Good morning, Lafayette.

The Lafayette Fire Department reminds residents that fireworks are banned inside the city and may be used in unincorporated areas between 8 a.m. and 10 p.m. with usage permitted until 1 a.m. on Jan.

1, and urges strict safety measures to prevent injuries & fires.

Local nonprofits and city partners provided warmth and shelter Tuesday night as cold temperatures threatened Acadiana’s unhoused, with ARCH’s ShareHouse initiative collecting donations to supply vital items (including blankets and heaters).

The collaborative effort ensured vulnerable residents had a safe space to weather the elements.

Residents celebrating today are urged by Lafayette police to plan safe rides home by designating a driver or calling local rideshare options (such as Need A Ride LLC) to avoid impaired driving and keep everyone safe.

Dream's Shade Tree Café will open in Broussard in February, 2026.

Run by the D.R.E.A.M.S. Foundation, the café will offer job training for special needs individuals and host events that expand community ties on a two acre site.

Derek Hoy was named chief executive officer of MediTrans — the largest non-emergency medical transportation brokerage in Louisiana — and he brings strong experience in health care operations as he leads the company into its next growth phase while founder Paul Broussard remains active.

Trader Joe’s finalized its deal to buy nearly 3 acres for a new store at 1710 Camellia Blvd & preliminary work has begun following Lafayette Consolidated Government’s October approval of a $6.5 million building permit.

Today, Dutch Bros opens its first Lafayette location at 5711 Johnston St.—serving specialty coffee, Nitro Cold Brew, lemonade and Rebel energy drink—and will operate from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday with extended weekend hours.

The Blue Ox Group acquired the building for under $1 million.

Louisiana residents spent an average of $805.73 each on alcohol in 2024, a 2.14% increase from 2023, according to SmartAsset.

The state ranked 30th among per-adult spending figures.

A legislative task force recommended amending state law to require non-parent agents representing high school athletes register with the Attorney General’s office and to set up trust accounts for minors’ earnings — lawmakers will review the proposals in January.

The Lafayette Fire Department has issued fireworks safety tips (detailing when and where fireworks are legal) to help residents prevent injuries and fires as they prepare to welcome 2026.

Realtors of Acadiana have listed seven luxury million-dollar homes, including an estate with private ponds at 508 N.

I-49 Service Road and a 13,000 sqft home on 22 acres in Scott as examples, which show a rising trend in high-end sales in the region & offer diverse architectural styles.

Louisiana beat Dillard 97-56 on Monday at the Cajun Dome, with freshman Amijah Price scoring a career-high 30 points to secure the team's first win of the season (41-point margin).

The Cajuns will face Troy on New Year's Day at 4 p.m.

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.