Tourism & Travel Branding: Washington Parish Tourism’s new logo earned a 2026 Communicator Award, spotlighting the parish’s “Toe of the Boot” identity and outdoor, festival, and heritage appeal. Local Events & Summer Fun: The Washington Parish Watermelon Festival runs July 10-11 with a full weekend of family activities and live music, plus the 2026 royal court making appearances. Food & Hospitality Fundraising: New Orleans Culinary & Hospitality Institute’s “Cooking for a Cause” fundraiser is set for Sept. 23, with an online silent auction and a reception featuring alumni chefs and staycation packages. Outdoor & Wildlife Tourism: Louisiana’s swamps keep defining the state’s natural and cultural identity, while a guide highlights the most alligator-infested lakes for visitors planning swamp-and-lake adventures. Road Trip Planning: A Saharan dust forecast warns of hazy skies and possible air-quality impacts across the Gulf Coast, including Louisiana. Community Back-to-School: Pack the Bus returns for Lafourche and Terrebonne Parish, listing July drop-off sites and requested supplies. Local Governance & Accountability: UL Lafayette athletics is under investigation after questions were raised about possible misuse of a university credit card.