SAINTS TRAINING CAMP What to watch for as practice begins 1C THE
ACADIANA
ADVOCATE
T H E A C A D I A N A A D V O C AT E.C O M
TUESdAy’S PROJECTEd HIGH
95º
WHAT IT’S GOING TO FEEL LIKE
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T u e s d ay, J u ly 28, 2026
$2.00X
109º
HEATING UP Lafayette residents advised to reschedule outdoor activities as heat advisory issued
STAFF PHOTO By BRAd KEMP
The Lafayette Police department is investigating alleged payroll fraud at Lafayette Renaissance Charter Academy.
Charter school subject of probe
Police investigating alleged payroll fraud BY CLAIRE TAYLOR
Staff writer
STAFF PHOTO By BRAd KEMP
Ki’Lynn Arceneaux, center, joins other children trying to stay cool by running and playing through the fountain at Parc Sans Souci on Monday in Lafayette. BY JA’KORI MADISON Staff writer
Acadiana has endured several days of triple-digit heat index values, and forecasters expect the dangerous conditions to continue through Tuesday before rain chances increase later this week. The National Weather Service forecasts highs in the upper 90s Tuesday, but high humidity will make it feel between 105 and 115 degrees during the afternoon, increasing the risk of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Overnight temperatures are expected to remain in the upper 70s, providing little opportunity for people and buildings to cool down before another day of oppressive heat.
The National Weather Service urges residents to postpone or reschedule strenuous outdoor activities, particularly during the hottest part of the afternoon. Those who must be outside should drink plenty of fluids, wear lightweight clothing, take frequent breaks in the shade or an air-conditioned building and check on relatives, neighbors and others who may be vulnerable to the heat. Anyone showing signs of heat illness should be moved to a cool location immediately. Heat stroke is a medical emergency, and officials urge people to call 911 if someone becomes confused, loses consciousness or stops sweating. Older adults, young children, people with chronic medical conditions and those
who work or exercise outdoors face the greatest risk from prolonged exposure to extreme heat. Tuesday’s forecast calls for a high near 95 degrees, with heat index values as high as 109 degrees. Wednesday is expected to be mostly sunny with a high near 97. Relief is expected to arrive later this week as a more active weather pattern brings increasing chances for afternoon showers and thunderstorms. Rain chances increase to 50% Thursday, when highs are expected to reach about 95 degrees, before tapering to 30% Friday with highs near 94. Forecasters expect daily chances for afternoon showers and thunderstorms to continue into the weekend, helping ease the prolonged stretch of dangerous heat.
ä Trump defends his tariffs during stop in Michigan. PAGE 6A
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump on Monday demanded that Senate Majority Leader John Thune cancel the chamber’s upcoming August break until senators pass a strict proof-of-citizenship voting bill, even as Republicans lack the votes to advance it. Trump has repeatedly urged Thune to scrap the legislative filibuster, which effectively sets a 60-vote threshold for most
legislation in the 100-member Senate, or find another workaround to pass the voting bill, known as the SAVE America Act. But Republicans hold only a 53-47 majority, and Thune has consistently said they don’t have the votes to pass the bill or change the rules to get around the filibuster.
Associated Press
WEATHER HIGH 95 LOW 78 PAGE 6A
ä See SENATE, page 4A
ä See CHARTER, page 4A
Cassidy, Kennedy call for info on Iran war
Trump demands Senate pass voting bill before taking break BY JOEY CAPPELLETTI and MARY CLARE JALONICK
The Lafayette Police Department is investigating possible payroll fraud at Lafayette Renaissance Charter Academy’s lower campus. Sgt. Robin Green, public information officer with Lafayette police, confirmed that the department has an active investigation into payroll fraud at the pre-K through fourth grade school on Vienne Lane in Lafayette. The Louisiana Legislative Auditor’s Office also is reportedly investigating, but attorney Jenifer Schaye said the office is unable to comment or even confirm that an investigation is underway. Don Landry, district attorney for the 15th Judicial District that includes Lafayette, said his office does not investigate unless it receives a police report. The Acadiana Advocate has obtained letters dated March 30 to the legislative auditor and Landry by Charter Schools USA, which provides charter management services for the Lafayette Charter Foundation. The letters give notice of a preliminary internal investigation at Lafayette Renaissance Charter Academy. The notifications were made to comply with Louisiana
Cassidy
La. senators say they support military action
ä Mediators see progress in efforts to halt war. PAGE 3A
BY MARK BALLARD
is have a national dialogue, where the president comes to the American people, comes to Congress, (and) Congress helps make a tough decision,” Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-Baton Rouge, said Sunday on CNN’s “State of the Union.”
Staff writer
Kennedy
WASHINGTON — Louisiana’s two U.S. senators support the military action in Iran but say it’s time for the president to explain the purpose, strategy and off-ramp. “What we do need to do, though,
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ä See IRAN, page 4A
102Nd yEAR, NO. 28