Good morning, Lafayette.

Local broadcaster Darla Montgomery comes out of retirement as she joins News 15 in Acadiana.

The new show, News 15 Midday With Darla, will air weekdays at Noon on KADN FOX 15 and KLAF-NBC starting in March.

Members of the Basile Mardi Gras Association led a lively Courier de Mardi Gras at Vermilionville on Sunday, Feb.

8, gathering ingredients for gumbo and treating children to a playful chicken chase that showcased local Mardi Gras tradition.

Saturday night, the Krewe de Acadiana lit up Cajundome with its annual Mardi Gras ball in Broussard and showcased a relaxed celebration style; meanwhile, a dense fog advisory remains in effect until 9 a.m. for parts of central and south central Louisiana.

Lafayette kicked off Mardi Gras today as the Krewe of Rio Parade rolled from Pontiac Point to Cajun Field with nearly 30 illuminated floats + lively costumed members, while the Lafayette Police Department confirmed no major incidents.

At UL's Fan Day today at the ballpark, TRIO programs engaged middle schoolers with hands-on mentoring sessions and college visits (helping them set goals for careers such as forensic pathology and cardiology) to prepare for high school and life beyond.

A recent study links the Super Bowl to a 14% higher heart attack risk, with a 24% increase if the home team loses; risk factors including smoking, obesity & inactivity worsen outcomes.

Louisiana remains high in heart disease deaths, and experts advise managing blood pressure and cholesterol.

The St. Thomas More Cougars captured their first wrestling state title on Saturday in Bossier City with 289 points & four individual state champions, and coach Kerry Boumans praised the team’s well-earned performance after months of focused preparation.

Voting is open for the Daily Advertiser Athlete of the Week poll (covering Feb.

2 to Feb. 8) with contestants from boys and girls soccer, basketball and wrestling; votes close at 9 a.m. Friday.

UL softball earned a 3-1 start after scoring 10 home runs over four games.

The team showed power in a 10-5 win against North Texas but faced defensive struggles and umpire zone issues in a 9-7 loss to Jacksonville State as coach Habetz urged adjustments.

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.

NoCap Live in Concert

9 p.m. — The District Event Center — No refunds — Experience an electrifying night with NoCap live in Lafayette.

Shadows Arts & Crafts Festival

9 a.m. - 4 p.m. — Shadows-on-the-Teche — $5 admission for adults — Browse original hand-crafted items and enjoy local food and drinks in a beautiful garden setting.