Good morning, Lafayette.

The Chabad of Greater Baton Rouge hosted a Hanukkah celebration Monday evening at Parc San Souci — Rabbi Peretz Kazen urged unity as he acknowledged a recent tragic overseas attack in Bondi Beach that claimed 15 lives.

The holiday continues through Sunday, Dec. 21 with local residents coming together.

Local Powerball players in Lafayette are excited as the jackpot rises to $1.1B (the second billion-dollar prize this year) while many await the drawing, according to reporter Al Hebert.

Lafayette Parish School System announced on Dec.

10 the 2026 Students of the Year for 5th, 8th and 12th grades at Milton Elementary, LJ Alleman Middle and Lafayette High. The honorees will represent the district in the upcoming zone-level competition later this month.

UL Lafayette will hold Fall 2025 Commencement on Friday, Dec.

19 at the Cajundome with two sessions. The 9 a.m. ceremony honors arts, business, engineering, and nursing graduates with a speech by Lafayette Mayor-President Monique B. Boulet, and the 2 p.m. session recognizes graduates from other colleges.

Interim President Ramesh Kolluru laid out a plan at a town hall meeting to cut costs and boost revenue at UL Lafayette.

His plan includes keeping students enrolled plus assessing physical assets and launching the Louisiana Impact Fund to steer the school toward a healthier financial future.

A state truancy advisory group voted to recommend that lawmakers avoid tying school funding to attendance, warning that doing so could cut vital funds from schools with higher absenteeism.

The group will submit its five recommendations to the House Education Committee by February.

South Louisiana Community College has acquired nearly 30,000 sqft of space at the corner of Dulles Drive — Luke Street to expand classroom and office capacity.

College officials said planning for the new facility will begin in the coming months.

PARCS, Festivals Acadiens et Créoles, and Jim's Tree Service have partnered to preserve historic oak trees at Girard Park through mulching (which allows soil to breathe) to keep the trees healthy for future festivals.

Protesters gathered downtown outside the Chase Building today to show disapproval of Congressman Clay Higgins' vote against releasing Epstein files + activists handed out badges marked 'Pedophile Protector' targeting his staff.

Lafayette Fire Station #12 on Verot School Road reopened after six months of renovations ($661,000) that included roof replacement, HVAC upgrades, and lighting improvements; firefighters have resumed normal operations.

St. Bernadette Community Clinic in Lafayette continues to provide free healthcare and essential resources to vulnerable residents amid cold temperatures across Acadiana.

The donation-funded clinic has served the community since 1995 and helps those in need stay safe during harsh weather.

Thirty-four EMTs graduated from the National EMS Academy in Lafayette on Monday, Dec.

15, after a 12-week training program that prepared them to support Acadiana emergency care, and enrollment for the next course begins Jan. 12, 2026.

Acadiana riders Kade Sonnier and Waylon Bourgeois excelled at the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas, with Sonnier winning the final round and Bourgeois climbing into the top six overall.

They returned home with strong season earnings and rankings.

The UL football team played a buddy ball game (a goodwill match) with special needs athletes in Mobile, Alabama before they will compete in their bowl game on Wednesday.

The event highlighted the team's commitment to community involvement.

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.