Today
in Lafayette
Tuesday, January 6th, 2026
Good morning, Lafayette. Here's your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 6th of January.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ On Jan. 16 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., the Acadiana Center for the Arts will host a free screening of the Independent Lens documentary (RATIFIED) exploring the 100-year fight for constitutional equality, followed by a discussion with director Deborah Riley Draper on women’s leadership and civic progress. KATC
- ➤ Stephanie Smallwood, a longtime Z105.9 radio personality, died after a months-long illness. Delta Media Corporation will host an on-air tribute at noon today+ honoring her legacy in local media. The Advocate
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Beloved Z105.9 DJ Stephanie Smallwood passed away after months of illness, leaving a lasting mark on Acadiana radio as Delta Media Corporation mourns her loss & prepares a tribute with special on-air remembrance starting at noon today. The Advocate
- ➤ Delta Media aired a six-hour on-air tribute — honoring longtime Z105.9 DJ Stephanie Smallwood who passed away over the weekend; colleagues remembered her as a mentor and trailblazer who connected Acadiana listeners. KATC
- ➤ Lafayette City Hall hosted a flag-raising ceremony that kicked off Mardi Gras season as Mayor-President Monique Blanco Boulet and local krewes celebrated traditions + parades and events are set to follow in the coming weeks. News 15
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ A study by Atlas Van Lines shows Louisiana led outbound migration in 2025, with 66% of shipments moving out and about 70,000 residents leaving since 2020; safety concerns (hurricane exposure and economic challenges) may have driven the moves. The Daily Advertiser
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ A federal grant will fund safety upgrades along a 1.3-mile stretch of Johnston Street with new bike lanes, crosswalks, and medians scheduled to start this summer. Construction may cause temporary disruptions for local businesses (public input is welcomed as planning progresses). KATC
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Today the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reduced its recommended vaccines for children amid a severe flu season affecting Louisiana. A new 'super flu' variant has caused high fevers, fatigue, one pediatric death and thousands of hospitalizations according to the CDC. News 15
- ➤ Local hospitals are treating more flu patients as a new aggressive super flu variant spiked cases to 90% while experts warn admissions and severe outcomes may rise - HHS cut recommended child vaccines after an unvaccinated child's death amid fast-spreading illness. News 15
- ➤ Health inspectors reported sanitation and plumbing issues at two restaurants in Lafayette Parish during Dec. 22–29. The violations raised potential health concerns that may prompt quick corrective actions. The Daily Advertiser
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ According to Rocket Mortgage, Louisiana ranks as the fifth cheapest state to buy a house with a median price of $249,857 plus lower monthly mortgage payments of about $956; the report compared 10 states and found West Virginia offers the lowest overall costs. The Daily Advertiser
- ➤ Rocket Mortgage reported that Louisiana ranked as the fifth cheapest state to buy a house, with a median price of $249,857 and estimated monthly payments near $956 on Jan. 5 at 9:18 a.m. CT. This data highlights affordability concerns for homebuyers amid rising costs. The Daily Advertiser
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Louisiana football is targeting transfer prospects after a 6-7 season as it rebuilds its roster and the transfer portal stays open until Jan. 16; the team is eyeing offensive players like Florida State’s Mario Nash Jr. and defensive talent from Harding. The Daily Advertiser
-
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.
-
The Rest & Renewal Experience
11 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. — Enterprise Business Center of Louisiana — Ages 18+ — A curated experience centered on vision and connection to release the weight of 2025 and move into 2026 with renewed direction.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
A society grows great when old men plant trees whose shade they know they shall never sit in.
Know who said this? Send us an email!
Reveal the authorAbout Today in Lafayette
Welcome to the Today in Lafayette, your community newsletter that's anything but snooze-worthy, packed with positive, impactful local news + events across the Lafayette, Louisiana community. If you like the Today in Lafayette, support us by subscribing to our email newsletter and sharing us with your friends and family in Lafayette.
Advertising Opportunities
Advertising with us will make sure you stay at the top of everyone's mind—in Lafayette and across Louisiana. You can learn more here. We'll work together to build a custom plan to hit your goals this year.
Alternatively, you can submit events, announcements, real estate listings, and job postings. We'll include them in our newsletter on whichever dates you like.
Community, delivered
Our hyper-local media company activates communities through daily email newsletters that curate the most positive, impactful local news + events – all for free.
Subscribe to Today in Lafayette
A free Lafayette community newsletter.
- Daily local news
- We curate the most positive, impactful local news + events.
- 6AM City
- A publication of 6AM City, the nation's leading local newsletter-first media network. Nominate your city.
© 6AM City Inc. 2025. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy. Terms of Service. Questions? Contact us here
Sitemap: https://todayinlafayette.com/sitemap