KATC-TV (Lafayette, LA)

The 40-year wait is over. Mexicans had learned to live with defeats in the knockout stages of the World Cup. On seven occasions, El Tri fans were left heartbroken at this stage. Not anymore. Julián Quiñones and Raúl Jiménez scored within a nine-minute span in the first half and Mexico defeated Ecuador 2-0 on Tuesday night to break a four-decade drought in the knockout stage and progress to the round of 16.

Village People lead singer Victor Willis died Tuesday at age 74, the disco group announced on social media early Wednesday. The group said Willis had a “short but aggressive illness” before his death. Willis provided the vocals for the group’s biggest hit, “Y.M.C.A.,” which quickly became a staple at weddings and sporting events worldwide. Other signature songs Willis voiced include “Macho Man” and “In the Navy.” The group took on various onstage personas.

President Donald Trump took in nearly $1.2 billion from his crypto businesses last year, a federal filing released Tuesday shows, locking in profits while his investors were socked with losses. Mere startups when he took the oath of office, the new ventures have now eclipsed in revenue much of his vast property portfolio that took him decades to accumulate. Fueling their rise were billionaire investors and Trump’s own move to quash a federal crackdown on the industry.

Legislation that would impose sweeping new restrictions on voting nationwide has stalled in Congress, even as President Donald Trump renews his push for the Save America Act ahead of the upcoming midterm elections. The bill does not currently have the support needed to pass both chambers. If it becomes law, it could upend how Americans vote across the country.

The Fourth of July weekend is a major opportunity to save on big-ticket items for the home, with retailers rolling out deep discounts on patio pieces, mattresses, appliances and more. Shopper Janet Green went to the home furnishings store Watson's with a shopping list built for summer.

Here's a look at news making headlines in your parish for Wednesday, July 1, 2026. ST. MARY PARISH Franklin city leaders are preparing for an inauguration and special meeting today. The ceremony starts at 6 p.m. at the Teche Theatre, with officials being sworn in by Judge James Supple and an inaugural address from Mayor Eugene Foulcard. The council will also take up resolutions to confirm top city department heads and appoint council committees, followed by a cake-and-beverage reception.

The ridge of high pressure that has dominated the region for the better part of a week will finally start to slide north on Wednesday, opening up the door for showers and storms in the afternoon. Acadiana will get a quiet morning with no problems out for the morning commute, but as we get closer to lunch we'll start seeing the clouds gather. Widely scattered showers and storms will rumble through the area this afternoon producing a few hefty downpours.

Democratic socialist Melat Kiros beat U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette in a Colorado House primary Tuesday, a stunning victory for the first-time candidate against a nearly 30-year incumbent. Kiros, a former corporate attorney, is the latest democratic socialist or progressive candidate to boot a Democratic incumbent this month. With the district covering the dark blue city of Denver, Kiros is expected to win in November and reach Congress in January.

LAFAYETTE — The Acadiana Cane Cutters are using baseball to make an impact beyond the field. The summer collegiate baseball team has partnered with Ronald McDonald House Charities of South Louisiana for a special fundraising night on Thursday, July 9, at Fabacher Field. The event will benefit the nonprofit's efforts to expand services for families with critically ill children in Acadiana while also raising awareness about resources already available in the region.

Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser won the Democratic nomination for governor of the state Tuesday, beating out the U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet in a race partly centered around which candidate was better at challenging President Donald Trump. Weiser became attorney general in 2019, after serving in the Justice Department under the presidential administrations of Barack Obama and Bill Clinton. Weiser will be favored to win in November in the blue state.