The Times-Picayune 07-17-2025

Archdiocesesettlementplan filed

Jointproposalseeks to resolve bankruptcy

BY STEPHANIE RIEGEL Staff writer

The Archdiocese of NewOrleans and acommittee that represents hundreds of clergy sexabuse survivors have filed ajointsettlement plan, detailing how the local Roman Catholic Church hopes to

resolve its 5-year-old bankruptcy case.

An outline of the agreement was announced in May.The 250page document that was filed late Tuesday provides details on the agreement that calls forthe archdiocese, its 110 parishes and affiliated charities, andthree of itsfour

insurerstopay $179.2 million into atrust to benefit survivors. The money would be distributed after the churchemerges from bankruptcy.Additional settlement funds would come from thesale of Christopher Homes, aportfolio of church-owned apartment complexes for low-incomeseniors.

The planestimates the property sale could contribute between $31 million and $56 million in additional money to the trust. The trust would be distributed among 660 survivors whohave filedclaims in the case. The plan notesthat some of those claims, which will be evaluatedlater by an independent administrator, may not be allowed. If the funds were distributed evenly among all the claims filedtodate, each claim-

Feds zero in on visa scheme

SeveralLa. police chiefs accusedinprobe of fake crimes

Homeland SecurityInvestigations Special AgentinChargeEric Delaune speaks during anewsconference WednesdayinLafayette announcing theindictment of five individuals, including lawenforcement officers, on fraud and conspiracycharges.

BY ASHLEY WHITE Staff writer

Since 2015,hundreds of non-U.S. citizens in Rapides and Allen parishes have applied for specialvisas claimingthey were the victim of or witness to acrime In virtually every incident, they were listed on police reports as victims of armed robberies. If approved,theycould stay in the country legally for at least four years to help law enforcement investigateand prosecute. Except the crimes never happened,according to federalinvestigators. Instead, they claim foreign nationals, most of whom were from India,paid Oakdale business owner Chandrakant “Lala” Patel thousands of dollars to help them obtain avisa. Patelwould thenpay $5,000

to alaw enforcement agent to forge a police report listingthe applicantasa victim that could be included withavisa application.

Federal investigators claim Oakdale Police Chief Chad Doyle, Forest Hill Police Chief Glynn Dixon,formerGlenmora

Police Chief Tebo Onishea and Oakdale Ward 5 Marshal Michael “Freck” Slaney worked withPatel to create thefalse documents.

Hundreds of visas were granted through thescheme, federal investigators allege.

Patel, Doyle,Dixon, Onishea andSlaney all were arrested Tuesday in asweeping

ant would stand to receive around $270,000.

Theplanalsolaysout newpolicies, including child protection measures and asurvivor’sbill of rights, to guard against future sex abuse by local priests, deacons and other church employees. Filedwith the planisanother lengthy document that will play a key role in the outcome of the case

Critical S&WB project

Construction manager warned of delays

BY BEN MYERS Staff writer

As alow-pressure system threatenstodeluge thecityThursday,a critical flood-protectionproject the Sewerage &Water Board has saidfor years would be readyfor hurricane season is still not operational. The agency announced last week that itsnew multimilliondollar power complex, designed to providereliableelectricity to thecity’sdrainage pumps, would be delayed until next month, and likely notbecompletely working until October

While residents only just learned of the revised timeline, Jacobs Engineering, the construction manager on theproject,warned in a January report that important pieces of the project were “severely behind schedule”and wouldn’t be readyuntil this fall or possibly the end of the year

operation that involvedabout 200 officers from various agencies in multiple locationsonchargesincluding visa fraud, mail fraud, briberyand moneylaundering.

“I’veworkedinfederal lawenforcementfor almost 27 years. I’ve never seen anything quite like this,” said acting U.S. Attorney of the Western District of LouisianaAlexanderVan Hook. “Webrought these allegations against who we allege to be corrupt officials. We arenot alleging thatthese are corrupt police departments.”

The 21-page indictment handed down by afederal grand jury on July2lays out 62 total countsagainst thefourdefendants.

ä See VISA, page 4A

Thereport detailedserious contractor errors, including “significant deficiencies” in quality inspections on underground components that could have warranted astop-work order. Insteadof stopping the work, Jacobs said it started conducting itsown daily inspectionsand spentsignificant timeresolving issues.

Board officials declined Wednesday to answer questions about the allegedproblems andthe subsequent delays.

Thereport, obtained through a public records request, waswritten to justifya$3million contract

Trumplashesout over Epsteinfiles

Presidentcalls his supporters ‘weaklings’

BY JILL COLVIN Associated Press

NEW YORK President Donald

Trumpislashing out at his own supporters, accusing them of being dupedbyDemocrats, as he triestoclamp down on criticism over his administration’shandling of much-hyped records in theJeffrey Epstein sex trafficking investigation,which Trumpnow callsa “Hoax.”

“Their new SCAM is what we will

forever callthe Jeffrey Epstein Hoax, and my PAST supporters have bought into this “bull****,” hook, line, and sinker,” Trump wrote Wednesday on his Truth Social site, using an expletive in his post. “They haven’tlearned their lesson, andprobablynever will, even after being connedbythe Lunatic Left for 8long years.

“Let these weaklings continue forwardand do the Democrats work, don’teven think about talking of our incredible and unprecedented success, because Idon’t want their support anymore! Thank you for your attention to this matter.”

ä Justice Department fires prosecutor on Epstein caseand daughter of ex-FBI director PAGE 3A

The rhetoric marks adramatic escalation for the Republican president, who hasbroken withsomeof his mostloyal backers on issues in the past, but never with such fervor.Though Trumpcannot run for another term, he will need strong support froma united party to pass hisremaining legislative agenda in anarrowly dividedCongress and

ä See TRUMP, page 5A

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By EVAN VUCCI

President Donald Trump leaves the East Room of the WhiteHouse after a signing ceremonyonWednesday.

STAFF PHOTO By BRAD BOWIE

Patel

Execution set for man in shaken baby case

HOUSTON A judge on Wednesday set a new execution date for Robert Roberson, a Texas man who won a last-minute reprieve last year and could become the first person in the U.S. to be put to death for a murder conviction tied to a diagnosis of shaken baby syndrome.

State district Judge Austin Reeve Jackson set an Oct. 16 execution date for Roberson, who was brought in from death row to attend the hearing in Palestine, Texas. Roberson did not speak during the hearing.

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton’s office had requested that the execution date be scheduled. Roberson’s lawyers objected, arguing Roberson still has an appeal pending before the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals that his legal team says contains “powerful new evidence of his innocence.” The latest appeal was filed five months ago. Roberson, 58, was convicted of the 2002 killing of his 2-year-old daughter, Nikki Curtis. Prosecutors argued he violently shook his daughter back and forth, causing severe head trauma in what’s called shaken baby syndrome.

Gretchen Sween, one of Roberson’s attorneys, argued there was no legal reason to set the execution date but that “perhaps there is a political reason.”

“Right now it makes no practical sense and it makes no moral sense,” Sween said.

Roberson’s legal team said that based on new evidence “no rational juror would find Roberson guilty of capital murder; and unreliable and outdated scientific and medical evidence was material to his conviction.” The new evidence includes statements from pathologists that state the girl’s death was not a homicide and who question the reliability of conclusions by the medical examiner on the cause of death.

Searchers recover 3 who drowned in river at park MACON, Ga. — The bodies of two young sisters and a man were found Wednesday after they drowned in a river Bibb County Coroner Leon Jones told local news outlets that 28-year-old Johnny Collins III, 10-year-old Skyler Worthen and 7-year-old Summer McRae were recovered Wednesday from the Ocmulgee River in Macon. Worthen and McRae, sisters, were swimming at Amerson River Park on Tuesday when they started drifting into the deeper waters. Collins jumped in to help, but all three went underwater and did not come back up.

Backstreet Boys’ Littrell sues over trespassers

ORLANDO, Fla.

— Backstreet Boys singer Brian Littrell says a local Florida sheriff’s office isn’t doing enough to protect his multimillion-dollar beachfront property from trespassers and is asking a judge for an order commanding deputies to do so. Under Florida law, any sand on a beach below the high tide water mark is public Many homeowners own the sand down to the average high-water line, though some counties over the decades have passed local ordinances that let the public use otherwise private beaches for sunbathing, fishing and walking if people have historically had access for those purposes.

Littrell’s company said that chairs, umbrellas and small tables had been put out on the beach, as well as “No Trespassing” signs, to mark it as private property. But “numerous trespassers have set out to antagonize, bully and harass the Littrell family by regularly, every day, trespassing,” according to the petition.

CORRECTIONS

n A story Sunday misstated the name of the construction company performing repairs to the Claiborne Avenue Bridge. The correct company name is C.E.C. Inc.

n A story Tuesday misstated the relationship of Kristen and Delisha Boyd. Kristen Boyd is the daughter of Delisha Boyd The Times-Picayune regrets the errors.

States sue FEMA for ending grant program

BY DAVID A. LIEB Associated Press

Twenty Democratic-led states filed suit

Wednesday against the Federal Emergency Management Agency, challenging the elimination of a long-running grant program that helps communities guard against damage from natural disasters.

The lawsuit contends President Donald Trump’s administration acted illegally when it announced in April that it was ending the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities program. FEMA canceled some projects already in the works and refused to approve new ones despite funding from Congress.

“In the wake of devastating flooding in Texas and other states, it’s clear just how critical federal resources are in helping states prepare for and respond to natural disasters,” said Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell of Massachusetts, where the federal lawsuit was filed. “By abruptly and unlawfully shutting down the BRIC program, this administration is abandoning states and local communities that rely on federal funding to protect their residents and, in the event of disaster, save lives.”

FEMA did not immediately respond

Wednesday to a request for comment It said in April that the program was “wasteful and ineffective” and “more concerned

with political agendas than helping Americans affected by natural disasters.”

The program, established by a 2000 law, provides grants for a variety of disaster mitigation efforts, including levees to protect against floods, safe rooms to provide shelter from tornadoes, vegetation management to reduce damage from fires and seismic retrofitting to fortify buildings for earthquakes.

During his first term, Trump signed a law shoring up funding for disaster risk reduction efforts. The program then got a $1 billion boost from an infrastructure law signed by former President Joe Biden. That law requires FEMA to make available at least $200 million annually for disaster mitigation grants for the 2022-26 fiscal years, the lawsuit says.

The suit contends the Trump administration violated the constitutional separation of powers because Congress had not authorized the program’s demise. It also alleges the program’s termination was illegal because the decision was made while FEMA was under the leadership of an acting administrator who had not met the requirements to be in charge of the agency

The lawsuit says communities in every state have benefited from federal disaster mitigation grants, which saved lives and spared homes, businesses, hospitals and schools from costly damage.

20 Democratic AGs call for unmasking ICE agents

BY JESSICA HILL Las Vegas Review-Journal (TNS)

Nevada Attorney General Aaron Ford and a coalition of 19 other attorneys general urged members of Congress to pass legislation prohibiting federal immigration agents from wearing masks to conceal their identity

In a letter sent to members of Congress on Tuesday the attorneys general called for legislation requiring Immigration and Custom Enforcement (ICE) officers to show their identification and agencyidentifying insignia.

Last week, Democratic Sens. Cory Booker, Alex Padilla and others introduced a bill that would ban immigration enforcement officers from wearing masks and requiring them to display identification during public-facing immigration enforcement actions.

The attorneys general, all Democrats, criticized ICE’s conduct and expressed concern over masked officers dressing in plainclothes and driving in unmarked vehicles while detaining people. They argue those tactics pose safety risks and instill fear rather than promoting public safety

The attorneys general argued that without clear identification from agents, individuals may not recognize them as federal officers and intervene in operations, which could tie up local law enforcement resources or escalate situations They also said the lack of identification of officers could enable individuals to impersonate ICE agents to exploit members of the community

Ford said masking of federal agents should be limited to special circumstances because it undermines principles of transparent governance that Americans expect. “For this reason, Congress should act immediately to end these reckless tactics and implement proper accountability to federal immigration enforcement,” Ford said in the statement.

The Better Nevada PAC, a political action committee linked to Republican Gov Jo Lombardo, criticized Ford in a Wednesday statement, calling the attorney general’s push a “disgusting new low.”

“It’s clear that when it comes to protecting our men and women in law enforcement and ensuring public safety, radical political agendas come first for Ford,” the committee said in a statement.

Calif. authorities take custody of 21 kids; surrogate moms say couple misled them

BY ED WHITE Associated Press

Twenty-one children are in the custody of a California child-welfare agency while authorities investigate a Los Angeles-area couple and whether they misled surrogate mothers around the country

Fifteen children were removed from the couple’s opulent home in Arcadia after an abuse allegation in May, and another six living elsewhere were also located, Arcadia police Lt. Kollin Cieadlo said. They range in age from 2 months to 13 years, with most between 1 and 3.

“We believe one or two were born biologically to the mother,” he said. “There are some surrogates who have come forward and said they were surrogates for the children.”

Silvia Zhang, 38, and Guojun Xuan, 65, are believed to be the legal parents, Cieadlo said. They were arrested in May after a hospital reported that their 2-month-old

infant had a traumatic head injury, the result of a nanny at the home violently shaking the baby, Arcadia police said. The child was not taken to the hospital for another two days.

Cieadlo said neglect charges were not formally pursued in order for an investigation to continue. The couple told police that they “wanted a large family,” the lieutenant said.

Zhang produced what appeared to be legitimate birth certificates, including some from outside California, that list her as the mother of the children, Cieadlo said.

TV stations in Los Angeles quoted women who said they were surrogate mothers for the couple but that they didn’t realize so many other surrogates were also involved.

Business records with the California Secretary of State show a company called Mark Surrogacy Investment LLC was previously registered at the couple’s address. The most recent filing shows the business license was terminated in June.

Young dino steals show at auction

Mars meteorite sells for over $5M

BY DAVE COLLINS Associated Press

The largest piece of Mars ever found on Earth was sold for just over $5 million at an auction of rare geological and archaeological objects in New York on Wednesday But a rare young dinosaur skeleton stole the show when it fetched more than $30 million in a bidding frenzy

The 54-pound rock named NWA 16788 was discovered in the Sahara Desert in Niger by a meteorite hunter in November 2023, after having been blown off the surface of Mars by a massive asteroid strike and traveling 140 million miles to Earth, according to Sotheby’s The estimated sale price before the auction was $2 million to $4 million. The identity of the buyer was not immediately disclosed. The final bid was $4.3 million. Adding various fees and costs, the official sale price was about $5.3 million. The live bidding was slow with the auctioneer trying to coax more offers and decreasing the minimum bid increases.

The dinosaur skeleton, on the other hand, sparked a bidding war With a preauction estimate of $4 million to $6 million, it is one of only four known Ceratosaurus nasicornis skeletons and the only juvenile skeleton of the species, which resembles the Tyrannosaurus rex but is smaller

The official sale price was $30.5 million with fees and costs. That buyer also was not immediately disclosed.

Parts of the skeleton were found in 1996 near Laramie, Wyoming, at Bone Cabin Quarry, a gold mine for dinosaur bones.

Specialists assembled nearly 140 fossil bones with some sculpted materials to recreate the skeleton and mounted it so it’s ready to exhibit, Sotheby’s says. It was acquired last year by Fossilogic, a Utahbased fossil preparation and mounting company It’s more than 6 feet tall and nearly 11 feet long, and is believed to be from the late Jurassic period, about 150 million years ago. Ceratosaurus dinosaurs could grow up to 25 feet long, while the T. rex could be 40 feet long.

The bidding for the Mars meteorite began with two advance offers of $1.9 million and $2 million. The live bidding slowly proceeded with increases of $200,000 and $300,000 until $4 million, then continued with $100,000 increases until reaching $4.3 million. Wednesday’s auction was part of Sotheby’s Geek Week 2025 and featured 122 items, including other meteorites, fossils and gem-quality minerals.

Bidding for the skeleton started with a high advance offer of $6 million, then escalated during the live round with bids $500,000 higher than the last and later $1 million higher than the last before ending at $26 million. People applauded after the auctioneer gaveled the bidding closed.

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By SETH WENIG

A family walks by flood-damaged cars Tuesday in North Plainfield, N.J.

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By RICHARD DREW

A mounted juvenile Ceratosaurus skeleton sold at auction Wednesday at Sotheby’s in New york for $26 million.

Trump hosts Gulf leaders at White House

BY CHRIS MEGERIAN Associated Press

WASHINGTON President Donald Trump hosted a pair of Arab Gulf leaders at the White House on Wednesday as violence between Israel and Syria renewed doubts about his pledge to impose peace on the Middle East.

Trump held a meeting in the Oval

Office with Bahrain’s crown prince and dined privately with Qatar’s prime minister.

The Republican president has lavished attention on the Persian Gulf, a wealthy region where members of his family have extensive business relationships. He has already visited Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates on the first foreign policy trip of his second term.

With little progress to share on the region’s most intractable problems, including the war in Gaza, Trump was more focused Wednesday on promoting diplomatic ties as a vehicle for economic growth

“Anything they needed, we helped them,” Trump said in the Oval Office while meeting with Bahrain Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa. “And anything we needed, they helped us.”

Meeting Bahrain’s crown prince

Bahrain is a longtime ally that hosts the U.S. Fifth Fleet, which

operates in the Middle East.

Like other Arab leaders, Al Khalifa was eager to highlight the lucrative potential of diplomatic ties with the U.S., including $17 billion of investments. “And this is real,” he said. “It’s real money. These aren’t fake deals.”

According to the White House, the agreements include purchasing American airplanes, jet engines and computer servers More investments could be made in alu-

minum production and artificial intelligence.

Bahrain’s king, the crown prince’s father, is expected to visit Washington before the end of the year

An important part of the relationship will be an agreement, signed Wednesday, to advance cooperation on civilian nuclear energy

Dinner with Qatari prime minister

Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, the prime minis-

ter of Qatar and a member of the country’s ruling family, was at the White House for a private dinner with Trump on Wednesday evening.

Trump visited Qatar during his trip to the region, marveling at its palaces and stopping at the Al Udeid Air Base, a key U.S. military facility

Trump wants to use a luxurious Boeing 747 donated by Qatar as his Air Force One because he’s tired of waiting for Boeing to finish new

planes. However the arrangement has stirred concerns about security and the ethics of accepting a gift from a foreign government.

Aaron David Miller, who served as an adviser on Middle East issues to Democratic and Republican administrations, said the Gulf region “represents everything that Trump believes is right about the Middle East.”

“It’s rich, it’s stable, it’s populated by authoritarians with whom the president feels very comfortable,” he said.

Fighting in Syria

The fighting in Syria began with clashes between Sunni Bedouin tribes and Druze factions in the country’s south. Government forces intervened, raising alarms in Israel, where the Druze are a politically influential religious minority.

On Wednesday, Israel launched strikes in the Syrian capital of Damascus. A ceasefire was later announced, but it was unclear if it would hold.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who was in the Oval Office for Trump’s meeting with the crown prince of Bahrain, said the fighting was the result of “an unfortunate situation and a misunderstanding.” He said “we think we’re on our way to a real de-escalation” that would allow Syria to “get back on track” to rebuilding after years of civil war

Another key ally quits Netanyahu’s governing coalition

BY TIA GOLDENBERG Associated Press

TELAVIV,Israel

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu suffered a major political blow on Wednesday as a key governing partner announced it was quitting his coalition government, leaving him with a minority in parliament as the country faces a litany of challenges.

Shas, an ultra-Orthodox party that has long served as kingmaker in Israeli politics, announced that it would bolt the government over disagreements surrounding a proposed law that would enshrine broad military draft exemptions for its constituents the second ultraOrthodox governing party to do so this week.

“In this current situation,

it’s impossible to sit in the government and to be a partner in it,” Shas Cabinet minister Michael Malkieli said in announcing the party’s decision

But Shas said it would not undermine Netanyahu’s coalition from the outside and could vote with it on some legislation, granting Netanyahu a lifeline in what would otherwise make governing almost impossible and put his lengthy rule at risk.

Once their resignations come into effect, Netanyahu’s coalition will have 50 seats in the 120-seat parliament.

No immediate collapse

Netanyahu’s rule, for now, doesn’t appear threatened.

Once Shas’ resignations are put forward, there’s a 48-

hour window before they become official, which gives him a chance to salvage his government.

The party’s announcement also comes just before lawmakers recess for the summer, granting Netanyahu several months of little to no legislative activity to bring the parties back into the fold with a possible compromise on the draft law

But if the coalition isn’t shored up by the time the Knesset reconvenes in the fall, it could signal that Israel may be headed to early elections, which are currently scheduled for October 2026.

The political instability comes at a pivotal time for Israel, which is negotiating with Hamas on the terms for a U.S.-backed ceasefire pro-

20 killed as crowd surges at aid site run by Israeli-backed group

BY MELANIE LIDMAN, WAFAA SHURAFA, and JULIA FRANKEL Associated Press

TEL AVIV, Israel Twenty Palestinians were killed at a food distribution center run by an Israeli-backed American organization in the Gaza Strip on Wednesday, mostly from being trampled, the group said. They were the first deaths reported at one of the group’s sites, though hundreds have been killed by Israeli forces on the roads leading to them, according to witnesses and health officials.

Israeli strikes across Gaza killed at least 54 others, including 14 children according to hospital officials.

The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation accused the Hamas militant group of fomenting unrest at the food distribution center, causing the stampede. For the first time since its operations began in May, “a large number” of people in the crowd were armed with pistols, GHF spokesperson Chapin Fay told reporters. He said an American medic was stabbed and wounded.

GHF said the Israeli

military had warned it on Wednesday that Hamas had infiltrated the crowd, but did not provide evidence for any Hamas presence, aside from a photo of a pistol that it said one of its contractors had confiscated. As law and order have broken down after months of war, Gaza has seen the rise of criminal gangs and tribal groups that carry weapons and steal and resell aid.

Witnesses said GHF guards threw stun grenades and used pepper spray on people pressing to get into the site before it opened, causing a panic in the narrow, fenced-in entrance.

GHF said it believed that 19 of the dead died from trampling at its food distribution center between the southern cities of Khan Younis and Rafah and one was killed by a stabbing in the crowd The Gaza Health Ministry said 17 people suffocated at the site and three others were shot. It was not clear if the shootings took place during the crush or earlier on the road to the center.

Witnesses said Israeli troops fired toward the crowds as

they headed to it. GHF said a contractor fired warning shots in the air in order to rescue a child from the stampede.

In videos obtained recently by The Associated Press from an American contractor working with GHF contractors are seen using tear gas and stun grenades to keep crowds back behind metal fences or to force them to disperse. Gunshots can also be heard.

The United Nations human rights office said Tuesday that 875 Palestinians were killed while seeking food since May Of those, 674 were killed while en route to GHF food sites. The rest were reportedly killed while waiting for aid trucks entering Gaza.

Israeli strikes killed 22 people in Gaza City including 11 children and three women, and 19 others in Khan Younis. Strikes in central Gaza killed 13 people, including three children.

Gaza’s Health Ministry said Wednesday that hospitals have received a total of 94 bodies over the past 24 hours, with another 252 wounded.

Mayor candidate changes stance on ‘globalize the intifada’

New york Daily News (TNS)

NEW YORK New York City mayoral front-runner Zohran Mamdani, who faced fierce backlash after declining to condemn the phrase “globalize the intifada,” told a group of business leaders this week he decided to discourage its use. Mamdani came under

fire for not condemning the phrase at the tail end of the primary election, and he has faced accusations that this stance bolstered Jewish hate

and antisemitism Partnership for New York CEO Kathy Wylde whose group hosted Tuesday’s sitdown, said Mamdani informed the audience of executives that he’d had a change of heart on the contentious phrase after speaking with a Jewish woman recounting a bombing attack in Israel.

(Mamdani) said he would discourage the use of that phrase because it suggests a statement of supporting violence against Jews,” Wylde said. “He said that he had

a conversation with a Jewish woman who said it triggered memories of a bombing of a restaurant, and he realized it meant something different to the Jewish community.”

Mamdani first came under fire last month after he was asked on a podcast whether the phrase made him uncomfortable. He responded that, although he doesn’t use the phrase, his takeaway from it was that there is “desperate desire for equality and equal rights in standing up for Palestinian human rights.”

posal for Gaza. Shas’ decision isn’t expected to derail the talks.

But with a fracturing coalition, Netanyahu will feel more pressure to appease his other governing allies, especially the influential far-right flank, which opposes ending the 21-month war in Gaza so long as Hamas remains intact. They have threatened to quit the government if it does end.

The embattled Netanyahu is on trial for alleged corruption, and critics say he wants to hang on to power so that he can use his office as a bully pulpit to rally supporters and lash out against

prosecutors and judges That makes him all the more vulnerable to the whims of coalition allies.

Exemptions divide Israel

On Tuesday, the ultraOrthodox United Torah Judaism party said it was quitting over Netanyahu’s failure to pass a law on the military draft exemptions. Military service is compulsory for most Jewish Israelis, and the issue of exemptions has long divided the country Those rifts have widened since the start of the war in Gaza as demand for military manpower has grown and hundreds of sol-

diers have been killed. A decades-old arrangement by Israel’s first prime minister granted hundreds of ultra-Orthodox men exemptions from compulsory Israeli service. Over the years, those exemptions ballooned into the thousands. The ultra-Orthodox say their men are serving the country by studying sacred Jewish texts and preserving centuries’ old tradition. But most Jewish Israelis see the exemption as unfair, as well as the generous government stipends granted to many ultra-Orthodox men who study instead of work throughout adulthood.

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By ALEX BRANDON

President Donald Trump, right, and Bahrain’s Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa speak Wednesday in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington.

Each defendant is facing one count of conspiracy to commit visa fraud.

Additionally, Patel faces one count of bribery 24 counts of mail fraud and eight counts of money laundering.

Doyle and Dixon each additionally face six counts of visa fraud, six counts of mail fraud and one count of money laundering Slaney also faces six counts of visa fraud, six counts of mail fraud and two counts of money laundering. Onishea also faces six counts of visa fraud and six counts of mail fraud.

The defendants and their attorneys could not immediately be reached for comment.

A multiagency investigation, which included the FBI, Homeland Security and the Internal Revenue Service, began in July 2024. A tip first came in to Homeland Security Van Hook would not say how investigators became aware of the scheme, but thinks it has been ongoing since December 2015.

Investigators allege that the conspiracy centered around creating false police reports for foreign nationals to apply for the “U nonimmigrant status visa,” or “U visa.”

A U visa, established in 2000, is designed to protect victims or witnesses of certain crimes. It also extends to their family members. The idea is that victims or witnesses granted a U visa will then help law enforcement in their investigation and prosecution of the crime When status is granted, a U visa is valid for four years, but extensions are available, including if there’s a request from law enforcement or if a person has filed for a green card.

Those seeking a visa would give thousands of dollars to Patel, who owns convenience stores and a fast-food restaurant in Oakdale and Glenmore. Patel would then pay law enforcement officers

SETTLEMENT

Continued from page 1A

— a disclosure statement — that explains to abuse survivors what is in the plan and seeks to persuade them why voting for it is in their best interest.

It notes that if the plan is approved, survivors will receive a guaranteed payout immediately, will be able to seek additional money from suing church insurers, and notes that the new child protection measures will go into effect.

It also includes a note on the potential risk to any settlement funds if the plan is not approved and the bankruptcy case is dismissed.

“You may get a judgment against an entity that has no assets when you try to enforce any judgment you receive,” the statement says. “You also run the risk that a subsequent bankruptcy will be filed before you can collect.”

Two-thirds of survivors must vote in favor of the plan in order for it to be approved by the court. Claimants will receive a copy of the disclosure statement with a ballot by mail in late August, provided U.S Bankruptcy Judge Meredith Grabill approves the language and information in the statement at a hearing later this month.

At that hearing, opponents of the plan, including lawyers for some abuse survivors, are expected to argue that additional or different language should be included in the documents that go out to survivors and will likely object to how the proposed settlement is being framed.

Tight deadlines

Tuesday’s court filing was a significant milestone in a case that has been among the longest, costliest and most contentious of the 40 church bankruptcies filed around the country in the two decades since the clergy sex abuse scandal came to light.

Grabill has ramped up pressure on the two sides to reach a settlement and has set a timeline for the plan to be confirmed by the end of the year

“The judge has set a timeline for confirmation that is very tight,” said Marie T. Reilly a law professor at Penn State and church

down by the grand jury, investigators prepared to arrest the defendants and conduct searches of places they allege held evidence of the scheme all at once.

Armed law enforcement officers descended on the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Baton Rouge on Tuesday to arrest Doyle and Dixon while they were attending a law enforcement conference. Van Hook said they “were not expecting resistance but we planned for contingencies.” Patel, Slaney and Onishea were arrested elsewhere. At the same time, about 200 law enforcement officers executed 11 search warrants and several searches in connection with the case, said Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent in Charge Eric Delaune.

What happens next

The defendants made first appearances in federal court Tuesday, Van Hook said. Alexandria federal Judge Jerry Edwards Jr is presiding over the case. Van Hook said prosecutors asked that Patel be detained until trial because of his connections outside of the U.S. The other defendants were released until trial.

Yearlong investigation

The yearlong investigation was complex, Van Hook. It involved tracking financial transitions, covertly pulling police reports and surveillance, including electronic surveillance, he said.

“It really brought all the tools of law enforcement to solve a significant problem,” he said.

In a February incident, which is the impetus of the bribery charge against Patel, the business owner tried to pay a Rapides Parish Sher-

$5,000 to falsify a report listing the person as a victim. Each report investigated in this case listed several victims, Van Hook told reporters Wednesday “There was an unusual concentration of armed robberies of people who were not from Louisiana in some of our smaller communities in Louisiana,” he said. Hundreds of visas were granted through the scheme, Van Hook said He did not know how the applicants were connected to Patel As the investigation continues, applicants will be questioned about what they knew about the scheme and if they thought it was legitimate. Patel himself was granted a U visa in 2023 because of an armed robbery, according to the federal indictment. It does not state whether that incident was fabricated.

“The judge has set a timeline for confirmation that is very tight. If the plan proponents can’t get the support they need from the creditors quickly, the game is over, and the court will likely dismiss the case.”

MARIE T. REILLy, law professor at

bankruptcy expert. “If the plan proponents can’t get the support they need from the creditors quickly, the game is over, and the court will likely dismiss the case.”

The archdiocese declined to comment Wednesday on the plan, as did the committee Bankruptcy law prohibits soliciting for or against a plan until after the judge has approved the documents that will be sent to survivors.

Making the case

Though the plan has the support of the official court-appointed committee of four abuse survivors, including two members who were abused as children at Hope Haven and Madonna Manor, it is opposed by a prominent group of trial attorneys who, individually, represent more than 100 abuse survivors with claims and lawsuits against the church.

Those suits, which number more than three dozen, were frozen in May 2020, when Archbishop Gregory Aymond placed the archdiocese in bankruptcy

Since the general terms of the plan were announced in early May, those attorneys and some of their clients have said they will oppose the plan because it falls short of what they feel they are owed.

Some also have said they want to have their day in court after years of suffering in silence. In a separate lawsuit, they have asked Grabill to dismiss the bankruptcy, arguing that the church has mishandled the case. In a statement Wednesday morning, the lead attorney for that group, Soren Gisleson, said “We are confident our motion to dismiss the bankruptcy will be granted and the case will be dismissed.”

A two-page letter from the official survivors com-

mittee that was filed along with the other documents late Tuesday pushes back against that argument, saying, “while some attorneys and claimants advocate for dismissal, the survivors committee does not believe it is in the best interest of all survivors.”

The letter goes on to say that if the case is dismissed and survivors pursue their own lawsuits, “the archdiocese is likely to take aggressive and hostile positions,” noting the process could include “years of appeals” after which the church could again file bankruptcy

Grabill must approve the language in that letter before it can be sent to survivors with the other documents about the plan.

Also opposing the plan are bondholders, who are owed roughly $30 million from the archdiocese on a $40 million loan Aymond took out in 2017 to refinance church debt. The debt was not secured unlike a bank loan Under the terms of the plan, the bondholders would receive about $3 million over 10 years, about 10% of what they are owed.

In a court filing last week, an attorney for the bondholders asked Grabill for permission to sue the archdiocese for securities fraud, alleging that the church said it was not insolvent when it filed for bankruptcy and would repay the debt in full.

The church has not yet filed a response to the allegations.

Parish bankruptcies

A key part of the plan will be for the church’s parishes and affiliated charitable organizations to contribute money toward the plan. In order to do that legally, based on a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling, the affiliates will have to file their own “mini bankruptcy” that would last about 48 hours, attorneys have told Grabill in recent court hearings.

Aymond has told New Orleans Catholics for more than a year that they would eventually be asked to contribute to the bankruptcy settlement. The plan does not say how much each parish and charitable organization will have to put toward the settlement.

Several key deadlines have been set that will determine how the case plays out from here.

On July 31, Grabill will

iff’s Office agent to falsify a police report. At that point, the Sheriff’s Office was working with federal investigators and the visa application was not submitted.

Federal prosecutors are seeking to have thousands of dollars’ worth of assets seized from the defendants. They claim that dozens of bank accounts were opened and property and vehicles were purchased with the profits of the scheme.

“We expect law enforcement to protect the public and to honor their trust,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Johnathan Tapp, “not to sell that trust and the honor of their badges for personal gifts.” After the indictment was handed

If convicted, each defendant could face decades in prison. Patel could be deported, Van Hook said. The case and ongoing investigation are important to the community and the nation, Van Hook said. And the arrests are an important step in restoring the public’s trust in their local law enforcement agencies.

He is unsure if President Donald Trump, who has long alleged there is fraud and abuse in the U.S. immigration system, is aware of the case, but Van Hook reported the investigation to U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi.

“I hope the president will be pleased with the work that we’ve done,” Van Hook said. “It certainly is in line with his priorities.”

Email Ashley White at ashley white@theadvocate.com.

hold a hearing to determine whether to approve the disclosure statement and the language in the ballot that will go out to survivors. If approved, ballots, along with copies of the plan and the disclosure statement,

will be mailed to survivors in August. They will be due in late October If two-thirds of survivors vote in favor of the plan, a lengthy trial, known as a confirmation hearing, will be held over several days

in late November and early December If Grabill rules in favor of the plan, it would go into effect by year’s end.

Email Stephanie Riegel at stephanie.riegel@ theadvocate.com.

STAFF PHOTO By BRAD BOWIE

Acting United States Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook, center leads a news conference Wednesday in Lafayette announcing the indictment of five individuals, including law enforcement officers, on fraud and conspiracy charges.

amendment for Jacobs, bringing its total compensation for the project to $19 million.

The firm also did not respond to questions to about the report Slipping timeline

The $300 millioncomplex at the S&WB’scampus on SouthClaiborne Avenue is meanttosolve a decades-old problem:unreliable power for the city’sancient drainage pumps, which run on an obsolete frequency.Atthe heart of the complexisa new Entergy substation, designed to deliver modern power to the pumps.

Considered one of the city’smost important infrastructure projects, the complex will replace notoriously shaky turbinesand generators the S&WB now uses to produce itsown power.The in-house equipment tends to break down during heavy storms, knocking the pumps offline whenthey’re most needed.

For nearly two years, the board consistently maintained that the power complex would be ready for the2025hurricaneseason, which began in June.The steadiness of that timeline, set in mid-2023 after earlier delays, has been notable as cost overruns, political arguments and cratered funding commitments have threatened progress.

The first sign of delays came in March, when the S&WB set a staggered ramp-up schedule. That schedule had the power complex

TRUMP

Continued from page1A

an energized base to turn out in next year’s midterm elections.

The schism centers on the Trump administration’shandling of documents related to Epstein, who was found dead in his New York jail cell in August 2019, weeks after his arrest on sex trafficking charges.Lastweek, the Justice Department and the FBI acknowledged in amemo that Epstein did notmaintaina“client list” to whom underage girls were trafficked. They also said no more filesrelatedto the investigation would be made public, despite past promises from Attorney General Pam Bondi that hadraisedthe expectations of conservativeinfluencers and conspiracy theorists.

“It’sanew administration, and everything is goingto comeout to the public,” she had said.

The reversal sparkedfury among Trump’smost loyal defenders, whohaveturned on Bondi, in particular.But Trump has repeatedly said he maintains confidencein his attorney generaland had instead chided those who continue to press the issue.

“I don’tunderstandwhat theinterest or what the fascination is,” he said Tuesday,after unsuccessfully urging his “‘boys’ and, in some cases, ‘gals’ ”tostop wasting “Time and Energy on Jeffrey Epstein, somebody that nobody cares about.”

In an Oval Office appearance Wednesday after the

coming online in alimited capacity in July and full operation by September.Those dates have since beenpushed back by amonth.

Once the power complex is up and running, theEntergy substation will channel electricity through frequency changers that adapt it for the drainage pumps.

The three frequencychangers can each produce half the megawattage needed torun the drainagesystem at maximum capacity, meaning only two are needed during the heaviest rainfalland the third can serve as backup.

Thestaggered deadlineannounced in March showed the first frequency changer would be ready

Truth post, Trump made clear that he was done with the storyand said he had “lost alot of faithincertain people.”

“It’sall beenabig hoax,” he told reporters. “It’sperpetrated by the Democrats, andsomestupid Republicansand foolish Republicans fall intothe net.”

He complained that Bondi hasbeen “waylaid”over her handling of the case and has givenout all “credible information” about the wealthy financier.“If she findsany more credible information she’ll give that, too,”Trump said. ”What more can she do thanthat?”

Trump and many figures in his administration, includingFBI Director Kash Patel andhis deputy, Dan Bongino,have spent years stoking darkand disproved conspiracy theories like thosesurrounding Epstein, including embracing QAnon-tinged propaganda that casts Trumpas asavior sent to demolishthe “deep state.”

Angerstill brewing

Trump’scomments have not been enoughtoquell those who are still demandinganswers.Some of the podcasters and pro-Trump influencers whohelped rally support for Trump in the 2024 campaignsaid Wednesday they weredisappointed or puzzled by his comments.

Far-right conspiracy theorist andpodcaster Alex Jones called Trump’s handling of theEpstein situation “the biggest train wreck I’ve ever seen.”

“It’snot in character for you to be acting like this,” he said in avideo Tuesday “I support you, but we built themovement you rodein

in July,followed by theother two in August andSeptember.Now,the first one is expected tobeready by August andthe other twoinOctober, according to thelatestS&WB news release.

The Jacobs report saidthe final two frequency changers would be complete by theend of the year at thelatest.

Meanwhile, theS&WBnow says construction of anew turbine to back up the substationwon’tbe done untilNovember. It waspreviously supposedtobeready in September

The S&WB power supply will significantlyimprove even with asingle new frequency changer,

on.You’re notthe movement.You just surfed in on it.”

Benny Johnson, aconservative podcaster,saidon his show that he is afan of Trump’smovementbut is trying to “give tough love and speak on behalf of the base.”

“Maybe it hasn’tbeen framed correctly for the president,” Johnson said. “I don’tknow.”

House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-Benton,inaninterview on Johnson’sshow Tuesday,had calledfor the Justice Departmentto“put everything out there and let thepeople decide.”

His first-term national securityadviser, retired Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn, implored Trumpinalengthy message to correct course.

“Allwewant at this stage is for amodicum of trust to be reestablishedbetween ourfederal government andthe people it is designed to serve. That’s all (PERIOD!),” he wrote. “With my strongest recommendation, please gather your team andfigure out away to movepast this.”

Turning Point USAfounder Charlie Kirk on his podcast attempted some damagecontrol on Trump’s behalf.

“Don’ttake tooseriously this whole TruthSocial here,” Kirk told hisaudience. “I know some people are getting fired up about this.Idon’t believehewas trying to insultanybody personally.”

He also offered amessage to Trump.

“The grassrootsisnot trying to make youlook bad,” he said. “Wewant to try and make sure the badpeople thathave done such terrible

which can deliver22megawatts from thesubstation. The system needs 45 megawatts to run at peak demand, and the actual availabilityfluctuates above and below that amount, depending on which equipment is in service.

Notapanacea Board officialssaidWednesday they had67.5 megawatts available, as forecasters warned atropical disturbance could developalong the coast and cause flash flooding over thenext twodays. Rainfall amounts could vary widely,with 3 to 5inches generally expected in theNew Orleans region but possibly doublethat amount in isolated

things to you can finally be held accountable.”

Other Trump allieshave stuckbyhis side,suggestinghedoesnot need theinfluencerswho have capitalized on Epsteinconspiracy theories to make money and earn viewers.

“He lent you his clout and voters,”BrendenDilley,the head of agroup of meme makers who have lent their support to Trump, wrote on XonWednesday. “They don’tbelong to you.”

Broaderdisapproval

While those speaking outrepresent afringe of Trump’smostvocal online

areas, according to forecasters.

“You never know whenthese pop-up stormsmay come up and whack you,” interim Executive Director Ron Spooner said.

Getting the South Claiborne Avenue power complex to the finish line hasbeen the S&WB’stop priority under Mayor LaToya Cantrell, whochairs the agency’s governing board, but officials stress it won’t solve New Orleans’ drainage woes. For starters, many of the city’s 72,000 catch basins, which drain stormwaterfromthe street, are in terrible shape after decades of neglect by City Hall, which transferred responsibility for their maintenance to the S&WB this year.Agency officials say that was largely an unfunded mandate, with the city’s$13 millioncontribution this year barely enough to get started.

Evenmoreconcerning, the drainage system overallisn’t designed to handle the intense downpours that have becomeincreasingly common in New Orleans and elsewhere. Officials say the system can generally handle 1inch of rain in the first hour of astorm and half an inch thereafter

Aminimum of five storms since December 2023 have exceeded that threshold, resulting in widespread street flooding. Officials saysystemwide upgrades to handle larger rain volumes will require massive investment and decades to accomplish, atall order whenthe S&WB already has a$1 billion capital backlog.

Email BenMyers at bmyers@ theadvocate.com.

base, they are not the only ones dissatisfiedwiththe government’shandling of the Epstein case, according to recent polling.

ACNN/SSRS poll, forinstance, found that about half of U.S. adults are not satisfied with the amount of information the federal government hasreleased about theEpstein case.About3 in 10 saiditdoesn’tmatter either way and about 2in 10 didn’tknow enough to offer an opinion. Almost no one said they were satisfied with the amount of information released. Looking ahead to 2026 midterm elections, some

Democrats are clear-eyed that the Epsteinfiles may notbeafront-and-center issuefor voters whotendto put apremium on kitchen table issues, but they see it as part of abroader pattern that couldhamper Trump and the GOP.

“There is something breaking through to votersgetting at this ideaof aRepublican Party working forthese big, corrupt, wealthy, famous people andnot fighting fortheir constituents,” said Katarina Flicker,ofthe House Majority PAC, Democrats’ superPAC for congressional races.

STAFF PHOTO By BRETT DUKE

Work continues Wednesdayonthe Sewerage&

BRIEFS FROM STAFF AND WIRE REPORTS

U.S. producer prices

unchanged

WASHINGTON U.S. wholesale

inflation cooled last month, despite worries that President Donald Trump’s tariffs would push prices higher for goods before they reach consumers.

The Labor Department reported Wednesday that its producer price index was unchanged last month from May after rising 0.3% the previous month. June wholesale prices rose 2.3% from a year earlier, the smallest year-over-year gain since September Both measures came in below what economists had expected.

Excluding volatile food and energy prices, so called core producer prices were also unchanged from May and up 2.6% from June 2024.

The report on wholesale inflation arrived a day after the Labor Department reported that consumer prices last month rose 2.7% from June 2024, the biggest year-over-year gain since February, as Trump’s sweeping tariffs pushed up the cost of everything from groceries to appliances.

Consumer prices and producers prices do not always move in tandem, however Bradley Saunders, North America economist at Capital Economics, saw some signs of the impact of Trump’s tariffs in a 0.3% increase in core wholesale goods prices. Furniture prices rose 1% from May and home electronics 0.8%, he noted. Both of those types of goods are heavily imported.

But producer prices at steel mills fell 5.5% despite Trump’s hefty 50% tax on imported steel.

TSA may up carry-on liquid allowance

WASHINGTON Travelers giddy about being able to keep their shoes on while walking through Transportation and Security Administration’s checkpoints at the airport again may have something else to look forward to: changes to how much liquid they can carry Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said Wednesday during a conference hosted by The Hill that she is questioning “everything TSA does” and spoke of possible changes to the amount of liquids travelers can tote in their carry-on baggage.

“The liquids, I’m questioning So that may be the next big announcement is what size your liquids need to be,” Noem said. “We have put in place in TSA a multilayered screening process that allows us to change some of how we do security and screening so it’s still as safe.”

She gave no details about precisely what those changes might be or how quickly travelers could expect to see them. Under the TSA’s current guidance, travelers can carry liquids in travel-sized containers 3.4 ounces or less per item in their carry-on bag Those containers must be placed in a 1-quart resealable plastic bag. Bigger containers must go in checked baggage, though there are exceptions for medications and baby formula.

GM to move Escalade production to Michigan Come 2027, General Motors will move production of the Cadillac Escalade out of Arlington Assembly and into Michigan. The Dallas-Fort Worth area manufacturing plant, which employs over 5,000 people, was previously touted as being “home to every new full-size ICE powered SUV in General Motors product lineup sold around the world.”

The move was first reported by Reuters on Tuesday Despite the Escalade’s move, production at Arlington Assembly is expected to remain consistent, the report noted.

The moves are designed “to help meet continued strong customer demand (and) further strengthen our manufacturing footprint,” the company said in a statement provided to The Dallas Morning News.

BUSINESS

NOLA.COM/BIZ

Trump musing on firing Powell rattles Wall Street

BY STAN CHOE AP business writer

NEW YORK — President Donald Trump sent the U.S. stock market on a jagged round trip Wednesday after saying he had “talked about the concept of firing” the head of the Federal Reserve. Such a move could help Wall Street get the lower interest rates it loves but would also risk a weakened Fed unable to make the unpopular moves needed to keep inflation under control.

Stocks had been rising modestly in the morning, before news reports saying that Trump was likely to fire Fed Chair Jerome Powell quickly sent the S&P 500 down by 0.7%.

When later asked directly if he was planning to fire Powell, Trump said, “I don’t rule out anything, but I think it’s highly unlikely.” That helped calm the market, and stocks erased their losses, though Trump added that he could still fire Powell if “he has to leave for fraud.” Trump

has been criticizing a $2.5 billion renovation project underway of the Fed’s headquarters.

Trump’s main problem with Powell has been how the Fed has not cut interest rates this year, a move that would have made it easier for U.S. households and businesses to get loans to buy houses, build factories and otherwise boost the economy Lower interest rates could also help the U.S. government, which is set to borrow and add a lot more to its debt after approving a wide range of tax cuts.

Powell, meanwhile, has been insisting that he wants to wait for more data about how Trump’s stiff proposed tariffs will affect the economy and inflation before the Fed makes its next move.

The Fed has two main jobs: keeping the job market strong while keeping inflation under control. Lowering interest rates would help boost the economy but would also give inflation more fuel when tariffs

may be set to push prices for U.S. households higher

A report on Wednesday said inflation at the wholesale level slowed to 2.3% last month, which was better than economists expected. It’s an encouraging signal, but it came a day after another report suggested that Trump’s tariffs are pushing up the prices U.S. shoppers are paying for toys, apparel and other imported products.

Trump’s tariffs are making their weight felt across financial markets. ASML, the world’s leading supplier of chipmaking gear, warned that it can’t guarantee growth next year, after delivering an expected 15% growth in sales for 2025.

GrabAGun, an online retailer of firearms and ammunition, swung sharply after combining with Colombier Acquisition Corp. II and taking its spot on the stock market under the ticker symbol “PEW.”

GAME PLAN

ASSOCIATED PRESS FILE PHOTO By DANIELLE CHARBONNEAU

Chuck’s Arcades, a concept from the Chuck E. Cheese organization, cater to adults but still feature many modern games and VR, sprinkled with retro gems like Skee-Ball, Centipede, Ms. Pac-Man, Dig Dug and Mortal Kombat. Some old games have been reimagined, such as the modernized Space Invaders game.

Chuck E. Cheese opens arcades for adults, has 10 locations in eight states

BY DANIELLE CHARBONNEAU

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

(TNS)

For almost half a century

Chuck E Cheese has been a place “where a kid can be a kid.” But what happens when kids grow up?

Enter Chuck’s Arcade: a new concept branding itself as a place where an adult can be a kid.

One might think this concept would include beer and Chuck E. Cheese’s signature pizza alongside games. Several media outlets have even misreported that it does.

Alas, it does not.

With the exception of one location in Kansas City, Missouri, that does serve food and drinks, the 10 new Chuck’s Arcades in eight states across the country are simply as the name implies: arcades. A handful of the Chuck’s Arcades were previously Fun Spot arcades (also owned by CEC Entertainment) that have been redecorated and rebranded.

Mark Kupferman, executive vice president and chief marketing and insights officer for Chuck E Cheese, said there were three main factors that guided the company’s decision to create the adult-centric Chuck’s Arcade.

The first was that the brand, now 48 years old, has an intergenerational following.

The second was that Chuck E. Cheese is, self-reportedly, the largest owner of arcade games in the world. The company was founded by Nolan Bushnell, the co-founder of Atari who originally built the Pizza Time Theater as a place to showcase Atari games As more than 400 locations across the country have modernized their game floors, renovating

the spaces with large screens, virtual-reality games and other high-tech offerings for Gen Alphas and Z’ers, the older classics have needed new homes.

“We also have the largest technical staff than anybody else,” Kupferman added. “So if you put those two together, it made a really interesting proposition to take some of these games, take some of the memorabilia, take some of the old animatronics that we have, and in some cases, some of the artwork that people grew up with. We would have an experience that might be really fun for people.”

Chuck’s Arcades still feature many modern games and VR, but are also sprinkled with retro gems like Skee-Ball, Centipede, Ms. Pac-Man, Dig Dug and Mortal Kombat. Some old games have been reimagined, such as the modernized Space Invaders game. The last reason Kupferman said the company keyed in on the Chuck’s Arcade concept was that “nostalgia is in.” The brand can transport hearts and minds to bygone times. Spencer Brose, 24, of Athens, Georgia, fits that target. Brose, who was visiting the Chuck’s Arcade in Buford, Georgia, on Saturday, reminisced about how he grew up playing games at the Chuck E. Cheese in Santa Cruz, California. He held his fifth birthday party there. As he’s entered his 20s, he said he still longed to play arcade games from his youth.

“I still always wanted to play, but I didn’t feel comfortable going into a (Chuck E Cheese) because there’s so many children,” he said. “I’m a grown man. To go

Donald Trump Jr., the son of President Trump, is joining the company’s board. The stock quickly went from an early gain of 19% to a drop of 31% before finishing with a loss of 23.9%, with several halts in trading along the way All told, the S&P 500 rose 19.94 points to 6,263.70. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 231.49 to 44,254.78, and the Nasdaq composite gained 52.69 to 20,730.49. In the bond market, the yield on the 10-year U.S. Treasury fell to 4.45% from 4.50% late Tuesday. It had been as low as 4.44% earlier in the day, but it climbed following the reports that Trump was likely to fire Powell.

by myself, people are going to look at me a little weird. Being able to have a spot that’s more catered back to us, it’s a nice change of pace.” While the company does not have any restrictions on adults dining or playing at Chuck E. Cheese locations without children (as has frequently been rumored), public perception has kept adults away

The games in traditional Chuck E. Cheese locations also have been programmed for young children.

For example, the game Halo in Chuck E. Cheese locations has violence settings turned down for the average player age of 5. The blood is not red; instead it is colorful and cartoonish.

“In Chuck’s Arcade, it is a fullblown Halo experience like you might find in other arcades,” Kupferman said.

One other distinction at Chuck’s Arcade is the presence of the brand’s retro logo on some merchandise and prizes, and, more notably the presence of display cases showcasing the animatronic characters from Chuck E. Cheese’s Munch’s Make Believe Band, which was a fixture at the restaurant until the 2020s, when locations began phasing them out.

At the Buford Chuck’s Arcade, an animatronic Chuck, the brand’s mainstay mouse (who, fun fact, was a rat until the company changed it in 1993), is entombed in a tall, glass case by the entrance.

“I feel like with how crazy the world’s been right now, people are really starting to go back to the things that made them happy as kids,” Brose said. “We’re trying to relive that magic.”

A new Fed chair friendlier to Trump could mean lower shortterm interest rates but also the opposite effect on longer-term yields. That’s because a less independent Fed would raise worries that it may also let inflation run higher in the future by being slow to raise interest rates.

Power shifting from workers to employers

BY EMMA NELSON

The Minnesota Star Tribune (TNS)

The federal government job was hybrid when Sarah Reynolds accepted it, meaning she could live in Hudson, Wisconsin, and work in St. Paul.

But within months of her landing in the Midwest — Reynolds’ fourth crosscountry move for work in less than a decade — the federal government had called its employees to the office.

“This was not what I signed up for,” said Reynolds, 42, who took a buyout amid the Department of Government Efficiency overhaul of federal agencies. “I had all this flexibility, and it got taken away from me.”

After the work-from-home days of the pandemic and the Great Resignation that followed, power that had shifted to workers has swung back to employers. Gone are the plentiful openings, hiring bonuses and flexible schedules. In their place: fake online postings, recruiters who ghost candidates and return-to-office mandates.

“It’s hard to believe that five years ago, people were wondering if we were really ever going to go back to the office,” said Alan Benson, associate professor at the Carlson School of Management at the University of Minnesota.

Coming out of the pandemic, he said, employees and employers seemed to agree that work-from-home was working Workers were happy with the arrangement, and productivity was high.

More recently, though, executives have started to question success in areas that are harder to measure: acclimating new hires to company culture or coming up with innovative ideas. In other words, “watercooler stuff that you miss out on if you are trying to work hybrid or trying to work remote,” Benson said.

“I think that’s really what’s behind some of the big pitch to get people back to the office,” he said. At the same time, rising unemployment has given employers more bargaining power

The momentum shift began in 2022, when the labor market was hot and prices were high, said Aaron Sojourner, senior researcher at the W.E. Upjohn Institute for Employment Research.

The labor market has since cooled but stayed relatively strong, with unemployment hovering at 4% nationally Still, economic uncertainty — particularly around President Donald Trump’s ever-evolving trade war — has many employers hitting pause on hiring, leaving people without jobs in limbo and people with jobs feeling stuck. Return-to-office mandates, while “not as dramatic as hiring or laying somebody off,” Sojourner said, signal the change in power

A worker called back to the office three years ago might have felt confident about quitting and finding another job, Sojourner said, but “right now people definitely shouldn’t be that confident they can get another offer.”

Trump signs fentanyl bill sponsored by Cassidy into law

BY MARK BALLARD Staff writer

WASHINGTON

President

Donald Trump on Wednesday signed legislation sponsored by U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy that gives law enforcement another tool to go after those who illegally sell fentanyl.

Surrounded by family members holding portraits of people who died from fentanyl overdoses, Trump signed Halt All Lethal Trafficking Fentanyl Act, or HALT Fentanyl Act, during a ceremony in the White House East Room.

Trump thanked Cassidy, RBaton Rouge, who sat in the front row along with other senators involved in passing the legislation.

Gov Jeff Landry also attended the ceremony Cassidy said Tuesday the cartels that sell fentanyl often slightly change the

change it just a little bit, if it addicts, if it kills, if it looks like it, tastes like it, smells like it, it’s still fentanyl. And you will be prosecuted,” Cassidy said.

Illegal fentanyl is largely manufactured in Mexico from raw materials supplied by China.

Some of the parents addressed the audience about the loss of their children.

Anne Fenton, who lost her son to fentanyl, said, “in the last four years, fentanyl has become the No. 1 killer of children.”

Drug overdoses, largely driven by fentanyl, are the leading cause of death among adults 18 to 45 years old. Synthetic opioids like fentanyl account for 68% of the total U.S. overdose deaths.

In 2023, there were an estimated 107,543 drug overdose deaths 74,702 of which were attributed to

fentanyl, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The Senate bill had 31 cosponsors, including Sen. John Kennedy R-Madisonville.

The House version had 61 co-sponsors, including Rep. Clay Higgins, R-Lafayette.

“I’m proud to work with President Trump to get results that matter for Louisiana families,” said Cassidy in a statement released by his campaign committee after the event. “Together, we’re cracking down on fentanyl, cutting reckless spending, creating better jobs, making America healthy again, and securing our border That’s the kind of conservative leadership people expect, and it’s what we’re delivering.”

Email Mark Ballard at mballard@theadvocate. com.

Jill Biden aide invokes Fifth to decline testimony in GOP investigation

BY MATT BROWN Associated Press

WASHINGTON — A former senior aide to Jill Biden on Wednesday became the second person to invoke the Fifth Amendment and decline to answer questions from House Republicans who are investigating President Joe Biden’s mental state and use of the autopen while in office.

Anthony Bernal, who previously served as chief of staff to former first lady Jill Biden, was subpoenaed for his testimony by the House Oversight Committee He declined to answer questions, invoking the protections that prevent people from being forced to testify against themselves in government proceedings.

“Well, unfortunately that was quick,” said Rep. James Comer, chair of the House Oversight Committee, after

the deposition ended. “I believe the American people are concerned. They’re concerned that there were people making decisions in the White House that were not only unelected but no one to this day knows who

they were.”

Bernal ignored questions from reporters. He was accompanied by his lawyer, Jonathan Su, who was a deputy White House counsel to the former president. Su in a statement provided to the

committee noted that pleading the Fifth is not evidence of wrongdoing.

In a recent interview with the New York Times, Biden said that he delegated responsibilities when necessary as president but was actively involved and knowledgeable of all of his administration’s actions, including on granting clemency

“I consciously made all those decisions,” Biden said. Comer has has sought testimony from nearly a dozen former Biden aides as he conducts his investigation, including former White House chiefs of staff Ron Klain and Jeff Zients; former senior advisers Mike Donilon and Anita Dunn; former deputy chief of staff Bruce Reed, former counselor to the president Steve Ricchetti, former deputy chief of staff Annie Tomasini and a former assistant to the president, Ashley Wil-

liams.

On Tuesday, Comer also subpoenaed Annie Tomasini, a former White House deputy chief of staff, to appear before the committee on Friday She is the third former official to be subpoenaed by the committee.

Democrats have been dismissive of the Republican probe as mere political theater “They still look like losers,” said Rep. Jasmine Crockett, D-Texas, who sat in on Bernal’s committee deposition.

But many Republicans see the investigation as a top priority for their caucus and a politically salient issue for voters ahead of the midterm election. The Trump White House has launched its own probe into Biden’s age while Senate Republicans have also held hearings on the topic.

“This is corruption at the highest level, because if

you cannot answer a simple question about Joe Biden’s capabilities, then that further demonstrates that he was not in charge of his administration,” said Rep. Byron Donalds, R-Fla., who sat in on Bernal’s deposition. Donalds said “every member of the Biden administration, at this point, needs to be subpoenaed,” including Vice President Kamala Harris and Jill Biden. Comer did not rule out seeking testimony from Harris or members of Biden’s family

“We’re going to bring in everyone. We’re moving up the line,” Comer said. “We’ve started with the lower level staffers that we think were the ones that actually put the documents in the autopen and pressed power Now we’re moving up to the people that we think told the staffers to use the autopen.”

BY ALANNA DURKIN RICHER and ERIC TUCKER Associated Press

of anonymity to discuss personnel matters.

father’s fraught relationship over the last decade with the Republican president.

WASHINGTON The Justice Department has fired Maurene Comey, the daughter of former FBI director James Comey and a veteran federal prosecutor who worked on the cases against Sean “Diddy” Combs and Jeffrey Epstein, three fami liar with the matter told The Associated Press on Wednesday There was no specific reason given for her firing, according to one of the people. They spoke to the AP on the condition

Maurene Comey was a veteran lawyer in the Southern District of New York, long considered the most elite of the Justice Department’s prosecution offices. Her cases included the sex trafficking prosecution of Epstein, who killed himself behind bars in 2019, and the recent case against Combs, which ended earlier this month with a mixed verdict She didn’t immediately respond to messages seeking comment Wednesday

The Trump administration has moved to fire Justice Department lawyers who have worked on cases that have provoked the president’s ire, and Maurene Comey was long seen as a potential target given her

James Comey was the FBI director when Trump took office in 2017, having been appointed by thenPresident Barack Obama. But his relationship with Trump was strained from the start, and the FBI director resisted a request by Trump at a private dinner to pledge personal loyalty to the president.

Trump fired James Comey in May 2017 amid an investigation into potential ties between Russia and Trump’s presidential campaign.

The Justice Department recently appeared to acknowledge the existence of an investigation into James Comey, though the basis for that inquiry is unclear

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By EVAN VUCCI

President Donald Trump speaks Wednesday during a ceremony to sign the Halt All Lethal Trafficking of Fentanyl Act in the East Room of the White House in Washington.

lady Jill Biden talks with senior adviser Anthony Bernal before a 2022 speech in Quito Ecuador

BY PATRICK SLOAN-TURNER Staff writer

BatonRouge hospitalOur Lady of the Lake has been in talks to pay as much as $50 millionover adecade for the naming rights to aproposed new LSU arena No deal to develop the arena has been finalized, and Lake spokesperson Alexandra Deiro Stubbs said Tuesday that “terms are still under negotiation.” Adraft document dated November sent to developer Oak View Group by LSU officials spells out aproposal with an “existing naming prospect” to pay $5 million ayear for 10 years.

Though aspecificentity is notidentified in theterm sheet, renderings included in other recordsshow the arenabearingthe Lake name, and Stubbs has confirmedthe hospital was pursuing anamingrightsdeal.

Aspokespersonfor Oak View GroupsaidTuesday that thecompany isstill “working closelywithour partners at LSU” on the project

“Aspart of this process, we areseekinganaming rights partnerwho shares astrong commitmenttothe BatonRouge community andisdedicated to supportingits long-term cultural and economic growth,” Oak View Group said. “Wewill share additionaldetails at theappropriate time.

If the arena deal is finalized, records show, the roughly $400 million facility

would also feature live entertainment acts.

Last week, OakView Group’sthen-CEO TimLeiweke was indicted on federal charges in Texas. Department of Justice officials say Leiweke rigged the bidding process for OakView Group’sMoody Arena at the University of TexasAustin —a facilityLSU officials have repeatedly called the inspiration forthe effort for anew arena in Baton Rouge. The companyhas paid $15 million in fines related to the allegations.

son Zach Greenwell said much of theprocessisstill undernegotiation andthe records obtained by The Advocate are “preliminary.”

would stand near Nicholson Drive, just south of Gourrier Avenue,onthe current siteofthe LSUGolf Course. Oak View Group would own

thestadium, while LSUAthletics would hold alease agreement for men’sbasketball, women’sbasketball and gymnastics. The venue

The day after the indictment was announced,LSU Athletics said it was “evaluating theimplications” Leiweke’scharges might have on the arena project.LSU officials in May identified Oak View Group as the lone finalist.

LSUAthletics spokesper-

“While apartner of Our Lady of the Lake Health’s stature would clearly benefit the arena project and the region, LSUwill notcomment directly on potential naming rights agreements or other arena-related negotiations as none have been finalized or presented to theboard or universityleadership for approval,”Greenwell said in an emailed statement. “Our Lady of the Lake Health has been atremendous partner for LSU, andwelook forward to continuing to collaborate on ways to benefit the community and university.” Email Patrick SloanTurner at patrick.sloanturner@theadvocate.com.

METRO

Judge holds Hutson in contempt

Denying court security, inmate transports cited in hearing

BY JOSEPH CRANNEY Staff writer

The chief judge of Orleans Parish

Criminal District Court held Sheriff Susan Hutson in contempt of court Wednesday, capping a heated hearing on Hutson’s recent alleged failure to transport arrestees to court from the jail

The conviction carries penalties of up to six months imprisonment or a fine up to $500.

Officials warn of street flooding

BY SOPHIE KASAKOVE Staff writer

New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell and other city officials urged residents to be aware of street flooding risks on Wednesday as the region prepares for days of rain brought by a disturbance in the Gulf of Mexico. The slow-moving system could stall in areas and drop up to 3 inches of rain an hour, which could overwhelm the city’s pumps in some places. Flash flooding is most likely to occur on Thursday and Friday, according to the National Weather Service.

“Please take this seriously and just stay weather aware,” Mayor LaToya Cantrell said at a news conference Wednesday evening. “The city stands ready, again, with boots on the ground to face this weather system.”

ä See STORM, page 2B

Residents help design Lacombe’s new library

BY WILLIE SWETT Staff writer

Bike racks for visitors coming off the Tammany Trace? What about a cafe for library visitors?

A group of St. Tammany residents gathered in Lacombe on Tuesday afternoon to weigh in on the features the town’s new library should have. For the staff at Lacombe’s library branch, which now operates out of a metal, 1,600-square-foot building on U.S. 190 that was originally built as a temporary structure, the change is welcome.

“We make the most from what we have, but it will make so much of a difference to have the space,” said Rhonda Spiess, who has been the branch manager in Lacombe since 2005.

ä See LIBRARY, page 3B

Ju dge Tr acey Flemings-Davillier set sentencing for Aug. 4 and said that until then, Hutson must comply with the judge’s earlier order for weekend and holiday transport of arrestees.

Hutson was present for the hearing’s near two hours, but made no remarks. Her attorney and chief of staff, John Williams, fielded questions from Flemings-Davillier and six other criminal court judges, who sat in the jury box and passed around a hand-held microphone.

Flemings-Davillier said her order was a holding from the court.

Hutson, who is now vying for a second term, left after the decision without answering questions from reporters. Hutson released a statement Wednesday night taking issue with the ruling.

“We are disappointed with the decision this evening made by the judges of Criminal District Court,” she said. “That decision, based on

faulty reasoning coupled with a rogue legal process by not allowing OPSO to file a response prior to the hearing leaves us with plenty of legal grounds for appeal which we will be filing quickly.”

The back-and-forth Wednesday featured frequent interruptions and shouting. Several judges questioned whether Hutson’s office had abandoned some of its most

Matthew Creedon rides his bike recently as his dog, Deebo, runs alongside on the neutral ground of St Charles Avenue in New Orleans. Creedon said Deebo enjoys chasing after streetcars during their daily outings.

UMC nurses go on strike for fourth time

Hospital says many crossed picket line

BY EMILY WOODRUFF Staff writer

Dozens of nurses rallied outside University Medical Center on Tuesday and Wednesday, holding signs and chanting in the July heat as they walked off the job for the fourth time in less than a year

While union members led demonstrations, hospital officials said a majority of scheduled nurses reported to work.

CEO John Nickens, who is departing UMC later this month, estimated the most recent twoday strike cost the hospital about $500,000, far less than earlier projections of $2 million per day The drop reflects what hospital management said is a growing number of nurses who have continued

working during walkouts.

“Almost two-thirds of those scheduled came to work today,” Nickens said Tuesday, the first day of the strike.

Heidi Tujague, an emergency department nurse, disputed that claim.

“Nurses remain committed to our union representing every nurse at UMC,” she said. “We have no reason to believe management is telling the truth about this, especially given the turnout we’ve seen for this strike, and would ask to see the proof to verify such outlandish claims.”

National Nurses United, which represents more than 600 UMC nurses, says the latest walkout was prompted by what it calls a pattern of disciplinary action against nurses who have taken on union leadership roles.

ä See STRIKE, page 2B

Banksy painting

Nurses represented by National Nurses Organizing Committee/National Nurses United and supporters start a two-day strike Tuesday against LCMC management outside the University Medical Center in New Orleans.

cut out and trucked away

Owner hopes to display it by Katrina’s 20th anniversary

BY DOUG MacCASH Staff

STAFF PHOTO By DOUG MacCASH

Banksy’s Jackson Avenue painting

Gray Ghost’

STAFF PHOTO By SOPHIA GERMER

STAFF PHOTO By CHRIS GRANGER Volunteers and residents bag a pile of sand Wednesday in Algiers as residents prepared for the approaching storms.

Hutson

ä See HUTSON, page 2B

STAFF PHOTO By DAVID GRUNFELD

STORM

Continued from page 1B

City buildings will be closed on Thursday in an effort to keep people off the roads, Cantrell said, and neutral ground parking restrictions were lifted at 7 p.m. on Wednesday Officials had distributed 8,000 sandbags ahead of the storm.

Officials warned residents to avoid driving through flooded areas, especially underpasses, and

STRIKE

Continued from page 1B

“Singling out pro-union nurses shows that LCMC is using discipline to retaliate against us,” said Dana Judkins, a trauma ICU nurse at UMC, in a statement. “We’re striking to let them know we won’t tolerate retribution for advocating for ourselves and our patients.” LCMC Health, which operates University Medical Center, strongly denied retaliating.

“It’s not who we are as an organization,” Nickens said “It’s not who I am as a leader.”

The disciplinary action at the center of the strike involved a nurse who left medication at a patient’s bedside with a note and documented it as administered. Nickens said it was a serious breach of protocol and a mandatory reportable offense to the Louisiana State Board of Nursing. A statement from the union said it was a nonscheduled medication and a “common practice among nurses” that other nurses “received warnings or other lower levels of discipline for, if any.”

The nurse UMC moved to terminate was identified by the union as Mike Robertshaw, who worked in the burn intensive care unit.

“We’re striking because disciplining experienced nurses like this has removed good nurses from the bedside,” Dorothy Stencel, a nurse in clinical research, said in a statement.

Bridget Gardner, a nurse of 34

BANKSY

Continued from page 1B

In 2008, Orgon said, he saw that a scaffold wrapped in tarp had been erected on the side of the 19th-century brick structure, where the artist could work without being seen. He may have even laid eyes on the world’s most famous, yet least-seen artist. But at the time, he admits, he didn’t even know who Banksy was. The 6-foot-tall, stencil-style design that Banksy produced depicted a stick figure pleading for mercy as it is painted over by New Orleans’ legendary graffiti foe, the late Fred “The Gray Ghost” Radtke. The painting — which even then might have sold for hundreds of thousands at auction — was protected by a fence.

Despite the barrier a vandal attempted to splash the artwork with black paint. Happily, he or she missed, said Orgon, who is now sole owner of the property

The painting was subsequently covered with a transparent plas-

encouraged them to sign up for NOLA Ready emergency alerts.

“I want everybody to be on this system,” said Collin Arnold, director of the New Orleans Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness. “This is what will save lives at 3 o’clock in the morning.”

Officials were not anticipating coastal flooding or high winds, Arnold said. According to the Sewerage & Water Board, 86 out of 93 major drainage pumps in the city are available for use.

City Park facilities including City Park Tennis, Carousel Gardens Amusement Park, and New Orleans Botanical Garden will be closed on Thursday due to potential storm impacts.

National Weather Service forecasters lowered rainfall predictions slightly Wednesday though they still expect to see 3 to 5 inches of rain across areas south of the Interstate 10 corridor between Wednesday night and Saturday, which could bring flash flooding.

The Lafayette area is still expected to be hit harder, with 4 to

8 inches. A flood watch is in effect for all of southeast Louisiana, including New Orleans, Jefferson Parish, Baton Rouge and the northshore, from 1 p.m. Wednesday to 1 a.m. Saturday While the system still had a 40% chance of becoming a tropical depression or storm as of Wednesday afternoon, forecasters say formation is looking less and less likely

Email Sophie Kasakove at sophie.kasakove@theadvocate. com.

years who works in the trauma program, said she and others have been collecting signatures to hold a vote to decertify the union. To trigger a vote they need 30% of the 600-plus unit, which she said they are close to collecting.

Gardner said she has never supported the union but does support better pay Raises have been frozen during the course of negotiations.

“It’s caused a total division within these walls,” she said.

Since the union’s formation, the two sides have held 28 two-day bargaining sessions without reaching a final agreement.

Email Emily Woodruff at ewoodruff@theadvocate.com.

“The sheriff does not get to decide when defendants are brought to court,” FlemingsDavillier said. “The sheriff has no authority over the jurisdiction of the Criminal District Court.”

The chief judge had accused Hutson of ignoring a June 18 court order to transport arrestees to Magistrate Court on weekends and holidays. Her order last month, which took effect Saturday, came after Hutson had already declined “numerous” transport requests from the court, Flemings-Davillier wrote On Wednesday, she said the court has been asking OPSO to resume seven-day-a-week transports since 2023. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Magistrate Court operated seven days a week.

In a July 11 letter, Hutson offered to hold weekend and holiday court sessions instead at the jail, which has two courtrooms on the first floor.

“Given the existing challenges for OPSO, our OJC in-person courtrooms, and the past success of virtual hearings, we believe that the continued use of these (alternatives), especially on weekends and holidays, remains the most responsible course under current conditions,” Hutson wrote in the twopage letter

An OPSO paralegal attempted to deliver that letter, along with a motion from Hutson to stay the court order, on Monday before contempt proceedings were ordered. But a clerk with Criminal District Court said the office couldn’t accept the document because it contained a technical error, according to OPSO.

“This solution would ensure in-person judicial proceedings while mitigating staffing and security burdens,” Hutson said. It’s unclear if the court responded to that offer Hutson said in a statement Tuesday that the agency doesn’t have the money or staffing to meet the court’s requests. The work would require the services of at least 12 deputies a day and increase the agency’s annual budget by over $357,000, Hutson said, though she didn’t itemize those expenses.

“We want to be good partners,” Williams told the judges Wednesday “It’s unfortunate that we’re viewed as not being good partners because we do not have the resources to provide what you need.” Wednesday’s decision was the latest turn in a tumultuous two months for Hutson.

After the May 16 escape of 10 jail detainees, one of whom remains on the run, grave concerns were raised about Hutson’s political future. She’s drawn five challengers to her reelection.

A leading candidate, former New Orleans Police Department officer Michelle Woodfork, who held a brief stint as interim NOPD superintendent, has raised more than $190,000, about $128,000 of which she still has on hand, according to campaign finance reports.

Hutson announced last week that she’d stay in the race, after saying she’d suspended her campaign shortly after May’s jailbreak.

As of Monday, her dormant campaign had just $715 in the bank, according to finance records.

tic panel that prevented further vandalism. Over the past 17 years, the ef-

fect of weather and Southern sunlight has faded the paint. However, Orgon said, the artwork is “in

great shape for being so old and whatnot.”

A few months ago, when Orgon offered the historic property for sale, he began the process of removing the artwork and the estimated 5,000-pound section of brick and mortar that holds it.

Photos taken on Tuesday morning show the rectangular portion of the wall, cradled in a steel frame, being transported to a flatbed truck by a heavy-duty forklift.

Orgon’s goal is to preserve and show the painting, he said “Any restoration,” he said, will be “done appropriately.”

He hopes to find a New Orleans museum willing to put the heavyweight artwork on display in time for the 20th anniversary of Katrina at the end of August, he said.

Banksy’s small mural of the Gray Ghost with a stick figure is the fifth Banksy to be salvaged from New Orleans architecture for preservation.

Banksy’s so-called “Looters” and “Child on a Swing” are on display in the lobby of the International House Hotel, 221 Camp St. Banksy’s version of cartoon

character Bart Simpson can be seen at the Habana Outpost restaurant, 1040 Esplanade Ave

In February 2024, Banksy’s painting of the Gray Ghost on the corner of Clio and Carondelet streets was removed for restoration.

In April 2024, Banksy’s “Umbrella Girl” was also removed from its location at the corner of Kerlerec and North Rampart streets for restoration.

Email Doug MacCash at dmaccash@theadvocate.com.

STAFF PHOTO By CHRIS GRANGER

Kevin Williams, left, with the New Orleans Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, catches his breath Wednesday as he helps direct traffic in Algiers, where New Orleans residents picked up bags of sand for the approaching storms.

PROVIDED PHOTO By CARLOS FUNDORA On Tuesday, a work by renowned English graffiti artist Banksy was cut from the wall of a historic fire station in the Irish Channel neighborhood and trucked away by the owner of the property

STAFF PHOTO By SOPHIA GERMER

Nurses start a strike Tuesday against LCMC management outside the University Medical Center in New Orleans

ICEreleasesIranian LSUdoctoralstudents

BY CHRISTOPHER CARTWRIGHT Staff writer

Apair of LSU doctoral students from Iran have been freed more than two weeks after federal immigrationagents detained them, the American Civil Liberties Unionsaid Wednesday

The organization also claimedLouisiana State Police used “false pretenses” to detain the couple.

Pouria Pourhosseinhendabad, who was studying mechanical engineering, was arrested in lateJune along with his wife, Parisa Firouzabadi,who is alsoa mechanical engineering student.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has not said reasons for the detentions and did not respond to arequest for more information.

Addison, Leonard

Addison, Leonard Sullen, Leroy

Badon, Deborah Videau,Michael Baudoin, Vera Williams,Cathy

Badon, DeborahBell

“Police used these false pretenses to lureParisa and Pouria out of their home so that ICE could arrest them,” the release added State Police referredThe Advocate to ICE for details aboutthe case.

Pourhosseinhendabad holds an active F-1 student visa, making himlegally admitted to the United States, the release stated. It saidthat Firouzabadi’s visa was revokedin2023 and not renewed, adding that such conditions don’t impact astudent’s permission to continue their studies in the U.S. Todd Woodward, a spokesperson for LSU, did notrespond to arequest for more information and comment from the university administration LSU had morethan 1,600 international students enrolled in 2023, according to auniversity report

An ACLU news release said ICE used State Police “to effectuate aruse in which agents pretended they wereresponding to a hit-and-run thecouplereportedpreviously.”

Aresident places on asticker to indicatehis support for connecting thenew libraryinLacombe to the Tammany Trace biketrail at acommunity input session on Tuesday.

LIBRARY

Continued from page1B

“Our library servesasa hub for awhole lot of different people,” Spiess said —whether it is by providing internet to adults who don’thave access at home or hosting storytime for kids, she said.

At the meeting, residents had 24 stickerstoplaceon boards with renderings of different ideas for the new building and the outdoor area on the 2-acre plot. The boards will also be availablefor voting at theLacombe branch for the next twoweeks,atwhich point the Mandeville-based architecturefirm RichardC Lambert Consultantswill take the community’sinput under consideration.

Tuesday afternoon’s meeting was one of four community input sessions the library is holding as it embarks on two major projects —the library replacement project in Lacombe and arenovation in Slidell. The branch in Slidellwill see anew roof anda significant expansion. The work is largely possible because voters approved alibrary taxin March, aresultthat bucked theexpectations of some in the parish’spolitical class, who saw the parish’s library system become ensnarled in controversy over its collection in recent years. If thetax hadnot been renewed, Assistant Library Director Tanya DiMaggio said, the library would likely have had to use the remainder of itscapital funds on operating expenses, instead of on the Slidell and Lacombe branches

“I would have been devastated,” said St. Tammany Parish Council member Joe Impastato, who represents Lacombe on the council and was aproponent of the library millage.

Impastato said the area’s RecreationDistrict No. 4, where Tuesday’smeeting was held, also has large enhancements plannedfor the area, including new

Bilich, Rosalia

Bourgeois, Ella

Boutte,Gloria

Davis, Shirley

Diggs,Ronald

Doss, Wanda

Dunagin, Karlene

Dupree, Flora

Hampton, Janaya

Haynes, Orelia

Jackson, Grace Lopez, Laura Mart,Larry MunchSr.,Carl

Naquin, Wayne

Pigott, Casaline

Raines Jr., John RandleSr.,BJ

Sardegna,Joy

Sheppard Jr., Charles Smith,Melwin

Sullen, Leroy

Trepagnier,Alvarnette

Videau,Michael Williams,Cathy Woods,Carolyn

EJefferson

Garden of Memories

Smith,Melwin

Leitz-Eagan Bilich, Rosalia

NewOrleans

Boyd Family

playground equipment and potentially askate park

He said he is also hoping the parish will consider building atunnel beneath U.S. 190 to connect Recreation District No. 4tothe new librarybranch,allowingchildren atBayou LacombeMiddleSchoolto safely cross over.ChahtaIma Elementary School will already have access to the new branch via the Tammany Trace.

Voting open for2weeks

“I wonder what people are writing,” Spiess said, looking over at the large padofpaper that wasavailable for residents to share ideas besides the ones on the boards.

The current buildingin Lacombe is essentially just one room, butSpiess said it has always hada lot of foot traffic. In 2024, the library’sservice statistics show about 37,017 people went through door of the Lacombe library.Patrons took out 12,749 books and therewere 2,722 uses of the computer

The new building could be up to 6,000 square feet, Library DirectorKelly LaRoccasaid, and have ameeting space, study rooms or aconference room. It could incorporate oak trees into its design. It could have abridge connecting it to theTammany Trace. There’sthat coffee shop idea —you come off thebikepath, take outa book, drink some water and grab an espresso.

“The architect really needs to knowwhatthe priorities are to be able to put together plans,” said LaRocca.

Forthe next two weeks, the boards will be available in the Slidelland Lacombe library branches, and peoplecan ask the circulation desk for stickers tovote. At aminimum, LaRocca estimates it will be two years before the newbuildings are open, though she said it could very well take longer than that.

Email Willie Swett at willie.swett@ theadvocate.com

Obituaries

Addison, Leonard Leaster'Yalk'

Doss, Wanda

Dupree, Flora

Haynes, Orelia

Trepagnier,Alvarnette Charbonnet

Badon, Deborah Boutte,Gloria

DW Rhodes

Raines Jr., John

RandleSr.,BJ

Estelle JWilson

Woods,Carolyn

Gertrude Geddes

Hampton, Janaya

Mart,Larry Greenwood

MunchSr.,Carl

Littlejohn FH

Pigott, Casaline

River Parish

HC Alexander

Sardegna,Joy

PatrickH Sanders

Diggs,Ronald

St Bernard

CharbonnetLabat

Jackson, Grace

St Tammany

Grace Funeral

Naquin, Wayne

Honaker

Lopez, Laura

West Bank

Mothe

Baudoin, Vera

Leonard“Yalk”Leaster Addison, age68, transi‐tionedpeacefullyatWest Jefferson Hospital on July 5,2025, at approximately 1:08a.m., surrounded by loveand comfort, with his daughter, Shovan Simone Addison, by hisside. In the daysleading up to his passing,Leonard wasem‐bracedbythe presence and affectionoffamilyand friends.The family firmly believesthatiflovealone could have kept himhere, hewould have stayed with usforever.Leonard,affec‐tionately knownas“Yalk,” was born with adeep sense of responsibility and prioritized beinga provider for hisfamilyfroma young age.Thiscommitmentled him to leaveWestJeffer‐son High School earlyto work, yetheproudly ful‐filled apersonalgoalby earning hisGED as ayoung adult.Known forhis outgo‐ing spirit,Leonard hada vi‐brant personalityand a smile—one he credited to his late mother—thatcould light up anyroom.OnAu‐gust11, 1979, he was unitedinmarriagewith CharleneSimmons Addi‐son.Fromthisunion,two childrenwereborn: Shovan SimoneAddisonand Devin Leonard AddisonSr. Leonard also held Alex Mac Allen andCandanceEng‐landclose to hisheart Throughouthis life Leonard wore many hats, hewas afather, brother, uncle,and friend to many A true jack of many trades and master of afew Leonard wasespecially known forhis work as a scrap metalmerchantand automechanic. He always had apickuporcommer‐cialtruck,often filledwith scrap metalheadedfor the local recyclingyard. Leonard hada deep love for cookingand feedinghis loved ones—thoughhe might have lovedbragging about hiscookingeven morethancookingitself. A lifelongfan of theDallas Cowboys,hechose them ashis favorite team in boy‐hood andremainedloyal throughouthis life.He leavestocherish hismem‐ory twochildrenShovanSi‐moneAddison andDevin Leonard AddisonSr.,one grandchildMylah Grace Addison, longtime com‐panionAvona Dorsey,three brothersLeo Addison (Crystal),Frederick Addi‐son Sr.(Barbara),James AddisonJr.,three sisters Luvenia AddisonLewis, EverhelinaAddison Dicker‐son (Willie),Willette Addi‐son McDonald (Harold) and a host of nieces and nephews.FiveGodchildren Aileen Lewis, Tori White, Andre Addison, Travon Haywood,and Terrance Carruth Jr.Leonard was precededindeath by his parents,James AddisonSr. and OctaviaLee Firven Ad‐dison,two grandkidsMya Michelle Addison, Devin Leonard AddisonJr.,eldest sisterDorothy PearlAddi‐son Harper,Six auntsHazel Davis Birden,Lou EthelAd‐dison Morgan,EdnaAddi‐son Spears,WillieMae Ad‐dison Wallace, Christine AddisonWhite George,De‐loris Firven Gabriel, five un‐clesGeorgeDavis Sr., LesterAddison,CurtisAd‐dison,Freddie Firven Jr., IsaiahMatthew Firven Sr., three nephewsLeonAddi‐son,MarcAnthony Addi‐son,and BobbyAddison. Leonard “Yalk” Addison lived alifefullofhard work, laughter,family, and love. Hislegacyof strength, humor,and gen‐erosity will live on through all who knew andloved him.Relatives andfriends ofthe familyare invitedto attend thefuneral service onSaturdayJuly19, 2025 at the Second St.JohnBaptist church locatedat242 AvondaleGardenRd, Avon‐daleLA. Thevisitationwill befrom8:30AMuntil 10AM ONLY. Thecelebration of lifewillbegin at 10AM. Pas‐tor Damien Brownwilloffi‐ciate andentombmentwill immediatelyfollowinRest‐lawnCemeteryalsoin Avondale.Allare welcome toattend andpay theirre‐spects. FuneralPlanning entrusted to Robinson FamilyFuneralHome(504) 208-2119. Foronlinecondo‐lences please visitwww

DeborahBellBadon,age 91, passedawaypeacefully onFriday, July 11, 2025 at CovenantNursing Home.A residentofNew Orleans, Mrs.Badon wasbornon December8,1933 in Woodville, MS to Mary Tol‐liver andThomasHollins Wife of thelateIve Badon, Jr. Mother of thelate Michael Badon, Sr.All are invited to attend thefu‐neral.A Celebrationser‐vicehonoringthe life and legacyofthe late Deborah BellBadon will be held at LittleMount OliveBaptist Church,3709 GeneralTay‐lor Street,New Orleans, LA 70125 on Friday,July18, 2025 at 10 am.Interment Mt. Olivet Cemetery,4000 NormanMayer Ave.,New Orleans,LA70122. Visita‐tion9 am in thechurch. Pleasesignonlineguest‐book at www.charbonnetf uneralhome.com. Charbon‐net LabatGlapion,Direc‐tors(504)581 4411.

Rosalia SerioBilichleft thisearth on July 8, 2025, in Metairie, La at theage of 87. NewOrleans-bornand bred, shewas adedicated and loving sister,mother, and grandmotherofthree siblings, four children,ten grandchildren,and eight great-grandchildren.She is survivedbyher brother, Dr JosephR.Serio,and sister Maria SerioLiuzza, who willcherish thememories theysharedgrowing up in the French Quarter. As a lovingparent, Rosalia leavesbehindtwo daugh‐tersand twosons: Kan‐daceBilichLee (Robert) Kenneth Bilich (Cathleen), Henry “Hank” Bilich,Jr. (Cathy),and Roxanne BilichKilpatrick(James) Ro-Ro’s grandchildrenin‐clude Lauren Lee; Robert Lee (Jordan; sonTheo); Spencer Bilich (Tiffany; son Kyrie,daughterAddison); SawyerBilich(Emilee; daughters Ellyanaand Hadley);Piper Bilich; StephanoBilich; Dominick Bilich(Kelsey); Gabriel Baldo (Jordyn; sons Kai and Nicholai,daughter Nadia); ThereseBaldo Hill (Nathan); andHannah Baldo Vass (Cameron). She was preceded in deathby her parents, NinfaSclafani Serio andRussell Serio, and hersister, Fortunata Serio Dyer Gambos.Family and friendsare invitedto the Memorial Mass on Monday, July 21, 2025, at 1:00p.m., at Leitz-Eagan Funeral Home,4747 Veter‐ans Blvd., Metairie,La., 70006. Visitation will begin at11:00 a.m. andcontinues until Mass time.Burialwill followatMetairieCeme‐tery- AllSaintsMau‐soleum, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd.,New Orleans, La., 70124. In lieu of flowers, the familyinvites dona‐tions to theAlzheimer’s Associationinher name

Davis, Shirley Bourgeois,Ella Louise It is with deep sorrow we announce the passing of EllaLouise Bourgeois, abeloved sister, aunt, cousin, and friend. ShediedJuly9 2025, at the age of 79. EllaLouise wasborn February 14, 1946 to Royal Joseph Bourgeois, Sr.and EllaGotti Bourgeois in Folsom, LA. Shewas precededindeathbyher parents, hersistersWanda Bourgeois Jenkins and Yvette Bourgeois Barbazon. Sheissurvived by herbrothers"RJ"Royal Joseph Bourgeois, Jr and Roger Bourgeois(Gwenda) andsister Regina BourgeoisCoreand halfsister Gale AnnBourgeois, many nieces andnephews, great nieces andnephews, and great-great nieces and nephewswhomshe loved andalways kept up with Shealso had manycousins andfriends

On Sunday,July13, Vera ThibodeauxBaudoin peacefully enteredeternal rest, surrounded by love and memories that will live onforever.A proudresi‐dentofMarrero forover40 years,Veratouched the lives of many with her kindness, strength,and un‐waveringdevotiontoher family. Vera dedicatedover three decadestoserving at Immaculate Conception School’s cafeteria, where she made lifelong friend‐ships.Familywas theheart ofVera’sworld.She leaves behindher cherishedson Brett, hiswifeKristine, and her adored grandchildren, Nicholasand Reese—who she lovingly called her heartand soul." Vera took immensepride in being partoftheir lives, never missing amomenttosup‐port, encourage, andcele‐brate them.Whether she was servingas“MawMaw taxi” to avoidthe school bus or simply cuddlingher beloved grandpups, her loveknewnobounds. She isalsolovinglyremem‐bered by hersisterPeggie (Gene), herbrothers Williamand Buddy,and her sister-in-law Aliceand brother in lawWayne Vera’scircleofloveex‐tendedtoher godchildren and alarge familyof niecesand nephewswho affectionatelyknewher as “Nanny” or “Nanny B. Eachhelda specialplace inher heart. Vera nowre‐unitesinpeace with her beloved husband, Eulis Baudoin Jr., herparents Roseand Lucius,her inlawsEulis Sr.And Cecile, her brothers LJ andJohnny, her sisters-in-law Lucille and Esther,and herbroth‐ers-in-lawJimmy,Jerry, and Andrew.Veralived a liferichinlove, laughter, and loyalty. Herwarm smile,selflessspirit, and deep devotion to thoseshe loved will be remembered always. Sheleavesbehind a legacy of unconditional loveand treasuredmemo‐riesthatwillcontinue to inspire thosefortunate enoughtohaveknown her. Relatives andFriends of the Family areinvited to attend theFuneralService inthe Chapel of MotheFu‐neral Home,7040 Lapalco Blvd.,Marrero,LAonFri‐day,July18, 2025 at 11 AM IntermentSt. Mary Ceme‐tery, Raceland,LA. Visita‐tionwillbeheldfrom9 AM until servicetime. Thefam‐ily invitesyou to share yourthoughts, fond memo‐ries, andcondolences on‐lineatwww.mothefunera ls.com.

To know EllaLouise was to know someone whoalways kept in touch. She neverfailed to check in with acall andher signature question: "What are you doing?" Shewas often thefirst to send abirthday card—sometimes before you even remembered yourbirthday wascoming—andshe always made sure to checkonanyone whowasn't feeling well. Ellahad adeep love for wildlife.She enjoyedfeedingbirds, raccoons, and foxes, taking joyincaring forthe creatures around her.

Shespent herfinal year in North Dakota withher great-niece Jessica,her husband Levi Springer, theirfourchildren, andthe familydog. Surrounded by love,laughter, andthe warmth of familylife, she truly cherished that time EllaLouise will be dearly missed by all whoknew andloved her.

Afuturecelebrationof life will be held in the Fall at St.John'sCatholic Church in Folsom, LA. In lieu of flowersany denotationscan be made to St John'sCatholic Church in EllaLouise's memory

STAFF PHOTO By WILLIE SWETT

Baudoin, Vera Thibodeaux

4B ✦ Thursday,July 17,2025 ✦ nola.com ✦ TheTimes-Picayune Boutte,Gloria AgnesThomas

Gloria AgnesThomas Boutte passedaway peacefullysurrounded by her loving familyonSun‐day,July6,2025 at theage of90. Shewas preceded in death by herhusband Louis AnthonyBoutte; par‐ents, Herbertand Agnes Thomas; siblings,Elzina Granger andHerbert Thomas. Survivorsinclude a beloveddaughter, Nicole Boutte;siblings, JoyceLaw Claudette Hockaday, Jacquelyn Gaines andGary Thomas, ahostofnieces, nephews,cousins,broth‐ers andsisters in law, other relativesand friends. All areinvited to attend the funeral.A Mass of Christ‐ian burial honoring thelife and legacy of thelateGlo‐ria AgnesThomasBoutte willbeheldatCorpus Christi/EpiphanyCatholic Church,2022St. Bernard Avenue, NewOrleans LA 70116 on Friday,July18, 2025 at 10 am.Interment St. Louis#3Cemetery, 3421 Esplanade Avenue,New Or‐leans,LA70119. Visitation 9 aminthe church.Please signonlineguestbook at www.charbonnetfuneralho me.com. Charbonnet Labat Glapion,Directors (504)581 4411.

ShirleyM.(Red) Davis passedawayonFriday, July11, 2025, at theage of 91. Shirleyissurvivedby Misty H. Alexander(Jerry), StaceyH.Davis,Daphne M. Davis,MerlinW.Davis,Jr., Dionne D. Louviere (Camil‐lus), ahostofgrandchil‐drenand great-grandchil‐dren. Also survived by other relativesand friends. Precededindeath by Mer‐lin W. (Moe)Davis,Sr., Derek M. Huntsberry,Don‐ald C. Davis, GregoryC Alix, Jr.Shirley liveda long wonderful andhappy blessedlife. Shirleywas employedwiththe OPSB for 20 plus years, andshe enjoyed it immensely. She was awonderful loving caring, andgivingmother and grandmother. Herlife was an examplefor many She will remain loved, re‐memberedand treasured for alltime. Family and friends areinvited to Cele‐brate theLifeService on Friday, July 18, 2025, for 10:00 a.m. at Holt Ceme‐tery, at 527 City Park Ave. New Orleans, LA 70119 PastorJohnell Thomas of FranklinAve.Baptist Church,officiating. The Davis Family appreciates all theloveand support fromall familyand friends. Guestbook Online:www anewtraditionbegins.com (504)282-0600. Linear BrooksBoydand Donavin D.BoydOwners/FuneralDi‐rectors

Ronald Diggs (affection‐ately knownas“Ron‐nie/Plug”)answeredGod’s calland transition from thislifetoeternal rest on Tuesday,July8,2025, at Ochsner/St. CharlesHos‐pital at theage of 71.Ron‐nie wasbornonMay 17, 1954, to David, Sr., andthe lateMildredGreen Diggs Hewas alifelongresident ofBoutte,LA. Ronniewas baptizedonJuly9,1963, at Mt. Zion BaptistChurch of Boutte,byhis grandfather, thelateRev.AlbertGreen,

Sr.Ronaldgraduated from Hahnville High School Class of 1972. He attended Delgado Community Col‐lege of NewOrleans, Louisiana andstudied drafting. He retiredfrom MonsantoChemicalCom‐panyinLuling, LA,after 35 years of employment as a Technician. Ronald musical skillswerefeaturedwith the followingGospel Groups: Gospel Inspira‐tions of Boutte,Joyettesof Boutte,Voice of Zion,and One Accord.Additionally, hefulfilledthe role of Or‐ganistfor theAntioch Bap‐tistChurch for7 yearsand providedorgan supportat the Canaan BaptistChurch and FirstBaptist Church of Paradis.Ronaldwas apas‐sionate fan of thePitts‐burgh Steelers andLos An‐geles Lakers.Ronaldwas the loving anddevoted husband of MarilynTriche Diggs for52years.Also, beloved sonofDavid and GloriaDiggs Sr., brotherof Eddie (Selina) Cureaux. LovingfatherofShawann Diggs Hampton, Carlyn (Marquita)Diggs,Jonathan Diggs,and Damon(Tracy) Songy.Ronniewas the brother-in-lawofJoval (Willie)Walker, Alfreda Lundy, CassandraHiggins, Fontaine(Rheana)Triche and Naomi Diggs;grandfa‐therofJarionJr.,JaRionne and Jada Hampton, Ne’Vaeh Ingram,Jacelyn Jurnee, andJudah Diggs NephewofRosalee Diggs Norbert,Ulyses, Garland (Yvonne), and Cleasure (Carolyn) Green.Heisalso survivedbya host of nieces, nephews, and cousins;Godchildren:Ken‐nethBoydJr.,Lyron Paul LorealWhite,RonaldKalili, Jr.,Jhari Johnson, andAir‐rington (AJ) Austin.Ronald had aspecial bond to Georgeand RussellDiggs, Sr.,TyroneCooper,Donnie Hills,and Lois Russell; Classmates: CharlesRobin‐son,JoanellaRevader, Michael LeBeaufand Bobby Williams. He is pre‐ceded in deathbyhis motherMildredand brother David, Diggs,Jr., grandparents: Willie& LenaDiggs,Rev.Albertand Luvenia Green: Uncles and Aunts: Albert Jr.& Irma Green,George& Theresa Green,William &Verlie Green,VeronicaGreen,Au‐dreyGreen,Linda Green Theodore& Audrey Paul, Willie,Jr.,JohnSr, Leonard & Hannah,Leo,Andrew, Wilfred& Beulah Diggs Sr Louisiana andLeola Diggs, and GeorgianaD.Williams: GodparentsAudreyPaul and Irving Labranch.Rela‐tives andfriends of the family, pastors, officers and membersofMt. Zion Community BaptistChurch and allneighboring Churches areinvited to the Celebration of Life Services at11:00am on Saturday, July19, 2025, at Mt.Zion Community Church,107 MagnoliaRidge Rd Boutte LA70039.Rev.Charles Johnson,Sr.,Pastor-Offici‐ating.Visitationfrom 9:00amto10:45am at the above-named Church.In‐terment Mt.ZionGardenof Memories. Paul Maillard Rd, Boutte,LA70039. Final ArrangementsEntrusted to Patrick H. SandersFuneral Home& FuneralDirectors LLC.605 Main Street, Laplace,LA70068. 985-3591919. “Providing Care & Comfort is OurHighest Mission.” Therewillalsobe a visitation on Friday,July 18, 2025, from 5:00pm to 7:00pmatMt. Zion Com‐munity Church.107 Magno‐lia RidgeRd, Boutte,LA 70039

With profound love and remembrance,wehonor the life of WandaParker Doss, 60,ofNew Orleans, who transitioned into eter‐nal rest on July 6, 2025.A proud graduate of the Academy of the Holy An‐gels, University of NewOr‐leans,and LSU, Wandawas a belovedmother, grand‐mother, sister,and dedi‐cated Xavier University staff member forover30 years.She leaves to cher‐ish hermemoriesher par‐ents: Steven Parker,Sr. and SandraParker; hersons: Brandon Parker,Quintin Doss(Ayshea), andPerryn Doss(Monique);grandchil‐dren: Keetin Elijah Doss and PrincetynMykaelBro‐gan Doss;sisterMarian Parker; brotherSteven ParkerJr.;and nephew Christopher Parker.Family, friends,the XULA commu‐nity, University Medical Centerstaff,and faith leaders areinvited to at‐tend theCelebration of Life

ServiceonSaturday, July 19, 2025, for11:00 a.m. at St. KatharineDrexel Chapel, Xavier University 3932 Pine St., NewOrleans Visitationbeginsat10:00 a.m.Serviceswillbeoffici‐atedbyRev.Dr. Mitchell J. Stevens,Interfaith Chap‐lain, Xavier Campus Min‐istry,witha specialmes‐sagefromPastorMichael B.Raymond,ShilohChrist‐ian Fellowship Baptist Church,New Orleans, LA Wanda will continue to be celebratedand remem‐bered forher steadfast commitmenttoeducation her gracious spirit,and the unparalleledstrengthwith which sheupliftedothers. Her legacy of service, love and faith inspires allwho werefortunate enough to knowher.Guestbook On‐line: www.anewtraditionbe gins.com(504) 282-0600 Donavin D. Boyd andLinear BrooksBoydOwners/Fu‐neral Directors.

Dunagin, Karlene West Hickham

Karlene WestHickham Dunagin

Winnie"Karlene" West was the"NewYear's Baby born outside of Hattiesburg, Mississippiin 1938, thesecond of 3children to Robert and Verda West. Karlenepassed away peacefully on July15, 2025. She attended the University of Southern Mississippiona music scholarship and was Homecoming Queen in 1958. Upon graduating fromUSM in Home Economics, she movedto NewOrleans and livedon Royal Streetwhileworking forNew Orleans Public Service,educating the public on how to use gas appliances Shortly after,she married thefirst love of herlife DaveHickham on New Year's Eve 1960 and began raising their family in New Orleans. They raised their threechildren together and moved to Houma in 1977 to "becloser to sportsman's paradise" where Davewas happiest and she was theperfect mom!

Davepassedaway in 1993 and Karleneremained in Houma until marrying thesecond love of her life Ralph Dunagin on January 2nd,1998, and moved to WinterPark, Florida. She remainedinWinter Park until theFallof2015 when they moved to The HomesteadAssisted Living in Houma,Louisiana.

Karlenewas known for her fabulous culinary and entertainment skills, which she used in allaspectsof her life.She gave generouslytothe communities in which she livedinfor years; always the quintessential southern belle and hostess to everyone!

Karlene is survived by her twosons: David Hickham, Jr. (Lisa)of Corpus Christi, Texas; WestHickham (Suzanne) of Hockley, Texas; and daughter Julia Bourque (Chuck) of Houma;stepdaughter, Terry Dunagin (Debbie)ofNew Smyrna Beach, Florida.

Karlene, as affectionately known as KK by her four grandchildrenissurvived; Robert Hickham (Hilda), PatrickHickham (Gabrielle), Remi Bourque &Tre' Bourque who were thethird lovesofher life! Survived as wellbyher threegreat grandchildren: Greyson, David andHailey Hickham. She is survivedbyone sisterJudyRoberts. She is preceded in death by her parents Robert and Verda West, her first husband DavidHickham, Sr.,her second husband Ralph Dunagin, brother and Sister-In-Law Bobbyand BillieSue West, and her mother and father-in-law I.W. and InezHickham whom she adoredand cared forlovingly after Davedied.

Amemorial mass willbe held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, August 9th, at St. Matthew's Episcopal Church in Houma,visitation from10:00 AM to Service time.

The family wishes to thank thestaff of The HomesteadAssisted Living, Karlene's care givers Irma, Clara, Pat, Tora, Miranda, and

Yolanda for taking loving care of her. We are grateful forDr. William St. Martin and hiscomplete dedication to our family and our lovedones. Patty Voss &Keith Weisheitof HaydelMemorial Hospice, and B. J. Jennings fortheir years of excellent care. In lieu of flowers,the family requests to please send donations in Karlene's memory to St. Matthew'sEpiscopal Church or School, VandebiltCatholicHigh School or to acharityof your choice

also survived by ahostof nieces, nephews, cousins, familyand friends. Janaya was preceded in deathby her grandparents Henrietta Hampton andRaymond Hampton,Sr. Relativesand friends of thefamily, also classmatesand staff of St Mary'sDominican High School,HowardUniversity and membersofAlpha Kappa AlphaSorority, Inc. are invitedtoattend the Celebration of Life Service onSaturday, July 19, 2025 atGertrudeGeddesWillis FuneralHome, 2120 Jack‐son Avenue,New Orleans, LA70113 at 10:00 a.m. Visi‐tationfrom9:00a.m.until 10:00 a.m. PrivateBurial. You maysignthe guest book on http://www.ger trudegeddeswillis.com Gertrude Geddes Willis Fu‐neral Home Inc.,incharge (504) 522-2525.

FloraGeorgeDupreeage 95, passedonJuly7,2025 She is survived by four childrenGeorgeRenard Dupree(Barbara),Beverly ElaineDupree, Gwendolyn Ann Dupree, BrianKeith Dupree(Channon),four grandchildren,fourgreatgrandchildren,one greatgreat-grandchildand one sister-in-law Bobbie GeorgeofIndependence, LA.,and ahostofnephews nieces, familymembers and friends. Florawas pre‐ceded in deathbyher hus‐bandGeorgeHenry Dupree, parentsSam and Willie Alma George,seven siblingsGertrudeLockhart, LillieJohnson,BessieBel‐lazer,AltheaScott, Ola Sewell, IvoryGeorge, Sr., and Clarence George one grandsonGeorgeRenard Santa Cruz.Familyand friends areinvited to at‐tendthe CelebrationofLife Service on Saturday,July 19, 2025, for10:00 a.m. at Pilgrim Rest #2 Baptist Church,2200 LouisianaAv‐enue,New Orleans, LA 70115. Visitation will begin at9:00a.m.Rev.Michael C. Barlow, officiating. Inter‐mentwillfollowatMount OlivetCemetery, 4000 Nor‐man MayerAvenue,New Orleans,LA70122. Guest‐book Online:www.anewtra ditionbegins.com(504) 2820600. DonavinD.Boydand LinearBrooksBoydOwn‐ers/FuneralDirectors

Janaya Hampton, age 30, wasbornonNovember 30, 1994 in NewOrleans LA, departed this earthly homeonSaturday, June 21 2025. Janaya acquired her early educationthrough St Anthony of PaudaCatholic School.Janayawas agrad‐uateofSt. Mary's Domini‐can High School classof 2008, where shewas a memberofthe VarsityVol‐leyball Team,National Honor Society, andMu Alpha Theta; just to name a few. On May19, 2013, Janayagraduated from St Mary'sDominican High School,Summa Cum Laude.Upongraduating, Janayawas awardedAcad‐emicand Athletic Scholar‐ships to attend Howard UniversityinWashington DC.,where shegraduated witha Bachelor of Arts in Media,Journalismand Film Communication,witha minor in GraphicDesignon May 13, 2017. Janaya was also, amemberofHoward UniversityVolleyballTeam thatwon back-to-back Mid-Eastern Athletic Con‐ference (MEAC) champi‐onships,and amemberof Alpha KappaAlpha (AKA) Sorority, Inc. After, gradua‐tion, sherelocated to Los Angeles,CAtoembarkon her long dreamofbecom‐ing aFashion Designer and created herown designer titled"Asterisk theBrand". Janayawas theloving daughterofLeslieRobin‐son andRaymond Hamp‐ton,Jr. Devotedsisterof Jamilah Iman Hamptonand Raymond Hampton. Beloved granddaughterof Ethel Ruth Robinson.Dot‐ing aunt of herfurry niece Butterball "BB".She was

Orelia RichardHaynes, a homemaker of NewOr‐leans,LApassedawayon July3,2025, at theage of 87. Orelia is survived by her husband of 68 years, James E.HaynesSr.;children Phyllis Jones(late Clem), MyraJefferson (Gregory), and JamesE.HaynesJr. (Donna), 9grandchildren: Denchelle Haynes,Gregory Jefferson Jr.(Shahalynni), LatoyaWalter(Eric), Patrick Martin,Patsy Mar‐tin,PaulMartin, JamesE HaynesIII, Andrew Haynes and AnthonyHaynes, as wellas4great-grandchil‐dren. Orelia is also sur‐vived by hersisterBrenda Turner(late Elmo), anda hostofother relativesand friends.Precededindeath byher mother Nellie Richard,son Darryl Corley siblingsDorothy Richard, Juanita Singletonand June Richard.Familyand friends are invitedtoattend the Celebration of Life Service onSaturday, July 19, 2025, for 1:00 p.m. at TheBoyd FamilyFuneralHome, 5001 ChefMenteur Hwy.,New Orleans,LA70126. Visita‐tionwillbegin at 12:30 p.m. PastorBennieScott, offici‐ating.Interment is private. Guestbook Online:www anewtraditionbegins.com (504)282-0600. Linear BrooksBoydand Donavin D.BoydOwners/FuneralDi‐rectors

Grace"Ms.Midge

Marie Jackson, departed thislifepeacefully, sur‐rounded by familyand friends on Sunday,July6 2025 at theage of 73. She was born on July 2, 1952 in New Orleans, LA to thelate Ellen Jacksonand Robert Augustine.Grace leaves to cherish fond memories, her lifelong partner, Larry Williams;lovingdaughter, AngelineJackson (Larry); grandchildren,Quincy, Ton‐dalayaand Joshua Jack‐son;great-grandchildren, Gariyell, Germany, G'lani Lewis,Jade, Jream, and Dash, as well as ahostof nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Relativesand friends;staff andemploy‐ees of Davita Dialysis,Fed Ex, BungeCorp, U.S. Navy and Woldenberg Nursing Homeare invitedtoattend the funeral. ACelebration service honoring thelife and legacy of thelate Grace MarieJackson will beheldatFisherCommu‐nityChurch,1737 L. B. LandryAvenue,New Or‐leans,LA70114 on Satur‐day,July19, 2025 at 10 am BishopNelsonBrown, Offi‐ciating.Interment Friends ofCharity Benevolent As‐sociation,3360 Boyd Street Algiers,LA70131. Visitation 9 am in thechurch.Please signonlineguestbook at www.charbonnetfuneralho me.com. Finalarrange‐mentsentrusted to Char‐

bonnet Family Services (504) 302-1520.

Lopez, Laura AnnWhitaker

LauraAnn Whitaker Lopez,age 74, of Lacombe, Louisiana,passedaway after avaliant battle with multipleillnessesSatur‐day,July5,2025, at Lake‐viewRegionalMedical CenterinCovington.Laura and herfamilywerealso25 yearresidents of Luling, where shewas an avid ten‐nis player andworked manyyears at FirstNa‐tionalBank. Severalyears ago, sheconverted to Catholicism in amovethat profoundly impacted her life. Onething shemissed mostabout herlongcon‐valescencewas thecon‐siderable time missedwith her brothers andsisters in ChristatSt. John of the Cross Parish andattending daily mass. Sheissurvived byher high school sweet‐heart from West Jefferson HighSchool andhusband of56years,Terry Joseph Lopez,daughter, Lynne Lopez Swope(Daniel), and adoredgrandsonHenry DanielSwope of NewOr‐leans.She is also survived bysiblingsAllen Whitaker Jr. (Sheila) of LasVegas, Lynne Whitaker Gaissert (Elwyn) of Alpharetta,GA, RossWhitaker(Melissa)of Chattanooga,and Mark Whitaker of NewOrleans She hasbeloved,numerous niecesand nephewsfrom bothsides of herfamily who lovingly refertoher as Aunt Lollie.She is pre‐ceded in deathbyher par‐entsFrank AllenWhitaker ofWaycross, GA,and Bon‐nie CarolynCarruth Whitaker of Roswell, GA Special thanks to thenu‐merousphysicians, nurses, therapistsand patientcare technicians who took amazing care of herat Slidell Memorial,Lakeview RegionalMedical Center and LacombeInpatient Rehab Hospital.A very spe‐cialthank youtoFather Dan Dashnerwho visited withher at thehospital, gaveher substantialcom‐fort, peace, andadminis‐tered herLastRites and the Apostolic Pardon.Visi‐tationwilltakeplace at St Johnofthe CrossCatholic Church,61030 BrierLake Road, Lacombe, LA 70445 Saturday, July 19, 2025, from9:30-11:30,funeral masstofollowat11:30 Pleasevisit www.honaker forestlawn.comtosign guestbook.Arrangements byHonaker FuneralHome, Inc.,Slidell, LA

Larry LouisMartage 69, a native andresidentof Gray, LA., passedawayon Thursday July 3, 2025. He leavestocherish hismem‐ories,his wife;Deborah Mart, hischildren; Arron (Heidi) Steverson, Sarah A.L.Harris, SusieK.Lightell and Larri“James” Clement; siblings, HelenM.Woods, Ernestine Nells, ShirleyM Frank,Claudette M. Nixon all of Gray,LA.,Lydia A. GwinofSchriever,LA. Faith M. Mart andAngela M.Martand Perry(Diane) MartofHouma,LA.;sisterin-laws,SandraS.Burns (Amos)ofLos Angela, Karen S. Coleman(Monroe) and Markel Steversonof New Orleans, LA;brotherin-laws,KelmerL.Stever‐son,Jr.,Keenan Steverson and Brad Steversonall of New Orleans, LA.Larry was proceeded in deathbyhis parents;Ernestand Helen Richard Mart;grandpar‐ents, Rose andJames Richard Sr.and Louisand OssieMart. siblings;Fred‐die J. Mart,CarolinePharr, AlmaD.Brooks, Rosemary Wallis, Joan Dell Nellsand MaryJaneJackson; mother-in-laws, SarahA Steverson andFather-Law KelmerL.Steverson,Sr. sister-in-laws, KarenS Dabneyand Mona F. Stev‐erson andgranddaughter JessicaAnn Harvey.Rela‐

Dupree, FloraGeorge

Haynes,Orelia Richard

Davis, ShirleyM.'Red'

Hampton, Janaya

Jackson, GraceMarie 'Ms. Midge'

Mart,Larry Louis

Doss,Wanda Parker

Diggs,Ronald 'Ronnie' 'Plug'

tivesand friendsofthe familyare invitedtoattend the celebrationofLifeSer‐viceonSaturday, July 19,2025 at GreaterSaint MatthewsB.C., 183 Smith Lane, Houma, LA 70360 11:00 a.m. Visitation from 9:00a.m until 11:00 a.m withInterment in Garden ofMemoryCemetery, Gray LA. Youmay sign theguest book on http://www.ger trudegeddeswillis.com Gertrude Geddes Willis-Ter‐rebonne FuneralHome, Inc incharge(985)872-6934.

MunchSr.,CarlJ.'Chief'

Carl J. “Chief”Munch

Sr.,a lifelong resident of New Orleans, Louisiana, passedawaypeacefully on Friday, July 11, 2025, at the age of 97.While growing upinNew Orleans, Carl was an avid duck andrab‐bit hunter andlearned the carpentry tradefromhis father. As ateenager,he proudly served in theUS Navyand deployed to Oki‐nawaduringWorld WarII. After thewar,heworked asa carpenterand builder, while teaching hissonsthe trade,until he retired. A truecraftsman,his meticu‐lousworkcan be foundin manyhomes throughout the city.Carlwas amem‐ber of theDixie Pigeon Club, where he enjoyed racinghomingpigeons.He could also be found at his camponLakeCatherine, spendingtimewithhis familyand workingonhis latestproject.Inrecent years,Carlfound joyin caringfor hisdog,chick‐ens,and pigeons, and watchingThe Incredible Dr Pol.“Chief” wasa lifelong lover of animals! He was predeceased by his beloved wife of 65 years, JoanSegrave Munch, and sonsEricV.Munchand Christopher J. Munch. Carl was also preceded in death by hisparents,John A.Munch (Sarah)and Hilda C.McCormick (Broward), and hissiblings, ClydeA Munch,ElaineRoberts, Ernie Tassin, JoyM.Koen, and LindaPage. Carl is sur‐vived by hischildren, Carl J.Munch Jr.(Jessie), Joan Kathy” Nuccio (Dominick) and Greg L. Munch(Tammy Nick);his grandchildren, GeneL.LeBouef Jr Gina M. Finch (Tony),KristyEvans (Bobby),Jeffrey D. Nuccio BreannIvers,Kimberlee Munch,and Brianna Nick; aswellashis great-grand‐children, Peyton Finch, ConnorEvans,Parker Finch,JordanEvans,Vance Finch,and MaxFinch.Carl alsoleavesbehindhis brother,Orrin“Buddy” Munch,along with ahost ofniecesand nephews. The familywould like to thank Dorothyand Nurse Tiffanyfor theiryears of lovingcareand compas‐siontoMr. Munchand his latedog, Sweetie Girl Carl’slegacyofresilience, hardwork, determination, storytelling, andcrafts‐manship will foreverbere‐memberedbythose who wereblessed to know and lovehim.“Ihavefoughtthe good fight, Ihave finished the race,I have kept the faith.” 2Timothy 4:7. Rela‐tives andfriends arein‐vited to attend avisitation atGreenwood Funeral Home, 5200 CanalBlvd., New Orleans, on Friday, July18, 2025, starting at 9:30am, followed by a massinthe chapel at 11:00 am. Intermentwillfollow atGreenwood Mausoleum. The familyinvites youto share your thoughts,fond memories, andcondo‐lencesonlineatwww.gre enwoodfuneralhome.net. In lieu of flowers, please considermakinga dona‐tiontoTunneltoTowers www.t2t.org

Naquin,Wayne Douglas

WayneDouglas Naquin passedawayJuly8,2025at the ageof79after atwoyearbattlewithcancer. He was thebeloved husband andbestfriendofLillian

Angela "Angie"Backes Naquin; DadofChris D. Naquin(Toni)and Melissa I. Naquin; stepdadofRe‐becca H. Mora (Ronald) and ChristopherM.Hand‐ford(Kelley). He was Grandpa to SpencerT Scandaliato,Celeste P. Scandaliato,Ryder D. Naquin, Ronald J. Mora,Jr., Lillian R. Handford,Wistar R.Handfordand Veronica L.Mora. He waspreceded indeath by hisparents Elsie YockersNaquinand WoodrowW.Naquin. He was also thebeloved brother of LindaN.Des‐latte (Herbert)and Lisa N. Fabacher(Michael),and uncle of severalniecesand nephews.Wayne wasa graduateofJohnMc‐Donogh Senior High School and Southeastern Louisiana College. Family and friendsare invitedto attendthe funeralservice onSaturday, July 19,at1:30 p.m.atGrace Funeral Home, 450HolyTrinity Dr Covington,LA70433. Visita‐tionbeginsat11:00 a.m. withinurnment to follow the serviceatSt. Lazarus ofBethany Memorial Gar‐den.Inlieu of flowers, pleasemakedonations to The SamaritanCenter, 402 Girod St Mandeville,LA 70448 (samcen.org) or St Timothy on theNorthshore Methodist Church,335 As‐buryDr.,Mandeville, LA 70471.

Casaline EllisPigotten‐tered into eternalreston Friday, July 4, 2025 in Baton Rouge,Louisiana.Beloved mother of Charles (Vonkeisha) Pigott Jr.of Baton Rouge, LA,Amzie PigottofNew Orleans, LA Apollo (Tiffany)Pigottof Abingdon, VA,and Shukura (CoreyChapman, fiance) Pigott of Columbia,SC; daughterofthe late Sarah and Samuel EllisJr.;sister ofMarshaEllis,the late SamuelEllis III andEddie Ellis;grandmother of Ai‐jalon Wagner,KierraBigott, Tory(TJ)Lewis,ToryLewis Joshua Pigott, CassidyPig‐ott, KevinMatthewsand Charles Pigott III; greatgrandmother of Janova Pigott; dear friend andfor‐mer wife of CharlesPigott Sr.;sister-in-law of Dora Ellis,PatriciaBerryhill and the late WilliePigott; also survivedbya host of nieces, nephews, otherrel‐ativesand friends. Rela‐tives andfriends of the family, also employeesof Wildlife andFisheries,Tri‐gen Philadelphia andCox Communicationsare in‐vited to attend theFuneral Service on Friday,July18, 2025 beginning11:00 a.m. atBelievers Temple of Faith,4422 RayAvenue BishopCarlDavis,officiat‐ing.Church visitation from 10:00 a.m. until thehourof service.Private burialto follow. Rev. DavidM.Patin Sr. andGwienaMagee Patin,FuneralDirectors Professionalservice en‐trusted to Littlejohn Fu‐neral Home,2163 Aubry Street,Cal K. Johnson, Fu‐neral Director/Manager, Info: (504) 940-0045.

Raines Jr., John Arthur 'Sammy'

John Arthur “Sammy” RainesJr.,age 59, born on November13, 1965, in New Orleans,LAtothe late John Arthur “Smiley” Raines, Sr and thelateAllaine J. Mar‐tin departed this life on July2,2025. He waspre‐ceded in deathbyhis two sons, John Arthur Raines, III, Samuel Raines,a brother Kevin T. Raines, nephewKendall Raines and agreat niece, Jordyn Ancar.Heissurvivedby his remainingchildren: JohnJones,Shawn Jones, Janae Thomas,Jhontei Raines, John Kenerson JohnArthur Raines IV and Ja’ Niana Raines.Heisthe brother of Naomi Ruby Mark, Larry Raines, Michael Raines,Elvetta Raines(Sedrick),Anthony Raines(Sequoia),and ClarenceRaines. The grandsonofthe late Ruby Turner, George andNaomi T.Martin. He is also sur‐vivedbyseven grandchil‐

dren anda host of nieces, nephews,other relatives. Relatives andfriends of the familyare invitedtoattend the FuneralService at Bethany United Methodist Church,4533 Mendez Street,onSaturday, July 19, 2025, at 10:00 am.Visita‐tionwillbegin at 9:00 am until 10:00 am.Prophet Kevin Reddick,officiating. Interment: Providence MemorialParkand Mau‐soleum, 8200 AirlineDrive, Metairie, LA 70003 Arrangementsentrusted to D.W.RhodesFuneralHome, 3933 Washington Ave. New Orleans,LA70125. Please visit www.rhodesfuneral. com to sign theonline guestbook,share memo‐riesand condolenceswith the family.

Randle Sr., BJ

ThelifeofBJRandleSe‐nior. BJ wasbornJanuary 7,1977 in NewOrleans Louisiana to Marvel Hilton and thelateRichard Ran‐dle Jr.OnMondayat1:38 onJuly14, 2025 BJ de‐partedthislifefor his heavenlyhomewhere there is no more sickness orpain. BJ waslifelongres‐ident of NewOrleans Louisiana.Hegraduated fromWalterL.Cohen Se‐niorhighschool in 1995. He alsoplayedfootball.After graduating, he started working at McDonald’s Brent House, Luke’s and IHOP where he retired from. BJ leaves to cherish his loving 24 Children Macie Harris,BJRandle, Jr., BJMcEleeven,Brittany Randle, Metoki Randle B'nae,BrysonRandle, Kay‐den Randle,Tatyana Lee, White-boy, BJ,Bron'Jae, JBi‐ahn RichardJeMereGant, TreeinceHarness, Jerome Holden, YorinLee, Bjon Lee, ZionLee andmore. Hislov‐ing companionand friend Xenia Lee. Loving sisters CayataDixon,Nicole Walker, PaulaPayne,Carol Palmer, Lamaka Randle, Paulette Dixon, Alma Hard Jamaica Garner,Kadija Garnerand BelindaVe‐ranikeJones,JalyneEvansJones,and Joan H. Evans LovingbrothersKenneth Randle, Terrell(LeShaunda )Randle,ClaudeDixon, RobertMatthews, Jarad Portis, JamesR.Evans III, JosephEvans whomhe loved dearly.BJisalsosur‐vived by sevenGrandchil‐dren, ahostofnephews niecesand cousins, four unclesand twoaunts, two brother-in-law‘s. BJ was precededindeadbyhis parentthe late Richard Randle, Jr,grandfather Richard Randle Senior, great grandmotherRuby Lewis,grandmother’s Alma Dixon andIvy Miller,Uncle AlfredDixon,nephew Christian Glover,cousin Redneck,TerrenceCarter, Doracold-weather, An‐thony Dixon, twobrothers Richard Randle IIIand Ricky WoodsJr. Relatives and friendsofthe family are invitedtoattend aFu‐neral ServiceatD.W RhodesFuneralHome, 3933 WashingtonAve NewOr‐leans,LA70125 on Satur‐day,July19, 2025 at 1:00pm. Visitation will begin at 12:00pm until 1:00pm. Interment: Provi‐dence Memorial Park Cemetery, Metairie,LA. Pleasevisit https://pre miermemories.net/users/ MTY2OTk2LUJKIA==/home htmltosignthe online guestbook,share memo‐riesand condolenceswith the family. Arrangements entrusted to D.W. Rhodes FuneralHome, 3933 Wash‐ingtonAve,New Orleans, LA70125 (504) 822-7162 www.rhodesfuneral.com. BJ Randle,you will be misseddearly.

Sardegna,Joy MarieTomlinson

JoyMarie Tomlinson Sardegnagainedher angel wings on July 10, 2025, at the ageof85, surrounded by herlovingfamily. Sheis

survived by herlovinghus‐bandof64years,Nicholas “Nick”Sardegnaand her daughters,ToniSardegnaClement (Carey), AngieS Louque(Nolan),and Jen‐nifer S. Atkinson (Shan‐non). Sheisalsosurvived byher grandchildren, Tay‐lor S. Robert (Justin), Megan L. Stamps (Jordan) Carly Clement, Cameron Clement,Rayna Sardegna SaraLouque, Nathan Atkin‐son,fourgreat-grandchil‐dren, andher brother, Ken Tomlinson (Martha),and a hostofnieces, nephews, and familymembers.She isprecededindeath by her parents,Carey andRenette Tomlinson,her sisters, Sue Troxler (Louis), andJerrilee Negrotto (John),and brother,Carey Tomlinson, Jr. Joywillberemembered asa loving wife,mother, grandmother,sister, and friend. Shewillbegreatly missedbyall who were blessedtoknowher.The familywould like to thank OrmondNursing Home and all thedoctors andnurses throughoutthistimefor all the care andcompassion theyshowedus. Relatives and friendsare invitedto St. CharlesBorromeo Catholic Church,13396 River Rd., Destrehan, LA,on Saturday, July 19, 2025, visi‐tationwillbegin at 10 a.m., withMemorialMasstofol‐low at 11:30 a.m. Inurn‐menttofollowinthe church cemetery

CharlesLewis Sheppard, Jr., lovingly known as "Chuck," passedaway peacefully on July14, 2025, with his family by his side, after aprolonged and courageous battle with cancer. BornonJuly 16, 1955, in NewOrleans, Chuck was alifelong resident of Lacombe Louisiana. At just 17, he volunteered to servehis country in theU.S.Navy during theVietnamWar, serving aboard theUSS Gridley. Askilled mechanic, welder, and shipfitter, Chuck was knownfor his strong hands, problemsolving mind,and anononsense approach to getting thingsdone.Chuck married theloveofhis life, Julie B. Sheppard, in 1977. Together they shared 48 years of deep love,shared laughter, and enduring partnership. He is survived by his devoted wife, Julie, and theirchildren: Charles L. Sheppard III(Leonore), Jessica Polk (Joe),and JenniferN.Bell(Mark). He also leavesbehindhis cherished grandson, Jesse Fields Jr.Chuck was an adventurer at heart—a free, rebel spirit witha deep love forCajun food,bayou fishing, and themusic that moved his soul.A lifelong fan of Star Trek and aman who once partiedwiththe originalLynyrd Skynyrd,he livedboldlyand loved deeply. Known to many as an animal whisperer and a fiercely devoted family man, Chuck left amark on allwho knew him. In lieu of flowers,the family asks that donations be madein Chuck's name to aveteran organizationoranimal rescue of your choice—causes that mattered deeply to him. Chuck's life was bold, loving, and unmistakably his own. He willbefiercely missedand foreverremembered.

Melwin Smithpassed awaypeacefully on Friday July11, 2025 at theage of 96. He wasprecededin death by hisbeloved wife of66years,Geraldine;his parents,Rayford Butler Smith andJonnieMabel Smith;his daughter, Melanie SmithTrahan; his granddaughter,Bridgette Laine Trahan;his twin brother,Elwin Smith; and his sister,Donis Pannagl. Melwinissurvivedbyhis sons, George Rayford Smith (Beckey) andGene RaySmith;son-in-law,

GabrielN.Trahan, Jr.(Deb‐bie); grandchildren: Melissa Trahan Ferrara (Joey), George Rayford Smith II (Jackie),LeeAnn White(Clint),Frances VeronicaSmith,Annie "Mackie"Smith,and Ray‐fordButlerSmith II; greatgrandchildren:Melanie Ferrara,SophieWhite,Kate Smith,Sadie Whiteand CarolineSmith;his sister Betty Forman (Gary);as wellasnumerousnieces, nephews andcousins.Born inSmithdale,Mississippi and raised in McCall Creek Mississippi,Melwinwas a longtimeresidentof Metairie, Louisianaand later Franklinton, Louisiana.Hewas aU.S Armyveteran,serving in Korea andhonorably dis‐charged with therankof Sergeant, andwas amem‐ber of VFWPost3267. He retired from NewOrleans PublicService (Entergy) after 40 yearsofservice and wasa Deacon and faithfulmemberof BridgedaleBaptist Church inMetairieand laterHill‐crest BaptistChurch in Franklinton.Melwinwas an accomplishedbluegrass musicianfor over 70 years, performingwithhis twin brother Elwinonradio and televisionand at numerous festivals andshows throughoutLouisiana and Mississippi.Melwinplayed innumerousbands includ‐ing TheDixie Ramblers, The Wonder Valley Boys The CountryBoysand The McCallCreek Band and playedfor troops during the Korean War. However, hemostlyloved playing music with hisfamilyand friends.Melwinwas ade‐voted husband, father, grandfather,and greatgrandfather who volun‐teered hisservicestoany group or individual who was in need.Hewillindeed bemissed. Relativesand friends areinvited to at‐tendthe FuneralService at GardenofMemoriesFu‐neral Home,4900 Airline Drive,Metairie, LA 70001 on Saturday, July 19, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. Visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m. until ser‐vicetime. Intermentwill immediatelyfollowinthe GardenofMemoriesCeme‐tery. In lieu of flowers, pleaseconsidera donation toMusiCares.org or to O'ZionBaptist Church,4775 Berrytown Rd., Meadville, Mississippi 39653, in mem‐ory of Melwin Smith. To offercondolences,please visit www.gardenofmem oriesmetairie.com

familyand friends. He was alsoknowfor hissharp sense of fashion.OnFriday July4,2025, at theage of 74, Leroydepartedthislife tobewiththe Lord at Riverbend Nursingand Rehab Center in Jesuit Bend, LA.Hewas preceded indeath by hisparents,his siblingsLeo SandersJr. and CynthiaSanders Robinson, hisgrandparents Ritaand ArnolieSanders Sr. andOdeal andHurite Sullen, andhis brothers-inlaw Walter Smith, Donald Belland Pierre.Heleaves tocherish hismemoriesa devoted daughter Char‐lotte Sullen, hiswife Louella Sullen, grandchil‐drenJeariel,Jasmine and Janae Sullen, great-grand‐childrenJayceon and Jaliyah,his siblings Rose, Barbara,Deborah,Joann, Joseph, Carolyn, LeoJr., Betty Jean,Joann Hall,and Michelle Sylve. He is also survivedbyseveral nieces nephews,cousins,other relatives andfriends.We havesuffereda greatloss and yeswewillmourn,but not as thosewho have no hope. Insteadwewill mourn as thosewho ex‐pecttomeet himagain in a world beyond thehorizon Therefore,the book shall beclosed. Relativesand friends of thefamilyare in‐vited to attend thefuneral service on Saturday,July 19, 2025 at Robinson Family FuneralHome, 9611 LA-23, Belle Chasse LA 70037. The visitationwillbegin at 8:30 a.m.followedbya 10 a.m. service.Per Leroy'swishes, his intermentwillbepri‐vate. Funeralplanningen‐trusted to Robinson Family FuneralHome(504) 2082119. Foronlinecondo‐lences, please visitwww robinsonfamilyfuneralho me.com

Alvarnette Richardson Trepagnier, affectionately known as “Al”,was born on February18, 1966, in New Orleans,Louisiana.She was born to Leon Richard‐son,Sr. andLillieMae Richardson. At theage of 59, shedepartedher earthly life on Monday,July 7,2025, in NewOrleans, Louisiana.Alvarnette leavestocherish hermem‐ories:her husband, LawrenceTrepagnier; five children: Chaz,Fharen, Kelci,Blair andDe’Jean,Sr. Richardson; daughters-inlaw:Marquelia and AmandaRichardson; ten grandchildren:Haven, Geriah, Jha, De’JeanJr., Bella-Nevaeh, A’Xadia, Rian, Jazz,Malachi,and AneesaRichardson; 21 sib‐lings:Diane,Ricky,Debra, Gwen, Gail,Bernard,Leroy LeonJr.,Letha,Renard, De‐siree, Troy,Andrea, Bare‐lynn, Rodney,Jeannie, Sherille, Tyrone,Dionne Michelle “Missy”Jones,

LeroySullenwas born onAugust24, 1950 to Clara Mae Sullenand Leo Sanders Sr.Prior to himbe‐comingill,helived in Seat‐tle,WA, Oakville andMar‐rero, LA.Hewas employed atChevron andenjoyed working variousconstruc‐tionjobs. In hisspare time Leroy looked forwardto spending time with his See more DEATHS page

Pigott, Casaline Ellis

Sheppard Jr., Charles Lewis'Chuck'

Trepagnier,Alvarnette Richardson

Sullen, Leroy

Smith, Melwin

Seafood labelinga good idea that’s gaining steam

Louisiana’sseafood producers havelong braved harsh conditions to bring their catches to ourplates. Aside from thehazardsofthe job, they have also had to navigateincreasingly challenging market conditionsoverthe past two decades as cheap imports have flooded the U.S., pushing down prices. Since 2021, the U.S. shrimp industryhas lost almosthalfofits market value, according to the Southern Shrimp Alliance. But our seafood industry is nothing if not resourceful. In recent years, it has begun to fight back with avariety of tactics, frompushing federal legislation to crack down on illegal imports to making surelocal festivalshighlight local seafood.

One strategy that is increasingly gaining traction is more stringent labelingofdomesticand foreign seafood. Louisianahas been aleader in this effort, passing its first lawrequiringlabels disclosing theoriginofthe seafood on packaged shrimp and crawfish and on restaurant menus in 2019. An updated law,passed in 2024, went into effect in January.Itadds heavier finesfor lawbreakers and gives new enforcement power to the state Department of Healthand theLouisianaDepartment of Agriculture andForestry. It also goes aftermisleading packaging thatuses Louisiana images or styles for productsthatare not caught in Louisiana.

Other Gulf Coast stateshave taken note, and some have beguntopass labelingrequirements of their own. An Alabama law that went into effect in 2024 requires labelingofany fish or shellfish by country of origin or noticethatitis imported. Mississippi’slaw on seafood labeling that went intoeffect July 1requires all seafood or crawfish sold in thestatetobelabeled“imported” or “domestic.” The TexasLegislature alsopassed alabeling law thatwill go into effect on Sept. 1and requires all shrimpsold in Texas to bear a“clear and conspicuousnotice” of whether it is foreign or domestic.

This is one effort we’d like to seegonational. It’snot justamatter of boosting alocal product,those in theindustry say.Consumers deserve to know because some foreign imports come from aquaculture facilities thatoftenuse antibiotics and hormones.

We know some restaurants andgrocersmay balk at the added step of labelingseafood. And it’s true that some consumers won’tcareand just want the cheapest product available. We also know that, given thecare we Louisianans take in making ourgumbos, jambalayas and other dishes, we wantthe best seafood we canafford. And we certainly wanttoknow that when we pay for Gulf shrimp,we’re getting Gulf shrimp Given the choice, we believemost people will supportour fishers andshrimpers. Strong seafood labeling laws let us know where their products are —and aren’t. The rest isuptoall of us.

LETTERSTOTHE EDITOR ARE WELCOME. HERE AREOUR

GUIDELINES: Letters are published identifying name, occupation and/or title and the writer’scity of residence

TheAdvocate |The Times-Picayune require astreet address andphone number for verification purposes, but that information is not published. Letters are not to exceed 300 words. Letters to the Editor,The Advocate, P.O. Box 588, Baton Rouge, LA 70821-0588, or email letters@ theadvocate.com.

TO SEND US A LETTER, SCANHERE

OPINION

Don’tlet companiesoff hook forrolling back Pridesupport

The article, “Localsstep up support for Pride events in N.O.,” published on June 13, is abit disingenuous.Reports do indicatethat numerous corporations are scaling back and/or withdrawing supportfrom LGBTQ+ events, such as Pride Monthcelebrations. However,solely attributing this to political pressure is letting thecorporations off the hook and spreading anarrative with an agenda. There are no Trump policies that mandateacompany to not supportdiversity equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.

For instance, thecorporation Iwork for has not withdrawn supportfrom any of the DEI-related causes we currently support. This is because my corporation believes these causes to be important andessential. To withdraw supportnow is to say withoutsaying that the only reason thesupportwas there in the first place was to fulfill aDEI quota. It is also

becausethe employees would be vocal about the change andexpress displeasure. The decision to withdraw support from LGBTQ+ events is, therefore, achoice made by corporations, notamandate imposed by thegovernment. True, political discourse may influence corporate strategies, but companies arenot prohibited from supporting LGBTQ+ initiatives. The currentreduction in suchsupport is astrategic decision by companies. We should start holding themaccountable, rather than continually blaming the issueonTrump Kudos to the neighbors who stepped up to fill in thevoid left by major corporations. Let’salsostart placingaccountability where it belongs, with the decisionmakersatalocal level.

THERESA NICKLAS NewOrleans

Whyare representativesafraidtostand up to tyranny?

Iworry about theAmerica that you and Igrew up in. Your kids and grandkids will grow up in acountry ruledbyagovernment you and Iwould not recognize. Who knew that our democracy could be fragile enough tobedegraded into a budding dictatorship in just six months?

Please, don’tsay you can’tsee it happening. Look outyour window,listen to the news from almost any channel. Many others seeittoo.

Listed below are afew similarities the present administration and the rather well-known administration of Adolf Hitler have in common.

Hitler’sword was above the law Hitler’stop-level appointees pledged allegiance to Hitler,not the Constitution.

In this administration theappointees are megadonors, lawyers and cronies from Trump’sprivatelife, and Fox News employees, 23 of them. What better place to get training for high-level government positions requiring top securityand decision-making powers that determine the future of our democracy? All appointees approved by Louisianasenators.

Hitler removed non-Germans from federal positions in law,military,government and education. Substitute DEI purges in thepresentadministration. Hitler was given power over the militaryand police. Troops were placed in townswhere anti- government activities were anticipated. This action now equates with the power given to Trump in order to place the National Guard in townsonanticipation of demonstrations or activities that proclaim issues with the administration’sactions or policies, no matter what thesize of the event.

Undesirable noncitizens and citizens snatched off the street and sent to concentration camps in foreign countries without due process or notification of family or contacts. They just disappeared.

Louisiana’srepresentative and senators need expose the threats that are making them and their colleagues send 300million Americans down the road to dictatorship.

NORMAN WARNOCK Stonewall

Lawyer suing BigOil does little more than enrich himself

The front-page article about attorney John Carmouche and company shows what is wrong with the legal system in this state.

Suing an industry that employs thousands of workers here withthe claim that they did something wrong does not fix the issue but greatly enriches the lawyers.

They are making millions of dollars in lawyers fees and not doinganything constructive.

The Legislature needstocontrol lawsuits such as these thatharm ourmost importantindustry

RICHARD LEVY NewOrleans

Articleexposes issues with building MississippiRiver bridge in fragile ecosystem

In May,Haley Miller wrote aperceptive article on what is at stake in Laura and Cliff’s Comeaux’sfight to protect their historically and ecologically valuable property from the impact of aproposednew Mississippi RiverBridge at Plaquemine Point in Iberville Parish. Unfortunate experience with similarmassive infrastructure projects has demonstratedthatsecondary andcumulative impacts to the affected ecosystem are too oftenworse thanoriginally anticipated. In the case of the oldgrowth cypress and fragile habitatofthe A.E. LeBlanc site andadjacentarea, road accessthrough their property for bridge pylonconstruction andrelated activities will affect hydrology andalter the fragile ecosystem beyond the forest’scapacity to recover As Haleystatesinher article,LSU research on the site hasdetermined that the LeBlanc site is arare example of vanishing naturally regenerating cypress forests in Louisiana.Ina letter to the state Department of Transportationand Development, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife andFisheries stated thatthe significantecological value of the LeBlanc property justifiedthe designation of the site as an officially recognized Natural Area. The letter furtherstatedthat“should this site be within or adjacent to the finalfootprint of this project,irreversible harm would be causedtothe ecological integrity” of this site, and requestedthatanalternative to the A.E. LeBlanc Natural Areabechosenfor the new bridge location. We are in full agreement with Wildlife and Fisheries —the ecological costs clearly outweigh the ostensible benefitstobederived from amassive bridge over the A.E. LeBlanc Natural Area and Old-Growth Cypress Forest.

ANGELLE BRADFORD ROSENBERG chapter chair,Sierra Club Delta Chapter

YOUR VIEWS

La.death rowprisoner, nowruled innocent,deservesrelease on bail

Quin Hillyer

It is almost impossible to think of a punishment too severe for someone who —Ihate to even writethese words raped and murdered atwo-year-old On the other hand, unless you were the two-year-old or her loved ones, it is hard to imagine many fates worse than spending 32 years in prison, and at least nominally on death row,for amistaken conviction for supposedly havingcommitted such agodawful crime. And if adistrict judge, upon seeing new science, rules that you are “factual[ly] innocen[t]”ofthe crime indeed, that the evidence suggestsno rape or murder even happened —then the apparently innocent man surely deserves bail and release, withappropriate safeguards, while the stateappeals the judge’s ruling.

That issue —releaseon bail,ornot is the focus of ahearing scheduledJuly 22 in Monroe for longtimedeath-row inmate Jimmie “Chris” Duncan, who wasarrested in 1993 for causing the death of the 23-month-old daughter of hislive-in girlfriend. He was convicted of rape and murder but, if JudgeAlvin Sharp is reading the new evidence correctly,hewas responsibleinstead only for extremely stupid negligence.

This column can’tpretend to declare Duncan innocent. That would require sitting through days and days of opencourt testimony.Itis, however,worth understanding that, all along, there have been two wildly divergent stories of what happened to young Haley Oliveaux—and thata judge, hearing copious evidence relying on new scientific understandings, has now found Duncan innocent.

The prosecution’sstory is that Dun-

can,while babysitting Haley and giving her abath, suddenly lost his mind andabused and then killed her by drowning her in abathtub. Duncan’s story is that he left her,healthy,taking abath while he went into the kitchen to wash dishes, and that he returned to find herface down, accidentally drowned

It is certainly arguable that leavinga two-year-old alone in abathtub amounts to criminal negligence. Still, that is afar cry from the sickeningly heinous actfor which prosecutors convicted himand put him on deathrow

It is undisputed that Duncan, who had absolutely zero criminal history and noevidence of sexual deviance, carried thechild’sbody to aneighbor whileweepingand asking them to call paramedics. Prosecutors say that what may have been bite marks on her face, along with inflammation in her posterior region, indicated violent foul play

As famed author John Grisham explained in these pages,alleged bite-mark evidence of this sort is now considered junk science, and the two medical “experts” who analyzed the supposed bite marksnow have seen nine of the people convicted by their testimony later set free becausetheir analysis turned out to be inaccurate. Meanwhile, when Judge Sharpheard the newevidence presented to him, it includedarespected doctor saying the girl evidenced no injuries in any way consistent with rape. Andthe detective whoinvestigated the case said there was “no blood, no signs of struggle, no cleaning ragsand no cleaning agents” in the bathroom.

Meanwhile, Duncan for all these years has been amodel prisoner.He even worked as aGeneral Educational Development instructor,coaching

16 of his fellow inmates into earning GED diplomas.

Tuesday’shearing is not about Duncan’sguilt or innocence, but about whether to grant him bail, and under what conditions, while thestate insists on appealing Sharp’sfinding that Duncan is innocent. The man is hardly a flight risk. He presumably would live with his family and be restricted in how far he could venture from home, perhaps while wearing an ankle monitor

Andall this, not for aman who is awaiting trial while copious evidence indicates he is guilty of murder,but instead one now found actually innocent in acourt of law

The prosecutors’ brief makes compelling argumentsthat Sharp erred in finding Duncan innocent after all these years. The brief by Duncan’slawyers makes compellingcounter-arguments that no violence was committed.

Legally,ajudge must cross ahigh bar to find actual innocence years after ajury found someone guilty. Once he does, though, prosecutors must clear a very high bar to have thejudge’sfindings overturned.

As of right now,though, the law and plenteous logic bothconsider Duncan an innocent man. After 32 years in prison for an alleged crimeofheinous violence that ajudge now says never even happened, it makes no sense not to grant Duncan adegree of freedom pending thestate’sappeal. Even Haley’smother says she believes Duncan is innocent.

To be imprisoned 32 years for what may have been tragic negligence, but no violence, is certainly punishment enough.

Quin Hillyer can be reached at quin. hillyer@theadvocate.com.

Howthe pandemic sparkedan epidemic of intellectual malpractice

Gender gap growswider andwider

The gendergap, we’re informed by some of the best pollinganalysts in thebusiness, is biggerthan ever.Ever, in this case, means sincethe election of 1980, whenmen weremore willing than womento vote forRonaldReagan andoustJimmy Carter Thatspurred political journalists to emit multiple articles examining just exactlywhatwas on women’sminds andprobing theirdifferentand presumably superior opinions.The assumption wasthatthe gendergap was costing Republicans votes. Being of acontrary disposition,inOctober 1982, Iwrote an opinionarticletitled(paraphrasing Sigmund Freud),“WhatDoMen Want?” For mostoffour decades, thegendergap wobbledaround three or four points. Now,coinciding —perhaps notaccidentally —withthe era of President Donald Trump, it is bigger. In 2024, according to analyst DanielCox,the gendergap was 11 pointsamong Black voters, 12 pointsamong Whitevoters, and13 pointsamong Hispanics. Anditseems to be getting wider amongthe young. Democraticpollster David Shor sees agender gap of around 5% amongover-70s andaround 10% amongthose 35 to 70, dwarfed by agap skyrocketing amongthe young, up above 20%

Pollinganalyst Nate Silver,probingthe sharp differences in partisan preference amongyoung men andyoung women —men are farmoreRepublican,women farmore Democratic— built on long-standing findings that women tendtobemore risk-averse thanmen.“Young men takeamore risk-onviewofthe economy,” he wrote, while Democrats “emphasize security —minimizing downside risk —above theopportunity to compete andmaximizing upside outcomes.”

On arelated issue, Silver notes the long-standing research on happiness that showsyoung men are significantlymore likely than young women to self-describe as happy,and other research showing thatself-described conservatives report themselvesmuchhappierthanself-describedliberals. On happiness studies, as Silver notes,“Age and religiosity matter alot —religious people arehappier, young peopleare sadder —but theliberal/ conservative gapoutweighs almostall other characteristicsexceptage.”

George Will

The worst public health crisis in 100 years became arguably the worst public policy failure in U.S.history becauseofsocial pathologies that the pathogen triggered. The coronavirus pandemic is over.What it revealed lingers: intellectual malpractice and authoritarian impulses infecting governmental, scientific, academic and media institutions. This is unsparingly documented by two Princeton social scientists, Stephen Macedo and Frances Lee, in “In Covid’sWake:How Our Politics Failed Us.” The most comprehensive and aggressive mobilization of emergencypowers in U.S. history,wielded with scant regard for collateral consequences, exacerbatedinequalities, included “extraordinary restrictions on free speech” and constituted a“stress test” that “the central truth-seekingdepartmentsofliberal democracy: journalism, science, and universities” frequently flunked. Macedo andLee say the“moralization of disagreements” stifled dissent,employingcensorship and shaming. Incantations to “follow thescience” obscured this: Science cannot “tell us what to do” becausegargantuan government interventions in society involve contestable judgmentsacross the range of human values.And largeuncertainties, requiring difficult choices demanding cost-benefit analyses that were neglectedduring the pandemic

The authors, self-described as “on the progressive side,” detail how “the class biases of pandemic restrictions” —favored the “laptop class” of knowledge workers and others able to work remotely.“Essential workers,” about one-third of the workforce, largely working class and disproportionately minorities, were expected to carry on There was no historical precedent for successinwhat was attempted: using non-pharmaceuticalinterventions lockdowns, social distancing,masking, etc. —tostifle apandemic. Andthere was, Macedo and Lee report, “norelationship between the stringency of state”restrictions and COVID mortality rates.

STAFF FILE PHOTO By LESLIEWESTBROOK

Avolunteer prepares adose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine in 2021 at theOchsnerLafayette General Medical Center

Thebiomedical establishment, academia and remarkably unquestioning media reacted ferociously —politically, notscientifically —against thetheory that the pandemic’sorigin was aleak from aChinese lab doing “gain of function” researchthat engineers especially transmissible and/or virulent viruses. This origin is now widely deemed plausible,evenprobable. The authorsnote that Anthony S. Fauci, the leading U.S. infectious-disease specialist,initiated the writing of apaper,morepolitical than scientific, asserting thevirus’snaturalorigin,then cited the paper against the lab-leak hypothesis. He repeatedly andclearly misled Congress withemphatic denials of his involvement in funding gain-of-function research. The threeeminent epidemiologists whowrote theOctober 2020 Great BarringtonDeclaration —proposing pandemic mitigations focused on the elderly and persons withcomorbidities —were disparaged by Francis Collins, then head of the National Institutes of Health, as “fringe” figures. This adjective conveys apresumption against departures fromgroupthink.Galileo was afringe figure.

In September 2020, about 100 Stanford public health professors denouncedacolleague —author of five books of health care policy —whose sin was arguing that policy should “minimize all harms,”not simply to stop the coronavirus “at all costs.” Two months later,Stanford’sFaculty Senate votedoverwhelmingly to censure him

Censure, not refute. Those declaring thescientific consensus unquestionable included two professors of comparativeliterature and aprofessor of theater and performance studies. Despite thefact,quickly known, that COVID largely spared theyoung, the heads of the major teachers unions called for prolonged school closures, during which their members were paid. Even after the ineffectiveness of masking was revealed, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said children as young as 2should wear them all day In theever-overwrought Atlantic magazine, Georgia’sdecision to end lockdowns was called an “experiment in human sacrifice.” But cumulatively, theconsequences of unfocused measures taken against thecoronavirus —from cancer screenings missed because of lockdowns, to ageneration’s learning loss and alegacy of chronic absenteeism from schools, to myopia in children from excessive screen time, to accelerated dementia among the isolated elderly —were worse than the disease, whose infections were mostly (morethan 98%) mild. The costsof hysteria, partly driven by “noble lies” to panic thepublic intocompliance with authoritarian measures, will, Macedo and Lee say,affect “the health, well-being, and longevity of the whole population years intothe future.”

“The ‘pandemic,’”writeMacedo and Lee, “was routinely said to have closed schools, businesses, theaters, travel, and so on, rather than government officials’ decisions.” The authors have produced themost dismaying dissection of U.S. policymaking since David Halberstam’s Vietnam Warpolicy autopsy, “The Bestand theBrightest ” Their book is moredismaying, but also exhilarating. Vietnam revealed the insularity and hubris of asmall coterie of foreign policy shapers. Macedo and Lee identify much broader and deeper cultural sicknesses. Buttheir meticulous depictions and plausible explanations of the myriad institutional failures demonstrate social science at its finest.

Email George Will at georgewill@ washpost.com.

“I was honestlysurprised by howstrongthe relationship is,” Silver writes in apassage many of his political analyst readers found stunning. “Among voters whoreport poor mental health, liberalsoutnumber conservatives 45 to 19 percent. Among those who report excellent mental health, conservatives outnumber liberals51-20.”

He concludes that young men being“loweron agreeableness andneuroticism”than women translates intogreater support forTrump andfor what hasbecome aTrump Republican Party

More partisan analysts attribute thegrowing gendergap amongthe young to youngwomen’s greater neuroticism.Reflecting on resultsofa survey on whether doctors have ever toldrespondents they have amental health problem, Republican stafferAndrew Follett, in apartisanand perhapshysterical tone, tweets, “Literally half of young left wingwoman …the cat ladieswho are thebasisfor theirparty …are mentally ill. Young left wing MEN are morementally ill than conservative WOMEN.”

Lest youthink this comment is hyperbolic,considerarecentdescriptionofAmericatoday by TaylorLorenz, asocial media writer who is far enough from the fringetohave been hiredand givenbylines by both The NewYork Times and The Washington Post.

In onecharacteristictweet in 2023, Lorenz, who constantlywearsamask in public,presented an ultra-pessimisticviewofAmericaand theworld. “We’re livingina late stagecapitalist hellscape during an ongoing deadlypandemicwithrecord wealth inequality, 0social safety net/job security, as climate change cooksthe world.”

Amore measured viewcomes from theRepublican pollster andauthorPatrick Ruffini. “Unhappiness is afeature of being on theleft thesedays. Agreater beliefinsocietal ills is internalized, reinforced by beingonline 24/7. Theytalkoften about right-wingers or Trump policiesliterally killing people.”

The partisan gender gap is perhaps theleast dangerousresult of this frenzied andbreathtakingly ahistoricmindset. Talk show host Erick Erickson points to theAxiosreport that aHouse Democrat says constituents say “what we really need to do is be willingtobeshot.”

Thenthere is the evidence of less contact between young men andwomen, withromances discouraged on campuses andatworkplaces,fewer marriages, increasing childlessness andbelowreplacement birthrates, which threaten thefundamentalsofsociety.But that’sabiggersubject, for anotherday

The partisan gender gap, begun some40years agoasfeminists decried toxic masculinity, has been widening in recentyears as bros recoilattoxic femininity. In time, perhaps it will narrow, with agreater appreciation of nontoxic humanity MichaelBaroneisonX,@MichaelBarone.

Michael Barone

ForecastFrom WWL-TV,Your Local Weather Experts

JoAnnMontgomery, Wanda Carterand Veshauion Owens;and ahostofother relatives andfriends.Al‐varnetteisprecededin death by herparents Leon, Sr. andLillieMae Richard‐son;one son, Jazz Richard‐son;two brothers:Stephen and Rodney;and twosis‐ters, Charlotteand Erica. Familyand friendsare in‐vited to attend theCele‐bration of Life Serviceon Saturday, July 19, 2025, for 11:00 a.m. at Next Genera‐tionOMS FGBC,3536 St Ferdinand Street,New Or‐leans,LA70126. Visitation willbegin at 10:00 a.m. PastorTyroneSmith,offici‐ating.Interment will follow atRestlawnParkand Mau‐soleum, 3540Highway 90 Avondale, LA 70094. Guest‐book Online:www.anewtra ditionbegins.com(504)2820600. Linear Brooks Boyd and DonavinD.BoydOwn‐ers/Funeral Directors.

MichaelAnthony Videau was born on September27, 1950 in NewOrleans LA to Arthur Felton Videau Sr and EthelMae Green Videau. He wascalledinto the presence of theLordon Tuesday,July8,2025

Michael attended Frederick Douglas Elementary School inGretna, LA.After gradu‐ating from thereheat‐tendedFremont High SchoolinOakland,Califor‐nia wherehecompleted his high school education. After returningtohis home state of Louisiana, he en‐listedinthe United States Air Force. Michaelalsoat‐tendedDelgado Commu‐nityCollege where he stud‐ied electronics. He later workedfor Searswhere he repairedappliances Michael wasanentrepre‐neuratheart.Hewas given the opportunity to open andmanagea restaurant

we will dryout over the next fewdays.

DEATHS continued from on thecornerof22ndand HueyP.LongAve.in Gretna, better knownas Jonestown” by hisuncle Theodore(Teddy) Videau Michael also hada sea‐sonal turkey frying busi‐nessbeforefryingturkeys everbecamepopular.He was knownas“Turkey Fry” because hisrecipewas so delicious andhis turkeys werealwaystenderand juicy.Being theadventurer thathewas he even tried his hand at Over TheRoad Trucking(OTR)/Cal ArkIn‐ternational which waslo‐cated in Arkansas.Michael was amemberofthe Sec‐ond Pleasant Zion Baptist Church under theleader‐shipofthe late Rev. Alex Cotton. He served faithfully asa deacon,Sunday school teacherand church van driver where enjoyed transportingthe church members to andfrom church everySunday morning.After Second PleasantZion’snamewas changed to Saving Grace Church,Michael remained a member thereunder the leadershipofRev.Leland Smith Sr.Michael waspre‐ceded in deathbyhis fa‐ther, Arthur Felton Videau Sr. on August 1, 2021. Left tocherish hismemories are hisson anddaughterin-lawDemar (Mikey) VideauSr. andYvette Videau, hisgrandchildren Devynne andDaniel, and his loving mother Ethel Mae Pandyand herhus‐bandTruman Pandy, his siblings, Arthur Felton VideauJr.,Brian Keith VideauSr.,MysturDouglas Videau, Yvette Antionette Carr, CrystalVanessa Wright, andDy’Annika VideauLunkins, hisaunt and uncle Thoedore and Ernestine Videau,aswell asseveral nieces, nephews,cousins,other relatives andfriends.Rela‐tives and friendsofthe familyare invitedtoattend the celebrationoflifeser‐viceonSaturdayJuly19, 2025 at theNew Testament Baptist Bible Center,lo‐cated at 1500 Pailet Ave., HarveyLA70058, beginning at1 p.m. Pastor JerryDavis Jr. will officiate. Funeral planningentrusted to RobinsonFamilyFuneral Home(504) 208-2119. For onlinecondolences,please visit www.robinsonfamilyf uneralhome.com.

Williams,Cathy MaeEspadron

CathyMae Espadron Williams wasbornonMay 29, 1965 while on theway tothe hospital leavingher mothertocallher,“Mae West, who is differentfrom the rest”and differentshe was.She died on July 6, 2025, at 60 yearsold peace‐fully at herhomewhere she wanted to be.She was the belovedand devoted daughterofLinda Jones Espadronand thelate Alexander Espadron,Sr. She wasthe loyaland dedi‐cated wife of Joseph Ran‐dolph Williams for35 years.Cathy Maewas the cherished andtreasured sisterofAlexander Es‐padron, Jr (Deidre),Nor‐man Blake, Danna Lynn, Jeffery Tyrone (Denise),Re‐becca Ann, Coretta KayEs‐padron, andAliciaJaneEs‐padronGaines(Jerome), great nieceofMargie Smith,niece of LindaEs‐padronAntoine (lateWil‐fred, Sr)and Arnold Es‐padron. Additionally,she was thesister-in-law of GwenJackson,Monica Lefall, Brenda Duncan AmandaBroussard (Adrian), Mary Preston (Kirk)and thelateDr. Donna Williams.She was the Goddaughter of Linda EspadronAntoine,and the lateHarrisonParker. Her godchildren were Nataire Brown, AkiraWilliams, Bri‐anna Craig, andJerome Gaines, Jr.She wasthe aunt of 38 nieces and nephews,54great-nieces and nephews, and5 greatgreat-niecesand nephews. She wasthe granddaugh‐ter of thelateLeo and MaryAnn Williamson Jones,lateEmile,Srand Josepha Parker Espadron, and daughter-in-lawofthe lateJosephE.and HildaT Williams.Cathy graduated fromPortSulphur High School Classof1983 where she wasa greatpitcher for the Lady Bronchos and was also oneofFly's girls. She went on to attend UNO, but only forONE day. But, she criedtocomeback and Mommiebeing Mom‐mie, shecamebackhome.

Shestarted workingatFila-Sac andfromthere,she wentontostaywithher Tee Margie workinginthe kitchen at Woodland Nurs‐ing Home until shemarried JosephWilliams. Shethen workedatWal-Martuntil she beganworking forthe UnitedStatesPostalSer‐vices until sheretired Cathy lovedher designer bagswhich shekepton display in herchina cabi‐net.Her cornbreaddress‐ing andbaked macaroni werethe firsttogoatfam‐ily gatherings.Thenthere wereher cakes, if it was yourbirthday, youwere suretoget abig chocolate orvanillacake, with some familymembers being privilegedtoget both Theywerehugecakes!She loved gettingher hair done bya lady namedDianne thatlived behind herTee Margie’shouse.Itwas a guarantee that whenshe steppedout of herhouse, she wasdressedup. She loved going to theJazz Fest, Endymion Parade,or simplystaying home to reada romancenovel or two from themanybooks thatshe hadcollected Cathy wasa giving person, “if shehad it,you hadit.” Cathy andJosephdid not haveany children,but for Christmas,theywould havea tree up with many presentsfor theirnieces and nephews. Shedid this for awhile,individualgifts at firstand then she started gettingfamily games forthe household asthe numberoftheir niecesand nephewsgrew. Cathy wasprecededin death by herfather, 4 nephews,1 niece, grand‐parents,in-laws,aunts, un‐cles, cousinsand other families andfriends.Cathy leavesbehinda familywho willmissher tremen‐dously, butweall know she's no longer suffering. Familyand friendsofthe UnitedStatesPostalSer‐vices ~Belle Chasse, Plaquemines Parish Sheriff sOffice,and allwho were touched by herare invited toattend avisitationat 9:00AM- 11:00 AM with a MassofChristian Burial at 11AMonFriday, July 18, 2025 at St.Patrick Catholic Church 28698 Highway23, PortSulphur,LA70083, Fr LawrenceMurori, Cele‐brant.Interment will follow atRoxie JamesCemetery, PortSulphur,LA70083. To learn more aboutHunting‐ton's Disease, please visit www.honestlyhd.com. Fu‐neral planning entrustedto RobinsonFamilyFuneral Home(504) 208-2119. For online condolencesplease

visitwww.robinsonfamilyf uneralhome.com

CarolynScott Woods, a lovingmother, grand‐mother, greatgrand‐mother, aunt,sisterand wife, enteredintoeternal restJuly5,2025. Shewas 77years old. Carolynwas affectionately knownas Ms. Caroltofriends and Cat to closefamily. She was born in St.Joseph, Louisiana butspent the majorityofher life in New Orleans,LA. where she raisedher four sons.Car‐olynwas preceded in death by hermotherBetty Scott Norman,Brothers, Robertand Leon Scott (Shirley),Husband Frank Woods Jr., Sons,Jeffeyand DanielJacobsand grand‐son ShamondJacobsand (Myah Allen-Living). Sheis survivedbyher sons,Roy JacobsIII, andCoryJacobs (Natasha),Her sister; WilliemaeShannon (Ben‐nie Jr.),Brother Richard Scott (Diane), Aunts; Lillie Turner, Johnnieand Eliza‐bethLewis,Godchild LatashaSmith (Derrell)

GrandsonsAlfredand Bradley Weary, SantanaJa‐cobs(Tootie),Great grand‐children, Ella andShakahi Jacobsand ahostof niecesand nephews. Fam‐ily andfriends of thefam‐ily areinvited to attend the Celebration of Life Service for CarolynScott Woodson FridayJuly18, 2025 for 10:00 a.m. at Estelle J. Wil‐son FuneralHome, 2715 Danneel Street NewOr‐leans,LA70113. Viewing from9:00a.m.until 10:00 (servicetime).Interment: Private.PastorNelsonDex‐ter Jr.officiating-Pastor of TempleofPrayerMin‐istries.ArrangementsEn‐trusted To Estelle J. Wilson FuneralHome, Inc. 2715 Danneel Street,NOLA 70113. Information: (504) 895-4903.To sign online guest book please visit www.estellejwilsonfh.com

Woods, CarolynScott

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Videau,Michael Anthony

SPORTS

Stable LBsfacepotential transition year

BY MATTHEW PARAS Staff writer

As faraspositionsfor theNew Orleans Saints go, linebacker is pretty much as set as they come.

Demario Davis starts in one spot. Pete Werner takes the other.Even DannyStutsman, afourth-round rookie out of Oklahoma, has aclear path to lock up the third spot. But could this be ayear of transition? Davis, 36,isentering thefinalyearofhis contract. Werner,despitesigning athreeyear,$22.5 million extension last season, likelywill have to provehe’sasolid fit under new defensive coordinator Brandon Staley And Stutsman, if his year goes right,may be in line to be aconsistent starter in 2026. For now,the linebacker foundation is solid, but the pecking order might very

well change depending on how this season shakes out.

Best case

Davis fights off Father Time.

The36-year-old finally started to slow

down ayear ago. He still was a relatively productive player, buthis 16 missed tackles were the second-most on the Saints —behind only cornerback AlontaeTaylor.And though Davis technically hadmore missed tackles in 2022 with 17, he played at ahigh enough level then to land on an All-Proteam. No one thought Davis’ play warranted that honor last season. His slight decline doesn’t mean he’sfinished. It

ä See SAINTS, page 5C

LSUquarterback

Michael VanBuren rolls out of the pocket duringthe team’s spring practice on April 12 at Tiger Stadium.

Pocket progression

BY WILSONALEXANDER Staff writer

ATLANTA— For the past four years,LSU hasmaintained one of the best quarterback situationsinthe country.It brought in afuture Heisman Trophy winner,and therewas aclear line of succession from Jayden Daniels to Garrett Nussmeier. Nussmeier returning for asecond andfinal season as the starter ensured another year of stability

But what about 2026?

After Nussmeier leaves, LSU’sfuture at quarterback is uncertain again. Hisreplacementmight be on the roster with Mississippi State sophomore transferMichael Van Buren and redshirtfreshmanColinHurley.But it might

not,inwhich case LSUwould have to pursue one of the top players in thetransfer portal.

LSU tried to establish another line of succession by recruiting five-star quarterback Bryce Underwood. His flip to Michigan derailed that plan, and LSU did not sign aquarterback in the 2025 class. Instead, it added VanBuren in thewinter portal window.After starting eight games last season, VanBuren likely will be Nussmeier’stop backup. “He showed alot of promise as afreshman,” Mississippi State quarterback Blake Shapen said Wednesday at SEC mediadays. “He’svery talented andcan throw the ball down the field. He’sfast, he can run, he can takeoff and

ä See LSU, page 3C

Brooks showsend of last season with Pelicans no fluke

BY RODWALKER Staff writer

Keion Brooks has only 14 games on his NBAresume. But the New Orleans Pelicans forward, entering hissecondyear, made themost of those 14 opportunities as an undrafted rookie last season.

He’shoping morechances follow Three games into SummerLeague play and Brooks has shownthe moreminutes he gets, the morehe’ll produce.

Brooks had his best showing in Las Vegas on Tuesdaynight in the Pelicans’ 93-87 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers. Brookscame off thebench andfinished with 16 points and five rebounds. He made 5ofthe 9shots he took.Healso hada steal and an assist. He didn’thave any of the 26 turnovers the Pelicans committed.

“I’m just trying to get better at the things I was already kinda good at already,” Brooks said. “I know much isn’tgoing to be expected of me as farascreating my own shot. So it’sjust about being areal good glue guy.” ForBrooks,it’sall about doing the little things.

“Rebounding anddefending and making open shots and guarding multiple positions,” he said. “I want to keep getting better at that stuff because there is always value in that.” Brooks, who startedhis college career at Kentucky before transferring to Washington, spent most of last season with the BirminghamSquadron, theGLeagueaffiliate of the Pelicans. He was signed to atwo-waycontract in January.Hestarted five of the last six games of theseason as the injury-riddled Pelicans limped to the finish line. He recordeda double-double (13points and10 rebounds) in aloss to the Milwaukee Bucks. Four days later,hescored aseason-high 20 points in arematch against the Bucks.

ä See PELICANS, page 5C

ATLANTA— The takeonthe LSU defensesover thepast two years has been this:

n 2023: Bad.Abjectly,historically bad. Brian Kelly had to clean house on his defensive coachingstaff—startingwith defensive coordinator Matt House —itwas so bad. n 2024: Better than historically bad. Much better.But still overwhelmingly average: 59th out of 133 FBS teams in scoring defense, 61stin total defense. Logicand circumstantial offseason evidence both suggest theTigers will be even better defensively in 2025. It’stheirsecond season under defensive coordinator BlakeBaker.In

sports, continuityisking. The talenthas been upgraded with returners such as linebackers Whit Weeks and Harold Perkins, transfers such as defensive end Jack Pyburn and cornerback Mansoor Delane, and freshmen such as five-star corner DJ Pickett.

The problem is plain and must be solved for LSU to be aCollege Football Playoff contender and national championship contender.It must have achampionship-caliber defense, or at least something within hailing distance of what is expected to be aprolific offense.

Scott Rabalais

STAFF PHOTO By MICHAEL JOHNSON

Saints LB Pete Werner STAFF FILE

PHOTO By SOPHIA GERMER

AP FILE PHOTO By ERIC GAy Clemson quarterbackCade Klubnik runs the ball duringagame against Texas on Dec. 21 in Austin, Texas.

STAFF FILE PHOTOByDAVID GRUNFELD Pelicans forward KeionBrooks attempts a

against

5

3

Ex-Saints great Graham crosses ocean, sets record

Former Saints tight end Jimmy Graham was a part of a four-person team that set a world record for crossing the Arctic Ocean on Monday

The 584-mile challenge took a little more than 10 days, the Saints reported.

The quartet also included Andrew Tropp, Hannah Huppi and John Huppi. The group broke the previous record of 15 days, five hours and 32 minutes from Ocean Revival in 2023.

Rose, now 45, won’t concede his dream win just yet

BY STEVE DOUGLAS AP sportswriter

PORTRUSH, Northern Ireland Justin Rose has been dreaming of winning the British Open since the age of 8. He’s approaching 45 now and has yet to lift the claret jug.

He knows the clock is ticking.

“Obviously, later in your career you’re never quite sure how many chances are going to be left,” Rose said at Royal Portrush on Wednesday, a day before he begins his 22nd attempt to win his home major “And when you do come close, clearly it’s like, ahh.”

And, boy, has this English Rose come close to adding a late-career major to his résumé.

He challenged for the Open Championship at Royal Troon last year, finishing second to Xander Schauffele He was then one putt away from winning the Masters in April, losing out to Rory McIlroy in a playoff in a major finish for the ages.

Rose has a major title in his collection — the U.S. Open in 2013 — as well as an Olympic gold medal and four Ryder Cup victories He has been No. 1 in the world, too.

But he wants more, even at his age.

“What I’m chasing at this point in my career are the big moments in the sport, whether that’s Ryder Cups, major championships. Those are the memories I’m trying to make,” Rose said. “I feel like I’ve been lucky enough to achieve a lot in the game, and I’d like to have achieved more of the same things, more majors, more wins, more everything.”

Finally winning the British Open would be the sweetest of all moments for Rose, who first made a name for himself as a 17-year-old amateur at Royal Birkdale in 1998 when, wearing a baggy red sweater, he holed out for eagle to secure a tie for fourth place.

“As a British player it’s been the one that I’ve dreamed about winning and holed the putt many times in my mind,” Rose said.

Rose isn’t slowing down in his pursuit, remaining supremely fit in an attempt to keep in touch with the younger players on the circuit

In the United States, he travels to tournaments with a custom-made RV that’s essentially a traveling gym — containing things like a cold plunge and a sauna — and he posts videos on Instagram of him working out

It is keeping him competitive — he’s the world No. 21 — and a definite contender this week as he bids to become the second-oldest winner of the British Open, behind Old Tom Morris, who was the champion at age 46 in 1867.

“I would say overall week in and week out, it’s going to be hard to get a ton better and transform my game to suddenly add new dimensions to it where I can kind of become incredibly dominant over the top young players,” Rose said. “But I think in certain situations and in certain environments, I can still kind of bring my best.” He showed that at Augusta National, where he had a front-row seat as McIlroy achieved the career Grand Slam.

Rose said it stung but that he wasn’t “completely devastated” because of how well he played.

“I think I’m over it,” he said. “I don’t know Who knows?”

Expect the unexpected

British

Open packs new experiences for world’s best golfers

BY DOUG FERGUSON AP golf writer

PORTRUSH, Northern Ireland The crowds following Rory McIlroy for three days at Royal Portrush have been enormous, a reminder of the expectations. On banners and flags and buntings of grandstands there are images of the claret jug, a reminder of what’s at stake at the British Open.

But add this to the list of what makes golf’s oldest championship so distinct from the other majors: Every year feels like a new experience

Justin Thomas contemplated that Wednesday when he finished up his third day playing the course, a practice schedule that is never this full at any other major

“I came to the realization the last couple of years that playing is better, because your ball goes into weird places,” he said. “I can go out and chip all day and get used to the turf and the speed of the greens. But the more you play, the more shots you’re hitting in places where you never would in practice.

“You get out here in a different wind and it can be, ‘Wow, I didn’t think I’d be here.’ ” There is another element to this major that stands out from the U.S. Open and PGA Championship. Amid the nerves and pressure of a major is the true joy of playing links golf.

“I feel like I’m learning more and more each time I come over here,” said Scottie Scheffler, the world’s No. 1 player who is in his fifth British Open. “Each golf course is different, too Irish links so far is quite a bit different than Scottish links. It’s a bit greener over here. You have to play more shots in the air. There’s a lot of different shots you have to play

“It’s an interesting course. And from what I’ve seen, it seems to be really fun to play and very fair.” Fair is a loose word in these parts, with all of the humps and crazy bounces, with pot bunkers to be avoided on so many shots, with a hole like the par-3 16th known as “Calamity Corner” that lives up to the name by looks alone.

McIlroy isn’t sure he got a fair deal in 2019 when his opening tee shot went left, normally not a big deal except at Royal Portrush there is internal out of bounds and McIlroy went just beyond the stakes, which sent him into a downward spiral — a quadruple bogey, a 79 and a short week. He did not return to the Portrush links in his native North-

Scheffler

the

of a bunker on the 11th hole during a practice round Wednesday. ‘I feel like I’m learning more and more each time I come over here,’

fler said.

ern Ireland until Monday morning, and then he was out playing all three days of practice.

“I have a real appreciation for how well bunkered it is off the tee,” McIlroy said. “It’s like ‘OK, I can’t hit 2-iron off the tee, but that brings this bunker into play But then if I hit driver, it’ll bring in this bunker.’ So you have to take on the shot.”

The forecast? It’s generally been referred to as “mixed,” which in these parts tends to mean it changes without notice. The final day of practice was sunshine and breezy

Thomas was playing the 16th hole while his father showed video of them watching in the final round in 2019, wind and rain ripping so hard that umbrellas were useless.

Thomas remembers standing on the 17th tee and calling over a rules official to ask whether they were meant to be playing He wanted to hit 3-wood off the tee, but it was 209 yards to the fairway and the wind was so

strong he didn’t think he could get there. So he went with driver, hit some 75 yards off line and made triple bogey

On his final day of practice, with sunshine and a helping wind, he hit a mini-driver that would have stopped near the front of the green on the 409yard hole if it hadn’t found a bunker

This is what he loves about links golf.

“Not only do the holes change, how easy or hard they are, your lines off the tee can change,” he said “You have elevation. You’re never writing ‘uphill’ or ‘downhill’ in the yardage book like you are at an Open Championship. You have a game plan, but you really can’t until you’re out there and whatever the weather is giving you.

“If I could only play one course the rest of my life, it would be links. Because you could play the same course every day for a month and get something different.”

The group was the first mixedgender team to cross the Arctic Ocean, and the first all-American team to cross a polar ocean. Graham is the first Black person to cross a polar ocean, and Hannah is the first American woman to cross a polar ocean.

Oakmont golf course bans Clark for damaging locker

OAKMONT, Pa. Oakmont is banning former U.S. Open champion Wyndham Clark from returning to the club until he pays for damaging his locker Golf Digest obtained a letter that club president John Lynch has sent to Oakmont members. Clark damaged the locker during last month’s U.S. Open and a photo was leaked that went viral. Lynch said Clark won’t be allowed on the property until he pays for the damage, makes a charitable donation to the club’s choice and seeks counseling. Oakmont has hosted the most U.S. Opens.

The next one is in 2033. That’s when Clark’s 10-year exemption from winning runs out.

LSU adds RHP Moore from Kansas via transfer portal Kansas sophomore right-handed pitcher Cooper Moore is heading to LSU, he announced on social media Wednesday Moore had a 3.96 ERA in 882⁄3 innings this past season for the Jayhawks. He struck out 85 walked 19 in 14 starts after throwing 331 3 innings as a freshman. He is the second right-handed pitcher and fifth pitcher LSU has added out of the transfer portal this offseason, joining Division II transfer and right-hander Dax Dathe, Oregon left-hander Santiago Garcia, Tennessee left-hander Ryler Smart and North Dakota State left-hander Danny Lachenmayer Following the departures of right-hander Anthony Eyanson and left-hander Kade Anderson, the Tigers needed to rebuild their starting pitching depth.

MLB All-Star Game has slight drop-off in viewers

NEW YORK — Baseball’s All-Star Game which featured the contest’s first swing-off to determine the winner — averaged 7,185,000 viewers Tuesday night on Fox, according to Nielsen.

It was Fox’s most-watched telecast since the Super Bowl and the network’s best audience for a Tuesday night since last year’s Game 4 of the World Series. However, it was a 3.5% decrease from the 2024 game and the secondlowest for the Midsummer Classic. Baseball continues to have the best ratings for an event featuring All-Stars. The NHL did not have an All-Star Game this year, while the NBA’s averaged 4.7 million on TNT

The NFL’s Pro Bowl games, a series of skills competitions and flag football, also averaged 4.7 million on ABC.

Pogacar crashes late as Abrahamsen wins Tour stage

TOULOUSE, France Norwegian rider Jonas Abrahamsen attacked from the start and won the 11th stage of the Tour de France while race favorite Tadej Pogacar crashed near the finish. Three-time champion Pogacar crashed with 2.4 miles remaining. His rivals for the general classification slowed down so he could get back on his bike and rejoin them.

It’s Abrahamsen’s first stage win at the Tour and the first in this race for his team, Uno-X Mobility Van der Poel was 7 seconds behind in third, while the GC group including Pogacar and yellow jersey-holder Ben Healy finished 3:28 back Healy still leads by 29 seconds from Pogacar

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By PETER MORRISON

Justin Thomas of the United States walks off the 12th green during a practice round Tuesday for the British Open at the Royal Portrush Golf Club in Portrush, Northern Ireland.

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By PETER MORRISON

Scottie

of

United States plays out

Schef

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By JON SUPER Justin Rose of England plays his tee shot off the second hole during a practice round Wednesday for the British Open at the Royal Portrush Golf Club in Northern Ireland

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By JON SUPER

Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland tees off on the fifth hole during a practice round Wednesday. McIlroy missed the cut the last time the British Open was at Royal Portrush in 2019.

SECMEDIA DAYS

THREEAND OUT: SCOTTRABALAISBREAKSDOWNDAy 3INATLANTA

1IS BAMA STILLBAMA?

There’sacertain electricity absentfrom SEC media days, and it’seasy to define: Alabama’smystique has leftthe building.The Crimson Tide looks likeAlabama and talkslike Alabama, andthe Tide certainly still must be respected as a CFPcontender.But after going 9-4 this past season, Kalen DeBoer’s bunch doesn’t strikepreemptivefearintothe hearts of other SEC teams likeitdid under …you knowwho. LSU playsat Alabama on Nov. 8.

2

THETWO FROM OU

Askingplayers about teammates whotransferred to other SECschools has become aregular partofSEC media days.Itwas that wayWednesdayasOklahoma safety RobertSpears-Jenningswas asked about former OU receiver Nic Anderson and tight end Bauer Sharp, both nowatLSU.“Ifeel LSU is getting twogreat guys. Bauer is averyvocal leader,great personality,comes to work everyday.Nic, sameway,greatguy, lovesplaying football.”LSU goes to Oklahoma on Nov. 29.

3

THEY KNOW JACK OneofLSU’s top transfersisdefensiveend Jack Pyburnfrom Florida. His job when the Gators visit TigerStadium on Sept. 13 will be to sack Florida quarterback DJ Lagway. For now, Lagwayissinging his praises: “LSUis definitely getting aheck of aplayerand aheck of aleader.” Florida defensivelinemanCalebBanks had this description of Pyburn: “He runs throughpeople’s faces.Theygot agood one. I’m not going to lie.”

Tide finally acceptsDeBoeras‘ourguy’

BY WILSON ALEXANDER Staff writer

ATLANTA— Entering his second season at Alabama, head coach Kalen DeBoer recognized the Crimson Tide did not meet its own expectations in his first year

Notebook

After DeBoer replaced Nick Saban Alabama went 9-4 and finished outside The Associated Press top 10 forthe first time since 2007. It was rankedNo. 11 in thefinal College Football Playoff rankings, but ACC champion Clemson took the last spot in the 12-team field.

“Wefell short of making the playoffs,” DeBoer said Wednesday at SEC media days. “It’sassimple as that, right? Giving yourself a chance to go compete for achampionship. Ithink there’sa lot of things that I’m super proudofthat have happened within the program that are part of the progression.”

Alot changed at Alabama after Saban retired. At the Manning Passing Academy in late July,redshirt junior quarterback Ty Simpson said the players had to learn to trust DeBoer

“Last year was so uniquebecause the greatest coach of all time is not there anymore, and this stranger comes in and is like, ‘Hey,we’re going to do it this way,’ ”Simpson said. “Not many people —a lot of people trusted him, but they didn’t trust him fully.Ithink this year, everybody trusts him.

“Everybody understands, ‘Hey, this is our guy.Coach Saban is not coming back in the door.’ We’re going to make sure that all our attention is on coachDeBoer,and we’re going to do it his way.” Simpson believes the Crimson Tide has accepted DeBoer’smethods and approach, whichhe said sharesome similarities with Sa-

LSU

Continued from page1C

make plays with his feet.”

VanBuren became Mississippi State’s quarterback afterShapen suffered aseason-ending injury in Week 4. VanBuren, who was afourstar recruit in the 2024 class, completed 55% of his passes for1,886 yards with 11 touchdowns and seven interceptions. Three of his starts came on the road against teams that made the College FootballPlayoff.

“When you’re atrue freshman coming in and playing these tough games that we have, it’sreally tough,” Shapen said. “Especially playing away games at Georgia and at Tennesseeand at OleMissand places like that, obviously,it’stough.

“He’sgot alot of room to growin that aspect. Just getting older,and he can’tcontrol that. Youkind of just got to learn as you go.But like Isaid, he’satalented player.He has every aspect and trait thatyou need to be agood quarterback.” Junior safetyIsaac Smithprac-

RABALAIS

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“I know that we have not played the kind of defense necessary to win anational championship,” Kelly said here Monday at SEC media days.“Ithink we put a roster together in this offseason, along withyoung players that have taken lumps along the way as they’ve developed, and given Blake now the tools to play championship-level defense.” Tiger fans should not anticipate aunit that will eclipse the high-level defenses LSU fielded en route to winning the 2003 BCS championship or playing for the national title in 2011. But theexpectation should be for adefense reasonably good at getting offthe field, getting after quarterbacks and disrupting opposing offenses with turnovers.

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By HUNTER DAWKINS

Alabama coachKalen DeBoer discusses the upcomingseason during thethirdday of SEC media days on WednesdayinAtlanta.

ban. At leastone teammateagreed.

“You definitely seeguys are definitely boughtin,” redshirt sophomore defensive lineman Tim Keenan said.“If they’re not here —no knock to them —but everyonehere now,they believeinthe system, they believe in coach DeBoer.”

DeBoer saidWednesday that Simpson wouldbethe starting quarterback if the Crimson Tide had to play right now.Simpson, a formerfive-star recruit, has been competing with redshirt sophomore Austin Mack and five-star freshman Keelon Russell Looking back at hisfirst season, DeBoer said Alabama has to be “better in thebig moments.”Itlost three one-score games “Sometimes there’sups and downsthat youhavetogothrough, unfortunately,thatwehad to experience,” DeBoer said. “But in the end,we’re goingtotakeadvantage

ticedalotagainstVanBuren.Hesaid VanBuren“can spin it really well” as apasserand fit the ball into tight windowsdownfield.AsVan Buren develops, Smith believes he needs to work on hiseye progressionsohe doesn’tstare down receivers.

“As afreshman, Ifeel like he didagreat job,” Smith said. “As he gets older, Ithink he’s gonna develop into agreat quarterback.”

VanBuren was thrown into some tough spots on a2-10team. He made mistakes that he needed to learn from.But he flashed potential, especially when he passed for 306 yards and three touchdowns in a41-31 loss at Georgia. He also rushedfor five touchdownsonthe season.

“I hate that he left, but, you know, everybody has theirown life choices and decisions, their own path thatthey havetotake,” Smith said.“Iwish him thebestofluck.

He did agreat job forus.”

LSU also has Hurley,another four-star recruit in the2024 class. Going into preseason practice, he is more of an unknown.

Hurley reclassified to enroll ayear early,making him 17 years old last

Thereis one area where LSU definitely must improve over last season. One areathat proved to be the Tigers’ Kryptonite(note the cleverly crafted oblique reference to the newSuperman movie there). That is containing dualthreat and mobile quarterbacks. Whyisthat so important? Well, this year’sLSU football scheduleisloaded with them. Chock a block, asthe Cajunfolks say Theparadeofelusive throwers starts with theTigers’ Aug. 30 season opener at Clemson (6:30 p.m., ABC) against Cade Klubnik.The name may not roll off thetongue, butthe kid has wheels. He threw for 3,639 yards and36touchdownslast season, andran for 463 net yards and seven scores. LSUhosts FloridaonSept.13. Gators quarterback DJ Lagway maynot beadual threat in the classic sense but can move the pocket,and he basically beat the

of the failures we’vehad andbe better because of it

TigerStadiumtest

As he answered questionsabout his health Wednesday, Florida quarterback DJ Lagway used humor to downplay concerns. Lagway waslimited during spring practicebyashoulderinjury.Heplayed five snaps in the Gators’ spring game, all of which ended in handoffs.

“I don’thave aprosthetic arm, just letting y’all know,” Lagway said, drawing alaugh. “I’mactually getting better at things. I’mnot just trying to getback to throwing the ball. I’vebeen working on mechanics that’sgoing to help my accuracy this year,help my decision-making.” Lagway,speakingfor thefirst time thisoffseason,dodged a question about whether or not he underwent acore procedure. He said he can make all of the throws

season.LSUwouldhavegottenacloserlookathisdevelopmentthisspring, butHurleywasinjuredinasingle-car wreck in January.Hereturned to the team three months later

“Unbelievable,” coach Brian Kelly said Monday about Hurley’s recovery. “I didn’tthink he’dmake it back for thefall. Imean, the injury was real. We were worried about cognitive issues with him Buthehas been amazing.”

The extentand nature of Hurley’sinjuries remain unclear.Citing his age, LSU declined to release much information and Kelly said “a lot” of Hurley’srecovery was left to his family

“Because of that incident —it was kind of awatershedmoment in his life,” Kellysaid. “Hehas beenfabulous.It’sgoing to be fun to watch him grow.”

Even if LSU thinks VanBurenor Hurleycouldbethestarternextyear, it will need to addanother quarterback.Four-starBoweBentleypicked Oklahoma over LSUlast month,and alate push forfour-star Bryson Beaver wasn’t enough to stop him from committing to Oregon. Only three of

Tigers in Gainesville on one leg last season.

“Playing against agreat LSU team, I’m excited to go to Death Valley this year,” Lagway said Wednesday.“It’sgoing to be fun. Funfor LSU and Florida will be determined by how well the Tigers can contain the sophomore, whose arm is regarded as one of thebest in college football.

The middle of the season puts LSUface-to-face with atrio of running quarterbacks: SouthCarolina’sLaNorris Sellers on Oct. 11 in Tiger Stadium,Vanderbilt’s Diego Pavia on Oct. 18 in Nashville and Texas A&M’sMarcel Reed in Baton Rouge on Oct. 25. Reed,you may recall, allowed the Aggies to do a180 against LSU at Kyle Field last season. He was inserted in a desperation moveinthe second half and went intosome sort of turbo modethat left theTigers in thedust of a38-23 defeat. Finally in the regular-season

he did last season.

“I’m going to make more of them,” Lagway said. “But that’s not my biggest thing right now My biggest thing is making the boring throws more consistently That’s where Iwant to improve my game.”

Hy began throwing earlierthis summer,and Florida coach Billy Napier saidhehas been throwing three times aweek alongwith the rest of the quarterbacks.

Lagway completed 60% of his passesfor 1,915 yards with 12 touchdowns and nine interceptionslast season. He averaged 10 yards perattempt, whichranked secondinthe country behind Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart

Though he started seven games as atrue freshman, Lagway has not started an SEC gameonthe road. His first SECroad start will come Sept. 20 in Tiger Stadium

“Death Valley is an amazing atmosphere,” Lagway said. “I’ve been to games there as arecruit, and it’s pretty hectic. I’m just excited to go out thereand play football. It could be in Death Valley,itcould be in the parking lot at Walmart. As long as I’m outthere playing football, that’s all thatmatters.”

Smellingfresh

Alabama left tackle KaydnProctor has been wearing cologne since elementary school, and now he owns about 170 bottles.

“If you’re abig guy,you can’t stink,”said Proctor,who’s 6-foot7and 360 pounds. “You’ve got to be fresh, man.The narrative right now is, if you’re big, you stink, you smell, you’re sweaty.That’snot howitgoes for me.That’swhat I’m saying, flipthe narrative.”

With his dad’shelp, Proctor started wearing cologne so he could smell good for“the little ladies” at school.

thetop-50 quarterbacks, according to the247Sports composite rankings, are uncommitted. They have notbeen linked to LSU.

The 2027 class is more promising. Three of the top quarterbacks in the country,per the 247Sports composite, are from Louisiana: five-starBaton Rougenative Elijah Haven, four-star Shreveport native Peyton Houston and four-star Benton native Malachi Zeigler Colton Nussmeier,Garrett Nussmeier’s younger brother,isalso a top-50 prospect, giving LSUmultiple options with ties to the school Untilthen, LSU will needtofigure outwhat to do next season. Underwood could have stepped in if everythingwentasplanned,but offensive coordinator Joe Sloan expressedconfidence in what LSU ended up with instead. Over the next few months, LSU will see what it has with VanBuren and Hurley “Wecouldn’tbemoreexcited about howeverythingworked out,” SloansaidinMarch. “I think Michael has done an excellent job. We may not have been in the same situation if that wasthe case.”

finale, LSU goes to Oklahomafor the first time andlikely will have to deal with dual-threat quarterback John Mateer,atransfer from Washington State, as itsnemesis. Mateer was also here Wednesday,talking about the delicious prospectsofpingponging between passes andruns to keep defenses guessing.

“Tobeable to design and schemeaquarterback run is huge,”saidMateer,who had nearly 4,000 total yards and 44 total TDs forWazzu in 2024. “But catching ateam off guard is also important.”

Kelly won’ttruly winover LSU Nation’shearts and minds until he putsa defense out there that in someway atones forthe 2023 defense. Aunit that shriveled in the shadow of asupersonic, recordsettingoffense led by Heisman Trophy winner Jayden Daniels. A unit that is easy to argue cost the Tigers aberth in the then four-

ON STAGETHURSDAY

ARKANSAS

LAST YEAR: 7-6 (3-5 SEC)

COACH: SamPittman (6thyear)

PLAYERS: QB Taylen Green,DL CamBall, LB Xavian Sorey

THEBUZZ: Sevenwins, including abig upsetvictoryoverTennessee, loweredthe temperature of Pittman’shot seat, but afew close lossesprevented Arkansas from taking asignificant stepforward. Priority No.1 forthe Razorbacks is protecting Green,a fifth-yearsenior back fora second year undercenter.

MISSOURI

LAST YEAR: 10-3 (5-3 SEC)

COACH: Eli Drinkwitz (6thyear)

PLAYERS: CConnor Tollison, S Daylan Carnell, DE Zion young

THEBUZZ: Quarterback Brady Cook is gone.So, too, is receiver LutherBurden. But Drinkwitz told Paul Finebaum in March the rosterthat star duo left behind is the most talented one he’s built so faratMissouri. If that’strue, then athird straight 10-win season is in the cards for the Tigers.

KENTUCKY

LAST YEAR: 4-8 (1-7 SEC)

COACH: Mark Stoops (13thyear)

PLAYERS: LB Alex Afari, DB Jordan Lovett,TE Josh Kattus

THEBUZZ: Stoops, the SEC’s longest-tenuredcoach, is hoping his Kentucky program can bounce back from the worst season it’shad since 2013 —his first year in charge.A pair of defensivelinemen (David Gusta and Mi’Quise HumphreyGrace) are the stars of atop-15 transfer class tasked withturning thingsaround.

TEXAS A&M

LAST YEAR: 8-5 (5-3 SEC)

COACH: MikeElko(2ndyear)

PLAYERS: CB Will Lee, RG Ar’maj Reed-Adams, LB Taurean york

THEBUZZ: Dual-threat quarterback Marcel Reed flashed immense potential as afreshman. NowTexasA&M is hoping he’s more consistentin his sophomore season, his first full year as astarter. Remember the Aggies haven’t won10games since JohnnyManziel’sHeismanwinning 2012 season. Reed can getthemoverthat hump. ReedDarcey

team CFP

Youcan’tunscramble the egg, but Kelly deserves credit for owning what the Tigers weretwo years ago.

“Clearly the 2023 offensive football team we had was good enough to winanational championship,” Kelly said. “Weweren’t good enough as ateam. Alot of that had to do with addressing someshortcomings we had on defense. We think we’ve done that. “I love ourroster,our team,the camaraderieofthe group, the seriousnessand thefocus, intent. Ithink we’regoing to have a defensethat’sgoing to be representative.” The waythe Tigers represent againstthe dual-threat quarterbacksontheir schedule may be themost telling testofall.

For more LSUsports updates, signupfor ournewsletter at theadvocate.com/lsunewsletter

Sidelined again

Clark hurts groin with All-Star weekend ahead; Reese misses game

By The Associated Press

NEW YORK The Indiana Fever might be without star guard Caitlin Clark again for a bit after she injured her groin Tuesday night late in a win over the Connecticut Sun She was out for the team’s game on Wednesday night against New York and her status for WNBA All-Star weekend, which Indiana is hosting, is up in the air Clark is supposed to compete in a loaded 3-point contest Friday night and is captain of one of the All-Star teams.

“No discussion yet about this weekend,” Indiana coach Stephanie White said “There was imaging done, but there hasn’t been any discussion beyond tonight.”

White said Clark’s management team will figure out whether she’ll be able to participate this weekend.

“For me, it’s a big deal for us to have All-Star in Indianapolis, and of course, with Caitlin being a focal point of all of that As the coach of the Indiana Fever, it’s not a bigger deal than our long-term season, but it’s also part of the fun,” White said. “Those are conversations that Caitlin will have with her group. I probably won’t be a part of those, but we’re going to support her no matter what.”

White said Clark had imaging done Wednesday afternoon and deferred to the team’s training staff for more details except to say that she considered it good news.

“For me, anything that we’re talking about that’s still day to day is always good news for me, but that’s a layman’s viewpoint,” she said.

Clark got hurt with under a minute left. She walked downcourt holding her right groin after assisting on the Fever’s final basket.

As teammate Aliyah Boston tried to console her, Clark walked to the basket stanchion and banged her head against it before heading to the bench During the timeout, she covered her head with a towel and appeared to be holding back tears.

“Someone who continues to have setbacks from an injury standpoint it’s very frustrating. You feel like you’re trying to do everything that you can to put yourself in position to get past it or to move forward,” White said. “When there’s a setback, it’s mentally and emotionally tough, so of course she was upset.”

Clark had been durable throughout college and her first season in the WNBA, never missing a game.

Now she’s had four different muscle injuries so far this year

She missed the preseason opener with tightness in her quad but

Wildfire smoke concerning ahead of 2026 World Cup

By The Associated Press

TORONTO The 2026 World Cup being hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States is less than a year away, and FIFA’s protocols for matches affected by wildfire smoke remain unclear

The 48-team World Cup will run from June 11-July 19, 2026. Canada is hosting 13 matches — seven in Vancouver and six in Toronto. The day after Toronto’s air quality was among the worst in the world, the organizing committee for the World Cup in Canada declined to reveal guidelines for postponement or air quality related contingencies with soccer’s international governing body No policies are posted publicly

The Air Quality Health Index rating for Toronto was over 10, or “very high risk,” on Monday morning, dropping to a “high risk” rating of 8 by late afternoon.

This year’s fire season, according to Canadian government data is the second-largest on record. Canada’s most destructive wildfire season was in 2023, with more than 6,000 fires burning 37 million acres of land, according to Natural Resources Canada.

Dr Howard Shapiro, Toronto’s associate medical officer of health, said in a statement that Toronto Public Health is actively reviewing the latest evidence and best practices for air-quality issues as the city prepares for the World Cup.

“TPH may provide guidance and recommendations on public health risks, including environmental health concerns such as extreme weather and wildfire smoke,” the

statement read. “This includes contingency planning to support the health and safety of residents, visitors, and participants during the tournament.”

Outdoor activities on days when the Air Quality Health Index rises higher than 7 should be rescheduled, said Dr Andrew Halayko, a professor of physiology and pathophysiology at the University of Manitoba, to protect the most vulnerable. Those include people who are 65 or older, pregnant, young children and those with existing health conditions.

Others say it’s difficult to pinpoint exactly when the air quality reaches a threshold where sporting events should be canceled.

“I personally think that we can’t, based on good evidence, have general statements about what AQHI is unacceptable for a given event. Everything is contextual,” said Dr Christopher Carlsten, the head of the respiratory medicine division at the University of British Columbia.

That context includes the age of the general audience and the forecast of the air quality, and events should be judged on a case-by-case basis, he said.

The impact of poor air quality on athletes is a subject of debate.

Some experts think athletes can better handle poor air conditions because they are generally young and healthy, making them less likely to suffer long-term health effects.

Michael Brauer, a professor at the University of British Columbia’s Faculty of Medicine, said that studies show that even low levels of pollution affect cognitive ability

Ogwumike moves into 6th on scoring list as Storm strikes

By The Associated Press

played the next day in an exhibition game at her alma mater, Iowa. She suffered a quad strain against New York on May 24 that kept her out for five games. Clark returned June 14 and played in five games before suffering another injury to her left groin that kept her out for four contests and the Commissioner’s Cup final.

“I think the biggest thing is just try to keep her in good spirits,” White said “Had a lot of setbacks with all these little injuries. And, you know, we just had to take it one day at a time. It’s frustrating for her, I’m sure I think for us as a staff and as a team, just try to keep her encouraged and try to keep her to stay the course.”

Reese sits out Sky’s loss

In Chicago, Angel Reese didn’t play Wednesday in the Chicago Sky’s final game before the AllStar break because of a leg injury

The All-Star forward from LSU sat on the bench as the Sky hosted the Atlanta Dream. She is set to make her second All-Star Game appearance this weekend in Indianapolis.

Reese had 22 points and 10 rebounds Monday for her ninth straight double-double in Chicago’s 91-78 loss to Minnesota. She leads the WNBA with 12.6 rebounds per game.

SEATTLE Nneka Ogwumike scored 22 points to move into sixth place on the WNBA’s alltime scoring list and the Seattle Storm beat the Golden State Valkyries 67-58 on Wednesday Ogwumike passed Candice Dupree (6,895 points) by one point and is now behind Tamika Catchings, who scored 7,380 in her career The Storm (14-9) went to Ogwumike quite often down the stretch. She had 11 of her 22 points in the fourth quarter, including a pivotal layup with 2:09 remaining and a pair of free throws at the 1:18 mark to put Seattle up 61-54. Erica Wheeler had a strong third quarter sinking back-toback 3-pointers early and following with a running layup at the 7:41 mark to put the Storm up 39-33. With 2:32 to go in the third, Wheeler converted a three-point play to give Seattle a 45-37 lead. The Valkyries (10-12) made it 56-54 with just 4:48 to go in regulation on a layup from Veronica Burton.

Ogwumike’s late efforts were enough to stymie the late Golden State push. Wheeler had 15 points. Skylar Diggins scored 10 and Lexie Brown scored seven off the bench.

Cecilia Zandalasini had 12 points and Janelle Salaun scored 10 for the Valkyries.

LYNX 79, MERCURY 66: In Minneapolis, Kayla McBride scored 18 points, Courtney Williams had 12 points, seven rebounds and five assists, and Minnesota beat Phoenix to improve to 12-0 at home this season heading into the AllStar break. Minnesota, which led 37-33 at the break, made a 3-pointer on three straight possessions in the third quarter to extend its lead to 57-44. Phoenix made four of its first five field goals of the third before missing six straight as Minnesota went on a key run. Jessica Shepard’s one-handed putback just before the thirdquarter buzzer made it 64-49.

The Lynx made five 3-pointers in the quarter to outscore the Mercury 27-16. Napheesa Collier scored eight of her 10 points

in the third and Alanna Smith finished with 11 points for Minnesota.

LIBERTY 98, FEVER 77: In New York, Breanna Stewart had 24 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists to help New York past Indiana Fever, which played without star guard Caitlin Clark.

Sabrina Ionescu, who will also be in the 3-point contest, added 15 points and nine assists for the Liberty (15-6). Stewart got the Liberty off to a strong start as they led 32-24 after one quarter and were up 15 at the half. The Liberty’s AllStar forward had 13 points, nine rebounds and five assists by the break.

DREAM 86, SKY 49: In Chicago, Brittney Griner scored 15 points, Brionna Jones and Allisha Gray each added 14 points, and Atlanta cruised past Chicago. Atlanta opened the third quarter on a 14-0 run and closed the period with a 74-36 lead. The Dream made 13 field goals in the third — one more than the Sky had through three quarters. The score was 62-26 before the Sky made their second field goal of the second half with 3:24 left in the third. The Dream led by as many as 43 in the fourth.

Italy’s Cristiana Girelli celebrates with teammates after scoring her team’s second goal during the Euro 2025 quarterfinals on Wednesday in Geneva, Switzerland.

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By

Italy nips Norway at end in Euro 2025 quarterfinals

BY GRAHAM DUNBAR AP sportswriter

GENEVA On a night of goals and drama for two veteran star strikers, Cristiana Girelli got the better of Ada Hegerberg to send Italy into the semifinals of the Women’s European Championship on Wednesday Girelli’s 90th-minute header, her second goal of the game, sealed a 2-1 win over Norway, whose captain Hegerberg had tied the game after missing a penalty

Italy will return to Geneva on Tuesday to face either Sweden or England for its first Women’s Euros semifinal since 1997.

“It’s something magical. I felt something special since we came to Switzerland,” the 35-year-old Girelli said.

She had seized the lead for Italy in the 50th by deftly guiding in a shot fired across the Norway goal by Sofia Cantore. With extra time looming, Girelli met Cantore’s perfectly weighted

cross with a graceful leap at the far post to direct her header just under the crossbar

“The joy is huge. My heart is full of pride,” said Italy coach Andrea Soncin, who joined his players and staff in an euphoric postgame team photo in front of their fans who got close-up views of Girelli’s goals.

Hegerberg leveled the score in the 66th with her first scoring chance just six minutes after missing a penalty kick for the second time at Euro 2025.

Hegerberg ran clear to a long pass and poked a shot past onrushing goalkeeper Laura Giuliani. The slow-rolling ball just beat the Italian defenders in a race to the goal line.

“She gets the goal after the (penalty) miss, that tells a lot about her,” Norway coach Gemma Grainger said. “It’s heartbreaking to concede so late, it taints the feeling of the game.” Girelli now has 61 goals for Ita-

ly and the last three all went into the same net at the mountains end of the Stade de Genève stadium.

She also scored one of the goals of the tournament, curling in a 25-yard shot against Portugal that shaped up to be decisive in the group stage until Italy conceded an 89th-minute equalizer

“We felt at home here,” Girelli said of the Swiss city with a big Italian community where the Azzurre will play a third game next week.

“Maybe I could ask Juventus to play in this stadium, I’m joking.”

The Norway star has taken two penalty kicks at Euro 2025 and missed both, placing her two shots wide of each post. She also scored in each of those games and has 51 career goals for Norway Hegerberg won this spot-kick by falling under a grappling challenge from Italy captain Elena Linari trying to meet a high cross. Replays suggested Hegerberg might have been offside.

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By MICHAEL DWyER

Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark, left, sits on the bench after an injury late in Tuesday’s game against the Connecticut Sun in Boston. It’s Clark’s fourth different muscle-related injury this season.

MARTIAL TREZZINI

would be great for the Saints if Staley can get Davis back tobeing more of apass rusher.Hehad only two sacks last season after 13 over the two years prior.And Davis is still among the Saints’ smartest players: His instincts will make the defense better,aslongashe’s fast enough.

The Saints need moreout of Werner.Infour seasons, he has produced only one interception, two forced fumbles and ahalfsack. Werner makes plays —and the Saints badly missed him in his four-game absence last year —but theyhardly change thegame at a consistent enough level

Then again, maybe Staley’s schemewillhelpWernerthrive.

The Saints saw firsthand last year how former Saint Zack Baunflourished under Philadelphia Eagles defensive coordinator VicFangio —one of Staley’smentors whose scheme Staley and plentyofothers have tried to copy.MaybeWerner’sproductionwillsee an uptick without having to change teams

Worstcase

The Saints have downplayed

PELICANS

Continued from page1C

“He’sshowing that he belongs here,” teammate Jose Alvarado said during that late stretch of the season. “It’snot only about scoring, but it’sabout his effort in everything he does.Defensively and rebounding.Obviously, the offense is going to show.I’m happy for him. He’sgoing to be a good player in the NBA.” Brooks’ minutes steadily increased in the first three games of Summer League. He scored just three points in the first game against the MinnesotaTimberwolves when he played 16 minutes.Inthe second game against the Los Angeles Lakers, he scored

the significance of switching to a3-4 defense after being in a4-3 scheme for almost adecade under Dennis Allen.It’sworth noting that Davis, at the beginning of his career,struggled in a3-4 when he was with the New York Jets and ClevelandBrowns. What if it happensagain?

The Saints can’treally afford to see Davis’ play take afurther dip. He’sone of theirbetter defenders and despite drafting Stutsman, there’s no guarantee the rookie will beready to step into astarting roleifDaviscan no longerhold onedown

TheSaints’ depth at linebacker also has alot to prove.Sewell, Jackson and Ford can contribute on special teams, but they haven’t had many opportunities to see the field more than that. As mentioned, the Saints struggledmightily when Werner was forced to missamonth last season with ahamstring injury.IfWerner or Davis miss an extended stretch next season, this groupsuddenly becomes ahuge question mark.

Prediction in 10 wordsorless Davis playswellenough to earn another contract with Saints.

Email Matthew Paras at matt paras@theadvocate.com

“I’ve been comfortable thewhole time. Last year, Igot some good experience being able to playin theleague and playagainst some really good players. Now it’sjust amatter of time of things falling into place.”

KEIONBROOKS Pelicans forward

nine points in 18 minutes.OnTuesday,helogged 26 minutes and was thesecond-leadingscorer behind Antonio Reeves (18points)and Derik Queen (17 points).

The Pelicans played their fourth gamelate Wednesday night againstthe Oklahoma City Thunder.

Brooks credits histimeplaying in those 14 gamesafew months ago with helping him playlike he played Tuesday “I’vebeen comfortable the whole time,” Brooks said. “Last year,Igot some good experience being able to play in theleague and play againstsomereally good players. Now it’sjustamatter of time of things falling into place. My coaches never stopped believing in my abilities and what Ican do.It’sjustamatter of putting it together all the time.”

Email RodWalker at rwalker@theadvocate.com.

STAFF FILE

PHOTOByBRETT DUKE

Saints linebacker Demario Davis, left, reacts after astop against the Cleveland Browns during the first half of their game on Nov. 17 at the Caesars Superdome.

AP FILEPHOTO By GERALD HERBERT Pelicans forward KeionBrooks drives to the basket past Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kenrich Williams in the first half of their game on April 13 at the Smoothie KingCenter

Finishing with a bang

Schwarber’s homers in All-Star Game’s first swing-off lift NL over AL

BY RONALD BLUM AP baseball writer

ATLANTA Kyle Schwarber was nervous. He had played in Game 7 of the World Series and homered for the United States in the World Baseball Classic. But he had never walked up to the plate in an All-Star Game swing-off.

No one had.

“That’s kind of like the baseball version of a shootout,” he said after homering on all three of his swings, going down to his left knee on the final one, to overcome a twohomer deficit. That held up when Jonathan Aranda fell short on the American League’s final three swings, giving the National League a 4-3 swing-off win after a 6-6 tie Tuesday night in which it wasted a six-run, seventh-inning lead.

Schwarber earned the MVP award, going 0 for 2 with a walk as the NL won for the second time in its past 12 tries He became the first non-pitcher MVP without a hit.

“It will be interesting to see where that goes,” said AL manager Aaron Boone of the New York Yankees. “There’s probably a world where you could see that in the future, where maybe it’s in some regular-season mix. I wouldn’t be surprised if people start talking about it like that.”

Concerned about running out of pitchers in an era when no All-Star throws more than one inning, Major League Baseball and the players’ association made the change in 2022

In baseball’s equivalent of soccer’s penalty-kicks shootout, the game was decided by having three batters from each league take three swings each off coaches.

Boone picked Brent Rooker Randy Arozarena and Aranda on Monday, and Los Angeles Dodg-

ers manager Dave Roberts picked Eugenio Suárez, Schwarber and Pete Alonso for the NL. Because Suárez was hit on the left hand by a fastball in the eighth inning, the NL turned to its alternate, Kyle Stowers.

Players from both teams stood outside their dugouts, some already in street clothes, jumping and shouting after each long ball from their side. Yankees coach Travis Chapman threw to the AL batters and Dodgers coach Dino Ebel to the NL hitters.

Rooker put the AL ahead by homering on his last two swings, and Stowers hit one. Randy Arozarena boosted the AL lead to 3-1.

Ebel had thrown batting practice to Schwarber two years ago at the WBC.

“He asked me right before, he was like, ‘Where do you want it?” ’ Schwarber recalled. “I’m like, just middle. And he’s like, ‘I gotcha.’”

He took two pitches and deposited the third just over the center-field fence. Schwarber took another, then hit a 461-foot drive over the right-center bullpen.

After letting two more go by, he dropped to a knee while pulling the third, craned his neck and held his bat in the air as the ball landed in the fourth row of the Chop House seats.

“I didn’t hit it, obviously my best, but I was thinking I got enough of it,” Schwarber said. “And I was just kind of down there, hoping, saying: go, go, go. And it went And it was awesome.”

Aranda followed with a fly well short of the center-field warning track, drove a pitch about a foot shy of the top of the right-field wall and hit an opposite-field pop that dropped in medium left. Alonso, a two-time Home Run Derby champion, didn’t have to bat and patted Schwarber on the head as fireworks went off at Tru-

ist Field.

“I felt like a closer going into a game,” Alonso said, “and then it’s like, wait, the guy in the field got a double play to end the inning. You’re not going in.”

What was the score?

MLB, after consulting with the Elias Sports Bureau, said in 2022 that All-Star Games ending in a swing-off would be listed as tied, with a notation of the game being decided in a swing-off. MLB’s official postgame notes listed Tuesday’s outcome as a 7-6 NL victory

In earlier action

Ketel Marte’s two-run double in the first had put the NL ahead, and Alonso’s three-run homer off Kris Bubic and Corbin Carroll’s solo shot against Casey Mize opened a 6-0 lead in the sixth.

The AL comeback began when Rooker hit a three-run pinch homer against Randy Rodríguez in a four-run seventh that included Bobby Witt Jr.’s RBI groundout. Robert Suarez allowed consecutive doubles to Byron Buxton and Witt with one out in ninth, and Steven Kwan’s infield hit on a threehopper to third off Edwin Díaz drove in the tying run.

Heat on the mound

Paul Skenes, the first pitcher to start the All-Star Game each of his first two seasons, reached 100 mph on four pitches in a perfect first. Jacob Misiorowski, a controversial inclusion after pitching in just five major league games in his rookie season, fired nine pitches of 100 mph or more in a one-hit eighth 34 days after his major league debut.

The 23-year-old righty, added to the NL roster by baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred, reached 102.3 mph. There were 21 pitches of 100 mph or more, down from a record 23 last year

Four of five challenges reverse calls in first All-Star use of robot umpire

BY RONALD BLUM AP baseball writer

ATLANTA Cal Raleigh was just as successful with the first robot umpire All-Star challenge as he was in the Home Run Derby

Seattle’s catcher signaled for an appeal to the Automated BallStrike System in the first inning of the National League’s win Tuesday night, getting a strikeout for Detroit’s Tarik Subal on San Diego’s Manny Machado.

“You take ‘em any way you can get ’em, boys,” Skubal said on the mound.

Four of five challenges of plate umpire Dan Iassogna’s calls were successful in the first All-Star use of the ABS system, which could make its regular-season debut next year

Athletics rookie Jacob Wilson won as the first batter to call for a challenge, reversing a 1-0 fastball from Washington’s MacKenzie Gore in the fifth inning that had been called a strike.

Miami’s Kyle Stowers lost when ABS upheld a full-count Andrés Muñoz fastball at the bottom of the zone for an inning-ending strikeout in the eighth.

Mets closer Edwin Díaz earned a three-pitch strikeout against Randy Arozarena to end the top of the ninth on a pitch Iassogna thought

was outside.

Blue Jays catcher Alejandro Kirk used ABS to get a first-pitch strike on a 100.1 mph Aroldis Chapman offering to Brendan Donovan with two outs in the bottom half.

“The fans enjoy it. I thought the players had fun with it,” NL manager Dave Roberts of the Los Angeles Dodgers said. “There’s a strategy to it, if it does get to us during the season. But I like it. I think it’s good for the game.”

Skubal had given up Ketel Marte’s two-run double and retired the Dodgers’ Freddie Freeman on a groundout for his first out when he got ahead of Machado 0-2 in the count. Skubal threw a 89.5 mph changeup, and Iassogna yelled “Ball down!”

Raleigh tapped his helmet just before Skubal tipped his cap, triggering a review by the computer umpire that was tested in spring training this year and could be adopted for regular-season use in 2026.

“Obviously, a strike like that it was, so I called for it and it helped us out,” Raleigh said.

An animation of the computer analysis was shown on the Truist Park scoreboard and the broadcast. Roberts laughed in the dugout after the challenge.

“I knew it was a strike,” Machado said.

Skubal doesn’t intend to use challenges during regular-season games if the ABS is put in place. He says he’ll rely on his catchers.

“I was joking around that I was going to burn two of them on the first balls just so that way we didn’t have them the rest of the game,” he said. “I’m just going to assume that it’s going to happen next year.”

Before the game, baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred indicated the sport’s 11-man competition committee will consider the system for next season.

“I think the ability to correct a bad call in a high-leverage situation without interfering with the time of game because it’s so fast is something we ought to continue to pursue,” Manfred said.

ABS decisions may have an error of margin up to a half-inch.

“Our guys do have a concern with that half inch, what that might otherwise lead to particularly as it relates to the number of challenges you may have, whether you keep those challenges during the course of the game,” union head Tony Clark told the Baseball Writers Association of America.

“Does there need to be some type of buffer zone consideration? Or do we want to find ourselves in a world where it’s the most egregious misses that we want focus in on?”

Milwaukee, 106; E.De La Cruz, Cincinnati, 105; Riley, Atlanta, 104; Arraez, San Diego, 102; Donovan, St. Louis, 102; Ohtani, Los Angeles, 102. DOUBLES — Alonso, New York, 26; Chourio, Milwaukee, 25; F.Freeman, Los Angeles, 25; Suzuki, Chicago, 24; Olson, Atlanta, 23. TRIPLES — Carroll, Arizona, 10; J.Lee, San Francisco, 8; Ohtani, Los Angeles, 7; Moniak, Colorado, 6. HOME RUNS Ohtani, Los Angeles, 32; E.Suárez, Arizona, 31; Schwarber, Philadelphia, 30; Suzuki, Chicago, 25; Crow-Armstrong, Chicago, 25. STOLEN BASES — On.Cruz,

batters

the 7th. HBP — S.Smith (Suárez). Umpires — Home, Dan Iassogna; First, Marvin Hudson; Second, Chris Segal; Third, Jansen Visconti; Right, Erich Bacchus; Left, Jeremie Rehak. T

A — 41,702 (41,149). American League Leaders BATTING — Judge, New York, .355; Ja.Wilson, Athletics, .332; Aranda, Tampa Bay, .324; Peña, Houston, .322; Meyers, Houston, .308. RUNS — Judge, New York, 85; Raleigh, Seattle, 65; Buxton, Minnesota, 64; Ju.Rodríguez, Seattle, 63; Neto, Los Angeles, 61; Rooker, Athletics, 60; V.Guerrero, Toronto, 59; Witt, Kansas City, 57. RBIs — Raleigh, Seattle, 82; Judge, New York, 81; Greene, Detroit, 78; Ward, Los Angeles, 65; Caminero, Tampa Bay, 60; Torkelson, Detroit, 59. HITS — Judge, New York, 125; Ja.Wilson, Athletics, 113; Witt, Kansas City, 112; Bichette, Toronto, 111; Rooker, Athletics, 106; Y.Díaz, Tampa Bay, 105. DOUBLES — Witt, Kansas City, 32; Bichette Toronto, 25; Ja.Duran, Boston, 25; M.Garcia, Kansas City 25; Butler, Athletics, 24; Judge New York, 24; Perez, Kansas City, 24. TRIPLES — Ja.Duran, Boston, 10; McKinstry, Detroit, 8; Buxton, Minnesota, 4; Isbel, Kansas City, 4; Bellinger, New York, 3; M.Garcia, Kansas City, 3; R.González, Boston, 3; Haggerty, Texas, 3; Henderson, Baltimore, 3; Ju.Rodríguez, Seattle, 3; Volpe, New York, 3; Waters, Kansas City, 3; Witt, Kansas City, 3. HOME RUNS — Raleigh, Seattle, 38; Judge, New York, 35; Greene, Detroit, 24; Caminero, Tampa Bay, 23; Buxton, Minnesota, 21; Torkelson, Detroit, 21; Ward, Los Angeles, 21. STOLEN BASES Caballero, Tampa Bay, 31; Ramírez, Cleveland, 29; Simpson, Tampa Bay, 26; Witt, Kansas City, 25; Robert, Chicago, 22; M.Garcia, Kansas City, 18. PITCHING — Fried, New York, 11-3; Skubal, Detroit, 10-3; Crochet, Boston, 10-4; Valdez, Houston, 10-4; Rodón,

Travis Terrell, Jackson St., So., 5-8, 165 PR: Taco Dowler, Montana St., Jr., 5-9, 175 AP: Michael Wortham, Montana, Grad, 5-9, 177 Cycling Tour de France 11th stage; A 97-mile ride in Toulouse 1. Jonas Abrahamsen, Norway, Uno-X Mobility, 3:15:56. 2. Mauro Schmid, Switzerland, Jayco AlUla same time 3. Mathieu Van der Poel, Netherlands, Alpecin-Deceuninck, 3:16:03. 4. Arnaud De Lie, Belgium, Lotto, 3:16:49. 5. Wout van Aert, Belgium, Team Visma ‘ Lease a Bike, same time. 6. Axel Laurance, France, Ineos Grenadiers same time 7. Fred Wright, Great Britain, Bahrain Victorious, same time 8. Mathieu Burgaudeau, France, TotalEnergies, same time. 9. Quinn Simmons, United States, Lidl-Trek, same time 10. Davide Ballerini, Italy, XDS Astana, 3:17:07. Overall standings 1. Ben Healy, Ireland, EF Education-EasyPost, 41:01:13. 2. Tadej Pogacar, Slovenia, UAE Team Emirates-XRG, 41:01:42. 3. Remco Evenepoel, Belgium, Soudal Quick-Step, 41:02:42. 4. Jonas Vingegaard, Denmark, Team Visma ‘ Lease a Bike, 41:02:59. 5. Matteo Jorgenson, United States, Team Visma ‘ Lease

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By BRyNN ANDERSON

Philadelphia Phillies left fielder Kyle Schwarber celebrates after winning the tiebreaker at the MLB All-Star Game on Tuesday night in Atlanta. Schwarber hit three home runs in the swing-off to earn MVP honors.

Makes about 3pints. I can recall my mother blanching and peeling tomatoes for the silkiest gazpacho. Itried the nopeel wayand loved the results. Someversions call for bread, this is how mom made hers.

4medium fresh ripe tomatoes (about 1¼ pounds), cut into quarters

1medium cucumber,peeled, and coarsely chopped

1small onion, coarsely chopped

CBY APRIL HAMILTON Contributingwriter

omfort food knowsnoseason, and spreadingalittle joy is also always in fashion.Asthe beneficiaryofendless generosity,Iembrace everychance to give back. When Igraduated from nursing schooljust ayear ago, afriendgave me aname badge reel that says “sprinklekindnesslikeconfetti.”

It becomes contagious.

When it’shotter than July,Ilean on cooling gazpachothat tastes like anourishing sip of summer.Itcan transportyou to faraway Spain and soothe what ails you. My mother possessed such apenchant for this cold soup that Ihear her pronouncing the word while my blender whizzes garden tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, onions and other good things into liquid gold. She made it on repeat in ourFloridakitchen

BY JUDYBERGERON Staff writer

1medium bell pepper, coarsely chopped

2cloves peeled garlic

¼cup cold water

2tablespoonsvinegar

1teaspoon fine seasalt

2tablespoons extravirgin olive oil

1. Place the tomatoes, cucumber,onion, bell pepper, garlic, water, vinegar and salt in the container of a blender(do this in batches depending on the size of your blender). Begin blending on low,then increase to medium then high until the mixture is smooth.

2. With the center of the lid removed, drizzle in the olive oilonlow andcontinue blending untilcombined. Replace the center of thelid andblend on medium, then high, to emulsifythe mixture.

3. Pour into awaiting Mason jars or container of your choice. Deliver immediately,orcover and chill forupto5days.

SalmonTacos Toppedwith Coleslaw

Yields 2servings. Recipe is by Linda Gassenheimer.

2teaspoons olive oil

¾pound wild-caught salmon

fillet

1teaspoon smoked paprika

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

2teaspoons lime juice

1cup deli coleslaw

2sliced radishes

2tablespoons coarsely chopped cilantro

4(8-inch) light flour tortillas

1. Heat oil in large skillet. Add thesalmon skinside up and saute5minutes. Turn salmon over with skindown Sprinkle smokedpaprika, andsalt and pepper to taste over the cooked side. Pour lime juice overthe salmon

2. Continue to cook 3minutes. Ameat thermometer should read110 to 115 F.

3. Remove salmon to a plate, scrape off the skin, and using two forkspull

thesalmonapart intosmall pieces.

4. While fish cooks, wrap tortillas in apaper towel andplaceinamicrowave oven for 30 seconds. Or wrap them in foil and place in atoaster oven or under abroilerfor 30 seconds to warm through.

5. Place two tortillas each on two dinner plates. Divide the salmon into four helpings and place onthe four

Granola

Salmon Tacos Topped with Coleslaw

TNSPHOTO By

LINDA GASSENHEIMER

tortillas. Add the coleslaw on top of thesalmon. Add the radishes to the tortillas andsprinklewiththe cilantro. Fold the tortillas in half and serve.

NUTRITION INFO PERSERVING: 607 calories (45 percent from fat), 30.6 gfat (5.3 g saturated, 7.8g monounsaturated),106 mg cholesterol, 42.6 gprotein, 48.5 gcarbohydrates,14.5 gfiber,849 mg sodium

Recipe is inspired by Salt Fat Acid Heatby Samin Nosrat. Makes about 12 cups. When Idiscovered the flavor explosion of using olive oil, maple syrup and salt instead of my traditional canola oil, honey andcinnamon version, Igavemyrecipe an update. 4cups

Veterinarian wantsequal treatmentfor allpatients

Dear Miss Manners: Ihave changed from working at a veterinary clinic in alower socioeconomic area to one in amore affluent area. I have noticed that when Irefer my patientstothe local specialist hospital, thehospital staff membersare much morepolite and respectful than they were when Icalled from my old clinic.

apricots, or

1. Preheatovento325 F. Line alarge rimmed baking sheet* with parchment paper.

2. Combine the oats, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, coconut, pecans and almonds in alarge bowl. Stir well to combine.Pour in the oliveoil and maple syrup and stir again until the mixtureiswell coated. Sprinkle in the salt and stir again. Transfer to the prepared baking sheet and spread into an even layer 3. Bakeinthe center of the oven, stirring every15-20 minutes, until deep golden brown, about 45 minutes to one hour.Remove the bakingsheet from the oven and let cool on acooling rack before stirring in the dried fruit. Transfer to airtight containers and share witha smile.

COMFORT

Continued from page1D

Thememories bring me comfort, and bonus: it also transports easily in aMason jar and keeps for afew days in the fridge so Ican share that comfort with anyone who needs it. Another family-favorite for sharing is big-batch granola, which validates turning on the oven for an hour in the summer.Oats, nutsand seeds glazed with a blend of olive oil andmaple syrup, then slow baked until the whole house smells of the goodness, is astaple in my kitchen. The concoction can vary with your whim and what’sonhand. The

‘SHOWDOWN’

Continued from page1D

much from her,”Chase said by phone last week. “And, not only did she teach me, she just gave me that confidence and that comfort level. So that connection of me and her working together was great.” Chase and Spencer had initially met virtually on a Zoom call with part of the ‘Showdown’team. Unbeknownst to Chase, this was actually his show audition “Westartedtalking about food childhood memories. I had some Ishared, and Octavia had some that she shared. And when youstarttalking about food and childhood memories, you realize how similar we all are growing up,” Chase recalled. “There’s always afood experience, there’salways afood memory.Nomatter if you are a celebrity or you’re achef, everyone has those memories.” Accordingtothe show synopsis, “each episode welcomes family duos to the kitchen as they prepare their most cherished recipes for a$10,000 prize.” Together,Spencer and Chase will sample dishes before being joined in the final round by arotating panel of

onlyrule here is to make a lotand sharewith abandon. Send it with individual cartons of yogurt for a wholesome snack Bringingadish to afriend —after surgery,during the trials of cancer treatment, to anew mom, an exhausted caregiver or just because —helpsall involved.Fancy isn’tarequirement, but thereare afew tipstofollow.Online meal sharing organizer sites likeMeal Train andTake Them A Meal can take the guesswork out of quantities, deliverytimes anddietary preferences. Consult with the recipientinadvancefor permission and parameters, then spread theword Miss Mannerssuggests returning aneighbor’s dish

guest judges and Spencer’s celebrity friends —including Reese Witherspoon, Jessica Chastain, Danielle Brooks, EricStonestreet, Tina Knowles,Kandi Burruss, TimGunn and Al Rokerwith hisdaughter Leila. In taste-testing the families’ finished products, even the well-seasoned chef Chase said he did digest a few new ideas.

“My grandmother (Leah Chase) was 96 in that restaurant reading cookbooks. So every day, we experience someone else’s cuisine,someoneelse’sculture,someone else’stradition we’re learning,” hesaid. “It gavemea sneak peek of how other people grew up. Whatwere their celebrations?Whatwere the timesthat they were having growing up? Whatmeals did theyhave at this occasion? What meals did they have at this occasion?

“And you learn from that and you take from that. So as achef, yes, Ilearned from each and every dishthat was displayed in front of me.”

Even withall the Chase family’s treasuredrecipes, it didn’ttakelongfor him to respond on which one he’d bring to the show if hewere competing.

His choice is meaningful: gumbo

Anyone who’scookeda

*NOTE that dark baking sheets willget hotter than light colored ones, and the granola will cook much more quickly or burn. Using thelighter colored aluminum baking sheetsismy preference.

refilled with somethinggood in atimely fashion andwith athank younote. To free the recipientofthe burdenofrememberingtoreturn whose dish to whom or at all, Isuggest sending food in disposable or reusablecontainers with awell wishes note and an idea or two of how to repurpose thecontainer when the time is right. Ikeep astock of mason jarsfor these occasions and love their limitlessfunctionality

When Istarted my nursing job this time last year,a quotebySally Koch posted on our schedule grabbed my attention andcontinues to steer me: “Great opportunities to help others seldom come, but small ones surround us every day.”

gumbo, affirmed Chase, knows you cannotcook a small pot, so it’sanecessity to invitepeople to the table to enjoy the dish.

“Mygrandmother often said gumbo helpedchange thecourse of America. Even from the Civil Rights days where youhad theleaders, bothBlack and White, walkingthrough that door,wefed them gumbo,” Chase said. “Presidents andcelebrities that came through that door, we fed them gumbo.Our neighbors, our community, we fedthemgumbo. Welcoming people back after natural disasters, we fed them gumbo in celebration.”

Having gained on-camera experience through his “Showdown” stint,Chase hashis eyeonmoresuch projectsinthe future.

“I lovewhatthis (show) means,towhat food does for people and conjuring up those memories that they have growing up,” he said. “Those memories last alifetime. Youwant each generation to have thesame memories or experiences that you grew up with.SoIhopethis show continues on. Ihope to be apart of it because Ithink this one is that important.”

Email Judy Bergeron at jbergeron@theadvocate. com.

Judith Martin

follow-up from the hospital. Even if the reasons for the disparate treatment turn out not to be as simple as you suspect, the hospital staffwill realize your new clinic is speaking forthe broader community.Miss Manners suspects all patients and facilities will benefit from this realization.

MISS MANNERS

This upsets me on behalf of my previous clients, as they and their animals deserve thesame treatment and respect as mynew patients. Is there away to gently encourage the hospital staff to be less concerned with thestatusofthe area that thepatients are from?

Gentlereader: Yes, but if you want toavoid being called naive about the fact that money talks, you will have to play naive.

As areferring veterinarian, you will, at some point, be asked toshare your thoughts on the hospital in question. No matter the form this takes —questionnaires from the hospital itself, informal discussions at your new clinic, whatever —include some negative examples about thefacility’scustomer service from your days at the old practice. Do so without mentioning where the patients involved were from. Given your status, this will cause concern and

Dear Miss Manners: Once amonth, I makea4-gallon pot of soup formysmall church community.When planning the soup, Ikeep in mind the manyfood sensitivities that members of the community have, and still manage to serve a tasty variety of soups. Today, amember served herselfa largebowl of soup, seasoned it,took afew bites, then dumped theremainder of hersoupback intothe pot. Iapproached herand asked her why shehad done that, andshe saiditwas morethanshe could eat. Itold her she should have dumped the extra soup in the compost bucket. Itold her to never do that again. She acted as though Iwas being rude. For food safety,I should have dumped the entire pot of soup into the compost, but Idid not. I warned another member that the soup was no longer free of the seasoning she is allergic to, and apologized because she looks forward

to my allergen-free soup. How should Ihave handled the culprit?

Gentle reader: Youshould have been politetothe errantmember.Perhaps you were, though your lack of interest in asserting that youwere —and your useof wordslike “culprit”— make MissManners wonder Apolite correction would still have allowed you to makethe woman understand that her thoughtlessness meantother people were going to go hungry But it would have been done with asad tone, not an angry one —using phrases of apology,not confrontation. It would also have emphasized consideration forchurch members with allergies, not your own anger about wasting the timeyou put into the preparation. If apologizing to this culprit seemscounterintuitive, Miss Manners asks you to consider the alternative: Do you wanttobe polite and change this person’sbehavior? Or do you want to be rude —and, by going on the attack, give her avalid grievance?

Sendquestions to Miss Manners at herwebsite, www.missmanners. com; to heremail, dearmissmanners@gmail. com; or through postal mail to Miss Manners, Universal Uclick, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.

Should yourinse afterbrushing?

Dear Heloise: My dentist is adamant about no rinsing after brushing. If the toothpastehas fluoride, he claimsthat rinsing will wash it away —Charlie, in Pennsylvania Charlie, this is a matter for debate. Somedentists feel that rinsing out after brushing washes away the fluoride. Yetother people say that swallowing toothpasteupsetstheir stomach, or rinsing cleans out bacteria and food particles that were just brushed out from their teeth. Both sides present valid arguments —Heloise Telemarketer nonsense

ages, credit card offers, charitable causes, extended warranties, and/ or “free” trial offers. For the majority of the time, these are scams. Never give out any financial information over the phone. If asked, just hang up the phone. Youcan report your experience to the Federal Trade Commission online (FTC.gov/ complaint). —Lonnie W.,inMichigan

Travelingalone

Dear Heloise: If atelemarketer calls you, ask yourself these questions while you’re on the call:

n What’s thehurry? Is there an urgent problem that needs to be handled?

n If it’s“free,” why are they asking me to pay or give them credit card information?

n Why am I“confirming” information …oramIjust handing it out?

Resistall travel pack-

By The Associated Press

Today is Thursday, July 17, the 198th day of 2025. There are 167 days left in the year

Todayinhistory: On July 17, 1955, Disneyland opened in Anaheim, California, after its $17 million, yearlong construction; the park drew amillion visitors in itsfirst 10 weeks.

Also on this date:

In 1862, during theCivil War, Congress approved theSecond Confiscation Act, which declared that all slaves taking refuge behind Union lines were to be set free.

In 1936, theSpanish Civil Warbegan as right-wing army generals launched a coup attempt against the Second Spanish Republic.

In 1944, during World War II, 320 men, two-thirds of themAfrican-Americans, were killed when apair of ammunitionships exploded at the Port Chicago Naval Magazine in California.

Dear Heloise: Travel is something I’ve always loved, especially to foreign places, but Iused to go with my husband. We’re no longer together,yet Istill wanttotravel. But to be honest, I’mscared to travel alone. Noneofmyfriends will go with me to other countries because they’re married or their careers don’tallow fortoo much timeoff. —Gigi, in Mapleton, Utah Gigi, you can go with a group that has similar interests as you do, and any travel agent can help you plan your excursion. If you decide to go by yourself,

TODAYINHISTORY

In 1945, following Nazi Germany’ssurrender, President Harry S. Truman,Soviet leader Josef Stalin and British Prime Minister Winston S. Churchill began meeting at Potsdam in the final Allied summitofWorld WarII.

In 2014, all 298 passengers and crew aboard Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 were killed when the Boeing 777 wasshot down over rebel-held eastern Ukraine; both Ukraine’s government and proRussian separatists denied responsibility In 2020, Civil Rights icon John Lewis, whose bloody beating by Alabamastate troopers in 1965 helped galvanize opposition to racial segregation, and who went on to along and celebrated career in Congress, died at age 80.

In 2022, areport said nearly 400 law enforcement officials rushed to amass shooting that left 21 people dead at Robb Elementary

you might find that you enjoy traveling on your own, or you might meet people whoenjoy traveling as much as you do. —Heloise Reusingpaper towels

Dear Heloise: Ihate to simply toss out apaper towel if it can be reused. Irinse out the paper sheet I’ve used, and while it’sstill wet, Iclean the leaves of my plants with it. Ihave ahuge rubber plant, and keeping the leaves clean not only makes it look good, it helps the plant to breathe. —Vicky, in Clarksburg, West Virginia

Scentsense

Dear Heloise: For those of us with allergies, asthma and migraines, Ibeg all of your readers not to bring anything with ascent onto an airplane! We can becomevery ill from your beautiful fragrances. We know you love them,and they may smell wonderful, but they makeussick! Please use unscented items when you will be in close quarters. Thanks! —Patti H., via email Sendahinttoheloise@ heloise.com.

School in Uvalde, Texas, but “egregiously poor decision-making” resulted in achaotic scene that lasted more than an hour before the gunman wasfinally confronted and killed. Today’sbirthdays: Former sportscaster Verne Lundquist is 85. Queen Camilla of the United Kingdom is 78. Rock musician Terry “Geezer” Butler is 76. Actor Lucie Arnaz is 74. Actor David

STAFF PHOTO By JAVIER GALLEGOS Serve up cozy granola and cooling gazpacho to beat the summer heat

Hints from Heloise

cAncER (June 21-July 22) Keep your thoughts and emotions to yourself. Offering too much personal information will put you in a vulnerable position. Concentrate on taking care of your responsibilities and your finances.

LEo (July 23-Aug. 22) Participate in groups making a difference. The people you meet and the things you learn will encourage you to become a leader. Work hard and take pride in your accomplishments.

VIRGo (Aug. 23-sept. 22) Stop before you do or say something you will regret. Look inward and fine-tune your attitude and goals. You cannot put a price tag on loyal connections fighting for the exact cause or results

LIBRA (sept. 23-oct. 23) Visual learning will change your perspective on how educational pursuits impact you. A charismatic instructor will hold your attention and encourage you to be more entrepreneurial.

scoRPIo (oct. 24-nov. 22) Hands-on learning is the best kind To gain ground, you must open your mind and be willing to try new things to see if they help or spark ideas that work for you.

sAGIttARIus (nov. 23-Dec. 21) Speak up and exude charm, and you'll have a positive impact on others. Craft a distinctive style that sets you apart from the competition. Being at the forefront will help you gain notoriety.

cAPRIcoRn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Listen and dissect what you hear; it will help dismiss confusion and mistakes. Believe

in yourself and your attributes. Leave nothing to chance or in someone else's jurisdiction.

AQuARIus (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) Point yourself in a good direction and get going. You can make headway if you maintain focus, drive and insight into your goals. Make an effort to spend some time with a loved one.

PIscEs (Feb. 20-March 20) Put yourself first. Arrange your schedule to ensure you have time to relax and pamper yourself. Change may be daunting, but settling for less than what you want will lead to regret.

ARIEs (March 21-April 19) Pay attention, think and decline an offer if you feel uncertain. Keeping a low profile will help you avoid trouble and provide the peace you need to pursue your interests.

tAuRus (April 20-May 20) Take pentup energy and apply it to challenging physical activities. If you take on debt and responsibilities, it will be tough to achieve your objective. Making a change at home can boost your morale.

GEMInI (May 21-June 20) Follow your heart, but don't share personal information or feelings with others. Give yourself time to digest and rethink your next move. Choose peace and love over discord.

The horoscope, an entertainment feature, is not based on scientific fact. © 2025 by nEa, inc., dist. By andrews mcmeel syndication

FAMILY CIrCUS

zodIAC Celebrity Cipher cryptograms are created from quotations by famous people, past and present. Each letter in the cipher stands for another.

toDAy's cLuE: D EQuALs y

CeLebrItY CIpher

SALLY Forth

beetLe bAILeY

Mother GooSe And GrIMM

SherMAn’S LAGoon

bIG nAte

Sudoku

InstructIons: sudoku is anumber-placing puzzle based on a9x9 grid with several given numbers. The object is to place the numbers 1to9inthe empty squares so that each row, each column and each 3x3 box contains the same number only once. The difficulty level of the sudoku increases from monday to sunday.

Yesterday’s Puzzle Answer

BaBY BLueS

By PHILLIP ALDER

Anna Quindlen, an author and journalist,said,“Lifeisnotsomuchaboutbeginnings and endings as it is about going on and on and on. It is about muddling through the middle.” Bridge deals, though, are about all of thetricks,thebeginning,middleandend. One must be careful about jumping to conclusions at the beginning. In this deal, how should South play in three no-trump after West leads the spade eight?

When North balances with two clubs, hemaybidacoupleofpointslighterthan hewouldhaveneededinsecondposition. So when South advances, he should add a couple of points for his actions — hence two no-trump, not three no-trump. But North, because he has a full-weight overcall, raises. Declarer starts with seven top tricks: one spade, three hearts, one diamond and two clubs. Obviously, the clubs will provide several extra winners. Also, because the spade queen can be established immediately, it looks natural for declarer to play low from the board at trick one.

However, that could be fatal. East can win with his spade king and shift to diamonds. Then, when he gets in with his club trick, the defenders run the diamonds. (Yes, if South first cashes his major-suit winners, East will have to unblock diamonds, keeping a low card, but West’s carding should have made it clear to do that.)

Instead, declarer should take the

marmaduKe

Bizarro

hagar the horriBle

Pearls Before swiNe

garfield

B.C.

PiCKles

dIrectIons: make a 2- to 7-letter word from the letters in each row. add points of each word, using scoring directions at right. Finally, 7-letter words get 50-point bonus. “Blanks” used as any letter have no point value. all the words are in the Official sCraBBlE® players Dictionary, 5th Edition.

Yesterday’s Puzzle Answer ken ken

InstructIons: 1 Each row and each column must contain the numbers 1 thorugh 4 (easy) or 1 through 6 (challenging) without repeating. 2 - The numbers within the heavily outlined boxes, called cages, must combine using the given operation (in any order) to produce the target numbers in the top-left corners. 3 - Freebies: Fill in the single-box cages with the number in the top-left corner. HErE is a

Scrabble GramS

roSe

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about this event, go to www.nola.gov andclick on“BRASSSupplierPor‐tal”under “BIDS& CON‐TRACTS”.Onceonthe SupplierPortal, search Open Events.” Thankyou foryourinter‐est in doingbusiness withthe City of NewOr‐leans JamesC.Simmons,Jr. ChiefProcurement

Officer AdvertisingDates: July 17, 24 and31, 2025 NOCP 8510 150331-jul17-24-31-3t $94.17

g theCity’s supplier portal If this solicitation is fed‐erally funded,prospec‐tivebidder/respondent mustpay particular at‐tention to allapplicable lawsand regulationsof the Federalgovernment and theState of Louisiana HUDFunded Solicitation: Attention to prospective bidder/respondent is calledparticularlytothe requirementsfor condi‐tions of employment to beobservedand mini‐mum wage ratestobe paidunder theContract (Davis-BaconAct), Sec‐tion3 (Low Income Resi‐dentParticipation)ofthe Housing andUrban De‐velopment Actof1968 Section 109 (Non-Dis‐crimination)ofthe Hous‐ing andCommunity De‐velopment Actof1974 Section 503 (Non-Dis‐crimination AgainstEm‐ployees with Disabilities) and Section504 (NonDiscriminationAgainst IndividualswithDisabili‐ties) of theRehabilitation Act of 1973, Segregated Facilities, Executive Order 11246, andall ap‐plicablelawsand regula‐tions of theFederal gov‐ernment andState of Louisiana andbonding and insurancerequire‐ments TheCityofNew Orleans stronglyencouragesmi‐nority-ownedand d b i

y women-owned busi‐nesses, socially andeco‐nomically disadvantaged businessesand small businessestorespond to thissolicitation, or to participate in subcon‐tractingopportunities pursuanttothissolicita‐tion. TheBureauofPurchas‐ing uses commodity codes to notify suppliers ofthe releaseofasourc‐ing eventand subse‐quent modificationsvia addendum. Note that you would receivethose noti‐ficationsifyou selected the followingcommodity code(s) before there‐lease of thesourcing event: COMMODITY CODE(s): 650, 909, 911, 912, 913, 914 For more information about this event, go to www.nola.gov andclick on“BRASSSupplierPor‐tal”under “BIDS& CON‐TRACTS”.Onceonthe SupplierPortal, search Open Events.” Thankyou foryourinter‐est in doingbusiness withthe City of NewOr‐leans JamesC.Simmons,Jr. ChiefProcurement

weblink/register/r9b0864 341a1625928fd58a37b0b6f b69

Datesare subjectto changesvia an adden‐dumpostedbythe Bu‐reau of Purchasing on theCity’ssupplierportal. If this solicitation is fed‐erally funded,prospec‐tive bidder/respondent must payparticularat‐tentiontoall applicable laws andregulations of theFederal government andthe Stateof Louisiana.

TheBureauofPurchas‐ingusescommodity codestonotifysuppliers of therelease of asourc‐ingevent andsubse‐quentmodificationsvia addendum. Note that you wouldreceive thosenoti‐ficationsifyou selected thefollowing commodity code(s) before there‐leaseofthe sourcing event: COMMODITYCODE(s): 913-82, 913-56, 913-47, 969-44

TheCityofNew Orleans strongly encourages mi‐nority-ownedand women-ownedbusi‐nesses, socially andeco‐nomicallydisadvantaged businessesand small businessestorespond to this solicitation,orto

OF MARDI GRAS INDIANS DIGITALARTISTEXPLORES COLORFUL CULTURE

don’tmiss don’tmiss don’t miss

oddities andcuriosities expo

The bizarre and unusual take over HallI of the Ernest N. Morial ConventionCenter from 10 a.m. to 6p.m. Saturday,rangingfrom taxidermytoartwork, antiques,medical devices, jewelry,clothing andthe occasional skull. There are also classes for taxidermy and entomology.Admission startsat $12. odditiesandcuriosittiesexpo.com.

island strong musicfest

Grand Isle,sitting on the Gulf at the endof Jefferson Parish, has survived much, and the festival celebrates itsjoie de vivre from 4:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. Thursday and from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturdayat the pavilion, 4500 Tarpon RodeoDrive. Musical entertainment include Swampland Revival, Danny Jr.and Shinesoul and AaronForet Band, and enjoytasty treats like fried seafood, boudin and kettle corn. Admission starts at $10. islandstrongmusicfest. com.

talesofthe cocktail

Boasting morethan 315 events with an emphasis on the cocktail industry,thisweeklong conference kicksoff Sunday and includes bartender seminars, tastings and signature programming. Tasting tickets start at $45 per day,with seminar tickets starting at $185. talesofthecocktail.org.

bowling for acause weindorf battle

Hogs for the Cause veterans Pork Chopitoulas, Pork Illustrated and Pork Belly Cartel with Gonzo’s Smokehouse will compete at 1p.m. Saturday at UrbanSouth Brewery,1645 Tchoupitoulas St., for honors; guests can sample all three and vote for their favorite. Admission is free. urbansouth.com.

The Deutsches Haus on Bayou St. John stages AWorld Tour of Wines from 4p.m. to 7p.m. Saturday.The German cultural center at 1400 MossSt. will offer 30 wines and light bites, awinethemed hat contest, asouvenir tasting class and more. Tickets start at $85. deutscheshaus.org.

Thecause is thefight against human trafficking and the bowling is from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Thursday at Fulton Alley,600 Fulton St in theCBD. Theevent by thelocal chapter of Meeting Professionals International supports Covenant House, and representatives will be on hand for questions and to collect avariety of personal care items needed by the house’sresidents. Tickets start at $47. mpi.org.

events events events

Enjoyasilentdisco at thenew Glow in theOaks

BY MADDIE SCOTT Staff writer

The City Park Conservancy will launch Glow in the Oaks this month forall ages to rock out in the dark at asilent disco, hop on rides and hit the glitter bar

Families can enjoy unlimited rides, silent disco, glow-itemgiveaways, aTikTokphoto booth, glitter bar,face paint and lemonade in color-changing cups.

“We’re so excited to launch this new nighttime event just as summer is heating up,” said Megan Bourgault,City Park Conservancy director of attractions and visitor services. “We’re asking everyone to dress to shine and bring their brightest energyfor this brilliant fundraiser.”

The event is from 6p.m. to 9p.m. Saturday at the Carousel Gardens Amusement Park.

Food and beverages will be available for purchase including Parker’sPizza and Mo Fries Food Truck.

Tickets ($35 for gueststaller than3 feet) can be bought online at tix.wrstbnd. com/e/event/glownight25.

The City Park’s Glowinthe Oaks event features unlimited rides, asilent disco and glow-item giveaways at 6 p.m. Saturday.

PROVIDED PHOTO

By CITy PARK CONSERVANCy

Friends of City Park membersget $3 off their ticket. All purchases must be made with credit,debit or digital payments like Apple Pay.

Email MaddieSpinner at maddie. spinner@gambitweekly.com

ABOUTLAGNIAPPE

The Lagniappe section is publishedeach Thursdayby The Times-Picayune |The NewOrleans Advocate. All inquiriesabout Lagniappe should be directed to the editor.

LAGNIAPPE EDITOR: Annette Sisco,asisco@theadvocate. com

COVERDESIGN: Andrea Daniel

CONTRIBUTINGWRITERS:

Victor Andrews, Mel Buchanan, Maddie Scott, Dean M. Shapiro,Keith Spera, Dave Walker

GETLISTED IN LAGNIAPPE

SubmiteventstoLagniappe at least twoweeksinadvance by sending an email to events@theadvocate.com. ON

THECOVER

Digital artist Vince Fraser, in mask, debuted his ‘Ancestral Odyssey’exhibit on Juneteenth at theNew Orleans African American Museum. PhotobyPeter G. Forest. Writer Dave Walker describes theexhibit’s exploration of Mardi Gras Indians on Page 6.

stages stages stages

The Tennessee Williams Theatre Companyreaches back into its historyfor the coming season and will include anew production of ‘The Rose Tattoo,’ originally staged with Olive the Goat, MatthewRaetz as Jack Hunter and Linnea Gregg as Rose delleRose.

3companies plan seasonsofmusic,mirth andmystery

love and atouch of the supernaturalat the 616 St. Peter St. playhouse.

New Orleans theater companies are lookingdown the road with plans for plenty in the coming months.The NOLA Project, Le Petit Théâtre du VieuxCarré and the TennesseeWilliams TheatreCompany will mount avariety of shows to keep the heatupon local stages. Starting in October and running into 2026, shows will look at second chances, theater’spower of storytelling and classics interplayed with newworks.

French Quarterproductions

Le Petit crafts adiverse seasonfrom avariety of areas, including an iconic Broadway musical,truetales, great

Kicking offinOctober will be “The LehmanTrilogy,” aTony-winning show that stretches over almosttwo centuries of an immigrant family’shistory and the successesand failures of Western capitalism.

January flies into vintage Noel Coward when “Blithe Spirit” hits the stage. What happens when the late first wife’sghost comes back via aséance by an eccentric medium, most recently played by Tonywinner Angela Lansbury? Find out DamonRunyon’scharacters get the Frank Loesser musical treatment in the classic “Guys and Dolls:A Musical Fable of Broadway.” Streetwise gamble Sky Masterson falls for missionary SarahBrown and the action goes from

underground crap games in New York to Havana, Cuba, and back. Filled with songs like thetitle number,“Luck Be aLady,” and “Sit Down You’re Rockin’ the Boat,” the classic comedy takesto the stage in March.

In April, “God of Carnage” takes a look at playground squabbles between a pair of 11-year-olds that spills over onto the adultswho seek to calm the waters. The show won toptheater honors on both sides of the Atlantic.

Eight Tony Awards werethe totalhaul when “Once” opened on Broadway and local audiences get achance to enjoy in June. The story of an Irish musician and aCzech immigrant who fall in love over aweek, the showisfilled with music and emotion.

Visit lepetittheatre.com.

‘Wrestle with bigideas’

NOLA Project’sTenaj Wallace notes the season has been “curated and invites us to wrestle with big ideas about who we are” and the company seems destined to fulfill that concept.

“Frankenstein” will getput together in aworld premiere of Pete McElligott’s newest monster show (“Dracula”) in October at the Station at Lafitte Greenway.The outdoor adventure promises “chemistry,electricity and shouting.”

Aspin on Shakespeare, “Fat Ham” will be aco-production with Dillard University.“Hamlet” gets remixed to a barbecue in this Pulitzer Prize-winning show that has the ghost of Juicy’sdad urging his son to avenge his death. The show will be held at Dillard’sCook The-

FILE PHOTO

Victor Andrews

stages stages stages

ater in January.

The company returns to the greenway in May for “Medea,” the ancient Greek story of the title character’s quest for vengeance after husband Jason decides to leave her The show will run in May.

The company will also stage “A Lesson Before Dying,” based on Ernest J. Gaines’ novel about an innocent Louisiana man condemned to death in 1940s. The show will be produced in schools with limited public performances.

Check out information on the company and the return of the “backstage pass” at nolaproject.com.

A living legacy

Tennessee Williams’ stories and staging remain vibrant to today and the Tennessee Williams Theatre Company takes a look at a second of “Second Chances,” which will start in 2026 and rekindle some of the 2015-16 shows.

“Small Craft Warnings,” set in a California bar, opens the season in March at Loyola University.

Sometimes noted as one of Williams’

rare “hopeful” plays, “The Rose Tattoo” looks at widow Serafina and her struggle to move on. It is planned for next July.

“Something Cloudy, Something Clear” examines a writer who needs a hit and must decide if he can make the people in his life characters in his work? The show is planned for September 2026.

The company’s “Lagniappe Season” will include a trio of show, including two world premieres: “Moise and the World of Reason,” adapted from Williams’ last novel, and “Tennessee Williams Abridged,” a 90-minute smashup of some of the writers iconic characters. Local drag diva Debbie with a D will provide an encore edition of the “Tennessee With the Tea,” a look at seven works reimagined and lip-synced.

For more on the company and season (plus current shows), visit twtheatrenola.com.

In production

“ANNIE”: 7:30 p.m. Thursday to Saturday, 1 p.m. Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday;

Rivertown Theaters for the Performing Arts, 325 Minor St., Kenner. The comic strip about an orphan adopted by a mega-rich bachelor during the height of the Depression is filled with familiar staples like “Tomorrow,” “It’s the HardKnock Life” and “You’re Never Fully Dressed Without A Smile.” Tickets start at $41. rivertowntheaters.com.

“CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF”: 7:30 p.m. Thursdays to Saturdays and 3 p.m. Sundays through July 27; Marquette Theater, Loyola University, 6363 St Charles Ave. The Tennessee Williams Theatre Company’s version of the classic set on a prosperous plantation in the Mississippi Delta populated by Big Daddy and Big Mama Pollitt with trouble brewing as the wonderfully wretched family (sons Brick and Gooper and their wives Maggie and Mae), keeping secrets and circling like vultures, celebrates his birthday and “successful” medical tests. Tickets start at $40. twtheatrenola.com.

“A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM”: 7:30 p.m. Thursdays to Saturdays, 1:30 p.m. Sundays through July 27; New Orleans

Shakespeare Festival, Lupin Theater, Dixon Hall Annex, 69 Newcomb Circle, Tulane University Audiences have enjoyed the humor, mischief and midsummer mayhem of the work for more than 430 years, but director Graham Burk promises a “du jour” telling of the classic tales that features an evening spent in the enchanted woods which are the home of mischievous fairies, rehearsing thespians and couples in love. Tickets start at $40. neworleansshakespeare.org.

“SOMETHING ROTTEN”: 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays through July 27; Playmakers Theater, 19106 Playmakers Road, Covington. The Bottom brothers fasten on the idea of crafting a “musical” with singing and dancing as a way to combat the Shakespeare’s popularity in 1590s England. What follows is hilarity and some “slightly risqué” scenes. Tickets start at $15. Visit playmakersinc.com.

Email Victor Andrews at vandrews@ theadvocate.com.

art art art

‘Capturing culture’ behind the history...

N.O. African American Museum’s new permanent exhibit by digital artist envisions journey of the Mardi Gras Indian

BY DAVE WALKER

Contributing writer

A London-based digital artist of Jamaican heritage, Vince Fraser calls his work Afro-surrealism. Combining images and video with artificial intelligence editing tools, he creates kinetic animated artwork that links his subjects to themes of identity and history in the context of the African diaspora and its impact on the present.

A new permanent exhibition at the New Orleans African American Museum in Treme applies that process to the deeply New Orleans practice of Black Masking (or Mardi Gras) Indians.

In addition to individual pieces, “Ancestral Odyssey” features immersive environments that address the Indians theme. Fraser’s Instagram posts (@vincefraser) best demonstrate the shape-shifting portraits he’s created from already-dynamic Indian faces and full-body figures.

Gia Hamilton, the museum’s executive director and chief curator, saw a Miami installation of Fraser’s work and was struck by its possibilities in a New Orleans context.

PROVIDED PHOTO By PETER G. FOREST

Artist Vince Fraser, who says he prefers to be photographed in a mask, and New Orleans African American Museum Director Gia Hamilton attend the opening night for ‘Ancestral Odyssey’ on June 19.

“It was the first time that I had really encountered anything related to digital that actually felt like it elicited deep emotion in me,” she said. “And that was pretty profound for me, to have an emotional response. I was kind of captivated

by the work and then became a little bit obsessed with Vince.

“Later, I followed him on Instagram and then reached out to him to ask him if he would be willing to do a project with this little, small museum that was reopened in New Orleans. So, it was really kind of a bold request, but he was so generous in his response.”

‘Pulled into their journey’

The collaboration proceeded with Hamilton introducing Fraser to members of the Masking Indian community

“I was pulled into their journey, as if some invisible hand guided me to follow them,” Fraser writes in wall text, describing an encounter with Mardi Gras Indians on the street.

“We were no longer in New Orleans but in a surreal African mythological realm, a place beyond time. And as I watched, I saw that these figures were not simply giants of the past; they were messengers,” he said

In an interview, he added: “I just kind of got fixated on the artistry which goes behind making these costumes. It was so intricate, so I just felt like it was an ideal opportunity for me as an artist to capture that in my work.”

The process

“For this particular project, it was going out and capturing video and then obviously working with that and using AI technology, which I’ve been using for the past probably five

years,” Fraser said.

“It’s basically me reimagining these traditions through creating these African surreal mythological characters using AI technology So, it’s me creating how I see them in a surreal way but at the same time capturing the essence of the history behind the culture.

“Because of the way I work and the tools which I use, it’s basically art and technology combined, so it’s very current. Even if you’re a small kid or a grandmom, everyone can kind of relate to it.”

Hamilton also sees the artwork’s potential for cross-generation appeal, an important part of the museum’s mission.

“Our younger generation in particular

New Orleans African American Museum

1417 Gov. Nicholls St., New Orleans

11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Thursday through Sunday

artificial intelligence technology to meet the deeply New Orleans practice of Black Masking Indians.

G.

really constantly needs to have that bridge between the past, the present and the future,” she said. “And I think ‘Ancestral Odyssey’ does that so well. It’s this really poignant moment for us.”

The museum and the community

The museum has struggled to stay viable since its 1998 opening to highlight local African American history and serve as a cultural anchor for its historic neighborhood. Its latest revival came in 2019.

“We value artmaking, we value storytelling, we value the multiplicity and complexity of stories,” Hamilton said. “In essence, I think we’re seeking to humanize the Black experience, to celebrate and to complicate it in

some sense.

“Many of the subjects we deal with are complicated, and the Black Mask-

ing Indian tradition is one of them. They’ve gone through many different stages of evolution and how they relate to one another, how they relate to the practice — even what they choose to call themselves.

“All of these aspects of the culture have shifted and changed and yet there’s this core component that remains intact.

“We were intentional about introducing Vince to people and making sure to do site visits and connecting him to the community so that this was not simply an outsider view sort of looking in.”

Dave Walker gets behind-the-scenes of the region’s many museums. His website is themuseumgoer.com.

Digital artist Vince Fraser uses

PROVIDED PHOTO By PETER

FOREST ‘ANCESTRAL ODYSSEY’

STAFF FILE PHOTO By MATTHEW PERSCHALL People visit the New Orleans African American Museum.

ARTBEAT In this series, Lagniappe presents works from the collection of the New Orleans MuseumofArt with commentary from acurator

Museum of Art, a curator

Sibylle Peretti’s

‘Diluvial Land,’ 2025, at the New Orleans Museum of Art

PROVIDED PHOTO

Glasslandscape painting layered with glimpses of resilience,climate

BY MEL BUCHANAN

Contributing writer

Sibylle Peretti has beencelebratedaround the world for opalescent glass vignettesof plantand animal life mixed with something magical. Working andliving in New Orleans since1996, the artist recently made abody of work that celebratesthis city’sresiliency

The2025 work “Diluvial Land,” acquired into thepermanentcollection of the NewOrleansMuseum of Art, has Peretti’s signature layered glass spin on traditional landscape paintings.

Her“diluvial,” or related toa

flood, landscapeshows theNew Orleans skyline as seen from Old Algiers along the Mississippi River. Theview is familiar,if overgrown, but when you look closely,you recognize that this transformedworld has somethingotherworldly.

In the absenceofhumans, along the rocky river shore hawks andweedsintermingle with strands of Carnival beads, remnants of adecadent Mardi Gras season.

In this lustrous work, Peretti contemplates the precarious balance wherewildnessmeets civilization. Her glass finds beautyinthisencounter but alsoserves as awarning about

thefragilityofour ecosystem

She reflects: “The resilience of New Orleansand other vulnerable urban landscapes in the face of human expansion and climatechange was the guiding theme of this work. Iimagine a post-flood world where animals and plantshybridize, using human artifacts to build astronger,more resilient world.”

“Diluvial Land” is on view in NOMA’s Elise M. Besthoff Gallery in thesecond-floor decorativeartsgalleries.

Mel Buchanan is RosaMary curator of decorative arts and designatthe NewOrleans Museum of Art.

music music music

Paul McCartney’s ‘Got Back Tour’set for NewOrleans in October

BY KEITHSPERA Staff writer

Sir Paul McCartney has along history with New Orleans, and he’sabout to add another chapter.

The former Beatle is slated to perform Oct. 29 at the Smoothie King Center as part of his “Got BackTour.”

Ticketsare on sale to the general public starting at 10 a.m. Friday.

The VIP packages can include selectreservedseat tickets, access to McCartney’ssoundcheck—which are often an hour long and include songs he doesn’tperform during the actual concert —preshow hospitality,custom merchandise and more.

The newly announced North American leg of the “Get Back Tour”spans 19 shows in amix of arenas andstadiums.

McCartney,83, last performed in NewOrleans on May 23, 2019, at the Smoothie King Center,where he spent two hours and45minutes showcasing astaggering 38 songs from one of popular music’s greatest catalogs.

But he’s been back to the city since then. He and Elton John bothslipped into town in March 2024 to film cameos for the upcoming sequel to the rock mockumentary “This Is Spinal Tap.”

His first show in NewOrleans was Sept. 16, 1964, when the Beatles headlined what was then calledCity Park Stadium.

He returned in early 1975 to record much of the Wings album “Venus and Mars” at Allen Toussaint’sSea-Saint Studiosinthe Gentilly neighborhood. He and wife Linda McCartney were in town for Mardi Gras thatyearand costumed as clowns.

He headlined the Superdome on April 24,1993. Nine years later, he returned for ashow at what wasthencalled the New Orleans Arena.

And he returned to that same venue, rechristened the Smoothie King Center,onOct. 11, 2014.

Paul McCartney performs at the Smoothie King Center on May23, 2019.

PHOTO By MICHAEL DEMOCKER

music music music

LITTLE FREDDIEKING’S 85TH BIRTHDAY BASH

SATURDAY,BJ’S LOUNGE

The Little Freddie King storyisthe stuff of blues legend. Born Fread Eugene Martin in McComb, Mississippi, in 1940, he hopped afreight trainto New Orleans at age 14. Hedevelopeda style of blues guitarthatdrewfrom the sound of the Mississippi Delta,chronicling the up-and-down drama of his life in song.For years,heworked various jobs while making music in rough-andtumble clubs at night. He playedthe very first New Orleans Jazz &Heritage Festival, staged in Congo Square in 1970 and has been afixture eversince. He’shad hisshare ofrough surprises, such as abrutal 2017 bicycle accident, and good ones, suchasinvitations to appear in Beyonce’s“Lemonade” video and the movie “Queen &Slim.” Thirty-two years ago, he met drummer “Wacko” Wade Wright. They’ve worked together ever since.Wrightmanages King and releases his music through his MadeWright Records. King’salbums are rollicking affairsthatdocument the energyand groove ofthe band’slive show; the latest is “I Use To Be Down.” King will mark his milestone 85th birthday on Saturdayatafavorite venue —the roadhouse-likeBJ’sLounge, 4301 Burgundy St., in the Bywater neighborhood. Showtime is 9p.m.

The week’soptions for livemusic in New Orleans include amilestonebirthday for alocal blueslegend and atwo-night standfrom amodern jazz saxophonist.

Email Keith Spera at kspera@theadvocate.com.

OTHERNOTEWORTHYSHOWS

THURSDAY

New Orleansjazzpianist Shea Pierre leads atrio at Snug Harbor Jazz BistroonFrenchmen Street at 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. ($30). Geno Delafose &French Rockin’ Boogie are featured for theweekly Zydeco Night at Rock ’N’ Bowl ($15).

FRIDAY

Renowned jazz saxophonist, clarinetist,composer and educator Victor Goines has worked withWynton Marsalis and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra for more than three decades now,along with other modern jazzheavyweights and his own ensembles. Goines kicks off thefirst of two consecutive nights at Snug Harbor,with showsat 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. ($40).

This week’sinstallment of the summerlong “Free Fridays” nocover concert seriesatTipitina’s should be afun one. Flow Tribe,the airtight New Orleansparty-funk band, headlines the bill. Up first at 9p.m. is LeTrainiump,the young pop-soul singer from Mamou who landed in New Orleansseveral years ago. At theCongo Square Stage during the 2025 Jazz Fest, LeTrainiump and his rock-solid band cruised through Player’s 1977 soft-rock hit “Baby Come Back”with aplomb, until it dissolved in afinal squall of guitar and ascream. His original songs were just as well-constructed and played to theinherent strengths in his voice.

Blues guitarist Little Freddie King plugs in at d.b.a. on Frenchmen Street for an early set.

Much of local singer-songwriter Paul Sanchez’s attire seems to be black,soit’sonly fittingthat he play ashow consisting of songs by John-

“National Pleasure Tour.” Advance tickets start at $27.50 plus fees. Piano players rarely play together,but they will on Sunday when David Torkanowsky and Seth Finch team up at Snug Harbor at 7:30 p.m.and 9:30 p.m.($20).

TUESDAY

ny Cash, aka the Man In Black. At Chickie WahWah, Sanchez will be joined in that endeavor by Jonathan Pretus,Andre Bohren and Dave Pomerleau Advance tickets are $18 plus fees.

SATURDAY

The Low End TheoryPlayers,a local all-star ensemble anchoredby drummer Derrick “Smoker” Freeman,presentsone of itsoccasional tributes to Atlanta hip-hop duo OutKast at Tipitina’s. Advance tickets are $18 plus fees.

The Mixed Nuts stage atribute to the music of the 1990s at Rock ’N’ Bowl ($15).

Join Sunpie &The Louisiana Sunspots and JefferyBroussard &The Nightime Syndicate for “A Summer Zydeco Evening” at Chickie WahWah starting at 8:30 p.m. Advance tickets are $20 plus fees.

Jazz saxophonist Victor Goines is back at Snug Harbor at 7:30 p.m.and 9:30 p.m. ($40).

SUNDAY

Indie rock band Broncho hits Tipitina’sas part of the

Honduran-born, New Orleansbased pianist Oscar Rossignoli draws on classical, jazz and Latin music influences as he backs the likes of John Boutté, Jason Marsalis, Gladney,Amina Scott and Yusa. At 7:30 p.m.and 9:30 p.m., he’ll play solo piano showsatSnug Harbor ($20).

Chickie WahWah presents Mates Of State forthe local stop of the duo’s “Somewhere Tour”; Toth opens the show.Advance tickets are $22 plus fees.

WEDNESDAY

After afree 5p.m. set by jazz guitarist Brian Seeger,Snug Harbor hosts the Uptown Jazz Orchestra,fronted by trumpeter AndrewBaham,at7:30 p.m and 9:30 p.m.($45).

Keith Spera SOUND CHECK

Little Freddie King

Paul Sanchez

LeTrainiump

music music music

Recitals, competitions, master classes set for weeklong N.O. Piano Festival

BY DEAN M. SHAPIRO Contributing writer

New Orleans music lovers will have the opportunity to hear talented classical pianists in concert beginning Sunday, when the Musical Arts Society of New Orleans presents the 25th annual New Orleans Piano Institute and the 42nd Keyboard Festival. With competitions, recitals and master classes, the event is a feast for fans of the piano, and many of the events are free.

The New Orleans Piano Institute, directed by Igor Resnianski and Hristo Birbochukov, is an international, award-winning, intensive solo performance program for advanced and intermediate college, high school and junior high school pianists.

After receiving private lessons from distinguished faculty and performing in master classes, participants in the institute may choose to compete in a solo competition for prizes totaling $1,950, as well as a concerto competition sponsored by The Steinway Society of New Orleans for a cash prize of $500 and the opportunity to perform with the New Orleans Civic Symphony during the 2025-26 season.

This year’s guest artist is the 2024 international piano competition Gold Medalist, Zhu Yang, who will open the festival with a guest artist recital on Sunday in Loyola University’s Roussel Performance Hall. His program, a ticketed event, will feature works by Mozart, Schumann, Bartok, Strauss and Stravinsky. He will also be hosting a master class, as well as serving as a juror for the institute solo and concerto competitions.

‘An incredible atmosphere’

“We are delighted again to welcome these wonderful young pianists from New Orleans and around the globe to our annual piano institute and keyboard festival,” said Cara Woolf, MASNO’s executive and artistic director.

“Being in its 25th year, the New Orleans Piano Institute provides such an incredible atmosphere for these young pianists as they are developing, not only their pianistic skills and talents, but also advancing their networks for higher education and even future career opportunities,” Woolf said. “In the context of such a supportive environment, they benefit greatly from making lasting connections and friendships with our renowned faculty, as well as with their peers.

“Many of them return year after year as they’ve found our institute to be an integral part of their education and a haven for their development.”

In the days following the opening recital, Monday through July 26, there will be a series of six master classes that are free and open to the public. On Monday and Tuesday are two rounds of solo competitions in two divisions, with the announcement of the 2025 winners after the second round on Tuesday.

On July 24, the NOPI concerto competition will be held with the winners announced at the end of the competi-

25TH ANNUAL NEW ORLEANS PIANO INSTITUTE AND THE 42ND KEYBOARD FESTIVAL

WHEN: Sunday through July 26

Students from the New Orleans Piano Institute take part in a past Keyboard Festival.

PROVIDED PHOTO

WHERE: Loyola University, 6363 St Charles Ave.

TICKETS: Opening day recital, $35.All other events are free and open to the public.

INFO: masno.org

Schedule

Sunday

4:30 P.M.: Zhu Wang is the guest artist, Roussel Hall

Monday

1 P.M.: Master Class I, Room 240, Music/ Communications Building

3:30 P.M.: Solo Competition Division I semifinal, Roussel Hall

7:30 P.M.: Solo Competition Division II semifinal, Roussel Hall

Tuesday

1 P.M.: Master Class II, Room 240, Music/Communications Building

3:30 P.M.: Solo Competition Division I semifinal, Roussel Hall

7:30 P.M.: Solo Competition Division II semifinal, Roussel Hall

tion. Two showcase recitals will be held in Roussel Hall on the festival’s final day All competition rounds and the showcase recitals are also free.

Birbochukov, an artist-teacher and chair of the Classical Instrumental Department at the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts, as well as a music faculty member at the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, said: “It’s been a joy and a rewarding experience to be part of the New Orleans Piano Institute since 2020. NOPI continues to bring together students, teachers, and the public through a shared love of music and a deep commitment to artistic growth.

“Our mission is to nurture the next generation of outstanding performers while fostering engaged, supportive, and knowledgeable audiences. Hosting an international-level summer piano academy and festival right here in New Orleans is a true gift to our city and region, and it aligns beautifully with MASNO’s broader vision of establishing New Orleans as a vibrant center for the musical arts.”

*Announcement of the 2025 NOPI Solo Competition winners

Wednesday

10:45 A.M.: Master Class III, Room 240, Music/Communications Building

3:45 P.M.: Master Class IV, Room 240, Music/Communications Building

Thursday

9 A.M.: Concerto Competition, Roussel Hall

*Announcement of the 2025 NOPI Concerto Competition winners

3:15 P.M.: Master Class V, Room 240, Music/Communications Building

Friday

10:45 A.M.: Meet the Faculty, Q&A session with NOPI faculty

3:15 P.M.: Master Class VI, Room 240, Music/Communications Building

Saturday

10:30 A.M.: Showcase Recital I, Roussel Hall

1:30 P.M.: Showcase Recital II, Roussel Hall

Child’s singular view offers truth of a volatile time

BY KATIE WALSH Tribune News Service (TNS)

Review

It’s 1980 in Zimbabwe, formerly known as Rhodesia, and a war rages, while a high-stakes election could change this country forever For 7-year-old Bobo (Lexi Venter), life continues on at her White English family’s rural farm, where she’s grown accustomed to their military escorts for trips to town, and that she’s not allowed in her parents’ bedroom at night, lest they mistake her for a “terrorist” and shoot her

call for a free-spirited young girl, untrained in acting.

Capturing a feral girlhood

Davidtz has captured something like lightning in a bottle with Venter’s performance of pure, feral girlhood. As Bobo, she is a whirling dervish, entirely unencumbered by self-consciousness on screen thanks to Davidtz’s canny direction.

She chokes on ice, and picks a wedgie. She asks inappropriate questions and is perfectly confident roaming the sprawling family farm, on horseback or motorbike, always barefoot

‘DON’T LET’S GO TO THE DOGS TONIGHT’

HHHH

STARRING: Embeth

Davidtz, Lexi Venter, Zikhona Bali

DIRECTOR: Embeth

Davidtz

MPA RATING: R

(for violent/bloody images, language, sexual assault, and some underage smoking/drinking)

RUNNING TIME: 1:38

HOW TO WATCH: In theaters

Through the eyes of a child, the most complex conflicts can be reduced to their core truths, lyrically expressed in “Don’t Let’s Go to the Dogs Tonight,” the directorial debut of acclaimed American-South African actress Embeth Davidtz, who also adapted the source material, a 2001 memoir by British-Zimbabwean writer Alexandra Fuller. Davidtz pulls triple duty, co-starring as Bobo’s mother, Nicola. Bobo invites us into her world via matter-offact narration, explaining things how she sees it: colonialism, war, race and African culture out of the mouths of babes. From this perspective, the heated politics and civil unrest of this time are tempered, though not softened, as she tries to make sense of the world around her, simplifying and flattening into binaries; this or that. “Are we African or English?” “Are we racist? I heard it on the radio.”

Our lens into this world, Bobo is the planet around which “Don’t Let’s Go to the Dogs Tonight” revolves, embodied with wild abandon by Venter, whom Davidtz found when she put out a

She may be often dirty and unkempt, but she composes herself with proper English manners when necessary She is simultaneously innocent and knowing.

Davidtz carefully stitches together the performance through editing and voice-over, maintaining Venter’s authentic spirit Bobo switches from know-it-all explanations to whispered incantations, superstitious wishes from a child.

“If you love me you’ll turn around,” she whispers at the sight of her father’s (Rob van Vuuren) retreating back, as he heads off for a military tour (though the details are never quite clear — Bobo is lightly neglected by her parents).

The one person who does pay attention to her is Sarah (Zikhona Bali), one of their African servants. She is tender, loving and playful, telling her stories of African mythology. Bobo’s own mother drinks late into the night and frequently passes out in a silky negligee, clutching a machine gun.

Haughty ways, hardscrabble life

“Don’t Let’s Go to the Dogs Tonight” captures the complex dynamics of being a White minority, a strange social, cultural and political place to inhabit. Bobo feels African because this is her home, what she knows best. She loves Sarah and embraces her culture But she also apes her own mother’s haughty, entitled “lady of the manor” ways. Nicola’s behavior is only made more ridiculous by their hardscrabble and dangerous existence in the bush — they’re certainly not living a life of luxury.

Davidtz, who directs the film with

striking beauty and a visceral immediacy, is also gripping in her performance as Nicola, battling alcoholism and grief. As filmmaker, Davidtz parcels out

Lexi Venter stars as 7-year-old Bobo Fuller in ‘Don’t Let’s Go to the Dogs Tonight.’

information about the family’s past trauma like a repressed memory stubbornly surfacing, bobbing to the top of their consciousness.

TNS PHOTO By SONy PICTURES CLASSICS