The Advocate 05-25-2025

CanLa. speedup fortified roof adoption?

BY SAM KARLIN |Staff writer

While Louisiana lawmakers have struggled to rein in rising home insurance premiums, one solution can both lower costs and make homesmore resistant to hurricane damage: fortified roofs.

Now,lawmakersappearpoisedtopass some bills that are expectedto accelerate thepaceatwhich strongerroofs areput on homes.

Aplan to give homeownersa $10,000 tax credit if they pay for afortified roof has gained momentum this legislative session, which ends June 12.Sohas abill to require local governmentstopermit new roofs, which can help to verify if they’re built to correct standards. Andsome lawmakersare pushing to set up adedicated fundingsource for aseparate and popular stategrant pro-

gram where people enter alottery to receive $10,000 grants to build fortified roofs.

The moves areaimed at alofty goal: Building higher roof standards on acritical mass of south Louisiana homes —thought to be 25% of the housing stock. Butdisagreements have emerged among lawmakers over howtobest encourage enough homeowners to re-roof their houses to better standards. Many residents can’t afford those improvements in astate with lower incomes and higher premiumsthan mostofthe country

Someofthose concerns caused lawmakers to sideline abill that would have required roofs in coastal Louisiana tobebuilt to fortifiedstandards —a set of building practices that requirespaidevaluations from the

ä See FORTIFIED, page 10A

ABOVE: Louisiana lawmakers have debated bills to add more fortified roofs across the state, including $10,000 tax credits, grants and permitting requirements for roofs.

STAFF FILE PHOTO By SOPHIA GERMER

Commission hasambitious plan forAmite RiverBasin

Projects wouldstore,reroute or block floodwaters

BY DAVID J. MITCHELL |Staff writer

Newdrainage pumps to the Mississippi River

Clearing outsediment blockagesinthe lower Amite Riverand snagsand high spotsinBayou Manchac.

Building alarge, multibillion-dollar reservoir somewhere in St. Helena and East Felicianaparishes or even southern Mississippi. The AmiteRiverBasin Commission, aBaton Rouge regional agency most tied to the long-running Comite River Diversion Canal, has aimed big with its first master plan. It proposes nearly $4 billion in projects to tackle flooding in the Amite River Basin, awatershed thatishome to more than75% of the nearly 902,000 people in the greater Baton Rouge area. Refashioned by the Legislature afew years ago to include the elected leaders of seven parishes

ä See PLAN, page 6A

Aswollenand swift-moving AmiteRiver flows beneath U.S. 190 at the Livingston Parish line in Denham Springs on Jan. 25, 2024. The Amite River Basin Commission, aBaton Rougeregional agency most tied to the long-running Comite River Diversion Canal, has aimed big with its first master plan.

William Whann and his father,Sandy Whann, of Leidenheimer Baking Co. share alunch at Domilise’s Po-Boy& Bar,where sandwiches are made on their family company’s bread.

Ourdaily bread

ThenextgenerationatLeidenheimer, famedbaker of po-boy bread, is intent on maintaining cornerstoneofNew Orleansculture

BY IAN McNULTY |Staff writer

During aweekday lunchat

Domilise’s Po-Boys, cooks working behind awell-worn counter werecutting 32-inchloaves of bread down to sandwich size, slathering the mayo and ladling gravy.All around the tightly packed dining room of thisone-time bar-turned-restaurant deep Uptown, people were digging in, and afew

tourists weresnapping photos of their lunch. The po-boy,after all, is an enduring emblem of New Orleans food. Sharing atable over po-boys in the middle of theroom were afather and son whoseworkisnow deeply entwined with maintaining that status. SandyWhann, 60, andhis son William Whann, 28, represent the fourth and

ä See BREAD, page 8A

STAFF PHOTO By DAVID GRUNFELD

BRIEFS FROM WIRE REPORTS

Block upheld on efforts to close peace institute

WASHINGTON A federal judge on Friday denied the Trump administration’s request that she stay her May 19 ruling that returned control of the U.S. Institute of Peace back to its acting president and board.

In a seven-page ruling, U.S. District Court Judge Beryl A. Howell said the government did not meet any of the four requirements for a stay, including a “strong showing” of whether its request could succeed on the merits.

Howell reiterated her finding that the institute is not part of the executive branch and is therefore beyond President Donald Trump’s authority to fire its board. She added that the firings also did not follow the law for how a board member of the institute might be removed by the president.

Most of the board was fired in March during a takeover of the institute by the Department of Government Efficiency. That action touched off the firing of its acting president, former Ambassador George Moose, and subsequently most of the staff. The organization’s headquarters, funded in part by donors, was turned over to the General Services Administration

In her ruling May 19, Howell concluded that the board was fired illegally and all actions that followed that were therefore “null and void.”

In Friday’s ruling Howell also rejected the government’s argument that the organization had to fall into one of the three branches of government and since it does not legislate, nor is it part of the judicial branch, it must be part of the executive branch. “As the Court has previously pointed out, other entities also fall outside of this tripartite structure,” she wrote.

1 killed in sewage boat blast on Hudson River

NEW YORK An explosion on a boat carrying raw sewage that was docked on the Hudson River in New York City killed a longtime city employee Saturday, authorities said.

Another worker on the cityowned Hunts Point vessel was injured and taken to the hospital after the blast about 10:30 a.m. near the North River Wastewater Treatment Plant, according to city Fire Department Deputy Assistant Chief David Simms. A third worker refused medical treatment

The cause of the explosion was under investigation, but New York City Mayor Eric Adams said in statement that criminal intent was not suspected The men on the boat, which takes raw sewage from the city to be treated, were doing work involving a flame or sparks when the explosion occurred, the U.S. Coast Guard said on social media

First responders found a 59-year-old man unconscious in the river, New York police said, and he was declared dead at the scene.

‘Rust’ armorer released from prison early NEW YORK “Rust” armorer

Hannah Gutierrez-Reed has been released from prison after spending more than a year behind bars for the fatal on-set shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins. Prison records show GutierrezReed was freed from the Western New Mexico Correctional Facility on Friday morning, having served about 13 months of her 18-month sentence.

Sources told TMZ her early release was due to good behavior, specifically her completion of a drug program while behind bars.

Hutchins was attending a rehearsal at New Mexico’s Bonanza Creek Ranch on Oct. 21, 2021, when she was fatally shot by a prop gun handled by leading man Alec Baldwin. He’d been seated in a church pew practicing a move in which he whips a pistol from its holster, when it suddenly went off. The 42-year-old cinematographer was pronounced dead a short time later, while director Joel Souza was also injured and transported to Christus St. Vincent’s Regional Medical Center by ambulance. He was later released from the hospital

Russia, Ukraine swap more prisoners

Exchange comes hours after massive attack on Kyiv

BY ILLIA NOVIKOV and ALEX BABENKO Associated Press

KYIV, Ukraine Russia and Ukraine exchanged hundreds more prisoners Saturday as part of a major swap that amounted to a rare moment of cooperation in otherwise failed efforts to reach a ceasefire.

The exchange came hours after Kyiv came under a large-scale Russian drone and missile attack that left at least 15 people injured.

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russia’s defense ministry said each side brought home 307 more soldiers on Saturday, a day after each released a total of 390 combatants and civilians. Further releases expected over the weekend are set to make the swap the largest in more than three years of war

“We expect more to come tomorrow,” Zelenskyy said on his official Telegram channel. Russia’s defense ministry also said it expected the exchange to be continued, though it did not give details Hours earlier, explosions and anti-aircraft fire were heard throughout Kyiv as many sought shelter in subway stations as Russian

drones and missiles targeted the Ukrainian capital overnight

In talks held in Istanbul earlier this month — the first time the two sides met face to face for peace talks since Russia’s 2022 fullscale invasion Kyiv and Moscow agreed to swap 1,000 prisoners of war and civilian detainees each.

‘A difficult night’

Officials said Russia attacked Ukraine with 14 ballistic missiles and 250 Shahed drones overnight while Ukrainian forces shot down six missiles and neutralized 245 drones — 128 drones were shot down and 117 were thwarted using electronic warfare.

The Kyiv City Military Administration said it was one of the biggest combined

missile and drone attacks on the capital.

“A difficult night for all of us,” the administration said in a statement

Posting on X, Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha called it “clear evidence that increased sanctions pressure on Moscow is necessary to accelerate the peace process.”

Posting on X, U.K. Foreign Secretary David Lammy spoke of “another night of terror for Ukrainian civilians.”

“These are not the actions of a country seeking peace,” Lammy said of the Russian strike.

Katarina Mathernová, the European Union’s ambassador to Kyiv, described the attack as “horrific.”

“If anyone still doubts Russia wants war to con-

tinue read the news,” Katarina Mathernová wrote on the social network.

Air raid alert in Kyiv

The debris of intercepted missiles and drones fell in at least six Kyiv city districts. According to the acting head of the city’s military administration, Tymur Tkachenko, six people required medical care after the attack and two fires were sparked in Kyiv’s Solomianskyi district.

The Obolon district, where a residential building was heavily damaged in the attack, was the hardest hit with at least five wounded in the area, the administration said.

Yurii Bondarchuk, a local resident, said the air raid siren “started as usual, then the drones started

to fly around as they constantly do.” Moments later, he heard a boom and saw shattered glass fly through the air

“The balcony is totally wiped out, as well as the windows and the doors,” he said as he stood in the dark, smoking a cigarette to calm his nerves while firefighters worked to extinguish the flames.

The air raid alert in Kyiv lasted more than seven hours, warning of incoming missiles and drones. Kyiv’s mayor, Vitalii Klitschko, warned residents ahead of the attack that more than 20 Russian strike drones were heading toward the city. As the attack continued, he said drone debris fell on a shopping mall and a residential building in Obolon. Emergency services were headed to the site, Klitschko said.

Separately, 13 civilians were killed on Friday and overnight into Saturday in Russian attacks in Ukraine’s south, east and north, regional authorities said.

Three people died after a Russian ballistic missile targeted port infrastructure in Odesa on the Black Sea, local Gov. Oleh Kiper reported. Russia later said the strike Friday targeted a cargo ship carrying military equipment.

Russia’s defense ministry on Saturday claimed its forces overnight struck various military targets across Ukraine.

Officials: 9 of doctor’s 10 children killed in Israeli strikes

BY SALLY ABOU ALJOUD and SAMY MAGDY Associated Press

CAIRO — The bodies of 79 people killed by Israeli strikes have been brought to hospitals in the past 24 hours, Gaza ‘s Health Ministry said Saturday, a toll that doesn’t include hospitals in the battered north that it said are now inaccessible

Nine of a doctor’s 10 children were among those killed in Israel’s renewed military offensive, colleagues and the Health Ministry said.

Alaa Najjar, a pediatrician at Nasser Hospital, was on duty at the time and ran home to find her family’s house on fire, Ahmad al-Farra, head of the hospital’s pediatric department told The Associated Press. Najjar’s husband was severely wounded and their only surviving child, an 11-year-old son, was in critical condition after Friday’s strike in the southern city of Khan Younis, Farra said.

The dead children ranged in age from 7 months to 12 years old. Khalil AlDokran, a spokesperson

Hamas has included a blockade of Gaza and its over 2 million people since early March This week, the first aid trucks entered the territory and began reaching Palestinians since the blockade began.

COGAT, the Israeli defense body overseeing aid for Gaza, said 388 trucks had entered since Monday About 600 trucks a day had entered during the ceasefire.

Warnings of famine by food security experts, and images of desperate Pales-

tinians jostling for bowls of food at the ever-shrinking number of charity kitchens, led Israel’s allies to press the government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to allow some aid to return. Netanyahu’s government has sought a new aid delivery and distribution system by a newly established U.S.backed group, but the United Nations and partners have rejected it, saying it allows Israel to use food as a weapon and violates humanitarian principles.

for Gaza’s Health Ministry told the AP that two of the children remained under the rubble.

Israel’s military in a statement said it struck suspects operating from a structure next to its forces, and described the area of Khan Younis as a “dangerous war zone.” It said it had evacuated civilians from the area, and “the claim regarding harm to uninvolved civilians is under review.”

Earlier on Saturday, a statement said Israel’s air force struck over 100 tar-

gets throughout Gaza over the past day

The Health Ministry said the new deaths brought the war’s toll to 53,901 since the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamasled attack on Israel that sparked the 19 months of fighting. The ministry said 3,747 people have been killed in Gaza since Israel resumed the war on March 18 in an effort to pressure Hamas to accept different ceasefire terms. Its count doesn’t differentiate between civilians and combatants.

Israel’s pressure on

Authorities suspect arson as power outage disrupts Cannes Film Festival

By The Associated Press

CANNES, France French authorities believe arson may have played a role in a power outage Saturday in southeast France that threatened to jeopardize the Cannes Film Festival’s closing celebrations, including the much-anticipated Palme d’Or ceremony.

Power was restored hours before the ceremony at about 3 p.m. as music began blasting again from beachfront speakers. The end of the blackout was greeted with loud cheers from locals Authorities were investigating the likelihood of

arson in a fire at an electrical substation near Cannes that weakened the grid overnight, a spokesperson for the French national gendarmerie said.

The power outage happened hours later, after a high-voltage line fell at another location. Authorities were investigating what caused that line to collapse.

About 160,000 households in the Alpes-Maritimes area lost electricity In a statement, Laurent Hottiaux, the prefect for the area, condemned “serious acts of damage to electrical infrastructures.”

“All resources are mo-

bilized to identify, track down, arrest and bring to justice the perpetrators of these acts,” said Hottiaux.

Cannes Film Festival organizers confirmed the outage affected the early activities of Saturday and said the Palais des Festivals — the Croisette’s main venue — had switched to an independent power supply “All scheduled events and screenings, including the Closing Ceremony, will proceed as planned and under normal conditions,” the statement said. “At this stage, the cause of the outage has not yet been identified. Restoration efforts are underway.”

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GAZA STRIP

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By EVGENIy MALOLETKA

Ukrainian soldiers walk after a prisoner of war exchange between Russia and Ukraine on Saturday in Chernyhiv region of Ukraine.

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By LEO CORREA

Israeli activists hold photos Saturday of Palestinian children killed during the Israel air and ground operations in the Gaza Strip, calling for an end to the war during a protest in Tel Aviv Israel.

Trump’s West Point speech mixes praise, politics, grievances

President addresses military academy graduates

BY SEUNG MIN KIM and ALI SWENSON Associated Press

WEST POINT, N.Y President

Donald Trump used the first service academy commencement address of his second term Saturday to laud graduating West Point cadets for their accomplishments and career choice while also veering sharply into a campaign-style recitation of political boasts and long-held grievances.

“In a few moments, you’ll become graduates of the most elite and storied military academy in human history,” Trump said at the ceremony at Michie Stadium.

“And you will become officers of the greatest and most powerful army the world has ever known. And I know, because I rebuilt that army, and I rebuilt the military And we rebuilt it like nobody has ever rebuilt it before in my first term.”

Wearing a red “Make America Great Again” hat, the Republican president told the 1,002 members of the Class of 2025 at the U.S Military Academy that the United States is the “hottest country in the world” and underscored an “America First” ethos for the military

“We’re getting rid of distractions and we’re focusing our military on its core mission: crushing America’s adversaries, killing America’s enemies and defending our great American flag like it

has never been defended before,” Trump said. He later said that “the job of the U.S. armed forces is not to host drag shows or transform foreign cultures,” a reference to drag shows on military bases that Democratic President Joe Biden’s administration halted after Republican criticism.

Trump said the cadets were graduating at a “defining moment” in Army history as he accused political leaders in the past of sending soldiers into “nation-building crusades to nations that wanted nothing to do with us.” He said he was clearing the military of transgender ideas, “critical race theory” and types of training he called divisive and political. Past administrations, he said, “subjected the armed forces to all manner of social projects and political causes while leaving our borders

undefended and depleting our arsenals to fight other countries’ wars.”

At times, his remarks were indistinguishable from those heard in a political speech, from his assessment of the country when he left office in January 2021 to his review of last November’s victory over Democrat Kamala Harris, arguing that voters gave him a “great mandate” and “it gives us the right to do what we want to do.”

Frequently turning the focus on himself, he reprised some of his campaign rally one-liners, including the claim that he has faced more investigations than mobster Al Capone.

At one point the crowd listened as Trump, known for his off-message digressions, referred to “trophy wives” and yachts during an anecdote about the late real estate developer William Levitt, a

White House slashing National Security Council staff, officials say

BY MATTHEW LEE, AAMER MADHANI and SEUNG MIN KIM

The Associated Press

WASHINGTON President Donald Trump is ordering a major overhaul of the National Security Council that will shrink its size, lead to the ouster of some political appointees and return many career government employees back to their home agencies, according to two U.S. officials and one person familiar with the reorganization.

The number of staff at the NSC is expected to be significantly reduced, according to the officials, who requested anonymity to discuss the sensitive personnel matter

The shake-up is just the latest shoe to drop at the NSC, which is being dramatically made over after the ouster early this month of Trump’s national security adviser Mike Waltz, who in many ways had hewed to traditional Republican foreign policy. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has been serving as national security adviser since the ouster of Waltz,

who was nominated to serve as Trump’s ambassador to the United Nations.

The move is expected to elevate the importance of the State Department and Pentagon in advising Trump on important foreign policy moves. But, ultimately, Trump relies on his own instincts above all else when making decisions.

The NSC, created during the Truman administration, is an arm of the White House tasked with advising and assisting the president on national security and foreign policy and coordinating among various government agencies

Trump was frustrated in his first term by political appointees and advisers who he felt gummed up his “America First” agenda

There were roughly 395 people working at the NSC, including about 180 support staff, according to one official. About 90 to 95 of those being ousted are policy or subject-matter experts seconded from other government agencies They will be given an opportunity to return to their home agencies

if they want Many of the political appointees will also be given positions elsewhere in the administration, the official said.

The NSC has been in a continual state of tumult during the early going of Trump’s second go-around in the White House.

Waltz was ousted weeks after Trump fired several NSC officials, just a day after the influential far-right activist Laura Loomer raised concerns directly to him about staff loyalty Loomer has in the past spread 9/11 conspiracy theories and promoted QAnon, an apocalyptic and convoluted conspiracy theory centered on the belief that Trump is fighting the “deep state,” and took credit for the ouster of the NSC officials that she argued were disloyal.

And the White House, days into the administration, sidelined about 160 NSC aides, sending them home while the administration reviewed staffing and tried to align it with Trump’s agenda. The aides were career government employees, commonly referred to as detailees.

time to acknowledge the achievements of individual graduates.

He summoned Chris Verdugo to the stage and noted that he completed an 18.5mile march on a freezing night in January in just two hours and 30 minutes. Trump had the nationally ranked men’s lacrosse team, which held the No. 1 spot for a time in the 2024 season, stand and be recognized. Trump also brought Army’s star quarterback, Bryson Daily, to the lectern, where the president praised Daily’s “steel”-like shoulder Trump later used Daily as an example to make a case against transgender women participating in women’s athletics.

In a nod to presidential tradition, Trump also pardoned about half a dozen cadets who had faced disciplinary infractions.

He told graduates that “you could have done anything

you wanted, you could have gone anywhere,” and that

“writing your own ticket to top jobs on Wall Street or Silicon Valley wouldn’t be bad. But I think what you’re doing is better.”

His advice to them included doing what they love, thinking big, working hard, holding on to their culture, keeping faith in America and taking risks.

“This is a time of incredible change and we do not need an officer corps of careerists and yes men,” Trump said. “We need patriots with guts and vision and backbone.”

Just outside campus, about three dozen demonstrators gathered before the ceremony and were waving miniature American flags. One in the crowd carried a sign that said “Support Our Veterans” and “Stop the Cuts,” while others held up plastic buckets with the message: “Go Army Beat Fascism.”

billionaire friend who Trump said lost momentum. But the president also took

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By ADAM GRAy

President Donald Trump salutes alongside Lt. Gen. Steven W. Gilland on Saturday during the U.S. Military Academy commencement ceremonies in West Point, N.y.

Cannes awards Palmed’OrtoIranian revengedrama

BY JAKE COYLE

AP film writer

Iranian dissident filmmaker Jafar Panahi won the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival on Saturday for his revengethriller “It Was Just an Accident,” handing thefestival’s top prize to adirector who had been banned from leavingIran for more than 15 years.

Cate Blanchettpresented theaward to Panahi, who three years ago was imprisoned in Iran before going on ahunger strike. For adecade and ahalf, he has madefilms clandestinely in his native country,including one film (“ThisIsNot aFilm”) made in his living room, and another (“Taxi”) set in acar

The crowd rose in athunderous standing ovationfor the filmmaker,who immediately threw up his arms and leaned back in his seat in disbelief before applauding his collaborators and the audience around him. On stage, Panahi was cheered by Cannes jury President JulietteBinoche,who in 2010 in Cannes heldupPanahi’s name to honor the director when he was under house arrest. On stage, Panahi said what mattered most was freedom in his country “Let us join forces,” said Panahi. “No one shoulddare tell us what kind of clothes we should wear,what we should do or what we should not do. The cinema is asociety.Nobody is entitled to tell what we should or refrain from doing.”

Thewin for “ItWas Just an Accident” extend an unprecedented streak: The indie distributor Neon has now backed the last six Palme d’Or winners. The lat-

est triumph for Neon, which acquired “It WasJust an Accident” for North American distribution after its premiere in Cannes, follows itsPalmes for “Parasite,” “Titane,” “Triangle of Sadness,” “Anatomy of aFall” and“Anora.” All those filmswere Oscar contenders and two, “Parasite”and “Anora,”won best picture. Last year,filmmakerMohammadRasoulof fledIran to attend the premiere of his filminCannes, and resettle in Germany.Panahi, though, has that unlike is friendRasoulof, life in exile isn’tfor him. He planned to fly home to TehranonSunday.

“It WasJust an Accident” was inspired byPanahi’s experience in prison. In the film, agroup of former prisoners encounter theman who terrorizedthem in jail, and weigh whether or not to kill him.

Panahi was jailed in Tehran’sEvin Prisonafter going there to inquire about the then-jailedRasoulof.Panahi was released in 2023 after going onahungerstrike.

In 2009, hewas banned from traveling out of Iran after attendingthe funeralof astudent killed in the Green Movement protests. Through those years,Panahi continue to make films illegally in Iran, without permit, and having his films smuggled to festivalsonUSB drives. His travel ban was lifted after his releasein2023

“The film springs from a feelingofresistance, survival, which is absolutely necessary today,” Binoche told reporters after the ceremony “Art will always win. What is humanwill always win.”

The Cannes closing ceremony followed amajor pow-

er outage that struck southeastern France on Saturday in what police suspected was arson.Only afew hours before stars began streaming downthe red carpet, power was restoredinCannes

“A day withoutelectricity,” sighed John C. Reilly,who sang an English-language “LaVie En Rose”atthe ceremony.The festival’sfilms, he said, supplied “all the needed electricity.”

The Grand Prix, or second prize, was awarded to JoachimTrier’s Norwegian family drama “Sentimental Value,” his lauded follow-up to “The Worst Person in the World.” Some had expected “SentimentalValue”towin thePalme, but Trier —whose film reunites him with actor Renate Reinsve —still took amajor prize.

“Welive in atime of tremendous excess and saturation of images. Moving images are being thrown at

Expertssay to wear sunscreen even if youhavedarkerskin

BY ADITHIRAMAKRISHNAN

AP science writer

NEWYORK People with darker skin still need to wear sunscreen—for morereasons than one.

Toomuch ultraviolet exposure from the sun can lead to sunburn, dark spots and wrinkles, and increased risk of skin cancer

The melanin in darker skin offers some extra protection from the sun, but dermatologists say that isn’tenough on its own.

“Everyone needs sunscreen. But the reasons that one might be reachingfor sunscreen may differ depending on your skin tone,” said Dr.JennaLester,who founded the Skin of Color Clinic at the Universityof California, San Francisco.

Do darker-skinned people need sunscreen?

White people are overall more likely to get skin cancer comparedtoBlack and Hispanicpeople. But Black and Hispanic people are less likely to survive the most dangerous kind of skin can-

cer called melanoma,according to theAmerican Cancer Society

Black patients more commonly get melanoma on their hands and feet —places that aremoreshielded from the sun. Still, sunscreen is an additional protective layer that helps prevent ahost of other problems including sunburns, hyperpigmentation after acne, rosacea and dark patchesonthe face.

Dr.Oyetewa Asempa at Baylor College of Medicine often reminds her darkerskinned patients: “All of the problems that you’re coming to see me for are caused or worsened by the sun.”

How much sunscreendopeople of color need?

To stay safe in the sun, it’s important to grab sunscreen with asun protection factor or SPF of at least 30 and reapply every two hours. People headedfor thepoolorbeach should put on sunscreenbeforehand, remembering to reapplyliberally and after getting out ofthe water

Most people don’twear enough sunscreen when they

apply, Lestersaid. Make sure to put two long fingers’ worth on the face and ahefty blob for the body Look for chemical-based sunscreens to avoid ashy white cast. Twokey ingredients in mineral-basedproducts —zinc oxide andtitanium oxide— arethe culprits for that peskydiscoloration on darkskin. Tintedsunscreens contain pigmentsthat block visible light from the sun, offering additional protection against dark spots. Andwearing a hat or sun-protective clothing withanultraviolet protection factor or UPF grading can provide an extra safetyboost. Whatever the sun protectionroutine, it’simportant to keep it up, Lester said. Some UV rays can climbright through car and house windows to cause sun damage even when indoors, making it even moreimportant to take careofthe skin while the sun shines.

“It’sabout trying to make it adaily habit,” she said. “Consistencyover intensity.”

us all the time,” said Trier “AndI want to give homage to the Cannes Film Festival for being aplace where the big cinematic image, which is the foundation of the movingimage, the free image, theimagethat we take time to look at, the imagewhere we can identify with each other in contemplation and empathy,tobecherished in this place in such away is veryimportant in this moment.”

Kleber Mendonça Filho’s Brazilian political thriller “The Secret Agent”won two big awards: best director for Filho and bestactor for Wagner Moura. Though Cannes juriesare generally urgedto spreadawards around, the twofor “The Secret Agent”

showed thejury’sstrong feelings forit. Asked about the two prizes, juror Jeremy Strong explained, simply, “That was our wish.”

Thewins, which followed theinternational filmOscar victory for Walter Salles’

“I’m Still Here” in March, gave Brazil more to celebrate. On X, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, said the awards “show that our country’s cinemais second to none.”

Thejury prize wassplit between twofilms:Óliver Laxe’sdesert road trip “Sirât “and Mascha Schilinski’s German, generation-spanning drama “Sound of Falling.” Best actresswenttoNadia Mellitifor “The LittleSister,” Hafsia Herzi’sFrench

coming-of-age drama. The Belgian brothers Luc and Jean-Pierre Dardenne, who aretwo-time Palme d’Or winners,won bestscreenplay fortheirlatest drama “Young Mothers.” It’stheir ninth prize in Cannes. The festival’saward forbest first film, the Camera d’Or,went to Hasan Hadi, for “The President’sCake,” making it the first Iraqi film to win an award at the festival. Saturday’sceremony brings to aclose a78th Cannes Film Festivalwhere geopoliticscast alongshadow,both on screen andoff. Shortly beforethe French Riviera extravaganza, which is also the world’slargest movie market, President Donald Trumpfloated the idea of a100% tariff on movies made overseas. Most filmmakers responded witha shrug, calling the plan illogical.“Canyou hold up the movie in customs? It doesn’t shipthatway,” said WesAnderson, who premiered his latest, “The Phoenician Scheme” at the festival. At the opening ceremony,honorary Palmed’Or recipient Robert De Niro called Trump “America’s philistine president.” Other top American films in Cannes included Spike Lee’s“Highest 2Lowest” (whichpulledLee away from his New York Knicks but not out of their blue and orange color), theChristopherMcQuarrie-TomCruiseactioner “Mission: Impossible —Final Reckoning,” and Ari Aster’s “Eddington,” which found a divisive reaction.

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Oneofthe best toolswehavefor people whoare stillworking is an in-house 401(k) analyzer system, whichwewillbeupdatinginthe near future.Thisletsusguide anyone of anyage whohas a401(k)sotheycan be informed goingforward.Wewant to help them make good decisionsand therightcontributionsnowsotheycan bebetterpreparedwhentheyarecloser to retirement Howdoesyourfirm help reassureandguidepeopleduringtimes of economic uncertainty? Volatility createsalot of noiseand fear,butifyouhavefundsthatyoucaninvest,it’sagreat opportunitybecause historytells us that themarkets shouldalwaysbounceback.However,inourguidance discussionswithclients,wedotalkabout howmuch to allocate based on when they need accesstotheir money. If that time horizonisshorter,you shouldn’t have as much risk exposure Ithink theway ourteamhandles volatility is one of thewaysinwhich we strive to excel. Even with the changeswe’ve seen in recent months,we’ve received very fewcalls from ourclients.We’ve done agoodjob of helping them understand that it is alot of noiseand that we have theirmoney properly diversified to set them up forlong-term success. WhatdoyouthinksetsGregoryRicks&Associates apartfromother firms? Ouradvisorsdonot prospect or spend time finding clients.Theyonlyspendtheirtimeworkingwiththeir

Thetwo areaswehandlethe most areinvestment management andincomeplanning. People want to know howlongtheir moneywilllastand when they willbeabletoretire.Theyalsowanttomakesurethat themoneytheyhaveinvestedisdoingwhattheyhoped it woulddo. Thereare so many ways to invest andso many rulesthatcan come into play,which is whyit’s agoodideatohaveanadvisoryteamworkwithyou At what ageshouldpeoplestart to thinkseriouslyabout investment andretirement? Mostofourclientsareintheir50sandolder.Ithink peopleshouldactuallystartearlierthanthat.Thehardestmoney to accumulate is thefirst$100,000, andit’s greatwhenpeoplecan startdoing that when they are younger. Once that milestoneisreached,the powerof compoundingcanbegintoplayalargerrole,potentially leading to accountvaluesdoublingovertime.

Some of Trump’sprosecutorpicks draw opposition

BY MICHELLEL.PRICE and SEUNG MIN KIM Associated Press

WASHINGTON President Donald Trump’searly selections for U.S. attorneys have drawnstrong pushback from Democratic senators who have considerablepower to block them, setting up another fight over personnel picks from apresident who places apremium on loyalty as he staffs his administration.

His choices for the top prosecutors in Nevada, New York and New Jersey are opposed by Democraticsenators, and at stake is the Republican president’sability to have the team he wants for positions with enormous sway over which cases and crimes areinvestigated and what penalties the government seeks.

The power they wield was underscoredthis past week when the interim U.S. attorney in New Jersey,Alina Habba, announced she was chargingRep. LaMonica McIver,D-N.J., with assault after askirmish with federal officers outside an immigration detention center in Newark. McIver has denied any wrongdoing and said the charge was“purely political.” In the Senate, which must approve apresident’snominees for U.S. attorney,atleast two Democrats are prepared to invoke adecades-old customthat affordshome-state senators veto power over whether awould-be federal prosecutorcan be confirmed.

That battle comes as Ed Martin, Trump’sfirst choice to be the top prosecutor in the nation’scapital, withdrew from consideration after both Republicans and Democrats indicatedthey would not support the conservative activist, who has amodest legal background and expressedsupportfor Jan. 6rioters. The president replaced MartinwithFox News ChannelhostJeanine Pirro, aformer county prosecutor and elected judge in

Interim U.S. Attorney for New JerseyAlina Habba,left, arrives May 15 at the courthouse in Newark, N.J.

NewYorkwho hasbeena longtime Trump defenderon television.

“Martin was theextreme example,”saidIllinois Sen. Dick Durbin, the topDemocrat on the Senate Judiciary Committee.“Ithink our antenna are flying high as we look at each oneofthese nominees.”

Trump’sselections for these jobs have received addedscrutinyasthe president has tried to assertgreater control over theJustice Department and pursuea campaign of retribution.

In Nevada, Trump has installedaright-wing lawyer, Sigal Chattah, as the interim U.S. attorney,drawing opposition from the state’sDemocratic senators, Catherine Cortez Masto and Jacky Rosen.Rosen has pledged to use her senatorialprerogative to unilaterally block Chattah if the administration seeks to keep Chattah beyond a120-day interim period.

In New Jersey,Democratic Sen. Cory Booker,a member of theSenate Judiciary Committee, saidhe would not support Habba as thepermanentU.S.attorney. She is aformer Trump White House counselorand personal attorney Senate Democratic leader Chuck SchumerofNew York has pledged toblock Trump’s picks for two key prosecutor’soffices in his state. Schumer did not cite concernsabout the nominees but rather what he said were thepresident’s intentions to use “the Justice Department, the U.S. Attorneyoffices and law enforcement as weapons to go after hisperceived en-

emies.”

WhiteHousepresssecretary Karoline Leavitt said Trump “was proud to appoint Alina Habba to serve in this role, andhebelievesshe is doing agreat job cleaning up New Jersey and enforcing law and order.”

TheWhiteHouse, in a statement, also criticized Schumer.Itdid not respond to questionsabout theNevada prosecutor

“Sen. Schumer andhis antilaw-and-orderparty are prioritizing politics over critical DOJappointments, obstructing President Trump’sMake America Safe Again agenda,” White House spokesperson Harrison Fields said.

In response, Schumer said: “The Justice Department should spend more time prosecuting criminals instead of going after their perceived political enemies.”

Opposition fromDemocratic senators usually would not matter for Trumpnominees as long as most Republicans,who control the majority,are united in support. But along-standing Senate custom, called the blue slip, allows senators to block the nominations of U.S. District Court judges,federal prosecutors and U.S. marshals from thelawmakers’ home states.

Republicanscould decide to abandon thatcustom. But the chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Sen. Chuck Grassley,R-Iowa, has repeatedly indicated that he would honorblue slip objectionsfrom home-state senators over those prosecutors and judges.

“I think it gives senators a

hand in choosing nominees for their stateand making sure thatthe nominees reflect their state,” said Sen. Josh Hawley,R-Mo., acommittee member. “I mean, I certainly used theblueslip” when Democrat Joe Biden was president

But Hawley also emphasized of theblue slip: “I would hope it wouldn’tbe abused.”

Democrats are alarmed at what they see as overt politicization by Justice Department prosecutors in the second Trump term.They point to Martin’sinterim tenureinWashington, when he demotedseveralseniorofficials who handledoroversaw cases involving theCapitol riotonJan. 6, 2021.

Democrats were also concerned by the resignations of attorneys in the Southern District of New York, which had been handling acorruption case against New York

City MayorEricAdams before it was dismissedin April.

SchumerinAprilannounced he would withhold blue slips fortwo NewYork City-area U.S. attorneys.

In Nevada, Rosen and Cortez Mastohavedenounced the appointment of Chattah, whodescribes herself on X as a“#firebrand” and “Proud American Nationalist.” The senators cited amongtheir concerns Chattah’s past comments that the state’s Black attorney general should “should be hanging from a(expletive) crane.” Chattah also drew backlash last year for aposton Xabout former New York Rep. Jamaal Bowman, who is Black,calling him an “antiSemitic ghetto rat.”

In abrief phone call, Chattah told The Associated Press thatshe thought she would “probably” be nominated to the position permanently

“We’re playing it by ear,” shesaid, withoutelaborating. She did not comment on the senators’ objections. Booker said he hashad conversations withthe White House Counsel’s Officeabout theU.S.attorney post in his state. He declinedtosay whether he would exercise his blue slip privileges for Habba if she were nominated, but toldthe AP,“Idonot support herbeing permanent.” Habba did not respond to a message seeking comment. Habba, who became known for her frequent cable news appearances defending Trump in his legalbattles andher appearances at his campaign events, hadlimited court experience before joining his legal team. DuringTrump’s 2024 defamation trial in New York, she was repeatedlyscolded by the judge for misstating the lawand forrunning afoulof legal procedures.

Say NO to SB 194

drained by the Amite, the commission has developed a list of 13 projects.

Some are long-discussed, already funded and under local government direction, while others are still concepts on paper with big price tags but not the dollars to match, or court controversy, like the idea of a big upstream dam.

Thousands affected

Taken together, the projects would store, reroute or block floodwaters caused by upstream rains and backwater flooding in the river basin. The plan also would preserve existing swamps to maintain flood storage, restore the upper Amite to its more natural, winding flow after sand-and-gravel mining has straightened the route over the years, and clear sediment blockages in the lower Amite.

The 2,200-square-mile basin, which reaches into Mississippi, encompasses Louisiana’s largest parish by population, East Baton Rouge, and two of the state’s fastest growing, Ascension and Livingston.

If all of the projects are completed by 2050, commission officials say the plan would cut expected annual losses from flooding by a little more than half when adjusted for inflation, from $550 million in 2025 to $265 million in 2050.

Paul Sawyer, executive director of the commission, said the nearly $4 billion figure, a small percentage of which is funded, doesn’t make him “blanch at all” but reflects the reality of the problem. He pointed out that the historic 2016 floods resulted in $10 billion in federal assistance and project funding, including the dollars to build the remaining phases of the previously stalled Comite Diversion. The economic and societal disruptions from those floods cost billions more, he said.

“The impacts are so profound that, yeah, it is expensive. We don’t have an alternative, because the cost of doing nothing is even more expensive, and so if, we’re willing to pay to be flooded again and again and again,” Sawyer said. “That’s a decision that we as a community have to make, but after 2016, I think people said, ‘Enough is enough.’”

Unnamed rainstorms, in March and particularly in August 2016, devastated the Baton Rouge region, displacing tens of thousands from their homes.

The plan lays out a number of possibilities for funding, and the commission has unused taxing authority but the plan leaves open how the commission would generate the dollars for the full plan. The plan also anticipates handing the baton to parishes for a handful of projects they have already been pursuing in hopes of speeding up progress, officials said The commission received $100 million from a post2016 flood state recovery

program for four high priority projects: clearing and selective dredging of Bayou Manchac, removal of sediment from the Amite River from La. 22 south, a pumping system for the New River Canal and Spanish Lake basin in Ascension, and extension of a hurricane protection levee into St. James Parish.

Sawyer said the commission has allocated those dollars to the local parishes so they can continue to take the lead.

‘Maintaining continuity’

The commission plan marks a sharp contrast from the first years after the ’16 floods when a levee extension in Ascension and temporary dams along Bayou Manchac sparked political and legal fights among East Baton Rouge, Ascension, Iberville and Livingston parish officials.

Commission officials point out this plan is a collaboration of seven parish leaders and charts a course for the future after taking in the views of their constituents and learning the needs of each parish in the basin

“Now, the commission has a steering mechanism for flood control and conservation that will help direct current and future efforts while also maintaining continuity, even after leaderships and administrations who represent the Amite River Basin may change,” said John Clark, the Iberville environment and economic director who is the commission president.

Commission officials point out that the projects work in concert with one another to counteract unintended negative consequences.

The plan proposes a revamp of an underwater dam, or weir, to restore the originally designed split of water flow between the Amite River and the Amite River Diversion Canal.

Recent studies had found that restoring the weir’s original function could cause unintended flooding in Livingston, where development has occurred since the

diversion was built decades ago, but the commission plan’s high-priority project for Amite River dredging would counteract that impact, Sawyer explained.

“The ultimate goal is to make sure the flood risk in one area is not being impacted by another area,” added Fred Raiford, East Baton Rouge city-parish drainage and transportation director.

“I think that was one of the goals that we wanted to try to accomplish.”

The plan’s ideas also bring in other local agencies. The high-priority Bayou Manchac dredging project, for instance, proposes rerouting where Ward Creek empties into Manchac to improve water flow The shift would happen inside BREC’s Airline Highway Community Park.

BREC and the commission are already collaborating, officials said, as the park and recreation agency plans to use the project to modify the park and continue BREC’s efforts to have parklands double as “green infrastructure.”

“The collaboration with (the river commission) will transform portions of the park into active stormwater infrastructure, helping protect nearby homes and businesses from future flooding,” said Reed Richard, assistant superintendent of BREC system planning. “At the same time, the project will expand public access to green space and the bayou for paddlers, offer scenic and educational experiences, and preserve vital ecological habitats.”

The plan also anticipates building a Bayou Manchac floodgate and levee inside BREC’s Kendalwood Conservation Area and other land preservation efforts to protect flood storage, which could lend themselves to further park partnerships The agency didn’t comment directly on those projects ‘Stunningly beautiful’

The commission is planning meetings for the public to review the plan. Despite the talk of collaboration, the

plan treads into controversial ideas, but commission officials say they will have to find a path forward.

Among them, the commission is proposing a large reservoir in the upper reaches of the Amite basin because it would offer significant flood reduction for downstream communities, up to 6 to 8 feet in the Denham Springs area.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and state have looked at the idea, known as the Darlington reservoir, since the 1980s. The Corps took another stab a few years ago, only to scuttle

the $1.2 billion idea again in favor of home elevations and floodproofing for 3,300 structures.

The Corps’ latest try at a dam proposed a “dry reservoir” that would be filled with water when risk emerged, greatly limiting land use on more than 26,000 acres only for periodic flooding.

The idea failed amid fierce local opposition and Corps concerns about the risk of a catastrophic failure and the forced displacement of poor and minority residents.

State Rep. Robby Carter, D-Greensburg, a principal

opponent of the Corps dam and former member of the river commission, said he hadn’t seen the plan yet and didn’t immediately offer a comment late last week. The river commission hasn’t supported the Corps’ home-raising alternative, however and is pursuing the big dam idea.

The commission has put forward three alternatives that return to the creation of a big lake The lake could double as an economic development node and potentially provide some recharge for the Southern Hills Aquifer, the region’s drinking water source, the plan says. Sawyer said the commission will have to rely on a mix of private landowners and businesses and other advocates to create local buy-in.

Past experience with the Darlington reservoir, Sawyer said, has demonstrated that government can’t be the primary driver of the project, saying offering fair market value for people to move away wasn’t going to persuade residents.

“And, they rightfully so said, ‘Go jump in a lake,’ you know, because people who live in East Feliciana and St. Helena live there on purpose. It’s beautiful. I mean it is a stunningly beautiful part of the country, and people want to live there,” Sawyer said.

“And so, a project concept like this can’t succeed unless not only do they approve but they are partners.”

David J. Mitchell can be reached at dmitchell@ theadvocate.com.

By Amanda McElfresh, amcelfresh@theadvocate.com

This articleisbrought to youbyParkviewBaptist School

Afamiliarfacewillbebackon theEaglessidelines this fall as DevinDucote, a2007graduate, returnstoParkviewBaptist School as thenew Head Football Coachand Director of Football Advancement.

As astudent-athlete,Ducote wasastalwartinthe defensive backfield, playingcornerback andsafety. He also excelled in othersports,includingbasketball, wrestlingand track, andwas a statechampionpolevaulter

“WhatI’vealwaysremembered aboutParkviewisthe relationships– thecoaches that poured so much into us,the friends Imadealong theway andthe memories we made together,” Ducote said “Footballand athleticsingeneral hasalways beenabig deal at Parkview.Itwas exciting to be part of somethingthatmeant so much to theschooland to seehow much thecoaches encouragedustoexcelinallactivities,onand off thefield.”

Ducote said he initiallyshied away from theideaoffollowing in hisfather’sfootsteps as acoach,and considered careersinsales or business.But,asa senior,hegot thechance to help coachagirls’flag football game,and lovedbeing apartoftheir joyand progress. Aroundthatsametime,CoachKennyGuillot told Ducote he thoughthehad theright skill settobea successful coach, whichgave him theextra motivationthatheneeded.

Sincethen,Ducotehascoachedatthecollege levelatLSU,AuburnUniversity, theUniversity of Kansas andthe University of Central Florida. Most recently,heservedasthe Head FootballCoachatWestFelicianaHighSchool andDefensive CoordinatoratCatholicHigh School in BatonRouge

DucotesaidthatwhentheParkviewBaptist opportunitybecameavailable,heimmediately embraced it.HereplacesStefanLeFors, who acceptedtheheadcoachingpositionatGallaudetUniversity. “The environment at Parkview is really specialbecauseyouhavenochoicebuttorise totheexpectations,”Ducotesaid.“There’san energythatcomesfrombeingaroundcoaches, teachers andstudent-athleteswho have so much driveand approach each daywithsuch intentionality.That’sreallyeye-opening. Ducotesaidthechancetoapplyhisownstrong Christianfaithtohisworkwasanotherreason that compelledhim to return to Parkview “Whensomanythings arehappening around us,the onethingthatissteadyisour relationshipwithJesusChrist. I’ve learned that when youfocus your attentiononGod everythingelseisgoing to work itself out, he said.“Here at Parkview,webelieve in the powerofChrist-centeredathletics.I’mreally excitedtobeabletofully integratefaith into

football andsee howJesusChrist will help me to work inside of thesewalls.”

CoachDanny Smith, Parkview Baptist’s AthleticDirector,saidDucote’senergy,enthusiasmand unique combinationofold school valueswithnewschoolapproachesmadehim theperfect choice forthe job

“HistiestoParkviewwereimportant,butjust asimportantwashisvision,hisexcitementand knowingwhathewouldbringtoourprogram from hispastexperienceasacoach,” Smith said.“Overtheselastfewweeks,I’vewatched howhecommunicatesandinteractswithour facultyandstudents.Itsolidifiedtomethatwe hired theright guy. He is laying afoundation andestablishingaculture that Ithinkwill carryovertosuccessonand off thefield.

In addition to hisroleasHeadCoach, Ducotewillalsoserve as Director ofFootball Advancement.Smithsaidthatjobisdesigned tocapitalizeonParkviewBaptist’spositionas aK-12campus, andhelpplayers andcoaches developatyoungeragestoprepareforfootball at thevarsity level.

“Whatweenvisionedinthatroleisexactly whatCoachDucoteisdoingnow.He’sconnecting thedotsfrommiddleschoolall theway up to ourseniors,”Smithsaid.“Wewantedsomeone whocouldoverseeplayerdevelopmentallacross campus.It’sabout developing students from both thephysicaland mental standpointsso thattheirskillswilltranslateintofootballand otherathletics on ourcampus.”

Although thekickoff to the2025football seasonisstillseveralmonthsaway,Ducotesaid healreadyknowswhatkindofteamParkview Baptistsupporterscan expect “Wewantthemtoseeateamthatplaysreally hard.Webelieve in effortand playingharder forlonger. We’regoing to be an effort-based programfirst,”hesaid.“Wewanttobeagroup thatisveryphysicalandplaysthegametheright way. We also want to be themostconnected teamonthefield.Whenpeoplewatchus,Iwant them to thinkthatParkviewhas some really specialbondsbetweenitsplayersandcoaches. Aboveall,Iwantustoplayevery single play like it’s themostimportant oneinthe game andtohonor Godalong theway.”

STAFF FILE PHOTO By HILARy SCHEINUK

The Amite River Basin Commission proposes nearly $4 billion in projects to tackle flooding in the Amite River Basin, a watershed that is home to more than 75% of the nearly 902,000 people in the greater Baton Rouge area.

AmiteRiver Basinplan couldcost$3.8billion

Commission outlines 13 projects

BY DAVID J. MITCHELL Staff writer

TheAmiteRiverBasin

Commission recently outlined 13 major projectsin its first master plan. Of the costs estimated, the plan could reach more than $3.8 billion.

Toppriorityprojects

Bayou Manchac improvements:

Cost $29.9 million, funded, dredging of Alligator Bayou and BayouManchac, realignment of Ward Creek, replacing Perkins Road bridge.

Lower Amite sediment removal:

$80 million, only lower portion funded from La. 22 to LakeMaurepas. Counteractsimpact of diversion canal weir repairs (below)

New river pumps: $109 million first $61 million phase funded, pump system to send high water in Spanish Lake to Mississippi River

West Shore Levee connector: $104 million, partially funded, extensionofbig federal hurricane protection levee system now under construction into St. James Parish

Long-termregionalproject

UpperAmite River reservoir: $500 million to $2 billion, unfunded. Abig dam with alake somewhere in East Feliciana and St. Helena parishes or partially in Mississippi Earlier version proposed by U.S. Army Corps of Engineers was adry reservoir

Additionalprojects

Amite River Diversion Canal

Weir rehabilitation: $69 million, funded. Reconstruction and improvement of weir that partiallydiverts Amite River into Diversion Canal

in Livingston and Ascension parishes.

Upper Amite River Flood Risk Reduction: $500 million to $1 billion, about $67million funded. Proposal to restore curves in upper Amite River throughSt. Helena and East Feliciana and northern East Baton Rouge parishes to slow flow of floodwater south, reduce sedimentflow Sorrento storm surge: $150 million, mostlyunfunded except for design. Anew levee-and-pump system on thefringes of Sorrento area in Ascension Parish toblock storm-driven highwater from Lake Maurepas. Bayou Manchac Floodgates at Kendalwood ConservationArea: $80 million, unfunded, conceptual. Anew floodwall with agate the bayou to block backwater from theAmite River Bayou Manchac Floodplain Preservation: $43 million, unfunded.Purchase of development rights on 4,265 acres of swamp east of Burbank soccer fields between Bayou Fountain and Bayou

Manchac.

La. 22 Gapping Project: Nearly $49 million, funded. Construction of channels under La.22insoutheastern Ascension Parish to allow floodwater from the Amite River to more quickly pass into Lake Maurepas. Counterbalances flooding impact on Livingston ParishofAscension levee extension.

Marvin J. Braud Pumping Station and levee upgrades: $57 million, funded. Protection of critical Ascension Parish pump station from flooding, raising of levees thatprotect the lowerareas in station’s drainage zone.

Willow Glen PumpStation: $50 million, unfunded. Repurposing of decommissioned cooling water pump station for old Willow Glen power plant near St. Gabriel into pump station to send floodwater from Bayou Manchac and SpanishLaketothe Mississippi River

David J. Mitchell can be reached at dmitchell@ theadvocate.com.

Darling Creek flowsbeneath Otis and Willie Matthews Road in Darlington on Nov. 26, 2019.

fifth generations at Leidenheimer Baking Co., maker of the lion’s share of the distinctive local loaf known as New Orleans French bread, the essential first ingredient of any po-boy

They were visiting a longtime customer. Domilise’s, itself a third-generation family business, is one of Leidenheimer’s longest-running accounts. Increasingly these days it’s the son, William Whann, asking cooks and shop managers how they’re doing, and what they might need.

“When I see them together, I see my future. That’s the future for Domilise’s,” said po-boy shop proprietor

Joanne Domilise. “We put a lot into our roast beef, into our seafood. But the bread is the first thing people eat. If you don’t have that, you don’t have po-boys We need them.”

‘A cultural responsibility’

The Whanns were using the lunch at Domilise’s to continue their ongoing discussion about the future of Leidenheimer as the next generation of the family business begins to assert more of its influence, braiding its traditional ways with a new perspective.

It is a slow-rolling business succession plan, though it was not a sure thing just a few years ago.

Sandy Whann’s own father made no bones about his responsibility to continue the family business. A week after graduating from college back in 1986 he was at work at the bakery and eventually succeeded his dad as president.

But William and his sister Katie Whann each say their parents did not pressure their career moves. Instead, both have joined the business, in varying degrees, through an appreciation for what the brand brings to their city and its cornerstone food culture.

“We’re a direct part of everyday life for so many people in New Orleans. There are businesses that can’t open without our bread,” said William, who has a wide-ranging role as director of operations.

“There’s that business responsibility of running the bakery, but there’s a cultural responsibility too, because in New Orleans they really do go hand-in-hand. That’s why I wanted to do this,” he said.

A galvanizing moment

When the local bakery giant McKenzie’s sputtered to a halt in 2001, New Orleans learned to do without its neighborhood bake shops. When a fire destroyed the Hubig’s Pies factory in 2012, people just had to pine for its hand pies for a decade before they returned.

Without Leidenheimer however, the future of poboys would be in trouble.

The company makes different types of bread, including muffuletta loaves, hamburger buns, pistolettes and the table bread that is a fixture of traditional New Orleans restaurants.

But the po-boy loaf is Leidenheimer’s top product, and it is by far the largest

producer of New Orleans’ distinctive bread. Through decades, a once-robust field of other suppliers has been whittled down to a handful.

The second-largest producer, John Gendusa Bakery in Gentilly, has about one-tenth of Leidenheimer’s production, estimates Jason Gendusa, fourth-generation owner of his bakery Gendusa’s daughters, now age 10 and 13, are far from making their own career decisions.

In the meantime he thinks it’s unlikely new companies will jump into the traditional New Orleans bread game.

“It’s not a business a lot of people want to get into. It means working seven days a week, 365 days a year,” he said.

For William Whann, the galvanizing moment came when another of the old guard of po-boy bread, Alois J Binder Bakery, abruptly closed in 2018 He was a junior in college that year, mulling the direction of his career

“That made it real. We really had to think about it, like what’s our plan?” he said. “I made up my mind At graduation, some of my friends were going into banking I said I was going into baking. They thought I said banking. But no, this is where I want to be.

I’m all in here.”

Today, beyond training and experience on the job, he and his father are engaged in an exchange around ideas of stewardship, innovation and relevance, a term they bring up frequently when discussing Leidenheimer

“We want to be relevant to the next generation coming around, relevant to the people who are continuing to run their family restaurants into the next generation, and for new restaurants opening,” said Sandy Whann.

“Crying for a bakery you love after it closes is too late,” he said. “You see places of an older generation not making

plans for the transition. They lack relevance. We’re not getting caught by that.”

Making the bread

The po-boy loaf is a distinctly New Orleans creation, one that developed here in the industrial age and evolved in step with the po-boy

Nearly a yard long, a whole loaf yields multiple sandwiches. The sturdy crust stands up to wet and juicy fillings and the soft, airy interior compresses around the crispy edges of fried seafood. In local parlance, these loaves are called French bread, though scholars have made the case that the style is closer to German and Austrian baking traditions.

George Leidenheimer, Sandy Whann’s great-grandfather, was an immigrant from Deidesheim, Germany, who started his New Orleans bakery in 1896. It’s been based in its current Central City facility on Simon Bolivar Avenue since 1905.

Like many New Orleans institutions, the building is a historic frame around the gradual march of modernization, with a mix of vintage and newer equipment spaced between ancient rafters, and time-honored processes abetted by modern technology Making the bread, however, remains a hands-on task with constant adjustments required to account for temperature and the city’s notoriously intense humidity, changing with time of year and, sometimes, even time of day

The fermentation room is a key first step of the Leidenheimer process. Here, carts the size of coal cars hold 600-pound vats of dough to ferment naturally, with the dough rising and changing in texture. It’s a time-consuming process that few bakeries still employ at this scale; it’s also one the Whanns say

is crucial for cultivating the malty flavor and airy inner crumb of their finished bread.

“The difference it makes is that the bread is strong enough to hold everything in the po-boy together, but you don’t have to fight for it,” said William Whann. “It’s been that way since 1896, and it’s not changing.”

When judged ready, the dough drops down chutes to the production floor a whirling cacophony of beeping machinery, humming conveyor systems and the boxcar rumble of metal carts on concrete floors where bakers stretch, form and crimp the dough into shape.

When William isn’t visiting customers, he spends much of his time in production, troubleshooting and learning the finer points of the progression from dough to delivery, often working closely with his uncle Mitch Abide, the longtime operations manager

“When I hear a machine making a certain noise, I

think ‘OK, I can step in and take care of that,’” William said. “That’s the confidence I’m getting here.”

Bread is baked in an oven the size of a locomotive, then it goes into paper sacks and plastic bags. Much of it is bound for the Leidenheimer delivery trucks, a familiar sight around local streets with their renderings of the po-boy loving cartoon characters “Vic and Nat’ly,” a bit of inside New Orleans lore.

These days though, Leidenheimer bread goes much farther afield.

Growing online, nationally

Katie Whann, 30, has a career outside the family business as a senior director with a New York-based agency for social media influencers. But since she and her husband moved back to New Orleans a few years ago, she’s begun contributing more to Leidenheimer’s digital marketing.

When she started, Leidenheimer had little more than a place-holding website. In the pandemic, with restaurants closed or limited and events postponed, she pressed for Leidenheimer to do more with social media to engage with customers and local foodies.

“More restaurants are being started by people who aren’t originally from New Orleans — they might not have grown up with our bread. We need to make those introductions,” she said. “We may be 128 years old, but we’re only 5 years old on Instagram.”

The expanded online presence has fueled growth with restaurants well outside the company’s delivery range.

Leidenheimer now ships frozen bread across the country, where restaurants finish it on-site.

Katie and William frequently attend food festivals and pop-ups, networking to make new connections beyond Leidenheimer’s traditional accounts.

‘Just in time’

The growing presence of the next generation has been evident to Leidenheimer’s local customers. Justin Kennedy, manager of the bustling po-boy hub Parkway Bakery & Tavern, is one cheering them on.

“I think it’s coming along just in time,” Kennedy said. “I’ve been in this business long enough now that I’m seeing people retire and people getting to the end of the line, so seeing William on the job is very reassuring. I expect Parkway to be around for a long time, and I need their bread to be, too.”

While Sandy Whann has no firm timeline for retirement, time is certainly on his mind, along with responsibility, family and opportunity

“You have to be clear about it: The city and the state are losing population, and opportunity is a big reason for that,” he said. “So to have this business as something that has kept our family here and locked to one another for five generations now is priceless. My family is all together, and we are involved in a core reason why New Orleans is what it is, hospitality That’s compelling.”

Email Ian McNulty at imcnulty@theadvocate. com.

By Amanda McElfresh, amcelfresh@theadvocate.com

Alot haschanged forEmerson CarpetOneFloor&Homeoverthe pastfourdecades.Backintheearly 1980s, ownerLee Emerson, then an LSUstudent,got hisstart in a stationwagon,selling remnants from hisfather’scarpetstore to studentslivingoncampus.Today thestorehasalargephysicallocation at 11031Coursey Boulevardand ispartofaworldwidecooperative with more than 1,000stores. This unique combinationof personalizedserviceandabroad selectionofproductsand services hasmade Emersonone of theBaton Rougearea’smost popular stores for flooringneeds andearned it a2025BestofBaton Rougeaward forBest Carpetand Flooring Store. Emersonalsoremains afamilybusiness. Leeand hiswifeGeorgette have turned over thereinsofdailyoperationstotheirdaughters ArianeandOlivia,bothofwhomhavebeenin leadershiprolesatthebusinessforthepast15 years. Ariane Emerson, whoservesasoperationsdirector,sharedmoreaboutthebusiness’ success,philosophiesandcommunityservice. WhydoyouthinkEmersonhascontinuedtobesuccessful?

somethingthatisnot goingtobethe right solution for theirspace or theirneeds

What aresomeofthe most popular recentflooringtrends?

Vinylplank is very popular, as arewarmer tones.Peopledon’twantanythingtoolightor toogray. In termsofcarpet, people aregravitating towardsoneswithsubtlepatternsand lowertones to them

Emersonhaslongbeenastrongcommunitypartner,withinvolvementineverythingfromschoolreadingprogramsand animalshelterstodisasterrecoveryand cancerawareness.Whyisthisoutreach soimportant?

Ithinkourservicehasalottodowithit.My dadhas always prioritizedcustomer service andmadesurehegoestheextramileforevery customer.Thatissomething he hasinstilled intoallofoursalespeopleandemployees.People noticewhenyougoaboveandbeyondforthem WealsohaveHealthierLivingInstallation andThe BeautifulGuarantee.These aretwo featuresthatnooneelseintheindustryoffers. Customersreallyenjoy theadded security andcommitmenttohighquality that these features provide. What kind of customer servicecan peopleexpectatEmerson?

Wefirstaskabouttheirprojectandwhatthey arelookingfor.Fromthere,wecandirectthem to theright flooringcategory. Ourshowroom is sorted by color, whichmakes things alot simpler,becausemostpeoplehaveageneralidea of thecolortheyare lookingfor.Welet people checkout samplesand bringthemhome. We do free measurements at theirhomeand give them an estimate of thetotal cost We’vefoundthatmostcustomersknowthe characteristicsoftheflooringtheyarelooking for,but we askalot of questionstomakesure weareprovidingthemwiththerightproduct andquality.Wedon’t want to sell someone

Itjustgoesbacktowhoweareaspeople.We alwayswanttofindawaytohelpwhenwehave theabilitytodoso.Weknowthatbusinesswill goupafteranystorm,soit’sallhandsondeck toservepeople.Ifthereisanorganizationout therethatneeds support, we trytofind away todothat.Thiscommunityisourcommunity andwetakea lotofpride in beingactivein places wherewecan be Whatdoyouthinkthefutureholdsfor Emerson?

We want to maintain what we have.We’re nottryingtogettoobigandchangetoomuch Wefeellikewe’vefoundasizeforourbusiness andamodel that really workswellfor our customersand oursalespeople.Mysister andIare very grateful that my dadwas able to buildastrongbusinessthatwehavebeen able to take over andthatheisproud of today. EmersonCarpetOne Floor&Homeserves customersinBaker,Central,DenhamSprings Donaldsonville,Geismar,Gonzales,Livington, Prairieville, St.Amant,Sorrento, Walker WatsonandZachary.Visitwww.emersoncarpetonebatonrouge.com formoreinformation on products andservices.

STAFF PHOTOS By DAVID GRUNFELD

Bread comes through the giant oven at Leidenheimer Baking Co in New Orleans, the primary producer of loaves for the city’s famous po-boys.

Sandy Whann, center, his daughter Katie Whann and son

William Whann represent the fourth and fifth generations at Leidenheimer Baking Co. in New Orleans, known for its traditional New Orleans French bread.

CarpetOne Floor& Home

ELIMINATE Back Pa andSciatica WITHOU theScars and Expenseof SURGER

Finally, there’sa treatmenttoconquer lowback, neck,leg andarm pain without dangerous medications or painfulsurgery.

We areDr. ScottLeBlanc andDr. Dana LeBlanc, a husbandand wife team,thatown LeBlancSpine Center. We have helped thousandsofpatientsget outof pain with Spinal Decompressiontherapy treatments, andwelove what we do.Discissuesare common,and patients sufferingare usuallygiven limitedoptions of treatment. We runthese bignewspaper advertisementstolet people in thecommunity know thereis anotheroptionoftreatment forpain- withoutmedication,injections, or surgery!

NON-SURGICALSPINAL DECOMPRESSION is a breakthrough,non-invasive treatmentthathas been proventoreverse disc herniationsand relievenerve pain in theneck andlow back.Duringthe procedure, aspinaldiscisisolatedand aseriesofdistraction andrelaxationphasesoccur at averyspecificangle, targetingthe source of pain.A vacuum canbecreated inside thediscand thenegativepressuredeliversnutrients, oxygen,and fluidfromsurrounding tissues, to assist with repair of thedamaged disc Thetreatment is not painfulatall,and most patients read or even take anap whileontreatment!

PROOFTHIS TREATMENTWORKS There’splentyof researchtobackupthe claims of Spinal Decompression Therapyand itseffectiveness. Here arejusta few of thepublished scientificstudies

•“Patients reported amean88.9% improvement in backpainand better function .Nopatient required anyinvasivetherapies (e.g.epiduralinjections, surgery).”-AmericanAcademy of Pain Management

•“We thus submit that decompressiontherapy should be considered first, before thepatient undergoesa surgical procedurewhich permanentlyaltersthe anatomyand function of theaffectedlumbarspine segment.”-Journal Of Neuroscience Research

•“86%ofthe 219patientswho completedthe therapy reported immediateresolutionofsymptoms.”- Orthopedic Technology Review

•“Vertebralaxial (spinal) decompressionwas successfulin71% of the778 cases” -Journal of NeurologicalResearch

•“Good to excellentreliefin86% of patients with Herniateddiscs”- TheAmericanJournal of Pain Management

•“Decompression Therapyreporteda76.5% with complete remissionand 19.6%withpartial remission of pain anddisability” -Rio Grande Hospital, Department of Neurosurgery

At LeBlancSpineCenter, we utilizeadvanced, FDA-clearedtechnologythatisproventoeffectively

IcametoLeBlancSpine Center because Ihad beensuffering with extremebackpainand legpainfor severalweeks.I hadtriedother treatments,massage, NSAIDs andTylenol,but I wasstillinpain. Ibegan Spinal Decompressiontreatments in April2024, andInow feel 100% improved! What Ilikemostabout my treatmentisthatit is non-invasive anditeliminatedmypain. My treatmentappointmentsare notlong, and thetreatment is pain-free. Sincebeginning treatmentatLeBlancSpine Center,Iamnow able to do allofmypreviousactivitiesand work withoutpain. Ialsohavemorerange of motion.I wouldhighlyrecommend LeBlanc SpineCenter! Dr.JohnBarksdale (Dentist) hometown-Baton Rouge, LA

If yousufferfrom:

•LOW BACK PAIN

•SCIATICA

•NECKPAIN

•HIP PAIN

•LEG PAIN

UT

•NUMBNESS IN ARMS

LEGS OR FEET

Non-surgical Spinal Decompressionmay be theanswerfor you!

alleviatepain.

It’s importanttonotethatnot everypatient is a candidatefor Spinal Decompression, whichiswhy we prioritize athorough individual assessment for each person whowalks throughour doors. Our high successrateinpainreliefstems from our commitment to only taking on patients whom we confidently believewecan help

Forthe next 7days, we areofferingaspecial “Decompression Evaluation”offer,atnocostto you! What does this offer include? Everything we normally do in ournew patientevaluations:

•Anin-depthconsultationabout your health andwellbeing wherewewilllisten. really listen to thedetails of your case.

•Acompleteneuromuscular examination

•Afullset of specializedX-rays(if clinically necessary)

•Athorough analysis of your exam andX-ray findings

Youwillsit with thedoctorone on onetogoover your x-rays,and you’ll gettosee everything first hand

At LeBlancSpine Center,weare honestwithour patients andwegivepersonalized attentionand analysis to each case.Wetruly enjoymeeting with patients to answer theirquestions andtohelp find outifSpinalDecompression treatments couldbe theanswertotheir pain

Thereisnochargeatall andyou don’tneedtobuy anything.You have nothing to lose by taking us up on this specialoffer andyou will getanswers to

what is causingyourpain. If youhaveseenour adsinthe past and have thoughtabout calling, don’thesitate. Youdon’t have to go on living in pain,missing outonactivitiesand otherpartoflifethat youenjoy.Callustoday!

IcametoLeBlanc SpineCenterbecause Ibeen sufferingwithlower back andhip pain,difficulty sitting,and restricted mobility.I hadtried other doctorsinthe past,medication,physicaltherapy andmassage- alltonoavail Ibegan Spinal Decompression treatments andIamnow 90%improved! What Ilikemost aboutmycare at LeBlancSpine Centerismy improvementinpain. Ican nowbendand lift withoutpain, andIevenhavefewer headaches. Thestaff is very friendly andcalls everyone by name. Iwould absolutely recommendLeBlanc SpineCenter. Thedoctors actually SHOW you what theproblemsare on thex-rays, andthey trackyourprogress. Youwillget resultsbut this is notaquick fix. Youhavetocommittothe time andefforttocometotreatment.Comparedto surgery, this aWIN forthe patient!

Paula Laird (CPA) Hometown -Baton Rouge,LA

IcametoLeBlancSpine Centerbecause Ihad beensuffering with severe neck pain and lowerbackpain. Ihad previously triedother back specialists,physicaltherapy,and MRI’s, butwas stillsuffering forseveral years. Ibegan Spinal Decompression Therapytreatments in Augustof2019, andsince then,I am now 60%improved! Iamnow able to do my daily activities,suchasvacuuming,walking and exercise-Iwas notabletodothiswithout pain before my treatmentatLeBlancSpine Center. My headachesare almost completely gone andIamalsoabletowalk3to4miles perday LeBlancSpine Centerhas certainly helped me, when everywhere else Iwentinthe past didn’t help at all. What Ilikemostabout my care at is that it hasgreatly improvedmyproblems!

JenniferLee (Retired Administrative Assistant) Hometown -Brusly, LA

ering with pain from herniated discsinmylower back.I couldnot standfor longer than 5minutes withoutpain. Ihad tried epidural steroidinjectionsand physical therapy in thepast, butwas stillsuffering. Ihavealways been active andmybackpainwas affecting my lifestylegreatly IcametoLeBlanc SpineCenterand began Decompression treatment. andIamnow 100% improved! Ican do everything Idid beforemypainstarted,and my favorite part aboutthistreatment is theresults! Ican do allofmydaily activities withoutany pain.The doctorsand staff here have also treatedmegreat IhaverecommendedLeBlancSpine Center to manypeople. andwillcontinuetodoso!

Mark Evans (FormerHighSchoolCoach and InsuranceAgent) Hometown -Baton Rouge,LA

Insurance Institute for Business &Home Safety,atrade group that established the program.

For the second year in a row, Republicans on theSenate Insurance Committee killed aproposal to require insurers to deliver aminimum discount to homeowners who get afortified roof. And citing budget concerns, lawmakers on the House Appropriations Committee rejected HB663 to set up anew fund to build stronger roofs in coastal Louisiana. The fundwould have come from aportion of sales taxes paid in south Louisiana in the two months after amajor hurricane.

“The faster we can fortify theseroofs, the faster we can return to normalcy,” said Rep. Gabe Firment, RPollock, who sponsored the bill.

‘It’sworking’

Fortified roofs use several basic measures to make shingles less likely to blow off, including better nails and stronger edges. Roofers are required to tape down the seams, making water less likely to pour into a home even if the roof blows off it.

Homes with fortified roofs were 56% less likely to have an insurance claim after Hurricane Sally than normal roofs, according to the Center for Risk and Insurance Research at the University of Alabama. Homes that were built to an even higher standard, fortified “gold,” were 70% less likely to have those claims. But when Hurricanes Laura and Ida ripped thousands of roofs off Louisiana homes in 2020 and 2021, the state had no grant programor widespread campaign to inform residents about it. That meant roofs rebuilt after the storms were generally not built to the higher standard.

Now,Louisiana is racing to try to retrofit roofs by doling out grants, though demand

so far has far exceeded the amount of money the state hastogiveout.And lawmakers are close to passing abill by Sen. Kirk Talbot, R-River Ridge, to give residentswho pay for afortified roof on their own a$10,000 taxcredit.

The move would represent asignificantlybetterincentive than the current $5,000 tax deduction, though Talbot’s bill would be cappedat $10 million ayear across the state, limiting the number of people who can benefit.The cap,put in place overbudget concerns,means1,000 homeownerswillbeableto getthe taxbenefit outside the grantprogram. More could qualify if someroofs on smallerhomes cost less than $10,000.

Talbot has said that puttingfortified roofs on homes is the only way south Louisianaisgoingtoremain insurable long-term. He brought thetax credit to incentivize homeowners to get the roofs without waiting forthe state grant program, which doesn’thave enough capacity for everyone seeking a grant.And he saidhe’sconfident lawmakers will support the bill, though it still has several steps to go. It needs approval from theHouse

tax-writingand possibly budget committee, as well as thefull House, before being sent to thegovernor “It’s working,”Talbot said. “It’sa great program.This just allows people who can front the money to put the roof on to getthe tax credit later.”

Discount debate

Many residents reported to the Louisiana LegislativeAuditor that they saw significant savings on insurancepremiumsafter getting afortified roof. The savings are particularly large when people move from Citizens —the expensive,state-backed insurer of last resort —toaprivate carrier Louisiana modeledits fortified roof programafter Alabama, which sets a 20% discount bench mark that an official with Smart Home America, anonprofit that advocates for fortified roofs, recentlytestified is metbyall participating insurers there. ButLouisiana didn’tinclude amandated or benchmark discount.

State datashows most insurers in Louisianastill offer asignificant discount on homes with fortified roofs, with many offering savings

of 20%to30%.But several insurers onlyoffer meager discounts, sometimesaslow as 5%.

Sen. RoyceDuplessis, DNew Orleans, sponsoredlegislation to requireinsurers to offer significant savings in exchange for the roofs. But Republicans on the SenateInsurance Committeerejected the bill amidopposition fromInsuranceCommissioner TimTempleand theinsurance industry,who argued it would push insurersaway The audit found the median homeowner saved 22% on their insurancepremiums But Duplessis noted the data came from asurvey thatasked homeowners to recall their insurance premiums beforeand after, rather than comparing the actual premiums. Duplessis said he’s concerned thatinsurers who offer low discountsare holding back theprogram from gaining momentum and encouraging homeowners to put stronger roofs on voluntarily “Weknow there are in-

stances where people are not getting discounts,” he saidduring thehearing on his bill. “And they’re telling theirneighborthey’re not getting adiscount.”

Gov.JeffLandry said in December he supported requiring suchdiscounts, saying he was disappointed thata packageof pro-industrybills Templepushedlastyear hadnot yetproduced meaningful reductions in premiums. ButLandry, who has not offered apackage of bills to alleviate the homeowners insurance crisis, didn’tofficially support Duplessis’ bill. Temple subsequently issued a bulletin reminding insurers theyare requiredtosubmit “actuarially justified” discounts forfortifiedroofs.

Mandated roofs?

Louisiana’scode technically requires all roofsto be built to nearly the same standard as fortified roofs. Butmanyparishes have no way of verifying whether

that’sthe casebecause they don’trequire permits or inspections fornew roofs.

That’schanging in some parishes, including Orleans, which followed in the footsteps of Jefferson Parish recently by requiring permits for newroofs. AbillbyRep.Foy Gadberry,R-West Monroe, would require it statewide. The bill made it through the House and is awaiting actioninthe Senate But lawmakers will not require new roofs to be built to fortified standards, after Rep. AimeeFreeman, D-New Orleans, shelvedher bill amid opposition from homebuildersand others concernedwith higher costs forhomeowners. Freeman said she is working on asubstitute bill. Dan Mills, head of the Homebuilders Association of GreaterNew Orleans, said recently he supports fortifiedstandards,but noted many residents don’t have the foundationtype required to getthem. He said he wants to seethe state boostparticipationinwind mitigation surveys, where asurveyor verifies that a home hascertain roof standards that makehurricane damage less likely,often resultingininsurance savings.

“Fortified is agreat thing in ourstate,” Mills said. “We are opposed to mandating fortified. We alreadyhave the codes.” In the meantime, the Legislature appears likely to keep the same level of funding as last year for fortified roof grants, $15 million. The Legislature sent $30 milliontothe programin2023, enough for3,000 homeowners. Temple is asking lawmakerstodedicate$15 million a year in insurancepremium taxes and fees to the fortified roof grant program, whichhas seen demand far outstripavailable funding. Until now,lawmakers have beensending money from the state budgettofund it. “Thisisa direct benefit back to the taxpayers,” Temple said.

STAFF FILE PHOTOByMATTHEW PERSCHALL

Duplessis

Temple

Key moments from second week of Sean Combs’ trial

BY MICHAEL R. SISAK and LARRY NEUMEISTER Associated Press

NEW YORK Jurors heard from a dozen witnesses during a second week of testimony in the Sean “Diddy” Combs trial as prosecutors sought to prove sex trafficking and racketeering.

Rapper and actor Kid Cudi was on the witness stand. So was singer Dawn Richard, formerly of the group Danity Kane.

There was more testimony from witnesses who said they saw Combs beating his former girlfriend, the R&B singer Cassie. Jurors also heard testimony about guns, extortion and a car being set on fire.

The trial resumes Tuesday after the Memorial Day holiday Here are key moments from Week 2:

Proving racketeering

Much of the case presented by prosecutors so far has revolved around accusations that Combs physically and sexually abused Cassie for years, and coerced her into sexual encounters called “freak-offs” with men who were paid thousands of dollars to have sex with her Yet Combs isn’t simply charged with sex crimes. He’s charged with racketeering Prosecutors say they will prove that Combs used his businesses and employees “to carry out, facilitate, and cover up his acts of violence, abuse, and commercial sex.”

Some of those employees testified in Week 2.

George Kaplan, a personal assistant for Combs from 2013 to 2015, told jurors he’d toss out liquor bottles and drugs and clean up baby oil from Combs’ hotel rooms after the music producer finished freak-offs.

He said he never reported

BY NICK VADALA

The Philadelphia Inquirer (TNS)

PHILADELPHIA Skeletal remains that washed up on several South Jersey beaches starting in 1995 have been identified as a 19th-century ship captain who was commanding a schooner bound for Philadelphia at the time of his death, bringing an end to a three-decade mystery The remains were those of 29-year-old Henry Goodsell, who died in the wreck of a ship dubbed the “Oriental” off the coast of Brigantine in 1844, the Ramapo College Investigative Genetic Genealogy Center said in a statement. The schooner was transporting about 60 tons of marble to be used in the construction of Girard College when it went down, according to reports from the time. Goodsell’s remains began washing ashore in 1995, when his skull was discovered on a beach in Longport, Atlantic County More bones were discovered in Margate in 1999, and additional remains washed up in Ocean City, Cape May County, in 2013. Due to their wide dispersal, the remains came to be known as “Scattered Man John Doe,” a nickname that stuck for years as investigators failed to determine their owner’s identity

abuse to authorities even after Combs beat up Cassie on a private jet

Another personal assistant, David James, testified that Combs had him stock hotel rooms with Viagra, condoms, baby oil and lubricant, among other supplies. He also recounted how Combs had three handguns on his lap as they drove to a Los Angeles diner looking for his record industry rival, Death Row Records cofounder Suge Knight.

Cassie’s mom

Cassie briefly dated Kid Cudi during a period of time when it looked like she might split with Combs Cassie’s mother, Regina Ventura, testified that she felt “physically sick” after her daughter sent her an email saying Combs had learned about the relationship with Cudi and planned to retaliate by releasing tapes of Cassie having sex.

Then, Ventura said, Combs contacted her and angrily demanded $20,000, saying he was owed it because he’d spent money on Cassie’s career

Ventura tapped home equity to wire the money to Combs’ business. Several days later, the money was returned.

Kid Cudi

Kid Cudi testified Thursday that Cassie sounded “very stressed, nervous, just scared” when she phoned him in December 2011 to say that Combs had learned they were dating.

Cudi said he was confused because he thought Combs and Cassie had broken up. Then, he said, one of Combs’ assistants called. She said Combs and an aide were in Cudi’s home, waiting to speak with him. She also said she had been forced into a car to join them.

week, Dawn Richard, got her big break in the music business as a cast member on Combs’ reality TV show, “Making the Band.” She performed with two Combsbacked acts, Danity Kane and Diddy — Dirty Money

But Richard said Combs threatened her life after she saw him beat Cassie and try to hit her with a skillet in 2009. She said Combs told her and another woman that they “could go missing” if they didn’t stay quiet.

She said she saw Combs beat Cassie frequently “He would punch her, choke her drag her, slap her in the mouth,” she said.

Cassie’s former friend

As Morgan contemplated a lawsuit a month later, she met Cassie at a pizza parlor, where Cassie had her sign a nondisclosure agreement in return for $30,000, she said. But then, she said, Cassie “told me she thought I was milking it, that I was overexaggerating.” They haven’t spoken since.

Hotel manager testifies

One of the last witnesses of the week was Frédéric Zemmour, the general manager of L’Ermitage Beverly Hills in California.

But in 2023, the New Jersey State Police partnered with Ramapo College’s genealogy center in Mahwah to crack the case. The center sent a sample to a forensics lab, which later uploaded its results to genealogy databases.

As part of that effort, Ramapo genealogy students found ancestral ties for the remains dating back to the 1600s in Connecticut. The students also began investigating reported shipwrecks off the New Jersey coast, and found the wreck of the Oriental referenced in two newspaper reports from the time one in the York Democratic Press, and another in the Boston Daily Bee. According to those reports, the Oriental began its journey from Connecticut to Philadelphia in December 1844. Onboard were five crew members, along with the marble slated for Girard College, when the ship began to leak. It sank about a mile from the shoreline off the coast of Brigantine Shoal, killing everyone aboard The ship sank on Dec. 4, 1844, according to records maintained by the New Jersey Maritime Museum. Only one crew member’s body, a man named John Keith, was discovered following the wreck, the Boston Daily Bee reported at the time.

Cudi said he raced to his house, but Combs was gone. Inside, he testified, he found Christmas gifts had been opened and his dog was locked in the bathroom. After the break-in, his dog was “very jittery and kind of on edge all the time,” he said.

Then, someone set fire to Cudi’s car, destroying it

Cudi set he met with Combs to squash their beef

the next day at a Los Angeles hotel. When he walked in, he said Combs was staring out the window standing with hands behind his back “like a Marvel supervillain.”

Combs denied having anything to do with the burned car, but Cudi said he didn’t believe him.

Dawn Richard

The first witness of the

Kerry Morgan said she had a falling out with Cassie, her friend of 17 years, after Combs attacked her in a rage in 2018 demanding to know who Cassie was cheating on him with.

Morgan said he slung a hanger at her head and tried to choke her, leaving her dizzy, vomiting and concussed, with finger imprints on her neck.

He revealed that Combs’ guest profile noted that he “ALWAYS spills candle wax on everything and uses excessive amounts of oil.” The profile instructed staff to “place the room out of order upon departure for deep cleaning.”

“Please authorize an extra $1000 when guest stays with us to cover any room damages,” Combs’ guest profile said. Witnesses have testified that Combs liked to use candles and baby oil during freak-offs.

IMAGE PROVIDED By ELIZABETH WILLIAMS

Defense attorney Brian Steel, center cross examines Kid Cudi, far right, as Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs, far left, looks on during Combs’ sex trafficking and racketeering trial on Thursday in Manhattan federal court in New york.

Soldiers,detainees sayIsraelusedhuman

BY SAM MEDNICK and SAMY MAGDY Associated Press

TEL AVIV,Israel The only time the Palestinian man wasn’tboundor blindfolded, he said, was when he was usedbyIsraeli soldiers as their human shield.

Dressed in army fatigueswith acamera fixed to his forehead, Ayman Abu Hamadan was forced into houses in the Gaza Strip to make sure they wereclear of bombs and gunmen, he said.When one unit finished with him, he was passed to the next.

“They beat me and told me: ‘You have no other option; dothis or we’ll kill you,’”the 36-year-old told The Associated Press, describing the21/2 weeks he was heldlast summer by the Israeli military in northern Gaza.

Orders often came from the top, andattimes nearly every platoon used aPalestinian to clear locations, saidanIsraeli officer, speaking on condition of anonymity for fear of reprisal.

Several Palestinians and soldiers told theAPthatIsraeli troops are systematically forcing Palestinians to actashuman shieldsin Gaza, sendingthemintobuildings and tunnels to check for explosives or militants. The dangerous practice has become ubiquitous during 19 months of war,they said In response to theseallegations, Israel’smilitary says it strictly prohibits using civilians as shields —a practice it has long accused Hamas of using in Gaza. Israeli officials blamethe militants forthe civilian death toll in its offensive that has killed tens of thousandsof Palestinians.

In astatementtothe AP,the military said it also bans otherwise coercing civilianstoparticipate in operations, and“allsuchorders areroutinely emphasizedto the forces.”

The militarysaid it’s investigatingseveral cases alleging that Palestinians were involved in missions, but wouldn’tprovide details It didn’tanswer questions about the reach of the practice or any orders from commandingofficers.

TheAPspoke withseven Palestinianswho described being used as shields in Gaza and the occupied West Bank and with two members of Israel’smilitary who said they

engaged in the practice, whichis prohibited by international law Rights groups are ringing the alarm,saying it’sbecome standard procedure increasingly used in the war.

“These are not isolated accounts; they pointtoasystemicfailure and ahorrifying moral collapse,”said NadavWeiman, executive directorofBreaking theSilence —a whistleblower group of former Israeli soldiers that has collected testimoniesaboutthe practice from within the military. “Israel rightly condemns Hamas for using civilians as human shields, but ourown soldiers describe doing thevery same.”

Abu Hamadan said he was detainedinAugust after being separated from hisfamily,and soldiers toldhim he’d help with a“special mission.”Hewas forced, for 17 days, to search houses and inspect every holeinthe ground for tunnels, he said Soldiers stood behind him and, once itwas clear,entered the buildings to damage or destroy them,hesaid. He spenteach night bound in adarkroom, only to wake up and doitagain Rights groups say Israel has used Palestinians as shields in Gaza and the West Bank for decades. The

SupremeCourt outlawed thepractice in 2005. Butthe groups continuedtodocument violations.

Still, expertssay this war is the first time in decades thepractice —and thedebate around it —has been so widespread.

The twoIsraeli soldiers who spoke to theAP— and athird who provided testimony to Breaking the Silence —said commanders were aware of theuse of human shields and tolerated it,with some giving orders to do so. Some said it was referred to as the “mosquito protocol”and that Palestinians were also referred to as “wasps” andother dehumanizing terms.

Thesoldiers —who said they’re no longer serving in Gaza—said thepracticesped up operations, saved ammunition, and spared combat dogs from injury or death.

Thesoldiers saidthey first became aware human shields were being used shortly after the war erupted on Oct. 7, 2023, when Hamas attacked Israel, and that it becamewidespread by the middle of 2024.Orders to “bring amosquito”often came viaradio, they said —shorthand everyone understood.Soldiersacted on commandingofficers’ orders, according to theofficer who spoke to theAP.

He said that by the end of his

nine months in Gaza, everyinfantryunit used aPalestinian to clear houses before entering.

“Once this idea was initiated, it caught on like fire in afield,” the 26-year-old said. “People saw how effective and easy it was.”

He described a2024 planning meeting where abrigade commander presented to the division commandera slide reading“get amosquito” and asuggestion they might “justcatchone offthe streets.”

Theofficer wrotetwo incident reportstothe brigade commander detailing theuse of human shields, reports that would have been escalated to the divisionchief, he said. Themilitary said it had no comment when asked whether it received them.

One report documented the accidental killing of aPalestinian, he said —troopsdidn’trealize another unit was using him as ashield andshothim as he raninto ahouse

The officer recommended the Palestinians be dressed in army clothes to avoid misidentification.

He said he knew of at least one other Palestinian who died while used as ashield —hepassed out in atunnel Convincing soldiers to operate lawfully when they see their en-

emy using questionable practices is difficult, said Michael Schmitt, adistinguishedprofessor of international law at the U.S. Military AcademyatWest Point.Israeli officials and other observers say Hamas uses civilians as shields as it embeds itself in communities, hiding fighters in hospitals and schools.

“It’s really aheavylift to look at your own soldiers andsay you have to comply,” Schmitt said. One soldiertoldthe AP his unit tried to refusetouse human shields in mid-2024 but weretold they had no choice,with ahigh-ranking officer saying theyshouldn’tworry about international humanitarian law

The sergeant —speaking on condition of anonymity forfear of reprisal —said the troops used a 16-year-old anda 30-year-old fora fewdays.

The boyshook constantly,he said, and both repeated “Rafah, Rafah” —Gaza’s southernmost city,where morethan 1million Palestinians had fled from fighting elsewhere at that point in the war. It seemed they were begging to be freed, the sergeant said.

Masoud AbuSaeed said he was used as ashield for two weeks in March 2024 in the southern city of Khan Younis.

“This is extremely dangerous,” he recounted telling asoldier.“I have childrenand want to reunite with them.”

The36-year-old saidhewas forced into houses, buildings and ahospital to dig up suspected tunnels and clear areas. He said he wore afirst-responder vestfor easy identification, carrying a phone, hammer and chain cutters. During oneoperation,hebumped into his brother,used as ashield by another unit, he said.

They hugged. “I thought Israel’s army had executed him,” he said. Palestinians also report being used as shields in the West Bank. Hazar Estity saidsoldiers took her from her Jenin refugeecamp home in November,forcingher to film inside several apartments and clear them before troops entered. She said she pleaded to return to her 21-month-old son, but soldiers didn’tlisten.

“I was most afraid that they would kill me,” she said. “And that Iwouldn’tsee my son again.”

Ex-policechief:SeeingGeorgeFloyd video‘gut-wrenching’

BY STEVE KARNOWSKI Associated Press

MINNEAPOLIS FormerMinneapolis Police Chief Medaria Arradondo vividly remembers receiving acall around midnight from acommunity activist. The caller told him to watch avideo spreading on social media of aWhite officer pinning aBlack manto the ground, despite his fading pleas of “I can’tbreathe.”

The dying man was George Floyd. The officer was Derek Chauvin. And Arradondowas the city’sfirst Black police chief.

“It was absolutely gutwrenching,” Arradondo, 58, recalled in an interview ahead of the fifth anniversary of Floyd’smurder

What he saw conflicted with what his own people had told him about the deadlyencounter,and he knew immediately it would mean changes for his department and city.But he acknowledged he didn’timmediately foresee how deeply Floyd’sdeath would reverberate in the U.S. and around the world.

“I served for 32 years,”he said. “But there’snodoubt May 25, 2020,isa defining moment for me in my public service career.”

The video shows Chauvin kneeling on Floyd’sneck, pinning him to the pavement outside aconvenience store where Floyd had tried to use acounterfeit $20 bill to buy cigarettes. Chauvin maintained the pressure for 9½ minutes despite pleas from

onlookers to stop, evenafter an off-duty firefightertried to interveneand another officer said he couldn’tfind a pulse.

Arradondosat for theinterview in apublic library that was heavily damaged in the unrestthat followed Floyd’s death. It’son Lake Street, a majorartery that saw some of theworst destruction, a street thathe says still bears “remnantsof thepain and anger of what occurred five years ago.”

Just down the block, there’s the empty shell of apolice stationthatwas torched during theriots. Andwithin sight is aTarget store and aCub Foods supermarket

thatwerelooted. Storefronts remain boarded up. While somebusinesses were rebuilt, empty lots sit where othersdid not

Arradondo still stands by his andMayor Jacob Frey’s decision to abandon the Third Precinct and let it burn.Protesters breached thebuilding, and police who were spreadthin didn’thave the resources to hold it. So he ordered his officers to evacuate.

“During the most significant crisis we’veeverexperienced,arguably in the state, when it’slife or death, I’ve got to go on the side of keeping people alive and safe,” he said.

Haitians with HIVdenounce USAID cuts anddwindling medication

BY DÁNICA COTO and EVENS SANON Associated Press

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti Avideo showing dozens of people marchingtoward the office of Haiti’sprime minister elicited gasps from some viewers as it circulated recently on social media. The protesters, whowereHIV positive, did not conceal theirfaces —arare occurrence in acountry where the virus is still heavily stigmatized.

“Call the minister of health! We are dying!” the group chanted.

The protesters risked being shunned by society to warn that Haitiisrunning out of HIV medication just months after the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump slashed more than 90% of USAID’sforeign aid contracts and $60 billionin overall aid across the globe.

At ahospitalnearthe northern city of CapHaitien, Dr.Eugene Maklin said he struggles to share that reality with his more than 550 HIV patients.

“It’shard to explain to them, to tell them that they’renot going to find medication,” he said. “It’s like asuicide.”

More than 150,000 people in Haiti have HIVorAIDS, according to official estimates, although nonprofits believe the number is much higher

David Jeune, a46-year-old hospital communityworker, is among them. He became infected 19 years ago after having unprotected sex.

“I was scared to letpeople know because they would point their fingeratyou, saying you are infectingothers with AIDS,” he said His fear was so great that he didn’ttell anyone, not even hismother.But that fear dissipated withthe support Jeune said he received from nonprofits.His confidence grew tothe point whereheparticipated in Monday’sprotest.

“I hope Trumpwill change his mind,” he said, noting thathis medicationwill run outinNovember.“Letthe poorpeople getthe medication they need.” Patrick Jean Noël, arepresentativeofHaiti’s Federation of Associations of HIV, said that at least fiveclinics, including onethatserved 2,500 patients,were forced to close after the USAID fundingcuts

“Wecan’t stay silent,”he said.“More peopleneedto

come out.”

Butmost people with HIV in Haiti are reluctant to do so, said Dr.Sabine Lustin, executive directorofthe Haiti-based nonprofit PromotersofZero AIDS Goal.

The stigmaissostrong that manypatientsare reluctanttopick up their medication in person. Instead, it is sent via packages wrapped as gifts to not arouse suspicion, Lustin said.

Lustin’sorganization, which helps some 2,000 people across Haiti, receives funding from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. While their funding hasn’tbeen cut, she said thatshortly after Trump was sworn in, the agency bannedprevention activities becausetheytargeted agroup that is not a priority. By that, Lustin said sheunderstood they were referring to gay men

That means the organization can no longer distribute up to 200,000 freecondoms a year or educatepeople about thedisease.

“You risk an increase in infections,”she said. “You have ayoung population who is sexually active who can’treceive the prevention messageand don’thaveaccess to condoms.”

Arradondo subsequently helped launch an overhaul of policing in thecity despitea resistant policeculture and a powerful officers union. He testifiedagainst Chauvin in his2021murdertrial,a rare breach of the“blue wall” that traditionally protects officers from being held accountable for wrongdoing.

Fiveyears on, Arradondo, whoretired in 2022, saidhe believeslaw enforcement agencies nationwidehave made progress on police accountability—albeit incremental progress —and that policechiefsand sheriffs nowmovefaster to hold officers responsible for egregious misconduct

Arradondo was promoted to chief in 2017, and his elevation was greeted with hope among local African Americans who affectionately

called him “Rondo.” But his department had areputation for being too quicktouse force and many were angry aboutpolicekillingyoung Black meninMinnesota and beyond.

Arradondo said he wishes he hadmademore changes to thepolicedepartmentbefore Floyd waskilled.

“I wouldhave pushed harder andsooner at trying to dismantle some of the toxic culture that allowed that indifference to exist that evening, on May 25, 2020,” he said. “I certainly would have invested more time elevating the voices in our communitythathad been pleading withpolicedepartments for decades to listen to us and change.”

Arradondojustpublished abook, “Chief Rondo: Securing Justice for the Murder of

George Floyd,” that explores leadership,justice andrace, the broader impacts of policing, and thechallenges of working within aflawed system.Hecloses it with a letter dedicated to Floyd’s daughter,Gianna.

“I never had an opportunity to meet Gianna, but I wanted hertoknowthat, even though Iwas notout there that evening, at that intersection when her father was pleading forhelp, that I heard him, and Iwas going to do everything Icouldto bring him justice,” he said. He wanted to say the words that shehas not heard from the four former officers who were convicted for their roles in George Floyd’s death: “I’m sorry.I’m sorry for your father being taken from you.”

ASSOCIATEDPRESS PHOTO By STEVE KARNOWSKI

Former Minneapolis PoliceChiefMedaria Arradondostands Tuesday at the East LakeLibraryinMinneapolis.

The future of history

BY WILL WEISSERT Associated Press

WASHINGTON For gen-

erations, official American documents have been meticulously preserved and protected — from the era of quills and parchment to boxes of paper to the cloud, safeguarding snapshots of the government and the nation for posterity

Now, the Trump administration has sought to expand the executive branch’s power to shield from public view key administration initiatives. Officials have used apps like Signal that can auto-delete messages containing sensitive information rather than retaining them for record-keeping. And they have shaken up the National Archives leadership

To historians and archivists, it points to the possibility that President Donald Trump will leave less for the nation’s historical record than nearly any president before him.

Such an eventuality creates a conundrum: How will experts — and even ordinary Americans — piece together what occurred when those charged with setting aside the artifacts properly documenting history refuse to do so?

How to preserve history?

The Trump administration says it’s the “most transparent in history,” citing the president’s fondness for taking questions from reporters nearly every day But flooding the airwaves, media outlets and the internet with all things Trump isn’t the same as keeping records that document the inner workings of an administration, historians caution.

“He thinks he controls history,” says Timothy Naftali,

a presidential historian who served as founding director of the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum in Yorba Linda, California. “He wants to control what Americans ultimately find out about the truth of his administration, and that’s dangerous.”

Trump long refused to release his tax returns despite every other major White House candidate and president having done so since Jimmy Carter And, today, White House stenographers still record every word Trump utters, but many of their transcriptions are languishing in the White House press office without authorization for release — meaning no official record of what the president says for weeks, if at all.

“You want to have a record because that’s how you ensure accountability,” said Lindsay Chervinsky executive director of the George Washington Presidential Library in Mount Vernon, Virginia

Presidential Records Act

The Presidential Records Act of 1978 mandates the preservation, forever, of White House and vice presidential documents and communications. It deems them the property of the U.S. government and directs the National Archives and Records Administration to administer them after a president’s term.

After his first term, rather than turn classified documents over the National Archives, Trump hauled boxes of potentially sensitive documents to his Florida estate, Mar-a-Lago, where they ended piled in his bedroom, a ballroom and even a bathroom and shower The FBI raided the property to

recover them. The case was later scrapped.

Trudy Huskamp Peterson, who served as acting archivist of the United States from 1993 to 1995, said keeping such records for the public is important because “decision-making always involves conflicting views, and it’s really important to get that internal documentation to see what the arguments were.”

Clashes predate Trump

President George H.W Bush’s administration destroyed some informal notes, visitor logs and emails. After President Bill Clinton left office, his former national security adviser, Sandy Berger, pleaded guilty to taking copies of a document about terrorist threats from the National Archives.

President George W. Bush’s administration disabled automatic archiving for some official emails, encouraged some staffers to use private email accounts outside their work addresses and lost 22 million emails that were supposed to have been archived, though they were eventually uncovered in 2009.

Congress updated the Presidential Records Act in 2014 to encompass electronic messaging — including commercial email services known to be used by government employees to conduct official business. But back then, use of autodelete apps like Signal was far less common.

“It’s far easier to copy — or forward a commercial email to a dot-gov address to be preserved, than it is to screenshot a series of messages on an app like Signal,” said Jason R. Baron, a professor at the University of Maryland and former director of litigation at the Nation-

al Archives.

Relying on ’honor system’

There were efforts during the first Trump administration to safeguard transparency including a memo issued through the Office of White House counsel Don McGahn in February 2017 that reminded White House personnel of the necessity to preserve and maintain presidential records.

The White House now points to having recently ordered the declassification of bevies of historical files, including records related to the assassinations of Kennedy, his brother Robert and Martin Luther King Jr

The Trump administration says it also ended a Biden policy that allowed staffers to use Microsoft Teams, where chats weren’t captured by White House systems. The Biden administration had over 800 users on Teams, meaning an unknown number of presidential records might have been lost, the Trump administration now says.

But the White House did not answer questions about the possibly of drafting a new memo on record retention like McGahn’s from 2017.

Chervinsky, author of “The Cabinet: George Washington and the Creation of an American Institution, said Congress, the courts and even the public often don’t have the bandwidth to ensure records retention laws are enforced, meaning, “A lot of it is still, I think, an honor system.”

“There aren’t that many people who are practicing oversight,” she said. “So, a lot of it does require people acting in good faith and using the operating systems that they’re supposed to use, and using the filing systems they’re supposed to use.”

Angered by the role the National Archives played in his documents case, meanwhile, Trump fired the ostensibly independent agency’s head, Archivist of the United States Colleen Shogan, and named Secretary of State Marco Rubio as her acting replacement. Peterson, the former acting national archivist said she still believes key information about the Trump administration will eventually emerge, but “I don’t know how soon.”

“Ultimately things come out,” she said. “That’s just the way the world works.”

FILE PHOTO PROVIDED By THE JUSTICE DEPARTMENT

This image, contained in the indictment against former President Donald Trump, shows boxes of records stored in a bathroom and shower in the Lake Room at Trump’s Mar-aLago estate in Palm Beach, Fla.

ASSOCIATED PRESS FILE PHOTO By ALEX BRANDON

President Donald Trump holds a document with notes about Kilmar Abrego Garcia as he speaks with reporters on April 18 in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington.

Man who quit job, set sail with cat arrives in Hawaii

By The Associated Press

HONOLULU An Oregon man who quit his job at a tire company and liquidated his retirement savings to set sail for Hawaii with his cat, Phoenix, reached his destination Saturday, welcomed by cheering fans at the end of a weekslong journey that he documented for his mass of followers on social media

Oliver Widger who also was greeted by Hawaii Gov Josh Green at the Waikiki Yacht Club on Oahu, acknowledged he was nervous facing the crowd, which included reporters. Widger said he was feeling “really weird” — not seasick, but, “I just feel like I have to, like, hold on to things to not fall over.”

He became an online sensation with his story which followed a diagnosis four years ago with a syndrome that carried a risk of paralysis and made him realize he disliked his managerial job. He quit his job with “no money, no plan” and $10,000 of debt — and the goal of buying a sailboat and sailing around the world.

He taught himself to sail mostly via YouTube and moved from Portland to the Oregon coast. He spent

months refitting the $50,000 boat he bought. He set sail for Hawaii with Phoenix in late April, documenting their experiences for his more than 1 million followers on TikTok and 1.7 million followers on Instagram. He said he thinks his story, which made national news, resonated with people. “I think a lot of people are, you know, you’re grinding at your job all day long and it doesn’t really matter how much money you make at this point, everybody’s just trying to do enough to get by and that just wears you out,” he said. “It’s just the world’s in a weird place, and I think

people have seen that it’s possible to break out.”

Green presented Widger with a proclamation. Fans swarmed Widger after the news conference, many holding cameras and seeking selfies.

The scariest point of the trip came when a rudder failed, Widger said. Highlights included seeing dolphins and whales and periods of calm Pacific waters. “Being in the middle of the ocean when it was completely glass in every direction was an absurd feeling,” he said.

Widger, 29, said he never truly felt alone, since he was communicating with friends

Officials: 10 hurt in blast at Fla. strip mall

Rescue spokesperson.

Miami Herald (TNS)

MIAMI A propane gas explosion in a Florida City bakery on Saturday morning injured 10 and damaged multiple businesses, according to Miami-Dade Fire Rescue and witnesses who spoke to the Miami Herald. The blast, which erupted about 8:50 a.m. in a strip mall sparked a fire and sent people running as more than two-dozen rescue units sped to the scene. Eight people were taken to the hospital by Miami-Dade Fire Rescue. Two others took off for the hospital before rescue crews arrived. Two of the 10 victims were classified as trauma alerts and airlifted to a nearby trauma center The explosion caused a partial roof collapse. More than 27 rescue units responded, including canine teams dispatched to search for victims.

Florida City police officer J. Cadet was handling an emergency call a few blocks away when he heard the explosion — he thought it was a serious traffic accident. When he rushed over, he saw the flames and jumped into action, helping people running from the plaza.

“Local businesses were not open at the time, but we did have to call unsafe structures to ensure that the structure of the building was safe,” said Erika Benitez, a Miami-Dade Fire

Neftali Coronado, owner of Taqueria Cinco Hermanos in the strip mall, told the Herald that Palm Bakery, the shop where the explosion occurred, was supposed to be having its opening day, with doors opening at noon.

Hello,Baton Rouge!

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By MICHELLE BIR

Oliver Widger, a 29-year-old Oregon man who sailed from Oregon to Hawaii, arrives Saturday at the Waikiki yacht Club in Waikiki, Hawaii.

THE GULF COAST

St. James Cheese Company expands to Pass Christian

N.O. store to open location at Mississippi resort

BY POET WOLFE

Staff writer

Long before their vision of a sprawling waterfront resort took form, two brothers-turned-business partners were certain that a tranquil, yet fast-growing Mississippi beach town would be its home.

Old Metairie natives who moved to the Coast when they were children, Jourdan and Fields Nicaud have built their own empire of restaurants and vacation rentals across south Mississippi in the last decade. But Pass Bungalows — a contemporary-style resort that soft launched its first 21 hotel rooms, swimming pool and tiki bar, and a clothing shop on May 1 — is their biggest venture yet

In early July, all 36 hotel rooms will be open, including two local restaurants within the development: Field’s Italian and Mable’s Ice Cream and Coffee Shop A New Orleans restaurant and gourmet cheese store, St. James Cheese Company, will also debut its first out-of-state location at Pass Bungalows. Around the same time, the brothers will open Nine Toes Brewery, featuring golf simulators and an arcade, next to the resort.

Jourdan added that they are working on a separate development named St. Paul Center a block away from the resort. There will be 36

lots available for people to purchase and build homes on, as well as a centralized pool, curated walking paths and gardens in the community

St. Paul Center will launch in March 2026 as an addition to the Nicauds evolving commercial hub on W. Scenic Drive.

In September, Cat Island Coffee a local establishment in Pass Christian and Gulfport — will also open two new spots in Nicaud developments across the Coast: brunch-style restaurants in what is now Bacchus Bar in Pass Christian and next to the Field’s Italian location in downtown Ocean Springs.

Why Pass Christian?

The business partners’ row of developments in Pass Christian is a reflection of how drastically the beachtown’s population, tourism industry and development scene have grown since the area was ravaged by Hurricane Katrina nearly 20 years ago.

New data released by U.S. Census Bureau shows that Pass Christian is one of the fastest-growing cities along the Gulf Coast, with its population increasing by 13% within the last four years.

A year after Katrina, just under 5,000 residents still lived in Pass Christian The population continued to decline until 2010, plummeting to 4,600, according to census data.

Now, with nearly 6,500 residents and new businesses lining the city’s coastal stretch, Pass Christian is slowly returning to what it was once

A

location at Pass Bungalows, a new waterfront resort in Pass Christian, Miss.

like before the storm.

The city’s success is one reason why the brothers chose it to be the location for their resort, Jourdan said Thursday afternoon. He also noted how the area is a longtime seaside retreat for New Orleanians — including for his own family who would vacation in Pass Christian every year until permanently moving there.

Gulf Coast’s ‘renaissance’

Rich Sutton, who opened St. James Cheese Company in Uptown New Orleans with his wife shortly after Katrina, chose to open up shop in Pass Christian because he also feels the Coast has been going through a “renaissance” within the last few years.

“I think you can feel it when you’re there,” Sutton said, “And the energy and the vibe People are excited about being there.”

The restaurant will be similar to its locations in the Warehouse District and Uptown neighborhood, in terms of its cozy, artisan aesthetic and cheese-centric menu.

Though Sutton added that they plan to expand the menu beyond traditional lunch fare

PROVIDED PHOTO

At St. James Cheese Company’s classes, attendees can expect to get a delicious, curated sampling of cheeses paired with wine, beer or even chocolates.

with some breakfast plates and offer fresh items other than craft cheese.

“We have a vision for it,” Sutton said, “That’s been tailored to what we think folks in that community, Pass Christian, Bay St. Louis and the neighboring communities there would be excited about.”

Email Poet Wolfe at poet. wolfe@theadvocate.com.

BY MARTHA SANCHEZ Sun Herald

Bay St. Louis and Pass Christian have grown faster than any other cities across the Mississippi Coast in the last four years, according to new population estimates by the U.S. Census Bureau.

The census data, released Thursday, suggests South Mississippi is defying troubling trends in other parts of the state. The population of most cities in the six southernmost counties is either rising or staying the same, even as other communities across Mississippi are shrinking.

Bay St. Louis and Pass Christian’s populations have each grown since 2020 by about 13%, which is among the highest rates in the state.

More than 1,000 newcomers in that period have raised the population in Bay St. Louis above 10,000. Pass Christian’s population is nearing 6,500 and has grown by more than 700 people in the last four years. Slower growth is also happening in Long Beach, D’Iberville and Ocean Springs. And Gulfport, the state’s second largest city, has gained about 1,700 people.

But growth is not happening everywhere.

Biloxi, Diamondhead, Waveland, Moss Point and Pascagoula all shrunk slightly over the last four years.

Trends since 2020 show dozens of towns and cities across the state getting smaller, too. Jackson lost more than 12,000 people in that period The population in the Delta cities of Greenville and Cleveland each dropped by about 9%.

Biloxi’s population fell but fared better than elsewhere in the state: It has declined by about 1,300, or 2.6%, since 2020. Annual growth rates are more modest.

But other cities in the South are booming: Census data shows cities across the region grew, on average, faster than in any other part of the country last year Last year alone, Pass Christian, Gulfport and Diamondhead were the fastest-growing on the Coast. Pass Christian’s growth rate of 2.6% in 2024 was more than double the national average for cities of its size. Gulfport also grew by roughly 2% last year. Diamondhead grew by 1.5% in 2024, but still had fewer people than it did in 2020. The data may not reflect

The influx is forcing officials to expand roads and fueling urgent debates about how to balance quaint neighborhoods with new development. It is also driven in part by people moving to South Mississippi from Louisiana and across the country

PHOTO PROVIDED By HARRELL A.D.C. COMPANy

New Orleans restaurant and gourmet cheese store, St. James Cheese Company, will soon debut its first out-of-state

LOUISIANAPOLITICS

La.lawmakers at center of sprint to pass Trump’sbill

WASHINGTON— U.S.Rep.

Troy Carter,D-New Orleans arrived at 2:30 a.m. Wednesday to procure aseat. If Carter left, he’d lose his place in the small hearing room. Instead, he sipped tea andnibbled on banana nut bread while waiting10 hours togive afive-minute speech opposing the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.

The House had adjourned Tuesday evening after afull day of work. Afew hours later at 1a.m. Wednesday the House Rules Committee convened to consider 537 amendments.

Mark Ballard

After advancing the bill Wednesday evening, the full House debated overnight the procedures to consider and then the merits of the bill. The House approved the bill by asingle vote a few minutes before 7a.m. Thursday,then adjourned after working 30 hours straight.

House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-Benton, and Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-Jefferson, spent their time nailing down the final votes needed to pass the legislation. The rest of Louisiana’ssix-member House delegation were involved in their own ways during the marathon session that led to passage in the House of the most consequential legislation since Donald Trump became president in January.

The storybehind late night in the La. Senate

Carter, 61, wantedtopresent hisamendments and his outrageatthe bill’sspending reductions to Medicaid andfood stampstocover the increasedcosts ofcontinuing Trump’s2017tax cut,new tax breaks fortip and overtime earnings, additionalspending onborder controland fulfilling other campaign promises CleoFields, DBaton Rouge,also waitedhoursfor a chance to present an amendmentthathad no chanceofbeing added by the GOP majority.Hesaid theparade of dozens of Democrats to the Rules Committee was notorchestrated by the minority’sleadership but seemed to grow organically as the night woreon.

“The Republicans wanted to do it easy,inthe deadof night, when they thought America was notwatching so that onlything people would know about it is what Republicanssaid.We weren’t going to letthathappen,” he said afterthe bill passedthe HouseThursday morning by one vote Fields, 62, said he had beenuptwo straightdays, fueled by coffee, but could take anap on hisflight home Democrats didn’thave the numbers to stopthe 1,116page bill. But theycould and did—delay its passage. House leadership didn’t

after alengthy debate.

spend any time trying to persuade Democrats.

Johnson and Scalise focused on turning recalcitrant Republicans from no to yes because if threeGOP membersjoined Democrats, Trump’sbill would’ve failed. One of those holdoutswas Rep. ClayHiggins, R-Lafayette.Hewrote on social media thatthe U.S. was facing financial insolvency because of deficit spending. The bill would add $3.8 trillion of debt over 10 years to thenation’s$36 trillion deficit, if passed as-is by theSenate.

Trump visited theCapitolonTuesday and met Wednesday at the White House witha handful of members, including Higgins. Trump said the time for negotiations were over and thatthey should accept the deals or face the consequences.

“It was aproductive meeting to the extent that we feel pretty positive about the direction thatwe’removing in,” Higgins said. He voted in favor of the bill.

Rep. Julia Letlow’svote was never in doubt. The

The state Senate remained in sessionuntil almost 10:30 p.m. Wednesday at the insistence of Senate President Cameron Henry,who said immediately afterward that he wanted his chamber to finish its work on contentious car insurance bills.

The Senate needs to begin focusing on the annual budget debate next week, Henry,R-Metairie, added.

The Senate passed six car insurance bills, with Democrats and Republicans alike expressing unhappiness at being asked to approve legislation with eleventh-hour amendments.

CAPITOL BUZZ

staff reports

Sen. Jay Luneau was especially vocal in protesting the proposed rewrite of Senate Bill 231, ameasure sought by insurance industry lobbyiststhat would reduce payouts for medical claims.

“If nothing else, the Senate has been afair place to serve,” Luneau, D-Alexandria, told his colleagues. “Wedoa little bit of gamesmanship,but not something like this. This is too important for the people Irepresent in my practice for us to gloss over it and for us to take it up and do this ambush-type work.” Republicans used their majority to overrideLuneau’sobjection, taking up the bill and passing it

Later,itwas Republicans who expressed unhappiness at alate amendment for House Bill 148, ameasure pushed by Gov.Jeff Landry to give the insurance commissioner greater authority to reject proposed rate increases. The amendment would require insurance companies to maketheir rate filing requestspublic. They say thatcould force them to expose trade secrets, which would discourage themfrom doing business in Louisiana. Democrats and Republicans voted in favor of HB148, while Republicans supplied all the no votes. Henry voted for the measure, which was handled by Sen. Kirk Talbot, R-River Ridge, normally an insurance industry advocate.

“The insurance industry is never happy,” Henry saidafterward. “They don’twant anyone to do anything to them that would require theminany way,shape or form todoanything other than exactly what they are doing now Exactlywhat they are doing now is rates keep going up, theirprofitskeep going up and everybody is getting less coverage. What Talbottried to do is balance that playing field alittlebit.It’ssomething the governor wanted.”

Twoofthe car insurance bills passed by the Senateon Wednesday go to Landryfor

his signature, while the House is planning to takeupand pass theother three on Tuesday,said House Speaker Phillip DeVillier, R-Eunice.

Trump picks Louisiana lawyer for CIA job

New Orleanslawyer Peter M. Thomson was nominated by President Donald Trumpasinspector general of the Central Intelligence Agency,according to his law firm, Stone Pigman Walther WittmannLLC.

Thomson chairs thefirm’s white-collar criminal defense practice and co-chairs the firm’s information security practice. He concentrates on criminal defense, government investigations and internal investigations.

Beforejoining Stone Pigman, Thomson was an assistant United States attorney withthe U.S. DepartmentofJustice for 23 years. He also served on special assignmentatthe National Security Agency

“I am grateful for the opportunitytoreturn to government service and look forward toadvancing the mission of the CIA with integrity and professionalism,” Thomson said.

ANew Orleansnative, Thomson graduated from Tulane University.

The CIA inspector general oversees audits, inspections and investigations to prevent and detect fraud, waste and misconduct within the intelligence agency and ensures that operations com-

Start Republican spent the sprint attending her committeemeetings and being on call to cast her votes as needed.

Johnson and Scalise had spent months negotiating with conservatives who wanteddeeper cuts to Medicaid and the not-asconservative faction that didn’t. Then there were Republicans from richer blue states who wantedmore of afederal tax break for local and state taxes paid.

“There (were) afew moments over the last week

ply withthe law

His nomination must be confirmed by the U.S. Senate. He was nominated by Trumpto be inspector general of the CIA in 2020, but his nomination was returned after Trumplost the presidency to Joe Biden.

Kennedy

pushonbank mergerssucceeds

The U.S. House gave final approval to aresolution of disapproval of Biden-era bank merger rules sponsored by Louisiana U.S. Sen. John Kennedy

The legislation, which effectively ends the rule, now heads to theWhite House forPresident Donald Trump’ssignature.

“When the Biden administration decided to tinker with bank merger rules for no good reason, they threw agut punch to small communitybanks just trying to offer their customers agood service,” Kennedy,R-Madisonville, said in astatement.

ABC’s“This Week”: Preempted by coverage of the Monaco Grand Prix

NBC’s“Meet the Press”: Dr.Vivek Murthy, aformer U.S. surgeon general; former Rep. Patrick Kennedy,D-R.I

CNN’s“State of the Union”: House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-Benton; Sens. Michael Bennet, D-

whenitlooked like the thing might fall apart,” Johnson said Thursday.Inbetween meetings with the competing groups, Johnson said he visited the Capitol chapel to pray

This being Johnson’s greatest victory during his 19 months as speaker,national media focused on him. Their articles marveled at Johnson’swillingness to sit for long hours to sort through an adversary’sposition —atrait he has held since aLSU student dipping his toe into conservative politics for the first time. Scalise, an old hand at congressional votes, told an Americans for Prosperity gathering Tuesday he reminded the last holdouts that no votes aligned them against Trump and his bill to energize the economy.

“Most Americans just want to know,how is my life going to be better or worse,” said Scalise. “With this bill, your life will be dramatically better because you’re going to have more money in your pocket, your small business that you’re working for,orlarge business, is going to now invest more money into the economy to allow you to get ahigher paying job.” The One Big Beautiful Bill Act is now before the U.S. Senate.

EmailMark Ballard at mballard@theadvocate. com.

The rule, which wentinto effect on Jan. 1, 2025, amended the Bank Merger Act of 1960 to require the Office of Comptroller of the Currency take agreater role in deciding if abank merger would harm business.

Kennedy argued that the new rule added unnecessary red tape and madeitharder forbanks, particularly community banks, to make“smart, strategic mergers.” Democrats countered that, before the rule change, merger applications were rubber-stamped, resulting in less competition and morecommunities without abank branch.

The Republican majority approved the resolution on May 8. The House passed it Tuesday on a 220-207 vote with five Democrats and one Republican not voting. Only one Democrat voted yes: Rep. Henry Cueller,ofTexas. Both Democrats in Louisiana’s six-member House delegation voted against the measure, while all four Republicans approved.

“Fox News Sunday”: Mike Johnson; Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky. The Associated Press SUNDAY NEWS SHOWS

Colo., and Ron Johnson, R-Wis. CBS’ “Face the Nation”: Mike Johnson; Reps. JimHimes, D-Conn. Zach Nunn,R-Iowa,and Don Davis, D-N.C.; Cindy McCain, executive director of the World Food Program.

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By JULIA DEMAREE NIKHINSON

PresidentDonald Trump, left, and House Speaker MikeJohnson, R-Benton, speak to reporters Tuesdayafter departing aHouse Republican conferencemeeting at the U.S. Capitol in Washington.

Trump’s sanction puts Harvard’s allure at risk

BY COLLIN BINKLEY and MICHAEL CASEY Associated Press

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. For students around the world, an acceptance letter to Harvard University has represented the pinnacle of achievement, offering a spot among the elite at a campus that produces Nobel Prize winners, captains of industry and global leaders.

That allure is now in jeopardy In its intensifying fight with the White House, Harvard was dealt its heaviest blow yet on Thursday, when the government blocked the Ivy League school from enrolling foreign students. The move threatens to undermine Harvard’s stature, revenue and appeal among top scholars globally.

Even more than the government’s $2.6 billion in research cuts, the administration’s action represents an existential threat for Harvard. The school summed it up in a lawsuit seeking to block the action: “Without its international students, Harvard is not Harvard.”

Within hours of the decision, the consequences started becoming clear Belgium’s Princess Elisabeth, who just finished her first year in a Harvard graduate program, is waiting to find out if she can return next year, the palace said. The Chinese government publicly questioned whether Harvard’s international standing will endure.

“The relevant actions by the U.S. side will only damage its own image and international credibility,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said at a briefing in Beijing.

A federal judge on Friday blocked the administration’s decision as the lawsuit plays out, but the order is only temporary

On the Harvard campus, international students said they were stunned, confused and deeply concerned about what the government’s action means for their degrees, future plans and legal status in the United States.

Walid Akef, a Harvard graduate student in art history from Egypt, said the Trump administration action would cost him “20 years of my life.”

“Coming to Harvard — I’m not exaggerating — I planned for it for 15 years,” Akef said. He earned two master’s degrees and learned multiple languages before arriving at the university He also worries what the changes will mean for his family, since his wife is pregnant and will soon be unable to travel.

“This is absolutely disastrous. I’m going to lose not just stability, but I also lose my dreams and then lose, I don’t know, my beautiful life.”

Akef is cautiously optimistic that Harvard “will take care of this,” but he is also considering other options as U.S. policy becomes increasingly inhospitable to foreign students.

A graduating law stu-

dent from Asia said he had planned to stay in the United States and find work, “but not anymore.”

“I don’t know what I’ll do, but my future doesn’t appear to be here,” said the student, who spoke on condition of anonymity out of fear of retaliation

With a $53 billion endowment, Harvard can weather federal funding losses that would cripple other institutions. But this new sanction strikes at the heart of its campus.

Already, the change is causing disarray, as thousands of students consider whether to transfer or risk being in the country illegally It could wipe out a quarter of the university’s student body while halving some of its graduate schools and threatening students who work as researchers and teaching assistants

Some sports teams would be left nearly empty

For many, it has been a time of panicked calls home and huddles with fellow international students. For Kat, a data science student from China, the news comes as she prepares to graduate. Foreigners set to receive degrees from Harvard next week can still do so.

“My biggest fear is whether I would get deported immediately” after graduation, Kat said. She spoke on the condition that she be identified only by her first name out of concern about retaliation. “We’re not sure about our status.”

If the government’s action stands, Harvard would be banned from admitting new international students for at least two school years. Even if it regains its place as a global magnet, top students may shy away for fear of future government reprisals, the school said in its lawsuit.

The university enrolls almost 6,800 foreign students at its campus in Cambridge, Massachusetts, near Boston. Roughly 30% of those come from India and China.

Asked if he was considering restrictions on other universities, President Donald Trump said Friday: “We’re taking a look at a lot of things.”

“Harvard’s going to have to change its ways. So are some others,” the president told reporters in the Oval Office. “We don’t want trou-

blemakers here” from other countries.

In its court filing, Harvard listed some of its most notable alumni who enrolled as foreign students. The list includes Benazir Bhutto, the former prime minister of Pakistan; Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, the former president of Liberia; Empress Masako of Japan; and many leaders of major corporations.

Many of the world’s top students spend years preparing for their college applications, sometimes working with admissions consultants such as Crimson Education a company named after Harvard’s school color Crimson clients recently admitted to Harvard were shocked by the government’s action, said Jamie Beaton, a Harvard alumnus from New Zealand who founded the company But rather than looking for other options, many students quickly shifted to finding a way forward with Harvard, he said.

Still, some current students and those bound for the university in the fall were weighing other opportunities. Two universities in Hong Kong on Friday extended invitations to affected students

“It feels like my world has exploded,” said Fang, a Chinese student who was accepted to Harvard for a master’s program. She also spoke on the condition that only her first name be used out of fear that she could be targeted.

Her student visa was approved just last week. “If America becomes a country that doesn’t welcome me, I don’t want to go there.”

The recent developments forced Aleksandra Conevska, a Canadian graduate student researching climate change, to cancel her summer research and briefly look for jobs in Canada. But her thinking has since shifted, and she says she plans to remain at Harvard.

“I’ve already invested in this country, and I’m not going to give in,” she said.

The U.S. government’s action against Harvard has dominated news in countries around the world, said Mike Henniger, president and CEO of Illume Student Advisory Services, which helps colleges in the U.S., Canada and Europe recruit

international students. He is traveling in Japan and awoke to the news Friday with dozens of emails from colleagues.

The reactions from the international community, he said, were incredulous: “‘Unbelievable!’ ‘Oh My God!’ ‘Unreal!’” For incoming freshmen who just got accepted to Harvard and already committed — the timing

could not be worse, but they are such strong students that any top university would want to offer them a spot, he said.

“The bigger story is the students around the country that aren’t a Harvard student, the students that scraped by to get into a state university and are thinking: ‘Are we next?’” he said. “The Harvard kids are going to be OK. It’s more about the dam-

age to the American education brand. The view of the U.S. being a less welcoming place for international students.”

Associated Press writers Annie Ma and Fu Ting in Washington, Jocelyn Gecker in San Francisco and Bianca Vázquez Toness in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and researcher Shihuan

in Beijing, also contributed to this report.

kbeventrentals.com

kbeventrentals.com

St.Johnthe BaptistParish UnveilsComprehensive Drainage Master Plan

Most detailed drainage planning effortin decadesprioritizes long-termfloodprotection andinfrastructureimprovements

Submittedarticle

This articleisbrought to youbySt. John theBaptist Parish

St.Johnthe BaptistParish hasunveileditsnewDrainage MasterPlan,amajormilestone in theParish’songoing efforts toaddresswidespreaddrainage challenges andreduceflood risks. This plan is designed to protecthomesandbusinesses acrossSt. John Parish from worseningfloodthreats SpearheadedbyParish PresidentJaclynHotard, theplantakes adata-driven community-focusedapproach toinfrastructureimprovement Thisplanevaluatesparishwide drainageinfrastructure,from culverts to canals,identifying gaps andoutlining solutions.Italsocomplementskeyongoingefforts, such as canalexcavations throughthe Natural Resources Conservation Service(NRCS)and the cleaningofculvertsalong AirlineHighway from parish line to parish line

Developedusingadvancedhydraulicandhydrologicmodeling,theplanoutlinesactionableprojects to improvedrainageefficiencywhile avoiding negative impactsonneighboring areas. Several priorityprojectsarealreadyunderway,withmore scheduledfor implementation “We’reworkinghandinhandwithresidentsina clearand transparentway,” said Parish President Jaclyn Hotard.“This isn’t just astudy—it’sa plan backed by realprojects, real solutions, andreal action.Itrepresentsour long-termcommitment to protecting homes, businesses,and families in everycornerofSt. John Parish.”

Akey featureofthe plan is itsidentificationof localfloodrisksanditsrecommendationoftargeted improvements to reduce or eliminatethose risks. Public inputremains an importantpartofthe

processasthe plan evolves. Membersofthe Parish Councilvoicedstrongsupport forthe initiative.

“Thisplangivesusaclear roadmap—notonlytofix currentdrainageproblems, but to preventfutureones, saidCouncilmemberMichael Wright.“It’sthekindoflongterm,parishwideplanning ourresidents have askedfor anddeserve.”

“Thisplanprovidessmart workablesolutionsandaclear path forward,” said CouncilmemberLennixMadere. “It’saninvestmentthatstrengthens thefuture of ourparish. Regional agencies also praisedthe Parish’s forward-thinking leadership “The Drainage Master Plan developedbySt. John theBaptist Parish is avital complementto transformative projects like theRiver Reintroductionintothe Maurepas Swampand theWest ShoreLakePontchartrain hurricaneprotection system,” said Brad Miller,Project Managerwith theCoastalProtectionandRestorationAuthority (CPRA).“Together,theseeffortsaredeliveringreal, lastingsolutionstoreducefloodrisk,restorenatural ecosystems,andstrengthencommunityresilience CPRAapplaudstheParishforitsforward-thinking, science-based approach that aligns seamlessly with ourregionalrestoration goals.” This plan represents themostcomprehensive drainagestrategydevelopedinSt.JohntheBaptist Parishindecadesandwillserveasaguidingresource for future floodprotectionand infrastructure planning. Residents canfollowproject updatesas implementation movesforward at sjbparish.gov.

Chen

ASSOCIATED PRESS FILE PHOTO By CHARLES KRUPA

A sculler rows down the Charles River on April 15 near Harvard University, at rear, in Cambridge, Mass.

BY PATRICK WALL Staff writer

For years, John White was the face of Louisiana education policy

He served as Louisiana’ssuperintendent of education for eight years —one of the longest tenures of any state K-12 education leader in the country —beforestepping down in 2020. During thattime he earned anational reputation as ahard-charging, often divisive reformer who pushed forhigher standards, stricter accountability and expanded options, including charter schools and private school vouchers.

His positions often put him at odds with the state teachers unions and, at different times, Republican Gov.Bobby Jindal and Democrat Gov.John Bel Edwards

Yetascontroversial as his policies could be, White could point to real progress: improving test scores, rising graduation rates and more students enrolling in college or earning industry credentials

White’ssuccessor,state Superintendent Cade Brumley,has maintained some of the same priorities, such as giving students access to high-quality early education, holding schools accountablefor results and preparing students for careers. But he also has made some notable changes, including ending apolicy started under White that required high schoolers to apply for college financial aid or request to opt out.

White, who still lives and works in New Orleans, is now CEO of Great Minds,acompany that creates curriculum used in schools nationwide.

We recently spoke with White about the latest education news in Louisiana —including students’ big gains on the National Assessment of Educational Progress, or NAEP,test —and nationally,as President Donald Trump seeksto eliminate the U.S. Department of

Education. The interview has been condensedand edited for clarity.

What led you to work at acurriculum companyafter serving as stateeducation chief?

Louisiana really pioneered the idea thatthe state should play a role in reviewing the curriculum andensuring the highest of standards—not justinwhat thecurriculumis, but in how it’s implemented

Thatbecamea real life calling for me,and so it was anatural thing for me to go work at Great Minds, which makes Eureka Math andother curriculumproducts. Our goal is reallytoensure that everychild in America has acurriculumthateducatesthem on a very deep level. By the way, Eureka Mathwas originally writtenatLSU. We work in hundreds of schools in Louisiana. It’sa nice thing to be able to go down the streetand see our curriculumatwork in classrooms.

What factors do you think contributed to Louisiana’srecent academic gains?

Though this year was particularly remarkable, over timeLouisiana hasbeen improving steadily Thereare ahandful of other places thatcan saythe same thing —for example, Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee, Florida, Texas and Washington, D.C.

What do those six jurisdictions have in common? One is the idea thatthe state should playavigorous role in along-termstrategy for improvement.That sounds so obvious,but the truth of it is there aremany statesacrossthe country wherethe state is more of just abureaucratic vessel, an administrator Second, accountabilityfor results among all adults —and even among kids and families —has been acornerstone of the plans for all of those places. They all have held fast to theidea of accountabilityfor resultsatatime when many,many statesare shedding thatperspective.

Do you think anypolicies from your tenure

as superintendent arebearing fruit now?

We did fivethings that Ithink arerelevant today

First, we established aplan to grow early childhood education and to ensure quality.Second, we instituted ahigh-quality curriculum and the supports to train teachersatagreat scale. Third, we incorporated that support into the collegesofeducation where teachersare now trained with a full-year residency model like a nurse or adoctor in Louisiana.

Fourth, we providedmultiple paths to increased university admissions, and we also promoted career paths. Fifth, we ensured aggressive intervention at struggling schools. The Recovery School Districthas been akind of force for recognizing that you cannot persistently fail young people in this state and continue to earn the privilege of educating them

What are your thoughtsonthe state ending the policy you championed to gethigh schoolers to applyfor college financial aid?

I’m worried about the kid who needs that plumbing program at BatonRouge Community College, thatnursing program at Delgado, thatwelding credential at South Louisiana Community College. Kids who didn’tget TOPS (statefunded scholarships) and who really do need financial aid. How could anybody be against that? Ifind it confusing. Especially when it was getting results, putting moneyinkids’ pocketbooks so theycould getthat plumbing or welding credential.

Iwould like to see someone explain how we are going to ensure thatthat young person still gets all the information they need. There’s an opportunity for low-income youthtohave that workforce credential paid for,but they’ve got to be aware of it in order to pursue it.

Oneargument for the Trumpadministration’sefforttodismantle the U.S. Education Department is that it mainly creates bureaucratic red tape.As state education chief,

did you feel likethe federal agencywas a hindrance?

You’ll get no argument from me (against the idea) that the Department of Education bureaucracy in Washington needs arestructuring. In some cases, it needs to take a step back.

At the same time, the federal government does play arole that is important —most notably,to hold the states to minimum standards of excellence or to require that states create those standards of excellence.

What does it mean to have a great school in Louisiana? How many kids should be reading on grade level? Who’smeasuring that? Those are questions that Congress has for years required states have an answer to, and I think on balance that’sbeen agood thing.

Looking ahead, if you couldchoose one policy to keep Louisiana education moving forward, what woulditbe?

This is not anew argument, but in truth any state that can outcompete other states for teacher talent will improve. Right now, the economics of paying teachers acompetitive wage is not working. Our profession is simply not keeping up with other white-collar professions.

Icredit the governor and the Legislature for trying to give incremental raises to teachers every year.But in aworld of 3or4% inflation, you’re just keeping your head above water —it’snot really turning the tide.

Changing the economics of the profession will take ageneration. Changing the model in away that makes it such that (a teacher) who is adding value to the lives of children can have afamily,own a home and be prosperous. Idon’t think that this state or any other has really solved that puzzle. EmailPatrick Wall at patrick. wall@theadvocate.com.

Dave Shapiro, groundbreaking music executive, dies

Man killed in San Diego plane crash

BY JAIMIE DING and MARYCLAIRE DALE Associated Press

Dave Shapiro, a groundbreaking music executive in the heavy metal and hard rock scene, has died in a San Diego plane crash. He was 42.

Shapiro had a pilot’s license and was listed as the owner of the plane that crashed, according to the Federal Aviation Administration.

The music agency Sound Talent Group confirmed Shapiro died in the Thursday morning crash along with two employees.

“We are devastated by the loss of our co-founder, colleagues and friends,” the agency said in a statement.

Shapiro cofounded Sound Talent Group in 2018 with Tim Borror and Matt Andersen. The agency’s roster focuses on alternative bands across pop-punk, metalcore, post-hardcore and other popular hard rock subgenres.

Clients have included Hanson, Pierce The Veil, Parkway Drive, Sum 41 and Vanessa Carlton.

Shapiro was a strong advocate for independent musicians and a co-founder of the National Independent Talent Organization. He was included in Billboard’s 2012 “30 Under 30” list recognizing rising stars in entertainment. Industry veterans say Shapiro paved the way for the formation of other independent agencies and helped many alternative bands find audiences in the mainstream.

“Finding something you

love to do is only going to make you do a better job because you actually care. You’re not just showing up for the paycheck, it’s not a 9-to-5,” he said in a music industry podcast in 2021 “This is part of living your life if you really love it.”

Shapiro grew up in upstate New York in the “straightedge hard-core” scene, a subculture that promotes not using drugs and alcohol in reaction to mainstream punk. In high school, he started a band with his friends, Count the Stars and got signed with Victory Records right when they graduated. They toured for a few years, during which he made connections in the music industry that would help his foray into the business side

Thomas Gutches manager for the bands Beartooth and Archetypes Collide, said Shapiro’s success was in part due to his exceptional kindness and willingness to lend a hand in a competitive industry that often produced big egos.

He had a tattoo that read, “We’re people first and we’re (blank) second,” Gutches said. Shapiro gave him opportunities when he was just a newcomer in the industry, fresh out of high school.

Shapiro said he became instantly hooked on aviation after taking his first intro flight at age 22. He seemed to love music and flying with equal passion, at one point opening an office of his talent agency at a hangar in San Diego.

Flying “helps me focus and helps me not be distracted by all the nonsense in the world, and whatever’s going on outside the plane kind of doesn’t matter in those moments,”

Shapiro said in a 2020 podcast interview

Shapiro owned a flight school called Velocity Aviation and a record label, Velocity Records.

He offered flights in both San Diego and Homer Alaska, where he and his wife, Julia Pawlik Shapiro, owned a home, according to his online posts.

Shapiro married his wife in 2016 in the small town of Talkeetna, Alaska. They picked up their wedding licenses got on a plane and flew to a glacier inside Denali National Park, landing with skis strapped to the plane’s wheels.

“When I met Dave, we became instantly bonded over the unconventional lifestyles we lead and our constant need for adventure,” she wrote in a blog post

Endangered whales gave birth to few babies this year as population declines

BY PATRICK WHITTLE Associated Press

SCARBOROUGH, Maine A vanishing species of whale gave birth to few babies this birthing season, raising alarms among scientists and conservationists who fear the animal could go extinct.

The whale is the North Atlantic right whale, which numbers only about 370 and has declined in population in recent years

The whales give birth to calves off the southeastern United States from mid-November to mid-April, and federal authorities have said they need to have at least 50 calves per season to start recovering

The whales didn’t come anywhere near that number this year The calving season produced only 11 mother-calf pairs, scientists with the New England Aquarium in Boston said.

The lack of baby whales underscores the need for protection of the whales, conservationists said Monday The whales are vulnerable to entanglement in marine fishing gear and collisions with large ships.

“They’re also reproducing more slowly than they used to,” said the International Fund for Animal Welfare in its calving season report card. “This is likely due to stress from entanglements, navigation among busy maritime traffic, increasing ocean noise, and the changing distribution of their food sources.”

The calving season did have some bright spots. Several females gave birth for the first time, and that gives hope for the future,

DWyER

ASSOCIATED PRESS FILE PHOTO By MICHAEL

A North Atlantic right whale, which numbers only about 370 and has declined, gave birth to few babies this birthing season, raising alarms among scientists and conservationists who fear the animal could go extinct

the aquarium said in a statement. The whale population only has about 70 reproductive females left.

“With past calf counts ranging from 39 to zero, we never know how any calving season will unfold. While the calf count is relatively low this year, I am encouraged by four new mothers being added to the reproductive pool,” said Philip Hamilton, senior scientist in the Aquarium’s Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean Life.

The whales can weigh up to 150,000 pounds and were heavily exploited during the era of commercial whaling. They’ve been protected for decades, but have been slow to recover

In 2019, he posted on Instagram that he had obtained his airline transport pilot rating, the highest level of certification issued by the U.S.

“Although I have a career and don’t plan to change that I always want to learn more and be a better pilot,’ he wrote. He was also an adrenaline junkie who enjoyed base-jumping.

Gutches, who was also a good friend of Shapiro’s, said they would often “nerd out” about aviation and went to aircraft conventions together

Musicians and others in the industry called him warm, genuine and someone who helped little-known bands

put their names on the map.

“He would listen to any band you put in front of him to give them a chance,” said Dayna Ghiraldi-Travers, founder of public relations agency Big Picture Media, who worked with Shapiro for over 15 years.

Pierce The Veil, a longtime successful alternative rock band, said they were the first band Shapiro booked. He recently began comanaging the band. On Tuesday, he had a full-circle moment with them — the band played for a sold-out audience at Madison Square Garden in New York.

“We even lived at Dave’s house between tours when

we needed a place to stay, not just because we were broke, but because we just loved being around each other,” the band wrote in a post on X.

Shapiro was flying back to San Diego after the concert with two employees, Kendall Fortner and Emma Huke, when the plane crashed.

Nate Blasdell, former lead guitarist for the band I Set My Friends on Fire, said he was “absolutely heartbroken.”

“Dave was the first booking agent I ever worked with and he was a major part of my music career in my late teen years,” he said in a post on X. “He was truly the best in the game and one of the most respected people in the industry.”

Sum 41 singer Deryck Whibley credits Shapiro to helping build the rock band back up during a “low point” in their career

“His opinion mattered so much to me,” Whibley said.

“He was that guy I would go to for advice on things.” During their last conversation, Shapiro had flown out in his new plane to see Sum 41’s induction into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame in March. He promised Whibley to be back.

“Me and my wife, we’re going to fly to you,” Whibley said Shapiro said to him.

“We’re going to pick you up and we’re going to go somewhere crazy for lunch.”

Associated Press writer

Maria Sherman contributed to this report.

Taking Controlof Hypertension: Tips From TheBaton RougeClinic

By Amanda McElfresh, amcelfresh@theadvocate.com

Hypertension,alsoknown as high blood pressure, is oneofthe most common chronic health conditions in Louisiana. As of 2022 about40percentofadultsinthestatehadbeen diagnosedwithhypertension, whichisabout 8percent higher than thenationalaverage Dr.JohnMarstonofTheBatonRougeClinic said hypertension occurs when theforce of theblood moving throughaperson’sarteries ishigherthanitshouldbe.Whenthishappens on aregular basis, it canleadtohealthproblems that affectmultipleorgans. Dr.Marston saidoneaspectofhypertensionthatmakesit particularlyconcerningisthatthevastmajority of patients have no symptoms,leading many doctorstorefer to it as the“silent killer.”

“Somepeoplewilloccasionallytalkabout headachesthatarenew,nosebleeds,andmore severesymptomslikechestpainandshortness of breath,” Dr.Marston said.“However, most people aregoing to have no symptoms.The hypertension is insteaddiscoveredduringa routinevisit.”

Thelackofsymptomsmeans that it is especiallyimportantforpeopletobeproactive aboutreducingtheirriskofhypertensionand addressing it promptly if they arediagnosed Dr.Marston said lifestyleadjustments like eating ahealthy diet that is lowinsalt, exercising regularlyand reducing stress canall help lessen aperson’srisk.

In addition,peoplecan useat-home blood pressure cuffstomonitor theirnumbers on a regularbasis

“Ifyou have acuff at home,you cancheck your bloodpressureoncea dayfor acoupleof weeksaroundthe same time,” Dr.Marston said.“It’s besttodoitata time when youare restingandthingsarequiet.Youcanjotdown thenumbers,andcallormessageyourdoctor

to review them or askquestions if something concerns you.

Anormalblood pressure reading formost adultsisgenerallyaround120/80.Hypertension is defined as consistently having readings of 130/80 or higher

Dr.Marston addedthatmodernsmart devicessuchaswatchesandringsthatmeasure aperson’sindividualhealthmetrics canalso generate bloodpressuredatathatisusefulto sharewithdoctors

Thegoodnewsisthatmodernmedicine allows formostpeoplewithhypertensionto live active,healthy lifestyles with theright treatment

“Itellmypatientsallthetimethatifwecan dothebasicstuffwell,wecangethypertension under controlatleast 80 percentofthe time,” Dr.Marstonsaid.“Theimportantthingistoget themintotheoffice,findtherightmedications andfollowupasappropriate.”

Theprimary care physicians at TheBaton RougeClinicarereadytohelpyoumaintainor improveyourpersonalhealthwithacombination of treatment, educationand communication. Visitbatonrougeclinic.comorcall225-7694044tolearnmoreorscheduleanappointment

PROVIDED PHOTO By STEPHANIE SIAU/SOUND TALENT GROUP

Dave Shapiro, a groundbreaking music executive in the heavy metal and hard rock scene, has died in a San Diego plane crash at 42.

Lawsuit alleges coroner skipped autopsies

Informal policy led to false conclusions, it says

BY CHRISTOPHER CARTWRIGHT Staff writer

A federal lawsuit alleges the East Baton Rouge Parish Coroner’s Office had an unwritten policy of skipping autopsies in cases believed to be drug overdoses, leading to a botched death investigation in November 2018. The lawsuit says the Coroner’s Office ruled the death of 23-year-

Schools budget keeps pay rates static

State proposal doesn’t continue pay stipend

BY CHARLES LUSSIER Staff writer

Public school employees in East Baton Rouge Parish earned a substantial pay raise last year District Superintendent LaMont Cole is not ready to find money for another one, but next year may be a different matter

That approach is outlined in the proposed budget for the state’s second-largest traditional school district. Released this past week, the proposed 2025-26 fiscal year budget is Cole’s first attempt to lay out his priorities for the school system, where he took over as leader 10 months ago.

Last summer, the parish School Board approved a $2,200 pay raise for educators, bringing starting teachers’ salaries to $50,000 a year That budget also included a $1,500 pay raise for principals and assistant principals as well as a $1 300 annual pay raise for support workers. Neighboring districts continue to boost pay in a continuous fight for a relatively small pool of teachers. Cole recently issued a request for proposals for a comprehensive study of the compensation of the district’s 6,000 employees, nearly half of them classroom teachers. The goal is to have new, simplified salary schedules ready in time for the 2026-27 school year

“Our hope is after this evaluation, working with our team, we’ll be able to give our employees the raise they deserve,” Cole said during a Feb. 21 speech commemorating his first 100 days in office. In March, SSA Consultants of Baton Rouge released a report calling for an overhaul in how the school district pays its employees. It noted that for every 10 new teachers hired, just three are still teaching in East Baton Rouge Parish public schools five years later It blamed that in part on how little teachers in the district make over time. In the first 20 years, annual step raises range from $225 to $450. Public school employees in Louisiana may soon see smaller paychecks next year, though, depending on what the Legislature does. Gov Jeff Landry’s original budget did not calling for continuing a stipend that started in 2023 $2,000 for teachers, $1,000 for support workers. The stipend was restored by House leaders earlier this month. The current session ends June 12. East Baton Rouge’s 2025-26 fiscal year budget assumes that the stipend won’t be paid. Consequently, it shows a 10% decline in state education funding and that revenue

old Dylan McClendon an accidental overdose by “multidrug toxicity” without an autopsy or full toxicology report.

Brought by Ascension Parish resident Regina Hebert, McClendon’s mother, the May 15 complaint questions the coroner’s conclusion Filed in the U.S. Middle District Court of Louisiana by attorney Andrew Walker, it accuses Coroner Beau Clark and employees Shane Evans and Mike Pozzi of the deprivation of constitutional rights, fraud and negligent hiring, training and supervising.

Hebert testified about the investigation to a Louisiana Senate committee meeting in 2023, and the lawsuit says she is bringing the case now because she didn’t discover the factual basis for it until last year.

“Critical facts were concealed by Defendants, including the failure to perform a legally required autopsy, the use of an unwritten policy to avoid autopsies in overdose cases, and the issuance of a death certificate unsupported by forensic evidence,” Walker wrote in the filing. “It was only after subsequent FOIA (Freedom of Information Act) responses and direct admissions from Defendants Pozzi and Evans in 2024 that Plaintiff became aware of the full scope of misconduct.”

According to his LinkedIn profile, Evans was the chief criminal investigator for the office at the time. Clark did not respond to requests for comment. An email to Evans went unanswered, and no contact information for Pozzi could be found in online databases. Court records didn’t list an attorney for the men. The lawsuit says McClendon’s death at a sober living

INEVITABLE IMPACT

Bill to speed up execution process

Legislation would set stricter deadlines for courts

BY MEGHAN FRIEDMANN Staff writer

The state House passed a bill that would shorten how much time prisoners have to try to get their sentences changed in a process known as post-conviction relief, but changed some of the new rules to assuage some concerns from public defense advocates. House Bill 675 by state Rep Brian Glorioso,

the first time in 15 years: Louisiana executed Jessie Hoffman in March by nitrogen gas. For death row inmates, the time between conviction and execution can take decades. Murrill, who in a recent news conference described that delay as “torturous” for victims, has blamed Louisiana’s post-conviction relief

ABOVE: The Real L.A. Dodgers, left, and Chili Peppers, right, race to grab balls for their team at the start of their championship match during the BREC Dodgeball Showdown at Highland Road Community Park on Saturday LEFT: Joshua Dehghanpir, playing for The Real L.A. Dodgers, grits his teeth after throwing the ball and getting an opponent on the Chili Peppers out.

Denmark hires former Louisiana senator

Metairie Republican David Vitter formerly sat in Scalise’s House seat

BY MARK BALLARD Staff writer

WASHINGTON Denmark has turned to former Louisiana U.S. Sen. David Vitter to build “warmer relations” with President Donald Trump, who has set his sights on acquiring Greenland, according to EUobserver, a nonprofit news publication covering the European Union and based in Belgium.

Citing a filing with the U.S. State Department, the news outlet reported that Denmark’s Washington ambassador, Jesper Møller Sørensen, has agreed to a contract with Washington-based Mercury Public Affairs worth $263,000. Vitter, who joined Mercury after choosing not to run for a third term in 2016, was named as handling the contract to provide “strategic consulting.” Greenland is an autonomous Danish territory rich in mineral resources that Trump has said repeatedly should be part of the United States. Trump says he wants to buy Greenland but

STAFF PHOTOS By JAVIER GALLEGOS

N.O. GreekFestcelebrates50thanniversary

BY DOUG MacCASH Staff writer

The crowd may have been alittle lighter than usual at the New Orleans Greek Festival on Saturday afternoon. Maybe it was the uncertain weather.The clouds that drifted over Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral like lambs just couldn’tseem tomake up their minds whether to rain or not. While droplets fell fromtime to time, the crowd on the grass beside Bayou St. John was prepared, popping up umbrellasor nestling alittle more tightly in the covered dining areas. In New Orleans, alittle afternoon rain is agiven.

Celebrating its 50th anniversary this year,Greek Fest is, of course, acelebrationofHellenic culture: the music, thedancing andthe food, the food, thefood But it’salso aNew Orleans neighborhoodfestival,popular with everybody,ofGreek heritage or not.

Youmight be able to spotthe Greek folks, becausetheyknow how to pronounce gyro—the name of the sandwich that is Greece’sgift to fast food across the globe. Evagelia Vatakis said that one must begin with a“yee” sound,then roll the r, before resting on the o. But as you hungrily wait in line, you’ll hearitpronounced every which way: geero, jeero, jie-ro, etc. Among the half-dozen people gathered around acommunal dining table in the crowded Cathedral auditorium, nobodywas Greek, but everybody was enthu-

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facility occurred days after he sent texts to his parents about conditions there. His roommate allegedly suffered aheroin overdose two days before, Walker added. He wrote that records and statements obtained through an independentinvestigation showed several men staying at thefacility communicated to acquire heroin.

“These events reflect acoordinated plan to acquire narcotics involving multiple individuals at thesober living facility —facts which should have prompted immediate and thorough investigation by both law enforcement andthe coroner’s office,”Walker wrote.

Police arrested four menfollowing McClendon’sdeath. Accordingtothe complaint, prosecutors dismissed the criminal case “due in part to insufficient

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refused to rule out military intervention.

Greenland’spopulation doesn’twantto join theU.S and Danish Prime Minister Mette Fredriksen said theterritory is not for sale.

Vitter has lobbied on behalf of aChinese surveillance company,the Libyan government and aRussian bank.

As aRepublican from Metairie, Vitter sat in the U.S. House seat now occupied by House Majority Leader Steve Scalise,R-Jefferson, from 1999 to 2005. He replaced retiring Sen. John Breaux,DCrowley,in2005 and served in the U.S. Senate until 2017. Vitter ran for governorin 2015, but lost to former Gov John Bel Edwards.

Email Mark Ballard at mballard@theadvocate. com.

siastically Greek-adjacent.

Coco Burtate souvlakia as she waited for the Hellenic dancers to take the stage for the1:30 p.m. show.Itwas thebestsouvlakia she’d ever had, not countingthe souvlakia she and her husband Andrew had during their vacationinGreece.

Burt said she lives in Atlanta now, but grew up in the Lakeshore neighborhood, just afew blocks from theGreek church. Herparents always brought her to the festival. It was afamily tradition, and it was always just thesame,withpeople packed together inside to seethe traditionalgroup dancing.

When shewas akid, she said, shewasn’t tall enough to see anything really,but she loved the dancing anyway.InBurt’s baby carrier was her5-monthold daughterVivi, who, she predicted, wouldsomeday love the dancers and the restofthe festivaltoo.

It was Vivi’sfirstGreek Fest, but HollyZaharis, whoshared the table, said she’d barely missed theannual event in 40 years. Zaharis, 72, said that her late husband Demitrios hadgrown up in aneighborhood at the foot of the Acropolis. Though she isn’t Greek, she said, “my feet are definitely Greek.”

As soon as theHellenic dancers were finished performing, Zaharis planned to make her way to theoutdoor dance floor to swing andsway to thebouzouki band. To help her properly prepare, her tablemateDoug McCrory offered hera glassofMoschofilero Greek wine from his bottle.

forensic evidence.”

“Prosecutors cited limitations stemming from the lack of autopsyand theabsence of preserved physical evidence,” Walkerwrote.“In post-dismissal interviews, one resident reportedlyadmitted to lying to police.”

Claims coronerdidn’tperform

The lawsuit pointstoalleged failures by the Coroner’sOffice in its investigation,which in turn kept prosecutors from pursuingcriminal charges in connection with McClendon’s death

Walker wrote that aroommate called 911 just after 1a.m. and reported that McClendon had ingestedheroin andwas unresponsive. Pozzi, aCoroner’sOfficeinvestigator, arrivedalittle more than an hour later and declared the death “accidental” due to “multidrug toxicity,”the lawsuit alleges.

But the lawsuit claims Pozzi didsowithout ordering an autopsy,violatinga statelaw

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system for holding up executions.

“The capital system is built to delay.Our system has to be built to move,” she said. “Weneed to have deadlines. We need to have discipline in the system, and we need to get (cases) adjudicated.”

Critics of HB675, formerly HB572, havepreviously said it sets overly harsh deadlines for prisonerswho maystrugglefor years simply to get therecords they need to fileapost-conviction relief application. They’ve also said it could make the process so cumbersomethatitcould keep innocent peoplebehindbars.

But Jee Park,directorofthe InnocenceProject New Orleans —one of the primary voices raisingconcernsaboutthe bill —said Glorioso’samendments to the proposalhave begun to address those concerns. Sheexpects to continue working with him moving forward, she said.

“It has been really refreshing to

STAFF PHOTO By SCOTT THRELKELD

The Hellenic Dancers of NewOrleans performduring the 50th annual Greek Festival at Holy Trinity Cathedral in NewOrleans on Saturday. The three-dayfestival, which concludes Sunday,features Greek food, music, folk dancing,folk dance lessons, cathedral tours, cooking demonstrations and agood time.

McCroryand his wife Michelle had driven in from Metairie, just because they were looking for something funtodo, and love all theGreek food. Across the room at the Greek saladstation, Alexandra Quinn recalled her childhood memories of the festivalinthe 1980s. Quinn —whosemaiden name was Bitsikas —said herfavorite part was before the festival, when all themen would be in thekitchen cooking and singing, thewomen would be out in the church takingcare of details, andthe danc-

mandating autopsies for deaths where criminal violations are reasonably probable to have contributed. The complaint also states that thefamilydiscovered visible surgical staples on McClendon’schestdespite no documentedautopsy.

Pozzi drew blood and urine for testing but certified the death one daylater before the toxicologyreportreturned, the lawsuit alleged.

“Dylan’sbody was buried beforethe report was completed,” Walker wrote.“The prematureissuance of the deathcertificatewas not based on medicalcertainty,but on assumptions unsupported by forensic data —assumptions lateradopted and relied upon by otheragencies in theircriminal investigations.”

Allegedinformalpolicy

The lawsuit allegesthe lack of an autopsy stemmedfromaninformal,unwrittenpolicyofforegoingautopsies if investigators couldobtain urine samplesand

us that Rep. Glorioso has been so open andwilling to work with us and hear our concerns,”said Park.

She emphasized thatthe vast majorityofpeople the bill will affect will be non-deathrow inmates HB675 now heads to theSenate. It passedthe House in a71-26 vote, with mostly Democrats opposed. The bill alsoaims to restrict “shell petitions,” applicationsfor post-conviction relief that act as placeholders but don’tcontain fully fleshed out legal arguments. All existing shell petitions would need to be fully “briefed” by theend of theyear Bill comeswithaprice tag

Since HB675 would expedite deathpenalty cases,itwould cost thestate money,according to an analysis by theLegislature’s nonpartisan fiscal staff. That’s because thestate funds appeals representation for death row inmates; it does so by contracting withoutside firms.

The fiscalnote statesitwould likely cost theOfficeofthe State Public Defender about $4.2 million to fund acontract that would

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from all sources will decline by almost 4%.

Seekingbalance

Cole is proposing a“balanced” budget, one where the district takes in more money than it spends. Districtreserves are expected to clock in at $99 million, about2%above where they are currently,but 6% below they were before the big pay raise.

Spending in all funds for202526 is expected to come to $804 million, or about $20,500 per student, adecline of 2.5% from current levels. The district’sgeneral fund, which accountsfor about70% of all district funding, includes $582 million in proposed spending, a 1.5% decline from current levels. Spending on charter schools is expected to continue growing. It is estimatedat$161.6million, about3%overcurrent levels. It accounts forabout 20%ofthe overall budget.

erswould rehearse. “It is magic beforethe festival,” she said, “the anticipation, andthe happy exhaustion.” Quinn, wholives in Annapolis, Maryland, now, jetted in with her husband just to pitch in. She said the festispresented by the Greek community, but the festival is “very much about New Orleans too.”

“Everybody feelslike they’re part of the family,and everyone’s welcome,” she said.

Greek Fest continuesSunday, 11 a.m. to 8p.m

the scenesuggested drug use.

“Chief Investigator Shane Evans explained that in 2017, the Coroner’sOffice had ‘modified procedures’ due to an ‘explosion of overdoses’ and alimited-capacitycontractpathologist,” Walker wrote. “… This policy wasnot based on statute, medical necessity, or written guidelines, but solely on capacityconstraints and internal discretion.”

The complaintalsoalleges detectives obtainedstatements indicating McClendon wasalert and playing video games 20 minutes before the 911 call. In response to hearing that,Walker wrotethatPozzi said he “definitely would have changed (his) decision.”

The suit seeks ajudgment thatthe plaintiff’s violated Hebert’sFirst and 14th Amendment rights and award punitive damages against them

Email ChristopherCartwright at christopher.cartwright@ theadvocate.com.

encompass the increased workload during thecoming fiscal year

In addition, statestatute requires 75% of the office’sbudget be distributed to local public defense districts. Sincepaying capital defensefirms more money may upset that ratio, the public defender’soffice may need to request another $12.5 million to remain compliantwith that rule, according to the fiscal note

An earlier version of HB675 gave the attorney general the power to take over post-conviction reliefcases from local district attorneys. It also limited how much timeprisoners had to get illegal sentences corrected to one year.Both thoseprovisions were removed through amendments.

Anotheramendment prevents death rowinmates fromfiling post-conviction relief applicationswithin 45 days of ascheduled execution.

Email Meghan Friedmann at meghan.friedmann@ theadvocate.com.

The parish School Board is set to hold itsfirst meetingtoconsider the proposed budget on June 5, with final approval scheduled for June 12.

Thenew budget documents are different from years past. Washington, D.C.-based consultant Jessica Swanson was hired for$99,600 to overhaul the annualbudget process. The resulting documents areformatted differently andare meanttobecomprehensive, focusing on allfunds, notjust the general funds.

The language is more everyday andsounds less like what accountants would say.And there is a helpful glossary with definitions of budget arcana such as “modified accrual basis” and “proprietary funds.”

Thedistrict hasalreadybeen doing somebelt-tightening.

In lateApril, the board approved Cole’s long-in-the-making “realignment” plan, which goes into effect in August for the start of the 2025-26 school year.Itcloses nine schools, relocates four,gives sevennew grade configurations and redrawsattendance zones for 12. The changes are needed fora school system built for60,000-plus students but that is now educating fewerthan 40,000. That plan is expected to save millions of dollarsovertime thanks to avoided maintenance costs from older buildings no longer in use. Current operations will see some savings from reduced administrative costs. For instance, the new budget showsthe district employing six fewerprincipals and16 fewer assistant principals, asavings of about $1.2 million.

Cole,however,isalso spending money

The new budget includes money forcameras for500 school buses, whichcome to about $700,000 per year forfive years.

Cole is also asking the board to set aside $6.3 millionfor school security.That includes paying more forschool security officers as well as purchasing newweapons detectors that use artificial intelligence. This spring, the schoolsystem purchased four Evolv Express AI detectors that were installed at four high schools.

Cole said he is happy enough with how they are working that his proposed budget includes money to buy eight more Evolv detectors. He said the district will make acallinJuly as to which schools receive them

Email Charles Lussier at clussier@theadvocate.com.

FRIDAY, MAY23, 2025 PICK 3: 6-4-6

Thecrime rate is plummeting,but thepopulationis dwindling

BY JAMES FINN, BEN MYERS, SOPHIE KASAKOVE and JONI HESS Staff writers

New Orleans’ population is shrinking again after years of steady recovery from Hurricane Katrina. A lack of affordable housing is making life unbearable for some. At the same time, residents are taking home bigger incomes than eight years ago, when Mayor LaToya Cantrell wasrunning for the city’stop office. And despite asurge in killings in 2022,crime later plummeted,and 2025 is on pace to finishasthe city’sleast-deadly year on record.

Aswath of economic, housing, demographic and crime data reviewed by The Times-Picayune paints acomplex portrait of the city the next mayor will inherit when Cantrell leaves office in January. New Orleans has made strides in keyareasover her eight-year term, aperiod when the city weathered several punishing hurricanesand aglobal pandemic. But its leaders havestruggled mightily to enactmeaningful progress on otherentrenched challenges.

The next mayor,who voters will select in apivotal municipalelectionthis fall, will face immediate pressure to show improvement on the challengesthat will land in their lap —some within their immediate control, some not.

They also must pierce a cloud of voter disillusionment with the city’spoliticalclassthatenveloped Cantrell’ssecond term, which wascolored by aseries of scandals and anowsputtering investigation by federal prosecutors

Ahead of an official qualifying period in July,three major candidates have emerged: City Council member Oliver Thomas, City CouncilVicePresident Helena Moreno and retired judge Arthur Hunter.Former 911call center manager Tyrell Morris, counselor Ricky Twiggs and business owner Renada Collins are also running. Cantrell’soffice did not respond to multiple requests to interview the mayor and senior administration officials about the data reviewedfor this story and what it shows about her administration’s performance.

Her office in recent months has touted its ambitious effort to curtail homelessness by moving unhoused people into longterm living units, its hiring of civilian workersto carry out certain public safety duties inthe face of ashortageofNOPDofficers and its role on shepherding thecitythrough the Super Bowl in moving NewOrleans forward.The administrationhas also highlighted investment in youth programs,maternal and child health, and early childhood education.

“We’re doing it from the grassroots level in your city of New Orleans,from investing in (ages) zero to 3, investing in our families, no matter who they are, who they love,” Cantrell said at anews conference thismonth.“Ihopeyou’re connecting the dots that we’re building future of thecityofNew Orleans everysingleday by connecting (young people) to these programs.”

Ashrinking population

DeanBigbee,44, had planned to stay in New Orleans. But when Bigbee began looking tobuy ahomein 2015 after renting since 2010, there were few affordable options. As Bigbee continued to save for a down payment, skyrocketing homeowners’ insurance

became anew complication. And the flooding, termites androof damagethat plagued past rentals made Bigbeequestion if buying locally would even be a worthy investment In 2023, Bigbee moved to Cincinnati. “I love New Orleans, Imiss it, Iwould love to have kept living there,” said Bigbee. “But Isadly have stopped being abeliever inits long-term stability.”

Bigbeeisn’talone. Nearly 30,000 peoplehave left NewOrleans since 2016 amounting toa7%decline.

In 2018,departingMayor Mitch Landrieu left behind acity that had grown duringhis mayoral tenure by over 50,000 people —a stunning comeback from Hurricane Katrina’sdevastation

New Orleans’ shriveling population reflects its intertwined challenges with jobopportunity,housing affordability,quality of life andpolitical leadership, saidMichaelHecht,chief executive ofGreater New Orleans Inc., aleading local business group.

Hecht said the next administration should focus on securingthe working andmiddleclass as climate threats driveuphousing costs. Leaders should focusonreforming building codes to bring down home insurancepremiumsand investing in drainageinfrastructure, he said.

“It’sveryimportant to make thedistinction between resistant and resilient, because resilience hasalmost become acliché or an excuse for poor planning, andthat’snot acceptable,”hesaid.

The Cantrell administration wants to helpcalm the home insurance crisis by requiring permits for new roofs toverify they are built to code, with the hope it will encourage insurers to lower premiums.

TheCity Council adopted thenew rules in February, though somebuilders are worried that the city’snotoriously slow permitting department won’tbeable to efficientlygrantpermits forurgently needed roofing repairs.

The administration this month sought to calmthose concerns by promising to complete all roofing permit reviews within four days, and toallow geotagged photos to substitutefor inpersoninspections.

Mixedbag

While the population declines, economic data paints acomplicated picture of those who remain.

NewOrleans’ethnicdemographics shifted slightly during Cantrell’stenure Thecity remains majority Black, but the proportion of Black residents dipped fromnearly60% in 2017 to 56% lastyear.The share of White residents also dipped, from 34% to 31%, whilethe proportionof Hispanic residents rose from 6% to 8%.People reporting two or more races increased from 2.1% to 9%

Median householdincome is up since Landrieu left office, far exceeding inflation, and the poverty rate is down. Rentshaveincreased but fewer renters are considered burdened by theirmonthly bills.

Yethomelessnessisup andhomeownership costs arebecoming impossible forsome tobear

The share of homeowners whoare “cost burdened” those spending more than 30% of their income on housing —rosefrom 32% in 2017 to 41.2% in 2023. Yetthe share of renters who fall in thatsamecategory was 64% in 2017 but downtoabout 59% in 2023. De mo gr apher Greg Rigamer saidthe data shows signsofwidening economic inequality.The percapita income, unlike themedian, outperforms thestateaverage and is comparable with the rest of the country,suggesting afew high earners bringingupthe average “You haveaprofessional class thatdoes very well, andyou have aworking

class Ri fo one av but of ho stabil that rent she hom um ay disability from mana cy cut to Th ha in more eni rai back the it yo said her cal month he crease Ca pe 2017 ho also ly ed of Orlean dinate serv

wOrin Ongoinfrastrucance, days y’s rk Authorbus, servicretaking of of residents that city ters mayayfeel y’s seriaffordabout ways s” “attract alhing the Bigbee. ,it hardness me

Bell, Larry

Shekinah GloryChristianFellowship Church in Donaldsonville at 11 a.m.

Bercegeay Jr.,Arthur OursoFuneralHome, 13533 Airline Highway in Gonzales,at11a.m

Braud, Tamera

TheChurch of JesusChristLatterDay Saints,Baton Rouge Ward,at11

a.m.

Brignac, Hubert

St.JosephCatholic Church in Paulina at 11 a.m.

Byrnes,Christine

OurLadyofthe AssumptionCatholic Church,11444 Church Street in Clinton, at 11 a.m.

Cane,Patricia

St.Jean VianneyChurch, 16166 S. Harrell’sFerry Road,at11a.m

Dorsey,Victoria Turner Chapel A.M.E. Church,874

TurnerChapelRoadinGreensburg, at 11 a.m.

EdwardsJr.,Clarence Word of TruthCemetery, LA 1in

Bayou Goula, at 11 a.m.

Favroth, Thailan

NewLight BaptistChurch,76765 CedarStreet in Grosse Tete,at1:30p.m

Ford,Alrita Immaculate ConceptionCatholic Church,1565 Curtis Street,at11a.m

Harris, Jermaine Jordan Stone BaptistChurch,8523 Thelma Road,at10a.m

Hebert,Chrystal

Greater Mt.CarmelBaptistChurchat 11 a.m.

Hodge,Adonis

St.James UnitedMethodistChurch, 140 LA998 in Belle Rose,at11a.m

Johnson,Arthur Mt.MoriahBaptistChurch,LA Highway 417inBatchelor,at10a.m

Johnson, Melvin Mt.ZionBaptistChurchin Thibodaux at 11 a.m.

Joseph Sr.,Aaron

Mt.Calvery BaptistChurch, 8969 Highway 18 in St.James,at11a.m

MajorJr.,Jacques

SealeFuneralHomeinDenham Springs at noon.

Mann, Jody

CentralFuneralHome, 9995Hooper Road,atnoon.

Millien, Vernon

St.Catherine of Sienna Catholic Church in Donaldsonville at 10 a.m.

Moore, Girlean

St.John Community Church-Baptist, 531 St.John Street in Marksville,at11 a.m.

Neck,Antoinette

St.AlphonsusLigouriCatholic Church,13940 Greenwell Springs Road at 1p.m

Ourso, Lynnette Sacred HeartCatholic Church in BatonRouge at 11 a.m.

Rogers,Brian ResthavenGardens,11817 Jefferson Highway,at2 p.m.

Spencer,Mary Greenoaks FuneralHomeat2 p.m

Turner Jr., John Woodville Methodist Church in Woodville,MS, at 11 a.m.

Turner Sr.,Albert NewLight Missionary Baptist Church,650 Blount Road,at11a.m

Whitaker, Marlei Greater NewCanaan BaptistChurch at 9a.m

Wolford, Nancy St.Francis EpiscopalChurch,726 Maple Street in DenhamSprings,at11 a.m.

Wooders,Alice Rose Hill MissionaryBaptistChurch, 3213 Groom Road,at11a.m

Obituaries

Ourbeloved Lori Leigh PierceDunphy, age 64, passedawayonSunday, May18, 2025. Shewas born in BatonRouge and attended public schoolsthrough high school.She obtained adegree in Financefrom LSU.After ashortbreak, shepackedtwo suitcases, borrowedsomemoney from her mother,along with theWallStreet Journal,and headed forNew York.She got an apartment with afriend in SpanishHarlemand then she hitthe pavement.She quicklybecamea broker, with astint in one of the Twin Towers. She spent just over halfa decadein NewYorkand then went into thebanking industry in Houston, TX. Thiseventually ledtoher stay at the LouisianaTreasuryDepartment,whereshe handled investmentsand other matters until herretirement.Duringher retirement,she traveled, gardened andspent most of her time doing activities with her son. She wasa devoted wife,motherand friend whowill be missed by many. Lori is survived by her husband, James Dunphy; son, Pierce ;three sisters, Karen, Gwynne and Janice; brother, Brentand alarge numberofrelatives and friends.She is preceded in deathbyher parents, Katieand Charles(CB); severalauntsand uncles anda dear friend, Ferbe. A visitation will be heldon Sunday, May25atRabenhorst FuneralHomeon GovernmentSt. from 1PM to 3PM; with afuneralservice beginning at 3PM Burialwill take placeat Greenoaks MemorialPark on Tuesday, May27at 1PM. In lieu of flowers, please donate to your favoritecharity

Duvall, FrankieJoyce

Frankie J. (Noble) Duvall fell asleep in death on May 13, 2025. Sheleavesto mourn her memory; husband, James Duvall, her son,Roger Noble, two sisters and five brothers, all of Baton Rouge. Also to cherishher memoryare her grandkids,Chris Noble, StephanieNoble, Jeremiah Noble, Brianna Noble,4 great grandchildren, and a host of otherrelativesand friends. She is precededin death by her parents, Alphonse and ReginaDenham,her sister, DinahDenham,brother,Michael Denham, her daughter,Gina Banks. Herremains are being taken careofbyWilson Wooddale Funeral Home. The familywillhave aprivate memorial and wishtothankall fortheir prayers and assistance during this period of grief.

EdwardsJr.,Clarence Clarence Edwards, Jr., a residentofPlaquemine, LA, passedawayWednesday,

May14, 2025 at theage of 63. Visitation on Friday May 23, 2025 from 5p.m.to 7 p.m. at Pugh's Mortuary, 58233 Plaquemine Street Plaquemine, LA.Gravesite service 11 a.m. Saturday May 24, 2025 at Word of Truth Cemetery,LA1 Bayou Goula, LA

Juneau,Julius Bernard JB

Julius Bernard "JB" Juneau, 83, passedaway peacefully on May 20, 2025, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. BornonSeptember 17, 1941, in Cottonport, Louisiana, he liveda life marked by devotion to family,faith,and service

Julius was thebeloved husband of Elaine Roy Juneau and aproud father to threesons: Micheal Juneau (Cindy), Brian Juneau (Wendy), and Eric Juneau (Carolyn). He was also acherished PawPaw to five grandsons: Joey Juneau (Ching), Richard Juneau, Travis Juneau, ChaseJuneau, and Zachery Juneau. His sisterFlorence Rabalaisalso mourns his passing.Julius was preceded in deathbyhis parents, Bernard and Thelma Juneau. Aman of deep faith, Julius was adevoted memberofSt. Alphonsus CatholicChurch. His spiritual life guidedhim throughout theyears and served as afoundation for theloveand care he extendedtothose around him.

Julius proudly served his country in theUnited States Army. Histime in themilitary reflected his strong sense of duty and commitment—values that remained withhim throughout his life.Hewas also amember The Knights of Columbus St Alphonsus Ligouri KC#2807 and a proud member of the COA Baton Rouge Known affectionately as JB by many who knew him, he retired fromSonitrolsecuritysystems in 2008 with 32 years of service. Julius found peace and purpose in nurturing life from the soil after he retired. More than anythingelse,he treasured spendingtime with family and friends. His home was oftenfilled with laughter, stories shared across generations, and thewarmth of togetherness. On June 7th,2025 at St Alphonsus Catholic Church in GreenwellSprings, LA visitationwillbegin at 11:30am then Mass will followat1:00pm. Julius Benard Juneau leaves behind alegacy of love,strength, and unwavering dedication to those he held dear. May hismemory bring comfort to allwho knew him.

When youneed thenews. Wherever youreadthe news

Dunphy,Lori

Rabenhorst FuneralHomeon Government St.at3pm

Obituaries

Amedee, Lynn

Lynn JosephAmedee, of BatonRouge,Louisiana, passed away at theage of 83 on Tuesday, May 20, 2025. He attended Istrouma HighSchool and LSU, where he played quarterback from 1960-1962 and was named outstanding player of the 1963 Cotton Bowl.Hewas also apitcher forthe 1960-1961 SEC championship baseball team. Lynn played professional football for theEdmonton Eskimos and then went on to havea distinguishedcareerasa professional and collegefootball coach serving as offensive coordinator for anumber of universities, including LSU, Tennessee, Vanderbilt, USL,Texas A&M,Florida,Texas,and Mississippi State. He also coachedfor theNew Orleans Saints and theBirminghamAmericans of the WorldFootball League. Lynn was preceded in death by his wife, JudyDaigleAmedee;parents, Joeand Ruth Amedee; his sister, Gayle Clement and her husband John. He is survived by his daughters, Rene Graphia (Gary) and Lee Hattaway (Jeff); grandchildren, Kayln May (Chris), Peyton Graphia, Christopher Hattaway (Jessi) and Matthew Hattaway (Charley); greatgrandchildBaileeMay; his brothers, Barry (Kathy) and Larry (Joyce); his brother-in-law andsisterin-law, Lamar and Janie Labauve;and several nieces and nephews. Visitationwillbeheldat Resthaven Funeral Home 11817 Jefferson Highway Baton Rouge, LA 70816, on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. Special thankstohis caregivers Cabrina,Cassie, Lois and Marsha, and everyone at BarclayHouse. Family and friendsmay sign the online guestbookorleave apersonal note to thefamilyatwww.resthavenbaton rouge.com.

Beaver,Cynthia AnnMarionneaux

CynthiaAnn Marion‐neaux Beaver,84, wasso fulloflife, love,and joy! Familybyher side,she passedawayathome, Sat‐urday,May 17. Born on March 26, 1941, to Hazel LeJeune &Charles K. Mari‐onneaux, Sr.inBrusly, Louisiana,she latergradu‐atedfromBruslyHigh School,’59, earned herBS inEducation (SLU), and taughtfor severalyears until caring for3 children and Ma.She supported familyinterests –culinary, sports, opera, andwriting She hada deep love for Brusly, baseball;pride in her father,brother,and sister’scontributions to BruslyHighSchool &com‐munity where cousinslike RosemaryBabin,friends likeDonna Peavy, arefor‐everfriends.A green thumb, sheaddednew va‐rieties to herbeautiful yard and made uniquechoices asa gifted flower arranger Favorite flower:Poppy! Personifies howcolorfully she livedlife, brightening every room by simply walking in;the rest was lagniappe!Favoritecolor: Aqua! Favorite nail polish: Cajun Shrimp personified her,“Teenie!” Favorite quote:Nonepreachesbet‐ter than theant,and she saysnothing (Ben Franklin).Craftyand cre‐ative,she celebrated oth‐ers with annotatedal‐bums, theprefect quotes fromnewspaper clippings, and unique fitting gifts. She wasanavidreader. Music lover, member of Cajun French MusicAssoc. she &Phildanced(Zydeco aswell) from Acadiana to CT& MA to KeyWest; Tango from Louisianato Argentina.The best travel companion,she,Phil, Holly & Stephenlived in Greece for over 1 ½ years& en‐joyed travelingEurope. Wonderfulcook,she

hosted holidays with fam‐ily &friends,adding live music!Warmand welcom‐ing shewas thelifeofany party;cardparties (all night)! In late illness, when her eyes opened,a party began –lightsup! Shesaid itall with lift of an eyebrow - always inviting.Delight shinedthrough expression: a womanofresilience, grace,openheart,and ele‐gance,she couldnever sit byanyonewithout talking tothem. Sheloved staying healthy,walking with friends.Cynthia handled extreme challenges in life withspecial privacy, hu‐mility& grace. Shebattled Progressive Supranuclear Palsy+withanelegant strengthtorival Wonder Woman.Prior,she cared for familymembers,host‐ing hergrandmother for10 yrs,and oftenstayedwith ill father or brother. In her you would find themost wonderful wife;best motherorsister; kind & caringextendedfamily member, &bestfriend. A sharp thinker, shewas the kindest sweetestperson, had apeacefulinnerhap‐piness& contentment, often smilinginserene peace.Dedicated to herre‐lationshipwithGod and her Catholic faith she servedasEucharistic Min‐ister &sponsored multiple confirmands at St.Jude Catholic Church.Though she will be greatlymissed bymany, herbrightlight willnever dim. To know her istoloveher.Thank God for her! Mayshe trulyrest inpeace with theone true God,reuniting with her son,mother, father,grand‐parents,and others.Cyn‐thiawas preceded in death byher parents, CharlesK Marionneux,Sr. &Hazel LeJeune Marionneaux; son, Stephen Boyd Beaver; cousinlikea sister -Julia LaBauve;stepmother, MargieMarionneaux.Sur‐vived by herhusband of 56 yrs,Phillip R. Beaver; daughters HollyElizabeth Beaver& RebekahLeigh Beaver; sister MintaSue Marionneaux, brother Charles “Boo”Marion‐neaux,Jr; stepsister, Joanne D. Pennison (Eu‐gene) andstepbrother, GaryDavid (Cheryl).For‐evergratefultoRebekah for 24-7365 excellentcare (5yrs), Phillip, Holly, and Minta forvital support; for manyfriendlyvisits, espe‐cially dear friend,Loretta Ellis.Pallbearers:Brandon Bueche(forStephen Beaverinspirit),Brian David,Landess Hebert (Classof’59),Ory Hebert PeteJohnston, JulesLam‐bert; Honorary Pallbearers: Brian David, ByronEllis Yancy Guerin,Donald LaBauve,Brandon Penni‐son,Cleve Wright.Visita‐tion: ResthavenFuneral Home, 11817 Jefferson Hwy,Baton Rouge, LA 70816, Monday,May 26, 2025, 5:00 -7:00PM. Mass ofChristian Burial:St. John the BaptistCatholic Church,402 SKirklandSt, Brusly, LA 70719, Tuesday, May 27, 2025, 9:00 –11:30AM visitation, 11:30AM mass, Father Joel LaBauve.Interment: Resthaven,Jefferson Hwy, Baton Rougeapproxi‐mately1:30-2PM, recep‐tiontofollow. Contribu‐tions canbemadeto: St Johnthe BaptistCatholic Church andCurePSP trib‐ute fund “inmemoryof Cynthia Marionneaux Beaver.”Massesfor Cyn‐thiaare welcomed https://www.resthavenba tonrouge.com/obituaries/ cynthia-beaver The flowers appear on theearth:the timeofthe singingofthe birds is come.Sol.2:12

Marcus "Frenchie"Cox, April 12, 1953 —March19, 2025, Baton Rouge Marcus "Frenchie"Cox, age 71, passed Wednesday, March 19, 2025, at his residence in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Anative of AvoyellesParish,Marcus left home at theage of eighteen to join theUnited States Airforce, serving duringthe Vietnam War During histimeinthe military, he trained at Le Cordon Bleu culinaryinstitute If you knew Marcus,or as he wasaffectionately known "Frenchie", then you knew howmuchbeing achef meanttohim. Knownfor his Cajun cuisine served witha sideof hismemorablecommentary, rangingfrom topics such as LSUfootballto quoting Julius Ceasar, he wasa remarkablesoul

lovedbysomany. Marcus' career as achefled himto several restaurants such as Juban's andPhil'sOysterBar, butthe onehewas known for best, wasthe time he spent at Louie's Café. Thecustomers',and staff of Louie's became familytoMarcus, as he spent thirty-three years of hislifecreatingnot only meals, butmemories as well He wasprecededin death by hiswife,Susan Dean Cox; hisparents Allenand JuliaMatt Normand; his father Marcus Cox Sr;his brotherJohn Normand, hissister Janice Normand, and hisbeloved dogs Bruno, Willie, and Elvis. Thoseleft to cherish his memory are hischildren, Jessica, Denny,Cody, Stewart, andLori; three sisters, Marian Ponthierof Mansura, Cindy Normand of Hessmer, and Melissa Normand of Luling,his special friend CamielleofBaton Rouge,and hisgrandchildren. He is also survived by ahost of nephews, nieces, family andfriends

Amemorial service will be held on Saturday May 31 at Louie's Cafe from 6:00 -8:00 pm. To know Marcus, wasto love Marcus. Thank you to the Baton Rouge community for sharingyourstories yourpictures, and your memories aboutour belovedfamilymember Marcus lovedhis mother dearlyand would letanyoneknowthat he got his love of cooking from her. He is nowatrest reunited with his motheronce again To ordermemorial trees or send flowers to the familyinmemory of Marcus "Frenchie"Cox, please visit ourflowerstore

Elwood E. "Steve"de Bessonet, retirededucator, entered into hiseternal restatBaton RougeHealth CareCenteronSaturday, May 24, 2025. Stevewas a residentofBaker Louisiana since1958 and was anativeofDonald‐sonville, Louisiana. Steve was born on January4 1933 andwas agraduateof Catholic High of Donald‐sonvilleand LSU(master's degree"plus 30"). He servedasprincipal of Park Ridge Elementary School for 21 years. He taught and previouslycoached at WestlakeMiddleSchool StandardHeights Elemen‐tary, ClaiborneElementary, and BelfairElementary. He loved helpingstudentsand enjoyed therelationship withhis fun-loving faculty and staff. He is survived by wifeof69years,Cornelia Page"Neelie"deBessonet; son,Michael (Peggy)de Bessonet; grandchildren, Crystal (Robert) Manners and Paul (Whitney)Miller; son,Jeffrey (Pamela) de Bessonet; grandchildren, Elaine(Nathan), Andrew (Elizabeth),Clayton (Holly) and Nicholas (Ashtyn),and daughter, Christine (Robert)Monti;grandchil‐dren, Robert,Mark, Faith and Samuel,and 8great grandchildren.Steve and Neelie lovedtheir family and travel,and they often combinedthe twowithan RV. It wasalsoa good ex‐cusetosee LSUsporting events. Stevewas always a good sportasNeelie was alwaysmakingtravel plans.Steve is preceded in death by parents, Etienne and MariedeBessonet (Donaldsonville,LA),broth‐ers,Calvin(Joyce),Ken‐neth(Nita), andWilliam (Lois)aswellassister, Lois (Leland)Kappel. He wasa memberofSt. Isidore Catholic Church and Knights of Columbus Coun‐cil (#4085).Inlieuof flow‐ers,donations should be madetothe St.Isidore Maintenance fund.His in‐terests were family, gar‐dening, travel,and LSU sportingevents. Visitation willbeWednesday,May 28 2025 at St.Isidore Catholic Church (5657 Thomas Rd., Baton Rouge, LA 70811) from9:00a.m.to11:00 a.m. witha Mass of Christian Burialtofollowat11:00 a.m.(officiated by Fr.Frank Bass).Burialwilltake place immediatelyfollow‐ing theservice at St Isidore Catholic Church Cemetery.

Funerals Today

de Bessonet, Elwood E. 'Steve'

Cox, Marcus 'Frenchie'

Diana Landry Feduccia went to be with the Lord on Saturday, May 17, 2025, at the age of 93, surrounded by her family. Visitation will be at Greenoaks Funeral Home, 9595 Florida Blvd., Baton Rouge, LA, on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, from 11am until the time of funeral services at 2pm. Burial will immediatelyfollow at Greenoaks Memorial Park. The rosary willberecitedat1pm. Family and friends are invited to sign the online guestbook at www.greenoaksfunerals.c om

Roger (Tad) Godso Sr. passed away in the comfort of homeonMonday May 20, 2025. Roger is survived his brother, George E. Godso Jr. and wife, Cindy; and sister,Carolyn Godso;granddaughter, RavynHardeman and her fiancé, Chandler Roux. Several nieces and nephews along with great nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his wife, Virginia Godso; son, Roger Godso Jr.; parents, George E. Godso Sr. and Anna Lucille Godso; sisters, Margaret Kuylen and Julia (Kay) Garcie; and brother Paul Godso. Agraveside service willbeheld at Serenity Oaks Memorial Park on Wednesday, May 28, 2025 at 11 AM.

Professor Wm. Drew Gouvier, PhD, was bornin 1953 in Haddonfield NJ. He joined the Kingdom of Heaven on May 9, 2025 surrounded by his family. He was preceded in death by his parents Edward and Barbara(né Fearn) Gouvier, and his brother Edward Gouvier Jr. He leaves behind his beloved bride, Becky, and children Charlotte (Rob), Owen (Lillie), Lainey (Micah), and his precious pup Sparky. He also leaves nieces Julie and Veronica (Piam), and nephew Jim.

From academia to Tarpon Rodeos, Drew was (humbly) bringing home trophies.Inaddition to his 28 year career as aprofessor of psychology at LSU, he was an honest fisherman, captain of road trips, connoisseur of the oldies, self-taught home chef kingtinkerer, and master story teller. He was a uniquely dedicated, loving, and exemplary husband, father, mentor, andfriend. He was an exceptional person and will be exceptionally missed.

The familywould like to thank the staff of theHalle Arizona Burn Center for their care and assistance. Donations can be made in Drew's memory to the Arizona Burn Foundation or Dante's Hope. Agathering of friends willbeheld at Agile Brewing on June 5th from 3-5:30pm.

line Academy in 1951and then went on to graduate from secretary schoolto work as asecretary until moving to Baton Rouge, Louisiana.While living in Baton Rouge,she continued work as asecretary and eventually retired from the Louisiana State Police aftermany years of service. Shewas an active memberofSt. Thomas More CatholicChurch for over 60 years, as wellasa member of theSTM Senior Ministry and loved working atthe general store. Suzanne was also amember of the Louisiana Organization of PorcelainArts Clubsince retiring and was acurrent member when she passed. Shewas an avid China painter forover 30 years and lovedto spend her time baking (especiallycakes:rum cake, mandarin orange cake, and blueberry pound cake), watching her abundance of recordedTV shows(250+ at least), and visitingwith neighborson her front porch. It wouldbe hard to not think of Suzanne with the image of yellow sticky notes being used for everything, awellloved greenMardi Gras raincoat,being curledup on the sofapaintingfor hours, an abundance of Hershey kisses, an old fashion, or the smell of strong coffeewith chicory. Mostofall,she was beyond dedicated to herfamilyand friends, which showed in how she gave her love wholly to allthose that she met. She will be deeply and truly missedby the many peoplethathad the privilege to know and love her.She is survived by childrenLesley J. Hagen, LouisE.Jung III "Trey", Suzanne J. Erwin, Stephen S. Jung, MaryJ.Grace (Donald Grace),David P. Jung (Sheryl Jung),and Bonnie J. Bourgeois (Trey Bourgeois),grandchildren ChristopherKauk,Michael Kauk, Danielle Bilberry, Kendall Jung, Abby Jung, IsabellaJung, Helene Jung, Garner Jung, Trent Hilse, Claire Patterson,Catherine Bourgeois,and Natalie Bourgeois, sister Mary Lisette St.Mard (Angie Vuillet), and 7great-grandchildren.She is preceded in death by her spouse of 32 yearsLouisEmanuel Jung Jr fatherJohn Bernard St. Mard,mother Mary Elsie Raine, and sisters Mary Carole St. Mard Fowlerand MaryJanice St Mard Neth. In lieu of flowers, please make adonation to St. ThomasMore CatholicChurch. Visitationwillbeheldat St. ThomasMore Catholic Church on Saturday,May 31, 2025 from 10:00am to 11:00am with aservice starting at 11:00am.

Many called himBraxton/some calledhim Mike. He was an electrician,loved wrestling, guitar, singing. He was never fake,sohewouldwant this blunt.Hehad pain/took to alcohol, and his choices resulted in not being able to see his two sons forthe last 11yrs. He wouldspeak of this pain to hiscircle often, but couldn't seeanyway to fixhis brokenheart, except alcohol. He finally showed us betterbycompleting rehab/gotinto a soberlivinghome. He wouldwant us to know he did break the chains/is with Jesus. Hiscircle: Michelle(mom)/CraigAndrus ,Micha el (d ad ) / CamilleKing. Shirley(sis)/ ToddHall Aaron(bro)/Alexis King.Rhett Thibodeaux(BFF)(sons)Mason,RileyKing, Neices/ Nephews

Celebration of lifeMay 31st 930am Family Chapel,13742

Matt JamesRd DenhamSprings,La. 70726.

Lasserre,Louis

M. Maurice

Servicesfor Mr. Maurice Lasserre willbeon Wednesday May 28, 2025, visitationbeginning at 9:00 am at Saint George CatholicChurch 7808 St GeorgeDr. BatonRouge LA 70809. Afuneralmass will beginat10:00 am with Fr Paul Yi,celebrant

Receptionfollowing mass at theKleinpeterActivityCenter, located to the west of thechurch (access is viaSiegen Ln. &Kinglet Dr.), parking is near the west entrance to thefacility. Church FuneralServices in charge of arrangements. Burial at Resthaven Gardens of Memory.

Thank you for your thoughts& prayersfor Maurice and family

Henry Carson Mckowen died May 18, 2025 at ChristopherHouse Hospice in Austin, TX. Carson was born June 6, 1956 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He was a graduateofTara High School and earnedhis undergraduate degree in biochemistry from LSUwhere he graduated magma cum laude.Hehad apassion for LSUfootballand swimming.Hewent on to receivehis medical degree fromthe LSUSchool of Medicine in NewOrleans wherehecompletedhis residency in neurosurgery and was amember of AlphaOmega Alpha Honor MedicalSociety.Hebegan hispracticeinneurosurgery in Pensacola,Florida and later practiced in Thibodauxand Houma, Louisiana. After his retirement from medicine,he obtaineda lawdegree fromUniversity of Texas School of Law. He practiced law in Texas and Louisiana until his retirement in 2024.

He is survivedbyhis loving wife, Michele Fonseca Mckowen, fivechildren and one stepson; Todd Mckowen and partner Stephany, daughter Erin Mckowen Solomanand her husband Stephen, daughters KellyCarson McKowen, Anna Laura McKowenand MadeleineMckowenand stepsonJoshua Boudreaux and partner Marianne, his grandchildren Scarlett, Carson, Rowan, Ash, Lila and Daphne.

He is also survivedby twobrothers: David Mckowen, Jr and wife Alicia, John Mckowenand wife Debbie, and sister Carolyn McKowen Bourgeois and husband Butler. He was preceded in death by his parents David andCarolyn McKowen and brother FeltusBarrow McKowen.

Carsonfound joy in playing the classical guitar and served on theboard of Austin Classical Guitar, where he developed meaningful friendshipsand supported guitar students throughdonations.

The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude forthe outpouring of love and support they have received.A privatememorial servicewillbeheldata laterdate. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be madeinhis memo-

ry to Austin Classical GuitarP.O. Box 4072 Austin,TX 78765.

Moore, Charlotte Doughty

“Preciousinthe sightof the Lord is thedeath of his saints.”Psalm 116:15. Charlotte DoughtyMoore was welcomed home on May 22, 2025. Shewas a beloved wife,mother, Mimi and sister.She was79and a resident of Greenwell Springs,LA. Visitation will beonWednesday,May 28 2025 at CharletFuneral Home, Inc.,Zachary,from 10:00 am until servicetime at12:00 noon conductedby Rev.GlenMiers.Burialwill followatRedwood Ceme‐tery, Slaughter. Charlotte is survivedbyher loving,de‐voted husband of 55 years, Robert“Bob” E. Moore, daughter, MistyMoore Adamo (Greg),grandchil‐dren, Sophia Adamoand CarterAdamo,and sister, Ellen DoughtyButler. Sheis precededindeath by her parents,Frank andAn‐niemaeDoughty.More thananything, Charlotte enjoyed spending time withher family, especially her grandchildren. Shewill beprofoundly missedby all who knew andloved her.Memorialdonations can be made to theTunnel toTowersFoundationat www.t2t.org

Richard (Dick) Augustine Najolia,a resident of St.James Place, Baton Rouge, peacefullypassed away on May 21, 2025, at theage of 87. He was born on February 7, 1938 in New Orleans, LA and spent his childhood in St. Bernard Parish where he was a member of thefirst graduating class of Chalmette HighSchool in 1955. On February 12, 1965, he married theloveoflife, Judith Nell Fuller Najolia. They shared 60 beautiful years of marriageand,together, they livedlifetothe fullest. He attended Louisiana StateUniversity where he received his B.S. in Accounting from LSUCollege of Commerce in 1959 and his Juris Doctorate from LSUSchool of Law in 1968. He practiced lawinNew Orleans forover 40 years where he workedasa singlepractitioner and went on to workfor Wink Engineering. He retired from practicing law in 2004 but continued to provide notary services throughout theremainderofhis life.In 2012, he was honored by

the Louisiana State Bar Association witha certificate recognizing 50 years of service in the practice of law.After retiring, he and Judy returned to Baton Rouge,where they enjoyed attendingcountlessLSU Baseball and Football games together. Adevoted NewYorkYankeesfan throughout his life, he watched the Yankeeswin onelast time before his passing.Above all,hewill be remembered as atrue gentleman—devoted to serving others andknown for hissharp wit and warm humor. Richard,anonly child, waspre-deceased by hisparents,DominickF andMary Evelyn Adams Najolia. He is survivedby hiswife,Judith Nell Fuller Najolia; hiscousins C. J. Abadie, Ronald Mistrot, Edward Munster,Cynthia Munster,JanisEck, Kenneth Najolia,and Dottie Lamb, BarbraAnglade; along withmany dear cousinsand close friends. Amemorial service willbe held at alater date. The familywishestoacknowledge andthank thestaff members of Caring Companions of St.James and AudubonHospice.We wouldalso like to express gratitude towardsRenee andMichael Donahuefor theirlove andsupport.In lieu of flowers, please consider adonation to St JamesFoundation, 333 Lee Drive,LA70808 or to a charity of yourchoice

CharlesW.Rea,age 90, aresident of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, passed away on Thursday, May15, 2025, at hishome. He wasbornApril 26, 1935, in Little Rock, Arkansas. He wascaptain of theLittle Rock High School footballteam the year they wonthe Big Seven ConferenceChampionship in 1952. Charles graduatedfromTulane University in NewOrleans, wherehemet thelove of hislife, Patsy AnnBagwell Rea, at TulaneBaptist Student Union. They were marriedfor 67 years. Charles workedinthe insurance industry in Dallas, Texas, before returningtoBaton Rouge to continuehis career in law. Charles wasanattorney for over 57 years and started hisown practice in 1978.

Charles participated in many memberships includ-

ing: American Trial LawyersAssociation Louisiana Trial Lawyers Association,FelicianaBar Association and the Louisiana Bar Association, alongwithhelping on the Woodland RidgeAssociation boardand Lake Sherwood AcresAssociation He volunteered in many capacitiesand was alongtime memberofthe DowntownKiwanis Club, having achievedthe status of both Lieutenant Governor and Governor Some of hisfavorite things to do were antiquing,visitingauction houses,touring open homes for sale after church,his annual snowskiing trips, andtraveling around the worldwithhis bride,including trips to China,Russia, and several European countries. Charleswas afan of LSU andTulanefootball, and especially LSUwomen's basketball, whereheand mom hadseason tickets. He wasa faithfulfollower of Jesus Christ andhad attendedPlymouthPark Church in Irving Texas, First Baptist Church of Baton Rouge andmost recently wasa founding member of CrossPoint Baptist Church, wherehe served as adeacon and on theManagement Team. He wasa belovedmember of thecommunity, known for hiskindness, generosity andservice Charles wasa loving son, brother, uncle,father, husband, friendand dedicated grandfather,who lovedwatchinghis granddaughterplaysportsand ride horses.His warmth andcompassion extended beyondfamilytoeveryone he encountered. He is preceded in death by hisparents, Thomas MarvinRea andOllie Brown Rea; hisbrothers Elvin, Tom and AD;and his sister,Erma.

Charles is survivedby hisbeloved wife, Patsy AnnBagwell Rea; his daughter, WendyAnn Rea MacKayand son-in-law David MacKay; hisson, ChuckRea anddaughter-in -law LaurieKnight Rea; andhis granddaughter, Ellen Louise Rea. Relativesand friends are invited to attendthe Funeral Service at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, May31, 2025, at CrossPoint Baptist Church,14965 Airline HighwayinBaton Rouge.A Visitationwillbeheld at ResthavenFuneral Home, 11817 JeffersonHighway, from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Friday, May 30, 2025, and at the churchon Saturday, May31, 2025, beginningat9:30 a.m. Intermentwill follow at ResthavenGardens of Memory. Familyand friends may sign theonline guestbook or leave apersonal note to thefamilyatwww.resthav enbatonrouge.com

Godso, Roger 'Tad'

McKowen, HenryCarson

Najolia, Richard Augustine'Dick'

Rea, Charles W.

Gouvier,William Drew

King,Michael A. Braxton

OPINION

OUR VIEWS

Memorial Day asks us to reflecton ultimate devotion to country

Editor’snote: This editorial, with variations, has been published on previous Memorial Days in this newspaper Barbecues, sales, pool parties and an unofficial summer kickoff. For many,those are the thingsthat Memorial Day heralds. The last Monday in May has become aday of celebration and relaxation.

Those current markersofMemorial Day are farfrom its founding in the aftermathofthe Civil War, when community membersacross the country adornedgraves with flowers as a way to remember their war dead.

These days were known as “decoration days,” asolemn commemoration of the toll armed conflict takes. In 1866, aladies’ group in Columbus, Georgia, lobbied for aspecific day on which to place flowers on Civil War-era graves. Then, on May 5, 1868, agroup of Union veterans issued an order that was known as the “Memorial Day Act” which is often recognized as the formal start to Memorial Day In the years since, Memorial Day has been consistently celebrated through two world wars, conflicts in Korea, Vietnam, Iraq, Afghanistan and several other smaller engagements. In each of these conflicts, American military members have put themselves in harm’sway in service of our country.They left family and loved ones to answer the call to protect our nation. Hundreds of thousands of them never made it home.

Memorial Day should prompt us to think aboutthe sacrifices of those who have raised their hands, taken the oath and offered themselves up in defense of others. For some, that meant the ultimate sacrifice. For others, terrible injuries. For all, we offer our gratitude and respect, sentiments that should be as steadfast as their resolve.

We should also remember that theirsacrifices are ongoing —even when U.S. troops aren’tinvolved in active wars. Tensions roil regions around the globe, in places such as the Pacific, the Middle East and Europe. In many of those locales, American soldiers face peril every day.Athome,that means many families’ Memorial Day celebrations are clouded with concern for aloved one on active duty.

In Louisiana, we are fortunate to have thousands of current soldiersstationed in installations acrossthe state, from Barksdale Air Force Base in Bossier City toFort Johnson in Leesville to the Naval Air StationinBelle Chase to the Louisiana National Guard Training Center in Pineville. Those Americans could be sent, at amoment’snotice, intoharm’sway

We are not immunetothe evolution of Memorial Day from quiet commemoration to summer inauguration.

But this year,asweeat,shop, swim or relax, we urge everyone to offer asolemn remembrance for those who have died, aheartfelt thanks to those who have retired and afervent prayer for the safety of those still serving.

LETTERSTOTHE EDITOR ARE WELCOME. HERE AREOUR

GUIDELINES: Letters are published identifying name, occupation and/or title and the writer’scity of residence

TheAdvocate |The Times-Picayune require astreet address andphone number for verification purposes, but that information is not published. Letters are not to exceed 300 words. Letters to the Editor,The Advocate, P.O. Box 588, Baton Rouge LA 70821-0588, or email letters@ theadvocate.com.

TO SEND US A LETTER SCANHERE

Critiquesneedtohaveclarity

We welcome reader feedback on our reporting, and our letters to theeditor often comment on specific articles. Yet, sometimes it isn’t clear what article readers arereferring to. If you are writing about aspecific article, it is recommended that you include the date it was published. In thesame vein, letters to theeditor need to be able tobe understood by anyone who picks up thepaper that day.Soifyou disagree withapoint made by an article, quoting directly from thepiece you are referencing helps other readers understand your argument if they missed the article in thenewspaper Of course, online we link to the article from theletter,but still, it should be clear what points you want to raise. We appreciate when readers include, “This is in responsetoanarticle published on such-and-such adate” and include the title of thearticle. That way,it’sclear what the writer is talking about. Lettersthat seek corrections toour

reporting or make allegationsthat go beyond opinion are generallyreferred to theeditor of the article. If significant corrections need to be made, that will be done in consultation between the reporter and editor.But we generally allow writers to take issue with any facts presented or the qualityofthe reporting. The feedback we get isn’tall negative. We also get letters praising our reporting. We are grateful for those, and Itry to share them with the reporters of thearticle. Seeing what topics interest our readers also helps guide future reporting.Usually,it’sthe articles that explain complex topics or raise theprofile of little-known people, places or eventsthat receive kudos. Even though we can see what people click on online, our print audience is often an indicator of what is important to our local communities. Andsometimes, readers just want to register disapproval of or support for our reporting. There are writers who

ask not to be published but want editors to take note of their view.Wehonor that request as well. With the Memorial Dayholiday,we don’thave atally forthis week’sletters. But we hope to have an update next week. There has been asignificant increase in letters since the start of the legislative session, and we know that will continue. But generally,inthe summer months, we see fewerletters as readers unplug to spend timerelaxing with friends and family And if you wantsomething to contemplate in the meantime, we are still accepting letters forour Town Square feature. The question we are asking you to write about is: How important is your faith to your daily life, and what role, if any,should it play in public life? Send your responses to letters @theadvocate.com. We will publish a selection in an upcoming edition. Arnessa Garrett is Deputy Editor | OpinionPage Editor.Emailher at arnessa.garrett@theadvocate.com.

Arnessa Garrett

COMMENTARY

Pointing fingers won’tsolve entrenched jail challenges

It’sgood that Orleans Parish Sheriff Susan Hutson is now taking“full accountability” for the mass breakout from the jail she runs, and calling it what it is:an epic failure that played outonher watch.

Youknow what wasn’tgood?

That it took Hutson more than four days to say so after initially labeling the early morning escape of 10 Orleans Justice Center inmates —without offering ashred of evidence —as

“very suspicious” because it happened“as we’re getting ready to startthis sheriff’srace.”

the notion that it is possible to balancepublicsafety with less incarceration of those who do not pose apublic danger. That would obviously not include the escapees who’vebeen charged with or convicted of murder or attempted murder

was predictable and depressingly tone deaf. He should remember thatthe Troop NOLA policing experiment works because it represents cooperation among those withdifferent political views, not scolding confrontation.

Stephanie Grace

And it’sgood that Gov.Jeff Landry quickly put stateresourcesbehind the search forthe escapees, vowed to investigate and proposedanexamination of policies thatcould have led to the shocking breachofsecurity— all ideas that are in line with his wellreceived support for establishing astate police presence in New Orleans.

Not so good: Landry’sknee-jerk rant against progressive criminal justicereform —basically

For good measure, Landry also managed to insult New Orleans voters for making bad choices at the ballotbox, andlump in otherofficials who have run on criminal justice reform platforms —including District Attorney Jason Williams, whowas personally part of the prosecutionteam that convicted one escaped inmateofagang-related murder

“George Soros came over the last decade orsoand spent aton of money in thecityofNew Orleans, electing these progressive people,” Landry told talk show host Chris Cuomo. “It’slike he came[as] Santa Claus, and inside hissack,heput outaDA[district attorney], asheriff,and Ithink about six judges, and we have been havingproblems in thecity

ever since now.” Apparently it needs to be said that if ever there were atime for all public officials put their personal politics aside, it should be during amoment of obvious official inadequacy that resulted in an ongoing public safety crisis. Besides, all this finger-pointing isn’tgoing to tell voters anything they don’talready know It’snot as if Hutson, who was elected amid deep frustration with the incumbent she beat, Marlin Gusman, had demonstrable voter confidence before the escape.

Atax increase she sought two years ago failed by aspectacular 91%-9% margin at the polls, and a morerecent renewal to keep operations going passed by amere two votes. Her reelection bid this fall —which she suspended last week —had already attracted muscular opposition before the escape. While she’sstill nominally acandidate (pending qualifying in July), Hutson’shad her chance to set abetter course.

As for Landry,even if some of the factors he mentioned turn out to be significant,his broad diatribe

While these politicians couldn’t resist thechance to score points, this shocking breakout is actually adifferent type of opportunity: To finally tackle the intractable challengesthe jail faces, from understaffing and overcrowding to physicaldeficiencies such as faulty locks, in afacility that is just nine years old and wasbilled as state of the art.

Someofthose have to do with thecomplicated division of responsibility between separately elected branches of government, amess that long predates Hutson and Landry,and extends into every corner of the state.

Here’show the Bureau of Governmental Research described thehistory in its call to come up with ajoint strategy: “The City must provide mostofthe jail’s funding under state law,but it has no control over how the Sheriff runs thejail. Conversely,the

Sheriff’sability to improve jail conditions can be limited by the City’scontrol of the purse strings. Over the decades, the City has blamed the jail’sdeficiencies on mismanagement, while the Sheriffhas cited inadequate funding. The resulting power struggles have impeded cooperative problem solving.”

No kidding. So to that end, the jail’sfuture should be acentral topic not just forsheriffcandidates but forthose running for mayor and City Council on the samefall ballot. There are also clearly problems to work out between the sheriff’s office and the state Department of Corrections, including how and when to transfer dangerous inmates to from local to state custody

The bottom line is that, beyond recapturing all the escapees and arresting those whohelped them, there’sawhole lot to do.

But if politicians won’tstop pointing fingers, they’ll never get downtothe hard workathand.

Email Stephanie Grace at sgrace@theadvocate.com.

State’sstudenttests areexcellent,sokeepLEAP

Astate senator’sbillonLouisiana’sstatewide student tests is well-intentionedbut ill-advised. At best, it’ssuperfluous, andat worst, directly counterproductive. Senate Bill 246, by Mark Abraham, R-Lake Charles, would require the state Board of Elementary and Secondary Education to research alternatives to the Louisiana Educational Assessment Program. It also would mandate that the LEAP tests in social studies and science be administered at only four grade levels (during the K-12 schooling career), ratherthan the current six —something that BESE already is in the processofdoing anyway Abraham wants the board to examine whether a“nationally normed”test, rather than the Louisiana-specific LEAP,might be better to help this state’sstudents compete nationally, andalso to spend less time taking statewide mandated tests. Louisiana’sACT (college admissions test) scores rank among the ten worst inthe nation —although among the far smaller population thattakes the SATtest instead, Louisianaranks an impressive 13th out of 51. Of course the test itself doesn’t determine how wellstudents will do, but agood test will accurately assess whether children are learning what top educators

think they should. Agood test and agood curriculumwill influence andcomplementeach other holistically.Both LEAP andthe Louisianacurricula and standards enjoy solid national reputations.

Quin Hillyer

“The LEAP test is areally good test,” said Dr.Christy Hovanetz, asenior policy fellow of ExcelinEd,animpressively bipartisan national education-policy group. “Louisiana has selected one of thepremier largescale test providers in the country …[and LEAP] has strong content standards and it meets all the aspects for validity,reliability,accuracy, andaccommodations.”

What would happen if LEAP were replaced bya “nationally normed” test is that Louisiana’s whole educational approach, at greatexpense, would need to be revamped.

“A change in assessment will prompt changes in teacher training, curriculum purchases and educational standards,” said Cade Brumley,Louisiana’sSuperintendent ofEducation. “Absolutely there is arisk in shifting assessments.”

There is ample reason to avoid takingthat risk, andnocompelling reason to force BESE’shand.

If the length of testing is amajor complaint, as it is for Abraham and for theLouisiana School Board Association, well, BESE alreadythis year cut the LEAP

Cade Brumley, Louisiana state superintendentofeducation, speaks about the 2023 LEAP standardized test scores during anewsconference on Aug. 2, 2023, at the Cyber

reading and mathtests by 25%.

Andifthe main point is to get BESEtododue diligence about whether LEAP is the best testfor Louisiana, that’salso something that needs no extra push from the Legislature: The current contract for theLEAP assessments runs out in two years anyway,soBESE already is slated to takealook at thewhole assessment process

That’swhy,whether thequestion is fewer science and social studies tests, shorter math and reading testsora basic review of LEAP going forward, SB 246 appears remarkably redundant. The reason Louisiana has astate school board in thefirst place is

so theLegislature won’t need to micromanage education policy, but instead just ensure adequate financing while making major policy decisions. Yes, the Legislature has theultimate authority,but why should it waste its timemandating things that BESE already seemstobedoing?

Granted, if Louisiana still were manifestly failing its students, theLegislature might have reason to intervene on everything from soup to nuts to, well, to testing. Louisiana, though, isn’tfailing, unless one measures by the ACT testalone. But the ACT is a trailing, not aleading, indicator

Here’swhy: Using state-specific

curriculum and the state-specific LEAP assessments, Louisiana already is showing tremendous improvement on the national index that matters mostofall for elementary education, the National Assessment of Educational Progress. The so-called “Nation’s Report Card” revealed in January that Louisiana’s“back to basics” approach in the past fewyears is paying big dividends: The state’s fourth graders led the nation in reading progress (compared to past results), moving in just two years from 42nd place to 16th among the 50 states and the District of Columbia. And Louisiana wasone of only two states where 4th graders’ scores improved from pre-pandemic levels in both reading and math.

Brumley says that as these younger students “matriculate through their K-12 experience,” the newly solid foundation evident in the NAEP results should show up when those pupils begin to take the ACT

“Our board president said it well in aSenate committee hearing,” Brumley said. “Wehave a strategy.It’sworking. We need to be able to implement our strategy.”

LEAP is an integral part of that strategy that is working. To update an old adage, if it ain’tbroke, don’tgive orders to fix it. Quin Hillyer can be reached at quin.hillyer@theadvocate.com.

TrumpembracesSouth Africans —the Whiteones

President Donald Trump’srefugee policy reminds me of what automakerHenry Ford supposedly said about his company’s Model T: “A customer can have acar painted any colorhewants as long as it’sblack.”

So it is with the Trump administration’spolicy towardrefugees who are fleeing war or political persecution, albeitwith acolor preferencesomewhat at odds with Ford’s.

The Trump administration is welcoming White Afrikaners, acenturies-oldethnic group descended mainly from Dutch colonists, after suspending the program for everyone else. The first group of almost60arrived from South Africa at Dulles InternationalAirport on May 12 —ona charter flight paid for by the U.S. government.

That means all other Africans who have waited in refugee camps for years after beingvetted and cleared must step back and wait even longer for their uncertain futures to play out, as

White SouthAfricans get ushered throughthe express lane. This also throws into limbo the Afghans who risked their lives to assist American combat troops who have been left ever since they were unable to leave the country after the Taliban took over.“Betrayal” is atoughword, but it taxes themindtothink of amore appropriate description. Such wasthe outrageexpressed by theEpiscopal Church, which announced after theAfrikaners arrived that it was terminating its partnership with thefederal government to resettle refugees.

In aletter senttomembers of thechurch, the Most Rev.Sean W. Rowe, the presiding bishop, said that two weeksago, thegovernment“informed Episcopal MigrationMinistries that under theterms of ourfederal grant,we are expected to resettle White Afrikaners from South Africa whom theU.S. government has classifiedasrefugees.”

That request, Rowe said,

crossed amoral line for the denomination, which is part of the global Anglican Communion, once led by the late Archbishop DesmondTutu, ahero of South Africa’santi-apartheid movement.

ButTrumpembraced his own version of apartheid, special treatment for White South Africans, based on evidence that is, at best,shaky Trumpordered ahalt to all foreign assistance to South Africa and ahigher priority to theresettlingofWhite “Afrikaner refugees” intothe United States because of what he called actions by SouthAfrica’sgovernment that “racially disfavored landowners.”

How badly disfavored? With his usual freewheeling approach to language, Trumpcharged that Afrikaners were victims of a“genocide,” acharge that has turned out to have little moresupport than his bogus accusation during his presidential campaign last year that Haitian migrants in Ohio were “eating the cats! They’re eating thedogs!” In South Africa, hehas told reporters, “Farmers are being

killed. They happen to be White. Whether they are White or Black makes no difference to me. White farmers are being brutally killed and the land is being confiscated in South Africa.”

Yet, police data do not support that narrative. They show killings on farms to be rare and, as in urban areas, thevictimsare mostly Black

With similar fervor,Trumphas expressed support forSouth Africa’sWhite farmers and attacked anew law that he insists would permit the seizure and redistribution of land to redress racial inequalities rooted in the legacy of apartheid, the system of racial segregation that Afrikaner-led regimes enforced from 1948 to 1994.

How did Trumpbecome so captivated by South Africa’sracial challenges? Youcan credit —or blame—right-wing podcaster Tucker Carlson.

Back in Trump’sfirst administration, when Carlson wasthe mostwatched Fox News anchorcommentator,Carlson picked up and repeated on air the dire warn-

ings of “White genocide” in South Africa that circulating in White nationalist social media circles. Thirty years after the end of apartheid, NPRreported, “most commercial farmland in South Africa, where land reform persists as amajor issue, is still owned by the country’sWhite minority.” Yet, no land has been seized, nor are seizures expected. For now,there also is the matter of Secretary of State Marco Rubio’sousting of South Africa’s new ambassador,Ebrahim Rasool, as a“race-baiting politician.” Rasool’soffense wasthat he opined in an online seminar that the MAGAmovement waspartially aresponse to demographic worries about afuture in which White people would no longer be the majority Mr.Ambassador,aword of advice: Don’t pay too much attention to what Tucker Carlson says. Most of us Americans know better Or at least, Ihope we do. Email Clarence Page at clarence47page@gmail.com.

STAFF FILE PHOTOByJILL PICKETT

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Clarence Page

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LSU right-hand pitcher Jacob Mayers throws apitch in the seventh inning of an SECTournamentsemifinal game against Ole MissonSaturdayinHoover, Ala.LSU pitchers Jayden Noot, Chase Shores and Mayers combined to strike out 14 batters on Saturday.

BY KOKI RILEY Staff writer

‘A

new energy around’

Carl Granderson didn’tknow awhole lot about the new young coach the NewOrleans Saints hired in February to resurrect the franchise.

All Granderson really knew was that Kellen Moore was once astar college quarterback.

“I just knew he went to Boise State, and Iwent to Wyoming, and we hated Boise,” Granderson said. Granderson has abetter understanding of whoMoore is now.Moore’splaying days are athing of the past. He’s been an assistant coach in the NFLfor the past seven seasons. Now, at the age of 36, he has landed one of the 32 mostcoveted positions in the NFL. Moore conducted his first three practices with his full team this week as the Saints conducted OTAs (Organized Team Activities). It hasn’ttaken Moore long to convince his players that he’sthe right man for the job.

“He brings adifferent type of energy and vibe to the locker room,” Granderson said. “I feel like everything seemsmore intact and on schedule. He is just bringing a different swagger to the whole facility and organization right now.”

The Saints need someswagger.You tend to lose all the swagger you once had when you finish aseason 5-12 and fail to make the playoffs forthe fourth consecutive year.Itwas aseason so bad that it prompted the midseason firing of Dennis Allen

in shutoutlosstoOle Miss in SECsemifinal

HOOVER,Ala.— At first,getting the week off seeminglydid wonders for LSU’soffense.

In its first three innings at the SECTournament on Friday, the Tigersscored four runs on five hits. Junior Ethan Frey cracked atwo-run home run andLSU held a 4-0 lead against adesparateTexas A&M team. Butthe next 15 innings were anotherstoryfor theTigers’ bats. No. 3LSU was held to just two hits, includingnonefor extra bases. It worked fivewalks butalsoflew out17times.

The final nine of those innings came on Saturday in the Tigers’ 2-0 loss to No. 7Ole Miss in the SEC Tournament semifinal, LSU’sfirst shutout defeatofthe year

“Great jobbyOle Miss,” LSU coachJay Johnson said. “They’ve obviously pitched very well here. They certainly didinthisgame, as they didagainst Floridaand Arkansas.” LSU’sbiggest inning at the plate came in the third when freshman Cade Arrambide and junior Chris Stanfield hit a pair of one-out singles. But neither runner advanced any further because freshman Derek Curiel struckout and juniorJared Jones flew out to end the inning.

LSU(43-14) also had the game-tying runatthe plate with twooutsinthe ninth inning followinga two-outwalk from Frey.But senior pinch-hitter JoshPearsonflew out to center field after Frey took second base, handing Ole Miss (40-18) the victory LSU’sbatsgo cold

ä See LSU, page 4C

Alookathow new coachMoore wonover Saints locker room Saints

ä See WALKER, page 3C

WassermanoptimisticMLB playerswillfind path to Olympics

LA28 presidentintalks with majorleague commissioner Manfredabout decision

LA28president andchairman Casey Wasserman said he hasbeeninclose contact with MLB commissioner Rob Manfredabout the decision that must be made by boththe league and the players’ union on whether to sendplayers to the Olympics in the middleof the 2028 baseball season. There’snocurrent timetable for thedecision.

“I’m optimistic because it’sthe right thingfor the sport of baseball, it’sthe right thing forthe players andit’scertainly the rightthing forthe Olympics,” Wasserman

LOSANGELES The organizers of theLos Angeles Olympics remain optimistic that MajorLeague Baseball will find away to join the NFL in sending the world’s best athletes in their respective sports to the2028 Games.

told The Associated Press on Wednesday “I think when things make sense foreverybody,you can usually find away to get thingsdone.”

LA28 was buoyed by the NFL owners’ unanimous decision this week to approve theplayers’participation in theinaugural Olympic flag football event, with Wasserman calling it “anawesome day.” The Los Angeles organizing committee is hoping for similar news on baseball, whenever the decision is made.

“We’re very engagedwith thecommis-

HEALING THROUGH MUSIC THERAPY

sioner,” Wasserman said. “I talkedtohim in anticipation of the NFLannouncement so they knewwhatwas coming. Theyhavea different challenge because it’sinthe middle of their season, but we are very engaged in ongoing discussions with thehopetoget to agood result.” Players’ unionhead Tony Clark hassaid hisplayers want to viefor Olympicgold —particularly those whogot ataste of international competition in previous World

ä See OLYMPICS, page 4C

MusicTherapist, Our Lady of the LakeHealth Adjunct Instructor, LSU

Rod Walker

BROADCAST HIGHLIGHTS

Djokovic clinches his 100th career singles title

GENEVA Novak Djokovic has finally clinched his 100th career singles title by beating Hubert Hurkacz to become the Geneva Open champion.

Djokovic won their final 5-7, 7-6, 7-6. Djokovic lost his two previous finals since his 99th title win nine months ago at the Paris Olympics at Roland-Garros. The three-time French Open champion heads back to Paris looking to add to his 24 Grand Slam singles titles. He has a French Open first-round match on Monday against Mackenzie McDonald of the United States.

Matti Schmid watches his shot off the first tee during the first round of the Charles Schwab Challenge at Colonial Country Club on Thursday in Fort Worth, Texas. Ben Griffin and Schmid share the lead heading into Sunday’s final round

Griffin, Schmid share lead at Colonial

BY STEPHEN HAWKINS AP sportswriter

FORT WORTH, Texas Ben Griffin and Matti Schmid matched each other again Saturday, and will go into the final round at Colonial tied four strokes ahead of the field with top-ranked Scottie Scheffler lurking.

Griffin and Schmid each shot 2-under 68 after fast starts they didn’t maintain. They were at 13-under 197 after posting the same score for the third straight day at the Charles Schwab Challenge. They followed opening 66s and then 63s that put them in the lead together “It seems like me and Matti are going to duel it out a little bit tomorrow at least try to take advantage of our leads that we currently have over third and fourth,” Griffin said.

They certainly can’t overlook Scheffler who was tied for seventh place after a 64 that trimmed his 10-stroke deficit to six.

Scheffler, coming off his third major victory at the PGA Championship a week ago, would have been closer if not for three bogeys

his last seven holes But, with another big round on Sunday, he still has a chance to become the first player since Dustin Johnson in 2017 to win in three starts in a row.

Scheffler was on the wrong end of one of the biggest comebacks at Colonial, three years ago when Sam Burns overcame a sevenshot deficit in the final round and beat his good friend on playoff hole That matched Nick Price’s record seven-shot comeback in 1994, when he caught Scott Simpson and won on the first extra hole.

Rickie Fowler shot 67 and was alone in third. He will be in the final group with the co-leaders Sunday, when Schmid seeks his first PGA Tour victory and Griffin his first individual title after pairing with Andrew Novak to win the Zurich Classic of New Orleans last month.

“I haven’t been far off for quite a while. I’ve seen glimpses here and there of some really good golf,” the 36-year-old Fowler said. “Looking forward to tomorrow Everyone is very good, so experience does help, but we’ve got a couple of guys that are out

there a little ways in front of me, and see if we can go chase them down.”

Fowler who has dropped to 127th in the world after being in the top 25 as recently as early 2024, hasn’t won since the 2023 Rocket Mortgage Classic in Detroit that was his sixth victory and ended a four-year winless streak. Robert MacIntyre and Lucas Glover also shot 64. MacIntyre was tied for fourth with Nick Hardy and Akshay Bhatia at 8 under, with Glover two strokes behind that.

Griffin and Schmid both had birdies on the first three holes Saturday to get to 14 under and quickly create some separation from the rest of the field. All three birdie putts by Griffin were 7 feet or less, while Schmid had a 40-footer at the 461-yard third hole.

They remained tied until Griffin’s approach at No. 5 adjacent to the Trinity River was out of bounds and resulted in a doublebogey 6. He then missed the green with his approach at the sixth hole before two-putting from 14 feet for bogey

Griffin got two strokes back with birdies at No 8 and at No. 10 with a 35-footer. That got him to 13 under and Schmid dropped back to that when he drove into the right rough and then hit into a bunker on way to a bogey at the 637-yard par-5 11th. Scheffler who teed off more than two hours before the coleaders, was at 8 under after his eagle at No. 11, where he got on the green in two shots and made the 15-foot putt. That followed consecutive birdies as Nos. 9 and 10, and starting the back nine with an approach to 2 1/2 feet. But back-to-back bogeys followed after Scheffler hit tee shots into bunkers at Nos. 12 and 13. He got those strokes back with birdies at Nos. 16 and 17, only to miss the fairway at No 18 to finish with another bogey

The only player to win the Byron Nelson and Colonial in the same season was Ben Hogan in 1946. Scheffler earlier this month won his beloved hometown CJ Cup Byron Nelson when matching the PGA Tour’s 72-hole scoring record at 31-under 253 for an eight-stroke win.

Bae settles for 1-shot lead in LGPA event in Mexico

The Associated Press

PLAYA DEL CARMEN, Mexico Jenny

Bae started with three straight birdies and had a one-shot lead that could have been larger except for a soft finish Saturday in the Mexico Riviera Maya Open.

Bae didn’t make another birdies after the third hole. What held her back were having to settle for pars on easy scoring holes, and then closing with a bogey when it took her two shots to get out of the crushed coral left of the green on the par-5 18th.

Bae was at 7-under 209, and the LPGA rookie faces a big test Sunday along with just about everyone else chasing her — in a bid for her first LPGA victory “I didn’t finish as well as I wanted to, but that’s OK,” Bae said “Just tells me that I need to fight more the last 18 holes.”

The El Camaleon course at Mayakoba was set up for scoring, with the tees moved up on the par-4 17th to make it reachable with a fairway metal, and the par-5 clos-

ing hole.

Yahui Zhang of China finished birdie-birdie for a 68 and was at 6-under 210, along with Chisato Iwai of Japan, who also birdied the last two holes. Another shot back was Gabriela Ruffels of Australia, who had the strongest closing kick of all.

Ruffels was 3 over for her round when she holed a 15-foot birdie putt on the 14th hole. On the par-4 16th, the toughest on the back nine, she holed a birdie putt from 20 feet.

Ruffels left her tee shot just in front of the green on the 17th, pitched to a back pin some 4 feet away for birdie, and then made it three straight at the end with a birdie at the 18th. That allowed her to salvage a 71 and left her very much in the mix.

“I was just proud of the way I kind of stuck in there and felt like I gave myself the chance to kind of come back,” Ruffels said. “To finish the way I did is really good and some momentum into tomorrow.”

Also finishing strong was Miranda Wang of China, even if it was

to keep her head above water She was five shots behind when Wang started missing to the left a tee shot into the bushes on the 16th that led to a penalty shot, a tee shot on the 17th into the water left of the green. Both times, Wang made 15-foot putts to save par, and then after pulling her approach left of the 18th green, she got that up-anddown for birdie for a 73. She was among seven players at 4-under 212, three shots out of the lead.

Bae was pleased to be in front, though she missed an opportunity to have a little more room for error She missed a 6-foot birdie putt on the par-5 13th. She was in good position off the 17th, just short of the green, but her pitch was strong and too far right and rolled through to the collar She had to settle for par

Senior PGA

GOOSEN HEADLINES STAR-STUDDED

SENIOR PGA: In Bethesda, Maryland, Stewart Cink looked over at the leaderboard late in the third round of the Senior PGA Cham-

pionship on Saturday and flashed back to younger days for him and many of the other big-name players in the mix.

“It feels like a major out there,” Cink said. “Those names up there have all had some success.”

Retief Goosen and Angel Cabrera were among those tied for first going into the final round, with Cink and Lee Westwood one stroke back and a group including Padraig Harrington, Vijay Singh and Y.E. Yang two back. The 11 golfers on or close to the lead have combined to win 13 major championships.

“The people up there are the people that have a lot of experience,” Cabrera said after getting to 5 under for the tournament. “Most of them have been in many majors, and you can see that.”

Goosen has two U.S. Open championships on his resume and Cabrera one of those to go along with the 2009 Masters. Harrington won the British Open in ‘07 and ‘08 and Cink in ’09, while Singh has two PGA Championship victories and another in the Masters.

Djokovic joins tennis greats Jimmy Connors, who has a record 109 titles, and Roger Federer with 103 as the only men with a century of tournament wins in the Open era.

Taxi drivers might block access to French Open PARIS — Striking taxi drivers in Paris are threatening to take their protest to the French Open and block access to Roland-Garros on Monday if the government does not listen to their demands.

The drivers are worried about threats to their income and have already brought sections of Parisian traffic to a standstill for five straight days, gathering at landmarks such as the Arc de Triomphe and blocking roads while honking horns and flashing their car lights.

The French Open begins on Sunday

The drivers are unhappy with new medical transport rules and competition from ride-hailing apps. Their movement has also spread to other French cities.

Overall Giro d’Italia leader

Del Toro has strong stage

NOVA GORICA, Slovenia Overall leader Isaac Del Toro has gained chunks of time on many of his biggest rivals who were slowed by a crash in the wet and slippery 14th stage of the Giro d’Italia.

Kasper Asgreen of Denmark won the mostly flat stage on his own after getting into an early breakaway Del Toro finished in the second group, 16 seconds behind.

Del Toro is the first Mexican rider to wear the pink jersey He leads Simon Yates by 1 minute, 20 seconds.

Juan Ayuso dropped fron second to third, 1:26 behind; 2019 champion Richard Carapaz was fourth, 2:07 behind; and Roglic trailed by 2:23 in fifth.

The mountain stages will be held this week.

Coward opts for NBA draft over transferring to Duke SEATTLE — Washington State guard Cedric Coward, who intended on transferring to Duke, will instead keep his name in the 2025 NBA draft, he told ESPN on Saturday Coward, 21, averaged 17.7 points, 7.0 rebounds and 3.7 assists in six games for the Cougars last season before his year ended prematurely because of a partially torn shoulder labrum The 6-foot-6 Coward also shot 40% from 3-point range last season, his first with Washington State.

Coward started his collegiate career at Division III Willamette in 2021 and then transferred to Eastern Washington, where he spent two seasons.

ESPN’s latest mock draft projected Coward as theNo 30 overall pick.

Americans advance to final at ice hockey worlds

STOCKHOLM The United States has beaten Sweden 6-2 to advance to the final of the ice hockey world championship in Stockholm. In Sunday’s gold medal game, the U.S. will play Switzerland, which made the second straight final by shutting out Denmark 7-0. The Americans built a 4-0 lead after two periods. The home team cut the deficit in half but it was too little, too late.

Shane Pinto finished it off with an empty net to complete a three-point game. Nino Niederreiter scored twice for Switzerland which has never won the tournament.

Switzerland shut out the United States 3-0 in the group stage, the Americans’ only defeat. Jeremy Swayman stopped 27 shots against Sweden.

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By JULIO CORTEZ

GOLF ROUNDUP

LSU gymnastics gets transfer from Denver

Ulrich,three-time All-American,chooses LSUoverSEC rival Oklahoma andUtah

BY SCOTT RABALAIS Staff writer

The LSU gymnastics team has gotten its top transfer portal target for this year’srecruitingcycle and beat out its top Southeastern Conference rival in the process. Madison Ulrich, arising junior from Denver University,announced her commitmentto the Tigers on Friday night on her Instagram account.

Athree-time All-American, Ulrich chose LSU after alsomaking visits to new NCAA champion Oklahoma and Utah.

“I am honored and blessed to sharethatI have decidedtocommittoLSU for the remainder of

WALKER

Continued from page1C

and the eventual hiring of Moore, whospent last season as offensive coordinator of the Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles. Just three months on thenew job,Moore saysthe transition from coordinatorto head coach has been asmooth one.

“It’sbeen areallygood process,” Moore said. “I feel fortunate to be teaming up withsome really goodpeople here whohave done it foralong time. Youlean on those resources.”

Those resources includeeverybody from defensive coordinator Brandon Staley(former head coach of the Los Angeles Chargers) to TedRath, the team’s directorofsportsperformance.

Moore also hasn’tbeen afraid to lean on veteran players like linebacker Demario Davis to get a gauge on the locker room.

Honest dialogue is something Moore believes in. It’sthe one thing tight end Juwan Johnson has appreciated the most in the earlystages of playing for his third head coachinfive years.

When Derek Carr announced his retirement two weeks ago, Moore made sure his players knew about it before they saw it somewhere on social media or scrolling across the bottom of their TV screens on the ESPN ticker

“Kellen relayeditto us before it hit the public, and that saysalot,” Johnson said. “In the past,news broke and we didn’teven know untilithit the media. So Ithink the communication part and his ability to reallyopen up toguys is going to be big for him. There’s not adisconnect between upstairs and downstairs.”

Moore hasn’tbeen afraid to switch things up, evident by who lined up where on the offensive lineduringThursday’spractice.

my collegiate career!!”Ulrich posted. “I am so grateful for this incredible opportunity and extremelyexcited and hopeful for what’s to come! Geaux Tigers!!!”

She also had appreciativewords forthe program sheisleaving behind.

“With all my love, Iwould like to thank my Denver family for these past two years,”Ulrichposted. I have learned and grown so much through my time withyou all and will carry therelationships and experiences I’vehad with me into this next chapter.”

Anative of FortMill,South Carolina, Ulrich competed with Oklahoma as an unattached individual during the NCAA Championships in April. Top-qualifying gymnastswhose teamsdonot make it to nationals are allowed to competefor NCAA individual titles

Shortly after theNCAA Championships,Ulrichentered the trans-

fer portal. She visited LSU first, thenmade trips to Utahand OU, each time posting on social media that she was still uncommitted. Now,she is. Ulrich tiedfor 16thinthe allaround (39.325) and on balance beam (9.8875) at nationals and tied for 20th on uneven bars (also 9.8875).Her career highs are 39.575 (all-around), 9.975 (bars), 9.95 (floor), 9.925 (vault) and 9.90 (beam) Ulrich was afive-star recruit in 2023 according to College Gym News.Before going to Denver,she was atwo-timechampion at DP Nationals (2021, all-around;2023, bars) and was athree-time member of the USA Gymnastics developmental Level 10 national team. Ulrich is the thirdtransfer for LSUinthiscycle.The Tigers previously signed Clemson’sMolly Brinkman from Chandler,Arizona,and Washington’sEmily Innes from Pittsburgh.

thewhole team,” said quarterback Spencer Rattler.“It’sjust a new energy around, and Ithink that’sa good thingfor everybody

Ijust thinkhehas areally calm demeanor.”

If there are any concerns that demeanor,tight end Foster Moreau says there shouldn’tbe.

“It could be confused that he’s laid back or alittle passive,” Moreau said. “But he’sactive and he’sintelligent and agood playcaller in this league. We’repretty fortunate to have him.”

All thehigh praise for Moore should be expected this time of theyear.After all, it’sthe honeymoon stage. Everything is perfect right now.Inevitably,Moore will be judged on wins and losses. All that will matters is if he can get theSaints back on track. Outside of the Saints facility,expectations are low.The Vegas oddsmakers have set theover/under on wins this season at 51/2

QB Rodgerssayshe won’tplayfor Saints

BY ZACH EWING Staff Writer

Free-agent quarterback Aaron Rodgers had adefinitive answer when asked at arecent fanevent whether he’d considerplaying for theNew Orleans Saints. At aquestion-and-answer session with rapper Mike Stud in Austin, Texas, last weekend, a fan named Alaina asked Rodgers about donning the black and gold and “saving us.” The video was posted on YouTube on Friday “No,” Rodgers replied, aoneword response followed by laughter and catcalls from the crowd.

After apause, he continued:

“That’sthe answer. It’s no.I played there acouple times, but no. The answer is no. I’mtoo old. Idon’t want to live in Louisiana. Sorry.”

The Saintsare without aproven quarterback after theretirement of Derek Carr earlier this month. They picked rookie Tyler Shough in the secondround of the NFL draft andalso have second-year quarterback Spencer Rattler and Jake Haener enteringhis third year,but theteam is the only in theNFL without acareer victory in its quarterback room

The 41-year-old Rodgers is a four-time NFL MVP who has made 10 Pro Bowls and won Super Bowl XLVwith theGreen Bay Packers, but he struggled in his first stint out of Green

Bay with the New York Jets. He missed almost the entire 2023 season with an Achilles injury,and theJetswereonly 5-12 with himasa starter last season.

After Rodgers’ negative response, Mike Stud asked Alaina where she was from, and Rodgers had another joke ready when she said “about an hour south of New Orleans.”

“Whichiswhere?Gulf of America?” said the quarterback. Alaina responded that shelived between the city and Grand Isle. Later in thesession,Rodgers hinted that he was considering playing forateam that has aroad game this season in Chicago; the Saints fit that criterion, but so do the Pittsburgh Steelers, the team he’smost often connected with in rumors.

Pacers bringa2-0 lead over Knicks back home

BY BRIAN MAHONEY AP basketball writer

NEW YORK Tyrese Haliburton smiled widely as he envisioned thescene Sunday when the Pacers host Game 3ofthe Eastern Conference finals to cap adaylong sportscelebration in Indiana.

Yetalong with the Pacers’ excitementafter winning thefirst two games against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Gardencameaword of caution. A 2-0 lead guarantees nothing and thingscan change quickly Look no further than last year in aseries between these same teams

“You cannot assume going homeisgoing to be easier.It never is,” Pacers coach Rick Carlisle said. “Each game as you ascend in aplayoffseries becomes harder.New York, they’ve got an amazing fighting spirit.”

The Knicks will have to call upon it after digging themselves abig hole in NewYork. They blewGame 1witha badfinish to the fourth quarter,thencouldn’t overcome apoorstart to theperiod in Game 2.

Nowthey will need to become the first team to lose the first two games at home in the conference finals and come back to win the series.

“Weknow it’s2-0 but it’sstill a long series,” Knicks guard Mikal Bridges said.

Bridges wasn’t on the Knicks team that took a2-0 lead over thePacers last year in the Eastern Conference semifinals. Indiana evened it up when the series changed sites and eventually won it with aGame 7 romp back at Madison Square Garden.

By

Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner dunksthe ballagainst Newyork Knicks center Mitchell Robinson during the third quarter of Game 2inthe Eastern Conference final series on Friday in Newyork

ing unit has put the Knicks into quick deficits in both games and the Pacers’ huge depth advantage may have worn downthe Knicks and led to their shaky play in both fourth quarters.

CoachTom Thibodeau played backup center MitchellRobinson longer than All-Star KarlAnthony TownsinGame 2for better hope of stopping the Pacers,but that weakened histeam offensively.The Knicks need to figure outthe rightcombinations —ifthey have any —to both score with and slow down the Pacers.

Taliese Fuaga, theSaints’ firstround draft pick last year who played left tackle as arookie, was at righttackle. Kelvin Banks, this year’sfirst-round pick, was playing left tackle. Trevor Penning, whoplayed righttackle last season, was playing left guard. Fuaga likes what he’sseen thus far in Moore.

“It’sdifferent than we had last year, I’ll justsay that,” Fuaga said. “I won’tsay it’s theopposite, but it’sjust more of arelaxed guy Butaguy that wants to win.It’s agood thing.Hecomesfrom a winningprogram. The thingshe’s doing, Ilove.” Players seesomebenefits in Moore’syouthfulness. Moore, whoisjust six months older than Davis, is theyoungest coach in theNFL.But Moore started his NFL coaching career when he was 30, so coachingplayers his ageisnothingnew “Obviouslyhe’sayounger guy so Ifeel likehecan fit in well with

The optimism around theleague is so low that the Saints, for the first time since 2000, don’thave a single prime-timegameontheir schedule. While therest of the country won’tsee Moore’steam much this season, Saints fans will be watching withakeen eye to see if their first-year coach can get thingspointed in theright direction. It’searly,but his players believe he can.

“Let’s just start out with his mentality first,” Granderson said. “His whole demeanor,play calling and everything is different. We are trying to change things around and get to theplayoffs, and Ithink Kellen is the right coach to do that.”

We’ll have to wait until September to see if Moore can win games.

Butasweget to the end of May, it seems clear he’salready won thelocker room.

Email RodWalker at rwalker@ theadvocate.com.

ThePacersmay notneedtogo back to NewYork this time. Awin Sunday and another Tuesday in Game 4would send them to the NBA Finals forthe secondtime as they chase the franchise’sfirst title since their ABA days. An NBA Finals wouldn’tbe anybigger than what the Pacers should have Sunday. The Indianapolis 500 is being run thatafternoon, with Game 3tipping off at night. It’sthe first time since 2013 thePacershavea home gamethe day of the race.

“I’ve been to the 500. It’s crazy, so Ican’timagine allthose people then coming over to Gainbridge (Fieldhouse). Youknow,going to be arowdy crowd, going to be alittle intoxicated. Who knows?” Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton said.

“It’sgoing to be aspecial time It’sgoing to be alot of fun.”

On the other side, Jalen Brunsonwas tellingthe Knicks’ fans to hang in there.

New York’sfirst trip to the conference finals since 2000 is shapinguptobeashort one. The start-

“For me, what Iwanttosay to them is obviously we’ve got to continue to fight,” Brunson said, when asked his message. “It’sgoing to take one day at atime,one game at atime. We can’tlook ahead, we can’tthink about anything other than Game 3atthis point.”

The All-Star point guard has done his part, scoring 43 points in Game 1and adding 36 more along with 11 assists in Game 2. But the Knicks went cold when he was on the bench to start the final 12 minutesand that turned out to be the decisive stretch of the game. The Pacers don’thave those problems. Carlisle can go deep into his bench —even for players whohadn’tbeen in his recent rotation—and Indiana remains just as effective.

Carlisle has continuously called this a13-day series, referring to the stretch between Game 1and a potential Game7inNew York on June 2. After tying K.C. Jones for 10th place on the career list with his 81st postseason victory Friday, he was still thinking that way “It’sDay 3of13days and no one’sgetting ahead of themselves,” he said. “There’salot of work to do.”

STAFF PHOTO By SOPHIA GERMER Saints coachKellen Moore walks among players astheystretch during OrganizedTeam Activities on Thursdayatthe team’s indoor practice facility

AP PHOTO

ADAM HUNGER

PHOOT By SPORTS ILLUSTRATED

Former Packers and Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers is currently afree agent.

ä Knicks at Pacers. 7P.M. SUNDAy,TNT

AP FILEPHOTO By MICHAEL WOODS

DenvergymnastMadison Ulrich competes onthe balance beam during ameet on Jan. 20 in Fayetteville,Ark. Ulrich announcedher commitment to LSU on Friday via social media.

Oklahoma’sGabbie

ASSOCIATED PRESS FILE PHOTO By GARETTFISBECK

runs in theSooners’13-2 win overAlabamaonSaturdayinNorman,

four homers to advancetothe Women’sCollegeWorld Series forthe ninthstraight time.

Soonersoverpower Tide

Garcia hits twohomerunsasOklahomarouts Alabama 13-2 in five innings, advances to ninthconsecutive WCWS

By The Associated Press

NORMAN, Okla. Gabbie Garciahit

two of Oklahoma’sfour home runs and the four-time reigningnational champion Sooners beat Alabama 13-2 in five innings on Saturday to winthe Norman super regional andclincha berth in the Women’s College World Series.

Oklahoma (50-9), whichis42-0 this season whenscoring at least six runs, has won at least50games in nine consecutive seasons and advanced to theWCWSeach of the last nine times it was played (2020 was canceledbecause of COVID-19).

Nelly McEnroe-Marinas scored on asingle by Abigale Dayton, who finished with threeRBIs, in the second inning and the Sooners explodedfor eight runs —sparked by Garcia’sfirst two-run homer and capped by EllaParker’stwoRBI double —inthe third to take a9-0 lead.

Parker,Garcia and McEnroeMarinas each hit ahome run in the sixth inning to give the Sooners a 13-2 lead.

Parker had three hits —two doubles —and three RBIs. Kierston Deal (10-2) gaveuptwo runs on three hits with four strikeouts over four innings and Audrey Lowry pitchedascoreless fifth to seal it.

Kali Heivilin and Marlie Giles each hit asoloshotfor Alabama (40-23). Catelyn Riley (11-4) pitched 21/3 inningsand gave up five runs on six hits with three walks. Garcia, afreshman, has 20 home runs this season.

No. 7TENNESSEE 3, NEBRASKA 2: In Knoxville, Tennessee, Karlyn Pickens struck out 11 batters and Tennessee staved off elimination by beating Nebraska in the Knoxville super regional.

The two teams willface each other Sunday with the winner advancing to the Women’sCollege World Series.

OLYMPICS

Continued from page1C

Baseball Classics. Several superstarshaveexpressedpublicinterest in playing in the Los Angeles Olympic tournament, including reigning league MVPs Aaron Judge and ShoheiOhtani.

But the decision is muchtougher for baseball because the Olympics fall in the heart of the regular season, necessitating major scheduling changes similar to the quadrennial disruption of the NHL season when the league participates in the Winter Olympics Baseball also isn’tapillar of the Olympic program like icehockey, being only intermittently included in the Summer Games for decades.

TheNFL players whomaketheir nations’ 10-man flagfootball teams are unlikely to miss more than a few days of training camp in July 2028, but MLB would have to make adramatic adjustment to its normal competition schedule.

Manfred spoke about the decision last month in New York at a meeting of the Associated Press Sports Editors. Wasserman has been pitching Manfred for over a year on the benefits of putting his sport under the Olympicspotlight.

“It’sa complicated issue for us,” Manfred said at the APSE

SUPERREGIONAL ROUNDUP

Clinging to a3-2 lead in the bot-

tom of the seventh inning with runners at second and third, Pickens gotAva Bredwelltopop out to center fieldtoend it.

Nebraska’sBella Bacon singled andpinch hitterEmmersonCope singled to left to send Bacon to third. Hannah Camenzind pinch ranfor Cope and went to second on awild pitch fromPickens (23-9).

Tennessee’sMcKenna Gibson brokea2-all tieinthe topofthe third with asacrificeflytoleft field that scored leadoff hitter Gabby Leach who started the inning with a four-pitch walk for theVols (44-15) Nebraska(43-14) tiedthe gameat 2-all in thebottom of thefirst when Camenzindsingledupthe middle on a2-2 pitch to score No. 1and No. 2hitters respectively; Jordy Bahl (26-7)and Samantha Bland. Bahl started the game with asingle to third and Bland followed with a base hittoleft.

No.9 UCLA 5, No.4 SOUTHCAROLINA 4:

In Columbia, South Carolina,JordanWoolery’stwo-out, two-run home run capped afour-run rally in the seventh inning and UCLA forced adecidingthird gamewith adramatic win.

The eighth-seededGamecocks were one out awayfromtheir first trip to theWomen’sCollege World Series since 1997 when Woolery smacked the first pitch from Sam Gress (14-10) over theleft-field wall for her 23rd home run.

Game 3isSunday

Gress stymied the ninth-seeded Bruins(53-11) on twohitsthrough four innings beforeace JoriHeard came in with a3-0 lead.UCLA got aquick runonSofiaMujica’soneouthomer

Pinch hitter Taylor Stephens drew aleadoff walk to start the ninth and No. 9hitter Kaitlyn Ter-

event.“Lots of major league players would be involved because of thedifferentcountriesthat wouldlikely be involved, massively disruptive to ourseason given thetiming, andwe’re trying to sort through allthat. We do see LA28asa real opportunity fromamarketing perspective.”

Thesport long known as America’sPastime wasplayed only as one-game Olympic exhibitions until 1984, when it joined the Los Angeles program as ademonstration sport.

Baseballbecame an official Olympicsport in Barcelona in 1992,but U.S. professionals weren’tallowed tocompeteuntil 2000, when minor leaguers were allowed to play.The absence of the world’sbestplayers was one reason cited when baseball was subsequently dropped from the Londonand Rio de Janeiro Games.

Thesport returned in baseballmadTokyo in 2021 —but only for MLB players not on a40-man roster. Japan’stop league shut down its season, andJapan won gold. Baseball wasdroppedonce again in Paris, but restored for LA28. The tournament will be played at historic Dodger Stadium,the same venue thathosted the 1984 Olympictournament.

Wassermanspoke abouthis baseballaspirations after an event that should remind MLB of the Olympics’ unmatched marketing power

rytripled to right center togive UCLAhope. Heard got another strikeout before SavannahPola groundeda single into center to makeit4-2. That’swhen Gress reentered the game.

TaylorTinsley(15-4) allowed eight hits andtwo earned runs in acomplete game for the Bruins She didn’tallow the Gamecocks an extra base hit.

Lexi Winters went 3for 4and droveinthree runs forSouth Carolina (44-16).

GEORGIA2,No.3FLORIDA1: In Gainesville, Florida, Lyndi Rae Davis and Emily Digby hit home runs and Georgia continually wiggled out of trouble to defeat Floridaand force adeciding game at theGainesville super regional.

Game 3isSunday

Thethird-seeded Gators hadseven hits,drew five walks and had the Bulldogs committhreeerrors but Floridawent 1for 15 with runners in scoring position and stranded 13 baserunners.

AfterFlorida (47-15)loadedthe bases withone out in the top of the first inning and failed toscore, Davis homered in the bottom of the inning. The Gators started the second with adouble and added atwoout single but couldn’tget arunner in and Digby homered.

No. 16 OREGON 13, LIBERTY 1: In Eugene, Oregon, Lyndsey Grein struckout 10, surrendered three hits andendedthe contest retiring 21 straight batters and Oregon overpowered Liberty to clinch aberth in the Women’sCollege World Series.

Oregon headstothe WCWS for the seventh time in school history andismakingits first appearance in the WCWS since 2018.

Grein movedher record to 29-2 on theseason.Oregon (53-8) sent 11 batterstothe plateand scored seven runs to break it open.

Emma Cox’sthreerun homer in thetop of the fifth inning gave Oregon a6-1 lead.

Continuedfrom page1C

“Kindoflet them offthe hook afew times on threeball counts and that doesn’t lead to alot of success,”Jones said. “Myself included, I’ve got to do better in the box at the top of the order and get thingsgoing.”

The Tigers put arunner in scoring positioninjust two innings and didn’tget arunner on third untilthe ninth. Stanfield andArrambide’ssingles were LSU’s only hits of theday

“It’sbaseball,” Jones said. “I think there’s going to be ups and downs, highs and lows, but we’ve got to be tougher mentally to handle those. Andweweren’tthat todayatall, andwe’ll be better for it and better moving forward.”

LSUturnedtoredshirt sophomore right-hander Jaden Noot to start Saturday after using junior right-hander Anthony Eyanson to close out Friday’swin.

In his firststart in SEC play, Noot had another strongouting. He allowedjust oneearned run in four innings, striking out seven batters and allowing just three hits. He walked two batters but had his splitter working from thejump. The only tworuns he surren-

BY KEN POWTAK

The Associated Press

BOSTON The Boston Red Sox are getting ready to be without oneoftheir most productive hitters foranextended periodof time.

Third basemanAlexBregman will be outwithwhatmanager AlexCora calleda significant right quad strain. The big free agentaddition for the Red Sox left their gameFriday with tightness in the quad. Turns outit’sa similar injury to his left quadstrainin2021, one that cost him 58 games.

“Very similar to ’21,” Cora said after the Red Sox beat the BaltimoreOrioles 6-5 in 10 innings on Saturday Bregman, aformer LSUstar, agreed.

“Yeah, pretty severe rightquad strain,”hesaid, speaking quietly in Boston’sclubhouse in the middle of adoubleheader.“Pretty similar to ’21.

“But,itiswhat it is, and now I’ll trytotake it day by day and approach rehab.”

Signed by the Red Sox as afree agenttoa $120 million, threeyear deal during the offseason, Bregman is hitting .299 andhas 11 homers and 35 RBIs.

To take his place on the roster, Boston promoted top infielder prospect Marcelo Mayer from Triple-A Worcester.Itplaced Bregmanonthe 10-dayinjured list.

“It feels good,” Mayer said beforethe doubleheader’s second game. “It’ssomething Iworked for my whole life.”

Mayer,who was selected No. 4overall in the 2021 amateur draft,isslated to makehis major league debut at third —a position Cora saidwill be get a“mixand match”approach.

“There’salot of guys in the conversation,” he said. “Roster con-

struction comes into play,guys in the minor leagues, how they fit the roster —all that stuff.”

Cora answered “no”when asked if Rafael Devers could be in the immediate plans, buthe didn’tcompletely close the door

“Wemade adecision in the offseason and this is where we’re going,” Cora said. “There are afew things that we took into consideration and Ithink we’ve been very consistent with it.

“I’mnot going react to the outside worldbecause (they) think that’sthe right move. Maybe it’s not, right? Maybe we’re doing it right?Maybe we’re doing it wrong?”

Devers wasthe team’s third baseman for eight seasons and moved to designated hitter when Bregman wasgiven the job. He told theRed Soxearlier this month he wasn’tmoving to play first base, as he’sbeen red hot at theplate. Deversisbatting .299 with 12 homers and 47 RBIs. He collecteda career-besteight RBIs in alopsided victory over the Orioles on Friday

“I know the guy.He’sraking. He’sthe best DH in the American League right now,” Cora said. “If he keepscontinuingtodothis, he’s going to be in theAll-Star Game as the DH and going to win aSilverSluggerasa DH. This is where we’re going. We’ll continue to talk. I’mnot going to say we’re going to close the door.”

Boston already lost acorner infielder for the season whenfirst baseman Triston Casasruptured atendoninhis left kneeand had season-ending surgery.The loss of Bregman could be abig blow to alineup that’sstruggled at times.

“We’llbeOK. Obviously, he’s abig part of ouroffense,” Cora said. “Triston is abig part of our offense.

“We’ve just got to find away to score runs in adifferent way and we’re prepared forthat.”

dered came on asolo homerun in thefirst inning andarun-scoring single in the fourth. But because of LSU’s strugglingoffense, the Tigers trailed2-0 as Noot exited for redshirt junior right-hander Chase Shores in the fifth inning.

“Really happy with how Jaden (pitched),” Johnson said. “I thought he took astep forward lastweek at South Carolina. I thought he took another step forward today against agood team.”

Shores tossed22/3 scorelessinnings in relief of Noot. His fastball hit 102 mph androutinely reachedtriple digits. He walked threebattersbut didn’tallow a hit and recorded three strikeouts.

handerJacob Mayers. The Nicholls State transfer forced aflyout to end the inning while stranding arunner at second base. Mayers then hit 101 mphonthe radargun in ascorelesseighth inning before returningtothe mound to start the ninth. He tossed ascoreless final inning to finish his outing with four strikeouts andnohits allowed in 21/3 innings.

“It’stough to go out thereand be as bad on offense as we were,I guess would be the word,when they threw as well as (they) did.”

JAREDJONES, LSU fi

rst baseman

“I thinkthe best thing that we probably did forhim was start him and get the innings up and get the experience up,” Johnson said. “And he had to grind through some of that, but he did, andhe’sobviously incredibly talented.He’sgot agreat head on his shoulders. We have someexperience underneath us now. Ithink that’sleading to confidence.”

With twooutsinthe seventh, Shores was lifted for junior right-

Noot, Mayers and Shores combined to strike out 14 batters on Saturday “It’stough to go out there andbeas badonoffense as we were, Iguess would be the word, when they threw as well as (they) did,” Jones said. “And we talked before the game about how four to five runs would win the game,and it would have. And then we weren’table to come through in that, but those three guys gave us areally good opportunity to winthis game.” LSUwill learnits NCAA Tournament fate on Monday. The selection show on ESPN2will begin at 11 a.m.

Email Koki RileyatKoki. Riley@theadvocate.com.

Red Sox

baseman Alex Bregman bends over before leaving the game after injuring himself on asingle against the Baltimore Orioles on FridayatFenwayPark in Boston.

Garciahit twohome

Okla.The Sooners hit

Indianapolis celebrates an epic sports weekend

BY MICHAEL MAROT AP sportswriter

INDIANAPOLIS Drive through the neighborhoods surrounding Indianapolis Motor Speedway and it looks like Christmas in May

Checkered flags and “Welcome race fans” signs on every block.

Neatly trimmed lawns decorated with cutout Indy cars, a mock

Borg-Warner Trophy even an in-

flatable version of the track’s familiar golden, winged logo.

Yet the “Racing Capital of the World” is eagerly and happily sharing the Memorial Day weekend stage with the Indiana Pacers and the Indiana Fever, two teams straight from the Hoosier State’s lifeblood of basketball.

The Pacers flags and Caitlin Clark jerseys are easy to see all over town, including Gasoline Alley a few steps from the speedway’s famous Brickyard Pacers & Racers weekend is in high gear

“This is an epic weekend, an incredible opportunity to put Indianapolis on the minds of virtually every major sports fan on the planet,” said Chris Gahl, executive vice president and chief marketing officer for Visit Indy “Our initial research shows no other city in the U.S. has hosted this diverse level of major sporting events in such a short amount of time.”

It may be an anomaly nationally, but Indianapolis is built to thrive in this sort of spotlight.

The city has hosted the Super Bowl, two NBA All-Star Games, multiple international and national championships and, of course, now the 109th running of the Indianapolis 500. And through every virtually twist — even an NCAA men’s basketball tournament held entirely in and around Indy — the reviews have come back with races.

The lineup Clark and the Fever opened the weekend hosting the defending WNBA champion New York Liberty, but Clark lost the ball on the final possession and Indiana lost 90-88 in front of a sellout crowd.

An estimated 350,000 race fans are expected for Sunday’s midday Indy 500 race, including the first

Crew members of Chase Briscoe push his car to get it started after a pit stop during a NASCAR Cup Series race at Talladega Superspeedway on April 27 in Talladega, Ala.

ASSOCIATED

sold-out grandstands since 2016.

The weekend will be capped Sunday night when the Pacers host the New York Knicks for Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals.

It’s the fourth time an NBA game has converged with race day, and the Pacers lost each of the first three — to the Knicks in 1999, to the Pistons in 2004 and to the Heat in 2013. They went on to lose all three series, too.

The off-court, off-track stories such as the Team Penske cheating scandal the WNBA investigation into alleged racial comments directed at Angel Reese after a Fever game and the call for international peace from Israeli-born, Russian-raised pole winner Robert Schwarzman have played into the buildup. Even the Oscar Mayer Wienermobiles came to town Friday

The crossover continued on the eve of the race as IndyCar points leader Alex Palou wore a Tyrese Haliburton jersey in the Indianapolis 500 Festival Parade At least one Fever player is expected to be

at the track Sunday In a state where the greatest athletic feats often have been defined by auto racing or basketball, this weekend seems like a fitting marriage even to locals. Just ask IndyCar team owner-driver Ed Carpenter, a longtime Pacers fan and the stepson of former speedway president and CEO Tony George.

“I think it celebrates the city, the people that live here and the fans that make the pilgrimage to the race,” he said “(Having the other events) just makes it that much more special.”

Carpenter hopes to attend Sunday night’s game — even if he wins the 500 — and now finds himself surrounded in Gasoline Alley by a growing legion of crossover fans

Six-time IndyCar Series champion Scott Dixon and three-time 500 winner Dario Franchitti attended Game 3 of the Indiana-Cleveland series Former IndyCar driver and broadcaster James Hinchcliffe was there for Game 2 and the triumvirate of Kyle Kirkwood, Colton Herta and Marcus Ericsson

went to Game 2 of the Indiana-Milwaukee series Scott McLaughlin a Knicks fans, has a wager on the series with Carpenter and may attend Sunday’s game if he’s not drinking the milk in victory lane.

“How’d that go?” fellow driver Alexander Rossi asked after the Pacers’ thrilling Game 1 victory on Wednesday

“Real bad, we lost the unloseable,” McLaughlin said. “We had a good wager I have to buy the equivalent — if the Pacers win in six games if they win in seven, the bet is off, or I win — I have to buy the equivalent up to 2500 bucks of his (coffee/java).”

Red carpet treatment

The red carpet isn’t just being rolled out for the Pacers and the racers. Film director Spike Lee is expected to be in his familiar spot inside Gainbridge Fieldhouse while his old foil, Reggie Miller, calls the game for TNT. It’s unclear how many big wigs from the race will make the 15-minute drive (in good traffic) to the arena for the

ä Indianapolis 500, 11:45 A.M. SUNDAy, FOX

game. Two tickets to each event would cost you nearly $4,000.

Kyle Larson, who is making his second attempt at a different kind of race day double — completing 500 miles at Indianapolis and 600 more in Charlotte’s NASCAR nightcap — already has made that trip. He went to the Fever game Tuesday night.

“Outside the car, it’s been crazier this year logistics-wise,” Larson said. “Going to New York and having a full day of media there and then flying back here. Going to the Fever game was fun.”

The interest and intrigue goes the other way, too.

Three years ago, Pacers star Haliburton made his IndyCar debut in a two-seater with Mario Andretti. Last weekend, Fever coach Stephanie White, an Indiana native, returned to the track while Fever center Aliyah Boston, the 2023 WNBA Rookie of the Year, got her first glimpse at the historic and vast 2.5-mile oval.

“Being on the track and kind of seeing how fast all the cars go, and to meet Colton was pretty dope,” Boston said. “The track is huge. Colton told us how many things could fit in the track and that’s insane. You don’t understand how big it is till you’re there.”

Bottom line

Gahl said hotels are virtually sold out in Central Indiana and everywhere from Lafayette to Bloomington, roughly one-hour drives from Indy; downtown, the average cost is about $550 per night with a three-night minimum and restaurant reservations are scarce. Local merchandisers are capitalizing, too, selling blue-andgold shirts that read “Zoom Baby,” a play off the late Bob “Slick” Leonard’s radio calls of “Boom Baby” for Pacers’ 3-pointers. In the midst of so much going on in a 36-hour window, the Pacers, racers and the Fever are all following the same playbook: Ignore the distractions and celebrate this incredible weekend.

Lando Norris qualifies on pole for Monaco GP in record time

By The Associated Press

MONACO — Lando Norris beat the Monaco track record, his main Formula 1 rival and a local hero to take pole position on Saturday Perhaps most importantly, Norris made a breakthrough in his own struggles with F1 qualifying, which have hampered his championship chances against McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri.

“It’s been a long time coming,” said Norris, who hadn’t been on pole since the season-opening Australian Grand Prix.

ä F1 Monaco GP, 8 A.M. SUNDAy,ABC/ESPN2

on the narrow streets so grid position is vital.

It could be a little different this time because drivers will be required to change tires at least twice during the race.

BY STEVE REED AP sportswriter

CONCORD, N.C Chase Briscoe won the pole Saturday for the Coca-Cola 600 and will start on the front row for NASCAR’s longest and most grueling race alongside Kyle Larson.

Briscoe, driving the No. 19 Toyota for Joe Gibbs Racing, turned a lap of 182.852 mph on the 11/2-mile oval at Charlotte Motor Speedway to edge out Larson, who plans to arrive at the track about an hour before the race Sunday night after completing the Indianapolis 500.

“It’s going to be great to start up front,” Briscoe said. “Adding that No. 1 pit stall, and to be able to race in clean air is huge.”

Briscoe comes in with four topfive finishes in the Cup Series this year, but has yet to win a race.

He also won the Daytona 500 pole earlier this year

Allmendinger Rounding out the top 10 will be John Nemechek, Ty Gibbs, Noah Gragson, Alex Bowman and defending race champion Christopher Bell.

Briscoe knows winning the Coca-Cola 600 pole does not necessarily guarantee success, particularly in such a long race.

Larson won from the pole in 2021, but prior to that the last driver to accomplish that feat was Jeff Gordon in 1998.

Bell won last year’s rain-shortened 249-lap race, and is now out to prove that was no fluke

“Certainly, I have gotten annoyed by people calling it an asterisk win, so I would love to win this race as the Coca-Cola 600 and run the full 600 miles,” Bell said.

the track.

“I want to be a 600-mile winner and not get booed going into victory lane,” Bell said with a laugh. One thing to keep an eye on Sunday will be how the track reacts to the racecars in Turns 3 and 4, as drivers talked repeatedly about how particularly bumpy it is there.

“It’s definitely rough down there,” Briscoe said. “It kind of changes year to year.”

Jimmie Johnson, making his 700th career Cup Series start, will start 37th as he attempts to match Darrell Waltrip for the most Coca-Cola 600 wins with five. The part-owner at Legacy Motor Group is largely considered a longshot, despite his tremendous success at the CMS, where he’s also won the Bank of America 400 four times and All-Star race four times.

“I don’t think I’ve ever doubted what I can do Of course, I’ve got frustrated, I’ve been unhappy, because that’s normal,” Norris added “If you don’t win, if you don’t get pole, you’re not going to be happy, especially when it’s where you should be, it’s what the objective is.”

Norris and Monaco local Charles Leclerc swapped the fastest times before Norris upped the pace again to take first by .109 of a second. Piastri was third.

Norris’ time of 1 minute, 9.954 seconds replaced a record set by Lewis Hamilton in 2019.

It comes as Norris tries to cut into Piastri’s 13-point standings lead and follows weeks of frustration in qualifying — sometimes from small mistakes, but also a dramatic crash in Saudi Arabia last month.

Leclerc, who won the Monaco GP last year was denied a fourth career pole at his home race.

Leclerc said Monaco’s slow and twisty layout allowed Ferrari to dodge some of the “compromises” it’s had to make with its setup at more varied tracks.

“I don’t think anyone really knows what to expect,” Piastri said. That rule change follows a dull race last year when an early red flag allowed all drivers to make their mandatory pit stop. The race finished with the top 10 all in the same order that they started the race.

Hamilton draws penalty

A radio mix-up cost seven-time world champion Hamilton as he was dropped from fourth to seventh on the grid for getting in Verstappen’s way In the first part of qualifying, Hamilton was told by the Ferrari team that Verstappen was on a slower lap, when the Dutch driver was actually trying to set a competitive time.

Hamilton was obliged to make way for the faster car, but the miscommunication meant the British driver was in Verstappen’s way on the racing line, landing him a threeplace grid penalty for impeding. Until then, Hamilton’s fourth place seemed a strong recovery following a crash in practice which required a major rebuild of his Ferrari.

It was a session to forget for Mercedes as its cars caused two red flags.

“It’s pretty wild, really,” Briscoe said. “I never thought I would get to run a Truck Series race let alone lead the way at two crown jewel events.” William Byron, who signed a four-year contract extension with Hendrick Motorsports on Friday, celebrated by turning a lap of 182.642 and will start third, followed by Chris Buescher and AJ

“We should be really competitive. The last couple of years this has been one of our best intermediate tracks, as far as the 20 group goes, so I really look forward to the challenge.”

“I love endurance events and this is our marathon,” Johnson said. “As a kid watching this before I was ever back here racing, I was always so intrigued by a 600-mile race. Cars back then had a tough time making it The drivers did as well. It is a long event. I think it is a little harder on the party animal fans in the infield to go the extra 100 miles.” Larson to start on front row at Coca-Cola 600

Last year fans booed loudly after waiting through a long rain delay, only to have NASCAR announce early in the morning hours that the race could not be completed because of the inability to dry

Defending champion Max Verstappen, the winner of the EmiliaRomagna GP last week, was fifth for Red Bull after predicting Monaco’s low-speed nature wouldn’t suit his car, but starts fourth because of a penalty for Lewis Hamilton.

Rule change adds uncertainty

Qualifying has typically been more important at Monaco than anywhere else on the F1 calendar

It’s almost impossible to overtake

George Russell is set to start 14th after his car broke down in the tunnel with a suspected electrical problem, causing a lengthy stoppage while it was pushed out of the way by a track marshal crew His 18-year-old teammate Kimi Antonelli hit the wall and was 15th. Haas rookie Oliver Bearman qualified 17th but dropped to the back of the grid because of a 10-place penalty imposed on Friday for overtaking under red flags when practice was stopped.

ASSOCIATED PRESS FILE PHOTO By AJ MAST

Josef Newgarden crosses the finish line to win the 2024 Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Indianapolis on May 26.

OUTDOORS

SCARY FISHING STORIES

Two men tell about their battles with flesh-eating bacteria

Editor’s note: This is the first of two stories on surviving the summer in coastal Louisiana. Next week: protection.

BY JOE MACALUSO Contributing writer

It’s called “vibrio,” which covers as many as 12 kinds of bacteria in our waters and on the things we take from our waters.

The infection it causes is called “vibriosis.”

No two men know vibriosis better than Richard Empson and Cornell Arceneaux.

Both are survivors Some infected with one among the 12 in this group of bacteria have not survived.

Both have stories to tell, stories they hope will prevent fishermen and beachgoers the pain they have endured and spare some the agony of an even worse fate for their families.

It was 2016, Empson was wading in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, vacationing and fishing with his family It was summer and warm coastal water — water temperatures above 70 degrees is prime for one of this bacteria’s killer — vibrio vulnificus, the flesh-eating bacteria.

Two months later, sometime in August, Empson attended Sunday Mass at St. Thomas More in Baton Rouge. Each hand clutched a walking cane He needed both What happened?

“Got vibrio,” he said. “At the hospital (in Mississippi) I was told, ‘Your leg or your life.’ I chose life.”

Empson said he believes vibrio vulnificus attacked his right leg on the fifth fishing day

“My grandson fished every day just like me, but his immune system must have been stronger than mine,” Empson said. He began feeling symptoms that night. They packed up the next day, and he said he believed he could make it to Baton Rouge for treatment.

“We left about 11 (a.m.) and I told my grandson to find a hospital nearby I couldn’t make it home. We got to the emergency room in Bay St. Louis, and when they found out we’d been at the beach, they were calling for a surgeon, and they immediately moved me into intensive care.”

He said a doctor looked at his leg, saw blisters forming and told him he had a two-hour window “to receive medication to counteract what was happening. Otherwise, they would have to amputate the leg. He told me I had a 20% chance of the medication working, and I told him to take the leg, that I

TUESDAY

RED STICK FLY FISHERS FLY TYING:

7 p.m., Orvis Shop, 7601 Bluebonnet Boulevard. Open to public. Hands-on clinic covering basics of fly tying. Materials and tools provided. Website: rsff.org

WEDNESDAY

PUBLIC MEETING/NE LA. WILD

TURKEY: 5:30 p.m. LSU AgCenter, 4589 La. 605, St. Joseph. Wildlife and Fisheries-led discussion of turkey populations. Email Cody Cedotal: ccedotal@wlf,la.gov

THURSDAY-SATURDAY

42ND PHOENIX BASS FISHING

LEAGUE ALL-AMERICAN: Lake Hamilton, Hot Springs, Arkansas. First place $120,000. Website: MajorLeagueFishing.com

HUNTING SEASONS

SQUIRRELS: Statewide, through May 25, private lands only. Closed on wildlife management areas.

ONGOING

CCA STATEWIDE TOURNAMENT & ANGLERS’ RODEO/S.T.A.R.: Summer-

Richard Empson

could learn to walk again.”

Weeks in the hospital and more weeks of rehab in Baton Rouge left him with two canes. Now, he needs one to get around, to do yard work and fish “I fish only from the bank I still have a boat, but haven’t been in it for years. I still want to fish.

“The only thing I can’t figure is that I didn’t have a scratch on my leg, and the (hospital) staff believe it entered through my pores.”

Arceneaux, a never-say-die

fisherman, is a three-time victim, twice from cuts while handling shrimp and crabs, and once after eating raw oysters.

The external variety the vulnificus, is much more virulent than vibrio gastroenteritis, the strain from raw shellfish, although Arceneaux tells of a lawyer he knew who ate an oyster poboy and was dead 24 hours later

Arceneaux’s advice is to be cau-

long fishing contest through Sept. 1. Multiple species categories. CCA membership required. Website: ccalouisiana.com

AROUND THE CORNER

JUNE 1-7—NRA NATIONAL HIGH POWER ACROSS THE COURSE CHAMPIONSHIPS: Winnequah Gun Club, Lodi, Wisconsin. Website: winnequahgunclub.org

JUNE 3-4—GULF COUNCIL MEETING: 7:30 a.m.-2:15 p.m. each day, Council office, 4107 West Spruce Street, Suite 200, Tampa, Florida. Main agenda items: changes to shallow-water grouper complex & Spanish mackerel catch limits. Public comment, 9:25-11:30 a.m. June 4. Webinar available. Website: gulfcouncil.org

JUNE 4-7—SWOLLFEST RODEO: Grand Isle Marina, Grand Isle. Offshore & Inshore categories. Weighin 4:30-6:30 p.m. daily. Benefits Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital & others. Email: swollfest@cox.net. Registration website: swollfest.com.

JUNE 4-8—NRA NATIONAL HIGH POWER MID-RANGE CHAMPIONSHIP: Oklahoma City Gun Club, Arcadia Oklahoma. Website: okcgunclub.org

PROVIDED PHOTO

tious when buying live bait.

“Live-bait tanks in the marina are a petri dish for staph, strep and vibrio,” Arceneaux said. “Handling shrimp in contaminated watercraft is the way I got vibrio the first time.

“The second time I was handling five dozen crabs to entertain friends. I kept the crabs in a crab call (a basket submerged in water next to his camp) and I got a scratch on my arm. That was on a Thursday and within 24 hours I was on the way to the hospital and had surgery within two hours.”

While a photo of Empson is easy on the eyes, and easy to show the near-immediate effects of this virulent strain of vibrio, images of Arceneaux’s arm split open – a surgeon removed all the dead tissue — is gruesome. Even the image of scars running from hand to shoulder are not for the squeamish.

“It was 36 hours at the Baton

JUNE 5—LA. WILDLIFE & FISHERIES COMMISSION MEETING: 9:30 a.m., Joe Herring Room, state Wildlife and Fisheries headquarters, Quail Drive, Baton Rouge.

JUNE 5—JUNIOR SOUTHWEST BASSMASTERS MEETING: 7 p.m., Seminar Room, Bass Pro Shops, Denham Springs. Boys & girls agegroup bass tournaments for ages 7-10, 11-14 & 15-18 anglers. Call Jim Breaux (225) 772-3026.

JUNE 5-7—CATHOLIC HIGH ALUMNI FISHING RODEO: Fourchon Marina, Port Fourchon. Fishing begins June 4. Adult & Youth divisions. Four species each in Inshore, Rig & Offshore divisions. $50 & $100 Redfish Stringer, Mangrove Snapper, Red Snapper, Speckled Trout & Offshore Grand Slam calcuttas. Check-in/ registration party 5-8:30 p.m., June 5. Weigh-in 4-6:30 p.m. June 6-7. Website: catholichigh.org

JUNE 5-8—MLF BASS PRO TOUR: Kentucky Lake, Calvert City, Kentucky Website: MajorLeagueFishing.com

JUNE 6-8—NATIONAL WOMEN’S SAILING ASSOCIATION CONFERENCE: University of South Florida, St. Petersburg, Florida. American Sailing event. Website: bit/ly/NWSAConference.

FISHING TOURNAMENT RESULTS

Rouge General for the next one.

To survive, I’m lucky twice, very lucky,” he said.

While coastal water is the usual contact point for vibrio, Empson said his support group in Baton Rouge has a member who lost a leg after getting vibrio from False River

The CDC says …

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has pages devoted to vibrio.

Among its key points is that vibrio’s variety of bacteria “naturally live in coastal waters,” that you can get vibriosis after swallowing the bacteria or getting it in a wound, that the bacteria count is higher in coastal waters from May through October, and, if you suspect an infection, to seek medical care immediately

The agency estimates around 80,000 cases of vibriosis occur each year in our country, and 52,000 cases come from eating contaminated food.

Common gastric signs/symptoms are watery diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, fever and chills.

The signs of bloodstream infection include fever, chills and the two indicators for Empson, dangerously low blood pressure and blistering skin lesions.

And, for wound infection, signs/ symptoms are fever, redness, pain, swelling, warmth, skin discoloration, leaking fluids discharge and other complications.

Furthermore, the CDC warns about preexisting conditions, complications like liver disease, cancer, diabetes, HIV, thalassemia; taking medicine to decrease stomach acid levels; and, recent stomach surgery

When it comes to vibrio vulnificus, the CDC’s warning is clear: “Many people with the infection can get seriously ill and need intensive care or limb amputation. About 1 in 5 people with this infection die, sometimes within a day or two of becoming ill.”

Arceneaux said he continues to fish and enjoy oysters, the latter only when coastal water temperatures dip below 70 degrees.

He said he carries enough hand sanitizer a chlorine bleach-water mixture and antibacterial soap on his fishing trips to immediately treat scratches. Puncture wounds need more attention.

Arceneaux message is clear: “In 11 days, I had three surgeries and had two IVs treating me with four different antibiotics.

“You cannot fix this yourself. If you suspect you have a problem with vibrio, go to a hospital emergency room immediately.”

LOTTERY

ALLIGATOR HARVEST APPLICA-

TION DEADLINE: June 15 for tags for taking alligators beginning Aug. 27 on 22 wildlife management areas, 28 public lakes & one Corps of Engineers property. Applicant minimum age 16 & $8.50 fee. Rules/ application website: louisianaoutdoors.com/lottery-applications. For more, email: LAalligatorprogram@ wlf.la.gov

FISHING/SHRIMPING

SHRIMP: Spring inshore season and outside waters open statewide. Closed in federal waters off the Texas coast.

OPEN RECREATIONAL SEASONS: Red snapper, gray triggerfish, flounder; lane, blackfin, queen and silk snappers & wenchmen among other snapper species; all groupers except closed for goliath & Nassau groupers in state/federal waters.

CLOSED SEASONS: Greater amberjack, bluefin tuna and gag, goliath & Nassau groupers in state/federal waters.

Hot topics on, off the court abound

BY HOWARD FENDRICH AP tennis writer

PARIS With the French Open set to start on Sunday, an argument could be made that the headlines about tennis lately have been as, or more, intriguing off the court — and in the court of law than on the court of play There were the high-profile doping bans served by Jannik Sinner, the man seeded No. 1 at Roland-Garros, and Iga Swiatek, the woman who is the three-time reigning champion at the clay-court major There’s the pending class-action suit brought by players against groups that run the sport. And there’s an effort by the athletes to get a larger share of revenues from the four Grand Slam tournaments.

Yes, there is interest in who is going to win the titles two weeks from now of course. And there are plenty of storylines connected to such things as whether Swiatek can snap out of her recent run of poorfor-her results, whether Carlos Alcaraz can win a second consecutive championship in Paris, whether Novak Djokovic can grab a record 25th Grand Slam trophy, whether Coco Gauff can grab her second at age 21, and so on.

Here is what to know before the competition begin at the French Open: ARE TENNIS PLAYERS GOING TO GET MORE MONEY FROM THE SLAMS?: Hard to say yet. This is just at the beginning. The background: Djokovic, Gauff, Sinner and women’s No 1 Aryna Sabalenka were among 20 top players who signed a letter — obtained by The Associated Press in April — that was sent to the heads of the four Slam tournaments, seeking additional prize money, contributions to player welfare programs funded by the pro tours and more say in decision-making.

Those events reportedly gave around 10% to 20% of their roughly $1.5 billion in combined revenues to players in 2024.

Leaders of the four major tournaments — the French Open, Wimbledon, the U.S. Open and the Australian Open — met in Paris with some of the leading players.

Jessica Pegula, the 2024 U.S Open runner-up who is seeded No. 3 in Paris, was not in town in time for the face-to-face session.

“I think it went pretty well, from what I understood. Hopefully progress can be made. I know that several top players on the men and women sides were there and were present. We’re showing — not just the top players, all of us; but led by a lot of the top players — that we’re very unified on this topic,” Pegula said. “Getting a higher revenue share based on what the tournaments are bringing in (and) not just that, but player welfare, for pensions, for bonus pool for the men, (the Slams) don’t contribute anything. And that’s our issue. They’re the four pinnacles of our sport and we’re just asking for that to be a lot more equal and a lot more fair.” WHAT IS NEW IN THE SUIT FILED BY A GROUP CO-FOUNDED BY DJOKOVIC?: In March, the Professional Tennis Players’ Association, a group cofounded by Djokovic several years ago, sued the WTA, the ATP, the International Tennis Federation and the International Tennis Integrity Agency in federal court in New York, calling them a “cartel.” The players said they don’t get enough of the revenues and raised other complaints about how tennis is structured.

HOW HAVE IGA SWIATEK AND JANNIK SINNER PLAYED SINCE THEIR DOPING BANS? Swiatek, banned for one month late last year, is going through a real rough stretch for her failing to reach so much as a final since leaving the French Open last year and sinking to No. 5 in the rankings after three years no worse than No. 2. She’s spoken about trying to recalibrate her mindset. Sinner returned at the Italian Open after serving his three-month suspension and promptly reached the title match there before losing to Alcaraz.

Alcaraz

stands on an artificial right leg after his battle with vibrio vulnificus, a flesh-eating bacteria that shows up in coastal waters during summer months when water temperatures climb above 70 degrees. The Baton Rouge retiree and avid fishermen was wading in Bay St

Swiatek

Zydeco Extravaganza keeps culturealive ‘inarealway’

Home to 400 festivals,Louisiana hosts events that celebrate everything except divorces and pregnancy tests. Just wait aminute —that’ll change. Yetfor every successful good time, there’saFirst Annual “Fill in the Blank” Festival that never reached the second year. That reality is not lost on Dustin Cravins of Zydeco Extravaganza, which celebrates 38 years Sunday in Lafayette.

Cravins is the second-generation organizer of this familyrun music festival that has drawn thousands to Blackham Coliseum, a75-year-oldarena that’sbeen astage for James Brown, The Supremes andthe then-USL Ragin’ Cajuns basketball team.

He gets emotional about Zydeco Extravaganza’s long life.

“I know howhumble the beginnings were and how much of alift it is for asmallfamily to put this on each and every year,said Cravins, 44. “Every year,the people keep coming. That touches me deeply

“Every year,Iget a(hotel) room close by becauseI’m too tired to go home. I’ll sit down and have amoment with (wife) Jessica and go, ‘Wow.Whata thing to be apart of.’

“Nowhere else in the world are peopledoing what we’re doing today.Just talking about it fills me.”

Always held the Sunday before Memorial Day, Zydeco Extravaganza 2025 marks year 38 with astar-studded lineup: Keith Frank, Nathan Williams, Lil Nate, Geno Delafose, Rusty Metoyer,Jeffery Broussard Step Rideau, Leon Chavis, Southern soul icon Tuckaand DJ Troy Dperform.

‘It’sapartofwho Iam’

The Cravins familyofSt. Landry Parish has along history of promoting native Creole music and culture. Dustin’s father,former state senator and Opelousas mayor Don Cravins, and his uncle Charles, now a27th Judicial District Court judge, created apopular radioshowand trail rideinthe 1980s. By the 1990s, their popularity grew into “Zydeco Extravaganza,” aSunday morning TV show prerecorded at dancehalls throughout the region. The show was monumental for the Creole community,putting zydeco on the same TV channel as “American Bandstand”and other renowned entertainment

The“Extravaganza”festival at Blackham soonfollowed Family involvement remained key, with ayoung Dustin and hiscousin Patrick servingsoft drinks. Their grandmother and aunt cooked food nearby

ä See ZYDECO, page 4D

ALIFE IN FOOD

Marcelle Bienvenu dishes on étouffée,Ella, Emeril andalifesteeped in Louisiana flavor

BY JANRISHER | Staff writer

Spending aspring afternoon withMarcelle Bienvenu in her St. Martinville kitchen and garden is likestepping into aCajun waltz —colorful, unhurried, layered and playful.

Volunteer zinnias are bloomingthick as apolka-dot blanket. Nine different birds aresinging. The grand dame of LouisianaCajun cooking is making crawfish étouffée just theway her mama taught her

To be clear,her mother,Rhena Broussard Bienvenu, called it a“stew-fay.”

“Everybody has their own way to do anything,” Bienvenu said. “Aslong as you think it tastes good, it’sfine with me, but as soon as I seeabrownétouffée, oh no.”

A1982 portraitof Marcelle Bienvenu and her beloved late mother,Rhena Broussard Bienvenu

MARCELLE BIENVENU’S ROUX GUIDE

How darkdoes Beinvenu like her roux?

“Itdepends on what I’m cooking,” shesaid.

Forseafood gumboorcrab stew,she says the roux should be the color of peanut butter Forachicken and sausage gumbo, it should be brown, but not as darkasa Hershey’s Milk ChocolateBar. Formeatball stew,itshould be darkbrown, “darker than chicken and sausage gumboroux,” she said.

DidHitlersenda WWII U-boat to theGulfCoast?

RobertBallard’s exploration boat, Nautilus, documented the wreckageofthe German submarine U-166 in theGulfof Mexico in 2014. The wreck is considered awar gravesite and cannot be disturbed.

BY ROBIN MILLER Staff writer

Reality can be stranger than fiction, but sometimes thetwo intersect, as it did when Sharon Coldiron recently was reading James Lee Burke’s1994 novel, “Dixie City Jam.” In it, thebest-selling author’s main character,Dave Robichaux, finds himself at the center of aconflict between opposing

forces whowant to raise asunken NaziU-boat only miles from Louisiana’scoast. Of course, Burke’sstory is fiction, but Coldiron was intrigued. Is it true?

“Is there really aU-boat in theGulf of Mexico?” the Deville resident asked. “Ifitis, why? And where, exactly,isit located?”

The story is true. The German sub officially wasknown as U-166. It wasamongafleet of 23 sent to the Atlantic Ocean in the spring of 1942 on amis-

STAFFPHOTO By BRAD BOWIE

Marcelle Bienvenu prepares her Crawfish Stew-FayonMay 15 at her home in St. Martinville.

Herman Fuselier

4 students pledge to become educators

Four Assumption High School seniors committed to pursue educational career pathways during a special recognition ceremony on May 6. The event was sponsored by the school’s Educators Rising program Seniors Jackson Benoit, Cecelia Murin, Ty’Lan Telfair and Sadie Vaughn signed pledges and wore the education field’s graduation cord as part of the ceremony Benoit, Murin and Telfair will be attending Nicholls State University, while Vaughn will pursue her studies at Southeastern Louisiana University

The high school created the Educators Rising program last year to encourage more students to go into the field of education and return to Assumption Parish to positively impact their home communities.

The program is part of the district’s “Grow Our Own” initiative to eliminate teacher and professional staff shortages, as well as to inspire and grow current and rising educators to become community leaders and advocates for high quality education.

Neal noted that she is a graduate of Assumption High School and was inspired to return to give back to her community. She has taught the Educators Rising coursework since the program’s inception.

District Master Teacher Rhea Blanchard said the Educators Rising program offers fully aligned standards-based curriculum and classroom observation experiences. But she noted that not all students in the program plan to be teachers. Some are opting for professional careers in the school system, such as nursing, counseling, music or nutrition

Vaughn said she plans to pursue a degree in speech pathology, but to include education coursework in her studies in order to work in the school system. Telfair said he wants to teach history or English to impact students the way his teachers positively impacted him.

This year’s graduating seniors completed classwork in their junior and senior years to earn credentials toward six hours of college credit in their college’s education curriculum. Eight high school juniors are now enrolled in the Educators Rising program, and they all plan to remain in the program next year

COMMUNITY

Assumption High Seniors

an education

and

COMMUNITY GUIDELINES

The Community column runs Sundays in the Living section and accepts submissions for news of events that have taken place with civic, philanthropic, social and religious auxiliary organizations, as well as academic honors.

Submissions should be sent by noon Monday to run in the upcoming Sunday column. Because of space limitations, organizations that meet monthly or more are limited to one photo per month. If submitting digitally, we prefer JPG files 300KB or larger If taking a photo of a group, have them stand or sit shoulder-to-shoulder If more than six people are in the photo, arrange them on multiple, distinct rows.Avoid strong background light sources.

Identify those pictured by first and last names as viewed from left to right, row by row. We prefer emailed Community column submissions to features@theadvocate.com.We also accept submissions by mail at P.O. Box 588, Baton Rouge LA

number must be included

Baton Rouge Navy Club

The Navy Club of Baton Rouge, Ship 661 USS Kidd,

their

on May 13 at

on

Baton Rouge Garden Club

The Baton Rouge Garden Club presented Christian Fritsch with their Elaine Umphries Memorial Scholarship Award. Christian is a senior at LSU in the School of Plant, Environmental and Soil Sciences. Presenting the award is Baton Rouge club member JoAnn Fryling

Four Assumption High School seniors were recently recognized for having completed the school’s Educators Rising Program

committing to pursuing

pathway in college. Shown are, from left, Jackson Benoit, Sadie Vaughn, Cecelia Murin and Ty’Lan Telfair

Hall of Fame

Father and son James Linden Hogg, second from left, and Jim Hogg, third from left, were inducted into the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame on May 10 at the Red Dragon Listening Room in Baton Rouge. Jason Broussard, far left, and Mike Sheppard, of the Hall of Fame, make the presentation during a break in the duo’s performance.

PROVIDED PHOTOS

U.S. Navy Submarine Veterans

The Baton Rouge-area Submarine Veterans had a bi-monthly meeting at Drusilla Seafood Restaurant on April 8. Shown are, from left, seated, Stuart Dupre, John ‘Tiny’ Ruisch, Donald David, Commander Bill Pedneau, James Powell, Donald Neisler and Paul Barker; standing, Brian Watson, Thomas Lacy, William Hardin, Brien Dickson, BJ Bement, George Hima, Kevin Vizinat, Barry Kalt, David Stewart, David Reynolds, Gary Surber and Jimmy Campbell.

Friends of the Old State Capitol

The annual luncheon of the Friends of the Old State Capitol took place May 9 at Jubans restaurant. Guests were welcomed by Friends President Sugar McAdams, who introduced Friends board members. Shown are, from left, front row, 1st Assistant to Secretary of State Catherine Newsome, Secretary of State Nancy Landry, Friends McAdams and speaker Bill Campbell; back row, Treasurer Sandy Blake, Vice President Linda Lightfoot, board members Sam Haase and Barbara Mowad, Museum Director Mary Durusau and Past President Mike Zobrist.

held

monthly luncheon

Piccadilly Restaurant

Sherwood Forest Boulevard Gathered are, from left, seated, Jerry Pugh and Billy Dean; standing, second row, Tom Hirschey, Bus Di Palma, Gidget McIntyre, Chick Streat, Rick Munch and Adrian Fortier; third row, Doc LeCompte, Jack Laws and U.S Navy Sea Cadet Chris Creel.

TRAVEL

BentonvilleFilmFestivalbeckons movielovers

Eventtohonor Lucy Liu,

BY SERENA PUANG Staff writer

When Cassie Keet was12years old, she was writing in online chatrooms about “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” in Little Rock, Arkansas. Today,she’safilmmakerwith two films under her belt, but when asked about her writerly beginnings, that’swhere her mind goes first.

Shegraduated fromchatrooms to playwriting competitions and eventually made her way into the film industry

“My film school was essentially asking my friends whowenttofilm school like, ‘Hey,does this look right?’”Keet said.

This year,her film,“Abigail before Beatrice”ispremieringat The Bentonville Film Festival, which is held June 16-22 and showcases 28 featurecompetition films, nineofwhich areworld premieres. In its 11th year,the Bentonville Film Festival will open with “East of Wall,” written and directed by Kate Beecroft, afilm that is inspired by the lives of Tabatha and Porshia Zimiga. The film features acast of mostly nonprofessional actors playing themselves.

RecognizingLucyLiu

On June 21, Lucy Liu will be honored with the Rising tothe Challenge Award that recognizes artists who champion storytelling that breaks barriers andbroadens representation. Liu’s latest film, which she starred in and produced, will also be screening at the festival. The film, “Rosemead,” is inspired by true events and highlights aChinese American woman’sstruggle to protect her son from his violent obsessions.

“As we celebrate 11 years of BFF (Bentonville Film Festival), I’m so proud of how the festival continues to elevate bold storytelling and amplify voices that

reflect the full spectrum of the humanexperience,” said Geena Davis, actress and chairofthe festival, in anews release. “We’re especially thrilled to honor Lucy Liu, whose groundbreaking work continues to inspireand open doors for the next generation of storytellers.”

For those with small children Elmo will also be making aguest appearance at the festival. He and Daviswill be reading “The Girl Who WasToo Big forthe Page” from11:30 a.m. to12p.m.June21.

This year,the film festival is hosting its inaugural Homegrown Competition which celebrates movieseither filmed in the state

or created by people based in Arkansas. Keet’s“Abigail Before Beatrice” is competing in this category. Thefilm is aboutawoman who is confronted by herpast when afellowformer cult member reaches outtolet herknowtheir leader hasbeen released from prison early As adirector/writer/producer, Keetsplits her time between Arkansasand Los Angeles, but after winning aPanavision grant as part of an award at theFILMLAND: Arkansas festival,she knew she wanted to shoot her next filmin the state. It wasn’taconditionof thegrant, but she sees it as giving back to the community that made herfilm possible, adding

that choosing to film in aspecific location brings jobstothe area and spotlightslocal businesses. Many people who work on the crew forindependentfilms are freelance workers who are limited by thenumber of productions that are filmed near their homes. This is often influenced by state tax incentives.

“Wehave people whocouldwork and should work all the time in L.A.and New Orleans and Texas andOklahoma, but they want to call Arkansas theirhome because they’re Arkansans. Having this homegrown film competition is a way to say,‘Hey,Arkansas is becoming abiggerand biggerfilm community.Itneeds to be recog-

nized, and it needs to be supported.’”

Alocal’s perspective

Plenty of people say that Crystal Bridges is the can’t-miss museum in thearea, but makesure not to miss itscontemporaryart counterpart, the Momentary.Nearby, SushiHouse gets customersin and out within 20 minutes of being seated. Even if there’sa line, it’sworth the wait, and they make sure you leave full.

For areal treat, try the “Flaming Volcano,” afish dish that comes to the table on fire. Northwest Arkansasisn’tjust Bentonville —it’saregion of small cities that all have unique amenities and activities to offer.The four biggest cities are Bentonville, Rogers, Springdale and Fayetteville. In Rogers, visit the headquarters of Onyx Coffee Lab, alocal chain of world-class coffee that is offered at coffee shops allover the country but roasted right there in the natural state.

For food, try Mirabella’sTable, alocals-favorite Italian spot with amazing brunch options. Keet said the restaurant served her the best ravioli she’d had in her lifeduring her own first visit to the area. If venturing into the local flagship college town, Fayetteville make sure to check out Dickson Street Bookshopwhichhas over 100,000 books and amaze-like layout to get lost in. Stop by Hammontree’sGrilled Cheese to sample the restaurant’sinventive selection of sandwiches and hot dogs. Menu highlights include amushroom goat cheese grilled cheese, baked brie with grilled apple and fig jam, anda chicken, asiago andspinach sausagehot dogwithpineapple Vegan cheese and gluten-free bread is available as well. For accommodations, try the Victoria Bed& Breakfast, abeautiful bed-and-breakfast on Main Street in Bentonville withgreat reviews. For amore budget friendly option, check out the local Airbnb scene where there are aselection of quirky staysincludingsmall cabins and glamping tents.

Email SerenaPuang at serena. puang@theadvocate.com. Follow her on Instagram@dear.yall.

Irented acar from Avis for one dayand wasunfortunately rear-ended by another car. It wasthe other driver’sfault.Avis charged my credit card for 29 days of rentalfor loss of use, atotal of $7,671 for the one-daycar rental. My insurancecovers loss of use, but my insurance companywon’tpay because the Avis receipt just shows a29-day rental and doesn’tmention loss of use.

don’tunderstand whyAvischarged my credit card for 29 days.When Icalltoask, they just sayloss of use. Can you help me get arefund? —NicholasChandler,Windham, Maine

Avis told me on the phone thatthe chargeisfor loss of use, but they won’tgive me anew receipt. Sedgwick,Avis’sthird-party claims service, is pursuing loss of use from theother driver’sinsurance company. Sedgwicktold me that they think Avis madeabilling error because Iwas notatfault for the accident. I

Unfortunately,you’re on the hookfor thevehicle’sloss of use. When you rent acar,you accept responsibility for thevehicle no matterwho is responsible for the accident, andsince your name was on thecontract, Avis sent you abill.

Butthe company made someerrors when it charged you. It looks like there was aseries of miscommunications in your case. For some reason, Sedgwick only charged theother driver $1,222, presumablyfor repairs, leavingyou responsible for the difference. And, according to your

records,Avis would not send you abill for thelossofuse.Instead, it just appearsasifyou rented acar at the mostexpensive daily rate, which no one would do. Iwould be remissifIdidn’t mention that loss of use is highly controversial. The car rental company is charging you the maximum daily rate for what it would have earned if it had been able to rent thecar while it was in the shop. Butthat assumes it could have rented the car the entire time. Ibelieve loss of useis not afair charge, even if your contract permits it. Many consumers, insurance companies and state regulators agree with me.Wecan discuss loss of use another day, though. Youwereamodel customer.You

had insurance that covered you and you responded quickly to Avis and Sedgwickwhenthey asked for your insurance information. You drove the car carefully.You tried to workwithin the system to clear up the miscommunication. Ithink youshould have appealed this to amanager.Ilist the names, numbers and emails of the Avis customer service managers and Sedgwick customer service managers on my consumer advocacy site, Elliott.org

This was aconfusing case. But after several conversations with Avis, it appears that there were “someissues” with the car rental location andthe tow truck, which created some confusion in its internal system.

“We’re adjustingthe contract

back to aone-day rental and removing all the additional days that the customer didn’thave the vehicle,” arepresentative told me. Ashort while later,you reported back.

“Avis charged me one day for the rental as you mentioned and refunded me the rest,” you said.

“The credit wasposted back to my card this morning. This is incredible, and Ican’tthank you enough forall of your help.”

Christopher Elliott is the founderofElliott Advocacy,a nonprofitorganizationthathelps consumers solvetheirproblems. Email himatchris@elliott.org or get help by contacting himon hissite.

Christopher Elliott

‘Abigail before Beatrice’ is about awoman whoisconfronted by her past when afellowformer cult member reaches out to let her know their leader has been released from prison early

PROVIDED PHOTOS

Abigail Before Beatrice’ by writer/ directorCassie Keet will premiere at the Bentonville Film Festival.

STAFFPHOTO By JANRISHER

Don’tmiss theMomentarycontemporaryart museuminBentonville, Ark.

And her voice trails off, because a brown étouffée is where she draws the line.

“We gonna do it Mama’s way,” she said. “It’s so simple It takes me half an hour.”

As she added the onions to the pot she recalled a visitor who asked how long making the étouffée would take, to which Bienvenu answered, “About 45 minutes.”

“She says, ‘Oh, I thought I was gonna be here for three hours,’” Bienvenu said with a laugh “And I said, ‘No, anything that takes three hours or is ‘day one/day two,’ that is not for me.’”

‘Her life in food’

The author of the 1991 classic “Who’s Your Mama, Are You Catholic, and Can You Make a Roux?” and a host of other cookbooks, Bienvenu has witnessed — and helped shape — many milestones in the rise of Louisiana cuisine Her résumé winds through the kitchens and careers of Louisiana’s culinary greats and it’s hard to say who inspired whom along the way

Bienvenu met renowned New Orleans restaurateur Ella Brennan in the early 1970s when she was working on a Time Life book with a photographer and researcher who wanted to learn about Cajun Country That was a time when Bienvenu says she didn’t even know she lived in Cajun Country. Brennan invited her to come work at Commander’s Palace.

“Ella and I would sit between shifts,” Bienvenu remembers “She and I would sit on the patio, and she would tell me about New Orleans food. And I would tell her about Cajun food.”

In 1975, when Brennan was weighing whether to bring Paul Prudhomme to Commander’s Palace as its first American chef, she talked it over with Bienvenu, who was then working in the Commander’s catering division.

In 1982, when Brennan considered hiring a young Emeril Lagasse, she and Bienvenu again sat down to talk through the possibilities When Lagasse went out on his own, Bienvenu joined him and helped to manage the creation of his brand and cookbooks.

“Marcelle Bienvenu is one of the most knowledgeable people when it comes to Louisiana cooking,” Lagasse said “She is a gracious and humble woman whose passion for the cuisine runs deep.”

For years, she was a food columnist for The Times-Picayune.

Bienvenu also worked with Chef John Folse for 11 years teaching culinary classes at Nicholls State University

“She certainly has always been right there being the most beautiful, elegant thing in the room,” said Poppy Tooker host of “Louisiana Eats!,” the NPR-affiliated radio show and podcast. “She’s just such a special and wonderful person, and I think that comes from her life, partially her life in food from her earliest days right through her entire career.“

Last year, Bienvenu rereleased “Who’s Your Mama, Are You Catholic, and Can You Make A Roux: A Cajun/Creole Family Album Cookbook” in a new bold and beautiful, updated style. Lagasse wrote the foreword for the giant 398-page bright pink collection of recipes and photographs.

In reflecting on her life and legacy and how she built so many relationships, Bienvenu says she learned a lot from her father, who was a newspaperman

CURIOUS

Continued from page 1D

transport ships in the effort to cut American oil supply lines through the Gulf of Mexico,” Eli Haddow wrote in the July 2021 edition of The Historic New Orleans Collection’s “First Draft” blog “In about a year’s time, more than 56 vessels were destroyed by the German Kriegsmarine, according to the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management.”

Haddow was a marketing associate for the collection when he wrote the piece, which was inspired by a framed draftsman’s map. He’s no longer with the museum but now works for the Peter Mayer Agency in New Orleans

“But I was doing a lot of social media then. I would spend time walking around the galleries, and I always found this map fascinating,” he said.

An intriguing map

The map was created by draftsman Carl D Vought, who documented how the U-boat fleet of 20plus crisscrossed the Gulf, easily picking off targets.

“The marks on the map represent sunken or damaged ships whose names are listed on the right side,” Haddow said. “The section of the map nearest the mouth of the Mississippi, marked ‘DA90,’ was particularly dangerous.”

It’s in this section, about 45 miles off the Louisiana coast at Houma, where Vought’s map shows the U-166’s proposed location.

Why did it sink?

So, how did the submarine find its way to the Gulf’s floor? Well, U-166 became a bit ambitious and torpedoed the civilian passenger ship Robert E. Lee on June 30, 1942. The ship’s escort, U.S Navy boat PC-566, immediately retaliated by dropping depth charges on the sub.

Crawfish Stew-Fay

Recipe by Marcelle Bienvenu. Makes four to six servings.

¼ pound (1 stick) unsalted butter

2 cups chopped yellow onions

1

2 pounds peeled crawfish tails 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour, dissolved in ½ cup water Salt and cayenne

2 tablespoons chopped green onions

1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley leaves Cooked long-grain rice

1. Heat the butter over medium heat in a large, heavy pot. Add the onions, bell peppers and celery Cook, stirring, until soft and lightly golden about 10 to 12 minutes.

2. Add the crawfish and cook, stirring occasionally until they begin to “throw off a little liquid” — about five minutes.

3 Add the water/flour slurry (Bienvenu puts hers in a small, lidded jar and shakes it up to mix it well). Reduce heat to medium-low and cook, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens — about three to four minutes

4 Season with salt and cayenne.

5. Remove from heat. Add the green onions and parsley

6. Serve in bowls over rice.

“I guess everybody always said I was like Daddy He was a big raconteur He never met a stranger He was always happy,” she said. “He was of the opinion that you never let the truth get in the way of a good story It was wonderful. I think that has been me. I like stories. I like to know about people, how they feel, what they do.”

“ but the small oil slick that appeared suggested that the crew had only damaged the U-boat, not destroyed it,” Haddock wrote.

“According to the Navy Times, the boat’s captain, Lt Cmdr Herbert Claudius, was sent to antisubmarine school to improve his tactics. A couple of weeks later, a Coast Guard plane off the coast of Houma spotted a sub and dropped its own depth charge. A larger oil slick appeared — U-166 had been sunk.”

Meanwhile, most of the Robert E Lee’s crew of 131, six merchant marine officers and 270 passengers, escaped by lifeboats or rafts.

Attacks by the German fleet peaked in the summer of 1942. It wasn’t until later that year, when merchant ships traveled with military escorts, that the killing abated.

“However until then, many vessels were doomed,” Haddock wrote. “Illuminated coastlines silhouetted ships, making them easy to see in the night. Slow and unarmed vessels became easy prey for the nimble U-boats.”

Mandated blackouts

The government remedied this by mandating blackouts along the coast, meaning homes and businesses were required to turn off all lights at night, thereby hampering the Nazi fleet’s night vision.

Haddow was aided in his research by Historic New Orleans Collection Chief Curator Jason Wiese, who located World War II posters designed by Federal Arts Project artists during this time.

The posters were community service pieces created by the Works Progress Administration War Services for the Office of Civilian Defense in New Orleans, reminding American citizens to adhere to the blackouts and keep all information about the Port of New Orleans’ ship schedules confidential.

It’s interesting to note here that

She claims her father’s take on life of never letting the truth get in the way of a good story as her motto.

“I told that to the priest the other day,” she said. “And he said, ‘Now, Marcelle, I’m not sure about that.’”

‘Good ice’ and cheap crawfish

These days, Bienvenu spends most of her time in her St. Martinville home with her husband, friends and family She is a fan of saying “yes” to invitations to get out and about.

At 80, Bienvenu is as svelte and stylish as a Paris runway model — with twice the grace and just a touch of fuss, which only adds to her charm.

After all, she’s famously particular about her ice, often bringing her own to events and restaurants.

She likes, as she describes it, “good ice.”

“The ice in home refrigerators, they’re white, right?” she asked. “It’s nasty They smell bad.”

For the record, “good ice” is clear and “tastes like water,” Bienvenu explains. “And if you don’t have good ice, you cannot have a good cocktail.”

In the guest house kitchen — just next door to the home she has shared with her husband, architect Rock Lasserre, for decades — Bienvenu prepares her mother’s crawfish étouffée.

Lasserre designed the kitchen in the guest house. It’s picture perfect, but there’s one thing she wishes they had done differently The propane burners are situated at the end of the island, taking up its full width, leaving no room to rest a spoon or prep ingredients nearby

A little design flaw like that doesn’t faze

NEW

lluminated coastlines made it easy for German captains to pick targets in the Gulf of Mexico. This WPA War Services poster urges citizens to black out their lights. This poster is part of The Historic New Orleans Collection’s Anna Wynne Watt and Michael D Wynne Jr Collection.

one such poster was created by noted WPA artist John McCrady of New Orleans, known for his public murals, French Quarter art school and such paintings as “The Shooting of Huey Long.”

Along with the posters, Wiese also unearthed a letter from the Office of Civil Defense dressing down New Orleans’ Antoine’s Restaurant for failing to turn off a light in one of its rooms.

Wasn’t the first time

However, the summer of 1942 wasn’t the first time Louisiana’s coast was under threat by a German Navy

“What’s also interesting is there are photos taken in 1919 or 1920 after World War I, when a German U-boat was captured,” Haddox said. “They sailed it up the Mississippi River and kind of showed it off in New Orleans.”

Bienvenu. She’s been making her mama’s crawfish étouffée so long, she could do it with her eyes closed.

She believes she knows the origin of crawfish étouffée.

“As far as I’m concerned, it started in Breaux Bridge,” Bienvenu said. “There was a little cafe on Main Street across from the church in Breaux Bridge I think it was called Thelma’s, and she would have that every Friday Back before they started the Crawfish Festival, all the crawfish came from the basin.”

She remembers her father saying, “We’re so poor we’re going to have to have crawfish Friday because they were like 15 cents a pound.”

Bakelite jewelry and beyond

Bienvenu says she doesn’t spend much time thinking about what kind of legacy she’ll leave — though she does want her nieces and nephews to appreciate her Bakelite jewelry collection. (One of her nephews is Gov Jeff Landry, by the way — her sister’s son.)

“I said they’ll probably throw that away, so I better label it,” she said. “They’ll just think it’s plastic.”

So, she did what she does well: She documented it. She made a little booklet about the pieces and their history, just like she once did with her mama’s recipes, and the flavors and stories of Cajun Country In her own way, Bienvenu is responsible for far more than a collection of cookbooks. Her work has helped preserve a way of life — one meal, one story and one good-ice cocktail at a time.

Email Jan Risher at jan.risher@ theadvocate.com.

As for the U-166, there was vindication for Claudius, lieutenant commander of U.S. Navy boat PC-566.

Location was wrong

“Geologists scanning the Gulf floor in 2001 found the felled German submarine close by the wreckage of the Lee, far away from its assumed resting place off of Houma,” Haddox writes.

“The submarine hit by the Coast Guard plane, it was discovered, was damaged but managed to escape. The US Navy corrected the error in 2014 and gave Claudius and PC-566’s crew credit for sinking U-166 — 72 years after it happened.”

According to other historic accounts, this places the U-166 about 45 miles east of where the Mississippi River meets the Gulf.

Photos of wreckage

Finally, in 2014, The Associated Press published a story of marine geologist and geophysicist Robert Ballard’s exploration of the wreckage. Remote photos taken from his vessel, Nautilus, show both U-166 and Robert E. Lee about a mile beneath the Gulf’s surface.

Ballard is best known for his photos of the Titanic’s wreckage in the North Atlantic Ocean. His crew videoed and mapped the Gulf vessels for a National Geographic documentary Ballard’s photos show that the U-boat itself was broken in two by the U.S. Navy ship’s depth charge. The article also points out that the submarine’s commander Oberleutnant zur See Hans-Günther Kuhlmann, and his crew of 51 died in the wreckage.

Do you have a question about something in Louisiana that’s got you curious? Email your question to curiouslouisiana@ theadvocate.com. Include your name, phone number and the city where you live.

ZYDECO

Continued from page 1D

Since becoming the main organizer in 2007, Dustin has faced the challenges of rising band fees, venue rental, security, advertising and more expenses.

“It’s all that, and you still try to keep the tickets at a price where the native people can come and participate,” added Cravins. “The community knows us well enough now to know this is not our bread and butter This is not how we make a living. If it was, we would have been out of business a long time ago.

“But the reality is, it’s important to us. We invest our own money into it each and every year so that our children and the generation after them have a culture to experience in a real way and not in a museum.” Cravins advises others looking to follow in their festival footsteps to be true to the culture.

“Learn about what you’re trying to present to the world. The festival we put on is an extension of our lives,” Cravins said.

“It’s nothing different from what we’re doing today or any other day I’m headed home to cook a gravy for my family I’m making boudin for Zydeco Extravaganza, but I’m making boudin every week. I’m listening to that music every day because it’s a part of who I am. I live it. When people do real things, they get real results.” Herman Fuselier is executive director of the St. Landry Parish Tourist Commission. A longtime journalist covering Louisiana music and culture, he lives in Opelousas. His “Zydeco Stomp” show airs at noon Saturdays on KRVS 88.7 FM.

PROVIDED PHOTO By THE HISTORIC

ORLEANS COLLECTION

A ‘slurry’ of corn starch and water is added to Marcelle Bienvenu’s Crawfish Stew-Fay

STAFF PHOTOS By BRAD BOWIE

Marcelle Bienvenu tends to her zinnias at her home in St. Martinville.

AT THE TABLE

Turn state’sofficialfruit into strawberry jam

BY DEBRA TAGHEHCHIAN

Contributing writer

The pelican is the state bird of Louisiana, and the state flower is the magnolia But did you know that thestate fruit is the strawberry?

Yes, that most common andmuchloved fruit is our Louisiana statefruit. Strawberries grow in theeastern part of Louisiana in communities with names like Ponchatoula,Amite, Albany, Holden and Independence. Best known is Ponchatoula and its annual Strawberry Festival. Festivalgoers feast on all things strawberry,from strawberry shortcakes to strawberrydaiquiris.

We can thank the Italian andHungarian immigrants who started the cultivation of strawberries in Louisiana in the 1800s.Bythe 1920s, the berry business was booming, with berries beingput onto trains and shipped to other parts of the United States.

Springtime is the optimal time tohave the freshest and tastiestofthis fruit. It is also the time to preserve that goodness.Itis precisely whenI take out my trusty old water bathcanning pot and make some strawberry jam.Later in the summer,Iwill preserve figs and blackberries,but springtime is reserved for making strawberryjam.

We take for granted in this modern world that we can always find allthe fruits and vegetables that we want. In previous times, canning andpreserving was the only way to havefruitsinthe offseason. Now,people can findthem pretty much year-round.But one fact remains: to get really tasty strawberries, it’simportant to buy theminseason

Although strawberry season in Louisiana has ended, look for fresh berries from other regions at the supermarket Like most of my recipes, Iuse few ingredients in this jam —justthree, in fact. Strawberries, sugar and pectin is all that’sneeded.

There may be some initial investment if someone has never canned before and needs to buy jars and ahot waterbath canning pot, but with this equipment comes years of canning —asthe canning jars can be reused. After canning and preserving the fruits’ goodness for the first time, the activity mightbring

some experimentation with other fruits andvegetables. With an ever-growing concern over what additives have been added to processed foods,making your own preserves will help control what you eat. Forfirst-time canners,besure to read andfollow careful directions about proper canning techniques. Remember, theidea is to preserve food that can be enjoyed year-round. Most of all, maintain thefruit color and flavor and avoid sickness due to poor canning practices.

Strawberry Jam

Makes 10 (8-ounce) Mason jars

51/2 cups of crushed strawberries (about 3 1-quartboxes of strawberries)

1(1.75-ounce) box of fruit pectin

8cups of sugar

1. Sort andwash the strawberries, removingany blemishes and stemsand caps. Chop the berries and place in a large bowl. Using apotato masher,mash theberries.

2. Following manufacturer’sdirections, sterilize thecanning jars and prepare thetwo-piece canning lids. Set asideand make thejam.

3. Place thecrushedberries intoa large 8-quart Dutch oven. Add thepectin and stir well.

4. Place on high heat and, stirring constantly,bring quickly to afull boil with bubbles over theentire surface.

5. Addsugar and continue stirring. Heat again to afull bubbling boil. Boil hard for1 minute, stirring constantly

6. Removefromheat.Skim off foam that hascollected on thesurface of the jam.

7. Fill hot jam into hot, sterilized jars, leaving 1/4 inch space at top. Wipe rims of jars with aclean, dampened paper towel. Adjust thetwo-piece metal canning lids and fingertip tighten the metal lids.

8. Process the jam jarsina boiling water canner.Becareful to follow the recommendeddirections and processing time depending on your elevation.

9. Remove jars from canner and place on acoolingrack. Allow the processed jars to remain undisturbed for 12 to 24 hours afterthe hot water bathcanning process. Storeinacool, dry and dark place. Refrigeratejam after opening the sealed jar

TODAYINHISTORY

By The Associated Press

Station.

Dear Heloise: Ihave foundthat the simplestway toremove hair bristles from inside of an electricrazor is not with the brush that typically comes with the razor Instead, flip open the blade panel and suck out the contentsusing asmall handheld vacuum cleaner —Jim R., in Houston Crossedlegs

Dear Heloise: So many picturesof women, even professionals and celebrities, show them standing with one leg crossedover the other.This strikesmeassoodd! Why do women do this? —Valerie H., Lolo, Montana Valerie, Ithink it’sconsidered acharming or cute pose by some people,but it also tends to make the thighs appear thinner —Heloise Travel hint

Dear Heloise: I’ve been aware that

many people use ahanging shoe bag at home to storeitems, but I’ve found thatitisalsovaluable when traveling. Ihave afew healthissues (nothing deadly), butI have to carry afew items for themand take pills. Having my “traveling shoe bag” has been areal lifesaver. Thanks for all of your great ideas, and please keep them coming! —Isabel G., in Norman, Oklahoma Magnetic clamps

Dear Heloise: Iglued amagnet to the back of acabinet that hangs over my workspace in the kitchen. Then Ibought plastic bag sealing clamps with magnets on the back. When Iwant to tryout anew recipe, Iplace the recipe on the cabinet door using these magnetic bag clamps,and it makesitsomuch easier to read. The recipe is also out of danger from beingsplattered with ingredients. —Ava D.,inDenver

Send ahint to heloise@heloise. com.

Today is Sunday,May 25, the 145th day of 2025. There are 220 days left in theyear Todayinhistory

On May 25, 2020, George Floyd, aBlack man, was killed when aWhiteMinneapolis police officer pressed his knee on Floyd’sneck for 91/2 minutes while Floyd was handcuffed and pleading that he couldn’t breathe; Floyd’sdeath, captured on video by abystander,would lead to worldwide protests, some of which turned violent, and areexamination of racism and policing in theU.S.

On this date: In 1787, theConstitutional Convention began at thePennsylvania StateHouse (Independence Hall) in Philadelphia after enough delegates had shown up for aquorum. In 1961, PresidentJohn F. Kennedy toldCongress: “I believe that this nation should commit itselftoachieving the goal, before this decade is out,ofland-

ing aman on the moonand returning him safely to the earth.”

In 1964, the U.S. Supreme Court, in Griffin v. County School BoardofPrince Edward County,orderedthe Virginia county to reopen its public schools, which officials had closed in an attempt to circumvent theSupreme Court’s1954 Brown v. BoardofEducation of Topeka desegregationruling.

In 1977, “StarWars” was released by 20thCentury Fox; it would become the highest-grossing film in history at the time.

In 1979, 273 people died when an American Airlines DC-10 crashed just after takeoff from Chicago’s O’Hare Airport.

In 2008, NASA’s Phoenix Mars Lander arrived on the RedPlanet to begin searching for evidence of water; the spacecraft confirmed the presence of water ice at itslanding site.

In 2012, the private company SpaceX made history as its Dragon capsule became the first commercial spacecraft to dock with the InternationalSpace

In 2018, HarveyWeinstein was arrestedand chargedinNew York with rape andanother sex felony in the first prosecution to result from the wave of allegations against him. (Weinstein would be convicted of two felony counts in 2020, but an appeals court would overturn the convictionin2024. Aretrialonthe chargesbegan in April 2025.) Today’sbirthdays: Actor Ian McKellenis86. Country singer Jessi Colteris82. Actor-singer Leslie Uggams is 82. Filmmaker andpuppeteer Frank Oz is 81. ActorKaren Valentine is 78. ActorJackiWeaver is 78. Rock singerKlaus Meine (Scorpions) is 77. ActorPatti D’Arbanville is 74.Playwright Eve Ensler is 72. Actor Connie Sellecca is 70. Musician Paul Weller is 67. Sen. AmyKlobuchar,D-Minn., is 65. Actor-comedian Mike Myers is 62. Actor Octavia Spencer is 55. Actor Cillian Murphy is 49. Football Hall of Famer Brian Urlacher is 47. Olympic gymnastics gold medalist Aly Raisman is 31.

PHOTO By DEBRA TAGHEHCHIAN

Strawberry jam can be made by usingjust three ingredients. Although strawberry season in Louisiana has ended, look for fresh berries from other regions at the supermarket.

‘Our Last Wild Days’agrippingthriller

BY SERENA PUANG Staff writer

“Our Last Wild Days”Atria Books, 352 pages, released May20

“You might think that alligators pose the greatest threat to humans on the bayou. Maybe hurricane season keeps you up at night.”

These words openthe article that LoyalMay regrets writing more than any other “These are all natural dangers we’ve cometoaccept as part of living in this beautiful but deadly environment,” she continued. “But what about when people are the danger? One family in particular hasbeen darkening our wildernessfor too long.”

In Anna Bailey’snovel, “Our LastWild Days,” the Labasques, the family in question, aren’t like other people in Jacknife, Louisiana. They live out in a shack by the swamps and scrape by —hunting alligators. In town, rumors abound about what they get up to out there, but Loyal and Cutter Labasque had always been friends. At least until the article.

After Loyalslammedthe Labasques in the local paper,the girls stopped talking. At first it was days, then months, and before they knew it, it had been over adecade.Days after Loyal returned home to care forher ailing mother, Cutter is found dead, face down in aswamp. The police rule it asuicide, but Loyal is skeptical. Cutter wouldn’tdo that, but if she didn’tdoit, what happened? Against the backdrop of afictional small towninAssumption Parish where everyone knows everyone’sbusiness,Loyal goes searching for answers in the woods, ostensibly for an article.

Author Anna Bailey is no strangertothe small town gothic novel. Bailey’sdebut novel, “Where the TruthLies,” amiss-

ing persons story set in alumber town in Colorado, waspraised for its encapsulation of small town dynamics. “Our Last Wild Days” does not disappoint as a follow up. Bailey successfully captures asense of southern Louisiana. It wouldbeeasy to sensationalizeamurder,the alligator hunting occupation or even the day-to-day poverty these characters face. ManyotherSouthern gothics have beencriticized for doing so, but Bailey paints the smalltown of Jacknife with sensitivityand complexity Baileyhas clearly done research into Louisiana,and where other writers might fall intostereotype, Baileyshines in complicating the narrative. In Bailey’sworld, alligator hunters aren’tjust brutishly strong, masculinecharacters, and Cutterisn’tjust alonely victim —she actually has a reputationfor severing atendon in the sheriff’s son’s finger after he tried to assault her in high school

What do people owe to each other in life —and in death? What happens to people on the fringes of societyoreven of a family? The book grapples with themesofaddiction, masculinity,guilt and grief while also de-

livering apage-turning mystery

Though compelling, the novel portrays acaricatured version of journalism that more closely resembles television. Loyal is not held to the rules of journalistic ethics, and that’sahuge

plot hole. The central conflict between Loyal and the Labasques would never have happened if she was —she would never be able to write about her own best friend’sfamily (conflict of interest), and it shouldn’thave been asurprise (she would have been forced to reach out to them for comment).

This isn’tentirely Bailey’sfault.

Like most jobs, much of what the typical journalist does is not suitable fodder for a novel. An accurate depiction of ajournalistic investigation would involve alot less snooping around and alot more unanswered phone calls, monitoring databases while waiting around for details, news releases and conversations with apublic information officer

This oversight can be partially excused by the size of the townand the newspaper but could be easily resolved by changing the occupation of the protagonist. But what the book gets wrong about journalism, it more than makes up for in its characterization. The cast of characters are all deeply flawed, but the reader can’thelp but root for them whether they’re discovering new things about themselves while shooting their first alligator or investigating murder.

Email SerenaPuang at serena. puang@theadvocate.com. Follow heronInstagram@dear yall.

Summer readingoffersnew destinations

When our family of fourheaded out for summer vacations, I’d throw some paperbacks in an old canvas bag just in case therewas time to read. Life as ayounghusband and father seldomyielded those moments, but Iwas ready if aspare hour came while we sunned on the beach or lounged on amountainside porch Summers are differentnow that our kids are grown. My wife and Inolonger answer to the school calendar,sothere might be years when we travel in other seasons and spend summers at home. But even when my summer excursions are no more ambitious than atrip between the living room and den, Istill carrymy summer reading in atattered tote sack. Habits tend to movealong on theirown momentum, needing no logic in their defense. But if called to explain why Ikeep my summer books packed, Imight say that I’m preparing myself to go places. Though Imight not move beyond my armchair on warm afternoons, Ilean into bookseach summer thathave astrong sense of destination. It’sinthat spirit that I’vebeen reading “The Living Mountain,” Nan Shepherd’sWorld WarII-era memoir about her travels into the Cairngorm Mountains of Scotland. She encountered wonderinawounded time —anice reminder that wonder canstill touch us, too.

In “The Friendship Bench,” Dr.Dixon

Chibandatakes us to another faraway place, his native Zimbabwe. After witnessingsomuch grief and anxiety as apsychiatrist, Chibanda recruited 14 grandmothers to sit on parkbenches and listen to anyonewith aproblem. His program, documented in this remarkable new book, is atestamenttowhat can happen when we open our ears and hearts to neighbors.

Ever since boyhood summers with “Robinson Crusoe,” I’ve been asuckerfor castaway tales, which is how Iended up within the pages of “Save Our Souls, Matthew Pearl’s true-life story of a 19th century shipwreck, some surviving passengers and the mysterious man who shares their newisland home.

I’ll let you discover therest. As aBBC correspondent, Eliot Steintravels the world, often chroniclinghow locals keep alive customs as varied as talking to beesorrepairing woven grass bridges.He’scollected the best of these stories in “Custodians of Wonder,” abook that’sasbeautifully

odd as it sounds.

“Beautifully odd” might also describe “Pink Dust,” Ron Padgett’s new collection of poems. The title refers to those little grains of rubber left on paper after an eraser rubs out mistakes. Padgettfinds this trail of revision themost interesting thing on the page, which says alot about his eye for lively little miracles. Even when he writes about small things, like freshly baked scones, he nudges you to see what’sordinary in new ways. Padgetttakes us someplace new,the best summer reading of all.

Email Danny Heitman at danny@dannyheitman.com.

Dan an AT RANDOM ny Heitm DannyHeitman

PROVIDED PHOTO By ROBIN CHRISTIAN

Anna Bailey, author of ‘Our Last Wild Days’

HOLLYWOOD SOUTH

3young womenexplore vanishingLa.

Film documents eye-opening journey

Leslie Cardé

As three young women look out over Terrebonne Parish’s diminishing coastline, now barely above sea level, it’s astark reminder that Louisiana is sinking —its land masses, so critical to the stability of our coastline, dissolving into the Gulf of Mexico because of rising sea levels.

The ever-changing banks of the Mississippi River,eroded by decades of oil and gas exploration and now an ongoing climate crisis, are the subject of the documentary film “Hollow Tree.”

The title refers to the only cypresstrees left in the wetlands: old, hollow and no longer useful for lumber

Just this week, Tulane Universityannounced research that showed the Mississippi River Delta is losing 90% of its sediment before it ever reaches theGulf.

“Hollow Tree,” which screened earlier this month at the Zeitgeist Theatre, delves into the history of the region as seen throughthe eyes of three young women, all from very different backgrounds

Taking youngpeopleonajourney

The producers of the film, Monique Watson and ChachiHauser, wanted to explore the problem by taking young peopleonafilmmaking journey to help them understand their environment

The producers interviewed many young people across the stateabout changes they were noticing in their environment. Most didn’tknow they lived in aplace that is sinking or understood why it floods so frequently,the producerssaid.

The producers found three women who they felt stood out as being exceptionally curious, as well as open to the adventuresof filmmaking. Since there’snoscript involved in documentaries, it’sa learn-as-you-go process

The resulting film followsthe educational journeys of Mekenzie

Fanguy,18, aHouma resident whoseroots extendtothe United Houma Nation; Tanielma Da Costa,17, aBlack woman from Angola now living in Baton Rouge; and Annabelle Pavy,18, aWhite woman, with Cajunroots,from Lafayette.

The documentary coversa lot of ground, quite literally,when experts discuss how man-made levees haveencroached upon the naturalorderofthe state’stopography

“We’reactivelyputting theriver in astraitjacketand keeping it from doing what it’smeant to do, whichisbuild land,” said Dean Wilson, Basin Keeper for theAtchafalayaRiver Basin.

Filmmaking as aclassroom

Forthe film’sdirector,Tira Akerman, there wasamethod to the madness.Itinvolved using filmmaking as aclassroom, and it meant bringing in awhole host of experts fromdifferent fields.

“Thefilm brought these women into conversation with people of

different generations, races, socioeconomic backgrounds and forms of expertise, including scholars, scientists, crawfishermen, engineers and communityactivists,” Akerman said.

Akerman and Hauser spent time at The Historic New Orleans Collection and LSU’slibrary,doing immense research, so they could provide critical information to the women of this film about their environment before theywent off on their fact-finding mission.

They were, after all, partaking in acrash course involving history geography and the effects of everything from acid rain caused by polluting industries along the industrial corridor,torepercussions of the climate crisis and how it plays adefining role in theland we stand on and the air we breathe.

“Weeven decided which texts or maps might be useful to share withthe women,” Akerman said.

“The goal was to guide them in an inquiry process where thedocumentaryform constituted apath to new understandings.

“We’d submerge ourselves in the physical landscape, too, swimming in the Atchafalaya and wondering if feeling sediment in the water would shape ayoung person’s understanding of how land was made. We wondered how we could acceleratealearning process, and make it cinematic, so that audiences could also experience it?”

Historyand harshreality

Learning about history,the women wereconfronted head-on with the harsh realities of the areas theycalled home

Visiting Whitney Plantation meant learning how the levees were built upon the backs of slaves, who were protecting the cane fields where they worked from flooding. There wasbrutality in cotton picking, but there was deathincane —the bodies were often buried in the ground beneaththe levees, Susan Gebhardt, of theWhitneyPlantation said.

As Pavynoted,previously she had associated plantations with wedding venues.

Fanguy,ofHouma,recounted howshe wastoldinmiddle school thatLouisiana would one daybeunderwater.But, without context, the information didn’t have muchimpact

And, for Pavy,raised in Lafayette where livelihoods were enmeshed with the oil and gas industry,some ideas were taboo.

“There areunspoken rules aboutwhatcan andcan’tbetalked about,” Pavy said. “I always understoodthatclimate change was off-limits, because it was a myth.”

Noted documentarian Ken Burns calledthis “an extraordinary film thatasks allofusto think differently about the communities in whichwelive and the environments that we must respect.”

Da Costa summeditup.

“This is our approaching future. Why areweaccepting this?”

Email Leslie Cardéat lesliecardejournalist@gmail. com.

Dear Miss Manners: The first time my friend left me waitingfor her for an hour when we had plans to meet for lunch, Iexpressed my displeasure. She defended herself with the same excuses she used in her texts to me: She was running late; she’d run into traffic; she would be there in another 5minutes (sometimes at 15-minuteintervals) The second time Ihad plans to meet my friend for lunch, I waited 15 minutes, then left the restaurant. She was furious and told me it was rude not to tellher

Ihad adeadline. From her point of view,Ihad changed the rules on her My partner and Iinvited a couple toour home to watch a movie. Inever heard from them, despite making the invitation by email, text and phone call, and asking them toRSVP.When we heard nothing, we changedour plans.

It was awkward when they showed up at our door.Wewere not expecting guests; they were intent on seeing the movie. When Itold them we couldn’tpossibly have them in, they saidIshould have told them.

Perhaps Iwas toinclude a sentence saying, “If Idon’t hear from you, this invitation is rescinded?” AmIsupposed to

include consequences in all my communications?

Gentle reader: No, you need only demonstrate them, as you have done. MissManners would like to think that these friends will have now learned that your invitations —and patience —are not infinite. Butsadly,you and sheboth know better Dear Miss Manners: My husband and Ifrequently entertain a smallgroupoffriends for light appetizers and dinner.One friend usually arrives with a tobacco pouch in his mouthand places it on his dinner plate while he dines. He will insert another pouch after dinner but before dessert. When Iclear thetable, Ifind the

pouches on his dinnerplate as well as his dessert plate.Ihave even found oneofthese foul things on alinencocktail napkin in my living room.

Iplace the pouchesinthe trash,where theytendtoprovide afoul odor to ourkitchen until thecan is emptied.

Is there away to let our friend know that I’d ratherhetakehis used tobacco pouches home with him rather thanhave them foul our table andtrash can?

Gentle reader: He hasgivenyou apresent. Now it is your turn: Next time he is at your house, give him his very ownused tobacco holder.

Mind you, Miss Manners has no idea if sucha thing exists, but imagines something the size

of amint tin with alid on it, or asnack-sizedbaggie.Ifyou are crafty,you could even decorate it to make it more presentable. At leastthe first time At subsequent gatherings, or when he inevitably forgets the original, keep extrasonhand thatare less decorative and more readily disposable. Or tell him thatyourhouse is not only a nonsmoking area, but atobaccofree one.

Send questions to Miss Manners at herwebsite, www missmanners.com; to heremail, dearmissmanners@gmail.com; or through postal mail to Miss Manners, Universal Uclick, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City,MO 64106.

PROVIDED PHOTO By TIRA AKERMAN

Mekenzie Fanguy,from left, TanielmaDaCosta and Annabelle Pavy explore the Mississippi River delta region in the documentary film ‘HollowTree.

‘Treasures’toopen

The “Treasures of Pointe Coupee” exhibit will run Fridaythrough June 1and again June6-8 at the Poydras Center,500 W. Main St., NewRoads.

The exhibit will open with areception from 6p.m.to9 p.m.Fridaywith food, drink, music andthe “Treasures” and “Petite Gallerie” exhibits, as well as asilent auction.

Saturdayeventsinclude workshops for children and adults, art markets, conversations with an artist andthe popular treasurehunt. Exhibits are also open on thetwo Sundays during the “Treasures”time frame. For moreinformation, visitartscouncilofpointecoupee.org.

AnimalsinArt

The deadlineisJune 30 for entries to the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine’s 31st annual “International Exhibition on Animals in Art,” which will run from Oct. 3toOct. 31. “Animals in Art” pieces must depict an animal —fish and insectsare considered animals for thepurposes of this exhibition. Anywork that is determined not to meet thespirit of the exhibit will not be accepted. The showisopen to all artists18 years of age or older

All media with the exception of video, installation and audio works areeligible. Works must be original. All artwork must be priced and availablefor sale. Maximumsizeof entry is 60-by-60-by-48 inches. A20% commission on each piece sold will benefit LSUVet Medprograms. To enter, visit lsu.edu/vetmed/ events/animals_in_art.php.

Powerofpink

The Arts Council of GreaterBaton Rouge’s “PINK.: Out is In!”,anexhibition exploring the powerofthe pink triangle andLGBTQIA+ history,” runs through June 30 in the Shell Gallery in theCary Saurage Community Arts Center, 233 St. Ferdinand St., Baton Rouge, and will include aclosing receptionfrom6p.m. to 8p.m. June 27. The theme is based on thepink triangle, which originated as a mark used to identify LGBTQindividuals during World WarII. It was reclaimed in the1970s by pro-gay activists and became an emblem of resistance during the AIDS crisis. Admission is free. Formoreinformation, visit artsbr.org.

ArtAvenue, Mental Health

Reflection Of The Green Leaf will host the Art Avenue and Mental Health Awareness Expo, avibrant and impactful event aimed at reducing the stigma surrounding mental health through the powerofartistic expression, from 1p.m. to 4p.m. June 1atThe Guru inside Circa1857, 1857 Government St., Baton Rouge.

This immersivecommunity event invites attendeestoexplore the intersection of creativity and mental wellness withmorethan 15 local artist booths, livemusic, food trucks and on-site mental health and wellness services Admission is free. Visit reflectionofthegreenleaf.com.

French workshop Little By Little, in collaboration withlocal French experts and area museums, will offer aday of French languagetours from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.Saturdaywith an optional wine pairing dinnerimmediately following.Tours will be led by Fulbright Scholar and co-author of “Parcours Louisianais”Margaret Marshall and Babeth Schlegel, executivedirector for the FriendsofMagnolia Mound and anativeFrench speaker. This immersiveand interactive workshop includes tours of theLSU Rural Life Museum, Magnolia Mound Museum and Historic Site, the State Capitol andthe murals of Angela Gregory at the Watermark Hotel.In addition, guests maypurchase a four-coursewine pairingdinnerled by Level2 sommelier and owner of Blend Wine BarScott Higgins Tickets are$185 forthe workshop and $295 for the workshop and dinner. The ticket includes transportation tomuseums, cheese tastingby Crafted Nibbles, allmuseum entries and French study materials. Wine dinnertickets maybepurchased separatelyfor $120. Visit littlebylittle.ticketspice.com/ vive-la-france-in-baton-rouge or https://littlebylittle.live/day-tripsand-events.

At NUNU

NUNU Art andCulture Collective, 1510 Courtableau Highway, Arnaudville, is hosting “Building With,”a newinitiativeblending short-term residencies with apublic discussion seriesdesigned to empower local citizensand preserveregional cultureamid change.

The program fosters dialogue between local residents,historians, architects andculturalworkers, aiming to create relational ties and collectivestrategies forhistoric preservation and culturally responsive development.

Featured residents areDiane Jones Allen, landscape architect and 2025 ClimateTaskForce member for the American Society of Landscape Architects, 2p.m. to 4p.m.June 21; Page Comeaux, New Orleans-based architect andauthor of “Super Max,” 2p.m. to 4p.m. July 19; and W. Geoff Gjertson,AIA, University of LouisianaatLafayette professor and co-director of theBuilding Institute, 2p.m. to 4p.m. Aug. 16. Admission is free. Forprogram locations,visit nunucollective.org.

ADVERTISEMENT

Youth Mobile Crisis ResponseProgram

SoutheastCommunity Health Systems is launching its Youth Mobile Crisis Response Program on June 2tosupportthe mental health needsofchildren and adolescents, up to 21 yearsof age, across southeastLouisiana. Theprogram will serve youth and families in Regions 2and 9.

The YouthMobile Crisis Team will provide on-site or virtual support depending on theneeds of the situation.

Key features of the YouthMobile Crisis Response Program include:

n Access to licensed mental health professionals and trained crisis staff

n Available 24/7, 365 days a year at no costtofamilies

n Crisis intervention, stabilization and referralsfor continued care.

Region 9serves the parishes of Livingston, St. Helena, St. Tammany,Tangipahoa and Washington. The contact numberis(985) 247-0816.

Region2serves the parishes of Ascension, East Baton Rouge, East Feliciana, Iberville, Pointe Coupee, West Baton Rouge and West Feliciana. The contact number is (225) 713-3208.

Visit shchc.org/youth-mobilecrisis for more information.

Knock Knock Children’s Museum‘Hooray Soirée!’

Knock Knock Children’sMuseum will host an all-new,familyfriendly celebration inspired by itsbeloved grown-up gala, Storybook Soirée, presented by RoyOMartin. The “Hooray Soirée! —Little Olympians,” amagical, kid-centered extravaganza, debutsthis summer with its theme, “Greek Mythology.”

The event will take place 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. June 21 at Knock Knock Children’sMuseum,1900 Dalrymple Drive, Baton Rouge. Enjoy exclusive after-hours accesstoall 18 of the museum’s interactive learning zones, plus hands-on activities, alive DJ, photobooth andrefreshments

The museum will be transformed into an ancient wonderlandfullof

Many Americansare fortunate to havedental coverage fortheir entire working life, through employer-provided benefits.Whenthose benefits end with retirement, paying dental bills out-of-pocket can come as a shock, leading people to putoff or even go without care. Simply put —without dentalinsurance, there may be an importantgap in your healthcare coverage.

When you’re comparingplans ...

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

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

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

forgranted.Infact, yourodds of having adentalproblem only go up as you age.2 Treatment is expensive— especially theservicespeople over 50 oftenneed. Consider these national average costs of treatment. $222 fora checkup .$190 for afilling. $1,213 fora crown.3 Unexpected bills likethis can be arealburden especially if you’re on afixed income.

Ask about the

interactive mythology inspired activities, hands-on crafts and playful nods to legendary tales. Tickets are$10 for members and $25 fornonmembers, available for purchaseatknockknockmuseum.org/childrens_soiree.

Capitol Park Museum’s annual gala returns

After adecadelong hiatus, the Friends of the Capitol Park Museum will host its annual gala. This year’sgala, themed “Legacy andLuminescence,” will take place 7p.m.to11p.m.July 26 on the grounds of the Capitol Park Museum, 660 N. 4th St., Baton Rouge.

The gala servesasa major fundraiser for the museum, directly supporting educational programming, exhibit development and communityoutreach initiatives.

Tickets will go on sale in the next few weeks, with early-bird and VIPpackages available. For more information on sponsorship or to receive gala updates, visit capitolparkfriends.org.

Program available for dementia caregivers

Alzheimer’sServices is expanding its Charlie’sPlace Activity andRespite Center program with athird location in Baker,joining

existing locationsinBaton Rouge andGonzales.

Charlie’sPlace Activity and Respite Centers offer aprogram for individuals with early to mild-stage Alzheimer’sand other memory-related impairments. Theprogram is designed to provide apurposeful,six-hourday with ahostofactivities to stimulate cognition and socialization in ahomelike setting while giving caregivers amuch-needed break.

Charlie’s Place is located at 2402 Main St., Baton Rouge. For more informationregarding programs and services, visit alzbr orgorcall(225) 334-7494.

Registration open for youthfootball camp

BREC Athletics is presenting free football campsthis summer foryouth players. Baton Rouge youthages5to13can joinDallas Cowboys’ linebacker Damone Clark, BREC and Louisiana youth footballfor apremierfootball camp from 9a.m.to12p.m. June 14 at Memorial Stadium, 1750 Foss St. Campers will learn skills from high school, college and professional athletes that they can use on andoff the field. Children must register by June 2. Register online at brec. org/form/damone-clark-footballcamp

VIEWS THE FROMDOWN HERE

scribers, nearly 100,000 paid subscribers to its online content, anda growing number of advertisers on Spotifyand Apple.

BY RICH COLLINS Staff writer

New Orleanians who pay attention to national news have likely seenpolitical commentator TimMiller on one screen or another over thelast fewyears.

Since 2023, they’ve been justaslikely to see him walking down Magazine or Freret streets. The podcast host, YouTube creator and cablenews contributor moved to New Orleans in April of that year.Now,each weekday,Miller worksupto 12 hoursa

BY STEPHANIE RIEGEL

day from astudio in his Uptown home, producing content for The Bulwark, a national news and opinion website launchedin2018 by agroupofwriters, journalists and politicos.

TheBulwark, whichbegan as anonprofit homefor center-right political voices, has growninto aprofitablemedia organization with more than 1.2 million YouTube sub-

Last year,the company reported revenue of about $5 million. This year,itexpectstodouble that. The growing audience forThe Bulwark andMiller—who providespassionate, sometimesirreverent takes on issues shows how it’s possibletobuild abooming media business entirely on platforms that didn’texist acouple decades ago. Andto do it from anywhere in the world.

Miller said, for him, New Orleans is the ideal location.

“Many political people and other notablescomethrough town for events or conferences or vacation,” he said in a ä See PODCASTER, page 5E

agents, who, as aprofession, tend to always see aglass half full. The issue,they said, is uncertainty around tariffs and inflationata time when interest ratesand rising insurance costs are continuing to hamper deals in asector still grappling with thedisruptions of e-commerce. “There weren’tany Chicken Littles running around,” saidRichardWeber, abrokerwith Corporate Realtyin NewOrleans.“There wasjustmore caution. Consumer sentimenthit a

TimMiller, a politicalanalyst and content producer forThe Bulwark website, records apodcast in hishome studio in NewOrleans. STAFFPHOTO By

Firm gainsbacking as nonopioidtreatment trials progress

BY ANTHONY McAULEY Staff writer

Gulf South Angels, aNew Orleans-based venture investment group, said Tuesday that it plans to invest in SouthRampart Pharma, alocal startup that is trialing anew drug it hopes will be abreakthrough in the burgeoning market for nonopioid pain treatments.

South Rampart’smain drug called SRP-001 while itisinthe trial stage —has successfully passed through the first phase of Food and Drug Administration clinical trials and has been granted permission to fast-trackPhase Twotrials, which will be conducted with larger groups of humans.

The company,which wasspun out of the LSU HealthSchool of Medicine in 2016, has so far raised atotal of $9 million through aseries of grants from the National Institutes of Health, money raised through Louisiana’sresearch and development tax credit program, and equity from Ochsner Health’s venture arm.

In January,South Rampart be-

gan a“Series A” round to raise at least $8.5million to finance the critical PhaseTwo trials, according to Dr.Hernan Bazan, avascular surgeon at Ochsner Health, who founded South RampartPharma with his father, Dr.Nicolas Bazan, director of LSU’s Neuroscience Center of Excellence.

Pete November, CEO of Ochsner Health, joined the South Rampart Pharma boardof directors earlier this monthand Ochsner’sventure arm invested an undisclosed amount in thecompany’sSeries Around.

Gulf South Angels’ chair,Mike Eckert, said he was approached by Ochsner about making an investment in the company

“It brings immediate credibility when acompany like Ochsner steps up,” said Eckert, who was a

PEOPLE IN BUSINESS

BatonRouge

NicholaHall hasbeen named chief operating officer of Louisiana Key Academy Hall previously was chief human resources officer/ administrative director for the East Baton Rouge Parish school system. She has more than 20 years of experience in K-12 operationsand human capital management

LouisianaKey Academy is a public charterschool that serves children with dyslexia.

Darren Day hasbeen hired as vice president of operations-heavy civil for Diamond DIndustries Day has more than 30 years of operational leadership experience in heavy civil construction site developmentand large-scale infrastructure projects.

JayO’Brien has joined Jones Walker as apartner

O’Brien has been added to the litigation practice group wherehe will represent clients in complex, high-stakes commercial disputes. He earneda bachelor’sinnuclear engineering from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and alaw degree from LSU PaulM Hebert Law Center. O’Brien is an adjunct professor at the LSU law school

Bally’shas added four members to the leadership team at Bally’sBaton RougeHotel and the Belle of Baton RougeCasino Daniel Hutchinson is director of hotel operations.

Hutchinson has 14 years of experienceinthe hospitalityand casino industry, serving as director of hotel operations for L’Auberge Baton Rouge and assistant hotel managerfor Harrah’s New Orleans, now Caesars New Orleans Hotel &Casino.

He earned abachelor’sinmarketing and human resources management from Southeastern Louisiana University Mark Conner is director of marketing. Conner has more than25years of experience in theadvertising and gaming industry,working his way up froma table games dealer to leading destination marketing for casinos in Las Vegas, Mississippi andLouisiana.

He earned abachelor’s in business administration from the University of Memphis.

Susan Sutton is directorofsecurity

Sutton has more than 25 years of experience in the security industry

She started as a paramedic before joining the security teamatMystic Lake Casino in Minnesota.

Ryan Hernandez is area director of player development.

founder and CEO of The Weather ChannelinAtlantaand,later, of digital mediaplatform Pathfire, beforemoving into venture investing full time.

The amount Gulf South Angels will investinSouth Rampart isn’t known yet as the group is syndicating theinvestmenttoits network of similar organizationsaround thecountry,Eckert said. Boom or bust

Anew drug’spath to market in the U.S. must follow arigorous, multiphase process regulated by the FDA beforeitcan be soldto thegeneral public.

SouthPharmaalready has done preclinicaltestinginthe laboratoryand on animals and hasdone its safety and dosage —Phase One testing—onsmaller groups of humans. ThePhase Twotesting on muchlarger groups of humans is crucial, not only to testfor efficacy and side effectsbut to confirm proof of concept

Success in PhaseTwo means the companythen typically would be acquired by one of the big, estab-

REALESTATE

Continuedfrom page 1E

Hernandez has nearly 15 years of experienceinthe sales andmarketing industry

He earned a bachelor’sinmarketing and amaster’sinbusiness administration, both from LSU.

NewOrleans

Trevor C. Mosby and Samuel J. Noblin have joined Baker Donelson as associates. Mosby is amemberofthe corporate restructuring andbankruptcy group.

He earned a bachelor’s in business administration fromLamar University,amaster’sfromSam HoustonState University anda law degree, cumlaude, from Southern University Law Center Mosby served as junior editor of the Journal of Race, Gender and Poverty while in lawschool and served as an intern for former bankruptcy JudgeDouglas D. Dodd, of the MiddleDistrictofLouisiana. He later wasalaw clerk for 9th Judicial District Judge Monique F. Rauls, of Alexandria Noblin is amember of the financial services transactions group.

He earned abachelor’s, cum laude, from the University of Mississippi, amaster’sinbusiness administration from Loyola University NewOrleans and alaw degree, summa cum laude, from the Mississippi College School of Law.Asan undergraduate,Noblin was awide receiver on the OleMiss football team.

Blue Williams hasrecently added three attorneys to the firm. W.Christian Edwards and SaraG.Ford are associates in theMetairie office.

Edwards’ practice consists of personalinjury defense.

He earned abachelor’sinpolitical science with aminor in English from LSU and alaw degreefrom Loyola University New Orleans College of Law

Ford has been an attorney in the New Orleans metro area for the past nine years

She earned alaw degreefromTulane Law School.Fordserved as a law clerk for Orleans ParishCivil District Court Judge Bernadette D’Souza.

Alexis A. Smith is an associate in the Mandeville office. Herpracticeis focusedonmedical malpractice defense.

She earned abachelor’sinmass communication from LSUand a law degree, summa cum laude, from Loyola University New Orleans College of Law.While in law school, Smith was editor of the Loyola Law Review

lishedpharmaceuticalscompanies, Bazan said. Companies that have adrug with SRP-001’sprospects would expect to be sold forbetween $300 million and$800 millionafter successful Phase Twotrials, according to Eckert. If thecompanydidn’tlike the offer or chose to move on and complete the final Phase 3trials on even larger groups of human participants, then it could expect avaluation around $1.5 billion if successful “Withdrug companies it’spretty binary: You’re either going to hit ahome run or you’re going to lose your money,” he said. Gulf South Angels, which was startedin2014 as NO/LA Angels Network,now has 140 members and14“exits,” i.e. either selling or taking public companiesthey’ve invested in.Eckert said they’ve averaged areturn on their investments of 26%,whichwould be morethan double the S&P 500’s annual averagereturn over the past decade. Bazan said the company will be working with Todd Bertoch, apain

treatmentspecialist, to manage the Phase Twotrials. Bertoch had overseen similar trials forBostonbased Vertex. In January,Vertex achieved a significant milestone with the FDA approval of Suzetrigine, marketed underthe brandname Journavx

The approval was the first new class of nonopioid pain medication authorized in over two decades, offering apromising alternative formanaging moderate-to-severe acute pain.

South Pharma’sdrug is distinct from Journavx in that it targets the central nervous system rather than peripheral, pain-sensing neurons. Similar to Journavx, the drug reduces pain without the addictive potentialassociatedwithopioids and positions it to treatvarious pain conditions.

Eckert notesthatVertex’sshares jumped about 10% after the Phase Twosuccess wasannounced,addingabout $10billiontothe company’svalue.

Email Anthony McAuley tmcauley@theadvocate.com.

five-year low last month. That affects things.”

Brokers looking to do deals in south Louisiana face additional hurdles. They have to overcome concerns aboutthe state’s shrinking population and itsvulnerability to climate disasters.

In New Orleans, theyalso have to contend with questions aboutpublic safety

“I haven’thad ameeting yet where I’m notasked how the inmates escaped,” saidlanduse attorneyMike Sherman,who was at ICSC on Tuesday,while escapees from theOrleans Parishjailremained at large. “The jailbreakisa public safety issue.What is clear from being outhereisthatit’salsoaneconomic development issue.”

Experiential tenants

An estimated 25,000 real estate professionals attended this year’sgathering of theInternational Conference of Shopping Centers, as theorganization is formally known,atthe sprawling Las VegasConvention Center

Though smallerthanits peak of 40,000 in 2019, its attendance wasroughly the same as it has been for thepast two years and it still offers brokers,developers andretailers an opportunity to put aface to aname and make aconnection

“Everything youdoout here can be done on Zoom or conference calls,” Hebert said. “But golf,gambling andconcerts make the trip worthwhile. Networkingisthe major benefit.”

It’salsoanopportunitytoget an idea of what’s trending and what kind of space anew quick serve chicken chain or home goodsstore might want.

Kirsten Early, aprincipal with SRSA who specializes in the Metairie market, noticed that smaller sized food-and-beveragetenants aremoreinterested in buying thanleasing, unless they can do a“reverse buildto-suit,”where atenantacts as thedeveloper and oversees the buildout of aproperty

“Experiential” tenantsthat peddle experiencestocustomers like games, golf, pickleball or laserlight shows also are hot andlookingfor newmarkets, Shermansaid. Among those he noticed promoting their brands were the VanGoghImmersive Exhibit andNew Orleans-based Five OFore Golf andEntertainment, which opened its first location on Howard Avenue in April.

Shopping center vacancies from thedemise of big-box storeslikeBig Lots andBed

Abooth at the annual ISCS convention in Las VegasonMay 20 displays the real estate holdings of the Feil organization, which owns Lakeside ShoppingCenter and several class Aoffice towers in the NewOrleans area.

Bath and Beyond are not necessarily abad thing, according to Jonathan Walker, abroker with Baton Rouge-based Maestri-Murrell.

“Shopping center owners have been happy with the vacancies,” he said. “They’re getting more rent from better replacementtenants.”

Othertakeawaysfrom the conference, according to brokers: There’s little construction of new shopping centersanywhere in the country;most deals involve repurposing existing space; specialty conceptslike Trader Joe’scontinue to be sought-after anchor tenants; andChick-fil-A is rapidly expanding, seemingly everywhere “Dealsare still getting done,” Webersaid. “But just aboutall the new dealswesee are adaptive reuse.”

LookingtoexpandinLouisiana

For southLouisiana markets, the 2025 ICSC is unlikely to produceany major new deals in the Lafayette, Baton Rouge or New Orleans markets, according to brokers who attended the event. Butnational chains with an existing presence are looking to expand in allthree markets, they said.

Hebert’slargest client, RaceTrac, is interested in growing its chainofgas stations and conveniencestores, he said.

“Theyare really hot on Louisiana,” he said. “Anything from Lake CharlestoMississippi.”

Corporate Realty’snational clients,including Starbucks, Chipotle, T.J. Maxx andFive Below, are also all pursuing new locations in the state, Webersaid.

Earlysaidshe is optimisticthere may be a“new-to-market” tenant in the New OrleansorMetairie area within the next 12 months, though she could not say who it might be Webersaidhe’shearda supermarket chain, currentlywithlocations elsewhere in the state, is eyeing the New Orleans area for expansion.

“Our clients do well in Louisiana,” he said. “Theyare looking to perform in Louisiana.”

But Hebert and Sherman both saidconcernsaboutdecliningpopulationinthe state, nottomention otherquality-of-life issues, have scared off some retailers andwill continue to hamper deals with othersifleft unaddressed.

“Lack of growth is an issue every elected official should hyper focuson,”Shermansaid.

Outside of theconvention, Sherman had another takeaway about Louisiana —the success of its homegrownbrands, whichhenoticed everywhere on the Las Vegas Strip. New Orleans-owned District Donuts has alocationinThe Cosmopolitan. Emeril’sisinThe Venetian. ChefAlonShaya recently had aresidency at the WynEncore Hotel.Baton Rouge-born Raising Cane’shas not one but three outlets there

“What’sreally cool is the demand forNew Orleans andLouisiana culture,” he said. “Out here youcan seeour concepts being exportedaround the country.”

Email Stephanie Riegel at stephanie.riegel@theadvocate. com.

H. Bazan

N. Bazan

PROVIDED PHOTOByMIKE SHERMAN

Hernandez

Mosby

Noblin Sherman

Under-the-radar tech pioneer undertaking a new venture

BY ANTHONY McAULEY Staff writer

In a picture from 1974, Britton Sanderford, sitting in front of a circuit board with his pageboy cut and dark-rimmed glasses, looks like he wouldn’t have been out of place in that mythical Los Altos garage with Steve Wozniak and Steve Jobs at the birth of Apple computers.

In fact, Sanderford was literally in his own garage in Kenner around the same time working on inventions.

A colleague of his, Nicholas Hansel, said Sanderford was a “technical prodigy” and wrote the featured paper in IEEE Computer, a prestigious electronics academic publication, when he was just 16 years old.

Now 68 and father to four grown children with wife Sheila, Sanderford can look back on a career where he has obtained more than 80 patents many of them making significant progress in areas including mobile phones and smart metering.

One of his early inventions was a breakthrough in dye pack technology, to catch bank robbers more effectively

He has also started several companies, including Advanced Metering Data Systems, which he sold in 2006 to Sensus Metering Systems for around $180 million. Later he founded Axonn LLC, a pioneer in spread spectrum com-

munications — Axonn was the first U.S. company to receive Federal Communications Commission approval for this technology and its patents were licensed by 18 companies. The company was sold to Globalstar (which later relocated from Silicon Valley to Covington) for about $11 million.

Sanderford is still in the innovation business. His latest venture is Focus Automated Equities, which is using artificial intelligence to make abovemarket returns on investment.

He said it’s like trying to create a robot stock analyst that unlike a human has the ability to look at 25 years of data for predictive patterns in a matter of seconds. The Q&A has been edited for length and clarity

Your colleague referred to you as the “Patent King of New Orleans.” But do you think it’s fair to say that despite your success in inventing and innovating and selling companies based on your technology — for dollar amounts that would make a big splash in today’s environment you’ve flown a bit under the radar? Oh, I don’t know about that.

But you know I got to meet Jay Lapeyre’s dad (J.M. Lapeyre), who I think was the real patent king of New Orleans. He had something like 180 patents, and I know how difficult it is to get one. He invented the shrimp peeling machine, an electro-optical printing system, the modular

conveyor belt. The diversity of his inventions was really quite amazing.

But it was his son, Jay, who figured out how to monetize it.

The patent on its own doesn’t do you any good unless you figure out how to make money with it.

You’ve concentrated more on investing in recent years, backing some local New Orleans companies.

I’ll get asked to help some companies with new technology looking to start up, and I’ll sometimes help them with their patents. But I would not consider myself a venture capitalist, because that’s a very rigorous environment.

It’s more through relationships and I get involved. I think in New Orleans we have some great attributes that maybe get overlooked in technology In Silicon Valley, if you have a company with a great idea you’ll get someone staying there 18 months, three years maybe.

But in New Orleans, if you have a company that really takes care of people they can stay with you a really long time and it allows you to set longterm objectives.

Was that your experience in the companies you founded?

That’s interesting because the way that (Advanced Metering) was purchased was an earn out over five years, and I stayed on at Sensus as chief technology officer

We had probably 30 people, and Sensus had, like, 4,000 people at the time. Our team ended up being very integrated into Sensus and stayed with the company as it expanded. They sold something like 200 million water gas and electric meters across the world. They’ve even now started to sell some to the Sewerage & Water Board in New Orleans. How many people to you have in your current venture? We’ve been building FocusVQ

and Focus Automated Equities, platforms to perform automated trading. Combined, the companies employ and contract with 30 full- and part-time employees and consultants, including a core group of machine learning experts from a variety of backgrounds. We’re also engaging with finance professionals, quantitative investing experts, exchange specialists, academics, and fund managers. I have personally invested nearly $20 million so far based on a 35-year vision to use biologic neuron models to trade stock signals. Any other local companies you have an interest in?

My daughter has started docpace, which uses AI to keep doctors’ offices on schedule. But that’s another story Email Anthony McAuley tmcauley@theadvocate.com.

Committed.

To thesafety, health,and wellbeing of our employees.

To investingdeeply in the communities we call home.

To deliveringinnovative storage solutionsfor our customers.

To creating opportunities fora more sustainable future.

Victimsadvocacygroup eyes bolstering scam intervention

Ourinteractions —through email,computers, mobile devices and social media —face relentless daily attacks. Text messages can’tbetrusted. Every email should be seen as suspect. Answering the telephoneputs you at risk of being defrauded.

Cybercriminals and scammers have infiltrated these spaces with alarming ease and they will keep siphoning victims’ money without astronger, unified response. In its latest Internet Crime Complaint Center report, the FBI says criminals stole arecord $16.6 billion in scams andcybercrime in 2024. That’sajump of 33%from ayearearlier

This year’sreportmarks the 25th anniversaryofthe FBI’s analysis of these crimes,amilestone that underscores adisturbingtrend. Initially,the bureau gotabout 2,000 complaints every month. In the past five years, the number has exploded to an average 2,000 complaints every day

Separately,complaints to the Federal Trade Commission, which also tracks fraud,echo this grim reality.The FTC reported thatconsumers lost morethan $12.5 billion to fraud in 2024, a25% increaseover2023. By the way, the FTC saidthat jump isn’tthe result of more reported complaints but adouble-digit increase in the percentage of peo-

Fool’sTake:

Microstrong

plewho reported losing money

These staggering figures don’t fully convey the depth of the probleminthe United States becausemany people who are scammed don’treport the crime or their losses.

That’swhy the FTC also adjusts forunderreporting. In areport last year, the agency included an estimatethatthe overall loss in 2023 was in fact $158.3 billion. This total includes$61.5 billion stolen from seniors. (While youngeradults report experiencing fraud more frequently,older adultstendtosuffer greater financiallosses.)

The case of aMaryland woman wholost nearly $600,000 in retirement funds to asophisticated governmentimpersonation scam illustrated afundamental weakness in our approach to financial fraud: We largely expect individuals to defendthemselves, an approach that often leads to victim-blaming and furtherdiscouragesreporting.

To combat this growing crisis, we need an aggressive strategy

that moves beyond mereprevention through consumer education and prioritizes acoordinated nationwide initiative —encompassing bothprivateand public entities to actively target and dismantle criminal operations.

This is the mission of the newly launched National Elder Fraud Coordination Center

Founded and directed by former FBI agent Brady Finta, the nonprofit’s initial partners include AARP,Google, Walmart and Amazon (whose founder,Jeff Bezos, owns The Washington Post).

Finta said the center will use datafrom retailers, financial institutions and other businesses to create aunifiedfront in elder fraud investigation across the United States. This collaboration would make it easier to spot trends and connect individual cases stemming from the same criminal network, which are often based overseas. The center would then refer cases to federal authorities for investigation and prosecution.

“The new center will help law enforcement fill asignificant gap in their abilities to address this type of fraud,” said Kathy Stokes, director of fraud prevention programsatAARP Fraud Watch Network.

Victims often express frustration after filing reports with

agencies like the FBI or FTC and receiving no further communication. However,Stokes believes that connecting more cases could lead to better interventions. If more cases can be linked together,there’sabetter chance of stopping the scammers and disruptingthe lucrative fraud business model,” Stokes said.

She emphasizes the larger organized nature of these crime networks.

“Weknow that so muchofwhat is happening in this country, where fraud is concerned, is coming from transnational crime gangs,” shesaid. “The FBI and other authorities do not have the time, the capacity or the resources to look at that landscape through an organized crime lens.”

Just as importantly,this new initiative may encourage more victimstoreport fraud. It representsanupdated approach to prevention, driven by an understanding that current methods are insufficient.

It’salso driven by Finta’spersonal experience, which highlighted the limitations of consumer education.

As the former supervisory special agent and founder of the San Diego Elder Justice Task Force, he witnessed his ownmother fall victim to atech support scam even though he had frequently

discussed fraud risk with her Janet Finta, now 80, said about ayear ago she purchased anew Apple computer.Aproblem arose, so she searched online for help. The first entry on her internet search led to an officiallooking site that ended with acall to acon artist impersonating a customer representative from Apple.

“I thought he was being very helpful,” Finta said in an interview.“He was so nice.”

The impersonator kept her on the phone for more than an hour, eventually steering her to click on links to give him access to her financial accounts, which she later had to close.

“It’sanemotional roller coaster,” she said. “It takes your joy away.”

Even knowing he could help, Finta said his mother was reluctant to share what had happened or file acomplaint.

“My own mother told me,after she tried to hide the fact that she was avictim, ‘Well, nobody was going to do anything anyway,so why even complain?’”hesaid.

“But people have to comeforward, or else we’re never going to get our hands wrapped around this.”

EmailMichelle Singletary at michelle.singletary@washpost. com.

Microsoft (Nasdaq: MSFT) is a financially strong business that delivers essential software services for consumers and businesses. It has alarge base of Windows users and, with its Azure cloud platform, is the second-leading cloud services provider

Over the past decade, Microsoft has shifted from relying on one-time purchases of software to acloud-based services strategy that generates revenue from subscriptions. The Microsoft Cloud ecosystem includes revenue from Azure,the Microsoft 365 office suite and other services that all together grew 20% year over year last quarter to $42 billion.

The company’sartificial intelligence partnership withChatGPT-maker OpenAI has been a huge growth driver.Integrating OpenAI’stools hasdriven strong momentum for Azure: Its revenue grew 33% year over year last quarter,outpacing the broader cloud market Microsoft is positioned tobe aleaderinAI. In 2022,itdisclosed that there were more than 1.4 billion devices running Windows 11 or Windows 10. There are now more than 400 million commercial 365 users, meaning amassive built-in base of businesses can adopt Microsoft’sCopilot AI assistant.

Thanks to recurring revenue streams from various software services, Microsoft is arelatively safe growth stock. Analysts expect its earnings per share to grow an average of 12% annually in the coming years. (The Motley Fool owns shares of and has recommended Microsoft stock and options.)

Fool’s School:Warren Buffett’sannual meeting

Every year,tens of thousands of shareholders descendupon Omaha,Nebraska, to attend the annual meeting of Warren Buffett’s company,Berkshire Hathaway

Here’ssome wisdom dispensed at the latest meeting, held earlier this month:

n On tariffs: Buffett saidthat “trade should not be aweapon.”

He also said that “we should be looking to trade with therest of the world, and we should do what we do best, and they should do what they do best,” and “I do not think it’sagreat ideatotry and design aworld where afew countries say,‘ha, ha, ha, we’ve won,’ and other countries are envious.”

n On work goals: “You really want to work at something you enjoy …Ifyou find people that are wonderful to work with, that’s the place togo. …Don’tworry toomuch about starting salaries, and be very careful who you work for because you will take on the habits of thepeople around you.”

n On stock-market volatility: “That’s part of the stock market,and

that’swhat makes it agood place to focus your efforts if you’ve got theproper temperament for it, and aterrible place to get involved if you get frightened by markets that decline and get excited when stock markets go up. …Iknow people have emotions,but you’ve got to check them at thedoor when you invest.”

n On being prepared: Buffett’s heir apparent,Greg Abel, said: “While we’relooking at opportunities …wewant to act quickly, but never underestimate the amount of reading and work that’sbeing done to be prepared to act quickly.Weknow that when the opportunity presents itself, whether it be (buying stocks) or private companies, we’re readytoact, and that’sa large partofbeingpatient —using thetime to be prepared.”

Buffett, now 94, announced at the meeting that he will step down as CEO at the end of the year,after 60 years. Abel will become CEO and Buffett will remainchairman, available to offer advice.

Ask the Fool: Mutual funds, explained

Can you explain what mutual funds are? —T.P., Akron, Ohio

Amutual fund is thepooling of many investors’ money,which is then managed by financial professionals.

In passively managed funds such as index funds, the managers simply aim to own thesame securities in the index that the fund tracks, in roughly thesame

proportion, aiming for roughly thesame returns. (S&P 500 index funds areagoodexample of this.) With actively managed funds, managers study and select investments, deciding when to buy and sell them. Some mutualfunds arefocused on one kind of asset, such as stocksorbonds, andsome investacross assetclasses. Some funds focusongenerating income forinvestors via dividend-paying stocks, while others focus on growth stocks or seemingly undervalued companies.Other funds specialize in certainsectors(like technology or health care) or global regions.There aremanythousands of mutualfunds in the United States alone.

Note that mutual funds charge fees, which can vary widely.For bestresults, favor funds with low fees and avoidmostfunds that charge “loads” (whichare extra sales fees).

Index funds oftencharge verylow fees andcan be great ways to build wealth over time. Indeed, they generally do better than most managed mutual funds. Per S&P DowJones Indices, over the past 15 years, the S&P500 index outperformed 89.5% of alllarge-cap mutual funds, and over the past decade it outperformed84.3% What’s“profit-taking”? —I.C Sierra Vista, Arizona

The term refers to the selling of investments for again. You might hearthata certain stock is down due to profit-taking if many investors have sold it recently

My Smartest Investment:

Great memories

In aprevious issue, you sharedthe storyofa firefighter who saved aton of money throughout his working life. Good for him! Iwas apolice officer and earned $90 aweek beginning in 1961. Iretired years laterearning awhopping $44,000 annually.Inbetween, Ihad six kids,sent themtoparochial schools, sent themtocollege and married them off. Iwas alwaysindebt,even though I alwaysworkedtwo jobs. Ihavenosavings —but Ihavegreat memories and familythat is worth so much more.— John, Parma, Ohio

You’re right thatlife is about much more thanmoney! Creating astrong, happy family is a great investment. Youworkedhardtoprovide for your children. For anyone in the same situation—raising kids andperhaps finding each dayfull with here-and-now things —weadvise also keeping an eyeonyourretirement future.

Do what you can to avoid highinterest debt, andput money aside forwhenyou won’thave apaycheck andmedical bills might be higher.

If you’re deciding between spending money on your childrenand saving for your retirement, don’tautomatically chooseyourchildren; plan for your ownfinancialfuture and help themgrowuptobeable to planfor theirs.

Do you have asmart or regrettable investment move to sharewithus? Emailitto tmfshare@fool.com.

Motley Fool

Michelle Singletary THE COLOR OF MONEy

recent interview at French Truck Coffee on Dryades Street “I can meet potential guests and build rapport with them over a cocktail away from the D.C./New York grind. And the cost of space here is cheaper.”

Busy days

After growing up near Denver, Miller attended George Washington University in Washington, D.C., and then began working in politics, eventually joining the communications teams of John McCain and, later, Jeb Bush.

After Bush’s exit from the 2016 presidential race, Miller signed on to be the face and voice of a conservative-funded, anti-Trump organization He spent several months criticizing the then-candidate on TV and online, so after Trump’s victory, Miller’s job prospects dimmed in the new Republican establishment.

Looking for a fresh start — and some distance from D.C. he relocated to Oakland, where he lived for six years, working in media, public relations and as a political strategist.

As his career as a political commentator took off, Miller found he was making lots of trips to D.C. and New York, and the cross-country flights were getting old. So, in 2023, he and his husband, Tyler Jameson, a government relations consultant, decided to head east, though not too far east.

“I refused to move to D.C. because I want a life separate from politics,” Miller said. “We love New Orleans, so we decided to try it.”

Miller first discovered the city in the early 2000s through a college friend from Baton Rouge Since then, he’s built up a group of friends through regular visits to town.

“New Orleans is the place I always went to have fun for vacation, and now I have to do my laundry here,” he said. “I was afraid the magic would be gone, but honestly, the opposite happened. We’ve been so happy.”

While Miller loves his new home, he hasn’t adopted the city’s famously laid-back approach to life. He wakes up around 6:30 a.m. and prepares for his first podcast interview of the day, which he records from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. in a

The Bulwark for surpassing 1 million subscribers hangs on the wall in Tim Miller’s New

studio equipped with fancy lighting, sound panels, a steady cam and a green screen. The space is built into a small extra bedroom on the second floor of Miller’s Craftsmanstyle home. After each recording session, a remote production team edits the content and uploads it to YouTube, Spotify, Apple and other platforms. Miller, meanwhile, uses the rest of his morning to record shorter videos, reacting to something in the news or conducting a quick interview

He said he takes a “mini nap” around lunchtime, then leaps back into action for the rest of the afternoon, which usually includes a live appearance on MSNBC, more YouTube videos or guest spots on other shows.

Miller switches into dad mode in the evening to spend time with his daughter Toulouse and maybe catch a Denver Nuggets game on TV Later in the evening, he might make another cable news appearance. Most nights, he records one more late-night video.

Miller said his New Orleans contacts helped create the podcast. Ken Cooper, a college friend, built the studio. Musician John Michael Rouchell created theme songs for two of his podcasts.

Nonprofit no more

The Bulwark, founded by political strategist Sarah Longwell, began as a donor-funded enterprise. One notable early supporter is Kathryn Murdoch, the wife of Fox News owner Rupert Murdoch’s son James. In 2021, it became a forprofit business. The company’s primary source of revenue is paid subscriptions on Substack, a publishing platform that supports digital newsletters. Substack allows independent writers, journalists and bloggers to trade traditional media outlets and their ad revenue models for direct support from consumers.

The Bulwark’s paid subscribers on Substack have more than doubled over the last year, and now it is the second most popular content provider in the platform’s politics category Even as The Bulwark has grown quickly as an indie, it is starting to look and act more like a traditional newsroom. Its full-time staff is approaching 30 people, mostly working in D.C.

Miller joined The Bulwark full time in 2021 and has become one of the most visible faces on its growing YouTube channel, though the enterprise has multiple contributors. Among other well-known journalists on the team are former Politico reporter Sam Stein and managing editor Jonathan V. Last.

Miller’s focus on YouTube is paying off. In addition to his morning podcast, he also co-hosts a separate politics show targeting Gen Z viewers.

“Tim recognized that people are consuming news in different ways these days,” Stein said. “We had been putting out three or four videos a day, but we realized we needed eight nine or 10. It’s a big growth area for us.”

Paradoxically, President Donald Trump’s reelection in November has been a major driver of that growth The site began as a haven for “Never Trump” Republicans, but it’s grown to attract people of all political persuasions concerned

about the country’s direction.

“The election was very dispiriting for a lot of us, but it’s simultaneously a massive boon to the business,” Miller said.

Following the lead of other podcasts, The Bulwark will be exploring new revenue models by hosting live events. In 2023, Miller participated in a small gathering at Le Petit Theatre in the French Quarter New Orleans journalist Walter Isaacson and political consultant James Carville two national media figures also based in New Orleans were in attendance.

Bigger events are planned this year for Chicago; Nashville, Tennessee; and Washington, D.C.

‘Heavy social calendar’

After spending all week creating content, Miller said he and his family dive into New Orleans life each weekend, keeping a heavy social calendar

He appreciates the chance to get away from politics in a town that has other priorities.

“I don’t want to be in my little bubble,” he said. “I want to hear what’s happening in people’s lives. If I lived in D.C. or the Bay Area, I don’t think I could ever talk about anything else. Here, people want to talk about politics for a second then switch to music or LSU sports.” Email Rich Collins at rich. collins@theadvocate.com.

By Amanda McElfresh

amcelfresh@theadvocate.com

Thisarticle is brought to youbythe Louisiana CommercialFishing Coalition LLC

Along Louisiana’sworking coastlines

asmall silver fishpowers avast network of food, health, and agriculture.Knownas menhaden, sometimes called pogies,this humble species forms the backbone of one of our state’s most valuable and least understood commercial fisheries.But the story doesn’t end at the water’sedge. Once caughtand refined, menhaden support industries

acrossthe U.S. and around the world—from aquacultureand pet food to livestock feed and dietary supplements Each year,Louisiana’smenhaden industry generatesmorethan $419 million in economic output and supports over 2,000 jobs across32parishes.Its reach extends farbeyond the dock, anchoring avalue chain critical to national food systems and Louisiana’scoastal communities

Harvesting aRenewable Resource Louisiana is home to themenhaden fishery—one of the most productiveand sustainably managed fisheries in the world

Lessthan 2% of the Gulf’s menhaden biomass is harvested each year under sciencebased management, innovativetechnology, and strict adherence to state and federal regulations.The Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certifies the fishery forits responsible practices,and the Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission confirms thatpopulations arehealthyand growing. Abundant, fast-growing, and naturally renewable, menhaden areanideal sustainable resource.

Twocompanies—Westbank Fishing and

Ocean Harvesters—operate fleetsout of Empire, LA and Abbeville,LA. Their vessels useadvanced netting technologytominimize bycatchand ensuresafe, efficient harvests

Once landed, the fish go to localprocessing plants to become twoprimary products: fishmeal and fish oil Processing for U.S. and Global Markets

During theproduction process, menhaden arecooked, pressed, dried, and ground into high-protein meal, while the extracted oils are filtered and refined. Nothing is wasted. The processisdesigned formaximum efficiency and minimal environmental impact,aligning with circular economyprinciples that prioritizefull resource utilization. Theseproducts arerich in omega-3s protein, and essential nutrients,making them ideal ingredients foraquaculturefeed, pet food, and nutritional supplements.Most product stays in theU.S.tosupport domestic industries,with the balance exported to meet global demand forhigh-quality, sustainable feed ingredients

Fueling Aquacultureand Food Security

As global demand forseafood continues to rise, aquaculturenow represents more than half of theworld’ssupply. Remarkably efficient, fish cangain one kilogram (about 2.2 pounds) of body masswith just one kilogram of feed—makingaquacultureone of themost effectivemethods of protein production. Amajor useofmenhaden-derived fishmeal and oil is in aquaculture. Thesemarine ingredients areessential to thediets of farmraised species such as salmon and seabass, supporting optimal growth and overall health. Menhaden fishmeal and oil arealsousedin products likeartificial crawfish bait and feed

AGlobal Impact with Local Roots

PetNutrition and Agriculture

Menhaden plays agrowing role in pet nutrition. Premium U.S. pet food brands rely on menhadenfishmeal and oil for its high levels of DHAand EPA—types of omega-3 fattyacids that arenutrients thatsupport jointhealth,coatcondition, and brain developmentindogsand cats In acompetitiveglobal market,Louisiana menhaden provides premium and sustainable ingredients to U.S. pet food manufacturers, therebyreducingthe industry’s reliance on imports In agriculture, menhaden fishmealand oil serveasa protein- and nutrient-rich feed supplementfor U.S. livestock such as pigs, chickens and even horses. Louisiana Menhaden is ahighly sustainable resource that plays acritical role in U.S. and global food security.

While menhaden products reach customersindozens of countries,the biggest impact is felt hereathome. Their economicimpact starts in Louisiana.In 2023alone, Westbank Fishing and Daybrook Fisheries deliveredmorethan $36.5 million in employeecompensation—supporting hundreds of jobs in southern Plaquemines Parish, one of the state’s most economically vulnerable regions.In2023, OmegaProtein and its fishing partner Ocean Harvesters provided an additional $23million in payroll and benefits in rural Vermilion Parish, locatedinthe heart of Louisiana’s Cajun Country.Manyemployees come from multigenerational fishing families,and most arepeople of color—underscoring the industry’s role in providing inclusive,livingwage employment. By keeping processing local, companies ensurethatthe economic value stays in Louisiana

Connecting Louisiana to the World Louisiana’smenhaden fishery is amodel forhow local, sustainable industries can support national food systems while fueling global supply chains.Fromfeeding fish and petsand supporting exports,this century-old fishery continues to evolve—proving that when managed responsibly,asmall fish can makeabig impact As regulators and lawmakersconsider futurepolicy,it’scritical to recognizethe broad benefits of this working fishery.It’snot just about whathappens offshore, it’sabout howLouisiana’sfishing heritagehelpsfeed the country and the world.

PROVIDED PHOTO

Jonathan V. Last, from left, Bill Kristol, Sarah Longwell, Andrew Egger and Tim Miller, of The Bulwark, appear live onstage in October in Philadelphia.

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Read,earnand winwithEast BatonRouge Parish Library’s summer readingchallenge forall ages

This summer,the East BatonRouge Parish Libraryinvites theentire communitytodiveintoavibrant season of stories, creativity andconnection throughthe 2025 Summer Reading Challenge, ColorOur World. Beginning Sunday,June1and running throughFriday, August 15,readers of allagescan enjoyacolorfulcelebration of booksand imaginationacrossall librarylocations

This annual eventisn’t just aboutfun (though there’splentyofthat).Summerreading is apowerful tool forlifelonglearning, offeringacademic, emotional, andsocialbenefits for kids,teens,and adults alike.

Gettingstarted is simple:BeginningJune1 participants cansignupattheir locallibrary or online at ebrpl.beanstack.org. From there, logyourbooks or reading time into your Beanstackaccounttoearn virtualbadges, completion rewardsand entriesintoweeklyprize drawings Thereare tailored challenges for children,teens,and adults—withplentyof ways to win!

AdultSummerReading Challenge(Ages 18+)

Adults aren’t left outofthe fun! Read at least3books to complete the challengeand earn entriesintogrand prizedrawings. Want more chances to win? Keep readingand earn additional virtualactivity badges

Whetherit’sfictiontoescapeintoanother world, or nonfictionthatexpands your skills andhorizons, reading provides mental stimulation, stress relief andpersonalgrowthfor adults.Call225-231-3740 for more information

WhySummerReading Matters

Beyond thejoy of storytelling,summerreading offersreal-life benefits:

Children’s SummerReading Program(Ages 0–11)

Youngreaders earn 1point perbookor2 points forevery 30 minutes read.Just 30 points completesthe challengeand unlocksatreasuretrove of rewards, including:

•A certificate of completion

•Coupons from localvendors

•A free book of theirchoice

•A colorful tote bag—andmore!

Additionally,for every5 points earned,kidsget oneentry into aprize drawing—up to 6chances to winexcitingprizes! To learnmore, parentsand guardianscan call 225-231-3760

Summer reading forchildrenisn’t just entertaining—it’s educational. It helpsprevent “summerslide,” thelearninglossthatcan happen during school breaks.Regular reading strengthensliteracy, vocabulary andcomprehension, ensuring kids return to school readytolearn

Teen SummerReading Program(Grades6–12)

Teenscan earn badges basedonreading hourslogged. Each badgeequals oneentry into prizedrawings. They canalsocompleteupto5 virtualactivity badges,givingthemamaximum of 30 chances to win.

Teen readersbenefittremendouslyfromsummerreading—itencourages imagination, focus, empathy, andindependence. Checkout what’s happening forteens this summer at your localbranchorcall225-231-3770for more info

ForKidsand Teens:

•Academic Edge:Prevents summer learning loss andboostsliteracy

•PersonalGrowth: Enhances focus, creativity, andemotionalintelligence.

•SocialConnection: Builds confidenceand encourages family bondingthrough shared reading

ForAdults:

•Cognitive Health:Sharpensmemoryand concentration.

•Emotional Wellness:Reduces stress and promotes mindfulness.

•LifelongLearning: Encourages self-reflection knowledge-building,and communityengagement.

Reading transforms lives—andsummeristhe perfecttimetodivein. Let’sColor OurWorld—Together!

Whetheryou’reacurious child, acreative teen or an adultrediscovering thejoy of reading,the East BatonRouge Parish Library’sSummerReading Challengehas somethingfor everyone.Fromthe first page to thelastbadge earned,you’llbepartofavibrant communitycelebration that brings stories— andpeople—together

Fora full calendar of events,visit www.ebrpl.com/events-classes.Signup startingJune1and join thefun at ebrpl.beanstack.org. Let’smakethissummer onetoremember—throughbooks,imagination,and thecolors of theworld!

This articleisbrought to youbythe East BatonRouge Parish Library.

85 YEARSAND COUNTING

An Overview

FROM ACOLLECTION OF 5,662ITEMS AND 3,448BORROWERS,THE EBRPLSYSTEMHAS GROWN TO OVER 2MILLION ITEMS ACROSS MANY FORMATS, INCLUDING MILLIONS MORE IN ARCHIVES! EBRPLHAS ALSO ADOPTEDNEW TECHNOLOGIES ANDEXTENDED PROGRAMS ANDSERVICESFAR BEYOND ORIGINAL OFFERINGS.

28,959,516

Tattoo removal program changes lives

getcrucial experience performing procedure

BY CALEB LUNETTA The San DiegoUnion-Tribune (TNS)

CLOTTING CONCERNS

Doctorsoffer advice on howtoavoid bloodclots aheadofthe summer travel season

BY MARGARETDELANEY Staffwriter

Warmer weather andnoschool means more travel for Louisianans. These travels can take Louisianans to international, national or local vacationspots in the air or by car

However,those longer trips can give waytohealthconcerns: Developing blood clots.

Whileclottingisa normal processin the body —tohelp heal wounds, forexample —certain bloodclots in the legs can cause intense pain and swelling

Blood clots, specifically deep vein thrombosis, are blood-proteins that have turned from liquid into asolid,jellylike substance that can form in veins in the arms, legs or groin area on thebody

These clots, caused most commonlyby remaining in one position for an extended period of time, can travelthrough the body to the heart or the lungs to cause pulmonaryembolisms —a life-threatening condition.

Symptoms of apulmonary embolism include sudden shortness ofbreath, chest pain that worsens with deep breaths, rapid heart rate or coughing up blood. Both blood clots and pulmonary embolisms require immediate medical attention

Dr.Josh Sibille, Lafayette-born vascular surgeon in Louisiana, treats patients for this condition often.

Although deep vein thrombosiscan form in the arms, the legs are morecommon —and more problematic,according to Sibille.

Dr.Godfrey Parkerson, avascular surgeon, said blood clotsinthe arm are

IMAGES PHOTOS

Experts saypatients whoplan to travelonlong trips, whether in acar,bus or airplane, should be mindful to move the body at various increments during the journeytohelp avoid blood clots.

less common than in the legs because the blood in the arms does not have to travel as far against gravity to return to the heart.

Thusthe bloodismuch less likely to stagnate and turn into clot.

“Veinsinthe legs are much larger which can make larger blood clotsand larger pulmonary embolisms that can blockthe main arteries of thelungs and be dangerous or even fatal,” Pakerson said.

Blood clots in thearmscan cause swelling, pain or discoloration of the arms just like in thelegs.

“What we seemost commonly are patients who recently traveled. They spend 10 or 12 hoursinthe car or on a plane,” Sibille said. “Orfive or six hours on aflight.”

Symptomsofblood clots, specifically deep vein thrombosis, in thelegs include:

n Swelling in one leg

n Discolorationinone leg, typically redness

n Intense pain in one leg

n New pain or discomfort in one leg.

Thesesymptoms develop in amatter of hours. According to Parkerson, that swelling or pain typically persists or worsensthe longerthe persongoes without treatment.

“It does not go away overnight with sleep or withelevation,”Parkerson said.

Dr.BradVincent, apulmonologist in BatonRouge,saidnot allblood clots causepain or discoloration, but swelling

ä See CLOTS, page 2X

SAN DIEGO Since she wasachild, Maya Shetty knewshe wasgoing to be adoctor She wanted to follow in the footsteps of her parents, whoare both primary care physicians in West Virginia. And she wantedtouse her future career to help underservedpopulations thatoftentimes fall through the medical system’s cracks.

So,asa first-year medical student at UC San Diego, she and five classmates jumped at the opportunity to volunteer fortheir school’s newClean SlateFreeTattoo Removal Program. The unique programatUCSD puts medical students in front of patients and in clinics as early as their first year Startedin2016, theprogram has utilized volunteer dermatologists to help those impacted by thecriminal justice system improve themselves, officialssaid. But arecent growth in the volume of patients being treated at theclinic,aswellasthe number of medical students expressing interest in service-learning activities,pushedadministratorsto createthe newvolunteer program in 2023 to improvethe clinic’s flow and support student learning, officials said.

Shetty saidmedical students with her levelofexperienceare not traditionally working directly with patients and doctors, at least for afew years. The program has already taught them how to build relationships with patients and develop skills early on in aclinical setting —regardless of whether they end up pursuing dermatology as aspecialty,she said.

And while the students build their credentials, the patient who might not have previously been able to afford thetattoo removal —takes another step toward abetter future free of cost.

“Historically,tattoos have not hada very positive image,” said Victoria D. Ojeda, aprofessor at theUCSan DiegoSchoolofMedicine andthe Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health &HumanLongevity Science. “Some of ourclientsare looking to make a change in whatother people may see about them.”

Ojeda, who runs the removal program,said people come in because their tattoos are creating boundaries, whetheritbesocially or economically

For instance, some clients are looking for employment or to improve their financialstatus and

See REMOVAL, page 3X

MayisNational Stroke

Sibille

HEALTH MAKER

La. nurse’s second chance sparked a mission to save lives

BY MARGARET DELANEY

Staff writer

Susan Foret was sitting at her desk in New Orleans, where she led a team of nurses in the oncology department, when a colleague said she had to leave early for a mammogram. Foret, a registered oncology and bone marrow transplant nurse, told her colleague that she hadn’t gone for her checkup in a while.

”She said, ‘I’m making your appointment now,’” Foret said.

“Had she not done that, I would not be here today.” Foret was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer shortly after, the most aggressive form of the disease. If Foret had gone to the doctor just two weeks later, her doctors said the cancer would have spread to other parts of her body

Foret received her bachelor’s degree in nursing from William Carey University in 1994, and her master’s in health care sciences from the University of New Orleans in 2015

”Seeing it from the patient perspective,” Foret said. “I was a bit of an empath before, but I truly saw it from the eyes of the patient, and the passion for my work was just so overwhelming.”

While she underwent her cancer treatment, which involved multiple surgeries and therapies, Foret went back to school and received a master’s for health care science from the University of New Orleans. She graduated on time, with a 4.0 GPA.

”School put me in a mindset where I felt like I was needed,” Foret said “And there was a purpose.”

Ten years later, Foret is cancer free and a leader in Louisiana cancer health and research in Baton Rouge

Foret started her career as a registered nurse at Memorial Medical Center before moving to various positions in the Ochsner Health System in New Orleans, then to East Jefferson General Hospital in Metairie as vice president of oncology and lastly, the associate vice president of oncology and radiology at Touro Infirmary Foret’s 34-year career in medicine has led her Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center in Baton Rouge, where she leads the Cancer Institute. After a year and a half as vice president, Foret has been making moves in Louisiana and the Capitol region to bridge the gap in communities for cancer care. Why did you choose nursing? What drew you to cancer care? I was a licensed practical nurse first, but I went back for my registered nurse certification and classes almost immediately I fell in love with working in oncology In oncology, you get to know the patients. The average length of stay is 30 days in a bone marrow transplant unit. As an RN in the oncology and bone marrow transplant unit, I really got to know not only the patients, but the families as well. I’m very devoted to the oncology patient population At Our Lady of the Lake, the leadership team, the commitment to quality from the nursing perspective, the physicians are all

outstanding.

There’s a great deal of collaboration, and it’s really and truly quality driven and outcomes driven to make sure that you treat patients as though you’re your own family You don’t see that everywhere.

Having had cancer, it has given me a different perspective when I listen to what patients are going through. I’ve been through it. I know what they’re going through, what their families are going through. It just means so much. It’s the differentiator, and we definitely have that here. What are your goals to move cancer care forward?

When joining the Lake, the biggest things we wanted to look at was our current footprint. At the Regional Medical Center we knew that we

needed to bring in additional medical oncologists. We needed to have a larger base of physicians to deploy, not only here, but at St. Elizabeth’s in East Ascension. Between October 2024 until December, we brought on six new doctors two of them are bone marrow transplant doctors and the other four are medical oncologists.

We opened an infusion center at our Ascension campus, and we’ve already doubled our volume in the first month from 96 in March to 204 in April. And we’re still growing.

We want to be able to bring care closer to home, that is one of our main priorities to the community. A lot of those malignancy and bone marrow transplant patients would not have pre-

viously been able to get the care they needed. Now, we have it here in the Capitol Region. Patients can go to their homes at night and sleep in their own beds, then come here to get treatment. What efforts in clinical research is the institute involved in to push toward innovation?

Our first CAR-T therapy here in Baton Rouge will happen in May The young lady is a 40-year-old with lymphoma, with five children. She’s on Medicaid, which would have been really difficult for her to get this care. But it’s 100% covered by the sponsor, so she won’t have to worry about any finances that go with her treatment. To me, that makes me realize everything we’re doing is God’s work, and we’re do-

ing what we know for people that would not be able. This woman would probably never have been able to get this treatment otherwise. From the research perspective, we’re continuing to grow beyond even CAR-T therapies with all kinds of treatment trials including Ascension, our partnership with Women’s Hospital and possibly Livingston. We had our first bone marrow transplant in January By the first week in June, we’ll be up to nine bone marrow transplants, and by the end of the summer, we’re looking at being around 30 patients. All of those patients are able to receive this advanced care closer to home — the kind of care that’s going to be life changing and life saving.

Expert gives tips on working exercise into a busy schedule

BY STEPHEN WADE AP sports writer

You’re too busy to exercise, right? Your job consumes all your time. You’re strapped by professional and family demands As you get more and more responsibility, your free time shrinks.

Well, these blockers don’t have to be an excuse. Making time simply calls for creativity and a broader understanding of how to get in daily exercise.

“The trap is thinking that exercise must be an hour in the gym,” said Charles Scott, who describes himself as an executive mentor or exercise coach.

His message is simple: If you have a very demanding job, you need to find a worklife blend

“An hour in the gym is exercise,” Scott told The Associated Press. “But it’s just one form of exercise.” Scott coaches about 70 business executives online and otherwise — and

other busy people to improve their physical and professional well-being.

He’s based in New York and is relatively hard core about his own exercise but realizes not everyone can be — or wants to be.

He’s planning to run across the Grand Canyon in June — the out-and-back version that covers about 46 miles. He also has guided his blind friend Dan Berlin on several endurance events including a speed ascent up Mount Kilimanjaro and tandem cycling across the United States with a team of blind cyclists.

Ambitious person’s trap

Rather than terming it exercise, Scott talks about teaching “intentional movement” to his goal-driven clients.

“The ambitious person’s trap is when you undermine your physical and emotional health in pursuit of your professional goals,” he said.

“It’s common in this culture among the executives I

blood clot has moved from the legs to the lungs or heart. If these serious symptoms are present, it is important to receive immediate medical attention

mentor.”

Scott asks busy people to focus on something other than making money or chasing fame inside the profession. He said he tries to emphasize a holistic approach that includes the emotional, the professional and the physical.

“Our bodies need to move,” he said. “No matter what age you are, our bodies must move to stay healthy So if you’re not exercising, you’re out of alignment.”

Alternative exercise

Scott has a list of ways to blend movement into your day without needing a gym.

Of course, if you can hit the gym, that’s great, too.

He suggests doing one-onone meetings while you’re walking instead of sitting behind the office desk or laptop. Or, he suggests standing rather than sitting when you hold meetings.

“If you want a meeting to be short and efficient, choose the standing conference

room,” he said.

Or do isometric exercises during a meeting to tone, for instance, your stomach muscles.

“Tighten up your stomach muscles. Hold for 20 seconds and don’t hold your breath,” he said. “Don’t make it obvious Release. Do it again. You’ll be sore tomorrow It burns calories. It tones muscles. And it takes precisely zero seconds out of your I-am-too-busy-to-exercise day.”

Blend work, exercise

Here are a few more ideas about blending exercise into your work schedule.

If your flight is delayed, go for a walk around the airport and add to your daily step count.

Link workouts to daily events. For example, when you wake up, always go for a walk. Or, when you get home from work, do a certain number of pushups after you walk through the door

Make a workout a social

event and do it with a friend or a group.

Give yourself the title “athlete” and build habits around that identity Scott is an advocate of experiencing “meaningful discomfort,” which he calls the “birthplace of resilience.”

Pay attention to the food you put in your body Treat your body with respect.

Take a quick break from answering emails and do 10 squats or pushups or whatever to add movement.

“In business, many people show up to work and they crank it out all day,” which he termed a “rookie mistake,” like a newcomer going out too fast at the start of a marathon.

“Then they go home exhausted and they are fussy with the people they love.”

The partitioning approach

One of Scott’s clients is Harrison (Harry) Kahn, the general manager of the Vermont Creamery an artisanal dairy

Rather than blend, Kahn uses the partition method and awakens at 5 a.m. to get in his exercise, typically running, biking, or popping on skis in the winter in largely rural Vermont.

“I kind of get in the me stuff before the rest of the house wakes up,” he said. He said his wife Elisabeth, teaches French. She sets off early as they both combine to get their two children ready for school — 11-yearold Iris and 8-year-old Asher

“Charles has reminded me that life isn’t a game of comparison with other people,” he said.

“You have to figure out your own stuff.”

Kahn describes himself as a routine-oriented person who is comfortable dividing his day into chapters. Once he’s in the office, his attention is the job and 120 employees.

“I’m very focused when I’m at work, so I can get it all in as opposed to going in and out and having the day go on really long.”

is a very common symptom.

“You can do exercises to move your legs like calf raises or calf flexes,” Sibille said. “You don’t want the blood to just sit there and pool in your legs.”

n Raise and lower the heels while the toes remain on the floor

n Raise and lower the toes while the heels remain on the floor

about wearing compression stockings or taking medicine before departure. Taking aspirin to prevent blood clots when traveling is not recommended, the CDC said.

der n Recent surgery, hospitalization or injury

n Use of estrogen-containing birth control or hormone replacement therapy

“If you look down at your ankles and feet and no longer see bony archite cture poking through — you can’t see your ankle bones (because of swelling),” Vincent said.

“That’s a strong indicator of a blood clot.”

If the swelling doesn’t improve with ice and elevation according to Sibille, it is a good indicator that something else could be wrong, and medical attention is necessary Not all blood clots in the leg cause swelling or discoloration. Trouble breathing, shortness of breath or sharp chest pain could be signs that the

“Anybody who has new swelling and pain in the arms, legs or groin should go in to be evaluated by their primary care doctor or the emergency room,” Sibille said. “It can be a very serious condition, but it’s also easy to rule out.”

A noninvasive ultrasound can find most blood clots in the arms, legs and groin. Once a blood clot is found, the typical treatment is to place a patient on blood thinners for at least three months, depending on the severity and reason for the blood clot.

Preventing blood clots

Patients who plan to travel on long trips, whether in a car, bus or airplane, should be mindful to move the body at various increments during the journey

The sweet spot is to move the legs, standing up and stretching if possible, every two to three hours, according to both Sibille and Vincent. The blood in the legs can move in and out of the veins by compressing the muscles, and keeping the calves and legs in motion reduce the risk of clotting.

Parkerson also recommend compression socks, although they are only a part of the picture for preventing blood clots. Patients should also keep up their movement and stay well hydrated.

“Our blood gets thicker and more prone to clotting when we get dehydrated,” Parkerson said. “So drink plenty of water.”

Some stretches and movements to prevent blood clots in the legs and arms include:

n Tighten and release the leg muscles (both the calves and thighs)

n Manually massage the calves and legs to move the muscles around.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommends high-risk patients to speak to their doctor

Other conditions increase the chances of getting blood clots, according to the CDC, include:

n Having had a previous blood clot

n A family history of blood clots

n A known clotting disor-

n Current or recent pregnancy n Older age n Obesity n Cancer or cancer treatment, such as chemotherapy n Serious medical conditions like congestive heart failure or inflammatory bowel disease.

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU

The Louisiana Health section is focused on providing in-depth, personal accounts of health in the state.This section looks at medical innovations, health discoveries, state and national health statistics and reexamining tried and true methods on ways to live well.

Health editions will also profile people who are advancing health for the state of Louisiana. Do you have a health story? We want to hear from you.

Email margaret.delaney@ theadvocate.com to submit health questions, stories and more.

FILE PHOTO By APRIL BUFFINGTON

William ‘Ed’ Carruthers, a bone marrow transplant patient at Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center, walks on Feb 5 with his wife Ginny Carruthers, center, as part of efforts by Susan Foret, right, to bring more innovative cancer care to the Baton Rouge region.

Foret

EatFit Live Fit

Cool treats, warm memories: Frozen delights youcan make together

Thisweek’scolumniswrittenbyBrittanyCraft,RDN,LDN,wholeadsourEatFitnonprofitinitiativeatOchsnerHealth.Whensheisn’tguidingourteamofdietitians astheypartnerwithrestaurantsandcommunitiesacrossLouisiana,Brittanyisnavigatingmealtimewithherpreschool-ageddaughter.It’ssafetosaysheknowsa thingortwoaboutbalancingnutritionwithreallife.Iamthrilledtohavehershareherexpertise—andsomesweetkid-approvedrecipes—withyoutoday.

WhenourLouisianasummerisright aroundthecorner,myfamily entersaphasewherealloutdoor activitiesmustinvolvewater—orbe wrappedupinunder30minutes—tokeep everyonecomfortableandingoodspirits.Of course,italwayshelpstoendwithasweet frozentreat.

Fortunately,mydualrolesasaregistered dietitianandamomworktogether beautifullyhere.Therearesomanyfrozen dessertsweenjoyasafamily—andthebest partis,wemakethemtogether.It’spart treat,partactivityand100%timewellspent. Threetreatstobeattheheat Whentheweatherishot,popsiclesarea must.Withjustablenderandasetofmolds, youcancreateyourownfrozentreatsthat easilyrival(andsurpass)thestore-bought kind.AndourEatFitCherryBerryPopsicles donotdisappoint.Therecipecallsfor cherriesandblueberries,butyoucanswitch upthefruitsorcreatecolorfullayersfor extraflair.Irecommendusing2%or5%(full fat)Greekyogurttogiveyourpopsiclesa smooth,creamytexture.

Yogurthasastarringroleinanotherone ofourgo-tosummertimetreats:Greek YogurtBark,whichisalwaysahitinthe kids’cookingclassesIteach.Therecipe requiresminimalequipmentandiseasily

customizabletoincorporatedifferent toppings.

Kidscandoalmosttheentirething themselves.Dependingontheirage,it canbeagreatopportunitytoteachsafe fruit-choppingskills.Ifyouhaveyounger kids,prepthegarnishesaheadoftimeand letthemtakethereins—mixing,spreading anddecorating.Trytoresisttheurgeto rearrangetheirworkandjustenjoyeach bite,evenifsomepiecesendupalittle heavyonthechocolatechips.(Also,be preparedforafewtoppingstodisappear straightintolittlemouthsbeforetheyhit thepan.)

Wealsomakeourownkindofice cream.BananaNiceCreamisa“nicer”take ontraditionalicecream.Aneasytwoingredientrecipewithnoaddedsugaror fat,itdeliversarich,creamytexture—noice creammakerrequired.Allyouneedisafood processororhigh-qualityblendertogetthat smooth“softserve”texturewealllove. Whetheryou’reinitforthecooling effectsorthekitchenbonding,making thesefrozentreatschecksalltheboxes. They’refresh,funandfullofingredientsyou canfeelgoodabout.Findtheserecipesand moreonthefreeEatFitmobileapp.Here’s tomakingsweetsummermemories—one biteatatime!

—BrittanyCraft,RD,LDN,OchsnerEatFit

MollyKimball,RD,CSSD,isaregistereddietitian withOchsnerHealthandfounderofOchsnersEatFit nonprofitinitiative.Formorewellnesscontent,tuneinto Molly’spodcast,FUELEDWellness+Nutrition,andfollow @MollykimballRDand@EatFitOchsneronsocialmedia. Emailnutrition@ochsner.orgtoconnectwithMollyor scheduleaconsultwithherteam.

CherryBerryPopsicles

RecipebyHopeFrugé,EatFit MonroeDietitian

Makes10popsicles

2cupsfrozencherriesandblueberries 1cupplain2%or5%Greekyogurt 2tablespoonsliquidallulose

Blendallingredientsuntilsmooth.Pourinto popsiclemoldsandfreezeforatleast4 hours,untilfullyset.

Perserving:41calories,1.3gramsfat,0.5 gramssaturatedfat,8mgsodium,8grams carbohydrate,1gram fiber,4.5gramssugar (0addedsugar),2.5gramsprotein GreekYogurtBark Makes12servings

11/2cupsplainGreekyogurt,preferably2% or5%fat 1tablespoonsweetener(honey,maplesyrup orliquidallulose)

¼cupdicedstrawberries

¼cupblueberries

¼cupLily’schocolatechips

¼cupsliveredalmonds

Mixyogurtandsweetener.Spreadinathin layeronaparchment-linedbakingdish. Sprinklewithtoppings,coverandfreezefor atleast4hours.Oncefullyfrozen,remove frompaper,breakintopiecesandenjoy! Storeleftoversinafreezer-safecontainer orbag.

Note:Youcancuttheseintoevensmaller piecesforafun,bite-sizedvariationfor yoursmallesteaters.Andgarnishescanbe tailoredtowhat’sinseason,yourfamily’s preferencesoryoursenseofculinary adventure—thinkcinnamon,mango,

BY THENUMBERS

pumpkinseedsorvanillaextract.Thesky’s thelimit!

Perserving:80calories,5gramsfat,2 gramssaturatedfat,15mgsodium,7 gramscarbohydrate,2gramsfiber,1.5 gramssugar(1gramaddedsugarwhen madewithhoneyormaplesyrup)

Banana“Nice”Cream Makes4servings

4cupsfrozenbananaslices (about2largebananas) 2-4tablespoonsmilk Blendfrozenbananaslicesinafood processoruntilsmooth.Addsmallsplashes ofmilkasneededtohelpwithblending. Thelessliquidyouuse,thethickerthefinal texture.Enjoyimmediatelyforasoft-serve consistencyorfreezefor1–2hoursfora firmerscoop.

Perserving:65calories,0.5gramsfat, 0saturatedfat,4mgsodium,16grams carbohydrate,2gramsfiber,9gramssugar (0addedsugar)

LOUISIANAHOSPITALS RANK 17TH IN NATIONAL SAFETy RANKINGS

Multiple times ayear,the Leapfrog Group, atwo-decades-old nonprofitgroup, releases hospital safety grades forhealth systems across the United States.

The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grades, which are “A,” “B,” “C,” “D” or “F” classification, are given to general hospitals in the U.S.,focused exclusively on howsafe theyare for theirpatients Hospitals whowere awarded astraight “A” classification this year sustained an “A” in safetyfor each gradingperiod since at least spring of 2023.

The Leapfroggrading system uses more than 30 measures includingrates of preventable errors, injuries and infection and whether hospitals have systemsin place to prevent them.

In May2025, states withthe highest number of straight “A”hospitals,in descending order,are: n Connecticut and Utah (29%) n NewJersey(27%) n Rhode Island (22%) n Colorado, North Carolina and Virginia (20%). Twelvestates have no hospitalsreceiving astraight “A” status, according to Leapfrog: Alaska, Delaware, Hawaii, Iowa, Nebraska, Nevada, NewMexico, North Dakota, South Dakota, Vermont, West Virginia and Wyoming

The national averageis10% straight“A” hospitals per state.

Louisiana ranked 17th in rates of straight “A” hospitals. Only hospitals whohaveearned an “A” rating for two

REMOVAL

Continued from page1X

are told they will be hired or promoted if they remove the tattoo. Others are attempting to distance themselves from certain criminal organizations, such as gangs that they are no longer apart of.

Officialssaidthey havenot

Hospitalswith‘Straight A’s’

This mapshows thepercentageofhospitals that havereceivedagrade ‘A’for safety for five or more rounds of grading. Ahospitalmusthavesustained an ‘A’safetyscore from Leapfrog since at leastspring2023.

n St.TammanyHealth System (Covington)

n TouroInfirmary(NewOrleans).

Other Louisianahospitals received an “A” forthe spring 2025 hospitalgrades: n CHRISTUS Health Shreveport-Bossier (Shreveport)

Source:LeapfrogHospitalSafetyGrade

consecutiveyears qualify forthiscategory. In Louisiana, 14% of the state’shospitals sustaineda grade“A” forsafety sinceat leastspring of 2023.

Louisiana is tied with both Texas and Idahointhe national rankings.

These Louisiana hospitalsreceived straight“A’s”: n EastJefferson General Hospital (Metairie)

had any patientscome for tattoo removaloverfearof immigration enforcement or deportation, but recent federal policy and national headlines have put thestigma associated withtattoos back in the limelight

“They’re trying to remake their lives,”Ojeda said.

“They can also have tattoos thatmight notbeperceived well, but they have no actualaffiliation.

According to astudy published by Rutgers University in 2019, 81% of minors involved in gangs have tattoos, and those youths hada162%greater risk of being rearrested within 12 months compared with youths without tattoos.

The program now has eight students —including two medical students who were partofthe original cohort ayear before Shetty

n Lakeside Hospital (Metairie)

n LakeviewHospital (Covington)

n Our LadyofLourdes RegionalMedical Center (Lafayette)

n Our Ladyofthe LakeAscension (Gonzales)

n Our Ladyofthe LakeRegional Medical Center (Baton Rouge)

—and they allassist with one to 13 laser removal sessions over multiple months, officials said. By helping aformerlyincarcerated person remove atattoo that represents a past version of themselves, Shettysaidthe clinichelps remove some of the stigma they face in everyday life.

“There’s just alot that people go throughthat you won’tnecessarily know

n CHRISTUS Ochsner LakeArea (Lake Charles)

n CHRISTUS Ochsner St.Patrick Hospital of LakeCharles (LakeCharles) n Natchitoches Regional Medical Center (Natchitoches)

n Ochsner LSUHealth Monroe (Monroe) n Ochsner LSUHealth Shreveport— St MaryMedical Center (Shreveport) n Ochsner Medical Center —Baton Rouge (Baton Rouge)

n Ochsner St.Mary(Morgan City) n St.BernardParish Hospital (Chalmette) n Terrebonne General Health System (Houma) n University Hospital and Clinics (Lafayette) n West Jefferson Medical Center(Marrero) Most of thedataLeapfrog uses comes fromthe federalagency Centers for Medicareand MedicaidServices, and in some cases, CMS does not publish adequate safety data on an individual hospital, accordingtothe Leapfrog Group Sometimes thehospitalistoo small to issuereliable numbers, and sometimes thehospitaldoes not offer services relevant to thesafety data.Grades are updated twiceannually,inthe fall and spring,and arefreely available to the public at hospitalsafetygrade.org

unless you ask or have the time to listen,” Shetty said.

“The program has opened my eyes …Ithink everyone should have an equal opportunity at afresh start.”

According to Ojeda,the tattoo removal process, which usually involves laser removal and multiple appointments over many months, can be expensive. Ojeda said people who apply start by explaining how

they’ve been impacted by the criminal justice system andwhattattoos they’d like removed. If the applicant fulfills the criteria andis selected,theywill be contacted by the clinic to begin setting up theirfirst appointments, officials said. The clinic operates one Saturday permonth and serves approximately 25 patients each session,officials said.

Molly Kimball RD,CSSD

From stroke to beautiful keystrokes

AshleyK. | StrokePatient

Ashleywasinherearly40swhenabloodclotinherbrainandblockages inhercarotidarterycausedhertosufferastroke.Ochsner’sexpert neurosciencesteamwasabletocareforAshleyandgetherontheroad torecovery.Now,she’sbacktoplayingthepiano,improvingeveryday anddoingwhatsheloves.Whateveryourreasonsarefordoingthethings youdo—we’veonlygotone.You.

Learnmoreorscheduleaconsultationatochsner.org/neuro

Fair winds, followingseas

Oldpromise drives twoBRmen to teachnextgenerationhow to sail

BY JOYHOLDEN Staffwriter

In afew shortweeks, theidyllic setting of aFalse Riverpavilionand pier willbecome asailing classroom. Shaded under the NewRoads Waterfront Pavilion,Bob Kennedy and Roger Seals discussedtheir plans for this summer’scampatLouisJ Thibodeaux Youth Sailing Camps Kennedy,81, isaformer sales representative for Blue Cross Blue Shield. Seals, 85,isaretired LSU professor of civil engineering.

Thetwo octogenarianshavemadeit their post-retirement mission to teach sailing to kids to honor their friendand sailing buddy,Louis J. Thibodeaux. For three weeks during the summer on False River,Kennedy and Seals instructchildren ages 8to17onthe skills andterminology of sailing.

“They’re learning new things, they’re actually doing things,and they’re not sitting in front of ascreen or phone,” Seals said of the campers. “I think it really helps them develop cognitively,physically and intellectually.”

Kennedy and Seals both reside in Baton Rouge, but as longtime members of the Pelican Yacht Club, which was foundedin 1960, they spendtime meeting and sailing on False River throughout the year

Last year,withassistance fromPelican Yacht Club friends and volunteers,Kennedy and Seals conducted their first Louis J. Thibodeaux Youth Sailing Camp, which is inclusive and free forparticipants.The two modeled their program after other youth sailing camps around the country that can cost hundreds of dollars per camper

The False River sailing camp costs around $5,000torun,soKennedyand Seals have sponsors, including JJL&W Insurance Consulting Firm and The Hank Saurage Fund of theBaton Rouge Area Foundation. In 2024, the camp received a grant from the Boo GrigsbyFoundation and contributions from JJL&W as well. Although the sailingcampcurrently takes place at the New Roads Waterfront

Pavilion, with cooperation from New Roads’ mayor,the sailing programplans to offer camps at MilfordWampold Park in BatonRougewhenthe dredgingproject is complete.

Thibodeaux’s ripple effect

As thenamesake of the youth sailing program, Thibodeauxwas afrequent sailingbuddy with Seals, sailing numerous bareboat chartersinthe British Virgin Islands, the Bahamas, Turkey,the Seaof Cortez and Saint Martin/St. Barts.

He was aformer LSU professor of chemical engineering who sailedfor over 50 yearsand introduced his two children andseven grandchildren to sailing.Now hisgreat-grandchildren are learning. Because of theprogram, Thibodeaux’s rippleeffect extendstoyoungsailors that he never met.His children, Michelle andScott, nowhelpout at thesailing camps Thibodeauxpassed away in 2020,soit took Kennedy and Seals over threeyears to get the infrastructure in place for the first camp in 2024.

“Part of thereason this started was that when Louis passed away,”Kennedy said, “his family wanted to do somethingmoremeaningful than flowers.Sothey asked people to donateto theLouis J. Thibodeaux youthsailing program.”

Seals usedthe donationstopurchase a fleet of four Optimist Prams, small sailing boatsbuilt to teach children how to sail, and appliedtocertify the programasa 501(c)(3) charitable nonprofit corporation. By the end of 2022, the sailing program became apublic charity. Seals purchased more sailboats and began developing plansfor theinauguralcamps. Kennedy, his close friend, gotroped in as his “sidekick” when Seals needed ahand in picking up some boats. He’sbeen by his side helping out ever since.

In addition to thesailing lessons taught at the camps, the program’sgoals include promotingand nurturing the development of leadership and teamwork skills.

Camp days

Kennedy thought it was acrazy idea to put an 8-year-old on asailboat, but the camp, and the campers, surprised him.

The five-daysailing campstarts with a swimming test andquite abit of “chalk talk,” knot tying and vocabulary under the pavilion. Safetyisamajor theme, and the campers must be able to swim 25 yards withalife vest on.

The second day involves an initiation of sorts where Kennedy andSeals taketurns familiarizing the campers with aPelican YachtClub“Flying Scott” sailboat that can fit about six children. They go out on the water withanadult and rotate taking turns on the helm, the tiller andthe sailstoexposethemto sailing.

Throughout the week, the kids split up into twogroups, one on the water with an adult and one learning underthe pavilion. After snacks andlunch, the groups swap, so they bothget pavilionand water time.

By the third day, the campers get out in theboats, capsize them andlearn howto right the boats. This happens in asmall

See SAILING, page 2Y

LouisianaInspiredannounces 2025 ENCORE Awards

Honorrecognizes extraordinary Louisianansover60

JanRisher

LONG STORy SHORT

When Istarted the first Postcard Project in 2022, Iexpected it to be aone-off thing.

Iwas wrong. This year’sPostcard Project begins with Memorial Dayand runs through Labor Day, Sept. 1. I anticipate an uptick in the arrival of postcards, but the truth is that these days, Ireceive postcards year-round from people Idon’t know —and each one makes my heart go pitter-patter.Just last week, Ireceived four from Dru Troescher

Because some people send postcards so frequently,Ifeel like I’ve gotten to know them —even if we’ve nevermet.

In the last few weeks, Ireceived four postcards from Troescher from Indiana, Illinois, Ohio and Arkansas.

The first was from the Ohio State Capitol Building. Troescher happened to be there on the anniversary of the day President Abraham Lincoln laid in state there for eight hours.

“He then continued on his train trip to Springfield, Illinois, his burial site,” Troescher wrote, adding that they were on their way to visit the Capitol building and Lincoln’sPresidential Library in Springfield next.

Once there, she found another postcard, but not at the state capitol.

“The Illinois Capitol did not have agift shop, so we went to the Illinois State Museum. It was free and very nice —lots about fossils and natural history.We’re on our way to Independence, Missouri, to see the Truman Library,” Troescher wrote fromSpringfield.

Idid not receive apostcard from Troescher at the Truman Library in Missouri, but she delivered in Indiana, but, once again, not from the Capitol building, which did not have agift shop.

The intrepid Troescher went to the University of Notre Dame and found abeautiful postcard to send, representing Indiana.

On her wayback to Baton Rouge, she stopped at the Clinton Presidential Library in Little Rock and sent apostcard from there.

Her thoughtful stops and notes add to the fabric of this project. I’ve never met Troescher,but I appreciate her dedication to the project.

There are afew people who have, through the years of this project, sent so many postcards or such interesting postcards and messages that Ihave become friends with them —good friends, in fact. Just yesterday,Ihad lunch with afriend in NewOrleans who is adirect result of the Postcard Project!

Each summer,the goal is to get postcards from every state and as many countries as possible. Ien-

STAFF PHOTO By MICHAEL JOHNSON

Louis J. Thibodeaux youth Sailing Program director RogerSeals and associate directorBob Kennedystand recent;yatthe floating docksonthe False River that theprogramuses in NewRoads.

PROVIDED PHOTO Sailing campers enjoybeing out on False River last year during the inaugural Louis J. Thibodeaux youth Sailing Camps.

PHOTO PROVIDED By MIKE SCOTT

LSU instructor to lead aspiring business owners

Program helps high school students develop ideas

BY JOY HOLDEN Staff writer

Native to Texarkana, Tex-

as, Casey O’Banion came to Baton Rouge to go to LSU

in 2007. Since graduating in 2011, he’s had several positions in the area, including teaching English at Catholic High and creative writing at LSU. He worked for the Baton Rouge Area Chamber as the director of business retention and expansion and then as the director of entrepreneurship.

He has a bachelor’s degree in creative writing from LSU, master’s degree in fine arts from Antioch University Los Angeles and University of Southern California, as well as a law degree from LSU Paul M. Hebert Law Center

O’Banion is a father of four married to a Shreveport native. He is also the author of ”Chinese New Year” and “Ant Hills.”

This year he was named CEO of Young Entrepreneurs Academy Baton Rouge, a hands-on program that equips high school students with the tools, mentorship, and experience to launch their own businesses. In partnership with the LSU E. J. Ourso College of Business, students spend an academic year learning how to develop business ideas based on their passions, write business plans, pitch to judges for seed funding and launch their startups.

What drew you to Young Entrepreneurs Academy? When I got into BRAC, business development was a new field for me. I really enjoyed it. When I was teaching at LSU, that was feeding that side of teaching and writing, but the Young Entrepreneurs Academy position seemed like everything that I’ve been doing.

Not only was it an opportunity to impact kids and

their futures but also to use my business development abilities and everything that I had learned at BRAC. I wanted to continue using those skills that I learned, like connecting businesses and making sure Baton Rouge was growing.

I’ve always said, ‘Wherever I live, why wouldn’t I want it to be the best place for us, right?’

If more people are hired, if more people come here, then that’s going to make it better for me and for everyone Young Entrepreneurs Academy is doing that, but it in a more direct way What do you think people would be surprised to know about the academy?

These students are creating real businesses These are businesses that they registered with the Secretary of State, and they’re going to continue running with the seed money that they win from the pitch night. They’re going to continue running in the future. That has a long-lasting impact.

A lot of these businesses were things that our community needs, and they are starting right here in Baton Rouge — not only community needs for Baton Rouge but also for Louisiana, the United States and places around the world It’s very interesting and creative things that are happening.

What are you looking forward to this summer with the new group of young entrepreneurs coming in?

The summer is looking

like we’re going to be recruiting different mentors.

One of the things the kids said they really loved was the mentor piece, where we set them up with entrepreneurs and people around the community who have run businesses and other things.

I really want to work on that mentor piece and make sure that it’s running on all cylinders and creating the biggest impact for the students.

Anybody in Baton Rouge could benefit from being involved, whether young or old — doesn’t really matter I’m looking for new fresh speakers, and we’ve had a lot of fantastic ones in the past. I’m looking to hear from all different areas of Baton Rouge and the surrounding area to expose the students to successes and failures and different paths that people have taken.

What is your vision for the next few years? How do you see this program growing?

As a teacher at LSU or Catholic or wherever I’ve been, one of the things that I’ve prided myself on is trying to create an environment for my students where it’s safe to make mistakes and it’s safe to fail and it’s safe to ask questions and try again.

That’s what I want for the Young Entrepreneurs Academy, is for these kids to see, “Why don’t I follow this passion of mine to see if it leads to a viable business? And hey, you know, I wish I could do this differently.” Well, they can, because they are

only 16 or 17 years old.

I think anybody, no matter what career you’re in, if you could have looked back and had some practical, real experience in that in high school, it would have only benefited you.

I’ve never been a CEO or a president before this position. These kids are CEOs right now, so the things that I’m going through, they’re learning right now and they’re 20 years younger than me. They’re being able to pursue a passion right now, and it’s just something that I think is invaluable. Why is this program important to the community?

It’s not a program that is available to only public school or only private school students It’s a program available to literally every student homeschool, public, private, charter

In my first class that I got to go to, a group of three kids started a business together One is public school, one is at private school and then one is homeschooled. Through YEA BR, they got to meet, collaborate and fail together They got to try new things together in an environment that was safe and comfortable and innovative, and that’s what they did And so these kids are getting to

SAILING

Continued from page 1y

U-shaped space within the floating pier right by the pavilion. Kennedy says the kids love that part. By the end of the week, after sailing with adults and sailing in pairs, the campers are sailing by themselves.

“It’s rewarding,” said Seals. “It’s very rewarding that you can take them from a zero state to where they’re reasonably confident in the boats. It’s something. It’s stimulating to the kids.”

This summer, the sailing camp schedule is:

n Introduction to Sailing: June 9-13 and June 12-16

n Advanced Sailing: July 7-11

The minimum number of campers is six and the maximum is 10 per session. Registration is still open for people to apply at www ljtyouthsailing.org.

Part of something bigger

Liam Coenen, an 11-year-old from Baton Rouge, participated in one of the inaugural sailing camps last summer He says the camp made him feel good about learning a new skill. He is even going back for the advanced camp this year along with nine other camp veterans The advanced camp will include more challenging courses, races and rigging lessons.

“It’s really nice to pick up speed with a good wind and be able to actually control something and to go across the water without getting wet,” Liam said.

He’s looking forward to getting back out on False River for more sailing and more learning.

“You really feel like you’re a part of something because it’s in honor of Louis Thibodeaux,” he said.

Initially, the program targeted its recruitment efforts on youths in East Baton Rouge and Pointe Coupee Parishes with a special empha-

sis on those from underserved population groups, which includes rural areas. Seals said that they have had campers from Baton Rouge Jarreau, Livonia, New Roads, Oscar, Prairieville, St. Francisville, Torbert and Ventress.

During the sessions, older campers sail on the Pelican Yacht Club’s sunfish sailboats, which are bigger to accommodate the teenagers.

Seals says that learning how to sail has valuable benefits. Not only does it promote physical fitness, balance and coordination, but sailing also fosters spatial awareness, independence and problem-solving skills while connecting them with nature.

“The intellectual, cognitive, physical benefits and decisionmaking skills are valuable,” Seals said. “If you’re in the boat, you’re responsible and accountable to the rest of the team. You’re responsible for yourself, the other person in the boat and the boat itself.”

meet, cheer on, help out other kids from around Baton Rouge. These are connections they’ll have as long as they stay here.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity Email Joy Holden at joy holden@theadvocate.com.

Continued from page 1y

dimension to travel.

Rifling through the bounty of the 2024 Postcard Project, in which we received more than 272 postcards from all 50 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico and 34 other countries, I can’t help but be touched by the sincerity of the messages and amused by the obvious humor and ingenuity of some of the postcards sent in — not to mention being awed by the many vintage postcards people have sent in.

As evidenced by Troescher’s effort to find postcards, the near relic from the past can be difficult to find. Last year, a guy named Michael G got tired of looking for them and started making his own. He sent me postcards made of the end of a Kleenex box, the front of a cereal box and a piece of a campaign mailer I hope some people this year will follow in Michael G’s path and make postcards from unexpected paper and objects.

A. Kern sent a postcard from Paris, saying, “I am an old, retired French teacher, returning to Paris for another visit.” Carla from Germany wrote a

year ago this week, on May 23, 2024: “Today the German Constitution, called Grundgesetz, has its 75th birthday.” She goes on to explain that the first sentence of the German Constitution is: “Human dignity is inviolable.” Just to be sure, I looked up “inviolable.” It means: never to be broken, infringed or dishonored. I like that.

Carla went on in her postcard: “Also, the (West) German state was founded today 75 years ago, thanks to USA, France and Great Britain after the horrible Nazi terror and World War II. I think our constitution can avoid another dictatorship and protect the democracy I think it is one of the best in the world.”

Reading back through last year’s postcards makes me both grateful and hopeful — for the many people who took the time to send them last year and for the many we hope to receive this year Who knows where they will come from and what they will say? The postcard magic continues, and I can’t wait. To participate, send postcards to: Jan Risher,The Advocate, 10705 Rieger Road, Baton Rouge, LA 70809. The 2025 Postcard Project will end Labor Day weekend.

Email Jan Risher at jan.risher@ theadvocate.com.

PROVIDED PHOTOS Casey O’Banion, the new president of young Entrepreneurs Academy Baton Rouge

Zachary High School student Khaliyah Claiborne, with Superintendent Ben Necaise, is recognized at the Zachary Community School Board’s May 6 meeting for her BeatsbyKMarie business pitch and award at the young Entrepreneurs Academy of Baton Rouge.

Students meet one another at a young Entrepreneurs Academy Baton Rouge class.

STAFF FILE PHOTO By JAVIER GALLEGOS A collection of postcards from last year’s Postcard Project

PROVIDED PHOTO

Sailing campers enjoy being out on False River last year during the inaugural Louis J. Thibodeaux youth Sailing Camps

Duck huntingtradition healsdried-out landscape

Sporthas

BY GREG STANLEY Contributing writer

Editor’snote: This story,created by Greg Stanley for the Minnesota Star Tribune, is part of the AP Storyshare. Louisiana Inspiredfeatures solutions journalism stories that provide tangible evidence that positive change is happening in other places and in our own communities —solutions that can be adopted around the world.

It was late in the season and most of the birds were gone. But there had to be afew stragglers out there, late migrators that hadn’tyet left for warmer waters

Jordan Lillemontossed his decoys into Lake Christina, afew yards from shore, and hoped that western Minnesota still had somegoldeneyes,ducks with starkblack-andwhite bodies. He was almost certain that sunlight would bring in hooded mergansers, smaller ducks that fly fast and dive and appear suddenly from anydirection, at any time, and are among the most difficult to shoot.

Kettle, his 7-year-old black lab, paused for amoment in the water, thenclimbed up to her platform next to the hunting blind andwaited for the sun to rise.

Nearly all of the wetlandsinMinnesota’sprairieregionhavebeen destroyed, drained away and turned into row crops by thousandsofmiles of ditches and tile lines. Manyof the few that remain —an estimated 5% of the total before settlement— were saved by duck hunters.

The love of birds, for sport and food, or simply for observation, hasbeenthe saving graceofthe swamps, marshes and shallow lakes alongthe MississippiRiver,fromits upper reaches in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Iowa on downto Missouri, Arkansas and Louisiana.

Hundreds of species, including every kind of duck, goose and swan, need those wetlands, which rise and fall, flood and recede, to breed, forage and rest.

When wetlands are destroyed,the birds are usually the first to noticeably die off.

By the early 1900s, it was clear that draining the swamps, bayous andbackwaters of the Mississippi Rivertocreate new and valuable farmland wascausing drasticfalls in duck and wildlife populations acrossthe continent.

After 1918, waterfowlpopulations continued to fall forthe next 15 years, until thehabitat lossand over-hunting pushed several species to thebrink of extinction.

In 1934, Congress tried something new —and simple. Lawmakers required every goose andduck hunter over the ageof16tobuy a$1stamp.

All the moneycollected from the stamp would be used to buy and permanentlyprotect swamps and marshesupand down theMississippiFlywaythatthe birdsneeded to survive.

It worked. Through the first few years of the program,the United States and hunterswere able to save thousands of acres of marshes. Then tensofthousands.

Theducks almost immediately returned

The agency in charge of the duck stamp, which became theU.S.Fish and WildlifeService, started working with nonprofitconservation groups like Ducks Unlimitedtonot only save swamps but revive ones that had been destroyed. Ducks Unlimited would negotiate easements withlandownersand then remove drainage tiles, ditches and dams to restore thenatural flow of water to breeding groundsthat had been lost. TheFish and WildlifeService worked with Ducks Unlimited and other groups to buyand permanently protect restored wetlands.

Overthe last 90 years, revenue from the hunting stamp,whichnow costs $25,has saved about 6million acres of wetlands. Ducks Unlimited, which is funded primarily by hunters, estimates it has restored18 million acres in North America, the vast majority in nesting grounds for birdsthat migrate along the Mississippi Flyway, fromprairieCanada to theGulf of Mexico.

That’satotal area of swamps, marshes, bogs and shallow lakes larger than LakeSuperior

But it’sa fraction of what it was Lake Christinawas one of the most famedand productive hunting lakes in Minnesota in the 1920s. There were regular reports then of more than 100,000 white-backed

canvasback ducks dottingthe lake. Butby1959, that number had fallen to about 250.

Lillemon grew up on the lake, and seeing its rebirth helpedinspire him to becomea habitat engineer for Ducks Unlimited.

“It’shardfor me to hunt anywhere else,” he said,asthe birds have becomesoconsistent.

The waterline in ahealthy and functioning wetland needs to fluctuate, like lungs. Thedamage done to awetland when it is drained is immediate and obvious, likeair sucked out of acollapsed lung. The rich soil dries up and can be plowed and turned into acorn field. Butthe other extremeisjust as damaging. Wetlands can be flooded to death. This happens when dams, drainage ditches and tile lines force too much water into the system and don’tlet it leave. Imagine taking adeep breath and never being abletoexhale.

That’s what happened to Lake Christina.

As thousands of acres of what had been meandering streams and marshes were drained to build out the crop fields of west-central Minnesota, some of that water pushed into Lake Christina. The higher water levels allowedbullheadsand carp to thrive. They churned up the lake bottom,and it becamedark and mucky.Nativeaquatic plantslike wild celery died off. The birds left. About 15 years ago, Minnesota

lawmakers funded apumping system in one of the dams near the lake withthe help of Ducks Unlimited and theFish andWildlife Service. In 2010, the statedrew down water levels, allowing the system to exhale forthe first time in 50 years. Fish and algae populations immediately dropped to more naturalnumbers Sunlight once againreached the lake bottom. Plants started growing.

As thelake rose with therainsand snow melt of the following spring, thousandsofducks returned. Still, for every acreofwetland being restored in Minnesota,more are being lost.

The Supreme Court’s2023 Sackett decision hasalso removed federal Clean Water Act protections for wetlands unless they have acontinuous surface connection to navigable waters.Thatstripsfederalprotection from many shallow breeding ponds, which fill up with rain and snowmelt only in the spring.

Those ponds, called prairie potholes, will nowhave to rely either on state protectionsorconservation programslike those funded by the duck stamp Over the last 20 years, wetlands have been losingsome of their most ardent advocates. Duck hunting, as apastime, is in declinethroughout theirbreedinggrounds of the Upper Midwest.

But across the country,sales of the federal duck stamp have remained stable at about 1.5million

stamps soldeachyearsince2010

Some of thatisbecause duckhunting hasbeen growing as asport in the South, in places like Arkansas wherelicensed hunters have increased

It’s also becausetherehas been anew-found push amongbirders, those who observebut don’thunt, to buy duckstampstosupport the preservation of wild places, said Scott Glup, the recently retired project leader of theLitchfieldWetland Management District for the Fish and Wildlife Service.

“They take as much pleasurein seeing abirdasIdowatching my dog work afield,”hesaid. “If you want bird habitat,here’ssomething you can do. Buya duckstamp.”

The farmlandwheremuch of the losses have been is valuable. Some of it was drained by county or state governments for what was believed to be for thepublic good.

In November,Glupstood by the side of oneofthe wetlands he helped restore afew days before hisretirement. It took 15 years for the Fish and Wildlife Service to work out a deal with the landownerstoput a conservation easementonthe property.It’sstill owned by the farmers, but it can never be drained or intensively farmed again. How can youjustify taking land outofproduction?

That’sthe most persistent questionGlup receivedinhis 37-year career restoringwetlands.

Glup saidheused to dreadthat question fromhostile county boards andskeptical farmers.But thenhe started looking forward to it,after he hadhunted in restored fields, and seen all that they had brought back.

“We’re not taking it out of production, we’re putting it backinto production,” Glup said.“With these wetlandswe’re producinggroundwater recharge, erosion control, floodprotections, ducks and pheasants. We’re producingpublic land thatpeople cangoout and enjoy We’re producing pollinators.” Throughout his career,Glup was usually thefirst oneinthe office, arriving around sunrise. The Litchfield office is asmall building off of atwo-lane road that backs up afew hundredacres of restored prairie. During the season, he would hunt pheasantsoverhis lunch break in thatprairiewith Rica, the best pheasant dog Glup has ever had.

PROVIDED PHOTO

Management

FAITH & VALUES

‘Playful’ approach to planning for death

Former theology professor’s program has new view

BY ELLIE DAVIS Contributing writer

Lea Schweitz has become a fan of and a facilitator for having conversations we all like to avoid.

She remembers that soon after her Stage 4 lung cancer diagnosis two years ago, a caregiver told her she better get her finances together But between triaging her responsibilities and focusing on healing, she set aside the daunting “get your affairs in order” aspect of her diagnosis, she said.

Then, her 10-year-old’s friend showed up at her Chicago home on Halloween in a Grim Reaper costume.

“The whole thing was hilarious to me,” said Schweitz, a former systematic theology professor.

“It was this little snapshot of this long playdate with death that we had gone on.”

Soon after the Grim Reaper visit, Schweitz invited friends to gather and do the end-of-life planning she’d been avoiding. And in February 2024, she started her Substack, “Playdates with Death,” which aims to serve as a place for people from anywhere to come together and do the hard work of preparing for their deaths. The online community meets on Zoom once a month for a “community playdate,” which tackles one of 12 projects for the year, from obituary writing, to creating phone trees for emergencies, to funeral planning, to a Q&A session with an estate attorney Schweitz has started hosting

workshops on related topics at churches

Americans are starting to talk about death in new ways. The growing death-tech industry hopes to streamline end-of-life planning Death Over Dinner is a project that encourages people to discuss death at their next dinner party And in February, The New York Times’ Tech Tip focused on digital estate planning.

Meanwhile, the International End of Life Doula Association’s membership rose from about 1,700 in 2023 to 2,296 last year

The death awareness movement of the 1970s and 1980s seems to have to morphed into the death positive movement today, which encourages people to talk about and learn to accept the reality of death, dying and burial — topics that often make people anxious or scared

Schweitz earned her Ph.D. in religion at the University of Chicago. Throughout her career, she’s long been asking deep, hard questions, whether about climate change, dementia or technology

Then, two years ago, at age 48, while navigating a job loss and divorce, the mom of two received her diagnosis.

“There’s a need to find playful ways to do this hard work in community,” Schweitz said. “Professional training helped me hold this space with people’s biggest concerns. As hard as it is, it is also life-giving and glorious.”

While “Playdates with Death” isn’t explicitly religious, Schweitz said many of the practices are theologically and spiritually informed, whether she’s leading a gratitude practice or an embodied movement session. Kathleen Garces-Foley, professor of religious studies at Marymount University in Arlington,

Virginia, has written extensively about hospice and efforts to improve end-of-life care by bringing “spiritual presence” to those who are dying. While there is no specified survey to ask people if they are interested in end-of-life information and care, she said that once you add up those seeking “death cafes, death doulas and death memoirs, you do get a picture of interest.”

“Using death as a spiritual opportunity for growth was a popular theme in the 20th century,” she said. “But the growing financial burden of end-of-life care is a big concern.”

For Schweitz’s workshop series at St. Paul & St. Andrew United Methodist Church in Manhattan, 75 people signed up.

“Doesn’t that tell you how hungry people are for information like this?” said participant Leah Heimbach “There were young, old, some in other states.”

The four-part series that started in January covers subjects such as “Finding your why and the big 3 of end-of-life planning” and “End-of-life celebrations.”

Schweitz intends to bring the workshops, which first started with her friends, to different churches around the country

Among the participants was Courtney Behm, 45, who moved to Manhattan from Ohio four years ago and had been intending to update her life planning paperwork, she said. When she saw the workshops advertised, she said it gave her the nudge she needed.

Behm works in construction management, but her family runs a fourth-generation funeral business. She’s always known taking care of these types of things while you are still around can be a huge support for your family, but she hadn’t yet gone into

the details that “Playdates with Death” offered.

“Lea makes complex things relatable,” Behm said. For example, when Schweitz said on her Substack that an obituary writing lesson would be part of one of the church sessions, Behm decided to attend “It’s a powerful experience to write an obituary,” she reflected. “It helped me get grounded before I dove into the work.”

Whether Schweitz is leading in-person workshops or online community playdates, her goal is to “turn the volume down” on participants’ nervous systems when considering these tough topics, she said. She opens with a lighthearted check-in question and gentle movement, like chair yoga, before moving into the day’s task. She ends every “playdate” with a dance session hoping everyone will leave feeling better than when they came in,

even after doing the hard work of preparing for death.

Heimbach, 64, has a health care background and was intrigued when she heard about the workshops, she said. At a “celebration of life” session, her view on funerals expanded as Pastor Andrea Steinkamp told stories about various funerals at St. Paul & St. Andrew For one member who loved gardening, her memorial service was held outside at the church.

“My husband doesn’t make a big deal about what he’s done, but I intend to have a celebration for him,” Heimbach said. “That’s what I learned in the celebration of life session. Sometimes, it isn’t for you it’s helping the people left behind.”

Schweitz considers herself adjacent to end-of-life caretakers like death doulas and hospice workers but is clear that’s not the work she is doing. She sees herself as a community builder around end-of-life planning to empower families to take care of necessary tasks before things are dire, she said.

“It’s not necessarily folks who have gotten a diagnosis recently,” she said of her participants. “You have to want to be in this space if things are imminent, it’s harder to have that cheeky playfulness.”

She said the group is for people of all ages, and the hope is participants can stay relaxed and playful when having hard conversations because they practiced once a month through the workshops.

Earlier this month, Behm submitted her life planning paperwork to an attorney

“It’s a lot of work,” she said. “But you can see how much it can help others.”

Son of a Saint helps to build confidence for N.O. students

‘The world can be mine’

BY DESIREE STENNETT Staff writer

At 13 years old, Jayden Cavet was excited to be accepted into the Son of a Saint program. Coming of age without his dad, the program was a shot at getting a mentor who could serve as a father figure, guiding him as he grew into a man. The program, which was started in 2011 by Bivian “Sonny” Lee III, the son of former New Orleans Saints defensive back Bivian Lee, Jr., allowed Cavet to take a trip out of state for the first time. Since he was a wrestler on his Jefferson Parish high school team, Son of a Saint paid for him to join a summer wrestling camp that his family wouldn’t have been able to afford on their own.

Before being involved in Son of a Saint, Cavet thought he would skip college to join the military. After joining the program, he decided he wants to attend the competitive U.S. Naval Academy after he completes a year of Marion Military Institute in Alabama, which he will start in August.

A week after graduating high school, Son of a Saint is still helping Cavet toward his goal of joining the Naval Academy though the nonprofit’s ACT prep program, funded by Chevron.

“After going through college, I’d like to have a degree in electrical engineering,” he said. “But realistically, when I go to the military, I’d like to do Special Forces.”

But to get on that path, Cavet needs his score on the standardized college entrance exam to be as high as he can get it to make sure he can claim his spot among all the other students who have just as impressive grades, extracurriculars that show their leadership skills and recommendations from members of Congress.

When Cavet, now 18, took the ACT test for the first time two years ago, he scored a 27 out of 36. Since then, he has done a combination of in-person and virtual test prep. After retaking the test in September, he’s already been able to raise his score to a 31. He plans to study more and take the test at least two more times this summer in hopes of seeing his score jump again.

Building test-taking confidence

Cavet is one of 22 Son of a Saint mentees who logged more than 450

hours of ACT test prep study this school year

Jonathan Brockhoff, a 16-yearold rising senior at Jesuit who has hopes of attending the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, used the test prep opportunity to take his score from a 22 on the practice test to a 32 on his first try on the real thing. He wants to keep studying and is aiming for a perfect score next time.

And Calvin Drake, a 17-year-old rising senior at Newman rose his score from a 19 to a 26. He decided to pursue a career in sports medicine after Son of a Saint got him opportunities to shadow athletic trainers with the Saints, Tulane and Ochsner over the past two summers.

Now that Drake has seen his score jump so dramatically, he’s aiming higher too.

“It was almost like a sense of relief,” Drake said after watching his score rise by seven points.

After all, his score on the test would, in part, determine where he could go to college.

“I had a newfound confidence in myself when it came to the

test,” he said. “I had a lot of that nervousness going into the test. But after prep and getting confidence in myself and just knowing how to properly take the test, after seeing my 26 and all my hard work pay off, it felt really good.”

As Drake gets ready to retake the test, he said he’s happy with the progress he’s already made.

“But I know I can get a much higher score,” he said, adding that he’s focused mainly on time management now His lowest scores have been in science, but he said it’s not the material that’s the problem. He just needs to build up his test-taking endurance.

Lot of time working hard

Building test-taking confidence is part of the magic of the Son of a Saint program said Jesse Weber, who started as a volunteer in 2021 and has since left his teaching job to work full time with the program.

“It feels really cool through time to see the longitudinal effect of someone grabbing their goal,” he said. “Somebody on their time de-

fining their own goal and then going after it then kind of exceeding your effort.”

Mentorship, he said, can take work making sure the students are showing up for their test prep sessions, making sure as they set their goals, they aren’t selling themselves short, resisting the urge to push the kids in a particular direction before they’re ready

But the moment when a young man starts to take the reins is always rewarding.

“I think I’ve spent a lot of time working harder,” Weber said.

“Then, as you watch mentees grow, I’ve watched them grow in ways I didn’t even expect. It’s really cool because you can see lessons that people learn in real time.”

Those lessons come from test prep, which is how Drake decided time management would be his next focus and how Cavet realized that attention to the small details would help him get a higher score.

They come for the social parts of the program, too.

For Brockhoff, Son of a Saintsponsored trips already took him to Ghana, and this summer, he’ll

get the chance to go to France. With those trips under his belt, an out-of-state school is far less intimidating.

“The major I want to go into, aerospace engineering, is not available in the state of Louisiana,” he said. “I need good test scores so I can get scholarships out of state.”

The confidence to chase a dream is perhaps the greatest gift for many of the boys and young men who find mentors though Son of a Saint.

Drake said he’s grateful for the program and credited it for changing the trajectory of his life.

“Within today’s society, a Black young man growing up in a single mother household, the odds of you being successful really aren’t that high,” he said. “But Son of a Saint has completely changed that, and it’s opened up my mind to the idea that the world can be mine. I can take on anything in life and have the confidence to win everything.”

Email Desiree Stennett at desiree.stennett@theadvocate. com.

PROVIDED PHOTO

Lea Schweitz hosts workshops to encourage tough conversations about death.

STAFF PHOTO By BRETT DUKE

Jesse Weber and Jayden Cavet sit at the Son of a Saint office recently in New Orleans.

SUNDAY, MAY 25, 2025

CURTIS / by Ray Billingsley

SLYLOCK FOX / by Bob Weber Jr

GET FUZZY / by Darby Conley

HAGAR THE HORRIBLE / by Chris Browne

MOTHER GOOSE AND GRIMM / by Mike Peters

ZIGGY / by Tom Wilson

ZITS / by Jerry Scott and Jim Borgman

SALLY FORTH / by Francesco Marciuliano & Jim Keefe

PEARLS BEFORE SWINE /byStephan Pastis

directions: Make a 2- to 7-letter word from the letters in each row Add points of each word, using scoring directions at right. Finally, 7-letter words get 50-point bonus. “Blanks” used as any letter have no point value All the words are in the Official SCRABBLE® Players Dictionary, 5th Edition.

word game

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

todAY's Word — QuALities: KWAL-ihtees: Inherent features.

Average mark 42 words Time limit 60 minutes

Can you find 56 or more words in QUALITIES?

ken ken

instructions: 1 -Each rowand each column must contain thenumbers 1through4 (easy) or 1through6 (challenging) without repeating 2 -The numbers within the heavily outlinedboxes, called cages, must combine using thegiven operation (inany order)toproduce the target numbersinthe top-left corners. 3 -Freebies: Fillinthe single-boxcages withthe numberinthe top-left corner

instructions: Sudoku is anumber-placing puzzle based on a 9x9 gridwith several given numbers. The object is to placethe numbers 1to 9in theempty squares so that each row,each column and each 3x3 boxcontains the same number only once. The difficultylevel of the Conceptis Sudoku increases from Monday to Sunday

directions: Complete thegridso that numbers 1–132 connect horizontally, vertically or diagonally

Sudoku

Edited by Rich Norris and Joyce Nichols Lewis

wuzzLes

Perseverance

Today’s deal is from a recent tournament in India. South had beenastarplayerinIndiaformany decades, but he was in his 80s now and had lost some of his patience. He showed that in both his bidding and his play on this deal. South won the opening trump lead in his hand and drew the rest of the trumps. Seeing nothing better to do, he took the heart finesse at trick three and was quickly down one There were some extra chances on this deal, and expert discussion sorted through them at the end of the day It was possible that one opponent started with three clubs to the king and queen. After drawing trumps, South might have led a club to the ace and ruffed a club. The fall of the king would be exciting! Declarer could now cash two high hearts, in case the queen fell, and ruff another club. East’s discard would be disappointing, but South could now start to run his diamonds. This would be the position with one diamond to go:

GEMINI (May 21-June 20) Take the path that has the most opportunities. Diversification is the route to your happiness. The more ways you can use your attributes, the easier it will be to find your niche. Put your assets to good use.

CANCER (June 21-July 22) Review conversations and requests. Someone will ask for too much. Curb any inclination to be excessive or let situations spin out of control. Declining a deal that doesn’t meet your requirements will be necessary

On the two of diamonds, West would have to keep his club so would part with a spade. The jack of clubs would be discarded from dummy and East would have the Hobson’s choice of discarding a spade or a heart. 13 tricks for South either way!

Tannah Hirsch welcomes readers’ responses sent in care of this newspaper or to Tribune Content Agency inc., 2225 Kenmore Ave., Suite 114, Buffalo, Ny 14207. E-mail responses may be sent to gorenbridge@ aol.com. ©

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) Refuse to let anger take charge, even in selfdefense. Keeping the peace will separate you from the crowd. No matter who you are dealing with, a positive attitude will put you in command and turn you into a hero. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) Keep an open mind, but refuse to let anyone take advantage of you. Look around you, consider what you are happy with make some hard decisions. LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) An open conversation can help clear up a lot of uncertainty Prepare to ask tough questions, verify facts and make choices that will positively impact how and where you live. Opportunity is apparent.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) Channel your energy into accomplishing your goals, working out and being the best you can be in all aspects of life. Refuse to let your anger and frustration mount regardless of what others do or say SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) Set a tight schedule. The busier you are, the better Using your energy to get things done will help you avoid an argument. Physical activities and self-improvement projects will give you a needed boost.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Be receptive to change. If you go with the flow, you’ll find it easier to get

things done. Check for hidden costs and read the fine print. Invest more time in self-improvement.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) Invest time and money in yourself and your surroundings. Streamline or update your surroundings. Do the work yourself, where possible. Romance is in the stars.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20) Refrain from taking on more than you can handle. Offering less and presenting more will lead to the boost you need to achieve your goals. Refuse to let anyone take advantage of you financially Play fair

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

PISCES (Feb. 20-March 20) Emotional spending, indulgence and excess will lead to financial setbacks. Changing how you handle money will help you make ends meet. Live within your means. ARIES (March 21-April 19) Weigh the pros and cons of every situation and look for a unique solution. Set a budget and an achievable plan. Say no to excess. Romance and selfimprovement are favored.

1. Denmark. 2. Germany.3.Spain.4.Malta. 5. Portugal.6.Hungary.7.Ukraine or Bahrain. 8. Argentina. 9. Singapore. 10. Indonesia. 11. Cameroon. 12. Bangladesh.13. Liechtenstein. 14. Slovenia.15. Botswana.

SCORING: 24 to 30 points —congratulations, doctor; 18 to 23 points—honorsgraduate; 13 to 17 points —you’replenty smart, but no grind; 5to12points —you really shouldhit the booksharder;1point to 4points —enroll in remedial courses immediately; 0points who reads thequestions to you?

Saturday's Cryptoquote: Having children is like living in afrat house —nobody sleeps, everything's broken, andthere's alot of throwing up. —Ray Romano

jeFF mACnelly’sshoe/ by Gary Brookins &Susie MacNelly

FoXtrot/ by BillAmend