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S at u r d ay, J u n e 27, 2026
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Voters to settle Senate primary race runoffs
was ousted in the May ä See what’s on your Tax measures, PSC and BESE seats also on ballot who 16 Republican primary. ballot. PAGE 5A
BY TYLER BRIDGES Staff writer
Voters will conclude Louisiana’s new primary elections Saturday by choosing between two Republicans and two Democrats in the U.S. Senate party runoff
elections. U.S. Rep. Julia Letlow has been the heavy favorite to win the Republican Senate nomination, but treasurer John Fleming has closed most, if not all, of the gap. Farmer Jamie Davis and business owner Gary Crock-
ett are vying in a separate primary for the Democratic Party Senate nomination. The winners of each runoff on Saturday will advance to a general election on Nov. 3. Whoever emerges victorious in that election will replace U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy,
Polling stations on Saturday will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Also on the ballot are races for open seats on the Public Service Commission and the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education — and 115 local measures, most involving taxes.
State Rep. Stephanie Hilferty, R-New Orleans, and former Jefferson Parish President John Young, a Republican, are facing off for the PSC seat that Eric Skrmetta is vacating because of term limits. The
Legislature drew boundaries designed to elect a Republican. The PSC regulates the power grid and other utilities. The district includes portions of Jefferson, Livingston, Orleans and St. Charles parishes and all of Plaquemines, St. Bernard,
ä See ELECTION, page 5A
Lafayette gets $23M in state funding
‘It hurts my heart’
Money to go toward key projects
BY STEPHEN MARCANTEL Staff writer
STAFF PHOTO By BRAD BOWIE
Steve Laborde, Class of 1983, views past awards displayed in the band room during a Legacy Walk for alumni, former educators and staff members of Comeaux High School on Thursday in Lafayette. The school, opened in 1966, is scheduled to close Tuesday before being repurposed as a career center.
Hundreds return for last walk through Comeaux High before it closes forever BY CLAIRE TAYLOR Staff writer
Hundreds of people flocked to Comeaux High School on Thursday evening as if the final bell was about to ring. Alumni and former faculty walked the halls one final time of the school they called home for years, peeking into classrooms, greeting former classmates and reminiscing. Some scored tangible souvenirs: Tshirts, football jerseys, football helmets, plants and folding chairs with the Spartans logo on them. The school, opened in 1966, is slated to close June 30 to
become a career center. The closure follows a bitter fight between faculty, alumni, students and parents pitted against the Lafayette Parish School Board and school system administration. “It’s bittersweet,” Barbara Vautrot, who taught at Comeaux High from 1974-2004, said as she stood in a hallway, surrounded by former students and teachers. “The classroom was the happiest place in my life.” Greeted by a former student, she recalled their name immediately. She even
STAFF PHOTO By CLAIRE TAyLOR
Comeaux High School alumni, from left, Dantrey Lockett and Devante Lee, class of 2017, and Breanna Foreman, class of ä See COMEAUX, page 5A 2019, toured the school for the last time on Thursday.
Lafayette Consolidated Government secured nearly $23 million in direct and set-aside funding for infrastructure and public safety improvements during the 2026 legislative session, officials said. Legislation successfully pushed by state Rep. Annie Spell, R-Lafayette, also mandates commercial insurers to reimburse crisis care providers, supporting the viability of a future crisis center in the city, according to an LCG announcement. “A strong partnership with our legislative delegation led to big outcomes,” said Mayor-President Monique Boulet. “Our legislators worked with us every step of the way as we turn our priorities into real results. As we continue to address infrastructure, public safety, redevelopment and improving quality of life in our community, this kind of collaboration is essential.” Funding for projects includes: n Widening Rue Du Belier: $2 million n Johnston Street project: $2.5 million, with $5 million in Priority 5 funding* n Downtown/Freetown/UL drainage improvements: $2.5 million in Priority 2, with $10 million in Priority 5* n Lafayette City Marshal equipment: $100,000 n Lafayette Police Department equipment: $100,000 n Lafayette Police Department K-9 Training Facility: $220,000 n Lafayette Police Department special response gear: $10,000 n Heymann Park: $500,000 n Crime cameras at Milton Community Center: $40,000 n Milton traffic crosswalk: $30,000 n South College Drive at Bendel Road sidewalks: $150,000 n La. 92 near St. Joseph’s Church crosswalk: $15,000. *Priority 2 and 5 funding do not represent immediate funding.
U.S. strikes Iran in response to drone attack on cargo ship President says attack violated ceasefire
in the Strait of Hormuz. It’s the most significant test yet to an interim understanding reached a week ago by the two countries to begin working to end their monthslong war and reopen the pivotal waterway. By COLLIN BINKLEY President Donald Trump and JON GAMBRELL said the drone attack violatAssociated Press ed the ceasefire. The strikes WASHINGTON — The U.S. came shortly after Trump struck Iran on Friday in re- told reporters, “You’ll find sponse to a drone attack a out,” whether the U.S. would day earlier on a cargo ship respond.
Editor’s Note:
Because of expected late election results, Sunday’s delivery may be delayed.
WEATHER HIGH 92 LOW 77 PAGE 6A
U.S. Central Command said the military struck missile and drone locations and coastal radar sites in Iran. “I don’t like the fact that they took a shot yesterday, actually four of them,” Trump said at the White House shortly before the U.S. struck back. When asked why there would be strikes when Trump has insisted talks with Tehran are going well, Trump said
of Iran: “They’re a little bit different.” He then abruptly cut off questions and reporters were ushered out of his office. Ebrahim Azizi, who heads the Iranian parliament’s national security commission, responded to Trump on social media earlier Friday, saying, “the Strait of Hormuz is governed by Iran, so: Respect the rules” and to “not mistake control
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for escalation.” “This is not a violation of the ceasefire; it is ceasefire management,” Azizi wrote. The U.S. strikes on Iran concluded about an hour after U.S. Central Command announced the military action on social media, a U.S. official with knowledge of the situation told The Associated Press. The official spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss an ongoing military operation.
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The British military said on Thursday that a container ship was hit by a projectile off the coast of Oman, coming hours after Iran threatened vessels to stop using the route. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations center said no injuries were reported. The development came during a fragile time for the U.S. and Iran as they work
ä See STRIKE, page 5A
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