The Advocate 08-08-2025

BACK TO THE CLASSROOM

Students report for first day of school across the region

BY CHARLES LUSSIER Staff writer

A long line of cars filled with children clad in navy blue and burgundy backed up Thursday morning onto Progress Road. It was the start of the 2025-26 school year for schools in Baton Rouge and throughout most of the region.

“They like to bring them to school on the first day,” Progress Elementary Principal Shanelle Fernandez said. “We’ll get everybody home on the bus this afternoon.”

It was a longer car pool line than normal for an-

other reason: Progress Elementary is bigger The modern campus, rebuilt in 2013, is the same size, but its enrollment has grown substantially thanks to the closure last year of two other nearby elementary schools They are among nine Baton Rouge public schools that were closed as part of a “realignment” plan approved in late April by the East Baton Rouge Parish School Board. For the Scotlandville area, which Progress has served since it opened in 1959, the realignment plan

Elmer Chocolate sold to Florida company

La. candymaker known for Gold Brick and Heavenly Hash eggs

BY STEPHANIE RIEGEL Staff writer

Elmer Chocolate, the Louisiana candymaker best known for its seasonal boxed chocolates and Gold Brick and Heavenly Hash eggs, has been sold to a family-owned conglomerate based in Florida, ending local ownership of the Ponchatoula manufacturer after nearly two centuries.

Hoffman Family of Companies, which describes itself as a “family equity” firm that operates 120 different companies and brands, including hotels, wineries, airlines and newspapers, declined to disclose what it paid for Elmer which has estimated annual revenues of around $100 million.

But Hoffman co-CEO Geoff Hoffman said his firm’s investment philosophy is to buy strong local brands and help them expand while keeping existing management and employees in place.

“This is a pure expansion and growth play for us, so no local job cuts, no local losses,” said Hoffman, who shares the CEO title with his brother, Greg Hoffman. “If there were a need for reductions, this wouldn’t be a company we wanted to invest in.”

Elmer Chocolate, which first began producing candy in New Orleans before the Civil War, now sells some 40 million heart-shaped boxes of chocolate every year Longtime Elmer CEO Rob Nelson, whose family has owned the company since the early 1960s, said he and his brother, Michael Nelson, will remain in their roles as CEO and president, respectively, and that the investment from the Hoffman acquisition will enable Elmer’s to grow beyond Valentine’s

Under new La. SNAP rules, soda and candy bars banned

BY EMILY WOODRUFF Staff writer

Louisiana’s new SNAP rules will ban soda, candy and energy drinks starting in 2026, and there are specific definitions of what that means for shoppers. Candy bars are off-limits, but

families can still buy chocolate chips. Energy drinks are not allowed, but Gatorade is, as long as it’s full sugar and not the artificially sweetened version. The rules apply to all of the roughly 850,000 SNAP recipients in the state. The goal, according to Gov Jeff Landry’s administration, is to

improve health outcomes and reduce the state’s Medicaid costs by limiting access to foods linked to chronic diseases like diabetes and obesity

“This is about getting Louisiana healthy again, which is in coordination with the president’s effort to make America healthy again,”

Landry said on a recent podcast recorded at Prejean’s Restaurant in Broussard.

“Snickers is not for lunch.”

According to the federal waiver, Louisiana will prohibit SNAP purchases of soft drinks, which is defined as “any carbonated nonal-

coholic beverage containing high fructose corn syrup or artificial sweeteners.” Excluded are “flavored carbonated water,” drinks, those “that contain milk or milk products, soy, rice, or similar milk substitutes,” and beverages with “equal to or greater than 50% of vegetable or fruit juice by volume.” That means

STAFF PHOTOS By JAVIER GALLEGOS

Southern University volunteers Tianna McDonald, left, and Dajonae Pinto, right, help students Ramona Taylor and Alex Dantzler pack supplies into their backpacks Thursday during the first day of school at Progress Elementary.

Landry

Helicopter strikes power lines, crashes; 2 killed

Two people working on power lines near the Mississippi River died Thursday when their helicopter hit the lines, crashed into a barge and sparked a fire that belched plumes of black smoke, officials said.

The helicopter crew was near East Alton, Illinois, about 20 miles north of St. Louis, when it careened into the barge on the Missouri side of the river. Authorities said no other injuries were reported. Adam Briggs was on the opposite shore when it all happened and filmed the crash scene.

“The helicopter was just working on these power lines, it hit the power line, blew up,” he said in the video as flames flashed through the rolling smoke.

“There was a pilot, there was a worker, the helicopter blew up and fell and crashed in that barge and it’s exploding right now.”

“They’re dead They have to be dead,” said Briggs in shock

A spokesperson for the power company Ameren said a contractor and its subcontractor had been repairing and replacing tower lighting and marker balls on lines.

U.S. doubles reward for Maduro’s arrest

MIAMI The Trump administration is doubling to $50 million a reward for the arrest of Venezuela’s President Nicolás Maduro accusing him of being one of the world’s largest narco-traffickers and working with cartels to flood the U.S. with fentanyl-laced cocaine.

Maduro was indicted in Manhattan federal court in 2020, during the first Trump presidency, along with several close allies on federal charges of narco-terrorism and conspiracy to import cocaine. At the time, the U.S offered a $15 million reward for his arrest That was later raised by the Biden administration to $25 million — the same amount the U.S. offered for the capture of Osama bin Laden following the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks.

Despite the big bounty, Maduro remains entrenched after defying the U.S., the European Union and several Latin American governments who condemned his 2024 reelection as a sham and recognized his opponent as Venezuela’s duly elected president.

Royal Mail stamps celebrate Monty Python

LONDON And now for something completely different: Britain’s Royal Mail has issued stamps celebrating the absurdist comedy of Monty Python. The 10-stamp series announced on Thursday celebrates some of the troupe’s most iconic characters and catchphrases, from “Nudge, nudge” to “The Lumberjack Song.”

Six stamps depict scenes from the sketch-comedy 1969-74 TV series “Monty Python’s Flying Circus,” including “The Spanish Inquisition,” “The Ministry of Silly Walks,” “Dead Parrot” and “The Nude Organist.”

Another four mark the 50th anniversary of the cult classic 1975 film “Monty Python and the Holy Grail,” including one showing the limb-losing Black Knight insisting, “’Tis but a scratch.”

FBI forces out more officials

Ex-director who fought demand for Jan. 6 agents’ names among those fired

BY ERIC TUCKER Associated Press

WASHINGTON The FBI is forcing out more senior officials, including a former acting director who resisted Trump administration demands to turn over the names of agents who participated in Jan. 6 Capitol riot investigations and the head of the bureau’s Washington field office, according to people familiar with the matter and internal communications seen by The Associated Press.

The basis for the ouster of Brian Driscoll, who led the bureau in the turbulent weeks after President Donald Trump’s inauguration in January, were not immediately clear but Driscoll’s final day at

the FBI is Friday, said the people, who were not authorized to discuss the personnel move by name and spoke to the AP on the condition of anonymity

“I understand that you may have a lot of questions regarding why, for which I have no answers,” Driscoll wrote in a message to colleagues. “No cause has been articulated at this time.”

Another high-profile termination is Steven Jensen, who for months had been the assistant director in charge of the Washington field office, one of the bureau’s largest and busiest. He confirmed in a message to colleagues Thursday he had been told he was being fired effective Friday “I intend to meet this challenge like any other I have faced in this organization, with professionalism, integrity and dignity,” Jensen wrote in an email.

Jensen did not say whether he had been given a reason, but his appointment to the job in April was sharply criticized by some Trump

supporters because he had overseen a domestic terrorism section after the 2021 riot at the Capitol.

The FBI has characterized that attack, in which the Republican president’s supporters stormed the Capitol in a bid to halt the certification of election results after he lost to Democrat Joe Biden, as an act of domestic terrorism.

Spokespeople for the FBI declined to comment Thursday

The news about Driscoll and Jensen comes amid a much broader personnel purge that has unfolded over the last several months under the leadership of FBI Director Kash Patel and his deputy, Dan Bongino.

Numerous senior officials including top agents in charge of big-city field offices have been pushed out of their jobs, and some agents have been subjected to polygraph exams, moves that former officials say have roiled the workforce and contributed to angst.

Driscoll was named acting director in January to replace Christopher Wray and served in the po-

Italy OKs $15.5B project for connection to Sicily

It will be world’s longest suspension bridge

BY COLLEEN BARRY Associated Press

MILAN Italy cleared the way Wednesday to build the world’s largest suspension bridge linking the Italian mainland with Sicily in a massive $15.5 billion infrastructure project that has been long delayed by debates over its scale, earthquake threats, environmental impact and the specter of mafia interference.

The Strait of Messina Bridge will be “the biggest infrastructure project in the West,” Transport Minister Matteo Salvini told a news conference in Rome, after an interministerial committee with oversight of strategic public investments approved the project

Preliminary work could begin between late September and early October, once Italy’s court of audit signs off, with construction expected to start next year Despite bureaucratic delays, the bridge is expected to be completed in 2032-33, Salvini said.

The Strait of Messina Bridge has been approved and canceled multiple times since the Italian government first solicited proposals in 1969 Premier Giorgia Meloni’s administration revived the project in 2023, and this marks the furthest stage the ambitious project— first envisioned by the Romans — has ever reached

The Strait of Messina Bridge would measure nearly 2.2 miles, with the suspended span reaching more than 2 miles, surpassing Turkey’s Canakkale Bridge, currently the longest, by 4,189 feet.

With three car lanes in each direction flanked by a double-track railway, the bridge would have the capacity to carry 6,000 cars an hour and 200 trains a day — reducing the time to cross the strait by ferry from up to 100 minutes to 10 minutes by car

The project could provide a boost to Italy’s commitment to raise defense spending to 5% of GDP targeted by NATO, as the government has indicated it would classify the bridge as defense-related, helping it to meet a 1.5% security component. Italy argues that the bridge would form a strategic corridor for rapid troop movements and equipment deployment to NATO’s southern flanks, qualifying it as a “security-enhancing infrastructure.”

Environmental groups have lodged complaints with the EU, citing concerns that the project will impact migratory birds, noting that environmental studies had not demonstrated that the project is a public imperative and that any environmental damage would be offset.

The original government decree reactivating the bridge project included language giving the Interior Ministry control over anti-mafia measures. But Italy’s president insisted that the project remain subject to anti-mafia legislation that applies to all large-scale infrastructure projects in Italy

Trump moves to shut down missions that measure CO2 and plant health

BY TAMMY WEBBER Associated Press

The Trump administration is moving to shut down two NASA missions that monitor a potent greenhouse gas and plant health, potentially shutting off an important source of data for scientists, policymakers and farmers.

President Donald Trump’s budget request for fiscal year 2026 includes no money for the Orbiting Carbon Observatories, which can precisely show where carbon dioxide is being emitted and absorbed and how well crops are growing.

NASA said in an emailed statement Wednesday that the missions were “beyond their prime mission” and being terminated “to align with the President’s agenda and budget priorities.” But the missions — a free-flying satel-

lite launched in 2014 and an instrument attached to the International Space Station in 2019 that include technology used in the Hubble Space Telescope — still are more sensitive and accurate than any other systems in the world, operating or planned, and a “national asset” that should be saved, said David Crisp, a retired NASA scientist who led their development.

They helped scientists discover, for example, that the Amazon rain forest emits more carbon dioxide than it absorbs, while boreal forests in Canada, Russia and places where permafrost is melting absorb more than they emit, Crisp said.

They also can detect the “glow” of photosynthesis in plants, which helps monitor drought and predict food shortages that can lead to civil unrest and famine, he said.

sition as Patel’s nomination was pending.

Driscoll made headlines after he and Robert Kissane, the thendeputy director, resisted Trump administration demands for a list of agents who participated in investigations into the Jan. 6 riot. Many within the FBI had seen that request as a precursor for mass firings, particularly in light of separate moves to fire members of special counsel Jack Smith’s team that prosecuted Trump, reassign senior career Justice Department officials and force out prosecutors on Jan. 6 cases and top FBI executives.

The FBI has moved to aggressively demote, reassign or push out agents seen as being out of favor with bureau leadership or the Trump administration.

In April, the bureau reassigned several agents who were photographed kneeling during a racial justice protest in Washington that followed the 2020 death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police officers.

Air Force to deny early retirement to trans members

BY KONSTANTIN TOROPIN Associated Press

WASHINGTON The U.S. Air Force said Thursday it would deny all transgender service members who have served between 15 and 18 years the option to retire early and would instead separate them without retirement benefits.

The move means they will be faced with either taking a lump-sum separation payment offered to junior troops or being removed from the service.

An Air Force spokesperson told The Associated Press that “although service members with 15 to 18 years of honorable service were permitted to apply for an exception to policy, none of the exceptions to policy were approved.”

About a dozen service members had been “prematurely notified” that they would be able to retire before that decision was reversed, according to the spokesperson who

spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss internal Air Force policy All transgender members of the Air Force are being separated from the service under the Trump administration’s policies. The move comes after the Pentagon was given permission in early May by the Supreme Court to move forward with a ban on all transgender troops serving in the military Days later, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced a policy that would offer currently openly serving transgender troops the option to either volunteer to leave and take a large, one-time separation payout or be involuntarily separated. In late July, transgender troops told Military.com that they were finding the entire separation process, which has included reverting their service records back to their birth gender, “dehumanizing” or “open cruelty.”

IMAGE PROVIDED By WEBUILD/EUROLINK IMAGE LIBRARy

rendering shows a bridge linking the Italian mainland with

PHOTO PROVIDED By ADAM BRIGGS Smoke fills the air from a barge after a helicopter crash in the Mississippi River on Thursday.

IMAGE PROVIDED By ROyAL MAIL Royal Mail has issued a stamp for the anniversary of ‘Monty Python and the Holy Grail.

Putinsayshehopes to meet with Trump

BY DASHA LITVINOVA,BARRY HATTON and MICHELLE PRICE Associated Press

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Thursday he hopes to meet next week with U.S. President Donald Trump, possibly in the United Arab Emirates,although aWhite House official cast doubt on the summit occurring unless the Kremlin leader also agreed to ameeting with UkrainianPresident Volodymyr Zelenskyy Putin’sannouncement came on the eve of aWhite House deadlinefor Moscow to show progress toward ending the 3-year-oldwar in Ukraine or suffer additional economic sanctions

The U.S. wasstill expected to impose those sanctions Friday on Russia, according to aWhite House officialwho was not authorized to speak publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity.The same official said aU.S.-Russian summit would not happen if Putin does not agree to meet with Zelenskyy

The official did not specify whether theconditionwas for Zelenskyy to be present at the possible U.S.-Russia summitor at asubsequent meeting.

Speaking of possible direct talks with Zelenskyy, Putin said he has mentioned severaltimes thathe was notagainst it, adding: “It’s a possibility,but certainconditions need to be created” for it to happen

The Kremlin has previously said Putin and Zelenskyy should meet only when an agreement negotiated by their delegationsisclose.

Although Putin said the United Arab Emirates was one possible venue, no location or other details had been determinedThursday morning, according to the White House official.

Ukraine fearsbeing sidelined by direct negotiations between Washingtonand Moscow,and Zelenskyy said he hadphone conversations with several European leadersThursday amida flurry of diplomatic activity

Putin’sforeign affairs adviser,Yuri Ushakov,earlier brushed aside thepossibilityofZelenskyy joining thesummit, somethingthe White House said Trump was ready to consider.Putin has spurnedZelenskyy’s previous offers of ameeting to clinch abreakthrough.

“Wepropose, first of all, to focus on preparing abilateral meeting withTrump, and we consider it most important thatthis meeting be successful and productive,” Ushakov said, adding that U.S. special envoySteve Witkoff’ssuggestion of ameeting including Ukraine’sleader “was not specifically discussed.”

Putinmadethe announcementinthe Kremlin about apossible meeting with Trumpafter meeting with Sheikh Mohammed bin ZayedAlNahyan, the president of the UAE.

Asked who initiated the possible talks with the American president, Putin said that didn’tmatter and “bothsides expressed an interest.”

Kirill Dmitriev,the head of Russia’s sovereign wealth fund whomet with Witkoff on Wednesday,said aTrumpPutin meetingwould allow Moscow to “clearly convey itsposition,” andhehoped asummit would include discussions on mutually beneficial economicissues, including joint investments in areas such as rare earth elements.

The meeting would be the first U.S.-Russia summit since 2021, when former President Joe Biden met Putin in Geneva.

The warhas killed tens of thousands of troops on both sides andmore than 12,000 Ukrainian civilians,according to the United Nations.

Western officials have repeatedlyaccused Putinof stalling in peace negotiations to allow Russianforces time to capture more Ukrainian land. Putinpreviously has offered no concessions and said he will accept asettlementonly on his terms

At the start of his second term, Trump wasconcilia-

Cassidydenounces endofmRNAresearch

BY MARK BALLARD Staff writer

WASHINGTON —U.S. Sen. BillCassidy is admonishingHealth Secretary Robert F. Kennedy’sdecisionto cancel about $500 million in vaccine research —one of his first public conflicts with Kennedy since helping him win confirmation to the job.

“It is unfortunate that the Secretary just canceleda half abillion worth of work, wasting the money which is already invested,” Cassidy wrote on X.

“He has also conceded to China an important technology needed to combat cancer and infectious disease.

President Trump wants to Make America Healthy Again and Make America GreatAgain. This works against both of President

Committee Chair Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-Baton Rouge, left, this week publicly criticized SecretaryofHealth and Human Services RobertF.KennedyJr.,right, for cancelling about $500 million in vaccineresearch.

was stemming the COVID-19 pandemic —avaccine created inrecord time, the speed of which amountedto amajor victory in President

healththreatsand is helping to transform treatment optionsacross infectious diseases andoncology,”saida statement by Moderna Inc.

nedy,aprominent vaccine skeptic.Several senators turned to Cassidy for his opinion as chair of the SenateHealthEducation Labor &Pensions committee and a physician for 30 years.

The Baton Rouge Republican endorsedKennedy and mentionsitoften to underline aproductive relationship withTrump. Cassidy faces several opponentstohis reelection who areclaiming the incumbent is not conservative enough. Cassidy is oneofthe Republicans to vote to convict Trumpofimpeachment charges stemming from the Jan.6riotatthe U.S.Capitol.

Email Mark Ballard at mballard@theadvocate. com.

tory toward Putin, forwhom he haslong shownadmiration, and even echoed some of his talking points on the war.But he recently has expressed increasing exasperationwithPutin,criticizing the Kremlin leader for his unyielding stance on U.S.ledpeace efforts, and has threatened Moscow with new sanctions.

Zelenskyy said European countriesmustalso be involved in finding asolution to the war.

“Ukraine is not afraid of meetings and expects the sameboldapproach from the Russian side. It is time to end the war,” he added.

Aceasefireand long-term security guarantees are priorities in potential negotiation with Russia, he said on social media.

Securing atruce, deciding aformat for asummit and providing assurances for

Ukraine’sfuture protection from invasion —a consideration that must involve the U.S. and Europe —are crucial aspects to address, Zelenskyy said.

Anew Galluppollpublished Thursday foundthat Ukrainians are increasingly eager forapeace settlement. In the survey,conducted in early July,about seven in 10 Ukrainians said their country should seek to negotiate asettlementas soon as possible.

In 2022, Gallup found that about three-quarters of Ukrainianswantedtokeep fighting until victory.Now only about one-quarter hold that view,with support for continuing the war declining steadily across all regions and demographic groups. Thefindings werebased on samplesof1,000 or more respondents ages 15 andolder living in Ukraine.

ASSOCIATED PRESS FILE PHOTO By JOHN McDONNELL

Trump seeks to change how census collects data

He’s again trying to exclude immigrants in U.S. illegally

BY JOSH BOAK, MIKE SCHNEIDER and JOEY CAPPELLETTI Associated Press

WASHINGTON President Donald Trump has instructed the Commerce Department to change the way the U.S. Census Bureau collects data, seeking to exclude immigrants who are in the United States illegally, he said Thursday The census’ data collections will be based on “modern day facts and figures and, importantly, using the results and information gained from the Presidential Election of 2024,” the Republican president said on his social media platform, an indication he might try to inject his politics into a head count that determines political power and how federal funding is distributed. Trump stressed that as part of the changes people in “our Country illegally” will be excluded from census counts. Experts said it was unclear what

exactly Trump was calling for whether it was changes to the 2030 census or a mid-decade census, and, if so, whether it would be used for a mid-decade apportionment, which is the process of divvying up congressional seats among the states based on the population count

A new census?

Any changes in the conduct of a national census, which is the biggest non-military undertaking by the federal government would require alterations to the Census Act and approval from Congress, which has oversight responsibilities, and there likely would be a fierce fight. While the Census Act permits a mid-decade census for things like distributing federal funding, it can’t be used for apportionment or redistricting and must be done in a year ending in 5, said Terri Ann Lowenthal, a former congressional staffer who consults on census issues.

“He cannot unilaterally order a new census. The census is governed by law, not to mention the Constitution,” Lowenthal said. “Logistically it’s a half-baked idea.”

It would be almost logistically

impossible to carry out a mid-decade census in such a short period of time, New York Law School professor Jeffrey Wice said.

“This isn’t something that you can do overnight,” said Wice, a census and redistricting expert.

“To get all the pieces put together, it would be such a tremendous challenge, if not impossible.”

Trump’s Truth Social post fits into an overall pattern in which he has tried to reshape basic measures of how U.S. society is faring to his liking, a process that ranges from monthly jobs figures to how congressional districts are drawn going into the 2026 midterm elections.

A census citizenship question

In a 2019 decision, the Supreme Court effectively blocked Trump from adding a citizenship question to the 2020 census. The 14th Amendment says that “the whole number of persons in each state” should be counted for the numbers used for apportionment, the process of allocating congressional seats and Electoral College votes among the states based on population.

The last time the census included a question about citizenship was

in 1950, and the Census Bureau’s own experts had predicted that millions of Hispanics and immigrants would go uncounted if the census asked everyone if he or she is an American citizen.

Changes to the census could also play into the efforts by Trump to urge several Republican-led states, including Texas, to redraw their congressional maps ahead of schedule in ways that would favor GOP candidates.

Redistricting efforts

Redistricting typically occurs once every 10 years following the census, as states adjust district boundaries based on population changes, often gaining or losing seats in the process.

Despite Texas having redrawn its maps just a few years ago, Trump is pressuring Republicans in the state to redistrict again, claiming they are “entitled” to five additional Republican seats. Texas Republicans have cited population growth as justification for redrawing the congressional map. The state currently has 38 House seats, 25 held by Republicans. Last Friday, Trump fired the

head of the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Erika McEntarfer, after standard revisions to the monthly jobs report showed that employers added 258,000 fewer jobs than previously reported in May and June. The revisions suggested that hiring has severely weakened under Trump, undermining his claims of an economic boom.

The White House insists that the problem was the size of the revisions and that it wants accurate numbers. But outside experts disagreed with that assessment.

“Trump is basically destroying the federal statistical system,” said Margo Anderson, a professor emerita at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee who has written extensively on the history of the census. “He wants numbers that support his political accomplishments, such as he sees them.”

After the citizenship question was stopped by the Supreme Court in 2019, Trump made another effort in 2020, announcing a plan to exclude people living in the country illegally from the apportionment figures. After states, cities and organizations sued lower courts ruled the plan was illegal.

Congressional redistricting fight spreading to other states

BY BILL BARROW, ISABELLA VOLMERT and TOM MURPHY Associated Press

INDIANAPOLIS As President Donald Trump ramps up pressure on Republican-run states to redraw congressional boundaries, he has dispatched Vice President JD Vance to Indiana and called for a new federal census — moves reflecting his intent to maximize the GOP’s partisan advantages in coming elections.

U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, said FBI Director Kash Patel had granted his request for the agency to get involved in corralling Texas Democratic lawmakers who left the state to deny the Republican majority a quorum necessary to vote on a U.S. House redistricting plan at the forefront of Trump’s initiative. The FBI has not detailed what role it might attempt to play The developments reflect rising intensity in a fight that began in GOP-dominated Texas, spread to Democratic-run California and now seems to be mushrooming. The dynamics could embroil the 2026 midterm campaign in legislative and court battles testing Trump’s power over the Republican Party, Democrats’ ability to mount opposition and the durability of the U.S. system of federalism that balances power between Washington and individual states. Texas has been the epicenter of Trump’s push to gerrymander congressional maps to shore up Republicans’ narrow House majority in 2026. At a time when competitive House districts number just several dozen, Democrats are three seats short of a House majority under the current maps. Trump wants five more seats out of Texas to potentially avoid a repeat of the 2018 midterms, when Democrats reclaimed the House and proceeded to

thwart his agenda and impeach him twice Republican Indiana Gov Mike Braun has seemingly affirmed Democrats’ warnings that Texas is a test case for the GOP to scale nationally “It looks like it’s going to happen across many Republican states,” he told reporters ahead of Vance’s visit, though he’s made no promises about his own state.

Vance holds meetings

Vance met privately with Braun and others at the Indiana Capitol on Thursday Afterward, Braun sidestepped redistricting — contrasting Texas Gov Greg Abbott’s enthusiastic embrace of Trump’s demands.

“We discussed a number of issues, and I was pleased to highlight some of the great things happening in Indiana,” Braun said via his official social media account.

Around 100 people protested at the Capitol. “I’m 75, and I never, never thought I had to worry about our democracy being taken apart from the inside,” said Linda Linn of Indianapolis, as she held a sign warning

Braun not to disenfranchise her Braun would have to call a special session to start the redistricting process, but lawmakers have sole power to draw new maps.

Republican U.S. representatives outnumber Democrats in Indiana 7-2, limiting possibilities of squeezing out another seat.

While Braun is a staunch Trump ally in a state the president won by 19 percentage points in 2024, Indiana lawmakers have avoided the national spotlight in recent years especially after a 2022 special session that yielded a strict abortion ban. Former Vice President Mike Pence, a past Indiana governor also holds sway over many state lawmakers and has a more measured approach to partisan politics than Trump.

Indiana’s Republican legislative leaders praised existing boundaries after adopting them four years ago. “I believe these maps reflect feedback from the public and will serve Hoosiers well for the next decade,” Senate President Pro Tem Rodric

Bray said at the time.

Rep. André Carson, one of two Indiana Democrats in the U.S. House, said he has not seen any alternate maps, calling them theoretical for now “If Republicans get too cute, they may hurt themselves,” he warned.

Still, Republicans hold a supermajority in the General Assembly, meaning Democrats could not thwart a special session by refusing to attend, as Texas Democrats are doing.

“Statehouse Dems will do everything within our power to work with Hoosiers to make sure the checks and balances remain and we remain to be the firewall not just for Indiana but for the entire country,” said state Senate minority leader Shelli Yoder, though she acknowledged there is little

the party could do to stop redistricting if Republicans choose to please Trump.

In Florida, House Speaker Daniel Perez said his chamber will take up redistricting this fall through a special committee. State Senate leaders have not yet followed Perez’s lead. Gov Ron DeSantis previously told the public to “stay tuned.”

Texas Dems still absent Pressure has intensified on Texas Democratic lawmakers — dozens of whom remain in other states and outside the jurisdiction of civil warrants issued by the Republican majority for their return.

Under Texas legislative rules, they face $500 daily fines that exceed their compensation and cannot be paid, legally, by their campaign

accounts. Political contributions are being used to cover some costs of their travel, lodging and meals. Texas Democrats hope to run out the clock on a special session that would end Aug. 19. But Abbott could call another session, increasing prospects for an extended stalemate.

California’s Gavin Newsom wants Democratic gerrymandering in his state if Texas proceeds, though voters would have to bypass an independent redistricting commission. Illinois Gov JB Pritzker and New York Gov Kathy Hochul, both of whom have appeared alongside Texas Democrats who relocated to their states, have also declared their intent to push new maps if they are necessary to neutralize Republican maneuvers.

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By MICHAEL CONROy Protesters cheer Thursday during a rally against redistricting at the Indiana Statehouse in Indianapolis.

EddiePalmieri, pioneeringLatin jazz musician,dies

BY SIGAL RATNER-ARIAS Associated Press

Eddie Palmieri, the avantgardemusicianwho was one of the most innovative artists of rumba and Latin jazz, has died. He was 88.

Fania Records announced Palmieri’sdeath Wednesday evening. Palmieri’sdaughter Gabriela told The New York Times that her father diedearlier that dayathis home in New Jersey after “an extended illness.”

The pianist, composer and bandleader was thefirst Latino to win aGrammy Award and would winseven more over acareer that spanned nearly 40 albums Palmieri was born in New York’sSpanish Harlem on Dec. 15, 1936, at atime when music was seenasa way out of the ghetto. He began studying the pianoat an early age, likehis famous brother Charlie Palmieri, but at age13, he began playing timbales in his uncle’s orchestra, overcomewitha desire for the drums. He eventually abandoned the instrument and went back to the playing piano.

and Tito Rodríguez’s before forming his own band in 1961, La Perfecta, alongside trombonist Barry Rogers and singerIsmael Quintana. La Perfecta was the first to feature atrombonesection insteadoftrumpets, something rarely seenin Latin music. With itsunique sound, the band quickly joined theranks of Machito, Tito Rodríguez, and other Latin orchestras of thetime. Palmieri produced several albumsonthe Alegre andTicoRecords labels, includingthe 1971 classic “Vámonos pa’l monte,” with hisbrother Charlie as guest organist.Charlie Palmieri died in 1988.

sa, funk, soul and jazz.

Later,in1974, he recorded “The Sun of Latin Music” with ayoung Lalo Rodríguez. The album became the first Latin production to win aGrammy.The following year he recordedthe album “Eddie Palmieri &Friends in Concert, Live at the University of Puerto Rico,” considered by manyfans to be a salsa gem In the 1980s, he won two moreGrammy Awards, for the albums“Palo pa’rumba” (1984) and “Solito”(1985) Afew years later,heintroduced thevocalist La India to the salsa worldwith the production “LlegóLaIndia vía Eddie Palmieri.”

“I’mafrustrated percussionist, so Itake it out on the piano,” themusician once said in his website biography Hisfirst Grammy win came in 1975 for the album “The Sun of Latin Music,” and he kept releasingmusic into his80s,performing through the coronavirus pandemic vialivestreams. In a2011 interview with TheAssociated Press, when

asked if he had anything important left to do,he responded with his usual humility andgoodhumor: “Learning to play thepiano well. Beingapiano player is onething.Being apianist is another.” Palmieri dabbledintropical music as apianist during the 1950s withthe Eddie Forrester Orchestra. He later joined Johnny Seguí’sband

Judgeorderstemporary halt to ‘Alligator Alcatraz’construction

BY DAVID FISCHER Associated Press

MIAMI Afederal judgeon

Thursday ordered atemporary halt to construction at an immigration detention center —built in the middle of the Florida Everglades and dubbed “Alligator Alcatraz” —asattorneys argue whether it violates environmental laws.

The facility cancontinue to operateand hold detainees for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, but workers will be barred from adding any new filling, paving or infrastructure for the next 14 days. U.S. District Judge Kathleen Williams issued the ruling during ahearing and said she would issue awritten order later Thursday Environmental groups andthe Miccosukee Tribe

have asked Williams to issue apreliminary injunction to halt operations and further construction.The suit claims the project threatens environmentally sensitive wetlands that arehometo protected plants and animals and wouldreverse billions of dollars’ worth of environmental restoration. Plaintiffs presented witnessesWednesdayand Thursday in support of the injunction, while attorneys for thestate and federal government were scheduled to present next week.

FollowingThursday’stestimony, Paul Schwiep, anattorney for the environmental groups, askedWilliamsto issuea temporary restrainingorder that would at least prevent anynew construction at thesitewhile the preliminaryinjunction was argued

Williams asked Florida attorney Jesse Panuccio if thestate would agree to halt construction so that she wouldn’tneed to issue the restraining order.She pointed out that anything built at the site would likely remain therepermanently, regardless of how the case was ultimately decided.

Panucciosaidhecouldn’t guarantee that the state would stop all work.

Schwiep said thepurpose of thefacility is for immigration enforcement, which is exclusively afederal function. He said thefacility wouldn’texist if it wasn’t for the federal government’s desire for afacility to hold detainees.

Williams saidthat the detention facility was at a minimum ajoint partnership between the stateand federal government.

Eddie’sunconventionalapproach would surprisecritics and fans again thatyear with the release of “Harlem River Drive,” in which he fused Black and Latin styles to produce asoundthatencompassed elementsofsal-

Palmierireleased thealbum “Masterpiece” in 2000, which teamed him with the legendary Tito Puente, who diedthatyear.Itwas ahit with critics and won two Grammy Awards. The album was also chosen as the

mostoutstanding production of the year by the National Foundation forPopular Culture of Puerto Rico. During hislongcareer,he participated in concerts and recordings with the Fania All-Stars andTicoAll-Stars, standing out as acomposer, arranger, producer,and orchestra director In 1988, theSmithsonian Institute recordedtwo of Palmieri’sconcerts forthe catalog of the National Museum of AmericanHistory in Washington. He worked with renowned musicians such as timbalero Nicky Marrero, bassist Israel “Cachao” López, trumpeter Alfredo “Chocolate” Armenteros, trombonist Lewis Khan, and Puerto Rican bassist Bobby Valentín. In 2010, Palmieri said he felt abit lonely musically due to the deaths of manyof the rumberos with whom he enjoyed playing with.

BY MARK SCOLFORO and MARC LEVY Associated Press

A61-year-oldman fatally shot aneighbor in rural Pennsylvania Thursday and then ambushed responding state troopers, wounding two while firing dozensof rounds from asemiautomatic weapon, police said. Lori Wasko’s boyfriend called911 after11a.m.from their home near Thompson to report shots fired, state police Col. Christopher Paris told reporters. Wasko,57, was shot and killedoutside her home near her vehicle, police said. Police provided no information about amotive in the shooting.

Aman identifiedasCarmine Faino, 61, shotWasko and then shot troopers Joseph Perechinsky and William Jenkins as theywere arriving, Paris said.The troopers’ policevehicles were hit by multiple bullets, he said. Both troopers were instable condition with serious injuries, he said.

Paris said thetroopers “were dispatchedtocheck the welfare of an individual. Andthere wasadditional information aboutshots being fired. Butupon their arrival, they were immediately fired upon and ambushed. They are very luckytobealive.”

Perechinsky applied a tourniquet to Jenkins, and athird trooper was able to

help rescue them, Parissaid

Paris praised Perechinsky for his actions after being shot, providing first aidto his colleague and working to prevent further injuries or death.

“Perechinsky was able to commandeer atractortrailer thatwas driving by and he ordered the driver of that tractor-trailertopull his semirig across the roadway so that more people would notdrive down that roadway and potentially be subjected to thefire” that had been directed at Larson, Paris said.

Faino hada rifle anddid not comply with demands, a statepolicestatement said He was “ultimately shot and killed,”police said.

ASSOCIATED PRESS FILE PHOTO By KEVORK DJANSEZIAN

Tito Puente Jr center, speaks after Eddie Palmieri, left, and thelateTito Puente winthe Grammy for best salsa album for ‘Masterpiece/ObraMaestra’ at the 43rd annual Grammy Awards on Feb. 21, 2001, at the Staples Center in LosAngeles

SCHOOL

Continued from page1A

changed alot.

The closure of J.K. Haynes and Ryan elementary schools means that Scotlandville has just two traditional elementary schools, Progress and nearby Crestworth Elementary. As recentlyas 2004, it had seven.

The plan also moved about 200 studentsfrom Crestworth to Scotlandville Middle,making it the sole middle school for the area.

In January,Ryan absorbed students and staff from J.K. Haynes. Now,both schools have moved into Progress. Fernandez was part of the move. She was the principal last year of Ryan Elementary, which closed in May after 56 years in operation. Fernandez said she brought her team with her to the much newer Progress. They visited the 855 Progress

SNAP

Continued from page1A

adrink like asmoothie containing sweeteners could be exempt if it also contains milk.

Energy drinks —orbeverages “containing astimulant such as fortified caffeine, guarana, glucuronolactone, or taurine” —are also offlimits. Thedefinition includes both carbonated and noncarbonated products formulated to “enhance energy, alertness,orphysical performance.”

Shoppers can still buy black coffee, cold brew, lattes and other traditional coffee drinks, but not if they are enhanced with any kind of added vitamins or supplements for energy

Finally,candy is on the banned list and is defined as “a preparation of sugar, honey,orother natural or artificial sweeteners in combination with chocolate, fruits, nuts, or other ingredients or flavorings in the form of bars, drops, or pieces.”

Not included are“protein bars, granola bars or baking ingredients such as sprinkles, chocolate melting wafers, toffee bits, or chocolate chips.”

ACliforKINDbar is allowed, but peanut M&M’sor chocolate-coverednuts are not. Bruce Greenstein, secretary of the Louisiana Department of Health, said that soda purchases alone account forabout $350 million of the program’stotal costof

Road campusinthe spring.

“Thisbuilding is so big, and it can be overwhelming, so I wantedthem to have asense of familiarity with where they will be,” she said Fernandez’splanfor the first dayofschool Thursday was simple: “Get everybody in. Get theirtags so we know how they’regettinghome. Get them in theclassroom. Have an amazingday.Feed thembreakfast andlunch. Have alittle fun, andget everybodyonthe bushome.”

Thursdaywas the firstday of school in Ascension, East Baton Rouge, West Baton Rougeand West Feliciana parishes aswellasinBaker, Central and Zachary East Baton Rouge, the second-largesttraditional school district in Louisiana, counted 37,276studentson the rolls Thursday,down from 38,602 that wereenrolled on the first day of school ayear ago.

Enrollment typically rises throughAugust, dips late in

$1.9 billion.

“When we eliminate that, we’re basically freeing up moneyfor families to go ahead and buybetterfoods, whether it’sgoing to be rice andbeans meats, vegetables, dairy products— but more real food, rather than synthetic candies and drinks,” Greenstein said.

But some advocates that work to combat hunger worry that the new SNAPrestrictionscould createconfusion at the register.

“Wecan allenvisionsomebody coming to the checkout counter ready to buy their groceries, and all of asudden you can’tbuy this, that andthe otherthing with the SNAPcard,” said John Sillars, chief strategy officerat Second Harvest Food Bank. “I thinkthatwill be challenging for them.”

Sillars said his organization supports healthy eating, but the newrules “willmean some families are going to have fewer choices that align with their needs and budgets and theavailability of items in nearby stores.”

Eatingpatterns are “influenced by several factors, including accesstofood, educationand affordability,” he said,and should be paired with education and incentives for healthy purchases.

Recent changes to SNAP at the federal level eliminated funding that would go toward nutritioneducation.

Jessica Elliott, executive directorofthe Louisiana Retailers Association, saidinan email that her members are concerned about the short timelinebefore the new rules

Teachers and volunteers greet students as theyget off the busThursday during the first day of school at Progress Elementary.

STAFF PHOTO By JAVIER GALLEGOS

themonth as no-shows are dropped,and then levels off after Labor Day.Official enrollment counts in Louisiana are takentwiceayear, on Oct. 1and Feb.1.Each studentenrolled equatesto thousands of dollars in state per-pupil education funding.

Darvanda Bell walked into theschool with herson, Joseph, for thestartofsecond grade.She said first grade went well, and she is looking forward to this year

“All thestaff is very warm and friendly,” Bell said.

Bell said shewalks her child intoschool not just on the first dayofschool, but every day.The 7-year-old asserted atouch of independence from mom.

“Why do youhavetokeep holding my hand?” Joseph said softly

Mother was not dissuaded and maintained her grip.

“Last year went very,very well. Histeachers were awesome,” Bell said. “He did awesome. ‘A’s all year.”

take effect on Jan. 15, with “many operational changes to consider.”

Thereisaneed for clear communication to avoid confusionatthe register, she said, but “retailerswill continue to providea positive shopping experience for SNAP customers.”

What’s newlyallowed

For the first time, thestate will alsoallow SNAP recipients to purchase rotisserie chicken, ashift from longstanding federal rules banning hot food under the program, Greenstein said.

“Allowing rotisserie chicken or prepared food allows a parent on the wayhome from work to pick up foodsthatthe kids could eat right there, instead of snack foods or sugar foods and pop,” Greenstein said during thepodcast.

However,the waiverfrom theUSDA specifically states it does not authorize hot foods or other changes to the program. It’snot clear how Louisiana will implement that change.A representative for Landry did not respond to questions.

Othergrocery stapleslike meat,fresh andfrozen fruits, and vegetables,grains, dairy and snacks like chips,crackers and ice cream are still available underthe program.

TheUSDAapprovedthe waiver as atwo-yeardemonstration project through January 2028. The statewill be requiredtosubmitquarterly reports tracking purchasing trends, complaints and health outcomes. The program can be renewed for an additional three years

CHOCOLATE

Continuedfrom page1A

Daysweetsand other seasonal goodies. “There’sbeen alot of consolidation in our industry,” Rob Nelson said. “Tobesuccessful, businesses have to be larger,and Iknewwe needed to be larger than we are. Hoffman willhelpus get there.”

Rich history

Elmer is one of theoldest companies still operating in the New Orleans area. It was founded in 1850 by aGerman immigrant and pastry chef named Christopher Henry Miller,who opened the Miller Candy Company in theLower Garden District

The company changed its name after Miller’s son-inlaw,Augustus Elmer and, later his children, became part of thebusiness. In 1914,itmoved to afactory in the Warehouse District.

In 1963, RoyNelson and his son, Allan Nelson, purchased the company from theElmer family.The elder Nelson was aborn salesman, while the youngerwas an engineer whoknewmanufacturing,saidRob Nelson, Allan’sson andRoy’s grandson. In 1970, they built anew 30,000-squarefoot factoryonthe northshore and relocated there.

In themid-20thcentury, thecandy industry operated differentlythan it does today,with regional distributors supplying local retailerswith most of their products.

“So, if youwenttoK&B or Schwegmann’s, most of the candy —hard candy, baggedcandy,mints and stuff, was made by Elmer’s, which also managed the whole candy aisle for the retailer,” Rob Nelson said But thatbegan to change as retailers consolidated and national companies got bigger. To remain competitive, theNelsons decided in 1982 to get away from everydaycandies andsnacks and focus on only seasonal

chocolates —a category that refers to boxedchocolates sold mostly from late November until Valentine’s Day —along with Easter candy

In 2016, thecompany invested $45 million in an expansionand upgrade of its Ponchatoula facility,adding 70,000 square feet andmore automation. Today,Elmer’sisthe second-largest manufacturer of heart-shaped box candy in North America.

Valentine’s, Easter candy

The seasonal candy business accounts for more than 90% of Elmer’srevenues, Rob Nelson said. That includes candy it makes under alicensing agreement for Hershey’sGold, as well as an agreement it has with other candycompanies that Rob Nelson cannot discuss because of nondisclosure agreements.

Eastercandy salesmake up about 7% of company revenues, which may come as asurprise to Louisianans who grew up on Heavenly Hash and GoldBrick Eggs. Butthey’re mostly alocal thing, Rob Nelson said, with distribution limitedtothe Gulf Coast from Houston to the Florida Panhandle.

Operatingunder aseasonalmodel meansthe company works year-round making products that only sell during afew months of the year

Sinceinterest ratesand inflation spiked after the pandemic, doing business thatway hasbecome more difficult, which wasone reason the Nelsons started looking fora newpartner

“Wework way outin advance but you don’tget paid for that and youhave to finance that and there is this whole cyclewhere you borrow forhalf the year, get paid for half the year,” RobNelson said. “Weare trying to find the most efficientway to growthe company in this world.”

Thenew owners

HoffmanFamily of Companies is also afamily owned business, which

made them an attractive partner as Elmer started looking fora buyerorinvestor, he said. Though technically aprivate equity firm,Hoffman doesn’thave outside investors. Rather,the Hoffmanfamily owns 100% of the 120 companies in its portfolio. Though it’snot clear what the companies’ collective value is, earlier this year,founder David Hoffman was named to the Forbes World’sBillionaires list with anet worth of $2 billion. Also unlike traditional privateequity firms, which sometimesbreak apartand merge companies within their portfolio with plans to eventually sell themoff fora profit, Hoffmanhas only ever sold one company,according to GeoffHoffman, David Hoffman’sson.

“Welook for businesses and management teams we canpartner withoverthe long haul,”hesaid.

Geoff Hoffmansaid they wanttohelp Elmer grow into newtypes of markets anddiversify theproducts it makes.

“Whatweare going to bring to Elmerisadditional stability,resources, avenuesfor growthand capital resourcessothatcompany can continue to thrive for many,manyyears,” he said.

Trend?

The acquisitionisthe fourth recent sale by a longtime local companyto aprivate equity firm

In the New Orleansarea, Canal Barge and Gallo Mechanical announced deals with private equity firms earlier this year.InBaton Rouge, CSRS announced it has sold.

“The basic thing is it reinforces theimportance of nurturing local companiesand helping to foster newones,”saidGNO Inc. President and CEO Michael Hecht.

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

Israel announcesplantoretakeGazaCity

BY MELANIE LIDMAN and WAFAA SHURAFA Associated Press

TEL AVIV,Israel Israel’s Security Cabinethas approved aplan to take over Gaza City, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’sofficesaid. The decision taken earlyFriday marks another escalation of Israel’s22-month offensive launched in response to Hamas’ Oct.7attack.

The war has already killed tens of thousands of Palestinians, destroyed much of Gaza and pushed the territory of some 2million Palestinians toward famine.

Ahead of theSecurity Cabinet meeting, which began Thursday and ran through the night, Netanyahu said Israel planned to retake control over the entire territory and eventually hand it offtofriendly Arab forces opposed to Hamas.

The announced plans stop short of that, perhaps reflecting thereservations of Israel’stop general, who reportedly warned that it would endanger the remaining 20 or so living hostages held by Hamas and further strain Israel’sarmy after nearly two years of regional wars. Many familiesofhostages are also opposed, fearing further escalation will doom their lovedones.

Israel has repeatedly bombarded Gaza City and carried out numerous raids there, only to return to different neighborhoods again and again as militants regrouped. Today it is one of thefew areasofGazathat hasn’tbeen turned into an Israeli buffer zone or placed under evacuation orders.

BY MEG KINNARD

Associated Press

WASHINGTON President

Donald Trump recognized nearly 100 recipients of the Purple Heart at the White House on Thursday,including three servicemembers who gave him theirown medals after an attempt on hislife at aPennsylvania campaign rally Trump openedthe event marking National Purple Heart Day by noting that dozens of the award’srecipients were at the ceremony in the East Room. The Republican president offered “everlasting thanks to you and your unbelievable families.”

But he had special words for the trio of veterans who sent Trump their medals after the 2024 shooting in Butler.Trumpsaid the trio “showed me the same unbelievable gesture of kindness.”

“What agreat honor to get those Purple Hearts.Iguess, in acertain way,itwasn’tthat easy for me either,when you think of it,” Trump said of the attempt on his life. “But you went through alot more than Idid, and Iappreciate it very much.” After ashooter’sbullet pierced the upper part of

to

Palestinians

by parachutes Thursdayinto Gaza City, northernGazaStrip.

Amajor ground operation there could displace tens of thousands of peopleand further disrupt effortsto deliver food to the territory

It’sunclearhow many people reside in the city,which was Gaza’slargestbeforethe war.Hundreds ofthousands fled Gaza City under evacuation orders in the opening weeksofthe war butmany returned during aceasefire at thestartofthisyear

Expanding military operations in Gaza wouldput the lives of countless Palestinians and the roughly20remaining Israeli hostages at risk while further isolating Israel internationally.Israel already controls around three quartersofthe devastated territory

Families of hostages held in Gaza fear an escalation coulddoom theirloved ones, and some protested outside theSecurity Cabinet meet-

ing in Jerusalem.Former topIsraeli securityofficials have also comeout against theplan, warning of aquagmire with little addedmilitarybenefit.

An Israeli officialhad earlier saidthe SecurityCabinet would discuss plans to conquer all or partsofGaza not yet under Israeli control. The official, speaking on condition of anonymity pending aformal decision, said that whatever is approved would be implemented gradually to increase pressure on Hamas.

Israel’sair and ground war haskilledtens of thousands of people in Gaza, displaced most of the population, destroyed vast areas and caused severe andwidespread hunger.Palestinians are braced for further misery

“There is nothing left to occupy,” saidMaysaa alHeila, whoisliving in adisplacement camp. “There is

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By MARK SCHIEFELBEIN

President DonaldTrump, left, takes asel

Trump’srightear inButler just days beforethe 2024 Republican National Convention, the then-Republican presidentialcandidate was giftedmedals from some Purple Heart recipients.The medals were presentedto him at campaign events duringthe race’s closing months National Purple Heart Day is markedannually onAug. 7. ThePurpleHeart, theoldestmilitary award still in use, is awarded to service members whoare killed or wounded while engaging in enemy actionorresulting from acts of terrorism.

Trump also highlighted

no Gaza left

At least 42 Palestinians were killed in Israeliairstrikes and shootings across southern Gaza on Thursday according to local hospitals.

‘Wedon’t want to keep it

Askedinaninterview with Fox News ahead of the SecurityCabinet meeting if Israel would “take controlofall of Gaza,” Netanyahu replied: “Weintendto, in orderto assure our security, remove Hamasthere, enable the population to be free of Gaza.”

“Wedon’twant to keep it. We wanttohaveasecurity perimeter,” Netanyahu said in the interview. “Wewantto hand it over to Arab forces that will governitproperly without threatening us and giving Gazans agood life.”

Israel’smilitarychief of staff, Lt. Gen.EyalZamir, warned against occupying Gaza, saying it would en-

danger the hostages and put further strainonthe military after nearly two years of war,according to Israeli media reports.

Hamas-led militants abducted 251 people and killed around 1,200 in the Oct. 7, 2023, attack that triggered the war.Mostofthe hostageshavebeen released in ceasefires or other deals but 50 remain inside Gaza, around 20 of them believed by Israel to be alive.

Almost two dozen relatives of hostages setsailfrom southern Israeltowards the maritime borderwith Gaza on Thursday,where they broadcastmessages from loudspeakers.

Palestinians seek food

Israel’s militaryoffensive has killed over 61,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry,which does not say howmany

were fighters or civilians.

Theministryispartofthe Hamas-run government and staffed by medical professionals whokeep and share detailed records.

The United Nations and independent experts view the ministry’sfigures as the mostreliable estimate of casualties. Israel hasdisputed them withoutofferinga toll of its own.

Doctors Without Borders, amedical charityknown by its French acronym MSF, publisheda blistering report denouncing the Israelibacked GazaHumanitarian Foundation distribution system.“This is not aid. It is orchestrated killing,” it said.

“The level of mismanagement, chaos andviolence at GHF distribution sites amounts to either reckless negligence or adeliberately designed death trap,” the report said.

the storiesofvalor of other Purple Heart recipients, including Army Spc. Kevin Jensen whoseHumvee was hit by aroadside bomb in Afghanistan in 2008. Jensen pulled fellow Purple Heart recipient,Capt. Sam Brown, from theflames.

“He flew 10 feet up in the air,exploded in flames. The whole place was in flames, including, unfortunately, Kevin,”Trump said of Jansen. “He suffereddeep, third-degree burns all over his body.Hewas in trouble, big trouble. Despite the agony, he selflesslyran to the aid of his platoon leader.”

ASSOCIATEDPRESS PHOTO By JEHAD ALSHRAFI

struggle

collecthumanitarian aid airdropped

‘People

are so excited’

Ascension Parish school district introduces cosmetology classes

BY CHRISTOPHER CARTWRIGHT

Staff writer

As the sun lifted over the Mississippi River in Donaldsonville and burned off early-morning mist, school buses cruised the streets while teachers prepared for the first day of class at Donaldsonville High School.

More than 400 students would soon begin taking courses ranging from the essentials to specialized offerings, including a welding class created in conjunction with River Parishes Community College.

One class in the Ascension Parish School District is entirely new this year: cosmetology. Offered on both the east and west banks of the parish, the class will introduce students to cosmetic treatments — such as hairstyling and skin care and basic business skills in case they want to eventually run their own salons.

Ronda Matthews, the district’s career and technical education supervisor, stood beside a line of barber chairs in Donaldsonville High School as she explained the high interest in the course

“I’ve started many programs, many: welding, medical,” she said. “This one is unique. This one, there’s an excitement People are coming to see it People are so excited.”

Jackie Tisdell, the district’s director of communications, said the cosmetology classes started because of student requests.

“We had students who emailed the superintendent and said, ‘Hey you’ve got all these awesome career programs we want cosmetology Like, that’s what

we’re interested in. Why don’t we have a cosmetology class?’” she said. “And the superintendent was like, ‘We’re doing it next year.’ So. we’re very excited and very proud.”

A certified cosmetology instructor will teach just under 100 students districtwide this school year, with 32 in Donaldsonville and 64 at the district’s east bank

career center in Sorrento. Matthews said that although the class doesn’t provide students a certification, it will let them know whether or not it’s a field they’d like to pursue as a career

“We see that there is a need, I think that’s important,” she said. “There’s a

Parish president backs Angola use

BY QUINN COFFMAN Staff writer

West Feliciana Parish President Kenny Havard is backing the possibility of housing immigrant detainees at Louisiana State Penitentiary at Angola.

Havard said this week the parish is “ready to do our part” after Louisiana officials were found to be in talks with the Trump administration about housing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement detainees at Angola as part of a push to meet the demands of the president’s widening immigration crackdown.

He also said he is glad that the attention on Angola as a site for a possible Louisiana version of “Alligator Alcatraz” has pushed Gov Jeff Landry to expedite repairs at the state prison. West Feliciana would also love to host President Donald Trump “with open arms” if he decided to make a visit to Angola, Havard said. A long-abandoned and currently empty wing at Angola called “Camp J” has been identified as where the immigration facility might operate, according to sources with knowledge of the talks between Louisiana officials and the Trump administration. Landry also issued an executive order last month allowing the state to

See ANGOLA, page 2B

State Police, LSU entomologist investigating case

BY QUINN COFFMAN Staff writer

A body found Monday near a Port Allen pipeline access road has been identified as a 22-year-old man from Houston, according to the West Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office. Xavier Drake was reported missing by Houston Police and was last seen alive on July 25. His body was found Aug. 4.

A 16-year-old male was shot and killed Wednesday night in Paulina, and the St. James Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help in the investigation. The shooting happened about 8:40 p.m. in the 3000 block of La. 642. “The caller reported hearing a vehicle speeding from the area,” the Sheriff’s Office said in a news release. Responding deputies found the teen with multiple gunshot wounds and began lifesaving efforts before he was taken by ambulance to a hospital. The teen was pronounced dead at 9:42 p.m., according to the Sheriff’s Office. Anyone with information on the case is asked to call the St. James Parish Sheriff’s Office at (225) 562-2200 or 911 or call Crime Stoppers at 1-877-903STOP Tips can also be texted to “TIP SJPSO.” Man arrested in 2024 shooting death

A 21-year-old man was arrested in connection with the shooting death of a man on Buchanan Street in October 2024, according to Baton Rouge police. The suspect, Nolen Daniels, was already in East Baton Rouge Parish Prison for unrelated

charges when counts of firstdegree murder and attempted first-degree murder were added, police said in a news release. The victim, Daryl Hamilton, 32, was shot in the 200 block of East Buchanan Street in the early morning hours of Oct 10, 2024. Hamilton and another man, who was also wounded by the gunfire, were taken to a hospital, where Hamilton died of his wounds. Arrest made in fatal shooting of man

A Baton Rouge resident was arrested Wednesday in connection with the fatal shooting of a

40-year-old man in September 2024 as the victim stood with his family outside the AM Mart on Highland Road. Jalyn Washington, 22, was arrested around 8 p.m. Wednesday only a few blocks from where Donald Trim was shot and killed last year, according to police. Washington originally was arrested on a felony count of possession of a machine gun, but was then booked into the parish prison on a count of second-degree murder Trim was standing with members of his family outside the AM Mart early in the morning on Sept. 7, 2024, when a man now

The reason Drake was in Port Allen remains unknown, and the investigation is ongoing, said Sgt. Landon Groger with the Sheriff’s Office. Deputies do not suspect any foul play, but said a cause of death will need to be determined by a coroner’s full autopsy

The body was found around 2:30 p.m Monday off Lobdell Highway In addition to investigators with the Louisiana State Police Crime Scene Unit, an LSU entomology professor also assisted in the case. Kristen Healy, who specializes in the medical and forensic study of insects, uses the presence of flies and maggots to estimate a time of death for bodies. She said law enforcement calls upon her expertise around once a year The process works by studying the “predictable succession of insects” that are attracted to a body once it begins to decay As the smell of death spreads, flies arrive and eventually lay eggs that hatch into maggots.

A’Najiah Brown gets a hug from family friend Juanita Dorsey, the executive director of the Donaldsonville-area Chamber of Commerce, outside of the school on her first day of high school on Thursday.

STAFF PHOTOS By MICHAEL JOHNSON

Judge Tamiko Francis Garrison checks out the new cosmetology room at Donaldsonville High School before students arrive on the first day on Thursday.

Mosquito with West Nile virusfound in WBR

Parish will increase spraying

BY HALEY MILLER Staff writer

West Baton Rouge detected its first mosquitoofthe season with West Nile virus, parish mosquito control announcedMonday

The bug was found in the north end of the parish, around Bueche, according to the department. The parish will be taking extra precautions in that area, includingdaytime larvicid-

SCHOOL

Continued from page1B

need for this field and we want to prepare kids for the beauty industry.”

Community support

The Ascension Parish School District is an educational powerhouse in the state. It ranked as the top district in student performance for the past three years, while continuing to expand educational opportunities through the new classes.

Tisdellattributedmuch of the district’sstrength to community support, which includes adedicated technology tax of 8mills and taxes for construction totaling 15.08 mills.

“That’swhy we candoall the technology innovations that we do, because the

BODY

Continued from page1B

Healy said if ascientist knows the species of insect

BLOTTER

Continued from page1B

believed to be Washington opened fireonthe group, according to arelease from the Baton Rouge Police Department.

Only Trim was struck in thegunfire, andhediedat scene BRPD did not giveamotive for the killing.

Man gets 15 years for video voyeurism

ASatsuma man was sentenced to 15 years inprison for video voyeurism after he was discovered to have recorded more than 300videos using ahidden camera placed in abathroom in his home.

On July 10, ajury found Christopher Johnson, 41, guilty on sixcountsofvideo voyeurism after deliberating for less than two hours.

Judge Erika Sledge on Wednesdaysentenced Johnson to 15 years at the

ing and multiple sprays at night

“It’sabalanced approach forus,” George Bragg, superintendent of mosquito and animal control, said “We’re certainlynot looking to panicanyone, but wealso believeinlettingthe public know as much as we can so that they’lltakeproper precautions.

Mosquito controlisalso initiating aparishwide spray,lastinguntil Wednesday night Braggsaid heencourages residents to practice normalmosquitoprecautions: apply mosquito re-

community fundsthat,” she said, adding that involvement from parents and businessesalsobuilt that strength

“True communitysupport,I think, sets us apart,” Tisdell said. “But thenalso because ofthat community support,we’re able todoextra supports for our teachers.”

Thatsupport includes teacher coaches, mentorship and small class sizes, she said.

“Even first yearteachers to veteran teachers, theyhave a dedicated team to help them succeed in the classroom, Tisdell said. “They’renot in there on their own, and we’ve heard from our teachers that is what reallysets Ascension apart.”

EmailChristopher Cartwright at christopher cartwright@theadvocate. com.

and the climatewhere the body was found, they can estimate atime of deathfrom the presence of insects in the body

“When you see these maggots, as long as you know

Department of Corrections and to be registered as asex offender upon his release, said Assistant District Attorney Brett Sommer,who prosecuted the casefor the state.

Johnson was arrested in August 2022 after Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office investigators were contacted by avictimin2021 who discovered amemory card withmore than 300 videos from ahiddencamerainside one of Johnson’shome bathrooms, according to court documents.

Detectives reviewed the footage and identifiedtwo victims from thevideos, 21st Judicial District Attorney ScottPerrillouxsaid in anews release.

Johnson’scellphonewas seized during arrest, and detectivesfound an app on the phone used to hide photosand videos. He used his phone to operate thehidden camera, according to court documents.

Perrilloux said they found “a trove” of digital images that led to the identification

pellent,limit outside activityatduskand dawn,wear long clothing and be sure to empty containers that could hold standing water weekly

The parish mosquito control office in Port Allen offers free larvicide products to residents, he added.

“Just do everything you can to avoid getting bit by mosquitoes,”Bragg said. West Nile virus is the most common mosquito-transmittedvirus in theU.S., according to the Cleveland Clinic. Symptoms include fever, headaches, muscle aches andrash, but most people infected do not show

symptoms. In rare cases, West Nile virus can cause encephalitis and meningitis

Therewere 57 human cases andthree deaths from West Nile virus in Louisiana in 2024, according to the stateHealthDepartment.

Bragg said West Baton Rouge was “late to the game” this year, with the parish typically detecting thevirus in June.

“It’sactually kind of late in theseason to have our first,” Braggsaid. “Right now, it’slookinglikealess active year than what we had last year.”

The parish’sexperience

does not reflect the state numbers, Bragg said, which are showing relatively high activity.Hesaid hot, dry weather breedsthe virus, as water dries out in ditches and mosquito populations becomemoreconcentrated

“It’s kind of aparadox,” Bragg said. “Wesee higher mosquito populations with wet weather but less virus overall. When things start to dry down, we actually see morevirus, maybe not as manymosquitoes, but the virus levels tend to go up. Right now,environmental conditions are primefor West Nile activity.”

the temperature andthe species we’re lookingat, we canactuallytellthe development rate. Development is based on temperature,so at thistemperature,wecan say: ‘Oh,itwould’vetaken

of four additional victims, including one juvenile. Manfound guiltyof child sexual battery

AWalkerman wasconvicted of sexual battery of achild youngerthan 13 years old in an incident thattook place in an unlicensed in-home day care in Livingston Parish. Joshua Prine, 43, wasconvicted following his Tuesday trial where he waivedthe right to ajury,allowing 21st Judicial DistrictJudge Erika Sledgetodecidethe verdict Sledge foundhim guilty following the testimony of a 10-year-old child.

District Attorney Scott Perrilloux praised the child’s “strength andbravery” in taking the stand.

Brittany Bankston, of Albany,Prine’snow former wife, watched 10 children at herhome forseveral years in an unlicensed at-home day care. Allegations of abuse surfaced in 2023, causing the Sheriff’s Officetoinvestigate andultimatelyarrestPrine thatyear

themaggotsthismany days to reach this particularstage,’”Healysaid.“It makes things very predictable.”

Healysaidshe plansto submit areport to theSher-

Bankstontestified on Prine’sbehalf, saying she never left her former husband alone withchildren.

Assistant District Attorney Brett Sommerpresented text messages in court from Bankston to Prine telling him “to confess, take a plea and stop lying to himself.

Prine is set for sentencing Sept. 22. He faces25to99 years in prison, Perrilloux said.

Manaccused of staging bridge crash

ABaton Rouge man has been accused staging acrash on theAtchafalayaBasin

Bridge In June, investigators with theBreaux Bridge Field Office of the Louisiana State Police Insurance Fraudand Auto Theft Unit launched an investigation into asuspected staged crash. The findings resultedinthe arrest of 34-year-old William Baker.

The investigation began after troopersresponded to acrash June 24 on Interstate

iff’s Office in aweek, including estimates for how long ago Drake died.

EmailQuinn Coffman at quinn.coffman@ theadvocate.com.

10 West near theintersection withLa. 3177. The crash occurred shortly before 10 a.m. and involved apassenger vehicle driven by Baker andan18-wheeler transporting liquidnitrogen gas.

Troopers determined that Baker passed the commercial vehicle in the right lane of I-10,thenintentionally straddled thecenter line and abruptly applied his brakes, despite no vehicles being in front of him.The maneuver caused the commercial vehicle to strike the rear of Baker’svehicle.

Althoughthe 18-wheeler’s driver provided dash camera footage that supported thetroopers’ findings, Baker submitted afalse written statement thatcontradicted therecorded evidence,according to police.

Baker was arrested Tuesday and booked into the St. Martin Parish Correctional Center on onecount of staging of amotor vehicle crash and one count of filing or maintaining false public records.

sidestep procurement and public-bidding rules forrenovating Camp J, which has been closed since 2018. Criminaljusticeadvocates applaudedthe prison’s move to close Camp J, and have said that thewing is notsuitable forhumanoccupation

The possibility of aportion of Angola becoming an immigration facility similar to “AlligatorAlcatraz” in Ochopee,Florida,cameafter July comments from Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem,in which she said her department was in talks withmultiple Republican governors to open similar facilities. Forhis part,Havardsaid he wasaware thatthere were conversations about getting Camp Jopen again andthathehad heardrumors it was to eventually house ICE detainees there. However,hesaid he hadn’t had any conversations with Landry’sstaffabout thepossibility.

Other parish officials said they hadnot heardofthe possible change at Angola.West Feliciana Parish Sheriff Brian Spillman’sofficedeclined to comment Wednesday. “There’sbeen needing to be work done on our prison systemsaroundthe state,” Havard said. “So I’m glad to seethatthe governorhas taken initiative to put some money andsome time andeffortintothe prison systemin thestate.”

He said his time in the Legislature —Havard was astate representative from 2012 to 2018 —and as part of the governor’stransition team gave him perspective on the issues state prisons face, namely being understaffed, underfunded and required to house too many mental health patients withoutthe properfacilities.

“I think we should be focusing oureffortsontrying to build some mental health hospitalsinthis state andtry to keep thosefolks out(of prisons),” Havard said. Andiftalks aresuccessful andWest Feliciana eventually hosts itsown facilityfor ICE detainees, Havard said the parish will do its part to help thecountry “Angolaisprobably one of the mostsecure places in thecountry,” he said. “And people whodoend up in prison, whether they’re ICE detainees or whoever they are,ifyou endupinprison it’s probablybecause youdeserve to be there.”

“He really should cometo Louisiana,because youcan’t drain theswamp if youdon’t start here,” he saidofTrump.

STAFFPHOTO By MICHAEL JOHNSON

Donaldsonville secondaryassistant principal Shondra James welcomes students backto school as theyget off the busonThursday

United Airlines issue fixed; snarls continue

A disruption to a system housing United Airlines’ flight information that delayed more than 1,000 flights and caused hundreds of flights to be canceled has been resolved, but travel disruptions continued into Thursday across the U.S

The system, called Unimatic, houses flight information that is fed to other systems including those that calculate weight and balance and track flight times, according to United. It’s not clear what caused the problem, which was resolved late Wednesday While residual delays were expected, United said its team was working to restore normal operations.

About 35% of all the airline’s flights on Wednesday were delayed and 7% — 218 flights — were canceled, according to FlightAware, a website that tracks flight disruptions.

By Thursday afternoon, 11% of United flights for the day were delayed and 5% were canceled. Around the same time, FlightAware reported 42 cancellations at Chicago O’Hare International Airport All but one were United flights.

EPA cancels $7B solar energy program

WASHINGTON The Environmental Protection Agency on Thursday terminated a $7 billion grant program intended to help pay for residential solar projects for more than 900,000 lower-income U.S. households, in the latest Trump administration move hindering the nation’s shift to cleaner energy.

The funding, part of the Biden-era’s Solar for All program, was awarded to 60 recipients including states, tribes and regions for investments such as rooftop solar and community solar gardens.

Under Republican President Donald Trump, officials have pursued dozens of deregulatory measures related to federal rules intended to protect clean air and water

Only $53 million of the $7 billion awarded has been spent, according to a tally by the research firm Atlas Public Policy Several recipients said their programs were in planning phases.

Stephanie Bosh, senior vice president of the Solar Energy Industries Association, said the EPA has no legal authority to terminate grants already appropriated by Congress.

“These grants are delivering billions of dollars of investment to red and blue states alike,” she said.

The EPA has argued that tax and policy law allows the agency to rescind the money it has already obligated The recipients of that money disagree, saying the bulk of the money had already been disbursed and is not affected by the law

Trump to nominate aide to Federal Reserve board

WASHINGTON President Donald Trump said Thursday he will nominate a top economic adviser to the Federal Reserve’s board of governors for four months, temporarily filling a vacancy Trump said he has named Stephen Miran, the chair of the White House’s Council of Economic Advisers, to fill a seat vacated by governor Adriana Kugler, a Biden appointee who is stepping down Friday Miran, if approved by the Senate, will serve until Jan. 31.

The appointment is Trump’s first opportunity to exert more control over the Fed. Trump has relentlessly criticized the current chair Jerome Powell, for keeping short-term interest rates unchanged, calling him “a stubborn MORON” last week on social media. Miran has been a major defender of Trump’s income tax cuts and tariff hikes, arguing that the combination will generate enough economic growth to reduce budget deficits. He also has played down the risk of Trump’s tariffs generating higher inflation, a major source of concern for Powell.

Settlement proposed for merger

164 facilities would be divested in Amedisys, UnitedHealth deal

BY IANNE SALVOSA Staff writer

The U.S. Department of Justice proposed a settlement Thursday requiring Amedisys and UnitedHealth Group to divest 164 home health and hospice facilities the biggest divestiture of outpatient health services to clear the way for a merger

The proposal, if approved, would end the legal battle that followed

the DOJ’s lawsuit to stymie Amedisys and UnitedHealth’s attempted merger in November, fearing it would limit access to health services. The department also proposed that Amedisys pay $1.1 million to the United States for false certification that they provided accurate documents to the United States.

“In no sector of our economy is competition more important to Americans’ well-being than health care. This settlement protects quality and price competition for hundreds of thousands of vulnerable patients and wage competition for thousands of nurses,” Assistant Attorney General Abigail Slater, of the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division, said in the release. “I commend the Antitrust Division’s Staff

for doggedly investigating and prosecuting this case on behalf of seniors, hospice patients, nurses, and their families.”

UnitedHealth announced plans in 2023 to purchase Baton Rougebased Amedisys for $3.3 billion, or $101 a share. Amedisys said it would divest from some home health centers before the deal closing.

The deal calls for Amedisys to continue as a wholly owned subsidiary of UnitedHealth, with an office in Baton Rouge and operations in Nashville, Tennessee.

The proposed divestiture would impact home health and hospice locations in 19 states. The only affected location in Louisiana is Amedisys Hospice in Lake Charles, according to a map of divestiture

locations. In total, the 164 proposed divestiture locations account for $528 million in revenue, according to the release.

The settlement also would require UnitedHealth to be monitored for compliance to the divestiture and enact regulations that would prevent the company from obstructing the divested locations’ buyers. They must also present resources for buyers to compete in areas in which they overlap.

If UnitedHealth does not receive regulatory approval for divestiture, it must divest from eight more home health and hospice facilities, according to the release.

The U.S. District Court in the District of Maryland will determine the settlement’s final judgment.

Trump’s new tariffs go into effect

U.S. economy shows signs of strain

BY JOSH BOAK and STAN CHOE Associated Press

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump began imposing higher import taxes on dozens of countries Thursday just as the economic fallout of his monthslong tariff threats has begun to cause visible damage to the U.S. economy.

Just after midnight, goods from more than 60 countries and the European Union became subject to tariff rates of 10% or higher Products from the EU, Japan and South Korea are taxed at 15%, while imports from Taiwan, Vietnam and Bangladesh are taxed at 20%. Trump also expects the EU, Japan and South Korea to invest hundreds of billions of dollars in the United States.

“I think the growth is going to be unprecedented,” Trump said Wednesday He said the U.S. was “taking in hundreds of billions of dollars in tariffs,” but did not provide a specific figure for revenues because “we don’t even know what the final number is”

regarding the rates.

Despite the uncertainty, the White House is confident that the onset of his tariffs will provide clarity about the path for the world’s largest economy. Now that companies understand the direction the U.S. is headed, the Republican administration believes it can ramp up new investments and jump-start hiring in ways that can rebalance America as a manufacturing power

So far, however, there are signs of self-inflicted wounds to the U.S. as companies and consumers brace for the impact of the new taxes.

Hiring began to stall, inflationary pressures crept upward and home values in key markets started to decline after the initial tariff rollout in April, said John Silvia, CEO of Dynamic Economic Strategy

“A less productive economy requires fewer workers,” Silvia said. “But there is more, the higher tariff prices lower workers’ real wages. The economy has become less productive, and firms cannot pay the same real wages as before. Actions have consequences.”

Many economists say the risk is that the American economy is steadily eroded.

“It’s going to be fine sand in the gears and slow things down,” said Brad Jensen, a pro-

fessor at Georgetown University

The lead-up to Thursday fit the slapdash nature of Trump’s tariffs, which have been rolled out, walked back, delayed, increased, imposed by letter and renegotiated.

Trump on Wednesday announced additional 25% tariffs to be imposed on India because of its purchases of Russian oil, bringing its total import taxes to 50%.

A leading group of Indian exporters said that will affect nearly 55% of the country’s outbound shipments to America and force exporters to lose long-standing clients.

The Swiss executive branch, the Federal Council, was expected to meet Thursday after President Karin Keller-Sutter and other Swiss officials returned from a hastily arranged trip to Washington in a failed bid to avert a 39% U.S. tariffs on Swiss goods.

The president’s use of a 1977 law to declare an economic emergency to impose the tariffs is under a legal challenge. Even people who worked with Trump during his first term are skeptical, such as Paul Ryan, the Wisconsin Republican who was House speaker

“There’s no sort of rationale for this other than the president wanting to raise tariffs based upon his whims, his opinions,” Ryan told CNBC on Wednesday

Trump opens door for private equity, crypto retirement options

BY KEN SWEET Associated Press

plans for Americans are made up of stock and bond investments, and to a much lesser extent, cash and heavily traded commodities such as gold. Trump’s move rewards both the $5 trillion private equity industry, which for decades has wanted to compete for a role in retirement plans, and the cryptocurrency industry whose executives strongly supported Trump’s 2024 campaign as they aimed for more mainstream acceptance among Americans. The price of bitcoin has nearly doubled since Trump was elected Under Democratic President Joe Biden, federal regulators were to treat cryptocurrency investments with “extreme care” because of the extreme volatility of crypto. For cryptocurrency companies, which donated millions to Trump’s campaign as well as his inauguration, one goal was to get their industry qualified under ERISA. Coinbase, one of the largest crypto companies in the United States, was also a major donor toward Trump’s military parade in Washington this summer Under Trump, the Securities and Exchange Commission dropped its lawsuit against Coinbase, where the Biden administration said crypto should be treated as a security

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By GREGORIO BORGIA Stacks of containers stand Thursday near a cargo ship in the Civitavecchia Harbour, Italy.

Conner, Emma Rabenhorst FuneralHome, 825 Government Street,at4 p.m McKowen, John Plains PresbyterianChurch at 11am

Robertson, Eric Hall Davisand Sons Celebrationof LifeCenter, 9348 Scenic Highway, at 11 a.m.

Trusty,David St.James EpiscopalChurch,208 N 4thSt.,Baton Rouge, LAat 1pm

Walsh, Robert St.Jean Vianny Catholic Church, 16166 SHarrells Ferry Rd,Baton Rouge,LAat11am.

Obituaries

Diez, Joyce Schexnayder

Joyce Schexnayder Diez, 93, passed away on August 5, 2025,peacefully in Gonzales, Louisiana. Shewas bornonSeptember 18, 1931, in Paulina,Louisiana and was married to Ronald Diez for 64 years. She hada career in Automotive Sales and worked as aCPA until retirement. She was strong in her faith and was alongtime member of St. Theresa of Avila Catholic Church. Joyce had apassion for family, gardening, especially growing lilies and sewing. She truly dedicated her life to nurturing those she loved. Joyce is survived by her two daughters, Stacy (Bobby Melancon), Stefanie (Day Huguet); four sons, Brent (Linda Diez), Kris (Claudia Diez),Bryon (Brigina Diez) and David (Lisa Diez). Joyce is also cherished by her siblings: sisters Kathleen Summers, Frances Perret, and Diane Tramonte, and brothers Lionel Schexnayder and Tommy Schexnayder. Also, numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren she adored so much. Joyce is preceded in death by her loving husband, Ronald Matthew Diez; parents,Lionel andAgnes Schexnayder and sister,Drusilla SchexnayderTrosclair Carbo. Joyce's memory will live on in the hearts of her family and friends, who will remember her warmth, kindness, and unwavering love.A visitation for Joyce will be held Wednesday, August 20, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM at St. Theresa of Avila Catholic Church, Gonzales, 1022 N Burnside Ave, Gonzales, LA 70737, followed by afuneral service at 11:00 AM. Interment to follow at Cornerview Cemetery. The family also invites everyone back to Ourso Funeral Home for ameal, after service.

2025.Born June 5,1922 at her parents' home on Plank RoadinBaton Rouge, LA, she was 103 years old. She is preceded in death by her lovinghusband of 40 years, Francis Lewin Fleming;her parents,William Raynor Slocum and Myrtle Lockhart Slocum; her brother, WilliamDavid SlocumSr; hersister-in-law, Mildred Swarner Slocum; and nephew, Thomas Clark Slocum. Sheissurvived by her three children whom she calledher dearest possessions: James Alvin Roy Jr.(Buddy), Francis Randall Fleming (Randy)and wife Jameela Walker Fleming, Shirlynn Fleming Spillman and husband Jimmy Roy Spillman; three grandchildren, Theresa Roy Hodges and husband DonaldLouis Hodges, James Michael Roy (Jimmy) and wifeMarla Mancuso Roy, and Walker WilliamFleming; and eight great grandchildren, Brandon Chase Royand wifeAngela Lafauci Roy, Travis Michael Roy and wifeBaileigh Shae Roy, Hannah Hodges Mathew and husband Jim, Emily Hodges Stephenson and husband Zachary, Mary Ellen Hodges Braudand husband Nick, Holly Hodges Fontenot and husband Patrick,WilliamHarry Hodges,Charlotte Ann Hodges; eight great-great grandchildren, Cameron, Caroline, Peyton and Connor Roy, Luke and Wells Mathew, Mary Katherine and Benjamin Stephenson and Baby Braud on the way; one nephew, William DavidSlocum, Jr.and wife Jane Miller Slocum; and numerous nieces and nephews. Shewas aCharter member of OakcrestBaptist Church where she taught4 and 5yearolds in Sunday School for yearsbefore she "graduated" and taught an Adult LadiesClass forover 40 years. She wasa member of the Quilt-Aholics quilting club in Clinton, La. Sheloved anything that had to do with LSUsports and Mike the Tiger.She was aproud memberof the1939 graduatingclass of Istrouma High School. Shemade many wonderful memoriestravelingand campingwith her children, grandchildren, familyand friends. Shewas asweet and precious person and willbegreatly missed.

Visitationwillbeheldat Greenoaks Funeral home, 9595 FloridaBlvd., Baton Rouge, La. On Saturday, August 9, 2025, at 9:0011:00amwith funeral service beginning at 11:00am. Officiated by Ron Lambe and Jimmy Spillman. Interment willfollow at Greenoaks MemorialPark. ASpecialthanks to Kacie, Kristen,Ametri, Sonyaand Tanner with Audobon Home Health and Hospice, who were our Angels God sent to care forour Mom on this earth.Memorials maybemade in hername to M.D. Anderson, St.Jude, Louisiana Baptist Children's Home, or acharity of your choice Toodle-Loo LittleMom, Toodle-Loo.

August 17, 1953, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Patti dedicatedher life to serving others—most notably throughher decades-long career as abeloved teacher and coach. She taught adapted physicaleducation, physicaleducation, and kindergarten, and coached forover 30 years. Pattiinspired and mentored generations of students and players, many of whom credit her with shapingtheir livesbothon and off the field.She is survivedbyher devoted husband of 52 years, Stan Guedry; daughters: Brandi Austin (Josh), Sherri Guedry (Katie), and LeeAnn Guedry (Lynn); grandchildren: Bailey,Adrianna, Caden, August,and Hendrix; and great-grandchildAsher; sisters Brenda Odom and Cindy JeffersDelaughter. Pattiispreceded in deathbyher siblings Jeff Jeffers, Terri Jeffers and granddaughterSloan Thefamily would like to extend aheartfeltthankyoutoSt. JosephHospice for theircompassionand care during Patti's final days.Inlieuofflowers, donations may be madein Patti's memory to Alzheimer'sServicesofthe Capital Area. Avisitation forPatti willbeheldSaturday, August 9, 2025, from 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM at St Alphonsus,13940 Greenwell Springs, Greenwell Springs, Louisiana 70739, followedbya mass of Christianburialat11:00 AM.

In Loving Memory of Gregory Anton Hollins, "Da Legend", December 11, 1956 -July 24, 2025. Gregory Anton Hollins, affectionately known as "Da Legend," was born on December 11, 1956, in Plaquemine, LA,tothe late Alazee and Edward "Bro" Hollins.OnJuly 24, 2025, he was called home to rest by his Heavenly Father. He is lovingly remembered by his devoted wife of 45 years, Jacqueline Marie KellyHollins;daughters Kateshiauyia "Renata" Hollins,Shanara LA'Chae Hollins Hawkins, grandchildren Saint Anton Hawkins, Kodi Jr Kaydence, and Kylie Brown; siblings Tyrone,Michael, Bobbie Gale, Reggie,Deborah (Ronald), Brenda, and Linda(Wile); and ahost of extended family and friends. Retired fromJani-King on June 28, 2023. His life was atestimony of faith and strength.LikeJabez in 1Chronicles 4:10, he prayed boldly and liveda blessed life VisitationisFridayAugust 8, 2025 at RoscoeMortuary 58635 Meriam Street Plaquemine from5-7 PM Visitationwillcontinue Saturday August 9, 2015 from 11AM -1PMatGreater Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church 23030 Tolbert Dr. Plaquemine RevC McNell, Pastor

Patricia “Pat”Patterson Jacobsdepartedthislife onWednesday,July23, 2025, at herresidence in Paincourtville, LA.She was 72, anativeofPaincourtville, LA.Visitationon Friday, August 8, 2025, at Williams andSouthallFu‐neral Home from 4:00pm to 6:00pm. Visitation on Sat‐urday,August9,2025, at VirginiaBaptist Church from8:00amtoreligious servicesat10:00am.Inter‐mentinthe church ceme‐tery. Arrangements by Williams &SouthallFuneral Home, 5414 Hwy1, Napoleonville,LA70390 (985) 369-7231. To sign the guest book or offercondo‐lences, visitour websiteat www.williamsandsouthall funeralhome.com.

ElvieM.Jupiter de‐partedthislifeonSatur‐day,July19, 2025, at Thibo‐dauxRegionalMedical Center. Shewas 63, ana‐tiveofNapoleonville,LA and aresidentofThibo‐daux, LA.VisitationonFri‐day,August8,2025, at Williams &SouthallFuneral Homefrom2:00pmto 4:00pm. Visitation on Sat‐urday,August9,2025, at BrightMorning Star Baptist Church from 9:00 AM to re‐ligious services at 11:00 AM. Intermentinthe church cemetery.Arrange‐ments by Williams and SouthallFuneralHome, 5414 Hwy1,Napoleonville, LA70390. (985)369-7231.

2025 at theage of 95. The memorial service will occurata later date.

McKowen, John Griffith'Johnny'

John Griffith “Johnny” McKowen passedaway peacefully into eternity on Wednesday,August5,2025 Hewas born on August 30, 1934 to Alex andHenrietta McKowen andlived near Lindsey,Louisiana.Hewas 90years old. Aftergraduat‐ing from ZacharyHigh School,heattended Copiah-LincolninWesson Ms. Followingcollege, Johnnyreturnedhometo joinhis father andbrother inthe familyfarming and cattlebusiness. Thefarm ultimatelybecameT-) Ranch which he ownedand operatedfor 47 yearsuntil heretired in 2005. During thattime, he wasa long standingmemberofthe Board forFeliciana Farm Bureauand Cattleman’s Association.Inhis “free” time, he enjoyeddeer and turkeyhuntingalong with fishingwithhis buddy Charles Hughes.Inhis younger years, he wason the rodeocircuit partici‐patingincalfropingand steer wrestling. Johnny was amemberofthe PlainsPresbyterianChurch for hisentirelifeand servedasa Deacon for53 years untilhis appoint‐mentasDeaconEmeritus in2013. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Mari‐lyn MesserMcKowen Sons, John Griffith “Grif” McKowen,Jr. (Erin),and Michael McKowen(An‐drew).Granddaughters, LaurenMcKowen Bour‐geois (Luke),Lindsay McK‐owenTravis(Kemp)and Kathryn ElizabethMcK‐owen(Jacob).Great Grand‐children, Lainey Grace Bourgeois andJohnKemp Travis. Johnnyispreceded indeath by hisparents Alexand Henrietta McK‐owen, Sr brothers,Alex McKowen,Jr. andwife, GertrudeTownsendMcK‐owenand HenryG.McK‐owenand wife,Shirley McKowen.Sisters,Beryl “Boots” McKowenMorris and husband, Dr.Harry S. Morrisand PearlMcKowen Slaughter andher hus‐band, Mansel Slaughter. VisitationwillbeatCharlet FuneralHomeinZachary onThursday, Aug. 7, 2025 from6pm until 8pm. Visita‐tioncontinues on Friday, Aug.8,2025 at Plains Pres‐byterianChurch from 9am until serviceat11amcon‐ductedbyRev.Campbell Silman. Burial will be in Young Family Cemetery, Zachary

25, 1947 in Baton Rouge Shewas aloving mother, grandmother,great-grandmother, sister,and friend. Shewas adevoted Fan of the LSUTigers, hada stronglove of gardening, andwas known for her strength and Catholic faith. We will miss herstories andhistory lessons. Sheispreceded in death by herparents William and Elizabeth DoyleBrown; aunt Evelyn Brown McDonald;brother GlennBrown; andson Christopher "Chris" Brecheen. Sheissurvivedbyher sons; Marcus "Scotty" Barrett andDonald Melancon Jr (Amber); daughter ChelseaMelancon (Daron); sister Carolyn Strong (Roy); brotherDavidBrown (Carolyn); grandchildren BradleyBrecheen,Christopher"CJ"BrecheenCaroline Melancon, Katelynn Jenkins (Brennan) Ashleigh Alexander, Colby Melancon, AshlynnMelancon, CarsonRodrigue,Calleigh Duplessis, Eli Melancon, Ethan Melancon,and Dylan Galloway; andgreatgrandchildrenNoahh, Kaylee,Hayden, Allison, Zyrah, Jude andKaylea Numerous nieces and nephewscousins and friends.

Averyspecial, thanks to Heritage ManorofBaton Rouge andLife Source hospice for taking such good care of heratthe endof herlife. Amemorial service will be held at alater date.

Estella Oliver was born October11, 1930 in Tolbert LA. Shetransitionedon Saturday July 26, 2025 in Baton Rouge,Louisiana. A visitation will be held Saturday August 9, 2025 at 10:00AM at Star Hill Baptist Church,1400 N. Foster Drive,with religiousservicesimmediatelyfollowingat11:00 AM

Richardson, Rosa Mae

Rosa Richardson, anative andlifelongresident of Baton Rouge,passed away peacefullyat9:05 a.m. on Sunday, August 3, 2025, at theage of 77. She wasretired from the East Baton Rouge Parish Clerk of Court. TheCelebrationofLife service for Rosa Richardson will be held at Bethany Church SouthCampus on Saturday, August 9th at 11:00am, conductedby Pastor DustinWest. The familywill receive friends andfamilyatBethany Church for visitation on Saturday, August 9th from 9:00am until thefuneral servicesat11:00am. Intermentwill follow at Greenoaks Memorial Park. Sheissurvivedbytwo daughters, Ann Richardson Bibbinsand Bianca Davis Richardson; two grandchilMelancon,Katherine Ann'Kathy'

Jacobs,Patricia Patterson 'Pat'

Hollins, Gregory Anton

Oliver, Estella

Jupiter, ElvieM

Mayfield, Bennie Mervin 'Ben'

dren, Whitney and Troy Bibbins; one great-granddaughter, Airis Troi Bibbins; and one sister, Viola. She was preceded in death by her husband, Arthur Ree Richardson; her mothers, Viola Gardner and Louise Boston Sterling; her grandmother, Virginia Mitchell; asister, Louise Gardner; and abrother, Edward Johnson. Arrangements entrusted to Miller &Daughter Mortuary, (225) 654-3802.

Robinson, Reather

Theresa 'Reather' Robinson age 86 entered into eternalrest Thursday July 31, 2025. Reather was anative of Slaughter, La.Visitation is Monday August 11, 2025 9:00 a.m. until services at 10:00 a.m. Living Faith ChristianCenter 6375 Winbourne Avenue Baton Rouge, La 70805.Bishop Raymond WJohnson officiating. Interment immediately following at 4000 Norman Mayer New Orleans, La 70122 Mount Olivet Cemetery. Services entrusted to Richardson Funeral Home of Clinton Inc. Phone: (225) 683-5222.

Donald Kelly Root passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by his familyatthe age of 64 on July 24, 2025. He is survived by his devoted wife of 34years, Stacy McMorrisRoot; his daughters, Emilee Catherine and Elizabeth Louise; and his son, Donald Aaron Root. Kelly was adedicated owner and VP of sales for 35 years at Capitol Welders

Russell,Charles Funeralservicesfor Charles Russellwillbeheld Saturday, August 9, 2025 at Greater AntiochBaptist Church,2139 Nebraska St A public visitation will be heldfrom9:00a.m.until 10:00 a.m. with religious servicesbeginning at 10:00 a.m.Interment:Thomas ChapelCemetery. Profes‐sionalservicesentrusted toCharles Mackey Funeral Home.

Supply Company.Hewas a lifelong fanofthe Beatles and LSU sports, who brought passion and joyto everythinghedid. Kelly wasa belovedson,husband, father, mentor,and friend to many. He was preceded in deathbyhis parents, DonaldEugene Root and AnnieElizabeth "Bette"Teekel Root. AcelebrationofKelly's lifewill be held on Saturday, August 9, in WitterHallatSt. Luke's EpiscopalChurch, 8833 Goodwood Blvd. Visitation and reception will take place from 9:00 a.m. to11:00a.m., followed by a memorial serviceat11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers,the family requests donations be made to the St. Luke's Fire Fund. For online condolencesand additional details, please visit www.churchfuneralservic es.com sharememoriesatwww

Rushing,

Peggy Sue

Peggy SueRushing passedawayonTuesday, August5,2025, at OurLady ofthe Lake Regional Med‐icalCenterinBaton Rouge, atthe ageof59. Shewas a nativeand resident of Plaquemine. Shewas a waitressatFleur de Lisfor 18years andthenwenton tobea devotedcaretaker ofher father for8 years. VisitationwillbeatWilbert FuneralHomeinPlaquem‐ine on Saturday,August 9th,from4 to 8p.m.witha religious serviceat6 p.m., cremation will follow Peggy is survived by her children, StantonRushing (Cierra)and Hannah Williams;father, Gerald P. Rushing; grandchildren, Ayden Scott, Adalyn Scott and Annalise Graham; brother,MurrayRushing and wife Pam; special cousin, Nina Rushing Gaudet; andnumerous other cousins. Peggy was precededindeath by her mother, BarbaraJeanFer‐guson Osborne; grand‐child,SophiaScott. Peggy was very involved in Girl Scoutsand softball as a child.She lovedgardening, cookingand spending time with hergrandchildren, who she cherished. Please

Sandra Elaine Spears entered into eternal rest on August 3, 2025. Survived by her children, Latosha Isaac, Jason Spears,& Aisha Smith and her loving family.Visitation Saturday, August 9, 2025 9:00 am. Funeral service 10:00 am11:00 am, Hall Davis Funeral Home, Baton Rouge, LA PastorCharles R. Thomas, Jr. officiating. Burial at Roselawn MemorialPark, 4045 NorthSt., Baton Rouge, LA Services entrusted to HallDavis and Son.

Watson,Toriano Services forToriano WatsonwillbeheldSatur‐day August 9, 2025 at Hour ofPrayer, 5211 Ford St.A publicvisitationwillbe heldfrom1:00p.m.until 2:00p.m.withreligious ser‐vices beginningat2:00 p.m.Interment:Private Professionalservicesen‐trusted to CharlesMackey FuneralHome.

Spears,SandraElaine

Root, Donald Kelly

OPINION

Medicaid cuts will hurt mothers,especiallyrural ones

Medicaid is the backboneof maternal and childhealth in Louisiana. Nearly two-thirds of births in Louisiana are paid for by Medicaidand more than half of children are covered by Medicaid —among the highest rates in the country.But that lifeline is now in jeopardy following sweeping federal cuts to the program. Congress recently passed abill that will slash federal Medicaid funding by imposing work requirements andtightening eligibility.InLouisiana, 100,000 people —about 44% of current Medicaid enrollees —stand to lose coverage when these rules takeeffect in December 2026. Even though 69% of adults in Louisianawith Medicaid coverage are already working, many may stilllose coverage due to red tape and burden-

some reporting requirements. Proponentsclaim these requirementswill curb fraud and restore the“dignity of work.”

families.

In reality,states where work requirements were previously implemented didnot haveincreases in employment. They did, however,lead to coverage losses andworse health outcomes.

To preserve current Medicaidcoverage levels, Louisiana would need to increase its own Medicaid spending by 400% —a financial impossibility in astate alreadystrugglingtomeet basic health care needs. Without a federal fix,Louisiana will face impossible trade-offs: raise taxes, cuteducation and infrastructure budgetsorreduce Medicaid enrollment or services even further —all of which harm working

These cuts would fall hardest on pregnant women and young families.Louisiana already ranks 48th in maternal and child health outcomes and has one of the highest rates of maternal mortality in theU.S. Gutting Medicaid would turn apublic healthcrisis intoa catastrophe.

More than half of Louisiana parishes are considered maternity care deserts —places where obstetric care is absent or dangerously limited. Over athird have no obstetric provider or hospital unit at all. Medicaid cutswould force more rural hospitals to close or eliminate obstetric care entirely,leaving entire regions without providers for prenatal or postpartum care. The consequences aren’t theoretical. Apregnant woman in rural Avoyelles Parish may soon have to travel even further

Return of politics to east bank leveeboard will lead to dysfunction

The 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina should be atime to remember historic reformsthat have made our region stronger,safer and moreresilient

Instead, Gov.Jeff Landry has reintroduced politics into the governance of our leveesand flood protection systems.

Last year,the Legislature passed alaw giving the governor sweeping authority to handpick the presidents of over 150 state boards. Landry has used that power three times at the Southeast Louisiana Flood Protection Authority-East. Most recently,heremoved his previous pick for board president, Roy Carubba, after achaotic tenure marked by high-profile resignations, retirementsand terminations.

his finger in theface of former commissioner Clay Cosse and shouted expletives. Thegovernor was right to removeCarubba as president, but replacing him witha brand-new boardmember with no institutionalknowledge is not theanswer

This is not what the people of southeast Louisiana fought for after Katrina. In theaftermath of thestorm, Citizensfor 1Greater New Orleans, ledbyfounder Ruthie Frierson, organized agrassroots movement to reform flood governance.

than 30 minutes to her closest birthhospital. Amother in New OrleansEast might forgo postpartumvisits because she no longer qualifies forMedicaid under new eligibility rules. This will be especially devastating for Black women in Louisiana, who are already 2.5 times more likely to diefrom pregnancyrelated causes. These proposed cuts would deepen racial and geographic inequities and decimate care in the very communities that rely on it themost.

Louisiana policymakers must act swiftly to blunt the impact of these federal cuts.

That includes maximizing state funding to preserve coverage for pregnant womenand families, pursuing federal waivers to maintain access forvulnerable groups and minimizing red tape that could cause eligible residents to lose care. Leaders should also

invest in community-based outreach and enrollment assistance to ensure families understand the new rules and don’tfall through the cracks. Doing nothing is not an option —the health of thousands of Louisiana women and children is on the line.

The bill may be signed, but the fight is farfrom over.State leaders must do everything in their power to shield Louisiana families from its worst effects.

That starts with protecting, not slashing, Medicaid. Our health, our economy and our future depend on it.

Melissa Goldin Evans is on thefacultyatthe Celia Scott Weatherhead School of Public Health&TropicalMedicine at Tulane Universityand a member of theNew Orleans Maternal andChild Health Coalition advisory board.

Kratom banabad move forthose in chronicpain

Longago, when Iwas young and invincible, Iwould snowboard in Colorado and occasionally hit the “kicker,” a sloped rampthat would launch me into theair to soar above the world below

His replacement, PeterViacri,had only attended one boardmeeting before being elevated to the top post.

Carruba’sleadership drove four of nine board members to resign. Three members addressed their resignation letter to Shane Guidry,alarge political donor to Landry with no approvedofficial role at the flood authority or in government.In atroubling pattern, Carubba has repeatedly asked areporter forthis paper to get Guidry’sapproval before publishing his comments. Who is really in charge?

Landry’sintention to stack theSLFPAEboard could not be clearer.Atthe end of the last legislative session, his office quietly withdrew or failed to submit for Senate confirmation the name of aboard member who publicly opposed his legislation designed to dismantle post-Katrina levee reforms.

This is textbook political retaliation. Only two of the nine board members from ayear ago remain.

One key question remains unanswered by Guidry and Landry.What are they trying to accomplish with this SLFPA-Etakeover? What problems do they seek tofix?

Carubba and Guidry have claimed they are trying to cut wasteful spending. Yet, payroll costs at SLFPA-E have increased by $2 million in just the past year.One particularly questionable expense is the $208,000 salary of PoliceSuperintendent Joshua Rondeno.

The dysfunction reached alow point in June, when Carubba ended aboard meeting by accusing fellow board members of self-dealing and racism while providing no evidence.

As he left, Carubba turned back, pointed

Hundreds of citizens in red coats flooded the State Capitol in Baton Rouge, demandingchange.

Their efforts culminated in a constitutional amendment, approved by 81% of voters statewide and 94% in Orleans Parish, to depoliticize levee boards and prioritize public safety

Thesereforms have worked for nearly 19 years,underevery administration except, without explanation, the current one.

This past legislative session, our organization proposed an amendment to restore the board’sauthoritytoelect itsown chair and insulate it from further political interference.

Most lawmakers we met agreed with the ideainprinciple, but saidthe governor must agree. He didnot.

Canyou imagine what people around the country will think when they hear Louisiana has reintroduced political influence into flood protection in New Orleans? Will the federal government come to our aid again in the face of adisaster of ourown making?

How are citizens better off if we revert to the pre-Katrina days of poor flood management and political influence? What message does it sendthat theboard overseeing our flood protection system may be taking orders from aprivatepolitical donor?

We cannot afford to return to thepolitically compromised systems that failed us so catastrophically in 2005. Flood protectionisthe mostexistential threat we collectively share, transcending all other diversity in our colorful and unique community

Citizens have avital roletoplay.We must insist that our elected officials correct this crucial error beforethis dysfunction resultsina crisis.

Blair duQuesnay is the chair of Citizens for 1Greater New Orleans

Once, while landing, Ihurt my back. It was sore for afew days and then thepain vanished, as injuries do when you are 22. But unbeknownst to me, aprocess had been set in motion.Over the next two decades, that back ache would evolve into arthritis andeventually adisc herniation, which produced nerve pain that would ripple downmy legs. Isaw doctors, physical therapistsand chiropractors to find relief. Some things madeitbetter,others made it worse, but today Iamone of tens of millions of Americans with chronic pain. Andlike most, I’ve tried numerous drugs for relief. Yet, the one that has been mosteffective isn’tanover-thecounter anti-inflammatory or adrug prescribed by aphysician

ences that mirrored my own. Troy D’Albor,anITspecialist from St. Martinville, testified how he had been using kratom for10years to manage crippling back pain. D’Albor waspreviously prescribed hydrocodone, which led him to addiction, but now he’sadecade sober and able to manage his pain with kratom alone. Most kratom users appear to fit asimilar profile. Asurvey published by Johns Hopkins in 2023 found that out of 2,798 kratom users, 91% were taking it to alleviate pain.

D’Albor pointed out that much of the kratom flooding the marketplace now is synthetic and concentrated.

While traditional kratom contains only traces of 7-hydroxymitragynine, concentrated extracts and synthetic products artificially boost levels of this alkaloid, which studies show can be up to 13 times morepotent than morphine.

It’sa controversial Southeast Asian leaf called kratom, which has painkilling properties. Ihave been taking it mostdays for five years without any side effectsordependency issues. And it’sbeen agodsend, allowing me to function despite my injury

YetonAug. 1, I’mforced to make achoice due to thehandiwork of the LouisianaLegislature, which criminalized kratom during its mostrecent session. Ieither break the law,orI grimace in pain. Thousandsofother Louisianaresidents are in asimilar situation.

The criminalization of kratom is acounterproductive act that stems from acommendable impulse: keeping people safe from potentially dangerous drugs. At alegislative hearing in April, thebill’ssponsor,Sen. Jay Morris, R-WestMonroe, said people have overdosed on kratom, while astate physician testified that he treats more people for addiction to kratom than crack.

Andtwo families told lawmakers that they believed thedrug had damaged their children irreparably,one of whom blamed their son’ssuicide on kratom addiction. The testimonials wereheartbreaking, and Ican understandtheir desire for aban.

Butalso present at the hearing were those who described the drug ridding them of long-standing pain and providing anewfound quality of life, experi-

To put it simply: Somepeople are sipping light beer while others are guzzling Jack Daniel’s.

There was afixfor this problem.A House bill, moving through the Legislature at the sametime, would have prohibited high-concentration formulations and adulterated products while requiring better package labeling so consumers could understand what they’re taking. It’s the path that many states, including Mississippi, have pursued. It wasalso the preference of manykratom users, myself included, whogotogreat lengths to makesure they are taking products that are pure. But instead of operating with a scalpel, the Legislature opted forthe sledgehammer.The result will likely be aflourishing black market, enriching drug dealers and shady operators while forcing people with pain issues to enter into the criminal underworld. So manypeople in this state suffer from chronic pain. It’s not just the excruciating sensations that haunt them; it’sthe unrelenting dread of losing core parts of their identity,their jobs, their hobbies, the things they enjoy doing, because it simply hurts too much to do them anymore. Of course, the biggest indignity is when those in power have the presumption to tell them how they can and can’ttreat their own health issues. And that’sexactly what Louisiana lawmakers did.

DanLawton lives in Mandeville.

can enact that culture.

Jon BatisteisaKenner native whowent to St. AugustineHigh Schooland the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts.Hewas amember of the Purple Knights’ Marching 100 and became a young professional New Orleans entertainerand musician before rising to international fame. He has had 22 Grammy nominations, winning seven Grammys. He’swon an Oscar and aGolden Globe award. Columnist Will Sutton interviewed Batiste about his Hurricane Katrina experience and how the storm has shaped New Orleans and music. Theconversation has been edited for length and clarity

SUTTON: Let’sgoback to summer 2005. Where wereyou? What were you doing that summer?

BATISTE: Ihad returned home for summer break from my first year at Juilliard. Ihad finished at St. Aug and NOCCA, and wentto Juilliard for ayear and returned This was for the summer break, andIwas home through theday that Hurricane Katrina hit landfall.

SUTTON: So you were here (in New Orleans) on Aug. 29?

BATISTE: Iwas in New Orleans on Aug. 29 andIhave a... Idon’t think I’ve sharedthis story publicly.Ihave avery interesting story about returning back to Juilliard afterKatrina.

SUTTON: Tell me about it

BATISTE: Youknow,wehad amoment as all New Orleanians who have lived through hurricanes know.Wetaped our windows, boardedthe windows.Sometimes youtough it out. We didn’tthink it would be what it obviously became. We werethinking of staying until that day,and alot of people made that same choice. Then it seemed likeit’sa little different. Let’sleave. And we got on thefreeway.Once we got on the freeway,you just saw bumperto-bumper traffic, cars thatwere all heading out, and we were all going in the same direction —to Texas. We had to figure out where we were going to stay,atwhathotel. We tried to book some place. A lot of places were booked.Aswe got furtherand further down the road, you could just feel the energy,this full-blown energy of the storm reaching our city.Wedidn’t know how we were going to get out, but we knew we had to get out. We were on the road. My late grandmother was in the back seat next to me. My sister,myparents, were in the front seat. We were in acaravan with my uncle. We found aplace in Texas.

We get to Texas, and we’re watchingitunfoldonthe news outlets.

Anythingthatyou werewatching to do with news,any sort of coverage, was out of New Orleans. Iremember CNN coverage showing some of theneighborhoods that Iknow.Even where our house was. Therewas asense of mounting tension and despair andasense of questioning. Who’s gotout? Who’s decided to leave? Who’sstill there? What’sgoing on with everythingthat we left behind and all those who we left behind? There were so many things we didn’tthink about.And thisiswhere the Juilliard piece comesin. Ididn’tbring aset of luggage formore than two or three days. Every single year, those who go to Juilliard know with the music program, there’sareal audition. Youhavetore-audition to get backin. Some folksre-audition andthey’renot let back in. There’savery small chance that youcan make it in to begin with, butthen therigor of doing what we call ajury audition keeps up the wholefouryears you’re there. Forme to get back into school, I hadtoaudition. This was theend of August.We start thesemester in September Iwasn’t ready.And Ihad to do my audition for Juilliard for my second year.Overthe phone. In the lobbyofthe hotel. On thepiano that was in thelobby

SUTTON: Wow. So there was a piano in thelobby?The hotel’s lobby piano?

BATISTE: The lobbypiano at the hotel. Idomyaudition over thephone. Iget in. IgofromTexas up to New York for the semester with

theclothes that Ihave on my back. Ileft my family behind. They encouraged me to go. I didn’twant to go, but they said, “You got to go. You’ve got to finish your school, and we’ll be all right Everybody’saccounted for.Go ahead.”

So that audition to Juilliard was in thewake of Katrina, over the phone from thehotel lobby piano.

SUTTON: Let’sleap forward. I want to get your reflections on what it was like experiencing Hurricane Katrina as you started your professional career

BATISTE: Ihad experienced my first year as aprofessional in New York. At Julliard. Starting aband. So in my second year and on, there was areal palpable ambassadorship of the citytothe rest of theworld.

Beingsomeone who is generations deep in thecity,the lineage and the roots of my family go deep. Beinginthe city in my adult life and having been aculture bearer and inheriting this incredible gift of inheritance of this culture at atime when all eyes were on New Orleans, it established a sense of mebeing arepresentativeofthe best of who we are. Twenty years later,Istill take that responsibility very seriously

SUTTON: So how has Katrina over thelast 20 years had an impact on you and inspired you in your music career?

BATISTE: Iremember New Orleans growing up and what it was. I’ve seen how it’schanged. It’s inspired me to keep thereal authentic elements of the city that were part of my upbringing, to keep those alive. What Irealize is that alot of it is in the people and bringing people together,bringing people into aspace where we

Beforethe Super Bowl, Iput together afestival in the 9th Ward, bringing together alot of family and friends and artists. We’re all so deeply rooted in the city,but rarely,ifever,dowehave an occasion to get together.And not just get together,but get together in the heart of the community.It’s great to have people come and visit thecity,who want to be a part of it,connect to the culture and express gratitude and joy and experience it. I’ve always really taken alot of the responsibility with my platform to share the actual experience that Ihad growing up and the experience that I inherited and to not let that ever die out

SUTTON: Iwas there that day.I enjoyed the day,Ienjoyed your energy and Ienjoyed how you included theother artists and musicians. Youlive in NewYork now What are someofthe things that, because of Katrina, you miss? What are someofthe things that you’re thankful still exist?

BATISTE: One thing Imiss that is not by way of Katrina necessarily, but Imiss the blessing of being able to move through the city with anonymity.I’m often in the city unannounced because of that. I’m often with family and in close quarters with folks whoknow I’m in thecity but everybody else doesn’tknow.I missed those sort of experiences. Iremember when we were in theeighth or ninth grade, Troy er Trombone Shorty —wewould sneak intoclubs. Just thinking about those kinds of experiences, Ithink changed the city.There’s alot more of arestriction on the music in the communal space in thestreet during the second-lines. That was such abeautiful, multigenerational connectivity that came through all of our social practices andthe musical culture. It definitely changed. We took ablow.A lot of the elders were displaced anddidn’tcome back to thecity.Alot of the institutions and the creative forces behind them weren’table to stay in the sameway We’retalking about the range of different things legitimized by us, thingsthat we weren’table to carry on in the sameway,oratall. Youfeel that spirit shift. There’s been alot of new blood that’s come. We see alot of changes to thefeel of the city.And alot of new opportunity,aswell, which Ithink is great. Don’tget me wrong. But Idothink there is a sense whenwewere kids we were almost the last generation to really have that sort of experience. Iremember feeling that shift. I was just coming into manhood when Katrina hit. Iremember it very clearly. The first five years

afterward, you would drive around and you would still see the slashes on the front of people’s doors and windows. Iremember going to Hamilton Street to my grandparents’ house in Hollygrove where Ispent my summers. That’sthe spirit and the feel of the city that we lost. It’s come back in adifferent form But it’snot the same.

SUTTON: In the 20 years since Katrina, professionally,you’ve growntoincredible heights, you’ve played alot of places and visited lots of places. How often does the word Katrina come up?

BATISTE: There’salways different ways that it’sbrought up. If it’s not brought up, Ialways like to bring it to the forefront and find ways of keeping the conversation, keeping the memoryofitalive. It maybebiased to say,but I believe it’strue: New Orleans is the soul of America. What has happened in our city is important forusinour collective memory. Iremember when, it must have been at the Emmysin2017 or 2018, the anniversary of Katrina wasthe day of the Emmys. Idecided that Iwould wearasuit that wasaprint of an aerial shot of NewOrleans. In the aftermath of Katrina, it becamesomething that wasaconversation. It’s moreonustocontinue to keep that conversation alive so that we can learn from the mistakes. We still have alot of things that we can do. Iurge folks in the position to do it with the engineering of our levees and understanding the one-of-a-kind oneness of the city.Weneed to protect that at all costs. If people don’tmention it, Imention it. For the full conversation, go to www.nola.com/opinions

Email Will Sutton at wsutton@ theadvocate.com.

STAFF FILEPHOTO By SCOTT THRELKELD

JonBatiste performs with the TBC Brass Band during JonBatiste’sLove Riot Festival, at GeorgeWashington CarverHigh School in NewOrleans’ 9thWard on Feb.8

ART By CHANDRA MCCORMICK

Artist-photographerChandra McCormick captured this imageofTrombone Shorty playing among others during an annual paradein

2000. Likeotherphotographs in the Chandra McCormick-Keith Calhoun photography archives, thephotographwas waterlogged by HurricaneKatrina floodwaters, rescued and then restored in 2010.

Chandra McCormick and Keith Calhoun are artists bornand raisedinNew Orleans’ Lower 9thWard.Amarriedcouple, theyhavebeen documenting the culture of Louisiana and its people formore than four decades and have received numerous awards fortheir work.

STAFFFILE PHOTO

Will Sutton

The morning bringswarmand muggyconditions, but otherwise, not much weather to worryabout. Temperatures willclimbinto the low90s by the afternoon, and with highhumidity,itwillfeelmore likesthe tripe digits. yes, it’shot, but not nearly as oppressive as what we dealtwithafew weeksago.Asfor rain, don’texpect much. Coveragewill be limited with onlyafew strayshowers or storms The next sevendayswill stick with the familiar pattern: hot, humid afternoons with pop-up storms. The main day-to-daydifference will be howmanystorms we see. Thisweekend willbring aslight uptick in in activitywithisolated showers and storms expectedó,thoughmanyspots will still

Breesexcited to seeSaintsQBbattleplayout

Former star quarterbackhas been followingteam’s‘eventful camp’

BY JEFF DUNCAN Staff writer

Drew Brees is no different than anyother New Orleans Saints fan these days. He’s watching the team’squarterback competition from afar and following every pass with interest from his California home. The Saints legend is as eager as everyone else to see how the trainingcamp battle between Tyler Shough, Spencer Rattlerand

JakeHaener plays out.

“It’sapretty unique situation, if you just look at theyouth across theboard,” Brees said Thursday,while in town to promote the NOLA Pickleball Event taking place this weekend at theErnest N. Morial Convention Center.“Obviously,there was alot of excitement in draftingTyler Shough, and Ifelt like Spencer Rattlerdid somegreat things last year. And Jake Haener,his (playing)style hisstature,everything reminds me of alot

of myself. …Sowe’ll see how thecompetitionshakes out. It seems like it’sbeen a pretty eventful camp so far.” Becauseofthe trio’slackofexperience and thenew Saints’coaching staff’srelative lack of familiarity with each play, Brees said he expects theclubtoplay each quarterback extensively during the preseason.The Saints open the exhibition season Sundaywith agame at the Los Angeles Chargers.

“I’m sure the Saints will take amuch different approach than most teams do when it comes to starters, mainly theQBs,” said Brees, whose Brees Dream Foundation benefitsfrom the pickleball event’s proceeds. “Some teams barely play their QB starters trying to keep healthy for the regular season. But (with) these guys, every rep is so valuable, both in practice and scrimmages. All those (reps) are so valuable just to feel like you’re getting gamelike reps.”

BYLUKE JOHNSON Staff writer

There’sthat mindset poppingoff againinthe New Orleans Saints offensiveline’s post-practice film review “Weran like alittle sweep play, and all Isee is Trevor (Penning) driving aguy into the dirt,” said rookie left tackle Kelvin Banks.

Listening to players talk, it seems likethese sorts of playsare aregular occurrence forPenning, who switched positionstoleft guard thisseason.A very large man withaveryphysicalmentalitymeshing thosetwo attributes, resulting in otherlargemen beingdriven into theturfagainsttheir will. That mentalityisreal,and it

is not common. “Every play,he’sliterally trying to put people in the ground,” said fellow lineman Will Clapp. “You’d like to have that mindset every play as an offensive lineman, but alot of guys don’t. This dude truly wants to physically destroy people.” That combination of brute force and aggressiveness didn’talwaysworkatoffensive tackle, apositionthat somewhat neutralizedPenning’s nature andasked him to play morepassively. TheSaints tried himfirst at left tackle, benched him, thentriedhim outatright tackle. The resultswerebetter on the right side,but some of the

Scott Rabalais

They’re swimming in the Seine this summer in Paris. For the first timein102 years, the famously romantic and famously polluted river that winds sensuously through the City of Light is clean enough forParisians to plunge into —ifthey dare. It’s alegacy of the 2024 Olympic Games, which were going on this timelast year up, downand yes, in the Seine. In 2024, thirty-five athletes with LSU and/or Louisiana ties competed for20countries during the Paris Games, which ran from July 26-Aug. 11. Before we pass the one-year marksince the Olympic flame wasextinguished (to be relighted again Feb. 6for the start of the Winter Olympics in Italy), we thought we’dget an update on how someLouisiana Olympians are faring these days: MondoDuplantis

The Lafayette native dramatically broke his ownpole vault world record on the last of three attempts the night of Aug. 5, 2024, inside the Stade de France, clearing the bar at 20 feet, 6inches. Since then, the former LSU All-American has nudged the bar higher atotal of three times to 20-7, his most recent record leap coming June 15 in Stockholm, Sweden, the country he represents (his mother Helena is from there). It was his 12th time to break the world record —only Sergei Bubka had more world record performances with 14. But Mondo is far from done. Leading up to Paris, Mondo’sfather and coach Greg

Mondo s father

Saints lineman TrevorPenning,center,protects quarterback Tyler Shough during aadrill on Saturdayatthe team’s practicefacility STAFF PHOTO By JOHN MCCUSKER

BROADCAST HIGHLIGHTS

USA Gymnastics is entering a new era

BY WILL GRAVES AP national writer

There was a time, not that long ago really when Joscelyn Roberson would combat the nerves that inevitably popped up before a major gymnastics meet by reminding herself of one very simple fact

“I could be like, ‘Oh no one’s watching me,’ ” the 19-year-old said with a laugh. “Like they’re watching Simone (Biles). They’re watching Jordan (Chiles). They’re watching Suni (Lee) and Jade (Carey). Like, they are not watching me.” Well, they are now Biles, Lee Carey and Carey are all on sabbatical from elite gymnastics, perhaps for good. And when Roberson salutes the judges during the first night of the U.S. Gymnastics Championships on Friday in New Orleans, the world championship gold medalist and Olympic alternate will be one of the few athletes on the floor with experience on the sport’s biggest stage.

“Maybe they are kind of watching me (now), so it adds a different level of nerves, but I love it,” Roberson said.

Good thing, because she’ll probably have to get used to it. Not just for Roberson, but the athletes who will find the spotlight pointing their way now that the icons who commanded it so completely have stepped aside, at least for now A year after sending the oldest team in modern Olympic history to Paris, the average age of the competitors who will spend the weekend at Smoothie King Center taking their first tentative steps toward the 2028 Los Angeles Games is under 18.

Hezley Rivera helped the Americans capture gold last summer Now, the 17-year-old finds herself thrust into the role as one of the standardbearers for one of the marquee programs of the U.S. Olympic movement, and the external pressure that comes along with it.

RABALAIS

Duplantis told me they thought 21 feet was feasible. At only 25, still arguably not at his peak by pole vaulting standards, that once impossible height seems within Duplantis’ grasp. He aims to be the first three-time Olympic gold medalist in men’s pole vault in the 2028 Los Angeles Games.

Sha’Carri Richardson

The former LSU sprinter took home gold in the women’s 4x100-meter relay, blazing from fourth place on the anchor leg to first place, and got silver in the 100-meter dash. For all her glory in Paris, 2025 has been something else entirely Richardson has run times of 11.47 and 11.19 in her two international meets so far

Hong takes lead at U.S. Gym Championships

BY SCOTT RABALAIS Staff writer

Another national championship is within Asher Hong’s grasp.

pion Donnell Whittenburg of Bradenton, Florida, put himself in prime position for a fifth rings title, taking first place with a 15.101 The 30-year-old is also in third place on bars at 13.850.

Texans’ Gardner-Johnson suffers injury at practice

WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, W Va Houston safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson appeared to suffer a significant leg injury Thursday as the Texans practiced at the Greenbrier Resort in West Virginia. According to reports, GardnerJohnson tried to tackle receiver John Metchie and after making contact fell to ground and began writhing in pain. The medical staff tended to him as the team and coaches surrounded him. He was eventually helped by the medical staff to a cart while it appeared that he couldn’t put any pressure on his right leg. Coach DeMeco Ryans didn’t have any update on his condition, but said it was difficult to watch it happen.

Gardner-Johnson is in his first year in Houston after he was acquired from the Eagles in March.

Mystics trade Edwards to Sun for Sheldon

“I definitely know that people have certain expectations, but I don’t really care what people have, like, expectations-wise for me,” she said. “I know what I want and my goals, so it’s kind of just focusing on what I’m doing in the gym and what I am doing on the competition floor.”

Rivera’s elite 2025 debut was bumpy She tied for 12th at the U.S. Classic last month, well behind WOGA club teammate Claire Pease, who showed uncommon poise in her first major competition at the senior level.

Yes, it wasn’t the meet Rivera wanted, but the reality is the year following an Olympics is all about adjusting to the sport’s updated Code of Points and plotting out what the run-up to the next Olympics might look like.

That’s perhaps even more true this time around, not just on the floor but off it. While a new wave of athletes who grew up idolizing Biles and Lee step towards the forefront, the organization they will represent is undergoing a significant change of its own.

A ‘bittersweet’ departure

Li Li Leung, who nimbly guided USA Gymnastics out of the wake of the Larry Nassar sexual abuse scandal, is stepping down at the end of the year During her final “State of the Sport” address on Wednesday, Leung grew uncharacteristically emotional during what she called a “bittersweet” milestone.

Asked if she’s had any second thoughts since announcing her plan in June, Leung shook her head.

“I’ve accomplished everything that I set out to do when I took this role,” she said. “It takes quite a bit of work to build up to an Olympic Games, and it would be so unfair if I made my decision a couple of years from now and not giving the next CEO the runway to be able to build successfully into LA.”

this season, far off her best of 10.65 that won her gold at the 2023 world championships. Then came her arrest July 27 at the Seattle airport for domestic violence against her boyfriend, fellow U.S. sprinter Christian Coleman, who declined to press charges. Richardson scratched in the 100 at the recent U.S. Track and Field championships in Eugene, Oregon, and didn’t qualify in the 200. She is still qualified in the 100 in this year’s world track and field championships, next month in Tokyo, because she is the reigning champion from the 2023 worlds. But currently ranked outside the top 10 in the world in the 100 this season, it’s highly questionable whether she can regain the form in time to make the podium in Tokyo.

Kristen Nuss and Taryn Brasher No, New Orleans native and

Winner of the 2023 all-around title in the U.S. Gymnastics Championships, the Olympian from Stanford established himself Thursday as the man to beat again this year, finishing in first place after the opening session of the senior men’s competition at the Smoothie King Center

The 21-year-old Hong, one of four members of the bronze medal-winning U.S men’s team from the 2024 Paris Olympics, posted a six-event total of 85.585. He was significantly ahead of Oklahoma’s Fuzzy Beneas (81.105), and Stanford teammate Colt Walker (81.058).

The men’s senior all-around and six individual event titles — floor, pommel horse, still rings, vault, parallel bars and high bar — will be decided Saturday night. Stephen Nedoroscik of Sarasota, Florida, in pursuit of a record fifth straight pommel horse national championship, had some work to do going into Saturday’s final. Nedoroscik, 26, who also won two bronze medals in Paris with the U.S. team and in his specialty event, was in fifth place with a 14.200, well behind first-place Patrick Hoopes of Air Force (15.775).

Brody Malone, 2024 Olympian and three-time U.S. all-around champion, decided not to attempt to defend his all-around title from last year He’s competing in four events, sitting out floor and vault. He goes into Saturday in third place on rings (14.058) and fourth on pommel horse (14.402).

Seven-time U.S. event cham-

The junior men’s competition got things underway in Thursday afternoon’s session. Maksim Kan, 17, of Muskego, Wisconsin, the 2024 junior all-around champion, held the lead going into Saturday’s second session with a score of 78.427. He was also in first place on pommel horse (14.374) and high bar (13.691).

The women’s half of the competition gets underway Friday, with juniors competing at 1:45 p.m. and seniors competing at 6:45 p.m.

Headlining the evening session will be Olympic gold medalist Hezly Rivera, the only member of the five-woman U.S team from the Paris Olympics competing at this year’s championships. The Hackensack, New Jersey, native, who is committed to LSU but not expected to enroll until after the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, is one of the favorites to capture this year’s all-around title won last year by Simone Biles.

Another LSU commitment competing is Annalisa Milton of Lee’s Summit, Missouri, the same hometown as former LSU greats Sarah and Aleah Finnegan. U.S. Olympic alternates from 2024, Leanne Wong of Florida and Jocelyn Robertson of Arkansas, are also set to perform, along with 2024 U.S. junior all-around champion Claire Pease of Sunnyvale, Texas, whom LSU is recruiting.

Friday’s evening session will be streamed live on Peacock. The championships continue through Sunday

LSU All-American beach volleyballer Kristen Nuss hasn’t broken up with long-time partner Taryn Kloth. The latter, an All-American blocker at LSU, got married earlier this year and now goes by her married surname (Nuss, a defender, is engaged to be married in January).

The pair has slid slightly from No 2 entering Paris to No. 8 in the world currently but mainly because they have played fewer events (five) than anyone else in the top 32 Still, when they have played the quality has shone through: two victories, most recently last month in Switzerland, a second- and a third-place showing.

Jere Hribar

The Tiger swimmer from Croatia finished 11th in the men’s 50-meter freestyle earlier this month at the World Aquatic

championships in Singapore with a time of 21.79 seconds. It’s significant by LSU standards as it eclipses the best time by a Tiger swimmer previously, 21.84 by U.S. gold medalist Brooks Curry (4x100 freestyle relay 2020 Tokyo).

Hailey Van Lith

The one-time Tiger finished her collegiate career at TCU after helping the U.S. win a bronze medal in 3x3 basketball in Paris. The 2024-25 Big 12 player of the year, Van Lith was drafted 11th overall in April by the Chicago Sky, reuniting HVL with former LSU teammate Angel Reese. Van Lith has played sparingly so far in Chicago, averaging 4.1 points per game and 13.3 minutes of playing time in 23 games. Van Lith has missed time with an ankle injury but reportedly was set to play Thursday against Atlanta.

WASHINGTON The Washington Mystics traded forward Aaliyah Edwards to the Connecticut Sun for guard Jacy Sheldon on Thursday

The move announced by the teams includes an option for Washington to swap 2026 firstround picks with Connecticut. That would be a Minnesota Lynx pick acquired by Washington in a previous trade for a New York Liberty pick acquired by Connecticut in another previous trade.

Washington general manager Jamila Wideman said in a news release that Sheldon has built on a “solid” rookie campaign by establishing herself as a shooter who can “read the game on both ends of the court.”

Chargers star LT Slater out for season with knee injury

LOS ANGELES Rashawn Slater, the Chargers’ star left tackle who became the highest-paid offensive lineman in NFL history last month, sustained a torn patellar tendon in practice and will undergo season-ending surgery, the team announced Thursday Slater went down in team drills after going up against edge rusher Tuli Tuipulotu. As Slater planted his left foot, he collapsed to the ground and immediately grabbed his leg. A quiet hush fell over the Chargers’ facility while Slater stayed down for several minutes before trainers and teammates helped him onto a cart. Slater appeared visibly distraught — throwing his helmet, slamming his hand on the cart and burying his face in his hands. Several teammates walked over to console him before he left the field.

Williams loses in straight sets at Cincinnati Open

CINCINNATI Venus Williams, who returned to tennis last month after being away from the sport for more than a year, lost to Jessica Bouzas Maneiro of Spain 6-4, 6-4 on Thursday in the first round of the Cincinnati Open.

Next up for the seven-time Grand Slam singles champion is the U.S. Open, where she received a wild-card entry with Reilly Opelka to play mixed doubles beginning Aug. 19. Williams has won 14 Grand Slam doubles titles with her sister Serena and another two in mixed doubles.

The 51st-ranked Bouzas Maneiro advanced to her first WTA 1000 quarterfinal match last week in Montreal.

Courage fires coach, cites ‘a multitude of factors’ A “multitude of factors” went into the firing of North Carolina Courage soccer coach Sean Nahas, franchise sporting director Ceri Bowley said Thursday but would not elaborate.

The team released a terse statement on Wednesday night that said Nahas’ contract had been terminated.

“The North Carolina Courage remain focused on the continued development of the team and maintaining a professional, competitive environment for players, staff, and supporters,” the statement said.

Bowley then spoke at a news conference Thursday morning during which he said: “There’s always a multitude of factors that are considered, and a multitude of factors were considered in this situation.”

ASSOCIATED PRESS FILE PHOTO By MICHAEL WOODS Arkansas gymnast Joscelyn Roberson competes on the floor against LSU

AP FILE PHOTO By LACHLAN CUNNINGHAM

Stanford gymnast Asher Hong competes on the rings during an NCAA meet on Jan. 13 in Berkeley, Calif.

Howthe AP Top25isformed

By The Associated Press

The AssociatedPressTop 25 college football poll startedin1936, the brainchild of former sports editor Alan J. Gould.

Thenumberofteams ranked, the number of voters on the paneland how theballots are tabulated has fluctuatedover the years, but no news organization has been ranking teams and naming amajor college football national champion longerthan the AP.Ithas been the Top10, Top20and,since 1989,the Top 25

With the preseason poll set to be released on Monday,Aug. 11., here is how it works:

Whoare thevoters?

AP Top25voters are writers and broadcasters who covercollege football for AP members and other select outlets. AP employees do not vote, but they do choose the voters. In recent years, the number of voters has been around 60, and they comefrom all overthe country

The goal is to have every state withaFootball Bowl Subdivision school represented by at least one voter,and thetotal of number of voters from each state tends to increase with the number of FBS teams. There are also spots reserved for national voters.

Howdotheyvote?

There was atime when voters called, emailed andfaxed their votestothe AP.Long ago, the ballots were tabulated by hand. Now voting is done online and all thetabulation is automated. There is a1-25point system, with ateam voted No. 1receiving 25 points down to 1point for a25thplacevote. Afterthat, it’ssimple: Thepolllists theteams with the most points from1 to 25 andothers receivingvotes are also noted. When is thevotingdone?

Exceptfor thefirst two polls and the finalpollafter the national championship game, the Top25rankings are released on Sunday afternoons. That gives voters timetoassess the results ofSaturday’s games ahead of the poll release at 2p.m.Eastern.

Voting guidelines

The AP allows wide latitude for voters to determine their rankings They are urgedtobase their votes on performance, not reputation or preseason speculation; to avoid regional bias, for or against; to pay attention to head-to-head results; and to make significant changes if desired. Teams on NCAA probation are eligible for theAPpoll.

Awards andAll-America teams

AP poll voters also participate in theselection of AP honors. Coach

and player of the year voting is done on atop three basis, with 3 points for first-place, 2for second and 1for third. The voters also select both the preseason andpostseason AP All-America teams, a tradition that this year turns 100.

Changing times

In theearly days of college football, polls declared national champions beforepostseason games; notuntil 1968 did the AP begin releasing afinal poll after bowls were played. Years of controversy followed, with endless arguments over howtodetermineatrue champion.

After back-to-back seasonswith split titles in 1990 and1991 came two decades of different systems: the Bowl Alliance, Bowl Coalition and Bowl Championship Series all tried to pair the two best teams in the country to play for thetitle. Thoseorganizationsrelied on a combination of polls,computer rankings and strength of schedule, aformulathat has been tweaked many times but remains asore spot to this day

The BCS turned into the College Football Playoff in 2014 withafourteam postseason thatwas the first timemajor college football had something that felt and acted likea true bracket. Now theCFP is up to 12 teams —and looking to expand again— andthe AP Top25isstill ranking the top teams.

Bhatia shoots career-best62tograb lead at St.Jude Championship

The Associated Press

MEMPHIS,Tenn. Akshay Bhatia had ablazing finish to get his PGA Tour postseason off to agood start, closing eagle-birdie-birdie for an 8-under 62 to post hiscareer low and take aone-shot lead over Tommy Fleetwood in the FedEx St Jude Championship.

Scottie Scheffler,playing for thefirst time since winning the British Open for hissecond major of the year,made bogey on the final hole for a67, his 10th straight round in the 60s.

Bhatia comes intothe FedEx Cup playoffs at No. 45,with only thetop 50 advancing to the second of three tournaments in the lucrative postseason. The idea is to be among the top 30 whoreach East Lake for ashot at the $10 million bonus. He was paired withHarry Hall of England, who is at No. 44. Hall was matching Bhatia until the final two holes, when Bhatia rolled in a25-foot birdie putt on the 17th and stuffeda short iron into 2feet on 18.

Bhatia said he has been spending too much time thinking about numbers,whether it’shis score or his world ranking or his position in the FedEx Cup. The goal is to keep his mind peaceful.

“I felt pretty relaxed,and I’m just not trying to forceanything,” he said. “It’sOKtoget madatgolf shots but not at yourself.”

Justin Rose and Bud Cauley, who is at No. 53, also were at 64 on aTPC Southwind that has 18

new greens and acourse with much thicker rough.

Fleetwood is all but set for the FedEx Cup finale at No. 9, though he would love to get that first PGA Tour title to go along with European tour wins against strong fields. He hit 13 out of 14 fairway,and the one he missed led to abirdie when he holed a bunker shot on No.9

“People talk about this golf course as asecond-shot golf course, but it’sonlyasecond-shot golfcourse if you’re in the fairway,” Fleetwood said. “I hit the ball so well offthe teethat Iwas alwaysgivingmyself an opportunity.”

Andthen it helped to seethe putts drop, four straightbirdies to close out his round.

Fleetwood has theright outlook for this postseasonseries. Asked if he looked at the three weeks as one bigevent or each tournament on itsown,Fleetwood said,“It really day to day.”

Projections can fluctuate with shots from anyone on any part of the course.Rickie Fowler,who missed the top 70 who qualify for thepostseasonlastyear, came in at No. 64 and shot 66, which projectshim inside the top 50. Jordan Spieth was at No. 48. He had to rally on the backnine fora 69 that puthim out of thetop 50, and then back to No. 50 by theend of theday

Schefflerisassured theNo. 1 seed for at least another week. He looked plentysharp, giving himselfalot of looks at birdie

Kershaw, Scherzer set forhistoricmeeting

BY BETH HARRIS AP sportswriter

LOS ANGELES Max Scherzer vs. Clayton Kershaw sounds like an enticing postseason matchup in October.Fans won’t have to wait that long. The likely Hall of Famers square off Friday in arare contest between the most recent members of baseball’s3,000-strikeout club

“You probably aren’tgoing to see that very often these days,” LosAngeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. “I have alot of respect for Max. It’ll be good to see himand hopefully we can have our way with him.”

Scherzer is,alongside his left-handed opponent, perhaps one of this generation’sgreatest pitchers. He and Kershaw have each won World Series titles and are three-time Cy Young Award winners. Scherzer,41, is an eight-time All-Star whilethe 37-year-old Kershaw has11All-Starappearances,including thisyear as aLegend PickbyCommissioner Rob Manfred.

Scherzer became the19th member of the 3,000-strikeout club while pitching for the Dodgers in September 2021. Kershaw joined him as the 20th member last month. The duo,along withJustinVerlander,are theonly active pitchers to reachthe 3,000-strikeout mark.

“I loved playing withhim. I lovecompeting against him. I have allthe respect in the world forhim,” ScherzersaidfromColorado, where theToronto Blue Jays earned asweep this week.

“We’ve been pitching forsolong, you don’tknow how manymore chances youare going to getat

this, to face somebody of his ilk. This is whatyou dream of,facing the best. It should be alot of fun.”

But such ahigh-stakes duel doesn’talways liveuptothe anticipation.

In September 2023, Scherzer and Verlander squared offfor the first timeinamatchup of 200gamewinners. Scherzer,then with Texas, didn’tmake it to the fourth inning. Verlander,also a three-timeCyYoung Award winner who was then with Houston, scatteredsix hits over seven innings.

Rookie left-handerJack Dreyer has alocker just afew feet from Kershaw’s in the Dodgers clubhouse. He also played against Scherzerlast season in arehab outing.

“The waytheygoabout their business is what separates them To an extent there’sthe talent, but they also just work harder than everybody else, especially Kersh,” Dreyersaid. “It’snot always easytolistentoguys if they’re talking to youabout how to get better but youdon’t see them doing it. With him, it’sjust so easy because Isee him working his butt off every single day He’sthe easiest guy in the world to learn from.”

Blue Jays bench coach Don Mattinglywill be watching Scherzerand Kershaw,who he managed in LA from 201115.

“They work. They are detailed in what they want to do,” Mattingly said in Colorado.

Mattingly credits then-Dodgers pitchingcoach Rick Honeycutt forhelping Kershaw developa slider to addtothe primary fastball-changeup mix that he used early in his 18-year career

and converting four of them He missed out on agood birdie chance at the par-5 16th when he drove into therough and sent the next shot into abunker about 100 yards short of thegreen. He also took three putts from 70 feet on thefinal hole.

“Today was agood day.I did some solid stuff,”Scheffler said. “Felt like Iwas close to playing a really great round but endedup with asolid round. Overall adecent start ” This is one of themoreimportant weeks of the PGA Tour because of what’satstake. Not only do thetop 50 advance to the BMWChampionship,theyare assured of being in all the $20 million signature event for next year

Among those on thebubble, Si WooKim (No.46) opened with a 65 and former U.S.Open champion WyndhamClark hada 67.

“It’s kind of like dicey spot right now,”Kim said. “And started struggling, so Iwas like, ‘I don’t know if Ican get through to next week.’ But tried to keep it as simple as possible, and that helps me alot. Ihad agreat round, so hopefully I’ve got more room the next couple days. Just trying to make it simple and not much think about next week.”

Ryder Cup captainKeegan Bradley,who might be thefirst playing captain since 1963, opened with a72. BradleyisNo. 10 in the Ryder Cup standings. He playedwithMaverickMcNealy, who is 11th in thestandings. McNealy shot 66.

BY PETERSBLENDORIO Newyork Daily News (TNS)

NEW YORK The NFLmight have to wait forits next Manning. ArchManning, widely considered ablue-chip quarterback prospect, is not expected to enter next year’sNFL draft, according to grandfather Archie Manning.

“Archisn’t goingtodothat,” Archie toldTexasMonthly. “He’ll be at Texas.”

Arch, the much-hyped nephew of Eli andPeyton Manning, is entering his junior season with theTexas Longhorns but his first year as astarter Manning, whose father is CooperManning, servedasa backup to Quinn Ewers as afreshman andsophomore. He completed 67.8% of his passes for 939 yards andnine touchdowns withtwo interceptions in 10 games, including two starts, last year But the 21-year-old Manning’sinexperience hasn’t cooled theexpectations around him, with most prognosticators predicting he wouldbe selected No. 1overall if he entered the2026 draft.

“People are saying he’saHeisman candidate,” Archie said. “You’renot aHeisman Trophy

candidate whenyou haven’tplayed but three games. It’scrazy.” Archie said he has not spoken with his grandson about his draft intentions, but his comments shouldcatch the attention of the NFL teams thatare expected to be picking towardthe top of the draft. Eli and Peyton both spent four years in college. Had Peyton entered theNFL draft in 1997 rather thanreturn to Tennessee for his senior season, the Jets wouldhavehad the opportunity to select himNo. 1overall. The Jets ultimately traded down twice in that first round and ended up with linebacker James Farrior, while Peyton went No. 1overallto the Indianapolis Colts in 1998. Eli’scamp, meanwhile, famously informed theSan Diego Chargers before the 2004 draftthat he did not wanttoplay there. The Chargers drafted him with the No. 1pickout of Ole Miss, then traded him to the Giants.

Regardless of whether Arch remainsincollege for hisseniorseason,nextyear’s draft is considereddeep at quarterback Clemson’sCade Klubnik, LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier, South Carolina’s LaNorrisSellersand Penn State’sDrew Allar are among the top prospects.

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By ERICGAy

Texas quarterback Arch Manning reacts during practice on on July 30 in Austin, Texas

Saints quarterback Tyler Shough looks to makea pass during Tuesday’s practice in Metairie. Shoughand the Saintspracticed ThursdayinIrvine, Calif., in preparationfor Sunday’sgame against the Los Angeles Chargers

Rookie gets thereps

Shough takes fi

rst-string snapsduring Saints’ firstpracticein California

IRVINE, Calif. The first practice of the Saints’ West Coast swingtook lessthan 90 minutes to complete as the team engaged in mostly situational and special teams work. Rookie quarterback Tyler Shough handled the lion’sshareofthe first-team snaps before theteam split its work onto separatefields —atactic coach Kellen Moore has been using to get some additional practicesnaps in the allotted time.

While Shough’sday wasn’t notable for his statistical line, the rookie showed progresswhile operating against the Saints’No. 1 defense. Spencer Rattler alsoenjoyed asolid showing, while Jake Haener’s work was limited as he spentthe day working with the backups. Here is how it shook outstatistically:

n Shough: 8of15(72 of 120 overall)

n Rattler: 8-11 (80-118)

n Haener: 4-5 (68-97) New Orleans leaned into some of Shough’sbetter traits in Thursday’spractice. He had acouple of opportunities to use his athleticism, either via aplay-action bootlegora read option,and he also drilled severalout-breaking throws toward the sideline. His best pass of the day came during the second period, when he hit

SAINTS

Continued from page1C

old issues persisted. Drive off the ball and bury someone?Penning coulddothat. Take apassset in naked spaceagainst some of the NFL’s premier athletes? That experiment ran its course for aplayerwho is more brawler than technician.

“I honestly thoughthewas one of the five best run-blocking right tackles in the entire league, if not top three in theNFL last year,” said offensive line analyst Brandon Thorn.“Like after Penei Sewell, Lane Johnson, just pure run game. Ithought he was awesome last year.But the disparity between that and pass pro is very stark, and it’saproblem.

“Attackle, he really struggled with positional leverage. Also his pad level, his hands, syncing his hands and feet together when he was in pass protection, having to set out to aspot and deal withalot of space. It alwayslookeda littleoff for him, and he never quite turned the corner.And it alwaysresulted in just avery erratic player.” By moving him inside to guard, the Saints hope to benefitfrom the best of Penningwhile minimizing the worst.

“It’sdefinitelyanatural spot for him,” said Cesar Ruiz, the starting right guard. “Trevor is avery gifted humanbeing physically. His frame and his mentality is built for guard. It’sjust, ‘I’m going to smash you, I’m going to dump you in the ground, I’m going to bully you.’

That’sTrevor’s M.O. At guard, there’snobetter place to doit.”

Afterfirst-time headcoach Kellen Moore assembled his staff this offseason, the group assessed the roster and made adecision about Penning. The2022first-rounder

Greenlaw,Hufanga reuniteasBroncos and49ers practice

BY JOSH DUBOW AP pro football writer

SANTACLARA, Calif. TalanoaHufanga playfully threwsome jabs at Trent Williams and talked trash with former teammates, Mike McGlinchey relishedsome one-on-reps withNickBosaand Dre Greenlaw exchanged some hugs with Kyle Shanahan. Whenthe Broncos came to town for ajoint practice against theSan Francisco 49ers that was avaluable preparation tool for theseason there was even more meaning forsome of theformer Niners who now call Denver home.

“I wouldn’tsay it was emotional. Iwas very happy,” said Hufanga, the former All-Pro safety who signed with the Broncos this offseason.

Glinchey and Jones last played with the 49ers.

McGlincheysaidhedid getto catch up with former teammates and coaches on theoffensive line, but the defensive front was almost entirely newoutside of Bosa.

“I did it forfouryears so it is very good work,” he said. “He’s oneofthe best in theworld at what he does.

“Certainlyany time youget to have the opportunity to go against competition like that, it’s very helpful.”

veteran BrandinCooks in stride with alaser toward thefar pylon for a touchdown.

Shough alsohas started to show amore aggressiveness as a thrower,which contributed to his lower completion percentage in Thursday’ssession. He gave Chris Olave two goodchances at making acontested catch in theend zone during ared zoneperiod, though both wereknocked away by defensivebacks Kool-AidMcKinstry and Alontae Taylor in tight coverage. Overall, Shough had three of his seven incompletions broken up. Shough hasn’tquitefound his connection yet withOlave, the Saints’ No.1receiver.Shough threw Olave’sway four times in Thursday’spractice, and all of them fell incomplete —including one deep ball heoverthrew.Five of Shough’seight completions went either to tightends or running backs

Rattler,meanwhile, had an efficientday.Hehas continued to show both awillingness and

was coming off his best season by far,but he wasstill awork in progress at tackle.

They saw traits that could play better on the inside and broached the topic with Penning, whowas all for theposition switch.

“It’smore up my alley,” Penning said. “Stuff that Idowell. Just getting up on guys, mauling people.”

Offensive line coach Brendan Nugent described it this way: Penning is now playing with“bumpers” on each sideofhim in the left tackleand the center.Instead of being askedtoplayinspace, they’re narrowing his focus to a smaller area, where they hope his truly special traits play up.

“He’sgot really strong hands, so we’re focusing on that with him,” Nugentsaid.“Man, if you can get your footwork right and get your hands on them, you’regoing to win alot more than you’re going to lose because you’resostrong up top

“He likes to be in aphone booth, he likes to get hishands on people, andthat’show he wins.Solet’s eliminate some of that space, let’s give himbumpers and let’s let him do whathe’sgood at.”

Thetransition hasn’tbeen seamless. Everything happens faster when the space is condensed, and Penning is still hammering out the technical aspectsofhis newposition. Asked what he needs to improve, Penning said his hands and feet need to be quicker because theinteriordefensivelinemen get on you in ahurry But the signs are there. Nugent sees someone who gets alittle better every time he putsthe pads on —hesees aquick gamestartingto slow down for Penning.

Anditshouldn’tgowithout saying that Nugent also sees aconfident player.That had been an underlyingcurrent for Penning’sfirst few years. As he struggled on thefield,

ability to use his legs to his advantage, though it’shard to discern how effective he is while wearing ared noncontact jersey

Olave’slone catch in Thursday’s practice was ared-zone touchdown from Rattler

Given the opportunity to run thefirst-team offense when the team split fields, Rattler threw a touchdown pass to Kendre Miller on arollout to his right and also hit Olavefor ascore on aslant from theleft side.

The only real drawback to his performance in Thursday’spractice was atight-window throw he tried to squeeze into Clyde EdwardsHelaire near thegoal line.

The ball was tipped and nearly caught by tight end MasonPline, but several defenders were in the area.

Haener has seen his workload dip in recent practices, and he did not get any opportunities after theSaints split thepractice into two fields.

New Orleanswill follow Thursday’slighter practice with a scrimmageFriday evening on UC Irvine’scampus, continuing Moore’strend of ramping up toward heavy competitive periods.

Email Luke Johnson at ljohnson@theadvocate.com

as he was benchedinhis secondseason, even as he was finding his way at right tackle, Penning’sbeliefappeared to take ahit.

WhenMoore andhis staff arrived, they emphasizeda clean slate for the players in thelocker room.The old regime and their thinking was gone,and everyone would have achance to makea first impression.

Theversion of Penning that Nugent has gotten to know this season is onewho is more self-assured, whichisexactly what Nugent wants to see in his players.

“The big thing we talked about is there’sthis mindset of if Itake apass set, I’mgoing to set to win; I’m not goingtoset not to lose,” Nugent said.“Or if Icomeoff theball, I’m notgoingtogo, ‘I just don’twanna lose.’ He’shad the mindsetof‘I’m going to win.’ He’s embraced that.I thinkthat’s helped withhis confidence.”

Thisisa make-or-break year for Penning in New Orleans.The Saints declined his fifth-year option this offseason —a decision that was almost certainly informed by his positionswitch,because Penning would’ve been paid like atackle had theypicked it up. But thatmeans he is set to be afree agent in 2026.

If thechange doesn’thit the way theSaints believe it can,the team can moveonfrom Penning next offseason without penalty

But if the change truly does get themost out of him?

“Worst case you’re going to have an asset in therun game,” Thorn said. “And if his pass gamegets to afunctional level, thenyou’ve savedhis career —not just saved his career,but you actually gave him aceiling to where he can become areally good guardpotentially.”

Email Luke Johnson at ljohnson@theadvocate.com

“I was super excited to go. I’m talking to every guy during the rep. I’mrunning up to Christian (McCaffrey)justyellingathim while I’m running. Those are the fun times.” Greenlaw didn’tget to practice as he is still nursing aquadriceps injury,but he did make the trip and gottosee plenty of former teammates.

“I got alot of timetotalk with him,”Niners linebacker Fred Warnersaid. “I know he wanted to be out there suited up, but he’s got his own plan going right now But obviously love being around Dre, love him to death. Obviously still wish he was on our side, but hey, it’shis turn to kind of be the guy over there.

“Obviously Iwish him nothing but success.”

While Hufanga and Greenlawhad plenty of former teammates in Niners uniforms after playing in San Francisco last season, there has beensignificantly more turnover since Mc-

The practice that was scripted by Broncos coach Sean Payton and Shanahan was heavy work on situational work, including plenty of work on the two-minute drill, red zone and third downs. Denver got the edge on both sides of the ball early in practice with Bo Nix making some big plays on offense and the defensive line being disruptive defensively

The 49ersdid respond late, especially on offensewith Purdy throwing TD passes to Ricky Pearsall and Demarcus Robinson.

“We’re heretolearn. We’re not heretocome hereand be perfect,”Hufanga said.

“Everybody strivestobeperfect, don’tget me wrong.But if we came in here andwebeatthem everysingle rep, thenthere’s no growth in that.”

Steelers to sitRodgers in preseasonopener

By The Associated Press

LATROBE, Pa.— Aaron Rodgers’ debut in Pittsburgh will have to wait.

Steelers coach Mike Tomlin saidthe team’s newquarterback and most of its other high-profile starters won’tplay when the club opens the preseason in Jacksonville on Saturday

T.J. Watt, Cam Heyward, Jonnu Smith, DK Metcalf and Jalen Ramsey are also among the group that will watch from the sideline.

“They need less runway to takeoff, to be honest with you, because of theirexperience and where they’reatintheircareers,”Tomlin said Thursday Rodgers, who signed aone-year deal with the Steelersinearly June,saidWednesdayhewas open to making arare exhibition gameappearance. Tomlin said he doesn’t think it’s required, though he didn’trule outRodgers making acameo on the field later in thepreseason The first-team offense struggled in the early days of training campatSaint VincentCollege Tomlin said there’sbeen anotable “upswing,” amajor factor in why he’sinnohurry to rush the NFL’s oldest player into gameaction.

“I just make judgments based on what I’mlooking at,” Tomlin said. “I just feel comfortable with what I’ve seen during this portion of the process that makes me (OK with Rodgers sitting out).”

BREES

Continued from page1C

Saints head coach Kellen Moore has notannounced the playing time yetfor Sunday’s game. The quarterbackshave alternated reps with the starting unit throughout camp, whichbegan July 23 at the club’straining facility in Metairie

TheSaints traveled to Irvine, California,onWednesday and were scheduled to conduct their first practice at theUniversityof

ASSOCIATEDPRESS

Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers throws apass during practice July 30 in Latrobe, Pa

Rookie quarterback Will Howard is unavailable after injuring his right (throwing) hand on Tuesday.Tomlin described Howard as “week to week,” and said there’sa chance Howard will be available at somepoint later this month. The Steelerssignedwell-traveled backup quarterback Logan Woodside to pick up someofthe reps with Howard out. Woodside has along relationship with Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith. The two were together in Tennessee in 2019 and 2020 when Smith was the Titans’ offensive coordinator Woodside also spent timeinAtlanta during Smith’sthree-year tenure as Falcons’ head coach. There’sachance Woodside will be available to play against the Jaguars, though the bulk of the snaps will likely be split between veteran Mason Rudolph and Skylar Thompson.

Cal-Irvine on Thursday afternoon.

“The fact that you don’thave a veteran QB in that room at this point (is unique), and yet you’ve gotaguy like (former NFL quarterback) Kellen Moore, and you’ve got agreatstaff of offensive coaches that have alot of football experience playing experience, Ithink all these (quarterbacks) are in good hands,” Brees said. “But nonetheless, nothing replaces just real life (game) experience.”

Email JeffDuncan at jduncan@theadvocate.com.

STAFF

PHOTO By BRETTDUKE

Bridgewater says he couldn’t feel more at home with Bucs

BY RICK STROUD Tampa Bay Times

TAMPA, Fla

With every corner

Teddy Bridgewater turns at One Buc Place, a piece of his past collides with the present.

If it’s not his former Louisville head coach, Charlie Strong, doing bed checks at the Buccaneers team hotel Tuesday night, then he’s bumping into Randy Shannon, who once got him to commit to the University of Miami. Or it’s brushing up against offensive coordinator Josh Grizzard, who was on the staff with the Dolphins when he was there a few years ago.

Next, the vagabond quarterback is talking with George Edwards, the Bucs defensive pass game coordinator who was on the staff for the Vikings when he was drafted by Minnesota. Todd Bowles signed Bridgewater as a free agent when he was the Jets head coach in 2018 before trading him to New Orleans.

“I think the story of my career though, man, has just been relationships,” said Bridgewater who signed a one-year deal with the Bucs on Tuesday. “The relationships I’ve build around this league with different coaches, with different coordinators, different assistants

“If I can leave a lasting impression on my kids in South Florida, anyone who has followed this journey, I always just cherish those relationships. That will take you a long way.”

Bridgewater’s kids are the players on the Miami Northwestern High School football team he coached to a 12-2 record and Class 3A state championship, including a 41-0 rout in the title game.

But Bridgewater was suspended

last month by the school for providing impermissible benefits to his players, including Uber rides, meals and recovery services that Bridgewater said he paid for

“When I decided to coach, those players became my sons, and I want to make sure I protect them the best way I can,” he said. “I think that’s what came about. Miami Northwestern is in a tough neighborhood. Sometimes, things can happen when kids are walking home and things like that, so I just try to protect them or give them a ride home instead of having them take those dangerous walks.

“I have a big heart. I get it from my mom, and I always said I was once a little kid. I know what it’s like to be in their shoes. I know what it’s like to walk those halls at Miami Northwestern and to have your stomach growling and rumbling at 12 o’clock in the afternoon because you didn’t have any lunch money or you don’t get a free lunch.

“I can’t change who I am. I’ll still give to those kids. When I say give, it’s not about money It’s about my time and my presence.”

Bridgewater recounted how he almost became a Buc on two other occasions. He took a top-30 visit to Tampa prior to the 2014 NFL draft

He also was the Bucs’ primary choice to sign after severing ties with Jameis Winston following the 2019 season. But then Tom Brady showed an interest in the Bucs and Bridgewater was off to Carolina.

“I was looking forward to being in Tampa, but things played out the way they did,” Bridgewater said.

”In 2020, we thought it was a lock, but they got the GOAT, man. Tom Brady Hey, a lot of things get put on pause for Tom Brady.“

On Wednesday, Bridgewater

warmed up next to Mayfield and the offensive line. He said he’s remained in shape coaching, and his arm looked live and accurate during the brief time he participated in drills.

“Honestly, I feel great,” he said. “I’ve been working down in South Florida. I’ve been working with the high school kids before I got suspended and everything. It was getting done before 6 a.m., running the track, running the bridge pushing the sled, so it was a real grind.

“I want to stay active. I don’t want to sit around eating donuts and ice cream. I feel great. I’m just excited.”

Bridgewater said he gained new perspective on the game by coaching at Miami Northwestern that should help him prepare better as a quarterback

“I’ve become a more detailed player from being a coach,” Bridgewater said “Because now, as I’m game planning as a coach, I’m really having to dissect them Sometimes when you’re a player, you see little things that can help. But as a coach, you have to dive in and really know your opponent. When I’m a coach. I have to know all 11 guys’ jobs on offense and defense.”

Bridgewater was impressed by what he saw on the Bucs practice

field.

“It’s a talented group, Some young guys, some older guys,” Bridgewater said. “(Mayfield) is awesome, man. I get fired up when I walk into the quarterback room.”

For Bridgewater, it’s more relationships to foster, more young players to inspire. And in the perfect setting.

“It just feels like I’m home.”

Mahomes, Chiefs starters to play in preseason opener

BY DAVE SKRETTA AP sportswriter

ST JOSEPH, Mo. — Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes is glad that coach Andy Reid is sending him onto the field with the rest of their starters when Kansas City visits the Arizona Cardinals for their preseason opener Saturday night.

“I don’t necessarily look forward to getting hit,” Mahomes added with a smile Thursday Getting hit is exactly why some teams have eschewed playing starters at all in the preseason. When coaches finally decided it wasn’t worth the risk to their most valuable players, they began sitting them for one or two games, and last year teams such as the Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles sat them for the entirety of their exhibition slate.

That has never been Reid’s preference, though. Nor has it been that of Mahomes, who believes it does him some good to get hit once, at least so that he can get into the right mindset for the rest of the preseason and ultimately the regular season.

“There’s always a little shock,” Mahomes said.

Now, don’t get any misconceptions. The Chiefs might only have those starters on the field for a single series in Arizona, especially if it goes well. But the plan, at least after their final practice before their opener, was that each quarterback will get a full quarter — Mahomes the first, Gardner Minshew the second, Bailey Zappe the third and Chris Oladokun the fourth.

The rest of the offense would presumably follow suit.

There are certainly things that the three-time defending AFC champions want to see out of their preseason opener Tops on the list is their new-look offense

line, where first-round pick Josh Simmons has already turned some heads as the new left tackle and Kingsley Suamataia has the inside track on replacing twotime All-Pro Joe Thuney at left guard.

The Chiefs have invested heavily in their offensive line, both in draft capital and financial resources, over the past couple years, and the need to upgrade the left side in particular became evident in their Super Bowl loss in February

There is also some competition for the final spots at wide receiver, and some different names could get some extended looks with the first-team offense. That’s because Rashee Rice is sidelined with a groin injury and Marquise Brown with an ailing ankle.

“I think (my advice) is go out there and do what they’re doing this camp,” Mahomes said. “It’s going to be a bigger stage going up against another team, but I think Coach Reid prepares us better than anybody else in the league to go out there and play your best football. We practice hard and we practice fast so when it gets to the game, it’s not that huge step up.”

It’s still a substantial one, especially given Arizona is taking the same approach as Kansas City this year Cardinals coach Jonathan Gannon, who held out quarterback Kyler Murray and others his first two years and barely played any starters in the preseason last year, said this week, “I told them (Monday) night that they are going to play.”

“It’s the best thing for our team this year, honestly,” Gannon explained. “We are at a good point with our health, we’re at a good point with our development, and I think this year with our team it’s the best thing to do for our guys.”

BY STEPHEN WHYNO AP sportswriter

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J Brian

Daboll remains coy about who exactly will be in uniform for the New York Giants in their preseason opener this weekend at Buffalo, other than to confirm the obvious that rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart will play Dart said Thursday that members of his family will be in Orchard Park, New York, on Saturday for his NFL exhibition debut

Neither he nor Daboll would reveal the plan for how much playing time the first-round pick out of Mississippi is expected to get

“I’m just stoked for the opportunity,” Dart said. “This is just the start of a dream of mine, so excited to take that next step, be out there, compete at the highest level.”

Daboll said before practice that decisions would be made afterward and evaded numerous questions about whether the starters would see the field against the Bills, adding, “The guys that can play will play.” He ruled out rookie running back Cam Skattebo, who has been sidelined from team drills in training camp this week after an injury setback.

Top receiver Malik Nabers

seems unlikely to play as the coaching and medical staffs manage his toe injury

“That’s up to the coaching staff and what they want to do, what guys they want to put out there,” Nabers said Wednesday “But I will continue to stay ready, so whatever they do I’m going to just be ready When my name is called to go out there, I’m going out there.”

Russell Wilson, who has been repeatedly called the No. 1 quarterback, and the rest of the starters figure to get some snaps this month, even if it’s not right away Players on offense in recent days expressed a desire to play alongside Wilson some before the regular season starts Sept 7 at Washington. Offensive lineman Greg Van Roten said there’s definitely a benefit to being together and knowing how a quarterback will operate from an important position once things are real.

“He’s never played with us in a real game: He’s never played behind our line, played with our backs, played with our receivers,” veteran receiver Darius Slayton said Tuesday “I don’t think that you can minimize what those reps mean with all the new people. He’s been playing football for a long time, but things change when you go different places and you have different pieces.” In the spotlight

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By CHARLIE RIEDEL Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, right, chases safety Mike Edwards at training camp Tuesday in St. Joseph, Mo.

ASSOCIATED PRESS FILE PHOTO By SETH WENIG

Former Detroit Lions quarterback Teddy Bridgewater looks to make a pass against the Washington Commanders during a divisional playoff game on Jan. 18 in Detroit.

Skenes dominates in winoverReds

SCOREBOARD

Men’s

Round of 128 Arthur Rinderknech, France, def. Nuno Borges, Portugal, 6-3, 6-3. Joao Fonseca, Brazil, def. Yunchaokete Bu, China, 4-6, 6-2, 7-5. Roberto Carballes Baena, Spain, def. Hugo Gaston,France, 6-4, 5-7, 6-3 PedroMartinez, Spain, def. Nicolas Jarry Chile, 1-6, 6-4, 6-3. Benjamin Bonzi, France, def. Matteo Arnaldi, Italy,6-7 (1), 6-3, 6-4. Coleman Wong, HongKong, China, def. Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard, France, 6-3,6-2. Roman Safiullin, Russia, def. Alejandro Tabilo, Chile, 6-3, 6-3. Zizou Bergs, Belgium, def. Jacob Fearnley Britain, 6-1, 6-4. Daniel ElahiGalan, Colombia, def. Vit Kopriva, Czechia, 6-2, 6-4. TerenceAtmane, France, def. Yoshihito Nishioka, Japan, 6-2, 6-2. Women’s singles Round of 128 Maya Joint, Australia, def. Greet Minnen, Belgium, 6-2, 6-3. Sorana Cirstea, Romania, def. Donna Vekic, Croatia, 6-1, 4-6, 6-3. Anastasia Potapova,Russia, def. Laura Siegemund, Germany, 6-4, 6-4 Marketa Vondrousova,Czechia, def. Jaqueline Cristian, Romania, 6-3, 6-1. AoiIto, Japan, def. Elena-GabrielaRuse, Romania, 6-2, 7-6 (6). Jessica Bouzas Maneiro, Spain, def. Venus Williams, United States, 6-4, 6-4 Renata Zarazua, Mexico, def. Yulia Putintseva, Kazakhstan, 3-6, 6-4, 6-2. EvaLys,Germany, def. Bernarda Pera,United States, 6-2, 4-6, 7-5. Pro golf

FedEx St. Jude Championship parscores

Thursday At TPC Southwind

BALTIMORE ORIOLES —Activated RHP Rico Garcia. Optioned RHPElvin Rodríguez to Norfolk(IL). CHICAGOWHITE SOX—Placed SS Chase Meidroth on the 10-dayIL, retroactive to August4.Designated RHPGus Varland for assignment. Selected the contractofSS Jacob Amaya from Charlotte (IL). NEW YORK YANKEES —Released RHP JT Brubaker. TORONTOBLUEJAYS—Sent RHPAlek Manoah to New Hampshire (EL)onarehab assignment. National League MILWAUKEE BREWERS—Agreed to terms with LHP Raul Alcantaraonaminor league contract. Optioned RHPEaston McGee to Nashville (IL).

ST.LOUISCARDINALS —Claimed RHP Jorge Alcala off waiversfromthe Boston RedSox NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION WASHINGTONWIZARDS —Signed FAnthony Gill to acontract. BASKETBALL Women’s National Basketball Association WASHINGTONMYSTICS —Acquired GJacy Sheldon from the ConnecticutSun in exchange for FAaliyah Edwards. FOOTBALL National FootballLeague

LOSANGELES CHARGERS —Signed TE Thomas Yassmintoacontract. Waived/injured TE Jordan Petaia.

PITTSBURGH STEELERS—Signed QB Logan Woodside to acontract. Signed OL Andrus Peat to acontract.

SANFRANCISCO 49ERS —Signed DL Michael Dwumfour to aone-year contract. Released CB EliApple.

TENNESSEE TITANS —Placed OL Chandler Brewer on injured reserve. Signed DE Joe Gaziano to acontract.

SOCCER Major League Soccer

ORLANDO CITY SC —Acquired DAdrian MarinfromSporting Clube de Braga (PrimeiraLiga). PORTLAND TIMBERS— Acquireda 2025 international rosterslotfromToronto FC in exchange for $175,000in2025 general allocation money(GAM). SANJOSE EARTHQUAKES —Acquired D/MF Ronaldo Vieira from UC Sampdoria(Serie B) and signed himtoacontract through the 2026 Major League Soccer season with options for 2027 and 2028.

T—2:41.

(38,753) Aug. 8 1903 Aweek afterpitchinghis first doubleheader triumph, Joe “Iron Man” McGinnity of the New York Giants scoreda doublevictory over the BrooklynDodgers 6-1 and 4-3. In the second game, he stole home. 1915 Philadelphia’s Gavvy Cravath hit four doublesand drove in eight runs in a 14-7 victory over the Reds at Cincinnati 1920 Howard Ehmke of the Detroit Tigerspitched the fastest 1-0game in American League history —1hour, 13 minutes, for avictory againstthe New York Yankees 1931 Bob Burkeofthe Washington Senators pitched a5-0 no-hitteragainst theBoston RedSox 1954 The Brooklyn Dodgers pounded theCincinnati Reds 20-7atEbbets Field The Dodgersscored13runs in the eighth inning after twowereout. 1973 Designated hitter Orlando Cepeda hit four doubles as the Boston RedSox posted a9-4 victory overthe Kansas City Royals. 1985 Baseball, after atwo-daywalkout, resumed playing with 18 games scheduled, including fivedoubleheaders 1988 The first night game scheduled in the74-year history of Chicago’s Wrigley Field’s waspostponed with theCubs leading the PhiladelphiaPhillies 3-1after heavy rains startedinthe

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By GENE J. PUSKAR

Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes delivers apitch during the sixth inning of agameagainst theCincinnati Reds on ThursdayinPittsburgh. The former LSU star struck out eight in six scoreless innings duringa 7-0 win.

‘FIXING MISTER B’

Agroup of Lafayette actors will givea theatrically staged readingofthisnew play by DanielPovinelli at 3p.m. Saturdayat the CarySaurageCommunity Arts Center, 233 St. Ferdinand St.Theperformanceis partofthe Arts CouncilofGreaterBaton Rouge’sArtSpaces program. artsbr.org.

PODCAST TURNED STAND-UP

“Killers of Kill Tony,” featuring comedians from “Kill Tony,” one of the world’stop live podcasts, will playthe Raising Cane’s RiverCenter Theatre, 240 St. Louis St.,at 7p.m.Friday. Fans can see longer sets from their podcast favorites. $54-$72. raisingcanesrivercenter.com

REFURBISHED ROUTE

Capital AreaCorporate RecyclingCouncil

Best of the blues

In ‘Sinners’ and hismusic,Buddy Guyiskeeping the bluesalive.It hasn’t been easy

BY MARIA SHERMAN AP music writer

NEW YORK For Buddy Guy— a stalwart and staunch defender of theblues —there’snothing more important than keeping his chosen genre at theforefront of conversation.Itcomes naturally: Louisiana-born Guy is one of America’sgreatest guitar players, asingular artistwith a thick roster of A-list super fans —Eric Clapton, Jimmy Page and Gary Clark Jr.among them. The list also includes innovative writer and director Ryan Coogler, who tapped Guy for his critically acclaimed film

“Sinners”earlier this year, and artists like Peter Frampton and theEagles’ JoeWalsh, who feature on his new album

“Ain’tDone with the Blues.” It released July 30, on Guy’s 89th birthday For the eight-time Grammy Award-winningmusician, those recognitions aren’tpriority.The longevityofthe music that made his life is his primary concern.

“LikeIpromised B.B. King, Muddy Waters and all of them,” he tellsThe Associated Press over the phone, “I do thebest I can to keep the blues alive.”

He’sconcerned that radio stations no longer play theblues, and that the genre might miss out on connecting with younger listeners. It’sone of the reasons

“Ain’tDone withthe Blues” is a strong collection of classics that run the risk of being forgotten —likeonthe album closer“Talk to Your Daughter,” arendition of the J.B. Lenoir tune. In Guy’sperformance, there’s an undeniable universality. “Blues is based on everyday life,” he says. “A good time or abad time.”

Or,another way Guy explains it:“Music is like abowl of real good gumbo. They got all kinds of meat in there. Yougot chicken in there, you got sausage in there. Yougot aseafood in it. When we play music, we puteverything in there.”

It’sresonating. In its 2025 midyear report, Luminate, an industry data and analytics company, found that U.S. on-demand audio streams of blues music has climbed this year due to the success of Louisiana-shot “Sinners. Jaime Marconette, Luminate’svicepresident of music insights and industry relations, describes the current moment as a“resurgence of the blues,” following “Sinners.”

“Several artists featured on the film’ssoundtrack, which includes works from real-life blues, folk and country musicians, saw spikes the week of

BY JUDYBERGERON| Staff writer

Fall doesn’tbring crisp weather to Louisiana, but it does bring homecomings, musical ones included.

Twoofthe top concerts in Baton Rouge will soon bring home reigning queen of country Lainey Wilson, of Baskin, and chart-topping rapartist Kevin Gates, of BatonRouge. They’ll bothbeatthe River Center Arena, in addition to more shows taking place at theManship Theatre andthe L’Auberge Event Center in Baton Rouge. Meanwhile, in Lafayette, get set for country music heavyweights Luke Bryan and Jason Aldean to make tour stopsatthe Cajundome. Other national acts will take the stage at the city’s Acadiana Centerfor the Arts and Heymann Performing Arts Center.Note that Andrew Duhon’sSept. 5concert and “OneHundred Years of Clifton Chenier” featuring C.J. Chenier on Sept.18, both at the AcA,are sold out Here arethe highlights by date, with tickets available at ticketmaster.com unless otherwise indicated:

Fromleft,Camrie Bynum is Lou Bessie, Trey Townsel is Husband, Brittany Evans is Elizabeth and Kyesolyn Byrd is Quilly in UpStage Theatre’sproduction of ‘The Old Settler.’

SEPT.5

SARA EVANS, 8p.m., L’Auberge EventCenter 777L’AubergeAve., Baton Rouge, $55.65 and up

SEPT.9

CARLA BONOFF, 7:30 p.m., Manship Theatre 100 Lafayette St,$40-$60 (including fees), manshiptheatre.org

SEPT.11

LUKE BRYAN: “COUNTRY SONG CAME ON TOUR,” 7p.m. Cajundome,Lafayette,$35 and up.

SEPT.11-12

LAINEY WILSON: “WHIRLWIND WORLD TOUR,” 7p.m Raising Cane’s RiverCenter Arena, 240 St. Louis St Baton Rouge, $76 and up, theBell Bottoms Up VIP Experience,$651 or $674.

ä See CONCERTS, page 2D

BY ROBIN MILLER Staff writer

The year is 1943. The place is Harlem,the lifelong home to Elizabeth,who spenther youth dreaming of love and happiness. Then camelife’ssecond act, when Elizabeth realizedthat the love of her lifeleft her for another.She clung to that love long after it lefther Maybe too long.

This is why the people around Elizabethcallher an old settler,some behind her back,others to her face. It’s just another way of saying she’sanold maidorspinster And she’s settled forthatlot in life. Or has she?

Just when Elizabeth has given up on love, sheand hersister, Quilly,take in ayoung boarder named Husband Pierce.

By The Associated Press

Today is Friday,Aug. 8, the 220th day of 2025. There are 145 days left in the year

Todayinhistory On Aug. 8, 2023, aseries of wind-drivenwildfires broke out on the Hawaiian island of Maui, destroying the town of Lahaina and killing more than 100 people. Also on this date:

In 1814, during the Warof 1812,peace talks betweenthe United States and Britainbegan in Ghent, Belgium.

In 1815, Napoleon Bonaparte set sail for St. Helena to spend theremainder of his days in exile.

In 1876, Thomas Edison received apatent for his electric pen— the forerunner of the mimeograph machine.

In 1908, Wilbur Wright makes the Wright Brothers’first public flying demonstration, at Le Mans racecourse in France.

In 1911, President William Howard Taft signed ameasure raising the number of U.S. representatives from 391 to 433, effective with the next Congress, withaproviso to add twomore when New Mexico and Arizona became states.

In 1963, Britain’s“GreatTrain Robbery” took place as thieves madeoff with 2.6 millionpounds in bank notes.

In 1969, photographer Iain Macmillan took the iconic photo of TheBeatles that wouldappear on the cover of their album“Abbey Road.”

In 1974, President Richard Nixon, facing damaging new revelations in the Watergate scandal, announced he would resign the following day

In 1988, Chicago’sWrigley Field hosted its first-evernight baseball game; the contest be-

CONCERTS

Continued from page1D

SEPT.24

BEN FOLDS &A PIANO TOUR, 7:30 p.m., Heymann Performing Arts Center,7373 S. CollegeRoad, Lafayette, $52.79 and up, benfolds. com/tour

SEPT.25

JASON ALDEAN: 7p.m., Cajundome, Lafayette, $75 and up

SEPT.26

FANTASIA &ANTHONY HAMILTON, 8p.m., Raising Cane’sRiver Center Arena, 240 St. Louis St.,Baton Rouge,$82 and up.

OCT. 4

BILLYBOB THORNTON AND THE BOXMASTERS, 8p.m., L’Auberge Event Center,777 L’AubergeAve., Baton Rouge, $34 and up.

OCT. 10

CHASE MATTHEW, 8p.m., L’Auberge Event Center,777 L’AubergeAve Baton Rouge, $44 and up.

OCT. 11

THE ROCK ORCHESTRA BY CANDLELIGHT, 8p.m., Raising Cane’sRiver Center Performing Arts Theatre, 240 St. Louis St., $67 and up.

tween the ChicagoCubs and PhiladelphiaPhillies would be rained out in the fourth inning.

In 2000, the wreckage of the Confederate submarine H.L. Hunley,whichsankin1864 after attackingthe Union ship Housatonic, was recovered off theSouth Carolinacoast and returned to port

In 2009, Sonia Sotomayor was sworn in as the U.S.Supreme Court’sfirst Hispanic and third female justice.

In 2022, FBI agents executed a search warrant for former President Donald Trump’sresidence at Mar-a-LagoinPalm Beach, Florida; over 13,000 government documents,including 103 classified documents, were seized. Today’sbirthdays: Actor Nita Talbot is 95. Actor Dustin Hoffman is 88. Actor Connie Stevensis87. Actor Larry Wilcox is 78. Actor Keith Carradine is 76. Moviedirector Martin Brest is 74. RadioTV personality Robin Quivers is 73. Percussionist Anton Fig is 72. Actor Donny Mostis72. Rock musicianDennis Drew (10,000 Maniacs) is 68. TV personality Deborah Norville is 67. Rock musician The Edge (U2)is64. Rock musicianRikki Rockett (Poison) is 64. Rapper Kool MoeDee is 63. Rock singer Scott Stapp is 52. Country singer Mark Wills is 52. Actor Kohl Sudduth is 51. Rock musician TomLinton (Jimmy Eat World) is 50. SingerJCChasez (NSYNC) is 49. Actor Tawny Cypress is 49. R&B singer Drew Lachey(98 Degrees) is 49. R&B singer Marsha Ambrosius is 48. Actor Lindsay Sloaneis48. Actor Countess Vaughn is 47. Actor Michael Urie is 45. Tennisplayer RogerFederer is 44. Actor MeaganGood is 44. Britain’sPrincess Beatrice of York is 37. Actor Ken Baumann is 36. Pop singer ShawnMendes is 27.

OCT. 16

ALABAMA, 7p.m., Raising Cane’s RiverCenter Arena, 240 St. Louis St.,Baton Rouge, $61 and up.

OCT. 24

KEVINGATES:“THE AMILIO TOUR,” 8p.m., Raising Cane’sRiver Center Arena, 240 St. Louis St.,Baton Rouge,$76 and up

OCT. 30

BLACKBERRYSMOKE: “RATTLE, RAMBLE AND ROLL TOUR 2025,” 8p.m., Raising Cane’sRiver Center Performing ArtsTheatre, 240 St. Louis St ,$60 and up

NOV. 7

AARON LEWIS &THE STATELINERS: “AMERICAN AS IT GETS TOUR,” 8p.m., L’AubergeEvent Center,777 L’Auberge Ave., Baton Rouge, $61 and up.

NOV. 9

CAINWITH JON REDDICK,CALEB &JOHN, HOSTED BY ANNIEF

DOWNS, 7p.m., RaisingCane’s RiverCenter Performing Arts Theatre, 240St. LouisSt., $34 and up NOV. 21

ZZ TOP, 7:30 p.m Raising Cane’s RiverCenter Performing Arts Theatre, 240St. LouisSt., Baton Rouge, $88 andup.

GUY

Continued from page1D

the film’stheatrical release,” he explains.“And they’re allenjoying asustainedrise in listenership even two-plus months following release.” Guy has noticed theshift,too “I walk in the grocery store or the drugstore and people recognize me.‘Man, youknow, Iheard that ’Sinners’ music, man. Man, it sounds good,’”hesays. “They ain’tnever gonna comeinand

Solution forpesky bugs

Dear Heloise: Ikeep aspray bottle filled withisopropyl alcohol that is set to shoot astream not amist —atany cockroaches Isee in my house. The alcohol is absorbed through their exoskeleton and internalized so that they quickly die. Anyoverspray of alcohol evaporates unlike commercial bug sprays, so cleanup is just asoap and water swipe for any roach detritus. —H.E., in Tucson, Arizona Findingthe brighter side of life

say,‘Iheard it on theradio.’”

That’s partofthe reasonwhy Guy decided to participate in the movieinthe first place. “I hope this will give the blues aboost, because my worry right now is, like Isaid,ayoungperson don’tknow how good agumbo is —you’ve got to taste it.”

Fornow,he’sexcited to see how peoplerespondtohis new album “Ain’tDone with the Blues” —but he’s not listening to it.

“I listen to everything but Buddy Guy,” he says. “I already know Buddy Guy.Ican’tlearn anything from that.”

Hints from Heloise

Dear Heloise: Ihave agreat-granddaughter that is being raised by asingle father and two brothers. (She’sa girl sandwich.)

Unfortunately her father is the hostile type (“thewhole world can take aflying leap at itself”), and if he didn’tthink of it, it’s abad idea. She could use some help becoming thecharming, thoughtful, well-received social individual (which isn’tlikely to happen without alittlehelp).

FRIDAY

LIVE MUSIC: Cane River Pecan CompanyPie Bar New Iberia, 5p.m.

LIVE MUSIC: Charley G’s Seafood Grill, Lafayette, 6p.m

LIVE MUSIC: Prejean’s, Broussard, 6p.m

LIVE MUSIC: Jim Deggy’s, Lafayette, 6p.m

LIVE MUSIC: Naq’s-n-Duson, Duson,6 p.m.

LIVE MUSIC: Randol’s, Breaux Bridge, 6:30 p.m.

BUTCH TINKER &RICHARD COMEAUX: Buck & Johnny’s, Breaux Bridge, 6:30 p.m.

PAPER JAM: SHUCKS!, Abbeville, 6:30 p.m.

THE LAST MANGOS: Adopted DogBrewing, Lafayette, 6p.m

HUMAN INSTINCT/SUNGRAZ/BRAX/SWAMPBANEPORCHSQUAD: Feed NSeed, Lafayette, 6p.m

KEITH MEYERS: Silver Slipper, Arnaudville, 7p.m

HEMLOCK: Acadiana Center for the Arts, Lafayette, 7:30 p.m.

JULIAN PRIMEAUX: Hideaway on Lee, Lafayette, 8p.m

FIRSTSTREET HOOLIGANS/NOBLE APES/THE SCHISMS: Artmosphere, Lafayette, 8p.m

GUTS/TRANSFUSION/ FRAGILE STATEOFMIND: Freetown Boom Boom Room, Lafayette, 8p.m

DAVID HERNY: Toby’s Lounge, Opelousas, 8:30 p.m.

ROUGAROU STOMP: The Loose Caboose, Lafayette, 7p.m

BAGOFDONUTS: Rock ‘n’ Bowl, Lafayette, 9p.m

LIVE MUSIC: Cowboys Nightclub,Scott, 10 p.m.

SATURDAY

LIL POOKIE&ZYDECO SEN-

SATION: Buck &Johnny’s, Breaux Bridge, 8a.m

DONNY BROUSSARD BAND: Fred’s, Mamou,8 a.m.

SATURDAY MORNING JAM

SESSIONS: Savoy Music Center,Eunice,9 a.m.

CAJUN JAM: Moncus Park Lafayette, 9a.m

CAMELIAN: Adopted Dog Brewing, Lafayette, 11 a.m.

CAJUN JAM: Tante Marie, Breaux Bridge, 11 a.m.

ZYDECO CAPITALJAM: St Landry Parish Visitor Center, Opelousas, 1p.m

CAJUN FRENCH MUSIC

JAM: Vermilionville, Lafayette, 1p.m

SCHOOL OF ROCK SUM-

MER CONCERT: The Grouse Room, Lafayette, 1p.m

SWAMPLAND STRING BAND: BayouTeche Brewing,Arnaudville, 4p.m

JERRYDIAZ &THE REEF: Lakeview Park,Eunice, 5p.m

‘SETTLER’

Continuedfrom page1D

Thereisverylikely someone in your readership who can suggest abook thatcould be of help. Iamanative of San Antonio and have enjoyed you andyour mother’ssuggestionsall my life. (I’m 97.) Thank you. —Beryl L., in Texas Beryl, youmight have to speak to the girl’sfather about his sour attitude. It’sa verytouchy subject, but ask him to be more encouraging and positive around his daughter.Ifher father has asister, perhaps she can step in to showhis daughter abrighter side of life and how to look for the good in other people.

—Heloise

Destinationwedding soundoff

Dear Heloise: I’dlike to think that thedestination wedding couple considered the pros and cons of a wedding in Hawaii, but in this day of impulsive actions, it’sreasonable to believe that they did not. Maybe they’re from an affluent

family where expenses aren’ta concern, but expecting people to fork out thousands of dollars and take aweek out of their schedule just to attend awedding is asking forabit much. Making all the arrangements foralocal wedding can be mindnumbing, so Icannot imagine trying to pull together avenue, caterer,photographer,etc., afew thousand miles away at probably double the cost! And let us hope that both sides are 100% understanding of each other’ssituations and not offended by the outcome. They need to wish each other well and celebrate together after the fact.

An alternative would’ve been to have alocal wedding, then honeymoon in Hawaii. I’msure they could’ve arranged avery simple ceremony on the beach and restate their vowswith only close family and friends whoare able to take part. —MikeF., via email Sendahinttoheloise@heloise com.

LIVE MUSIC: Charley G’s Lafayette, 6p.m

LIVE MUSIC: Jim Deggy’s, Lafayette, 6p.m

LIVE MUSIC: Prejean’s Broussard, 6p.m

LIVE MUSIC: Randol’s, Breaux Bridge, 6p.m.

AMELIA RYLAND: Adopted DogBrewing,Lafayette, 6p.m

DAREL GROS: SHUCKS!, Abbeville, 6:30 p.m.

YVETTE LANDRYTRIO: Buck &Johnny’s, Breaux Bridge, 6:30 p.m.

LIVE MUSIC: TapRoom, Youngsville, 6:30 p.m. BUDDYANDREWS&THE BRANDED: Silver Slipper, Arnaudville, 7p.m

T.A.C.K. +TEENAGE LABOTOMY +SPEECHFUZZ + CLEMENTINE +JAMBALAYA +BLOODHOUND: The Loose Caboose, Lafayette, 7p.m

GENO DELAFOSE &FRENCH

ROCKIN’ BOOGIE: La Poussiere, Breaux Bridge 8p.m LUKE LOOPS &THE IMPARTIALS: Blue Moon Saloon, Lafayette, 8p.m THE MOJOES: Toby’s Lounge, Opelousas, 8:30 p.m.

WAYNE TOUPS: Rock’n’ Bowl, Lafayette, 9p.m.

LIVE MUSIC: Cowboys Nightclub, Scott, 10 p.m

Yes, Husband is his first name, andhe’sa gentleman. He’sshy Andheloves talking to Elizabeth. Could he be her second chance at love? Well, that question will be answered when UpStage Theatre stages its encore of JohnHenry Redwood’sdramaticcomedy, “The OldSettler,” at 3p.m. Saturday on its stageat1713 Wooddale Blvd.

“Westaged the play in July,and it was the third time we’ve performed it,” said AvaBrewster Turner,the company’sfounder and artistic director.“It was so

SUNDAY GLENN ZERINGUE: Whiskey &Vine,Lafayette, 11 a.m. CAJUN JAM: BayouTeche Brewing, Arnaudville, 2p.m. KEKE BOURQUE: Cypress Cove Landing, Breaux Bridge, 3p.m. GREGG MARTINEZ50TH

ANNIVERSARY: Rock ‘n’ Bowl, Lafayette, 4p.m.

DINGER: Adopted Dog Brewing, Lafayette, 4p.m.

JUSTIN CORNETT: Pat’s Atchafalaya Club,Henderson, 4:30 p.m

LIVE MUSIC: CharleyG’s, Lafayette, 6p.m. STOP THE CLOCK/COUNTRYJAZZ: Feed NSeed, Lafayette, 6p.m.

MONDAY PATRICIO LATINO SOLO: Cafe Habana City, Lafayette, 11 a.m. LIVE MUSIC: CharleyG’s, Lafayette, 6p.m.

TUESDAY TERRYHUVAL &FRIENDS: Prejean’s Restaurant Lafayette, 6p.m.

LIVE MUSIC: CharleyG’s, Lafayette, 6p.m.

WEDNESDAY

DULCIMERJAM: St. Landry

popular that we decidedtodoan encore. We brought back the two actors who have played Elizabeth and Quilly in the previous productions, and I’msohappy that they’ve returned to play these parts.” Elizabeth is playedBrittany Evans, andKyesolen Byrd plays her outspoken sister,Quilly.Rounding outthe cast arenewcomerstothe play,Trey TownselasHusband and Camrie Bynum as his worldly former girlfriend, Lou Bessie. The story follows the blooming friendship betweenElizabeth and Husband, who has come to Harlem from Frogmore, South Carolina, to find Lou. Elizabeth’ssister, Quilly,disapprovesofher sister’s growing affection for Husband,

VisitorCenter,Opelousas, 10 a.m.

LIVE MUSIC: Park Bistro, Lafayette, 6p.m.

LIVE MUSIC: CharleyG’s, Lafayette, 6p.m.

NIKKI NEEDHAM: Whiskey &Vine,Lafayette, 6p.m.

LIVE MUSIC: The Tap Room, Youngsville 6:30 p.m CAJUN JAM: Blue Moon Saloon, Lafayette, 8p.m.

THURSDAY

LIVE MUSIC: CharleyG’s, Lafayette, 6p.m.

LAYLA: Whiskey& Vine, Lafayette, 6p.m.

LIVE MUSIC: Naq’s NDuson, Duson, 6p.m.

TROUBADOUR: SHUCKS!, Abbeville, 6:30 p.m

CIGAR SOCIAL: Wurst Biergarten,Lafayette, 7p.m.

HORACE TRAHAN: Rock ‘n’ Bowl, Lafayette, 7:30 p.m

Compiledby Marchaund Jones

Want yourvenue’s music listed? Email info/photos to showstowatch@ theadvocate.com. Thedeadline is noon FRIDAY forthe following Friday’spaper.

knowing that no matter how nice Husband is, theresult will be heartbreak

“We’re doing absolutelynothing differentinthis production,” Turnersaid. “The setting is still thesame, andthe musicisfrom the 1940s. So, we are trying to give the audience that aura of that time with the music, the setting, the costumes —everything that enhances our presentation and the story.So, everyone can expect to seethe same story that they’ve cometo love so much.”

Tickets are $25. Call (225) 9243774 or visit upstagetheatre.biz. Email RobinMilleratromiller@ theadvocate.com.

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By NAM y. HUH BuddyGuy poses for aportraitatBuddyGuy’sLegends in Chicago.

SHOWSTOWATCH —ACADIANA

PROVIDED PHOTOByCHRISTOPHER BATTAGLIA

Carolina Chauffe, the voice and songwriting force behind the project hemlock, will performat7:30p.m. Friday at Acadiana Center for the Arts’ James Devin Moncus Theater in Lafayette. Tickets are $25.

FRIDAY CAITLYN RENEE (ACOUSTIC): Town Square, Perkins Rowe,6 p.m.

CORDON BLUEZ BAND: Blue Iguana, 6p.m

ERIC ANDRIES: Stab’s Restaurant, 6p.m

KEEPIN’ TIME BAND: T’Quilas, Denham Springs, 6p.m.

RACHAEL HALLACK & ERIC CANTRELLE: Sullivan’s Steakhouse, 6p.m.

DR MONSTER, KILLING

BUGS,PUSH TO RELEASE: Mid City Ballroom, 7p.m.

BUBBAPLAUCHÉ: Riverbend Terrace II at L’Auberge, 7p.m.

RHETT ANTHONY: 18 Steak at L’Auberge, 7p.m.

CHRIS ALLEN: Bin 77, 7p.m.

DON POURCIAU&

KONSPIRACY: VFW HallChoctaw, 7p.m

SOUTHFIELD DUO: Crowne Plaza, 7p.m.

“KILLERS OF KILL TONY”: Raising Cane’s River Center Performing Arts Theatre, 7p.m.

HENRYTURNER JR. &ALLSTARS: Henry Turner Jr.’s Listening Room,8 p.m.

AMBUSH: Brickyard South, 8p.m.

BRYCEBROUSSARD: Spanky’s Dutchtown, 8p.m.

PETTY BETTY: The Edge Bar at L’Auberge, 9p.m.

BEN RAGSDALE/SOUTHLAND: The TexasClub, 9p.m CORNER POCKET: Churchill’s, 9p.m.

RYAN LEBLANC: Swamp Chicken Daiquiris, St.

FRIDAY BATONROUGE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA POP-UP CON-

ClayParker and Jodi James will performatLaDivina Italian

Rougeat 6p.m.Thursday

Amant, 9p.m.

THE MAIN EVENT TRIO: T’s Country,Denham Springs, 9p.m.

TITANIUM RAIN: Icehouse TapRoom, 9:30 p.m.

SATURDAY

ASHLEY ORLANDO: Red Stick Farmers Market, 8a.m.

CONNOR MARTIN: Southern Beauty Scrubs and Boutique, Denham Springs, 2p.m.

TAYLOR RAE: Southern Beauty Boutique Scrubs and Boutique, Denham Springs, 4p.m.

CERT: 12:30 p.m., Pennington Biomedical Research Center, 6400 Perkins Road. Small ensembles in 30- to 45-minute performances. Free.brso.org.

”PAPRIKA”(2006 FILM):

7:30 p.m., Manship Theatre, 100 Lafayette St. Thriller/scififilm presented by Films at Manship. Rated R. Aset by DJ Buktooth follows the screening. $11.50. manshiptheatre. org.

FRIDAY NIGHT LECTURE:

7:30 p.m.-8:30p.m., BREC’s Highland Road Park Observatory,13800 Highland Road. Skygazing tips,physics phenomena, space programs and famous events arecovered Forages 14 and older. Free hrpo.lsu.edu. Also, evening sky viewing from 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday.

SATURDAY

RED STICK FARMERS MAR-

KET: 8a.m. to noon, Fifth and Main streets, downtown Farm-fresh produce, goods, cooking demonstrations breada.org.

GARDEN DISCOVERIES: “LANDSCAPE 101: ALANDSCAPE

DRAWING DEMONSTRATION”:

10 a.m., Main Library at Goodwood, 7711 GoodwoodBlvd. Hosted by theBaton Rouge Botanic Garden Foundation. Weather permitting, atour of the Baton Rouge Botanic Gardens adjacent to the library will follow. Register at ebrpl. co/events or (225) 231-3750. ebrpl.co/garden.

FAMILY-HOUR STARGAZING:

10 a.m., Irene W. Pennington Planetarium at the Louisiana Art &Science Museum, 100 S. River Road. Learn about the stars and constellations in the local nighttime sky

BRITTON MAJOR: Sullivan’s Steakhouse, 5:30 p.m.

ARNETT HAYES: Stab’s Restaurant, 6p.m

THE LEE SERIO BAND: T’Quilas, Denham Springs, 6:30 p.m.

BRYANSOUTHWICK: 18 Steak at L’Auberge, 7p.m

DENTON HATCHER: Riverbend Terrace II at L’Auberge, 7p.m

KAITLYN WALLACE DUO: On The Half Shell, Prairieville,7 p.m

RACHAEL HALLACK: Bin 77, 7p.m

STORMY: Phil Brady’s,

followedbyanall-ages show lasm.org.

GREATER BATONROUGE MODEL RAILROADERS: 10 a.m. to 2p.m., Republic of West FloridaHistorical Museum, 3406 College St., Jackson. Electric trains of all sizes will be running on fivedifferent layouts. Free admission and parking.

BATONROUGE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA POP-UP CONCERT: 2p.m., Perkins Rowe Bluebonnet BoulevardatPerkins Road. Small ensembles in 30- to 45-minute performances. Free. brso.org MONTHLY CONTRA DANCE: 4p.m.-6:30 p.m., St. Alban’s Chapel,corner of Highland Road and Dalrymple Drive. Newcomer instruction at 3:45 p.m.Singlesand couples welcome. $7 perperson; free for first-timers.Louisianacontrasandsquares.comor(225) 803-9194.

SATURDAY-SUNDAY

BASF’SKIDS’ LAB: 11 a.m., 1p.m. and 3p.m.Saturday and 1:30 p.m. and 3p.m. Sunday, LouisianaArt &Science Museum, 100S.River Road. Explorethe science of chemistry during45-minute hands-onworkshopsfor scientists ages 6-12 and their accompanying adults. This month: the science behind bubbles. Included with paid admission. lasm.org.

SUNDAY

“EDDINGTON”: 2p.m., Manship Theatre,100 Lafayette St Western/drama/dark comedy film presented by Filmsat Manship.Rated R. $11.50. manshiptheatre.org.

BRAVER ANGELS BATON ROUGE: 2:30p.m.-4 p.m., Bluebonnet Branch Library, 9200 Bluebonnet Blvd.Forum:

7p.m

WEREWOLF/AMOS MOSES/BLUEVERSE/ ALLISON COLLINS: The TexasClub, 7p.m

BRYCEBROUSSARD: Tiger Tavern,7:30 p.m.

ACOUSTIC SATURDAYS

W/HENRY TURNER/DIXIE

TAYLOR: Henry Turner

Jr.’s Listening Room, 8p.m

DON POURCIAU &KONSPIRACY: Backstreet Lounge, 8p.m

KEEPIN’ TIME BAND: Sandy’s Daiquiris,Port Allen, 9p.m T-BOY&JUST US: Swamp

AROUND

What is DEI? Right, Left, and Centrist Approaches. https:// sites.google.com/view/ babrla.

SENSORYSECOND SUNDAY:

3p.m.-5 p.m.,Louisiana Art& Science Museum, 100 S. River Road. Dimmed lights, lowvolumemusic, designated quiet areas, headphones and sensory tools areavailable. lasm.org.

ARTICULATE ARTISTS’ TALK:

4p.m Baton RougeGallery Center forContemporary Art, 1515 Dalrymple Drive.With MaryAnn Caffery, Jessica Sharpe, Michaelene Walsh and Beth Welch. Free. batonrougegallery.org

TUESDAY

RED STICK FARMERS MARKET: 3p.m.-6 p.m.,Main Library at Goodwood, 7711 Goodwood Blvd. Farm-fresh produce, goods, cooking demonstrations. breada.org.

PRESSED &PRESERVED: A

TWO-PARTFLOWERPRESSING WORKSHOP: 6p.m.-8 p.m., LSU Hilltop Arboretum, 11855 Highland Road. Forage the Hilltop Meadow for seasonal blooms and foliage and learn howtoassemble aflower press to preserveyourgathered finds. This is the second session. Limited space. $60, students, Friends of Hilltop and Louisiana Master Naturalist Members; $75, general public. https://www.lsu.edu/ hilltop/.

TRIVIA NIGHT: 6:30 p.m., Burgersmith,18303 Perkins Road. Collect your team and jockey for first place. loom. ly/y-CKtQ4.

WEDNESDAY

RED STICK FARMERS MARKET:

9a.m.tonoon,ExxonMobil YMCA, 7711 Howell Blvd. Farm-fresh produce, goods

Chicken Daiquiris, St. Amant, 9p.m

VOYAGE: Churchill’s, 9p.m.

SUNDAY

JUSTIN BURDETTE TRIO: Superior Grill MidCity, 11 a.m.

ROBERTCALMES: Cocha, 11 a.m.

CONNOR UNDERWOOD: Crowne Plaza, 11 a.m.

ERIC GAUTREAUX: Red Stick Social, noon

OLD TIME MUSIC JAM: West Baton Rouge Museum, Port Allen, 3p.m.

SONGWRITERSUNDAYS: La Divina Italian Café,

and more. www.facebook. com/redstickfarmersmarket.

TRIVIA NIGHT: 6:30 p.m., Burgersmith,27350 Crossing Circle, Suite 150, Denham Springs. Collect your team and jockey for first place. loom.ly/y-CKtQ4.

THURSDAY

RED STICK FARMERS MARKET:

8a.m.tonoon,Pennington Biomedical Research Center, 6400 Perkins Road. Farm-fresh produce, goods and more. facebook.com/redstickfarmersmarket.

WEEKLY SOCIAL BIKERIDE: 7p.m GeauxRide, 521 N. ThirdSt.,Suite A. Free. https://fareharbor.com.

TRIVIA NIGHT: 7p.m., Bayes Oyster Bar,315 North Blvd. Test your trivia skills with your friends and family.Free.

ONGOING

ARTGUILD OF LOUISIANA: Independence Park Theatre, 7800 Independence Blvd. “55th Annual River Road Show,”anational, juried show,Louisiana State Archives, 3851 Essen Lane through Sept. 23. Reception from 5p.m.to7 p.m. Aug. 21. (225) 773-8020 or artguildlouisiana.org.

BATONROUGE GALLERY

CENTER FORCONTEMPORARYART: 1515 Dalrymple Drive. Group exhibitbyMary Ann Caffery,Jessica Sharpe, Michaelene Walshand Beth Welch, through August. batonrougegallery.org

CAPITOLPARK MUSEUM: 660 N. Fourth St.“Billy Cannon: They Called Him Legend, through Jan. 10. “Grounds for Greatness: Louisiana and the Nation” and “The Louisiana Experience: Discovering the Soul of America,”permanent exhibits. (225) 342-5428 or

5p.m. BRASSHEARTS QUAR-

TET: The Edge Bar at L’Auberge,6:30 p.m

OPEN

MIC JAM: FatCat Saloon, Prairieville, 7p.m.

MONDAY

ACOUSTICRATS: Phil Brady’s, 6p.m.

JEFF BAJON PROJECT: Pedro’s,Denham Springs, 6p.m.

MIKE ESNEAULT: Stab’s Restaurant,6 p.m

RHETT GUILLOT: Superior Grill MidCity, 6p.m.

TUESDAY

RALPH DAIGLE: Rio Verde Mexican, Gonzales, 6p.m.

STEVE GUSTAFSON: Stab’s Restaurant,6 p.m

TREY MORGAN: Superior Grill MidCity, 6p.m.

EDDIE SMITH: On The HalfShell, Prairieville, 6:30 p.m

WEDNESDAY

JEFF BAJON PROJECT: BLDG 5, 5:30 p.m

BENHERRINGTON: Stab’s Restaurant,6 p.m

GARRETT REMSON DUO: Superior Grill MidCity, 6p.m.

KIRK HOLDER: Bin77, 6:30 p.m

SONGWRITERS OPEN MIC

W/HEATHRANSONNET: Coop’s on 621, Gonzales, 7p.m. OPEN MIC JAM: O’Hara’s Irish Pub, 8p.m.

THURSDAY STANDLEY &TUPPER:

louisianastatemuseum.org.

CARY SAURAGE COMMUNITY ARTS CENTER SHELL GALLERY: 233 St. Ferdinand St. “Dress Rehearsal,” an invitational group exhibition featuring seven master of fine arts candidates from LSU and Tulane,Monday-Aug. 11. Hours arefrom9a.m. to 4p.m. weekdays and from 10 a.m. to 2p.m. Saturday artsbr.org.

ELIZABETHAN GALLERY: 680 Jefferson Highway.Call (225) 924-6437 or followthe gallery’s Facebook page

LOUISIANA ART&SCIENCE MUSEUM: 100 S. RiverRoad

“Threads of Evolution: Engineering aCommunity That Sparkles,” engineering meets imaginationthrough the work of Jaime Glas Odom, founder andcreative directoroffashionbrand Queen of Sparkles, through Nov. 9. “Discoveries on the Nile: Exploring King Tut’s Tomb andthe AminEgyptian Collection,” through Oct.31. (225) 344-5272 or lasm.org.

LSU MUSEUM OF ART: Shaw Center for theArts, 100 Lafayette St. “Carved and Crafted: The Art of Letterpress,” through Sept. 21. (225) 3897200 or lsumoa.org.

MANSHIP THEATRE GALLERY: 100 Lafayette St. “Michalopoulos:HappyTimes, Summerinthe City,”through Oct 10. Hours are9 a.m.-4 p.m Monday, 9a.m.-10 p.m

Tuesday-Thursday, 9a.m.11 p.m.Friday,10a.m.-11 p.m Saturday,and 11 a.m.-5 p.m Sunday

MANSHIP THEATRE JONES

WALKERFOYER: 100 Lafayette St. Free and open during regular Shaw Center building hours unless thereisa private event.

LSU TEXTILE &COSTUME MUSEUM: Human Ecology Building, TowerDrive, LSU

Southern Rhythm, Denham Springs,5:30 p.m

KYBALION: El Paso-Sherwood,6 p.m

CLAY PARKER &JODI

JAMES: La Divina Italian Café,6 p.m

CONNOR UNDERWOOD: Stab’s Restaurant,6 p.m

RACHAEL HALLACK & ERICCANTRELLE: Superior Grill-MidCity, 6p.m.

JOSH GARRETT: Bin77, 6:30 p.m THE BISHOP ELLIS TRIO: HayrideScandal, 7p.m.

THE STARDUST BOYS: The Brakes Bar, 7p.m.

KENNY FIFE &FRIENDS: Swamp Chicken Daiquiris,St. Amant, 7p.m.

BRITTON MAJOR: O’Hara’s Irish Pub, 8p.m. BLUESJAM: Phil Brady’s, 9p.m.

N’TUNE: Churchill’s, 9p.m. OUTLYING

FRIDAY

BOB BROWNING: Big J’s Side Porch, Clinton, 6p.m. BRIAN RITTENHOUSE: SmallTownDaiquiris, Clinton, 7p.m.

Compiledby MarchaundJones

Want yourvenue’s music listed? Email info/photos to showstowatch@ theadvocate.com. The deadline is noon FRIDAY forthe following Friday’spaper.

campus. “Color Me Fashion, morethan 45 looks with related accessories spanning approximately100 years of fashion history from c. 1890 to 1990. Exhibit runs through Aug. 15. (225) 578-5992 or email textile@lsu.edu

MAGNOLIA MOUNDMUSEUM +HISTORIC SITE: 2161 Nicholson Drive.Guided and selfguided tours.Hours arefrom 10 a.m. to 4p.m. MondaySaturday and from 1p.m. to 4p.m. Sunday.brec.org/facility/MagnoliaMound

OLD GOVERNOR’SMANSION: 502 NorthBlvd. Open for tours.Hours arefrom9 a.m. to 4p.m. Monday-Friday.Free admission. oldgovernorsmansion.com.

OLD STATECAPITOL: 100 NorthBlvd. “Water/Ways,” traveling Smithsonian exhibit exploring thecritical role water playsinall our lives and howtopreserve it,through Friday.Free. louisianaoldstatecapitol.org.

USS KIDD VETERANS MUSEUM: 305 S. River Road. Displaysofavariety of artifacts that celebrate veteran and navalmilitary history.Note: Vessel is in Houma for dry dock repairs.usskidd.com. WEST BATONROUGE MUSEUM: 845 N. Jefferson Ave., Port Allen. “Radbwaêtiretik-layé: The Art of Jonathan Mayers,” through Oct. 12. (225) 3362422 or westbatonrougemuseum.org.

CompiledbyJudy Bergeron. Have an open-to-the-public eventyou’dlike to promote? Email details to red@theadvocate.com. Deadline is 5p.m.Friday forthe following Friday’s paper

Johnson, Music Director

PROVIDED PHOTO By MICHAEL TUCKER

Café, 3535 Perkins Road,Unit 360, in Baton

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) Partnerships, conversations and sharing ideas will change your perspective regarding your goals. Offer incentives to people whocan contribute something valuable to your agenda, andsuccess will be yours.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept.22) Know whoyou are dealing with before youenter the ring. Howyou go about your business will make abig difference. Success comes with fine-tuning your approach and maintaininga positive attitude.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) Choose selfimprovement over criticizingothers. Gettingalong is crucialifyou want to get ahead. Choose to charm thoseyou encounter with your witty conversation and resourcefulness.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) Keep an open mind, but refuse to letyour emotions dictate your actions. Avoidsituations that can put you in harm's way. Pay attention to yourphysical needsand make healthier life choices.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) Pay attention to where your moneygoes. Before starting anew project, determine its cost and explore waystoreduce expenses. Learn from experience and avoid debt

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Look for opportunities,not for trouble.Shared expenses and joint ventures will not meet your expectations. Adiscrepancy regardingagreementswill leave youin aprecarious position

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) Control whatever situation youface andturn it into ahappy adventure. Be the instigator of good timesand healthy living. Putyour energywhere it counts.

PISCES (Feb.20-March 20) Participate in networking events and promote yourself.Avibrantattitudewill help youattract attention.Look anddoyour best, andstep into thespotlight ARIES (March 21-April 19) Take the guessing outofthe equation.Whenindoubt, ask.It's essential to determinewhere youstandsoyou can move forward and focusonwhattruly matters to you.

TAURUS (April 20-May20) Overselling your capabilities will backfire.Listen to someone's idea or requirements, consider their words carefully andoffer what youcan.Someone you meet will show interest in you.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20) Don't shy away from engagement, but avoidoverspending, getting involved in jointventures or paying forsomeoneelse. Youcan't buy love; use your charm to win someone's affection CANCER(June 21-July 22) Embrace kindness, generosity anda playful attitude and you'll attract love. Muster up some courage to update your appearance, and settrends that help you fulfill your dreams.

The horoscope, an entertainment feature, is not based on scientific fact ©2025 by NEA, Inc., dist.ByAndrews McMeel Syndication

Celebrity Cipher cryptograms are created from quotationsbyfamous people, past and present. Each letter in thecipher stands for another.

TODAy'S CLUE:E EQUALSV

CeLebrItY CIpher

For better or For WorSe

beetLe bAILeY

Mother GooSe AndGrIMM

LAGoon

bIG nAte

Sudoku

InstructIons: Sudoku is anumber-placing puzzle based on a9x9 grid with severalgiven numbers. The object is to place the numbers 1to9inthe empty squares so that each row, each column and each 3x3 boxcontains the same number only once. The difficulty level of the Sudoku increases from Monday to Sunday

Yesterday’s Puzzle Answer

THewiZard oF id

BLondie

BaBY BLueS

Hi and LoiS CurTiS

Bridge

BY PHILLIP ALDER

Mogens Jallberg from Denmark said,“In democracy, it’s your vote that counts. In feudalism, it’s your Count that votes.”

Themore that bridge playerscount, the better they will play. In yesterday’s deal, declarer placed themissing highcardpoints by referring to the bidding. Today, let’s showadefender doing it to advantage Eastisdefending against four spades, and West leads the heart 10. What should Eastdo?

There are several important points in the bidding. Some players sittingEast would addapoint for the five-card suit andopenone no-trump. Butyou should strive to find areason nottoopenone notrump when you have afive-card major. Here,havingnominor-suit stopper is an excellent reason Southdoesnot liketomakea takeout double with 4-3-3-3 distribution, but his hand is atad toostrong to pass.North’s cue-bid shows 12-plus points. East wins with the heart jack, cashes theace,andtakestheking,Westdiscarding, say, thediamondthree.What should Eastdonext?

If West had aminor-suit ace, he should have ruffed thethird heartand cashed it (or discarded an encouraging cardin that suit). So the defenders arenot getting aminor-suit trick. East must tryfor atrumptrick by leading another heart. Here, when West ruffs with the spade eight and dummy overruffs withthe 10, suddenly East gains atrumptrick. It is a textbook uppercut ©2025 by NEA, Inc., dist. By Andrews McMeel Syndication

wuzzles

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

Previous answers:

word game

InstRuCtIons: 1. Words must be of four or more letters. 2. Words that acquire four letters by the addition of “s,”such as “bats” or “dies,”are not allowed. 3. Additional words made by adding a“d” or an “s” may not be used. 4. Proper nouns, slang words,orvulgar or sexually explicit words are not allowed.

toDAY’sWoRD CoWoRKInG: KO-werk-ing: Working in aspace with multiple tenants and shared facilities

Average mark 34 words

Time limit 55 minutes

Can you find 50 or more words in COWORKING?

YEstERDAY’sWoRD —ALLEGED

today’s thought “He is nothere: for he is risen,ashesaid. Come, seethe place where the Lord lay.” Matthew 28:6

marmaduKe

Bizarro

hagar the horriBle

Pearls Before swiNe

garfield

B.C.

PiCKles

hidato

mallard fillmore