Good morning, Lafayette.

Food donations are needed in Lafayette as community fridges and pantries quickly run out of meals due to SNAP cuts from the federal shutdown, and local organizations urge residents to help by donating cooked meals and food items.

Foodies of Lafayette is planning a food drive soon + they encourage local restaurants and home cooks to support neighbors in need.

Lafayette Travel has released the latest Gumbo People episode—spotlighting local photographer Ben Pierce of Swamp Base, whose photos capture Louisiana swamps and local culture.

The series started with Francis Pavy, Robert Dafford, and Michelle Colon and is available to watch online and via social media.

Louisiana was named state of the year for tourism at the JRNY America Awards in London last week—an honor recognizing its thriving tourism industry.

New Orleans was celebrated as the best food city and the Amtrak Mardi Gras Service was lauded as the best new tourism initiative.

UL Lafayette nearly eliminated its recurring $25 million deficit after terminating 51 employees and reassigning 19 workers, but it still faces a $10 million one-time debt from past years.

Interim President Jaimie Hebert said the university will consider further layoffs if needed + departments are cutting budgets by 10% (with Academic Affairs limited to a 5% reduction) to protect instruction.

United Way of Acadiana announced 17 Education Innovation Grants that awarded nearly $55,000 to local schools and educators for projects designed to boost student success across Acadiana—spanning Lafayette, Acadia, Iberia, St. Martin, and Vermilion parishes.

Educators are urged to sign up for notifications to prepare for upcoming grant cycles—ensuring they don't miss future opportunities.

Lafayette councilmen Kenneth Boudreaux and Andy Naquin asked to delay the new Mardi Gras parade route set for 2026 so officials can reexamine safety and crowd space—details they outlined in a letter to Mayor-President Monique Boulet.

Registration is now open for the 2026 Lafayette PARC Youth Basketball season for players aged 5 to 16.

The season begins January 10 and runs through March 14 with games held at several recreation centers including Comeaux, Domingue, Dupuis, Martin Luther King, Robicheaux and Thomas.

Texas State Bobcats vs. Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns Football

1-4 p.m. — Cajun Field — Entry fee varies — Catch the action as the Texas State Bobcats take on the Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns in this exciting football matchup.

Alyse Young Live Performance

6-10 p.m. — El Paso Mexican Grill — Free entry — Enjoy a night of live music with singer-songwriter Alyse Young from Lafayette.

LHSAA State Farm Prep Classic Championship

3:30 AM – 2:00 PM — CAJUNDOME & Convention Center — VIP ticket packages available — Experience the excitement of high school championship football with premium seating and exclusive amenities.

Wild Kratts Live Show

3:30-5:00 p.m. — Heymann Performing Arts Center — Check for ticket prices — Experience an exciting adventure with the Kratt Brothers on stage.

LHSAA State Volleyball Finals

8:00 – 9:30 AM — CAJUNDOME & Convention Center — VIP ticket packages available — Experience the excitement of high school volleyball championship with premium seating and entertainment.

Scott Mulvahill Presents Paul Simon’s Graceland

— Time not specified — Acadiana Center for the Arts — Tickets available — Experience a heartfelt tribute to Graceland with Scott Mulvahill and talented musicians.

Menopause - The Musical 2

7:00-8:30 p.m. — Heymann Performing Arts Center — Tickets available — Laugh along with the hilarious sequel featuring beloved characters from the original musical.

Broussard Community Fair 5K/1 Mile Run

6:45 a.m. — Arceneaux Park — Registration fee required — A fast new route through Downtown Broussard awaits runners this year!

Acadiana Giants Bowling Practice

9:00-10:30 a.m. — Premier's Acadiana Lanes — Free entry — Practice your strikes alongside the Acadiana Giants in support of Special Olympics Louisiana.

Postmodern Jukebox Performance

7:30-9 p.m. — Heymann Performing Arts Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience the sensational sounds of Postmodern Jukebox's new-millennium Roaring 20s celebration.