Good morning, Lafayette.

Volunteers packed 20,000 meals on Thursday at CGI for food banks that assist families facing food insecurity in Lafayette.

The Feed the Funnel event partnered with The Pack Shack to support Second Harvest Food Bank of Acadiana, UL Lafayette’s Campus Cupboard, and South Louisiana Community College’s The Pantry.

Bubba’s 33 (a Texas Roadhouse-owned chain) has applied for a building permit to convert the old Tokyo Japanese Steakhouse space at 3511 Ambassador Caffery Parkway into a sports bar.

Tokyo is reviewing plans as the new location could be Louisiana’s first, with another opening planned in Ruston.

CF Industries, JERA and Mitsui held a groundbreaking ceremony on Aug.

26 for the $3.7 billion Blue Point One low-carbon ammonia plant in Ascension Parish near Donaldsonville — it is set to be the world’s largest when operational in 2029 and expected to create thousands of jobs.

Lafayette shop owner Colette Bernard of Cocodrie Collective opened a second location at The Bend (500 Settlers Trace Blvd. in River Ranch) and launched an annual art school student debt relief fund that recognized employee Sydney Hemphill for her role in boosting revenue.

State Farm is returning $136 million in policy dividends to Louisiana auto insurance customers—averaging $138 per vehicle for policies active as of Dec.

31—and issuing checks in phases as part of its $5 billion nationwide rebate program.

Iberia Parish School District was recognized today after receiving the 2026 One Acadiana ConnectEd Award for its districtwide program linking students with local employers, which led to nine completions and five hires (over 90 students applied for this school year).

State Farm is issuing a total of 136 million dollars in dividend payments on auto insurance policies as customers begin receiving an average of 138 dollars per vehicle for policies active as of Dec.

31, 2025 & payments will arrive in phases until the end of this year.

Lafayette Utilities System wastewater crews started smoke testing sewer lines in Rivers Bend on Aug.

27, a maintenance process that may cause smoke to appear near roof plumbing vents at local homes and businesses.

A Lafayette dermatologist says there is no cure for hair loss but treatment options now help patients regrow hair (Dr. Kim Drew at Lafayette Dermatology explained current management methods with local reporter Al Hebert).

The University of Louisiana System Board of Supervisors approved renaming its baseball park to Tony Robichaux Park on Aug.

27 to honor the late Ragin’ Cajuns coach. UL also renamed its stadium club as Russo Club and launched a fund ahead of the 2027 season.

The UL women's soccer team (in Lafayette) started the season 2-1 with forward Miku Kurihara scoring five goals, and keeper Natalie Mays anchoring defense.

Coach McBride credited the team's offensive depth for its strong early showing.

The Kiwanis Club of Lafayette will host its 74th Annual High School Football Jamboree at Our Lady of Lourdes Stadium on Thursday and Friday, featuring 12 Acadiana-area teams in six games.

Christian Williford, Richie Guillory + April Kleinpeter previewed the event on MidDay with Darla.

Under coach Chris Francis, the Louisiana Drillers built a winning culture over four years and posted a 46-0-1 record last season after winning the Fraser Cup in 2025.

The team now prepares for another season with new recruit Dayton Ruppel and strong camaraderie.