KADN-TV (Lafayette, LA)

LAFAYETTE, La. (NEWS 15) — Lafayette Mayor-President Monique Blanco Boulet and state officials signed a key environmental document for the long-delayed I-49 Connector project on Wednesday in Baton Rouge, triggering a pair of federal grant applications totaling about $80 million. The signing of the draft Environmental Impact Statement marked what officials described as a major milestone for a project that dates to 1987, when the first round of congressional authorization and funding took place.

BREAUX BRIDGE, La. (NEWS 15) — The St. Martin Parish School Board held a private hearing to consider the fate of a longtime educator who was fired after allegedly violating the district's social media policy by posting photos of students. Wanda Roy, who spent six decades as an educator, was recently terminated after the district determined she had violated its social media policy. The hearing took place amid a show of community support for Roy.

LAFAYETTE, La. (NEWS 15) — News 15 Investigates has uncovered that the Diocese of Lafayette has hired a well-known bankruptcy attorney for at least one of its mounting clergy sex abuse lawsuits. Some in the legal community suggest this could indicate the diocese itself is preparing to file for bankruptcy. The attorney, Francis LoCoco, is based in Wisconsin and previously represented the Diocese of Milwaukee in its bankruptcy case.

OPELOUSAS, La. (NEWS 15) — The St. Landry Parish School Board voted Wednesday night to close six schools, consolidate four others, and cut up to 30% of district staff in an effort to address a budget deficit estimated between $19 million and $20 million. The board's decision drew strong opposition from parents, teachers, and community members before the vote was cast.

NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) - An Orleans Parish grand jury has indicted Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill in connection with a probe into alleged threats she made to New Orleans city leaders in May, according to Orleans Criminal Court Judge Laurie White. A $400,000 bond was set for Murrill, according to official records. The attorney general is facing 16 felony counts: eight counts of public intimidation and eight counts of malfeasance in office.

A few thunderstorms flared up across Acadiana this afternoon, but they'll dissipate shortly after sunset. And while daytime storms will be possible through the holiday weekend, conditions will be much improved as area communities host firework festivities after dark. Quieter conditions will prevail tonight as temperatures slowly drop back into the mid 70s by Friday morning. Much like today, it'll be a quiet start to the day before a few pop-up storms develop in the mid-afternoon hours.

NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) - An Orleans Parish grand jury has indicted Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill in connection with a probe into alleged threats she made to New Orleans city leaders in May, according to Orleans Criminal Court Judge Laurie White. A $400,000 bond was set for Murrill, according to official records. The attorney general is facing 16 felony counts: eight counts of public intimidation and eight counts of malfeasance in office.

LAFAYETTE, La. (NEWS 15) — The United States men's national soccer team advanced past Bosnia on Wednesday night, but the victory came at a cost — top goal scorer Folarin Balogun was issued a red card in the second half, ruling him out of the Round of 16 matchup. The red card drew immediate criticism from American soccer fans, who noted that the referee bypassed a yellow card and went directly to a red. The official announced the call on the field.

LAFAYETTE, La. (NEWS 15) — The Fourth of July is the most popular day for grilling in the United States — and also the peak day for grill-related fires, with about 10,000 occurring annually and causing around $150 million in property damage. Grill-related fires are more common in the summer months, with July representing the highest point of the year. Gas grills account for the majority of those fires at 85%, followed by charcoal grills at 12% and electric grills at 3%.

LAFAYETTE, La. (NEWS 15) — The Lafayette Fire Department is urging residents to celebrate the Fourth of July safely, reminding them that fireworks are illegal within Lafayette city limits and offering safety guidance for those in unincorporated areas of the parish. Lafayette Fire Department Public Information Officer Alton Trahan appeared on MidDay with Darla to outline the department's safety recommendations ahead of the holiday.