Good morning, Lafayette.

Divine Touch Community Development Center received a $120,000 grant from Red River Bank and the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas to help homeowners rebuild after natural disasters.

The funding supports affordable housing and recovery efforts in the region.

No Masters Tattoo opened its soft preview in the former Be True shop space with murals and pink décor, offering walk-in appointments from noon to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday and noon to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Owner Cypress Dickerson plans a January grand opening as the community awaits.

The Lafayette Area Music Teachers Association will host a free Christmas Playathon at the Acadiana Center for the Arts on Dec.

13 & local music students will perform holiday favorites to raise disaster relief funds. It will also offer Music by Black Composers on Jan. 10 to spotlight underrepresented voices.

Acadiana Center for the Arts is launching its year-end donation drive to support arts education, local artist grants and new projects.

The nonprofit serves over 60,000 students in 135 schools across 5 parishes and plans to expand to all 8 parishes in Acadiana — fueling a creative future in 2026.

Sarah Davenport was named the permanent head of school at Ascension Episcopal School after serving as interim since May (a move that earned praise from faculty and staff).

She will now lead three Lafayette Parish campuses serving students from PK3 through 12th grade.

State climatologist Jay Grymes said the 2025 hurricane season was quiet even as tropical storms caused heavy flooding elsewhere and Baton Rouge will experience a mild, dry winter.

He credited a strong Bermuda high-pressure system (a rare setup) and an atmospheric trough for steering storms away.

Lafayette Consolidated Government redesigned its website for better mobile access and easier navigation, set to launch Q1.

Officials also began a long-term branding push on Dec. 4 at City Hall Atrium, asking residents to help shape Lafayette’s (digital look and future identity).

Residents can share input on flooding, severe weather and drainage at a meeting by Lafayette Consolidated Government and the Parish Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness on Thursday, Dec.

11 at 10:00 a.m. in City Hall Council Chambers (705 W. University Ave.) via Zoom or in person.

Federal HUD's new policies have cut funding for Lafayette's permanent supportive housing programs and risk leaving long-time residents without a safe place to stay.

Local advocates warn the changes may overwhelm emergency shelters and boost visible homelessness by May 2026 — officials are working to limit the impact.

Lafayette fire officials advise families to water Christmas trees daily and inspect lights for frays to reduce fire hazards, stressing trees be placed away from fireplaces; they say following these steps will help everyone enjoy a safe holiday season.

Between Nov. 24 and Dec.

1, inspectors cited the top three Lafayette Parish restaurants for critical food safety violations after finding sanitation problems, unlabeled chemicals and raw animal food.

Carencro rider Kade Sonnier competed at the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas on Sunday, riding Shoutin’ Shoes for 86.75 points to finish second in the fourth round of bareback riding.

He earned $28,980 in that round, boosting his season total to $215,612.

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.

Marc Broussard Concert

8:30 PM – 12:00 AM — Rock'n'Bowl® de Lafayette — $25 cover charge — Enjoy an evening of live music featuring Marc Broussard and special guest Mike Broussard.

New Year’s Eve Dance with Geno Delafose

8:30 PM – 12:30 AM — Lafayette Parish Bayou Vermilion District — $45 — Celebrate the New Year with live music, food, and dancing at the biggest party of the year.