The Advocate 04-23-2025 by The Advocate

Bill wouldtie funding to school attendance

BY ELYSECARMOSINO Staff writer

As Louisiana continuestograpplewith high rates of student absenteeism, alawmaker wants to pushdistricts to tackle the issue by tying funding to student attendance so that schools withlow attendance rateswouldget less money Currently,public school districts receive funding based on how many students they serve and those students’ needs. House Bill 185 by Rep.Barbara Freiberg, R-BatonRouge, would instead

“The goal is to getdistricts more involved in making sure that students are there daily.”

REP.BARBARA FREIBERG, R-Baton Rouge

give schools money based on attendance data that districts collect daily Proponents arguethe proposal, which is loosely modeled on policies in other states, will encouragedistricts to do more to reduce thegrowing numberof

studentswho misstoo muchschool. But critics warn it could unfairly penalize ﬁnancially strapped school systemsand make it more difﬁcult to address theroot causes of absenteeism, which experts say often stem from issues outside of school.

Nearly oneinfourLouisiana students was chronically absent lastyear,according to state data. Theabsenteeism rate, defined as students who miss 10% or more of aschool year,grew three per-

ä See BILL, page 4A

Pope’s funeralset forSaturday

Francisthankfulhe made Easter greeting, VaticanNewsreports

Fields questions revoked visas

BY ELYSE CARMOSINO Staff writer

ALouisiana congressman is demandingthatthe Trump administrationexplain why it recently revoked the visas of several international students at Southern University

INSIDE

ä Unlikehis predecessor,Francis believedpapacywas forlife. Page 6A

ä Pope Francis converted to environmental cause Page 7A BY

NICOLE WINFIELD and COLLEENBARRY Associated Press

VATICAN CITY Pope Francis was thankful that he was able to greet throngs of people in St. Peter’s Square on Easter,a day before he died, though he initially had some doubts given his poor health, Vatican News reported Tuesday

TheArgentine pontiff, who had been recovering after being hospitalized for ﬁve weeks with pneumonia,died Monday at age 88.He made his lastpublic appearance Sunday, delivering ablessing and looping around Vatican City’sfamous square in hispopemobile. Francisinitiallyhad doubts about the ride, Vatican News reported.“Do you think Ican manageit?”the popeaskedMassimiliano Strappetti,his personal health care assistant, according to the news agency

Thepope was reassured,and he stopped to reach out topeople,

especially children, as he was driven through the crowd of 50,000 theﬁrst time since his release from the hospitalthathehad mixedwith the faithful at large.Afterward, Francis told Strappetti, “Thank youfor bringing me back to the

ä See POPE, page 6A

Fields

In aletter Tuesday to federal ofﬁcials, U.S. Rep. Cleo Fields, D-Baton Rouge, called for “an immediate review and explanation” of the visa terminations at Southern, ahistorically Black university in Baton Rouge. The international students at Southern wereamong more than adozen at universities across Louisiana whosevisas were revoked in recentweeks without explanation as part of theTrump administration’s targeting of foreign-born studentsstudying in the U.S.

In his letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Homeland Security Director Kristi Noem andImmigration and Customs Enforcement Acting Director Todd Lyons, Fields demanded a“transparent explanation” forthe revocations,includingany allegedviolationsbythe students that prompted the actions. He also called on the federal agencies to consider reinstating the students’ visas “pending afull investigation,” and to ensure that allactions by immigration authorities follow due process.

“The suddentermination of these students’ legal status without clear justification notonlythreatens their academic careers but also

ä See FIELDS, page 4A

ASSOCIATEDPRESS PHOTOByFRANCISCO SECO

Pilgrims arrive in St. Peter’sSquare at the VaticanonTuesday.

STAFFFILE

PHOTO By SOPHIA GERMER

Alabama inmate wants his execution to happen MONTGOMERY, Ala. A man on Alabama’s death row wants his execution to go forward this week, saying he believes in an “eye for an eye.”

“The reason I dropped my appeals is I am guilty of murder,” James Osgood told The Associated Press in an telephone interview from prison. “I’m a ﬁrm believer in, like I said in court, an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth. I took a life so mine was forfeited. I don’t believe in sitting here and wasting everybody’s time and everybody’s money.” Osgood, 55 is scheduled to receive a lethal injection Thursday at his south Alabama prison. He’s one of only a small number of inmates on U.S. death rows to abandon their legal challenges. He also said he doesn’t want opponents of the death penalty protesting under his name.

Osgood was condemned to die for the 2010 killing of Tracy Lynn Brown in Chilton County Prosecutors said Osgood cut her throat after he and his girlfriend sexually assaulted her Osgood told the AP that he wants to apologize — to Brown’s family, and to his own — but he realizes the words are inadequate.

“I would like to say to the victim’s family, I apologize,” Osgood said. “I’m not going to ask their forgiveness because I know they can’t give it.” Brown was found dead in her home Oct. 23, 2010, after her employer became concerned when she did not show up for work. She had been stabbed and her throat was cut, prosecutors said.

After Osgood was convicted in 2014 and sentenced to death an appeals court threw out the sentence, ruling that a judge gave improper instructions to jurors. But as a new sentencing hearing began, Osgood asked for another death sentence.

Judges accept charges against Bolsonaro allies

SAO PAULO A panel of Brazil’s Supreme Court justices unanimously accepted criminal charges Tuesday against six more key allies of former President Jair Bolsonaro over an alleged coup plot to keep him in ofﬁce after his 2022 election defeat.

Last month, the panel unanimously accepted charges against Bolsonaro and seven close allies over the alleged coup plot following his loss to current President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, and ordered the former right wing leader to stand trial.

When Prosecutor-General Paulo Gonet accused Bolsonaro and 33 others of attempting a coup, he divided them into ﬁve different groups based on their roles and positions in the alleged plot. Bolsonaro and his closest allies, including running mate Gen. Braga Netto, were placed in the “core group,” according to the charges. On Tuesday, the Supreme Court panel reviewed charges against the second group, which Gonet said held managerial roles.

The second group includes former presidential foreign affairs adviser Filipe Martins, retired Gen. Mario Fernandes, former Federal Highway Police director Silvinei Vasques, former presidential aide Col. Marcelo Câmara and two federal police ofﬁcers, Fernando Oliveira and Marilia Alencar Bolsonaro and his allies have repeatedly denied wrongdoing.

The former president says he’s being politically persecuted

Israeli airstrikes kill 17 in Gaza

BY WAFAA SHURAFA and SAMY MAGDY Associated Press

DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip Israeli strikes on the Gaza Strip killed at least 17 Palestinians, mostly women and children, and destroyed bulldozers and other heavy equipment that had been supplied by mediators to clear rubble.

Also on Tuesday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Trump spoke by phone, two weeks after the two met in Washington. Trump wrote on his social networking site Truth Social that the two spoke about trade and Iran, among other issues “The call went very well — We are on the same side of every issue,” he wrote.

Netanyahu’s ofﬁce did not have an immediate comment, but his hastily-arranged visit to Washington was not deemed a rousing success after he appeared to fail to secure the support he wanted from Trump on issues such as stopping Iran from developing nu-

clear weapons, reducing Trump’s tariffs, the inﬂuence of Turkey and the war in Gaza.

Israel’s 18-month offensive against Hamas has destroyed vast areas of Gaza, raising fears that much of it may never be rebuilt. The territory already had a shortage of heavy equipment, which is also needed to rescue people from the rubble after Israeli strikes and to clear vital roads.

The Israeli military said it struck and destroyed around 40 pieces of heavy machinery Israel said Hamas used the vehicles, including bulldozers, for planting explosives, digging tunnels, and breaching fences, including during the Oct. 7, 2023 attack.

A municipality in the Jabaliya area of northern Gaza said a strike on its parking garage destroyed nine bulldozers provided by Egypt and Qatar, which helped broker the ceaseﬁre that took hold in January Israel ended the truce last month, renewing its bombardment and ground operations and

sealing the territory’s 2 million Palestinians off from all imports, including food, fuel and medical supplies.

The strikes also destroyed a water tanker and a mobile generator provided by aid groups, and a truck used to pump sewage, the Jabaliya al-Nazla municipality said.

An Israeli airstrike early Tuesday destroyed a multistory home in the southern city of Khan Younis, killing nine people, including four women and four children, according to Nasser Hospital, which received the bodies. The dead included a 2-year-old girl and her parents.

“They were asleep, sleeping in God’s peace. They had nothing to do with anything,” said Awad Dahliz, the slain girl’s grandfather “What is the fault of this innocent child?”

Also on Tuesday, a strike in the built-up Jabaliya refugee camp killed three children and their parents, and a strike in Nuseirat killed a man and two children, according to the Gaza Health Ministry’s emergency service and local hospitals.

Russia continues battering Ukraine

BY ILLIA NOVIKOV Associated Press

KYIV, Ukraine Russian drones battered the Ukrainian port city of Odesa and glide bombs hit Zaporizhzhia, local authorities said Tuesday, as the Kremlin again warned that negotiators are unlikely to obtain a swift breakthrough in peace talks on the war Ukrainian, British, French and U.S ofﬁcials are due to meet in London on Wednesday to discuss the war Anticipation is building over whether diplomatic efforts can stop more than three years of ﬁghting since Russia’s full-scale invasion of its neighbor Hostility has run deep since Russia invaded and illegally annexed Ukraine’s Crimean Peninsula in 2014.

Retired Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg, U.S. President Donald Trump’s envoy for Ukraine and Russia, will represent Washington in peace discussions with Ukrainian and European ofﬁcials this week in London, the U.S. State Department said Tuesday. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio won’t attend because of a scheduling issue, according to a spokesperson.

Trump said last week that negotiations were “coming to a head,” and insisted that neither side is “playing” him in his push to end the war That came after Rubio suggested that the U.S. might soon back away from negotiations if they don’t progress.

But Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov cautioned that “the settlement issue is so complex that it would be wrong to put some tight limits to it and try to set some short time frame for a settlement, a viable settlement — it would be a thankless task.”

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Tuesday that Ukraine’s delegation heading to the U.K. has a mandate to discuss only an unconditional or partial ceaseﬁre with Russia.

Zelenskyy reiterated that Ukraine will never recognize the occupation of Crimea or other territories, saying such concessions are incompatible with the country’s constitution. “There is nothing to talk about — it is our land, the land of the Ukrainian people,” he said.

Odesa came under a “massive attack” by Russian drones overnight, wounding at least three people, the head of the regional administration, Oleh Kiper, wrote on his Telegram page. A residential building in a densely populated urban area, civilian infrastructure and an educational facility were hit, he said.

Later Tuesday, Russia hit the southern city of Zaporizhzhia with two aerial glide bombs a retroﬁtted Soviet weapon that for months has been used to lay waste to eastern Ukraine.

The attack killed a 69-year-old woman and wounded 24 people, including four children, according to regional governor Ivan Fedorov

Student detained in La. denied release to see child

BY SUSAN HAIGH and JAKE OFFENHARTZ Associated Press

NEW YORK Federal immigration authorities denied Mahmoud Khalil’s request for a temporary release from detention to attend the birth of his ﬁrst child, who was born Monday in New York, according to emails shared with The Associated Press. Khalil, a Columbia University activist who has been held in a detention center in Jena, Louisiana, for six weeks, requested a two-week furlough on Sunday morning, noting that his wife, Dr Noor Abdalla, had gone into labor eight days earlier than expected. His lawyers said he would be “open to any combination of conditions” to al-

low the release, including wearing an ankle monitor and attending regularly scheduled check-ins with immigration authorities.

Around 30 minutes later, Mellissa B. Harper, the New Orleans Field Ofﬁce Director for U.S. Immigrations and Customs, wrote back: “After consideration of the submitted information and a review of your client’s case, your request for furlough is denied.” Abdalla said she had to give birth to a baby boy on Monday in New York without her husband by her side, which she called “a purposeful decision by ICE to make me, Mahmoud, and our son suffer.”

“ICE and the Trump administration have stolen these precious moments from our family in an attempt to si-

lence Mahmoud’s support for Palestinian freedom,” she added.

Khalil is a legal permanent U.S. resident and graduate student who served as spokesperson for campus activists last year during large demonstrations at Columbia against Israel’s treatment of Palestinians and the war in Gaza.

He was detained by federal agents in Manhattan on March 8. The Trump administration has not accused Khalil of criminal conduct, but has argued he should be expelled from the country for his beliefs.

An immigration judge in Louisiana ruled earlier this month that the government’s assertion that Khalil’s presence in the U.S. posed “potentially serious foreign policy consequences” satisﬁed requirements for deportation.

The Israeli military did not have immediate comment on the strikes, but has accused Hamas of using civilian infrastructure for militant purposes. The war began when Hamas-led militants attacked southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, killing some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and taking 251 people hostage. They are still holding 59 hostages, 24 of whom are believed to be alive.

Hamas has said it will only free the remaining hostages in return for the release of Palestinian prisoners, a full Israeli withdrawal and a lasting ceaseﬁre. Israel has said it will keep ﬁghting until the hostages are returned and Hamas has been either destroyed or disarmed and sent into exile.

An Israeli drone strike southeast of Beirut killed Hussein Atwi, a member of the Lebanese branch of the Muslim Brotherhood, a regionwide Sunni Islamist political movement. The group said he was leaving for work when the drone struck.

Hegseth pulled info from secure channel for posts

BY TARA COPP Associated Press

WASHINGTON Defense

Secretary Pete Hegseth is defending himself against a second assertion that he shared classiﬁed material through an unapproved and unsecured network this time taking airstrike information from a military communications channel and sharing it in a chat.

Hegseth pulled the information he posted in the Signal chat from a secure communications channel used by U.S. Central Command. NBC News first reported that the launch times and bomb drop times of U.S. warplanes about to strike Houthi targets in Yemen — details multiple officials have said are highly classified — came from the secure channel. A person familiar with the chat confirmed that to The Associated Press. The information was identical to the sensitive details of the Yemen operations shared in the first Signal chat, the person said, speaking on condition of anonymity out of fear of reprisal for speaking to the

press. That initial leaked chat included President Donald Trump’s top national security ofﬁcials. It accidentally included the editor of The Atlantic and has caused an investigation by the inspector general in the Defense Department. Hegseth has not directly acknowledged that he set up the second chat, which had more than a dozen people on it, including his wife, his lawyer and his brother Instead, the secretary blamed the disclosure of the second Signal chat on leaks from disgruntled former staff.

Hegseth has aggressively denied that the information he posted was classiﬁed. Signal is a commercially available app that not authorized to carry classiﬁed information.

“I said repeatedly, nobody is texting war plans,” Hegseth told Fox News on Tuesday “I look at war plans every day What was shared over Signal then and now, however you characterize it, was informal, unclassiﬁed coordinations, for media coordinations and other things.”

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By KATERyNA KLOCHKO Rescue workers inspect a multistory building damaged by a Russian strike on a residential neighborhood Tuesday in Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine.

Rubiounveils massiveoverhaulofState Department

was real.

BY FARNOUSH AMIRI and MATTHEW LEE Associated Press

Secretary of State Marco Rubiounveiled amassive overhaul of theState Department on Tuesday,with plans to reduce staff in the U.S. by 15% while closing and consolidating more than 100 bureaus worldwide as part of the Trump administration’s“America First” mandate.

The reorganization plan, announced by Rubio on social media and detailed in documents obtained by The AssociatedPress, is the latest effort by the White House to reimagine U.S. foreign policy and scale back the size of the federal government. The restructuring was driven in part by the need to ﬁnd anew home for theremainingfunctions of the U.S. Agency for International Development, an agency that Trump ad-

ministration officialsand billionaire ally Elon Musk’s DepartmentofGovernment Efﬁciency have dismantled. “Wecannot win the battle forthe 21st century with bloated bureaucracy that stiflesinnovation and misallocates scarceresources,” Rubio said in adepartment-wide email obtained by AP He said the reorganization aimed to “meet the immense challenges of the 21st Century and put AmericaFirst.” StateDepartment spokespersonTammy Bruce echoed that sentiment, saying the “sweepingchanges will empower ourtalented diplomats”but adding that it would not resultinthe immediate dismissalofpersonnel.“It’snot something wherepeople arebeing ﬁred

today,” Bruce told reporters Tuesday.“They’re not goingtobewalking outofthe building. It’s not that kind of adynamic. It is aroad map It’sa plan.”

The planincludesconsolidating 734 bureaus and offices down to 602, as well as transitioning 137 offices to another locationwithin the department to “increase efficiency,” according to afact sheet obtained by AP.There will be a“reimagined” officefocused on foreignand humanitarian affairs to coordinatethe aid programs overseas remaining at the department.

Although the plan will implement major changes in the department’sbureaucracy and personnel, it is far lessdrasticthan an alleged reorganization plan that was circulated by some ofﬁcials over the weekend. NumerousseniorState Department officials, including Rubio himself, denied thatthe plan

Judgeblocksadministrationfrom dismantlingVoice of America

By The Associated Press

WASHINGTON— Afederal judge agreed Tuesday to block the Trump administrationfrom dismantling Voice of America, the83-yearold international news service created by Congress.

U.S. District Judge Royce Lamberthruled that the administration illegallyrequired Voice of America to cease operations for theﬁrst time since itsinception

Attorneys forVoiceofAmerica employees and contractors asked the judge to restore its ability to broadcastatthe same level before PresidentDonald Trumpmoved to slash its funding. Lamberth mostly agreed, ordering the administration to restore Voice of America and two of the independent broadcast networks operated by the U.S. Agency for Global Media —RadioFree Asia andMiddle East Broadcasting Networks— until the lawsuits are settled

The judge denied the request for two other independent networks, Radio Free Europe/ Radio Liberty and Open TechnologyFund. In aMarch 26 court ﬁling, plaintiffs’ attorneys said nearly all 1,300 of Voice of Amer-

Trumpsayshe

ica’semployees wereplaced on administrative leave, while 500 contractors were told that their contracts would be terminated at the endoflast month

TheU.S. Agency for Global Media, which runs Voice of America, has operated other broadcast outlets, including Radio Free Europe/RadioLiberty,Radio FreeAsia and RadioFree Afghanistan. Congress has appropriatednearly $860 millionfor theAgency for Global Media for thecurrent ﬁscal year

Voice of America went dark soon after Trump issued an executive order on March14that pared funding to theAgency forGlobal Media and six other unrelated federal entities.

VoiceofAmerica has operated since World WarII, beaming news into authoritarian countries that don’thaveafree press. It began as acounterpoint to Nazi propaganda and played aprominent roleinthe U.S. government’sCold Warefforts to curb the spread of communism.

Trump and his Republican allies have accused Voice of America of having a“leftist bias” and failingtoproject “pro-American” values to its audience.

has‘no intention’ of firing FederalReserve chair

BY JOSH BOAK Associated Press

WASHINGTON President Donald Trump saidTuesday he has no plans to ﬁre Federal ReserveChair Jerome Powell, just days after his statement that he wouldlike to terminate the headofthe U.S. central bankcaused a stock market selloff.

“I have no intention of firing him,” Trump told reporters. The president had previouslyinsinuatedotherwise as he said he could firePowell if he wanted to, having been frustrated by the Fed putting apause on cuts to short-term interest rates. Powell has said that Trump’stariffs are creating uncertainty about slower growth and higher inflationary pressures, while the president maintains that

inﬂationary worries are essentially nonexistent.

The president maintains that energyand grocery pricesare falling, so theFed should cut its benchmark rates because inﬂation is no longerathreat to the U.S. economy, Trumpsaid. His remarks indicated that he still plans to usethe bully pulpittopressure aU.S. central bank that is committed to resistingpoliticalpressure as part of itsmandate to stabilize pricesand maximizeemployment.

Trump’sfrustration led him to post on social media last Thursday: “Powell’sterminationcannot comefast enough!”

TheFed chair’sterm ends in May 2026. On Tuesday, Trump continuedto air his grievances aboutPowell, even though

he said the Fed chair would stay on thejob despitethe president’s belief that inﬂation is no longer aproblem “It’s all coming down,” Trump said. “The only thing that hasn’tcome down, but hasn’tgoneupmuch, are interestrates. Andwethink the Fed should lower the rate. We think that it’s aperfect time to lower the rate.And we’d like to see our chairman be early or on time,asopposed to late. Late’snot good.”

TheFed hasheldoff on furtherreductions to its federal funds rate, which inﬂuences themoney supply by setting the interest rate that banks cancharge each otherfor overnightloans That rate is effectively 4.33%, down afully percentagepoint sincelast August as inﬂationary pressures appeared to ease.

Work that had been believedtargeted in that alleged leaked document survived —atleast as bureau namesonachart —inthe plan that Rubio released Tuesday.That includes ofﬁces for Africa affairs,migrationand refugeeissues, anddemocracy efforts. It was notimmediatelyclear whether U.S.embassies were included in the installations slated for closing. Earlier reports of wholesale closings of embassies, especially in Africa, triggered warnings about shrinking theU.S. diplomatic capacity and inﬂuence abroad.

Some of the bureaus that are indeed expected to be cut in the new plan include the Ofﬁce of Global Women’s Issues andthe State Department’sdiversity andinclusion efforts, which have been eliminatedgovernment-wide underTrump.Anoffice

chargedwith surging expertise to war zones and other erupting crises will be eliminated, while other bureaus focused on human rights and justice will be scaled back or folded intoother sectionsof the department. It is unclear if thereorganizationwould be implemented through an executive order or othermeans.The ofﬁcial plans came aweek after the AP learnedthatthe White House’sOfficeofManagement andBudget proposed gutting the State Department’sbudget by almost 50% andeliminating funding for the UnitedNations and NATO headquarters. While the budget proposal is still in ahighly preliminary phase and not expected to pass muster with Congress, thereorganization plangot an initialnod of approval from Republicans on Capitol Hill.

“Change is noteasy, but

President Trumpand Secretary Rubio have proposed avision to remake the State Department forthis century and the ﬁghts thatweface today,aswell as those that lie ahead of us,” Idaho Sen. Jim Risch, Republican chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said in a statement.

Democrats blasted theeffort as Rubio and the Trump administration’s latest attempt to gut “vital components of American influence” on the world stage.

“On its face, this new reorganization plan raises grave concerns that the United States will no longer have either the capacity or capability to exert U.S. global leadership, achievecritical national security objectives, stand up to our adversaries, save lives, and promote democraticvalues,”Hawaii Democratic Sen. Brian Schatz said.

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Rubio

FIELDS

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undermines our nation’sreputation as awelcoming place for global scholarship,” Fields saidina statement. “Such decisions demand immediate review and full transparency.”

He asked federal immigration officials to take action, saying that international students “deserve fair treatment consistent with our American values.”

Fields’ letter states that

eightinternationalstudents at Southernhad theirvisas revoked, but auniversity spokesperson said that, as of lastweek,the number of impacted studentsatthe Baton Rougecampuswas seven. In addition, twostudentsat Southern University’s New Orleans campus also had their visas revoked, ofﬁcials said.

Southern spokesperson JaneneTatesaidinaninterview last week that the school was not given areason for the revocations and declined to offeradditional information, citing federal

student-privacy laws.

Including Southern, more than adozen international students statewide have had their visas revoked in recent weeks,leaving them vulnerable to detentionand deportation. They include at leasttwo students at Tulane University,three at the UniversityofNew Orleans, and three at the University of LouisianaatLafayette. Aspokesperson for the U.S. office of Immigration andCustoms Enforcement said in an email thatthe departmentdoes not issue or revoke visas. Representa-

tives for Rubio and Noem did not respond to requests for comment. International students nationwide have been increasinglytargetedbyPresident Donald Trump’sefforts to clampdownonimmigration, whichrecentlyexpandedto include noncitizenswho are residing in the country legally

In manycases, students with F-1 or J-1 visas, which allowthemtostudy at American universities, have been singledout forexpressing pro-Palestinian views or participating in campus pro-

tests. It’snot clear whether anyofthe Louisiana students were targeted forparticipating in protests.

Earlier this month, Rubio ordered overseas diplomats to combthrough the social mediaaccountsofstudent visa applicants to barthose suspected of being critical of the U.S. or Israelfrom entering the country,The New York Times reported.

Sincehebecame secretary of state in January,Rubio has reported revoking at least 300 visas.

“Ifweknew this information about them before we

gave them avisa, would we have allowed them in?” he said. “If the answer is no, then we revoke the visa.” As of April 21, at least 1,500students from nearly 250 colleges and universities nationwidehave had their visassuddenlyrevoked in recentweeks, according to an analysis by Inside Higher Ed, anews outlet that covers higher education. The reasonbehind many of thoserevocations remains unknown. Email Elyse Carmosino at ecarmosino@theadvocate. com.

Continued from page1A

centage points from 2023 even as most states saw their rates decline.

“The goal is to get districts more involved in making sure that students are there daily,” Freiberg said. The bill “is one piece that might be helpful in trying to stem the great numbers” of studentswho arechronically absent.

Sixstates —California, Kentucky,Idaho, Mississippi and Texas —use average daily attendancerates to determine school funding, said Hedy Chang, executivedirector of Attendance Works, anational nonprofit that aims to improve student attendance. Another24states provide funding based on “average dailymembership,” whichsome deﬁneas the number of students enrolled on thecount date,plus those in attendance in the10 days prior Louisiana lawrequires districtstosubmit student enrollment data to the state every February and October.Those numbers go into thestate’s school-funding formula.

Theproposedbill would require the state board of education to develop asystemthat uses average daily attendance numbers as the base to determine each school or district’sfunding. The legislationdefines average daily attendance as the “aggregate days of student attendance during the school year divided by the number of days that school is in session.”

Freiberg’sbill is supported by Ronnie Morris, president of the state board of education,whichdevelops the fundingformula. His district includesEastBaton Rouge Parish, where roughly 33% of students were chronicallyabsent last year In astatement, Morris called the proposal “a step in the right direction.”

However,Chang emphasized that while such policies can motivate schools to improve attendance, they may also incentivize them to fudge theirattendance numbers.

When districts are funded based on attendance, “they mayopt for alowerthreshold,” Chang said. For example, they may count students who attend asingle period as “present,” even if they miss the rest of the school day

Attendance-based funding tends to disproportionately

reduce fundingtodistricts thatserve studentswith greater needs, she added. Students fromlow-income households aremore likely to face health issues, unstable housing, transportation challenges and other obstacles that can makeitharder to attend school.

Giving schools withlow attendance rates less money isn’tgoing to remove the barriers that many economicallydisadvantaged families face, said Elizabeth Ostberg, principal and founder of The NET Charter HighSchool in New Orleans.

“You’re moving jobs, you’re moving (housing), you can’tﬁxyour car when it breaks down,”she said.

“There are amillion reasons whyit’sharder for someone with alowerincome to get their child to school every day.”

Public schools are already incentivized to help students show up because they’re rated based on student test scores, which tendtodecline when students are frequently absent, Ostberg added.

Freiberg said her bill is “a work in progress” andlikely to be revised, adding that she’sopen to hearing from districtsthatcould be most impacted by the change.

“I wouldnot want to punish adistrictthat hashigh needs,” she said. “ButI

would also saythat they are thedistricts that need this kind of attention more than any.”

Some states have triedto mitigate disparitiescaused by attendance-based funding.

In California,districts receivea base amount for every student basedonaverage daily attendance. But theyalso get extra money for low-income students, English learnersand foster children to account for the extra support those students might need.

Freibergsaid the ultimate aim of her bill is to spark a conversation about absenteeism.

“If you’re not in school, youcan’t learn,” she said Schools will have abetter grasp of theissue “if they really delveinto why each student isn’tinattendance.”

at Parkview

Rouge have anew waytodevelop theirtalents andshowcase theirskills, with theopeningofthe Performing Arts andAcademicCenter(PAAC).

ThePAACincludesa state-of-the-art blackbox theaterthatcan seat 405people, alongwithorchestra boxesforbandperformances,Hollywood-styledressing roomsfor boys andgirls,a full workshop,professional dancestudio, sewing room andgreen room

“Wewon’t need to transformour gymorlimit spaces for productionsanymore,” said Martha Long Director of EducationalOperationsatParkview Baptist. “Thisspace meansthe children canbe immersed in theartsprogram,whether they are helping buildsetsorperformingina show.Wehave some students whoare natural-born actors and others whoenjoy runningthe technology or making costumes behind thescenes. Ithink thePAACgives allofthema dedicatedspace to furtherdevelop all of thosetalents.”

Long said sheisespeciallyexcited aboutthe PAAC’s versatility. In addition to large-scaletheater productions, thespace canbemodiﬁed for smaller, one-actshows by Parkview Baptistmiddleschool students.The orchestraboxes will give theschool bandsanideal placetoaccompanyshows or perform theirown concerts.And,the dancestudiohas been designed with allagesinmind, meaningeventhe youngest dancerswillhaveaspace to call theirown

“Weare just at thebeginning of what this building is goingtodofor us,” Long said.“We seethisasabig step forward for Parkview,and we thankGod forit.”

Long addedthatParkviewBaptist hasalways strivedtohighlight theartisticworkofits students Theirartwork is oftenprominently on displayin classrooms andhallwaysaroundcampus. In addition theannualStarryNight eventshowcases student work,fromoriginalpoetrytomusical performances to building birdhouses,plusmore.

“I thinkhavinga strong artsprogram is importanttoall of ourkidsbecause this is somethingthey candofor themselves,not necessarily for agrade,” Long said.“It givesthemanopportunity to relieve alittlestressand ﬁndthingsthattheyenjoy.We’re very interested in thewhole well-being of achild at school andathome. We want them to ﬁndpositive aspectsineverythingtheydo, andwe’ve found that many of them thrive andcomeintotheir own throughthe arts.”

Theartsprogram at Parkview Baptistbegins with theyoungestchildren. Allearly childhoodand elementary students participateinmusic andart

classes, andthe arts areintegratedintodaily classroom lessons. Students participateinprojectsbased on theelementsofart andlearn aboutart history andthe worksoffamousartists andcomposers.The musicprogram uses hands-on teaching, astrong eurhythmics teachingprogram andthe Technology MusicLearningZone, whichgives everystudent a chance to composeand performlikearealmusician. In middle andhighschool, Parkview Baptist students candelve deeper into theirindividual artistic interestsinband, choir, dramaand visual arts.Through theatrical productions, artshows performances anddaily interactions,Parkview Baptist students developthe skills andknowledge needed to excelartistically. Newerhighschoolclasses in areassuchasdigital videoproductionand live broadcasts also help equipstudentsfor theworld’s growingentertainment industry

“I thinkwhatsetsusapart is that Parkview Baptist hassomethingfor everybody,” Long said.“We also take prideinbeing aGod-led school andaddressing thewhole child. Ihad afamilyrecentlytellmethat theirchildrenlovethe arts programherebecause theirolder childisintoroboticsand technology whiletheir youngerone lovesbeing in drama. Their feedback wasthattheywishtheywould have enrolled them here sooner.You can’tget acomplimentmuch higher than that.” Parkview BaptistSchool’sChrist-centered college preparatoryeducation equips students with theintellectual, spiritual, social,physicaland emotionalskills necessaryfor college, life andeternity. Theschool’s educationalprogram is builtonthe four As –Abundant Life,Academics,Artsand Athletics. Visitwww parkviewbaptist.comfor moreinformation.

STAFF FILE PHOTO

State Rep. Barbara Freiberg, R-Baton Rouge, left, has proposed abill that would tie school funding to attendance rates.

Students

BaptistSchoolinBaton

Unlike Benedict XVI, Francis saw duty as pope to be for life

BY NICOLE WINFIELD and VANESSA GERA Associated Press

VATICAN CITY Pope Benedict XVI

stunned the world when he announced his resignation in 2013, the ﬁrst in 600 years That led some to wonder if, as he grew increasingly frail and sick, Pope Francis would follow that precedent

While Francis kept open the possibility, and even had a resignation letter prepared he said more

POPE

Continued from page 1A

square,” Vatican News said

The pope showed the ﬁrst signs of illness around 5:30 a.m. the next day and fell into a coma an hour later, Vatican News reported.

His Easter appearance from the same loggia where he was introduced to the world as the ﬁrst pope from the Americas on March 13, 2013, was a fitting bookend to a 12-year papacy that sought to shake up the church and return it to its Gospel-mandated mission of caring for the poorest.

Francis’ funeral will be held Saturday at 10 a.m in St. Peter’s Square, celebrated by the dean of the College of Cardinals, Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re. U.S.

President Donald Trump said he and first lady Melania Trump plan to attend, and Argentine President Javier Milei is also expected.

He will lie in state starting Wednesday in St. Peter’s Basilica, where the faithful are expected to ﬂock to pay their respects to history’s ﬁrst Latin American pontiff.

According to current norms, the conclave to choose Francis’ successor must begin between May 5 and 10.

“He truly gave everything he had, up to the end,” said Sister Nathalie Becquart one of the highest-ranking women at the Vatican.

While the ordinary faithful will have an opportunity to pay their respects beginning Wednesday, Vatican officials were allowed to say their goodbyes starting Monday evening. Speaking to reporters after she paid her respects, Becquart marveled at Francis’ final Easter salute to his flock. “He really walked with his people,” she said.

Italian Cardinal Gianfranco Ravasi said it was speciﬁcally Francis’ effort to promote the role of women in the church that will be one of his greatest legacies. Ravasi noted that Francis chose to be buried near his favorite icon of the Madonna, in a basilica across town, and not in the grottoes underneath St. Peter’s, as is typical for popes.

“He wanted to be buried under the shadow of a woman, in this case Maria,” said Ravasi, the Vatican’s former culture minister, as he arrived for Tuesday’s first meeting of cardinals charting the next steps. “That is significant, his desire for the church to do more for women.”

The ﬁrst images of Fran-

recently that he believed that the papacy was for life And he ultimately lived out that belief, serving in his ministry until his death on Monday, at the age of 88. Benedict, even before his resignation, had argued that a pontiff should step aside if he got too old or inﬁrm to do the role. It was nonetheless a shock when he announced in Latin that his “strength of mind and body” had diminished and that he couldn’t carry on. His dramatic exit paved the way

for Francis’ election and created the unprecedented arrangement of two popes living side-by-side, with Benedict in a converted monastery in the Vatican gardens until his death Dec. 31, 2022.

In his 2024 memoir, “Life: My Story Through History,” Francis recounted how, when he was still the archbishop of Buenos Aires, he thought he had misunderstood the news when he ﬁrst learned about Benedict’s resignation.

“For a moment I was paralyzed.

I could hardly believe what I was hearing,” Francis wrote “This was news I had never expected to receive in my lifetime: the resignation of a pope was unimaginable, although it was provided for in canon law.”

But he said he realized that Benedict would have meditated and prayed for a long time before coming to that “brave and historic decision.”

During the decade they lived together in the Vatican as a reigning

Pope Francis’ body is laid out in state inside his private chapel at the Vatican on

attended to by guards, cardinals and masters of ceremonies.

cis’ body were released Tuesday showing him in red vestments and his bishop’s miter in a wooden casket, with the Vatican secretary of state praying over him in the chapel of the Domus Santa Marta hotel where he lived and died. In his ﬁnal will, Francis said he wanted to be buried at St Mary Major Basilica, which is home to the Salus Populi Romani icon of Mary Before and after every foreign trip, Francis would go to the basilica to pray before the Byzantine-style painting that features an image of Mary, draped in a blue robe, holding the infant Jesus, who in turn holds a jeweled golden book. Francis stopped by the basilica on his way home

from the Gemelli hospital on March 23, after his 38day stay, to deliver ﬂowers to be placed before the icon. He returned April 12 to pray before it one last time. Bells tolled in chapels, churches and cathedrals around the world and ﬂags flew at half-staff in Italy, India, Taiwan and the U.S. after Francis’ death was announced by the camerlengo, who takes charge of the Vatican after a pope’s death. Soccer matches in Italy and Argentina were suspended in honor of the pope who was a lifelong fan of the San Lorenzo soccer club.

World leaders praised Francis for his moral leadership and compassion, while ordinary faithful remem-

TOWN OF ST.FRANCISVILLE

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE

NOTICE IS HEREBYGIVEN thatthe Mayorand BoardofAldermen of the Town ofSt. Francisville will hold aPUBLIC HEARING/ MEETINGonJune 10, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. at 11936 Ferdinand St Town Hall meeting room, St.Francisville,Louisiana to adopt the following:

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bered his simplicity and humanity

“Like every Argentine, I think he was a rebel,” said 23-year-old Catalina Favaro, who had come to pay her respects in the Buenos Aires church where Francis discovered his priestly vocation. “He may have been contradictory, but that was nice, too.”

In East Timor, where Francis’ ﬁnal outdoor Mass drew nearly half of the population last September, President Jose Ramos-Horta praised

and “emeritus pope,” Francis repeatedly praised Benedict’s courage and humility for resigning and said that he had “opened the door” to future popes also stepping down.

But after Benedict died, Francis’ changed course.

While conﬁrming he had a resignation letter prepared in case he became medically incapacitated, he pointed to the risks that papal resignations might become a “fashion” or the norm.

Francis’ courage “Pope Francis was a brave man who was not afraid to speak out against the rulers of the world who seek war, but do not want to seek peace,” Ramos-Horta said.

“He challenged the powerful to act with justice, called nations to welcome the stranger, and reminded us that our common home — this Earth — is a gift we must protect for future generations,” said Nigerian President Bola Tinubu.

The pope’s formal apartments in the Apostolic Palace and in the Santa Marta hotel were sealed Monday evening, following a centuries-old ritual Cardinal Kevin Farrell, who as camerlengo had the task of announcing the death and conﬁrming it once the cause was determined, presided over the rituals.

Francis chose not to live in the palace, but in a two-room suite in Santa Marta on the other side of Vatican City He died there and his body was transferred to the hotel chapel in the lobby, where the private viewing was underway Tuesday for Vatican ofﬁcials and members of the pontiﬁcal household.

In changes made by Francis last year his body was not placed in three wooden coffins, as it had been for previous popes Rather, Francis was placed in a simplified wooden coffin with a zinc coffin inside.

Once in St. Peter’s, his

casket will not be put on an elevated bier as was the case with past popes — but will just be placed simply facing the pews, with the Paschal candle nearby

“He was a pope who didn’t change his path when it came to getting (his hands) dirty,” Francis’ vicar for Rome, Cardinal Baldassarre Reina, said in a Mass in his honor “For him, poor people and migrants were the sacrament of Jesus.”

After the funeral, there are nine days of official mourning, known as the “novendiali.” During this period, cardinals arrive in Rome and meet privately before the conclave.

To give everyone time to assemble, the conclave must begin 15 to 20 days after the “sede vacante” — the “vacant See” — is declared, although it can start sooner if the cardinals agree. Once the conclave begins, cardinals vote in secret sessions in the Sistine Chapel. After voting sessions the ballots are burned in a special stove. Black smoke indicates that no pope has been elected, while white smoke indicates that the cardinals have chosen the next head of the Catholic Church. The one who has secured two-thirds of the votes wins. If he accepts, his election is announced by a cardinal from the loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica who tells the world: “Habemus Papam” — Latin for “We have a pope.”

PHOTO PROVIDED By VATICAN MEDIA

Monday,

Pope Francisconverted to environmentalcause

BY NICOLE WINFIELD Associated Press

VATICAN CITY Few moments in Pope Francis’ papacy better exemplify his understanding of climate change and the need to address it than the rain-soakedMass he celebrated in Tacloban, Philippines, in 2015.

Wearing one of the cheap plastic yellow ponchos that were handed out to the faithful, Francisexperienced ﬁrsthandthe typeof freak, extreme storms that scientists blame on global warming and are increasingly striking vulnerable, low-lying islands.

He had traveledtoTacloban, on the island of Leyte, to comfort survivors of one of thestrongest recorded tropical cyclones, Typhoon Haiyan. The 2013 storm killed more than 7,300 people, flattenedvillages and displaced about 5million residents.

But with another storm approaching Tacloban two years later,Francis had to cut short his visit to get off the island.

“So many of you have lost everything. Idon’tknow what to tell you,” Francis told the crowd in Tacloban’s muddy airportfield as the wind nearly toppled candlesticks on the altar Francis, who died Monday at 88, was moved to silence that day by the survivors’ pain and the devastation he saw.But he would channel it afew months later when he published his landmark encyclical, “PraisedBe,” which cast care for the planet as an urgent and existential moral concern.

The document, written to inspire global negotiators at the 2015 Paris climate talks, accused the “structurally perverse,” proﬁt-driv-

en economyofthe global north of ravaging Earth andturning it into a“pile of ﬁlth.” The poor,Indigenous peoples and islanders like those in Tacloban suffered the most, he argued, bearing thebrunt of increasing droughts,extreme storms, deforestation andpollution. It was the ﬁrst ecological encyclical, and itaffirmed theArgentine Jesuit, who in his youth studied to be a chemist, as an authoritative voiceinthe environmental movement. Later citedby presidents andscientists, the document inspired a globalfaith-based coalition to try to save God’screation before it was too late.

“I thinkhe understood from the beginning that there are three relationships that had to be regenerated: our relationship with God, ourrelationshipwith the created world and our

relationship with ourfellow creatures,” said papal biographer Austen Ivereigh. It wasn’talways so.

Francishad asteep learning curve on the environment,justashedid with clergysexualabuse,which he initially dismissed as overblown.Hehimself pointed toa 2007 meeting of Latin American and Caribbean bishops in Aparecida Brazil, as the moment of his ecological awakening. There, the then-Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio had been elected to draft the conference’sﬁnaldocument, and was under pressure to include calls from Brazilian bishopstohighlight the plight of the Amazon. Bergoglio, thedour-faced archbishop of urbane Buenos Aires,didn’tget what all thefuss was about “Atfirst Iwas abit annoyed,”Francis wrote in the

2020 book “Let Us Dream.” “It struck me as excessive.” By theend of the meeting, Bergoglio was converted and convinced. The ﬁnal Aparecida documentdevoted severalsections to theenvironment: It denounced multinational extraction companies that plundered the region’sresources at theexpense of thepoor.Itwarned of meltingglaciersand theeffects of lostbiodiversity.Itcast the ravaging of the planet as an assault on God’sdivine planthatviolated the biblical imperative to “cultivate and care” for creation.

Thosesame issues would later find prominence in “Praised Be,” which took its name from therepeated ﬁrst line of the“Canticle of the Creatures,” oneofthe bestknown poetic songs of the pontiff’s nature-loving namesake,St. Francis of Assisi.

They also wouldbehighlighted in the Amazon Synod that Franciscalledatthe Vatican in 2019, ameeting of bishops and Indigenous peoplesspeciﬁcally to address how the Catholic Church could and should respond to theplight of theAmazon and its impoverished people.

“I think the pope’smost importantcontribution was to insist on the ethical aspect of the debate about climate justice,” said Giuseppe Onofrio, head of Greenpeace Italy,“that the poor were those whocontributedthe least to pollution and theclimate crisis, but werepaying the highest price.”

In many ways, those same issues would also come to deﬁnemuch of Francis’ papacy.Hecame to viewthe environmentalcause as encapsulating nearlyall the other ills afﬂicting humanityinthe 21st century:pov-

erty,socialand economic injustice, migration and what he calledthe “throwaway culture” —amelting potofproblems that he was convinced could only be addressed holistically

Some of Francis’ strongest calls to protect the environment would comeonor aroundEarthDay,celebrated April 22.

“Forsome time now, we have been becoming more aware that nature deserves to be protected, even if only because humaninteraction with God’sbiodiversity must takecare withutmost care and respect,” Francis said in avideo message released on Earth Dayin2021. Cardinal Michael Czerny, theCanadianJesuitwhom Francis would later entrust with the ecological dossier saidthe 2007 meeting in Brazilhad abig impact on Francis.

Vancecalls forgreater engagement with India

BY RAJESH ROY and SHEIKH SAALIQ Associated Press

NEW DELHI U.S. Vice Presi-

dent JD Vance on Tuesday called for enhanced engagement with India and saidthe South Asian country should buy more defense equipment and energy from the U.S. and allow Washington greater access to its market, lending momentum to an expected bilateraltrade deal.

Vance, on afour-day visit to India, said he and Prime Minister Narendra Modi made progressontrade talks during their discussionson Monday,and confirmed that both sides had finalizedthe terms of reference for the trade negotiation —avital step toward setting the road map for the final agreement Indiaand theU.S.hopeto seal abilateraltrade agreement this year andhave set an ambitious target of more than doubling their bilateral trade to $500 billionby2030. If achieved, the trade deal could significantly enhance economicties between both countries andpotentially strengthen diplomatic ties as well.

“I believe there is much that India and America can accomplish together,” Vance said at an event in thewestern city of Jaipur,wherehe, his wife Usha Vance and their three children wereon asightseeing tour

Vance’sﬁrst visit to New Delhi came amid the back-

ASSOCIATEDPRESS PHOTO By MANISHSWARUP

U.S. Vice President JD Vance speaks Tuesdayatthe Rajasthan International Center in Jaipur, India.

dropofU.S. PresidentDonald Trump’spartially-paused tariff programagainst most countries,including India. Earlierthis month, Trump announceda90-daypause in which imports from most countries would face abaseline 10% tax so that there was timetohold talks and possibly structure broader deals

Thetrade negotiations are especially urgent for India and couldhelpNew Delhi avoid sharp U.S.tariffs. Meanwhile,the Trump administration hasportrayed its strategy oftariffs as forcing negotiations that

could limit the reach and inﬂuence of China, the world’s dominant manufacturer and New Delhi’smainrivalin theregion.

At theevent,Vance sought to assuagefears over Trump’stariff decisions and said his administration was seeking to rebalanceglobal trade so thatthe U.S.,with friends like India,can build abetter future. He said that trade relationsmustbe based on fairness.

“I come here with asimple message,” Vancesaid. The Trump administration “seeks trade partners on the basis of fairness and shared

Hundreds mournSpanish family killed in NewYorkhelicoptercrash

BY JOSEPH WILSON and SUMAN NAISHADHAM Associated Press

BARCELONA, Spain— Hundreds of people packed into aBarcelona churchon Tuesday to mourn aSpanish family of ﬁve who died earlier this month in asightseeing helicopter crash in New York City and whose bodies were laid to rest in Spain

As church bells tolled against abrilliant blue sky, mourners gathered and wept quietly as they paid respects to AgustínEscobar,Mercè CamprubíMontaland their three young children, all of whom were killed on April 11 when ahelicopter broke apart midair andcrashed into theHudson River between NewYork City and New Jersey

“Wehave been in pain for the last 11 days, but they will always remain in our memories and remind us from up high to never lose our ability to smile,” said the woman’s father,Joan Camprubí, during the funeral service.

He thanked those who attended, which included Catalonia’sregional leader Salvador Illa and Barcelona Mayor Jaume Collboni, and shared memories of his daughter, son-in-law,and three grandchildren. Camprubí also mentioned the passing of the pope, saying that the pontiff believed in the transforma-

EUROPAPRESS PHOTO By ALBERTOPAREDES

Duringafuneral TuesdayinBarcelona, Spain, members of thefuneralhomecarry thebodyofone of those killed in the helicopter crash twoweeks agoinNew york City.

tive power of a“smile anda sense of humor.”

Atrip that was intendedto celebrate theninth birthday of thecouple’s middle child ended up being the family’sﬁnal moments. Shortly before theflight over the toweringskyscrapersof New York Citytook off, a photo shows Agustín Escobar flashing athumbs-up while his wifeand children beamedbig smiles. Despite the tragedy,relatives of theBarcelona familyonTuesday recalled the joy that their lost loved ones gave them and the family’s lovefor life. Several dozen people watched the nearly two-hour service on screens set up outsidethe front en-

trance of the church, which had reached capacity.

Escobar was global CEO of railinfrastructure at Siemens Mobilitywhile Mercè Camprubí Montal worked for Siemens Energy,aseparate company. Camprubí Montal’sgrandfather was aformer president of the famous Barcelona FC soccer club. Their children Agustín, Mercè and Víctor were 10, 9and 4.

Theserviceendedwith photos displayed of the family during previous holidays and at family gatherings. As family and friends recalled happier moments in the Barcelona family’slife, the song playingwas FrankSinatra’s “New York, New York.”

national interest. We want to build relationships with our foreign partners who respect their workers.” Vance said thathewas in India to strengthen ties between both nations,and criticized previous governments for looking at New Delhi as a cheap sourceoflabor

“I believethatifIndia andthe UnitedStateswork together successfully,we are going to see a21stcentury that is prosperous and peaceful,” he said, adding that if this didn’thappen, it would mean a“dark time for all humanity.” Washington has long sought to develop adeeper partnership withNew Delhi, which is seen as abulwark againstChina.Modihas established agood working relationship with Trump, and thetwo leadersare likely to further boost cooperation between their countries. Modi wasalso amongthe

ﬁrst leaders to visit the U.S. and hold talks with Trump that kickstartedanegotiation process to minimize the possible fallout of Trump’s tariffs.The twoleaders also said they planned to grow their defense partnership.

India is aclose partner of the U.S. and is part of the Quad, which is made up of the U.S., India, Japan and Australia, and is seen as a counterbalance to China’s expansion in the region. It is also amajor defense partner of the U.S.,a statusonly enjoyed by someofthe closest allies of Washington.

In line with Trump’spush forsupplying moremilitary equipment to India,Vance said Washington was seekinggreater collaboration withNew Delhi forthe sale of advanced militarygear, as wellascoproduction. He also pitched Washington’sﬁfth-generation stealth ﬁghter to India.

“F-35 will help protect your people like neverbefore,” he said. Over thepast several decades, India has been largelydependent on Russianweapons, ﬁghtersand military equipment, but has graduallystarted diversifying itspurchase basketfrom countriessuchasthe U.S., France and the U.K. In recent years, India has embedded advanced American jets, helicopters, missiles and other equipment into its armed forces and the two countrieshaveannounced plans to sign a10year framework later this year to further strengthen the defense partnership.

Courthears case of parentsopposed to LGBTQ+ books

BY MARK SHERMAN Associated Press

WASHINGTON The Supreme Court’sconservative majority on Tuesday signaled support for the religious rights of parents in Maryland who want to remove their children from elementary school classesusingstorybooks with LGBTQ+ characters

The court seemed likely to find that the Montgomery County school system, in suburban Washington, could not requireelementary school children to sit through lessons involving the books if parents expressed religious objections to the material.

Thecase is oneofthree religious rights cases at the court this term. The justices have repeatedly endorsed claims of religious discrimination in recent years

The schooldistrictintroduced the storybooks in 2022,

with such titles as “Prince andKnight” and “Uncle Bobby’sWedding,”aspartof an effort to better reﬂectthe district’sdiversity Parents initially were allowed to opt their children out of the lessons for religious andother reasons, but the school board reversed

course ayear later,prompting protests andeventually alawsuit.

The case hit unusually close to home, as three justices live in the county, though none sent theirchildren to public schools.

“I guess Iamabit mystiﬁedasa lifelongresidentof

Topproducerof‘60 Minutes’ quits

BY DAVID BAUDER

AP media writer

NEW

YORK With his show involved in abitter dispute with President Donald Trump, the top executiveat thestoried CBSNewsshow

“60 Minutes” abruptlyresigned on Tuesday while saying he’slosing the freedom to run it independently Bill Owens, executive producer of television’s most popular and inﬂuential newsmagazine since 2019, said in anote to staff that it has “become clear thatI would not be allowedtorun the show as Ihave always run it, to make independent decisions basedonwhat was right for‘60 Minutes,’ right for the audience.”

“The show is too important to the country,” he wrote. “It has to continue, just not with me as theexecutive producer.”

Trump sued “60Minutes” for$20 billionlastfall, claiming it deceptively edited an interview with his Democratic electionopponent Kamala Harris.CBS deniedithad doneanything to give anadvantage to Harris, and released the full transcript of its interview When Trump took office for his secondterm, his Federal CommunicationsCommission chairman, Brendan Carr,announced CBS would be investigated forthe same issue. At the same time,CBS parentParamount Global, run by Shari Redstone, is seeking approval for amerger with SkydanceMedia, founded by Larry Ellison. Theyare reportedly in mediation to settlethe lawsuit with Trump, aprospect that hasbeenbitterly opposed by Owensand othersat“60 Minutes.” With this backdrop, “60

Minutes” hasrun an extraordinary series of tough stories about the new administration since it took ofﬁce. The president angrily denounced theshow on social media after its April 13 episode featured critical stories about Ukraine and Greenland, saying CBS should “pay abig price” for going after him

Owenswas the third executive producer at the Sunday night newsmagazine. Owens has worked at CBS News for 37 years, 25 of themat“60 Minutes.”

“Having defended this show —and what we stand for —fromevery angle, over time witheverything Icould, Iamstepping aside so the show can moveforward,”hesaid in thememo. It was not clear if any particular event triggered the decision, or if Owens was told he had toleave.

the countyhow it came to this,”Justice Brett Kavanaughsaid. Kavanaugh also expressed surprisethatthe school systemwas “notrespecting religiousliberty,” especially because of the county’sdiverse population and Maryland’shistory as a haven for Catholics.

Pressed repeatedly about whythe school system couldn’treinstitute an optout policy, lawyer Alan Schoenfeld said, “It tried that. It failed. It was not able to accommodatethe number of opt-outs at issue.”

Sexeducationisthe only area of instructioninMontgomery schoolsthatstudentscan be excused from, Schoenfeld said.

Justices referred to several of the books, but none as extensively as “Uncle Bobby’sWedding,” in which a niece worries that her uncle will nothaveasmuchtime for her after he gets married

BY BRIAN NIEMIETZ

Newyork Daily News (TNS)

Asurvey of 520 political experts found aconsensus that the UnitedStatesisdescending toward some form of authoritarianism. Andit may be getting worse.

BrightLineWatch, which is run by aconsortium of political scientists at the University of Rochester, Dartmouth College, University of Michigan and the University of Chicago, gave the U.S. democracy arating of 55 severalweeks into President Donald Trump’s second term.

In their rankings, 100 is a pure democracy andzeroindicates adictatorship. Prior to Trump retaking control of power in January,the U.S. scored a67.

The currentscore is the lowest number recorded since Bright Line Watch began its ratings system in

2017.

Bright Line Watch codirector and Dartmouth Professor John Carey called that a“precipitous drop” andtoldNPR, “We’re movinginthe wrong direction.”

That survey taken in February ranked30principles of democratic performance including how the government interacts with the media, actsofpoliticalretribution andthe effectiveness of checks and balances over executive authority.Carey andhis team reportedly plans to soonconduct another study that they expect will show further decline.

BrightLine Watch said that between 2017 and2024, expert assessments varied between61and 70 points.

“The experts predictfurther declineinthe next two years, projecting arating of 47 in 2027,” researchers reported.

Bright Line Watch’sex-

perts rated Trump’spardoningofJan.6convicts, his ﬁringofInspectors General andDepartmentofJustice investigators,and hisrelationship with Elon Musk to be among the greatestthreats posed to U.S. democracy

Some political scientists told NPR the U.S. could he headed toward“competitive authoritarianism,” where leaders are democratically elected, then work to maintain political power by eroding checks and balances.

RetiredUniversityof New York at Buffalo professor James Campbell doesn’t thinkthat’s what’shappening here. He told NPRthe Trump administration has “done an excellent job” using legitimate presidential powers to get important things done andsuspects left-leaning researchers ﬁnd “comfort”incoming together to label thepresident an authoritarian.

to another man

LiberalJusticeSonia Sotomayor and conservative JusticeSamuel Alito,who are on opposite sides of most culture-war clashes, offered competing interpretations.

“Islooking at two men getting married, is that the religious objection?” Sotomayor said, noting there’snot even any kissing involved.

Alito described the book as an endorsement of samesexmarriage. “The book has aclear message, and alot of people think it’sagood message, and maybe it is agood message, but it’sa message that alot of people whohold on to traditional religious beliefsdon’tagree with,” he said.

In all, ﬁve books are at issue in the high court case, touchingonthe samethemes found in classic stories that include Snow White, Cinderella and Peter Pan, the school system’slawyers wrote.

In “Prince and Knight,” twomen fall in love after they rescue thekingdom, andeach other. “Love,Violet” deals with agirl’sanxiety aboutgiving avalentine to another girl. “Born Ready” is the story of atransgender boy’sdecision to share his gender identitywithhis familyand theworld.“Intersection Allies”describesnine characters of varying backgrounds, including one who is gender-ﬂuid.

Billy Moges, aboardmember of the Kids First parents’group thatsuedover the books, saidthe contentis sexual, confusing and inappropriate for young schoolchildren.

The writers’ group Pen America said in acourt ﬁling what the parents want is “a constitutionally suspect book ban by another name.” Adecision in Mahmoudv Taylor is expected by early summer

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Books featuring LGBTQ+characters that are part of a Supreme Courtcase arepictured TuesdayinWashington.

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EPA chief demands that Mexico stop Tijuana sewage

Pollution has closed beaches in San Diego

BY JULIE WATSON Associated Press

schoolchildren, Border Patrol agents and others who do not even go in the water

Claudia Sheinbaum, who took ofﬁce last October

Scientists say the sewage is vaporized when it foams up and enters the air people breathe.

The Navy is reviewing whether to relocate its training site for SEAL candidates after the Naval Special Warfare Center reported 1,168 cases of acute gastrointestinal illnesses of its recruits from 2019 to 2023.

California beaches near the border have been closed more often than not over the past four years.

Zeldin said that after meeting with Mexico ofﬁcials in San Diego for 90 minutes, he was left with the impression that Sheinbaum and her environmental secretary want to have a “strong collaborative relationship.”

“What’s being communicated by the new Mexican president is an intense desire to fully resolve this situation,” Zeldin said. But he made clear that he wants Mexico to step up.

Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee

center, speaks to media while leaving a news conference Tuesday in San

can beaches, but in the United States as well.”

“We’re going to know whether or not Mexico is going to do its part to resolve it, and then we’ll go from there, as far as strategy and tactics,” Zeldin said Alicia Bárcena, Mexico’s Environment and Natural Resources secretary, said her country also wants to resolve the problem. She met with Zeldin the previous evening and said they made progress in finding solutions.

“We are here because we want to solve this,” Bárcena said. “Not only so there is no untreated sewage on Mexi-

SAN DIEGO The head of the Environmental Protection Agency said Tuesday that Mexico must stop the flow of billions of gallons of sewage and toxic chemicals from Tijuana that has polluted the Pacific Ocean off neighboring Southern California, closing beaches and sickening Navy SEALs who train in the water Lee Zeldin made the demand during an Earth Day trip to the California-Mexico border, where he toured a plant in San Diego County that treats the sewage as a secondary facility and flew along the frontier to see the Tijuana River He also was scheduled to meet with SEALs. Zeldin said that in the next day or so, his agency will present Mexico a to-do list of projects to resolve the decades-long environmental crisis, but he stopped short of specifying how the Trump administration would hold Mexico accountable if it does not act. The problem is “top of mind” for President Donald Trump, Zeldin said, while adding that they have not talked about possibly imposing tariffs if nothing is done.

The 120-mile-long Tijuana River runs near the coast in Mexico and crosses into Southern California, where it ﬂows through Navy-owned land and out to the Paciﬁc.

As Tijuana’s wastewater treatment plants have aged and its population and industry have boomed, an increasing amount of toxins have made their way into the river and into San Diego County — since 2018, more than 100 billion gallons of raw sewage laden with industrial chemicals and trash.

The pollution has sickened not only swimmers, surfers and lifeguards but also

Since 2020 more than $653 million in funds have been allocated to address the issue, but the crisis has continued largely because of delays by the Mexican government, Zeldin said. He added that he and Trump are hopeful that will change under the relatively new administration of President

“There’s no way that we are going to stand before the people of California and ask them to have more patience and just bear with all of us as we go through the next 10 or 20 or 30 years of being stuck in 12 feet of raw sewage and not getting anywhere,” he said. “So we are all out of patience.”

Flanked by lawmakers from both parties, Zeldin

noted that cleanup efforts have rare bipartisan support. Zeldin visited the South Bay International Wastewater Treatment Plant, which was built with funds from both countries to treat 25 million gallons per day as a secondary plant on the U.S. side. Mexico is working on several wastewater treatment projects to reduce the ﬂow and make major upgrades to its existing plants Bárcena said the now-repaired San Antonio de los Buenos plant, which went back to operating at full capacity this month, should make a difference.

But Zeldin said Mexico must complete a number of other projects, including installing ﬂoodgates to collect trash in Tijuana. Another one being considered would divert 10 million gallons of sewage away from the shore.

BY JACQUES BILLEAUD and RIO YAMAT Associated Press

PHOENIX A woman whose doomsday religious beliefs led her to kill her two youngest children and engage in a plot to kill a romantic rival in Idaho was convicted Tuesday in Arizona for conspiring to murder her estranged husband.

Jurors found Lori Vallow Daybell guilty after deliberating for about three hours, and she faces another possible life sentence on top of the three she is already serving in Idaho. She will not be sentenced in Arizona until after she goes on trial in another alleged murder conspiracy

Prosecutors said Vallow Daybell had help from her brother, Alex Cox, in the July 2019 shooting death of Charles Vallow at her home in the Phoenix suburb of Chandler They say she was motivated by an opportunity to cash in on Vallow’s life insurance policy and a marriage to then-boyfriend Chad Daybell who wrote several religious novels about prophecies and the end of the world. Chad Daybell is also serving life sentences for the deaths of Vallow Daybell’s children, 7-year-old Joshua “JJ” Vallow and 16-yearold Tylee Ryan, and his wife, Tammy. Authorities in Idaho said the case included bizarre claims by Chad Daybell and Vallow Daybell that the children were zombies and that Vallow Daybell was a goddess tasked with ushering in an apocalypse.

Vallow Daybell, who isn’t an attorney but chose to defend herself at trial in Arizona, sat mostly still as the verdict was read but glanced occasionally at jurors as they were asked to conﬁrm they found her guilty on the single charge.

One of the jurors, Victoria Lewis, said outside the courthouse that Vallow Daybell didn’t do herself any favors by choosing to represent herself.

“Many days she was just smiling and laughing and didn’t seem to take anything very seriously,” Lewis told reporters.

Vallow Daybell told the jury that Vallow chased her with a bat inside her home, and her brother shot Vallow in self-defense as she left the house. She told jurors the death was a tragedy, not a crime.

Cox died five months later from what medical examiners said was a blood clot in his lungs.

Vallow’s siblings, Kay Woodcock and Gerry Vallow, told reporters outside court that they are grateful for the jury’s decision.

“We gotcha, and you’re not the smartest person in the room,” Woodcock said when asked if she has a message for Vallow Daybell. “Everybody’s going to forget about you.”

The Associated Press left email messages seeking comment Tuesday from the Maricopa County Attorney’s Ofﬁce, which prosecuted the case, and the lawyers who served as legal advisers to Vallow Daybell during the trial.

Last week Adam Cox, another brother of Vallow Daybell, testiﬁed on behalf of the prosecution, telling jurors that he had no doubt that his siblings were behind Vallow’s death.

Adam Cox said the killing happened just before he and Vallow were planning an intervention to bring his sister back into the mainstream of their shared faith in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

He testiﬁed that before Vallow’s death, his sister had told people her husband was no longer living and that a zombie was living inside his body

Four months before he died, Vallow ﬁled for divorce from Vallow Daybell, saying she had become infatuated with near-death experiences and had claimed to have lived numerous lives on other planets. He alleged she threatened to ruin him ﬁnancially and kill him. He sought a voluntary mental health evaluation of his wife.

Vallow Daybell is scheduled to go on trial again in early June, accused in a plot to kill Brandon Boudreaux, the ex-husband of Vallow Daybell’s niece. Boudreaux survived.

SAN DIEGO UNION-TRIBUNE PHOTO By ANA RAMIREZ

Zeldin,

Diego.

Floridaraisedage to buy firearms to 21 aftershooting

BY KATE PAYNE Associated Press

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. Student

survivors of last week’s deadly shooting at Florida State University urged state legislatorsTuesday to block an effort to reverse alaw passed after the 2018 Parkland school shooting that loweredthe state’sgun-buying age from 21 to 18. Days after agunman terrorized the university in the state capital of Tallahassee, students traveled to the Capitol to call on lawmakersto take action to protectthem from gun violence.

“When Itransferred to Florida State University just last fall, Inever thought I’d find myself locked inside aclassroom, textingloved ones, unsure if I’d ever see them again,” said Andres Perez, a20-year-old junior and president of the school’s chapter of Students Demand Action.

“Weowe it to thevictims, not just here at Florida State University,but across Florida and across our nation, to make surethat this doesn’t happen again,” Perez said.

BY JONATHAN SHORMAN andPJGREEN

TheKansas City Star (TNS)

KANSAS CITY,Mo. Kansas City policewillpay $4.1 million to settle afederal lawsuit in the death of CameronLamb,who was fatally shot by former detective Eric DeValkenaere, capping ayearslong saga that damagedthe relationship between the city’sBlack community and law enforcement. Asettlement agreement approved Tuesday by U.S District Court Judge Beth Phillips comes with no ad-

FSUstudentsask legislatorsnot to relaxgun law

Thursday’sshooting killed two men who were not studentsand injured six others on FSU’s campus,about 1 mile from the Capitol.

Investigators have said thestudent suspectinthe FSU shooting, 20-year-old PhoenixIkner, usedthe former service weapon of his stepmother, asheriff’sdeputy,tocarry outthe shooting. Iknerwas shot andwounded by police,but is expected to survive.

Thestudent remains hospitalizedand won’tbeformally charged until he is released, aTallahassee Police Department spokesman said Tuesday As of Tuesday afternoon, ﬁve of the patientswho suffered gunshotwounds have been discharged from Tallahassee Memorial Hospital while one is still hospitalized and is in “good condition,” accordingtoTMH spokespersonSarah Cannon. Hospital

officials would not confirm theidentityofthe patient, citing patient privacy laws

On Tuesday, FSU students stood alongside Democratic membersofthe stateHouse of Representatives in the Capitol rotunda andrecounted sending what they feared would be their final messagestofamilymembers, whispering “I love you” into their phonesasthey huddled in darkened classrooms.

“Webuilt barricades that

day with nothing but chairs,” said Natanel Mizrahi, a 22-year-old senior. “There were no locks on our doors. So instead, brave students stood near theentrance with more chairs to try and do anything that they could to stop awould-be attacker.”

The students called on lawmakers to reject the push to allow adults under age 21 to buyfirearms,toensure college classrooms have door locks, andtoallocate funding for campus mental health resources and active shooter training.

In astatement, FSU spokesperson Amy FarnumPatronis said active shooter training is optional and open to all students and employees, but is not currently mandatory foremployees.

“Ensuring the safety and well-being of our campus community remainsour foremost priority.Florida State University is continually reviewingand assessing our security protocols, including evaluating door locks, to ensure the safety of everyone on campus,” Farnum-Patronis said.

For some FSU students, it wasn’t theﬁrsttime they have been traumatizedbya school shooting. For asmall group, thesight of abandoned laptops and bookbags left behind by students ﬂee-

ing fortheir liveswas agrim reminder of the shooting they survived at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, where 17 people were killed and 17 others were injured. After that shooting, student survivors and grieving familiescrowded Florida’s capitol in an extraordinary lobbying effort, successfully pushing the Republicanrun Legislature to pass new gun control measures. This session, lawmakers have been considering bills to expand gun rights and roll back some restrictions, including lowering the gunbuyingage.Gov.Ron DeSantis and someRepublican lawmakers have backed the measure, saying thatifa person is old enough to be in the military,they should be able to purchase agun. Though thebill hasthe support of House Speaker Daniel Perez,Senate President Ben Albritton had been more hesitant about the measure even before the shooting at FSU. Speaking with reporters in March, Albritton became emotionalrecounting his visit to theParkland high school building. He said he is alifetimemember of the National Rifle Association but that he has not made a decision on the measure.

Kansas City police will pay$4.1M to settle shooting of Blackman

mission of fault or wrongdoingbyeitherDeValkenaere or the Kansas City Police Department.DeValkenaere was convicted of involuntary manslaughter in the 2019 shooting and served about one year of asix-year prisonsentence before thenMissouri Gov.Mike Parson commuted hissentence in December DeValkenaerewas the first Kansas City officer ever convictedofkilling a Black man,and his clemency infuriated local civic and political leaders. Even as the criminal caseagainst DeValkenaereplayed out

in Jackson County, afederal civil lawsuit brought by Lamb’smother,Laurie Bey, and other family members against the former detective and the Kansas CityBoard of Police Commissioners plodded along.

The lawsuit alleged aviolation of the Fourth Amendment and claims DeValkenaere usedexcessive force. The family is seeking more than$10 millionincompensatorydamages.

“The Partiesinthis lawsuit,without any admission of liability or fault in any way by any party,and in recognitionofthe cost and

unpredictability of litigation,desire to compromise andsettleall claims forinjuries and/or damages relatedtothe allegations in the lawsuit,” Phillipswrote in an orderapprovingthe settlement.

While the totalsettlement is $4.1 million,40% of the amount will go to attorneys for the family.Each plaintiff will receive nearly $474,500 after fees, andLamb’sfather,Bobby Lamb, will receive$50,000. Bobby Lamb was not aparty to the lawsuit DeValkenaere, who is White, was convicted in 2021

of involuntary manslaughter in the fatal shooting of Cameron Lamb, aBlack man, in December 2019.

DeValkenaere shot and killedthe 26-year-old as Lamb wasbacking his pickup truck into his garage. The shooting took place roughly nine seconds after DeValkenaere and his partner pulled up to Lamb’sresidence.

DeValkenaere was sentenced to six years in prison but remainedfreeon bond as his criminal appeal worked through the courts.

Theex-detectivesurrendered to authorities in October2023 whenthe Missouri

the case.

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By KATE PAyNE Andres Perez, a20-year-oldjunior at FloridaState University,speaks at anewsconference Tuesday in the State Capitol in Tallahassee, Fla., alongside Democratic lawmakers.

Judge pauses takeover of Baker schools

State planned to give ‘F’-rated facilities to charter network

BY CHARLES LUSSIER Staff writer

A Baton Rouge judge has applied the brakes to state plans to take over two “F”-rated public schools in Baker and hand them over to an Indiana-based charter school network.

The decision allows city of Baker schools, for now, to retain control of its campus at 5903 Groom Road — historically the home of Baker Middle School — which GEO Academies is planning to turn into a K-8 charter school. The ruling also allows Baker to

Two face off in juvenile judge runoff

Early voting starts in Livingston, Tangipahoa, St. Helena

BY CLAIRE GRUNEWALD Staff writer

Two Republican attorneys are facing off in the runoff election for the juvenile judge seat in the 21st Judicial District. On the ballot in Livingston, Tangipahoa and St. Helena parishes are Jenny Richardson Fore and Jessica C. Ledet. Early voting runs until Saturday, and election day is May 3. In a three-way race, Fore earned 13,328 votes (42%), while Ledet collected 9,763 (31%). The third candidate in the race, Rebecca Davis-Lee, finished with 8,727 (27%). Turnout was about 21% of registered voters.

The winner of the runoff will replace Judge Blair D. Edwards, who was recently elected unopposed to the state 1st Circuit Court of Appeal.

Fore, of Livingston Parish, is an assistant public defender in the 21st Judicial District and was once a law clerk for Edwards in the juvenile court.

Fore wants to prioritize rehabilitation and education for children to avoid repeat offenses, she said when she announced her candidacy

“I will continue to lead our juvenile court with the personal care and attention our children need, and with unwavering toughness against those who would neglect and harm our most vulnerable citizens,” Fore said.

Ledet, of St. Helena Parish, is the Town of Independence prosecutor She also is a parent attorney in the Juvenile Court for Child in Need of Care for the 21st Judicial District public defender’s ofﬁce.

Ledet wants to get the churches and the community more involved with the juvenile population for better schools and families, she said in her candidacy announcement.

“This is a calling for me and not just a job. I will have tough love for juveniles while holding parents accountable.

I will work to keep our families, our schools and our community safe,” Ledet said in the post.

Email Claire Grunewald at claire.grunewald@ theadvocate.com.

proceed with closing “F”-rated Baker Heights and Baker Middle schools, effective May 23, and merging them with Baker’s highest-performing school, Park Ridge elementary State District Judge Tarvald Smith on Monday issued a preliminary injunction blocking the takeovers. Ruling from the bench, Smith said the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education erred March 12 when it greenlit the takeovers but neglected to accept or reject a required a reconstitution plan for the two “F”-rated schools submitted months earlier

by Baker

“If they had acted on this (plan), we would not be here,” Smith ruled. By failing to act earlier, the state cannot override a Feb. 12 vote by the Baker school board to close the two schools, he ruled. Smith also credited evidence submitted by the plaintiffs showing the state previously taking a comparatively forgiving stance toward Caddo and Grant parishes and their “F”-rated schools. In the case of Grant Parish, the state in spring 2024 not only allowed it to close low-performing Colfax Elementary but awarded the district

a $1.2 million grant to help Grant better educate Colfax children after they transferred to a nearby higher-performing school.

The state plans to appeal.

“Our actions are rooted in statute and the best interests of students,” said Ted Beasley, a spokesperson for the Louisiana Department of Education. “Today’s ruling is one step in the legal process, and we look forward to continuing this effort on appeal.”

If Smith’s ruling stands, the case will proceed to trial, perhaps this summer, to ﬁnally resolve the legal dispute.

Shadowed shroud

Louisiana education leaders have been pushing to drastically reduce the number of schools earning “F” academic letter grades. The public schools in this suburban city north of Baton Rouge have long languished near the bottom of the state’s academic rankings. Baker Heights Elementary has been academically acceptable for four consecutive years while Baker Middle School has been academically unacceptable for nine years in a row That’s actually more like six and 11 years, respectively because the state did not issue school letter grades for two years during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Fire equipment operator Justin Entremont and firefighter Blake Edwards,

on Tuesday in downtown Baton Rouge. Below them, director

them.

Woman sues Stab’s steakhouse for civil rights discrimination

Co-owner told patron outfit was too revealing, suit says

BY MATT BRUCE Staff writer

After blasting Stab’s

Prime Steak and Seafood on social media for refusing to serve her over its dress code last summer, a former NAACP leader has ﬁled a civil rights discrimination lawsuit against the popular restaurant in federal court.

Y’Mine McClanahan claims that when she and a friend visited the restaurant for lunch, a hostess ushered them into the dining room. But as they were being escorted to their table, Stab’s co-owner Dori Murvin stopped staffers from seating McClanahan, a 33-year-old Black woman, the lawsuit claims Murvin said the ﬂoral top

she was wearing was too revealing and violated the restaurant’s dress code, a video posted to social media showed.

McClanahan, who was a vice president for the local chapter of the NAACP at the time, objected and later shared her experience in a series of video posts that went viral.

Nine months later, McClanahan says she continues to be “utterly disgusted” when she drives past the upscale eatery on Jefferson Highway

On Friday, McClanahan raised the heat in her ongoing beef with the steakhouse, ﬁling a civil rights lawsuit against Stab’s and 10 unnamed workers.

“For me, it’s about human decency and respect. And it seems like that has gone out the window especially in this political climate,”

McClanahan said Monday

“The message behind this is to treat other people the way you would want to be treated, and that is with

kindness and respect.”

Kevin Kimball, one of Stab’s other co-owners, received a copy of the lawsuit Tuesday and said many of the allegations in the court ﬁling were claims McClanahan previously made publicly in the days after the incident last July

“Without going into too many details, we’ve answered the things and done things on record that we said we were going to do And moving forward, we’re ready to go to court,” he said.

The lawsuit, lodged in the U.S. Middle District Court of Louisiana, alleges racial discrimination along with violations of state law and federal civil rights mandates. McClanahan’s suing for damages and asking a judge to stop Stab’s from selectively enforcing its dress code.

McClanahan was wearing a two-piece ﬂoral outﬁt with a strapless blouse and

Homeless woman’s death ruled homicide

A woman was found dead Monday morning in a Baton Rouge apartment in the 700 block of Monet Drive.

Shaquinnta Scott, 34, was found in a state of deep decomp osition about 10 a .m. Monday by a maintenance worker at the apartment complex. The worker had been boarding up vacant and abandoned units at the building when he found Scott’s body and called police, according to a spokesperson for the Baton Rouge Police Department. An autopsy of Scott’s body was carried out by the East Baton Rouge Parish Coroner’s Office, the results of which led police to rule her death as a homicide. An ofﬁcial cause of death has yet to be released. Scott was believed to be

homeless, according to BRPD.

Man charged after crash victim dies

Louisiana State Police have upgraded charges against a 30-year-old Denham Springs man to negligent homicide following the death of 20-year-old Jody Mann, who has succumbed to injuries sustained in a March 29 hitand-run crash. Shortly before 9 p.m. that evening, troopers responded to a call on La. 1023 south of La 63 in Livingston Parish, where they found Mann with life-threatening injuries. She was transported to a hospital, where she remained until her death on April 16. According to a State Police release, investigators determined that a Toyota struck Mann, and the driver fled northbound

STAFF PHOTO By HILARy SCHEINUK

of Station 12, hang a shroud at the entrance to St. Joseph’s Cathedral

of pastoral services Chris Redden, left, and Captain Mike Munn assist in guiding

Carter holds meetings with farmers

BY CHRISTOPHER CARTWRIGHT

Staff writer

Gail Honoré Conish and her husband, Leroy Conish, have been farming their Vacherie land commercially for just over 20 years. Situated along La. 18, the couple’s farm produces vegetables including cabbages, mustard greens and okra. On Monday, as the Mississippi levee held the river’s rising waters at bay, their farm hosted a visit by U.S. Rep. Troy Carter D-New Orleans. The stop was one in a series of meetings Carter held across his district as he listened to concerns from farmers about the need for a farm bill and recent cuts to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

“We are traveling throughout the state to talk directly to the stakeholders that matter most, the people who make a living on the earth,” Carter said, “the people that are going to undoubtedly be impacted by tariffs, the people that are going to be impacted by the drastic cuts to the (Natural Resources Conservation Service).”

Farmers meeting with Carter in Vacherie and Donaldsonville expressed concerns about federal funding cuts and the lack of a new, five-year farm bill. Honoré Conish added that although federal cuts hadn’t impacted their farm yet, other targeted programs would have a pronounced impact in St. James Parish.

“What’s happening now in Congress and with Trump is impacting our community, especially the underprivileged, and people just, for the most part, don’t know where to turn,” she said. “You know you’re talking about cutting SNAP, you’re talking about Social Security. Those are people’s livelihoods.”

Farmers support bill

The farm bill is a package of legislation passed roughly every ﬁve years, but the current bill was signed into law in 2018 and has been renewed via one-year extensions since 2023.

Farmers such as Ross Noel, of Donaldsonville, said the extensions aren’t enough, and new, ﬁve-year legislation is a an “absolute need” for the younger generation

“We need a ﬁve-year farm bill so a young farmer like myself that needs to go to the bank to get a loan, they have some consistency,” he said. “To where the bank is like ‘Look, the farm bill’s in place for ﬁve years less. I don’t mind loaning them the money.’”

Price Gay, the president of the Louisiana Association of Conservation Districts, said the organization is “desperate for money” because of the lack of a new bill. That organization acts as a voice for the parish districts, and the national organization works to prioritize natural resource legislation and funding

“With no farm bill, we’re laying people off, we’re cutting hours,” he said. “It’s just a desperate situation. We have never, in the 90-year history of this organization, seen anything like this.”

Recent cuts to USDA

Carter voiced his support for a new farm bill, adding that the tour was for him to know speciﬁc priorities farmers wanted in the legislation. One goal was the desire for a full legislation package rather than a “piecemeal” approach, he said.

“We need a farm bill that is not subject to the whims of one administration, to the next administration, to the next administration,” he added. “Farmers need the stability of knowing that they’re going to have a farm bill that they can govern their businesses by.”

He also spoke against the Trump administration’s cutting of USDA programs, which include the Local Food for Schools and the Local Food Purchase Assistance programs. Those provided around $1 billion to schools and food banks nationwide.

Carter also advocated for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, which could face changes or cuts

Mayor-president’s father dies at age 84

BY ELLYN COUVILLION Staff writer

The father of East Baton Rouge Parish Mayor-President Sid Edwards passed away Monday morning at age 84 surrounded by his family Retired, Emile Edwards, an Istrouma High School graduate, was employed by Ethyl Corporation, now known as Ablemarle, before working for many years as a maintenance worker at Our Lady of the Lake Hospital.

“Throughout his life, he was admired by his colleagues for his strong work ethic and quiet dedication,” the Mayor’s Ofﬁce said in a news release.

“My father was my hero,” Mayor-President Sid Edwards said. “He showed me the true meaning of hard work, the importance of service and how to live with compassion and integrity His legacy of love will remain with me and my family forever.”

Details of how people can honor Emile Edwards’ life and legacy will be shared by the Mayor’s Ofﬁce in the coming days, the announcement said.

LAWSUIT

Continued from page 1B

an ankle-length skirt. According to the lawsuit, Dori Murvin stopped McClanahan and told her she couldn’t eat there because her outﬁt violated the restaurant’s “business casual” dress code. Murvin told the woman her attire was “just too revealing at the top.” McClanahan recorded portions of her and Murvin’s confrontation and posted the videos on her Facebook page shortly after she was forced to leave The social media post quickly went viral and drummed up a mixture of reactions.

McClanahan called the experience demoralizing and told news outlets at the time that it left her feeling alienated, violated and publicly humiliated.

Murvin suggested McClanahan put on a jacket to cover her top at some point during the exchange. She

under the proposed budget blueprint passed last week by Congress.

“Listen, we’re all supportive of getting rid of waste,

SCHOOLS

Continued from page 1B

Monique Butler is the president of the Baker School Board. She is one of four members of the five-member board who took ofﬁce in 2023. Butler said she’s “very, very pleased” with Smith’s ruling She noted that Baker Middle in particular was failing for years before the state showed any interest in making changes.

“You’ve been watching this school fail for over 10 years,” Butler said. “What takes so long?”

Last summer, the state required Baker schools to submit reconstitution plans for both schools, which it did in September then amended in December Taking the stand Monday

fraud and abuse,” he said.

“But when you unilaterally pick winners and losers and you start cutting down key components of USDA, tak-

Baker Superintendent J.T Stroder detailed his unsuccessful efforts to get the state to say whether or not it would recommend approval of that reconstitution plan. Unable to get an answer Stroder moved forward with plans to close Baker Heights and Baker Middle schools, which were approved by the board Feb. 12.

Alexandria attorney Jimmy Faircloth, representing the state Department of Education, argued that letting school districts close schools while they are going through the determination of whether their schools should be taken over by the state allows districts to “game” the process.

The state argued something similar in a Feb. 11 cease-and-desist letter to Baker, the day before the closure vote. That letter

ing away grant dollars that are important to farmers, be they Black, White, Republican or Democrat, they all hurt.”

says that “any action to reconﬁgure the schools would appear to be an attempt to undermine the reconstitution plan, which in our review does not provide for the reconfiguration of the schools.”

Baton Rouge attorney Dannie Garrett III, representing the Baker school district, argued that Baker legally can’t undermine a plan that the state has failed to accept or reject. Garrett has ﬁled a second lawsuit that argues BESE violated the state’s open meetings law when it approved the takeovers March 12. That lawsuit is scheduled for a hearing on May 5 before ad hoc Judge Jewel “Duke” Welch.

Email Charles Lussier at clussier@theadvocate. com.

BLOTTER

Continued from page 1B

on La. 1023. Two anonymous tips later identiﬁed Brandon Chenevert as the driver A search warrant executed at his property uncovered the damaged vehicle along with multiple narcotics and ﬁrearms. Chenevert was initially arrested April 2 and booked into the Livingston Parish Detention Center on charges including felony hitand-run, negligent injuring, obstruction of justice, failure to seek assistance, possession of Schedule I narcotics with intent to distribute, possession of Schedule III narcotics and possession of firearms in the presence of controlled substances.

Following Mann’s death, authorities upgraded the charges, and Chenevert was arrested again Monday this time for negligent homicide The investigation is ongoing.

didn’t have one, so Murvin refused her a seat. McClanahan says White customers, staff members and even Murvin herself, were all dressed similarly. McClanahan’s video recordings showed servers at the eatery dressed in fishnet stockings and short shorts and in her lawsuit she included a screenshot showing that. The complaint alleges McClanahan asked Murvin why she was being singled out for a dress code violation when there were “waitresses in here with fishnet stockings and their butts halfway out.”

She told management she’d worn the same outfit to the Stab’s location in Central on several occasions as recently as two weeks earlier — and never had an issue with the dress code. In her lawsuit, McClanahan said she left Stab’s and went to another restaurant nearby, where she was seated, served and received several compliments on her outﬁt.

“I really felt dehumanized for the fact that I couldn’t even at least get an apology or the sit-down discussion that they were saying they were going to have with me,” McClanahan said Monday “It felt like the door was closed in my face, and it left me to feel ostracized, like I had done something wrong. When all I was trying to do was support a local business that I frequented.”

The suit argues the restaurant enforced its dress code selectively against a Black guest, while allowing White customers to violate the policy on multiple occasions. That’s a textbook example of racial discrimination, the ﬁling insists.

“Several months later, Ms McClanahan continues to feel humiliated and ashamed as a result of the doublestandard Stab’s showed to her versus white patrons and employees,” the lawsuit states.

Email Matt Bruce at matt bruce@theadvocate.com.

Carter drops a sweet potato tuber in a pre-dug trench with instruction from Conish.

STAFF PHOTOS By MICHAEL JOHNSON

Congressman Troy Carter is shown the different seed packs by farmer Leroy Conish of River Road Farms on Monday in Vacherie.

BRIEFS

FROM STAFFAND WIRE REPORTS

Wall Street rallies and recoversMonday’slosses

U.S. stocks jumped in awidespread rally Tuesday,and other U.S. investments steadieda day afterfalling sharply on worries about President Donald Trump’s trade war and his attacks on the head of the Federal Reserve

The S&P 500, Dow Jones Industrial Average and the Nasdaq composite more than made up theirbig losses from the start of the week.

The value of the U.S. dollar also stabilized aftersliding against theeuro and other competitors, while longer-term Treasury yields held steadier as more calm returned to ﬁnancial markets. Sharp, unusual moves for the dollar and for Treasurys have recentlyraisedworries that Trump’spolicies are makinginvestorsmoreskeptical about U.S. investments’ reputation as the world’ssafest.

The only prediction many Wall Street strategists are willing to make is that ﬁnancial markets will likely continue to veer up and down as hopes rise and fall thatTrump may negotiate deals with other countries to lower his tariffs. If no such deals come quicklyenough, many investors expect the economy to fall intoa recession. Asuite of better-thanexpected proﬁtreports frombig U.S. companies, including Equifax, 3M and PulteGroup helped drive stocks higher

Officials to phase out artificial dyes from food U.S. health ofﬁcials on Tuesdaysaidtheywouldphaseout petroleum-based artiﬁcial colors in thenation’sfood supply potentially triggering an ingredients overhaulfor scores of brightlyhuedproducts on American store shelves.

The federal Food and Drug Administration willtake steps to eliminate the synthetic dyes by the end of 2026, FDA CommissionerMarty Makary said at a news conference. The agency willestablish astandard and timelinefor industry to switch to natural alternatives, revoke authorization for dyes not in productionwithin coming weeks and take action to remove remaining dyes on the market. Health advocates have long calledfor theremoval of artificialdyes from foods, citing mixed studies indicating they can cause neurobehavioral problems, including hyperactivity and attention issues, in some children. The FDA has maintained that theapproveddyes aresafe and that “the totality of scientiﬁc evidence showsthat most childrenhave no adverse effects when consuming foods containing color additives.”

Swiss company to invest $50B in U.S. Swiss pharmaceuticals powerhouse Roche announcedTuesday it plans to invest $50billion in the United Statesover the next ﬁve years, creating 12,000 jobs.

TheBasel-based company, whose array of products includes cancer medicines and multiple sclerosis treatment Ocrevus, said theinvestment would go toward high-techresearch anddevelopment sites and new manufacturing facilities in places includingCalifornia, Indiana, Massachusetts and Pennsylvania

Some of the $50 billion in investments were alreadyunderway or plannedfor the next several years, Roche spokesperson RebekkaSchnell said in an email, addingthat the company was not specifying how much was announcedfor the ﬁrst time on Tuesday The announcement comes as U.S. PresidentDonaldTrump has urged foreign businesses to invest more in the United States, and announcedsweeping tariffs earlier this month on imports as part of hopes to reduce alarge U.S. trade deﬁcit when it comes to sales of goods. Roche, in its statement, said thatonce the new,expanded manufacturing comes on line, the company “will export more medicines from the U.S. than it imports” —thoughitmadeno mention of tariffs.

IMF: Economic outlookdeteriorating

BY CHRISTOPHER RUGABER AP economics writer

WASHINGTON The U.S. and global economies will likely slow signiﬁcantly in the wake of President Donald Trump’stariffs and the uncertaintythey have created, the InternationalMonetaryFund said Tuesday

The IMF said that theglobal economy will grow 2.8% this year, downfrom its forecast in Januaryof3.3%,according to itslatestWorld Economic Outlook. And in 2026, global growth will be 3%, the fund predicts, also below its previous 3.3% estimate.

Andthe Fund sees the world’s twolargest economies, China and the UnitedStates, weakening: U.S economic growth will come in at 1.8% thisyear,down sharply from its previous forecast of 2.7% and afullpercentage pointbelow its 2024 expansion. The IMF doesn’t expect aU.S. recession, thoughit has raised its odds of onethis year from 25% to about 40% China is now projected to expand4%this year and next,down

roughly half apoint from its previous forecasts.

“Weare enteringa newera,” Pierre-OlivierGourinchas, chief economistatthe IMF,said. “This global economicsystemthathas operated for the last eighty years is being reset.”

Theforecasts underscore the widespread impact of boththe tariffs and the uncertainty they have created. Every countryin the world is affected, the IMF said, by hikes in American import taxes that have nowlifted average U.S. duties to about 25%, the highest in acentury

The forecasts are largely in line with manyprivate-sector economists’ expectations, though some do fear arecession is increasingly likely.Economists at JPMorgan saythe chances of aU.S. recessionare now60%. The Federal Reserve has also forecast that growth will weaken this year,to 1.7%.

The IMF is a191-nation lending organization that works to promote economic growth andﬁnancial stabilityand to reduce global

poverty Gourinchas said that the heightened uncertainty around the import taxesled theIMF to take theunusual step of preparing severaldifferent scenarios for

future growth. Its forecasts were ﬁnalized April4,after theTrump administrationannounced sweeping tariffs on nearly60countries alongwithnearly-universal 10% duties.

Bessentsaystrade warnot

BY JOSH BOAK and FATIMAHUSSEIN Associated Press

WASHINGTON U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said in aTuesday speech that theongoing tariffs showdown against China is unsustainableand expectsa“de-escalation” in thetrade war between the world’s twolargest economies.

Butina private speech in Washington for JPMorgan Chase, Bessentalsocautioned that talksbetween theUnited States and China hadyet to formally start. Trump placed import taxes of 145% on China, which has countered with 125% tariffs on U.S. goods. Trump has placed tariffs on several dozencountries, causing the stock market to stumble andinterest ratesto increase on U.S. debt as investors worry aboutslower economic growth and higher inﬂationary pressures.

Details of the speechwere conﬁrmed by two people familiar with theremarks who insisted onanonymitytodiscussthem.

“I do sayChina is going to be aslogin terms ofthe negotiations,” Bessent said, according to atranscript obtained by The Associated Press. “Neither side thinks the status quo is sustainable.”

TheS&P 500 stock index rose after Bloomberg News initially reported Bessent’sremarks.

The Trump administration has met for talks with counterparts from Japan, India SouthKorea, the European Union, Canada and Mexico, among other nations. But Trump has shown no public indications that he plans to pull back his baseline 10% tariff, even as he hasinsistedhe’slooking for other nations tocut theirown import taxes and remove any nontariff barriers that the administrationsays have hindered exports from the U.S. White Housepresssecretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters Tuesday thatTrump told her“we’re doing very well” regarding a“potential trade deal withChina.” China on Monday warned other countries against making trade deals with the United States that could negatively impact China. “China ﬁrmly opposes any party reaching adeal at the expense of China’sinterests,”

BY BERNARD CONDON AP business writer

NEW YORK Tesla’sﬁrst-quarter proﬁts plunged by more than twothirds amid abacklash against Elon Musk’s electric car company thathas hurt sales and sentits stock plunging.

TheAustin, Texas, company said Tuesday that quarterly profits fell by 70% to to $409 million, or 12 centsashare.That’s far below analyst estimates. Tesla’srevenue fell 9% to$19.3 billion in the Januarythrough March period, also below Wall Street’sforecast.

The disappointing results come as thecompany strugglestosell cars to consumers angry over Musk’s leadership of afederal government jobs-cutting group

China’sCommerce Ministry saidinastatement. Leavitt said the Trump administration has received 18 proposals from other countries fortrade deals with theU.S., adding that “everyoneinvolved wantstosee atrade deal happen.”

The uncertainty over tariffs in theﬁnancial markets has also been amplified by

that hasdivided the countryand sparked protests. Muskalsohas publicly supported far-right politicians in Europe and alienated potential buyers there, too.

Many investors have alsocomplained Musk is too distracted with his Trumpadministration roletoberunning Teslaand that he should either relinquishhis positionasCEO or abandonhis advisory roleinWashington.

Tesla’ stock hasfallen more than 40% this year but rose slightlyin after-hours trading.

Morningstaranalyst Seth Goldstein said earlierreports of plunging salesthathad tankedthe stock made the results almost predictable. “They’re not particularly sur-

Trump calling on the Federal Reserve to cut its benchmark interest rate, with the president saying he could ﬁre Fed Chair Jerome Powell if he wanted to do so

Leavitt said Trump believesthe Fed has acted “in the name of politics, rather in the name of what’s right forthe American economy”byholding rates steady as it awaits the impactsoftariffs.

prisinggiven that deliverieswere down,” Goldstein said, adding that thecompany is still generating cash. “It was good to see positive cash ﬂow.”

Thecompany generated $2.2 billion in operating cash versus $242 million ayear earlier.

The company is expected to roll outacheaper version of its bestselling vehicle, theModel YSUV later in theyear.Teslahas also saiditplanstostartapaiddriverless robotaxiserviceinAustin in June. Itsclosely watched gross margins, ameasure of earnings for each dollarofrevenue,fellto 16.3% from 17.4%

Thecompany that once dominated EVs is also facing fierce competition for the ﬁrst time.

Earlierthis year,Chinese EV maker BYD announced it had developed an electric battery charging system that can fully power up avehicle within minutes.And Tesla’sEuropean rivals have begun offering newmodelswith advanced technology thatismaking them real alternatives, just as popularopinion in Europe has turnedagainst Musk. Investors expect Tesla will be hurt less by the Trumpadministration’stariffs than most U.S. car companies because it makes most of its U.S. carsdomestically But Tesla won’tbecompletely unscathed. It sources some materialsfor its vehiclesfromabroad thatwill nowface import taxes. Tesla warned that tariffs will hit its energy storage business, too.

ASSOCIATED PRESS FILEPHOTO By EVAN VUCCI

TreasurySecretaryScott Bessent speakstoreporters outside the West Wing of the White House on April 9inWashington.

ASSOCIATEDPRESS PHOTOByANDyWONG Workers assemblethe Zeekr 001 EV models at the Chinese automaker Zeekr assemblyplant in Ningbo, east China’sZhejiang Province, on April 17.

BerthelotSr.,Willie

St.Isidore Catholic Church,5657 Thomas Road,at11a.m

Mancuso, Rose Holy Rosary Church in St.Amant at 11am

Sensat,Bettie

St.John theBaptistCatholicChurch, Zacharyat4pm Smith,Mary Little Rising SunBaptistChurch at 11 a.m.

Travis M.

Entered into eternal rest on April 13, 2025. Survived by his parents, Kem (Blue) Anderson and Donna Evans Bryant; brothers Christopher Anderson and Brent Black; grandparents, Freddie G. Anderson, Sr. Addis, LA and Daryl M. Anderson, Port Allen, LA. Visitation Friday, April 25, 2025, Hall Davis and Son of Port Allen, 1160 Louisiana Avenue, Port Allen, LA., 9:00 am until religiousservice at 11:00am. Reverend Johnny Johnson, Jr. officiating.Funeral Service Entrusted to Hall Davis and Son. The family would liketo thank staff at BRG ICU Bluebonnet and Crossing at Clarity.

Alex Kelly Black ("Kel-

ly") went to see his Lord and Savior on April 17, 2025, surrounded by his family. Kelly, as he was known to all, was born in Tallulah, Louisiana, on June 23, 1940, and raised on Lake Bruin in Tensas Parish. He took great pride in his roots and was proud to tell all who would listen about his affinity and affiliation for Tensas Parish. Kelly shared his camp and his contagious affection for Lake Bruin with hundreds of people over the years. In 1964, Kelly graduated from the University of Southwestern Louisiana (now University of Louisiana-Lafayette), where he met the love of his life, Merilyn Williams, a fellow accounting student. Since their marriage in 1965, Kelly and Merilyn were inseparable. Their devotion to each other was plain for all to see. Kelly established A. Kelly Black CPA where he and Merilyn worked alongside each other for over forty years. Their office on Brentwood Drive wasa place where many peoplestopped by to visit, share acup of coffee,

andlearn

to countless charitable causes. His passion was supporting individuals with special needs.Kelly had asister-in-lawand a grandson with Down Syndrome, and throughout his life, he supported charities that enhancedthe livesof individuals with special needs. Kelly is survived by his wife, Merilyn, andhis two sons Brandon(Blake) and Barton (Esther);his eightgrandchildren, Patrick, Frances, Clayton, Adele, Evan,Kirby, Stewart,and Alex; hissister LaDean Dunbar(Robert); sisters-in-law, Jane Roussel (John) and Ava Williams Ellis; and many special niecesand nephews. He waspreceded in death by hisparents, Elbert Bascom Black and MamieGuice Black. The family willreceive relatives and friends at St Aloysius CatholicChurch on Friday, April 25, 2025,at 9:30 AM, followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 AM. Interment willbeon Saturday April 26, 2025,at Legion MemorialCemetery in Newellton, Louisiana,at 10:30 AM. Pallbearerswill bePatrick Black, Evan Black, Stewart Black, Alex Black, Mike Dunbar, Blake Roussel, and BrianBlack In lieuofflowers, please considera donation to St. Lillian Academy for special needsstudents in Kelly's name or adonation to St Joseph CatholicChurchin St. Joseph, Louisiana. "Well done, good and faithful servant." You willbesorely missed.

Crockett, Denovas

"I have fought the good fight, Ihavefinished the race,I have kept the faith. Finally there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give me on that day, and not to me onlybut also to allwho have lovedHis appearing".

2Timothy 4: 7-8

DenovasM.Crockett affectionately known as "Dee"was aresident of Baton Rouge,Louisiana, passed awaysurrounded byfamilyand friends on April 18, 2025atthe ageof 76 from alongbattle of Parkinsons Disease. Denovas "Dee" was bornon June 6, 1948, to the unionof Denoy Michael Milesand Ollie MaeMiles.She was the second bornoffive children to this union. Dee was aloving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother,sister and friend.

She wasa retired East BatonRouge Parish school systemeducator with morethan 30 years of service. She is survived by four childrenthrough the unionofher and Alton Crockett Sr.Alton Crockett Jr. (wife, Roxanne), Bobby T. Crockett, Shedrick J. Crockett and Lakedra L. Crockett,and oneson-inlaw, Herman Breaux Jr. Four grandchildren, Trevor S. Crockett, Jalon L. Breaux,Bryson T. Breaux and Bobby CrockettJr.; threegreat-grandchildren RyleeG.Crockett,AyvaR Crockett and Kobe TCrockett; host of nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by her grandson, AltonCrockett III. Dee was a very caring and compassionate woman and was always found serving others as devoted member of St.PaulCatholicChurch.

Guillot Daigle, anativeof White Castle and resident of Pierre Part,passed away peacefully on April 18, 2025, surrounded by her family.Connie was aloving wife, mother, grandmother, greatgrandmother, sister, aunt and friend to many. She willsadly be missed by allwho knew her. Connie lovedvisits fromher family especially her grandchildren, great grandchildrenand friends She enjoyed traveling, reading, history,geographyand genealogy. She was adevoteCatholicwho cherished her faith. Connie was an activemember of St.Joseph theWorker CatholicChurch in Pierre Part.She was amember of theCatholicDaughters, choir and religion teacher Connie was also amember of the "Cajun Class" and participatedinthe French productions. Connieretired fromthe U.S. Post Office after serving thirty plus years as aPostal Service Clerk. She leaves behind to cherish her memory her loving husband of sixty five years, Addison Daigle; one son, Conrad Daigle(Cindy); four grandchildren, Jai Daigle (Megan), Zachary Daigle (Kay'la), Jacob Daigleand Jessica DaigleStampe (Paul); seven greatgrandchildren, John, Juliette,Alice,Alexanderand Emily Daigle, Thomasand Eric Stampe; one sister, Telezia Guillot Landry; one sisterin-law,JaneBroussard Guillot;one son-in-law, RustyBlanchard; one daughter-in-law,Gwen

Daigleand numerous nieces and nephews. She is precededindeathbyher twochildren, Addison DaigleJr. and Rosalind DaigleBlanchard; one grandson, Justin Daigle; parents, Aimar and Therese Crochet Guillot and her brother, Arthur Guillot.The family would like to thank her caregivers, Yeshecia, Kate, Wendy,Debbie, Tina, Gloriaand her niece Arleen for their excellent care and support.They wouldalso like to thank Fr. Al Davidson, Fr. Thomas Ranzino, Dr. EricGravois and his staff and Cardinal Hospice especially,Callieand Michellefor their outstanding support throughout this difficult time. The family wouldalso like to extend theirheartfelt thankstoall thatkept them in prayerintheir time of need. Avisitation willbeheldonFriday, April 25, 2025, at Ourso Funeral Home in Pierre Part,LA, from9 am until Mass of ChristianBurial at 11 am at St.Joseph theWorker CatholicChurch. Interment willfollow in the church mausoleum.

Ouramazing Dad/Pawpaw,EmileLobranoEdwards, betterknown as "Pawpaw EmileorBig E," enteredintoHeavensGate on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025. Dadhad just celebrated his84th birthday on April 10. He leaves behind hisdevoted wife of 63 years, Frances TheresaPitslataEdwards, and his threechildren, MayorPresidentBryan "Sid"Edwards (Beanie), Vicki"Tut" McInnis(Dean), andLisa Hubbard(John). Together,they gave himhis greatest blessings; grandchildren, Cody Edwards (Aimee), Delaney Alwosaibi(AJ), Chase and JackRyan Edwards, Haley LeBlanc (Trae), Jeremy McInnis (Alyssa), Austin McInnis,

Nicholas McInnis (Michaela), Peyton Hubbard(Haley), and Dylan Hubbard (Hannah). Buthis greatest joywerehis great grandbabies; JaxonShaffer, Jordan EmileEdwards, Audrianaand John Michael Alwosaibi, Oakley and TatumLeBlanc,Killian Knox, andsoon-to-bebaby Camille.Heisalso survived by hisloving brotherand sister-in-law,Frankie and CharleneEdwards, andhis precious puppy, Peppy. He waspreceded in death by hisparents, Clifton and MonteMcNabb Edwards; in-laws, Ralph andVivian "Gonnie"David Pitslata; andsister,JeanneIngalls. Daddy was17and Mama wasonly12yearsold when they fell in love.He lovedMama with all his heartand wasconstantly worriedabouther.Together,theytaughtuswhat true love reallywas all about. He kept us laughing with all hisstories andall of thevoice messageshe wouldleaveusonour phones. Dad lovedtocook andmakingcrackersfor everyoneheknew. He was like achild opening presents on hisbirthday andChristmas. He lovedHi -Nabor andgoingtoany

Edwards,Emile Lobrano

Daigle, Marguerite Guillot 'Connie'

Marguerite "Connie"

Anderson,

Black, Alex 'Kelly'

couldn't wait to call his friends and brag on one of us. He was not only agreat husband,dad and grandfather, he was an awesome man, our hero, atrue legend. Until we meet again, welove you Daddy, and will miss you terribly. Visitation will be Thursday, April 24, 2025, at St George Catholic Church (7808 St. George Dr, Baton Rouge), from 9:30 am to Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 am. Interment to follow in the church mausoleum. Pallbearers will be his grandsons, sons-in-law and his "adopted" son, Ritchie Quinn. Aspecial thank you to his doctors of many years, Dr. Joseph Deumite and Dr. Herschel Dean, and to his loyal friends, Mr. RussellDavid, Mrs. Sam Castle, Julio Vides,his high school friends, and his buddies at OLOL.

Jamie Lee Johnson, Sr a native andresident of Clinton, LA, was born on December 12, 1976 to the Late James Robert Johnson, Sr. and Essie Anthony Johnson. Jamiedeparted this life on April 10, 2025. Jamie accepted Jesus Christ at an early age and was baptized at Mt. Hope Missionary Baptist Church in Ethel, LA, under the leadershipof the late Rev. Jay E. Hills Jamiewas a1995 graduate of LeilehuaHigh School in Wahiawa, HI. Jamie served the communityasa mechanic for over 20 years. Jamie leaves to cherish his precious memories: wife, Lanita S. Johnson; three sons: Jamie Lee Johnson, Jr., Jeremy Turner, and Jamaal LamarDunn;asa daughter, Autumn Taylor of Zachary, LA; mother Essie Johnson of Clinton, LA; two sisters: Barbara Washington Collins of Clinton, LA; Angela (John) Johnson of Clinton,LA; six brothers: Clarence Johnson of Zachary, LA; James Robert (Shirley) Johnson, Jr. of Baker, LA; Michael (Theresa) JohnsonofPort Allen, LA; Gregory (Joyce) Johnson of Raeford, NC; Larry (Wanda) Johnsonof Baton Rouge, LA; John Matthews of Zachary, LA; Aunt Letha Daniel of Zachary, LA; and ahost of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.Jamie was preceded in death by his father James R. Johnson, Sr.;brother, Jessie Johnson; grandfather, Jessie Johnson Sr.; grandmothers: Mathilda Anthony and Mary Johnson; numerous aunts and uncles. Visitation will be held at East Feliciana Steam Academy, 9414 Plank Road, Clinton, LA on Saturday, April 26, 2025 from 10:00 a.m. until religious service at 11:00 a.m., officiated by Bishop George Veal.Interment in

Mt.Hope Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery, Ethel, LA. Funeral arrangements entrustedto Richardson Funeral Home of Clinton, LA.

Kernan, Kevin Armand

Kevin Armand Kernan of Gonzales, La passed away onSunday, April 20, 2025, atOur Ladyofthe Lake HospitalinBaton Rougeat age70. He was alongtime employeeofEatel and had asmallgrass cutting businesslater in life.Hewas an avid pool playerand golfer, winning numerous trophies in localtournaments. As agolfer, he wasa longtime memberofGonzales Country Club until its closure thenplayedfrequentlyatSantaMariaGolf Course.Heenjoyed leisure activities such as board games, card games,bingo puzzles,and darts. He was skilled at drawing and loved sketchingnature scenes and localestablishments. Kevin is survived by his son, Boyd MichaelKernan (girlfriendKellyKinler); daughter, Bandi Leigh Kernan; 2sisters, Cheryl Kernan Fontenot, and PhyllisKernan Giardina(Charlie); and 4brothers,Hubert Jennings Kernan Jr (Sharon),MarkAnthony Kernan, Gordon Charles Kernan (Dawn), andJoseph AlbanKernan (Margaret). Hewas precededindeath by his parents, Hubert Jennings Kernan Sr and Emily Ruth Andermann Kernan; brother-in-law, Stefan Joseph Fontenot and sister -in-law, Joanie DyerKernan.Visitation will be on Thursday, April24, 2025, from9 am until the funeral serviceat11amatOurso FuneralHome 13533 Airline Hwy, Gonzales, La. He will be laid to rest at St. Theresa Catholic Church Mausoleum. The Pallbearers willbeGordon Kernan, CharlieGiardina, Seth Fontenot, Marty Haydel, Lynn Champagne,and John McGovern. In lieu of flowersthe familyencourages that donations be made in Kevin'smemory to amentalhealth or addiction recovery facility.

Lillie MaeLangley,69, “Me-Me”, aresidentof Zachary, LA,diedonMon‐day, April21, 2025. There will be avisitationat CharletFuneralHome, Inc. in Zachary, LA on Wednes‐day, April23, 2025 from 5:00 pm until 8:00 pm andthen on Thursday,April 24, 2025 at Tunica Methodist Church in Tunica,LAfrom 10:00 am until funeralser‐vicesat11:00 am,con‐ducted by Rev. Brandon Sikes. Burial will be at Rogillio Cemetery.She is

survived by herhusband of 49 years, Kent Langley; two daughters: Teresa Cambre andhusband Duane; Kelly Haynes andhusband Kenny; oneson:Daniel Langleyand wife Nique; onesister, Mary Alice Davis; onebrother,Mickey Yarborough andwifeMary; andthree grandchildren: DevinCambre, McKayla Cambre,and Taylor Haynes.She is also sur‐vivedbythe hundredsof localchildrenwho she helped care forand raise at Miss Lillie’s Daycare. Shewas preceded in death by herparents,Marionand MollyYarborough; her brotherMurdock Yarbor‐ough;and hersister DorothyDufour. Pallbear‐erswillbeSeanYarbor‐ough,Phillip Yarborough Justin Bradley, DuaneCam‐bre, DevinCambre, and KennyHaynes.

Marc Hall Reynerson, 80, passed away peacefully themorning of April 11, 2025 at his home in Louisville, KY withhis familyand friends at his side

Marc was born on March 17, 1945 in Baton Rouge, LA as thesecond of sixchildrentoClark Hall "Bob" Reynersonand Agnes Landry Reynerson. He graduated fromSoutheastLouisianaUniversity with adegree in Business Agriculturein1969 and soonbegan hislifelong career with theBoy Scouts of America in Gonzales, LA.

Over thecourse of 38 years, Marc held eight different roles withthe Scoutsacross South Louisiana, Corpus Christi TX, remotelythrough the national office in Dallas, TX, and finallyinLouisville, KY where he retired in 2007.

In retirement, Marcremained deeply involvedin thecommunity—as adedicated volunteerfor the Scouting movement,a supporter of localcharities and nonprofits, and,most importantly,asa loving granddad, friend,brother uncle, husband, and father. He was deeply committed to spending time with and taking care of thosehe loved. In March, he was able to make one final trip to hishometown of Baton Rouge to celebrate his 80th birthday withmany friends and family.Ashis final act of service, Marc donated hisbody to theUniversity of Louisvillefor medical research.

Marc is survivedbyhis loving wife, FredaReynerson; his children, Marcus and Katy Reynerson; and hisbeloved grandchildren, Karson, Kalvin, and Kasyn; and his dear niece Gayla Reynerson Sikes (David). He is also survivedbyhis siblings, KeithReynerson, Linda Gautreaux (Gary), and David Reynerson (Lydia),and hissisters-in-law, Terri Arsenault Reynerson and Cathy TingleReynerson; and 19 othernieces and nephews whom he loveddearly.

He waspreceded in

death by his parents; his brothers, Ronnie Reynersonand Gary Reynerson; hiseldestson, Marc ReynersonJr.;and his nephew, Seth Gautreaux.

Afuneralmass will be held on Saturday,May 10th at 1:00 p.m. at St.Martin of Tours CatholicChurch in Louisville, KY, followedby amemorial and celebration of life from3:00 to 5:00 p.m. at theLincoln HeritageCouncil's Scout Service Center in Louisville.

In lieu of flowers,please considerhonoring Marc's memory witha contribution to one of thecauses closetohis heart:Lincoln HeritageCouncil,Scouting America, Louisville, KY (lhcbsa.org) or theWilderness Awareness School, Duvall, WA (wildernessawa reness.org).

Billie BourgRoman,born November 27, 1934, passed away peacefully on April 16, 2025 at theage of 90 in BatonRouge,LA. Shewas born in NewOrleans and livedmostofher life in Chalmette,relocatingto BatonRouge after Hurri‐cane Katrina. Shewas the daughter of thelate SylvesterT.Bourg andthe late Cecile Lods Bourg. She wasprecededindeath by herhusband of 67 years, Joseph C. Roman, Jr.She wasthe mother of Patricia R. Earhart(Bobby),Joseph C. Roman, III (Judy), Pamela R. Mascari(Brian) andthe late BradleyJ Roman; grandmotherof ChrisEarhart (Daynell), AlanaE.Barnett-Woods (Chris), VincentRoman (Kayla), Gerard Roman

(Alyssa), andKatherine, Peterand Andrew Mascari; great-grandmotherof Noah andChloe Earhart, Carter Barnett-Woods, Luke,Camille,and Kolton Roman. Shewas thesister of BarbaraB.Capdepon andthe late EliseB Munch, thelateAudrey Bourg, andthe late DorisB Creger.She wasa ’53grad‐uate of RabouinHigh School,and is also sur‐vivedbyher lifelong friend andclassmate Joan Croall Livaccari. Shealsoleaves behind many friendsand relativesfromChalmette andBaton Rouge, mem‐bers of theSt. Bernard Club (peopledisplaced all over Louisiana by Hurri‐cane Katrina),friends at St Thomas More in Baton Rouge, andresidents of Williamsburg Senior Living Shespent herlifedeeply devotedtoher familyand herfaith.A specialthanks to OurHouse forRespite in BatonRouge where she spentthe last 16 months receivingexcellent care by Ms.Verly andher staff. Services to be held at St BernardMemorialFuneral Home,701 Virtue St, Chal‐mette,LA, on April25, 2025, with visitation from 9:00 a.m. followed by aCatholic

Reynerson, Marc Hall

Roman, Billie Bourg

Johnson Sr., Jamie Lee

Langley, Lillie Mae

See more DEATHS page

Keeping tabs on school spending

Anew websiteunveiled by the state Department of Treasury this month gives taxpayers awindow into how publicschools spendtheir money,and we believe thiswill have several positive effects.

School districtsinLouisiana spend about $15,400 per student, of which about$2,200 comes from federal sources, accordingtothe site.The amounts canvarybetween public and charter schools. But the new website showsa breakdown of how that money isspent,dividingitinto categories that include instruction, administration, transportation and studentand instructional support.Italso includes information on vendor contracts, employee salariesand revenue sources.

Act 370, passed by the Legislaturein2023, requires school districtsand charterschool operators to report the information twiceayear to the treasury department. Private schools are not yet included, but StateTreasurerJohn Fleming said the aim is to one day include anyschool that receives public funds. With theLAGATOR educationscholarship funds soon to allow public money to ﬂow into private schools, we think the ability to see where these funds gowill be crucial.

It also should shine alight on those school districts that are spending money wisely anddoing more with less. Toooften,wefail to acknowledge thosethat are succeedinginthe face of tremendous challenges

Sen. Rick Edmonds, R-Baton Rouge,who authored the originalbill, said he hopes whenparents see the ledger of what schools spend, they will have anew appreciation forhow districts operate.

“I hope what that does is bring conﬁdence in some of those systems,” he said.

We do as well, and we applaud efforts to make ourstate governmentmore accessible

A‘yes’ vote on

EBRdistrict attorney tax

East Baton Rouge District Attorney Hillar

Moorehas said he feels he has no choice butto ask voters to approve adedicated millagefor his office given mounting case backlogs, staffing shortages and the expected budget crunch in city-parish government,from which the District Attorney’sofficegets most of itsfunding. Themillage, a4-mill, 20-year property tax, is on theMay 3ballot. We recommend a“yes” vote. Early voting began Saturday and continues through Saturday,April 26 New taxes are always atoughsell, but Moore is in adifficult spot. Though his officeprosecutes crimes in the most populousparish in the state, its budget of about$16 million is far less than Orleans, where the budget is about$21 million, or Jefferson, where it is about $24 million. Thoseparishes areable to employ dozens more prosecutors than East Baton Rouge has Thenew taxwould bringinabout $24 million per year,puttingEast Baton Rouge Parishon par with Jefferson Parish.The money would be usedtohiremoreprosecutors andpay them better,improve case screening,speed up forensic analysis and reduce the11,000-casebacklog. It would also allow about $8 8million the city-parish currently allocates to the District Attorney’sofficetogoback intothe general fund.Weunderstand that new taxes can be a hard pill to swallow,but we believe investing in acompetent, efficient District Attorney’soffice is worth it.

Congress should stop cuts harmfultoresidents

The Trumpadministration’sactionsare harming Louisianans across income and racial-ethnic groups. In a March 29 article, thehead of aCalcasieu Parishorganization (which serves apredominantly low-income White area that supported Trump) said of EPAand DOEfund cuts her organization received, “If you target poor people of color,you also target poor Whitepeople because we all live in the same communities and work in the samejobs.

The tariffs and stock market de-

clines are drastically affecting the incomes of Louisiana retirees and businesses. In aApril 4article, the largest Louisiana-based car dealer sees car prices rising sharply andsaid, “The administration has dropped an atomic bombonthe industry.”

USAID cuts in purchasing agricultural productsare harming Louisiana farmers.

Federal worker staff andother cuts in the Social Security Administration and the Department of Veterans Affairslessen Louisianans’ access

Reject methodsofanautocrat

The judiciary,the free press and universities play important roles in thehealth of anation. The chief justice of the Supreme Court noted that for over two centuries, the proper responseondisputed judgments is to appeal in courts, not for thepresident to threaten judges.

Similarly,the great universities of this country have centuries-old normsofacademic freedom and free exploration, including criticism, of all ideas.

Societyhas seen as necessary for thepublic good that universities investigate and question ideas and beliefs. The president cannot insist on some “patriotic” path for everyone to follow.That is theway of a dictator

AU.S. election does not elect a king, only one who swears an oath to theConstitution. Election does not makehim an authority on thearts, science, economics, public health and history

This country is great because of its ideals, the Constitution, the rule

Iwould like to ask all thepeople who bought President Donald Trump’slies about the way tariffs work how they feel today.During his campaign, he dismissed theidea that his plan would cause thestock market to do exactly what has happened. He was warned about this by manyeconomists and ﬁnancial experts. Evidently,hebelieves he is thesmartestperson in the country He believes he can do whatever

of law,not of men. “Wethe people,” notone man.Threatening neighbors was the behavior of Germany or Japan in the past and Russia today not of the U.S. Insulting and bullying other countries inevitably extends to his own countrymen. Snatching awoman student off the streetsbymasked men not wearing uniforms of police or FBI is the way of ayatollahs’ moralityenforcers in Iran, not in aland of civil liberties. Whisking someone away at dead of night,leaving family and lawyers in the dark, happened to the“disappeared”in thepast in thePhilippines, Brazil or Chile. It should not happen in today’sU.S. An immigrant may be an easy target today,but it will also extend to citizens, as it did in those countries. Allshould condemn and reject these tactics. History will be aharsh judge of other past regimes, seeing the U.S. as once great but not now

A.R.P.RAU Baton Rouge

he wantstodoand is supported by theSupremeCourt, which gave him immunity for anything he does in his ofﬁcial capacity Iguess he will attempt to subvert the Constitution in his attempt to get athird term. Ihope those whovoted for him this time will think twice before pulling thelever forhim ever again.

CHUCK GOODWIN Baton Rouge

to needed beneﬁts. Staffcuts at the National Weather Service undermine forecasts of stormsharmful to Louisiana. These are only afew of the Trump administration actions that are making us worse rather than great. It is past timefor our Louisiana Congressional representatives, such as Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, Majority Leader Steve Scalise and others, to say no and oppose Trumpadministration actions so harmfultous. PHYLLIS RAABE NewOrleans

Ihave been following what President Donald Trumpistrying to do to help our country to becomebetter.I’m not sure if what he is doing is right or wrong, but Idosupport his efforts because Ican plainly see he loves the United States.

What does bother me is what the Democrats are doing in protesting everything he does. The Democrats don’t support any of his efforts, and not because they are right or wrong but because they hate him.Trumpcould present apolicy that would positively beneﬁt this country,and Democrats will rail against him only because of hate.

Ichoose to support the president in his efforts and hope that they work because Itruly believe he wants what is best forour country.People tend to get caught up in mob actions and will blindly jumpinand support anything if they feel the hatred of whatever cause the demonstrators are carrying on about. It’s timetorealize that the president is doing what he feels is going to makeour country better

Ibelieve in what he is saying and doing. It’s timetobepatient and give him achance to prove his case, and if he is right and his policies work out as planned, you can be sure the haters will demonstrate against it anyway because they will follow the crowd. It’s timetobesmart, open your mind to positive thinking and show support forthe man whowants what is best for all of us.

PAUL

Trumpkilling oneofour strongestexports

President Donald Trump says he wants to reduce our trade deﬁcit. Yet he’sdestroying one of our winningest exports: higher education.

Colleges and universities are among America’smost competitive international exporters. In dollar terms, last year,the United States sold more educational services to the rest of the world than it soldinnatural gas and coal combined.

We alsorun ahuge trade surplus in this sector,meaning that foreigners buy much more education from the United States than Americans buy from other countries. In the 2022-2023 school year, more than three times as many international studentswere enrolled in the UnitedStatesasthere were American studentsstudying abroad. Translated to cash: Our education-services trade surplus is larger than the trade surplus in the entire completed civilian aircraft sector Why? Regardless of what Trumpland claims, America is really,really good at higher education.

Our K-12 schooling outcomes are mediocre when compared withpeer countries,but our postsecondary institutions are the envy of the world. That’sparticularly true for larger U.S. research institutions, which excel not only at passing on existing knowledge but also enlisting students in the production of new knowledge —such as the cutting-edge scientiﬁc research that powers careers, businesses and entireeconomies.

Our ability to attract international academic talent is ahuge boon for other,non-trade-related reasons, too.

The international studentsweenroll are more likely to pay full freight This means their tuition dollars crosssubsidize financial aid for lower-or middle-income American students. (Such as, say,Vice President JD Vance, who attended Yale University.) International studentshave also served as apowerfulweapon in building American soft power: Those who train here learn not only our rigorous scientific procedures but also American values. They bring those values —respect for civil liberties, due process, democracy —back totheir home countries Or they did, anyway.Trump either ignores all these virtues or writes them off as vices. As with many politicians, Trump’s trade agenda fetishizes 1950s-style manufacturing rather than 21stcentury services, even though it is the latter that the United States excels at producing and selling abroad. (Think not only education, but also software, engineering, entertainment,financial services, etc.) We runahuge trade surplus in the services sector,which Trump perplexingly excludes when

Students, faculty and members

quantifying our trade balance. More signiﬁcantly,Trump and his underlings have deep contempt for universities, including (perhapsespecially?) the ones they attended.

Amongthis administration’sﬁrst actions was to(illegally) cut off scientiﬁc grantstoacademic research institutions,including those working on cancer cures and HIV treatments.

Courts have paused or temporarily reversed some of these measures, so Trump found other ways to continue his vendetta against colleges.

Under the guise of protecting Jews, Trump has frozen billions of dollarsof federal funding at theUniversity of Pennsylvania (Trump’salma mater), Columbia,Harvard and other institutions.Not asingle Jewishstudent has been made safer by these actions, which slashed funding for both research and ﬁnancial aid.

This will be ahugeﬁnancial blow even for the richest universities with large endowments,which areusually restricted by donor stipulations and legalobligations.

Institutions of all meansare scrambling to contain the damage. Some schools are slashing admissions or rescinding already-offered acceptances. This hasbecome particularly common in hard-science graduateprograms, which are expensive to runand rely heavily on grant funds. They also happen to be critical to U.S. economic growth.

Butsay schools somehow found away toplug funding holes and re-

sumed regular admissions of American and non-American students alike What international student in their right mind would still come study here?

Masked immigration agentshave snatched studentsoff thestreets on allegations of antisemitism and supportfor terrorism, even despite internal memos admitting that zero evidence for such accusations exists. Elsewherearound thecountry,atleast 1,000 studentshave had theirvisas revoked, according to an Inside Higher Ed database.

Based on my own interviews with university ofﬁcials, studentsoften do not know why they are being toldto self-deport or face detainment.Many participated in no Gazaprotests or other political activities (not that this should matter).

As though that weren’tterrifying enough, some universities are actively collaborating with immigration enforcement to ferret out international studentsaccused of wrongthink.

Last fall, Trump promisedgreen cards to any international student bright enough to graduatefrom U.S. colleges. He also promised to help his country better compete on theglobal stage. Today,he’sdestroying one of our most powerful economic engines —and ensuring international students don’tcome here (let alone graduate) at all.

Email Catherine Rampell at crampell@ washpost.com. She is on X, @crampell.

Paying taxestofeedthe insatiable beast

America’sannual rituals and observances include days we usually celebrate together (July Fourth, Memorial Day, Veterans Day), or as members of special groups (Passover,Easter and Christmas).

The one annual ritual it can be safelysaid most Americans despise is April 15, whenthe half of us who pay federal income taxes must “render unto Caesar” portions of our hardearned money to agovernment that wastes much of it and dislikes exposure and accountability. It’swhy Elon Musk and his band of DOGE warriors are despised by the Left and the misspenders.

lionaires on lowsix-ﬁguresalaries?

Thelargely indecipherable federal taxcode is incredibly complex —so complexthat it covers6,871 pages. If taxregulations are added —the Treasury’sofﬁcial interpretations of the tax code —the number of pages climbs to 75,000.

Why did so manyfans watch the final episode of “The White Lotus?” Suspense. The first episode of Season 3had teased amurder,and viewers wanted to know the victim Uncertainty is the oldest trope in the TV playbook, and Donald Trumplearned that lesson well during his 14 seasons starring on “The Apprentice.” Who will be fired this week? And as the maincharacter in his current show,Season 2ofThe President, he’sfollowing the same playbook: Always keep ‘em guessing!

That strategy might be good forattracting ratings, but it’sdreadful formanaging the economy.When it comes to making ﬁnancial decisions, people want clarity —not confusion. Otherwise, they won’t build or buy,hire or invest.

Steve Roberts

That’swhy Trump’smercurial approach to tariffs and trade has shaken stock markets around the world. What’shis real goal? How does he get there? The reactions from independent experts have been damning.

“The recent tariffs will likely increase inﬂation and are causing manytoconsider agreater probability of arecession,” wrote Jamie Dimon, the widely respected CEO of JPMorgan Chase.

The Economist magazine waseven blunter: “Donald Trumphas committed one of the worst policy blunders of all time.”

The dismay goes wellbeyond the tussle over tariffs.Trumpischallenging the basic values that have governed international relations for generations —asystem that essentially prizes cooperation over conﬂict, mutual beneﬁt over national domination.

“Trumpisbuilding walls,” writes David Brooks in The New York Times.“His trade policies obstruct not only the ﬂow of goods but also the ﬂow of ideas, contacts, technology and friendships as well. His immigration policies do the same. The essence of the Trumpagenda might be:Wedon’tlike those damnforeigners.” Trumpinsists that things are “going very well.” Most Republicans are still so loyal —and so intimidated —that they’re standing by him And no one really knowswhether his bet will pay off. But small cracks of concern are starting to splinter Republican ranks.

In aReuters/Ipsos poll, 57% agree with the statement that “Trump’smoves to shake up the economy are too erratic,” including 1in3 Republicans. Overall, 37% approve of Trump’s economic performance. That drops to 30% when asked directly about his handling of inﬂation.

Afew brave Republicans are willing to risk Trump’swrath and criticize him openly.Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky,anoutspoken free-trader,noted that high tariffs have sunk the GOPin the past and concluded, “So they’re not only bad economically; they’re bad politically.”

Bill Ackman, CEO of Pershing Square Capital Management and amajor Trump donor, warned on social media, “The president is losing the conﬁdence of business leaders around the globe,” and added: “This is not what we voted for. “The Trumphoneymoon collapsed with the stock market,” concludes Republican pollster Whit Ayres.

Seven Republican senators have signed on to abill promoted by Iowa’s Chuck Grassley that would give Congress the authority to veto any new tariffs imposed by the president. The measure’snot going anywhere, but it signals the simmering discontent on Capitol Hill —particularly among lawmakers from farm states, which are heavily dependent on exports, especially to China.

Twoconstitutional amendments have been especially hated by the public.One was the 16th Amendment that was ratiﬁed on Feb. 3, 1913. It granted Congress the authority to impose and collecttaxes on income. Before then the government raised money through tariffs (sound familiar?) and excise taxes. The 18th Amendment prohibited the manufacturing, sale and transportation of intoxicating liquors. That amendmentwas repealed in 1933. The 16th Amendment remains, allowing Congress to continue its intoxication with our money,bilking those “millionaires and billionaires” Democratslove to attack, although some of them are wealthy.How did some become mil-

Oneneeds instructions on the instructions to understandit, which has kept tax accountants in business for decades

TheInternal Revenue Service is only partially to blame for this annual annoyance. Bureaucratic regulators who add to laws passed by Congress, and Congress itself,which grants deductions to some, butnot others, are the real culprits. While DOGE is exposing some of the waste, fraud and abuse in government, it won’tbefully stopped until two things happen. First, Americansmust rely less on government and more on themselves.Responsible decisions in one’spersonal and ﬁnancial life mostly guarantees that government will be less likely aﬁrst resource and more likely alast resort. Second, the people who have tortured us must be shamed. In Puritan societyshaming, or public humiliation, was acommon practice. Its purpose was to enforce moral standards and maintain social order.Today almostnothing is shameful because most standards have been discarded.

MembersofCongress, who voted for spending and programs that are now being exposed as unnecessary and wasteful, should have shame heaped upon them. This would include“earmarks,” which is spending by members for favored projects that have not gone through theproper budgetaryprocess. Public shaming might force members to be moreresponsible withthe power and purse they have been given and put thecountry’sinterestahead of theirpersonal interests, which include reelection.

As Ihave repeatedly argued, every Cabinet agency and most government programs have been established by acharter or legislative authority. If agencies and programs are achieving theirpurposes and goals and their work can’tbedone less expensively and more efficiently by theprivate sector,wekeep them. If not, we get ridofthem. DOGE has begun that process. Simply firing people won’t fully solve theproblem. The value and success of these entities must be examined for their cost and efficiency. The ones that are not performing must be shut down, otherwiseanew Congressand anew administration could firethem up again and we will be back where we started

Email Cal Thomasattcaeditors@ tribpub.com

“There’salot of faith in the president, but that doesn’tpay bills,” Sen. Jerry Moran of Kansas, aco-sponsor of Grassley’sbill, told The Hill. “So there has to be something that solves this problem or we’re going to lose another signiﬁcant number of producers across the country.”

Sen. Mike Rounds of South Dakota warns that the White House has “got to be able to reassure the American people that there’sapath forward, that retirement accounts will be bouncing back.”

Sen. John Kennedy of Louisiana worries, “We don’tknow how long it will take. We don’t know whatthe short-term consequences will be. We don’tknow if the medicine will be worse than the disease. We’re in the economic unknown.”

Sen. Kevin Cramer of North Dakota says his farmers are “heading into spring season and banks are lending them money.They need somecertainty.”

Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina asked U.S. Trade representative Jamieson Greer,“Whose throat do Iget to choke if this proves to be wrong?”

As Season 3of“The White Lotus” ended, we found out whodied. Season 2ofThe President is still soaked in suspense. And the audience is getting irritable and apprehensive.

Email Steven Roberts at stevecokie@gmail. com.

Cal Thomas

Catherine Rampell

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO

of the Harvard University community rally last week in Cambridge, Mass.

Bettie Legros Sensat,a residentofCrowley,went toher eternalhomeon Monday, April21, 2025. She was 93 yearsold andwas retired from American Le‐gionHospital, whereshe workedfor over 50 yearsas a Nurses Aid, LPNand RN She retiredinher late 60’s but continuedtogo in as she wasneeded.Visitation willbeonWednesday April 23, 2025atSt. John the BaptistCatholic Church,Zachary from 2:00pmuntil Mass of Chris‐tianBurialat4pm con‐ductedbyFr. LamarPartin Rosarywillberecited at 3:45pm. Burial will be on Thursday,April 24, 2025 at 10amatLANationalCeme‐tery, Zachary. Bettie is sur‐vived by herdaughter, Philomena Slaughter, and husband,Mansel"Spec Slaughter.Grandchildren, Spencer Slaughter(Lacey) Sarah Hearld (Jesse), Cody Slaughter (Katey), Great grandchildren,Ruston HughSlaughter,Marlee Michael Hearld,Oliver SpenceHearld, John Michael Slaughter, Randee-LynSlaughter, Tyler JamesSlaughter, Charlee MarieSlaughter, Sadie June Slaughterand Casen Joseph Slaughter. Sisters,Margarite Legros and Nola Legros Conner and husband, Herman.She isprecededindeath by her husband of 72 years, James “El Hugh”Sensat, parents, Andyand Zula Dupuis Legros, brother, Andy Legros, Jr.and sister,Rena Mae RichardThibodeaux. Pallbearers will be Spencer Slaughter,Jesse Hearld Lamar Pugh,CodySlaugh‐ter,ManselSlaughter and RaymondRichard.Hon‐

orarypallbearers areTerry Guidry, Mike Bossley, David Bossley andRogerGh‐esquiere. Bettie wasa graduateofLSU-E (Eunice) inNursing.She received her RNat54years old. In the last decade of herca‐reer,she washeadnurse inObstetrics. Special thankstoCarrie, Courtney, Mr. Jaredand theStaff at Southwind NursingHome and especially,BethSimon, and Mona Bossley Zeringue, Fr.Janise Jonathonand herprecious roommate ZelmaGlodd Memorialdonations may bemadetoSt. John the Baptist Debt Reduction, 4727 McHugh Dr., Zachary, LA70791 or to Lamm Hos‐piceinCrowley.Share sympathies, condolences and memories at www.Cha rletFuneralHome.com.

WandaM.Skipper en‐tered into eternalrestin Port Allen, Louisianaon April 14, 2025. Shewas a 59-year oldnativeofPort Allen,Louisiana.Viewing atScott United Methodist Church on Thursday,April 24, 2025 at 9:00 am until Celebration of Life Service at11:00 am conductedby Rev.RogerLathan; inter‐mentinchurch cemetery Survivors includeher hus‐band, Jackie Skipper; son, DariusStewart;parents Leola andFeltonLawrence, all of Port Allen; brother, Felton R. Lawrence (Tereska),Addis, Louisiana; other relativesand friends. Arrangementsentrusted to Miller& Daughter Mortu‐ary

Smith, Mary Hughes Mary Hughes Smithen‐tered into eternalrestat her residenceinBaton Rouge,Louisiana on April 16, 2025. Shewas a73-year old native of Centerville, Mississippi.Viewing at Lit‐tle Rising SunBaptist Church on Wednesday, April 23, 2025 at 9:00 am until CelebrationofLife Service at 11:00 am con‐ductedbyRev.Ray Thomas; intermentat RoselawnCemetery. Sur‐vivorsinclude herdevoted husband,Maurice Smith; mother, JosephineHughes; daughter, KenyaJenkins; bonus daughters, Sher‐vonda,Ashley, andDeneal Smith;and AmberMcCoy; six grandchildren; brother, Ellis Hughes (Tina);other relatives andfriends Arrangementsentrusted to Miller& Daughter Mortu‐ary

Howto place an Obituary Notice Howto place a Memorial Ad

EMAIL: obits@theadvocate.com OR CALL FORMORE INFORMATION: 225-388-0289 An In Memory Of”ad, is away to paytribute to your lovedone This remembranceisoften printed on theanniversaryofaloved one’s death. The deadline is twodayspriortothe day youwant your ad to appear TO PLACEA MEMORIALAD GO TO: obituaries.theadvocate.com clicksubmitanobituaryand select create amemoriam.

Skipper, WandaM

SPORTS

One of themost bizarre streaksin NFLhistoryﬁnally could come to an end this week

The New OrleansSaints might ﬁnally select aquarterback in the ﬁrst round of the draft, ending the club’s mind-boggling 54-year drought.

BY MATTHEWPARAS Staff writer

If history is anyindication, general manager Mickey Loomis will have the New Orleans Saints trade up during this week’sNFL draft.

But will it be for aquarterback?

That’sthe big question, one that will grow even larger if the Saints pass on taking asignal-caller with the ninth overall pick Thursday.ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Monday that New Orleans already has begun making calls about trading up from No. 40, its second-round selection.

The Saints, who are dealingwith starter Derek Carr’sshoulder injury, have nine picks to work with in this year’sdraft, which gives the front ofﬁce extra resources to work with if it wants to execute adeal.

Historically,the price tag to trade back into the ﬁrst round —oreven up in thesecond—isn’t nearly as costly compared to what teams have paid to move up to thetop of thedrafttoland

The Saints are expected to select aquarterback highinthis draft, perhaps as early as Round 1, but it will be asurprise if they pull thetrigger at No. 9. It’smore likely they trade back intothe bottom of Round 1ortop of Round 2toget their guy

BY RODWALKER Staff writer

Joe Dumars could have kept working in his plush ofﬁce on the 20th ﬂoor of the NBA headquarters in Manhattan. Dumars, who turns 62 in May,was perfectly content walking every day to and from ajob that will be much easier thanthe onehe’s about to take on. But when home called, the Natchitoches native answered.

Plain and simple, thevalue isn’tthere to take aquarterback in the top 10 this year.The quarterbacks in this classare graded as second- and third-round talents. The lone exception is Cam Ward, whomTennesseeisset to select withthe No. 1overall pick.

At No. 9, theSaints are asmart bet to address other needs, and there are plenty for ateam coming off a5-12 season. The belief is theSaints will select

“Sometimes opportunities come along and you know it’sthe right place, right time, right people,” Dumars said.

Dumars had his introductory news conference Tuesday, hissecondday on the job as executive vicepresident of basketballoperations for the New Orleans Pelicans. Hewas hiredlast week, less than48hours after Pelicans owner Gayle Benson ﬁred DavidGrifﬁn

after six seasons in the role.

Griffin’sfiring came just aday after the Pelicans finished the season witha2161 record, the second-worst markinfranchise history

Now it’s up to Dumars, amemberofboththe Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and the Louisiana Sports HallofFame, to right theship. Dumars, atough-as-nails guard on those tough-as-nails Detroit Pistonsteams of the 80s and 90s,now takes on ajob that

either atop lineman or best player available with their ﬁrst pick. Doing so would adhere to alongstanding organizational philosophy: Big men with elite athleticism are extremely rare, and to acquire them requires apremium cost.

Since 2018, theSaints have drafted an offensive or defensive lineman with six of their seven ﬁrst-round picks, the lone exception being receiver Chris Olave in 2021. Since 2002, theSaints have used an NFL-high 15 ﬁrst-round draft picks on offensive and defensive linemen.

As such, look for theSaints to address their needs in thetrenches at No.9.The exception would be if an elite, blue-chip

might be even tougher

Benson,who got to know Dumarsatleague meetings over the years, had asimple message for Dumars during what ended up being aquick hiring process.

“I would love to know what it feels like to win an NBA title,” Benson toldDumars.

The Pelicans, of course, are alongway from that. They’ve only advanced to thesecond round of the playoffs twice in franchise history

So thetask in frontofDumars is adaunting one. Not thatthe standout guard on the Bad Boys Detroit Pistons teamsisafraid of daunting tasks. Dumars, afterall, is one of the players who Michael Jordan once said is one of the toughest defenders he ever faced.

Tryingtoslowdown Jordan was one thing. Making the Pelicans relevant in the NBAisanother

How do you do that?

“You build agreat culture

where everyonefeelsgreat coming into the building every day,”Dumars said. “You feel great coming into the building. So I’ll put a tremendousemphasis on culture, what the building is like. And then the basketball part, that’s for myself and my staff to make surewe pickthe right people.But theculture hastoberight ﬁrst.” Dumars spentabout 20

ASSOCIATED PRESS FILE PHOTO By JACOB KUPFERMAN

STAFF FILEPHOTO By MICHAEL JOHNSON

Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Darttries to make amoveagainst LSU linebacker Whit Weeks on Oct. 12 at TigerStadium.

Jeff Duncan

LSU guard Sheppard returns to the portal

BY REED DARCEY Staff writer

A guard who signed with the LSU women’s basketball team as a transfer in 2024 has decided to jump back in the portal after one season in Baton Rouge. Mjracle Sheppard, a rising junior, is searching for her third school in as many years, a source conﬁrmed Tuesday Last offseason, Sheppard transferred to LSU from Mississippi State. Coach Kim Mulkey and her staff planned for her to contribute early in the 2024-25 season, but an October foot injury set her back. The 5-foot-10 defensive specialist cracked the rotation once she recovered and found a groove in time to give the Tigers energetic minutes off the bench across the back half of the year

Sheppard appeared in all four of LSU’s NCAA Tournament games.

The sophomore scored 10 points in 17 minutes of a ﬁrst-round win over No. 14 seed San Diego State. She logged 19 more minutes in a second-round victory over No. 6 seed Florida State, proof that she could carve out a role as a junior as well.

But now Sheppard is removing herself from competition for minutes in a crowded group of guards.

LSU can bring back both Flau’jae Johnson and Mikaylah Williams, as well as Kailyn Gilbert and Jada Richard. It’s also adding three freshman guards, all of whom are ranked among the top-35 recruits in the country, according to both ESPN and On3.

Before Tuesday, the Tigers had lost four players to the portal: Sa’Myah Smith, Last-Tear Poa, Aalyah Del Rosario and Jersey Wolfenbarger They’ve so far signed two transfers, former Notre Dame forward Kate Koval and former East Carolina forward Amiya Joyner

LSU is also in the mix to land former Wisconsin star Serah Williams, a 6-4 forward who visited Baton Rouge on Thursday and Friday

Any other women’s basketball players who wish to enter the transfer portal must do so by Wednesday.

Bailey eager to see Hunter play offense and defense

BOULDER, Colo. — Take it from Hall of Famer Champ Bailey, the last true two-way star to come out of college: Heisman winner Travis Hunter will have his hands, feet and head full trying to play both wide receiver and cornerback in the NFL.

“It’s easy to just say, ‘Oh yeah, he can go play both,’” Bailey said.

“Well, there’s so much preparation that goes into playing one thing. So, you’ve got to consider what is it going to take to do everything all the time like he did in college?”

Digesting two playbooks.

Navigating concurrent position meetings.

Convincing coaches that switching back and forth from one side of scrimmage to the other won’t diminish his effectiveness or learning curve on either side.

Then, there’s the mental toll, the physical toll, the emotional toll.

“It’s almost unrealistic when you think about it,” Bailey said.

“But, we’re looking at one of the greatest athletes we’ve ever seen. It changes your mindset to think he could possibly do this. I’m not going to rule it out.”

Few can relate to what Hunter did in college and will try to do in the pros better than Bailey, who won the Bronko Nagurski Award as the nation’s top defender in his ﬁnal season at Georgia in 1998, when he picked off three passes and also starred on offense, catching 47 passes for 744 yards and ﬁve touchdowns

Bailey, however, would play almost exclusively at cornerback in the NFL after being drafted seventh overall by Washington in 1999. During his 15-year pro career, Bailey saw just nine targets at wide receiver Five of them came in 2000 when he caught three passes for 78 yards to go with his ﬁve interceptions.

But Norv Turner was fired

midway through his second season and his replacement, Marty Schottenheimer, squelched Bailey’s ambitions to dabble in the offense.

Bailey suggested that for Hunter to really get his chance to try being a two-way player in the NFL, he’ll have to land with the right team, the right coach, the right teammates, the right scheme — on both offense and defense — the right schedule and the proper amount of patience.

Hunter is widely expected to get drafted second overall by the Cleveland Browns who need help at both of his positions on Thursday night after the Tennessee Titans take Miami’s Cam Ward as their new quarterback to kick off the 2025 NFL draft

Hunter told the Browns, and every other team he met with, not to bother selecting him if they’re not going to let him line up on both sides.

Deion Sanders, the Hall of Famer who played defensive back and wide receiver in the NFL he had two interceptions and a touchdown catch in 1996 for Dallas — was Hunter’s coach at Jackson State and Colorado and had no qualms about letting Hunter play both ways.

Sanders, however, allowed Hunter to take several days off after games to recuperate, a luxury he won’t have in the NFL.

Last season, Hunter caught 96 passes for 1,258 yards and 15 touchdowns and collected 35 tackles, 11 pass breakups, eight forced incompletions and four interceptions while allowing just one touchdown.

Hunter logged a whopping 1,484 snaps, by far the most in college football last season Next up was Florida center Jake Slaughter at 800 snaps. By way of compari-

son, NFL Defensive Player of the Year Patrick Surtain II played 978 snaps in 17 games last season, all on defense.

It’s unlikely Hunter will be able to play every snap in the NFL, Bailey said, so the biggest decision for the team that drafts him is which side will be his primary position?

Scouts are divided on whether it would be best for him to be a cornerback who gets a handful of offensive snaps or a wide receiver who occasionally gets into some sub-packages on defense.

Bailey added that Hunter needs a head coach who won’t allow his offensive and defensive coordinators to ﬁght over him and he said that if the position meetings for defensive backs and wide receivers are held at the same time, Hunter will be putting in hours of overtime every day to catch up.

Then there’s the negotiating the learning curves on the ﬁeld.

“You’ve got to learn how to communicate with your safeties, your other corners, anybody that’s on your side. Once you get that down and you understand the terminology of the defense, you can pull back a little bit from the mental side of it a little bit if you’re playing offense,” Bailey said “But, it’s risky, it’s risky Because you leave some stuff out there. It’s just he has to put in more time.”

What would be easier to be a fulltime cornerback and parttime wide receiver or vice versa?

One thing Bailey is sure of is that Hunter needs to take his shot at playing both ways while he’s young.

“If I had to bet on it, I would say he’ll be at one position down the road,” Bailey said. “I don’t know what it would be because he’s so exceptional at both. But right now with his youth and his bounce, he’s a great athlete right now he’s fresh.

“You don’t want to wear him out but you also want to utilize what you have.”

Biles undecided on competing at LA Olympics

PARIS Simone Biles is unsure whether she will compete at the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028. For now, the most decorated gymnast of all-time has other priorities and is listening to her body, too.

“I’m really trying to enjoy life, to spend time with my husband (Chicago Bears safety Jonathan Owens), go support him at his games, live my life as a woman,” she said in an interview with French sports daily L’Equipe published on Tuesday “I’ve accomplished so much in my sport. For me to come back, it would really have to excite me.”

The 28-year-old American will be in Los Angeles for the Games but does not yet know in which capacity “Whether on the apparatus or in the stands, I still don’t know that,” she told L’Equipe. “But 2028

seems so far away, and my body is aging I felt it in Paris.”

The American gymnast won three gold medals and a silver at the Paris Olympics, taking her career tally to seven Olympic golds and 11 medals overall. But her body cracked from the strain.

“I went back to the village, I took the elevator and my body literally collapsed I was sick for 10 days,” she said, before recounting another experience. “The other day we were sprinting in the garden with friends, I had aches and pains for three days. So, I honestly don’t know We’ll see.”

She praised her rival, Rebeca Andrade of Brazil, for recovering from injury and for “pushing me beyond my limits,” but also said gymnastics no longer needs both of them.

“It only needs one of us, no? Especially since (Andrade) will not

LSU softball tops McNeese thanks to big third inning

The No. 10 LSU softball team used a ﬁve-run third inning Tuesday night to turn back McNeese State 5-2 at Tiger Park.

McNeese scored the first two runs in the first inning off LSU starting pitcher Ashley Vallejo, who didn’t get any of the four batters she faced out before being relieved by Tatum Clopton. Jalia Lassiter then put the Tigers (37-10) on the board with a two-run double in the third, and Maci Bergeron took one for the team, getting the Tigers ahead with a sacrifice fly McKenzie Redoutey and Avery Hodge each later drove in a run as LSU grabbed a 5-2 lead after three innings.

Clopton ﬁnished the game for LSU and gave up no runs with ease on four hits in seven innings.

Sportsman of the Year award goes to Duplantis

Lafayette native Mondo Duplantis won Sportsman of the Year at the Laureus World Sports Awards ceremony in Madrid, Spain, on Monday Duplantis, who was handed his award by 2024 winner Novak Djokovic, picks up his ﬁrst Sportsman of the Year honor after being nominated in each of the previous three years.

He is only the second track-andﬁeld athlete to win the honor, following Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt. Duplantis, a former LSU star who competes internationally as a pole vaulter for Sweden, won a second consecutive Olympic gold medal in Paris in 2024, breaking his own world record in the process. American gymnast Simone Biles, was honored as Sportswoman of the Year

Timberwolves’ Edwards fined for obscene gesture

NEW YORK Anthony Edwards of the Minnesota Timberwolves has been ﬁned $50,000 for directing inappropriate language and making an obscene gesture toward a fan during a playoff game against the Los Angeles Lakers, NBA president of league operations Byron Spruell announced Tuesday Edwards intervened when teammate Rudy Gobert was being heckled in the third quarter of the Timberwolves’ 117-95 win in Game 1 of their ﬁrst-round series on Saturday in Los Angeles. Edwards, standing along the sideline, told the nearby fan how many millions of dollars Gobert has. The exchange ended with Edwards making a lewd gesture and comment.

Celtics star Tatum listed as doubtful for Game 2

Celtics forward Jayson Tatum has been listed as doubtful with a bone bruise in his right wrist for Game 2 of Boston’s Eastern Conference ﬁrst-round series against the Orlando Magic on Wednesday He injured the wrist in the fourth quarter of the Celtics’ 10386 victory on Sunday With Boston leading 89-73 with 8:28 remaining, Tatum went up for a dunk and was hit hard by Kentavious Caldwell-Pope as he tried to block it. Tatum landed awkwardly on his right side. After a video review by referees, the foul was upgraded to a flagrant foul. Tatum missed the two ensuing free throws but remained in the game. He ﬁnished with 17 points, but was 8 of 22 from the field in 40 minutes of action.

Guardians place Thomas on 10-day injured list

be alone,” Biles said. “A young generation will knock at the door and everything will start again.”

The interview took place before Monday’s Laureus Awards in Madrid, where she was named sportswoman of the year

Whatever she decides regarding her career, Biles will continue to speak about mental health.

“I am very proud of the work accomplished to reach this point,” she said, “and I will continue to be the voice of the voiceless.”

Guardians center fielder Lane Thomas was placed on the 10-day injured list Tuesday with a bruised right wrist suffered when he got hit by a pitch two weeks ago. Cleveland made the move — retroactive to April 20 — before facing the New York Yankees in the second game of a three-game series To replace Thomas, the club selected the contract of inﬁelder Will Wilson from Triple-A Columbus.Thomas, who was a postseason star for Cleveland in 2024, was struck on April 8 in the home opener against the Chicago White Sox. The 29-year-old has played in ﬁve games since, most recently on Sunday at Pittsburgh.

Manager Stephen Vogt hopes putting Thomas on the IL will give him time to let the injury heal correctly

STAFF PHOTO By MICHAEL JOHNSON

LSU guard Mjracle Sheppard pulls up for a jump shot against Florida State on March 24 at the PMAC.

Bailey

BY ARNIE STAPLETON

AP pro football writer

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By DAVID ZALUBOWSKI

Colorado wide receiver Travis Hunter takes part in drills during Colorado’s pro day on April 4 in Boulder

Associated Press

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By MANU FERNANDEZ

Simone Biles celebrates her Sportswoman of the year award during the Laureus World Sports Awards ceremony on Monday in Madrid, Spain.

BY MATTHEW PARAS Staff writer

With the New Orleans Saints unsure whether Derek Carr will suit up to play quarterback next season because of a shoulder injury, most assume they will take a quarterback during this week’s NFL draft But if the team pivots and still wants to add another signal-caller there’s one high-proﬁle name left on the market: Aaron Rodgers.

“I can tell you he’s still got it,” former Saints punter Thomas Morstead said.

Morstead, speaking at the Zurich Classic, spent the last two years with Rodgers on the New York Jets, who released the 41-year-old quarterback in March. And though Rodgers’ stint with the Gang Green didn’t go as planned, Morstead said he still enjoyed being the four-time MVP’s teammate.

Asked how he thinks Rodgers would mesh with New Orleans, Morstead said he was unsure of the ﬁt because he doesn’t know enough about the team’s new coaching staff. But he backed Rodgers as a player — “he does wild things daily, just being at practice,” he said and as a person.

“I would say that he’s a little bit of a misunderstood guy,” Morstead said. “And obviously he’s been in the media for nonfootball-related things and has been polarizing. And I’ll say: He hasn’t been wrong about a lot of things after the fact. Really interesting guy Really enjoyed picking his brain on all things COVID, ayahuasca and other things like that. And so it was a cool experience being teammates with him.

“I’ve gotten to play with some

DUNCAN

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talent such as running back Ashton Jeanty or tight end Tyler Warren fell to No. 9. Having taken the best lineman or player available at No. 9, the Saints can turn their attention to ﬁnding what they hope is their quarterback of the future.

This is where the Saints’ draft should start to get interesting, because they won’t be alone in their pursuit of a quarterback.

Three other teams — the Steelers, Browns and Giants — also are in the quarterback market, and they have selections from pick Nos. 21-34.

Behind Ward, the highest-rated quarterbacks on most teams’ draft boards are Shedeur Sanders, Jaxson Dart, Jalen Milroe and Tyler Shough. The Saints have been linked to each of them. Word in NFL circles is the Saints are highest on Dart and Shough, and not necessarily in that order They have done extensive research on both.

If the Saints are “hot and heavy” for either of them, as one NFL executive told ESPN’s Adam Schefter this week, they might just have to go get him, because they face a potential logistical problem in Round 2. At No. 40, they sit behind the Browns and Giants at Nos. 33 and 34, respec-

all-time greats in Drew Brees and Aaron Rodgers. So it was cool to see.”

Rodgers’ controversies include his failure to disclose that he had not received the COVID-19 vaccine in 2020, as well as his seeming acceptance of several conspiracy theories.

His time with the Jets also was marked by a torn Achilles that caused him to miss almost all of the 2023 season. When he returned the next year, Rodgers led the Jets to a disappointing 5-12 record, though he threw for 3,987 yards and 28 touchdowns to 11 interceptions.

This offseason, Rodgers has been linked to the Pittsburgh Steelers but has yet to sign with them. He said in an interview last week that he was still mulling his future and not ruling out the possibility of retirement. He acknowledged that he had talks with the Steelers, New York Giants and Minnesota Vikings. He was not asked about the possibility of signing with New Orleans during the interview If the Saints are interested — and there have been no indications that they are — then New Orleans has more than $28 million in salarycap space to try and sign Rodgers.

The quarterback told ESPN’s Pat McAfee that he’d play for $10 million.

As for seeing two great quarterbacks in Rodgers and Brees, Morstead — who played 12 years with the Saints — said the two are completely different people. He was reluctant to compare them, acknowledging he knew Brees on a much “deeper” level “I would say greatness comes in a lot of forms,” Morstead said. “And they’re both great.”

tively If they stand pat, they’ll have to hope the Browns and Giants bypass their guy at the top of the second round

The Saints’ pre-draft intel on the plans of the Steelers, Browns and Giants likely will dictate the team’s quarterback strategy

If the intel reveals a trade isn’t in the cards or will be too expensive, then the Saints probably will stand pat and wait for their selection at No. 40. If the Saints learn their QB-needy rivals are not interested in their top-rated QB, then they can also afford to sit at 40 and wait it out.

But history shows they’ll try to be aggressive. If so, they’ll need to leapfrog the Browns and Giants by trading into the bottom of Round 1, where they could have multiple trade options with teams already set at quarterback. Minnesota, which selected J.J. McCarthy in the ﬁrst round a year ago and has just two picks in the ﬁrst four rounds, might be a target at No. 24. Likewise, the Washington Commanders and Buffalo Bills, who sit at Nos. 29 and 30, lack third-round picks.

The reigning Super Bowl champion Eagles also could be in play at No. 32. Saints general manager Mickey Loomis has a well-documented history of making deals with Philadelphia GM Howie Roseman

Making such a bold move would be in character for Loomis. He has traded up during the draft 20

a quarterback.

Last year, for instance, the Minnesota Vikings acquired pick No 23 of the first round from the Houston Texans in exchange for a second-rounder (No. 42), a sixth-rounder (No. 188) and a 2025 second-rounder (No. 56, which was eventually sent to the Buffalo Bills).

The Vikings hammered out that deal out before the draft. In the ﬁrst round the team moved up again to No. 17 to select pass rusher Dallas Turner, who is not a quarterback.

Conventional wisdom suggests teams typically give up a little more to try to ﬁnd their quarterback of the future.

So what could be the price for the Saints? Let’s take a look at notable quarterback trades that took place near the end of Round 1, in Round 2 and a few midround selections. These are the deals that were made after the NFL implemented its current rookie wage scale in 2011.

2023

This turned out to be a busy draft for quarterback deals, even beyond the blockbuster trade that saw the Carolina Panthers move up to grab Bryce Young with the ﬁrst overall pick.

In Round 2, the Tennessee Titans sent picks 41, 72 and a 2024 third-rounder to the Arizona Cardinals so they could grab Will Levis at No. 33 and land No. 81, which was used to take Tulane running back Tyjae Spears. Levis ended up starting 21 games for the Titans, though he’s on the verge of being replaced as Tennessee likely will select Miami’s Cam Ward with the ﬁrst overall pick Thursday

Also this year, the Saints actually traded up for a quarterback. The team sent a 2024 fourth-rounder and a seventhrounder in 2023 (No. 227) to land

Fresno State’s Jake Haener at No. 127 That same round, the Raiders sent a ﬁfth and sixth for the Patriots’ No. 135 selection to take Aidan O’Connell, who has started 17 games for Las Vegas.

2020

This year isn’t an exact apples-to-apples scenario for New Orleans, but the Green Bay Packers notably went from No. 30 to No. 26 to grab quarterback Jordan Love. The cost? The Packers only had to send the Miami Dolphins an additional fourth-rounder (No. 136). Not bad.

2019

The 2019 draft has another second-round trade that’s worth studying. The Denver Broncos jumped up to No. 42 to grab Drew Lock, sending the Indianapolis Colts picks No. 52 (second round), No 125 (fourth round) and No 182 (sixth round). The Saints, of course, pick at No. 40, but they hold two thirdround picks (No. 71, No. 93), two fourths (No. 112, No. 131) and two sevenths (No. 248, No. 254).

2018

What a quarterback draft. The first round saw Baker Mayfield, Sam Darnold, Josh Allen, Josh Rosen and Lamar Jackson all taken in the first round and four of those signal-callers were taken as a result of trades (Darnold, Allen, Rosen and Jackson).

For these purposes, let’s focus on the Jackson deal. The Baltimore Ravens snuck back into the end of the ﬁrst round, taking Jackson at No. 32. To do so, they sent the 52nd pick, the 125th pick and a 2019 second-rounder to the Philadelphia Eagles, who also gave Baltimore a fourthround pick (No. 132) to facilitate the trade. Also that year, the Pittsburgh Steelers sent No. 79 in the third round and No. 220 in the seventh round to move up three spots to grab quarterback Ma-

son Rudolph with the 76th pick.

2016

Though the 2017 draft featured three ﬁrst-round trades involving quarterbacks, those were near the top of the draft, so let’s skip to 2016. There were splashy trades for No. 1 (Jared Goff) and No. 2 (Carson Wentz), but the Broncos’ trade for Paxton Lynch is more relevant for these purposes.

Lynch obviously did not pan out as a pro, but at least it didn’t cost the Broncos much to get him. They sent No. 31 and a third-round selection (No. 94) to Seattle to take Lynch at No. 26. The Lynch trade turned out to be very similar to the Packers’ pursuit in 2020 of Love, though Green Bay only gave up a fourth-rounder instead of a third.

2014

Of all the deals listed so far, this might be the most interesting parallel because it directly involves pick No. 40, which the Saints have this year In 2014, the Minnesota Vikings sent No. 40 and a fourthround pick (No 108) to the Seattle Seahawks so they could grab Teddy Bridgewater at No. 32. The Philadelphia Eagles hold this year’s No. 32 pick, which they also did in 2018 when they moved the selection to Baltimore.

If the Saints trade back into the ﬁrst round, one of the more interesting subplots will be whether they have to give up any picks from the 2026 draft. The Saints have shown a willingness to trade future assets, notably in 2022 and 2018. But of the examples laid out, teams haven’t always had to do that when moving back into the ﬁrst round. It likely will depend on how far the Saints want to trade up — and who they have to outbid.

Email Matthew Paras at matt. paras@theadvocate.com

times since 2011.

Loomis also has shown a predilection to support his head coaches by working to procure a quarterback for them early in their tenures He collaborated with Sean Payton to land Drew Brees in 2006 free agency, and he aggressively recruited Deshaun Watson and Derek Carr for Dennis Allen. It’ll be surprising if Loomis doesn’t do likewise for Moore.

Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe looks to throw against Missouri on Oct. 26 in Tuscaloosa, Ala.

A trade likely will cost them draft capital, and this is where they might beneﬁt from the deal they made with Washington last season. One or more of the third-, fourth- and sixth-round draft picks acquired from the Commanders in exchange for cornerback Marshon Lattimore could be used as trade chips to help them land their quarterback of the future.

With Carr reportedly injured and entering what is likely the ﬁnal year of his tenure in New Orleans, ﬁnding a quarterback of the future is critically important for the franchise. We’ll learn just how important later this week.

Email Jeff Duncan at jduncan@ theadvocate.com.

THE VARSITYZONE

Dutchtownovercomes slow start

Griffins,pitcher Froelich flip switch to defeat Central, advancetoquarterfinals

BY WILLIAM WEATHERS

Contributing writer

Even an uncharacteristicstart from Dutchtownpitcher Abby Froelich in Tuesday’sDivisionI nonselect statesoftballplayoffs wasstill good enough for the Grifﬁns to advance.

Froelich overcame arocky beginning before the seniorrighthander settled down over the ﬁnal four innings, and No.3 Dutchtown strung together six runs in the middle of the game for a7-1 victory overNo. 14 Central at Dutchtown.

“Itwas more mental,” Froelich said. “(It’s) the playoff nerves Sometimes Ican getinmyhead Once Iﬂip aswitch, I’m good to go.” Dutchtown (23-9) extended its winning streak to 14 games and

will host No. 11 West Ouachita, a9-2 winner over Airline,inthe quarterﬁnals later this week.

Froelich (22-9)strandedthe bases loaded in the first inning after asingle, walk and hit batter She hit the first two batters in the second, leading to the Wildcats’ (21-8) onlyrun on KylieRheam’s sacrifice fly to left.

“Westarted hot and then she settledin,”Central coachMichelle Efferson said. “She’s(Froelich)one of thebestpitchers in thestate.There’s areason they’re No. 3inthe state. They’ve played good ball all through district, and they’revery well-tested.”

For the ﬁrsttime this season, Froelich dealtwith several illegal pitch infractions thatcontributed to her wobblystart. After the second inning, though, the Rhodes College commitment was in total

command, retiring 17 of the last 20 batters she faced withseven strikeouts.

“Wehad abye in the first round,” saidFroelich, who allowed four hits, two walks, hit threebatters and struckout 12. “Itwas thenervesfor that ﬁrst playoff game. It’smysenior year and I’m almost done and it’spretty stressful.”

Central starting pitcher Natalie Breedlove was on thecuspofretiring theside for thefirst time when she gotthe first twoouts of the third, but Dutchtown sent sevenstraight batters to the plate and scored three times to takeits first lead.

TheGriffins loaded the bases on their first hit —aninfield single from Jenna Blanchard —when Froelich tied thegame with a single to right, andElla Pontiff

forced in arun on abases-loaded walk. They added an unearned run on ahigh throw thatpulled ﬁrst basemanHarperFresina off thebag.

Breedlove got two outs in the fourthbefore Dutchtown first basemanBrooke Vicknair crusheda two-runhomer to center ﬁeld andFroelich,who was3 for 4, followed with arun-scoring double to right-centerthatchased Breedlove (32/3 innings, four hits, sixwalks, one strikeout, ﬁve runs, three earned runs.)

“At this time of year,it’sone anddone, there’spressure on you,” Dutchtown coach Nancy Ensminger said.

“(Froelich) handled the adversity very well, and her defense playedverywellbehind her, and offensively, shedid some of that for herself.”

Macias facesstiff competitionatMetro girls

BY ROBIN FAMBROUGH

Staff writer

Whether it is framed as arite of passageorthe passing of the torch, the Girls Metro Golf tournament is another milestone for Sophia Macias.

The Episcopal senior started playing in theannual postseason event as amiddle-schooler.Now she is aTulanesignee who enters the tournament with adifferent role —aslight pretourney underdog by less than two strokes.

“It’sdeﬁnitely bittersweet,” Macias said. “On one hand, I’m really excitedtomove on to thenext step, my college career

“My last Metro is the start of my ﬁnal postseason as ahigh school player.Iprobably won’tget the chance to play with some of these girls again. It’sadifferent feeling.” Teetimes start at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Beaver Creek Golf Course. The one-day 18-hole tournament offers acontrastfor girls competitors, who played aseries of nine-hole events during the regular season. There are other things that set this Metro event apart. When Maciasplayed in her ﬁrst Metro event, local girls golf numbers were on adownslide. There were alimited number of teams. This year’stournament has

PROVIDED PHOTO Episcopal’sSophia Macias has anine-hole averageof35.29 going intothe Girls MetroGolf tournament.

more than 30 entrants and 10 teams. Thefact itisspring break week for some schools took eight teamsout of the mix. And it’snot just quantity,there is quality too. Brusly freshman Maci Williams led the BR Metro

league with anine-hole average of 33.14 strokes. SophomoreEvelynn Artieta of Walker is next at 34.75, just ahead of Macias at 35.29. Ayearago,Artieta edgedMacias for theMetro titlebyone stroke, with Artieta ﬁnishing sev-

en strokes under par,just one shot ahead of Macias. From there, Macias went on to winthe LHSAA’s Division II title.

“Thatisgoing to be something to watch with those three,” Episcopal golfcoach SteveBaronich said. “They are all so talented.

“Sophia is so mature as agolfer She is talented, but now every shot she makes is calculated.

“It’sbeen ajoy to see her growth.”

Macias will be paired withWilliams and Artieta and the trio will teeoff to open the tournament that presents challengessomewhat differentthanother junior events, which are played from a longer tee distance.

“One thing Ihave improved on is my physical strength,”Macias said. “I love to lift weights and work out.So, Idon’tuse woods muchnow

“OnetimeI setupa shot, ﬁguring it would land on the green. It went over thegreen and into the street. Of course, golf is agame of adjustments.”

As she prepares forher final Metro tourney,Macias loves the girls golf growth she has witnessed. She complimented Artieta andWilliams.

“They’re amazing,” Macias said. “I’ll be following what they do next year,along with othergirls coming up.”

Division III Regional pairings Best-of-three No. 16 St. James (21-10) at No. 1Sterlington (27-6),4 p.m. Thursday, 6:30 p.m. Friday, 4p.m. (ifnecessary)Saturday No. 9FrenchSettlement(18-14) at No. 8 Kinder (18-11),6 p.m. Friday, 1p.m./3:30 p.m. (ifnecessary)Saturday No. 10 Doyle (20-14) at No. 7Jena (22-11) 6p.m. Friday, noon/2:30 p.m. (ifnecessary), Saturday Division IV Bidistrict schedule No. 21 Lakeview (12-13) at No. 12 East Iberville (10-11),4:30 p.m. Tuesday Select

Division I

Regional pairings

Best-of-three No. 16 Lafayette (17-13) at No. 1Catholic (295),4 p.m. ThursdayGames1and 2, 5p.m. (if necessary)Friday. Division II

Regional pairings

Best-of-three No. 9St. Michael (15-17) at No. 8Shaw(1617),6:30 p.m. Friday, 1p.m./4 p.m. (ifnecessary)Saturday Division III

Regional pairings Best-of-three No. 16 De La Salle (20-12) at No. 1Parkview Baptist (28-6),6p.m. Thursday, 6p.m. Friday, 1p.m. (ifnecessary)Saturday No. 9Dunham (16-17) at No. 8NotreDame (18-14),TBA No. 11 Rosepine(20-10) at No. 6Episcopal (19-12),6 p.m. Thursday, 3:30 p.m./6:30 p.m. (ifnecessary)Saturday No. 16 St.

PHOTO By PATRICK DENNIS

Dutchtown High’sAbbyFroelichcelebrates after hitting an RBI double in the fourth inning of aDivision Inonselectregional playoff game against Central on TuesdayatDutchtown.

Celticsguard Pritchardwins

BY TIM REYNOLDS AP basketball writer

Payton Pritchard came off the benchand changed games for the Boston Celtics this season. He was the only player in the NBA with more than 1,000 points in games that he didn’tstart. He set the league record for 3-pointers made by abackup. And the voters took notice of all that and more, picking the Celtics guard as the league’ssixth man of the year this season.

PritchardtoppedDetroit’sMalik Beasleyand Cleveland’sTyJeromefor theaward. It’sthe fifth time that aCeltics player won the award: Kevin McHale claimed it in 1984 and 1985, Bill Walton in

1986 and Malcolm Brogdon won it in 2023.

“Thisisdefinitely an honor,” Pritchardsaid during TNT’sbroadcastTuesdaynightwhenthe results were revealed And maybe ﬁttingly, theaward is named for another Celtics legend —John Havlicek.

withthe award named after the great John Havlicek is acredit to allthat he brings to thetable for our team.”

“Payton is aballer andhis teammatesknow what they are getting everysingleday in terms of effort, care,and commitment,”Celtics President Brad Stevens said in a statement released by the team.

“For him tobehonored

It’s the ﬁrst of this season’sNBA awards to be announced,with others to be scattered over the coming weeks. Theclutchplayer of the year award (Jalen BrunsonofNew York, Anthony EdwardsofMinnesota or Nikola Jokicof Denver)will be announced Wednesday night andthe defensive player of the year (Dyson Daniels of Atlanta,DraymondGreen of GoldenState or Evan MobleyofCleveland) will be announcedThursdaynight The awards arevoted on by aglobal panel of 100 writers and broadcasters who cover the league.

Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo is trapped by Indiana Pacers forward Pascal Siakam, left, and guard Andrew Nembhard during their first-round playoff series in Indianapolis on Tuesday.

Lillard’sreturncannot getBucks past Pacers

BY MICHAEL MAROT AP sportswriter

INDIANAPOLIS Pascal Siakam had 24 pointsand 11 rebounds and Tyrese Haliburton added 21 points and12assists to lead the Indiana Pacers pastthe Milwaukee Bucks 123-115 on Tuesday night for a2-0 lead in theﬁrst-round playoff series.

Indiana haswon five of the last six playoff games between theteams and never trailed in this one.

The Pacers had lostthree of fourregular-season games to the Bucks.

Theteams willmeet for the18thtime in the last two seasonsonFriday, when Game 3isplayed in Milwaukee.

Two-time league MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo had 34 points, 18 rebounds and seven assists, and AllNBA guard Damain Lillard had 14 points in his ﬁrst game back from deep vein thrombosis in his right calf.

Lillard was4of13from the field in 37 minutes, his ﬁrst gameaction since March18and hisfirst playoffgame with Antetokounmpo, who heard a steadydietofcountdowns on his freethrows.

Bobby Portis Jr.ﬁnished with28points, including six 3-pointers, and 12 rebounds forthe Bucks. The gamehad alittle bitofeverything.

There was ascuffle in front of the Pacers bench that ledtodoubletechnicalfouls, wordsbetween multiple players in the ﬁnal minutes, players repeatedly hitting the ﬂoor,alittle zone defense, asmattering of full-court pressure and, of course,plenty of points.

But, Indiana controlled theentire game after racing to a31-16 lead in less than71/2 minutes. The Bucks used alate 13-0run to getwithin 115113 with2:31 to go before Indiana closed it out with an 8-2run to endthe game.

THUNDER 118,GRIZZLIES 99: In

DUMARS

Continued from page1C

minutes fielding questions from media members Tuesday. Buthis real work will begin thisweek when he starts assessing the people in thebuilding.

It’ll be his turn to ask the questions.

“Listen more than you talk,” Dumars said aboutwhat his ﬁrst few days will be like. “Whatcan be better? What arewedoing wrong here? What are we doing right here? Who’sgot positive energy? Who’sgot bad energy? I’m asking questions and letting people tell me what’shappening.

“You can have all the experience in the world but if you don’t know theculture of the building, if you can’ttalk to people and let them talk to you, you’re missing. So I don’twant to miss. Iwant to listen to people.”

Dumars said he’sspoken brieﬂy over the phone with all of the players and to head coach Willie Green, but he plans to have more in-depth conversations with Green in the next day or two. All indications

are that Green will be back for a ﬁfthseason

Green,general manager Bryson Graham and senior vice president of basketball operations and team development Swin Cashattended Tuesday’snews conference. CJ McCollum and JoseAlvarado were the only players in attendance.

What Dumarsdecides to do with Zion Williamson, the most important piece on thePelicans’ chessboard, will be the biggest decision Dumars makes this offseason.

Employees from theticket-sales ofﬁce, who also attended Tuesday’s newsconference, would no doubt agree. They would like nothing more thantosee Dumars build aroster that can putbutts in the SmoothieKing Center seats.

“Put the right product out there, it’s going to sellout and fans are goingtocome,” Dumars said.

Having grown up in Louisiana, Dumars understands the fanbase

He has New Orleans Saintsmemorabilia at home despite living 1,000 miles away. Dumars,who starred at McNeese State, stillcheersfor all theschools from Louisiana.

Hisstate’spassion for sports also made his return to Louisiana an easy choice.

“I know that this is an incredible fanbase,” Dumars said. “Secondly, for me at this point in my career, ownership of where Iwork was of paramount importance. So coming here and working for Ms. Benson, coming here andlooking at the core of who’shere. I’vebeen knowing Willie sincehewas at Cooley High in Detroit.SoIjustthought all those things togetherfor me personally,itwas the right ﬁt. This is perfect right here.”

Dumars last worked in ateam’s front ofﬁceinthe 2021-22 season His last season in charge of ateam was with the Pistons from 2000-14. Thegame has changed some since then, but Dumars is conﬁdent he can get thePelicans back on track.

“I wouldn’thave come if Ididn’t think we could build andbecome winners here,” Dumars said. “That was the whole purpose of me coming. Youhave to be self-aware and know who you are. You’ve got to knowwhatyou can do andwhat you can’tdo. Youhavetoknow what worksfor youand what doesn’twork for you. And Ijust thinkNew Orleansworks for me.”

Email RodWalker at rwalker@ theadvocate.com.

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 27 points, and the Oklahoma City Thunder dominated the Memphis Grizzlies on Tuesday night to take a2-0 lead in their first-round playoff series. Oklahoma City delivered astrong follow-up to its record-setting 131-80 win on Sunday in theseries opener Though Memphis was the team with something to prove, the Thunder came outwith theenergy. Oklahoma City opened with a 9-0run andheld Memphis scoreless forthe first 31/2 minutes as the Grizzlies missed their first 10 shots. The Thunderled 32-17 at the end of the first quarter andnever trailed. Jalen Williams added 24 points and Chet Holmgren had20points, 11 rebounds andfive blocksfor the topseeded Thunder. Oklahoma City’soffense produced, despite Gilgeous-Alexander making just 10 of 29 shots.

STAFF PHOTO By SOPHIA GERMER Pelicans governor GayleBenson poses with JoeDumars, the new executivevice president of basketball operations, during Dumars’ introductorynewsconferenceatthe Ochsner Sports Performance Center in Metairie on Tuesday. Dumars replaces DavidGriffin, whowas fired last week.

AP PHOTO By MICHAEL CONROy

Pritchard

STAFF PHOTO By HILARySCHEINUK

LIVING

Lauren Cheramie

BONVIVANT

Bon vi·vant /noun/ asociable personwho has cultivatedand reﬁned tastes, especially with respect to food and drink

Newfood on theblock

Trythe shrimp aguachile at Barracuda Taco Stand,2504 GovernmentSt.,BatonRouge, made with pickled Gulf shrimp, serrano chiles, white onion andcilantro, dressedinacucumbertomatillo-serrano broth and served with tortilla chips. Chick-fil-A is expandinginGonzales with anew restaurant opening Thursday at 511 N. Airline Highway.Hours are 6a.m. to 9p.m. Monday through Saturday.Inanticipation of the opening, Chick-ﬁl-A, Inc. has donated $25,000 to Feeding America to support local hunger relief efforts of the Greater Baton Rouge FoodBank

PROVIDED PHOTO

Chick-fil-A is expanding in Gonzales with anew restaurant opening Thursdayat511 N.Airline Highway. Hours are 6a.m. to 9p.m. Mondaythrough Saturday

Learnsomething new

Louisiana Charitable Food Summit: 8a.m.to4p.m. Thursday,at Pennington Biomedical Research Center,6400 Perkins Road, Baton Rouge

The LSU AgCenter Healthy Communities team will host its second Louisiana Charitable Food Summit to bring together statewide leaders and volunteers to discuss ways to combat hunger and food insecurity Join the event for insightful discussions, networking and inspiring speakers.

The event is free to attend but registration is required General admission includes access to all general and breakout sessions. Register at https:// tinyurl.com/FoodSummit25. Unlocking the Secrets of Food Science:5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Friday, at Animal and Food Sciences Laboratories, 39 Forestry Lane, Baton Rouge Join LSU’sFood Innovation Institute and the School of Nutrition and Food Sciences for aworkshop on chips and salsa. Participants will learn the secrets behind the muchloved chips and dip combo —and create theirown batch Refreshments will be served. Tickets are $50, which includes ingredients and cooking supplies, available for purchase at tinyurl.com/ChipsAndSalsa25. Wine andspirits

Knockturnal Nights:6p.m. to 9p.m. Friday,atKnock Knock Children’sMuseum, 1900 Dalrymple Drive, Baton Rouge After high demand, the museum is bringing back adult-onlynights with “Game On!” as the ﬁrst theme. Wear a game show-inspired costume to play games throughoutthe museum while enjoying cocktails and light bites. Guests must be 21 or older to attend and must have ID to enter Tickets are $20 in advance, available for purchaseat

Ariver runs throughit

BY LAUREN CHERAMIE Staff writer

Researchsuggeststhat

gazing at water can do wonders for one’shealth and perspective —reducing stress while lowering heart rate and blood pressure. Thecalming effect of observing water’smovement helps many feel more meditative and reduces anxiety

Heraclitus wrote, “No man ever steps in the same river twice, for it’snot the same river and he’snot thesameman.” Views of the Mississippi areeverchanging —and canbeareminder that we too are ever changing. Theseeight Baton Rouge-area restaurants are situated along the Mississippi.Not allofthese restaurants offer an expansiveview of OleMan River,but theriver is quite near.Taking afew minutes to watchitrollonbyisrecommended.

If we missed arestaurant, let us know by emailinglauren.cheramie@theadvocate.com.

The soft-shelled crabroll, left, Philadelphiaroll, right, andsamba roll, top, atSushi yama in Baton Rouge

1717 Kitchen+Cocktails n 1717 River Park Blvd.,Baton Rouge, in The Queen Casino

Chef Kevin Foil at 717 Kitchen +Cocktails specializes in rustic

American cuisinewith itemslike Philly cheesesteak nachos, fried frog legs, Angus rib-eyesand more. The space is the perfect spot forgame days, as the bar is surrounded by large televisions. Enjoy weekly specialslike catﬁsh Acadiana topped with crawfish étouffée on Wednesdays and baby back ribs with baked beans, potato saladand adinnerrollonThursdays. Hours for the restaurantare 11 a.m.to10p.m.Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m Fridayand 11 a.m. to midnight Saturday For alittle morefun, head to The Loftat1717, which features views of theriver, craft cocktails, grazing boards andlive music on Saturdays. Hours are 5p.m. to 11 p.m Friday and Saturday Arceneaux’sonthe River n 9438 La. 75, Geismar Aroughly 30-minutedrive from Baton Rouge, Arceneaux’sonthe Riverservesheartybreakfast

STAFF FILE PHOTOByHILARy SCHEINUK

Tsunami

Passive-aggressive is as passive-aggressive does

Dear Miss Manners: Iworked with someone who was uber passiveaggressive and made my life at work difﬁcult. Fortunately, she retiredatthe end of the semester There was aretirement gathering for her with cake and coffee, givenby her colleagues. Ivowed long ago as division chair to never attend agathering for this individual, so I skipped it. Iwas confronted and scoldedregarding my absence. I didn’twant to lie, so Isaid there were personal issues that precluded me from attending Should Ihave just gone and been the better person? ShouldIhave

By The Associated Press

lied that Ihad an appointment?

Judith Martin MISS MANNERS

Gentle reader: “Passive-aggressive” is oneof thoseterms that MissManners has never entirely understood. Wouldanexample be putting upwith bad behavior from acolleague for years without resolving it, andthen venting the accumulated frustration by shirking one’sdutyasdivision chair to attend aceremonial gathering honoring that person’sretirement? She is equally unclear on the moral distinction between beingtruthfulabout yourabsence (when there are no consequences) compared to havingpresumably been civil and professional every

TODAYINHISTORY

Today is Wednesday,April 23, the 113th day of 2025.There are 252 days left in the year

Todayinhistory

On April 23, 1971, hundreds of Vietnam Warveterans opposed to the conﬂict protested by tossing their medals and ribbons over awire fenceconstructed in front of the U.S. Capitol.

On this date:

In 1635, the Boston Latin School, the ﬁrst publicschool in what would become the United States, was established.

In 1898, Spain declared war on the United States, which responded in kind two days later

In 1940, more than 200 people trapped inside adance hall died in the Rhythm Club Fire in Natchez, Mississippi, oneofthe deadliest nightclub ﬁres inU.S. history

In 1988, afederal ban on smoking during domestic airline ﬂights of two hours or less (accounting for 80% of all U.S. ﬂights) went into effect.

In 1993, labor leader Cesar Chavez died in San Luis, Arizona, at age 66.

In 2005, the recently created

BONVIVANT

Continued from page1D

knockknockmuseum.org/event/ knockturnal-nights-game-on,or $25 at the door

Margarita and tequila tasting: 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. May 2, at Alexander’sHarvestMarket, 12513 La. 73, Geismar Prepare for Cinco de Mayo with atequila and margarita tasting. Jake’sTacoTruckwill sell carne asada street tacos, chicken quesadillas, nachos and more from 4:30p.m. to 7p.m. Zoey’sFresh Queso will also have a table with samples. Festivals, marketsand more Springfest:9a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday,atNorth RangeAve., Denham Springs

The Denham Springs Antique Village’sSpringfestwillfeature more than 100 booths, live music, afree kids zone and more. Shop local and enjoy afull dayof festival fun. Redstick CARES crawfish boil:5 p.m. to 9p.m. Saturday,atLive Oak at Cedar Lodge, 6300 Jefferson Highway,BatonRouge

video-sharing website YouTube uploaded its ﬁrst clip, “Me at the Zoo,” which showed YouTube cofounder Jawed Karim standing in front of an elephantenclosure at theSan DiegoZoo.

In 2007, Boris Yeltsin, Russia’s ﬁrst popularly elected president, died in Moscow at age76.

In 2018, aman plowed arental vaninto crowds of pedestrians in Toronto, killing 10 people and leaving 16 others hurt. (Alek Minassianwas later convicted of 10 counts of murder and sentenced to lifeinprison.)

Today’sBirthdays: Actor Lee Majors is 86. Actor Blair Brown is 79. Actor Joyce DeWitt is 76. Filmmaker-author Michael Moore is 71. Actor Judy Davis is 70. Actor Valerie Bertinelli is 65. Actor-comedian George Lopez is 64. Actor Melina Kanakaredes is 58. Actor-wrestler John Cena is 48. Retired MLB All-Star AndruwJones is 48. ComedianTV host John Oliver is 48. Actor Kal Penn is 48. Actor-model Jaime Kingis46. Singer Taio Cruz is 45. Actor Dev Patel is 35. ModelGigiHadidis30. Olympic snowboarding gold medalist Chloe Kim is 25. Prince Louis of Wales is 7.

Celebrate the growth and expansion of Redstick CARES for its third annual crawﬁsh boil. Theorganization is raising money to expand its outreach for families in need.Ticketsare $35inadvance, $40 at thedoor if available and$50 for VIP,available for purchase at givebutter com/c/crawﬁshtickets.

Plan nowfor Mother’s Day

Brunch at the Hilton:11:30 a.m. May11, at Hilton Baton Rouge Capitol Center,201 Lafayette St., Baton Rouge Enjoy live music by Magnolia Strings, bottomless sparkling wineand mimosas poured tableside. The menu features omelets, acarvingstation with honeyglazedham and herb-roasted prime rib, as well as carrot cake andmore. Tickets are $60 per person for ages12and up, $24 for ages 3-11 and free for ages 2and under.Call (225) 906-5784 to make areservation. Check in begins at11:30 a.m., andthe brunch buffet begins at noon.

If youhave an upcoming food event or akitchen question, email lauren.cheramie@ theadvocate.com.Cheers!

prior day (when there were). What would have been theharm in showing up for acolleague you did not care for —but will not have to see again afterward? Instead of being thebetter person, we can call it being thebigger person. Or doing your job Or showing that there are more important things in your life than her bad behavior

Dear Miss Manners: When Iissue online invitations to multiple guestsatonce, Igenerally use the option to hide theguest list from invitees. I’m not sure why Ido this,except that back when Isent invitations through the mail, nobody got (or expected) alist of the other invitees. However,some of our friends,

before they tell us whether they plan to attend or not, immediately ask who else is invited or whoelse is coming. It makes me wonder if they only plan to intend if the list includes the Cool Kids.

Gentlereader: Wonder no more.

Dear Miss Manners: Afamily member called to conﬁrm birth dates and anniversary dates formy adult children and their spouses. When Ireminded her that both my daughter andmydaughterin-law had opted to keep their maiden names when they married their husbands, she replied that she knew,but that she would continue to address their anniversary cards as “Mr.and Mrs. John Doe.” Ipolitely but ﬁrmly disagreed, to which she replied that she did

not care —not once, but twice. I am wondering what you think of this attitude. Iﬁnd it disrespectful, not only of my daughter and daughter-in-law,but of me.

Gentle reader: Knowingly addressing the cards incorrectly is disrespectful toward the recipients.

Telling you of her plan to do so is impertinent and picking aﬁght.

Telling you she does not care about your opinion, twice, is redundant and also tiresome. And Miss Manners notes that this is being done as aprelude to wishing relatives well on their birthdays and anniversaries.

Sendquestions to Miss Manners at herwebsite, www missmanners.com.

Continuedfrom page1D

cream cheese. Andthe samba roll proved to be thefavorite, made with tempura shrimp, avocado, tuna, crunchies and masago in soy wrap topped with eel sauce. It was fresh and provided asymphony of ﬂavors.

—Lauren Cheramie, features coordinator

Macand cheeseburger

n Our Mom’sRestaurant and Bar

250 West LeeDrive,Baton Rouge

Luredbythe promise of $5 burger night,I was immediately derailed by the adventurous burger selection. After debating the merits of theMac and Cheese burger or Hawaiian, the waitress helped me settle on the Mac and Cheese burger —she gets it all the time. The burger comes overﬂowing withcheesy goodness and crunchy bacon, but to me,what put it over the topwas their homemade ranch. It’sa great addition totheir adventurous burger menu, and I can’twait to try the others.

—Serena Puang, features writer

Bang bang shrimp

n Hot Food Express, 3013 Cameron St., Lafayette

Fried rice is acomfort food for me. It ﬁlls me up, makes me

warm and reminds me of monthly dinners with my best friends in high school.Maybe that’swhy I love Hot Food Express, but it’s probably because it’ssodelicious.

The bang bang shrimpismy go-tomeal—itincludes ﬂavorful fried rice with eggs, vegetables and fried shrimpwith aspicysweet sauce. The lunch portion,

about $12, is the perfect amount of food to eat without making me feel like Iimmediately need a nap. If you’re feeling adventurous and have room fordessert, the apple pie egg roll, about $3, is a gooey,sugary delight.

—Ashley White, education reporter

STAFFPHOTO By SERENA PUANG

The Mac and Cheese burger at OurMom’s Restaurant and Bar

STAFFPHOTO By ASHLEy WHITE

The bang bang shrimp at Hot Food Express

options, weekly rotating specials and generous lunch portions in Geismar.The restaurant opens at 4a.m. for those early risers in need of breakfast.

Some of the weeklyspecials have included pulled pork nachos, hamburger steak with mushroom gravy,friedcatﬁsh,spaghetti and meatballs and an Italian salami smashburger with mozzarella and marinara sauce.With every purchase of aHogs Cheeseburger, Arceneaux’sdonates $2 toHogs for the Cause, alocal organization that supports families ﬁghting pediatric brain cancer.The restaurant also caters to gluten-free patrons and those with food allergies.

Breakfast is served 4a.m. to 10 a.m. Monday throughFriday, and lunch is from 10 a.m.to2 p.m. Monday through Friday

Gaston’s BBQ& Beer

n 418 Mississippi St.,Donaldsonville

The menu at Gaston’s BBQ& Beer features everything from breakfast to smoked platesto burgers and soup. When it comes to barbecue, the options include pulled pork, brisket, ribs, chicken, sausage and grilled shrimp with sides like baked beans, mac and cheese, andouille corn macque choux and smothered green beans.

For lunch, try arotating daily special like red beans and rice, fried pork chops or crawﬁsh étouffée.

During Lent, the restaurant hosted an all-you-can-eatseafood buffet for $29.99 on Fridays. Some of the other specials include a taco Tuesday tacosalad bar from 11 a.m. to 2p.m. and karaoke nights from 6p.m. to 9p.m. every ﬁrst Thursday of the month

Hours are 11 a.m. to 8p.m.

Monday through Saturday; lunch is served 11 a.m. to 2p.m. Mondaythrough Friday;and 9a.m.to 2p.m. Sunday with abreakfast buffet all day

GrapevineCafe&Gallery

n 211 Railroad Ave.,Donaldsonville

Just ahop over from Gaston’sis Grapevine Cafe &Gallery,which specializes in dishes with aunique blend of Cajun, Creole and African traditions.

Trythe restaurant’ssignature crawﬁsh cornbread or hen and andouille gumbo for an appetizer, and choose from aselection of redﬁsh

dishes, crabstuffed chickenor apork tenderloin rib-eyefor the main course.Asfar as dessert goes, don’tpass up the award-winning white chocolate bread pudding. The restored 1920sbuilding also boasts arotatingcollectionofartwork from local artists.

Hours are 11 a.m. to 2p.m. and 5to8:30 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday; 11 a.m. to 2p.m. and 5p.m. to 9p.m. Friday; 5p.m. to 9p.m.Saturday; and11a.m. to 2p.m. Sunday. Reservations are highlyrecommended.

Houmas HouseEstate andGardens n 40136 La. 942, Darrow

While diners can’tsee the river from theirtables, it’seasily accessiblejustacrossthe road. Executive chef Jeremy Langlois is at the helmofHoumas House’s three restaurants: Latil’sLanding Restaurant, TheCarriage House Restaurant and DixieCafé, all of which servebreakfast, lunchand dinner under the umbrella of Cajun and Creole cuisine.

Latil’sLandingoffers acustom ﬁve-course tasting menu with optional wine pairings in theoriginal1770sFrench House,available

6p.m.to8:30 p.m.Thursdaythrough Saturday by reservation only. Pricing starts at $125 per person.

Visitors can ﬁnd more casual dining in The Carriage House, open 11 a.m. to 8p.m. for lunch and dinner,with everything from po-boys to awagyu ﬁlet mignon. Off-menu specials are offered daily

Located inside The Great River Road Museum,Dixie Café offers counter service withbreakfast from 8a.m. to 10 a.m. and lunch 11 a.m. to 2p.m. daily.Diners can enjoyshrimpflorentine pasta, Louisiana crawﬁsh pies, blackened speckled troutorabarbecuebeef short rib sandwich.

ThePo-boyHouse n 170 SixthSt.,Port Allen

The family-owned Po-boy House opened in 1984 serving lunch to locals. Afterthe original family retired, one of the restaurant’s patrons took over.Today,the menu boasts po-boysinall variations (with pork belly,roast beef, Philly cheesesteak, hotsausage andfried seafood),aswellassandwiches, salads, sidesand small bites like loaded hummus. For aspecial occasion, order a specialty chantilly cake, offered in severalﬂavors likelemon ber-

Many Americansare fortunate to havedental coverage fortheir entire working life, through employer-provided benefits.Whenthose benefits end with retirement, paying dental bills out-of-pocket can come as a shock, leading people to putoff or even go without care.

Simply put —without dentalinsurance, there may be an importantgap in your healthcare coverage.

When you’re comparingplans ...

 Look forcoveragethat helps pay formajor services. Some plans may limitthe numberof procedures —orpay forpreventive care only.

 Look forcoverage with no deductibles. Some plans mayrequire you to payhundredsout of pocket before benefits are paid.

 Shop forcoveragewithnoannual maximum on cash benefits. Some planshaveannual maximums of $1,000.

is expensive— especially theservicespeople over 50 oftenneed.

Consider these national average costs of treatment. $222 fora checkup .$190 for afilling. $1,213 fora crown.3 Unexpected bills likethis can be arealburden especially if you’re on afixed income.

Ask about the Premier Plan –our most popular option!

ry,almond strawberry,carrot, tres leches and more. After lunch, takeawalkonthe Water Heritage Trail along the Mississippi River Hours are 10 a.m. to 2p.m.

Monday and Tuesday; 10 a.m. to 2p.m. and4to8:30 p.m. Wednesday throughFriday; and 10 a.m. to 2p.m. Saturday

Roberto’sRiver Road Restaurant n 1985 La. 75, Sunshine Roberto’sRiver Road Restaurant serves someofthe freshest seafood and Cajun dishes around.

The building is tucked away in a nearly 200-year-old space on River Road in Sunshine, located next to St. Gabriel. On asunny day, the drive down River Road provides a relaxing experience.

The menu at Roberto’sfeatures appetizers like friedgreen tomatoes,seafood dishes like crawﬁsh étouffée, as well as steak, roasted duck and more. Most of the items comewith asalad andgreenbeans, and the restaurant often serves a fresh catch of the daythat is preparedeither sauteedwithshrimp andtoastedalmonds or stuffed with seafood If there’severaweekly special, order it ﬁrst and think later Hours are 11 a.m.to2 p.m. and 5p.m. to 9p.m. Tuesday through Friday; 5to9 p.m. Saturday; closed Sunday and Monday

Tsunami

n 100 Lafayette St., Baton Rouge

Most in BatonRouge knowthat one of the best views of the Mississippi is availableatTsunami atop theShaw Center.The restaurant is perfect for aromanticorfestive night out

To reach thebar and restaurant, patrons need to enterthe Shaw Center and take the elevator to the topﬂoor. When theelevator doors open, the modern barawaitswith signature cocktails, mocktails and sake.The menu features several cooked and raw sushi rolls, as well as appetizers like eggplant miso, made with tempura-ﬂouredeggplant and shrimptossed in asweet misosauce. Hours are4 p.m.to10p.m. Monday; 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday

Louisiana cultureeditor Jan Risher contributed to this report.

Email Lauren Cheramieat lauren.cheramie@theadvocate. com.

Hints from Heloise

DearHeloise: In arecent column, comments cameinabout high water pressure in the home and how to respond. The best answer is to go to your local hardware store and buy an inexpensive pressure gauge (I paid $12) that ﬁts on your outside water connection. If the pressure is higher than 5560 PSI, consider putting apressure regulator valve on your incoming cold water supply Youcan ask several plumbers to quote you on the cost for the install. Youcan also price it yourself by going to abig-box store and seeing what they are charging forthis labor —Phillip C., in Roanoke,Virginia

Changing your toothbrush

DearHeloise: To the reader who asked whentochange their toothbrush, Ichange mine when Iget my teeth cleaned, whichis twice ayear.Ifyou consistently do this, there are no questions as to whentochange your toothbrush. Youjust do it. Godbless! —Jacqueline S.,via email

Recyclingidea

Dear Heloise: Instead of storing food scraps in aplastic bag in the freezer to put in the green bin forcomposting on recycling day (as another reader suggested), consider using a small brownpaper lunch sack instead. It can ﬁt conveniently inside the freezer door forveggie scraps all week long; then it gets tossed right into the green bin on recycling day —adding no plastic at all to acompost pile! —Jude M., in San Antonio Jude, this the wayI recycle scraps from my veggies. The paper bag can be recycled, and nothing goes to waste! —Heloise Email heloise@heloise.com.

PROVIDED PHOTO

The Hogs Cheeseburger from Arceneaux’sonthe River in Geismar features twobeef and pork smash patties, bourbon bacon jam,lettuce, tomato, provolone, cheddarand house sauce on abrioche bun. The restaurantdonates $2 from each burger sale to Hogs for the Cause.

tAuRuS (April 20-May 20) Make a to-do list and embark on taking care of business and freeing up time to nurture yourself and meaningful relationships. Refuse to let anyone exploit you or bait you into a no-win situation.

GEMInI (May 21-June 20) Do the groundwork and avoid conflict. Today, take time to prepare and look out for yourself. Refuse to let the changes others make confuse you or disrupt your agenda.

cAncER (June 21-July 22) Stop talking and start doing. Your words will have no merit if you are all talk and no play. Obliterate bad habits and replace them with proper diet, exercise and a positive attitude.

LEo (July 23-Aug 22) If you don't like what's happening, do something about it. Complaining won't help, but actions and enforcing the changes that can improve your life will.

VIRGo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) Detail, precision and a modest budget will produce positive results. Refuse to let anyone talk you into overdoing it or overspending. Question and verify the information you receive.

LIBRA (Sept 23-oct 23) It's best to get approval to avoid bailouts or setbacks. Stick to facts and question any information you receive. It's nice to give a picturesque adaptation, but don't promise the impossible.

ScoRPIo (oct. 24-nov. 22) Take time to acquaint yourself with interesting people. Focus your energy on lively

discussions. Getting closer to someone who can assist you will encourage a joint venture.

SAGIttARIuS (nov. 23-Dec. 21) Note how others react. Address problems and discrepancies. What you see and what someone is telling you may differ. A financial gain is apparent, but so is overspending. Easy come, easy go.

cAPRIcoRn (Dec. 22-Jan 19) Keep personal information to yourself. Someone will twist your words or mislead you if you aren't specific. Establishing how you feel and what you want is in your best interest.

AQuARIuS (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) Concentrate on your health and well-being. Protect your reputation and keep your thoughts to yourself. Update your skills to ensure you can keep up in a competitive market.

PIScES (Feb. 20-March 20) Cap your spending, simplify your life and eliminate things you no longer need, want or use. Rethink what brings you joy and take responsibility for your happiness.

ARIES (March 21-April 19) Look for alternatives when facing negativity. A backup plan will offer peace of mind and ensure you won't lose time or damage your reputation. Patience, precision and a positive attitude are necessary.

FAMILY CIrCUS

Celebrity Cipher cryptograms are created from quotations by famous people, past and present. Each letter in the cipher stands for another.

toDAy'S cLuE: y EQuALS V

CeLebrItY CIpher

For better or For WorSe

And erneSt

SALLY Forth

beetLe bAILeY

Mother GooSe And GrIMM

SherMAn’S LAGoon

Sudoku

InstructIons: Sudoku is anumber-placing puzzle based on a9x9 grid with several given numbers. Theobject is to place the numbers 1to9 in the empty squares so that each row, each column and each 3x3 box contains the same number only once. Thedifficulty level of theSudoku increases from Monday to Sunday.

Yesterday’s Puzzle Answer

nea CroSSwordS La TimeS CroSSword

THewiZard oF id

BLondie

BaBY BLueS

Hi and LoiS

CurTiS

Bridge

By PHILLIP ALDER

Surrealist painter Salvador Dali said, “I do not paint aportrait to look like the subject; rather doesthe person grow to look like his portrait.”

At thebridge table, some bids paint a perfect picture of aplayer’s hand. But if an opponent then becomes the declarer, hehasbeengivenaroadmapforplaying thecontract.

Inthisdeal,Southwasinfivediamonds. What did he do after West led the spade king: ace, seven, four?

West’s two-diamond overcall was a Michaels Cue-Bid, promising at least 5-5 in the majors. After East jumped to four hearts, South, unsure who could make what,sensiblyrebidfivediamonds.Then East, eying the vulnerability, passed. (Five hearts doubled should go down two, minus 500.)

Southhadthreelosers(twospadesand oneclub)andonly10winners(onespade, seven diamonds and two clubs). But he hadahugeadvantage,knowingthatEast had started with asingleton spade and could not reach his partner’s hand.

At trick two, declarer started apartial elimination and endplay by ruffing a heartinhishand.Hereturnedtodummy with atrump to the eight, ruffed aheart high, played adiamond to the nine, and ruffed the last heart. Then South cashed histop clubs and played athird club.

East won but had no answer. Whether heledaheartoraclub,Southwouldsluff aspade loser from his hand and ruff on the board.

Declarer would take one spade, eight diamonds and two clubs. Iamnot saying West’stwo-diamondovercallwaswrong, but be aware of the risk.

Each Wuzzle is aword riddle which creates adisguised word, phrase, name, place, saying, etc. For example: NOON GOOD =GOOD AFTERNOON

Previous answers: wuzzles

word game

InStRuctIonS: 1. Wordsmustbeoffour or more letters.2.Words that acquire four letters by the addition of “s,” suchas“bats” or “dies,” are not allowed. 3. Additional words made by adding a“d” or an “s” may not be used. 4. Proper nouns, slang words, or vulgar or sexually explicitwords are not allowed.

toDAy’SWoRD uPScALE: UP-skale: Of asuperior quality.

Average mark 24 words

Time limit 40 minutes

Can you find 36 or more wordsinUPSCALE?

yEStERDAy’SWoRD —cHEcKERED

cede check checked checker cheek cheeked cheer cheered creche creed creek heck heder heed herd here recede recheck rechecked reed reek reeked deck decker decree deer

then because you are lukewarm, andneither cold norhot, Iwill spewyou out of my mouth.” Revelation 3:16

Puzzle Answer

loCKhorNs

marmaduKe

Bizarro

hagar the horriBle

Pearls Before swiNe

garfield

B.C.

PiCKles

hidato

mallard

OUR LIVES TO IMPROVING YOURS

Whetherit’shurricane-resilient and termite-resistanthousing materials, breakthrough cancertreatments andlifesavingmedicaltests, more drought- andweather-tolerant crops, hands-on coastal preservation andrestoration, cybersecurityfor state ports and small businesses, energy developmentand expansion, or countless other research and outreach initiatives, the work of LSU innovators beneﬁtspeople in Louisiana and across the nation every day of theyear.

BUILDING DISASTERRESILIENT HOMES

Likemany placesacross the U.S., Louisiana faces rising insurance costs due to natural disasters. Professor Carol Friedland, acivil engineer,isthe director for the LSU AgCenter’sLaHouse, amodel home and educationalcenter that showcases researchbased building materials and methods to make homes less vulnerable to flooding, hurricanes, andwind, as well as more energy efficient. She is also working in partnership with state agencies and industry to address Louisiana’s risk and insurability challenges and rising energy costs so homeownership can be more affordable

HARNESSING AI FORRESCUE OPERATIONS

TheNational Fire ProtectionAssociation estimates that one home fire-relateddeath occurs in the U.S. every three hours and 14 minutes. Engineering Assistant Professor XiangyuMeng designed an intelligent drone thatuses thermaltechnologyfor rescue operations, which will help firefighters and first responders save lives.

CREATING NEW ANTIBIOTICS TO CURE CHRONIC INFECTIONS

Each year,anestimated 1.6 million Americans developfootulcers associated with diabetes, frequently leading to chronic infections that result in amputation and costing more than $10 billion each year in treatment. Chemistry Professor Mario Rivera is developing anew class of antibiotics capable of bypassing thedefenses of drug-resistant bacteria, which will makeiteasier to cure chronic infections likethese

DEVELOPING VACCINES TO PREVENT LIVESTOCK ILLNESS ANDDEATH

Bovine respiratory disease and related illnesses kill around 8millioncalves each year and cost the U.S. cattle industry more than $1 billion. Veterinary Medicine Professor Shafiqul Chowdhurydeveloped anew vaccine that prevents the virus from spreading and circulating among cattle populations.

WE BUILD TEAMS THATWIN IN LOUISIANA FORTHE WORLD

LSU’sfuture-forward researchinitiatives drive economic growth by fostering the developmentofnew technologies, industries, and businesses. Through partnerships with industry and collaborationswith our peers, LSUhelps create newproducts, services, andprocesses thatsigniﬁcantly impact the local, national,and global economy.

$6.1 BILLION ANNUAL ECONOMIC IMPACT FORTHE STATE

AWARDED$1.5MILLION FROM THE NATIONAL SCIENCEFOUNDATIONTO DEVELOPINNOVATIVEFLOOD RISK REDUCTIONSOFTWARE

DESIGNATED A CENTER OF ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE IN CYBEROPERATIONS BY THENATIONALSECURITYAGENCY

RANKED NO.1 LOUISIANAUNIVERSITY BY THEWALLSTREET JOURNALAND FORBES

INNOVATION WITH IMPACT

ASTUDENT-AND ALUMNI-CREATED AI-POWERED TOOL, CALLED FARMSMART, THATUSES DECADES OF RESEARCH TO HELP FARMERS MANAGE CROPS AND GET RID OF WEEDS

ABREAKTHROUGH TESTTO DETECT SEPSIS,THE NO.1CAUSE OF DEATH IN HOSPITALS

ATOOL, USING SUPERCOMPUTERS AND ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE, THAT PREDICTSSTORM SURGE AND FLOODING DURING SEVERE WEATHER EVENTS

ACYBERSECURITY CLINIC TO HELPSMALLLOUISIANA BUSINESSES DEFEND AGAINST CYBERATTACKS,THE FIRST IN THE NATION CREATEDBYA UNIVERSITY

AFIBER OPTICS-POWERED DISCOVERYTHATCAN QUICKLY AND ACCURATELYIDENTIFY PIPELINE LEAKS, PREVENTING POTENTIALLYSIGNIFICANT ENVIRONMENTAL DAMAGE AND SAVING THE OIL AND GAS INDUSTRY BILLIONS OF DOLLARS AYEAR