Today
in Lafayette
Friday, December 19th, 2025
Good morning, Lafayette. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 19th of December.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Second Harvest Food Bank received a key donation from Tony Chachere's that helped ease urgent food supply gaps caused by USDA funding cuts — officials said the support boosts local efforts to serve those in need. News 15
- ➤ Second Harvest Food Bank in Lafayette received a major donation from Tony Chachere's to ease a food supply gap caused by recent USDA cuts. The donation, part of a partnership that has provided food for over 780,000 meals (including holiday support), will help secure meals for those in need. News 15
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Lafayette Walk-On’s employee Hannah Coleman received a $3,000 holiday gift on Dec. 18 at 12:44 p.m. CTA for her leadership in the Blue Chip Program through a Coca-Cola partnership; two Texas employees were also honored, kicking off Walk-On’s broader holiday season of giving. The Daily Advertiser
- ➤ SLEMCO ranked fifth nationally in the 2025 JD Power Residential Customer Service Satisfaction Study with a score of 601 — above the national average of 566. CEO Katherine Domingue credited strong employee service and noted that local electric rates remain low at 12.3 cents per kWh. KATC
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The Lafayette event guide details a series of upcoming races and cycling festivals that showcase local culture and community spirit. Fitness enthusiasts can join the March Zydeco Marathon, fall Cajun Cup 10K, and other events that combine fun, exercise, local food and charity support (across varied routes and formats). Lafayette Convention & Visitors Commission
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Lafayette Parish School System superintendent Francis Touchet Jr. said the district thoroughly investigated reports of forged bid documents tied to a summer drainage project and is waiting for the AG investigation to conclude before deciding on current agriculture teacher Robert Gautreaux’s future. The Advocate
- ➤ The Lafayette Parish School System held its annual Teachers of the Year awards on Dec. 18 by honoring educators (Mary Graham, Tiffany Gauthier, Alysa LeBlanc, and Antonia Lagneaux) for outstanding contributions to education in Lafayette. News 15
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ LCG announced that Giselle Place Bridge reopened on Dec. 18 after an eight-month replacement project that began on Apr. 21. The project removed the old timber span and installed a concrete box culvert + added drainage work to restore safe, reliable access for motorists. City of Lafayette
- ➤ Lafayette city leaders held an open house for Phase 3 of the University Avenue project — showing conceptual designs and gathering input on construction timelines and next steps regarding the planned underpass mural. Three artist finalists were set to receive a $1,000 design stipend, city officials said. News 15
- ➤ Graduates from the 15th Judicial District Drug Court in Lafayette celebrated leaving drug addiction on Dec. 18. Judge Valerie Gotch Garrett said the program teaches sobriety lessons that help rebuild lives and create job opportunities. News 15
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ State health data shows Louisiana leads the nation in flu and respiratory illnesses, with emergency visits for flu rising and wastewater tests indicating very high RSV levels. The CDC reports that while COVID activity is low, our flu season peaks in winter and communities are urged to check local updates. The Daily Advertiser
- ➤ U.S. News and World Report ranked seven Louisiana nursing homes based on staffing + outcomes after reviewing nearly 15,000 facilities, with Louisiana Extended Care Hospital of Lafayette ranked third. Families seeking quality short-term rehab now have key options for care. The Daily Advertiser
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ Christine Landry at Mula Pharmacy in Abbeville presents a step-by-step gift wrapping guide (Where's Al? Gift Wrapping 101) to help residents tackle holiday wrapping challenges, with the initiative hosted by Bayou Vermilion District. News 15
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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.
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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.
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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.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
I am not afraid of storms, for I am learning how to sail my ship.
~ Louisa May Alcott
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