The Advocate 08-17-2025

Change in police chiefs roils Golden Meadow

Investigators say previous chief deleted records after losing election

BY JOSEPH CRANNEY | Staff writer

‘OFF DUTY, GOING HOME’

Lafont

GOLDEN MEADOW On Michelle Lafont’s first day as the newly elected police chief of this tiny speed-trap town and shrimping community on the way to Port Fourchon, the door of her Town Hall office wouldn’t budge. You’ve got to be kidding me, she thought. Her predecessor, former Golden Meadow Police Chief Troy Dufrene, had locked the keys inside the office after losing the November 2024 election by an excruciating nine votes, she said. That wasn’t all The day after Dufrene lost, state criminal investigators say he began deleting computer records pertaining to the Police Department’s citations, calls for service, theft complaints and warrants. He also deleted administrative records like payroll sheets and fuel reimbursement reports,

ä See CHANGE, page 8A

Plans to build reservoir to fight flooding halted

Proposal again faces stiff opposition

BY DAVID J MITCHELL | Staff writer

Plans for a huge reservoir north of Baton Rouge to help keep the Amite River from flooding densely populated neighborhoods downstream have been sidelined by opposition from people who live in the countryside where it would be built.

Instead, the agency that revived the decades-old reservoir idea will focus on restoring curves in the Amite and keeping sediment out of the river, measures that could help scale down disasters like the widespread August 2016 flood, which damaged nearly 65,500 homes and thousands of businesses in East Baton Rouge, Livingston and Ascension parishes alone.

| Staff writer

STAFF PHOTOS By HILARy SCHEINUK

A member of the Baton Rouge Police Honor Guard says their final goodbye during funeral services for Baton Rouge police Sgt. Caleb Eisworth in Baton Rouge on Saturday.

Saydee Eisworth, 12, left, leans on her mother, Darla Eisworth, as they grieve the loss of father and husband Baton Rouge police Sgt Caleb Eisworth during his burial services at Greenoaks Memorial Park in Baton Rouge on Saturday

page 4A

BRIEFS FROM WIRE REPORTS

Librarybook returned after 82 yearsin Texas

SANANTONIO Alibrary book has been returned nearly 82 years after it was borrowed fromthe San Antonio PublicLibrary.It came with aletter noting that “Grandma won’tbeable to pay for it anymore.”

The book is “Your Child, His Family,and Friends” by marriage and family counselor Frances Bruce Strain. It was checked out in July 1943 and returned this past June from aperson in Oregon, thelibrary said in anews release.

“After the recent deathofmy father,Iinherited afew boxes of books he left behind,” the person wrote in aletter that wasshared by the library on Instagram and signed with the initialsP.A.A.G

The book was aguide for parentsonhelping their children navigate personal relationships. It was checked out when the person’sfather was 11 years old.

“The book must have been borrowedbymyGrandmother,Mariadel Socorro Aldrete Flores (Cortez),” the person wrote. “In that year,she transferred to Mexico City to workatthe US Embassy.She must have taken the book with her,and some 82 years later, it ended up in my possession.”

The book had received writeupsinvarious newspapersat the time. The Cincinnati Enquirer describeditinJune1943as a “completeguidebooktothe personal relationships of the child with his familyand the outside world.”

The person who returned the book wrote in the letter: “I hope there is no late fee for it because Grandma won’tbeable to pay for it anymore.”

The library said in anews release that it eliminated overdue fines in 2021. The inside cover of the book was stamped with the warning that the fine for overdue bookswas three centsa day. Not accounting for inflation, the penalty would amount to nearly$900.

Suspected Islamist

rebels kill 30 in Congo

KINSHASA, Congo— Suspected Islamist rebels have killed at least 30 people in aseries of attacks in Congo’sNorth Kivu province in recentdays, aCongolese militaryofficial said Saturday

The killings took place in Bapere village between Wednesday and Friday,according to Col. Alain Kiwawa, the military administrator of Lubero territorywhere thevillage is located.

“Wehave more than 30 people dead, and at least ahundred who are beingheldhostage,”Kiwawa told TheAssociated Press. Acivil society leader,Samuel Kaheni, the president of theBapere civil society organization, added that several houses were burnedand victims weremostly killed with knives.

The attacks are the latest in a string of recent attacksbyIslamicState-aligned AlliedDemocratic Forceafter its members killed nearly 40 people last month in an attack on aCatholic church in Ituri. Most of the victims were killed with machetes.

Brazil’sBolsonaro goes for medical exams

SAOPAULO Brazil’s Former President Jair Bolsonaro temporarily left house arrest Saturday to undergo medical exams in Brasilia, after ajudge authorized him to spend six toeight hours at ahospital.

Doctors at DF Star hospital said Bolsonaro was admitted for evaluation of fever,cough, persistent gastroesophageal refluxand hiccups. Tests revealed residual signs of two recent pulmonary infections, as well as persistent esophagitis and gastritis. He was discharged later in the day and will continue treatment with medication

He has been hospitalized multiple timessince being stabbed at acampaign eventbefore the 2018 presidential election. His most recent surgery wasin April, for abowel obstruction Bolsonaro is on trial at theSupreme Court overhis alleged attempt to remaininpower after losing the 2022 election toPresident Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. A five-justice panel is expectedto deliver verdicts and sentences on five counts against him between Sept. 2and 12. Bolsonaro denies any wrongdoing.

Trumpwants overallpeace deal

President reverses on need forceasefire first to endwar in Ukraine

BY SAMYAKULLAB, JOHN LEICESTER and EMMA BURROWS Associated Press

KYIV,Ukraine President Donald Trumpreversed course in thewake of his meeting with Russian leader Vladimir Putin tosay an overallpeace agreement notthe ceasefire that he has longchampioned —isthe next step in ending the 31/2yearwar in Ukraine.

In talkswith European allies after Friday’ssummit in Alaska,Trump said Putin reiterated that he wants the key Donetsk and Luhansk regions that make up the Donbas. But Putin appeared open to the possibilityof halting the stalemateintwo other regions, Zaporizhzhia andKherson, with afreeze alongthe front lines.

Thatis according to European officialsfamiliar with the calls who spoke on conditionofanonymity to discuss thetalks at aU.S. military base between theAmerican and Russian presidents. Ukrainian President VolodymyrZelenskyyhas previously rejected giving up the territory in the Donbas.

Theaftermath of the summit offered littleclarity aboutthe next steps, other than Trump’scommitment for more meetings, includingwith Zelenskyy at the White Houseon Monday.It wasunclearamong those

Base

Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and second from right is SecretaryofState Marco Rubio.

briefed on the exchanges whether Trump saw Putin’s desire for the Donbas as acceptable, with Trump’s blunt but elliptical way of speaking only adding to a sense of confusion.

The White House had yet to provide apublic summary of the calls as Trump golfed on Saturday withhis special envoySteve Witkoff andFox News anchorBret Baier at his Virginia golf club. Themost transparent takeaway was Trump’s abruptreversal on aceasefire, raising questions of howpeace talks can proceed if attacks continue.

Trump’sabandoning a ceasefire as arequirement for further negotiations aligns him with aposition held by Putin. TheRussian leader has long said Moscow is notinterested in atemporary truceand is seeking along-term settlement that takes the Krem-

lin’sinterestsintoaccount.

Afterthe calls with Zelenskyy andEuropean leaders Trump said Saturday on social media that “it was determinedbyall thatthe best way to end the horrific war between Russia and Ukraine is to go directlytoaPeace Agreement, whichwould end the war,and not amere CeasefireAgreement,which often timesdonot hold up.”

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz told ZDF televisionthatTrump said “Russia seems to be prepared to conduct thenegotiations basedonthe so-called line of contact andnot the administrative boundaries.” It was unclear from the commentshow issues pertaining to the Donbas had been resolved. Zelenskyy has previously refused to withdraw from theremaining 30%ofthe Donetsk region that Ukraine controls. He says that would

be unconstitutional and the territory could be used as astaging ground for later Russian attacks.

In astatementafterthe Trumpcall, major European leadersdid notaddress whethera peacedealwas preferabletoaceasefire, saying they “welcomed President Trump’sefforts to stop the killing in Ukraine, end Russia’swar of aggression, andachieve just and lasting peace.”

Putin on Saturday described his talks with Trump as “very frank.”

“We, of course, respect the positionofthe American administration,which sees the need for aspeedy endtomilitary actions,”he said at the follow-up meeting at the Kremlin, aclip of which wasposted to the Kremlin’sTelegram channel. “Wewould like to move to resolving all issues by peaceful means.”

Putinhas “broken outof international isolation” and “wasn’tinthe leastchallenged” by Trump, who also ignored an arrest warrant issued for Putin by the InternationalCriminal Court, said Laurie Bristow,who was British ambassador to Russia from 2016 to 2020. But the U.S. isn’tamember of the court and thus doesn’t have an obligation to arrest him.

Zelenskyy, whowas not invited to Alaska forthe summit, said he had a“long and substantive” conversation with Trumpearly Saturdayand that they would “discuss allofthe details regarding ending the killing and the war” on Monday It will be Zelenskyy’sfirst visit to the United States since Trump berated him publicly forbeing “disrespectful” during an extraordinary Oval Officemeeting in February

Trump confirmed the White House meeting and saidthat “if all works out, we will then schedule ameeting withPresident Putin. Zelenskyy reiterated the importance of involving European leaders, who also werenot at the summit,“to ensure reliable security guarantees together with America.”

“Wealsodiscussed positive signals from the American side regarding participation in guaranteeing Ukraine’s security,” he said. The Ukrainian leader did not elaborate, but he has previouslysaidEuropean partners putonholda proposal to establish aforeign troop presenceinUkraine to deter Russian aggression because it lacked an American backstop.

HurricaneErinexplodesinstrengthinAtlantic

BY DÁNICA COTO and RUSS BYNUM Associated Press

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico HurricaneErin exploded in strengthand becamea major storm in Atlantic waters just north of the Caribbean onSaturday, rapidly poweringupfrom atropicalstorm in asingle day.

The firstAtlantic hurricane of 2025,Erinreached Category 5status before weakening somewhat and becoming aCategory 4 storm,with maximum sustainedwinds of 150 mph, according to the National Hurricane Center in Miami.

Thestorm’scenter was located about150 miles northeast of SanJuan, Puerto Rico,and it was heading toward the west at 15 mph.

While the hurricane’s center was not expected to strikeland,itthreatened to dump floodingrains on islands in the region.

Mike Brennen, director of theNational Hurricane Center in Miami, said Erin grewintoa “very powerful

hurricane,”withits winds gaining60mph in about nine hours.

The hurricanecenter saidErinshould begin to slowly weaken as it increased wind shear.However,forecasterspredicted that it will remainamajor hurricane until late next week.

The storm’scenter was forecast to remain at sea, passing north of Puerto Rico, according to the National Hurricane Center

But tropical storm watches were issued for St. Martin,St. Barts andthe Turks and Caicos Islands

The hurricanecenter warned that heavy rain in some areas could trigger

flashflooding, landslides and mudslides In SanJuan, localsand tourists walked, exercised andshopped as usual Saturday.Restaurants were busy,and despite warnings to avoid beaches, people could be seen in the coastal waters. Parentskept their childrenfrom swimming, however

Sarahí Torres and Joanna Cornejo, who were visiting from California for aBad Bunny concert,saidthey decided to go to the beach and wade into thewater because theskies appeared calm.

“The weather looked fine, so we cameout,” Torres said.

Pakistan flooding deaths rise to 220

By The Associated Press

BUNER, Pakistan Floodinginanorthwest Pakistani districthas killed at least 220 people, officials said Saturday, as rescuers pulled 63 more bodies overnight fromhomes flattened by flashfloods and landslides, with forecasts of moreraininthe coming days.

Oneeyewitness, who escaped thedeluges in Buner,described seeing floodwaters carrying hundreds of boulders and “tons of rocks” crashing down.

Hundreds of rescue workers arestill searching forsurvivors in Buner,one of several places in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

province where torrential rains and cloudbursts caused massive flooding on Friday,said Mohammad Suhail, aspokesman for theemergency services.Dozensofhomes were swept away

First responders have been trying to recover bodiesfromthe worst-hit villages of PirBabaand Malik Pura,where most of thefatalitieswere, said Kashif Qayyum, adeputy commissionerinBuner

Local police officer ImtiazKhan, who narrowly escaped the deluges, said floodwaters carrying hundreds of boulders struck andflattened homes within minutes.

“A stream near Pir Baba

village in Buner swelled without warning. At first, we thought it was anormal flash flood, but when tons of rockscamecrashing down with thewater,60 to 70 houses were swept away in moments,” Khan told The Associated Press, adding thatmany bodies wereleft mutilated.

“Ourpolice station was washed away too and if we hadn’tclimbed to higher ground, we would not have survived,”Khan said.

Pakistan’sMeteorological Department predicted torrential rains in thecoming days and warned that monsoon activitywas likely to intensify from Sunday onwards, including in the northand northwest

Power wasknocked out to about 130,000 customers in Puerto Rico.

The U.S. government deployed morethan 200 employees fromthe Federal Emergency Management Agency andother agencies to Puerto Rico as aprecaution.

Puerto Rico Housing Secretary CiaryPérez Peña said 367 shelters were inspected andreadytoopen if needed

Though compact, with hurricane-force winds extending 30 milesfrom its center, Erin was expected to double or even triple in size in the coming days.

Powerful ripcurrents could affect the U.S. East Coast from Florida to the mid-Atlanticnextweek,despite the eye of the storm forecast to remain far offshore, Brennan said.

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ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTOByJULIADEMAREE NIKHINSON

PresidentDonald Trumpmeets with Russia’sPresidentVladimir PutinFridayatJoint

Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska. At left is Russia’s

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By ALEJANDROGRANADILLO

Awarning flag flies Fridayonthe beach as people swim in Condado, Puerto Rico, as Hurricane Erin approaches

States sending National Guard members to D.C.

BY MATT BROWN and MIKE PESOLI Associated Press

WASHINGTON Three states moved to deploy hundreds of members of their National Guard to the nation’s capital as part of the Trump administration’s effort to overhaul policing in Washington through a federal crackdown on crime and homelessness

West Virginia said it was deploying 300 to 400 Guard troops, while South Carolina pledged 200 and Ohio says it will send 150 in the coming days.

The moves announced Saturday came as protesters pushed back on federal law enforcement and National Guard troops fanning out in the heavily Democratic city following President Donald Trump’s executive order federalizing local police forces and activating about 800 District of Columbia National Guard members.

By adding outside troops to join the existing Guard deployment and federal law enforcement officers, Trump is exercising even tighter control over the city It’s a power play that the president has justified as an emergency response to crime and homelessness, even though city officials have noted that violent crime is lower than it was during Trump’s first term in office.

So far, National Guard

members have played a limited role in law enforcement in D.C. and it’s unclear why additional troops are needed. They have been seen patrolling at landmarks like the National Mall and Union Station and assisting with crowd control.

A protest against Trump’s intervention drew scores to Dupont Circle on Saturday before a march to the White House, about 1.5 miles away Demonstrators assembled behind a banner that said, “No fascist takeover of D.C.,” and some in the crowd held signs saying, “No military occupation.”

Trump was at his Virginia golf club after Friday’s summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska

Morgan Taylor, one of the organizers who coordinated Saturday’s protest, said they were hoping to spark enough backlash to Trump’s actions that the administration would be forced to pull back on its crime and immigration agenda.

“It’s hot, but I’m glad to be here It’s good to see all these people out here,” she said. “I can’t believe that this is happening in this country at this time.”

Fueling the protests were concerns about Trump overreach and that he had used crime as a pretext to impose his will on Washington.

John Finnigan, 55, was taking a bike ride when he ran

into the protest in downtown Washington. The real estate construction manager who has lived in the capital for 27 years said Trump’s moves were “ridiculous” because crime is down.

“Hopefully some of the mayors and some of the residents will get out in front of it and try and make it harder for it to happen in other cities,” Finnigan said.

Jamie Dickstein, a 24-yearold teacher, said she was “very uncomfortable and worried” for the safety or her students given the “unmarked officers of all types” now roaming Washington and detaining people.

Dickstein said she turned

out to the protest with friends and relatives to “prevent a continuous domino effect going forward with other cities.”

Gov Patrick Morrisey, R-W Va., announced Saturday that he was sending a contingent of 300 to 400 Guard troops to Washington, while South Carolina Gov Henry McMaster authorized the deployment of 200 of his state’s National Guardsmen and Ohio Gov Mike DeWine said his state would send 150 military police at the request of the U.S. Defense Department.

“West Virginia is proud to stand with President Trump in his effort to restore pride and beauty to our nation’s

capital,” Morrisey said.

The West Virginia activation suggests the administration sees the need for additional manpower after the president personally played down the need for Washington to hire more police officers.

Maj. Gen. James Seward, West Virginia’s adjutant general, said in a statement that members of the state’s National Guard “stand ready to support our partners in the National Capital Region” and that the troops’ “unique capabilities and preparedness make it an invaluable partner in this important undertaking.”

Federal agents have ap-

peared in some of the city’s most highly trafficked neighborhoods, garnering a mix of praise, pushback and alarm from local residents and leaders across the country City leaders, who are obliged to cooperate with Trump’s order under the federal laws that direct the district’s local governance, have sought to work with the administration, though they have bristled at the scope of the president’s takeover On Friday, the administration reversed course on an order that aimed to place the head of the Drug Enforcement Administration as an “emergency police commissioner” after the district’s top lawyer sued to contest. After a court hearing, Trump’s attorney general, Pam Bondi, issued a memo that directed the Metropolitan Police Department to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement regardless of any city law City officials say they are evaluating how to best comply In his order Monday, Trump declared an emergency due to the “city government’s failure to maintain public order.” He said that impeded the “federal government’s ability to operate efficiently to address the nation’s broader interests without fear of our workers being subjected to rampant violence.”

BY ROB GILLIES and WYATTE GRANTHAM-PHILIPS

Associated Press

TORONTO Canada’s government forced Air Canada and its striking flight attendants back to work and into arbitration Saturday after a work stoppage stranded more than 100,000 travelers around the world during the peak summer travel season. Federal Jobs Minister Pat-

ty Hajdu said now is not the time to take risks with the economy, noting the unprecedented tariffs the U.S. has imposed on Canada. The intervention means the 10,000 flight attendants will return to work soon.

The government’s action came less than 12 hours after workers walked off the job.

“The talks broke down. It is clear that the parties are not any closer to resolving some

of the key issues that remain and they will need help with the arbitrator,” Hajdu said. Hajdu said the full resumption of services could take days, noting it is up to the Canada Industrial Relations Board. Meanwhile, Wesley Lesosky, president of the Air Canada Component of the CUPE union, accused the government of violating the flight attendants’ constitutional right to

strike — and decried Hajdu for only waiting hours to intervene.

“The Liberal government is rewarding Air Canada’s refusal to negotiate fairly by giving them exactly what they wanted,” Lesosky said. Air Canada did not immediately have additional comments when reached Saturday afternoon. But Air Canada Chief Operating Officer Mark Nasr previously said

it could take up to a week to fully restart operations. It’s likely that travelers will continue to see disruptions in the coming days.

The shutdown of Canada’s largest airline early Saturday is impacting about 130,000 people a day, and some 25,000 Canadians may be stranded. Air Canada operates around 700 flights per day

According to numbers from aviation analytics provider Cirium, Air Canada had canceled a total of 671 flights by Saturday afternoon — following 199 on Friday And another 96 flights scheduled for Sunday were already suspended. Hajdu ordered the Canada Industrial Relations Board to extend the term of the existing collective agreement until a new one is determined by the arbitrator

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By ALEX BRANDON

A first sergeant with the District of Columbia National Guard watches as activists protest President Donald Trump’s federal takeover of policing of the city on Saturday in Washington.

BY ALICIA RANCILIO Associated Press

Tristan Rogers, who played legacy character Robert Scorpio on ABC’s “General Hospital,” died Friday, less than one month after he made a special appearance on the soap opera. He was 79.

“The entire ‘General Hospital’ family is heartbroken to hear of Tristan Rogers’ passing,” said Frank Valentini, the show’s executive producer, in a statement.

“Tristan has captivated our fans for 45 years and Port Charles will not be the same

RESERVOIR

Continued from page 1A

The agency, the Amite River Basin Commission, hasn’t formally opposed the big reservoir in East Feliciana and St. Helena parishes.

But it has now agreed to add the East Feliciana Parish government’s latest objection to the idea in the commission’s new master plan, which includes the reservoir Paul Sawyer, executive director of the commission, said the action means the agency will be “laser focused” on other projects that it has money and support for, two elements he called “essential ingredients.” He said the reservoir idea has neither, even though research shows it would reduce flooding.

“What we have been saying even before this became a household topic in East Feliciana and St. Helena is that we can’t do a project like this without the support and partnership of residents of East Feliciana and St. Helena,” Sawyer said.

“They have to be on board with this.”

The commission will proceed with $100 million in Amite projects funded through the Louisiana Watershed Initiative, the state-run, federally funded program prompted by the 2016 flood, as well as with a plan to restore parts of the Amite to reduce downstream flooding.

It already has a deal in the works to buy more than 200 acres in St. Helena for the river restoration and hopes to finalize it soon.

The idea is to rehabilitate former gravel mining pits to restore natural curves along the middle and upper Amite and to find ways to prevent sediment from washing into the river A straighter river with heavier sediment loads is believed to worsen flooding downstream.

Reservoir hits snag

Gaining political momentum after the historic floods of 1983 — and then again in 2016 — the idea of a big reservoir has long been floated for the rural, hilly area north of Baton Rouge

The preferred location has

without him (or Robert Scorpio).”

Born in Melbourne, Australia, Rogers’ first foray into performing was in his early twenties and playing drums in a rock band with a group of friends. They weren’t successful so Rogers turned to commercial work and modeling to earn some money When the band dissolved, Rogers decided to give acting a try After various roles in Australia, he also worked as a DJ and eventually moved to Los

Rogers

Angeles to try to break into Hollywood. He said casting directors were initially turned off by his accent but he eventually landed a two-day role on “General Hospital” in 1980. “I had no idea at the point how big the show was,” Rogers told fellow “General Hospital” actor Maurice Benard on the YouTube show “State of Mind with Maurice Benard” in 2022.

“I had no name. I was brought in expressly to beat up the hero, Luke (played by

Anthony Geary), and then disappear,” Rogers said. His first day was half-over when then-executive producer Gloria Monty asked if he would like to stay on. They had no character written for him so for three weeks Monty asked him to just appear in scenes “looking furtive, looking suspicious” until they came up with a storyline. It was decided he would play a spy known as “CK8” and eventually he was given the name Robert Scorpio. The character would remain a fixture in Port Charles for the rest of Rogers’ life, even when he wasn’t a current

cast member Scorpio’s on again/off again romance with Emma Samms’ character, Holly Sutton, remained a favorite among fans. Scorpio also had a romance, and many storylines with another spy, Anna Devane, played by Finola Hughes. Scorpio and Devane shared a daughter, Robin, played by Kimberly McCullough. Samms returned to the show for a stint last fall where it was revealed that Scorpio was the father of her adult daughter, Sasha Gilmore (played by Sofia Mattson). Rogers and Samms left the

show together in November 2024 in scenes taped with a nod to “Casablanca”. He returned to the show in July for one episode when Sasha arrived to his home in France with her new baby It was then revealed that Rogers had lung cancer Rogers’ other acting credits include “The Bold and the Beautiful,” “The Young & the Restless” and “Studio City,” which won him outstanding supporting actor in a digital drama series at the Daytime Emmy Awards. He is survived by his wife, Teresa Parkerson, and a daughter and a son.

been a section of the Amite River in East Feliciana and St. Helena just west of the community of Darlington, which gave the concept its name.

Repeated analyses by the state and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers have shown that the rolling topography there can be used to store water, reducing flooding by several feet in more populated, low-lying areas downstream.

Building the storage area, however, would also mean permanently flooding tens of thousands of acres or greatly reducing their use, displacing people and potentially affecting businesses that rely on the land and the river

Chrissie O’Quin, the East Feliciana Police Jury vice president, delivered the parish government’s resolution of opposition to the reservoir to the Amite commission last month.

She said people don’t want to be forced to give up their land, particularly for a project they fear may bring unwelcome changes to a rural area.

“They enjoy that peaceful life up there,” she said.

Opponents have appeared at several meetings in recent months, including one at a church that drew more than 300 people.

O’Quin said she doesn’t take the commission’s acknowledgment of the parish’s objection to a reservoir as an ironclad rejection of the idea. But she was pleased with the tenor at the commission’s meeting Wednesday and with what was said by its chairman, John Clark, an Iberville Parish representative.

“I just want to remind everybody that East Feliciana Parish is part of the Amite River Basin,” Clark said during the meeting, which was held in Livingston Parish. “They have a designated seat on our board, and they will always be represented here. Not to mention, East Feliciana Parish occupies a vast amount of river frontage along the Amite River compared to other parishes in the basin.”

Despite the official opposition in East Feliciana, one landowner has offered, as an alternative with willing sellers, a few thousand acres for a smaller reservoir

Sawyer said conversations with that landowner haven’t gone forward. Tried, and tried again

The reservoir has remained an alluring if difficult-to-realize idea for some because of its potential for flood reduction and economic impact.

After the devastating 1983 flood, the Corps suggested building the Darlington Reservoir along with the Comite River Diversion Canal. The canal, situated between Zachary and Baker and designed to reroute floodwater to the Mississippi River, is now halfway built.

While the Comite Diversion has progressed in fits and starts over the past four decades, Darlington remained mired in controversy over its cost effectiveness, its impact and questions about weak soil under the proposed dam site.

After the 2016 flood, the Corps took another look at the idea but shifted from a permanent reservoir in Darlington to a so-called “dry dam” with a temporary storage area of 26,000 acres. That dam would have held back water only during floods but still would have forced buyouts of several thousand homeowners and required limits on using land for forestry and gravel mining.

In 2023, faced with local opposition, the Corps ditched the $1.3 billion dam, citing the number of poor and minority households that would be displaced and concerns about weak soils causing the structure to fail catastrophically

The Corps shifted to a $1 billion home elevation and flood-proofing program downriver, but that idea hasn’t been welcomed by local officials because it won’t stop floodwater

Newly revamped a few years ago by the Legislature, the Amite River commission, which had faced years of criticism over the slow pace of the Comite Diversion, was tasked with creating a long-range plan.

Finished this spring, it included a handful of reservoir concepts. Commission officials say they were mandated to look at the ideas despite long-standing

opposition.

O’Quin, the East Feliciana police juror recalled a recent conversation with someone who helped his parents fight the Darling-

ton Reservoir in the ’80s and ’90s and has fought the more recent dam proposals.

“Are my children going to have to do this, too?” O’Quin said the man asked her.

“And my answer was, ‘Probably,’” she said.

David J. Mitchell can be reached at dmitchell@ theadvocate.com.

AUGUST 22ND

Israel prepares tomovePalestinianstosouthernGaza

Israelisurgemass protestoverwar

BY NATALIE MELZER Associated Press

NAHARIYA, Israel Israel announced Saturday that it is preparing to move Palestinians from combat zones to southern Gaza as plans move ahead for amilitary offensive in some of the territory’s most populated areas.

The Israeli military body in charge of humanitarian aid to Gaza, COGAT, saidthe supply of tents to the territory would resume on Sunday Themilitarysaidithad no comment on when the mass movement of Palestinians would begin, but Defense Minister Israel Katz said on social media that “weare now in thestageofdiscussions to finalize the plan to defeat Hamas in Gaza.”

Meanwhile, anxious families of Israeli hostages called for a“nationwide day of stoppage” in Israel on Sunday to express growing frustration over 22 months of war

Families of hostages fear the coming offensivefurther endangers the 50 hostages remaining in Gaza, just 20 of them thought to stillbe alive. They and other Israelis were horrified by the recent release of videos showing emaciated hostages speaking under duress and pleading for help and food.

The families and support-

BY STEPHENGROVES

Associated Press

WASHINGTON The federal budget deficits caused by President Donald Trump’s tax and spending law could trigger automaticcuts to Medicare if Congress does not act, the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office reported Friday

The CBO estimates that Medicare,the federal health insurance program for Americans over age 65, could potentially see as much as $491 billion in cuts from 2027 to 2034 if Congress does not act to mitigate a2010 law that forces across-the-board cuts to many federalprograms once legislation increases the federal deficit. The latest report from CBO showed how Trump’ssignature tax andspendinglaw could put new pressure on federal programs that are bedrocks of the American social safety net. Trump and Republicans pledged nottocut Medicare as part of the legislation, but theestimated$3.4trillion that the law adds to the federal deficitoverthe next decade means that many Medicare programs could stillsee cuts.Inthe past,Congress has always acted to mitigate cuts to Medicareand other programs, but it would take some bipartisan cooperation to do so.

Israel, demandingthe end of thewar,the immediate release of hostages held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip and against PrimeMinisterBenjamin Netanyahu’sgovernment.

ers havepressedthe government for adeal to stop the war —a call that someformer Israeli army and intelligencechiefs have made as well in recentweeks.

Agroup representingthe families has urged Israelis into thestreetsonSunday.

“Across the country,hundreds of citizen-ledinitiatives will pause daily lifeand join themost just and moral struggle: the struggleto bring all 50 hostageshome,” it said in astatement.

“I want to believe that there is hope, and it will not comefrom above, it will come only from us,” said Dana Silberman Sitton, sister of ShiriBibas andaunt of Kfir and ArielBibas, who

werekilled in captivity.

She spoke at aweekly rally in TelAviv, alongwith Pushpa Joshi, sister of kidnapped Nepalese hostage Bipin Joshi, astudent seized from akibbutz.

“I miss my best friend,” Pushpa said.

An Israeli airstrike in Gaza killeda baby girl andher parentsonSaturday, Nasser hospitalofficials andwitnesses said. Motasem al-Batta, his wife and the girl were killed in their tent in the crowded Muwasi area.

“Two anda half months, what has she done?” neighbor Fathi Shubeir asked, sweating as temperatures in the shattered territory soared above 90 degrees.

“They areciviliansinanarea designated safe.”

Israel’smilitary said it couldn’tcomment on the strike without more details. It said it is dismantling Hamas’ militarycapabilities andtakes precautionsnot to harm civilians.

Muwasi is one of theheavily populated areas in Gaza wherePrime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said Israel plans to widen the coming military offensive,along with Gaza City and “central camps”—anapparent reference to the built-up Nuseirat and Bureij camps in central Gaza.

Israelmay be using the threat topressure Hamas into releasing morehostages taken in its Oct. 7, 2023,attack thatsparked thewar Elsewhere, an official at Shifa Hospital in Gaza City said it received the bodies of six people who werekilled in the Zikim area of northern

Gaza,aswell as four people killed in shelling.

Another 11 malnutritionrelated deaths occurred in Gaza over the past 24 hours, the territory’sHealth Ministry saidSaturday,with one child among them.That brings malnutrition-related deaths during the warto251.

The United Nationsis warningthatlevelsofstarvation andmalnutritioninGaza areattheir highest since the warbegan. Palestinians are drinking contaminated water as diseases spread, while some Israeli leaders continue to talk openly about themassrelocation of people from Gaza.

A20-year old Palestinian woman described as being in a“state of severe physical deterioration” diedFriday after being transferred from Gaza to Italy for treatment, the hospital said Saturday

TheU.N.and partners say getting foodand other aid

into theterritoryofover2 millionpeople, and then on to distributionpoints, remains highly challenging with Israelirestrictions andpressure from crowds of hungry Palestinians.

The U.N. human rights office says at least 1,760 people were killed while seeking aidbetween May27and Wednesday.Itsays 766 were killed along routes of supply convoys and994 in the vicinityof“non-U.N.militarizedsites,”areferenceto the Israeli-backed and U.S.supported Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, which since Mayhas been theprimary distributor of aid in Gaza.

The U.S. State Department on Saturday said all visitor visasfor people fromGaza arebeing stoppedwhile a review is carried out of how “a small number of temporary medical-humanitarian visas” wereissued in recent days.

Democrats, who requested theanalysis from CBO, jumpedonthe potential cuts. “Republicans knew their tax breaks for billionaires would force over half atrillion dollars in Medicare cuts —and they diditanyway,”

saidRep. Brendan F. Boyle, the top Democrat on the House BudgetCommittee, in astatement. “American families simplycannotafford Donald Trump’sattacks on Medicare, Medicaid and Obamacare.”

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By MAHMOUD ILLEAN Awoman with her facepainted in the colors of the Israeli flag takes partinaprotest on Saturday in TelAviv,

Tensions soar in Serbia as protesters clash with police

BY JOVANA GEC Associated Press

BELGRADE, Serbia Angry protesters clashed with police in a town in western Serbia and in the capital Belgrade on Saturday as tensions soared further in the Balkan nation following days of violent demonstrations.

Wearing scarves over their faces and chanting slogans against President Aleksandar Vucic, a group of young men threw flares at his Serbian Progressive Party offices in Valjevo, some 60 miles from the capital Belgrade. They set fire to the party’s offices before clashing with riot police in a downtown area.

Police threw multiple rounds of tear gas and charged at the demonstrators who hurled bottles, rocks and flares at them.

Similar clashes also erupted on Saturday evening in the northern city of Novi Sad and in Belgrade, with police directing tear gas at protesters while battling the protesters who set garbage containers on fire.

The protesters in Valjevo turned out to the streets to protest what they allege is police brutality

Interior Minister Ivica Dacic said at least one policeman was injured in Valjevo and 18 people detained so far

“There will be more detentions. All those who have broken the law will be arrested,” Dacic said.

He said that the seat of the Valjevo court, prosecutor’s office and the municipal building also have been demolished.

The student-led protests had been largely peaceful for months but turned violent this week. The situation has put pressure on Serbia’s increasingly autocratic president Vucic, who has refused the protesters’ demand to call an early parliamentary election

Vucic has accused the protesters of following orders from abroad to “destroy Serbia,” and promised a crackdown on the nationwide movement led by university students.

The protest in Valjevo drew several thousand people after a video on social media showed a young man from the town being severely beaten by police who kicked him and bashed him with batons during a protest earlier this week.

The gathering was peaceful until groups of protesters threw flares at the SNS offices which sparked the fire inside.

The incident marks the second such attack on the SNS party offices this week after protesters demolished

Serbia has been gripped by protests since November, when a train station canopy collapse killed 16 people. Many blamed the tragedy on poor renovation work resulting from widespread corruption in infrastructure projects.

the party headquarters in the northern city of Novi Sad on Wednesday

Clashes between the SNS party loyalists and police on one side and anti-government protesters on the other side have erupted every evening since then. Dozens of people have been injured and scores have been detained.

Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Alain Berset, has called for “calm and respect of the right to peaceful assembly.”

“Serbian authorities must uphold Council of Europe standards,” he said on X this week.

Serbian police have denied reports of brutality, saying they have been attacked and that dozens of officers have been injured in the rioting.

Serbia is formally seeking EU membership, but Vucic has maintained strong ties with Russia and China. The Serbian president has faced accusations of stifling democratic freedoms while allowing organized crime and corruption to flourish. He has denied this.

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By DARKO VOJINOVIC

Serbian gendarmerie officers guard a street Friday during an anti-government protest near the Serbian Progressive Party office in Belgrade, Serbia.

investigators said.

Dufrene continued doing so throughout his remaining 55 days in office —jeopardizing some 12 years’ worth of records, according to the Louisiana Attorney General’s Office.

Dufrene later apologized forhis actions, explaining that he “felt the data belonged to him,” an investigator wrote. He wasarrested Aug. 6oncharges of computer tampering, injuring public records and malfeasance all felonies.

Lafont believes Dufrene had personal motivations, pointing to aconfrontation at acommunity event shortly after Lafont launched her campaign last year. Dufrene raised his voice and demanded to know if she was running against him, Lafont said

“You can’t do my job,” Dufrene said, accordingto Lafont. “You can’tdoa better job than me. Youhaveno experience.”

“I can,” Lafont replied At his Golden Meadow home, Dufrene referred a reporter to his lawyer,New Orleans-based attorney Brian Capitelli, whosaid Dufrenehas “voluntarily cooperated with the attorney general’sinvestigation.”

“Former Chief Dufrene createdafew custom programs for use by the Golden Meadow Police Department under his term,” Capitelli said. “Prior to vacating the office, he did not delete underlying data from the Golden Meadow Police Department, and he looks forward to continuing to cooperate with this investigationand defend his actions, as necessary.”

Dufrene has not yet entered apleainthe case. His arrest capped an unusually contentious era atop the five-person Police Department, whose notoriety has typically been limited to its officers’ aggressive enforcement of speedlimits along GoldenMeadow’s state highway

Dufrene, 55, also aformer memberofthe Lafourche Parish School Board, was appointedbythe Town Council in 2021 to replaceaformer chief who resigned after the town settled afederallawsuit thataccused the previouschief ofexcessiveforce.

Violent crime isvirtually nonexistent in Golden Meadow,which hasa population ofaround 1,600, according to crime datareported tothe LouisianaCommission on Law Enforcement. The Police Department— which respondsmostly to complaints of vandalism and other misdemeanors —averaged15 arrestsayear from 2022 to 2024, thedata shows.

ButDufrene faced occasional complaintsabout his work ethic and sparred with GoldenMeadow’s powerful Mayor Joey Bouziga, who hasheld that office for 26 years. In replacing Dufrene, GoldenMeadowvotersselected Lafont, a53-year-old middleschoolteacher who hadnorecent experience in lawenforcement: She spent two years as aLafourche Parish sheriff’s deputyin themid-’90s. Herhusband is aveteran officer with the local harbor police.

Lafont is Golden Meadow’s first female police chief in the department’s75-year history,and one of just afew

female chiefs in Louisiana.

Lafont declined to discuss details of Dufrene’sactions, pending his criminal case.

Reportsdeleted

Butshe saidshe discovered something waswrong on herfirst day in January, when she tried to open a computer program to enter payroll information. The screen was blank.

She contacted theLafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office, whichoversees areport management program that thesheriffshareswith Golden Meadow police.

The system contains “modules,” pertaining to incident reports, traffic citations, arrests, misdemeanor summons, payroll, fuel reimbursements and other data, according to stateinvestigators.

When the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation took over the case, investigators identified“over 30 reports/ modules” belonging to Golden Meadow policeorLPSO that had been “deleted/deactivated” by Dufrene.

Dufrene told an officer whoworked underhim that the department would have to “memorize anything they needed”after he was gone, an investigator wrote.

Eventually,ITworkers for theprogram’s software company were able to recover

someofthe records, though no oneinvolved hasbeen willing to say how many,or share moredetails of what wasinsidethem.The company billedLPSO $4,680 for its work,according to the investigation. It’sunclearwhateffect, if any,Dufrene’sactions have had so far or will have in the future on any pending criminalcases in GoldenMeadow TheLafourche Parish District Attorney’sOffice declined to comment.

Though Dufrene is facingthreefelony charges, they’re nonviolentoffenses and he does not appear to have anycriminalhistory It’s unlikely thatthe charges would result in prison time if he were convicted, said Rafael Goyeneche, president of the New Orleans Metropolitan Crime Commission.

“Nonviolent first offenders,for felonies,donot get sent to the penitentiary,” Goyeneche said. “If he is convictedofany of those, or all of thosefelonies, it’s probablya 99.99%chance that he will get (probation) ” ‘Not protected’

To DanielLorraine,who hasrepresented Golden Meadow on theLafourche ParishCouncil for morethan 40 years, Dufrene seemed to have done afair job as chief by the end of his first term

in 2024.

Golden Meadow Police Chief Michelle Lafont walks by her squad caroutside Town Hallon Thursday.

STAFFPHOTO By CHRIS GRANGER

“He was just anormal guy,” Lorraine said. “But things do happen.”

Things cametoahead in aJanuary 2024 town council meeting when —after Dufrene complained about the costofinstalling adoor at Town Hall —Mayor Bouziga interjected.

In an exchange uploaded to YouTube, Bouziga accused Dufrene of overseeing a“toxic environment” in the workplace, without going into details.

“This town is not protected under your leadership in the Police Department,”Bouziga said, slamming his fist on the table.

“It’snot protected,” Bouziga repeated,asthe backand-forth continued, with Bouzigaand another council memberaccusing Dufrene of neglecting to do any patrols himself Lafont decidedtorun after watching the video. She was tired of the political infighting andpromised to be amore visible chiefwho personally handled patrols.

“This cannot keep happening,” she thought as she watched it. “This is not the townI wasraised in.”

“This is Golden Meadow,” shesaidinaninterview. “We’reatight, close-knit community.Wework together.”

Lafont had the support of Bouziga and TomPitre III, awell-known local businessmanwho knockedon doors withLafont. Lafont’s husband fashioned wooden frames for her campaign signs in their garage. The night of theelection, Lafont expected to win, she said. She didn’texpect it to be so close. After 789 votes were cast, Dufrene received 390. Lafont received 399. Hands-on chief

On arecent afternoon, the wall of Lafont’sofficewas bare but for the four hooks that Dufrene leftnailed into the drywall. One framed photo, agift from Lafont’s 19-year-olddaughter,is hanging. It shows Lafont, adaughter of aLafourche Parish crab fisherman, being sworn in at Lafourche Landing, a restaurant acrossthe street that serves soft-shell shrimp trawled by local anglers. The ceremonywas overseen by Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice John Weimer,afriend of Lafont’s from Thibodaux.

On her desk is astack of her department’scitations and an award from the Lafourche Parish school districtfor “Middle School Teacher of the Year” forthe 2024-25 school year.A live police radio sits silent. “Most of the time, it’spretty quiet,” Lafont said. “Some days we go without handling asingle complaint,” Lafont said. Still, Lafont said she’staken ahands-onapproach to the job. She spent aweek doing ride-alongs with her officers, beginning at 12:15 a.m. on Jan. 1, the morning she took the job. She completed six days of Police Academytraining in April, arefresher course fromwhen she received certification as asheriff’s deputy in 1994. She said she’scontinued to handle in-person patrols since. And at the start of the school year earlier this month, she added anew duty —crossing guard, at theschool whereshe used to teach.

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attack on him for being a law enforcement officer

After a monthslong fight in the hospital, and some temporary signs of improvement, Eisworth was taken off life support Aug. 10 and later died. He was 44 and is survived by his wife and daughter

Going home

Inside the church, the central pews were filled with Baton Rouge police officers, with Eisworth’s family in

the front nearest to his flagdraped casket. Photos of Eisworth graduating from the police academy, playing with his daughter, and with his wife on his wedding day sat on a table outside the sanctuary

Hundreds of law enforcement officers were in attendance, each with a black band around their badge in mourning for Eisworth The bands each read Eisworth’s radio call sign, MC 24.

Police Chief Thomas Morse spoke first, choking up at times as he told those gathered about his many years on the force shared with Eisworth.

He recounted Eisworth’s achievements as an officer and motorman, having risen quickly to his place with the BRPD motorcycle division, competing and winning with other motormen at the national level, and having earned himself multiple medals for his bravery and merit. These included an incident in which Eisworth helped free a trapped motorist from her car while off duty, and an incident in which he pursued a stolen vehicle even after the suspect opened fire on officers.

Morse himself was involved in that pursuit, and

he and Eisworth were both injured in the shooting.

“As my heart led me to review the personnel file of Sgt. Caleb Eisworth this week, I found it full of countless letters of commendation and praises from community members and other law enforcement officials,” Morse said. He made a note that he would be passing these to Eisworth’s wife and daughter, so they would remember “how respected Caleb was as an officer.”

This was Morse’s 13th funeral for a serviceman lost

in the line of duty, but it was the first he had presided over as chief. He said it was his hardest.

“I always knew Caleb was tough, going back to our shared incident in 2004,” Morse said. “But the toughness he showed in the final seven weeks of his life was something that I had never seen before.”

Morse said it was one of the highest honors of his life to be in the room with Eisworth’s family on Sunday when he drew his final breath.

He described the serene moment after Eisworth had been taken off life support, when the machines stopped humming and those gathered looked to each other in knowing silence.

Morse looked at his watch in that moment, seeing that the time read 10:42 a.m.

“For the first responders in the room, you will know the significance of that,” Morse said. “For in our world, 10-42 means ‘I am off duty and going home.’”

ä See EISWORTH, page 11A

STAFF PHOTOS By HILARy SCHEINUK

Baton Rouge police Sgt. Brandon O’Neal stands alongside his motorcycle division colleagues as he speaks during funeral services for Baton Rouge police Sgt. Caleb Eisworth at Istrouma Baptist Church in Baton Rouge on Saturday.

Motorcycle officers pass under an American flag as the processional for Sgt. Caleb Eisworth begins at the Istrouma Baptist Church in Baton Rouge on Saturday

Mayor-President Sid Edwards spoke next, saying that while Morse and former Police Chief Jeff LeDuff have witnessed past funerals for fallen policemen, this was his first.

Edwards spoke of having to run from taking care of his son to witness Eisworth’s body be escorted out of the hospital. He made it in time, but was just in a T-shirt and shorts. He said some in Baton Rouge had criticized his informal dress.

“The problem with this wretched world is we judge people on what they look like. Caleb was judged by his uniform, not his heart,” Edwards said “We don’t see each other for who we are. We focus on the fake.” Edwards compared this to his time starting as football coach at Istrouma High School.

“They saw a White man in the ’hood,” Edwards said. “It took them feeling who I was to see who I am. Caleb didn’t get that chance. If Caleb was given that chance, the perpetrator would have understood that this was a good, godly man.”

Finally, Brandon O’Neal, president of BRPD’s police union, spoke on behalf of the motorcycle division Its

members all stood behind him, some with tears in their eyes O’Neal told stories from the men who rode alongside Eisworth on duty most of them revolving around the love, loyalty and humor he shared with those brothers.

There were pranks Eisworth would pull (like arriving to a party wearing a shirt with an embarrassing childhood photo of a colleague on it), and pranks that were pulled on him (like being tricked into drinking a shot of liquid crab boil).

FITOFYOUR LIFE EVENT

Baton Rouge police Cpl. Jared Neyland leaves his motors wings on the casket of fallen colleague Sgt. Caleb Eisworth during his burial services at Greenoaks Memorial Park in Baton Rouge on Saturday.

Among the laughs and tears, one message held true: These motormen were Eisworth’s brothers, making Eisworth’s family members part of their own family

“Look up here and know that you have many uncles that will protect you from the evils of this world,” O’Neal said to Eisworth’s daughter

This sentiment was shared by all of the BRPD officers in the sanctuary, and when asked by Edwards who would “stand in the gap” and dance with Eisworth’s daughter on her wedding say, the entire force stood up.

‘It’s an honor’

As Eisworth’s casket was lifted by motormen and carried under a massive American flag hanging outside, onlookers could see the diversity of first responder agencies that had come out to mourn him.

The members were from Baker, Zachary and Denham Springs police departments, as well as East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office, Baton Rouge Fire Department and Louisiana State Police Troop A.

But the support didn’t end there. Officers from departments across all corners of Louisiana and the country traveled to honor Eisworth: Rapides, Jefferson, and Calcasieu parish sheriff’s offices, among many others.

Florida Highway Patrol and even the Dallas and New York police departments had officers in attendance, all at crisp salute as his body was carried to the hearse.

Many of these distant officers knew Eisworth, or had ridden with him. Others had made the trip only because they heard an officer had fallen.

Cpl. David Hebert, a 33year veteran of the Cameron Parish Sheriff’s Office, said he has attended hundreds of funerals for fallen servicemen.

“This is the last thing we can do for a fallen officer,” Hebert said of serving with the honor guard who watched over Eisworth’s body from the moment he passed until he was buried Saturday afternoon. “This is the last respect we can pay for a police officer who made the ultimate sacrifice.”

A bagpiper also led the casket to the hearse, playing a rendition of “Going Home.”

The piper, Jimmy Johnson, had also presided over hundreds of servicemen’s burials He said the tradition of piping over a serviceman’s burial is one shared by law

enforcement officers across the world.

“It’s an honor; that’s all there is to it. It’s an honor because that man has given his life,” Johnson said. After the casket was loaded into the hearse, a radio issued a final call for Eisworth’s call sign, requesting his return to headquarters. The voice on the radio reminded the officers gathered that they now had to continue their work for Eisworth, so that he may never be forgotten.

At the grave site, Eisworth received the full honors of an officer who died in the line of duty: a flyover, taps being played by Johnson, a 21-gun salute and a flag being awarded to his family with the shells of those riflevolleys folded in. But before the hearse could carry Eisworth to his final resting place, a motorcade of almost 200 motorcycles preceded it, from departments far and wide, their helmets and handlebars glimmering under the sun. Email Quinn Coffman at quinn.coffman@ theadvocate.com.

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A member of the Baton Rouge police Honor Guard carries a folded flag from the casket of fallen Baton Rouge Police Sgt. Caleb Eisworth during his burial services on Saturday.

Baton Rouge police Sgt Brandon O’Neal, left, gives a kiss on the head to Saydee Eisworth, 12, as they grieve the loss of her father and his colleague Sgt. Caleb Eisworth at Greenoaks Memorial Park on Saturday.

STAFF PHOTOS By HILARy SCHEINUK

100 days of Leo XIV

Calm papacy that avoids polemics comes into focus

BY NICOLE WINFIELD Associated Press

VATICAN CITY When Pope

Leo XIV surprised tens of thousands of young people at a recent Holy Year celebration with an impromptu popemobile romp around St. Peter’s Square, it almost seemed as if some of the informal spontaneity that characterized Pope Francis’ 12-year papacy had returned to the Vatican.

But the message Leo delivered that night was all his own: In seamless English, Spanish and Italian, Leo told the young people that they were the “salt of the Earth, the light of the world.” He urged them to spread their hope, faith in Christ and their cries of peace wherever they go.

As Robert Prevost marks his 100th day as Pope Leo this weekend, the contours of his pontificate have begun to come into relief, primarily where he shows continuity with Francis and where he signals change.

Perhaps the biggest takeaway is that after 12 sometimes turbulent years under Francis, a certain calm and reserve have returned to the papacy Leo seems eager above all to avoid polemics or making the papacy about himself, and wants instead to focus on Christ and peace.

That seems exactly what many Catholic faithful want, and may respond to what today’s church needs.

“He’s been very direct and forthright but he’s not doing spontaneous press hits,” said Kevin Hughes, chair of theology and religious studies at Leo’s alma mater, Villanova University Leo has a different style than Francis, and that has brought relief to many, Hughes said in a telephone interview.

“Even those who really loved Pope Francis always kind of held their breath a little bit: You didn’t know what was going to come out next or what he was going to do,” Hughes said.

An effort to avoid polemics Leo has certainly gone out of his way in his first 100 days to try to heal divisions that deepened during Francis’ pontificate, offering messages of unity and avoiding controversy at almost every turn. Even his signature issue — confronting the promise and peril posed by artificial intelligence — is something that conservatives and progressives alike agree is important. Francis’ emphasis on caring for the environment and migrants often alienated conservatives.

Closer to home, Leo offered the Holy See bureaucracy a reassuring, conciliatory message after Francis’ occasionally authoritarian style rubbed some in the Vatican the wrong way

“Popes come and go, but the Curia remains,” Leo told Vatican officials soon after

his May 8 election

Continuity with Francis Leo, though, has cemented Francis’ environmental legacy by celebrating the firstever ecologically inspired Mass. He has furthered that legacy by giving the go-ahead for the Vatican to turn a 1,000-acre field north of Rome into a vast solar farm that should generate enough electricity to meet Vatican City’s needs and turn it into the world’s first carbon-neutral state. He has fine-tuned financial transparency regulations that Francis initiated, tweaked some other decrees to give them consistency and logic, and confirmed Francis in deciding to declare one of the 19th century’s most influential saints, John Henry Newman, a “doctor” of the church But he hasn’t granted any sit-down, tell-all interviews or made headline-grabbing, off-the-cuff comments like his predecessor did. He hasn’t made any major appointments, including to fill his old job, or taken any big trips. In marking the 80th anniversary of the U.S. atomic bombings on Hiroshima and Nagasaki last week, he had a chance to match Francis’ novel declaration that the mere possession of nuclear weapons was “immoral.” But he didn’t.

Compared to President Donald Trump, the other American world leader who took office in 2025 with a flurry of Sharpie-penned executive decrees, Leo has eased into his new job slowly deliberately and quietly, almost trying not to draw attention to himself.

At 69, he seems to know that he has time on his side, and that after Francis’ revolutionary papacy, the church might need a bit of a breather One Vatican official who knows Leo said he expects his papacy will have the effect of a “calming rain” on the church.

Maria Isabel Ibarcena Cuarite, a Peruvian member of a Catholic charismatic group, said it was precisely Leo’s quiet emphasis on church traditions, its sacraments and love of Christ, that drew her and upward of 1 million young people to Rome for a special Jubilee week this month.

Ibarcena said Francis had confused young people like herself with his outreach to LGBTQ+ Catholics and approval of blessings for same-sex couples. Such gestures went beyond what a pope was supposed to do and what the church taught, she thought.

Leo, she said, has emphasized that marriage is a sacrament between men and woman. “Francis was ambiguous, but he is firm,” she said.

An Augustinian pope

From his very first appearance on the loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica Leo has

insisted he is first and foremost a “son of St. Augustine.” It was a reference to the fifth century theological and devotional giant of early Christianity, St. Augustine of Hippo, who inspired the 13th century religious Augustinian order as a community of “mendicant” friars.

Like the other big mendicant orders of the early church — the Franciscans, Dominicans and Carmelites the Augustinians spread across Christian Europe over the centuries. Today, Augustinian spirituality is rooted in a deep interior life of prayer, living in community, and journeying together in search of truth in God. In nearly every speech or homily since his May 8 election, Leo has cited Augustine in one way or another “I see a kind of Augustinian flavor in the way that he’s presenting all these things,” said Hughes, the theology professor who is an Augustine scholar Leo joined the Augustinians after graduating from Augustinian-run Villanova, outside Philadelphia, and was twice elected its prior general. He has visited the Augustinian headquarters outside St Peter’s a few times since his election, and some wonder if he will invite some brothers to live with him in the Apostolic Palace to recreate the spirit of Augustinian community life there.

A missionary pope

Leo is also very much a product of the Francis papacy Francis named Prevost bishop of Chiclayo, Peru, in 2014 and then moved him to head one of the most important Vatican jobs in 2023 — vetting bishop nominations.

In retrospect, it seems Francis had his eye on Prevost as a possible successor Given Francis’ stump speech before the 2013 conclave that elected him pope, the then-Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio essentially described Prevost in identifying the church’s mission today: He said the church was “called to go outside of itself and go to the peripheries, not just geographic but also the existential peripheries.”

Prevost, who hails from Chicago, spent his adult life as a missionary in Peru, eventually becoming bishop of Chiclayo.

“He is the incarnation of the ‘unity of difference,’ because he comes from the center, but he lives in the peripheries,” said Emilce Cuda, secretary of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America.

Cuda said during a recent conference hosted by Georgetown University that Leo encapsulated in “word and gesture” the type of missionary church Francis promoted.

That said, for all Leo owes to Bergoglio, the two didn’t necessarily get along.

Prevost has recounted that at one point when he was the Augustinian superior the

then-archbishop of Buenos Aires expressed interest in assigning an Augustinian priest to a specific job in his archdiocese.

“And I, as prior general, said ‘I understand, Your Eminence, but he’s got to do something else’ and so I

transferred him somewhere else,” Prevost told parishioners in his home state of Illinois in 2024.

point

Prevost said he “naively” thought the Francis wouldn’t remember him after his 2013 election, and that regardless “he’ll never ap-

me bishop” due to the disagreement. Bergoglio not only made him bishop, he laid the groundwork for Prevost to succeed him as pope, the first North American pope following the first South American.

ASSOCIATED PRESS FILE PHOTO By ALESSANDRA TARANTINO Pope Leo XIV waves as he arrives June 8 to hold a Pentecost vigil in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican.

Democratsfindaggressiveidentityinredistricting clash

BY BILL BARROW Associated Press

ATLANTA— Fight! Fight! Fight!

It’snot just Donald Trump’s mantra anymore. As the Republican president pushes states to redraw their congressional districts to the GOP’sadvantage, Democrats have shown they are willingtogobeyondwords of outrage and use whatever power they do have to win.

Democrats in the Texas Legislature started it off by delaying, for now,Republicanefforts to expandthe GOP majority in the state’s delegation and help preserve party controlofthe U.S House through new districts in time for the 2026 midterm elections.

Then multipleDemocratic governors promised new districts in their own states to neutralize potential Republican gains in Washington. Their counter has been buoyed by national fundraising, media blitzes and public demonstrations, including rallies scheduled around the country Saturday

“For everyone that’sbeen asking, ‘Where are the Democrats?’ —well, here they are,” said U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett of Texas,one of several Democrats who could be ousted under her state’snew maps. “For everyone who’s been asking, ‘Where is the fight?’ —well, here it is.”

There is no guarantee Democrats can prevent the Republican-powered redistricting, just as Democrats on Capitol Hill have not been able to stop Trump’smoves.

But it’sanotable turn for a party that, by its own leaders’ admissions, has honored conventional rules and bypassed bare-knuckled tactics.

So far, progressive and establishment Democrats are aligned, uniting what has often been afragmented opposition since Republicans led by Trump took control of the federal government with their election sweep in November.Leaders on the left say theapproach gives them amore effective way to confront him. They can challenge his redistricting ploy with tangible moves as they also push back againstthe Republicans’ tax and spendinglaw andpress thecase that he is shreddingAmerican democracy “We’ve been imploring Democrats where they have power on the state and local level to flex that power,” said Maurice Mitchell, who leads the Working FamiliesParty at the left flank of mainstream U.S. politics. “There’s been this overwrought talk about fighters and largely performative actions to suggest that they’re in the fight.”

This time, he said, Democrats are “taking real risks in protecting all of our rights” against “an authoritarian president who only understands the fight.” Texas made sense for Republicans as the place to start aredistrictingscuffle. They dominate the Statehouse, and Gov.Greg Abbott is aTrump loyalist.

But when the president’s allies announced anew po-

acknowledged the shift

“Thisisnot theDemocratic Party of yourgrandfather, which would bring apencil to aknife fight,” he said.

AndrewO’Neill, an executive at the progressive group Indivisible, contrasted that response withthe recordlong speeches by U.S.Sen. Cory Booker,D-N.J. and the Democratic leader of the U.S.House,New York Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, in eviscerating Trump and his package of taxbreaks and spending cuts. The left “had itshair on fire” cheering thosemoments, O’Neill recalled, but were “left even more frustratedinthe aftermath.”

Mitch McConnellofKentucky, refused to consider Obama’snomination of Garland to the Supreme Court.

“These unspoken rules of propriety, especially on the Democratic side,havecreated theconditions” that enabled Trump, Mitchell said.

Evenonredistricting, Democrats would have to ignore their previous goodgovernment efforts and bypass independent commissions that draw boundaries

litical map intended to send five more Republicans to the U.S. House, state Democratic representatives fled Texas, denying the GOP the numbers to conduct business in theLegislature and approve the reworkeddistricts.

Thoselegislators surfaced in Illinois, New York, California and elsewhere, joined by governors,senators,state party chairs, otherstates’ legislators and activists. All promised action. The responsewas Trumpian.

Govs. Gavin Newsom of California, JB Pritzker of Illinois and Kathy Hochul of New York welcomed Texas Democrats andpledged retaliatory redistricting. Pritzker mocked Abbottas alackey whosays“yes, sir” to Trump orders. Hochuldismissed TexasRepublicans as “lawbreaking cowboys.” Newsom’s pressofficedirected all-caps social media posts at Trump, mimickinghis signature sign off: “THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION TO THIS MATTER.”

U.S. Rep.AlGreen,another TexasDemocrat who could lose his seat, called Trump “egomaniacal.” Yetmany Democrats also claimed moral high ground, comparing their cause to the Civil Rights Movement. StateRep.Ramon Romero

Jr.invoked another Texas Democrat, President Lyndon Johnson, who was “willing to stand up and fight” for civil rights laws in the1960s.Then, with Texasbravado, Romero reached further into history: “We’re asking for help, maybe just as theydid back in the days of the Alamo.”

Arecent Associated PressNORC Centerfor Public AffairsResearch poll found thatabout 15% of Democrats’ own voters described the party using words like “weak” or “apathetic.” An additional 10% called it “ineffective” or “disorganized.”

Beto O’Rourke,aformer Texas congressman whois raising money to support Texas Democrats, has encouraged Democratic-run statehouses to redraw districtsnow rather than wait for GOPstates to act. On Friday, California Democrats released aplan that would give the partyanadditional five U.S. House seats. It would require voter approval in aNovember election.

“Maximize Democratic Party advantage,” O’Rourke said at arecentrally.“You maysay to yourself, ‘Well, those aren’tthe rules.’ There are no refs in this game. F*** the rules. Whatever it takes.”

Democratic National CommitteeChairmanKen Martin

Trumpstill secured tax cuts forthe wealthy, accelerated deportations andcut safety netprograms, just as someofhis controversial nomineeswereconfirmed over vocal Democratic opposition.

“Now,” O’Neill said, “there is some marriage of the rhetoric we’ve been seeing since Trump’sinauguration with some actual action.”

O’Neill looked back wistfully to the decision by Senate Democrats nottoeliminate the filibuster “whenour side had the trifecta,”soa simple majority could pass majorlegislation. Democratic President Joe Biden’s attorneygeneral, Merrick Garland, he said, wastoo timid in prosecuting Trump andtop associates over the Capitol riot

In 2016, Democratic President Barack Obama opted against hardballasthe Senate’sRepublican leader,

in several states, including California.

Party leaders and activists rationalize that the broader fights tie together piecemeal skirmishes that maynot, by themselves, sway voters. Arguing that Trumpdiminishesdemocracy stirs people who already support Democrats, O’Neill said. By contrast, he said, the GOP “power grab,” canbeconnected to unpopular policies that affect voters’ lives.

Itcanbealltooeasyforadultstomissoutonannual wellness visits with aprimary care physician. Busy schedulescanmakeithardtofindtimeforanappointment,andifsomeonefeelswell,theymaynotseeaneed to visitthe doctor

However, thesevisitsare importantbecausethey give doctors achancetoestablish aperson’shealth baselines, screen forchronic conditions that may otherwisegountreatedanddiscussanyconcernsabout mental health andlifestyle habits

“I sometimesuse theanalogy that we do routine maintenanceonourvehiclesandhomesbecausewewant to keep them in thebestshape possible.Wedon’t wait forthemtobreak down.Our bodies arethe same way, said Dr.Larry Simon, LouisianaBlueSeniorMedical Director.“Therecan be internal problems with things likebloodsugar,bloodpressure,andcholesterolthathave veryfewoutwardsymptoms,butcancausesignificant consequences in thefuture. An annual wellness visit is an opportunitytoidentifythose issues anddevelop atreatmentplanwithyourdoctortoprevent major complications down theroad.

Dr.Simon shared more aboutwhy thesevisitsare important, what people should expect in awellness appointmentand howtheycan usethese visits to maintain optimalhealth. Howdoesa wellness visitdifferfromseeingthe doctor when youare sick?

This is atimefor doctorstosee what is normal for youand your body.It’sa time foranoverall assessment of everything that is goingon. When someone is sick,itchanges theirbody’sphysiology.Also, those appointments areusually aboutaddressingthe particular illnessthat’shappening at that pointin time,ratherthanacomprehensive overview What should people do to preparefor awellnessvisit?

Youdon’t necessarilyhavetohaveany questions in mind,althoughthere’s nothingwrong with that if there’ssomethingspecific youwanttotalkabout.We do oftentalkabout what screenings people need to be thinking aboutand if thereare anylifestyle changes they should make,suchasgetting more exercise,soit is agoodideatoknowyourscreeninghistory,dietand

exerciseroutinessotherecanbeaninformeddiscussion Youshouldbefamiliarwithany medications youare taking andyourfamilyhistory of diseases Forexample,ifyou have afamilyhistory of cancer, it canhelpful to know at whichage your relatives were diagnosed. Do doctorsaddress mental health during thesevisits? That’s actually amainpartofthese appointments Physicians willwanttotalkabout aperson’sstress levels,worklife, family life andwhether they are happywithhow things aregoing.Ifweidentifyany strugglesinthose areas, we talk aboutwhatwecan do improvethe situation. What advice do youhavefor peoplewho mayhave gotten off-trackwiththeir annual visits?

It’s importanttothinkabout what mightbe causingany nervousness. Some people know they have unhealthyhabitsand areworried aboutbeing chastised. That’s notgoing to happen.Doctors are trainedtonot talk to people in that way. They are notgoing to judge youorforce youtodoanything. Theirroleistogiveadviceand recommendations, notget youintotrouble We also hear that people avoid thedoctorbecause they areworried aboutgetting badnews. Icompletely understand that fear.However,ifsomeone has a condition, it’s so much better to findout aboutitearly andstart gettingittreated.You don’twanttowaittwo or threeyears, then discover that youhaveadisease that is advanced andhas fewertreatment options. No onewants to face that kind of regret.Medicine hascomea long way, andthere arealot of things we candoonceweidentifya problemearly What if someonehas financialconcerns?

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By MARCIOJOSE SANCHEZ

California Gov. Gavin Newsom speaks Thursdayduring a news conference in Los Angeles discussing California’splan to redrawits House maps in response to Texas’ pushtodo thesame.

EDUCATION

Los Angeles school year begins amid ICE fears

‘We want no one to stay home’ over immigration enforcement

BY JAIMIE DING Associated Press

LOS ANGELES Los Angeles stu-

dents and teachers returned to class for the new academic year on Thursday under a cloud of apprehension after a summer filled with immigration raids and amid worries that schools could become targets in the Trump administration’s aggressive crackdown Los Angeles Unified School District Superintendent Alberto Carvalho has urged immigration authorities not to conduct enforcement activity within a two-block radius of schools, starting an hour before the school day begins and until one hour after classes let out.

“Hungry children, children in fear cannot learn well,” Carvalho said in a news conference.

He announced several measures intended to protect students and families, including adding or altering bus routes to accommodate more students.

The district will also distribute a family preparedness packet that includes know-your-rights information, emergency contact updates and tips on designating a backup caregiver in case a parent is detained.

The sprawling district, which covers more than two dozen cities, is the nation’s second largest, with more than 500,000 students Some 30,000 students are immigrants, and an estimated quarter of them are without legal status, according to the teachers’ union.

While agents have not detained anyone inside a school, a 15-yearold boy was pulled from a car and handcuffed outside Arleta High School in northern Los Angeles on Monday, Carvalho said. He had significant disabilities and was released after a bystand-

er intervened in the case of “mistaken identity,” the superintendent said.

“This is the exact type of incident that traumatizes our communities; it cannot repeat itself,” he added Administrators at two elementary schools previously denied

entry to Department of Homeland Security officials in April, and immigration agents have been seen in vehicles outside schools. DHS did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment. Carvalho said that while staffers and district police officers cannot

interfere with immigration enforcement and do not have jurisdiction beyond school property, they have had conversations with federal agents parked in front of schools that resulted in them leaving.

The district is partnering with law enforcement in some cities and forming a “rapid response” network to disseminate information about the presence of federal agents, he said.

Teachers say they were concerned some students might not show up on the first day

Lupe Carrasco Cardona, a high school social studies and English teacher at the Roybal Learning Center, said attendance dipped in January when President Donald Trump took office.

The raids ramped up in June, right before graduations, putting a damper on ceremonies. One raid at a Home Depot near MacArthur Park, an area with many immigrant families from Central America, took place the same morning

as an eighth grade graduation at a nearby middle school.

“People were crying. For the actual graduation ceremony, there were hardly any parents there,” Cardona said.

The next week, at her high school’s graduation, the school rented two buses to transport parents to the ceremony downtown. Many of the seats were ultimately empty unlike at other graduations.

One 11th grader, who spoke on the condition that her last name not be published because she is in the country without legal permission and fears being targeted, said she is afraid to return to school.

“Instead of feeling excited, really what I’m feeling is concern,” said Madelyn, a 17-year-old from Central America. “I am very, very scared, and there is a lot of pressure.”

She added that she takes public transportation to school but fears being targeted on the bus by immigration agents because of her skin color

“We are simply young people with dreams who want to study, move forward and contribute to this country as well,” she said.

Madelyn joined a club that provides support and community for immigrant students and said she intends to persevere in that work.

“I plan to continue supporting other students who need it very much, even if I feel scared,” she said. “But I have to be brave.”

Some families who decided the risk is too great to show up in person have opted for online learning, according to Carvalho, with virtual enrollment up 7% this year

The district has also contacted at least 10,000 parents and visited more than 800 families over the summer to provide information about resources like transportation, legal and financial support, and are deploying 1,000 workers from the district’s central office on the first day of classes to “critical areas” that have seen immigration raids.

“We want no one to stay home as a result of fears,” Carvalho said.

Fla. officialsmay reopen bayknown forits oysters

Apalachicola closed duetodwindling shellfish populations

BY KATE PAYNE Associated Press/Reportfor America

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. Florida wildlife officials have given preliminary approval to aplan to reopen Apalachicola Bay for oyster harvesting, five years after the waters were closed due to dwindling shellfish populations.

The closure of the bay along what’sknown as Florida’s“Forgotten Coast” dealt ablow to an area that historically produced 90% of the state’soysters and 10% of the nation’s.

Around the world, fish and shellfish populations have dwindled to dangerously low levels, as one of society’soldest industries faces warming seas, global appetitesand overfishing.

In recent years, waves of

Oysterharvesters work in the Florida Panhandle’sApalachicola Bayin 2016, which is nowclosed due to adwindlingshellfish population.

drought and the water demands of metro Atlanta and farmers upstream have sapped the Apalachicola River andthe bay it flows into.

Those factors, as well as predation and overharvesting, helped push oyster production intofree-fall andtriggered the five-year closure

of the fishery in 2020.

Now,state regulators say populations have recovered enough to allow alimited reopening forcommercial and recreational harvesting, with rulesset forthe number and size of oysters that can be taken and from which reefs.

For Ricky Jones, chair of the boardofcounty commissioners for Franklin County,which includes the bay,the reopening can’tcome soon enough.

“Tomorrow would be agood day,” Jones said, “but Iknow that’s not possible.”

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is expected to finalize the terms of the potential reopening at ameeting in November,with the next oyster season slated to open Jan. 1, 2026.

Theonce-booming oysterindustry is part of the lifeblood of the town of Apalachicola,which has had to reinvent itself over the past two centuries.

In the 1830s as thecottonindustrygrew,the townbecame the

Record krillcatch recorded near Antarctica

It couldmeanan earlyend to fishing season

BY JOSHUAGOODMAN Associated Press

MIAMI Trawling near Antarctica for krill —acrustacean centraltothe diet of whales anda critical buffer to global warming —has surged to arecord and is fast approachinganever before reached seasonal catch limit that would trigger the unprecedented early closureof the remote fishery,The Associated Press has learned.

The fishing boom follows the failure last year of the U.S., Russia, China and two dozen other governments to approve anew management plan that would have mandated spreading out the area in which krill can be caught and creating aCaliforniasized reserve along the environmentally sensitive Antarctic Peninsula.

In the first seven monthsof the 2024-25 season, krill fishing in Antarctica reached 518,568 tons,about 84%of the 620,000-ton limit that, once reached, will force the fishery to automatically close. In one hot spot, the catch throughJune 30 was nearly 60% higher than all of last year’shaul, according to areport from the Commission for the Conservationof Antarctic Marine Living Resources, or CCAMLR, the international organization that manages the world’s southernmost fishery The report, which has not been publicly released and CCAMLR said contains confidential data, was shared withThe AP by someone concerned about overfishing in Antarctica on thecondition of anonymity because they were not authorized to release the information.

“The vast majority of the krill take is from an increasingly smaller area,” said Capt. Peter Hammarstedt, campaign director for con-

servation group Sea Shepherd Global, whichthis year made its thirdvoyage to Antarctica to documentthe fishery. “It’sthe equivalent of a huntersaying that they’re only killing1%of theU.S.’ deer population but leaving out that allofthe deer were shot in Rhode Island.”

Krill is one of the most abundant marine species in theworld, with an estimated biomass of 63 million metric tons. But advances in fishing, climate change and growing demand for krill’sOmega-3 rich oil —for fishmeal, pet food and human dietary supplements—have increased pressure on thekrillstocks

In the 2023-24 season, afleet of 12 industrial trawlers from mostly Norway and China caught 498,350 tons of krill —untilnow the largest harvest since CCAMLR begancollecting catchdata in 1973.

AP journalists traveled to the icy waters around Antarctica in 2023 and observed how factory ships trawl in close proximity to whales whose numbers are still recovering from acentury of industrialculling that nearly drove themtoextinction.

Underscoring the competition between humans and whales, three humpback whales were founddeador seriouslyinjured last year in the long, cylindrical nets deployed by thevesselsto vacuum up thepaper-clip

third-largest port on the Gulf of Mexico, trailing only NewOrleans and Mobile, Alabama.

The town still has one of the last historic workingwaterfronts in astate wheremuchofthe picturesque coastline has long given way to high-rise condos and strip mall souvenir shops, but away of lifefor generations of commercial fishermen in Apalachicola Bay is disappearing.

The sweet, plump mollusks synonymous with the townare prized wellbeyondthe region,and tourists have long flocked to Apalachicola— population 2,341 andknown to localsasApalach —toenjoy waterfront views at restaurants that serve thefreshly shuckedshellfish. Lately,those oysters have most likely been shipped in from Texas or Louisiana.

Jones is hopeful reopening the bay will help bring the local fishermen back.

“It’spart of whoweare,” Jones said, adding, “wewanttosee people working and doing that again.”

sized crustacean

Officials have been negotiating foryearsa new management planthat would balance the growing market for krill with calls forgreater protection of theAntarctic Peninsula, the continent’snorthernmost pointand an area teeming withwhales and, increasingly,tourists. Currently, less than 5% of theSouthern Ocean is protected —well behind CCAMLR’starget anda UnitedNationsgoal to preserve 30% of the world’s oceansby2030.

But atentativedeal fell apartatlastyear’s CCAMLR meeting over alastminute proposal by theUnited Kingdom and Australia for an even lower catch limit than the one agreed to during talks, AP reported last year China, objecting to thepersistentWesterndemands, then withdrew its support for themarine reserveand refusedtorenew the existing management system.

“The truth was it was the UK,” Matts Johansen, chief executive of Norway’sAker BioMarine, the world’slargest supplierofkrill-based products, said at the United Nations Oceans conference in June. “Just acouple days before the vote, theUK threw another suggestion and that’swhen theChinese backed off.”

Aspokespersonfor the UK Foreign Officerejected

that characterizationand said the British government continuestopush for akrill management strategy that better safeguards Antarctic marinespecies andvulnerable ecosystems. In theabsence of adeal, restrictions adopted 15 years agotospreadout thecatch limit expired, allowing the krill fleet to essentially fish anywhere at any time, including in smaller habitats preferred by whales and other animalssuch as penguins andseals. Krill aren’tjust vital to marine ecosystems. Increasingly,researchers arefocusing on their role as abulwark against climate change.One peer-reviewed study last year found that krill remove from the atmosphereand store in theocean 20 milliontonsofcarbon annually That’s theequivalent of taking off theroad 5million cars everyyear

ASSOCIATED PRESS FILE PHOTO

ASSOCIATED PRESS FILE PHOTO

Awhale swims nexttoakrill trawler near Antarctic Peninsula in April.

LOUISIANA POLITICS

State lawmakers visit D.C., meet with Trump officials

BY ALYSE PFEIL Staff writer

Dozens of Republican Louisiana state lawmakers on Tuesday visited Washington for the White House State Leadership Conference, where three of President Donald Trump’s Cabinet secretaries and other officials discussed the administration’s policy agenda during what attendees described as an open dialogue.

Emerson

“Nothing was off limits,” said state Rep. Julie Emerson, R-Carencro.

“They were there to answer whatever questions we had.”

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum took questions from the Louisiana delegation, as did officials from the justice, energy and education departments.

Louisiana legislators weren’t asked to craft or implement any particular policy but instead participated in a dialogue aimed at establishing open lines of communications with the Trump administration, state lawmakers said after the event.

Lutnick emphasized that Trump is “very committed” to his plan to bring manufacturing jobs back to the U.S., Emerson said.

and hurricane protection, flood insurance and education.

Officials reiterated they are looking to downsize and close the Department of Education, Emerson said.

The four-hour event, hosted by the White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs, was billed as a chance for Louisiana elected officials “to learn how to partner with the administration to implement President Trump’s agenda at the state and local level.”

Louisiana Senate President Cameron Henry, R-Metairie, and House Speaker Phillip DeVillier, R-Eunice, were at the conference, which was held at the Executive Office Building, next to the White House’s West Wing.

No Democratic state lawmakers attended. House Democratic Caucus Chair Matthew Willard said he believed Democrats did not receive invitations.

Gov Jeff Landry didn’t attend but endorsed the delegation’s visit, saying Louisiana is playing “a pivotal role” in the country’s transformation under Trump.

“(He) encouraged us to make Louisiana a more business-friendly state for these manufacturing facilities.”

Dis cus sion about tariffs drew praise from Rep. Mike Bayham,

“He talked a lot about reshoring American manufacturing,” said Rep. Beau Beaullieu, R-New Iberia, adding that the commerce secretary mentioned products like computer chips, steel and pharmaceuticals.

Landry gives Monroe deadline to pick fire chief

Gov Jeff Landry has given Monroe officials 30 days to appoint a fire chief — or he says he will choose one for them.

Local TV news station KTVE reports that Mayor Friday Ellis and the city council have been in a standoff for more than a year over appointing a permanent fire chief.

CAPITOL BUZZ staff reports

The Louisiana Legislature passed a law this year giving the governor authority to appoint a fire chief if the local municipality lets a vacancy persist for more than 12 consecutive months That period has already passed in Monroe, Landry said this week in a letter to the mayor and city council.

“Although this provision empowers the executive branch to intervene in prolonged vacancies, I believe meaningful local collaboration remains the preferable path forward,” Landry wrote.

The governor said he is placing his appointment authority on hold for 30 days to allow the mayor and city council to agree on a chief. If they can’t by that time, he will move to select one, the letter says.

“Please consider this a formal invitation to engage in concerted

action for the betterment of your community ” the governor wrote.

Mike Johnson rent draws ethics complaint

The Campaign Legal Center has filed ethics complaints against House Speaker Mike Johnson, alleging that the Benton Republican is improperly using campaign funds to pay his rent.

R-Chalmette, and other Louisiana lawmakers especially for the Trump administration’s new levies on imported seafood.

“We thanked them for the tariffs,” Bayham said. “They want

used to cover the cost of Speaker Johnson’s personal lodging,” the complaint states.

But Steele said “the amount paid by the campaign is exclusively for a separate campaign office space, at fair market value, with its own entrance, stairwell, and access to the street that is used strictly for campaign business.”

to make sure that we have a fair shot, that we don’t lose our domestic commercial seafood industry.”

Hegseth lauded Louisiana for supporting its military installations, noting in particular Barksdale Air Force Base and Fort Polk.

Other topics included liquefied natural gas, or LNG, reopening oil and gas leasing in the Gulf, federal support for coastal restoration

“It is great to have Louisiana leaders in our nation’s capital to gain policy perspective and build relationships with our federal partners to ensure Louisiana is working lockstep to implement President Trump’s America First agenda,” Landry spokesperson Elizabeth Crochet said in a statement.

Over the last few months, groups of elected officials from other states like Georgia, Michigan, Missouri and Mississippi traveled to Washington for similar meetings.

The Washingtonbased group that advocates for election reform announced Friday it had asked the Federal Election Commission and the Office of Congressional Conduct to launch investigations into whether Johnson violated House rules and federal law by converting campaign funds to personal use.

Greg Steele, Johnson’s political communications manager, said the campaign money was used for office space, not for Johnson to live in.

“The FEC and OCC have not notified the campaign of any complaints or asked for any response at this time,” he said.

The Campaign Legal Center points to FEC disclosures that report Johnson’s campaign account pays $2,500 a month to Greene Properties Inc., the property management company owned by U.S. Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Calif.

“Speaker Johnson’s campaign committee’s disbursements for rent suggest campaign funds were

“It is common practice for members to have campaign office space in Washington paid by the campaign and is in full compliance with the law,” he said.

Johnson moved into Issa’s Washington townhouse in March after ProPublica first reported that he had been living in the home of a major political donor His office confirmed that living arrangement, adding that Johnson was paying “fair market value” for the portion of the townhouse he occupied while in Washington.

Johnson’s office said he was paying Issa’s firm a fair market price to lease the home.

Fields joins calls to stop masked ICE agents

U.S. Rep. Cleo Fields, D-Baton Rouge, is joining other Democrats in calling for federal law enforcement agencies — particularly Immigration and Customs Enforcement to stop wearing masks and refusing to identify themselves when making arrests.

“When officers cannot be identified, accountability becomes impossible,” Fields wrote in a letter to Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem. “This practice opens the door to abuse of power

and puts both law enforcement and civilians at serious risk.”

U.S. Sens. Cory Booker, D-N.J., and Alex Padilla, D-Calif., have introduced a bill that would prohibit federal law enforcement agents from concealing their identity and require them to display proper identification. The bill faces steep odds with Republicans in charge of both the House and Senate.

ICE officials say there has been an increase in violence against officers and more people are publicly posting recordings of arrests due to the charged political

environment around immigration.

Todd Lyons, the acting director of ICE, told CBS News he is “not a proponent of masks” but will not bar agents from using them if they think it is necessary to keep themselves or their family safe.

In his letter, Fields urged Noem to set policies barring face coverings during routine enforcement operations, with exceptions for environmental hazards or covert operations. He also requested she mandate visible identification, like agency insignia and badge numbers, and strengthen compliance with rules for using body cameras.

“The public deserves to know who is enforcing the law,” Fields said. “And officers deserve policies that protect their safety while upholding the public’s trust.

Beaullieu

Bayham

Johnson

Fields

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By CAROLyN KASTER

Select Louisiana legislators were hosted by the White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs on Tuesday at an event that was billed as a chance for officials ‘to learn how to partner with the

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By OLGA FEDOROVA Masked Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents escort a detained immigrant into an elevator

BY JUSTIN MITCHELL Staff writer

You’ll soon be able to take an Amtrak train from New Orleans to Mobile, Alabama, or stop in four Mississippi cities along the way, as the revival of the Gulf Coast passenger line kicks off Monday

The Mardi Gras Service has been years in the making, and the cities of Bay St. Louis, Gulfport, Biloxi and Pascagoula arehosting parties at their trainstations Saturdaybefore thefirstpassengers walk aboard Monday

Twotrains willrun each day, leaving New Orleans and Mobile in theearly morning and returning in the evening with enough time for aday’sworth of exploring one of the cities.

In Bay St. Louis, the Amtrak stop is in the heart of the city’sDepot District, less than 1mile from the city’sbustling downtown lined with local businesses, restaurants and New Orleans-style cottages. The Depot District has recently had arevival of its own in anticipation of the Amtrak line

IamaBay St. Louis native and have lived on the Mississippi Coast for most of my life until moving to New Orleans afew years ago. I’ve watched the downtownarea transform acute, sleepy beach town into awaterfront getaway that gives off Destin vibes withthe energy of Freret Street. And just like the beachfront has grown, so has the food scene. Here’salist of my favorite restaurants within walking distance of the Amtrak station. There are also afew New Orleans favorites close by,including Barracuda Taco Stand, Creole Creamery,PJ’sCoffee and Tacos and Beer There are also dozens of other bars and restaurants within walking distance to get anice meal. MockingbirdCafe, 110S.SecondSt.

This beloved coffee shop was a refuge for people looking to find community,breakfast and ahot

THE GULF COAST

for theirburgers if you stop in at lunchtime. Make sure youtakea photo with the “ALL ARE WELCOME” sign before youhead back Toro Sushi&Saki, 108Court St

Toro is one of the newerrestaurants in downtown BaySt. Louis, about a15-minute walk from the traindepotand rightnearthe beach.

This Asian fusion spot has an inventive menu, fancy cocktails and shareable main coursesperfect for date day. I’dsuggest the Dang Dang noodlesand egg drop soup.

or getting back on the train. Uncle Joe’shas large pizzas with uniquetopping combinations, a massive menu of wings and appetizers andisknown for its homemadehoney hot sauce. Youcan also pop next doorto Hen House for afun cocktail or mocktail before you get back on the train.

Sycamore House, 210MainSt.

If you’re taking the Amtrak on aweekend or planning on staying overnight in Bay St. Louis, make adinner reservation at Sycamore House. Inside aNew Orleans-style mansion, the beautiful yellow home on Main Street hasa fromscratch menu that blends Cajun favorites with aCuban flair

Trythe flauta of the day and the barbecue shrimp, and grab apizza to go. Yes, apizza from afine dining restaurant!

TheBlindTiger, 119N.Beach Blvd

One of the first restaurants to reopen on Beach Boulevard after Katrina, The Blind Tiger’soriginal location is in Bay St. Louis. Themenu is on achalkboard,and youshould absolutelyget acheap beer or bushwacker to go with your never-frozen seafood, burger or loaded fries. This place fills up quick, but there’s alot of seating even if it looks small.

Ms.Mary’s, 203B N. Second

Youdeserve

cupofjoe when it opened theyear after Hurricane Katrina. Since then, theMockingbirdhas become apopular spotfor New Orleans visitors and touristsfrom aroundthe U.S., but is still beloved by locals. Youcan sit inside andlisten to the espresso machine grind and check out local art, or grab a seat on the extended patioorwraparound porch. Andthe line may be long, but it’sworth the wait. Get the meat breakfastburrito, the Second Street breakfast sandwich or the pulled porkgrits bowl. AndI’d suggest gettingthe biscuitsand gravy —the best I’veeverhad —asan appetizer to share. The Mockingbirdisalsoknown

UncleJoe’s Pizzaand Wings, 134BlaizeAve

Juststeps awayfrom the Amtrak stop, Uncle Joe’sisano-frills pizzeria that first opened near Diamondhead andhas since expanded. This is the perfect option for families looking for ahearty meal to share beforeexploring the Bay

sit outside and have dinner and dessert with your family Iwould suggest the banana pudding or cotton candy sno-balls at Ms. Mary’s, and makesure you grab extra napkins.

sional public servant. Linda was preceded in death by her parents, Hubert Monroe Blanchard and Lillian Langham Blanchard. Linda is survived by her brother, Chris Arnold Blanchard and his wife Susie; their five children, Kevin Blanchard (Heather), Keith Blanchard (Allison), Jennifer Brown (Derek) Matt Blanchard (Kissy), and Shannon Blanchard; and her cherished grand nieces and nephew: Celeste, Lillian, Kate, Audrey, Ella, Hannah Mae, and Adam. She had acircle of friends to whom she remained close throughout her life, including her former husband, Bobby Savoie. Linda loved to travel, to laugh, and to listen. Herdirectness, curiosity, and attentiveness made her unforgettable to those lucky enough to know her. At Linda's request, no formal service will be held. Her family invites those who knew her to honor her memory by noticing thelittle things—and by never forgetting the people who matter.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Cypress Funeral Home &Crematory, 206 W. Lafayette St., Maurice, LA 70555. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Linda Blanchard Savoie please visit our Sympathy Store.

continued from ed in death by her father, WarrenO.Watson, Jr.; sister, Judith Elaine Watson; stepfather,W.David Hedgepeth; paternal grandparents, Warren O. and Janie Palmer Watson; maternalgrandparents, AdolpheC.and Beatrice BeardenLandry; and her beloved Yorkie, Amelia. She is survivedbyher mother, Claudia "Ann" Watson Hedgepeth; sister, Janie Watson Keller (Durwood); andnieces, nephews and extended family. Visitation will be at Greenoaks Funeral Home, 9595 FloridaBlvd Baton Rouge, LA, on Monday, August 18, 2025, from 8:30am until the time of funeral servicesat10am. The service willbeconducted by Dr. T.C. French, Jr., Pastor Emeritus,and Dr. David Goza,SeniorPastor,Jefferson Baptist Church. Burial willimmediatelyfollow at Greenoaks MemorialPark. The family wishes to thank the many doctors and nursesand home health professionals who have cared for Becky over the years. Specialthanks to caregivers:Rosa, Sarah, Myrna and ALL the caregiversfrom HomeInstead who gave care and support to the family.

How lovely are Your dwelling places, OLord of hosts! My soul longed and even yearned for the courts of the Lord; My heart and my flesh sing for joytothe living God. Psalm 84. "Though she be but little, she is fierce. Shakespeare Rebecca Lynn Watson, born August16,1967, peacefully passed away August 11, 2025, due to congestive heart failure Years of poor health took her from us way too soon as she would have celebrated her 58th birthday on Saturday, August16th. Becky wasa proud graduate of Robert E. Lee High School. She was amember of Baton RougeAssembly No. 3, IORG. Becky was also amember of the BR Symphony Chorus for some 20 years until health issues curtailed her activities. Becky loved to travel around the world, around the country and especially trips to Disneyworld with her sister Janie. She would plan for months for the "next time we go" and looked forward to enjoying the magic. Her true talent was in her hands. Becky created beautiful handwork in many mediums: cross stitch, tatting, lace making, crochet and knitting. She produced many beautiful canvases and even traveledtoIreland to join ayarn group and visit the farms of the yarn vendors.Becky also enjoyed teaching others to knit and crochet. She especially enjoyed getting together with the Saturday morning knitting group, Knotters and Knitters. No travel trip was complete without searching for the local yarn shop(s) "just to see what they had". Becky is preced-

Our very witty, grumpy, German Patriarch, Robert (Bob) Lee White,passed awayatthe ageof90on August 2, 2025,atThe Crossing at ClarityinBaton Rouge, La. He was bornon August 24, 1934,inMcKees Rock, Pennsylvaniato Calvin Frank Whiteand L. Emma Schwartz White. He led avariedand full life. He earned his Eagle Scoutbythe ageof14with 35 merit badges attaining the Order of the Arrow by 16. He played clarinet in highschool- going on to playinthe Carnegie Tech marching band, finishing his second year with the wearing of the Scottish Kilts. Enlisting in the Army afterhis 2nd year,he served3 yearsduringthe Korean War,bytraining men on the Nike Ajax Ground to Air Missilessystem, which was the precursor to the Patriot System of today. He was an avid and expertmarksman in Rifle Shooting -setting a newNational Civilian record in Michiganin1967 which stoodfor many years. He competed in the

PanAmerican games and qualified to tryout forthe 1968 Olympic games.He traveled extensively before and after hisretirement fromBASFasRegional ControlManager of the Southern Plant in Geismar, LA.During his lifetime he visitedall theU.S.states, nearly every National Park in theU.S and allthe providencesofCanada. He traveled quitea bit overseasand visitedmany countries both forwork and forvacations. His many hobbies included teaching himself to play golf,taxidermy, woodturning,and lapidary. He built furniture, including an organ and agrandfather clock, bookcases, nightstands and achina cabinet

He is preceded in death by hisparents, hisfirst wife of 31 years, G. Jean Lease White,his second wife of 30 years, Mary D. Hebert White, anephew Roman Piccirrilli and a daughter-in-lawChristen H. Hebert. He is survivedbyhis sisterDonna W. Piccirrilli of Reno,Nevada, nephews Gino and Ricardo,and niece Cheryl, asisterEunice Shekell of California, two daughters, Karen W. Lessard (Eric) and Pamela A. White,son EricR.White (Christine), threestepsons Mark B. Hebert (Terry), Melvin B. Hebert (Susan) and MatthewB.Hebert (Lisa Brochard). Grandchildren AmeliaConard (Josh), Rachel Lessard, Natalie White,Ryan White,Brody R. White,Noah Hebert, Christina Jones (Corey), SharonByerly(Joe), Benjamin Hebert (Jacklyn), Michael Hebert and Jordyn Hebert.Great-Grandchildren Aeryn, Clara, Emma, Luke, Jane, Anera and Connor. Graveside serviceswill be at thePortHudson National Cemeteryat11:00 a.m. on Friday, August 22, 2025, with visitationafterwards at thefamily home. In lieu of flowers,please considermaking adonation to either theNational Park Conservation Association, The NRAFoundation, or acharityofyourchoice

August 14, 2025, at theage of 85. Larry was born on March 12, 1940, in Independence, Louisiana, sonof thelate AgnesS.Womack. Larry proudly served his country in theUnited States Navy before embarking on asuccessful career in construction. In 1979, Larry foundedhis own constructioncompany,L.S.Womack Inc., where he worked with dedicationand integrityfor over 40 years, until his well -deservedretirement in 2020. Larry was also a proudmember of the Pipefitter Local 198, known for his unwavering work ethic and commitment to excellence. He is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years,

Sonya S. Womack; son, Scott Womack; grandson Ridge Womack; sisters, Jewell Falcon andDoris Smith; and brother, Keith Womack. The familywishes to extendtheir heartfelt gratitude to Hospice of Baton Rouge for theircompassionate care andsupport duringthisdifficult time.The familywould like to inviteall whoknewand lovedLarrytojointhemas we commemorate hislife. Avisitation willbeheldat ResthavenFuneral Home, 11817 JeffersonHwy in Baton Rouge,Louisiana, on Monday, August 18, 2025, from 10:00 am until12:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, the familykindly requests that donationsbemade to Hos-

By Amanda McElfresh|amcelfresh@theadvocate.com

In theaftermath of HurricaneKatrina two decadesago,a groupofcommunity champions came together to launch City Year in Louisiana, determinedtomeettheurgentneedsoflocalstudents andfamilies.Just90dayslater,theprogramwasup andrunninginBatonRouge–afeatnearlyunheard offorthenationalnonprofit,whichtypicallyneeds twoyears to establishnew sites.

CityYearBatonRougeExecutiveDirectorLori Halvorsonsaidthe organization hasthrived with acombination of growth,resilience,adaptability andsuccessful partnerships

“Inthoseinitialyears,weweredoingwhatwas needed–alotofhurricanerelief,aswellasworkat schoolsandcampstosupportchildren,”Halvorson said.“In2011,CityYeardecidedweneededtopick onething anddoitwell. That’s when we started focusing exclusivelyoneducation.”

Today, City Year BatonRouge partners with traditionalpublicandcharterschoolsacrossEast BatonRougeParish,servingthousandsofstudents with thehelpofapproximately 45 AmeriCorps members. TheseAmeriCorpsmembers,ages17 to 25,serve as tutors,mentors androlemodels whohelpstudentsengagemoredeeplywiththeir learning andstayontrack to high school graduation.Theyworkside-by-sidewithclassroom teachers everyday,helping students improvein keyareaslikeattendance,academicperformance, andworkforcereadinessskillsthatwillhelpthem succeedincollege andcareer.

Theresults have been profound.Studies show that more than 69%ofstudentstutored by City Year AmeriCorps membersend theyearontrack academically,significantlyoutperformingstudents at similarschools notservedbythe program.

“Our AmeriCorps membersare youngenough to be cool andrelatable,yet mature enough to be inspiringrolemodels,”Halvorsonsaid.“Ournearpeermodelmaximizesthatrelationshippotential throughtheirworktutoringandmentoringstudents.”

Halvorsonemphasized that City Year AmeriCorpsmembersarenotteachersorteachers’aides Rather,theyare theretogiveschools additional “peoplepower”and fill in gaps andneeds that teachers andschoolstaff have identifiedontheir particular campuses

“Whenateacher hasaroomofstudents with multiple unique needs, they can’t addressevery single oneatthe same time.Whenthere is aCity Year AmeriCorps member there, they canbreak down that work alittlemore,”Halvorson said “Whatwehavefound is that ourschools and teachers want students to succeed andwantto givethebesttotheirstudents.It’snotaquestionof desire.It’sa question of resources. City Year does notcomeinand change things.Wesupport what aschoolwants to do andenhance what they want to accomplish.”

ForCityYearAmeriCorpsmembers,theyear-long experienceistransformativeaswell. Halvorson said AmeriCorps membersare notrequiredto be interested in acareerineducation,although somedomakethatshiftaftertheirtimewithCity Year.ManyAmeriCorpsmembers have used the experienceasasortof“gapyear”astheydetermine theirown educationaland career paths. Today, thousandsofCityYearalums areflourishingin business,health, manufacturing, technology education, andmanyother sectors, andmany cite theirCityYearexperience as akey factor in determiningtheir professional path “Welookfor individualswho arewilling and open to growth,feedbackand development, and whounderstandthatservice meansgivingof your time.It’snot just ajob,” Halvorsonsaid. “It’s an experience basedonshowing up forothers.” City Year uses ateam-basedmodel,soAmeriCorpsmembershavetocollaborate,growandlearn together,Halvorson said.“We seealot of growth happen in this year as they learnhow to deal with challengesastheyarise.IfanAmeriCorpsmember is willing to trytopersist anduse theirresources to overcome thosechallenges, they canbereally successful.”

AsCityYearBatonRougecelebrates20yearsof service, theorganizationisbothproud of itspast andfocused on itsfuture. This year,CityYearis servingsixlocalschools.HalvorsonsaidCityYear wouldliketoadd more schoolsorteams in the future,but in astrategic waythatmakes themost senseforeveryoneinvolvedandissustainablefor thelong-term.

“Wewanttocontinuetoexpandourimpactbut we want to do so smartly,” shesaid. “It’sheartwarmingtoseetheamountofpeople–community members,boardmembers,volunteers,champions, donors,schoolpartners–whohelpusbecausethey understandthatweallcareaboutthestudentsand thefutureofthe city.The biggestfeeling we have is oneofgratitude andhow we cankeepgoing and servingstudents.”

Formoreinformation aboutCityYearBaton Rougeortolearnhowtogetinvolved,visitcityyear org/baton-rouge/

White,Robert Lee'Bob'

Watson, Rebecca Lynn 'Becky'

AmeriCorps member Jazzlyn Francisworks with studentsatParkForestMiddle School in BatonRouge

The firstcorps to serveCityYearLouisiana in 2006.

Killian disbands police for 1 year

‘We had to make a tough choice,’ mayor says

BY CLAIRE GRUNEWALD Staff writer

Recently elected Killian leadership has disbanded the town’s small police department for a one-year agreement with the Livingston Parish Sheriff ’s Office in an attempt to save money

The Killian Board of Aldermen last week approved moving forward with a cooperative endeavor agreement that would temporarily dissolve the threeperson Police Department and have Sheriff’s Office deputies patrol the town The move came from Mayor Caleb Atwell, who was elected in March and took office in July The decision stemmed from serious budget issues When Atwell began his tenure, he said there was only

$5M moved to fill school food budget

Child Nutrition

Program runs deficit for second year in a row

BY CHARLES LUSSIER Staff writer

After years of running healthy surpluses, the student meal service for the East Baton Rouge Parish system has overspent its budget for a second year in a row while also generating less in federal reimbursement funds than it might have.

To erase last year’s red ink, the school system transferred $885,000 from its general operating fund to the Child Nutrition Program. This year it is having to move even more money, almost $4.9 million, to avoid a deficit

As a result, district financial reserves — known as its “unassigned fund balance” will likely shrink by roughly 5%.

That leaves less money for new district initiatives as well as less money to cover costs from unforeseen events such as hurricanes.

Just two years ago, a man-made disaster, the cratering of the district’s transportation system prompted a flurry of emergency spending. Some of that fall 2023 spending — pay raises and stipends — went to low-paid cafeteria workers after they joined a bus driver sickout and forced schools to cancel classes for a day.

Superintendent LaMont Cole is asking the parish School Board to revise the budget for the Child Nutrition Program, both for last year and the year that just began, to cover the shortfall

The board gave preliminary approval to the change at its Aug. 7 meeting. It is up for a final vote Thursday

At that Aug. 7 meeting, board member Mike Gaudet posed several questions about the shortfall.

Chief Financial Officer Kelly Lopez explained that the food service program cut back on spending months ago but it wasn’t enough

“We were hoping that the budget would balance itself out, and it did not,” Lopez said. Lopez noted that “since March we have been marking in the black,” which gives her confidence that the 2025-26 budget will end up balanced.

“How did we get that far without it being caught and corrected?” Gaudet asked.

“It was caught,” Lopez responded. “We were aware of it We were just hoping we would catch up by the end.”

“Hope is not a plan,” Gaudet returned.

“It is not a plan,” Lopez agreed, “but we are working with Child

$28,000 in the bank for the town, and nearly half of that was owed in invoices

The agreement with the Sheriff’s Office would cost the town up to $100,000 a year Atwell said the Police Department spent $18,000 a month for the past six months.

“We were spending way too much money on the Police Department,” Atwell said. “We had

to make a tough choice.”

The agreement between the two law enforcement agencies is already in transition, and the Sheriff’s Office won’t begin charging the town until the beginning of next year, the mayor said.

The town department had a police chief and two officers; a recently appointed interim police chief will stay on for administrative purposes.

During this temporary situation, the town is going to consult

residents about creating a new sales tax to potentially fund police and other departments.

Officials will also work on getting Louisiana Peace Officer Standards and Training certifications for police officers. The previous department did not have this, Atwell said. Atwell has faced backlash at the public meetings about the move, but he said he was in a tough spot financially “I’m in a no-win situation here,” he said.

While being blasted with air from two fans above pointed in his

to an energy recovery wheel on Thursday. NovelAire is participating in a study looking for ways to reduce heat stress for workers without using AC

Heat check

BY DAVID J MITCHELL Staff writer

The lunch break had just begun Thursday at the NovelAire Technologies manufacturing plant off South Choctaw Drive in Baton Rouge, but some of the guys heading off the factory floor had an extra task to finish before they ate and took a bathroom break.

Just outside the break room door, each man stood on a precise scale to measure his weight while a researcher took his temperature, and the worker had to answer questions about how he was feeling.

In a plant where workers grind, shape and snip sheet metal to build equipment

for heating and air conditioning efficiency and other purposes, the men were also serving as test subjects to see how their bodies responded to the summer heat — when the factory floor is cooled with fans and, at times, when it isn’t.

Researchers and company officials said the workers are part of a joint project to study worker heat stress that has been commissioned by NovelAire’s sister company, Madison Air, and the University of California-Berkeley’s Center for the Built Environment.

Often, air-conditioning large manufacturing spaces isn’t cost-effective or practical, so the research project is examining the cooling benefit of the fans at a price lower than the cost of AC, the

Researchers study impact of fans on factory floor workers

researchers said.

“Anecdotally, we know, it’s hot and it gets hotter when you don’t have fans, so they are providing the data to back up what advantage you get, and we can estimate our productivity and the gains we’re able benefit from having these fans,” said George Latour NovelAire’s director of operations.

Though small office spaces at NovelAire’s two factory buildings have air conditioning, the workshop floors don’t. Instead, they have about 35 fans, including oversize ceiling fans built by Big Ass Fans, another sister company of NovelAire and Madison Air

ä See HEAT, page 2B

Salter, Katrina-era state House speaker, dies

‘He was kind and skillful, a people person’

BY TYLER BRIDGES Staff writer

Joe Salter, who as speaker of the state House helped then-Gov Kathleen Blanco steer Louisiana through the immediate post-Hurricane Katrina period, offering a friendly even-keeled demeanor during a stressful time, died Saturday He was 82 and died in Baton Rouge from the spread of his kidney cancer

An educator, Salter spent 22 years in the House from Florien, a village in Sabine Parish near the Texas border. Afterward, he served as a senior aide first for the superintendent of education and

later for the secretary of state. He also spent the past eight years as a board member of the University of Louisiana System.

Salter

No matter his role, Salter, a Democrat, won plaudits for a personality that helped get things done without worrying about who got credit.

“He was kind and skillful, a people person,” said Kim Hunter Reed, who worked with Salter when she served as Blanco’s policy director and is now the commissioner of higher education.

Salter’s qualities were badly needed after Katrina hit the New Orleans area as a Category 3 hurricane on Aug. 29, 2005 — after Blanco had been in office for 18 months. That was followed by

Hurricane Rita, a Category 3 storm that slammed Louisiana near the Texas border nearly a month later

“He was the epitome of calm during the storm during the aftermath of Katrina,” said Jimmy Clarke, who served as Blanco’s chief of staff. “He listened. He did not play overt politics. He knew when he had to be strong. He was one of the giants of Louisiana politics in a positive way.” Clarke remembered that Blanco convened an early morning call for weeks after Katrina and Rita with him, Salter, then-Commissioner of Administration Jerry Luke LeBlanc and then-Appropriations Committee chair John Alario, to discuss the plans for that day and upcoming days.

“He had the ability to pick the right moment to speak and recenter us or guide us with an appropriate way of thinking,” Clarke

added. In the aftermath of the hurricanes, Blanco oversaw the effort to rebuild shattered communities throughout south Louisiana. Doing that required the passage of significant legislation. The governor counted on Salter to get her bills through the House. After Katrina, lawmakers created the Road Home program to spend government money to help people get back into their homes. They adopted recommendations from the blue-ribbon Louisiana Recovery Authority to address short-term needs while making changes needed for the long term Lawmakers passed legislation to create the all-charter school system in New Orleans and consolidate the city’s venerable system of seven elected assessors into one.

See SALTER, page

STAFF PHOTO By JAVIER GALLEGOS

direction NovelAire factory worker Amos Jackson adds a spoke

MardiGrastrain launches in NewOrleans

$238Mrevival of routetoMobile took years, bipartisan effort

BY JENNA ROSS Staff writer

Colin Ash was akid when his family first took the train from Pascagoula, Mississippi,toNew Orleans. They’d ride the streetcar, visit the Children’sMuseum.

Now 36, Ash lives in New Orleans and works as atransportation planner

So he was thrilled to hear that Amtrak was restarting itsservice to Mobile,not just for the nostalgia or the convenience —but because the train could better connect the region, economically and culturally

“There’sareal opportunity in this country,” Ash said, especially for aregional route that could replace ashort flight or along drive.

“That’skind of the sweet spot of intercity train opportunities.”

Reviving the so-called Mardi Gras service, which starts Monday,took decades of doggedness from boosters andelected officials across the region, from mayors to members of Congress. They celebrated the $238 million project with an inaugural ride from New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal early Saturday morning, don-

FOOD

Continued from page1B

Nutrition on acorrective action plan for this year to make sure this doesn’thappen again.”

The Advocate has requested acopy of that corrective action plan, but was told it wasn’tquite finished. Adetailed presentation on the topic is planned for Thursday’sboard meeting.

Whereisthe surplus?

In an interview,Cole, who is starting hissecondyearleading the school system, said part of the cost-cutting is the Child Nutrition Program not filling jobs as people leave. He said the department has also reverted to more traditional mealplanning to trim food supply costs, which spiked overthe past two years.

HEAT

Continued from page1B

Thefactory floorsconstitute

52,000 square feet, reach roughly two stories high and haveseveral large bay doors that were opened to the midday skies on Thursday

Theimpact of heat

Officials with Madison Air hope the study will provide them data for an information campaign aimed at the 95% of warehouses and factories that don’thavefans or air conditioning.

But the joint company-university study also comes as increasing attention is being paid to thehealth risk from heatinthe workplace, both indoor and outdoor,asthe climate warms and heatwaves have become more frequent.

In 2024, aNational Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration analysis of weather data for 50 large U.S. cities, including Baton Rouge and New Orleans,found thenumber,intensity and frequency of heat wavesand the duration of the season for heat waves all increased between 1961 and 2023.

Glenda Anderson, aUniversity of Sydney researcher working on the NovelAire project, said the study provides important realworld research on worker heat stress that is lacking in the scientific literature

“As the world gets warmer,we

ning beads and boarding thetrain as abrass band played.

In speeches,politicians from both parties touted the route as an economic boost forthe region, one that could lead to further connectedness.

“Wecan’t stophere,” Lt. Gov Billy Nungesser said, encouraging the crowd to fight for links between New Orleans and Baton Rouge, Shreveport and other cities. “We’vegot an incredible opportunity.I believe there’s$60 billion in the rail fund,and if we can’t get it done with Steve Scaliseand Mike Johnson (in leadership positions), it’ll neverget done.”

As a“small-townMississippi boy,” U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker first took the trainasaCub Scout.For years, he’s worked to restartservice alongthe Gulf Coast. And on Saturday,heemphasized the bipartisanship thatbrought the line about, giving U.S. Rep. Troy Cartera back-slappinghug.

ButWicker is also clear: “Tobe worth it, this is going to have to be afinancialsuccess,” Wicker said by phone Thursday.“AndIthink it will be.”

Amtrak’sservice between Chicago and Minneapolis, which started last year,could offer a guide.

Theinstant success of that line, calledthe Borealis, surprised even Amtrak officials. This summer, Amtrak reported that in its first year, Borealis ridership surpassed 205,000 —beating projec-

Theprogram was buying meals that hadlower federal reimbursement rates, meaning less revenue than anticipated, he said. Also, fewer children were eating meals, further lowering reimbursement.

“Wesaw ahuge drop off in the number of kids who wereeating breakfast last year,” Cole said. TheChild Nutrition Program hashistoricallymorethanpaid forits operations.Asrecentlyas 2018, it ended the fiscal year with a$10.2 million surplus. That surplus was put to use during the tumultuousdays of COVID-19 when schoolswereoften closed.Instead, school meals were served curbside,atpickup sites and even delivered to people’shomes. By June 2023, the program had rebuilt to a$4.8 million surplus.It didn’tlast

In 2023-24, revenue grew about 3% but spending increased more

needtomakesure that we are protecting ourworkers,” Anderson said.

Federal labor officialsreported an average of nearly3,390 heatrelated worker injuries between 2011 and 2020 that led to missed days of work, though various analysessuggest that number is greatly underreported. Heat also leads to afew dozendeaths per year, federal data show Measuringsweat

Charlie Huizenga, aresearch specialist with the UC Berkeley center, said that during thecurrent three-week study phase, the buildings’ fans are being turned off for half the dayand turnedback on for the otherhalf as researchers measurethe conditionsonthe factory floor and in the workers who volunteeredfor the study

The workers who are test subjects wear heart rate monitors in addition to doing the questionnaires and weigh-ins

Huizenga said the collection of data is designed to figure out how much the workers are sweating, asignifier of heat stress, because sweatingisthe body’s way of coolingdown its core temperature.

Early data from the project has foundworkers havebeen losing as much as 4poundsofsweat during thehalf-day when the fans are off —upto8poundsfor afull day

“So that’senough of asignal for us to measure with thescale, right?Ifwe’re tracking every-

tionsthat theline would servebetween 125,000 and150,000 riders annually

“If yougive people areliable choice that is on aschedule and fitstheir needs, people will declare independence from their automobile,” saidAmtrak spokesperson MarcMagliari.

For the Mardi Gras route, Amtrak is projecting ridership of 70,000 in the firstyear.The first week of service hassold out, with ticketsstarting at $15 each way Travel timebetween New Orleans andMobile is aboutfourhours, with four stops alongthe coast: Bay St. Louis, Gulfport, Biloxi and Pascagoula.

Amtrak’stwo-decadehiatus along the Gulf Coastbegan with Hurricane Katrina,which devastatedNew Orleans and the Mississippi Coast. To bring back service, officials faced complications both political and practical.

“Wedid not receive awarm welcome from the freight rail companies,” Wicker noted.

Overthe years, theproject nabbed federal funding, including a$176 million grant in 2023.

“This is morethan just atrain,” Carter said Saturday morning. “It’sjobs. It’ssafe travel. It’seconomic growth. And it’sapromise kept to communities that have been waiting two decades for today.”

The route’sreturn is due to a range of people, someofwhom have retired or even passed away,

than 22% compared with theprevious fiscal year.Tocover that year’s$5.7 millionshortfall, that newly built up surplus was erased and$885,000 was transferred from district reserves.

In itsannualaudit for2023-24, theaccounting firm EisnerAmper blamed theshortfall in part on the added spending thatgrew out of the bus crisis,pointing to “increased expendituresbyproviding fivesalary schedule steps to each employee and paying for $1,500 stipends forall employees.”

Leadership also changedalso during this time.

In fall 2023, longtime Child Nutrition Program Director Nadine Mann retired. It took ayear, until October 2024, before Cole hiredMann’sreplacement, EllenMcKnightHill. In the meantime, thechief of human resources, NicholaHall, also took

thingthey’re drinking, everything they’re eating. Before and after they go to thebathroom, we weigh them, so theonly other thing coming in and out of them is the sweat, so that’show we can estimate that. Yeah, so it’sa lot,” Huizenga said.

He said early datafrom this past week hasshownthatrunning the fans appears cut that sweat loss significantly,though it was too soon providehardfigures, Huizenga said.

Huizenga pointed out that fans don’tcool the air but increase the evaporation of sweat, the physical mechanism that coolsbody temperature.

Though some indicators suggest fansloseeffectivenessataround 95 degrees,the surface temperature of skin, Huizenga said his workisshowing thethreshold is probably closer to104 degrees, which is similar,ifa bit higher, than other published research.

‘You candomore’

Fred Agbulu, 56, of Baton Rouge, asupervisor at NovelAire who has worked for thecompany for 17 years, said he and his co-workers see theimpact thefans make.

Several of them were hesitant initially to do thestudy,hesaid, becausethey already knew how thefanshavehelpedsincethey were installed aboutfouryears ago and didn’twant them to be turned off.

“For me,” Agbulu said, “I like experimenting. Iwanted to see

“who care very much aboutputting thesecitiesbacktogether again,” Magliari said. This line is quitedifferent than itsprevious iterations, he noted. Theold routethrough Mississippi was just onesection of the Sunset Limited line from California to Florida, giving trains thousands of miles of possible delays on one end and hundredsofmilesofpossible delays on the other

The train will take longer than driving Interstate 10, said Ash, the transportation planner. But only “when everything’sgoing right on theinterstate,” he said, “which is oftennot the case.”

However,delays are common on Amtrak routes becausethe freight lines—which typically own the tracks and dispatchers —often give priority to freight trains despite afederal law that requires preference to Amtrak.

Ash has riddenAmtrak allover thecountry,appreciating notonly thescenery but the conversations across the aisle

The Gulf Coast route, which he plans to ride this fall, will connect cities that share cultures, fromMardi Gras to crawfish boils.Though he’sfrom Mississippi,hegraduated from Louisiana State Universityand has spenthis life “between Baton Rougeand theFlorida panhandle, andevery town in between.”

“That’show Ithink of where I’m from, honestly.”

over direct management of the program. Hall had previously led school nutrition programsinNew York andinBridgeport, Connecticut. Soon after coming to Baton Rouge in 2021, she beganoverseeing Child Nutrition from her perch in HR. Hall championed ashift to healthier mealoptions, the hiring of newchefs and serving weekend meals. She also revamped the salary schedule for Child Nutrition employees so they better reflected the job market. That increased pay further for many cafeteria workers, but also increased payrollcosts.

After McKnight washired, Cole reassigned Hall from HR to serve in thenew role of administrative directorofchild nutrition.Itwas ajob she heldfor seven months until she resigned in May to become an administrator at acharter school in BatonRouge.

actually what the difference is and…itshowed me it’sabig difference. It’s abig difference.” As afloor supervisor,hesaid he can seethe difference in productivity in himself andothers by theend of the day

“So, withthe fans, youcan do more,” Agbulu said.

Amid petitions from public advocacy groups and state attorneys general, the U.S. Occupational Safetyand Health Administration underthen-President Joe Biden began steps in 2021 to createnew rules forawideswath of businesses to protect an estimated 150 million workersfrom theriskof heat stress.

Theproposed ruleshavebeen opened to public hearings and several comment periods and remain in one under the Trump administration, which hasmoved quickly to unravel many Bideneraregulations to spur economic growth.

Theheatrules have drawn tens of thousands of comments, including from industry,farming, road construction andothers thatwant more flexibility on proposed temperature triggers that wouldrequireprotective measures.

OSHA officials said the agency is waiting on afinal comment period to end before deciding how to proceed.

David J. Mitchellcan be reached at dmitchell@ theadvocate.com.

Continued from page1B

Lawmakers raised payfor K-12teachers, boosted per-pupil spending at Louisiana’scolleges anduniversities, andraisedthe state spending limit to pay for these and other plans.

To getthe measures through, Salterbecame adept at managing egos and helping people who differed find common ground.

“Everybody liked Joe,” said then-House Clerk Alfred Speer “He never lost his temper.He neverlordedoverpeople.He wasjustakindand decent man.” Nonetheless, Salter could be tough when needed.

Then-state Rep. Troy Hebert found that out in 2004 after he toldSalter andBlancothathe would vote against their proposal to extend asales tax. Hebert thenwentahead with the no vote even after they warned him that his opposition jeopardized his chairmanship of the House Insurance Committee, especially since thetax vote could go either way.Salter andBlanco— like previous speakers andgovernors —expected their committee chairs to support them on tough votes.

Aday or two after he voted no, Hebert recalledSaturday,Salter called him into the speaker’soffice.

Salter told him he would remove Hebert as chairbut took no pleasure in doing so.

“It was very professional,” Hebert said. “Weremained friends.I’d buy you acheeseburger if anybodysaysanything bad about him.”

After term limits forced Salter from office in 2008, he spent four years working forthe state Department of Education, followedby12moreworkingas the number three officialatthe Secretary of State’sOffice.

“He wasagreat guy to settle things downand achieve acompromise. He was atroubleshooter,” said TomSchedler,who as secretary of state in 2012 made the initial hire.

Salter was inducted intothe Louisiana Political Hall of Fame in 2008.

He is survived by Bettye Salter,his wife of 60 years; their two children,Brantley and Mandy; and four grandchildren.

Funeral arrangements are pending.

Salter graduated from Northwestern State and became a teacher in Sabine andVernon parishes and later aprincipal at Florien High School.Afterward, he spent 17 years as the assistant superintendent of the Sabine Parish School System Salter wasasked to run foran open seat in the state House in 1986.

He went to his mother-in-law to ask her foradvice, his daughter Mandy Gibbs said Saturday “She said, ‘You need to do it because you’re an honest andupright person,’”Gibbs said. “You canshowall those people that a politician can have integrity.” Salter wonand ended up being seated on the House floor next to afreshman member from Lafayette: Kathleen Blanco.

Salterwas notthe obvious pick to be Blanco’schoicefor speaker in 2003, but she trusted him “Joe came withnoenemies to the job, which made it easier,” said Alario, who had been speaker twice himself by that point. “He had no one he had crossed. He was so easygoing.”

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LDEN DEEDS

TheGoldenDeeds awardisthe most prestigious awardinthe GreaterBaton Rougearea. Since itsinception in 1942,ithas been awardedtoonlyone outstanding recipienteachyearfor philanthropic servicetothe community. Theactions andservice of therecipientshavemadethe communityabetterplace to live andwork.

The Golden DeedsAward nominationsinclude thenine-parish BatonRouge Metropolitan Statistical Area whichcovers East BatonRouge,WestBaton Rouge, Iberville, Ascension, Livingston,St. Helena,EastFeliciana,WestFeliciana andPointeCoupee.

Explainwhy your nomineeshouldreceive theGoldenDeeds Award. Tell us in your own words about themostmemorable things they’vedoneinservice to thecommunity Tellushow theiractionstouched your heart; howtheymadeadifference Give specificexamples of what they’vedone. Maximumof750 words.

Nominations must meet specific requirements to be considered.

SAVE THEDATE: GOLDEN DEEDSAWARD

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 11

CROWNE PLAZAEXECUTIVE CENTER 4728 CONSTITUTIONAVE •BATON ROUGE Tickets$50 each •Group tables available To purchase tickets, contact RichardFlicker at flicker@premier.net or 225-931-1626

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Mail nomination letters to The Advocate attn: Ellen Ducote P.O. Box588 Baton Rouge, LA 70821 or email educote@theadvocate.com Honoring Philanthropy Since1942

RosarioMartina

Mike Rolfsen, M.D

RalphBender

FrankMcArthurII

.CharlesLamar III

Obituaries Beeson, Richard Dewey'R.D.'

Allchin, Robert F. 'RangerBob'

Retired 1st SGT RobertF "Ranger Bob" Allchin, age 88, passed awayonAugust 13,2025. He was born in Pemberton, NJ but was a resident of Greenwell Springs, LA. Robert was a US Army Airborne Ranger of 27 years, where he was decorated with many awards and citations to include 3purple hearts. He was also aJROTCinstructor for EBR Parish for 25 years. Robert will be missed by allwho know him. Robert is survived by his wife of 54 years PatriciaA Allchin, daughters; Helen R. Patin, husband Dee PatinofPride, LA, Sue Owens of Baton Rouge, LA, and Gayleen DCourtney, husband Jason Courtney of Lakeland, FL, son; Gregg Allchin, wife Candy Allchin of Cumming, GA, 10 grandchildren as well as 11 great grandchildren. Robert is preceded in death by his daughter, Carol A. Rodney. Relatives and friends are invited to the Chapel of Central Funeral Home, 9995 Hooper rd. Baton Rouge, LA 70818, on Sunday August 17, 2025, for avisitation beginning at 3:00PM until 7:00PM. Visitation will continue Monday August 18, 2025 at 11:00AMuntil the funeral service beginning at 12:00PM. Aburial is to follow at LA National Cemetery. The family would liketo extend aspecial thanks to his faithful nurses/caregivers; Lisa Crutcher, Brittany Schnebelen, Tami Tucker, and the Hospice Team from Clarity Hospice of BR.

Matthew EliBateman 25, aresidentofWilson, found hiseternal resting place with theLordonFri‐day,August15, 2025. Visi‐tationwillbeonMonday, August18, 2025, at Rock Churchand WorldMin‐istries,20810 PlankRd., Zachary,LA70791 from 9:30amuntil servicetime at12:00 noon conductedby Bro.Rocky Bezetand Bro. DonaldHartung.A 2:30 pm graveside servicewillfol‐low at StevensCemetery, 16269 Copperhead Rd., Tickfaw,LA70466. Matthew issurvivedbyhis wife of 3 years,RachelMelancon Bateman,parents,Dan R. and Lisa S. BatemanofWil‐son,sister, Rachel Sumrall ofFranklinton,brothers, OuachitaBateman of Pride and EthanBateman of Wil‐son,niece,nephew and manylovingaunts, uncles, cousins,and extended family. He is preceded in death by hispaternal grandparents, Rufusand AudreyBateman andma‐ternalgrandparents, Gilbert andAmy Stevens and cousin,David Stevens. Pallbearers will be Ross Melancon, JulieMelancon Chase,AndyChase,Jason Profitt,and Tanner Beneke Matthew proudlyservedin the United States Marine Corps.HeworkedasanIT Specialistwhere he found joy in hisworkassisting others, workingwithcom‐puter technologies,and studyingadvancedcyber security. He lovedexplor‐ing theoutdoorsincluding fly fishing, target shooting, and hiking.Matthew loved his pets,Grace,Pepper, and Leo. He wasa devoted and loving husband to his wife. He wasa trustworthy and caring friend and brother to many.Witha generousheart,hewent out of hisway to selflessly serve others.Matthew touched many liveswith his kind wordsand actions, andhewillbemissed

Richard "R.D." Dewey Beeson, aresident of Denham Springs,LA, passed awayonAugust 14, 2025, at the ageof68, after a battle with cancer.Born on August 5, 1957,R.D. was gifted with the kind of charm that couldtalk a fish into jumpinginthe boat or adeerinto standing still. He spent his life in the great outdoors,where he lovedtohunt and fish with his family thatloved him dearly.Hewas amasterwelderand worked for over 30 yearsatBASF. He was amember of the Ironworkers Local 623. Known for his big personality, his lovefor his family, dancing,and bluegrassmusic, R.D. is survived by his wife of 45 years, Judy Beeson; six children,Staci Rozas (Dave), Nikki Jones(Josh), Ryan Beeson (Danielle), AshlieReulet (Cody), Adam Beeson (Brittany),and Jacob Beeson; stepsiblings, Ricky Centineo(Lynn) and BridgettLeger (Todd). He wasa proudPaw Pawto12 grandchildren. He is precededindeath by hisfatherand mother, Joseph and Lela Centineo and stepbrother, Doug Centineo. Visitationwill be held Wednesday, August 20, 2025, at Resthaven Funeral Home,11817 Jefferson Hwy Baton Rouge,LA 70816, from 9:30 am until funeral service at 11:00 am, conducted by Pastor Timmy Straight. Burial at Resthaven willfollow. Pallbearers willbeDave Rozas,Josh Jones, Cody Reulet, Darrell Bryant, Hector Azuara,and Deven Azuara.Honorary pallbearerswillbehis 7grandsons. The family kindly asks that guests dress casuallyand/ or wear your favorite camo for R.D.

CharlesAlbertBrou passedawaypeacefully on Sunday, August 10,2025, at the ageof91inthe family homehis grandfatherbuilt inVacherie, LA.Toall who knewhim,Charlie wasa welcoming,friendlyperson who nevermet astranger. Heloved meetingnew peo‐ple andlearningtheir sto‐ries. Hisgreatestjoy was being with familyand friends.Pépère, as he was affectionatelycalled, was always“checking on his chickens” no matter where theywereinthe world. An excellent cook,Charlie took great prideand plea‐sureinplanningand preparing deliciousmeals for get-togethers, passing onhis recipestohis kids and grandkids. It wasvery important to himtobethe quintessentialhost, which heabsolutelywas.Charlie was born on May3,1934,in Edgard, LA,where he and his family liveduntil his motherand sister passed. His father broughthim and his threebrotherstolive withhis aunts, uncle,and grandparentsinthe house his grandfatherbuilt in 1900, which is still standing today.His father passed awaywhenhewas 16.Hav‐ing played baseball at LSU for ashort time as a pitcher,hewas abig fan and lovedtowatch the baseballand football games whenhecould.In 1953, at theage of 19,Char‐lie volunteeredfor the United States Navy,where hetraveledthe world. Five years later, in 1958, his grandparentsand uncle passedaway, so he retired fromthe Navy to return to the family home to care for his aunts. In 1961, Charlie married theloveofhis life, PatriciaGuthrie.Together, theybuilt astrongand lov‐ing partnershipthatlasted 64years,raising four chil‐drenand creating ahome filledwithlaughter, good

food,music,and faith

Their marriage wasthe foundationofafamilythat grewtoinclude 13 grand‐childrenand 11 greatgrandchildren,all of whom brought Charlieimmense pride andjoy.Uponreturn‐ing from theNavy, he began workingatthe Bank ofVacherie(now1st Amer‐icanBank),where he workedfor over 20 years. Heleftthe bank to starthis own business with his sons, cleaning barges Eventually, he found his retirement job” at Foxy’s Healthand RacquetClubin Baton Rouge, where he workedasa greeter well intohis 80s. This jobwas a perfect fitfor him, as he met andbecamea part of somanypeople’slives.He loved it!A devout Catholic, Charlie wasa member of St. Philip Catholic Church, where he served as a memberofSt. Matthew’s Guild andwas alector. Charlie also hada creative side. Thefactthathewas anartistwas notwellknown, butthe fewpieces heproducedwerebeauti‐ful.Healsoplayedtrumpet and ukuleleand loved music,especiallyDixieland jazz. He lovedtodance and was particularly good at jitterbugging!Charlie is survivedbyhis beloved wife, Patricia GuthrieBrou; daughters LindaDupuy (Birnie)and Kathleen “Keeny” Olinde (Brad); and his sons Joseph Brou (Ali‐son)and Steven Brou;his 13grandchildren Jeanne Wilderotter(Eric), Ben‐jamin Dupuy(JulieRam‐sauer), KevinDupuy,Kim‐berly Keller(Leon), Patrick Brou(Emily),DanielleBrou (WilliamBankhead),So‐phieBrou(Earl Wheeler), SamuelBrou, Scarlett Brou, Shepard Brou,RossOlinde, AlexOlinde, DevinOlinde; and great-grandchildren MadelineWilderotter Christian Wilderotter, Ada‐lineKeller, Daphne Keller, MaryBrou, CharlesBrou, Gabriel Brou,Jeremiah Johnson,Goddess Hender‐son,EarlWheeler,and Mariana Wheeler;in-laws and numerous Godchil‐dren, nieces andnephews Charlie wasprecededin death by mother Olga Burch Brou,fatherAmedee Brou, sister Joyce, and brothersJoseph, Amedee, and Rev. Francis(Buddy) Brou, SJ.Visitationwillbe heldonTuesday,August 19, 2025, from 11:30 until massofChristian Burial at 1:00p.m., celebrated by Rev.MikeO’RourkeatSt. PhilipCatholicChurch in Vacherie, LA.Burialtofol‐low at St.Johnthe Baptist Catholic Church in Edgard, LA. Alivestreamofthe ser‐vicewillbebroadcast at YouTube.com/@canecathol In lieu of flowers, dona‐tions canbemadeto Grand Coteau Retreats at www.gcretreats.org/ donate.Charlie,aka Pépère, will be greatly missedbyall andwillcon‐tinue to live in ourhearts and mindsthrough our cherished memories for‐ever.

Callegari, Ronald Patrick Ronald Patrick Callegari (Ronnie), 84, passedaway on the evening of Friday, August 8th, 2025 with his family by his side. Ronnie was bornonDecember 4th, 1940 to Bascom and Stella Callegari.Hewas anative of Cottonport, LA, and a long-timeresident of New Roads, LA,where he raised afamily,and workedasa Medical Technologist,and theLaboratoryManager, at PointeCoupee General Hospitalfor nearly 50 years. Aboveall else, Ronnieor"Patch", as many of hisfriendsand relatives knew him, was aman that took greatprideincaring forhis family.Nomatter thesituation, or how difficultlife might havebeenat times, he always made certain, to theday of his death, that his family was lovedand accepted, and that they always had everything they needed.He lovedtime withfamily and friends, time with hisdogs, Wendy and Penelope, watching oldwesterns and science fiction movies on television, and listening to Doo-Wop music on YouTube. Ronnie is survivedby his son, Ron, and wife Lori, daughter-in-law,Laurie Hogan Callegari, four stepgrandchildren, Bryce, Matthew, Hannah, and Emma, several nieces and nephews, and his dog Penelope.Heispreceded in death by his parents Bascom and Stella Callegari,two siblings, Al and Arthur Callegari, his son, JasonScott Callegari, his wife of 49 years, Marie RuthCallegari, and hisdog, Wendy. Perrequest of the deceased, serviceswillbe held privately with family onlyinattendance.

"Let us never consider ourselves finished nurses. We must be learningall of our lives."-Florence Nightingale. Rosalyn Sue Cordell passed away on Friday,August 8, 2025 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana afterher battle with Parkinson's. She wasbornon November 23, 1944 in Bauxite, Arkansas to Herbert Williamand Dorothy Dunmire Cordell; sheenjoyed saying that she was brought by theturkey, but not by thestork! She graduated from Little Rock Central High School in 1962 and from theUniversity of Arkansas in Fayetteville with aBachelor of Science in Business Administrationin1966. She married Dexter Leake RollinsofDallasand moved to Baton Rouge, Louisiana in 1969. Rosalyn made agracious homefor their twosons,serving as Cub Scout denmother part timesubstitute teacher, and realtor. Hercallingtohealthcare ultimatelyled her back to her studies, graduating from Southeastern Louisiana University in 1987 with aBachelor of Science in Nursing. She then embarked on afulfilling career in the Surgical Intensive Care UnitofOur Lady of the Lake Hospital and at Woman'sHospital Known affectionatelyas "Hurricane Roz,"her strength and caringnature were memorable. Beyond herworkinthe medical profession, Rosalyn'screative outlet wasthrough her catering company, "Cakes by Roz,"knownfor her specialtyrum cake.

Rosalyn served in the Junior League of Baton Rouge, on the Vestry of St Luke's Episcopal Church, and as aLay Eucharistic Minister at St. JamesEpiscopalChurch. She loved to entertain at her home, and shetraveled widely.She found immense joyinplayingtennis at BocageRacquet Club and in learning to scuba dive.

Rosalynissurvived by her sisters Myrlene Tedford (Robert)and Karen Cordell, bothofBenton, Arkansas; her brother Herbert WilliamCordell (Becca) of Lousiville, Colorado; her sonDavid Cordell Rollins(Julie)ofBaton Rouge; her sonMichael Dexter RollinsofMontreal Canada; her granddaughters SophieRae Loubiere Rollinsand LillianSteele RollinsofBatonRouge; her granddaughter Lila Rose RollinsofWestwood, Kansas; and many beloved nieces and nephews, Robin Tedford Perry (Roger), Charleen Tedford Francis (Michael), Mark Rollins Olson(Tisha), Will Cordell, andAlex Cordell (Linsey).

Thefamily would liketo extendheartfelt gratitude to Carmen Darensbourg, R.N.,and Kristy Mays,YorchaLeatherman, and Jeannette Ruffin,the gentlest and most patient caregivers. They also wish to express deep gratitude to theresidentsand staffof theWilliamsburg Senior Living Community fortheir supportover the past years.

Visitationwill be at 10:00 am on Friday,August 22, 2025 at St. JamesEpiscopalChurch in Baton Rouge, followedbya service and reception at 11:00 am.Anadditional receptionwill be heldat4:00 pm at Williamsburg Senior LivingCommunity. In lieu of flowers, donations maybe made to theBauxite Historical Association and Museum:6707 Benton St., Bauxite,AR72011.

Howtoplace an Obituary Notice Howtoplace a Memorial Ad

Ellen Marie Gauthier, age 55, of Central, Louisiana, passed away peacefully on August 4, 2025. Born on April 11, 1970, in Baker, Louisiana, Ellen wasknown for herspirit, kind heart, andunwaveringlove for herfamily.

Ellen brought joyand energy wherever she went Shewas an animated and livelypresence, witha quickwit and acontagious laugh that couldbrighten even the dullest day. Whethershe wastelling a story, making someone smile, or simply enjoying time with lovedones, Ellen'svibrantpersonality left alastingimpression on everyoneshe met.

Shehad adeep affection for animals and alifelong habit of reading the newspaper, somethingshe especially cherished doing alongside herparents.

Ellen is survived by her beloveddaughter, Kaitlynn Gauthier; herdevoted mother, Carolyn Gauthier; herbrother,BarryGauthier;nieces Amber Barrett andLauren Barber; nephewsJacob Gauthier andBryceGauthier;and many extendedfamily members whowill miss herdearly

Sheispreceded in death by herfather,James Bruce Gauthier; hersister,Mona G. Barber;her sister-inlaw,AngelaGauthier; and herniece, Claire Gauthier. Visitation will be on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, at St.Alphonsus Catholic Church,14040 Greenwell Springs Rd, from 10:30am untilMemorialMass at 11:30am.

Camille Gustafson and Jessica Gustafson;and his cousin Mike Coney. He waspreceded in death by hisparents, Harry Sr and Ruth,and hisson Eric Gus graduatedfromCor Jesu high school in 1957 and attendedthe University of Louisiana at Lafayette, graduating with aBSin1962. He earneda D.M.D.fromAlabama School of Dentistry in 1966 and enteredthe U.S. Air Forcewhere he served 2 years as aDental Officer Following militaryservice Gus and Jan returned to NewOrleans andopeneda dental practice which spanned 35 years. He was an active member of the American Dental Association andthe New OrleansDental Society. AMass of Christian burial will be held on Sat, August 30, at St Catherine of Siena, Metairie, LA with visitation 10-11am; mass at 11am. Intermentwill be private

CoachAllenPaul Hymel,88, enteredeternal restpeacefullyonTuesday, August12, 2025 sur‐rounded by hisfamilywho hegreatly lovedand adored. He wasbornon April 12, 1937 andwas bap‐tized in hishometownof Vacherie. As adevoted Catholic andparishioner of St. Philip,heregularly at‐tendedmassand faithfully lit candlestomemorialize others. Allengraduated fromSt. JamesHighSchool in1955, Southwestern Louisiana Institute(ULL) in 1959, andlater earned his Master’sdegreefromLSU His love forour countryled him to serveinthe Army NationalGuard andwas honorably discharged after 3 yearsofservice with badgesawarded in Marks‐man andSharpshooter.For thirtyyears,hewas amath teacher andcoach of foot‐balland trackinSt. John the Baptistand St.James Parishschools,aswellasa member of theLouisiana Gustafson Jr., Dr. Harry P. Dr.Harry P. "Gus" Gustafson, Jr.passed away on Saturday, July 26, 2025, at age 85 in Mandeville, Louisiana. He is survived by hiswife of 58 years, Jan; childrenLoriLundgren (Stephen)and Todd; brother RonaldGustafson; grandchildrenCaroline, Abigail, Philip, Andrew, andCharlotteLundgren,

Cordell, Rosalyn Sue

Gauthier, EllenMarie

Cupit, Mary Brandon G.

Hymel, AllenPaul

Bateman, Matthew Eli

Brou,Charles Albert

High School CoachesAsso‐ciation.In2022, “Coach was inducted into theSt. James High School Hall of Fame. He wasa charter memberand treasurerof the St.PhilipHunting Club and aKnights of Columbus 3rd Degree Knight.Inhis freetime, he enjoyedgar‐dening, beinga crawfish fishermanand farmer, and hunting. Allenenjoyed watchingand attending LSU sporting events,rarely missing LSUgames.Family was thecenterofhis life Heloved Cajundancing withhis wife and“Honey” of67years,RoseMarie Gravois Hymel. “Daddy treasured guidinghis chil‐dren, Elaine (Spuddy) Faucheux, Dennis (Lisa) Hymel,Sr.,Donna Viator, and Christie (Marshall) Crooks. “Paw Paw” spoiled his tengrandchildren Lind‐say (Nick) Cambre,Erin (Michael) Becnel,Dennis (Traci) Hymel, Jr., Heather Faucheux, Mandy(Carson) Allen,Jessica (Mason) Case, Erik andKelsieVia‐tor,AllenPauland Reecie Crooksand adored histen great-grandchildren Cruz Kash, andSlade Cambre, Malcolm andJoelBecnel, Genivieve andMartin Hymel,Grahamand Oliver Allen,and Vivian Case.He sharedhis faith with his brothersand in-lawsGer‐ard (Clothilde)Hymel and Nolan (Eleanor)Hymel,the lateFrank Hymel(Alice Hymel), Linda(thelate Bean) Chenier, FJ (the late Iris)Loup, Rosalie(thelate Carol)Hymel,Aubrey (Mary Ellen) Gravois, Eu‐gene(Marie) Gravois, Lynn (thelateErnest) Gravois, Chip(Aimee) Simon, and Maria (the late Dean) Gravois.“UncleAllen”was cherished by allofhis niecesand nephews. Allen isprecededindeath by parents,Francis andVa‐lerie Hymel, Sr;son-in-law MarkDouglas Viator,and in-laws,Antoine andFlo‐rence Gravois. Visitation willbeatSt. Philip Catholic Church in Vacherie on Tuesday,August19, 2025 from6:00-9:00 p.m. and Wednesday,August20, 2025 from 9:00-10:45 a.m. followedbya FuneralMass at11:00 a.m. AChristian BurialwillfollowatOur LadyofPeace Cemetery Pallbearers will be Dennis Hymel,Jr.,Michael Becnel, NickCambre, Carson Allen, Mason Case,ErikViator, Allen Paul Crooks, Cruz Cambre, andRydellMalan‐con.Honorarypallbearers include former playersand members of theSt. Philip Hunting Club.Inlieuof flowers, mass intentions are preferred. Alivestream ofthe servicewillbe broadcast on youtube. com/canecatholics.Allen heldontothese words throughouthis life and spoke them in his final days. “I hold it true, whate’erbefall; Ifeel it, whenI sorrow most;“tis bettertohaveloved and lostthennever to have loved at all.”Hewillbe missedtremendouslyby all

Essie Jones enteredinto her eternal rest on July 29, 2025inKansas City, MO. She was anative of and devoted church member of Little Rock Baptist Church in Slaughter, LA for over80 years and aresident of Baton Rouge. Ms. Jones never met astranger and will be loved and missed by multitude of family and friends. She was preceded in death by her daughters Lela J. Hayes, and Linda J. Watkins.She leaves to cherish her memory a daughter, Brenda J. Harris (George) .Four Grandchildren, Cedric Hayes (Robin), Marceo Hayes (Becky), Amber Hamilton (Fred) and Cassie Harris. fivegreatgrand children, six greatgreat grandchildren anda host of many other relatives and friends.

was square dancingpredominantlyatOzone Squares, Tammany Twirlers, Y-Knots, andCasualCorners. Ray also enjoyedworking in his yard and garden.Ray was known for his baking and loved sharing it with everyone. Above all, he was a family man who dearly loved his family time. Ray willbegreatly missed by allthat loved him. Ray is survivedbyhis sons, Donovan Juneau (Roxie) and John Juneau; special friend, Kristin White; brother,CarlJuneau (Shirley); sister-in-law, CarolynBonfanti; brotherin-law, Sonny LeJeune (Margaret); grandchildren Daniel Juneau (Mechelle) and Krystal Juneau; greatgrandchildren, Aiden Edwards, Abby Juneau, Cameron Juneau, and Avalea Thomas. Ray is precededindeath by his wife,SharleenL Juneau; parents, JohnsonJ Juneau and Rosa Guillory Juneau; sisters, Sarita Rosa Coughlinand Jeanie Theriot; and infant brother, John Juneau In lieuofflowers, please donatetoSt. Jude Children'sResearch Hospital inhonorofRay Juneau https://www.stjude.org/do nate/donate-t o-stjude.html

Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend the visitation at Brandon G. Thompson Funeral Home at 12012Hwy 190 W Hammond, LA 70401on Wednesday,August 20, 2025,from 6:00 p.m.- 8:00 p.m., visitation willfollow tothe next morning on Thursday, August 21, 2025, from 8:00 a.m. until the funeral service at 9:00 a.m. officiated by Reverend Maggie Sullivan. Interment willbeat2:00 p.m. at St. FrancesDeSales Cemetery in Echo, Louisiana to be officiated by Father Dwight DeJesus.

Joseph Oliver “Joe Major,Jr.,a native of New Roads,LA, anda longtime residentofFordoche, LA, passedawaypeacefullyat his home on Thursday,Au‐gust7,2025, at theage of 80. Joehad a long career as a nationally acclaimed chefand restaurant owner, mostnotably as the founder of Joe’s“Dreyfus Store”RestaurantinLivo‐nia,LA, which he andhis wifeDiane opened in 1988 Growing up on thebanks of the FalseRiver,Joe had happy memories of fishing, hunting, playingwithhis siblings, cousins, and friends,and learning how tocook at theage of five at the kneesofhis parents. Joe wasa devotedhus‐band, son, brotherand uncle.Hewas a graduate ofCatholicHighSchool in New Roads, LA,and at‐tendedLSU in BatonRouge from1963-1966. He served inthe U.S. Army National Guard from 1966-1972. His culinarycareerincluded the LouisianaPurchase RestaurantinMetairie, LA (which he co-founded with his brotherJohnand friend, thelateTommy Donham),and thePetro‐leumClubinNew Orleans. Tiringofbig city life,Joe and Dianemoved to For‐doche,LA, andopenedthe Red Barn Café in Livoniain 1987, followed by theopen‐ing of Joe’s“DreyfusStore” Restaurant in 1988. His greatestpassionsinlife werecookingfor family friends,customers,and the guys at thehunting club, fishinginGrand Isle, attending horseraces,his beloved pets andenjoying the simple countrylifein Fordoche. He will be re‐memberedfor hiskind‐ness, generosity,and uniquesense of humor.He was amentortomany young people,particularly inthe restaurant business Heissurvivedbyhis loving wifeof42years,Diane Cal‐bertMajor;brother,John Major (Louise);sister, Gail Major;sister, RitaMajor; brother,David Major (Fran); belovedniecesand nephews,great nieces and great nephews, anda spe‐cialfamilyfriend, Johanna Trees Ellison. He waspre‐ceded in deathbyhis fa‐ther, Joseph Oliver Major, Sr.;mother, Rita Loup Major;brother,Robert Major;and infant sister, Giselle Major. Thefamily extends theirsincere thankstoDr. Donald Doucet, Dr.AshleyBorde‐lon,Amy Picard andthe staff of FreseniusDialysis Center, Pointe Coupee Hos‐pice, Pointe Coupee Home‐bound Health andPointe CoupeeGeneral Hospital.A privatememorialservice

will be held at alater date In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions maybe madetothe LSUSchool of VeterinaryMedicine, checksmay be made payable to LSUFoundation, 3796 NicholsonDr, Baton Rouge,LA70802 or online atwww.lsufoundation.org/ give.

McKenzie, William Daniel'Willie'

William "Willie"Daniel McKenzie,a loving and devotedhusband, father, son, brother, uncle and friend to all, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family and friends at Houston MethodistHospitalin Texas on Sunday, August 10, 2025, at theage of 43. He was aformerpipefitter foreman withTurner Industries, residentofBrusly and nativeofAddis, LA Visitation willbeheldat The Chapel BR at LSUon Monday, August 18, 2025, from 10am until religious services at 12pm, conducted by PastorAbram Ebersohn. Interment willfollow at Grace Memorial Park, Plaquemine. Willie is survivedbyhis wife of 17 years and highschool sweetheart,Emily Louis McKenzie; daughters, Mia Grace, OliviaKate,and Emma Rose McKenzie;parents, Danny and PollyTullier McKenzie;siblings, Katie and Jonny McKenzie; father and mother-in-law, David andBonita Adkins Louis; brothers-in-law, Corey Louis and fiancé Farah Nelson, and Casey Louis and wife Lindsay; niece and nephews, Mack Williams, Brody and Molly Louis; best friend and confidant,Darren Hernandez; grandfather and grandmother-in-law, Nickand Nettie Ann GentileLouis; numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.Preceded in death by grandparents, Fermin, Jr. "Pedoe" and Norma Ann Hebert Tullier, Merlin,Jr. and LeonaAllemond McKenzie;and grandfather and grandmother-in-law, Georgeand TheresaWaltonAdkins. Pallbearers willbeJonny McKenzie, Corey and CaseyLouis, Darren Hernandez, Travis Morrisand Brennan Landry. Honorary pallbearers willbeGeorge, Donny,Michael and Justin Tullier. Willie was a2001 graduateofBruslyHigh School where he played footballand received alldistrict honors as an offensive lineman. In his senior year, he was an individual StateChampionwrestler in his weight class and received an athleticscholarship to MissouriValley College.Willie then attended Southeastern wherehe graduated with abachelor'sdegree in history with aminorinsociology.He was an avid outdoorsman who lovedfishing and duck hunting.Willie had apassionfor training his hunting dog, Abby. He was a deep thinker,philosopher and enjoyed lengthy conversation withhis oldest daughter Mia, who he also lovedtowatch dance. Willie passed down his love of theoutdoorstohis middle daughter Olivia, who he mentored in competition shooting in 4-H. He passed on his witty sense of humor to his youngest daughter Emma, who he enjoyed sharing stories with from his youth. Later in his life Willie found a passionfor cooking and gardening, especially growing tomatoes. Willie was aselfless, humble and dedicatedfamily man; he was theultimate girl dadand everything he did was for his wife and daughters. Willie never let his healthbattles hinder his spirit,nor didheever complain. He willbegreatly missedbyany and everyone who had thehonor and privilege of knowing him. Hislegacy will live on throughthe love he gave to his wife and daughters, as well as "Willie's Law,"a piece of legislationpassed throughthe efforts of Senator Caleb Kleinpeter. Willie's Law increases organ donation awareness by providingthe opportunitytobecomeanorgan donorwhen purchasing a Louisiana hunting or fishing license. Althoughour heartsare broken, our faith in God reassures us that this is not goodbye, it's see youlater. Special thankstoHouston Methodist Hospitaldoctors and staff, Hector withNeal

Funeral Home in Cleveland, TX and Michelle with Wilbert Funeral Home for their kindness, compassion and care. "I have fought thegoodfight,I havefinishedthe race, I have kept thefaith."2 Timothy 4:7. Please share memories online at www.wilbertservices.com.

Newsham LTC U.S.Army (Ret),Thomas D. 'Tommy'

Tommy Newsham passed to his heavenly reward on the morning of Monday, August 11, 2025, at theBaton RougeRehab Hospital. During his final monthhewas visitedby oldand dear friendsand family at home, and at the hospital. He trulyappreciated thetime he was able to share love and special memories with all he deeply cared for. Nothing was moreimportant then spending timewithhis family whether it was on camping tripsfromScotland to Greece with his wife, his teenagedaughters or just beingathome. He continued traveling with his wife until health issuesmadeittoo difficult. Hispassion was always finding somethingnew to study and to addtotheir many varied collections. Theseranged from Baltimore stoneware to Aladdin lamps, to ChesapeakeBay decoys, to Roman and Greek artifacts and ancient coins, collected during their many assignments and travels. He never stopped reading whatever hiscurrent interest, and especially enjoyed talking with others with similar passions. Tommy always had abookofwordpuzzles alongwitha historical book to complete next to his chair. Being atrue Louisianan, watching New Orleans Saints, LSUfootball and SEC football gamesonTVwere oneof his favorite ways to spend his weekend. Tommy was born to GeorgeD.Newsham and LeviaLiddell Newsham in Baton Rouge, LA,onMarch 29, 1939. He was a1957 graduateofBatonRouge HighSchool and earneda BS degree from LSU. He also held an MA degree from the University of Southern California and an MBA degree from Boston University. He served eight years in the Reserve and LA Army National Guard and over twenty-sixyears in the Regular Army servingin theEngineer Branch with twodetails to theGeneral Staff. His Army career assignments took him to Germany, Vietnam, Belgium, The Netherlands, Korea, Turkey and several places in theUStoincludeFt. Leavenworth, Ft.Belvoir, NewOrleans and thePentagon. Hislast assignment was as theDeputy Commander to theLowerMississippi Valley Engineer Division at Vicksburg,MS, where he retiredin1991. His decorations includethe Legion of Merit, Bronze Star (2OLC), Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Army MSM Cross of Gallantry/Palm, and theKorean Defense Medal.He

served with the15th Combat Engineer Battalion,9th InfantryDivision in RVN from 1968-69. Hismost memorable Army experience was commanding a combat engineercompany, of 180 great soldierswhich made everyday in theRVN amemorable experience.A very special trip for him wasareturntriptoVietnamwith fellowAmerican militaryretires wherethey were abletomeetformer militaryfromthe South Vietnamese army as well as theirformer enemies from thenorth. After his Army service career he served as theExecutive Director of theRed RiverValleyAssociation in Shreveport,LA, andVice President of GEC, Inc. in Baton Rouge.Upon returningto hishometown of Baton Rouge,hefirst returned to hischildhood church of St Aloysius before moving to theparish of Most Blessed Sacrament Church.Hewas amember of TheSociety of American Engineers, Army EngineerAssociation,and Association of theU.S. Army 9th InfantryDiv.Association,15Engr. Bn.Association,American Legion,Military OfficersAssociation of America, VFW, Army HistoricalAssociation,D-Day Museum, The St.JohnLiddellSons of the Confederacyand The Sons of theAmerican Revolution.Tommy is survivedby hiswife of 66 years, his high school sweetheart, ShirleyBankston;daughters, Amy Murphy (Pete), Cathleen Newsham, and Jennifer Keeler (Dr. Tim Keeler); grandchildren, Blake Scroggs (Genny), Shelby Keeler Booth (Jason), Andrew Keeler (Theresa), Daisy Korpics, andRuby Korpics; greatgrandchildren, Sari, Uriah, Micah,and EzraScroggs; andbrother,Edward Newsham. He is preceded in death by his mother, Levia LiddellNewsham; his father,George Dewey Newsham; and hisbrother,Liddell Newsham. Visitation will be at Greenoaks Funeral Home, 9595 Florida Blvd., Baton Rouge,LA, on Monday, August 18, 2025, from 12pm untilthe time of funeralservicesat2pm. Burial will immediatelyfollow at Greenoaks Memorial Park.

MollyBain(White) Nicosia-nicknames “Smi‐ley Molly”,“RiverRat”, Mama O’Molly”,a Retired AdministrativeLaw Judge (Unemployment Insurance, Louisiana BoardofReview. Molly wasbornonJune 22 1956, in BatonRouge,LA, the daughter of Anne Woolfolk White“Mom-Oh and Robert S. White“BobOh”.ThoughMolly wasthe onlychild of Anne andBob, she hadanolder “half” sis‐ter,Janie (White)Stewart and “half” brother, Mark White. Mollywas 69 when she passedawayonSun‐day,August10, 2025. Alife‐longresidentofEastBaton Rouge Parish,Molly last resided in Zachary, LA Molly graduatedfromUni‐versity High (LSU Labora‐torySchool), Classof1974 In 1979, shereceivedher bachelor’sdegreeinsec‐ondaryeducation (speech) fromLSU.She completed numerous post graduate

continuing education courses throughout her20 plusyears of employment withLouisiana Department ofLabor.Molly received a certificate forsuccessful completionofthe Fair Hearing course at theNa‐tionalJudicialCollege in Reno, NV.OnJanuary 7, 1978, Mollymarried Gre‐goryJosephNicosia,the loveofher life,and soul mate. On April24, 1987, Molly andGregwelcomed their only child, Daniel Christopher Nicosia. Tragi‐cally,23-year-old Daniel precededbothparents in death,December8,2010 Molly is survived by her beloved anddevoted hus‐band, GregoryJ.Nicosia, half”sister, Janie(White) Stewart and“half”brother, MarkWhite,sister-in-law, LisaNicosia Landry and the late Lynn A. Landry,Sr., nephews,LynnA.Landry, Jr. andhis wife,Codiand their daughter,LucyMae and Landon A. Landry,and other familyand friends. Molly wasa “peopleper‐son”her entire life.She loved to talk,sing, laugh and have fun. Shehad a verystrongfaith in God thatsustained herthrough life’sstruggles.She wasa lovingand devotedwife and mother to Greg and Daniel. Shewas aloyal and compassionate friend who touched many lives. The daughterand mother of talentedartists,Molly used her creativity to “paint pic‐tures with words.”Manyof her poemsand stories werepublished andsome wereevenillustrated by her son, Daniel.Despite suffering theindescribable grief of thedeath of her onlyson at age23, Molly consideredherself blessed for everymomentas Daniel’smother. He was truly our“MiracleBoy”. Now Mollyhas left this world andrejoinedher Lordand herPrecious Daniel. So do notweep for Molly.She is happy, ful‐filled andatpeace.“We’re goin’ fishin’, Mom! Getyer pole!”Amen! That’s a keeper!Visitationat Charlet FuneralHome, Zachary on Monday,Au‐gust18, 2025 from 11 am until serviceat1 pm.Share sympathies, condolences, and memories at www.Cha rletFuneralHome.com

Blanchard Savoie passedaway on Monday, July 28, 2025 after along illness. Linda never forgot: she remembered names, birthdays, whereyou went to school, whoyourparents were,thatlast vacation you went on.She remembereditall.And in doing so, she never letthe peopleinher life forget how importanttheywereto her. Shewill be missed. Shewas 77. Anative of Sulphur, Louisiana, Linda wasa graduate of Northwestern State University. Shespent hercareerinpublicservice with theState of Louisiana, including the Department of Family& ChildrenServicesand Office of Public Health, whereshe wrote andreviewedpolicy and developed areputationas adedicated andprofes-

MajorJr.,Joseph Oliver 'Joe

Savoie, Linda Blanchard

Linda

Nicosia, MollyBainWhite

Jones, Essie

Juneau, Ray

Ray Juneau, at the age of 83, peacefully passed away surroundedbyhis loving family on August13, 2025. His favorite pastime

OPINION

OUR VIEWS

Mississippi River issues need focused attention When

Reporting by this newspaper’sMike Smith reminds us that for the health and economy of Louisiana, the single biggest imperative is to keep the Mississippi River on course. Federal and state officials, led by Louisianan U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson and Majority Leader Steve Scalise, should prioritize Mississippi River planning and projects before it’stoo late. They should consider the plea of abipartisan group of lawmakers led by Rep. Troy Carter,D-New Orleans and Mississippi Republican Rep. Mike Ezell. The group is asking the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development to provide at least $7.5 million for the next phase of a now-stalled federal study of the operations and needs of the lower Mississippi. Smith’sAug. 7report focused on the Old River Control Structures, near Ferriday in east-central Louisiana, which keep the river from shifting its main flow away from itscurrent course and to the Atchafalaya River basin instead. Almost overwhelmed in the massive flood of 1973 that caused one of the structure’s walls to collapse, Old River Control faces increasing pressures —literally from rising water,and figuratively from increasingly conflicting needs of downstream communities.

Old River Control is maintained by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers —as is theentire river’slevee systemand itslocks and spillways —which is why the first responsibility is that of federal officials.

As we editorialized in June, it is disturbing that the Trump administration has halted the comprehensive $25 million Corps study,mentioned earlier,ofthe lower Mississippi. In the whole scope of the federal budget,that amount is apittance. Moreover,the study is like preventative medicine.Byspending alittlenow, the country could avoid much larger costsin the future from acatastrophic river failure. Frankly,with this state boasting the two most powerful members in all of the House of Representatives, namelyJohnson and Scalise, there’snogood reason thestudy should remain in limbo. The information from the study can, in the long run, save so much money and potentially so many lives, that the Trump administration should see it as wise economic stewardship rather than as an item for the chopping block The study should be restarted.

State officials also needtopay close attention and prepare for the worst. If there does occur acalamitous failure of OldRiverControl (or of another part of the river-management system), the failure would pose an existential threat to communities throughoutsouthern Louisiana. State officials should already have in hand a comprehensive, fast-acting plan for evacuation of people and for whatever mitigation of damage canbeeffectuated. Andthe plan should be well-publicized.

With proper study and planning, theMighty Mississippi need not bring aflood of destruction, but instead should remain, for state and nation, an ever-continuing lifeblood.

LETTERSTOTHE EDITOR ARE WELCOME. HERE AREOUR

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

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

As President Donald Trump tries to “stop thekilling” in Russiaand Ukraine, what is being done to stop school shootings in America as millions of children begin returning to theirschools?

In my school days, we had two drills —fire drills and hiding under desks in caseof nuclear war.Now there are drills about what children should do if an active shooter is in their school.

nearly 40 yearsofschool violence found that roughly three-quarters of school shooters’ guns camefromthe home of aparent or close relative. An estimated 4.6million American children live in households withatleast oneloaded and unlocked firearm, according to areport published in 2022 in the Journal of the American Medical Association.

According to theAmerican College of Surgeons, there have been more than 2,000 school shootings in theU.S. since 1970, including K-12 grades andcollege campuses. The number of school shootings has more than doubled in thepast decade, with 2022 being one of the deadliest years on record

Some other facts: The victims have been predominantly children and the perpetrators mostlyWhite. Handguns have been thepreferred weapon. The incidentshave not been limited to a particular region but evenly distributed acrossthe country

AU.S. Secret Service analysis of

One of the ongoing themes in the lettersweget is the nature of our democracy itself What do ourfounding documents really mean? What truths do we hold to be selfevident? How are we living up to the idealsthatthis nation was founded upon? Even basicphrasesthatmost of us learnedincivicsclass, such as “separation of church and state,” “checks and balances” and “judicial review” are nowsubject to raging debates.

Schools have implemented new strategies to thwart people with guns gaining entry into school buildings and classrooms, but givenhow some have eluded those strategiesit appears to be less than100% effective.

Preventive measures include identification badges thatallow entry intothe school building, assessment teams to measure the safety level of individual schools andmental health supportfor students andstaff. On that lastpoint, how many times have we heard from students who tell us after ashooting they suspected something was wrong with their classmate, or they heard him making threats. Studentsneed to be encouraged to say

something to teachers or administrators if theysee or hear something. More emphasis on bullying would also help. If parents have achild who is depressed, angry or who spends too much time obsessing about firearms, theycan do more to head offviolence andstopbeing in denial. An interventionmight be held with them, police andmentalhealth experts. It is astain on America that police carsare parkedoutside of schools todayand armed guards are outside and inside many churches. Back to school usedtobefun formostofus. Now,just as with policeofficers who go offtoworkeachday with aspouse andkids secretly wondering if they will come home at night, parents must be thinking the same. This should no longerbeallowed to happento America’schildren. That it does says there is something seriously wrong in ourcountry andeverything possible must be done to put an end to school shootings.

Email Cal Thomas at tcaeditors@ tribpub.com

genius. They give us guardrails but not astraitjacket. Far from yellowed pages molderingonashelf somewhere, these documents seem very alive in theletters we receive.

conversation that is illuminating and heals somedivisions.

Youcould takethe viewthatthis is asignofhow poorlyour founding documents actually layout the core values of ournation andhow its government is supposedtorun.

But Itakethe viewthatthese debates show howrelevantour Constitution and Declaration of Independenceare even today.And while it’s true that the words can have multiple interpretations, that is part of their

Readers often cite words of the Founders to try to bolster their points, and some point to words notused in their writings to discredit an argument. It’sa fascinating thing to see howfiercelythe Founders’ intentisargued today in all political circles. One hastowonder if they even realizedthe weight their words would have hundreds of years later

Many preparations are underway nowfor the250th anniversary of the founding of our nation with the signingofthe Declaration of IndependenceonJuly 4, 1776.

We are sure that, as the celebration approaches, we will have many musings aboutthe state of our democracy.Hopefully,itwill be an ongoing

After all, if there is one thing we do agree on, it is the importance of these documents to the nation we strive to be.

Going to our letters inbox for July 24-Aug. 1, we received 57 letters. The proposed LSU arena was the topic of four letters, making it the hottest topic of that week.

It’sclear that many of you are closely following our coverage of that development and have strong opinions on it.

Then, we received three letters on the cuts to public broadcasting and what they will mean for local stations. Finally,anumber of topics received two letters each, including immigration, auto insurance and Medicare.

Arnessa Garrett is Deputy Editor | OpinionPageEditor.Emailher at arnessa.garrett@theadvocate.com.

Arnessa Garrett

COMMENTARY

In hindsight, George W. Bush looksprettygood

Acertain nagging idea led me west to Dallas last week: Nearly twodecades after Iwatched Hurricane Katrinadestroymy city and surrounding areas —and spent the next few years fuming over the federal government’s slow and seemingly grudging response —isittime to take afresh look at the presidentwho led it?

This is what Ithought this column would beabout. But it’snot —for the most part, anyway —because from the moment Ientered the George W. Bush Presidential Library andMuseum on the Southern Methodist University campus, Iwas bowled overby something else.

FILEPHOTO

The place, Iquickly realized, wasa monument to aRepublican Partyand afederal government thatare practically unrecognizable today

Consider the very first wordsBushchose to welcome visitors.

“I was not elected to serve oneparty, but to serve one nation. The President of the United States is the Presidentofevery single American of every race andevery background. Whether you voted for me or not, Iwill do my best to service your interests, and Iwill work to earn your respect.” Bush offeredthat healingsentiment in December 2000, just after theU.S.Supreme Court ended litigation over thedisputed vote count in Florida. It was anote of gracefollowingwhat had at that pointbeen the ugliest, most divisive post-electionperiod in modern memory —one thatfound acounterweight in defeated opponentAl

In the aftermath of Katrina,President George W. Bush, far right, was greeted by Lt. Gen. Russel Honore, then-Gov. Kathleen Blanco, Michael Chertoff, secretaryofhomeland security,and Major General Bennett Landreneau.

Gore’sacceptance of the outcome. It also felt like it was out of atime capsule buried well before another Republican president would refuse to concede and incite amob to attack Congress after he lost one election andreturn to office four years later, bent on stoking daily division.

That’sjust theentryway Inside, one of thefirst exhibitscelebrates No Child Left Behind,the education policy that mandated accountability standards measured throughtesting, passed in partnershipwith Democratic U.S. Sen. Ted Kennedy. Contrast that with today,when President Donald Trumpislooking to vastly diminish thefederal role by eliminating the Department of Education.

The 9/11 attack is prominently featured, of course, and serves as areminder of another impulse that feels relegated to a long-gone era, Bush’scall for Americans not to demonize their Muslimneighbors. There’sa section on PEPFAR, Bush’sfarreaching commitment to attack HIV/AIDS around the globe, which he cast in termsof our country’smoral leadership and which is credited with saving millions of lives. It’sbeen targeted and severely disrupted by Trump, and itsfuture is uncertain. Then there’s the Katrina section, which too is difficult not to view throughtoday’slens. Isaw no sign of aphotothat manyremember from back then —Bush peering down at our flooded stateduring aflyover from Air Force One—but the museum does show thepresident in frontofalitup St.Louis Cathedral promising to “stay as long as it takes to help citizens rebuild their communities and their lives.” It’s a rousing image until you remember that the lights were setupfor theoccasion, and the city remained dark and deserted long after Bush went home.

at the time and was glad it didn’tcome to pass, even though Bush’srecorded comments in the presentation suggest he still thinks it should have.

But compared to now,with Trumpin the process of sending federal forces into Democratic cities despite crime rates that have dropped significantly,atleast we can say that the 2005 debate happened in the context of areal emergency,not amanufactured one.

Looking at the long post-K struggle, the library exhibit touts acumulative $120.7 billion in federal funds provided forrecovery,disaster response, levee repair,flood protection, health care, education and relocation assistance.

That’sanenormous figure, and although the process of extracting it and getting it into people’shands wasdownright wrenching, Ihave to say that Idosee Bush differently now,assomeone whomostly tried to help and did largely keep his word, not just to ared state but to ablue city

Amultimedia feature revisits apainful controversy of those early days, whether Bush should invoke theInsurrection Act and send in federal troops to “restore order.” The argument at the time, and in the exhibit, was that the city and state —both led by Democrats —were overwhelmed by thesituation and needed the feds to take aleading law enforcement role. The program doesn’tmention astrong feeling on theground that it was more of apolitical move to deflect blamefor the televised images of disarray I, too, saw KarlRove’shand in the effort

I’ve thought forawhile that asimilar response would not happen should astorm of Katrina’sscale strike again, because climate change is leading to ever more frequent and severe extremeweather.I’ve thought so even moresince Trumpstarted talking about dismantling FEMA and leaving overmatched state and local governments struck by disaster on their own.

And I’mmore sure of it than ever now, having seen how much the type of leadership we saw in Bush’sday has been relegated to amuseum

Email StephanieGrace at sgrace@ theadvocate.com.

Renaming base afteraBeauregardisaninsult

Stephanie Grace Quin Hillyer

To change the names of places or to remove historic statuesor memorialsisalmostinvariably an enterprise fraught withcontroversy. Some of us take more neutral, case-bycase approaches than do culture warriors on both sides. Everybody,however, shouldbedisgusted at the cheap trickGov.Jeff Landry is playing with thenaming of the onceand-future Camp Beauregard,the large National Guard training facility in Pineville, adjoiningAlexandria. New research by the Illuminator news outlet makes even more obvious how inappropriate thatparticular renaming is

To be clear,for those of uswith areverence for history,the benefit of thedoubt relating to monuments and place names should go to keeping things the same. Nonetheless, the presumption in favor of stasis should be rebuttable, and some monuments and names clearly should be jettisoned Some names and some monuments really do belong not in

places ofhonorbut in museums —which, by the way,isexactly what this newspaper reported last week is being done with thecontroversial Battle of Liberty Place Monument, now destined for an exhibit in Los Angeles. Thequestionbecomes how to determinewhich is which.Obviously there is no foolproofformula. While there is ample room for differing judgments both ethical and historical, certain situations involvebasic common sense and common decency

The reversion of Louisiana National Guard Training Center Pineville back to the nameof Camp Beauregard,especially in themanner Gov.Landry did it, is one of thosepatently obvious violations ofcommon sense and decency.

Until 2023, thetraining facility was known as Camp Beauregard, in memory of flamboyant Confederate General P.G.T.Beauregard. In certain circumstances and locations, such as with the artistically celebrated statue of him that

long graced the entrance to New Orleans’ City Park, ultra-strong arguments can be madeinfavor of memorializing the general. Aleading citizen of New Orleans both before and after the Civil War, abrilliant engineer whose projects vastly improved thesafety,beauty and commerce of the city and its surroundings, and the inventor of the city’s famous streetcar system, Beauregard after the war risked his local reputation by strenuously and eloquently advocating for civil rights, voting rightsand full public-sector integration, including in schools, for Black people. All of which obviously is admirable. Still, it madenosense for a U.S. military facility 207 miles from New Orleanstobenamed in honor of someone who took up arms against theU.S. military, especially in acause that would have maintained theevil of chattel slavery.(Andmake no mistake: Even the official state-run militia owes ultimateloyalty to thefederal government, which is why it is called the National

Guard.)That’sasirrational as, indeed even moreirrational than, it would be to nameLSU’s Tiger Stadium after Nick Saban, whoof course won one of LSU’sfour national titles but then spent years beating up the Tigers from the sideline of the AlabamaCrimson Tide.

It’sbizarre to honor amortal adversary That’swhy in 2023 it wassensible to change the nameofthe Guard’sPineville training center —and why it would be inadvisable to rename it after Gen.Beauregard. What Landry did, though, was even worse. Rather than rename theU.S. military base after abrilliant officer whofought against theU.S. military,the governor tried to get clever by restoring thelast name while claiming to be honoring the general’sfather The claim is risible, bordering on insulting. First, the general’s father didn’teven use the last nameofBeauregard, but instead went by thelast nameof“Toutant.” Second, as the Illuminator discovered, Toutant was by his-

torical standards anear-nonentity

The mostprominent public records of him involve his role as owner of 86 slaves. And his only military service seemstohave been as acolonel’ssubordinate in aregiment that took part in minor skirmishes before (but not at) the Battle of New Orleans in late 1814.

If astate changes the nameofa facility in order to stop honoring someone whofought on awar’s pro-slavery side, it is no fix at all to now honor someone whoowned 86 slaves. If astate wants to name amilitary facility,itisaninsult to the military itself to style it after the (unused) last nameofa historical cipher with almost no military record, much less even the slightest evidence of actual distinction under arms. Landry claims the new name honoring the general’sfather is part of awar against “wokeness.” Nonsense. Instead, it is contemptuous skulduggery in service of demagoguery

Email Quin Hillyer at quin hillyer@theadvocate.com

AOLdroppingdial-up is asignofthe times

I’ve been an early adopter of technology for much of my life. Idon’tcatch all new technology as soon as it pops up, but Ijump on some of it as soon as Ican I’ve had the great fortune of being abeta tester decades ago. Iwasn’tspecial. They clearly included people who didn’tknow what the heck they were doing. At other times, Ihad to pay to play.And sometimes that was expensive Ididn’talways make the move to pull out some cash or plop down acredit or debit card. Telephone answering machines werecommerciallyavailable when Iwas achild. Ihad nojob, no income and Irelied on my parents for my room and board, clothes, mealsand an allowance. Besides, those machines cost severalhundred dollars at that time. By 1980, the cost had dropped below $500. Youcould get one for $200-$300. If you wanted a machine with extra special fea-

Will Sutton

tures, that cost you more. As I asked questions, Iquickly upsold myself. One had acool recording tape for an outgoingmessage, andIcould changeitfromanywhere in the world.Another had ahand-held remote control device.About thesize of some beepers (look it up, youngsters),itcould send asignal to ahome answering machine that would recognize the sound and you couldconnect and get recorded messages before returninghome. Ihad to haveall of that. And more.Ipaid top dollar.Ibought oneofthe bulky,fancy machines for more than $500. My investmentpaidoff. Thevery first message Iretrieved remotely with my handheld device was from one of the top editors at thebig city daily Jim Naughton had seen my work at asmallerdaily newspaper.He wanted to talk withme.

Iwasn’t at homewhen he called. Actually,Iwas walking distance from his office in Center City

Philadelphia. Something told me to tryout my new remote, so Istopped at atelephone stall, pushed in my coins, called my number and pressed my remote to send asignal to get my first message. There were several other steps, of course, but Igot areporting job at amajor city newspaper with anational reputation at 25 years old. That was 1980. About adecade later,in1991, Iread about something called America Online. For aprice, you could use your telephone to connect to someone—ora website. In America. Online. Igot an AOL account because I had to have it.I’m agregarious, outgoing guy,and Ilike to be connected. Broadly.Across America. In person. By text. By phone. By FaceTime. Online. Those of you of acertain age know theemail extension aol. com. Youngsters,back in the 1990s, AOL was the best and only email game. There were more than 9million email accounts by thelate 1990s.

Now,more than three decades later,AOL is dropping its dial-up internet service.

I’m sure you’re wondering who theheck is still using amodem and dial-up service.

The answer: Lots of people. Just not manycompared to those of us with first-world problems.

In Louisiana, forinstance, according to American Census data, there were about 15,800 households withdial-up subscriptions and no other type of internet subscription connection in 2013. By 2023, that number had fallen to 1,240 households.

Broadband and mobile broadband have mademodem dial-up service obsolete in much of our stateand the nation.

Iwas an early adopter of what was originally America Online. I got excited aboutconnecting to theinternet andcommunicating with family and friends. Mark Lewers, my 1990s tech guru friend, set me up with anew computer,asubscription and an AOL email address Ihave to this day.Don’tjudge me. Ihave other

email addresses. With the introduction of cable modems and digital subscriber lines (DSL) in the 1990s, there was agreater need formuch faster service than what could be provided by the old school AOL discs that the company sent to Blockbuster movie stores to entice morepeople to give them —and the internet —atry.Itworked. They went from hundreds of subscribers to millions. As AOL succeeded, competition got tougher Broadband took off in the 2000s. Ijumped on that tech wagon, too. Bye-bye dial-up. Ileft dial-up so long ago that Ihave to use asearch engine to hear the screechy noises. Like so manynew technologies, there comes atimewhen it’stime forthem to give way to abetter, faster,younger version of themselves —orsomething totally new Ican’timagine AOL dial-up “talking” to AI or ChatGPT

Email Will Sutton at wsutton@ theadvocate.com.

SPORTS

Transfersgetting closer to securing spots forLSU

BY WILSON ALEXANDER Staff writer

LSU added 18 transfers during the offseason with theintention that most of them would have significant roles, and that certainly will be the case.

Twoweeks from the season opener against Clemson, it’sbecoming clear how much thetransfers will contributethis fall. Most of them are in line to start, and others will be keyparts of therotation at their respective positions. There are alsosome further down thedepth chart who may notplaymuch.

Below,weplaced the transfers into tiers based on everything we have seen and heard about them through 15 practices. The Tigers have six more practices in preseason camp before they gettogame week.

Some things could change during the season, but after targeting transfers with power-conference experience, LSU is counting on these players to help the team reach the College Football Playoff for thefirst time under coach Brian Kelly

Likely starters

Tamarcus Cooley •S•R-Soph. Cooley probably has one of thesafety spots wrapped up. Askedabout him andfellow transfersafety AJ Haulcy

BY TOYLOYBROWN III Staff writer

De’Myrion Johnson is nondescript in asea of yellowSouthernfootball practice jerseys. As thesun dropped at 8p.m. recently and the A.W.Mumford Stadium lights shone brighter,the 6-foot-1, 295-pounddefensive tackle blended in to hisnew surroundings —a positive development for aredshirt freshman who hasn’t played in hisfirst college game yet.

The ho-hum way he worked and interacted withteammates was notable. He’sa formerLSU player without any semblance of an inflated ego that some mightassume after transferringtoanFCS team from the Southeastern Conference.

That’swhat Southern defensive coordinator Henry Miller likes about him. The former four-star recruit who was ranked 246th in the country by ESPN isn’ttoo proud to learn from less-heralded teammates. “He understands that thescheme is new

Saints turn to NBAas inspiration foroffense

BY MATTHEW PARAS Staff writer

During ateam meeting in June, Kellen Moore pulled film to show how fast he wanted his New Orleans Saints to play

But the first-year coach didn’tshow clips from the Philadelphia Eagles offense he called last year.Healso elected not to use footage of historicallygreat NFLteams, such as the 2007 New England Patriots or the “Greatest Show on Turf” Rams, either

Instead,Moorewenttoanentirelydifferent sport. He used the Indiana Pacers then in the NBA Finals —toillustrate the effort and pace his team needed to replicate. “I thought it was pretty cool,” wide receiver Rashid Shaheed said. “...Wegot to keep guys on theirtoes, andthat’show the Pacers play.That’show they have success, running allfour quarters. No matter howthe score looks, you gottocontinuetofight. Younever know,and that’show the Pacers madetheir money this year.”

“That’swhat he’strying to embody,” tight end Juwan Johnson said. Moore is afan of cross-sport references. In that same session, he highlightedthe (eventual champion) Oklahoma City Thunder’scamaraderie and how teammates playedfor oneanother.Another time, the

early incamp, Kellysaidthey are smart, physical andexperienced players. After Cooley started nine games at nickel for NC State, LSU seems comfortable with him at safety

Mansoor Delane •CB• Sr Delane lookslikeLSU’s most consistent cornerback. Hehas more experience than anyone else at the position after starting 29 consecutivegames over threeyears at Virginia Tech, and he’sa steadyplayer.Though LSUtalkedaboutusingDelaneatsafety or nickel if needed, he hassettled in at cornerback Bernard Gooden •DT•Sr. Oneofthe campstandouts, Gooden has impressed since transferring from South Florida. Listed at 6-foot-1 and 268 pounds,Gooden makes up for his lack of size withaquick first step and high energy “His second foot is in the ground before the offensive lineman,”

forhim,and he’s getting all theinformation he needs,not only from thecoaches but from histeammates,”Miller said. “I thinkthat, fora guy coming from the SEC to reach (out) to his teammate and ask how this thing worked, Ithink that’shuge.”

Oneofthose teammates is redshirt senior ZakYassine, who was arotational defensive tacklelastseason. When the veteran paused adrill to correct ateammate’s technique, Johnson’seyes were glued to thelesson

His attentiontodetailispart of whyhis name hasbeen floating around preseason camp as someone the staff has been impressedby. His teammates have noticed.

“Sky is the limit for De’Myrion, for real,” Yassinesaid. “Tome, he’s loadsahead of whereheshould be, so he definitely will helpusthisyear alot.”

Senior Ckelby Givens,the defensive leader who ledthe FCSintackles for loss

ä See SOUTHERN, page 4C

ä See LSU, page 4C

The New Orleans Saints are one of the biggest mysteries in the NFL this season. They have anew head coach, anew staff, anew quarterback and new schemes on both sides of the ball.

Three weeks of training camp has done little to clear things up. There is still so much we don’tknow about this team, and the season opener is only three weeks away Here are the 10 biggest questions facing the team as the season looms: 10. IS KELLEN MOOREREADY? The early returns have been positive forthe first-year head coach. Players have praised him forthe efficiency of his practices and the creativity of his play calling. So far, so good. But the litmus test will come when Moore leads the team into the regular season.

And the punter

LSU tight end Bauer Sharp lines up for adrill during aspring practice on March 22. STAFF FILEPHOTO By MICHAEL JOHNSON

STAFF PHOTO By MICHAEL JOHNSON

Southerndefensivetackle De’Myrion

Johnson catches the ball while running throughadrill at practice on Thursdayat A.W.Mumford Stadium

ä Jaguars at Saints NOON SUNDAy,WAFB

STAFF FILE PHOTOByDAVID GRUNFELD Saints head coachKellen Moore callsplays during training camp on July 23 at the team’spractice facility

ä See SAINTS, page 3C

at IpswichTown CBSSN

8 a.m.

Crystal Palace at Chelsea USA 10:30 a.m EPL: Arsenal at Man. United NBC 11:30 a.m.Italian Cup: Pescara at Parma CBSSN 2 p.m. Atletico Madrid at Espanyol

PRESEASON ROUNDUP

Rookie QB Dart shines for Giants

By The Associated Press

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J — Getting

snaps with the first-team offense, then throwing for a touchdown and running for another with the backups, Jaxson Dart shined in his new home stadium debut for the New York Giants as part of a 31-12 victory against the Jets on Saturday night in each team’s second preseason game. The rookie first-round pick got a chance to show a little bit of how he could contribute in the near future by subbing in for starter Russell Wilson mid-drive and connecting with Theo Johnson on a 30-yard pass.

Dart capped a 71-yard second half-opening drive with a TD throw to Greg Dulcich and scored on a goal-line sneak to finish another after completing 13 consecutive passes. Dart was 14 of 16 for 137 yards, delivering on the hype under the lights at MetLife Stadium before giving way to Jameis Winston Wilson had his own highlight, throwing his so-called “moon ball” to undrafted free agent Beaux Collins for an 80-yard gain. The 36-year-old had another intercepted because of a miscommunication with Collins, his final throw of a 4 of 7, 108-yard performance.

While the Giants (2-0) got clicking, questions remain on offense for Justin Fields and the Jets (1-1). He left after two run-heavy series 1 of 5 for 4 yards, with Nick Folk’s 38-yard field goal the only points the starters got on the board 49ERS 22,RAIDERS 19: In Las Vegas, San Francisco 49ers kicker Jake Moody made a 59-yard field goal as time expired in the 49ers’ win over the Las Vegas Raiders.

Moody also converted a 44-yarder for the 49ers (1-1) with 37 seconds remaining to tie the game, and then Jaylen Mahoney intercepted Raiders quarterback Cam Miller to set up the winner Raiders rookie Ashton Jeanty rushed for 33 yards and a touchdown on seven carries Moody made 5 of 6 field goals while Daniel Carlson made all four of his tries for the Raiders (0-1-1).

Brock Purdy played the first series for the 49ers, which ended in a field goal He was 5 of 7 for 66 yards.

Geno Smith completed 6 of 8 passes for 55 yards as the Raiders’ first-team offense played the first two series The Raiders scored 10 points on those drives.

Aidan O’Connell guided the team into the fourth quarter, finishing 15 of 23 for 138 yards with an interception.

PACKERS 23, COLTS 19: In Indianapolis, Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson went 6 of 11 with 73 yards with no interceptions or fumbles, but it wasn’t enough as the Green Bay Packers rallied for the win.

Tyson Goodson scored the Colts’ lone TD on a 3-yard run Richardson also took advantage of a fumble recovery to set up the second of Spencer Shrader’s four field goals.

Daniel Jones played the first two series and went 7 of 11 with 101 yards for the Colts (0-2).

Jason Bean led the Colts to the Packers 31-yard line in the final minute, but came up short on a fourth down pass after a replay review Green Bay (1-1) used Israel Abanikanda’s 3-yard TD run in the third quarter to get within 1310 and Amar Johnson’s 9-yard TD run tied the score at 16 because of a missed extra point.

Abanikanda led a 159-yard rushing attack for Green Bay with 12 carries for 43 yards

PATRIOTS 20, VIKINGS 12: In Minneapolis, New England rookies Tre-

Veyon Henderson and Efton

Chism III each had another preseason touchdown as the Patriots beat the Minnesota Vikings. Henderson rushed for 20 yards with an 8-yard score on four carries during a two-drive stint for the first-team offense.

Second-year Pats quarterback

Drake Maye went 4 for 7 for 46 yards with a delay-of-game penalty and an overthrow that was nearly intercepted by Tavierre Thomas.

Chism had six receptions from backup QB Joshua Dobbs for 71 yards and a score for the Patriots (2-0).

Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy wore an earpiece on the sideline while Sam Howell started. Howell went 1 for 5 with an interception for Minnesota (1-1).

TEXANS 20, PANTHERS 3: In Houston, C.J. Stroud found Nico Collins for a touchdown pass on his second drive in the Texans’ win over the Carolina Panthers.

Stroud played two series, going 6 for 8 for 44 yards. The Texans (11) punted on their first possession before Stroud found Collins on the 5-yard touchdown pass on fourth down to cap the second drive and make it 7-0.

Nick Chubb ran five times for 25 yards in his Texans debut after spending his first seven seasons in Cleveland. Chubb played with the starters with Joe Mixon out recovering from a foot injury he sustained this offseason.

Bryce Young failed to move the offense in two drives for Carolina (0-2). He was 0 for 2 and was sacked once. DOLPHINS 24, LIONS 17: In Detroit,

backup quarterback Zach Wilson had a strong first half for the Dolphins and third-stringer Quinn Ewers threw for two second-half touchdowns as Miami beat the Detroit Lions. Wilson, the No. 2 QB behind Tua Tagovailoa, completed 15 of 23 passes for 151 yards and a touchdown for Miami (1-0-1). Ewers went 11 of 17 for 116 yards.

For the Lions (1-2), Kyle Allen impressed in the first half, going 14 of 17 for 124 yards and two scores.

Ollie Gordon II had 50 yards rushing for the Lions on 10 carries. Jacob Saylor had 13 carries for 39 yards.

BROWNS 22, EAGLES 13: In Philadelphia, the game’s decisive touchdown came on defense instead of from relief quarterbacks. K.J. Henry returned an interception 45 yards for a score in the third quarter to send the Browns to a win over the Philadelphia Eagles. Andrew Mukuba returned an interception 75 yards for a score and recovered a fumble for the Eagles (1-1), and Jihaad Campbell had a sack.

Dillon Gabriel was 13 of 18 passing for 143 yards and the pick-6 for the Browns (2-0). Tyler “Snoop” Huntley played in the second half and was 10 of 13 for 71 yards. Campbell sacked Gabriel on the second play of the game.

RAVENS 31, COWBOYS 13: In Arlington, Texas, Cooper Rush threw a touchdown pass and a pick-6 in his return to AT&T Stadium, and rookie Tyler Loop kicked five field goals as the Baltimore Ravens beat the Dallas Cowboys.

D’Ernest Johnson ran for a

Southern adds fourth QB in junior-college transfer

Southern football added a new quarterback a week before it opens the season against North Carolina Central at 6:30 p.m. Saturday in Atlanta.

Coahoma Community College in Mississippi transfer Ashton Strother is listed on the roster as of Saturday and is the fourth quarterback coach Terrence Graves has at his disposal.

The 6-foot-3, 210-pound junior played four games in 2024 and completed 49 of 108 passes for 496 yards, two touchdowns and an interception. He also rushed 23 times for 86 yards and two touchdowns.

Strother, a Memphis, Tennessee, native, started his college career at Missouri Baptist University at the NAIA level. In eight games, he completed 115 of 194 passes for 1,277 yards, eight touchdowns and seven interceptions.

Colts offensive lineman Freeland fractures leg

INDIANAPOLIS Indianapolis Colts offensive lineman Blake Freeland was carted off the field with a fractured right leg in the first half of Saturday’s preseason game against Green Bay Freeland was injured early in the second quarter on a running play on third-and-1. As the play ended, Freeland’s right leg got pinned underneath other players before he fell to the ground. Trainers worked on his leg for several minutes, placing his leg into a boot. Freeland’s injury only complicates matters along an offensive line that struggled against Green Bay’s pass rushers during Thursday’s joint practice. The three-year veteran was expected to back up Braden Smith.

Packers safety Brown in hospital after chest bruise

2-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter for the Ravens (2-0).

Loop the likely replacement for Justin Tucker, who was released in the offseason after he was accused of inappropriate behavior by massage therapists — connected from 53, 52, 42, 36 and 29 yards while missing from 50. Cornerback Andrew Booth picked off Rush and returned it 40 yards for a TD, and Brandon Aubrey kicked field goals of 47 and 36 yards for the Cowboys (0-2).

RAMS 23, CHARGERS 22: In Inglewood, California, Stetson Bennett rebounded from throwing a fourth-quarter interception to 305-pound defensive tackle TeRah Edwards, hitting Tru Edwards with an 8-yard touchdown pass with 5 seconds left while leading the Los Angeles Rams to a victory over the Los Angeles Chargers.

Bennett passed for 324 yards and three scores in his second straight sharp preseason performance — even if he failed to anticipate the ball-hawking skill and silky lateral movement of the hulking Edwards.

But Bennett shook it off and drove the Rams (2-0) downfield in the final seconds. Brennan Presley made an acrobatic 40-yard catch between two defenders with 11 seconds to play setting up Edwards’ winning catch on the next play

Justin Herbert went 2 of 5 for 46 yards while playing the opening series in his first-ever preseason game for the Chargers (2-1), who were the visiting team at the clubs’ shared stadium.

BUCCANEERS 17, STEELERS 14: In Pittsburgh, quarterback Teddy Bridgewater threw a pair of firstquarter touchdowns, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers topped the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Chase McLaughlin hit a 42-yard field goal as time expired to win it for the Buccaneers (2-0). Tampa Bay linebacker Antonio Grier’s 36-yard interception return set up the kick.

Bridgewater completed 6 of 11 passes for 85 yards and two scores. He found running back Bucky Irving for a 15-yard touchdown and later delivered a pretty 5-yard lob to the back corner of the end zone that rookie first-round pick Emeka Egbuka pulled in with a sliding grab from his knees.

Mason Rudolph, making his second straight preseason start for the Steelers (1-1) while Aaron Rodgers watched from the sideline, threw a 2-yard score to Brandon Johnson but also threw a pick that set up Tampa Bay’s

score.

INDIANAPOLIS — Green Bay Packers coach Matt LaFleur said safety Omar Brown will spend Saturday night in an Indianapolis hospital for further evaluation after suffering a chest contusion in a preseason game against the Colts. LaFleur provided the update following Green Bay’s 23-19 victory Brown was seen wearing an oxygen mask and holding his midsection as he left the field on a golf cart. LaFleur did not have any additional details about the injury “It’s a scary deal,” LaFleur said. Brown spent most of last season on the Packers practice squad, but wound up playing in two games and has had a strong enough training camp that he could make the Packers’ 53-man roster

Commanders activate McLaurin off PUP list

ASHBURN, Va. — The Washington Commanders activated Terry McLaurin off the physically unable to perform list on Saturday amid lingering contract extension talks with the All-Pro wide receiver

McLaurin, who is entering the final year of a three-year, $68.2 million contract signed in 2022, reported to the team on July 27 after skipping the initial four days of training camp and minicamp. That has not necessarily accelerated extension talks or returned McLaurin to practice. The team placed its top target on the PUP list with an ankle injury, and McLaurin requested a trade on July 31. He was not on the field Saturday for Washington’s final practice before its Monday night home game against the Cincinnati Bengals.

extremity blood clot.”

“There’s not a lot that we can say on it at this time,” said Dombrowski. “It could have been a much more trying situation than it is.” Phillies athletic trainer Paul Buchheit said Wheeler had been feeling better after some right shoulder soreness caused him to push back a start earlier this month.

But that changed Friday when he felt “a little heaviness,” Buchheit said.

first

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By JOHN LOCHER

49ers quarterback Brock Purdy throws a pass during a preseason game against the Raiders on Saturday in Las Vegas. Purdy was 5 of 7 for 66 yards.

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By NOAH K. MURRAy

New york Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart cheers after scoring a touchdown against the New york Jets during the third quarter of their preseason game on Saturday in East Rutherford, N.J

Jags to play starters,use cautionwithHunter

BY MARK LONG AP pro football writer

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. The Jacksonville Jaguars plan to be cautious with two-way star Travis Hunter in their preseason game at New Orleans on Sunday

Although coach Liam Coen saidSaturday that starters would play againstthe Saints, theJaguars declined to commit to getting Hunter on the field after he suffered an upper-body injury during ascrimmage Thursday.Hunter is expected togothrough pregame warmups inside theCaesars Superdome before the team determines his playing status.

The Heisman Trophy winner was heldout of awalk-through Fridayasaprecaution. He was on the field for the hourlong session and carried aplay-calling sheetwhile following the action closely Hunter playedonoffense and defense,totaling 18 snaps, in Jacksonville’spreseason opener against Pittsburgh last Saturday.

He also played both waysduringa sloppy scrimmage five days later before crashing hard to thegroundwhile defendinga deep pass late.

Thescrimmage included 10 penaltyflags, at least seven dropped passes, an interception and afew more balls that nearly got picked. It was thekind of performance that surely factored into Coen’sdecision to get his starters —includingquarterbackTrevor Lawrence— back on the field against the Saints.

“That’s fatigue,” Coen said. “That’slack of concentration when you’re getting fatigued andtired. Every time we come out,they go hard.”

Hunter wasone of 10 playersheldout of practice this week because of injuries, joining rightguard Chuma Edoga, right tackle Anton Harrison,defensive lineman Arik Armstead,defensive lineman Maason Smith, offensive linemanColeVan Lanen, safety Caleb Ransaw,linebacker Jalen McLeod, and cornerbacks Tyson Campbell andMontaric Brown.

Saints head coach KellenMoore gives instructions to hisplayers during training camp on Aug. 3atthe team’spractice facility.

SAINTS

Continued from page1C

coach used this year’sFrench Open —which saw Carlos Alcaraz fendoff three match points and stormback from two sets down to beat Jannik Sinner —toillustrate the importance of never giving up.

The references serve as away to lighten the mood and connect with playersinways that aren’t football-related, much like how former interim coach Darren Rizzi often woulduse construction metaphorswhen he ran the Saints.

But the Pacers are particularly relevant. Across Moore’stime with the Dallas Cowboys, Los Angeles Chargers and Eagles, tempo has served as ahallmark —ifnot the defining trait —ofhis scheme. The37-yearoldwants his teams to play fast. And in training camp, the Saints have emphasized this pace by incorporating no-huddle calls to stress the defense.

No matter who startsatquarterback this season —TylerShough willstart Sunday’s preseason game againstthe Jacksonville Jaguars —Moore said he wants to control “the rhythm” of agame.

“Sometimes you’re going fast, sometimes you’re going slow andeverything in between,” Moore said. “There’sarhythm to the game. You’re constantly trying to control therhythm and change it up. If the defense gets afeel for you…thatcan allow them to play andcontrol some things from their perspective.” Under then-offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak last year,the Saints didn’thuddle on 9.8% of their plays —ranking slightly above average at No. 15 in the NFL. But dig deeper andit becomes apparent thosecalls were oftensituation driven. Of the Saints’99no-huddleplays, according to TruMedia, 31 of them happened in the final two minutes of either half—when teams typically hurry up. The Saints also ran 51 of their 99 no-huddle plays when trailing by at least atouchdown in the fourth quarter. Sixty-two of those 99 calls occurredinthe second half when the Saints trailed. Moore’stempo isn’tnearly as situational; it’saphilosophy

When the play-caller got hiredtorun the Eagles offense last year,heamplifiedthe volume for an already fast-paced team. The Eagles went from 183 no-huddle snaps (16.4%)in2023 to 274 (24.5%) last year —despite running only two more offensive snaps in 2024. The Chargers went from 19th in nohuddle snapstothird(168) in theone year with Moore. And from 2019-22, whenMoore called plays for the Cowboys, Dallas ran the fifth-most no-huddle snaps andplacedinthe top 10 every year

The volume was effective, too. Lastyear’s Eagles had an EPA(expected pointsadded) of 0.20 per play in no-huddle compared to 0.05 on other plays. In simpler terms, the high-poweredEagles offense was even more efficient when it pushed thepace. Saints players like the change. Quarterback Spencer Rattlersaid thetempo plays to his and the offense’sstrengths, while wide receiver Chris Olave noted that the shift is taking advantage of aleague-wide trend to play faster. Shaheed said Moore’s emphasis on it is one of the bigger differences from other offenseshe’slearned

“The biggest thing when you usetempo in asystem like this, when teams have ex-

SAINTS NAME QB SHOUGH STARTER SUNDAYVS. JAGS

The Saints will have adifferent starterunder center for their second preseason game Sunday Rookie quarterback Tyler Shoughwill startagainst theJacksonville Jaguars after Spencer Rattler took thefirst snaps against the Los Angeles Chargers, the Saintsannounced Saturdayonsocial media.

Shough led the Saintsontwo scoring drives in LosAngelesand ended the game with an 86.4 quarterback rating compared with Rattler’s 75.2.

The second-round pick ended the game 15-of22 passing for 165 yards, atouchdown and an interception.

Rattler,a second-year player,went 7-of-11 passing for 53 yards and afumble.

Both quarterbacks remain in acompetition to be the openingday starter. JakeHaener also remains in thecompetition, said coach Kellen Moore, although his practice snaps have dwindled throughout training camp

Will Nickel

otic blitzpackages on third downsa likethat, and you use tempo on thir that (opposing defensive) coordinato going to get to one of his exotics,” q back Jake Haener said. “So he mig the quarterback on defense apictur morecomfortable seeing. We cango the progression,and we don’thave pressure if we’re maybe goingtemp “Kellen does areally good job inte that into agame plan.”

nd stuff d down r is not uarterht give e we’re through exotic o grating e pace ebb and les ran season, he Wa h-

As much as Moorelikes to push th the coachacknowledged there’san flow” to play calling. Though theEag the second-most no-huddle plays last Philadelphia was still far behind the ingtonCommanders— who ran astaggering 677 (62.4%) no-huddle snaps under offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury. Moore said it’s trickiertorun tempoplays when theoffense keeps stalling or “getting pushed back.”The last thing Moore wants is athree-and-outthat puts his defense back on the field, he said. So when’sthe right timetopush it? Historically,Moore has been afan of running tempo plays onfirst down —accounting for49.2% of the Eagles’ no-huddlesnaps and43.5% of the2023Chargers’ no-huddlesnaps.Moore said it’seasier to stick with tempo if the offense is in aflow,and the coach alsowill rely on tempo to exploit mismatches. Hurrying to thelineofscrimmageoften prevents the defense from makingpersonnelchanges. Moore’s most interestinguse of tempo might come in the redzone. In camp, the Saints have mixed in tempoplays in the area. Moore relied on such plays last year,dialing up 47 no-huddle red-zone calls. In those situations, Moore was more thancomfortable running the ball, doing so almost 77% of the time. Mooremakes it clear when he wantshis team to go. In his ear,Haener saidhe’llhear “Tempo! Tempo! Tempo!” followed by a playcall. Thenthe Saints sprint to the line to quickly get off thesnap. Squint close enough, and it’s almost as if there’spoint guard Tyrese Haliburton leading the Indiana Pacers on afast break “Coach Moore got astandard for how he wantshis offense to be ran,” guard Cesar Ruiz said. “Andit’sour job as an offense to uphold that and be that standard, too.”

DUNCAN

Continuedfrom page1C

likely will be either Kai Kroeger or James Burnip, two unknown commodities.

8. IS ALONTAE TAYLOR OK?

The Saintsare counting on abig year from Taylor,sohis groin injury is worrisome. Taylor plays the starposition,the playmaking role Derwin James andJalen Ramseymanned in defensive coordinatorBrandon Staley’sdefenses elsewhere His loss for any period of time would be a setback.

7.WHEN WILL TAYSOM HILL RETURN?

Moore has been intentionally vague with details whenever he’sasked about Hill’sstatus. The veteran utility back is expected to start theseason on the physically unable to perform list, which would sideline him for thefirst four games of theseason. When/if he returns, Hill will give Moore and offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier akey offensive chess piece. The Saintshave no one with Hill’s skill set on the roster

6.WILL CHASE YOUNG BREAK OUT?

If theSaints defense is going to makea big leap, it likely will need abig year from Young. He looks poised to deliver.The No 2overall pick in the2021 NFLDraftis healthy and appears to be thriving on the edge in Staley’s3-4 scheme. The league has been waiting for him to resurrect the promise he showed as arookie. It might be now or never for theformer NFLDefensive Rookie of theYear

5.WHOBACKS UP ALVIN KAMARA?

Kendre Miller is the most talented. Cam Akers and Clyde Edwards-Helaire arethe most experienced. Velus Jones is themost versatile. And we don’tyet knowwhere rookies Devin Neal and MarcusYarnsfit into the mix. Miller’sblend of size, speed and explosiveness is unmatched.Reliability has been his issue

Not only has he been injured for much of his career

Alontae

also struggledwithmissed assignments. Hispreseason performance hasbeen encouraging.

4.WHO IS THE THIRD WR?

Brandin Cooks wassigned in the offseason presumably to be the No. 3option behind Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed, but the 31-year-old veteran is on his third team in four years and has seen his production decline annually since 2021. He’s had arelatively quiet camp. Unheralded Mason Tipton has made alot of plays this preseason but remains unproven. Veteran reserves Cedrick Wilson and Donovan Peoples-Jones have yet to make an impact Don’tbesurprised if the Saints add aveteran receiver or two afterroster cuts. I don’tthink they’re finished at this spot.

3. HOWISTREVOR PENNING’S HEALTH?

The Saints can’tafford any injuries along their depth-shy offensive line, so the loss of Penning and backup center Will Clapp in the preseason opener is cause for concern. Turf toe injuries are notoriously finicky,and Penning has battled foot injuries in the past. His availability for the season opener against Arizona is up in the air.His replacement, veteran Dillon Radunz, hardly inspired confidence with his performance against the Chargers, allowing two sacks —including one that led to alost fumble —and committing two penalties.

2. HAS THE DEFENSE IMPROVED?

Staley’s3-4 scheme has looked stingy and started strong against the Chargers before the reserve units hemorrhaged points and yards late. The front seven should be stouter against the run, and Kool-Aid McKinstry has made abig leap in Year 2. Still, the Saints need Young and Taylor to have breakout years for this unit to be special. The best friend of ayoung quarterback is a good defense.

1.WHO’S THEQB? IS HE ANY GOOD?

s a quarterbackleague, the Saints have the m rienced quarterback room. A regular season just three wee they still don’t know who thei At this point, it’s a two-man r Tyler Shough and Spencer R sense is the Saints would lik Shough take the bullbythe win the job, but so far, he rated himself from Rattl tinues to make the decisi Shough has started to lo fortable as the game slo him, but there will be gr no matter who starts the Sunday’s preseason ga Jaguars could prove dec

Granted, it’stwo questions, but none loom larger In aquarterback-driven ost inexpendwith the ksaway, r starter is. ace between attler.My e to see horns and hasn’tsepaer, who conondifficult. okmore comwsdown for owing pains season. meagainst the isive.

Email Jeff Duncan at jduncan@theadvocate.c

om.

STAFF PHOTO By BRETTDUKE

ASSOCIATEDPRESS PHOTOByJOHNRAOUX

Jacksonville Jaguarswide receiver Travis Hunter makes areception during practice on July 27 at training camp in Jacksonville, Fla

Southland teams from state eye playoffs

BY SPENCER URQUHART

Staff writer

The expectation is that at least one of the four Southland Conference football teams from Louisiana — Southeastern Louisiana, McNeese State, Nicholls State and Northwestern State — will reach the FCS playoffs. Last season, however all four missed out Incarnate Word went undefeated in Southland play and reached the quarterfinals of the 24team FCS playoffs

Here is what to expect from the four Louisiana teams heading into the 2025 season.

SOUTHEASTERN

Last season: 7-5 overall, 6-1 Southland Coach: Frank Scelfo (44-36 eighth season at Southeastern)

Top returners

KK Reno, LB, Sr., 6-0, 220

A leader at linebacker Reno recorded a team-high 94 tackles last season Kaleb Proctor, DL, Sr., 6-3, 280

An anchor at defensive tackle, Proctor had four sacks last season along with 49 tackles.

Holden Kareokowsky, C, R-Sr., 6-3, 305 Kareokowsky started all 12 games at center and is one of five Louisiana-born offensive line starters on the team.

Newcomers

Ian Conerly-Goodly, S, Sr., 6-0, 175

Conerly-Goodly returns at safety after starting at Troy last season and was a first team All-Southland selection in 2023 with a team-high 109 tackles.

Kyle Lowe, QB, R-So., 5-10, 195

A Georgia State transfer, Lowe is competing with Sacramento State transfer Carson Camp for the starting quarterback job

Calvin Smith, RB, Fr., 5-11, 225

A true freshman from Hahnville, Smith is one of several running backs vying for touches after last season’s leading rusher, Antonio Martin, transferred to Kansas State.

What to expect

It’s clear that a playoff berth is the goal for Southeastern. The Lions nearly won the Southland last season but came up three points short against eventual conference champion Incarnate Word

The schedule begins with a trip to Louisiana Tech in Week 1 along with LSU in Week 4. The four-week

LSU

Continued from page 1C

defensive coordinator Blake Baker said. “So, even though he might be giving up 30 pounds, he’s able to get leverage and get power.”

AJ Haulcy S • Sr Another camp standout, Haulcy transferred from Houston in the spring and asserted himself within a couple of weeks of practice He’s 222 pounds and will come downhill to make plays on the ball. At least once, he lowered his shoulder into a receiver to break up a pass over the middle. Baker called him “one of the most instinctual players I’ve been around.”

Braelin Moore • C • R-Jr Moore quickly cemented himself as the center in preseason camp Kelly has raved about him, complimenting his combination blocks and ability to recognize fronts. Even though there are concerns about the offensive line, Kelly has maintained his confidence in the unit. Part of the reason he feels that way is because of Moore, who he said “sets up the rest of the group for success.”

Jack Pyburn • DE • Sr

One of the most physical players on the team, this preseason has been a continuation of what Pyburn showed in the spring

He’s LSU’s best defensive end at setting the edge. In the pass-rush package, he plays defensive tackle as a 3-technique.

Bauer Sharp • TE • Sr Sharp looks like a well-rounded tightend,thoughKellynotedearlier in camp he needs to continue to develop. Coaches like his leadership.

“He plays hard every snap,” offensive coordinator Joe Sloan said. “He’s going to give you everything he’s got. I think that’s physicality and violence in the run game. Then, also,he’stwitchyatthetopofroutes. He’s been able to get separation. And he’s a really good ball carrier with the football once he catches it.”

Josh Thompson • OL Sr Thompson has struggled at times this preseason, but there hasn’t been any sign of competition with him at right guard.

nonconference slate is followed by eight straight conference games to close out the regular season.

“The key is we’ve got to stay healthy,” Scelfo said. “Those early games against FBS teams will be physical. We need to come out of those games healthy.”

MCNEESE STATE

Last season: 6-6 overall, 3-4 Southland

Coach: Matt Viator (78-33, first season back at McNeese since 2015)

Top returners

Bryce Strong, RB, Sr., 5-10, 177 Strong recorded 388 yards rushing and five touchdowns last season.

Jonathan Harris,WR, Sr., 6-0, 175 Harris was second on the team with 325 yards receiving on 21 receptions.

AJ Thomas, DL, So., 6-2, 230 Thomas played in all 12 games as a freshman last season recording 31 tackles and 2.5 sacks.

Newcomers

Jake Strong, QB, So., 6-2, 215 A Texas Tech transfer Strong is competing for the starting quarterback job with returnee Alex Flores.

Keenan Landry, DL, Sr., 6-1, 285 Landry transferred from Kent State and is expected to be a key contributor at defensive tackle.

Ryan Robinson, CB, So., 5-11, 185 Robinson transferred from Iowa State after originally signing with LSU out of Edna Karr High School

The battle has taken place at left guard, primarily between redshirt sophomores DJ Chester and Paul Mubenga.

Grant Chadwick • P • Soph. Chadwick has been a little inconsistent in brief viewing periods, but as long as he averages 43.4 yards per punt like he did as a freshman at Middle Tennessee State, it will be animprovementoverLSU’spunting last season.

Key players

Nic Anderson • WR • R-Jr Anderson has stood out since he got out of concussion protocol near the beginning of preseason camp He’s bigger than LSU’s other receivers at 6-4, and he has reliable hands. He also maintains his speed through his breaks. Anderson might not start every game, but he’s going to play a lot in a deep receiver rotation.

“I couldn’t be more excited about the way he has prepared and the consistency at which he has played every day,” Sloan said.

Barion Brown WR Sr Brown is one of the fastest players on the team. His ability to stretch defenses vertically could help the passing game, and LSU has tried to get the ball in his hands in space with screens. He’ll also be the kick returner Kelly referred to him and Chris Hilton as 1A and 1B at the X receiver

“We’re going to get over the top of a lot of defenses with those two

What to expect

McNeese decided to move on from Gary Goff after three seasons as head coach and reunite with Viator, who led the Cowboys to the playoffs five times from 2006-15.

The first four weeks of the schedule includes a pair of FBS opponents in UL and Utah State before an eight-game Southland slate begins.

“The expectation is to compete for the conference championship,” Viator said “We know what the standard is here, and we have to get back to that.”

NICHOLLS STATE

Last season: 4-8 overall, 2-5 Southland Coach: Tommy Rybacki (first season)

Top returners

Miequle Brock, RB, So., 5-9, 200 Brock was named Southland Freshman of the Year after recording 1,017 all-purpose yards.

Rasheed Lovelace, DL, R-Jr 6-3, 310 Lovelace was a first-team AllSouthland selection after recording 46 tackles. Jake Dalmado, LB, Jr., 6-0, 215 Dalmado led the Southland with nine sacks and was a first-team AllSouthland selection after recording 41 tackles.

Newcomers

Deuce Hogan, QB, graduate, 6-4, 215 Hogan, who also has had stints at Kentucky and Iowa, transfers from New Mexico State and is set

guys,” Kelly said.

Patrick Payton DE Sr Payton hasn’t flashed during preseason camp, but he will be a big part of the defensive end rotation. Kelly said he is learning a slightly new position after Florida State used him as a pass rusher only “He was strictly a rush end,” Kelly said. “So, there’s been a little bit of a learning curve for him But I love the way he comes at it. He’s very conscientious. I think when it’s all said and done, we’re going to have a pretty good rotation of players coming in and out of the game.”

In the mix

Jimari Butler • DE • Sr A Nebraska transfer, Butler will get snaps at defensive end. He usually plays on the second-team defense at practice.

Ja’Keem Jackson • CB • R-Soph. Jackson missed some time last week after suffering what Kelly described as a Grade 1 hamstring strain. He could end up starting opposite Delane, but he hasn’t secured that spot yet. Junior cornerback Ashton Stamps is still getting a lot of work with the starting defense.

Backups

Michael Van Buren • QB • Soph.

Van Buren was inconsistent early in camp, but he has played better of late. Sloan pointed out he had to learn a new offense after transferring from Mississippi State, and even though he played a lot as a freshman, that can take time. He has improved over the course of the offseason, especially in recent practices.

Donovan Green • TE R-Jr Sloan complimented Green for his consistency. He works with the second-team offense.

Destyn Hill • WR • R-Soph. LSU has been pleased with Hill, who was a bit of an unknown after transferring from Florida State He might be able to crack the rotation, but there are six receivers ahead of him.

Sydir Mitchell DT R-Soph.

After a promising spring, Mitchell has dropped down the depth chart. He’s not on the two-deep. He could play in certain situations because of his size.

to take over as the starting quarterback. Jordan Smith,WR, Sr., 6-0, 195 Smith transfers with Hogan from New Mexico State and is set to play a key role alongside returning wideout Scrappy Osby Everett Hunter TE, Jr. 6-4, 245 Hunter transfers from New Mexico and had a great spring, according to Rybacki.

What to expect

Nicholls promoted Rybacki to head coach after Tim Rebowe retired. Rybacki is a familiar face in Thibodaux, serving as Rebowe’s defensive coordinator since 2015. Nicholls begins conference play on Saturday at home against reigning Southland champion Incarnate Word. A four-game nonconference slate follows before seven straight Southland games.

“(Week 0) is going to be a great opportunity for us in front of our home crowd,” Rybacki said. “We’ve got a challenging front end of our schedule, so we’ve got to be good early.”

NORTHWESTERN STATE

Last season: 0-12 overall, 0-8 Southland Coach: Blaine McCorkle (0-12, second season at Northwestern State)

Top returners

Zay Davis, RB, Sr., 5-11, 195 Davis recorded 261 yards rushing last season and is expected to lead the backfield.

Landry Huddleston, LB, Jr., 5-10, 210

Huddleston recorded 63 tackles last season.

Caesar Magee, CB, graduate, 6-2, 192 Magee had a team-high three interceptions last season while also recording 63 tackles.

Newcomers

Eli Anderson, QB, Sr., 6-6, 200 Anderson transferred from Mississippi College and is likely to serve as the backup to returning starter Abram Johnston.

Garrett Morphis, OT, So., 6-6, 305 Morphis transfers from Texas Tech and is expected to start at left tackle.

Fernando Washington, LB, Jr. 6-1, 220 Washington is a junior-college transfer and recorded 50 tackles for Copiah-Lincoln Community College last season.

What to expect

Northwestern State is coming off a winless season in what’s been a rebuilding process under secondyear coach Blaine McCorkle, who took over a program that saw its 2023 season come to an end after six games.

A four-game nonconference slate that includes two FBS opponents will kick off the season before eight straight conference games as the Demons look to get back in the win column for the first time since 2022.

“Any game we win will be an upset,” McCorkle said. “We took over a program going through an unheard-of situation. We just want to continue working and close the talent gap We’re building this thing for the long haul.”

SOUTHERN

Continued from page 1C

last season, recognized in talks before camp that his new teammate is a “humble” and “really good kid.”

The Jaguars are thrilled to add a player with not only pedigree but also a positive mindset. Coach Terrence Graves had been enamored with Johnson since he was at Westgate High School in New Iberia. Southern offered him a scholarship along with several powerconference programs.

Graves jumped on a second chance to get Johnson after he entered the transfer portal in December, although he admits he wasn’t the person who closed the deal with Johnson. The credit goes to Kendel Shello, a former player Graves coached as a Southern graduate assistant in 1994.

“Y’all always hear me talk about relationships,” Graves said. “Well, relationships matter The guy who really sealed the deal for us was a SWAC, former NFL player, Kendel Shello.”

After Shello won an HBCU national championship at Southern in 1995, the defensive end played 13 games in the NFL for the Indianapolis Colts from 1996-98. He’s also from New Iberia, like Johnson. Miller said Shello explained how the Jaguars can help Johnson accomplish his goals.

“(Shello) told him that, ‘Hey you had your situation at LSU, why

don’t you give those Jaguars an opportunity,’ ” Miller said. “The guy came down and, you know, we spoke with him and his parents, and he gave us an opportunity So we want to make it the best not only for us but for him as well.” Johnson signed with Southern in May and has been ready to compete for the Jaguars since.

The aspect of Johnson’s game that excites coaches the most is his quickness once the ball is snapped. That trait for someone his size gives him upside in Miller’s eyes One thing the coaches are trying to improve is his hand placement when battling offensive linemen.

The role he’ll play on a stacked defensive line isn’t solidified yet as the staff still is evaluating the position before Southern’s season opener against North Carolina Central at 6:30 p.m. Saturday in Atlanta. Miller did state Johnson is a player the Jaguars can rely on this season.

“That defensive tackle room is very very competitive, but I don’t see why we shouldn’t have him in the game,” Miller said. “He should be in the game plan.”

Fitting into Southern’s culture has been a success for Johnson. The next priority is getting on the field and staying there.

“We’re giving him an opportunity to come here and not only prove to us but prove to himself that you can play, that’s the most important thing,” Miller said “He been doing a good job for us right now Just hope things continue.”

STAFF PHOTO By MICHAEL JOHNSON

LSU defensive end Jack Pyburn runs through a drill at a spring practice on April 12 at Tiger Stadium.

STAFF

PHOTO By MICHAEL JOHNSON

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By ROGELIO V SOLIS

Southeastern Louisiana coach Frank Scelfo watches his team as the Lions play against Mississippi State on Sept. 2, 2023, in Starkville, Miss. The Lions finished second in the Southland Conference last season.

STAFF PHOTO By JAVIER GALLEGOS Nicholls State defensive lineman Rasheed Lovelace, left, celebrates after recovering a fumble against Southern on Oct. 5 at A.W Mumford Stadium. Lovelace returns for the Colonels this season.

OUTDOORS

gathersfrozengamefrom

Worthwhile cause

Hunterscan help feed thoseinneedonClean OutyourFreezer Day

BY JOE MACALUSO

The motto “hunters who care share”has become a marching orderfor Louisiana outdoorsmen.

That’sespecially true in the weeks leadinguptoand during the hunting seasons.

What’smore, fishermen get in on the act, too.

Need proof? Information provided by the now three-decade-old Hunters for the Hungry program shows the past five years of collections have netted 554,455 poundsof protein-rich meat donated, which hasmeantmore than 2.2 million meals for our state’speople in need.

“We’re proud of what that’s meant to food banks, food pantries, soup kitchens and shelters,”H4H executivedirector Julie Grunewald said. “It means those groups providing protein to the needy can spend their money on other food items. It’sa big help, and the organizations we support can’t wait forthese donations.”

The annual push begins next Sunday across our state with Clean Out Your Freezer Dayat22locationsinthe area. Many other locations take donations in the state’s southwestern and northern parishes.

Grunewald said she expects hunters and fishermen to donate more than 20,000 pounds of frozen game and fish.

AllH4H asks is that the donated items be properly labeled. The idea is to help outdoorsmen clear freezer space for the upcoming hunting seasons, butdonations are not limited to game andfish. Frozen turkey,chicken, pork, beef and sausage help, too.

“There are some agencies that can’twait to prepare gumbofor the needy in their communities,” Grunewald said. Clean Out Your Freezer Day leadsoff this annual

CLEANOUT YOUR FREEZER LOCATIONS

Acadiana area, 10 a.m.3p.m ,benefits TheRefinery Mission; Cajun Field, 2351 West Congress St., Lafayette; Fire Station, 100 Park Ave., Eunice; First Assembly of God Church, 3555 Verot School Rd.,youngsville; Giles Nissan, 4383 I-49 Service Rd Opelousas BatonRougearea, 1-4p.m.,benefits the Greater Baton RougeFood Bank; Bass ProShops, RangeAvenue at I-12, Denham Springs; Bowie Outfitters, 8630 Perkins Rd.; CCA Louisiana, 12241 IndustriplexBlvd.; Cabela’s, La.30atInterstate10, Gonzales; Fire stations,835 SharpRd. &5758 Claycut, Baton Rouge; 11646 Sullivan Road,Central City; St.George,7027 Antioch Rd 16415George O’Neal Lane and9214Jefferson Hwy.;4525 MainSt., Zachary; The RedBoot Deli, 12430St. HelenaSt., Clinton

campaigntobefollowed by Donate Your Deer and Donate Your Hogdrives which come during the It’salso to contribute by making H4H when licenses.

Donations costofp hogs into Bussey’s Bussey house Par has become siana star bass fishing. So much er largemouth in thewake Wildlife an restore this acre area

Houma/Thibodaux area, 1-4 p.m ,benefits Plymouth Rock Baptist Church; Rouses Market, 1410 St. Charles St., Houma; Rouses Market, 204 N. Canal St., Thibodaux. Metairie, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., benefits the Second Harvest Food Bank;Puglia Sporting Goods, 1925 Veterans Memorial Blvd. St. Francisville, 1-4 p.m , benefits West Feliciana Food Pantry; Audubon Market, 5452 LiveOak Centre Dr

Slidell, 1-4 p.m ,benefits Second Harvest Food Bank; Rouses, 1644 Gause Blvd. Forlocations, dates and times in Alexandria, Lake Charles,Marksville, Monroe, Natchitoches, Ruston, Shreveport/Bossier City and Natchez, Mississippi, go to Hunters forthe Hungry website: h4hla.org/freezerday

Joe Macaluso

gentregulations to ensure longevityasa prime state, regionaland national fresh-

boat launch site, prior to being released back into the lake,”the newregulationsread.

The daily creel limit for bass less than 18 inches long is five per day

During the past four years, Bussey Brakehas gained national recognitionamong thepremier big-basslakes in thecountry,and growth rates for Florida-strain bass are off thecharts.

This latest movefollows regulationsenacted in 2024 on bass tournaments

On patrol

Seems like nothing more can be said to warnboaters about what they might face for imbibing alcoholic beverages while on the water Wildlife and Fisheries enforcementagentshavehad abusy time in July and early August checking and arresting boaters driving under theinfluence.

The latestcame during Float Fest, the annul on-thewater celebration in St. TammanyParish.

Agents arrested three drivers and booked them in the parish jail. It brings the total number of DUI on the water to nearly30during thepast sixweeksfor LDWF enforcement and local parish water patrols.

Snappercount

Through Aug. 3, LA Creel’s

TUESDAY WHITE LAKEWETLANDS AREA PUBLIC MEETING: 6p.m., Civic Center, 901 Wilkinson St., Gueydan. For area’s master plan. Wildlife and Fisheries&Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority joint public information on area’s 72,000 acres in Vermilion Parish. LAFAYETTE KAYAKFISHING

CLUB MEETING: 6p.m., Pack &Paddle, 601 E. Pinhook,Lafayette. Call (337) 232-5854. Website: lafayettekayakfishing.com

WEDNESDAY FLIES&FLIGHTS: 7p.m., Rally Cap Brewing, 11212 Pennywood Ave., Baton Rouge. Fly-tying. Opento public.Spare tools, materials for novices.Email Chris Williams:thefatfingeredflytyer@gmail.com

THURSDAY ACADIANA FLYRODDERS PROGRAM: 6p.m., Pack &Paddle, 601 E. Pinhook Lafayette. Opentopublic Website: acadianaflyrodders.org

THURSDAY-SUNDAY

BASSMASTER ELITE SERIES: Mississippi River, La Crosse, Wisconsin. Website: bassmaster.com

SATURDAY

SUN’SOUT,GUNS OUT/NSCA REGISTERED EVENT: Covey Rise,58256 CoveyRise Drive, Husser. 100-target Woods Course main event, 50-target Quail Course Super Sport, 50-target 5-Stand &50-target Quail Course World Challenger. Fees $35$75. Call CoveyRise (985) 747-0310. Website: scorechaser.com

FLYFISHING 101: 9-11 a. m., Orvis Shop, Bluebonnet Boulevard,Baton Rouge. Feefree. Basicsofcasting, rigging, fly selection. Equipment furnished. All ages, but 15 and younger must be accompanied by an adult. Preregistration required. AlsoSept. 20. Call Shop at (225) 757-7286.Website: orvis.com/batonrougefly fishing 101

ONGOING

CCASTATEWIDE TOURNAMENT &ANGLERS’ RODEO/ S.T.A.R.: Summer-long fishing contest through Sept. 1. Multiple species categories CCAmembership required. Website: ccalouisiana.com

HUNTING

BLACK BEAR LOTTERY: Aug. 28 deadline. 26 permits for Dec. 6-21 hunts. Limited to properly licensed Louisiana residents. Applications ($50 fee) on Wildlife &Fisheries’ website: louisianaoutdoors. com/lottery.Ifdrawn, must attend Bear Hunting Training Course.Call David Hayden (318) 487-5353 or email: dhayden@wlf.la.gov.

WORKSHOPS

WOMEN’SFISHING 101

WORKSHOPS/OPENREGISTRATION: Aug. 31 deadline for Oct. 4workshop, Waddill Wildlife Refuge, North Flannery Road, Baton Rouge. State biologists/instructors. Classsizelimited to 15. Minimum age 18. No fee.

AROUND THECORNER

AUG. 24 —SOUTH LOUISIANA HIGHPOWER CLUB/ REDUCED COURSE STATE CHAMPIONSHIP: 8:30 a.m., Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Range,St. Landry Road, Gonzales. CMP GSSM, NRA matchrifle or servicerifle, 200-yard/50-rounds match course &Prone matches. Fee$15 members, $20 nonmembers, $5 juniors. $25 annual club (first match free) &Civilian Marksmanship Program membership (allows purchases from CMP). Call (337) 380-8120. Email MikeBurke: SouthLaHighPower@hotmail.com AUG. 24 —CLEAN OUTYOUR FREEZER DAY: 1-4p.m. most sites, Hunters for the Hungry statewide collection for frozen meat &fish. Locations website: cleanoutyourfreezer.com

com

FISHING/SHRIMPING

SHRIMP: Fall inshore&outside waters open statewide

OPENRECREATIONAL SEASONS: Redsnapper, gray triggerfish, flounder; lane, blackfin, queen and silk snappers &wenchmen among other snapperspecies;all groupers except closed for goliath &Nassau groupers in state/federal waters.

CLOSEDSEASONS: Greater amberjack (opens Sept. 1), bluefintuna and gag (Sept. 1-14 season), goliath & Nassau groupers in state/ federal waters.

LDWF UPDATES

CLOSED: Hope Canal Road/ boat launch(Maurepas Swamp WMA, levee construction); Dobbs BayRoad &all roads on the Mississippi River battureeast of La. 15 (RichardYancey WMA, flooding).

DRAWDOWNS: Underway on Henderson Lake(through Nov. 2), LakeBistineau, Saline, Kepler, Iatt, Black &Clear lakes and Wham Brakeimpoundment.

EMAIL: jmacaluso @theadvocate.com

Contributing writer

Brake

STAFF FILEPHOTO By MICHAEL JOHNSON

Mark Evans, in the camouflagehat,

adonor during CleanOut your FreezerDay last year for the Greater Baton RougeFood Bank.Donations for this year’sHunters for the Hungry campaignwill be acceptedAug.24at more than 20 locations in thearea.

Robert

MacIntyreended theround at 2-under 68 witha four-shot lead.

MacIntyrepassestest,has 4-shot lead over Scheffler

He makespar saves, crucialbirdies in thirdround of BMWChampionship

BY DOUG FERGUSON Associated Press

OWINGS MILLS,Md. Robert MacIntyreducked his head under the branchesand climbed intoamess of bushes behind thefifthgreen without agolf club, firstseeing if he could find his ball and then deciding if it was worth trying to play it. Through an opening he saw Scottie Scheffler waiting on him, areminder of what he was up against Saturday in the BMW Championship.

He tookonthe shot andsomehow made par with two tough putts from 70 feet. It was abig moment. But to MacIntyre, all of them were big —the par saves,a few birdie chances he missed and the 40-foot birdie that endedasatisfying day

The last birdie gave MacIntyre a2-under 68 and afour-shot lead over the No. 1player in the world going into the final round at Caves Valley “It was massive,” MacIntyre saidofhis par save on No. 5. “Look, every save, every shot is a prisoner for me. That shot there is no more important than that one I’ve hit on 18, any of the shots I’ve hittoday. I’ve played beautifully all week, so it’sjust about continuing that going into tomorrow.”

And he knows what to expect Sunday,another date in the final group with Scheffler,who hadan efficient 67 to trim ashot off the five-shot deficit he facedatthe start. It wasobvious who thebig crowd wanted,and MacIntyre heardone fanfroma hospitality

suitebehind the14thgreen and had enough.

He holedan8-foot parputt right after Scheffler made birdie, looked back at the crowd as he lightly pumpedhis fistand put his index finger to his lips to shush whoever got under his Scottish skin.

“I totallyexpected to be in this situation today when I’m in this position. It’sgoing to be the exactsametomorrow,”MacIntyre said.“I’ll give backasgood as I get. Look, Ithought Iplayed great. There wasobviously acoupleof shouts. But there’splentyofsecurity ”

He was at 16-under 194. Scheffler finally ended astreak of 37 holes without abogey and felt his iron game was slightly off, but otherwise had no complaints.

“I startedthe day five behind.

The tournament wasonly halfway over.Sothere’salot of golf,”

Scheffler said. “Bob hasgot afourshot lead goingintotomorrowand it’suptome. He’splaying some great golf, and it’suptometogo out there and chase him down.”

Ludvig Åberg entered themix.

TheSwedish star appearstobe emerging from asummer slumber and shot 68 that left him alone in third. He was still sixshotsbehind MacIntyre.

No one else was closer than eight shots of the lead.

Scheffler could sense thecrowd in his favor,but didn’tnotice anything out of control. He has been throughthis before,paired with MacIntyre in theScottishOpen and playingbefore apro-Rory McIlroy gallery at Royal Portrush when he won the British Open.

“I can think of afew things that were said to me in thefinal round in Ireland thatwere very far over the line,” he said. “If you’rea fan, it’sonly going to firethe guy up more, and Ithink just do your best to behave outthere. It can be a little bit silly sometimes.”

The BMW Championship decides the top 30 in the FedEx who advance to the Tour Championship for ashotatthe $10 million prize.

Akshay Bhatia helped his chances with an amazing day that included ahole-in-one on the 17th hole to winacar,but moreimportant projected himinside the top 30.

Bhatia also holed out witha wedge on the par-4 seventhfor eagle,and turned in acard that had scores of 1, 2, 3, 4and 5. Harry Hall of England, at No 45 in the FedEx Cup, had asecond straight 67 andwas tied for fourth with Sam Burns (67).

Players often talk about staying present. Hall takes thattoanother level.

“I’veonly got one job to do, and that’sgorecover and hydrate and get ready to hit that first show down thefairway tomorrow,” Hall said. “Mygame plan won’tfluctuate regardless of the situation I’m in. Ithink I’ll try anddothe right thing on every shot, and hopefully that will be enough.”

Rickie Fowler,who narrowly got intothe top 50 to reach Caves Valley, hada 67 to put himselfin position to moveinto the top30. He was projected just outside the top 30, andthoseprojectionsare likely to fluctuate wildly on the lastday

Fowler hasanideawhathe needs,but he kept it simple.

“Hopefully,just go wear out some fairways andthenget the iron play back to where it’sbeen and make some putts,” he said. “But it sounds alot easier than it is.”

MacIntyre was clearly up for thetest, though.

He madefive par putts from the 5- to 8-foot range, had acouple of birdie putts inside 6feet and then endedhis daywith an uppercut celebration of a40-foot birdie putt.

Clutch birdie liftsteento Amateurfinal

BY JOSH DUBOW Associated Press

SAN FRANCISCO Tennessee teenager Jackson Herringtonmadea 5-foot birdie putt on the 18th hole to beat local favorite Niall Shiels Donegan on Saturday to advance to the U.S. Amateur final at The Olympic Club.

“I played this hole pretty well this week,” Herringtonsaid. “I knew Icould do it.Windwas in my favor.Ihit acut, wasgoing to straightenevery ball out. Had a good number for second shot.”

Herrington won 1upand will face Georgia teenager Mason Howell in the 36-hole final Sunday Howell beat Eric Lee 3and 2in the other semifinal at the125th U.S Amateur

Both Harrington and Howell advanced to thefinalafter being among the 17 players to survivea 20-man playoff Wednesday morning to determine the final 64 for match play

Thematches teed offintypical summer San Francisco weather with heavy fog that made it difficult to track shots,along with asteady mist and wind gusts of more than 20 mph.

Herrington gotinanearly hole after bogeying the first two holes against Donegan, the 20-year-old Scot who grew up just across the

Golden Gate Bridge in Mill Valley

Herrington, a19-year-old about to enter hissophomoreseasonat Tennessee,overcame the partisan crowd,the weather andthe early deficittoget thewin.

“I thinkI kind of feed off of it,” Herringtonsaid about the crowd.

“Today we’d be walking up the fairway,after he hit thefairway andthey’d be yelling like he made ahole-in-one. It was funny,I’d walk up the fairway and be like, ‘thank you.’I’d feed offofit. There’sa couple of people outhere that wanted me to win, but it was kind of me againsteverybody else.” Donegan nearly pulled off afifth straight late rally.Heerased a two-hole deficit when Herrington bogeyed the par-5 16th and then Donegan made ashort birdie putt at the par-5 17th to set the stage for thedecisive final hole in front of loud crowd of his supporters. Herrington hit aperfect approach shot on thepar-4 18th and then madehis 5-footbirdie putt after Donegan narrowly missed his birdieattempt. “I did what Icould,”Donegan said. “I had areally good second shot in there, just didn’tquitespin, and then the putt. Just atough putt. It’sjustsucha great experience still, though.I’m only 20. Like hopefullyI’vegot alongcareer ahead of me, andthis is just one

Dodgers, Padresdo battle in NL West

BY BETH HARRIS Associated Press

LOS ANGELES Things sure have changedsince thelasttimethe San Diego Padres and Los Angeles Dodgers clashed back in June.

The Dodgers were running away in theNLWestthenwitha nine-gamelead. ThePadreswere in third place.

Now,with 1 1/2 months left in the season, it’sall tied up.

San Diego came into Dodger Stadium on Friday night with a one-game lead over the defending World Series champions. It’s the latest the Padres had led the division since September2010 andthe first time the Dodgers hadbeen out of first this late in theseason since Aug. 18, 2021.

By the time it wasover, the Dodgers won 3-2tosnapa fourgameskid and gain atie forfirst.

“Wejust played some bad games, and we’re fine moving forward,” winningpitcher Clayton Kershaw said.

The Padres’ five-gamewinning streak ended.

“The only dayinthe standings thatultimatelymatters is thelast dayofthe season,”Padres manager Mike Shildt said before the game. “But we’ve played good baseball, and we feelgood where we’reat.”

The last time the Padres won the NL West was in 2006, when theirleadoff hitterwas current Dodgers manager Dave Roberts.

“The reality is we got here by putting emphasis on everyday being themost importantday of the season, and that’s notgoing to change from my seat,” Shildt said.

TheDodgers hadbeen in first

every day since April27, but in-

juries, pitching woes and lack of offensive punch have derailed them

“It just takes one to get going, and hopefully this was it forus,” Kershaw said.

Everthe optimist, Roberts is keeping the faith in his lineup.

“They just got to go out there and take good at-bats,” he said. “They’re motivated. Idon’tlike to be embarrassed, Idon’tthink our players do, so this series I’m expecting kind of high intensity and high performance.”

Theteams meet five more times over the next nine days.

“The division isn’twon or lost in the next 10 days, but it will make an impact and we know that,” Kershaw said. “Wejust got to keep playing. Youcan’tput any moreorany less on it. Hopefully, our talent and our team will take over,which we know it will.”

The series opener Friday was devoid of the fireworks that occurred in June, whenthe Dodgers took five of seven games during theteams’ first twoseries. Tenbatters were hit, including Padres slugger Fernando Tatis Jr.three times. The last time cleared the benches.

Roberts andShildt were ejected following atense back-andforth exchange.

This time, Dodgers reliever Alex Vesia hit Jose Iglesias and JakeCronenworth back-to-back to open the eighth, but there was no retribution by the Padres. “It was ahigh intensity game, but it was certainly kind of temperedasfar as internally,” Roberts said afterward. “But Ithink that Icould see it as farasonthe field. Icould feel it.Our focus was keen.”

Astros retire Wagner’s No.13

The Associated Press HOUSTON Houston Astros stars Jeff Bagwell andCraig Biggio hadsimple instructions for rookie reliever Billy Wagner when he was called up in 1995 “Sit there. Don’ttalk. If we need something, we’ll letyou know.”

On Saturday,with Bagwell and Biggiositting to hisleft, theAstros retired Wagner’sNo. 13.

nine seasons of his major league career,and who are the only other members of the Baseball Hall of Fame to be inducted as Astros The 5-foot-10pitcher wasgiven theNo. 13 as ajokebyAbe Naff, his head coach at Division III Ferrum College in Virginia. Wallace Chitwood,atall, strikethrowing, soft-tossing pitcher, wore No. 13 before Wagner,who was apolar opposite.

of the many building blocks along thejourneythat hopefully commences.”

Howell, who is about to enter his senior year in highschool, continuedanimpressive 2025 season after qualifyingfor theU.S. Open earlier this year.Howell, who turned18onJune28, is trying to becomethe youngestU.S.Amateur champion since Danny Lee won it in 2008 exactly onemonth after his 18thbirthday

He was tied at the turn with Eric Leebut took atwo-hole lead after Lee madebogey on the 11th and 14th holes. Howell then won the match with along birdie putt on thepar-5 16th, punctuating it with afist pump.

“Happy to makethat putton16,” Howell said. “Glad Ididn’thave to walk up the hill on 17 and18. Overall, it was agood day. Iknew the pins were tucked again. It’snot really scoring weather.I knewif Imadeacouple birdies, three or four,that would put me in agood spot.”

Lee was playing in his first career U.S. Amateur after helping Oklahoma State win an NCAA title thisyear

This is thefourthU.S.Amateur to be held at The OlympicClub. Charles Coe (1958),Nathaniel Crosby (1981) and ColeKnost (2007) won theothers.

The ceremony culminated three weeks of what Wagner called “happy chaos” that started with his induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame on July 27.

“Having your numberput up in arafter with the greats of the organization probably sits up there as being aHall of Famer because you’re representing a city,you’re representing your team thatyou played for,”Wagnersaid. “It means alot.”

Wagnerbecame the 10th Astros player to have his number retired,joining Bagwell and Biggio, his teammates forthe first

“Thirteen has just been that unlucky lucky number,” Wagner said.

Afirst round pick in 1993, Wagner spent the first nine of his 16 major league seasons with the Astros. Three of his seven AllStar selections were with the Astros, and he is the club’ssaves leader with 225.

Wagner was traded to the Phillies after the 2003 season.He also pitched forthe New York Mets, andBoston Red Soxbefore closing outhis career withthe Atlanta Braves in 2010, finishing that season with 37 savesand a 1.43 ERA.

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By STEPHANIE SCARBROUGH

MacIntyre hits fromthe fifth teeduring thethird round of the BMW Championship on Saturdayin OwingsMills,Md.

ASSOCIATEDPRESS PHOTOByMARK J. TERRILL Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, second fromleft, greets Padres manager Mike Shildtprior to agame Friday in Los Angeles

ASSOCIATEDPRESS

CHRISTIAN SMITH Baseball HallofFame inductee Billy Wagner acknowledges the crowd during hisnumber retirement ceremony before agame between the Houston Astros and the Baltimore Orioles on SaturdayinHouston.

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Delacour 66-70-70—206 10

65-73-68—206 -10

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Moresco 68-70-68—206 -10

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Celine Boutier 69-70-68—207 9

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Hyun Park 65-73-69—207 9

Smith-Stroh 71-69-67—207 -9

Yin 71-69-67—207 9

Yubol 66-72-69—207 -9

Zhang 75-64-68—207 -9

Grewal 69-67-72—208 8

Romero 67-69-72—208 -8

Buhai 66-68-75—209 7

Choi 72-70-67—209 7

Young Ko 67-70-72—209 -7

Krauter 69-66-74—209 7

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Boonchant 71-65-74—210 -6

Abeach

trip reminds me of life’s possibilities

In their trips to the beach each summer,mychildren first learned about the largeness of the world, aplace big enough to hold their dreams.Wideblue waves stretched to the horizon, invitingthem to look toward distant places.

My daughter and son live far away these days, each one near adifferent shore at opposite ends of the country.Parenthood no longer asks me tobea beach dad, and there have been some summers when my swim shoes and ice chest stay on the shelf.

But this year,Ifelt aneed to enlarge my sense of the world, too. My daily routines, normally acomfort, were makingme wonder what might liebeyond my quietly orderedlife.When my sister-in-law invited usto the Gulf Coast for afew days, I quickly agreed.

Ialways reward myself after the long drive to Florida by dipping my bare feet in the waves before Iunpack. As dusk softens the day,Iinch closer to the tide, the sea’s salty fingers tickling my toes while Ilaugh and make friends with the ocean again.

On that first evening, Ikept my ankles in the surf until the lights in all the beach condos slowly winked on, aconstellation of families getting ready for dinner.Nearby,a young man and his sweetheart were using the last moments of daylight to gettheir engagement picture taken on the beach. These seaside photo sessions have become aromantic tradition along the Gulf Coast for many couples, but Inever get tired of seeing them. There’s something hopeful about watching two loverspledging themselves to each otheratthe ocean’sedge, radiant with joy as they stand at the brightlip of eternity The next morning, Islathered myself with sunscreen and went deeper into the water, up to my shoulders, as Istaggeredthrough the waves like adrunkard winding his way home. Iwas so still for an hour that afew gullsstopped byand kept me company,maybeconvinced that Iwas alog.They seemed suspendedastheyhovered over my head,like model airplanes hung by thread

With age, I’ve come to understand that Idon’thave to be in the ocean to savor it. Sometimes, we enjoyed the water best from our balcony,sipping coffee while the sea moved in and out, its steady heartbeat slowing our own. What Iliked most, Ithink, was watching the open sky through the bigwindow near my reading chair.Inthe shifting view,Icould see the day work through its many moods.

LIVING

Marching throughsunshineand rain,a Louisianahighschoolband findsits rhythm

BY

ROBIN MILLER Staff writer

collectivecheer rises from theyardlines to the top of thetower whereJeffSeighman and Eddie Hirst stand with their megaphones

This final run-through marks the end of outdoor band camp —and what band kidwouldn’tcheer for that?

No morestanding at attention in theearly morning August sun. No more sweat-soaked shortsand Tshirts. No more counting the minutes between waterbreaks. Thenagain, none of the 165 members of the Walker High Band of Legacy are complaining —ormoving slowly,though Seighman and Hirst knowthey’re tired.

“Last time,” Hirt said, signaling thedrum majortoclap out the count Seighmantakes this as his signal to put down his megaphone and ready his hands for applause.

“Ourfirst home game isn’tuntil thethird weekend in September, so it’sgoing to be alongtime until they hear someone clapping and cheering for them,” he said. And when thebandfinishes this last sequence, Seighman does just that —claps andcheerswithHirt

following suit.They’re not placating their students; they really mean it.

Thesekidshad been dedicating their morningstothe practice field and their afternoons to theschool’s band hall since July 21. The daily grind has paid off after eight days, because the band is agood place going intofootball season. Is it perfect? No, but what is?

“The pointisthey’re marching andplaying better that when we started out eight days ago,” Seigh-

mansaid. “And they’llget better when school starts.” He dismisses the band forlunch, following thekidstoWalker High’s band hall, built in 2018 with design input from Seighman. The facility is equipped with two instrument rooms thatdouble as separate changing roomsfor boys andgirls before practice andon homegame days. Once school begins, after-school

See BAND, page 4D

BYRACHELMIPRO Contributingwriter

Areader was curious about aquartet of statues in New Orleans’ French Quarter.The question: “In Jackson Square, there is aset of four statues in each corner,not exactly hidden, but also not obvious. They represent theseasons: spring, summer,fall and winter However,they don’tseem to be placed in alogical order.What’sthe story with these statues? They look older than the other statuary in thepark.” In thecorners of Jackson Square, four often-overlooked statues hark back to agrand 1850s-era attempt to restore the square to respectability.The four white marble statues, possibly some of theoldest in the city,

hold amyriad of significance. Historian Buddy Stall, in his book “Buddy Stall’sNew Orleans,” claimed they were the first statues in the city to be displayed outdoors, with the exception of cemetery statues. “The placing of the city’sfirst statues,” Stall wrote, “was apparently not considered abig deal by the city fathers or the

STAFFPHOTOSByJAVIER GALLEGOS

BanddirectorJeff Seighman, left, looks at the marching drill chartwhile assistant director Eddie Hirst yells commandstothe band duringpractice at Walker High School on July29.

Band director Jeff Seighmansmiles as he paces the field during practice at Walker High School.

DannyHeitman

COMMUNITY

PROVIDED PHOTO

BRDAR

Members of the Baton Rouge Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution gathered at the Main Library at Goodwood on Aug. 11 to discuss plans for the upcoming year Shown are, from left, Mondra Fazely, lineage research chair; Debra Cowart, librarian; Alice Fresina, regent; Jean Chaudoir, DAR Good Citizens Award chair, and Sonja Henkel, American Indian committee chair

BRDAR gear up for centennial year

Officers and committee chairs of the Baton Rouge Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution gathered at the Main Library at Goodwood on Aug. 11 to discuss plans for the upcoming year Regent Alice Fresina provided a robust agenda which included programming from Second Vice Regent Carrie Andrepont Chaplain Judy Burch led opening and closing prayers. Planned activities include Constitution Week events, the Silver Christmas Tea to celebrate past regents, the chapter’s 100th birthday celebration, and the George Washington National Defense Luncheon as well as multiple event collaborations with other DAR chapters and area Sons of the American Revolution chapters.

The Navy Club of Baton Rouge, Ship 661, USS Kidd, held its monthly luncheon at Piccadilly Restaurant on Aug.

Gathered are, from left, Adrian Fortier, Chick Streat, Jerry Pugh, Gidget

Rick Munch and Tom Hirschey. Seated is Gerard Ruth

ON THE ARTS AND CULTURE SCENE

Music census

At the castle

Louisiana’s Old State Capitol is celebrating its 175th anniversary with the exhibit, “Contemporary Views of the Castellated Capitol,” featuring works by 19 Louisiana artists. The museum also will host a reception coinciding with the exhibit at 4:30 p.m. Aug. 21.

The show will run through Sept. 20. To reserve a spot for the reception, visit eventbrite.com/e/contemporary-viewsof-the-castellated-castle-opening-reception-tickets-1474798565209?.

‘Nutcracker’ auditions

The Baton Rouge Ballet Theatre has scheduled children’s auditions for “The Nutcracker: A Tale from the Bayou” for Sept. 14, in the Dancers’ Workshop, 10745 Linkwood Court, Baton Rouge. Times vary by age. Audition fees are $15 pre-pay and $20 on-site. For more information, call (225) 766-8379 or visit batonrougeballet.org/nutcrackerauditions/, where audition registration paperwork and schedules can be found. 1920s celebration Tickets are on sale for the Louisiana Art & Science Museum’s Art After Hours program, “Fascinate Me: A 1920s Chapeaux Affair” from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Sept. 11, at the museum, 100 S. River Road Baton Rouge. Get ready to embrace the glitz and glamour of the Roaring 20s at this event in celebration of the museum’s train station home’s 100th anniversary. Tickets are $60 for museum members, $70 for nonmembers and can be purchased by visiting tinyurl.com/LASMFascinateMe

The Krewe of Artemis celebrated its 25th anniversary coronation at the Hilton Baton Rouge Capitol Center on Aug. 9.

During the evening, the krewe’s 2026 royal court was introduced to board members, members of the royal court, krewe members and their guests. Steven Eugene Cheatham and Alexis Aline Harvey were crowned King and Queen Artemis XXV The court presentation continued with the introduction of royal maids Eliza Claire Bodin, Amelia Fay Carlson, Amelia Claire Lalonde and Marguerite Ann Uzee. The royal dukes are Joseph Roland Bodin, Adam Henry Strunk, Andrew Henry Kucharchuk and Callon Catesby Schiele. Princesses are Mary Huntington Chambers, Lucy Delgado, Madeleine Marie Esquival and Elizabeth Marie Smith. The queen’s pages are Dell Hepburn Nicklaus and Brynn Elizabeth Fife.

Junior dukes are Devin Kumar Welden, Sohan Mahendra Welden, Mason Bruce Esquival and Matthew Parker Ingram. The king’s pages are Asher Joseph Possa and Julian James Flanagan. Cheatham is the husband of Queen Artemis XXII Katie Revel Cheatham. He is an investor and executive in numerous business ventures, including Cocreham Brick, HRM Concrete and Resilient Energy Solutions. Harvey is the daughter of Captain Joanne and King Artemis IV Charles Harvey She is a senior at

The Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge announces the Baton Rouge Region Music Census, a new regional initiative aimed at understanding and strengthening the area’s music ecosystem. Set to begin in September, the project will gather comprehensive data from individuals and organizations involved in all parts of the music ecosystem — creators, venues, educators, producers and businesses. Those interested in getting involved can sign up at brmusiccensus.org.

‘Over the Top!’ Tickets are on sale for “Over the Top!,” the first production in Opera Louisiane’s 2025-26 season, featuring three highflying sopranos — Rainelle Krause, Kelly Curtin and Sarah McHan — singing to prove which is the greatest diva. The performance will be at 3 p.m. Sept. 28, at the Manship Theatre in the Shaw Center for the Arts, 100 Lafayette St., Baton Rouge. Tickets are $51.50. Visit operalouisiane. com.

Endless summer

The Gallery at the Manship Theatre in the Shaw Center of the Arts, 100 Lafayette St., Baton Rouge, is celebrating the laid-back freedom of summertime with New Orleans artist James Michalopoulos’ exhibit, “Michalopoulos: Happy Times, Summer in The City.”

The show runs through Oct. 10, and admission is free. Hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Call (225) 344-0334 or visit manshipthe-

atre.org.

At Glassell Gallery LSU’s Glassell Gallery in the Shaw Center of the Arts, 100 Lafayette St., Baton Rouge, is showing work by 31 artists in its “2025 Summer Contemporary: FELT,” running through Aug. 23.

This year’s show was juried by New Orleans-based curator Emily Wilkerson from more than 300 submissions. The selected work embraces the sensuous — touch, temperature, vibration, aura — and connects the haptic, emotional and somatic. Hours are noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday and Wednesday and noon to 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday. Admission is free. Call (225) 389-7180.

At the Poydras Center

The Poydras Center, 500 W. Main St., New Roads, is showing “Plein Wild,” a collaboration exhibit between L. Charleville and Ellen Ogden, through Sept. 30.

Hours are from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Wednesday. For more information, call (225) 638-6575 or visit pointecoupeehistoricalsociety.org.

At Nunu NuNu Arts & Culture Collective, 1510 Courtableau Highway, Arnaudville, will open two art exhibits, Charles Chaisson’s “Written in the Veil” and Ralph Schexnaydre’s “Blue Blue Blues,” with a reception from 6 to 9 p.m. Sept. 12. The show runs through Nov. 2. Hours are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. Admission is free. Visit nunucollective.org.

LSU’s Odgen Honors College. Bodin is the daughter of Katie and Greg Bodin Carlson’s parents are Amy and Ned Fasullo and Jennifer and Benjamin Carlson. Lalonde is the daughter of Drs. Elise and Jimmy Lalonde. Uzee’s parents are Kim and Travis Uzee and Smokey and Dr. Ann Cook. Bodin is the son of Katie and Greg Bodin Adam Henry Strunk is the son of Crystal and Jason Strunk. Andrew Henry Kucharchuk’s parents are Jessica and Andrew Kucharchuk. Schiele is the son of Holly and Steven Schiele. Chambers’ parents are Matthew Chambers and Lauren Gutierrez.

Last chance to register for YEA

FYI BR staff reports

Louisiana students are back at school, but 25 area high school students are about to become CEOs in the Young Entrepreneurs Academy There’s still time to sign up, though. Registration closes Aug. 17. YEA BR is an after-school program that helps high school students launch their own businesses. No business idea is required to apply Students will learn how to create a business plan, pitch their startups to a Shark Tank-like panel for seed money and file their businesses with the Louisiana Secretary of State’s office. They can also qualify for LSU credit. YEA BR’s next cohort starts their entrepreneurial journeys in September

Visit yeabr.org for more information.

Interfaith Federation holds prayer service

The Interfaith Federation will hold a prayer service of remembrance, thanksgiving and hope to commemorate the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina at noon Aug. 28 at Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church, 185 Eddie Robinson Drive, Baton Rouge.

For those who lived and served here in 2005, they remember Hurricane Katrina and the aftermath because of the way that individuals, families and organizations of all types became an extension of the Baton Rouge hospitality industry The stories of care, concern and compassion bring smiles and tears of remembrance. For more information, visit ifedgbr.com.

Nominations open for Bright Lights

Since 1985, the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities has honored hundreds of Louisianans who have made outstanding contributions to understanding the state’s culture and history Nominations are open for six categories:

n Lifetime Contributions: Honors citizens who have supported public appreciation of issues central to the humanities.

n Documentary Photographer of the Year: Honors documentary photographers whose work captures Louisiana’s history, culture and/or people. Nominations may be for a complete body of work or a single project n Humanities Documentary Film of the Year: Awarded to the documentary film released in the previous calendar year (2025) that best exemplifies scholarship on Louisiana topics or by Louisiana documentary filmmakers.

n Humanities Book of the Year: Awarded to the book published between Oct. 1, 2024, and Sept. 30, 2025, that best exemplifies scholarship on Louisiana topics or by Louisiana writers.

n Light Up for Literacy: Honors individuals who have made significant and lasting contributions to literacy efforts in the state. The award is presented in partnership with the State Library of Louisiana’s Center for the Book.

n Museum Exhibition of the Year: Recognizes an exhibition held during the prior two calendar years (2024 and 2025) that brought new insights to our understanding of the state, its artists and/or its history Individuals, institutions or organizations may submit nominations. Individuals, however, may not nominate themselves. Letters of nomination should not exceed two pages and should detail specific accomplishments that qualify the nominee for the award. Whenever possible, a curriculum vitae for the nominee and other letters of support should accompany the letter of nomination. Supporting documentation, including hard copies of or links to press coverage and/or reviews, are also welcome.

The deadline for Humanities Book of the Year is Oct. 10. Nominations for all other categories are due Oct. 20. Complete nominations must be received on or before the posted due date for the corresponding Bright Lights Award category

All nominations should be addressed to: Awards Committee, Attn: Clare Shelburne, Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities, 938 Lafayette St., Suite 300, New Orleans, LA 70113. Nominations also may be emailed to shelburne@leh.org.

Email Joy Holden at joy.holden@theadvocate.com.

Possa is the daughter of Stephanie Possa and John Delgado. Esquival is the daughter of Marie Esquival and Brett Esquival. Smith’s parents are Erin and Justin Smith. Welden is the son of Drs. Lisa Jain and Jonathan Welden. Welden’s parents are Drs. Lisa Jain and Jonathan Welden. Esquival is the son of Marie Esquival and Brett Esquival. Ingram’s parents are Michelle and Connor Ingram. Nicklaus is the daughter of Amy and Emily Nicklaus. Fife’s parents are Shae and Brennan Fife. Possa is the son of Joseph and Chadwick Possa. Julian James Flanagan’s parents are Paige and Jonathan Flanagan. Also being presented was the 2025 Royal Court: Mark Morgan, King Artemis XXIV; Dr Susan Bankston Voss, Queen Artemis XXIV; royal maids Sophia Grace Lalonde, Berkley Morgan Duncan, Adeline Touchet Bonner and Abigail Anne Spinosa, and royal dukes Sean Patrick Valluzzo, Andrew Raleigh Lee, Maurie McCall Vick and Brady Christopher

PROVIDED PHOTO

Baton Rouge Navy Club

12.

McIntyre, Bus DiPalma, Doc LeCompte, Jack Laws,

Maggio. Artemis board members include Captain/President Joanne Harvey, Katy Braun, Molly Bryan, Leigh Davis, Marie Esquivel, Alexis Harvey Michelle Ingram and Edith Rahm.

The royal court will be present-

on

16, 2026. The parade will roll through downtown Baton Rouge on Feb. 6, 2026.

Gathered are members of the Krewe of Artemis 2026 Senior Court, from left, Joseph Bodin, Eliza Bodin, Henry Kucharchuk, Amelia Lalonde, Callon Schiele, Marguerite Uzee, Henry Strunk and Mia Carlson.

PROVIDED PHOTOS By ERIC FRANK PHOTOGRAPHy Queen and King Artemis XXV are Alexis Harvey and Steven Cheatham. The 2026 Junior Court members are, back row, from left, Madeleine Esquivel, Mason Esquivel, Elizabeth Smith, Matthew Ingram, Lucy Delgado, Sohan Welden, Mary Huntington Chambers and Devin Welden; front row, Brynn Fife, Dell Nicklaus, Julian Flanagan and Asher Possa.

TRAVEL

Cincinnati celebrates itsriver rootswithOct.festival

BY CHERE COEN

Contributing writer

Youcan’tsimply describe Cincinnati.

It’sanOhio citythat one might consider Midwest, but Kentucky exists moments away on theother side of the Ohio River.Cincinnati established itselfasa port town in the early 1800s and attracted many nationalities, but it wasthe Germans who flocked there, leavinganindelible mark on thecity’s work ethic and culinaryscene. There’savibrant art scene with murals literally everywhere, award-winning cuisine andthe Cincinnati Reds, the oldest team in Major League Baseball to pay their players.

There are so many reasonsto visit this river city,but this fall offers one more. Steamboats from the Mississippi and Ohio riverswill sail from theirhome ports to join Cincinnati’sown Belle of Cincinnati and the River Queen for America’sRiver Roots festival. This celebration of musical acts and artists kicks off the city’s—and America’s—250th anniversary of the signingofthe Declaration of Independence in 2026. The festival, Oct. 8-12, honors America’ssteamboat golden age —inthe early 1800s, there were 143 steamboats operatingonthe Ohio, 48 of them built in Cincinnati —and offers visitors achance to board 1800s-style riverboats. The Steamboat Natchezfrom New Orleans will join theBelle of Louisville and the Mary M. Miller from Louisville, Celebration Belle from Moline, Illinois;the Belle of Memphis from Memphis, Tennessee;Three Rivers Queen from Pittsburgh, and Anson &Betsey Northrup from the port of Minneapolis/St. Paul.

The festival includes agospel revival, programs at the National Underground RailroadFreedom Center,tastings from Kentucky bourbondistillers and Ohio beer brewers, demonstrationsfrom celebrity chefs and amarket of regional food artisans on the pedestrian Purple PeopleBridge that connects historic Newport, Kentucky,toCincinnati.

More than100 performances

TRAVEL TROUBLESHOOTER

By ChristopherElliott

will beoffered on eight stages on both sides of theriver by renowned and up-and-coming musicians. Look for Grammy-winning rockers (and Cincinnati natives) The National and Weezer,plus Maren Morris and Mt. Joy Charles Gaines’ interactive, 110-foot-long“Moving Chains” kinetic sculpture evokes thehull of aship, with nine massive chains in motion overhead as visitors walk through.It examines the roles America’srivers played in thetransatlantic slave trade. Formore information, visit https://www.americasriverroots. com.

Don’t-miss Cincinnati tours FindlayMarketinthe center of town dates to 1852 and has been namedone of the top 10 food marketsinthe world by Newsweek. Barb Cooper knows well the market’shistory aswell as its many vendors and loves sharing bothwith visitors through her CincinnatiFood Tours. She visits awide variety of food options but alwaysstopsatEckerlin Meats butcher shop where the city’s trademark goetta, aGerman sausage made with pork and oats, is made.

To learn more about the city’s German heritage and settlement, and its reason for beingnamed

tecture, larger than Charleston’s historic district and having more historic buildings than New Orleans. Naturally,these Germans produced beer (was safer to drink than the city’swater at the time) and carved out underground lagering tunnels to store their wares. Resnick takes visitors through these fascinating tunnels, marvels of engineering and other landmarks such as historic churches and parks.

Don’t-miss culinarydelights

Greek immigrant Nicholas Lambrinides combined spices with America’slove of cheese to create aunique Cincinnati chili at his Skyline restaurant, named for theoriginal eatery that overlooked the city’sskyline.

Skyline Chili places Mediterranean-spiced meat sauce over spaghetti and tops it with apile of cheddar cheese. It arrives with oyster crackers that locals enhance with hot sauce.

the“beer capital of the world” in the1840s, take one of the Queen City Underground Tours.

On our Over the Rhinewalking tour,native Laura Resnick explained how Germans populated 7square miles of thecity, which today contain America’s largest contiguous collection of 19th-century Italianate archi-

Vine Street. The venue features live music and creative craft cocktails.

Across the river in Covington, Kentucky,Brad “Dusty” Bonds stirs up unique spirits —those madebefore Prohibition or afew years beyond —atRevival Vintage Spirits. For only afew dollars, visitors may sample unique spirits or the original recipes of today’sname brands.

Don’t-miss Cincinnati attractions

The Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal is amultimuseum complex with something of interest foreveryone. The building served as an inspiration for“Hall of Justice” in the recent “Superman” movie.

Founded in 1880 by Maria Longworth Nichols Storer,Rockwood Pottery wasthe first large U.S. manufacturing company founded and owned by awoman. It continues its production of hand-crafted ceramics today and offers tours of its factory

All types of neon and roadside signs are on display at the American Sign Museum,from old McDonald’sand Bob’sBig Boy signs within are-created Main Street USAtounique creations such as Earl Scheib’srotating cars and a Rock City barn segment. The nation’slargest public sign museum includes neon-bending demonstrations at an on-site neon shop.

In Covington, the massive green alien Clive peers downupon visitors from aparking garage, dangling amagnifying glass to check out human inhabitants. It’s amust-see and the perfect selfie opportunity

Otherupcomingevents

Esquire magazine named Wildweed one of the best new restaurantsinAmerica and James Beardagreed.ChefsDavid and Lydia Wildweed serve up seasonal and foraged ingredients in innovative ways.

Enjoy an after-dinner drink at Ghost Baby,located within an old lagering tunnel four stories under

Bourbon &Belonging in several areas around Cincinnati will be Oct. 3-5, the only LGBTQ+ inclusive Bourbon weekinthe country, followed by the Cincinnati Coffee Festival Oct. 25-26. In November, the second-oldest zoo in America will host alight display.The Cincinnati Zoo Festival of Lights has been voted by USAToday as America’sNo. 1zoo light display Martha, the last passenger pigeon that passed away at the zoo in 1914, is immortalized in one of the zoo’soriginal aviary buildings.

SoutheastAsiatourreroutedunder

Christopher Elliott

I booked a17-dayNational Geographic Expedition to Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia I’m traveling with four other people. We recently discovered that on day11, our itineraryhad been changed. Instead of aday of sightseeing,wewere scheduled to spend the entire daytraveling from Hanoi to Luang Prabang,Laos The original itineraryincluded a one-hour and10-minute nonstop flight. But National Geographic now has us on a flight with astopover Our revised itinerarynow includesa

1-hour 50-minute flight from Hanoi to Bangkok, athree-hour stopover, and a1-hour 25-minute flight from Bangkok to Luang Prabang,Laos.

I’m not getting anywhere with National Geographic. Can youhelp me? —Harrison Coerver, Dennis, Massachusetts NationalGeographic shouldhave done what it promisedinyour original itinerary And whatwas that?Day 11 says, “Beginthe daywith amorning cruise bysampan through the stunning landscapes of TamCoc. Then explore the cavetemples of Bich Dong pagoda and the serene 13th-century Thai

Vi temple, surrounded by beautiful scenery.”

Idon’tsee anything about spending morethan six hours in transit.But have alook at the terms of your tour.National Geographic reservesthe right to change the itinerary or activity “asappropriatefor safety, security, comfortorconvenience, without liability or notice.”

In other words, National Geographic was bothright —and wrong. The fine print, which you agreed to when you signed up for the tour,allows National Geographic to turn your nonstop flight into

an all-day affair.But there’s also an impliedagreement thatyour tour operator will be respectful of your time. Seeing threecountries in 17 days is pretty ambitious, and the tour itinerary certainly leaves you with the impression that you won’twastea minute

Isee you did everything you could torescue day 11 of your tour. Youasked repeatedly for your original nonstop flights to be restored. WhenNational Geographic refused, you appealed. It’s hard to know what was happening behind the scenes.But as someone

who hasspent afair amount of timeinSoutheast Asia, Ican tell you that flight schedules change all the time. This might have been the only available flight to Luang Prabang.

National Geographic Expeditions tours are operated by Global Adrenaline, awholly owned subsidiary of the company.Ilist the names, numbers and emails of their executives on my consumer advocacy site, Elliott.org. Aquick note to one of them might have helped.

Ithought it wasworth asking National Geographic what was going on with your

flights. (Full disclosure: I spent 17 years as an editor at National Geographic.I also published my book, “How To Be The World’s Smartest Traveler,” through National Geographic.) Ireached out to National Geographic on your behalf. The company switched your flights back to the nonstop, as you requested.

Christopher Elliott is the founder of Elliott Advocacy, anonprofit organization that helps consumerssolve problems. Email chris@ elliott.org or get help by contacting him on his site.

PHOTO By CHERÉ COEN

BAND

Continued from page 1D

practice will be knocked down to twicea week, when Seighman and Hirst will add more sequences to theirhalftimeshow,readying it for both home football games and marching festivals.

“Wehave only one halftime show for the year,” Hirst explained. “It’swritten in four parts. There was atimewhen we would write it in 60 charts, but we’ve scaled thatback to 40. We started thinkingabout it, and we came to the conclusion that it’sbetter to do something well in 40 charts than to do 60 charts, where we’re having to learn the last part at the last minute.”

Chartsare gridsonwhich marching showsare mapped out according to music phrasing. They used to print them on 14-by17-inch paper and staple them together.Now they’re all contained within the directors’ iPads.

Confused? So were thefreshmen on the first day of band camp.

“The freshmenhad never marched andplayed at the same time, so that’sthe first thing we start teaching them,” Seighman said. “Wedon’tbring them in early.They show up with therest of the band, and they start learning fromthe experienced players.”

And on this final bandcamp day, separatinginexperienced freshmen from seasoned upperclassmenisnext to impossible. Everyone knows their place on the charts, and the transitions fromone sequence to the next are smooth.

Behind thescenes

“Mr.Seighman, Ineed to go to the softball meeting, so Idon’t think I’ll have time for lunch,”

STATUES

Continued from page1D

local newspaper.”

Stall pointed to aJune20, 1852, article in the Daily Picayune that documented the statues’ placement in one paragraph. Thearticle gives ashort description of each statue; an old bearded manwith a cloak as winter,aflower-holding girlasspring, autumn as agirdled woman and summer as ayoung man with grapes and abook.

The article doesn’tmention thesculptor,instead offeringup abrief summaryofthe statues’ origins: “Marble statues received severalmonths previously from the north were set up in the corners of Jackson Square.”

Atimeofrenewal

Historian Leonard Huber offered more details in his account, “Jackson Square throughthe Years,” placing their installment in atime of renewal for the square.The square, firstknown as the Place d’Armes under French rule, which then became

astudent says after interceptingthe banddirector at thebandhalldoor.“I’ll be back after that.”

“That’sfine, you do what youhave to do,” Seighman said.

But athought hitshim

The student hasbeen practicinginthe sun since 7a.m., and though she’s beenhydrating for three hours, she really needs to replenish vitamins and minerals that she’ssweated outonthe band field.

“Wait,” he said, turning back to thestudent.“Go and get it done, but be sure to eat your lunch when you come back.”

After 29 years of directingbands, sixatParkview BaptistSchool and 23 at Walker High, Seighman knows that high school life involves more than marching and music.

Limiting practice time to twice aweekallowsstudentsmore time for other activities and work part-time jobs.

He also knowskids need to stay healthy while doing band stuff, which includeseating lunch and partaking of orange slicesand Popsicles offered up by parent volunteers during marching breaks.

Hirst, meanwhile, holds the dooropenfor lunchtime stragglers. He knows they’retired, and truth betold, he and Seighmanare, too. What their students don’trealize is that getting back into the routineofbandlifeduring preseason is as much achallenge forthe directors as it is for them

“Wemake it apoint not to think about band during June and July,” Hirst said, laughing. “Then it starts all over again in August.”

the Plaza de Armaswhen the Spanish government hadcontrol, was neglected bythe end of the 1840s, Huber chronicled. Houses around the former military grounds were in need of majorrepair,St. Louis Cathedral neededwork, andthe Presbytère

Hirst has been Walker High’s assistantbanddirector for 12 years, though Seighman doesn’t refer to hiscohortasanassistant.

“I thinkofusasco-directors,” he said. “Wework together on this.”

Hirst replaced Seighmanas Parkview Baptist’s band director after Seighman accepted the Walker High jobin2003. When Walker High added an assistant band director position, Seighman immediately encouraged Hirst to apply The duo is simpatico. Both begin working on the marching musicinthe spring, wherethe process begins withthe music.

“Weboth agree thatthe music has to be something we like, because we’re going to have to be listening to it along time,”Seighman said.

This year,sunshine dominated Seighman’sthoughts, specifically Sheryl Crowe’s“Soak Up theSun,” then the5th Dimension’s“Let theSunshine In.”

and the Cabildo had leaking roofs.

Daily Picayune reports described old sycamore trees with bark peeling off in blotches, the “crumbling and molding” architecture and the overall “desolation”ofthe square.

City officials appointed an improvement committee to examine the square.Committee members returned with an equally damaging report, calling the square an “eyesore” and a“resort for loafers and vagabonds.”

Thesquare’s revitalization would be championed by an unexpected contender: Baroness de Pontalba Thebaroness, born MicaëlaAlmonester,was the daughter of a wealthySpanish colonialofficial. When he died, she inherited alarge fortune andvast real estate holdings, including buildings that lined the square. Huber pointed to a 1846 improvement plan the baroness sent to New Orleans officials, outliningways to revitalize the square.The baroness demolished herfather’sold buildings to build the Pontalba Buildings, whichstill lineJackson Square today, sparkinga wave of changes. “I would say theBaroness

But even Seighman had to admit that lifeisn’talways sunshine, so he added arainbow with Harold Arlen’s“Somewhere Overthe Rainbow” anda littlebit of rain with the title song for the movie musical “Singin’ in the Rain.”

ThenSteighman andHirst stepped back and realized they hada theme: Weather.And what could be more perfect in Louisiana?

In truth, weather is the band’s rival of sorts. No matter how much planning goes intoa week, the weather can throw off everything with lightning, heavyrain, hurricane threats and 104-degree days.

“Wehad yard lines marked in the new band room forwhen we can’t go outside,” Seighman said. “Wejust have to improvise.”

Thejourney

Both Seighman and Hirst planned acareer in music while in college. Seighman graduated

from Southwood High school in Shreveport, where, as he remembers it,hewas “alwaysinthe band room.”

He was adrummer in the University of Louisiana at Monroe’s“Sound of Today” Marching Band, then spent two years playing drums in atouring Christianbandafter graduation “Then IknewIhad to get areal job,” Seighman said. “I got ajob as the choir director at Parkview. Ididn’t tell anyone about being in the band at first, but then they brought in Wade Sutherland to put the band together,and Ioffered to help him.”

Meanwhile, Seighman had married, and he and his wife were living in Walker So, when the Walker High band director position came open, he applied and was hired.

As forHirst, he graduated fromSulphur High School in 1997, then LSU in 2002. “I started out at Parkview, and Iwas blessed,” Hirst said. “I wasmarried, andwestarted having kids. And Isaid, ‘Hey Jeff, if you ever need an assistant, I’dlike to apply forit.’” Nowthe two directors join forces leading the 165 kids in thisband. They’ll perform on the field and in the stands at five home games, then divide into twopep bands forawaygames. Comespring, they’ll break up into the concert band, symphonic band and wind ensemble. But that’smonths away For now, Seighmanand Hirst focus on the marching band and cheering for their kids from the heart.

Email Robin Millerat romiller@theadvocate.com.

Pontalbadid moretobeautify theFrench Quarter than any one individual before or since,” said Tulane geographer Richard Campanella. “The results are evident all around Jackson Square today.”

By 1851,the newly renamed Jackson Square was ahub of activity,with newplants put in, new pathwaysbeing created and widescale renovation. Huber mentioned oneotherchange:four statues put in the square,offered up by amember of the improvement committee, D. Lanata.Stone dealer NewtonRichards supplied the marble basesand erected the statues; Huber placed the totalcost of the statues andbases at $1,030. Today,the four unassuming statues still stand in the square, moreorless in the samecondition as when they wereplaced there.

ContactRachel Miproat rachelmipro1234@gmail.com. Do you havea questionabout something in Louisiana that’s got you curious? Email your question to curiouslouisiana@ theadvocate.com. Include your name, phonenumber andthe city where you live.

AT RANDOM

Continued from page1D

Clouds often shimmered white, transfigured by high sun, but as afternoon rains came, the scene bruised blue and gray,like a canvas by Winslow Homer

To be at the beach again was a gift. In keeping its magic close to heart, our children might know morethan we do.

Email Danny Heitmanat danny@dannyheitman.com.

PROVIDED PHOTO

The Baroness de Pontalba, in a photograph taken around 1870, championed the revitalization of Jackson Square.

Seen from the bottom of the tower, band directorJeff Seighman yells instructions during practice.

Marching band studentstakeabreakduring practice at Walker High School on July 29.

LOUISIANABAKES

Twocooldessertswhenit’stoo hottobake

Ice Cream Cake

Serves8-10

1pintvanilla icecream*

1pintmintchocolate chip ice cream*

Olivia Regard

August is peak summer in south Louisiana, which means some days are just too hot to think, too hot to move and certainly too hotto bake. While the slower pace of summertime may be coming to an end and studentsare returning to school, the unrelenting heat of summer in the south persists.

For those sweltering, sweaty days, there is nothing better than acool,delicious dessert. These no-bake treats willkeepboth you and your kitchen cool.

The ice cream cake —ariff on the Italian tartufo —isa crowd favorite. The recipe below pairs vanilla and mint chocolate chip ice cream with chocolate cookie layers and achocolateshell, but other flavorcombinations are worth exploring.

Classic variations include chocolate and peanut butter or strawberry and vanilla, but for something more adventurous, try coffee and salted caramel or raspberryand white chocolate with Biscoff cookies.

The opportunities to experiment are endless.

The second recipe, for lemon freeze bars, requires just a few ingredients and is another make-ahead dessert.The simple, no-churn ice cream has abright, citrusy flavor that melts in your mouth. Prefer key lime? Simply substitute the lemons for key limes and incorporate the same amount of zest and juice.

My hope for you is that these cold treats provide the perfect respite from the heat after afun-filled day at the pool, lake or abackyard barbecue

Brownie Brittle (or chocolate wafer cookies)

(enough toyield approximately2 cups of cookie crumbs)*

6tablespoons coconut oil 12 ounce bagsemisweetchocolate chips

1. Set yourvanilla ice cream out to soften

2. Lineabowl or loaf pan with plastic wrap,leavingafew inches of overhang on all sides.

3. Melt two tablespoons of coconut oil in the microwave.

4. In afood processor,blend cookies until coarse like sand. Then, stir cookie crumbsinto the melted coconut oil.

5. Addvanilla ice cream to the prepared bowl/pan andspread theice cream until smooth.Place half of the cookie crumbsonthe ice cream and gently press into thesurface. Cover with plastic wrap andplace the bowl in thefreezer to harden for 15-20 minutes.

5. Allow thesecondpint of ice cream to soften. Once soft,remove the bowl from thefreezer and add thesec-

ond flavor of ice cream to the bowl. Spread until smoothand top with the remainingcookie crumbs, pressing the crumbs intothe ice cream layer.Cover andfreeze for at least two hours, preferably overnight.

6. At leasttwo hours prior to serving, makeachocolatetopping by placing semisweet chocolatechips and the remaining four tablespoons of coconut oil in adouble boiler or heatproof bowl set over apot of simmering water.(Note: Make sure thebowl does not touch the water in the pot). Melt chocolateuntil it is smoothand glassy.Set aside to cool slightly

7. Removethe bowl from thefreezer and invert the ice cream onto awire baking rack placed on acookie sheet or sheet pan. Removeplastic wrap.

8. Starting from the center,slowly pour themelted chocolate over the cake, allowing it to harden. Place the cake in the freezer uncovered to refreeze for at least two hours. Slice and serve.

*Note: This dessert is ripe for experimentation. Theice cream and cookie flavors are easily interchangeable with your favoriteflavor combinations.

The recipefor Lemon Freeze Bars makes12servings.

Lemon Freeze Bars

Recipeisadapted from The Kitchn; Makes 12 servings

For thecrust:

8tablespoons unsalted butter,melted and cooled

12 full-size sheets of graham crackers (or 1 1/2 cups

store-bought graham cracker crumbs)

2tablespoons granulated sugar

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

For thelemon filling:

1(14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk

3tablespoons finelygrated lemon zest (approximately 3lemons)

1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (approximately 3-4lemons)

1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

11/2 cups heavy cream (keep colduntil ready to use)

1. For the crust, line an 8-inch square baking pan withtwo sheets of parchment paper,allowing for excess to overhang on allfour sides of thepan.

2. Place graham cracker sheets, granulated sugar,and 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt in

afood processor.Process until the crackers are the texture of sand. Remove two tablespoons of the crumbs mixture and set aside.

3. Add the melted and cooled butter to the food processor and pulse to combine. Transfer the mixture into the baking pan and press the crumbs into an even layer

4. To makethe lemon filling, whisk the sweetened condensed milk, twotablespoons of finely grated lemon zest, lemon juice and 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt together in alarge bowl.

5. Beat the heavy cream on medium speed until softpeaks form.Gently fold into the lemon mixture until no streaks remain. Transfer onto the crust and smooth into an even layer

6. Add the remaining lemon zest to the reserved graham cracker crumbs, and sprinkle the mixture over the top. Cover and freeze until firm,atleast three hours or up to overnight.

7. Using the sides of the parchment paper,liftthe slab out of the pan and place on acutting board. Cut into 12 bars.

PHOTOSByOLIVIA REGARD

For those sweltering,sweaty days, there is nothing better than a cool,delicious dessertlikeIce CreamCake.

Book on Banksy in N.O. a feast for his fans

The author tracks down long-lost painting ‘Bugle Boy’

BY DOUG MACCASH Staff writer

Author and street artist Jesse Zuefle’s new book, “NOLA RAIN

The New Orleans Banksy Story,” is a lavish history of the 2008 visit by the British graffiti superstar

Jesse Zuefle is way more than a mere Banksy fan. By his own description, he’s obsessed with the British graffiti master, who reigns as the world’s most famous 21stcentury artist. For years, Zuefle has produced his own street paintings, which look a lot like Banksy’s characteristic black and white stencils. In graffiti circles, Zuefle uses the ironic pseudonym Banksy Hates Me. Zuefle may know more about Banksy’s legendary 2008 undercover visit to New Orleans than anybody but Banksy himself. His new self-published book is an admiring, hyper-detailed account of the anonymous artist’s sneak attack on the Crescent City

Based on our perusal of a digital copy of the book, the volume includes copious photos of Banksy’s 17 murals, from their original pristine states to their eventual destruction, disappearance and — in a few cases — resurrection.

Since no New Orleans Banksys survive in their original states, in their original locations, “NOLA RAIN” is their testament.

Verifying the unverifiable

Zuefle is quick to point out that the anecdotes in the book are practically always based on “hearsay” — such is the nature of covering clandestine, sometimes illegal behavior “How do you verify the unverifiable?” he asked rhetorically in a recent telephone interview

“You’ve got to get the same story at the same time from 10 different

people.”

Since Banksy’s purpose in executing artworks in New Orleans was to call attention to the city’s continued struggle to recover from 2005’s Hurricane Katrina, Zuefle hopes to have books on the shelves of bookstores by the 20th anniversary of the storm on Aug. 29.

Heading south

Zuefle, 54, grew up in blustery Buffalo, New York He affectionately calls his folks first-generation hippies. His dad was an auto mechanic and folky” musician, and his mom ran a day care center As an adult, Zuefle owned a nightclub in Buffalo and a Goth/ punk clothing store His personal style tends toward muscle shirts, tats and shades. Nowadays, Zuefle said he sells his own artworks and owns a few rental properties.

Zuefle met up with some friends for a vacation in New Orleans in 1999 and was immediately smitten with the architecture and arty vibe In 2011, he bought a house in the Marigny, where he spends about a quarter of the year

Zuefle said he’s always been an art lover and was especially drawn to graffiti and street art. Banksy’s art was his favorite, he said, because “it’s so basic and simple, but delivers such a strong message.”

By the time Zuefle became a part-time New Orleans resident, most of the 2008 Banksys were already ruined. But the so-called

“Umbrella Girl,” also known as “NOLA,” was still intact at the corner of Kerlerec and North Rampart streets, just blocks from his home. Zuefle became one of the painting’s protectors, replacing the clear plastic sheeting that shielded it when necessary Becoming ‘Banksy Hates Me’

In the meantime, Zuefle learned the art of stencil cutting and began making his own Banksyesque murals, first in Buffalo, then New Orleans. He said he was aware of how many fellow artists “ride Banksy’s coattails,” and how some onlookers confused real Banksy paintings with those of his imitators.

Zuefle wanted to be sure that viewers understood that his works were tributes inspired

by the master, not counterfeits. His motto was “I’m not Banksy, Banksy Hates Me.” Hence his street art nickname.

Zuefle said he’s never met his hero, though he believes he may have brushed with the Englishman’s inner circle, when he made pilgrimages to Banksy’s hometown Bristol and to his darkly satirical Walled Off Hotel in Palestine.

In New Orleans, Zuefle’s most stirring artwork is a skeletal version of the “Umbrella Girl,” which he created to replace the original when it was removed by the property owner in 2024. Revelations

Zuefle has achieved a few scoops in his new book that may surprise even those of us who’ve

long studied Banksy’s New Orleans sojourn.

He’s investigated the stories behind the three portraits of Abraham Lincoln that Banksy is said to have given as gratuities to those who aided him in his New Orleans adventure. And there’s the tale of the panel van that crashed into the building where the “Umbrella Girl” was painted, in what may have been an effort to destroy the artwork.

But the most riveting revelation is Zuefle’s tracking down of Banksy’s “Boy with Trumpet” — a child blowing a horn while buffeted by the wind, which was painted on the clapboards of an unoccupied house in Treme. According to Zuefle, he contacted two New Yorkers who admit to having flown to New Orleans in 2008 expressly to find a Banksy to take home.

In Zuefle’s telling, the pair pried the painting from the wall, boxed up the clapboards that held it, and spirited the artwork away to the Big Apple where it was reassembled. According to Zuefle, in 2024, the art collectors offered to lead him to the long-lost painting, which was displayed in a private home, with the proviso that he be blindfolded and that he leave his phone behind to prevent him from geolocating the artwork.

“It was a surreal experience, and gave me a great story to tell,” he wrote. The episode will also give readers a great opportunity to debate the ethics of the unauthorized collecting of unauthorized street art.

Producing the book has been “super exciting and fun, especially for a fanboy like me,” the author said.

Zuefle said that “NOLA RAIN The New Orleans Banksy Story,” was printed in Mexico and is currently being shipped. When it arrives, the book will sell for $40 or $50 for a limited, signed edition. Advance online sales are underway

Daughter of Methodist pastor writes on climate crisis, faith

BY RIEN FERTEL

Contributing writer

“World Without End: Essays on Apocalypse and After” by Martha Park, Hub City Press, 240 pages.

It’s hard to say something new about a bird that’s likely been extinct for over 80 years, especially one like the ivory-billed woodpecker a species that has generated its own cottage industry of books, essays, scientific surveys and conspiracy theories since its last universally accepted sighting back in 1944. But in “World Without End,” Martha Park’s debut collection of essays exploring the intersections of the climate crisis and faith, Park adds a fresh twist to the ivory-billed saga She’s interested in the religious overtones of the bird’s many nicknames: the Good Lord Bird (for the exclamatory disbelief purportedly expressed upon seeing the woodpecker’s enormity), the Grail Bird (after the passion some birders have to prove its continued existence) and the Lazarus Bird (because now the poor thing won’t stay dead). Park offers up the more nuanced and no less biblical “resurrection creature,” for a bird that once depended on forests of newly dead trees, their trunks easily permeable and grub-laden, for shelter

and subsistence. It’s too bad, she reasons, that the ivory-billed woodpecker disappeared during this era of increased logging, saltwater incursion and hurricanes. More dead trees would have made the species among “the perfect creatures for our time, at home in a world of change and disruption,” she writes.

You might, like me, own a sagging shelf of books on the Anthropocene age, the term for the past century of devastating human-induced environmental impact. This makes me a doom-reader sure, and, I’d contend, a well-informed realist. After a decade-plus of focused reading, I can’t help but feel a bit jaded. Another book, the gloomily benumbed reader asks, about dead birds, melting ice caps, climate refugees, so on and so forth? (Full disclosure: I’ve writ-

ten one myself) But in these echo-chambered times, “World Without End” is a much-needed palliative.

Atheists and agnostics are true believers when it comes to the climate crisis. Though, according to a 2022 Pew Research Center survey, only 8% of Americans identify as both “highly religious” and “very concerned about climate change.”

Park, the Memphis-based essayist, is the daughter of an itinerant Methodist pastor, now retired, who uprooted his family every three or four years.

“Whenever we moved,” she writes, “one group of white-haired ladies was replaced by another all singing the same songs.”

Her father’s politics skewed progressive. Parishioners at times called him a socialist, accused him of not believing in Jesus. He refused to preach from the Book of Revelation for its apocalyptic bent and made his young daughter listen to Rush Limbaugh, that bloviating mouthpiece of political doomsayerism, so she “would know what the enemy was saying.”

So, perhaps, Park was destined to begin her writing career, literally and figuratively, at the world’s end.

“With increasing frequency,” she writes, “I’ve found the language of apocalypse creeping up in my own life.”

Still several years away from turning 40, her retirement plans “consist entirely of assuming the world will no longer be habitable by the time I’m sixty-five.”

Most of the book’s dozen essays have been assembled from various print and online publications, which can, at times, give “World Without End” a cobbled-together feel. The collection’s saving grace is a third through line that threads across many of these pieces: Park’s impending motherhood.

The birth of a child marks any number of beginnings but also represents its own, distinct world without end — a constant seesaw of rapturous moments and tiny apocalypses that can send even the most non-spiritual parent to their knees in thanks.

Bunkered down during the pandemic, a pregnant Park and her husband binge-watched “Doomsday Preppers” and the survivalist series “Alone,” then reluctantly begin stockpiling their own survival kits. The apocalyptic impulse, she reflects, is a constant, especially in Christian thought. The fifth-century theologian known as St. Augustine compared his world with that of Christ’s earliest followers: “Those were the last days then; how much more so now!”

In other essays, Park hits the road, searching her environs for end-times fun.

In Dayton, Tennessee, she attends the annual reenactment of the Scopes Monkey Trial, an American Waterloo for an earlier evolutionary stage in Christian fundamentalism. She ponders the reactionary binarism that then pitted creationists against Darwinists and today has led to the polarized decay of American politics. Christians, she reminds, “ostensibly model their lives and values”

after a man who, above all else, contained multitudes: “both human and divine dead and resurrected.”

Traveling to the Florida Panhandle, she unearths the story of Elvy Edison Callaway who claimed that the site of the biblical Garden of Eden could be found along the Apalachicola River Noah sourced the wood for his Ark from Torreya taxifolia, commonly known as Florida torreya or stinking-cedar, a species now listed as critically endangered due to a fungal blight.

In Kentucky, she tours Ark Encounter, an amusement park for liturgical literalists and youngearth creationists centered on a full-size replica of Noah’s biblical barge. The exhibit catalogs the 6,744 animals that humanity’s O.G. prepper brought on board, including a pair of unicorns and several dozen dinosaur species, or in creationist parlance, “kinds,” the term that appears in Genesis.

Despite denying climate change, the Ark Encounter’s parent organization, the Creation Museum, sued its insurance company for $1 million in damages due to unseasonably heavy rains in 2019.

“There never was a more holy age than ours,” writes Annie Dillard, a notable influence on Park, “and never a less.”

Despite its often bleak perspective, “World Without End” is a spirit-buoying book. I’m excited to see where Park takes her readers next.

Rien Fertel is the author of four books, including, most recently, “Brown Pelican.”

STAFF PHOTO By DOUG MACCASH

Jesse ‘Banksy Hates Me’ Zuefle paints a stencil of a skeletal ‘Umbrella Girl’ on the site of the original last month

By The Associated Press

Today is Sunday,Aug. 17, the229thday of 2025. There are 136 days left in the year

TodayinHistory:

On Aug. 17, 1998, President BillClintongave grand jury testimony via closed-circuit television from the White House concerning his relationship with Monica Lewinsky; he then delivered aTVaddressinwhichheadmitted his relationship with Lewinskywas “wrong”but denied previously committingperjury(Clinton was subsequently impeached bythe Houseof Representatives,but acquittedinthe Senate).

Alsoonthisdate:

In 1807, Robert Fulton’s NorthRiverSteamboat made its first voyage, heading up the Hudson River on asuccessful round trip between New York Cityand Albany

In 1863, federal batteries andshipsbegan bombarding Fort SumterinCharlestonharbor during the Civil War, but theConfederates managed to hold on despiteseveral days of shelling.

In 1915, amob in Cobb County,Georgia, lynched Jewish businessman LeoFrank, 31, whose death sentence for themurderof 13-year-oldMary Phagan had been commuted to life imprisonment. (Frank, whohad maintained hisinnocence,was pardoned by the state of Georgia in 1986.)

In 1945, Sukarno and Mohammad Hatta proclaimed independence for Indonesia,setting offthe Indonesian NationalRevolutionagainst Dutch rule.

In 1945, the George Orwell novel “Animal Farm,” an allegorical satire of Soviet Communism, was first published inLondon by Martin Secker&Warburg.

In 1959, trumpeter Miles Davis released “Kind of Blue,” regarded as oneofthe most influential jazz albums of all time.

In 1978, the first successfultrans-Atlantic balloon flight ended as Maxie Anderson, Ben Abruzzoand Larry Newman landed theirDouble Eagle II outside Paris.

In 1988, Pakistani President MohammadZia ul-Haq and U.S. Ambassador Arnold Raphel were killed in amysteriousplane crash.

In 1999, more than 17,000 people were killed when amagnitude 7.4 earthquakestruck the Kocaeli ProvinceofTurkey

Today’sbirthdays: Computer scientist Margaret Hamilton is 89. Actor Robert DeNiro is 82. Businessman Larry Ellison is 81.Film director Martha Coolidge is 79. Filmmaker/author Julian Fellowes is 76. TennisHall of Famer Guillermo Vilas is 73. SingerBelinda Carlisle is 67. Author Jonathan Franzen is 66.Actor Sean Penn is65. Singer/actor Donnie Wahlberg is 56. College Basketball Hall of Famer and retiredNBA All-Star Christian Laettner is 56 Rapper Posdnuos (De La Soul) is 56.Tennis Hall of Famer Jim Courier is 55. Soccer great ThierryHenry is 48. Rock climber AlexHonnold is 40. Actor Austin Butler is 34.Singersongwriter Phoebe Bridgers is 31.

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Restaurant should welcomefeedback

Dear Miss Manners: My wife and Iwent out to anewly opened restaurant for dinner Toward theend of the meal, the waiter asked how thingswere.

Ireplied that my meal (chicken parm over spaghetti) was very good, but that the deep cast-iron dish it had been baked in, and subsequently served in, waschallenging to eat from.

My wife chastised me for sayingthis, which Ithought was oddcoming from an outspoken woman.

able but also useful to state politely any concerns at restaurants.

Awaiter should not take this personally,but should assure you that thecriticism is usefuland will be reported.

sponse to these comments or questions?

Gentle Reader: “It’saparasol, silly!”

She said that Ishould have only said how good the food was, since thewaitstaff has no control over the serving dishes. Apparently,according to her,I’m only supposed to saysomething if it’sa compliment.

Gentle Reader: Your wife, like just about everyone else, has mistaken therestaurant-customer relationship for asocial one.

However pleasant theatmosphere as asetting for socializing, restaurants are businesses that sell cooked food. Especially as this is anew restaurant,its owners want you to return and torecommendit.

So while it would be rudetocriticize a private host’s meal, it is not only accept-

What Miss Manners finds worse than your wife’sconfusion is that manypeople also do the opposite and treat private hosts as if they were running businesses: dictating or criticizing the menu, seizing leftovers, and even failing to show up after acceptinginvitations. They might not dare to do the latter to arestaurant, for legitimate fear of being charged.

DearMiss Manners: Isuffer from adebilitating medical condition where I can’tfunction in theheat formore than acouple minutes. If Iaminthe heat any longer,the symptoms Isufferare severe. It’ssobad that Iwas diagnosed with adisability

To offer aslight reprieve from the sun, when walking between buildings at work or in parking lots, Iuse asun umbrella. When doing this,Ioften receive rude comments from people inquiring, “When is the rain coming?” or something similar,oreven worse. What would be an appropriate re-

Dear Miss Manners: My fiancé and Iare at the point in our lives where we are frequently invited to weddings, often destination weddings. Our friends, mostofthem affluent, often choose to get married in Europe (or somewhere else far away) to “keep costs down,” even though the flights and hotels makethings moreexpensive forguests. One particularly egregious example is the daughter of acentimillionaire whoheld her wedding abroad “to save money” —and so that her guests would “have an opportunity to take avacation.” In the view of myself and my fiancé, this behavior is selfish and rude. What do you think?

Gentle Reader: That you need only decline the invitation, which will indeed save them money.Ifeveryone declines, they should save quite abit, as will the invitees. This strikes Miss Manners as awinwinsituation.

Sendquestions to Miss Manners at her website, www.missmanners.com; to heremail, dearmissmanners@ gmail.com; or through postal mail to Miss Manners,Universal Uclick, 1130 Walnut St Kansas City,MO64106.

Dear Heloise: Iwanted to write in regarding using newspaper in the sink to catch vegetable peelings so that they don’tgo down thedrain or disposal. Many people no longer get a physical newspaper,soIhave started saving various substitutes for this purpose, such as the bags inside cereal boxes, large envelopes that bring items in the mail, and even cereal boxes themselves. All can be cut to lay flat andcatch peelings as well as other debris for composting or trash disposal. —A Tennessee/ Texas Reader,via email

Tipfor prescriptions

Dear Heloise: After aheart attack expanded my prescription use dramatically,my

Many Americansare fortunate to havedental coverage fortheir entire working life, through employer-provided benefits.Whenthose benefits end with retirement, paying dental bills out-of-pocket can come as a shock, leading people to putoff or even go without care. Simply put —without dentalinsurance, there may be an importantgap in your healthcare coverage.

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memorysurrendered. No way Iwas remembering all those pills, times and doses! So, this tech-savvy Grandpa created a cloud spreadsheet. Iused Google Drive, but there are other options. Ilisted all my medications’ brand names, technical names, dosages, times of day to be taken, and any comments (the past dosage, “this one makes me gag,”etc.).

Now,all this info is with me whenever Ihave my phone, which, like most of us, is all thetime.

Ican share thesheet with others or bring it up on my tablet or laptop when I’m filling my weekly pillboxes. Plus, at every single doctor’s appointment, they ask which medsI’m taking, and Ijust bring up thesheet on my phone. Incidentally,Iprefer the seven-day pillboxes that are

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—Mitch Tayse,inTipp City,Ohio

Shredded paperuse

Dear Heloise: Ihave another use forshredded paper.You can use it as areplacement for kitty litter if you happen to run out.

Also, when your cat has had surgery,the vet usually suggests not to use regular claytype litter foraweek or two. I’ve done this several times, and it works well. —Michelle Balk,via email

Freshbread

Dear Heloise: Ihave asuggestion forpeople whocan’t seem to keep their bread fresh. Idonot use the heel piece. Itake the first heel piece out, then takethe slices of bread Ineed. Ithen place the heel back to keep the air from getting to the rest of the interior pieces of bread. My bread has lasted formuch longer after starting this routine, and Ihope it helps the rest of your readers.

—YourFriend K.G in Newport,New Hampshire

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Hints from Heloise

ASummer Musical,’now

‘Peanuts’goestosummer camp in newmusical

AppleTV+ special features Charlie Brown, Snoopy

BY MARK KENNEDY AP entertainment writer

NEW YORK Charlie Brown and Snoopy go to sleepaway camp in anew,bittersweet Apple TV+ special fueled by apair of EmmyAwardnominated songwriters that’sbeing billed as the first “Peanuts” musicalin 35 years.

“My motivation has always been to preserve and enhance my dad’slegacy,” says co-writer Craig Schulz, ason of the iconic comic strip “Peanuts” creator Charles M. Schulz.“So it’sreally an honor to getto play with these kids.”

“Snoopy Presents: ASummer Musical,”which premiered Friday, features five songs—two by JeffMorrow, Alan Zachary and Michael Weiner —and three by Ben Folds.

“If someone asked me to write for astupid kids thing, Iwould find it difficult becauseIdon’tlike talking down to anyone, much less kids,” says Folds. “‘Peanuts’ isn’tlike that. We’re working in very rich, fertile soil.”

The special opens with the kids getting ready to catch the bus to Cloverhill Ranch camp, but Sally isn’tsosure it’sgoing to be great. “Honestly,big brother,I could stay home,” she says. Sally is initially intimidated by the camp’sinside jokes and rituals, turned off by the insects, the endless climbing, no TV,cold lake water and lumpy beds.

“You wake at dawn/Like you would in jail,” she sings in thesong “A PlaceLike This.” “Thefood’snot what you’d call upscale/This whole endeavor,anepic fail/Andthat’sbeing diplomatic.” Trust “Peanuts” to explorereluctance to leave home and fear of change.

Craig Schulz, who co-wrote

the script with his son, Bryan, and Cornelius Uliano, channeled someofhis own childhood.

“CloverhillRanch actuallyisa take-off of theone in SantaRosa called Cloverleaf that Iwent toasachild and hated. Ibailed out after aweekand went home,” he says. “So many connections in the film kind of dateback to my childhood that we weaved into the film.”

While Sally warms to camp, Snoopy discovers what he thinks is atreasure mapthatwill transform himinto awealthy pooch, one whowill lay on top of a golddog house. AndCharlie Brown learns thatthis summer will be the last for hisbeloved butstruggling camp—unless he does something.

“I guess your generation wouldrather sit infront of the television than sit under thestars,”hetells Sally “Wehave to protect these kinds of places because once they’re gone, they’re gone forever.”

Charlie Brown comes up withthe idea to invite generations of camp-goers backfor afundraising concert, but the skies darken on the big day,threatening to cancel the event and sending him into a“Good grief” spiral.

“Charlie Brown is different in this special,”says directorErikWiese.“He’s really happy.Heloves this place. And so that’swhy

when we get to thatscene it’ssoeffective because he returned back to the zero we sort of knowhim traditionally.”

Foldssupplies thelovely, last three songs —“When We Were Light,” “Look Up, Charlie Brown”and “Leave It Better” —and creditshis songwriting collaborators for setting thestage.

“I entered when those first twosongs existed, and Iget to just sort of step in at the point where things get really complexand melancholic,” he says.

Folds hashad aflirtationwith musicaltheater before, having written the “Peanuts”Earth Daysong “It’sthe Small Things, Charlie Brown”in2022 and afew songs for the movie “Over theHedge” in 2006.

“Peoplecan easily confuse asong thatsounds like musical theater with a songthat should be musical theater,” he says. “Really what the value of thesong is that it obviates the need for agood five to 10 pages of script.”

This October marksthe 75th anniversaryof“Peanuts,”and the musical arrives with aboatload of branding,fromtotebags by Coach to shoes by Crocs and Starbucks mugs. Craig Schulz is already at work on asecondanimated musical with his son, having long agofalleninlovewith thefamily business.

“I used to always wonder howinthe world my dad could go to the officeevery dayfor 50 years andwrite acomicstrip everyday,” he says, comparing it to the “I Love Lucy” episode with Lucy trying to keep up with achocolateconveyor belt.

“ThenIcametorealize that he had his family of five kids, but Ireally think he enjoyed going to the studio and working with the ‘Peanuts’ characters even moreso than his real family.Hegot to go in thereand embrace them, draw them, make him happy,sad, whatever.Itwas aworld that Idon’tthink he could ever leave.”

BY DAVE COLLINS Associated Press

Billy Joel’sbeloved Long Island motorcycleshopis closing down after nearly 15 yearsofofferingfans afreepeek at his personal collection of dozens of bikes.

The music icon will be shuttering 20th Century Cycles in OysterBay,New York, in late September and auctioning off his collection later this year because of a brain disorder he has been diagnosed with, according to aspokesperson,Claire Mercuri.

In May,Joel announced that he was canceling upcomingconcerts after learning he hasnormal pressure hydrocephalus, afluidbuildup in hisbrain

that can affect thinking, concentrating, memory movement and more, according to the Cleveland Clinic. The 76-year-old singer, composer andpianist was having trouble withhis balancebut otherwise felt good, he said in an interview last monthon Bill Maher’sClub Random podcast.

Joel, who grew up in nearbyHicksville,opened 20th Century Cycles in late 2010 as aplacetomaintain and repair his motorcycles, restore and customize ones he bought and showcase his collectionfor the public at no charge.

“It’sbasically promoting an aesthetic here,” he said in a2013 YouTube video filmed at the shop. “I like olderstyle.Ilike the auto-

motive style from the ’30s to the ’60s. Iwanted to collect awhole bunch of those kinds of bikes, put ’em in one place and let people see what that era of bike looked like. Because it’sstarting to be alost aesthetic.” He said he also wanted to bringfoottrafficand business to downtown Oyster Bay —aritzy waterfront community about 25 miles east of midtownManhattan —where part of the street that includes 20th Century Cycles wasrenamed Billy Joel Wayin2023. “I’ve

PROVIDED PHOTO

Sally, left, joins CharlieBrown and Snoopyin‘SnoopyPresents:

airing on Apple TV+.

inaiaction

Lohith Sasanapuri, clockwise from bottomleft,Alex

Quarter-basedpurveyorof high-end

From artgalleries to electricity, Louisiana businesses areembracing tech in big, bold ways

BY RICH COLLINS Staff writer

While working as atech consultant for alarge healthcare system in 2023,Alex Northington wassurprised to getacall from arecruiter about adatamanagement job opening at an unlikely place: M.S. Rau, the 113-year-old French Quarter-based purveyor of high-end jewelry,fine art and antiques. After his initial confusion evolvedinto curiosity,Northington decided to make

BY BLAKE PATERSON Staff writer

On the outskirts of Boise, Idaho, semiconductor manufacturer Micron Technologyis building a$15 billion complex to produce the chips that smartphonesand computers use to store data, one of several mega-projects spurred by government subsidies for the critical technology

It’sthe largest private investment in Idaho’shistory,and Micron turned turned toBaton Rouge-based MMRGroup,the private construction services firm headquarteredatanunassuming campus on Airline Highway,to oversee the complex taskofinstalling the facility’selectrical wiring. It’snot the type of project MMR which cut its teeth in theoil and

gas sector,istypicallyknown for outside of theconstructionindustry.But in recentyears, the 10,000-person company has quickly expanded from its corebusiness building refineries, petrochemical plants and other nodes of the energy industry into the multibillion-dollar infrastructure boomthat’sunderway in thetech sector MMR’sannual revenue grew by 75%in2024 to more than $2.3 billion, a record for the company,according to figures it providedtothe Baton Rouge Business Report. That’sup from around $705 million in revenues in2015. Founded in 1991 by James “Pepper” Rutland, aformer LSU linebackerand team captain, MMR is oneofthe largest privately

thecareer switch, and two yearslater,he is leading the gallery’sfull-scale data mining operation as its first director of artificial intelligence. In partnership withTulane University’s computerscience program, Northington leads ateam of three AI specialistswho help thestore’scurators search collections and auctions worldwide for valuable and interesting items, such as the original Winston Churchill painting Brad Pitt bought for Angelina JoliefromM.S. Rau for$3million in 2011.

ownedelectricaland instrumentation contractors in the U.S., with more than two dozenoffices acrossNorth America. Earlier this month, the company opened anew regional headquarters in Salt Lake City to oversee projects in the West, like Micron’sexpansion, and to expand its footholdin Utah, ahub forthe mining industry and aplace where tech firms are lookingto build more data centers and other infrastructure to support artificialintelligence MMR’sexpansionunderscores howsome Louisiana businesses are using skills honed in theoil and gas industry to expand into emerging sectors and diversify their portfolios.

MMR, page 4E

The high-end retailer’snew division is just oneexample of howLouisiana businesses are changing the way they work thanks to rapidly evolving computers that are designed to rival the human brain in their ability to learn, solve problems, make decisions and create.

Nearly three years after the public launch of ChatGPT brought the power of this generative AI into the public consciousness witha bang, companies have had time to

ä See AI, page 2E

STAFF PHOTO By CHRIS GRANGER

Northington, Linsen Li and Alex Motyka discuss artificial intelligence implementations at M.S. Rau, aFrench

jewelry, fine artand antiques.

Rutland

Ryan Pecot

learn about the technology’s capabilities and are beginning to integrate it into their businesses in myriad ways.

Some large organizations have built out entire AI divisions of their own Others are looking to outside vendors for solutions. Some, like M.S. Rau, have partnered with academia.

But even as some businesses begin to get their arms around the technology others are still trying to grasp what AI really means and how it will change their companies and industry sectors.

Jonah Evans, a New Orleansbased senior facilitator for global business consulting firm theDifference, said many of his clients have access to AI tools but not humans who understand how to use them

“It’s like having a room full of instruments, but no one knows how to get the band to play the same song,” Evans said. “Do you hire tech people and teach them strategy, or do you hire strategists and teach them tech?”

AI in action

AI research dates back to early computer experiments in the 1950s. The technology experienced major growth this century, though it mostly operated behind the scenes, powering things like search engines and obscure industrial processes. The advances that led up to the release of ChatGPT and the massive interest in computers’ newfound ability to mimic human interaction and creativity have changed the game causing many to liken the technology’s recent advancements to a cultural moment as profound as the emergence of the internet

As they grapple with how to make the rapidly evolving technology work for their bottom line, Louisiana companies are testing the AI waters in a variety of ways.

Entergy, one of the only two Fortune 500 companies in the state, is one of the few local organizations big enough to have built its own AI division, established in 2023.

Led by Chief AI Officer Andy Quick, the roughly 60-person team is using new tech to tackle old challenges grid reliability and operational efficiency — across the utility’s four-state footprint.

Quick said one active AI program

By

Morgan Cottingham, left, and Jill Rovira, clinical pharmacists with Ochsner Medical Center, look for medicines in a refrigerator at the call center on Jefferson Highway. In 2023, Ochsner partnered with Latent Health, a California startup, to launch an artificial intelligence system designed to cut through red tape at its pharmacies, specifically the prior authorizations from insurers required for certain prescriptions

helps predict when the transformers are going to fail by analyzing massive amounts of data from the utility’s network of smart meters.

“Think of it like an EKG is to a cardiologist,” he said. “We’re trying to repair or replace the equipment before it flatlines.”

Entergy is working on another AI project in partnership with Tulane computer science professor Nicholas Mattei to track the content of New Orleans Public Service Council meetings to be able to quickly find information relevant to the utility’s regulation. A third AI initiative in collaboration with LSU aims to identify broken equipment from photos and video so, in the future, the company can perform inspections from drones or vehicle cameras.

In the health care sector, Ochsner Health Chief Digital Officer Denise Basow is overseeing the implementation of several AI initiatives, with more on the way Through a partnership with California-based company DeepScribe, the health system is recording and transcribing patient-doctor conversations Another vendor tool uses AI to answer patient questions online.

In 2023, Ochsner partnered with Latent Health, a separate Califor-

nia startup, to launch a system designed to cut through red tape at its pharmacies, specifically the prior authorizations from insurers required for certain prescriptions.

“We want patients to get access quickly,” said Debbie Simonson, Ochsner’s vice president of pharmacy services, who said authorization delays can result in patients abandoning treatment.

In each sector of the local economy, AI brings its own set of opportunities and challenges.

In banking, for instance, “the regulatory guidance hasn’t caught up,” according to Guy Williams, president of Gulf Coast Bank.

“AI can’t make lending decisions, because you have to validate that it isn’t using a discriminating factor,” he said.

Williams said some banks are using AI to sort résumés, identify potential customers and answer questions via chatbots. His own IT team is using it to write code faster when creating in-house apps and other software.

Growing AI law practice

As organizations like Entergy

and Ochsner build their AI strategies, law firms are helping them navigate the new legal issues associated with rapidly evolving technology

In the New Orleans office of Jones Walker attorney Graham Ryan is focused on standing up a new AI practice.

“Preexisting laws were not developed with this tech in mind,” Ryan said. “How do they apply to something that’s advancing at the speed of light?”

The law firm is helping clients create internal guidelines that include banning the use of personal ChatGPT accounts or other consumer products for business purposes because these tools may not meet privacy or accuracy standards.

Another danger zone: using AI to help make hiring decisions. There is a case pending against an AI tool company that alleges the product unlawfully discriminates against a group of particular applicants.

Jones Walker itself has established its own governance framework, including a new steering committee, mandatory training programs and AI tool-vetting processes.

“We view generative AI as a

powerful complement to attorney expertise, enabling our lawyers to accelerate research, streamline routine work, and uncover insights more quickly,” said Andy Lee, chair of the firm’s innovation committee.

Speeding up software

Businesses that can’t afford their own AI teams are reaching out to software companies for help. Vendors that might have been hired a few years ago to design an app or data management system for a small business now find themselves being asked for help with AI. In turn, they’re using AI to change the way they deliver solutions.

“We can use it to write software that would have been ridiculously expensive before,” said Nees Sus, founder of Susco Solutions, a 20-year-old Metairie-based custom software provider

Susco, which has many insurance industry clients, uses AI tools to speed up the claims process.

“Before, a human would go through PDFs or emails and get information in different formats into claims management,” he said. “Now, the AI is smart enough to parse the information no matter the format.”

Sus said his company’s workflow is constantly evolving as new tools become available.

“By the end of next year, it’s fair to say the way we’re delivering software will be dramatically different than it is now,” he said.

Buyer beware

As the AI era continues to evolve, industry veterans say it’s wise to take AI-related advice with a grain of salt and to consider the source.

As with any tech trend, new AI “experts” are peddling their services, while companies and products are adding “ai” to the end of their name.

“Business leaders are told that if you aren’t adopting AI, you’re going to lose your job or your company is going to fall behind,” said tech entrepreneur Chris Reade, the owner of software company Carrollton and organizer of a series of AI roundtable events.

“It’s important to demystify and debunk the myths so people can see what’s actually practical,” he added.

Email Rich Collins at rich. collins@theadvocate.com.

STAFF PHOTO

CHRIS GRANGER

TALKING BUSINESS

ASK THE EXPERTS

In the retail cycle, coffee shops are

BY ADAM DAIGLE Acadiana business editor

Ryan Pecot has been in the commercial real estate industry for 25 years. Retail development, he says, comes in cycles

Q&A WITH RyAN PECOT

The south Louisiana market is in a new one. What you’re not seeing right now: the national big brands like Costco and Whole Foods that entered the market about 10 years ago. Also with a couple of exceptions, those recently wide-open spaces are becoming shopping centers.

What you are seeing is this: infill development of mostly smaller brands that have a base here. More franchise brands are entering the market, but many of them have smaller footprints that allow them to be more nimble.

“I work from Lake Charles to Mobile, and every major metropolitan area on that corridor has got activity,” said Pecot, a senior retail leasing and development adviser with Stirling Properties in Lafayette

“You’re seeing redevelopment more than greenfield development,” he said. “Since the pandemic, outside of what’s happening at Juban Crossing (in Denham Springs) and other spots, there’s not a ton of new bricks and sticks on retail leasable anchor space It’s just not there.”

As a longtime commercial broker, Pecot can also play the role of market analyst. In this week’s edition of Talking Business, Pecot gives evidence that the area’s restaurant scene may have overextended itself in recent years and could use some right-sizing.

He also talks about the Youngsville retail market, why the coffee trend is still hot and how something might finally happen at the southeast corner of Interstate 10 and Louisiana Avenue in Lafayette

This interview has been edited for clarity

The restaurant scene in Lafayette has had its share of closings recently, but it seems, of late, more are opening than are closing

What’s going on there? Is it another one of those cycles?

I think it’s lack of (profit) margin.

I think it’s over-saturation. There were good brands that were in Lafayette and went to Youngsville and didn’t make it. There are others that are hanging on to make it that haven’t announced anything and we know they’re in trouble. There are a few restaurants that are quietly on the market that people are still eating at and the employees don’t know.

But there’s two sides of the coin. You go to Texas Roadhouse on any given night, and you’re waiting for a long time. It’s an ebb and a flow

That’s just a tough industry with tight profit margins, right? I think a telltale on restaurants

is how long availability is now for a space that has restaurant infrastructure. In my career, the fastest space to re-lease after a landlord took it back was any space that had restaurant infrastructure. The amount of restaurant spaces that are on the market that are not being consumed does tell you a lot about people’s desire to invest in restaurants I can name a handful of them. That’s bananas. Twin Peaks is the next one up. That thing has been on the market quietly for months. They couldn’t find a replacement and finally decided to close it. There are a few others on the market. I think there’s room for Lafayette to right-size in numbers. Let’s talk about the Youngsville market and what’s happening there. Lately, there have been some significant wins there with Wendy’s, Swig and others. Is that market maturing? The bad thing for Youngsville is

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It’s an exciting one. I’m super hopeful they can execute their vision. I grew up in that mall. I think the tide has turned on malls and they are pointed in the right direction. I think the ones that are welllocated geographically have an opportunity to turn around. There’s not that much that has the visibility and has the traffic count, and that acreage does check a lot of those boxes. It’s going to take someone with vision and capital to do what they need to do there, but I’m hopeful. I really am. Is this coffee shop fad here to stay? There’s got to be enough now, right? This is going on across the country. I was on a call with our entire Stirling brokerage team last Monday, and we’re really from Lake Charles through Pensacola almost to Tallahassee and then up in Shreveport. The amount of my colleagues that are tenant reps for these coffee shops is wild. We have four shops represented by people in our Stirling brand, and they are looking

that it’s generally a one-way street. People who live there eat and shop and do things there, but they also eat and shop and do things in Lafayette. People in Lafayette generally aren’t going there to eat and drink. There’s this run on services being provided, but look at how many restaurants are turning over there. Guys who know how to run restaurants can’t survive in that market because there’s not enough consistent traffic. But the neighborhoods are building out and creating that denominator They and Broussard have some very high-end average household incomes. It’s growing pains. I don’t think they’re done with them, but they’re pointing in the right direction.

You’ve been a big fan of the old shopping malls and what’s being done at sites across the country. I’m curious of your thoughts on the recent purchase of the Northgate Mall. What’s the potential there?

STAFF PHOTO By BRAD KEMP

‘I work from Lake Charles to Mobile, and every major metropolitan area on that corridor has got activity,’ says Ryan Pecot, a senior retail leasing and development adviser with Stirling Properties in Lafayette

Baton Rouge

Dr Rebecca Davis has joined Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center as a medical oncologist. Davis will work at Mary Bird Perkins’ Baton Rouge General and Gonzales locations.

She earned a bachelor’s from Catholic University of America and her medical degree from Health Sciences Center in New Orleans. Davis completed her residency and internship in internal medicine at Earl K. Long Hospital and a fellowship in hematology-oncology at LSU Health Sciences Center-Shreveport.

Will Chadwick and Mark Segalla have joined JRE Brokerage (formerly Jarreau Real Estate) Segalla has expertise in multifamily housing across Louisiana, including his role as co-presenter of the multifamily segment at the annual Trends Seminar hosted by the Greater Baton Rouge Association of Realtors. Chadwick has experience in the commercial sector, playing a role in attracting retailers and restaurants to south Louisiana.

JRE Brokerage will operate alongside JRE’s Development, Property Management, and Capital divisions under a unified brand, supported by a full-time staff of more than 20 people.

New Orleans

Shaunda Clark has been hired by Liberty Bank and Trust as chief financial officer Clark has more than two decades of experience in financial leadership, strategic planning and risk management. She most recently served as chief financial officer of AmeriNational Community Services. Clark also worked for American Deposits Management, First Security Bank of Nevada, MGM Re-

sorts International and Community Bank of Nevada.

She earned a bachelor’s in accounting and an executive master’s in business administration, both from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

Adrienne Celestine has been hired by the New Orleans Rede ve lo pme nt Authority as director of real estate deve lopment and strategy

Celestine has more than 15 years of experience in disaster recovery, economic development, public policy and strategic real estate development.

Celestine most recently served as a director in HORNE’s government services group. Before that, she spent 12 years with the state of Louisiana, where she was director of disaster recovery programs. She earned a bachelor’s in accounting from Clark Atlanta University and a master’s in business administration from Baylor University’s Hankamer School of Business.

Haley Nix has joined Kean Miller as special counsel. Nix focus her practice on casualty and mass tort litigation. She has ex tensive experience in commercial litigation matters across state and federal courts, including insurance coverage, labor and employment, and contract disputes.

She earned a bachelor’s in communication studies and a master’s in political science, both from LSU, and a law degree and graduate diploma in comparative law from LSU Paul M. Hebert Law Center

‘We intend to stay’

MMR’s rapid growth has attracted interest from private equity and outside investors. But Rutland, who is the firm’s CEO, said as long as he’s in charge, MMR will remain privately owned and based in Baton Rouge.

“We grew up here. We started here. We appreciate this state,” Rutland said in an interview “The market’s been good for us, and we intend to stay You couldn’t get us out of here.”

MMR got its start in the energy sector, installing electrical wiring and instrumentation at refineries and petrochemical plants around the world.

That remains a core part of MMR’s business, and has grown with the surge in investments in liquefied natural gas export terminals. MMR has probably done more electrical work on LNG terminals “than anybody in the country,” Rutland said, including on Venture Global’s Calcasieu Pass and Plaquemines LNG facilities, as well as its Calcasieu Pass 2 mega-project now under construction.

MMR has recently emerged as a major contractor in the race to build AI data centers and the power plants needed to keep them humming. It is working with Meta on the $10 billion data center planned for north Louisiana as well as Entergy on its proposals to power the facility, Rutland said.

“There’s not a lot of people left in the country that have built power plants,” Rutland said, pointing to a lull in the number of new natural gas-fired power plants constructed over the last decade. “Fortunately, we have.”

MMR recently completed work on both a “major hyperscale data center” in Boydton, Virginia, and a large-scale semiconductor

facility in the southwestern U.S., according to an MMR spokesperson, who declined to name the firms behind the projects. MMR also has a foothold in the renewable energy sector

Its subsidiary, Phoenixbased SouthWestern Power Group, was the original developer behind a proposal to build a 3,500-megawatt wind farm and 550-mile transmission line between New Mexico and Arizona in what was billed as the largest renewable energy project in the U.S

The company sold the rights to the SunZia transmission project in 2022, after years of regulatory delays, but retained the rights to a parallel line.

Millions of feet of wires

The work MMR does can be difficult for a layman to understand.

“We’re on the construction side,” Rutland said “All of the electrical, all of the instrumentation, we do that.”

That often includes installing millions of feet of wiring and the instrumentation that monitors how electricity flows through the system, Rutland said.

On Chevron’s Big Foot

deepwater oil platform, MMR installed 1.7 million feet of cable, 119,000 feet of tubing and approximately 55,000 field terminations

“We don’t design it. We do construct it,” he said. “We will commission it. We will start it up for the client.”

Geaux Tigers

There’s a deep vein of purple and gold that runs through the firm. MMR recruits heavily from LSU and many of its top executives are alumni.

Rutland was a member LSU’s first class to graduate from its construction management program. His classmates from 1972 included included Art Favre, founder of Performance Contractors, and Eddie Rispone, the Republican donor and former gubernatorial candidate who started ISC Constructors.

In December, Rutland gave a seven-figure donation to LSU’s NIL collective to help recruit and retain football prospects. MMR also donated $7.5 million to LSU’s new stand-alone construction management building. MMR, Rutland said, has probably “deployed more LSU graduates around the

country to different offices than anybody else in the state.” But the demand for skilled craftspeople and project managers continues to outstrip supply To help fill the gap, the company launched its own workforce development program, MMR University, in 2023. The two-year program teaches college students “what we think is important,” Rutland said, adding that when students finish the program, “they’re four or five years ahead of other kids just out of school.” Louisiana has seen a slew of family-owned businesses scooped up in recent years by out-of-state investors. Rutland said that’s not in the cards for MMR.

“We’re not interested in being part of private equity. Seen that. Know how it ends. We don’t like it,” he said.

“We are kind of a big family operation. With that comes flexibility Nobody has to call New York to find out if we can buy tickets to an LSU football game.”

Email Blake Paterson at bpaterson@theadvocate. com and follow him on Twitter, @blakepater

NewStudy Challenges Long-Held Beliefs AboutMenhaden and theGulfFood Web

Thisarticle is Brought to youbythe Louisiana CommercialFisheriesCoalitionLLC

One of the most importantquestions in the Gulf is also, surprisingly,one thathasn’t had adetailed answer: whatexactly do predator fish eat? Species likered drum southern flounder,and spottedseatrout are importanttoboth the Gulf ecosystemand the recreational fishing economy, and knowing whattheyeat is keytomanaging them successfully

Anew study from the Universityof Southern Mississippiishelping answer thatquestion with one of the most comprehensiveinvestigations of predator diets to date

Rethinking the Role of Gulf Menhaden

One of the headline findingsconcerns another importantspecies: Gulf menhaden Often viewedasthe keyfood source formany of thesepredators,the study finds theymay not be as central to thesepredatordietsas previously thought. While menhadenare part of the mix, the study found no predatorspecies examined relied on them as aprimary food source. Instead, predatordiets were found to be incredibly varied and opportunistic, depending on whatpreyisavailable at differenttimes and in differentplaces

Science Backed by Industry-Academic Partnership

The project wasfunded by the Science Center forMarine Fisheries (SCEMFIS),an academic-industry research initiativethat is part of the National Science Foundation’s Industry–UniversityCooperativeResearch Center program.

SCEMFIS aims to reduce uncertaintyin

fishstock assessments and developtools for sustainable management–bringing together topresearchersand industry partnersto answerreal-world questions

InnovativeMethods Reveal NewInsights

Led by researchersDr. RobertLeaf and Dr Kevin Dillon, the studyusedatwo-pronged approach to analyzepredatordiets:

•Stomach contentanalysis based on a large databaseofpast fieldsamples,some dating back decades

•Stable isotope analysis, amodern technique thatexamines chemical signatures in predatortissues to reveal longer-term dietary trends.

This dual approach wasapplied to more than 30 predatorspecies,including reddrum, southern flounder,and spottedseatrout.

“When youlook at the information that we have,whatwefind is thatGulf menhaden areapreyitem—certainly,theyplayarole— but not to the extent of other prey items, which arealsovery important—in fact,more important,”said Dr.Leaf,who heads the university’sSchool of OceanScience and Engineering

According to Dr.Dillon, this method reveals “whether the fish waseating phytoplanktonorifitwas eating another fish thathad eatenphytoplankton,”helping scientistsbetterunderstand who eats what in the Gulf.

This studymarksthe first time thatstable isotope analysis has been used in astudy involving Gulf menhaden. An eight-minute YouTube video from the research team bringsthe studytolife, taking viewers from fieldwork to lab analysis

Sustainable ManagementNeeds the BestScience Gulf menhaden support avital commercial fishery.They’re processed into marine ingredientsusedinaquaculture, pet food, and nutritional supplements while supporting hundreds of jobs in coastal communities

Ensuring their harvest is managed sustainably,based on the best science available, is essential forprotecting both ecosystemand the economy

No Silver Bullet in the Gulf Diet

The findingschallengethe idea of asingle “keystone” prey species –likemenhaden –dominating predatordiets in the Gulf Instead,the study reveals predators as opportunistic feederswhose diets shift withthe seasons,preyavailability, and environmental conditions.Crabs,shrimp, anchovies,and Atlantic croaker all emerged as importantcomponents of predatordiets often playing alargerrolethan menhaden. No predatorspecies overwhelmingly relied on asingle prey type. This has importantimplications forfisheries management, highlighting the complexity and resilience of food webinteractions rather than dependence on anyone link in the chain.

Thesefindingsarriveatacritical time for menhaden policy in the Gulf.Some advocacy groups have argued forharvest restrictions based on the assumptionthatmenhaden are aprimary food source forsportfish. Butthis newscience shows thatpredatorfish rely on abroad rangeofprey–and menhaden are just one piece of amuch larger puzzle. This suggests regulations shouldbebased on a comprehensiveunderstanding of the food web, not narrow assumptions

Science Driving Smarter Gulf Policy

This research comesonthe heels of Louisiana’s$1-million independentbycatch study, which found thatthe Gulf menhaden fishery is not amajor contributor to red drummortalityinstate waters.Together thesefindingsadd strong newdatatoguide fisheries policy.

As pressuremounts fordecisions rooted in solid science, this diet studyshows how modern research canchallengeassumptions andreshape ourunderstanding of the Gulf’s food webs “This study reinforces asimple truth— sound fisheries managementmustbe grounded in science, not assumptions, said BobVanasse,spokespersonfor the Menhaden Fisheries Coalition, acollective of menhaden fishermen, relatedbusinesses, andsupporting industries.“When research likethis is allowedtoguide policy, we getsmarter regulations,healthier fish populations,and stronger coastal economies. It’sproof thatdata-driven decisions work for both conservation and communities.”

Davis

Celestine

Nix

STAFF FILE PHOTO By JILL PICKETT

Baton Rouge-based MMR has recently emerged as a major contractor in the race to build artificial intelligence data centers and the power plants needed to keep them humming It is working with Meta on the $10 billion data center planned for north Louisiana as well as Entergy on its proposals to power the facility said the company’s CEO James ‘Pepper’ Rutland.

GraduatestudentCalvin Chee collects fish samplesatthe Gulf Coast Research Laboratory in Gulfport, MS. Scan the QR code to learn moreabout the Lab’sresearchonthe Gulf food web.

Graduate studentCalvin Chee (left) and Dr.Robert Leaf (right) dissect asample fish for adiet analysis demonstration at the Gulf Coast Research Laboratory in Gulfport, MS. Scan the QR codetowatch them discusstheir research on the Gulf food web.

Bernhard to sell stakeinBrown &Root

BY TIMOTHY BOONE Staff writer

Bernhard Capital Partners has agreed to sell its stake in Baton Rouge-based Brown &Root Industrial Services,10years afteritcreated the business.

One Equity Partners, aprivate equity firm focused on the industrial, health care and technology sectors, is set to purchase Bernhard’sshare in Brown &Root for an undisclosed sum.Houstonbased KBR Inc. will continue to own asignificant stake in Brown &Root. The deal is set to close in September or October Bernhard Capital and KBR partnered in 2015 to create Brown & Root, which provides industrial and turnaround services for refineries, petrochemical, chemical andmanufacturing plants.The company cameaboutafter Bernhard acquired Wink Engineering and merged it with KBR’sindustrial servicesgroup, whichhad recently been spun off.

It was one of the first businesses in the Bernhard Capital portfolio. Bernhard Capital now has more than $5 billion in assets under management and is ranked as one of the 300 largest private equity firms worldwide, accordingto Private Equity International.

In less thanayear and ahalf under Bernhard,Brown &Rootacquired threeother industrial service businesses, including White Castle-based MEI Group. Thisallowed Brown &Root to expand its footprint and offer more services to clients in the chemical, petrochemical, refining, pulp andpaper, agriculture and energy transition industries.

“Our partnership with Jim Bernhard, Jeff Jenkins, MarkSpender and the entire BCPteam has been instrumental in our growth and success over the last decade,” Andy Dupuy,Brown &Root CEO, said in astatement.

Spender,apartner with Bernhard Capital, said he was proudof what has been accomplished with Brown &Root and looks forward to what the business does in the future.

“Our

ANDy DUPUy,Brown &Root CEO

“Our partnership with Brown &Root Industrial Services is emblematic of our approach to supporting world-class management teams andexecuting on ashared vision for growth,” Spender said in astatement.

industry expertise and experience executing transformational combinations will help build on ourrecent success and accelerate Brown &Root IndustrialServices’growth trajectory.

Brown &Root has more than 10,000 employees in North America, including about300 in Louisiana. The company is headquartered in Baton Rouge.

Dupuy said thesale is the culmination of arewarding partnership with BernhardCapital.

“Weare pleased to embark on this newpartnership with One EquityPartners as we seekto continue growing our operations,” Dupuy said in astatement. “OEP’s

OneEquity said Brown &Root is well-positioned for growth, with aging infrastructure and increased utilization driving demand for maintenance and modernization. Additionally,customersare outsourcing morebecause of skilled labor shortages and theincreasing complexity of equipment maintenance.

Brown& Root datesto1919, when Texasbrothers George and Herman Brownpartnered with brother-in-lawDan Root to form what would become aglobal construction company. In 1947, the company built thefirst offshore oil platform about 43 milessouth of Morgan City M.W.Kellogg mergedwith

Beyond isn’taplace —it’samindset. Andit’sabeliefthathas poweredusfor over80years We areJones Walker LLP,a firmdrivenbyanentrepreneurial spirit,adeepsenseofcommunity, and afierce determination to deliverexceptional serviceand valuefor our clients.

Since1937, our firmhas been committed to workingwithcommunity leaders to developbusiness opportunitiesacrossthe state. We aresteadfast in continuing ourdedicationtogobeyondinadvising clientsand supportinginitiatives andorganizations that make Louisiana abetterplace to live andwork

William H. Hines,ManagingPartner bhines@joneswalker.com 504.582.8000 201St. CharlesAvenue NewOrleans,LA70170-5100

JAVIER GALLEGOS

Brown&Root Industrial Services, based in Baton Rouge, providesindustrial and turnaround services

manufacturing plants.

Gallagher: ALouisiana StoryofGrowth, Community andResilience

Gallagher,one of the world’slargestinsurancebrokerage,risk managementand consulting firms, has asignificantpresencein Louisiana, with arich history andadeep commitmenttothe local community. With roots in the statedatingback decades, Gallagher has grownintothe largest broker inLouisiana, providing awide array of services to businesses of allsizes acrossvarious sectors

“WhereIthink we areuniquelypositioned is thatwedon’t have that institutional mindset. We haven’talwaysbeen big.We’vealwayshad to be alittle morenimble, creativeand client-centric, said” Numa “Bumpy” Triche,regional president. “The result isthatwehavethe sizeand scale of anybody in the world, with robustdataanalytics and modeling capabilities. But our local operations arevery much integrated within the local market.”

Founded in 1927,Gallagher has expanded globally and reports $11.3 billion in total adjustedbrokerage andrisk managementrevenues in 2024 and amarket capitalization of $76.1billion as of January 30,2025.

Thecompanyhas aworkforce of nearly56,000 employees worldwide morethan 970officesglobally,and servesclients in over130 countries.

In Louisiana, Gallagher’s journeybeganwithanacquisition in Baton Rouge,which led to theestablishmentofofficesinNew Orleans and Monroe,Louisiana. Thecompanyhas strategically acquired local firms overthe years, integrating their employees and maintaining alocal focus. This growth has resulted in 18 officesstatewide and asignificant regional market share. Thecompanyhas grownits businessbyworking withpeople and organizations who sharecommon values and vision. “Gallagher has one of thelargest operations within ourSoutheastregion in terms of our footprint acrossthe stateand the various markets, Triche said. “Atthe same time, we arealwaysclient-focused, withthe people in the statebeing the ones who work with the local teams and businesses. People work with us because we provide awhite-glove service experiencewitheasyaccessibilitytoour team and our broader tools and resources. We have invested heavily in areas relatedtodata analysis and forensicaccounting in order to provide the technical and detailed support to our teams.Whatwedoisoffer ourclients access to global expertise tailored to their needs.”

As proud as Gallagher is of its growth,theyare prouder to have been able to maintainits unique culture. This cultureissummed up in 25 tenets called TheGallagher Way, aset of shared values thatemphasize ethics, integrityand aclient-centricapproach. These values were articulatedbyRobert E. Gallagher backin1984and have sinceguided the company’soperations and relationships. Keyprinciples include providing excellentrisk managementservices,supporting and respecting colleagues, pursuing professional excellenceand fostering open communication. Thecompanyculturevalues empathy, trust, leadership and teamwork, with astrong emphasis on treating everyone with courtesyand respect

Gallagher’s commitmenttoLouisiana goes beyond business. The companyhas alocalpresence, with employees deeply embedded in the community.

“Our employees see theirclients at church on Sundays,play golf with them on Saturdays,and go to lunch with them on Wednesdays,” said William Jackson, ExecutiveVicePresidentof Gallagher’s SoutheastRegion and leader of the NewOrleans operation and the region’s specialtyproducts.Our local connection is akey differentiatorfor Gallagher,combining the resourcesand capabilities of alarge global firmwith the personalized serviceofa communitybroker.

“Weteam up withlocalpartnerstomakeevery communitywejoin a morevibrantone.Fromfundraisersfor localcharities to crawfishboils and hurricane relief,our officesgivebacktothe peopleand places in whichwelive. As we grow larger,wemaintain close ties to the communities we serve.

Gallagher serves adiverse range of industries in Louisiana,including manufacturing, agribusiness, public sector,higher education, aerospace, energy,entertainmentand lifesciences. Thecompanypositions itself as athought leader when it comes to riskmanagementguidance on topics suchascyber risks, healthcare,marine construction AI, social inflation and other influences thatimpactinsurance claim costs, leading to higher premiums and impacting the insuranceindustry’srisklandscape.The team prides itself on providing expertiseand insights on keyindustries and currenteventsimpacting this region.

WILLIAM JACKSON ExecutiveVicePresidentSoutheast Region, Gallagher

Gallagher is poised forcontinued success in Louisiana,driven by its strong values, localfocus and expertise in keyindustries. Thecompany’s emphasis on client-centric service, combined with its global resources, positions it as atrustedpartner forbusinesses andindividuals seeking insurance, risk managementand consulting solutions.AsGallagher continues to grow and adapttothe evolving needsofthe market its commitmenttothe local communities remains acornerstone of its identity

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‘WE ARE ALL HEROES’

Louisiana doula Robin Blanche helps guide people through death

BY MARGARET DeLANEY Staff writer

What feels undone?

That’s the question Robin Blanche asks herself every day And each day, she settles conflicts with friends, finishes essential chores, meets deadlines and cherishes moments with her children.

She writes “if-I’m-hit-by-a-bus” letters just in case the worst happens — letters that include what people mean to her, what she admires about them, even if she hasn’t spoken to them in weeks or months.

Her work and life focus on one thing: closure before death.

Blanche is a death doula, a rapidly growing profession that works with people as they prepare for their ends. The National End-of-Life Doula Alliance grew from 350 members in 2019 to more than 1,600 members at the end of 2023. She uses a variety of tactics in her work with clients — all in the name of finishing things that are undone, including:

Serious liver disease on rise

Rate for heavy drinkers spikes

BY NIAMH ORDNER Los Angeles Times (TNS)

LOS ANGELES Serious liver dis-

ease is becoming more common among Americans who drink heavily, according to a new study from Keck Medicine of USC.

It’s not that more people are partying with alcohol. And it’s not that the drinkers are having more drinks. It’s that more of the people who drink regularly are becoming sick.

Over the last two decades, the share of heavy drinkers who have advanced liver scarring jumped from 1.8% to 4.3%. For women, more than 1.5 drinks per night, on average, is considered heavy drinking. For men, it’s 2 drinks.

“The fact that the risk not only increased but that it more than doubled — almost tripled — is really astonishing,” said Dr Brian P. Lee, a liver transplant specialist at Keck Medicine of USC and lead author on the study It was published in the journal Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology last week Lee said he thinks patients might dramatically change their thinking and behavior if they had this information.

The increase in illness was seen especially in women, older people and those with conditions like obesity or diabetes.

Three USC researchers analyzed national health data from more than 44,000 adults surveyed between 1999 and 2020 in a well-known national health study known as NHANES. Of those, 2,474 were heavy drinkers according to the definition of the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism — 20 grams of alcohol per day for women and 30 grams for men, roughly the equivalent of 1.5 and 2 drinks.

They found a more than twofold increase over the two decades in significant liver fibrosis, a condition where healthy liver tissue is replaced by stiff, fibrous tissue — like a sponge hardening into leather If left unchecked, this can eventually lead to liver failure or cancer By comparison, nonheavy drinkers saw a much smaller increase, from 0.8% to 1.4% over the same period. This rise in liver damage is especially troubling because many people don’t realize anything is wrong until the disease is advanced. “Liver disease is silent,” Lee said. “Most people won’t, even if they have (advanced liver scarring), have any symptoms at all.”

ä See LIVER, page 3X

PROVIDED PHOTO

Death doula Robin Blanche, left, works with Kathy King a client looking at legacy letters to write to her family

STAFF PHOTO By MICHAEL JOHNSON

Robin Blanche is a death doula, a rapidly growing profession that works with people as they prepare for their ends.

HEALTH MAKER

Hospital leader climbs mountainstosupport patients

BY MARGARET DeLANEY

Staff writer

Lou Fragoso is up at 4a.m every morning. He trainswith the Tulane InstituteofSports Medicine, along with professional trainers and dietitians Stretching. Running. Fueling. Repeat.

On Aug. 16, Fragoso begins his third attempt at The Leadville 100, a100 mile “Race Across the Sky” through the Rocky Mountains.

But this year is different:every mile will be dedicated toa child being treated at Manning Family Children’sHospital in New Orleans, where Fragoso is CEO and president.

The Leadville 100 was first held in 1983 and was created by Ken Chlouber,alocal miner who wanted to bring attention to the town of Leadville after the closure of the ClimaxMine.It has since become one of the most iconic ultramarathons in the world.

The terrain is relentless. The air is thin. The 100 miles must be completed in under 30 hours.

In his first two attemptsatthe 100-mile race with apeakaltitude at 12,600 feet —in2023 and 2024 —Fragoso made it to mile 44, then mile 62.

In his running career that he shares with his wife, Jill, Fragoso has run over 30 marathons, 11 Ironmans, run across the Grand Canyon eight times and run 50 miles for their 50th birthdays. Fragoso is dedicating his third attempt to the kids at Manning Family Children’s. Each mile is sponsored by local companies that will be given directly to the various causes and needs atthe New Orleans hospital.

Thinking of each childinthe hospital, on each dedicated mile, will help Fragoso push through the mountains and finish the race. What catapulted you into extremerunning races? In 2001, Itore my knee badly and needed reconstructivesurgery —anACL graft and ligament repair,which is where my running journey began. Iknow that’sareally weird place to start.

DOULA

Continued frompage1X

n writing ethical wills (a document that passes values from one generation to the next) n creatingmemoirs n providing grief support for family members n going through homes for death cleaning (a decluttering process focused on simplifying one’slife and reducing the burdenonloved ones after one’spassing)

OriginallyfromLos Angeles, Blanche worked as atelevision executive and produceraswell as ascriptwriter and author of 12 young adult novels. She traveled to New Orleans in 2012 to film a projectfor MTV and met her husband. They movedtoBaton Rouge in 2013and never left.

In 2019, Blanche’sfather was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma. She spent the next five months traveling backand forth to and from Arizona to carefor him.

“Nothing between us feltundone,” Blanche said.“But he was really notprepared to die —and that was tasked to me and my sister.” When he died in Januaryof 2020, Blanche and her familyrehomed his two elderly dogs. They removedhis things from his closets and cabinets.They donated They sold.

All while grieving alifelost During that time, Blanchebecame fascinated with the dying process —not just the physical aspect, but the emotional,psychological and social ones as well.

As the pandemic raged around her,Blanche trained as an end-oflife doula. She got certified as a community death care pediatric grief educator,specificallyproviding support to those who have lost, or will lose children.

In 2021, she faced with her own mortality when she was diagnosed with follicularlymphoma.

She thoughtabout living her last moments. She thought abouther young children, how theycould possibly grow up as she did without amother

“My mom died when Iwas 6, and

Iwas devastated. Iwas working for ahealth care system in Chicago at the time, and an auditor came into my office. She asked if Iwould sponsor her for amarathon shewas running for charity.

Isaid, “What’samarathon?”

Ihad no idea what amarathon was.

She explained that you run26.2 miles. AndIsaid, “Why on Earth would anybody do that? That is the most insane thingI’ve ever heard.”

Isponsored her,and shetold me more about the Chicago Marathon.

Irealized that the marathon, set for October 2002, would be one year after my knee surgery Iwas still pretty depressed. Inever had amajor injury.I wasn’table to do things Iwas wanting to do.

For whatever reason, Isaid, “You know what Ineed, Ineed to do this. If Ican run 26.2 miles, it will let me know that I’m back to normal.”

My first training run the next day was a3-mile run. Ithought I wasgoing topass out. It was horrible. But Istuckwithit, andI finished the training —and eventually the Chicago Marathon.

It was such acool journey of experiencing commitment to something. Knowing what other people go through, realizing the different people that go through this marathon journey

They’re notall elite athletes. There’sdifferent shapes and sizes and different reasonswhy theydothis, and it was spiritual as well as physical.

It was meditationthrough movement, and Ireally connected to it.

100-mile races? Where did that idea come from?

When Jill, my wife, and I turned50two years ago, she said, “Hey,weshould run50 miles on our 50th birthday.”

Ourbirthdays are one week apart.I’m always up for an adventure, and we have this shirt thatsays, “What ahorrible idea …what time?”

That’skind of how Ifelt about this idea. It sounds like ahorrible idea. I’m up for it

“The reason alot of people don’twant to talk about death is that they have a lot of regrets.Youcan start to do this work now,oryou can wait untilyour back is against the wall. It’sa hugegift to your family to think aboutthese things beforehand. It’sreally freeing.”

ROBIN BLANCHE, death doula

when Iasked my father about my childhood stories beforehedied, he really didn’tremember much of it.” Blanche said. “I never wanted that tobemykids’ stories.”

Thankfully,her condition was treatable, andBlanche wasableto continue providing love and support for those in hercommunity

Sometimes Blanche’swork is practical likegoing through lists of documentsneeded or files prepared when someone dies

Sometimes Blanche’s work is emotional likewriting letters to each family memberreminding themhow much her client’sloved them, and how proud they are of their livesahead.

“It’s notone size fits all,” Blanche said.

Starting early

Death brings out theworst, and the best, in people.

“The end of life, at the very end, or at diagnosis, it’sa crisis,” Blanchesaid. “Having someone else navigatethat whoisnot a family member is really,really helpful.”

Family dynamics when facing death can revert back to old habits, become tense and disagreements can skyrocket when there’s nota calming,rational voice in the fray

“I think people appreciate having someone as asounding board. Not emotionally loaded,” Blanche said.

However macabre it may seem, Blanche recommends that people andfamilies startasearly as possible to plan for death.Being prepared, knowing the answers surrounding death can help ease

On our 50th birthday,weran 50 miles. It was so hard. It was incredible. Ilost 13 pounds. Iwas depleted. Iwas chafed everywhere. My wife and Iboth said, “Let’snot do that again. That was abad idea.”

But, two days later,wewere sitting in our livingroom in New Orleans, and shelooked at me and says, “You know what we should do?Weshould run 100 miles.”

We both signed up for 100-mile races.Ihad learned about the Leadville 100. When Iread about it, it was thecraziest thing Ihad ever heard—ahundred miles acrossthe Rockies

The entire race takes place between 10,000 feet and 13,000 feet elevation,and you’ve got to finish it under 30 hours. That’sinsane.

ButIsaid, “If Iever do a100mile race, that’sthe one I’m doing.”

Itold my wife that Ipromised myself 20 yearsago that if Iever did arace like that, it would be this one.

the anxiety when faced with endof-life conditions.

“The reasonalot of people don’twant to talk aboutdeath is that they have alot of regrets,” Blanche said.

“You can start to do this work now,oryou can wait until your back is against the wall. It’sahuge gift to your family to think about thesethings beforehand. It’sreally freeing.”

Blanche starts conversations withnew clientslike she starts her days:What feels undone?

The answersrun thegamut:

n Writing letters to family in the future

n Starting acommunity garden

n Ascholarship for dance for young children

Whatever incompleteness calls to people to leave in theirname or in theirplace.

Capturingthe essenceoflife

“These are thelessons I’ve learned, these arethe values I’ve learned, this is what Ihope for the family in thefuture,” shesaid.

Anyone can regurgitate facts and figures and dates.What Blanche is really looking for is whoapersonisinside.The seeds of aperson’slife, and when those seedswere planted.

Blanche pridesherself on being moreofanimpartial observer when listening to someone’sstory. Part-biographer,part-therapist, part-confessor, she called herself.

“People have these narratives thatare weighed down by baggage,” Blanche said. “Weall have astory.Some of the most humble people in the worldhaveincredible, heroic stories. We are all heroes that have lived in theend.”

Blanchehad thehonor of telling thestory of Roberta Guillory, the founderofthe RedShoes, a space in Baton Rouge that provides workshops, retreats and programs that nurture themind, body and spirit

When speaking to Guillory, she only wanted to talk about the Red Shoes,and notherself. Blanche hadtodig deeper.The closer they gottobeing done with hermemoir,Guilloryhad edits, and changes and revisions

“She did notwant to end the story,” Blanche said. “It becamea

old.

Thatkid, he’s absolutely amazing. He hassickle cell disease. The pain episodesare described as shards of glass going through your body,cutting you from the inside out. Danielhas been living with this for 22 years.

Daniel hasthis dream to become acommercial pilot. He’s gone through allthese classes, allthis training andgotten all these certifications to become a commercial pilot. But, he’sbeen constantly told no because he has sickle-celldisease.

Now,just last year,Manning Family Children’sbecameone of ahandful of children’shospitals with accesstothis cure. Daniel, who never gave up on his dream, next year,will be cured of sickle celldiseaseand be able to become apilot.

Whatis30hours of running up amountain to Daniel’sfight for 22 years?

You’ve gottokeep promises you make to yourself.

Who are some of thekids you’re running for?

Everyday Igointo the hospital,and these kids thatIhave gotten knowreally well, they face theirown mountains every day

They push through the next chemo session, the next bone marrow transplant, the next surgery, thenexttherapy session, thenext needle stick —and they don’tgive up. That just hit me like aton of bricks.Whatis30hours of running comparedtothat?

Igot alittle buddy named Abraham, who’s11yearsold. Three yearsago,hewas diagnosed with cancer.Seventy-five percent of the cells in his body were cancerous. That little dude battled cancer for three years—infusions, chemo, surgeries, allofit. Acouple months ago, he beat cancer,and he rangthe bell.

My buddy Danielis22years

running joke.Icould tell she did not want to be done.”

One day,Guillory told Blanche thather sonwho had died years ago visited her in herdreamsand toldhis motherthatthe story was done.

Blanche set to printing the story soon after Aftertwo years of Blanche’s work going forth to Guillory’s house on the LSULakes, talking about her client’slife, successes, prides andjoys, Guillorywent into hospicecarewithaninoperable brain tumor.

Blanche visitedGuillory one last time, anddelivered her memoir

“She got to hold it in herhands,” Blanche said. “She affected so many women’slives, Iwas so grateful that people gottoread

BrianMorello is oneofour spina bifida warriors. Brian was born with his spinal cord sticking outhis back.He’s15years old. Thatkid hasfought through. Twoyearsago,hewanted to getinto road racing. Isaid, “All right, Brian, Crescent City classicsare coming up. Youwant to do the 10K? I’ll do it with you.”

BrianMorello was14atthe time,and he crossed the finish line andfinishedhis first 10K. He did it in aboutanhour

He finishedhis second Crescent City classic in 45 minutes, beating 96% of thepeople thatsignedup. Brian Morello, at 15, has had more surgeries than birthdays. He has aspirationsofdoing theParalympics in the future, becoming an Olympian.

WhenhelearnedthatIwas doing this 100-mile race forour kids, he reached out to me and said, “Hey, Mr.Lou, you helped me cross the finish line formyfirst 10K. I’dlike to fly outthere andhelp you cross the finish line for your first 100mile race.”

He’sgonna be my last pacer.He’s gonna meet me at mile99, and pace me into the finish.

Email Margaret DeLaney at margaret.delaney@theadvocate. com.

thisstory.She was such agood example of having avision and the ripple effect of goodness.”

Blanche holds onto rituals. She interviews family memberand friends, captures snapshots of life and tries to speak in the tone and voiceofthe life she is experiencing. She lets people talk for hours, often letting silencering out and holding space forthoughtsthat comeunencumbered —stories forgotten andremembered.

“It’s healingand beautiful.And their kids get to read about them too,” Blanche said. “It’sbetter than anyHollywood job Iever had.”

Email Margaret DeLaney at margaret.delaney@theadvocate. com.

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU

TheLouisiana Health sectionisfocused on providing in-depth, personal accounts of health in the state.This section looks at medical innovations, health discoveries, state and national health statistics and re-examining tried and true methods on ways to livewell. Health editions will also

profile people whoare advancing health forthe state of Louisiana. Do youhavea health story? We want to hear from you. Email margaret.delaney@ theadvocate.com to submit health questions, stories and more.

PROVIDED PHOTO

Lou Fragoso, right, and Brian Morello showoff Crescent City Classic medals.

EatFit LiveFit

BROUGH TT OY OU BY

Molly Kimball RD,CSSD

Putting protein in perspective:How much, whyitmatters and wheretofind it

Walkdownanygroceryaisleand you’llspotit:“High-Protein” splashedacrosslabelson everythingfromicecreamtocereal. Cottage-cheeseshipmentsaresellingout beforenoon,andwhey,aonce-discarded cheese-makingbyproduct,isbecominga hotcommodityforcompaniesthatmake proteinpowders.

Eventhoughitmaybeastretchto sayalltheseproductsliveuptotheir ‘protein-fortified’marketing,asadietitian I’mthrilledtoseemorepeoplepaying attentiontoprotein.Thequestionis:How muchdowereallyneedandhowcanwe hitthattargetaseffortlesslyaspossible?

Whyalltheattentionisa goodthing

Proteinsuppliestheaminoacidbuilding blocksthatformourmuscles,bones, enzymes,immunecellsandhormones.Here arethreewaysproteinbenefitsthebody:

•Preservesleanmassandstrength. Thisisespeciallyimportantforathletes andolderadultstohelpminimizeagerelatedmuscleloss,sarcopenia,which affectsroughly45percentofpeople over65

•Supportsmetabolichealth.Protein helpspromotesatietyandcan mitigateblood-sugarswings.

•Speedsrecovery.Post-workout proteinrepairsmicro-tearstohelp musclesbouncebackfaster.

Ontheflipside,chronicallylowprotein intakecanshowupasfatigue,slow healing,thinninghairorstubborn plateausinweight-lossefforts

Howmuchdowereallyneed?

Thecurrentrecommendeddietary allowanceis0.36gramsofproteinper poundofbodyweight,anamountset decadesagotohelppreventdeficiency nottooptimizehealthorperformance. Butagrowingbodyofresearch, incl from of hig roug prote weigh In most approximately protein (goa day. that’ amount with (around am Onc carb training appetite. as macros

Protein

Total yous

acid“reservoir”andcandrawfromitover thecourseoftheday,theessentialamino acidsdon’tallhavetoshowupinthe samemealtobeeffectiveinbuildingand repairingmuscle.Followlunchtimelentils withquinoaornutsatdinner—orsimply eatavarietyofplantsthroughouttheday —andtheaminoacidpuzzlepiecesfall intoplacejustfine.

Proteinpowdersandfortifiedfoodscan beconvenientsourcesofprotein,butthey workbestassupplementstoanotherwise balanceddiet.Readlabelstofindoptions thatarethird-partytestedforqualityand containlessthanthreegramsofsugarper 20gramsprotein. Addingunflavoredwheytoyouroatmeal orcollagenpeptidestoyourmorning coffeecanmakea30-gramprotein breakfastabreeze.Justdon’tbefooled intolettingneon-colored‘proteintoaster pastries’crowdoutrealfood

Whatabout“toomuch”protein?

Instudyingproteinintakeswellabove onegramperpound,researchershave foundnoadverseeffectsonkidneyorliver functioninhealthyindividuals.Ifyouhave pre-existingrenaldisease,talkwithyour physicianaboutproteinintake.Otherwise, theupperendoftherecommendedrange issafeandoftenbeneficial.

Bringingitalltogether

Protein’srecentspikeinpopularityis morethanatrend—itreflectsagrowing recognitionofthismacronutrient’spower topositivelyimpactstrength,metabolism andhealthyaging.Setaspecificand consistentproteintarget,distributeit evenlyandchooseamixofleananimaland thoughtfullyselectedplantsources.Let carbsandfatsslideupordownaslifeand goalschange,butkeepproteinsteady. Foradeeperproteindive,checkoutthe August7episodeofmyFUELED|Wellness +Nutritionpodcast.

BY THENUMBERS

LOUISIANAHAS ONEOFTHE HIGHEST RATESOFADHDINCHILDREN

Attention-deficit andhyperactivity disorder,orADHD,isone of the most common neurobehavioral disorders in childhood, marked by an ongoing patternofinattention and hyperactive behavior

Compared to other states, Louisiana hasthe fifth highest rateof child ADD andADHD diagnosis at 15% and the third highest rate of childADD and ADHD treatment at 5.1%,according to data fromAmerica’sHealth Rankings, ahealth data organization from the United Health Foundation.

There are three types of ADHD, characterized by the most prominent symptoms:

Primarily hyperactive-impulsivetype

Primarily inattentive type(previously referred to as attention deficit disorder or ADD)

The combined type (both hyperactiveimpulse and inattentive)

A2023 studyfrom the National LibraryofMedicine estimated that in Louisiana alone, an averageof 1in 5 children ages 5to17are living with ADHD —regardless of diagnosis.

LIVER

Continued frompage1X

Drinking patterns did notchange much over the study period.But thehealth profiles of heavydrinkersdid. Rates of metabolic syndrome—acluster of conditions including obesity,diabetes, and high blood pressure —increased from 26% of people, to nearly 38%.

Demographics shifted too: heavy drinkers becamemore likely to be women, people over the ageof45, and those living in poverty “We’re showing with this study

These 10 parishes had thehighest prevalenceofADHD amongchildren aged 5to17, in descendingorder, according to the NLM study:

n Iberia Parish with 27.16%,

n Lincoln Parish with 27.13%, n East Carroll Parish with 26 35%, n RapidesParishwith 25.45%, n MadisonParishwith 24.59%, n Livingston Parish with 23.86%, n Tangipahoa Parish with 23.56%, n St. LandryParishwith 23.47%,

n St. Helena Parish with 23.42%,

n and Orleans Parish with 23.41%

These 10 parishes had thelowest prevalenceofADHD amongchildren aged 5to17, in ascendingorder, according to the NLM study:

n Bossier Parish with 13.72%,

n Jefferson Parish with 14.72%, n Cameron Parish with 14.79%, n St. Bernard Parish with 16.11%, n Sabine Parish with 16.33%, n AcadiaParishwith 16.49%, n PlaqueminesParishwith 16.73%, n Terrebonne Parish with 16.99%,

n Jefferson DavisParishwith 17.01%,

n and Ouachita Parish with 17.05%

that the picture of the American drinker is changing dramatically,” Lee said. “You have more womenwho aredrinking heavily, more ethnic minorities who are drinking heavily,and these are groups that are known to have ahigher sensitivity to alcohol in causing liverdamage.”

Other factors may alsobeat play, saidDr. Sammy Saab, medicaldirector of the Pfleger Liver Institute at UCLA, who was not involvedinthe study. People could be consuming different types of drinks, or at different times.

“We’re

DR. BRIAN P. LEE, aliver

“Have we moved away from beer, wine, to hard cocktails? Have we moved away from drinking with food, where thefood absorbs some of thealcohol youconsume, versusdrinking withoutfood where alcohol is better absorbed?” Saab asked. Then there arecultural changes, he said. “In the olddays, if you drank, you’d still have to drive home, but now we’ve got Uber, we have Lyft,” he said, which may removesome deterrents to heavy

drinking. The current definition of heavy drinking in theU.S.may actually be too lenient, Lee said, especially compared to evolving global standards.Canada, for example, now advisesnomorethantwo drinks perweek to minimize health risks.

“Inthe U.S. right now,weconsiderheavy drinking to be eight

drinks or moreper week forwomen and15ormore formen —but that’squite high,” he said. “We’ve shown in prior studies that you can developliverdisease at lower quantities than the U.S. threshold.”

The study’sfindings highlight theneed to rethink long-held assumptionsabout alcohol-related liverdisease, andLee hopesitcan be usedtodevelop more effective screening methods forearlydetection. The paperraisesa lotofgood questions, Saab said, serving as a call to action for researchers and clinicians to better understand this increase in alcohol-associated liverdisease— and howtostopit.

Continuous glucose monitors popular

But is it really needed to track blood sugar?

BY JONEL ALECCIA Associated Press

A quarter-size device that tracks the rise and fall of sugar in your blood is the latest source of hope — and hype — in the growing buzz around wearable health technology Continuous glucose monitors, small patches that provide 24hour insight into concentrations of sugar in the blood, could be a tool for Americans to “take control over their own health,” Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr recently told federal lawmakers.

“They can take responsibility,” Kennedy said. “They can begin to make good judgments about their diet, about their physical activity about the way they live their lives.”

The devices have lifesaving benefits for people with diabetes, the disease caused when blood sugar remains high because their bodies don’t make enough insulin or become resistant to it. The condition, which affects more than 38 million people in the U.S., raises the risk of serious health problems such as heart and kidney disease and vision loss.

But the devices have surged in popularity among people without diabetes. Sales have been driven by high-profile marketers such as Casey Means, the nominee for U.S. surgeon general.

There’s scant evidence the monitors are useful for people with normal blood sugar levels, said Dr Jody Dushay, an endocrine

specialist at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center

Healthy bodies can effectively regulate glucose after meals and provide the energy they need to function. Glucose monitors may lead people to misinterpret normal swings in blood sugar that happen after eating or activity In addition, the devices can be “notoriously inaccurate,” providing misleading readings, she said.

“The problem with wearing these is that you can just be zooming in on and creating pathology when it’s not there,” Dushay said.

Here’s what you need to know about the devices:

Here’s what a continuous glucose monitor does

The device is a small patch, about the size of two stacked quarters, usually placed on the upper arm or stomach. It uses a needle to painlessly pierce the skin for a tiny sensor

The sensor measures the glucose in fluid under the skin, delivering a signal every few minutes to a phone app or a handheld display The apps typically record blood sugar levels and help people track the foods they eat and how they impact those levels.

When healthy people eat a meal that contains carbohydrates, their blood sugar rises, peaks and falls in response to the food.

A healthy fasting blood glucose level for a person without diabetes is roughly 70 milligrams per deciliter to 99 milligrams per deciliter A range from 100 to 126 milligrams per deciliter indicates prediabetes and above 126 milligrams per deciliter indicates dia-

betes, according to the American Diabetes Association.

In adults without diabetes, blood sugar levels can climb to 140 milligrams per deciliter or more within an hour of a meal, before falling back to baseline levels within two or three hours, according to the association. It’s a sign the body is processing sugar normally Continuous glucose monitors have been available since the late 1990s.

For decades, these devices were available only for people with diabetes. The monitors revolutionized care by allowing more precise adjustment of insulin used to treat diabetes and giving people the ability to modify meals and activity more accurately

Last year, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the first over-the-counter monitors. Since then, many companies have emerged to market them, claiming to provide intensive, individualized health monitoring. Cost is generally about $100 a month.

They’ve really caught on with consumers curious about how food and activity affect their blood sugar levels. For instance, Noom, the weight-loss and fitness app, launched a blood glucose feature last year that has proven extremely popular, said Alexander Fabry, a company executive.

“Of the people who are using a CGM, the vast majority of them don’t have a diabetes diagnosis,” he said.

Who can use the monitors?

The devices have been lifesaving for people with diabetes. And they can be helpful for people

with risk factors for the disease, including obesity, prediabetes, a history of gestational diabetes or a family history of the condition.

The devices can allow users to see how specific food and activity choices affect their blood sugar in near real-time, said Dr Alaina Vidmar, a pediatric obesity specialist at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles.

“After a large meal, you may watch your blood sugar go up and sort of learn something about yourself,” Vidmar said. “For example, I drink a sugar-sweetened soda and my blood sugar goes up really high really fast. And maybe I don’t feel as good, right?”

What are the cautions?

People without risk factors for diabetes may turn to the monitors just because they’re curious, said Dr David Kessler A former FDA commissioner Kessler doesn’t have diabetes, but he wore a monitor for a couple months during research for his recent book, “Diet, Drugs and Dopamine.”

“I think it’s a very interesting tool to experiment with if you’re so inclined,” Kessler said.

But, he noted, the devices can’t be used to diagnose or treat disease. Even experts don’t agree on how to interpret or provide health advice for people without diabetes based on blood sugar data.

“No one knows what’s optimal in the nondiabetic state,” he said. Before using a monitor, Dushay asks patients to consider their motives.

“What do you think you’re going to get from the data?” she said. “What is to be gained from wearing that monitor?”

Cancer patients should prepare for disasters

4 thing to know during emergencies, hurricane evacuations

BY MARGARET DeLANEY Staff writer

In 2016, Eboni Malveaux-Barber, her husband and two sons had to evacuate when waters began to rise across Baton Rouge. Her home flooded, and she was living with various relatives for weeks.

Malveaux-Barber was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2018. Over the years, she’s had scans, doctor’s appointments, surgeries, chemo and radiation treatments, talks about diet and nutrition and much more.

Beyond the treatments, managing the constant flow of information gets tricky

Woman’s Hospital in Baton Rouge, where Malveaux-Barber was treated, provides each cancer patient with a binder It’s filled with everything: a flow chart explaining each patient’s cancer diagnosis, a history of appointments and medications, example recipes and meal plans, handwritten notes from doctors, lists of symptoms and more.

Malveaux-Barber’s folder is full, nearly bursting out of its confines with all of the extra information she has gathered over the years.

The binder is tangible, easy to navigate. And, it’s full of specifics to her case, recommended by her doctors.

According to Malveaux-Barber, the binder is exactly what she needs to feel like she has everything in order when faced with an emergency Here are four things that cancer patients, and people with other conditions, should have on hand when evacuating:

Treatment, patient information

Malveaux-Barber said the binder was especially helpful in the beginning when she didn’t know the differences between scans: PET MRI, a dye CT, etc.

There was information about her port, what side it was on and how to manage other health emergencies while it was with her Information on how to properly take her blood pressure after surgery was in the binder too (it had to be taken on her left arm, not her right)

“We forget, as well,” MalveauxBarber said. “Chemo brain is real, and I don’t always remember the exact date I was diagnosed or the Latin words that describe my condition. I need to know those things when talking to new doctors.” Michelle Leerkes, a registered nurse on the navigator team at Woman’s Hospital, said the binder has been a game-changer for her patients. Leerkes agrees that chemo often creates memory fog, making it difficult for patients to remember de-

Study: Single shot may shield children from HIV

A new study led by Tulane researchers and featured in Nature magazine shows that delivering a single injection of gene therapy at birth may offer yearslong protection against HIV

This treatment takes advantage of a critical window in early life and could reshape the fight against pediatric infections in high-risk regions.

Answer ALS launches AI drug collaboration

Answer ALS launched a groundbreaking collaborative initiative in July aimed at accelerating AI-powered drug discovery for ALS and other neurodegenerative diseases.

The effort, known as the Louisiana AI Drug Development Infrastructure for ALS, brings together leading institutions and innovators, including GATC Health, Pennington Biomedical Research Center and Tulane University

The ultimate goal is to identify and prioritize therapeutic targets using AI-driven insights from the Answer ALS’ Neuromine Data Portal, the largest open-access ALS dataset in the world.

FranU plans $2M health care building renovation

Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University (FranU) announced a transformative $2 million renovation to its School of Health Professions Building, a project designed to enrich the academic experience and prepare students to become skilled, compassionate health care leaders grounded in Franciscan values, according to a release from the university The building is scheduled for completion in Fall 2025.

tails.

“The binder is crucial,” Leerkes said.

The binder also has information on medications: which ones patients have taken and which pills can possibly counteract their essential treatment.

“My husband can go in the binder and look at what specific symptoms to look out for when I’m on my medications,” MalveauxBarber said, in lieu of combing through online suggestions. “He can also look up what medications I can take on top of my cancer drugs like Tylenol.”

Have a go-bag

Malveaux-Barber has a “gobag” prepped in her car with certain medications and medical essentials, like drain sponges.

Malveaux-Barber has an ice pack ready or a cooler in the car so that medication does not get too hot when traveling.

Her binder is in the “go-bag” as well.

Since her diagnosis, MalveauxBarber has evacuated her home multiple times during while under treatment for cancer

The meal plans and recipe books were her favorite tool to keep her, and her family, on track.

“So we’re not just consuming fast foods all the time while not a home,” Malveaux-Barber said.

“Which is what most people do during hurricanes.”

Plan for prescriptions

Malveaux-Barber is in remis-

necessary for her condition.

Communication key

In emergencies, or in times of evacuation, the binder can be handed right to doctors at emergency rooms, new oncologists and other physicians to get information as quickly as possible.

“We know online exists, and all of the information is on there too,” Leerkes said. “But the information is all on different apps, with different passwords to get into them. Sometimes, you don’t have that kind of time.”

Technology also dies, according to Leerkes. She had a patient in Hammond who was caught in a hurricane last year when the storm track unexpectedly hooked right over her neighborhood Leerkes’ patient, who had just undergone surgery, was without power, phone service and water for days.

sion now, but she still keeps her prescriptions filled, even the ones mailed to her

“I never know where the medicine is coming from — Alabama, Mississippi or Florida,” MalveauxBarber said. “But I make sure to have them on hand in case the storm reroutes the mail.”

Malveaux-Barber also has a backup address associated with her medication, so that in the case she evacuates to her father’s home, her medication can be delivered.

Malveaux-Barber does not track storms herself. It’s part of the stress and anxiety management

Numbers of doctors, navigators, nurses and dietitians to call were all in her binder The staff at Woman’s, including Leerkes, kept in contact with her and gave her instructions to keep her fresh surgical wound dry and how not to overheat.

Provided numbers for national support groups can also help displaced families find good hotel rates, open locations for assistance as well as essential medical equipment that patients did not take with them.

Email Margaret DeLaney at margaret.delaney@theadvocate. com.

Ochsner Health names scholarship recipient

Ochsner Health announced the University of Queensland Medical School – Ochsner Health recipient of the 2025 Dr and Mrs. Roy Gregory Scholarship, student Kristen Johnson. Johnson volunteered at Luke’s House Clinic in New Orleans throughout medical school, providing care to uninsured and Spanish-speaking patients. She also served with Floating Doctors in Panama, a mission to improve health care delivery worldwide.

The scholarship supports senior medical students at the Ochsner Clinical School who commit to pursuing careers in family medicine and are dedicated to serving their communities.

University of Birmingham address bone fractures

The University of Birmingham has opened an international research center to address an urgent global emergency faced by an aging population — soaring numbers of fractured bones.

The International Centre of Excellence in the Treatment of Pathological Fractures (FractureFix) unites the Universities of Birmingham, Uppsala (Sweden) and ETH Zurich (Switzerland) to address the urgent clinical challenge of pathological fractures, which are expected to rise.

LSU Health Foundation announces new leaders Rob Allen, coming from the University of Virginia, assumes the role of LSU Health Foundation’s vice president and chief advancement officer on Aug. 18. He brings more than two decades of leadership in higher education and will lead the Foundation’s advancement strategy, build strong donor relationships and strengthen collaboration across the LSU Health community BRG Sinus and Nasal Specialists opens clinic

Baton Rouge General Sinus and Nasal Specialists of Louisiana has opened a new stand-alone facility providing specialized ear, nose and throat and allergy care. Centrally located on Perkins Road, the facility brings several ENT services together under one roof, giving patients access to comprehensive care in a space built just for that purpose.

Health Notes is an occasional listing of health happenings around Louisiana. Have something you’d like to share? Contact us at margaret. delaney@theadvocate.com.

STAFF PHOTOS By MARGARET DeLANEy

Eboni Malveaux-Barber left, and her nurse navigator Michelle Leerkes, talk about her cancer patient binder filled to the brim with information on her care.

The Woman’s Hospital navigation team sets each patient up with a binder filled with the essentials — medications, flow charts, symptoms, exercises, meal plans and phone numbers.

Thisstory is brought to you by OchsnerHealth.

henOchsnerMedical Complex

W–The Groveopened itsdoors in 2019,itmarkeda significant step forwardinmaking high-qualitycare more convenientand available forfamilies across BatonRouge

“Looking back,itwas visionary,but we didn’t fully realize it at the time,”said Chuck Daigle,CEO of theOchsnerBaton Rougeregion. “Wethoughtitwould take10years to grow into thespace butended upfilling it much faster than expected due to the demand for care.”

Fast forwardtotoday, andThe Grove is adefiningsymbol of high-quality,patient-centered care in BatonRouge

Now, withanambitious multi-phase expansion underway, Ochsner is investing nearly $50millionin newcapital into the BatonRouge region with closeto$40 million of thatinvestment dedicatedtoThe Grove. Theexpansion project addsnearly20,000 squarefeetof newclinic space anddoubles operating and procedurerooms to meetthe region’s growingneeds

Daigle, who hasspentmorethan30years in healthcare —most of it in BatonRouge —saysthe expansion is aboutmorethan bricksand mortar

“Thisisaboutaccess, and accessequals betterpatient outcomes,” he said. “When we make it easier forpatientstoget in quickly, we catchthingsearlier— likespottingsigns of heartdisease beforethere’s aheart attack,ormanaging diabetes before it leads to complications.”

Timely access allows providers to managechronic conditions,address acuteconcernsbeforetheyescalate,and deliver preventivecarethatkeeps people well andout of thehospital, Daigleexplained.

“Ifsomeone can’tget an appointment forfourtosix weeks, they’re either goingto delaycareorgosomewhereelse,”headded.“Our goal is to remove those barriers, whether through self-scheduling,virtual visits or simply having more clinicians and appointments available.”

Meeting patients wheretheyare

TheOchsner network in BatonRouge operates under ahub-and-spokemodel, with TheGrove off Interstate 10 near Bluebonnet Boulevardand Ochsner Medical Center –BatonRouge on O’NealLaneserving as regional hubs. Supporting thesesites aredozens of smaller clinics stretching from Gonzales to Zachary andBluebonnet to Central.

“The Grovehas given us astrongpresence along the I-10 corridor,”Daigle explained. “We’ve long had afootprint on the I-12 side, but this locationhas positionedus to betterservefamiliesinsoutheast Baton Rouge, Ascensionand the LSUarea. Thelatest expansion further strengthens thathub,especially forfamilies. Women’s and children’sservices aregrowing significantly,withthe fifthfloorofThe Grove adding30new OB/GYN andpediatricexam rooms, alab draw station anda dedicated lactationconsultantroom. Addingmore exam roomsonthe second floor will expand primarycareaccess, afoundational element of the patient-centeredcaremodelatOchsner.

“Primary care is the backbone of anyhealthcare system,”said QuentinAlleva,MD, regional medical directorfor Ochsner BatonRouge “It’swherehealthbeginsand wherepatients build lasting relationshipswiththeir care teams.Thatcontinuity matters.”

With 25 yearsofexperience practicing medicine, Dr.Allevahas seen howthe right environmentcan transformthe waycare is delivered —not just forpatientsbut for

providers too. He describes The Groveas amodelfor modern healthcare: aplace where teamswork sidebyside, technology enhances care rather than complicates it andproviders feel supported to do their best work.

“There’sareal energy among our physicians, nursesand staff —a sensethat we’vebuilt something special together andnow we’reexpanding accessand investing in even more innovation. We’ve createda place wherepeople want to practicemedicine becausetheyknowit makesadifference. And ourpatients feel thatdifference.”

Afull-service destination

As the communitycontinues to grow, Ochsner is expanding to meet its needs Oneofthoseareas of growth is cancer care.Ochsner MD AndersonCancer Center provides patients with care based on the same protocols and practice standards as MD AndersonCancer Center in Houston, Texas, with customized treatmentplans based on some of the latest research and the same accesstocutting-edgetechnology.

“Our clinical integration with MD Andersonisanothercornerstone of our long term vision,”Dr. Alleva said. “Weare among the best cancer care programs in the nation, andwe’ve strengthenedthatthrough our partnership with MD Anderson. Ochsner and MD Anderson oncologists collaborate with multidisciplinary care teams,offering second opinions and jointcasereviews.Patients canbenefit from both local expertise and the full weightofa nationally recognized institution.

The Grove’s expansion alsoincludes:

Doubling the numberofoperating and procedurerooms

•Upgrading cardiologyand interventional radiology

•Expanding imaging capacitywith more state-of-the-art MRI and X-rayunits Creating alargeron-sitepharmacy

• Adding150 newparking spaces Construction is expected to wrap up by spring of next year,bringing theseexpanded services online to meetthe needs of agrowing community.

Dr.Alleva emphasized the significance of investing in imaging technologyasadriver ofhigh-qualitycare. Twonew MRI units are being added at The Grove,including astateof-the-art3.0 Tesla scanner, one of the most advanced imaging tools available forclinical use.This technologydeliverssharper, faster and moredetailed scans,particularly inorthopedics,neurosciencesand oncology.

“Greatcarestarts with greatdiagnostics,” Dr.Alleva added. “When our specialists have the best tools in frontofthem, it raises thestandardfor everything thatfollows.The investmentinimaging is essential —not just to support ourexpanding orthopedic program, but to makesureour specialists have the tools theyneedtodiagnoseand treat patients with speedand precision.”

Serving agrowing community

TheGrove’s growth isn’thappening in avacuum— it’srespondingtoreal needs Likemuchofthe state, the BatonRouge region continues to struggle with chronic conditionslikediabetes,hypertension and heart failure. Thosechallenges bring the need formoreproviders, moreclinics and faster access.

“We’ve built aplace whereentirefamilies canreceivecareunder one roof,” Daiglesaid. “Frompediatric checkups to orthopedic surgery to cardiologyconsultations —our goal is aseamless, connected experience. We’reseeing morepatients who arelooking forconvenience and real relationships with their care teams— andtheyare finding thatatOchsner.”

“We’re notjust part of alarge health system;weare alocalteam of doctors workinginalocal facility,”Dr. Alleva said.“We livehere, we work here, we call this home. Andwe welcome community providerstopartner withus. Our patients feel thatconnectednessinthe interactions with their care teams.

That connectivity includes innovations in digital access. Daigle describes Ochsner’sintegratednetwork of providersand itssingular,best-in-class electronic medical record systemas“atrue continuum of care.” Whether apatientsees aspecialist at TheGrove or gets lab work at asatellite clinic, their care team stays informed in real time —helping ensurebetter coordination, safety andoutcomes

“Our patients have cometotrust us not justfor treatment, but forguidance, partnership and consistency,”Dr. Alleva explained. “Asmorepeople chooseOchsner fortheir care,wehavearesponsibility to grow with thatdemand and givethem the time, technologyand services to support every step of apatient’sjourney.”

Local commitment, long-term vision

The Grove’s expansion is just one part of abroader regional investment. Ochsner is actively growing servicesfor theBaton Rougeregion at its O’Neal campus,such as expandingits emergency department, as well as cancer and cardiologyservices,and exploring newsites in Zachary, Hammond, Brusly and beyond.

ForDaigle, thefuturealsoincludes a focus on inpatient care,expanding cancer servicesand continuingtoestablish Ochsner as atruecenterofexcellence in theCapital City.

“Ochsner is aLouisiana-based company, and we take pride in being apart of this community,”hesaid. “This expansion showsour long-term commitmentto deliver world-classcareand to make BatonRougethe bestplace to work, raisea family and livea healthier life. We want to seeour communitythrive. We want to be a part of that.”

ChuckDaigle CEO-Ochsner BatonRougeRegion

LOUISIANA

Legacy in motion

For the inaugural Louisiana Inspired ENCORE Awards, seven Louisianans over the age of 60 arebeing honored for their continued leadership, service to others, innovativeness andthe ways they inspire young and old.

Over the summer,readers across the state submitted nominations, highlighting neighbors, friends,family and mentors who hadn’tslowed down —people still doing meaningfulwork,still learning,still giving.

Areview panel consideredeach nomineeusing arubricfocusedoncommunity impact, innovation and service.

Theresult?Sevenindividualswhose lives remind us thatgrowing older doesn’tmean stepping back.Narrowingthe field of nomineestoseven wasa challenge. In thenewsroom,the exercise of learning so much about so many was

Encore Awards honorseven Louisiananswho provepurpose doesn’tretire

inspiring.The bigtakeaway: For many, purpose and passiondon’tfade.They expand.

The honorees arelaunching new projects, creating art, building things, mentoring others and teachingimportant skills. These people continue to take on fresh challenges, proving thatsecond and third acts can be just as richand rewarding as the first. In short,they continue to showup.

TheENCORE Awards aimtoshine a light on those who defy outdated ideas of aging —and in doingso, lift up the rest of us. These seven are reminders that curiosity doesn’tretire, and servicedoesn’t have an expiration date.

Each honoree will be profiled in Louisiana Inspired this week and next,with storiesthat explorethe workthey’ve done andthe livestheycontinuetotouch

The2025ENCOREAward winners are:

n Carol Fleischman, NewOrleans

n Eldridge(Butch) Gendron, St.Amant

n Sally Hebert, Lafayette

n Sal LaRock, NewOrleans

n JudgeCalvin Johnson, NewOrleans

n LoisKuyper-Rushing,Baton Rouge

n ShelleyThomas, NewOrleans

Sally Hebert stretches recentlyatthe Camelia House in Lafayette.

STAFFPHOTO By BRAD BOWIE

Yoga, pickleball,thendancing

BY JOANNA BROWN Staff writer

Spending time around Sally Hebert means picking up on afew of her secrets to ahappy,energetic life.

The Acadiana native has been practicing and teaching yoga for more than 50 years. She’saregular on thepickleball court,and

loves to go out dancing with her friends at spots like Randol’s and Feed &Seed. Hebert says that she eats well, mostly organic and non-processed foods, but doesn’tdeny herselfwhen she wantssomething decadent. Mostly,she just enjoys staying busy and living “simply,” according to Hebert’s granddaughter,Savannah DesOrmeaux.

“She just keeps it moving. She really has askill in not sweating the smallstuff,” said DesOrmeaux.“IhopeI’ll grow into old age likeher,but Ialready don’thave as active of alife.”

DesOrmeaux grew up in Lafayetteand now lives in New York City,working as an actor,writerand comedian. Heruncle, John Hebert, owns the Camelia House and Acupuncture Center of Acadiana,where Sally Hebert teaches aweekly yoga class at 11 a.m.onTuesdays. One could say that the wholefamily stays busy —and Sally is

ä See YOGA, page 2Y

Retiredjudge workstotacklecrime’s

BY JILLIAN KRAMER Staff writer

Thefirst year Calvin Johnson wore the robes, his fathercameto watch. He sat in the Orleans Parish Criminal District Court, listening as his son —newly elected and the first Black judge to reach astate bench in Louisianawithout agubernatorial appointment presided overcases Afterward, the elder Johnson didn’toffer praise.

“He didn’tthink Iwas doing jack,” Johnson said. Instead, “he told me that Ineed-

ed to be doing more than what I was doing,” Johnson said. “That was 35 years ago. My father would be 123 years old today.And I’m still tryingtodomore.”

Now,Johnson is being honored with an Encore Awardfor his continued public service after ajudicial career marked by fairness and innovation. His retirement has been anything but quiet, accordingtothose close to him

Rather than step back in the yearssince retiring, Johnsonhas stepped up, said Melissa Sawyer, CEOofthe Youth Empowerment Project.

“This chapter is atrue reflection

ä See JUDGE, page 2Y

Amusical journey backhome

By thetime this column is in print,I should have completed a mission Iset outtoaccomplish this summer. Truthbetold, Iset outtodothe samemission last year —and a similar version of it theyear before that.

Andmaybe even theyear before that.

This summer,finally,I’veput my full effort intoaccomplishing this goal —and Imay have aimed too high. Still, thetrain is on the track andshould arrive Sunday morning at my church Iplantoplaya songonthe piano during theoffertory. Our church’s choirtakes time off in thesummer, andthe church invites memberstosign up for aSunday. Back in May, August seemed like alongtime away plentyoftime to learntoplaya song. After all, Iwas agood piano player.

Turnsout,the emphasis should be on thepast tense of that verb in thepreceding sentence. Pianoand Igoway back.I took lessonsevery weekofschool from thirdthrough 10th grades. After that school year,mymom hada baby.Mydad became a high school principal, andwe moved from ourlongtime town. My piano lessonswentbythe wayside

Butduring those eight years I took lessons, my parentsdidn’t believe in simply paying forpiano lessons, which meant Ihad to practice every dayfor at least 30 minutes, preferably an hour Fortunately, Iloved to playthe piano andenjoyed my time practicing (at least formost songs). Then, there werealso recital duets withmycousin, solo pieces andstate contests.

During mostweeksofthose years, Iplayedthe piano or took lessonsatleast seven hours. However, in themorethanfour decades since, Idoubt Ihave playedthe piano atotal of seven hours cumulatively

Thatis, until this summer. Finding thetime andplace to practice piano hasbeen suchan interesting process. The first challenge wasinfinding theright songtoplay. After eight false starts, Idecidedonsomething I’d once playedwell. Iremembered abeautiful songIplayedinmiddle school called“The Homecoming” by Hagood Hardy

It’s asongthatusedtotouch my heart allthose yearsago.I still remember thecolor blue of its cover.Sometimes sitting at the piano in my family’sliving room, thechordsstruck so right that it felt like thereal-life versionof “thesongs that make theyoung girls cry,” just like Barry Manilowusedtosing about.

Growing up, Iplayed“The Homecoming” as often as Icould andimagined thenostalgia of coming home.

After multiple failedattempts to locate theexact arrangement I’dplayedback then,I finally found it —justamonth before my turn forthe special music Practice beganinearnest.

Musclememory is real,and someelementsofthe piece came back immediately. As Iplayed thepiece repeatedly,I remembered specific chords my middle school piano teacher,Mrs.Hayes, loved. Iremember howeasily thesong used to be to play—sosmooth. Nothing aboutgetting it right this time hasbeen easy or smooth

WhenIsit down at thepiano this weekend, my fingers may fumble andmytiming may drift

See RISHER, page 2Y

2025 ENCORE WINNER

2025 ENCORE WINNER

STAFF PHOTO By SOPHIA GERMER Retired JudgeCalvin Johnson recently by BayouSt. John in NewOrleans.

LSU librarian adds Fulbright to her title

2025 ENCORE WINNER

BY LAUREN CHERAMIE Staff writer

Lois Kuyper-Rushing, 70, serves as the LSU Libraries‘ Associate Dean of Public & Collection Services. This year she was awarded a Fulbright U.S. Scholar Award to travel to Valenciennes, France, to conduct research on the 20thcentury French composer Eugène Bozza.

Kuyper-Rushing is among the world’s leading scholars of Bozza, a composer known primarily for his chamber music for wind instruments. Her research on Bozza has shown that he composed a much wider range of music than performers were aware of, including symphonies, operas, oratorio and film music. During her time in France she will work on a volume of neverbefore-published songs, some of which will be performed at a recital planned for spring 2026 at LSU. When were you first introduced to Eugène Bozza, and what made you want to dive so deeply into his work?

I come from a musical family, and I was singing and playing musical instruments from a very young age. By high school, I settled on the oboe as my primary instrument. I majored in oboe performance for both my undergraduate and master’s degrees, then I obtained a doctor of musical arts degree.

Bozza is known for music

RISHER

Continued from page 1y

— but I will be there, just as I was so many years ago, doing something I once loved. The exercise of practicing this song all these years later has been a bit like time travel. It’s been a reminder of that feeling of a teacher sitting be-

JUDGE

Continued from page 1y

that is played on wind instruments, so brass and woodwind instruments.

As a doctoral student, I needed a dissertation topic, and I was coming up empty with ideas. At the time, I was babysitting for the children of Lyle Merriman, Dean of the Louisiana State University School of Music One night, we were talking about school, and I said, “Do you have any ideas you want to give me for a dissertation project?”

He replied immediately, saying that a useful and interesting project would be a thematic index for the works, woodwinds only by Bozza. A thematic index is like a bibliography of all the composer’s work in a certain genre, but it has a musical example of every movement or piece, so it involves adding music to the index.

When he said that, I thought later, I’ll bet he had no idea that with that very quick statement, he had set me on a lifelong research journey What area of Bozza’s work will your Fulbright focus on?

The dissertation only covered the woodwind work, so my next project was to do a thematic index for all of Bozza’s works, which is about 298 different works. That published in 2000, but when I was last in France, I discovered boxes of his music that had not yet been processed. There were tons of works I’d

primary publisher

never heard of — unpublished things that haven’t been discovered, in a sense, yet. That is my project for the Fulbright, to edit and publish a volume of his unpublished works for voice and small vocal ensemble.

What do you admire about Bozza’s work that makes you want to keep sharing it with the world?

I put his works in two categories. A lot of them are incredibly technically complex and difficult to play It takes a lot of work to get them under your fingers and to be able to play them. There’s another set that

side me, looking over my shoulder, and how hitting the wrong notes sent a jarring sensation down to my toes. The song is just as lovely as I remembered. Even in my imperfect playing, those beautiful moments still shine. These days, I don’t have a piano at home. So, every time I see one, I take a moment to give my best effort toward this song I loved as a seventh grader

around mental health.

of his character and values marked by kindness, wisdom and lasting impact,” said Sawyer, who nominated Johnson for the Encore Award.

Much of Johnson’s work has been informed by his own early struggles with discrimination with a quick temper and with poor eyesight that made attending school difficult. What might be diagnosed today as ADHD, he said, often left him isolated in classrooms.

But those challenges also helped him relate to people who were often misunderstood: defendants in court, teens caught in the justice system and adults who felt written off.

Johnson was just a teenager when he marched with other Black students to desegregate his high school in Iberville Parish. That night in the summer of 1963, they were met by a White mob armed with billy clubs, fire hoses and cattle prods But Johnson was convicted of inciting a riot He never threw a punch. He’d only carried a sign demanding equal education.

Johnson later served in the U.S. Air Force and earned a law degree from Loyola University He was inspired to pursue the law after watching attorney Lolis Elie defend him in court as a teen.

He was elected to the criminal bench in 1990 and became its first Black chief judge. His courtroom was known for centering dignity and second chances, said Will Snowden, a Loyola University New Orleans law professor and defense attorney From the bench, Johnson shaped statewide conversations about mental health and addiction, as well as criminal justice. He helped launch one of the state’s first mental health courts, and later stepped in as interim executive director of NAMI New Orleans, a nonprofit that provides education and support

“He is driven in everything he does by seeing the dignity in all people,” said Madeleine Landrieu, who first met Johnson when she was a student at Loyola University Landrieu, who is the dean of Loyola University New Orleans College of Law, served as an Orleans Parish Civil District Court judge while Johnson sat on the criminal bench.

“There’s an easy way to be a judge: You see the crime. It fits the elements. You apply the sentence,” Landrieu said. “Or you can ask yourself, ‘What’s going on with this person that caused them to be where they are — to do what they did?’ And that’s what Calvin saw and what he did well before anybody was writing about it or talking about it.”

Troubled by how many defendants in his courtroom couldn’t read or write, Johnson helped establish the New Orleans Adult Learning Center during his final year as a judge The program allows court-referred adults to earn their high school credentials.

Since it was created, more than 800 students have graduated from that effort, said Sawyer, whose organization, along with Delgado Community College and the City Council, helped launch the program.

“There is a direct connection between that piece of paper that high school equivalency — and the kind of life you now can live and live more fluidly,” said Johnson. “In terms of what we do here in the justice system that can make a difference in people’s lives, one of the biggest things is to encourage them and not just encourage, but to make it a condition of their probation, for instance that they enter school and earn that piece of paper.”

In 2008, Johnson retired from the bench. He’d served for 17 years.

Since then, colleagues say Johnson has been a behind-thescenes force for some of the city’s most transformative programs. He served as criminal justice commissioner under Mayor

to everyone.

Do you have any tips for aging well, mentally? And do you think that music helps?

The first and most important thing for anyone, regardless of background, is to keep moving, of course. Secondly, you have to exercise your brain with meaningful work. And then add music to that.

Most of us believe that music is a product of the right brain, that emotional and creative side. But, actually, the left brain is equally important for playing music because math and analytical thinking are so necessary in music as we listen to other voices in an ensemble to make sure we’re all at the same place.

listens to music. The storage of those tunes in that music can come back to us later in ways that allow us to remember memories. No matter what you have or haven’t studied, most people can sing. That performance exercises your brain and vocal cords, even if you’re just humming along. Singing in a church choir helps with that other part of aging, to remain socially active, which is so important.

are incredibly lyrical and just soaring melodies. So you have those two very contrasting styles coming from one composer When I went to France for that first time and discovered that he also had works for orchestra — he’d written a couple of operas and large ensemble works — there was so much variety in his work which I admire. What keeps me going back to him is the number of projects that are still there to be done. That’s my motivation, as much as anything. I want to make this available

And the music carries me back again and again. So, in case you are somewhere and hear an occasionally hesitant version of a beautiful song, know that I very well may be the one on the piano bench, smiling like a middle schooler who’s just found her way home to her favorite chord.

Email Jan Risher at jan. risher@theadvocate.com

Mitch Landrieu, and co-authored a landmark study on Louisiana’s death penalty system. Johnson led the Metropolitan Human Services District, expanding access to behavioral health services in Orleans, Plaquemines and St. Bernard parishes.

At the Youth Empowerment Project, where he still sits on the board, Johnson helped expand services that now reach more than 1,000 young people a year said Sawyer In 2022, Johnson earned an honorary doctorate of laws from Loyola University New Orleans College of Law at a ceremony where he also finally received an apology for the 1963 attack that changed his life. Gov John Bel Edwards sent a letter acknowledging that “Louisiana’s authority and power were unjustly wielded as an outreached arm of hatred.”

Madeleine Landrieu arranged the ceremony

“You think that someone who had been throughout that would have turned away from the law but he turned toward it,” said Landrieu “He sees it as the answer, not the problem.”

Today, Johnson sits on four nonprofit boards and hosts a weekly civil rights radio show He’s writing his first book.

He’s also still working in New Orleans’ criminal court: Johnson has been appointed several times as an ad hoc judge since his retirement. He’s currently serving in its Section J until Aug. 20. Snowden worked as a public defender during one of many of Johnson’s earliest ad hoc stints. He remembers Johnson starting each docket with a brief lesson usually on civil rights.

“By starting court that way — in such a different way, with such a different message — it set the tone for what was going to be taking place in that courtroom while he was presiding,” Snowden said. Johnson said he has no plans to slow down any time soon. “When is enough enough?” he asked. “I haven’t found that place yet.”

Email Jillian Kramer at jillian. kramer@theadvocate.com.

Whether you’re aging or not, music exercises the brain in ways that nothing else does, because when you’re entwining all of those aspects, you’ve got the aural part of it — listening to make sure you’re in tune with people, reading music or looking to others for head nods or cues.

Of course, add to that the creativity and emotional parts of music, and you’ve got everything engaged in a collective way

For someone who doesn’t necessarily play an instrument,how does music help to stay mentally sharp?

As we go through life, the vast majority of the public

Stanley Wilder, who submitted your Encore Award nomination, mentioned that most people could,“coast on past achievements at this point in their careers.” What motivates you to keep working and being a student of life? I just can’t imagine a life without learning and working on projects. I’ve been motivated to do this since before I went to school painting, watercolor or having an art show Even those activities had a goal in mind. Going into the future, I love the feel of accomplishing something that’s meaningful, whether it be editing this newly found music and publishing it, or volunteering with a social cause. Having a purpose and a goal motivates me to continue with all of the work that I love.

Email Lauren Cheramie at lauren.cheramie@ theadvocate.com.

YOGA

Continued from page 1y

at the center of it all, as family matriarch and inspiration to everyone who knows her Hebert’s class covers yoga basics, to a full studio of women and men who are mostly 20 to 40 years younger than her According to Marie Hebert, one of Sally Hebert’s longtime students, she is an “inspiration and a model for living.”

One of Acadiana’s first yogis

Hebert is a 1953 graduate of the Southwestern Louisiana Institute, and she and her husband were both career teachers in Abbeville, where they raised their family on the banks of the Vermilion. She said that sometime in the 1970s, her husband got a book on yoga and was intrigued by the emphasis on Buddhist spirituality and wellness.

“It was a way of life, and we got interested, but no one was doing it here,” said Hebert, who was widowed 25 years ago. “People thought we were so weird. We had to go to California to take classes.”

Over the decades the Heberts participated in yoga workshops all over the country, while gradually seeing the practice come to New Orleans and spread across Louisiana. Hebert was also a longtime tennis player who is now a weekly fixture on Acadiana’s pickleball courts. She says that her approach to exercise is the same one she emphasizes to her students: listen to your body

“I’m just helping people move, stretch, do all the simple things that are good for your body,” she said. “If you feel like something isn’t working for you, don’t force it, because it can hurt you. So I’ll give people different options. There’s always a different way.”

Hebert lost her Abbeville home in the 2016 floods, and now lives in La-

fayette where her six children have also settled. Her son, acupuncturist John Hebert, said that his mother’s attitude to life has been a major contributor to her health and longevity He said that after leaving the floodwaters that consumed the family home, she was back in the studio helping her students the following week.

“She does not have a cynical bone in her body. How do you maintain that? How does that not creep in when you get tired of people, or life beats you down? She just continues believing in people,” John Hebert said.

For Sally Hebert, life has been something to enjoy and experience, no matter what it threw at her She continues to live that philosophy today whether she’s on an outing with her friends — Hebert’s studio has framed photos of her and her girlfriends, touring around Acadiana — or spending time with her family and three cats, who she describes as the perfect roommates.

“My philosophy has always been, ‘let’s go play.’ I like to do things that are fun, and I like to help people.”

“All I know is that you need to do what makes you happy You know, there’s so much horror in this world, but you need to take care of yourself. When I was young, I didn’t think like that. My job was taking care of my kids, I didn’t think about time for me. But now I know it’s important, and when I take care of myself, I can take care of others.”

Hebert’s yoga class is offered at the Camelia House at 708 Jefferson Blvd., Lafayette, from 11 a.m to noon on Tuesdays. The class is accessible for beginners and anyone who wants to focus on the fundamentals. Classes at Camelia House are open to all with a suggested donation of $15 to $15 per class.

Email Joanna Brown at joanna. brown@theadvocate.com.

PROVIDED PHOTO

Lois Kuyper-Rushing, left, with Jean Leduc of Alphonse Leduc in Paris in 2011. Leduc was Eugène Bozza’s

STAFF

PHOTO By BRAD BOWIE

Sally Hebert visits with students after a yoga class recently at the Camelia House in Lafayette.

From thelaboratorytomuseumvolunteering

2025 ENCORE WINNER

teer ever since. After about ayear as adocent, Gendron became the assistant docent coordinator, whichincluded a public speaking role.

BY JOYHOLDEN Staff writer

For Eldridge “Butch”

Gendron, 72, retiring from his 36-year career at Shell Chemical Company in Geismar meant starting anew chapter as avolunteer at the LSU Rural Life Museum in Baton Rouge. Accustomed to aquietlaboratory for multiple decades, Gendron was ready to be outside, delveinto rural history and meet new people. His post-retirement tenacity for preserving history and teaching others about rural Louisiana life has earned him one of Louisiana Inspired’s ENCORE awards. Michael Perkins nominated Gendronfor theaward because he has witnessed Gendron’spersonalgrowth over the last 12 years. He described the Rural Life Museum as having opened Gendron up.

In 2013, Gendron wantedto findsomethingtofill histime, so he attended an archaeological dig at the sugar mill on the former Chatsworth plantation, where L’Auberge casino is today. He metthe Rural Life Museum director at the time, David Floyd, and the docent coordinator Gendron told them he was getting ready to retire. They encouraged him to be adocent, aguide for the museum. From alonglineoffarmers

Gendron grew up in Reserve, arural town on the Mississippi River,and comes fromalong line of farmers abackground that fueled his fascination with rural ways and Louisiana history He wentthrough docent training in August 2013, 12 years ago this month, and hasbeenadedicated volun-

When Floyd approached himabout becoming the assistant docent coordinator, Gendron initially refusedthe position

“I struggledwithpublic speaking, but Iovercame that fear,”Gendron said,“andI served as assistant docent coordinator for twoyears. That wasthe term. ThenI became the docent coordinator,and I was in charge roughly over 125 people.”

Gendron’spassionfor history overflows when he gives tours of the museum and grounds. He has led people through the museum from all over thecountry and even alloverthe world. In 2019, he graduatedtoproject coordinator for the Rural Life Museum Preservationist Woodworkers Group.Healso serves as atrainer for incoming docents.

Hisrole today is astark contrast to hisworkatShell, where he didn’tregularly interact with peopleand had a routine schedule.

“This volunteer work has been likeanawakening, affording him opportunitiesnot previously offered,” Perkins said.

‘The core’

Bill Stark, thedirector of theLSU Rural Museumsince 2020, says Gendron’svolunteer hours surpass everyone else. Of all the dedicated volunteers,hesays Gendron goesabove and beyond.

“He does so much for us He’ssodedicated. Butch is out here often multiple times aweek,” Starksaid. “He’s one of many volunteers that we have out herewho are the core of what keeps thismuseum going, and he exemplifieseverything that they do.” Stark is especially appre-

ciative of Gendronand the Preservationist Woodworkersfor their workhelping to install the displays for the Louisiana Lights event at Burden Gardens. He says that everyoneatthe museum knows they can callupon Gendron for repairs,help or atour

“It hasbeen an educational ride for me, because Ihad no idea when Iretired thatthis would happen —that I’d become involved with amuseum of this nature,” Gendron said.

As the project coordinator for the RuralLife Museum Preservationist Woodworkers,Gendron travels often, looking for 18th- and 19thcentury buildings and wood that can be transported to the museum.

One rare find from Magnolia Plantation in Schriever

was athree-seater outhouse from 1850. Gendronand his team dismantleditand brought it to the Rural Life Museum. After afew years, thePreservationist Woodworkers recently finished restoringthe outhouse,which was quitefancy for thetime. Gendrondoesn’tconsider himselfa woodworker, though he cansaw,hammer and do detail work. For complex projects, he relies on his 14-member woodworking team.

“Wehavesomereally top talent as far as woodworking and craftsmanship goals. So Irely on those guys,”hesaid. Themuseum includes32 historic outbuildings that spread over 25 acres and are dividedintofoursections: the Working Plantation,the Upland South Region, the Gulf CoastRegion and an

Exhibit Barn.

Stark says the preservationist woodworkers do repairs, createnew things and restore structures around the RuralLife Museum in a way that follows guidelines for historic restoration.

They learn as they go to ensure correct preservation practices.

Another contribution from Gendronand his team was building awooden gutter for aschoolhouse that channels rainwater into an old sugar kettle,demonstratinghow wateronceflowed into acistern.

“Ithas been such arewarding experience,” Gendron said. “First of all, Imeet alot of educated people. Second of all, to see the expressions on our visitors’ faces when it comes to the museum, Ican’t hardly put it intowords. To

see theexcitementontheir faces, and then to be able to explain how the buildings worked and how the people worked. It’ssomeaningful.” Gendronsaidhechose the Rural Life Museum when he retired because he wanted to keep learning. With his dedication to preserving, educating and volunteering, Gendronembodies the spirit of alifelong learner.Healso serves as alivingrepresentative of rural Louisiana for the museum’svisitors.

“I want to preserve this area for other generations to be abletosee howpeople lived from the 1800s to be able to discuss the social, economic and archaeological effects on not only on the people,onthe buildings,but also on the way of life,” Gendron said. “That’sthe driving force for me.”

STAFFPHOTO By JAVIER GALLEGOS

Butch Gendron, volunteer tour guide and preservationist project coordinator,standsnext to agristmill he helped reconstruct recently at the Rural Life Museum.

LEARN MORE

Kelechi Akamiro,MD Sports Medicine

FAITH & VALUES

Early Hawaiian petroglyphs visible on beach again

BY JENNIFER SINCO KELLEHER

Contributing writer

Hawaiian petroglyphs dating back at least a half-millennium are visible on Oahu for the first time in years, thanks to seasonal ocean swells that peel away sand covering a panel of more than two dozen images of mostly human-looking stick figures.

The petroglyphs are easy to spot during low tide when gentle waves ebb and flow over slippery, neongreen algae growing on a stretch of sandstone. This is the first time the entire panel of petroglyphs are visible since they were first spotted nine years ago by two guests staying at a bayside U.S. Army recreation center in Waianae, about an hour’s drive from Honolulu Native Hawaiian cultural practitioner Glen Kila, who traces his lineage to the aboriginal families of this coastal Hawaii community, said he believes the resurfacing of the traditional marvels are his ancestors sending a message.

“It’s telling the community that the ocean is rising,” said Kila, a recognized expert on the local culture and history of Waianae who is consulting with the Army on the protection of the petroglyphs.

Army officials are trying to balance protecting the petroglyphs with their accessibility on a public beach.

John and Sandy Stone consulted tide charts and drove about 30 minutes from their home early Tuesday to get a glimpse after a watching a local TV report about the petroglyphs.

“It was so interesting to touch them,” said John Stone, who splits his time between Hawaii and Cali-

fornia. “It felt interesting to kind of have a connection with the past like that.”

It is difficult to date petroglyphs, but an archaeological site in the area is from about 600 years ago, said Laura Gilda, an archaeologist with U.S. Army Garrison Hawaii.

According to Kila, Hawaiians arrived in Waianae at least 1,000 years ago.

The beach here fluctuates in size and profile each year, with low-pressure weather systems that form in the eastern Pacific between May and November causing waves that cut away loose sand from shorelines and redeposit them further out, according to an Army report on the petroglyphs.

That shift is likely what causes their temporary exposure.

Archaeologists identified a total of 26 petroglyphs. Of the 18 anthropomorphic stick figures, eight are depicted with possible male genitalia and the remainder are of undetermined gender, the report said.

The entire panel stretches about 115 feet long, Gilda said.

When the petroglyphs first reemerged in July 2016, it was after late spring and early summer storms, including hurricanes, with a lot of wave action that swept the sand away, Gilda said.

They remained visible for a period and then got covered again.

“So there’s been portions that

have been exposed since then, but this is the first summer that the whole panel has been exposed again,” Gilda said.

Based on the teachings Kila learned, the lineal petroglyphs appear to be telling a religious, ceremonial story He interprets the largest figure, which appears to include hands and fingers with one arm raised and the other down, to represent the rising and setting sun.

Kila said that when the military in the 1930s took over the area and evicted Native Hawaiians, including his family who lived there for generations, his great-great grandmother refused to leave so his family exchanged moun-

tain lands with a coffee plantation so she could remain near the bay In an interview included in the Army’s report, he recalled growing up in Waianae without television. So “the ocean and mountains were our playground,” he said. The Army recreation center was off-limits to the public, and the seawall was the barrier between Native Hawaiians and the military Kila said.

Kila, now 72, recalled that if they walked on top of the wall, they were clubbed and pushed off by military police.

“We were proud and knew where we came from, so we never fostered any hatred for the military because one day we believed that the land will eventually return to us,” he said.

Kila, while visiting the petroglyphs earlier this week, told The Associated Press that the Army’s protection of them represents a shift in that community relationship.

Officials have been grappling with how to share the petroglyphs with the community while also protecting them, Gilda said.

“How much attention do you want to bring to this area? You don’t really want people to go digging for them when they’re not exposed,” she said. “But they’re certainly awesome to come and see on the public beachscape.”

Donald Kauli a, a Native Hawaiian who was born and raised in Waianae, snapped photos of the petroglyphs Tuesday Seeing them, he said, feels like “validation that our ancestors were from here.”

Water source now trickles in Fort Yuma Quechan Reservation

BY MORGAN SJOGREN

Contributing writer

A pelican descends through a canopy of green cottonwood leaves. The frost-plumed bird lands upon an exposed sandbank in a thin ribbon of blue water

flanked by lithe willows Gorgeous as it is, this lush Sonoran Desert oasis is but a relic of a time when the water was much more than a sliver Here, the once-mighty Colorado River swelled across the Fort Yuma Quechan Reservation, straddling California and Arizona near the U.S.–Mexico border Frank Venegas, the Quechan Tribe’s water technician looks out on the river and shakes his head. He grew up fishing here with his uncles and laments not being able to do the same with his nephews Now, not only has the water been reduced to a trickle through the reservation, but in many areas, just beyond this stretch of shoreline, invasive plants choke out river access.

For the Quechan people, a living river is not just about water — it requires native plants and wildlife. To help bring the Colorado River back to life, the tribe is taking matters into its own hands by planting one native seed at a time. The tribe is successfully restoring 100 acres of the river’s original riparian assemblage on the reservation, ushering in a return of critical wildlife and cultural resources for the Quechan people. The Colorado River once fanned across the Yuma Valley, lined by craggy volcanic peaks. Seasonal muddy torrents spread water and nutrient-rich sediments across the floodplain Ribbons of green spread along the river corridor until the next flood scoured away plant life while spreading new growth downstream. This cycle repeated naturally with spring runoff and monsoon floods.

In the 1800s, salt cedar was introduced from Eurasia to stabilize stream banks and prevent catastrophic flooding. Salt cedar consumed native plant habitat, altered soil chemistry and, in addition to reduced water flows, narrowed the Colorado River like a canal. Steamboats shipped goods and passengers up and down the wide river, fueled by cottonwood lumber This began to decimate native plant populations, but its effect was minimal compared to 20th century dam construction Laguna Dam, built in 1905 on the northern boundary of the Quechan Reservation, began altering the river’s ecological habitat by reducing water flows.

Today, 15 dams and 1,358 diversions control the natural flow of the river to serve 40 million people,

support agriculture and generate electricity The Colorado has been further stressed by two decades of drought the worst in 1,200 years. The water passing through the reservation is now less than 20 percent of its volume a century ago. The tribe’s latest project is supported by funding from the Bureau of Reclamation and private funds sourced by Blue Commons and Bonneville Environmental Foundation Both nonprofits pair private sector businesses with water conservation efforts to replenish corporate water withdrawals from the Colorado River watershed. While Venegas’ key role is managing the tribe’s Colorado River water allotment for agriculture, he has spearheaded this project as part of his deep commitment to the future of the river “The living river is the plants, the fish, the animals, the people,” he says.

We stop near the river to see the tribe’s 56-acre restoration site — the newest of seven such sites on the reservation dating back to 2011. Chase Choate, the Quechan Tribe environmental director, is leading the reintroduction of three native plants: honey mesquite (Neltuma glandulosa), Goodding’s willow (Salix gooddingii), and Fremont cottonwood (Populus fremontii). “I’m Johnny Mesquite Seed!” Choate jokes. Before planting, introduced species are cleared from the riverbanks and flood plain. A longrange excavator also clears out phragmites reeds, which cling to the precipitous edge of the riverbanks. Though this common reed is native to North America, an introduced variant chokes out the riverbanks. Dust plumes into the air as a tractor bulldozes two types

of salt cedar, Tamarix ramosissima and Tamarix chinensis. The chinesis variety can grow 14 feet tall and are the toughest to clear The goal is to beat the salt cedar’s spring blossoms — its beautiful pink tendrils allow swift propagation.

The drought-tolerant plant, which is also known as tamarisk, concentrates salts in its spindly leaves. Upon dropping, those leaves increase soil salinity under the plant canopy As Choate explains, a major aim of the project is to prevent regrowth of salt cedar but other stressors threaten the native plants as well. In the early years, reintroduced native plants had a survival rate of just 40 percent because the willows were affected by a period of blight, fungus and insect predation. Now, native plants at the 2023 site have an 80 percent success rate because of improved maintenance, especially continued tamarisk removal and drip-line irrigation methods

The Quechan Tribe’s current project conserves water by replacing antiquated agricultural infrastructure on 446 acres known as “Ranch 4 and 7.” This includes relining the earthen Mohave Canal to prevent loss of water to seepage. A solar pump installation will allow withdrawals from the Mohave Canal instead of the Colorado River (This water is more efficient to use because it is strained of river debris by Imperial Dam, unlike the sediment-laden water in the river’s mainstem.)

Leased ranches are irrigated with a portion of the tribe’s 77,966-acre-foot Colorado River water allotment finalized in the 2006 Arizona v. California decree. (An acre-foot of water will flood

an area the size of a football field with one foot of water.) During the hottest months of the year, April to July, Ranches 4 and 7 will voluntarily fallow their fields, saving 13,000 acre-feet to help maintain critical levels in Lake Mead, the reservoir formed by Hoover Dam. Water savings from this project contribute 200 acre feet of water that are used to irrigate the new 56-acre restoration site. At the restoration sites, new plants are irrigated with waterefficient drip line irrigation for five to seven years until they can be weaned. The combination of water conservation savings and the reintroduction of native plants has already begun to bring the lower Colorado River habitat back to life. At a site planted in 2023, three-foot tall cottonwood saplings grow in clear view of mature trees at the flagship site (planted in 2011), standing 50 to 75 feet tall. The Quechan Tribe’s goals for this restoration project are the sustained return native plants and wildlife as well as availability of cultural resources for tribal members to gather for traditional uses. When native saplings take hold, other native flora thrive. Endemic shrubs like Baccharis or seepwillow (Baccharis salicifolia) return to riverside areas of their own volition. Palo verde (Parkinsonia florida) and ironwood (Olneya Tesota) are planted in the maturing restoration sites. Choate points out a wolfberry (Lycium carolinianum) bush that provides a nutrient-dense berry similar to Gojis. “Give [native plants] space, the water, the love, and they’ll take over,” says Choate.

As the plants return, so does the wildlife quail, rabbits, snakes and coyotes. The Quechan restoration sites are within designated critical habitat for the endangered southwestern willow flycatcher

As its name implies, willows (not tamarisk) are a critical habitat for the flycatcher Maximizing potential habitat value for this species is part of the Quechan’s agreement within the Fish and Wildlife Management Plan for the critical habitat area. This is especially vital as the current U.S. administration seeks to remove habitat protections from the Endangered Species Act.

The lower Colorado River is a migratory bird flyway where 70 percent of avian species depend on riparian habitat — and 95 percent of the Southwest’s vital riparian habitat has been altered, degraded or destroyed in the last century In addition to birds, Choate says the return of keystone species, like bobcats indicates a healthy wildlife habitat. “I’ve seen several bob-

cats while I work, they just mosey on past me,” Choate says. “I do this for the critters. These are our ancestors.”

Choate is also focused on the tribe’s future: He is working with local San Pasqual High School students who are cultivating native plant seedlings for the project. On weekends, he leads field trips to teach the youth about native plants and wildlife at Anya Nitz Pak, Quechan for Sunrise Point Park. Anya Nitz Pak sits on 40 acres of tribal land set aside for restoration in 2006.

Choate spends time every day at the riverside observing the qualitative data that affirms the tribe’s vision of this project’s success.

“Seeing [the riverside] thrive — the return of critters, plants, and people — is what is important,” he says.

Choate is also focused on the tribe’s future: He is working with local San Pasqual High School students who are cultivating native plant seedlings for the project. On weekends, he leads field trips to teach the youth about native plants and wildlife at Anya Nitz Pak Quechan for Sunrise Point Park. Anya Nitz Pak sits on 40 acres of tribal land set aside for restoration in 2006.

A goal of the restoration is to encourage the return of Quechan people to the river On April 26, 2025, 80 tribal members across multiple generations planted 270 trees at the new restoration site. A tribal elder, Preston Arrowweed, attended and spoke with the group. Children sang pipa songs to honor the land, people and trees. Planting is an opportunity for the Quechan Tribe to honor ‘Anyamátt ‘Antáyts (Mother Earth) for providing “food, water and shelter for our people for thousands of years.”

Each of the native species planted holds cultural significance and uses for the tribe. Willow branches are shaped into handles for gourd rattles, and dolls are crafted from cottonwood. Willow and mesquite are used to make cradleboards.

“Growing native plants and having them available to gather revitalizes culture,” says Choate, who observes tribal members collecting plants near the river for traditional uses.

As water throughout the Southwest faces a tenuous future, the Quechan Tribe’s relationship with the Colorado River demonstrates possibilities for balancing human and economic water uses with a living river “As long as we are taking care of the land, the land is taking care of us,” says Choate. He looks out at the growing seedlings and smiles. “This,” he says, “is land back.”

GETTy IMAGES PHOTO

Water from the Colorado River has been reduced to a trickle through the Fort yuma Quechan reservation, while invasive plants choke out river access.

SUNDAY, AUgUSt 17, 2025

CURTIS / by Ray Billingsley

SLYLOCK FOX / by Bob Weber Jr

GET FUZZY / by Darby Conley

HAGAR THE HORRIBLE / by Chris Browne

MOTHER GOOSE AND GRIMM / by Mike Peters

ZIGGY / by Tom Wilson

ZITS / by Jerry Scott and Jim Borgman

SALLY FORTH / by Francesco Marciuliano & Jim Keefe

PEARLS BEFORE SWINE /byStephan Pastis

directions: Make a 2- to 7-letter word from the letters in each row Add points of each word, using scoring directions at right. Finally, 7-letter words get 50-point bonus. “Blanks” used as any letter have no point value All the words are in the Official SCRABBLE® Players Dictionary, 5th Edition.

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, or vulgar or sexually explicit words are not allowed.

todAY's Word — rAcKeteer: rak-ihTEER: One who obtains money by an illegal enterprise, usually involving intimidation.

Average mark 27 words

Time limit 60 minutes

Can you find 48 or more words in RACKETEER?

ken ken

instructions: 1 -Each rowand each column must contain thenumbers 1through4 (easy) or 1through6 (challenging) without repeating 2 -The numbers within the heavily outlinedboxes, called cages, must combine using thegiven operation (inany order)toproduce the target numbersinthe top-left corners. 3 -Freebies: Fillinthe single-boxcages withthe numberinthe top-left corner

instructions: Sudoku is anumber-placing puzzle based on a 9x9 gridwith several given numbers. The object is to placethe numbers 1to 9in theempty squares so that each row,each column and each 3x3 boxcontains the same number only once. The difficultylevel of the Conceptis Sudoku increases from Monday to Sunday

directions: Complete thegridso that numbers 1–132 connect horizontally, vertically or diagonally

Sudoku

Edited by Rich Norris and Joyce Nichols Lewis

wuzzLes

Careless play

North’s second double showed extra values in a hand that could not raise spades South might have bid four diamonds instead of four spades, but it was reasonable to take a shot at game. East won the opening heart lead and continued the suit. South ruffed, led a low spade to dummy’s ace, and a spade back to his jack West took his queen and led another heart, which South had to ruff South cashed the king of spades, his last trump, and ran his clubs. West ruffed the fifth club and led a diamond. South had to lose a diamond trick and finished down one. South did not play this hand properly Can you spot what he did wrong?

super Quiz

Take this Super Quiz to a Ph.D. Score 1 point for each correct answer on the Freshman Level, 2 points on the graduate Level and 3

SUBJECT: REDHEADS Each answer is the name of a person with red hair (e.g., The first U.S. president. Answer: George Washington.)

FRESHMAN LEVEL

1. Duke of Sussex. Younger son of Diana, Princess of Wales.

Answer________

2. Dutch painter whose works include “Sunflowers” and “The Starry Night.”

Answer________

3. She was the prime minister of the United Kingdom from 1979 to 1990.

Answer________

4. His plays include “Arms

South should have expected that the hearts would split 6-3 after this bidding. He should simply have discarded a diamond at trick two instead of ruffing. He could then ruff the third heart and play the spades the same way This time, when West won his queen, he would have no heart to lead West would shift to a diamond, but South should play dummy’s ace and cross to his hand with the

queen of clubs. The king-jack of spades would draw the trumps and allow both of dummy’s remaining diamonds to be discarded. South could then claim with all good clubs in dummy.

Tannah Hirsch welcomes readers’ responses sent in care of this newspaper or to Tribune Content Agency inc., 2225 Kenmore Ave., Suite 114, Buffalo, Ny 14207. E-mail responses may be sent to gorenbridge@ aol.com. © 2025 Tribune Content Agency

something concrete. Protect yourself against excess health risks and injuries.

your vicinity and provide your expertise to those in need of support or a friendly gesture.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) Keep what you are working on to yourself Devote more time and effort to supporting a cause that makes you feel good about yourself. Choose peace and love over chaos and discord.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) Reconfig-

ure your space, lifestyle or plans, and turn your expectations into

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) Travel, attend reunions or participate in learning expeditions. Let your gestures be a testament to how much you love someone. Less talk and more action.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) Make money and investments your focus. A business or personal partnership looks promising; however, keeping your assets separate is in your best interest.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) A positive attitude will help ward off

anyone trying to thwart opposition or dismantle your plans Make personal improvements, love and romance your objectives.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) Pay attention to money, health and contractual matters. By doing your due diligence, you will make better choices and come out ahead. Open your doors to people who bolster your imagination.

PISCES (Feb. 20-March 20) You’ll be prone to attending events and talking to people that lead you astray Being too trusting will lead to indecisiveness and setbacks.

Pay attention to detail and selfimprovement. ARIES (March 21-April 19) Social events will be informative and energizing, helping you look and feel great. Engage in activities that encourage improved health and well-being.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20) Talks will lead to trouble. Make sure you have everything in order, do things by the book and let precision guide you. Change is good when handled with care.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20) Keep moving. Having downtime can be nice, but it will not be advanta-

geous. Don’t leave yourself open for criticism or blame others for your shortcomings. Do something that makes you feel proud.

CANCER (June 21-July 22) Take a closer look at how you live, your finances, your responsibilities and what you can do to lighten your load. Choose to elevate your quality of life by managing your time effectively

The horoscope, an entertainment feature, is not based on scientific fact.

© 2025 by NEA, inc., dist. By Andrews McMeel Syndication

goren Bridge

1. Prince Harry.2.Vincent vanGogh. 3. Margaret Thatcher. 4. George Bernard Shaw 5. Leonardo da Vinci. 6. Rod Laver.7.Nicole Kidman. 8. JamesCagney.9.Reba McEntire. 10.Willie Nelson. 11. Susan Sarandon. 12. Sissy Spacek. 13. Elizabeth I. 14.MarkTwain.15. Redd Foxx.

SCORING: 24 to 30 points —congratulations, doctor; 18 to 23 points—honorsgraduate; 13 to 17 points —you’replenty smart, but no grind; 5to12points —you really shouldhit the booksharder;1point to 4points —enroll in remedial courses immediately; 0points who reads thequestions to you?

Saturday's Cryptoquote: Aman says alot of things in summer he doesn'tmeaninwinter.— Patricia Briggs

jeFF mACnelly’sshoe/ by Gary Brookins &Susie MacNelly

FoXtrot/ by BillAmend

/bySteve Kelley&JeffParker