The Advocate 05-17-2025

SOUTHEASTERN STUNS LSU 4-3 IN NCAA SOFTBALL REGIONAL 1C

‘We’re very devastated’

Historic Nottoway a total loss after massive fire

BY HALEY MILLER Staff writer

Nottoway plantation owner Dan

Dyess will consider rebuilding the Antebellum-era mansion in White Castle, once home to a wealthy sugar planter and 155 enslaved people, after a structure fire Thursday razed the main house.

“We’re very devastated, we’re upset, we’re sad,” Dyess said Friday “We put a lot of time, effort and money to developing this property.”

The site will be evaluated in the next two weeks to determine the

feasibility of rebuilding, he said. Staff reported the fire around 2 p.m. Thursday after spotting smoke coming from the south wing. The mansion’s remains smoldered well into Friday afternoon.

The property, renamed Nottoway Resort, served as an ornate reminder of Louisiana’s brutal history of chattel slavery and divided residents over its historic and aesthetic significance. It also boosted the economy in rural Iberville Parish, bringing in tourists and hosting events on its manicured grounds.

“It stood as both a cautionary

monument and a testament to the importance of preserving history — even the painful parts — so that future generations can learn and grow from it,” Iberville Parish President Chris Daigle said in a statement Thursday

The State Fire Marshal’s Office began its investigation Friday morning. The cause remains undetermined.

Iberville Parish municipal fire departments from Bayou Goula, White Castle and Plaquemine fought the fire for the first two to

ä See NOTTOWAY, page 4A

A MATTER OF DEGREES

commencement

LSU is celebrating its largest spring graduating class on record, with 5,431 students earning degrees this semester This surpasses the previous record of 4,949 set in spring 2024

10 inmates escape from Orleans jail

BY JOHN SIMERMAN, MARCO

writers

and MISSY WILKINSON

Ten inmates, including some accused of murder and other violent crimes, escaped from the Orleans Parish jail in the wee hours Friday morning, sparking a citywide manhunt and raising questions about security failures leading to the brazen breach.

Changes to EBR judicial districts proposed

BY ALYSE PFEIL Staff writer

More than 30 years ago, judicial voting districts were set up in East Baton Rouge Parish to help settle a lawsuit over the lack of Black judges on the bench in Louisiana. Now, a bill moving through the Legislature could, for the first time, redraw those district lines. State lawmakers are considering a plan to redistrict the 19th Judicial District Court’s election sections, which serve as geographic boundaries for voting for judges. A new map could significantly alter the judiciary when parish residents vote for more than a dozen state district court judges next year The 19th JDC covers East Baton Rouge Parish. Within that area, there are three election sections, also referred to as voting subdistricts.

Each subdistrict gets to choose five of the court’s 15 judges, an arrangement that resulted from a legal settlement in the 1990s that aimed to protect Black voting rights. But some lawmakers argue the map of judicial voting districts drawn decades ago is woefully out of date and doesn’t reflect the current racial makeup of the parish.

“The districts are, populationwise, very out of kilter,” Rep.

page 4A

See ESCAPE, page 5A

Orleans Justice Center officials discovered that inmates were missing during a routine head count at 8:30 a.m. Friday, Sheriff Susan Hutson said during the first of three news conferences held Friday Three jail workers have been suspended Hutson and other jail officials said investigators suspect someone inside the Sheriff’s Office may have aided in the 1 a.m. escape. They said it appeared the men pulled a cell door off its track and a toilet from a wall, escaping through a cut-out in the Sheetrock, which was reinforced with a grid of steel bars that appeared to have been unbolted from the outside. They took a flight of stairs down and left through a door on the jail “docks,” scaling an outer wall and

STAFF PHOTOS By MICHAEL JOHNSON

Jaydinn Sierra Holmes leads a line of graduates preparing to take the stage Friday during the LSU College of Art and Design

ceremony at the Maddox Field House.

Logan Scott Bass smiles after receiving his diploma during the LSU College of Art and Design commencement ceremony on Friday.

Orleans Parish Sheriff Susan Hutson speaks about inmates escaping from Orleans Justice Center at a news conference on Friday.

STAFF PHOTO By BRETT DUKE

STAFF PHOTO By HILARy SCHEINUK

Light smoke can be seen from a handful of active hot spots on Friday as crews remain on scene after a fire engulfed the historic Nottoway Resort on Thursday.

BRIEFS FROM WIRE REPORTS

4 dead after tornado, storm batters St. Louis ST LOUIS MO At least four people died and authorities were searching from building to building for people who were trapped or hurt after severe storms including a possible tornado swept through St. Louis.

The storms Friday afternoon tore roofs off some buildings, ripped bricks off siding and downed trees and power lines as residents were urged to take cover St. Louis Mayor Cara Spencer confirmed the deaths at a media briefing.

“This is truly truly devastating,” Spencer said, adding that the city was in the process of declaring an emergency National Weather Service radar indicated that a tornado touched down between 2:30 p.m. and 2:50 p.m. in Clayton, Missouri, in the St. Louis area. The apparent tornado touched down in the area of Forest Park, home to the St Louis Zoo and the site of the 1904 World’s Fair and Olympic Games the same year, Pfahler said.

At Centennial Christian Church, City of St. Louis Fire Department Battalion Chief William Pollihan told The Associated Press that three people had to be rescued after part of the church crumbled. One of those people died.

Jeffrey Simmons Sr. who lives across the street from the church, heard an alert on his phone and then the lights went out.

“And next thing you know, a lot of noise, heavy wind,” he said. He and his brother went into the basement. Later, he realized it was worse than he thought: “Everything was tore up.”

Simmons said the woman who died was a member of the church who was there every day

Downed trees and stop lights also caused traffic gridlock during the Friday afternoon commute, and officials urged people to avoid driving if possible.

Developer surrenders after Thai tower collapse

BANGKOK A construction magnate, builders, designers and engineers surrendered to police Friday on criminal negligence charges over the collapse during the March 28 earthquake of a Bangkok high-rise in which 92 people died.

Premchai Karnasuta, president of Italian-Thai Development Co, the main Thai contractor for the building project, as well as designers and engineers, was among 17 charged with the felony of professional negligence causing death, Bangkok deputy police chief Noppasin Poonsawat said.

Noppasin said those who met police on Friday formally denied the charges. Several have previously issued public denials in response to allegations in the media. Ninety-two people were confirmed dead in the rubble of the building that had been under construction. A small number of other people remain unaccounted for

Man who stabbed Rushdie sentenced MAYVILLE, N.Y A man who attacked Salman Rushdie with a knife in front of a stunned audience in 2022, leaving the prizewinning author blind in one eye, was sentenced Friday to 25 years in prison.

Hadi Matar, 27, stood quietly as the judge pronounced the sentence. He did not deny attacking Rushdie, and when he was invited to address the court before being sentenced, Matar got in a few last insults at the writer He said he believed in freedom of speech but called Rushdie “a hypocrite.”

“Salman Rushdie wants to disrespect other people,” said Matar, clad in white-striped jail clothing and wearing handcuffs “He wants to be a bully, he wants to bully other people. I don’t agree with that.”

Rushdie, 77, did not return to western New York for the sentencing but submitted a victim impact statement in which he said he has nightmares about what happened, Chautauqua County District Attorney Jason Schmidt said. The statement was not made public. Rushdie, through his agent, declined to comment after the sentencing

Justices reject bid to speed deportations

High court rules against Trump administration over use of 18th-century law to deport Venezuelans

BY MARK SHERMAN Associated Press

WASHINGTON The Supreme Court on Friday barred the Trump administration from quickly resuming deportations of Venezuelans under an 18th-century wartime law enacted when the nation was just a few years old.

Over two dissenting votes, the justices acted on an emergency appeal from lawyers for Venezuelan men who have been accused of being gang members, a designation that the administration says makes them eligible for rapid removal from the United States under the Alien Enemies Act of 1798

The court indefinitely extended the prohibition on deportations from a north Texas detention facility under the alien enemies law The case will now go back to the 5th U.S Circuit Court of Appeals, which declined to intervene in April.

President Donald Trump quickly voiced his displeasure “THE SUPREME COURT WON’T ALLOW US TO GET CRIMINALS OUT OF OUR COUNTRY!” he posted on his Truth Social platform

The high court action is the latest in a string of judicial setbacks for the Trump administration’s effort to speed deportations of people in the country illegally

The president and his supporters have complained about having to provide due process for people they contend didn’t follow U.S. immigration laws.

The court had already called a tempo-

rary halt to the deportations, in a middleof-the-night order issued last month. Officials seemed “poised to carry out removals imminently,” the court noted Friday

The case is among several making their way through the courts over Trump’s proclamation in March calling the Tren de Aragua gang a foreign terrorist organization and invoking the 1798 law to deport people.

The high court case centers on the opportunity people must have to contest their removal from the United States — without determining whether Trump’s invocation of the law was appropriate

“We recognize the significance of the Government’s national security interests as well as the necessity that such interests be pursued in a manner consistent with the Constitution,” the justices said in an unsigned opinion.

At least three federal judges have said Trump was improperly using the AEA to speed deportations of people the administration says are Venezuelan gang members. On Tuesday, a judge in Pennsylvania signed off on the use of the law

The court-by-court approach to deportations under the AEA flows from another Supreme Court order that took a case away from a judge in Washington, D.C., and ruled detainees seeking to challenge their deportations must do so where they are held.

In April, the justices said that people must be given “reasonable time” to file a challenge. On Friday the court said 24 hours is not enough time but has not otherwise spelled out how long it meant. The administration has said 12 hours would be sufficient. U.S. District Judge Stephanie Haines ordered immigration officials to give people 21 days in her opinion, in which she otherwise said deportations could legally take place under the AEA.

Strip arrive Friday in Jabalia, northern Gaza.

Israel expands attacks in Gaza and Yemen

Strikes come as Trump wraps up trip to region

BY WAFAA SHURAFA and BASSEM MROUE Associated Press

DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip Israel launched dozens of airstrikes across Gaza on Friday that local health officials said killed 108 people, mostly women and children, and which Israeli officials described as a prelude to a stepped-up campaign to pressure Hamas to release hostages

Israel also struck two ports in Yemen that it said were used by the Houthi militant group to transfer weapons. Local health officials said at least one person was killed and nine injured.

The strikes across the Gaza Strip followed days of attacks that killed more than 130 people, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, which does not distinguish between civilians and combatants, and came as President Donald Trump wrapped up a visit to the region that included stops in three Gulf states but not Israel.

There had been widespread hope that Trump’s trip could increase the chances of a ceasefire deal or the resumption of humanitarian aid to Gaza, which Israel has prevented for more than two months

The Trump administration is also trying to negotiate a nuclear deal with Iran, which backs several anti-Israel militant groups, including Hamas in Gaza and the Houthis in Yemen.

Speaking to reporters in Abu Dhabi on the final day of his trip, Trump said he was looking to resolve a range of global crises, including Gaza. “We’re looking at Gaza,” he said. “And we’ve got to get that taken care of. A lot of people are starving. A lot of people are — there’s a lot of bad things going on.”

The Gaza Health Ministry said 31 children and 27 women were killed and

hundreds more wounded in Friday’s airstrikes.

In southern Gaza, Israel struck the outskirts of Deir al-Balah and the city of Khan Younis. It said it hit anti-tank missile posts and military structures.

Three children and their grandfather were killed as they fled bombardment in Khan Younis, said the head of pediatrics at Nasser Hospital, Dr Ahmed al-Farra.

In northern Gaza, the attacks sent people fleeing from the Jabaliya refugee camp and the town of Beit Lahiya. Israel said it eliminated several militants who were operating in an observation compound. Dark smoke was seen rising over Jabaliya as people fled on donkey carts, by car and foot.

“We got out of the house with difficulty, killing and death, we did not take anything,” said Feisal Al-Attar, who was displaced from Beit Lahiya.

After the strikes on Yemen Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said, “There will be more to come.” The Israeli military, which attacked Houthi targets earlier this month, said it had intercepted several missiles fired from Yemen toward Israeli airspace during Trump’s visit to the region.

An Israeli official said the latest strikes in Gaza were part of the lead-up to a larger operation that it warned would begin soon if Hamas doesn’t release the 58 hostages still in Gaza since the group’s October 2023 attack that launched the war The official was not authorized to brief media and spoke on condition of anonymity

Netanyahu vowed earlier in the week to escalate pressure on Hamas with the aim of destroying the militant group that has ruled Gaza for nearly two decades. In comments released by his office Tuesday, the prime minister said Israeli forces were days away from entering Gaza “with great strength to complete the mission.”

Russia-Ukraine talks end after less than 2 hours

Deal made to swap POWs, but no ceasefire

BY HANNA ARHIROVA, ANDREW WILKS and LORNE COOK Associated Press

ISTANBUL, Turkey The first direct Russia-Ukraine peace talks since the early weeks of Moscow’s 2022 invasion ended after less than two hours Friday, and while both sides agreed on a large prisoner swap, they clearly remained far apart on key conditions for ending the fighting.

One such condition for Ukraine, backed by its Western allies, is a temporary ceasefire as a first step toward a peaceful settlement. The Kremlin has pushed back against such a truce, which remains elusive.

“We haven’t received a Russian ‘yes’ on this basic point,” Ukrainian Foreign Ministry spokesman Heorhii Tykhii said after the talks. “If you want to have serious negotiations, you have to have guns silenced.”

But Russian delegation head Vladimir Medinsky pronounced himself “satisfied with the outcome,” adding that Moscow was ready to continue contacts. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he discussed the talks with President Donald Trump and the leaders of France, Germany, the U.K. and Po-

land. In a post on X from a European leadership meeting in Albania, he urged “tough sanctions” against Moscow if it rejects “a full and unconditional ceasefire and an end to killings.”

In Istanbul, Kyiv and Moscow agreed to exchange 1,000 prisoners of war each, according to the heads of both delegations, in what would be their biggest such swap. Both sides also discussed a ceasefire and a meeting between their heads of state, according to chief Ukrainian delegate, Defense Minister Rustem Umerov Medinsky, an aide to President Vladimir Putin, said both sides agreed to provide each other with detailed ceasefire proposals, with Ukraine requesting the heads of state meeting, which Russia took under consideration.

“The pressure on the Russian Federation must continue,” said Serhii Kyslytsia, Ukraine’s first deputy foreign minister and part of Kyiv’s delegation. “We should not really relax at this point.”

During the talks, a senior Ukrainian official said Russia introduced new, “unacceptable demands” to withdraw Ukrainian forces from huge swaths of territory The official, who was not authorized to make official statements, spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity The proposal had not been previously discussed, the official said.

Obituaries: 225-388-0289• Mon-Fri9-5;

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By RAMIL SITDIKOV Russian and Ukrainian delegations attend talks Friday at the Dolmabache palace in Istanbul.

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By JEHAD ALSHRAFI

Displaced Palestinians fleeing Beit Lahia amid ongoing Israeli military operations in the Gaza

Conservativesblock Trump’sbig taxbreaksbill

Lawmakersplan to work through weekendtomove packageforward

BY LISA MASCARO and KEVIN FREKING Associated Press

WASHINGTON In asetback, House Republicans failed Friday to push their big package of tax breaks and spending cuts through the Budget Committee, as ahandful of conservatives joined all Democrats in astunning vote against it.

The hard-right lawmakers are insistingonsteeper spending cuts to Medicaid and the Biden-era green energy tax breaks, among other changes, before they will give their support to President Donald Trump’s“beautiful” bill. They warn the tax cuts alone wouldpileontothe nation’s$36 trillion debt.

The failedvote, 16-21, stalls, for now,House Speaker Mike Johnson’spushto have the package approved next week. But the Budget

N.J. train engineers go on strike

350K commuters left in thelurch

BY BRUCE SHIPKOWSKI Associated Press

Johnson

Committee plans to reconvene Sunday to try again. Lawmakersvowed to negotiateintothe weekend as Trump is returning to Washington from the Middle East. “S om ething needs to change or you’re not going to get my support,” said Rep. Chip Roy,R-Texas.

Tallying awhopping 1,116 pages, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, named witha nodtoTrump, is teetering at acriticalmoment. Johnson, R-Benton, is determined to resolve the problems with thepackage that he believes will inject adoseofstability into awavering economy.

With few votes to spare from hisslimmajority, the Republicansare trying to pass itoverthe staunch objections of Democrats who slammed the package as a “big, bad bill,” or as Rep. PramilaJayapal,D-Wash., called it, “one big, beautiful betrayal.”

Ahead of Friday’svote,

Trump had implored his party to fall in line.

“Republicans MUST UNITE behind, ‘THEONE, BIG BEAUTIFUL BILL!’” the Republican president posted on social media. “We don’tneed‘GRANDSTANDERS’ in theRepublican Party. STOP TALKING, AND GET IT DONE!”

The Budget panel is one of thefinalstops beforethe package is sent to thefull House floor for avote, which is still expected sometime next week.Typically,the job of the Budget Committee is more administrative as it compiles the work of 11 committees thatdrewupvarious parts of the big bill.

ButFriday’smeeting provedmomentousevenbefore the votes were tallied

The conservatives, many from the Freedom Caucus, had been warning they would block the bill, as theyholdout for steeper cuts.Atthe same time, GOP lawmakersfrom high-tax states including New York are demanding a deeper taxdeduction, known as SALT,for their constituents. Four Republican conserva-

Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen forma picket lineFridayoutsidethe NewJerseyTransitHeadquarters in Newark, NewJersey.

tivesinitially voted against thepackage —Roy and Reps. Ralph Norman, of South Carolina; Josh Brecheen, of Oklahoma; Rep.Andrew Clyde, of Georgia. Then one, Rep. Lloyd Smucker,ofPennsylvania, switched hisvote to no in aprocedural step so it could be reconsidered later, saying afterwardhewas confident they’d “get this done.” Norman insistedhewas not defying thepresident —“this isn’ta‘grandstand,’” he said —asheand the others push from Trump’spriorities.

In their quest for deeper reductions, theconservativesare particularly eyeing Medicaid, the health care programfor some 70 million Americans. They want newwork requirements for aid recipients to start immediately,rather than on Jan. 1, 2029, as thepackageproposes.

Democratsemphasized thatmillions of people would lose theirhealthcoverage and food stamps assistance if the bill passes while the wealthiest Americans would reap enormoustax cuts They alsosaid it would increasefuture deficits.

“Thatisbad economics It is unconscionable,” said Rep. Brendan Boyle, the top Democratic lawmaker on the panel.

At the same time, talks are also underway with the New Yorkers have been unrelenting in their demand fora much larger SALTdeduction than what is proposed in the bill, which could send the overall cost of the package skyrocketing. As it stands,the bill proposes tripling what’scurrently a $10,000 cap on the state and local tax deduction, increasing it to $30,000 for joint filers with incomes up to $400,000 ayear

Rep.NickLaLota, one of the New York lawmakers leading the SALTeffort, said they have proposed adeduction of $62,000 forsingle filers and $124,000 forjoint filers.

The conservativesand the New Yorkers are at odds, each jockeying as Johnson labors to pass the package from the House by MemorialDay andsenditonto the Senate.

At itscore, the sprawling package extends the existing

income taxcuts thatwereapprovedduring Trump’sfirst term, in 2017,and adds new ones thatthe president campaigned on in 2024, including no taxes on tips,overtime pay and some auto loans. It increases sometax breaksfor middle-income earners, including abolstered standard deduction of $32,000 for joint filers and a temporary $500 boost to the child tax credit, bringing it to $2,500.

It also provides an infusion of $350billionfor Trump’s deportationagendaand to bolster the Pentagon.

To offset more than $5 trillioninlostrevenue, thepackage proposes rolling back other tax breaks, namely the greenenergy tax credits approved as part of President Joe Biden’sInflation Reduction Act. Some conservatives want thosetoend immediately

Thepackage also seeksto coverthe costs by slashing more than $1 trillion from health careand food assistance programs over the course of adecade, in part by imposing work requirements on able-bodied adults.

Judgecalls statesecrets claimin Abrego Garcia case inadequate

By The Associated Press GREENBELT,

Md.— Afederal judge told the Trumpadministration Friday that its explanationfor invoking the state secrets privilege in the Kilmar Abrego Garcia case is inadequate, describing the government’s reasoning for withholding information as “take my wordfor it.”

Trumpadministration attorneyshavearguedthatreleasing details in open court —oreven to the judge in private —about itsefforts to return Abrego Garcia to the United States would jeopardize national security

But U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis in Maryland said shewas at aloss for how she can independently determine the nature of the government’sconcerns with the information it provided. “There’s simply no details,” she said. “This is basically ‘take my word for it.’

Xinis said the administration needs to “do alittle bit more to show itswork” on why it believes the state secrets privilege applies.

“Itdoesn’t have to be superdetailed, but it hasto give me something,” she said. Jonathan Guynn, aJustice

Department attorney,said he understood her concernsbut disagreedthatthe government’s arguments were inadequate.Healsosaid there’s no need for the judge to reviewthe information herself to makeadetermination on threats to national security “Wethink we’ve provided significantinformation, Guynn said. Xinis hadordered Abrego Garcia’sreturn from El Salvador in April and has since directed theadministration to provide documents and testimony showing what it has done, if anything, to comply

JEREMIAH

NOTTOWAY

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three hours as it raged. Around 5:30 p.m., afire engine sounded a horn threetimes,signaling that the roof wascollapsing.

By that time, the main house was beyond saving. As of 6:20 p.m., flames engulfed all three floors, and thefront façade and balcony had collapsed.

Daigle announced in his statement that the mansion was a“total loss.”

Ken Pastorick, public affairs director for the state fire marshal, said theoffice has started interviewing and investigating at the scene. There is no set time for the results of the investigation at this point, he said.

“This is alarge-scale fire that

Barbara Freiberg, R-Baton Rouge,said whilepresenting her redistricting planto the House and Governmental Affairs committee this month.

“In East Baton Rouge Parish, we redistricted over 30 years ago, and since that time, this district has changed dramatically,” she said. Otherlegislators, however,question why achange is needed, and some have raisedconcerns about opening the door to another lawsuit.

“Nobody thought it was unfair when it was only one African American, and it was all White,” said Rep. Denise Marcelle, D-Baton Rouge, amemberofthe House and Governmental Affairs Committee.

Marcelle was referring to the 1987electionofFreddie Pitcher Jr., the first Black judge on the bench of the 19th JDC.

By thenumbers

According to 2020 U.S. census data, there are about 457,000people living in East Baton Rouge Parish, and of that group, 42% are White and 45% Black. Census estimates of the parishfrom 2023 show asmaller population that is 41% White and 43% Black. Currently,there are about289,000 registered voters in the parish, 49% of whom are Whiteand 45% of whom are Black, according to secretary of state data provided by the East BatonRouge Parish Registrar of Voters.

The number and racial makeup of registered voters in the voting subdistricts of the 19th JDC includes:

n Section 1: Roughly 55,000 registered voters, 13% White and 83% Black

n Section 2: Roughly 100,00 registered voters, 43% White and 52% Black

n Section 3: Roughly 134,000 registered voters, 68% White and 24% Black

The plan Freiberg is sponsoring in House Bill 124 would reduce the number of voting subdistricts from three to two. There would still be 15

destroyed ahuge piece of history, andit’sgonnataketime for our investigators to look at this and figure out howithappened andwhy it happened,” Pastorick said.

Tilson said.

Many Iberville residentsexpressed sadness about the fire due to the loss of architectural and personal sentimental value.

Jessica Tilson, aBaton Rougebased researcher with GeorgetownUniversitywhoseenslaved ancestors were sold by Georgetown leaders to plantations in Louisiana, said an event like the Nottoway fire brings conflicting emotions for descendants of enslaved people.

In onesense, shesaid, the mansion’sdestruction was also the destruction of enslaved people’s “blood,sweat andtears” —atangibleancestral connection.

Butthe ancestors themselves likely wanted the place to go up in smoke, she said.

“I don’tknow how many times my ancestors probably thought aboutburning down Georgetown,”

judges, butseven would be elected from each section and one judge wouldbe elected at-large.

Frieberg saidshe wants new voting districts to reflect population changes.

An analysis of the proposal prepared by nonpartisan legislative staff using voter registration from December wouldcreatetwo election districts:

n Section 1: Roughly 125,000 voters, 22% White and73% Black

n Section 2: Roughly 143,000 voters, 73% White and20% Black

Under theproposed plan, 51%ofthe parish’s457,000 residentswould live in Section1and 49% of the parish’spopulationwouldlive in Section 2.

“Webelieve this is areasonable solution because of thesimplefactofthe demographics of East Baton Rouge Parish,” saidJohn Couvillon, aBaton Rougebased pollster who helped Frieberg put together the plan.

“You’re talking about districts that were drawn back in theearly’90s but were neveradjusted since then,” he said.

ScottWilfong,a Republicanpoliticalconsultantwho hasworked on anumberof judge campaigns, before lawmak of thebill this “Wehave ap is inarguably tween White and er registration

“If not redrawn we could presume would be a10t 19th JDC,” Wilf ferring to the judges to Whit don’tthink an agree that 10 to rate represen parish.That woul thirds.”

Wilfong, in view,said hea Friebergove about the legislat he worked wi to craft thepla underconsider

There are currently Black judges and judges onthe ben Aspecialelec uled this fall for seatinthe majo Section 1votin 15 seatsare up in November 2026.

Emily Taylor,17, grew up crafting ornaments in elementary school for the mansion during the Christmas season. She said she always looked for her ornaments on familyoutingstothe annual treelighting event.

“Wedidn’treally go out and do much because my mom was asingle mom,” Taylor said. “That was one thing we went out everysingle year and did.”

She was disturbedbythe loss, she said, adding that the firehas brought out her superstitions.

“Maybe Sherman’ssoul came back and torched it,” Taylor said.

Staff writers QuinnCoffman and Julia Guilbeau contributed to this report.

Judicial redistricting

During committee meetings on the proposal this month, Marcelle arguedthat if an effort is being madeto redraw the voting districts of the 19th JDC to align with racialdemographics of the area, that same logic should apply to other courts like East Baton Rouge Family Court and thestate’s1st Circuit Court of Appeal.

Of the 12 judges on the state appeals court,which covers 16 parishesincluding East Baton Rouge, just one is African American.

Marcelle this year is sponsoring legislation to divide East Baton Rouge Parish into twoseparate voting districts for the 1st Circuit Court of Appeal. It’saneffort to add an additional Black judge to the bench of that appeals court.

But theHouse and Governmental AffairsCommittee last week rejectedher plan. The vote on House Bill 367 was along bothpartyand racial lines, withsix Black Democratsinfavor of creating an additionalBlack voting district and 10 White Republicans opposed.

Marcelle called thevote “hypocritical.” She toldcommittee mem

ana by agroup of Black attorneys, including nowretired19thJDC Judge JaniceClark.

Theyargued that the state’sprevious districtwide system of electing judges violated the Voting Rights Act by diluting Black voter strength.

The yearslong legal battle resulted in thecreation of judicialelectionsubdistricts meanttogive African Americans abetter shot at election to Louisiana’s judgeships.

EastBaton Rouge Parish was one of several district courts wherenew judicial voting subdistricts were instituted.

Clark, thelead plaintiff in the suit, went on to win a 1992 race for aseat on the 19th JDC and held that position until the state’sjudicial age limit rules forced her to leave the bench at the end of 2020.

Somelawmakers on the committee raised concerns aboutwhether the newjudicial redistricting plan would violate the terms of aconsentdecree between the plaintiffs, the Louisiana attorney general, then-Gov Edwin Edwards and theU.S. Justice Department.

At thefirst public hearing on House Bill 124, Frieberg said she wanted to avoid any plan that would invite litigation and agreed to hold off on avote on the bill for one week to seek guidance on that question.

But on Tuesday,she told the committee she wascomfortable moving forward with the proposal.

“I have talked to anumber of attorneys, and Ifeel at this point Iwant to run the bill,” Freiberg said.

“We’ll let the courts decide,” she added.

AttorneyGeneral Liz Murrill, in abriefinterview Thursday,saidthe consent decree doesn’tprohibit state lawmakers from passing legislation.

“The question is gonna be can you actually carry out the mandate in that legislation,” shesaid, “orisa federal consent decree going to sort of effectively block that.”

“The upshotisitmay tee up aquestion about whether that judgmentneedstobe modified. And if we have to litigate that,wewill,”Murrill said.

The House and Governmental Affairs Committee approved Frieberg’sbill on

10-5vote, againalong racial and partisan lines, with the committee’sWhite Republicans in favor and Black Democrats opposed.

Capitalcity

At the first public hearing, Freiberg noted that the 19th JDCisunique among the state’s42judicial district courts.

“The constitution requires that all actions brought against the state or the executive branch be filed …at the Baton Rouge 19th JDC,” she said. “Our JDC is alittle different from others.” Wilfong, in his testimony echoed that sentiment.

“Like it or not, the 19th is not equal to all the other district courts. Every action brought against thestate against BESE, against the Public Service Commission, against anyofficer of the state hastooriginate in this jurisdiction,” said Wilfong. “And Ithink it’simportant that we draw districts that will elect qualified, competent judges.

“A better-balanced district will result in better qualified judges.”

Email Alyse Pfeil at alyse pfeil@theadvocate.com.

STAFF PHOTO By HILARy SCHEINUK Iberville Parish President ChrisDaigle said in astatement that the NottowayResortisatotal loss after Thursday’s fire.

Lawmakers mull new limits on ethics law probes

New rules would also end confidentiality

BY ALYSE PFEIL Staff writer

The Louisiana Legislature is considering new rules for how the state ethics board handles allegations of misconduct by public officials, including requiring the panel to disclose the identity of anyone who files a complaint and placing stricter limits on when the board can launch investigations.

The ethics board would be blocked from investigating potential ethics-law violations unless it receives a formal complaint under the version of the bill. But the legislator sponsoring the proposal said she is working to soften this restriction.

House Bill 160 aims to reduce the number of “frivolous” complaints over ethics law violations and give the subject of a complaint the ability to know the identity of the person leveling the accusations, bill author Rep. Kellee Dickerson RDenham Springs, told lawmakers on the House and Governmental Affairs committee this month.

“An accuser must be identified

Continued from page 1A

running across Interstate 10, the officials said.

New Orleans Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick described an “urgent and serious situation” Friday as over 200 officers from federal, state and local law enforcement agencies searched for the escapees, all men. Some schools were sending notes to parents urging vigilance.

“Folks, take it seriously,” said Kirkpatrick, “and let us know.”

The escapees included seven men either convicted or charged with murder or attempted murder, two charged with other felony crimes of violence and one facing drug and weapons counts, court records show Derrick Groves, 27, was convicted in October on two counts of second-degree murder in the 2018 Mardi Gras Day killing of two men in the 9th Ward, an alleged hit gone awry Corey Boyd, 19, is accused of killing a witness to a car heist. Antoine Massey, 32, was booked in March on suspicion of motor vehicle theft and domestic abuse battery involving strangulation.

He’s also wanted in St. Tammany Parish, accused of kidnapping and rape.

As of Friday evening, two of the men, one a repeat escapee, had been caught. Hutson’s office initially said that 11 men had escaped, but later said jail staff found one of them in the facility, saying he’d never left.

A hole in the wall

How those inmates were able to leave the Orleans Justice Center, with their absence undetected for some eight hours at a lockup laden with cameras, remained

so that one can face your accuser,” she said.

Leading up to her 2023 election to the Louisiana House, Dickerson was the subject of an ethics board investigation that found she improperly hired a teacher at Live Oak High School for a contract job for the school while she was a Livingston Parish School Board member Taken together, ending the confidentiality of ethics complaints and limiting when the board can launch investigations would represent a significant shift in the vetting of misconduct allegations.

The proposed changes also come amid a larger push to overhaul the procedures of the Louisiana Board of Ethics, the panel that enforces laws related to conflicts of interest, nepotism and campaign finance.

Some argue the changes would discourage those with legitimate concerns from raising them with the Board of Ethics.

“House Bill 160 proposes to remove the confidential nature of complaints, which will have a drastic chilling effect on the filing of formal complaints,” reads a May 12 letter from members of the Board of Ethics to state lawmakers.

“The Board regularly receives

uncertain. By Friday afternoon, however, officials began to acknowledge the breach that led them outside.

Surveillance video released Friday evening shows an inmate in an orange jumpsuit jostling a cell door open by yanking it back and forth and another inmate joining to help. A separate camera shows 10 inmates running from the building at a loading dock, most in all-white clothing and three in orange.

A third camera from high above the interstate shows the inmates crossing Interstate 10 one at a time across sparse traffic just after 1 a.m.

Photos circulating midday Friday, and later released by the Sheriff’s Office, show a rectangular cutout in a bare wall that provided an escape route. Around the hole it exposed, epithets and other commentary were scrawled in pen, with an arrow pointed down to the words “To Easy Lol.”

More detailed photos showed a metal toilet and sink fixture that appeared to have been ripped from the wall. It’s unclear just where within the sprawling jail complex the hole was discovered.

Hutson insisted that her office will lead a full investigation into what she and her top deputies described as a possible inside job. Hutson and her deputy corrections chief, Jeworski “Jay” Mallett, said investigators suspect as much. Hutson said it was “almost impossible to get out of this facility without help from the outside,” noting, “There were supervisors on duty There were lower-level folks on duty, and they all had a job to do, and we’re going to find out what happened.”

Mallett said there were four supervisors and 36 staff members at the jail

complaints requesting that the complainant’s identity remain confidential due to fears of retaliation,” the letter reads. “This is seen most often when a complaint is received from an individual who has information regarding a potential violation by a supervisor or their local elected official.”

Ethics Administrator David Bordelon, a legal adviser to the board, told lawmakers that an investigation serves as an initial fact-finding process aimed at discerning whether evidence of a potential ethics-code violationexists.Healsosaiditoccurs beforetheboarddecidestobringformal charges over a violation.

“The opportunity to face your accuser comes once the board files public charges,” Bordelon said. Steven Procopio, president of the Public Affairs Research Council of Louisiana, echoed the concern.

For those who don’t wield a great deal of political power like politicians or lobbyists sometimes do, Procopio said, the lack of anonymity could be a “strong deterrent” from filing a complaint.

Currently if a complaint filed with the ethics board is not submitted anonymously, the identity of the complainant is known to members of the ethics board. But

when the escape happened.

He said the area where the inmates escaped was “behind a cell wall” and wouldn’t have been visible to jail staff. Still, he said the escape appeared to require help and power tools.

“It was more than just a breach of security,” Mallett said, adding that fixtures were removed that he did not believe could be removed from inside the facility

In a statement, the Sheriff’s Office said it had “indications that these escapees received assistance from individuals inside the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office.”

Two captured so far

Robert Moody was recaptured Friday evening, OPSO said just after 7:30 p.m. Kendell Myles was found late Friday morning. The 20-year-old was located shortly after 11 a.m. on Royal Street through “intelligence-led techniques,” according to State Police.

Identified by facial recognition, Myles ran into the parking garage of the Hotel Monteleone, where he was found hiding beneath a car Police returned him to the jail and rebooked him with simple escape.

It wasn’t his first time.

Myles was one of six juveniles who escaped from the Bridge City Center for Youth in July 2022. After the group escaped, police said Myles carjacked and shot a 59-year-old Uptown man, Scott Toups, who spent 70 days in the Intensive Care Unit but survived.

Two plumbers, Teddy Yager and Devin DiPascal, were renovating an office building a little after 11 a.m. Friday when a man in a white tank top and long pants came “running through with a purpose,” Yager said.

“I made a comment I

the complainant’s identity is redacted from documentation sent to the person accused of an ethics law violation when notice of an investigation is sent.

House Bill 160 would end the practice of redacting the complainant’s name during that notification process, thereby revealing the identity of the person who filed the complaint to the accused.

The bill would also prohibit retaliation against a complainant and authorize that person to bring a civil lawsuit in the event of retaliation.

Under the proposal, anyone filing a signed and notarized sworn complaint with the ethics board could submit it through a portal on the ethics board website or by mail, fax or in-person.

But anyone filing a complaint without a notarized, sworn statement would have to file the complaint in person with the ethics board in Baton Rouge and present a government-issued ID.

Currently, all complaints, regardless of type, can be submitted to the board through its website, mail or hand-delivery

Also, under the current version of the bill, the ethics board would only be allowed to investigate po-

wonder what he’s running from.”

The answer came in seconds, he said. A state trooper sprinted down the alley, stun gun drawn and another trooper barreled down Bienville Street in an ATV, DiPascal said.

Not far behind were three NOPD officers heading from the direction of Bourbon Street.

Myles ran into the hotel parking garage on Bienville Street.

Some bystanders were flabbergasted when they learned the scope of what they’d witnessed.

“I saw a kerfuffle, a lot of people running. I assumed it was just another French Quarter day,” said Avery Nickerson, who works in a nearby business.

Shorty Williams, who was

tential ethics law violations after receiving the submission of a formal complaint. It wouldn’t be able to investigate violations brought to its attention through other means, like audit reports or news articles.

Dickerson on Friday said she plans to amend the bill to allow the board to investigate potential ethics violations raised through reports from the Louisiana Legislative Auditor and through other sources, though she is still working out the changes.

During public testimony this week, Procopio said one of the bill’s “core issues” was the fact that the “bill as a whole restricts what the board of ethics can investigate.”

Dickerson said she is working with the Public Affairs Research Council to address that concern and plans to finalize changes by early next week.

Current law requires the ethics board to investigate any sworn complaints it receives.

With a two-thirds vote, the board can also investigate complaints that aren’t sworn or even anonymous, as well as potential ethics-law violations brought to the board’s attention through other means.

near the Iberville housing development when he learned of the escapes on Friday about noon, expressed concern.

“They need to do better than what they’re doing,” he said of the jail’s overseers.

“They’re putting people’s lives in jeopardy (The escapees) could go on a whole killing spree if they want.”

Another inmate on video

Another escapee was identified Friday by facial recognition software but escaped capture in the French Quarter according to Bryan Lagarde, founder of Project NOLA, the private video surveillance network that is assisting Troop Nola.

He said police arrested Myles at 11:12 a.m., but that the other suspected escapee “walked off our camera grid

and we lost track of him before LSP could intercept.” Hutson’s office remains under a federal judge’s watch over conditions at the jail, in a consent decree that has run for a dozen years. President Donald Trump’s administration has called for a review of those agreements across the country An attorney who represents the plaintiff inmates in that case issued a statement Friday that was critical of Hutson’s stewardship of the jail.

“The Orleans sheriff has failed to ensure that people in custody are appropriately supervised and to hold staff accountable when security posts are abandoned,” said Emily Washington, an attorney with the Roderick & Solange MacArthur Justice Center

State’s proof of citizenship law challenged

Voting groups say the measure is unconstitutional

BY MATT BRUCE Staff writer

A group of voting rights organizations is challenging a new state law that requires Louisiana residents to show proof of U.S. citizenship when they register to vote.

The Senate bill, which Gov Jeff Landry signed into law last June

ST JAMES

after it passed both chambers of the Legislature, took effect Jan. 1.

According to the law, voter applications will ask prospective voters eligibility questions when they go to register, such as whether they will be 18 years old before election day “Are you a citizen of the United States of America?” is among the questions on the form, and the law

requires applicants to show proof of their citizenship when applying.

The measure aims to keep noncitizens from entering the voting booth. But voting rights advocates say the new law goes beyond what federal law allows.

Four organizations joined in a lawsuit that asks a federal judge to declare the law unconstitutional

Landry

Court: Parish didn’t follow rules on plant expansion

Building of Koch complex in question

BY DAVID J MITCHELL Staff writer

St. James Parish officials failed to follow their own land-use rules in 2023 when they backed a $185 million expansion at the Koch Methanol complex that would boost production, but also lead to increased air and water pollution, a state appellate panel has found

The divided ruling issued Wednesday throws into question the legal basis for the Mississippi River plant’s expansion, which has been partially built and operating for about a year, but company officials said it is not yet finished

Coming about a month after a federal appellate panel breathed new life into another lawsuit seeking a moratorium on all new industrial development in St. James, the new state court decision gives another victory to activists fighting the expansion of industry in largely poor and Black communities along the river “I would like to thank God first and thank the judges for listening to us,” Harry Joseph, pastor of Mount Triumph Baptist Church in western St. James, said in a statement. “The parish needs to give the people what they deserve — clear air and water.”

The church and its members are among the plaintiffs in the suit against the parish.

A day before the ruling on Koch, in neighboring St. John the Baptist Parish, Denka Performance Elastomer announced it was suspending operations and considering a sale.

The announcement came amid difficult market conditions and after years of federal regulatory scrutiny over its emissions of chloroprene, classified as likely cancer-causing. The Denka plant had also gained national attention as an emblem of Louisiana’s environmental justice questions.

For Koch, the divided five-member panel of the Louisiana 5th Circuit Court of Appeal found St. James officials failed to apply the highest level of scrutiny in their planning ordinance, known as “Tier 3,” to the expansion project. The 3-2 ruling found the breakdown led to “arbitrary and capricious” decisions to allow a 1,000-foot section of a new ethane pipeline connection for the

ä See EXPANSION, page 4B

and strike it down as a violation of the National Voter Registration Act.

The complaint was filed Wednesday in the U.S. Middle District Court of Louisiana.

Plaintiffs in the suit include the League of Women Voters of Louisiana, Voice of the Experienced, the NAACP Louisi-

ana State Conference and Power Coalition for Equity and Justice.

Louisiana Secretary of State Nancy Landry is listed as a defendant along with agency heads of the state’s Department of Children and Family Services, Department of Health, Department of Education, Workforce Commission and Board of Regents.

“Senate Bill 436, which places

ä See PROOF, page 2B

‘Designed to be an experience’

Dick’s opens first House of Sport in state at the Mall of Louisiana

TJ

executive director at Dick’s House of Sport cuts the ribbon at the grand opening at the Mall of Louisiana on Friday

BY JOY HOLDEN | Staff writer

As of Friday, the new Dick’s House of Sport location at the Mall of Louisiana is open. The sporting goods store has moved from 9330 Mall of Louisiana Blvd. to the larger and more engaging Dick’s House of Sport in the former Sears space at the Mall of Louisiana, 6501 Bluebonnet Blvd.

“The House of Sport is designed to be an experience,” said TJ Sistrunk, executive director of the brand. “So, we have really cool features, like the rock climbing wall. We’ve got our HitTrax multisport cage. We have full golf simulator bays, so you can bring the family in and actually do an experience in addition to just shopping.”

This is the first House of Sport in Louisiana and the 22nd to open in the country. The first opened more than four years ago in Knoxville, Tennessee Sistrunk says the goal is to open 50 stores by the end of 2026.

“It’s a rapid growth plan,” Sistrunk said. “This is the future of retail. With online shopping taking over and so many retailers going under, we’re taking an opposite trajectory.”

The House of Sport is massive, occupying 110,000 square feet, an increase of about 50,000 square feet compared to the former store at the Mall of Louisiana Boulevard location.

Sistrunk said the store’s staff has also increased from between 60 and 70 at the old location to 160 at the larger House of Sport. He said that during peak times like back-to-school and holidays, the staff will grow closer to 200 employees. The House of Sport also employs four Division I athletes, three from Southern and one from LSU, who act as ambassadors for their respective sports.

Another feature of the enlarged store is the community focus. Before the ribbon cutting at the grand opening, Dick’s House of Sport recognized First Tee, a 501(C)(3) nonprofit

Suspect arrested in robbery, fatal shooting outside BR gas station

CRIME BLOTTER staff reports

Baton Rouge police said they arrested a suspect in an April homicide and robbery at a Baton Rouge gas station. Latrell Daniels, 20, was booked into the East Baton Rouge Parish Prison onFriday on counts of first-degree murder and armed robbery, police said in a news release Daniels is accused of robbing and shooting Alejandro GonzalesMartinez, 30, shortly after midnight April 26 at an Exxon station at 7234 Airline Highway Daniels fled the scene on a bicycle, police said Gonzales-Martinez was transported to a hospital, where he died during emergency surgery

School janitor arrested after molestation report A custodian at a Livingston Par-

ish school has been arrested on a count of molestation of a juvenile, the Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office said. School officials contacted the Sheriff’s Office this week about an allegation of inappropriate behavior by a janitor involving a child at Seventh Ward Elementary School in Denham Springs, Sheriff Jason Ard said in a news release. The janitor, Christopher Abery, 38 of Denham Springs, was arrested Thursday and booked into

the Livingston Parish jail. The investigation is ongoing. Livingston Parish Public Schools said in a statement that Abery had been employed with the district since August.

“According to his records, he met all onboarding requirements, including the criminal background check, as required by state law when hired,” the district said in a statement. “The district will follow all applicable policies and procedures, following the conclusion of investigations. “Abery has been placed on administrative leave with the district and is not present on campus.” Officials: One dead in Baton Rouge house fire One person died Friday morning in a fire at a Baton Rouge home, Baton Rouge Fire Department officials said.

Sistrunk,

PHOTOS By APRIL BUFFINGTON

Spectators walk through Dick’s House of Sport at the grand opening at the Mall of Louisiana on Friday.

Judgethwarts AG’s effort to take deathpenalty case

Courtdateset in ex-New Orleans officer’sappeal

BY JOHN SIMERMAN Staff writer

An Orleans Parish judge on Thursday dealt ablow to Attorney General Liz Murrill in her attempt to push former New Orleans police officer Antoinette Frank to an execution date after nearly three decades on death row Criminal District Judge Kimya Holmes set aDecember hearingfor Frank to fight her 1995 conviction and death sentence in an infamous triple murder, denying amotion to dismiss her post-convictionclaims. Holmes also refused to allow Murrill’s office or the private attorneys she hired to represent the state in the case. The rulings amounted to around rejection of Murrill’sargument that Frank let her claims languish too long, and arebuke of the Republican attorney general’sefforts to inject herself in the case to speed up the pace of executions. Louisiana resumed the practice in March after 15 years.

Ajudge in Rapides Parish

BY MICHELLEHUNTER

Staff writer

Aman’sbody wasrecovered from the Bonnet Carre Spillway on Friday afternoonafter witnesses on In-

DICK’S

Continued from page1B

organization that works to improve children’slife skills throughgolf lessons. House of Sport donated $10,000 to First TeeBaton Rouge. The golf pro at the new House of Sport actually learned how to play golf through First Tee, so it was afull-circle moment.

“One of our mantras is, sports change lives,” Sistrunk said. “Everybody has astory of playing Little League Baseball or football or whatever it is,and it turns into apassion, and maybe that’sayoung child’s outlet. So, another arm of our business is acommunity marketing team. It’s abig part of our business model.”

this week denied asimilar argumentfromthe state in the case of deathrow prisoner Larry Roy,convicted in adoublemurder.The LouisianaSupreme Court, in apairofCaddo Parish cases, tore up two death warrants signed this year by adistrict judge,Donald Hathaway,for not beingripe. Murrill has argued that Frankand othercondemned prisoners ortheir attorneysare to blame for“prejudicial delay.”Bywaiting to pursue post-conviction claims, prosecutors have been lefthamstrung to answer those claims as memories fadeor die,she has said In Frank’scase, Murrill’s office asked Holmes to allow her office to represent the prosecution, andtodismiss Frank’s petition.Holmes, aformer capitaldefense attorney, didneither In awritten ruling, she foundThursday that “no provision in the law and Louisiana Constitutionallows for theAttorney General’sparticipation in this case, and thereisnocause forthe AttorneyGeneral

to assume theduties of the District Attorneyinthis case.”

Holmes set an evidentiary hearing on Frank’spost-conviction claims for the week of Dec. 16.

“Weobviously strongly disagree withthe rulings of the court todayinthe Antoinette Frank case, in particular thedecision refusing to permit my office to assistthe Orleans Parish District Attorney in this case,”Murrill said in astatement. “We intendtofile an expedited appeal and resolve these issues to get justice for thevictims.”

Frank wasconvicted of one of the most notorious crimes in modern New Orleans’ history: Theslayings of fellow police officer Ronald WilliamsII, along with 17-year-old Cuong Vu and 24-year-old Ha Vu at the Kim AhnNoodle House in New OrleansEast. Her co-defendant,Rogers LaCaze, was removed from deathrow in a2019 deal with former OrleansParish District AttorneyLeon Cannizzaro, who now heads Murrill’scriminaldivision.

Frank hasargued that alifetime of abuse at the hands of her father left her vulnerable to theinfluence of LaCaze, adrug dealer who she claims forced herto shoot the Vus.

Therehad been little activity from eithersidein hercase since 2009, when Frank’sattorneys fileda supplemental petition for post-conviction relief,alleging that egregious actions by prosecutors and an ineffectivelawyer denied her afair trial. The state never filed aresponse. Afresh filing from Frank’s attorneysarrived last year after theLegislature legalized nitrogengas and electrocution as execution methods. Louisiana ended a 15-year hiatus in executions earlierthis year,putting Jessie Hoffman Jr.todeath on March 18 using nitrogen gas.

Holmes on Thursday deemedFrank’s2024 filing avalid supplementtoher 2009 petition.

“Ms. Frank’spost-conviction investigation —as well as the State’sown posttrial evidence —confirms what Ms. Frank hasbeen saying allalong:She was not awilling participant in thetragic events at the Kim Anh Restaurant,” said Frank’slead counsel, Naila

Campbell, deputy director of the Mwalimu Center for Justice.

“This evidence was never heard at her trial, and the Attorney General’s objections soughttocontinue preventing Ms. Frank from presenting that important evidence. Thecourt’sruling recognizes the significance of this evidence, andproperlyrejected thisattempt to deny her afull and fair hearing.”

Murrill’soffice took over Frank’scase at the invitation of District Attorney Jason Williams,who in a March14lettercited“the commonality of the issues in the variouscases and the benefits of aunitedappellate response”inceding the case to Murrill. But Holmes found that Murrill hadsought the case, that Williamshadn’trecused his office and that the Constitution doesn’tallow Murrill to run “point” on the case.

As aconsequence, Holmes also turned away amotion by Murrill’soffice to enroll in the case four attorneys with the Baton Rouge-based Taylor Porter firm. Murrill’shusband, John Murrill, is one of about three dozen partners in the firm Williams’ office did not respond to arequest for comment.

PROOF

Continued from page1B

unnecessary barriers to Louisianans’ ability to register to vote, is not only confusing, but is also illegal,” League of Women Voters of Louisiana President M. Christian Green saidin anews release announcing the lawsuit Wednesday.“Furthermore, the law unlawfully restricts the LeagueofWomen Voters of Louisiana’sability to do our core nonpartisan work of registering and educating voters. At the end of the day,educating voters is our mission —policing citizenship is not. This law takes Louisianainthe wrongdirection, and we look forwardtochallengingitin court.”

BLOTTER

Continued from page1B

Chief Colin Dunn, of Fire District6headquartered on Prescott Road, said the initial dispatch at 4:30 a.m. was in response to areport about smoke coming from ahouse in the 6000 blockofHooper Road.

terstate 10 reportedseeing aperson take his own life along the roadside, according to the St.Charles Parish Sheriff’sOffice. Authorities have not identified the man. The Sheriff’s Office was firstnotifiedabout the suspected suicide about 11:30 a.m., accordingtoSgt. Jenni Barrette,spokesperson for thedepartment

Passersby reported that a manstanding on theshoulderofthe westbound lanes of I-10 shot himselfbefore falling intothe water near mile marker 212, she said. Authoritiesresponded to thescene. All westbound lanes of I-10 were closed about 12:19 p.m., according to the state Department of Transportation and Development.

As investigators searched thearea, traffic congestion stretched5miles,according to the DOTD. Eastbound traffic on I-10 also slowed. Just before2 p.m.,the Sheriff’s Office released astatement that abody matching the description of the man seen on the shoulderofthe roadway hadbeen recovered. Alllanes of I-10 westbound

This community marketing means House of Sport will offerin-storeevents like birthday parties, private rentals, fitness classes, sports education, trainings and clinics. The communitydraw and theproximity to LSU and Southern as well as being adestination for travel

leagueswere afew reasons Dick’schose Baton Rouge for the first House of Sport in the state. Sistrunk said

themarket data proved Baton Rouge would be asolid investment. The grand opening fes-

on the spillway reopened just after 2p.m.

Editor’snote: If you or someoneyou know needs help, thenational suicide and crisis lifeline in the U.S. is available by calling or texting 988. There is also an online chat at 988lifeline.org

Email Michelle Hunter at mhunter@theadvocate. com.

tivities will continuefrom 9a.m. to 9p.m.this Saturday and Sunday with giveaways and special appearances by former New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees on Saturday and former LSU player and current Jacksonville Jaguar Brian Thomas on Sunday On Saturdayand Sunday, the first 100 adult customers will get amystery gift card. The first 100 children will getasoccer ball. The first 250 to enter will get a wristbandfor themeet-andgreets forthat day.The first 300 will get afreeStanley Quencher Brees will be set up outside from 5to6:30 p.m. Saturday.Thomas will be setupinside fromnoon to 1:30 p.m. on Sunday.There will be oneline forcustomers withwristbandswho will have aguaranteed spot. Thenthere will be a“nextup” line if timeallows. The special guests will signa providedpicture.

Email Joy Holdenatjoy holden@theadvocate.com.

“Our actual dispatch was fora smokeinvestigation, but we found afully involved structure fire,” Dunn said. Officials were still working to inform thefamily of thepersonwho died in the fire, he said. Fire District 6was assisted by other firefighting departments in the area. One booked on suspicion of DWI Aman was booked into theEastBaton Rouge Parish Prisonbetween noon Thursday and noon Friday on suspicion of driving while intoxicated. Benjamin McKeel, 24, of Baton Rouge, wasbooked on acount each of secondoffense DWI, reckless operationofa vehicle,driving with asuspended license and unlawfulpassing.

LOTTERY

THURSDAY,MAY 15, 2025

PICK 3: 0-0-0

PICK 4: 0-9-7-1

PICK 5: 3-1-8-8-7

Unofficial notification, keep your tickets

PHOTO By APRILBUFFINGTON

CaseyRooneyhands Liba Abbasi afree water bottlewithCharlotte Camp at the grand opening of Dick’s House of Sport at the Mall of LouisianaonFriday.

Frank Murrill

plant through wetlands and to inadequate analysis of the overall project’s benefits and costs.

“The parish failed to follow its own ordinance, which mandated that the proposed project’sapplication be evaluated per the standard of Tier 3review,” Judge MarcE.Johnson wrote in the 16-page ruling.

The Koch expansion is expected to raise methanol productionby25%, but will also increase annual air emissions by 50% or more in an area that federal data show already leads the stateand nation for the burden residents bear from toxic air emissions and lifetime cancer risk from air pollution.

The expansion willalso retain 114 jobs while adding two permanent jobs and 400 temporaryconstruction jobs, Koch has said, contributing $4 million to parish coffers over the next 10 years.

The ruling from the Gretna-based appeals court overturned alowercourt ruling from last year that had upheld the parish’sdecisions. The appeals court ordered that the case be sent back to 23rd Judicial District Judge Cody M. Martin for further proceedings.

Judges Susan M. Chehardy and Fredericka Homberg Wicker joined Johnson in the majority. Dissenting were Judges Stephen J. Windhorstand John J. Molaison. Josh Wiggins, plant manager,said Koch was disappointed and is assessing “potential courses of action, including further appeal.” Koch intervened in the case.

“Weappreciate the council’sefforts thus far to defend what we believe was aproper land-use permit application and approval process,” he said. “Wewill continue working with the parish and others in the community,aswehave done for several years now,tocontinuetosupport St. James residents through investing in local education, supporting local initiatives, and being a preferred employer in our community.”

Parish President Pete Dufresne wastothe point in hiscomments: “I’m still puzzled by the whole case —itwas rightfully dismissed originally,and this should have been anonissue.”

‘Our livesmatter’

Much of the legal fight centered around review of theethanepipeline section through wetlands. That pipeline ties into apreexisting ethane line before passing throughacanal, througha smallpatch of woods and under La. 3127 onto Koch’sproperty,according to aphotograph

The connectionwas finished in February 2024 and the overall ethane system that the line feeds was op-

erating by that June. Constructionofanotherpiece of the project, abackup oxygensupply facility,hasn’t started, however,company officials said.

In court,parish officials argued that,despite language appearing to bar development in wetlands, the pipeline extension was allowed because it was linking with apreexisting line. They also argued the language barring development in wetlands was subject to an exemption that fit the pipeline.

Butthe appellate court sided with the plaintiffs, disagreeing that theexemption’s “unique situations” languagecould apply to the pipeline.

That prohibition meant the Planning Commission and Parish Council should have applied the highest levelofscrutiny toconsider allowing the line instead of the medium level, the appeals court found. In the dissent written by Judge Molaison,hefound the wetlands exemption squarely fit thepipeline proposal.

“Here, tapping into the existing ethane pipeline falls within the very definition of aunique situation, as the only logical way to physically approachthe pipelineisthrough the wetland,” the judge wrote.

In astatementThursday, onelongtime activist, Sharon Lavigne, who has fought parish decisions on new industry for years, asserted theruling sets a new precedent for the parish to follow its rules “rigorously.”

Lavigne, who withher group, RiseSt. James,is another plaintiff in the case, has previously cited the approval in the mid2010s of theoriginalKoch facility,then ownedby Yuhuang, asacatalyst for theparish’sreinvigorated environmental movement over the past decade.

To makeway for the plant at the time, thenparish leaders decided tosell St. JamesHigh School to thecompany andbuild anew one in Vacherie. Lavigne taught at the high school.

“Today’sruling tellseverygrandmother,every grand-baby,and every neighbor along theriver thatour lives mattermore than acorporation’sbottomline,” Lavigne said.

Otherplaintiffs are Beverly Alexander and Inclusive Louisiana. The Tulane Environmental Law Clinic and the Center forConstitutional Rightsrepresented the plaintiffs.

David J. Mitchell can be reachedatdmitchell@ theadvocate.com

Funerals Today

Bynum,Dorothy

St.Peter BaptistChurch,58116 Court Street in Plaquemine, at 11 a.m.

Dabney,Allen

WoodlawnUnitedMethodist Church in Napoleonville at 11 a.m.

Davis, Beverly Greater MorningStarBaptistChurch 1002 MavisDrive,at11a.m

Davis, Frances NewBelmont BaptistChurch in Labadieville at 10 a.m. de Weishaupt,Sylvia St.GeorgeCatholic Church at 6p.m

Hayes, James Mount PilgrimBaptistChurch,9700 Scenic Highway,at10a.m

Henderson, Marilyn

Saintsville C.O.G.I.C.,8930 Plank Road,atnoon.

Jacobson, Sylvia

ResthavenGardens of Memory at 2 p.m

Joubert,Joyce St.GeorgeCatholic Church at 11 a.m.

Kaglear,Lindbergh Chapel BaptistChurch in Woodville MS at 11 a.m.

Knockum,Brenda

Greater Israel BaptistChurch in Belle Rose at 11 a.m.

Lupo, Cynthia Crowville Methodist Church,130 CypressRoadinCrowville,atnoon.

Marchand, Roy St.Theresa of Avila Catholic Church in Gonzales at noon.

Materre,Aaron DembyFuneral Home,900 Magnolia Street in Donaldsonville,at11a.m

Mazone,Chester

Greater BethanyBaptistChurch,214 ValverdaRoadinMaringouin, at 11 a.m.

Paynes,Alice Hall'sCelebrationCenter, 9348 Scenic Highway,at10a.m

Pitts,Mary St.MaryBaptistChurch,1252 N. AcadianThruway,at11a.m

Riddick,Patricia Rabenhorst FuneralHome, 11000 FloridaBoulevard, at 10 a.m.

Sumrall, Helen IstroumaBaptistChurch at 11 a.m.

Thomas,Isaiah

St.Peter BaptistChurch at 11 a.m.

Turner Fisher,Shirley

Richardson Chapel Church of Godin Christ at 11 a.m.

Ventress, James Hall Davisand Sons,1160 Louisiana Avenue in PortAllen, at 10 a.m.

Yates, Janice Charity ChristianCenter, 8710 O'Neal Lane,at10a.m Obituaries

Jacobson,Sylvia Moore Manning 'Midge'

SylviaMoore Manning

JacobsonofBaton Rouge, called "Midge"byall,left us on May 13, 2025 at the youngage of 84, after a long journey with Parkinson's disease. Throughout it all, Midge maintained her sense of humor, love of family and friends, and her strong Christianfaith.

The firstborn to parents Rev. J.D. and Juno Moore SylviaAnn Moore was born in November, 1940 in New Orleans.

Midgeispreceded in death by her parents, Jack and Juno Moore; her husband and thelove of her life Bobby "Bob" Manning; grandchild Joshua Manning; son-in-law RonAllemond;brother and sister-

in-law Paul and Rita Moore; and brother TimothyMoore She is survivedbyher children Michael (Kim) Manning and Mitzi (Homer) Wilson;grandchildren Ashlye Manning and TaylorAllemond;stepgrandchild,Scott "Deuce" Weber II;sister Jackie (Pat)Long;sister-in-law, Mary(Tim) Moore; cousin Sonya Aaron; and many nieces and nephews. Midgeisalso survived by best and lifelong friends; Debra Parker, Rev. Fred and Janice Day, Rev. Merelin and Edith McCon, and Nancy (Valrie) McCon. Graveside service at Resthaven Gardens of Memory on May 17, 2025 2:00-2:30 pm.

Eddie Jordan, Jr. passed away at age 83 on May 7, 2025, in BatonRouge, La., surrounded by hisfour childrenand abeloved niece. He is survivedbyhis brother, Edward C. Jordan, his four children, Edlyn Rae, Robert C.,Ryan E. and Patria Ren, and ahost of nieces, nephews, cousins, grandand great-grandchildren Viewing willbeheldat Richardson FuneralHome May 19, 2025 from 5pm8pm. Services willbeheld at Union Baptist Church in Zachary La. May 20, 2025 from 11am-1pm. with viewing prior from9am to 10:30am Interment willbe held at theNationalCemetery May 20th at 2pmFor detailedfuneralarrangements, please visit Richardson FuneralHome of Clintonathttps://richar dsonfuneralhomeofclinton. com/

Nadler, Katherine Dunning

Katherine Dunning Nadlerpassed away on May13, 2025, in Baton Rouge,Louisiana. She was born on May3,1935, in Baton Rouge.She was known by herfamilyand many friends as "Kappy".A graduate of Baton Rouge High School, Katherine went on to attendLouisiana State University. Shelater married Joseph Allan NadlerJr. of Plaquemine, Louisiana, wherethe couple made theirhomeand raisedtheir threechildren: William Allan Nadler(Gale), Nancy Katherine NadlerGremillion (Dennis), and Jean Laughlin NadlerMoody (Robert). "Miss Kappy" dedicated manyyearsto theIberville Parish Library as abeloved children'slibrarian. Herpassion for storytellingand literacy touchedgenerations through herleadership of storytime sessions and Summer Reading programs that broughtjoy to countless childreninPlaquemine. Shewas adevoted grandmother to eight grandchildrenand eleven great-grandchildren,with afew cherished "bonus grandchildrenand greatgrandchildrenwho also held special placesinher heart. Katherine was pre-

cededindeathbyher parents, herhusband, Joseph Allan NadlerJr., and her grandson, Scott Allan Nadler. Herlegacylives on through themanylives she enriched withher warmth, creativity, anddedication to familyand community. Mayher memory bring comforttothosewho knew and lovedher.A visitation willbeheld on Sunday, May18th at RabenhorstFuneral Home on Government St.from1PM to 3PM;with aFuneral Service beginningat3PM

Patricia Turner Riddick, b.1939, passedawayon May5th, 2025. Memorial servicesat10am, Saturday May17, RabenhorstFuneral Home, 11000 Florida Blvd.The full obituarycan be foundat www.rabenhorst.com

Medicare doesn’tpay for dental care.1

That’sright. As good as Medicare is, it wasnever meanttocovereverything. Thatmeans if you wantprotection,you need to purchase individual insurance.

Early detection canprevent small problems from becoming expensive ones.

The best waytopreventlarge dental bills is preventivecare. TheAmerican Dental Association recommends checkups twice ayear.

Riddick, Patricia Turner

Jordan Jr., Eddie

BUSINESS

BRIEFS

Stocks power within 3% of record

Wall Street cruised to thefinish of its strong week on Friday, as U.S. stocks glided closer to theall-time high they setjust afew months earlier, thoughit may feel like an economic era ago.

The S&P 500 rose forafifth straightgain and closed outits third winning week in thelast four.It’srallied back within3% of its record set in February afterbrieflydropping roughly 20% below last month, thanks to building hopes that President Donald Trump will lower his tariffs against other countries after reachingtrade deals with them.

The Dow Jones IndustrialAverage and the Nasdaq composite also climbed.

It was “a week to remember,” according to economists at BankofAmerica led by Claudio Irigoyen and Antonio Gabriel. Butthey also said they’re not expecting asignificant drop in volatility,and they’re not changing big-picture forecasts.

“There is still huge uncertainty regarding the impact of tariffs on economic activity and inflation,” they said in aBofA Global Research report.

U.S. government stripped of topcredit rating

Moody’sRatings stripped the U.S.government of its top credit rating Friday,citing successive governments’failure to stop a risingtide of debt.

Moody’slowered the rating from agold-standard Aaa to Aa1 but said theUnited States “retainsexceptional credit strengths such as the size, resilience and dynamism of its economy and the role of the U.S. dollar as global reserve currency.”

Moody’sisthe last of the three major rating agencies to lower the federal government’scredit. Standard &Poor’sdowngraded federal debt in 2011 and Fitch Ratings followed in 2023.

In astatement, Moody’ssaid:

“Weexpect federal deficits to widen, reaching nearly 9% of (the U.S. economy) by 2035, up from 6.4% in 2024,driven mainly by increased interest payments on debt, rising entitlement spending, and relatively low revenue generation.”

Extending President Donald Trump’s2017 tax cuts, apriority of the Republican-controlled Congress, Moody’s said, would add $4 trillion overthe next decade to the federal primary deficit(whichdoes not include interest payments).

Agridlocked political systemhas been unable to tackle America’shuge deficits. Republicans reject tax increases, and Democrats are reluctant to cut spending.

CEO of weight loss drug maker to step down

Danish pharmaceuticalcompany Novo NordiskA/S, maker of blockbuster weightloss drug Wegovy,said Friday itsCEO was stepping down by “mutual agreement”with the company’s board of directors, citing“recentmarket challenges”and a steep decline in thecompany’s share price.

Lars Fruergaard Jorgensen’s departure comes aweek after the company downgraded its sales andprofits forecast, and follows amore than 50% decline in thecompany’s sharessince mid-2024. Shares had skyrocketed after the introduction of Wegovy and diabetes medicine Ozempic, which are both based on the same basic ingredient, semaglutide.

At the peak, the company’s market capitalization —orthe combined price of all its shares —exceeded Denmark’s annual gross domestic product and made it Europe’smost valuable company,atitle it has since lost to softwaremaker SAP The company,headquartered in Bagsvaerd, Denmark, praised a“significant growthjourney and transformation” led by Jorgensen during his eight years as CEO. He has been with the company since 1991. Jorgensen willcontinue as CEO“for aperiod”tosupport a smooth transition.

U.S. consumer sentimentdrops

Tradewar raises inflationanxiety

BY CHRISTOPHER RUGABER AP economics writer

WASHINGTON— U.S. consumer sentiment fell slightly in May for the fifth straight month, surprising economists, asAmericans increasingly worry that President Donald Trump’stradewar will worseninflation.

The preliminary reading of the University of Michigan’sclosely watchedconsumersentimentindex, released Friday,declined 2.7% on amonthlybasis to 50.8, the second-lowest level in the nearly 75-yearhistory of the survey.The only lower reading was in June

2022. Since January, sentiment has tumbled nearly 30%.

Americans have largely taken a sour view about wherethe economy is headed in thewake of the Trump administration’simposition of huge import duties, which threatento slowgrowth and pushupprices. In recent weeksthe WhiteHouse has pulled back on its most draconian policies, though average duties are still high by historical standards Consumers’ outlooks are also sharplydividedbytheir political views,which has caused some economists to question thesurvey’s results. TheUniversityofMichigan also last year switched from using both online and phone responses to just online, which some analysts worry may have introduced amore negative bias.

The sentiment index for Democratsfell to 33.9 this month, the lowestsince partisan data began in 1980 and farbelow the levels reached in the depths of the COVID pandemic or during the 2008-09 Great Recession.

For Republicans, it’s84.2, though that slipped from90.2 in April and is thelowest since Trump’selection.

The survey found consumers are increasingly worriedabout rising inflation. Over the next 12 months, consumers expect inflation to jump to 7.3%, the highest since 1981 and up fromanexpectation of 6.5% lastmonth. Over the next five years, they foresee inflation reaching 4.6%, the highest since 1991, up from 4.4% last month.

Those expectations typically run

higherthan actual inflation,which last month ticked downto2.3%, thelowest levelinmorethanfour years. Still, economists and the Federal Reservecloselywatch inflationexpectations, because they can become self-fulfilling. If people are worriedinflation will accelerate, they may takesteps, such as demanding higherpay,thatcan push up prices.

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell has said the Michigan inflation expectation numbers are an “outlier.”Market-based measures of future inflation, which some Fed officials put greater weight on, have remained mostly stable. Still, the steady rise in the Michigan survey’sinflation expectationscould make it less likely theFed will cut its key interest rate anytimesoon.

Cablegiantspursue$34.5Bmerger

BY MICHELLECHAPMAN Associated Press

Charter Communications has offeredto acquire CoxCommunications, a$34.5 billion merger that would combine two of the topthree cablecompaniesinthe U.S., both whichhave asignificant presence in south Louisiana.

Cox is thethird largest cable television company in the country,with more than6.5 million digital cable, internet, telephone, andhomesecuritycustomers. It hasa strong foothold in states spanning from California to Virginia. Charter Communications, known more widely as Spectrum, has more than 32 million customers in 41 states.

Cox operates in Baton Rouge, NewOrleans and Lafayette.

Charter hasnearly 175,000 customersin the north shore, Acadiana, Hammond and Thibodaux. The companysaidithas more than 300 employees in Louisiana, withthe largestnumber of workersinHammond, Slidell and Thibodaux.

The cable industry has been under assaultfor yearsfromstreaming services like Disney,Netflix, Amazon and HBOMax, as well as internet plans offered by mobile phone companies. Comcast,which is of nearlyequalsize to Charter, spun offmany of its cable television networks in November as consumers increasingly swap out their cable TV subscriptions forstreaming platforms.

So-called “cord cutting” has cost the industry millions of customers andleftthem searching for ways to successfully compete.

Charter said Friday that it will acquire CoxCommunications’ commercialfiber andmanaged IT andcloud businesses CoxEnterprises will contributeCox Communications’ residential cable business to Charter Holdings, an existing subsidiary partnership of Charter.

Cox Enterprises will own about 23% of thecombinedcompany’soutstanding shares.

The transaction, which needs approval fromChartershareholders as well as regulators, includes$12.6billionindebt.

Theproposed dealisone of the largest in over ayear.Mars announced a$30 bil-

liondeal withKellanova last summer and Exxon Mobil’sapproximately $60 billion acquisitionofPioneer Natural happened in late 2023.

The combined company will change its name to CoxCommunications within ayear after closing. It will keep Charter’sheadquarters in Stamford, Connecticut, and have asignificantpresenceonCox’s Atlanta, Georgia,campus following theclosing. After the deal is complete, Charter CEO Chris Winfrey will becomepresident and CEO of the combined company.Cox CEO andChairmanAlexTaylorwillserve as chairman Winfrey saidCharter andCox have separate anddistinctserviceareas.

Coxwill be able to keep two directors on the13-member board.Advance/Newhouse, which is part of Charter,will retainits two board members.

The transaction is expected to close at the same time as Charter’smerger with LibertyBroadband, whichwas approved by Charter and Liberty Broadband stockholders in February.

Shares of Charter rose morethan 4% before themarketopen. Coxisaprivate company.

identifies keymarkerof memory disease

BY MATTHEW PERRONE Associated Press

WASHINGTON U.S.health officials on Friday endorsedthe first bloodtest that can help diagnose Alzheimer’sdisease and identify patients who may benefit from drugs that can modestly slowthe memory-destroying disease

The test can aid doctors in determining whether apatient’s memory problemsare duetoAlzheimer’s or anumber of other

medicalconditions that cancause cognitivedifficulties. The Food and Drug Administration cleared it for patients 55 andolder who are showing early signs of the disease

More than 6million people in theUnited States and millions more around the world have Alzheimer’s, the most common formofdementia. The new test, fromFujirebio Diagnostics, identifies asticky brain plaque, known as betaamyloid, that is akey marker for Alzheimer’s. Previously,the only FDA-approved methods for detecting amyloid wereinvasive tests of spinal fluidorexpensive PET scans.

The lower costs and convenience of ablood testcould also help expand use of two newdrugs, Leqembi and Kisunla, whichhavebeenshown to slightlyslow the progression of Alzheimer’s by clearing amyloid from the brain. Doctors are required to test patients forthe plaque beforeprescribing the drugs, which requireregular IV infusions.

“Today’sclearance is an important step for Alzheimer’s disease diagnosis,making it easier and potentially more accessible for U.S. patients earlier in the disease,” said Dr.Michelle Tarver, of FDA’s center for devices Anumber of specialty hospitals

and laboratories have already developed their ownin-house tests for amyloid in recent years. But those tests aren’treviewed by the FDA and generally aren’tcovered by insurance. Doctors have alsohad little data to judge which tests are reliable and accurate, leading to an unregulated marketplace thatsome have called a “wild west.”

Several larger diagnostic and drug companies arealsodeveloping their own tests for FDA approval, including Roche, Eli Lilly and C2N Diagnostics.

The tests can only be ordered by adoctor and aren’tintended for people who don’tyet have any symptoms.

STAFFFILE

PHOTOByDAVID GRUNFELD

CoxCable employees repair lines on South Carrollton Avenue on Nov. 4, 2020, after Hurricane Zeta damaged the cableinfrastructure throughout the region.

OPINION

ANOTHERVIEW

Thepolitical war overU.S.colleges, universities

For generations, higher education wasa bipartisanissue closely tied to the American dream. Recently,it’sbecome acenter of political controversy Over the past 10 years, accordingtoGalluppolling, public confidenceincollegesand universitieshas dropped 21 points. In its latest poll on thissubject, conductedlastyear, 68% of U.S. adults said highereducation is going in the wrong direction.

While erosion of confidence is evident among supporters of both political parties, the dropamongRepublicanswas steepest —from 56% to 20%, a36-point decline. Among Democrats, the drop was 12 points,and amongindependents, 13 points. These changes are fueling current attacksoncollegeand university funding.

“Of Americans who lack confidencein higher education,”said Gallup’sanalysis, “41% mention colleges being ‘too liberal,’ trying to ‘indoctrinate’ or ‘brainwash’ students, or notallowing studentstothink for themselves as reasonsfor their opinions.”

Gallupalso explained that 37%ofthose surveyed were “critical of higher education fornot teaching relevant skills, for college degrees notmeaningmuch, or for graduatesnot beingable to find employment.” Other problems cited ranged from cost andquality concerns to admissions bias and poor management.

Anew Economist/YouGov survey findsthathighereducation has become dangerously politicized,like so many otherinstitutions in oursociety. An example of how this manifests itself: 64% of Democrats, 34% of independents and14% of Republicans are opposedtotaking away Harvard University’stax-exempt status.

It should be noted that 63%ofconservativesviewHarvard as liberal and only 7% of liberals viewitasconservative.

Even though slightly more U.S.voters would rather increase than decrease U.S.government funding foruniversities (31% vs. 28%), percentagesfor each arerather low. Butpartisan lines on thisquestionrun deep:51% of Democrats supportincreased spending,while only 18% of Republicans and 32% of independents do Divisions are apparent on ahost of relatedissues. Liberals are five times more likely than conservativestobelieve race should be afactor in college admissions. Six times as many Republicans as Democratsthink colleges and universities are doing too much to ensurestudentbodydiversity.Americans 65 andolder are twicemorelikely than 18 to 29-year-olds to seecampusantisemitismas aserious problem.

Here’sadatapoint that will pleaseour friends at LSU (disclosure: I’m an alum of the law school): Arobust 74% of voters across the country feel favorably towardtheir ownstate’s flagship university.Majorities of Republicans, Democrats and independents agree. Amajor reason for this: Most voters don’tview these schools as ideologically extreme; only9%see them as very liberaland only2%see them as very conservative. What can higher education leaders dotoearngreater public confidence?

First, show they’re using money wisely —including tax dollars, grants, endowmentsand tuitionincome. It wasreported that federal departments last yearawardednearly $400 billion in grants and contractstocollege and universities. Arethese operationsefficient? Are the bureaucracies too big and bloated? What arethe results?

Second, refuse grants and donations that may compromise academic independence. Whenuniversitiesare seen as agents forgovernments and special interests,theylose credibility.Universities thatcreate theappearanceofsiding with political causes and ideological movements shouldn’t be surprised when oppositionforces react negatively Third, strengthen STEM (science, technology,engineeringand mathematics) education. Overall, 64% of voters want universities to focus more on thesefields.That’s much higher than the 34% who wantmorefocus on humanities andsocial sciences.Pollingshows that66% of Republicans, as wellassolid majoritiesofDemocrats and independents, favor more attention to STEM. Fourth, spotlight students.The primarymissionofhigher education can’tbeallowed to getlostinthe hazeoffundraising andgrant-seeking. In terms of degree-granting post-secondary institutions, enrollment hasfallenevery year since 2010. Colleges and universitiesneedmorefocus on enriching the lives andsupportingthe careersof students —and being held accountable on thesepractical measures. The drawing of partisanlines around highereducation is weakening public confidence in thiscritical institution— adding one more jagged rip to an alreadydividednation. RonFaucheux is anonpartisan political analyst, pollster and writer based in Louisiana. He’s taught at Georgetown,George Washington and American Universities, as wellas the University of New Orleans.

It could be argued that in years past,wepaid little attention when voting for an insurance commissioner.Today,werealize theimportance of this elected official and their duties and power Currently,weare fighting battles on two fronts: property and auto insurance. In regard to property insurance, we are unable to change our geography,thus we are forced to approach the issue of what we can do. We need to be inspired by Conrad Hilton. We as astate need to thinkbig, dream big and make our actions big. We need awind tunnel to be able tostudy thewind, its impacts and how it can be managed

The current fortified roof program is good for the rich, but the poor will see no benefit. The growing cannabis industry could provide the seed money.Weshould be allowed to insure for actual cash value instead of always demanding replacementcost. In thepast, we allowed too many companies to receive acertificate of authority even when they had little capital, small staffand were unable to meet their responsibilities.Weare currently at the mercy of London reinsurers. We should consider growing our own, with maybe an IPO, so our citizens can invest in their state.

Regarding auto, our claim severity is fargreater than our neighbors. Our judges, whoare elected, cause concern forthe insurance companies whohave to go into court knowing that possibly the trial lawyer may have been the judge’s campaign manager We can’tdothings differently until we see things differently.Many of us have insurance investments in our pension funds, so we must require them to makemoney We just need to have discussions on all topics without blameand look after the citizens of Louisiana.

The stated reason behind President Donald Trump’staxes on imports is that higher prices for imported goods will drive Americans to “buy American.”

It is just physically impossible for theU.S. to produce enough coffee, tea, chocolate, bananas, coconuts, avocados, orange juice, natural rubber,cashews, mangoes, maple syrup, Brazil nuts,

Quin Hillyer’s column on tort reform makes two basic mistakes. He claims that aperson who is 99% negligent in awreck can still collect hisdamages in court. Louisiana is acomparative negligence state. Onecan only collect the percentage of their damages that he is not at fault for.Such aplaintiff can only be awarded 1% of hismedical bills, 1% of lost wages and 1% of pain and suffering damages. He also claims that noneconomic damages like pain and suffering arenot “actual” damages. Tell that to aperson with permanent braindamage, paralysis or chronic pain for life that those are not “actual” damages. Tell that to aperson who suffers significant,often life-altering and heartbreaking losses, aparaplegic or severely andpermanently brain-damaged personexperi-

nickel, cobalt andmanyother metals,sisal, jute, mahogany,teak and even buildinglumber to meet our demand and needs.

Taxing these imports, which cannot be replaced by “Made in America,” is just away to raise funds for tax breaks forcorporationsand the very rich.

ALAN S. DRAKE NewOrleans

ences beyond directeconomic damages,like physical pain, mental anguish andthe impact on one’squalityoflife and enjoyment of life. Recognizing andfairly and fully compensating for these losses is crucialfor providing a complete remedy for the harm caused by theinjury Putting acap on those typesof damages putsacap on accountability.Itdoesn’tholdwrongdoers fully accountable for the full extent of their reckless behavior. It does not deter wrongful behavior Caps apply only to the most serious injuries. Ajury thatsits in atwo-week trial and hears all theevidence fromboth sides should decide whatisfair and not some insurance lobbyist-funded legislator

BOBMANARD Metairie

Is Louisiana’sSurgeon General Ralph Abraham seriously suggesting that the absolute major harm in our state is alack of ahealthy diet? Sure, Ithink mostpeople will readily agree with that statement. However,with food deserts all over this state, federal funding forschool mealsonthe decline, Abraham and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.not advocating forchildhood vaccinations and Medicaid facing billion-dollar cuts, how in the world can he, without laughing, suggest that ahealthy diet is the mosturgent health issue facing Louisiana today? Honestly the hubris is astonishing.

SUSAN FONTAN NewOrleans

ARDIE CESARIO Shreveport

Ron Faucheux

CanSaints beat odds andpile up wins?

STUNNER

For the first time since 2006, the New Orleans Saints will start the season withboth anew head coach and new quarterback. The last time that happened, things turnedout quite well, as Sean Payton and Drew Brees helped the Saints end afiveyear playoff droughtand set thetablefor thebestrun in franchise history New head coach Kellen Moore inherits ateam that has missed the playoffs the last four seasons. The oddsmakers in Vegas don’tlike the chances of the Saints ending that streak. Their over/underwin total is 51/2, andthe odds of winning the Super Bowl on onebetting site is awhopping +40000. That makes the Saints the longest of all long shots in the NFL. Will the Saints be as bad as Vegas thinks? Or will they be one of the NFL’s biggest surprises?

After the NFL released the 2025 scheduleWednesday,here’smyannual (and way-too-early) game-by-game predictions forthis season.

SEPT.7 VS.ARIZONA CARDINALS,NOON

•Last meeting: Saints lost 42-34 in 2022

•Cardinals in 2024: 8-9,third in NFC West

PREDICTION: Whetherit’sTylerShough or SpencerRattler,the Saintsstarting quarterback will get to start theseason playingagainst his hometown team. Shough andRattler both grew up in the Phoenix areaand will get achance to break thetie in aseries that is tied 16-16. The Saints ended last season on afour-game losing skid, but they have won six straight season openers. Makeitseven. Saints20, Cardinals 17. | Record: 1-0.

ä See WALKER, page 3C

Falcons cornerback Clark Phillipstries to slowdownSaints running back Alvin Kamara in the first half of their game on Nov. 10 at the Caesars Superdome. AP FILE PHOTO

Southeasternpitcher Lainee Bailey, center,celebrates

first basemanMaddie Watson catches

Southeasterndefeated LSU4-3

BY JIM KLEINPETER Contributingwriter

Southeastern Louisiana catcher Cydnee Schneider hit arun-scoring single in theseventh inning to lift the No. 4-seeded Lions to ashocking upset of No. 1-seeded LSU at theNCAA Baton Rouge regional Friday at Tiger Park.

Thevictory puts theLions (49-14) into the noon winner’sbracket gameagainst Nebraska, which defeated Connecticut10-2 in theopening game.LSU (41-15) drops to the loser’sbracket to play the Huskies in a2:30 p.m.elimination game.

It wasthe first timethe Tigers ever lost the first game of aregional at homeand just the second timeever,the last being to San Diego State in the 2022 Tempe (Ariz.) regional LSUtried to rally and got the tying run on base when JaliaLassiterled offthe bottom of theseventh with a walk. Maci Bergeron gave LSU fans amomentary thrill with adrive downthe left-field line forwhat would have been awalk-off homerun, but it hooked foul. Bergeron then flied out to right field. Tori Edwards then walked before McKenzie Redoutey flied out to deep

ä See REGIONAL, page 4C

Carolina

BY KOKI RILEY Staff writer

COLUMBIA, S.C. EthanFrey enteredthe 2025 season with adefined role.

He was LSU’sanswer against left-handed pitching, whether that would beasa designated hitter or apinch hitter.The Tigers had multiple returning starters in the outfield, plusthe additions of junior Chris Stanfield and freshman Derek Curiel, so

ä LSU at S: Carolina 2P.M.SATURDAy,SECN+

the path to more playing time forFrey seemed narrow But with one regular-season game left, it’s safe to say that Frey’srolehas expanded. The junior has started against bothlefthanders andright-handers, andnow he’s second on the team in home runs after Friday’sgame against South Carolina.

After going 2for 5onThursday,Frey went 3for 5onFriday —including his 11th home run —inLSU’s8-1 win over South Carolina to even the three-game series at Founders Parkatagame apiece.

In hislast seven games, Freyis13for 27 with three home runs andnine RBIs. Despite Frey’sbig night, it was an upand-down evening for theLSU offense.

The Tigers stranded apair of runners in the first andsecondinningsbefore finally

HEALING THROUGH MUSICTHERAPY

breaking through in the third. First, junior Jared Jones blasted asolo homerun before Frey hit atwo-run shot that gave the Tigers a3-0 lead. Both homers traveled at 106 miles per hour off the bat.

LSUfollowedupits big thirdinningwith twomore runs in the fifth. After LSU loaded the bases with nobody out, senior Luis Hernandez hit asacrifice fly and senior Josh

ä See LSU, page 4C

MandyCreekmore Medical MusicTherapist, Our Lady of the LakeHealth Adjunct Instructor, LSU

Rod Walker

STAFFPHOTO By HILARy SCHEINUK

as LSU left fielder Jadyn Laneaux is ruled out after Southeastern

the ball during their NCAA Baton Rougeregional game FridayatTiger Park.

BY STEVE REED AP sportswriter

CHARLOTTE, N.C Xander

Schauffele kept his cut streak alive — barely

The reigning champion shot an even-par 71 on Friday at the PGA Championship to make the cut on the number at 1-over 143, extending his streak to 64 tournaments. He hasn’t missed a cut since the 2022 Masters.

It’s the longest since Tiger Woods’ 142-event run that started in 1998 and ended in 2005. Masters champion Rory McIlroy also had some drama, making the cut on the number after bogeying 17 and 18.

McIlroy, the third-ranked Schauffele and No. 4 Collin Morikawa were all nine shots behind second-round leader Jhonattan Vegas.

It was a nail-biter for sure and Schauffele said he knew he was “in trouble” when he dropped to 3 over for the tournament early in the round. But he holed a chip to save par on the par-5 seventh hole after finding the water, and then made birdie on two of the final seven holes to secure a spot in the field this weekend at Quail Hollow.

“It was hard for me,” Schauffele said. “Some guys made it look really easy there and I thought I was going to be one of those guys. Hopefully those are my bad two rounds of golf and I can shoot something nice and low this weekend.”

McIlroy didn’t make it easy on himself after missing a short putt on the par-3 17th and then clanking his drive off the roof of a metal concession stand on the left side of the fairway on No. 18. He caught a break when the ball came to rest just feet from the creek, avoiding a potential drop and penalty stroke.

Six of the top 10 players in the world missed the cut — two-time PGA winner Justin Thomas (No. 5), Ludvig Aberg (No. 6), Hideki Matsuyama (No. 7), Russell Henley (No. 8), Sepp Straka (No. 9) and Shane Lowry (No. 10). Jordan Spieth, looking to complete the career Grand Slam with a win this week, missed the cut by a stroke after a 68.

PGA CHAMPIONSHIP

Schauffele battles back to make cut PAR SCORES

Vegas holds it together to stay atop leaderboard

BY DOUG FERGUSON AP golf writer

CHARLOTTE N.C. — Jhonattan Vegas

was in front for first time in a major and didn’t back down Friday in a PGA Championship filled with drama everywhere but the top of the leaderboard Looming large amid an eclectic mix of contenders was Scottie

Scheffler, still not in full control of his game but only three shots back going into the weekend.

Vegas cruised through the back nine at muggy Quail Hollow and was 10-under par until he missed a 3-foot putt on 18 and ended an otherwise splendid day with a double bogey for an even-par 70 giving him a two-shot lead.

“Every chance you get to lead a major and play with the lead is never easy,” Vegas said. “So I feel proud of a solid round today.”

He was at 8-under 134, two ahead of Matthieu Pavon of France (65), former U.S Open champion Matt Fitzpatrick (68) and Si Woo Kim, the engaging South Korean who made an ace on the longest par 3 at Quail Hollow on his way to a 64.

Kim hit a 5-wood on the 252-yard

sixth hole, making it the longest hole-in-one in major championship history

Rory McIlroy had another tough day off the tee, and perhaps one reason for hitting only 10 out of 28 fairways over two rounds came from news that developed late in the afternoon. Sirius XM PGA Tour Radio was first to report his driver was tested and deemed not fit to play under USGA regulations.

The test was Tuesday and McIlroy had to find a new driver to put in play For the second straight day, the Masters champion and latest member of the career Grand Slam club declined to speak to the media.

McIlroy missed a 3-foot par putt on the 17th and then hooked his tee shot left of the creek near the hospitality tents, lucky it caromed back into thick grass right of the creek. He needed to two-putt for bogey from 35 feet for a 69 to make the cut on the number

The Grand Slam club most likely stays at six members the rest of the year — Jordan Spieth rallied with a 68 but missed the cut

by one shot, leaving him a PGA Championship short of getting all the majors.

Phil Mickelson could still win the U.S. Open for the Grand Slam at age 54. He certainly didn’t look the part when he took four swipes at the ball to get out of a bunker on No. 12 and wound up with a quadruple-bogey eight. He made seven birdies in a round of 72. Now it’s about 36 holes to chase after the 27-pound Wanamaker Trophy, which might feel even heavier to so many players in the mix who are newcomers to major pressure.

That starts with Vegas, whose career has been slowed by shoulder injuries in recent year He got back on track by winning in Minnesota last year Still, he has never finished in the top 20 in a major championship.

Pavon played in the final group of the U.S. Open last year Fitzpatrick won the toughest test in golf at Brookline three years ago and is pulling out of a bad stretch of play A dozen others are relatively new to all this Scheffler is not among them.

QB Purdy, 49ers agree to 5-year, $265M extension SANTA CLARA, Calif. — Brock Purdy agreed to a five-year contract extension worth $265 million with the San Francisco 49ers, going from the NFL’s biggest bargain to one of the league’s highest-paid players.

A person familiar with the deal told The Associated Press that the sides reached agreement Friday on the contract that includes $181 million in total guarantees. Purdy has made less than $1 million a year for his first three seasons and was set to get a raise in 2025 to about $5.2 million under the league’s proven performance escalator for making the Pro Bowl last season before reaching this new deal that puts Purdy in the top 10 in quarterback contracts.

Phillies put struggling RHP Nola on 15-day IL

PHILADELPHIA Phillies righthander Aaron Nola was placed on the 15-day injured list on Friday with a sprained right ankle. The 31-year-old veteran from LSU has struggled this season and is coming off an outing against St. Louis on Wednesday in which he allowed 12 hits, nine runs and three homers — all career highs in a 14-7 loss.

Nola originally injured the ankle while doing agility work in the outfield in Tampa last Thursday He made two starts since, and said the ankle bothered him to the point he was overcompensating elsewhere in his body “I did feel like I had to overcompensate a bit,” Nola said. “It did get a little bit better last game, but it was putting a little more stress on my back just because I wasn’t able to rotate my foot like I usually do.”

Larson crashes again during Indy 500 practice

INDIANAPOLIS NASCAR star Kyle Larson crashed for the second time in the lead-up to the Indianapolis 500 on Friday when he lost control of his Arrow McLaren entry and hit the wall in the final practice session before this weekend’s qualifying runs.

The damage was relatively minor, though, and it only took Larson’s team about an hour to make repairs to the front and rear of the car That allowed him to get in some precious laps with about 30 minutes left in the 6-hour session. Larson, who also crashed on April 24 during an open test at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, is taking his second shot at trying to complete “the Double” by running the Indy 500 and Coca-Cola 600 on the same day

Sinner to renew rivalry with Alcaraz in Italian Open final

ROME Jannik Sinner has gone all the way to the final in his first tournament back from a three-month doping ban. And Carlos Alcaraz is waiting for him in the Italian Open title match.

The top-ranked Sinner rallied past No. 12 Tommy Paul 1-6, 6-0, 6-3 in the semifinals on Friday as he attempts to become the first Italian man to lift the Rome trophy since Adriano Panatta in 1976. Earlier, Alcaraz advanced to his first Rome final by beating Lorenzo Musetti 6-3, 7-6 (4).

Sunday’s final will mark the first meeting between Sinner and Alcaraz since October, when Alcaraz won the China Open final in a thirdset tiebreaker Alcaraz holds a 6-4 edge in his career meetings with Sinner and has won three straight against his biggest rival.

Harry Hall, England 69-72—141 -1 Tyrrell Hatton, England 68-73—141 1 Nicolai Hojgaard, Denmark 72-69—141 -1 Beau Hossler, USA 71-70—141 1 Tom McKibbin, N. Ireland 70-71—141

+9

Mackenzie Hughes, Canada 78-73—151 +9

Brooks Koepka, USA 75-76—151 +9

Phil Mickelson, USA 79-72—151 +9

Patrick Rodgers, USA 80-71—151 +9

Justin Rose, England 76-75—151 +9

John Somers, USA 75-76—151 +9

Sami Valimaki, Finland 74-77—151 +9

Russell Henley, USA 77-75—152 +10

Tom Johnson, USA 74-78—152 +10

Michael Kartrude, USA 76-76—152 +10

Bob Sowards, USA 78-74—152 +10

Eric Steger, USA 76-76—152 +10

Jesse Droemer, USA 79-74—153 +11

Adam Hadwin, Canada 73-80—153 +11

Rico Hoey, Philippines 75-78—153 +11

Ryan Lenahan, USA 76-77—153 +11

Dylan Newman, USA 75-78—153 +11

Karl Vilips, Australia 78-75—153 +11

Brandon Bingaman, USA 78-76—154 +12

Dustin Johnson, USA 78-76—154 +12

Jason Dufner, USA 78-77—155 +13

Bobby Gates, USA 80-75—155 +13

Justin Hicks, USA 76-79—155 +13

Timothy Wiseman, USA 78-77—155 +13

Brian Bergstol, USA 77-79—156 +14

Michael Block, USA 75-82—157 +15

Nic Ishee, USA 82-76—158 +16

Andre Chi, USA 82-79—161 +19

Larkin Gross, USA 79-82—161 +19

Rupe Taylor, USA 80-84—164 +22

Greg Koch, USA 82-83—165 +23

Kicker Zuerlein latest veteran to depart Jets

The New York Jets released kicker Greg Zuerlein on Friday, an expected move as the team continues to get younger on its revamped roster

The 37-year-old Zuerlein spent the past three seasons with the Jets, but his spot appeared tenuous. New general manager Darren Mougey and coach Aaron Glenn have made a concerted effort to add youth to the team.

Zuerlein’s release came three days after the Jets cut 39-year-old punter Thomas Morstead. New York has also moved on this season from a few other prominent veterans, including quarterback Aaron Rodgers, wide receiver Davante Adams and linebacker C.J Mosley With Zuerlein gone, quarterback Tyrod Taylor who turns 36 in August, is the oldest player on the roster

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By GEORGE WALKER

Jhonattan Vegas watches his tee shot on the 17th hole during the second round of the PGA Championship on Friday at Quail Hollow in Charlotte, N.C.Vegas has a two-shot lead going into the weekend

Saints tight end Foster Moreau gets past Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety Tykee Smith for a fi

during

WALKER

Continued from page 1C

SEPT 14 VS SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS, NOON

• Last meeting: Saints lost 13-0 in 2022

• 49ers in 2024: 6-11, fourth in NFC West

PREDICTION: The 49ers were a disappointment last season after making the Super Bowl the year prior Two classmates from the 2017 draft class (Alvin Kamara and Christian McCaffrey) will share the field again in this one. These teams have alternated wins the last seven times they’ve played. History says it’s the Saints’ turn to win, but the 49ers get their 50th win in franchise history over their old division rival. 49ers 28, Saints 27. | Record: 1-1.

SEPT 21 AT SEATTLE SEAHAWKS, 3:05 P.M.

• Last meeting: Saints won 39-32 in 2022

• Seahawks in 2024: 10-7, second in NFC West

PREDICTION: The Saints have won their last four games against the Seahawks. The last loss came in the playoffs of the 2013 season. Lumen Field can be a loud, intimidating venue Klint Kubiak, who spent last season as the Saints offensive coordinator, is now calling plays in Seattle. He saw the Saints defense every day in practice last season, so he knows the personnel very well. The Saints’ defensive scheme will be different now but the Seahawks get their first win against the Saints in more than a decade Seahawks 24, Saints 13. | Record: 1-2.

SEPT. 28 AT BUFFALO BILLS, NOON

• Last meeting: Saints lost 31-6 in 2021

• Bills in 2024: 13-4, won AFC East

PREDICTION: On paper, this looks to be the most difficult game on the schedule Well, at least it shouldn’t be too cold in the Bills’

final season playing in Highmark Stadium

The new stadium is set to open in 2026. The Bills are led by Josh Allen, who won the MVP award last season. This one could get ugly Bills 31, Saints 10. | Record: 1-3.

OCT 5 VS NEW YORK GIANTS, NOON

• Last meeting: Saints won 14-11 in 2024

• Giants in 2024: 3-14, fourth in NFC East

PREDICTION: Saints defensive tackle Bryan Bresee blocked a last-second, game-tying field goal last season to preserve the victory Now the Giants will come in with Russell Wilson, Jameis Winston or rookie Jaxson Dart playing quarterback. They also have former LSU receiver Malik Nabers In a battle of two teams who aren’t expected to do much this season, the Saints barely escape the Giants for a second straight year Saints 24, Giants 23. | Record: 2-3.

OCT 12 VS NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS, 3:25 P.M.

• Last meeting: Saints won 34-0 in 2023 Patriots in 2024: 4-13, fourth in AFC East

PREDICTION: Like the Saints, the Patriots enter 2025 with a new head coach. Mike Vrabel takes over on a team that he once played linebacker for The Patriots lost six of their last seven games last season, with the lone win being in the season finale over the Bills, who had nothing to play for Drake Maye is expected to be the starting quarterback. The Saints won the last two games against New England by double digits They may be able to do that again. Saints 20, Patriots 10. | Record: 3-3.

OCT 19 AT CHICAGO BEARS, NOON

• Last meeting: Saints won 24-17 in 2023

• Bears in 2024: 5-12, fourth in NFC North

PREDICTION: Former Saints head coach Dennis Allen is now the defensive coordinator in Chicago under first-year Bears head coach Ben Johnson, who spent the past three seasons as the Detroit Lions offensive coordinator With Johnson’s offensive mind and Allen’s defensive expertise, the Saints will experience some Windy City blues. Bears 24, Saints 6 | Record: 3-4

OCT 26 VS TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS, 3:05 P.M.

Last meeting at home: Saints lost 51-27 in 2024

Bucs in 2024: 10-7, won NFC South

PREDICTION: The Bucs have won their last three games in the Superdome That includes last season’s debacle when the Saints gave up 51 points. It was the most points they’ve given up since allowing 52 points to the New York Giants in 2012. Things shouldn’t be that bad this time around. Bucs 24, Saints 20 | Record: 3-5.

NOV. 2 AT LOS ANGELES RAMS, 3:05 P.M.

• Last meeting: Saints lost 21-14 in 2024

• Rams in 2024: 10-7, won NFC West

PREDICTION: The Saints have played the Rams three times in L.A. since the Rams moved back to California from St. Louis. Including the stint in St. Louis, the Saints have lost five consecutive road games against the Rams. The Rams have added Davante Adams to a receiving corps that

already had Puka Nacua, so it will be a tough day for the Saints’ unproven cornerbacks. Rams 35, Saints 17. | Record: 3-6.

NOV 9 AT CAROLINA PANTHERS, NOON

Last meeting in Charlotte: Saints lost 23-22 in 2024

• Panthers in 2024: 5-12, third in NFC South

PREDICTION: The Saints’ trip to Charlotte last season ended up being the nail in the coffin of Dennis Allen’s time as head coach. Panthers quarterback Bryce Young, in his third season, seems to finally be figuring things out. As a result, the Panthers send the Saints home with a loss for the second straight season Panthers 27, Saints 20. | Record: 3-7.

NOV. 23 VS ATLANTA FALCONS, 3:25 P.M.

• Last meeting at home: Saints won 20-17 in 2024

• Falcons in 2024: 8-9, second in NFC South

PREDICTION: The Saints haven’t lost to the Falcons in the Dome since the 2021 season. Two of the last three games in the Dome vs. the Dirty Birds were decided by three points. This one may not be as close, as Michael Penix plays in the Dome for the first time since leading the University of Washington to a Sugar Bowl victory over Texas in the semifinals of the College Football Playoff two seasons ago. The Falcons end their three-game skid in the Big Easy Falcons 28, Saints 13 | Record: 3-8.

NOV 30 AT MIAMI DOLPHINS, NOON

• Last meeting: Saints lost 20-3 in 2021

• Dolphins in 2024: 8-9, second in AFC East

PREDICTION: The Saints’ last trip to Miami was in 2009, when they beat the Dolphins 46-34. As you know the Saints later went on to win the Super Bowl that season. The Saints were scheduled to return to Miami in 2017, but that game was played in London and the Saints blanked the Dolphins 20-0. The Saints were missing 16 players due to COVID when the teams played in 2021. This one won’t be quite that bad. Dolphins 24, Saints 17. | Record: 3-9.

DEC. 7 AT TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS, NOON

• Last meeting inTampa: Saints lost 27-19 in 2024

PREDICTION: The Bucs are looking to become the first team since the NFL’s realignment in 2002 to win the NFC South five times in a row The Saints will try to play spoiler with this late-season game at Raymond James Stadium. The Bucs swept the Saints last season and will do it for a second straight season. Bucs 28, Saints 20. | Record: 3-10.

DEC. 14 VS CAROLINA PANTHERS, 3:25 P.M.

Last meeting at home: Saints won 47-10 in 2024

PREDICTION: When the Panthers came to New Orleans in last year’s season opener the Saints hung 47 points on them and optimism was sky-high about Kubiak’s new offense. That early magic wore off after two weeks and Kubiak left after one season. Chances are slim the Saints will put up 47 points this time, but they do enough to get their first win since Week 6 and snap a seven-game losing streak. Saints 20, Panthers 17. | Record: 4-10.

DEC. 21 VS NEW YORK JETS, NOON

Last meeting: Saints won 30-9 in 2021

• Jets in 2024: 5-12, third in AFC East

PREDICTION: First-year Jets head coach Aaron Glenn was a main target for the Saints in their head coaching search. Glenn played one season for the Saints and spent five seasons in New Orleans as an assistant under Sean Payton before becoming the Lions defensive coordinator He’ll be amped up for this one, but it won’t matter Saints 27, Jets 17. | Record: 5-10.

DEC. 28 AT TENNESSEE TITANS, NOON

• Last meeting: Saints won 16-15 in 2023

• Titans in 2024: 3-14, fourth in AFC South

PREDICTION: The Titans won just three games last season, tied for the worst record in the NFL They selected quarterback Cam Ward with the first overall pick, meaning this game could be a battle between two rookie quarterbacks. This is one of the few road wins the Saints may be able to get this season. But I’m giving a slight edge to Ward and Company at home. Titans 14, Saints 13. | Record: 5-11.

WEEK 18 AT ATLANTA FALCONS,TBA

• Last meeting in Atlanta: Saints lost 26-24 in 2024

PREDICTION: The Saints had their hearts broken in Mercedes-Benz Stadium last season when Younghoe Koo drilled a 58-yard field goal in the final seconds. It was the Falcons’ second straight home win over their rival they list on the scoreboard as “visitors” instead of “Saints.” The Saints now can try to crush the Falcons’ bid for an NFC South crown. They keep it close, but leave the ATL with a loss and the same record as last season Falcons 17, Saints 14. | Record: 5-12.

Knicks oust Celtics

New york reaches East finals for first time in 25 years

BY BRIAN MAHONEY AP basketball writer

NEWYORK The New York Knicks reached the Eastern Conference finals for the first time in 25 years and ended the one-year NBA title reign of the Boston Celtics with astonishing ease, rolling to a 119-81 victory in Game 6 on Friday night.

Jalen Brunson and OG Anunoby each scored 23 points for the Knicks, who will face the Indiana Pacers, the same team they met in their last conference finals appearance in 2000. Game 1 is Wednesday night in New York.

The Knicks hadn’t won a playoff series on their home floor since the 1999 East finals. So the celebrating started late in the one-sided first half inside Madison Square Garden and was sure to carry on deep into the night around the arena.

Mikal Bridges scored 22 points and KarlAnthony Towns had 21 for the Knicks, whose 38-point margin of victory was their largest in a postseason game.

Jaylen Brown scored 20 points for the Celtics, who lost leading scorer Jayson Tatum to a ruptured Achilles tendon in Game 4 but believed they still had enough to get it back to Boston for Game 7 and keep their title defense alive. It was quickly clear that wasn’t happening.

The Celtics led by at least 14 in each of the first five games, but this time the Knicks started fast and kept pouring it on until Boston coach Joe Mazzulla begin pulling his starters in the third quarter after the deficit reached 41 points. The Knicks scored the first seven points of the second quarter to make it 33-20. New York blew it open with a 13-3 run that made it 49-27 a surge highlighted by 6-foot-1 guard Deuce McBride’s chasedown block of Derrick White’s shot that led to Josh Hart’s second straight basket while being fouled.

WNBA looks to continue Clark, Reese momentum

BY DOUG FEINBERG AP basketball writer

There’s a lot of excitement and buzz around the WNBA as its 29th season tipped off Friday night, thanks in large part to last season’s rookie class led by Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese.

The league may have its most anticipated year ahead with the two second-year players leading the way. The duo helped the league to record ratings and attendance last season. Their two teams — the Indiana Fever and Chicago Sky — will face each other Saturday for the first of five matchups this season. The league is coming off a thrilling finals that saw the New York Liberty beat the Minnesota Lynx in a decisive Game 5 Both teams are poised to try and get back to the championship round, which now will be a best-of-7 format for the first time this year Standing in their way could be the Las Vegas Aces, who won the title in back-to-back years in 2022-23.

Clark’s Fever made a huge splash in the offseason, bolstering its roster with the additions of DeWanna Bonner Natasha Howard and Sophie Cunningham. They also added a new coach in former Fever leader Stephanie White.

One of the teams that played Friday night was the expansion Golden State Valkyries, who are the first expansion team in the league since the Atlanta Dream joined in 2008. With the new squad, the league expanded its schedule to 44 games this year Here are a few other things to look for during the season: Rookie class impressing

Bueckers is one of 19 rookies to make opening-day rosters in the WNBA, six more than last season. That includes two third-round picks JJ Quinerly (Dallas) and Taylor Thierry (Atlanta). Bueckers, the No. 1 pick in the draft, will try and help revitalize the Dallas franchise. She was the most efficient player in college on the offensive end and capped off her career helping UConn win its 12th national championship.

Promoting respect

The WNBA launched “No Space for Hate”, a multidimensional platform designed to combat hate and promote respect across all WNBA spaces both online and in the arenas. The league is focused on four key areas: enhanced technological features to detect hateful comments online; increased emphasis on team, arena and league security measures; reinforcing mental health resources; and alignment of core against hate.

“As the WNBA continues to grow in popularity and influence, we’re proud to launch ‘No Space for Hate’ — a league-wide initiative to better protect players, preserve the spirit of the game, and affirm the values of our league,” WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert said. “We want our arenas, and our social platforms filled with energy and fandom — not hate and vitriol.”

STAFF FILE PHOTO By DAVID GRUNFELD

rst down

the first half of their game on Oct. 13 at the Caesars Superdome.

STAFF PHOTO By MICHAEL JOHNSON Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese takes a shot against the Brazil National Team in the second half of their game on May 2 at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center Reese and the Sky are set to open their WNBA season on Saturday against the Indiana Fever.

AP PHOTO By FRANK FRANKLIN New york Knicks guard Jalen Brunson, left, drives past the Boston Celtics’ Jaylen Brown during the second half of Game 6 of the Eastern Conference semifinals on Friday.

Preakness Stakes entrant Journalism worksout at Pimlico race course on Thursday in Baltimore. Journalism is an 8-5favorite to win thePreakness after finishing second in the Kentucky Derby

No easy read

Journalism is horsetobeat, butrecenttrendsshowitwon’t be

BY STEPHEN WHYNO AP sportswriter

BALTIMORE Leave it to two seasoned, Hall of Fame trainers with 15 combined PreaknessStakes victories to turn up the heat on a competitor afew days before the bigrace

D. Wayne Lukas said to Michael McCarthy,“Ithink, Mike, it’syour race to lose.” Bob Baffert jokingly piled on, “Yeah, Mike,it’syour race to lose.” McCarthy’sJournalism is the 8-5morning line favorite to win the 150th rendition of the Preakness on Saturday after finishing astrong second to Sovereigntyin the Kentucky Derby.Sovereignty is not running afterhis teamdecided to skip it for extra rest and aimfor the Belmont Stakesnext month, anotable absence that makes the Derby runner-up the top choice in afield of nine

“There’ssome other very talented horses, but the horse to beat without adoubt is Journalism,” said Mark Casse, trainer of Preakness contender Sandman, who opened at 4-1 and is set to be ridden by accomplishedjockey John Velazquez. “Everybody’sgot to beat Journalism. It’show everybody can rebound and come back in two weeks.”

Journalism, Sandman and Lukas’ American Promise are the only Preakness horses whoran in the Derby two weeks ago. Sandman was seventhafter struggling with mud getting kicked up into his face, and American Promise finished 16th after running into trouble early and late inthe 19-horse race at Churchill Downs that is typically chaotic.

Bafferthas won the middle leg of the Triple Crown arecord eight times and would make it nine if Goal Oriented gets the job done from the inside No. 1post. Lukas has seven victories in this race andcan tie Baffert if American Promise helps him go back-toback in the Preakness afterwinning last year with long shot Seize the Grey “He’sbetter this week than he wasthe week before the Derby,” the 89-year-old Lukas said of American Promise, ason of 2018Triple Crown champion Justify,who was trained by Baffert.

150THPREAKNESS STAKES

PP HorseTrainer Jockey Odds

REGIONAL

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left field. LSU’slast hope, Sierra Daniel, then hit aline drivethat Maria Detillierstabbed at third basetotouch offacelebrationfor theLions in the infield.

“Definitely nothow we drew it up,” LSU coach Beth Torina said.

“Our staffworkedreallyhardto prepare, andwehad agoodgame plan coming in. We just didn’texecute at times and didn’tget any breaks, either. They’re avery qualityopponent and put alot of pressure on youwiththeir speed game. Theydon’t leaveyou any room for error.

“Wehit three balls on the screws in thelast inning and nothing seemed tofall forus.”

LSU started strong with seven hits in the first three innings, but Southeastern relief pitcher Lainee

Bailey held the Tigers hitless over the final 42/3 innings.

“She was mixing speeds. We hada simple plantrying to get herinzones,” Lassiter said. “We hadsome hard-hitballs andsome walks, it just didn’tgoour way.”

The Lions’ rally started with two outs in the seventh when LSU freshman left-handerJayden Heavener hit Detillierwith apitch, her27thhit batter of the season.

Blair Walshpinch ranand it paid off when Schneider lineda two-out pitch intothe right-field gap. Lassiter,the center fielder,cut the ball off and threw to second, but Walsh kept running andscored easily with Schneider holding at first.

Continued from page1C

Pearson laid down asacrifice bunt to drive in apair of runs andgive the Tigers a5-1 lead. After the fifth, LSU recorded just one hit until the eighth inning when Jones hit his second homer of the night. The two-run shot gave LSU a7-1 lead.

Jones’ homers werehis 17th and 18th of the season. The junior has 60 career home runs at LSU, passing Dylan Crews and Trey McClurefor third on the Tigers’ all-time career home runs list.

Tigers sophomore left-hander Kade Anderson returnedtothe mound Friday after suffering aleft wrist cramp at the end of his last start aweek ago against Arkansas. The top-10 MLB Draft prospect wasn’tathis best, but he still allowed only oneearned run in 62/3 innings, striking out

1Goal Oriented Bob BaffertFlavien Prat6-1

2Journalism MichaelMcCarthyUmberto Rispoli 8-5

3American PromiseD.Wayne Lukas NikJuarez15-1

4HeartofHonor JamieOsborne SaffieOsborne 12-1

5Pay Billy Michael Gorham Raul Mena 20-1

6River ThamesTodd Pletcher Irad Ortiz 9-2

7Sandman Mark Casse John Velazquez 4-1

8CleverAgain Steve AsmussenJose Ortiz5-1

9Gosger

“There’ssome other very talented horses, but the horse to beat without adoubt is Journalism. Everybody’s got to beat Journalism.It’show everybody can rebound and come backintwo weeks.”

MARK CASSE, trainer of Preakness contender Sandman, whoopened at 4-1

ä Preakness Stakes.

POST TIME:5:50P.M. SATURDAy,NBC

“Whether that helps us or not,I don’tknow but we gotnoexcuses in this barn. It might be when Journalism getsdownwith us.I don’tknow.We’llsee.”

In hisnext breath, Lukas said,

“I think Journalism is beatable.”

How so?

“Well,wedon’t know how he’s going to bounce back in two weeks,” Lukas said. “That’sthe first thing, but it’sadifferent race.

It’snine (horses). It means everybody will probably have ashot at him. It’sadifferentsurface. Obviously it’sshorter.Itmay not fit him too well.”

ThePreakness at 13⁄16 milesis slightly shorter than the 11/4-mile Kentucky Derby,but there’soptimism about close-to-normal conditions afternearly aweek’s worth of rainfell on Baltimore andmuckedupthe dirttrack at Pimlico Race Course. After Journalism galloped through the mud earlier this week, McCarthy quipped of the surface, “I think everyone would hope it’sbetter by Saturday.” Journalism didjust fine in the slop inLouisville twoweeks ago, andeverything from his pedigree

Email KokiRiley at Koki Riley@theadvocate.com. LSU

nine batters and walking three. He allowed arun-scoring single in the thirdinning, butheallowed just one hit after that. He was replacedbyfreshmanright-hander

Casan Evansafter walking asecond consecutive batter with two outs in theseventh inning. Evansforced aground out to third base to end the threat in the seventh before getting outof more trouble in theeighth inning. He stranded runners on the corners with two outs by forcing afly outtoend theframe.

Redshirt junior right-hander

Grant Fontenot threw the ninth inning and retired the side in order to end it.

LSU and SouthCarolina will wrap up their regular season schedules on Saturday back at Founders Park. First pitch is slated for 2p.m. and the game will be available to stream on SEC Network+.

—he’sason of 2007 Preakness winner Curlin —tohis wins in majorstakes races in California makehim aworthy favorite.

“I have alot of confidence in my horse,” McCarthysaid.“He’s comingback in two weeks.

“Sometimes with good horses, it’s alot harder to tell when they’re not on top of theirgamebecause they canhandleitand they handle these things so easily.We’ll seeonSaturday, but my gut tells me we’re in for good things.”

Casse’sWar of Will in 2019 is the most recenthorse to win the Preakness after running in the Derby. The past five,including McCarthy-trained Rombauer in 2021, didnot,thoughSeize the Grey had the same two-week turnaround last year from racing on the undercardonKentucky Derby day

The new faces on the Triple Crown trail in the Preakness areTodd Pletcher-trained River Thames (92), SteveAsmussen’sClever Again (5-1),Jamie Osborn’sBritish import HeartofHonor (12-1), Brendan Walsh’sGosger (20-1) and local long shot Pay Billy (20-1). Pletcher has never won the Preakness.

Rombauer pulled offanupset at 11-1 four years ago, and McCarthy called himand Journalism “two totally differenttypes of horses.”

This time, there’sthe weightofexpectationsfor Journalism, again ridden by regular jockey Umberto Rispoli, with the pressure on.

“I thinkit’sagreat spot to be in,” McCarthysaid,notinghe’d loveto have aKentucky Derby victory under his belt to go with this. But it’sa tough race to win.Any of these TripleCrown races, they’re not easy to win. We’vebroughta horse here whoseems like he’s good enough to getthe job doneonSaturday.”

Torina asked forareplay to see whether Walsh left early,but the video upheld the ruling on the field Heavener pitched well, allowing four hits butwalkedfive andhit twobatters.

“She gottwo quickouts, so we felt good abouther then,” Torina said of Heavener.“We hadTatum (Clopton) ready the whole time. Thereweren’taton of hard-hit ballsoff of her, somebunts they executed well and we didn’tdefend. The ball that was the gamewinnerwas probably the hardest one of the night.

“Wewere in adefense to prevent doublessothat run couldn’tscore from first, and we wereout of position on therelay and didn’texecute agood throw.”

LSUopened the scoring in the secondinning on aclutch two-out hit by Lassiter. SinglesbyDaniel, Maddox McKee andAvery Hodge loaded thebases. After afielder’s choice erased Danielathome, Lassiter blasted apitch into the left-center fieldgap for agroundrule double.The ball bouncing over the fence cost the Tigers a runonthe play.

LSUmadeit3-0 in thenextinning as Redoutey singled, ad-

vanced to second on asacrifice by Daniel and scored on abase hit by Jadyn Laneaux. That made seven hits off Southeastern starterMacie LaRue, and she exited in favor of Bailey,who retired the next two batters.

The Lions tied it in the fourth withthe help of sloppy LSUdefensive play.A one-out walk and a doublebyMaddieWatson started therally.Colleen Kulivan bunted to Danieca Coffeyatthird, but Coffey fumbled the ball foranerror Coffeythrew theballtoHodge, the LSU shortstop who was covering third, and Hodge held the ball while Kulivan advanced to second. Watson scored on achoppertoHeavener in the circle,and Kulivan camehomeonawild pitch by Heavener

Nebraska 10,Connecticut 2

The No. 2-seeded Cornhuskers got on top early and stayed there behind Big TenPlayer of the Year Jordy Bahl, who hit twohomers anddroveinfive runs.Bahlalso pitched three hitless and scoreless innings to start the game. The Huskers (40-13) jumped ahead 7-0 after three innings and were never threatened. Cat Petteys hita two-run homer for UConn (35-18).

COLLEGE SOFTBALL

STAFF PHOTO By MICHAEL JOHNSON LSU designated hitter Ethan Frey walks to firstinthe fourth inning of agame against Arkansas on May 10. Freywent 3for 5onFriday including his 11th home run—in LSU’s 8-1 win over South Carolina.

STEPHANIE SCARBROUGH

LHSAABASEBALL TOURNAMENT

SamHouston evensserieswithLiveOak

Teamstodecidestate championship on Saturday

BY ROBIN FAMBROUGH Staff writer

SULPHUR Callitagood-news, bad-news scenario top-seeded Live Oak hoped to avoid at the LHSAA baseball tournament.

Owen Galley’sRBI single in the bottom of the seventh inning beyond the reach of aleaping infielder’sglove was just enough. It gave 11th-seeded Sam Houston a4-3 victory over the Eagles in Game 2oftheir best-of-three Division Inonselect series The bad news? LOHS did not get to hoist the trophy Friday night. The good news? Eagles coach Jes-

se Casssard’s career is extended by one day.

“I thought bothofour pitchers didagreat job,” said Cassard, who recentlyannounced his retirement. “They got acouple of key hits. The ball bounced their way “Wedidn’tplay very clean in some areas likewehave the last coupleof games. But we live to play another day.And hey, we get to be together another day.”

TheEagles (33-7) takeonthe Broncos (36-8) in awinner-take-all Game 3set for 5:30 p.m. Saturday at McMurry Park

Brock Davis’ two-RBI hit in the topofthe first staked LOHS to a

2-0 lead. But theBroncos scored two in the bottom of theinning on atwo-run double by Galley Brayden Allendrew asecondinning walk and later scored on single by Cam Washington, giving LOHS 3-2 lead in the second. The lead stood until Haden Peshoff walked and scored on Grant Oustalet’ssingle to tie it in thesixth.

Reliever Bennet Harlow survived asix-batter top of the seventh inning in which Galley,SHHS’ first baseman, made athrow to second base triggering what at firstlooked adoubleplay.The out at second was good, but the throw back to first was abit too late. But

the force-out was pivotal as Harlow got agroundout to end the inning. LOHS starter Zant Gurney pitched 51/3 innings, giving up seven hits withfourstrikeouts.Reliever Trevor Hodges cameinfor 12/3 inningsafter closing forstarter Sawyer Pruittinthe Eagles’ Thursday win. He gave up twohits and struck out four In thebottomofthe seventh, Ashton Bultron reached on an error and pinch runner Brock Blessington scored on Galley’ssingle to give theBroncos the win.

Second baseman Jace Grifin had two hitsThursday and is set to get thestartonthe mound Saturday for Live Oak “That (Fridayloss) is what happens when you make errors and the other team has the last at-bat,” Griffin said. “(Saturday) we bat last. Ifeel great. Iamready to get after it.”

Makin’ them pay

Catholic takesadvantage of BrotherMartin miscuestosweep statechampionshipseries

BY CHRISTOPHER DABE Staff writer

SULPHUR Thebest high school baseball teams are those that makethe mostout of theother team’smistakes.

E.D.White 4, Teurlings Catholic 3 Teurlings 001200 0—383 E.D.White 111 000 1— 471 W— Grant Barbara(1.2 IP,0R,1 H, 0 BB, 1K), L—Dylan Helms (4.1

LukeZeringue 2-3; Owen Porche 1-4, RBI. Records Teurlings 33-5; EDW23-19 Catholic-N.I. 8,University 1 University 000 000 1—181 Catholic-NI 012 320 x— 891 W— J.D.Hidalgo (6 IP,5 H, 0ER, 5 BB, 7K). L— B. Mayeaux (2.2 IP,5H 3ER, 2BB, 2K). Tophitters— CHNI: LukeLandry 3-4, 2B, 2RBIs; J.D Hidalgo 2-3, 2B, RBI; Gavin Roy 1-3, 2B, RBI; U-HIGH: Jack Mccann 3-4; Trey Sotice 2-4; MackieMusgrove 1-4, RBI.

L— Luke Delafield (1.2IP, 14R, 11H, 1W). Leaders BRUSLY: Drew Daigle 2-2 (4 RBIs, double,2runs, SB). CoyPurpera3-3 (3 RBI, double,

Catholic-Baton Rouge did just that for asecond night in arow.The Bears scored their first two runsonasingle throwing error in the fourth inning and padded that lead with afour-run fifth on the waytoan8-1 victory over Brother Martinthat secured theLHSAA Division Iselect state championshiponFriday at McMurry Park

Pitching ace Lucas Lawrencelimited Brother Martin to just one run evenafter the Crusaders putrunners in scoringpositioninthe first three innings and loaded the bases with none out in thefifth.

Hisoutingcameone night after senior BennettSmith tossed afive-hit shutout with no walks allowed, earning him the outstanding player award for the championship series.

Brother Martin, in the state finals forthe first timesince it won a5Achampionship in 1996, ended theseason with successive losses in the bestof-three series sweep by Catholic.

Top-seededCatholic (37-5) wonits second consecutive state titleand theseventh in program history

“You got to witness the power of belief,” Catholic coach Brad Bass said. “Theseguys got together and decided that (onetitle last season)wasn’t enough.You know,coming off last year’steam, we knew it would be tough, especially with allthe expectations. These guys embrace that pressure.”

Amongthe 10 runs scored over two games, five were the direct result of errors by BrotherMartin (31-9), and another came home on awild

pitch.

“You can’t make mistakes when you play against us,” juniorHarrisonKidder said. “We’ll makeyou pay.Throughoutthe year,ifyou messup one time, it creates awhole other thing. It’spart of our mentality.”

Neither team scored in the firstthree innings. The first two runs came homeonadelayedsteal that included a highthrowthatwentoverthe head of theBrother Martin catcher

After wild pitch put runners on second andthird with two outsinthe fourthinning, Edward Henriquez tookalarge enough lead offsecondto draw athrow from the Brother Martin catcher.With Henriquez in arundown, Chase Harris ran from third toward home, drawing athrow to the catcher that went over his head and bounced to thebackstop —allowing both runners to score. In the four-run fifth,Catholic loaded the bases with none out and scored runs when LSU signee Jack Ruckert drewa walk,AndrewClapinski singled to left fieldand Kidder

hit asacrifice fly to right.

Three Brother Martin errors led directory to four runs for Catholic.

Twoofthoseruns came homeonapair of errant pickoff throws that wentinto the outfieldinthe fifth andsixth innings.

“That’s areally good team thatweplayed and that beat us,” BrotherMartin coach Jeff Lupo said. “And we knew themargin of error wasreally thin.”

Brother Martin hada chance to lead early.The first twobatters reached in the second, but theinning ended withastrikeout and adouble play on a groundout hit directly to third baseman Mills Richardson.

In thethird, Catholic kept Brother Martin from scoring when Kidder,the rightfielder gunneddown arunner who tried to score from third on a flyout,ending theinning. Clapinski, thecatcher, caught the ball on abounce on the first-base side of the plate and tagged the runner as he slid intothe plate.

ContactChristopher Dabe at cdabe@theadvocate.com

Forall the marbles

BY ROBIN FAMBROUGH Staff writer

SULPHUR How muchdifference does aday make? For Brusly and University High, it was like night and day Friday at the LHSAA baseball tournament.

Butthe bottom lineisnow thesame— both teamsare set to play decisive Game 3s in their best-of-three finals series Saturday at McMurry Park.

One day after an eight-run inning gave second-seeded North DeSoto an 8-2 win, top-seeded Brusly poundedout 13 hitsina 15-0, three-inning victory Friday in the Division II nonselect finals

“Wedidn’tchange athing,”Brusly coach Jason Lemoine said. “I think the Kentucky coach had a recent quote, ‘Yesterday is history, tomorrow is amystery and today is agift.’ And it was. “Today we took careofbusiness. We gotour pitcher out early and we’re good for (Saturday).”

Aday after a2-1 win, second-seeded U-High stranded 14 base runners—including nineinthe first threeinnings —asfourth-seeded CatholicNew Iberia claimed an 8-1 wininDivision III select.

“That’sbaseball. Games like this happen,”UHigh coach Jon Ramsey said. “Wehave plenty of pitching left and we’re good to go. It comes down to us doing our job offensively.”

The Cubs (28-10) face CHSNI (25-12) at 11 a.m. Saturday.Brusly (36-6) andNorth DeSoto(28-14) meet again at 2p.m.

CATHOLIC-NEWIBERIA 8,UNIVERSITY 1: Panthers pitcher JD Hidalgo threw 114 pitches, scattered four hits, struck out seven and allowed five walks in a complete-game win.

U-High used four other pitchers after Ramsey lifted starter Brody Mayeux after 22/3 innings. After scoring three runs in the fourth, atworun double by Luke Landry in the fifth gave Catholic-New Iberia acomfortable cushion.

U-High scored its lone run in the top of the seventh. Trey Sotile and Jake McCann hadtwo hits each to lead the Cubs, whoseek their second consecutive state title on Saturday McCann, one of U-High’sheroes ayear ago, remains confident.

“It would have been nice to win (Friday),” McCann said. “But that’sbaseball …like coach Ramsey said. Nowwehave to bounce back.

“I really like this team. I’m excited to go to war with them one moretime.”

BRUSLY15, NORTH DESOTO 0: Thetop-seededPantherssent18players to theplate andscoredall of their eight second-inning runs with twoouts.

“Never in my life have Ipitched agamewith thatmanyruns scored forme,” pitcherAubrey St. Angelo said. “(Thursday) put abad taste in my mouth personally.Ireally think it put abad tasteinall ourmouths. We allwantedthisone bad.”

St. Angelo andCoy Pupera each hadRBI triples in the second inning as Brusly finished with 13 hits.Drew Daigle hadfourRBIs, and Aiden Washington finished with three RBIs.

PHOTO By KIRK MECHE

Brusly outfielder CoyPurperacatches a flyball against North DeSoto on FridayatMcMurry Park in Sulphur.The Panthers won15-0 in three innings.

PHOTO By KIRK MECHE

Live Oak left-hander Zant Gurney gave up sevenhitsin513 innings with fourstrikeouts.

PHOTOSByKIRK MECHE

Catholic High players dog pile after beating Brother Martin to win the DivisionI select state championship at McMurrayPark in Sulphur.The Bears won8-1

Brother Martin pitcher Blaise Tingstrom throws against Catholic on Friday in Sulphur

4-1), 5:05 p.m.

(Ortiz 2-4) at

(Petty 0-2), 5:40 p.m.

(Mikolas 2-2) at

(Lugo 3-4), 6:10 p.m. Atlanta (Holmes 2-3) at Boston (Giolito 1-1), 6:15 p.m. Minnesota (López 3-2) at Milwaukee (TBD), 6:15 p.m. Colorado (Márquez 1-6) at

Grit and beauty

Symbol of resilience,Peggy Martin roses readytobloom

BY HANNAH LEVITAN Staff writer

When Hurricane KatrinadevastatedNew Orleans nearly 20 years ago, wrecking neighborhoods and leaving debris littered across the city,one plant stood tall amid the chaos: the Peggy Martin rose. The blooming, pink plant survived, as if thearea had been unaffected by dangerous flooding and saltwater intrusion

The plant’ssurvival was initiallyspotted by Peggy Martin, a resident of Plaquemines Parish who evacuated during Katrina. When she returned to assess the damage to her property, she found nothing left in her garden but mud and leafless trees. But onceshe looked closer,she saw signs of life. On her shed, she foundpink andgreen verdure. And it was thriving. Martin began searching for the plant’sidentity,but even rose expert Bill Welchcouldn’tfind the name of the mysterious plant. He decided to nameitthe Peggy Martin rose,and in theyears since itsdiscovery,it’searned the nickname “the Katrina rose.” The climbing rose nowblooms across theSouth,reaching its peak in spring and summer, though “mature specimens rebloom in late summer/fall,” according to the LSU AgCenter

The PeggyMartin rose is asturdy and beautifullocal variety that volunteers propagate at CityPark

What makesthemsospecial?

After Katrina, the Peggy Martin rose became asymbol of resilience and hope, said Edward Bush, an LSU professor inthe SchoolofPlant, Environmental and Soil Sciences.

Gardeners across the country were astonished at its abilityto withstand extreme conditions— brackish water,poor soilconditions andlack of oxygen.

“For that planttoendure and adapt, shows theresilience of the Peggy Martinrose,” Bush said. According to Bush, the rose is alsolargely resistant to disease and tolerant of avariety of soils andconditions thanks to its genetic makeup.

“It’smore like arootstock plant,” Bush said. “Its genetics are more like the kind of roses that we use for rootstock ” By cutting the rose stems, also knownaspropagating, residents can grow their own Peggy Martinroses.Bushsaid it’svery easytoroot them.

Tips forgrowing your own

Because the roses grow fast, Bush recommends gardeners prune them oncethey bloom.

“You want to prune them horizontally,” Bush said. “You don’t want the branches to cross.”

Using fertilizer is also agood idea, he said. And so is maintaining adequate moisture.

When you root the rose, ensurethe root has3 to 4inches of mulch around its base. This will preventsoil from dryingout and can reduce weed pressure.

‘Theyremind me of little planets’

Artist’s

BY ROBIN MILLER Staff writer

Mobiles were never in theplans.

At least, not at first

Buthere they hang, twirling and bouncing in thecurrents generated by Sheila Morissette’s air vents. Their felted Merino wool circles are delicate enough to lighten anyone’smood,which was onereason Morissette started making the mobiles “I made afew last summer, she said. “My husband and Ihave aplace up in Vancouver,sowe’re back and forth between Vancouver and Baton Rouge.”

Inspired by Calder

On onetrip, thecouplevisited an exhibit by American artist Alexander Calder,known for his mobiles,each composed of geometric shapes connected by thin, bendable stainless steel rods easily moved by air currents.

The exhibit placedMorissette on aroad to yesteryear,when the magic of achild’swonder was more powerful thanany digital il-

Mobiles made with circularpieces of felted wool occupythe ceiling of Sheila Morissette’sstudio. The mobiles are the latest in Morissette’scollection of artmade of Merino wool.

lusion produced by AI.

That rekindled magic has been with Morissette since.

“I’ve been obsessed with mobiles

since Iwas achild,” she said. “I’m akid of the ’60s,and Ihad them in my room.I just like things that hang, and people run out of wall spaceand surfaces to put things on. There’salways alittle corner to hang something.”

So now they fill the ceiling of the studio in herSouth BluebonnetNicholson neighborhood home, where she and husband Marc Aubanel have lived since 2013. They also fill asection of the LSU Museum Store’sceiling in theShaw Center forthe Arts, where they’re sold as part of her FeltMode Fiber Art Studio collection.

A12-year journey

The mobiles are the latest in a12year artisticjourney that started out as atemporary assignment.

Thecouple’sBaton Rougestint originally was slated for three years, allowingenoughtime for Aubaneltocreate adigitalmedia arts and engineering program at LSU. He nowworks as the founding director of the program

BR taco truckmovingtonew location

Tacosfrom Birria & Barbacoa de ChivoLos Compadres, off Airline Highway, are adelight

STAFFPHOTOSByROBIN MILLER

Sheila Morissette shows strands of wool before she felts them into apiece of silk.She not only uses the felted wool to make garments and scarvesbut also jewelryand the circles forher mobiles

STAFF PHOTOSByROBIN MILLER

Sheila Morissette shows apiece of felted wool. Shestartsout witha piece of silk and rubs strands of wool throughthe silk’s fibers usinghot, soapywater

ARTIST

Continued from page1D

ButMorissetteknew from the beginning that Louisiana’shot climate wouldn’t be conducive to her kiln. She worked in pottery before moving to the Deep South, but she couldn’tjustify transporting such bulky equipment to what she thought would be atemporary home.

“And once we moved downhere, Idecided thatit was just too hot of aclimate for me,” she said. “The kiln would have to be set up in the garage, along with all the chemicals and the glazing, and Ijust can’tcopewiththe temperatures.”

So, Morissette turned to a new, lighter mediumcalled Nuno felting, atechnique using wet felting methods to bond the fine fibers of Merino wool to such sheer fabrics as silk or cotton gauze.

Feltingwool

She later demonstrated her method by first choosing acluster of wool fibers, called aroving. Her collection of rovings are organized by color and fill one of her studio walls

Morissette felts the wool strands on to acutting of habotai —aplain, soft silk which she has colored using acid dyes. She then uses the Nuno technique of gently coaxing woolfibers through the silk fabric by using bubble wrap to gently rub and roll the wool through the silk using hot, soapy water

After that, the felted textile is used to make garments, scarves, jewelry and, yes, mobilesunder the watchful eye of her constant companion, aHavanese dog named Arlo.

Arlo follows Morissette as she moves next to adisplay of her newlystocked jewelry.Heeagerly wags histail when she removes anecklace from ajewelry stand and holds it next to her shirt. Sold out

The LSU Museum Store has sold out its stock of Morissette’snecklaces. Her jewelry collectionalso includes earrings and bangle bracelets, allfashioned from felted wool in avariety of color combinations.

Of course, purple and gold has been the most popular combination at the museum store.

“I did afew purple and gold pieces,” she said. “It’s

notmynatural palette, but this is where we are, so Ido have them. We started going to the women’sbasketball games,soyou have to wear something purple and gold, right?”

The bangles and earrings are abit fuzzy in texture, but they’lleasilymeshwithany footballSaturdayoutfit in TigerStadium. Andthe necklaces? They comeavariety of twists and stacked discs. Shemakes scarves, too

Hanging beside the jewelry in herstudio display are felted wool and silk scarves in differenttextures. Some appear bumpy, which, Morissette explains, is aresult from theshrinking process when the water dries after felting.

“The hot water makes it shrink,” she said. “And as it shrinks, it becomes tighter And in order to get good felt, yousortofstretch it out in the water.Then I’llalternate hot and cold water baths to getitbeasfelted as it can be.”

Morissette stopsthe process when she’ssatisfied with theresult.

“As thewool eventually shrinksduring this laborious felting process, thesilk puckers and createsalovely ruching texture and an entirely new fabric,”Morissette writes in her artist’s statement for theLouisiana Crafts Guild, ofwhich she is amember.“It is always thrilling and magical to savorthistransformation ”

Morissette doesn’tsell her garments, buther scarves are popular among buyers. Andthough shehas many the scarves haveyielded the spotlight to the mobiles floatingoverhead, eachorbiting in its own solar system.

Method formobiles

For the mobiles, Moris-

sette felts sheets of wool using the same method she applies to her other works. She then pressesroundedobjects of differentsizes into thewool and uses an X-Acto knife to cut out the shapes.

“I want these to be as stiff as they can be for themobiles,” she said. “And so I am felting it 100% so they can hold their shape as best as possible.”

The artist recentlyhas startedreinforcing the circles by soakingtheminElmer’s Glue.

“I’m eventually going to ventureinto different shapes, but for now I’m enjoyingthe circles,” she said. “There’ssomething calming about them—they remind me of little planets. Idon’t knowwhat other shapes I would make, maybe little pointy,pod-type things. Some of my ceramicsare pod shaped, so I’ll probably go in that direction.”

Morissette quicklydiscovered thatthe morethe circles stiffenedwiththe drying of the glue, the better they moved the mobiles.

She steps up to amobilein-progress hanging from a ceilingfan cord at theend of her working table. She startedbuilding it from the bottom up, fastening the wool circles to thin,stainless steel rods that are connected by the same type of stainless steel ball bearing swivels used in fishing lures.

“I’m working my way up, and Istarttobalance out the shapes,”she said. “I might make alittle blip upwards so that this piece goes up up alittle. We’ll see.”

In theend, though circles may be twirling in opposite directions, all strike aharmonious balance.

Email RobinMiller at romiller@theadvocate. com.

Dear Heloise: Now is the season tobring out the cast-iron cookware for camping. If your pans have developed abad smell from various forms of seasoning, scrub thepan with a small amount of water and baking soda. Rinse and coat with asmall amount of vanilla by using a paper towel. This also works to removea spoiled fish smell from the refrigerator —Vivian Derby, in Rapid City,South Dakota

Leavethembe

are good and ready,and they approach you first. I write children’sbooks, and having an active imagination makes all my stories believable!

er.I give aquick spray as needed when Iunload the dryer

—Kim,inNorth Carolina Cheeky reader

—Jerry S. Hutter, via email

Laundryhints

Dear Heloise: Your reply to J.T.inWisconsin wasspot-on!

Dear Heloise: It is not necessary to ruin kids’ beliefs by parentstelling them that “folk heroes” like Santa, theEaster Bunny and the Tooth Fairy don’treally exist! Let the kids believe as long as they can or want to. Eventually,they will figure it out. Why rush them? Plusit’shurtful to find this out! Let the kids be kids! If they finally come to you about it,and you can tell that they’re fairly convinced, then you can tell them —but only when they

Ilearned the tip of using less laundry soap and white vinegar from apopular social media app awhile back. Ionly use about 2tablespoons of liquid detergent (skip the pods) and about 1/4 to 1/2 cup of white vinegar (in the fabric softener container) when doing the wash. My towels are much moreabsorbent.

Another tip: Instead of using fabric softener sheets in the dryer,use woolballs. (Three work well.) And to help minimize static from clothes, secure asafety pin to each dryer ball. Ialso keep an antistatic spray on my dryer forwhen Iwash several synthetic garments togeth-

Dear Heloise: By applying atiny bit of petroleum jelly and abit of lipstick to my cheeks, it makes foragreat cheek color and always matches my lipstick. Ican makeitas dark or light as Ilike. Ican even dig it out of the

Mrs.

Baha'i

When canI checkmysteak?

Dear Miss Manners: When serving asteak, the server will often say something along the lines of, “Pleasecut intothe center to make sure it’scooked the way you want it.”

Judith Martin

MISS MANNERS

Gentle reader: Ah,the old,“Iwasn’t startingmy dinner,Iwas just trying it.”

The optics donot really distinguish between the two It does feel unfair,Miss Mannersagrees, whenthe servers are coercing you into the act.

At abusiness dinner of around 20 people, Iwas rather rudely corrected for doing so by someone who thought Iwas about to commence eating before everyone’sentree had been served. Should Ihave waited until everyone was served to check my steak, even though Iwasn’teating yet? When alarge group is dining in arestaurant, what is the proper protocol for checking the doneness of meat? On other occasions, when aserver has given that invitation, Ialways cut into the center of the steak immediately, withouttakingabite of it, before eating anythingelse on the plate.Ina smaller partywhen everyone’sfood is served at once, it’sanonissue.

But since thefew minutes’ difference between cuttingyourmeat imme-

Dear Harriette: I’m working as ananny for afamilyI really enjoy.The position has been agood fit. The child is wonderful, the hours are manageable and I’ve developed apositive relationship with the rest of the family However,there’s one issuethat’s starting to create some stress for me: Part of my responsibilities include driving the child to and from activities, school and playdates, all using my personal car.When I accepted the job, Iassumed that anydriving expenses —like gas and wear and tear on my vehicle —would be reimbursed, which has been standard in past nanny jobs. However,when Ibrought up the subject of gas reimbursement with the parents, they brushed it off and said they weren’t willing to coverthose costs. While Ienjoy working with this family,Ican’tafford to

By The Associated Press

diately and waiting until everyone is served is not likely to change the solution,why risk being rude to others?

Miss Manners will approach thesituation from both ends, so to speak: She will urge servers to stop the practice, instead servinga steakwith, “After youhavehad amoment to try it, please letus know… .”

Butifthey insist on your doing so immediately,politely tell them,“Thank you. Iwill let you know once everyone is served and I’ve had achance to tryit.”

Since so manyreaders complain about overattentive servers,the wait should not be long.

Dear Miss Manners: Itend to cover my mouth when

Italk, especially in public places. The main reason is so that my voice is lower and won’tbother people around me.

Ithought Iwas being considerate, but my husband says that it looks weird. Is he right?

Gentlereader: He sure is. It looks like you’re telling a secret toyourself.

Miss Manners has seen people who want totalk through amouthful of food cover their mouths like this,but not those trying to modulatetheir voices.

Is lowering your volume just too obvious? Because it is certainly moreintelligible and less confusing.

Send questions to Miss Manners at her website, www.missmanners.com.

WesleyUnited celebratesfounding

Wesley United Methodist Church, 544 Government St., Baton Rouge, will celebrate its 159th Founders’ Day at 10 a.m. Sunday,May 18. This year’s theme is “Rejoice in the Past, Embrace the Present, Engage the Future.”

Guest speaker will be the Rev.Eugene Boger,of BethanyUnited Methodist Church in New Orleans.

Nazarene Baptist to hostBible school

Nazarene Baptist Church, 1707 Spanish Town Road, Baton Rouge, will host its annual Vacation Bible Schoolfrom 9a.m.to4 p.m. Saturday,June 28.

might be full.” Theprogramisopento ages 4through adult, and all are invited to takepart in aday of learning,faith and fellowship. For more information, call(225) 344-1743 or email Adm in@ nazarenebc.glacoxmail. com. St. John Baptist marks anniversary St. JohnBaptist Church of Alsen, 820 Rafe Meyer Road,Baton Rouge,will celebrate its 125th anniversary with events on May 23 and May 25.

cover thecost of gas outof my own pocket. Ifeel stuck between wanting to continue in ajob Iloveand needing to advocate for fair compensation for my work and expenses. What should Ido? —Expenses Paid Dear Expenses Paid: Letthe family know that as much as you love yourjob and their child,you cannot afford to finance the child’s transportation.If they are unwilling to pay for their child’s rides, you will need to find another job. Start looking as they consider their options.

Dear Harriette: When Iread your letter to “Day Care Woes,” in which themother said her son can’tstop cryingwhen dropped offatday care, Iwas reminded of my own experience witha child who wouldn’t stop crying Iwas asingle mother When Idropped off my 2-year-old daughter at day

care, she wouldn’tstop crying unless Iheld and comforted her for 20 to 30 minutes —and sometimes longer.Ididn’twant to leaveher in emotional distress.After each day’s comforting, eventually my daughter would stop crying and be comfortable enough to walk away Every day,the day care worker told me to “just leave.” She said my daughter would beall right eventually.But Itrusted my intuition and continued to stay as long as needed. Iarrived early enough to comfort my daughter and not be late to work. In amonth, my daughter no longer needed comforting and would run happily intothe caretaker’s house.

Six monthslater,the caretaker apologized, saying her advice had been wrong. Turns out another of her charges had been doing the samething —crying inconsolably at being dropped off —and thecaretaker had

TODAYINHISTORY

Today is Saturday May 17, the 137th day of 2025. There are 228 days left in the year

Todayinhistory: On May 17, 1954, aunanimous U.S. Supreme Court handed down its Brownv Board of Education of Topeka decision, which held that racially segregated public schools were inherently unequal and therefore unconstitutional. On this date: In 1792, the Buttonwood Agreement, adocument codifying rules for securities trading, was signed by

24 New York stockbrokers, marking the formation of the New York Stock Exchange. In 1875, thefirstKentucky Derby was held; the race waswon by Aristides, ridden by jockey Oliver Lewis. In 1946, PresidentHarry S. Trumanseized control of thenation’s railroads, delaying —but not preventing —athreatened strike by engineers andtrainmen. In 1973, aspecialcommittee convened by theU.S. Senatebegan its televised hearingsintothe Watergate scandal.

In 1980, riotingthat claimed 18 lives erupted in Miami afteranall-White

jury in Tampaacquitted four former Miami police officers of fatally beating Black insuranceexecutive Arthur McDuffie.

In 1987, 37 American sailors were killed when an Iraqi warplane attacked theU.S. Navy frigate Stark in the Persian Gulf. (Iraq apologized for the attack, calling it amistake, and paid morethan $27 million in compensation.)

In 2004, Massachusetts became the first U.S. state to allow same-sex marriages. In 2015, ashootout erupted between members of motorcycle clubs and police outside arestaurant

given themother the same advice to just leave him and he’ll get over it

Only then, six months later,hehad never gotten over it and would cry for along time after being dropped off. The caretaker said she was sorry she’d ever given theadvice to theother mother because it now looked like thecrying was never going to end. Iwonder if “Day Care Woes” was also given bad advice, and if she only needs to takethe time to comfort her son each day until he calmsdown. I imagine that being moved from day care to day care is upsetting the boy as well. His continual crying could be something else, but it might be worthatry —Second Opinion

Dear Second Opinion: Great illustration of the value of trusting your gut

Send questions to askharriette@ harriettecole.com.

in Waco, Texas, leaving nine of the bikers dead and 20 people injured.

Today’sbirthdays: Musician TajMahal is 83. Boxing Hall of Famer Sugar Ray Leonardis69. Sports announcer Jim Nantzis66. Singer-composer Enya is 64. TV host-comedian Craig Ferguson is 63. Musician Trent Reznor(Nine Inch Nails)is60. Actor Sasha Alexanderis52. Basketball Hall of Famer Tony Parker is 43. Screenwriter-actorproducer Lena Waithe is 41. Dancer-choreographer Derek Hough is 40. Former NFL quarterback Matt Ryan is 40. ActorNikki Reed is 37.

This year’s theme is “God’sLaboratory —Fusing Elements forExplosive Joy,” basedonJohn15:11 (NKJV):“ …These things have Ispoken unto you, that My joy might remain in you, and that your joy

This year’s theme is “Trusting the GodWho Hearsthe UnspokenCries of the Heart.” An anniversary musical will be held at 7p.m. Friday,May 23. The anniversary service will take place at 11 a.m.Sunday,May 25 withBishopT.Delbert Robinson,seniorpastorof Greater St. Stephen Full Gospel Church of New Orleans, as guest speaker Boger

TACO TRUCK

Continued from page1D

business they’re parked in frontofisundergoing renovations.

Co-owner Tabatha Simoneaux says she and her husbandLuisBlanco aresaving money to relocate into anew location, but they haven’tfound anything yet. She added that one of their customers is amanager at Floor andDecor andoffered them aspotinthe parking lot.

Now,near Costco, patrons can get the quesabirria tacos that Birria &Barbacoa De Chivo Los Compadres is knownfor.Onthe weekends, the truck stills serves goat in the form of agoat consommé plate that can be put in quesadillas, burritos and tacos.

fromBirria&Barbacoa de ChivoLos Compadres

Simoneaux says the quesabirria taco specials remain abest seller, even in the food truck. The tacos are offered in small (four tacos) or large (six tacos). “The meat is so juicy and soft,” Simoneaux said. “It has alot of flavor.” Thetaco truck’smove won’t bring alot of business changes, but Simoneaux is hopeful it’sjust one more step closer to getting into a building again.

STAFF PHOTO By JENNIFER BROWN The quesabirria combo

tAuRus (April 20-May20) Finish what youstartand enjoy theserenity of completion. Don'tunderestimate the power of unity, thoroughness and honesty. An open mind andconversation will help resolve disputes.

GEMInI (May 21-June 20) Clear apassage forward,and don't look back.Besecretive about your intentions until you have everythinginplace. Update your look and plansomething romantic.

cAncER (June 21-July 22) Note what's happening in your community. Participate in events that matter. Ahealthy environment is the foundation for agood life. Takebetter care of your physical well-being.

LEo (July23-Aug. 22) Your energyand temper aremounting. Refusetolet trivial matters or annoying people get to you. Challenge yourself to get in shape and to compete.

VIRGo (Aug. 23-sept. 22) Sethigh standards and boundariestosafeguard against unrealistic requests, andmove forward confidently. If you trust and believe in yourself, so will the people youencounter.

LIBRA (sept. 23-oct. 23) Open doors, plan your action and follow through. Stop waiting; nowisthe time to act. Lead the way instead of letting othersdetermine your road map. Love is on therise.

scoRPIo (oct. 24-nov. 22) Takethe high road, and you'll have no regrets. Sort through any differences witha positive attitude and akind spirit. You are ready for change as youfight for

certaintyand theconfidence to forge ahead

sAGIttARIus(nov. 23-Dec. 21) Look for opportunities; however, whatever youchoose, do it with good intentions. Refuse to getcaught up in someone's hype.Doyourresearch andconsider going it alone if you seered flags pop up.

cAPRIcoRn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Take another look at your pursuits or offers before you get intertwined in situations with no track record.Know what you want and refusetobudge if you are skeptical or uncertain AQuARIus (Jan.20-Feb. 19) Focusonyour target andrefuse to let anyone outmaneuveryou.Pay attention to who says what andact accordingly. Balance and equality are everything when trying to achieve peace. PIscEs (Feb. 20-March 20) Be theone to make adifference andinspire others to step up and do their part. Achange is apparent,but livingwithinyour meanswill determine howmuchyou enjoy life.

ARIEs (March 21-April 19) Tagalongand enjoy the ride, but don't get caught in someone else's fight.Dedicate your time and investyour money in yourself andyourvision. Strive forpeace andpositivechange

The horoscope, an entertainment feature, is not based on scientific fact ©2025 by NEA, Inc., dist.ByAndrews McMeel Syndication

FAMILYCIrCUS

For better or For WorSe

SALLY Forth

beetLe bAILeY

Mother GooSe And GrIMM

SherMAn’S LAGoon

bIG nAte

Sudoku

InstructIons: Sudoku is anumber-placing puzzle based on a9x9 grid with several given numbers. Theobject is to place the numbers1to9 in the empty squares so that each row, each column and each 3x3 box contains the same number only once. Thedifficulty level of the Sudoku increases from Monday to Sunday.

Yesterday’s Puzzle Answer

THe wiZard oF id

BLondie

BaBY BLueS

Hi and LoiS CurTiS

By PHILLIP ALDER

Gary RyanBlair, amotivational speaker andauthor, said,“Opportunities are easily lost while waiting for perfect conditions.”

At thebridge table, you will not always have the perfect hand for agivencall. You must play the percentages. If acall will probably win,gowith it. But remember that nothing works allofthe time. This applies when you are balancing with aweak hand. You know partner musthave somepoints; otherwise, the opponents wouldhave bidhigher.Inthis situation, first wonder what theopponents might have missed.Inparticular, ifyouareshortinanunbidmajor,beparticularly cautious. Sometimes apass will be less expensive than abid. In this deal, look at the North hand. East’s one-spade opening is passed around to you. Whatwould you do?

It is quite likely that South has astrong hand with spade length that is not suitable for aone-no-trump overcall. (Perhaps it is not strong enough, or is too unbalanced.) So, you coulddouble. But yourdefenseisnotgood—yourhandhas better offensive potential.And sinceitis unlikelythattheopponentshavemisseda makable four-heart contract, you should balance withtwo diamonds. Here,partner will gnashhis teeth and jump to three no-trump.

West leadshis spade. What should South do?

Hehaseighttoptricks:twospades(given the lead), two hearts, three diamonds and one club. He can get home if either redsuit breaks 3-3. After winning the first trick, he should play three rounds of hearts. Here, that works nicely. ©2025 by NEA, Inc., dist.ByAndrews

McMeel Syndication

Each Wuzzle is aword riddlewhich creates adisguised word, phrase, name, place, saying, etc. For example: NOON GOOD =GOOD AFTERNOON

Previous answers:

word game

InstRuctIons: 1. Words must be of four or more letters. 2. Words that acquire four letters by the addition of “s,”suchas“bats”or“dies,”are notallowed. 3. Additional words made by adding a“d” or an “s” may notbeused.4.Proper nouns, slang words, or vulgar or sexually explicit words are not allowed.

toDAy’s WoRD soLIPsIstIc: suh-lip-SIS-tik: Characterized by extreme egocentricity.

Average mark 29 words

Timelimit 50 minutes

Can you find 44 or more words in SOLIPSISTIC?

yEstERDAy’s WoRD —AMBIEnt

Yesterday’s Puzzle Answer

today’s thought “In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea, And saying, Repent you: for the kingdomofheaven is at hand.” Matthew 3:1-2

wuzzles

loCKhorNs

marmaduKe

Bizarro

hagar the horriBle

Pearls Before swiNe

garfield

B.C.

PiCKles