The Advocate 06-28-2025 by The Advocate

Court limits nationwide injunctions

Fate of Trump birthright citizenship order unclear

BY MARK SHERMAN Associated Press

WASHINGTON A united conserva-

tive majority of the Supreme Court ruled Friday that federal judges lack the authority to grant nationwide injunctions, but the decision left unclear whether President Donald Trump’s restrictions on birthright citizenship could soon take effect in parts of the country

The outcome represented a victory for Trump, who has complained about judges throwing up obstacles to his agenda. Nationwide, or universal, injunctions had emerged as an important check on the Republican president’s executive power and efforts to remake the government and a source of mounting frustration to him and his allies. But the court left open the pos-

sibility that the birthright citizenship changes could remain blocked nationwide Trump’s order would deny citizenship to U.S.-born children of people who are in the country illegally or temporarily The cases now return to lower courts, where judges will have to decide how to tailor their orders to comply with the high court ruling, which was written by Justice Amy Coney Barrett. Enforcement of the

ä High court rules for parents in LGBTQ+ books case. Page 3A

ä Justices uphold Texas age verification law for adult websites. Page 3A

ä Decision delayed on Louisiana’s congressional districts. Page 1B

policy can’t take place for another 30 days, Barrett wrote. Even then it’s unclear whether

Kennedy joins Landry in La. to tout ‘MAHA bills’

world’

BY ALYSE PFEIL Staff writer

U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr visited Baton Rouge on Friday to join Gov Jeff Landry as he signed two pieces of legislation aligned with Kennedy’s “Make America Healthy Again” movement Landry on Friday signed one bill aimed at reducing artiﬁcial additives and colors in food and another that makes ivermectin available over the counter

The governor also sent a formal request to the Trump administration asking for federal approval to ban the use of food stamps for soft drinks and candy in Louisiana.

“We have a chronic disease epidemic in

this country now, and it’s unlike anything that humanity has ever faced,” Kennedy told the crowd of supporters and news media gathered at the Pennington Biomedical Research Center

“We are literally the sickest nation in the world,” Kennedy said.

Landry said that the MAHA movement “celebrates our commitment to health and well-being” and “promotes a cultural shift toward healthier living, better nutrition, a brighter future for our children and our families.”

The U.S. health secretary and Louisiana governor made their remarks in front of a group of about 20 women and 20 children who donned green baseball caps that said “MAHA Louisiana” and stood in front of a banner emblazoned with the phrase “Make

Louisiana Healthy.”

Outside the building, a small group of protesters held up signs criticizing Kennedy The health secretary has often attracted controversy for his skepticism of vaccines, which many health experts say is not rooted in science and undermines public health.

At Friday’s event, Kennedy accused the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention of being at fault for the country’s high rates of chronic illness.

He also claimed that the increase in autism rates in recent decades and a “fertility crisis” owed to decreased in sperm count in American teenage boys both stem from the same “etiology,” or cause.

See MAHA, page 5A

the court’s decision could produce a patchwork of rules that might differ in the 22 states that sued over the Trump order and the rest of the country

The justices agreed with the Trump administration, as well as President Joe Biden’s Democratic administration before it, that judges are overreaching by issuing orders that apply to everyone instead of just the parties before the court. Judges have issued more than 40

ä See COURT, page 4A

Feds cut satellite data for tracking hurricanes

BY KASEY BUBNASH Staff writer

A month into the start of an Atlantic hurricane season that forecasters expect to be unusually busy, the federal government has announced plans to end the use of satellite data that hurricane experts say is crucial to tracking storms and spotting the early warning signs of rapid intensiﬁcation.

A service change notice issued by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration on Wednesday states that all data collected through the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program will be suspended by June 30.

DMSP satellites, which are operated by NOAA and the U.S. Air Force, provide environmental and weather information used both in the planning of U.S. military operations and NOAA’s weather forecasts, according to NOAA.

“This service change and termination will be permanent,” the notice reads, though it does not offer a reason for the program’s suspension.

NOAA did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The Defense Department referred questions to the Air Force, which had not immediately responded.

The move came as a shock to much of the meteorological community, including Miami-based meteorologist and hurricane specialist Michael Lowry

“My ﬁrst reaction was, ‘I must be reading something wrong,’” he

Court rules former LSU coach Orgeron’s ex-wife entitled to $8M

He received $17M buyout in 2021

BY ANDREA GALLO Staff writer

The Louisiana Supreme Court handed down a ruling Friday that said Ed Orgeron’s ex-wife, Kelly Orgeron, is entitled to half the money that the now-former football coach received from his LSU buyout, awarding her $8.13 million. The state’s high court pointed

to language in Ed Orgeron’s term sheet with LSU that said it was a legally binding contract when he signed it Jan 14, 2020, at the time he and his wife were still married. Orgeron ﬁled for divorce 43 days after signing the deal. That contract included provisions for the coach’s buyout if he was ﬁred without cause, which happened the next year in 2021.

“The coach, and his wife, were given the comfort, the assurance, the confidence, and the peace of mind, that even if his coaching was

terribly unsuccessful or even if for other reasons that could not be labeled as ‘for cause,’ the school felt the need to part ways, he would not do so empty-handed,” wrote Justice Jefferson Hughes on behalf of the majority in a 5-2 ruling.

“This comfort and peace of mind inured to the beneﬁt of both husband and wife in the college football coaching business,” Hughes added. “Because this security blanket was provided for in the

ä See ORGERON, page 5A

Then-LSU football coach Ed Orgeron filed for divorce from his wife Kelly in 2020.

STAFF FILE PHOTO

STAFF PHOTO By JAVIER GALLEGOS

Gov. Jeff Landry introduces U.S Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr on Thursday Health secretary calls U.S. ‘the sickest nation in the

BRIEFS FROM WIRE REPORTS

Newsom sues Fox News over alleged defamation

SAN FRANCISCO California Gov Gavin Newsom sued Fox News on Friday over alleged defamation, saying the network knowingly aired false information about a phone call he had with President Donald Trump around the time the National Guard was sent to Los Angeles.

The lawsuit alleges Fox News

anchor Jesse Watters edited out key information from a clip of Trump talking about calling Newsom, then used the edited video to assert that Newsom had lied about the two talking Newsom is asking for $787 million in punitive damages in the lawsuit ﬁled in Delaware, where Fox is incorporated.

That’s the same amount Fox agreed to pay in 2023 to settle a defamation lawsuit by Dominion Voting Systems. The company said Fox repeatedly aired false allegations that its equipment had switched votes from Donald Trump to Joe Biden during the 2020 election, and the discovery process revealed the network’s efforts not to alienate conservatives in its audience in the wake of Biden’s victory He asked a judge to order Fox to stop broadcasting “the false, deceptive, and fraudulent video and accompanying statements” that Newsom said falsely say he lied about when he spoke to Trump regarding the situation in Los Angeles where protests erupted on June 6 over Trump’s immigration crackdown.

Fox News said in a statement that it would fight the lawsuit “vigorously” and looks forward to it being dismissed.

6 arrested for trying to send bottles to N. Korea

SEOUL, South Korea Six Americans were detained Friday in South Korea for trying to send 1,600 plastic bottles ﬁlled with rice, miniature Bibles, $1 bills and USB sticks toward North Korea by sea, police said.

The Americans were apprehended on front-line Gwanghwa Island before throwing the bottles into the sea so they could ﬂoat toward North Korean shores on the tides, two Gwanghwa police officers said They said the Americans are being investigated on allegations they violated the law on the management of safety and disasters.

The officers, who requested anonymity because they weren’t authorized to speak to media on the issue, refused to provide personal details of the Americans in line with privacy rules.

Gwanghwa police said they haven’t found what is on the USB sticks.

The U.S. Embassy in South Korea had no immediate comment. Slain Minnesota lawmaker lies in state ST PAUL,Minn. Former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman lay in state in the Minnesota Capitol rotunda on Friday Hortman, a Democrat, is the first woman and one of fewer than 20 Minnesotans accorded the honor She laid in state with her husband, Mark, and their golden retriever, Gilbert. Her husband was also killed in the June 14 attack, and Gilbert was seriously wounded and had to be euthanized. It was the ﬁrst time a couple has laid in state at the Capitol, and the ﬁrst time for a dog.

The Hortmans’ caskets and the dog’s urn were arranged in the center of the rotunda, under the Capitol dome, with law enforcement ofﬁcers keeping watch on either side as thousands of people who lined up ﬁled by Many fought back tears as they left.

Among the ﬁrst to pay their respects were Gov Tim Walz, who has called Hortman his closest political ally, and his wife, Gwen.

CORRECTION

A story published in Wednesday’s edition of The Advocate incorrectly stated that a property applying for rezoning in Ascension Parish was for the proposed Hyundai steel mill. The plant is planned for an area along La 405 near the Iberville Parish border A zoning commissioner incorrectly said the company was going to be in the area being discussed at a hearing. The Advocate regrets the error

Senate aims to get big bill on track

Hurdles remain in passing Trump’s domestic policy package

BY LISA MASCARO AP congressional correspondent

WASHINGTON Senate Republicans appeared Friday to push President Donald Trump’s big bill back on track after a ﬂurry of last-minute revisions, including deep cuts to food stamps, but there’s still a long way to go ahead of expected weekend votes. Trump himself at ﬁrst gave Congress some breathing room as senators race to meet his Fourth of July deadline, declaring, “It’s not the end all,” during a press conference at the White House. But he reversed course a short while later, insisting Republicans in the House ensure it’s done by the Independence Day holiday

“We can get it done,” Trump said in a post. “It will be a wonderful Celebration for our Country.

As the party in majority power, Republicans are grinding through a punch-list of still-unsettled issues as they try to push the package to passage over uniﬁed Democratic opposition. Republicans are relying on steep cuts to health care, food stamps and green energy investments to help pay for $3.8 trillion in tax breaks, their top priority Any one of the roadblocks could doom the sprawling package.

The proposed Medicaid cuts, in particular have raised stark concerns among some GOP senators worried that millions in their states will lose access to the health care program. At the same time, a tentative deal between the White House and House GOP lawmakers from New York and other high-tax districts over the size of a state and local tax deduction, called SALT, needs broader agreement House Speaker Mike Johnson, who sent his lawmakers home for the weekend with plans to be on call to return swiftly to Washington, said they are “very close” to ﬁnishing up.

“We would still like to meet that July 4th, self-imposed deadline,” said Johnson, R-Benton.

Johnson and Senate Majority Leader

John Thune have stayed close to the White House throughout the process of drafting the big package, which they stress is needed to avoid a massive tax hike at the end of the year when current tax rates expire. The GOP leadership is relying on Trump to pressure holdout lawmakers to push it to passage

“My expectation is at some point tomorrow we’ll be ready to go,” Thune said.

He was referring to the start of what is

expected to be a multi-day process of speeches and voting in the days ahead, before a ﬁnal roll call vote.

The speaker made the walk across the Capitol to join Senate Republicans for lunch, where they also met with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent over the emerging SALT deal.

But it’s not a done deal yet, Bessent said afterward. He acknowledged the Senate’s reaction to the latest offer was “varied.”

The White House and House Republicans had narrowed on a plan to keep the SALT provision on the House-passed terms of a $40,000 cap on deductions — but for ﬁve years, instead of 10.

The SALT deduction has been a key holdup as lawmakers from New York and other high-tax states negotiate. They want to quadruple what’s now a $10,000 cap. Senate Republicans argued that it’s too generous, costing hundreds of billions of dollars for the beneﬁt of a few lawmakers’ home regions.

With their narrow majorities in the House and Senate, they need almost every lawmaker on board with the package to ensure passage. One GOP holdout, Rep. Nick LaLota, of New York, says he can’t support the compromise.

But other provisions were being shored up after a series of setbacks when the Senate parliamentarian advised they would not pass the chamber’s strict “Byrd Rule” that largely bars policy matters from inclusion in budget bills, unless they can pass the 60-vote threshold that GOP leaders want to avoid.

The Republican proposal to shift the costs of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, known as SNAP, has been accepted by the Senate parliamentarian.

Sen. John Boozman, of Arkansas, the chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee, said provisions to make certain immigrants ineligible for food aid were also accepted.

“This paves the way for important reforms that improve efﬁciency and management of SNAP,” he said.

But the panel’s top Democrat, Sen. Amy Klobuchar, of Minnesota said her party will “keep ﬁghting these proposals that raise grocery costs and take food away from millions of people, including seniors, children and veterans.”

The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office has said some 10.9 million more people will go without health care and at least 3 million fewer would qualify for food aid under the House-passed bill. CBO has not yet publicly assessed the Senate draft, which has proposed steeper reductions.

The top income earners would see about a $12,000 tax cut under the House-passed bill, while the poorest Americans would see a $1,600 tax hike, the CBO said.

University of Virginia president, pressured over DEI, resigns

BY ERIC TUCKER and COLLIN BINKLEY Associated Press

WASHINGTON The president of the University of Virginia, facing heavy pressure from conservative critics and the Trump administration over the school’s diversity equity and inclusion practices, announced Friday that he was resigning rather than “ﬁght the federal government.”

The departure of James Ryan, who had led the school since 2018, represents a dramatic escalation in the Trump administration’s effort to reshape higher education. Doing it at a public university marks a new frontier in a campaign that has almost exclusively targeted Ivy League schools It also widens the rationale behind the government’s aggressive tactics, focusing on DEI rather than alleged tolerance of antisemitism

Ryan had faced conservative criticism that he failed to heed federal orders to eliminate DEI policies, and his removal

was pushed for by the Justice Department as it investigated the school, according to a person who was not authorized to discuss the matter by name and spoke on condition of anonymity to The Associated Press. Ryan referenced the Trump administration pressure in a statement to the university community Friday in which he said he had submitted his resignation with a “very heavy heart.”

“To make a long story short, I am inclined to ﬁght for what I believe in, and I believe deeply in this University,” he said. “But I cannot make a unilateral decision to ﬁght the federal government in order to save my job.”

Ryan had already decided that next year would be his last, he said, and remaining in his position until then would be “knowingly and willingly sacriﬁcing this community.”

The New York Times ﬁrst reported on the resignation and the Justice Department’s insistence on it. The Justice Department declined to comment Friday.

Trump halts trade talks with Canada over tech firm tax

BY MICHELLE L. PRICE and ROB GILLIES Associated Press

WASHINGTON President Donald Trump said Friday that he’s suspending trade talks with Canada over its plans to continue with its tax on technology firms, which he called “a direct and blatant attack on our country.”

Trump, in a post on his social media network, said Canada had just informed the U.S. that it was sticking to its plan to impose the digital services tax, which applies to Canadian and foreign businesses that engage with online users in Canada. The tax is set to go into effect Monday

“Based on this egregious Tax, we are hereby terminating ALL discussions on Trade with Canada, effective immediately. We will let Canada know the Tariff that they will be paying to do business with the United States of America within the next seven day period,”

Trump said in his post.

Trump’s announcement was the latest swerve in the trade war he’s launched since taking ofﬁce for a second term in January Prog-

ress with Canada has been a roller coaster, starting with the U.S. president poking at the nation’s northern neighbor and repeatedly suggesting it would be absorbed as a U.S. state.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said Friday that his country would “continue to conduct these complex negotiations in the best interests of Canadians. It’s a negotiation.”

Trump later said he expects that Canada will remove the tax.

“Economically we have such power over Canada. We’d rather not use it,” Trump said in the Oval Ofﬁce. “It’s not going to work out well for Canada. They were foolish to do it.”

When asked if Canada could do anything to restart talks, he suggested Canada could remove the tax, predicted it will but said, “It doesn’t matter to me.” Carney visited Trump in May at the White House, where he was polite but ﬁrm. Trump last week traveled to Canada for the G7 summit in Alberta, where Carney said that Canada and the U.S. had set a 30day deadline for trade talks.

Senate rejects effort to restrain Trump on Iran

BY JOEY CAPPELLETTI Associated Press

WASHINGTON Democratic efforts in the Senate to prevent President Donald Trump from further escalating with Iran fell short Friday with Republicans blocking a resolution that marked Congress’ first attempt to reassert its war powers following U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear sites.

The resolution, authored by Sen. Tim Kaine, of Virginia, aimed to afﬁrm that Trump should seek authorization from Congress before launching more military action against Iran Asked Friday if he would

bomb Iranian nuclear sites again if he deemed necessary, Trump said, “Sure, without question.” The measure was defeated in a 53-47 vote in the Republican-held Senate One Democrat, Sen. John Fetterman of Pennsylvania joined Republicans in opposition, while Sen Rand Paul, of Kentucky, was the only Republican to vote in favor Most Republicans have said Iran posed an imminent threat that required decisive action from Trump, and they backed his decision to bomb three Iranian nuclear sites last weekend without seeking congressional approval.

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Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., arrives Friday for a closed-door Republican meeting to advance President Donald Trump’s sweeping domestic policy bill at the Capitol in Washington.

High court rules for parents in LGBTQ+ books case

Justices say Md. parents can pull kids from public school lessons

BY MARK SHERMAN Associated Press

WASHINGTON The Supreme Court ruled on Friday that Maryland parents who have religious objections can pull their children from public school lessons using LGBTQ+ storybooks.

With the six conservative justices in the majority, the court reversed lower-court rulings in favor of the Montgomery County school system in suburban Washington. The high court ruled that the schools likely could not require elementary school children to sit through lessons involving the books if parents expressed religious objections to the material.

“Yet it will become a mere memory if children must be insulated from exposure to ideas and concepts that may conflict with their parents’ religious beliefs,” Sotomayor wrote. “Today’s ruling ushers in that new reality.”

The decision was not a ﬁnal ruling in the case, but the justices strongly suggested that the parents will win in the end. The court ruled that policies like the one at issue in the case are subjected to the strictest level of review, nearly always dooming them.

religious discrimination in recent years, and the case is among several religiousrights cases at the court this term The decision also comes amid increases in recent years in books being banned from public school and public libraries.

10,000 books were banned in the last school year

The lack of an “opt-out,” Justice Samuel Alito wrote for the court, “places an unconstitutional burden on the parents’ rights to the free exercise of their religion.”

Justice Sonia Sotomayor wrote in dissent for the three liberal justices that exposure to different views in a multicultural society is a critical feature of public schools.

The school district introduced the storybooks, including “Prince & Knight” and “Uncle Bobby’s Wedding,” in 2022 as part of an effort to better reﬂect the district’s diversity In “Uncle Bobby’s Wedding,” a niece worries that her uncle won’t have as much time for her after he gets married to another man.

The justices have repeatedly endorsed claims of

Many of the removals were organized by Moms for Liberty and other conservative organizations that advocate for more parental input over what books are available to students. Soon after President Donald Trump, a Republican, took ofﬁce in January, the Education Department called the book bans a “hoax” and dismissed 11 complaints that had been filed under Trump’s predecessor, President Joe Biden, a Democrat.

The writers’ group PEN America said in a court ﬁling in the Maryland case that the objecting parents wanted “a constitutionally suspect book ban by another name.” PEN America reported more than

“By allowing parents to pull their children out of classrooms when they object to particular content, the justices are laying the foundation for a new frontier in the assault on books of all kinds in schools,” said Elly Brinkley, a lawyer for the group’s U.S. Free Expression Programs. “In practice, opt outs for religious objections will chill what is taught in schools and usher in a more narrow orthodoxy as fear of offending any ideology or sensibility takes hold.”

Lawyer Eric Baxter, who represented the Maryland parents at the Supreme Court, said the decision was a “historic victory for parental rights.”

“Kids shouldn’t be forced into conversations about drag queens, pride parades, or gender transitions without their parents’ permission,” Baxter said.

Justices uphold Texas age verification law for adult websites

BY LINDSAY WHITEHURST Associated Press

WASHINGTON The Supreme Court on Friday upheld a Texas law aimed at blocking children from seeing online pornography

Nearly half of the states have passed similar laws requiring adult website users to verify their ages to access pornographic material. The laws come as smartphones and other devices make it easier to access online porn, including hardcore obscene material.

The court split along ideological lines in the 6-3 ruling It’s a loss for an adultentertainment industry trade group called the Free Speech Coalition, which challenged the Texas law

The majority opinion, authored by Justice Clarence Thomas, found the measure didn’t seriously restrict adults’ free-speech rights.

“Adults have the right to access speech obscene only to minors but adults have no First Amendment right to avoid age verification,” he wrote.

In a dissent, Justice Elena Kagan wrote that the court should have used a higher legal standard in weighing whether the law creates free-speech problems for adults. “I would demand Texas show more, to ensure it is not undervaluing the interest in free expression,” she wrote.

Pornhub one of the world’s busiest websites, has stopped operating in several states, including Texas, citing the technical and privacy hurdles in complying with the laws.

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, a Republican, celebrated the ruling. “Companies have no right to expose children to pornography and must institute reasonable age veriﬁcation measures,” he said. The decision could pave the way for more states to adopt similar laws as one of several steps to prevent children from being exposed to pornography, the group National Center on Sexual Exploitation said While the Free Speech Coalition agreed that children

shouldn’t be seeing porn, it said the law puts an unfair free-speech burden on adults by requiring them to submit personal information that could be vulnerable to hacking or tracking.

Alison Boden, its executive director, called the ruling disastrous. She said that minors have already found ways to ﬁnd sexual content online despite the law and its “massive chilling effect on adults.”

The age verification requirements fall on websites that have a certain amount

of sexual material, rather than search engines or social-media sites that can be used to ﬁnd it.

Samir Jain, vice president of policy at the nonprofit Center for Democracy & Technology, said that age verification requirements raise serious privacy and free-expression concerns. The court’s decision “overturns decades of precedent and has the potential to upend access to First Amendment-protected speech on the internet for everyone, children and adults alike.”

Trump: Iran must open itself to international nuclear inspections

BY DAVID RISING and FARNOUSH AMIRI Associated Press

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates

President Donald Trump said on Friday that he expects Iran to open itself to international inspection to verify that it doesn’t restart its nuclear program.

Asked during a White House news conference if he would demand during expected talks with Iran that the International Atomic Energy Agency, the U.N. nuclear watchdog, or some other organization be authorized to conduct inspections, Trump responded that the Islamic Republic would have to cooperate with the group “or somebody that we respect, including ourselves.”

limits on its uranium enrichment program in exchange for sanctions relief and other beneﬁts.

That deal unraveled after Trump unilaterally pulled out the U.S. during his ﬁrst term. Trump has suggested he’s interested in new talks with Iran and said the two sides would meet next week.

In an interview on Iranian state television broadcast late Thursday Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi left open the possibility that his country would again enter talks on its nuclear program, but suggested it wouldn’t be anytime soon.

Earlier, Iran’s top diplomat said that the possibility of new negotiations with the United States on his country’s nuclear program has been “complicated” by the American attack on three of the sites, which he conceded caused “serious damage.”

The U.S. was one of the parties to the 2015 nuclear deal in which Iran agreed to

“No agreement has been made for resuming the negotiations,” he said. “No time has been set, no promise has been made, and we haven’t even talked about restarting the talks.”

The American decision to intervene militarily “made it more complicated and more difﬁcult” for talks on Iran’s nuclear program, Araghchi said.

Many imams, during Friday prayers, stressed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s message from

Thursday that the war had been a victory for Iran.

Cleric Hamzeh Khalili, who is also the deputy chief justice of Iran, vowed during a prayer service in Tehran that the courts would prosecute people accused of spying for Israel “in a special way.”

During the war with Israel, Iran hanged several people whom it already had in custody on espionage charges, sparking fears from activists that it could conduct a wave of executions after the conflict ended. Authorities reportedly have detained dozens in various cities on the charge of cooperating with Israel.

Israel relentlessly attacked Iran beginning on June 13, targeting its nuclear sites, defense systems, high-ranking military officials and atomic scientists. In 12 days of strikes, Israel said that it killed around 30 Iranian commanders and 11 nuclear scientists, while hitting eight nuclear-related facilities and more than 720 military infrastructure sites. More than 1,000 people were killed, including at least 417 civilians, according to the Washington-based Human Rights Activists group. Iran fired more than 550

ballistic missiles at Israel, most of which were intercepted, but those that got through caused damage in

many areas and killed 28 people. Israeli military spokesperson Brig. Gen. Efﬁe Defrin said Friday that in some areas, it had exceeded its operational goals, but needed to remain vigilant.

Trump

such orders since Trump took ofﬁce for asecond term in January

The administration has filed emergency appeals with the justices of many of those orders including the ones on birthright citizenship. The court rarely hears arguments and issues major decisions on its emergency,orshadow, docket, but it did so in this case. Federal courts, Barrett wrote, “do not exercise general oversight of the Executive Branch; they resolve cases and controversies consistent with the authority Congress has given them.When acourt concludes that theExecutive Branch has acted unlawfully the answer is not for the court to exceed its power,too.”

The president, speaking in the White House brieﬁng room, said that thedecision was“amazing” anda“monumental victory for the Constitution,” the separation of powers and the rule of law

Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer,ofNew York, wrote on X that the decision is “an unprecedented and terrifying step toward authoritarianism,a grave danger to our democracy,and apredictable move from this extremist MAGA court.”

Justice Sonia Sotomayor,writing in dissent for the three liberal justices, called the decision “nothing less than an open invitation for the government to bypass theConstitution.” This is so, Sotomayor said, because the administration may be able to enforce apolicy evenwhen it has been challenged and foundto be unconstitutional by alower court

The administration didn’t even ask, as it has in other cases, for the

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said. Lowry said the program’s suspension means hurricane researchers acrossthe country,including National Hurricane Center forecasters, will no longer receive real-time data from three microwave satellites. Those satellites, unlike traditional satellite technology,allow scientists to see through clouds and inside tropical storms and hurricanes, even in the dark.

Though it appears the satellites will continue to orbitEarth, Lowry said the federalgovernmentwill no longer ingest, process or transmit the data they collect. Andwhile there are other satellites with similar capabilities operated by foreign countries and other programs, Lowry said DMSP satellites represent about 50% of the microwave data available to forecasters in the U.S.

“Thisisa big deal,” Lowry said. “For hurricane forecasting, this is the biggest hit that I’ve seen to our capabilities in averylong time.”

The program’ssuspension comes just two days after Tropical Storm Andrea, the ﬁrst named storm of 2025, formed over the central Atlantic about 1,205miles west of the Azores. Andrea dissipated later the same day,but it’sthe ﬁrst storm in aseason that NOAA forecasters and Colorado State University

lower-court rulings to be blocked completely, Sotomayor wrote. “To get such relief, the government would havetoshow that the order is likely constitutional, an impossible task,” she wrote.

But the ultimate fate of the changes Trump wants to make were notbefore the court, Barrettwrote, just the rules that wouldapply as thecourt cases continue.

Rights groupsthat sued over the policyﬁlednew courtdocuments following the high court ruling, taking upasuggestion from Justice BrettKavanaugh that judges stillmay be able to reachanyone potentially affected by the birth-

“Sothis couldn’thave really come ataworse time because there’s little room for correction on this. We’renot going to have the data we needfor peakhurricane season.”

MICHAELLOWRy

Miami-based meteorologist and hurricane specialist

researchers havewarned will likelysee above-average tropical activity,fueled in part by warm ocean temperaturesand reducedwind shear

NOAA is predicting13 to 19 named storms this year.Of those,six to 10 are expected to become hurricanes, and three to ﬁve major hurricanesofCategory 3 strength or more. An average season ends with 14 named storms, seven hurricanes with three major hurricanes.

While NOAA has faced a deluge of stafﬁng and funding cutsatthe hands of the Trump administration, Lowry said evenvery tan-

right citizenship order by declaring thempart of “putative nationwide class.” Kavanaugh was part of the court majority on Friday but wroteaseparate concurring opinion.

States that alsochallenged the policy in court said they would try to show that theonly way toeffectively protect theirinterests was through anationwide hold.

“Wehave every expectation we absolutelywill be successfulin keeping the14th Amendmentas the lawofthe landand of course birthrightcitizenship as well,” said AttorneyGeneral AndreaCampbell, of Massachusetts. Birthright citizenship automati-

gible impacts like reduced weather balloon launches “pale in comparison” to the loss of this data.

As the season carries on and tropical activity picks up,Lowry said theU.S. is going to seeimmediateimpacts to hurricane modeling and forecasting, both of which areinformed by microwave satellites.

“So this couldn’thave reallycomeataworse timebecause there’slittle room for correction on this,” he said, adding that the announcement came with little to no warningorexplanation “We’re not going to have the data we need for peak hurricane season.”

While traditional satellites essentially take photos of theEarth’s surface, New Orleans meteorologist Scot Pilié said microwavesatellites offer scientists alook “under thehood of astorm,” allowing them to analyze thestructure,intensityand changeshappening within a storm’s core.

This,hesaid,isespecially important at night,when many other kinds of satellites struggle to collect data,

cally makes anyone born in the United States an American citizen, including children born to mothers in the country illegally.The right was enshrined soon after the Civil Warinthe Constitution’s14th Amendment. In anotable SupremeCourt decision from 1898, United States v. Wong Kim Ark, the court held that theonly children whodid not automatically receive U.S. citizenship upon being born on U.S. soil were thechildren of diplomats, who have allegiance to another government; enemies present in theU.S during hostile occupation; those bornonforeign ships; andthose born to members of sovereign Na-

and in between Hurricane Hunter missions.

Hurricane Hunterflights are often hailedasone of mostuseful tools available to forecasters, but Pilié said they can’tfly into every storm.They rarely fly out to thePacific Ocean andnever go out to the storms brewing hundreds of miles away near Africa’scoast. Plus, they can’tbeinthe air all the time.

Hurricane Hunterﬂights areoften scheduled for ev-

tive American tribes.

The U.S. is among about 30 countries where birthright citizenship —the principleofjus soli or “right of the soil” —isapplied.Mostare in theAmericas, andCanadaand Mexico are among them.

Trumpand his supporters have argued that there should be tougher standards for becoming an American citizen, whichhecalled “a priceless andprofound gift” in the executive order he signed on his ﬁrst day in ofﬁce.

TheTrump administration has asserted that children of noncitizens are not “subject to the jurisdiction” of the United States, aphrase used in the amendment, and therefore are not entitled to citizenship.

But states, immigrants and rights groups that have sued to block the executive order have accused the administration of trying to unsettle the broader understanding of birthright citizenship that has been accepted since the amendment’sadoption.

Judgeshaveuniformly ruled against the administration.

The Justice Department had argued that individual judges lack the power to give nationwide effect to their rulings.

The Trump administration instead wantedthe justices to allow Trump’splan to go into effect for everyone except thehandful of people and groups that sued. Failing that, the administration argued that the plan could remain blocked fornow in the 22 states that sued.

New Hampshire is covered by a separate order that is not at issue in this case.

The justices also agreed that the administration maymake public announcements about how it plans to carry out the policy if it eventually is allowed to take effect.

ery 6-8 hours, Pilié said, and alot can change inside ahurricane’s coreinthat amount of time.

That’swhere microwave data comes in handy “Sothis is areally critical tool forspotting rapid intensiﬁcation,” he said.

When Hurricane Otis was headed forMexico’sPaciﬁc coast in 2023, Pilié said one of the only reasons forecasters knew it was undergoing rapidintensification was because of microwave data.

That storm,hesaid, wenton to strengthen from atropical stormtoaCategory5 hurricane in less than 48 hours.

Pilié saidthe latest cut is “a huge loss.”

“This is kind of oneof the deepest cuts that I’ve seen when it comes to real-timeweather analysis,” he said.

Email KaseyBubnash at kasey.bubnash@ theadvocate.com.

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTOByJACQUELyN MARTIN

He went on to say that “our children did not suddenly become gluttonous and indolent.”

“Weare mass poisoning them, and we’re mass poisoning them mainlywith processed foods. They’re swimming around in atoxic soup today.”

Kennedy opened his remarks on Fridaybyrecalling that he and Landry gotto know each other duringthe COVID-19 pandemic when they were aligned in their criticism of governmentresponses to the global health crisis.

“Weformed not only a bond at that point, but also adeep personal friendship,” Kennedy said.

In 2021, when he wasattorney general, Landry invited Kennedy to testify before Louisiana state lawmakers at acommittee meetingon schoolvaccine mandates Kennedy at the time said the COVID vaccine was “the deadliest vaccine ever made.”

On Friday,Kennedy said that while “most of the political leaders in this country were unwilling to raise their voices”about government censorship and “impingement on constitutional rights” during the COVID pandemic, Landry was among the very few who did.

The health secretary on Friday said during that time that doctors and scientists were being censored,including Martin Kulldorff.

Earlier this month, Kennedy fired all 17 members of an influential national vaccine advisory committee thathelps determine who should be vaccinated against certain diseases and when Kennedy named several replacement members,including some vaccineskep-

ORGERON

Continued from page1A

Employment Agreement, effective during the community,itwas community propertyaswould be any other community asset.”

Justice Piper Griffin agreed with Hughes in the ruling, along with three ad hoc judges appointed to hear thecaseinplaceofChief

Justice John Weimer,Justice Will Crain and Justice John Michael Guidry,each of whom was recused. Replacing them wereformer 3rd Circuit Court of Appeal judge John Conery; former state Supreme Court justice Joseph Bleich; and former 22nd Judicial District judge Martin Coady

Justices Jay McCallum and Cade Cole dissented

“The issue in this case is uncomplicated,” McCallum wrote in an 11-page dissent. “All of thesumsMr. Orgeron received post-community whether in the form of salary,supplemental salary, incentive compensation or liquidated damages …were received by Mr.Orgeron for work he performed after

tics,but severalopen seats have yet to be filled. Kulldorff is nowchairman of the committee.

Earlier this year,Kennedy’s confirmation as the nation’stop health official was tenuous —and it hinged in significant part on approval by U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy, aBaton RougeRepublican who chairs the Senate Health, Education, Labor & Pensions Committee. Cassidy,a physician and vocal vaccine proponent,ultimately gave Kennedy his blessing and cleared theway for Kennedy’sconﬁrmation to thepost. Cassidy said the health secretary promisednot to discourage parentsfrom

the termination of the community property regime. It is allhis separate property.”

Ed Orgeronsigned acontract extension with LSU shortly after winningthe College Football National Championship in 2020, which raised hissalary to roughly $7millionannually.Orgeron signed the extension themonth before he ﬁledfor divorce, but the LSUboard of supervisors did not approve it until the divorce proceedings were underway.

That contract extension pavedthe way for Orgeron’s $17 millionbuyout when LSU ﬁredhim in 2021 Kelly Orgeron’sattorneys celebrated the ruling Fridayafter arguing to the SupremeCourt that shewas entitled to some of herexhusband’smoney from his buyout and contract extension.

“Weare extremely pleased that Kelly Orgeron’scontribution to the couple’s success has been recognized by theLouisianaSupreme Court,”said her lead attorney,RobertLowe, in a statement. “Thedecision is grounded in aproper interpretation of Louisianacom-

vaccinating their kids and to have “an unprecedented closecollaborative working relationship” with the senator and his committee.

Butafter the healthsecretary dismissed the entire membership of the CDC’s Advisory CommitteeonImmunization Practices, or ACIP, Cassidy has voiced some concerns. On Monday, Cassidy called on ACIP to delay meeting until the group was fully staffed withmembers that have “more direct relevant expertise” in epidemiology, immunology or microbiologyand with mRNA vaccine technology ACIP,however,went forward withits two-day

munity property law.The community was apartnership; justice andequity were served.”

Kelly Orgeron’slegal team said the raise for Ed Orgeron after he wonthe championship was partially meantto compensatethe coach forhis past performance, whichincluded during thetime they were married she supported his career AttorneyRandy Smith, who represents Ed Orgeron, said they plan to seek arehearing on the issue from thefull court “Werespectfully disagree withthe majority opinion for all of the reasons stated by JusticeMcCallum in his well-articulated dissent,” Smithsaid.

Smithhad argued to the high court thatthe money Ed Orgeron received after he ﬁledfor divorcebelonged to him alone. The coach’s raise in 2020 wascompensation for his future work coaching football at LSU, not areward for his past success, Smithsaid.

Smith also said Ed Orgeron gave his ex-wife half the money he earned over the 43 days that passedbetween him inkinghis con-

meeting on Wednesday and Thursday

Cassidy on Friday did not immediatelyrespondto questions aboutthe vaccine panelorrecentconversations with Kennedy about thattopic. He did, however, release avideo on social media welcoming Kennedy to his hometown.

“I knowhow passionate you are —and Iam—about having good nutrition to Make American Healthy Again,” Cassidy said from his ofﬁce in Washington.

Sponsored by Sen. Patrick McMath, R-Covington, SenateBill 14 reshapes how schools, food manufacturers and restaurants address nutritionand ingredient

tract extension in 2020 and ﬁling for divorce. The coach also split his incentivesin half with his ex-wife that

transparencyand requires doctors to stay up-to-date on nutrition education.

“Thisisbyfar andaway themostcomprehensive MAHA bill in the country rightnow,” McMath told those gathered at Friday’s event.

“Perhaps most importantly,itgives Secretary Kennedy andPresident Trump the leverage to force the food companies to the table to change and alter the ingredients that are all making us sick,” he said. The bill has four major components.

SchoolsinLouisiana will notbeallowedtoserve certain artiﬁcialcolorsand additives in breakfasts and

lunches beginning in the 2028-2029 school year

Food manufacturers selling products in Louisiana that containcertainartificial ingredients will have to include aQRcodeon thepackaging that linksto information about those ingredients. Those rulestake effect in 2028.

Restaurants andfood businessesusing seed oils will have to ﬂag that forcustomers, also starting in 2028. And, beginning in January, certain health care providersinthe areas of family medicine, internal medicine, pediatrics and obstetrics andgynecologyand several other areas of medicine will have to complete at least one hour of training on nutrition andmetabolic health every four years.

An earlier version of SB14 soughttoprohibit thepurchase of softdrinks using SNAP benefits.But that provision was ultimately removed from the bill.

Landry,however,inApril signed an executive order directing the Department of Childrenand Family Services, which administers SNAP in Louisiana, to ask forpermission from the federalgovernmenttoexclude soft drinks andcandy fromeligibility forSNAP purchases.

Senate Bill 19, sponsored by Sen. Mike Fesi,R-Houma, authorizesLouisiana pharmacies to sell ivermectin, an antiparasitic drug that has gained in popularity since the COVID-19 pandemic, under astanding order issued by the Louisiana Department of Health. Adults are now able to get ivermectin without adoctor’sprescription.

The Associated Press and staff writersEmily Woodruff and Mark Ballard contributed to this report.

Email Alyse Pfeil at alyse pfeil@theadvocate.com.

he earned after winning the championship, including $1.775 million. Both adistrict and appeals court ruledinEdOrgeron’s favor before the Louisiana SupremeCourtagreedtohear arguments on the case.

STAFFPHOTO By JAVIER GALLEGOS

U.S. DepartmentofHealth and Human Services SecretaryRobertF.KennedyJr. is handed ‘MAHA Louisiana’ caps to sign while on stageduring Thursday’sbill signing ceremonywith Gov. Jeff Landry.

Congo, Rwanda sign U.S.-mediatedpeace deal

BY CHINEDU ASADU, MATTHEW LEE and ELLEN KNICKMEYER Associated Press

WASHINGTON The Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda on Friday signed apeace deal facilitated by the U.S. to help end the decadeslong deadlyﬁghting in eastern Congo while helping the U.S. government and American companies gain access to critical minerals in the region.

“Today,the violence and destruction comes to an end, and the entire region begins anew chapter of hope and opportunity,harmony,prosperity and peace,” President Donald Trump told the foreign ministers of the two countries at aWhite House meeting.

Theagreement wassigned earlier at the State Department’sTreaty Room beneath aportrait of ColinPowell, the ﬁrst African American to hold the job of top U.S. diplomat. There, Secretary of State Marco Rubio called it “an important moment after 30 years of war.”

The Central African nation of Congo has beenwracked by conﬂict with more than

ASSOCIATED

By MARK SCHIEFELBEIN

SecretaryofState MarcoRubio, center,stands with Rwanda’sForeign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe, left, and Democratic Republic of the Congo’sForeign Minister Therese KayikwambaWagner as theyshake handsFriday after signing apeace agreement at the State Department in Washington.

100 armed groups, themost potent backedbyRwanda, that has killed millions since the 1990s. While the dealisseen as aturning point, analysts don’tbelieve it will quickly end the fighting because the most prominent armed group says it does notapply to it. Many Congolese see it mainly as anopportunity for the U.S. to acquire critical minerals neededfor much of

theworld’stechnology after their government reached out to Trumpfor support in ﬁghting therebels.

Trump has pushed to gain access to such minerals at a time when the United States and China are actively competing for influenceinAfrica.

Congo’sForeign Minister Therese Kayikwamba Wagnerinvoked themillions of victims of the conﬂict in

Manpleadsnot guilty to hate crimes in attack on Colorado demonstration

BY COLLEEN SLEVIN Associated Press

DENVER Aman accusedof hurling Molotov cocktails at agroup of people who were demonstrating in Boulder, Colorado, in support of Israeli hostages pleaded not guilty Friday to federal hate crime charges.

MohamedSabry Soliman was indictedearlier this week on 12 hate crime counts in the June 1attack. He is accused of trying to kill eight people who were hurt by the Molotov cocktails and others who were nearby Soliman’sattorney,David Kraut, entered the not guilty plea on Soliman’sbehalf during aquick hearing.

Magistrate Judge Kathryn Starnella noted that lawyers had acknowledged thata plea agreement in the case

waspossible later.

Soliman, wearing akhaki jail uniform,entered the courtroom smiling and holding an envelope in his handcuffedhands.His right hand and arm were wrapped in a thick bandage as theywere when heappeared in court last week,when an investigator testiﬁed thatSolimanhad burned himself as he threw the second oftwo Molotov cocktails at thegroup. He listened to atranslationofthe hearing provided by anArabicinterpreter through headphones. He did not speak during the hearing. Investigators say Soliman told them he intended to kill theroughly 20 participants at the weekly demonstration on Boulder’sPearl Street pedestrian mall. But he threw just two of his over two dozen Molotov cocktails while yell-

ing “Free Palestine.”

Soliman, who is also being prosecuted in state court for attempted murder and other charges, told investigators he triedtobuy agun but was not able to because he was not a“legal citizen.”

He posed as agardener, wearinga construction vest, to get close to thegroup before launching the attack, according to court documents. He was alsoindicted for using ﬁre and an explosive to attack the group and for carrying an explosive, which were included in thehate crime counts

Authorities saySoliman,an Egyptiannational, hasbeen living in the U.S. illegally withhis family Soliman is being represented in state andfederal court by public defenders who do not comment on their cases.

signing the agreement with Rwandan ForeignMinister Olivier Nduhungirehe. Both expressed optimism but stressed significantwork still to do to end the ﬁghting “Somewounds will heal, but theywill never fully disappear,” Wagnersaid. “Those who have suffered themost are watching. They areexpectingthis agreement to be respected, and we cannot fail them.”

Nduhungirehe noted the “great deal of uncertainty” because previous agreements werenot put in place

“There is no doubt that the road ahead will not be easy,” he said. “But with thecontinued support of the United States and other partners, we believe that aturning point has been reached.”

They,along withRubio, lauded thesupport of the Gulf Arab nation of Qatar in facilitating theagreement, whichDoha hasbeenwork-

ingonfor monthsatthe request of the U.S. and others.

Theagreement hasprovisions on territorial integrity, prohibition of hostilities and the disengagement, disarmament andconditionalintegration of nonstate armed groups.

Asked in the Oval Ofﬁceabout violations of the agreement, Trump saidhe didn’t thinkthatwould happenbut also warnedof“very severe penalties, financial and otherwise,” if it did.

The Rwanda-backed M23 rebel group is the most prominent armed group in the conflict, and its major advance early this year left bodies on the streets. With 7 million people displaced in Congo, theUnited Nations has calledit“one of themost protracted, complex, serious humanitarian crises on Earth.”

Congohopes theU.S. will provideitwith the security

support needed to ﬁght the rebels andpossibly getthem to withdraw from the key cities of Goma andBukavu, and from the entire region whereRwandaisestimated to have up to 4,000 troops. Rwanda has said that it’sdefending its territorial interests andnot supporting M23. M23 rebels have suggested that the agreement won’tbe binding for them. The rebel group hasn’tbeen directly involved in the planned peace deal, although it has been part of otherongoing peace talks.

CorneilleNangaa, leader of CongoRiver Alliance known by itsFrench acronym AFC —which includes M23, told The Associated Press in Marchthatdirect peace talks with Congo can only be held if the country acknowledges their grievances and that “anything regarding us which are done without us, it’sagainst us.”

BY MORGAN LEE Associated Press

SANTAFE, N.M. Asettlement has been reached in the civil lawsuit alleging negligence in the fatal shooting of acinematographer on the setof the Western movie “Rust”, according to courtdocuments released Friday

The lawsuit was brought by three “Rust” crew members seeking compensation foremotional distress from producers of “Rust,” including Alec Baldwin as co-producer and lead actor

The civil suit accused producers of failing to follow industry safetyrules —allegations they denied. Terms of the settlement werenot available.Attorneys for “Rust” producers and the plaintiffscould not immediately be reached by phone or email.

Plaintiffs to the lawsuit included RossAddiego, a front-linecrewmember who witnessed at close range the fatal shootingofHalyna Hutchins at close during arehearsalonOctober 2021 on a ﬁlmset ranch on the outskirts

of SantaFe.

Acharge of involuntary manslaughter againstBaldwin was dismissed at trial lastyear on allegations that police and prosecutors withheld evidence from the defense.

Separately,“Rust”armorer

Hannah Gutierrez-Reed was convicted of involuntary manslaughter and completed an 18-monthsentence in May.Prosecutorsaccused Gutierrez-Reed of unwittingly bringing live ammunition on setand failingtofollow basic gun safetyprotocols.

PRESS PHOTO

Russia and Ukraine trade long-range drone attacks

BY ILLIA NOVIKOV

Associated Press

KYIV Ukraine Russia and Ukraine exchanged more long-range drone attacks that have become a staple of the more than three-year war, ofﬁcials said Friday, as Russian President Vladimir Putin said Moscow is ready for a fresh round of direct peace talks in Istanbul.

Russian and Ukrainian ofﬁcials are discussing the timing of a potential new meeting, Putin said. Speaking to reporters during a visit to Belarus, he said that the terms of a potential ceaseﬁre, which the Kremlin has so far effectively rejected, are expected to be on the agenda.

The war shows no signs of abating as U.S.-led international peace efforts have so far produced no breakthrough Two recent rounds of talks between Russian and Ukrainian delegations in Istanbul were brief and yielded no progress on reaching a settlement.

Ukraine wants the next step in peace talks to be a meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Putin, Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov said.

Given Putin’s recent comments, it’s unclear how this will pan out. The Russian

where Marinovka is located among three areas targeted by Ukrainian drones.

Bocharov said that trafﬁc on the bridge over the Don River in the Kalachyovsky district was temporarily restricted, but didn’t offer any other details.

said that 359 incoming drones were either intercepted or electronically jammed.

leader has said a summit meeting should take place only after the main provisions of a peace deal have been agreed, and that could take months or years.

Putin has also repeated his claim that Zelenskyy lost his legitimacy after his presidential term expired last year — an allegation rejected by Kyiv and its allies. Meanwhile, Russian forces launched 363 Shahed and decoy drones as well as eight missiles at Ukraine overnight, the Ukrainian air force said Friday, claiming that air defenses stopped all but four of the drones and downed six cruise missiles. Russia’s Defense Ministry said 39 Ukrainian drones were downed in several regions overnight, including 19 over the Rostov region and 13 over the Volgograd region. Both regions lie east of Ukraine.

Ukraine’s General Staff said later on Friday that four military aircraft stationed at the Marinovka airﬁeld in the Volgograd region had been destroyed during a mission involving Special Forces and Ukrainian intelligence overnight.

“Four enemy aircraft, namely Su-34s, and a technical and operational unit, where various combat aircraft are serviced and repaired were destroyed,” according to a preliminary assessment posted online.

The AP couldn’t independently verify the claim. Russian ofﬁcials did not immediately comment, nor did they mention the Marinovka airﬁeld in public statements about the overnight drone attack on the region.

Volgograd Gov Andrei Bocharov, however, on Friday morning listed the region’s Kalanchyovsky district

Combs’ lawyer mocks case in closing

BY MICHAEL R. SISAK and LARRY NEUMEISTER Associated Press

NEW YORK Sean “Diddy” Combs’ lawyer implored a jury on Friday to acquit the hip-hop mogul, arguing overzealous federal prosecutors twisted his drug use and swinger lifestyle into a sex trafﬁcking and racketeering case that could put him behind bars for life.

“He is none of these things. He is innocent,” defense attorney Marc Agnifilo said, glancing at Combs during a four-hour closing argument.

“He sits there innocent. Return him to his family who have been waiting for him.”

Jurors are expected to begin deliberating Monday Agnifilo repeatedly mocked the government’s case, peppering his presentation with folksy quips and bawdy observations. He said prosecutors “badly exaggerated” the evidence, and he belittled federal agents who seized hundreds of bottles of baby oil and lubricant in raids last year at Combs’ homes in Los Angeles and the Miami area.

“Way to go, fellas,” the defense lawyer said.

Agnifilo accused the government of targeting Combs, irritating prosecutors and the judge, and questioned why no one else was charged in what the pros-

ecution alleges was a racketeering conspiracy involving Combs’ personal assistants, bodyguards and other employees. Judge Arun Subramanian instructed jurors they were not to consider why or how the government obtained an indictment.

In a rebuttal, Assistant U.S. Attorney Maurene Comey said Agnifilo had spent “a whole lot of energy” trying to distract from Combs’ “inexcusable behavior.”

“Make no mistake,” Comey told jurors, “this trial was about how in Sean Combs’ world, ‘no’ was never an option.”

Agnifilo called Combs’ prosecution a “fake trial” and ridiculed the notion that the “I’ll Be Missing You” singer engaged in racketeering.

“Are you kidding me?”

Agnifilo asked. “Did any witness get on that witness stand and say, ‘Yes, I was part of a racketeering enterprise — I engaged in racketeering?’ ” No, those accusations were a ﬁgment of the prosecution’s imagination, he argued Combs, in a sweater and khakis, watched Agnifilo with rapt attention after looking down and slouching during Thursday’s prosecution closing. He didn’t testify during the seven-week trial, and his lawyers called

no witnesses of their own. Combs’ family, including six of his children and his mother, sat behind him. When the day was ﬁnished, Combs hugged one of his lawyers and smiled as he conversed with others. As the jury filed out of the courtroom for the last time this week, Combs watched them, but the jurors didn’t look his way Combs’ ex-girlfriends R&B singer Cassie and a woman testifying under the pseudonym “Jane” told jurors that Combs coerced them into participating in “freak-offs” or “hotel nights” — drugfueled sex marathons with male sex workers while Combs watched, directed, masturbated and sometimes ﬁlmed them.

Agnifilo argued prosecutors had invaded Combs’ most intimate personal affairs, warning jurors: “Where’s the crime scene? It’s your sex life.”

He also mocked the prosecution’s assertion that Combs and his underlings engaged in hundreds of racketeering acts, as well as the government’s suggestion that many of the sex marathons at the heart of the case were crimes.

If that’s so, he said, “we need a bigger roll of crime scene tape,” a reference to a famous line from the movie “Jaws.”

Long-range drone strikes have been a hallmark of the war, now in its fourth year The race by both sides to develop increasingly sophisticated and deadlier drones has turned the war into a testing ground for new weaponry Ukrainian drones have pulled off some stunning feats. At the start of June, nearly a third of Moscow’s strategic bomber ﬂeet was destroyed or damaged in a covert Ukrainian operation using cheaply made drones sneaked into Russian territory

The Ukrainian air force

Ukraine is employing new countermeasures against Russia’s escalation of combined missile and drone attacks, ofﬁcials say Instead of relying on ground-based mobile teams to shoot down Shaheds, Ukraine is deploying interceptor drones it has developed.

The Ukrainian attack forced three Russian airports to briefly suspend flights, officials said. The authorities also briefly closed the Crimean Bridge overnight as drones targeted Crimea.

Neither Russia nor Ukraine reported any major damage or casualties in the attacks.

Russia manufactures Shahed drones based on an original Iranian model, churning

out thousands of them at a plant in the Tatarstan region. It has upgraded the Shaheds with its own innovations, including bigger warheads. They are known as suicide drones because they nose-dive into targets and explode on impact, like a missile. The incessant buzzing of the propeller-driven Shahed drones is unnerving for anyone under its ﬂight path because no one on the ground knows exactly when or where the weapon will hit. Being outgunned and outnumbered in the war against its bigger neighbor, Ukraine also has developed its own cutting-edge drone technology, including long-range sea drones, and has trained thousands of drone pilots. Smaller, short-range drones are used by both sides on the battleﬁeld and in areas close to the roughly 620-mile front line.

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By EFREM LUKATSKy

Visitors look at a damaged Iranian-made drone, Shahed, on Friday during the International Conference on Expanding Sanctions Against Russia in Kyiv, Ukraine. Putin

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Pair indicted in fatal BR shooting

Food truck owner included in indictments

BY MATT BRUCE | Staff writer

Two Baton Rouge men were indicted this week on charges tied to a fatal shooting near a food truck operation in the city’s Merrydale neighborhood. Perry Louis DeMolle, a 36-year-old Zachary man, was shot dead Feb.

18 in the 8500 block of Greenwell Springs Road, according to arrest records from Louisiana State Police. An East Baton Rouge special grand jury on Thursday indicted Arthur Joseph McGee on charges of second-degree murder and obstruction of justice in relation to DeMolle’s killing. The panel also in-

dicted Jonathan Isaac Manning on a count of accessory after the fact to second-degree murder Manning, 33, owned the Out the Pot food truck, a mobile kitchen that he ran from the parking lot of the old Greenway Shopping Center along Greenwell Springs Road. DeMolle was one of his employees,

according to statements the victim’s family gave detectives after his death.

According to arrest warrants, DeMolle’s body wasn’t discovered until the morning of Feb 21, when a group of rabbit hunters found him lying dead with an apparent gunshot wound to the head at a property along Gussie Lane in St Helena Parish.

SING FOR THE FENCES

ABOVE: ‘American Idol’ runner-up John Foster sings the national Anthem before the Baton Rouge Rougarou game against the Lake Charles Gumbeaux Gators at Goldsby Field in Baton Rouge on Sunday RIGHT: Foster leans against the dugout fence and talks with players during the Baton Rouge Rougarou game.

By MICHAEL JOHNSON

WBR Council on Aging must use fund stockpile Organization must reduce $5.4M balance

BY HALEY MILLER | Staff writer

sit in

from the agency, which is funded by a property tax as well as state and federal programs, said the money accumulated from interest on the agency’s checking account as well as payments from the American Rescue Plan Act, a Biden Administration economic stimulus package passed during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“That’s why you see our budget going up, because we’ve been using most of the federal money,” said Tommie Gordon, executive director of the Council on Aging. “If you don’t use it, they’re gonna take it back.” Council members threatened to scale back the agency’s millage if they do not see “solutions” within the next year Currently, 1.5 mills is being collected. A mill is $1 of tax on every $1,000 of assessed property value. “We do have the authority up here to cut the millage,” council member Alan Crowe said. “If you don’t need it, I can tell you

Deputies there told state troopers it appeared DeMolle’s body had been dumped there after he was killed elsewhere, investigators said.

I’m gonna be the one making that motion to cut the millage.” About 15.3% of West Baton Rouge residents are 65 or older, according to 2024 census data. Council members said they would like to see more people using the Council on Aging, encouraging the agency to try new marketing and outreach initiatives. About 600 elderly adults make regular use of the services, according to Council on Aging Financial Ofﬁcer Lachandra Atkins. That is around 0.02% of parish residents.

The ﬁrst lead that eventually tied McGee and Manning to the homicide was DeMolle’s Jeep Grand Cherokee, which was left in a church parking lot in Central, about nine miles west of the alleged crime scene.

U.S. Supreme Court delays La. decision

yearslong battle over congressional districts continues

BY MARK BALLARD | Staff writer

WASHINGTON The U.S. Supreme Court postponed Friday deciding whether Louisiana should have one or two members of Congress elected from Black-majority voting districts. The high court was slated to decide the case, which was argued in March, on Friday morning. The court instead stated it would soon issue a “supplemental brieﬁng order” that would set forth the issues to be reargued in the next term.

The Louisiana case was the only one of 66 argued this term on which justices postponed making a decision. Justice Clarence Thomas disagreed, saying he saw “no reason to avoid deciding the cases now.”

“These cases also warrant immediate resolution because, due to our Janus-like election-law jurisprudence,” states don’t know how to draw election maps that comply both with the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and the Equal Protection Clause of the U.S. Constitution, Thomas wrote The delay likely means that Louisiana will keep the current conﬁguration of the 6th Congressional District, which stretches between Baton Rouge and Shreveport, for another two-year term The 2026 congressional party primary election is on April 18.

BY EMILY WOODRUFF | Staff writer

Louisiana asked the nine justices to explain how best to balance the often-conﬂicting requirements of the Voting Rights Act, which forbids watering down the number of voters who share the same race or language, and the Equal Protection Clause, which forbids using race as the primary factor to decide which voters can elect their representatives to the U.S House.

“There are two important issues on which, at least for now, the Court is not ready to articulate,” U.S. Rep. Cleo Fields, the Baton Rouge Democrat elected last year in the redrawn 6th District, said minutes after the court postponed its decision.

“Although we hoped for a decision this term,” Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill said in a statement, “we welcome a further opportunity to present argument to the Court regarding the states’ impossible task of complying with the Court’s voting precedents.”

of African American voters who were called the Robinson litigants — challenged the Legislature’s maps. They argued that simple math would dictate that two of the six congressional seats should be drawn to include enough minority voters to give Black candidates a ﬁghting chance.

The state, however, argued that the Black population in Louisiana lived too far apart, making it difficult to meet other redistricting criteria, such as grouping like communities with similar political wants in a compact geographic area.

and four White majority districts, which Landry in January 2024 signed into law

The third found that politics predominated the Legislature’s decision.

lating the Equal Protection clause if the redistricting had a racial component.

Every 10 years state legislatures are tasked with drawing the congressional districts of voters to comply with the latest U.S. Census count.

Initially, Louisiana legislators re-upped the maps that spread Black voters among vast majorities of White voters, leading to five White Republicans and one Black Democrat in the House.

About a third of the state’s population now identifies as Black. And, since White majorities in Louisiana have never elected a Black candidate to Congress, a group

STOCKPILE

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U.S. District Chief Judge Shelly D Dick, of Baton Rouge found that several alternative maps would indeed meet Voting Rights Act standards enough to create a second Black majority congressional district A 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals panel agreed. Confronted with the possibility of the federal courts drawing the new congressional map, Gov Jeff Landry called a special session of the Legislature soon after his inauguration in January 2024. The Republican supermajority Legislature decided to target Republican Garret Graves and his Baton Rouge-based 6th Congressional District. Graves had angered Landry and House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-Jefferson. The result is a 6th District that links Black neighborhoods from Baton Rouge to Lafayette to Alexandria to Natchitoches to Shreveport. A Republican supermajority Legislature negated the previous maps and approved the new configuration for two Black majority districts

Alternative maps would have significantly added Black voters to the north Louisiana-based districts that elected House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-Benton, and Rep. Julia Letlow R-Start, a member of the House Appropriations Committee.

A dozen voters who describe themselves as nonAfrican American filed a lawsuit in Monroe, where federal trial judges appointed by President Donald Trump preside. These “Callais litigants” argued that the new congressional districts that favored Black voters in two of the state’s six seats were drawn primarily to satisfy racial needs and thus were improperly gerrymandered under the Equal Protection Clause that is, the voters primarily were sorted by race.

The state, which now had to ﬂip sides, countered that, under the circumstances of needing a second minority-majority district to satisfy the Voting Rights Act, the primary motivation of choosing where that second Black majority would go was political — protecting Johnson and Letlow while targeting Graves.

The Robinson voters, who became intervenors under the new Callais case, argued that the new constituency was linked by a shared disinterest of the White congresspersons who rarely visited the minority communities along the Red River and did not champion their needs in Washington.

Two members of a threemember panel of 5th Circuit judges ruled the Legislature’s new congressional conﬁguration was a racial gerrymander and ordered a May 2024 hearing to draw new maps.

Louisiana asked the Supreme Court to stay the proceedings because the elections were so close that the Secretary of State could not properly stage the November 2024 congressional race without knowing what the districts would look like.

The high court agreed, then accepted the case for arguments to sort how politics and race are to be considered in redistricting.

The election was held using the Legislature’s new maps and Fields, a Baton Rouge Democrat who was a state senator, won He joined the House in January 2025. He has since voted with the Democrats, for the most part, in a House with a narrow GOP majority that often advances legislation by a single vote.

“The map adopted by the Legislature was a product of bipartisan negotiation, judicial review, and compliance with federal law It is not a racial gerrymander — it is a remedial measure responding to decades of underrepresentation,” Rep. Troy Carter, the New Orleans Democrat who represents the state’s other Black majority district, said Friday “The ongoing legal challenges are deeply troubling, especially when they are driven by bad-faith arguments that twist the Equal Protection Clause into a weapon against equitable representation. Attempts to roll back the progress we’ve made are not about the Constitution, they’re about power.”

Louisiana argued that legislators were put in an impossible predicament of being sued by one side under the Voting Rights Act if minority voting strength was diluted and sued by another for vio-

During arguments in March, the most conservative justices — Thomas, Samuel Alito and Neil Gorsuch — questioned whether Dick’s ruling was “plainly wrong.”

The high court’s more liberal justices — Sonia Sotomayor, Ketanji Brown Jackson and Elena Kagan — questioned during arguments whether their colleagues should be considering Dick’s decision since the Callais litigants had not challenged her ruling and that the case before them is whether states needed “breathing room” when redistricting.

Of the three justices in the middle, Chief Justice John Roberts said during arguments that the 6th District configuration was not compact and ran like “a snake” through the state. Justice Brett Kavanaugh asked if there was a “logical endpoint” for the Voting Rights Act.

Justice Amy Coney Barrett, who grew up in Metairie, questioned the Legislature’s redrafting based on a preliminary ﬁnding of lower courts.

“A fair and equitable congressional map has always been our North Star,” said Ashley Shelton, president and CEO of Power Coalition for Equity and Justice, a New Orleans-based grassroots group, and one of the intervenors in the case.

The “decision deferring the case does not shake our focus on that goal,” she added

ACLU National Legal Director Cecillia Wang said, “We will be back next term to once again defend the new map and the representation Black voters deserve.”

Email Mark Ballard at mballard@theadvocate. com.

HOSPITALS

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Both the House and Senate reconciliation bills aim to cut hundreds of billions from Medicaid, mainly through work requirements, reduced provider payments and stricter eligibility checks. But the Senate version proposes deeper cuts and is still being revised

In a blow Thursday to negotiators, the nonpartisan Senate parliamentarian ruled that a key Medicaid provider tax overhaul violated budget reconciliation rules. That means one of the methods they were considering to cut Medicaid spending can’t be used, forcing Republicans to reconsider their strategy

While it’s still unclear what will make it into the final package, cuts appear all but certain. In Louisiana, where about one-third of the population relies on Medicaid, the impact could be devastating for rural health care.

“People who live in rural communities tend to be older, poorer and sicker,” said Mike Whittington, CEO of Hood Memorial. He said the hospital and clinic play a critical role in caring for patients near their homes, especially in areas where getting to a hospital in a larger community is not easy for many

“How are you gonna get there? There’s no bus,” Whittington said “If you pulled up the Uber app, could you ﬁnd an Uber driver? I don’t think people understand the amount of transportation difﬁculties that exist.”

La.’s Medicaid dependence

Hood Memorial is one of 33 rural hospitals in Louisiana ﬂagged as ﬁnancially vulnerable if the Medicaid cuts now under debate are enacted. That’s the secondhighest number of any state, behind only Kentucky, ac-

“We also provide services that are not included,” Atkins said. “As far as checking in our seniors, that is not something that is required of us, but it is something that we actually do.”

In terms of how to spend the money, the Council on Aging is considering build-

The agency provides a wide range of services to older adults in West Baton Rouge, Atkins said, including daily transportation, homedelivered meals, recreation, caregiver support, light housework, legal assistance and wellness activities.

cording to a June letter from Massachusetts Sen Ed Markey and other Senate Democrats. Nationwide, 338 rural hospitals are at risk

Among them is Lallie Kemp Regional Medical Center in Independence, a 24-bed critical access hospital with over 40% of patients using Medicaid If patients lose their health insurance or have to ﬁnd a way to get to a hospital that is farther away, they will be less likely to seek care until they are really sick.

That might look like putting off preventive screenings like colonoscopies or mammograms, said Dr John Couk, clinical lead for health care effectiveness at Lallie Kemp, which is managed by LSU Health.

“Rural health care is the crisis,” said Couk. “The big cities are going to have hospitals.”

Unlike urban facilities, rural hospitals typically don’t offer high-revenue procedures like orthopedic and cardiac surgeries, said Walter Lane, a health economist at the University of New Orleans. That makes them vulnerable to even small shifts in Medicaid policy

“They operate on very, very small margins. When you start making cuts to people on the very brink, going from there to bankruptcy is not very far,” Lane said.

Of the 33 at-risk rural hospitals in Louisiana, 18 fall within the 5th Congressional District, represented by Rep. Julia Letlow, R-Start, who said in a statement that she is “having productive conversations with Louisiana health care leaders about rooting out waste and protecting Medicaid for those who need it most: the disabled, the elderly, children, and people who are physically unable to work.”

She added that the House version of the spending bill struck that balance and urged the Senate to follow suit.

ing satellite locations in the parish to reach older adults who live outside of the range of the main location on Court Street in Port Allen Leaders also toured the Council on Aging in Ascension Parish, she said, to see if they could replicate that parish’s “wellness center” model and appeal to a broader age group.

“They use that as a model to

Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-Baton Rouge, also criticized the Senate’s proposal.

“My position is that cuts, and especially drastic cuts to Medicaid have to be avoided. The Senate bill cuts Medicaid too much. I agree with President Trump, the House version is better,” Cassidy wrote on X.

Sen. John N. Kennedy, RMadisonville, said that the Senate parliamentarian’s ruling has complicated efforts to pass the reconciliation bill by the July 4 deadline, making a vote less likely He said failing to preserve Trump-era tax cuts in the bill could hurt the economy

A lifeline with ‘more to lose’

At Hood Memorial hospital and clinic, some of the visits are routine: getting people back on their feet after a long illness, standard checkups or chronic disease management. Others are not.

Hood has treated patients gored by a pet deer bitten by snakes and injured in four-wheeler accidents on back roads. Then there are the strokes, heart attacks and infections where minutes matter The next hospital is often more than 45 minutes away depending on where the patient lives.

“There are deﬁnitely people walking the streets today that would not be alive were it not for this emergency room,” Whittington said.

At Hood, about 1 in 3 patients are on Medicaid, mirroring the statewide average. At the rural health clinic, Medicaid makes up 47% of patients. Louisiana is the only state in the Deep South that expanded Medicaid, meaning a larger share of its population depends on it.

“There is more to lose, because we have more people enrolled,” said Kevin Callison, a health economist at Tulane University

Margaret Cooper, 70, leaned on a cane as she stepped outside Hood Me-

bring in the younger seniors into the Council on Aging,” Atkins said. “That’s what we found, we have a lot of the older seniors. A lot of the younger seniors don’t feel they’re old enough.”

The agency is open to suggestions on how to increase awareness of its services, she added.

Parish council members

morial to warm up She was waiting for scans for a suspected blood clot in her leg. She lives in Kentwood, 15 minutes north, and got to her appointment using a Medicaid-funded ride service along with her home health aide.

“I love coming here,” said Cooper, who uses both Medicare and Medicaid. “They’re real patient and nice.”

Tim Cowell, 63, collapsed from heat exhaustion while trying to stay upright long enough to see his son graduate from Southeastern Louisiana University in May Doctors discovered that bacteria from a dog bite had triggered a dangerous infection that was progressing toward sepsis. A former construction worker on disability after a stroke, Cowell was hospitalized at Hood for an extended recovery and intensive antibiotics.

“They weren’t so overcrowded,” said Cowell, who has an insurance with Humana through Medicaid. “I get more attention and better care here.”

Senate leaders have ﬂoated a change to the bill that would create a $15 billion fund over several years to subsidize rural providers who suffer from Medicaid cuts, but that likely is not sufficient, said Callison. A study commissioned by the American Hospital Association estimated that Louisiana rural hospitals could lose $1.875 billion in federal funds over the next decade if the Senate plan moves forward.

Louisiana Hospital Association President and CEO

emphasized they appreciate the work of the Council on Aging throughout the parish.

“We’re not trying to cut y’all’s money out, but we just want that money to be used and used wisely, (and) come up with innovative ways to get that to the aging in our parish,” Crowe said. “They paid their dues, and we want to see them taken care of.”

Paul Salles called the proposed fund “inadequate to maintain existing services.”

“We urge Senators to return to the carefully crafted compromise language in the House-passed H.R. 1,” he said.

The House version of the bill imposes Medicaid work requirements. Up to 158,000 Louisianians are likely to lose coverage if that remains.

Regardless of what the ﬁnal bill looks like any cuts to Medicaid are threatening to rural providers, said Denae Hebert, executive director of the Louisiana Rural Health Association.

“We risk losing service lines,” Hebert said. “And even losing hospitals.”

Email Emily Woodruff at ewoodruff@theadvocate. com.

Central police had the SUV towed from the parking lot, and the tow truck driver told ofﬁcers he noticed blood on the keys and inside the vehicle, according to arrest reports. Surveillance footage showed the Grand Cherokee pull into the church parking lot and park on the morning of Feb. 19. Four minutes later a Porsche arrived and picked up the person driving the SUV The Porsche was registered to Manning’s live-in girlfriend, troopers said. Detectives obtained a search warrant for the couple’s residence after piecing together that Manning owned the food truck where DeMolle worked They found the girlfriend’s Porsche inside the garage during a Feb. 26 search of the residence and questioned Manning. According to troopers’ reports Manning told detectives he was at the food truck site with McGee and DeMolle after it had closed for the evening on Feb. 18. He said he was having trouble attaching his trailer to his pickup, and as he was sitting inside the vehicle, he heard multiple gunshots from outside. Seconds later, McGee jumped in the passenger side of the vehicle and told Manning to drive away, he told troopers. Manning drove to his residence and parked the food truck. He said he was working to unhitch his trailer when McGee, who lived across the street from him, came to his driveway and told him to take him back to the food truck site on Greenwell Springs Road. When they got there, Manning told detectives he saw the Grand Cherokee and believed DeMolle was dead inside it, according to the reports. But he did not report the shooting to authorities and drove the men back home. The following morning, McGee called Manning asking for a ride again, Manning told troopers. This time, he drove to the church in Central in his girlfriend’s Porsche and met McGee standing near the roadway He said he saw DeMolle’s Grand Cherokee in the parking lot. Manning picked up McGee and drove back to their residences, according to the reports.

McGee was arrested Feb. 28 and remained jailed Friday on $350,000 bond, according to court records. The 51-year-old faces a mandatory life sentence if he is convicted on the murder charge. He is set to appear in court again Wednesday for a magistrate to consider lowering his bond.

Manning had no next court appearance scheduled late Friday afternoon. He was released on bond in March, according to court records. Manning could get up to ﬁve years if he is convicted of being an accessory

Murrill

BurnsJr.,Chance

St.AugustineCatholic Church in Belle Rose at 11 a.m.

Falkenheiner,Doris

Greenlawn Memorial Center in Natchez,MS, at 11 a.m.

Hilbun, Joel

Vietnamese Hope BaptistChurch, 7133 GreenwellSprings Road,at10:30 a.m.

Irwin,Patricia

St.GeorgeCatholic Church,7808 St George Drive, at 11 a.m.

Jarreau Jr., Oliver

Immaculate ConceptionCatholic Church -Lakeland, 12369 LA-416 in Lakeland, at 11 a.m.

LaCombe, Claudette

SealeFuneralHomeinDenham Springs at noon.

Long Sr., Joseph Israelite BaptistChurch,2192

AlexanderStreetinLutcher,at11a.m

Matirne,Joseph St.Joseph'sCemeteryat11a.m

Richardson, Donald Rabenhorst FuneralHome, 825 Government Street,at2 p.m

Robinson, Helen Greater King DavidBaptistChurch, 222 BlountRoad, at 10 a.m.

Rose,Theophilus DestinyofFaith Church,409 Patterson Street in Lafayette,at11a.m

Rotolo,Joseph ResthavenFuneralHomeat11a.m

Sims,Loubertha Rose Hill BaptistChurch at 10 a.m.

Smith,Dorothy Greater MorningStarBaptistChurch at 11 a.m.

Stuart,Annie

St.John'sUnitedMethodistChurch, 230 ReneeDrive,at3 p.m

Verdugo, Sherryl FirstBaptist in Broussard at 11 a.m.

Vu,Kieuoanh

St.AnthonyofPadua &LeVan Phung Catholic Church,2305 Choctaw Drive, at 10 a.m.

Waguespack,Marjorie

St.Jules Catholic Church in Belle Rose at 11 a.m. Washington Sr., Leonard McKowenBaptistChurch,7325 JonesConnell Road in St.Francisville, at 11 a.m.

Williams,Janice

Greater Mt.PilgrimBaptistChurch in Donaldsonville at 11 a.m.

Wirth, Dorothy Greenoaks FuneralHome, 9595

FloridaBoulevard, at 2p.m

fersonManor Nursing Home.They were herangels on earth. In lieu of flowers, please make a contributioninher name to Le Comite des Archives de la Louisiana, Inc.,PO Box1547, BatonRouge, LA 70821-1547 or theLouisiana Society forthe Prevention of Cruelty to Animals,1700 MardiGrasBlvd, New Orleans, LA,70114.

MarilynDupontGrace, age 85 of Baton Rouge, LA passed awayMonday, June 9, 2025,atNorth Oaks Medical Center in Ponchatoula, LA. She was bornAugust 9, 1939, in Hallowell, ME to the late Louisand ClaraDupont. Marilyn was adevoted wifeof60years to her husband Robertand motherofher threechildrenStephen, Thomas,and Bryan.She proudlyadopted Louisiana as her home, first in NewOrleans and later inBaton Rouge where she and Robertjoyfully and tirelesslyraiseda wonderful family. She guided her family through goodtimes and bad, and instilledinher children and grandchildrenthe timeless valuesoflove,trust, and mutualrespect. Marilyn loved cooking her glorioushybrid dishes of NewEnglandand Cajun influence. She wasa great mixed doublespartner on the tennis court and possesseda wickedflatforehandthat was aconsistent winner.She took quicklyto golfatmid-life and carded 2holes-in-one. Shewas especially proud of the success of her investment club, which yielded astonishing returns through thoughtful research and a savvy approach to risk. Marilyn is preceded in deathbyher husband, Robert Grace, her brothers, Walter,Williamand Gordon Dupont, and her beloved granddaughter, Autumn MirGrace.She is survived by her sons, Stephen and hischildren Ira and Sienna, Thomas and his wifeLisa and son Seth,and Bryan and his wifeElizabeth and daughtersAvery and Piper.A celebrationofMarilyn's lifewillbeconducted on Tuesday, July 1, at GreenoaksFuneral Home and MemorialPark in Baton Rouge, LA. Avisitation forfamilyand friends will begin at 10:30 am followed agraveside service at 11:30 a.m. Burns, Chauncey

Obituaries

Falkenheiner, Doris

Doris Falkenheiner,a longtime resident of Baton Rouge, aretiredattorney, an avidgenealogist, and conservationist,passed away on Thursday, June 5, 2025, at The Carpenter House at theage of 83.She wasbornonJune 6, 1941, in Ferriday and grew up in Vidalia.Doriswas a1959 graduateofVidalia High School.Dorisreceived a Bachelor of Science degree fromLSU and aJurisDoctordegree fromLSU in 1966. She wasamong the first100 womenlicensed attorneys in Louisiana. Doris waspreceded in death by her parents, Raymond and DorisFenton Falkenheiner of Vidalia Doris enjoyed reading, traveling, birdwatching, counting counties, andgenealogy. Her collectionof genealogy research records of theFalkenheiner family and her extensive collectionofgenealogical research books were donatedtothe Concordia parishlibrary and are housed in theDorisFalkenheinerRoom Doriswas an active member of many genealogy associationsaswellas conservation groups among them:the Sierra Club, theAudubon Society andLeComite des Archives de la Louisiana, Inc. She will be inurned at GreenlawnMemorial CenterinNatchez, on Saturday, June 28,2025, at 11 a.m The family wouldliketo offerspecial thanks to her sitters,JynellHurstand DorethaWright, fortheir loving care of Doris while she wasaresident of Jef-

Gardens of Memory. In lieu of flowers,donations may be sent to Ascension AnimalHospitalin Sandy's memory. Family and friendsmay signthe online guestbook or leave apersonal note to thefamily at www.resthav enbatonrouge.com.

JarreauJr., Oliver Joseph

Norsworthy III, James Marion 'Jimmy'

Stuart, Annie

Jane

Hebert, Sandra Owen McBride 'Sandy'

Sandy Hebert, aloving mother, talented artist, and devoted animal lover, passed awaypeacefullyon June 22, 2025,inBaton Rouge, Louisiana.She was born on July 11, 1940,and grew up in St. Joseph, Louisiana, before making her home in Baton Rouge. Aproud alumna of Louisiana State University, she dedicated 30 yearsof her careertothe State of Louisiana,where she servedasheadofpurchasing Beyond her professional life,Sandy was agifted artist,creatingmany beautiful paintings that willbe cherishedbythose who knew her.She had akeen eyefor decorating and enjoyedthe camaraderieof supper clubs. An active and spirited individual, Sandy was also aproud member of the LSU Golden Girls. Herdeep andenduring love for animalswas truly unsurpassed. Sandy was married for 37 yearstoLA Hebert, who proceeded her in death. Shewas also precededin deathbyher beloved son, Ross Grand, and her sister, EllieZernott. She is survivedbyher stepchildren, Dawn Beasley, TabHebertand Shane Hebert; and her brother,Pat McBride Relativesand friends areinvited to attend aservice to celebrate Sandy's life at Resthaven Funeral Home, 11817 JeffersonHwy in Baton Rouge on Monday, June 30, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. Avisitation willbeheldat the funeralhomebeginning at10:00 a.m.Burial willfollow at Resthaven

OliverJoseph Jarreau Jr., 97, of Oscar, Louisiana, passed away on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, at Our Ladyofthe Lake Regional Medical Center. He was a graduateofRougonHigh School, Class of 1948. He worked as acarpenter, cattleman, and operated a butcher shop. He was a member of theLouisiana Farm Bureau, Louisiana Cattlemen's Association, Louisiana Sugarcane Association, and theFather Louis Savouré Knightsof Columbus Council8878. He was elected to serveon thePointe Coupee Parish Police Jury fromJanuary 12, 1988, to April 27, 1993. Oliverwas wellknown for his famous CochondeLait dinners at theannualImmaculateConception CatholicChurch fair and lovedfarming with hisson, Cecil. He is survivedbyhis daughter, Dorothy"Dot" Jarreau;grandson, Jeremy Scott Jarreau;granddaughter, MoniqueJarreau Rainwater (Darryl); greatgranddaughter,Jordan Blaire Guarisco;greatgreat-grandsons, Hayden JosephLeBlanc and Jace Michael LeBlanc; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in deathbyhis loving wife of 73 years, Laura Aguillard Jarreau;his parents, OliverJoseph Jarreau Sr. and Lena BelloJarreau; his son, CecilLarryJarreau; his brother, Lester Jarreau (AnnaBelle Jarreau); and hissister,Florence JarreauSamson (Charles RaySamsonSr.). Services for Oliver will be held on Saturday, June 28, 2025, at ImmaculateConception CatholicChurchLakeland, 12369 LA-416, Lakeland,LA70752. Visitation willbegin at 10:00 AM followedbyaMass of ChristianBurial at 11:00 AM. Committal willfollow at False RiverMemorial Park Cemetery and Mausoleum, 2050 False River Drive(Hwy 1), NewRoads, LA 70760. Pallbearers will be Scott Jarreau,James Jarreau,John Aubin Jarreau, John Rogers, CliffOrtis, and Don Jones. Honorarypallbearers are Darryl Rainwater and Thomas Jarreau.Toviewand sign theonline guestbook, please visit www.rabenhorst.com.

Douglass "Doug" McCasland Sr., 69, of Denham Springs, passed away June 21, 2025, after acourageousbattlewith cancer. A U.S. AirForceveteran, he was adevoted husband, father, and grandfather known forhis strength, faith, and love for family He is survivedbyhis wife of 40 years, Monica, his children, grandchildren,and many loved ones. Visitation willbeheld Monday, June 30, from 9 a.m. until serviceat11a.m. at SealeFuneral Home, DenhamSprings. Burial to follow at Louisiana National Cemetery, Zachary, with AirForce Honors.

MayorJames Marion “Jimmy” Norsworthy,III, beloved husband,father, grandfather,brother,and community leader,passed awaypeacefully at his homeonJune 26, 2025, sur‐rounded by hislovingfam‐ily.Hewas 75 yearsold BornonMay 7, 1950, to James Marion “Hick” Nor‐sworthy,Jr. andAline TravisNorsworthy, Jimmy was alifelongresidentof Jackson,Louisiana.A dedi‐cated public servant, he proudly served as Mayorof the Town of Jacksonfor a total of 21 years, leavinga legacyofleadershipand service that deeply shaped the community he loved. Jimmy wasa proudgradu‐ate of JacksonHighSchool and LouisianaState Uni‐versity,where he wasa memberofSigma Alpha EpsilonFraternity. He began hisprofessionallife asa Vocational Agriculture Teacher at JacksonHigh School,later servingas Chief of EnvironmentalSer‐vices at EasternLouisiana State Hospital andChief Deputyofthe East Feli‐ciana Sheriff’sOffice.A passionatefarmer, Jimmy ownedand operated 100 CedarsDairy Farm,where heworkedtirelesslyin bothdairy andbeef cattle farming.His commitment toagriculture extended be‐yondhis farmthrough decades of leadership: President,Feliciana Farm Bureau; BoardofDirectors, Louisiana Farm Bureau;Di‐rector, Ag FirstBank(12 years); andDirector, First South Farm Credit (32 years). Jimmyalsoserved onthe BoardofDirectors for CentrevilleAcademy and wasa belovedprofes‐sor at "The Collegeof Knowledge," ahumorous nicknamegiven by family and friendsfor thewisdom hesharedineverydaylife. Hewas apillarofthe com‐munity in youthdevelop‐ment, servingasPresident ofthe JacksonBabeRuth BaseballAssociation. A lifelongmemberofJack‐son United Methodist Church,Jimmy served faithfullyonthe church's AdministrativeBoard Jimmy is survived by his lovingwife, DebraA.“Deb‐bie”Norsworthy; daughter, TobyKay Norsworthy Pierce(Chad); son, James Marion“Jamey” Norswor‐thy,IV(Renee);daughterin-law, CarlaAllen; sister, VivianNorsworthyAnder‐son (Ronnie);grandchil‐dren: John Sladeand Is‐abella KayEdwards,Cason and DestiniPierce, Talon Blanchard,James Marion Jake”Norsworthy, V, TravisNorsworthy, Rileigh Darden, Olivia andJace Allen;great-grandchildren, Jackand June West Dar‐den;and nieces and nephews.Hewas preceded indeath by hisparents James Marion “Hick” Nor‐sworthy,Jr. andAline TravisNorsworthy; grand‐parents,James Marion Norsworthy, Sr.and Alma DawsonNorsworthy; and his belovedaunt,Elizabeth Norsworthy. Pallbearers willbehis grandsons: John Slade Edwards, Cason Pierce, TalonBlanchard JakeNorsworthy, Travis Norsworthy, andJace Allen,along with Don McKey,JoshPerkins and FieldsDay.HonoraryPall‐bearers includeRichard Dudley, Chad Pierce,Ron Anderson, RonnieAnder‐son,JCBrown, Alan Marsh, Rod Richardson,Butch Tra‐han,Jimmy Manasseh, the Jackson Volunteer Fire De‐partment, theJackson Marshal’s Office,and the Clerks, Staff, andMainte‐nance Department of the TownofJackson.Visitation willbeheldonSunday, June 29, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00p.m., andwillcontinue onMonday, June 30, from 9:00a.m.to11:00 a.m. at Jackson United Methodist Church,1727 Sycamore Street,Jackson,LA70748 Funeralserviceswillfollow at11:00 a.m.,officiated by ReverendChris Curry.In‐terment will take placeat Jackson Cemetery.Inlieu of flowers, memorial dona‐tions maybemadetoSt. JudeChildren’sResearch HospitalinJimmy’s honor continuing hislegacyof compassionofgiving. Share sympathies,condo‐lences, andmemoriesat www.CharletFuneralHome. com.

Annie"Jane" Watson Stuart, alongtime resident of Baton Rouge,Louisiana andnative of Blackwater, Mississippi died on June 18, 2025, in herhomesurroundedbyfamily. She was90. Shewas preceded in death by herhusband, Howard J. Stuart,two brothers Newton Watson, and John J. Watson, and sister Mary Watson Upchurch.She is survivedby ason,Kevin Stuart,grandson Sean Stuart, daughter, Debbie Stiltner andgrandsons Clarke, Jacob,and Noah Stiltner,brother Joe Watson, sister GraceWatson Darville,and many otherlovingfamilyand friends. She was agraduate of DekalbHighSchool, amember of Woodlawn Baptist Church in Baton Rouge,anavidgardener, homemaker, devotedwife, mother, grandmother, and friend. She served as an election commissioner for manyyears. Visitation will be held on Saturday, June 28 from 2:00 -3:00 at St.John'sUnited Methodist Church,230 ReneeDrive, Baton Rouge Louisiana 70810 followed by aCelebrationofLife at 3:00. Streamingisalso availableat: https://www. youtube.com/@stjohnsbr/ streams In lieu of flowers, donationsmay be made to Bay Springs Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, 2938 Townsend Road,Porterville,Mississippi 393522938, St.John'sUnited Methodist ChurchFood Pantry, or the charity of yourchoice Thanks to all the doctors, therapists, nurses, nurses' aides,homehealth professionals, and Hospice In HisCareteam whoprovided hercare.

Tilley, Patricia A. Patricia A. Tilleywas born on April 2, 1976, and passed away on June 22, 2025, in Baton Rouge Memorial visitation willbe on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, at Rabenhorst Funeral Home East, 11000 Florida Blvd,from9am until 11am. Visitation will resume later that day at St.Patrick Catholic Church,12424 Brogdon Ln,from1pm until Memorial Mass at 2pm. For more information andto view theonline guestbook, please visit www.rabenhorst.com.

Waguespack,Marjorie Mary Ann

Marjorie Waguespack

July6,1932 –June 26, 2025

MarjorieMaryAnn Waguespack, 92, wasborn onJuly6,1932, to thelate Edgar AntoineWaguespack and Emma Landry Wagues‐pack. Shepassedaway peacefully on June 26, 2025

Donna Donato (Michael Sr.), SandyPlayer(John Sr.), andCindy Hoover (DavidSr.); sevengrand‐children: EmilyWard (Corey),AlisonDonato, David Hoover Jr Michael DonatoJr. (Kayla), Amanda Manas (Daniel),Sarah Gib‐bons(Cody), andJohn PlayerJr.;and sevengreatgrandchildren:Cooper Manas,Charlotte Manas, Emma Ward,EloiseManas, Lillian “Lilly”Donato, Mason Gibbons, andMade‐line“Maddie”Ward. She was preceded in deathby her husband, Wilson Waguespack; herparents Edgar andEmma Wagues‐pack; andher brother, Edgar Waguespack.Family and friendsare invitedto attenda visitation at St Jules Catholic Church in Belle Rose on Saturday, June 28, 2025, beginningat 9:00a.m.A Mass of Christ‐ian Burial will follow at 11:00 a.m. Marjorie will be laidtorestatAscension Catholic Mausoleum. Pall‐bearers will be BrianCalvit, Michael Donato Sr David HooverSr.,JohnPlayerSr., David Hoover Jr Michael DonatoJr.,JohnPlayerJr., Corey Ward,and Cody Gib‐bons

Glenda Ray McDaniel Wiles, 87, passed away Thursday, June 26, 2025. Sweetasthe smell of magnolia, gentle as awarm summer breeze,Glenda wasa loving,caring,wonderfulmother,grandmother andfriend to so many. Kind and considerate, smart, gracefuland always therefor familyand friends. Born in Greenlawn, LA on March 9, 1938, she grew up on adairy farmin Osyka, MS.Glendaisa graduate of Osyka High School, Osyka Mississippi, Class of 1955, whereshe wasthe valedictorian of hergraduating class. She played on thegirls' high school basketballteam. Sheworkedasanadministrative assistant/accountingmanager for aFixed Base Operator (FBO) for over 60+ years at theBaton Rouge Metropolitan Airport.She is survived by threedaughters, Paula Kimbrell (Cary),Robin Carter,Judy Wiles(stepdaughter). Twosons, Albert "Al" Carter (Bridget), ArthurWilesIII (step-son) (Debbie). Onesister,Loyce Taylor.Ninegrandchildren Christopher, JT, Stuart, Stephanie, Caleb, Summer, Hogan, Kathlyn,Hannah andseventeen great grandchildrenand oneon theway.Preceded in death by ArthurWiles(husband), Albert andTee McDaniel (parents), Dorothy Rader andJoyce Pearce(sisters), JosephineBrumfield (special sister), JackMcDaniel (brother),JohnCarter (son) andOwenKimbrell (great grandson). Acelebration of herlifewill be held at RabenhorstFuneral Home, 825 Government Street,Baton Rouge,LA 70802, Sunday, June 29, 2025 with visitation from 1:00 pm until service at 3:00 pm. Officiated by Dr. CaryKimbrell.The family wouldliketogive aspecial Thanks to all thestaff at theWoodleigh Nursing Home of Baton Rouge and Baton Rouge Hospice

Margiewas adevoted wife of71years,and aproud mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. Margie’sgreatestjoy was her family. Awoman of deep faith,she wasa de‐voted parishionerofSt. Jules Catholic Church, where shefound comfort and strength throughout her life.She cherishedtime spent with herdaughters and lovedtovisit with her grandchildren andgreatgrandchildren.One of her favoritepastimeswas sewing, andshe found great joyinteachingher daughters andgrand‐daughters howtosew sharing notjusther skills, but also herpatience, cre‐ativity,and love with every stitch. Shelovinglyhandstitchedmanyheirloom dressesfor herdaughters and grandchildren, andthe familyisblessedthather great-grandchildren con‐tinue to wear them today. Margiealsohad alifelong loveofanimals,especially her cats.She caredfor themwiththe same gen‐tleness, patience,and compassionshe showed to her familyand friendseach day.Her quietkindness and nurturingspiritex‐tendedtoevery living thing around her, andher homewas always aplace ofwarmth, comfort, and unconditional love.Margie issurvivedbyher four daughters:Marian Waguespack (Brian Calvit),

St.AugustineCatholic Church in Belle Rose at 11 a.m.

Wiles, Glenda Ray McDaniel

McCasland Sr., Douglass Wayne'Doug'

BUSINESS

BRIEFS

Euro.io to open training hub in Houma

Euro.io, a division of Switzerland-based health tech company MindMaze, said it is planning to build an advanced manufacturing facility and digital therapeutics training center in Houma.

The campus will be built at the former home of the Houma Courier newspaper The company plans to purchase the building, according to local economic development ofﬁcials.

Founded in 2012 by neuroscientist Tej Tadi, MindMaze creates digital therapeutics — essentially video games with a health beneﬁt designed to treat neurological damage caused by stroke, Parkinson’s disease and other brain conditions In 2021, Bloomberg said the company had a valuation of $1.5 billion.

Known as BrainHUB, the Louisiana facility will be the company’s ﬁrst U.S. operation and focus on advancing large-scale AI applications and brain technology Louisiana Economic Development said it is offering an incentive package that includes a $10 million performance-based grant for infrastructure and facility improvements.

Cohen Guidry of the Terrebonne Economic Development Authority said the incentives are tied to performance.

“They’ve got milestone targets they have to hit per time frame and number of jobs,” he said Facility, expansion brings jobs to Shreveport

Ascentek, which manufactures ﬂuid and lubricants, said it will spend $50 million to expand and enhance its Shreveport facility, which will create 91 jobs.

Louisiana Economic Development estimates the plant expansion will create 247 indirect jobs

Ascentek has 105 employees currently at the plant.

Work on the 270,000-square-foot plant is set to begin before the end of the year and should take between 18 months and 2 years to ﬁnish.

The expansion will include new high-speed production, material handling and storage equipment that will improve efﬁciencies in the company’s industrial ﬂuid, lubricant and chemical manufacturing processes.

To win the project in Caddo Parish, LED offered a competitive incentive package. The company is also expected to participate in the state’s Industrial Tax Exemption and Quality Jobs programs.

Bessent: China, U.S. sign earth mineral deal

BANGKOK Washington and Beijing have signed a trade agreement that will make it easier for American ﬁrms to obtain magnets and rare earth minerals from China that are critical to manufacturing and microchip production, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Friday

The agreement comes after China retaliated against steep import tariffs imposed by the Trump administration on Chinese goods and moved to slow export of rare earth minerals and magnets much-needed by U.S. industrial interests.

Bessent said on Fox Business Network’s “Mornings with Maria” that Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping “had a phone call” previously “and then our teams met in London, ironed this out, and I am confident now that we, as agreed, the magnets will ﬂow.”

“Part of the agreement was tariffs coming down and rare earth magnets starting to ﬂow back to the U.S ” Bessent said “They formed the core of a lot of our industrial base. They were not ﬂowing as fast as previously agreed.” His comments follow President Donald Trump announcing two weeks earlier an agreement with China that he said would ease exportation of magnets and rare earth minerals.

That pact cleared the way for the trade talks to continue The U.S. has previously suspended some sales to China of critical U.S. technologies like components used for jet engines and semiconductors. It has also agreed to stop trying to revoke visas of Chinese nationals on U.S. college campuses.

BR consulting firm acquired

National company to buy CSRS

BY TIMOTHY BOONE Staff writer

Westwood Professional Services, a Texas-based engineering and consulting ﬁrm with ofﬁces across the U.S., plans to acquire Baton Rouge-based CSRS.

Tim Barfield, CSRS president, conﬁrmed the ﬁrm was exploring a strategic transaction that would

be “mutually beneﬁcial to clients, employees and principals.” Westwood, based in suburban Dallas, has more than 1,600 employees with ofﬁces in 13 states.

The company was founded in Minnesota more than 50 years ago and specializes in a number of sectors, including renewable energy, power delivery, electric vehicle infrastructure, commercial, residential and public infrastructure projects.

Blackstone, the massive private equity firm, bought a majority stake in Westwood about a year

ago. While Westwood has ofﬁces from California to Virginia, the company does not have a presence in Louisiana.

CSRS was founded in 1978. The company has about 175 employees and posted $40 million in revenue.

The business operates in a number of sectors, including program management, planning, civil engineering and project management.

Along with its Baton Rouge headquarters, CSRS has ofﬁces in New Orleans; Lafayette; Lake Charles;

Dallas; Victoria, Texas; and Long Beach, California.

Some of the projects it has been involve in included serving as design consultant and handling civil engineering work for the Amazon fulfillment center at the former Cortana Mall site, acting as project adviser for the redevelopment of University Lakes, providing program management for the cityparish Green Light road construction plan and helping the Port of Lake Charles with Hurricane Laura disaster recovery grants.

U.S. stocks close at all-time high

Recovery erases springtime plunge

BY DAMIAN J. TROISE and ALEX VEIGA AP business writers

U.S. stocks closed at an all-time high

Friday, another milestone in the market’s remarkable recovery from a springtime plunge caused by fears that the Trump administration’s trade policies could harm the economy The S&P 500 rose 0.5%, ﬁnishing above its previous record set in February The key measure of Wall Street’s health fell nearly 20% from Feb 19 through April 8.

The market’s complete turnaround from its deep swoon happened in about half the time that it normally takes, said Sam Stovall, chief investment strategist at CFRA

“Investors will breathe a sigh of relief,” he said The Nasdaq composite gained 0.5% and set its own all-time high. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 1%.

President Donald Trump’s decision Friday to halt trade talks with Canada threatened to derail Wall Street’s run to a record, but the market steadied.

The gains on Friday were broad with nearly every sector within the S&P 500 rising. Nike soared 15.2% for the biggest gain on the market, despite warning of a steep hit from tariffs.

The broader market has seemingly shaken off fears about the Israel-Iran war disrupting the global supply of crude oil and sending prices higher A ceaseﬁre between the two nations is still in place.

The price of crude oil in the U.S. is mostly unchanged on Friday Prices have fallen back to pre-conﬂict levels.

Investors are also monitoring potential progress on trade conflicts between the U.S. and the world, specifically with China. The U.S and China have signed a trade deal that will make it easier for American firms to obtain magnets and rare earth minerals from China that are critical to manufacturing and microchip production, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Friday

An update on inflation Friday showed prices ticked higher in May though the rate mostly matched economists’ projections.

Inﬂation remains a concern for businesses and consumers. Trump’s on-again-off-again tariff policy has made it difﬁcult for com-

panies to make forecasts. It has also put more pressure on consumers worried about already stubborn inﬂation A long list of businesses from carmakers to retailers have warned that higher import taxes may hurt their revenues and proﬁts.

The U.S. has 10% baseline tariffs on all imported goods, along with higher rates for Chinese goods and other import taxes on steel and autos. The economy and consumers have remained resilient under those tariffs, though some analysts and economists expect to see the impact grow as import taxes continue to work their way through businesses to consumers.

“While we also would have expected to already to be seeing a bit more pass through into the inﬂation statistics, we still expect these impacts to show up in a more meaningful way in the next few months,” said Greg Wilensky, head of U.S. ﬁxed income and portfolio manager at Janus Henderson.

The threat of more severe tariffs continues to hang over the economy. The current pause on a round of retaliatory tariffs against a long list of nations is set to expire in July Failure to negotiate deals or further postpone the tariffs could once again rattle investors and consumers.

The Federal Reserve is monitoring the tariff situation with a big focus on inflation The rate of inflation has been stubbornly sitting just above the central bank’s target of 2%. In a report Friday, its preferred gauge, the personal consumption expenditures index, rose to 2.3% in May That’s up from 2.1% the previous month. The Fed cut interest rates twice in late 2024 following a historic series of rate hikes to cool inflation. The PCE was as high as 7.2% in 2022, while the more commonly used consumer price index hit 9.1%.

The Fed hasn’t cut rate cuts so far in 2025 over worries that tariffs could reignite inﬂation and hamper the economy Economists still expect at least two rate cuts before the end of the year Bond yields held relatively steady. The yield on the 10-year Treasury rose to 4.27% from 4.24% late Thursday. The two-year Treasury yield, which more closely tracks expectations for what the Federal Reserve will do, edged up to 3.74% from late Thursday All told, the S&P 500 rose 32.05 points to 6,173.07. The Dow gained 432.43 points to 43,819.27, and the Nasdaq added 105.55 points to 20,273.46.

Key inflation gauge ticks slightly higher in May

Americans’ overall spending falls 0.1%

BY CHRISTOPHER RUGABER AP economics writer

WASHINGTON A key inﬂation gauge moved higher in May in the latest sign that prices remain stubbornly elevated while Americans also cut back on their spending last month.

Prices rose 2.3% in May compared with a year ago, up from just 2.1% in April, the Commerce Department said Friday Excluding the volatile food and energy categories, core prices rose 2.7% from a year earlier an increase from 2.6% the previous month. Both figures are modestly above the Federal Reserve’s 2% target. The Fed tracks core inflation because it typically provides a better guide to where inflation is headed At the same time, Americans cut back on spending for the first time since January, as overall spending fell 0.1%. Incomes dropped a sharp 0.4%. Both figures were distorted by one-time changes: Spending on cars plunged, pulling down overall spending, because Americans had

moved more quickly to buy vehicles in the spring to get ahead of tariffs. And incomes dropped after a onetime adjustment to Social Security benefits had boosted payments in March and April. Social Security payments were raised for some retirees who had worked for state and local governments.

Still, the data suggests that growth is cooling as Americans become more cautious, in part because President Donald Trump’s tariffs have raised the cost of some goods, such as appliances, tools and audio equipment. Consumer sentiment has also fallen sharply this year in the wake of the sometimes-chaotic rollout of the duties. And while the unemployment rate remains low, hiring has been weak, leaving those without jobs struggling to ﬁnd new work.

Consumer spending rose just 0.5% in the first three months of this year and has been sluggish in the ﬁrst two months of the second quarter

And spending on services ticked up just 0.1% in May, the smallest monthly increase in four and a half years.

“Because consumers are not in

a strong enough shape to handle those (higher prices), they are spending less on recreation, travel, hotels, that type of thing,” said Luke Tilley, chief economist at Wilmington Trust.

Spending on airfares, restaurant meals, and hotels all fell last month, Friday’s report showed.

At the same time, the ﬁgures suggest that President Donald Trump’s broad-based tariffs are still having only a modest effect on overall prices The increasing costs of some goods have been partly offset by falling prices for new cars, airline fares and apartment rentals, among other items.

On a monthly basis, in fact, inﬂation was mostly tame. Prices rose just 0.1% in May from April, according to the Commerce Department, the same as the previous month. Core prices climbed 0.2% in May, more than economists expected and above last month’s 0.1%. Gas prices fell 2.6% just from April to May.

Economists point to several reasons for why Trump’s tariffs have yet to accelerate inﬂation, as many analysts expected. Like American

consumers, companies imported billions of dollars of goods in the spring before the duties took full affect, and many items currently on store shelves were imported without paying higher levies.

There are early indications that that is beginning to change.

Nike announced this week that it expects U.S. tariffs will cost the company $1 billion this year It will institute “surgical” price increases in the fall. It’s not the ﬁrst retailer to warn of price hikes when students are heading back to school. Walmart said last month that that its customers will start to see higher prices this month and next as back-to-school shopping goes into high gear

Also, much of what the U.S. imports is made up of raw materials and parts that are used to make goods in the U.S. It can take time for those higher input costs to show up in consumer prices. Economists at JPMorgan have argued that many companies are absorbing the cost of the tariffs, for now. Doing so can reduce their profit margins, which could weigh on hiring.

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By RICHARD DREW Traders Ryan Falvey, left, and Robert Charmak work on the floor of the New york Stock Exchange on Friday.

Americans reacttothe realitiesofwar

Muchhas happened since the U.S. attacked Iran’s nuclear facilities. Each day brings new perspectives, hopes andfears. It’s still early for polling to provide afull grasp of what Americans think about all this, but what we’ve seen so far shows deeppublic concern and discomfort, even when the news is good

The Economist/YouGov poll, conducted June 20-23, caught pre-bombing sentiments as well as initial postbombing reactions. It found that 64% of voters see Iran’s nuclear program as asubstantial threat. Republicans are twiceaslikely to view this threat as “serious”and “immediate” as are Democrats.

Though 66% of voters favored U.S. negotiations withIranover its nuclear program,only 31% favored bombing itsnuclear facilities, with six times more Republicans than Democrats in support. Just 25% of Americans thought airstrikes against Iran would make the U.S. safer While 77% of Republicans trusted President Donald Trump to make the right decisions about nuclear weapons,only 28% of independents and 4% of Democrats did.Among all voters, 40% expressed approval of Trump’shandling of the currentsituation, with 52% disapproving. That’sfar from “rallying around the ﬂag,” a concept that historians often talk about when the U.S.enters foreign conﬂict —and one that may have become obsolete

While these survey results give us aread on currentconditions, they also bring to the fore adeeper question: To what extentis America willing, as John F. Kennedyonce demanded of us, to “pay any price, bear any burden,meet any hardship, support any friend,oppose any foe” to secureour interests? Does the answer depend upon changingcircumstances? Will each new foreign adventure retest resolve?

There are three underlying trends at work.

The ﬁrst is agrowing “Fortress America” attitude Voters who once favored boldmilitary initiatives are becoming reluctant to join any foreignconﬂict. Some call this, often inaccurately, isolationism. It has been causedbyso-called “forever wars”with unclear objectives,wars that cost taxpayers trillions of dollars,distort national priorities, run up thenational debt and risk Americanlives. Trump’s campaign for president played on this reluctance When the Economist/ YouGov poll asked voters if, in general, they wanted the U.S. to take an active

part in worldaffairs or to stay outofthem, less than half chose the “active part” option, and they did so on anonpartisan basis. Interestingly, almost an equal percentage of Democrats and Republicans (roughly athird each) picked the “stay out” option. As one national security expert told me,“Americans have learned that modern warfare is not what they seein movies —neat beginnings, middles and endings. It’s unpredictable, frustrating, sloppy and can spiral out of control.

Second, voters barelyconsider foreignpolicy issues when electing candidates. This diminishes the need for politicians to think seriously about war and peace. It also makes it lesslikely that America will evercommit to long-range defense strategiesthatgo beyond two-yearelectioncycles.

WhenGeorgeW.Bush ran against Al Gore in2000,for example, terrorismand nationalsecurity were hardly mentioned, eventhough they would consume the Bushpresidency. Right before the 2024 election, only 3% of Americans pickedforeignpolicyas the most important issue in deciding their vote —and this was during bloody wars in Ukraineand the Middle East, hostilities in which the United States was playing large support roles.

Third, peopledon’tknow what to believeanymore. As everything has become politicized, information coming fromall sources— governments,news outlets, politicians,pundits, social media —isseen as selfservingspin. There are no facts, onlystructured narratives.AsGeorgeOrwell wrotein“1984,”“If thought corruptslanguage, language canalso corrupt thought.”

As contradictoryinformation has trickledout since U.S.airstrikes on Iran,as oftenhappens in the fog of war,it’sbeendifﬁcult to knowwhat’strue.Did the U.S.really obliterate Iran’s nuclearcapacity,ordid it just delayitafew months?

The nationalaudience, in response, is listening to voices that most comfortably conﬁrm theirown biases. Republicans believe the best, becauseTrump is in command; Democrats believe the worst,again because Trump isincommand; and independents just scratch their heads in puzzled distrust. Warchangesthe world, but the worldalso changes war —how we look at it, howweﬁght it and when we’rewilling to risk it. Ron Faucheux is a nonpartisan political analyst, pollster and writer based in Louisiana.

COUNT HEAD

missed by

Today seemslike the perfect day to pop open abottle of CJ McCollum’s Heritage 91 brand wine. On behalf of the city of New Orleans, I’m proposing atoast and raising my glass to aguy who proved to be the ultimate professional.

Saints running backAlvin Kamara holds the ball as he runs adrill withteammates during minicamponJune 10 at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center. STAFF PHOTO By

SOPHIA GERMER

Projecting who’sin, who’sout followingSaintsOTAs, minicamp

After two months of offseason workouts, theNew Orleans Saints’roster battles have started to crystallize.Besides theobvious competition takingplace at quarterback,numerousspots —especially at running back, wide receiver and along the defensive line —are up for grabs.

Anew coaching staff inplace only adds to theintrigue.

When the Saints finallyhave to trim down the roster from90to53players come thefall, it remains to be seen how first-year coach KellenMoore’spreferences will influencethe team’s final cuts. But after fivepractices open to reportersthis offseason, let’sprojectwhatthe Saints’ opening-day roster might look like.

Quarterback(3):

Tyler Shough, Spencer Rattler,JakeHaener: Moore’s imprint onthe roster could be best reﬂectedatthisposition.In addition to choosinga starter,does he believe in ateam carryingthree quarterbacks on theroster? If he’d rather use the ﬁnalspot elsewhere, that could mean badnews for Haener.Still, Haenerisonly in histhird season, and the past fewyears in the NFL have reminded teams that quarterback depth isabsolutely necessary

Runningback(4):

Alvin Kamara, Devin Neal,Kendre Miller, Clyde Edwards-Helaire: It was tempting to leave Miller off this list, but as much ashis career has stalled since the2023 third-rounder was drafted, things would have to get signiﬁcantly worse for him to be asurprise cut. TheSaints’ coaching staff has made clear,however,that everyone not named Kamaraisﬁghting for a job. New Orleansnot only rotated reps between the backs consistently throughout the spring, but the

LOUISIANASPORTSHALLOFFAME

teams also added another veteran (Cam Akers) to thegroup recently. Wide receiver (6): Chris Olave, Rashid Shaheed, Brandin Cooks, Cedrick Wilson, Bub Means, Dante Pettis: Of these six, thelast three spotsﬁgure to be themost up for grabs. Wilson has familiarity with Moore, dating to their days in Dallas. Means has had an impressive offseason, which could give him the ä See SAINTS, page 5C

Whitworth’sleadershipd di ti thit p, dedication set him apart

Former LSUstandout, NFLAll-Pro star makesimpact on andoff the field

BY JAKE MARTIN

writer

Contributing

This is an entry in aproﬁle series of inductees for the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2025. The induction ceremony is set for Saturday in Natchitoches.

Don’task Andrew Whitworthtocatalogue binge-worthy Netﬂix series.

Chances are he hasn’tseen it. In order to contribute to the conversation, one would have to actually sit down to, you know, watch. And if you know anything aboutthis year’sLouisiana Sports Hall of Fame inductee,well, that ain’thappening

“No, Idon’t binge shows,” Whitworth said “I love tobeactive. Rightnow,Ijustwalked seven or eight miles hittinggolf balls. I’m alwaysoutside. That’s my version of agreat day Iwake up, get my coffee, hike amountain, hit 6,000 golf balls andthengohangout at the beach with my kids. Idon’tlike to sit down.” Makessense when youthink aboutit. Longevity in the NFL doesn’t accompanyanAllProcareer by happenstance.Lazinessisn’t exactly acommon trait for 16-year NFL veterans either The former West Monroe High School and LSU standout, who helped teams at all three levels win championships,headlines the LSHOF’sClass of 2025 being enshrined over the weekend in Natchitoches. The never-idle Whitworth actively participated in sportsgrowing up, like tennis, basketball, baseball, golf andpowerlifting.

ä See WHITWORTH, page 5C

Typically whena playerleaves ateam, the playerthanks the city But sometimes, the city should thank the player This is one of those times. McCollum deserves it. The Pelicans traded McCollum on Tuesday,along with Kelly Olynyk and afuture second-round draftpick to the Washington Wizards in exchange forJordan Poole, Saddiq Bey and this year’sNo. 40 draftpick. The moveallowed the Pelicans to moveaway from the expiring $30.7 million contract of McCollum,who

ä See WALKER, page 3C

The Associated Press

INDIANAPOLIS The NCAA is considering a proposal that would allow athletes and staff memberstobet on professionalsports and shift enforcement efforts to college sports betting and “behaviors that directly impact gameintegrity.”

TheDivisionICouncilintroduced the proposal that will be considered this fall and be implemented if Divisions II and III ofﬁcials also approve. TheNCAAwould still bar betting on college sports and sharing information about college events with bettors. Advertising and sponsorships associated with betting arealso not allowed at NCAA championship events.

The shiftcomes as the organization grapples with the growth of legalized gambling acrossthe UnitedStates. NCAA president Charlie Baker and other college sports leaders have raised concerns about gamblers attacking athletes on social media for their play and there have been scattered allegations, including some earlier this year against programsinvolving betting.

The NCAA said Wednesday that “several sports betting-relatedviolations by staff members at NCAA schools” have been

ä See NCAA, page 4C

Rod Walker

Veteran guard CJ McCollum STAFFFILE PHOTOByDAVID GRUNFELD

Andrew Whitworth AP FILE PHOTO

Knapp makes history at Rocket Classic

BY LARRY LAGE AP sportswriter

wasn’t enough to put him in the top six, entering the weekend at Detroit Golf Club.

Chris Kirk (65), Philip Knowles (64) and Andrew Putnam (66) share the second-round lead at 14 under Jackson Suber (65) was another shot back.

Aldrich Potgieter, who had a 70 after sharing the 18-hole lead with Kevin Roy after a recordsetting 62, was two strokes back with Michael Thorbjornsen (67) and Mark Hubbard (69). Knapp was in a large pack of players, including with Collin Morikawa (64), Hideki Matsuyama (66) and Roy (71), three shots off the lead going into the third round.

The 31-year-old Knapp, who won the Mexico Open last year as a rookie, started the second round 130th in the 156-player ﬁeld after opening with a 72. He surged into contention with nine birdies and an eagle in a bogeyfree round.

“I was just probably upset all night and this morning, so I think that maybe helped a little bit,” he said.

Knapp, ranked No. 99 in the world, is the only player on the tour to shoot 61 or better in two rounds this season.

He shot a 59 — one off the tour scoring record of 58 set by Jim Furyk in 2016 at the Cognizant Classic four months ago, when he broke the tournament scoring record before cooling off and tying for sixth.

Knapp broke the 18-hole record at Detroit Golf Club that was set Thursday in the ﬁrst round when Potgieter and Roy both shot a 62.

“I feel like when I start making birdies, I want to make more,” Knapp said “I was even kind of thinking about 59 when I stuck it close on my third to last hole.”

The 28-year-old Knowles, shooting for his ﬁrst PGA Tour win, made the cut for just the third time in 11 events after failing to make it to the weekend at ﬁve straight tournaments.

“It’s not been my best year thus

far by any stretch of the imagination, but golf is funny,” he said. “When you’re playing bad, you never feel like you’re going to play good again. And when you have days like today, you just don’t understand how you could ever shoot a bad round of golf.”

The 40-year-old Kirk, whose sixth win was the season-opening tournament last year at Kapalua, opened the second round with three straight birdies and finished with nine birdies and two bogeys.

Most of the leaders were in

morning groups, when conditions were more favorable, and Putnam was an exception. Putnam played in the afternoon when the wind was stiff and swirling on a hot and steamy day He started strong with three birdies and a bogey on the front nine before getting only one birdie on the back, putting him in a position to possibly win his second PGA Tour event and ﬁrst since 2018.

“The wind came up, got a couple tricky holes out there, so glad I could grind it out,” Putnam said

Women’s Australian Open set for March 2026

By The Associated Press

ADELAIDE,Australia The Women’s Australian Open will make its return as a stand-alone tournament in 2026, officially ending Golf Australia’s attempts at playing both men’s and women’s events at the same time.

After sharing the tournament with the men in a mixed and alternate-tees format from 2022 to 2024, the women’s event to be co-sanctioned by the Ladies European Tour will move from December to March 12-15 at Kooyonga Golf Club in Adelaide.

Golf Australia said Friday that Adelaide, the South Australian state capital, will host the tournament for the next three years. While the 2026 LPGA Tour schedule has not been announced, the U.S.-based circuit typically plays co-sanctioned events in Asia in February and March. That could result in greater opportunities for international players to travel to Australia from the Asia region, including recently-crowned Women’s PGA champion Minjee Lee, Australia’s top women’s player

Last month, Golf Australia announced that Rory McIlroy will headline the men’s Australian Open this year at Royal Melbourne from Dec. 4-7.

This year’s Masters champion is also contracted to play at nearby Kingston Heath, another Melbourne sandbelt course, in 2026. Dow Championship

KUPCHO, MAGUIRE SHOOT A BEST-BALL

60 TO TAKE LEAD: In Midland, Michigan, Jennifer Kupcho and Leona Maguire shot a 10-under 60 in better-ball play Friday to take the secondround lead in the Dow Championship the LPGA Tour’s only team event.

The Solheim Cup rivals had a 13-under 127 total at Midland Country Club after opening with an alternate-shot 67 on Thursday

“The plan today was just to give ourselves as many chances as we could, try to get two chances on every hole,” said Maguire, from Ireland. “For the most part, we did that. It was nice to start off with a birdie and sort of an eagle very early on to get the ball rolling.”

They had a one-stroke lead over Cassie Porter and Gemma Dryburgh, the ﬁrst-round leaders who parred the ﬁnal six holes in a 62. The teams will play another alternate-shot round Saturday, and close with a betterball round Sunday

“Lots of golf to go,” said Kupcho, the 2022 winner with fellow American Lizette Salas. “I think just kind of staying where we’re at and continuing what we’re doing the best we can.”

Roundup

The teams of Sarah SchmelzelAlbane Valenzuela (61), Manon De Roey-Pauline Roussin-Bouchard (61) and and Yan Liu-Yahui Zhang (62) were 11 under

“It was a great round,” Valenzuela said, “I feel like I deﬁnitely feed off Sarah’s energy She makes it really easy for me on the course.”

Lexi Thompson and Meghan Kang, tied for second after an opening 67, had a 65 to drop into a tie for ninth at 8 under.

“Fairways and greens, hole a few more putts,” Thompson said.

“That’s the goal.”

Defending champions Ruoning Yin and Jeeno Thitikul, both among the top ﬁve in the women’s world ranking, were 6 under after a 66.

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By LM OTERO

Minjee Lee kisses the trophy after winning the Women’s PGA Championship on Sunday in Frisco, Texas. With the Women’s Australian Open returning as a stand-alone tournament in 2026, making it easier for players like Lee, Australia’s top women’s player, to play in the tournament.

LIV Championship

REED, VARNER SHARE LEAD AT MARIDOE: In Carrollton, Texas, Patrick Reed and Harold Varner III each shot 5-under 67 on Friday at Maridoe Golf Club to share the ﬁrst-round lead in LIV Golf Dallas. Reed eagled the 655yard, par-5 second hole and had four birdies and a bogey Varner, Reed’s 4Aces teammate, had six birdies and a closing bogey Jon Rahm was a stroke back Abraham Ancer shot 69, and

Dustin Johnson was at 70 with Graeme McDowell, Anirban Lahiri, Richard Bland and David Puig. Bryson DeChambeau opened with a 72. He lives in Dallas and played his college golf at SMU. Points leader Joaquin Niemann, coming off a victory at LIV Golf Virginia, shot 78. He had a 10 on the par-5 seventh. Brooks Koepka withdrew during the round because of illness. He smashed a tee marker with his driver on the ninth hole.

Catcher Serna commits to LSU, forgoes MLB draft

LSU baseball will be adding standout high school catcher Omar Serna to its 2026 roster as he announced his withdrawal from the 2025 MLB Draft via social media on Friday

The Houston native joins coach Jay Johnson’s championshipwinning program after being ranked the No. 132 player on MLB.com’s list of top draft prospects.

The 18-year-old from Lutheran South High School is touted as “having well-above-average raw power and arm strength,” according to his scouting report on MLB.com.

The 6-foot-2, 226-pound Serna is also compared to freshman LSU catcher Cade Arrambide who was the No. 1 high school catcher in 2024 by MLB.com

Ujiri fired as Raptors president after 13 years

Toronto Raptors president and vice chairman Masai Ujiri was ﬁred Friday after 13 years with the franchise.

Ujiri joined the Raptors in 2013 as executive vice president and general manager He was promoted to president in 2016 and surrendered his responsibilities as GM in 2017, when Bobby Webster took over Webster was given a contract extension, the Raptors said. Terms of that deal were not disclosed. Maple Leaf S&E CEO Keith Pelley in a statement says he feels it’s the best move for the organization.

The 54-year-old Ujiri, who was heading into the ﬁnal year of his contract, led the Raptors to their only NBA title in 2019. The Raptors ﬁnished 30-52 last season and missed the playoffs.

Mets pitcher out for year after Achilles surgery

New York Mets pitcher Griffin Canning had surgery on Friday to repair a ruptured left Achilles and will miss the remainder of the season and possibly part of the 2026 season.

Canning was injured during Thursday night’s 4-0 win over the Atlanta Braves in New York.

Signed to a $4.25 million, oneyear contract as a free agent in the offseason, the 29-year-old righthander was 7-3 with a 3.77 ERA in 16 starts as he bolstered an injurydepleted rotation. Third baseman Mark Vientos was reinstated from the 10-day injured list before Friday’s series opener at Pittsburgh, left-handed reliever Colin Poche’s contract was selected from TripleA Syracuse and right-hander Blake Tidwell was recalled from Triple-A.

49ers CB Lenoir arrested following traffic incident

Star 49ers cornerback Deommodore Lenoir was arrested in Los Angeles on Thursday night and charged with a misdemeanor count of resisting arrest. According to NFL media Lenoir’s arrest charge was for penal code 148(a)(1), also known as resisting arrest. Lenoir, 25, was released from jail on Friday and has an L.A. court date set for July 25; 49ers training camp opens July 22. Lenoir, a ﬁfth-round pick from the 2021 draft, received a $92 million, ﬁve-year extension last season. He’s heading into his fourth season as a starter and is a cornerstone of the 49ers’ defense.

The 49ers issued a statement Friday afternoon saying, “We are aware (...) and are in the process of gathering further information.”

New York Islanders select Schaefer at No. 1

The New York Islanders selected defenseman Matthew Schaefer with the No. 1 pick in the NHL draft Friday night. High-scoring forward Michael Misa went second overall to the San Jose Sharks, and the Chicago Blackhawks took Swedish forward Anton Frondell third at the Peacock Theater in downtown Los Angeles.

The Philadelphia Flyers grabbed forward Porter Martone sixth overall before trading up for the 12th selection to get forward Jack Nesbitt, while the Pittsburgh Penguins maneuvered up and down the draft to control three picks in the top 24. But the Islanders surprised nobody by using their

No. 1 selection since

ASSOCIATED PRESS FILE PHOTO By NATHAN DENETTE

Jake Knapp tees off on the fifth hole during the Canadian Open in Caledon, Ontario on June 7. Knapp shot an 11-under 61 on Friday to break a Rocket Classic record.

GOLF

Broometostart NBAjourney a2nd-round pick for76ers

BY AARON BEARD AP basketball writer

Johni Broome was acollege basketballheadlineratAuburn, the Associated Press first-team All-American an undeniable force poweringthe Tigerstothe Final Four His NBA journey is coming with less fanfare.

The ﬁfth-year big man went to the Philadelphia 76ers with the No. 35 pick in Thursday’ssecond round of the draft. If offered an example of how elite college production doesn’talways equateto high-end NBA potential or draft status, particularly when it comes to an older player deemed more of aﬁnished product compared to the youngster with rising upside. Still, theplayer ESPN college basketball analyst Jay Bilas described simplyasa winner is tough, tested and eager to start his pro pursuit all the same. “I think what he said was right,” Broome said of Bilas during Thursday’sESPN broadcast.”I’m awinner.Iget things done, offensively and defensively, so theSixers got agood one.”

The 6-foot-9, 249-poundBroome —who started his career as an unheralded recruit for two years at Morehead State—averaged 18.6 points, 10.8 rebounds and 2.1 blocks last year for Auburn, which started the yearatNo. 11 in the AP Top25poll butimmediately climbed to atop-5 status it wouldn’tyield for the rest of the yearbehind Broome’sbrilliance. That included eight straight weeks ranked at No. 1from midJanuary to early March. Broome stuffed box scores so

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turns 34 in September.The Pelicans, meanwhile, get Poole, who just turned 26 last week andis coming off aseasoninWashington where he averaged acareerbest 20.5 points and 4.5 assists. Basketball-wise and ﬁnancially, the deal makes sense.

But if you have followedMcCollum’scareer,you know he’s about much more than basketball. He brought amuch-needed level of leadership and professionalism to the Pelicans’ locker roomwhen he was traded from PortlandtoNew Orleans in February of 2022. McCollum showed up to work even when his body told him not to. He played in 75 games in the 2022-23 season, includingthe past three months with hisright thumbinasplint after tearing a ligament in January that year

Here’saneven more telling stat. McCollum, in 31/2 seasons in New Orleans, played in 223 games.Zion Williamson, who justﬁnished his sixth season,has played in just 214 games. McCollum understands the level of commitment it takestobe withstand the grind of agrueling NBA season. He constantly prepared himself both mentally and physically He did it even when times got hard, like they so often didthis season. It was McCollum’scareer-hightying 50-point masterpieceagainst the Washington Wizards inJanuary that snapped the Pelicans’ 11game losing skid. That game came just two days after the Bourbon Street terroristattack that killed 14 people in New Orleans.

“It’snice for (the people in the city) to have something to enjoy for alittle bit and kind of escape ev-

thoroughlythat he was theplayer of theyear in arugged Southeastern Conference, which was hands down thenation’stop conference and produced arecord 14 bids to the NCAA Tournament. And he ﬁnished as runner-up for AP national playerofthe year to Duke freshman and eventual No. 1 overall draft pick Cooper Flagg in what was atrue two-man spotlight this season, with Broome collecting athird of the vote as theonly other player named on aballot.

He pushedthe Tigersprogram to only its second trip to college basketball’sbiggest stage,grinding through an elbow injurysuffered during the Elite Eight win against Michigan State and then being hampered by it during the loss to eventual champion Florida in thenational semiﬁnals aweek later

That all seemingly hadhim positioned to be aﬁrst-round prospect who led Auburn to 59 wins in the past two years alone.

NBA evaluations, however, are different Broome lacks elite athleticism. His testing and measurements at the combine didn’t help his ﬁrstround chances; he hada28-inch maxvertical leap,tied for second worst at the combine, while only six playersposted alower standing vertical leap (24.0). He also ﬁnished tied for fourth-worst in theshuttle run(3.23 seconds)designed to test agility.

Numbers aren’t everything, of course. Maryland big man Derik Queen tied Broome for the second-worst max vertical and still went on to go late in the lottery (No. 13). But Queen is the stilldeveloping prospectgrowing into

STAFF FILE PHOTO By SOPHIA GERMER

Pelicans guardCJMcCollum reactsafter scoring against the SacramentoKings on Feb.13at theSmoothie King Center

erything that may be going on right now,”McCollum said thatnight. Sixweekslater,McCollum scored 43 points in awin over the Sacramento Kingstosnap a10game losingskid.

“He’sone ofour guys that’sliterally holdingthings together in thelocker room withthese young guys,” coach Willie Green said that night.“He’sbeen through so much throughout the courseof hiscareer.He’sa staple for us. We see it week in and week out that hecomes outand gives it everythinghehas everynight.”

That willingnesstoleave it all on the ﬂoor is whyMcCollum will take his placewith former Pelicanslike Jrue Holiday and Jonas Valanciunas as fan favorites. He’ll get cheers everytime he steps foot back in the Smoothie KingCenter McCollumleaves as thefranchise’sall-time leader in made 3-pointerswith 692. He is one of just three players in franchise history to score 50 points in game.Anthony Davis andJamal Mashburnare theothers.

Yeah, there were some rough patches alongthe way.McCollum made just 24 of his803-point at-

Flaggsettles in Dallas aftergoing

BY SCHUYLER DIXON AP sportswriter

DALLAS Cooper Flagg didn’twait for Mavericks generalmanager Nico Harrison to break the silence with an opening statement as the No. 1pick in the NBAdraftwas introduced to apacked Dallas news conference.

“Hello,” Flagg said about the timethe clock struck noon Friday

The18-year-old formerDuke star only grew morecomfortable from there, twodaysafter walking across the stage in Brooklyn to be greeted by Commissioner Adam Silver

Flaggwas deferential to the history of European stars Dirk Nowitzki and Luka Doncic —the latter being the generational talent traded in February,before theMavs magically landedthe potentialof their next face of the franchise despitejust a1.8% chance to win thedraft lottery

point guard who was the second overallchoicebythe Mavericks 31 years ago. “Whenyou talkabout Kaiand Klay and then AD,just understanding the vets are going to protect him and helphim, and they’re going to push him.” Flagg flew to Dallas with Mavericks governor Patrick Dumont and both of their families. Among those at the team’s practice facility near American Airlines Center was Mark Cuban, the high-proﬁle former owner whosold amajority stakeayearand ahalfago to the Las Vegas-based Adelsonand Dumontfamilies and is now alternate governor So was MarkAguirre, the other No.1overall pick by Dallas in 1981.

his upside at 20 years old and with just 36 games of college experience,comparedtoBroomebeing theas-is prospect who turns 23 on July 19 after playing 168 college games. Whenitcomes to his game, he plays morebelowthe rim and lacksthe defense-stretching range essential in today’sgame built around ﬂoor-spacing.

Hisjumper is ratedas“below average” in Synergy’sanalytics rankings, withhim making 27.1% to rank in the 25thpercentile with most of those attempts coming in catch-and-shoot situations. That underlying data aligns with his outside-shooting statistics, whereBroome made just 31.4% of his 3-point attempts (53 of 169) over the last two seasons and had at least twomade 3s in just15of 71 games. He was at his best in post-ups, as acutter,working as the roll man in pick-and-rolls andattacking the offensive glass,ranking “good” to “very good” in all of those categories in Synergy.Healsoranked as “very good” in ﬁnishing layups and dunks at the rim, converting 65.9% of thoseattempts to rank in the81st percentile.

Metrics aside, there’saplace in theNBA for guyswho can rebound anddefendwith toughness. He’salready proven he can, along with putting in the work going back to being athree-star signee with Morehead State.

“He may notbeanabove-therim big guy,but he carves out space and he gets things done,” Bilassaid during thebroadcast. “A really productive player that has been overlooked before and has comethrough.”

tempts in his 10 playoff games with the Pelicans. Butthe good far outweighed thebad. His 1,113 assistsrank ﬁfth in franchise history That doesn’tinclude all the assists he made off the court in New Orleans. McCollum partnered withthe Pelicans to create career opportunities for McCollum Scholars and expand mentorship for youth. He spearheaded thePelicans becoming moreactive in conversations around policy reform and racial injustice. McCollum continues to worktoward reforming Louisiana’syouth incarceration system

He opened an education and innovation hub at the Westbank Boys& Girls Club last spring. His generous donations to the New OrleansAssociation of Black Journalists helped aspiring journalists pay for their college tuition. He was aﬁnalist for theNBA Social Justice Champion Award this season. Lastseason, McCollum won the J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award. The samerespect he earned in during his nine seasons in Portland, he also earned in New Orleans. He’ll no doubt do the same in D.C. Thetrade itself could be awinwin. Awin for the Pelicans. Awin for theWizards. Butfor the city of New Orleans, it’sa loss. Aloss of one of those rare athletes who just does thingsthe right way To theultimate professional, thepeople in New Orleanspop open abottle of your wine, raise their glasses and thank you for what you meanttothe city. Cheers!!!

Email RodWalker at rwalker@theadvocate.com.

TheAssociated Press men’scollege playerofthe year quickly declared hislovefor Mexican food and barbecue —the same question allthe Texasnewcomers get —and easilyrattled off Mount Rushmores for the NBA, and the WNBA.

Forthose wondering,Flagg’s NBApicks wereLarry Bird, Michael Jordan, LeBron James and KobeBryant, and he appropriately skippedthe last names of thelast two.

The WNBA choices wereCandace Parker,BrittneyGriner, A’ja Wilson and,after abrief pause to think, Caitlin Clark, “because she’s changed the gamesomuch.”

Of course, Flaggisabout to join quite acollection of names in KyrieIrving,Anthony Davisand Klay Thompson, all three with NBA titles on their resumes.

Although fellow Duke alum Irving won’tjoin Flagg on the court until possibly January as the ninetime All-Star recovers from atorn ACL, the Mavs areexpecting a return to the playoffs after falling short in 2025, ayear after Irving and Doncic led Dallas to the NBA Finals, where the Mavs lost to Boston in ﬁvegames.

Throwinthird-yearplayer Dereck Lively II —anotherexDuke player,and onewho visited Flagg going into his only season withthe Blue Devils last fall andthere areplenty of reasonsto believe Flagg gets asofter landing than many top picks whoend up in rebuilding situations.

“He’sverylucky to have veterans, future Hall of Famers,”said coach Jason Kidd, aHallofFame

The 65-year-old wasjust afew seats from ShawnMarion, who played with Nowitzki on the franchise’sonly championship team in 2011. That row also included Rolando Blackman, aformer player who represented the Mavs when they won the draft lottery.Itwas the ﬁrst timeinfranchise history that Dallashad moved up in the lottery

Nearly the entire history of the 45-year-old franchise was represented when Flagg was asked about following Nowitzki, who has astatue outside the arena, and Doncic, whose departure was a heartbreaker for countless Mavs fans whonodoubt got aboost with the arrival of the third one-anddone Duke player on the Dallas roster “I’m coming in just trying to learnand tryingtoget better every single day,” Flagg said. “And Ithink if Ican do that to the best of my ability,Ithink expectations and pressures that other people will put on me and our team, that will kind of workitself out. So I’m just trying come in and be the best thatIcan be andjust win at the highest level.”

The 6-foot-9 Flagg’sposition is one of the more intriguing questions on the court, and the Mavs will have avoid at point guard until Irving returns.

“I wanttoput him at the point guard,”saidKidd, who satto Flagg’sleftonastage,withHarrison on his right. “I wanttomake him uncomfortable andsee howhe reacts.”

There wasn’tanything that made Flagg look uncomfortable on his ﬁrst day in Dallas as aMav

BY TOYLOY BROWNIII Staff writer

Former LSU guard Cam Carter will join the San Antonio Spurs at the NBA SummerLeague after going undrafted, according to Jon Chepkevich of DraftExpress. The 6-foot-3 combo guard averaged 16.4points, 4.1 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game for LSU (14-18). He shot 42.5% from the field and39.2% from 3-point range and playedall 32 games, averaging the fourth mostminutes in the Southeastern Conference (33.2).

In hisone year under coach Matt McMahon, Carter increased his scoring average by twopoints andhis 3-point percentage by nearly10% from his junior season at Kansas State. Carter’sstatistical growth

camedespite the Tigers having less surroundingtalentthan expected afterLSU’shighest-scoringreturner TyrellWard (9.1 points) neverplayedlastseason in an effort to focusonhis mental health.Mattersbecame more challenging forCarter when starting center Jalen Reed tore his ACL in the eighth game of the season and never returned. The NBA SummerLeague starts July 5withthe California Classic and Salt Lake City Summer League and will continue from July 10-20 in Las Vegas. While theDonaldsonville native isn’tguaranteed to make the Spurs roster, this opportunity in the league gives him achance to audition for atraining campinvitation for any team

Another possibility is that he is offered atwo-way contract, which allows him to split his time between the NBAand the G-League afﬁliate.

Email Toyloy Brown III at toyloy.brown@theadvocate.com

Flagg

ASSOCIATED PRESS FILE PHOTO By NAM y. HUH

Former AuburnAll-American Johni Broome smiles as he talks to media at the NBAdraft combine in Chicago on May14.

STAFF FILE

PHOTOByHILARy SCHEINUK LSU guard Cam Carter takes the courtduring player introductions before tip-off againstArkansas on Jan. 14 at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center

Wimbledon draw comes with intriguing scenarios

Alcaraz going for third straight championship

BY HOWARD FENDRICH AP tennis writer

LONDON Carlos Alcaraz will begin his bid for a third consecutive Wimbledon championship and put his career-best 18-match winning streak on the line by facing the volatile Fabio Fognini in the ﬁrst round at Centre Court when the tournament begins Monday

The singles brackets for the grass-court Grand Slam tournament were set in Friday’s draw, including potential men’s quarterﬁnals of No. 1 Jannik Sinner against No. 7 Lorenzo Musetti, No. 4 Jack Draper against No. 6 Novak Djokovic — who has won seven of his 24 major trophies at the All England Club No. 2 Alcaraz against No 8 Holger Rune, and No. 3 Alexander Zverev against No. 5 Taylor Fritz. The possible women’s quarterﬁnals are No 1 Aryna Sabalenka vs. No. 6 Madison Keys, and No. 4 Jasmine Paolini vs. No. 5 Zheng Qinwen in the top half, and No 2 Coco Gauff vs. No. 8 Iga Swiatek or 2022 champion Elena Rybakina, and No. 3 Jessica Pegula vs. No. 7 Mirra Andreeva in the bottom half.

In addition to Sinner, Djokovic, Draper and 2024 semifinalist Musetti, the top half has No. 10 Ben Shelton and No. 13 Tommy Paul of the United States, along with Alexander Bublik, an unpredictable and underarm-serving player from Kazakhstan. He reached his first major quarterfinal at the French Open by defeating Draper — his potential third-round opponent next week — and then won a grass-court title at Halle, Germany, for the second time, beating Sinner along the way Alcaraz and Sinner could only meet at Wimbledon in the July 13 final, which would be a rematch of their epic showdown for the French Open title won by the

NCAA

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resolved in recent years and noted its enforcement staff is working on issuing notices of allegations in several ongoing gambling cases

Still, the NCAA has acknowledged the challenges in barring adult athletes at hundreds of schools from gambling on pro sports. Two years ago, it made reinstatement policies more lenient and the NCAA has a multi-year partnership with Genius Sports, which distributes official NCAA data to licensed sportsbooks, an arrangement that bars negative prop bets.

“NCAA rules prohibiting sports betting at all levels were written and adopted at a time when sports gambling was largely illegal nationwide,” said Josh Whitman, athletics director at Illinois and council chairman. “As betting on sports has become more widely accepted across the country, Division I members have determined that further discussion of these sports betting rules is warranted, particularly as it relates to the potential distinctions between betting on profes-

Drivers have variety of takes on inaugural In-Season Challenge

BY CHARLES ODUM AP sportswriter

HAMPTON, Ga. — The debut of NASCAR’s In-Season Challenge in Saturday night’s Cup Series race in Atlanta generated differing opinions and expectations from drivers.

After all, there’s a points race to attend to. Every team’s top priority is qualifying for the playoffs and trying to win the championship. Some drivers acknowledge they simply haven’t paid attention to the new race within the race.

Joey Logano says he sees no reason to view the new tournament as a distraction.

“If there’s something to win, you want to go win it,” Logano said.

Denny Hamlin is the No. 1 seed in the 32-driver In-Season Challenge, a fiverace, bracket-style tournament. Chase Briscoe, who held off Hamlin for his ﬁrst win for Joe Gibbs Racing last week at Pocono Raceway, is the No. 2 seed.

22-year-old Alcaraz for his fifth major trophy. In Fognini, Alcaraz faces a 38-year-old veteran who has been ranked as high as No. 9 and was a French Open quarterfinalist in 2011 but is currently No. 130 and never has been past the third round in 14 previous appearances at Wimbledon Fognini, who is married to 2015 U.S Open champion Flavia Pennetta, has described himself as a hot-head and is known for midmatch flareups, including at Wimbledon, where he was fined $3,000 in 2019 for saying he wished “a bomb would explode at the club” during a third-round loss and a then-record $27,500 in 2014 for a series of outbursts during a firstround victory. He was put on a two-year probation by the Grand Slam Board in 2017 after insulting a female chair umpire at the U.S. Open and getting kicked out of that tournament. Gauff, coming off her second major title at the French Open, will open Wimbledon on Tuesday against Dayana Yastremska, a 2024 Australian Open semifinalist. Win that, and Gauff might face former No. 1 and two-time Australian Open champion Victoria

sional vs. collegiate sports.”

Current NCAA rules do not allow athletes or institutional staff to engage in sports betting for any sports that have NCAA championships; bets by an athlete on their own team or own sport risks a lifetime ban from college athletics.

“The enforcement staff’s sports betting-related caseload has significantly increased in recent years, and our staff — including our new sports betting integrity unit — has been effective in detecting and pursuing violations,” said Jon Duncan, NCAA vice president of enforcement.

Dr Deena Casiero, the NCAA’s chief medical ofﬁcer, said allowing pro sports betting may be more effective and realistic than an “abstinence-only” approach, clearing the way for education and better understanding of the risks.

“By meeting student-athletes where they are, schools may be more effective at preventing, identifying and supporting student-athletes with problematic gambling behaviors,” Casiero said.

In other NCAA moves, the Division I Board of Directors this week formally adopted roster limits for NCAA sports as part of the $2.8 billion House settlement

Azarenka in the second round, while a rematch with No. 28 seed Sofia Kenin could await in the third. Kenin eliminated Gauff in the opening round at Wimbledon two years ago. Sabalenka, the runner-up to Gauff at Roland-Garros three weeks ago, finds herself in an intriguing quarter of the women’s bracket. Sabalenka, who owns three Slam titles, begins against Canadian qualiﬁer Carson Branstine, and could meet 2024 Wimbledon quarterﬁnalist Lulu Sun in the second round and 2021 U.S. Open champion Emma Raducanu or 2023 Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova in the third.

Reigning champion Barbora Krejcikova begins Tuesday’s Centre Court schedule against Alexandra Eala, who is the ﬁrst woman representing the Philippines to be ranked inside the top 100 and upset Swiatek on the way to reaching the Miami Open semiﬁnals in March.

In their section of the draw, 2011 and 2014 Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova, who announced she will retire later this year, takes on No. 10 Emma Navarro in the ﬁrst round.

that also allows revenue-sharing and schools to award as many scholarships as they wish within the roster caps. Also this week, the Division I Council:

 Endorsed a recommended cap of 32 regular-season games in both men’s and women’s basketball beginning with the 202627 season. Critics include earlyseason tournament organizers who say the change could result in fewer marquee matchups.

 Introduced a proposal to add women’s ﬂag football to the emerging sports for women program Flag football has grown rapidly in popularity and will make its Olympic debut at the 2028 Games in Los Angeles.

 Adopted scheduling ﬂexibility changes allowing Football Championship Subdivision programs to compete in 12 regular-season games every year, starting in 2026.

 Voted to introduce proposals that, if also supported by Divisions II and III, would establish NCAA championships for women’s stunt and women’s acrobatics and tumbling as early as spring 2027. The sports have grown in popularity

A $1 million prize awaits the winner as part of a new media rights deal that includes TNT Briscoe said Friday he felt “deﬁnitely a sigh of relief, you know, just a weight off your shoulders” following last week’s win. He said that sense of relief was shortlived.

“I’m expected to win multiple races, not just one,” Briscoe said.

“It’s a sense of relief, but also more pressure because now they know you can win.”

NASCAR hopes the tournament generates midseason interest. The single-elimination format cuts the field to 16 at Chicago, eight at Sonoma, four at Dover and the ﬁnal two at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Many drivers expect their interest in the tournament will increase after Saturday night’s race.

“I think some of the drivers have been kind of dismissive over the bracket challenge,” said Brad Keselowski, who enters the race No. 30 in the points standings and in need of a win in Atlanta to earn a playoff spot in his RFK Racing Ford.

“I think it’ll become a lot more real, whether it be for the drivers or for the media or the fans, as it progresses into the later rounds over the next few weeks,” Keselowski said.

Added Ricky Stenhouse, who is 24th in the points race, of the new tournament: “It’s cool. I think after this weekend you’ll have a little better idea of what you have. Our main goal in Atlanta is winning and getting into the playoffs.”

Drawing ‘Uncle’ Noah

Briscoe is facing No. 31 seed Noah Gragson in the ﬁrst bracket. He says it’s a difﬁcult matchup, in part because “he’s actually probably my best friend on the circuit and my son’s favorite driver.” Briscoe said his 3-year-old son, Brooks, thinks of Gragson “like that uncle that just you take your kid to, and he has Pop-Tarts and ice cream and everything else when he’s with them.”

Added Briscoe: “Hopefully I’ll win. If not I’ll never here the end of it from Noah or my son.” Briscoe posted a photo on his X account of his son’s bracket. The photo shows the smiling Brooks holding a bracket with his father’s No. 19 winning every round of the tournament.

Racing for Rhealynn

Chase Elliott has a special paint scheme on his No 9 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet that was designed by 11-year-old cancer patient Rhealynn Mills. Elliott chose Mills’ design to highlight his foundation’s efforts to raise money for Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.

Elliott said the “Design to Drive” program has raised $500,000 for the children’s hospital.

Claims of Verstappen talking to Mercedes could overshadow race

BY JAMES ELLINGWORTH

AP sportswriter

The idea of Max Verstappen joining Mercedes would have seemed outlandish when he fought Lewis Hamilton in the controversial title decider in 2021. Now it’s the hot topic in the Formula 1 paddock.

sion which helped Verstappen beat then-Mercedes driver Hamilton to the 2021 title on the last lap of the season.

The buildup Friday to the Austrian Grand Prix was dominated by comments made the day before by Mercedes driver George Russell to British broadcaster Sky Sports. Russell has yet to get a contract extension for 2026 and seemed to suggest that Verstappen and Mercedes were in talks.

“As Mercedes, they want to be back on top, and if you’re going to be back on top you need to make sure you’ve got the best drivers, the best engineers, the best pit crew, and that’s what Mercedes are chasing,” Russell was quoted as saying. “So, it’s only normal that conversations with the likes of Verstappen are ongoing. But from my side if I’m performing as I’m doing, what have I got to be concerned about? There are two seats in every Formula 1 team.”

It would be one of the biggest driver changes ever in F1 on par with Hamilton’s switch to Ferrari — if Verstappen, a Red Bull driver since childhood, joined the team which has often been his toughest challenger

It would mean working with Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff, who was left to exclaim “that was so not right” at a deci-

Asked about Russell’s comments and whether any talks with Verstappen were happening, Wolff signaled Mercedes would “need to explore” future developments.

“I like what George says, and I’m always supportive of the driver, and there’s no such thing as saying things I wouldn’t want him to say,” Wolff said.

“I think we are very transparent in the team for what we do, what we plan, and we’ve been like that since I was put in charge of that. So that’s not the issue. And at the moment, clearly you need to explore what’s happening in the future, but it doesn’t change anything of what I said before about George, about Kimi, about the lineup that I’m extremely happy of having.” Mercedes has yet to confirm either Russell or rookie Kimi Antonelli for 2026 despite both having strong seasons so far.

Verstappen has a long-term contract through 2028, so in theory his Red Bull seat should be one of the safest on the grid. However the deal has performance-related clauses which could reportedly allow a move. “I don’t think we need to talk about that,” Verstappen said Thursday when asked to conﬁrm whether he’ll stay with the team for 2026. “It’s not really in my mind. It’s just driving and trying to push the performance, you know And then we focus on next year.”

AP PHOTO By FERNANDO LLANODSZ Joey Logano walks to his car before a NASCAR Cup Series race at Hermanos Rodríguez race track in Mexico City on June 15.

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By KIRSTy WIGGLESWORTH

Carlos Alcaraz, left, and Novak Djokovic arrive for a Wimbledon practice session on Thursday in London. Alcaraz is the two-time reigning champion at Wimbledon, while Djokovic has won the event seven times.

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By ADAM DAVy

Coco Gauff hits a backhand during a practice session for Wimbledon on Monday in London. Gauff is seeded second for the tournament.

Verstappen

AP FILE PHOTO By ELLA HALL

Saints tight end Juwan Johnson runs a drill on May 29 at an OTA practice.

SAINTS

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edge over other young prospects like Kevin Austin and Mason Tipton. Pettis is an obvious returner candidate, though he’s also displayed some chemistry with the quarterbacks.

Offensive line (8):

Kelvin Banks,Trevor Penning, Erik McCoy, Cesar Ruiz,Taliese Fuaga, Dillon Radunz,Will Clapp, Landon Young: Eight offensive linemen may seem too few given the emphasis that Moore has made about building through the trenches. But with numbers tight elsewhere, and a 16-man practice squad, perhaps the Saints can afford to go a little lighter at the position.

Tight end (4):

Juwan Johnson, Foster Moreau, Jack Stoll, Moliki Matavao: You’ll note no Taysom Hill on this list, but that’s because of uncertainty regarding his knee injury For these purposes, expect Hill — who tore his ACL and suffered additional damage last December — to open the season on the league’s Physically Unable to Perform list. That would knock him out for at least the ﬁrst four games of the season. If Hill can go, he’ll obviously make the ﬁnal roster

The same consideration was given for Moreau, who is also coming off a serious knee injury but said he hopes to be back by training camp.

Edge rusher (4): Chase Young, Carl Granderson, Cam Jordan, Isaiah Foskey

Defensive line (6): Bryan Bresee, Davon Godchaux,Vernon Broughton, Khalen Saunders, Nathan Shepherd, Jonah Williams: Good luck ﬁguring this one out right now The Saints’ defensive line is arguably the most crowded spot on the roster And there are plenty of questions that come with it. Can New Orleans afford to keep both Saunders and Shepherd after acquiring Godchaux and Broughton? Are they going to part ways with Khristian Boyd and John Ridgeway? Is Isaiah Foskey, a 2023 second-rounder, in danger of missing the roster?

Linebacker (5):

Demario Davis, Pete Werner, Danny Stutsman, Nephi Sewell, D’Marco Jackson

The top three seem pretty solidiﬁed, but there’s room on the back end to make a dent. Sewell and Jackson, for now, get the nod for special-teams purposes, but Jaylan Ford could also contribute well in that area. It was tempting to put only four linebackers here, but defensive coordinator Brandon Staley went with ﬁve inside linebackers in each of his three seasons with the Los Angeles Chargers.

Cornerback (5): Alontae Taylor, Kool-Aid McKinstry, Quincy Riley, Isaac Yiadom, Ugo Amadi Safety (5): Justin Reid,Tyrann Mathieu, Jordan Howden, Jonas Sanker, J.T. Gray: Terrell Burgess and Amadi were two of the toughest calls when doing this exercise. Both players can play inside cornerback and safety, and both appeared to have strong offseasons. But Amadi has been a steady presence in the Saints’ secondary over the last two seasons. That gives him the nod, for now

Specialists (3):

Blake Grupe, Matthew Hayball and Zach Wood: If James Burnip beats out Hayball this summer the Saints’ incumbent punter will have lost his job in three straight training camps. But Hayball showed promise as a rookie, and if he can take a step forward, that should be enough to hold off Burnip Grupe also is expected to face competition from Charlie Smyth, but Grupe has been the more consistent of the two.

Shough ‘optimistic’ on unsigned contract

BY MATTHEW PARAS Staff writer

THIBODAUX Tyler Shough was just happy to get a golf cart this time.

For his third appearance at the annual Manning Passing Academy, Shough received additional perks that he didn’t during his two previous invites when he last served as a camp counselor in college. That included transportation, so the 25-year-old did not have to walk everywhere and could escape the blazing sun when needed.

The treatment was the camp’s way of taking care of the New Orleans Saints quarterback especially after he asked to be there.

“We don’t really ask NFL quarterbacks to come back and this is kind of their break time,”

Peyton Manning said, adding, “We’ve never wanted to bother guys that are still playing but Tyler reached out to my dad and said he wanted to come (help). It says a lot about him that he’s here.”

Shough wouldn’t have it any other way The second-round pick, who has stuck around Louisiana this offseason, said it was a “nobrainer” to come back and that he wanted to because of his relationship with the Mannings. This year

Shough said he’s looking forward to sharing his draft experience with the handful of college quarterbacks who have also attended the camp.

Shough’s attendance was part of what has been a busy summer for the rookie. And he has no plans to slow down.

Once the camp concludes Sunday, Shough said his next step will be to go work out with the Saints’ receivers in Dallas and Oregon.

The goal is to build on the chemistry that started to form over the last few months of organized team activities (OTAs).

“For me, I know the window of opportunity is only so big for anybody,” Shough said. “You have to come in and be prepared. Now that we’ve got the playbook installed I just want to continue to grow and then attack training camp.

“There’s a sense of urgency,” he

WHITWORTH

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Heck, he even threw the shot put in track and ﬁeld But each had its importance. Every sport taught the future Los Angeles Ram something that indirectly contributed to retiring as the oldest offensive lineman to win a Super Bowl. In some ways, Whitworth’s activity was his greatest gift.

“Play multiple sports,” said Whitworth with passion. “I grew to be 6’7” 330 pounds. I was going to be able to push people around with my God-given ability But playing tennis and baseball and track and all those other things taught me a skill. Basketball, for example, helped me with my pass protection. What does playing defense look like in basketball? It’s like trying to slide protect. If you want to be a great blocker, you have to keep the defender between yourself and the quarterback. That’s just like in basketball, using your body to stay between them and the goal. A lot of things carry over.”

For a man who prides himself on being mobile, the irony isn’t lost on Whitworth that his most viral moment involved him sitting on the ﬂoor of SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Calif. His career peaked with the Rams’ Super Bowl LVI victory against (of all teams, the one he spent his ﬁrst 11 NFL seasons with) the Cincinnati Bengals just days removed from Whitworth being named the 2021 Walter Payton Man of the Year Talk about a whirlwind.

Amongst all the confetti on the turf the West Monroe native sat with his family and told his children that it was “Daddy’s last ballgame.”

“It will forever be special,” Whitworth said “You’ll meet somebody, and you can tell they’re trying to explain to their wife who you are Then they’ll say you probably saw him on the ground with his family at the Super Bowl. And that’s immediately when they recognize me. I don’t ever sit down and take a breath and that was the moment for me to do it with my kids. It was one of the calmest moments of my career I knew it was over.”

Perhaps the saddest person to see Whitworth go was his head coach Sean McVay, who didn’t mince words when it came to Whitworth’s importance to the franchise.

It was a master stroke to acquire a left tackle who ﬁnished his career with 250 NFL starts, meaning McVay was protecting quarterback Matthew Stafford’s blindside with an experienced All-Pro, sure.

said later “We’ve got to get going.” Before then, Shough’s focus was helping out at the Mannings’ camp.

Shough said his biggest advice to the college quarterbacks would be not to worry about preseason rankings and draft lists. After all, at this time last year, Shough was simply a transfer at Louisville, focused on rebuilding his stock after a handful of injuries. He knew he wasn’t on the draft board for a lot of teams back then, let alone the eventual second-round pick he’d become.

Shough’s path, though, was motivating for Miller Moss — Shough’s replacement at Louisville who served as a camp counselor this year The 23-year-old said Shough’s rise factored in his decision to transfer to the program after spending four years at USC. He remembers seeing how Shough thrived at the line of scrimmage, able to audible into run plays correctly to beneﬁt the offense.

The two got to know each oth-

But it also provided leadership for a ﬁrst-year head coach on the job.

“When we lost him, I thought I appreciated how valuable he was in terms of his leadership and giving me the ability to hear what I needed to hear and not what I wanted to,” McVay said “I thought I valued it a whole lot, but since he retired, I realized what a unique human being he is. You can’t say enough good things about him. I can’t describe what he means to me. I think he has to go down as one of the greatest free agent signings of all time.”

A storybook ending for a career that featured multiple first-team All-Pro accolades (2015, 2017) and four Pro Bowl selections is quite the contrast to Whitworth’s rocky start. Put it this way — no confetti fell during Whitworth’s first live rep of middle school football at Ouachita Christian School. Not when he stood opposite of the coach’s daughter, Molly Harper, during his first practice. What happened next would be told time and again over the next three decades.

“I get in line and realize I’m going against a person with really long hair and I’m like, ‘This is the ‘90s… There aren’t too many boys with long hair.’ Other players are like, ‘Hey dude, you better lock in,’” Whitworth remembered. “I’m thinking I don’t know how hard I want to hit her because she’s a girl, and she pancaked me and knocked me down.

“I remember thinking, ‘Maybe football isn’t for me,’ because I was a basketball kid at the time. I love to tell that story because if you have a totem pole of where you career is, near the bottom has to be what people think of when the coach’s daughter trucks you. But it’s not about that. I didn’t quit. I made a commitment to ﬁnish something, and I ended up falling in love with it.”

Whitworth quickly ascended to one of the top prep players in Louisiana with the West Monroe Rebels and played a part in two national championship teams in 1998 and 2000, arguably the peak of that prestigious football program.

At West Monroe, Whitworth played for the legendary Don Shows, the 2011 LSHOF inductee who holds the ﬁfth most wins in LHSAA football history Whitworth transitioned from tight end to tackle his senior year and ultimately chose to play football for Nick Saban at LSU, despite admiring Steve Spurrier and the Florida Gators growing up. Saban was honest about Whitworth projecting better as an offensive tackle, and Whitworth ap-

er when Shough sat down with Moss on his visit with the Cardinals, but this week would provide another chance for them to catch up.

The Manning Passing Academy was another chance for Shough to learn. The quarterback recalled how he talked with former NFL coach Jon Gruden for an hour on Thursday, The coach emphasized the need for urgency, Shough said, and the quick “mental process” a quarterback has to have.

Shough said he hopes he gets a chance to work out with Gruden, who has also mentored Jake Haener and fourth-string quarterback Hunter Dekkers.

But Shough will have to ﬁnd the time. Beyond the trips with his receivers and preparing for training camp, Shough still technically has to ﬁnalize his rookie contract with the Saints.

The Saints and Shough have been in a holding pattern, waiting to see what happens around the league as

preciated Saban’s candor Wholeheartedly Whitworth believed Shows made him tough, while Saban brought out the best in him.

“Don lived hanging off of my facemask, chewing me to pieces,” Whitworth said. “Don would take me down to get his point across He wanted to take down our best player and fire the other guys up. It was manipulation a little bit. He was like VinceMcMahon Hewasashowman

“Nick was all about having a sense of urgency to be great. Here’s the playbook, what all has to happen and what it looks like to chase greatness. Can you keep up?

I loved that challenge of matching his urgency every day to be great.”

Whitworth played for legends in high school and in college and ultimately played for a Super Bowl winning coach with McVay

“He’s the closest thing I saw to Nick Saban,” Whitworth said.

It’s quite the compliment for McVay, who isn’t afraid to give Whitworth immense credit for changing the culture of the Rams organization. McVay astutely pointed out the Rams had 10 straight losing seasons beforeWhitworthjoinedin2017.The Rams went 55-26 with ﬁve straight winning seasons, four playoff runs and two Super Bowl appearances with Whitworth at left tackle.

“I just finished up my eighth year and I can’t imagine what that would have looked like without him to help me as a ﬁrst-year head coach,” McVay said. “That was a big edge for us.”

Before Whitworth completed the trifecta of winning a ring at every level, he was a valued member of an LSU football team that broke through and won the 2003 national championship.

“We were freaking rock stars,” Whitworth said. “Every single day going back-and-forth to practice, we felt like we were a part of Guns N’ Roses or Aerosmith Fans were outside our hotel. They were shaking and hitting the busses. Playing in New Orleans for the national championship when it’s been almost 50 years since you won it, that’s hard to replicate. Yeah, they’ve had talented teams since, but what that one meant, it was really special.”

Changing the culture is what Whitworth’s career is all about. He was front and center of Saban ushering in the golden era of LSU football. And you could argue he did the same for Cincinnati, as the Bengals morphed into a consistent winner from 2006-16 after posting just two winning seasons in the previous 17 years. The numbers and accolades speak

30 of the second round’s 32 picks remain unsigned.

Many, including Shough’s camp, are negotiating over the guaranteed portion of the fourth-year salary after the Houston Texans and Cleveland Browns made history by fully guaranteeing the contracts of second rounders Jayden Higgins and Carson Schwesinger

“The whole second round, (we’re) just seeing kind of where things lie,” Shough told The TimesPicayune when asked about his optimism that a deal gets done before camp begins. “There’s not like a demand or — obviously, you’re super optimistic That’s just part of it, this whole process, so yeah, we’ll see.”

The situation, however, has not been a distraction for the Saints and Shough. The rookie participated in the entire offseason program, and deals for second-round prospects, in particular, tend to take longer to ﬁnalize.

loudly, but his leadership inside the locker room reveals even more about the man whose Big Whit 77 Foundation donated $250,000 to the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank during the pandemic.

Former Cincinnati offensive lineman Clint Boling, who was drafted in 2011 during the NFL lockout, had no communication with the Bengals for three to four months due to the work stoppage. A week after being drafted, Whitworth reached out to Boling, invited him to a charity golf tourney in the offseason and paid for his ﬂight and hotel room to stay and bond with all the offensive linemen that came. Later on, Whitworth organized voluntary workouts, and once more ﬂew Boling out to practice at the University of Cincinnati with other Bengal players. Boling never forgot it.

“One of the best ways to describe his leadership is to describe the void when he left in 2016,” Boling said. “There weren’t very many guys who could take on that leadership role because he was such a big presence with the way he would lead our group.”

Football remains a focal point of Whitworth’s life, even though it’s in a different capacity His work now consists of breaking down the game in front of a camera, rather than taking on many hall of fame pass rushers he’s faced through the decades.

Evolution was a big part of Whitworth’s game, as he slimmed down and embraced ﬂexibility exercises to counter the speedy pass rushers that ﬂooded the league in the latter stages of his career And here he is parlaying retirement to evolve once more.

Surprisingly, Whitworth admitted this new venture is a little more nerve-wracking too. Some might think he’s making a fashion statement with the hoodie under his suit on Amazon Prime’s Thursday Night Football telecast, but it actually has little to do with that.

“When you get feedback from people who say they love seeing you on T.V., it makes you feel good because you just don’t know,” Whitworth said “I’m not super conﬁdent in it. That’s why I wear my hoodie. It makes me feel comfortable to be myself. I’m just trying to be me.”

Traveling from one NFL city to the next as part of a broadcast crew is a ﬁtting “retirement” for the Louisiana legend. Nope, you won’t catch Whitworth slowing down any time soon For a man who is seemingly always on the move, it’s a lifestyle well earned.

STAFF PHOTO By BRETT DUKE

Saints quarterback Tyler Shough, center, gives instructions to campers during the Manning Passing Academy on Friday at Nicholls State in Thibodaux.

LIVING

Learning to talk gospel from this La.pastor’s newbook

Do you have amoment fora gospel conversation?

Since hearing Sam Greer speak at aconference in New Orleans in April, Iwas compelled to add his book “The Gospel Conversationalist: How Jesus Engaged the Lost in Everyday Life” (WestBow Press) to myrapidly growing summer reading list. Good choice.

Idiscovered the book tobe apractical and gospel-based resource that encourages and equips people of faith to share their faith —byfollowingthe example of Jesus, the “original” gospel conversationalist

“By considering Jesus’conversational approach to sharing the truth of the gospel, this book seeks to mine through some of Jesus’ encounters and one-on-one conversations for applicable principles for becominga gospel conversationalist,” Greer writes in his introduction.

AMississippi native, Greer

graduatedfromNew Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and pastoredtwo Louisiana churches: Bonner Creek Baptist in Franklinton and Hebron Baptist in Bush. Since 2012, he has served as senior pastor of Red Bank Baptist in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

What does this gospel message say that we should be making an effort to share with others?

Greer gets right to the answer: “The gospel says Jesus lived alife we couldn’tlive, died adeath we should’vedied and rose from the dead proving He alone can forgive sin. The gospel says God has done for us, in through us the life, death, burial and resurrection of Jesus, what we could never do for ourselves.”

Agood gospel conversationalist is fond of —and actually can hardly resist —engaging in conversations about Jesus. “The more you get to know Jesus the more you will want to tell others about Him,” he writes. “A gospel conversationalist says what the gospelsays. Aftergiving aclear gospel presentation, agospel conversationalist will offer asimple gospelinvitation.”

Greer follows that up with some sample transitional questions.

Jesus’ effectiveness was in his ability to speak the languages of the person in whom was speaking, according to Greer. “When we take the timeto speak to aperson in away that will connectwith them, to speak their language, it is powerful,” he writes. “Don’tonly speak to people, but seek to speak his or her language.”

PEACE OF MIND

Mediterranean native offers nature connectionsand coaching in BR

BY JOYHOLDEN Staff writer

Onawarm andmuggy

Wednesday evening, fourwomen sat together on apicnic blanket afew paces from apathintothe forest. They introduced themselves to oneanotherwhile themusic of thecricketsand birds surrounded them. The Nature Connection session wasjust beginning.

Aftersomedeep breathing,sensory meditation and intention setting, thewomen roseand gathered theirbelongings,ready to trek into the Baton Rouge woods near South Harrell’sFerry Road

Lilia Kapsali-Grant, anature-connection coach and the facilitator of the nature connection session, led thegroup into BREC’sForestCommunityParkvia thehiking trail.

“Thích Nhat Hanh, aBuddhist monkand author,said to walk as if your feet arekissing the earth,” Kapsali-Grant said.

Upon this direction,the hikers steppeda little softer alongthe

grass and soil.

Making connections

Alifelonglover of nature, Kapsali-Grant grew up on the Mediterranean island of Cyprus.She studied biological science with the goal of being aresearch scientist,and even spent some time in Borneo andIndonesia, doing research in the jungle.

Kapsali-Grant worked in education fora conservation organization in Cyprus, but the cycle of unloading information onto people was having adiscouraging impact on her. She wasn’tseeing the knowledge turn into action likeshe hoped.

After experiencing the death of

hermother, she gotmarriedand moved to Baton Rouge in 2014. Nature factored intoher mourning period.

“I realized that nature wasthere for me, and that it really did help me sort of process my grief,” Kapsali-Grant said. “I know it sounds abit crazy,but Iwould talk to the trees and the birds.”

She returned to school to get her master’sdegree in outdoor environmental and sustainability education.

“I realizedthatthere were other ways to educate people that were

Boba Partea openssecondlocationinBR

Co-owners

STAFFPHOTOSByJAVIER GALLEGOS

Lilia Kapsali-Grant, facingthe camera, leads agroup on ahikeduring agroup nature session at Forest Community Park on June 18.

Lilia Kapsali-Grant leadsa groupinmediation during agroup nature session at ForestCommunity Park.

PROVIDED PHOTO FROM AMAZON

BY SERENA PUANG Staff writer

By The Associated Press

Dear Heloise: If you’re like me and are often out and about but wonderifyou left apot boiling, take apicture of the stove in its off position. Granted, if you go to this much trouble, you should remember.But you can also do this with parking spots at a mall or other places.

—Bonnie Waterhouse, in Burbank, California

Icemaker tip

ﬁcient ice made for awhile, Ijust turn it off until it’s needed again. —Jean Milici, in Torrington, Connecticut

To push or pull?

Dear Heloise: The ice maker bin in my new refrigerator wasway too large; it was taking up too much room and holding more ice than needed. Therefore, I purchased aclear plastic container that was about the size of ashoe box and replacedit. Also, when Ihave suf-

Dear Readers: When you’re moving objects, theOccupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA.gov) recommends pushing theobject whenever possible instead of pulling it. When you push objects, OSHAsays that you use more muscles over agreater area of your body.But when you’re pulling the same object,you can risk muscle strain, which can causea painful injury.

—Heloise Worth1,000 arguments

Dear Heloise: My No. 1use for my cellphone is in gro-

cery stores. Itake aphoto of asale item with the price showing, so when Iget to thecheckout,there’s no questioning theprice. This has happened in past months, and the picture’s settled it. —Betsy,via email ‘Eggcellent’ eggs

Dear Heloise: Ibreak three or four eggs into my personal blender and add a decent-size spoonful of cottage cheese (inplace of cream or milk) and adash of salt and pepper.Iblend theingredientsand pour themixture into my pan to scramble. They comeout nice and ﬂuffy,and they have theadded protein from thecottage cheese. Cheryl, in South Dakota Send ahinttoheloise@ heloise.com.

newBoba Partea is located

BOBA PARTEA

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the instability of the food/ beverage industry since then and built abeloved business/hub for Asian American events and desserts on O’Neal Lane. Last year,they announced that they’d be opening asecond locationby Costco, but unexpected delays kept getting in the way According to Nguyen, they faced zoning issues (the building for the second location was zoned residential), and then energy,water and gas issues. The problems didn’thappen all at once. Instead, one problem would get solved, she said, and another would begin. But hopefully,the worst is behind them.

“I’m excited to have anew kitchen,” she said. “Wehave alot more room in here.”

Nguyen plans to keep both locationsopen, butthe Celtic Drive location is much bigger and will serve as the home

MATTERS

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base. The new location will also launch new matcha and coffee-based menu items, available at both stores. For the soft opening Friday, BobaPartea will run aspecial:Buy twolargedrinks, get abaked good for free. The grand opening event will be amini Asian street food festival with food andlocal creative vendors. The shop has about 400 boba buckets available in four different

Encounters with the rich young ruler,the Samaritan woman,Nicodemus and the Zacchaeus were powerful examples Greer highlighted to show Jesus’ ability to meet various people one-on-one. Jesusalso knew how to speak to the crowd, an opportunity many believers shun.

“Our 21st century American society is geared toward avoiding the crowds,” Greer writes, referencing themiracle of feeding of the5,000 inJohn6.“Whether it beself-checkoutlines, interstate bypasses, theme park fast passes, online shopping, online banking,

colors andspecial,ﬂavored tiramisucakes on Saturday

After thegrand opening, BobaPartea will be open 11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday; 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Fridayand Saturday; and noon to 8p.m. Sunday

Email Serena Puang at serena.puang@ theadvocate.com.

online networking or social media, our society goes to great lengths to avoid great crowds.”

Greer’squick 106-page book teaches us not to avoid thecrowd or anyone else in our effort to be an effective gospel conversationalist

ContactTerry Robinson at terryrobinson622@gmail. com.

Today is Saturday, June 28, the 179th day of 2025. There are 186 days left in the year Todayinhistory

On June 28, 1914, in an act that sparked World WarI,Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria and his wife, Sophie, were shot to deathinSarajevo by Serb nationalist Gavrilo Princip.

On this date:

In 1863, during theCivil War, U.S. President Abraham Lincoln appointed Maj. Gen. George G. Meade as the new commander of the Armyofthe Potomac, following the resignationof Maj. Gen. Joseph Hooker In 1919, theTreatyof Versailles was signed in France, ending theFirst World War.

In 1940, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the Alien Registration Act, also known as the Smith Act, which required adult foreigners residing in the U.S. to be registered and ﬁngerprinted.

In 1969, riots broke out following apolice raid at

the Stonewall Inn, an LGBTQ+ bar in NewYork’s Greenwich Village neighborhood, leading to six days of violent protests that served as awatershed momentinthe LGBTQ+ rights movement.

In 1997, boxer Mike Tyson wasdisqualified from his rematch with heavyweight titleholder Evander Holyfield after Tyson bit Holyfield twice in the third round, including biting off aportion of Holyfield’s right ear

In 2000, seven months after he wasfound adrift in the Straits of Florida, Elian Gonzalez wasreturned to his native Cuba.

In 2017, aman armed with ashotgun attacked the ofﬁces of The Capital newspaper in Annapolis, Maryland, killing four journalists and astaffer before police stormed the building and arrested him; authorities said Jarrod Ramos had along-running grudge against the newspaper forits reporting of aharassment case against him.(Ramos would be convicted and sentenced to six lifesentences plus 345

years in prison.) In 2019, avowed White supremacist James Alex Fields, whodeliberately drove his car into acrowd of counterprotesters in Charlottesville, Virginia, killing ayoung woman and injuring dozens, apologized forhis actions before being sentenced to lifein prison on federal hate crime charges. In 2022, Ghislaine Maxwell was sentenced to 20 years in prison forhelping the wealthy ﬁnancier Jeffrey Epstein sexually abuse teenage girls. Today’sbirthdays: Filmmaker-comedian Mel Brooks is 99. Diplomat and

Hints from Heloise

Stop with therampant grouptexts

Dear Miss Manners: Isharedacute photo of my daughter with severalother mothers by creating agroup text. It was asingle picture of my daughter,not amilelong text exchange. One of the mothers texted me separately not to include her in atext chain with people she does not know,and then exited the group. Is it bad text etiquettetodothis in general?

Judith Martin MISS MANNERS

Gentle reader: Group texts without prior consent are aviolation and they must be stopped. They are notonly confusing, what with their rampant, nameless phone numbers, but can also easily be abused with product solicitations (GirlScout cookies, anyone?) or

NATURE

Continued from page1D

more about connecting with our heart and our body and not just dumping information on people,” she said.

In 2020, as aresult of the COVID-19 pandemic, she noticed that many people were home struggling. So she started offeringmeetup sessions in BREC parks through the Meetup app. The sessions included sitting in nature, walkingin nature and engaging the senses. She was developing hereducational practice by offering something to the community and experimenting with mindfulness meditations she had learned during her studies.

Possibilities opened up for Kapsali-Grant, and she applied for an International Coaching Federationaccredited certificate in nature-connected coaching from the Earth-BasedInstitute in Colorado.

Today,Kapsali-Grantoffers two paths toward nature connection: one-on-one nature coaching and group nature connection sessions. Nature sessions

Kapsali-Grant offers the near-weekly nature connection sessions behind the Little Learners Outdoors space on 14747 Terrell Road, which backs up to the ForestCommunity Park hiking trail.

Owner of Little Learners Outdoors, Shelley Smith got to know Kapsali-Grant when she brought her toddler to Smith’sopen play days. They bonded over the importance of nature and worked out an agreement that allowed Kapsali-Grant to host her nature connection sessions on Smith’sproperty

“I’m open to more programs that are not me leading,”Smith said.“It’s important that everybody connects to nature. More people need it than they think.”

Kapsali-Grant designs

other fundraising schemes. That mother was wise to get out early. Youwill rarely ﬁnd Miss Mannerstouting theadvantages ofsocial media, but at least its participation is voluntary. Yours is acase when it would have beenideal. If yousimply must sharethat cute picture of your daughter,do so there —where friends, family and strangersalike can comment to their hearts’ desire. Withouthaving to gain 372,486 newanonymous friends.

Dear MissManners: Ilike pretty clothes.Ilike cute shoes and accessories, and Ithink clothing shouldbeﬂatteringand attractive. There are afew family members who only wear olive, mus-

tard, khaki, black and other dull colors; clunky,unattractive shoes; and few accessories. Ihave never commented on their attire. Yet every time they see me, they have somethingtosay

When Iattended ababy shower, Iwore adustypink jacket with a black top,gray pants, pink shoes and apale pink necklace.

Iamout of responses for “Your shoes match your outﬁt!” (Aren’t they supposed to?)And my necklace was pink, too! Someone even asked my son if Ireally liked pink or if Iwas just trying to match theshower.Helooked at her like he had no idea what she was talking about.

Ifeel like Ihave to defend my choices, but Ireally don’tknow what to say to stop them from these comments. Another cousin

each nature connection session tohelppeoplereconnectwiththe naturalworld and themselves. She incorporates guidedmeditation, sitspot time, writing and creativeexpression to deepen awareness andinvite reﬂection. The sessions are open to ages 16 and up.

Thesesessions currently takeplace from5:45 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. on Wednesdays at Little Learners Outdoors andcost $20.

Life coaching in nature

Kapsali-Grant is theonly certiﬁed Nature Connected Coach in Louisiana. While there are ecotherapyoptions through counseling, KapsaliGrant focuses on coaching, not therapy.

“It’sabout bringing life coachinginto nature to help people discover what they want in life andwhattheir deepervision is by using nature as aco-guide,” she said. “Someone may be going through abit of astuck timeintheirlife, so they go outinnature andkeep seeing the way treesare growing, which is meaningful for them. So, as acoach,I would ask questions to get themto go deeper inside andcome up with their own answers.”

Nature connected coaching can take place inlocal parks, in backyards or even inside with plants. KapsaliGrant tailors the coaching

sessionstoher clients. She says the mental andphysical benefits of being immersed in nature are longreaching.

Tara Titone,the director of theLSU Hilltop Arboretum, agrees that nature can have real effectsonthe body

“Growing research shows that exposure to natural environmentshas been associated with reduced cortisol levels,” Titone wrote in an email, “so even abrief encounter to take in the sights, smells, textures, and sounds of nature can make us feel good. When our mental health is positivelyimpacted, so is our immune function, bloodpressure, and sleep which can influence

will stare at me (and others as well) and then say,“Youlook tired.Doyou feel all right?”

All of these personal comments are in poor taste, awkward and rude. Is there any response that will discouragethem?

Gentlereader: “Thank you.” This is regardless of whether or not the comments are complimentary For theones that are not, Miss Manners recommends you just stand there in your cute matching outﬁt, nodding and smiling as they dig themselves in deeper

Dear Miss Manners: Can you please advise me on how to politely deal with heavy condensation dripping from water glasses, wine goblets, cocktail glasses, etc., at outdoor restaurants when coasters are not provided? Does one hold one’snapkin un-

obesity andlower ourcardiovascular risk.”

Nature connectedcoaching usesvisualization, imagination, meditation and conversation. It’sbased on a life-afﬁrming, creative,holisticphilosophy that views humans as complete, whole andpowerful beings that are inherently connected to thegreater wholes of family,society,nature andthe universe.

Kapsali-Grant uses a framework called deep ecology,which was created by Eco-Buddhist Joanna Macy, in her coaching practice.

“I honor our subjectivity, our consciousness, our individuality as people,” said Kapsali-Grant, “and it’s a confidentialand empowering process. If we want to open up to that connection, that purpose, that meaning, we canmovebeyond this destruction we see around us —even beyond the wars, the separation, the judgment, all thosethings that plaguehumanity.”

To learn moreabout Kapsali-Grant’snature connection work, visit presencingnature.com or herInstagram page,Presencingnature. To register for anatureconnection session, visit littlelearnersoutdoors.com

Email Joy Holden at joy holden@theadvocate.com.

der the goblet while sipping? Let it drip to the ﬂoor before drinking? Drip on your attire? Or (shudder) decant the julep into aportable container? Nothing seems correct. Gentle reader: Cloth napkins are nonnegotiable. Paper will disintegrate. If those are not provided, ask. Then Miss Manners suggests you hold it discreetly over the bottom of the glass or goblet stem so that the condensation falls on it —and not on your clothing or shoes.

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.

Star of Bethlehem hosts event service

Star of Bethlehem BaptistChurch,1204 St.Joseph St., Baton Rouge, will hold its Family and Friends Day service at 10 a.m. Sunday Advocate “Faith Matters” columnist Terry Robinson will be the speaker Achurchpicnicand festivities will follow 5th Sunday fellowshipservice

Freeman Baptist Church, 4628 La. 955, Ethel, will conductaﬁfthSundayfellowshipservice at 8:30 a.m. Sunday Guest will be the Rev RodneyFreeman,pastor, Providence No.2Baptist Church. All are invited. Gospel singing in Tickfaw

The Rev.Mike Vaughn will leada“Southern and Country GospelFest” at 5:30 p.m. Friday,July 4, at Good News Fellowship Church, 13101 La. 442 West, Tickfaw

Doors will open at 5:30 p.m., andsinging will start at 6:30 p.m. with Kelly

Barber &Friends. Vaughn, along with TheBarber Brothers Quartet, will sing at 7p.m. This is afree concert, but alove offering will be received. Aconcession stand will serve desserts. Communion service at Berean and

all. However, participation in theordinance of humility (foot washing) and Communion is encouraged only for thosewho have been baptized by immersion. Allare welcome to attend.

STAFF PHOTO By JAVIER GALLEGOS

Shelly Smith, left, and Rachel Schexnayder enjoychatting with Lilia Kapsali-Grant during agroup nature session at Forest CommunityPark on June 18

cAncER (June21-July 22) Channel your energy into something positive. Be a leader and aconduitfor those whohave lost theirway.Doyour part, and support and respect will follow.

LEo (July23-Aug. 22) Engage in conversations and displays that offerinsight into new and exciting possibilities, and you will gain momentum, interest and input that will carry you farbeyond your imagination. Don'thold back.

VIRGo (Aug.23-sept.22) Keep an eye on your cash, investments, legal matters and medical issues. You'llget mixed responses and require additional opinions to avoid being misled by someone less qualified.

LIBRA (sept.23-oct. 23) Keep situations and conversations in perspective. If something sounds too good to be true, it's probably exaggerated information. Aim high and reachfor recognition anda seat at the table. Advancement is apparent.

scoRPIo (oct.24-nov. 22) Someonewill be eagertotakeadvantage of youifyou are gullible. Avoidtalkingabout money or offering insight into matters of a personal nature. Make personal growth your priority.

sAGIttARIus(nov. 23-Dec. 21) Payattention to detailconcerningyour possessions or investments. It's agreat time to selloff items you no longerneedor want and to raise your qualifications to help you secure aposition.

cAPRIcoRn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Partnerships are apparent, and wheeling and

dealingwill helpyou find the best fit for you and the services you can offer. Mix business with pleasure and explore your options.

AQuARIus (Jan.20-Feb. 19) Ignore the hype and take the safe route. Achange will tempt you, but you should avoid letting your emotions lead the way. Commonsense and negotiating will pay off.

PIscEs (Feb. 20-March 20) Learn from the changes occurring around you. Make your intentions clear to the people who will be affected by your actions. Reach out to someone you love and share your long-term plans.

ARIEs (March 21-April 19) Someone close to you mayoffer full disclosure regarding aconcern you have. Stay calm,embrace what's positive and give the people close to you more time to respond.

tAuRus (April 20-May20) Get out,mingle, networkand utilize your physical skills to meet your demands. Apositive change regardinglove,romance and self-improvementprojects will be uplifting.

GEMInI (May 21-June 20) It's OK to force an issue if you have everything in place and know how to makethe outcome please even your most unrelenting associate. Communication is your best asset today.

CelebrityCipher cryptograms are created from quotationsbyfamous people, past and present. Each letterinthe cipherstands for another toDAy's cLuE:R EQuALs M

FAMILY CIrCUS

beetLe bAILeY Mother GooSe And GrIMM

Sudoku

InstructIons: Sudoku is anumber-placing puzzle based on a9x9 grid with several given numbers. Theobject is to place the numbers 1to9inthe empty squares so that each row, each column and each 3x3 box contains the same number only once. Thedifficulty level of the Sudoku increases fromMonday to Sunday.

Yesterday’s Puzzle Answer

nea CroSSwordS

THe wiZard oF id

BLondie

BaBY BLueS

Hi and LoiS

Bridge

By PHILLIP ALDER

We have been looking at transfers into themajors. But what abouttransfers intothe minors? Look, for example, at the North hand. What wouldyou respond after partner opens one no-trump? Only regular and experienced partnerships should use transfers into the minors, primarily because theirfrequency is so low. Here,for example, if North’s long suit wereamajor,hewould transfer into that suit and insist on making it trumps. But since it is aminor and the hand has no singleton or void or strength fora slam, Northshould raise to threeno-trump. Go for the nine-trick game, not the 11-trick. South is in threeno-trump, and West leads theheart king. What should South do?

Declarer has six top tricks: two spades, one heart, two diamondsand oneclub. Obviously, the others must come from dummy’s diamonds. This means assuming that the missing diamonds are breaking 3-2, not4-1 or 5-0. Next, South should duck(lose)the first trick —the Bath Coup. If West continueswith hearts,declarer hastwo heart tricks.IfWest shifts, South still hasaheart stopper. (Note that if declarer wins the first trick, he goes down,Eastpushingaheartthroughwhen in with his diamond trick.) South takes trick two and ducksadiamondimmediately, playing alow diamond from each hand. Then he coasts to at least nine tricks. And note that five diamonds has no chance. If you wouldliketolearn about transfersinto the minors, go to my website, www.phillipalderbridge.com, and look under the Transfers link.

EachWuzzle is aword riddle which creates adisguised word, phrase, name, place, saying, etc. For example: NOON GOOD =GOOD AFTERNOON

Previous answers: wuzzles

word game

InstRuctIons:

Average

Yesterday’s Puzzle Answer

marmaduKe

Bizarro

hagar the horriBle

Pearls Before swiNe

garfield

B.C.

PiCKles

&Company,second by Mr.Carnes, allwerein favorthe motion passed. Approvingthe renewalof thegeneral liabilityand vehicleinsurance with McNeil &Company in the amount of $390,407.00. Motion to renewalthe generalliability andvehi‐cleinsurance policyby Mr.Carnes, second by Mr.Suchy themotion passed.

7. OTHERBUSINESS: 8. ADJOURNMENT: Motion by Mr.Carnestoadjourn themeeting,secondby Mr.Suchy,the motion passed. TheMeetingwas adjournedat. 5:49 p.m. 147292-jun28-1t $32.73

p 4. ADJOURNMENT: Motion by Mr.Suchy to adjourn, second by Mr.Carnes, themotionpassed. 147303-jun28-1t $16.56

y changeability funds in parishes with areasdes‐ignatedasMost-Im‐pacted andDistressed forbothdisasterperiods Theoverlapping MID parishes eligible forthis fundingare: Acadia (limited to zip codes70526 and70578); Allen; Ascension;As‐sumption;Beauregard; Caddo;Calcasieu; Cameron; East Baton Rouge; East Feliciana; Grant; Iberia;Iberville (limited to zipcodes 70764 and70788);Jack‐son; JeffersonDavis;La Salle;Lafayette;Lincoln; Livingston;Morehouse; Natchitoches;Ouachita; Pointe Coupee; Rapides; Sabine;St. Charles; St Helena;St. James; St John theBaptist;St. Landry (limited to zip code 70570);St. Martin (limited to zip code 70517);St. Tammany; Tangipahoa;Union;Ver‐million(limitedtozip code 70510);Vernon(lim‐ited to zipcode71446); Washington;WestBaton Rouge(limitedtozip code 71446);WestFeli‐ciana; andWinn. Perthe state’soriginal action plan,HUD consid‐ersthisamendment sub‐stantial becauseit movesmorethan$5mil‐lion,changes 15% or more of aprogram’s bud‐get, changesprogram beneﬁts andadds an ac‐tivity.After accepting public comments, the statewillsubmitthe plan to HUDfor ﬁnalfederal approval.OnceHUD ap‐proves theplan, thestate will implementthe pro‐posedchanges Theactionplanisavail‐able at theLOCD-DR website(locddr.la.gov/ action-plans)orbycall‐ing225.219.9600. Membersofthe public cansubmitcommentsin severalways: •Emailingthemtoocd@ la.gov; •Mailing them to Disas‐terRecoveryUnit, P.O. Box94095, 70804-9095, Attn:JaniceLovett; •Faxingthemtothe at‐tentionofJaniceLovett at 225.219.9605; or •Sending them from the contactpageofthe LOCD-DRwebsite Vietnamese

Hành

Chiefs Tar‐leton, K. Hartman, Rober‐son, Campbell, Stubbs,N SanAndres, andC.Ab‐boud 3. NEWBUSINESS: a. Approval /Renewal for Health,Dental, &LifeIn‐suranceRates forJuly1 2025 to June 30, 2026. Mo‐tion by Mr.Carnesto keep theplanasisand approvethe renewal, second by Mr.Suchy,the motion passed. i

másinfor‐mación sobreelplande acción,llame al 225.219.9600 oemail jan‐ice.lovett@la.gov 147248-JUN28-1T $77.93

a.m. on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, at the LaSalleBuilding, 617 North3rd Street,Baton Rouge, Louisiana, the StateMineral Boardwill consider approval of cer‐tain Agreements forexe‐cution involvingminerals or mineralrightsowned by theState.A full copy of each of theinstru‐mentstoeffectthe pro‐posedagreementsison file in theoffice of the StateMineral Board, 8th Floor,atthe abovead‐dress, andavailable for public inspection by any‐onedesiringtoexamine same.The proposed agreements areidenti‐fied as follows: 1. (25-09) AUnitization Agreement by andbetween the StateMineral andEnergy Board, acting for andon behalf of theState of Louisianaand Cantium, LLC, to create a69.653 acre unit, more or less, identified as theBM2 4475’ MRHSU, with 50.993 acresbeing attrib‐utable to StateLease No 1365 and18.660 acres beingattributableto StateLease No.1367,Bay Marchand Block2 Field, LafourcheParish, Louisiana, with further particularsbeing stipu‐latedinthe instrument 2. (25-10) AUnitization Agreement by andbetween the StateMineral andEnergy Board, acting forand on behalf of theState of Louisianaand Cantium,

Ronald LeBlanc, BoardMember

•Ms. Sonceria Evans, BoardMember

•Ms. Chareeka Grace, BoardMember

•Mr. Matthew Daigrepont, BoardMember •Mr. Michael Maranto, BoardMember •Mrs. Teri Bergeron, BoardMember

Municipal CivilService Board cc: Mayor CivilService BoardMem‐bers CouncilMembers City Attorney Department Heads Advocate 147246-JUL2-1T $19.26 g tension based upon pub‐liccomment shallbethat therehas been achange in theconditionsofthe area affected by theper‐mitsince thepermitwas originally issued.Com‐mentsshouldbeup‐loaded to ourelectronic record,but maybe mailed,faxed or emailed tothe designated OCM Reviewer.All comments must containthe appro‐priate applicationnum‐berand thecommenter's full name andcontact in‐formation. OCM, P.O. Box 44487, BatonRouge,LA 70804-4487, Phone: (225) 342-7942, Email: emily eley@la.gov, OCMRe‐viewer:Emily Eley CUP NUMBER:P20230789 (Ex‐tended)Name: Cameron Parish GravityDrainage District No.4,c/o K&M ProjectServices, Llc1000 CountryClubRoadLake Charles, La 70605 Attn: MitchThomasLocation: CameronParish, LA;, POBatLat.29-46-52.02N Long.93-07-50.52W,and POEatLat.29-47-4.85N Long.93-6- 53.28W ;Sec‐tion 31, 32 T14S-R07W De‐scription:Maintenance dredging along6,894' of an existing drainage lat‐eral.Approx. 5,575 cysof native material will be dredgedand placed on‐site.OCM,P.O.Box 44487, BatonRouge,LA708044487, Phone: (225) 3420566, Email: lorna. putnam-duhon2@la.gov, OCMReviewer: Lorna Putnam-Duhon, CUP NUMBER:P20230853 (Amended,Extended) Name:Cameron Parish GravityDrainageDistrict No.4,c/o K&MProject Services,Llc 1000 Coun‐tryClubRoadLake Charles, La 70605 Attn:

MitchThomasLocation: CameronParish, LA;, Lat 29-50-28.42N,Long-92-5955.09W;Section 9, 16, 19, 20, 30, 31 T14S R06W;Sec‐tion 5, 6T15S R06W;ap‐prox 5.5mileseastof Creole,LA. Description: Performmaintenance dredging

PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE theLa. Dept.of Energy andNatural Re‐sources, Ofﬁce of CoastalManagement (OCM)has received are‐questtoextendfor the referenced CoastalUse Permit in accordance with theState andLocal CoastalResources Man‐agementAct of 1978, as amended, (Louisiana R.S. 49:214.21-214.41),and the rulesand

Scan

expenditures and financial reports for March 2025 (Finance CommitteeReport 5/13/25)

5. Discussion of Job Description revisions for the following positions: (Dean of Students, Librarian/ Media Specialist, SchoolSecretary,Bus Driver,Head start Teacher, Paraprofessional Behavior Clinic) (Finance Committee Report 5/13/25)

6. Consideration of request to consolidatethe Paraprofessional Salary Schedule (Finance CommitteeReport5/13/25)

7. Consideration of request to approve finalchild nutrition bid summary for school year 2025 -2026 (Finance Committee Report5/13/25)

9. Approval of Consent Agenda

Be it resolved that theBoarddoes hereby approve and adopt the Above Consent Agenda Items#1-7

The Chairman declared the flooropen for publiccomment.

Motionmade by: Mr.Burke Fiscus

Motionseconded by: Mrs.Teri Bergeron

Voting: UnanimouslyApproved

10. End of Consent Agenda

1. Consideration of RequesttoApprove thelow bid contractor for Walk in Cooler and Freezers. (Jared Gibbs)

Mr.Gibbs went over thelow bid, which was $330,124, for LafayetteRestaurant Supply.Please see attachment

The chairman declared the flooropen for public comment That the boardapproves the lowbid contractor forWalkinCooler and Freezers.

Motionmade by:Dr. Atley WalkerSr.

Motionseconded by: Mr.RonaldLeBlanc

Voting: Unanimously Approved

11. OrganizationItems

12. Any other business unanimously approvedbythe boardfor consideration We had arequest to add an agenda itemtodiscuss aPersonnel issue in which theemployee waived his right on recordwithour attorney present of the 24-hour notice. Consideration of request to amend the agenda to add an agenda item to discuss personnel issueofPort Allen HighSchool Principal in an executive session.

The chairman declared the floor open for publiccomment

The motion failedtoamend the agenda to add the agenda item

Motionmade by: Ms. SonceriaEvans

Motionseconded by: Ms.Chareeka Grace

Voting:

Mr.Burke Fiscus -Yes

Mrs.Hayley Clouatre -Yes

Dr.Atley WalkerSr. -Yes

Mr.RonaldLeBlanc -No

Ms.SonceriaEvans -Yes

Ms.Chareeka Grace -Yes

Mr.Matthew Daigrepont -No

Mr.Michael Maranto -No

Mrs.Teri Bergeron -No

Mr.Alden Chustz- No

13. Adjourn Be it Resolved, That the meetingbeadjourned.

The Chairman declared the floor open forpubliccomment

Motionmade by: Mr.Burke Fiscus

Motionseconded by: Dr.Atley WalkerSr.

Voting: Unanimously Approved

Attendees

Voting Members

Mr.Burke Fiscus, BoardMember

Mrs. Hayley Clouatre, BoardMember

Dr.AtleyWalker Sr Vice President

Mr.Ronald LeBlanc, Board Member

Ms. Chareeka Grace,Board Member

Mr.MatthewDaigrepont, Board Member Mr.Michael Maranto, BoardMember Mrs. Teri Bergeron,Board Member

Mr.AldenChustz,President

Non-VotingMembers Dr.ChandlerSmith, Superintendent Jessica Blanchard, Executive Secretar

1. Call Meeting to Order The chairman calledthe meeting to order.

2. PledgeofAllegiance Dispensewiththe Pledge of Allegiance

3. Roll Call Jessica Blanchardconducteda roll call.

The followingboardmembers were present:

•Mr. Burke Fiscus, BoardMember

•Mrs. Hayley Clouatre, Board Member •Dr. AtleyWalker Sr Vice President

•Mr. RonaldLeBlanc, BoardMember

•Ms. Chareeka Grace,Board Member •Mr. Matthew Daigrepont, BoardMember •Mr. MichaelMaranto, BoardMember

•Mrs. Teri Bergeron,Board Member •Mr. AldenChustz,President Aquorum wasmade.

The followingboard members were absent Ms. Sonceria Evans

4. Superintendent’sReport None

5. UnfinishedBusiness

6. Presentation of Consent Agenda

1. Consideration of requesttoaccept the lowest Bidfor PAESRoof and RepairProject (Chad Fontenot)

2. Consideration of requesttoaccept the lowest Bidfor BMS Roof Project(Chad Fontenot)

3. Consideration of requesttoaccept the lowest Bidfor BHSand PAHS-Turf FootballFields(Chad Fontenot)

7. Approval of Consent Agenda Be it resolvedthatthe Boardhereby approve andadopt theAbove Consent AgendaItems #1-3

The chairman declaredthe floor openfor publiccomment That the above

The Advocate 06-28-2025

Court limits nationwide injunctions

Fate of Trump birthright citizenship order unclear

Kennedy joins Landry in La. to tout ‘MAHA bills’

Feds cut satellite data for tracking hurricanes

Court rules former LSU coach Orgeron’s ex-wife entitled to $8M

BRIEFS FROM WIRE REPORTS

CORRECTION

Senate aims to get big bill on track

Hurdles remain in passing Trump’s domestic policy package

Trump halts trade talks with Canada over tech firm tax

Senate rejects effort to restrain Trump on Iran

High court rules for parents in LGBTQ+ books case

Justices say Md. parents can pull kids from public school lessons

Justices uphold Texas age verification law for adult websites

Trump: Iran must open itself to international nuclear inspections

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ORGERON

Congo, Rwanda sign U.S.-mediatedpeace deal

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ADVERTISEMENT

Pair indicted in fatal BR shooting

Food truck owner included in indictments

SING FOR THE FENCES

U.S. Supreme Court delays La. decision

STOCKPILE

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Falkenheiner, Doris

BUSINESS

BRIEFS

BR consulting firm acquired

U.S. stocks close at all-time high

Recovery erases springtime plunge

Key inflation gauge ticks slightly higher in May

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COUNT HEAD

LOUISIANASPORTSHALLOFFAME

Knapp makes history at Rocket Classic

Women’s Australian Open set for March 2026

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NCAA

Drivers have variety of takes on inaugural In-Season Challenge

Claims of Verstappen talking to Mercedes could overshadow race

SAINTS

Shough ‘optimistic’ on unsigned contract

WHITWORTH

LIVING

Learning to talk gospel from this La.pastor’s newbook

PEACE OF MIND

Boba Partea openssecondlocationinBR

BOBA PARTEA

MATTERS

Stop with therampant grouptexts

NATURE

Sudoku