Today
in Lafayette
Thursday, January 29th, 2026
Good morning, Lafayette. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 29th of January.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ As freezing temperatures persist in Lafayette Parish (and nearby areas), plumbing crews are repairing burst pipes and water leaks in homes and businesses; they advise residents to insulate outdoor faucets and leave a slow drip to prevent damage, and more calls are expected as the cold endures. KATC
- ➤ Second Harvest Food Bank worked with warming shelters including the Dupuis Recreation Center at Graham Brown Memorial Park during cold snap conditions. It served meals Tuesday and Wednesday and will resume breakfast, lunch and dinner Friday through Sunday as cold weather persists. KATC
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Restaurateur Charlie Goodson died Wednesday at his home after battling cancer. He built several local eateries (including Charley G’s) that helped shape Lafayette’s dining scene. KATC
- ➤ Charlie Goodson, a longtime restaurant owner & founder of Charlie G’s, passed away from esophageal cancer at his Lafayette home; he was 81. News 15
- ➤ A recent Arctic blast slowed crawfish harvest in Lafayette when temperatures fell below 60°F (crawfish dug underground), but local farmers said the chill was short-term and expect the season to remain strong. News 15
- ➤ Downtown Lafayette’s Wild Child Wine Shop earned national acclaim as Louisiana’s only Outstanding Bar nominee from the James Beard Foundation. The shop, launched in 2020 by co-owners Denny and Katie Culbert, is known as a community space with unique wines and friendly service (the owners credit their dedicated staff). KATC
- ➤ Ruby Slipper marked its one-year anniversary on Wednesday at its location on Ambassador Caffery Parkway near River Ranch in Lafayette, known for its creative brunch menu including bread pudding pancakes. News 15
- ➤ Paul Billeaud announced his retirement from the Billeaud Companies board after 51 years of service. His son Brian was named to fill the remainder of his term as the company continues to grow in commercial real estate and land development. KATC
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ A Lafayette teen, Israel Chaisson (Zydeco Izreal), is organizing community jams to keep Cajun and Creole music alive. The next jam is set for Feb. 1 at Freetown Community Market and another will take place at the South Regional Library on Feb. 20. KATC
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Louisiana senators Bill Cassidy and John Kennedy introduced legislation today to rename Lafayette's VA Outpatient Clinic after veteran Rodney C. Hamilton Sr., a Korean War hero awarded the Purple Heart who also served in local government. News 15
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, and Dr. May S. Thomassee at Our Lady of Lourdes said that Pap tests + the HPV vaccine can help catch abnormal cells early to prevent cervical cancer. KATC
- ➤ The Lafayette Animal Shelter and Care Center warns pet owners that local law requires outdoor pets to be kept in a shelter with three sides, a roof, a solid floor, and dry bedding. The shelter offers assistance to help owners meet these cold weather safety standards. KATC
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Northside girls basketball beat North Vermilion 49-44 on Jan. 27 with Jamaria Senegal scoring 17 points and giving the Patriots their second loss in a crucial district game; coach Erin Rogers said the win marked their first district victory after an earlier narrow contest. The Daily Advertiser
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Candlelight Concert: Coldplay vs. Imagine Dragons
6:00-6:59 p.m. — Petroleum Club of Lafayette — Tickets required — Experience a magical evening of live music featuring the hits of Coldplay and Imagine Dragons.
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NoCap Live in Concert
9 p.m. — The District Event Center — No refunds — Experience an electrifying night with NoCap live in Lafayette.
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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