Good morning, Lafayette.

Local music fans can enjoy a packed week in Acadiana with singer-songwriter Marc Broussard performing at Rock 'n' Bowl in Lafayette on Friday at 8:30 p.m. plus shows at local venues through the week featuring zydeco, Cajun jam sessions and more.

The newspaper’s 2025 pictures of the year in Acadiana showcase vivid moments from record-breaking snowfalls and spirited school openings to lively community celebrations and high school sports highlights (capturing everyday resilience).

This photo essay reflects both festive events and quiet personal milestones that defined the year.

Economic development in Louisiana is set to build on last year's momentum in 2026 as Meta expands its AI center in Holly Ridge and port officials await an Army Corps permit for the Louisiana International Terminal; rising costs + tariff uncertainty may delay some projects.

Local patients have shared how they regained hope through timely, expert care from Ochsner Lafayette General Medical Center, from life-saving trauma treatment and early cancer detection to critical heart screenings (each story highlighting the team’s commitment to community care).

The UL Ragin’ Cajuns will face Norfolk State at 2 p.m. today in the Cajundome as they build on a Dec.20 win over UL-Monroe—coach Quannas White says the match is a key test for preparing his team for tougher conference challenges.

Northside High School lost 78–39 to powerhouse Peabody during Saturday’s Darrel Mitchell Sr. Holiday Classic.

Coach Troy Jones said the mostly underclassmen team learned key lessons as they prepare for a deep playoff run.

At 11 a.m. Friday at St. Thomas More, Lafayette Renaissance beat St. Louis Catholic Saints 48-35 with strong defense that forced 21 turnovers & sets up a second-round clash with the Shaw/Lafayette Christian winner at 4:30 p.m. Saturday.

LSU coach Lane Kiffin appeared during the Texas Bowl on Saturday night at NRG Stadium, discussing his top priorities of hiring a strong coaching staff and recruiting top Louisiana talent.

He praised his defensive coordinator’s work and outlined plans to blend his offensive system with current players.

LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier did not play in the Texas Bowl on Saturday at NRG Stadium (due to an abdominal strain sidelining him since preseason), and LSU faced Houston without him.

His absence allowed him to prepare for the NFL Draft process.

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.

Coastal Carolina Chanticleers at Louisiana Ragin Cajuns Women's Basketball

5:59-9:59 p.m. — CAJUNDOME & Convention Center — Check the scoreboard as the home team faces the Chanticleers in a thrilling women's basketball matchup.

Candlelight Tribute to Queen and The Beatles

6-7 p.m. — Petroleum Club of Lafayette — Tickets required — Experience enchanting candlelight performances of legendary hits by Queen and The Beatles.

Hadestown Show

7:30 – 9:30 p.m. — Heymann Performing Arts Center — Ticket information available — Experience the acclaimed musical where a song can change your fate.