Wednesday, January 14th, 2026
Good morning, Lafayette. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 14th of January.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Lafayette Economic Development Authority hosted a health care job fair at Heymann Convention Center on Monday with local health care businesses hiring. In Acadiana, Second Harvest Food Bank’s Makin’ Groceries Mobile Market was in Church Point from 10 a.m. to noon, while CODOFIL accepted student poetry entries due Thursday. KATC
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Local artists are painting a large mural at the Children’s Museum of Acadiana in Lafayette to celebrate childhood and the region's culture. The project, led by Dirk Guidry and assisted by Lindsey Jenneman, is set to be finished by the end of February (coinciding with the museum’s 30th anniversary). KATC
- ➤ The Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities and Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser announced Tuesday that Michael Doucet, founder of BeauSoleil, was named 2026 Humanist of the Year (recognizing his role in preserving Cajun music). He and eight awardees will be honored at a Bright Lights Awards Dinner on Tuesday, March 24 in Baton Rouge. KATC
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Love Our Schools surprised 15 Education All-Star finalists across Lafayette Parish with personalized visits and will announce the winners during the Ragin’ Cajuns Men’s Basketball game halftime on Feb. 7 at 3:00 p.m. KATC
- ➤ South Louisiana Community College celebrated its 2025 milestones by earning national honors, launching new workforce credentials and expanding its Lafayette campus. The college increased scholarships and introduced its first mascot, Soleil the Owl, to strengthen career pathways and student support in Acadiana. KATC
- ➤ Jackie Club’s robotics team advanced to the state competition after a strong finish at a regional event on Dec. 13 at Comeaux High School. The team of students in grades 6 to 9 will compete in February in New Orleans (showcasing local STEM talent). KATC
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office has been cleaning Lajaunie Road near Alexander Drive and Teurlings Drive since 2021 to enhance the Vermilion River corridor. The Clean and Beautiful Acadiana project, a joint effort by Parish Proud (Acadiana Waste Services), continues to restore local pride today. News 15
- ➤ Lafayette Consolidated Government raised the America250 flag at City Hall, launching a yearlong commemoration of the nation’s 250th anniversary. The event highlights Louisiana’s role in defending the Gulf Coast during the American Revolution and will culminate on July 4. KATC
- ➤ Lafayette Consolidated Government announced changes for MLK Day services. On Monday, Jan. 19, transit will not run, city offices and the compost facility will close, and garbage & recycling pickups will be rescheduled to the following days. City of Lafayette
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ A new flu strain (influenza A subclade K) is appearing amid high seasonal cases and rising hospital visits in Louisiana. Health officials say the season’s vaccine still helps lessen severe illness by protecting both children and adults. The Daily Advertiser
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns quarterback Walker Howard entered the NCAA transfer portal after playing six games last season, including his bowl game against Delaware, and experiencing an injury that sidelined him until mid-October — marking his fourth college team. News 15
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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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Courir de Mardi Gras
10 AM – 4 PM — Lafayette Parish Bayou Vermilion District — Free entry — Experience a vibrant family-friendly Mardi Gras run with traditional music and gumbo gathering.
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Roux Fest Gumbo Cookoff
5-8 p.m. — Blackham Coliseum — Proceeds support local nonprofits — Experience a vibrant gumbo showdown blending tradition and innovation with live music.
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.
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