Good morning, Lafayette.

The Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program distributed Christmas gifts to over 500 children from nearly 200 families last Friday across Acadiana, easing holiday burdens for local residents in need.

Volunteers worked together to brighten the season for families.

Lafayette-based SLEMCO ranked fifth in the national 2025 J.D.

Power Residential Customer Service Satisfaction Study (score 601 versus 566 average) announced this week. Louisiana electric rates stay among the nation's lowest at 12.3 cents per kWh.

New Iberia researcher Phanat Zanaman studies how everyday spaces help preserve Lao traditions in Iberia Parish.

His work shows that families reshape porches, garages (and gardens) to keep their heritage alive for future generations.

The Lafayette Parish School System announced four outstanding educators as the 2025-26 Teachers of the Year on Dec.

18 for their impact on student success — Superintendent Francis Touchet, Jr. surprised the winners at their schools while families joined the celebration.

The University of Louisiana conferred 1,085 degrees at the Fall 2025 Commencement ceremony on Friday, Dec.

19 at the CajunDome. The event honored outstanding graduates, including Molly Goforth in electrical engineering & William Dailey in Francophone studies.

Former Lafayette Fire Chief Robert P.

Benoit — a respected public safety leader — delivered the LSUE Fall Commencement keynote on Friday, Dec. 19 at the HPRE Center at LSU Eunice.

Louisiana extended its Medicaid contract with UnitedHealthcare through March 31 so that 330,000 patients can remain on their current plan while the state works to transition them to a new insurer.

Lawmakers had raised concerns over the earlier decision to cancel the contract.

Twenty-two cadets from Acadiana Law Enforcement Training Academy Class 178 graduated Friday, Dec.

19 at the Public Safety Complex (1825 West Willow Street) and will serve with several local law enforcement agencies.

The Health Care Job Fair at Heymann Convention Center will run from 9 a.m. to noon Jan.

13, where over two dozen local health care companies will meet with job seekers for roles from nursing to lab tech (LEDA hosts the event amid growing industry demand).

Louisiana men’s basketball coach Quannas White was escorted out by police at the Sun Belt opener on Dec.

18 at Reed Green Coliseum (Hattiesburg) after he lunged at an official following a no-call; the Ragin’ Cajuns lost 62-54 and will play ULM on Dec. 20 at 2 p.m.

LSU football coach Lane Kiffin is targeting Sterling Lucas—South Carolina's defensive line coach—for the final on-field coaching slot, though the hire has not been finalized yet.

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.