Good morning, Lafayette.

Utility companies & plumbing professionals urge Acadiana residents to prepare their homes as overnight lows are expected to drop into the mid- to low-20s early next week in Lafayette Parish.

They recommend insulating pipes, covering exterior faucets, and setting indoor temperatures to prevent burst pipes and service interruptions.

Local governments and community organizations are keeping residents warm as below-freezing temperatures set in, with centers in Lafayette and Opelousas open today and in New Iberia starting Sunday.

The centers offer shelter, meals, and donation opportunities to help vulnerable neighbors stay comfortable.

Parish Proud, UL Lafayette AmeriCorps, and Keep Lafayette Beautiful are hosting Mardi Gras Clean Sweep on Saturday, Feb.

21 to restore streets after Carnival; volunteers will check in at Blackham Coliseum on Johnston Street (9 a.m. registration with cleanup from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.).

Lafayette entrepreneur Daniel Barousse turns used skateboards into custom furniture and art in a mobile workshop built inside a shipping container + his business books orders three to eight months ahead while supporting the local skate community.

Starting Monday, Jan.

26, AOC Community Media will host Teen Muse, a free after-school digital media arts program for teens ages 12 to 16. Classes will run on select Mondays from 4:30 to 6:00 p.m. at its downtown studio (101 Jefferson Street, Suite 100).

LPSS schools are closed Monday as record-breaking freezing temperatures hit Lafayette with wind chills near 20 degrees, giving families extra time and allowing facilities to inspect campuses.

LPSS will update by noon Monday via the JCampus app and other channels.

UL Athletics has cut 25% of its staff to manage a campus-wide budget shortfall; Athletic Director Bryan Maggard said the department is preserving scholarships (costing $9 million annually) and exploring revenue options like hosting concerts at Cajun Field and pursuing facility lease agreements to balance the books by June 30.

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is now asking amateur and professional artists for digital images (Wildlife/Hunting, Fish/Fishing, Scenic/Other) to be featured on 2026 hard collector license cards, with submissions due by February 21.

Cards will go on sale in June and funds will support wildlife conservation.

A community in Youngsville rallies around Francine Gauthier, a mother battling pancreatic cancer, as local events help cover her treatment costs (current funds exceed $46K toward a $50K goal).

A bake sale is hosted at DeanO’s South today while restaurants plan give-back nights on Jan 27.

Cottages at Creekview (a new community) is under development in Lafayette to offer affordable, high-quality rental options amid rising housing costs.

Developers aim to build a welcoming neighborhood for locals and newcomers.

Several local student-athletes signed National Letters of Intent ahead of Feb.

4, including two from Lafayette High and others from Teurlings Catholic and Southside schools (covering sports from volleyball to wrestling). Their signings mark key steps toward college sports careers.

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.

Mardi Gras Mambo II

1-3 p.m. — Painting with a Twist — $30 per person — Enjoy a family-friendly art session in a lively atmosphere.

Courir de Mardi Gras

10 AM – 4 PM — Lafayette Parish Bayou Vermilion District — Free entry — Experience a vibrant family-friendly Mardi Gras run with traditional music and gumbo gathering.

Roux Fest Gumbo Cookoff

5-8 p.m. — Blackham Coliseum — Proceeds support local nonprofits — Experience a vibrant gumbo showdown blending tradition and innovation with live music.

The Hub Lafayette Runwell 5K Walk/Run

8 AM – 12 PM — Geaux Run by Fleet Feet — Registration fees apply — Enjoy a family-friendly 5K and Kids Fun Run in Lafayette.

SPE International Conference on Formation Damage Control

February 18-20 — DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Lafayette — Check website for cost — A conference focusing on engineering challenges in formation damage control.

Chris Thomas King Concert

7:30-11:30 p.m. — Acadiana Center for the Arts — Ticketed event — Experience the soulful sounds of Chris Thomas King, a significant figure in folk blues history.

Ragin' Cajuns All Girl Cheer Clinic

3:00–6:00 p.m. — EK Long Annex — Registration required — Elevate your cheer skills with hands-on training and recruitment opportunities led by experienced coaches.