The Times-Picayune 09-18-2025

TULANE HAS GOLDEN OPPORTUNITYAGAINSTOLE

Federal Reservecutskey interest rate

Quarter-pointreduction firstthisyear; twomoreprojected

BY CHRISTOPHER RUGABER AP economics writer

WASHINGTON TheFederal Reserve cut itskey interestratebya quarter-point Wednesday and projected it would do so twice more this year as concern growsat the central bank about the health of the nation’slabor market.

The move is the Fed’s first cut since December anditlowered its short-term rate to about4.1%, down from 4.3%.Fed officials, led by Chair Jerome Powell, hadkept their rate unchanged this year as they evaluated the impact of tariffs, tighterimmigration enforcement,and other Trump administration policies on inflation and the

economy

Yetthe central bank’sfocus has shiftedquickly from inflation, which remains modestly above its 2% target, to jobs, as hiring has ground nearly to ahalt in recent months and the unemployment rate hastickedhigher. Lowerinterest rates could reduce borrowing costs for mortgages, car loans

andbusinessloans, andboost growthand hiring.

“In this less dynamic and somewhat softer labor market, the downside risks to employment appear to haverisen,” Powell said at anews conferencefollowing the Fed’s two-day meeting. Fed officials also signaled that they expect to reduce their key ratetwice morethis year,but just once in 2026. Before themeeting, investors on Wall Street hadpro-

Stolen statue turnsupinpieces

Partsofsilversculpture of Lincolntaken from Houmas Housefound in pawnshops

It was Sunday,Sept. 7,when Kevin Kelly,owner of theHoumas Houseplantation between New Orleans and Baton Rouge,learnedthathis antique, solidsilver statue of Abraham Lincoln had been stolen. The foot-tall Lincoln sat pensively on abench, stovepipehat byhis side, the weight of history onhis shoulders, when suddenly,anearbywindow shattered

As Kelly explained,a thief had sim-

plywalkedontothe plantation property, found asmall stone statue of adog outside the 19th-century building, used it to bash in awindow,grabbed Lincoln through the brokenglass and fled.

If the thief was acrazed artlover who’d kidnapped the 16thpresident for his or herown secret collection, Kelly said, he knewhe’d never see thestatueagain. But if the burglar intended tofence the glinting Lincolnonthe black market, or sell it for its value as 64 pounds of precious metal —anestimated 46 grand —the

miscreant mightget caught —and the rare, precious statuecould possibly be returned.

Kelly was right.Last week Lincoln came back home, but not in the condition he had hoped. Heartbreakingly,the stunning little statue hadbeen brutally carved up into chunks, adecapitated torso and other oddshapes. It was far beyond repair

The artwork that was stolen in

Cleanupcosts soar aftermassive plantfire

BY DAVID J. MITCHELL Staff writer

Three weeks since Smitty’sSupply in Roseland caught fire and exploded, the bill for the lead response agency is already in thetens of millions of dollars and may rise, officialssaid

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has set aside at least $39 million and is seeking more through

federalemergency petroleum spill money,anagency spokesperson said. Therising EPAnumbers, which don’t include additional local andstate costs, provide ameasure of the environmental impact of the huge fire that started Aug.22and took morethan two weeks to fully extinguish. The new figure representsa sharp rise in the costofthe response, which earlierthismonthwas involving as many as261 EPA staffersand contractors and 20 local officials.

jected five cuts forthe rest of this year and next.

Stocks initially rose following the release of theprojections, which seemed to support Wall Street’s widespread expectation formore cuts to interest rates. Such moves can give theeconomy akickstart, andstock prices hadalreadyrun to records on the bet that several cuts are on the way.

misses keySuper Bowl bid deadline

Saints,state officials working to finalize Superdome lease

BY ANTHONY MCAULEY, TYLERBRIDGES and JEFF DUNCAN Staff writers

New Orleans has missed akey NFL deadline in its bid to host Super Bowl LXV at the Caesars Superdomein2031, jeopardizing the city’schance to secure the game as the Saints and state officials work to finalizethe team’s long-termstadium lease.

Owners of the NFL’s 32 teams gathered in New York this week for the league’sfall meetings, and on Tuesday,the Fan Engagement &Major Events Advisory Committee met to reviewcityproposalsfor hosting theleague’smajor events, including the Super Bowl andthe NFL Draft, before recommendations go to the full ownership.

The Saints had planned to submit New Orleans’ bid forthe 2031 game. But Saints spokesperson Greg Bensel said the team was unable to do so because alease extensionwiththe state of Louisiana, which owns the stadium, has not yet been finalized beyond 2030. As such, New Orleans isn’tonthe short list of potential host cities that will go to afull vote of owners sometime later this year

“Unfortunately,the Super Bowl committeedid meet yesterday and our city cannot advance as an option to bidonfutureSuper

ä See DEADLINE, page 7A

The fire at the lubricants plant off U.S. 51 sent up alarge black plume

that rained down soot as far as 15 miles away,forced a1-mile evacuation for a few days andspilled millions of gallons of chemicals intolocal ditches,ponds and nearly 50 miles of the Tangipahoa River

Potentially aresponsible party for the fire, Smitty’s is not paying for response effortsundertaken by theEPA

In alate August report,the EPAsaid it had takenover the response on Aug. 24 andshifted away from countingon the company due to “financial solvency

Smitty’s faceslawsuits in wake of explosion ä See CLEANUP, page 8A

PHOTO PROVIDED By LOUISIANA STATEPOLICE Smitty’sSupplycaught fire and exploded on Aug. 22.

PHOTO PROVIDED By KEVIN KELLy

The sculpture of Abraham Lincoln by Gutzon Borglum wascut to pieces by thieveshoping to sell it for theprice of thesilver it was made from

FBI says man rammed car into Pittsburgh gate

PITTSBURGH A man who rammed a car into an FBI security gate in Pittsburgh and covered it in an American flag Wednesday later said he did it to “make a statement,” the FBI said.

Donald Phillip Henson was captured seven hours after fleeing the crash and invoked a Latin phrase about tyrants, “sic semper tyrannis,” meaning “thus always to tyrants,” while talking to the FBI, according to an affidavit. John Wilkes Booth is said to have shouted the phrase after shooting President Abraham Lincoln.

Henson, 46, of nearby Penn Hills, was being charged with assault with a deadly weapon and damaging government property

“This was a targeted attack on this building,” Christopher Giordano, assistant special agent in charge of the FBI in Pittsburgh, told reporters. The FBI was familiar with Henson, whom Giordano described as a former member of the military “He did come here to the FBI field office a few weeks ago to make a complaint that didn’t make a whole lot of sense,” Giordano said.

Suspect in McCann disappearance released SEHNDE,Germany A German national who is under investigation in the disappearance of British toddler Madeleine McCann 18 years ago was released from prison Wednesday after serving his sentence in an unrelated case, police said.

The man, who has been identified by media as Christian Brückner, had been serving a seven-year sentence that stemmed from his 2019 conviction for the rape of a 72-year-old American woman in Portugal.

In June 2020, German prosecutors said the man was being investigated on suspicion of murder in connection with McCann’s disappearance on May 3, 2007, from an apartment complex in the Portuguese resort of Praia da Luz.

Police have since carried out more searches in Portugal. But the suspect, who has denied any involvement in her disappearance, has not been charged in the case. The investigation is not affected by his release. He also remains a suspect in an investigation into McCann’s disappearance being conducted by Britain’s Metropolitan Police. Investigators in the U.K., Portugal and Germany are still piecing together what happened on the night 3-year-old Madeleine disappeared. She was in the same room as her brother and sister while their parents, Kate and Gerry, had dinner with friends at a nearby restaurant.

The suspect was tried last year over several unrelated sexual offenses he was alleged to have committed in Portugal and was acquitted in October Hogan’s ex-wife blames politics for Emmys snub

Hulk Hogan’s ex-wife Linda blasted the 2025 Emmys for leaving the late wrestler out of its “In Memoriam” segment, blaming politics for his snub. Hogan, one of the WWE’s most well-known performers died of a heart attack in July The wrestling great wasn’t the only one omitted from the Emmys segment. Two-time Academy Award winner Gene Hackman was also notably absent, as were “Sopranos” alum Jerry Adler “King of the Hill” star Jonathan Joss, and “General Hospital” alumnus Leslie Charleson.

Linda went on to speculate that his recent embrace of conservative politics was the cause of the omission.

CORRECTION

A story in Wednesday’s newspaper incorrectly reported that the northshore District Attorney’s Office, jail and judges were told they would receive 30% less funding than they requested this year from St. Tammany Parish government for their budgets

In fact, the agencies have been told they will receive 30% less funding than they received last year, according to District Attorney Collin Sims. The TimesPicayune regrets the error

Trump basks in U.K. pomp

U.S. president relishes day filled with pageantry

BY DANICA KIRKA, JILL LAWLESS, MICHELLE L. PRICE and WILL WEISSERT Associated Press

WINDSOR, England President Donald Trump relished the glow of a British royal spectacle on Wednesday, reveling in hours of pageantry with King Charles III while making time for a quiet tribute at Queen Elizabeth II’s tomb.

Opening a two-day state visit, the grandeur-loving president soaked it all up, from the largest guard of honor in living memory, with 120 horses and 1,300 troops, to carriage rides, an air show and a Windsor Castle dinner

After the pomp comes the real work Thursday, when Trump and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer meet, with the stakes high for the host country.

No U.S president, or any other world leader, has had the honor of a second U.K state visit; Trump’s first was in 2019, during his previous term. The display of regal splendor was meant to bolster ties with Trump at a time when his America First policies are putting pressure on trade and security arrangements around the globe.

Prince William and his wife, Kate, meet the presidential helicopter in the private Walled Garden on the vast Windsor estate, then walked Trump and first lady Melania Trump over to be greeted

by Charles and Queen Camilla A gigantic royal standard — the

used for official celebration days —

from the Royal Tower

The guests traveled to the castle in a procession of horse-drawn carriages, past ranks of soldiers, sailors and aviators. The king and the Republican president chatted in the Irish State Coach during the short journey to the castle quadrangle, where Trump, accompanied by Charles, inspected an honor guard of soldiers in red tunics and bearskin hats.

The president and Charles toured the Royal Collection Display in an ornate room where officials laid out five tables of artifacts on U.S.-British relations.

Among the items were 18th-century watercolors and documents on the United States seeking independence from King George III. There were materials from the first trans-Atlantic cable, including messages between Queen Victoria and President James Buchanan, as well as a 1930s hot dog picnic that a young Elizabeth wrote about, and a large glass vessel that President Dwight D. Eisenhower gave the queen during a 1957 state visit.

“Wow,” Trump said as he looked at documents on U.S. independence.

“That’s fascinating,” Charles said.

The Red Arrows, the Royal Air Force’s aerobatics display

team, thundered overhead, leaving streaks of red, white and blue smoke in their wake and drawing a visible reaction from both Trumps.

The dinner menu featured Hampshire watercress panna cotta with Parmesan shortbread and quail egg salad, along with Norfolk chicken ballotine Desert was vanilla ice cream bombe with a raspberry sherbet interior and lightly poached Victorian plums.

Trump avoids alcohol, but the bar offerings included a cocktail known as the trans-Atlantic whiskey sour infused with marmalade, Warre’s 1945 Vintage Port — Trump is the 45th and 47th American president and Hennessy 1912 Cognac Grande Champagne. That was the year Trump’s mother, Mary Anne MacLeod, was born in Scotland.

The musical playlist included the theme from the James Bond movies and rock staples from Trump’s campaign rallies.

Charles and Camilla also presented the president and first lady with a handbound leather volume celebrating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, as well as the Union flag that flew above Buckingham Palace on the day of Trump’s inauguration in January

Trump gave Charles a replica of an Eisenhower sword, and Camilla received a vintage Tiffany & Co. gold, diamond and ruby brooch.

Trump’s U.K. visit met with protests, arrests

BY BRIAN MELLEY Associated Press

LONDON U.S. President Donald Trump received a royal reception at Windsor Castle on Wednesday, but beyond the castle walls many protesters did not welcome his visit.

Several thousand people marched through central London to protest his trip, which includes a lavish banquet in his honor hosted by King Charles III and a meeting with Prime Minister Keir Starmer Carrying banners reading “No to the racism, no to Trump,” the crowd, organized by the Stop Trump U.K. coalition, headed down Regent Street on their way to Parliament.

Some carried small versions of the giant Trump baby blimp, an orange-tinted caricature of the blond-coiffed leader in a diaper, that made a big impression during his first visit in June 2019. Others carried signs reading “No to Trump, no to fascism” and “Dump Trump.” The crowd booed a counterprotester who held a sign that read “We Love Trump.” London’s police force deployed 1,600 officers as they expected members of about 50 different groups that included climate, anti-racism and proPalestinian activists.

Trump and first lady Melania took a helicopter to Windsor Castle, where they were greeted warmly by the king.

Outside the castle, dozens of people protested throughout the day, though they were outnumbered by a large police presence and international news crews covering the event. “I really don’t think the royal family should be hosting him,” said Tara Heinemann, who held a sign saying, “No banquets for fascists.”

On Tuesday, police arrested four people over a stunt that saw an image of Trump and Jeffrey Epstein projected on a tower at Windsor Castle, a reminder of the president’s relationship with the disgraced financier

BY MARK SCOLFORO and PATRICK WHITTLE Associated Press

NORTH CODORUS Pa Three police officers were killed and two were injured in a shooting Wednesday in southern Pennsylvania, state police said.

“We grieve for the loss of life of three precious souls who served this county, served this commonwealth, served this country,” Gov Josh Shapiro said. “This kind of violence is not OK, we need to do better as a society,” he continued

The shooting erupted in the area of North Codorus Township, about 115 miles west of Philadelphia, not far from the Maryland line, authorities said.

“The grief will be unbearable but we will bear it,” Pennsylvania State Police Commissioner Christopher Paris at a news conference. “We will not rest until we conduct a full fair and competent investigation into this matter.”

York Hospital said it was treating two people in serious condition and had enhanced security protocols are in place.

Attorney General Pamela Bondi called the violence against police “a scourge on our society.” She said federal agents

were on the scene to support local officers.

“Please send prayers to the officers and those involved in the shooting in York County,” Pennsylvania Lt. Gov Austin Davis said in a social media post.

Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday said he was also on the scene. Sunday said on social media he urges “all residents to follow the instructions of local law enforcement” and he is “praying for all involved.”

A local school district issued a shelter-in-place order, though it said schools and students were not involved in the shooting.

The order was lifted later in the afternoon. The district said in a statement that authorities “advised us to hold students and staff in our buildings as a

precaution while several area roads are closed.”

The medical response unfolded on a rural road in south-central Pennsylvania that winds through an agricultural area with a barn and farm fields.

Police have not provided any details about who was involved in the shooting. Officers were keeping people well back from the scene in the area’s rolling farmland, with some 30 police vehicles blocking off roads bordered by a barn, a goat farm and soybean and corn fields.

An officer in the area was killed in February, when a man armed with a pistol and zip ties entered a hospital’s intensive care unit and took staff members hostage before a shootout that left both the suspect and an officer dead. 3 police officers killed, 2 injured in Pa.

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By EVAN VUCCI

President Donald Trump and Britain’s King Charles III inspect the guard of honor during an arrival ceremony at Windsor Castle, in Windsor, England, on Wednesday.

Kirk suspectfearedbeing shot by police

He agreed to surrenderifitwas donepeacefully, sheriffsays

BY JESSE BEDAYN, HANNAH SCHOENBAUM and JOHN SEEWER Associated Press

OREM, Utah TylerRobinson, the Utah man accusedof assassinating Charlie Kirk, wasafraid of beingshotby police and eventually agreed to surrender only if it was done peacefully,asheriffinvolved with taking him into custody said Wednesday Robinson appeared quiet and somber when he arrived with his parents to turn himself in last Thursday at the Washington County Sheriff’s office, aday after Kirk was shot and killed at Utah Valley University,said Sheriff Nate Brooksby “He didn’twant abig SWAT team at hisparent’s house or his apartment,” said the sheriff, who was only involved with the surrender and not the broader investigation. “He was truly fearful about being shot by law enforcement.”

On Tuesday,prosecutors charged the 22-year-old Robinson with capital murder and announced they will seek the death penalty while revealing aseries of incriminating messages and DNA evidence that they say connect Robinson to the killing of Kirk, aprominent conservative activist and confidant of President Donald Trump. Robinson also faced his

with students Wednesday at Utah ValleyUniversity in Orem, Utah, during the first dayback on campusafter conservativeactivist

and killed on campus last week.

first hearing in the case Tuesday where ajudge said he would appoint an attorneytorepresenthim.

Robinson’sfamily has declined to comment to The Associated Press.

TheSept.10shooting that stunned thenationand exposed deep political divides also left theUtahValley campus reeling. On Wednesday, students returning for the first day of classes sincethen gathered silently andstared at thebarricaded courtyard where Kirk was hit while speaking to students

Care stations offering stuffed animals, candy and connections to counseling dotted thecampus. Matthew Caldwell, 24, said

Kimmel show droppedover Kirk remarks

BY STEPHENBATTAGLIO

Los Angeles Times (TNS)

Walt Disney Co.-owned broadcaster ABC said it is pulling “Jimmy Kimmel Live” indefinitely followingsharp backlashover the host’sremarks about slainright-wingactivist Charlie Kirk.

The move comes after station owner Nexstar MediaGroup said it would yank the show from its ABCaffiliate stations as a result of the comments.

The Irving, Texasbased Nexstar announced Wednesday that Kimmel will be off its stations for the foreseeable future.

“Nexstar strongly objectstorecentcomments made by Mr.Kimmel concerning the killing of Charlie Kirk and will replace the show with other programming in its ABCaffiliated markets,”a company representativesaid in astatement.

Kimmel said during a monologue on his Monday program that Tyler Robinson,the Utah man accused in theshooting death of Kirk, might have been a pro-Trump Republican. He said MAGA supporters “are desperately trying to characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirkas anything otherthan one of them and doing everything they can to score political points from it.”

Kimmelthenmocked President Donald Trump for talkingabout theconstruction of anew White House ballroom after being asked how he was reacting to the murder of his close ally Law enforcement officials said Tuesday that Robinson had liberal political leanings and expressed disdain forKirkincommunications with his roommate.

“Mr.Kimmel’scomments about the death of Mr.Kirk

are offensive and insensitive at acritical time in our nationalpolitical discourse, andwedonot believe they reflect the spectrum of opinions, views, or values of thelocal communities in whichweare located,” said AndrewAlford, president of Nexstar’sbroadcasting division.

Alford said continuing to give Kimmel abroadcast platform “is simply not in the public interest at this currenttime.” Federal Communications Commission ChairmanBrendan Carr blasted Kimmel and threatened to take action against ABC. Appearing on thepodcast of right-wing commentator Benny Johnson, Carr said oneformofpunishment could be pulling the licenses of ABC affiliates, which likely got Nexstar’s attention Nexstar has ABCaffiliates in 32 marketsacross theU.S., includinginNew Orleans, New Haven,Nashville and Salt Lake City It’sextremely rare for networkstodropa show in response to political pressure. Bill Maher’s“Politically Incorrect” was canceled by ABC in 2002 afteradvertisers pulledout following acomment by the host about the Sept. 11 hijackers, saying they were “not cowardly.” In 1970, CBS blacked out theimage of activistAbbie Hoffman when he appeared on “The Merv GriffinShow” wearingashirt made out of an American flag. Paramount Global agreed to pay $16million to settleTrump’slegal salvo against CBS News over the editingofa“60 Minutes” interview withhis 2024 opponent,then-Vice President Kamala Harris. Within the newsorganization, there was anger over what was widely seen as acapitulation to Trump in order to clear apath for Paramount’s $8 billion merger with David Ellison’sSkydance Media

his classmates were quieter and seemed more genuine about being in class even with sadness still in air. “The way that we treat each other in our words can ultimately leadtothingslikethis,”he said. “And Ithink everybody sort of understands that a little bit better now.”

Sincethe shooting, the Republican president has threatened to crack down on what he calls the “radical left” and classifying some groups as domestic terrorists. Former Democratic PresidentBarack Obama said this week thatTrump hasfurther dividedthe country rather than work to bring people together On Wednesday,the House

Oversight Committee called on the chief executives of Discord, Steam, Twitch and Reddit to testify on howthey are regulating their platforms to prevent violence.

“Congress has aduty to oversee theonline platforms that radicals have used to advance political violence,” said GOPRep. James Comer, the committee chair,signaling ashift for congressional Republicans, who hadpreviously scrutinized online platforms for policing free speech.

Theshooting at Utah Valley happened threehours from where Robinsongrew up near St.George.

That’swhy thesheriff in Washington County said he

was stunned when aretired detective and afriend of the Robinson family called to sayheknewthe shooter’s identity and they were trying to convince him to come in voluntarily

“I couldn’tfathom what actually came outofhis mouth,” Brooksby said.

Thesheriffsaid he was told that Robinson was possiblysuicidal andina remote area of the southwestern Utah county.Anhour later,Robinsonarrivedat the sheriff’soffice where he wasgreeted by plainclothes detectives.

“He knew it was inevitable that he would be caught,” said the sheriff. “Ifatthe endofthe dayweaccomplishhim surrendering peacefully on his own, I’m going to makesome concessions to makethat happen.”

Investigators say that after Robinson firedthe single fatal shot, he texted his romanticpartner and saidtolook underakeyboardfor anote.

“I hadthe opportunity to take outCharlie Kirkand I’mgoing to take it,” it said according to court documents.

Afterexpressingshock, his partnerwho livedwith Robinson, asked if he was theshooter.Robinsonresponded, “I am, I’msorry.” Utah CountyAttorney Jeff Graysaid DNA on the triggerofthe rifleusedtokill Kirk matched Robinson.

Law enforcement officialssay they are looking at whether others knew about Robinson’splans or helped, but they have not said if his partner is among those being investigated, only expressing appreciation for the partner sharing information. The partner apparently neverwenttolaw enforcementafter receiving the texts. Robinsonremained on therun formore than aday until his parents recognized himina photoreleasedby authorities. Authorities have not revealed aclear motive in the shooting, but Gray said that Robinson wrote in atext aboutKirk to his partner: “I had enough of his hatred. Some hate can’t be negotiated out.” Kirk, a31-year-old father of two, was credited with energizing the Republican youth movement and helpingTrumpwin back the White House in 2024. His political organization,Arizona-basedTurning Point USA, brought young, evangelical Christians into politics through social media, his podcast and campus events. Whilecourt documents said Robinson wrote in one text that planned the attack formore than aweek, authorities have notsaidwhat they believe that entailed. Gray declinedtoanswer whether Robinson targeted Kirk for his anti-transgenderviews. Kirk wasshot whiletaking aquestionthat touched on mass shootings and transgender people. Robinson wasinvolved in aromantic relationship with his roommate, who investigators say is transgender Robinson’smother told investigatorsthattheir son had turnedhardleftpolitically in the last year and becamemore supportive of gay and transgender rights, Gray said.

Obama: U.S. is at ‘aninflectionpoint’

Former president also says Trump is dividing country

BY MEG KINNARD Associated Press

Former President Barack Obama says that the United States is at “an inflection point” following the assassination of conservativeactivist Charlie Kirkand that President DonaldTrump has further divided the country rather than work to bring people together

“There arenoifs,andsor buts aboutit: The central premise of our democratic system is that we have to be able to disagreeand have sometimesreally contentious debates without re-

BY SARAH BAHARI

TheDallasMorning News (TNS)

DALLAS AmuralofCharlie Kirkwas vandalized in South Texas, oneweek after the assassination of the conservative activist unleashed agroundswell of mourning, shock and apush by someRepublican leaders to crack down on what they have described as hate speech.

The colorful muralappeared on the side of agrocery storeinEdinburg, just north of McAllen, days after Kirk was shot and killed while speaking at auniversityinUtah

Next to Kirk’sface, artist Alexandro Gregoria wrote, “Will we changethe fate of this nation, or will we letit remain in shackles!”

Thephrase didnot come from Kirk. It actually came from 16-year-old Avishkar Raut, aNepalese activist who has urged young people to fight political corruption. In black paint,avandal scribbledKirk’sown words —“We madea huge mistake when we passed the Civil RightsAct” —across his head.

Kirk made the comments during the political conference “America Fest.” He said the Civil Rights Act of 1964 led to a“permanent DEI-type bureaucracy” that limited free speech. Kirk also said assassinated civil

sorting to violence,”Obama saidTuesdaynightduring an event in Erie, Pennsylvania, hostedbythe Jefferson Education Society, according to atranscript obtained by The Associated Press.

“And when it happens to some, but even if you think they’re, quote, unquote, on the other side of the argument, that’sathreat toall of us,” he said. “And we have to be clear andforthright in condemning them.”

Obama has kept somewhat of alow profile in his postpresidency.Responding to a moderator’s questions Tuesday,headdressedTrump’s rhetoric after Kirk’sassassination, as well as other administrative actions.

The Democrat spoke about hisown leadershipfollowing the 2015 slaying of nine

rights leader Martin Luther King Jr.was “awful”and “not agood person.”

“I have avery,very radical view on this, but Ican defend it,and I’ve thought about it,” Kirk said during theconference. “Wemade ahuge mistake when we

Black parishioners at a Charleston, South Carolina, church, as well as Republican then-President George W. Bush’sactions following the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. He said he sees the role of a president in acrisis “to constantly remind us of the ties that bind us together.”

The sentiment among Trumpand his aides following Kirk’skilling of calling political opponents “vermin, enemies …speaks to abroader problem,” Obama said.

Trump hasescalated threats to crack downon what he describes as the “radical left”following Kirk’sassassination, stirring fears his Republican administration is trying to harness outrage over the killing to suppress political opposition.

Trump’sWhiteHouse on

passed the Civil Rights Act in the 1960s.”

The Texas Education Agency saidthis weekitis reviewing roughly 180 complaints of educators who allegedly made inappropriate comments about Kirk’s death on social media.

Wednesdayresponded to Obama’sremarksbyblaming him foranimosity in the country,calling him “the architect of modern political division in America.”

“Obama used every opportunity to sow division andpit Americans against each other,and following his presidency moreAmericans felt Obamadivided the country than felt he united it,” White House spokeswomanAbigail Jackson said in astatement. Obama on Tuesdayalso referenced Trump’srecent deployment of National Guard troops in Washington andIDchecks by federal agents in Los Angeles. He urged citizensand elected officials to closely monitorthe norm-busting decisions.

This was not the

instance of graffiti involving Kirk. U.S. Sen. TedCruz, R-Texas, posted video and photos on social

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By JESSE BEDAyN

Utah Gov. Spencer Cox,center,prays

Charlie Kirk was shot

Israelitroopspress deeper into Gaza City as Palestinians flee

BY JULIA FRANKEL and SAMY MAGDY Associated Press

JERUSALEM Israelitroops and tanks pushed deeperinto Gaza City on Wednesday as more people fled the devastated area, and strikescut off phone and internet services, making it harder for Palestinians to summon ambulances during the military’snew offensive.

Meanwhile, thePalestinian death toll in theIsrael-Hamaswar surpassed 65,000, local healthofficials said.

The Israeli militarysaid air force and artillery units have struck the city more than 150 times in the last few days, ahead of ground troops moving in. The strikes toppled high-rise towers in areaswith densely populated tent camps. Israel claims the towers were being used by Hamas to watch troops.

Regulators said the severed phone and internet services hindered the ability of Palestinians to call for help, coordinate evacuations or share details of the offensive that began Monday and aims to take full control of the city Overnight strikes killed at least 16 people, including women and children, hospitalofficials reported. The death count in Gaza climbed to 65,062, accordingto Gaza’sHealth Ministry,which is partofthe Hamas-run government. Another 165,697Palestinians have been wounded since the Oct. 7, 2023, attack by Hamas that triggered the war The ministry doesnot say how many of the dead werecivilians or militants. Its figures are seen as a

reliable estimate by theU.N. and many independentexperts.

Israeli bombardment has destroyedvast areasofGaza, displacedaround 90% of thepopulation and caused acatastrophic humanitarian crisis, with experts saying Gaza City is experiencing famine.

Palestinians streamed outofthe city —some bycar,others on foot.

Israel opened another corridor southofGazaCity fortwo days beginning Wednesday to allow more

people to evacuate.

Israeli forces have carried out multiple large-scaleraids into GazaCity over thecourse of the war, only to see militants regroup later.This time, Israel has pledged to takecontrol of the entire city

More than half of the Palestinianskilled in overnight Israeli strikes were in GazaCity, including achild and his mother whodied in the Shati refugee camp, accordingtoofficialsfrom ShifaHospital,

which received the casualties. In central Gaza, Al-Awda Hospital saidanIsraeli strike hit ahouse in the urban Nuseirat refugeecamp killing three, including apregnant woman.Two parents andtheir child were also killed when astrike hit their tent in the Muwasi area west of the city of Khan Younis, said officialsfrom Nasser Hospital, where the bodies were brought.

In astatement,the Israelimilitary saidittook steps to mitigate

harm to civilians and that it would continue to operateagainst “terrorist organizations” in Gaza.

TheGaza Health Ministry said multiple Israeli strikes hit the Rantisi Hospital for children in Gaza City on Tuesday night.

The ministry said thestrikes forced half of some 80 patientsto flee the facility. About40patients, including four children in intensive care and eight premature babies, remained in thehospital with 30 medical workers, theministry said.

“This attack has once again shattered the illusion that hospitals or anyplace in Gaza are safefrom Israel’sgenocide,” said Fikr Shalltoot, Gazadirector for theaid group Medical Aidfor Palestinians.

The Israelimilitary saiditwas looking into the strikes. In the past, it has accused Hamas of building military infrastructure insidecivilian areas.

The military’s Arabic-language spokesman, Col. Avichay Adraee, wroteonsocial media thata new routeopenedfor thoseheading south fortwo days starting at noon Wednesday

Many Palestinians in the north were cut off from the outside world. The Palestinian Telecommunications Regulatory Authority, basedinthe occupied West Bank, said Israeli strikes on the main network linesinnorthern Gaza hadcut off internet and telephone services Wednesdaymorning. The Associated Press tried unsuccessfully to reach many people in Gaza City

The Israelimilitary saiditwas reviewingthe incident andthatit does not deliberately target public communication networks.

RepublicansrejectDemocrats’demands in bill to avoidshutdown

Thune, Johnsonwon’t consider extensionof health care subsidies

BY MARYCLARE JALONICK and JOEY CAPPELLETTI Associated Press

WASHINGTON Republican leaders in the House and Senate said Wednesday that they will reject Democratic demands for an immediate extension of healthcare subsidies, challenging Democrats to vote against astopgap spending bill that doesn’tinclude them but willkeep the government openat the end of the month Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., said Democrats “have achoicetomake” as the Sept. 30 deadline approaches. They can work with Republicans, Thune said, or “they can shut down the government with all that will mean for the American people.” TheHouse could voteassoon as

Thursday on aRepublican stopgap measure to keep federalagencies funded throughNov.21, buying lawmakers more time to work out theirdifferences on spending levels. Republicansargue they are providing exactly what Democrats have insisted uponinpast government shutdown battles —a clean fundingbill free of partisan policy riders.

But Democrats saiditwasn’t enough,releasinga counterproposal late Wednesday even as Thune and House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-Benton, said they wouldn’tconsider it.The Democratic proposal would extend subsidies for low- and middle-income individuals who purchase health insurance through the Affordable Care Actand reverse Medicaid cutsthat were included in Republicans’ “big beautiful bill” enacted earlier this year

“Wewill sit down andnegotiate if they will sit down and negotiate,”saidSenateMinority Leader Chuck Schumer,D-N.Y. “Wedon’t

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO As lawmakers debate agovernment funding extension, Speakerofthe House MikeJohnson, R-Benton, awaits the arrival of the leader of the Orthodox Christian Church, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, for ameeting Wednesdayatthe Capitol in Washington.

have ared line, but we know we have to help the American people.”

Republicans will need at least seven Democrats to vote with them to pass the short-term measure. WithoutDemocrats, Schumer said, “they’re going to end up shuttingdownthe government.”

It’sa high-stakes gameofbrinkmanship forthe Democrats, in particular,asthe party’sbase urges them to fight harder and many wager that ashutdown would force Republicans to negotiatewith themonhealth care andother issues. If the government does shut down on Oct. 1, mostfederal agencies will close and millions of federal employees deemed nonessential, includingmany in the military, won’t receive paychecks. And there’snoguarantee that the two parties could find agreement on how to end the standoff.

Democrats’top demand has been an extension of thehealth care taxcredits that expire at theend of the year.Thune and Johnson have indicated that they are open to extending the subsidies, which

made health insurance moreaffordable formillions of people sincethe COVID-19 pandemic

ButmanyRepublicanswould like to see changes that Democrats are likely to oppose, and both Thune and Johnson have madeclear that theyneed more time to work on the issue.

“They’re trying to insert unrelated matters into themiddle of a clean government extension. And Idon’tthink that’sgoing to work,” Johnson saidonCNBCWednesday morning. The GOP bill would generally fund agencies at current levels, with afew limited exceptions, including an extra $88 million to increasesecurity for lawmakers, the SupremeCourt and members of the executive branch.

The Democratic alternative introduced by Schumer on Wednesday would include morethan $180 millionfor congressional security andanother$140 million for the SupremeCourt andother federal courts.

y feet of non-wetland wa‐ters potentially classified as aWatersofthe U.S. There arethree primary purposesfor this notice First,peoplewho maybe affectedbyactivitiesin floodplain/wetlandand those who have an inter‐est in theprotectionof the naturalenvironment shouldbegiven an op‐portunity to express their concerns andpro‐videinformation about these areas. Com‐menters areencouraged tooffer alternativesites outside of the flood‐plain/wetland,alterna‐tivemethods to servethe sameproject purpose, and methodstominimize and mitigate projectim‐pacts on the flood‐plain/wetland.Second, anadequatepublicno‐ticeprogram canbean important public educa‐tionaltool.The dissemi‐nationofinformation and requestfor public comment about flood‐plain/wetland canfacili‐tateand enhanceFederal effortstoreducethe risks andimpacts associ‐atedwiththe occupancy and modification of these specialareas Third,asa matter of fair‐ness, whenthe Federal governmentdetermines itwillparticipate in ac‐tions taking placein floodplain/wetland, it mustinformthose who may be putatgreater or continued risk Writtencommentsmust bereceivedby Jefferson Parish at thefollowing addressonorbefore Monday October6,2025 [a minimum15calendar daycomment period will beginthe dayafter the publicationand endon the16thday after the publication]:Jefferson Parish Department of Community Develop‐ment,1221 Elmwood Park Blvd Suite605, Jeffer‐son, LA 70123, and504736-6262. Attention: StephanieBrumfield, Di‐rector.A full description of theproject mayalso be reviewed from 8:30 am –4:00pmatthe ad‐dresslistedabove Commentsmay also be submittedvia emailat JPCDprograms@ jeffparish.gov. In accordance with provi‐sions of theAmerican withDisabilitiesAct AmendmentsAct of 2008 asamended,Jefferson Parishshall notdiscrimi‐nateagainst individuals withdisabilitiesonthe basis of disability in its services, programsorac‐tivities. If yourequire auxiliary aidsordevices,orother reasonableaccommoda‐tionunder theADA AmendmentsAct,please submityourrequest to theADA Coordinatorat

leastforty-eight (48) hours in advanceoras soon as practical. Asev‐enty-two(72) hour ad‐vancednoticeisrequired torequest Certified ASL interpreters.

ADACoordinator/ De‐partmentofCitizensAf‐fairs 1221 Elmwood Park Boulevard,Suite 403 Jefferson, LA 70123 (504) 736-6094 barry.sprague@ jeffparish.gov LouisianaRelay Services TTYServices: Dial 711 or 800-846-5277 https://hamiltonrelay. com/louisiana/index.htm 9/18/25 158653-SEP18-1T $94.79

NOTICE TheJefferson Parish Fi‐nanceAuthority (here‐inafter“JPFA”) is hereby soliciting Statements of Qualificationsfromli‐censed attorneysinter‐estedinproviding gen‐eral counselservicesas follows: TheJPFAisa public trust establishedbythe Jeffer‐sonParishCouncil to provide financialassis‐tancetohomebuyersby wayofmunicipalbond programsand/orother market-ratedownpay‐ment assistance pro‐grams. GeneralCounsel will provideexpertand strategiclegal advice to management andthe

alllegislative changes relative to theJPFAat a federal andlocal level; •Attend allmeetings of theBoard of Trustees andifnecessary,com‐mittee meetings Thefollowing criteria shallbeusedtoevaluate thestatementsofthe first/individualssubmit‐ting to thegeneral coun‐selposition: 1. Professional training andexperienceboth generaland in relation to thetypeand magnitude of work required forthe JPFA,including butnot limitedtogeneral coun‐selexperienceina busi‐ness environmentinvolv‐inga public and/or pri‐vate boardand municipal finance(30 points); 2. Capacity fortimely completion of thework, taking into consideration theperson’sor firm’s currentand projected workload andprofes‐sional andsupport man‐power(20 points); 3. Past andcurrent ac‐complishments, for whichreferencesfrom clientsorformerclients andinformation gath‐ered by inspection of currentorrecentpro‐jectsmay be considered (10points); 4. Past performanceby thepersonor firm on public contracts, includ‐ingany problems with time delays andcost overruns forwhich said person or firm wasat fault(10 points); 5. Location of theprinci‐paloffice wherework will be performed. Pref‐erence shallbegiven to personsor firmswith a principalbusinessoffice locatedinJefferson Parish,including munici‐palities locatedwithin theparish(10 points); 6. Proposed feeschedule. Proposed feeschedule should notexceed $ 21,600 perannum except in theevent of extraordi‐nary circumstances(20 points). Interested firms/individ‐uals must submit three (3)copieseachoftheir Statements of Qualifica‐tionstothe Jefferson Parish FinanceAuthority c/oMrs.LaurenRuppel, ExecutiveDirector, 1221 Elmwood Park Boulevard, Suite505, Jefferson, Louisiana70123 no later than 3:30pm on Septem‐ber30, 2025. No state‐

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By ABDELKAREEM HANA

DisplacedPalestinians flee Gaza City by foot and vehicles Wednesday,carrying their belongings along the coastal road toward southernGaza.

Ex-CDC head says she was fired over vaccine policy

BY MARK BALLARD Staff writer

WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy stayed mostly neutral during a Senate hearing Wednesday aimed at finding out why the director of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention was fired after only 29 days on the job.

Susan Monarez said she was fired Aug. 29 for refusing Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s demands that she approve whatever recommendations an advisory panel will make on changing the schedules for vaccinations for children and that she fire CDC employees without cause.

Her reasons directly contradicted Kennedy, who last week denied requiring blanket approval but said he only asked that she keep an open mind on the panel’s recommendations.

Cassidy, R-Baton Rouge, thanked Monarez for testifying before the Senate Health Education Labor & Pensions committee, but added he won’t make up his mind until Kennedy testifies before the committee.

“I don’t prejudge I don’t know if you’re telling the truth or not,” Cassidy said.

“I’m keeping an open mind.” Cassidy, who already has

three conservative opponents in his 2026 reelection, is juggling between Kennedy’s vaccination skepticism and Trump’s support of his health chief Trump has not announced who he would support for Senate in Louisiana.

Cassidy ended the hearing by lauding the practice of vaccinating newborns against hepatitis B — one of the policies that the civilian advisory panel may recommend CDC end.

As a Baton Rouge physician for decades before his political career Cassidy specialized in hepatology, or liver disease, writing papers and treating patients. He said Wednesday that vaccinating at birth prevents newborns from contracting hepatitis in the birth canal of the mother Ninety percent of newborns infected develop chronic lifelong infections, he said Before 1991, as many as 20,000 babies were infected annually with hepatitis B, he said. Today, fewer than 20 babies get the disease from their mothers.

“We can argue now that we’ve controlled it, do we let the genie out of the bottle?”

Cassidy said.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

vaccine and that we need to give our 1-day-old a hepatitis B vaccine.”

Monarez said when Kennedy swore her in on July 31, after the Senate confirmed her appointment on the recommendation of Cassidy’s committee, he was excited about her priorities of restoring trust, transforming public health infrastructure, modernizing the agency, and preparing for the next pandemic.

“On the morning of Aug. 25, Secretary Kennedy demanded two things of me that were inconsistent with my oath of office and the ethics required of a public official,” Monarez testified

made that recommendation 30 years ago, which allowed mothers the option of inoculating their babies with the vaccine that insurance would cover The CDC did so at the suggestion of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, or ACIP, a panel of vaccine experts who study the science and make recommendations to the CDC.

That civilian panel, newly stocked with several vaccination skeptics, is scheduled Thursday to consider removing hepatitis B and other vaccinations from the schedule,

which would require parents to pay for inoculations if they want them.

Republican Sen Rand Paul, of Kentucky, said changing the vaccination schedule was at the root of the Kennedy’s issues with Monarez.

“What is the medical, scientific reason and proof for giving a newborn a hepatitis B vaccine if the mom is hep B negative?” Paul asked Monarez. “The burden is upon you and the people you wouldn’t fire to prove to us that we need to give our 6-month-old the COVID

Fla. man who killed wife’s family executed

BY CURT ANDERSON

Associated Press

STARKE, Fla. — A Florida man convicted of killing his estranged wife’s sister and parents and setting their house on fire was put to death Wednesday evening in what was a record 12th execution in the state this year.

David Pittman, 63, was pronounced dead at 6:12 p.m. EDT following a lethal injection at Florida State Prison near Starke under a death warrant signed by Republican Gov Ron DeSantis.

“I know you all came to watch an innocent man be murdered by the state of Florida. I am innocent. I didn’t kill anybody That’s it,” Pittman was quoted as saying in his last words, according to a statement from DeSantis spokesperson Alex Lanfranconi.

As the drugs were being

“He directed me to commit in advance to approving every ACIP recommendation, regardless of the scientific evidence. He also directed me to dismiss career officials responsible for vaccine policy without cause.”

“He said if I was unwilling to do both, I should resign,” she added.

Monarez refused and was fired by President Donald Trump. That sparked the resignations of three top CDC officials.

One was Dr Debra Houry, who had been the CDC’s chief medical officer She

testified Wednesday that she left because “Secretary Kennedy’s actions repeatedly censored CDC science, politicized our processes, and stripped agency leaders of the ability to protect the health of the American people.” She called on Kennedy to resign. Republicans leaned into Monarez and Houry, raising questions about their honesty Sen. Markwayne Mullin, R-Okla., contended that at the August meeting, Kennedy had asked if he could trust her Monarez said Kennedy told her “he could not trust me.” Mullin responded, “It was a recorded meeting. I’m giving you the opportunity to be honest here because you’ve been really walking around the edges and not being truthful.”

Cassidy said he didn’t know of any recording and if one had been made, the committee should have a copy He wondered why only a single member of the committee was given access. Mullin later told a National Public Radio reporter that there was no recording.

Email Mark Ballard at mballard@theadvocate. com.

administered, Pittman took a few deep breaths and then was still. In 1991, Pittman was convicted and sentenced to death on three counts of first-degree murder, according to cou rt records. Jurors also found him guilty of arson and grand theft. Pittman and his wife, Marie, were going through a contentious divorce in May 1990, when the killings occurred, and investigators say he had threatened to harm her family several times.

Trial testimony showed Pittman cut a phone line at the Mulberry Florida, home of his wife’s parents, Clarence Knowles, 60, and his

wife, 50-year-old Barbara Knowles. Pittman stabbed the couple to death as well as their other daughter, 21-year-old Bonnie Knowles. Pittman then set their house on fire and stole Bonnie Knowles’ car, which he also set ablaze. The family was found dead on May 15 of that year

A witness during his 1991 trial identified Pittman as the person seen running away from the burning car A jailhouse informant also testified that Pittman had admitted to the killings. Jurors recommended the death penalty on a 9-3 vote.

Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd, whose county was where the killings took place, observed the execution Wednesday evening. He said it was fitting to see Pittman’s death sentence carried out.

“He was evil then He

never changed,” Judd said afterward. “This evil man wiped out an entire family.”

On Tuesday, Pittman’s final appeal was rejected by the U.S. Supreme Court. His most recent appeals had focused on recent evidence indicating he suffers from intellectual disabilities, including an IQ in the low 70s, that was apparent at the time of the killings. His lawyers had argued that his execution would violate the Constitution’s protection against executing a person with severe mental problems.

Lawyers for the state disagreed, contending it came too late for Pittman to claim mental impairment from years earlier The Florida Supreme Court, reversing a previous decision, had ruled in 2020 that such claims could not be applied retroactively

Senate advances rules change for some nominees

CQ-Roll Call (TNS)

WASHINGTON Senate Republicans took a final procedural step Wednesday to speed up consideration of President Donald Trump’s lower-level nominees, setting up the confirmation of dozens of appointees as early as this week.

The chamber voted 47-52 on a procedural question over the votes needed to invoke cloture on an executive resolution to consider a group of nominations at the sub-Cabinet level. It previously took 60 votes, but the vote means it now takes a simple majority. The action happened

around a measure that would authorize the en bloc consideration in executive session of dozens of those nominees. The Senate then voted 52-47 to invoke cloture on the resolution, which starts a procedural clock that allows a floor vote. The move was a continuation of a process started Sept. 11, a so-called “nuclear” move to change the chamber’s rules in what Republicans said was necessary to combat a blockade from Democrats.

Majority Whip John Barrasso, R-Wyo., said on the floor ahead of the votes Wednesday that Republicans are “taking decisive ac-

tion” and “are going to break the Senate’s procedural logjam.”

“There is a role in the Senate for advice and consent, but Senate Democrats have done everything you can think of to prevent President Trump from putting his team in place,” Barrasso said “It needs to get these people on the job.”

Barrasso said the Senate would vote Thursday on the initial group of 48 nominees, all of whom received bipartisan support when they were considered by committees.

“We’re not going to stop there, though, over 100 more nominees will be ready for confirmation by the end of

this week,” Barrasso said. Last week, Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., said on the floor that it was an “embarrassment” that none of Trump’s nominees in his second term had been confirmed by voice vote or unanimous consent, and it was “time to fix this place.”

Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said on the floor at that time the rule change further weakened the Senate and turned the chamber “into a conveyor belt for unqualified Trump nominees.”

Pentagon limits exemption on shaving to 1 year

BY KONSTANTIN TOROPIN Associated Press

WASHINGTON — Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has ordered that troops who need an exemption from shaving their facial hair for longer than a year should get kicked out of the service.

While commanders are still able to issue service members exemptions from shaving a policy that has existed for decades — they will now have to come with a medical treatment plan, Hegseth said in an Aug. 20 memo made public Monday Troops who still need treatment after a year will be separated from service, the memo says.

“The Department must remain vigilant in maintaining the grooming standards which underpin the warrior ethos,” Hegseth wrote in his memo.

The announcement applies to all the military services and is the latest in a series of restrictions after years of military services loosening the rules on how troops can look, often at the request of service members themselves.

BY KATE PAYNE Associated Press/ Report for America

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — The matriarch of a South Florida family who faces life in prison for the hired killing of her former son-in-law is asking a judge for a new trial.

Attorneys for Donna Adelson argued that alleged juror misconduct and errors by the court should warrant their client another hearing of her case. Earlier this month, jurors returned guilty verdicts in Adelson’s weekslong trial on charges of first-degree murder, conspiracy and solicitation in the 2014 killing of Florida State University law professor Daniel Markel in Tallahassee where he taught.

In a motion for a new trial filed Tuesday, attorneys Joshua Zelman and Jackie Fulford said Adelson should get a new trial after two jurors went public with their stories after the trial, including one who posted a video on TikTok about he r ju r y service and another who appeared on a true crime podcast called “Surviving the Survivor.”

Circuit Judge Stephen Everett showed favoritism to the prosecution throughout the trial.

The attorneys also argued that the verdicts were contrary to the law or the weight of the evidence, that prosecutors relied on speculation and inference to build their case, and alleged that

“Where is the evidence Mrs. Adelson agreed; conspired; combined; or confederated with anyone else that Mr Markel be killed? There is none,” the attorneys wrote.

Markel had been locked in a bitter custody battle with his ex-wife and Adelson’s daughter, Wendi Adelson, with whom he had two children.

Prosecutors argued at the trial that Donna Adelson helped orchestrate Markel’s killing after he stood in the

of

The Army this week announced its own grooming standard update, which significantly changes acceptable appearance standards for soldiers, especially for women, including revisions for nails, hairstyles, earrings and makeup. In January the Air Force rolled out a new policy that significantly limits the kinds of nail polish those in the service could wear to just three one of which is clear — reversing a previous rule that allowed 60 colors.

Most shaving waivers are for troops diagnosed with pseudofolliculitis barbae, or PFB, a condition in which hair curls back into the skin after shaving and causes irritation. It is a condition that disproportionately affects Black men. The memo is silent on what treatments the military would offer for troops affected by the new policy or if it will front the cost for those treatments. The document, which declares that “the grooming standard set by the U.S. military is to be clean shaven and neat in presentation,” doesn’t specify if service members will still be allowed to sport mustaches. It is also unclear if policies like broad exemptions from shaving for special forces troops who are in operational settings or soldiers stationed in the Arctic climates of Alaska where shaving can pose a medical hazard in the extreme cold will be affected by the change.

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By JOSE LUIS MAGANA Former Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Susan Monarez testifies Wednesday before the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington.

Pittman

Adelson

BRIEFS

FROM WIRE REPORTS

Amazon spends $1 billion to increase pay

NEW YORK Amazon says it’s making a $1 billion investment to raise wages and lower the cost of health care plans for its U.S. fulfillment and transportation workers

The Seattle-based company said Wednesday the average pay is increasing to more than $23 per hour and said that some of its most tenured employees will see an increase between $1.10 and $1.90 per hour Full-time employees, on average, will see their pay increase by $1,600 per year

Amazon also said it was lowering the cost of its entry health care plan to $5 per week and $5 for co-pays, starting next year Amazon said that will reduce weekly contributions by 34% and co-pays by 87% for primary care, mental health and most non-specialist visits for employees using the basic plan. Amazon has a global workforce of 1.5 million workers.

Last December, seven Amazon facilities went on strike, an effort by the Teamsters union to pressure the e-commerce company for a labor agreement during a key shopping period.

Ticketing StubHub slips on the stage

NEWYORK StubHub received a lackluster reception on Wall Street Wednesday

The ticket marketplace’s stock fell 6.4% from its initial public offering price of $23.50 per share on its first day of trading. The company’s shares are trading on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “STUB.”

StubHub offered just over 34 million shares and raised approximately $800 million. At the closing price, the company has a market valuation of about $8.1 billion.

StubHub plans to use proceeds from the sale to pay down debt and for general corporate purposes.

The company, which is based in New York, was cofounded in 2000 by current CEO Eric Baker He will remain CEO and maintain control of the company StubHub has come under criticism along with the broader ticketing industry over hidden fees and inflated ticket prices.

Broadway opposition brings curtain down

NEW YORK A proposed Caesars Palace casino in Times Square that’s backed by JayZ lost its bid for a gambling license Wednesday after running into fierce opposition from Broadway theater owners and producers who were worried about its potential impact on the theater district

A state-commissioned community advisory committee brought the curtain down on the $5.4 billion plan to redevelop an office tower into a Caesars-branded hotel, gambling and entertainment complex, rejecting it in a vote that occurred after public hearings in which actors, stagehands, restaurant owners and neighborhood residents lined up to oppose the project.

Local board approval was required for the proposal to be considered by the state Gaming Commission, which plans to award up to three licenses for New York Cityarea casinos in December

The Times Square casino developers, which included Jay-Z’s ’s Roc Nation company proposed renovating an office tower at 1515 Broadway that currently houses the Minskoff Theatre, which is home of the long-running “The Lion King” musical. Two other casinos had been proposed for Manhattan: one on its West Side and another on its East Side near the headquarters of the United Nations.

La. faces decline in public companies

Expert warns of housing market vulnerabilities

BY IANNE SALVOSA Staff writer

Louisiana is losing public companies, and locals may pay the price.

Tulane finance professor Peter Ricchiuti said there is a shrinking number of public companies in the state, and those that are taken over by outside businesses tend not to support the local community That doesn’t reflect well on the state as a result, he said in a speech to the Rotary Club of Baton Rouge on Wednesday Health care company Amedisys, formerly one of the largest public companies in the Capital Region

behind Lamar Advertising, was acquired by UnitedHealth Group last month Baton Rouge-based H&E Equipment Services was acquired in June by Herc Rentals. Both companies will maintain a local presence under the new ownership.

“If you have a good idea, Microsoft or Google just buys you before you go anywhere, or just private equity comes in and buys it out,” he said in an interview

To turn the tide against company departures from Louisiana, he said the state can invest in early childhood education to bolster the workforce and attract businesses.

Ricchiuti provided a snapshot of the stock market and economic issues facing the nation and state in his address. He tracks regional

stocks in Tulane’s Burkenroad reports. The “Big Eight” tech stocks, which include Alphabet, Apple, Amazon, Broadcom, Meta Platforms, Microsoft, Nvidia and Tesla, comprise about 40% of the stock index, he said, but opportunity lies in companies with a smaller market cap due to their fast growth and long-term returns.

“Management often owns a lot of stock,” he said. “I want them in the same boat as me.”

But with companies buying out other businesses, an upside is that competitors now have more money and are after fewer stocks. It’s brought the stock market up, and share buybacks, when companies invest their profits back into their stock, have also moved the needle, he said.

“That’s sort of the whole sport right there,” he said.

Ricchiuti heeded caution against uninsured homes, which he said is the next financial disaster. About 7.5% of houses are uninsured, he said, the number driven by high insurance costs and climate change brewing severe storms that make homes more vulnerable.

He also cautioned against stagflation, when economic growth slows down while inflation and unemployment rise. He said the United States may be perpetuating the problem with tariffs and compounding it with the loss of undocumented and foreign workers. Labor shortages, regardless of immigration status, are persistent in nursing homes and retirement centers, he said.

“We’ll be pushing each other’s wheelchairs,” Ricchiuti said.

Jerry quits Ben & Jerry’s ice cream

Ben & Jerry’s co-founder Jerry Greenfield is leaving the ice cream brand after 47 years

BY MICHELLE CHAPMAN Associated Press

Ben & Jerry’s co-founder Jerry Greenfield is leaving the ice cream brand after 47 years, saying that the independence it once had to speak up on social issues has been stifled by parent company Unilever

In a letter that co-founder Ben Cohen posted on social media platform X on Greenfield’s behalf Greenfield said that he felt the independence the brand had to speak on social issues and events was lost to Unilever

“For more than 20 years under their ownership, Ben & Jerry’s stood up and spoke out in support of peace, justice and human rights, not as abstract concepts, but in relation to real events happening in our world,” he wrote “That independence existed in no small part because of the unique merger agreement Ben and I negotiated with Unilever, one that enshrined our social mission and values in the company’s governance structure in perpetuity. It’s profoundly disappointing to come to the conclusion that that independence, the very basis of our sale to Unilever, is gone.”

Greenfield said that the loss of independence was coming “at a time when our country’s current administration is attacking

civil rights, voting rights, the rights of immigrants, women and the LGBTQ community.”

“Standing up for the values of justice, equity and our shared humanity has never been more important, and yet Ben & Jerry’s has been silenced, sidelined for fear of upsetting those in power,” he said “It’s easy to stand up and speak out when there’s nothing at risk. The real test of values is when times are challenging and you have something to lose.”

Unilever, based in London, is spinning off its ice cream business including Ben & Jerry’s into a stand-alone company called The Magnum Ice Cream Company Greenfield and Cohen have been pushing for Ben & Jerry’s to be allowed to become an independently owned company again, saying in a letter to Magnum’s board that they don’t believe the brand should be part of a corporation that doesn’t support its founding mission.

A spokesperson for Magnum said in a statement on Wednesday that it would be forever grateful to Greenfield for his contributions to Ben & Jerry’s and thanked him for his service, but was not aligned with his viewpoint.

Magnum said that it is still committed to Ben & Jerry’s mission and remains “focused on carrying forward the legacy of peace, love, and ice cream of this iconic, muchloved brand.”

Ben & Jerry’s has been at odds with Unilever for a while. In March Ben & Jerry’s said that its CEO was unlawfully removed by Unilever in retaliation for the ice cream maker’s social and political activism

In a federal court filing, Ben & Jerry’s said

that Unilever informed its board on March 3 that it was removing and replacing Ben & Jerry’s CEO David Stever Ben & Jerry’s said that violated its merger agreement with Unilever, which states that any decisions regarding a CEO’s removal must come after a consultation with an advisory committee from Ben & Jerry’s board.

Unilever said in a statement at the time that it hoped Ben & Jerry’s board would engage in the agreed-upon process.

Unilever acquired Ben & Jerry’s in 2000 for $326 million. At the time, Ben & Jerry’s said the partnership would help the progressive Vermont-based ice cream company expand its social mission.

But lately the marriage hasn’t been a happy one. In 2021, Ben & Jerry’s announced it would stop serving Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank and contested east Jerusalem. The following year, Unilever sold its Israeli business to a local company that said it would sell Ben & Jerry’s under its Hebrew and Arabic name throughout Israel and the West Bank. In November Ben & Jerry’s sued Unilever in federal court in New York, accusing it of silencing Ben & Jerry’s statements in support of Palestinians in the Gaza war In its complaint, Ben & Jerry’s said Unilever also refused to let the company release a social media post that identified issues it believed would be challenged during President Donald Trump’s second term, including minimum wages, universal health care, abortion and climate change.

Target debuts thousands of holiday gifts

BY ROXANA POPESCU The San Diego Union-Tribune (TNS)

Halloween merchandise hit some stores before the Fourth of July, and Thanksgiving items were in stores already in August. Given that it’s mid-September, retailers are rolling out products for the next winter big holiday: Christmas On Tuesday, Target launched a four-pronged approach to its holiday shopping experience.

Prong one: new items. Target is debuting more than 20,000 new items for holiday shoppers, many priced at $5 and most priced under $20. In a news release, the chain announced that is selling twice as

many holiday items as last year and more than half of those are Target exclusives.

Among the items for sale this year, the store highlighted popculture collaborations (“Stranger Things,” “Wicked: For Good”), as well as fashion, beauty gifts, Wondershop brand holiday decor and hundreds of exclusive toys.

Prong two: discounts. From Oct. 5 to 11, the store will have its “Target Circle Week” sale, and then it will kick off a series of weekly sales with prices discounted by up to half, starting Nov 1. Its “Circle Week” sales are for the store’s membership program, which is free to join. Look for discounts on “everyday essentials, fall style

picks and holiday gifts,” a news release said. To see what’s on sale, head to its deals page: target.com/c/ deals/-/N-atb3q. One note: Target’s Circle Week overlaps with Amazon’s fall Prime Big Deal Days sale, scheduled for Oct. 7 and 8. So keep an eye out for other sales that week, as more retailers try to compete for your holiday bucks. Prong three: fast delivery The chain is rolling out next-day delivery over the coming weeks. San Diego County’s 28 Target stores are behind those in San Francisco and Los Angeles in this respect. Those cities already have next-day delivery But a

Ricchiuti

ASSOCIATED PRESS FILE PHOTO By STEVEN SENNE

Ben & Jerry’s co-founder Ben Cohen, left, and fellow co-founder Jerry Greenfield, center scoop ice cream before a campaign event for Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., not shown, in 2019 in Raymond, N.H.

LSU interim president touts school’s progress

Lee lays out ambitious vision

BY MEGHAN FRIEDMANN Staff writer

LSU interim President Matt Lee on Wednesday touted a litany of milestones he says the school has reached this year: It enrolled its largest-ever freshman class, grew its research enterprise to over $500 million, invested millions in capital projects and secured a No. 3 national ranking for its beloved football team.

But for Lee, who laid out an ambitious vision for LSU during a State of the University address

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But stocks gave back gains after Powell stressed that they’re only projections. Conditions could change quickly, and Powell warned against taking the projections as gospel.

The S&P 500 slipped 0.1% and hung near its all-time high set at the start of the week. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 260 points, or 0.6%, while the Nasdaq composite fell 0.3%.

Shortly after the Fed released its projections, the Russell 2000 index of smaller stocks surged more than 2% and was on track to surpass its all-time high, which was set in 2021. But it later pared its gain to a rise of 0.2%.

Just one Fed policymaker dissented from the decision: Stephen Miran, who President Donald Trump appointed and was confirmed by the Senate in a rushed vote late Monday just hours before the meeting began. Miran preferred a larger half-point cut, but Powell told reporters there wasn’t “very much support” for the bigger-size cut among Fed officials.

Many economists had forecast there would be additional dissents, and the meeting’s outcome suggests that Powell was able to patch together a show of unity from a committee that includes Miran and two other Trump appointees from his first term, as well as a Fed governor, Lisa Cook, whom Trump is seeking to fire.

STATUE

Continued from page 1A

that was streamed on YouTube, those successes aren’t enough. Lee, who took LSU’s top position in June following the surprise departure of former President William Tate IV, wants to keep pushing up enrollment rates, bring the university’s research portfolio to as much as $900 million and double the number of LSU doctoral students.

“This is a moment of drive. This is a moment of vision,” Lee said. “LSU is growing its impact — and we call it ‘winning’ for Louisiana.”

To move LSU’s group of eight institutions forward, Lee said, the university will focus on five key subject areas: coastal restoration, defense and cybersecurity, agri-

culture, biomedical and health sciences, and coastal resilience. Those areas align with LSU’s strengths and with the needs of the state of Louisiana, Lee said. Expanded health programs will help address shortages in the health care workforce; work around coastal restoration will identify hurricane mitigation strategies and address the state’s insurance crisis; and cybersecurity research will help Louisiana businesses protect their data, Lee said. “LSU is well-positioned to achieve more velocity and enhance our impact,” he said, thanking the Louisiana Legislature and Gov. Jeff Landry for capital in-

vestments. The university is expanding student housing, with the goal of adding 1,200 new beds by 2027. And next year LSU is expected to break ground on a new 193,000-squarefoot library

It remains unclear whether Lee will continue to lead the university as the projects unfold. Over the summer, LSU launched a nationwide search for a new president, who it hopes to name by December

The school hired the Baton Rouge firm SSA Consultants to help with the search, the Louisiana Illuminator reported. Lee previously served as the vice president for agriculture.

Still, there were still significant differences among the 19 officials on the Fed’s rate-setting committee about where the Fed should go next. Seven policymakers indicated they don’t support any further cuts, while two supported just one more and 10 favor at least two more. One official — likely Miran indicated that they would support several large cuts to bring the

Fed’s rate to 2.9% by year’s end.

Fed officials submit their forecasts of future rate moves anonymously.

Powell said the wide divergence reflects the uncertain outlook for the economy, given that inflation remains stubborn even as hiring has stumbled.

“There are no risk-free paths now,” Powell said. “It’s not incredibly obvious what to do.”

Ascension Parish was disposed of in Metairie. According to Sgt. Brandon Veal, spokesperson for the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, soon after the theft the department was told to be on the lookout for the stolen Lincoln by investigators in Ascension Parish. Sure enough, the lost Lincoln statue turned up in a handful of suburban New Orleans locations Jefferson Parish investigators identified a 28-year-old named Steve Coronado, of Raceland, as the person who allegedly brought pieces of the statue to pawnshops and a precious metal exchange to sell At one shop, Coronado sold shavings of silver, according to Veal. At another he received cash for selling a sizable chunk of the statue. Deputies served a search warrant at a residence on Garden Road in Avondale on Sept. 10, recovering yet another piece of the ruined artwork. Beth Higgins, manager of the venerable Southern Coin and Precious Metal shop in Metairie, said that someone sold the store a barely recognizable piece of the silver sculpture for $3,300. But she said, the shop staff was already aware of the Lincoln statue theft and “instantly reached out to the (Sheriff’s Department) investigator before it got lost in the abyss.”

Continued from page 1A

Bowl games due to the fact that our lease extension has not been signed,” Bensel said via text

Brian McCarthy, the NFL’s vice president of communications, confirmed that the Saints were not able to submit a bid for consideration for 2031.

“The NFL is not going to award a Super Bowl to a team that doesn’t have a lease for the year in which they’re requesting a Super Bowl,” he said by text. New Orleans earned broad praise as the site of Super Bowl LIX earlier this year, which quickly set the gears turning among economic development officials on how to get the game to return

It’s unusual to have weaker hiring and elevated inflation, because typically a slowing economy causes consumers to pull back on spending, cooling price hikes. Powell suggested last month that sluggish growth could keep inflation in check even if tariffs lift prices further Separately, Trump’s attempted firing of Cook is the first time a president has tried to remove a Fed governor in the central bank’s 112-year history, and has been seen by many legal scholars as an unprecedented attack on the Fed’s independence. His administration has accused Cook of mortgage fraud, but the accusation has come in the context of Trump’s extensive criticism of Powell and the Fed for not cutting rates much faster and steeper

An appeals court late Monday upheld an earlier ruling that the firing violated Cook’s due process rights. A lower court had also previously ruled that Trump did not provide sufficient justification to remove Cook.

The Fed is facing both a challenging economic environment and threats to its traditional independence from day-to-day politics. At the same time that hiring has weakened, inflation remains stubbornly elevated. It rose 2.9% in August from a year ago, according to the consumer price index, up from 2.7% in July and noticeably above the Fed’s 2% target.

and the silver mostly recovered, but it’s not a happy ending. Houmas House’ little statue of Lincoln was always more than a piece of high-value metal. It was an artistic marvel.

The moody depiction of Lincoln was sculpted by John Gutzon de la Mothe Borglum, the same artist who carved Mount Rushmore, the quartet of monumental presidential portraits including Lincoln chiseled into a mountainside in South Dakota.

According to Kelly, the silver miniature of Lincoln may have been intended as a gift to benefactors who donated to a grand-scale statue of Lincoln that Borglum envisioned, but never completed. The number of identical silver castings that Borglum produced is unknown. But it is certainly a rare artifact.

On Tuesday, Trump said Fed officials “have to make their own choice” on rates but added that “they should listen to smart people like me.” Trump has said the Fed should reduce rates by three full percentage points.

When asked what the signs would be that the Fed is no longer functioning independent of political pressure, Powell said, “I don’t believe we’ll ever get to that place. We’re doing our work exactly as we always have now.” AP business writer Stan Choe contributed to this story

Kelly said he bought the piece for $1,200, which he knew was a “great steal.”

It may seem surprising that Borglum’s silver statue of the Great Emancipator would end up on an 18th- and 19th-century plantation that long ago profited by the labor of enslaved people. But historically speaking, it was a perfect fit. According to Kelly, as a teenager, Abraham Lincoln traveled south on the Mississippi River in 1828 and 1831, certainly passing the plantation.

Lincoln and a partner had steered a flatboat to Louisiana in order to sell goods — possibly bacon and corn — to the riverside settlements There, Lincoln beheld the system of slavery he would one day abolish. Somewhere along the line, the two young men were attacked and injured by a roving gang.

“We want to see stolen items returned to the owners,” Higgins said. “That’s not the game we want to play.” Coronado is locked up at the Jefferson Parish Correctional Center in Gretna after being booked with theft and three counts of possession of stolen property His bail is set at $37,500. And he wasn’t the only one busted. Alma Fontenot, 20, of New Iberia, and Bruce Shelvin, 49, of Avondale, were each arrested by the Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office on counts of simple burglary and felony theft over $25,000, according to reporting by The Advocate newspaper

as soon as possible. But the bid setback underscores how New Orleans, long one of the NFL’s favorite Super Bowl destinations, could be slipping in the league’s rotation as competition heats up from newer, flashier stadiums and how the missed deadline, due to the ongoing lease talks may have cost the city its best chance to bring the lucrative event back soon.

The next three Super Bowls, in 2026, 2027 and 2028, have been awarded to San Francisco, Los Angeles and Atlanta, respectively Las Vegas and Nashville are considered the favorites to host the 2029 and 2030 games.

Conflicts with Mardi Gras and convention schedules would likely prevent New Orleans from hosting Super Bowls between 2032 and 2037, leaving 2038 as the next pos-

The alleged bad guys may have been rounded up in record time,

sible target year if 2031 stays off the table.

Still, a close adviser to Gov Jeff Landry, businessman Shane Guidry, who has been coordinating with the state officials who are negotiating the lease, said he’s expecting the deal to be hammered out within a couple of days and that the city’s bid to host Super Bowl LXV can be revived.

“Everybody is working tirelessly to get this amicable agreement in place, and I think it will be done in time,” Guidry said Wednesday The Saints are in the final throes of negotiations with the Louisiana Stadium and Exposition District, often known as the Superdome Commission, over a lease extension that would keep the Saints playing at the state-owned Superdome for at least the next decade.

Sources close to the negotiations

Kelly, a businessman, bought Houmas House in 2003 and set out to convert the historic site into a “luxury entertainment” destination. Television shows such as “Top Chef” and “The Bachelor” have used the picturesque spot for location shoots.

A couple of years after he bought the property in Darrow, Kelly spotted the silver Lincoln at an upscale garage sale on Audubon Boulevard in New Orleans, where a widow was divesting herself of some of her late husband’s acquisitions.

say both parties have agreed to a 10-year lease extension through 2035, with four five-year options for the Saints thereafter that could keep them at the Dome until 2055.

While Saints owner Gayle Benson has said firmly that she would never move the team away from the city, both sides have agreed to a new lease provision that determines how any attempt by a future owner to move the Saints away would be handled. First, there would be arbitration and then potential “equitable damages,” also referred to as a relocation penalty The exact amount of that penalty hasn’t been finalized, but the sources said it is around $250 million, which would compensate the state for a significant portion of the public money put into the Superdome’s latest renovation.

But a sticking point in the final

According to Kelly, the future president’s brush with death may well have taken place at a landing near Houmas House.

Kelly said that eight pieces of the Lincoln statue were returned to him. He plans to produce some small display of the ruined artwork that is now even more redolent of history “There is no other choice,” he said. Security at the site, he said, has been increased. Reporter Michelle Hunter contributed to this story

agreement has been the terms of related deal between the state and the Benson organization over Benson Tower, the skyscraper located near the dome.

The previous lease in 2009 linked the Superdome lease to rental agreements for Benson Tower, and the state has been trying to roll back some of those provisions.

The timing on a finalized lease still isn’t clear But Bensel said that Gayle Benson would try to persuade NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell to put the Saints 2031 bid for the Super Bowl back on the shortlist if the lease is signed before the owners hold their vote.

“It will be up to Mrs. Benson to convince the NFL and Roger to please allow us to bid,” he said. Email Anthony McAuley tmcauley@theadvocate.com.

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By JACQUELyN MARTIN

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell walks off after a news conference Wednesday following the Federal Open Market Committee meeting at the Federal Reserve Board Building in Washington.

LSU PHOTO By CHRIS PARENT LSU interim president Matt Lee took LSU’s top position in June following the departure of former President William Tate IV

PHOTO PROVIDED By KEVIN KELLy

A moody sculpture of Abraham Lincoln by John Gutzon de la Mothe Borglum was stolen from Houmas House plantation.

‘Azores high’ steering tropical storms away from U.S.

Ridge of high pressure influences

Atlantic paths

BY KASEY BUBNASH Staff writer

Tropical Storm Gabrielle formed over the Atlantic Ocean on Wednesday morning, becoming this year’s seventh named storm.

Forecasters expect the system to curve away from the U.S as it strengthens, a path that a majority of this year’s six other named storms have followed, mercifully avoiding direct hits to land

That’s thanks in large part to what meteorologists call the “Azores high,” a semi-permanent ridge of high pressure over a portion of the Atlantic Ocean that steers tropical systems, according

to Louisiana State Climatologist

Jay Grymes.

“That’s a feature we know tropical systems have to go around,” he said.

Grymes likened the Atlantic to a football field, an analogy he credited to a professor he had at LSU.

The ridge is a linebacker, and a tropical cyclone is a running back on the opposing team. The cyclone almost always has to go around the ridge to get where it’s going.

Like in football, only an unusually strong cyclone, like a fully formed hurricane, could collide with the ridge and manage to push through it.

“But in general, think of that high pressure as a blocking mechanism that systems have to go around rather than through,”

Grymes said Grymes said the high-pressure ridge expands and contracts in a

cycle throughout the year These phases are known by two names: the Bermuda high and Azores high. When it expands, it’s called the Bermuda high, and the ridge is shaped like an elongated oval that stretches so far west across the Atlantic that it sometimes reaches the U.S. East Coast and Gulf of Mexico.

That forces tropical systems to move low along its rim, often causing long-track storms that start near Africa to complete the more than 3,000-mile trek across the ocean and into the Gulf.

When the ridge contracts, it’s called the Azores high, and Grymes said it takes the shape of a circle that’s isolated in a smaller portion of the Atlantic. That allows systems moving through the ocean to turn north earlier, as many of them have this season.

The high’s cycle of growth and shrinkage has to do with circulation patterns across the globe, a topic that gets complicated fast The point, Grymes said, is that a contracted Azores high “almost guarantees” that African waves won’t make it to Louisiana. While the 2025 hurricane season has had a quiet start compared to recent years, there are signs that tropical activity could start to pick up soon.

Grymes noted that sea-surface temperatures in the Gulf are nearing record highs, and if a disturbance pops up in the Gulf, those warm waters could make for explosive fuel. The good news, Grymes said, is that Louisianans likely won’t have to worry about those pesky tropical waves that move off of Africa’s west coast for much longer.

Prime time for African tropical waves generally peaks midAugust to mid-October, while the Gulf and the Caribbean grow more active later in the season.

“As we get into the second half of the hurricane season, the onset of the Bermuda high phase of the Azores high becomes less and less frequent,” he said. “So we’re moving into a phase now where the threat of those African tropical waves, for us, starts to slowly decline.”

That’s lucky, since the National Hurricane Center on Tuesday morning highlighted another wave moving off Africa’s coast. Miamibased hurricane expert Michael Lowry said in his Tuesday morning newsletter, Eye on the Tropics, that he expects the system to follow in the footsteps of those before it, turning out to sea away from the U.S.

issues.”

The EPA says it prefers having responsible parties handle the response under agency direction. But the EPA can step in when that party refuses or is unable to respond and has the authority to pursue recouping the cost later.

After the fire, Smitty’s, a major employer in Tangipahoa Parish, has laid off employees and been hit with at least 18 lawsuits. One accuses the company of not paying a $6.1 million bill for emergency private firefighting services provided by a Livingston Parish company during the blaze

An attorney for Smitty’s said last week that the company did have the money to pay that bill but was disputing the amount and negotiating over it when the suit was filed by surprise.

Asked about the attorney’s statement about the company’s finances, EPA officials declined to comment on pending litigation But they noted that responsible parties are liable for the costs incurred by EPA.

tanks in the burned section of Smitty’s to prevent accidental pressure buildups after a tank blew open its top on Sept. 1, according to EPA daily reports. No one was injured in that incident.

The EPA reports, obtained by The Advocate from the state through public records request, detail the agency’s sharply rising costs.

In late August, the EPA reported it had set aside about $6 million federal Superfund dollars, which are used for environmental cleanup. By Sept. 4, obligated funds had risen to more than $23 million, with EPA having already spent a third of it.

The EPA confirmed this week that the current budget figure is closer to $39 million and is expected to rise.

Smitty’s officials said they “are grateful” for EPA’s response work on the fire.

“We are working with the EPA on a daily basis to support these efforts and to ensure everything is handled according to proper procedure, including financial matters,” the company said in a statement.

Asked about EPA continuing to bear the cost of the response,

Smitty’s officials added that they “are confident with the EPA’s support the response and cleanup will be resolved soon.”

The ongoing response has been extensive.

Government staff and contractors have tested for air pollutants with handheld monitors, specially outfitted vehicles and an EPA plane. Booms, berms and skimmers have been used to control hazardous runoff from Smitty’s into ditches and the Tangipahoa River

About 4.54 million gallons of oil and other material has been collected from local waterways, and EPA contractors had to build a road to help with runoff collection on private land. Crews sheared open storage

“EPA has increased the budget for the response to ensure response operations continue,” said Kellen Ashford, an EPA spokesperson.

The EPA is tapping about $30 million from the Superfund, a pot of money financed through taxes on chemicals used by industry. The EPA is also relying on $9 million from an emergency response fund, and has requested an increase in that money, Ashford said.

PHOTO PROVIDED By DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITy

The effects of the fire at Smitty’s Supply are seen in a private pond south of La. 10 and upstream

JeffersonParishset forinsurance discount

policies, now that theparishhas notched the best flood rating in the state, officials announced Wednesday.

storm-resilient building codes, building elevation requirements andwatershed managementplans, are eligible for greater discounts.

BY LARA NICHOLSON Staff writer

After repeated floodinsurance rate hikes, Jefferson Parishresidents will soon see an extra 10% discount on the price of their

Residents of unincorporated Jefferson Parish will receive a35% flood insurance discountunder the newClass 3rating from theNational Flood Insurance Program’s CommunityRatingSystem,up from thecurrent discount of 25% under thepreviousClass 5rating. Communitiesthat implement floodmitigationmeasures, like

Jefferson officials estimatethe program will save residentsover $12 milliona year on their flood policies.

“Notonly will ourresidentsand business owners see financial relief because of this Class3rating, but our community as awhole will continue to benefitfrom acomprehensive flood plain management

and mitigation plan that helps makeusmore resilient in the face of disasters,”JeffersonParish President Cynthia Lee Sheng said in astatement. Each class underthe program comes withanincremental 5% flood insurance discount, starting with Class 10 at 0% and ending with Class 1ata45% insurance discount —whichsofar is held only by Tulsa, Oklahoma, and Roseville, California, according to April 2025 FEMAdata.

Workers inspect as the Seabrook 3 floodgatesopenand close in NewOrleans on Tuesday.The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers hasnomoneytoinspect NewOrleans’$14.5B flood protection system nextyear —after this year’s reviewcame monthslate.

Floodgateinspectionpart of regional safety efforts

CorpsofEngineers warnsoffuture funding concerns

BY ALEX LUBBEN Staff writer

Darren Austin stood atop ahulking wall at the edge of Lake Pontchartrain and watched the Seabrook floodgate glide closed, the movement of the massive structureprogressing so slowly that it was almost imperceptible

As the head of operations at the South Louisiana Flood Authority-East, Austin’sjob Tuesday morning wasto help the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers ensure that the gate, a600-foot-long, 16-foot-high mass of concrete and steel, could do the job thatengineers built it to accomplish in 2012: keeping hurricane stormsurge out of the Industrial Canal and thevulnerable, low-lying New Orleans neighborhoods that surround it.

“I know this is boring, but Ilikeboring for something like this,”hesaid.“I don’twant this to beeventful.”

The inspection of the floodgatewent

off without ahitch—itopenedand closed as it should, and its componentsare stillingoodshape.But the September inspection, coming near the peak of hurricane season, was taking place months later thanitusually does. Federal budget cutshad delayed the process.

And next year,the Corps hasnomoney to inspect the $14.5billion flood protection system at all.

“As of right now,I’vebeen told we did notget funded” for next year’s inspection, saidKaren Clement, an

See INSPECTION, page 2B

‘Flesh-eating’ Vibrio killsfifth Louisianaresident 26 hospitalized in statesofar

BY EMILYWOODRUFF Staff writer

A fifth person in Louisiana has diedof aVibrio vulnificus infection, adangerous flesh-eatingbacterium thathas caused 26 hospitalizations in the state so far,asharp increase comparedwiththe annual average of about 10 cases and one death over the past decade. Vibrio vulnificus is found in warm,

brackish coastal watersand raw or undercooked seafood, especially oysters. Most infections in Louisianathis year —22of 26 —have been tied to water exposure. But at least two deaths, including asixth death of aFlorida residentwho ateoysters harvestedfromLouisiana waters, have been linked to raw or undercooked seafood. Of the Louisiana patients, more than 90% hadanunderlying healthcondition such as diabetes,liver disease or another immunecompromising illness. The LouisianaDepartment of Health declinedtosay whether themost recent deathwas tied to oyster consumption or water exposure.

TheGulf Coastisseeing rising cases outside of Louisiana as well. Texashas reported 10 cases and one death, Mississippi five cases andone death, and Alabama has seen three cases, one tied to Louisiana oysters, according to thosestatehealth departments. Florida has recorded numbers similartoLouisiana, with 25 cases and five deaths. Health officials say infectionspeak between May and October,when Gulf waters arewarmestand residentsare most likely to swim, fish or handle seafood.Rising

Of Jefferson’smunicipalities, Gretnareceivesa25% discount under the program, Kenner gets 20% and Jean Lafitte gets 15%, as of April. Harahan is enrolled in the program at Class 10, which is a0% discount.

New Orleans residents receive a15% discount, as do residents of unincorporated St. Tammany. More than 1,500 communities nationwide participate in the pro-

Finances of N.O. council races detailed

BY SOPHIE KASAKOVEand BEN MYERS Staff

Six of the seven NewOrleans City Council seats will be on the Oct. 11 primary ballot, and some candidates are showing big cash leads, according to campaign finance reports released amonth before the vote. Incumbents in oneofthe twoat-large races, as well as the Districts Cand Draces,haveoutpaced opponents in fundraising. Leading candidates have climbed far ahead of their opponents in the three races that lack an incumbent, too. Publicly availablepolling resultsinthe council races have been scarce, especially in the districts, but in somecases polling shows races aretighterthan fundraising disparities.

Polls show acompetitive race to fill mayoral candidate Helena Moreno’sDivision 1 at-large seat, with state Rep. Matthew Willard leading state Rep. Delisha Boyd 25% to 21% in two polls conducted last month —one by Faucheux Strategies for WWL Louisiana and another by Dr.Silas Lee and Associates for Resilience NewOrleans,

See FINANCES, page 2B

N.O. council memberfends

off criticism

District Ccandidates appearatforums

BY BLAKEPATERSON Staff writer

Challengers hoping to best District C council member Freddie King Jr.inthe fall election hit theincumbent hard at back-to-back candidate forums this week, challenging his recordand accusing him of not caring about the district’seast bank. District Ccovers the entirety of New Orleans’ West Bank as wellasneighborhoods like theFrenchQuarter,Marigny,Bywater and parts of Treme, the 7th Ward, St. Roch and St. Claude. Roughly 70% of registered voters in District Clive on the West Bank. King, aDemocrat who lives in English Turn, is facing three challengers in his bid forasecondterm: Kelsey Foster,a Democrat, and Jackson Kimbrell, who has no party; both live in Algiers Point.Eliot Barron, aGreen Party candidate who lives in St. Roch, is also in the running. The primaryisOct. 11; arunoff, if necessary,will be Nov. 15.

King didn’tattend the first forumMonday night at the NewMarigny Theater because he wasatanevent celebrating the

ä See CANDIDATES, page 2B

Aboat passes through the Seabrook floodgates in NewOrleans on Tuesday

STAFF PHOTOSBySOPHIA GERMER

INSPECTION

Continued from page 1B

operations manager at the Corps. “But we’re going to try to get funds again.”

The Corps scrambled to find funds for this year’s inspection, eventually allocating extra funds from the Corps’ St. Louis District For inspecting levees and other Corps projects across Louisiana, the Corps allocated $691,000 in 2025, down from over $1 million in previous years. Regardless of how much funding the Corps has, Austin said that his agency, the local flood protection authority on the east bank, will continue to inspect Seabrook and the rest of the flood protection system.

“We don’t change anything we’re doing,” Austin said, regardless of whether or not the Corps has funding. “We’re inspecting this system every day.”

Austin’s team opens and closes the gate at least monthly to make sure it works. They send divers down to look at the gate’s underwater components annually, and, every 15 years, they plan to suck

INSURANCE

Continued from page 1B

gram. Of those, only 11 local governments have the Class 3 designation, including Jefferson.

Rising costs

While the new rating will alleviate some of the cost to homeowners, individual flood insurance premiums will likely continue to increase under the program’s latest system for calculating flood insurance premiums, which considers factors like property elevation, structure type and proximity to water, rather than

CANDIDATES

Continued from page 1B

renaming of a portion of General Meyer Avenue in honor of a Black educator and pastor, the Rev. Taza Green. He did attend a second forum Tuesday night in the Bywater King’s opponents, however, said his decision to skip the first forum, hosted by more than half-dozen neighborhood and historic preservation groups, showcased what they called his neglect of the east bank. Kimbrell, a project manager for a local construction firm, said King’s absence was “symbolic of how he’s been for the last four years on this side of the river.”

Foster, who until recently was executive director of the Algiers Economic Development Foundation, told attendees she’s “heard from every single one of these neighborhoods that the east bank of District C feels unseen and unheard.”

the water out from around it so they can get a good look at every part of it, dried out and free from the murky water in which it sits.

The Corps shares responsibility for maintaining New Orleans’ flood protection system with the twin local flood agencies, one that operates on the east bank of the Mississippi River the other on the west bank, across all or parts of Orleans, Jefferson, St. Bernard, St Charles and Plaquemines parishes.

Day-to-day maintenance generally falls to the local agencies. The Corps steps in for bigger fixes, as they did when they repaired the three pumps at the ends of New Orleans’ three outfall canals earlier this year

Both the Corps and the flood protection authorities also rely on reports from residents who live near levees. They encourage members of the public to reach out if they spot things like cracks in floodwalls or armadillos burrowing in a levee.

Still, lawmakers have expressed concern that the Corps lacks funding for inspections.

“It’s best practice that somebody who’s not looking at this every day come and look at it,” said state

solely relying on a property’s flood zone. The system, called FEMA’s Risk Rating 2.0, was created to make the program financially solvent and rates more equitable, according to federal officials.

But it has also meant steep price jumps for residents. Louisiana’s average flood insurance costs are estimated to increase by 87% for single-family homes, and are being phased in increments of no more than 18% per year, according to FEMA data from August 2023.

In Jefferson Parish — which in 2022 represented about 20% of the state’s policies — costs are estimated to increase by an average of 156%

pass, the forthcoming rehabilitation of the Bywater Naval Base, and his support of residents’ wishes to keep IV Waste as the French Quarter trash collector

“I can go on and on and on about successes that we’ve had on the east bank,” King said. “I have broad support on the east bank from businesses and residents.”

“You deserve a council person who is present for you here on the east bank just like in Algiers,” Foster said. “Don’t hire someone for a job when they couldn’t come to the interview.” King, in an interview, said the idea that he hasn’t been attentive to east bank issues is a “very faulty argument.” He pointed to a string of “victories” for the east bank during his first term, including getting rid of Lucky Dog’s monopoly in the French Quarter, the closure of a homeless encampment under the Claiborne Avenue over-

VIBRIO

Continued from page 1B

Barron, who works in emergency medical services on the West Bank of Jefferson Parish and is running on an antilittering and beautification platform, declined to comment on King’s absence, adding that he prefers to think of his opponents as “teammates.”

St. Claude safety

The issue of pedestrian and bicycle safety on St. Claude Avenue also came up at both forums. Two cyclists were killed on the thoroughfare in a twoweek span this summer after getting hit by motorists.

King noted that St. Claude is a state highway and said he brought a state Department of Transportation and Development official down to examine the roadway The council also passed a resolution asking DOTD to make the street safer

Still, he said, “It takes time, and no one wants to hear that government time is very, very slow.

Both Foster and Kimbrell said they would hound DOTD until the state improves the street.

“We’ve seen a massive passing of the buck to DOTD and I am here to tell you that is the absolute lamest of excuses,” Foster said. “Jurisdic-

tions, bloodstream infections or gastrointestinal illness. About 1 in 5 people with severe infection die, sometimes within 48 hours.

Rep. Stephanie Hilferty, R-New Orleans. “I hope that for 2026, maybe we have a plan B to have an outside entity that is qualified” inspect the system. Indeed, the stakes are high for the region’s levees and floodgates.

The Seabrook gate that Austin and the Corps inspected Tuesday is a crucial component of the system the Corps built after Hurricane Katrina to reduce the region’s risk of catastrophic flooding Together with the mammoth Lake Borgne Surge Barrier a two-mile-long, 26-foot-high wall that crosses the now shuttered Mississippi River Gulf Outlet 12 miles outside the city — Seabrook aims to stop storm surge before it reaches New Orleans.

“The idea is to push the surge as far out as you can,” said Corps spokesperson Ricky Boyett. “This is where you want to stop it.” Before the gate was built, water flowed freely between Lake Pontchartrain and the Industrial Canal. When Katrina barreled into South Louisiana, storm surge from Lake Pontchartrain flowed right through, while water flowed north up the Mississippi River Gulf Outlet, busting through the levees in the Lower 9th Ward.

The ballooning totals have already proven too much to bear for some. More than 42,700 Louisiana residents, or 9% of policyholders, have dropped their flood insurance policies since 2022.

Critics say statewide efforts to bring down insurance costs through flood-proofing homes and other mitigation measures aren’t moving at a fast enough pace to keep up with the growing number of flood-prone areas due to climate change, furthering a complex and unsustainable insurance crisis for Louisiana

Email Lara Nicholson at lnicholson@theadvocate.com.

tional issues are not a roadblock if you are proactive and collaborative.”

Kimbrell said he “almost got run over” crossing the street as he canvassed voters. Saying, “‘Oh well, it’s a Baton Rouge problem,’” is not the answer, he said.

Zoning and land use

The candidates also addressed issues of zoning and land use, particularly in light of King’s decision earlier this year to go against a recommendation of the City Planning Commission and approve a zoning waiver and conditional use for a proposed hotel on Elysian Fields Avenue. The move prompted the Faubourg Marigny Improvement Association — one of the hosts of Monday’s forum — to file a lawsuit against the City Council.

Both Foster and Kimbrell criticized the current council for governing via “loopholes” and said they’d be much less willing to back waivers. Foster said she’d only override the City Planning Commission if there’s “broad-based community support.”

King, in an interview, said you have to “balance a lot of competing interests” as a council member and said the developers compromised by making the hotel smaller He said he knocked on doors in the surrounding neighborhood and found “broad support” for the project, which will bring an empty lot back into commerce.

Barron, for his part, said he supports the city’s zoning rules as written but “also wants to believe that every rule is waiverable.”

All four candidates said they oppose a plan by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to replace the Industrial Canal lock, with Kimbrell suggesting the council file a federal lawsuit if it proceeds. King noted that the council unanimously approved a resolution earlier this month opposing the plan.

FINANCES

Continued from page 1B

an Entergy-backed advocacy group.

Willard’s fundraising lead is much larger He raised $141,040 between July 4 and Sept. 1 and has $221,802 cash on hand. Boyd raised $72,519 and has about $94,163 on hand Boyd is also supported by a political action committee, Elite PAC, which took $100,000 from business owner Laney Chouest last year

Chouest has also, through bundling donations with several associates, given at least $60,000 to Boyd’s campaign account, according to records. Elite PAC has not raised any funds this year and holds $16,917 on hand.

Boyd said in a statement that her “wide range of support and contributions” show “the people believe I can deliver for them as I always have in the past.”

Chouest said that Boyd has been a personal friend of his for two decades.

“She’s really the only adult in the whole damn field right now,” said Chouest. “She’s not somebody who screams or fights.”

In a statement, Willard said he’s “in a position of strength backed by a wide base of support that was built by focusing on my record of accomplishments and my vision to rebuild our city.”

Restaurateur Matthew Hill is also running for the Division 1 at-large seat. Hill has $2,733 on hand, most from his personal loan to the campaign.

Incumbent JP Morrell is leading the other at-large race, both in polls in fundraising. The Faucheux and Lee polls both show Morrell leading his closest challenger, the Rev Gregory Manning, 47% to 10%.

Morrell raised over $57,000 and has over $199,000 on hand, with larger donations coming from hospitality workers union Unite Here, philanthropist Leslie Jacobs, and law office Adams & Reese. Manning raised over $33,000 and has nearly $19,000 to spend.

Manning’s larger donors include business owner Troy Henry, whose efforts to win a lucrative trash hauling contract in the French Quarter were recently opposed by the City Council, and actor Wendell Pierce. Manning returned the money, Henry said, because of Henry’s involvement in city sanitation contracts Pierce could not be reached for comment.

Morrell’s campaign aide, Todd Ragusa, said supporters “are rallying behind JP’s record of fixing what’s broken and making government work for us.”

Although Morrell raised more money in the latest reporting period, Manning reported 194 individual contributors, while Morrell reported 82 a fact the Manning campaign trumpeted in a statement.

“It’s clear this is the people’s campaign,” said Manning’s campaign manager, Jack Reno Sweeney Perennial candidate Kenneth Cutno is also running in the Division 2 at-large race. His report did not show any fundraising nor cash on hand.

Districts E and A

poll. Yet two-thirds of District A respondents said they are undecided. Friedman raised more than $130,000 and had $54,000 on hand. She said her contributions show that her “experience directly serving the people of New Orleans is resonating with the people.”

Her larger donors include lawyer Calvin Fayard, who together with members of his family donated $10,500. They didn’t return requests for comment The law firm Berrigan Litchfield made two donations that together total $7,000; a representative did not return a request for comment. The cap for individual donations for council district races is $6,000.

Real estate investor Todd Biever together with members of his family donated $7,500. Biever said that Friedman is a personal friend of him and his family “I wouldn’t even say I know her politics; she’s just someone I know to be a good person she’s of high moral character,” Biever said, adding that he believed Friedman would focus on public safety issues.

Aimee McCarron, another former Giarrusso staffer finished second in Lee’s poll with 11% and raised $76,000, with $65,000 of it left.

McCarron said she is “really proud” of her efforts, and she has saved money by “doing a lot of stuff myself,” including door knocking.

Her larger donors include doctors Babi and Jessica Chandamuri, who together donated $7,000. Babi Chandamuri said that he went to medical school with McCarron’s husband and that the couples have been friends for over two decades.

Bob Murrell, who previously ran and lost against Giarrusso, notched 6% in the poll and raised $7,000 with $5,300 on hand. Murrell noted that his opponents had many donations of upward of $2,500 each while his donations were smaller dollar amounts — Murrell’s single largest donation was $500.

“I fight for working people,” Murrell said.

Another candidate, Alexandra Mossing, raised just over $6,000 and had $4,900 of it left. Candidate Bridget Neal raised nothing.

Districts C and D

District C incumbent Freddie King has $242,000 raised and more than $88,000 on hand, far more than his opponents. Kelsey Foster comes in at a distant second, with about $56,000 on hand and $38,000 raised. Foster is the former executive director of the Algiers Economic Development Foundation.

“We’re really gratified to see the support so far,” said Katie Baudouin, Foster’s campaign manager Foster received three $6,000 donations, the maximum dollar amount permitted for district races, related to the real estate company Property One: one from the company and two from company leaders. Paul Langenwalter chief financial officer for Property One, said that he is married to Foster and that Property One has “been highly appreciative of the work that organizations” that Foster has been involved with.

summer temperatures, stronger heat waves and runoff from increasingly intense storms extend the season when Vibrio can flourish, said Tiong Aw, public health microbiologist with Tulane University

“Alongside this increasing water temperature, we have more frequent and intense storms, and this can also wash extra nutrients into the water,” Aw said “All these create an ideal condition for Vibrio to grow and survive.”

A dangerous infection

At least a dozen species of Vibrio bacteria can cause illness, but Vibrio vulnificus is the most severe. Once inside the body the bacteria can trigger necrotizing skin infec-

“It’s very dramatic,” said Julio Figueroa, an infectious disease expert at LSU Health New Orleans who has treated cases. “Vulnificus is, aptly, a good name for it.”

One hallmark symptom is the sudden appearance of fluid-filled blisters near a wound site The infection can also worsen quickly For some people, it might take a week and a half for the infection to start to cause symptoms concerning enough to seek medical help. For others, death can occur within 48 hours of exposure, said Figueroa.

The infection can be treated with antibiotics, which are most effective if used early on.

Who is most at risk?

While healthy people may recover from Vibrio infections with anti-

biotics and supportive care, those with chronic conditions are vulnerable. People with liver disease, diabetes, cancer, HIV or weakened immune systems are at greatest risk for hospitalization, limb amputation or death. Heavy alcohol users often do poorly, said Figueroa.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises at-risk individuals to avoid eating raw oysters or undercooked shellfish, keep wounds covered when in brackish water and wear protective gloves when handling seafood.

The Louisiana Department of Health urges residents to take simple steps to prevent infection, such as staying out of brackish or salt water if you have a wound and covering it with a waterproof bandage. Wash any cuts exposed to seawater or raw seafood with soap and clean water, and seek medical care immediately if a wound shows signs of redness, swelling or blistering.

In the District E race to replace Oliver Thomas, who is also running for mayor, the only available poll and campaign finance reports tell different stories. With $58,200 raised and $94,000 to spend, state Rep. Jason Hughes has more money than five of his opponents combined. Three candidates did not file finance reports. Yet Hughes trails Cyndi Nguyen who held the seat from 2018 to 2022 — 34% to 21%, according to Lee’s poll this month. Faucheux’s poll did not tally the district races. Nguyen has raised around $23,000 and has less than $5,000 on hand, according to the report.

On Monday Nguyen said fundraising “has been challenging, I’m not going to lie,” and speculated that some donors may be prioritizing spending on the mayor’s race. Hughes said that his campaign has “generated a lot of excitement” and his fundraising reflects that. Hughes received two $6,000 donations associated with the Burgos, Daigre, McGregor Law Firm. Three other District E contenders, Richard Bell, Nathaniel Jones and Jonathan Anthony Roberts, raised less than $5,000 each.

In District A, Holly Friedman, a former staffer of District A council member Joe Giarrusso, holds fundraising and polling leads gaining 16% of the vote in the race according to Lee’s

King did not respond to a request for comment.

Jackson Kimbrell, a construction project manager, raised just over $900 in the reporting period and had about $1,700 on hand, while Eliot Barron, a Realtor raised just under $3,000.

In District D, incumbent Eugene Green has maintained a cash lead over his two opponents, with more than $10,000 raised but more than $91,000 on hand including previous funds. Green said his support stems from the fact that people recognize “progress that has been made in District D,” including on public safety, crime and blight reduction.

Also running in that race are Leilani Heno, a business owner, who raised over $4,700 this cycle and had just $60 on hand, and Belden “Noonie Man” Batiste, who raised no funds.

Email Ben Myers at bmyers@ theadvocate.com.

King

Barron

Kimbrell Foster

NewOrleans Area Deaths Obituaries

Bolton, Ronald

Boudreaux, Michael

Boutté,Emanuel

Ceaser Jr.,Alexander

Davillier, Elena

DeBlanc, Daniel

Dorsey,Geneva

Doss, Elizabeth Eaglin,Daniel

Egana, Patricia

Fisk,Donald

Garvey Sr., James GrantJr.,Robert

Haller,

Harp,Bennel

Harris, Benjamin

Harvey,Ellen

Hollins, Geneva

Johnson, Drake

Lehrer,Samuel McKenzie,Rose

Pipkins,Martha

Preatto Jr., Earl

Redmond, James

Robinson, Rayshad

Sharp, Carla

Vybiral, Diane Williams,Peggy Williams Sr., Demetrius

Wiltz III, Sidney EJefferson

Tharp Funeral Home McKenzie,Rose NewOrleans

Boyd Family Robinson, Rayshad Charbonnet

Bolton, Ronald Boutté,Emanuel Ceaser Jr.,Alexander Eaglin,Daniel Williams Sr., Demetrius

Wiltz III, Sidney DW Rhodes

Davillier, Elena

Egana, Patricia Harris, Benjamin Pipkins,Martha Lake Lawn Metairie

Fisk,Donald Garvey Sr., James Lehrer,Samuel Majestic Mortuary Hollins, Geneva

River Parish

Robottom

Dorsey,Geneva St Tammany

Ronald CharlesBolton wasbornonJune24, 1960. He attended John McDon‐ald, classof1979. Priorto hispassing,heworkedat LA Best Seafood.Ronald wasa loving anddevoted husband,who he meton March4,1987 on Ash Wednesday. He is survived by hiswifeAva Bolton, daughtersRonetra Bolton andDemetra Price. Grand‐children Warren,Trinetra Trackand DerrickGentris Brothers Fredrick and Gary Bolton (Silvia),witha host of familyand friends. He is preceded in deathbyhis mother GeraldineBolton Sip, sonJuanBoltonand sister Janice Powell.Rela‐tivesand friendsare in‐vitedtoattend thefuneral serviceFriday, September 19, 2025 12:00 noon at St Pius Catholic Church,6666 SpanishFortBlvd.,New Or‐leans, LA 70124. Interment Lake Lawn Metairie Ceme‐tery,5100 Pontchartrain Blvd N.O. Visitation begins 11:00 a.m.

Boudreaux, MichaelJules

MichaelJules Boudreaux, of Algiers, LouisianawentintoEternal rest on Saturday,Septem‐ber13, 2025, at theage of 73. He wasbornonJuly18, 1952 to hismotherJoyce Rose Wild andhis late fa‐ther,ArnoldJoseph Boudreaux, Sr.Hewas marriedtothe love of his life,Janet SokolBoudreaux for51years.Devoted fa‐ther of AimeeMagdalen Boudreaux Ross (Shane), Michael JulesBoudreaux Jr.(Kellie), andBarrett John Boudreaux. Proud grandfatherofBaileyBor‐den(Seth), Joseph Boudreaux(Madison Drury),Madison Clair Boudreaux, WilliamFrazier Ross, Samuel LewisRoss, Amelia Greenleaf, Landon WilliamBoudreaux,Layla MayBoudreaux,and his greatgrandchildren Luke, Celia, andSageBorden. BrotherofSuzanne Haynie (Steve)and thelateArnold Joseph Boudreaux, Jr (Beth). Michaelisalsosur‐vived by nieces,nephews otherrelatives andmany friendswho will miss him dearly.A Memorial Service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday,September 20, 2025 at Woodland Presby‐terian Church,5824 Berkley DriveinAlgiers,Louisiana 70131. Avisitationwill beginat9:00a.m.and con‐tinue until theservice time In lieu of flowers, please consider donationsin Michael'snametoTunnel2 Towers at www.t2t.org Fond memories andex‐pressionsofsympathy maybesharedwith Michael'sfamilyatwww WestsideLeitzEagan.com

Audubon Boutté,EmanuelJoseph

DeBlanc, Daniel

Doss, Elizabeth

EJ Fielding

Sharp, Carla West Bank

DavisMortuary

Preatto Jr., Earl Redmond, James Robinson FH Harvey,Ellen Johnson, Drake Williams,Peggy West Leitz-Eagan

Boudreaux, Michael

sister-in-law, Barbette M. Boutté (Anthony); Godson DylanDavis,aswellasa host of nieces,nephews cousinsand friends. Emanuelgraduated from Joseph S. Clarkin1975, where he andhis brother John choreographedthe school’s firstdancing band.Theymarched and steppedthrough the streetsofNew Orleansat MardiGrasparades,as well asspecial events hosted by theschool WhileattendingClark High School,heenrolledin classesatDelgado Com‐munity College, where he took coursesinplumbing andwelding skills.Upon graduation he joined the United States Navy.When he returned from serving hiscountry,Mr. Boutté had variousconstructionjobs, buteventuallyretired from acareer as aSupervisor with theHousing Authority of NewOrleans.A Mass of ChristianBurialhonoring thelifeand legacy of the late EmanuelJoseph Boutté will be held at St Martin De Porres Catholic Church,5621 ElysianFields Ave.,New Orleans, LA 70122 on Friday,September 19, 2025 at 12:30pm. Inter‐ment Mount Olivet Ceme‐tery.Visitation11aminthe church.Pleasesignonline guestbook at www.cha rbonnetfuneralhome.com Charbonnet LabatGlapion Directors, (504)581 4411.

kitten. Hermemorywillbe cherishedbynumerous aunts, nieces,nephews, godchildren,cousins neighbors, dear friends, andfellowparishionersof St.Patrick Catholic Church TheMassofChristian Bur‐ialwillbeheldonFriday, September19, 2025, at St PatrickCatholicChurch 12424 Brogdon Lane,Baton Rouge, LA 70816. The Rosary will beginat10:00 a.m.,followedbythe Fu‐neralMassat11:00 a.m.In‐termentwilltakeplace at a laterdate. Services areen‐trustedtoRhodesFuneral Home

DeBlanc, Daniel Joseph 'Dan'

LA anda residentofNew Orleans, LA. Relatives and friends of thefamily, also priest and parishioners of OurLady of theHoly Rosary Catholic Church andall neighboring churches are invited to attend the funeral Mass at OurLady of theHoly Rosary Catholic Church,#1 RectoryLane, Hahnville, LA on Friday, September 19, 2025 at 11:00 AM.Father PaulClark, Celebrant. IntermentHoly Rosary Cemetery,Taft, LA. Visitation at theabove namedchurchfrom9:00 AM untilMass time. ServicedbyRobottom Mortuary

Christopher Doss, ElizabethLembesis

Ceaser Jr., Alexander

Alexander"Red" Ceaser Jr., age88, passed away peacefully on September8 2025. Alifelongresidentof NewOrleans,hewas born on February 5, 1937, to the late AlexanderCeaserSr. andEdnaMae Ceaser.He is preceded in deathby twosons, Alexander Ceaser III andAlexander Ceaser Neville; twosisters Cecile Ceaser andLillie MaeCeaserJackson;and onebrother,William (Julius) Ceaser.Heissur‐vivedby five daughters: Sandy(Tyrone)Moore, Keisha Pope,Lynette Boyd, Zinna Daniels, andChristie Thomas;one son, Noel Ceaser;and 15 grandchil‐dren who lovingly carry on hislegacy. Mr.Ceaserwas educated in theOrleans Parish School System and dedicatedover65years of servicetoSt. Rita Catholic Church andSchool.Healso worked at WhitneyBank formorethan20years Family andfriends are in‐vitedtoattend aMemorial Servicehonoringthe life andlegacyofMr. Alexan‐derCeaser, Jr.atHaven TrinityMethodist Church, 1238 JolietSt.,New Or‐leans, LA 70118 on Satur‐day, September20, 2025at 11:00am.Pleasesignthe online guestbook at www charbonnetfuneralhome. com. Charbonnet Labat Glapion, Directors. (504) 581-4411.

Davillier, ElenaMaria

EmanuelJosephBoutté peacefully transitioned on Thursday,September 4, 2025. He is preceded in deathbyhis wife Denise R. Boutté;parents,George andGloriaLeBlanc Boutté; siblings,Anthony Boutté LillianBoutté l'Etienne and nephew,DamianRenard. Mr.Boutté leaves to cher‐ishpreciousmemoriessib‐lings, LoletBoutté,Lynette Boutté,Lorna B. Delay (James), Leda B. Blanks (Wallace), John A. Boutté, Lenora Boutté -Hingle (Larry)and PeterG.Boutté;

ElenaMaria Davillier, born on June 27,1946, in NewOrleans,Louisiana, passedawaypeacefully on September9,2025, after a lengthyand courageous battlewithbrain cancer

Shewas preceded in death by herparents,Valence E. DavillierJr. andMadeleine Green Davillier; her brother, Alan A. Davillier Sr.(Beverly);and hercher‐isheddaughter, Rachel Sara Moore. Elenaissur‐vivedbyher lovingson, JasonK.Moore(Brooks) andher belovedgrandchil‐dren,Corinne,Devin,Lan‐donWilliams, andIan Crutchfield, who affection‐atelycalledher “Nanee. Sheisalsoremembered with love by hersiblings: ValenceE.Davillier III, Monica D. Barrois(Errol) Barry Davillier, Jeffrey Davillier(Amber),Jill D. Coleman(Cedric), andJoy D. Chauvin(Jack), as well as by Rosie, hertreasured

Daniel “Dan” Joseph DeBlanc, a longtime resident of Slidell, Louisiana, passed away on July 29, 2025, at theage of 80. Born on September13, 1944, in NewOrleans,LA, Danled a life marked by dedication service, andaninfectious enthusiasm foradventure Hisformative yearsinNew Orleansinstilled in hima love forculture,food,and community,which he car‐ried throughout hislife. Afterearning hisbache‐lor’sfromSoutheastern University in LA,Dan an‐swered thecalltoserve his countrywithhonor and distinction. He joined the Marine CorpsOfficerand served from 1967 to 1971 as ahelicopteraviator, achievingthe rank of Cap‐tain,receiving rewardsfor hisbravery in combat in‐cludingthe Silver Star.Fol‐lowing theMarineCorps, Danwas hiredby AirAmer‐icainVietnam andBellHe‐licopterInternational in Iran.After returningtothe United States,Dan andhis wife,Sharon, embarked on anew adventureasthe op‐eratorsoftwo Tastee Donut franchises.In1991, oneofthe donut fran‐chises in Slidellbecame SouthsideCafe.For over 34 years, he wasthe heart andsoulofthisbeloved es‐tablishment. Dan'szestfor life extended beyondhis professional endeavors. He wasanaccomplishedath‐lete,havingbeen ahigh school andcollege rodeo bull riderand amotocross rider. Hispassion for sports continuedwith snow skiing,deep-sea fish‐ing, tennis,and racquet‐ball.Dan wasa devoted andlovinghusband to Sharon DeBlanc. Together they shared countless ad‐ventures andbuilt alife filledwithtreasured mem‐ories. He also leaves be‐hind,his olderbrother,Joe DeBlanc; as well as the Tastee Donut andSouth‐side Cafe employees past andpresent that were so much afamilyoftheir own. Danwas preceded in death by hisparents,Josephand HelenDeBlanc,and his younger brother, Bill De‐Blanc. Dan'slegacyisone of love,laughter, andthe importance of friendsand family. Thosewho knew himwillrememberhis funnyanecdotes,his wise counsel, andhis generous spirit that neverfailedto uplift andinspire.Hewill be deeply missed, buthis spirit will continue to live on in theheartsofthose who knew him. Acelebra‐tion of Dan’slifewillbe held on Sunday,September 21,2025, at theSlidell Mu‐nicipalAuditorium. Doors open at 9:00 a.m. Cere‐mony to beginat10:00 a.m. Memories and condo‐lences maybeexpressed at www.AudubonFuneralH ome.com.

Dorsey, Geneva GenevaTurner Dorsey at herhome in New Orleans,LAsurrounded by familyonSaturday, September13, 2025. Daughterofthe late Justine Jonesand Richard Turner. Wife of the late Joseph Dorsey. Sister of LeeTurner, Mildred Stokes, the late Cleona Pierre, Wilhemina Simmons, Bessie White, Louis, Sr., Allen, and Rev. Eugene Turner, Hazel Jackson, BerniceChampagne,Ethel Borne, and LeonaT Daniels. Godmotherof Elias Williamsand Christine Bornes. Also survivedbya host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends. Age 90 years. Anative of Taft,

ElizabethLembesis

Doss, of Slidell, Louisiana, passedawayonSeptem‐ber10, 2025, at theage of 91. Shewas born on No‐vember 7, 1933, in Brook‐lyn, NewYork. Elizabeth wasprecededindeath by herparents,Pinio and Nicholas Lembesis;her husband,JohnB.DossIII, with whomshe shared 64 yearsofcherished memo‐ries before hispassing; twosons, John B. Doss IV andGregoryJ.Doss; and her siblings.Elizabeth leaves behind,tocherish hermemory, twodaugh‐ters,Cynthia C. Hughes (Alan) andElizabeth M. Doss; four grandchildren, WendyR.Hunt,JohnB Doss V(Amanda), Brandon L. Doss (Christine), and DavinEidson; hergreatgrandchildren, TatumGre‐gory, John B. Doss VI,Rani Doss, AliceDoss, Soloman Doss, RyleeDoss, Natalie Marlow,and EmileeMar‐low; as well as ahostof extended familymembers andfriends.Elizabeth's journeythrough life was marked by hercommit‐ment to familyand com‐munity.She embraced the role of homemakerwith graceand enthusiasm,cre‐atinga warm andwelcom‐inghomefor herloved ones.She wasalsoem‐ployed as amedical office manager, where shewas knownfor herefficiency andcompassion. Elizabeth wasa passionate advocate forchildren'swelfare. She dedicatedcountless hours as aCASAvolunteer standing as avoice for abused andneglected chil‐dren.Her advocacy work wasa callingthatshe pur‐sued with vigor andempa‐thy. Elizabethloved cook‐ing, especially forfamily. Shehad atalentfor sewing,quilting, andpot‐tery.Her Greek heritage wasa source of immense prideand joy, andshecele‐brated it throughher cook‐ing, traditions,and thesto‐ries shesharedwithher family. Thosewho knew Elizabethwillremember herfor herkindness, warmth,and generosity Shetouched theheartsof many andwillbegreatly missed. Relativesand friendsare invitedtoat‐tend avisitationonMon‐day, September222025, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at AudubonFuneral Home in Slidell.A funeral servicewillbegin in the chapel at noon.Following services,Elizabeth will be laid to rest in theSouth‐east LouisianaVeterans Cemetery asideher late husband,John. In lieu of flowers, donationstoHoly TrinityGreek Orthodox Cathedrallocated at 1200 AllenToussaintBlvd.,New Orleans, LA 70122 areap‐preciated. Memories and condolencesmay be ex‐pressedatwww Audubon FuneralHome.com.

Eaglin,DanielAugustin

Daniel Augustin Eaglin alifelongnativeNew Or‐leanian, passedaway peacefully on Saturday,

August 30, 2025 at theage of 81. Born November 14, 1943, to thelateAlton Eaglin,Sr. andVeraBailey, Daniel liveda full life de‐finedbyfamily, hard work andlovefor hiscity. Aman of many talents, he trav‐eled theworld as aMer‐chantSeaman, worked as achef, baker, business ownerand later became an electrician, foundinghis owncompany before serv‐ingasanOperating Engi‐neer with theNew Orleans School Boardand Shop Stewardfor hisunion.In addition to hisparents,Mr. Eaglin is also preceded in deathbysiblings, Laneita Johnson, Joanne Bailey andAlton Eaglin,Jr. He leaves to cherishprecious memories,wife, Sandra Thomas Eaglin;sons, Daniel A. Eaglin II and Kevin A. Eaglin,Sr. (Khail‐iah);grandchildren, La’Velle K. Eaglin,Rentysha Q. Eaglin andKevin A. Eaglin,Jr.;niece,Charlette Jackson(Kelvin); his belovedGermanShepherd, Duke,aswellasa host of otherrelatives andfriends Daniel’s legacy of re‐silience,dedicationand love will live on in allwho knew him. AMassofChris‐tian burial honoring thelife andlegacyofthe late Daniel A. Eaglin will be held at St.Raymond /St. Leo theGreat Catholic Church, 2916 ParisAvenue,New Or‐leans, LA on Saturday,Sep‐tember 20, 2025 at 10 am Entombment Mount Olivet Cemetery,4000 Norman MayerAvenue,New Or‐leans, LA 70122. Visitation 9 am in thechurch.Please sign online guestbook at www.charbonnetfuneralho me.com.CharbonnetLabat Glapion, Directors (504)581-4411.

Patricia Virginia “Pat Egana, ashining example of selflessness, love,and unwavering dedication, passedawaypeacefullyon September14, 2025, at the ageof72. Born on October 25, 1952. Patwas the beloveddaughterofthe late Myrtle Smithand Joseph EganaJr. Shegrew up in NewOrleans, Louisiana, where sheac‐cepted JesusChristatan earlyage andremained steadfastinher faith throughouther life,even during itsmostdifficult seasons. Herinfectious laughter,caringnature, andability to turn anymo‐ment into acherished memory made hera gift to allwho hadthe privilegeof knowingher.Pat gradu‐ated from George Washing‐tonCarverHighSchool in 1970, where sheexcelled andbuilt lifelong friend‐ships. Ahardworking and ambitiousindividual, she was dedicatedtoher fam‐ilyand hada passionthat left alasting impact on everyone around her. Pat’s life wasa beautifultesta‐ment to thepower of love, family, andsteadfastdevo‐tion.Asa daughter,sister, mother,grandmother,and friend,she embodied loy‐alty,kindness, andrespect, always putting theneeds of others before herown. Shewas asteadypresence throughevery triumphand challenge, offering com‐fort,laughter, andwisdom that bound herfamilyto‐gether.Asa mother,Pat poured herheart into nur‐turing herchildren, giving them astrongfoundation basedonunconditional love,encouragement,and guidance.She celebrated theiraccomplishments, supportedthemthrough hardships, andtaught them thevaluesofperse‐veranceand compassion Herhomewas ahaven of warmth andacceptance, where allwho enteredfelt welcomed andcared for. Becoming agrandmother filledPat’s heartwithim‐measurable joy. Shede‐lightedinevery milestone andcherished everymo‐ment with hergrandchil‐dren,fromdance-offs to shared mealsand quiet conversations, creating memories they will carry fora lifetime.Through her example, they learned whatitmeans to live with grace, generosity,and an open heart. Pat’slegacy will foreverbecherished by allwho were privileged to love andbeloved by her. Sheleavesbehindher de‐votedchildren: Tanya GordyGrant (Harold), Dereck GordySr. (Tequilla) KevinEgana Sr., Brian Egana(Diedre), andPatrice Kelly (Derin). Patalso leaves behind herbeloved

Bolton,RonaldCharles

'Red'

Egana, Patricia Virginia 'Pat'

4B ✦ Thursday, September 18, 2025 ✦ nola.com ✦ The Times-Picayune siblings,Antione Egana (Sylvia) andGregory Egana. Herlegacylives on in her19grandchildren: Brittiany, Brandon, Derrick, Tandreckia,Keith,Dereck Jr Tashana, Christian, Nakai, Kyren, Kayla, Kevin Jr., Ke’sean, Bria,Gabrielle, BrianII, Ron’tae, Paris, and Tre, alongwith7 greatgrandchildren: Dwayne III, Bailey,Brooklyn, Brandon Jr Brionna,Bella,and Malayahwho broughtend‐less prideand joytoher life.She will also be lov‐inglyrememberedbya host of aunts, uncles nieces,nephews,cousins, anddearfriends whose livesshe touchedwithher kindness andlove. Patwas preceded in deathbyher mother,MyrtleSmith,her father,JosephEgana Jr., hercompanion,Frank GordyJr.,her brothers, Emileand GilbertEgana, andher stepfather,An‐drew Smith. Though she will be deeply missed, the warmth of herspiritwill continue to live on in all who were blessedtoknow her. Relativesand friends of thefamilyare invitedto attend theFuneralService at Rhodes FuneralHome, 3933 Washington Avenue, NewOrleans,LA70125 on Saturday,September 20, 2025 at 1:00pm.Visitation will beginat12:00pm.In‐ternment:HoltCemetery, 527CityParkAvenue,New Orleans, LA 70119.Arrange‐mentsbyD.W.RhodesFu‐neral Home,New Orleans, LA.FuneralService canbe live streamed @www facebook.com/D.W.Rho desFuneralHome/live Please visitwww.rhodesf uneral.comtosignthe on‐line guestbook

Donald Charles Fisk, 85, of Metairie, Louisiana passed away on Tuesday, September 2nd. Mr. Fisk was born November 7,1939 in New Orleans. The only child of Harold C. and Elizabeth Higgins Fisk, he grew up in Lakeview before settling inMetairie.A proud Tulane graduate,he founded "Convention Service of LA" and grew the business to be the preeminent company for handling all services neededto present aconvention at New Orleans' many venues. Nationally renowned, his company handled construction, transportation, advertising, on-site event management, vendor coordination, emergency management, security, and all aspects of convention build out. He employed hundreds of union members, teamsters, police officers, and firemen. Known as "the man to call if youwantit done," he was recognized nationwide for his business expertise and was regularly called upon to solve industry problemsall over the country. Donald begandating the love of his life, Mable Persson Fisk, in 1968. They married in 1978 and built alife together in Metairie. They especially enjoyed their vacation home in the Rigolets -shrimping and water skiing. Afirst-class seaman in the Coast Guard, he hada passion for building and refurbishingmany boats, including designing and buildinga trolling shrimp boat by himself. Although he and Mabel had no children, they were proud parents of Harvey the Rabbit, turtles, and, over the years, housed acollection of other swampland creatures. Unfortunately, Mable, after abrief illness, predeceased him. Truly, nota day went by without Donald remembering his dearwife, missing her, and referring to her. Aselfmademan, Donald was very intelligent. He loved to debate an issue and would talk long into the night to argue his point. He lived life on his own terms and was very clear about his opinions. If he didn't care for you, you would know it withina second, but if he liked you, he would go to the end of the world to help you. He had an immediate comeback for any conversation and relished giving advice on how to do or fix anything. Donald was predeceased by his parents and his beloved wife. He is survived by his extended family including VickiFisk, Robin Mathews, andJames Fisk, and his lifelong friend and "partner in crime h d ll

Henry Schroeder, as well as numerous colleagues from his business world Family and friends are invited to attend agraveside service at Lake Lawn Park Cemetery, 5454 Pontchartrain Blvd.New Orleans on Friday, September 19, 2025, at 2:00pm. To viewand sign the online guestbook, please visit www.lakelawn metairie.com

GarveySr.,James Donald

On September 8th at 6:15 in the morning the sun set. James Donald Garvey, Sr., 92 years of age,left this world. His last words were "I love you." He rose every morningwith warmth, light, and great appreciation for his colleaguesinlife. Although his life was filled with accolades, achievements, and tremendous acts of generosity,hebelieved they came by theGrace of Godand preferred to remainanonymous. A Singular success he believed he owned was running the Boston Marathon, twice. In every community in which he wasinvolved (and there were many)he led by love and asincere admiration for the workof others. Among them were theRight to Life Movement, Catholic Charities, Radiofone Inc., St Catherine of Siena Parish, The New Orleans Track Club, the Cajun Dance Community and many others. He will be sorely missedbyhis loving wifeof25years Marge Garvey, hisdearsister, Loretta Whyte, his4 childrenand their spouses, Kathleen (W. Scott Williams d.), James (Kathy),Daniel (Alyson), Timothy (Kristin), hisstepson MichaelChristner (Melissa), and his17 grandchildren Brandon, Katie, Caileigh, Colin, Donald, James, Emerson, Evan,Claire,Tommy, Hannah, Morgan,Addison, Cade, Darcy,Ellie and Caitlin. He was adevoted uncle andgranduncle and friend tomany many nieces and nephews. Waiting for him with God arethe wifeofhis youth, Kathleen Murphy Garvey (Kitty Belle),his parents Thomas and Loretta, 5of their 7children, Mary Francis, Thomas, Richard, Dolores, and Lawrence Amemorial mass will be heldatSt. Catherine of Siena Parish Church, 105 Bonnabel Blvd. Metairie,LA on September20, at 1:30pm, visitation at 12:30. To view and signthe online guestbook, please visit www.lakelawnmetairie.co m

Grant Jr., Robert Joseph

Robert Joseph Grant Jr departed this life on August28, 2025, at the age of 67. He was born on October 11, 1957, to the late LorraineAnn Glapion and

Robert Grant Sr., Robert wasa quiet yet lovable soul.His relaxed nature and warm presence brought comfort to those around him, while his sense of humor, love of sports,and lighthearted jokes filledmany liveswith laughter and joy. Hischildren and grandchildren were theabsolute love of his life,hewas ecstatically proud of allofthem. He was educatedinthe New Orleans Public School Systemand worked in the retail grocery business and then as alaborer in Construction. Robert is precededin death by his parents, Lorraine and Robert Grant Sr twobrothers, Ward and Darryl Grant, two auntsCleoLee (Louis) and Florence Jones (Louis Jr.), threeuncles Eugene Thomas, Lester and Alonzo Albert and one nephew Ward Gonzalez. He leaves to cherish his memory twolovingdaughters, Kyann Johnsonand Akira (Eryn) Ulmer ,and a loving son, Ronell Hubbard, one grandson, Marcus Ulmer; twogranddaughters, Aiyanna and Ariah Ulmer; one loving and devotedbrother CaryGrant, sister-in-laws CherylGrant RoiRembleand Wanda Smith,two nieces, Chauni Williams (Craig)and Kavon Gonzalez, twonephews nephews, Darryl Grant and DurellSmith;two greatnieces Keira and Kylie Gonzalez, one greatnephew Cary Grant and one devotedcousinDonald Jones (Felicia)along with a host of other loving relativesand friends.

Robert'shumor,kindness, and love willbe deeply missed butfondly rememberedbyall whose liveshetouched.

Amemorial servicecelebrating the life of Robert Grant Jr.willbeheldat Church Without Walls, 9810 Lake ForestBlvd. New Orleans, LA 70127, at 10 am. PastorRobertBoutte, Officiating

Arepast will followat The Esplanade at City Park Apartment Club House 3443 Esplanade Ave NewOrleans, LA 70119

GateCodeis#1234

Allare invited to attend The family wishes to thank everyone who loved and helped Robert in his time of need.

ChristopherGlas Haller, born on August 27, 1969, in NewOrleans, Louisiana, passed away on September 3, 2025 at the ageof56. He was alongtime resident of Metairie Louisianaand acurrent resident of Bay St.Louis, Mississippi. Chriswas a belovedmember of his family and community and will be remembered for his exceptional skills as acarpenterand his deep passionfor thearts. He is survivedbyhis siblings, John G. Haller,Jr. and Jeanie H. Campbell (Daryl), niece, Lauren Campbell Boyer (Cody), step-niece, Kayla Campbell and many aunts, uncles and cousins. He was precededindeathby his parents, John G. Haller Sr.and JudyGlasHaller, grandparents, Theodore Frank Haller,Sr. and Yvonne Deynoodt Haller and Jeremy Rudolph Glas and June Rowley Glas. A man of diverse interests, Chrisfound joyinhunting andfishing,activitiesthat connected him to bothnature and thecherished bondsoffriendship.He cherished thevibrantculture of his hometown, oftenattending local New Orleans festivals, where his spirit thrivedamidst music, foodand festivities. He was also adevoted fan

of theNew Orleans Saints. Chris was atalented artist, pouring his creativity into various forms of expression. Hisartwork reflected his love forlife andthe beauty of theworld around him, captivating those lucky enoughtoexperience it.Chris's legacy will endurethrough heartfelt memories shared by his family and friends,a reminder of alifelived with passion, artistry and aprofound appreciation forthe rich tapestry of life in New Orleans. Relatives and friends are invitedtoattend amemorial mass at St. Francis XavierCatholic Church, 444 Metairie Road,Metairie, Louisiana 70005 on Saturday, September 20, 2025. Visitationwillbegin at 9:30 a.m. followedbythe mass at 10:30 a.m. Interment willtakeplace at alater date. In lieu of flowers, please donatetoanorganizationdedicated to the treatment of mental health or suicide prevention.

Harp, BennelMarie Bennel MarieHarp,born January 31, 1952, joinedher mother, father, brothers, and theangels in eternal restonSeptember11, 2025. She wasthe kind of woman who livedlifeexactly on herown terms, with no need for pretense or polish. Unbothered by material thingsand indifferent to vanity, she spoke hermind with refreshing honesty and compassion. Those who knewher quickly realized that herdirectness wasmatchedonly by her kindness. She wasgenerous with hertime,her friendship, and her heart—always shining light on others,never seeking the spotlight herself. An athleteinher younger years, she spent time as a florist beforestepping into hertrue calling:a long and respected career in Corrections.There, she earned admiration not from demanding respect, but fromgiving it freely and consistently through heractions.Quietly powerful and unassuming,she embodied authenticity in every chapter of herlife Though she neverhad children of herown, she adored hernieces, nephews, and the children of herclosest friends, many of whom she claimed as herown in the wayonly she could. She valued family, friendship, comfort,and good conversation—often accompanied by acold beer. Her life

wasa rareand striking blendofstrength,humor, loyalty, andindependence. Shewill be deeply missed by herfamily, hercircleof friends, and all whose lives she touched.She is survivedbyher devotedsister andbrother-in-law,Donna andEJHahn; brother, SidneyL.HarpII, andhis wife, Brenda; nieces and nephews, Lydia Hahn EddieHahn(Candi), Courtney Cassard(Gerald), Amy LaGraize (Paul), and Brooke Hebert;greatnieces and nephews, BreannaHahn, Darren Hahn,Dlayna Jackson, Camille Hahn Ramos, Elbie Hahn,CruzCassard, Thomas LaGraize,Harper LaGraize,Noah Hebert,and Adam Hebert;and greatgreat-nieces,Bry'Onna Hahn,BraylaSteward, and Brinique Steward; along with ahost of special friends, including herchosen family- Dana Aucoin, Kurt Westerman, Cameran Aucoin andDeanieDaigle. Shewas preceded in death by herparents, Bennett Robert and ElsieOurso Harp; brothers, Wayne Richardson-Harp and BennettRobertHarpJr.; grandparents, Sidney and AimeeFalcon Ourso and Sidneyand FlossieBabin Harp; andagreat-niece, Lytecianna Hahn Friends andfamilyare invited to avisitation and memorial Mass on Saturday, September 20th at Ascension of OurLord Catholic Church,716 Mississippi Street, Donaldsonville from 8:30am untilMass time at 11:00am. IntermenttofollowinAscension Catholic Cemetery.Father Matt Duprewill be officiating Feelfreetocome comfortably, as Bennel wasnot a fan of dressshoes or fancy attire!Ifyou know, you know!

On Tuesdayevening, September9,2025, God, in Hisunmatched power, called Benjamin Harris (Ben)toeternal rest at the ageof91. Benwas born October23,1933 to thelate Paul Harris andNellie Palmer Harris Milton in Woodville, MS.A proudvet‐eran of theKoreanWar and aretired laborerwithLocal 689, passedawaysur‐rounded by lovedones. He wasa loving father to Gary Harris,TerrellBanks (Glenda),stepfathertoVir‐giniaPellerin(Paul)and AkitaCollins.Hewas the brothertoRosia Thomas andthe late KatieHarris, Marshall Selph, Bessie Lewis, andMaryBuckley He will be remembered for hisservice to hiscountry hisdedicationtohis fam‐ily, andthe love he shared with thosearound him. Ben wasprecededindeath by hisparents Paul Harris and Nellie Palmer HarrisMilton siblings KatieHarris, Mar‐shallSelph,BessieLewis, andMaryBuckley.Ben leaves to mournfourchil‐dren Gary Harris,Terrell Banks(Glenda), step‐daughtersVirginiaPellerin (Paul),and AkitaCollins, andhis honorary daughter JaymeHayes,his sister RosiaThomas, 8grandchil‐dren,2 great-grandchildren andhis ex-wife/loyalfriend Littie Harris.A host of nieces,nephews, otherrel‐atives andfriends.Rela‐tivesand friendsofthe familyare invitedtoattend avisitationatD.W.Rhodes FuneralHome, 3933 Wash‐ington Avenue,New Or‐leans, LA,Friday, Septem‐ber19, 2025, from 12:00 pm to 1:00pm.Interment: CedarRestNo.2Cemetery, Woodville, MS.Pleasegoto https://premiermemories net/users/MTczMTQyLUJ yZW5kYSA=/home.html sign theonlineguestbook, sharememoriesand con‐dolences with thefamily. Arrangements entrustedto D.W. Rhodes FuneralHome, 3933 Washington Ave.,New Orleans, LA (504)822-7162 www.rhodesfuneral.com.To send flowersora memorial gift to thefamilyofBen‐

Harris, Benjamin 'Ben'

Fisk,Donald Charles

Haller, ChristopherGlas

jaminHarrispleasevisit

ourSympathyStore Family FuneralHome, 9611 LA-23, BelleChasse,LA 70037, (504) 208-2119. For online condolences, please visitwww.robinsonfamilyf uneralhome.com.

Harvey,Ellen Marie'Dubby'

It is with heavyhearts that we announcethe passingofour beloved EllenMarie “Dubby”Har‐vey, who left this worldfar toosoon at theyoung age of 48, after ashort but courageous battlewith lung cancer.Ellen passed away peacefully at home surrounded by familyand friends. Ellenwas born at CharityHospitalinNew Or‐leans, Louisiana, on July 19, 1977,and raised in Buras, Louisiana. Shegraduated from BurasHighSchool in 1995 andwentontostudy nursing at Southeastern LouisianaUniversity. After stepping away from her studies, shebegan the most importantchapter of herlife— motherhood.She welcomed her firstson on April10, 2000, andher sec‐ondson on September29, 2003,the twogreatestjoys of herlife. AfterHurricane Katrinain2005, Ellenmade BatonRouge herhome, where shebuilt alife filled with love,resilience,and cherishedmemories. She laterfound hercalling in banking, where shebuilt a successful career and most recently served as a Relationship Banker at LNB. Ellenwas atruepeo‐pleperson— hercowork‐ersand customersadored her. Shehad agiftfor mak‐ingeveryonefeel valued always going aboveand beyond to ensure they were cared for. Ellenloved deeply andpouredher whole heartintothe peo‐pleshe caredabout.Even whenlifewasn’teasy, she faced everychallenge with strength,courage,and de‐termination. Shehad away of making thebestout of everysituation,never ask‐ingfor much,but always giving herall to make sure sheand herboyshad what they needed to thrive.To know Ellenwas trulyto love her— shewasone of akind. Herspiritwas bright andunshakable, filledwithhonesty,humor, andsomuchheart.She touchedlives in ways that wordscan neverfully cap‐ture,leaving behind love andmemoriesthatwilllast forever. Shefound joyin thesimplethings: enjoying acoldBud Light, finding ways to gether vegetable garden to grow as she wanted,cookinglate-night full-coursemeals,soaking in the beauty of theout‐doors, andsharing laugh‐terwiththose shelovingly called her“village boys.” More than anything,her greatest joyand deepest pridewereher twosons, Korenand Kaleb, who were trulyher world. Therewas nothingshe wouldn’t do forthem. Ellenissurvived by herdevoted sons,Koren andKaleb Williamson;her loving parents, Shelia Bor‐denand HaywardHarvey; hersisters Trichelle Dun‐canand StephanieBorden; hernephews,David III (godson) andDonovan Duncan;her brother-in-law DavidDuncanJr.;her aunts, Noarnice Riley(Late Herman), Iona Preston, SherrieDeVore(Kenneth), Monike Turner (Burghart), andLou Sylve; andher un‐cles,SidneyHarvey (Kathy), Victor Harvey,Gre‐gorySt. AnnJr. (Brenda), andRonaldBartholomew Shealsoleavesbehindher godparents(Aretha Eti‐enne andVictorHarvey),a multitudeofcousins anda circle of dear friends, espe‐cially AntiguaDenet Franklin,EnieceBentley andTorie Jones, who will forevercherish hermem‐ory. Sheisprecededin deathbyher stepdadStan‐leyBorden, grandparents Edithand GregorySt. Ann Sr., andPearl andRev.Hay‐ward Harvey Sr,aunt Leu‐verta“Toni”Gamblin,un‐cles Joseph,Yogi andEd‐ward Bartholomew. Though gonetoo soon Ellenleavesbehinda legacy of love,laughter, andstrength. Hermemory will live on in theheartsof allwho knew her, are‐minder of howdeeply she caredand how fiercely she loved. Relativesand friendsofthe familyare in‐vitedtothe Memorial Ser‐vice to celebrate"Dubby's" life which will be held on Saturday,September 20, 2025 at Robinson Family FuneralHome. Services will beginat9 a.m. Pastor Burghart Turner of Port Sulphur BaptistChurchof‐ficiatingand intermentwill be private. Funeralplan‐ning entrustedtoRobinson

Hollins, GenevaJohnson

Mrs. Geneva Johnson Hollins, born on January19, 1934, in Lexington, Missis‐sippi,passedawaypeace‐fully at home surrounded by hertwo loving sons on September12, 2025, in Bush,Louisiana.Geneva wasthe daughter of Walter C. Johnsonand Mary P. MorrisJohnson.She grew up in Mississippi alongside hersiblingsJuanita John‐son, RobertaJohnson,and CleothaJohnson,all of whompreceded herin death. Herremaining sib‐lingsinclude hersisters Corrine,Bernice,Bertha, andAdlean. Determined to pursue hereducation later in life,Genevaattended nightschool to earn her high school diploma-an achievementthatreflected herperseveranceand ded‐icationto personal growth Hercommitmenttocaring forothersled hertoa long andmeaningfulcareer at Southern Baptist Hospital, where sheworkedfor over 25 yearsinthe newborn nursery.Her work touched countless livesduring thoseyears andlefta last‐ingimpactonthe families sheserved. Geneva was unitedinmarriagewithAl‐fonsia L. Hollins, Jr., who also preceded herindeath Together they raised two sons:AlfonsiaL.Hollins,III andJeromeI.Hollins,who survived herand carry for‐ward her legacy.Inher leisuretime, Geneva found joyinsimplepleasures Sheespeciallyenjoyed watching “Wheel of For‐tune”and classictelevi‐sion westerns-pastimes that broughtcomfort and familiaritythroughoutthe years. Awoman of quiet strength andenduring love,Genevawillbere‐membered by thosewho knew herfor thelifeshe livedwithgrace andre‐silience.May hermemory bringcomfort to thosewho knew andloved her. Rela‐tivesand Friendsofthe family areall invitedtoat‐tend theFuneralService on Friday,September 19, 2025, at 12:00 noon at Calvary Tabernacle C.M.E. Church 3629 DryadesSt. NewOr‐leans, LA.70115. Visitation will beginat10:00am.In‐termentwillbeinGreen‐wood Cemetery.Profes‐sional Arrangements En‐trustedtoMajesticMortu‐aryService, Inc. (504)5235872.

Johnson,Drake Elijah

DrakeElijahJohnson, age16, passedawaysud‐denlyonSeptember 1, 2025, at ManningFamily Children’s Hospital in New Orleans, Louisiana. Born to PercyDevin Johnsonand MarilynJohnson on De‐cember 8, 2008, in Gretna Louisiana. Drakewas a belovedson,brother nephew,cousin, and friend.Hewas ajuniorat Belle Chasse High School where he wasknown for hisbrightsmile,kindspirit, andthe joyhebrought to everyone around him. Drakewas autistic andhad auniqueand beautifulway of connecting with the world. He lovedvideo games, bowling, golf, and tripstothe carwash. He shared aspecial bond with hispug,Olie, andwas fa‐mous forhis warm greet‐ings andthoughtfulre‐mindersto“wear your seatbelts.”Drake’s life, though far tooshort,was filledwithlove, joy, and light. Heleavesbehindhis parents, PercyD.Johnson andMarilynJohnson,his brother, PercyDevin John‐sonJr. Hisgrandparents areDebra D. Johnson, Arlon andJason Forest,Barbara Savoie (Karl),and Marilyn Johnson(Percy).God-Sis‐

terOcean Addisonand a host of familymembers andfriends who will for‐ever treasure hismemory. He preceded in deathhis grandfather’sKarlL Savoie andPercy Johnson. Ser‐vicestobeheldon Wednesday, September17, 2025, at GreaterMorning Star BaptistChurch at 14747 LA-23Belle Chasse, La.Visitationwillbegin at 9:00am.Funeralservices will beginat11:00am.Fu‐neralplanningentrusted to Robinson Family Funeral Home,9611 La -23, Belle Chasse,LA70037 (504)208 –2119. Foronlinecondo‐lences please visitwww robinsonfamilyfuneralho me.com

Lehrer

Ph.D.,Samuel Bruce

Samuel Bruce Lehrer, Ph.D., aged 82 years, adistinguished microbiologist and clinical immunology researcherwhose work advanced understandingof food and environmental allergens, passed away on September 16, 2025.

Born in NewBritain, Connecticut on April1, 1943, Dr. Lehrerpursueda career dedicated to allergy and immunology research and education.Heserved formany years at Tulane School of Medicine,as Professor of Medicine in theSection of Clinical Immunology,Allergy& Rheumatology, mentoring traineesand collaborating across disciplines. Dr. Lehrer's scholarship included influentialstudies on IgE-mediatedresponses to seafood allergens and otherenvironmental triggers, contributingtoimproved diagnosis and risk assessment forpatients with foodhypersensitivity. Acrosshis four-decade long career, Dr. Lehrer authored and co-authored over 190 peer-reviewed publications, including workongenetic modification of food allergens and theutilityofanimal models in predicting human allergenicity. Hisresearchis widely cited in thefields of Immunology, Allergy,and FoodScience, with over 8,000-plus citations.

Dr. Lehrerwas active in professional societies, including theAmerican Academy of Allergy, the American Associationof Immunology, and the American ThoracicSociety, reflecting his commitment to interdisciplinary collaborationand scientificrigor Dr. Lehrerissurvived by his wife GilaLehrer, their children RudyLehrer, Marc Charles Lehrer, Nicole Lehrer, and their9 grandchildren: Yishai,Tsuriel, Shmaya,Sholom Dovber, Yosef, Leibel, Lillian, Gabrielle,and JolieLehrer. Dr. Lehrerisalso survived by his olderbrother Leon Lehrerand Leon's wife Jan and theirchildren. He was precededindeathbytwo children, Marc Barnet Lehrer and Sandra Grace Lehrer.

Samuel Lehrer willbe forever remembered by family forhis generosity, his sharp humor,aninsatiable intellectual curiosity,and above all his compassionand love for his family Graveside serviceswill be held on Thursday, September 18, 2025 at 1:00 p.m., at Tikvat Shalom Cemetery (in Jefferson Memorial Gardens) St. Rose, Louisiana. In lieu of flowers,the family suggests donations to in Dr. Lehrer's memory to your preferred charity

and grandchildren Matthew McKenzie, ChandlerOsborn and CameronOsborn. Rose was adevoted mother and grandmother and spent all of hertime caring forher family.Inher earlieryears, Rose was ahairstylistand owned her own beauty shop. Being abusiness ownerwas one of her proudestaccomplishments. Later she spent many yearsasa waitress at Ye Olde CollegeInn in NewOrleans. Her greatest joys in life were spending time with our family,getting chocolatesnoballs from Sal's Snoballs, riding on the NewOrleans Lakefront with her daughter, spending time talking with her neighborsonher front porch and going to thecasino. She was acherishedmember of our family,a wonderful friend and neighbor to allwho knew her. She willbegreatly missed.Relatives and friends are invitedtoattend aMemorial Service at 11:00 AM on Saturday, September 20, 2025 at Tharp Funeral Home, 1600 N. Causeway Blvd., Metairie,LA70001. Visitation willbeginat 10:00 AM. Expressionsof love and sympathy may be viewedand placed at www.tharpcares.com.

Preatto Jr., Earl Joseph 'CousinEarl'

uneral.com to sign theon‐line guestbook TonyaDavis Redmond. Lov‐ingfatherofMandela, Joshua Earl,and Stephan Elisha Redmond. Grandfa‐ther of MaKeen Mandela andSpencer Olivia.Son of thelateJessieJames and ViolaRedmond.Brother of WilliamLee, JessieAlbert, andRandolphRedmond andthe late AlfonsoRed‐mond,and Gracie Red‐mond.Son-in-lawofthe late RogerColeman,Sr. andFrank Davis. Relatives andfriends of thefamily, also pastors, officers and membersofFaith Temple Church of GodinChrist, andall neighboring churches areinvited to at‐tend theCelebration of Life at DavisMortuaryService 230 Monroe Street,Gretna, LA on Friday,September 19, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. Visi‐tation begins at 8:30 a.m. until servicetimeatthe above-namedparlor. Inter‐ment:Southeast Louisiana Veterans Cemetery,Slidell, LA.Toviewand sign the guestbook,pleasegoto www.davismortuaryservic e.com. Face masksare rec‐ommended

Rose McKenzie,84, passed away on Saturday, September, 13, 2025. She was acherished member of our family.She was preceded in death by Virgil McKenzie, her husband of 48 years, her parents Josephand Phyllis Anzalone and her brother GeraldAnzalone. She leaves behind her daughterPhyllisOsborn (Wade)

In Loving Memory of Martha RayPipkins (1946–2025).OnFriday, Septem‐ber5,2025, Martha Ray Pipkinspeacefully de‐parted this life at theage of 79, leavingbehinda legacy of grace, devotion, andquiet strength that will echo throughgenerations Martha wasthe cherished daughter of thelateWalter Cooper,Sr. andIda K. Cooper,bornonJune 9, 1946, in NewOrleans,LA. Shewas abeloved wife to OscarP.Pipkins anda guidinglight to herdaugh‐ters,Janelle Jamesand SharvonKamaya, whose liveswereshapedbyher unwavering love andwis‐dom. Martha’s nurturing spirit extended far beyond herimmediatefamily. She wasa proudgrandmother of six, each of whomcar‐ries apiece of herheart andher values.She also lovingly embraced two bonus grandchildren, three godchildren, andwas a treasuredaunt to ahostof nieces andnephews who found comfortand counsel in herpresence. Agradu‐ateofDillard University School of Nursing, Martha beganher career at Mercy Hospital,where sheserved as apioneeringcharge nurse.She laterworkedfor theCityofNew Orleans Health Department as a Well Child Clinic NurseSu‐pervisor until herretire‐ment in 2006. Marthawas a lifelong member of First AfricanBaptist Church of the6th District,baptized by Rev. Dr.C.S.Gordon, Sr Sheservedfaithfullyasa deaconess, Sunday School teacher, andSeniorChoir member,dedicatingher life to faith,family, and service. Martha’s life wasa quiettestament to faith resilience,and compas‐sion.Whether offering a listeningear,a warm meal or awordofencourage‐ment,she gave freelyand fully.Her home wasa haven, herheart asanctu‐ary. Shewas preceded in deathbyher siblings Wal‐terCooper,Jr.,Eddie Cooper,and Mary Ann Cooper,withwhomshe shared deep familial bonds andenduringmemories. Martha leaves behind to cherishher memory,her husband of 48 years, Oscar P. Pipkins; twodaughters JanelleJames (Justin) and SharvonKamaya (Gino); four grandsons, Peter James, MasonJames,Mar‐celJames,and Ethan James; 2granddaughters, JustineJames andAriyah Kamaya;two bonus grand‐daughters, Christina Agastinho andKimorah Djoko; brother-in-law,Mor‐risPipkins;sister-in-law, Brenda Adams-Byrd;aunts, ahostofnieces, nephews, cousins, friends, church members, andneighbors Relativesand friendsofthe familyare invitedtocele‐brateher life at afuneral serviceonSaturday, Sep‐tember 20,2025, at Fellow‐ship Missionary Baptist Church,2805 GeneralTay‐lorStreet.Visitationwill beginat9:00a.m followed by theservice at 11:00 a.m. Intermentwilltakeplace at Mount Olivet Cemetery Arrangements entrustedto D.W. Rhodes FuneralHome, 3933 Washington Ave. Please visitwww.rhodesf

Earl Joseph “Cousin Earl”Preatto Jr.departed this life unexpectedly on Friday,September 5, 2025, at theage of 64. He wasa native of newOrleans,LA, anda resident of Marrero, LA.Earlwas agraduateof LincolnHighSchool.He wasemployedasa ThrowerwithMisterJug Shrimp Boat.Earllived a life full of adventure, laughter,and love.Hewas knownfor hisgenerous spirit,strongwork ethics andhefound joyinspend‐ingtimeonthe water. De‐votedfatherofEarl(Jes‐sica)Hill, Quan Preatto (Ashley);Hewas also in‐strumental in therearing of CandaceHill. Grandfa‐ther of Josiah Johnson Preatto,UyssiaHill, and Yahsha Hill.Beloved sonof Marion W. Preatto andthe late Earl Joseph Preatto Sr Belovedbrother of Lydia Preatto (Armand) Green, DarlenePreatto Warren Zetta Preatto (Eddie) John‐son, Jonathan (Montrice) Preatto,Octavia Preatto andElishaPreatto Brother-in-law of thelate RoyLee Warren.Heissur‐vivedbyhis devotedcom‐panion of 26 years, Cecelia Ervin; herdaughter ShamiraErvin,whomhe lovedashis own; andher grandchildrenKai Manvel, Kayden Clarkand Kendrick Clark, who broughthim greatjoy.Earlisalsosur‐vivedbyfourGodchildren; MarickaPreatto Simms, TanishaHeiser, Ashton Thomas andMa’Cari Slack, anda host of aunts, un‐cles,nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family andfriends,all of whom will cherishhis memory Relativesand friendsofthe family, also priest and parishioners of St.Joseph theWorkerCatholic Church andall neighboring churches areinvited to at‐tend theMassofChristian Burial at St Joseph the Worker Catholic Church, 455 Ames Blvd Marrero, LA on Friday,September 19, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. Fa‐ther Sidney Speaks,cele‐brant. Visitation will begin at 8:00 a.m.;Recitationof Rosary 8:45 a.m.;Tribute to follow;Interment:Wood‐lawn Park Memorial Ceme‐tery-Westwego, LA Arrangements by Davis Mortuary Service, 230 Mon‐roeSt.,Gretna, LA To view andsignthe guestbook please gotowww.davismo rtuaryservice.com. Face masksare recommended

RayshadAshanti Robin‐son, affectionately known as “Eshad”, enteredthis life on March2,1999. He wasthe second childborn to RussellKiante’ Robin‐son, Sr.and Rowena Kay McCormick-Robinson.He wasanactivememberand participantofthe Freret Street Neighborhood Cen‐ter. He then graduated from AdinkraNolaHome‐school.Healsoattended YEPEducates, where he became certified incom‐putergraphic design Rayshadwas preceded in deathbyhis paternal grandfather, RussellTay‐lor, uncle, Darren Robin‐son, andaunt,Tammy Mc‐Cormick-Broussard. Sur‐vivors includehis loving parents, Russelland Rowena Robinson,siblings, RussellRobinson, Jr., Ryan Robinson,and Rhia Robin‐son, paternal grandparent, AliceRichardson, maternal grandparents,Ransomand Labertha McCormick, and ahostofaunts, uncles cousins, andfriends.Fam‐ilyand friendsare invited to attend theCelebration of Life ServiceonSaturday, September20, 2025, for 10:00 a.m. at TheBoyd Family FuneralHome, 5001 Chef MenteurHwy., New Orleans, LA 70126. Visita‐tion will beginat9:00a.m Deacon AllenStevens,offi‐ciating. Intermentwillfol‐lowatProvidenceMemor‐ialPark, 8200 AirlineDr., Metairie,LA70003. Guest‐book Online:www.anewtra ditionbegins.com (504) 2820600. DonavinD.Boydand Linear BrooksBoydOwn‐ers/FuneralDirectors

CarlaFortner Sharp, 76 of Folsom,Louisiana passedawayMonday, Sep‐tember 15, 2025, peacefully surrounded by herloving family. Carlawas born Sep‐tember 25, 1948 in New‐port,ArkansastoBuddy McKenzie,RoseAnzalone

JamesEarlRedmond en‐teredeternal rest at his residenceonThursday, September4,2025, at age 61. He wasa native of Mid‐dlesex,NCand wasa resi‐dent of Marrero, LA.James wasa graduate of Enloe High School,and he at‐tended CoastalCommunity College. He served his countryinthe United States Marine Corpsfor 10 years. Jameswas aformer employee with Carnival Towing Serviceasa truck driver.Beloved husband of

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Robinson,Rayshad Ashanti

Pipkins, Martha Ray

Redmond, JamesEarl

Sharp, CarlaFortner

Cuts threaten to dimfutureof LIGO,which hashelpedLa. reachfor stars

Louisiana is known for many things —music, arts, culture, food. Butchances arethat, outside ahighly specialized community,itisnot recognizedasahub of physics experimentation. Yet that’s exactly what’sbeen happening deepinthe piney woods of Livingston Parish atthe Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory, or LIGO. With its counterpart in Washingtonstate, known as LIGO Hanford, it hasbeen conducting research on gravitationalwaves for decades. Thesewaves arecentral to some ofthe most foundational theories in astrophysics.

On Sept. 14, 2015, asignal from twoblack holes colliding reached LIGO. These werethe firstgravitational waves ever detectedonthe planet, and they confirmedakey tenet of Albert Einstein’stheory of general relativity,opening anew way for physicists to lookatthe universe

The Livingston site recently celebratedthe tenth anniversary of that discovery, which earnedthe scientists behind the projecta Nobel Prize Since that day,LIGO has been racking up many other discoveries, including one that verified ideas about black holes promulgated by Stephen Hawking in the 1970s.

Even for those of us who are not scientists,this is heady stuff. Trying to figure out the nature of the universe and our place in it hasbeen aquest of humankind since the beginning of time. That these powerful tools exist todaysonear to us should be asource of pride

LIGO has been continually upgrading its gravitational wave detectors to make themmore sensitive, and it has planstotemporarily closein November for improvements.

But the future of LIGO is nowatrisk.

Fundingfor constructionand maintenanceat the twin LIGO facilities comes almost entirely from the National Science Foundation. And now,the Trump administrationseeks to cut $5.2 billion, or 57%, of the NSF’s$9 billion annual budget. While House and Senate committees have tried to scale back the cuts, the proposed 2026 budget, which will be decidedinthe coming weeks, still would onlyallowfor oneLIGO site to operate, potentially shutting down or significantly reducing research in Livingston.

Each LIGO facility employs approximately 50 people. The Livingston site benefits thelocal community in myriad ways,including with outreach programs that welcome grade-school students to its Science EducationCenter.

The Livingston site alsohas aclose relationship with LSU, hosting graduate students andresearchers. Professors saythat hasmade it easier to attract top physics talent to our state, as LSU is theonlyuniversity in the U.S.thatislessthan 25 miles from such afacility

We understand that our country hastoset prioritiestoget its fiscal housein order.And we realize thattosome, facilities like LIGOmight seem expendable.

But we would arguethattoadvancecivilization and ensure abrighter future for humanity, we can’talways look only at the bottom line. We must continue to reach for the stars.

LETTERSTOTHE EDITOR ARE WELCOME. HERE AREOUR

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

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

TO SEND US A LETTER SCANHERE

MAGA sows chaos, notlaw andorder

Isaw combat on 13 different occasions in Vietnam. I’m aproud award recipient and stateleader of Purple Heart veterans. LikemanyU.S. militaryveterans, I’m confused by the overuse and modernization of the term“law and order.”

We all know what laws are, but I thinkthe “order” part is misunderstood. For example, U.S. law allows apresident to appoint asecretaryof defense. It’s recognition of how our societyand government are ordered and organized. The expectation is themost qualified person on military affairs in theentire United States —one who has theknowledge and militaryexperience —can become secretaryofdefense.

If aperson works hard and has a distinguished militarycareer,anythingcan happen. So why were all thecareer,heroic military veterans passed over when appointing the current secretaryofdefense? Andto further insult theveterans, the political appointee’sprevious job was as a weekend host of aFox news fluff and

As president and CEO of Survivors Cancer Action Network and as aformer Louisiana representative, Ihave witnessed thetremendous challenges cancer patients face when trying to access the treatments they need to survive. For too manyLouisiana families, thecrushing cost of cancer care adds unbearable stress to an already life-changing diagnosis.

Oneofthe biggest drivers of these costs is the lack of transparency and accountability in the pharmacy benefitmanager system.PBMs, powerful middlemen in the drug supply chain, negotiate rebates from manufacturers but often fail to pass those savings on topatients. Instead, they use practices like spread pricing and formulary manipulation that drive up out-of-pocket costs and limit treatment options. For cancer patients, these practices can mean the difference between accessing lifesaving medication or delaying care. With somecancer

fake news program. He wasn’teven in the primetime lineup. Appointing obviouslyunqualified individuals to the highest positions of responsibilityinthe US government is disorder —the exactopposite of “order.” It’sthe samewhen apresident pardons thousands of rightfully convicted defendants because of political considerations and not justice. It does not make Americans safe. Butinour American system of government,such illegal power is to be checked by thelegislative branch, my Louisiana members of Congress —who are embarrassingly subservient TrumpRepublicans. Idon’tknow what’s moreembarrassing: theactions of arogue president or the U.S. citizens’ representatives in Congress deliberatelyhiding their eyes, ears and refusing to be the people’svoice by speaking the truth.

MAGA slogans are meaningless concerning law and order RICHARD O’BRIEN Denham Springs

therapies costing well over $100,000 per year,even small manipulations in pricing or access can leave patients facing impossible choices. Reformingthe PBM system would bring much-needed transparency, ensuring that savings flow directly to patientsatthe pharmacy counter It would also restore fairness in how medications are priced and accessed, giving cancer patients and their families hope rather than financial despair Louisiana’scancer patients deserve asystem that works for them,not against them.Iappreciate Sen. Bill Cassidy,aleading voice on healthcare, for championing PBM reform that puts patients first, andI urge the rest of Louisiana’sCongressional delegation to join him.

JULIE STOKES

president and CEO of Survivors Cancer Action Network and aformer Louisiana representative

I’mtrying to decide if U.S. Rep. Clay Higgins, R-Lafayette, is evil or just tragically misinformed.I’llgive him the benefitofthe doubt andgowiththe latter I’msure hisintention is nottoactually harm children,but this is whathewill accomplishwithhis recentthreats regarding vaccines and theNew OrleansHealth Department.

Dr.JenniferAvegno andthe NOHD do a fine job at helpingtokeep thepublic safe Physicians who care forchildren —including membersofthe American Academy of Pediatrics (allboard-certified pediatricians, weirdly accused of “sorcery” by Higgins)and theAmerican Academy of Family Physicians —act in thebest interest of theiryoung patients, nottheir own personal politics. The overwhelming majority of doctors andpublic health officialsinour state morebroadly do, too —withthe unfortunate exception of ourillustriousSurgeon General Dr.Ralph Abraham, whosedangerousnotions about public health have evidentlypolluted Higgins’thinking. Dr.Avegno andher colleaguesatNOHD shouldbecommended —not impeded by these dimwits. People whobelieve in the sort of conspiracy theories Higgins promotes do so only because they don’tunderstand how things (like vaccines) actually work. JAMES THEIS NewOrleans

As the world around us seemsvery unsettlingthese days, thanks to my wonderful wife, Iwas invited to an island of celebration, music,gamesmanship and just plain old joy.This island in our city is Yulman Stadium at Tulane University We thoroughly enjoyed our first (but not last) Green Wave football game in years. Our great coach and team wonan impressive victory against Duke, and Ihope we can keep coach Jon Sumrall and his team for along time. Hats offto Tulane for such awonderful experience Our Duke guest and everyone in attendance exuded such inspiring college spirit. We can’twaittoreturn.

DAVID J. LANDRIEU NewOrleans

COMMENTARY

At 25,CafeReconcile shows howcommunities canthrive

andcateringoperation; athird-floor

Quin Hillyer

Look, up in Central City!It’sajob training center. It’slife-skills development. It’s aneighborhood redevelopment catalyst. It’sareally, really good restaurant. And now this Super-organization is turning 25 years old, with no Kryptonite in sight. When Café Reconcile, on the cornerofOretha Castle Haley Boulevard and Euterpe Street, hosts a“SUNday Social” mega-celebrationonthe afternoon of Sept. 28, it will highlight asupersuccess story in whichpublic sector grants, major and minorprivate philanthropy and free-market lessons and practices combine in oneremarkable enterprise. More simply: Yeah, thisisgood stuff ReconcileNew Orleans grew from the efforts of the Rev.Harry Thompson, S.J., and parishioners Craig Cuccia and Tim Falcon of downtown’sImmaculate Conception Catholic parish. The goal was to be what itswebsite calls“thecornerstone for the broader rehabilitation” of the nearby Central City neighborhood. Describing itself as a“non-profitworkforce training program,” Reconcile takes interested 16- to 24-year-olds for internships in afabulous lunch restaurant featuring New Orleans standards such as red beans, gumbo, catfish and po-boys. The restaurant’sreputation deservedly is national: First Lady Laura Bush ate there shortly after HurricaneKatrina, and in 2023 the New York Timeslisted it among the 50 restaurants in the whole country “that we’re the most excited about rightnow.”

Yetthe restaurant is just the first floor of a five-story building. Sandwiched between it and the fifth-floor administrative staff is asecond-floorevent space

HERE COMES AUTUMN

classroomand “case management” area teaching interpersonal skills that can apply to almost any job;and afourth-floor employment and career-readinesscenter that helps participants figure out and pursue their next career steps,including where to accessrelated resources,after they complete theReconcile program.

The program itself involves a14-week internship (withstipend) at the restaurant followed by afull year of engagement to help graduates take their next career steps. In 25 years the program hasproduced morethan 2,000 graduates andsent them not just into the restaurantand hospitalityindustry —not to belittle that, because therecordthere is terrific— but alsointojobs in fields as variedashealthcare, apipefitter’s union and aveterinarypractice.

“Thisplace is never quiet,” said Reconcile CEO Kheri Billy “Thereisdata…that young people are leaving the cityand thestate, [but]we aretalking about developing thenext generationoftalent,” Chief Program Officer Monique Robinson toldWDSU-TV recently.“We want home-grown talentto stayhere, whetherit’sinthe hospitality and tourism industry or not.”

On the same WDSU program, graduate Kennan Jordan spoke about how he previously had been “moving around alot,just nothaving astable place to be,” including stintsinLafayette and in Texas. “It washardfor me to have my feet grounded somewhere.”

Now, though, repeatedly calling his Reconcile experience “life changing,”he said it gave him “the first step of dedicationand just being somewhere thatI mattered.” Now he has asteadyjob at a top-notch New Orleans restaurant.

Meanwhile,Café Reconcile servedas oneoftwo anchors —the other being

It certainly doesn’t feel likefallisaround the corner,but it actually startsnext Monday.These squirrels are getting ajumponnut-gathering season and one hascome up with anew approach.

So,what’sgoing on in thiscartoon?youtell me.Be witty,funny,crazy,absurd or snarky —just trytokeep it clean.There’snolimit on the number of entries

Thewinning punchline willbe lettered into the word balloon and runon Monday,Sept.22 in our printeditionsand online.In addition,the winner will receiveasigned print of thecartoon along with acool winner’sT-shirt!

Some honorable mentions will also be listed.

the AsheCultural ArtsCenter across the street,founded in 1998 —that led to a revitalization of the previously blighted neighborhood. For aradius of several blocks in any direction, once-dilapidated properties now feature handsome buildings with solid businesses and plenteous foot traffic.

Billy,the CEO, is aNew Orleans native She said she remembers being alittle girl shopping in theareawithher mother at a“jazz market”and “littleeatery,” but “in the 1990s,ithad gone dark” while “there was ahuge crime wave all over the city.”But then came theteam from Immaculate Conception, buying the building that now houses Reconcile with the expresspurpose of using it for area youth, along withMayor MarcMorial using community-action block grants.

“I was in school at the time,” Billy said. “And Iremember Reconcile veryclearly coming into the community.”

Now Reconcile alone pays taxes to the cityonabout $380,000 in gross annual sales, not to mention all the similar benefits provided by thebusinesses that grew around it.

This is how,neighborhood by neighborhood, communities can be rebuilt.Government has arole, but that role neednot be controlling. Government can provide alittle leverage and grant help, and then watch as private philanthropy and private enterprise work wonders.

Thirty years ago, this was thesort of thing on which Republicans suchas former vice-presidential nominee Jack Kemp and Democrats suchasNew York’sSen. Daniel PatrickMoynihan found meetings of themind. Café Reconcile should serve as amodel for others, one well worth celebrating.

Email QuinHillyer at quin.hillyer@ theadvocate.com.

To enter,email your entries to cartooncontest@theadvocate.com.DON’T FORGET!All entries must includeyour name,home address and phone number.Cell numbers arebest. The deadline for all entries is midnight onThursday,Sept.18. Gather your punchlines and send themintowin! Good luck —Walt

NewYorkon brinkofterriblechoice

Next year willbring the 25th anniversary of 9/11, and with it an irresistible angle for journalists and commentators: New York’s first Muslimmayor marks anniversary of devastating radical Islamic attack on city

Mamdani’slead is anywhere from 15 to 22 points.

DidCharlie Kirk’s killer do it to show he could?

This is not about Charlie Kirk. He wasadmirable as adebater and as aconservative whowelcomed debate. Someofhis utterances werereprehensible, but no one should die because of opinions.

This is about the 22-year-old whoapparently shot and killed Kirk from arooftop and also the 20-year-old whoshot at Donald Trumpduring aPennsylvania rally,grazing his face. Both snipers worked from arooftop. Neither was especially political. Kirk’sapparent killer, Tyler Robinson, wasnot allied with any party and didn’t vote. And the young man whotried to execute Trump, Thomas Crooks, wasaregistered Republican. Both came from conservative families nested in MAGAland.

The moresophisticated takes of Robinson’smotives veer away from political passions. Many Gen Zmen like him have sunk into the shadowyvortex of social media. Their online life had become separate from what we would callreal life. They parade their cleverness before an internet audience of who-knows-who. Both lived on and offwith their parents; they hadn’treally launched.

One thing deepened the public’smotive mystery before either perpetrator was named. Both were obviously sharpshooters, products of agun culture. As noted, both placed themselvesonroofs agood distancefromapolitical rally.Asniper firing fromarooftopisanarchetypal scene in ourculture.The shooter represents the powerfromabove, unseen and controlling. If politics aren’t the poison motivating this gun violenceatpolitical rallies, what is? Considerthis possibility: These postadolescents were making few waves outside their parents’ homes. They mayhave wanted to prove to their online societythat theycan pull offworld-changing capers. Ascouring of Robinson’ssocial media shows thathewas an avid memberofa group on Discord, aplatform that lets usershide their identity.Robinson mayhave yearnedtoshowhis audience that he could pull offadaring military-style action. But first it was playtime with his online squad, ameanstomaintain control.

ListentoRobinson’scoy talk with a friend who said that the suspect shown in the FBI pictureslooked like him. No, Robinsonquipped. The guy who looked like him wasa doppelganger (his double). He continued messing with the group. When anotheruserproposed that the group turn Robinsoninand get the $100,000 the FBI was offering, Robinsonresponded, “Only if Iget acut.”

That mayor will be, of course, Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic Socialist candidate with ahuge lead over afractured field in the Nov.4 mayoral election. Aseries of recent polls suggest that, barring somehuge, incredible, world-shaking unforeseen development, Mamdani will beelected mayor less than two months from now Anew CBS News poll shows Mamdani with a15-pointlead, 43% to 28%, overformerDemocratic New York Gov.Andrew Cuomo, now runningasanindependent.Republican Curtis Sliwa is at 15%, 28 points behind Mamdani, and current New York Mayor Eric Adams is at 6%, 37 points behind Mamdani. Even if Adams weretodrop out, and there are reports he will,the basic structure of the race wouldnot change

Another recent poll, by Emerson, was nearly identical, with Mamdani at 43%, Cuomo at 28%, Sliwaat10% and Adams at 8%. AQuinnipiac survey has Mamdani at 45%, with Cuomo at 23%, Sliwa at 15%and Adams at 12%. And a New York Times/Siena poll has Mamdani at 46%, Cuomo at 24%,Sliwaat 15% and Adams at 9%. Look at all thepolls, and

Onemeasure of how weird this campaign is that even though Mamdani, the socialist, is running as the Democratic nominee, some topleaders in the Democratic Party cannot bring themselves to endorse their own team’scandidate.

The election is less than two months away,and Senate Minority Leader CharlesSchumer (D-N.Y.) and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) —bothofwhom live in New York City— have not endorsed Mamdani.

Indeed, onlyrecently did the Democratic governor of New York, Kathy Hochul, endorse the Democratic candidate for mayor of NewYork City.Inanop-ed in The New York Times, Hochul said she had had many talks with Mamdani. She said they talked about public safety,religioustolerance, economic development, taxes andother issues.

Remember thatMamdani has either recently embraced or currently proposed abolishing the police, establishing citypaid child care, imposing apotentially business-crippling $30 minimum wage and sky-high taxes and other so-called progressive policies. (On the other hand, he has recently stopped advocating “globalizing the intifada.”)

“I did not leave my conversations with Mr.Mamdani aligned withhim on every issue,”Hochul diplomatically wrote. “But Iamconfidentthat he has the courage, urgency and optimism New York City needs to lead it through the challenges of this moment.”

Perhaps Hochul is confident because she and Mamdani were completely,totally,absolutely on the same page on one issue. “I needed to know the next mayor will not be someone who would surrender one inch to President Trump,” she wrote. “Mr.Mamdani and Iwill both be fearless in confronting the president’sextreme agenda —with urgency,conviction and the defiance that defines New York.”

What could be more important? Yes, New York has someofthe mostburdensome housing prices in the country; people are leaving the citybecause they can’t find an affordable place to live. Yes, everything else is insanely expensive, too. And yes, mentally ill and sometimes violent people make using public transit a risky proposition. And yes, public safety is aworry beyond the subways. And yes, there are lotsofotherproblems. But at least the new mayor and the governor will be fearless in confronting the president of the United States. That’swhat’s really matters, isn’tit?

New York has had terrible mayors before. To an outsider,itsometimes appears the cityhas atendency to makeabad choice, suffer the consequences, pick a problem solver,such as Rudy Giuliani, to fixthings, and thenenjoy new life, only to later go off its meds again and restartthe cycle. Zohran Mamdani would be anew dimension in bad choices, and New York is about to find out what thatmeans. ByronYork is on X, @Bryon York. Email himatbyronyork@yorkcomm. com.

Thenhejokes:“I’m actually Charlie Kirk, wanted to getoutta politicssoIfaked my death.”

AfterRobinsonwas caught, oneofhis “pals” on Discord made light of his possible execution: “Our governor wants to give him the deathpenalty dude.” People aren’t real,not even their friends.

This is showing off, not political scheming.

Crooks, who took ashot at Trump in Pennsylvania,had notwrittena manifesto The FBI found links to extremist groups. No onehas ever figured out his motive. Could his goal have been fulfilling a fantasy to seewhether he could pull it off? The FBI found thatCrooks did online research abouthow far sniper Lee Harvey Oswald waswhenheassassinated John F. Kennedy in 1963.And he searched for informationoncampaign events for Joe BidenaswellasTrump. Perhaps it didn’t matter to him which presidential candidate he targeted. It wasasthough either one would do.

The frightening part of all this is that there arealot of similarboy-men out there who areout of sight andwhose minds are similarly scrambled. That manyhave gotten good grades and lack acriminal history puts them out of law enforcement’ssurveillance. Scary times.

Email Froma Harrop on X, @FromaHarrop.Emailher at fharrop@ gmail.com.

Froma Harrop

Byron York

with meteorologist DamonSingleton

DEATHS continued from Lewisand Thelma Fortner. Carla’s life wasone de‐finedbyfaith,love, and family. Shewas adevoted wife, mother,grand‐mother, great-grand‐mother, aunt,and friend Her kindness touched everyoneshe met. Shewas anactiveand committed memberofFirst Baptist Church in Covington. She loved herLordand Savior fiercely,and sheserved him honorably. For26 years,Carla wasmarried toher belovedhusband and soulmate,HezzieKen‐nethSharp.Their marriage was atrueexample of love and devotion,joining to‐gethertwo families into one.Carla wasthe proud motherofthree daughters: JillArdoin(Tony), Joy Glover, andJulie Glover Through hermarriageto Kenneth,she lovingly em‐bracedhis children Ken‐nethSharp (Sherry), StevenSharp (Michelle), and ElizabethBrockhoeft (Eric)asher own. Carlais alsosurvivedbyher loving sister, DianeRuff; sister-inlaw,Ellen Fortner; 15 grandchildren;11great grandchildren;and ahost ofniecesand nephews thatweredeartoher heart.Carla waspreceded indeath by herparents; her brother, John Hyman Fortner Sr.; hersister, Dorothy Doss; herbrothers inlaw,PaulDossand Jon Ruff; hergrandson, Joseph Waldron JohnsonJr.;and her childhood best friend CherylSharp.Carla was brilliant anddetermined. She graduatedfromCov‐ingtonHighSchool.She earnedher Bachelor of Sci‐enceinparalegal studies whenshe graduatedCum laude from Tulane Univer‐sity. Shealsowentonto obtain herNotaryPublic certification provingthat her thirst forknowledge and dedication to herpro‐fessional growth neverwa‐vered.Carla will be remem‐bered notonlyfor herin‐telligenceand accomplish‐ment, butalsofor her warmth, quick-wit, andthe laughtershe broughtinto every room.She hadanex‐traordinary gift formaking othersfeel valued and cherished.Her familywill forever treasure thecount‐lessmemoriesshe created withthem. Relativesand friends of thefamilyare in‐vited to attend theFuneral Service on Friday,Septem‐ber 19, 2025 at 2:00 pm at E.J.FieldingFuneral Home, 2260 West 21st Avenue Covington,LAwithvisita‐tion beginningat12:00 pm

untilservice time.Inter‐mentwillfollowinFussell Cemetery, Fussell Ceme‐teryRoad, Covington, LA E.J.FieldingFuneralHome has been entrustedwith funeral arrangements Pleasesignthe guestbook atwww.ejfieldingfh.com

Vybiral,Diane Ertel

Diane Ertel Vybiral, passedawayonFriday August 29, 2025.Born to WilliamJohn Ertel, Sr. and Violet FladErtel.Diane was the mother of Kerri Butzman Nidenberg and the grandmother of Rachel and Ivy Nidenberg. Sheis also survived by her sisters, VioletErtel (Jerry) and Peggy Lala(John), and was preceded in death by her brother, WilliamJohn Ertel, Jr.(Marlene).Her nieces and nephewsLindsay Lala; Lauren Lala Untz (Joseph) and their son Joseph; LanaLala Corales(Brad) and their daughters Melaniaand Mariana; Amy Ertel Galliano(Steven)and their children Evan and Leah; and Vance Ertel(Monica) and their daughters Madeline and Katherine treasure memories of "DeeDee."Relatives and friendsare invited to attend mass at St. Dominic Church, Harrison Avenue, NewOrleans, on Thursday, September18, 2025 at 1pm. Visitationwillbegin at noon. Aprivate burial will take place after.

Williams,Peggy Lee

Peggy LeeWilliamswas borntothe late Vincent Williams andRoseMary Espadron. Shewas also the stepdaughterofthe late Raymond Espadron,Sr. and Hilda Williams.She was the devotedwifeof49 years to Vernon Byron Williams,Sr. To this union two children were born, VernonByron Williams,Jr. and TonieceWilliams. Peggy grew up in Pointeala-Hache,LAand received her high school diploma fromPhoenix High School class of 1976. Shespent her career in accountingat MurphyOil Refinery re‐named Valero Meraux Re‐finery.She waspreceded indeath by hermother, RoseMaryEspadron, her father, VincentWilliams, her stepfather,Raymond Espadron, Sr., herfather and mother-in-law, Herbert Williams Jr.and Irma Cross Williams,her sisters, Helen Griffin, CarolynEncalade (Lawrence), andSusan Simon,her brother, Kerry Williams,her brothers-inlaw Clarence Griffin, ClarenceBen,Jr. andHer‐bertTerry Williams,III. Peggy leaves to cherish her fondestmemoriesher husband,VernonByron Williams,Sr.,her son, Ver‐non ByronWilliams, Jr., her daughter, Toniece Williams,her grandchil‐drenKeiara, Jalan, Taiand JaseWilliams, sistersRose Griffinand MarlenaCowart (Edward,Jr.), Stacey and Elizabeth Williams,her brothers-in-law,Byron Williams,Sr. (Wyona), Ger‐ald Griffin, andDave Simon,her sisters-in-law, Yvonne Ben, Jacqueline LaFrance, Othella Hughes (Leary),PamelaJiles(Rev. Dr. MichaelJiles),and Con‐stanceWilliams, herGod‐daughters,Akera Alexis and CarinellaIsidore anda hostofnieces, nephews cousins,other relatives and friends. Relativesand friends of thefamilyare in‐vited to attend thecelebra‐tionoflifeservice which willbeheldonSaturday, September 20,2025 at Our Lady of PerpetualHelp,

Gabrielle has formedinthe Atlantic. It currently is not athreattothe Gulf Coast. Besides Gabrielle,there is atropicalwaveinthe eastern Atlantic, and another expected to emerge off thewestAfrican coastbyFriday. Locally, another nice day. Expect mostly sunnyand hot conditions for your Thursday.Temperatures in the afternoon shouldrise to the upper 80s to low 90s with temperatures feeling likethey’llbe96 degrees. TheUVIndex remains in the“very high” rangeand rain chances remainatabout 10%.

8970 LA-23, Belle Chasse LA70037. Thevisitationwill begin at 9:00 am followed byan11:00 am mass. Fa‐therKyleDavewillofficiate and entombment will fol‐low in thechurch's ceme‐tery. Funeralplanningen‐trusted to Robinson Family FuneralHome, 9611 LA-23, Belle Chasse,LA70037, (504) 208-2119. Foronline condolences,pleasevisit www.robinsonfamilyfuner alhome.com

DemetriusCarnell

Williams Sr., 50, of Harvey, Louisiana,passedaway peacefullyonMonday, September 8, 2025, sur‐rounded by hiswifeand kids. Demetriuswas born onMay 27, 1975, in Baton Rouge,Louisiana to Ve‐nessa Williams.Hegrew upinBaton Rouge, Louisiana,and laterrelo‐cated to Harvey,Louisiana, where he spentthe last 20 years of hislife. Demetrius issurvivedbyhis devoted wifeof13years,Devoney Muse-Williams;fourpre‐cious daughters, Demetria (Wayne),Dekel,Demitrius and Daria; threebeloved sons, DemetriusJr.,Devon and DeJon; andtwo trea‐sured granddaughters, Wynterand RaineBrown Healsoleavesbehindhis lovingmother, Venessa Williams;his father,Fred‐erick Taplin (Oletha); brother,Tolderick Williams;niece,Tamia Williams;nephew, Tolder‐ick Williams Jr.; father-inlaw,Kenneth Muse;broth‐ers-in-law, Kenyon Muse and AbdulRauf; hissisterin-law, SchanteMuse; and godson, Denver Muse Demetrius wasalsosur‐vived by ahostofuncles, aunts, cousins, andfriends who will foreverremember his spirit.Demetrius was precededindeath by his paternal grandparents,

Gloria andEugeneGivens; his maternal grandparents, Maryand JC Williams;his stepfather, Herman Haile; his brother, Patrick Williams;his mother-inlaw,JackieMuseand two uncles, Lionel Williams and SedricRichards. Family and friendsare invitedto the CelebrationofLifeSer‐vicehonoringthe life of Mr. DemetriusCarnell Williams,Sr.,atVictory Christian Center,411 Opelousas Ave.,onSatur‐day,September 20, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. Visitation at 10:00 a.m. Interment: Rest‐lawnCemetery, 3540 US 90, Avondale, LA.Pleasesign the online guestbook at www.charbonnetfuneralho me.com. Charbonnet Labat Glapion,Directors.(504) 581-4411. nephews. Family,friends, Priests,and Parishioners of CorpusChristi-Epiphany Catholic Church areinvited toattend aMassofChrist‐ian Burial honoring thelife ofMr. Sidney EdgarWiltz III at Corpus ChristiEpiphanyChurch,2022 St Bernard Ave.,New Orleans, LA70116 on Friday,Sep‐tember19, 2025 at 10:00 AM. Visitation at 9:00 AM Interment: St.Louis #3 Cemetery, 3421 Esplanade Avenue, NewOrleans,LA 70119. Please sign theon‐lineguestbook at www.cha rbonnetfuneralhome.com. Charbonnet LabatGlapion Directors (504) 581-4411.

Sidney EdgarWiltz,III began hisjourney to be withGod in Hiseternal homeonFriday, September 12, 2025 at theage of 81. He was born on September13, 1944 in NewOrleans,LAto the late Sidney EdgarWiltz Jr. andHelen Castanel Wiltz. HusbandofLoretta Roche'Wiltz.Fatherof LanaWiltz Johnson (Jason),Santa WiltzPlum‐mer (Thaddeus),Sidney Edgar Wiltz, IV (Dana),and NicholasWiltz (Shantel). Brother of LeroyWiltz (Bathsheba),Dr. Gary Wiltz, MD (Diane), Phyllis WiltzGarrett (Wilford), and the late Sylvia WiltzFerrier (Dennis Sr.),JaniceWiltz Mercadal(Ferdinand),and Anthony Wiltz, Sr.(Car‐olyn).Heisalsosurvived byseven grandchildren, CourtneyWiltz,Kayla Wiltz, Jana Johnson, Paul Wiltz, EmersonVarnado, NicholasWiltz,and Justin Norman. Five greatgrand‐children, AydanOdom, Micah Barnes,Kaiser Barnes, Amir Wiltz, and Ryleigh Wiltzaswellasa host of nieces and

Williams Sr., Demetrius Carnell

WiltzIII, Sidney Edgar

OPPORTUNITY KN KS

Tulane,Sumrall cansolidifynationalreputationbybeating OleMiss

Jon Sumrall knows exactly what he andhis Tulane football team are getting into SaturdayatOle Miss. The Grove. The Hotty Toddy chants.

The frat boys sauced in their suits andties.

Penning ‘giddy’to return to Saints practice

BY LUKE JOHNSON Staff writer

It had been morethan amonth since Trevor Penning playedfootballinany capacity, andthatwas evident —ina good way—to his New Orleans Saints teammates when they saw him back on the practice field Wednesday

ä Saints at Seahawks 3:05 P.M. SUNDAy,CBS

“A lot of guys came up to me like, ‘You’re waymore giddy than usual,’ ”Penning said. Penning practiced for the first time since he suffered aturf toe injury in theSaints’Aug.10preseason opener against the Los Angeles Chargers. He opened training campasthe team’s starting left guard but ceded the position to veteran Dillon Radunz while he recovered. While coach Kellen Moore declined to say whether Penning would make his 2025 debut this week against the Seattle Seahawks —“We’ll seehow he responds andthensee howitgoes,” Mooresaid—heindicated that Penning will slot back in as the starting left guard when he is ready to play in agame. “I really appreciate him forthat,” Penning said. “It’sgood to have someone have your back.”

Sumrall has lived theexperiencefrom both sidelines of Vaught HemingwayStadium

“Daunting, in some ways,” Sumrall said. “We’ve got to play thebest we’ve played all year to have achance to win.”

Jeff Duncan

He was an assistant on MattLuke’s Rebelsstaff in 2018. Four years later,hetook his first Troy team to Ole Miss, where the Trojans fell into an early 21-0 hole on the way to a28-10 loss.

Sumrall is hoping for abetter outcome this time around, but he knows Saturday’sshowdown with the No. 13 Rebels will be the biggest challenge of his twoyear Tulane tenure. The Green Wave is 11.5-pointunderdogs fora reason.

TheRebels have won 13 consecutivegames in theseries, dating to 1989.Theyhavewon 15 of theirlast16 games in Oxford and have lost just onenonconferenceregularseason game inthe last 13 years

BY GUERRY SMITH Contributing writer

Wide receiver Shazz Preston wasthe first player to reach Jake Retzlaff after hiseye-opening 69-yard touchdown run againstNorthwestern on aquarterback draw in Tulane’s season opener. The word that may best describe his reaction is “gobsmacked.” Retzlaff, whose reputation as arunnerwhen he transferred from BYUdid not precede him, streakeddown the field like asprinter

“When Iwatched film onhim, Ididn’t see any of that, so he definitely surprised me,” Preston said. “Hereally messed me up. When he did that, Iwas like, OK, let’sgothen. When he keptdoing it for the Duke game,I said,OK, we’ve got apocket passerand we got alittle running back in him, too. We’ve got something here.”

Retzlaff rushed for417 yards on100 carries with six touchdowns as the

In great challenges, of course, reside great opportunities. Andfor Tulane, this is agolden one. By beating Northwestern and Duke already,the Green Wave finds itself in an enviable position. As heavy underdogs, Tulane is not expected to win. It’sclose to ano-lose situation. Even acompetitive loss would be aresume enhancer,asBoise Statediscovered in its 37-34 setback at Oregon ayear ago.

Awin, though, would be season-defining. Aroad upset of aranked SEC opponent would open eyes nationally and establish the Green Wave as the top Group of Five program in thenation.

It also would complete arare trifecta for the program. Tulane has achance to beat an ACC (Duke),Big Ten (Northwestern) and SEC team (Ole Miss) in the same

BY KOKI RILEY Staff writer

ä SLA at LSU 6:45 P.M. SATURDAy,SECN

Whenasked about his offensive line, Brian Kelly didn’thesitate. The LSUcoach isn’tpretending the unit is perfect, or that it’sthe reason whythe Tigers are offtotheir first 3-0 start since 2019. He also won’tplace most of the blamefor LSU’spassing game strugglesonthisnewlook group. “Wedidn’tgive up asack, and that is areally good defense,” Kelly said, referencing aFlorida defense that surrenderedonly 13 points to LSU’s offensive attack in the Tigers’ 20-10 winSaturday.“I’mpleased there. Imean, if we need to go outthere and throw theball50 times,we’re capableofdoing that.”

Butquestioning theeffectiveness of theTigers’ line through three games is afair question to ask. Besides the line’sstruggles in the run game, LSU fifth-year senior quarterback Garrett Nussmeier is just 4-of-13 passing on throwsofmore than 20 yards downfield, according to Pro Football Focus. Nussmeier’saverage depth of target stands at 6.7 yardsper attempt. Last season, it wasat9.5 yardsper attemptdespite being

STAFF PHOTO By SOPHIA GERMER

Tulane head coach JonSumrall reacts to aplayagainst the Duke Blue Devils during the second half of their game Saturday at yulman Stadium.

ä See SAINTS, page 4C

STAFF PHOTOSBySOPHIA GERMER

the Duke Blue Devils

Stadium

Saints guard Trevor Penning AP FILE PHOTO

6:30

5p.m.

NotreDameseeks solution

Irishwantdefensive

woes resolved ahead of Purdue matchup

BY CURT RALLO Associated Press

SOUTH BEND,Ind. No. 24 Notre Dame faces afamiliar predicament —two early-season losses hasleft no margin for error

The circumstanceshave changed, though. This time, it’s the usually stout Fighting Irish defense searching for answers as it faces rival Purdue(2-1, 0-1 Big Ten) on Saturday.Itwouldn’t be the first time Notre Dame has used this matchupasa springboardtochange directions.

Ayear ago, aftera stinging 16-14 loss to Northern Illinois at home, the Irish hit their stride by handing the Boilermakers whatwas then theworst loss in program history,66-7. It was the first step on a14-game winning streak that sent them to thenationalchampionship game. Back then, though, Al Golden’s defense was the team’sheartand soul. Notre Dame led the nation with 33 takeaways, was third nationally with 38 sacks and finished in the top five in points allowed (15.5).

With Golden and six key players from that team off to the NFL, Chris Ash has taken over as defensive coordinator,and things have not started well. The Irish surrendered 68 points in losses to Miami and Texas A&M, compared with 70 in their first six games last year,and have one interception and one sack.

Worse, Texas A&M quarterback MarcelReedthrew foracareerhigh 360 yards in a41-40 comefrom-behindwin.Itwas themost points allowed by Notre Dame sincea 45-14 loss to Michiganin 2019. Coach MarcusFreeman, aformer linebackerand defensive coordinator,isspending this week trying to find solutions,and he indicated Monday he may getmore involved than usual in the defensive meetings.

“It’sthe execution of whatwe’re

BYJOHN COON Associated Press

SALTLAKE CITY Three defensive stars for No. 16 Utah can be credited with helping theUtes improve on the other side of the ball.

Cornerback Smith Snowden, linebacker Lander Bartonand safety Jackson Bennee have played key roles in an offense that ranks near the top of the league in several categories heading into Saturday’s Big 12 opener against No. 17 TexasTech (3-0).

Ayear after being near thebottom in nearly every offensive category,the Utes are second in scoring (45.7 points per game) and rushing offense (290 yards), and third in total offense (517 yards).

The trio have wasted no time making their presence felt.

Snowden led Utah(3-0)inreceiving in the Utes’ 43-10 seasonopening win over UCLA, totaling 51 yards on six catches. Barton hauledina 14-yardtouchdown against the Bruins —his first careerreception

“If my team trustsmeon offense to have theballinmy hands, why not go out there and make aplay?” Snowden said. And it’snot just on gadget plays. Snowden, Barton and Bennee split their time equally between offense and defense eachgame. It requires striking abalance in how they prepare for games so they can contribute at ahigh level on both sides of the ball.

This means dividing snaps between offense and defense in practice each week. It also

asking them to do,” he said.“If we’reaskingthemtodothings they can’texecute, then we have to evaluate what we’re asking them to do. Like Isaid, it’s not a call, it’snot ascheme, there’sno perfect call, no perfect scheme. It’sthe ability to execute.”

Whatever the explanation, the defensive stats have plummeted

The Irish rank 118th in points allowed (34.0), 113th in pass rush and 129th in passcoverage. Freeman doesn’tblame the early-season woes on anew defensive system or so many new faces. Instead, hewants to see the Irish eliminate the big plays that allowed TexasA&M to rally “Whatwecan’t do is leta bad play turn into an explosive play

(Texas A&M) had over 200 yards on six plays,” Freeman said. “Whatdoes alack of execution come down to? It could be alack of focus, alack of proper technique, alack of understanding what’sexpected—apersonnel issue where you’re asking somebody to do something thatthey can’tdoconsistently.”

SafetyAdon Shuler believes it’s not apersonnel issue, either Rather,hethinks theanswer is better practices,which would lead to faster,moreviolent action on Saturdays.

The first test comes this weekend against avastly improved Purdue team underfirst-year coach Barry Odom. The Boilermakers are coming off a33-17 loss

to Southern California in their Big TenConference opener but are averaging 391.3 total yards and 27.3 pointsper game, asubstantial upgrade over their15.8 ppg average last season.

And if Notre Dame doesn’t plug some holes fast, it could be staring at its first 0-3start since 2008 —likely leaving it out of the playoff chase. But Shulersaw how the Irish responded to last year’s challenge and thinks they can do it again.

“(CoachFreeman said),‘We could be here, like, oh,we’re five pointsaway from being 2-0, but thatdoesn’thelpus,’ ”hesaid.

“The reality is, we’re 0-2, andwe have to have that mindset andthat grit to go get it.”

means dividing meeting time and film studybetween twodifferent positiongroups.

“Wetry to get the balance in practice as close as we can to what we predict the balance in the game is goingtobe,” Utah coachKyle Whittingham said “Wehaveagood idea going into every game what the ratioisgoing to be (for) offensive snaps and defensive snaps, and we try to mimic that in practice. We also have to divide the meeting timeupaswell,soit’sabalancing act.”

Playing onbothsides isn’ta foreign concept for Snowden, Bennee,orBarton. All threedid the same in high school.

Doing the same thing for a Power 4team is more complicated. Preparing themselves for multiple positions has made all three players fluent in asecond football language

“This whole thing has definitely made my football IQ much better than it wasinpreviousyears,” Snowdensaid. “WhenI am on offense, Ican look at adefenseand knowwhatthey’re doing. When I’mondefense,I can look at the offense and have apretty good idea what they’re going to do.”

Playing on offense hasnot diminished defensive production for Utah’sdesignated two-way players through the team’s first threegames. They are still finding waystostopoffenses as of-

LSU men’sgolfteam wins its firstevent of year

TheNo. 7LSU men’sgolfteam claimed its first tournament win of the season, winning4-1 over No. 18 NorthCarolina at the Jackson T. Stephens CupinLakeBluff, Illinois. The tournament was held at the par-70, 6,530-yard Shoreacres course.

TheTigers’ firstwin in match play came from freshman Dan Hayes. He wasdownone heading into thesixth hole butturned it around, goingupone andthenquickly stacking alead. Hayes claimed the win4and 3.

Matty Dodd-Berry held the lead for the majority of the day and ended with a3and 2win.

Sophomore Arni Sveinsson iced the win andput LSUup3-0 as a team, finishing hole 18 up two.

ChargersLBMackonIR

due to left elbow injury

LinebackerKhalil

Mack will go on injuredreservewithanelbow injury,leaving theundefeated Los Angeles Chargers without one of their topdefenders foratleastthe next four games.

Mack dislocated his left elbowinthe first quarter of awin against LasVegas on Monday “It’sone of the toughest things I’ve ever seen.Iwas staring right at it,” coach Jim Harbaugh said Wednesday.

The Chargers have depth at Mack’sposition, with Bud Dupree andTui Tuipulotu figuring to contribute. Theedgerushers combinedfor 141/2 sacks last season although neither has one so far this season. The Chargers (2-0) host AFC West rival Denver(1-1) on Sunday.

Vikings put RB Jones on IR with hamstring injury

The ailing Minnesota Vikings placed running back Aaron Jones on injured reserve on Wednesday requiring him to missaminimum of four games with ahamstring injury suffered during whathas becomeacostly defeat in the home opener With quarterbackJ.J.McCarthy likely out for multiple weeks with asprainedankle that occurred in that 22-6 loss to Atlanta, the Vikings also signed Desmond Ridder,the starter in 2023 for the Falcons, to theactive roster for more depth behind CarsonWentz and undrafted rookie MaxBrosmer. Jones hada career-high 1,138 rushing yards last season while starting all17games in his first season with the Vikings.

Jets QB Fields out with concussion; Taylortostart

ten as they test defenses.

Bennee leads the Big 12 with two interceptions and 103 interception return yards. His first career interception wasa 46yard pick-six in a63-9 win over Cal Poly

“I really love having theball in my hands as well as making some tackles,” Bennee said. “I love allofit. Anyopportunity that Ican get,I’m going to take it.”

Barton hada team-high seven tackles againstUCLA. Across three games, he andBenneeare tied forsecond among Utahplayers with 12 tackles apiece. Their all-around contributions drawparallels to what Eric Weddle did forthe Utes earlierin Whittingham’scoaching career

During his senior season with Utah in 2006, Weddle played snaps at safety, running back punt returner andevenquarterbackonhis waytoearning consensus All-American honors.

Colorado’sTravis Hunter took it to anotherlevel last season by winning the HeismanTrophy as atwo-way player

Utilizing positionless playmakersmay be astaplefor Utah going forward under first-year offensive coordinator Jason Beck. Whittinghamnoted Beck’soffensive schemes aredesigned to keep defenses guessing about whichplayers will be involved and howthey will be involved.

“Jason hasa really good feel for getting the most out of his guys andputting them in positions where they can do the things they do best instead of asking aguy to do something that maybe is not his cup of tea,”

said.

Justin Fields is outfor at least one gameand Tyrod Tayloris readytostepinfor theNew York Jets, just as he has done so many timesduring his multiple NFL stops.

Coach Aaron Glenn announced WednesdaythatFields was ruled out for the game at Tampa Bay with aconcussion, and Taylor would start at quarterback against the Buccaneers on Sunday Fields remains in the concussion protocol after being hurtlate in the Jets’ 30-10 loss to Buffalo last Sunday. Fields fell backward when he wassacked by Joey Bosa in the fourth quarter and the back of his helmet hit off the turf Taylorwill startfor the firsttime since doing so in five games for the Giants in 2023.

Cardinalsplace Contreras on 10-day injuredlist

ST.LOUIS The St. Louis Cardinals placed first baseman Willson Contreras on the 10-day injured list on Wednesday with aright shoulder strain, ending his season. Contreras left Monday night’s 11-6 loss to Cincinnati in the seventh inning due to tightness in hisright biceps,putting astopto his season just before continuing theirserieswiththe Milwaukee Brewers.

He hit .257 with 20 homers and 80 RBIs in 135 games this season.

St.Louis also recalledinfielder José Fermín from Triple-A Memphis before its series finale against Cincinnati.

The26-year-old Fermin is batting .298 witha homer andfive RBIs in 23 games with the Cardinals this year

Whittingham

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By MATTHEWIDLER

Utah widereceiver Jackson Bennee runs the ball during agameagainst WyomingonSaturdayinLaramie, Wyo. Utah defeated Wyoming 31-6 and is 3-0.

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTOPAULBEATy

Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love celebrates withcoach Marcus Freeman after rushing for a touchdown against TexasA&M on SaturdayinSouth Bend,Ind

ParkingNussmeier vs.SLU notthe waytogo

Notes on agolf scorecard while dreading LSU’s first alternate uniforms of the season Saturday against Southeastern Louisiana…

…Assoon as LSU coach Brian Kelly revealed Monday that Tigers quarterback Garrett Nussmeier has been hampered by a“torso injury” since preseason camp, the debate ignited as to whether the Nuss bus should be idled for Saturday’sgame in Tiger Stadium against Southeastern Louisiana (6:45 p.m., SEC Network).

Asked about it on Wednesday’s SEC coaches’ teleconference, Kelly didn’tequivocate.

“I think he needs to play,” Kelly said. “Garrett wantstoplay. He’s capable of playing.” Football is adangerousgame. Any time aplayersteps onto the field there is arisk. Always has been, as evidenced by this gruesome but humorous poem from the Louisville Courier-Journal in 1893:

After the football is over

After the field is clear

Straighten my nose and shoulder Help me find my ear

If Nussmeier is on the mend, as Kelly also asserted Monday, then it might be prudent to park him against outmanned SLU. But where does it end? Cover Nuss in bubble wrap and have someone taste his food for him?

If the LSU offense weren’t stuck in the mud (53 pointsin three games), Imight see some validity to not playing him Saturday. But Kelly is right. Nussmeier needs to play.Heneeds to work on thetimingwith his receivers.

LSU

Continued from page1C

in an offense that had trouble generating explosive plays.

These diminished results can’t all be linked directly to Nussmeier’sprotection taking astep back. Kelly revealed Monday that his quarterback is dealing with atorso injury,anailment he’sbeen working through since the preseason. Kelly believes Nussmeier has battled through the worst of it, but he also said that he won’tbeable to heal from the injury fully until LSU’s first open weekatthe start of October “We’ve limited him alittle bit during the week because of some

DUNCAN

Continued from page1C

season for the first time since 1970, whenJim Pittman led the Wave to wins overGeorgia, Illinois, North Carolina, NC State and Vanderbilt.

“This is why you worksohard as aplayer,asacoach, is to measure yourself againstwhat’s considered some of the best,” Sumrall said. “It’savery exciting opportunity.It’sone thatI think you have to appreciate, you have to embrace, and youhave to also respect what you’re going against. It’sgoing to be ahandful, butit’sfun to measureyourself againstthe best.”

It’salso abig game for Sumrall himself.Awin, or even aclose loss, would further burnish his reputation as the hottest name in college head coaching circles. His name is already being circulated around openings at Virginia Tech and UCLA, and it willbecome more ubiquitous in December when the hiring cycle intensifies.

The eyes of disgruntled SEC fans in Florida and Kentuckywill look even more longingly toward Sumrall if he can shock Ole Miss and coach Lane Kiffinontheir home turf.

“Oxford’sagreat place, great venue,alot of history andtradition, and it is achallenging place to go on the road, for sure,” Sumrall said. “Makes it fun.”

Sumrall’strip to Oxford in 2022 was amemorable experience, even if unsuccessful on thescoreboard. The details of his college head coaching debut remain vivid in his mind.

For their season opener, Sumrall’sTroy Trojans drove six hours in a five-bus caravan of mismatched vehicles that included an orange bus that, Sumrall joked, “looked like apartybus (if) you were having abachelor party.” En route, the team stopped in

The chemistry withhis blockers. No.3LSU needs agood night of production against the Lions going into next week’sbig game at No.13Ole Miss. Kelly said Nussmeier has been able to dosome things in practice lately that he hasn’tbeen able to do for amonth.Early in August camp,Nussmeier looked magnificent interms of touch and arm strength.Then during two mediaviewings of apractice and scrimmage in Tiger Stadium a week before theClemson game, Nussmeier wasn’tseen throwing theball at all. Clearly,his injury

tightness that he’s hadinhis torso,” Kelly said. “It’s an upper-body injury that youwant to be careful with how many reps he’sgetting throwing the football. Ithink he’s on the other side of that, but we had to be really carefulwith him the first few weeks.” Nussmeier’sinjury may explain his accuracy woes and, to some degree, his decision-making. But one can argue that the structure of LSU’spassing offense, which has been heavily reliant on screens andquick throws —nearly aquarter of Nussmeier’spassattempts per ProFootball Focus, have been plotted behind theline of scrimmage —ismeant to help outthe inexperiencedoffensive line.

LSU has five new starters on the line after its onlyreturning starter, redshirtsophomoreDJChester,was

has affected the plays and tenor of the LSU offense.

The objective for LSUonSaturday should be to start Nussmeier, get several productive scoring drives out of him and the offense, then pull him in thethird quarter and let Michael VanBuren and possibly Colin Hurley get some snaps. SittingNussmeier is the safe play,but therisk is worth the ultimatereward of apotentially moreproductive offense on Sept 27 in Oxford.

…The ejection of LSU linebacker Whit Weeks on Saturday during the first possession of the

supplanted at center by Virginia Tech transfer Braelin Moore and lostthe starting left guardbattle to redshirt sophomorePaulMubenga andredshirt freshman Coen Echols.

Theoffensivelinehas allowed just four sacks through three games. But has the lack of sacks been aresult of LSU’sfront taking astep forward? Or is it aproduct of Nussmeier getting theball out of his hands quickly,and offensive coordinator Joe Sloan devising an attack that helpsshielda vulnerable offensive line?

More than63% of Nussmeier’s pass attempts have been less than 10 yards beyond theline of scrimmage, per PFF “I’mreally pleased with our protection. Ibelieve it’s astrength,” Kelly said. “The two tackles are really good. Their kick slide, their

players celebrate after an interceptionbyGreen Wave defensive backJahiem Johnson during the first half of agameagainst the NorthwesternWildcats on Aug. 30 at yulman Stadium

Alabaster,Alabama, to hold a walk-through practice at Thompson High School before hittingthe road for Memphis, Tennessee, the closest town to Oxford with available hotel space. The next day,the travel partygot caught in traffic and didn’t arrive at the stadium until 80 minutes before kickoff, forcing a fire-drill scramble to pre-gamewarmups. Unsurprisingly,the gamedidn’t go much better for Sumrall and the Trojans. “You look up and blink and it’s 21-0,” Sumrall said.“This is off to agreat start. They might score a hundredonus.”

Afterward,adejected Sumrall was approached byaformer Ole Miss colleague in theTroy locker room andtold hehad avisitor outside. It was Monte Kiffin, the longtime NFL defensive coaching wizard andfather of Lane Kiffin.

“Hey,our teamisway better than y’all,” Kiffinsaid to Sumrall.

“But, man, you all play hard, and youall are tough.Keep doing what you’re doing.”

It was thepick-me-up Sumrall needed as he tried to decompress and digest theemotion of his unsuccessful debut.Kiffin’smessage resonated and validated the work he and his staff had put in.

“I needed to hear that,” Sumrall said. “I’ll neverforget that moment.Itwas lasting, and it still affected me to this day.Ithelped me sort of solidify what my beliefs wereand what we were doing.”

Since then, Sumrall has won 35 of the 43 games he’scoached and established himself as one of the top young coaches in the nation.

In Oxford on Saturday,he’ll have achance to score thebiggest win of his spectacularly successful career.It’sa daunting challenge, especially for ateam with 17 new starters.

Butifwe’ve learned anything about Sumrall in his short time on Willow Street, it’sthat he doesn’t back down from competition. UpsettingOle Miss on theroad will be difficult, but it’sa challenge Sumrall and the Green Wave are morethan capable of pulling off.

calls, differentiating between hard contact and an intentional hammering. College football needs the samething. Kelly has been aproponent of that long before Weeks’ ejection.

“I have been very vocal on this issue,” Kelly said Monday.“They (NCAA football rules committee) know where Istand. It’s something that has to be addressed.”

While we’re at it, the same goes for the rule thatdefines what a catch is or is not. The rule that took away atouchdown from LSU receiver Barion Brown in the Clemson game mayhavealteredhow we view the offense at this point.

…Itwas great to see LSU legend Charles Alexander get his just reward at the Florida gamewith his nameand No.4 enshrined on the south façade in Tiger Stadium and the adulation forhim during the halftimeceremony

Floridagame added another layer to themounting evidence that college football’stargeting rule needs to change. Did Weeks’ helmet strike the helmet (or rather face mask) of Floridawide receiver Vernell Brown? Yes. Should such contact warrant apenalty? Probably,for theprotection of both the tackler and ball carrier.But there was no maliciousintent to Weeks’ hit on Brown, just an aggressive player making an aggressive football play

For years, basketball has had Flagrant 1and Flagrant 2foul

ability to stay square. Those were really good (Florida defensive ends). They’re SEC top-tier playersonthat defensive side of the ball. That’sa rugged group, as good as we’re going to see.”

Kelly also acknowledged that his O-line needs to improve its technique andthat this week is an important one in termsofgrowing those aspects.

LSU’sschedule gets tougher after Saturday.FourofLSU’ssix opponentsafter SLU are ranked in theAPTop 25 poll. South Carolina, theTigers’ foeOct. 11, is no longer ranked but was before losing to Vanderbilt last week.

“There’sgoing to be sometimes in the SEC (when) we’re going to havetoscore more than 20 points,” Kelly said. “Let’sget that straight. Ithink we allknow that.”

TULANE

Continued from page1C

BYU starting quarterbacklast year,but no one foresawhow explosive he couldbewithhis feet when he arrived at Tulane in late July.With 288 yards rushing on 40 attempts, he is thethirdleading ground gaineramong FBS quarterbacksand thethirdleading rusher in the American Conference.

OleMiss coach Lane Kiffinlabeled him one of the best players in Americaasthe No.13Rebels (3-0) began preparing for Saturday’s2:30 p.m. home game againstthe Green Wave (3-0) on ESPN. Retzlaffiswell on his way to shattering Tulane’squarterback record foryards rushing in aseason, set by Steve Foley with 601 in 1973. He already owns the school mark for rushing touchdowns in agameafter scoring four times against Duke.

Retzlaffcredited everyone but himself forhis feats with his feet againstDuke, noting thehelphe received on his 19-, 6-, 20- and 11yard jaunts to the end zone.

“Onthat last touchdown, it was just me andthatcorner one-onone, and Idon’tthink he noticed Ihad theball untilIwas about5 feet from him, which speaks to therunning back (Javon Gordon) on the fake,” he said. “The runningbacksdid that severaltimes. The first touchdown, thesafety had no idea Ihad the ball until I passed him. Credit to the O-line, too. It will happen in amillion different waysthis year because we have the guys to do it.” It starts with the quarterback’s willingness and aptitude. No Tulane quarterback hasrushed for 100 yards in agamesince Shaun King in the1998 Liberty Bowluntil Retzlaff’s113 yards on 10 carries againstNorthwestern, and he backed it up with 111 yards on 17 attempts vs. Duke. On his20-yard score, he pulled

It also gotmethinking that there is alongline of LSU greats who also need to have their namesand numbers in Tiger Stadium beyond Alexander,Billy Cannon(No. 20),Jerry Stovall (21) andTommy Casanova (37) Beyond Heisman Trophy winners Joe Burrow (9) and Jayden Daniels (5), whoundoubtedly will be up there one day,here are three other LSU College Football Hall of Famers whoshould be similarly immortalized soon: n No.73Glenn Dorsey: The mostdecorated defensive player in LSU history n No.3Kevin Faulk: Still the Tigers’ leading rusher with 4,557 yards.

n No.24Gaynell “Gus” Tinsley: LSU’s first great player of its first golden era in the 1930s and later the LSU head coach.

For LSU to accomplish its greater goals, amore dynamic passing attackwill have to emerge. At least on paper, thestrengthofthe offense lieswith an explosive receiving corps and aquarterback that’s not afraid to makebig throws. For any of that to be fully realized, LSU must find away to run the ball moreeffectivelyand give Nussmeier enough timeinthe pocket to get theballtohis receivers downfield.

But Kelly doesn’tbelieve the latter concern hasbeen aproblem through three games.

“It’snot really about an issue of, ‘Wedon’tfeel like we can protect him,’“Kelly said. “I thinkwe’re trying to be perfect, andwedon’thave to. Catch it,get it out andlet’sgo.” Email Koki Rileyat Koki.Riley@theadvocate.com.

the ball from Gordon on aread option while moving to his left, darted forward andfroze cornerback Kimari Robinsonwith a cut to the right, accelerating past him andoutrunning twosafeties to the corner of the end zone. On his finaltouchdown, he scrambled up themiddle and broke two tackles before diving across the goal line.

Retzlaff ranfor 515 yards and six touchdowns as asophomore at Riverside CityCollege ayear after rushing for nine touchdowns at Golden West, but the competition in junior college does not compare to the FBS level. His longest run at BYU was 29 yards.

“I knew he couldrun alittle bit, but when Ithought about the runnersonour team at quarterback Ithought moreofBrendan (Sullivan) andKadin Semonza,” center Jack Hollifield said. “But it’sawesome to have aguy like that you have to account foron the defense. He’svery elusive. It makes ourjob alot easieronthe offensive line.”

Tulane hardly has abandoned itspassinggame. Retzlaff, who threw for 4,596 yards at Riverside City College and for 2,947 yards at BYU, went 15-of-23 passing for245 yards against Duke in his sharpest performance with the Wave.

Still, Ole Miss will be on high alert to slow down Retzlaff’s runs afterallowing115 yardson14 carries last SaturdaytoArkansas quarterback Taylen Green, who leads all quarterbacks in rushing.

“It’sbig time; it’sagame-changer,” Tulane coach Jon Sumrall said. “Last year,weweren’treally built that way. We have more designed quarterback runs than ever becauselastyearwehad none in thebase offense. We have the scramble game.

“We’re not going to live and die by the quarterback’slegs, but it is anice complement to add another dimension to what we can do offensively.”

STAFF PHOTO By SOPHIA GERMER

Tulane

Scott Rabalais

STAFF PHOTO By MICHAEL JOHNSON

LSU quarterbackGarrett Nussmeier looks to makea throwagainst Louisiana Tech in the firstquarter of their game on Sept.6 at TigerStadium.

Saints see lots of ‘positives’ in Rattler’s play

BY MATTHEW PARAS Staff writer

Since he named a starting quarterback, New Orleans Saints coach Kellen Moore hasn’t received one question about whether he’s considering a switch to rookie Tyler Shough

Notebook

That’s a testament to Spencer Rattler‘s play Through two games, Rattler has staved off any talk of a quarterback controversy in part because of his solid start to the season. He’s been quick, decisive and shown noticeable improvement — none more so than how he’s cut down on turning the ball over As a rookie, Rattler committed 10 turnovers — five interceptions and five lost fumbles in seven games. This year, Rattler has played mostly clean.

“Just (have) a little bit more experience,” Rattler said. “I love how we coach. We’re very detailed on, ‘Hey, if it’s not there, get it down because we’ve got guys like (Alvin Kamara) and other guys (who) if you dump it down at a yard, he’ll get 8.’ Just keeping things like that in the back of your mind and trying to reset my focus each and every play.”

There have been close calls. In New Orleans’ season opener against the Arizona Cardinals, Rattler was picked off by cornerback Will Johnson before the play was negated because of a defensive penalty In Sunday’s loss to the San Francisco 49ers, Rattler notably fumbled on fourth and 2 on New Orleans’ final possession. But on that play, 49ers edge rusher Bryce Huff got around tackle Taliese Fuaga so quickly that Moore remarked the Saints “couldn’t even get the play started.” Cesar Ruiz also recovered the ball, which is why Rattler

Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels runs with the ball as Green Bay Packers linebacker Edgerrin Cooper defends on Sept. 11 in Green Bay, Wis.

PHOTO By MIKE ROEMER

wasn’t credited with a turnover

Still, Rattler’s decision-making has been sound. Even though he’s fourth in passing attempts, Pro Football Focus charted only three of his 80 passes as turnover-worthy throws. That percentage of 3.1% has him near league average among qualified passers, ranked 14th.

This coming Sunday will be a greater test. The Seattle Seahawks are second in the NFL with four interceptions. Seahawks coach

Mike Macdonald oversees one of the league’s best units, propped up by a ferocious defensive line and a ball-hawking secondary

But Moore said Rattler’s ability to avoid turnovers was evident throughout the offseason, adding he won’t overreact even when the quarterback throws an interception at some point.

“Eventually, it happens,” Moore said. “But what he’s done is he’s just done a great job of putting us in a really good position to be successful. He’s making really good decisions, using his feet when he does have those opportune times.

“There are a lot of positives there.”

Add an ailment

Just like the previous Wednesday, Fuaga did not practice. But this week, he was listed with a new injury

Moore said the offensive tackle is also dealing with a back injury on top of the knee injury that has bothered him to start the season.

Fuaga a 2024 first-round pick, also dealt with back problems as a rookie, but it was an issue he managed throughout the season and did not miss a game.

Fuaga’s absence highlighted an injury report that included guard Dillon Radunz (toe) and defensive end

Chase Young (calf) as DNPs. Young has yet to play this season after getting hurt days before the team’s opener while Radunz got hurt in Sunday’s loss to the San Francisco 49ers.

Last week, Fuaga missed only a day before practicing the next two days and playing against the 49ers.

Elsewhere on the injury report, guard Trevor Penning (toe) and wide receiver Trey Palmer (hamstring) were listed as limited.

O-line help

The Saints tried out four offensive linemen on Tuesday and signed two of them.

The Saints added tackle Sataoa Lau-

QB Daniels out of practice for two days with balky knee

BY HOWARD FENDRICH AP national writer

ASHBURN, Va. — Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels will not practice earlier than Friday while recovering from an injured knee, coach Dan Quinn said Wednesday Daniels went through a rehabilitation session and threw on the field Wednesday but was not going to take part in that day’s work with teammates, Quinn added.

The Commanders (1-1) host the Las Vegas Raiders (1-1) on Sunday “As we get into Friday, I’ll give you an assessment where we’re at,” Quinn said.

Last season’s AP NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year was hurt in the fourth quarter of Washington’s 2718 loss at the Green Bay Packers on Thursday night and later had an MRI exam that revealed the injury Daniels was sacked four times and faced pressure throughout the game from a blitz-heavy Packers defense.

“We recognize the importance of the person, the player, what he means to the franchise, so we’re also going to be smart, not just fast, with this assessment,” Quinn said about his starting quarterback.

“This is a player that’s absolutely

SAINTS

Continued from page 1C

This is not the first time Penning has had to navigate a turf toe injury as a professional, but he was relieved this one was not as serious.

As far as names go, turf toe is a disarmingly innocuous term for a serious injury The most severe turf toe injuries, like the one Penning suffered in the preseason finale of his rookie season, involve dislocations and severe tendon damage that require corrective surgery Penning wound up missing all but six games of his first

wanting to do everything, all the time.”

Quinn said Daniels’ throwing and movement “looked good” while working on his own Wednesday, while noting that it’s important to see him on the field with the rest of the team before playing in a game.

“But it was a good first step,” Quinn said.

If Daniels is held out of Sunday’s game, backup Marcus Mariota would be in line to make his first NFL start since 2022 with the Atlanta Falcons. Mariota appeared in relief of the starting quarterback in three games each in 2023 with the Philadelphia Eagles and 2024 with Washington.

“We have the utmost confidence in him,” Quinn said of Mariota.

Mariota the No 2 overall pick in the 2015 draft after winning the Heisman Trophy at Oregon, worked with starters during practice Wednesday

He was rested during this year’s training camp and preseason because of Achilles tendinitis and said that he’s felt back to normal for a couple of weeks now

“We do a great job of getting a bunch of walk-through reps, so for me, from a mental standpoint, I felt like I was always engaged,” Mariota said, “and once I felt good physi-

NFL season. “I was nervous that it was going to be that all over again,” Penning said

This injury occurred when Penning was planting his foot in the turf at SoFi Stadium. He stepped awkwardly and his foot stuck in the turf, and he realized quickly what type of injury he was dealing with. Penning was grateful that his injury this year was not nearly as extreme.

“That’s the part I was relieved in — no surgery,” Penning said. “It’s not going to be too much time.”

He was on the shelf for a little more than five weeks. About half of that was spent in a protective walking boot, and Penning was

cally I could just kind of come back and roll with everybody.”

He had success in his three appearances last season coming on midgame to fill in for Daniels, completing 34 of 44 passes 77.3% for 364 yards, four touchdowns and no interceptions.

“We communicate throughout the day, see how he’s feeling. I’m sure he is tired of everybody asking him how he’s feeling,” Mariota said about Daniels. “I always try to approach it like I’m going to play That way, if the scenario happens or I’m given the opportunity to play — nothing changes for me on a week-to-week basis.”

Daniels was one of several Commanders players hurt against the Packers, and cornerback Jonathan Jones went on injured reserve Wednesday with a bad hamstring. Quinn said the team expects Jones to return to the roster at some point this season. Running back Austin Ekeler and defensive end Deatrich Wise both were put on IR on Monday with season-ending injuries. Washington signed free agent defensive end Preston Smith — who previously was with the club from 2015-18 — to replace Wise.

Quinn praised Smith’s “proven pass-rush ability, and we liked his size, too. Felt like a good fit.”

fairly limited in what he could do physically

He worked his upper body in the weight room and practiced hand work in football drills. After the boot came off, he progressed to an exercise bike for conditioning before testing his foot in drills and the weight room All the while, he was a constant presence.

“He’s locked in,” center Erik McCoy said. “He hasn’t missed a meeting He hasn’t missed a workout, a weigh in. He hasn’t missed anything. It shows his dedication, his commitment to being the left guard on this team and getting better and healthy and being ready to go whenever

mea and guard William Sherman to the practice squad. The moves were made as New Orleans deals with injuries along the offensive line.

In addition to those moves, the Saints signed safety Terrell Burgess to the active roster and placed defensive tackle Vernon Broughton on injured reserve.

Burgess was elevated from the practice squad and played in Sunday’s loss to the 49ers. The veteran helps fill a void after Julian Blackmon suffered a season-ending shoulder injury in Week 1. Broughton, a third-round rookie from Texas, was placed on injured reserve after suffering a season-ending hip injury against the 49ers. Moore called the

ailment “significant.”

To make room for Laumea and Sherman, the Saints filled the absence created by Burgess joining the active roster and cut quarterback Hunter Dekkers from the practice squad. Laumea, a 2024 sixthround pick out of Utah, was most recently with the Seattle Seahawks — the Saints’ opponent this week. The 6-foot-4, 319-pound lineman started six games at right guard as a rookie, but he did not make Seattle’s initial 53-man roster this year Sherman, a sixth-round pick in 2021, had spent the last three seasons around the Denver Broncos, bouncing on and off the practice squad.

Bengals won’t change much despite no Burrow

BY CHARLIE GOLDSMITH Associated Press

CINCINNATI Cincinnati coach

Zac Taylor said that since quarterback Jake Browning has shown what he can do in the Bengals offense and has been a part of the organization for five years, he won’t have to change up the scheme much as Browning takes over under center for the injured Joe Burrow

“Preparation equals confidence,” Taylor said Wednesday as the Bengals (2-0) get ready to face the Minnesota Vikings (1-1) on Sunday “When you’ve prepared for your opportunity then there’s a true confidence that comes with that.

“There’s nothing they’re going to show me that I haven’t watched and seen and prepared for and thought through in my head and walked through in my own. Jake is an example of someone who’s truly prepared for a moment. And so that’s where his confidence stems from. And now you just go play football.”

Browning started his NFL career as an undrafted free agent with the Minnesota Vikings in 2019, and he joined the Bengals’ practice squad in 2021. In 2023, when Burrow missed the second half of the season with a wrist injury, Browning had a winning record (4-3) in seven starts.

Now with Burrow on injured reserve because of a turf toe injury, Browning gets his next opportunity to show what he can do.

“Execution breeds a lot of confidence,” Browning said. “My main goal is just to execute well, play fast, make fast decisions, be decisive and try to help us win and whatever comes as a result of that, or however everybody feels now, I’m pretty focused on doing my job.”

While the Bengals added two

his number is called again.” Penning said he was “not the happiest” after first suffering the injury. He’s entering a crucial season as a professional. Not only is Penning switching from offensive tackle to guard but he is also entering the final year of his rookie contract. He still understood he needed to be patient when it came to getting back on the field. “If you rush it, you’re going to end up hurting it again or you’re not going to be 100%,” Penning said. “Take the time it needs to recover, get back into it and get back to playing football.”

He had a hard time describing what would inform him that he’s

potential backups to their practice squad on Tuesday in Mike White and Sean Clifford, they are moving forward with Browning as their starter

“I love the guy,” Bengals offensive coordinator Dan Pitcher said. ”(Browning) and I have a really good relationship. It’s just awesome when you see him get an opportunity and he does what we all believe that he’s going to do and this team believes in him, his coaches believe in him, and man, that goes a long way That’s why I sit here 2-0, excited, energized, because everything we want to do this year is right in front of us.”

Brett Rypien, who signed onto the Bengals’ practice squad in August and joined the active roster on Tuesday, is set to back up Browning in the short term Rypien, an undrafted free agent out of Boise State, has played in 10 NFL games between 2020-23. Since he didn’t participate in training camp with the Bengals, he has had to learn the offense on the fly.

“Here, you go through the game plan and make sure you know what the protection rules are,” Rypien said. “If I was going from a jet protection system to a ‘Mike’ protection system, it’d probably be a lot harder.” White has played in 15 NFL games over the past four years and completed 61.4% of his passes in the regular season. He’s friends with former Bengals players Eli Apple, CJ Uzomah and Mitchell Wilcox, who all provided good reviews of Taylor and the Bengals. Similar to Rypien and Clifford, White is learning a Bengals system that’s new to him.

Clifford was selected by the Packers in the fifth round of the 2023 draft. He hasn’t thrown a pass yet in the NFL.

ready to get back on the field but he is able to draw on his previous experience. Penning said he knows what it should feel like, but he also understands how it should feel when he’s ready to return from this specific injury

Not only is he testing to see how his toe reacts when he plants and moves like an offensive lineman but he also needs to see that he’s capable of generating power

That’s still to be determined. “There’s obviously going to be some getting back into it, but I feel like I’ve done everything I can to come back,” Penning said.

Email Luke Johnson at ljohnson@theadvocate.com.

STAFF PHOTO By DAVID GRUNFELD

New Orleans Saints quarterback Spencer Rattler is pressured by San Francisco 49ers defensive end yetur

Gross-Matos during the second half at the Caesars Superdome on Sunday.

AP

QB Farria poised underpressure

Transfer guides Holy Crossto unbeatenstart with keyplays

BY CHRISTOPHER DABE Staff writer

Holy Cross quarterback Jokoby Farriasteppedinto thehuddle with little time remaining.

“When my team looks at me,” Farria said, “they know Igot them I’m going to drive them down the field and I’m going to do what Igot to do.”

Farria has done just what coach Scott Wattigny hoped he would through two games, helping the Tigerstoa2-0 startwith thenext game set for Friday against Chalmette at TadGormley Stadium.

Farria ledthe game-winning drive that ended with hisgoal-line push into the end zone for atouchdown with 20 seconds remaining at E.D. White in Week 1followed by his efficient outing in a20-0 win againstDeLaSallelast week Against De La Salle, Farria was 13-of-19 passing for 201 yardsand one long touchdown pass— a72yard catch and run by senior Carson Chiappetta.

Farria also used his legs for rushing gains of 16, 13, 11 and 19 yards amid his 15 carriesfor 32 yards— a figure that includes ahandful of sacksand threekneel-downs that let the clock run out at the end.

The senior became astarter for the first time after he sat out last season following his transfer from St. Augustine. “He’sdoing agreat job,” Wattigny said. “It’swhat we thought we would get from him.Hehas worked his tail off and likewetold him before the season, youdon’t get agradual process in this. Your process gets shrunk realquickand you’ve got to grow up fast and help

us wingames.”

Wattigny especially likedhow Farria picked the right timesto runfor first downs.

“I think my legs are pretty lethal,”Farriasaid. “It’sreally hard to kind of explainitbecause when you’re in the moment and you don’t seenothing open,sometimesI tuck it and run.”

His most importantrun this season came in the final seconds against E.D. White.

Not longafter along completion to senior Jaydin Chambers put

The St.Augustine transfer was13-of-19 passingfor 201 yardsand atouchdown.

Holy Cross near thegoal line, Farria took asnap from under center, steppedtohis right andpinballed off ablocker into theend zone for thewinning touchdown.

“Getting in there was like, win or die,” Farria saidashenoted how that play was “the difference between being 0-1 or 1-0.”

Farria played quarterback at St Augustine but neverbecamethe starter.Hetransferred to Holy

SOAKINGINTHE MOMENT

Cubs clinch first postseason berth in five seasons

BY WES CROSBY Associated Press

PITTSBURGH Thewait wasfive years. It seemed longer

In the middle of adarkened visitors clubhouse at PNC Park, the Chicago Cubs embraced each other.Champagne flowed and flew They clinched apostseasonberth forthe firsttimesince 2020,but celebrated for the first timesince 2017. Everythingwas muted during the coronavirus pandemic when the Cubs last qualified. They held off after making it in 2018,hoping to win the NL Central, just to finish secondtothe Milwaukee Brewers.

After defeating the Pittsburgh Pirates 8-4 on Wednesday,Chicago finally decided to let loose.

“When you’re in it, you think it’s going to happen every year,” pitcher Matthew Boyd said. “The fact andthe realityisthisisreallyhard to do. This means so much to all of us. We’renot done yet. That’s the most important thing. We still know where we want to go.”

TheCubs (88-64) seemed destined for the playoffs since going 18-9 in May.Still, this hasn’tbeen straightforward. They lead the NL wild-card race and are 41/2 games back of the first-place Brewers in the Central, having surrendered the division lead on July28after sitting alone at the top through July 19. After Milwaukee took over,Chicago could have folded. Instead, it’ssurging with four straight wins andseven victories in eight games.

“It’sa grind of aseason. You celebrate the first goal you accomplished,” manager Craig Counsell said. “We’ve made it to our first goal and that’sexciting. For everybody that’sbeen apart of the grind thewhole year,for everybody that’sworked so hard to put us in this position, it’safun thingtodo.

“You don’tget to do this in regular jobs —get to celebrate and throw champagne on each other. Youjust don’tget to do it,right?”

Ian Happ popped thecork—in the clubhouse and on the field. He drove in three runs against the Pirates, belting atwo-runhome run in the first inning. The Pittsburgh native has played

ChicagoCubs pitcher Porter Hodge, left, celebrates with pitcher Daniel Palencia in the clubhouse after the Cubs clinched aplayoff berth by defeating the PittsburghPirates 8-4onWednesdayinPittsburgh.

“When you’re in it, you think it’sgoing to happen everyyear.The fact and thereality is this is really hard to do This means so much to allofus. We’renot done yet. That’sthe most important thing.Westill know where we want to go.”

MATTHEW BOyD,Cubs pitcher

nine years with the Cubs. He was a rookie in 2017 when Chicago took theCentral one year after ending a 107-year droughtwithout winning the World Series.

Happ wasthere with Anthony Rizzo, Kyle Schwarber,Kris Bryant, Javier Báez and others. This time, it was Pete Crow-Armstrong by hisside, pulled into atight hug forasimple message.

“There was definitely amention of,‘This is not the last,’ ”CrowArmstrong said. “I mean,Ian learned from some of thebest.Ian is oneofthe best at passing that on. Ian has meant alot to me, just as aperson. I’ll follow his lead. I’ve got full trust in Ian Happ as aleader.”

Crow-Armstrong was dynamic with 25 homerunsand 71 RBIs in 95 games throughthe All-Star Break. The 23-year-old hascooled considerably,having four homers anddriving in 19 runs since, and is looking forwardtostarting fresh in theplayoffs.

“I don’tknow.I’ve never done this,” Crow-Armstrong said. “I’m just excited to keep doing what we’re doing,doing whatwe’ve doneall year. I’ve neverexperienced October baseball. I’mjust ready to go all in.” It mightbenecessary

Kyle Tucker,anAll-Star right fielder, hasbeen on theILsince Sept. 9witha left calf injury.He will visit with aphysical therapy group in Floridaused in his recoveryfrom aright leg injury while with the Astros last season.

Tucker is hitting .270 with22 homeruns, 73 RBIsand 25 stolen basesinhis firstseasonsince being traded to the Cubs in December

“We’re alignedwith Kyle,” Counsellsaid before thegame Wednesday. “This is the best way for him to make some improvements. Unfortunately,we’ve plateaued and we weren’tmaking progress That’sfrustrating for Kyle.”

For everymention of howgreat this momentwas, there was one of howit’snot enough. TheCubs want more. Not just thedivision, but the World Series. Tucker would make that easier,but this wasn’tthe day to worry

“Wegot to go to the playoffs in 2020, but doing it near theend of a true 162 is totally different,” Nico Hoerner said. “Baseball is sucha gameofpersistence and camaraderie. Getting to celebrate like this is areally special thing.

“It’sobviously notour ultimate goal, but it’s still ahuge milestone along the way.It’sawesome to celebratewiththis group.”

Cross knowing that LHSAA transferruleswould cause him to sit out the season as ajunior Farria said he wished he could have played last season forHoly Cross as theTigersendured a three-win season that kept them outofthe playoffs —including a 9-7 defeat against Chalmette, this week’sopponent.

“Mytime sitting out really prepared me for this moment because

Idon’tthink twoyears ago, Iwas ready forthis,” Farria said. “I was ascared kid in the 10thgrade,or just going into the 11th grade, and Iwas scared to get on the field, really “But now Ijust found my confidence. Iknew whoIwas,and Ijust balled out.”

Contact Christopher Dabeat cdabe@theadvocate.com

Golden State’sNakase namedCoach of Year

BY JANIE McCAULEY AP sportswriter

SAN JOSE, Calif. NatalieNakase won over Golden State Valkyries owner Joe Lacob with her fire in amatter of twohours when they sat down last yearfor aformal interview Now,the entire WNBA understands why.

Nakase was named WNBA Coach of the Year on Wednesday after leading her team to the playoffs, making league history as the only first-year franchise to reach thepostseason. The announcement cameahead of Golden State’shomegame against the top-seeded Minnesota Lynx. Nakase wasset to be honored at SAP Center,where theteamisplaying Game 2of the best-of-three series because 18,064-capacity Chase Center in San Franciscowas previously booked by the Laver Cup tennis event.

The 45-year-old Nakase received 53 of 72 votes from sportswriters and broadcasters around thecountry.She also received AP Coach of the Year this week. Golden State’s23wins were a record foranexpansion franchise, and the Valkyries sold out all 22 of their gamesatChase Center Nakase recentlyshared how late father Gary’sinfluence has stayed with her sincehis death in 2021,and howshe haslearned “thatIdoneed to care aboutmy mental health as well.”

“Therehave always been moments where I’ve always wanted to call my dad,” shesaidbefore her team’s Sept. 4playoff-clinching winover the DallasWings.

“SoI am alittle bitproud that I’vebeenable to survive, because normallyI tear up, Idocry,I still missmydad.But there’s moments where I’ve been able to kind of hang in there and talk to my dad outloud, where usually I break down. So I’mstarting to really builda thickerskin as I’mgoing through this healing process.

“I wish my dadwas here, especially my first job and being a head coach,and his was part of my dream with him and agoal.” Nobody else was close to Nakase forthishonor.Atlanta

Nakase gestures during a game against the Indiana Fever on Aug. 31 in San Francisco.

(Team) Votes

Nakase (GoldenState) 53 Karl Smesko (Atlanta) 15 Becky Hammon (Las Vegas) 2 Cheryl Reeve (Minnesota) 2

Dream coach Karl Smesko was runner-up to Nakase with15 votes, while Las Vegas Aces coach Becky Hammon and Minnesota Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve tied forthird.

Lacob, also owner of the NBA’s Golden State Warriors, saidhe realized Nakase was the right choice from the first time he sat down with her over brunch in Las Vegaslastyearduring summer league.

Lacob had three finalists at that point, but with Nakase, an assistant with the Aces, he just knew “I knewright thenand there, 100%,” Lacob said. “I was sold, done, deal done. Iloved her personality.First of all Iknew about hera lotbecause we had known of herfor alongtime. Shewas with the Clippers for10years, so we knewwelikedher.Wewere trying to bring her here many years agoinanother capacity on the Warriors side. She’s a fireball. Ilove her story,I love her style, Ilove her intensity.She’s fantastic.”

STAFFPHOTO By JOHN MCCUSKER

Holy Cross quarterback Jokoby Farria throws downfield against De La Sallelast Thursday in a20-0 Tigers’ win.

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By MATT FREED

WLIVING IVIN

BY APRIL HAMILTON

Contributing writer

hen life gives you peppers, have aparty

Prime-time tailgateseason convenes with the late summer hot pepper harvest,offering abundant delights perfect for theoccasion. Lucky forme, agenerous neighbor offered up his rainbow of jalapeños and other tantalizing varietiesthat mightmake you reachfor the milk.

This is my kind of canvas.

For thepopular popper,I recommend sticking with thecomparatively humble jalapeño. Ionce devoured acouple of cheese-stuffed habanero poppers, and my mouthstillburns from the memory.Ifocusless on thecheeseand add in creamy roasted sweet potato, seasoned simply with ahandful of chopped green onion and a good sprinkle of smoked salt

ä See PEPPERS, page 2D

Fresh rosemary thesecret toaromatic herb gratin

BY LINDAGASENHEIMER

Tribune News Service(TNS)

This rich and creamy gratin is acomforting vegetarian meal,topped with agolden, cheese-laden crust that’scrisp and savory.Fresh rosemary infuses the dish with adelicate, aromatic note. The microwave simplifies preparation by gently cooking the onions and garlic. Once softened, the filling is transferred to abaking dish and topped with agenerous layer of Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs, which are broiled until browned and crisp.

CreamyBean and Herb Gratin Yields 2servings. Recipe is by Linda Gassenheimer

1cup dicedonion

2teaspoons olive oil

5crushed garlic cloves

2tablespoonsfresh chopped rosemaryleaves

rinsedand drainedreduced-

gratedParmesan cheese ½cup plain pankobreadcrumbs

1. Preheat broiler. Place onion, olive oil, garlic and rosemary in amicrowave-safe bowl. Microwaveonhigh 3to4minutes or until the onion is soft.

2. Add 1cup of the beans to the bowland mashthe beans with a potato masher or large spatula until smooth. Add the remaining ½cup beansand broth to the bowland mixtocombine all the ingredients. Add salt and pepper to taste.

3. Transfer the mixture to an 8-inch-by-8-inch baking dish that can go under the broiler Mix the Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs together.Spread evenly overthe topofthe mixture.

4. Place the panunderthe broiler about 6to7inches from the heat. Broil until the mixture is bubbly around the edges and the crust turns golden, about 3to4minutes. Watch to make sure the top doesn’tburn. Remove from the broilerand serve.

NUTRITION INFO PER SERVING: 682 calories (32 percent from fat), 24.0 gfat (10.7g saturated, 6.9 gmonounsaturated), 52 mg cholesterol, 37.1 gprotein,82.6 gcarbohydrates, 13.8 gfiber, 1322 mg sodium

pairings

Recipe, Watermelon Flight 2D

Watermelon withasquirtof mustard?Orslathered with PB&J? These are someofthe suggestions on TikTok for so-calledwatermelon flights. Like a flight of wine or whiskey, watermelon flights are meant to offer variations on atheme. Artfully cut slabs of watermelon are garnished with ingredients sweet and savory to offer interesting contrasts and textures whenpaired with the ultimate

STAFF PHOTOSByHILARy SCHEINUK

TNS PHOTO By LINDAGASSENHEIMER

Roasted Sweet Potato Filling

Cutting sweet potatoes in lengthwise halves,then roasting themcut-side-down makes them cook twice as fast andthe cutsurfacesbecome mahogany caramel. This quantity makes enough for 16 pepper halves and6 small quesadillas, recipe below

3medium sweet potatoes, scrubbed and cut in half lengthwise

¾cup grated sharp cheddar cheese (see note)

½teaspoon smoked salt (or coarse sea salt)

1green onion, finely chopped

1. Preheat the ovento400 F. Place the sweet potato halves

cut-side-down on aparchment-linedrimmedbaking sheet.Roastuntil fork-tender and the cut sides are deep mahogany,about 30minutes.

2. When cool enough to handle, scoop the roasted sweet potato out of the skins into a medium bowl. Mash the pulp with alarge fork. Add the

cheese, salt andgreen onion and mixtocombine. If not usingimmediately,storein an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3days

NOTE: It is best to grate your own cheese for this since pre-grated cheese contains acoating that will prevent a good melty filling.

Sweet Potato Quesadillas

Makes 6

6(6-inch) corntortillas

About 1cup roasted sweet potato

filling (recipe above)

Sliced fresh jalapeños

Olive oil for brushing

1. Heat agriddle or grill to medium. Divide the sweet

PEPPERS

Continued from page1D

Fold in some sharpched-

dar and stuff the little halved jalapeño boats with the mixture before baking or grilling. Pro tip: the sweet potato filling can be made afew days ahead, the stuffing of the peppers one day ahead, and then you’re ready to entertain like a pro. Scooping out most of the seeds before stuffing also makes them friendly for almost any crowd.

potato filling evenly on half of each tortilla. Sprinkle each with as many jalapeno slices as you likeand fold over to makehalf circles.

2. Brush each with alittle olive oiland griddle or grill until crisp on each side and

Iamall about stretching my food prep to encore in other dishes, so when it’ssweet potato roasting time, Idouble upand make quesadillas with the extras. Incorporating nutrient-rich sweet potatoes also checks my preferred box ofdelicious-nutritious, making partysnacks Iamproud to pass around. Coupling this sweetness with the tangycheddar, smoky salt and thegentle fire of fresh peppers is a winning combination Forthe quesadillas, whole grain corn tortillas add flavor and fiber and area

Watermelon Flight

filling is melty

3. Remove to acutting board and cut each half circle into three triangles. Serve hot

NOTE: These can also be made ahead and reheated when ready to serve.

sturdier handheld than the flour tortilla counterpart. I spread the filling on half of theround, shower it with fresh sliced jalapeños and fold it over to makeasemicircle —atrick that keeps the filling inside. Brush theoutside witha little olive oil and grill or griddle them until crisped on both sidesand the cheese is melty.When the poppers are bubbling hot,I top them with acascade of thecrispest bacon, finely chopped so each pepper has agenerous coating. Spicy smiles are on the menuintailgate town.

Serves 6asanappetizer.RecipeisbySonoMotoyama, with suggestions from @itsaflavorfullife and other TikTokinfluencers.Feel free to mix and match these ingredients,oradd someof your own.Three combo suggestions: cucumber, feta, mint andlime; berries, feta or goat cheese and lime; and Tajin, jalapeño and lime.

Asmall watermelon,cut into slabs or regular slices Feta, burrata, goat cheese and/or Greek yogurt

Half an English cucumber,sliced thinly Berries of your choice, likeblueberries, strawberries or raspberries

FLIGHTS

Continued from page1D

summer fruit

They’re perfect as an appetizer at acivilized barbecue or asnack at an afternoon cocktail party

Pinenuts

Jalapeño slices

Honey

Mint

Basil

Tajin

Cinnamon Limes for squeezing

Balsamic glaze

Flaky salt,like fleur de sel

1. Arrange the watermelon piecesona tray or cutting board.

2. Garnish with your choice of ingredients. Considerstartingwith alayer of cheese,thenmoving on to fruit,nuts or jalapeño.

3. Sprinklewithherbsorspicesofyour choice.

4. Finish with asqueezeoflimeorapinch of flakysea salt.

Anotherreasonto avoidcruiseships

Dear Miss Manners: We are frequent cruisers. That meansweshare spaces such as elevators, dining rooms, theaters, lounges,etc., with fellow cruisers we don’tknow We have always had pleasant times interacting with others.

lem approaching the issue politely,but this seemsa unique situation. Is this an issue forguest services to address, by perhaps leaving them anote and sometoiletries?

Watermelon offers agood backdrop for avariety of surprising ingredients because of its light sweetness and somewhat coarse texture. In addition, watermelon, made of 92% water,iscoolingand hydrating. And it’s healthy —it’ssodium and fat-free, and a1-cup serving has only 46 calories. While some of the suggestions for pairings on TikTok were dubious —watermelon and mustard is ahard no —other savory ingredients were agood match. Many TikTok users tout eating watermelon with asimple sprinkle of salt, which, they claim, brings out the watermelon’s flavor This combo left me cold, as didadashofTajin, the lime-chili spice mixture. Watermelonplus cinnamon or cinnamon and honey however,isagood easy-tomake nosh for cinnamon lovers. After trying about 10 combos,though, my favorites were more complex

combination of flavors and textures. No. 1for me was watermelon with afellow memberofthe Cucurbitaceae family: cucumber.Slices of cucumber topped with crumbles of feta, chopped mint and asqueeze of lime offered anice counterplay of textures and flavors the crunchiness of thecucumber,the light saltiness of thefetaand the spark from mint and lime. Another convincingpartnershipmarried berries —Iused blueberries and chopped strawberries with feta and lime. The finalsuggestion I’ll include is notsomethingI’d wantasaneverydaytreat,

but it did provide ajolt of theunexpected: Tajin,jalapeño slices and limejuice. You’re hit first witha blast of heat from thejalapeño, but then are instantly cooled by arush of liquid from thewatermelon.

“There’ssomething interesting here,”myhusband commented, “though I’m not sure Ilike it.”

He called it The Pyromaniac-Fireman, and compared it to “poison and the antidote.”

As for watermelon coated with peanut butter and jelly, Icouldn’tbring myself to tryit. There are some outrages that one should not be forced to countenance, no matter what TikTok says.

On our most recent cruise, we encountered an older couple —sometimes in the elevators, sometimes in our top-tier lounge —who either don’tshower,don’t use deodorant,orboth. The body odor was overwhelming. It was noticeable within 10 feet of them. We simply moved away or left the area when we ran intothem,and would even get off the elevator on the wrong deck just to avoid the smell. It was really bad.

Judith Martin MISS MANNERS

We noticed others doing thesame, and we invariably caught each other’ssilent, knowing expressions as to the problem.

Icouldn’timagine sitting near them at dinner or, heaven forbid, sharing a table. We would have had to leave.

How would you handle this?Ifitwere afriend, or someoneIknow or work with, Iwould have no prob-

It’s

Dear Heloise: When ababy girl is due, Igive the grandmother to-be atraveling tea set It is for a first-time grandmother to congratulate her on her new title and set thestagefor special tea times together in the coming years! —Daveand Corrinne Berkland, in Universal City,Texas End-of-lifepreparations

They might have been very nice people, but no one will ever get to know them under these circumstances. Gentle reader: While you are right that any actions taken will depend on the relationship of the actor to the odoriferous couple, let us be clear that there is no positive duty foryou to act. It would be rude of you —asyou do not know this couple or their circumstances —topresumeto speak to them about the situation, although you are free to ask guest services to reseat you if you find yourself at their table. The staff— all the way up to the captain —have no such luxury,and will just have to be polite and soldier on, if that is the right phrase fornaval personnel.

Youmay get off the elevator at the wrong stop, but let’scut out the knowing looks —which might easily be seen, and understood, by this couple.

Dear Miss Manners: My hus-

band’sthird cousin, whom we’ve never met and with whom we have no personal relationship, has been compiling afamily tree. Apparently she heard through another relative that one of our sons got married. Nowshe is asking us via email to provide information about his wife (including her birth date and location), our other son’swife, the date of our marriage, and other details. What is the mannerly waytorespond? We would never provide information about our immediate family members without their permission, but we also have absolutely no interest in this family tree project and do not want to spend any time on it. Ignoring the cousin feels wrong, and telling her we don’tcare about her hobby seemsmean. But taking the timetogather the information she’sasking for would be unfair to us.

Gentle reader: The most mannerly thing would be to pass the requests on to your sons and their wives. The least troublesome thing would be to pretend you do not understand how email works.

Send questions to Miss Manners at herwebsite www.missmanners.com.

makeall those important calls. Please let your readers know.Thank you. —Beverly Coryell, in Longview,Washington Carmats

Dear Heloise: Howard Zeff, in Mission Viejo, California, gave very good information aboutcreating a detailed list of things that need to be done once we pass away.But he left out one very important thing that Ilearned when my sister passed: Idid not keep her cellphone active when Iwas responsible for her estate after she passed. When Icame home across the country from where she lived, Iused my cellphone to start contacting the utilities, banks, and other important numbers from thelist. The first thingthey do when you log in from an unknown device is send a texttothe cellphone of the now deceased. Icreated so much trouble for myself by not using my sister’scellphone to

By The Associated Press

Today is Thursday, Sept.18, the 261st day of 2025. There are 104 days left in the year

Todayinhistory: On Sept.18, 2020, SupremeCourt Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, atowering champion of women’s rightswho becamethe court’ssecond female justice, died at her homein Washington at age 87, of complications from pancreatic cancer

Also on this date: In 1793, President George Washington laid thecornerstone of the U.S. Capitol. In 1850, Congress passed theFugitive Slave Act, which created aforce of federal commissioners charged with returning escaped slaves to their owners. The act was repealed in 1864 during the Ameri-

Dear Heloise: When we bought our new car,one of my first stops wasat adiscount store, where Ipurchased three inexpensive bath mats and put them downonthe floor over the car mats (not in the driver’sarea of course!). These are much easier to shake out and wash than it is to clean the fancy rubber car matsthat we bought with the vehicle. Ihope this helps some people keep their cars in good order! Keep up the good work. —L.Russel, in Spokane,Washington Gumonthe streets

Dear Heloise: Ichuckled when Iread the message from areader about chewing gum that gets thrownonthe pavement and sidewalks. It seemsas though it is moredurable than the pavement itself Maybe used gum should be collected to be used instead of asphalt. Then streets would last longer with fewerpotholes! —Jim, in Troy,Ohio Jim, Iget where you’re

TODAYINHISTORY

can Civil War.

In 1851, the first edition of The New York Times waspublished. In 1947, the National Security Act, which created aNational Military Establishment and the position of Secretary of Defense, went into effect.

In 1961, United Nations

Secretary-General Dag Hammarskjoldwas killed in aplane crash in Northern Rhodesia(now Zambia).

In 1970, rock star Jimi Hendrix died in London at age 27. In 1975, newspaper heiress Patricia Hearst was captured by the FBI in San Francisco, 19 months after being kidnapped by the Symbionese Liberation Army. In 2014, voters in Scotland rejected independence, opting to remain part of the UnitedKingdom in ahistoric referendum.

going with this, but tossing chewing gum on the street is such adirty habit. Plus birds mistake it forfood. Their bodies can’tdigest gum,and it can kill the bird that eats it. —Heloise Spare tire

Dear Heloise: On arecent cross-country road trip, we had a flat tire. After moving to asafe area to change the flat, Iproceeded to jack up the car and remove the flat. Iinstalled the “doughnut” spare tire and found that it was flat as well! So, tell your readers to periodically check the air pressure in your spare so that this won’thappen to them.Thanks. —Larry P.,in Largo, Florida

Valuable road trip hint

Dear Heloise: My husband and Ijust returned from a road trip. My helpful hint is to keep an extra set of car keys in my pant pocket during the trip. Should something happen to my husband’skeys, or if we are both at arest stop, whoever returns to the locked car first can get in. When we are traveling in our RV,mykey ring also has the RV keys. —JeanH in Pleasant Prairie,Wisconsin Sendahinttoheloise@ heloise.com.

Today’sbirthdays: Hockey Hall of Famecoach Scotty Bowman is 92. Singer Frankie Avalon is 85. Actor Anna Deavere Smith is 75. Neurosurgeon-authorpolitician Ben Carson is 74. Basketball Hall of Fame coach Rick Pitino is 73.

Hints from Heloise

PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE PHOTO By SONO MOTOyAMA Watermelon flight

STAFF PHOTO By HILARySCHEINUK

VIRGo (Aug. 23-sept. 22) Don't trust others to see your vision. Fine-tune what you're working on before sharing. Research will change your perspective regarding travel or educational pursuits.

LIBRA (sept. 23-oct. 23) Welcomenew experiences, and you'll discover something aboutyourself thatwill change how you proceed. Explore possibilities, develop your ideas and utilize your intelligence to achieve your goals

scoRPIo (oct. 24-nov. 22) Use your energy wisely andrefrain from revealing your plansprematurely. Do thelegwork and see how you feel before makingpromises or claims that you may not wanttofulfill.

sAGITTARIus (nov. 23-Dec. 21) Venture out, be observant, sharethoughts and engage in something entertaining, novel or educational. Putyour energy whereit counts.How you express yourself will determine how things unfold.

cAPRIcoRn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Adoseofrealism will help you recognizewhat's best foryou.Expanding your knowledge, learning somethingnew and meeting people are encouraged, but be sure to validate whatever youdiscover

AQuARIus (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) Consider options, getyourpapersinorder and discuss your plans with thosewho share commonground. Adomestic change that lowers your overhead will help you adjust your routine to fit your budget.

PIscEs (Feb. 20-March 20) Getout, mingle, converse and activate your social skills. Dedicate timeand patience to those

closetoyou, and incorporate them into your plans.Investmoretime into how you look, feel and manage your money.

ARIEs(March 21-April 19) It'stime to get rid of what you no longer need and clear apath fora bright future.Reflect on what brings you joy and the path that leads to apeaceful mind.

TAuRus (April 20-May 20) Choose your course of action wisely. Your energy needs guidance to help you evolve. Look around you, evaluateyour lifestyle and living space, and adjustonly what's necessary

GEMInI (May 21-June 20) Stick to the basics and go with what flows naturally, and you will make the mostofyour day. Refuse to let otherstalk you into doing something questionable.Say no to temptation, indulgent behavior and overspending.

cAncER(June 21-July22) Avoid costly encounters thatcan jeopardizeyour chance to advance. Handle work relationships carefully. An honestand open approach will help you maintain the status quo.

LEo (July 23-Aug. 22) What you learnwill help you choose the most satisfying path. Educational pursuits, upgrading your qualifications and networking with insightful individuals will prompt new beginnings

Thehoroscope, an entertainment feature, is not based on scientific fact. ©2025 by nEa,inc., dist. By andrews mcmeel syndication

Sudoku

InstructIons: sudoku is anumber-placing puzzle based on a9x9 grid with several given numbers. Theobject is to place the numbers 1to9inthe empty squaressothat each row, each column and each 3x3 boxcontains the same number only once. Thedifficulty level of thesudoku increases frommonday to sunday

Yesterday’s Puzzle Answer

THewiZard oF id

BLondie

BaBY BLueS

Hi and LoiS

CurTiS

Bridge

By PHILLIP ALDER

George S. Kaufman, adramatist and journalist who died in 1961, saidof “Between the Sheets” by Howard Dietz, “I understand your new play is fullof single entendres.”

Ouch! YesterdayI recommendednot using many bidding conventions. Inexperienced pairs expend so much energy trying to remember themthattheyare exhaustedbythe time thecardplay begins.

However, there is one convention that is very useful: the splinter bid. An unnecessary jump shows good support forpartner’s suit,atleast game-forcing values, and asingle card (or void) in the suit just named. (A singletonisseven timesmore likely than avoid.) It helps partner evaluate the fit.

In this deal, North’s four-club rebid promised four-card heart support, a strong hand and asingleton (or void) in clubs. South, whose honors were all working, usedRoman Key Card Blackwood to learnthathis partnerhad one aceandtheheartking-queen(ortwoaces and the heart queen). After Westfinds thebest lead, the diamond eight, against six hearts, how should South play?

Declarer has 11 top tricks: four spades, four hearts and three diamonds. Aruff in one hand or the other will be the 12th trick. South wins with his diamond ace

(the honor fromthe shorter side first) and draws two rounds of trumps —but must be careful to use dummy’s honors. When the 4-1 split is revealed, declarer cashes dummy’s diamond king, ruffs adiamond with his heartace, plays a trump to dummy’s nine, draws the last trump, and claims.

©2025 by nEa, inc dist. By andrews mcmeel syndication

Each Wuzzle is aword riddle which creates adisguised word, phrase, name, place, saying, etc. For example: nOOn gOOD =gOOD aFTErnOOn

Previous answers:

word game

InsTRucTIons: 1. Words

ToDAy’s WoRD sLIPsHoD: SLIP-shod: Shabby.

Average mark 15 words

Can you find 24 or more words in SLIPSHOD?

yEsTERDAy’s WoRD —GunsTocK

wuzzles

loCKhorNs

marmaduKe

Bizarro

hagar the horriBle

Pearls Before swiNe

garfield

B.C.

PiCKles

hidato

mallard

dIrectIons: make a2-to 7-letter word fromthe lettersineach row. add pointsof each word, using scoring directionsat right.Finally, 7-letter words get 50-point bonus “Blanks” used as any letter havenopoint value.all the words are in theOfficial sCraBBlE® players Dictionary, 5th Edition. Formore information on tournaments and

andits

ken ken

Yesterday’s Puzzle Answer

info@scrabbleplayers.org.Visit

InstructIons: 1 -Each row and each columnmust containthe numbers 1thorugh 4(easy) or 1through 6 (challenging) without repeating. 2 -The numbers within the heavily outlined boxes calledcages, must combine using the given operation (in any order) to produce the target numbers in the top-left corners 3 -Freebies: Fill in the single-box cages with the number in the top-left corner. HErE is

WiShinG Well

Scrabble GramS

roSe

$84.76

Myrtis

Eron

sard;RobertI Broussard;

Dangle (as

of theEstateofKatherine SpahrWard);and thepo‐tentialheirs of

p p y read.Thepublic is in‐vitedtoattend. Bids must be returned by reg‐isteredorcertified mail federalexpress, return receiptrequested or hand delivered. School Food andNutrition Ser‐viceswillnot consider bids returned by any othermeans.Latebids, forany reason,willnot be accepted.Bid enve‐lope should be clearly marked “Bid forLarge KitchenEquipment”. BidSpecificationsmay be obtained from the Purchasing Office of School Food andNutri‐tion Services,3000 W. Es‐planadeAve Suite300, Metairie,LA, 70002, Mon‐daythrough Friday from 8:00am to 2:00pm.Call (504) 596-3434 or email cshaw@schoolcafe.org In accordance with Fed‐eral lawand U.S. Depart‐ment of Agriculture (USDA) civilrightsregu‐lationsand policies,this institutionisprohibited from discriminating on thebasis of race,color, national origin,sex (in‐cludinggenderidentity andsexualorientation), age, disability, and reprisal or retaliationfor priorcivilrightsactivity. Programinformation maybemadeavailable in languagesother than English. Personswith disabilitieswho require alternativemeans of communication forpro‐gram information(e.g. Braille, largeprint,audio‐tape,and American Sign Language), should con‐tact theresponsible stateorlocal agency that administersthe pro‐

Broussard, Robert I. Broussard; Marcia Helea Fisher Muggli; Ronald LeeFisher; Alan Bruce Fisher;MartinJay Fisher; andMarvien RayFisher. Pursuant to an orderof theCivil District Courtfor theParishofOrleans,in thematterofInRe: NAR Solutions, Inc. Prayingfor Monition (5063001 Alabo St.),2025-6598, Div. L-6, theCivil District Courtfor theParishofOrleans StateofLouisiana,dated July 8, 2025, it wasor‐deredasfollows: WHEREAS, NARSolutions Inc.,byact passedbefore ErrolB.Conleyand recorded on at NA 202047829 andCIN 684970 of theofficial recordsofOr‐leansParish, Louisiana, purchasedtax sale title to thebelow-described property in atax sale conductedbyNorman White, ChiefFinancial Of‐ficerand Ex-OfficioTax Collectorfor theParish of Orleans, forunpaidad valoremtaxes forthe tax year(s)2019. WHEREAS, NARSolutions,Inc.has appliedtothisHonorable Courtfor aMonitionor advertisement, in confor‐mity with LRS47:2271, et seq.; THEREFORE, in the f h f q name of theState of Louisianaand theCivil

DOERR FURNITURE–

ANEW ORLEANS STAPLE

Doerr Furniturewas founded by Charles L. Doerr,Sr. in 1938 and continues to serve its loyalcustomers throughoutSoutheast Louisiana and theGulf South. We arenow a Fouth-generationfamily business, rooted in the history of NewOrleans

To this day, theMutter Family believesthat the focus is on you, Our customer,and strives to provide unparalleled customer service. From the first greeting at the showroom to the delivery of your furnitureand after,Doerr Furniture’s aim is to welcome you into the Doerr Family

LIFE IS GOOD WITH SOLIDWOOD

We havethe largestSelection of NorthAmerican Made Solid wood in the Gulf South!

David President,

Sept. 18, 2025

‘A TALE OF TWO CITIES’ CIT

Artists reflect on Asheville Artistsr ectonAsheville andNew Orleans, page 6 an ew pa

TAVI’S:Italian deli is a Gulfport destination page 9

‘Exist,’byAsheville artist Tami Beldue, in ‘A Tale of TwoCities’ at the New Orleans Academy of Fine Arts

CIRQUE DU SOLEIL:The danceofthe insects page 10

don’t miss don’t miss don’t miss

the music of john williams

He’s given music to Harry Potter, Indiana Jones, Darth Vader and E.T. (not to mention dinosaurs) and the LPO will take unleash the sounds of this musical icon at 7:30 p.m. Thursday. Jamie Reeves will conduct the ensemble as it plays music from the Summer Olympics, the “Star Wars” series, “Superman,” “Jurassic Park” and more. Tickets start at $35. lpomusic.com.

john cleese and the holy grail at 50 westbank heritage festival

“Not Dead Yet!” is the banner for the 7:30 p.m. Wednesday show of the Monty Python alumnus and a screening of the monumental “Monty Python and the Holy Grail” movie, with Cleese answering questions afterward. From the Knights Who Say Ni! to the airspeed velocity of an unladen swallow, the movie is packed with brilliant comedic references and wisdom for the ages. Saddle up those coconuts and head to Armstrong Park for this event. Tickets start at $67. mahaliajacksontheater.com.

Rockin Dopsie Jr. and the Zydeco Twisters, Shamarr Allen, Choppa, Mia X with the Original Pinettes Brass Band, Big Pokey Bear and more will be at the Alario Center in Westwego, 2000 Segnette Blvd., Saturday and Sunday from noon to 9 p.m. for this popular “Best Bank” event. The free fest includes a marketplace, kids zone with interactive games and a Gospel Explosion Sunday at noon inside the center. westbankfest.com.

noma fall fest

Step right up: The circus comes to town for three days at the Pontchartrain Convention and Civic Center in Kenner on Williams Boulevard at the lake. Six shows of acrobats, elephants, camels and music with participation activities will be featured in the rings of the circus. Showtimes are 7 p.m. Friday; noon, 3:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturday; and 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. Sunday. Tickets start at $10. spectacularcircus.com.

The Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden will be alive with music and merriment from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. Expect to see and hear Move Ya Brass, Krewe des Fleurs, Glitter Ladies, a temporary tattoo station, all while enjoying tasty treats from Café NOMA, Dat Dog, Imperial Woodpecker Snowballs and much more. The free fest is located in City Park, behind the museum at 1 Collins Diboll Circle. noma.org.

Cleese

don’tmiss don’tmiss don’t miss

garden to glass: cheers to victory

It’sabattle royale (well, at thebar) for the favorite cocktail at this National WWIIMuseum competition at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday where area distillers and bars vie to create beverages usinglocal ingredients. For the 80th anniversary of theend of thewar,the themewill be toasting to peace, perseverance andthe power of community.The American Sector Restaurant& Barwill serve noshables for theevent in the U.S. Freedom Pavilion at 945 Magazine St. Tickets start at $30, withdesignated driver tickets for $15. nationalww2museum.org.

ABOUTLAGNIAPPE

The Lagniappe section is published each ThursdaybyThe Times-Picayune |The NewOrleans Advocate. All inquiries about Lagniappe should be directed to theeditor.

LAGNIAPPE EDITOR: Annette Sisco, asisco@theadvocate.com

COVERDESIGN: CassandraBrown

CONTRIBUTINGWRITERS: Victor Andrews, Will Coviello, DougMacCash, Justin Mitchell, KeithSpera

GETLISTEDINLAGNIAPPE

SubmiteventstoLagniappe at least two weeksinadvance by sending an email to events@theadvocate.com.

ON THECOVER

‘Exist,’ by Asheville artist Tami Beldue, expresses thedistraction and depression of anatural disaster.The drawing is part of ‘A Tale of TwoCities,’ an exhibit at the NewOrleans AcademyofFine Arts. Photo provided by theNew Orleans Academyof Fine Arts

music music music

Keith Spera SOUND CHECK

MDOU MOCTAR

MONDAY,TIPITINA’S

On the first Sunday of the2023 New Orle &Heritage Festival, anoverflow crowda tural Exchange Pavilionwitnessedthe ful of Tuareg guitarist MdouMoctar and the power trio behind him. Hailing from Niger,Moctar and company rolled with an unstoppable momentum. Playing left-handedwithout apick, Moctar tore off torrentsofnotes.Collective band evoked Jimi Hendrix crossed with Ga Jr.but with atrance-inducing momentum lyrics sung in the Tamasheq language.But heroics translated to any language. Moctar,backed by bassist/producerMike rhythm guitarist AhmoudouMadassane an merSouleymaneIbrahim, is ontour prom “FuneralFor Justice” album.The tour stop OrleansonMonday at Tipitina’s.The Point from Austin,Texas, that “fusespsychedelia guitar music, and cumbia with jam-band ties,” opens the show at 8p.m. Tickets are

It’sthe biggestweek in awhile for major touringartists in NewOrleans, with asoldout show at the SmoothieKingCenter and aslew of theater-size concerts, including three at theSaenger.

DJ SOUL SISTER’S BIRTHDAY JAMTRIBUTE TO THEGAP BAND

SATURDAY,TIPITINA’S

For morethan two decades, DJ Soul Sister has hosted WWOZ-FM’s Saturday night “Soul Power”show, spinning old-school funk, R&B and soul from her vast vinyl collection. Foralmost 20 years, she’scollaboratedwitha band forher annual Birthday Jam at Tipitina’s. On Saturday, shehosts her 19th Birthday Jam at Tip’s, which she says will be herlast. Theevent is alsoatribute to theGap Band, whose longlist of early-’80s hits includes“Burn Rubber,” “You Dropped aBomb On Me,” “PartyTrain” and“OopsUpside Your Head.”

After an opening setbyDJSoulSister,powertrio The Nth Power andspecial guests blues-based guitarist Eric Gales, Dumpstaphunk’sIvan Neville and Tony Hall, saxophonist Skerik and more —will pump outGap Band classics. Show time is 9p.m. Tickets are $23.50.

OTHERNOTEWORTHYSHOWS

THURSDAY

Avant-folk singer-songwriter Father John Misty holds court at the Saenger Theatre with special guests CutWorms.Tickets start at $49.

Experience Stereolab at theCivic Theatre with opening act Memorials.Tickets startat$44.

Saxophonist BradWalker teamsupwithjazz and classical pianist Willis Delony,aprofessor at Louisiana State University,for shows at 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. at Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro on Frenchmen Street.

ChubbyCarrier &the Bayou Swamp band are at Rock ‘n’ Bowl forthe weekly Zydeco Night ($17).

Catch the Jenn Howard Band andthe Kelli Baker Band featuring Noé Socha at ChickieWah Wah. Tickets are $25.

FRIDAY

In theearly1990s, the New Orleanscollective TribeNunzio distilleda sort of samba-tinged tribal funk that filleddancefloors from Frenchmen Street to theRockyMountains.Original members Holden Miller,JeffTreffinger,VernonRome and JoeCabral will reunite on Fridayatthe Broadside’s indoor Pavilionvenue, with Kyle Melancon filling in forTribe Nunzio’s late drummer Daemon Shea. Rene Coman will contribute keyboards and Ovi Giron will be on percussion; audiencemembers are also encouraged to bring their own percussion instruments, perTribe Nunzio tradition. Show time is 8p.m. Friday. Tickets are $20. Blues-based guitarist ChrisThomas King leadshis trio at SnugHarbor at 7:30 p.m. and9:30 p.m. ($35).

The Stooges Brass Band does afree show at Tipitina’s starting around 9p.m.

SATURDAY

Franz Ferdinand fires up at the Joy Theater withopeningact Master Peace.Tickets start at $51.

Contemporary New Orleanspianist Kyle Roussel, who plays withthe Preservation HallJazzBand, the Headhuntersand his own ensembles, leadsa birthdaytribute to the late piano titan Henry Butler at Snug Harbor at 7:30 p.m. and9:30 p.m. Tickets are $35.

At Rock ‘n’ Bowl, Rock ShowNOLA stages atribute to Journey($22).

Fromnoon to 5p.m., the outdoor Broadside hosts “Fiesta Latina,” afree festival featuring Victor Campbell, Cristina Kaminis and Yusa. Later on Saturday from 6p.m. to 8p.m., the Broadside’s indoor Pavilionisthe setting for“Underthe Influence,” atributetoBetty Davis featuring WhitneyAlouiscious,Mia Borders,Arsène DeLay,Cristian Duque,KeikoKomaki,WayneMaureau,AlexMcMurray,Jesse Morrow and Maddie Polley.Tickets start at $15.

Mdou Moctar

DJSoul Sister

music music music

SUNDAY

Versatile New Orleans pianist Josh Paxton performs a solo tribute to Henry Butler at 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. at Snug Harbor ($20).

TUESDAY

After a solo outing, singer Brittany Howard reunited with Alabama Shakes. Alabama Shakes headlines the Saenger on Tuesday, with Concurrence opening the show

Hozier brings his Unreal Unearth Tour 2025 to the Smoothie King Center with special guests Gigi Perez and Amble The show is sold out, but tickets are available on the resale market.

WEDNESDAY

Vampire Weekend is on the road for Only God Was Above Us Tour Part 2 It stops at the Saenger Theatre on Wednesday. Show time is 8 p.m. Tickets start at $49 plus fees.

Lake Street Dive harmonizes at the Orpheum Theater, with Trousdale opening.

Tickets start at $65.

Mirador is fronted by Greta Van Fleet guitarist Jake Kiszka and Ida Mae vocalist and guitarist Chris Turpin. They’ll rock Tipitina’s on Wednesday; tickets are $25.

New Orleans vocalist Sharon Nabonne, a veteran of the musical “One Mo’ Time” who later collaborated with the likes of Allen Toussaint and Dr. John, plays a free 5 p.m. show at Snug Harbor backed by Herman LeBeaux Jr. on drums, Kerry Lewis Sr. on bass and Steve Pistorius on piano. Later Wednesday at Snug Harbor, trombonist Delfeayo Marsalis & the Uptown Jazz Orchestra fill the stage at 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. ($40).

Kholodenko to perform Liszt, Rachmaninoff at Nocturne gala

multi-course seated dinner.

The Musical Arts Society of New Orleans will feature internationally known pianist Vadym Kholodenko for an evening of music and elegance at the annual Nocturne gala performance in October

The gold medal winner at the 2013 Van Cliburn International Piano Competition, Kholodenko has also taken first prize at the Sendai International Piano Competition and the Schubert International Piano Competition. He will perform a program featuring “Six Études” by Franz LIszt and “Liebesleid” by Sergei Rachmaninoff.

The Oct. 19 evening at the Ritz Carlton begins with a Champagne reception followed by the concert and a

The Ukrainian-born resident of Luxembourg began his keyboard journey at age 6 and was touring internationally by age 13. His recent and upcoming appearances include performances with the Atlanta, Cincinnati, Indianapolis and Philadelphia symphonic orchestras, as wells as Budapest, Vienna, London, Taiwan, Sydney and Tokyo. He has been the artist-in-residence with the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra and Stuttgart, Germany, SWR Symphonieorchester. He recently made his debut at the notable BBC “Proms” in London.

Tickets for the evening begin at $150. Visit masno.org.

Email Victor Andrews at vandrews@theadvocate.com.

Vampire Weekend

Staff report

art art art

THE POWER OF

Between Asheville, N.C., and New

Orleans, creative minds explore ‘A Tale of Two Cities’

BY DOUG MacCASH Staff writer

In a way, “A Tale of Two Cities,” an exhibit at the New Orleans Academy of Fine Arts, is a comparison of fresh wounds and old scars.

The group show includes paintings, sculpture, photos and fine craft by artists from New Orleans and Asheville, North Carolina, which were assembled to mark the 20th anniversary of 2005’s Hurricane Katrina and the first anniversary of Hurricane Helene in 2024.

Both storms and subsequent floods laid waste to regions known in part for their flourishing art communities.

“A Tale of Two Cities” is about commiseration and survival. The shock, emotional despair and sheer destruction seen in some of the Asheville works will seem entirely familiar to New Orleanians. Tami Beldue’s eerie self-portrait, in which her hands seem to drift aimlessly in the air, may well remind you of the depression and distraction that was commonplace during the post-Katrina recovery

Likewise, New Orleans artist Frank Relle’s utterly still photo of a modest Clouet Street home ravaged by the storm and flood probably echoes the sort of devastation wrought when the rivers in the Asheville region jumped their banks

Co-curator Jan Gilbert said that if there’s any wisdom New Orleans artists might be able to share with their North Carolina counterparts, it is the bitter knowledge that it’s “going to take a long time” to get past it.

The energy in the exhibit, Gilbert said, is the “dialogue” that develops between artworks that address the same basic subject in vastly different media and styles.

One of the great juxtapositions in the exhibit is viewing Jeremy Jernegan’s utterly cool, colorless, geometric rendering of sloshing waves, displayed directly between fellow New Orleans artist Rontherin Ratliff’s emotionally fraught, earthy, splintery floating house sculptures. The disparate artworks should clash. Instead, they are marvelously harmonious.

Likewise, New Orleans artist Jana Napoli’s realistically rendered ducks, which are scattered here and there in the exhibit, add a poignant counterpoint to Asheville artist Peter Roux’s realistic paintings of roiling cumulus clouds.

Comparing Hayden Wilson’s fragile, gorgeous glass “Butterfly Wing” to fellow Asheville artist Alison Chism’s grotesque glass eyeball, titled “Hello and Good Luck Everybody,” is a yin and yang of sincerity and satire.

Such artistic interactions pop up everywhere.

Artist Jan Gilbert and New Orleans Academy of Fine Arts executive director Andrew Rodgers plan to provide a public ‘mailbox’ to collect Katrina recollections and reactions.

In the craft room behind the New Orleans Academy of Fine Arts’ twin galleries, visitors will find a show within a show, featuring pottery, woodcraft, metalwork and weaving by accomplished Western North Carolina artists.

These works may not directly address Katrina and Helene, but it represent continuity.

As NOAFA’s executive director Andrew Rodgers explained, all of the artists in the exhibit “went back to their waterlogged studio and made art.”

“Some works in the show,” he explained, are conceptual, addressing the existential climate crisis, and “some are just the artists surviving.”

Tattered Tibetan-style prayer flags made by Gilbert and Louisiana artist Babette Beaullieu flutter in the breeze outside the Academy, perhaps indicating the compassion and wisdom gained from trial and tragedy. Charmingly, beneath the flags near the Magazine Street sidewalk, is a mailbox in which visitors can leave notes, sharing their reactions to the twin storms and floods. The messages will later be put on display.

Email Doug MacCash at dmaccash@theadvocate.com.

Asheville artist Kenn Kotara’s ‘overtopping’ Cities’ exhibit.

Jana Napoli’s ‘Death of the Wetlands,’ a series of lifeless ducks, juxtaposes nicely with Peter Roux’s pensive ‘I Want to Stand and Stare Again’ cloud painting in the exhibit ‘A Tale of Two Cities.’

STAFF PHOTO By DOUG MacCASH

‘A TALE OF TWO CITIES’

WHEN: Through Nov. 8

WHERE: Academy of Fine Arts, 5266 Magazine St. MORE INFO: (504) 899-8111

STAFF PHOTO By DOUG MacCASH

ART

The interaction of Rontherin Ratliff’s ‘Things that Float’ and Jeremy Jernegan’s ‘Prescience’ is a highlight of the ‘A Tale of Two Cities’ exhibit.

STAFF PHOTO By DOUG MacCASH

PHOTO PROVIDED By THE NEW ORLEANS ACADEMy OF FINE ART

‘Drain’s Gaze’ by Asheville artist Chris Jehly is both tragic and somehow whimsical. The watercolor is part of ‘A Tale of Two Cities,’ an exhibit at the New Orleans Academy of Fine Arts.

STAFF PHOTO By DOUG MacCASH is a dizzyingly complex contribution to the ‘A Tale of Two

Collegetheatersstart school year with Shakespeare stages stages stages

Gridiron actionisn’tthe onlything happening on collegecampuses— besides classes, of course as local institutions of higher learning plan productions for the coming weeks around the city.

TheBardonthe Lake

UNO gets into the swing of things with an updated versionofShakespeare’s“As YouLike It” opening Sept. 26 through Oct. 4atthe Robert E. Nims Theatre

One of the bard’scomedies,the show is Shakespeare de rigueur: mistaken identities, colorful characters, nobles behaving badly and saucy dialogue.

The local productionpromisestohave ahip-hop slant that will “be throwing you back in away you aren’texpecting.”

The show will run at 7:30 p.m. Thursdays (including apreview Sept. 25) and Oct. 1, plus a matinee at 2p.m. Sept. 28. The theater is located in the Performing Arts Center on the lakefront campus at 2000 Lakeshore Drive. uno.edu.

Lessonsinabsurd

Tulane University’sDepartment of Theatre and Dance offers aduo of events to get the season going at the Uptown campus, with Ionesco’s “The Lesson” in the Lab TheatreOct.15-19 and the dance production “Above the Oaks”inMcWilliams 300 Oct. 22-23.

The one-act play,partofthe canonof“theater of the absurd,” focuses on aprofessor,apupil and the maid. The story ends badly for some but loops onto itself and continues in the tradition of absurdist works.

Theater professor Antony Sandovalwill direct with students Sydney Schneider,SofiaSeverson and Grace Gilchrist.

The show runs at 7:30 p.m. Wednesdaythrough Saturday,with a2p.m. matinee Sunday.The theater is located in McWilliams Hall, 70 Newcomb Circle. Tickets start at $10. liberalarts.tulane.edu.

Seasonal scares

Just in time for the spookiest season of the year, Loyola University’sSchool of Music and Theatre Professions gets into afoursomeoffrights with “Ghost Quartet Oct. 17-26.

The musical wraps four tales together, starting with abroken camera and some whiskey,and progressing through stories of Scheherazade, Thelonious Monk, asubwaymurder,sisters and a tree house. The four actorsplay multiple rolesin the show that spans more than sevencenturies of time.

Elizabeth Argus will direct the production, with musical direction by Randy Martono-Chai. The

So

show rill run in the Lower Depths Experimental Theater,located in the Communicationsand Music Building, 6301 St. CharlesAve

Theshowruns at 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, plus Oct. 22-23, and 2p.m. Sundays. Tickets start at $20. cmm.loyno.edu.

On stagethisweek, Sept.18-24

“CRITICAL MASS”: Opening 7:30 p.m. Fridays through Mondays; Marigny Opera House, 725 St. Ferdinand St. Intramural Theater’s show,billed as “an absurd and darkly humorous explorations of humanity’simpulse toward criticism,” is propelled by the narrator,describedas“artist, mother,investigator of society’sfoibles,” alongwith a troupe of actors striving to impress acritic. But thecritichas issuesaswell. Tickets are $25. intramuraltheater.org.

“DEAR EVAN HANSEN”: 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Satur-

days plus Sept. 25, and 2p.m. Sundays through Sept. 28; Rivertown Theaters for the Performing Arts, 325 Minor St., Kenner.Ananxiety-ridden high schooler deals with the aftermath of a classmate’sdeath and his mistaken role in the deceased’slife, with social media playing acritical role. Ticket start at $43. rivertowntheaters.com.

“DON’T DRESS FOR DINNER”: 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 2p.m. Sunday; Playmakers Theater,19106 Playmakers Road, Covington. Countryside romp of mistaken identities, mixed-up mistresses and alot of fun as aplanned rendezvous of aman and his mistress, complete with aCordon Bleu chef, goes askew when his wife and his “alibi” descend as well. Tickets start at $15. bontempstix.com.

“OUT CRY: THE TWO-CHARACTER PLAY”: 7:30 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday and 3p.m. Sunday; Lower Depths Theatre, Loyola University’sMusic and Communications building. The Tennessee Williams Theatre Co.’sseason finale is atwisted take on life imitating art (as Williams does so well), about abrother and sister phasing in and out of character and reality as the lines between theater and reality blur and unravel. Tracey E. Collins and Kyle Daigrepont take the roles of Claireand Felice. Tickets start at $28. twtheatrenola.com.

“TUESDAYSWITHMORRIE”: 8p.m. Friday and Saturdayand 2:30 p.m. Sunday; 30 by Ninety Theatre, 880 Lafayette St. Asports journalist, see aTV program about his former professor,who is suffering from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or Lou Gehrig’sdisease, aterminal neurodegenerative disorder.Avisit turns into aweekly reunion that morphs into a final lesson on the meaning of life. Lance Nelson takes the role of the journalist and Chris Aberle is Morrie. Tickets start at $20. 30byninety.com.

“WAITRESS”: 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2p.m. Sundays through Sept. 21, Jefferson Performing Arts Center,6400 Airline Drive, Metairie. Jefferson Performing Arts stages Sara Bareilles’ musical based on Jessie Nelson’sbook about apie baker and waitress who ends up being asurvivor as well, despite abuse, unwanted maternity and more than acouple of marital indiscretions. Tickets start at $30. jpas.org.

“WHATEVER LOLA WANTS”: 7p.m. buffet Fridays and Saturdays, with the show at 8:15 p.m. Sundays matinee buffets are at 11:30 a.m., show at 1p.m. through Sept. 28; Terrytown Country Club, 1785 Carol Sue Ave., Terrytown. Sandy Bravender, Dane Rhodes, et al., stage acomedy about an estranged daughter attending her father’sfuneral and meeting three people who havebeenliving with him. Ticketsare $60. (504) 442-5675.

Email Victor Andrewsatvandrews@theadvocate. com.

Victor Andrews

PROVIDED PHOTO By DIANA CUPSA

fiaSeverson is the pupil in Tulane University’s production of ‘The Lesson.’

food food food

Destination deli

Tavi’s Salumeria is a must-try on your next Mississippi Coast trip

BY JUSTIN MITCHELL Staff writer

Octavio Arzola is no stranger to the Mississippi Coast food and dining scene, and now he’s brought a dream to life with a new European-style sandwich shop in downtown Gulfport.

A chef for three decades, Octavio has long dreamed of opening a salumeria — an Italian shop that sells cured meats. But he’s expanded the concept to a deli with fresh-cut meats and cheeses, homemade breads, with both Italian- and French-inspired spreads and sides, desserts and beverages imported from overseas.

Tavi’s Salumeria opened to fanfare last month, drawing big crowds at lunch to try the artisan creations and unique chip flavors

It’s just across the street from Pop Brothers, the flagship store for the artisan popsicle business he runs with his wife, Shannon. Both are about a block away from the new Amtrak stop

Tavi’s is casual with a coastal flair, and you’ll find Octavio, who goes by Tavi, greeting customers and explaining the menu, which is different from any other sandwich shop on the Gulf Coast.

Cold cuts hang from the ceiling, and the kitchen is surrounded by clear glass so you can watch the crew make

TAVI’S SALUMERIA

1618 25th Ave, Gulfport, MS 39501

Open 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday-Saturday

your order

Many European countries are represented on the menu. There’s the Madrid with serrano ham, salchichon iberico, and 12-year aged manchego cheese. The Milano has prosciutto, fresh mozzarella, arugula, red peppers and basil pesto. The Sicily features spicy salami with a feta spread, and there’s a French ham and brie sandwich.

With more than a dozen sandwiches on the menu, I opted to try the Rome, a cold sandwich featuring thinly sliced mortadella, stracciatella cheese, crushed pistachios, pistachio cream and hot honey

The bread was soft and fresh-baked and while the sandwich looked magnificent, it wasn’t pretentious. Tavi’s serves their meals in to-go containers for convenience.

The hot honey, cream and paper thinsliced mortadella paired perfectly. The pistachios also offered a crunch the sandwich needed. The textures were unreal in the best way.

Tavi’s is on 25th Avenue and is about a 10-minute walk from the Amtrak sta-

Cold cuts hang from the ceiling at Tavi’s Salumeria in downtown

tion, if you’re taking a trip to the Mississippi Coast soon. And it’s near Coast

Roast coffee if you need some extra caffeine after a filling lunch.

PHOTO By HANNAH RUHOFF

Gulfport, Miss.

STAFF PHOTO By JUSTIN MITCHELL

The Rome sandwich with mortadella and pistachio cream at Tavi’s Salumeria.

events events events

Bugging out

BY WILL COVIELLO Gambit Weekly

In Cirque du Soleil’s “OVO,” a fly carrying a giant egg on his back arrives in a forest bustling with insects. They’re alarmed by the foreigner and also enthralled by the egg. And one ladybug is attracted to the fly.

As the fly courts the ladybug, other insects steal the egg, and the action unfolds in the revamped and relaunched “OVO,” which comes to the Smoothie King Center Sept. 18-21

When it premiered in 2009, the show hit a lot of milestones for the Canadianbased, modern circus company It marked the company’s 25th anniversary, and it was the first Cirque du Soleil show directed by a woman, Brazilian choreographer Deborah Colker. “OVO” means egg in Portuguese, and the show dipped into other Brazilian elements, including a Brazilian-inspired score.

The show is set in a forest made of giant plants, like massive hibiscus flowers. Their scale makes the performers look the right size as brilliantly costumed insects.

All sorts of traditional and new circus acts fit the energetic lives of insects, who buzz and fly about on wings or maneuver on six legs. A crew of ants jump

Cirque du Soleil’s insect-inspired ‘OVO’ flying into Smoothie King

from one towering plant stem to another in a Chinese poles acrobatics act. Other red ants shoulder the burdens of all sorts of work around the colony, and they foot juggle giant fruits and vegetables. Jumping crickets fly through the air, going back and forth from trampolines to a 60-foot climbing wall. A couple of butterflies soar in an aerial act on wires, while another butterfly undergoes metamorphosis on an aerial silk.

Other creatures include spiders, dragonflies and beetles, and the troupe performs on slackwires, aerial nets and a trapeze-like cradle. Some of the creatures are whimsical inventions, like the

hairy Creatura.

Dancers costumed as insects perform among giant plants in ‘OVO.’

PROVIDED PHOTO

By MARIE-ANDREE LAMIRE

At the center of the action, the egg grows and is the centerpiece in a story of rebirth and transformation.

Colker imagined the incredible diversity and riches of the Brazilian rainforest to create the show The piece doesn’t have overt messages about the environment, but it celebrates the wonder of nature.

Berna Ceppas created the music, which incorporates bossa nova, funk and more. A seven-piece ensemble with electric guitars, violin, accordion and percussion performs it live.

Colker started her career as a dancer, and as a choreographer cre-

ated her own company, Companhia de Danca Deborah Colker, which toured the world. She also worked for Rio de Janeiro’s oldest Carnival samba school, Mangueira. Cirque du Soleil founder Guy Laliberte liked her energetic style, use of space and disregard for formal boundaries, so he recruited her to create “OVO,” which she wrote, choreographed and directed. She later served as director of movement for the 2016 Olympic summer games in Rio

“OVO” has been a popular show for the company, seen by more than 7 million people in 40 countries. Cirque is still headquartered in Quebec, where it was founded. It currently has five resident shows in Las Vegas and numerous touring productions.

“OVO” originally was performed in and toured as a tent show. In 2014, it was expanded for arena stages. Last year, as “OVO” was set to notch its 15th anniversary, Colker and Cirque updated it for a new arena tour The latest updates add new acrobatic acts and changes and updates the musical score.

Find more information at cirquedusoleil.com. Tickets $44.85 and up via ticketmaster.com.

Email Will Coviello at wcoviello@ gambitweekly.com.

Carnival clubs raise money to support first responders

Proceeds go to support police, firefighters and EMS staff with safety and communications equipment

BY ANNETTE SISCO Staff writer

Members and friends of New Orleans Carnival clubs will gather Sept 25 in a fundraiser dedicated to supporting New Orleans’ first responders.

The Krewes for Karnival’s 12th annual event raises money to support New Orleans police, firefighters and Emergency Medical Services staff.

The party with a purpose takes place at 7 p.m. at Southport Hall, 200 Monticello Ave.

“Krewes for Karnival’s First Responders was founded in 2012 as a way for Carnival krewes to show their appreciation for the men and women who keep the parade route safe and fun,” the K4K website says.

WWL anchor Devin Bartolotta will serve as emcee and help conduct the live auction. Carnival dance troupes will perform, including the Pussyfoot-

ers, the Dancing Dollys, the Disco Amigos, the Jailhouse Rockers, the NOLA Lolas, the Bejorettes, the Street Car Strutters, the Jamettes and the Amelia Earhawts.

Food will be provided by local businesses including Rizzuto’s Restaurant, Bears Po-Boys, Ming’s Cantonese Restaurant, Louisiana Pizza Kitchen, Benedict’s Catering, Krystal Burger, and Nonna Randazzo’s. The Krewe of ALLA will host a wine pull, inviting guests to take a chance on buying a wrapped bottle of wine that could be worth much more than the set price.

Last year, Krewes for Karnival brought in $43,000. The money goes to

support the safety of first responders.

In the past 11 years, proceeds from the event have purchased fluorescent safety vests, a firing arms simulator, Bluetooth communicators, ballistic helmets, vests, Kevlar, carbon monoxide detectors and EMS bicycles.

Krewes for Karnival is looking for donations for the silent and live auctions, such as float rides and ball tickets, along with other sponsors.

Since its founding, K4K has raised more than $550,000 for New Orleans first responders. Individual tickets start at $60.

For information, go to krewes4karnival.org.

‘Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale’ a fine farewell

BY KATIE WALSH Tribune News Service (TNS)

It’s the end of “Downton Abbey.” No, really this time, it’s right there in the title, “The Grand Finale.” After six seasons, five Christmas specials, three movies and a partridge in a pear tree, this is the end, until the next time writer and creator Julian Fellowes is struck with inspiration.

All joking aside, “The Grand Finale” is a fine send-off for the beloved British costume drama, which follows the ups and downs of the aristocratic Crawley family — and their staff — while navigating the tumultuous beginnings of the 20th century.

While the previous “Downton” film, “A New Era,” saw the Crawleys venturing to France and hosting a movie crew at their Yorkshire estate, the key to “The Grand Finale” is that Fellowes doesn’t venture into unfamiliar territory He keeps us grounded in the smaller social and familial dramas, with a few fun guest stars that nod to the year in which the story takes place, 1930.

What Fellowes has done so well with “Downton” is offer an escape to the past, while using the period setting to comment on issues of contemporary relevance. He produces an appealing tension in the simultaneous presentation of archaic cultural norms alongside issues that feel as urgent as ever In “The Grand Finale,” that is the tabloid scandal that is Lady Mary’s (Michelle Dockery) divorce, and the ongoing struggle that is Lord Grantham’s unwillingness to pass on management of Downton Abbey to the next generation.

Shock and horror?

We can titter at the shock and horror that some of the characters display at even being in the same room as a divorced woman — Lady Mary is rudely escorted from a ball and asked to hide under a staircase lest she come into contact with a royal — and also empathize with the frustration of a new generation that desperately wants to take over from the old guard, and maybe even shake things up a bit. It sounds a lot like the complaints that Gen X and millennials have with the boomers. Some things never change, even if divorce is no longer

‘DOWNTON ABBEY: THE GRAND FINALE’

HHH

MPA RATING: PG (for suggestive material, smoking and some thematic elements)

RUNNING TIME: 2:03 HOW TO WATCH: In theaters

grounds for social expulsion.

Fellowes isn’t exactly subtle with the messaging in his send-off. American uncle Harold (Paul Giamatti), even declares that it’s more comfortable to live in the past. Fellowes gets even more self-reflective with the character of Molesley (Kevin Doyle), who progressed from footman to screenwriter in the last film, and now demands the recognition that he believes he deserves. You have to laugh when Molesley declares into camera that screenwriters are more important than even movie stars. Heard, Lord Fellowes.

“The Grand Finale” brings back old friends from “A New Era,” like film actor Guy Dexter (Dominic West), now in a quiet relationship with former Downton

footman Barrow (Robert James-Collier), and their new pal, theater star and playwright Noel Coward (Arty Froushan), representing the new wave of media celebrities.

In a truly delightful, star-making performance, Froushan delivers mischievous double entrendre as Coward, practically licking his chops at all the juicy material he finds at Downton for his new plays, whether it’s Lady Mary’s love woes, or inner workings of the downstairs Downton staff.

With the late Dame Maggie Smith no longer delivering her usual barbs, Simon Russell Beale has stepped in to represent the traditionalist ways of thinking. Playing Sir Hector who contends with Lady Isabelle (Penelope Wilton) over the planning of the county show, he mightily resists change and isn’t afraid to let her know about it. He also delivers one of the most spectacular line readings of the phrase “beekeepers and bottling fruit,” so don’t worry, the spirit of the Dowager Countess lives on.

A financial pickle from abroad

In other subplots, the Crawleys have

to manage a financial pickle related to the American stock market crash, and a smooth-talking scam artist who goes by Gus Sambrook (Alessandro Nivola) who has inveigled Harold into an Argentinean currency grift, and Lady Mary into a rebound tryst.

He is ultimately merely a device to illustrate Lady Edith’s mannered English claws when she scares him off with threats to his social standing, and a way to urge the Crawleys into new management of their assets, but he’s a fun fly in the ointment nevertheless. With a mix of old characters and new, worldly upheaval and small-town dramas, Fellowes illustrates what “Downton” has always done best, which is a social examination of how much things have changed and how they haven’t changed at all.

While some of the character work doesn’t quite develop or deepen our understanding of them, or even take them on new journeys, it’s simply a pleasure to visit with them one last time — or at least until the next time. World War II is only a few years away, wouldn’t you like to see how the Crawleys and company tackle that?

PROVIDED PHOTO By RORy MULVEy

Jim Carter, from left, Sophie McShera, Lesley Nicol, Joanne Froggatt and Brendan Coyle portray longtime servants in ‘Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale.’