Today
in Lafayette
Friday, October 31st, 2025
Good morning, Lafayette. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 31st of October.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The Lafayette Police Department hosted its 9th annual Trunk or Treat event today at Cajun Field, drawing over 3,000 people to a safe, family-friendly space for trick-or-treating. Police gave out Halloween bags and candy from decorated vehicles — an effort to keep the celebration secure for local children. News 15
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Swig opened its drive-thru at The Forum in Lafayette, offering a menu of sodas, refreshers, and hot chocolate made with a twist—its unique drinks are drawing local soda fans. The chain will open a second location in Youngsville soon. The Advocate
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ FSA offices have reopened in Louisiana after U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins met with Gov. Jeff Landry and Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain last week; each county office now has two employees working five days a week while some services remain paused. The Advocate
- ➤ Yesterday, local, state, and district leaders gathered at the Lafayette Emergency Operations Center to simulate an active shooter scenario at Acadiana Renaissance Academy. More than a dozen agencies—including Lafayette Consolidated Government, Ochsner and Lourdes hospitals, Acadian Ambulance, and local first responders—tested emergency protocols and strengthened cross-agency ties. The Advocate
- ➤ The Louisiana Department of Health announced that starting November 1, state-funded emergency help will support SNAP households (those with elderly, disabled residents or children) while households with only able-bodied adults will not get this aid. Unused SNAP benefits will stay on EBT cards and programs like FITAP and KCSP will continue during the federal shutdown. KATC
- ➤ Lafayette Utilities System is repainting about 7,000 fire hydrants over five years (1,400 each year) as a planned public works project. The work began in early October in the Saint streets area and is set to move into downtown this weekend, with completion expected by mid-November. The Advocate
- ➤ Holly Howat, who founded Beacon Community Connections, has joined the Louisiana Department of Health as assistant secretary of behavioral health. She left Beacon this summer—after nearly 10 years of leading the group—and said she will expand programs like Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics while asking the community for its input on care solutions. The Current
- ➤ Mayor-President Boulet announced that the 2026 Mardi Gras parade will follow a new route on Jefferson Street instead of the current path. Kevin Blanchard from the downtown authority said he is excited about the change — but he urged the city to provide clear plans for safety, parking and cleanup — and noted that City Council will review these details at a Nov. 4 meeting at City Hall. The Advocate
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Construction began on a Louisiana Orthopaedic Specialists facility at 1934 Chemin Metairie Parkway, across from Sugar Mill Villas, to offer urgent care, physical and occupational therapy, and specialist exams. Youngsville Mayor Ken Ritter said the new clinic will bring more care — adding jobs and meeting growing needs — and is expected to open in 2026. The Advocate
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ Lafayette now boasts a growing list of upscale restaurants that serve fresh, locally sourced seafood and chef-inspired dishes in inviting settings. Fine dining spots such as Charley G's and Vestal offer refined atmospheres for special dinners — a sign of the city’s flourishing culinary scene. Lafayette Convention & Visitors Commission
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Today, the undefeated Teurlings Catholic Rebels (8-0) will host crosstown rival St. Thomas More at 7 p.m.—the team aims to win for the first time against STM since 2015 as coach Michael Courville stresses ending the long drought. The Advocate
- ➤ UL's starting left tackle Bryant Williams will return for Saturday's 2:30 p.m. game at South Alabama in Mobile—allowing coach Michael Desormeaux to adjust his offensive line. Coach Desormeaux has moved Mackey Maillho to right tackle and Jax Harrington to guard, while outside linebacker Lester Jones remains out for the season after knee surgery. The Advocate
-
Acadiana Eats Festival
11 a.m.-5 p.m. — Cottage Developers — Free entry — Celebrate local cuisine with delicious food and family-friendly activities at this beloved festival.
-
Tunnel to Towers 5K Run & Walk
8:30-11:00 a.m. — Moncus Park — Registration fee applies — Honor the legacy of a heroic firefighter while enjoying a community run and walk.
-
Kat Higgins Live Performance
7:30-11:30 p.m. — Acadiana Center for the Arts — Cost info not specified — Experience the enchanting Irish folk sounds of Kat Higgins fresh from Vancouver.
-
Texas State Bobcats vs. Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns Football
1-4 p.m. — Cajun Field — Entry fee varies — Catch the action as the Texas State Bobcats take on the Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns in this exciting football matchup.
-
Alyse Young Live Performance
6-10 p.m. — El Paso Mexican Grill — Free entry — Enjoy a night of live music with singer-songwriter Alyse Young from Lafayette.
-
LHSAA State Farm Prep Classic Championship
3:30 AM – 2:00 PM — CAJUNDOME & Convention Center — VIP ticket packages available — Experience the excitement of high school championship football with premium seating and exclusive amenities.
-
Wild Kratts Live Show
3:30-5:00 p.m. — Heymann Performing Arts Center — Check for ticket prices — Experience an exciting adventure with the Kratt Brothers on stage.
-
LHSAA State Volleyball Finals
8:00 – 9:30 AM — CAJUNDOME & Convention Center — VIP ticket packages available — Experience the excitement of high school volleyball championship with premium seating and entertainment.
-
Scott Mulvahill Presents Paul Simon’s Graceland
— Time not specified — Acadiana Center for the Arts — Tickets available — Experience a heartfelt tribute to Graceland with Scott Mulvahill and talented musicians.
-
Menopause - The Musical 2
7:00-8:30 p.m. — Heymann Performing Arts Center — Tickets available — Laugh along with the hilarious sequel featuring beloved characters from the original musical.
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
Simple and easy are not the same thing.
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