Good morning, Lafayette.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.