Good morning, Lafayette.

LCG’s Parks, Arts, Recreation and Culture Department celebrated the grand opening of the Moore Park Soccer Complex, a $16 million facility with nine soccer fields, a stadium, playgrounds, and concessions.

The Copa Acadiana Tournament will attract families soon (a $2.8 million roadway project to improve access starts next summer).

Downtown Lafayette's Robin McMillan is giving away free coats + gloves + hats to help residents stay warm during the cold winter.

The drive, which began in response to dropping temperatures, will continue through January.

Residents celebrated change in the Fightingville neighborhood on Saturday, Dec.

13 with a holiday stroll featuring hot chocolate + street performances along Lafayette St., ending at Basin Arts. The event boosted community spirit while highlighting ongoing neighborhood progress.

Al Hebert visited Pioneer Trading Post (downtown) to find one-of-a-kind holiday gifts as the season nears.

Shoppers can explore unique items (ideal for hard-to-please recipients) that might fit their gift lists.

Plans for new cuisine spots in 2026 could broaden Lafayette’s dining scene, adding Korean BBQ, East African dishes, plant-based Cajun fare, wood-fired Neapolitan pizza, Mediterranean mezze and a modern Jewish deli - trends driven by recent commercial developments downtown.

Tractor Supply plans to build its fourth store on Ambassador Caffery Parkway in Broussard.

North Carolina-based Primax Properties purchased five acres for nearly $1.3 million and dirt work could begin soon.

South Louisiana Community College acquired a nearly 30,000-sqft facility at the intersection of Dulles Drive and Luke Street, strengthening capacity for student and workforce programs — the college will plan its future use soon to add classrooms, labs, and collaborative spaces.

UL-Lafayette seniors showcased tech solutions from a semester-long project for the Lafayette Regional Technology Council’s Project-Based Learning Program, working with mentors from local firms (CGI, Stuller, and S1 Technology) to gain real-world experience.

On Dec. 15, LPSS honored three principals at a district meeting in Lafayette Parish.

Mia Lemaire, Amber Oubre, and Dr. Holly Boffy were recognized for enhancing student success and school culture (Superintendent Francis Touchet, Jr. praised their leadership).

Louisiana legislators extended UnitedHealthcare’s Medicaid contract by 90 days on Tuesday, Dec.

16, to prevent coverage gaps for over 300,000 patients; state officials said the extra time helps manage a smooth transition while negotiations continue.

Lafayette native Chief Petty Officer Thamous Calais marks 23 years in the Navy as he works with Maritime Expeditionary Security Group 2+ mentoring junior sailors and protecting ports worldwide, crediting his Northside High School upbringing for his strong work ethic.

Louisiana remains a flu hotspot as 5% of ER visits in the state (8% in Acadiana) are due to flu-like symptoms, with experts warning that peak activity is four weeks away.

Last season, patients spent three days in hospital costing around $13,000, so vaccination remains key to reducing costs.

Louisiana's Department of Health announced a new rule that will stop SNAP funds from being used to buy soft drinks & candy starting Feb.

18; recipients will still use SNAP benefits for fruits, vegetables and proteins and must pay cash for excluded items.

The Ragin' Cajuns are making final preparations to face Delaware in the 68 Ventures Bowl (a nationally televised game) at 7:30 p.m. on ESPN in Mobile, with their coach stressing the bowl game's milestone importance.

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.