Good morning, Lafayette.

On November 17, two Lafayette Parish couples became new parents during Adoption Month at the courthouse—Mary Thomas signed adoption papers for a young boy while Beverly and Calvin McKenzie finalized the adoption of Alfred and Neveah after fostering them for over two years.

Louisiana’s Department of Children and Family Services noted there are 4,300 children in foster care, urging more locals to open their homes.

Hub Lafayette Ministries helps residents facing homelessness, chronic poverty and hunger at its Lovewell Center at 1515 W.

University Ave, and director Teri Dupuy-Gore said the agency uses the four R’s—rescue, relationships, resources and recovery—to offer dignity and restore hope through donations and volunteer-run meals.

Louisiana families saw the cost of an 11-item Thanksgiving dinner drop to $44.70 from $45.84 last year, led by a 16.3% decrease in turkey prices as reported by the American Farm Bureau Federation — grocers are using promotions while farmers face rising costs for other staples like sweet potatoes. This report shows that despite lower turkey prices, overall meal costs remain pressured by higher production expenses.

Gas prices in the Gulf Coast region averaged $2.60 per gallon on Monday, remaining essentially unchanged from the previous week.

The national average was $3.06 per gallon, making local prices about 15.1% lower than the U.S. average.

The Louisiana Wildlife Federation and the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries announced that applications for the 2025 Youth Hunter of the Year Award contest are now open to Louisiana youth who are 15 or younger and hunted in 2025.

Applicants must submit a form with a hunt story and photos by January 30 for a chance to win a plaque and gift card—winners will be honored at the Conservation Achievement Awards banquet in April.

Lafayette Consolidated Government approved an ordinance that offers a 25% discount on weekday greens fees for veterans with a valid military ID at three municipal golf courses—Jay & Lionel Hebert, Les Vieux Chênes, and The Wetlands—which took effect Monday, November 24.

Louisiana law requires children to ride in the correct car seat based on age and size: infants must ride rear-facing until at least age two, children who outgrow that ride forward-facing with a harness until they qualify for a booster seat, and older children must pass a 5-Step Test to use a seat belt. A fine of $50 will be imposed for any driver or passenger not properly secured under these safety rules.

The Carencro Water System has issued a boil water advisory that requires customers to boil water for one full minute for drinking, cooking, or making ice while bathing + showering remains safe as long as water is not swallowed.

The advisory will remain until the Louisiana Department of Health tests confirm the water is safe.

George Graham will showcase his holiday menu with a cherished Creole Shrimp Dip, Pumpkin Bisque, cane-brined turkey and fresh ham roast—blending Cajun and Creole flavors to bring true Acadiana taste to the table.

Quarterfinal matchups for the 2025 LHSAA football playoffs have been set for this weekend, with leading teams like North Desoto, Iowa, Haynesville, Edna Karr, and Teurlings Catholic competing alongside lower-seeded teams such as Barbe and Kaplan in their respective divisions.

The pairings span both non-select and select brackets — a key stage that will shape the path to the semifinals.

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.

Cajun Christmas Ballet

3:00 – 4:30 PM — Acadiana Center for the Arts — Family-friendly — Experience a Cajun-inspired ballet that celebrates Christmas through the adventures of Marie in the bayou.