When the Sewerage &Water Board agreedthis yeartotake responsibility for New Orleans’ longneglected storm drains, it warned that City Hall’s$19 million fundingcommitment wasn’tenough to properly clean out the thousands of catch basinsthat are brokenor filled with debris.
Now,with Mayor LaToya Cantrell’sadministrationstalling on payments and revenue from other sources coming up short, the agency is predicting it will have even less money to do the job: just $13 million, according to apublic presentation on Wednesday
That’sabout half theminimum amount the S&WB says it needs to do the work, with moreneeded for capital repairs. And the$13 million includes one-time funding sources, raising concerns that even less cash will be available in future years.
“The Sewerage& Water Board is already starting offbehind, and you’re not giving them resources to try and catch up. You’re not setting them up forsuccess,” said City Council member JoeGiarrusso.
It is undisputedthat the city’s 72,000 catch basins and1,600 miles of attached pipes are in miserable shape, since the city hasn’tregularly maintained them for decades
andstormwater regularlybacks up on streets.
The dwindling of funds comes as the S&WB is beginning to learn just how much deferred maintenance is needed.Acontractor is now conducting asystemwide assessment,and early resultsshow thathalf of the pipes attached to catch basins are severely clogged, according to S&WB General Superintendent Steve Nelson.
“They’re blockedtoalevel where they’re noteffective,” Nelson said. “We’re trying to be selectiveabout what we clean, because we’ve got limited dollars.”
The agency saysitneeds $25 millionto$40 milliontoclean every catch basin and the attached pipes once every five years —or20% of
ä See S&WB, page 4A
SAINTS HALL OF FAME
Maxie, Porter getthe call
Former Saints defensivebacks TracyPorter,left, and Brett Maxie, are all smiles during anewsconference Wednesday announcing the2025Saints Hall of Fame class and award winners.
Gleasonwinsinaugural CourageAward
Twoofthe best defensivebacksin club history,BrettMaxie and Tracy Porter,are the newest inductees to the Saints Hall of Fame, officials announced Wednesday
Officials also announced that former Saints special-teams standout Steve Gleason will receivethe inaugural Courage Award,and former WGNO sports director Ed Daniels is the2025 recipientofthe Joe Gemelli “Fleur de Lis” Award
The new inductees were introduced at anews conference at the
Stateofficials fear proposed Medicaid cuts
Senate leader says special sessionmay be called
BY MARK BALLARD Staff writer
WASHINGTON— State Senate President Cameron
Henry said he’sworried Louisiana won’tbeable to cover the losses should Congress ratchet back Medicaid spending the way the U.S.Senate FinanceCommittee hasproposedfor theOne Big Beautiful Bill Act.
“If this bill takes effect immediately,we’ll absolutely come back into special session, no doubt about it,” Henry said during avideoconference hostedTuesdaybythe Public AffairsResearch Council of Louisiana.
“What we do there would not be pleasant,but we’d have to do it,” the Metairie Republican continued, adding that Louisiana couldn’tafford theestimated $4 billion the bill, if passed as written, would remove from the state’s treasury
Jeff Duncan
Saints’facility on Wednesday.The induction ceremony will be held during theDec. 13-14 weekend, when the Saints play host to the Carolina Panthers at the Caesars Superdome.
Porter is the 13th member of the Saints 2009 Super Bowl championship team to earn induction. He joins Jabari Greer (2023) and Ro-
man Harper (2021) as members of the2009 secondary to earnblack jackets. Porter’s fourth-quarter interceptionsagainst Brett Favre and Peyton Manning in the2009 NFC championship gameand Super Bowl, respectively,are widely regarded as two of the most memorable plays in Saints history.His 74-yard interception return for atouchdown sealed the Saints’ 31-17 victory against theIndianapolis Coltsin Super Bowl XLIV.Heintercepted Favre to thwartalast-second scoring threat by theMinnesota Vikings
ä See HALL, page 4A
Henry said he phoned U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy,RBaton Rouge and amember of theSenate Finance Committee, Monday night after the panel released its recommendations forMedicaid and other provisionsinthe massive bill that includes much of President Donald Trump’sdomesticagenda.They discussed the problemsLouisiana could have covering the costs and discussed strategies about “howtomoveforward with the changestheywant to makewithout devastating local hospitals, rural hospitals and so forth,” Henry said.
The Senate’slanguage has “a bunch things in it that would have significanteffects on Louisiana, not in apositive way,”Henry said.
About 1.8 millionpeople in Louisiana are covered by various Medicaid programs, which is roughly40% of thestate’s population,according to the Louisiana Department of Health.
Henry also contacted the U.S. House’stop two leaders, House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-Benton,
SupremeCourt upholdsban on gender-affirming care forminors
BY MARK SHERMAN Associated Press
WASHINGTON— The SupremeCourt on Wednesday upheld Tennessee’s ban on gender-affirming care for transgender minors, ajolting setback to transgender rights. The justices’ 6-3 decision in a case from Tennessee effectively
protectsfrom legal challenges many effortsbyPresident Donald Trump’sRepublicanadministration and state governments to roll backprotections for transgender people. Another 26 states have laws similar to Tennessee’s. Louisiana passed alaw in 2023 banning doctors fromprescribing hormone therapy andpuberty
blockers to minors, andfromadministering gender-transitionsurgicalprocedures.Five Louisiana transgenderyouthsasked ajudge to block thestate’sban after it went into effect in 2024.
Chief Justice John Roberts wrote foraconservative majority that thelaw banning puberty blockers and hormone treatments for trans
minorsdoesn’tviolate theConstitution’sequal protection clause, which requires the government to treat similarly situated people the same.
“This case carries with it the weight of fierce scientific and policy debates aboutthe safety,efficacy,and propriety of medical treatmentsinanevolving field. The voices in thesedebates raise sincere concerns; the implications for allare profound,” Roberts wrote. “The Equal Protection Clause does not resolve these disagreements. Nordoes it afford us license to decide them as we see best.” In adissent for the court’s
ä See COURT, page 5A
STAFFFILE PHOTOByDAVID GRUNFELD NewOrleans has thousands of catch basins that are broken or filled with debris and the Sewerage& Water Board says it doesn’thaveenough moneyfor repairs.
STAFF PHOTO By BRETT DUKE
U.S. resumes visas for foreign students
WASHINGTON The U.S State Department said Wednesday it is restarting the suspended process for foreigners applying for student visas but all applicants will now be required to unlock their social media accounts for government review
The department said consular officers will be on the lookout for posts and messages that could be deemed hostile to the United States, its government, culture, institutions or founding principles.
In a notice made public Wednesday the department said it had rescinded its May suspension of student visa processing but said new applicants who refuse to set their social media accounts to “public” and allow them to be reviewed may be rejected. It said a refusal to do so could be a sign they are trying to evade the requirement or hide their online activity
“Under new guidance, consular officers will conduct a comprehensive and thorough vetting of all student and exchange visitor applicants,” the department said in a statement.
Police: Couple kept boy in room for a decade
A Texas couple is accused of keeping their adopted son locked up and without access to a bathroom for a decade, police say
A 51-year-old man and his 52-year-old wife were arrested after officers searched their El Paso home on June 11, following allegations that their 15-year-old son was being “neglected and confined,” police said in a Monday news release.
The husband was, until recently, an employee of the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office, the El Paso Times reported In the wake of the allegations against him, he was “immediately placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of an Internal Affairs investigation,” the sheriff’s office told the outlet. However, he resigned on Monday, the sheriff’s office told KFOX.
According to investigators, the boy said “he had been routinely locked in his bedroom for extended periods.” He was let out for dinner but “immediately” forced to return after eating, police said.
The boy was not allowed to use the restroom, so he went to the bathroom in his room, police said. He told investigators he had been treated like this for 10 years, police said.
The parents were arrested Friday on charges of unlawful restraint, and their bonds were set at $100,000 each, records show Both made bail and have been released.
Michigan bear has lid removed from its neck
Michigan wildlife experts finally were able to trap a black bear and remove a large lid that was stuck around his neck — for two years.
“It’s pretty incredible that the bear survived and was able to feed itself,” state bear specialist Cody Norton said Wednesday “The neck was scarred and missing hair, but the bear was in much better condition than we expected it to be.”
The bear first turned up on a trail camera as a cub in 2023 in the northern Lower Peninsula. After that, the Department of Natural Resources was on the lookout for the elusive animal with a hard plastic lid around the neck, Norton said.
The bear appeared again on a camera in late May, still wearing the barrel lid, and the DNR responded by setting a cylindrical trap and safely luring him inside. The bear was immobilized with an injection and the lid was cut off in minutes on June 3. The bear eventually woke up and rambled away
Norton said it’s not precisely known how the lid got stuck on the bear’s neck. Bear baiting is legal in Michigan, but the hole on a barrel lid typically must be large enough to avoid what happened to this bear
The bear weighed 110 pounds, which is fairly typical for a 2-year-old.
“We were pleasantly surprised. It was still able to make a living like a pretty typical bear,” Norton said.
Kyiv rescuers find more bodies
Death toll from strike on apartment building climbs to 23
BY JUSTIN SPIKE and ILLIA NOVIKOV Associated Press
KYIV Ukraine Emergency workers pulled more bodies Wednesday from the rubble of a nine-story Kyiv apartment building demolished by a Russian missile, raising the death toll from the latest attack on the Ukrainian capital to 28.
The building in Kyiv’s Solomianskyi district took a direct hit and collapsed during the deadliest Russian attack on Kyiv this year
Authorities said that 23 of those killed were inside the building.
The remaining five died elsewhere in the city
Workers used cranes, excavators and their hands to clear more debris from the site, while sniffer dogs searched for buried victims.
The blast blew out windows and doors in neighboring buildings in a wide radius of damage.
The attack overnight on Monday
into Tuesday was part of a sweeping barrage as Russia once again sought to overwhelm Ukrainian air defenses. Russia fired more than 440 drones and 32 missiles in what Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said was one of the biggest bombardments of the war
Russia has launched a summer offensive on parts of the roughly 620-mile front line and has intensified long-range attacks that have struck urban residential areas. At the same time, U.S.-led peace efforts have failed to grain traction. Also, Middle East tensions and U.S. trade tariffs have drawn world attention away from Ukraine’s pleas for more diplomatic and economic pressure to be placed on Russia.
The U.S. Embassy in Kyiv said the attack clashed with the attempts by the administration of President Donald Trump to reach a settlement that will stop the fighting. “This senseless attack runs counter to
President Trump’s call to stop the killing and end the war,” the embassy posted on social platform X. Kyiv authorities declared Wednesday an official day of mourning. Mourners laid flowers on swings and slides at a playground across the street from the collapsed building. On Tuesday, a man had waited hours there for his 31-year-old son’s body to be pulled from the rubble.
Psychologists from Ukraine’s emergency services provided counseling to survivors of the attack and to family members of those who died.
“Some people are simply in a stupor, they simply can’t move,” Karyna Dovhal, one of the psychologists, told the AP “People are waiting for their sons, brothers, uncles. Everyone is waiting.”
Valentin Hrynkov, a 64-year-old handyman in a local school who lived on the seventh floor of a connected building that did not col-
Read found not guilty of second-degree murder
Woman was accused of killing boyfriend with car
BY MICHAEL CASEY and PATRICK WHITTLE Associated Press
— A jury found Karen
DEDHAM, Mass.
Read not guilty of second-degree murder and manslaughter charges Wednesday in the 2022 death of her Boston police of-
ficer boyfriend, a case that attracted legions of true crime followers who erupted in cheers when word of the acquittal spread outside court.
The same jury also found her guilty of a lesser charge of drunken driving after deliberating for at least 22 hours since Friday Cheers from the crowd outside could be heard in the courtroom as the verdict was read. With gleeful supporters, Read departed the courthouse with her attorneys and family
It was a huge victory for Read’s lawyers, who have long asserted that she was framed by police after dropping John O’Keefe off at a party at the home of a fellow officer Prosecutors argued that the 45-year-old Read hit O’Keefe, 46, with her SUV before driving away, but the defense maintained that he was killed inside the home and later dragged outside.
“No one has fought harder for justice for John O’Keefe than I have,” Read said. Members of O’Keefe’s family left the courtroom with bowed heads.
The verdict came nearly a year after a separate jury deadlocked over Read’s involvement in the January 2022 death of O’Keefe and resulted in a mistrial.
Read faced charges of second-degree murder, manslaughter and leaving the scene outside Boston. A second-degree murder conviction would have carried a life sentence She will face a year of probation for the drunken driving conviction
Read’s father, Bill Read, told reporters he felt relief and gave “tremendous thanks” to God when the verdict was read. “We need to get our life back together, and we will,” he said.
Several witnesses in the case said in a statement Wednesday that their “hearts are with John and the entire O’Keefe family.” Those who signed the statement included Jennifer McCabe, who was with Read and O’Keefe the night of his death, and Brian Albert, who owned the home where the party took place.
“While we may have more to say in the future, today we mourn with John’s family and lament the cruel reality that this prosecution was infected by lies and con-
spiracy theories spread by Karen Read, her defense team, and some in the media. The result is a devastating miscarriage of justice,” the statement said. Outside the court, Read supporters celebrated in an atmosphere similar to sports fans reveling in a team’s championship, complete with pink confetti.
T.D. Floras, of Nashua, New Hampshire, stood next to the barrier facing the courthouse holding Lucy her chorkie, a cross between a chihuahua and a yorkie. The dog wore a sign around its neck that read “Free Karen.” Floras said she was “beyond thrilled and excited” about the outcome.
“I would do that OUI probation for her myself,” she said. “It’s been a long time coming, so let’s put this behind her now so she can have some peace in her life.”
A blogger who has championed Read’s innocence and has been charged with witness intimidation in connection with her case told the AP he was “overcome with emotion” after the verdict.
“Two and a half years of this. It’s finally over Karen Read’s free,” Aidan Kearney said. “Everything I did was worth it, and we finally have justice. We finally put this nightmare behind us.”
Read’s defense said O’Keefe was beaten, bitten by a dog and left outside a home in the Boston suburb of Canton, in a conspiracy orchestrated by police that included planting evidence. Prosecutors have described Read as a scorned lover who chose to leave O’Keefe dying in the snow after striking him with her SUV Shira Diner, a lecturer at Boston University Law School, said the verdict “gives us an opportunity to reflect how this case would have been different if Karen Read was not a White woman of privilege and means.”
lapse, said he and his wife woke up to the sound of explosions followed by a pause, and then another blast that rattled their own building. He said his wife had shrapnel injuries in her back and his legs and feet were cut by broken glass. The damage trapped them in their apartment for around 30 minutes before rescue workers could free them, he said.
He felt an overwhelming sense of “helplessness and primal fear” during the attack, he told The Associated Press. “I was especially scared to sleep last night,” Hrynkov said. “A car drives by and I cover my head. It’s scary.” Drones were striking every few minutes within hundreds of meters of the building hit by the missile. The continuing attack forced firefighters and rescue teams to delay the rescue operation. Relatives and friends of the destroyed building’s residents later gathered outside in shock, many crying and calling out names, hoping survivors might still be found beneath the rubble.
RFK Jr.’s new panel will take on vaccine ingredient
Bloomberg News (TNS)
WASHINGTON Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s plan for America’s vaccines is coming into focus, with his revamped immunization advisory panel set to discuss the use of measles shots in kids next week and vote on an ingredient that’s been wrongly linked to autism. The draft agenda for next week’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices meeting revisits old topics concerning vaccine safety raising questions that many public health experts consider long settled. Any decisions could have sweeping implications for American public health, potentially upending how vaccines are manufactured, paid for and distributed around the country Just last week, Kennedy, the Health and Human Services secretary, overhauled the ACIP panel, firing all of the existing members and putting several new people on the board who’ve been vocal vaccine critics. The group recommends which vaccines go on the childhood and adult schedules after review-
ing safety data. These decisions help determine which shots are covered by insurance.
The new ACIP members will hear a presentation about thimerosal, a mercury-containing preservative that is used in some adult flu vaccines. The group will later vote on “thimerosalcontaining vaccine recommendations,” according to details of the agenda posted Wednesday The panel will review a presentation and proposed recommendations for the measles, mumps and chicken pox vaccines for kids under 5 years of age.
“What they are doing is launching a complete dismantling of vaccine recommendations,” said Tina Tan, president of the Infectious Disease Society of America. If the committee votes to remove thimerosal from vaccines, manufactures will have to create and ship single doses, which some manufacturers may not be able to do, she said. Ultimately, the move would “chip away access to vaccines.” Thimerosal is currently used in three flu vaccines for adults.
ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTOS By JOSH REyNOLDS
Supporters of Karen Read react after she was found not guilty of second-degree murder on Wednesday in Dedham, Mass.
Karen Read gestures to supporters after she was found not guilty of seconddegree murder on Wednesday in Dedham, Mass.
Iran’s leader rejectscalltosurrender
He warnsthatmilitary involvementbyU.S wouldcause ‘irreparable damage’
BY JOSEPH KRAUSS,JON GAMBRELL and JULIA FRANKEL Associated Press
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates Iran’s supreme leader on Wednesday rejected U.S. calls for surrender in the face of more Israeli strikes and warned that any military involvement by the Americans would cause “irreparable damage to them.” European diplomats prepared to hold talks with Iran on Friday
The second public appearance by Ayatollah Ali Khamenei since the Israeli strikes began six days ago came as Israel lifted somerestrictions on daily life, suggesting that the missile threat from Iran was easing.
Khameneispoke aday after U.S. President Donald Trumpdemanded in asocialmediapostthatIran surrender withoutconditions and warned Khamenei thatthe U.S. knows where he is but has noplans to kill him, “at least not for now.”
Trump initially distanced himself from Israel’ssurprise attack aimed at Iran’snuclear program, butin recent days he has hinted at greater American involvement, saying he wants something “muchbigger” than aceasefire. The U.S. has also sent more military aircraft and warships to the region.
Senior European diplomats were set to hold nuclear talks withIran on Friday in Geneva, accordingtoa European official familiar with the matter
The official, who was not authorized to comment publicly and requested anonymity todiscuss matters freely,said the meeting would include high-rankingdiplomats from Germany,France and the United Kingdom, as well as the European Union’stop diplomat.
Separately, theU.N.Security Council scheduled asecond emergency meeting on theIsrael-Iran conflict for Friday at the request of Russia, China and Pakistan.Russian President Vladimir Putinoffered to help mediate aresolution, suggesting Moscowcouldhelp negotiate asettlement allowing Teh-
rantopursue apeacefulatomic program while assuaging Israeli security concerns.
“In my view, asolution could be found,” Putinsaid Wednesday at a session with journalists.
‘Threatening,’ ‘absurdstatements’ Khamenei dismissed the “threateningand absurdstatements” by Trump.
“Wise individuals who know Iran, its peopleand its historynever speaktothis nation with the language of threats, because the Iranian nation is not one to surrender,” he said in alow-resolution video.
“Americans should know that any military involvement by the U.S will undoubtedly result in irreparable damage to them.”
Iran released Khamenei’sstatement before the video was aired, perhaps asasecurity measure.
An Iranian diplomat had warned earlier WednesdaythatU.S. intervention would risk “all-out war.”
Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei did not elaborate, but thousands of American troops are based in nearby countries within range of Iran’sweapons. TheU.S
has threatened amassive response to any attack.
Another Iranian official saidthe country would keep enriching uranium for peaceful purposes, apparently rulingout Trump’s demands that Iran give up its disputed nuclear program.
Strikesinand around Tehran
Israeli military spokesman Brig. Gen. Effie Defrin told anews conference WednesdaythatIsrael launchedthree waves of aerial attacks in the last 24 hours, deploying dozens of warplanes to strike over 60 targets in Tehran and western Iran, including missile launchers, weapon-production sites and afacility that he said produced antitank missiles for Lebanon’sHezbollah militantgroup.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said the military also struck the headquarters of Iran’s internal securityforces, without specifying the agency or location.The strike marks ashift toward targeting Iran’sdomestic security apparatus, which has longcracked down on dissent and suppressedprotests. Iran’s police forceacknowledged
Erickstrengthens into Cat3 approachingMexico’scoast
BY FABIOLA SÁNCHEZ and LUIS ALBERTOCRUZ Associated Press
ACAPULCO,Mexico Hurricane Erick powered up into adangerous Category 3major hurricane Wednesday evening as it bore down on southern Mexico’scoast, threatening to unleash destructive winds and lifethreatening flash floods on the region after aday of rapid intensification, forecasters said.
Swiftly strengthening from aCategory1hurricane hours earlier,Erick had maximum sustained winds of 120 mph by nightfallas it churned closer to shore about 55 miles south-southwest of Puerto Angel, the Miami-basedU.S. National Hurricane Center said.
Erick was also about160 miles southeast of Punta Maldonado and moving northwest at 9mph toward the coast and expected to move inland Thursday morning, according to the center’s latest advisory.Amajor hurricane is defined as Category 3orhigher and wind speeds of at least 111 mph. Forecasters said additional strengthening is expected and devastating wind damage is possible close to where the eye crashes ashore. Having doubled in strength in less than aday Erick was chuggingthrough an ideal environmentfor quick intensification. Last year, there were 34 incidents of rapid intensification— when astorm gains at least 35 mph in 24 hours —which is about twice as many as average and causes problems with forecasting, according to the hurricane center The projectedpath would take its center near the resort of Acapulco, which was devastated in October 2023 by Hurricane Otis, aCategory 5hurricane that rapidly intensified and caught many unprepared. At least 52 peo-
ple diedinOtis and 32were missing, after the storm severely damaged almost all of theresort’shotels.
In AcapulcoonWednesday there was astrong presence of National Guardand police in thestreets,but most visible were trucksfrom the nationalpower company Crews workedtoclear drainage canalsand brush. Some beaches were already closed, but tourists continued to sunbathe onothershours earlier as thestormgained strength well offshore Adrián Acevedo Durantes, 52,hauls tourists around Acapulco’spicturesque coastlineinboats. Twoofhis boatssank in Hurricane Otis and athirdwas badlydamaged. “We’re taking precautions because with Otis we never expected one of that magnitude to come and now with climate changethe water is warmer and thehurricanes are more powerful,” Acevedosaid This time the port administration ordered that no one ride out the storm aboard their boats. During Otis many lost their lives by stayingonboats in the harbor,which hadtraditionally been how they ensured their safety during previous storms. He said knew some of those lost at sea.
He acknowledged thatit wassunny andthe water calmWednesdayafternoon, making it hard to imagine amajor storm was on the way,but said “with Otis it was calmall day, sunny,then at midnight there were two hours of strong winds and we saw what had happened thenext day.” Forecasterssaid Erick was expected to lash Mexico’sPacific coast with heavy rain, strong winds and afierce storm surge. Rains of up to 16 inches could fall across theMexican states of Oaxaca and Guerrero,withlesser totals in Chiapas, Michoacan, Colima andJalisco states,the center’s advisory said. The rainfall threatened flooding andmudslides, especially in areas withsteep terrain. Ahurricanewarning was in effect from Acapulco to Puerto Ángel. Down the coast in Puerto Escondido near thesouthern edge of Erick’spossible path, somefishermen began pulling their boats out of the water under adrizzling sky Wednesday Even though the windhad yet to pick up at the Zicatela beach,red flags were up to warn people to stay outof thewater.But some surfers ignored themasthey continued to ride waves.
the strike hours later,saying that Israel hit its central command buildings in Tehran andwoundedsome officers, without saying howmany
In addition, the U.N. nuclear watchdog agency said, Israel hit two centrifuge-production facilities in and near Tehran.
Israel’sair campaign has struck several nuclear andmilitary sites, killingtop generals andnuclearscientists. AWashington-based Iranian human rights group said at least 585 people, including 239 civilians, havebeen killed in Iran andmore than 1,300 wounded.
In retaliation, Iran has fired some400 missiles and hundreds of drones, killing at least 24 people in Israel and wounding hundreds.
Israeli military officials said their defenses intercepted 10 missiles overnight andseveral more Wednesday evening as Iran’sretaliatory barrages diminished.
Some U.S. diplomatsand their families at the U.S. embassy in Israel wereevacuated Wednesday, according to two U.S. officials who spoke on condition of anonymity to describesensitive diplomatic movements.
BY CHRIS MEGERIAN and DARLENE SUPERVILLE Associated Press
WASHINGTON— The American flag has long flownfrom apoleonthe WhiteHouse roof,but that’salways been too small forPresident Donald Trump, who wants everything to be bigger and morebeautiful.
On Wednesday, massive new flagpoles wereerected on theNorth andSouth Lawns of the White House.
“It’ssuch abeautiful pole,” Trumpsaid as workers used acrane to installthe latest addition to the South Lawn. He returned to thesame spot later in the day,saluting as the Stars and Stripes were hoistedfor the first time.
The second pole, on the North Lawn, is close to Pennsylvania Avenue.The two poles are the most notable exterior modification to the White House since Trump returned to the presidency with grand ideas forremaking the building.
He’salready updated the Oval Office, adding gold accents, moreportraits and acopy of the Declaration of Independence. Workers have begun paving over the grass in the Rose Garden, and there are plans to construct anew ballroom somewhere on the White House grounds. The changes bring theiconic building moreinline with Mar-a-Lago, Trump’sprivate club in Florida.
The president made time to watch one of the flagpole installations despite the escalating conflictbetween Iran and Israel, plus questions of whetherthe U.S. would becomedirectlyinvolved.
“I love construction,” said Trump, who made hismark as aNew York real estate developer.“Iknow it better than anybody.”
ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTOByLEO CORREA
The Israeli Iron Dome air defense system fires to interceptmissiles Wednesday during an Iranian attackoverTel Aviv,Israel.
ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By LUIS ALBERTO CRUZ
A fisherman moveshis boat Wednesdaybefore the arrival of HurricaneErick in Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca state, Mexico.
the system every year — which is the industry standard. With the diminished funding, the S&WB is still hoping to meet half its goal by cleaning at least 10% of the system this year But even that modest goal could be unreachable in future years without dedicated funding, and officials say the utility already has nearly $1 billion in deferred capital needs. The agency gets about $75 million annually for drainage from three millages, but most of that is eaten up by operations, maintenance and debt service.
“For decades, there’s been a pattern of underfunding for the drainage system. Where does this leave us today, relying on an aging and deteriorating system,” said S&WB interim Executive Director Ron Spooner Spooner said the S&WB needs about $50 million more per year in drainage revenue and officials are nervously eying the expiration of one of the millages in 2027. If voters don’t renew the tax, it would mean a loss of about $20 million.
The S&WB is working on a proposal for a drainage fee, in part to force nonprofit and other taxexempt property owners to pitch in. But the concept is complicated and politically controversial.
The challenge of figuring out how to pay for the city’s immense drainage needs will fall to the
agency’s next executive director, Randy Hayman, who starts on July 28.
Combining the “minor” drainage system with the canals, pumping stations and other “major” infrastructure the S&WB already controls was considered an obvious need for years, but several previous consolidation efforts floundered amid squabbles over who would pay for the work.
State lawmakers last year finally forced the consolidation, which was finalized with an agreement between city officials and the S&WB at the start of this year The agreement outlined some funding sources without specifying a number
The S&WB initially expected the total pot to add up to about $19 million this year
have lagged expectations, and hefty vendor fees eat into what the S&WB actually gets — it’s now expecting just $2 million.
The only other recurring funding for catch basin funding is about $6 million from tourism taxes previously dedicated to the public works department. That money is now committed to the S&WB as part of the drainage consolidation agreement.
Giarrusso said the administration’s backtracking on the $5 million annual allocation is “a problem,” adding that catch basin maintenance is a public safety priority
“It’s not one of those things that’s a luxury item,” Giarrusso said. “When we appropriate money, the administration is supposed to do it.”
S&WB officials declined to comment on the allocation.
and House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-Jefferson.
“They’re aware of it but they are also aware that the rest of the country wants changes,” Henry said.
State Rep. Vanessa LaFleur, DBaton Rouge and part of the PAR webinar, agreed with Henry
“We talked about this,” said LaFleur, a member of the Louisiana House Appropriations Committee. “If it happens the way we anticipate, we will go back in special. We will be making cuts because we have to.”
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act would partially pay for increased
border security, more military armaments and tax cuts by reducing all manner of federal spending — but mostly Medicaid, the program that covers health care costs for 72 million low-income Americans, roughly 19% of the country
House Republicans argue that they want to remove “waste, fraud and abuse” to keep Medicaid for the people who truly need it. The tax cuts and regulatory rollbacks would energize the U.S economy, the GOP argues. Despite a historic amount of spending reductions — $1.6 trillion — the legislation as it cleared the House would add $2.4 trillion to the national debt over the next decade, calculates the Congressional Budget Office, the nonpartisan arm that estimates the finances of legislation.
Some Republican senators say more spending cuts are necessary Other GOP senators already opposed to the House’s Medicaid reductions are even more adamant about the committee’s take.
Each side has numbers enough to scuttle the bill.
Republicans hold a 53-47 majority, so they can only afford to lose three Republicans, provided Vice President JD Vance is on hand to cast the deciding vote.
The Senate Finance Committee’s recommendations include a far more aggressive rollback in federal funding than the House approved in May Much of the wording in the 549-page measure, which likely will change before the bill hits the Senate floor sometime next week, changes the formulas that de-
DUKE
Robin Daniels wife of former WGNO sports director Ed Daniels, walks to the podium to speak during Wednesday’s news conference. Ed Daniels was named the 2025 recipient of the Joe Gemelli ‘Fleur de Lis’ Award.
HALL
Continued from page 1A
and force overtime in the NFC championship game, which the Saints eventually won 31-28. In four seasons with the Saints, Porter started 39 games and recorded seven interceptions, four forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and 37 pass breakups while making 227 tackles (178 solo).
Maxie is the eighth member and the second defensive back from the famed Dome Patrol defense to be inducted (Dave Waymer was the first). He started 72 games in nine seasons from 1985-93 and recorded 438 tackles 15 interceptions and five fumble recoveries. He returned three of his interceptions for touchdowns. His fourth-down, goal-line tackle sealed a 20-16 victory against the Steelers in 1987 and helped secure the first winning season in franchise history Porter and Maxie are the seventh and eighth defensive backs to receive the honor They join Greer, Harper, Sammy Knight (2011), Dave Whitsell (1996), Dave Waymer (1996) and Tommy Myers (1989). Gleason was a special-
teams standout with the Saints from 2000-2007. He is believed to be the club’s all-time leader in blocked punts with four and was a team captain for most of his career He remains one of the club’s career leaders in special-teams tackles with 98 His iconic blocked punt against the Atlanta Falcons in the 2006 reopening of the Superdome after Hurricane Katrina remains one of the most iconic plays in franchise history Since his amyotrophic lateral sclerosis diagnosis in 2011, Gleason has led global efforts to raise awareness of the disease and support people living with ALS through Team Gleason, the nonprofit organization he founded in 2011, and Answer ALS, another locally based nonprofit focused on finding a cure. Team Gleason has provided more than $55 million in technology, equipment, adventure and care services to people living with ALS, while Answer ALS has raised more than $45 million toward the scientific quest for a cure. Collectively, he and the staff at Team Gleason and Answer ALS have helped raise more than $100 million to benefit those living with ALS. Gleason’s efforts have been recognized worldwide. He was the first professional football player to receive
the Congressional Gold Medal and also was honored with ESPN’s Arthur Ashe Award for Courage and the George Halas Award (Pro Football Writers of America) for his perseverance and dedication.
Daniels served as the sports director at WGNO-TV from 1992 to 2024 and was the longest-tenured sports broadcaster in New Orleans for much of his time in the city A New Orleans native who graduated from Rummel High School and Loyola University New Orleans, Daniels created and hosted WGNO’s popular “Friday Night Football” program which was dedicated to high school sports. He also served as a radio color analyst for the Saints’ preseason radio broadcasts from 1995-1999, and was an original member of the Saints Hall of Fame selection committee beginning in 1988.
Daniels was recognized for his work by receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Press Club of New Orleans in 2014 and was three times named the Louisiana Sportscaster of the Year by the National Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association. He died in 2024 after suffering a heart attack while in Los Angeles to cover Saints training camp at the University of Cal-Irvine. He was 67.
State law requires the city to commit revenue from traffic outside school zones to drainage, and the S&WB expected that to be $3.4 million this year But collections
That included $5 million from tourism taxes that the council dedicated to the S&WB as an annual allocation last year The Cantrell administration previously agreed to that number, but is now balking as it juggles a $70 million budget deficit.
termine how much the federal government pays and how much state governments pay for medical services rendered to Medicaid beneficiaries.
The Senate’s version would lower 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 “provider tax” proceeds to help pay the state’s matching portion.
With the loss of provider tax revenues, state taxpayers would have pay more to reach the same level of federal matching funds.
Some states, including Louisiana, use part of the provider taxes to fund what is called “state directed payments.” In Louisiana that money goes to supplement hospitals in rural communities, where more
A June 3 email from Chief Administrative Officer Gilbert Montaño to S&WB officials noted that City Hall is already contributing $45 million for various S&WB projects. Montaño also claimed the agency owes the city $52 million in reimbursements “for projects fronted with city dollars,” without elaborating.
In a brief interview Montaño said the administration will “continue to work collaboratively” on catch basin funding.
“This is a vital priority for the city We are going to do everything we can to ensure it’s successful,” he said, declining further comment.
patients are on Medicaid, which pays less than the medical services often cost. The Senate wants to use a different marker that would lower the amount available.
In Louisiana’s case, the state budgeted $245 million for rural hospitals in the next fiscal year If the bill passes as the Senate committee recommends, that amount would immediately drop to $211 million and would be reduced every year until it reaches about $128 million annually
The state would have to pick up those additional costs or roll back services.
The Senate also would require abled-bodied adults with children over the age of 14 to work or volunteer 80 hours per month. The House-passed version required work only for childless adults.
STAFF PHOTO By BRETT
STAFF FILE PHOTO By CHRIS GRANGER
Jerome Casby, right, puts some muscle into clearing a catch basin on St. Peter Street in 2024.
Trumpadministrationremoving988 hotline
Serviceprovidestailoredsupport
BY DEVI SHASTRI Associated Press
The 988 National Suicide &Crisis Lifeline will stop providingtailored support options to LGBTQ+ youth and young adults on July17, according to astatement on afederal agency’swebsite
The decision preempts the Trump administration’s2026 budget proposal to cut funding for 988’sLGBTQ+youthand young adult services, and is raising alarm bells among LGBTQ+ advocates.
Federal data showsthe LGBTQ+ youth program has served nearly 1.3 million callers since it started in September 2022. The services were accessible underthe “Press
3” option on thephone or by replying “PRIDE” via text.
The decision was was madeto “no longer silo”the services and “tofocus on serving all help seekers, including thosepreviously served through the Press 3option,” the U.S. Department of Health and HumanServices’ Substance Abuse and Mental Health ServicesAdministration said in astatement dated Tuesday on its website.
News of theLGBTQ+service shutting down comesasthe U.S Supreme Court upheld Tennessee’s banongender-affirming care for transgender minors on Wednesday.
The Trevor Project saiditreceived official notice Tuesday that the program was ending. The non-
profit is one of sevencentersthat provides 988 crisis support services for LGBTQ+ people —and serves nearly half of thepeople who contact the lifeline.
“Suicide preventionisabout people, notpolitics,” Trevor Project CEOJaymes Black saidina statement Wednesday. “The administration’sdecision to remove abipartisan, evidence-basedservicethathas effectively supported ahigh-risk groupofyoung people through their darkest moments is incomprehensible.”
In its statement on the 988 decision,SAMHSAreferredtothe “LGB+ youth services.”
Black called the omission of the “T”representing transgender
people “callous. Transgender people can never,and will never, be erased,” he said.
The Trevor Project will continue to run its 24/7 mental health support services, as will other organizations, and leaders of 988 say the hotline will serve anyone who calls with compassion. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said there were 49,300 suicidesin2023 aboutthe highest level in the nation’shistory,based on preliminary data.
Studies have shown that LGBTQ+ youthare at higher risk of suicide, including a2024 analysis by theCDC that found26% transgender and gender-questioning studentsattempted suicide in the pastyear.That’scompared with 5% of cisgender male and11% of
cisgender female students. Young transgender people flooded crisis hotlineswith calls after President Donald Trumpwas reelected.Trump made anti-transgender themes central to his campaign and has since rolled back manycivil rights protections and access to gender-affirming care.
Trump signed the National Suicide Hotline Designation Act of 2020 into law in October 2020. The specific 988 subprogram forLGBTQ+ youth cost$33 million in fiscalyear 2024,according to SAMHSA, and as of June 2025, morethan $33 million has been spent on theservices. TheTrump administration’s 2026 budgetproposalcalledfor keeping 988’stotal budget at $520 millioneven while eliminating the LGBTQ+ services.
three liberal justices that she summarized aloud in the courtroom, Justice Sonia Sotomayor wrote, “By retreating from meaningful judicial review exactly where it matters most, the court abandons transgender children and their families to political whims. In sadness, Idissent.” The law also limits parents’ decision-making ability for their children’shealth care, she wrote.
The decision comes amid other federal and state efforts to regulate the lives of transgender people, includingwhich sports competitions they can join and which bathroomsthey can use. In April, Trump’sadministration sued Maine for not complying with the government’spush to ban transgender athletes in girls’ sports.
The Republican president also hassoughtto block federal spending on gender-affirming medical care for those under age 19 —insteadpromoting talk therapy only to treat young transgenderpeople. And the Supreme Court has allowed him to kick transgenderservice members outof themilitary,even as court fights continue. The president signed another order to define the sexes as only male and female.
The debate even spilled into Congresswhen Delaware elected Democrat Sarah McBride as the first transgender member ofthe House. Herelectionprompted immediate opposition among Republicans, including House Speaker Mike Johnson of Benton and Rep. Nancy MaceofSouth Carolina, over which bathroom McBride could use.
Several states where gender-affirming care remains in place have adopted laws or state executive orders seeking to protect it. But since Trump’sexecutive order,some providershave ceased some treatments. For instance, PennMedicine in Philadelphia announced last monthitwouldn’tprovide
surgeries for patientsunder 19.
Thepresident ofthe American Academy of Pediatrics, Dr.Susan Kressly, said the organization is“unwavering” in itssupport of gender-affirming care and “standswithpediatricians and families making health care decisions together and freefrompolitical interference.”
Five years ago, the Supreme Court ruled LGBTQ+peopleare protected by alandmark federal civil rightslaw that prohibitssex discrimination inthe workplace. That decision is unaffectedbyWednesday’s ruling.
Butthe justicesdeclined to apply the same sortof analysisthe courtusedin 2020 when it found “sex plays an unmistakable role” in employers’ decisionsto punish transgender people for traits and behavior they otherwise tolerate. Roberts joined that opinionwritten by Justice Neil Gorsuch, who was part of Wednesday’smajority JusticeAmy ConeyBarrett also fully joined the majority but wroteseparately to emphasizethat laws classifying people based on transgenderstatusshould not receive any special reviewbycourts.Barrett, also
writing for Justice Clarence Thomas,wrote that “courts must give legislaturesflexibility to makepolicy in this area.”
Chase Strangio, theAmerican Civil Liberties Union lawyer who argued the case for transgender minors and theirfamilies, called the ruling “a devastating loss for transgender people, our families, and everyone who cares aboutthe Constitution.”
Mo Jenkins, a26-year-old transwoman who began takinghormone therapyat 16, said she was disheartened but not surprised by the ruling. “Trans people arenot going to disappear,” saidJenkins, aTexas native and legislative staffer at the state capitolinAustin. Texas outlawed pubertyblockers and hormone treatment for minorsin2023. Tennessee’sleading Republican elected officials all praised theoutcome. Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti on social media calledthe ruling a“LandmarkVICTORYfor Tennessee at SCOTUS in defense of America’schildren!
There are about 300,000 people between the ages of 13 and 17 and 1.3 million adults who identify as transgender in theU.S., according to the Williams
Institute, athink tankatthe UCLA School of Law that researches sexualorientation andgender identity demographics.
When thecase was argued in December,then-President Joe Biden’sDemocratic ad-
ministration andfamilies of transgender adolescents called on the high court to strike down the Tennessee banasunlawful sexdiscriminationand to protect the constitutionalrights of vulnerable Americans.
They argued the law violates theequal protection clause of the14th Amendment in part because the same treatments thatthe lawprohibits fortransgenderminors can be usedfor other purposes.
Soonafter Trumptook office, the Justice Department told the court its position had changed.
Amajor issue in the case wasthe appropriate level of scrutiny courts should apply to such laws.
Thelowest levelisknown as rational basis review,and almostevery lawlooked at that wayisupheld. Indeed, the federalappealscourt in Cincinnati that allowed the Tennessee law to be enforced held that lawmakers acted rationally to regulate medical procedures.
Theappealscourt reversed atrial court that employeda higherlevel of review,heightenedscrutiny,
which applies in cases of sex discrimination. Under this more searching examination,the state must identify an important objective and show the law helps accomplish it.
Roberts’ 24-page majority opinion was devoted almost entirely to explaining why the Tennessee law,called SB1, should be evaluated underthe lowerstandard of review.The law’s restrictionsontreating minors for gender dysphoria turn on age and medical use, not sex, Roberts wrote. Doctors may prescribe puberty blockers and hormone therapy to minorsofany sex to treat somedisorders, but not those relating to transgender status, he wrote. Butinher courtroom statement, Sotomayor asserted that similar arguments were made to defend theVirginia lawprohibiting interracial marriage that the SupremeCourt struck down in 1967.
“A ban on interracial marriage could be described in the sameway as the majority described SB1,” she said. Roberts rejectedthe comparison.
ASSOCIATED PRESS FILE PHOTO By JOSE LUIS MAGANA Transgender rightssupporters rally outside of the Supreme CourtonDec. 4.
BUSINESS
BRIEFS
FROM STAFF AND WIRE REPORTS
Wall Street ends mixed after interest rate news
NEW YORK U.S. stocks drifted to a mixed finish on Wednesday after the Federal Reserve indicated it may cut interest rates twice this year, though it’s far from certain about that. The S&P 500 finished nearly unchanged and edged down by less than 0.1% after flipping between modest gains and losses several times. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dipped 44 points, or 0.1%, and the Nasdaq composite rose 0.1% Treasury yields also wavered but ultimately held relatively steady after the Fed released a set of projections showing the median official expects to cut the federal funds rate twice by the end of 2025. That’s the same number they were projecting three months ago, and it helped calm worries a bit that inflation caused by President Donald Trump’s tariffs could tie the Fed’s hands. Cuts in rates would make mortgages, credit-card payments and other loans cheaper for U.S. households and businesses, which in turn could strengthen the overall economy But they could likewise fan inflation higher
So far, inflation has remained relatively tame, and it’s near the Fed’s target of 2%. But economists have been warning it may take months to feel the effects of tariffs.
Honda recalls more than 259,000 cars
NEW YORK Honda is recalling more than 259,000 of its cars across the U.S. due to a problem that can cause the brake pedal to shift out of position, potentially interfering with a driver’s ability to stop or slow down
According to documents published by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the recall covers certain Honda Pilots between model years 2023 and 2025 as well cars under the auto maker’s luxury Acura brand: 2021-25 Acura TLX and 2023-25 Acura MDX vehicles.
The NHTSA’s recall report notes that the brake pedal pivot pin in some of these vehicles was not secured properly during production. That can lead the pedal to shift out of place and “may lead to unintended application,” the report notes, increasing crash risks
“The issue could also cause an abnormal brake pedal feeling during operation, illuminate the brake malfunction light in the instrument cluster, or cause the vehicle’s brake lights to remain lit even when the brake pedal is not applied,” America Honda said in a statement Wednesday FDA clears twice-a-year shot to prevent HIV
WASHINGTON The U.S. has approved the world’s only twice-a-year shot to prevent HIV, maker Gilead Sciences announced Wednesday. It’s the first step in an anticipated global rollout that could protect millions although it’s unclear how many in the U.S and abroad will get access to the powerful new option.
While a vaccine to prevent HIV still is needed, some experts say the shot — a drug called lenacapvir — could be the next best thing. It nearly eliminated new infections in two groundbreaking studies of people at high risk, better than daily preventive pills they can forget to take.
“This really has the possibility of ending HIV transmission,” said Greg Millett, public policy director at amfAR, The Foundation for AIDS Research Condoms help guard against HIV infection if used properly but what’s called PrEP — regularly using preventive medicines such as the daily pills or a different shot given every two months is increasingly important. Lenacapavir’s sixmonth protection makes it the longest-lasting type, an option that could attract people wary of more frequent doctor visits or stigma from daily pills.
Fed leaves interest rate unchanged
BY CHRISTOPHER RUGABER AP economics writer
WASHINGTON Federal Reserve officials expect inflation to worsen in the coming months but they still foresee two interest rate cuts by the end of this year, the same as they projected in March.
The Fed kept its key rate unchanged for the fourth straight meeting Wednesday, and said the economy is expanding at “a solid pace.” Changes to the Fed’s rate typically — though not always influence borrowing costs for mortgages, auto loans, credit cards, and business loans
The central bank also released its latest quarterly projections for the economy and interest rates. It expects noticeably weaker growth, higher inflation, and slightly higher unemployment by the end of this year than it had forecast in March, before President Donald Trump announced sweeping tar-
iffs April 2. Most of those duties were then postponed on April 9.
So far inflation has continued to decline this year while some cracks have appeared in the economy particularly in housing, where elevated borrowing costs are slowing sales and homebuilding. And Trump, earlier Wednesday, renewed his condemnation of Chair Jerome Powell for not sharply reducing borrowing costs.
Yet Powell underscored that the Fed does expect Trump’s sweeping tariffs to push up prices by the end of this year and the central bank wants to hold off on any moves until the impact of the duties becomes clearer
“We have to be forward looking,” Powell said. “We expect a meaningful amount of inflation to arrive in coming months and we have to take that into account. Because the economy is still solid, we can take the time to actually see what’s going to happen.”
Fed officials see inflation, according to their preferred measure, rising to 3% by the end of this year, from 2.1% in April. It also projects the unemployment rate will rise to 4.5%, from 4.2% currently Growth is expected to slow to just 1.4% this year, down from 2.5% last year
Some Fed policymakers have expressed particular concern that the duties could boost prices, creating another surge of inflation just a couple of years after the worst inflation spike in four decades. Many economists say that without the higher import taxes, the Fed would likely be cutting its rate further Yet so far, inflation has cooled this year to just 2.1% in April, essentially back at the central bank’s target of 2%. Core inflation, which excludes the volatile food and energy categories, remains elevated at 2.5%.
At a news conference after the
Fed released its latest policy statement, Powell said, “Increases in tariffs this year are likely to push up prices and weigh on economic activity.” He added, however, that the extent of the impact depends on the size and duration of the tariffs. The “pause” Trump put in place on many of the tariffs is set to end on July 9, pending any deals the administration strikes with its trading partners.
“We don’t yet know with any confidence where (the tariffs) will settle out,” he said.
Trump has pointed to the mild inflation figures to argue that the Fed should lower borrowing costs and has repeatedly criticized Powell for not doing so. On Wednesday he called Powell “stupid” and accused him of being “political” for not cutting rates.
Powell continued to stress that the current strength in the economy allows the Fed to be patient as he spoke with reporters.
Amazon hopes to deliver 10K robotaxis annually
BY MICHAEL LIEDTKE AP technology writer
HAYWARD, Calif. — Amazon is gearing up to make as many as 10,000 robotaxis annually at a sprawling plant near Silicon Valley as it prepares to challenge self-driving cab leader Waymo. Tesla CEO Elon Musk is also vying to join the autonomous race.
The 220,000-square-foot robotaxi factory announced Wednesday heralds a new phase in Amazon’s push into a technological frontier that began taking shape in 2009, when Waymo was launched as a secret project within Google
Amazon began eyeing the market five years ago when it shelled out $1.2 billion for selfdriving startup Zoox, which will be the brand behind a robotaxi service that plans to begin transporting customers in Las Vegas late this year before expanding into San Francisco next year.
Zoox, conceived in 2014, will be trying to catch up to Waymo, which began operating robotaxis in Phoenix nearly five years ago then charging for rides in San Francisco in 2023 before expanding into Los Angeles and Austin, Texas. Waymo says it has already more than 10 million paid rides while other would-be rivals such as Amazon and Tesla are still fine-tuning their self-driving technology while tackling other challenges, such how to ramp up their fleet
Amazon feels like it has addressed that issue with Zoox’s manufacturing plant that spans across the equivalent of three and a half football fields located in Hayward, California — about 17 miles north of a factory where Tesla makes some of the electric vehicles that Musk believes will eventually be
able to operate without a driver behind the wheel. Since moving into the former bus manufacturing factory in 2023, Zoox has transformed it into a high-tech facility where its boxy, gondola-like vehicles are put together and tested along a 21-station assembly line. For now, Zoox is only making one robotaxi per day, but by next year hopes to be churning them out at the rate of three vehicles per hour By 2027, Zoox hopes to making 10,000 robotaxis annually in Hayward for a fleet that it hopes to take into other major markets, including Miami, Los Angeles and Atlanta. Although Zoox will be assembling its robotaxis in the U.S., about half of the parts are
imported from outside the country, according to company officials. Waymo is also planning to expand into Atlanta and Miami and on Wednesday took the first step toward bringing its robotaxis in the most populous U.S. city with the disclosure of an application to begin testing its vehicles in New York. Although Zoox will be lagging well behind, it believes it can lure passengers with vehicles that look more like carriages that cars with seating for up to four passengers. Waymo, in contrast, builds its self-driving technology on to cars made by other major automakers, making its robotaxi look similar to vehicles steered by humans. Zoox isn’t even bothering to put a steering wheel in its robotaxis.
Will employers be targeted for hiring undocumented workers?
BY CAROLINE PETROW-COHEN Los Angeles Times (TNS)
Federal authorities have arrested hundreds of potentially undocumented immigrants in Los Angeles this month, targeting day laborers at a Home Depot, factory workers at a downtown apparel company and cleaners at car washes across the city
But the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents aren’t going after the business owners who may have illegally hired these workers.
President Trump’s crackdown on immigration has spared small and large U.S. employers that rely on thousands of undocumented employees, even though hiring undocumented workers can be a criminal offense.
“There are some instances of criminal prosecutions of people for knowingly hiring unauthorized workers, but it is extremely rare,” said Ahilan Arulanantham, co-director of the Center for Immigration Law and Policy at the UCLA School of Law. “There’s not an appetite for that kind of enforcement.”
Instead, the recent raids have affected rank-and-file workers, most of whom were detained suddenly and face deportation Here’s what experts say about whom ICE targets and why: Who relies on undocumented labor?
Laborers without legal authori-
zation to live and work in the U.S. make up a significant portion of the workforce, especially in industries such as agriculture and hospitality, said Jean Reisz co-director of the USC Gould School of Law Immigration Clinic.
“The U.S. has always relied on immigrant labor, and has always relied on undocumented immigrant labor,” Reisz said. “That’s just a reality, and when you have these big enforcement actions, there’s always going to be some tension.”
Last week, Trump acknowledged on his social media platform Truth Social that his immigration policies were harming farmers, hotels and restaurants. Shortly after, he temporarily paused raids on those businesses in a likely effort to keep company leaders in his corner Targeting the employers themselves, some of whom Trump relies on for support, would be counterproductive to his agenda, Reisz said.
“If the administration were to say they’re going to come down on every business owner who has hired someone in violation of U.S. law, I think that would politically be a bad decision,” she said. What consequences could employers face?
Although it’s not regularly enforced, a 1986 federal law made it a crime to knowingly hire someone without authorization to work in the country Before that, a stipulation known as the Texas Proviso cre-
ated a loophole that gave a pass to employers to hire noncitizens.
Violating the Immigration Reform and Control Act could mean fines and even incarceration, depending on the number of violations, Arulanantham said. But violators are rarely prosecuted.
“There’s a very long history of immigration enforcement agents not pursuing employers for hiring undocumented people, but very aggressively pursuing the undocumented people themselves,” Arulanantham said. “Most employers get zero consequence, not even a minor criminal conviction.”
While it’s unlawful to work in the U.S. without documentation, doing so isn’t a criminal offense.
“Civil consequences can be far more severe than criminal consequences,” Arulanantham said. “Especially if you’re being deported after you’ve lived here for a long time and you’re going to be separated from your family.”
How can employers tell who’s authorized to work in the U.S.?
A federal program called E-Verify makes it easy for employers to validate the status of potential hires and ensure they aren’t unknowingly employing someone without proper authorization. But the program is widely underused, especially in California, where only about 16% of employers are enrolled. Participation in the program is voluntary for everyone except
federal contractors and other businesses that receive money from the government, Reisz said The program is largely ignored because many companies are dependent on undocumented laborers and don’t want to be forced to reject their services.
Employers told The Los Angeles Times last year that requiring the use of E-Verify would devastate their businesses, unless other overhauls to immigration policy allowed them access to more workers. Why aren’t employers facing consequences?
Historically, it’s been in the country’s best economic interest to allow undocumented labor, experts say There are not enough workers to fill all the jobs a healthy growing U.S. economy generates, especially in low-wage industries. Workers who fear deportation are less likely to organize to demand better conditions or wages, said Arulanantham.
It wouldn’t make sense for Trump to arrest the business owners he wants as allies, Reisz said, and wouldn’t align with his stance on immigration.
“It doesn’t fit the narrative to penalize employers,” Reisz said. “The narrative surrounding immigration enforcement under the Trump administration is that there are dangerous criminals coming across the border and taking our jobs.”
PROVIDED PHOTO By ZOOX
Zoox robotaxis are assembled at a 220,000-square-foot factory located in Hayward, Calif.
WASHINGTON— The go-brokedates for Medicare and Social Security’s trust funds have moved up as rising health care costs and new legislation affecting Social Security benefits havecontributed to earlier projecteddepletion dates, according to an annual report released Wednesday
The go-broke date —orthe date at which the programs will nolonger have enough funds to pay full benefits —was pushed up to 2033 for Medicare’s Hospital Insurance Trust Fund, according to thenew report from the programs’ trustees. Last year’sreport putthe gobroke date at 2036.
Meanwhile, Social Security’s trust funds —which cover old age anddisability recipients—will be unable to pay full benefits beginning in 2034, instead of last year’s estimate of 2035. After that point, Social Security wouldonly be able to pay 81% of benefits.
Thetrustees saythe latest findings show the urgency of needed
BY SCOTT BAUER Associated Press
MADISON,Wis. AnxiouslawmakersconvenedWednesday under heightened security in Wisconsin’s State Capitol, one of the most publicly accessible statehouses in the country,days after a legislator and her husband in neighboring Minnesota were shot and killed at their homeand others weretargeted. The tension playing out in Wisconsin andother states after the Minnesota killings pits those who want to keep state capitols as open and accessible as possible against those concerned about increasing threats and acts of violenceagainst officeholders. Numerous statestookaction this week to protect personalinformation of lawmakers after the targeted shootings of two Minnesota state lawmakers. The second legislator and his wife sustained serious injuries in the shootings earlySaturday.Asuspect, Vance Boelter,surrendered to police on Sunday Prosecutors say Boelter haddozens of additional potential targets. They included state and federal officeholders in Wisconsin.
Legislatures in most states are done meeting for the year,but those like Wisconsin that are still in session are taking emergencyaction to bolster security
Thepolice chiefatthe North Carolina General Assembly said Monday in an email to legislators that “we are working on enhanced security plans and are doing our best to keep everyone safe.” But further details haven’tbeen released and there’sbeen no significant change seen in security on
changes to the programs, which have faced dire financial projections for decades.But making changes to the programshas long beenpolitically unpopular, andlawmakers have repeatedly kicked Social Security andMedicare’stroubling math to the next generation.
President Donald Trumpand other Republicanshave vowed not to make any cuts to Medicare or Social Security,even as they seek to shrink federal expenditures.
Social Security Administration Commissioner Frank Bisignano, sworn into his role in May,saidin astatementthat“the financial statusofthe trust funds remains atop priority for the Trump Administration.” Acommon misconception is that Social Security would be completely unabletopay benefits once it reaches its go-brokedate.
“Current-law projections indicatethatMedicare still faces a substantial financial shortfall that needs to be addressedwith further legislation. Such legislation should be enacted sooner rather than later to minimize the impact on beneficiaries, providers, and taxpayers,” thetrustees state in the report
Thetrusteesare made up of six people —the Treasury Secretary serves as managing trustee, alongside thesecretaries of Labor, Health and HumanServices, and
the commissioner of Social Security.Two other presidentiallyappointedand Senate-confirmed trustees serve as public representatives, howeverthose roles have been vacant since July 2015.
About 68 million people areenrolled in Medicare, the federal government’shealth insurance that covers those65and older,as well as people withsevere disabilities or illnesses.
Wednesday’sreport shows a worsening situationfor the Medicare Hospital Insurance Trust Fund compared to last year.But theforecasted go-broke dateof 2033 is still later than the dates of 2031, 2028 and 2026 predicted just afew years ago.
Once the fund’sreserves become depleted, Medicare would be able to cover only 89% of costs forpatients’ hospital visits, hospicecare and nursing homestaysorhome health care thatfollow hospital visits.
The report said expenseslast year for Medicare’sHospital Insurance TrustFundcameinhigher than expected.
Income exceeded expenditures by nearly $29 billion last year for theHospital Insurance TrustFund, thereportstated.Trusteesexpect that surplus to continue through 2027. Deficits then will follow until the fund becomes depleted in 2033.
the surface. In Arizona, more state troopers wereassigned to the state Senate building, said Senate GOP Spokesperson Kim Quintero. Security bolsteredinWis Securitychanges for Wednesday’smeetingof the Wisconsin Legislature were mostly out of sight Visitorstothe Capitol could still enterthe building withoutgoingthrough ametal detector,but anyone wantingto watchinthe Senate’s public gallery had to go through an additional security check. Those wishingtowatch the Assembly session from the gallery could do so, butthey were encouraged to instead view it from another room.
In amore visible sign of force, there were state patrol officers in the building and around bothlegislative chambers in additiontothe usual Capitol Police. There were new security screenings forreporters attending anews conference in the Senate parlor,and the Democratic Assembly
leader’sdoorthatistypically open was locked with a sign saying anyone with an appointment could knock to gain entry
“I feel safe in our Capitol building,”Democratic SenateMinorityLeaderDianne Hesselbein said before session began Wednesday
Not everyone felt the same way
“Weneed to have ahigher level of security,” Republican Sen. ChrisKapenga toldWISN-TV.Hesupports adding metal detectors and banning guns for anyone in thebuildingexceptfor lawmakers. He said he always carries agun in theCapitol.
“Weshould notbeworried about our lives walking into that building,”Kapenga said.
Priorsecurityconcerns
Wisconsinisapresidential battleground state used to high-stakespolitical fights andfrequentlargeprotests both inside and outsideof theCapitol.
Twoyearsago aman armed with aloaded hand-
Apayrolltax on covered earnings provides the main funding for theHospital Insurance TrustFund Future expenses paid by the fund are expected to increaseata faster pace thanearnings. Legislation is needed to change those tax rates.
Thereport states that the Social Security Social Security Fairness Act, enacted in January,which repealed the Windfall Elimination andGovernment PensionOffset provisions of the Social Security Act andincreased Social Security benefit levels forsomeworkers, hadanimpact on the depletion dateofSSA’s trust funds.
Romina Boccia, adirector of Budgetand Entitlement Policy at the libertarian CATO Institute, called the repeal of the provisions “a political giveaway masquerading as reform. Instead of tackling Social Security’sstructural imbalances, Congress chose to increase benefitsfor avocal minority —accelerating trust fund insolvency.”
“It’s aclear sign that populist pressure now outweighs fiscal responsibility and economic sanity on both sidesofthe aisle,” she said. “Pair that with aRepublican reconciliation bill that increases tax giveaways while refusing to rein in even the most dubious Medicaid expansions, and the messageisunmistakable: Washington is still in
giveaway mode.”
AARP CEO Myechia MinterJordan said “Congress must act to protect andstrengthenthe Social Security that Americans have earned andpaidintothroughout their working lives.” “More than 69 million Americans relyonSocial Security today and as America’spopulation ages, the stability of this vital programonly becomes moreimportant.”
Social Security benefits were last reformed roughly 40 years ago, when the federalgovernment raised the eligibility age for the program from65to67. The eligibility age hasnever changedfor Medicare, withpeople eligible forthe medical coveragewhentheyturn65.
Nancy Altman, president of Social Security Works, an advocacy groupfor thebenefitprogram,said in astatement that “there aretwo options foraction:Bringing more money into Social Security,orreducing benefits. Any politician who doesn’tsupport increasing Social Security’srevenue is, by default, supporting benefit cuts.” CongressionalBudgetOfficereporting has stated that the biggest drivers of debt rising in relation to GDP are increasing interest costs and spending for Medicare and Social Security.Anaging population drives those numbers.
gun came into theWisconsin Capitol looking for Gov Tony Evers, whowas not there at the time.
Wisconsinisone of seven states where concealed weaponsare allowed in the Capitol, according to a2021 report by the Council of State Governments. Thirtysix states ban concealed weapons in their capitol buildings.
There have been some visible security increases at the Wisconsin Capitol in recent months. Anyone attending oral argumentsof the state Supreme Court, which meets in aroom just around the corner from the legislative chambers, must go through ametal detector
Thatwas addedafter a retired judge was shot and killed in atargeted attack at his home in 2022 andamid increasing threats to members of the judiciary.Evers and other lawmakers were also on alistthat gunman had.
No metaldetectors
The Wisconsin Capitol has its own police force housed in the basement, but the building is not protected by metaldetectors, screening checkpoints or X-rays. Anyone can walk in off the street between 8a.m.and 6p.m. during the week and go straight to the offices of state lawmakers and others. The Wisconsin Capitol is
one of 11 state capitols that does not have metal detectors, astate audit found last year.Itisone of 19 states without X-ray machines to scan itemspeople bring into the building, the audit found. Metal detectors wereinstalledatthe Capitol in late February 2011 at the height of protests over then-Gov ScottWalker’sproposal, later signed into law,that effectively ended collective bargaining formostpublic workers. They were removed four months laterunderanagreementreached between Walker’sadministration and the state employees union, which sued to getthe Capitol reopened without metal detectors.
Panelrecommendspublicdefenders keep jobs
BY MEGHAN FRIEDMANN Staff writer
An advisory panel hasrecommended that five top public defenders shouldkeep their jobs, defying astate officialwho attempted not to renew their contracts
The full Louisiana Public Defender Oversight Board is expected to rule on that decisionMonday Meanwhile, the board is in turmoil after two more members resigned this week —Ernestine Gray and Gerard Caswell, the board chair.Their resignations come within days of three others: TedHernandez, Peter Thomson and Freddie Pitcher all stepped down within the last week.
At leasttwo membersofthe nine-member board have been replaced.
The resignations come amid two major conflicts: the board’s recent clash with State Public Defender Rémy Starns over acompensation plan for district defenders, and the
monthslong battle between Starns and the five district chiefs he is tryingtooust
That fight goesback to February,when district chiefs Michelle AndrePont, Trisha Ward, Brett Brunson, DeirdreFullerand John Hogue all received letters from Starns saying their contracts, which were up July 1, would not be renewed.
State law allowsterminated district chiefs to appeal to theboard.
All five did so, arguingStarns had firedthem withoutjust causeand in retaliation forspeaking out against him
In public hearings,the defenders hadpushedbackagainst Starn’s proposed compensation plan and againstlegislationhebacked that gave him and Gov. Jeff Landry more power over the public defense system.
Starns arguedthe defenders had no right to appealfor theirjobs because he had not, in fact,fired them.Hehad only chosen not to
extend their contracts. An opinion from AttorneyGeneral LizMurrill supported that decision.
The Louisiana Public Defender Oversight Boardappointed acommitteetolook into the matter.After meeting in April, that panel sided with Starns.
But after afieryboard meeting on Monday, thecommitteedecided to reconsider
They met again Wednesday. There, the district chiefs and other defense advocates argued state statute guaranteed continuity in their jobs and did not allow Starns to nonrenew contracts. He could only terminate them forgood cause, the defenders argued.
“Rémy Starnsdoes nothavethe discretion to ignore the law,” said Hogue. “Hemust, as the law states, continue to contract unless there is avacancy due to demotion, resignation, termination, retirementor death.”
The contractsmust be continued unless adefender is terminated
for just cause, he said. “Nojust cause has ever been allegedby Mr.Starns andnone exist,” Hogue added.
The defenders also cited quotes from legislators who indicated thatthe statute governing the state public defender was written to protect local chiefs from arbitrarily losing their jobs. Paul deMahy,who chaired the advisory committee, said the evidence presented changedhis mind.HebelievedStarnsneeded cause to nonrenew the contracts, he said.
At thecommittee’s last hearing
Starns did not “give any cause, and of course he’snot here today so that leads me to believe that he’s unable to produce cause for failing to renew contractsofall of the individuals involved,” deMahy said.
The committee, which also includedmembersPhyllis Keaty andAdrejia Boutté, unanimously reversedits earlier decision that had sided with Starns.
Starns did not appear at the hearing, nordid anyone fromhis office testify. Buthehas previously arguedstate lawgiveshim power over contracts with district defenders.
“I nonrenewed contracts. There’s been alot of loose language thrown out here today about terminations. No such terminations ever took place. They have aterm,term is expired,” Starns said during Monday’sboard meeting. Starns did not immediately return arequest forcomment. Also this week, the Louisiana Public DefenderOversight Board clashed withStarns over pay for district defenders. Though state law gives the board the authority to set acompensation plan fordistrict chiefs, Starns has included his own separate plan in contracts forchief public defenders. Email Meghan Friedmann at meghan.friedmann@ theadvocate.com.
Council sets discretionary spending
BY LARA NICHOLSON Staff writer
The Jefferson Parish Council approved giving each member
$500,000 in discretionary funds Wednesday, paving the way for the at-large members to assist with the insurance crisis and early childhood education.
Leaders discuss Bourbon Street security
None of consultants’ suggestions closer to action
BY SOPHIE KASAKOVE Staff writer
Six months after a driver plowed down and killed 14 people on Bourbon Street, New Orleans leaders are no closer to acting on consultants’ recommendations to close the street to cars, amid continuing neighborhood criticism of that proposal.
As they discussed the suggestions at a City Council committee meeting on Wednesday, city officials and council members would not say whether they intended to follow guidance from the consulting group Teneo, which said Bourbon Street from Canal to Dumaine streets should be closed to vehicular traffic full time.
Consultants also recommended exemptions for delivery trucks and staggered barriers to allow resident access to driveways. But council members said Wednesday that the city should commission a study of traffic in the area before any decisions are made, echoing calls some French Quarter residents have made in recent months. “I’m not going to deal in absolutes,”
ä See BOURBON, page 2B
N.O.
Juneteenth festival set for Thursday
Organizer focusing on more artists, vendors, next generation
BY DESIREE STENNETT Staff writer
As the world’s attention was captured by George Floyd’s death and groups mobilized to acknowledge the contributions and struggles of the Black community across the nation, New Orleans native Shaddai Livingston stepped up to plan a local celebration for the Juneteenth holiday Since the first NOLA Juneteenth Festival in 2020, many national leaders have gone from attempting to reckon with America’s brutal history of slavery and inequality to decrying diversity, equity and inclusion. But Livingston said the event, which honors June 19, 1865, as the day the last slaves were told they had been freed, was never just a fad. It is only gaining more attention, she said.
ä See JUNETEENTH, page 2B
The council voted to divvy up about $3.5 million in interest accrued on discretionary spending accounts containing more than $84 million in funds made available through the American Rescue Plan Act. At-large council member Jennifer Van Vrancken will use her share of the money to give an extra $5,000 to any parish resident
who qualifies for the state’s fortified roof program and $2,500 for certain first-time homeowners.
At-large member Scott Walker will give his portion to the Jefferson Community Foundation for early childhood education initiatives.
The windfall didn’t come without a fight, though, as council member Arita Bohannan criticized Van Vrancken over what she said was a lack of communication before ultimately agreeing to move forward with the measure. It’s the latest dispute in a yearlong conflict between Van Vrancken and her counterparts. Using her newfound $500,000,
Van Vrancken said she plans to bolster the state’s fortified roof program, which offers $10,000 grants for homeowners to upgrade their roofs, by creating a Roof Enhancement Lottery Incentive Fund.
Jefferson Parish homeowners may get roof grant ä See COUNCIL, page 3B
Hope Haven school building catches fire
Official calls structure a ‘complete loss’
BY MICHELLE HUNTER and LARA NICHOLSON Staff writers
A fire ripped through a long-vacant Catholic school building on the campus of Hope Haven in Marrero on Wednesday afternoon.
Fire poured out of the second-floor windows, and a column of thick, black smoke could be seen for miles as it billowed over the former orphanage property owned by the Archdiocese of New Orleans.
Jefferson Parish Council member Deano Bonano called the structure a “complete loss” after the second floor collapsed. No injuries were reported.
The burned building is not part of the 15acre parcel across Barataria Boulevard, which Jefferson Parish has been leasing since 2018 and has plans to buy in the next
Officials detail New Orleans power outage
Entergy, MISO answer to Public Service Commission
BY ALYSE PFEIL Staff writer
dures
causes” of the outage, recommendations for remedying those issues, and whether they complied with required customer communication protocols. Under rules imposed by an international regulatory authority that ensures grid reliability, MISO was required to reduce the load on the electric grid within 30 minutes of getting an indication that the system was on track to reach its operating limit, officials said.
That “interconnection reliability operating limit” and related procedures are in place “to prevent the potential collapse of bigger parts of the system,” said Todd Hillman, senior vice president and chief customer officer, external affairs for MISO.
“We have 30 minutes to execute the load shed event,” he told the commissioners. Entergy Louisiana President and CEO Phillip May later told the panel that, “based on when the load shed was directed, received by Entergy, we had less than 10 minutes to comply with MISO’s geographic directive.” Hillman told the commission that MISO is responsible for the forced outage and for better communication in the future.
The interruption of power without prior notice is an “unacceptable outcome” for customers, May said.
“Entergy is committed to working with this commission and MISO to take all necessary steps to ensure it does not happen again,” he added.
MISO gave Entergy “general guidance” to cut 500 megawatts of power in the New Orleans area, and then Entergy operations teams had to figure out where, exactly, to cut power within that time frame, Charles Long, senior vice president of power delivery for Entergy, told the commissioners. Long said Entergy knew from prior operating experience that
STAFF PHOTOS By CHRIS GRANGER
Catholic school on the campus of Hope Haven in Marrero on Wednesday.
Smoke fills the air as fire crews spray water on both sides of the old Catholic school on the
Bohannan Van Vrancken
Bill targeting river protections fails
Future legislation may focus on Pearl River
BY WILLIE SWETT Staff writer
A Louisiana Senate bill that would have removed some rivers in St. Tammany Parish from the state’s protected status — which prompted criticism from environmental groups — never made it out of the Senate Natural Resources Committee.
But on Wednesday, at a legislative session wrap-up lunch hosted by the St. Tammany Parish Chamber of Commerce, the senator who
OUTAGE
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the area it targeted would achieve the desired amount of load shed.
But responding to a comment from Commissioner Mike Francis, Long also acknowledged that Entergy risked inadvertently cutting power to a hospital, law enforcement agency or other critical services. The unexpected power outage across parts of New Orleans on the Sunday of Memorial Day weekend, when temperatures reached 90 degrees, prompted anger and confusion over the cause of the brownout.
Several days passed before officials provided greater detail on the cause at a June 3 New Orleans City Council meeting.
There, MISO and Entergy officials said a confluence of factors caused the “extremely rare” event.
They said south Louisiana’s lack of long-range transmission lines,
BOURBON
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said council member and mayoral candidate Oliver Thomas about the idea of closing Bourbon Street to vehicles. He said the concerns of residents and business owners in the French Quarter would need to be taken into account.
“Today’s conversation exposed that we need a lot more planning and conversation and research before we come up with a decision,” said Thomas.
Rick Hathaway, director of the city’s Department of Public Works, said during the meeting that a study could not be completed until the fall, when traffic picks back up from the summer slump.
Mayor LaToya Cantrell, whose term comes to an end later this year, also has not commented publicly on the recommendations. Helena Moreno, also running for mayor did not speak specifically on the proposal on Wednesday
French Quarter neighborhood leaders also showed up to rail against the Teneo recommendations, as they have before. They said the closures would create congestion and parking problems in the historic neighborhood
“The pedestrian malls in their current capacity just need to be enforced and supported,” said Erin
JUNETEENTH
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“What was supposed to be just a small celebration in 2020 ended up turning into a festival,” she said “It’s grown and every year is its own different thing. We never needed anybody’s permission to celebrate or acknowledge Juneteenth before it became a federal holiday I don’t need it now.”
In past years, Livingston has hosted panel discussions, and a community marriage ceremony and vow renewal, where she has facilitated the weddings of nearly a dozen couples.
This year, Livingston said her focus is on bringing more artists and vendors and giving the next generation of culture bearers a spotlight of their own.
“Absolutely this is about joy, because the most revolutionary things Black people can have is joy and abundance,” she said.
‘A freedom holiday’
The sixth annual NOLA Juneteenth Festival will begin at noon on Thursday at Congo Square in Louis Armstrong Park. Though it started
introduced the bill said he plans to bring back a significantly revised version that would focus only on the Pearl River in eastern St. Tammany “We had a whole bunch of river systems that I really didn’t realize homeowners were going to get so upset about,” said Sen. Bob Owen, R-Slidell.
The bill would have removed eight St. Tammany rivers from the scenic rivers program, which adds heightened restrictions for designated rivers, generally requiring a special permitting process for work on and near them.
It also would have removed tributaries to the Tchefuncte River
combined with warmer-than-normal temperatures and a series of outages at Entergy plants led to the wider forced outage.
The lack of transmission lines in south Louisiana is known, longstanding problem.
At the commission meeting Wednesday, MISO officials talked about planned and unplanned outages on May 25.
That day four generating units were on planned outages for regular maintenance, there were eight unplanned generating unit outages — and a transmission line was out due to tornado damage in March.
Commissioner Davante Lewis asked which generators were down that day
Hillman declined to share those details and said MISO needs permission from power companies before it can share that information.
Francis said the question about which units were offline was a “legitimate” one, and he asked Entergy officials if the information was confidential.
Holmes, the executive director of the Vieux Carré Property Owners and Residents Association. “It’s obvious that we need to change some things, but I think that rather than reinventing the wheel we need to fix the wheel that we have.”
Street closed each night
Bourbon Street is closed to traffic nightly beginning at 8 p.m. and ending at 4 a.m The street is fully closed, including cross streets, to traffic during special events.
In addition to calling for a fulltime street closure, consultants in their report criticized lack of coordination and planning among New Orleans’ public safety agencies, which they said led to “disjointed security coverage.”
Council members on Wednesday raised alarms about continued lack of communication between administration departments, which has left the task of securing the street each night to the New Orleans Police Department.
The department assigns two officers to the task of erecting and removing the barriers each night — a process that takes a few hours altogether, said 8th District Capt. Sam Palumbo.
“Too much is being put on the NOPD, on commissioned officers that really should be out there responding to crime and preventing crime from happening instead of putting out different equipment
with about 25 vendors and artists the first year, it now has more than 70, and has added a second stage for youth performers, Livingston said. She is expecting nearly 1,000 visitors to attend the celebration.
Officials with Mayor LaToya Cantrell’s Office of Cultural Economy called the annual festival “an opportunity for the entire community to acknowledge the strength and ongoing struggle for freedom and equality for African Americans.”
“Through the festival, we can come together to look more deeply into the legacy of enslavement and the continued presence of racism in our civic, social, spiritual, and personal lives,” the office said in a statement. “Juneteenth is a freedom holiday. Livingston said her insistence on joy as the focus for the festival was a lesson she learned from watching her father James “Kojo” Livingston, a community activist who died of a heart attack at 58. For decades, he was the one the people called on in times of crisis But as much as she saw the work feed her father’s spirit, she also watched how the constant focus on the traumas in the community depleted him. So when another community
from the program and given an eight-year exemption to the Pearl River between Lock 1 and the Rigolets.
The bill’s goal was to make it easier for the state to de-snag the rivers to improve drainage and reduce flooding, but it prompted outcry from residents and environmental groups, who said removing the protected status could have vast implications for water quality and that without further study it would not necessarily help with flooding.
During the hearing in May in front of the Senate Natural Resources Committee, some committee members also worried about
“It can be market-sensitive information in real-time,” said Larry Hand, vice president of regulatory and public affairs for Entergy Louisiana. He added that “after the event there’s more opportunity to share that information” and Entergy intends to do so. Francis replied with a joke that the commission could sell tickets to its August meeting when Entergy plans to discuss the information in greater detail.
In a brief interview after the meeting, May reiterated the company’s plan to release that data publicly “In a market where, whether a plant is on or off determines what the price of power is, that information is what we call market-sensitive,” he said. “If someone in a competitive market knows (a) plant is offline and believes they can bid the market higher then our customers will have to pay more.
Commissioner Eric Skrmetta said not knowing which units are down is a problem because commission members end up fielding questions from the public and
throughout the French Quarter,” said Moreno.
Moreno and other council members suggested that the task should instead be taken on by the Department of Public Works, the Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, or a private contractor
‘A wait and see’
While no decisions were made on the recommendations on Wednesday, council President JP Morrell zeroed in on one aspect of the plan as particularly worrisome.
“Closing the cross streets is tremendously problematic,” said Morrell, who likened such a closure to “the Great Wall of China” that would divide the French Quarter into two parts.
“But I do think that things cannot be the same as they were. That has to be more pedestrianized for people to be able to utilize it, and for the public to realize — acknowledging what happened on Jan. 1 — that we have to do things differently,” Morrell said.
Nathan Chapman, board president of the Vieux Carre neighborhood group, also criticized Teneo’s proposal to include the more residential block of Bourbon Street between St. Ann and Dumaine streets in its closure plan.
“This is one of those things where we would need to like handcuff ourselves to a lamppost or something
elder came to her and said it was time to pick up her father’s torch and be a source of good for others, she knew she was ready to take it on but she also knew that she would make Black joy, not pain, her focus.
“I don’t see this as separate work,” she said. “I can see it as an extension of that legacy in it’s own way but it’s also it’s own thing.”
Though the family-friendly event, Livingston said she hopes to use the lessons her elders taught her about survival and in turn teach them about joy and peace.
“I feel like our elders, they talk about joy but when it’s time to experience it in practice, it may scare them,” she said.
“That’s the sign of a turn for the community for me. When you have the chance to live abundantly and not just in survival mode, what does that look like?”
‘Channeling our ancestors’
Nailah Smith, the head of the Watoto’s of Kumbuka African Dance Collective, is also continuing a family legacy She founded her dance group, which will take the stage at Congo Square at 1 p.m., after spending her childhood as a member of her mother’s dance group Kumbuka.
She has participated in the June-
the lack of studies in the bill. Owen said Wednesday his primary goal was to remove restrictions for the Pearl River to allow for future flood prevention work on the river and that when he brings the bill back, it will be just focused on the Pearl.
Owen was one of nine members of the northshore delegation — two from the delegation were missing who each had six minutes on Wednesday to share their takeaways from the session with about 100 attendees.
For some, that included discussing bills that are currently awaiting Gov Jeff Landry’s signature. Rep Kim Carver, R-Mandeville,
press when problems happen.
Skrmetta in an opinion piece published Monday on the conservative website The Hayride called on Louisiana to leave MISO.
“The shift from state-regulated operations to multistate contractual constructs have weakened, if not gutted, representative public oversight,” he wrote.
May told the commission that it would continue to work with the commission to analyze alternatives to remaining a member of MISO, a commission directive from 2023.
But May also said that MISO membership has saved Entergy Louisiana customers over $1 billion since it joined the organization in 2013.
“Any decision to exit MISO would require careful evaluation and consideration of the costs and benefits,” May said. “Nonetheless, it’s our responsibility to ensure that MISO participation continues to serve our customers’ interests.”
Email Alyse Pfeil at alyse.pfeil@ theadvocate.com
— please don’t take another block of residential and make it unlivable,” said Chapman Danovan Calhoun-Bettis, director of engagement and partnerships with the Music and Culture Coalition of New Orleans, a nonprofit that works with local musicians and artists, said French Quarter performers need to be consulted before any changes are made.
“The culture bearers, the musicians, the dancers, the artists, tradition keepers aren’t side attractions — they’re the main event,” said Calhoun-Bettis. “Any successful redesign of these spaces has to honor that.”
The idea of tighter restrictions on vehicles drew at least some support on Wednesday however as tommEE pickles, a magician who performs on Bourbon Street, said the strip should be closed to traffic for more hours of the day “I always see them (cars) weaving around people and stuff like that. I’m worried about pedestrian safety,” he said Meanwhile, Holmes, a critic of Teneo’s proposal, said she was unsurprised by city leaders’ inaction, and expects that no firm decisions will come until next year
“Because we’re going into this election season, we’re not going to be able to see or realize any of these major changes until we have a new administration and potentially a new council. So this is more of a wait and see,” she said
teenth festival since it was founded, spending some years working a table as a vendor and other years on stage as an artist. She said she grew up knowing the significance of Juneteenth and of Congo Square as a social gathering place for enslaved people. She said she plans to put on a high-energy show But she hopes that as attendees sing, and dance along with performers, they also take a moment to acknowledge what the land at Congo Square has meant to generation of Black people who have passed through the space.
“We are channeling our ancestors and that energy,” she said. “Our ancestors did the same thing here. We are so connected.”
Recording artist and record label owner Sess 4-5 will also be a vendor at the festival, showcasing his clothing line Hustle God and selling a limited supply of jerseys commemorating the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. He was honored at last year’s Juneteenth gala, also organized by Livingston, for his work in the community He said he supports the work Livingston has put in to create another space for artists and entrepreneurs and hopes that the next
said he spoke with Landry on Sunday about his bill requiring app stores to verify users’ ages.
Lawmakers unanimously passed House Bill 570, which would require users under 18 to link their accounts to parents’ accounts and have parents approve all app downloads. The bill is currently on Landry’s desk. But tech giants have criticized the bill, and Carver said “big tech is leaning in hard on our governor.” He encouraged the lunch’s attendees to send a note to Landry
Email Willie Swett at willie. swett@theadvocate.com.
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30 days, according to Bonano and the archdiocese. The parish plans to add more public recreation areas and a multiuse complex to the property that already has a walking trail.
Firefighters rushed to the scene after receiving a call reporting the fire about 11:52 a.m., said Chief Stephen Guidroz, of the Marrero Harvey Volunteer Fire Company
A crew of 60 firefighters used a defensive attack to the battle the blaze, working from the outside because the building was not occupied, Guidroz said.
The fire fight was complicated by the day’s high temperatures and the building’s distance from the street, Guidroz said.
Crews were still tackling hot spots in the building as of 2:30 p.m. While the cause of the fire is still unknown, officials said they are investigating reports of people seen fleeing the building after the fire started.
Historic building
The Roman Catholic Church opened Hope Haven in 1925. The buildings, constructed in the Spanish Colonial Revival-style, served as a group home for orphaned boys age 12 and older
The school building that burned Wednesday is on the east side of the campus, where Madonna Manor was later founded to serve younger orphans. It’s also next to the historic St. John Bosco Chapel, which now houses the St. John Bosco PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly) Center, according to the Archdiocese of New Orleans.
The beauty and history of the campus has been marred by allegations in lawsuits that the priests who served at Hope Haven and Madonna Manor beat and sexually abused children at the orphanages in the 1950s and 1960s.
The building that burned Wednesday was known as the Old Hope Haven school and was built in 1932, according to Sarah McDonald, spokesperson for the archdiocese. It served as classroom and gym space.
But the building had not been in use since before 2008, McDonald said There were not plans for its rehabilitation before the fire.
The archdiocese has sold off properties after entering federal bankruptcy while facing claims from survivors of clergy sex abuse. The burned building had not been listed for sale, McDonald said.
generation will support it too.
“It was an honor to be honored,” he said. “I do a lot of community work not for awards or accolades but when the community recognizes you it’s always a plus. Hopefully when folks see folks like myself and the other honorees get awarded that they will be inspired to get more active in the community and do some work.”
A new community honoree will be named at this year’s Juneteenth gala planned for Friday evening. Tickets are still available and can be purchased at nolajuneteenthfestival.org.
Email Desiree Stennett at desiree.stennett@theadvocate. com.
LOTTERY TUESDAY, JUNE 17, 2025
PICK 3: 1-8-8
PICK
Artist behind ‘LOVE’ sign dies
Drew Pelias was56
BY DOUG MacCASH Staff writer
Frederick Andrew Pelias, acarpenter,contractor, writer and artist who once decorated the streets of New Orleanswithhundreds of plastic placards emblazoned with the word “LOVE,”died at his home in Elmwood on June 10. He was 56. The cause is believed to be heart disea se, said his bro ther , Gus Pelias III.
Drew Pelias was askilled woodworker whoalso created artworks inspired by Native American and East Indian mysticism, his brother said. He practiced yoga and studied spirituality.
Drew Pelias’ former wife, Kate Curran, said he was adreamer who was able to make beauty from anything.
“He’d go to Audubon Park, under the Tree of Life,” she said, “and make creations from leaves and stones.” When he was finished, she said, “it looked like fairies had been there.”
In theearly 1990s, Pelias
lent crime. At first, no one knew the exact meaning of his message,and themystery added to the appeal of theplacards. Pelias and Hebert’sproject became a sensation on social media, television and in thenewspaper
Hebert eventually became the spokesman for the project,with Pelias remaining in the background.
“I’dnever describe Drew as shy,”his brother Gus said, “but he didn’tneed the credit.”
Not everyone appreciated theproject.
NewOrleans Area Deaths
LeeAllenand Tricia Allen (Darren)Washington. She was thedaughterofthe latePhillip andDelores Jourdan.Alsosurvivedby one sister PearlH.(An‐toine)Wrightand one brother PhillipLee (Denise) Dupre.A grandmotherof seven anda great-grand‐motherofnineand ahost ofnieces, cousins, rela‐tives andfriends.Relatives and friendsofthe family are invitedtoattenda cel‐ebrationoflifeatGreater St. John B.C.,ofBarataria LA Allen, Modeste Bickham, Maurice Cormier,M DavisSr.,Henry Degree, Joyce DowningIII, James Duncan,Debra Bickham, Maurice
Dupuy,Joseph Gilmore,Mary
Guillory Sr., Clarence Hendry, Carole Hill, Kenneth
wassweptupinthe graffiticraze,thoughhedid not produceconventional tags. Instead, Pelias stenciled theword “LOVE” in gold enamel paint on the city’s infrastructure. In an interview just weeks before hisdeath,Pelias said that he chose highly visible spots such as the sidewalks of the French Quarter and the pillarsof the Crescent City Connection bridge to placehis message. Pelias saidhehoped to create“amoreloving world” by imprinting the simple four-letter word “into people’ssubconscious or conscious or unconscious.”
Though hisdaysasa graf-
fitiwritersoonended,his interest in spreading what he called his“revolutionof love” continued.
Morethan20years after he first spray-painted “LOVE” here andthere, Pelias embarked on anew versionofthe project. Insteadofrelying on aerosol paint,hepaid to have plastic signs printedup, marked with “LOVE” in crisp red lettering. With thehelp of the late John Hebert, an enthusiasticfriend, Pelias begannailing the signsto telephone polesacross the city in 2014.
Thepartnerspaidspecial attention to areas where murdershad occurred, in hopesofdiminishing vio-
Thoughupbeat, thesigns were illegal. Many of the signs were torn down or painted over by anti-graffiti activists, andPeliasand Hebertwere eventually arrested forillicitposting. Hebert died in 2021.
Peliaswas born in New Orleans, graduated from St.Paul’sSchool in Covington and attended college at boththe Universityof Louisiana at Lafayette and theUniversityofNew Orleans. Hislate mother was therenowned LSU geneticist Mary Catherine “Mary Kay” Pelias,and his father is architect Gus Pelias Jr Gus Pelias III said plans for amemorial are underway
Email Doug MacCash at dmaccash@theadvocate. com.
More than 80 arrested by ICEinVinton
DeltaDowns racetrack businesses targeted
BY COURTNEY PEDERSEN
Staff writer
U.S. Immigrationand Customs Enforcement and its law enforcement partners arrestedapproximately 84 people on Tuesday at the Delta Downs Racetrack in Vinton.
The arrests were made during what ICE called “a worksite enforcement operation”that focused on the businesses that own and race horses out of the stables at the racetrack, according to an ICE news release.
U.S. Immigration and CustomsEnforcement and law enforcement partners made arrests at the DeltaDowns RacetrackinVinton on Tuesday.
Everyone who was taken into custodyduringthe operation wasprocessed for “administrative immigration violations” and were transported to the Lake Charles Border Patrol Station. “An investigation into potential criminalconduct related to the hiring of the illegalaliens remainsongoing and an assessment of whether any civil penalties areappropriate is being conducted,” the Wednesday release states.
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With the new fund,Jefferson Parish homeowners who receive afortified roof grant through the state’s lottery system will receive an additional $5,000 from the parish to help cover the cost.
Areport by the stateLegislative Auditor‘s Office found that the average cost to retrofit aroof to fortified standards is $20,492 without assistance, which for some residents is too expensive even with the state grant. As aresult, VanVrancken said, some people who qualify for the program turnit down. The benefits of fortified roofs generally outweigh the cost, though, as the same state auditor’s report found that the median grant recipient saw a22% discountonhome insurance, or $1,250 per year
VanVrancken’sshare of money will also go toward the Jefferson Parish Finance Authority’sHeroes to Homeownersprogram, which offers a$2,500 grant for first-time homeowners who are teachers,first responders, health care professionals or membersof the military
VanVrancken’sboost will offer an additional $2,500 for grant recipients. Cou-
pled withthe finance authority’sWelcometoJefferson program, which gives recipients another $2,500 when combined with any other assistance program, public sector employees can receive up to$7,500 when purchasing their first home
“What is discouraging peoplemore than anything from evenbecominga homeowner rightnow is the high cost of insurance,” VanVrancken said.“If we on thefront end can buffer that andencouragesomeonetobeahomeowner and encourage them to buy that firsthome in Jefferson, thenI think it goes a long way inattracting new, young families.”
Walker will use his portion of themoney to expand the number of early childhood care and education slots for economically disadvantaged familiesin JeffersonParish through apartnership withthe Jefferson Community Foundation’sReadyStart Network.
Thecouncil agreed to add up to $750,000 and athreeyear extension to theparish’sexisting contractwith the foundation, bringing the total cost up to $1.1 million.
‘Feels very targeted’
The issue caused astir at the meeting before their passage, as Bohannan said VanVranckenlefther colleagues in the dark about her plan to commit ahalf
As of Wednesday morning, the investigation identifiedtwo of the people arrested as having hadprior arrests and criminal convictions.
Enr ique Gonz alez Moreno, 36,from Mexico, was one of thosearrested on Tuesday.The release states that Moreno
amillion dollars alongside the rest of thecouncil, unlike Walker and thedistrict council members, who had discussedtheir plansbeforehand.
She said that although she supports VanVrancken’s goal, shetook issue with what shecharacterized as alack of communication Bohannan saidthat because theinterest wasaccrued from American Rescue Plan Act funds, most of which went to district council members, they were more entitled to the interest than the at-large members.
“What you’re trying to do is say, ‘I didn’tdiscuss it withanyone, butIreally deserve it, because look what agreat thing I’mgoingtodowithit.’ That’snot howthisworks,” Bohannan said. “You have this conversation beforeyou show up this morning. That’s my complaint.”
She requesteda deferral on themeasures to allow time for discussion, which Walker and VanVrancken pushed back on, citing time restraintsonthe early childhood education contract VanVrancken said her $500,000 request appeared on thesame agenda as her sixcounterparts, andthat there was enough time for Bohannan to address any concerns beforethe meeting.
“Thephoneworksboth ways, and you could have
“illegally enteredthe U.S. fourtimes,was convicted twice for driving under the influenceaswellas oncefor cocaine possession andillegal reentry.”
In addition to Moreno,ICE also arrested a40-yearold from Mexico who had previously been arrested for criminalconspiracy, aggravated battery with a dangerous weapon, sexual battery andvideovoyeurism, according to therelease.
The operation was conducted after authorities received information indicatingthatthe businesses operating at theracetrack stables were employing unauthorized workers. The Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office, Lake Charles Police Department and Louisiana State Police helped with the investigation.
EmailCourtney Pedersen at courtney pedersen@theadvocate. com.
picked up thephone to ask if there wereany questions,” VanVranckensaid. “It feels very targeted.”
After abrief back-andforth between the two, Walker called for arecess so they could discussthe matter privately in agroup small enough to avoidrunning afoulofstate open meetings laws. Behind closed doors,councilmember Byron Lee mediated a conversation between the two, wherethey agreed to move forward with the amendments, Bohannan said.
VanVrancken has been at odds withher council colleagues for the better part of thepast year over severaldisagreements, the biggest of which beingthe construction of abrewpub in Gretnausing $10 million in parish funds alongside statemoney
“I thinkit’sanother example that maybe all things aren’thealed, that there’s still some room to improve those relationships,” Bohannan said after the meeting. VanVrancken saidafter themeeting that in order to serve thepublic, it’s best that the council all “respect each other and worktogether” and“continue to commit to communicatewitheach other.”
Email LaraNicholson at lnicholson@theadvocate. com.
DowningIII, James Smith Jr., Joseph Williams,Peggy St Tammany EJ Fielding
Keating, Dottie West Bank
DavisMortuary
Rosette,Betty Robinson FH
Bickham, Maurice Degree, Joyce Duncan,Debra Gilmore,Mary Hill, Kenneth
Obituaries
Allen, ModesteJourdan
ModesteJourdan Allen, March 3, 1949-June 12, 2025, Marrero,La. ModesteJour‐dan Allenentered eternal restonThursday,June 12, 2025 at theage of 77. She was anativeofBarataria, LAand aresidentofMar‐rero, LA.She attended Lin‐colnSchool andretired as a caretaker. Belovedwife ofthe late Gray LeeAllen andlovingmotherofGary
MauriceBickham de‐partedthislifepeacefully onWednesday,June 4, 2025 athis home in Avondale La. He was49years old. He was born June 25, 1975, in New Orleans, Louisiana, to the unionofthe late Joyce ElaineKellupand James Simmons.Maurice gradu‐atedfromL.W.WalkerHigh School where he played in the band.For many years, Maurice wasemployedby PHMaterials andHurwitz Mintz FurnitureStore.In 1982 Mauriceacceptedthe Lordashis Christ andSav‐ior andwas Baptistat Greater St.Stephen Full GospelBaptist Church of New Orleans, LA,byBishop PaulS.Morton, Sr.Maurice was aquiet andhumble man who cherishedthe simplejoysoflife. He en‐joyed spending time with his familyand friends. He alsofound peacein fish‐ing.Maurice will be re‐memberedfor hisgentle nature, steady presence, and thewarmthhebought toothersbybeing helpful. Heisthe belovedbrother ofArleen Taylor (Shawn), TonyReynolds(Erin), Perry Bickham,Lloyd Bickham Sr.,and JamesRobinson. Heleavestocherish his memoryare ahostofun‐cles, aunties, nieces, nephews,cousins,and friends.Relatives and friends of thefamilyare in‐vited to attend thecelebra‐tionoflifeservice which willbeheldonFriday, June 20, 2025, at Little Zion Bap‐tistChurch locatedat433 AvondaleGardenRoad, Avondale, LA 70094. The visitationwillbegin at 8:30 a.m., andthe servicewill begin at 10 a.m. Pastor DamienBrown officiating and entombment will fol‐low at St.Matthew Ceme‐tery. Funeralplanningen‐trusted to Robinson Family FuneralHome, 9611 LA-23, Belle Chasse,LA70037, (504) 208-2119. Foronline condolences,pleasevisit www.robinsonfamilyfuner alhome.com
CormierSSF,SisterM. Romuald
Sister M. Romuald Cormier,SSF (nee Imelda Marie Cormier),the daugh‐ter of Mr.ErnestCormier and Mrs. PaulineJones Cormier,entered eternal lifeonTuesday,June 17, 2025. Shewas born on De‐cember27, 1928, in Coulee Crouche,Louisiana.She was 96 yearsold.Sisteren‐tered theCongregationof the Sistersofthe Holy FamilyonSeptember 7, 1945, made herFirst Vows onMarch 19, 1948, andPer‐petualVowsonAugust16, 1953. Sister Romualdcele‐brated80years as aSister ofthe Holy Family.Sr. Ro‐muald attended Holy RosaryInstitute in Lafayette andwas taught byseveral Holy Family Sis‐ters. Sr.Romuald made ex‐tensive preparationfor her ministriesineducation all inLouisiana.She received a B.A. degree in 1966 and Early Childhood Certifica‐tionin1967 andLouisiana and TexasTypeA Certifica‐tionin1968, followed by a minor in SpecialEducation in1973 and finallya Certifi‐cationinReligionfor Pre-K and Primaryin1990. Sr.Ro‐muald ministered mainly in education at theelemen‐taryand pre-school levels all in Louisiana. Sister’s firstteachingassignment was at St.JoanofArc School in NewOrleans,
STAFF FILE PHOTO By DOUG MacCASH
Drew Pelias’ LOVE sign campaignwas asensation in 2014. Pelias died on June 10.
Pelias
PHOTO PROVIDED By U.S. IMMIGRATION AND CUSTOMSENFORCEMENT
4B ✦ Thursday, June 19, 2025 ✦ nola.com ✦ The Times-Picayune then at St.Raymonds. Next sistertaughtatSt. Martin dePorresSchool in Lake Providenceand OurLady HelpofChristiansinBas‐trop. Sister continuedher teachingcareer at St.Fran‐cis Xavier in BatonRouge beforeshe movedinto early childhoodeducation atSt. John Berchmans Child DevelopmentCenter, House of theHolyFamily and LafonChild Develop‐mentCenterall in NewOr‐leans.Lastly, Sr.Romuald taughtinLafayetteatIm‐maculateHeart School.Sr. Romuald wasactiveas Captain 16 of theAlumni Associationofthe Sisters ofthe Holy Family.As‐signedtothe motherhouse for 2016, Sr.Romuald as‐sistedatthe DelilleOffice, PrayerMinistryand dishes Sistercontinued herPrayer Ministryasa resident at the LafonNursing Facility ofthe Holy Family until Tuesday,June 17, 2025. Sis‐ter Romualdwas preceded indeath by herparents three brothers:Melvin Joseph, Sr Bowman and Leo Cormierand oneSis‐ter:Mrs.RitaDartis. Sheis survivedbytwo brothers: Raymond andJames Don‐ald Cormierand twosis‐ters: Mrs. MarieRossand Mrs.MaryLoisPlumber. Sisterisalsosurvivedby her nieces,nephews cousins,beloved students, friends andSisters of the HolyFamily. Mass of Chris‐tianBurialwillbeheld on Saturday, June 21, 2025, at the Chapel of theSisters of the Holy Family on 6901 ChefMenteur Hwy.,NOLA 70126. Visitation begins at 8:00a.m.Wakeservices begin at 9:15 a.m. and MassofChristian Burial at 10:00 a.m. IntermentatSt. Louis Cemetery #2.Profes‐sionalArrangementsen‐trusted to Majestic Mortu‐ary Service, Inc. (504) 5235872.
HenryMartinDavis,Sr., a devotedhusband,father, brother,grandfather,uncle and friend,passedaway peacefullyathomeonJune 3,2025,inNew Orleans, Louisiana,atthe ageof85. Henry wasborninNew Or‐leans,LAonOctober 14, 1939, to thelateJoseph and Beatrice Davis. He was a lifelong Catholic andwas baptizedatCorpusChristi Catholic Church andwas a faithfulmemberofSt. David Catholic Church for over fiftyyears,serving in manyministries. Henryat‐tendedCorpusChristi Catholic School andcom‐pletedgrade school at ValenaC.Jones Elementary School.Hematriculated through Andrew J. Bell Ju‐niorHighSchool andGrad‐uated from Booker T. WashingtonHighSchool in 1959. He received various certificationsfromDelgado Community Collegeand earneda BS in Business AdministrationfromSouth‐ern University at NewOr‐leans.Early in hiscareer, hewas ahelperand driver for TheJAX BreweryCom‐panyinNew Orleans. After JAX closed,heworkedat LoneStarIndustries, the MechanicalEquipment Company andretired from CrescentCrown Beverage asa salesman.Hewas pre‐ceded in deathbyhis par‐ents, Joseph andBeatrice Davis,daughterAvis DeniseDavis,SisterMarie Hicks,and brothers Joseph (Dorothy) andMorris Davis,Sr. (Elaine).He leavestocherish hismem‐ory hiswifeof63years Amy Davis; asisterBrenda BourneofDarrow, Louisiana;two sons:Henry MartinDavis,Jr. (Darlene) and Eric Davis(Carla),both ofHouston,Texas;and his daughterRachelDavis of New Orleans, Louisiana. His legacy continues through hiseight grand‐children: HenryDavis,III (Kiosha), Joshua Davis, RuthDavis,DymondDavis SimoneHaley,Daniel Davis,SundiataHaley,and JosephDavis;and one great-grandson, Caleb Davis.Henry also leaves an extendedlovingfamily, in‐cluding hisbrothers-in-law Frank ScottJr. andLarry Scott (JaniceLee),and his sister-in-law AngelScott Hewas also aFather-inLaw to Zina Davisand N. SundiataHaley.Henry will befondlyremembered by a host of nieces,nephews, familyand friends. He Will BeGreatly MissedBy Everyone! Relativesand friends of thefamilyare in‐vited to attend hisMassof Christian Burial at St.David Catholic Church,5617 St Claude Avenue,onSatur‐
day, June 21,2025, at 11:00 am. Visitation will beginat 9:00am. Interment: St RochCemetery, No. 2. Pleasevisit www.rhodesf uneral.comtosignthe on‐lineguestbook,share memoriesand condo‐lenceswith thefamily. Arrangementsentrusted to D.W.RhodesFuneralHome, 3933 Washington Avenue, New Orleans, LA (504) 8227162.
Degree, JoyceAnn Carter
JoyceAnn Carter-Degree was born on January25, 1943, in St.James Parish, Louisiana,tothe late Mil‐ton andAlmaCarter. She was alongtimeresidentof Marrero,Louisiana,and the proud mother of five chil‐dren. Shepeacefullyde‐partedthislifeonMay 29, 2025, at theage of 82,sur‐rounded by theloveand prayers of herfamily. Joyce was baptized at an early age andcarried herfaith throughouther life.She was adevoted mother and homemaker to allwho cameintoher presence Joyce took specialjoy in raising herchildrenand spendingtimewithher grandchildren.She wasa woman of quietstrength, deep wisdom,and unwa‐veringlove. Shesharedher lovethrough cookingfor her family andwatching Lifetimemovies. That was her wayofgetting thefam‐ily to stay longer.She was known forher gentle pres‐ence, warm smile,and for makingeveryonefeel like family. Whether offering advice, aprayer, or aplate offood, Joycegaveofher‐selfcompletely. Sheissur‐vived by herchildren: Allen Degree, Sr.(Fonteechio), JoAnn Moore(Walter), and DwayneDegree(Gyton‐nea); 30 grandchildren; 35 great-grandchildren;her sisters Lynette Paul,Geral‐dineBarker, andBrenda Jones;and brothers Ed‐ward, Willie,and Melvin James Carter (Debra)— eachofwhomwillnever forgetthe love she brought intotheir lives. Shealso leavesbehindher god‐daughter, Gail Brown, along with ahostofnieces, nephews,cousins,and dearfriends.Joyce was precededindeath by her children, Tyrone Degree,Jr. and Antoinette Anderson; her grandson,JermilDe‐gree; herparents,Alma and Milton Carter,Sr.;and her siblings,Milton Jr., Alvin,Michael,Lionel, Joseph, andLarry Carter aswellasJanet Benjamin, GloriadeanBrown, and GertrudeDickerson Thoughshe hasgonetobe withthe Lord,Joyce’s spirit willcontinue to live on in the storieswetell, thetra‐ditions we honor, andthe lovethatbinds ourfamily together. Shewas truly one of akind—andweare better, stronger,and more lovingbecause shewas ours. Relativesand friends ofthe familyare invitedto attend thefuneral service onSaturday, June 21,2025 atRockofAgesBaptist Church,6533 AcresRoad, Marrero LA 70072. Thevisi‐tationwillbegin at 8a.m followedbya 10 a.m. ser‐vice. Rev. Terrence Ranson isthe pastor andRev.Ken‐nethWalkerofthe Regular Baptist Church of Gretna willofficiate. Interment willfollowinEvening Star CemeteryinHarvey, LA.Fu‐neral planning entrustedto RobinsonFamilyFuneral Home, (504) 208-2119. For onlinecondolences,please visit www.robinsonfamilyf uneralhome.com.
surrounded by family. A devoted husband,father, grandfather,and proudna‐tiveofKillona.James leavesbehinda legacy rooted in love,endurance and generational strength James wasbornonJune 30, 1942, in Killona, Louisiana,tothe late James Mitchell DowningJr. and Bertrecia“Bay-Bay” Morris. He wasalsocher‐ished by grandparents:pa‐ternal—JamesMitchell Downing Sr.and Franceline Dinvaut;maternal— Dave MorrisSr. andRoseHandy James acceptedChristat anearly ageand wasbap‐tized by thelateRev James S. Powell Sr.Hewas a lifelong member of Canaan BaptistChurch in Killona,where he served faithfullyonthe Deacon Board,asa Trustee, Trea‐surer,and amemberofthe CemeteryCommittee. His service to thechurch re‐mainedsteadyuntil his healthbegan to decline. James grew up in acloseknitKillona community, shapedbystrongfamily values. He enjoyedgarden‐ing andlawncare. His quiet strength andwork ethic were evidentfroman early age. He attended GeorgeWashingtonCarver HighSchool in Hahnville, where he played in the bandand laterjoinedKil‐lona’sbeloved “SoulPa‐trol” baseball team,ex‐celling as a firstbaseman Hededicated 42 yearsto AvondaleShipyard, known for hisprecision,skill,and dependability. As apipefit‐ter,James oftenlenthis talents to help familyand neighbors,never seeking recognition.James shared a beautifullifewithhis wife, Patricia LewisDown‐ing,who remained by his sideasa devotedpartner and caregiverthrough his 13-year journeywith Alzheimer’s.Their union blended twofamilies into one.Heloved each of his childrendeeply and formedenduringbonds with:-James Mitchell Downing IV (Annette), LeathaDowning,Ken Downing (Dedra), Michelle Cox (Bryant),Tommy Downing (Gidget),Jared Kevin Downing, Rechelle ThomasPierre(Charles) Patrick Thomas,Re’Shawn ThomasRayford (GlenSr.), and JavinDowning—form‐ing deep bondsthaten‐dured throughthe years. James is preceded in death byhis parents, James MitchellDowning Jr.and Bertrecia “Bay-Bay”Mor‐ris;his siblings,Ivory Downing Sr EverettDown‐ing Sr., Haywood Downing, and Aleada Downing; and his sister in-law,Sheila Lorio Downing. He is sur‐vived by hisdevoted wife PatriciaLewis Downing; 21 grandchildren;and a legacyfullof22greatgrandchildren.Heisalso survivedbyhis siblings Ida Mae Downing, Bertrecia Downing,Andrus“Pop” Downing,and Sandra Downing;his sisters-in-law NavadaLewis Borneof LaPlace,LA, andWanda Williams of Marrero, LA; and hisbrother-in-law David Lewis(Vanessa)of Edgard, LA.Heleavesbe‐hinda host of nieces, nephews,cousins,and two dearlife-long friends: Joyce Raymondand Calvin Harris. Thankyou to every‐one fortakingthe time withJames.James leaves a legacyofloveand memo‐riesthatwillforever be cherished by hiswife, Pa‐triciaLewis Downing, and his children.Relatives and friends of thefamily, Pas‐tors, Officers andMembers ofCanaan BaptistChurch all neighboringChurches and allemployees andfor‐mer employees of Avon‐daleShipyardare allin‐vited to theCelebration of LifeServicesat11:00 am, Saturday, June 21, 2025, at Canaan BaptistChurch,319 Killona Drive, Killona, LA 70057, Pastor HenryWolfe Sr. Officiating. Visitation at 9:00amuntil thetimeof service at theabovenamed Church.Interment Killona Resthaven, Mary PlantationRoad, Highway 3141, Killona, LA 70057 Final arrangements En‐trusted to PatrickH Sanders FuneralHome& FuneralDirectors,LLC.605 MainStreet,LaPlace,LA 70068. 985-359-1919. “Pro‐vidingCare& Comfortis Our HighestMission.”
celebratethe life of Debra MaeMae”LaFranceDun‐can,who departed this world on Friday,June 13, 2025, at theage of 71. A proud native of Boothville, LA, anda longtime resident ofGretna, LA,Debra liveda lifedefinedbylove, re‐silience, anddevotionto family. Debrawas thecher‐ished wife of LambertR Duncan, Sr with whom she builta beautifullife filled with laughter,unwa‐veringsupport,and count‐lessmemories. Shewas a devoted mother,guiding her children with wisdom, warmth, andlove: Sandar‐ian LaFrance,Taneka(Ho‐race) Henry, Debony Dun‐can.She also shared an un‐breakable bond with her extendedchildrenLarry Duncan, LambertDuncan Jr.,Leon(Christina) Dun‐can,LoletaDuncanMartin, Lydia (Thurmond)Arnold, and thelateLorne (Marie) Duncan. Herloveextended tothe next generationsas a belovedgrandmother to Jailynand JayceHenry and a proudgreat-grand‐mothertoJayceon Mas‐salineand Aria Owens. She alsosharedanunbreak‐ablebondwithLambert Duncan’sgrandchildren and great-grandchildren, who will carry forwardher legacyoflove. Debraem‐bracedher role as asister withopenarms. Sheissur‐vived by hersiblings: Theresa LaFrance,Sylvia (late Rev. EllsworthSr.) Harris, Daisy(Relief Jr.) Jones,James (Umica) LaFrance, Stephon LaFrance, Albert LaFrance, LoisMayberry,and Dwayne(Francine)Ander‐son.She wasprecededin death by herdearsisters, Dianne Washington and Morner(HenrySr.)Wash‐ington. Herextendedfam‐ily of in-laws, nieces, nephews,cousins,and close friendswillforever cherish thetimethey sharedwithher.Debra was a womanofdeep faith,un‐waveringinher trustin God.Her kindness and generositytouched the lives of allwho knew her, including thoseshe workedalongside at the Jefferson Parish School System, where herdedica‐tionwas evidentinevery momentshe spentuplift‐ing others.She waspre‐ceded in deathbyher par‐ents, DaisyLaFranceand AlbertDuplessiswhomshe loved andcherish.Family, friends,and allwho were touched by Debra’s warmthare invitedtocele‐brate herlifeand legacy at ZionHillChristian Church, 137 Zion Hill Lane Boothville,LA, on Thurs‐day,June 19, 2025. Visita‐tionwillbegin at 9AM, fol‐lowed by aheartfelt ser‐viceat11AM, officiated by Rev.SamuelCrum, Jr and BishopSamuelCrum, Sr Intermentwillfollowat Slidell Veterans Cemetery onMonday, June 30, 2025 at10a.m.Funeralplanning entrusted to Robinson FamilyFuneral Home 9611 Hwy 23, Belle Chasse LA.70037 (504)208-2119
Joseph “Pic”Dupuy,en‐tered into eternalrest peacefullyathis home surrounded by hisloving, and supportive familyon Sunday, June 8th. He is sur‐vived by hisdevoted wife Frankie MaeDupuy,for over60years.Heisalso survivedbyhis children, GailCrosby(Ronnie) Debra Washington (Everett),Stanley Smith (Mary), Tyrone Smith (JoAnn),Christopher Dupuy (Cassandra), Evan‐gelineBattie(Ronnie), Lynette Dukes(Guy),and Darnell Dupuy(Chrishelle). Grandfather to Terryll, Ron‐nie,Dana, Clinton, Tiffany, Tira, Tyrone,Quoenika, Chris,Christal, Chrishawn, Jalil,Taj,Thelonious, Dar‐nell, Deuce, Lionel,Thad‐deus, Theron.Hewas ade‐voted son, husband,father, grandfather,and uncle to a hostofother familymem‐bers. Joseph wasa lifelong residentofNew Orleans and amemberofSt. David Church until HurricaneKat‐rina, then thefamilyrelo‐cated to Slidell. Relatives and friendsare invitedto attend theFuneralMasson Saturday, June 21, 2025, at CorpusChristi Catholic Church,2022 St.Bernard Ave.Visitationwillbegin at 8:00a.m.Service will begin immediately after the Rosaryat9:00a.m.Private Intermentwillbeheldat Southeast LouisianaVeter‐ans Cemetery at alater date.Guestbook Online:
www.anewtraditionbegins com (504)282-0600. Linear BrooksBoydand Donavin D.BoydOwners/FuneralDi‐rectors
Gilmore, Mary Lanette McTear
Mary Lanette McTear Gilmore wasbornDecem‐ber 11, 1948 to thelate JessieRobinsonMcTear and RevJosephMcTearSr. ofWaterproofLA. Sheen‐tered into eternalreston Monday, June 9, 2025 at the age of 76. Sheleavesto cherish hermemories: a daughter, Yolondis Gilmore and son, BrandonGilmore ofNew Orleans, 2grand‐childrenBrandon andMya Alexander,1 sister Kathy McTear, 3brothersGlen McTear, Rev. Joseph McTearJuniorand Kenny McTearand ahostofrela‐tiveand friends. Relatives and friendsofthe family are invitedtothe Celebra‐tionofLifeService on Fri‐day,June 20, 2025, at Olive BranchBaptist Church,lo‐cated at 1134 OdeonAve., New Orleans, LA 70114. The visitationwillbegin at 10 a.m andthe servicewill follow11a.m., Pastor Regi‐naldNicholasSr.,officiat‐ing andentombmentwill followatLakelawnCeme‐tery. Funeralplanningen‐trusted to Robinson Family FuneralHome, 9611 LA-23, Belle Chasse,LA70037, (504) 208-2119. Foronline condolences,pleasevisit www.robinsonfamilyfuner alhome.com
Ourfamilymournsthe
death of ourdear father ClarenceGuillory,Sr.,a residentofCovington Louisiana, whounexpectedly died on June 15, 2025, after abrief illness. Clarencewas born in Mamou, Louisiana on July 20, 1927. Similar to many in hisgeneration in Acadiana, he wasthe first in hisfamily to have aformal education and speak English. After high school he enteredthe United States Navy whereheservedin Corpus Christi, Texas from 1946-1948. Followingservice in theNavy, he attended Louisiana State University for fiveconsecutive years withouta summer break, majoring in business administration andeducation. After a year teaching school in Missouri, he settled in New Orleansand marriedhis first wife, Ray Marie ZemmerGuillory.They hadthree children, Julie AnnFenger (Bobby), ThereseGuillory (Steve), and ClarenceJr. Ray Marie GuillorydiedinJuly 1962. He remarriedJanice ThriffileyGuillory andone childwas born of the union, Paula Margaret Brightman (Tommy). After years working as an executive forthe Boy Scouts of America andthe United Way, he became the Director of PlannedGiving at Loyola University New Orleans, ajob he enjoyed immensely on apersonal
and professional level. He wasa devout Catholic and avidreader of religious books andliterature.He lovedattending yearly retreats at Manresa. He was also an operabuff. Clarencewas especially proudofhis Mamouroots andCajun heritage and spoke and read French fluently. He lovedfamilydinners no matter what the occasion.Hewas preceded in death by hisparents, Savan andMarie Guillory, andwife,Janice Thriffiley Guillory. He is survivedby hisfourchildren and grandchildren, Ray Marie Fenger, CarolineFenger, Robert Fenger, Jr., Genevieve Lemoine McGee (Miles), SpencerLemoine, MargaritaWong(Lamgee), Mary Brightman, and Thomas Brightman, and great-grandchildren Nicole McGee,Olivia McGee,Isla Wong andCole Wong. Clarencewill be greatly missed by hisfamily. Theserviceswillbeon Monday, June 23, 2025 at Lake LawnMetairie Funeral Home, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd.New Orleans, LA 70124. The visitation will begin at 9:30 am untilthe funeral mass at 11:00 am. The interment will follow within Metairie Cemetery
Carole Yvonne Glass Hendrypassedawayon Sunday, May11, 2025, at the ageof87. Sheissur‐vived by herfourchildren, Chris Hendry (Carolyn), Yvonne Miller (Eric), Patrick Hendry (Gail) and JeffHendry(Renory). She was alovingMawMawto ninegrandchildren,Kirsten Martino,Vincent Miller Bridget Miller,Madison Hendry, MichaelHendry, JeremyTriche, Dillon Triche, FionaHendryand Grant Hendry,and two great granddaughters, Charlotte Miller andStella Martino.She waspreceded indeath by herhusband ReginaldJ.Hendry, her daughter, Regina Triche and herparents,James G. Glass andYvonne Adorno Glass. Carole wasa gradu‐ate of Ursuline Academy, class of 1956. Shethen spent twoyears at Loyola Universitywhere shemet Reggie, herhusband of 60 years.Later in life,she en‐rolledatthe University of New Orleansto finish her degree. Shegraduated in the Classof1981 with aBA inHistory.Carolewas a full-time wife andmother toher five children.When she wasn’t changing dia‐pers, shewas an avid reader. Herinterests were diverse,and youcould find her readingabout astrol‐ogy,ESP,ancient civiliza‐tions,and earlyChristian‐ity,sometimes in thesame week.She also lovedthe theatre.Her interest began atLoyola, where shewas a memberofthe Thespian Society andparticipatedin several productions. After college,she andReggie wereregular visitors to local venues like Le Petit duVieux Carre, Rivertown Theatre andThe Beverly DinnerPlayhouse.Her other greatlovewas Travel. In addition to most ofthe Southeast, Carole managed to visitthe Southwest,the Pacific Northwest,California, Alaskaand NewYork. Two ofher favorite tripswereto the GreatWallofChina and a rivercruiseinGermany A native of NewOrleans and aresidentofMetairie for over 50 years, sheand Reggiemoved to Mandev‐illeafter HurricaneKatrina In June 2020, Carole moved tothe memory care unit of Inspired Living of Kenner Relatives andfriends are invited to visitGreenwood FuneralHome, 5200 Canal Blvd.,New Orleans, LA 70124, on Friday,June 20, 2025, from 5:00 pm –7:00 pm.The familyinvites you
Park Memorial Cemetery andMausoleum (504)362-3091
Hendry,Carole Yvonne Glass
DavisSr.,Henry Martin
Guillory Sr., Clarence
Dupuy, Joseph 'Pic'
Downing III, James Mitchell
to shareyourthoughts, fondmemories, andcon‐dolencesonline, at www greenwoodfh.com
Hill,Kenneth Wayne KennethWayne Hill was bornonMarch 12, 1960, to the late Carrol andEthel DuncanHills.A native of New Orleans, LA.Kenneth was alovinghusband to Diane Hillsand devotedfa‐thertoKenneth Jr., and ChanelNapier. He wasthe stepfatheroffourand a grandfather of 13. Left to cherish hismemoriesand celebrate hislifeare his children, KennethJr.,and ChanelNapier, 4stepchil‐drenand 13 grandchildren. His brothers andsisters Odessa Powell Cleveland) Henriette Hills, Velma Turner(Wilbert),Terry, Wendall,Herbert,Albert, CarrolHills Jr., uncle,Her‐bertTaylor, aunt Velma Hills andgodchildMichael Thomas. He is also sur‐vived by ahostofnieces, nephews cousinsbrother and sister in laws,other relatives anddevoted friends.Heisprecededin death by hisparents Ethel and Carrol HIlls, DianeHills and brotherMichael Hills Grandparentsand Molly Duncan, Albert andHenri‐etteHills.Relatives and friends of thefamilyare in‐vited to attend thecelebra‐tionoflifeservice which willbeheldonSaturday, June21, 2025, at Gentilly Baptist Church locatedat 5141 Franklin Avenue New Orleans,La. Pastor Jordan La'Vell Robinson Sr of New Zion BaptistChurch of Marrero,La.,officiating and entombment will fol‐low at Westlawn Memorial ParkCemeteryinGretna, La. Funeralplanningen‐trusted to Robinson Family Funeral Home 9611 La -23, Belle Chasse,LA70037 (504) 208 -2119. Foronline condolences please visit www.robinsonfamilyfunea lhome.com
Thomas JamesHoward, Jr.,a devotedhusband,fa‐ther, andman of unwaver‐ing faith,passedaway peacefullyonSunday, June 15, 2025, at theage of 91 Bornon August 2, 1933, in Centreville,Mississippi,he was along-time resident of Kenner, Louisiana. Thomas was unitedinholymatri‐monytoLillieMae Howard withwhomheshareda re‐markable71years of mar‐riage.Together they builta legacyofloveand family, raising threebeloved chil‐dren: BarbaraLouiseClark, LynnDaleVinet,and ThomasJames Howard III. Hewas aproud grandfa‐thertosix grandchildren, thirteengreat-grandchil‐dren, andninegreat-greatgrandchildren.Healsoheld a specialplace in hisheart for histwo godchildren.He issurvivedbyhis loving wifeLillieMae,his chil‐dren, hissisterCorineHer‐man,and hissister-in-law MathildaBattie. Thomas retired from Louisiana Transit after many yearsof dedicated serviceand was a faithfuland active mem‐ber of NewMount Bethel Baptist Church in Kenner, LA. Hislifewas atesta‐menttohardwork, devo‐tiontofamily, andstead‐fastfaith.Heisprecededin death by hisparents,Susie and Thomas Howard,Sr.; his sistersMattieLee HowardButler, Stella Mae Nunnery,and Fannie Jack‐son;his brotherAuthur Lee Howard; andhis lifelong friend, HenryLee Thomas Funeral services will be heldatNew Mount Bethel Baptist Church,1442 31st St.,Kenner, Louisiana, on Friday, June 20,2025at 10:00 am.Visitation and finalviewing will beginat 8:30am– 10:00 am.Inter‐mentatRestlawnCeme‐teryand Mausoleumin Avondale, Louisiana. ThomasJames Howard,Jr. leavesbehinda powerful legacyoflove, resilience, and faith.Hewillbedeeply missedbyall whoknew and lovedhim.Richardson Funeral Home of Jefferson, River Ridge, LA,incharge of arrangements.www.ric
Keating, Dottie MaeSchmidt
Dottie MaeSchmidt Keating,age 95,ofCoving‐ton,Louisiana,passed awayonSunday, June 15, 2025. Shewas born on Jan‐uary6,1930, in NewOr‐leans,Louisiana.She is survivedbyher children Charlotte Diane Keating Joiner(Herbert“Herbie”) Linda Gail KeatingFussell (Glenn),RodneyUriah Keating (Karen), andRan‐dallTyrone Keating (Leslie); grandchildren, Joshua Joiner (Aukse), JustinJoiner(Allison),Jef‐fry Joiner (Brittany), Christopher “Chris”Fussell (Brittany), Alicia Fussell Hesson(Darrick),Tyler Keating (Ashley),Lauren Keating Barrosse (Randy), AmandaKeating Garner, and SarahKeating;20 great-grandchildren;and manyextendedfamily members andfriends.She was preceded in deathby her loving husband of over 50years,William “R.T.” Keating;her parents, John Cornelius Schmidtand ClairaHarrisSchmidt; brothers, John Leonard Schmidt, Joseph Cornelius Schmidt, andDavid Henry Schmidt; anda grandsonin-law, Matt Garner.Dottie attendedSophiaB.Wright HighSchool in New Or‐leans andworkedasanas‐sistant dieticianfor St Tammany Parish Hospital for over 40 yearsuntil her retirementin2011. Shewas a loving wife,mother, grandmother,great-grand‐mother, sister,aunt, and friend, andshe will be dearlymissedbyher fam‐ily andfriends.Inlieuof flowers, contributionsin memoryofMrs.Keating may be made to themeal ministriesofNew Zion Baptist Church,Fitzgerald Methodist Church,orSt. BenedictCatholicChurch Relatives andfriends are invited to attend thefu‐neral services on Saturday June 21,2025, at 12:00 PM atNew Zion Baptist Church,17387 NewZion Baptist Church Road,Cov‐ington, Louisiana, with visi‐tationbeginning at 10:00 AM. Intermentwillfollow inNew Zion BaptistChurch Cemetery. E. J. Fielding Fu‐neral Home of Covington, Louisiana,ishonored to be entrusted with Mrs. Keat‐ing’s funeralarrange‐ments.Her familyinvites you to sharethoughts, memories, andcondo‐lencesbysigning an online guestbook at www.ejfield ingfh.com
ElvenLocket, Jr.onJune 6,2025 left to be with the MostHightoresigninhis bosom.Elven wasborn May 6, 1939, in White Cas‐tle,LAtothe late Alvinand RosalineLocket. Elvenwas married to Audrey Willis and communedtogether 42years.Hewas aveteran inthe U.S. Navyand Coast Guard.Heworkedat UnitedVan Linesasa Su‐pervisor. BrotherofEd‐ward(Burnette)Locketand the late LeonardLocket. Fatherof4 sons:Dwayne, Brian andKevin Locket and MickeyByres.2 daughters: Chantel andReenae Pope Nurturedthe growth to RuthSylvester andLance Willis.Alsosurvivedby8 grandchildren,1 great grandchild anda host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relativesand friends. A Gravesideservice will be heldonFriday, June 20 2025 at 11:00amatHolt Cemetery. Professional arrangementsentrusted to MajesticMortuaryService, Inc.,(504) 523-5872.
Joan KaySmith Metoyer entered theLord'shouse peacefullywiththe spirit ofChristianitydue to nat‐uralcausesonJune 13 2025. Joan worked as ali‐censedDietician at various hospitals in NewOrleans and Metairie,Louisiana Joanalsocompleted aCer‐tified DietaryNursing As‐sistant Program through Charity Hospital andDel‐gadoCommunity College inNew Orleans. Shewas a graduateofWalterL Cohen High School,and was also amemberof manysocialand pleasure clubs.Joanwas ahigh spiritedwoman who was mostloved andwillleave behindmanymemories. She wasthe daughter of the late Elvina Sullivan Na‐talia SmithLaurent andthe lateCharles Aragon Smith Sr. Shewas thegrand‐daughterofthe late Estelle SullivanBarconeyPhillips ofNew Orleansand the lateGiuseppe AntonioNa‐talia of Sicily,Italy.She was thegreat granddaugh‐ter of thelateElvinaSulli‐van of NewOrleans and Cecilia andGustavo Na‐talia of Sicily,Italy.Joan Kay SmithMetoyer is the motherofTerrance Metoyer,Michael Metoyer, Keith Metoyerand thelate DimitrisMetoyer.Beloved sisterofVenessa Laurent Jones,DeniseLopez and the late CharlesAragon Smith Jr.Grandmother of Juanika,Joshua,Chelsey, Kiandra,Michael II,Bianca, Mario,Ashley, Monique, Margo andKeith Jr.She's alsosurvivedbytwo broth‐ers-in-law, many greatgrandchildren,great-great grandchildren,nieces, nephews,great-niecesand great-nephews,three aunts, cousinsand friends. Joanwas theformer first wifeofMarvinMetoyer Relatives andfriends of the familyare invitedtoattend the CelebrationofLifeSer‐vicefor Joan KaySmith Metoyer on Saturday,June 21, 2025 for10:00 a.m. at SunlightBaptist Church, 4724 Coliseum Street,New Orleans,La. 70115. Visita‐tionfrom9:00a.m.until 10:00 a.m. Rev. Herman Williams officiating. Inter‐ment: Providence Memor‐ial Park Cemetery,8200 Air‐lineDr.,Metairie, La.70003 Arrangementsentrusted to Estelle J. Wilson Funeral Home, Inc.,2715 Danneel Street,NOLA70113. Infor‐mation: (504) 895-4903. To signonlineguest book, pleasevisit www.estelle jwilsonfh.com
BrentPeter Monette,Sr., passedawayonSaturday, June 7, 2025 at theage of 78. AnativeofNew Orleans and aresidentofDeRidder, LA, Mr.Monnette wasborn onJuly4,1946, the fifthof six children to thelateEl‐dridgeA Sr.and Mabel MeilleurMonette.Beloved husband of 55 yearstothe lateJanithDannelMonette Devoted father of BrentP Monette,Jr. andDr. Kelly Monette Gindoff(Scott) Lovinggrandfather of Alexisand BryceGindoff Brother of Kenneth (Yvette), Simone M. (Louis Charbonnet, III),and Jerry (Carolyn).Brother-in-lawof Elenor Poplion(thelate
TharrenPoplion, Sr.) and GeraldDannel(Tammy).He willbefondlyremembered bymanynieces, nephews, cousins,other relatives and friends. In addition to his parents, Brentisalso precededindeath by his brothers, Arthur J. andEl‐dridgeA.Monette,Jr. (the lateNorma D. Monette). Relatives andfriends of the familyare invitedtoattend the funeral. AMassof Christian burial honoring the life andlegacyofthe lateBrent P. Monette,Sr., willbeheldatSt. Peter ClaverCatholicChurch, 1923 St.PhilipStreet,New Orleans,LA70116 on Satur‐day,June 21, 2025 at 10 am Visitation9 am in the church.A repast will follow the Mass in theCharbon‐net Family Center,1615 St PhilipSt.,New Orleans, LA A private(family only, please) intermentwilltake place at Southeast Louisiana Veterans Ceme‐teryinSlidell, LA,onMon‐day,June 23, 2025. Please signthe online guestbook atwww.charbonnetfuner alhome.com. Charbonnet Labat Glapion, Directors (504) 581-4411.
MildredRoseMcNamara Moore, anativeofNew Or‐leans,Louisiana,and resi‐dentofMetairie, passed awayather home on June 17, 2025, at theage of 75 She wasbornonJune 1, 1950, to thelateJohnEd‐wardMcNamaraand the lateRoseClare McNamara She is survived by herhus‐bandof51years,CarlF Moore; herthree children Stele Moore, Sean (Lind‐sey)Moore, andColleen Moore; andher adored grandchild, Evelyn Rose She is also survived by her bestfriendand sister, Catherine McNamara;her niece,Savannah(David) Sheridan; andgreatnephew, DavidMack. Millie was a1968 graduate of ArchbishopChapelle High School,earnedher under‐graduatedegreefrom NichollsState University in 1972, andreceivedher Master’sinPublicHealth fromTulaneUniversityin 1981. Professionally,Millie was employed from 1974 to 2016 at theRudolph Matas Library of theHealthSci‐ences at Tulane University She held variouspositions including Head of Techni‐cal Services formany years andInterim Director ofthe Library. Milliewas anactiveand dedicated memberofthe SouthCen‐tralChapter of theMedical Library Association, where she served in numerous leadershiproles over the years.She wasPresident from2001 to 2002, held po‐sitions as Treasurerand Secretary,and wasa long‐timememberofthe Chap‐ter Advisory Council. She contributed to many com‐mittees,including theFi‐nance,Nominating, and Program Committees,and servedasParliamentarian until herretirementin 2016. In recognitionofher exceptional service, shere‐ceivedthe chapter’sDistin‐guished ServiceAward in 2005. Milliewas also in‐volvedatthe national level withthe MedicalLibrary Association, servingasa memberofMLA’s Chapter Council from 2008 to 2011 She also chairedthe Ethics PolicyTaskForce during 2008–2009, reflecting her commitmenttoupholding professionalstandards and integrityinthe field. She wasa tireless volun‐teer forbothher church and heralmamater.A de‐voted parishionerofSt. Christopher theMartyr Parish, sheservedasHead of EucharisticMinisters
andLectors forover30 years andalsoserved manyyears on theParish Council.She received the Order of St.Louis Medal‐lionfromthe Archdiocese ofNew Orleansin2003. As a proudalumnaofArch‐bishopChapelle High School,Millieservedonthe Alumnae Board, chaired the decoration committee for theEmerald Gala for several years, andpartici‐pated in theannualProm Festand Craft Fair.She was honoredasAlumnaof the Year in 2011. Addition‐ally, Millieand Carl re‐ceivedthe Deus Providebit Award in 2016. Milliewas a caring, generous,and self‐lesswife, mother,sister, and grandmother. She loved life with allher heart, devoted herselftoothers without expectingpraise, enjoyed afternoonsonthe balcony at thePontalba Apartments, dedicatedher lifetoprayerand the Church,enjoyed dancingat FrenchQuarter Fest,travel‐ing on cruiseswithher family, andwas themost humblepersonwewere blessedtocallMom.Visi‐tationwillbeheldatGar‐den of Memories Funeral Home& Cemetery,4900 Airline Dr Metairie,LA 70001, beginningat11:00 a.m.onFriday, June 20 2025, followed by aFuneral Massat1:00p.m.Inter‐mentwillfollowatGarden ofMemories. To order flowersoroffer condo‐lences, please visitwww gardenofmemoriesmetairi e.com.
Willie DanMoore"Pop" was born in Greenville, Al‐abama on November 18 1950, to Robert Smithand Novilla "Moore"Bruley. At the ageof6,hemoved to New Orleans, Louisiana, where hisStepfather, Earl Bruleywould enterhis life Heattended theNew Or‐leans public school system until graduating from Mc‐Donough 35 Senior High School in 1970. He fur‐theredhis educationonan athleticscholarship at Texas Lutheran College, where he played football until earninghis B.S. In Health, Physical Education and Recreation.Uponcom‐pleting college, he moved toHouston,Texas and began hiscareer with Baker Hughes,working there forseveral years. He later gained employment withthe MetroTransit Au‐thority of Harris County, where he operated as a Bus Driver,Safety Special‐ist,Metro TrailTrainer,and Supervisorfor 33 years until retirement.W.D Moorewas an active mem‐ber of Fontaine FirstBap‐tistChurch of Houston, Texas,where he served on the men'schoir anddea‐con board. He energetically servedthe community, valuing theopportunityto assistothersaround him, until he wasabruptly forcedtoreturnhometo NewOrleans,Louisiana,to
care forhis parents. For those who arefamiliar with"Pop",itwas known thathewas atrue"people person" who lovedtoso‐cialize andfellowshipwith others. He enjoyedengag‐ing in conversation and havinga good time,laugh‐ing andjokingwhile play‐ing dominoes andcards all thewhile savoring his refreshinglibations.Asa hobby,heloved thewood‐shop, where he builtand repairedmanythings, tak‐ing on projects as oftenas possible. Andifyou truly knewhim,hewas very clean andmeticulous about everything and didn’tlikeanythingout of place.Willietransitioned fromhis earthlybodyto peace on June 5, 2025. He is precededindeath by his parents Earl andNovilla Bruley. Mr.Moore leaves to treasurehis memory:his brother,Henry Moore (Santa),two daughters TanikaMoore-Rhodes (Johnny) andMydasha Ver‐rett(Darrell),one sonJar‐ius Moore(Zajee),four grandsons Jarius Jr,Jonas, Jacob,and Jrue,a devout and loyalcompanion Jo‐centa Ferrouillet, twoclose and dear nephews, two lovingnieces, anda host of great nephewsand nieces relatives,and friendswho willcherish hismemory forever.Relatives and friends of thefamilyare all invited to attend theFu‐neral ServiceonFriday, June 20th, 2025 at 11:00am atMajesticMortuarySer‐vice, Inc. 1833 Oretha C. Haley Blvd.New Orleans, Louisiana 70113. Visitation willbegin at 10:00am.Bur‐ial will be in Garden of MemoriesCemetery4900 Airline Dr.Metairie, LA 70001. DuetoCOVID-19, everyoneattending is en‐couragedtowearmasks and adhere to social dis‐tancing.Professional Arrangementsentrusted to MajesticMortuaryService, Inc. (504) 523-5872.
SuvillaRatcliffentered intoeternal rest on Thurs‐day,June 12, 2025, at the age of 94. Shewas thede‐voted wife of thelateHu‐bertRatcliffSr.,and the cherished daughter of the lateCharley andJerlean Hall. Shewas aloving mothertoHubertRatcliff Jr. (Mable)and RogerRat‐cliff (Jennifer),and thelate CherylRandall.Suvilla was a proudgrandmother to six:WillieWatson, LaTanya Randall,RichondaBridgesClarke(Teddy), Rogers Vigne,LionelRatcliff, and Derrell Nelson.She was alsoblessedwithfourteen great-grandchildren.She is survivedbyher brother, HarveyHall; abeloved sis‐ter-in-law, Mary Hall-Ross; and ahostofdearrelatives and closefriends whom she held deeply in her heart. Relatives, friends,
Moore, Mildred Rose McNamara
Moore, Willie Dan'Pop'
Ratcliff, Suvilla
Howard Jr., Thomas James
Monette Sr., BrentPeter
Locket Jr., Elven
Juneteenth remindsus struggle fora more perfect unioncontinues
Aversion of this editorialhas been published in previous years.
As the Civil Warcontinued, President Abraham Lincoln issued the EmancipationProclamation —effective Jan. 1, 1863 —makingitclear to Confederate states fighting to keepslavery that enslaved people “shall befree.”
Though famous since that day,the proclamation was really awartimemeasure that only applied to slavesinrebel states under arms,not atotal end to slavery. It was rather specific, designating whichcountiesand parishesthe proclamation would cover.“Idoorder anddeclare that all persons held as slaveswithin said designated States, and parts of States, are, andhenceforward shall be free,” Lincoln wrote. Elsewhere in the proclamation, the presidentmadeitclear that non-Union Confederatestates werethe areas being targeted. That includedLouisiana, but 13 parishes wereexempt from theproclamation: Ascension, Assumption, Jefferson,Lafourche, Plaquemines,St. Bernard,St. Charles, St.John, St. Mary,St. Martin, Terrebonne,and “Orleans, including the CityofNew Orleans.”
Slavery was not fully abolished until the 13th Amendment waspassed by Congress on Jan.31, 1865, then ratified on Dec. 6, 1865. Still, Lincoln’s proclamation sent an importantsignal, albeit one that was slowtospread
There was no nightly news, no internet and certainly no social media to quickly andwidely share the breaking news that theEmancipation Proclamationhad been signed andslavery had ended.
It took more than two years —until June 19, 1865—for enslaved people in GalvestonBay to learn that they wereamong the250,000 in Texas and 4million nationally who were freed by order of the president.
Enslaved people who were freed celebrated, starting aTexas tradition that eventually spread to other states acrossthe nation.“June” and “19th” werecombined to create“Juneteenth.”
In 2021, Juneteenth became afederalholiday, and Louisiana also made it astate holidaythat year.Today,Juneteenthisrecognizedasa holiday, observanceorremembrance in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Though June 19 fallsona Thursday this year, and that is the federal holiday,traditionally, Juneteenth has also been observed on thethird Saturday of June by many Black Americans. Opal Lee, recognized as the grandmotherof Juneteenth because she started anational effort to have the day recognized as afederal holiday when she was 86 years old, grew uplessthanan hour away from Shreveport inMarshall, Texas, before moving to the Fort Wortharea. Lee has said she envisioned the holidayasa celebration of freedom for everyone, not just those whose ancestors endured slavery On Juneteenth, we remember all thoseAmericans throughout history whohavemoved this country toward the “more perfect union”articulated by our founders. We urge everybody to celebrate the day dedicated to cherishing the freedoms that were, for many Americans, much too belatedly won.
LETTERSTOTHE EDITOR ARE
WELCOME. HERE AREOUR
GUIDELINES: Letters are published identifying name, occupation and/or title and the writer’scity of residence
TheAdvocate |The Times-Picayune require astreet address andphone number for verification purposes, but that information is not published. Letters are not to exceed 300 words. Letters to the Editor,The Advocate, P.O. Box 588, Baton Rouge, LA 70821-0588, or email letters@ theadvocate.com.
TO SEND US A LETTER, SCANHERE
OPINION
Having signed theletter on tenure submitted by Boydprofessors Suzanne L. Marchand and R. Eugene Turner,I would only add that, despite his dismissive tone, letter writer Kevin Kelly is probably correct in asserting that good universities tendtobeabit moreliberal than conservative. That is because bright faculty encourage students to think for themselves, to read widely and toquestion everything. Learning to think critically and to write persuasively are themarks of aliberal education. Good universities tendtoattract professors who, whatever their research expertise, have wide interests and ap-
preciatecultural diversity.Productive development of human knowledge requires thefreedom to test assumptions and theories and to askquestions that generatenew insights. Academic tenure protectsresearch from external political pressure. As an undergraduate, Iattended a very conservative collegethat set limits on what could be taught and talked about. Faculty tenure did not exist. Luckily,Ihad aprovocative English teacher who taught me to resist my own complacency.Just before his retirement, 30 years later,that professor was fired for being too outspoken.
Today,government is intruding into
higher education as never before, cutting research funding, intimidating foreign students and stigmatizing as “woke” any intellectual work that encourages aquestioning of national illusions. The outrageous attack on Harvard epitomizes this administration’s pervasive hostility to critical thinking, to intellect, to the aims of higher education. May our colleges and universities survive this assault on freedom of thought and speech, and may the good people of Louisiana understand how tenure protects this crucial freedom.
J. GERALD KENNEDY Boyd professor of English emeritus, LSU
As asmall, independent contractor,I’ve watched liability premiums climb year after year,squeezing margins and stalling hiring. That’s why I’m writing to applaud Reps. Emily Chenevert, Jason DeWitt and Michael Melerine for shepherding House Bills 431, 434 and 450 to the governor’sdesk. Confronting Louisiana’sout-of-control, highly litigious culture will help curb frivolous lawsuitsand put hard-earned dollars back intoemployee paychecks and community investment. This common-sense change will
discourage frivolous suits, stabilize insurance markets andgive employers the predictability they need to invest here at home.
Gov.Jeff Landry’ssignature on these bills represents real, measurable progress toward afairer civil justice system —one that supports entrepreneurship instead of punishingit.
Thank you. Oursmall businesses, workers and responsible drivers owe you all aheartfelt thank you.
VIC RICHARD Baton Rouge
Louisiana’ssmall businesses are thebackbone of our economy,but we are being squeezed by credit card swipe fees that have grown unchecked. That’swhy Congress must pass theMarshall-Durbin Amendmentaspart of the GENIUS Act to finally introduce real competition to thecredit card market and ease thepressureonMain Street.
Today,Visa and MasterCard control roughly 80% of the credit card market and use that dominance to impose ever-rising swipe fees. These fees —charged every time acustomer pays withacredit card —are among the highest in the world. For small businesses across Louisiana, they’re an unavoidable cost that eats into our margins and forces many of us to raise prices just to stay afloat
Butwe’re running out of room. Higher prices drive customers away,and thecycle continues. What
we need is afairer system —one where card networks compete on cost and service, not on monopoly power.That’s exactly what the Marshall-Durbin Amendment offers. By requiring that at least two unaffiliated networks be available to process credit card transactions, the amendmentwill break the stranglehold and give merchants areal choice.
This is not apartisan issue —it’sa practical fix to astructural problem For too long, Louisianabusinesses and consumers have paid the price while profits flowed to Wall Street.
The Marshall-Durbin Amendment is our opportunity to change that.
Iurge Sens. Bill Cassidy and John Kennedy to support this reform.
Let’slevel the playing field forLouisiana businesses and give our customersa break from rising costs.
NATALIEISAACKS president/CEO,Louisiana Oil Marketers &Convenience Store Association
the food, the music, the culture, the vibe, the architecture, the landscaping. Youhave to love all of that in order to live here, because this city is dysfunctional, in aliteral sense. It simply does not work. Do you think other cities would let things like this happen:
n Agarbage truck stuck on amain ramptothe interstate, causing it to shut downfor manydays with no apparent efforts to remove it;
n The signals at the on-ramps to the expressway not working, and it has been months since the wiring wasstolen;
n The absence of street signs;
n The elevator at Crescent Park not working in whoknowshow long;
n Confusion over what permits are needed and how and where to complete them;
n The streets becoming the wild, wild West with absolutely no traffic law enforcement, cars backed up into streets while waiting to complete their illegal leftturns, running red lights and groups of motorcyclists doing wheelies on main thoroughfares;
n No oversight over the street repairs —some workisdone, and then apparently abandoned, leaving craters, e.g. in front of my house, and I’msure manyothers with the sameissues;
n Fighting over sanitation contracts while the city suffers.
Youwonder whypeople are leaving the city.Wedeserve acity that works.
COMMENTARY
Creating amorecivil society
Where, pray tell,iscommon ground?
Almost everybody agrees that American politics, which always havebeen rambunctious, have devolved intosuch toxicity that civil conversations appear impossible. Every reasonable person wants this to change. Indeed, a bipartisan poll released May 27 in the Washington Post shows that “an astounding 94 percent of voters agreed with thestatement that ‘It is important that both Democratsand Republicans come together to solve the problems that are facing America.’”
Meanwhile, the similarly named groupCommonGround, an affiliate of the internationally acclaimed Search for Common Ground, is right now recruitingvolunteers (tentative deadline: June27) for its second local project
Several conversations —plus the impressive record of the international Search for Common Ground parent group —have pretty much convinced me that there’snopre-set agenda and that the desire for respectful, constructiveendeavor is heartfelt.
Thefirst project,cleverly namedReconstructing Reconstruction, partnered in 2024 with areconciliation-focused group called the Plessy and Ferguson Initiative to commemorate the corridor of Black businesses and residences that was displaced when Interstate 10 was built.
“Their [only]agenda was to pull together agroup of local people who had in interest in New Orleans, to see who we wanted to honor with historical markers,” said Jodie Manale, areal estate associate broker who participated in Reconstructing Reconstruction. “The process was done in avery open and equitable way.”
Melissa Hortman, the former Minnesota House speaker felled by an assassin’sbullet at her homeonSaturday,really did understand what democracy looks like.
In response, all across thecountry, groups are springing up with thegoal of re-teaching people how to communicate with each otherfor mutual benefit even amidst differing philosophies, ideologies and cultures.
It’stough to tell whether these groups will do any good, but anyone of goodwill should hope they do— and, where possible, help them.
It so happensthatatleast twogroups in New Orleans and one in Baton Rouge are active in such endeavors. Last week, this newspaper reported on the Baton Rouge outlet of anational group called Braver Angels, which aims at getting the political Left and Right “to change how they think about one another.”
In New Orleans, agroup aboutthree years old called the Neutral Ground (not to be confused withKaare Johnson’sexcellent local radio show of the same name) hosts biannual “robust” forums with subject-matter experts on specific public-policy issues, such as school choiceand incarceration. It now is planning its fallevent,this one on the prosand cons of state taxincentives forbusiness relocations.
“Wehave arelentlessfocus on elevating the conversation around civil discourse,” said founderJohnLandrum.
INTELLIGENT LIFE
The second initiative, for now called “the Collective Memory Project,” is designed to “examine Greater NewOrleans’ histories through the lens ofseveral regions: New Orleans East, New Orleans’ 6th and 7th Wards, and theRiver Parishes.” The project seeks volunteers of multiple cultural andpolitical persuasions to gather monthlyfor two- to three-hour sessions (complete with meals) to do historical research and design aproject or projectsto“usethe stories of the past to shape the future to where we can all belong andthrive.”
All of which sounds abit jargon-y
And,tobehonest, jargon-y in apolitical left-leaning sort of way.Bynow,almost everyoneofatleast acertain educational status has experienced some dogooder “training” that self-advertises as away to promote “dialogue,” only to findthatthe dialogue actually runs in only one direction, pushing an agenda or viewpoint that isn’t exactly copacetic with anyone even remotely right of center After some due diligence, I’m fairly confidentthis is not what Common Groundisabout. Its New Orleansdirector,Krystal James, reached out to me specifically to help get theword out that they wantmore conservatives to participate. Her sincerity is palpable.
Experts predict artificial intelligence will soon be abig partofeverydaylife on Earth If there’sintelligent life on other planets, what would theysay about all this? you tell me. Be witty,funny, crazy,absurd or snarky —justtry to keep it clean.There’sno limitonthe number of entries.
The winning punchline will belettered into the word balloon and runMondayinour printeditionsand online. In addition, the winner will receiveasignedprint of the cartoon along with acool winner’sT-shirt!Some honorable mentions will alsobe listed.Toenter,email entriestocartooncontest@theadvocate.com
All entries must include your name, homeaddress and phone number.Cell numbers arebest.The deadlinefor all entriesismidnight on Thursday.—Walt
“It really isn’tasuccessful project without all the viewpoints being heard and respected,” said James, thelocal director James said Common Ground is in the midst of hosting several Zoom meetings for people to learn moreabout the new project and decide if they want to volunteer for the year-long adventure. (Contact her at kjames@sfcg.org.)
There’snoway to know if these and similar approaches across thecountrywill bear fruit, but only the most hard-hearted cynic would belittle the attempts. Here in Louisiana, there were several decades in which our congressional delegation “modeled” such behavior,with legendarily gracious Democratic Rep.Lindy Boggs setting atone of “across theaisle” collaboration that was taken up by thelikes of Democratic Sens. BennettJohnston and John Breaux and Republican Reps. Dave Treen and Bob Livingston, among others. Amore respectfulcivic life isn’tjust somepie-in-the-sky fantasy.Well-intentioned politicians, and well-intentioned citizens, really can make it apractical, productive approach.
Quin Hillyer can be reached at quin. hillyer@theadvocate.com.
Peak absurdityoncampaignfinance reform
Developments in recentdecades reflectdiminished respectfor the First Amendment. These include campus speech codes, political pressure for censorship on social media platforms, and asociety-wide “cancel culture” that inspires self-censorship lest “harmful” speech “trigger” offendedhearers. The most serious speech-regulation began half acentury ago, under theantiseptic rubric of “campaignfinancereform.” This month, the Supreme Court can begin removinganother shackle reformers have clamped on politicalspeech.The court will consider taking acase about whether the First Amendment is violated by limits on what political partiescan spend in coordination with their candidates’campaigns
to politicians’ issue positions, not the other way around. Teachersunionsgenerally support Democrats for the same reason opponents of gun restrictions generally supportRepublicans: the parties’ preexisting beliefs
Howdid such an anodynepractice become problematic? This is how: In the 1970s, reformers, using the Watergate scandals as apretext, restricted campaign giving and spending. This was supposedly to prevent “corruption” —quid pro quo transactions —or the appearance thereof. Reformers regulated “hard” money given to particular candidates; then “soft” money,given to parties for organizing and advocacy.Next, they targeted independent groups’ “express advocacy” of the election or defeat of identifiable candidates. Reformers also restricted such groups’ advocacy for or against issues clearly identified with particularcandidates. Earlier thismonth, peak absurdity reached the Supreme Court.It mustdecide whether acompelling government interest is served by limiting“coordination” betweenparties andtheir candidates. Lest the parties corrupt their own nominees?
Actual quid pro quo corruption involving donors is rare. Abundant research confirms what common sense suggests: Political contributionsmove
published. Letters are not
All laws regulating political competition involve government stipulatingthe permissible quantity of speech about the government’scomposition.All campaign financelaws are written by members of the political class —by incumbent legislators. Such laws require askeptical squint: look for evidence of class interest. It is easy to see: Incumbency confers enormous communication advantages; challengers mustspend alot to match this. So,limits on political giving and spending protect incumbents.
Formodern mugwumps bent on removing the politicsfrom politics, the maddening “problem” is that people affected by governmentkeep trying to affect the government’scomposition
The reformers —including an exhorting and aself-interested media —fret about the “problem” of “too much money” in politics. The complaint necessarily is that there is too much political speech, because allcampaign spending is to fund, directly or indirectly, the dissemination of political advocacy to large constituencies. How much, andbywhatmetric, is there “too much” money in politics? In the 2023-2024 election cycle, candidates for federal offices (president, House, Senate)spent atotal of $5.5 billion. To support them, political parties spent $2.6 billion, and political action committees spent $15.5 billion.(Reformers produced the dominance of PACs with regulationsthatdivertedpolitical contributions away from parties.) This $23.6 billion is less than the $29.2 billion of advertising spending in the same 24 months by just two U.S. companies,
Proctor &Gamble ($17.6 billion)and PepsiCo ($11.6 billion). For reformers, another “problem” is too much political participation:Political contributions are howmillionsof citizens participate. And by supporting the rationing of political speech, the mediaenhancethe dominance of their unregulated speech. Campaign “reforms” threaten the core speech protected by the First Amendment: political discourse. Today, many progressive intellectuals have decidedthe First Amendment is a “loophole” that endangers theiragenda of regulating everything, speech emphatically included. Public support for free speech might be weaker nowthan at anytime sincethe First Amendment was addedtothe Constitution in 1791.
In 2014, 54 senators, all from the Democraticcaucus, voted to weaken the Bill of Rights’ protectionsby amending the First Amendment to permitpeople like them to ration speech aboutpeople like them. Theythereby acknowledgedthatthe amendment’s clear text(“Congress shallmake no law …abridging the freedom of speech”) forbids the campaignreformers’ desires.
Today’spolitical hygienists still have ametastasizing agenda for government regulation of thequantity of campaign speech. (And the contentofit: avoid “express advocacy.” And the timing of it: nottoo closetoanelection.) The result is arococo regime of speech restrictions, andhairsplitting exemptions therefrom.
The court can reaffirm the First Amendment’scrystallinesimplicity, the wisdom of whichisasself-evidentas this: No compelling government interest is servedbylimitingthe ability of partiestocoordinate with theircandidates’ political speech. Email George Will at georgewill@washpost.com.
It is emphatically not about the vile arrogance of extremists so certain of their superiority that they bestow on themselves the right to snuffout the lives of their political foes.
Hortman lived her highly constructive lifeinpolitics in the knowledge that achieving change democratically requires painstaking work: planning, coalition-building, persuasion, conciliation, vote-counting. She achieved farmore using these humble, but ultimately exhilarating, tools of self-government than any violent fanatic ever will.
Even before Iknew the identities of the victimsofMinnesota’sseemingly politically motivated shootings, Ishared with manyasense of mourning and horror over yet another episode of brutality in amoment already marked by too much of it. Then, Ilearned that Hortman and her husband, Mark, had been shot dead while another Democrat, state Sen. John Hoffman, and his wife,Yvette, wereseverely wounded. With Hortman’sdeath, the story suddenly became morepersonal. Almost exactly two years ago, Ihad an enlightening interview with her foracolumn Iwas writing about what progressives around the country were calling the “Minnesota Miracle.” It was an outpouring of legislation madepossible by the Democrats’ narrow control of both houses of the state legislature and the governorship under TimWalz. Ican’tdofull justice here to all that Hortman and her colleagues achieved, but alengthy partial list can give you asense of just how much they got done. The miracle included legislation forpaid family and medical leave, sick leave, transgender rights protections, driver’slicenses forundocumented residents, abortion rights and voting rights.
Also on the list were background checks for private gun transfers, red flag laws, legalized recreational marijuana, expanded education funding, and free breakfast and lunch forall Minnesota K-12 students.
As someone whose politics lean in aprogressive direction, Icheered these achievements. But what should be stressed about Hortman herself is how deeply she realized that nothing like any of this could have been accomplished without careful attention to the broad range of viewsamongher colleagues.
She thus worked to bring together Democratic legislators from the metro Twin Cities, many on the left, and those closer to the center from rural and small-town areas. Preparing forefforts to enact progressive tax reform, Hortman told me, she appointed astaunch progressive from Minneapolis to chair one of the House’s tax committees and amoderate from the increasingly conservative Iron Range to chair the other.“If we couldn’tget both of them on board, then it wouldn’tbesomething our caucus could do.” That’sapractical politician speaking. Hortman also knew that to be sustainable, the program needed to be fiscally responsible. She noted to me that abudget surplus of $17.5 billion had set expectations “very high” forwhat Democrats could achieve. But fully $10 billion of that was “one-timemoney,” meaning that programshad to be funded and revenue raised forthe long term
And in an era when we have becomenumb to the claims of politicians —one in particular comes to mind —that they alone can repair what ails the country,Hortman was insistent on the centrality of working with others. These killings should makeusthink hard about the contrast between what an effective, serious and —I stress, again —democraticwith-a-small-d politics entails, and the profound dangers of movements and individuals so certain of their own righteousness and so convinced of the evil of their political adversaries that they are prepared to overturn all the rules, normsand obligations that undergird political decency.Itspeaks to their state’srobust civic health that the entire Minnesota congressional delegation quickly issued ajoint, bipartisan statement decrying the shootings.
Many years ago, Lawrence O’Brien, whowas aclose aide to President John F. Kennedy and later became commissioner of the NBA, wrote amemoir with awonderful title: “NoFinal Victories.” He paid tribute to the fact that in ademocracy,there are no final victories, which also meansthat there are no final defeats. Hortman used the opening she had to accomplish alot because she knew the opportunity to do so might not come around again fora while —and she fully accepted the right of her opponents to winthe next time. Whatever her killer’spolitical or personal motivations turn out to be, his actions show that he understood none of these things. We can never allow this approach to politics to prevail.
E.J. Dionne is on X, @EJDionne.
George Will
E.J Dionne
Quin Hillyer
NewOrleans Forecast
With the first officialday of summer on Friday, we remainhot with summerliketemperatures. Forthe next week, we areexpected to be in the 90s every day. Rain chances will starttosubside toward the end of theweek and into theweekend. While there maybefewer widespreadshowers apassingshowerispossible this weekend with about a30% chanceofrain Saturdayand Sunday. Alargeheat
set up into the beginning of nextweek bringing hot air and even
Thefeels-liketemps this weekend will reachwell into the100s and possibly even 110+ fora dayortwo.This heat dome is what will minimize rain chances, buta passingshowerwill lowerthose temps. ForecastFrom WWL-TV,Your Local Weather Experts
officers andmembers of Ray Avenue Baptist Church, alongwithneigh‐borsand fellow church communities,are cordially invited to attend the Homegoing Celebrationon Saturday, June 21,2025, for 10:00 a.m. at RayAvenue Baptist Church,4712 Ray Avenue, NewOrleans,LA 70126. Visitation will begin at9:00a.m.PastorRobert Brown, officiating. Inter‐mentwilltakeplace at Resthaven Memorial Park, 10400 OldGentillyRoad, New Orleans, Louisiana 70127. Guestbook Online: www.anewtraditionbegins com (504) 282-0600. Linear BrooksBoydand Donavin D.BoydOwners/FuneralDi‐rectors
BettyAnn Rosette, a homemaker,entered into eternal rest at herresi‐dence on Thursday,June 12, 2025, at theage of 58
She wasa native of Hah‐nville, LA anda resident of Westwego, LA.Betty was educatedinthe St.Charles and JeffersonParish School Systems. Devoted motherofJeremiah Rosette.Beloved daughter ofthe late HerbertLee Rosette andWilberine Rosette.Lovingsisterof ToddWilliams, Joyce(Ger‐ald)LeGaux, Ruby Nell Rosette,and thelate BrendaBrown,and Treshin Blunt.Niece of thelate IrenePrice Claire Reede Azore,EllaPowell, Wordnia Rosette,James Rosette, Herbert Riley, Irvinand An‐dersonJones.Betty is also survivedbya host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relativesand friends. Relatives andfriends of the family, also pastors, offi‐cers, andmembers of Little ZionBaptist Church #3 are invited to attend theCele‐bration of Life at Little Zion BaptistChurch #3,441 Wil‐
DEATHS continued from sonStreetMarrero,LAon Friday, June 20,2025, at 10:00a.m. Pastor Norman D. Smith III, officiating. Visita‐tionwillbegin at 8:30a.m. until servicetimeatthe church.Interment:Willbe Private.Arrangementsby Davis Mortuary Service230 MonroeSt. Gretna,LA. To viewand sign theguest‐book,pleasegotowww davismortuaryservice.com. Face MasksAre Recom‐mended.
Joseph SmithJr, affec‐tionately knownasJoe Jr, peacefullypassedawayon June 6, 2025, at theage of 67; surrounded by hisde‐voted wife,Adrienne. Born inNew Orleans, LA on Au‐gust4,1957, to theunion of Joseph Sr andCoraLee VictorSmith.Hewas proud nativeofMontz,LA; Joe, Jr graduated from Destrehan HighSchool in 1976. After graduation, he beganhis careerasa skilledwelder, boilermaker,and carpen‐ter.Joe,Jr.,possessedthe ability to lightupany room heentered.Hewillforever berememberedfor his quick-wittedhumor,blunt honesty,caringand loving spirit, andnumerous catchphrases. Laterinlife, Joe,Jr.,was baptizedby ReverandHenry Leboyd, Sr.,eternally giving hislife toChrist. JoeJrleavesto cherish hispreciousmem‐ories to hislovingwifeof 48years,AdrienneLeBeaux Smith,two sons,Joseph (LaTecia) Smith, III of Prairieville, LA andTraun Sr (Lyoshi)Smith,ofMontz LA, twodaughters,Teyon (Dwayne)Rogers andAri‐ane (Elgin)Bailey, of LaPlace,LA; eleven grand‐children: Emiya, TraunJr, Chaz, Cohann, Tatianna, Ean,Cade, Taryn, Ever,Dru and East;and ahis furr baby, Cotton.Healso leavesbehindhis twosis‐ters, Debra(Ronald)Pate and Ramona (George) Cooper;mother-in-law, RosalieArmstrong andfa‐
ther-in-lawEarlHenry(Jes‐selyn)Williams; five sis‐ters-in-laws, Carliss(Don) Poole, ShelleyLeBeaux, Terrell Warren,Chandra (Flemming)Ragas,and SandraWilliams- Jones; five brothers-in-laws Dwayne(Yvonne)LeBeaux, Eric(Jewanna)LeBeaux Andrew(Shenell) LeBeaux Jr; Tremayne LeBeauxSr. ;Lloyd Wesley;his favorite goddaughtersKendraPate and TenyaSmith;his bud‐diesOliverAugillard, Wade Mashia, VincentBrumfield, Terry Gross, ‘BooMan’, Jer‐rel Turner,Blane Mason; and ahostofaunts, un‐cles, nieces,nephews cousins,and friends. JoeJr isprecededindeath by his parents,Joseph, Sr.and CoraLee Smith; his brother,Kevin ‘KevBoo’ Smith Sr;his maternal grandparents, Paul Sr and Celia Victor;his paternal grandparents, Sidney and Octavia Smith; grandson,T Smith;his godparents, Helen Etienne andGuy Stewart;his father-in-law, AndrewLeBeaux;his sis‐ter-in-lawDalphineLewis; and godson, Cedric Victor Relatives andfriends of the family, Pastors, officers and membersofProvi‐dence #2 BaptistChurch and allneighboring churches areinvited to the Celebration of Life Services at11:00am on Saturday June 21, 2025, at Provi‐dence #2 BaptistChurch 17294 RiverRd, Montz, LA 70068. Rev. VernellBraudOfficiating. Visitation 9:00amuntil time of ser‐viceatthe above-named Church.Interment Jeffer‐son Memorial Gardens, 11316 RiverRd, St.Rose, LA 70087. FinalArrangements Entrusted to PatrickH Sanders FuneralHome& FuneralDirectors,LLC.605 MainStreet,Laplace,LA 70068. 985-359-1919. “Pro‐vidingCare& Comfortis Our HighestMission.”
Peggy AnnY.Williams was born in NewOrleans Louisiana,tothe late Clarenceand Wilhelmina Young.She wasa worship‐pingparishioner at St.Leo the Greatand St.Jude Church of NewOrleans Louisiana.She wasmar‐riedtothe late Ronnie Williams,and to that union,one amazingson Derrick AnthonyWilliams Sr. wasborn. He wasthe loveofher life andthe joy ofher heart. Hersharp mindand witty personality found heremployedasthe VicePresident of O’Keefe InsuranceAgency. In her later years, sheworkedas a business managerinthe Orleans Parish School Sys‐tem andlater retired. She leavestomourn herloving and devotedson Derrick, three grandchildren, (Der‐rickJr, Derren,Laila)her siblings, Patrick(Nadine), Paulette,Perry (Nichelle) Connie, andMelissa (Missy),fourgodchildren (Ariane,Perry Jr., Burnell and Haylee) onebonus daughter(MoniqueCarter) and ahostoflovingnieces, nephews,relatives and friends.She waspreceded indeath by herparents Clarenceand Wilhelmina Young,one brotherPhillip Young,and onegrandson DanielWilliams. Relatives and friendsofthe family, Priestand Parishioners of St. Leothe GreatCatholic Church andall neighboring churches areinvited to at‐tenda FuneralMassat 10:00 am on Friday,June 20 2025, at St.Leo theGreat Catholic Church,2916 Paris Avenue,New Orleans, LA 70119. Father StanleyK Ihuoma,SSJ-Celebrant.Vis‐itation 9:00 am until the timeofFuneralMassatthe above-named church.In‐be private. ements en‐PatrickH lHome& rs,LLC,605 aplace,LA 1919. “Pro‐
viding Care &Comfort is Our HighestMission.”
Zachary, Elizabeth Rose 'Betty'
Elizabeth(Betty)Rose
Zachary wasbornonJanu‐ary 2, 1930 in Pensacola, Florida to WilliamL.and Georgie Cook Zachary. At anearly ageBetty andher mothermoved to NewOr‐leans where shegrewup withher cousinsHelen Gardner Meyerand Bernice Gardner Bordelon Sheffield. Shegraduated fromNichollsHighSchool in1946 then attended Busi‐nessSchool.Betty started her bankingcareer at Dixie Homestead before going to workatFidelityHome‐stead where sheworked for 49 yearsuntil retire‐mentin2000. Sheheldthe title of Vice Presidentin chargeofPersonnel and Operations formanyyears
Sheexcelledinthe Savings and Loan industry andheld several positionsasthe firstwoman in whatwas verymuchthe boy’sonly club. As alifelongparish‐ioner of GraceEpiscopal Church,she spentthe first years of retirement work‐ing forthe church untilits closure in 2012. Shefound a newhomeatSt. Augus‐tineEpiscopal in Metairie, La. Betty passedawayon June 16, 2025 at theage of 95. Sheissurvivedbyher cousins HelenGardner Meyer of Loranger,and ThomasP.Grace of Chula Vista,California, many cousins andfriends.Visita‐tionwillbeSaturdayJune 21atJacob Schoen &Son FuneralHomefrom9 A.M. until 11A.M.followedbyan Episcopal FuneralMassin the J. GaricSchoenChapel. IntermentinSt. Vincentde Paulcemetery#3. In lieu of flowersdonations arere‐quested to St.Augustine Episcopal Church,Metairie LA, or your favorite charity. ArrangementsbyJacob Schoen& SonFuneral Home. Condolencesmay beleftatwww.schoenfh. com
OMAHA, Neb Baseball is agame of inches No play representedthose inchesbetter than in the bottom of the ninthinning
Wednesday night between LSU and Arkansas. With theTigers trailing 5-3 and two runners on base with two outs, senior catcherLuis Hernandez hitafly ball to left field in thevicinityofleft fielder Charles Davalan.After acouple of false
steps, Davalan slipped as he went into a dive, and the ball deflected off his shoulder and onto the Charles Schwab Field turf. Thehit, ruleda double,allowed two
See LSU, page 4C
OMAHA, Neb It couldn’thave. Maybe it shouldn’thave.
But it did. Somehow,itdid. LSU is going back to the College World Series championship series on the strength of one of its most improbable victories here ever E-V-E-R.
The final score: LSU 6, Arkansas 5.
But this one won’tend for avery long time. It will live on, taking its place alongside LSU’s win in the 1996 CWS final on Warren Morris’ home run. Alongside the Tigers’ win to beat Wake Forest and vault into the CWS final two years ago on Tommy White’s11thinning home run. In fairness to one of the most dramatic pitching duels you could ever hope to see determined by one mighty swing of the bat (LSU’s2-0 win over Wake Forest in 2023), this game had muchmore craziness. Great plays, botched plays, inexplicable plays. There is so muchtosift through, it could fill abook. But there is one salient, important point that rises above all: LSU will play for its eighth CWS championship starting Saturday against Coastal Carolina. Perhaps by then the buzz over this one will have died down. Idoubt it. Ihope in their delirious delight that some LSU fans took time to go across the street from Charles Schwab Field to Rocco’sand poured out at least one Jell-O shot for star-crossed Arkansas. The poor little rich Razorbacks. They were quite arguably the best team in the nation this year,and definitely the best program not named Florida State to never win aCollege World Series. But they lost four of five to the Tigers overall this season, including Saturday’s4-1 LSU victory in their CWS opener.Arkansas is now 0-5 in Omaha against LSU as well, where it packs another gut-punch of adefeat into its suitcase for the flight home to Fayetteville on Thursday.They will have to try to bury this one in the ground next to the missedpop foul that cost the Hogs
See RABALAIS, page 4C
Thundernot gettingahead of itself in questfor title
By TIMREyNOLDS AP basketball writer
INDIANAPOLIS —Difficult as it may seem, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is desperately trying to not think about what may await the Oklahoma CityThunder
The MVP,scoring champion and Thunder star doesn’twanttothink about the end of the NBA Finals. Or how the Larry O’Brien Trophy will feel in his hands if he gets to hoist it as achampion. Or what the celebration will look like, sound like, be like.
The Thunder is one win from a title, and it could come when it visits the potentially shorthanded IndianaPacersinGame6ofthe NBA Finals on Thursday night.
It is not just another game, but Gilgeous-Alexander is tryingto make it seem that way
ä ThunderatPacers, 7:30P.M.THURSDAy,ABC
“The cusp of winning is not winning,” Gilgeous-Alexander said.
“The way Isee it, winning is all that matters. It hasn’tbeen fulfilled. We haven’tdone anything.”
TheThunderleads the NBA Finals 3-2,has posted83wins so far this season and justfoundaway to hand Indiana its first setofbackto-back losses inthree months.
The Thunder,just as it did against Denver in Round 2, has bounced back from series deficitsof1-0 and 2-1.
“Wewant to winthe game tomorrow,but the most important thing we need to do to winthe game tomorrow is prepare today and prepare tomorrow and play
the first possession really well, then the next possession, then the next possession,” Thundercoach Mark Daigneault said Wednesday
“That’s how we try to approach a game, how we trytoapproach the playoff series, how we trytoapproach every single day and let that win the day.”
The Pacers expect acrazedatmospherefor what will be their finalhome game of the season; if they force aGame7,it’ll be in Oklahoma CityonSunday. What thePacers don’tknow is whether Tyrese Haliburton will play because of astrained right calf.
“I think that’sall we can do, right? Think aboutthe next game,” Pacers forward Pascal Siakam said. “It’sagreat opportunity in ä See NBA, page 3C
Scott Rabalais
STAFF PHOTO By HILARy SCHEINUK
Hernandez celebratesafter
rstbasemanJared Jones in the ninth inning as theTigers defeated the Arkansas Razorbacks6-5 on Wednesday to reach thechampionship series of theCollegeWorld Series in Omaha, Neb
kov hoisted the Stanley Cup, skated with it for a few moments and then handed it to a grinning Nate Schmidt, in his first year with the Florida Panthers and raising hockey’s hallowed trophy for the first time. Before any repeat winner touched it, every Panther who never had before got the chance.
There’s a lot of guys, they play a ton of minutes that are huge contributors to this group, and they bypassed them and said: ‘We had it last year We’ll never not cherish this moment,’” Schmidt said. “It was amazing.” It also personified the Panthers, who did not have the best player in the final, not facing Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers again. They may not have even had the second-best with Leon Draisaitl there, too, but Florida repeating as champions showed exactly why hockey is the ultimate team sport.
“We just have so much heart, so much talent: Heart meets talent,” said winger Matthew Tkachuk, who played through a sports hernia and torn adductor muscle
“Our team was a team When things were getting hard for them, they looked to one guy But our team, we do it collectively.”
The Panthers had 19 non-goalies on the ice over six games against the Oilers; 15 registered a point and 11 scored at least once.
Coach Paul Maurice said the team is “just really deep — unusually so,” making the point that he essentially had three first lines to roll out at any given time.
“A very talented group of guys, so when you bring somebody in, we’re going to play you with a really good player,” Maurice said.
General manager Bill Zito, who inherited Barkov, defenseman Aaron Ekblad and goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky, built the rest of the roster to win in the play-
offs. With Maurice and his staff in charge, players who were adrift or simply mediocre elsewhere thrived in Florida.
“For the most part, every guy who’s come here has had the best season of their careers,” Zito said.
“From that perspective, it’s gratifying to think that we can create an environment where the guys can do that, but it’s the team. It’s that room. It truly is.”
Fourth-liner A.J. Greer is one of those players after nearly giving up on his NHL dream a few years ago. He, Zito, Conn Smythe Trophy winner Sam Bennett and so many others use the word “culture” to explain the Panthers’ greatness, and it translates into results on the ice.
The forecheck is never-ending, the harassment in the neutral zone relentless and the offense burgeoning with talent.
“Everyone levels their game up here every one of us,” Greer said. “There’s a sentiment of greatness but of just like wanting to be as good as you were yesterday.”
Tkachuk, acquired by Zito in a
trade from Calgary in the same summer of 2022 when Maurice was hired as coach, shook his head when asked about scoring the Cup-clinching goal in Game 6. He wanted to make a point that it doesn’t matter who scores.
“I don’t care about personal stats,” Tkachuk said. “I don’t care. Our team doesn’t (care) about that. That’s what makes us a team, and that’s why we’re lifting the Stanley Cup right now because we’re a team and not a bunch of individuals.”
McDavid, who had seven points in six games in the final, had nothing but praise after a second straight loss to the Panthers on the NHL’s biggest stage.
“They’re a really good team,” McDavid said. “Very deserving. They were really good.”
Florida was in the final for a third consecutive year, and the only loss during this stretch came to Vegas in 2023 when injuries ravaged Tkachuk, Ekblad and others.
That was the start of the winning blueprint that has made the Panthers so successful for so
LOUISIANA SPORTS HALL OF FAME
long.
“There’s a way that we do things here, and it’s not easy,” said Bennett, who led all players in the playoffs with 15 goals. “We don’t play an easy style of hockey It demands a lot of you. Every single guy’s bought into it. When some new guys came in, they instantly bought into what we do here and the commitment to being great, to winning. Every single guy just really bought into that.”
Schmidt found that out quickly He played for Maurice in Winnipeg, got bought out last summer and just wanted to get his game back. That happened quickly, and the Stanley Cup was the reward after going through another long grind as a team.
“It’s the system. It’s the group. It’s just completely selfless,” Schmidt said. “Guys just play one way, and they say, ‘Hey, this is how we do things’ and you’ve got to jump on board. Guys, once they mold themselves into the game, you just become another cog in the wheel here. That’s just the way it runs. It’s just a well-oiled machine.”
Guilbeau did not shy away from varied career
BY SCOOTER HOBBS
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.
College athletes do a lot of bouncing around from school to school these days It turns out the transfer portal is not just for athletes. Take Glenn Guilbeau, for instance. The Metairie native was living the portal life long before it became fashionable. It is now officially a Hall of Fame journey, as Guilbeau will be inducted into the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame during an induction ceremony June 28 in Natchitoches.
Few on the journalism side took a longer and more winding road there, although most of it has been
based in Baton Rouge, covering the LSU sports scene. He first tested the portal in college, attending LSU as a freshman in 1979-80, UNO for a year, then transferring to Missouri, then back to LSU and finally finishing at Missouri in the summer of 1983 Diploma in hand, the bouncing around began. It started back in Baton Rouge working for Tiger Rag before moving on to the Montgomery (Ala.) Advertiser, Slidell Sentry News, Alexandria Town Talk, Mobile (Ala.) Press-Register, back to Baton Rouge at The Advocate, then Gannett Louisiana (based in
Baton Rouge) covering LSU for the chain’s numerous state newspapers. Then he became a national columnist at OutKick/FOX News, and, finally, back where it all started at Tiger Rag.
“It has always been a lot of fun and adventure to leave a job, preferably on your own, and start a new one,” Guilbeau said “First you get a going-away party then you’re the new guy Everything’s fresh.”
Most of the jobs were based in Baton Rouge, and there is one constant throughout his varied career It doesn’t matter where he works or which team or sport he covers, readers are going to get Guilbeau unfiltered.
It doesn’t always endear him to fans, but he knows no other way What he sees is what he’s going to write.
“I always wanted to be a columnist more than a reporter,” he said. “Writing opinions doesn’t lend itself to long relationships with people at the school or on the team.”
Translation: If the home team messes up, he’s going to point it out. If the coach made a bad gameday decision, that coach will read about it the next day Guilbeau figures the teams have tryouts for cheerleaders, none of which he signed up for
“I believe that for every 10 fans who get pissed, there is one who loves it,” Guilbeau said. “LSU fans — more than any other fan base, I believe — have more of an edge to them. They’re always on the brink of turning on the Tigers because LSU historically has had so many ups and downs and football coaching turnover.”
Buss family to sell controlling stake of Lakers to Walter
BY TIM REYNOLDS AP basketball writer
The Buss family has agreed to sell the controlling stake of the Los Angeles Lakers to TWG Global CEO Mark Walter, doing so with a franchise valuation of $10 billion the most ever for a professional sports franchise, a person with knowledge of the agreement said Wednesday As part of the deal, Jeanie Buss — whose family has had control of the Lakers since her father bought the team in 1979 intends to remain as team governor, said the person, who
spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because neither side immediately announced details It is not clear how much more of the Lakers that Walter is acquiring. He was part of a group that bought 27% of the Lakers in 2021. Walter and TWG Global already had the controlling interest in the Los Angeles Dodgers, Premier League club Chelsea, the Professional Women’s Hockey League, and — through TWG Motorsports — owns several auto racing teams including Cadillac Formula 1
The agreement for the sale of the Lakers comes about three months after Bill Chisholm agreed to buy the Boston Celtics with an initial valuation of $6.1 billion — that topping the previous mark of $6.05 billion sale for the NFL’s Washington Commanders. And now, $10 billion not just a record, but a total smashing of the previous mark. The Lakers have been in the control of the Buss family for 46 years, the longest of any current NBA franchise. Herb Simon bought the Indiana Pacers currently in the NBA Finals — in 1983, the second-
longest current ownership of an NBA club. Jerry Buss bought the Lakers for $67.5 million and left the club to his family when he died. The franchise has won 17 championships, second-most in NBA history, and has seen some of the game’s most storied players wear its uniform — Jerry West, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Wilt Chamberlain, George Mikan, Elgin Baylor, Magic Johnson, Kobe Bryant, Shaquille O’Neal and NBA all-time points leader LeBron James just some of the icons who have played for the Lakers.
Mabrey’s foul on Clark upgraded to Flagrant-2
The WNBA has upgraded the technical foul on Connecticut’s Marina Mabrey for shoving Caitlin Clark to the floor during Tuesday’s night game against Indiana to a Flagrant-2, a person familiar with the situation said Wednesday on condition of anonymity
Any flagrant foul comes with an automatic fine.
The person also said the league has fined the Fever’s Sophie Cunningham for her role in the oncourt melee that occurred after she fouled Jacy Sheldon with 46.1 seconds left.
Cunningham received a Flagrant-2 Tuesday night.
There will be no further penalties for on-court actions during the game, the person said. The WNBA doesn’t disclose the amount of money players are fined.
Nabers ready for camp after sitting out in spring New York Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers should be available to practice for the start of training camp next month after sitting out during the spring with a toe issue, an issue he’s had since his college days.
Coach Brian Daboll said Wednesday that the former LSU receiver was “doing good” and he had no concerns that the injury would affect his availability Nabers didn’t practice in the sessions open to reporters during OTAs and minicamp, but participated in some of the team’s walkthrough periods. Nabers, the sixth overall pick in the draft last year caught an NFL rookie-record 109 passes last season while setting the franchise mark for most receptions in a season.
Ravens sign cornerback Alexander to 1-year deal
Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson stood at the podium after a practice Tuesday and exhorted general manager Eric DeCosta to “go get” free agent and two-time Pro Bowl cornerback Jaire Alexander
On Wednesday, Alexander, who spent his first seven seasons in the NFL with the Green Bay Packers, signed with Baltimore, the team announced.
It’s a one-year, $4 million deal worth up to $6 million, according to a source with direct knowledge of the contract.
Alexander’s addition bolsters a Ravens pass defense that ranked 31st in yards allowed per game (244.1) and was 17th in interceptions with 12. He also adds depth to the secondary
Ruggs apologizes to family of woman he killed in crash Former Raiders wide receiver Henry Ruggs, on special release Tuesday night, spoke at a Hope for Prisoners event in Las Vegas and apologized to the family of a woman he killed in a car crash nearly four years ago.
Ruggs drove his sports car at speeds up to 156 mph in the city on Nov 2, 2021, slamming into a vehicle that killed driver Tina Tintor and her dog, Max. Tintor was 23.
Ruggs was asked at the event what he would say to Tintor’s family
Ruggs, a former first-round draft pick, pleaded guilty in May 2023 to felony DUI causing death and misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter He was sentenced in August 2023 to a 3- to 10-year prison sentence.
Tampa Bay Rays in talks about a potential sale
The Tampa Bay Rays say they are in “exclusive discussions” with a Florida investment group for a potential sale of the team. The Rays are valued at $1.25 billion, according to Forbes magazine. Stuart Sternberg bought the Major League Baseball club for $200 million in 2004.
The potential sale comes at a precarious time for the Rays and their home ballpark. They are playing this season at the spring training home of the New York Yankees in Tampa after the roof of Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg was heavily damaged during Hurricane Milton last October In March, Sternberg said the club was withdrawing from the $1.3
ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By NATHAN DENETTE
The Florida Panthers raise the Stanley Cup after defeating the Edmonton Oilers in Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final in Sunrise, Fla., on Tuesday.
Guilbeau
McConnellready to provide Pacers whatever they need
BY MICHAELMAROT
INDIANAPOLIS IndianaPacers
guard T.J. McConnell keeps doing the unthinkable. At 6-foot-1, he repeatedly backs his way into the paint and outmaneuvers the NBA’s giants for scores. At age 33, he still runs the court with aspeed opponents struggle to contend with. And defensively,heoften harasses some of the league’stop stars intomiscues. Now,McConnell faces his biggest challenge: Potentially replacing two-time All-Star Tyrese Haliburton on Thursday night as the Pacers try to extend their season against Oklahoma City in Game 6 of the NBA Finals.
Haliburton said Wednesday he will try to play through the strained right calf because of the stakes. Coach Rick Carlisle called his catalyst agame-time decision, an indication that at the very least, McConnell could log moreminutes than usual.
Either way,McConnell promises he’ll be ready
“I’ve just got to injectenergy, like Ialways do,” McConnell said after Wednesday’spractice. “Our starters have willed us here,and we’ve just kind of got to go in there and. inject energywhere it’s needed and do our jobs.”
So far,hehas thrived in the spotlight. While McConnell’saverages of 9.0 points, 4.0 assists and 2.9 rebounds in 16.7 minutes look ordinary,his presence has been extraordinary
He became thefirstbench player in NBAFinals history to record five assists andfive steals in one game, and he helped the Pacers cut a16-point second-half deficit to two while Haliburton struggledinMonday’s120-109 loss that gave the Thunder a3-2 lead.
But it’sthe way he playsthe game that has made McConnell such afan favorite in abasketball-lovingstate that prefers toughness and defense to stars or point totals.
Indiana Pacersguard T.J. McConnell shoots as Oklahoma CityThunder forward KenrichWilliams, left, defends duringthe second half of Game 5 of theNBA Finals on MondayinOklahoma City
The truth is, this is how he learnedthe game fromhis father, Tim, alongtimeprepcoachfrom suburban Pittsburgh who has become aregularinthe crowdduringthisplayoff run.
“Everyone knowswhat they’ve gottodowhen they’re on thefloor with T.J.,” Pacers forward Obi Toppin said. “Weexpect him to get in the paint. We expect him to move theball.Weknow what he’s doing when we’re out there, so it makes ourjob easier.”
Toppin, McConnelland BennedictMathurin haveformed atight bond onthe court despitetheir differing backgrounds and styles.
Toppin, the 2019-20 College Basketball Playerofthe Year,and Mathurin, the first Canadian-born playertoattendthe NBA’s Latin AmericaAcademy, were lottery picks.
McConnellwentundrafted out of Arizona —the same school Mathurin attended —and hashad to repeatedly reprove himself.
McConnell’sstrong preseason in 2015 promptedthe Philadelphia 76ers to keep him for thenext four seasonsbeforeletting him test free agency and land with the Pacers. Then early last season, it appeared McConnell’scareer might
be teetering Carlisle told McConnell early last season he wouldn’tbeinthe regular rotation, adiscussion Carlisle described as one of the toughest he’s everhad. McConnell wasn’tdiscouraged.
“I think coaches in the league have atough job because you can’t please everybody,sosometimesyou’re the odd manout,”he said. “So youcan put your head down andsulkabout it andmake excuses or you can put your head down andgotowork.Ichose the latter.”
The Pacers couldn’tbehappier with the results.
McConnell played so well during last year’sbreakout playoff run that Indianagavehim afour-year, $45 million contract extension. He’s playedeven betterduring this year’srun to theEastern Conference title.
Can he help save theseason Thursday night? Don’t count him out.
“We’ve been in this position before,” McConnell said. “So we just, youknow, we can’tflinch. We’ve gottobereadyfor thechallenge because they’re going to come out ready and, like Isaid, we just have morework to do.”
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front of ourfans. I’msure it’s going to be ahuge momentfor our fans. They’re going to be super excited.Wehave achance at home, NBA Finals. It’sagood opportunity.That’sall it is.”
Pacers coach Rick Carlisle has been stressing twokey points: fewer turnovers (Indiana had 23 for 32 Oklahoma Citypoints in Game 5) and limiting OKC’s offensive rebounding. Those areas must be cleaned up whether Haliburton plays or not.
ThePacerstrailed NewYork 3-2inthe secondround last season, came home andwon Game 6, then went to Madison Square Garden and won Game 7. Winning from this position is possible, and Carlisle knowsit.
“What we need to do is buckle down. Stand strong. Ianticipate one of the best crowds in the history of GainbridgeFieldhouse,” Carlisle said. “We’ve got to find away.The ultimate is to get to aGame7.That is the ultimate privilege. It’s theultimate experience in sports. But we’ve got to take care of home court tomorrow to do that.”
Afterscoring 40
Thunder guard Jalen Williams, who had40points in Game5
didn’tget aton of calls and texts after the highest-scoring playoff gameofhis career Then again, hisfriends know he’snot on the phone much right now
“Honestly,Itry nottoanswer my phone as much, even though that probably soundedlikeI’m ajerk,” Williams said. “There’s just alot of highs and lows throughout theseries. Youdon’t get as manytexts if you don’t play well. Itry to keep that in perspective, too.”
On thebrink
Since 2000, teamsare 25-13 in games where theycan win the NBAtitle.
The Thunderisaiming to go 1-0 in such games this year,something 20 teamshave done in the last 25 seasons. The NBA’s most recent champion, Boston, needed two tries at it last season before ousting Dallas.
Seeking84
If the Thunder wins Game 6— or Game 7—itwould push OklahomaCity’swin total forthe season to 84, including the playoffs That is rare air.Only three teams have won 84 or more games in aseason:the 2015-16 Golden State Warriors won 88 (and lost in the NBA Finals), the1995-96 ChicagoBulls won 87 games andthe 1996-97 Bulls won84.
ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By KyLE PHILLIPS
CoastalCarolinastartsfast, earnsway to CWSfinals
CWSGLANCE
BY ERIC OLSON AP sports writer
OMAHA, Neb.— Coastal Carolina
advanced to the College World Series finals with an 11-3 victory over Louisville on Wednesday,scoring five of its six first-inningruns before making an out and extending its win streak to 26 games. The Chanticleers (56-11) will play LSU or Arkansas in the bestof-three finals starting Saturday. They are going for their second national championship in two alltime appearances in Omaha. They won their first in 2016 “Todowhat we did today versus that team, as well coachedasthat team is, is really amazing,” coach Kevin Schnall said. “The Chanticleers are one of two teams in the entire country stillplaying. It’sincredible, butit’snot unbelievable. And it’snot unbelievablebecause we’ve got really good players, really goodplayers.”
Louisville (42-24) started left-
LSU
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runs to score and tied the game at 5-5.Junior Jared Jones, who had homered earlier in the night, then shot asingle up the middle off the glove of second baseman Cam Kozeal to allow Hernandez to scoreand end the game. The 6-5 victory sends LSU to the College World Series final against Coastal Carolina. The series begins Saturday at 6p.m. on ESPN.
Chaos reigned throughout the final innings Wednesday.With thescore tied 3-3 in the ninth inning against redshirt sophomore right-hander Chase Shores, Arkansas put two men in scoringposition withone out following asingle anda double fromthird baseman Brent Iredale. The hits prompted LSU to turn to junior right-hander Jacob Mayers, who allowed atwo-run single on the first pitch he threw to center fielder Justin Thomas that handed the Razorbacksa 5-3 lead.
Jones’ heroics began in the bottom of the eighth inning. With LSU trailing 3-2, he blasted asolo home run to right-center field to tie the game. The homer was his 22nd of the year and was hit in almost the same spot as his blast Monday against UCLA.
Jones’ homer was preceded by two runs from Arkansas in the top of the eighth inning. Facing Shores,Arkansas loaded the bases with one out after two singles and ahit by pitch.
TheTigersnearly escaped the jam with an inning-ending double play,but Jones dropped junior second baseman Daniel Dickinson’s throw from second base, which allowed two runs to score. Instead of escaping the inning with a2-1 lead, the Tigers trailed 3-2.
LSU junior right-hander Zac Cowan earned the start and had arguably his best outing of the season when the Tigers needed him the most. He tossed aseason-
RABALAIS
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the 2018 CWS title against Oregon State. It’sanamazing game.It can be brutal as well Brutal. Twice, no three times, it looked like Arkansas had LSU targeted and would force awinner-take-all game Thursday fora berth in the CWS final The first was on Ryder Helfrick’ssolo home runin the fourth off LSU starter Zac Cowan. Nearlyforgotten Zac Cowan, who summoned up agutsy starter’s performance with 51/3 innings of one-run ball. LSU finally broke through on pinch-hitter Jake Brown’s two-run single in the sixth. After Arkansas reclaimed the lead in the eighth, Jared Jones tied it witha398-foot homer.A
handerColton Hartman, primarily areliever whohadn’t appeared in a game since May 17. He didn’t last long.
CadenBodine singled leading off, and Sebastian Alexander and Blake Barthol were hit by pitches to loadthe bases. Walker Mitchell punched aball into right field to bring in two runs, and then Hartman issued afourpitchwalk.
OutwentHartman (2-1)and in came Jake Schweitzer.Colby Thorndyke greeted him with his second bases-clearing double in twogames tomake it 5-0. Thorndyke came home on Ty Dooley’s one-out single and finished3 for 4 with five RBIs.
“Wealways preach when the bases are loaded,the pressure is on the pitcher,” Thorndyke said.
“It’s not on the hitter.He’sgot to throw threestrikes.Ifhethrows four balls, then it’sarun. So we always preach the pressure is on the pitcher.”
TheChanticleers paddedtheir lead withPete Mihos’ two-run triple in the fifth and twomore runs in thesixth. Coastal Carolina is 43-0
STAFF PHOTOSByHILARy
LSU left fielder Derek Curiel celebrates after getting adouble in the first inning of the CollegeWorld Series game between theTigersand the Arkansas Razorbacks at Charles Schwab Field in Omaha, Neb
high 51/3 innings and threw aseason-high 84 pitches, allowing just one earned run on fourhits. He pounded the strike zone, per usual, and struck out six batters.
Theonly mistake Cowan made came in the fourth inning when he allowed asolo home runtocatcher Ryder Helfrick.
Cowanexitedfor redshirt sophomore right-hander Jaden Noot after surrendering aone-out single to right fielderLogan Maxwell in the sixth. Astolen base and awildpitch allowed Maxwell to reach third base with twoouts, but Noot struck out second baseman Cam Kozeal with ahigh fastball to end theinning. LSU grabbed the lead in thebottom of the sixth inning. With runners on second and thirdand oneout, Arkansas elected to walksenioroutfielderJosh Pearson to load the bases. LSUcoach JayJohnson counteredby pinchhitting Jake Brown for Chris Stanfield, andthe sophomore delivered with a
dramatic first-pitch swing, but it looked like it would go for naught as Arkansas’ nine-hole hitter Justin Thomas zipped atwo-run singletoleftthrough a drawn-in infield for a5-3 lead. Thenall “What the hell?” broke loose. Arkansas had a chance to end the gamebut shortstop WehiwaAloy,the Southeastern Conference playerofthe year, inexplicably went tothirdto force out Derek Curiel instead of turning what appeared to be aroutine double play offthe batofSteven Milam. Asecond out,but LSUstill hadlife.
Maybe nine lives. It seemed that way as catcher Luis Hernandez hit adyingline drivetoleft that bounced off theshoulder of left fielder Charles Davalan as he appeared to slip while trying to make a play. That tied it 5-5, driving in Ethan Frey fromsecond
two-run single for a2-1 LSU edge.
Noot forced agroundout to start the seventhinning, but his night came to acloseafter that. He was replaced by Shores, who struck out the next two batterstomaintain LSU’s2-1 lead.
LSU createda fewopportunities early on that it couldn’tcapitalize on.Freshman Derek Curielled offthe first inning with adouble but was stranded at thirdbase. Jones singledtostartthe second, but LSU couldn’t drive himinorjuniorDaniel Dickinson, who was intentionally walked withtwo outs.
Through five innings against juniorleft-hander Landon Beidelschies,the Tigers were held scoreless. They hadjust two hits, and the only walk belongedto Dickinson.
Jones was the only Tiger with multiple hits Wednesday
Email Koki RileyatKoki Riley@theadvocate.com
andMilamfrom first. Then, the coupdegrace. With Hernandez at second, Jones smashed asinglethat ticked off thetop of second baseman CamKozeal’s glove andfellinto the no man’slandofshallow center field. Thatwould be Omaha native CamKozeal, adding insult to injury.Hernandez motored home standing up andthe Tigers wentberserk. An ESPNreporter stuck amicrophone in Jones’face right after it ended, hoping he could findsome way to describe the indescribable “It’sLSU baseball,”he said. “The most magical threeyears of my life. It’s unbelievable. That,all of it, happens to be true
For more LSU sports updates,sign up for our newsletter at theadvocate.com/ lsunewsletter
when leading after six innings.
The Chanticleers made an impressive runthrough their bracket, beating Arizona 7-4 and Oregon State 6-2 before eliminating the Cardinals.Theyled or were tiedall the way through except for ahalfinning against Arizona.
“These guys, ooh, they’ve done it in the last half of the season, in theconferencetournament, in the regionals, in supers, in Omaha, against, as we say,the best teams,”
Louisville coach Dan McDonnell said. “It’simpressive what they’ve done.”
RileyEikhoff (7-2), making his second startinthe CWS, held the Cardinals scorelessuntil Tague Davis drove an RBI double into the right-centergap in the sixth. Matthew Potok, Hayden Johnson and DominickCarbone combined for 32/3 shutout innings of relief.
“Offense goes out there gives youa big lead, it’sbig pressure off yourself,” Eikhoff said. “You go outthere,justdoyourthing,try
and make pitches. Imade quite a few pitches today,and the defense made great plays behind me.Without them,the score wouldn’tbethe same today.”
Cardinals ace Patrick Forbes, who pitched 51/3 innings in a4-3 loss to Oregon State on Friday,had asked to be the starter against the Chanticleers on four days’ rest, according to ESPN. Coach DanMcDonnellplanned to hold him back for apossible secondbracket finalagainst the Chanticleers on Thursday or use him for one inning if needed Wednesday.Hartman’sdisastrous start all but ended Louisville’s hopes of forcing awinner-takeall game.
“I’mjust grateful to be along forthisjourneyand just be one of the people or one of the teams that can go down in thehistory books for Louisville,” Louisville slugger Eddie King said. “This is a special team, andI’m just sadthat it cametoanend today.”
LSU first basemanJared Jones belts asingle on Wednesdayduring the CollegeWorld Series game between the Tigers and the Razorbacks at Charles Schwab Field in Omaha, Neb
SCHEINUK
Kelce: Decision to return a no-brainer
BY DAVE SKRETTA AP sportswriter
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Travis Kelce said the decision to return for his 13th season with the Kansas City Chiefs wasn’t much of a decision at all. In fact, the four-time All-Pro tight end indicated Wednesday that No. 14 isn’t out of the question.
“I got one year on this contract, I know that. And we’ll try to figure out something for next year,” Kelce said after the second day of the Chiefs’ mandatory three-day minicamp, which was moved partially indoors because of lightning in the area
“The Chiefs organization knows how much I love them I can’t see myself playing anywhere else,” Kelce continued. “We’ll deal with (2026) down the road, when the time is right. But right now, I’m focused on winning a championship this year.”
The question of whether the 35-year-old would hang up his cleats was among the biggest to follow the Chiefs’ lopsided loss to the Eagles in the Super Bowl. While he still played at a high level last season, Kelce’s production dipped noticeably — 97 catches for 823 yards and just three touchdowns for a team that won 15 regular-season games Throw in Kelce’s myriad business interests, including a successful media career thanks in part to his popular podcast, and a long-term relationship with pop superstar Taylor Swift, and it made sense to wonder how much longer he would play Yet it only took a matter of weeks for Kelce to decide to chase another championship.
Nelly Korda hits from the fourth tee during the U.S Women’s Open at Erin Hills on May 31 in Erin, Wis. AP
By MATT yORK
Part of it was the way last sea-
son’s run had ended. Kelce had a throwback game in the divisional round against Houston with seven catches for 117 yards, but he only had four for 39 in the 40-22 loss to the Eagles in the Super Bowl.
“Really didn’t feel like it was my last game. Just felt like I had a lot more to prove,” he said. “Yeah, you want to let the emotions die down; you don’t want to make a decision off initial emotions. Once they died down, I felt like I still had that fire in my chest to come in and keep building and chase another Super Bowl, man.”
The Chiefs made it to the Super Bowl despite playing most of the season without their top two wide receivers, Rashee Rice and Marquise Brown, both of whom are fully healthy now after their injuries. They also made it despite massive issues at left tackle, which the Chiefs hope to have solved by drafting Ohio State standout Josh Simmons in the first round.
Now, they have a motivated — and noticeably slimmer — Kelce back at tight end. There were reports that he had dropped about 25 pounds since the end of last season, though Kelce insisted that may have been an exaggeration.
“Don’t believe all you read on the internet, guys. I’m down some weight from the end of last season last year but each year is different, man. You have to rebuild it,” he said.
“This year, I had some time to really focus on some form running and some things early in the offseason that I didn’t have time for last year Certainly feeling good and I think it’ll pay off.”
Patrick Mahomes certainly hopes so. After leading one of the
NFL’s most productive offenses early in his career, Mahomes has struggled to get the Chiefs on track the past couple of seasons, largely because of injuries and offensive line trouble.
Still, the Chiefs’ star quarterback said he never put any pressure on Kelce to return for another season.
“I think you have in the back of your mind, for anybody that’s played a lot of seasons, there’s always the chance if they’re going to come back and put in the work,”
Another quick major chance available for Korda
BY STEPHEN HAWKINS AP sportswriter
FRISCO Texas — Nelly Korda was still in contention on the closing holes and feeling the adrenaline rush of trying to win another major championship before coming up short less than a month ago.
The world’s top-ranked player, still without a win this season, doesn’t have to wait long before another major opportunity
The KPMG Women’s PGA Championship tees off Thursday on the 6,604-yard Fields Ranch East course at PGA Frisco, three weeks after Korda was a runnerup to Maja Stark in the U.S. Women’s Open at Erin Hills.
“There’s nothing like it, being in contention, so I think that’s kind of what makes me hungrier to come back and to work harder and put myself into that position,” Korda said. “You can look at it in a positive way, you can look at it in a negative way but at the end of the day, three weeks after, I can spin it in a positive way.”
While that much-desired U.S. Women’s Open title has so far eluded the 26-year-old Korda, who first played that event at age 14, she has two majors among her 15 career wins: the 2021 Women’s PGA at Atlanta Athletic Club and the Chevron Championship last year. Korda, Jeeno Thitikul and Lydia Ko the top three players in the world — will play together in the first two rounds on one of the two courses at the PGA headquarters that opened just two years ago in North Texas.
“Every major, I just want to make the cut, to be honest,” said Thitikul, the 22-year-old from Thailand already with five career
wins “What I have now under my belt, I’m pretty happy with all I’ve
achieved. If I can get it, it would be great.”
After missing two tournaments late last year during the LPGA’s Asia swing because of a minor neck injury, Korda said her neck “went into a full spasm” after she hit a shot out of the rough during a practice round Monday She skipped the champions dinner that night, and had therapeutic tape on her neck after playing Tuesday, but said she would be ready Thursday
This will be the 10th start for Korda in a season when there have been 15 winners in 15 tournaments, including first-time major champions Stark and Mao Saigo at the Chevron Championship in April.
Korda missed the cut at the Women’s PGA last year at Sahalee after a second-round 81, only weeks after her opening 80 that led to a missed cut at the U.S. Women’s Open. That was after the Chevron Championship had capped an incredible stretch of winning five consecutive tournaments.
“I know that this golf course is a little newer so I’m guessing the greens they’re going to be pretty firm. If it does get windy out here, you’ll see a lot of girls have trouble holding the greens,” she said. “But at the end of the day, this is what I love about playing in majors, this is what I love about the game, is that it tests you in every single way.”
Defending champion
Since her first major win at the Women’s PGA last year, Amy Yang has only one top-10 finish in 20 tournaments. She has missed the cut in two of her last three starts, with her best finish since February a tie for 36th at the U.S. Women’s Open.
The 35-year-old Yang won by three strokes last year and her peers doused her in Champagne during the celebration on the 18th green.
Last major winner Stark said she hasn’t really had time to digest her U.S. Women’s Open victory before getting ready for another major
“Just really hasn’t landed yet,” the 25-year-old Swede said. “(Life) hasn’t changed that much. I feel like maybe a bit less stress about keeping the tour card and that stuff.”
After winning at Erin Hills, Stark missed the cut the following week at the ShopRite LPGA Classic before taking off last week.
“I don’t really feel that much pressure going into majors in normal cases, but I think my perspective is kind of changed in that (the) U.S. Open was something that I always wanted to win,” she said. “I am feeling it more and more coming into this week that I’m getting more and more excited about this major.”
Major stretch and a new course
The Women’s PGA is the second of four majors in a span of eight events over two months. There will be only one other tournament before the Evian Championship in France, then one more before the Women’s British Open.
The par-72 Fields Ranch East also hosted the Senior PGA Championship two years ago. The PGA Championship is set to be played there in 2027 and 2034, with the Senior PGA returning in 2029 and the Women’s PGA in 2031.
“I think (architect) Gil Hanse and the team, they designed this course to host championships,” Ko said. “It’s designed with a purpose.”
Mahomes said. “For him, I think it was just recalibrating, seeing where he was at, and from what I’ve seen, he’s ready to go He’s put in the work this offseason and he’s excited to make another run at it.”
The Chiefs wrap up their threeday minicamp on Thursday, then break for about a month, before reuniting at Missouri Western State University for training camp. And while the thought of spending a few weeks living in college dorm rooms probably doesn’t
sound very enticing to Kelce, the prospect of starting another championship run there clearly drives him.
“I love this game. It’s still my childhood dream,” Kelce said.
“When I really thought about it this offseason, I got back to wanting to focus on this game and getting the most out of this game as I can, while I’m still putting on the cleats and pads. This will always be No. 1 in terms of my business world and career path.”
Saints’ training camp report date is July 22
BY MATTHEW PARAS Staff writer
The New Orleans Saints will report for training camp July 22, the NFL revealed Wednesday
The league announced the reporting dates for all 32 teams, and the Saints will have their rookies and veterans show up on the same day Some teams, such as the New York Giants and San Francisco 49ers, make a distinction between the groups as rookies are allowed to report a full week prior
The NFL also announced the full list of joint practices, with 24 sessions taking place across the league.
But the Saints won’t be one of the teams participating. New Orleans eyed joint practices with the Los Angeles Chargers, but the plans did not materialize.
After reporting, the Saints likely will begin camp the next day, but the team has yet to announce its full schedule. New Orleans will begin camp at its practice facility in Metairie before heading to Irvine, California, for nine days (Aug. 6-15).
After their trip out west, the
Saints will return to Louisiana to finish camp at home.
This year will be the team’s first training camp with coach Kellen Moore, who was hired in February Also on Wednesday, the New Orleans Saints signed tight end Seth Green, whose most recent playing experience came with the Arlington Renegades of the UFL. Green appeared in 10 games with the Renegades this season, tallying 11 receptions for 86 yards and a touchdown. He never has appeared in an NFL game, though he spent about half the 2022 season on the Dallas Cowboys practice squad.
The 6-foot-3, 242-pound Green began his college career at the University of Minnesota before transferring to the University of Houston for his senior season. New Orleans is dealing with multiple injuries from the 2024 season at tight end, as neither Taysom Hill nor Foster Moreau participated in the team’s offseason program while they recover from knee injuries suffered late last season.
Email Matthew Paras at matt. paras@theadvocate.com
Dart’s developement fits in with Giants QBs
BY DENNIS WASZAK JR. AP pro football writer
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J It took no time for Jaxson Dart to become one of the guys in the New York Giants‘ quarterbacks room. The first-round draft pick from Mississippi is drawing rave reviews for his work on and off the football field and his competitive approach and cool confidence have helped him easily get along with Russell Wilson, Jameis Winston and Tommy DeVito. Going in training camp, Wilson is the certain starter, but the spots behind him on the depth chart are up for grabs. And Dart will be given every chance to earn that No. 2 role.
“They’ve had this blueprint and they’ve done it with different quarterbacks and you’ve seen them succeed at the highest level, so I trust them,” Dart said. “For me, I’m just trying to be the most coachable player that I can. I want to play well in the offense. I want to be able to manage it and operate it at the highest level.”
Coach Brian Daboll and the Giants loved what they saw from Dart when they evaluated him before the draft. So much so that general manager Joe Schoen traded back into
the first round to take the Utah native with the 25th overall pick Daboll has spoken about having a plan for Dart through the offseason and into training camp, and so far the rookie has done an “excellent” job, according to the coach.
“He’s fit right in with those guys,” Daboll said. “He’s smart, he’s aggressive with the football, which I like And then the true test will be once we start and there’s live hitting and preseason games.”
Wilson has taken the majority of the snaps with the starters. But Dart has been in for a few plays with the starting offense, while primarily working with the second and third teams.
“It’s good to get him in with the ones,” Daboll said. “There’s usually a level of anxiety at times for young players when they get thrown into the mix.”
Dart, who broke Eli Manning’s school record for yards passing at Ole Miss, said he was “swimming” a bit during his first few days in the NFL.
But he has enjoyed having a lot of information thrown at him to see how much — and how quickly — he can absorb. And he can always turn to Wilson, Winston or DeVito.
ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By CHARLIE RIEDEL
Travis Kelce participates in a drill during practice on Tuesday in Kansas City, Mo.
PHOTO
So freshand so clean
Dear Heloise: Justwanted to mention that Ialways leave the top open after washing clothes for at least aday to make sure the machine dries out This way,Iavoid any bad washing machine odors It’snever agood idea to close up anything that is wet or moist inside. —Liz Nass, via email
Findingyourcar
Colorado Springs, Colorado
Garage sale hint
Hints from Heloise
Dear Heloise: Iwanted to addon to the discussion about finding your car in aparking lot.Ialways pick aparking spot near an easily recognized landmark,like alight pole with anumber on it If this is unavailable, Itake alook at my surroundings and pick another type of landmark (a sign of the business, aclump of trees, etc.) that can help me narrow down my search. Ialso take aquick picture of thearea around my car —Jim Schlagheck, in
Dear Heloise: Making agarage sale more enjoyable was atopic in arecent column.During the third dayofher yard sale, my daughterput up signs saying “donations only today,” and all money/donationswent to alocal cat rescue organization. She made aconsiderable amount for her cause! —GailPowell, via email Is this fried?
Dear Heloise: Your readers should be aware: If an item on a menu is described as “crispy,” “crunchy,” “browned,” “breaded”or“golden,”you can bet your bottom dollar it’sfried. Delores, in Dallas
Send ahint to heloise@heloise. com.
TODAYINHISTORY
By The Associated Press
Today is Thursday,June19, the 170th day of 2025.There are 195 days left in the year.This is Juneteenth.
Todayinhistory:
On June 19, 1865, Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, with news that the Civil Warwas over andthat all remaining enslaved people in Texas werefree —an event now celebrated nationwide as Juneteenth.
Also on this date:
In 1910, the first Father’sDay in the United States was celebrated in Spokane, Washington. (President Richard Nixon would make Father’sDay afederally recognized annual observation through aproclamation in 1972.)
In 1953, Julius Rosenberg,35, and his wife, Ethel, 37, convicted of conspiring to pass U.S. atomic secrets to the Soviet Union,were executed at Sing Sing Prison in Ossining, New York; theywere the first Americancivilianstobe executed for espionage.
In 1963, Soviet cosmonaut Valentina Tereshkova completed her historic flight as the first woman in space, landing safely by parachute to conclude the Vostok 6mission.
In 1964, the landmark Civil Rights Act of 1964 was approved
by theU.S. Senate, 73-27, after surviving alengthyfilibuster
In 1975,former Chicago organizedcrimebossSam Giancana was shot to deathinthe basement of hishome in Oak Park, Illinois; the killing has neverbeen solved.
In 1986, UniversityofMaryland basketball star Len Bias, the first draft pick of theBoston Celtics two days earlier,suffered afatal cocaine-induced seizure.
In 1987, theU.S.Supreme Court, in thecase Edwards v. Aguillard, struck down aLouisiana law requiring any public school teaching the theory of evolution to teach creation science as well.
Today’sBirthdays: Hall of Fame auto racer Shirley Muldowney is 85. Nobel peace prize laureate AungSan SuuKyi is 80. Author Tobias Wolff is 80. Author Salman Rushdieis78. Actor Phylicia Rashad is 77. Rock singer Ann Wilson (Heart) is 75. Actor Kathleen Turner is 71. Singer-choreographer-TV personality Paula Abdul is 63. TV host LaraSpencer is 56. Actor Jean Dujardin is 53. Actor Robin Tunney is 53. Basketball Hall of Famer Dirk Nowitzki is 47. Actor Zoe Saldañais47. Rapper Macklemoreis42. Actor Paul Danois41.
Tortellini Salad with Spring Veggies
Serves2,with leftovers. Recipe is from Gretchen McKay,Post-Gazette.
½poundthin asparagus, trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces
8ounces packaged dried cheese or spinach tortellini
½cup vegetable or olive oil
Juice of 1lemon, plus more forserving 1shallot, minced
1clove garlic, minced Handful of cherry or grape tomatoes, halved Handful of fresh arugula or spinach, optional Handful of chopped fresh basilor parsley,orcombination
½cup grated Parmesan cheese
¼cup toasted pine nuts, optional Red pepper flakes, forgarnish,optional
1. Bring alarge pot of salted water to aboil. Fill abowl with ice water
2. Add asparagus to boilingwaterand cook until it’scrisp-tender, about 60-90 seconds, dependingonthickness. Remove with a slotted spoon and immediately transfer to the ice bath. Letcool, then dry with apaper towel and
SALAD
Continued from page1D
inexpensive if you buy bagged, dried tortellini instead of the fresh pasta you find in therefrigerated section. For this salad recipe, we do just that —toss bagged tortellini with bite-sized pieces of asparagus and juicy cherry tomatoes in an entree salad with alemony, Parmesan-heavy dressingthat literally takes seconds to whisk together
Be sure to plunge the asparagus into an ice bath after it’s been blanched so it doesn’t overcook and stays bright green
Before we get into the recipe, we need alittle bit of backstory on tortellini, which is oneof the most beloved pasta types in NorthernItaly
Some say Castelfranco Emilia in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy gave birth to this tender pastastuffed with everything from ground beef to prosciutto to
Child’sparty must includethe neighbor
Dear Miss Manners: My daughter is turning 9soon, and we will be having asmall partywith four of her closest friends. We are hosting the party at the clubhouse facility in our condo complex. There is afifth girl we know “Kiara,” who alsolives in thecomplex, with whom my daughter sometimes plays. Iconsider her mom somewhat of afriend, though we do not spend time together without the kids. Ourolder sons are friends, as well. However,mydaughter does not wish to inviteKiara to her birthday party because she does not feel as close to her as tothe four friends we’ve invited. Iasked my daughter if she would at least consider inviting Kiara, as she lives directly across from the clubhouse, and she will most likely see the guests and recognize them from school. She will also hear about the party through her brother
right to choose her guests, but I don’twant to exclude Kiara from aparty of people she knows, happening right outside her door.To my way of thinking, that makes US rude! Please let me know how you would handle this. Gentle reader: Is it too late to move?
ficult proposition.
set aside.
3. Return water to aboil and adddried tortellini. Cook according to package instructions(about 10 minutes),stirringoften. Drain tortellini and rinsewith cold water. (This will prevent it from clumpingtogether.) Drainagain, leaving it just thetiniest bit damp.
4. Make vinaigrette: Whisk oil, lemon juice, shallot and garlic together.Season to taste with salt and pepper
5. Prepare salad: Place cooked tortellini in alarge serving bowl. Addvinaigrette and toss wellto combine.
6. Add tomatoes, arugula or spinach, basil, grated Parmesan, pine nuts and cooled asparagus. Toss to combine,then season again with salt and pepper and extra lemon juice if you want some additional zing. Youalso can add afew pinches of dried redpepper,ifdesired.
7. Servewarm, chilledorat room temperature.
amix of cheeses (the city holds an annual festival on the second SundayinSeptember). But Modena to the west and Bologna to the east also claim it as their own. Whatever its geographical origins, tortellini (which means “little cake” or “littlering” in Italian) havebeen feeding the masses forcenturies. In 1570, arich pastadish called tortelletti —madewith capon breast, cow udder,beef marrow,fresh ricotta andwarm spices like cinnamon —appeared in Italian RenaissancechefBartolomeo Scappi’s cookbook, “Opera.” The curved shape of thepasta also is open to acouple different interpretations. One of the most popularisthat itwas inspired by thecontours of abeautiful woman —perhapsVenus,the Roman goddess of love and beauty— who apeepingtom-innkeeper saw when he peered through a keyholeasshe undressed. Therecipethat follows is much easier than Scappi’stortelletti to rustle up after work, and awhole lot cheaper
Miss Manners sees two problems, not one. The first is that Kiara should be included, forthe reasons you mention. It would be best if you had explained this to your daughter from thestart —that you understandand sympathize with her reluctance to include Kiara, but that it will still be a wonderful party and everyone will have agreat time. Kiara lives right across the hall and we do not want her to feel leftout.
Dear Miss Manners: Ihad been giving thoughtful and sometimes expensive birthday and holiday gifts to aclose relative. We are both adults in the sameage group. Istopped giving gifts ayear or twoago because Idid not receive agiftoreven acard formany years. Icontinued to send cards. My relative is now complaining that she doesn’thear from me. This is not true. Ibelieve she is reacting to not receiving gifts. I wish to be kind. Should Iresume the gifts?
Gentle reader: Youmay be right that your relative’scomment is a subtle complaint at the suspension of gifts, but if so, it is too subtle for Miss Manners. Certainly it is no reason to resume giving gifts to someone who neitherreciprocates nor acknowledges them.
My daughter still refuses, saying Kiara has been “rude” at past events. Iwant to respect my daughter’s
Nine-year-olds are old enough to understand, but young enough to moveonifthey realize the point is settled. Which brings us to the second problem:your having leftthe decision up to your daughter.Now you will have to makeclear what theright decision is —amore dif-
Sendquestions to Miss Manners at herwebsite, www missmanners.com; to her email, dearmissmanners@gmail.com; or through postal mailtoMiss Manners, Universal Uclick, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City,MO 64106.
SummerTomato-Basil Salad (with
or without
mozzarella)
Garden-fresh tomatoes
Extra-virgin olive oil Fresh basil, leaves rinsedand dried and rolled together into atight cylinder,then sliced crosswise verythinlyfor achiffonade Coarse salt Fresh mozzarella
1. Cut your tomatoes into bite-sized wedges and place in aserving bowl.
2. Drizzle with alittle olive oiland toss in apalmful of basil chiffonade. Sprinkle in alittle coarse salt. Addmozzarella as desired. Serve without hesitation.
PASTA
Continuedfrom page1D
Now,Iget to be thebright-eyed cooking student as Iwork on my certification as aculinary medicine specialist. This “teach health care professionals to cook and spread the information to their patients” program began at Tulane Medical School in 2012 and has expanded across thecountry Iamfresh from along-weekend culinarymedicine conference, immersedwithexpertsacrossmedical platforms and culinaryprowess. Eachday was rich withfascinating speakers helping guide us all toward“healthmeets food.”
Hundreds of participants gathered from AlaskatoMiami,New EnglandtoNew Orleans, in pursuit of acommon goaltohelpour patients with the complex how-to of nutrition. Choosing from the list of kitchen sessions was as difficult as orderingfrom themost tempting restaurantmenu.For my breakoutsessions, it was an eeny-meenyminey-moe-pick-two among the knife skills,olive oiltasting, bounty of whole grains, stocking your kitchen, flavorful steaming andhandmade pasta classes. Iwent with knife skills even though Istarted wieldinganassortmentofkitchen knives long before Icould write my name. Professional guidance is golden
AglioeOlio Sauce for Pasta
Toss your hot pasta with this flavorful oil in alarge pasta serving bowl. Add spoonfuls of the reserved hot pasta cooking water as desired. The classic formula relies on agood garnish of fresh Italian parsley.Shower the whole bowlwith freshly grated Parmesan, passing more at the table.
1⁄3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
4plump cloves of garlic, peeled and thinly sliced crosswise ¼to½ teaspoon red chili flakes
2. Add the garlic and chili flakes and swirl together off theheat to gently cookthe garlic.Add theparsley and toss the olive oil sauce with your pasta.
3. Serve with Parmesan on top and moreonthe side.
when it comes to sharp things and efficiency in the kitchen. Since Ihave yet to makeittoItaly,I chose the handmade pasta formy second course, and Iamdelighted to share thelove of blending good flour withwater and shaping bits of the dough into fingertip-sized pastashells. The satisfaction of transforming simple ingredients into edible art is contagious. Chef Luca Donofrio served as our instructor forthis pasta in minutes session,describing himself as plastered with as many logos as astock car,including an imported brand of milled flour Rather than tout his sponsors, he urged allofustosource unbleached, unbromated flour Here Iused flour from Hayden
Mills —ablend of wheats, including durum wheat. Notethat different types of flour have different absorption and water ratios. This is the quantity that worked formytype of flour.Heprovided us each with aball of dough and pinballed around the room checking each student’spasta shapes, giving approval even if they were less than perfect. In our one-hour session, each student’sball of dough becamefour or moreservings of little shells.
Release your inner child, tie on your apron and let the flour fly Cooking can be messy.I call it happy kitchen chaos, which Iembrace with healthy gusto. Gather manyhands at the counter and join the fun.
Judith Martin MISS MANNERS
April Hamilton shapes freshdough into noodles
STAFF PHOTOSByHILARy SCHEINUK
Summer Tomato-Basil Salad (withmozzarella)
GEMInI(May 21-June 20) Alittle charm will go alongway when dealing with authorityfiguresand bureaucracy. Stating factsand offering backup will put others at ease andturnyou into the go-to person in your circle.
cAncER (June 21-July 22) Focusonsomethingworthwhile. Positive change will result from investing in yourself. Develop what you enjoy doing mostand turn it into aprofitable endeavor.
LEo (July23-Aug. 22) Pay attention and refusetolet anyone sidetrack or take advantage of you. Partnerships require equalitytorun effectively. Communication andhonesty are your ticket to a better future.
VIRGo (Aug.23-sept. 22) Go theextra mile and make alasting impression. Physicalactivity will give you an outlet for pent-up energy andhelp youeliminate whatever stopsyou from reaching your goal.
LIBRA (sept. 23-oct. 23) Rethink your relationships andconsider whoreciprocates andwho doesn't. Don'twait for opportunities to come to you; make things happen and take creditwhere credit is due.
scoRPIo (oct. 24-nov. 22) Be observant, not chatty. Give what'shappening around you achance to settle down before you figure outyourbest route forward. Connectthe dots, study the outcomes and redesign how you want to move forward.
sAGIttARIus (nov. 23-Dec. 21) Take a closer look at your surroundings. Map
out aplantoredistribute what you no longer need.Stop carrying emotional and physical baggage. It's time for a reinvention.
cAPRIcoRn (Dec. 22-Jan.19) Stick close to home, addressmattersofconcern anddeal with relationships that need an adjustment. Achange will be uplifting even if it initially requires some discomfort.
AQuARIus(Jan. 20-Feb.19) Moneymanagement is essential.Goover your investmentsand reduce your overhead. Pursue outlets that enhance your health and emotional well-being.
PIscEs (Feb. 20-March20) Astringent approach to saving money will help yourstateofmind andencourage you to avoidpitfalls. Be open with those trying to tempt youintodoingthings that aren't within your budget.
ARIEs(March 21-April 19) Setboundaries andbudgets, andadopt aminimalist attitude.Keeping your life andneedsinperspective will saveyou time and money. Choose peace of mind instead of adding morestress to your daily routine.
tAuRus (April 20-May 20) Get the facts; if youjump to conclusions, you'll make a mistake. Work toward your goal behind closed doorstoavoidoutside interference. Someone will take advantage of you if you let them.
Celebrity Cipher cryptograms arecreated from quotations by famous people, past and present.Eachletter in the cipherstands for another.
toDAy'scLuE: PEQuALs J
beetLe bAILeY
Mother GooSe And GrIMM
Sudoku
InstructIons: sudoku is anumber-placing puzzle based on a9x9 grid with severalgiven numbers. The object is to place the numbers 1to9 in the empty squares so that each row, each column and each 3x3 boxcontains the same number only once. The difficulty level of the sudoku increases from monday to sunday
Yesterday’sPuzzleAnswer
THewiZard oF id
BLondie
BaBY BLueS
Hi and LoiS
CurTiS
By PHILLIP ALDER
This week we are lookingatvarious aspectsoftheStaymanconvention.What is thefewest number of points you need to useStayman? Normally,responder will have at least enough points to invite game.So, opposite aone-no-trump opening that shows 15-17 points, responder will have nine high-card points (oreight with afivecard suit in aminor). However, assuming that you employ transfers intothe majors, it is possible to useStayman with zero points —whatis called garbageStayman. You mayhave 4-4-5-0distribution,whenyouplantopass whatever opener rebids. Or youhave(in principle) at least 5-5 in the majors. If opener rebids two of amajor, you pass, knowing it is anine-card fit. Or, if opener rebidstwo diamonds, you continue with two hearts. Then, opener passes with three hearts (as in this deal), or corrects to twospadeswith three spades andtwo hearts. Against two hearts, West leadsthe trumpqueen.How should Southcontinue?Note that oneno-trump shouldbe defeated
South should plan to ruff aspade on the board. He should win thefirst trick andcall for the spade king. East should win with theace and return his second heart. But South wins on the board, plays
wuzzles
is
aspade to his queen, and leads athird spade.IfWestruffs, it is with his trump trick,andSouthcanruffthefourthround of spadesinthe dummy to make an overtrick.IfWestdiscards,Southruffsonthe boardand finishes with eight tricks: two spades, one spade ruff, four hearts and oneclub.
creates adisguised word, phrase, name, place, saying, etc. For example: nOOn gOOD =gOOD aFTErnOOn
Previous answers:
word game
InstRuctIons: 1. Words must be of four or more letters. 2. Words
Averagemark 19
Timelimit
loCKhorNs
TheLordputs asong in the heartofHis people. G.E. Dean
marmaduKe
Bizarro
hagar the horriBle
Pearls Before swiNe
garfield
B.C.
PiCKles hidato mallard
dIrectIons: make a2-to 7-letter word fromthe letters in each row. add points of each word, using scoring directions at right. Finally 7-letter words get 50-point bonus. “Blanks” used as any letter have no point value. allthe words are in the Official sCraBBlE® players Dictionary, 5th Edition. For more information on tournaments and clubs,email naspa –north american sCraBBlE playersassociation: info@scrabbleplayers.org.Visit ourwebsite:www.scrabbleplayers.org. For puzzle inquiries contact scrgrams@gmail.com
ken ken
InstructIons: 1 -Each row and each column must contain the numbers 1thorugh 4(easy) or 1through 6 (challenging) without repeating. 2 -The numbers within the heavily outlined boxes called cages, must combine using the given operation (in any order) to produce the target numbers in the top-left corners 3 -Freebies: Fill in the single-box cages with the number in the top-left corner.
Yesterday’s Puzzle Answer
WiShinG Well
HErE is aplEasanTliTTlE gamE that will give you amessage everyday.it’s a numerical puzzle designed to spell outyourfortune.Count thelettersinyourfirstname.if the numberofletters is 6ormore, subtract4.ifthe numberisless than 6, add 3. The result is your key number. start at theupperleft-hand cornerand check each of yourkey numbers, left to right.Then read themessage thechecked figuresgive you
Scrabble GramS
Get fuzzy
jump Start
roSe iS roSe
animal crackerS
DuStin
Drabble
Wallace the brave
breWSter rockit
luann
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don’tmiss don’tmiss don’t miss
krampus alpine luau
Blend the frosty funof the Alps with thesunny sensations of the South for arare experience with one of the city’s colorful krewes. Jointhe Krewe of Krampus at 5:30 p.m. Saturday at The Broadside, 600 N. Broad St.,for surf rockfrom TheMystery Shipps and Ukulele Jake, plus amuumuucontest and mermaids.There’s also aphoto booth, tiki bar (ofcourse) andvendors.
Tropical or Alpine wear,ora combination of thetwo, are de riguer.Tickets start at $25. kreweofkrampus.com.
juneteenth fest and gala
Followingasecond-line at noon Thursday to kickoff two daysofevents, entertainment at Armstrong Park’s Congo Square includes Voodoo Queen KalindahLaveaux, Watotos of Kumbaka, Nell Simmons, Game Ova Skipp andJelly Joseph, plus vendorsand ayouth stage. Come back at 7p.m.Friday for the Freedom Gala,with the theme “BlackTense,” at theAndré Cailliou Center,2541 Bayou Road. Singer Tarriona “Tank”Ball, of Tank and theBangas,isset to receivethe 2025 North STAR award. Music by Alfred Banks andRaion Ramsey.Ticketsfor thegala start at $95. nolajuneteenthfestival.org.
sip+dip
Get out those swimsuits and tap shoes (no, not really)for a musicals-themed night of aqua-fun and show tunes at the Audubon Zoo’slatest adults-only after-hours event at the Cool ZooWaterpark. Be entertained by local DJ 2Ready mixingupthe musical merriment and Broadwayclassics, andenjoy specialty cocktails themed for the night, as well as savory bites. Gates open at 7 p.m. Friday at 6500 Magazine St. Tickets start at $75. audubonnatureinstitute.org.
The Crescent City Sound Chorus presentsan evening of music, laughter,desserts and asilent auction. Entertainment also includes thedebut of the Nocturne Quartet, the Mosaic Quartet, Blue Baris andaCajun joke contest. The fundraiser at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at Deutsches House, 1700 Moss St., benefits the localchamps headed to the Sweet Adeline International competition. crescentcitysoundchorus.com.
events events events
adult spelling bee
Spelling enthusiasts18 and over can test their skills at 7p.m. Thursday at the East BankRegional Library,4747W.Napoleon Ave., Metairie. The free event aims to promptgood spelling and spelling habits, expand the vocabulary and have agoodtime. Competitors will be eliminated whenthey misspellaword. Prizes are gift certificates to the Friends of the Library’s Big Book Sale in the fall. Registration is not required.jefferson.lib.la.us
Looking to fill your bookshelf without spending afortune? Allyou need is $5 to $10, and you’ll get a mystery box to complement your summer reading goals
Friends of the Jefferson Public Library will sellboxes of books, CDs and DVDs at awarehouse saleon Saturday
Categories sellingfor $5 include CDs, children’sbooks, cookbooks, romance and fiction. DVDs will sell for $10 per box. Allitems were donated by people acrossthe parish, and profits go to theJefferson Parish Library,said Peg Phelps, the publicity chair
“Bring abig enough vehicle to fit everything,” Phelps saidwith a laugh.
or while supplies last, at theEast BankRegional Library,4747 W. Napoleon Ave., in Metairie. Admission and
Friends of the Jefferson Public Librarywill sell boxes of books, CDsand DVDs at awarehouse sale on Saturday at the East Bank Regional LibraryinMetairie.
parking is free. Checks won’tbeaccepted, so be sure to bring cash, cards or your phone formobile payments.
summerneutrals
LAGNIAPPE STAFF
The Lagniappe section is publishedeach ThursdaybyThe Times-Picayune |The NewOrleansAdvocate. All inquiries about Lagniappe should bedirectedto the editor.
CONTRIBUTINGWRITERS: Victor Andrews, Hannah Levitan, Ian McNulty, Maddie Scott, Dean M. Shapiro, Keith Spera
Each box is about12by18inches, Phelps said, and 300 to 400 boxes will be up for sale. Each box contains adifferent number of items depending on the category and size of the item. Abox of paperbacks could fit up to 50 books,while a box of children’sbooks could have double the number
“Wedon’t let anyone peek in thebox until they buy thebooks,” Phelps said. “Somaybe there’sa little bit of treasure hunting, you know,inthe back of their minds.”
Thesaleisfrom 9a.m. to 1p.m.,
GETLISTEDINLAGNIAPPE
Submit events to Lagniappe at leasttwo weeksinadvance by sending an emailto events@theadvocate.com.
ON THECOVER
Cane &Table in the French Quarter is known for its fine cocktails and evocative setting.Provided photo. Writer Hannah Levitan runs down alistofcitywide happy hours.Story on Page 6.
STAFFSTAFF PHOTO By SCOTT THRELKELD
stages stages stages
Funny. Foolish. Improv.(Un)prompted
Anything canhappenattwo one-night-only performances,partofShakespeare Fest at Tulane
While the New Orleans ShakespeareFestivalat Tulane University enters its finalweekend of asuccessful runwith afarce byFrench playwright Molière, it also is preparing for two single-night productions —one done from starttofinish in one dayand the other amelding ofimprovisation and the playwright’sworks.
we comeback andperform it for an audience.”
ä Forshows in production, visit nola.com.
As part of the festival, one ofWilliam Shakespeare’splays is practiced, costumed, rehearsed and performed all in the same day, billed as“(un)prompted.”
Audiences will be treated to “the beautifully heartbreaking” work “The Tragedy of KingLear,”directed by Graham Burk, the festival’s interim artistic director and Tulane lecturer,onJune 28
The show,afaithful presentation of thework,will be aversion edited by thelate Buzz Podewell, festival co-founder.
While some participants will memorize their rolesbeforethe day of production, initialrehearsals usually involvethe actorshanging on to their scripts for the first few runthroughs
Burk said the concept of “(un) prompted” hasevolved into what the festivalwill present.
“I came up with the ideabecausewehad donesome staged readings,” said Burk, adding thatcast usually are armed with the printed wordand have limited movement. “I feel like and Ithought that everyone having ascript in their hand was hampering their ability.” Instead, monitorswill be located around the theater,visible to actorsand audiencealike
Burk, who studied at London’sGlobe Theatre duringgraduate school, learnedthatplayers at thefamed theater would prepare forashowinone day Forthe local production, atight timeline keepsthe action going.
“The actors meet at 10 a.m. for the first time,” said Burk,for “all the stage fighting. We’lllearn all of that first.”
From there, it’soff to costumes and lunch with afull rehearsaltofollow.
“Westart at the top of the show and run through the whole show,” Burk said. “Wehave full lights, sound, projections and then we take adinner break and then
While there aremonitorslocated around the space and actorsare free to prepare in advance, some of the roles are extensive, like Lear,who will be playedby
John Neisler
The actors aren’tthe only ones who get to see the oftenintricatelanguage of Shakespeare. The audience, too, can read the lines,similar to theNew Orleans Opera’s supertitles, or closed-captioning on streaming services
“As dense as Shakespeareis, it makes it more accessible,” Burk said.
And it also helps withthe high-energy atmosphere generated by acompact creative process.
“By having everything socondensed, everyone has to comewithsucha high amount of focus, the energy is incredible,” he said. “The level of focus is intense. The audience can feel that as well.”
More to show
On Wednesday,before“Lear”takes to the stage, the festivalgetsfunny with a“foolish” evening for alook at the bard through the lens of improvisationcomedy for “The Fools Ensemble presents .AVeryImportant Play, Again.”
Anotherannual element of the festival, the clever castofcharacters will present thedebut of afresh “Shakespeare” play that will, most likely,never be seen again.
All of theproductions will be at Lupin Theater in DixonHall AnnexonNewcombCircle of theUptown campus.
The seasonal company wraps itsopening production of Molière’s“The Imaginary Invalid” with performances at 7:30 p.m. Fridayand Saturday at 1:30 p.m. Sunday.
In July,“AMidsummer Night’s Dream”takestothe stage for adozen performances.
For information, visit neworleansshakespeare.org
Asummerplace
Marigny Opera House will be theseasonal site of four residenciesfromdiverse sectors of the arts world Friday through September,fromdance and voicetotheater andburlesque
The VanElla Bordella, choreographer Calvin Rowe, producer Bogdan Mynka and IntramuralTheater
In 2024, the NewOrleans Shakespeare Festivalat Tulane University staged what the festivalbilled as an ‘(un)prompted’ performance of ‘Macbeth.’Thisyear,itis presenting ‘The TragedyofKing Lear’ in the samestyle, in which actors learnthe script, rehearse and perform the play in one day, on June 28.
Company will take to the performance spaceat725 St. Ferdinand St. for multiple nights of programing, according to Dave Hurlbert, founder and artistic directorofMarginy Opera House.
At 8p.m.Friday through Monday will be “Salon de Plaisir” by VanElla Bordella, an original musical composedand created by Hannah Kreiger-Benson. Fashioned in the style of 19th-century Paris, the mix of cabaret, ensemble dance and “tease” arepresented in agrand parlor setting.
July 28-31 will feature “Fluid,” anew dance by Rowe, performed by eight with music by Landon Strause. The work melds dance, spoken word and contemporary pole dancing.
“TheShakespeare Opera Project,” by BogdanMynka, will run Aug. 29-31 and include two quartets of dancers and singers in an original production, tapping into Shakespeare, Giuseppe Verdi’s“Macbeth” and Henry Purcell’s“The Fairy Queen.”
Intramural Theater Company will take to the space in September for its fall residency.The group is known for physical and spatial experiments with original scripts, using live music and visualarts for immersive, site-responsive works.
For information on tickets and more, visit marignyoperahouse.org.
Email Victor Andrews at vandrews@theadvocate. com.
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Victor Andrews
Burk
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CLOCKWISE FROM BOTTOM LEFT: Find happy hours at spots like34Restaurant &Bar in the CBD,’80s-themed Hungry Eyes Uptown, Wrong Iron in Mid-City, Bacchanal wine bar in the Bywater and Velvet Cactus in Lakeview.
JUST IN TIME
60-PLUS PLACES TO TRyFOR HAPPYHOUR AROUND THECITy
BY HANNAH LEVITAN Staff writer
During theheight of summer,happy hour specials are oneincentive for residents to ventureout in New Orleans’ heat and humidity
Summer is atraditionally slow time for theCrescent City’srestaurant industry,and sharingafew cheap bites and drinks can be oneway to support local businesseswithoutbreakingthe bank.
Before your next outing, here’sa look at our listofover 60 spots throughout thecity where youcan find deals on fresh oysters, tapas and, of course, alcohol.
ä See HAPPY HOUR, page 8
FILE PHOTOS
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HAPPY HOUR
Continued from page 7
CBD AND WAREHOUSE
Fresh oysters, subtropical cocktails and Latin-style tapas are all on the menu at these different spots for happy hour, catering to a range of cravings.
n Copper Vine, 1001 Poydras St., 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday
n Maria’s Oyster Bar, 752 Tchoupitoulas St., 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. daily
n Baroness on Baronne, 339 Baronne St., 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday through Friday
n Bésame, 110 S. Rampart St., opening to 5 p.m., Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday
n Saint John, 715 St. Charles Ave., 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. daily
n 34 Restaurant & Bar, 714 Baronne St., 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. daily
n Juan’s Flying Burrito, 515 Baronne St., 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. daily
n Meril, 424 Girod St., 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. daily
n Sidecar Patio & Oyster Bar, 1114 Constance St., 4 p.m. to 6 p.m Monday through Friday
n Briquette, 701 S. Peters St., 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. daily
n Good Catch, 828 Gravier St., 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. daily
FRENCH QUARTER
Instead of spending a late night out in the Quarter, consider stopping by these elegant spots for an early drink or two.
n Peacock Room, 501 Tchoupitoulas St., 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. daily
n Cane & Table, 1113 Decatur St., 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday
n Curio, 301 Royal St., 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday
n Kingfish, 337 Chartres St., 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday
n The Will & The Way, 719 Toulouse St., 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. daily
TREME
In the heart of this centuries-old neighborhood, you can enjoy happy hour while enjoying Cajun cuisine at Gabrielle Restaurant, 2441 Orleans
Ave. Happy hour is from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Wednesday through Friday
MARIGNY
Next to colorful shotgun homes and jazz music venues, the Marigny is home to some of the coolest spots around that double as your new goto happy hour
n Morrow’s, 2438 St. Claude Ave., 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday
n The Elysian Bar, 2317 Burgundy St., 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. daily and 10 p.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday
n The Rambler, 507 Frenchmen St., 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday
n Marigny Brasserie, 640 Frenchmen St., 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. daily
n Silk Road India, 2483 Royal St., 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday
n Anna’s, 2601 Royal St., downstairs
4 p.m. to 6 p.m. daily, upstairs 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. daily
UPTOWN
Whether you want a quick bite to eat or a boozy start to dinner, there’s no shortage of happy hour spots — classic and trendy — in Uptown.
n Oak & Ale, 8118 Oak St., 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Friday
n Hungry Eyes, 4206 Magazine St., 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, wine specials 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday
n The Library, 3629 Prytania St., 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. Tuesday, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday
n Baru, 3700 Magazine St., 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday
n Costera, 4938 Prytania St., 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday
n Mister Oso, 601 Tchoupitoulas St., 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday and Friday
n The Avenue Pub, 1732 St. Charles Ave., 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday
n Tito’s Ceviche & Pisco, 1433 St. Charles Ave., 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, except for major holidays
n Beggars Banquet, 1330 Prytania St., 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
n Lula Restaurant Distillery, 1532 St. Charles Ave., 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. daily, bottomless vodka 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
n Central City BBQ, 1201 S. Rampart St., 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday
n Gris-Gris, 1800 Magazine St., 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. daily
n The Bower, 1320 Magazine St., 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. daily
n Bayou Bar, 2031 St. Charles Ave., 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday
n Barrel Proof, 1201 Magazine St.,
STAFF FILE PHOTO By BRETT DUKE
Gabrielle restaurant in Treme offers happy hour from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Wednesday through Friday.
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4p.m. to 6p.m. daily
MID-CITY
If you’re looking to sip andsnack in asleek, new restaurant or enjoy happy hour specialswitha side of crawfish, Mid-City hasitall.
n Wrong Iron,3532 Toulouse St., 3p.m to 7p.m. Monday through Friday
n Bayou Beer and Wine Garden,326 N. Norman C. Francis Parkway,3 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday through Friday
n The Holy Ground,3340 Canal St., 2p.m. to 3a.m. Monday through Friday
n Twelve Mile Limit,500 S. Telemachus St., 5p.m. to 7p.m. Monday through Friday
n Blue Oak BBQ,900 N. Carrolton Ave., 3p.m. to 6p.m. Monday through Friday
n Parkview Tavern,910 N. Carrollton Ave., 4p.m. to 7p.m. daily
n Ralph’sonthe Park,900 CityPark Ave., 4p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Monday, 4p.m.to6 p.m.Tuesday through Friday
n Cafe Degas,3127 EsplanadeAve., 3p.m. to 5p.m. Wednesday and Thursday
n Santa Fe Restaurant &Bar,3201 Esplanade Ave., 4p.m.to6p.m.Tuesday through Friday
BYWATER
If you’re looking for abohemian scene with laid-back nightlife, consider heading to the Bywater for aglass of wine and ornatecheeseboard.
n Origen Bistro,3600 St. ClaudeAve., 3p.m.to6 p.m. Monday through Friday
n Bacchanal Wine,600 PolandAve., 4p.m. to 6p.m. Monday through Friday
The Elysian Bar at Hotel Peter &Paul in the Marignyoffers happy hours from 3p.m.to 6p.m.daily and from 10 p.m. to midnightFriday and Saturday.
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n The CountryClub,634 Louisa St., 4p.m.to7p.m. Monday through Friday
n Capulet,3014 Dauphine St., 4p.m. to 6p.m.Monday through Thursday
LOWER9TH WARD
Foramore casual, neighborhood setting, stop by theLower 9th for happy hour with locally sourced ingredients and live music.
n KitchenTableCafe,7005 St. Claude Ave., 2p.m.to6 p.m. daily
n Pirogue’s Whiskey Bayou,6940 St. ClaudeAve., 5p.m. to 7p.m. daily
LAKEVIEW
Aroundthe corner from charming neighborhoods, residentscan take advantage of the area’sextensive happy hours —some lasting eight hourslong.
n Velvet Cactus,6300 Argonne Blvd., 4:30 p.m. to 6p.m.Monday,Tuesday andThursday,2p.m. to 6p.m. Friday
n Pizza Domenica,117 W. Harrison Ave., 3p.m. to 5p.m. Monday through Friday
n Parlay’s,870 Harrison Ave., 11 a.m. to 7p.m.Monday through Friday
n Juniors on Harrison,789 Harrison Ave., 3p.m.to6 p.m. Friday
n The Basin,152 W. Harrison Ave., 4p.m.to7p.m. Monday through Friday
NEWORLEANS EAST
Despite its distance from downtown,New OrleansEast has successful, small restaurants and lounges that offer happy hour specials, including The Verdict Restaurant and Lounge, 9301 Lake Forest Blvd. Ste. 100, from 5p.m.to7p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.
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TOUPS FEST 5p.m.to8p.m. Sunday| The Broadside,600 N. Broad St Headliner:Lost BayouRamblers
Toups’ Meatery’s bigCajun partyaims to help feed others
It’snot just themodernCajun food and kicking cracklin’ coming through thekitchen at Toups’ Meatery,845 N. Carrollton Ave. The small family-run spot in MidCity has areputation for generosity and a growing reach through an extraordinary communityfeeding program.
Next weekend, there’sa new way to contribute to the effort, and have a good time too with Cajun music and lots of food.
The term“family meal” normally refers to arestaurant’spre-shift staff meal. It took on new meaning at Toups’ Meatery when the pandemic closed restaurants. Toups’ kept cooking for staff and extended the offer to others put out of work, growingitinto amassive feeding campaign.
Lastyear,the network and knowhow behind that effort was revived after Louisiana refused to accept millionsinfederal funding to support summer meals for kids in danger of going hungry.Restaurant founders Amanda and Isaac Toups decided to turn their restaurant into ahub to help fill thegap themselves.
The state later reversed its decision, but theneed continued, andthat spurred astunning effort to provide 70,000 meals during thesummer through one small restaurant.The family formed thenonprofit Toups Family Meal to continue the giving and the feeding campaign.
To support theeffort, thefamily and its supporters are again hostingToups Fest, afundraiser at the Broadside on Sunday
LostBayou Ramblersheadline
Owners Amanda and Isaac Toups turned Toups’ Meatery’sfamily meal into away to getfood to those less fortunate.
along with Midriff.
If you’re not been, the Broadside is the fantastic multiuse venue that has grownout of apandemic pivot from the adjacent Broad Theater.It’samusic venue, event hall and abar with its own restaurant, the Japanese-style tavern Nikkei, which is acontinuation of the former downtownrestaurant Carmo.
Nikkei’smenu and Broadside’sbars will be available during the fest. Gettickets to Toups Fest in advance at toupsfamilymeal.com or at the door (suggested donation is $40).
Email IanMcNulty at imcnulty@ theadvocate.com.
STAFF FILE PHOTOByIAN McNULTy
Ian McNulty
music music music
Keith Spera
It’s arelativelyquiet summer week in NewOrleans,but you canstill find greatlocal musicin theclubs.
OTHERNOTEWORTHYSHOWS
THURSDAY
Geno Delafose &French
Rockin’ Boogie
Cuban-born percussionist
Alexey Marti powers his AfroGumbo ensemble at SnugHarbor Jazz
Bistro at 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.
Tickets are $30.
Geno Delafose &French Rockin’ Boogie keep thedancers moving for the weekly Zydeco Night at Rock ’N’ Bowl. Admission is $15.
ANAMUSIC FACTORY33& 1 3RD ANNIVERSARY
FRENCHMEN ST.
usic Factory,the independent record store that specializes in local releases on both opened in February2022. Under normal circumstances, the Music Factory would s30th anniversary in February2022. Butthe lingering effects of the pandemic to abig party
Music Factory will celebrateits “33& 1⁄3rd anniversary” —which corresponds to the ions per minute at which most12-inch vinyl recordsspin—with afree, daylong performances.
kicks off at noon with trumpeter Kermit Ruffins,followed by the TinMen,blues guitarist trombonist Corey Henry.The final set,featuring the legendary Cyril Neville with his son The Fuel,starts at 5p.m.
FRIDAY
The Honey Island SwampBand is featured for this week’sinstallment of the summerlong “Free Fridays”series at Tipitina’s. Sweet Magnolia opens the show at 9p.m.
Percussionist and vibraphonist Jason Marsalis stages atributetoLionel Hampton at 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.Friday. Tickets are $40.
Blues veteran Little Freddie King and his band hit d.b.a. on Frenchmen Street from 6p.m. to 9p.m. At 10 p.m.,trombonist Corey Henry’sTreme Funktet takes over at d.b.a.
Singer-songwriter Mia Borders plugs in at Chickie WahWah. Tickets are $20 plus fees.
Catch popular cover band The Mixed Nuts at Rock ’N’ Bowl ($15).
SATURDAY
Perpetual Groove,the long-running quasijamband from Georgia, plugs in at Tipitina’s. The Caleb Tokarska Band opens the show at 9p.m. Tickets are $31.
Guitarist Papa Mali fronts atrio at
Chickie WahWah alongside bassist Rene Coman and drummer Eric Bolivar.Tickets are $20 plus fees.
Prolific traditional NewOrleans jazz clarinetist and composer Dr.Michael White leads his Original LibertyJazz Band at 7:30 p.m.and 9:30 p.m.atSnug Harbor. ($40).
Zydeco accordionist and singer Dwayne Dopsie &the Zydeco Hellraisers fire up at 10 p.m.atd.b.a.; admission is $10.
It’s White Linen Latin Night, aka Noche de San Juan, at Rock ’N’Bowl with JavierOlondo &Asheson and special guest DJ Nayo.Admission is $15.
Little Freddie King
The Honey Island Swamp Band
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SUNDAY
Classically trained pianist Lilli Lewis boasts an operatic voiceand aknack forwriting deeply affectingsongs that draw on folk, soul, funk,pop and other genres. Hear her andher trio at 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. at Snug Harbor.Tickets are$30.
DeeBaby brings his “Ms. Salazar Tour” to the House of Blues, with Fresco Trey opening.Tickets start at $37 plus fees.
MONDAY
New Orleans singer and entertainer Charmaine Neville holds down her regular Monday gig at Snug Harbor at 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.Tickets are $30.
TUESDAY
ThieveryCorporation hits the House of Blues; tickets startat$45.
Honduran-born, NewOrleansbased pianist Oscar Rossignoli is fluent in both the classical and jazz genres, and in synthesizing them. He is often featured with singer JohnBoutte’s band, but also leads his own projects. Hear him at 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m at Snug Harbor.Tickets are $30.
WEDNESDAY
Trumpeter KurtBrunus and his Project play afree show at 5p.m.atSnug Harbor.Later at Snug,trombonist Terrance Taplin leads the Uptown Jazz Orchestra at 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m ($45).
Email Keith Spera at kspera@ theadvocate.com.
OperaCréolemarks Juneteenth with ‘Songs of Victory’
BY DEAN M. SHAPIRO
Contributing writer
On June 19, 1865, aUnion general arrived inGalveston, Texas, with acopy of the Emancipation Proclamation, whichheread, officially announcing enslaved people were free.
Sincethen, June 19 has been designated as Juneteenth, celebrating the end of slaveryand spotlighting the heritage of AfricanAmericans and their contributions to the country’sculture and way of life
In 2021,itwas declared an official national holiday.
To commemoratethe occasion, the New Orleans musical nonprofit OperaCréole is presenting“Songs of Victory,” showcasing thetalents of six localsingers in aprogram ofspirituals, opera ariasand art songs on Sundayatthe NewMarigny Theater.
will discuss making the piece, andshe’ll narrate aslideshow of highlightsfrom the performance.
“People can seewhat that journey was like and what avictorious homecoming it was for Edmond Dédé,” Joseph said.
Spirituals andarias
During the performance, Joseph will sing “OverMyHead,” aspiritual often sung in Black churches and other celebratoryoccasions,plus thesong “Witness” by Hal Johnson, withanew lyric added.
‘SONGSOF VICTORY’
WHEN: 3p.m.Sunday WHERE: The NewMarigny Theater,2301 Marais St. TICKETS: $30 +$0.75 ticket service fee INFO: (504) 356-3078. operacreole.org
“Theideaofwhat we are tryingtocommunicate on Juneteenth is how we foundmomentsof triumph,” said Givonna Joseph,co-founder —withher daughter Aria Mason —ofOperaCréole. “It’s about how we triumphed over our circumstances and how we found victory politically and in our spiritsand among each other.”
Researching, performing lost works
In addition to presenting aprogramof songs, the occasion is alsoafundraiser for the14-year-old organization that describes its mission as being “dedicated to researching and performing lost or rarely performed works by composers of Africandescent.”
The company focuses on works by free 19th-century New Orleans composers of color,promoting Louisiana’s Creole language and culture.
In January,OperaCréole presented the worldpremiereofanopera, “Morgiane,” created morethan 130 years agoby African American composer Edmond Dédé.
Duringthe Juneteenth event, Joseph
Otherperformerswill include Valencia Pleasant singing “My Name is Harriet Now” from the opera“Harriet Tubman,” Herbert Spurlock singing “Steal Away,” Taylor J. Whitesinging “Ride on King Jesus”and “He’sGot the Whole World (inHis Hands)” and Sakinah Davis singing “Dream Variations” and the spiritual “Lil’ David.”
Rounding out the performance will be Lindsey Reynolds, who is returning to her home city from Chicago, where she sang akey role in the world premiere of “She Who Dared,”anoperatic tribute to some of the lesser-known women who played vital roles in theearly years of the Civil Rights Movement.
She will be portraying Claudette Colvin, who at 16 years old was arrested for refusing to give up her seat on a bus in Montgomery,Alabama,several months before themorefamous Rosa Parks did likewise.
The aria “Burn it Down,” Reynolds explained, “captures Claudette’sanger and pain and it’sa cryagainst injustice in asystem that was never made to protect her.It’sanintense and moving piece and I’m truly grateful tobebringing it to life as part of this Juneteenth celebration.”
Laveau painting
“Weare so gladtohave Lindsey with us for this concert. Iamsoproud of all she hasaccomplished,” Joseph said,
noting that Reynolds studied with her in her private voice studio before going on to the NewOrleans Center for the Creative Arts.
Joseph also praised the assistance she received from Pleasant and White, her production and rehearsal coordinators who accompanied her when the “Morgiane” production went on tour “They’ve been my two right hands,” she said.
The Juneteenth event will also feature an auction for apainting by Andrew LaMar Hopkins, titled “Marie Laveau at the French Opera House.” Joseph noted that she is descended from Laveau’shalf-sister,also named Marie Laveau, and she suggested the subject to the artist.
Commenting on the Juneteenth celebration, Joseph said, “People are trying to suppress our history with this anti-DEI, anti-gender,anti-women’s rights rhetoric, but we’re notgoing back. We’re going to move forward as a people and find victory in this moment.”
