose to relocate the hive rather than dispose of it, seeking to protect people on the busy campus while preserving valuable pollinators.

Clayton planned to move the colony to Judice, where she keeps bees.

Biology professor Mark Genung said a colony this large in such a busy setting is unusual, though its origin remains uncertain.

Clayton said local honeybees are not typically aggressive, even if the sight makes some onlookers wary.

Moncus Park is getting a boost for its quieter Back 50, thanks to a 2026 Kubota Hometown Proud grant awarded to just 10 projects nationwide.

Through Sammy Broussard Equipment Center, the Lafayette park will receive $25,000 in cash and $25,000 toward a compact tractor to replace an aging machine.

The support will help crews maintain trails, restore habitat and care for natural gathering spaces as more visitors explore the less-developed half of the 100-acre park.

A one-mile trail loop opened there in 2023, along with more than 2,000 linear feet of accessible pathways.

Unlike the park’s busier attractions, the Back 50 offers room to walk and experience native habitats at an unhurried pace.

For residents who fought to save the former Horse Farm from development, caring for that open space remains part of the promise.

The thought of Toys R Us returning to Lafayette brings back memories of family trips through aisles of toys.

But no Lafayette location, address or opening date has been confirmed, even as the brand expands elsewhere.

Its return has largely taken the form of smaller spaces inside department stores and airports, not a widespread revival of its former big-box stores.

A standalone Acadiana store would depend on suitable space, customer demand and a commitment to the local market.

Busy shopping corridors such as Johnston Street and Ambassador Caffery Parkway may be easy to imagine as potential sites, but no site has been announced.

For parents and grandparents, a dedicated toy store could restore the fun of choosing gifts together in person.

Until Toys R Us confirms a Lafayette address and opening plans, though, families should treat talk of a local return as speculation.

In Lafayette, The Cajun Table serves the kind of Cajun comfort food that invites diners to settle in and stay awhile.

What began as a food truck in 2015 is now a relaxed dining room filled with family photographs, old crawfish traps and Cajun music.

Chicken and smoked sausage gumbo is a natural place to start, especially when cooler weather calls for something warm.

Have it with rice, or choose potato salad and join a familiar Louisiana debate.

The menu also includes shrimp and grits, po’boys, alligator bites and hearty plate lunches.

Boiled shrimp comes with potatoes and corn, while crawfish draws diners when it is in season.

Burgers, wraps and salads give everyone at the table another option.

More than any one dish, The Cajun Table’s appeal lies in familiar flavors and a welcome that feels genuine.

The University of Louisiana at Lafayette is gaining national attention after being ranked among the top 200 public universities in the United States.

This recognition not only elevates the university’s reputation but also fuels local pride and economic growth in Lafayette.

Inclusion in the prominent U.S. News Best Colleges rankings has inspired increased interest from high school students across Acadiana and led to greater demand for off-campus housing and new student-focused businesses near campus.

UL Lafayette’s rise is supported by its commitment to research, social mobility, and standout programs in engineering and nursing.

Community leaders believe this achievement boosts confidence in the region and attracts new investments, while ongoing campus expansions and enhanced academic offerings are set to further strengthen the university’s local and national standing.

National Night Out in Lafayette, Louisiana, offers a pivotal opportunity for neighbors and first responders to connect and strengthen community bonds.

This Tuesday, the MLK Recreation Center will buzz with activity as residents and law enforcement emphasize community safety and neighborhood pride.

Organizers hope for record attendance, reflecting Lafayette’s dedication to crime prevention and grassroots involvement.

Families, students, and seniors are all expected, showing the city’s embrace of inclusive participation.

Officials have noted a surge in neighborhood watch groups and public safety volunteers, fueling momentum for lasting change.

Attendees can enjoy pizza tasting, face painting, and a meet-and-greet with McGruff the Crime Dog, creating an inviting and festive mood.

The Lafayette Police Department will also highlight its explorer program, and interactive fire safety exhibits will educate young people on lifesaving protocols.

With new investments in local infrastructure, this event feels especially timely for Lafayette’s future.

The goal is simple: foster trust, strengthen neighborhoods, and celebrate a united, safer Lafayette.

Festival season in Acadiana is a beloved tradition — but Louisiana's lingering heat can take a toll if you're not prepared.

Start the day with a real meal before you go. Boudin balls are delicious, but they're not a foundation.

Bring a refillable water bottle and drink before you feel thirsty.

If you're enjoying a cold daiquiri or beer, alternate with water and arrange a safe ride home.

Sun protection matters too — apply sunscreen before leaving, wear breathable clothing, and grab a hat sturdy enough to survive a zydeco set.

Take shade breaks, especially with kids or older relatives in tow.

Choose supportive shoes over stylish sandals, and consider earplugs near the stage — your ears will appreciate it later.

The goal is simple: enjoy everything that makes Lafayette special and still feel human the next morning. Plan ahead, cher.

Anticipation is high as Sen Viet Kitchen & Bar prepares to debut in Lafayette, transforming the former Blu Basil spot on Johnston Street with stunning, lotus-themed décor.

Locals are excited for a fresh twist on dining, as the new restaurant brings together authentic Vietnamese cuisine and eclectic flavors from Japanese and Korean traditions.

Unique Cajun-Asian fusion creations are on the menu, offering a flavorful nod to Lafayette’s renowned heritage and its vibrant Vietnamese community.

Expect an array of phở options—including Cajun crawfish phở—along with Vietnamese staples like spring rolls and bánh mì, Asian-inspired street snacks, and playful small plates.

The owners, already known in the Acadiana food scene, aim to foster a lively yet welcoming atmosphere for food lovers and families alike.

Sen Viet Kitchen & Bar’s arrival promises to be a standout moment in Lafayette’s ever-evolving culinary landscape.

Lafayette's dining scene has a new all-hours destination — and it's already turning heads on Kaliste Saloom Road.

All Day opened in June 2026 at 1905 Kaliste Saloom Road in Parc Lafayette, taking over the former SoLou space.

The concept is refreshingly flexible, flowing from breakfast and coffee into lunch, dinner, cocktails, and dessert — all under one roof.

Rather than fitting neatly into one category, All Day is built for every kind of visit, whether that's a laid-back morning, a midday meeting, or a night out.

Its arrival adds another compelling option to Parc Lafayette, an area that continues growing as a go-to hub for dining and socializing.

For locals craving a spot that simply moves with the day, All Day delivers exactly what the name promises.

Festivals Acadiens returns to Lafayette, Louisiana, celebrating Cajun and Creole culture with renewed energy at Girard Park.

This year, excitement builds as organizers announce Scène ‘76—a brand new stage debuting in 2026.

Created in partnership with the Smithsonian, this addition aims to deepen connections between South Louisiana music and broader American roots traditions.

Scène ‘76 will spotlight artists blending the spirit of Americana with lively Cajun and Creole rhythms, inviting festivalgoers to rediscover Lafayette’s role as a cultural crossroads.

The festival is also fueling local business growth, with new eateries and shops opening just steps from Girard Park.

This surge signals economic renewal, rooted in the community’s vibrant heritage.

All park events remain free and open to the public, preserving the inclusive spirit that defines Festivals Acadiens.

The tradition endures—welcoming everyone to dance, celebrate, and belong.

Trader Joe’s is set to energize Lafayette as it opens its highly anticipated store on Camellia Boulevard, ending years of local speculation and excitement.

Residents who once traveled hours to shop at other locations now celebrate a new wave of convenience and choice in Acadiana’s grocery scene.

More than sixty community members have joined the Trader Joe’s Lafayette team, marking the grocer as a significant new employer and contributor to the area’s economic growth.

Shoppers can expect signature private-label goods, prepared meals, and a rotating selection of quirky snacks—all drawing crowds from both Lafayette and beyond.

The store’s arrival is seen as a refreshing boost to the area’s booming retail landscape, adding to the vibrant mix of new shops and eateries sprouting nearby.

With banners and upbeat signage now in place, community anticipation is unmistakable as opening day nears.

For many in Lafayette, the grand opening signals a new chapter of flavor and excitement.

Natural gas infrastructure is rapidly expanding in Lafayette, Louisiana, with the city emerging as a leader in energy innovation.

Recent announcements from Black Bayou Energy Hub have thrust Lafayette into the regional spotlight, highlighting major improvements in gas movement and storage across the Gulf Coast.

Current initiatives focus on modernizing facilities and positioning Lafayette as a key regional energy hub.

Many residents are hopeful about new opportunities, though some voice concerns about the pace of development.

Plans call for advanced storage sites that will allow the region to better manage sudden demand surges and bring greater stability to Louisiana’s energy grid.

Dozens of direct jobs are expected, with economic benefits likely to ripple throughout the area.

New construction is also attracting talent from across Acadiana and the Southwest, fueling momentum for Lafayette’s changing industrial landscape.

Lafayette drivers are navigating new traffic disruptions this week, with major construction underway near Lafayette High School.

Officials have closed the southeast-bound lane of Marie Antoinette Street between Pandora Street and Congress Street, while the northwest-bound lane remains open.

On Congress Street, the westbound outside lane has also been shut down, sparking delays and commuter frustration during rush hours and school drop-offs.

Crews are installing a permanent traffic signal and concrete footings to replace temporary infrastructure and enhance pedestrian safety at key intersections.

Upgraded sidewalks are also in the works, offering safer routes for students and residents—a welcomed change for many Lafayette High families.

Detours along Pandora Street and Mimosa Place aim to keep traffic moving.

City leaders stress these improvements are essential for Lafayette’s growth and safety, despite short-term challenges for the community.

Lafayette, Louisiana is seeing a growing appreciation for adoptable adult dogs, as residents look for companions that fit smoothly into their routines.

Theodora, a gentle five-year-old, exemplifies why calm dog breeds are capturing the hearts of local families.

Her serene demeanor and easygoing nature provide a welcome contrast to the unpredictability often expected from rescue pets.

Unlike energetic puppies, Theodora prefers peaceful companionship, offering stability and warmth without the hurdles of early training.

She thrives in foster settings, displays confidence with new experiences, and gets along well with other animals.

Lafayette’s trend toward adopting adult dogs reflects a desire for predictable, loving pets and a harmonious home environment.

Theodora is ready to become a cherished member of a local household, offering quiet joy and devoted affection where it’s needed most.

Planet Fitness is set to open a new gym in Lafayette, Louisiana, taking over the former Office Depot building at 1879 W. Pinhook Road.

Crews have already started a complete interior renovation, promising a fresh look for the space.

This move highlights changing local trends, as traditional retail locations transform into dynamic community hubs like fitness centers.

Planet Fitness will bring its trademark affordability, friendly atmosphere, and 24/7 access, all featured in its recognizable purple and yellow color scheme.

Nearby, Crunch Fitness is also making an entrance at the former Dirt Cheap on Ambassador Caffery Parkway, offering big-box amenities and a lively setting.

The arrival of these two gyms signals heightened competition and fresh choices for Lafayette’s fitness enthusiasts.

Opening dates haven’t been announced, but local residents can expect new opportunities for health and community in the coming year.

The enticing scent of southern biscuits fills Lafayette, Louisiana’s mornings, signaling the start of another cherished day.

For locals, biscuits mean more than breakfast—they’re woven into the city’s identity, offering comfort and connection.

Beloved bakeries like Edie’s, with its generations-old recipes, stand as beacons of pride and tradition downtown.

Their biscuits—soft, flaky, and just-out-of-the-oven warm—remain the undisputed star, topping menus from classic to inventive.

Lafayette’s biscuit culture shines with options ranging from honey-drizzled and blueberry to hearty sausage gravy smothered creations.

New biscuit shops are springing up across the city, bringing fresh twists while celebrating the local love for this southern staple.

Whether gathered after church or grabbing breakfast on the go, residents savor these golden layers as a taste of home.

In Lafayette, every biscuit is a warm reminder that tradition, comfort, and community truly go hand in hand.

One of Lafayette’s favorite signs of fall is almost here: the new Festivals Acadiens et Créoles poster.

The 2026 poster and supporter pin will be officially unveiled September 12 during Downtown Lafayette’s Second Saturday ArtWalk at the Acadiana Center for the Arts. This year’s poster was created by Lafayette-based artist Herb Roe, whose work has long explored South Louisiana traditions, music and culture.

The reveal is more than a new piece of festival merch. Each year’s artwork becomes a little time capsule of Acadiana culture, something you’ll eventually spot framed in kitchens, offices, restaurants and living rooms all over town.

This year’s festival theme centers on cultural fusion and the many influences that have shaped Cajun and Creole music, food and traditions. The September 12 unveiling will be followed by poster and pin sales, live music from UL Lafayette’s Traditional Music Ensembles and refreshments.

It’s all a warm-up for Festivals Acadiens et Créoles, returning to Girard Park in October.

Around here, festival season doesn’t really start with the first song.

Sometimes, it starts with the poster.

The planned Northeast Regional Library will bring books, technology, outdoor space and community gathering areas to the historic Holy Rosary Institute campus.