Today
in Lafayette
Thursday, January 8th, 2026
Good morning, Lafayette. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 8th of January.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ A groundbreaking ceremony kicked off the Love Our Schools Home Giveaway fundraiser as organizers broke ground on a new 2,000 sqft, 3-bedroom, 2-bath home featuring a walk-in pantry, coffee bar and covered back patio with a built-in grill. Tickets ($50) will be available from July. News 15
- ➤ Lafayette Parish law enforcement officers were honored today at a luncheon hosted by Once Was Incorporated at the Lafayette Police Department Headquarters. The event celebrated National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day with barbecue sandwiches from Carencro Super One Store and recognized officers from across the parish. News 15
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Krewe of Rio will kick off the 2026 Mardi Gras season in Lafayette tomorrow with a ceremonial king cake cutting & royalty toast at 3:45 p.m. at the Cajundome Convention Center and will follow with its 21st Annual Ball on Saturday at 8 p.m. The Daily Advertiser
- ➤ Krewe de Acadian will host its Cyber Gras Mardi Gras ball on Saturday, Feb. 7 at the Cajundome Convention Center Festival Ballroom starting at 6 p.m. The event features live local DJs and a midnight afterparty until 2 a.m., and tickets remain available. KATC
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Lafayette Consolidated Government today announced the 2026 schedule for housing education programs at the Jessie Livingston Taylor Center, featuring monthly classes on home ownership, financial literacy, and home maintenance. Community members can get further details by contacting the center at 111 Shirley Picard Drive. KATC
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ UL Lafayette researchers at the Louisiana Solar Energy Lab (LaSEL) are testing agrivoltaics, a system that uses solar panels to shade crops and boost panel efficiency. The study aims to help farmers manage land better and adapt to climate change. KATC
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ King cake season is underway as 13 Louisiana bakeries offer a variety of flavors for Mardi Gras, with options available for pickup or shipping. Orders will continue until Fat Tuesday, so customers can enjoy this festive treat from local favorites like Keller's Bakery in Lafayette + others. The Daily Advertiser
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Mardi Gras Mambo II
1-3 p.m. — Painting with a Twist — $30 per person — Enjoy a family-friendly art session in a lively atmosphere.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Yesterday I was clever, so I wanted to change the world. Today I am wise, so I am changing myself.
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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.
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