Good morning, Lafayette.

Gordon McKernan, a Lafayette lawyer, gave 600 new bikes to children at his law office on Friday, Dec.

5 (11th annual holiday giveaway) before he continues his route to distribute more bikes across Acadiana.

A local nonprofit partnered with Catalyst Bank to launch the Better Together Donation Drive for residents facing urgent challenges.

The drive, which collects food, infant supplies, & winter essentials, runs through Dec. 31 at Catalyst Bank branches to help neighbors find stability.

Pollard's Christmas Trees hosted its annual Daisy Dukes Day on the first Sunday of December, raising $2,500 for local good causes (each $10 donation led to an inch off an employee's pants).

Local teen Emile Myers, 15, of Lafayette has hosted his annual hot cocoa fundraiser for several years, raising $100K in total; this year his proceeds will benefit Second Harvest Food Bank.

A house fire in Youngsville destroyed a family’s home over the weekend, leaving them with only the clothes they wore and forcing them to move into a relative’s home as the holiday season approaches.

Local owner Katie Guidry revived her childhood bar, Loose Caboose, in 2021 – the vintage spot now hosts live shows and community gatherings with bookings through March while undergoing updates to preserve its nostalgic charm.

Atlas Van Lines’ Migration Pattern Study shows that Louisiana led the nation with a 66% outbound move rate and posted only a 34% inbound rate from Nov.

1, 2024 to Oct. 31, 2025 (the report cites high living costs and weather events as possible reasons).

Lafayette’s KRVS-FM 88.7 received a stabilization grant from the Public Media Bridge Fund after federal CPB funding was cut.

The $26 million program will support local public media for the next six months (KRVS is one of two Louisiana awardees) to help maintain its services.

The Louisiana Department of Health announced it will reassign over 330,000 enrollees from United Healthcare to other Medicaid plans before Jan.

1 (patients will continue to have access to care). The decision ends a $4.2 billion contract with United.

Couples can enjoy festive date ideas that cost under $25, including light displays at Noel Acadien au Village, holiday movies at Grand 16, and seasonal drinks at local coffee shops.

The guide released today spells out affordable ways to celebrate the Christmas season in Lafayette.

Louisiana football reinstated senior safety Tyree Skipper after he served a two-game suspension, and he will return for the 68 Ventures Bowl as the team faces Delaware on Dec.

17 at 7:30 p.m. (Hancock Whitney Stadium in Mobile).

Louisiana football will face Delaware in the 68 Ventures Bowl on Dec.

17 at Hancock Whitney Stadium in Mobile. Ticket prices are available ($15 on StudHub, $16 on VividSeats) for fans planning to travel for the game.

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.