Good morning, Lafayette.

ITA Truck Sales hosted its annual gumbo cookoff in Lafayette where teams competed for the title of this year’s Gumbo Brawl while judge Al Hebert helped decide the winner.

Love of People plans to prepare 5,000 Thanksgiving meals for its 12th Annual Community Thanksgiving on Nov.

27 in Lafayette, New Iberia, and Opelousas—organizers ask residents, churches, and volunteers to help locate the most vulnerable neighbors so that no one goes hungry.

Chief Meteorologist Doppler Dan Romano took part in the annual Wine, Women and Shoes event at the DoubleTree Hotel as he competed for the coveted title King of Sole — the fundraiser benefited Big Brothers and Big Sisters.

DMR Technologies showcased its new Field Ranger X-50 agricultural drone in St. Martin Parish on November 13—this unit offers a cost-effective alternative to crop dusters.

It is designed for precision pesticide spraying on Acadiana's main crops like sugarcane and rice.

Lafayette Consolidated Government and Basin Arts have opened a call for artists to design a large public mural for the University Avenue underpass near Cameron Street—qualified artists may submit their materials through December 15 and finalists will receive a $1,000 design stipend.

South Louisiana Community College is a Top 10 national finalist for the 2026 Bellwether Award — its Campus Advisory Board model helps match academic programs with local workforce needs.

The college will present its model at the 32nd Annual Community College Futures Assembly in San Antonio from February 22nd to 24th.

An email was sent Thursday to UL civil service staff saying they should be ready for layoffs after a change in leadership and efforts to cut a $25 million deficit.

Interim president Ramesh Kolluru said the email was a required step—not a layoff notice—and he met with staff yesterday at 11 a.m. in the Student Union—Bayou Bijou Theater to explain next steps.

Louisiana families on SNAP will get full federal payments restored next week as the Department of Health announced—households will receive 100% support on their regular distribution days based on the last digit of the head’s Social Security number.

UL Lafayette began eliminating 20 civil service positions by notifying 390 employees on Thursday—staff received emails about the potential cuts as part of broader budget reduction measures.

The four-to-six week process—reviewed by the state civil service board—follows a plan announced by former Interim President Jaimie Hebert and comes as Ramesh Kolluru is named interim president.

The Lafayette City Zoning Commission will consider a request for a conditional use permit at its Monday meeting at 5:30 p.m. for a proposed convenience store at 801 Foreman Drive near Lafayette High School that would replace the longtime Corner Pantry and add six fuel pumps—neighbors have opposed the plan due to concerns about increased traffic, noise and a change to the quiet residential area.

The St. Thomas More Cougars swept the South Lafourche Tarpons in Division II semifinals Friday at the Cajundome—earning their sixth straight state final spot.

The 38-5 team will face St. Scholastica at 4:30 p.m. today to try for their fifth consecutive state title.

Jeff Hennessy pioneered Lafayette trampolining from the 1960s to the 1980s by coaching hundreds who became world champions and brought international acclaim to our community.

His legacy lives on today as local coach Dmitri Poliaroush trains standout athletes like Alexi Shostak, who recently won a silver medal at the final Trampoline World Cup — a tribute to his lasting impact on the sport.

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.

Festival of Lights

5:30-9 p.m. — Ochsner Parking Garage — Ticketed event — Celebrate the holidays with lights, food, music, and family fun activities.

The Gospel According to Scrooge

December 5-8 — 1100 Lee Ave, Lafayette, LA — Free entry — Experience a musical retelling of a classic Christmas tale with a message of transformation and grace.

Locally Filmed Christmas Movie Showing

5-9 p.m. — Acadiana Center for the Arts — Ticket price applies — Enjoy heartwarming local Christmas films and a Q&A with cast and crew.

George Porter Jr. Performance

7:30-11:30 p.m. — Acadiana Center for the Arts — Ticket prices vary — Experience the legendary bassist and funk pioneer perform classic grooves from his illustrious career.

Breakfast with Santa 2025

9 a.m. — Dave and Buster's Lafayette — $10+ — Celebrate the holiday season with Santa over a festive breakfast and exclusive arcade fun for the whole family.