WASHINGTON Representatives of Louisiana’s largest hospitals converged Tuesday on Capitol Hill after a Senate committee released its recommendations to squeeze more spending cuts out of Medicaid than the House did in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
Louisiana’s hospitals are still evaluating the suggested Medicaid cuts, but a first read of the 549page bill released Monday night is not optimistic, said Paul A. Salles, president and chief executive officer of the Louisiana Hospital As-
sociation.
“States have gotten incredibly greedy about pulling down money from the federal taxpayer as governors and legislatures have decided to spend their own dollars on things besides Medicaid.”
SEN. BILL CASSIDy, R-Baton Rouge
“Unlike the House bill, which takes a more balanced approach to controlling Medicaid spending the new proposal from the Senate Finance Committee includes devastating reductions that could jeopardize rural access, medical education and essential services
such as maternity care, children’s services, behavioral health and access to specialty care for patients across Louisiana,” Salles said Tuesday The legislation, which includes most of President Donald Trump’s domestic agenda, cleared the House by a single vote. It would
cut spending over the next 10 years by $1.6 trillion, mostly from Medicaid reductions, but add $2.4 trillion to the national debt, mostly from tax breaks. An estimated 10 million people would no longer be able to enroll in the state-federal program that pays for health care services for low-income Americans, according to the Congressional Budget Office.
Senators promised significant changes to the House-passed bill.
Their suggestions go much further on Medicaid than the House by cracking down on strategies states have used to raise more money for their share of Medicaid, which brings in more federal “match” dollars. That would have the effect of transferring the costs
from taxpayers around the country to just those in a state.
Officials from Louisiana’s largest health systems gave U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy an earful Tuesday morning, both Cassidy and hospital administrators in attendance acknowledged.
“I’m very much conscious of the impact that would have on our providers back home but that’s the setting in which this is occurring,” Cassidy said after meeting with Louisiana health care officials. The Baton Rouge Republican is a member of the Senate Finance Committee and chair of the Senate Health Education Labor and Pensions Committee.
HITTING THEIR STRIDE
LSU tops UCLA 9-5 in rain-delayed game to remain unbeaten in the College World Series
ATF agent among 2 wounded in BR shooting
BY AIDAN MCCAHILL and QUINN COFFMAN Staff writers
A federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives agent was injured during a shooting Tuesday afternoon outside the Triple S Food Mart on Fairfields Avenue, Baton Rouge police said Baton Rouge Emergency Medical Services transported the agent, along with another injured person. Both suffered injuries that were not life-threatening It was unclear what caused the shooting and how many suspects were involved, but a massive police presence descended on the area shortly after 2 p.m. Tuesday Louisiana State Police is leading the
A Louisiana State Police trooper
through the crime
near Triple S Food Mart at
intersection of Fairfields
and North Foster Drive following a shooting that injured a federal agent on Tuesday ä See SHOOTING, page 6A
LSU left fielder Derek Curiel passes in front of the Tigers’ dugout as he runs home to score against UCLA during Tuesday’s game of the College World Series at Charles Schwab Field in Omaha, Neb LSU won 9-5 to remain unbeaten and will play again at 6 p.m. Wednesday.
Complete coverage in Sports, 1C.
Miguez enters Senate race against Cassidy
GOP state senator from New Iberia claims to be ‘the MAGA choice’
BY ALYSE PFEIL Staff writer
Louisiana state Sen. Blake Miguez, R-New Iberia, announced his candidacy Tuesday for U.S. Senate, with an opening salvo targeting Republican incumbent Bill Cassidy’s vote to convict President Donald Trump during his 2021 impeachment trial. The initial frames of a video announcing Miguez’s run for office show Cassidy labeled as a “RINO” — Republican in Name Only — as he says, “I voted to convict President Trump.”
Then, Miguez appears and says, “I’m running for the U.S. Senate because Bill Cassidy sucks.” He also touts his deep Louisiana roots and showcases his skills as a competitive shooter, wielding various firearms throughout the video to metaphorically target concepts conservatives oppose, like “Marxism.” Miguez is also branding himself as “the MAGA choice” for the U.S. Senate. At the State Capitol, he has championed some hallmark conservative causes, including gun rights and anti-immigration policies.
ä See MIGUEZ, page 6A Miguez
STAFF PHOTO By HILARy SCHEINUK
STAFF PHOTO By JAVIER GALLEGOS
Tropical storm expected to become hurricane
MEXICO CITY A hurricane warning was issued Tuesday for a portion of southern Mexico as Tropical Storm Erick gained strength in the Pacific Ocean, forecasters said.
The National Hurricane Center said Erick was expected to rapidly intensify and become a hurricane by late Tuesday or early Wednesday. The cyclone was centered about 240 miles southeast of Puerto Ángel, Mexico, on Tuesday afternoon
The tropical storm had maximum sustained winds of 50 mph, the Miami-based center said. It was moving west-northwest at 7 mph and forecast to approach the coast by late Wednesday
The storm’s projected path would take its center near the resort of Acapulco, which was devastated in October 2023 by Hurricane Otis, a Category 5 hurricane that rapidly intensified and caught many unprepared.
At least 52 people died in Otis and 32 were missing, after the storm severely damaged almost all of the resort town’s hotels. Guerrero state Gov Evelyn Salgado said Tuesday that lessons were learned from that storm. She announced the closure of all schools across the state for Wednesday and said 582 shelters were prepared to receive people who might evacuate their homes.
A hurricane warning was in effect from Puerto Ángel to Punta Maldonado in coastal southern Mexico
Combs unlikely to testify as jurors deliberate soon NEW YORK The possibility that music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs might testify at his federal sex trafficking trial all but vanished Tuesday after his lawyer predicted a defense presentation lasting as little as two days and a judge said jurors could begin deliberations as early as next week.
Attorney Marc Agnifilo offered the hint when Judge Arun Subramanian asked him for an estimate on the length of the defense case, and the attorney said their presentation could last less than two days — but not more than five.
If Combs testified, it was likely his testimony would take longer than a week. Testimony by two of his former girlfriends consumed two of the trial’s six weeks.
Combs, 55, has pleaded not guilty to sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy charges He has been jailed at a federal lockup in Brooklyn since his September arrest at a Manhattan hotel.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Maurene Comey said prosecutors would rest as early as Wednesday and no later than Friday morning.
The estimates were provided Tuesday after the irate judge scolded prosecutors and defense lawyers, saying information about a closed court proceeding involving a juror last Friday had leaked to a media outlet.
Baby delivered from Ga. woman on life support
ATLANTA The baby of a woman in Georgia who was declared brain dead and has been on life support since February was delivered early Friday morning, her mother said.
April Newkirk told WXIA-TV that 31-year-old Adriana Smith’s baby was born prematurely by an emergency cesarean section early Friday, the Atlanta station reported Monday night. She was about six months into her pregnancy The baby, named Chance, weighs about 1 pound and 13 ounces and is in the neonatal intensive care unit.
“He’s expected to be okay,” Newkirk told the TV station.
“He’s just fighting. We just want prayers for him.”
Newkirk said her daughter had intense headaches more than four months ago and went to Atlanta’s Northside Hospital where she received medication and was released. The next morning, her boyfriend woke to her gasping for air and called 911. Emory University Hospital determined she had blood clots in her brain and she was declared brain-dead. She was eight weeks pregnant, according to WXIA. Newkirk said Smith would be taken off of life support Tuesday
G7 leaders try to salvage summit
BY ROB GILLIES, JILL LAWLESS and WILL WEISSERT Associated Press
KANANASKIS, Alberta — Six of the Group of Seven leaders were wrapping up their summit on Tuesday, attempting to prove that the wealthy nations’ club still has the clout to shape world events despite the early departure of U.S. President Donald Trump.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and his counterparts from the U.K., France, Germany, Italy and Japan were joined by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and NATO chief Mark Rutte and discussed Russia’s relentless war on its neighbor at what has essentially become just the G6.
Zelenskyy said after overnight Russian attacks killed 15 people and injured 150plus in his country that “our families had a very difficult night, one of the biggest attacks from the very beginning of this war.”
“We need support from allies and I’m here,” Zelenskyy said. He added, “We are ready for the peace negotiations, unconditional ceasefire. I think it’s very important. But for this, we need pressure.”
Carney said the attack “underscores the importance of standing in total solidarity with Ukraine, with the Ukrainian people” and pledged $2 billion in new aid that would fund drones and other military items. Numerous meetings continued, and the remaining leaders agreed to jointly attempt to combat what they called non-market policies that could jeopardize global access to critical minerals.
They similarly pledged to limit the potential downsides of artificial intelligence on jobs and the environment while still
embracing the potential of the “technological revolution.”
But, notably, the leaders did not release any joint statements on Russia’s war in Ukraine. Zelenskyy had been set to meet with Trump while world leaders were gathering in the Canadian Rocky Mountain resort of Kananaskis, but that was scrapped.
The U.S. previously signed an agreement granting American access to Ukraine’s vast mineral resources amid Russia’s ongoing war in Zelenskyy’s country The summit opened with the specific goal of helping to defuse a series of pressure points, only to be disrupted by a showdown over Iran’s nuclear program that could escalate. Israel launched an aerial bombardment campaign against Iran and Iran has hit back with missiles and drones.
Trump departed before the final day began. As conflict between Israel and Iran intensified, he declared that Tehran should be evacuated “immediately” and has demanded Iran’s “unconditional surrender.”
Before leaving, Trump joined the other leaders in issuing a statement saying Iran “can never have a nuclear weapon” and calling for a “de-escalation of hostilities in the Middle East, including a ceasefire in Gaza.” Getting unanimity even on a short and broadly worded statement — was a modest measure of success for the group.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said that he sat next to Trump at Monday night’s summit dinner “I’ve no doubt, in my mind, the level of agreement there was in relation to the words that were then issued immediately after that,” he said.
Ex-Argentine president allowed to serve sentence at home
By The Associated Press
BUENOS AIRES, Argentina A federal court on Tuesday granted a request by former Argentine President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner to serve a sixyear prison sentence for corruption at her home in Buenos Aires.
JudgesruledthatFernández, 72, can serve time in the apartment where she lives with her daughter and her granddaughter, citing her age and security reasons. Fernández was the victim of an attempted assassinationthreeyearsago.
In the ruling, obtained by The Associated Press, the court said that Fernández “must remain at the registered address, an obligation that she may not break except in exceptional situations.”
The court also ordered that Fernández be placed under the watch of an electronic surveillance device to monitor her movements.
Last week, Argentina’s highest court upheld Fernández’s sentence in a ruling that permanently banned her from public office over the corruption conviction that found she had directed state contracts to a friend while she was the first lady and president.
The ruling left Fernández, Argentina’s charismatic yet deeply divisive ex-
leader, sent her supporters pouring into the streets of Buenos Aires, Argentina’s capital, and blocking major highways in protest.
The ruling barred Fernández from running in this fall’s Buenos Aires legislative election just days after she launched her campaign.
On Tuesday the court dismissed prosecutors’ request that Fernández serve time behind bars. Judges said that the physical integrity of the political leader“wouldbecomecomplex in a situation of prison confinement in coexistence with any type of prison population.”
Seeking to serve the sentence at home, the former president had argued that she is more than 70 years
FDA to faster review companies promoting ‘national priorities’
BY MATTHEW PERRONE AP health writer
WASHINGTON U.S. regulators will begin offering faster reviews to new medicines that administration officials deem as promoting “the health interests of Americans,” under a new initiative announced Tuesday Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Marty Makary said the agency will aim to review select drugs in one to two months. FDA’s long-standing accelerated approval program generally issues decisions in six months for drugs that treat life-threatening diseases. Regular drug reviews take about 10 months.
Since arriving at the FDA in April, Makary has repeatedly told FDA staff they need to “challenge assumptions” and rethink procedures. In a medical journal commentary published last week,Makarysuggestedthe agencycouldconduct“rapid or instant reviews,” pointing to the truncated process used to authorize the first COVID-19 vaccines under Operation Warp Speed.
For the new program, the FDA will issue a limited number of “national priority vouchers” to companies “aligned with U.S. national priorities,” the agency said in a statement. The special designation will give the selected companies access to extra FDA communications, streamlined staff reviews and the ability to submit much of their product information in advance.
Speeding up drug approvals has long been a priority ofthepharmaceuticalindustry, which has successfully lobbied Congress to create a variety of special programs and pathways for faster reviews.
Many aspects of the plan announced Tuesday overlap with older programs. But thebroadcriteriaforreceiving a voucher will give FDA officials unprecedented discretion in deciding which companies can benefit from the fastest reviews.
“The ultimate goal is to bring more cures and meaningful treatments to the American public,” Makary
said in a statement. Makary said he will prioritize vouchers for companies pursuing products that address health crises, deliver “innovative cures” or address other unmet public health needs.
An administration official said the program wouldn’t change FDA approval standards.
“Withoutalteringhownew treatments are evaluated just when the FDA’s new voucher program is a common sense reform that maintains rigorous clinical standards while streamlining needless bureaucracy,” Kush Desai, a White House spokesperson, wrote in an emailed statement Tuesday Separate from this week’s announcement, Makary recently suggested the FDA should be willing to ease its scientific requirements for certain drugs targeting rare conditions. In such cases, the agency could consider waiving its requirement for randomized studies, in which researchers track patients over time to evaluate drug safety and effectiveness. Such trials are generally considered the gold standard of medical research, though the FDA has increasingly been willing to accept smaller, lessdefinitive studies for rare or life-threatening diseases. In several recent cases, the FDA has faced criticism for approving drugs based on preliminary data that didn’t ultimately show benefits for patients. The push to rapidly accelerated drug approvals is the opposite approach that Makary and his boss, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., have taken on vaccines.
Promising a “return to gold-standard science,” Kennedy previously announced that all new vaccines would have to be compared to placebo, or a dummy shot, to win approval. Kennedy and Makary also have announced a stricter policy on seasonal updates to COVID-19 shots, saying they will have to undergo new testing before they can be approved for use in healthy children and most adults.
old — an extenuating circumstance taken into account by the justice system to grant the privilege.
Fernández dominated Argentine politics for two decades and forged the country’s main left-wing populist movement known as Kirchnerism — after her and her husband, former President Néstor Kirchner She rejects the charges as politically motivated.
During Fernández’s eight years in office from 2007–15, Argentina expanded cash payments to the poor and pioneered major social assistance programs. Her governments funded unbridled state spending by printing money, bringing Argentina notoriety for major budget deficits and sky-high inflation.
ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By MARK SCHIEFELBEIN
President Donald Trump boards Air Force One at Calgary International Airport on Monday in Calgary, Canada, on his way back to Washington.
ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By NATACHA PISARENKO
Supporters of former Argentine President Cristina Fernández gather outside her home in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on Tuesday, one week after the nation’s Supreme Court upheld her corruption conviction.
Senate passes crypto regulations
BY JOEY CAPPELLETTI, MARYCLAREJALONICK and ALAN SUDERMAN Associated Press
WASHINGTON The Senate passed legislation Tuesday that would regulate aform of cryptocurrency known as stablecoins, the first of what the industry hopes will be awaveofbillstobolster its legitimacy and reassure consumers.
The fast-moving legislation, which passed by a6830 vote and willbesent to the House for potential revisions, comes on the heels of a2024 campaigncycle in which the crypto industry ranked among the top politicalspendersinthe country, underscoring its growing influence in Washington and beyond.
Eighteen Democratic senators crossed the aisle to vote forthe legislation on Tuesday, sidingwith theRepublicanmajorityinthe 53-47Senate. Republican Sens. Josh Hawley and Rand Paul were the only members of their party to oppose the measure It was the second major bipartisan bill to advance through the Senate this year, following theLakenRiley Act on immigration enforcement in January Still, most Democrats opposed thebill. They raised concerns that the measure does little to address President DonaldTrump’spersonal financial interestsin the crypto space.
“Weweren’table to in-
cludecertainly everything we wouldhave wanted,but it was agood bipartisan effort,” said Sen. Angela Alsobrooks, D-Md.,onMonday. Alsobrooks, aco-sponsor of thebill, added, “Thisisanunregulated area that will now be regulated.”
Sen. Bill Hagerty,R-Tenn., the bill’ssponsor,said on the Senate floor ahead of the vote that the legislation will have “farreachingimplications” for the financialsystem —a “paradigm shifting development”that he believes will bring it into the 21st century
“With this bill, the United Statesisastep closer to being agloballeader in crypto,” Hagerty said.
Known as the GENIUS Act, the bill would establish guardrails and consumer protections forstablecoins, atype ofcryptocurrency typically pegged to the U.S. dollar.The acronym stands for “Guidingand Establishing National Innovationfor U.S.Stablecoins.”
The bill only needed a simplemajority vote to pass Tuesday,afterithad already clearedits biggest procedural hurdlelastweekina 68-30 vote, with 18Democrats siding with Republicans. But the bill hasfaced moreresistancethan initially expected. Trump’sstake in crypto
There is aprovision in the bill that bans members of Congress and theirfamilies fromprofiting off stablecoins. But that prohibition does notextend to thepresi-
dentand hisfamily,even as Trump buildsa crypto empire from theWhiteHouse.
Last month,the Republican presidenthosted aprivate dinner at his golf club in Virginia withtop investorsina Trump-branded meme coin. His family holds asignificantstake in World Liberty Financial, acrypto project thatlaunched its own stablecoin, USD1.
Trumpreported earning $57.35 million from token sales at World Liberty Financial in 2024, according to apublic financial disclosure released Friday.Ameme coin linked to him has generated an estimated $320 million in fees, though theearnings are split amongmultiple investors.
The administration is broadly supportive of crypto’sgrowth and its integrationinto theeconomy. Ahead of Tuesday’s vote, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent urged theSenate to pass thebill, saying it could help stablecoins “growintoa$3.7 trillion market by theend of the decade.”
Brian Armstrong, CEO of Coinbase —the nation’slargest crypto exchange and a major advocate for the bill —has metwith Trumpand praised his early moves on crypto. This past weekend, Coinbase was among the more prominentbrands that sponsoredaparade in Washington commemorating the Army’s250th anniversary an eventthatcoincidedwith Trump’s79th birthday
of European satelliteshave created the first artificial solar eclipses by flying in precise and fancy formation, providing hours of on-demand totality for scientists.
The European Space Agency releasedthe eclipse pictures at the Paris Air Show on Monday.Launched late last year,the orbiting duo have churned out simulated solar eclipses since March while zooming tens of thousands of miles above Earth.
Flying 492 feet apart, one satellite blocks the sun like the moon does during anatural total solar eclipse as the other aims its telescopeat the corona, the sun’souter atmosphere that forms a crown or halo of light.
It’sanintricate, prolonged dance requiring extreme precision by thecube-shaped spacecraft,less than 5feet in size. Their flying accuracy needstobewithin amere millimeter,the thickness of afingernail. This meticulous positioning is achieved autonomously through GPS navigation, star trackers, lasers and radio links.
Dubbed Proba-3, the $210 million mission has generat-
The sun’scorona is captured by theProba-3pair of spacecraft on May23in thevisible light spectrum, withthe hair-likestructures revealed using aspecialized imageprocessingalgorithm
ed 10 successful solareclipses so far during the ongoing checkout phase. The longest eclipse lasted five hours, saidthe Royal Observatory of Belgium’sAndrei Zhukov thelead scientist for the orbiting corona-observing telescope. He andhis team are aiming for awondrous six hours of totalityper eclipse once scientific observations begin in July
Scientistsalready are thrilled by the preliminary results that show the corona without the need for anyspecial image processing, said Zhukov
“Wealmostcouldn’tbelieveour eyes,” Zhukovsaid in an email. “This was the first try,and it worked.Itwas so incredible.”
Zhukov anticipates an averageoftwo solar eclipses per week being produced for atotalofnearly200 during the two-year mission,yielding morethan 1,000 hours of totality.Thatwill be ascientific bonanza since full solar eclipsesproduce just afew minutesoftotality when the moon linesupperfectlybetween Earth and the sun on average just once every 18 months
The sun continues to mystifyscientists,especially its corona, which is hotter than the solar surface.Coronal mass ejectionsresult in billions of tonsofplasma and magnetic fields being hurled outinto space. Geomagnetic storms can result, disrupting power andcommunication while lighting up the night sky with auroras in unexpected locales.
While previoussatellites have generatedimitation solareclipses— including the European Space Agency and NASA’sSolar Orbiter and Soho observatory —the sunblocking disk was always on the same spacecraft as the corona-observing telescope.
But the crypto industry emphasizes that they view the legislative effort as bipartisan, pointing to champions on each side of the aisle.
“The GENIUS Actwill be themost significant digital assets legislation ever to pass the U.S. Senate,” Senate BankingCommittee Chair TimScott, R-S.C., said ahead of akey vote last week.“It’s the product of months of bipartisan work.”
Some Democratsobject
Thebill didhit onerough patch in earlyMay,whena blocofSenate Democrats whohad previously supported the bill reversed course andvoted to block it from advancing. Thatprompted new negotiations involving SenateRepublicans,Democrats andthe White House, which ultimately produced thecompromise version that
wonpassage Tuesday Alsobrooks said “many, many changes” weremade during negotiations and “it’s amuch better deal because we wereall at the table.”
Ahead of the vote Tuesday, GOPWyoming Sen. Cynthia Lummis said that she is “OK”with where the stablecoin legislation has landed after negotiations.
“I’mnot thrilledwith it, but it’sOK,” said Lummis, one of the bill’sco-sponsors.
Still, thebill leaves unresolved concerns over presidentialconflicts of interest —anissue that remains a source of tension within the Democratic caucus.
“Passing the GENIUS Act without strong anti-corruption measures stamps aCongressional seal of approval on PresidentTrumpselling access to the government for personal profit,” Demo-
cratic Sen. Jeff Merkley said in astatement after the bill’spassage. Sen. Elizabeth Warren, DMass., has been among the mostoutspoken as the ranking member on the Senate Banking Committee, warningthat thebillcreates a “superhighway” forTrump corruption. She has also warned that the bill would allow major technology companies, suchasAmazon and Meta, to launch their own stablecoins.
Among the Democrats whobacked the bill wasfirstterm Sen. Elissa Slotkin, whoreceived $10 million in support from acrypto political action committee during her Michigan race last year Slotkin acknowledged the bill “wasn’tperfect” but calledita“good-faith, bipartisan start” to regulating stablecoins.
PROVIDED PHOTO By THE EUROPEAN SPACEAGENCy
BY JOSEPH KRAUSS, JON GAMBRELL and NATALIE MELZER Associated Press
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates
Intense Israeli airstrikes targeted Iran’scapital early Wednesdayafter it issued a warning about anew area it could target, aday after U.S. President Donald Trump demanded “unconditional surrender.”
Uncertainty roiled the region and residents of Tehran fled their homes in droves on the sixth day of Israel’sair campaign aimed at Iran’s military and nuclear program. As the U.S. sent warplanes to the Middle East, Trump warned Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei that the U.S. knows where he is hidingand called forIran’s “UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER” in apost online, without elaborating.
Trump posted that there were no plans to kill Khamenei “at least not for now.”
The U.N. nuclear watchdog also said for the first time that Israeli strikes on Iran’smain uranium-enrichment facility at Natanz had damaged itsmain underground centrifugefacility,not just an above-ground facility
Israel asserts its sweeping assaultisnecessarytoprevent Iran from getting any closer to building an atomic weapon.The strikes have killed at least 224 people in Iran. Iran has retaliated by launching some 400 missiles and hundreds of drones at Israel. So far,24peoplehave been killed in Israel
Amajor explosion could be heard around 5a.m.in Tehran Wednesday morning,
followingother explosions that boomedearlier in the predawn darkness.
Authorities in Iran offered no acknowledgement of the attacks, which has become increasingly common as the Israeli airstrikecampaign hasintensifiedsince it began on Friday
The Israelis earlier warned they could strikea neighborhood southof Mehrabad International Airport, which includes residential neighborhoods,military installations, pharmaceutical companies and industrial firms.
Israel also claimed that it had killed Iran’sGen. Ali Shadmani,whom Israel described as thecountry’s most senior remaining military commander,inTehran.
Shadmani was little known in thecountry before being appointed last week to achief-of-staff-likerole as head of the paramilitary Revolutionary Guard’s Khatam al-AnbiyaCentral Headquarters followingthe killingofhis predecessor, Gen. Gholam Ali Rashid, in an Israeli strike.
Trump left the Group of Seven summit in Canada a day early to deal with the conflict between Israel and Iran, telling reporters:“I’m not looking at aceasefire. We’relookingat better than aceasefire.”
When asked to explain, he said the U.S. wanted to see “a real end” to the conflict that could involve Iran “givingupentirely.”Headded: “I’m nottoo much in the mood to negotiate.”
Despitewarningthat U.S. “patience is wearing thin,” he indicated that diplomatic talks remained an option, and said he could send Vice President JD Vance and spe-
cial envoySteve Witkoff to meet with theIranians.
Meanwhile, theU.S. is shifting militaryaircraft andwarships into and around the Middle East to protect Israel from Iranian attacksand respondtoIran’s threats to targetU.S. militaryinstallations.
Satellite images analyzed Wednesday by The Associated Pressappeared to show no vessels anchored off the headquarters of theU.S. Navy’s5th Fleet in Bahrain. Dispersing ships is acommon safety technique employed by navies around the world in times of trouble.
Trump andPrime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke aboutthe evolving situation over thephone on Tuesday, according to aWhite House official who was not authorized to commentpublicly and spoke on the condition of anonymity Iran offered no immediate response to the president’s posts, but the country’s military leaders vowedthat Israel would soon seemore attacks.
“The operations carried
out so far have been solely for the purpose of warning anddeterrence,” Gen.Abdul Rahim Mousavi, thecommander in chief of Iran’s army, said in avideo. “The punishment operation will be carried out soon.”
Israel’s military warned thepopulation to stay close to shelters as Iran fired new salvos of missiles Wednesday,but officials said most were intercepted and Israel’srescue services had no immediate reports of injuries. Sirens blaredin southernIsrael, including in thedesert town of Dimona, theheart of Israel’sneveracknowledged nuclear arms program
The U.S. State Department announced that the U.S. EmbassyinJerusalem will remain closedthrough Friday due to “the current security situation and ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran.”
Trump warned on social media that “everyoneshould immediately evacuate Tehran,” echoing an earlierIsraeli military callfor some 330,000 residents of adown-
townneighborhood thereto evacuate.
Tehran is one of the largest cities in the Middle East, with around 10 million people, roughly equivalent to Israel’sentirepopulation. People have been fleeing since hostilities began.
Askedwhy he hadurged the evacuation, Trump said: “I just want people to be safe.”
Downtown Tehran emptied out early Tuesday,with manyshops shuttered, as wellasthe ancientGrand Bazaar,whichhas closed onlyintimesofcrisis, such as during the 2022 anti-government protests and the coronavirus pandemic.
On the roads out of Tehran to the west, traffic stood bumper to bumper.Many middle- and upper-class Iranians were headed to the CaspianSea, apopular getaway spot. Long lines snaked fromTehran’sgas stations.
Iranianauthorities appeared to be curbing the public’s accesstothe outside world. Phone and internet service was disrupted, with
landlinephones unableto receive or dial international calls. NetBlocks, an internet monitoringgroup,reported that it had detected asignificant drop in internet traffic from the country Iran’sCyber Security Command acknowledged the internet restrictions andina statement carried by Iranian state television said it was “implementing numerous measures fordifferent parts of the country” The movewas meanttostop enemies from “continuing to exploit infrastructure to carry out cyberand military operations,” the statement said.
Iranhas restricted importantcommunications tools in past nationwide protests andduring the 1980s IranIraq war International websites appeared to be blocked, but local websites werefunctioning, likely signaling that Iran had turned on the socalled “halal net,” its locally controlled version of the internetaimedatlimiting what the public can see.
Iran’sstate TV on Tuesday urged the public to remove the messaging app WhatsApp from theircellphones, alleging without evidence that the app gathered user information to send to Israel. In astatement, WhatsApp said it was concernedthat “these false reports will be an excuse for ourservices to be blocked at atimewhen people need them the most.” The International Atomic Energy Agency said it believed that Israel’sfirst aerial attacks on Iran’sNatanz enrichmentsitehad directly affected the facility’sunderground centrifuge facility Satellite imagery collected after Friday’sattacks showed “additional elements that indicate direct impacts on the underground enrichmenthalls,” the watchdog said.
investigation intothe officer-involved shooting, according to spokesperson Sgt. William Huggins. He also indicated the FBI was investigating thecircumstances that led tothe incident, as wellaspossible suspects.
Apolice drone was deployedat the scene, while authorities could be seen searching the wooded area behind thefoodmart. Customers remained inside for several hours while authorities set aperimeter around it.
FBI, ATF, Homeland Security Investigations, LouisianaState Police, BatonRouge police and EastBaton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Officerepresentatives were all on scene.
Khoury Brown, amemberofthe
Baton Rouge Community Street Team,was at thescene alongwith multiple otherbystanders. He said he could not recall seeing so many agents in one place, even for ahighcrime area.
“I’m 34, and I’ve never seen the FBI here in my life,” said Brown,
MIGUEZ
Continued from page1A
He’s spearheaded Louisiana’spassage of permitless concealed carry laws and last year sponsored legislation to ban “sanctuary” immigration policies Thisyear,healso sponsored Make America HealthyAgain legislation that bans some ultra-processed ingredientsinfood at schools.
In response to Miguez’s announcement on Tuesday, Cassidy defendedhis conservative bona fides and argued he has been an effective senator on issues important to Louisiana.
“I supported the president 90% of the time in his first term,which is among thetop of all Republican senators,” he said. “He’s gottwo Cabinetsecretaries that he would not have unlessIhad gotten them approved.” Cassidy continued: “It
who often attends crime scenes to providesupport for witnesses
This is the second instance of alaw enforcement officer being injured by asuspect in two days. The other incident involved aman allegedly intentionally runningdown aBaton Rouge police motorcyclepatrol officer with hispickup
The investigation is ongoing. As of 5:30 p m.Tuesday,mostauthorities had cleared thearea, though dozens stayed on thescene and the intersection of Fairfields Avenue and North Foster Drive remained closed.
The Triple SFood Mart is thesame location whereAlton Sterling was shot and killedbyBaton Rouge police duringa struggle outside the convenience store in July 2016. The officers were responding to a911 callthat aman matchingSterling’s description had threatened someone with agun. Aloaded gun was recovered from Sterling after he was shot.
Theshootingsparked protests nationwide. Locally,contingents of protesters gathered for several days and nights. Those protests became contentious, with police arresting as many as 200 people at various gatheringsacross thecity
won’tbe the last attack ad, that’sall Ican say.The more the merrier.”
LouisianaTreasurer John Fleming, also aRepublican, in December announced his runfor the seat —also by highlighting Cassidy’s impeachment vote,which he called “a hugemistake.”
“I think that makes him ineligible for reelection in astate that’svery,very supportive of PresidentTrump,” he said.
Fleming on Tuesday touted his own MAGAcredentials, noting that he was afounding memberofthe U.S HouseFreedom Caucus as amember of Congress, was appointed to three different positions in the first Trump administration and won the president’sendorsement when heran for treasurer “I was part of the development of MAGA,”Fleming said. Miguez’scandidacy has beenrumoredfor months.
While hisannouncement isn’ta surprise,itdoes throw the race “into acomplete
Alargegroup of lawenforcement of
and Explosives
tizzy,” said Pearson Cross, aprofessor of Louisiana and American politics at the UniversityofLouisiana at Monroe.
That’sdue to the “vastly” increased chances for arunoff in April’sclosed party primary race, he said.
But any outcome is far from certain.
“I thinkatthis moment, all three candidates have ashot at winning this race depending on their fundraising,” Cross said.
He elaborated: Cassidy, theincumbent,has amassed asignificant war chest, Fleming has name recognition around Louisiana and thecapacity to fund his own campaign should he choose, andMiguez“is making a name for himself in conservative circles in Louisiana.”
Despite efforts to use Cassidy’simpeachmentvote against him, Cross said the incumbent still stands a chance.
“I think it’stoo early to discount atwo-term senator with asizable war chest,
even if it is aclosed primary,” he said.
Louisiana last year decided to end so-called jungle primaryraces —when all candidates compete against each other on the same ballot regardless of party affiliation —and instituted closed party primary races for several major elections, including U.S. Senate.
The April electionwillbe the first that sees the 2024 changes implemented. Under the new rules,votersregistered as Republican must voteinthe Republican Party primary,and voters registered as Democrat must voteinthe Democratic Party primary Unaffiliated voters who registeras“no party,”however,can choosetovotein either the Democraticor Republican primary Sammy Wyatt, chief compliance and investigation officer at LSUHealthShreveport, has alsoannounced a bid for Cassidy’sseat. Staffwriter Mark Ballard contributed to this report.
States have gotten incredibly greedy about pulling down money from the federal taxpayer as governors and legislatures have decided to spend their own dollars on things besides Medicaid,” Cassidy said.
Cassidy said the tax breaks in the bill will energize the U.S. economy and Louisiana workers.
Cassidy and the hospital executives note that the bill as released serves as a base for negotiations and is a long way from the shape it’ll be in when the legislation heads to the floor for Senate passage.
But the language now has worried hospitals in rural areas of the state, whose patients are mostly on Medicaid, said Jeff Reynolds, executive director for the Louisiana Rural Hospital Coalition
“Right now, the way the bill reads,” Reynolds said, “all my member hospitals would have to see what programs they could reduce and what layoffs they’d have to order to stabilize” their finances.
In particular, wording was changed to require “state directed payments” for Medicaid programs to equal the rate paid for Medicare, which is the federal health care program for the elderly The rules now allow the upper limit of those payments to be calculated from the average commercial rate for hospitals and nursing facilities.
For Louisiana, the rural hospitals are set to receive $245 million in the state’s budget for the fiscal year — the money coming primarily from the “state directed payments” the bill targets to help offset providing health care services that cost more than the amount Medicaid covers.
If the Senate’s proposed legislation becomes law, equalizing those payments with the Medicare rate would immediately drop the
amount the state receives to $211 million. Then the federal government would start withholding 10% annually until the calculated rate equals the Medicare rate.
Eventually, payments would drop to about $128 million annually, Reynolds said. State legislators would have to cover the difference — or they could cut Medicaid services.
“Senate Republicans are actively looking at ways to support rural hospitals,” Cassidy said. “As a doctor who worked in the charity hospital system, seeing referrals from rural parishes, I understand the importance of these hospitals and will work to maintain them in Louisiana and elsewhere.”
Additionally, the Senate Finance Committee basically reduced the amount a state can tax hospitals, clinics and other health care providers from 6% to 3.5% Louisiana and most other states use the taxes to offset the portion they owe for services rendered, which leads the federal government picking more of the costs
Nobody knows for sure how much this provision would cost the state treasury, but lowering those percentages would shift the burden of raising the state’s match to the state’s taxpayers.
“Frankly, states have backed out of their commitment to the Medicaid program and use provider taxes to replace the state commitment with federal taxpayer dollars. When we say federal taxpayer dollars, that’s you and me,” Cassidy said.
Less in the regulatory weeds is the proposed change likely to attract the most attention: Able-bodied adults with children over the age of 14 years are going to have to work or volunteer at least 80 hours a month to qualify for the health insurance program.
The House’s work requirement was only for childless adults In the House version, the Congressional Budget Office estimated about 5 million beneficiaries would lose
their Medicaid mostly from being unable to keep up with the paperwork and confusion over the qualifications. Those estimates likely would grow as the numbers required to work increases dramatically in the Senate version.
House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-Benton, has repeatedly asked senators to take a light hand in the changes they make, pointing out that House leadership crafted the bill’s provisions to win over GOP reps who had opposed the legislation. The measure passed the House in May by a single vote.
Johnson’s staff on Tuesday said the speaker wasn’t ready to comment on the Senate’s ideas for changes. Senate leadership hopes to get a vote on the bill next week and begin negotiations with the House on final language and deliver to Trump by July 4.
Email Mark Ballard at mballard@theadvocate. com.
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NYCmayoral candidateis arrested at immigrationcourt
BY CEDAR ATTANASIO Associated Press
NEW YORK New York City
Comptroller and Democratic mayoral candidate Brad Lander was arrested by federal agentsatanimmigration court Tuesday afterhe linked arms with aperson authorities were attempting to detain.
Areporter withThe Associated Press and other journalists witnessed Lander’s arrest at afederal building in Manhattan, the latest confrontation between U.S. agents and aDemocratic politician objecting to the Trump administration’s effort to jail and deport mass numbers of immigrants. The immigrant Lander escorted out of the courtroomwas also arrested.
Lander was released from custody after afew hours. The U.S. Attorney’sOffice said it was investigating his actions and would decide later whether to charge him with acrime.
Lander hadspent the morning observing immigration court hearings and told an AP reporter thathe was there to “accompany” some immigrants out of the building. In the moments before Lander was handcuffed, agents could be seen trying to physically separate him from the man they had come to detain.Lander struggled to stay close, keepinghis arms locked with the man, demanding to see ajudicial warrant.
Videos taken by journalists show agents struggling to separate Landerfrom the man he’d linked arms with for more than 40 seconds before wresting the two apart. Multiple agents then grabbed Lander’s arms and put them behind his back “You’reobstructing,” an agent told Lander “I’m not obstructing,I’m standing right here in the
Newyork CityComptroller Brad Landerisplacedunderarrest by Immigration and Customs Enforcement and FBIagents outside federal immigration courtonTuesdayinNew york.
hallway,” Lander saidashe wasbeing handcuffed.
In astatement, U.S. Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary TriciaMcLaughlinsaid Lander “was arrested for assaulting lawenforcement and impeding afederal officer.
After his release, Lander told reportersthatall he was trying to do was hold the arm of theman who was beingdetainedand said he “certainly did not” assaultanofficer
“I am happy to report thatI am just fine. Ilost abutton,” Lander said after hisrelease.
“I believe it is important to show up andbear witness and accompany people,” he said.
He addedthatthe man “ripped” from hisarmstoday “doesn’thave alawyer”and will sleepina federal detention center
“SoI am going to keep coming here week after week,” he said,emphasizing aneed for nonviolence, to not give President Donald Trump “an excuseto ratchet”things up.
The episode occurred as federal immigrationofficials are conducting large-scale arrests outside immigration courtrooms acrossthe country.Inmany cases,immigrants are arrested after ajudge grants agovernment
request to dismiss their case, making themeligible for expedited removal.
“They remove any opportunity for dueprocess,” Lander had told reporters earlier in the day after witnessing another person’shearing.
Lander’sarrest comes a littlemore than amonth after Newark, New Jersey, Mayor Ras Baraka was arrested on atrespassing charge outside afederal immigration detentioncenter in his city, though the charge was later dropped. Baraka’sfellow Democrat,Rep. LaMonica McIver,was charged with assaulting and impeding federal agentsstemmingfrom her role at the samevisit as the mayor.She’s deniedthe charges Lander is acandidate in the city’sDemocratic mayoral primary.Early voting in the contest is underway and the election is next week.Candidatesinthe race quickly weighed in to criticize the arrest
“This is thelatest example of the extremethuggery of Trump’sICE outofcontrol one can only imagine the fear families across ourcountry feel when confronted with ICE,” said former Gov.Andrew Cuomo, who is running in the primary
BY MICHAEL R. BLOOD Associated Press
LOSANGELES Los Ange-
les Mayor Karen Bass lifted acurfewindowntown Los Angeles on Tuesday that was imposed in response to clashes with police, looting and vandalism amidprotests against President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown in the city
Thecurfewset in place
June 10 provided “successfulcrime prevention and suppression efforts” andprotected stores, restaurants, businesses and residents, the Democratic mayor said.
On Monday,she trimmed back curfew hours after a dropinarrests in the area. The curfew covered a relatively tinyslice of the sprawlingcity—the area
of concern was concentrated in asection of downtownwhere thelooting and vandalism occurred.
Bass faulted arelatively smallgroupof“bad actors who do notcareabout the immigrant community,” a nod to thousands of protesters whoexercised theirrightspeacefully
On June 8, thousands of protesters took to the streets in response to Trump’sdeployment of theNational Guard, blocking off amajor freeway as lawenforcement used tear gas, rubber bullets andflash bangs to control thecrowd.
Aday later,police officers used flash bangs andshotprojectilesas they pushedprotesters through apopulardowntown commercial area where bystanders andres-
taurant workers rushed to get out of their way. Someprotesters set off fireworks and threw water bottlesatthe officers, yelling, “Shame!”
Photos capturedseveral Waymo robotaxis set on fire
Trump ordered the deployment of roughly 4,000 National Guard troopsand 700 Marinestothe nation’ssecond-largest city following protests over his stepped-up enforcement of immigration laws.
On Sunday,Trumpdirected federal immigration officials to prioritize deportations from Democratic-run cities, amove thatcomes afterlarge protests erupted in Los Angeles and other major citiesagainst hisadministration’simmigration policies.
ASSOCIATEDPRESS PHOTO By OLGA FEDOROVA
BY MICHAEL R. SISAK and LARRYNEUMEISTER Associated Press
NEW YORK Former U.S.
Sen. Bob Menendez arrived at afederal prison on Tuesday to begin serving an 11year sentence for accepting bribes of gold and cash and acting as an agent of Egypt.
The New Jersey Democrat has been mocked for the crimes as “Gold Bar Bob,” according to his own law-
yer
Thefederal Bureau of Prisons confirmed that Menendez was in custody at the Federal Correctional Institution, Schuylkillin Minersville, Pennsylvania
The facility has amediumsecurity prison and aminimum-security prison camp.
Giventhe white-collarnature of his crimes, it’slikely he’ll end up in the camp.
The prison is about 118 miles west of New York City.It’shome to about 1,200 inmates, including ex-New York City organized crime boss James Coonan and former gas station owner Gurmeet Singh Dhinsa, whom the New York Postdubbed “Gas-Station Gotti” for his ruthless, violent ways. Menendez, 71,maintains hisinnocence. Last week afederal appeals court rejected his last-ditch effort to remain free on bail while he fights to get his briberyconviction overturned. Athreejudge panel on the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals denied his bail motion.
Pleading for leniency, Menendez told ajudge at his sentencing in January: “I am far from aperfect man. Ihave made more than my share of mistakes and bad decisions. I’ve done far more goodthan bad.”
Menendez has also appeared to be angling fora pardon from PresidentDonald Trump, aligning himself withthe Republican’scriti-
Officials: At least51Palestinianskilledwaiting foraid
BY MOHAMMAD JAHJOUH, SAMY MAGDY and JOSEPH KRAUSS
Associated Press
KHAN YOUNIS, Gaza Strip At least51Palestinians were killed Tuesday andmore than 200 wounded in the Gaza Strip while waiting for U.N. and commercial trucks to enter the territory with desperatelyneededfood, according to Gaza’sHealth Ministry and alocal hospital. Palestinian witnesses told The Associated Pressthat Israeli forces carried out an airstrike on anearby home before opening fire toward thecrowd in thesouthern city of Khan Younis.
Mohammed AbuQeshfa reported hearing aloud explosion followed by heavy gunfire and tank shelling. “I survived by amiracle,” he said.
Thedead andwounded were taken to thecity’s Nasser Hospital, which confirmed 51 people had been killed. Later Tuesday, medical charityMSF raised thedeath toll to 59, saying that another 200 had been woundedwhile trying to receive flour rations in Khan Younis.
SamaherMeqdadwas at thehospital looking for her twobrothers andanephew who had been in thecrowd.
cisms of the judicial system, particularly in New York City
“Thisprocess is political and it’scorrupted to thecore. Ihope President Trumpcleans up thecesspooland restores theintegrity to thesystem,” Menendez told reporters after his Januarysentencing.
In posts Tuesdayonthe socialplatform Xthat were later deleted, Menendez criticized prosecutorsas politically motivated and opposed to hisforeign policy views andpraised Trump for “rising above the law fare.
Menendez resigned last year after he was convicted of sellinghis clout for bribes.FBI agentsfound $480,000incash inhis home, some of it stuffedinside bootsand jacket pockets, along with gold barsworth an estimated $150,000 and aluxury convertible in the garage
In exchange, prosecutors said, Menendez performed corrupt favors for New Jersey business owners, including protecting them fromcriminal investigations, helping in business deals withforeign powers and meeting with Egyptian intelligence officialsbefore helpingEgypt access $300 millioninU.S. military aid.
The Israeli militarysaid soldiers hadspotted agathering near an aid truckthat was stuck in Khan Younis, near whereIsraeli forces were operating.
It acknowledged“several casualties” as Israelis opened fire on the approaching crowd and said authorities would investigatewhat happened.
Theshooting didnot appear to be related to anew Israeli- and U.S.-supported aiddelivery networkthat rolled outlast month andhas been marred by controversy and violence.
The U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian affairs, or OCHA,saidthe people killedwere waiting for food rationsarriving in U.N. convoys. Also on Tuesday,the main Palestiniantelecomsregulatoryagencybased in the West BankcityofRamallah reported that Israelistrikes had cut off fixed-line phone service and internet access in central and southern Gaza.
‘Aren’twehuman beings?’
Yousef Nofal, an eyewitness, said he saw manypeople motionless and bleeding on the ground after Israeli forces opened fire.“It was amassacre,” he said, adding that thesoldiers continued firing on people as they fled from thearea.
“Wedon’twantflour.We don’twantfood.Wedon’t wantanything,” she said. “Why did they fire at the young people? Why? Aren’t we human beings?”
Palestinians say Israeli forces have repeatedly opened fire on crowdstrying to reach food distribution
points run by aseparate U.S. andIsraeli-backed aidgroup since the centers opened last month. Local health officials say scores have been killed and hundreds wounded. In those instances, the Israelimilitary hasacknowledged firing warning shots at people it said had approached its forces in asuspicious manner Deadly Israeli airstrikes continued elsewhere in the enclave on Tuesday Al-AwdaHospital,amajor medical center in northern Gaza, reported that it has received the bodies of eight Palestinians killed in an Israeli strike on ahouse in the central Bureij refugee camp
Desperationgrows
Israel says the new system operated by aprivate contractor,the GazaHumanitarian Foundation, is designedtoprevent Hamas fromsiphoning offaid to
fund its militant activities. U.N. agencies and major aidgroups deny thereis any major diversion of aid andhaverejectedthe new system, saying it can’tmeet the mounting needsinGaza and that it violates humanitarian principles by allowing Israel to control who has accesstoaid. Experts have warned of famine in the territory that is home to some 2million Palestinians. The U.N.-run network has delivered aidacross Gaza throughout the20-month Israel-Hamas war,but has faced major obstacles sinceIsrael loosened atotalblockadeithad imposed fromearly March until midMay.
U.N. officials say Israeli military restrictions, a breakdown of law and order, andwidespread looting makeitdifficult to deliver theaid that Israel hasallowedin.
U.K. measure to decriminalize abortion passes
BY BRIAN MELLEY and DANICA KIRKA Associated Press
LONDON British lawmakers voted Tuesday to decriminalize abortion in England and Wales after a lawmaker argued that it was cruel to prosecute women for ending a pregnancy
The House of Commons approved an amendment to a broader crime bill that would prevent women from being criminally punished under an antiquated law
Labour MP Tonia Antoniazzi, the Labour member of Parliament who introduced one of the amendments, said the change was needed because police have investigated more than 100 women for suspected illegal abortions over the past five years, including some who suffered natural miscarriages and stillbirths.
“This piece of legislation will only take women out of the criminal justice system because they are vulnerable and they need our help,” she said. “Just what public interest is this serving? This is not justice, it is cruelty and it has got to end.”
The amendment passed 379-137. The House of Commons will now need to pass the crime bill, which is expected, before it goes to the House of Lords, where it can be delayed but not blocked.
Under current law, doctors can legally carry out abortions in England, Scotland and Wales up to 24 weeks, and beyond that under special circumstances, such as when the life of the mother is in
danger Abortion in Northern Ireland was decriminalized in 2019.
Changes in the law implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic allow women to receive abortion pills through the mail and terminate their own pregnancies at home within the first 10 weeks.
That has led to a handful of widely publicized cases in which women were prosecuted for illegally obtaining abortion pills and using them to end their own pregnancies after 24 weeks or more.
Anti-abortion groups opposed the measures, arguing it would open the door to abortion on demand at any stage of pregnancy
“Unborn babies will have any remaining protection stripped away, and women will be left at the mercy of abusers,” said Alithea Williams, public policy manager for the Society for the Protection of Unborn Children, which describes itself as the U.K.’s biggest pro-life campaign group.
The debate came after recent prosecutions have galvanized support to repeal parts of the 1861 Offences Against the Person Act.
In one case, a mother of three was sentenced to more than two years in prison in 2023 for medically inducing an abortion about eight months into her pregnancy
Carla Foster 45, was released about a month later by an appeals court that reduced her sentence. Judge Victoria Sharp said that case called for “compassion, not punishment” and there was no useful purpose in jailing her
BY KIM TONG-HYUNG Associated Press
SEOUL, South Korea After
years of delay, South Korea has ratified the Hague Adoption Convention, an international treaty meant to safeguard international adoptions, highlighting a significant policy shift decades after sending tens of thousands of children to the West through an aggressive but poorly regulated adoption system.
The government’s announcement Tuesday came as it faces growing pressure to address widespread fraud and abuse that plagued its adoption program, particularly during a heyday in the 1970s and ‘80s when the country allowed thousands of children to be adopted every year
Many adoptees have since discovered that their records were falsified to portray them as abandoned orphans, while others were carelessly removed — or even outright stolen — from their birth families.
South Korea’s Foreign Ministry and Health and Welfare Ministry, which handles adoption policies, issued a joint statement saying the country submitted the necessary documents to ratify the Hague Adoption Convention to the Dutch Foreign Ministry the treaty’s depositary
The treaty, which requires countries to strengthen state oversight and safeguards to ensure international adoptions are legal and ethical, will take effect in South Korea on Oct. 1.
South Korea signed the Hague convention in 2013, but ratification was delayed by more than a decade as the country struggled to bring adoptions under centralized government authority, as required by the treaty, after allowing private agencies to control international child placements for decades.
“Going forward, inter-
in Korea, reinforcing the government’s commitment to upholding state responsibility across the entire adoption process.”
A 2023 law also mandates the transfer of all adoption records from private agencies to the National Center for the Rights of the
country adoptions will be permitted only when no suitable family can be found in his or her state of origin, and only if deemed to serve the child’s best interests through deliberation by the adoption policy committee under the Ministry
of Health and Welfare,” the ministries said.
The statement said the ratification was a significant step toward safeguarding children’s rights and “establishing an advanced, internationally compliant intercountry adoption system
GEORGEWALKER IV
ASSOCIATEDPRESS PHOTO By
Members of lawenforcement agencies search forshooting suspect, Vance Boelter,ata house SundayinBelle Plaine, Minn.
Lawmakersnamed by suspected Minn.shooter vownot to bowdown
BY RIO YAMAT and HALLIE GOLDEN Associated Press
From alegislator in downtown Minneapolistoaveteran Ohio congresswoman, many lawmakers included in the suspected Minnesota gunman’swritings andlist of targetshavevowed not to bow down.
Vance Boelter,57, was charged with federal murder and stalking, along with state charges, following a nearly two-day search that culminated in his capture in the woods near his home.
He is suspected of shooting and killing formerDemocratic House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, in their home early Saturday
He is also accused of wounding Democratic Sen. JohnHoffman and his wife, Yvette.
The dozens of politicians included in Boelter’swritings were Democrats, accordingtoactingU.S. Attorney Joseph Thompson. Authorities said the writings contained the names of about 45 Minnesota state and federal elected officials but have not identified them publicly Members of Congress from at least five other Midwest states said law enforcement told them that their names were in Boelter’swritings. They included U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin and U.S. Reps. Emanuel Cleaver of Missouriand Nikki Budzinski of Illinois. Authorities have not provided amotive for the shootings. Manny Atwal, Boelter’slead attorney,declined to comment, saying the office just got the case. Minn. Rep. Esther Agbaje Agbaje spent the weekend with friends and family after learning that her name was on Boelter’slist and said she is still trying to make sense of the violence. Since his arrest, the lawmaker,whose district includes portions of northern
anddowntown Minneapolis, has returned home.
She said shenow feels “more committed than ever” to her work as alegislator.
“Wecannot allowpeople to divide us and then use violence to keep up those divisions,” she said.
Mich.Rep.DebbieDingell
Aday after Dingell learned her name was included in Boelter’swriting, she held atown hall Monday in ahigh school auditorium in Dexter
“Wecannot letterrorterrorize us,” she told the audience, who cheered. Dingell, who represents the Ann Arborarea, said some people wanted her to cancel the event
After the town hall,she reflected on her habit of goingout in public withouther staff because she always wants people to be able to talkwith her. After the shooting, law enforcement officers have told her to be more careful.
“Wecan’t let elected officials be cut off,”she said.
“Wecan’t let elected officials become afraid.”
“Look, I’m going tokeep fighting for the people that I represent. I’mgoing to keep being avoice for thosethat want me to make sure their voice is heard at thetable,” she added.
Minn. stateSen.Ann Rest Rest,who represents New Hope in Hennepin County, saidshe was made aware that the suspect hadbeen parked near herhomeearly Saturday
She said in astatement Monday thatthe “quick action” of law enforcementofficers saved her life.
While she was grateful for thesuspect’s apprehension, she noted in the statement that shewas grieving the loss of the Hortmans and praying for the Hoffmans’ recovery
Mich.Rep.Hillary Scholten
Scholten, who represents Grand Rapids, said she was
postponinga Monday town hall after learning she was apotential target.
“Out of an abundanceof caution and to not divert additional law enforcement resources away fromprotectingthe broaderpublic at this time, this is the responsible choice,” Scholten saidinastatement.
Ohio Rep. MarcyKaptur Kaptur’sofficesaidina statement that her name wasincludedinBoelter’s writing butthatitwillnot getinthe way of herwork “to make life better for families across Northwest Ohio.”
“Upliftingthose whoshe hasthe honor to servehas been hersolefocusevery single day she has served and nothing will deter her from doing so now,”the statementsaid.
Minn.Rep.AlexFalconer Falconer,whosedistrict includesaportion of the Twin Cities, saidhewoke up Saturday while on vacation with his wife andkids to aflurry of text messages about the shootings. The policechiefthencalledto warn him about alistoftargets.
Falconer said he later learnedhewasn’tonthe list, but his family decided to stay awayuntil the suspect was in custody.The police chief increased patrols in his neighborhood and stationed apolicecar outside of his house, he said.
While the questionof whether to stay in politics was top of mind for him this weekend, Falconer said, “They win if we quit.”
Falconer andhis Democraticcolleaguesinthe MinnesotaHousegathered at the Capitol on Monday to seek comfort in one another and share stories of Hortman, Falconer said. It was the first time they could meet since the shooting because theyhad been told by law enforcement to not leave theirhomes while the suspect remainedatlarge, he said.
BY MICHAEL CASEY Associated Press
BOSTON Afederal judge has blocked the Trumpadministration from limiting passport sexmarkersfor many transgender and nonbinary Americans.
Tuesday’s rulingfrom U.S. District Judge Julia Kobick means thattransgender or nonbinary people whoare without apassport or need to apply fora newone can request amale, female or “X” identification marker rather than being limited to the markerthatmatches the gender assigned at birth.
In an executive order signedinJanuary, thepresident usedanarrow definition of the sexesinstead of abroader conception of gender
The order said apersonis
male or female and rejected theideathatsomeonecan transition from the sex assigned at birth to another gender
Kobickfirst issued apreliminary injunction against the policy last month, but that ruling applied only to sixpeople who joinedwith the American Civil Liberties Unioninalawsuit over the passport policy.InTuesday’s ruling she agreed to expand the injunction to include transgenderornonbinary people who are currently without avalid passport, those whose passport is expiring within ayear,and those who need to apply for apassport because theirs was lost or stolen or because they need to change their name or sex designation.
The WhiteHouse did not immediately respond to a
request for comment. The government failed to showthatblocking its policy would cause it any constitutional injury,Kobick wrote, or harm the executive branch’srelationswith other countries.
Thetransgenderand nonbinary people covered by the preliminary injunction, meanwhile,haveshown that thepassport policyviolates their constitutionalrights to equal protection, Kobick said.
“Even assuming apreliminary injunction inflicts some constitutionalharmon the Executive Branch, such harm is the consequence of the State Department’s adoption of aPassport Policy that likely violates theconstitutionalrights of thousands of Americans,” Kobickwrote.
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Trial date set in 2023 rape case
LSU student fatally struck shortly after encounter
BY MATT BRUCE Staff writer
One of the three men indict-
ed on charges tied to former LSU student Madison Brooks could be tried by the end of the year
District Judge Gail Horne Ray
set a Dec. 1 trial date for Casen John Carver during a hearing last week, according to 19th Ju-
Suspect defiant at court hearing
Man faces hate crime charge in attack on BR officer
Staff report
A man is now facing a hate crime charge after police say he intentionally rammed a Baton Rouge motorcycle patrol officer on Monday
The victim, Sgt. Caleb Eisworth, is “still critical, but showing signs of improvement” after undergoing surgery, officials said Tuesday Eisworth was on his way to a workrelated escort assignment on Joor Road near Prescott Road around 11 a.m. Monday Gad Black, 41, followed a short distance behind Eisworth on Joor Road in his pickup truck before intentionally ramming Eisworth on his motorcycle, authorities said.
East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s
Office investigators believe the attack was meant to kill Eisworth because he was a police officer In addition to being arrested by sheriff’s deputies on counts of attempted first-degree murder and resisting an officer Black is now facing a hate crime charge.
“The investigation has revealed that Sgt. Eisworth was targeted specifically because he is a law enforcement officer which makes this act not only violent, but hate-driven,” Sheriff Sid Gautreaux said in a statement to The Advocate.
Under Louisiana state statute, a hate crime charge can accompany other violent crime counts when the victim is believed to have been targeted for their “race, age, gender, religion, color, creed, disability, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry or perceived employment as a law enforcement officer, firefighter or emergency medical services personnel.”
In social media posts minutes after the attack, Black appeared to brag about running down the officer
A Facebook post from an account with the name Gad Black went up shortly after the crash, reading: “Check Him Out on Joor Rd. Stretched One.”
Another post came minutes later: “Rodney Hinton I’m Rite Dere Witcha Homie.”
The second post references an incident in Ohio that gained national attention where a father allegedly targeted a police officer, fatally striking him with a car, in retaliation for the police killing of his 18-yearold son.
“Let me be absolutely clear: Violence motivated by hatred for those who wear the badge is an attack on every officer and every citizen who relies on them. It will never be tolerated,” Gautreaux said “We will ensure the individual responsible is held fully accountable under the law, including for the hate-based motivation behind his crime.” Black was previously arrested
dicial District Court records. That would make the 21-yearold Denham Springs man the first defendant to face a Baton Rouge jury in the high-profile case.
Carver; Desmond Carter, 20; and Kaivon Deondre Washington, 20, were all indicted on charges of first-degree and third-degree rape Prosecutors later added a video voyeurism indictment for Carver
The state got indictments against the three men in three separate dockets and intends to try them separately Ray is presiding over the cases of both Carter and Carver. Temporary Judge Jewel Welch is presiding over Washington’s case, but District Judge Eboni Johnson Rose will take over handling the case when she returns to the bench
from her Louisiana Supreme Court-imposed suspension later this year Ray scheduled Carver’s trial date during a hearing where prosecutors merged the voyeurism charge with his original indictments. All three charges stem from the same incident involving Brooks, who was a 19-year-old LSU sopho-
Brooks
more when she died after being struck by a car near her Baton Rouge residence early on the morning of Jan. 15, 2023. Authorities said Brooks, following a night of excessive drinking, left Reggie’s — a Tigerland bar that has since been shuttered with Carter, Carver, Washington and another man who was not indicted. She got in the car with the four men, and sheriff’s deputies
WALK & TALK
coworker Kevin Alonzo, carrying a
fountain in the underground
Senior living, LSU Tigers style
St. James Place celebrates game with Jell-O shots
BY JOY HOLDEN Staff writer
At St James Place, an active senior living community in Baton Rouge, Tonya Dixon decided to create a Jell-O shot board — inspired by Rocco’s in Omaha, Nebraska — to celebrate LSU’s appearance in this year’s College World Series. Instead of competition between College World Series teams, Dixon listed the names of the four independent living buildings at St. James Place. Before Monday night’s game’s rain delay, the St. James Place Bar and seating area were buzzing with older LSU fans in their vibrant purple and gold as LSU took on UCLA. Never mind that the game was eventually postponed until Tuesday, a table full of purple and gold Jell-O shots named Purple Passion (mixed berry Jell-O with vodka) and Golden Grannies (pineapple Jell-O and Malibu rum) were hits The names of St. James’ buildings Beauregard, Audubon, Evangeline and Garden/Patio Homes — lined the board Krystal Raye, St James’ life enrichment coordinator, periodically posted the Jell-O shot score, carefully supervised by the ea-
gle-eyed octogenarians nearby Cheers for the Tigers rang through the room, followed by cheers for the independent living buildings as the tally was announced. In 2023, the last time LSU played in the College World Series (and won by the way), St. James Place held a small Jell-O Shot challenge for residents. Call it superstition or just a good time, but this year, St. James decided to go bigger. “Last time, it was smaller like, ‘We’re gonna do some
Jell-O shots,’” Dixon said. “The residents loved it. They had never done Jell-O shots in their life, so we taught them how to.” Dixon, director of active lifestyles, and her team made between 300 and 350 Jell-O shots for the Monday night event. In honor of the Rocco’s pledge to each team’s food banks, St. James Place is donating $5 per shot to the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank. Residents gathered at tables,
TIMOTHY BOONE Staff writer
STAFF PHOTO By JAVIER GALLEGOS
CMC Corporate Solutions employees Austin Rushing, right, looks ahead while chatting with
ladder on his shoulder, as they walk past the waterfall
parking garage next to City Hall on Tuesday
Jeffersonsheriff settlesfacialrecognition suit
Ga.man was incorrectlyjailed over badID
BY JOHN SIMERMAN Staff writer
Jefferson Parish Sher-
iff Joe Lopinto’sofficehas
agreedtopay six figures to aGeorgia man who was jailed for nearly aweek over abad identification using facial recognition technology
The $200,000 payout to Randal Quran Reid was sealed last month in federal court in New Orleans, according to atranscript. It resolves acivil rights lawsuit that Reid,now 31, filed against Lopinto’s office over his arrest in DeKalb County,Georgia, on awarrant signed by Jefferson Parish Judge Paul Schneider Reid wasaccused of helping steal thousands of dollars in high-end purses from aMetairie consignment shop. He was pulled over outside Atlanta on the day after Thanksgiving in 2022 and remained in jail for six days, clueless about the crime, he said then
“They told me Ihad awarrant out of Jefferson Parish. Isaid, ‘What is Jefferson
Continued from page1B
for trying to ram Baton Rouge police vehicles duringaFourth of July chase in 2014 involving Police Chief Thomas Morse, who was an officer at the time.
In that incident, Black led officers on ahigh-speed chase after Morse attempted to pull him over for careless driving on Florida Boulevard, records show.
Black drove on the wrong side of the road, struck a vehicle and triedtohit two marked police cars —all while hanging out of his window,makingobscene gestures at officers —before crashing into another truck, police alleged.
Girlfriend arrested Black originally fled the scene Monday before beingapprehended by sheriff’s deputies and other law enforcement an hourand a half later in the 8400 block of Airline Highway.His gray Dodge Ram 1500 pickup was found in the Monticellosubdivision.
Black’sgirlfriend was also arrested.
Asia Raby,40, was booked Monday into the East Baton Rouge Parish Prison on counts of obstruction of justice and accessory after the fact to attempted firstdegree murder of apolice officer
According to police records, Raby called police to report the crash, saying, “I think apolice officer just got hit or killed.” Raby made
SENIOR
Continued from page1B
socializing while keeping one eye on the game —and one on the shot scoreboard
Afew voiced formal complaints that the contest was unfair, since the number of residents varies by building.
Dixon reminded them there was no prize, but at St. James, bragging rights carry weight.
Dick Wager, president and CEO of St. James Place,was happilytaken aback at the Tiger fervor and Jell-O shot revelry Wager,who moved to Baton Rouge from Memphis, Tennessee, in 2021, took the first Jell-O shot of his life Monday night —and followed it with afew more for good measure.
Deanna Ashworth, 87, atwo-year resident of St. James Place, started first grade at the University Lab School in 1944 and eventually graduated from LSU. At the Jell-O shot party,
Parish?’ ”ReidtoldThe Times-Picayune in 2022. “I have never been toLouisianaaday in my life.”
In his lawsuit, Reid accused Lopinto and Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office
Detective Andrew Bartholomew of violatinghis rights by failing to verify a match flagged by Clearview AI,the facialrecognition provider Lopinto’s office enlistedin2019under a $25,000 contract It didn’tend there. ABaton Rouge police detective borrowedJPSO’sidentification of Reid to secure another arrestwarrant against him, alleging asimilarcrime at a shop on Jefferson Highway Thethieves allegedly stole well over $10,000inChanel and Louis Vuitton purses. Reidinsistedhewasn’t one of them.His attorney in Louisiana,Tommy Calogero, said he alerted Lopinto’soffice tophysical differences between Reidand the purse thief seenoncamera. JPSO rescinded the warrants, and Reid left the jail Court recordsshowthat JPSO also secured, then recalled,warrantsfor two other men in the scheme, both from New Orleans. They alsowere accused of theft and bank fraud.
The affidavits supporting allofthose warrants make
statementsthatthe pickup driver might have been sufferinga “mental breakdown.”
When dispatchers asked about thestatusand location of both Rabyand the pickup, shedisconnectedthe call.
Raby was later contacted at her residence, where the Dodge Ram was found
Agitated firstappearance During avideo hearing before aBaton RougemagistrateonTuesday,Black remained irate, defiant and uncooperativealittle over 24 hoursafter theattack.
Black was brazen when he made an appearance before 19th Judicial District Court CommissionerNicole Robinson. Appearing remotely from ParishPrison,the live feed wasmuted at severalpoints as Black launchedinto profanitylacedtirades.
As he approached the podium and jail officialsinstructedhim tointroduce himselftoRobinson,Black looked at the camera and shouted, “She don’tknow whothe f***I am.”
When Robinson asked himtostate his name, Blackrefused multiple times,telling the commissioner hewas amember of a“tribalnation.”
He thencould be seen shouting and ranting before guards draggedhim away andRobinson cutthe proceeding short, declaringBlack toouncooperative. She had yet to make a determination on his initial bailamount Robinson reset the first appearance for Wednes-
the lifelong LSU fan carried her first-grade school photo in her pocket andwas proudtoshow it toany and everyone celebrating with the Tigers.
“I’m really impressed with whatJay Johnson has done withthe program,” she said. “Those boys look really responsible. It’sgood for theuniversity.It’sgood for the state.”
Charles andNikkiSpencer moved into St. James Place twoweeks ago, and the Jell-OShot Challenge watchparty wasquite a welcoming party for them.
St.James Place is anotfor-profit Continuing Care Community sponsored by the Episcopal Churchand founded in 1983. Thegated, 52-acre campus serves residents 62 and older who live independently,offering access to health care, support services and arobust social calendar (occasionally including Jell-O s hots)
Although the LSU game abruptly stopped for arain delay,the party continued at St. James Place. The res-
no mention of facial recognition. Theycited only “a credible source” for the suspects’ identities. Schneider signed thewarrantsfor all three.
Reidsued fornegligence, false arrest and malicious prosecution in alawsuit that started in Georgiabut was transferredtothe federal courthouse inNew Orleans. Reid claimed Lopinto had failedtoestablish apolicy and training forfacial recognition.
His story and lawsuit drew national media attention.Reid accepted the $200,000 payout at aMay 13 court hearing. Lopinto’s office didnot respond to a request for comment.
“I’m definitely satisfied with the outcome.Ifinally feel like Igot some type of justice,” Reid said in a phone interview on Tuesday. “I’m nota personwho likes or seeks the attention. Knowing Ihad to go through this for people coming after me is why Istarted it.”
Gary Andrews, one of Reid’sattorneys withthe Atlanta-based The Cochran Firm,saidLopinto’s office didnot admit faultinthe settlement. Andrews said police body-worn camera footageofReid’s arrest during ahighway traffic stop supports hisclaim of
day afternoon so she can explain Black’s charges to him and consider setting bail.
Robinson said she also may have to consider appointinga sanity commission to evaluate his mental condition.
Seekingprayers forofficer
The ultimate status of Eisworth’shealth was still in question Tuesday afternoon.
The sergeant has been with the Baton Rouge Police Department for 23 years, joining the motorcycle division in 2008. He has received multiple awards forheroism in the line of duty,including the MedalofValor —the highest honor bestowed by thePolice Department.
Morse said the department is rallying around Eisworth.
“Making it home after each shift is what Ipray over every oneofmyofficers each day,”Morse said “I’masking everyone to join me in that prayernow Let’sfervently pray Officer Eisworth back home to his loved ones.”
East Baton Rouge Parish Mayor-President Sid Edwards said he is praying for the officer and the department.
“Today’s incidentisasobering reminder of the dangers law enforcement officers face every day in the lineofduty to protect and serveour community,”he added.
Staff reporters Quinn Coffman, Aidan McCahill, Matt Bruce and Ellyn Couvillion contributed to this story
idents finishedthe evening with an impressive 249 Jell-O shots, whichmeant a $1,245 donation for the food bank.
Oh,and thescoreboard?
Beauregard took the title —edging out Evangeline by justtwo shots:76to74. As for thebaseballgame —the Tigers finished off abig 9-5 victory over the Bruins on Tuesday to advance to agameWednesdaynight.
Email Joy Holden at joy holden@theadvocate.com.
ignorance.
“It was amisidentification of an individual that was put in jail for something he did not do,” Andrews said.
Thecasehighlightsthe pitfalls of atechnology that more police agencies are adopting in Louisiana and across the country,includinginNew Orleans, where some officials arepressing to expand its use.
Court records show that insideLopinto’s office, top brass recognized amistake early on.
In aJanuary 2023memo, DeputyChief Jack Russo wrotethatinvestigators had been told facialrecognition was another tool, and that“supporting evidence or investigative leads need to be developed beforehaving an arrest warrant issued.”Russo wrotethathe reinstructed commanders about the requirement after Reid’srelease.
Critics point to research that has shown higher rates of bad facial recognition matches for some populations, including Black people. It’sunclear if the racial biasidentified in those systems has lessenedsince the arrest of Reid, who is Black, more than two years ago.
Clearview AI, one of the most prominent facial rec-
TRIAL
Continuedfrom page1 B
said Carver pulled his car into aresidential driveway in the 900 block of Jennifer Jean Drive and parked therefor 20 minutes. That is where prosecutorsallege Carter andWashingtonsexually assaulted Brooks in the back seat of the car, while Carver cheered them on from the frontseat and recorded portions of the encounter with his cellphone.
Afterward,the men dropped off Brooks in thePelican Lakes development, deputies said Minutes after she got
ALBERTSONS
Continuedfrom page1B
1990s.
But achanging supermarket environmenthas takenits toll on the store, said Jonathan Walker,of Maestri-MurrellCommercial Real Estate. A numberofgrocery stores have opened nearbyover the years, including a Walmart Supercenter next door,Rouses locations on Florida Boulevard and Burbank Drive, aTrader Joe’s at Perkins and Acadian Thruway andSprouts on Perkins.
Walkerispartofa group that bought the 65,000-square-foot store
ognition providersfor law enforcement,scrapes billions of images frompublic sites such as YouTube and Facebook to amass its capabilities
Some cities and states have put clamps on their police departments’ use of it and other facial recognition tools. Several cities,including NewOrleans, have backed offbansonthe practice, in favor of tight limits and oversight.
NewOrleans officials arenow considering looser rules over facial recognition and other technology afterthe deadly Jan. 1vehicle attack on Bourbon Street andthe escapelast month of 10 Orleans Parish jail detainees.One of the escapees was captured in the French Quarter after afacial recognitionhit from the privately-run Project Nola system.
Recently,the New Orleans Police Department asked the City Council to authorizeittoreceive those “live” alerts from Project NOLA once more, and perhaps develop its own system, afterSuperintendent Anne Kirkpatrick suspended the alerts in April.
Kirkpatrick said lastweek that shewas concerned that receiving them violated the city’s2022 ordinance.
out of the car,she was struckand killed on Burbank Drive by apassing vehicle driven by aLyft driver
Attorneysfor themen have argued thesex was consensual, while prosecutors maintain Brooks was too intoxicated to give consent.She registered ablood alcohol content of 0.282, well over three times thelegal driving limit, authorities have said. Carver faces amandatory lifesentence if he is convicted of first-degree rape, themost severe charge.
Email Matt Bruceat matt.bruce@theadvocate. com.
andthe 5acresitsitson for$9.75 million in 2018. Albertsons has alease on thebuildingfor afew more years.
“That’s some of the best real estateinBaton Rouge, and we’regoing to get an acceptable tenant to replace them,” he said. “We’reinno rush.”
Potential tenants for the spacecould be another grocerystore or an entertainment venue, like the Surge Entertainment by Drew Brees indoor park that opened in aformer Winn-Dixie at Burbank andLee drives, Walker said.
Email TimothyBoone at tboone@theadvocate. com.
“We’reasking the council to change the rules to allow us to use it in real time,” Kirkpatrick said lastweek. The Washington Post recently reported that thecity’suse of theProject NOLA alertsystem made it thefirst police forceinthe U.S. to deploy live facial recognition citywide.
“I support facial recognition technology.With boundaries,becauseIalso support privacy,and Ido not believe in surveilling the American public,” said Kirkpatrick, who has alaw degree. “Butisthis asecurity tool or asurveillance tool? For me,thisisall about security.…When you commit crime on the streets, you lostyour privacy.” Critics, including the ACLU of Louisiana, argue that the technology enables surveillance and thatthe city should stoptoconsider safeguards. Up to now,the NOPD’s useoffacial recognition for criminal investigations has been spotty.Audits show only rare matches from requests made through the Louisiana State Analytical and Fusion Exchange. The City Council is slated to take up proposed changes to thecityordinance next week
LOTTERY
MONDAY,JUNE 16, 2025
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BUSINESS
BRIEFS
FROM WIRE REPORTS
Stocks slump and oil prices jump
U.S. stocks slumped on Tuesday under the weight of another jump in the price of oil. It was a return to form for financial markets after Wall Street’s worries about Israel’s fighting with Iran had seemed to calm a bit on Monday
The S&P 500 fell 0.8% following signals that the Israel-Iran conflict may be worsening and that one of the U.S. economy’s main engines is weakening. The swing sent Wall Street’s main measure of health nearly back to where it started the week
The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 299 points, or 0.7%, and the Nasdaq composite fell 0.9%.
Stocks sank under increasing pressure from crude oil prices, which climbed in their latest seesaw move. A barrel of benchmark U.S. crude jumped 4.3% to $74.84. Brent crude, the international standard, added 4.4% to $76.45 per barrel. Their gains accelerated after President Donald Trump raised the temperature on Israel’s fight with Iran by calling for “UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER!” on his social media platform and saying, “We are not going to” kill Iran’s leader, “at least for now.” Before that, Trump had left a Group of Seven summit early and warned that people in Iran’s capital should evacuate immediately It took only about eight hours for Trump to go from suggesting a nuclear deal with Iran remained “achievable” to urging Tehran’s 9.5 million residents to flee for their lives.
Trump suggests he’ll extend TikTok deadline
President Donald Trump suggested on Tuesday that he would likely extend a deadline for TikTok’s Chinese owner to divest the popular video sharing app.
Trump had signed an order in early April to keep TikTok running for another 75 days after a potential deal to sell the app to American owners was put on ice.
“Probably yeah, yeah,” he responded when asked by reporters on Air Force One whether the deadline would be extended again.
Trump also said he thinks Xi would “ultimately approve” a deal to divest TikTok’s business in the United States. He indicated in an interview last month with NBC that he would be open to pushing back the deadline again. If announced, it would be the third time Trump has extended the deadline.
Elon Musk’s xAI to be sued over pollution
The NAACP and an environmental group said Tuesday that they intend to sue Elon Musk’s artificial intelligence company xAI over concerns about air pollution generated by a supercomputer facility located near predominantly Black communities in Memphis.
The xAI data center began operating last year, powered in part by pollution-emitting gas turbines, without first applying for a permit. Officials have said an exemption allowed them to operate for up to 364 days without a permit But Southern Environmental Law Center attorney Patrick Anderson said at a news conference that there is no such exemption for turbines — and that regardless, it has now been more than 364 days.
A 60-day notice of an intent to sue, a prerequisite to filing a lawsuit under the Clean Air Act, was sent to xAI in a letter
The Southern Environmental Law Center is representing the NAACP in its possible legal challenge against xAI and its permit application, now being considered by the Shelby County Health Department.
The company said Tuesday that it takes its commitment to the community and environment seriously
“The temporary power generation units are operating in compliance with all applicable laws,” an xAI statement said.
Interest rates expected to stay
U.S. economy is in a good place, but tariffs remain a concern
BY CHRISTOPHER RUGABER AP economics writer
WASHINGTON The U.S. economy is mostly in good shape but that isn’t saving Federal Reserve chair Jerome Powell from a spell of angst
As the Fed considers its next moves during a two-day meeting this week, most economic data looks solid: Inflation has been steadily fading, while the unemployment rate is still a historically low 4.2%. Yet President Donald Trump’s widespread tariffs may
push inflation higher in the coming months, while also possibly slowing growth.
With the outlook uncertain, Fed policymakers are expected to keep their key interest rate unchanged on Wednesday at about 4.4%. Officials will also release a set of quarterly economic projections that are expected to show inflation will accelerate later this year, while unemployment my also tick up a bit.
The projections may also signal that the Fed will cut its key rate twicelaterthisyear,economistssay.
The prospect of higher inflation would typically lead the Fed to keep rates unchanged or even raise them, while rising unemployment would usually lead the Fed to cut its key rate. With the economy potentially pulling in both directions, Powell and other Fed officials have underscored in recent remarks that they are prepared to wait for clearer signals on which way to move.
The Fed is in “an uncomfortable purgatory,” said Diane Swonk, chief economist at accounting giant KPMG. “Without the threat of tariffs, we would be seeing the Fed cut. That’s not where we’re at because of the uncertainty and the threat and the effects (of tariffs) that we don’t know yet.”
The Trump White House has sharply ramped up the pressure on Powell to reduce borrowing costs, with Trump himself calling the Fed chair a “numbskull” for not cutting and other officials, including Vice President JD Vance and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, also calling for a rate reduction.
When the Fed reduces its key short-term rate, it often — though not always — leads to lower costs for consumer and business borrowing, including for mortgages, auto loans, and credit cards. Yet financial markets also influence the level of longer-term rates and can keep them elevated even if the Fed reduces the shorter-term rate it controls.
Americans turn cautious as retail sales slide after rush to beat tariffs
Some consumer products companies say they are feeling the impact
BY CHRISTOPHER RUGABER and ANNE D’INNOCENZIO AP economics writer
WASHINGTON Retail sales fell sharply in May as consumers pulled back from a spending surge early this year to get ahead of President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs on nearly all imports.
Sales at retail stores and restaurants dropped 0.9% in May, the Commerce Department said Tuesday, after a decline of 0.1% in April. Sales jumped 1.5% in March. The figure was pulled down by a steep drop in auto sales, after Americans ramped up their car-buying in March to get ahead of Trump’s 25% duty on imported cars and car parts.
Excluding autos, sales fell 0.3% in May
The sales drop is hitting after sharp declines in consumer confidence this year Still, inflation has cooled steadily and unemployment remains low, which could fuel steady spending in the coming months, as the economy has remained mostly solid.
A category of sales that excludes volatile sectors such as gas, cars, and restaurants rose last month by 0.4%, a sign that consumers are still spending on some discretionary items.
Overall, the report suggests consumers have pulled back a bit but not dramatically so.
The retail sales report covers about onethird of consumer spending, with the other two-thirds consisting of spending on services. Economists expect overall consumer spending to grow in the April-June quarter
“Today’s data suggests consumers are downshifting, but they haven’t yet slammed the brakes,” Ellen Zentner, chief economic strategist for Morgan Stanley wealth management, said in an email. “Like the economy as a whole, consumer spending has been resilient in the face of tariff uncertainty.”
Yet many categories saw sharp declines.
Car sales plunged 3.5%, while sales at home and garden centers dropped 2.7%. They fell 0.6% at electronics and appliance stores and 0.7% at grocery stores. There were some bright spots: Sales rose 0.9% at online retailers, 0.8% at clothing stores, and 1.2% at furniture stores.
Gas station sales dropped sharply, by 2%, but that mostly reflects lower prices. The retail sales report isn’t adjusted for inflation.
Sales at restaurants and bars, a closely watched indicator of discretionary spending, fell 0.9% in May, though that followed a solid gain of 0.8% in April.
Some consumer products companies say they are seeing the impact of tariffs on their own costs and sales.
Paul Cosaro, CEO of Picnic Time, Inc., which makes picnic accessories like baskets, coolers, and folding chairs, said that orders from retailers are down as much as 40% this summer compared with a year ago. His company sells to a variety of stores like Target and Williams-Sonoma.
Cosaro noted that some stores have been cautious because they’re not sure how shoppers will react to higher prices. Some canceled orders because Cosaro couldn’t tell them how much the new prices would be due to all the uncertainty Roughly 80% of the company’s goods are made in China, with the rest in India and Vietnam.
The company, founded roughly 40 years ago and based in Moorpark, California, was forced to raise prices on average from 11% to 14% for this summer selling season, Cosaro said.
A folding outdoor chair now costs $137 this month, up from $120 in late 2024, he added. The company’s sales are still down this year, even though some shoppers accelerated their purchases out of concern that prices would rise.
“Shoppers are very price sensitive,” Cosaro said.
The company has implemented a hiring freeze because of all the extra tariff costs, he added. So far this year the company, which employs from 70 to 100 people, has had to
pay $1 million in tariffs. A year ago at this time, the bill was a third of that amount.
Liza Gresko, a 42-year-old mother of three in Doylestown, Pennsylvania, said she has watched as prices for basics like toothpaste or shampoo begin to rise again, and has started to buy groceries in bulk to save money, as well as switching to generic brands.
“If I make these small changes, then we are sacrificing for the long-term goal of saving more,” Gresko said.
She has also begun shopping at thrift stores for children’s clothes, rather than Macy’s or H&M.
“Even with store sales and discounts, the rising costs make it unsustainable to continually purchase new clothing,” she said.
The retail sales report comes as other evidence indicates shoppers have been pulling back more amid worries about higher prices from Trump’s tariffs.
Naveen Jaggi, president of retail advisory services in the Americas for real-estate firm JLL, said that he’s hearing from malls that sales are slowing down heading into the official summer months. Retailers are pushing up back-to-school promotions to this month from July, he said. They want to get shoppers in early for fear consumers may not want to spend in the later months when prices will likely go up, he said.
So far, Trump’s tariffs haven’t yet boosted inflation. Consumer prices rose just 2.4% in May compared with a year ago, the government said last week.
BY MICHELLE CHAPMAN AP business writer
Kraft Heinz will be pulling artificial dyes from its U.S. products starting in 2027 and will no longer roll out new products with the dyes. The move comes nearly two months after U.S. health officials said that they would urge foodmakers to phase out petroleumbased artificial colors in the nation’s food supply
Kraft Heinz said Tuesday that almost 90% of its U.S. products already don’t contain food, drug & cosmetic colors, but that the products that do still use the dyes will have them removed by the end of
2027. FD&C colors are synthetic additives that are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for use in food, drugs and cosmetics.
Kraft Heinz said that many of its U.S. products that still use the FD&C colors are in its beverage and desserts categories, including certain products sold under brands including Crystal Light, Kool Aid, Jell-O and Jet Puffed. The company said that it will instead use natural colors for the products.
“The vast majority of our products use natural or no colors, and we’ve been on a journey to reduce our use of FD&C colors across the remainder of our portfolio,” Pedro
Navio, North America President at Kraft Heinz, said in a statement.
Kraft Heinz stripped artificial colors, flavors and preservatives from its macaroni and cheese in 2016 and said it has never used artificial dyes in its ketchup. The company plans to work with licensees of its brands to encourage them to remove the dyes.
In April, Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Marty Makary said at a news conference that the agency would take steps to eliminate the synthetic dyes by the end of 2026, largely by relying on voluntary efforts from the food industry Health advocates have long called for the removal of artifi-
cial dyes from foods, citing mixed studies indicating they can cause neurobehavioral problems, including hyperactivity and attention issues, in some children. The FDA has maintained that the approved dyes are safe and that “the totality of scientific evidence shows that most children have no adverse effects when consuming foods containing color additives.” The FDA currently allows 36 food color additives, including eight synthetic dyes. In January the agency announced that the dye known as Red 3 — used in candies, cakes and some medications — would be banned in food by 2027 because it caused cancer in laboratory rats.
ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By TED SHAFFREy
A ‘tariff free’ sign tries to attract vehicle shoppers at an automobile dealership in Totowa, N.J
Powell
Obituaries
Hughie E. Alford, adevotedhusband, father, grandfather, and greatgrandfather, went home to be with the Lord on June 16, 2025, following abrief illness. He was 89 years old.
Born on October10, 1935, in Philadelphia, Mississippi, Hughiehonorably served his country in the United States Air Force during the Korean War. Following his military service, he enjoyed along career with Shell Chemicalin Geismar, where he later retired.
Hughieissurvived by his beloved wife of 62 years, Sue Herbert Alford. Together, they celebrated both their wedding anniversary and Father's Day the day before his passing.
He is also survived by his daughters: Terri (David) Ketterer, Tracy (Garry) Talbert, and Julie (Andrew) Norris; his grandchildren: Jason Benoit, Hannah Benoit, Bobby (Rose) Ketterer, Daniel Ketterer, Matthew White, Lauren White, Ja'Cobey Lee, Adam Norris, and Ryan Norris; and his great-grandchild, Ryatt White.
Hughieleaves behind his siblings: Jerry (Betty) Alford, Billie(Paul) Peden, and Judy Gray; his brotherin-law, Bill (Monie) Herbert; and ahost of nieces, nephews, and extended family who will miss him dearly.
He was preceded in death by his parents Hubbard Alford and Lavelle Ferguson Alford,his brother Jesse Alford, sister SandraAlford Cumberland, and two nephews, Michael Herbert and Michael Gray.
Visitation will be held at Abundant Life Church in Denham Springs on Thursday, June 19th, from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM, followed by aservice at 1:00 PM. Interment will take place Friday, June 20th, at 11:00 AM at Louisiana National Cemetery.
Patricia Bunch Bankston, amother first and foremost, loved her daughters and grandchildrenwith everythingshe had. Pat never missed a chance to brag about them to everyone in Plaquemine. Whenshe met you, you can be sure she'd remember your name foryears to come. Shewas Momma to herchildren, Granny to so many, and the friend and neighbor you could always count on. From the little girl who preferred playing in the dirt over wearing dresses (to her grandmother's dismay) to the womanweall knew and loved—strong, kind, adventurous, and fullofsomuch life and love,Pat's memory willliveonin allthose she touched. Pat passed away on Saturday, June 14, 2025, at Ochsner Medical Center in Baton Rouge,atthe age of 82. She was anative and resident of Plaquemine. VisitationwillbeatWilbert Funeral Home, 24120Railroad Avenue, Plaquemine on Thursday, June 19, 2025, from 9a.m. until 11 a.m with aMassofChristian Burial at St. John the Evangelist CatholicChurchat12 p.m.,celebrated by Father Todd Lloyd. Interment will followatGrace Memorial Park. Pat is survivedbyher lovingpartner, Emery Broussard; daughters, Lori Borruano, KeriRichardson; grandchildren, Chelsea and Whitney Borruano, KaceyHebert(ThiagoGandra),Lauren Hebert, and NicholasRichardson; great grandchild,ArthurGandra; brothersand sisters, Maisie Ashley, Gloria Ragusa,Joyce Martin (Ellis), CharlesBunch (Debbie), Lynn Hernandez(Sam) SueSharon(Mike), and Glenn Bunch (Robert);and numerous nieces and nephews. Pat was preceded in death by daughter, Leslie Hebert; husband, Frank Bankston; parents, Richard "Pete" and Florence "Flo" Chauvin Bunch; and brothers, Kenny and Sonny Bunch. Pallbearers will be Nicholas Richardson,Thiago Gandra, Darryl Ragusa,Chris Broussard, Patrick O'Day, Mike Borruano,and Jesse Mayeux. Special thanks to Ochsner O'Neal fortheirloving care.
Daigle Jr., Roy Joseph'Lil Roy'
Roy Joseph"LilRoy" Daigle, Jr.was born to Roy Joseph Daigle, Sr. and MaryMay Daigle on May 4,1964 and peacefullyentered eternalrest on June 13, 2025,atOur Lady of the Lake Hospital. Roy was a
lifelong resident of Port Allen. As thefirst grandchild of Leonceand Emma Theriot Daigleand thefirst godchild of Mildred C. Daigle, he maintained a very special place in the family's heart.Roy was a very loving, devoted,and caring father to his son, Charlie Childs. He was a hardworking man. Before becoming the"Produce Man" at Hubben's and then Benedetto's, Roy spent years in theair conditioning industry. He was very talented and skillful and couldbuild acar or house withhis hands. Over theyears, Roycared for many different types of animals,inrecent years, with theinflux of egg prices, he enjoyed sharing hischicken and quaileggswith everybody. In hisspare time, Royenjoyed going to the camp.Hewas acourageouswarriorthatdefeated cancer about 20 years ago.Roy leavesbehindhis true pride and joy, hisson, Charles; hismother, Mary; godmother, Mildred; younger brothers, Tim (Amy), Daren, and Phillip Daigle(Debbie Courville); younger sisters, Debra Jackson (Wayne) and Theresa; goddaughter, Christine Roppolo; numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Roywas preceded in death by his father Roy Sr.;grandparents, Leonce and Emma Daigle and Charles Barcelland Mae T. May; godfather, Russell John Daigle; godson, Jerrit Daigle; niece, Kailyn Daigle; cousins,Elmer Ellestad and SusieCowart Visitation willbeheldat Wilbert Funeral Home, Port AllenonWednesday, June 18, 2025, from5 to 9pmand willresume on Thursday, June 19, 2025, from 9am untilRiteofChristian Burial at 11am, conductedbyFather JerryMartin. Interment willfollow at St.Elizabeth Church Cemetery, Paincourtville, LA.inthe Theriot family tomb.PallbearerswillbeCharlie Childs, Omarion "OJ' Jones, Anthony Justin "BabyJ Roppolo,Brandon "Bubba" Jeansonne, Tim, Daren, and Phillip, and Adrian Daigle.
Mary EthelDelage, age 96, passed away on June 13, 2025. Ethelwas born on June 14, 1928. She is preceded in death by her parents, JosephLionell and AlverdaLeJeune Delage. In 1931, theDelage family moved to Hammond, Louisiana. Ethel attended St.Thomas Aquinas Catholic School and graduated fromHammond High School in 1944. Ethel and her parents moved to BatonRouge in 1946. Ethel was asales executive and buyerfor Rider'sJewelers for30years. As asecond career, she worked for GovernorDaveTreenand then forthe Louisiana StateSenate. She is survivedbyher chosen family, Ericand MariangieHill, NeilaEckler,Vera Olds, J. Hasan, Dr. Randy Cafferal, Dr.MontyThames, Father Cleo Milano, Mary Beth Chevalier and JudyEwell
Day.Also, her grandsons, Alex Hilland Adam Ewell Day; greatgranddaughter, MikaylaMarieDay and cousin, GaylePalermo. Special thanks to friends, JudyMonteand Cookie Howard,for their loving support. Also thanksto The Hospice of Baton Rouge and their Palliative Care team and thestaff of Sunrise Assisted Living Facilityfor their care and compassion. Finally, we express appreciation to Dr. Lieux and hisstaff fortheir long term care. Amemorial visitationwillbeheldat Our LadyofMercy Catholic Church on Thursday, June 19, at 9amuntil Mass of ChristianBurial at 10 am, celebrated by Father Cleo Milano. Burial willfollowat Greenoaks Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers,donations in memory of Mary EthelDelagemay be made to Our LadyofMercy Church, 445 MarquetteAvenue,Baton Rouge, LA 70806 or toThe Hospiceof Baton Rouge,3600 Florida Blvd, Baton Rouge, LA 70806.
SharonAnn Ellison, a nativeand longtime resident of BatonRouge, LA departedthislife at the ageof60onSaturday, June 7, 2025. She is survivedbyher daughter, Jassica Edwards; mother, Diana B. Terrell and aspecial friend, Chester Brown. She is preceded in death by her son, Kenneth Bell and her father, Welfest James. Family,friends and parishioners of Evergreen Baptist Church are invited to attend theFuneral Service on Saturday, June 21, 2025 at Evergreen Baptist Church, N. 39thSt. Baton Rouge, LA at 11:00 am. Interment is private.Services Entrusted to Hall Davis and SonFuneralService. www.halldavisandson.com
Hardy, KevinWallace
"Forthe LORD, theLORD is my strengthand my song.Hehas become my salvation."Isaiah 12:2 With heavyheartsweannounce thepassing of Kevin Wallace Hardy, Jr., a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, on June 14, 2025, aged 68, at Baton Rouge General, surrounded by his loving family.A nativeof Baton Rouge,LA, andresident of Watson, LA,Kevin
graduatedfromGlenOaks High School, class of 1975, and LSU, whereheearned hisBachelor'sdegree in Creative Writing anda Master's degree in English. After graduating,Kevin taughtEnglish on thesecondary andcollegiate levelsfor several years before becoming the Communications/PRSpecialist for Citgo Petroleum in Lake Charles, LA. From there,he returned to thepublicsector to serve for six years as the Communications Directoratthe Louisiana Board of Regents.Hethenjoined andeventually retired from Royal DutchShell whereheworkedfor twelve years, first as the Site Communications Manager at Motiva Convent Refinery, andlater as theExternal Relations/Communications Manager at Shell Chemical Geismar. Throughouthis life,heexcelled in hiswork, bringing integrity, expertise,creativity, andhumortohis workplaceand in thecommunity. Kevin'slifewas guided by hisfaithinhis LORDand SaviorJesus Christ.A longtime member of Zoar Baptist Church,he served in various ways, including teaching andministering throughmusic.A man of manytalents and interests, he wasanaccomplished singer, songwriter, guitarist,avidantique toy collector, published writer, and even wrote anovel. He could do just about anythingheset hismindto, from building furniture to restoring an antiqueclassiccar.A devoted, loving husband, father, andgrandfather, he made hisfamilya priority. He consideredhis sons his greatest accomplishments andtook great joyintheir personal growth andsuccesses. He instilledinthem alove for Christ anddelightedinsharingwith them hisfaith, expertise, love of learning, wisdom from experience,humorousadventures, creative projects, andhobbies. From troutfishingwith his sons in northern Arkansas to exploring national parks andsignificantcitieswith hisfamily, he wantedthem to enjoy andappreciate God's amazing creation andhistoric, culturalsites Throughouthis life he also nurtured close friendships that remain to this day. He leaves behind afamilyand many friends whowill deeply miss his engaging personality, sense of humor, wit, culturalcritiques love of music,and aboundingcreativity. He made all of ourlives so much richer Kevinisprecededindeath by hisfather, KevinW Hardy,Sr. He is survived by hisdevoted wife of nearly 40 years, Sheila; sons Patrick(Shannon) andWill; granddaughter Leanne and anew grandchilddue soon. He is also survived by hismother AnneHardy; sistersTaraGourley (Reuben) andShannon Donze(Darren); nieceErin
Carraway (Brandon) and theirdaughters Wren and Lily; nephew Drew Gourley (Emily);and nephews Nicholas andAlexDonze Ourfamilyissincerely grateful for thetendercare providedbythe doctors, nurses, and staff at Baton Rouge General throughout Kevin'stimethere.We're also especially grateful for hisdear friends Randy Wagley andPat Dunn for their loving concernfor Kevinto theend. Avisitation willbe held at Zoar Baptist Church in Central from9:00 -11:30 am on Thurs., June 19, followed by theservice at 11:30.
John Kelley,precious husband to Yvonne, father to John andJason and Shannon andtheir spouses Micheleand Nicole and Brandon,left this earthly worldonJune13th at the age of 85 to be withhis Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ.Heloved his family with all hisheart.The grandsons andgranddaughters and thegreat grands. He wastheir "Poppy" andeachone held special memoriesand love in hisheart.Heand Yvonne wish to thankthe many "prayerwarriors" includingmanyfriends andfamily. Aspecial thanks to Janette and Richard (Pat) Kelley and their3 precious daughters Karen,Lisa, Susan and Lisa'schildren Alexandra andIsabella, for their faithfulness In theirdaily prayersfor theirUncleJohn. Ourfamilyhas been blessed with daily callsof support expressing love andofferings to help in anyway possible from so manypeople whoknew andloved John. John was a gentle,humbleman who lovedall animas bigand small.Heand Yvonne lovedand rescuedmany animals. Thepet household at thepresent includes Cash,Roseand Lilly whodefinitely will miss him. John served 4yearsin theUSNavy and upon completionofhis term of service he returned home and began hiscareer in Instrumentation Engineering. He worked at several Industrial Engineering companiesduringhis career andretired from Sigma Engineering at age 73. John and Yvonne and theirchildrenlived in Ohio andMontanaand Washington but maintained theirhomeinCentral. They later built their home on theSullivan estate proper-
Kelley, John V.
Alford, Hughie
Ellison, SharonAnn
Delage, MaryEthel
Matthews, Terry Lee'Fox'
Terry Lee“Fox” Matthewspeacefullyde‐partedthislifeonFriday, June13, 2025, at Chateau NapoleonCaringNursing Home. He was64, anative and resident of Thibodaux, LA. Visitation on Thursday, June19, 2025, at Williams & SouthallFuneral Home from4:00pmto6:00pm. Intermentprivate ArrangementsbyWilliams & Southall FuneralHome, 1204 ClevelandSt.,Thibo‐daux, LA 70301, (985)4472513. To sign theguest book or offercondolences visit ourwebsite at www williamsandsouthallfune ralhome.com.
Smiley, Clay
With heavy heartsand deep sorrow, we announce the passing of Clay Smiley, abeloved father, devoted fiancé, loyal friend, and allaround goodman,who left this world toosoonon June 9, 2025.A Celebration of Lifewillbeheldat Colyell BaptistChurchJune 21, 2025beginning at 9am witha service at 11AM. Condolences may be expressedat www.OursoFH.com
Stafford,Jimmie E.
theweight of loss, he continued to pourlove intothe livesofthose around him. Jimmie is survived by his daughter, VickieStafford Keller (Karl)and his blended family children, Ricky Vincent (Donna), Linda Jo Bosarge, BillVincent,Brad Vincent and aproud legacy of grandchildren: Joey Van Metre, Allison Acosta, AimeeTrotti, Adrienne Voytas, Lacey DuBois, Alaina Simoneaux, Amalia Greer, Deanna Richmond, Kacey Huang, and Kelsey Wooleyand adopted granddaughter,Kristian Hutchinson. Lots of great grandchildrenand great greatgrandchildren.His family was his pride and joy. Aman of many passions, Jimmie found peace in woodworking,joy in gardening, and asenseof freedomintraveling the country with his bride.An avid fisherman and diehard LSUfan, he never missed achance to tell a good storyorcheeronthe Tigers. Serviceswillbe held on Saturday, June 21, 2025, at The Church at St. Amant -TimothyBuilding The wake willbegin at 9:00 AM, with thefuneralservice to follow at 11:00 AM Burial willtakeplace at Hope HavenCemetery.He willbecarriedtohis final resting place by hisgreat grandsons, Devon Richardson, Dawson Richardson, William Rhys, Julian Simoneaux, Jonathan Simoneaux and Corey Greer. Jimmie Stafford willberemembered forhis unwavering love,gentle strength,and thecountless liveshetouched. His legacy livesoninthe heartsofall who knew him. Aspecial thanksto Heart of Hospice including his Nurse,Serita, CNA, Wandaand sitters, Roxanne and Rocky.
Jimmie EStafford, age 91, of Walker, Louisiana, passedawaypeacefully on June 13, 2025,surrounded by his lovingfamily. Adevoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend, Jimmie liveda life richin love, laughter,and loyalty. Born and raised in Walker, Louisiana,hewas atrue Southerngentleman—handsome,with striking baby blue eyes and acharm thatcould win over anyone. Fiercely protectiveofthose he loved, Jimmie wasknown forhis quick wit, strong hands, and even stronger heart. He was precededin death by his belovedwife, Billie Jo Stafford,his daughters Jimmie Lee Stafford Ebeling and Eve Stafford Wooley, his parents,and foursiblings. Though his heart carried
Immigration enforcement needed, butnot this way
There’snodoubt that most Americanswant an orderly and just immigration system.Polls show that large majorities favor the Trumpadministration’sstrict enforcement of ourimmigration laws, and we agree thatour laws should be respected.
Yetwhen it comes to thespecifics of how those laws are enforced, that’swhereconsensuscan start to breakdown—and forgood reason. Increasingly,the tactics being deployed by Immigrationand Customs Enforcementasitseeks to carry out mass deportation effortsare ensnaring even those who are trying to workthrough the system to gain American citizenship. Take, for instance, the case of Paola andAdrian Clouatre. The Baton Rougecouple with two small children knew Paola’simmigrationstatus was aproblem. She had entered the countryillegally from Mexicowithher motheratage 14 and applied for asylum. Themother anddaughter never showedupwhentheir case washeard two years later,however After she married Adrian lastyear,Paola appliedfor agreen card just as Adrianwas finishing afive-year stint in the Marines. Whenthey arrived in May for acitizenship appointment in NewOrleans, though, things did notgoas planned. ICE agentstook Paola intocustodyon an active deportation order that thecouple says they had onlyrecently learned about.
Paola wasput in detention in Mississippi, then brought to afacility in Monroe. Nowthe father brings his nine-week-old daughter and1-yearold son to the jail twice aweek to visit their mother Their case is not unique. We are seeing grandfathers, daughters and sonsgettingsuddenly plucked from their families after yearsofliving in the United States peacefully.AsICE steps up enforcement at farms, hotels andrestaurants, theseare the kinds of cases that make us question whether we have losttrack of the goal and our values. Enforcement at courthouses, as in Paola’s case, also raises alarm bells. Astrong immigration system has to treat people fairly,sothey are not so fearful that they give up on the system altogether
The Clouatres say theywere honest with immigration officials about her status everystep of the way.They never tried tohide anything. They were just hoping for abreak, forsomeone to listen, understand and give them achance. As Adrian put it, it’snot thepeople enforcing the law who deserve blame. “It’sthe system itself that won’tlet them exercise discretion.It’s like apower vacuum sucking everythingup.” It doesn’thave to be this way —evenifyou favor tough immigration enforcement. Since our founding, partofthe American ethos is that we are awelcoming people, that thosehuddled masses who arrive at ourshorescan expect to be treated with dignity.Ifwe lose that as we strive to protect our borders, maybe we also lose part of what makes them worth protecting.
LETTERSTOTHE
HERE
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,
On May 1, President Donald Trump issued apersonal decree (executive order) seeking to end congressionally appropriated funding tothe Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which locally supportsWRKF,aNational Public Radio affiliate, as well as theLouisiana Public Broadcasting TV network. The president has detected what he considers alack of appropriate right-wing political slant at CPBonthe news, emergency response, cultural and educational programming services that we all get at no cost. Baton Rouge public radio and TV stations are morethan 90% supported by appeals to appreciative listeners and viewers,
but residentsoutsidethe cities are moredependent on federal funds from CPB. Thepresident’s edict does not yet have theeffect of law and may ultimately turn out tobeunconstitutional. ButBaton Rouge residents should notignore effortstosquelch our best independent sources of reliable international, national andlocal information.There is definitely something all of us can do to respondtothis threat, and that is to immediately commit to doubling our donationstopublic radio and television.
Driversshouldkeepeye outfor wildlife
Referring to the May 28 article by Patrick Sloan Turner,“Treadmill, copier gone from Baton Rouge center; audit puts scrutiny on ex-councilwoman:” This stinks to high heaven. Audits are necessary to keep control of assets paid for by taxpayers and used by the agency for citizens. Missing property must be accounted for The high usage of credit cards in 2024 sticks out as abig issue, along with the missing property
The “visionary leadership” cited by District2 Metro Council member Chauna Banks comes with the responsibility to protect taxpayer dollars.
“Global thinking” is not needed for alocal community center.Attention should be focused on local community needs.
Transparency in budgeting is necessary to prevent property loss like this.
SHARILYNN AUCOIN Geismar
My heart is breaking today.Welive on aquiet cul-de-sac on alake. We have frequent visitsbyseveral families of geese. It is wonderful to see the parentsasthey teach their goslings to swim,flyand grow Acouple of days ago, several of the birds, adultsand goslings, were wiped out as they crossed La. 74. On our culde-sac, they know they are safe. We slow down when they are crossing the road. They knew nothing of the danger of the highway.Ihope this slaughter was an accident, but Ialso know that too manyyoung men in their soupedup big trucks go speeding downthat road every day.These innocent geese gave great pleasure to us and our neighbors. Pleasehave somerespect for their lives —slow down!
Iamaresident of St. James Place in Baton Rouge, and as such, live arather peaceful life; nothing out of the ordinary seemstohappen here in our retirementcenter.Weeat and sleep, and attend the various lectures and events that occur here regularly.Wealso visit happy hour religiously and share such exciting events as, “Did you know that Sarah is now gettingaknee replacement,” or Did you hear that Mike fell again in his bathroom?” Andsoon. Onemight say “we live life well boring but well.” Until about aweek ago, when one of thestranger experiences of my life happened. For two days, Iseemed to continually hear themeowing of acat in or near my car.Iwould look over the vehicle and not see it,but Icould surely hear it.Even after driving to thestoretwice at adistance of two miles,the sounds continued. Where was it?Bythat Saturday afternoon, it seemed half of St.James Place had heard of mynew but unseen
pet.Numerous people offered their suggestions: Call thefire department, go to an oil change place, do this, do that. Meanwhile, the cat was getting hungrier and louder Finally,one of our staffmembers, Kellie from the transportation department, stopped toassessthe situation. By this time, thecat had madeits way to theback of the undercarriage, but we still couldn’tsee it; we could only hear itsplaintive cries forfood, water and help. Then Kellie noticed asmall head peering out With asmall can of cat food, she coaxed the animal down, until it eventually came out on its own. So all was well. Anote of thanks to another St. James staffmember, who valiantly tried to reach my furry friend by removing parts of the engine shrouding, but to no avail.And now, Kellie has anew,but starving, kitten. AndIslept well that night.
LARRYVANDERLEEST Baton Rouge
This audit should be followed up on, and action should be taken, not swept under the rug.
Not only that, every agency in this state should be thoroughly audited.
ANNE JAMES Baton Rouge
This letter is in response to the opinion letter by Kerrie Slaton on June 5. Slaton incorrectly states that “wethe people have been paying for the tariffs on the United States.” There’snoway aforeign governmentcan charge Americans for exports because the American exporter is the seller,not the buyer Tariffs on U.S. goods are not paid by U.S. businesses or its citizens. Tariffs are paid by the businesses and consumers of the country imposing the tariff. Likewise, U.S. tariffs on imports are paid by U.S. businesses and consumers of those imports. Tariffs result in increased prices on imported goods forthe country imposing the tariff.
DAVID BERGERON River Ridge
GEORGE PAUL KEMP Baton Rouge
DA WINNAS ANDDALOOZAS
Iknow.Iknow.Itold everyone Iwas retiring at the end of 2024. But,asMichael Corleone famouslylamented, “Just when Ithought Iwas out, they pull me backin.” Andwhat stronger “pull” thananother my last, and this time Ireally mean it edition of “Da Winnasand Da Loozas” for Louisiana’s annual legislativesession? State lawmakers doubtless felt at times that they,too, were getting pulled back in. Back into MAGA’s andGov Jeff Landry’s divisive culture wars.Back intofights over who or what causes Louisiana’ssky-high auto andproperty insurance rates. Back into aquagmireof special-interest and sometimes just plain bad government legislation.
All this and more in an annual session that was supposed to focus on fiscal matters.
That’snot to say nothingworthwhilehappened.Somegoodthings managed to slip through. Which brings us to our annual tally of the legislative session’s victorsand vanquished, aka “Da Winnasand Da Loozas,” startingwith…
DA WINNAS
1. Nursing home operators:Nursing homes are hands-down the mostpowerfullobby in state government, even though the federalCenters for Medicareand Medicaid Services consistently rates Louisiana’s skilled nursing facilities among the nation’s worst. Most lawmakers respect powerover prudence,which explainsanew law limiting nursing home operators’ liability for wrongful deaths and maltreatment. The change classifies nursinghomeoperators as “health care providers” underLouisiana’s Medical Malpractice Act, which caps civil damages at $500,000, and individual providers are liable for only the first $100,000 of that. The rest comes from the state’sPatient Compensation Fund, which is funded by surcharges on patients’ medicalbills.Worst of all, House members defeated aproposed amendment to excludenursing homes rated “D” or “F” —literally,the worst of the worst —from the “med mal” cap. Edmund Burke was right: The greaterthe power,the more dangerousthe abuse.
2. Gov.Jeff Landry:Once again, the governor pushed an ambitious agenda. He didn’t get everythinghewanted— no governor does unlessheorshe aims low —but Landry scored some notable wins …and some losses.His wins includedseveral bills dealing with auto-accident litigation andameasure authorizing Insurance Commish TimTemple to reject rate hikes he deems unreasonable —apowerTemple does not want. That law gives Landry a“not my circus, notmy monkeys” excuse when rates go up.The guv also convinced lawmakers toradically restructure the Department of Transportation and Development, the Department of Children and FamilyServices and thestate Workforce Commission in ways that will undoubtedly enhance his alreadyconsiderable power and influence.
3. CVS —The pharmacy company iswholly owned by Caremark, the second-largest pharmacy benefit manager and No. 6on the Fortune 500 list. PBMs negotiate drug pricesbyacting as middlemen between manufacturers and the insurance companies and pharmacies thatprovide drugs to consumers. PBMs didn’texist 15 yearsago, but today they are the profit centers of the pharmaceutical industry —they’re bigger than Big Pharma —even thoughtheydon’t manufacture anything but profits. Critics claim PBMs don’tsharethe savings from reduced drug prices with consumersand may actually engage in price fixing (the feds are investigating PBMs nationally). The governor made alast-minutepushto prohibit Louisiana pharmacies from owning or operating aPBM, butCVS killedthe measure by sending asky-is-falling text message to its customers—one of whom happens to be Mrs.Jeff Landry,according to sources at the Capitol. That explainsthe guv’sirate threat to convene aspecial session, probably in August,toreconsider the ban.Thiswas apyrrhic victory forCVS and PBMs. The issue never had apublic hearing, which is why the Senatekilledit, but the votesare probably there to passthe banwhen it returns 4.The Senate:Once again, senators were the adults in the room. They bottled upthe hastily concocted, last-minuteanti-PBM bill, sent aHouse-passed anti-diversity, equity and inclusion bill to Siberia by denying it acommittee assignmentand generallyheldthe line againstthe governor’s
and theHouse’sexcesses. Senate President Cameron Henryisthe Bubba Henry(no relation) of his political generation. Bubba was the father of legislative independence in Louisiana when he served as House speaker in the 1970s. Cameron is building on that legacy in the Senate.
5. UNO:The UniversityofNew Orleans notched several winsasitprepares to rejoin the LSU System and deal with amassive structural deficit.Itwill get $20 million to address its financial challenges, and rejoiningthe LSUSystem should help both UNO and LSU —provided theLSU Board of Supervisors recognizes UNO’spotential to be acrown jewel of the system rather than amere satellite campus.
6. Sheriffs:Never bet against Louisiana’s sheriffs. They got a$17 million annual increase in their per-day ratefor housing state inmates in local jails.
7. Newmomsand newborns:Lawmakers passed measures to provide insurance coverage of home visiting services for newbornsand young children, offer Medicaid coverage for and expanded access to doulaservices, require health insurance coverage foraminoacid-based elemental formulas, mandate care and insurance coveragefor perinatal psychiatric care and guarantee informed testing and insurance coverage forSTIs in pregnant women.
8. Publicschool teachers:After voters in March soundly rejected Landry’soverloaded Amendment 2, which contained a provisionfor permanent teacher raises, K-12 teachers got one-time stipends of $2,000 for athird consecutive year.But they’ll get another shot at areal raise next spring when voters consider astand-alone constitutional amendment to redirect a portion of education trust funds to higher teacher pay.
9. High-performinghigh schoolers:They will soonqualify for enhanced TOPS awards, thankstochanges in thestate’scollege scholarship program
10. Domestic violence victims:The governor’s proposed budget had no funding for domestic violence victims’ services,but lawmakers restored $7 million —the same amountthat’sinthe current fiscal year’s budget but still less than what they got under theprevious administration. Meanwhile, lawmakers created aVictims’ Bill of Rights and established notification procedures for events —including jailbreaks
that endanger DV victims. Which brings us to DA LOOZAS
1. Grandmaand Grandpa:The new law insulating bad-faith nursing homeoperators from wrongful death and negligent care lawsuitsisa stain on Louisiana’sgood skilled nursing facilities —and on theindustry in general —but thereal harm is to vulnerable seniors whose families cannot find or afford better care for their beloved parents and grandparents.
2. Gov.Jeff Landry:The governor lost some high-profile fights. Senators killed his proposal to morethan double funding forhis LA GATOR (read: K-12 voucher) program, along with the anti-PBM bill that Landry pushed in thefinal days. Hismove to gut thenominating committee and eliminate theexecutive director’sjob forthe East BankFlood Authority was reduced to afew tweaks that actually makesense. Elsewhere, he failed to block“tort reform” measures that his trial lawyer allies were counting on him to kill, though he could still vetoone or more of those bills, as he did last year
3.TimTemple:Lawmakers approved several “tort reform”measures that Temple supported, but those wins paled in comparison to aLandry-backed bill giving the insurance commissioner authority to reject premium hikes he deems“excessive.” The latter makes Temple the face of higher insurance rates in Louisiana, while giving Landry aconvenient fall guy when rates go up. Because rates WILL go up.
4. Drivers and homeowners:The never-ending fight between insurance companies and trial lawyers ended in adraw.They each scored awin or two and took afew losses as well, but none of the so-called tort reforms will lower insurance premiums for drivers and homeowners in the foreseeable future.
5.Transparency and ethics: These twoindicatorsofgood government go hand in hand, this year in defeat. Lawmakers amended thePublic Records Act to give themselves “protections” that ordinary citizens don’t have, gutted thealready weakened ethics laws to insulate all elected officials from ethics enforcement (which is now officially an oxymoron in Louisiana) and raised the contribution limits on campaign donations to further enhance all incumbents’ reelec-
tion chances.
6. Culture warriors: Senators killed aHousepassed anti-DEI bill forstate government that drove apainful —and very public —race-based wedge between Black and Republican lawmakers. The bill wasalso completely unnecessary and irrelevant, a hallmark of culture wars.
7.Vouchersupporters: Here again, the Senate stood up to the governor by keeping LA GATOR funding at its current level of $43.5 million, meaning no additional taxpayer-funded seats at private schools.
8. Carboncapture proponents:They defeated efforts to kill or seriously weaken the industry,but several new lawsimpose restrictions and add procedural hurdles to future carbon capture projects. One new law makes local courts the venue for all expropriation fights involving carbon capture, which could tip the scales in favor of local opponents. At aminimum,itwill makecarbon capture morepainstaking and moreexpensive.
9. Childrenofgun owners:The House rejected achild-protection bill that would have madeitamisdemeanor foranyone to negligently or intentionally leave aloaded firearm where akid winds up hurting himself or others with it. It’s yet another reminder —asifweneeded one —ofhow fearful lawmakers are of the NRA.
10.Average Louisiana citizens:I’ve always been tempted (and encouraged) to make“us folks” perennial Loozas, but Itry not to overstate the obvious. Now that I’monthe threshold of actually retiring from my beloved profession, I’mgonna go ahead and say it: Average citizens got next to nothing. Again. Sorry,folks.
In closing, as Ivow once moretoavoid Michael Corleone’s“they pull me back in” fate, Idosowith adeep sense of gratitude to the anonymous Capitol sources who have generously shared their insights and helped me compile my legislative version of “DaWinnas and Da Loozas” forthe past 40-plus years. Ialso thank my friend, editor and colleague Stephanie Grace, whoprovided significant insights and assistance of her own these last fewyears.
Y’all are all “winnas” in my book. Clancy DuBosisaretired political columnist forGambitand The TimesPicayune |The Advocate.
STAFF PHOTO By HILARy SCHEINUK
Gov. Jeff Landryaddresses the Louisiana Legislature on opening dayoflegislativesession, April 14 at the State Capitol in Baton Rouge. Senate President Cameron Henry R-Metairie, left,speaks with Sen Royce Duplessis, D-New Orleans, on May12.
STAFF PHOTO By HILARy SCHEINUK
STAFF PHOTO By CHRIS GRANGER
Louisiana Commissioner of InsuranceTim Temple has the authority to reject premium hikes he deems ‘excessive.’
Clancy DuBos
WINDELAY
BY KOKI RILEY Staff writer
OMAHA, Neb.— In the third inning Monday night,LSU wasingood shape
The Tigers led 5-3 over UCLA in the winner’sbracket of the 2025 College WorldSeries. Their second ace, junior right-hander Anthony Eyanson, had settledintothe game with two scorelessinnings after surrenderingthree runs in the first. Awin would secure another day off andplace LSU avictory away from reaching the CWS final.
Then the weather came.
Justbefore the start of thefourth inning, lightning andrainlit up the night skyfor two hours and53minutes. Thematchup was suspended at 10:13 p.m. Monday’sgame was givena restart of 10:03 a.m.Tuesday.A loss to UCLA would forcethe Tigers to playagain Tuesday versus Arkansas in an eliminationgame. LSUneeded someonetoreverse its misfortune. That’swhen LSU coach Jay JohnsonturnedtoCasan Evans. Thefreshmanright-hander toed the rubber to begin the re-
startedgame and excelled, allowing just two runs in 41/3 innings to guide LSU past the Bruins 9-5
“Coach Johnson had told me that once we got out of the delay thatI would be on the mound, and thenit gotrolled over to today,”Evans said. “Just went back to thehotel and got ready for today.Woke up early.” With the win, LSU will face Arkansas at 6p.m.Wednesday.The Tigers need to beatArkansaseither WednesdayorThursdayto advance.
it seems, have an answer foreverything. The UCLA Bruins began their battle of College World Series unbeatens Monday night by roughing up LSU co-pitching ace Anthony Eyanson, mainly by putting alot of balls in places where the Tigers found making outs arduous. No problem.
UCLA hung three runs on LSU in the top of the first and the Tigers answered with four in the bottom of the frame, mostly thanks to a387-foot home run to right-center by Jared Jones that nosed just over the glove of right fielderAJSalgado and into the bleachers.
“Wetalk about winning every inning,” Jones said. “Obviously,theyput up athree spot in the top half, so to win the inning we’ve gottoput up at least four.And it just so happened.
“It just so happened.”
Youmake it sound simple, Jared. See ball, hit ball, see ball go over the wall. Another bad break soon followed, though. After Eyansonbailed out his boat and pluggedthe leaks, retiring eight of the last nine UCLA batters he faced, the game washalted by weatherinthe top of the fourthinning. If there’sanything this LSU team has known this year —other than winning ä See RABALAIS, page 4C
BY KOKI RILEY Staffwriter
OMAHA, Neb. For twohours and 53 minutes, LSU had to wait. And then wait and wait and wait some more.A game that began at 6:08 p.m. Monday didn’tconclude until 12:32 p.m.
Tuesday
That’sbecause Monday’smatchup between LSUand UCLA was halted through anearly three-hour weather delay that technically didn’tend until the next day Instead of resuming the game Monday night, the matchup was suspended and didn’tresume until 10:03 a.m. Tuesday It took awhile, but the Tigers eventually took down UCLA 9-5 in their second gameatthe College World Series. The winmeans LSUwill face Arkansas at 6p.m. Wednesday with achance to make the CWS final.
“That’swhat this tournament is at times. Had delays here, night games that ended
Scott Rabalais
STAFF PHOTO By HILARySCHEINUK LSU shortstop StevenMilam throws to first base over
Salgado to complete
Tuesdaymorning in Omaha, Neb.LSU wonthe resumption of
Williams, Gilgeous-Alexander enter lore
OKC duo joins exclusive NBA Finals club for scoring
BY TIM REYNOLDS AP basketball writer
OKLAHOMA CITY Jerry West and Elgin Baylor did it often. Kyrie Irving and LeBron James did it a couple of times. Magic Johnson and Jamaal Wilkes were among those who did it once.
And now, Jalen Williams and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander have entered NBA lore.
Game 5 of the NBA Finals on Monday night marked just the 14th time in league history that a game saw somebody score at least 40 points in a title-round game while one of his teammates scored at least 30.
Williams had 40 and GilgeousAlexander finished with 31 in Oklahoma City’s 120-109 win over Indiana, a victory that gave the Thunder a 3-2 lead in the series.
“These guys are really good players,” Oklahoma City coach Mark Daigneault said “Obviously.”
A look at the history when a team has a 40-point and 30-point scorer in the same finals game: West and Baylor, Lakers
This 40-30 combination has happened 14 times in NBA Finals history Jerry West and Elgin Baylor are responsible for half of them, and they made it almost seem commonplace back then — while hardly any set of teammates has done it since.
April 8, 1962: West scored 40, Baylor scored 36 in the Los Angeles Lakers’ 129-122 win over the Boston Celtics in Game 2 of those finals.
April 18, 1962: Baylor scored 41, West scored 35, but it wasn’t enough and the Celtics beat the Lakers 110-107 in Game 7 for the title that season.
April 17, 1963: West scored 42, Baylor scored 38 and the Lakers beat the Celtics 119-99 in Game 3. April 21, 1963: Baylor scored 43, West scored 32 and the Lakers beat the Celtics 126-119 in Game 5. The Celtics would prevail in six games.
April 17, 1966: West scored 41, Baylor scored 36 in the Lakers’
By NATE BILLINGS
Phillies OF Castellanos benched over comment
Nick Castellanos was benched by Phillies manager Rob Thomson on Tuesday for “an inappropriate comment” the outfielder made after he was pulled for a defensive replacement a day earlier, ending Castellanos’ streak of 236 consecutive starts.
Castellanos played right field and singled in four at-bats against the Marlins on Monday before Johan Rojas replaced him in the bottom of the eighth. Max Kepler moved to right and Rojas played center
The 33-year-old Castellanos who is in his fourth season with the Phillies, is hitting .278 with seven homers and 36 RBIs. Castellanos, born and raised in South Florida, often has dozens of relatives and friends in the stands when the Phillies visit the Marlins.
Mets rotation loses Megill with right elbow sprain
The New York Mets lost a member of their rotation for at least one month on Tuesday when righthander Tylor Megill was placed on the 15-day injured list with a right elbow sprain.
Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said before Tuesday night’s game against the Atlanta Braves the team would wait for inflammation in Megill’s elbow to decrease before being able to determine the severity of the injury
133-129 win over the Celtics in Game 1 of that series.
Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jalen Williams, left, and guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander stand on the court after Game 5 against the Minnesota Timberwolves on May 28 in Oklahoma City ä Thunder at Pacers. 7:30 P.M.THURSDAy,ABC
April 24, 1966: Baylor scored 41, West scored 31 and the Lakers beat the Celtics 121-117 in Game 5. But Boston would win the title again, prevailing in Game 7.
April 25, 1969: West scored 31, Baylor scored 32 and the Lakers beat the Celtics 118-112 in Game 2 that year And once again the Celtics would win, this time in another Game 7 and the 11th and final title for Bill Russell.
Irving and LeBron, Cavaliers
They did it in back-to-back seasons for Cleveland, both times against Golden State. The Cavs won the title in 2016, then lost in 2017.
June 13, 2016: Both Kyrie Irving and Lebron James scored 41 points and the Cavs beat the Warriors 112-97, cutting Golden State’s series lead to 3-2. This was the season Cleveland successfully rallied from a 3-1 deficit to win the title.
June 9, 2017: Irving scored 40 and James scored 31 as the Cavs avoided a sweep by beating the Warriors 137-116 in Game 4 of that series.
Golden State went on to prevail in five games.
(Holmgren 11). Assists — Indiana 23 (Haliburton 6), Oklahoma City 24 (Gilgeous-Alexander 10). Total Fouls Indiana 25, Oklahoma City 24. A — 18,203 (18,203)
Johnson and Wilkes, Lakers
They did it once, in the clincher of the 1980 finals for the Lakers against the Philadelphia 76ers.
May 16, 1980: Magic Johnson scored 42 and Jamaal Wilkes scored 37 in the Lakers’ 123-107 road win in Game 6 to secure the title
Chamberlain and West, Lakers West’s name pops into the list again, this time with Wilt Cham-
berlain in the Lakers’ 1970 finals appearance against the New York Knicks.
May 6, 1970: Chamberlain scored 45, West scored 33 and the Lakers beat the Knicks 135-113 in Game 6 of that series.
New York would win the title two nights later in Game 7. Havlicek and Howell, Celtics Hard to believe it’s happened only once in Celtics lore, but that’s indeed the case. The Boston teammates did it against the Lakers in 1968.
May 2, 1968: John Havlicek scored 40, Bailey Howell scored 30 and the Celtics won 124-109 in Game 6 of that series, clinching yet another championship.
Hagan and Pettit, Hawks
Not the Atlanta Hawks, the St. Louis Hawks. Cliff Hagan and Bob Pettit were the first members of the finals 40-30 club.
April 5, 1961: Hagan scored 40, Pettit scored 30 and the Hawks lost to the Celtics 116-108 in Game 2 of that series. Boston won the series in five games.
NBA Finals rest schedule helpful to players
BY TIM REYNOLDS AP basketball writer
INDIANAPOLIS Given the way Indiana guard Tyrese Haliburton was limping on his way out of the postgame news conference after Game 5 of the NBA Finals, it’s safe to assume he’s a fan of the schedule right about now
Put simply, he could use a couple of days off at least.
Haliburton has a lower leg injury
— nobody’s saying exactly what it is, whether it’s an ankle or calf or something else — and he was having an MRI on Tuesday to try to figure things out. It seems to be the sort of injury that if this were a back-to-back situation in December, he’d be missing at least one game. But these are the finals, this is June, there are no back-to-backs in the playoffs, and when the league gets to the last series two-day breaks between games aren’t uncommon. The Pacers are probably happy about that right about now
“The finals, the NBA Finals is one of the great stages in all of sports,” Pacers coach Rick Carlisle said. “And so, it shouldn’t happen quickly and abruptly It should happen at the right pace and the right tempo, and the space in between games does help player health. That’s a very important aspect of it.”
There was a one-day gap between games in this year’s finals just once, separating Games 3 and 4 in Indianapolis. Everything else has seen a twoday gap, as will be the case going into Game 6 at Indy on Thursday night. And if the Pacers win to force a Game 7 back in Oklahoma City that’ll be preceded by another two days off going into an ultimate
By
Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton drives past Oklahoma City Thunder forward Chet Holmgren during Game 5 on Monday in Oklahoma City.
game on Sunday night.
It should be noted that the Thunder don’t mind the schedule being drawn out, either
“We recover,” Oklahoma City coach Mark Daigneault said. “The finals are great because you get extra time in between the games.
I think that’s huge in terms of rest and recovery at this time of the year I think it’s good for the product. I think it’s a good thing and by the time the ball goes up in the air, everybody is going to be ready to play and everybody is going to be excited.”
Even those who aren’t dealing with an injury seem to be welcoming the two-day gaps between finals games. “It’s a lot of games. It’s tiring, for sure,” Thunder star and league MVPShaiGilgeous-Alexandersaid.
“But every game is tiring When you’re giving your all, every possession, you’re going to be tired. I don’t think I’m the only one out there that is tired. It wasn’t always like this.
The first NBA Finals were in 1947, before the league was called the NBA (it was the Basketball Association of America then) and before the title round was called the finals (after being called the BAA Finals in the early years, it was called the NBA World Championship Series until the mid-1980s).
That first year, Philadelphia and Chicago played five games in seven days. It would be unthinkable to play at that pace now; the NBA, for muchofthelastdecade,hasn’teven scheduled stretches like that in the regular season. The finals between Minneapolis
and New York did the same thing
— five games, seven days — in 1953. Boston and the Los Angeles Lakers played a five-game series in an eight-day span in 1965. Golden State and Washington played four games in eight days in 1975, with two cross-country flights in there as well. And this was long before charter flights became the rule in the NBA, too.
“We’re fortunate in this series. Travel is pretty reasonable Not a long distance,” Carlisle said, evidently aware that the finals has the shortest distance between the dueling cities Oklahoma City and Indianapolis are separated by 688 miles by air — than any finals matchup since 1956. “Not a long flight I do believe it’s a better circumstance for the overall integrity of the competition.”
The two extra days gives everybody Haliburton, coaches, everyone — more time to get ready Daigneault, the father of kids ages 3 and 2, said it gives him more time to be a dad between games.
“I do twice as much parenting,” he said, “not twice as much work.”
Carlisle said coaches get more time to study film, though at this point in the series it’s pretty clear that the Thunder and Pacers know eachotheraboutaswellastheycan. And Haliburton will get another 24 hours of whatever scheme the Pacers’ medical staff draws up to try to get his leg good to go in Game 6. “All these guys playing in this series on both sides. I think it’s pretty clear now that we’re going into the sixthgame,andallattentionandthe crowd noise in both arenas, everything,thisisalifetimeopportunity,” Carlisle said. “Not many guys are going to sit even if they are a little banged up.”
The 29-year-old Megill is 5-5 with a 3.95 ERA in 14 starts. Mendoza says the team likely will find a spot starter to fill Megill’s next start on Friday at Philadelphia. The rotation could have more options soon as the team is awaiting the returns of Frankie Montas (lat) and Sean Manaea (oblique) from injuries.
Judge calls to settle bitter NASCAR antitrust battle
A federal judge urged NASCAR and two of its teams, including one owned by retired NBA great Michael Jordan, co-owner of 23XI Racing, to settle their legal fight over the stock car series during a hearing on Tuesday
The hearing was a request to toss out NASCAR’s countersuit, which accuses Jordan business manager Curtis Polk of “willfully” violating antitrust laws by orchestrating anticompetitivecollectiveconductinnegotiations. U.S. District Judge Kenneth Bell of North Carolina grilled both NASCAR and teams on what they hoped to accomplish in the antitrust battle. 23XI and Front Row Motorsports were the only two organizations that refused to sign a take-it-or-leave-it offerfromNASCARlastSeptember
Lyles, Hill race canceled for ‘personal reasons’ Olympic gold medalist Noah Lyles will not race Miami Dolphins receiver Tyreek Hill due to “personal reasons,” according to the New York Post, bringing to end a near yearlong saga of trash talk and back-and-forth.
Hill originally challenged Lyles to a 50-yard race — just days after the sprinter had won gold in the 100 meters at the 2024 Paris Games.
The eight-time Pro Bowler has long since claimed to be one of the fastest people on the planet and wanted to use a race against Lyles to prove it.
It’s unclear whether the race will be postponed indefinitely or called off all together Regardless, Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel is likely happy that he won’t have to answer any more questions about it.
Wings forward Siegrist on shelf with knee injury
Dallas Wings forward Maddy Siegrist is recovering from a right knee injury that won’t require surgery but will keep her out of the lineup for some time.
The Wings said Siegrist was diagnosed with an anterolateral tibial plateau (shin) fracture. Siegrist suffered the injury in Wednesday’s loss at Phoenix. The Wings said Monday that the injury won’t require surgery and that the third-year player is expected to make a full recovery and return to the lineup “later this season.” Dallas drafted Siegrist third overall out of Villanova in 2023, and she has averaged 9.4
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KyLE PHILLIPS
Good Luck in Omaha! Om
TheTigers areOmaha-bound —and when excellence is on the line, LSUdelivers. That same championship mindset is shared by Our Lady of the Lake, part of Franciscan Missionaries of OurLady Health System and thehealthcareprovider trustedtocarefor LSU Baseball and all LSUstudentathletesall year long.
Throughthe ChampionshipHealthPartnership,that same top-tier care is available to you —fromsports medicineand student healthtobreakthroughresearch and community care.
Championshipcare.Championship culture
Learn howweare improving the health of Louisiana.
JaredJones, First Base Kade Anderson, Pitcher Steven Milam, Infield
COLLEGE WORLDSERIES
RABALAIS
Continued from page1C
—it’sweather delays. This was the 19th of the Tigers’ 65 games affected by inclement conditions.
On the Forrest Gump scale of weather,they’ve seen it all. Little bitty stinging rain. Big ‘ol fat rain. Rain that flewinsideways. Theyevenhad arain delaythat masqueraded as hours of sunshine during the NCAA super regional in Baton Rouge. (Near as Icould ever figure,there was some concern about lightning in Texas. Around El Paso). This, however,was your classic Midwestern, carryDorothy-off-to-Oz storm front at Charles SchwabField on Mondaynight. After hours of lightning and buckets of rain, they called the whole thingoff just after 10 p.m. with LSU leading 5-3, compelling the Tigers and Bruins to return at 10 a.m. Tuesday.Compelling everybody but Eyanson, who hadthrown too much and sat fortoo long to pitchagain.
Signs pointedtoLSU coach
Jay Johnson turning to freshman Casan Evans. Overthe last six weeks Evans hasstarted, worked in long relief and was the closer forthe Tigers’ 4-1 victory Saturday over Arkansas. Ithink in apinch the kid also could tune apiano.
But would Johnson want to save him if the Tigers were forced into amust-win game Tuesday night, or start Wednesdaytotry to reach the championship series?
Tuesday’swin marks the eighth time LSU has started its College World Series run with a2-0 record In the seven previous instances, the Tigerswon the national title six times.
“Great win for our team,”Johnson said. “Really proudofthem themindset piece, the disruption of thegame last nightbecause of weather.” Evans had five strikeouts and didn’tallow an extra-base hit. He consistently fooled UCLA hitters with his split changeup and pounded the strike zone, issuing no walks and hitting one batter
“I love the tempo that Casan set today,” Johnson said. “I thought he was outstanding, as he always is.” He eventuallyexitedfor freshman left-hander Cooper Williams aftertwo hitters reachedwith one out in the eighth inning Williams struggled in his first appearance in Omaha. The Texas native walked two batters and allowed both inherited runners to score. The two runs cut LSU’slead to 8-5 before sophomore righthander Chase Shores entered with two outs and the basesloaded.
Shoresneeded just onepitchto end the jam, forcing afielder’s choice groundout to sophomore Steven Milam at shortstop. He then breezed through theninthin-
by Hawk (Hernandez). Umpires—HP: Kellen Levy.1B: Angel Campos. 2B: Jeff Head. 3B: Scott Letendre. T—3:41. A—24,623.
ning toend thegame.
“It felt amazing,” Shores said when asked about the one-pitch outinthe eighth. “I mean, if Ican do it in onepitch(and) yousave my pitch count, that’seven better.”
The LSU bats produced during the restart,scoring four runs with twoouts.
Run-scoring singlesfromMilam and sophomore Jake Brown in the fourth inning stretchedLSU’s
Mondaylead to 7-3. Threeinnings later,junior Daniel Dickinson blooped asingle into shallowright field thatdrove in arun before “Rough dayfor me,it’sall good,” Dickinson said regarding his bloop hit.“We’ll take them whenever youcan.”
Junior JaredJones drove in his fourthrun of the game in the eighth with asingle thatgaveLSU a9-5 advantage
Before the rain began to fall, LSU tallied four runs in the first inning andaddedanotherscore in the third after falling behind 3-0.
The Tigers hit three consecutive singles in thefirst that resulted in arun-scoringhit by Brown Twopitches later,Jones blasted a three-run homerun to theopposite field that turnedLSU’s 3-1 deficit into a4-3 lead
Jones’ homer was his 21st of the season and LSU’s first in Omaha. The blast traveled 387 feet and waslaunched 110 mph into the teeth of the wind in right-center field.
Thehit washis firstofthe College WorldSeriesafter he went0 for 5with fivestrikeouts in LSU’s win againstArkansasonSaturday “Offensively,wejust wanted to start thegame on theright note,” Jones said. “Wetalk about winning every inning. Obviously,they put up athree spot in the tophalf, so to winthe inning we’vegot to put up at least four.”
The Tigers added afifthrun in the third on senior Luis Hernan-
dez’stwo-out single. Thetally gave LSU a5-3 lead before the game was stopped becauseofthe weather Milam, Jones and Brown led the Tigers with multiple hitsapiece. Jones’home run was their only extra-base hit, butonlyone starter —redshirt juniorTannerReaves —failedtorecordahit.
“I think it kindofcan go unnoticed withour team. It’smore than talent. It’sreally skilled baseball players, and (Milam’s) at thetop of that,” Johnson said.
“So when youhavethatkind of skill, youcan make adjustments quickly and usually not stay down forlong.”
Eyanson’s rocky start put LSU behind theeight ball Monday.The UC SanDiego transfer surrendered three runs on threesingles anda double in the first inning.
His fastball was up to 96 mph, butUCLA hitterswerenot fooled by his slider even if he did improveasthe game continued. Eyanson retired eight of the last nine batters he faced.
“I was getting readytothrow a warm-up on the mound (and) the umpire kind of screamed at me, saying, ‘Hey,time to come offthe field,’ “Eyanson said aboutMonday.“Ididn’treally know it was going to rain (Monday) at all. I didn’t really check theweather But yeah, it kind of sucked.”
Email Koki Riley at Koki.Riley@ theadvocate.com.
The answer was an emphatic no.Evans was the man.
“Coach Johnson hadtold me that once we gotout of the delay that Iwould be on the mound,” Evans said. “Just went back to the hotel and gotready for(Tuesday). Woke up early.”
Another Tigerwho makes it sound easy.Wake up early,work late, win the game.
Evans gave LSU 41/3 innings of superb relief. Eventually, he ledthe Tigers into ajam in the eighth that led to two runs charged to him offpitches by fellow frosh Cooper Williams, but LSU hadmore than enough offense to stay in control. Chase Shores (he also pitchedSaturday) came in belching flames, extinguishing the Bruins’ hopes with four outs of hitless relief to sew up the 9-5 victory “Really proud of them,” Johnsonsaid. “The mindset, the disruption of the game last night because of weather.I thought the response in the first inning, after giving up three, to come back andscore four was very much in character for our team.”
Continued frompage1C
up being day games the next day,” coach Jay Johnson said.“I’mjust really proud the way the team handled all that.”
Weather disruptions have becomeall toofamiliar to LSUthis season.
Even if Monday was thefirst time this yearwhere it needed a second day to finisha game,the Tigers have gottenusedtoadjusting on the fly
The matchup withUCLA was the19thLSU game this season that has been affected by the weather
“As Imentioned, everything is training for something,” Johnson said. “It wasn’tjust the regional, super regional. We played like four games at 10 p.m. this year, and finished acouple at 1:30 in the morning.”
To burn the time during the initial delay, LSU startedplaying Mafia—the popular party game
—inthe clubhouse. The Tigers spentaround an hour anda half playingthe game as rain continued to fall on Charles Schwab Field. It’s agame the playerstypically play on the team bus. Junior Tanner Reaves noted thatjunior catcher Eddie Yamin was among the better Mafia guessers.
“I do play alittle bit, but I’m usually the one that gets votedoff
first becauseI’m so bad,” junior Daniel Dickinsonsaid. “They’re like,‘Oh,he’s(theMafia). He sucks.’ Igot in trouble for lying very,very often when Iwas a kid.”
Onceitwas announced the game wouldn’t resumeMonday, Johnson toldthe players to, “Gohome, eat (and) go to bed,” Reaves said, and that’swhat they did. “Actually gotsomefoodfirst, and then hydrated alittlebit,then went straight to sleep,” sophomore right-hander ChaseShores said. “And we had an early morning. And we were all prepared for that.” Shores woke up at 6:30 a.m ahead of Tuesday’srestart, avery early time for the 6-foot-8 Texas
AT AGLANCE
native to rise and shine.
“For me, Idon’t really wake up that early,” Shores said. “It all dependsongametime, butifwe’re playing anight game, I’ll sleep until like 10:30, 11 a.m.”
Little didShores know when he woke up that he would enter the gamewith the bases loaded and twoouts in the eighth inning of athree-run game. He was ready from the start, needing just one pitch to end the inning on afielder’schoice before closing out the game with aperfect ninth inning. Given his performance, he may be amorning person after all.
“I gotthatquick out. Theconfidencewas kind of built,” Shores said.
“And then Iwent out to the ninth with alot of confidence.” Email Koki Riley at Koki.Riley@ theadvocate.com.
History doesn’thelp theTigers make an out or getabase hit, but being in this position is very much in character for LSU. This is the eighth time the Tigers have started 2-0 in the CWS. Six of the previous seven times LSU won the championship. The only time it didn’twas 1998. The only time the Tigers won the CWSand didn’tstart 2-0 was two years ago, when LSU lost its second game to Wake Forest.
Much more meaningful than history,the Tigers’ confidence tank hastobeon“F” right about now. They’ve dealt with weather,tough hitting, tough pitching and tough breaks, and they’ve gotten to the threshold of the CWSchampionship series. Now they’ve gottwo bitesat that apple going into agame Wednesday night against Arkansas(weather permitting).
Abig part of LSU’sformula forsuccess is dealing with things as they come, amix of youthful obliviousness and Johnson’sexperience at maintaining an even strain.
“As youget older in coaching,” Johnson said, “something Itry to getbetter at is not worrying about things that Icannot control, whether it’sNCAA rules or the weather.IfIcould have the power to push back lightning and rainstorms, I probably wouldn’tbeacollege baseball coach.
“But Iwant to set agood example forthe team. If I’mfrustrated, making it athing, then they’regoingtomake it athing. And it’smyjob to lead and not make it athing. So that’swhatI chose to do.”
Signs are that Johnson isn’t some sort of weather god. Signs are growing that LSU is on track forashotatanother national championship.
STAFF PHOTO By HILARySCHEINUK
Shores pitched 113 scoreless innings to
first career save
STAFF PHOTO By HILARy SCHEINUK
LSU first baseman Jared Jones catches the ball as UCLA center fielder Payton Brennan is out Tuesdayatthe CollegeWorld Series in Omaha, Neb.
George ‘Bobby’ Soileau won four state boxing championships while in high school in Louisiana.
He also won an individual NCAA championship in 1956 while boxing at LSU
PROVIDED PHOTO
Soileau’s quick hands cemented his legacy
BY RAYMOND PARTSCH III
Contributing writer
This is an entry in a profile series of inductees for the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2025. The induction ceremony is set for June 28 in Natchitoches.
George “Bobby” Soileau taught his son how to throw a punch.
Every day after coaching and teaching students at Sacred Heart High School, Soileau would come home to his wife and three sons and put on his worn-out gloves and show his youngest son, Robert, how to throw a jab.
“He always loved to put the gloves on and box with me when I was little,” Robert Soileau said.
“Every day, it is what we did together We would box in the backyard or even in the living room. I was 6 or 7 years old, and he would get on his knees and box me.”
The older Soileau does not always remember those days of bonding with his son. There are more days than not when he does not recall being one of Louisiana’s elite boxers with a fierce left jab that helped him claim four state championships
and an individual national championship in college Dementia has taken that away from the 89-year-old Soileau. His accomplishments are slight flickers of light now as Soileau is unable to relive those moments that will see him be inducted into the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame on June 28 in Natchitoches.
“He just doesn’t understand,” his son said “I ask him the same questions every single day because the doctors told us that it helps. To his credit, he can still tell me his momma’s name, his brothers’ names and their nicknames. He even remembers being a boxer He will sometimes say ‘Yeah, I was a national champion at LSU.’ “ In the 1950s, boxing was one of the more popular high school sports in Louisiana. For kids in that era, the passion for the squared circle began at an early age His prep career began in the eighth grade at Sacred Heart under famed coach Jack Reed, and he won the 90-pound state championship in 1950. He would take the 100-pound crown in 1951, the 110-pound title in 1952 and the 125-pound cham-
pionship in 1954, the same year he was awarded the prestigious Francis G. Brink Trophy for being the state’s best boxer In his five-year career, Soileau went 96-2-1, won four state championships, and finished as state runner-up in 1953 when he lost to Plaquemine’s Bruce Boudreaux in the 115-pound title bout, a fight considered to be one of the greatest in state history
Soileau received a boxing scholarship from LSU, which was established as one of the best boxing programs in the country The Tigers had won the NCAA team national championship in 1949.
“We had a good boxing team,” Soileau said in 2017 “We couldn’t box against people around Louisiana. We had to go thousands of miles away to find people who were still boxing in college. We won most of our boxing matches that we went to out of state.” As a sophomore with the Tigers, he helped the team to a 7-1-1 dual-meet record and won the 1956 NCAA national title in the 125-pound division. Soileau’s time at LSU was cut short.
The LHSAA decided to drop boxing as an officially sanctioned sport in 1958. At the same time, universities were eliminating their boxing programs. LSU did it in 1956, and the NCAA in 1961.
“I had just won the national championship in college, and my coach called me in one day and he said I got some bad news, we are losing boxing,” Soileau said in 2017. Soileau considered turning professional, but breaking his shoulder during a practice at the Olympic Trials in Wisconsin for the 1956 Summer Olympics derailed that, as did a pinched nerve that bothered him for the rest of his life. Every day when Robert Soileau leaves the nursing home where his father resides, he goes through a familiar routine, which he learned from sparring with his dad six decades ago.
Now he gives that precious gift back to his father “Before I walk out, I put my hands up and ask if he can still move,” Robert Soileau said. “Without hesitation, he throws me a few of those left jabs. His hands are still really fast. He is still in there.”
Monahan due to leave as PGA turns to NFL exec as leader
BY DOUG FERGUSON AP golf writer
CROMWELL, Conn. — Jay Monahan is leaving the PGA Tour next year after a decade that ends with a sport fractured by the Saudi riches of LIV Golf. He turns it over to top NFL executive Brian Rolapp in a new role as CEO that Rolapp sees as rife with commercial growth. Rolapp, the chief media and business officer for the NFL and seen as a potential successor to a Commissioner Roger Goodell, was introduced Tuesday as CEO, a position that had never existed in the tour’s six decades of existence.
“Players are central to everything we do, and making sure they are supported and heard will be a top priority,” Rolapp said in an open letter “At the same time, we are going to keep challenging ourselves to grow the game in new ways, reach new fans, and create a tour that reflects the future of sports and entertainment.”
Rolapp met with the players for an hour on Tuesday morning ahead of the Travelers Championship, offering broad views more geared toward what the tour has in its favor before identifying any solutions to patch the game back together.
“Everything that works in the football world may not work in the golf world,” Rolapp said. “When it comes to that situation particularly, I think the fans have been pretty clear They want to see the best golfers competing against each other I agree with that. When it comes to the situation with LIV I think that’s a complex situation
that’s probably something I should learn more about before I speak.
“But I will say my focus is on growing the tour, making it better, and really moving on from the position of strength that it has.”
Monahan announced last December the search for a CEO. Still unclear was his role until the announcement of Rolapp on Tuesday Monahan said he will shift his dayto-day responsibilities to Rolapp and focus more on his position on the PGA Tour board, along with the commercial PGA Tour Enterprises board, through the end of his contract in 2026
“A year ago, I informed our boards that upon completing a decade as commissioner, I would step down from my role at the end of 2026,” Monahan said.
Tiger Woods flew to Connecticut for the player meeting and introduction of Rolapp. He is out for the year after rupturing his Achilles tendon, though he was walking without a boot.
Woods and Adam Scott were the two players on the board who were part of the search committee, joined by Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank, PGA Tour board chairman Joe Gorder and Sam Kennedy from Strategic Sports Group.
Lucas Glover said Rolapp told players he had a lot to learn and didn’t have all the answers being new to the job, which will start sometime this summer
As for Monahan leaving, Glover said: “Whatever they think. I’ve got to get my gripes behind and go forward. I think we all learned it’s time for that.”
Pelicans add a second first-round draft pick
BY ROD WALKER Staff writer
Before Tuesday, the New Orleans Pelicans had one pick in this year’s NBA draft. Now they have two.
The Pelicans, who already own the No. 7 overall selection in the draft, also have No. 23 now They acquired the extra pick in a trade with the Indiana Pacers, the team announced Tuesday In the deal, the Pelicans get the No. 23 pick and the rights to Mojave King. The Pacers receive back their own 2026 first-round pick, which the Pelicans had obtained via the Toronto Raptors in the February Brandon Ingram trade.
It’s the first big move by Joe Dumars, the Pelicans new executive vice president of basketball operations. Dumars, who replaced David Griffin in April, had this to say in early June about the draft.
“I know this draft,” he said. “We’re going to get a really good player at seven.” Now he has more options. Dumars can stay put and use both draft picks, or he could package the two picks to try and trade up to get a player he covets even more. Players who the Pelicans could target if they plan to move up in the draft include Rutgers forward Ace Bailey who is projected to be one of the top players picked in the draft behind Duke’s Cooper
Flagg, a certainty to be the first pick by the Dallas Mavericks. The first round of the NBA draft is June 25. The second round is June 26.
The Pelicans don’t have a second-round pick in this year’s draft.
If the Pelicans decide to keep the No 23 pick, there’s some precedent for success in drafting in the 20s. Last year, the Pelicans drafted Yves Missi out of Baylor with the No. 21 pick. Missi, who was considered a project, became one of the Pelicans most reliable players during the injury-filled season.
Missi played in a team-high 73 games. He averaged 9.1 points and 8.2 rebounds, earning himself a nod on the second team of the NBA All-Rookie squad.
In addition to the draft picks, the Pelicans also acquired the rights to King, a 6-foot-5 shooting guard from New Zealand. King has yet to play in an NBA game.
After playing with the G League Ignite, King was drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers in the second round of the 2023 draft. His rights were immediately traded to the Pacers.
King, 23, played with the Pacers’ Summer League team and their G-League affiliate, but he has spent most of the past two seasons playing professionally overseas.
Email Rod Walker at rwalker@ theadvocate.com.
Louisville eliminates Oregon State after blowing lead in ninth
BY ERIC OLSON AP sportswriter
OMAHA, Neb Eddie King drove in the winning run with a sacrifice
fly in the bottom of the ninth inning that gave Louisville a 7-6 victory over Oregon State on Tuesday and knocked the Beavers out of the College World Series.
chance to make a throw home.
King was mobbed behind first base, with teammates squirting their water bottles at him and fans chanting “Edd-ie! Edd-ie!” “Just hearing chants like that in a moment like that, it warms my heart,” King said. “And I’m so glad that it could be for Louisville.”
Rolapp was introduced two days after the U.S. Open, one of four times a year all the best players are together
Monahan, who guided all of golf through the COVID-19 pandemic, was criticized for not taking a meeting with the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia when it wanted to invest in golf with a team component
LIV Golf began in June 2022 and over the next two years lured away Bryson DeChambeau and Brooks Koepka, Jon Rahm and Dustin Johnson, among others.
Monahan and two board members, Jimmy Dunne and Ed Herlihy, then secretly met with PIF leadership and reached an agreement in late May 2023 geared toward ending the antitrust lawsuits and bringing golf back together
The secrecy stunned players and infuriated most of them who turned down the Saudi money to stay loyal to the tour
The framework agreement was never finalized. The PGA Tour and PIF are still negotiating on an investment deal, and not even President Donald Trump could smooth the way after a meeting at the White House in February
“Brian is the perfect choice for the next chapter of the PGA Tour,” Monahan said. “His arrival strengthens our leadership team and reflects our shared commitment to the tour’s continued evolution. With Brian’s expertise and vision, and the trust we’ve established with our players and fans, I’m more confident than ever in the future we’re building.”
The Cardinals (42-23) avenged a 4-3 walk-off loss to Oregon State one Friday and advanced to the Bracket 2 final. They must beat Coastal Carolina on Wednesday and again Thursday to reach the best-of-three CWS finals.
Just like Oregon State (48-16-1) on Friday, Louisville squandered a late lead only to come back and win.
“It’s the value of being the home team,” Cardinals coach Dan McDonnell said. “Sometimes people act like it’s not that big a deal. It’s amazing when you get the last three outs and you get to walk somebody off. So, very fortunate that we were in that situation today.”
Kellan Oakes faced the top of the Louisville lineup to start the bottom of the ninth. Alex Alicea walked and Lucas Moore was awarded first base on catcher’s interference when his bat nicked Wilson Weber’s mitt as he fouled off a pitch. The Cardinals loaded the bases when Matt Klein put down a bunt that Oakes (5-1) booted, the Beavers’ third error of the day and eighth in three CWS games. That brought on freshman Zach Edwards to face Jake Munroe, who got caught looking at strike three.
“I struck out on a call I didn’t like,” Munroe said. “I was upset about it. Did a little 360, saw Eddie, and I said, ‘Oh, yeah, we’re good.’ That’s kind of the special thing about this lineup.”
King fouled off a pitch and took two balls before he sent a fly to center Alicea tagged up from third, and Canon Reeder had no
Cardinals pitchers repeatedly worked out of trouble until they couldn’t in the top of the ninth.
“Right there at the end, we probably shocked the heck out of everybody,” Beavers coach Mitch Canham said. “They bring guys in, we’re finding ways to get on base — hit by pitch, base hit, what have you.”
Aiva Arquette homered to leftcenter on Wyatt Danilowicz’s first pitch, and Gavin Turley, Weber and AJ Singer reached to load the bases with no outs.
Oregon State tied it 6-6 when Tyce Peterson’s slow roller glanced off Alicea’s glove at shortstop and into the outfield grass, allowing two runs to score.
Tucker Biven (5-0) struck out Jacob Krieg, and Carson McEntire got Reeder to pop out.
“You knew they were going to make a rally there late,” McDonnell said. “And we pitched so well, but one of their best hitters jumps on a heater and their other best hitter (Turley) fights off a ball and it drops. It’s like, OK, you’re in it here now; you’re going to have to grind this out and earn it. And they made us earn it.”
The Beavers played as an indepedent this year and will again next season before the Pac-12 ramps back up in 2026-27. They had only 19 regular-season home games, logged nearly 25,000 air miles and won enough to be the No. 8 national seed in the NCAA Tournament.
They won five elimination games in regionals and super regionals.
“What a season we had. What a run,” Arquette said.
STAFF FILE PHOTO By SOPHIA GERMER Joe Dumars speaks during his introductory news conference as New Orleans Pelicans executive vice president of basketball operations at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center on April 22.
LIVING
Lauren Cheramie BONVIVANT
RaisingCane’s wins national award for satisfaction, growth
Bon vi·vant /noun/ asociable personwho has cultivatedand refined tastes, especially with respect to food and drink
Newdrinksonthe block
Trythe Moon Man cocktail at ChowYum,2363 HollydaleAve , Baton Rouge, made with reposado tequila, banana liqueur, local honey,pineapple, lime and cream of coconut. The drink comes in afun, astronaut-shaped glass.
PROVIDED PHOTO
Trythe Moon Man cocktail at Chowyum, made with reposado tequila, banana liqueur,local honey, pineapple, lime and cream of coconut.
There’sanew signature cocktail at Bldg 5,2805 Kalurah St., Baton Rouge. The “What She’sHaving” is made with blackberries, thyme, honey and vodka, topped withcava. Wine andspirits
Enjoy “Retail Wednesday” every week at Bin 77,10111 Perkins Rowe, Baton Rouge, whereselect bottles of wine are discounted to the retail price. Summer party vodka cocktails: 6p.m.to7:30 p.m. Friday,June 20, at Martin’s, 6463 Moss Side Lane, Baton Rouge Learn how to craft four refreshing, vodka-based cocktails to bring to pool parties, backyard barbecues and more. The menu includes Prosecco Punch, Rosé All Day Punch, Honey Deuce and Star Martini. Tickets are $33.85 per person, available for purchase at eventbrite.com.
Summer in the Valley wine dinner: 6:30 p.m. Wednesday,June 25, at Carrabba’sItalian Grill, 7275 Corporate Blvd., Baton Rouge Transport yourself to California’sNapa and Sonoma valleys with afour-courseItalian dinner paired with wines from the state’siconic wine regions. The menu featuresasummer shrimp salad paired with Imagery sauvignon blanc, spaghetti carbonara withscallops paired with aMeiomi pinot noir,Parmesan-crusted sirloin paired with Josh Cellars cabernet sauvignon and limoncello breadpudding paired with Conundrum red blend. Tickets are $60 per person, available for purchase at www.carrabbas.com/offers/wine-dinner Drag brunch:11a.m. to 2p.m Sunday,June 29, at OriginHotel’sPassé Cafe, 101 St. Ferdinand St., BatonRouge Join the drag queens for brunch, bottomless drinks and performances.Doors open at 11 a.m., and the show startsat noon. All ages are welcometo attend, but participants must be 21 years old to drink. Identification is required. Ticketsare
On themap
BY SERENA PUANG Staff writer
For restaurantsfeatured on “Diners,Drive-ins &Dives,” it all starts with an email. Someone fromthe FoodNetworklets owners know they’re filming ashow in the city andasks to scheduleatimetocall for an interview
From there, restaurantsare vetted before they’re notifiedifthey’re chosentobefeatured on the show. Galen Iverstine,owner of Iverstine ButcherinBaton Rouge,described the interview process in two parts: one where thestaff digs into the restaurant’sentire menu and how particular dishes are prepared and another where they ask about the dynamics of the restaurant and its history to develop the story for the episode.
“They’re trying to highlight scratch cooking,”Iverstine said “They don’twanttogohighlight somebody opening cans and dump-
April and May
Fourmonthsafter Fieri visited thecity, ripple effects at the restaurants continue to this day
IverstineButcher
In some ways, Iverstine said, the “Diners, Drive-ins &Dives” experience is very formulaic, as the show is in its 51st season.The crew andproduction staffare a well-oiled machine. But Fieri is ultimately in charge.
“He kind of runs the show —really directs theshowand everything, so you’re at his mercy,” he said. “The production company is really clear aboutthat: ‘Sohere’s the plan, he could come here and do something different, so just be prepared to pivot if we need to.’”
ing it in apot.”
In February,Fieri filmed in at least six restaurants in the Greater Baton Rouge area: Al Noor,Couyons, Dempsey’s, Elsie’sPlate and Pie, Iverstine Butcher and Phil’s Oyster Bar.The episodes aired in
During his visit to the butcher, Fieri tried the Cuban sandwich and the hog’shead grilled cheese sandwich.
It would be wrong of me not to mention the treats Ipicked up on my visit as well. The cannolis and pralines are not to be missed.
—Lauren Cheramie, features coordinator Fried chicken n 6413 Jones Creek Road, Baton Rouge
One of the perks of being an intern is paid lunch. Of course, we didn’thave a choice of where we went, but my colleagues and I went to Tiger Pho, which was ashort drive from the office. Ilooked at the menu beforehand, and the only thing that spoke to me was the chicken.
The presentation of my plate was nice, and the chicken came out hot and steaming. There was no side included since it was an appetizer,however,the
BONVIVANT
Continued from page1D
$50 per person in advance, available for purchaseat eventbrite.com, or $60 at the door In theknow Raising Cane’s justwon “America’sBest Chicken Chain” in the 2025 Datassential 500 Awards, aranking of the most beloved and innovative restaurant brands thatuses proprietary data, predictive analytics and real consumer sentiment to highlight brands.The Baton Rouge chicken chain was noted for its growthand consumer satisfaction.
dish included aboutsix huge pieces ofchicken. The meal wassavory,sweet,filling and not overallsaucy Iwould havepreferred a side sauce to go withit, but other than that, it was delicious.
—Alayna Ford, news intern
Pizza
n BayouTecheBrewing,1002 NothLane, Arnaudville
Executivechef Karlos Knott treats his pizzas as
BarB’Gras:1p.m. Saturday, June21, at TheSmokeyPit Smokehouse and Eatery, 1916 Dallas Drive, Baton Rouge Celebrate The Smokey Pit’sfifth year in thecity with barbecue, seafood, music and more. The event will also have activities for thekids. Register in person to win prizes, freefood, gift certificates and more. Food trucks at Oak Grove: 4p.m.to8p.m.Friday,June 27, and10a.m. to 7p.m Saturday-Sunday,June 2829, at Food TrucksatOak Grove, 17198 Old Jefferson Highway,Prairieville Cousin’sMaine Lobster is backatOak Grove. To avoid waiting four hours for a lobster roll, we recommend downloadingthe Cousin’s
lovingly as he does his beer at Bayou Teche Brewing, adestination brewery and pizza restaurant that sits on the banks of the Bayou Teche in Arnaudville.
The restaurant is known as Cajun Saucer,and they offer acreative list of pizzas that can be made Neapolitan or Detroit-style. Both are excellent —the Neapolitan pizzas offer a perfectly chewy,bubbly crust, while Detroit pan pizzas have afluffy,focaccialike crust baked in asteel pan withcheese and sauce caramelized around the edges.
The “Streetcar Named Diablo” pizza is topped with Calabrian peppers, Tasso, smoked sausage, Andouille, ahoney-sriracha glaze and pork skins —a slightly sweet and spicy pie with the perfect trifecta of Cajun meats.It’smore than worth adrive to this scenic spot,just 30 minutes north of Lafayette.
—Joanna Brown staff writer
Main Lobster app toorder ahead and skip theline.
Mark your calendar
Cobblers and Crisps:Noon to 2p.m. July 18, Sept.11-12, at Red Stick Spice Company,660 Jefferson Highway, Baton Rouge Learnthe basics of pie dough and crumbled toppings for stone fruit and berries, plus how to achieve that golden-brown perfection on crusts. The menuis coming soon. Tickets are $105 per person, available for purchase at redstickspice.com
If you have an upcoming food event or akitchen question, emaillauren. cheramie@theadvocate. com. Cheers!
By The Associated Press
Today is Wednesday, June 18, the 169th day of 2025. There are 196 days left in the year
Todayinhistory:
On June 18, 1812, the War of 1812 began as the United States Congress approved, and President James Madison signed, adeclaration of war against Britain.
Also on this date:
In 1778, American forces entered Philadelphia as the Britishwithdrew during theRevolutionary War.
In 1815, Napoleon Bonaparte was defeated in the BattleofWaterloo as Britishand Prussian troops defeated the French Imperial Army in Belgium.
In 1979, President Jimmy Carter and Soviet President Leonid Brezhnev signed theSALTIIstrategic armslimitation treaty in Vienna.
In 1983, astronaut Sally
Ride becameAmerica’s first woman in space as she and four other NASA astronauts blasted off aboard the space shuttle Challenger on asix-day mission.
In 1986, 25 people were killed when atwin-engine plane and helicopter carrying sightseers collided over the Grand Canyon.
In 1992, the U.S. SupremeCourt, in Georgia v. McCollum,ruled that criminal defendants could not use race as abasis for excluding potential jurors from their trials.
In 2018, President Donald Trumpannounced he was directing the Pentagon to create the Space Force as an independent branch of the United States armed forces.
In 2020, the Supreme Court, in the case of Department of Homeland Security v. Regents of the University of California, rejected by a5-4 decision
Today’sbirthdays:
President Donald Trump’s effort to end legal protections formore than 650,000 young immigrants. In 2023, the submersible vessel Titan, on an expedition to view the wreckage of the Titanic in the North Atlantic Ocean, imploded, killing all five people aboard.
Musician Paul McCartney is 83. Actor Carol Kaneis73. Actor Isabella Rossellini is 73. Singer Alison Moyet is 64. Football Hall of Famer Bruce Smith is 62. Hockey Hall of Famer Martin St. Louis is 50. Actor Alana de la Garza is 49. Country musician Blake Shelton is 49. Football Hall of Famer Antonio Gates is 45.
Continued from page1D
STAFF PHOTO By JOANNA BROWN
‘A Streetcar named Diablo,’made Detroit-style, fromCajun Saucer Pizza at BayouTeche Brewing in Arnaudville
STAFF PHOTO By ALAyNA FORD Fried chicken at TigerPho
GUY FIERI
“He(Fieri) had told us (that) he’shad alot of Cubans, and there’salot of Cubans on the menus, but nobody is making their own ham in-house,” Iverstine said. “He’sgot abackground in themeatindustry,soI think he thought it was cool that we were breaking down wholeanimals to generate the cuts for each dish.” Fieri featured the restaurant’sprocess and the laborintensive process the staff goes through to make the food.
“He was great to the staff,” Iverstine said. “Really had encouraging things to say and kindofgave us a pep talk before he left.” After that, Iverstine expected aspike in sales when the episode aired. He wasn’t allowed to put out any official word aboutituntil two weeks before it aired on April 18, and even then,he wasn’tallowed to talk about what was featured. But about three weeks before the episode aired, people started rollingin. Nondisclosure agreements or not, it’s hard to keep asecret when an iconic red Camaro was parkedinplain view infront of your restaurant. Being on the show also puts abusiness on the map, Iverstine said —and not for justone day or one season “It’salong-term thing,” he said. “I’ve talked to people who’ve been on it in the past, and it’ll be three years later, and on aTuesday,they’ll see abig uptick, and they’re like, ‘Oh, our episode must have re-ran last night,’” People look up where Fieri visited when they travel through unfamiliar places. Now, Iverstine’srestaurant will be among them.
Elsie’sPlate andPie
Paul Dupré and his wife Lindsay Dupré have been Food Network fans for years, so the selection process was extra exciting.He said it wasn’tnecessarilya goal of his to be featuredon the show,but he’shonored to be recognized in this way “I think that thought is always kind of somewherein the back of your head, but Idon’tknow if it ever even really felt plausible,” Paul Dupré said. “How do you get seen by somebody on that level, when you’re just
asingle little restaurant in Louisiana?”
This is still largely amystery. Theshowtakes local recommendations andlooks at reviews, butrestaurants aren’ttoldspecifically how they gotonthe show’sradar Butwhen word about Fieri coming to you getsout, it’s out.Elsie’sPlate and Pie’s episodeairedlater than Iverstine’s(on May 2),but they filmedaround the same time in February while Fieri was in town
“Wedefinitely had alot of peopleasking us pretty immediately after we shot,” Paul Duprésaid. And Elsie’s saw arise in business even before the episodeaired. Theowners speculated that it waslocal people trying to “squeeze a visitin” before it gotreally busy
Fieripicked twosavory piestotry at therestaurant: theLouisiana pouletpot pie and Natchitoches meat pie.
“Wereally pushed for him to try adessert,”PaulDupré said. “In the process beforehand, when they were tryingtopickthe recipes, they were like, ‘He’snot asweets guy.He’snot goingto pick a dessert.’”
Undeterred, the staff at Elsie’sfilled the dessert case with beautiful pies on the day Fieri cametofilm.
“In the middleoffilming, he was like ‘Oh, Ifeel like I’msupposed to have pie here,’ ”Paul Dupré said. “Andwe’re like, ‘Yeah,you are.’” Fieri ended up trying the Eye of the Tigerpie as a last-minute addition. It’s a lemon icebox piewith blueberry whippedcream.In the two weeks followingthe episode’sairing, Paul Dupré estimates that they saw a15-
20% uptick in business.
Al Noor:‘Oneofthe top Indianjoints’
Similar to theother restaurants, theprocess of narrowing down what tofeature on the show for Al Noor was alittle bitofgiveand take The restaurant has apopular dish madewith eggplant called Baghare Baigan, but since Fieriisn’tafan of eggplants, souschef/manager Mohammed Aftab said it was taken out of contention.
Al Noor’shead chef Mohamed Hanif,who hasbeen acheffor 40 years, has a background in Tandoori, or clay-oven cooking, which imitates cooking items underground. The staff showcased thelamb kaboband shrimpmalabar Al Noor’s episode premiered on June 6. As of June 9, Aftab said 50-60% of the tables were ordering one of thetwo dishesfeatured. In the episode, Fieri said Al Noor was “one of the top Indian joints I’ve ever seen.”
Aftabhad to come into work early for filming at around 7a.m. to prepare to meet Fieri at 8a.m. He said head chef Hanif arrived even earlier, at 5or6 a.m. Therestaurant also had to closefor two days for filming.
Still, these small sacrifices were worth it.
“Two days areworth whatever increase of business or visibilitytoanaudience that have maynever haveheard of ourrestaurant,” Aftab said. “Taking that sacrifice to be apartofsomething that’sonce in alifetime.”
Email Serena Puang at serena.puang@ theadvocate.com.
Openingpesky plasticbags
Dear Heloise: I’ve never seen this hint before, so Ithought I’dshare. My hands no longer work theway they should, and getting flimsy poo bags open was areal chore until Icame up withthis: When you tear them off the roll, don’ttry to open them. First, cup thetop of the bag loosely in your hand withabout an inch of the top showing, then blow sharply down intothe bag to expose theedges of thebag. Do this about five or six times,and this will open up thebag. Works like acharm for me! —Herb L., in Spokane,Washington Herb, thanks for this hint!Another way that usually works for me is to hold theplastic bag between bothhands and rub thebag back and forthnear the
top. The twosides open up just enough to allow me to grab the edges and pull them apart. —Heloise Fordeposit only
Simply
Dear Heloise: Today I saw in your column the advice to make checks formemorial donations in honor of adeceased person out to “the family of (the person’s name)” to makethem easier to deposit.
When my mother became incapacitated and wasstill receiving Social Security checks, the bank told me to write “for deposit only” in the endorsementarea. They told me this tells the bank what is supposed to happen with the check. —DawnG., via email Makeshiftdoggy bed
Dear Heloise: My husband and Ilove to snuggle under
adown comforter in chilly weather.After several years of use and cleaning, it was showing wear and tear.I bought anew down comforter but didn’treally know what to do with the old one. While Iwas putting the new comforter in acover, Iloosely folded both sides of the old one toward the center,then rolled it up and placed it on the floor My sweet little dog went over and curled up on the old comforter
Since the dog loved it, I kept it as his bed, and now he sleeps on it all night or whenever he feels like taking anap. As the old saying goes, “waste not, want not.” Ilove
Continued from page1D
PROVIDED PHOTO
GuyFieri, far right, and his son Hunter Fieri, far left, pose with staff at Al Noor
PROVIDED PHOTO By IVERSTINE BUTCHERFACEBOOK
Staff at Iverstine Butcherpose withGuy Fieri.
GEMINI (May 21-June 20) Consider what you enjoy most and try incorporating that into your daily routine. Taking a break to satisfy your emotional wellbeing will help you accomplish more throughout the day.
CANCER (June 21-July 22) Be open; awareness is the portal to new beginnings. Kindness and benevolence are your guide and path to happiness. Refuse to let anyone dismantle your dreams or interfere with what makes you feel complete.
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) Focus, stay alert and question everything and everyone. Timing will be essential when opportunities arise. Offer innovative insight and differentiate yourself from the competition.
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) Slow down, think and consider your best option. You have plenty to gain if you are levelheaded and willing to work alongside others. Social and networking events will help you engage with interesting people.
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) Emotions will lead you astray. Rely on common sense and expert advice before deciding how to use your energy. Patience and organization are necessary to take care of business.
SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) Get all agreements in writing and protect yourself from vague situations. A playful attitude will keep others guessing and give you time to determine your next move.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov 23-Dec 21) Discipline and elbow grease will help you lower
your overhead and enable you to design the perfect surroundings to pursue your next venture. Choose positive action over worrying.
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) A change of scenery will help you gain perspective regarding personal matters. Talks will help you understand what's possible and best for you. Personal gain is within reach if you're willing to act.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) Pay attention to where the money goes. Overpaying or spending money on unnecessary items or entertainment will lead to a budget crunch. Retrace your steps and cut corners wherever possible.
PISCES (Feb. 20-March 20) Research will be worthwhile. Refuse to let anyone talk you into something you don't need or want. You can't buy love, but you can gain respect by doing what's best for you.
ARIES (March 21-April 19) Patience is a virtue. Have enough gumption to decline something you have no interest in, and turn your attention to what is worthwhile. Avoid snap decisions.
TAURUS (April 20-May 20) Slow down, do your research and make every move or change beneficial. Check your ego and stubbornness at the door. Use charm and intelligence to outmaneuver anyone who treats you with disrespect.
Celebrity Cipher cryptograms are created from quotations by famous people, past and present. Each letter in the cipher stands for another.
TODAy'S CLUE: T EQUALS W
CeLebrItY CIpher
For better or For WorSe
peAnUtS
zItS FrAnK And erneSt
SALLY Forth
beetLe bAILeY
Mother GooSe And GrIMM
SherMAn’S LAGoon
bIG nAte
Sudoku
InstructIons: Sudoku is anumber-placing puzzle based on a9x9 grid with several given numbers. The object is to place the numbers1 to 9inthe empty squares so that each row, each column and each 3x3 box contains the same number only once. Thedifficulty level of the Sudoku increases from Monday to Sunday.
Yesterday’s PuzzleAnswer
THe wiZard oF id
BLondie
BaBY BLueS
Hi and LoiS
BY PHILLIP ALDER
This week we are looking at various aspects of the Stayman convention, which tries to find a 4-4 major-suit fit after opener shows a balanced hand. When the opening bid is one no-trump and responder bids two clubs, it asks opener to show a four-card major. If he has two of them, he rebids two hearts Then, what does the responder do when he has four spades and fewer than four hearts?
If he has game-invitational strength, he continues with two spades if one notrump - two no-trump would not be natural (perhaps a transfer to diamonds). But if one no-trump - two no-trump would be inviting three no-trump, the responder rebids two no-trump. When the responder has game-forcing values, he jumps to three no-trump. If, as in this deal, the opener is 4-4 in the majors, he moves the contract from three no-trump to four spades. West leads the club queen. East takes dummy’s king with his ace and returns the club eight (the higher of two remaining cards). When that holds the trick, East shifts to the heart king. How should South continue after winning this trick with his ace?
South must avoid a spade loser. This will be easy if the suit splits 3-2, but what if an opponent has four to the jack? This can be handled only if it is East with the length. South should cash his spade king, then play a spade to dummy’s ace. When the bad break comes to light, South finesses his spade
Average mark 23 words
Can you find 31 or more words in STAGNATE?
he that takes not his cross, and follows after me, is not worthy of me.” Matthew 10:38 Following Jesus means commitment to Jesus. G.E.
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andassistancepro‐grams. BatonRouge Advocate: June 04, 11 and18, 2025 Foradditionalinforma‐tion,pleasevisit thePur‐chasingWebpage at https://www.jeffparish. gov/464/Purchasing or youmay call 504-3642678. 143691 June 4, 11, 18,3t $145.42
Emer‐gencyService
Anypersonrequiring specialaccommodations shallnotifythe purchas‐ingdepartmentofthe type(s)ofaccommoda‐tion required notless than seven(7) days be‐fore thebid opening.
Complete Bidding Docu‐mentsmay be obtained from:The University of LouisianaatMonroe, Purchasing Department 4014 LaSalleStreet, Room 140, Monroe,Louisiana 71209-2250, viafax re‐questat318.342.5218, or theState of Louisiana LaPacpage: https:// wwwcfprd.doa.louisiana. gov/osp/lapac/pubmain. cfmbyusing Bid#50006045.
Allbidsshall be accom‐panied by BidSecurityin an amount of five per‐cent (5%) of thesum of thebasebid andall al‐ternates.The form of this security shallbeas stated in theInstruction to Biddersincludedin theBid Documentsfor this project.
ThesuccessfulBidder shallberequiredtofur‐nish a50% Performance Bond writtenasde‐scribedinthe Instruction to Biddersincludedin theBid Documentsfor this project.
Bids shallbeaccepted from Contractorswho arelicensedunder LA R.S. 37:2150-2192 in the areasof: SPECIALTY: ELE‐VATORS,DUMBWAITERS ANDESCALATORS. Bidder is required to comply with provisions andre‐quirements of LA R.S. 38:2212(A)(1)(a). No bid maybewithdrawn for a period of thirty (30) days afterreceipt of bids,ex‐cept under theprovi‐sionsofLAR.S.38:2214. TheOwnerreservesthe righttorejectany andall bids forjustcause.Inac‐cordance with LA R.S. 38:2212(B)(2), theprovi‐sionsand requirements of this Section, those stated in theadvertise‐ment forbids, andthose required on thebid form shallnot be considered as informalitiesand shall notbewaivedbyany public entity 144713-jun11-1t $111.76
Complete Bidding Docu‐mentsfor this projectare availableinelectronic form.Theymay be ob‐tained withoutcharge andwithout depositfrom BBI Architects,AAC Printedcopiesare not availablefromthe De‐signer butarrangements canbemadetoobtain them throughmostre‐prographic firms. Plan holdersare responsible fortheir ownreproduc‐tion costs. Questionsabout this pro‐cedure shallbedirected to theDesignerat: BBI Architects,AAC 1111 S. Foster Drive, SuiteD BatonRouge,LA70806 Telephone: 225-761-5191 E-mail: office@bbiusa.com
Allbidsshall be accom‐panied by bidsecurityin an amount of five per‐cent (5.0%) of thesum of thebasebid andall al‐ternates.The form of this security shallbeas stated in theInstructions to Biddersincludedin theBid Documentsfor this project.
ThesuccessfulBidder shallberequiredtofur‐nish aPerformance and PaymentBondwrittenas describedinthe Instruc‐tionstoBidders included in theBid Documentsfor this project.
APRE-BID
WILL
at 10:00 AM
Monday,June 23,
LouisianaState
Efferson Hall, Conference Room 214, 4189 Highland Road BatonRouge,LA70803. Bids shallbeaccepted from Contractorswho arelicensedunder LA R.S. 37:2150-2192 forthe classification of Building Construction Bidderis required to comply with provisions andrequire‐mentsofLAR.S 38:2212(B)(5). No bidmay be withdrawnfor ape‐riod of forty-five (45) days after receiptof bids,exceptunder the provisions of LA.R.S 38:2214. TheOwnerreservesthe righttorejectany andall bids forjustcause.Inac‐cordance with La.R.S 38:2212(B)(1), theprovi‐sionsand requirements of
Entrepre‐neurships Program. Bid‐ders areencouragedto consider participation. Informationisavailable from theOffice of Facility Planning andControl or on itswebsite at https:// www.doa.la.gov/doa/ fpc/ If youhavea disability andwould like to request an accommodationin ordertoparticipate in this meeting, please con‐tact ChristinaCardona at Christina.Cardona@la govor(225) 342-6060 as soon as possible butno laterthan48hours be‐fore thescheduled meet‐ing. STATEOFLOUISIANA DIVISION OF ADMINISTRATION FACILITY PLANNING AND CONTROL ROGERE.HUSSER, JR. DIRECTOR 143612 June 4, 11 18, 3t $164.79
TheCountyofRockland, NewYork(herein “Lead Public Agency”) on be‐half of itself andthe GOVMVMT Purchasing Cooperative, themem‐bers of theAdvisory Counciland allstates, localgovernments school districts, and higher educationinstitu‐tionsinthe United States of America, andother government agencies andnonprofitorganiza‐tions(herein “Participat‐ingPublicAgencies”) is soliciting proposalsfrom qualified firmstoenter into aMasterAgree‐ment(s)for adigital on‐line marketplacefor the purchase of products andservices(herein “Productsand Ser‐vices”). Interested firms will executeand submit allinformation in accor‐dancewiththe RFP’sPro‐posalSubmissionRe‐quirements andInstruc‐tions. Thesolicitation mayresultinanaward to multiple contracts. Pro‐posals aredue no later than June 26, 2025 at 3:00pm EST. Pre-Proposal Meeting: Seethe solicitation for details. Additional Information: https://www.bidnetdirec t.com/new-york/countyof-rockland?AgencyI D=1029&PageType=open 145964 June 18, 19, 2t $337.18 p tal Furniture at South LouisianaCommunity CollegeinLafayette,LA. Bidforms andspecifica‐tionsmay be obtained by phoning337-521-8898, by e-mailingpurchasing@ solacc.edu, by faxing a writtenrequest to 337521-9067, by visiting the Purchasing
PUBLIC NOTICE PURSUANT TO LA.R.S.42:19.1 NOTICE OF CONSIDERATIONOF ACTION REGARDINGAD VALOREMTAX NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVENthatthe Zachary Community School Board, acting as thegov‐erning authorityofthe ZacharyCommunity School System,Parishof East BatonRouge,State of Louisiana(the“Sys‐tem”), will meet on Tues‐day, July 15, 2025 at 7:00 p.m.,atits regularmeet‐ingplace,the Zachary Community School Board Office,3755 Church Street,Zachary Louisiana, at which time therewillbe considera‐tion of action regarding thecalling of an election to authorizethe levy and collection of
itiesofthe System 145509June 18, 1t $42.24
convicted of 12 15(A) (2)- CRIM SEXUAL ABUSE/CANT CONSENT. ILLINOIS. Date Convicted: 1/14/2004. StateEquivalent: 14:43.3- Oral Sexual Battery My Addressis: 991 W PLAINS-PORTHUDSON RD ZACHARY, LA 70791
Race:BLACK Sex: MALE Date of Birth: 04/22/1985 Height:5'10" Weight:175 Hair Color: BLACK EyeColor:BROWN Scars/Tattoos: ILLINOIS. 145690, Jun17-18 $250
I, Joseph Russell Forest Jr.akaJR, have been convictedof14:93.5Sexual Batteryofthe Infirmed. Date Convicted: 12/13/2016. 14:81 -Indecent Behavior with Juveniles. Date Convicted: 12/13/2016. My Addressis: 9527 TRACYAVE BATON ROUGE, LA 70814
Race:BLACK Sex: MALE Date of Birth: 02/27/1983 Height:5'11" Weight:190 Hair Color: BLACK l
I, KARENCamille ANDERSON,have been convictedof14:81.2Molestationof Juvenile.Date Convicted: 5/4/2004. 14:92 (A)(7)CONTRIBUTING TO THE DELINQUENCY OF JUVENILESPERFORM SEXUALLY IMMORAL ACTS.DateConvicted: 5/4/2004. My Addressis: 4824 NEWCOMBDrBATON ROUGE, LA 70808
Race:WHITE Sex: FEMALE Date of Birth: 6/10/1958 Height:5'3 Weight: 135 Hair Color: BLONDE EyeColor:BLUE Scars/Tattoos: Louisiana 145688, June 17-18 $250
I, LemoineWarnerJr. akaMoine Warner aka Nunu Warner, have been convictedof
Survival stories
Cancer
ANation of Survivors: TheGrowing Hope
(Source:American Cancer Society 2023 Cancer Facts and Figures)
Over 18 million Americans (approx.5.4%of the population) had ahistory of invasive cancer as of January 1, 2022.
Survivor Longevity (2022):
70% have lived fiveormoreyears sincediagnosis.
• 48% have lived 10 or moreyears sincediagnosis.
• 19% have lived 20 or moreyears sincediagnosis.
FutureProjections:
•Number of survivors expected to reach 22.5 million by 2032 and 26.0million by 2040
•Individuals living 5+ years post-diagnosis projected to reach 19.2 million by 2040 (a 53% increase).
TheCancer Landscape: ProgressAmidstChallenges
(Source:American Cancer Society 2025 Cancer Facts and Figures)
•2025Projections: Over 2million newcancer cases and more than 618,000 deaths. Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the U.S.
•Death Rate Decline: Theoverall age-adjustedcancer death rate fell by 34% from its peak in 1991 through2022, translating to nearly 4.5 million fewerdeaths. Therate dropped by an averageof 1.7% per year from 2013-2022.
•Drivers of Progress:Reductionsinsmoking,earlier detection forsome cancers, and moreeffectivetreatments.
Turning the Tide: Milestones in Survival
(Source:American Cancer Society Cancer Facts and Figures2025)
Then &Now -5-YearRelativeSurvival Rate Increases forKey
Thejourneyofcancer survivorship is marked by accelerating progressdue to research, investment, and dedication. While challenges likerising incidence in some groups and disparities persist,the trend is toward increasing hope and better outcomes. Continued innovation in detection, treatment, and quality of lifecarepromises abrighterfuture.
Cancer Awareness:
BatonRouge physicians speak about thesurvivorjourney
By Stevie Cavalier Licciardi |stevie.licciardi@theadvocate.com
This articleisbrought to youby OurLadyofthe Lake
The Advocate is proudtopartner with OurLadyofthe Lake for Cancer Awareness,a webcastseries focusedoninformingand empowering the communityinLouisiana andbeyondthrough conversationswithcancer care experts.
This month, host KimHolden sits down with threeleading professionals from OurLadyofthe Lake:Dr. Pavani Ellipeddi,a medical oncologist; Dr.Kelly Finan,a colorectal surgeon;and Dr.JohnLyons,a surgical oncologist. They discusscancer survivorship andhow they andtheir colleagues work to ensure their patients have the greatest opportunity to thrive as cancer survivors.
OurLadyofthe Lake understands andoperateswiththe perspectivethatcancer care goes farbeyondtreatment.It’sabout helping people live well after diagnosis— physically, emotionallyand fullysupported Cancer Awareness canbeviewedonlineat www.theadvocate.com
Cathey Kendall Survival stories
YouAre Not Alone
By Stevie Cavalier Licciardi |stevie.licciardi@theadvocate.com
This articleisbrought to youby OurLadyofthe Lake
CatheyChustz,survivorofpancreatic cancer “
CatheyChustz, alifelongBaton Rougelocal,has been married 44 yearsand has two growndaughters andtwo younggrandchildren. In hercareer, she worked for thestate’s highway departmentand laterbecameanoccupationaltherapist in theLivingstonParishPublic School System,where sheworkedfor 28 years.
In thesummer of 2023, Chustz hadjustbeenput on Ozempicfor herdiabetes when she startedhavingsevereabdominal pains. Shewas awareone of theside effects waspancreatitis, andshe initiallythought that wasthe causeofthe ongoing pain. Ultimately,Chustz’sendocrinologistordered theultrasoundthatidentified acancerousmass, confirmingher diagnosisofpancreaticductaladenocarcinoma (PDAC).
“Whenyou getadiagnosislikethis, it’s devastating— especiallypancreatic cancer,” said Chustz. “But here Iamtwo yearslater.You can’tlistentowhat’son Google; everyone is just so unique.You’vegot to have hope,oryou’renot goingto makeit.
“I went in my firsttimetoOur Lady of theLakedepressed anddownthinking, ‘HowamIgoing to getthrough this?’”Chustzsaid. “I told my oncologist, ‘I guess I’m goingtogiveupmytraveling.’He respondedbysaying, ‘Oh, I’mgoing to keep you traveling, Mrs. Chustz.’Hewas so hopeful, andthatjusthelpedsomuch.”
After experiencingcomplications from an earlybiopsy procedurethatbrought her veryneartodeath,Chustzbeganher chemotherapy plan.Chustzhas respondedwell toher first18monthsofchemotherapy,but she knowsher fightisnot yetover. Since startingchemotherapy,she has continuedtraveling. Shehas takentrips to Hawaii, Carmel-by-the-Sea,San Franciscoand Muir WoodsNationalMonument.
“A cancer diagnosisisoverwhelming, butyou become anew person,” said Chustz. “Iknowwhat’simportant.Iknownot to wasteany second of time.Myrelationships have improved.Itistruly lifechanging.”
liver cancer
AMelissa
true Louisiananative, MelissaCobb wasborninNew Orleansand livesin Prairievillewithher husband, Ray, of 36 years. Shehas threegrown children andthree granddaughters.Cobb continues to work full-timeather job atLee Michaels FineJewelry.Her supportsystemincludes herfamily, herstore management team,and JeffersonBaptist Church,where shesings in thechoir
“I starteddoing routineultrasoundscans everysix months awhile before my cancer diagnosis,”saidCobb.“Ihad takenatripwithmyhusband to Memphis, and onour last night there, we hadsomeMemphis barbeque Thenext morning, Ireally startedhavingissues, anditdidn’t go away.Itturnedout that Ihad non-alcoholic fatty liverdisease They also founda polyponmygallbladder that they wanted to monitor with theultrasounds.”
Cobb wasveryresoluteinattendingher routinedoctorvisitsand making the necessary lifestyle changesafter receiving thenewsthather liverwas diseased.She begantopay closeattention to thefood she consumed,optingtoshift towardsthe plant-based diet herdoctors recommended This meantfocusingonminimally processedfoodssuchasraw fruits andvegetables, grains,legumes andnuts. It also meantadjusting anychemicalsusedfor personal hygieneand making theswitchto all-naturalproductstoensureher liverdidn’t having to processany more “junk.
“Ihad adjusted my diet before thediagnosis, butitwasn’tenough. It wasonthe thirdscanthattheyfoundthe tumoronmyliver.Ihadn’t previously knownnonalcoholic fattyliver diseaseevenexisted,but it cancause livercancer,” said Cobb
Even though Cobb’s cancer diagnosiswas an unexpectedupheavalinher life, she wasgratefulthatshe hadbeenfaithfultoschedulingher six-month scansbecause theywereabletocatch thecancer in itsearly stages.
Cobb underwent surgery that removedthe tumor, as well as hergallbladder and lymphnodes that were badlydiseased. Shealsounderwent chemotherapy treatment
What cancer survivorship means to BatonRouge locals
Kendall Stephens,survivor of ovarian cancer
Istartedhavingstomach pain andcramping, anditwould last acoupledaysbefore it wouldgoaway. Then when Iwould eat, Iwould feel really full,” said Kendall Stephens,Baton Rougelocal andmotheroftwo.“It progressivelygot worse. I wouldgotoa family gatherings, barely eatanything, butthenwould feel so full.I wouldfeellikeI needed to throwup.”
Stephens hadgonetoher primarycarephysicianand walkin clinics, with the concerns she washaving. Herblood work andx-rays came back with no indication of aproblem. Stephens also notedhow she attended heryearlywoman’s wellness checkupwithher OBGYN, butshe did notthink to let herOBGYN know aboutthe stomachissues she hadbeenencountering. Stephens’routine papsmear,which tests foruterine cancer,camebacknegative, as well.“Idid notknowthatapap smeardoes nottestfor all gynecological cancers, Ithought it did.” Stephens’said.
“I gottoa pointwhere it wasjustreallygetting bad, andinAugustof2023, Iwent to my gastroenterologistand gotanupper andlower gastrointestinal (GI) test done Ihad been goingtothe bathroom more during thenight,and Ihad also developed highblood pressure.”
Nothingofnotecamebackfromthe resultsofher GI, andhavingjustturned45 yearsold,Stephenswas told thesesymptomscould be duetoher age. Exhaustedfrom searchingfor aclear answer,Stephensput off furthertests until thenew year
In January2024, Stephens went to theEmergencyRoomfor severepain. During hervisit,the physiciansordered acomputedtomography(CT) scan with contrast This scan discovered that Stephens hada cyst thesize of avolleyball on herovary Anothertumor wasalsopressingintoher smallintestine making it difficult for Stephens to consumeanythingbesides soup Theupper andlower GI she hadreceived did notscope outthe small intestineand thereforehad missed oneofthe root causes of herabdominal troubles.
Followingher stage3Covarian cancer diagnosis, Stephens’ team of doctors scheduleda radical hysterectomy and6 rounds of chemotherapy with SobiaOzair MD,atOur Lady of theLake. Ultimately,Stephensalsounderwent HIPEC surgery (hyperthermic intraperitonealchemotherapy), performedbyMoalEfishat,MD, at Our Lady of theLake, aprocedure wherenearlyall theorgansare examined and anythingcancerousisremoved before it penetrates theorgans.
“I spent6 days in ICUand 10 days in thehospital. It took me agood six weeks before Icould walk withoutassistanceagain.“ThecareI have received andcontinue to receive has been phenomenal.All of my testssince that surgery have reported, ‘NoEvidence of Disease’ (NED), until recently,”Stephenssaid. Inow have alittle 9mm spot on alymph node behindmystomach There’sbeensometalk of me doing radiation, butatthispoint we aregoing to watch thespotfor nowtosee if it staysthe same,grows, or multiplies.
Stephens continues to do charityworkamid thedifficultiescancerhas wrought on herlife. Oneofher greatpassions is beingapartofthe SpanishTownMardi Gras parade andthe krewe’scommunity-driven causes. Throughout hercancer,Stephens also discovered herdrive to play an active role in increasingawareness around ovariancancer
“Beanadvocatefor yourself.Ifyou know that somethingiswrong,keeppushing to find theanswer,”Stephenssaid.
Survivorsofovarian cancer Stephens metalong herjourney have shared anecdotes of symptoms they experiencedthatwerenearlymissed--backpain, increasedneed to usethe restroom,feelingunusuallyfull or having difficultyeating, andmore.
“I hada friendofmine, whohad been goingtothe doctor forbackpain,”Stephens said.“Shedidn’t have anyother symptoms,justbackpain. My friendsaid, ‘Because of you, andyourstory,Iwentagain, andhad it checkedout,’ It turned outthere was atumor on herovary pressingonher spinal cord.She hadgottenCTscans done before,but becausethe CT wasnot done ‘withcontrast’ they didn’t spot thetumor.If youdon’t have acontrastwiththe CT scan,it’shardertosee cancer.”
As aproud member of theGeaux Teal community in BatonRouge,Stephenslooks forwardtoraisinggreater awarenessofthe signs andsymptomsofovarian cancer
“I want to live lifegivingbackand raisingawareness,” said Stephens
Signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer mayinclude:
•Abdominal bloating or swelling.
•Quickly feeling full when eating.
•Discomfort in the pelvic area.
•Backpain.
•Changesinbowel habits, such as constipation.
•A frequent need to urinate.
andhas enduredmanyofthe common side effects such as fatigue,lossofhair, neuropathy andskinsloughing on herhands andfeet, whichmakes handlingobjects andwalkinginclose-toedshoes difficult
Cobb’s storemanagersand herfamilyhavesupported herthrough thesetrialsby making accommodations as needed andby findingwaystoeaseher discomfort.Cobb notedhow herfamilygifted hera cold-packkit that includedice packsfor herfeet, handsand head,whichhelps to reduce thepain.
Cobb’s family have meantthe worldtoher during this time.Inaddition to assistingwithher physical needs, they have been thereevery step of theway to help herkeeppushingonwardemotionally.
“One daymyson wasinthe hospital with me,and he went to thegift shop. He said,‘Mom, Igot awater cupfromthe storehere.’Itwas an LSUFightingTigerswater cup. He said,‘I’mgivingthistoyou as agift becauseI need youto fight,”saidCobb. TheadviceCobb nowwishestoshare with others whoare goingthrough their owncancerjourney is to listen to your doctors, find your supportteamand fight.
Melissa Cobb survivor of
CLINICAL TRIALS 45+
At Our Lady of theLake Cancer Institute, we’regivingpatients new hope through bold ideas and innovative research.Withmorethan45clinical trialsfocused on cancer care, our patients have access to some of themost advanced treatments availabletoday.Fromthe latest breakthroughsin precisionmedicinetoimmunotherapy and targeted therapies, we bring new treatment paths andmorepossibilities to families across our region. Backed by ateam of expertsand driven by innovation, we’retransforming thefutureofcancer care. Because every effort, every discovery and every patient matters. It allcounts here. Learn more at ololrmc.com/cancer.
