Good morning, Lafayette.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.