Today
in Lafayette
Monday, January 26th, 2026
Good morning, Lafayette. Here's your local news at a glance for Monday, the 26th of January.
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Louisiana's unemployment claims dropped to 1,486 for the week ending Jan. 17 (down from 1,927 the prior week), while overall jobless claims nationwide increased to 200,000, according to the Labor Department. The Daily Advertiser
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Milton Elementary-Middle School counselor Ali Cantrell is named a finalist for the Love Our Schools Education All-Stars All Heart award, and she will be honored on Feb. 7 at UL Lafayette’s men’s basketball game after more than 20 years of building strong student relationships. The Advocate
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Cleco reported nearly 17,000 customers lost power in central and north Louisiana yesterday after Winter Storm Fern brought ice buildup and falling trees. Crews are working to restore service with additional contractors on scene, and updates will follow. KATC
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Lafayette Consolidated Government warned residents of dangerous black ice forming overnight and into early today (crews are treating overpasses and hospital areas) and urged only essential travel due to freezing temperatures. The Daily Advertiser
- ➤ DOTD crews salted I-10 on the Atchafalaya Basin Bridge yesterday to prepare for freezing temperatures starting at 6 p.m. tonight and lasting until 11 a.m. Tuesday, while officials warn that minor flooding may affect Heymann Park as the Vermilion River nears flood stage at Surrey Street Gage in Lafayette. News 15
- ➤ Municipal officials urge residents in Acadiana to conserve water as freezing temperatures threaten burst pipes & low water pressure. Lafayette Utilities System advises insulating pipes and shutting off dripping faucets to protect home water systems. News 15
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ Realtor.com data show that Lafayette Parish's median home listing price was $298,250 in December, with homes listed for 78 days at about $161 per sqft; these figures cover only single-family homes, condos and townhomes. The Daily Advertiser
- ➤ Zumper’s new data shows Lafayette apartment listings increased 9% from last December with a current median rent of $1,295 compared to last month’s $1,165. One-bedroom units fell slightly since last year while two-bedroom prices held steady in the metro area. The Daily Advertiser
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Lafayette will host the 2026 LHSAA State Golf Championships on May 4–5, as announced by the Lafayette Convention & Visitors Commission (continuing a decade-long tradition), and will feature top high school golfers competing on four premier courses in Lafayette Parish (boosting local pride and business). BY Local News
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
The Hub Lafayette Runwell 5K Walk/Run
8 AM – 12 PM — Geaux Run by Fleet Feet — Registration fees apply — Enjoy a family-friendly 5K and Kids Fun Run in Lafayette.
-
SPE International Conference on Formation Damage Control
February 18-20 — DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Lafayette — Check website for cost — A conference focusing on engineering challenges in formation damage control.
-
Chris Thomas King Concert
7:30-11:30 p.m. — Acadiana Center for the Arts — Ticketed event — Experience the soulful sounds of Chris Thomas King, a significant figure in folk blues history.
-
Ragin' Cajuns All Girl Cheer Clinic
3:00–6:00 p.m. — EK Long Annex — Registration required — Elevate your cheer skills with hands-on training and recruitment opportunities led by experienced coaches.
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
The cure for pain is in the pain.
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