Good morning, Lafayette.

On Dec. 30, a fire in Youngsville destroyed a home, leaving a single father and his three daughters unharmed (their belongings and furniture were lost) while a GoFundMe is underway to help with temporary housing and essentials.

Firefighters in Scott responded to six overnight fires on New Year’s Eve caused by fireworks, bonfires, and fireplace mishaps (one home fire forced a family of three to receive help from the Red Cross) as officials urged residents to follow proper safety measures.

On Wednesday, a Popeyes at 1300 W.

Pinhook closed after firefighters responded to a grease fire that damaged kitchen equipment and disconnected utilities, and the restaurant remains closed until repairs are completed.

Custom suit shops are growing in Louisiana as new showrooms have opened in cities (New Orleans, Baton Rouge, and Lafayette).

Technology now helps design tailor-made suits faster, drawing consumers away from off-the-rack options while experts credit digital advances for the shift in style.

A SmartAsset study shows that in 2025 a single adult in Louisiana needed $85,322 and a four-person family required $199,597 to live comfortably.

Louisiana ranks ninth among the states with the lowest income requirements (Hawaii tops the list), the study finds.

Lafayette’s Johnston Street corridor will undergo a revitalization project with safety upgrades, better intersections and improved sidewalks (funded by over $40 million from local, state and federal sources including $8 million for safety).

Mayor President Monique Boulet leads the effort to boost travel and commerce.

On Jan. 2, Lafayette Christian Academy started its girls basketball New Year Tournament with teams competing in two brackets (Gold and Platinum).

Standout plays by Karlyn Zachary and Taylor Barnaba set the stage for upcoming district games.

The UL men's and women's basketball teams faced setbacks entering Sun Belt play amid challenging matchups.

Men's coach Quannas White noted late-game struggles against South Alabama, while women's coach Garry Brodhead said rebounds hindered the Lady Cajuns during their New Year's Day game with Troy.

Louisiana football is reworking its roster after a loss to Delaware in the 68 Ventures Bowl; coach Michael Desormeaux and his staff are evaluating transfers in the NCAA portal, which remains open until Jan.

16, including players like running back Hutch Swilley and offensive lineman Carter Milliron.

Coastal Carolina Chanticleers at Louisiana Ragin Cajuns Women's Basketball

5:59-9:59 p.m. — CAJUNDOME & Convention Center — Check the scoreboard as the home team faces the Chanticleers in a thrilling women's basketball matchup.

Candlelight Tribute to Queen and The Beatles

6-7 p.m. — Petroleum Club of Lafayette — Tickets required — Experience enchanting candlelight performances of legendary hits by Queen and The Beatles.

Hadestown Show

7:30 – 9:30 p.m. — Heymann Performing Arts Center — Ticket information available — Experience the acclaimed musical where a song can change your fate.

The Rest & Renewal Experience

11 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. — Enterprise Business Center of Louisiana — Ages 18+ — A curated experience centered on vision and connection to release the weight of 2025 and move into 2026 with renewed direction.