Good morning, Lafayette.

High school students from St. James Academy are in Acadiana this week working with Rebuilding Together Acadiana to build wheelchair ramps, sort donated items at FoodNet Food Bank, and pre-package two homes for future volunteer work in Vermilion Parish — continuing a service tradition since 2017.

Lafayette-based filmmakers Allison Bohl DeHart and Brennan Robideaux made the documentary Sallie’s Ashes (focusing on Alabama grandmothers fighting to secure a toxic coal ash pit near Mobile Bay).

The film is gaining traction on the festival circuit after premiering at Telluride.

This weekend, Lafayette hosts festive Christmas events with activities for all.

Friday brings an art market at NUNU Arts and Culture Collective and a candlelit concert at the Petroleum Club; Saturday features author Kaylie Smith at CHB Lafayette, and Sunday offers live music at Blue Moon Saloon and the Brass Room.

Lafayette experienced a business boom in 2025 with new restaurants like Sarrica’s Little Italy and Park Bistro, tech expansions from LUS Fiber and the Drone Institute, and specialty shops such as PostalAnnex and Kartchner’s Specialty Meats (fueling growth).

WorldAtlas reported that Louisianans pay the country's 10th highest grocery bills, averaging $282.95 weekly due to disruptions in the supply chain — factors that include limited competition and weather challenges across small communities.

Comeaux High School Navy Junior ROTC cadets earned unit achievement when they presented colors and formations during their annual inspection in Lafayette.

The magnet academy program boosts discipline and teamwork for future enlistment.

LPSS will start random screenings for vape devices in middle and high schools beginning January 6 to keep students safe (safety supervisors will use modified weapons detection systems and may search personal items if needed).

The Lafayette Parish School Board approved a new attendance incentive on Dec.

17 that gives teachers, paraprofessionals, bus drivers — and bus attendants bonuses up to $1,000 for no absences and $500 for one or two absences during the spring semester. The program runs from Jan. 5 to May 22 to boost classroom attendance.

The UL System named a search committee made up of board members and community representatives to choose UL Lafayette's next president.

The group will meet first on Jan. 14 at campus + review candidate materials with interviews set in February.

Lafayette Consolidated Government announced that transit, garbage, recycling and City-Parish service schedules will adjust on Dec.

24, Dec. 25 and Jan. 1. Residents should plan ahead for shorter transit hours and delayed collections during the holidays.

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.