Good morning, Lafayette.

Quality Companies announced a $7 million expansion in Youngsville and Jeanerette that will add nearly 350 jobs to the local economy.

The Jeanerette facility will be completed by December — adding 125 direct jobs at an average salary of $59,000 while the Youngsville plant expands for increased production capacity.

Meta announced that its Richland Parish data center project expanded its plan from a $10 billion investment to $50 billion, driving a 13% boost in sales tax collections in 2025 and fueling teacher bonuses, booming restaurant sales, and rising hotel revenue with forecasts for continued growth through 2026.

Families gathered Sunday afternoon at Next Level Lafayette Bicycle Club for a back-to-school supply drive by Acts of Care & the Lafayette Housing Authority; organizers distributed over 350 backpacks stocked with notebooks, pencils, and supplies to ease the cost of preparing for the new school year.

Harvey Rabbit and Friends will perform free puppet shows at the South Regional Library (10:00 a.m.) and the Main Library (2:30 p.m.) Friday, July 24 to boost the library’s Summer Reading Program for children 3 and up.

Tropical Storm Bertha is set to bring heavy rain, gusty winds, and flash flooding as Tropical Depression Two reaches Louisiana by 1 p.m. today; Lafayette will see scattered thunderstorms and wind gusts up to 40 mph tomorrow.

The Lafayette Parish Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness activated several cooling centers to help residents beat extreme heat from July 20 to July 24.

Centers (Girard Park Pavilion, local libraries, Oak Street Health Primary Care, and St. Joseph Diner) offer free fans and water.

A Lafayette Parish resident filed a complaint with the DA on Monday alleging that Superintendent Francis Touchet paid central office staff in June and July for a 40 hour work week even though they worked only 32 or 36 hours (potentially breaching board policy and state law).

A proposed 16-lot subdivision in Scott is under review on a former cotton gin property near Avenue A and Delhomme Avenue, and city officials confirmed a drainage analysis was completed to secure runoff capture while a new street will improve first responder access.

Ochsner Lafayette General Medical Center CEO Patrick W.

Gandy, Jr. expects to announce a leadership transition plan soon as Al Patin begins his new role as CEO of Ochsner South Shore Community Hospitals and Bayou Region starting Aug. 3 (covering several hospital locations while existing leaders remain unchanged).

Our Lady of Lourdes Women's & Children's Hospital and Lafayette Public Library are hosting a free community event today at the Lafayette Public Library East Region Branch in Youngsville from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Women can ask questions and learn about menopause and perimenopause care in a judgment-free environment.

Bryan Maggard will leave UL Lafayette after nine years to join the University of Missouri; deputy AD Trey Frazier is named interim AD.

Local 2027 safety Landon Ortte from St. Thomas More committed to UL today after an official visit solidified his choice.

He said he admired UL's pro-style defense and rigorous coaching, aiming to bring his hard work and talent to the Cajuns as they build on a strong local football tradition.

Zydeco Sunday at Rock'n'Bowl

5-11 p.m. — Rock'n'Bowl® de Lafayette — $17.43 total — Experience lively Zydeco music and a vibrant atmosphere.

Back to School Potluck

6-8 p.m. — Blue Moon Saloon & Guest House — Drinks available — Bring a dish to share and connect with local educators and community members.