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UL Lafayette mechanical engineering students flew their carbon fiber drone in the DARPA Lift Challenge, placing 19th among nearly 80 teams at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force in Dayton.

The team will rebuild its 17 foot drone (tested through trial and error) in about one month.

A UL Lafayette study finds that warming oceans could shrink marine mollusks by up to 16% by 2100 as impacts vary by region and species.

Louisiana high school seniors have been named National Merit semifinalists after taking the PSAT, with 229 statewide honorees including 13 from Acadiana (four from Lafayette high schools and others in Youngsville and Broussard).

They now compete for scholarships valued at nearly $26 million.

SNAP benefits have been cut because of stricter work rules and paperwork requirements, leaving many Louisiana residents struggling to secure food aid.

Local food pantries + like the one in Breaux Bridge report increased demand as recipients try to meet the new rules.

Local officials announced the Henderson Lake drawdown is underway & said the project will lower water levels while local businesses adjust to changes in water use.

The drawdown is set to continue over the coming weeks as authorities work to protect nearby wetlands.

State Farm is refunding $5 billion in dividends to auto insurance customers as those in Louisiana will get an average rebate of $138 per vehicle (payments began today and are set to continue through the fall).

Louisiana Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple said the first wave is already in progress.

United Way of Acadiana and partners will open Jefferson Market & Deli at 620 Jefferson Blvd in early February to serve north Lafayette neighborhoods including Pontiac Point, McComb-Veazey, and Sterling Grove.

The for-profit store aims to boost access to fresh food and address food insecurity in local communities.

Hosted by the Acadiana Food Alliance, the 2026 SOLA Food Summit will kick off on Sunday with guided tours at Cajun Prairie Farm, Guidry Organic Farms, and St. Rose Flower Farm and continue on Monday with panels and local food discussions at the Downtown Convention Center (transportation provided between farms).