Meta’s Louisiana AI buildout: Meta says its Richland Parish Hyperion data center investment has surged past $50B, now targeting a 5 GW campus after earlier 2 GW plans—while claiming more than $1.6B in local contracts and pledging to cover energy, water and infrastructure costs. Energy & trucking costs: Louisiana experts warn that renewed U.S. strikes tied to Strait of Hormuz tensions could push gas prices higher, hitting drivers hard in a state where many rely on pickup trucks. Local infrastructure (stormwater): New Orleans broke ground on the federally funded Blue Green Corridors in Gentilly, aiming to cut flooding by building stormwater parks and converting Elysian Fields neutral grounds into storage areas. Water reliability in Acadiana: Broussard updated its long-term water master plan, adding wells and filtration upgrades to handle seasonal stress and future growth. Business real estate: Baton Rouge’s Stirling Properties is starting work on The Bloc @ Stumberg—four garden office buildings—targeting small, owner-occupied workspaces. Food & seafood industry: Lafayette chef Kris Allen will represent Louisiana in the Great American Seafood Cook-Off in New Orleans after winning King of Louisiana Seafood. Workforce training: LCSH and Lean Consulting Solutions reorganized their advanced manufacturing certification program, with Lean Consulting taking over certification leadership and LCSH focusing on hands-on training. Public health & safety: DEA moves to temporarily classify a “gas station heroin” synthetic kratom compound as Schedule I, as kratom use spreads. Construction & development: Work is underway on new office buildings on Stumberg Lane, and a separate Stumberg Lane project is preparing for buildout starting early 2027. Community dining: Good Time Sushi reopens in a bigger Gentilly space, expanding its sushi and hibachi offerings. Events: A July 16-23 Lafayette-area event calendar highlights local music and library programming.