Good morning, Lafayette.

Fezzo's Seafood, Steakhouse & Oyster Bar in Broussard joins the 2026 Tito's 'Tini Tuesday Tour during week seven of the fundraiser, offering its Berry Smash Martini to benefit Healing House's free grief support for Acadiana children.

Kim Thackston and bartender Alyssa Morgan showcased the cocktail on MidDay with Darla.

Lafayette received a $15,000 AARP grant to enhance the Greenhouse Senior Center with shaded seating, a community garden and a gazebo.

Construction begins this fall (expected to finish by summer) to support outdoor activities for local seniors.

Dr. Holly Boffy, principal at the Career Center, was named 2027 Louisiana High School Principal of the Year on Saturday at the 20th Annual Cecil J.

Picard Educator Excellence Awards Gala in Baton Rouge. She will lead the Career Center and E.J. Sam Accelerated School in the 2026-27 school year — expanding student pathways.

Lafayette students will gain additional academic support as the ACE program expands to serve 1,440 PreK-8 students through the 2028-29 school year following a $4.3 million investment by the Pugh Family Foundation and LPSS.

The program has shown measurable test score gains at current campuses.

Six months after directly contracting with local hospitals (such as Ochsner Lafayette General Medical Center), Lafayette Parish School System saved $2.89 million on employee and retiree insurance, according to Superintendent Francis Touchet, reducing expenses by 66% and easing pressure on reserve funds following a $6.7 million deficit.

The Louisiana Department of Revenue says more than $17.5 million in income tax refunds remain for over 22,000 taxpayers until Sept.

4; those with letters may claim their refunds electronically or by mail (paper checks will follow).

Due to ongoing heat advisories, the Lafayette Parish Office of Homeland Security reopened cooling centers from Monday, July 27 through Friday, July 31, offering water and fans at spots like Girard Park Pavilion + Dupuis Recreation Center while bus fares are suspended for rides to these centers.

Katie Ferguson, a Lafayette native and dedicated caregiver, recounted how she supported her former partner after his spinal injury and recovered from heart surgery to fix a hidden birth defect — the gentle clicking of her mechanical valve now comforts her.

The third annual Krewe of Rio Charity Golf Tournament is accepting team registrations for a four-man scramble at Les Vieux Chênes Golf Course on Friday, Aug.

14 (check-in at 10:30 a.m. and tee time at noon). Sponsorships to benefit local charities are due by Aug. 1 as limited spots fill fast.

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.