Good morning, Lafayette.

Winter Storm Fern created hazardous conditions on I-20 between Bienville and Ouachita parishes, leaving drivers stranded for over 14 hours.

Louisiana State Police and the National Guard responded with welfare checks and supply drops after DOTD (Department of Transportation and Development) issued alerts on Jan. 26 and Jan. 27.

Francesca’s is ceasing operations and its Acadiana Mall store will close soon as liquidation sales have begun at its 400+ stores.

Layoffs at its Houston headquarters and other outlets started earlier after a notice of default from its lender.

A Spotify-sponsored billboard in Lafayette features a childhood photo of Addison Rae celebrating her first Grammy nomination for Best New Artist as part of a global campaign that spotlights emerging talent.

The display is on Ambassador Caffery Parkway (facing south) for local viewers.

At Zoosiana in Broussard, zookeepers are keeping exotic animals safe during sub-freezing temperatures by providing extra warmth (the animals are unaccustomed to extreme cold).

Crews from SLEMCO left Lafayette today with more than 30 line workers and pole trailers to help restore power in Mississippi after an ice storm downed many utility poles.

Mary Laurent said the mutual aid effort helps lower costs and speed recovery.

Louisiana SNAP recipients will no longer use benefits to buy soda, candy or energy drinks beginning Feb.

18 as new restrictions take effect to promote healthier eating. State officials approved the two-year waiver after Mardi Gras and will collect data on changes in purchasing behavior.

The warming shelter at Dupuis Recreation Center in Brown Park will operate at night all this week except Thursday, when higher temperatures prevent activation, according to LCG officials (afternoon programs have been canceled).

Cruz Wallace, a 2-year-old with hemophilia, urgently needs O-negative blood ahead of surgery scheduled for Thursday.

His grandmother at Our Lady of Lourdes Blood Center urged local donors to help as shortages put his procedure at risk.

LSU women's basketball stayed strong with wins over Texas A&M and Florida to mark their fifth straight SEC victory, keeping them at No. 2 in ESPN bracketology.

The team awaits tougher matchups in upcoming games as it prepares for NCAA Tournament play in Baton Rouge.

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.

Candlelight Concert: Coldplay vs. Imagine Dragons

6:00-6:59 p.m. — Petroleum Club of Lafayette — Tickets required — Experience a magical evening of live music featuring the hits of Coldplay and Imagine Dragons.