Good morning, Lafayette.

Lafayette firefighters battled a fire that began Friday night at Heartland Apartment Complex (2401 E.

Simcoe St.) for 30 minutes, displacing six families and sending one resident to hospital with a minor injury after escaping from the second floor.

Firefighters battled a fire Friday night at the Heartland Apartment Complex on E.

Simcoe St. for 30 minutes, displacing six families and injuring one resident who was taken to a local hospital+ the fire started in the laundry room and remains under investigation.

On Friday, Jan. 2, around 7:30 p.m., firefighters battled a heavy blaze at the Heartland Apartment Complex on Simcoe Street that injured one person and displaced six families — officials said the fire started in the laundry room and was controlled in about 30 minutes.

A fire broke out at the Heartland Apartment Complex, 2401 E.

Simcoe St., Friday at 7:30 p.m. and spread through two floors, displacing six families and injuring one resident while firefighters contained the blaze in 30 minutes — American Red Cross assistance has been arranged.

The Acadiana Advocate's Star of Stars All-Metro Boys' Cross Country Team highlighted two state champions — standout runner Talan Sievers clocked a top time for Lafayette Christian while Highland Baptist’s Tyler Blissett signed with Army, and coach Toby Blissett earned Coach of the Year.

Since Dec. 17 loss, UL Ragin’ Cajuns have seen six players transfer and two coaches leave after opening the portal on Friday, which will remain open until Jan.

16. Coach Michael Desormeaux said the moves will not significantly alter a roster he said is in good shape.

South Alabama women’s basketball ended a three-game slump with an 81-56 win over UL at the Cajundome Saturday (the Ragin’ Cajuns dropped to 1-13 overall) and UL is set to face UL-Monroe at 5 p.m. Thursday.

UL men’s basketball fell 74-67 to Southern Miss at the Cajundome Saturday + coach Quannas White blamed late turnovers for the loss, dropping the team to a 3-13 record while they prep to face UL-Monroe at 7:30 p.m. Thursday here.

Day 2 of the LCA girls basketball tournament on Jan.

3 featured close games at LCA and Sts. Leo-Seton Catholic School, with standout players like Shanna Simien scoring 20 points and Alaya Harris leading Northside with 21 points as the teams edged closer to district play.

ESA's Laura Jones-Magann was named Acadiana Advocate’s Star of Stars All-Metro Girls’ Cross Country Coach of the Year after leading the Episcopal School of Acadiana's team to a third-place state meet finish.

This award ended a four-year gap dating back to 2021 (when a flu outbreak hampered their title bid).

Ascension Episcopal’s Bella Biggerstaff was named to the Acadiana Advocate's Star of Stars All-Metro Girls' Cross Country Team + top runners from Teurlings Catholic, Lafayette High and other local schools were also recognized for their cross country performances.

The honor spotlights notable local athletic achievement.

Highland Baptist's Toby Blissett led the boys' cross country team to a Division V state championship last season after his runners finished in the top five at the LHSAA meet in Natchitoches — he was named the Acadiana Advocate’s Star of Stars All-Metro Boys’ Cross Country Coach of the Year.

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.