SAINTS PRACTICE: MOORE MAKES CHANGES; DEFENSE WINS DAY 1C THE
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T h u r s d ay, J u n e 11, 2026
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School leaders balk at proposed cuts Landry wants to use funds for teacher bonuses BY PATRICK WALL Staff writer
In public statements and private conversations with lawmakers, Louisiana’s school superintendents are sounding the alarm about Gov. Jeff Landry’s proposal to pay for teacher bonuses by cutting public school funding. In recent days, school district leaders have publicly raised con-
cerns at school board meetings and on social media about the nearly $170 million proposed reduction in state funding, warning that it could jeopardize school programs and staff positions. They also have shared their concerns privately in letters and calls with state legislators, who must vote this month on Landry’s plan, which needs the backing of two-thirds of the Legislature to take effect.
The superintendents have challenged Landry’s suggestion that they tap their rainy-day funds to pay for the stipends, and they argued that the governor’s decision to exclude certain school staffers — including principals and counselors — from the bonus pay is bad for morale. They also say the proposed cut, which represents about 5% of state funding for K-12 schools, will be especially painful
for rural districts that rely heavily on state money to keep their schools running. The tiny Caldwell Parish school system in recent years has eliminated teaching positions, shuttered a school and tapped its reserves to plug a budget hole caused by declining enrollment, said Superintendent Nicki McCann. Now, under Landry’s plan, the district is looking at a roughly $423,000 reduction in state spending — a “devastating” amount that could send the school system into a tailspin,
U.S. hits ‘multiple targets’ in Iran
McCann said. “I immediately called our legislators and said, ‘Y’all, we can’t do this,’ ” she said, warning them that the threat is existential. “In two to three years, we’re going to be handing you the keys to our school system and saying, ‘We’re closing.’” For the past three years, Louisiana has given $2,000 stipends to teachers and $1,000 to support staff instead of permanent raises.
ä See CUTS, page 5A
LAFAYETTE PARISH
Rural residents eye ways to shape growth Regulations aimed at managing development
BY STEPHEN MARCANTEL Staff writer
said it had fired on an oil tanker attempting to transport oil from Iran in violation of its blockade on Iranian ports. Trump’s comments underlined his whipsaw approach to the war; earlier this week he suggested a deal to end the conflict could be reached in a matter of days. Iran has proved resilient despite weeks of heavy bombing. It is betting that its ability to effectively close the Strait of Hormuz — a crucial passageway for oil and natural gas — gives it a strong bargaining chip. Iran’s United Nations envoy said the U.S. should refrain from threats of force
Residents of unincorporated Lafayette Parish could soon have new tools to shape how and where development occurs as local officials consider regulations aimed at managing growth outside city limits. Lafayette Consolidated Government and Mayor-President Monique Boulet met with Milton residents Tuesday to discuss options ranging from minimum lot sizes and subdivision standards to growth boundaries and land-use regulations — measures that are largely absent in the parish’s unincorporated areas. The meeting was the first in a series of public discussions intended to help LCG determine how residents want future growth managed and what ordinances may be needed to guide development. It also highlighted the challenges local government faces in keeping infrastructure, drainage and transportation systems aligned with the parish’s rapid growth. Lafayette Parish is the fastestgrowing parish in Louisiana, with much of that growth occurring
ä See TARGETS, page 5A
ä See RURAL, page 5A
ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By MOHAMMED ZAATARI
A man runs past burning cars following an Israeli airstrike in the southern port city of Sidon, Lebanon, on Wednesday as attacks resumed in the region.
Trump says military is sneaking oil past the Strait of Hormuz
media post that the military is striking “multiple targets in Iran” and that it’s being done “in response to Iran’s unwarranted and continued aggression.” The second day of American strikes came hours after Bahrain, Kuwait and Jordan — all of which BY JON GAMBRELL, host U.S. troops — came MICHELLE L. PRICE under Iranian fire. It was and KONSTANTIN TOROPIN the third time this week Associated Press that back-and-forth strikes DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — The U.S. mili- have tested a two-month tary said Wednesday it has begun another ceasefire. They also came a round of strikes against Iran after Presi- day after the U.S. struck Iran following dent Donald Trump said more were com- the crash of an Army helicopter near the ing. The escalating attacks threatened to Strait of Hormuz that Trump blamed on derail efforts to end the war, with Trump the Islamic Republic. Trump urged Iran to sign a deal to end warning that Tehran would “pay the the war. price” for stalled negotiations. Earlier Wednesday, the U.S. military U.S. Central Command said in a social
CONFLIC CT IN THE
MIDDLE EAST
Private beach feuds explode on Florida coast rippling along this coastline. beach beside Florida’s Scenic Visitors denied access sions “See the private beach signs?” Highway 30A was quiet, and a small group of waterfront homehe said. to certain spots He pointed past a crowded owners and visitors shared the of public sand to a row of sand with few complaints. But a while owners want stretch empty lounge chairs blocked by surge of newcomers who began to be left in peace “No Trespassing” warnings and arriving over the last decade
a security guard watching from beneath a large umbrella. “It’s tragic,” Rauschkolb, who Staff writer has surfed here for decades, said SEAGROVE BEACH, Fla. — As soon as as he looked out at the waves. “I Dave Rauschkolb stepped onto can’t go to the beach without bethe sandy boardwalk, he spotted ing stressed out.” another example of the rising tenThere was a time when the
BY MARTHA SANCHEZ
WEATHER HIGH 90 LOW 75 PAGE 6A
is transforming the coast into a bustling hub of tourism and wealth. The rush is creating a growing feud over who has the right to enjoy paradise.
ä See FEUDS, page 5A
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Dave Rauschkolb and Sara Day are some of the most prominent voices advocating for public rights on beaches in Walton County, Fla., where tensions over private shorelines are rising. STAFF PHOTO By HANNAH LEVITAN
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