Latest news with #Acadiana
Forbes
4 days ago
- Forbes
This Underrated Louisiana City Is The Beating Heart Of Cajun Culture
Lafayette was officially established in 1821, then known as "Vermilionville." While New Orleans draws millions of visitors each year thanks to its vibrant nightlife and eye-catching architecture, one of Louisiana's most underrated cities can be found just three hours west of The Big Easy. With well over 100,000 people residing within city limits, Lafayette has given rise to a wealth of captivating attractions, with plenty of opportunities to explore the distinct Cajun culture that's formed across Louisiana over the years. Though it tends to fly under the radar compared to larger nearby cities, those who venture to Lafayette will be richly rewarded with a seamless blend of time-honored tradition and contemporary charm, with a thriving seafood scene, esteemed museums and plenty of cozy shops to explore all across the region. Throughout the 1600s and 1700s, thousands of Acadian people settled in modern-day Louisiana either ... More through forcible relocation or elective migration. Given its large concentration of Cajun Americans, Lafayette and its surrounding parish are often referred to as the 'Heart of Acadiana'—and for a thorough immersion on the roots of this storied culture, Vermilionville is the perfect destination. Measuring in at 23 acres, this living history museum comes equipped with a wealth of restored 19th-century homes, with plenty of interpreters on-site to provide insight into the daily lives of Lafayette's historic Cajun, Creole and Native American communities. Throughout each visit, guests can enjoy woodworking demonstrations, learn about the indigenous history of the region and experience lively zydeco music performances, with each session held in hopes of preserving the unique cultural heritage of the Acadiana region that's developed across the centuries. Louisiana has long been renowned for its culinary culture, and while top-tier restaurants abound across Lafayette, history buffs should be sure to book an excursion with Cajun Food Tours for a double dose of Acadiana lore paired with incredible dining. During an Original Cajun Food Tour, guests will be treated to lengthy tales about the history of the Acadian people, with opportunities to dine on local staples like gumbo and king cake throughout the day. Meanwhile, those interested in a more international perspective on the city can opt for an Around the World tour, with Latin American, Asian and Mediterranean cuisines all highlighted during the excursion. The Louisiana crawfish was designated the state crustacean of Louisiana in 1983. Once you've gained some insight into the history of Louisiana's food scene, it's time to sample some of the state's most lauded dishes, with The Cajun Table serving as the perfect destination for a classic crawfish boil. Options span from three pounds to fifteen pounds of freshly-caught crawfish, with plenty of potatoes, boiled sausage and Cajun table dip to pair with the bugs—and as an added bonus, there are plenty of other preparation styles to sample, with alternate options including crawfish fettuccine, crawfish half and half and crawfish-topped Bloody Marys. Beyond The Cajun Table, other beloved local spots include Spoonbill and Pop's Poboys—and once you've had your fill of savory seafood, Borden's Ice Cream Shoppe is the perfect dessert spot, drawing customers with its freshly-made dairy products since 1940. Lafayette has mastered the art of traditional Pelican State favorites, but the city is no slouch when it comes to innovative contemporary dining either. During morning hours, Five Mile Eatery wows customers with its carefully-crafted plates that come packed full of locally-sourced produce and protein, with probiotic yogurt bowls, microgreen-topped caprese toast and syrup-soaked waffles all gracing the menu—and when it comes to evening fine dining, it's tough to find a better destination than Vestal. Specializing in classic Southern fare with a modern twist, this polished space offers tantalizing dishes like Thai chili-loaded mussels and yuzu butter-infused half shell redfish, while the cocktail program is just as impressive, with options like the agave-heavy You're in Trouble and tropical fruit-forward Happy Disaster serving as two must-try menu items for spirit aficionados. The American alligator is a prominent cultural symbol across Louisiana, serving as the state reptile ... More since 1983. While Lafayette is renowned for its time-honored Cajun culture, the city also offers a glimpse into the charm of contemporary Acadiana, with plenty of eye-catching shops to explore across the downtown area. To kick off the day, visitors can make their way to Rêve Coffee Lab to snag a cappuccino, then set off just a few steps down the street to explore Lagniappe Records, a cozy shop that's home to a colossal music selection spanning from cassettes to CDs to vinyl. Just across the street, Cavalier House Books also draws guests in droves thanks to its diverse collection of works, while spring and fall visitors should be sure to swing by Parc Sans Souci to enjoy Downtown Alive!, a Friday night concert series that's perfect for catching a traditional zydeco band in action. After a thorough deep dive into downtown Lafayette, visitors can gain ample insight into the local arts scene with a trip to the Hilliard Art Museum. Established in 2004, this esteemed institution is dedicated to highlighting the storied beauty of Acadiana, with a captivating collection of bucolic landscape paintings, intricate sculptures and high-definition photography on display across the space. Meanwhile, the late night hours bring the opportunity to catch all sorts of enthralling live performances across the city, with sites like the Blue Moon Saloon and Hideaway on Lee drawing local talent to the stage with plenty of cocktails and local craft beer to enjoy along the way.
Globe and Mail
5 days ago
- Business
- Globe and Mail
Catalyst Bancorp Posts Q2 Profit Drop
Key Points - Net income fell 11% to $521,000 in Q2 2025 compared to the previous quarter, and earnings per share reached $0.14 in Q2 2025, up from $0.13 a year earlier. - Loan portfolio diversification accelerated between March 31 and June 30, 2025, with commercial real estate and multi-family residential lending rising sharply. - Efficiency ratio worsened to 77.46% in Q2 2025, while deposits and capital levels remained robust. These 10 stocks could mint the next wave of millionaires › Catalyst Bancorp (NASDAQ:CLST), a community bank focused on markets in Louisiana's Acadiana region, issued its second quarter fiscal 2025 results on July 24, 2025. The main news from the release was softer profitability, as net income fell to $521,000 -- an 11.1% drop from the previous quarter -- while the bank continued to grow both loans and deposits at a modest pace. The quarter's results signal stability in asset quality and core banking activity, though challenges remain in efficiency and cost control. Overall, it was a period marked by solid balance sheet health, ongoing market expansion, and a shifting business mix, even as top-line growth and profits plateaued relative to prior quarters. Business Overview and Recent Strategic Focus Catalyst Bancorp operates as a community-oriented bank, serving individuals, families, and small businesses in the Acadiana region of Louisiana. It manages six branches with a growing presence in Lafayette Parish, an economically expanding area. Its core business is generating interest income from loans and investment securities while funding growth through customer deposits. Management has prioritized diversifying beyond traditional one- to four-family residential mortgages by increasing lending to commercial real estate, multi-family housing, and small business borrowers. Success in these areas hinges on expanding the deposit base, prudently growing lending activities, managing costs, and maintaining high capital and asset quality standards. Quarterly Highlights: Growth, Diversification, and Balance Sheet Strength During Q2 2025, Catalyst Bancorp reported net income (GAAP) of $521,000 -- down from $586,000 in the previous quarter, but roughly flat compared to $527,000 a year earlier. Earnings per share increased to $0.14, reflecting a 7.7% rise from a year earlier. Non-interest income declined after the company recorded one-time insurance proceeds in the previous quarter, affecting total profitability this period. Net interest income (GAAP) climbed 4% over the previous quarter. This was supported by higher income on loans as loan balances increased. Net interest margin, a key profitability metric tracking net interest income as a percent of earning assets, improved to 3.98% -- up from 3.89% a quarter earlier and 3.72% a year earlier. That margin expansion stemmed from not just increased yields but also reduced funding costs on interest-bearing deposits, supported by growth in non-interest-bearing and low-cost savings accounts. The company strengthened its deposit base, growing total deposits by 1% sequentially to $182.2 million. Within deposit categories, non-interest-bearing demand balances surged 19% and savings accounts jumped 20% compared to the previous quarter. Certificates of deposit and interest-bearing checking accounts declined. Loan portfolio diversification gained significant momentum this quarter. Commercial real estate loans surged 54% to $34.0 million, mainly due to completed construction projects converting to amortizing real estate loans. Multi-family residential loans more than doubled to $5.4 million as of June 30, 2025. In contrast, construction and land loans shrank by 36% during the quarter, and single-family residential mortgages declined 2% from the previous quarter as management continues to reduce exposure in these areas. Despite these shifts, overall loan growth remained modest at 1% sequentially, and most growth came from re-categorizing existing construction loans. Organic growth outside these changes was limited. Commercial and industrial lending, tied to business borrowers, was essentially flat. Total assets essentially held steady at $273.8 million as of June 30, 2025, while shareholders' equity remained strong at $80.8 million, representing 29.5% of assets as of June 30, 2025. The company repurchased 62,385 shares at $11.91 per share during the quarter, continuing a capital return program that has retired approximately 22% of initial shares since January 2023 through June 30, 2025. The period also saw continued strength in regulatory capital metrics, with common equity Tier 1 capital at 43.7% as of quarter-end, well above required levels. Non-performing assets -- mostly tied to residential loans -- came in at $1.75 million, just 0.64% of assets as of quarter-end. The company reported no provision for new credit losses during the quarter. Net loan charge-offs totaled $42,000, mainly from residential mortgages and deposit overdrafts. Cash and cash equivalents, however, declined to $40.1 million as of June 30, 2025 from $75.5 million a year earlier, as funds were used for loan and investment activity. Efficiency remains a challenge. The efficiency ratio, which measures non-interest expense as a share of revenue, climbed to 77.46% in Q2 2025 from 75.31% in the previous quarter and 73.47% a year earlier, affected by modest top-line growth during the period. No dividend was declared or changed; Catalyst Bancorp does not currently pay a dividend. Looking Ahead: Guidance and Key Factors for Investors Catalyst Bancorp's management did not provide explicit numeric guidance for upcoming quarters or the full year, instead highlighting ongoing efforts to grow loans and deposits while managing risks associated with greater commercial lending exposure. There were no announced changes to capital or shareholder return policy, other than the continuation of its share buyback program. In the months ahead, areas for close monitoring include loan growth, deposit inflows, efficiency ratio trends, and asset quality as the commercial loan book increases. Without forward guidance, investors should watch for further progress on profit margins, deposit mix improvements, regulatory capital stances, and ongoing capital management developments. Catalyst Bancorp does not currently pay a dividend. Revenue and net income presented using U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) unless otherwise noted. Where to invest $1,000 right now When our analyst team has a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, Stock Advisor's total average return is 1,040%* — a market-crushing outperformance compared to 182% for the S&P 500. They just revealed what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy right now, available when you join Stock Advisor. *Stock Advisor returns as of July 21, 2025
Yahoo
05-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
SoLAcc awarded $10K grant to expand adult literacy programs in Acadiana
The Foundation for South Louisiana Community College announced it has been awarded a $10,000 grant from the Dollar General Literacy Foundation to support adult literacy efforts throughout the Acadiana region. The grant is part of a $13.2 million investment by DGLF to advance adult, family and summer literacy across the country, according to a prepared statement. The funds will support SoLAcc's initiative 'Literacy Matters: Transforming Lives Through Adult Education,' which provides free Adult Basic Education, Adult Secondary Education and English Language Learning classes across all eight Acadiana parishes. Designed to meet learners where they are, the program helps individuals build literacy skills, earn a high school equivalency diploma, and improve employment opportunities — paving the way for personal and economic growth. 'Thanks to the Dollar General Literacy Foundation, we'll be able to reach even more adult learners who are ready to take the next step,' Lana Fontenot, Executive Director of the Foundation for SoLAcc, said. 'This support strengthens our mission to open doors, remove barriers, and help our community members gain the confidence and skills they need to move forward.' According to 2023–2024 data, SoLAcc ranked first among all Louisiana community colleges for the number of students earning a HiSET (High School Equivalency Test) diploma. In addition to free prep classes and ESL instruction, SoLAcc offers the Chancellor's HiSET Scholarship — a $500 one-time award to help graduates continue their education in any SoLAcc program. 'For over 30 years, the Foundation has been investing in literacy and basic education programs in our hometown communities,' Denine Torr, executive director of the Dollar General Literacy Foundation, said. 'Today's grant announcement is a celebration of our unwavering commitment to student and teacher success. We are grateful to all the grant recipients for their commitment to advancing education and helping students thrive.' To learn more about adult education at SoLAcc or to register for classes, visit or call 337-521-9087. This article originally appeared on Lafayette Daily Advertiser: SoLAcc awarded $10K grant to expand adult literacy programs
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Yahoo
Family mourns beloved father and former Marine David Joachin
OPELOUSAS, La. () — A shooting Wednesday morning in Opelousas claimed the life of David Joachin. Today his family remembers his life and legacy. 'He was literally like the best thing that happened to me,' said David's daughter Cathy Smith. 'He brought this fire to my life, and he is a great grandfather to my children.' David's daughter Cathy, niece Cristen and sister Crystal say while it has been hard losing such a beloved member of their family, they have found themselves remembering David's larger than life personality. 'Nobody was a stranger to him,' said Crystal. 'He was always trying to make jokes. He couldn't out joke me, but he could make jokes!' Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now On top of that, the family recalls all the moments that brought them laughter. 'My daddy was hilarious, he thought he was the funniest,' said Cathy. As a former Marine, David's family says they will always remember his strength and love for other people. 'When you were with him, you just felt protected,' said Cristen. And moving forward they hope to continue to embody his big heart and protective nature. 'He was a soldier,' said Cathy. 'He had a really big heart.' A suspect is in custody following the shooting, with more information to be released by the St. Landry Parish Sheriff's office. 'He was a quiet protector. He was really observant, the military taught him to be observant,' said Crystal. 'He could teach you good things and send you on the right path.' Acadiana Eats: Ragin' Chicken Co. New Iberia man dies in single vehicle crash More Downpours Friday & Over the Weekend, Low Severe Weather Threat… 1M+ Anker power banks recalled after fires, explosions Kaplan Police Chief message: One man's evil doesn't define the badge Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
09-06-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Storm chances increase with potential severe weather this week
LAFAYETTE, La. (KLFY) – A few storms linger this evening as a line of stronger weather pushes in from Texas. This line of storms looks to arrive in Acadiana by 10 p.m. but should come to and end by midnight. Afterwards, quiet weather settles in as temperatures drop into the 70s. Monday starts out dry, but a stalled front will lead to widespread storm chances in the afternoon hours. These storms could produce strong winds, hail, and flooding as they slowly move from west to east across the area, coming to an end in the evening hours. Highs Monday afternoon reach near 90. The tropics remain quiet and look to stay that way through the next 7 days Locally, this week will see wet conditions with rounds of showers and thunderstorms as the front stalls along the coast. Each day, a low-end severe threat will exist for the area along with potential flooding. By next weekend, we will see somewhat drier conditions with daily summertime pop-up storms. Download the KLFY Weather App by clicking here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
