The Acadiana Advocate 05-07-2026

BILLIONAIRE TELEVISION PIONEER TED TURNER DIES AT 87 2A THE

ACADIANA

ADVOCATE

T H E A C A D I A N A A D V O C AT E.C O M

|

T h u r s d ay, M ay 7, 2026

HH

$2.00X

Comeaux High closure can continue Court case against Lafayette School Board dismissed

BY CLAIRE TAYLOR

ruled that the School Board gave the plaintiffs in a lawsuit most of what they sought when the board The Lafayette Parish School on April 15 rescinded an earlier Board may continue the process to vote to close Comeaux High.

By voting to undo its March 12 close Comeaux High School after an appeal court ruling issued late vote to close the school, the apTuesday. peals court wrote, “the School The 3rd Circuit Court of Appeal Board acknowledged its error and

Staff writer

gave the plaintiffs most of the very things sought in this suit.”

The appeals court in its Tuesday ruling dismissed the lawsuit and sent the matter back to 15th Judicial District Court Judge Valerie Gotch-Garrett to determine the payment of attorney fees and court costs in the case.

Gotch-Garrett ordered the School Board to pay approximately $45,000 in attorney fees and court costs the plaintiffs accrued.

Suzanne LaJaunie, the parent of a Comeaux High student and lead plaintiff, acknowledged the appeal court decision was not the outcome she wanted.

“We need to stay vigilant,” she said. “We need to stay awake.”

Parent Beth Haegele agreed.

La.’s historically Black colleges at risk of losing millions

“Today wasn’t a win, but it wasn’t a loss,” Haegele said, encouraging residents to vote, to watch board meetings and be cognizant of how the board’s decisions affect them.

The school system’s communications director, Tracy Wirtz, in response to a request for comment Wednesday about what is next for Comeaux High School, wrote,

ä See COMEAUX, page 5A

2026 LEGISLATURE CRIMINAL JUSTICE

Senate expands death penalty eligibility Change prompted by mall shooting

BY MEGHAN FRIEDMANN Staff writer

STAFF FILE PHOTO By JAVIER GALLEGOS

Students walk to class at Southern University in Baton Rouge.

Trump’s anti-DEI order means redistribution of money Institutions with greatest losses

BY HALEY MILLER Staff writer

As President Donald Trump’s administration moves to eliminate diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives at U.S. universities, Louisiana’s higher education board is cutting an incentive that encouraged universities to graduate more minority students.

The change means the state’s historically Black colleges and universities stand to lose millions of dollars.

“I’m not going to lie, because the numbers are out there,” interim Southern University system President Orlando McMeans said. “It will put us in the red as it relates to funding for 2026-27.”

The Louisiana Board of Regents doles out money from

WEATHER HIGH 77 LOW 67

Institution

Dollars WITHOUT Dollars WITH underrepresented underrepresented minority completers minority completers

Southern University and A&M College Grambling State University Southern University in New Orleans Baton Rouge Community College Delgado Community College Source: Louisiana Board of Regents

the Legislature to the state’s public colleges and universities based on a complex formula. For the new fiscal year that starts July 1, that formula

$24,947,310 $16,403,133 $6,089,260 $20,643,638 $32,692,613

$23,878,973 $15,503,849 $5,791,344 $20,360,457 $32,485,279

Loss $1,068,337 $899,284 $297,916 $283,181 $207,334 Staff graphic

will no longer include an “un- graduation rates than the rest derrepresented minority com- of the population. pleter” metric, which rewardKim Hunter Reed, ed institutions for graduating ä See MILLIONS, page 5A students of races with lower

Business ...................10C Commentary ................3B Nation-World ................2A Classified .....................4A Living............................5C Opinion ........................2B Comics-Puzzles .....7C-9C Metro ...........................1B Sports ..........................1C

© D. YURMAN 2026

PAGE 6A

The top five public universities and colleges in Louisiana that lost the most in total estimated formula calculations for fiscal year 2025 after the underrepresented minority metric was removed.

FINE JEWELRY & DISTINCTIVE GIFTS

AMBASSADOR CAFFERY AT SETTLERS TRACE 337-981-8071 • SHOP ONLINE AT LMFJ.COM

The Senate altered a bill Wednesday night to expand who can be charged with first-degree murder in Louisiana, citing April’s mass shooting at the Mall of Louisiana as the reason for the change.

With little debate and no opposition, the chamber approved an amendment to House Bill 102 that revises the definition of first-degree murder, an offense that can carry the death penalty, to include killings carried out in public places where at least three people were at risk of great harm.

It would further add killings committed with illegally possessed firearms and those committed by defendants out on bail, probation or parole. Louisiana has few restrictions on who can carry guns, but it is generally illegal for people with felony convictions to do so.

In a statement, Gov. Jeff Landry, who successfully pushed to resume executions in Louisiana after a 15year hiatus, called the amendment to HB102 “absolutely necessary” and said it would bring the state’s

ä See EXPANDS, page 5A

101ST yEAR, NO. 311

2A ● Thursday, May 7, 2026 ● theadvocate.com ● The Acadiana Advocate

BRIEFS

FROM WIRE REPORTS

Police announce arrest in Okla. party shooting

Police said an 18-year-old man was arrested Wednesday in connection with a mass shooting that left one woman dead and 22 other people wounded during a nighttime party beside an Oklahoma lake.

Police in Edmond announced that Jaylan A. Davis was arrested on a charge of assault with a deadly weapon in the wake of Sunday night’s shooting, which erupted after an argument broke out amid a large crowd gathered at Arcadia Lake in that north Oklahoma City suburb.

Edmond Police Chief J.D. Younger said at a news conference that the charge against Davis was in the process of being upgraded to felony murder following the death of an 18-yearold woman from her shooting injuries. Police identified the deceased woman as Avianna Smith-Gray, a high school senior.

Davis was being held in the Edmond jail on a $1 million bond and listed in jail records as an Oklahoma City resident.

Detectives believe the incident began with an argument between two women attending the gathering and escalated into an altercation between rival gang members, the police chief said. Younger also said police think there is at least one more suspect.

In addition to the 18-year-old woman killed, others suffered gunshot and shrapnel wounds as dozens of shots were fired at the popular boating, fishing and swimming lake about 20 miles north of downtown Oklahoma City. Six of the victims are juveniles, some as young as 15, Younger said.

Man charged in Texas shootings that killed 2 CARROLLTON, Texas — A man who police said shot five people, killing two, in back-to-back shootings at a shopping center and an apartment building in suburban Dallas has been charged with two counts of capital murder, police said Wednesday.

Seung Ho Han, 69, has also been charged with three counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon following Tuesday’s shootings in the Koreatown neighborhood of Carrollton, police said.

Police said Han acknowledged he was the shooter in an interview with detectives and said he was angry at the people he shot because of financial disagreements over their business dealings. They declined to release the names of the victims and said they were still investigating the motive.

The first shooting happened just before 10 a.m. Tuesday at a shopping center, police said.

When police arrived, they found four adults who had been shot, including a man who died. While they were investigating, another shooting was reported at an apartment complex roughly 4 miles away. Responding officers found a dead man inside one of the apartments.

Investigators determined that Han carried out both of the shootings, police said. He was arrested at a nearby grocery store after a short chase on foot.

2 shot, killed in Mich. in dispute at soccer game GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — A young man who was turned away from an informal soccer game in Michigan fatally shot a 15-yearold boy and killed a woman who tried to help the victim, all in the presence of other kids, police said. The suspect fled but was caught and arrested, police said.

“There was at least seven or eight kids that are out here, juveniles, older juveniles that witnessed this, which is just horrific for anybody to witness, let alone juveniles,” said Joe Trigg, interim police chief in Grand Rapids.

Trigg said kids were playing soccer Tuesday when an 18-year-old asked to be included.

“For whatever reason, he was turned away,” Trigg said. “Did not like the fact that he was turned away so a verbal altercation started, which led to the suspect pulling out a firearm and shooting that juvenile. The adult female had came to the aid, verbally, of the juvenile victim so then she was targeted.”

lll

CNN founder Ted Turner dies He built entertainment empire, turned to philanthropy

He revealed his ambitions as a younger man: “I used to tell people I wanted to become the world’s greatest sailor, businessman and lover all at the same time.”

Acquiring sports teams and land

BY DAVID BAUDER AP media writer

NEW YORK — Ted Turner, a brash television pioneer who raced yachts, owned huge chunks of the American West and transformed the news business by launching CNN and introducing the 24-hour cable news cycle, died Wednesday.

He was 87.

Turner died surrounded by his family, according to Turner Enterprises, the company that oversees his vast business interests.

Turner owned professional sports teams in Atlanta, defended the America’s Cup in yachting in 1977 and donated a stunning $1 billion to United Nations charities. He married three women — most famously Jane Fonda — and earned the nicknames “Captain Outrageous” and “The Mouth of the South.”

He once bragged: “If only I had a little humility, I’d be perfect.”

He was slowed in later years by Lewy body dementia. Long out of the television business, he concentrated on philanthropy.

His garrulous personality sometimes overshadowed a risk-taking business acumen. By the time he sold his Turner Broadcasting System to Time Warner Inc. in 1996, Turner had turned his late father’s billboard company into a global conglomerate that included seven major cable networks, three professional sports teams and a pair of hit movie studios.

President Donald Trump, reacting to Turner’s death, called him “one of the Greats of All Time.”

ATLANTA JOURNAL-CONSTITUTION FILE PHOTO By NANCy MANGIAFICO

Ted Turner is seen at his desk inside the CNN Center in Atlanta in 1982.

The creation of CNN Turner’s signature achievement was creating the Cable News Network, the first 24-hour, all-news television network in 1980. In part, Turner’s own frustration with television news was the instigator. He often worked past 8 p.m., after the ABC, CBS and NBC nightly newscasts had already gone off the air.

CNN’s breakthrough moment came during the Gulf War with Iraq in 1991. Most television journalists had fled Baghdad but CNN stayed, capturing arresting images of a war’s outbreak.

Turner was promised a continued role in CNN after his company’s sale to Time Warner but was gradually pushed out, much to his regret. “The mistake I made was losing control of the company,” he later said.

Building TBS SuperStation Robert Edward Turner III was born Nov. 19, 1938, in Cincinnati.

When he was 9, his family moved to Savannah, Georgia, where he

grew up. After being expelled from Brown University, Turner came to Atlanta to work for his domineering father’s billboard company, Turner Advertising.

After his father’s 1963 suicide, Turner took over the company. In 1970, he bought an independent UHF station with a weak signal that didn’t even cover Atlanta.

On Dec. 17, 1976, he began transmitting the station to cable systems across the country via satellite. It became the TBS SuperStation.

TBS’ motley collection of old movies and sitcom reruns was augmented by Turner’s acquisition of baseball’s Atlanta Braves. Perennial doormats, the Braves slowly attracted fans nationwide through their superstation exposure.

In the 1980s, Turner went deeply into debt to buy MGM, a move again greeted with skepticism.

But the acquisition gave his company a library of vintage movies that eventually were parlayed into the TNT and Turner Classic Movies networks.

For much of his life a partying roustabout who wooed beautiful women, the lean, mustachioed sportsman married three times.

He was married to Fonda from 1991 to 2001. She tired of his philandering and divorced him, although they remained friends.

Perhaps Turner’s greatest love was for the land. He acquired millions of acres in ranches complete with roaming buffalo and was Nebraska’s largest private landholder. Researchers at Texas A&M University credited his donation of a few bulls in 2005 with helping increase the genetic diversity of the last herd of southern Plains bison.

An atheist since his only sister died of lupus at age 17, he called Christians “losers” and “Jesus freaks,” later apologizing for both remarks.

Dedication to various causes Turner, the father of five children, grabbed a leadership role in American philanthropy with his Sept. 18, 1997, pledge to give $1 billion to United Nations charities.

He promoted a range of humanitarian causes. Turner joined former U.S. Sen. Sam Nunn to start the Nuclear Threat Initiative, a U.S.-based nonprofit dedicated to reducing the threat of nuclear, biological and chemical weapons.

As he poured millions into nonprofits on a global scale, Turner was also fond of spreading his wealth in small ways. He once gave $500 to a volunteer fire department that helped extinguish a blaze on one of his ranches.

Bauder, a longtime media writer, retired from The Associated Press in 2026.

Lutnick’s Epstein testimony draws praise, derision

BY STEPHEN GROVES Associated Press

WASHINGTON — Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick appeared Wednesday before a House committee investigating sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, trying to explain to lawmakers his contact with the financier after Epstein’s 2008 conviction for soliciting prostitution from an underage girl.

The Cabinet member was the latest powerful political figure to appear before the House Oversight Committee. He has previously given contradictory statements about his relationship with Epstein, but he said he has done nothing wrong and welcomed the closed-door interview with lawmakers.

The transcribed interview is a test of how much scrutiny lawmakers will apply to powerful men who kept company with Epstein even after his conviction. President Donald Trump’s administration has tried unsuccessfully for more than a year to move past the issue.

Lawmakers emerged from the private interview with vastly different assessments of Lutnick’s answers. The committee chairman, GOP Rep. James Comer of Kentucky, said Lutnick had been “forthcoming” in describing limited interac-

tions with Epstein. Democrats accused Lutnick of lying and evading their questions.

Lutnick is the highestranked administration official, besides Trump, to be named in the Epstein case files.

The Republican president has consistently denied any knowle d g e o f Lutnick Epstein’s crimes and has said he ended their relationship years ago. Epstein died in a New York jail cell in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges.

Several Democrats have called for Lutnick to resign.

“He was evasive, nervous. He was dishonest,” said Rep. Suhas Subramanyam, D-Va. “He would not admit to lying, which he clearly did.”

Epstein’s private island Lutnick has played down his ties to Epstein, who was once his neighbor in New York City. Under questioning from Democrats during an unrelated hearing earlier this year, Lutnick described their contact as a handful of emails and a pair of meetings in 2011 and 2012.

But that admission came after Lutnick had previ-

ously claimed on a podcast last year that he had decided to “never be in the room” with Epstein after a 2005 tour of Epstein’s home, which included a massage table, disturbed Lutnick and his wife.

In 2008, Epstein pleaded guilty to state sex offense charges in Florida, including soliciting prostitution from an underage girl.

“I did not have any relationship with him. I barely had anything to do with him,” Lutnick told senators in February when he was asked about Epstein during a subcommittee hearing of the Senate Appropriations Committee.

But Lutnick, who was previously the head of brokerage and investment bank Cantor Fitzgerald, actually had an hourlong engagement at Epstein’s home in 2011. His family then visited Epstein’s private island in 2012 for lunch.

Committee Democrats asked Lutnick repeatedly about that visit, but came away from the interview frustrated with Lutnick and accused him of evading their questions.

The federal release of case files on Epstein also showed that Epstein and Lutnick had kept in contact through email.

Lutnick in 2018 emailed Epstein about a proposed expansion of a museum in their neighborhood

Trump seeks to halt $83M payment

BY MICHAEL R. SISAK and LARRY NEUMEISTER Associated Press

NEW YORK — President Donald Trump’s lawyer, hoping for an eventual Supreme Court victory, has asked a federal appeals court in New York to temporarily block a longtime columnist from collecting an $83 million defamation award.

The lawyer, Justin D. Smith, told the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in a filing Tuesday to stay

its decision supporting the award so that Trump won’t have to pay writer E. Jean Carroll while he appeals to the high court.

A Manhattan jury awarded Carroll the payout in January 2024. Another jury in May 2023 awarded Carroll $5 million after concluding Trump sexually abused her in a Manhattan luxury department store dressing room in 1996 and then defamed her after she published her account of it in 2019.

Trump has vehemently

denied sexually abusing Carroll or ever knowing her and has repeatedly accused her of making accusations against him for political purposes or to promote her memoir.

Smith told the 2nd Circuit that Trump “will suffer irreparable harm” if he must pay Carroll now because she has said publicly that she plans to give the award away, meaning the president would not be able to recover the money if the high court reverses the verdict.

that would have blocked the view from their homes.

Epstein also gave $50,000 to a 2017 dinner honoring Lutnick, while Lutnick invited Epstein to a 2015 fundraiser for Hillary Clinton.

“I haven’t seen wrongdoing in the email correspondence, but he wasn’t 100% truthful with whether or not he had been on the island,” Comer said.

He added that the committee planned to later release the transcript of the inter-

view and “let the American people judge whether the credibility was damaged or not.”

The interview was not recorded on video, as the committee has done with depositions for others, including former President Bill Clinton and Hillary Clinton, a former secretary of state.

Comer said the decision not to video the interview, for which Lutnick volunteered, was keeping with the committee’s practice.

GET IN TOUCH Customer Service: HELP@THEADVOCATE.COM or 337-234-0800 News Tips / Stories: NEWSTIPS@THEADVOCATE.COM Obituaries: 225-388-0289 • Mon-Fri 9-5; Sat 10-5; Closed Sun Advertising Sales: 337-234-0174 • Mon-Fri 8-5 Classified Advertising: 225-383-0111 • Mon-Fri 8-5 Subscribe: theadvocate.com/subscribe E-Edition: theadvocate.com/eedition Archives: theadvocate.newsbank.com The Acadiana Advocate (USPS # 25-866) is published daily by Capital City Press, LLC at 203 W. Third St., Lafayette, LA 70501. Periodicals postage paid at Lafayette, LA ISSN 2643-7252 and additional mailing offices.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Acadiana Advocate, Circulation Accounting, P.O. Box 588, Baton Rouge, LA 70821. Newspaper carriers are independent contractors and not employees of Capital City Press.

All home delivery subscription sales are non-refundable. Should you discontinue your subscription during term, the subscription will end with the expiration date on your subscription, and there will not be a refund of a prorated amount. Subscribers who purchased their subscription before Feb. 1, 2023 and wish to cancel can request a refund of a remaining balance at https://www.nola.com/app/forms/refund-request-form/. Refunds are considered on a case-by-case basis at the discretion of Capital City Press, LLC or its designee. All subscriptions purchased that include a special edition will have the special edition value deducted prior to any refund provided to subscriber upon cancellation of service. Standard subscription rates may be effective upon renewal. All standard subscriptions include digital access and e-Edition, a digital replica of the printed Advocate edition(s). The apps are free for tablets and smartphones. Smartphone apps may not be supported on all devices. The Advocate standard subscription rate is $80.89 per 4-week period, plus tax. The Acadiana Advocate standard subscription rate is $68.48 per 4-week period, plus tax. Standard digital subscriptions include e-Edition with the rate of $31.15 per 4-week period, plus tax starting 1/1/25. Special editions included in home delivery subscriptions are 1/30/26, 3/11/26, 4/15/26, 5/27/26, 7/8/26, 8/19/26, 9/30/26 11/26/26, 1/22/27, 3/10/27, 4/14/27, 5/26/27, 7/14/27, 8/18/27, 9/29/27 and 11/25/27 and are billed at $6.23 each. The Thanksgiving Day edition will be billed at your regular Thursday rate plus $6.23. To opt out of special edition delivery, email help@theadvocate.com or call 225-388-0395. By opting out of special editions you will not receive that day’s newspaper. Thanksgiving Day is not a special edition and opting out for that edition isn’t permitted. Prices shown are in U.S. dollars. Prices subject to change. Other restrictions may apply. We no longer provide credit for temporary delivery stops of 14 days or less. During a temporary delivery stop donations are made to our News in Education program. This program provides newspapers and digital access to schools across Louisiana. This program is paid for by sponsors and temporary stops so that students may use the newspaper for educational purposes in the classroom. During a temporary delivery stop of the print edition subscribers have unlimited digital access to theadvocate.com, nola.com and the apps for tablet and smartphone. Seasonal delivery times from August 2025 through February 2026 will extend to 8:00 a.m. on weekends. Subscribers may also choose to access our digital replica e-Edition of the printed Advocate, Times Picayune | New Orleans Advocate and Acadiana Advocate only. As a highly valued customer, we also value your privacy. All personal information collected by The Advocate will be used for administration and customer verification; it may be used for promotional purposes in accordance with The Advocate’s privacy policy. Please refer to our policy located at https://www.theadvocate.com/new_policy/ for information regarding the collection, use and disclosure of personal information.

By providing your phone number and email address you agree that we can call or email you to confirm delivery service, satisfaction and/or sales promotions as they may occur from The Advocate.

The Acadiana Advocate: 203 W. Third Street, Lafayette, LA 70501

lll

3 evacuated from cruise ship with hantavirus outbreak

BY ANNIE RISEMBERG, MISPER APAWU, ALEKSANDAR FURTULA and ISABEL DEBRE Associated Press

PRAIA, Cape Verde — Two patients with hantavirus and one suspected of infection were evacuated Wednesday from a cruise ship at the center of a deadly outbreak, the U.N. health agency said.

The ship then departed Cape Verde with nearly 150 people on board — isolated in their cabins — and headed to Spain’s Canary Islands.

Associated Press footage showed health workers in protective gear evacuating three patients, including the ship’s British doctor. Two of the patients arrived at Amsterdam’s airport Wednesday evening and were taken to separate hospitals.

Three people have died, and one body remained on the ship, the World Health Organization said. Of eight recorded cases, five were confirmed by laboratory testing.

Hantavirus usually spreads by inhaling contaminated rodent droppings and can spread person-to-person, though that is rare, according to the WHO, whose top epidemic expert said the risk to the public is low.

Health officials in Europe and Africa are trying to identify people who may have had contact with people who earlier left the ship, which departed April 1 from South America for stops in Antarctica and several remote Atlantic islands.

Two Argentine officials investigating the origins of the outbreak said the government’s leading hypothesis is that a Dutch couple contracted the virus while bird-watching in the city of Ushuaia before boarding.

They said the couple visited a landfill during the tour and may have been exposed to rodents.

No others with symptoms The Dutch foreign ministry said the three people evacuated Wednesday were a 41-year-old Dutch national, a 56-year-old British national and a 65-year-old German national. WHO said testing in Senegal confirmed that two of the evacuees were infected with hantavirus.

Two of the evacuees were in “serious condition,” Dutch ship operator Oceanwide Expeditions said, and the third had no symptoms but was “closely associated” with a German passenger who died on the MV Hondius ship on May 2.

Upon arriving in Amsterdam, one of the evacuated patients was taken to a specialized hospital in Düsseldorf, Germany; the other was taken to a hospital in Leiden, the Netherlands.

Health officials said passengers and crew members still on the ship were without symptoms. Their journey to the Canary Islands will take three or four days, Spain’s health ministry said. Their arrival “won’t represent any risk for the public,” the ministry said.

‘Not the next COVID’ Authorities said passengers tested positive for the Andes virus, a species of hantavirus found in South America, primarily in Argentina and Chile. The virus can spread between people, though that’s rare and only through close contact, according to the WHO. The health agency has never seen a hantavirus outbreak on a ship.

“This is not the next COVID, but it is a serious infectious disease,” the WHO’s top epidemic expert, Maria Van Kerkhove, said. “Most people will never be exposed to this.”

At St. Helena, the body of the Dutch man suspected to be the first hantavirus case on board was taken off the ship. His wife flew to South Africa, where she collapsed at the Johannesburg airport and died.

The Acadiana Advocate ● theadvocate.com ● Thursday, May 7, 2026 ● 3A

U.S. fires on Iranian oil tanker Trump seeks to pressure Tehran into reaching a deal

BY JOSHUA BOAK, BEN FINLEY and RUSS BYNUM Associated Press

WASHINGTON — The U.S. military fired on an Iranian oil tanker Wednesday as President Donald Trump sought to pressure Tehran into reaching a deal to end the war.

The Islamic Republic said it was reviewing the latest American proposals.

A fighter jet shot out the rudder of the tanker in the Gulf of Oman as it tried to breach the American blockade of Iran’s ports, U.S. Central Command said CO ONFLICT in a social media post.

IN THE T The attack ocMIIDDLE curred as Iran and EAST AST the U.S. are officially in a ceasefire. Trump threatened Tehran with a new wave of bombing if a deal is not reached that includes opening the critical Strait of Hormuz.

Trump posted on social media that the two-month war could soon end and that oil and natural gas shipments disrupted by the conflict could restart. But he said that depends on Iran accepting a reported agreement that the president did not detail.

Meanwhile, Israel struck Beirut’s southern suburbs for the first time since a ceasefire between Israel and the Iranian-backed Hezbollah militant group was announced April 17.

Fighting has continued since then in southern Lebanon.

Only two American-flagged merchant ships are known to have passed through the U.S.-guarded route after it opened Monday. The U.S. military said it sank six Iranian small boats threatening civilian ships.

Iran’s effective closure of the strait has sent fuel prices skyrocketing, rattled the global economy and put enormous economic pressure on countries, including major powers such as China.

China’s foreign minister called for a comprehensive ceasefire Wednesday after meeting in Beijing with Iran’s top envoy. Wang Yi said his country was “deeply distressed” by the conflict, which beISNA PHOTO By AMIRHOSEIN KHORGOOI gan Feb. 28 when the U.S. and Israel launched strikes against Iran.

Oil tankers sit at anchor offshore Saturday in the Strait of Hormuz off China’s close economic and politiBandar Abbas, Iran. cal ties to Tehran give it a unique Iranian uranium enrichment, lift- position of influence. The Trump Trump: U.S. might force a deal ing of U.S. sanctions, distribution administration is pressing China Trump insisted Wednesday that of frozen Iranian funds and opening to use that relationship to urge the Islamic Republic to open the strait.

Iranian officials want to end the the strait for ships.

The White House did not immediwar.

“We’re dealing with people that ately respond to questions about the Iranian envoy visits China want to make a deal very much, possible agreement.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas and we’ll see whether or not they A spokesman for the Iranian For- Araghchi’s visit to China came can make a deal that’s satisfactory eign Ministry, Esmaeil Baghaei, ahead of a planned trip by Trump to us,” the president said. told state TV that Tehran had to Beijing.

He suggested, both at the White “strongly rejected” U.S. proposals Trump is scheduled to attend a House and on social media, that the reported by Axios, but that it was high-profile summit on May 14 and U.S. could ultimately force a settle- still examining the latest proposed 15 with Chinese President Xi Jinagreement. ment. ping. Trump was the last U.S. presi“If they don’t agree, the bombing dent to visit China in 2017. starts,” Trump said on social me- Short effort to force strait open “We believe that a comprehensive dia, “and it will be, sadly, at a much Trump sought to increase pres- ceasefire is urgently needed, that a higher level and intensity than it sure on Tehran the day after he sus- resumption of hostilities is not acwas before.” pended a short-lived U.S. effort to ceptable,” Wang said in a video of The White House believes it is force open a safe passage for com- the meeting. near an agreement with Iran on mercial ships through the strait.

The Chinese foreign minister said a one-page memorandum to end The waterway was a vital passage the conflict “has not only caused sethe war, according to reporting by for oil and gas supplies, fertilizer rious losses to the Iranian people, Axios. There is no deal yet, but pro- and other petroleum products be- but also had a severe impact on revisions include a moratorium on fore the war. gional and global peace.”

Administration sows confusion on Iran strategy

BY BEN FINLEY, MATTHEW LEE and FARNOUSH AMIRI Associated Press

WASHINGTON — The Trump administration’s approach to the Iran war has pinballed from declarations that a tenuous ceasefire was holding and military operations were over to new threats of bombing the Islamic Republic.

Tuesday started with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth explaining how the U.S. military was protecting stranded ships so they could traverse the Strait of Hormuz. He insisted it was a defensive operation and the truce was still in place even though Iran had launched missiles and drones at U.S. forces, which sank Tehran’s small attack boats.

That afternoon, Secretary of State Marco Rubio told reporters at the White House that the military operation was “concluded” and that the U.S. achieved its objectives. But in almost the same breath, he said President Donald Trump was still seeking a “path of peace” that required Iran to agree to a deal to reopen the vital oil shipping corridor.

By Tuesday evening, Trump announced that the effort to protect ships was paused to see if an agreement could be reached. Then on Wednesday morning, he again warned that bombing would resume if Tehran didn’t agree to U.S. terms.

The Trump administration’s shifting and often contradictory messaging throughout the Iran war has produced ever more confusion this week as the president and his aides presented a dizzying narrative over the U.S. strategy to unblock the Strait of Hormuz and wrap up the war that drastically changed over the course of mere hours.

Trying to sell strategies The Trump administration has struggled with its messaging because the war wasn’t well planned, said Elizabeth Dent, a senior fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy.

“Because it happened very quickly, it wasn’t sold to the American public in a way that I think was palatable,” said Dent, a former official in the State Department and Penta-

commercial vessels out of the strait, which Iran has effectively closed by firing at ships off its coast.

On Tuesday, Hegseth and the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen. Dan Caine, said two Americanflagged freighters transited the waterway to lead the effort, but Iran fired at U.S. ships and the military sank six Iranian small attack boats.

When asked about the fire from both sides, Hegseth said, “No, the ceasefire is not over.” Caine also said Iranian attacks did not reach the level of “restarting major combat operations.”

Rubio later insisted Trump’s preference was diplomacy.

“Operation Epic Fury is concluded. We achieved the objectives of that operation,” he said, referring to the code name for the U.S.-Israeli attacks on Iran.

“What the president would prefer is a deal.”

A deal seemed closer at hand when Trump said Tuesday night on social media that he was halting the operation in the strait to see what would happen with negotiations. But on Wednesday morning, Trump threatened Iran once again.

“If they don’t agree, the bombing starts, and it will be, sadly, at a much higher Narrative whipsaws level and intensity than it The last couple of days was before,” he wrote on have been emblematic of Truth Social. how the Trump administration’s statements can seem Seeking help from others out of sync and hard to folAnother confusing elelow. ment is the administration’s The president said Sunday efforts to persuade allies to that U.S. forces would safely deploy warships to help reguide hundreds of stranded open the Strait of Hormuz. gon. “Now I think Trump is sort of doing everything he can to prevent a return of hostilities because he saw how unpopular the war was.”

Throughout the conflict, the president has shifted his priorities and his perspectives on victory. He’s offered a murky definition of a ceasefire. And he’s provided his own interpretation of a law that requires congressional approval for military operations after 60 days.

The confusion is fueled in part by Trump’s tendency to make off-the-cuff statements that essentially make policy, Dent said. Aides like Rubio and Hegseth must then explain Trump’s statements.

The whirlwind 24 hours of decision-making by the Trump administration also reflects a realization that any alternative to an agreement “is going to range from unpalatable to outright ugly” at a moment of great political importance for the Republican president, said Ali Vaez, Iran director at the International Crisis Group.

“This is not an administration that operates based on a policy process. It operates based on impulse. And the president seems now both tired of this war and reluctant to continue investing his political capital into it,” Vaez said.

Notice is hereby given pursuant to Article 7, Section 23(C) of the Louisiana Constitution and R.S. 47:1705(B) that a public hearing of the Acadia Parish Police Jury in Acadia Parish will be held at its regular meeting place in the Police Jury Meeting Room 3rd Floor located at 500 N Parkerson Ave. Crowley, Louisiana 70526 on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. to consider levying additional or increased millage rates without further voter approval or adopting the adjusted millage rates after reassessment and rolling forward to rates not to exceed the prior year’s maximum. The estimated amount of tax revenues to be collected in the next year from the increased millage is $8,505,705, and the amount of increase in taxes attributable to the millage increase is $212,584.

Trump has been lashing out at countries unwilling to do more, telling them to “go get your own oil” and saying it was not America’s job to secure the strait. But administration officials have begun actively soliciting help while toning down their language.

Rubio said the issue is not a lack of interest, but that many are unable to provide the necessary resources.

“A lot of countries would love to do something about it. But they don’t have a navy, right? Or they can’t get there in time,” he said.

After Trump’s abrupt suspension of the initiative, two U.S. officials said the administration was still deciding whether, and how, to proceed with planning, following the State Department’s formal request for support from countries last week.

The officials, who spoke on Wednesday on condition of anonymity to discuss internal deliberations, said

Trump’s announcement had not been expected and that they had not been offered detailed guidance on whether to withdraw the requests for support.

U.S. allies like Britain and France have rejected onagain, off-again suggestions from Trump that they become militarily involved, but they have led the formation of a separate international maritime coalition to secure the strait — but only once the threat to shipping ends.

The issue only has been more complicated by Trump’s trip to Beijing next week.

“Going to China while the strait remains closed is humiliating for President Trump and puts China in a position of strength vis-a-vis the United States, because President Trump would have to, as he has done recently, ask for China’s help to resolve a problem that didn’t exist before he launched a war,” Vaez said.

4A ● Thursday, May 7, 2026 ● theadvocate.com ● The Acadiana Advocate

lll

Public Notices Sheriff Sales

Public Notices Sheriff Sales

SHERIFF'S SALE REGIONS BANK DBA RE‐ GIONS MORTGAGE Versus No. 20254963 KEVIN RAY‐ MOND JOHNSON A/K/A KEVIN R. JOHNSON A/K/A KEVIN JOHNSON

.theacadianaadvocate.com Announcements Advertising Looking to promote your services or find a new hire? Deliver your classified message statewide for as little as $265 per week through the Louisiana Press Association’s Classified Network. Pre-payment required. To learn more, email advertising@lapress.com or call 225-344-9309.

Miscellaneous YMT Vacations. Over 50 guided tours available. Affordable, social and stress-free travel designed for mature travelers. Our tours include accommodations, transportation, baggage handling, sightseeing, entrance fees, a professional Tour Director and select meals. For a limited time SAVE $250 on all tours.

Call YMT today. 1-877-914-7029 Donate your car, truck, boat, RV and more to support our veterans!

Schedule a FAST, FREE vehicle pickup and receive a top tax deduction!

Call Veteran Car Donations at 1-844-742-5188 today!

Health and Wellness DENTAL INSURANCE from Physicians

Public Notices

Public Notices Bids/Proposals

PUBLIC NOTICE --NOTICE TO BIDDERS Notice is hereby given that sealed bids will be received either electroni‐ cally at https://lafayet tecsdgovla.tylerportico. com/va/vendor-access/ registration or in the of‐ fice of the Purchasing Di‐ vision at the Lafayette Consolidated Govern‐ ment Building, located at 705 West University Av‐ enue, Lafayette, Louisiana, until 3:00 pm Central Time on the 22nd day of May, 2026 for the following: 2026 ATV SIDE BY SIDE and will, shortly there‐ after, be opened and read aloud in City Hall lo‐ cated at 705 West Univer‐ sity Avenue, Lafayette, LA. Bids received after the above specified time for opening shall not be considered and shall be returned unopened to the sender. Bidders are encouraged to attend the bid opening virtually by using the following link https://us02web.zoom. us/j/86105639240? pwd=86WnNLTlpas5zbd jhRuquhF4gwbhy7.1 Meeting ID: 861 0563 9240 Passcode: 203753 In accordance with Louisiana RS 38:2212. vendors may submit their bid electronically at the website listed above.

Bidders wishing to sub‐ mit their bid electroni‐ cally must first be regis‐ tered within LCG Vendor Access at the website listed above. The regis‐ tration process can take some time; therefore, LCG recommends regis‐ tering days in advance of the time that bids are due. It is the sole respon‐ sibility of the bidder to ensure their bid is deliv‐ ered (whether electroni‐ cally via Vendor Access, in person, or via mail) to the Purchasing Division prior to the scheduled date and time of the bid opening. Vendors may request the bid package electronically from Thomas Metrejean at tg‐ metrejean@lafayettela. gov.

Vendors submitting bids electronically are re‐ quired to provide the same documents as bid‐ ders submitting through the mail as soon as avail‐ able. Only a bid bond, certified check or cashier’s check shall be submitted as the bid se‐ curity. Electronic copies of both the front and back of the check or bid bond shall be included with the electronic bid.

Bids must be signed in accordance with LRS Title 38:2212(B)5. A Cor‐ porate Resolution or Cer‐ tificate of Authority au‐ thorizing the person signing the bid is re‐ quired to be submitted with bid. Failure to sub‐ mit a Corporate Resolu‐ tion or Certificate of Au‐ thority with the bid shall be cause for rejection of bid.

Copies of the bidding documents are available at the Purchasing Office located at 705 West Uni‐ versity Avenue, Lafayette, LA 70506. Tele‐ phone number (337) 2917187 (Attn: Thomas Me‐ trejean). Bidding docu‐ ments shall be available until twenty-four (24) hours before the bid opening date.

Bidder must be properly licensed in accordance with LA RS 32:1254 and must include valid copy of said license in the bid submitted in accordance with LA 38:2212.8.

Each bid shall be accom‐ panied by a certified check, cashier’s check or bid bond payable to the Lafayette Consolidated Government, the amount of which shall be five percent (5%) of the base bid plus additive alter‐ nates. If a bid bond is used, it shall be written by a surety or insurance company currently on the U.S. Department of the Treasury Financial Management Service list bonding of approved companies which is pub‐ lished annually in the Federal Register, or by a Louisiana domiciled in‐ surance company with at least an A-Rating in the latest printing of the A.M. Best’s Key Rating Guide to write individual bonds up to ten percent (10%) of policyholders’ surplus as shown in the A.M. Best’s Key Rating Guide, or by an insurance com‐ pany in good standing li‐ censed to write bid bonds which is either domiciled in Louisiana or

Mutual Insurance Company.

Coverage for 400 plus procedures.

Real dental insurance - NOT just a discount plan. Do not wait! Call now!

Get your FREE Dental Information Kit with all the details!

1-855-268-0108 www.dental50plus.com/morning #6258 Home Improvement Replace your roof with the best looking and longest lasting material…steel from Erie Metal Roofs! Three styles and multiple colors available. Guaranteed to last a lifetime! Limited Time Offer. Up to 50% off installation + Additional 10% off install (for military, health workers & 1st responders.) Call Erie Metal Roofs: 1-855-582-6043 Prepare for power outages today with a Generac Home Standby Generator. Act now to receive a FREE 5-Year warranty with qualifying purchase. Call 1-844-3352962 today to schedule a free quote.

It’s not just a generator. It’s a power move.

Home Services DIRECTV- All your entertainment.

Nothing on your roof! Sign up for Directv and get your first three months of Max, Paramount+, Showtime, Starz, MGM+ and Cinemax included. Choice package $84.99/mo. Some restrictions apply.

Public Notices Bids/Proposals

owned by Louisiana resi‐ dents. The bid bond shall be issued by a company licensed to do business in Louisiana and counter‐ signed by a person who is under contract with re‐ siding in this state. The certified check, cashier’s check, or bid bond shall be given as a guarantee that the bidder shall exe‐ cute the contract, should it be awarded to him, in conformity with the con‐ tract documents within ten (10) days.

No bidder may withdraw his bid for at least fortyfive (45) days after the time scheduled for the opening of bids. Each bid shall be submitted only on the bid form provided with the specifications.

Bids will be evaluated by the Purchaser based on the lowest responsible and responsive bid sub‐ mitted which is also in compliance with the bid documents.

The Lafayette Consolidated Government reserves the right to reject any and all bids for just cause in ac‐ cordance with LA R.S. 38§2214.B. The Lafayette Consoli‐ dated Government strongly encourages the participation of DBEs (Disadvantaged Business Enterprise) in all con‐ tracts or procurements let by the Lafayette Con‐ Government solidated for goods and services and labor and material.

To that end, all contrac‐ tors and suppliers are encouraged to utilize DBEs business enter‐ prises in the purchase or sub-contracting of mate‐ rials, supplies, services and labor and material in which disadvantaged business are available.

Assistance in identifying said businesses may be obtained by calling 2918410.

PURCHASING DIVISION Lafayette Consolidated Government PUBLISH DATES: 5/7/26, 5/10/26 DPR # 1005692 186763-MAY 7-10-2T $103.82

Legal Notices

PUBLIC NOTICE --Notice is hereby given that Donna Boesch Hines, whose address is 3636 North Causeway Blvd, Suite 300, Metairie, LA 70002, has been named the Liquidator of GBB Properties Two, L.L.C. which is being liq‐ uidated out of court as a result of the adoption of a unanimous resolution of the members of said company to voluntarily dissolve and wind up the affairs of said company.

186772-MAY 7-1T $79.03 PUBLIC NOTICE --OUACHITA COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR AMBULANCE SERVICE On behalf of the City of Monroe, the City of West Monroe and the Ouachita Parish Police Jury, the Ouachita Council of Gov‐ ernments (“OCOG”) is so‐ liciting proposals from qualified and experi‐ enced firms to provide Ambulance Service in these jurisdictions begin‐ ning January 1, 2027.

Interested parties are in‐ vited to secure a Request for Proposals (“RFP”) packet from Doug Mitchell, Executive Direc‐ tor, North Delta Regional Planning and Develop‐ ment, 3000 Kilpatrick Blvd., Monroe, LA 71201, (318) 387-2572. RFP pack‐ ets may be obtained upon request beginning Monday, May 11, 2026.

Responses to this RFP must be delivered or mailed to “Doug Mitchell, Executive Director, North Delta Regional Planning and Development, 3000 Kilpatrick Blvd., Monroe, LA 71201” in such a man‐ ner as to be received no later than 4:00 P.M., on Wednesday, July 8, 2026.

A mandatory Pre-Sub‐ mission Conference will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, June 8, 2026, in the Monroe City Council Chambers at Monroe City Hall.

182843 May 7, 14, 21, 3t $455.05

CLASSIFIEDS WORK

Public Notices Sheriff Sales

CARRINGTON MORTGAGE SERVICES, LLC Versus No. 20254035 BRITTANY MASON 15TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT ---- PARISH OF LAFAYETTE STATE OF LOUISIANA Notice is hereby given that by virtue of a writ of SEIZURE AND SALE is‐ sued in the hereinabove entitled and numbered cause I have seized and taken into my possession and will offer for sale and sell for cash, ***WITHOUT*** ap‐ praisement, to the last and highest bidder, at public auction, at the LAFAYETTE PARISH GOV‐ ERNMENT BUILDING, 1010 LAFAYETTE STREET, 2ND FLOOR in Lafayette, Louisiana, between the legal sale hours com‐ mencing at 10:00 A.M. on WEDNESDAY, ***MAY 13, 2026*** ,the following de‐ scribed property, to wit: THAT CERTAIN LOT OR PARCEL OF GROUND, TO‐ GETHER WITH ALL BUILD‐ INGS AND IMPROVE‐ MENTS THEREON, AND ALL RIGHTS, WAYS, PRIVI‐ LEGES, SERVITUDES, AP‐ PURTENANCES, AND AD‐ VANTAGES THEREUNTO BELONGING OR IN ANY‐ WISE APPERTAINING, LO‐ CATED IN SECTION 4, TOWNSHIP 10 SOUTH, RANGE 4 EAST, BEING KNOWN AND DESIG‐ NATED AS LOT 4, PAN‐ DORA PLACE SUBDIVI‐ SION, CITY OF LAFAYETTE, LAFAYETTE PARISH, LOUISIANA, AS SHOWN ON SUBDIVISION PLAT OF SURVEY PRE‐ PARED BY MONTAGNET AND DOMINGUE, INC. DATED OCTOBER 13, 1998, LAST REVISED SEPTEM‐ BER 27, 1999, AND RECORDED SEPTEMBER 20, 1999, UNDER ACT NO. 990041149 IN THE RECORDS OF LAFAYETTE PARISH CLERK OF COURT’S OFFICE. THE LOT HAVING A FRONTAGE OF 60.00 FEET ON PERICLES STREET WITH A DEPTH BETWEEN EQUAL AND PARALLEL LINES OF 78.00 FEET AND IS BOUNDED SOUTHWESTERLY BY PER‐ ICLES STREET, NORTH‐ WESTERLY BY LOT 5, NORTHEASTERLY BY PROPERTY LOCATED IN PLAZA VILLAGE SUBDIVI‐ SIONS; AND SOUTHEAST‐ ERLY BY LOT 3. WHICH HAS THE ADDRESS OF 106 PERICLES STREET, LAFAYETTE, LA 70506 ANYONE PURCHASING PROPERTY AT SHERIFF'S SALE IS GIVEN UNTIL 2:00 P.M. ON SALE DAY TO PAY THE FULL PURCHASE AMOUNT BY CERTIFIED FUNDS PUBLISH ON: APRIL 2026 & MAY 7, 2026

9,

LAFAYETTE PARISH SHER‐ IFF'S OFFICE MARK T. GARBER, SHER‐ IFF $36.90 SHERIFF'S SALE CARRINGTON MORTGAGE SERVICES, LLC Versus No. 20256602 MEGAN MEECE (A/K/A MEGAN RENEE MEECE, MEGAN R. MEECE) 15TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT ---- PARISH OF LAFAYETTE STATE OF LOUISIANA Notice is hereby given that by virtue of a writ of SEIZURE AND SALE is‐ sued in the hereinabove entitled and numbered cause I have seized and taken into my possession and will offer for sale and sell for cash, ap‐ ***WITHOUT*** praisement, to the last and highest bidder, at public auction, at the LAFAYETTE PARISH GOV‐ ERNMENT BUILDING, 1010 LAFAYETTE STREET, 2ND FLOOR in Lafayette, Louisiana, between the legal sale hours com‐ mencing at 10:00 A.M. on WEDNESDAY, ***MAY 13, 2026*** ,the following de‐ scribed property, to wit: ONE (1) CERTAIN LOT OR PARCEL OF GROUND, TO‐ GETHER WITH ALL THE BUILDINGS AND IM‐ PROVEMENTS THEREON, SITUATED IN THE PARISH OF LAFAYETTE, STATE OF LOUISIANA, IN THAT SUB‐ DIVISION KNOWN AS PAIGE PLACE, PHASE I AND BEING DESIGNATED ON THE OFFICIAL PLAN OF SAID SUBDIVISION, ON FILE AND OF RECORD IN THE OFFICE OF THE CLERK AND RECORDER OF SAID PARISH AND STATE, AS LOT NUMBER SIXTEEN (16), SAID SUBDIVISION, SAID LOT HAVING SUCH SIZE, SHAPE AND DIMEN‐ SIONS AND BEING SUB‐ JECT TO SUCH SERVI‐ TUDES AS ARE SHOWN ON SAID MAP. WHICH HAS THE ADDRESS OF 107 BRIANNA LANE, BROUS‐ SARD, LA 70518 ANYONE

Call DIRECTV 1-866-734-0452 Dish Network: Get DISH Satellite TV + Internet! Free Install, Free HD-DVR Upgrade, 80,000 On-Demand Movies, Plus Limited Time Up To $600 In Gift Cards. Call Today! 1-855-654-8207

PURCHASING

Pets

Employment EDUCATION Lafayette Parish School System is soliciting applications for future employment of certified teachers.

If interested, please apply online at www.lpssonline.com.

CATS RAGAMUFFIN & RAGDOLL KITTENS www.CatsByFrancy.com/kittens $1500up! Reg. Shots & Guaranty 337-230-3150

Merchandise

DOGS German Shorthaired Pointer - Beau‐ tiful Registered German Shorthaired Pointer Puppies, Now taking de‐ posits of $100, born April 25th. $700 337-692-2179

WANT TO BUY Wanted: Records, CDs & music memorabilia. No collection too large. Call/text $1 & up 225-936-5600

DOGS Labrador retrievers - Born 3/18/26, dewclaws removed, first vaccines and have been dewormed. Varying shades of yellow to red. Only male pups avail‐ able $800.00 (337) 704-1900

Public Notices Sheriff Sales

SHERIFF'S SALE

15TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT ---- PARISH OF LAFAYETTE STATE OF LOUISIANA

Public Notices Sheriff Sales

PROPERTY AT SHERIFF'S SALE IS GIVEN UNTIL 2:00 P.M. ON SALE DAY TO PAY THE FULL PURCHASE AMOUNT BY CERTIFIED FUNDS PUBLISH ON: APRIL 2026 & MAY 7, 2026

9,

LAFAYETTE PARISH SHER‐ IFF'S OFFICE MARK T. GARBER, SHER‐ IFF $32.62 SHERIFF'S SALE HOME BANK, N.A. Versus No. 20257142 JASON PAUL ROBINO 15TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT ---- PARISH OF LAFAYETTE STATE OF LOUISIANA Notice is hereby given that by virtue of a writ of SEIZURE AND SALE is‐ sued in the hereinabove entitled and numbered cause I have seized and taken into my possession and will offer for sale and sell for cash, ***WITH*** appraise‐ ment, to the last and highest bidder, at public auction, at the LAFAYETTE PARISH GOV‐ ERNMENT BUILDING, 1010 LAFAYETTE STREET, 2ND FLOOR in Lafayette, Louisiana, between the legal sale hours com‐ mencing at 10:00 A.M. on WEDNESDAY, ***JUNE 10, 2026*** ,the following de‐ scribed property, to wit: THAT CERTAIN LOT OR PARCEL OF GROUND, TO‐ GETHER WITH ALL BUILD‐ INGS AND IMPROVE‐ MENTS THEREON, AND ALL RIGHTS, WAYS, PRIVI‐ LEGES, SERVITUDES, AP‐ PURTENANCES, AND AD‐ VANTAGES THEREUNTO BELONGING OR IN ANY‐ WISE APPERTAINING, LO‐ CATED IN SECTION 35, TOWNSHIP 10 SOUTH, RANGE 5 EAST, LAFAYETTE PARISH, LOUISIANA, BEING KNOWN AND DESIG‐ NATED AS LOT 7, MAGNO‐ LIA RIDGE, AS SHOWN ON THE SUBDIVISION PLAT OF SURVEY PREPARED BY DUBROC ENGINEERING INC., DATED JULY 27, 2001, LAST REVISED MARCH 20, 2002, AND RECORDED APRIL 18, 2002, UNDER ACT NO. 02-017750 IN THE RECORDS OF THE LAFAYETTE PARISH CLERK OF COURT’S OF‐ FICE. THE LOT HAVING A FRONTAGE ON LANTANA COURT WITH SUCH FUR‐ THER DIMENSIONS, MEA‐ SUREMENTS, BOUND‐ ARIES, SHAPE, FORM, LO‐ CATION AND CONFIGURA‐ TION AS SHOWN ON THE SUBDIVISION PLAT OF SURVEY AND IS BOUNDED WESTERLY BY LANTANA COURT, NORTHERLY BY LOT 8, EASTERLY BY PROPERTY LOCATED IN BEAU CLOS SUBDIVISION, AND SOUTHERLY BY LOT 6. BEING THE SAME PROPERTY ACQUIRED BY JASON PAUL ROBING BY ACT OF CASH SALE FROM JOHN AL LINGO OF EVEN DATE AND RECORDED IN THE RECORDS OF THE LAFAYETTE PARISH CLERK OF COURT’S OF‐ FICE. THE PROPERTY OR ITS ADDRESS IS COM‐ MONLY KNOWN AS 103 LANTANA COURT, BROUS‐ SARD, LA 70518-7618.

THIS PROPERTY WAS PREVIOUSLY OFFERED WITH APPRAISEMENT, BUT NO BIDS WERE RE‐ CEIVED, SO THE SALE WILL BE OFFERED AT COST AND ACCORDING TO LAW. ANYONE PURCHASING PROPERTY AT SHERIFF'S SALE IS GIVEN UNTIL 2:00 P.M. ON SALE DAY TO PAY THE FULL PURCHASE AMOUNT BY CERTIFIED FUNDS PUBLISH ON: MAY 7, 2026 & JUNE 4, 2026 LAFAYETTE PARISH SHER‐ IFF'S OFFICE MARK T. GARBER, SHER‐ IFF $40.76 SHERIFF'S SALE LAKEVIEW LOAN SERVIC‐ ING, LLC Versus No. 20254966 BROCK ALLEN ELLIOTT A/K/A BROCK A. ELLIOTT A/K/A BROCK EL‐ LIOTT AND RAE HAYMON ELLIOTT A/K/A RAE H. EL‐ LIOTT A/K/A RAE ELLIOT 15TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT ---- PARISH OF LAFAYETTE STATE OF LOUISIANA Notice is hereby given that by virtue of a writ of SEIZURE AND SALE is‐ sued in the hereinabove entitled and numbered cause I have seized and

NEWS 24/7 ON

Public Notices Sheriff Sales

taken into my possession and will offer for sale and sell for cash, ***WITH*** appraise‐ ment, to the last and highest bidder, at public auction, at the LAFAYETTE PARISH GOV‐ ERNMENT BUILDING, 1010 LAFAYETTE STREET, 2ND FLOOR in Lafayette, Louisiana, between the legal sale hours com‐ mencing at 10:00 A.M. on WEDNESDAY, ***MAY 13, 2026*** ,the following de‐ scribed property, to wit: SITUATED IN LAFAYETTE LOUISIANA, PARISH, BEING KNOWN AND DES‐ IGNATED AS LOT 43 OF SHADOWBROOK PHASE I (70’ X 105’), SAID PROP‐ ERTY HAVING A FRONTAGE ON SHADOW‐ BROOK LANE, WITH FUR‐ THER DIMENSIONS, BOUNDARIES, SHAPE, FORM, LOCATION AND CONFIGURATION AS SHOWN ON THAT CER‐ TAIN PLAT OF SAID SUB‐ DIVISION DATED SEPTEM‐ BER 16, 2004, PREPARED

BY MICHAEL J. BREAUX AND ASSOC. AND AT‐ TACHED TO THAT ACT RECORDED UNDER ENTRY NO. 04-43138 OF THE OF THE RECORDS LAFAYETTE PARISH CLERK OF COURT’S OF‐ FICE. MUNICIPAL AD‐ DRESS: 111 SHADOW‐ BROOK LANE, YOUNGSVILLE, LA 70592 ANYONE PURCHASING PROPERTY AT SHERIFF'S SALE IS GIVEN UNTIL 2:00 P.M. ON SALE DAY TO PAY THE FULL PURCHASE AMOUNT BY CERTIFIED FUNDS PUBLISH ON: APRIL 2026 & MAY 7, 2026

9,

LAFAYETTE PARISH SHER‐ IFF'S OFFICE MARK T. GARBER, SHER‐ IFF $33.26 SHERIFF'S SALE LAKEVIEW LOAN SERVIC‐ ING, LLC Versus No. 20257466 MARK J. HO‐ TARD AND KATHLEEN WHITTINGTON HOTARD 15TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT ---- PARISH OF LAFAYETTE STATE OF LOUISIANA Notice is hereby given that by virtue of a writ of SEIZURE AND SALE is‐ sued in the hereinabove entitled and numbered cause I have seized and taken into my possession and will offer for sale and sell for cash, ***WITHOUT*** ap‐ praisement, to the last and highest bidder, at public auction, at the LAFAYETTE PARISH GOV‐ ERNMENT BUILDING, 1010 LAFAYETTE STREET, 2ND FLOOR in Lafayette, Louisiana, between the legal sale hours com‐ mencing at 10:00 A.M. on WEDNESDAY, ***JUNE 10, 2026*** ,the following de‐ scribed property, to wit: THAT CERTAIN PLOT OR PARCEL OF GROUND, TO‐ GETHER WITH ALL BUILD‐ INGS AND IMPROVE‐ MENTS AND THE COMPO‐ NENT PARTS THEREOF, SITUATED IN SECTION 43, T9S, R4E, LAFAYETTE PARISH, LOUISIANA, AND BEING SHOWN AND DE‐ PICTED AS PLOT I ON THAT CERTAIN MAP OF SURVEY PREPARED BY COLOMB & LAURENT, SURVEYOR & ENGINEER, DATED FEBRUARY 11, 1960, A COPY OF WHICH IS ATTACHED TO THAT CERTAIN ACT FILED UNDER ENTRY NO. 423428, RECORDS OF LAFAYETTE PARISH, LOUISIANA, WHICH MAP OF SURVEY IS MADE A PART HEREOF

BY REFERENCE THERETO, SAID PLOT BEING ALL THE PROPERTY CONTAINED WITHIN THE LETTERS A, B, C, D AND A ON SAID MAP OF SURVEY, MEA‐ SURING 91.7 FEET, MORE OR LESS, ON ITS SOUTHERLY BOUNDARY LINE AND 90.0 FEET, MORE OR LESS, ON ITS NORTHERLY BOUNDARY LINE, AND HAVING SUCH FURTHER MEASURE‐ MENTS, BOUNDARIES, CONFIGURATIONS AND DIMENSIONS AS ARE MORE FULLY SHOWN AND DESCRIBED ON SAID MAP OF SURVEY. AND THAT CERTAIN PLOT OR PARCEL OF GROUND, TO‐ GETHER WITH ALL BUILD‐ INGS AND IMPROVE‐ MENTS AND THE COMPO‐ NENT PARTS THEREOF, SITUATED IN SECTION 43, T9S, R4E, LAFAYETTE PARISH, LOUISIANA, CON‐ TAINING 0.104 OF AN ACRE, MORE OR LESS, AND BEING SHOWN AND DEPICTED AS PLOT 1-A ON THAT CERTAIN PLAT OF SURVEY PREPARED BY IRVIN L. DERANGER, P.E. & P.L.S., DATED AUGUST 22, 2006, A COPY OF WHICH IS ATTACHED TO THAT CERTAIN ACT FILED UNDER ENTRY NO. 200639990, RECORDS OF PARISH, LAFAYETTE LOUISIANA, WHICH PLAT OF SURVEY IS MADE A

PART HEREOF BY REFER‐ ENCE THERETO, SAID PLOT MEASURING 18.38 FEET, MORE OR LESS, ON ITS SOUTHERLY BOUND‐ ARY LINE AND HAVING SUCH FURTHER MEA‐ SUREMENTS, BOUND‐ ARIES, CONFIGURATIONS AND DIMENSIONS AS ARE MORE FULLY SHOWN AND DESCRIBED ON SAID PLAT OF SURVEY. AND THAT CERTAIN PLOT OR PARCEL OF GROUND, TO‐ GETHER WITH ALL BUILD‐ INGS AND IMPROVE‐ MENTS AND THE COMPO‐ NENT PARTS THEREOF, SITUATED IN SECTION 43, T9S, R4E, LAFAYETTE PARISH, LOUISIANA, AND BEING SHOWN AND DE‐ PICTED AS “40’ R/W FOR ROAD” ON THAT CERTAIN PLAT OF SURVEY PRE‐ PARED BY IRVIN L. DE‐ RANGER, P.E. & P.L.S., DATED AUGUST 22, 2006, A COPY OF WHICH IS AT‐ TACHED TO THAT CER‐ TAIN ACT FILED UNDER ENTRY NO. 2006-39990, RECORDS OF LAFAYETTE PARISH, LOUISIANA, WHICH PLAT OF SURVEY IS MADE A PART HEREOF

BY REFERENCE THERETO, SAID PLOT MEASURING 40.8 FEET, MORE OR LESS, ON ITS SOUTHERLY BOUNDARY LINE AND HAVING SUCH FURTHER MEASUREMENTS, BOUND‐ ARIES, CONFIGURATIONS AND DIMENSIONS AS ARE MORE FULLY SHOWN AND DESCRIBED ON SAID PLAT OF SURVEY. SUBJECT TO RESTRICTIONS, SERVI‐ TUDES, RIGHTS-OF-WAY AND OUTSTANDING MIN‐ ERAL RIGHTS OF RECORD AFFECTING THE PROP‐ ERTY. MUNICIPAL AD‐ DRESS: 149 EAST BUTCHER SWITCH ROAD, LAFAYETTE, LA 70507.

ANYONE PURCHASING PROPERTY AT SHERIFF'S SALE IS GIVEN UNTIL 2:00 P.M. ON SALE DAY TO PAY THE FULL PURCHASE AMOUNT BY CERTIFIED FUNDS PUBLISH ON: MAY 7, 2026 & JUNE 4, 2026 LAFAYETTE PARISH SHER‐ IFF'S OFFICE MARK T. GARBER, SHER‐ IFF $54.05 SHERIFF'S SALE NATIONSTAR MORTGAGE LLC Versus No. 20231141 RANDY MARK MATT AND MARY A. MATT 15TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT ---- PARISH OF LAFAYETTE STATE OF LOUISIANA Notice is hereby given that by virtue of a writ of SEIZURE AND SALE is‐ sued in the hereinabove entitled and numbered cause I have seized and taken into my possession and will offer for sale and sell for cash, ***WITH*** appraise‐ ment, to the last and highest bidder, at public auction, at the LAFAYETTE PARISH GOV‐ ERNMENT BUILDING, 1010 LAFAYETTE STREET, 2ND FLOOR in Lafayette, Louisiana, between the legal sale hours com‐ mencing at 10:00 A.M. on WEDNESDAY, ***JUNE 10, 2026*** ,the following de‐ scribed property, to wit: THAT CERTAIN TRACT OF LAND SITUATED IN SEC‐ TION 121, TOWNSHIP 8 SOUTH (T-8-S), RANGE 4 EAST (R-4-E), LAFAYETTE PARISH, LOUISIANA, CON‐ TAINING 0.818 ARPENTS AND BOUNDED AS FOL‐ LOWS: NORTH BY TRACT NO. 5 OF THE PLAT OF SURVEY HEREINAFTER REFERRED TO; SOUTH BY TRACT NO. 3 OF SAID PLAT; WEST BY TRACT NO. 1 OF SAID PLAT; AND, EAST BY U.S. HIGHWAY 167; BEING IDENTIFIED AS TRACT NO. 4 OF THE PLAT OF SURVEY MADE BY FRED L. COLOMB. SUR‐ VEYOR, DATED DECEM‐ BER 7, 1953, WHICH PLAT IS ATTACHED TO ACT OF PARTITION RECORDED UNDER ENTRY NO. 297332 OF THE RECORDER’S OF‐ FICE, LAFAYETTE PARISH, LOUISIANA; SUBJECT TO RESTRICTIONS, SERVI‐ TUDES, RIGHTS-OF-WAY AND OUTSTANDING MIN‐ ERAL RIGHTS OF RECORD AFFECTING THE PROP‐ ERTY. MUNICIPAL AD‐ DRESS: 4903 N UNIVER‐ SITY AVE., CARENCRO, LA 70520 ANYONE PURCHASING PROPERTY AT SHERIFF'S SALE IS GIVEN UNTIL 2:00 P.M. ON SALE DAY TO PAY THE FULL PURCHASE AMOUNT BY CERTIFIED FUNDS PUBLISH ON: MAY 7, 2026 & JUNE 4, 2026 LAFAYETTE PARISH SHER‐ IFF'S OFFICE MARK T. GARBER, SHER‐ IFF $34.11

CLASSIFIEDS WORK

Notice is hereby given that by virtue of a writ of SEIZURE AND SALE is‐ sued in the hereinabove entitled and numbered cause I have seized and taken into my possession and will offer for sale cash, and sell for ***WITH*** appraise‐ ment, to the last and highest bidder, at public auction, at the LAFAYETTE PARISH GOV‐ ERNMENT BUILDING, 1010 LAFAYETTE STREET, 2ND FLOOR in Lafayette, Louisiana, between the legal sale hours com‐ mencing at 10:00 A.M. on WEDNESDAY, ***MAY 13, 2026*** ,the following de‐ scribed property, to wit: THAT CERTAIN PARCELOF GROUND BEING KNOWN AND DESIGNATED AS LOT 17 OF COULEE SHORE SUBDIVISION, A SUBDIVI‐ SION OF THE CITY AND PARISH OF LAFAYETTE, LOUISIANA, ON THAT CERTAIN PLAT OF SURVEY PREPARED BY ROLAND W. LAURENT DATED JUNE 12, 1963, ATTACHED TO THAT ACT RECORDED UNDER ENTRY NO. 4419955 OF THE RECORDS OF LAFAYETTE PARISH, LOIU‐ SIANA, AND MADE PART HEREOF BY REFERENCE, AND BEING DESCRIBED WITH REFERENCE THERETO AS HAVING A FRONTAGE OF 90.0 FEET ON LITA DRIVE AND IS BOUNDED NORTHERLY BY LITA DRIVE, WESTERLY BY LOT 16 OF SAID SUBDIVI‐ SION, EASTERLY BY LOT 18 OFSAID SUBDIVISION, AND SOUTHERLY BY THE CENTERLINE OF A COULEE, AND HAVING SUCH OTHER DIMEN‐ SIONS, BOUNDARIES AND MEASUREMENTS AS ARE MORE FULLY SHOWN ON SAID PLAT OF SURVEY. TOGETHER WITH ANY AND ALL PRESENT AND FUTURE BUILDINGS, CON‐ STRUCTIONS, COMPO‐ NENT PARTS, IMPROVE‐ MENTS, ATTACHMENTS, APPURTENANCES, FIX‐ TURES, RIGHTS, WAYS, ADVAN‐ PRIVILEGES, TAGES, BATTURE, AND BATTURE RIGHTS, SERVI‐ TUDES AND EASEMENTS OF EVERY TYPE AND DE‐ SCRIPTION, NOW AND/OR IN THE FUTURE RELATING TO THE PROPERTY, AND ANY AND ALL ITEMS AND FIXTURES ATTACHED TO AND/OR FORMING INTE‐ GRAL OR COMPONENT PARTS OF THE PROPERTY IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LOUISIANA CIVIL CODE. MUNICIPAL AD‐ DRESS: 110 LITA DRIVE, LAFAYETTE, LA 70507 ANYONE PURCHASING PROPERTY AT SHERIFF'S SALE IS GIVEN UNTIL 2:00 P.M. ON SALE DAY TO PAY THE FULL PURCHASE AMOUNT BY CERTIFIED FUNDS PUBLISH ON: APRIL 2026 & MAY 7, 2026

9,

LAFAYETTE PARISH SHER‐ IFF'S OFFICE MARK T. GARBER, SHER‐ IFF $39.90 SHERIFF'S SALE STONE PIGMAN WALTHER WITTMANN L.L.C. Versus No. 20221326 CARMEN BERGERON MOSING, CHLOE MOSING, AND CHASE MOSING 15TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT ---- PARISH OF LAFAYETTE STATE OF LOUISIANA

Public Notices Sheriff Sales

GRANDE STAKES SUBDIVI‐ SION, LAFAYETTE PARISH, LOUISIANA, AS SHOWN ON THE SUBDIVISION PLAT OF SURVEY PRE‐ PARED BY SELLERS, DUBROC & ASSOCIATES, INC., DATED MARCH 26, 1981, LAST REVISED JUNE 25, 1981, AND RECORDED JULY 31, 1981, UNDER ACT NO. 81-020687 IN THE RECORDS OF THE LAFAYETTE PARISH CLERK OF COURT’S OF‐ FICE. THE LOTS BEING CONTIGUOUS AND HAV‐ ING A FRONTAGE ON RUF‐ FIN DRIVE WITH SUCH DI‐ MENSIONS, MEASURE‐ MENTS, BOUNDARIES, SHAPE, FORM, LOCATION AND CONFIGURATION AS SHOWN ON THE SUBDIVI‐ SION PLAT OF SURVEY. WHICH HAS THE AD‐ DRESS OF 125 RUFFIAN DRIVE, CARENCRO, LA 70520 ANYONE PURCHASING PROPERTY AT SHERIFF'S SALE IS GIVEN UNTIL 2:00 P.M. ON SALE DAY TO PAY THE FULL PURCHASE AMOUNT BY CERTIFIED FUNDS PUBLISH ON: APRIL 2026 & MAY 7, 2026

9,

LAFAYETTE PARISH SHER‐ IFF'S OFFICE MARK T. GARBER, SHER‐ IFF $36.69 SHERIFF'S SALE VILLAGE CAPITAL & IN‐ VESTMENT LLC Versus No. 20253148 MATTHEW BALQUE A/K/A MATTHEW BALQUE, SR. AND MIYON PACK BALQUE 15TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT ---- PARISH OF LAFAYETTE STATE OF LOUISIANA Notice is hereby given that by virtue of a writ of SEIZURE AND SALE is‐ sued in the hereinabove entitled and numbered cause I have seized and taken into my possession and will offer for sale and sell for cash, ***WITHOUT*** ap‐ praisement, to the last and highest bidder, at public auction, at the LAFAYETTE PARISH GOV‐ ERNMENT BUILDING, 1010 LAFAYETTE STREET, 2ND FLOOR in Lafayette, Louisiana, between the legal sale hours com‐ mencing at 10:00 A.M. on WEDNESDAY, ***JUNE 10, 2026*** ,the following de‐ scribed property, to wit: THAT CERTAIN PARCEL OF GROUND, TOGETHER WITH ALL IMPROVE‐ MENTS THEREON, AND ALL RIGHTS, WAYS, PRIVI‐ LEGES, SERVITUDES, AP‐ PURTENANCES AND AD‐ VANTAGES THEREUNTO BELONGING AND ALL AP‐ PURTENANCES THEREOF, BEING KNOWN AND DES‐ IGNATED AS LOT TWENTY-SIX (26) OF FRENCHMAN’S TRAIL, PHASE II-A, A SUBDIVI‐ SION OF THE PARISH OF LAFAYETTE, LOUISIANA ON THAT CERTAIN PLAT OF SURVEY PREPARED BY BARRY J. BLEICHNER, AT‐ TACHED TO THAT ACT RECORDED UNDER ENTRY NO. 2009-52183 OF THE RECORDS OF LAFAYETTE PARISH, LOUISIANA, AND MADE PART HEREOF BY REFERENCE, AND BEING DESCRIBED WITH REFER‐ ENCE THERETO AS HAV‐ ING SUCH DIMENSIONS, BOUNDARIES AND MEA‐ SUREMENTS AS ARE MORE FULLY SHOWN ON SAID PLAT OF SURVEY; SUBJECT TO RESTRIC‐ TIONS, SERVITUDES, RIGHTS-OF-WAY AND OUTSTANDING MINERAL RIGHTS OF RECORD AF‐ FECTING THE PROPERTY. MUNICIPAL ADDRESS: 500 MAGNOLIA KNEE DRIVE, CARENCRO, LA 70520 ANYONE PURCHASING PROPERTY AT SHERIFF'S SALE IS GIVEN UNTIL 2:00 P.M. ON SALE DAY TO PAY THE FULL PURCHASE AMOUNT BY CERTIFIED FUNDS

Notice is hereby given that by virtue of a writ of FI FA issued in the here‐ inabove entitled and numbered cause I have seized and taken into my possession and will offer for sale and sell for cash, ***WITH*** appraise‐ ment, to the last and highest bidder, at public auction, at the LAFAYETTE PARISH GOV‐ ERNMENT BUILDING, 1010 LAFAYETTE STREET, 2ND FLOOR in Lafayette, Louisiana, between the legal sale hours com‐ mencing at 10:00 A.M. on WEDNESDAY, ***MAY 13, 2026*** ,the following de‐ scribed property, to wit:

PENNYMAC LOAN SER‐ VICES, LLC Versus No. 20245306 BRYAN JAMES BENOIT AND ABBE BRUNET BENOIT

107 BONNER DRIVE; LOT 4, EAST BAYOU OAKS SUBDIVISION, EXTENSION 2

15TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT ---- PARISH OF LAFAYETTE STATE OF LOUISIANA

MUNICIPAL ADDRESS: 107 BONNER DRIVE, LAFAYETTE, LA 70508

Notice is hereby given that by virtue of a writ of SEIZURE AND SALE is‐ sued in the hereinabove entitled and numbered cause I have seized and taken into my possession and will offer for sale and sell for cash, ***WITH*** appraise‐ ment, to the last and highest bidder, at public auction, at the LAFAYETTE PARISH GOV‐ ERNMENT BUILDING, 1010 LAFAYETTE STREET, 2ND FLOOR in Lafayette, Louisiana, between the legal sale hours com‐ mencing at 10:00 A.M. on WEDNESDAY, ***MAY 13, 2026*** ,the following de‐ scribed property, to wit:

ANYONE PURCHASING PROPERTY AT SHERIFF'S SALE IS GIVEN UNTIL 2:00 P.M. ON SALE DAY TO PAY THE FULL PURCHASE AMOUNT BY CERTIFIED FUNDS PUBLISH ON: APRIL 2026 & MAY 7, 2026

9,

LAFAYETTE PARISH SHER‐ IFF'S OFFICE MARK T. GARBER, SHER‐ IFF $28.11 SHERIFF'S SALE U.S. BANK TRUST NA‐ TIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR RCF 2 ACQUISITION TRUST Versus No. 20245368 PATRICK J. GUILLORY 15TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT ---- PARISH OF LAFAYETTE STATE OF LOUISIANA Notice is hereby given that by virtue of a writ of SEIZURE AND SALE is‐ sued in the hereinabove entitled and numbered cause I have seized and taken into my possession and will offer for sale and sell for cash, ***WITH*** appraise‐ ment, to the last and highest bidder, at public auction, at the LAFAYETTE PARISH GOV‐ ERNMENT BUILDING, 1010 LAFAYETTE STREET, 2ND FLOOR in Lafayette, Louisiana, between the legal sale hours com‐ mencing at 10:00 A.M. on WEDNESDAY, ***MAY 13, 2026*** ,the following de‐ scribed property, to wit: THOSE CERTAIN LOTS OR PARCELS OF GROUND, TO‐ GETHER WITH ALL BUILD‐ INGS IMPROVEMENTS THEREON AND ALL RIGHTS, WAYS, PRIVI‐ LEGES, SERVITUDES, AP‐ PURTENANCES, AND AD‐ VANTAGES THEREUNTO BELONGING OR IN ANY‐ WISE APPERTAINING, LO‐ CATED IN SECTION 33, TOWNSHIP 8 SOUTH, RANGE 4 EAST, BEING KNOWN AND DESIG‐ NATED AS LOT 46 & 47,

PUBLISH ON: MAY 7, 2026 & JUNE 4, 2026 LAFAYETTE PARISH SHER‐ IFF'S OFFICE MARK T. GARBER, SHER‐ IFF $35.83 SHRERIFF'S SALE

THAT CERTAIN PARCEL OF GROUND, TOGETHER WITH ALL IMPROVE‐ MENTS THEREON, AND ALL RIGHTS, WAYS, PRIVI‐ LEGES, SERVITUDES, AP‐ PURTENANCES AND AD‐ VANTAGES THEREUNTO BELONGING AND ALL AP‐ PURTENANCES THEREOF, BEING KNOWN AND DES‐ IGNATED AS LOT FIFTYSEVEN (57) OF ELLA TRACE SUBDIVISION, A SUBDIVISION OF THE PARISH OF LAFAYETTE, LOUISIANA ON THAT CER‐ TAIN PLAT OF SURVEY PREPARED BY MONTAG‐ NET & DOMINGUE, INC., ATTACHED TO THAT ACT RECORDED UNDER ENTRY NO. 2013- 26347 AND MADE PART HEREOF BY REFERENCE, AND BEING BEING DESCRIBED WITH REFERENCE THERETO AS HAVING A FRONTAGE ON PHELPS DRIVE AND AS HAVING SUCH DIMEN‐ SIONS, BOUNDARIES AND MEASUREMENTS AS ARE MORE FULLY SHOWN ON SAID PLAT OF SURVEY; SUBJECT TO RESTRIC‐ TIONS, SERVITUDES, RIGHTS-OF-WAY AND OUTSTANDING MINERAL RIGHTS OF RECORD AF‐ FECTING THE PROPERTY. MUNICIPAL ADDRESS: 203 PHELPS DRIVE, YOUNGSVILLE, LA 70592 ANYONE PURCHASING PROPERTY AT SHERIFF'S SALE IS GIVEN UNTIL 2:00 P.M. ON SALE DAY TO PAY THE FULL PURCHASE AMOUNT BY CERTIFIED FUNDS PUBLISH

ON:

APRIL

2026 & MAY 7, 2026 LAFAYETTE PARISH SHER‐ IFF'S OFFICE MARK T. GARBER, SHER‐ IFF $35.61

Public Notices Successions

PUBLIC NOTICE --"NOTICE" Walter James Comeaux THIS NOTICE BY PUBLICA‐ TION IS NOTIFICATION THAT YOUR RIGHTS OR INTEREST IN THE FOL‐ LOWING DESCRIBED PROPERTY LOCATED IN LAFAYETTE, LOUISIANA MAY BE TERMINATED BY OPERATION OF LAW IF YOU DO NOT TAKE FUR‐ THER ACTION IN ACCOR‐ DANCE WITH LAW: PAR OF GRO (25X125) ON 12TH ST MCCOMB ADDI‐ TION Improvements thereon bear Municipal No. 6046343 Tax sale title to the above-described property has been sold for failure to pay taxes.

You have been identified as a person who may have an interest in this property.

Your interest in the prop‐ erty will be terminated if you do not redeem the property by making all required payments to the tax collector listed below or file a lawsuit in accor‐ dance with law within [60 days] of the date of the first publication of this notice, or the record‐ ing of an act transferring ownership, if later.

Lafayette Parish Tax As‐ sessor, 1010 LAFAYETTE STREET, LAFAYETTE, LA 70501 The political subdivision or acquiring person may file with the recorder of mortgages of the parish in which the property is located a copy of one of the notices that was sent to the tax debtor or the current owner. A trans‐ fer, mortgage, lien, privi‐ lege, or other encum‐ brance filed after the fil‐ ing of the notice shall not affect the property. The recorder of mortgages or recorder of conveyances shall cancel, erase, ter‐ minate, or release the acts upon the request of the acquiring person.

The James Firm, LLC has been employed by Alton Guidry to provide notice to you for the above property. If you have any questions, please give us a call 337-703-4312.

186766-MAY 7-1T $50.99 PUBLIC NOTICE --SUCCESSION OF THOMAS PELLERIN 15TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT PROBATE DOCKET NO.: 20170594 LAFAYETTE PARISH, LOUISIANA NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR AUTHORITY FOR PRIVATE SALE OF IMMOV‐ ABLE PROPERTY NOTICE IS GIVEN THAT, RACHELLE PELLERIN COURVILLE, the Adminis‐ tratrix of the Succession of Thomas Pellerin has petitioned this Court for authority to sell by pri‐ vate sale to Stillwater Development, L.L.C., the Succession’s interest in the following described immovable property lo‐ cated in Lafayette Parish: 10.25 acres, more or less, situated in Section 19, Township 10 South, Range 4 East, Lafayette Parish, Louisiana, having a municipal address of 329 Duhon Road, Lafayette, LA. for a price of $55,000 per acre for the Succession’s interest.

The Order granting such authority may be issued after the expiration of seven (7) days from the date of the last publica‐ tion of this Notice. Any Opposition to the Appli‐ cation must be filed prior to the issuance of the Order.

186762-may 7-8-2t $64.20

SEVEN DAYS

HOME DELIVERED

LOUISIANA OWNED

SUBSCRIBE TODAY

9,

Order frameable newspaper page reprints of any special day important to you.

SHOP TODAY! store.nola.com

The Acadiana Advocate ● theadvocate.com ● Thursday, May 7, 2026 ● 5A

lll

COMEAUX

Continued from page 1A

“The School Board will advise the superintendent on the appropriate next steps regarding Comeaux High School. Any future actions, including potential hearings or agenda items, will be determined through that process and communicated publicly once finalized.”

The board on April 15 rescinded its March 12 vote to close Comeaux High and restart the closure process.

According to the school system’s District Administrative Rule, the board “shall” hold at least one public hearing before voting to close a school. Closures “will be adopted with as much advance notice as is reasonably possible,” the policy states.

LaJaunie in March filed a lawsuit, later joined by others, alleging the School Board violated its own rules and the state open meetings law when it voted on March 12 to close Comeaux High at the end of the current school year without holding a public hearing.

Last week, a hearing on the lawsuit was suspended as the two sides attempted to reach a settlement agreement.

The School Board met in special session Monday, behind closed doors, for more than two hours,

MILLIONS

Continued from page 1A Louisiana’s commissioner of higher education, said the board dissolved the metric to comply with Trump’s executive orders prohibiting the federal government and federal contractors from maintaining DEI programs.

In an executive order on March 26, Trump said individuals are separated on the basis of race and ethnicity in DEI initiatives “rather than treated equally and objectively based on their merit and without regard to their immutable characteristics.”

“There’s been significant conversation about racebased metrics, so we removed it in the formula,” Reed said.

Among Louisiana’s four public university systems, the historically Black Southern University system will lose the most: roughly $1.5 million, the Board of Regents estimates based on numbers from the previous fiscal year.

The Southern University system’s total appropriated funds for that year were $191.9 million, according to its budget report.

The individual schools most affected by the change are the Southern University campus in Baton Rouge and Louisiana’s other public HBCU, Grambling State University, of the University of Louisiana system.

“It may not seem like a lot for three universities, but for us, that’s a significant cut,” McMeans said, referring to Southern’s campuses

DEATH

Continued from page 1A

criminal justice system “one step closer” to delivering “true justice” for victims.

“I promised the people of this State and the city of Baton Rouge action after the tragic shooting at the Mall of Louisiana,” Landry said.

Capital defense attorneys were quick to pan the proposal, which they criticized as overly broad and said nearly eliminates the distinction between first- and second-degree murder.

They also argued that killings by people who fire into crowds already count as first-degree murder.

The amendment to HB102 comes at Landry’s request, according to state Rep. Jeffrey Wiley, R-Maurepas, who is sponsoring the bill and expressed fervent support for the new version.

Wiley said the bill ensures there are “real, serious consequences” for heinous crimes, and that expanding the definition of first-degree murder to cover people on bail or parole would create a “catchall.”

“When you’re looking to prosecute, you’re looking for all kinds of piling on of charges that you can make

Another item in the rejected settlement proposal would have allowed Comeaux High to remain open until a District 2 board member is elected by the public.

On April 15, the board appointed Ted Davidson to temporarily fill the District 2 seat following the resignation of Chad Desormeaux on April 1 after his arrest on shoplifting charges. The election to fill Desormeaux’s unexpired term will be in the fall.

The school system on Wednesday afternoon shared an opinion dated April 29 from the Louisiana Attorney General’s Office in response to a complaint that the board violated the open meetings law on March 12.

The complaint alleged the violation occurred as board members had side discussions during the meeting which represented “collaboration in predetermining the outcome” of the vote.

The Attorney General’s Office, however, opined that the side conversations during the lengthy meetSTAFF PHOTO By CLAIRE TAyLOR ing were not unreasonable and did not violate the open meetings law.

Suzanne LaJaunie and others involved in a lawsuit against the Lafayette Parish School Board over the vote to Brian Blackwell, the attorney close Comeaux High School address the news media on Wednesday in front of the parish courthouse. representing the plaintiffs, said they do not plan to appeal to the but the two sides could not reach tee that the school system would Comeaux High Principal Erin At- Supreme Court. an agreement.

The next regular School Board not retaliate against employees, kins and Lafayette High Principal LaJaunie, addressing the news particularly employees who testi- Layne Edelman were subpoenaed meeting is May 14. media after the hearing Wednes- fied during the court hearing. and testified in the April 29 court The board would not agree to hearing. Both said they feared re- Contact Claire Taylor at day morning, said one of the hangups was that she wanted a guaran- that clause, she said. ctaylor@theadvocate.com taliation.

Effects by system

How Louisiana's public university systems were impacted by removing the underrepresented minority completer metric according to fiscal year 2025 formula calculations.

System LSU University of Louisiana LCTCS* Southern

Dollars WITH underrepresented minority completers

Dollars WITHOUT underrepresented minority completers

Change

$178,533,183 $267,541,945 $152,264,453 $37,170,850

$179,727,663 $267,867,565 $152,230,838 $35,684,364

$1,194,480 $325,620 $33,615 $1,486,486

Source: Louisiana Board of Regents

*Louisiana Community and Technical College System

in Baton Rouge, New Orleans and Shreveport. “It’s one that we don’t want to think about trying to make decisions on how we’re going to overcome.”

Southern recently requested an additional $19 million in one-time funding to address campus safety and infrastructure, including the ailing power grid that forced classes to be delayed or canceled three times since February.

“We’re trying to go in the other direction and increase our revenues and increase our funding and our fiscal stability,” McMeans said.

“Having a decrease in funding in our base — it’s not a one-time cut; this is our base — it will definitely negatively impact us as a system.”

Some non-HBCUs will benefit from the redistribution of dollars through other metrics used to determine funding, such as the benchmark that rewards universities for graduating Pell Grant recipients. The LSU system could receive approximately $1.2 million in additional funding once the race-based metric disap-

pears from the formula, according to Board of Regents estimates for fiscal year 2025.

“I think it was President McMeans, the interim president of Southern, who said something to the effect of, ‘Where you stand depends on where you sit,’ ” University of Louisiana system President Rick Gallot said.

“This change does impact some of our institutions, but it also helps other institutions.”

to make sure you keep them where you need to be, which is in jail forever,” he added.

In its original form, HB102 created the crime of second-degree cruelty to the elderly and persons with infirmities.

Then, on April 23, a mass shooting at the Mall of Louisiana resulted in the death of 17-year-old Martha Odom and injured five other people. Police said multiple people fired on each other; officials booked Markel Lee, 17, on a count of first-degree murder in the killing.

That prompted the amendment to HB102, according to state Sen. Alan Seabaugh, RShreveport, who drafted it to ensure that killing someone after firing into a crowd counts as first-degree murder, even if the victim was not the intended target, he said on the Senate floor Tuesday evening.

The new law would address situations where “an innocent person was shot while the perpetrator was trying to kill somebody else,” Seabaugh said. “It’s taking away that ‘I wasn’t trying to kill her, I was trying to kill him.’ ” Capital defense attorneys noted that Seabaugh’s amendment goes even further than he described.

“Such a huge change

Federal investigation The Board of Regents divides money from the Legislature between public universities using a funding formula. The equation has been run with a “standstill,” or frozen, budget for three years.

“It doesn’t create funding, but it allocates funding based on priorities,” Reed said.

In the past decade, the formula has increasingly focused on educational outcomes, funneling dollars according to benchmarks like Pell Grant graduates, adult learner graduates and the

shouldn’t be made as a floor amendment with little debate,” said Cecelia Kappel, an attorney who represents people on death row. “We already have a much broader definition than in other states. I think this would make us an extreme outlier.”

What would change In Louisiana, a killing does not need to be premeditated to count as first-degree murder, Kappel said. Instead, it must be committed only with “specific intent to kill or inflict bodily harm” — which Kappel said can be formed “in an instant” — and meet one of a long list of conditions outlined in state statute.

For example, defendants can face the charge if the victim is a child, firefighter or elderly person, or if the crime is carried out during an act of terrorism or in the middle of a rape or burglary.

If HB102 becomes law, Kappel predicted prosecutors would use the wider definition as a tool to pressure more defendants to plead to life in prison.

She said it was unlikely that HB102 would greatly increase how many defendants actually end up sentenced to death in Louisiana. In only a small portion of first-degree murder

Staff graphic

time to a degree for firsttime freshmen.

The board decided to remove its underrepresented minority benchmark last year as an anti-DEI wave, led by the White House, began to sweep through higher education, Reed said. The change will take effect when the formula is run for the upcoming fiscal year.

The move occurs as the U.S. Department of Education announced an investigation into the Louisiana Board of Regents in February over its DEI policies and what the department said were potential violations of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

At issue were the higher education board’s executive budget documents in recent years, in which the board included performance targets for the state’s public colleges and universities to increase the number of “underrepresented minorities (all races other than white, Asian)” receiving postsecondary credentials.

“The Louisiana Board of Regents’ objective to prioritize recruitment and graduation efforts for ‘all

cases do prosecutors seek the death penalty, and juries do not always approve it, she said.

But the legislation would expand which defendants are entitled to capital defense teams, Kappel said, adding that a specialized defense has to be offered whenever the death penalty is on the table, even if the prosecutor eventually decides against seeking it.

That could be costly to the state and “threaten to bankrupt the public defense system,” Kappel contended.

Capital cases are generally more expensive than others to defend, and the state typically contracts with outside attorneys to handle them.

The size of the capital defense budget has long been a point of contention among state officials.

State Rep. Jack McFarland, R-Jonesboro, who chairs the House Appropriations Committee and plays a key role in drafting the state budget, said any additional costs would be worth the benefit to public safety.

“What’s the value of a life?” he said. “The public doesn’t care what the cost is to feel safe.”

The House still needs to approve the new version of HB102, which passed the Senate 35-0.

races other than white (and) Asian’ appears to blatantly violate not only America’s antidiscrimination laws, but our nation’s core principles,” Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Kimberly Richey said in a news release in February.

What’s next for HBCUs While the formula shakeup will result in some dollars being regained through other metrics, Louisiana’s HBCUs still come out with the biggest losses.

Southern University in Baton Rouge and Grambling State University in Grambling would have missed out on $1.1 million and $899,000, respectively, in fiscal year 2025 had the race-based incentive not been included in the formula, according to Board of Regents estimates.

“Certainly, they have the ability to weather the storm,” Gallot said about Grambling. “But as we think about the goal of attainment of a degree or a credential of value, and when you have approximately a third of your state’s population being minority, not only does it have an impact on individual institutions, but it has an impact on overall support for students all across the state.”

Tramelle Howard, Southern University alumnus and Louisiana director of the Washington, D.C.-based education policy group EdTrust, said the absence

of the underrepresented minority metric this year is disappointing.

He said higher education leaders have different strategies for how to handle antiDEI pushback. Some continue to follow the practices by a different name, while others “overcomply” and root out all measures that benefit students from diverse backgrounds.

“They have been overcomplying and responding to a narrative,” Howard said of Louisiana leaders. “I do think it’s about the pendulum swinging, but I think the damages are going to be so longstanding that even when the pendulum swings in a different direction, it’s going to take some real, intentional, innovative work to ensure that we can actually live out the promises of what education should be.”

He said Louisiana’s HBCUs will need to seek more philanthropic dollars, but the change only adds more barriers to universities that struggle to access state funding at the same rate as their flagship counterparts.

“I feel like right now HBCUs are being served in a policy space that we did not create,” Howard said. “We literally created institutions because people didn’t want us to go to other institutions, and now we create our institutions, we’re doing more with less, and you’re still trying to put us under attack.”

6A ● Thursday, May 7, 2026 ● theadvocate.com ● The Acadiana Advocate

TODAY

FRIDAY

A morning t-storm; Clearing, a shower not as warm and t-storm HIGH

LOW

HIGH

77° 67°

LOW

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

Showers and a heavier t-storm

Showers and a heavier t-storm

Sunshine, nice and less humid

Partly sunny with low humidity

HIGH

76° 71°

LOW

80° 67°

LOW

HIGH

Beaumont 78/68 Port Arthur 76/69

Baton Rouge 78/66

Lake Charles 78/66 Houma 81/70

0s

10s

20s

30s

40s

50s

60s

70s

80s

Sunrise today Sunset tonight Moonrise today Moonset today

90s 100s 110s

LAST

MAY 9

City

Austin Boston Dallas Fairbanks Honolulu Las Vegas Louisville Miami Nashville

Shown are areas of precipitation and high temperatures for the day.

24-hour total Month to date Normal month to date year to date Normal year to date

HIGH

11:42p 5:47p 11:16a 2:21p 1:26p 12:41p 2:34p

FT.

FIRST

MAY 16

Hi

72 65 74 50 84 92 65 92 68

TODAY Lo

63 47 60 34 71 71 46 73 44

FULL

MAY 23

W

c pc pc c pc s pc pc pc

Hi

77 63 80 50 86 100 72 93 77

MAY 31

FRI. Lo

67 46 65 36 72 74 57 76 56

0.00” 2.94” 1.02” 17.92” 19.64”

FT.

HIGH

0.7 11:30a 0.0 1.6 4:31a 0.1 2.0 --- --1.9 4:11a 0.3 1.3 12:34a 0.0 1.6 11:45p 0.0 1.6 1:36a 0.0

6:20 a.m.

7:49 p.m.

12:31 a.m.

10:40 a.m.

NEW

LOW

W

t pc pc c pc s c pc s

YESTERDAY

TODAY

READING 47 MAIN POLLUTANT Particulates

MAIN POLLUTANT Particulates

GOOD

PRECIPITATION

85°/73° 84°/65° 80°/66° 92° in 1895 48° in 2013

TODAY’S TIDES Lake Pontchartrain (Tchefuncte River) Shell Beach South Point, Marsh Island Cypremort Point Grand Isle (Barataria Pass) Mississippi River (Southwest Pass) Wine Island

New Orleans 80/72

Shown is today’s weather. Temperatures are today’s highs and tonight’s lows.

LOW

81° 57°

High/low Normal high/low Last year’s high/low Record high Record low

Hattiesburg 79/61

Alexandria 74/62

Lafayette 77/67

HIGH

Today, the very wet pattern continues and will remain through the weekend. Expect a mostly cloudy to overcast, mild, breezy and rainy day in many parts of southwest Louisiana. There is also a chance for thunderstorms, some of which could become severe as well. Also, we could see a tenth to a quarter of an inch of rain in parts of our area. Temperatures this afternoon will rise to the upper 70s to low 80s, and winds will be north at 10-15 mph. The good news about the weather is we need the rain and the pollen count is low.

Lafayette through 5 p.m. Wednesday

Jackson 75/59 Many 72/59

LOW

83° 54°

TEMPERATURE

Longview 74/59

-0s

HIGH

85° 68°

Monroe 75/57

Shreveport 77/60

-10s

lll

SOURCE: LOUISIANA DEQ AND AIRNOW.GOV

FT.

---------------

---------------

LOW

---------------

FT.

---------------

The solunar period schedule allows planning days so you will be fishing in good territory or hunting in good cover during those times. Major periods begin at the times shown and last for 1.5 to 2 hours. The minor periods are shorter.

MAJOR MINOR MAJOR MINOR

Today Friday Saturday Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday

City

New Orleans Orlando Philadelphia Phoenix Pittsburgh Raleigh St. Louis San Diego Tampa

4:25a 5:17a 6:06a 6:52a 7:35a 8:15a 8:56a

Hi

80 95 67 96 59 67 69 70 89

10:37a 11:29a 12:18p 12:41a 1:24a 2:04a 2:44a

TODAY Lo

72 72 49 70 40 48 52 61 75

4:49p 11:02p 5:41p 11:53p 6:30p ---7:15p 1:03p 7:57p 1:46p 8:38p 2:27p 9:20p 3:08p

W

t pc pc s c t pc s pc

GOOD

Hi

79 92 68 101 62 72 76 71 90

FRI. Lo

73 73 53 75 49 55 52 62 74

W

t c pc s sh pc sh pc c

Weather (W): s-sunny, pc-partly cloudy, c-cloudy, sh-showers, t-thunderstorms, r-rain, sf-snow flurries, sn-snow, i-ice.

MISSISSIPPI Memphis Vidalia-Natchez Red River Landing Baton Rouge Donaldsonville Reserve New Orleans OHIO Cairo COMITE Near Olive AMITE Near Darlington Denham Springs Port Vincent TICKFAW Montpelier Holden ATCHAFALAYA Simmesport Melville Krotz Springs Butte La Rose Bayou Sorrel Morgan City

FLOOD STAGE

34 48 48 35 27 22 17

WED. 24-HOUR STAGE CHANGE

18.60 35.90 38.00 21.90 13.40 10.08 6.30

+0.20 +0.40 none +0.10 none +0.11 +0.10

40

32.73

-0.65

19

-1.08

-0.31

18 29 8

0.05 14.05 2.31

-0.70 N.A. -0.81

13 15

2.70 3.25

-0.67 -1.74

47 34 29 20 12 6

18.39 13.40 11.40 8.97 5.40 3.52

-0.18 -0.15 -0.01 -0.07 -0.20 +0.20

data as of 7 a.m. Wednesday

Forecasts and graphics, except for Damon’s Outlook, provided by AccuWeather, Inc. ©2026

Southern Republicans press ahead with redistricting legislators said the moment calls

BY TRAVIS LOLLER, KIM CHANDLER, second Black-majority House dis- lation and politics, not racial data. Aug. 6.

Democrats noted that the state back to the state’s shameful Jim To adopt new House districts, JEFFREY COLLINS and DAVID A. LIEB trict as it attempted to comply with Associated Press

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Republicans in several Southern states pressed ahead with an aggressive electionyear redistricting effort Wednesday, undeterred by demonstrations and objections to their plans to reshape majority-Black congressional districts that have suddenly become susceptible because of a U.S. Supreme Court ruling.

In Tennessee, protesters interrupted legislative hearings on the redistricting plans, prompting lawmakers to temporarily suspend their work.

Despite passionate pleas from Black Democratic lawmakers, Republicans in the Alabama House approved a measure to upend the state’s congressional primaries if courts allow them to switch their U.S. House districts.

The stakes are high for minority voters who stand to lose their preferred representatives and for any Republican lawmakers reluctant to follow President Donald Trump’s wishes.

The Supreme Court ruled last week that Louisiana relied too heavily on race when creating a

the Voting Rights Act. The ruling significantly altered a decades-old understanding of the law, giving Republicans in Louisiana and elsewhere grounds to try to eliminate majority-Black districts that have elected Democrats.

The ruling intensified an already fierce national redistricting battle ahead of a November midterm election that will determine control of the closely divided House.

Plan splits up Memphis Republicans on Wednesday proposed a new U.S. House map that would split Memphis’ home of Shelby County into three districts, instead of the current two. The map would break up Tennessee’s lone Democratic-held district, centered on the majority-Black city, creating a ripple effect of alterations to districts throughout the western and central parts of the state.

“Tennessee is a conservative state, and our congressional delegation should reflect that. This bill ensures it does,” Republican state Sen. John Stevens said.

Republican House Speaker Cameron Sexton said the proposed districts were drawn based on popu-

Tennessee lawmakers also are seeking to repeal a state law prohibiting mid-decade redistricting.

Democrats and civil rights activists denounced the efforts during Wednesday’s committee hearings.

The proposal “is Black vote dilution at an industrial scale,” said Sekou Franklin, a political-science professor at Middle Tennessee State University who is part of the Tennessee branch of the NAACP. Protesters interrupted a Senate committee meeting, loudly chanting “Hands off our vote!” After senators suspended the hearing, state troopers cleared people from the room. Senators resumed their work elsewhere, advancing the legislation.

Later Wednesday, protesters in the hallway beat on the walls and doors of a committee room where senators were meeting. A House committee also paused its work as state troopers escorted chanting protesters from the room.

The candidate qualifying period in Tennessee ended in March, but legislation would reopen it to allow new candidates to join the races and existing candidates to switch districts. The primary election is

Supreme Court in April 2022 rejected a challenge to the current congressional map, finding it was too close to the election to make changes. This year, there’s even less time before the primary elections, raising the potential of confusion for both candidates and voters, Democrats said.

Alabama House primary?

The Republican-led Alabama House on Wednesday passed legislation authorizing special congressional primaries as Republicans eye the possibility of getting a different congressional map in place for the November elections. The bill now moves to the state Senate.

Alabama is seeking to lift a federal court order that created a second congressional district with a near-majority of Black voters.

That map led to the 2024 election of Rep. Shomari Figures, a Black Democrat. Republicans want instead to use a 2023 map drawn by state lawmakers that would give the GOP an opportunity to reclaim Figures’ south Alabama district.

The legislation won approval on a party-line vote after four hours of fiery debate during which Black

Crow-era history.

Alabama’s legislation hinges on the U.S. Supreme Court or a district court agreeing to lift the injunction.

Alabama’s primaries are May 19.

If a court grants the state’s request, the legislation would ignore the results for congressional seats and direct the governor to schedule a new primary under the revised districts.

Clyburn’s district at risk Democratic U.S. Rep. Jim Clyburn has represented South Carolina’s 6th Congressional District since it was redrawn in 1992 to favor minority voters. He’s running for an 18th term. But winning reelection could be harder for him if Republicans redraw his district.

A committee on Wednesday easily passed a proposal that could allow South Carolina lawmakers to consider drawing new congressional districts.

Republicans have a supermajority, but some are concerned that an attempt to redraw the map to eliminate the state’s lone Democratic representative could backfire and create up to two districts where Democrats are competitive.

Trump’s success at purging dissenters may not help in midterm elections

BY THOMAS BEAUMONT and BILL BARROW Associated Press

Five months ago, President Donald Trump was stinging from one of the first political defeats of his second term as Republican state senators defied him on redistricting in Indiana. Now he has proved he can still punish wayward party members after he endorsed a slate of challengers who defeated almost every one of the lawmakers he wanted to dislodge.

But that success may not help Republicans’ odds in November’s midterm elections, when Trump’s sagging poll numbers, lingering inflation and frustration over the war with Iran have boosted Democrats’ chance of retaking control of Congress. Some Republicans are worried that intraparty fights are costing time and money that

should be focused on defending their majorities in Washington.

“Every dollar going toward keeping seats we already have, and not winning ones we don’t, really matters,” said Rick Tyler, a Republican strategist who has been critical of the president.

Trump doesn’t seem to have any second thoughts about purging his party of dissenters. Indiana’s primary will likely bolster his confidence in other primaries this month, as he tries to oust U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy of Louisiana and U.S. Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky.

It also ratchets up the pressure on Republican lawmakers in other states to move aggressively to redraw congressional district boundaries this year.

State Sen. Linda Rogers, one of the Indiana lawmakers who voted against redistricting and lost her seat Tuesday, said the outcome of

this week’s primary “will probably discourage others in other states.”

“If someone is going to ask you to take a tough vote, you may think twice about your conscience and what’s best for your community and instead what’s best for you and your career,” she said.

Indiana Gov. Mike Braun, who sided with Trump, said it was a “historic night” and he thanked Republican voters who “stood with me and President Trump to nominate some great America First conservatives.”

Redistricting efforts began last year when Trump saw an opportunity to give Republicans an additional edge. Indiana stood out as a Republican-run state that declined to give Trump what he wanted, even as GOP- and Democratic-led states traded gerrymandering maneuvers in a national competition.

After the Indiana Senate re-

jected the redistricting plan in December, Trump pledged to punish defiant lawmakers. His allies spent more than $8.3 million on races that usually see very little spending.

Five of Trump’s targets lost their races. One won. One race was too close to call.

Trump allies celebrated the results and warned other Republicans who might be thinking of opposing the president.

“Redistrict ASAP for the November election or you face a real risk of losing your seat. No excuses,” Robby Starbuck, a conservative activist, wrote on social media.

“Reschedule primaries if you must but redraw the map. Voters demand action NOW, not weakness.”

Cassidy was among the Republican senators who voted to convict Trump on 2021 impeachment charges after the Jan. 6 riot. But

he also has given Trump consistent support. Most notably, the Baton Rouge physician advanced Robert Kennedy Jr.’s controversial nomination as Trump’s health secretary.

The two-term incumbent is campaigning aggressively against Trump’s chosen candidate without mentioning the president in his attacks on Rep. Julia Letlow.

“Sen. Cassidy is running like he’s 10 points down and is pounding the pavement every day,” Cassidy campaign manager Katie Larkin said in a statement.

It is unusual for a sitting president to be focused on attacking and defeating his own party members this deep into a midterm election year. And it’s yielded notable spending that is not directed at Democrats. In Louisiana, Letlow, Cassidy, and other campaign organizations have plowed more than $28 million into attack ads.

METRO

T H E A D V O C AT E.C O M

|

T h u r s d ay, M ay 7, 2026

1BN

Four familiar candidates vying for mayor They had previously run in 2022

BY JOEL THOMPSON Staff writer

Elections for St. Martinville mayor and City Council are scheduled for May 16, with early voting underway. The mayoral election features four candidates who qualified for the ballot, each of whom sought the office in the previous

our crime rate was high and our city was in disrepair. Since then, we’ve brought in $18 million in ST. MARTINVILLE grants and turned our $1 million election held in 2022: incumbent Mayor Jason Willis, former Mayor cumbent mayor, but was ultimate- deficit into a surplus,” he said.

Willis also highlighted the city Melinda Narcisse Mitchell, former ly defeated by Willis, 58% to 42%. council member and registered Willis says the path the city is being awarded $9 million in state nurse Lisa Nelson, and retired car on under his leadership is work- grants for sewer lift stations, sewrepairman Mark Pratt. ing and that the city’s situation er extensions and water consolidaAll four candidates vying for the will continue to improve if he is tion during his term. Willis says his seat ran in 2022, with Willis and reelected. experience in applying for grants Mitchell advancing to a runoff. At “We need to continue to move will be crucial in securing state the time, Mitchell was the city’s in- forward. When I came into office, funding for a new road project

ELECTION 2026

worth $12 million. The city passed a half-cent sales tax to qualify for matching funds and has identified a list of roads in the city in need of repair.

Additionally, Willis identified annexation of surrounding areas as a priority for him should he be elected to a second term.

“If you want to move into the city, you have to renovate,” he said.

ä See MAYOR, page 4B

AS GOOD AS

GOLDEN

Lawrence Johnson shoots a hoop during the Teche Area Senior Olympics on Tuesday.

PHOTOS By LEE BALL

Joyce Williams, left, and Dayna Provost participate in the running relay event at the Teche Area Senior Olympics involving seven nursing homes from the Acadiana area on Tuesday. The competition was held in the Cade Community Center in Cade.

Work may start on old Travelodge Motel

BY ADAM DAIGLE

Staff writer

After being held up for years, construction will finally begin on the old Travelodge Motel in Lafayette.

Owner Ravi Daggula, who was facing a notice of seizure and thousands of dollars in fines from Lafayette Consolidated Government, held a groundbreaking ceremony for the building at 1101 W. Pinhook Road on Tuesday.

Daggula noted he finally got approval for its Historic Tax Credit in order to move forward on the project, which

ä See MOTEL, page 4B

Nursing home residents cheer during the Teche Area Senior Olympics on Tuesday.

Newspaper just for kids is black and white and read all over

LEGO convention returns to Lafayette

9-year-old student launches publication for children’s voices

Event features hands-on exhibits, artist displays

BY JA’KORI MADISON

BY JA’KORI MADISON

A 9-year-old Lafayette Parish student has launched a new quarterly newspaper designed to give children a voice through stories, artwork and creative expression.

Audrey Dupre is the founder of Lafayette Kid News, a free print publication featuring stories, artwork and activities created entirely by kids.

The newspaper aims to give children a voice, connect them with one another and encourage creativity while promoting reading and writing skills.

The LEGO convention is set to return to Lafayette this summer.

The event will take place July 18-19 at the Blackham Coliseum and will feature displays from LEGO artists across the United States.

The Lafayette Brick Convention is a LEGO fan event that brings hands-on building activities and interactive experiences together in a family-focused setting for attendees of all ages and

Staff writer

Staff writer

PROVIDED PHOTO

Audrey Dupre, a 9-year-old student from Lafayette Parish, has founded Lafayette Kid News, a free quarterly print newspaper created by kids to encourage creativity, reading and writing while giving children a ä See NEWSPAPER, page 4B voice through stories, artwork and activities.

ä See LEGO, page 4B

2B ● Thursday, May 7, 2026 ● theadvocate.com ● The Acadiana Advocate

lll

OPINION T H E A D V O C AT E.C O M/opinions

OUR VIEWS

Support our local libraries by renewing tax Of all the important items on the ballot May 16, we would like to highlight one that is vital to the future of the Lafayette Parish Library system — the renewal of a 3.12-mill property tax that generates about $8.89 million each year to fund library operations, building maintenance and personnel.

In recent decades, the library system has upgraded its facilities to meet community needs, building or renovating regional branches in Lafayette, Youngsville, Scott and Carencro in addition to smaller satellite locations. A longawaited branch in northeast Lafayette will soon be under construction, set to open in 2028 on the site of the former Holy Rosary Institute.

The library’s programming also has expanded to include classes in Zumba and mahjong. It offers free meeting rooms for community groups as well as 3D printers and laser cutters in its makerspaces. It allows patrons to check out musical instruments and receive free access to other local cultural attractions with their library card.

We say that’s well worth the price of the millage. Early voting is underway and runs through Saturday at designated locations around the parish. Or voters can cast a ballot at their local precinct on Election Day. In recent years, the library budget has been precarious, but it seems to be back on track now after some belt-tightening.

The ballot measure asks voters to approve the new millage for 10 years, beginning in 2027.

It is one of two property taxes that go to the library and the largest source of funding for the library’s roughly $14 million annual budget. The other tax, 1.84 mills, brings in about $5.2 million a year.

A third tax that was collected for the library was not renewed in 2018, leaving the system scrambling to replace the $3 million a year it generated. In that election, as Library Director Danny Gillane noted, voter turnout was just 9% — in case library supporters need any more evidence of why making their voices heard matters. In the aftermath, the library was forced to close on Sundays and cut some programming to meet its budget.

We know our library has been the source of much controversy in recent years as some have sought to make it part of a political agenda. We understand that with all the changes to voting rules that Louisiana and the nation have seen in recent days, some may feel confused and hesitant about voting at all.

But here’s the thing. The offices at the top of the ballot get all the attention, but in reality, ballot measures like this have more impact on the average citizen’s day-to day life. Gillane has a simple message to voters heading to the polls: “We are at the bottom of the ballot. So keep going.”

We echo that sentiment. Keep going so our libraries can, too.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR ARE WELCOME. HERE ARE OUR GUIDELINES: Letters are published

identifying name, occupation and/or title and the writer’s city of residence.

The Advocate | The Times-Picayune require a street address and phone 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, SCAN HERE

YOUR VIEWS

Financial literacy education lacking in La.

Democracy, socialism are not compatible If you read an article about “Democratic Socialists” who are now part of the Democrat talking points, realize that those words are an oxymoron. If one is a true socialist, one cannot be democratic. You either believe in democracy or socialism. You cannot mix these political beliefs.

Once again, Democrats have revealed the devious sleight-of-hand dialogue they have used to deceive voters. The latest addition to this socialist movement is the newly elected mayor of New York City, Zohran Mamdani.

He fools with his constant grin, which disguises his true inner self as he leans quite heavily to the left.

In 1961, my brilliant history professor at Nicholls State, Dr. Joe Grey Taylor, predicted the future regarding the spread of communism. He maintained that communism would take over America from within. Since then, I

have witnessed his prediction come to pass. Zohran is the prime example of that prediction, and he is not alone.

Voters must elect leaders who truly love America and work to expand our potential. Complacency and limited information are the enemy. Become informed, study our leaders and vote to keep America strong. Folks who love America and the principles upon which it was founded cannot rest or lower their vigilance. The aim and desired outcome of communism have never changed since its inception. What’s changed is the narrative designed to fool uninformed, lazy citizens.

Vigilance and alertness to our environmental threats are paramount to our survival. This is not a scare tactic but a harsh reality hovering over our freedom and survival as a nation.

Louisiana high schools are letting students down in one specific area: financial literacy. Students graduate knowing how to write essays and solve equations but not how to budget, file taxes or understand credit.

This lack of knowledge leads to longterm consequences that affect young adults throughout the state.

Financial literacy is just as important as the core subjects in school, such as math and English, because it is connected to a person’s ability to be independent in their life. After graduation, students are expected to pay rent, pay bills, file taxes and manage their credit without knowing how this works. As a result, many young adults make mistakes with credit cards and student loans.

Educators and policymakers often stress college and career readiness, yet financial readiness is missing.

A student can graduate with strong academics but still struggle to understand interest rates and credit.

Including financial literacy into the school curriculum can reflect reallife expectations and ensure that young adults are prepared for adulthood.

The impact is not just scholarly but personal. Many young adults enter adulthood overwhelmed by unfamiliar financial decisions. This lack of guidance leads to long-term debt and financial instability.

Some argue that schools are already filled with required courses.

However, financial literacy is not extra but necessary. Even a onesemester course could help students have knowledge that they will use for the rest of their lives and help reduce financial mistakes.

High school is meant to prepare students for life beyond graduation, yet many students are still unfamiliar with basic money management.

Louisiana can not succeed while withholding the most important life skills. Financial literacy should be in every high school classroom.

BILLY ARCEMENT Prairieville

Camp owners would do better to rely on solar In the recent article about ongoing power issues affecting remote camps and rural properties, much of the blame was directed toward the power company. While it may be easy to point fingers at the utility provider, that perspective overlooks a more practical and forward-looking solution that rests with the camp owners themselves.

These camps are, by their very nature, located in remote and often difficult-to-service areas. Maintaining and extending reliable grid infrastructure into such locations is costly, inefficient and highly vulnerable to weather and environmental disruptions. Expecting consistent, high-quality service under those conditions ignores both economic and logistical realities.

What makes far more sense is for camp owners to take advantage of modern energy alternatives — specifically solar power. Remote camps are, in fact, an ideal use case for solar en-

ergy systems. With abundant sunlight in our region and significant advancements in battery storage technology, solar setups can provide dependable, independent power without relying on miles of fragile transmission lines.

Rather than continuing to depend on a system that was never designed for these conditions, camp owners should consider investing in self-sufficient energy solutions. Not only would this reduce strain on the existing grid, but it would also provide greater reliability and long-term cost savings for the owners themselves.

In short, this is less a failure of the power company and more a reluctance to adapt to solutions that are already well within reach. It’s time to shift the conversation from blame to responsibility — and from outdated expectations to modern solutions.

MIKE NORTON Metairie

There are unintended supply-chain effects of Iran war Trump’s War may have an effect I have not yet seen covered. Few people realize how many meds, prescription and over-the-counter, are either imported from abroad (frequently India or China) or, if manufactured here,

TAMARI STEPHENS Baton Rouge high school student

made from active pharmaceutical ingredients that are imported. Your prescription may not be available if Trump’s War continues.

MARIE ROUSSELLE Metairie

WINNER OF THE PULITZER PRIZE FOR LOCAL REPORTING

KEVIN HALL

President & Publisher

RENE SANCHEZ

VP/News, Executive Editor

KARYN KEARNEY EVP/Strategic Partnerships

ARNESSA GARRETT Managing Editor/ Opinion

JUSTIN MITCHELL

Managing Editor/ Audience

HANK STUEVER

Managing Editor/ Enterprise

FRED KALMBACH

JENNIFER BROWN

JERRY DICOLO

EMMA DISCHER

Managing Editor

Managing Editor, New Orleans

KRISTIN ASKELSON Managing Editor, Acadiana

BARBARA LEADER Managing Editor, Shreveport

Senior Editor Senior Editor

ANDREA GALLO Senior Editor/ Investigations

JESSICA WILLIAMS Senior Editor

ROGER HOLMES Executive VP, Operations

LOU HUDSON

VP/Majors & Nationals

JIM MYERS

VP/Finance

ROBERT STOLL

VP/Distribution

ASHLEY WHITCHER VP/IT

KYLE WHITFIELD

VP/ Consumer Sales

ROBERT YOUNG

General Manager/ Advertising

G

GEORGES MEDIA GROUP JOHN D. GEORGES Owner

JUDI TERZOTIS

Chief Executive Officer Editorial Page

DAN SHEA

Chairman

ARNESSA GARRETT STEPHANIE GRACE WILL SUTTON QUIN HILLYER FAIMON ROBERTS

The Acadiana Advocate ● theadvocate.com ● Thursday, May 7, 2026 ● 3B

lll

COMMENTARY Court, Jeff Landry made a messy election even messier

Bewilderment in elections is a bad thing. Unfortunately, that’s what the U.S. Supreme Court and Gov. Jeff Landry have created.

Whatever one thinks of the substance of the Supreme Court’s ruling in the Louisiana v. Callais redistricting case (my reaction is mixed, and complicated), we all should be disturbed by its timing and by Landry’s decision to delay the U.S. House elections while continuing to hold the Senate election and some others on May 16.

In the short run, the high court dealt Louisiana a bad hand, and Landry made it worse.

Quin The original “bad Hillyer hand” here was not necessarily the court’s decision itself (which is debatable), but when it was issued. The Supreme Court first heard this case argued last March, followed by more oral arguments in October. There was no good reason it should have taken until late April, after months of a primary campaign and after absentee voting had already begun, to issue its ruling.

Justice Brett Kavanaugh in a 2022 ruling (in an Alabama case) explained at great length how unfair and burdensome it is to change election rules close to an election. A few snippets of his verbiage will suffice. Kavanaugh agreed then with the state of Alabama that such last-minute changes are “a prescription for chaos for candidates, campaign organizations, independent groups, political parties, and voters, among others …. Running elections statewide is extraordinarily complicated and difficult. Those elections require enormous advance preparations by state and local officials, and pose significant logistical challenges …. A bedrock tenet of election law [is that] when an election is close at hand, the rules of the road must be clear and settled.”

Recognizing these undisputable realities, the court should have made sure to issue its decision months ago. It is not Landry’s fault that the court acted slothfully.

When burdened with the late court decision, Landry knew he would face legal challenges, all of them well within reason, no matter what he did.

If Landry delayed the elections on the grounds that the congressional districts are unconstitutional, one side would sue to say that those who already voted absentee had been disenfranchised and that the candidates and donors had legally recognizable stakes in going ahead with the current dis-

STAFF PHOTO By MICHAEL JOHNSON

Voters follow the signs to the polling location at the Louisiana State Archives. tricts this year. If he did not delay the election on grounds similar to what Kavanaugh described in 2022, the other side would sue to say he had proceeded with unconstitutional districts.

Nonetheless, Landry should have chosen one option or the other. What Landry did, though, was significantly to increase what has been described as “widespread confusion” — and perhaps increased the likelihood of adverse legal ramifications, too.

By continuing with the Senate election (and in a closed primary) and a few local races, while canceling the House races (in anticipation of rescheduling them, probably in an open primary), Landry baked a smorgasbord of conundrums. The House races remain on the ballot, but supposedly votes cast in those races this time won’t count. Yet what happens if a legal challenger successfully secures a court injunction ordering the House elections to go ahead after all? Will those votes count? And will the early voters who abstained from voting for House candidates get a chance to go back and recast those votes? How would that work?

Meanwhile, the unfairness to the Senate candidates and their supporters and donors is palpable. With so much

confusion, how many voters who hear that the House races are stopped will stay away from the polls entirely?

There’s no way to tell which Senate candidates this would help or hurt, but it is a near-certainty that voter turnout patterns will be substantially affected.

Consider, too, that this obvious recipe for befuddlement comes on top of a situation some voters already found perplexing: namely, the return to closed party primaries after most of the past 50 years of Louisiana elections had been conducted with open primaries, meaning all candidates on one ballot regardless of party affiliation.

What Landry did by bifurcating the election may (but probably won’t) be adjudged illegal.

Whether legal or not, though, it is astonishingly unjust.

To quote Kavanaugh again, belated “tinkering with election laws can lead to disruption and to unanticipated and unfair consequences.” It’s a shame the court didn’t heed those words.

Nonetheless, Landry’s decision to split the election baby isn’t Solomonic; it’s just dead wrong.

Email Quin Hillyer at quin.hillyer@ theadvocate.com

Carlson nearing end of the schtick fake opinions.

Tucker Carlson’s problem, it would When Trump tried to overthrow the seem, is that what he says doesn’t matter, because he has a long history of not results of the 2020 election, Carlson sent private messages doubting the Trump saying what he thinks. True, he once starred at Fox News, and even now his camp’s claims of election fraud. “I hate him passionately,” he also texted. followers on social media number in On air, though, Carlson tiptoed the millions. But he’s shifted around Trump’s phony assertion into crackpot conspiracies and that Dominion Voting Systems turning on Donald Trump. Anysoftware helped steal millions thing for an audience. of votes. Instead, he vaguely Carlson long hated Trump in stated that “something was his heart while praise poured wrong with the election.” from his mouth. The war in Iran Froma After Fox dropped Carlson polls poorly as does Trump, and Harrop as a legal liability as well as a so Carlson uses the opportunity pain in the butt, he rebranded to inflate his diminished imporhimself on social media. He was now tance by blaming himself for making a persecuted truth-teller focused on Trump possible. corporate power, demographic changes “We’re implicated in this, for sure,” he said. “You know, we’ll be tormented and other sprawling issues.

But when Trump ran for reelection by it for a long time. I will be, and I in 2024, Carlson jumped right back in want to say I’m sorry for misleading line and heartily supported him in pubpeople.”

On trying to mislead people, Carlson lic. After the assassination attempt in is an expert.

Butler, Pennsylvania, Carlson said the In 1999, he wrote that Trump was shooting “changed everything.” That’s “the single most repulsive person on when Trump “became the leader of this the planet.” But when Trump was elect- nation,” he said.

Thus, a “commentator” who wrote in ed president in 2016, Carlson wrote an email that Trump’s first term was “a a Politico piece headlined “Donald Trump is Shocking, Vulgar and Right.” disaster with no upside” started camIn it he gave Trump the lightest of paigning for him. As a warm-up act at a spankings. Trump was “imperfect.”

Trump rally, Carlson did his icky “Dad After 2020, Carlson expressed concomes home” routine.

In Carlson’s recent telling, Trump has tempt for Trump but only privately. He been manipulated by Israel’s Benjamin had a job to keep as a political pundit on pro-Trump Fox News. There, he was Netanyahu into entering the war in paid more than $15 million a year to air Iran. If true, where was the strong pa-

triarch Carlson had been heralding for a decade?

It is Netanyahu’s job to look after Israel’s interests. It is the American president’s job to look after America’s interests. Often those interests align, but sometimes they don’t.

Netanyahu had urged other presidents to strike Iran, but the other presidents declined. There may be an argument for stopping the exporter of terrorism from developing nuclear weapons. Too bad Trump’s big mouth couldn’t stop itself from hurting the cause with bloodthirsty threats against Iran’s civilization.

I share Carlson’s displeasure at Trump’s many character flaws, but I didn’t cover them up when Trump was more popular. Nor did I buy into the president’s vows to save Obamacare or “drain the swamp” of Washington corruption. Only suckers would believe a man who stiffed his workers, oversaw six bankruptcies and transparently lied about Barack Obama not being American-born.

Carlson wasn’t a sucker. He knew, like Trump, how to play the chumps by selling himself as an honest man speaking his mind. Nonetheless, The New York Times just ran a long interview credulously titled “What Does Tucker Carlson Really Believe?”

Unbelievable.

Froma Harrop is on X, @FromaHarrop.

Email her at fharrop@gmail.com

On Spirit Airlines, the government protected competition by eliminating it Regulators no longer have to worry that Spirit Airlines might upset the airline market by merging with the wrong competitor.

The now-defunct airline made poor business decisions and had to cope with tough circumstances, but if its demise were an Agatha Christie mystery, the fingerprints of Biden antitrust officials would Rich be all over the crime scene.

Lowry These antitrust zealots fought a proposed deal between JetBlue and Spirit, and congratulated themselves on a 2024 court victory that doomed Spirit to likely oblivion.

This was wanton economic destruction masquerading as antitrust enforcement.

Sen. Elizabeth Warren, who never met an antitrust action she didn’t like, exemplifies the perversity. After the Biden administration got a federal judge to put the kibosh on the JetBlue-Spirit deal in 2024, she celebrated: “This is a Biden win for flyers!”

Last month, as Spirit teetered on the edge of the grave, she expressed dismay: “The Big Four airlines (American, Delta, Southwest, United) control 75% of the U.S. market. Fewer choices = higher prices for you.”

Yes, it would be terrific to have a bigger, more serious challenger to the established players, wouldn’t it? If only there’d been a way to achieve such an outcome.

The federal judge on the JetBlue-Spirit case conceded that “an expansion of all aspects of JetBlue’s business — including network, fleet and loyalty program — would allow for more vigorous competition with the Big Four, which carry most passengers in the country.”

No matter. For Biden officials, antitrust enforcement was a scholastic exercise where the definition of monopoly had no connection to reality.

If JetBlue had succeeded in gobbling up Spirit, the airline still would have been smaller than the Big Four.

Worrying about JetBlue getting too big is like fretting that Thrifty — the fifth largest car rental outlet in the United States after Enterprise, Hertz, Avis and Budget — is one relatively small acquisition away from establishing dominance in the car-rental market.

As for the fear that the JetBlue-Spirit merger would end Spirit’s role as an ultra-low-cost carrier and therefore harm consumers, the airline has now gone away anyway, only in a more disorderly fashion.

JetBlue might wonder what Biden regulators had against it. As the website View From the Wing points out, JetBlue got approval during the first Trump administration for a partnership with American Airlines to expand in New York.

Then, the Biden team showed up and killed the partnership on grounds that directly contradicted its rationale for nixing the JetBlue-Spirit deal.

“The Biden administration fought the American Airlines-JetBlue partnership,” View From the Wing notes, “calling JetBlue a pro-passenger disruptor who drives down prices. Then they turned around and claimed that JetBlue was a monopolist who would drive up prices if they bought Spirit.”

JetBlue itself is struggling, but at least the airline is still with us.

Spirit had a good run based on its initial disruption of the industry. The airline’s idea was to make a basic fare extremely cheap, and then charge passengers fees for everything taken for granted at other airlines (drinks, carry-on bags, etc.).

The customer experience was terrible, though.

And Spirit got buffeted by changes during the pandemic, while more established airlines matched its fares with basic economy. Spirit stopped making money in 2019.

With the JetBlue deal blocked, it couldn’t get an alternative merger done. It declared bankruptcy in 2024, and then again in August 2025.

The recent spike in jet-fuel prices pushed it over the edge.

Elizabeth Warren was quick to say that “Trump’s war was the nail in the coffin for twicebankrupted Spirit Airlines.” Well, yeah. But its vulnerable state underlines how foolish it was to keep it from getting the lifeline it so desperately needed from a merger.

Ronald Reagan said the most terrifying words in the English language are, “I’m from the government, and I’m here to help.” The Spirit fiasco shows that perhaps equally frightening are the words, “I’m with the DOJ antitrust division and I’m here to protect consumers.”

Rich Lowry is on X, @RichLowry

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR ARE WELCOME. HERE ARE OUR GUIDELINES: Letters are published identifying name, occupation and/or title and the

writer’s city of residence. The Advocate | The Times-Picayune require a street address and phone 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, SCAN HERE

4B ● Thursday, May 7, 2026 ● theadvocate.com ● The Acadiana Advocate

lll

Host, teen brothers speak after release from ICE Students were detained for over a week

BY MARTHA SANCHEZ Staff writer

Gail Baptiste is tired and relieved.

She reunited last week with Israel and Max Makoka, the teenage brothers her family cares for, after they were released from the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

The brothers had been detained for over a week after immigration agents arrested them as they walked to their school bus stop in Diamondhead, Mississippi.

The Makokas returned home after an outcry from their conservative Mississippi Gulf Coast city. Baptiste said the experience is now galvanizing her to advocate for others in similar situations as the Makokas seek reinstatement of their student visas.

“People came together and really became united in this situation,”

Baptiste said. “But I don’t want it to stop with Max and Israel.”

For more than two decades, Baptiste and her family have hosted dozens of international students at their home in Diamondhead.

But they made national news last month after the arrests of Israel, 18, and Max, 15.

The Makokas, from the Republic of the Congo, entered the U.S. on student visas in 2023 and 2024 and attended the Piney Woods School, a historically Black boarding institution in central Mississippi.

They stayed with the Baptistes during summers and holidays and asked to transfer to Hancock High School, near Diamondhead, last year. The Baptistes also became their legal guardians.

The Baptistes and their attorney say they were never notified that the move would change the brothers’ legal status. ICE has said the brothers violated their student visas by transferring from the private school in central Mississippi to the public Hancock High School on the coast.

“Because they violated their visas, they are subject to removal,”

an ICE spokesperson said last month.

The brothers were held in separate ICE facilities — one in Houston, the other in Jena — according to their family. Their detention came as the Trump administration cracks down on illegal immigration, including by increasing scrutiny on international students studying in the United States.

‘What can we do?’

For the past few days, Baptiste said she has been deep in thought and trying to stay away from social media as the teenagers process the experience and readjust to school.

On Monday, the family drove to a check-in at an ICE facility in St. Rose. Amy Maldonado, an attorney representing the Makoka brothers, has said they will participate in frequent ICE check-ins and court proceedings.

The Makoka brothers garnered support from their neighbors and leaders, and Baptiste said the office of Republican U.S. Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith also helped the family find a top immigration attorney and answered questions about the

The upcoming LEGO convention on July 18-19 at Blackham Coliseum in Lafayette will feature displays, activities and interactions with LEGO artists from across the U.S. STAFF FILE PHOTO By SOPHIA GERMER

LEGO

Additional attractions include themed areas such as a “Star Wars” display, a medieval-style castle build zone and vendor spaces selling LEGO sets and merchandise.

A fan zone will showcase creations from local builders.

A portion of proceeds from the event will benefit Creations for Charity, a nonprofit that provides LEGO sets to children in need during the holidays.

Event organizers said the convention has raised more

than $30,000 for the organization since 2023.

The group has also partnered with Vet Tix to distribute free tickets to military members, veterans and their families, including families of those killed in action.

Organizers said more than $70,000 worth of tickets were donated in 2025.

Tickets are $15 and are available for either Saturday, July 18, or Sunday, July 19. Tickets can be purchased at brickconvention.com.

LCG filed a notice of seizure on the property late last year after assessing Continued from page 1B violations on the property. A lien was placed on the prophe wants to convert into a erty last March, and court unique boutique hotel. He records indicated then fines and his ownership group totaled $26,215 along with a bought the building over daily fine of $75 for every four years ago for $1.35 mil- day repairs were not made.

Daggula and his ownerlion.

Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser ship group stopped it from attended the event. going to a sheriff’s sale in

February, Mayor-President Monique Boulet said.

LCG cited Daggula for not removing graffiti on the building’s exterior, not maintaining the building’s exterior and overhangs, failing to maintain the pool and not installing a fence around it, records show.

Continued from page 1B skill levels. Organizers say the event will include galleries of large-scale LEGO models, build zones stocked with thousands of bricks and opportunities to meet professional LEGO artists.

Appearances from participants of the television show “LEGO Masters” are also planned.

MOTEL

NEWSPAPER

Continued from page 1B

The idea began when Audrey would make handmade mini newspapers at home that she passed around the breakfast table for family.

“At night I couldn’t sleep, so I would make mini newspapers and pass them out at breakfast,” Audrey said.

“Then the 24 Hour Citizen Project was my chance to make it a real thing.”

The newspaper includes a mix of short stories, poems, trivia and artwork, along with a calendar of free local events geared toward families.

Her father, Luke Dupre, said one of the project’s defining features is its focus on print in an increasingly digital world.

“A lot of the questions she got was, ‘Is this going to be digital?’ ” he said. “And she was like, no, this is print on paper. You’ve got to go out and find it; it’s something in your hand.”

Both said the goal is to offer kids an alternative to constant screen time. Audrey, who balances the project with school, dance, soccer and other activities, said she has enjoyed reading and writing since first grade.

“It’s interesting to us because it’s written by children for children,” Audrey

said. “And if you don’t like to read, you can still look through it.”

Much of the content comes directly from student contributors, often with minimal direction. Luke Dupre said some of the most meaningful submissions have been unexpected.

“One kid wrote about being the new kid at school and how he made friends,” he said. “Another wrote about investing. It’s interesting to see what these kids come up with.”

The publication accepts submissions from students in kindergarten through eighth grade, as well as classroom contributions from teachers, as long as the content is centered on kids. Despite early success, Audrey expressed that one of the biggest challenges has been encouraging more students to participate.

“It’s kind of still new, so it’s hard to get people to submit,” she said. “But after I showed it at my school, I got like three or four submissions in one day.”

Lafayette Kid News gained support after Audrey presented the idea at the 24 Hour Citizen Project, where it was selected as one of five projects to receive funding.

The first issue was published in February, with the second released in May as part of its quarterly schedule.

Published four times a year, the newspaper is avail-

Email Adam Daigle at adaigle@theadvocate.com.

able for free at local libraries, the Children’s Museum of Acadiana and other community locations.

For Luke Dupre, watching the project grow has been both rewarding and unexpected.

“It makes us as parents feel really great,” he said.

“She’s always liked to contribute and help out the community, and this is a way she can do that while having fun.

It’s been inspiring to watch her.”

The newspaper operates under a nonprofit structure and remains free to readers, though Dupre said they plan to seek community support to help sustain printing costs.

Each issue follows a seasonal theme and includes recurring features such as creative writing and puzzles.

Audrey currently contributes a “letter from the editor” and said she may write more stories in future editions.

federal immigration process.

The Makoka brothers garnered support from their neighbors and leaders, and Baptiste said the office of Republican U.S. Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith also helped the family find a top immigration attorney and answered questions about the federal immigration process.

Now, Baptiste is thinking about other children who lack similar support.

“It’s just been really on my heart and on my mind,” she said. “What can we do? What should we do?”

The brothers say they are deeply grateful to be back home on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. The Baptistes drove for hours to pick them up from the detention centers last week.

“I’m grateful to be back with my family,” Israel said. “Everybody showed support.”

“It’s been great to go to school and see my teachers, my friends,” said Max. “Everybody keeps saying, ‘Hey Max, I’m glad you’re back.’ ”

Hosting international students Baptiste estimates her family

MAYOR

has hosted about 100 students over the years, giving them a place to stay during summers and school breaks. The Makokas are the only international students who have lived with them.

Many students the Baptistes have hosted arrived from countries including the Congo, Rwanda and Cameroon, and are now adults with college degrees. Baptiste said one of them is now determined to get a doctorate degree.

Many residents in Hancock County, where Donald Trump won almost 80% of the vote in the last presidential election, rallied to support the brothers, including by writing letters in support of their release and calling federal representatives’ offices. Others questioned the outcry and argued ICE had to detain the brothers since their legal status had lapsed.

Baptiste said she is determined to work toward a greater solution.

“I feel responsible for somebody else’s children that I have taken as my own,” she said. “I do want this to make a difference for other people, other kids, other families, if at all possible.”

“You can’t build here because there is no room. We have fields outside the city we could annex if the parish allows us to. We could see ourselves becoming the next bedroom community in the area.”

Former Mayor Mitchell was elected to the position in 2018 on a platform of bringing businesses into the community, but she came up short in her reelection bid in 2022.

In her first term, Mitchell was able to secure roughly $800,000 in grant money for sewer and drainage projects in the city. Mitchell, who now teaches kindergarten, is mounting a comeback that highlights a need for the city to develop additional evacuation routes in case of weather emergencies and additional resources for emergency responses.

Mitchell has also expressed a desire for the city to provide direct support for local businesses and entrepreneurs to grow the local economy, as well as new educational programs for local students.

Mitchell was unavailable for an interview for this article.

Willis has argued that the city is more unified under his leadership than it was under Mitchell.

“We’ve got a lot of unity in the city right now. That doesn’t mean we all agree on everything, but we are all focused on making the

city better and having those discussions,” Willis said.

Former council member Nelson disputed Willis’ claims of unity, stating, “I don’t see where he’s actually created unity right now.

I know a lot of residents don’t feel heard.”

Nelson criticized the decision of the city to incorporate under the Lawrason Act, a move that was the source of some contention within the city.

“I know a lot of things can be better,” she said.

“Electrical rates are outrageous. I would conduct a full financial and operational review of those services and contracts to try and lower costs. I don’t think there was any negotiating of those contracts the last time they were signed.”

Nelson criticized what she described as a slow delivery on infrastructure improvements following the passage of a sales tax by the city, arguing that past leaders have waited too long to address concerns with road quality.

“We need to prioritize infrastructure and roads because some are in disrepair,” she said. “Since the city passed the infrastructure sales tax, we haven’t seen anything. We need to be proactive and not deal with problems as they emerge.”

Nelson also spoke on transparency and community safety as top priorities for her if elected.

“Economic tourism is one of the big areas for growth here,” she said. “St. Martinville used to be a big hub

for tourism in the area, and it just doesn’t happen as much anymore.”

Nelson came in third place with 21% of the vote in 2022, running ahead of two other candidates, including one of her opponents in the present election, Pratt, who received 1%.

Pratt, a retired car repairman, is the only candidate in the race without prior governmental experience. Pratt’s primary goal for the city involves connecting with leaders and elected officials from across the state to attract growth to the area.

“I would like to build St. Martinville up to a new level. I think the only way to do that is to do a better job communicating with state representatives,” he said. “You’ve got to become a part of the system to improve.”

His proposals include working with Lafayette city officials to connect St. Martinville to its public transit system and the development of a homeless shelter in the community.

Pratt also expressed interest in an increased presence in youth-centered activities in the community.

“The city needs a strong representative to shake the bush a little bit,” Pratt said. “I don’t think anyone else running for mayor can provide the connections we need moving forward.”

Early voting will continue through Saturday. Election day is May 16. Visit voterportal.sos.la.gov for more information on upcoming elections.

Looking ahead, the paper’s main goal is simple: increasing participation.

“If I could have one goal for this paper, it’s probably to get more submissions from kids,” she said.

The publication is current-

ly operating at about half of its 40-page capacity. Audrey and her team, including her brother, have distributed newspapers at local libraries and the Children’s Museum in an effort to build awareness and are working to ex-

pand distribution to public schools.

Submissions, including jokes, comics, artwork, short stories, poems and advice, can be emailed to LafayetteKidNews@gmail. com.

Continued from page 1B

Inogen® Portable Oxygen Concentrators

Leave the tanks at home.

LOTTERY

TUESDAY, MAY 5, 2026 PICK 3: 6-2-4 PICK 4: 3-1-9-4 PICK 5: 7-7-0-4-2 MEGA MILLIONS: 12-22-50-51-55 MEGA BALL: 10

Unofficial notification, keep your tickets.

Convert the air around you into medical-grade oxygen.

At just under 3 lbs.*, Inogen® lightweight and compact portable oxygen concentrators easily deliver your prescription oxygen on-the-go. * Inogen Rove 4 weighs 2.9lbs. with a standard battery

CALL US NOW 1-877-760-2294

SM250015 EN_EX_USA | Rx Only. © 2024 Inogen, Inc. 859 Ward Drive, Suite 200, Goleta, CA 93111. Inogen® is a trademark of Inogen, Inc. The usage of any Inogen, Inc. trademark is strictly forbidden without the prior consent of Inogen, Inc. All other trademarks are trademarks of their respective owners or holders.

OFFICIAL NEWS PARTNER OF THE LOUISIANA RAGIN’ CAJUNS

SPORTS

T H E A D V O C AT E.C O M

|

T h u r s d ay, M ay 7, 2026

L S U A T G E O R G I A • 5 P. M . F R I D A y • S E C N +

1CN

Mathieu questions Saints’ handling of Kamara Former safety says team is mistreating star rusher

BY MATTHEW PARAS Staff writer

‘BACKS TO THE WALL’

As Alvin Kamara’s status with the New Orleans Saints remains up in the air for next season, former safety Tyrann Mathieu said he thinks the black and gold are mistreating their all-time leading rusher.

On his podcast, Mathieu — a New Orleans native who played for the Saints and with Kamara from 20222024 — took the team to task for not declaring definitively whether the running back will return in 2026, adding the team doesn’t have “the Mathieu balls to outright cut him.”

Kamara is on the roster and has one year left on his contract, though coach Kellen Moore and general manager Mickey Loomis have been coy regarding the running back’s future with the team.

Mathieu disagrees with the approach.

“I don’t think the Saints are dealing with this in good faith,” Mathieu said. “I don’t think so. This is not what you do to your

ä See SAINTS, page 4C

LSU finds itself at rare intersection of hope and discouragement If you met Steven Milam, the LSU shortstop would likely strike you as a soft-spoken man who would rather let his leather glove or his aluminum alloy bat do the talking.

When he does speak, he speaks plainly. And what he said Tuesday night in the LSU clubhouse after a 13-6 victory over Tulane spoke volumes about the Tigers’ present plight.

“I don’t want to go home,” Milam said. “I want to win another national championship.”

This time a year ago, Milam and the 2025 LSU baseball team were on their way to the program’s eighth national championship. The biggest question confronting the Tigers then was whether or not they could stack up enough victories to earn a top-eight national seed, thus allowing LSU to stay at home at Alex Box Stadium before making the trip to Omaha, Nebraska, for the

College World Series.

They did. The Tigers were the No. 6 national seed. Aside from nearly getting sunk by an unheralded iceberg named Little Rock in the NCAA regional, those Tigers fulfilled LSU’s annual manifest destiny ambitions and claimed that trophy. It was a successful quest for pride, achievement, and a place on the wall as one of this rich program’s forever teams.

These Tigers face a different, unfamiliar (for LSU) quest: survival. Being worthy of not winning the NCAA Tournament, but just earning a toehold in it.

Less than two weeks ago, it looked as though the Tigers’ cochon de lait was cooked. LSU was coming off an 0-4 week that included a three-game sweep at Mississippi State, the last of an unprecedented three straight

Scott Rabalais

ä See RABALAIS, page 4C

LSU coach Jay Johnson makes a pitching change in the first inning of a game against Southeastern on April 28 at Alex Box Stadium. PHOTO By MICHAEL BACIGALUPI

UL pitching issues 17 freebies in loss to UNO

BY KEVIN FOOTE Staff writer

The UNO Privateers were apparently in no mood to allow UL to keep rolling off home victories, and the Ragin’ Cajuns gave the visitors plenty of help.

The Privateers scored three runs in the top of the 10th on one hit ä UL at App to claim a 9-6 extra-inning State 5 P.M. win over the Cajuns on Tuesday at Russo Park.

FRIDAy, ESPN+ UL issued two walks and hit two batters in the decisive 10th inning. Dathan Cummings added a two-run single to right as well for the winning rally.

That disastrous 10th wrapped up a game that saw UL pitching walk 10 batters and hit seven more for 17 free bases.

“It was ugly,” UL coach Matt Deggs said. “All we can do now is flush it and move on.

“We didn’t play good enough to win, obviously. We didn’t coach well enough to win or play well enough to win. We couldn’t have beaten the Bad News Bears tonight.”

Before the 10th, it appeared the Cajuns would pull out the win despite the sloppy pitching. Down 6-4 going to the bottom of the ninth, Colt Brown crushed a two-run triple to left-center to tie the game with one out.

STAFF FILE PHOTO By DAVID GRUNFELD

Saints running back Alvin Kamara warms up before a game against the San Francisco 49ers on Sept. 14 at the Caesars Superdome.

LSU, Wade add Brazilian pro player to roster

BY TOYLOY BROWN III Staff writer

of the season, UL fell to 30-19 overall, while the visiting Privateers improved to 21-30. More importantly, it was an awful RPI loss for UL because UNO entered the game with a 216 RPI.

LSU is no longer the only high-major team in the country with a single player on its roster for next season.

Brazilian professional player Marcio Santos committed to coach Will Wade’s Tigers on Wednesday, according to Jonathan Givony of DraftExpress. The 6-foot-9, 250-pound center reportedly was pursued

by Kentucky, according to Jeff Goodman of the Field of 68.

The 23-year-old Santos is averaging 7.9 points, 4.0 rebounds, 0.7 blocks and 1.4 turnovers in 17.8 minutes per game in 17 games for Maccabi Tel Aviv in Israel. He’s also shooting 52.7% from the field, 12.1% from the 3-point line on 1.9 attempts and 73.1% from the free-throw line. His team is currently 18-1 in the Israeli Basketball Premier League.

Santos was born in Brazil and went undrafted in the 2023 NBA Draft. He is playing his first season in the Euroleague, the highest level of competition outside of the United States. In 37 games for Maccabi Tel Aviv, he’s averaging 6.9 points, 1.9 rebounds and 3.2 fouls in 14.1 minutes. He is also shooting

ä See UL, page 4C

ä See LSU, page 4C

STAFF PHOTO By BRAD KEMP

UL right fielder Steven Spalitta slides into third safely during the Cajuns’ 9-6 loss to UNO in 10 innings Tuesday.

Instead of getting Brown home with the game-winning run, though, Steven Spalitta’s shot to second resulted in a tag at the plate to end the threat.

“We had alpha ABs like that all night long and that’s what we did,” Deggs said.

With a loss in the final midweek game

2C ● Thursday, May 7, 2026 ● theadvocate.com ● The Acadiana Advocate

lll

BROADCAST HIGHLIGHTS On TV

COLLEGE BASEBALL 7 p.m.

Auburn at Mississippi St. COLLEGE SOFTBALL 10 a.m. Florida St. vs. Georgia Tech 10 a.m. Washington vs. Indiana 10 a.m. Auburn vs. Florida 12:30 p.m. Stanford vs. Louisville 12:30 p.m. Nebraska vs. Michigan 1 p.m.

Arkansas vs. Alabama 3:30 p.m. TBD vs. Oregon 4 p.m.

Duke vs. North Carolina

ESPNU ACCN BTN SECN ACCN BTN SECN BTN ACCN

4 p.m.

Texas vs. Ole Miss SECN 6 p.m.

TBD vs. UCLA BTN 6:30 p.m. TBD vs. Virginia Tech ACCN 7 p.m.

TBD vs. Oklahoma SECN GOLF 9 a.m.

PGA: Myrtle Beach Classic GOLF 11 a.m. LPGA: Mizuho Americas Open GOLF 1 p.m.

PGA: Truist Championship GOLF HORSE RACING noon America’s Day at the Races FS2 MLB 1 p.m.

Cincinnati at Chicago Cubs MLBN

IN BRIEF

FROM STAFF AND WIRE REPORTS

6 p.m.

9 p.m.

Tampa Bay at Boston ESPN St. Louis at San Diego ESPN NBA 6 p.m.

Cleveland at Detroit PRIME 8:30 p.m. L.A. Lakers at Oklahoma City PRIME NHL 7 p.m.

Carolina at Philadelphia TNT MEN’S SOCCER 1:55 p.m. Nottingham at Aston Villa CBSSN WOMEN’S VOLLEYBALL 6 p.m.

Omaha vs. Indy ION 8:45 p.m. San Diego vs. Dallas ION

McIlroy more motivated than ever McIlroy set for Truist tourney after 3-week layoff

BY STEVE REED

ASSOCIATED PRESS FILE PHOTO By ASHLEy LANDIS

Rory McIlroy, of Northern Ireland, holds the trophy after winning the Masters golf tournament at the Augusta National Golf Club on April 12 in Augusta, Ga. his daughter Poppy to tennis lessons.

“I gave myself a good 10 days to enjoy myself and then thought I needed to get back on the range and start to practice and get ready for this stretch coming up,” McIlroy said.

The stretch begins Thursday with the tuneup at Quail Hollow, a place where McIlroy is adored by fans and often serenaded with the “Happy Birthday” song given the tournament often falls during his birthday.

He was 20 when he won his first PGA tournament here, earning him immediate popularity in Charlotte.

In some ways, he’s become the city’s adopted golfer.

He has won here four times on a course that sets up perfectly to complement his length off the tee, including a dominant seven-shot victory in 2015 in which he established a new tournament record at 21-under 267 after a third-round 61.

“I really feel like this tourna-

ment got my career going,” McIlroy said. “This is 16 years I’ve been coming here, so it’s been a fun place, I’ve had success. It’s somewhere I always love coming back to.”

He enters this week as the slight favorite to win (+600) over the redhot Cameron Young (+850), who won last week at Doral.

McIlroy feels good about his chances despite the three-week layoff that included skipping the RBC Heritage and the Cadillac Championship.

He won the Truist Championship by five shots over Xander Schauffele the last time it was played at Quail Hollow in 2024, but surprisingly struggled here at the 2025 PGA Championship, finishing tied for 47th.

“Slightly different setup than the PGA last year, and slightly different conditions,” McIlroy said. “It’s been very dry here by all accounts, so the greens are very firm. The rough is down a little bit. Sort of more, probably more in keeping

with what the golf course was like in 2024, when the tournament was last here. The course is great.”

McIlroy said returning to action after winning the Masters a second time feels much different than a year ago.

“I felt like winning the Grand Slam was going to be this lifechanging thing and in some ways it was, but in other ways I had to remember like, ‘No, I still have a lot of my career left and I want to keep playing and keep competing,’ ” he said. “So this year I think winning was validation for all the work that I’ve put in over the last few years to get myself back to this place where I’m winning majors.”

Schauffele said it will be a tall task beating McIlroy this week and moving forward if he plays the way he did at Augusta National.

“His best club (driver) was his worst club, and he still won the tournament,” Schauffele said.

“That’s a little scary, obviously, if you’re competing against him.”

Kentucky Derby winner not running in Preakness Golden Tempo sets sights on Belmont Stakes in June

BY STEPHEN WHYNO AP sportswriter

Kentucky Derby winner Golden Tempo will not run in the Preakness Stakes next weekend, trainer Cherie DeVaux announced Wednesday.

DeVaux and owners decided to skip the Preakness and set their sights on the Belmont Stakes on June 6 at Saratoga Race Course in upstate New York. DeVaux, who became the first woman to train a Derby winner, is from Saratoga Springs, which is hosting the Belmont for a third and final time this year.

“We are incredibly appreciative of the excitement and support surrounding the possibility of a Triple Crown run,” DeVaux said in a statement. “Golden gave us the race of a lifetime in the Kentucky Derby, and we believe the best decision for him moving forward is to give him a little more time following such a tremendous effort. His health, happiness and long-term future will always remain our top priority.”

Golden Tempo is the third Derby winner in the past five years not to be entered in the Preakness. For various reasons, it is the sixth time in eight years the Preakness will happen with no chance of a Triple Crown on the line. American Pharoah in 2015

ROME — Fresh off the biggest title of her career, Marta Kostyuk of Ukraine withdrew from the Italian Open due to hip and ankle issues.

Kostyuk won the Madrid Open on Saturday and is up to a careerbest No. 15 in the rankings this week. Having also won another clay-court title in Rouen, France, the week before Madrid, Kostyuk is on an 11-match winning streak.

“After the best stretch of my career, I was looking forward to Rome. But sometimes your body has other plans, and over the past few days I’ve been dealing with a hip issue. With my ankle still not fully at 100%, it’s just not smart to keep pushing right now, so I won’t be competing there this year,” Kostyuk posted on Instagram on Tuesday as the tournament in Rome began.

NFL, referees association moving toward new deal

AP sportswriter

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Rory McIlroy appeared rested and relaxed as he prepared for his first tournament since repeating as Masters champion.

Just don’t let that be confused with complacency.

The world’s No. 2-ranked player said he feels “more motivated” than ever heading into a major stretch that includes the PGA Championship next week outside of Philadelphia and the U.S. Open next month at Shinnecock Hills.

First up though is this week’s Truist Championship at Quail Hollow, where McIlroy earned his first PGA Tour victory 16 years ago and has won four times.

“I’m excited for the road ahead,” the six-time major champion said Wednesday after his Pro-Am round.

It’s been more than three weeks since McIlroy slipped on the green jacket for a second time after becoming just the fourth player in 90 years to go back-to-back at the Masters.

He described this year’s postMasters break from golf as “less hectic” than last year’s whirlwind tour.

The 37-year-old McIlroy spent most of his time at his home in Jupiter, Florida, although he did visit New York with his wife Erica Stoll and attended a White House state dinner held for King Charles III and Queen Camilla.

But it’s what he didn’t do that has left him feeling refreshed.

He didn’t travel back home to Northern Ireland to celebrate his Masters win like he did in 2025, largely because his parents were already in the United States to see it in person. They skipped last year’s Masters so as not to jinx their son’s chances of completing the career grand slam after years of disappointment.

He also didn’t do the media rounds, electing for more “chill” time at home, allowing him to take

Kostyuk withdraws from Italian Open with injuries

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By JEFF ROBERSON

Golden Tempo, ridden by Jose L. Ortiz, wins the 152nd running of the Kentucky Derby on Saturday at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky. and Justify in 2018 are the only horses to sweep all three races over the past four decades.

The two-week turnaround from the Derby to the Preakness, which used to be commonplace, is considered a nonstarter for many trainers and owners

given that most elite thoroughbreds now typically go a month or more between races. It has caused endless debate in horse racing circles about the spacing of the Triple Crown in modern times.

Maryland racing officials are

considering moving the Preakness back from the third Saturday in May to the fourth to increase the chances of not just the winner but other horses from the Derby being considered for the second leg of the Triple Crown.

None of the 18 who ran this year at Churchill Downs are heading to the Preakness, with Golden Tempo the only one considered.

The Preakness is taking place at Laurel Park between Baltimore and Washington, D.C., this spring while its longtime home, Pimlico Race Course, is rebuilt as part of a massive construction project that included demolishing the debilitating old structure.

Pimlico is set to become the site for year-round racing in Maryland beginning next year when the state takes control from 1/ST Racing, with Laurel becoming a training venue.

Golden Tempo won the Kentucky Derby as a 23-1 long shot in spectacular fashion, making a charge from the back of the pack down the stretch to the finish line a neck ahead of morning line favorite Renegade. DeVaux and co-owner Daisy Phipps Pulito said they would see how the colt came out of the race before making any decisions.

They followed the lead of trainer Bill Mott and Godolphin Racing, which last year chose to bypass the Preakness with Derby champion Sovereignty to give him extra rest for the Belmont.

Sovereignty rewarded them by winning the Belmont and the Travers Stakes and is back racing as a 4-year-old.

The NFL and its officials are moving closer toward a new agreement that avoids a work stoppage.

After a lengthy stalemate, negotiations have reached a point where the NFL Referees Association is planning to have a ratification vote this week, a person with knowledge of the discussions told The Associated Press on Tuesday..

Last month, the league began the onboarding process for replacement officials because negotiations weren’t progressing.

The NFL’s collective bargaining agreement with the NFL Referees Association is set to expire on May 31.

The league and the union have been negotiating a new CBA since the summer of 2024.

Yankees to pay tribute to Sterling with uniform patch

NEW YORK — The New York Yankees will pay tribute to longtime radio play-by-play announcer John Sterling with a memorial patch on their uniform sleeves, the team announced on Tuesday.

Sterling died Monday. He was 87.

After announcing Sterling’s passing, the Yankees wore caps with “JS” stitching on the back of their hats for Monday’s 12-1 win against Baltimore.

Following the final out, the sound system blared Sterling’s voice booming “Ballgame over! Yankees win! Theee Yankees win!” just before the first strains of Frank Sinatra crooning “New York, New York.”

Sterling called 5,426 regular-season Yankees games and 225 more in the postseason from 1989 until his retirement in 2024.

Lakers’ Vanderbilt going day-to-day after dislocation

Though Jarred Vanderbilt suffered a gruesome dislocated right pinky injury during the Lakers’ loss in Game 1 against the Thunder on Tuesday, coach JJ Redick said his forward has been listed as dayto-day for the second-round series.

Vanderbilt, who is left-handed, was injured in the second quarter trying to block a dunk by Oklahoma City’s Chet Holmgren, but his hand hit the backboard. Vanderbilt immediately doubled over in pain, as the bone broke through the skin and had to be put back in place.

Redick said it was a “reduction” for Vanderbilt, meaning it was a procedure to restore his dislocated finger.

The Lakers and Thunder play Game 2 on Thursday night in Oklahoma City.

Tigers’ Valdez suspended for intentionally hitting Story

DETROIT — Detroit Tigers pitcher Framber Valdez was suspended for five games and fined on Wednesday, one day after he was ejected for hitting Boston’s Trevor Story with a pitch during a 10-2 loss in which he allowed a career-high 10 runs.

Valdez was at first banned for six games by MLB, which cited him for intentionally throwing a pitch at Story, but the penalty was reduced in an agreement between Major League Baseball and the players’ association. He started serving the penalty during Wednesday night’s series finale and barring rainouts will be eligible to pitch Wednesday at the New York Mets.

Valdez denied hitting Story on purpose, saying the unfamiliar four-seam fastball got away from him.

The Acadiana Advocate ● theadvocate.com ● Thursday, May 7, 2026 ● 3C

lll

Area teams face tough road assignments Nine schools one step away from state tournament

BY KEVIN FOOTE Staff writer

The good news is one week away from the LHSAA baseball tournament and the Acadiana area still has nine teams alive.

The tricky part of that is all nine teams will be traveling, which could make the challenge tougher.

There are many different angles among the nine teams.

There’s a group of high seeds traveling to even higher seeds in for semifinals matchups of the titans.

That list includes No. 4 St. Thomas More heading to No. 1 Brother Martin in Division I select, No. 3 Acadiana Renaissance going to No. Vandebilt Catholic in Division II select, No. 3 Teurlings Catholic visiting No. 2 St. Charles Catholic in Division II select, No. 5 Catholic High of New Iberia going to No. 1 University in Division III select and No. 9 Northside Christian traveling to No. 1 Maurepas in the Class C quarterfinals.

There’s a few Cinderella teams hoping to continue a magical playoff run with No. 7 Rayne — fresh off its sweep at No. 2 North DeSoto — taking on No. 3 Lutcher in Di-

STAFF PHOTO By BRAD BOWIE

Ascension Episcopal pitcher Sport Gros is hoping to carry the Blue Gators in Thursday’s state quarterfinal road trip to No. 5 Ouachita Christian. vision II nonselect, No. 13 Ascension Episcopal heading to No. 5 Ouachita Christian in the Division IV select quarterfinals and No. 11 Delcambre challenging No. 3 Mangham in the Division IV nonselect quarterfinals.

The Cougars will play Brother Martin at historic Kirsch-Rooney Stadium in New Orleans — a stadium that dates to 1957.

“Watching them play and on paper as well, they’re consistent,” STM coach Justin Robichaux said of New Orleans-based Crusaders.

“Their offense, they like to play dynamic and they like to play fast, so controlling the running game is going to be critical for us. They hit

one through nine as well.

“On the mound, (Drake) Amedee is a really good high school arm.

He’s been up to 92, 93 (mph) at times. On paper, it’s going to be a heavyweight fight and our guys are kind of fired up for it. We’re looking forward to the opportunity to going down there and bringing this program back to where we think it ought to be.”

The Cougars overcame a Game 1 loss in last week’s quarterfinal series to oust Rummel in three games.

“It’s a fun group to watch,” Robichaux said of his Cougars. “When they get rolling, they definitely know how to fight and throw down.

We saw that earlier in the year.

Then we had the opportunity to play Teurlings in a three-game set and that was one of the wildest games I’ve ever been a part of (in Game 3).

“These kids are very resilient and have been all year.”

The winner will meet the John Curtis-Catholic winner in the state final next weekend in Sulphur.

“At this time of the year, you have to be good in all three areas,” Robichaux said. “Hopefully we’re heading in that direction.”

Acadiana Renaissance’s playoff run has been a trailblazing venture in the program’s fifth season under coach Tyler Jensen.

“Whenever I took this job, I knew there was tons of potential for this place,” Jensen said. “I wouldn’t say surprised (about this season). We had high expectations going into this year. ... So from the beginning, our goal was Sulphur and (we’ll) see what happens.”

With a history of winning at Central Catholic, Jensen made a point of making sure his players relished the quarterfinals sweep of Loyola Prep last week.

“These kids don’t realize it right now, but they get to be the standard-setters for everyone down the line,” Jensen said. “This program will never be the same again because of this year.”

The Eagles are hoping to continue to ride their strong pitching and defense.

“We don’t have anyone who is

going to light up the radar gun,” Jensen said. “Our whole identity is throwing strikes and playing defense. We just believe in pitching and really being aggressive and making the offense have to be aggressive and swing the bat.”

Because the Eagles beat the weekend rain with a Thursday sweep, Jensen watched the entire Vandebilt series down in Houma.

“They’re extremely athletic,” he said. “They’re very versatile offensively. They have guys who can hit the ball out of the ballpark and the same guys can bunt for a hit — they’re aggressive on the bases.”

For Ascension Episcopal and the other Division IV teams alive, it’s been a different kind of a test.

They’re playing single-elimination games with long breaks between games.

“You have to get creative,” Blue Gators coach Lonny Landry said.

“We came up with some competitive games for the kids to play. It can be trying at times, though.”

The good part of it is you can ride your ace pitcher. For the Blue Gators, that’s Sport Gros.

“He’s just a competitor,” Landry said of Gros. “He just keeps getting better and better.”

The Blue Gators will be face Ouachita Christian at 6 p.m. Thursday in Monroe.

“We don’t know a lot about them,” Landry said. “They’re 27-5, so it’s definitely not going to be easy. We just need to keep Sport with a low pitch count and play solid defense.”

LCA boys, Teurlings girls take aim at track title

BY ERIC NARCISSE Staff writer

It’s been three years since the Lafayette Christian boys won a state track and field title.

Meanwhile, the Teurlings Catholic girls program has never won a state track title.

Both the Knights and Rebels will look to bring home trophies when they travel to the LHSAA state track and field meet at LSU’s Bernie Moore Stadium.

The Knights might be primed to end that short title drought.

“Everyone is really healthy,” coach Brad Sievers said. “We managed to get through district and regionals without any injuries, so I think we’re looking good. We’ve got everyone through that we thought should make it through. I think

we’re looking fine.”

Teurlings’ girls are also looking forward to the meet.

“We’re extremely excited about the state meet,” coach Kelly LaMaison said. “We qualified 10 girls and 11 boys. So just getting to the stage says a lot about the commitment and the character of our kids.”

The state meet begins Thursday with classes B, C and 1A. LCA will compete Friday with Class 2A and 3A and the Rebels will battle it out on Saturday when Class 4A and 5A will be held.

Sievers and LaMaison both said they think they qualified enough athletes to be in contention for team championships.

“I believe it’s going to be between us and Episcopal of Baton Rouge,” Sievers said. “As I write down the

(projected) scores, it looks like we’re almost tied. It’s going to be a fun meet to watch.”

“I definitely think there’s a shot for us to win it,” LaMaison said.

“We’re just grateful to be in that position. Being seeded in the top three, it’s an honor. But nothing’s guaranteed. We’re just trying to approach the meet with humility and gratitude like we have all season.”

LaMaison said keeping Abigail Leger and Aaryam Saleh, who are both competing in four events, fresh is going to be key.

Leger is competing in the 800 meters, 1,600, 3,200 and the 4x800 meter relay, while Saleh is running in the 400, 800, 4x800 and 4x400 meter relay.

“We’re trying to balance it out to where they can go into that third and fourth event with the same in-

tensity and effort and energy that they have in the first two,” LaMaison said. “But if there is one event that’s really going to help us, I would say the girls’ javelin.

“We have senior Mary Rose Guidry and freshman Londyn Viator, who have both been throwing really well. If they can bring in some points, it would be super helpful.”

Sievers said it’s going to require a team effort.

“We’ve got to do great job across the board in all of our events,” he said. “I think it’s going to be a very high scoring meet between us and Episcopal. In 2022 we won with 68 points, but this year may come close to 100 points. So everyone’s just going to have to do their job.

We’re going to have to win the relays and the distance.

“I think we can step up in the 400 because there’s a little more room for improvement there. We’ve got two guys through and if we can go first and second that would be a huge help.”

Both coaches agreed the weather is of no concern.

“It’s probably going to rain. It rained last year,” Sievers said.

“Everyone, every team has to run in the rain if it’s raining. We all will have the same weather conditions.

Our kids are tough, so I don’t really think it’s going to be a factor for us.”

“It’s going to be the same for everybody out there,” LaMaison said.

“So everybody’s going to have to deal with the same weather conditions. We just have to go into it with a positive mentality and expect the unexpected.”

AREA HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL STATE PLAYOFF QUARTERFINAL, SEMIFINAL SCHEDULE Best-of-3 series No. 7 Rayne at No. 3 Lutcher (G1: 6 p.m. Friday; G2-3: 1 p.m. DH Saturday)

Division I select Best-of-3 series No. 4 St. Thomas More at No. 1 Brother Martin (G1: 6 p.m. Thursday; G2: 6 p.m.

Friday; G3: 1 p.m. Saturday)

Division II select Best-of-3 series No. 4 Acadiana Renaissance at No. 1

Division II nonselect

Vandebilt Catholic (G1: 6 p.m. Friday; G2-3: 1 p.m. DH Saturday) No. 3 Teurlings at No. 2 St. Charles Catholic (G1: 4 p.m. Friday; G2-3: Noon DH Saturday)

Division III select Best-of-3 series No. 5 Catholic-New Iberia at No. 1 University (G1: 6 p.m. Friday; G2-3: Noon DH Saturday)

Division IV select

Single elimination No. 13 Ascension Episcopal at No. 5 Ouachita Christian, 6 p.m. Thursday No. 7 St. Edmund at No. 2 Covenant Christian, 7 p.m. Thursday

Division IV nonselect Single elimination

No. 11 Delcambre at No. 3 Mangham, 5 p.m. Wednesday

Class C Single elimination No. 9 Northside Christian at No. 1 Maurepas, 5:30 p.m. Wednesday

SCOREBOARD Odds NBA Thursday

FAVORITE at DETROIT at OKC

MLB

LINE 3½ 15½

O/U (215½) (209½)

UNDERDOG Cleveland LA Lakers

UNDERDOG Texas Cleveland Tampa Bay

LINE +158 +120 -101

UNDERDOG Cincinnati at COLORADO at ARIZONA St. Louis

LINE +172 +123 -105 +150

UNDERDOG at WASH. at MIAMI Athletics

LINE -107 +102 +115

UNDERDOG at PHILADELPHIA

LINE +139

NHL

Thursday

FAVORITE Carolina

LINE -166

Pro basketball NBA playoff glance SECOND ROUND

(Best-of-7; x-if necessary)

Tuesday’s games

Detroit 111, Cleveland 101, Detroit leads series 1 — 0 Oklahoma City 108, L.A. Lakers 90, Oklahoma City leads series 1 — 0

Wednesday’s games

Philadelphia at New York, n Minnesota at San Antonio, n

Thursday’s games

Cleveland at Detroit, 6 p.m.

L.A. Lakers at Oklahoma City, 8:30 p.m.

College softball State scores, schedule Tuesday’s game

SWAC tournament Game 2: Southern 10, Bethune-Cookman 1

Wednesday’s games

SEC tournament Game 7: No. 9 Georgia vs. No. 8 LSU, n Sun Belt tournament Game 2: No. 8 UL vs. No. 9 Troy, n SWAC tournament Game 8: Southern vs. Florida A&M-Arkansas-Pine Bluff winner, n

Thursday’s games

SEC tournament

College baseball State scores, schedule

Thursday

American League FAVORITE LINE at N.Y YANKEES -189 at KANSAS CITY -142 at BOSTON -118 National League FAVORITE LINE at CHICAGO CUBS -205 N.Y Mets -147 Pittsburgh -114 at SAN DIEGO -178 Interleague FAVORITE LINE Minnesota -112 Baltimore -122 at PHILADELPHIA -135

Game 11: LSU-Georgia winner vs. No. 1 Oklahoma, 7 p.m.

Sun Belt tournament Game 5: No. 1 UL-Monroe vs. Game 2 winner, 3 p.m.

Southland Conference tournament McNeese State vs. Lamar, 6 p.m.

Tuesday’s games

Mississippi State 21, Nicholls 6, 7 inn.

UNO 9, UL 6 LSU 13, Tulane 6 Jackson State at Southern, canceled

Thursday’s games

Nicholls at Southeastern, 6 p.m.

Texas A&M-Corpus Christi at UNO, 6:30 p.m.

Friday’s games

LSU at Georgia, 5 p.m.

UL at App. State, 6 p.m.

Nicholls at Southeastern, 6 p.m.

Texas Southern at Southern, 6 p.m.

South Florida at Tulane, 6:30 p.m.

Texas A&M-Corpus Christi at UNO, 6:30 p.m.

Late Tuesday LSU 13, Tulane 6 Tulane (23-27)

Williams 1 2 2 2 1 2 Fontenot 2 2 2 2 1 3 Plog 1 1 1 1 0 2 Theophilus 2 2 0 0 0 1 WP — Navarro (1); Lachenmayer (5). HBP — by Fontenot (J. Johnson); by Tarango (Braun); by Cehajic (Patrick).

Umpires — HP: Eric Goshay 1B: Eddie Newsom 2B: James Ainsworth 3B: Luke Weems Start — 6:35 p.m. Time: 3:36 Attendance: 10,457 (paid)

Hockey NHL playoff glance

ab r h bi ab r h bi Wood lf 3 1 0 0 Braun 1b 3 2 1 0 Rowell ph 1 0 0 0 Arrambide c 5 2 2 2 Wachs dh 5 1 3 3 Curiel cf 3 3 2 0 Liolios 1b 4 0 0 0 Milam ss 4 2 2 4 Haas rf 1 0 1 0 Jh. Pears. 3b 5 2 2 3 Burg ph 2 0 0 0 Dardar dh 5 2 3 2 N. Johnson 2b 4 1 1 1 Ruckert 2b 4 0 2 0 Agabedis 3b 2 1 0 0 Patrick rf 4 0 1 2 J. Johnson ph 1 0 1 0 Reaves lf 4 0 1 0 Elliott c 4 1 2 1 Harrison ss 4 0 1 1 Chun cf 4 1 2 0 TOTALS 35 6 11 6 TOTALS 37 13 16 13 Tulane 001 220 010 — 6 11 1 LSU 630 001 200 — 13 16 0 E — Elliott (5). DP — Tulane 1; LSU 1. LOB Tulane 5; LSU 10. 2B — Wachs (20); Elliott(5); Harrison(13); Braun (4); Curiel(13); Milam 2 (13); Pearson (3); Dardar (12); Ruckert (5).

HR — Wachs (7); N. Johnson (4); Arrambide (15); Pearson(7). HBP — J. Johnson; Braun; Patrick. SH - Ruckert (2). SF — Milam (1). SB Dardar(1). CS — Wachs (2).

Tulane IP H R ER BB SO Navarro (L, 2-2) 0 1 3 3 2 0 1 2 3 2 0 0 Brafa 1 Abbadessa ⁄3 2 3 3 1 0 2 Moore ⁄3 2 0 0 0 0 1 Ejike-Charle ⁄3 0 0 0 3 1 Toporek 12⁄3 2 0 0 0 0 1 2 1 1 0 0 Rath Tarango 1 2 1 1 0 1 Vincent 1 2 2 2 0 0 Cehajic 1 0 0 0 0 1 LSU IP H R ER BB SO Lachenmay. (W, 2-0) 3 4 1 1 0 5

Tuesday’s games

Colorado 5, Minnesota 2, Colorado leads series 2 — 0

Wednesday’s games Thursday’s game

Carolina at Philadelphia, 7 p.m.

American League glance New York Tampa Bay Baltimore Toronto Boston

L 11 12 20 21 21

Pct .694 .667 .444 .432 .417

GB — 1 9 9½ 10

Cleveland Detroit Kansas City Chicago Minnesota

W 18 18 17 17 16

L 19 19 19 20 20

Pct .486 .486 .472 .459 .444

GB — — ½ 1 1½

Athletics Seattle Texas Houston Los Angeles

W 18 18 16 15 15

L 17 20 19 23 23

Pct .514 .474 .457 .395 .395

GB — 1½ 2 4½ 4½

Tuesday’s games

Tampa Bay 4, Toronto 3 Boston 10, Detroit 3 Philadelphia 9, Athletics 1 Minnesota 11, Washington 3 Kansas City 5, Cleveland 3 Baltimore 9, Miami 7 N.Y. Yankees 7, Texas 4 Houston 2, L.A. Dodgers 1 Atlanta 3, Seattle 2 L.A. Angels 4, Chicago White Sox 3

Wednesday’s games

W 26 16 16 16 13

L 12 20 20 20 22

Pct .684 .444 .444 .444 .371

GB — 9 9 9 11½

Chicago St. Louis Cincinnati Milwaukee Pittsburgh

W 24 21 20 19 19

L 12 15 16 16 17

Pct .667 .583 .556 .543 .528

GB — 3 4 4½ 5

Los Angeles San Diego Arizona Colorado San Francisco

W 23 22 17 14 14

L 14 14 17 22 23

Pct .622 .611 .500 .389 .378

GB — ½ 4½ 8½ 9

West Division

W 25 24 16 16 15

West Division

Atlanta Miami Philadelphia Washington New York

Central Division

Montreal at Buffalo, n Anaheim at Vegas, n

Central Division

Thursday’s games

Texas at N.Y. Yankees, 11:35 a.m.

Minnesota at Washington, 12:05 p.m.

Cleveland at Kansas City, 1:10 p.m.

Athletics at Philadelphia, 5:40 p.m.

Baltimore at Miami, 5:40 p.m.

Tampa Bay at Boston, 6:10 p.m.

East Division

(Best-of-7) (x-if necessary)

East Division

Tampa Bay 3, Toronto 0 L.A. Dodgers 12, Houston 2 Seattle 3, Atlanta 1 Athletics at Philadelphia, n

Major League Baseball

National League glance

SECOND ROUND

Major League Baseball LSU (29-21)

Transactions

Baltimore at Miami, n Boston at Detroit, n L.A. Angels 8, Chicago White Sox 2 Minnesota at Washington, n Texas at N.Y. Yankees, n Cleveland at Kansas City, n

Tuesday’s games

Philadelphia 9, Athletics 1 Minnesota 11, Washington 3 Baltimore 9, Miami 7 Houston 2, L.A. Dodgers 1 Chicago Cubs 3, Cincinnati 2, 10 innings Atlanta 3, Seattle 2 Arizona 9, Pittsburgh 0 San Diego 10, San Francisco 5 N.Y. Mets at Colorado, ppd.

Milwaukee at St. Louis, ppd.

Wednesday’s games

Milwaukee 6, St. Louis 2 L.A. Dodgers 12, Houston 2 San Diego 5, San Francisco 1 Seattle 3, Atlanta 1 Athletics at Philadelphia, n Baltimore at Miami, n Minnesota at Washington, n Cincinnati at Chicago Cubs, n N.Y. Mets at Colorado, n Pittsburgh at Arizona, n

Thursday’s games

Minnesota at Washington, 12:05 p.m.

Cincinnati at Chicago Cubs, 1:20 p.m.

N.Y. Mets at Colorado, 2:10 p.m.

Pittsburgh at Arizona, 2:40 p.m.

Athletics at Philadelphia, 5:40 p.m.

Baltimore at Miami, 5:40 p.m.

St. Louis at San Diego, 9:10 p.m.

MLB — Suspended Detroit Tigers LHP Framber Valdez six-games and manager A.J. Hinch one-game for intentionally throwing at Boston Red Sox SS Trevor Story.

American League ATHLETICS — Selected the contract of RHP Brooks Kriske from Las Vegas (PCL). Optioned RHP Tyler Ferguson to Las Vegas.

BOSTON RED SOX — Sent RHP Justin Slaten to Worcester (IL) on a rehab assignment. Reinstated RHP Sonny Gray from the 15-day IL. Optioned LHP Alec Gamboa to Worcester (IL).

CHICAGO WHITE SOX — Reinstated RHP Jonathan Cannon and LHP Chris Murphy from the 15-day IL and optioned them to Charlotte (IL).

DETROIT TIGERS — Placed 2B Gleyber Torres on the 10-day IL retroactive to May 4.

Recalled 3B Jace Jung from Toledo (IL).

HOUSTON ASTROS — Recalled INF Shay Whitcomb from Sugar Land (PCL). Placed INF Carlos Correa on the 10-day IL retroactive to May 5. Optioned RHP Jason Alexander to Sugar Land.

KANSAS CITY ROYALS — Sent RHP Carlos Estévez to Omaha (IL) on a rehab assignment.

Recalled RHP Eric Cerantola from Omaha (IL). Optioned RHP Stephen Kolek to Omaha.

LOS ANGELES ANGELS — Reinstated RHP Alek Manoah from the 15-day IL. Optioned LHP Sam Aldegheri to Salt Lake (PCL).

MINNESOTA TWINS — Acquired RHP Yoendrys Gómez from Tampa Bay in exchange for cash considerations. Designated RHP Christian Roa for assignment.

NEW YORK YANKEES — Optioned RHPs Yerry de los Santos and Elmer Rodríguez to Scranton/Wilkes-Barre (IL).

SEATTLE MARINERS — Sent RHP Bryce Miller to Everett (NL) on a rehab assignment.

TAMPA BAY RAYS — Sent RHP Joe Boyle to Durham (IL) on a rehab assignment. Designated RHP Christian Roa for assignment National League ATLANTA BRAVES — Designated LF José Azocar for assignment. Selected the contract of SS Jim Jarvis from Gwinnett (IL).

CHICAGO CUBS — Placed LHP Matthew Boyd on the 15-day IL retroactive to May 4. Designated LHP Charlie Barnes for assignment.

Selected the contract of RHP Trent Thornton from Iowa (IL).

CINCINNATI REDS — Agreed to terms with RHP Natali Familia on a minor league contract. Optioned RHP Chase Petty to Louisville (IL). Selected the contract of RHP Tejay Antone from Louisville.

COLORADO ROCKIES — Sent RHP Jeff Criswell to Hartford (EL) on a rehab assignment.

LOS ANGELES DODGERS — Reinstated RHP Brock Stewart from the 15-day IL. Optioned LHP Jake Eder to Oklahoma City (PCL).

MIAMI MARLINS — Recalled LHP Dax Fulton from Jacksonville (IL). Optioned RHP William Kempner to Jacksonville.

4C ● Thursday, May 7, 2026 ● theadvocate.com ● The Acadiana Advocate

lll

Wade adds veteran Smith to LSU staff

Johnny Jones and asFormer Michigan assistant named coach sistant coach Damon Stouall former college director of player development damire, head coaches.

BY TOYLOY BROWN III

Staff writer

LSU brings a fourth former college head coach to Will Wade’s staff ahead of next season.

The Tigers’ new coach hired Jay Smith to be the team’s director of player development for next season, the program announced on Wednesday. Smith has worked in college basketball for over four decades, starting as an assistant at Kent State in 1984.

“Jay Smith brings many years of college basketball experience to our LSU program,” Wade said in a statement. “He has had success at many different levels as a college head coach. He has proven to be one of the best, if not the best, big man coaches in the country. The player development component is an important part of the modern college basketball game and Jay has been successful in player development throughout his outstanding career.”

SAINTS

Continued from page 1C franchise — this is not the way you treat your franchise all-time touchdown leader. I know Kamara, his production hasn’t been what we thought it’s going to be, but he is still this franchise’s leader in (expletive) yards and touchdowns, without him having 1,000 yards (in a season) rushing.

“My honest opinion, bruh ... I think the Saints would rather not have to make a hard decision and he just walk in one day, and say, ‘Hey look, I’m going to retire.’ You know what I’m saying?

“Because I don’t really think they have the — and I know Mickey, I hope he doesn’t take this wrong — but I don’t think they’ve got the balls to outright cut him.”

If the Saints are waiting for Kamara to retire, the running back didn’t sound like he was close to hanging up his cleats when he appeared Monday on former teammate Terron Armstead’s podcast. Kamara wasn’t directly asked about the possibility the Saints could move on from him, but the 30-year-old praised the franchise and said he was excited to work with the Saints’ new additions, such as wide receiver Jordyn Tyson and running back Travis Etienne.

Etienne’s addition, in particular, raised questions about Kamara’s future after New Orleans signed the former Jacksonville Jaguars running back to a fouryear, $52 million deal in free

UL

Continued from page 1C UL will now hit the road to meet Appalachian State in a Sun Belt series starting on Friday.

The Privateers didn’t waste much time putting the Cajuns on their heels with a run in the first inning. Evan Rogers was hit by a pitch with one out and scored on Kruise Newman’s RBI single.

The Cajuns didn’t have much going offensively until the fourth with a single tally to tie it. Colt Brown walked with one out and stole second before scoring on Steven Spalitta’s RBI single to right.

UNO kept the pressure on, though, with two more in the fifth. With one out, Dylan Biddick doubled and Rogers walked. Miles Curley got one run home with an RBI single to chase starting pitcher Garret Carter for

S m i t h , 65, was the head coach at Division II Grand Valley State (199697), Central Michigan Smith (1997-2006) and Division III Kalamazoo College (2016-19). He most recently was the director of Player development at Eastern Michigan (2024-26) under former Arkansas coach Stan Heath.

The Mio, Michigan, native was also an assistant coach at Michigan from 1989-96 and later served as director of player personnel and development from 2019-24. He played a part in recruiting Michigan’s “Fab Five,” which featured former NBA players Juwan Howard, Chris Webber and Jalen Rose.

LSU’s newest addition also won two Mid-American Conference titles at Central Michigan in 2001 and 2003.

Smith joins a staff that has associate head coach Rick Stansbury, assistant head

Stansbury, 66, is the alltime winningest coach at Mississippi State, leading the program for 14 seasons starting in 1998. He had a 293-166 record with the Bulldogs. Jones, 65, is a former LSU player, assistant coach and head coach at his alma mater. He led the program from 2012-17, with a 90-72 record and an NCAA Tournament berth in 2014.

Stoudamire, a former NBA player and All-American at Arizona, led Georgia Tech for three seasons until he was fired last season. The 52-year-old finished with a 42-55 career record and zero NCAA Tournament appearances.

Also on LSU’s coaching staff is Vernon Hamilton, an assistant under Wade at NC State last season and at McNeese State for two seasons (2023-25). Hamilton, a former Clemson basketball player, also worked with Wade at LSU, serving as the assistant to the head coach during the 2020-21 season and director of player development in 2021-22.

agency.

Despite already restructuring his contract once this offseason, the Saints are believed to want to further address Kamara’s contract before next season. That could involve asking him to take a pay cut or releasing him outright. Kamara’s cap number is $10.5 million, down from north of $18 million after New Orleans utilized an unconventional salary cap maneuver in March rather than a standard restructure.

Publicly, the Saints have tiptoed around Kamara’s status for next season. At the NFL’s owners meetings in March, Moore said he had envisioned a role for the running back to play alongside Etienne, but that Kamara and the Saints would first have to go through a “process.” Loomis, in a radio interview after the draft, declined to comment on questions about Kamara’s future.

“I think we’re still trying to work through that, to see where we’re at roster-wise,” Loomis said, later adding, “I’d rather keep that to myself at this point.”

On his podcast, Mathieu said that the Saints are treating Kamara “kind of the same way” they are handling Cam Jordan’s free agency.

Mathieu, a safety who retired last July, said he would rather the Saints come out and say, “Cam, go find somewhere else to play” and that people would respect the honesty. He compared it to his own situation in 2022, when Kansas City Chiefs general manager Brett Veach told him the team didn’t have the money to resign him.

Mathieu, citing “one of my

good sources,” also suggested that a “few people” in the Saints haven’t been happy with Kamara over the last year, accusing the running back of leading a charge for the team to fire former coach Dennis Allen.

“So you got somebody fired, but you didn’t produce neither,” Mathieu said, alluding to Kamara’s decline in production this past season. “The Saints organization, for people who haven’t been a part of it, it’s really like a family. So you’re going to argue, you’re going to fight. ... A few of those decision-makers who were in love with Dennis Allen because he did have great defenses, he was one of the guys to bring home a Super Bowl, there’s just a history there.

“And some people picked a side. I think (Kamara) got caught in it.”

The Saints fired Allen in November 2024, going on to hire Moore the following offseason. The Saints went 6-11 in Moore’s first year, and Kamara’s production declined significantly. He rushed for a career low 471 yards and 3.6 yards per carry before suffering a seasonending knee injury that cost him the last six weeks.

Mathieu said he wished Kamara well. But on the same podcast, he noted that many players don’t get to stay with one team throughout their careers.

If the Saints end up parting ways with Kamara, Mathieu said he hopes the fivetime Pro Bowler plays for another team for the next 2-3 years to finish his career.

“I don’t think it’s a money issue,” Mathieu said. “I think for some people it’s personal.”

Cole Flanagan.

The freshman left-hander left two batters later after Eli Tidwell’s sacrifice fly to left earned the Privateers a 3-1 lead.

UL didn’t allow that tworun cushion to last very long, tying the game with a run in the fifth and then getting two more in the sixth to take a 4-3 lead.

In the fifth, Mark Collins walked and eventually scored on a wild pitch.

Unfortunately, it appeared Collins suffered an injury on the collision at the plate.

Donovan LaSalle then reached on a fielding error and scored on UNO’s second error of the frame.

Carter gave up three runs on three hits, three walks and three strikeouts in 4.1 innings.

Parker Smith and Hayden Pearson both pitched 1.1 scoreless innings — Smith struck out three and Pearson had two strikeouts.

“I could have left Pear-

son out there, but I’ve got to see what I’ve got and we don’t want to throw guys too long midweek,” Deggs said.

“We’ve got a big conference series on the weekend.”

But Murphy Brooks had his first rocky outing since his return after a two-year absence, with two walks to give way to Tyler Papenbrock, who gave up a walk and a two-run single to right from Curley.

Curley was 2-for-2 with two walks, a hit batter and three RBIs in the game for the Privateers.

JR Tollett allowed the three runs in the 10th, before Cam Riley got the final two outs.

“The boys have got to do it, it’s their team,” Deggs said.

“They’ve got to make the pitches, they’ve got to put the ball in play and they’ve got to get hits. It’s their team. It’s up to them.

Email Kevin Foote at kfoote@theadvocate.com.

RABALAIS

Continued from page 1C

three-game Southeastern Conference sweeps that no other Tiger baseball team had ever endured.

At 24-21, LSU was starving for wins. At the crucial time, the food truck pulled up outside the ballpark.

Mixing hotter-hitting veterans like Milam and Derek Curiel in the lineup with precocious freshmen like Mason Braun and Jack Ruckert, plus timely pitching and at least passable defense, and the Tigers have a positive streak going. Beating SLU, sweeping South Carolina and beating Tulane has LSU (29-21, 9-15 SEC) on a five-game winning streak heading into another crucial series this weekend at Georgia.

“We,” LSU coach Jay Johnson said, “had to win.”

The Tigers still have to win, a lot, with six games left in the regular season.

Those games are at SECleading Georgia and at The Box against a Florida team projected to be an NCAA regional host.

Going into the weekend, the national NCAA Tournament projections give the Tigers a glimmer of hope,

LSU

Continued from page 1C 49.3% from the field, 40% from the 3-point line on 1.6 attempts and 80.4% from the free-throw line.

LSU’s new big man played one game for the Atlanta Hawks summer league team before the 2023-24 season. He played one game for the Orlando Magic summer league team before the 2025-26 season. In 14 minutes, he had 11 points on 2-of-7 shooting, four rebounds, two steals and two turnovers.

Santos is the second player on Wade’s roster after

though hope that could easily be extinguished by the Bulldogs, an across-theboard top-eight national seed managed by former LSU pitching coach Wes Johnson. D1Baseball, Baseball America and On3 all place LSU on their list of the next four teams out, which basically means Nos. 69-72 in relation to the field of 64. USA Today’s tournament projection stops at the last four out and doesn’t include the Tigers, either.

In short, the consensus is that LSU must make the baseball equivalent of an ascent up a sheer rock wall to even hope of reaching the NCAA Tournament bubble.

Jay Johnson is an everbubbling font of positive praise for his players mixed with the tempered steel of a man who has a burning desire to be No. 1 all day, every day. I asked him if he allowed himself more hope now than he had five games ago.

“I thought this weekend they did a good job making tonight (against Tulane) matter a lot,” Johnson said.

“By winning tonight, it’s all there in front of us. We’re playing two teams with great winning percentages, one of them on the road.

It’s an opportunity.

“We’ve got to go in there

guns blazing, preparing to win.”

As has been well documented, the Tigers’ cannons are low on shells.

Weekend starting pitcher Cooper Moore and slugger Jake Brown are out for the season. Speaking again Wednesday to reporters, Johnson could still not be sure if Friday starting pitcher Casan Evans would be able to pitch at all, and brimming-with-talent freshman catcher Omar Serna is a big question mark because of back trouble.

It’s a strange address where LSU baseball finds itself, this intersection of hope and discouragement, especially after winning the CWS two of the past three seasons. There is fortitude in the fact that LSU baseball is still LSU baseball and showed as much these past five games. But it’s eroded by the scars and apprehension of all this season has wrought.

At this point, all the Tigers can ask for is a chance. A chance that, to their credit, they have given themselves, despite all the prior deficits on their ledger.

“We have our backs to the wall,” second baseman Seth Dardar said. “We’re not going to go down without a fight.”

Kentucky transfer Mo Dioubate. The 6-7 forward averaged 8.8 points and 5.5 rebounds in 21.6 minutes per game as a junior. He played the first two years of his career at Alabama. Dioubate is a consensus top-65 player on the transfer portal rankings of The Athletic, On3 and 247Sports.

Wade said on CBS Sports’ “Inside College Basketball Now” podcast on Tuesday that his team will focus more on the international player market.

LSU has had all nine of its remaining players enter the transfer portal since the firing of coach Matt McMahon. The departures are Dedan Thomas (Hous-

ton), Mike Nwoko (Xavier), Jalen Reed (Michigan), Jalen Reece (Texas A&M), Robert Miller, Mazi Mosley (Loyola Marymount), Ron Zipper, Marcus Vaughns (Arizona State) and Matt Gilhool (Kansas State).

At his introductory press conference on March 30, Wade said he was confident in the resources he would have to pay players. He predicted the total cost in his first season would be higher than in future years because most of the roster would come from the portal.

“We’re going to have to go get a bunch of new players, and the new players and the good players cost,” he said.

“They ain’t cheap.”

BIG WIRELESS COVERAGE, WITHOUT BIG WIRELESS COST.

Plans start at $20/Month.

AWARD-WINNING CUSTOMER SUPPORT 16 TIMES IN A ROW. We’ve been ranked “#1 in Customer Service among Wireless Value MVNOs, 16 Times in a Row.”

100% U.S. BASED CUSTOMER SERVICE. All of our support teams are just a call or click away.

Switch & Save Today.

844-238-7868

© 2024 Consumer Cellular Inc. Terms and Conditions subject to change. For J.D. Power 2024 Wireless Customer Care Value Mobile Virtual Network Operator Study award information, visit jdpower.com/awards. Plans shown above include $5 credit for AutoPay and E-billing. Taxes and other fees apply. Credit approval required for new service. Cellular service is not available in all areas and is subject to system limitations.

LIVING

T H E A D V O C AT E.C O M

|

T h u r s d ay, M ay 7, 2026

5CN

Shrimp linguine dish offers sweetness and spice

BY LINDA GASSENHEIMER Tribune News Service (TNS)

I love cooking shrimp in a rich, tomato-based sauce. Once the sauce is ready, the shrimp need only a few minutes to cook, making this dish both quick and satisfying.

This Italian classic, Fra Diavolo, meaning “Brother Devil,” is known for its bold, fiery character that creates a delicious balance of sweetness and spice.

For my version, I add just a touch of heat to enhance the natural flavors without overpowering them. If you prefer a spicier sauce, simply add a little more pepper spice to suit your taste. The heat level is up to you.

TNS PHOTO By LINDA GASSENHEIMER

Shrimp with Linguine Fra Diavolo

Yields 2 servings. Recipe is by Linda Gassenheimer.

4 ounces whole wheat linguine 2 tablespoons olive oil ½ cup frozen chopped onion 2 teaspoons minced garlic 1 ⁄8 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes ½ cup pasta sauce 1 tablespoon tomato paste ¾ pound peeled and deveined shrimp 1 tablespoon chopped parsley Salt and freshly ground black peppercorns 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese 1. Place a large saucepan ¾ filled with water on to boil.

When it comes to the boil, add the linguine and boil 8 minutes.

Reserve 2 tablespoons pasta water and drain the linguine.

2. While pasta cooks, add olive oil to a large skillet. When it’s hot, add onion and garlic. Saute 3 to 4 minutes or until onion is soft. Add the crushed red pepper and saute 30 seconds. Add tomato sauce and tomato paste.

Cook 2 to 3 minutes to make a smooth sauce. Add the reserved pasta water.

3. Add shrimp and saute 2 minutes until the shrimp starts to turn pink. Add drained pasta and toss in the sauce. Add salt and pepper to taste.

4. Divide between 2 dinner plates. Sprinkle with parsley and grated Parmesan cheese.

NUTRITION INFO PER SERVING: 549 calories (30 percent from fat), 18.5 g fat (3.2 g saturated, 7.5 g monounsaturated), 282 mg cholesterol, 45.6 g protein, 55.0 g carbohydrates, 7.7 g fiber, 326 mg sodium.

PHOTO By LIZ FAUL

Mediterranean Quinoa Salad

Hello fresh!

Still crazy for the superfood quinoa? Here are 3 flavorful dishes for morning, noon and night In the early 2000s, I was a new mom and my kids were home and always hungry.

Their need for nutritious food encouraged me to grow into a more creative cook. Thankfully, I had help from a team of enthusiastic chefs with series on the popular Food Network. Ina Garten, Alton Brown, Giada De Laurentiis, Tyler Florence and Emeril Lagasse demonstrated new recipes and techniques that inspired me to add new ingredients to my grocery lists.

Liz Faul Also at this time, “Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations” explored culture through food. I learned about far away places and local delicacies, all from the comfort

ä See QUINOA, page 6C

MORE RECIPES, 6C n Simple Cooked Quinoa n Quinoa Cakes with Za’atar n Quinoa Breakfast Bowl

Mediterranean Quinoa Salad Makes 4-6 servings.

Recipe is by Liz Faul.

2 cups cooked quinoa 1 cucumber, sliced into small pieces 1 pint of cherry tomatoes, halved ½ cup pitted Kalamata olives, halved ½ cup feta cheese, cut in small pieces 1 ⁄3 cup chopped fresh parsley

(substitute or add basil) Red wine vinaigrette dressing ½ cup olive oil 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice ½ teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon freshly ground pepper 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 clove of garlic, minced

1. In a salad bowl, add the cooked quinoa, sliced cucumber, cut tomatoes, Kalamata olives, feta cheese and chopped fresh parsley or basil (or a mix of your favorite fresh herbs).

2. In a glass canning jar with a lid (or you can use a small bowl and blend with a whisk), add the olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, salt, pepper, oregano and minced garlic. Close the lid on the jar, and shake the dressing to combine all ingredients.

3. Toss the dressing with the salad and serve.

Throw your own spring pizza party

BY NICOLE HVIDSTEN

The Minnesota Star Tribune (TNS) For something relatively simple at its core, pizza can simultaneously spark debate and provide comfort like few other foods.

Its range of fans is impressive, from picky kids who sustain on cheese pizza to connoisseurs

with impressive wood-fire pizza ovens in their backyards. But no matter where you on the pizza Recipes, fall spectrum, there’s 6C always room to improve. Enter King Arthur Baking Company’s new “The Book of Pizza: Recipes for Every Pizza Maker,” with more than 250 pages of tips, tricks,

recipes and serving suggestions to level up your pie game.

Learn how to make (and the difference between) New York style, Detroit style, Chicago style, Neapolitan and Pizza alla Panna. Perfect a tomato sauce with only two ingredients, and give yourself a cheese education.

Find scratch pizza solutions for lazy weekends or weeknight

dinners. Not sure where to turn?

The book’s pizza flowchart will tell you what style is best for you at the moment. Have you embraced sourdough? That makes good pizza, too. The options really are limitless, and the in-depth instructions are suitable for both beginner and experienced cooks.

No need to already be a dough pro.

6C ● Thursday, May 7, 2026 ● theadvocate.com ● The Acadiana Advocate

lll

PIZZA PARTY RECIPES

Popeye Makes one (11-inch) pizza.

Recipe is from King Arthur Baking Company’s “The Book of Pizza: Recipes for Every Pizza Maker.” ⁄3 cup whole-milk ricotta 2 cloves garlic confit (see below), mashed to a paste, plus more cloves for garnish ¼ teaspoon fine salt, plus more to taste ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 1½ cups fresh baby spinach ¼ packed cup fresh basil leaves, chopped, plus small leaves for garnish 1 scallion, thinly sliced crosswise 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil All-purpose flour, for dusting 1 ball Weeknight White Dough (see recipe) Semolina flour or cornmeal, for dusting ½ cup low-moisture whole-milk mozzarella, shredded ¼ cup feta, crumbled 1 teaspoon garlic confit oil, for finishing 1

1. Arrange racks in the lower and upper thirds of the oven. Place a baking steel or stone on the lower rack and preheat the oven to 500 F for at least 1 hour.

2. In a small bowl, stir to-

gether the ricotta, mashed garlic confit, salt and pepper.

In a medium bowl, combine the spinach, chopped basil and scallion. Drizzle with the olive oil and toss to coat.

3. Shape the pizza: Dust your work surface with flour and place the dough on it.

Without distorting the round dough, flip it over so that both sides are coated with flour. Use your fingertips to gently depress the center of the dough, being careful not to touch the outer edge of the crust. This step is important — leaving the circumference untouched at this stage will result in a beautiful bubbly outer crust postbake.

4. Continue using your fingertips to press the center of the dough outward until you have an 8-inch circle. Again, taking care not to touch the outermost edge of the crust, lift the pizza from the work surface and use your knuckles to gently stretch the dough into an 11-inch round.

If the dough is at all sticky, use more flour.

5. Use two hands at once to gently move the dough in a circle, allowing gravity to do most of the work for you, rather than pulling on the

Quinoa Cakes with Za’atar Serves 10-12. This recipe was inspired by a cooking blog

by Heidi Swanson called “101 Cookbooks.” For a new twist, I tried coating the quinoa cakes in za’atar seasoning before browning them in a pan.

2½ cup cooked quinoa 4 eggs, beaten 1 teaspoon salt 1 small onion, chopped 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped 1 ⁄3 cup chopped fresh parsley, thyme or oregano 1 cup breadcrumbs ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese 3 tablespoons za’atar 1-2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil

The mise en place for Quinoa Cakes with Za’atar

pan, and cook until each side is golden brown. It can take 5-10 minutes per side. Remove from the pan and place on a clean baking sheet. Repeat with the second half of the quinoa patties.

5. Optional ideas for serving: Eat the cooked quinoa patties on your favorite green salad. They taste great dunked in a yogurt sauce like tzatziki.

NOTE: Just after cooking, I put the quinoa patties into the oven on the lowest setting to keep them warm while preparing a salad.

Store the extra patties in a sealed plastic storage container in the refrigerator for quick snacks and meals during a busy work week.

Simple Cooked Quinoa Yields about 6 cups of cooked quinoa.

4 cups water 2 cups quinoa ½ teaspoon salt 1. First, rinse the quinoa.

Quinoa has a natural coating called saponin that serves the plant by acting as a natural repellant against pests. It is recommended to prewash quinoa before cooking because the saponins can produce a bitter taste.

2. Using a fine mesh strainer, simply add quinoa

and run cold water over it for 1-2 minutes. Alternatively, put the quinoa in a bowl, cover it with water and stir until the water becomes cloudy. Gently pour off the water.

3. In a medium saucepan, add water, salt and rinsed quinoa. Bring to a boil, then turn heat to low and simmer for about 25-30 minutes, or until the quinoa has absorbed the water and you can fluff it with a fork.

QUINOA

Today is Thursday, May 7, the 127th day of 2026. There are 238 days left in the year.

Today in history: On May 7, 1915, a German U-boat torpedoed and sank the British liner RMS Lusitania off the southern coast of Ireland, killing 1,198 people, including 128 Americans, out of the nearly 2,000 on board.

Also on this date: In 1945, Nazi Germany signed an unconditional surrender at Allied headquarters in Rheims, France, ending its role in World War II. In 1954, the 55-day Battle of Dien Bien Phu in Vietnam ended with Vietnamese insurgents overrunning French forces; it would be the last major battle of the First Indochina War. In 1975, President Gerald

R. Ford formally declared an end to the “Vietnam era.” In Ho Chi Minh City — formerly Saigon — the Viet Cong celebrated its takeover.

In 1977, Seattle Slew won the Kentucky Derby, the first of his Triple Crown victories.

In 1984, Monsanto and six other chemical companies agreed to pay a $180 million settlement to Vietnam veterans who were exposed to the chemical herbicide Agent Orange during the Vietnam War. In 2020, Georgia authorities arrested a White father and son and charged them with murder in the February shooting death of Ahmaud Arbery, a Black man they pursued in a truck after spotting him running in their neighborhood near the port city of Brunswick. (The two men and a third White man would be convicted of mur-

Makes 2 servings. Recipe is

by Liz Faul.

of my home kitchen. These shows provided me with the inspiration that I needed to make breakfast, lunch and dinner while my kids were young. Over time, I became a braver and better cook.

These cooking shows also made unfamiliar ingredients into everyday staple meals. Remember when kale became a superfood that was everywhere from salads to T-shirts that read “Kale Yeah!”? Likewise, quinoa gained popularity and more widespread appeal. I jumped on the quinoa bandwagon at that time, and I am still crazy for quinoa. Maybe I should make that T-shirt?

It is a great ingredient that can be used for breakfast, lunch and dinner. A great way to use leftover quinoa is to make quinoa cakes. Food blogger Heidi Swanson wrote a cookbook called “Super Natural Every Day.” It includes a great recipe for quinoa patties. I have made her recipe for years, and I recently decided to experiment with adding different herbs and spices.

This week, I crusted the patties with a Middle Eastern seasoning blend called za’atar. I buy za’atar in New Orleans at Mona’s Café, which has an international grocery attached. But you can make your own version of this spice blend by combining dried thyme, ground sumac, sesame seeds and salt. Quinoa cakes are a great recipe to add to your home cooking repertoire because they are tasty, satisfying and the perfect grab-and-go snack.

Protein is having a big moment right now. It seems that everything from breakfast cereal to

1 cup cooked quinoa ½ teaspoon cinnamon ¼ teaspoon honey ½ cup cut strawberries 1 banana, sliced ¼ cup dried cranberries 1 tablespoon milk (or oat milk for vegan version)

der in state court and hate crimes in federal court.)

In 2025, cardinal electors began a conclave at the Sistine Chapel in Rome to choose a successor to Pope Francis, who died on April 21 at age 88. Over a two-day gathering, they choose Cardinal Robert Prevost as the first U.S.-born pontiff and he took the name Leo XIV. Today’s birthdays: Rock musician Bill Kreutzmann (Grateful Dead) is 80. Actor/former boxer Randall “Tex” Cobb is 76. Actor Breckin Meyer is 52. Reggaeton musician J Balvin is 41. Actor-comedian Aidy Bryant is 39. Actor-writer Maya Erskine is 39. Actor Alexander Ludwig is 34. YouTube personality MrBeast (Jimmy Donaldson) is 28. Actor Elijah Nelson is 27. Boxer Tommy Fury is 27.

Makes enough for 2 (11-inch) pizzas. Recipe is from King Arthur Baking Company’s “The Book of Pizza: Recipes for Every Pizza Maker.”

2½ cups unbleached allpurpose flour or 00 flour, plus more for dusting 1 teaspoon fine salt 1½ teaspoons instant yeast 1½ tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil ¾ cup plus 3 tablespoons and 2 teaspoons lukewarm water (85 to 90 F) 1. Make the dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt and yeast, then add the oil and water.

2. Mix to combine, then knead the dough by hand in the bowl until you have a rough but cohesive dough.

Cover the bowl and let the dough rest at room temperature for 30 minutes.

3. Uncover the dough and perform a bowl fold: With a wet hand (which will help keep the dough from sticking to you), grab a section of dough from one side, lift it up, then press it down into the middle. Repeat, turning the bowl 90 degrees (a quarter turn) after each stretch, until the dough won’t elongate easily and forms a

smooth, tight round ball, 4 to 6 times total.

4. Turn the dough over, placing it seam side down in the bowl. Cover and let the dough rise at room temperature (70 to 75 F) for 1 hour, until puffy but not necessarily doubled in size. Toward the end of the rising time, preheat the oven to 500 F with a baking steel or stone placed on a rack in the lower third and an empty oven rack in the upper third.

5. Divide the dough: On a lightly floured surface, divide the dough into 2 equal pieces (about 1 cup per piece). Form each piece into a tight ball and place seam side down in a lightly greased container. Cover with a lid and let it rest at room temperature while the oven preheats, 20 to 60 minutes. The dough is now ready to use. Alternatively, the dough can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours; remove the dough from the refrigerator 1 hour before shaping and baking your pizzas.

Quinoa Breakfast Bowl

Continued from page 5C

TODAY IN HISTORY

By The Associated Press

sufficient color, use the peel to transfer the pizza to the top rack, switch the oven to broil, and broil for 2 to 3 minutes, until well charred in spots. (Don’t walk away — pizza can go from perfectly charred to burnt quickly.)

10. Use the peel to remove the pizza from the oven and slide it onto a wire rack.

Drizzle with the garlic confit oil and scatter whole basil leaves over. Top with additional whole confit garlic cloves. Slice and serve.

11. To make garlic confit: Combine 6 ounces of garlic (about 36 cloves) and 1 cup olive oil in a small oven-safe baking dish or loaf pan. The garlic cloves need to be completely covered by the oil; if they aren’t, add additional oil to cover.

12. Bake the garlic in a 300 F oven until the cloves are very tender, about 90 minutes. Let cool to room temperature in the oil, then use immediately or transfer to a lidded jar and refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.

Note: If your ricotta is at all wet, place it in a finemesh sieve set over a bowl and drain for 15 to 30 minutes before using.

pasta have been supplemented with ingredients to boost grams of protein per serving. Many foods, including quinoa, naturally provide quality plant-based protein. It is what is known as a “complete protein” because it provides all nine essential amino acids.

For these recipes, I cooked two cups of dried ½ tablespoon chia seeds (optional) quinoa, which yielded 6 1. In two serving bowls, cups. I used 2½ cups to divide the cooked quinoa, make a batch of quinoa strawberries, banana and cakes. Then I used 2 cups cranberries. to make a Mediterranean 2. Stir in the cinnamon and a quinoa salad to bring to a swirl of honey. Top with milk party. I used the remaining to add moisture to bind all the 1½ cups of leftover cooked ingredients together. Toss quinoa to make breakfast on chia seeds to add some bowls spiced with cinnamon crunch. Enjoy! and topped with cut berries.

So one bag of quinoa goes a long way and makes evIt is easy to digest, and it is a great food choice for eryday home cooking worth people who cannot digest the effort. gluten.

Quinoa is also a good Liz Sullivan Faul is a source of minerals and high registered dietitian in fiber. So if you want to nutritionist who enjoys add more protein to your cooking and sharing diet, buying a bag of quinoa meals with her friends and is a good place to start. family.

r y ou da tY o ar T St ove M

1. In a large bowl, add the cooked quinoa, eggs and salt. Stir together to combine the egg into the quinoa. Stir in chopped onion, garlic, and herbs. Mix in the breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese.

2. Prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a small bowl, add the za’atar spice blend.

3. Next, form small patties with the quinoa mixture.

Dip each quinoa patty in the bowl of za’atar to coat each side and place each patty on the prepared baking sheet.

4. In a large, heavy pan (I used a cast iron pan), heat the oil over medium heat.

Add half of the patties to the

PHOTO By LIZ FAUL

dough. If the dough resists stretching, return it to your floured work surface and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes to allow the gluten to relax, then try again.

6. Lightly dust a peel or an overturned baking sheet with semolina and transfer the shaped dough to the peel.

If the dough retracts when transferring it to the peel, gently re-form it. Shimmy the dough on the peel to ensure it’s not sticking; if it is, lift the edge of the crust and add more semolina.

7. Spread the ricotta mixture over the dough in an even layer, leaving a 1/ 2-inch border. Top with the spinach mixture, piling it more heavily on the outer edge (but avoiding the crust), then distribute the mozzarella and feta over the spinach.

8. Bake: Use the peel to transfer the pizza onto the steel or stone, then bake for 3 to 4 minutes. Check the bottom of the crust — it should be spotted and charred in places, and the edge crust should have some color. If not, rotate the pizza and bake for another 1 to 2 minutes.

9. When the bottom has

Weeknight White Dough

Visit us today and take the first step toward finding your perfect address.

addresslafayettela.com DRE#01901536 This website is a marketing and information program that sends all inquiries to state-licensed real estate professionals.

The Acadiana Advocate ● theadvocate.com ● Thursday, May 7, 2026 ● 7C

lll

FrAnK And erneSt

bIG nAte

zItS

zodIAC tAuRus (April 20-May 20) Press forward with anticipation and a solid plan. Confidence is knowing what you can do and how to prevent situations from running amok. Trust your instincts over what others say or do.

GEMInI (May 21-June 20) Embrace what life offers. A change will be a rebirthing that satisfies your soul. It's been a long time coming, and you don't want to miss a beat. Choose a vibrant path that offers freedom. cAncER (June 21-July 22) Keep a low profile and bypass those who stand in your way. Look for and create opportunities that suit your needs. You can't work at maximum efficiency if you aren't getting back the returns you deserve.

LEo (July 23-Aug. 22) Focus on helping others. What you learn and who you encounter will change your perspective regarding how you respond, react and resolve sensitive situations.

VIRGo (Aug. 23-sept. 22) Focus on learning. Take your time, back away from pushy people and make revisions only when necessary. It's up to you to ask questions, review options and move forward with confidence.

LIBRA (sept. 23-oct. 23) Work in conjunction with someone who understands what you are up against and how you want to move forward. Communication requires patience and thoughtfulness if you want to get results you don't regret. scoRPIo (oct. 24-nov. 22) Don't force your ideas or plans on others. If you

want something done, do it yourself.

Take control, and you'll find a way to reach your destination without conflict. sAGIttARIus (nov. 23-Dec. 21) Put your energy into home improvements that make your life easier. Let desire and change go hand in hand until you feel comfortable in your surroundings and with your circle or community. cAPRIcoRn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Stop, look, listen, review and reconfigure your plan of attack. Let your intelligence and experience lead the way. Your ego and confidence will encourage you to disregard those trying to lead you astray.

AQuARIus (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) Look at your financial situation, the job market, and upgrading your skills and income. A change at home will help you take better care of yourself and your possessions.

PIscEs (Feb. 20-March 20) Do your research. The information someone offers will be slanted to benefit them, not you. Participate in events that give you a real-time view of what's necessary and possible.

ARIEs (March 21-April 19) Overreacting will get you into trouble. Put on the brakes, listen, back away and sort through your differences before you allow yourself to lambaste someone for something you have little to no proof of.

The horoscope, an entertainment feature, is not based on scientific fact. © 2026 by NEA, Inc., dist. By Andrews McMeel Syndication

For better or For WorSe WonderWord

peAnUtS

SALLY Forth

beetLe bAILeY CeLebrItY CIpher Celebrity Cipher cryptograms are created from quotations by famous people, past and present. Each letter in the cipher stands for another.

toDAy's cLuE: G EQuALs D

Mother GooSe And GrIMM

SherMAn’S LAGoon FAMILY CIrCUS

dooneSbUrY

8C ● Thursday, May 7, 2026 ● theadvocate.com ● The Acadiana Advocate

CurTiS

Hi and LoiS

lll

Sudoku InstructIons: Sudoku is a number-placing puzzle based on a 9x9 grid with several given numbers.

The object is to place the numbers 1 to 9 in the empty squares so that each row, each column and each 3x3 box contains the same number only once. The difficulty level of the Sudoku increases from Monday to Sunday.

Yesterday’s Puzzle Answer

BaBY BLueS

BLondie

THe wiZard oF id

nea CroSSwordS

La TimeS CroSSword

The Acadiana Advocate ● theadvocate.com ● Thursday, May 7, 2026 ● 9C

lll

B.C.

Bridge

By PHILLIP ALDER We have been looking at the balancing overcalls that have different meanings from those in the second position. Here is the third. Look at the South hand. After one spade - pass - pass, what should South do?

Directly over one spade, if North jumps to two no-trump, it would be the Unusual No-trump, indicating at least 5-5 in the two lowest-ranking unbid suits. In the fourth position, though, it shows a (quasi-)balanced hand with some 20-21 points and at least one stopper in the opener’s suit; though you might have slightly fewer high-card points when holding a reasonable six-card minor.

In this deal, North then transfers into hearts before rebidding three no-trump to offer South a choice of games. With only two hearts, he selects three notrump. (Note that four hearts fails, the defenders taking three diamonds and one heart.)

Against three no-trump, West leads the spade queen. How should South continue? Declarer has eight top tricks: two spades, three hearts and three clubs.

And it is easy to get greedy. Some players would win with their spade ace, cash the heart ace and queen, lead a spade to dummy’s king, and cash the heart king.

However, when West discards, the contract can no longer be made.

garfield

Pearls Before swiNe

hagar the horriBle

Instead, South must be willing to trade one heart trick to guarantee four winners from the suit. After winning the first trick with his spade ace, he cashes the heart ace, overtakes the heart queen with dummy’s king, and continues with the heart 10 to drive out East’s jack. Now the contract sails home. © 2026 by NEA, Inc., dist. By Andrews McMeel Syndication

wuzzles Each Wuzzle is a word riddle which creates a disguised word, phrase, name, place, saying, etc. For example: NOON GOOD = GOOD AFTERNOON

PiCKles

Previous answers:

mallard fillmore

word game InstRuctIons: 1. Words must be of four or more letters. 2. Words that acquire four letters by the addition of “s,” such as “bats” or “dies,” are not allowed. 3.

Additional words made by adding a “d” or an “s” may not be used. 4. Proper nouns, slang words, or vulgar or sexually explicit words are not allowed.

toDAy’s WoRD — BAttLED: BAH-tuld: Combatted; struggled.

Bizarro

marmaduKe

Average mark 27 words Time limit 30 minutes Can you find 32 or more words in BATTLED? yEstERDAy’s WoRD — EXPEnsIVE envies epee even exes expense peen peeve pensive pine neve nixes

seen seep seine seven sieve sine snip snipe spin spine vein

vespine vexes vine vise vixen

loCKhorNs hidato Yesterday’s Puzzle Answer

today’s thought “And I will bless them that bless you, and curse him that curses you: and in you shall all families of the earth be blessed.” Genesis 12:3 The descendants of Abraham have the Hand of God upon them. — G.E. Dean

10C ● Thursday, May 7, 2026 ● theadvocate.com ● The Acadiana Advocate

lll

BUSINESS T H E A D V O C AT E.C O M/news/business

DOW 49,910.59 612.34 1.24%

NASDAQ 25,838.94 512.82 2.02%

BRIEFS

FROM WIRE REPORTS

U.S. firms add 109,000 jobs, most since 2025

U.S. companies boosted payrolls in April by the most in over a year, the latest evidence of stabilization in the labor market.

Private-sector payrolls rose by 109,000 in April after a revised 61,000 advance in the prior month, according to ADP Research data out Wednesday. The median estimate in a Bloomberg survey of economists called for an increase of 120,000.

More than half of the hiring advance was due to health services and education. Trade, transportation and utilities payrolls also increased. Construction employment grew, which may reflect the building of data centers that are at the heart of massive investment in artificial intelligence.

The figures showcase a labor market that is finding its footing after an especially harsh year for hiring. Some employers may be more at ease adding to headcount now that there’s more clarity around tariff, immigration and other fiscal policies. Moreover, layoffs remain low across the economy.

Employment growth was fueled by businesses with fewer than 20 employees and those with 500 or more. Hiring was strong in the West and South.

DoorDash plans gas price relief for drivers DoorDash said Wednesday it expects to spend more than $50 million in the second quarter on gas price relief for its delivery drivers.

The San Francisco-based company said in March that it would offer extra compensation to U.S. and Canadian drivers as part of a temporary program to offset a sharp increase in gas prices due to the Iran war. The national average for a gallon of gas on Wednesday was $4.53, up 44% from a year ago, according to AAA. DoorDash said demand for deliveries remained strong in the January-March period despite higher gas prices. Total orders rose 27% to 933 million. But that fell short of Wall Street’s forecast of 954 million, according to analysts polled by FactSet. Revenue also fell short of expectations. DoorDash said its revenue rose 33% to $4.0 billion, which was shy of the $4.15 billion analysts were forecasting.

The company said the gas price relief is being funded by adjusting investments in other areas. DoorDash said in November that it would be investing heavily in new products and services this year, including the addition of restaurant reservations in its app and robot deliveries.

DoorDash said its net income fell 5% to $184 million, or 42 cents per share, for the January-March period.

Coinbase to lay off 14% of staff as AI alters work Cryptocurrency exchange Coinbase said it’s slashing roughly 14% of its workforce, or about 700 workers, partly because artificial intelligence is reshaping the way people work.

“The biggest risk now is not taking action. We are adjusting early and deliberately to rebuild Coinbase to be lean, fast, and AI-native,” Coinbase Chief Executive and co-founder Brian Armstrong said in a Tuesday email to employees.

The email, which was posted on social media, said engineers with the help of AI are completing work in days rather than weeks. As more tasks get automated, that’s made it possible for the company to lean on smaller teams.

Founded in San Francisco, Coinbase is the largest cryptocurrency exchange in the United States. Millions of people use its platform to buy, sell, transfer and store cryptocurrency such as Bitcoin.

Coinbase is among tech companies that have been laying off workers and pointing to how AI is making workers more productive. It is also reducing management layers and some leaders will oversee 15 workers or more, Armstrong’s email said.

S&P 500 7,365.12 105.90 1.46%

EURO 1.1749 0.0056 0.48%

CRUDE OIL 95.08 -7.19 -7.03%

GOLD 4,681.90 126.10 2.77%

6-MO T-BILLS 3.71 -0.01 -0.27%

30-YR T-BONDS 4.94 -0.05 -1.1%

Oil prices sink as hope for deal grows The price for a barrel of Brent that’s driving prices up for all kinds threatened to start bombing “at Stock markets rallied crude oil, the international standard, of products worldwide. a much higher level and inten7.8% to $101.27, down from Stock markets abroad had even sity” if Iran does not accept the worldwide as Trump fell more than $115 early this week. It bigger gains, with indexes leaping agreement. offers new deal to Iran dropped as President Donald Trump 6.5% in Seoul, 2.9% in Paris and AMD helped lead the market

BY STAN CHOE Associated Press

NEW YORK — Oil prices sank Wednesday, and stock markets rallied worldwide with hopes that the United States and Iran are nearing a deal to allow ships to deliver crude from the Persian Gulf once again to their customers.

said the Strait of Hormuz could be “OPEN TO ALL” if Iran accepts a reported agreement that the U.S. president did not detail.

The small strait has caused big trouble for the global economy because the war with Iran has blocked oil tankers from using it to exit the Persian Gulf. A reopening could allow oil to flow freely again and remove upward pressure on inflation

2.1% in London.

Of course, hopes have risen several times already on Wall Street about a possible end to the war with Iran, only to get dashed each time.

That could happen again, and oil prices pared some of their steepest losses from Wednesday morning.

The price for a barrel of Brent briefly dove below $97 before returning above $100 after Trump

with a surge of 18.6% after it joined the list of big-name companies topping expectations for both profit and revenue.

Outside of earnings reports, companies with big fuel bills jumped on hopes that oil prices will continue to ease. That included gains of 6.8% for United Airlines, 6.8% for Carnival and 8.8% for Royal Caribbean.

Shipping firms being whipsawed by changing stances, growing risks Companies weighing costs, alternate routes as uncertainty over strait continues

BY MAE ANDERSON and DAVID MCHUGH AP business writers

NEW YORK — With hundreds of vessels still stuck in the Persian Gulf and costs piling up, shipping companies are being whipsawed by uncertainty over how and when the Strait of Hormuz might reopen more than two months into the Iran war.

On Sunday, President Donald Trump announced “Project Freedom,” a way for the U.S. to “guide” ships to exit the strait. Two ships made the transit, but by Tuesday Trump abruptly paused the effort to allow time for a deal to end the war.

Meanwhile, the risks for ships and crew haven’t faded. A cargo container ship operated by the CMA CGM Group was damaged when it came under attack while attempting to transit the strait, the French shipping company said Wednesday, and concerns about Iranian speedboats and drones are leading major ship owners and operators to say the strait remains too dangerous.

“Ultimately, it’s still going to come back to the primary issues of risk and safety,” that shippers have to evaluate, said Sean Pribyl, a maritime attorney at Holland & Knight in Washington, D.C. “It seems as though we’re not anywhere near to returning to a free flow of traffic and navigation through the strait,” he added.

Costs pile up as goods, workers stranded Before the Iran war, 100 to 135 vessels passed through the Strait of Hormuz daily, according to research firm Lloyd’s List Intelligence, but that has slowed to a trickle as Iran has demanded that vessels go through a vetting process run by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps to receive safe passage.

The process requires ships to follow a route near Iran’s coast, submit information on crew and cargo, and in at least some cases, pay a fee. Meanwhile, paying the IRGC risks running afoul of sanctions from the U.S. and the EU, which have designated it a terrorist organization.

Goods stranded in the strait include oil and oil products such as fertilizer, not to mention thousands of ship workers. Air Force Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said Tuesday there are more than 1,550 vessels with about 22,500 mariners on them inside the Persian Gulf.

To pressure Iran, the U.S. Navy is blockading Iran’s ports, enforcing the blockade outside the strait in the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea. Holland & Knight’s Pribyl said shippers and ship insurers are likely still assessing the scenario in the strait. Ships carry two main types of insurance: protection and indemnity, which covers property and thirdparty liabilities, and — during a conflict — war risk insurance that covers damage and

ISNA PHOTO By AMIRHOSEIN KHORGOOI

A container ship sits at anchor as a small motorboat passes in the foreground in the Strait of Hormuz off Bandar Abbas, Iran, on Saturday. losses due to war.

Insurance costs have shot up for vessels in the region due to the risk of attack, jumping from less than 1% of the value of goods on a ship to anywhere from 3% to 10% during the conflict, said Ed Anderson, a professor of supply chain and operations management for the McCombs School of Business at the University of Texas. But even with insurance, most shippers have deemed the crossing too unsafe.

“Ferrying out a couple of ships has not really affected the shipping industry in any way whatsoever,” he said.

Companies weigh costs and risks Hapag-Lloyd AG, one of the world’s largest container shipping companies, says the Hormuz situation is costing it $60 million a week, particularly in skyrocketing prices of fuel and insurance. It has a fleet of 301 ships, including four stranded in the Persian Gulf.

The company has also had to suspend some of its transport services and find alternate routes either to safe harbors or over land.

“These options are however limited in capacity and cannot completely replace the regular maritime routes through the region,” the company said in a statement.

The Maersk shipping company said its U.S.-flagged Alliance Fairfax vehicle carrier exited the Persian Gulf through the Strait of Hormuz “accompanied by U.S. military assets” on Monday. “The transit was completed without incident, and all crew members are safe and unharmed,” the company said in a statement.

A long return to normal Oil prices and shipping are unlikely to return to normal until it’s clear the risk of at-

tacks in the Strait of Hormuz have receded, cautioned Kaho Yu, head of energy and resources at risk intelligence company Verisk Maplecroft.

“Even with diplomatic engagement continuing, energy markets are unlikely to return quickly to precrisis assumptions,” he said. “Refiners, shippers, and commodity traders will remain cautious until there is clearer evidence that Hormuz disruptions will not re-escalate.”

A meeting on Wednesday between Iranian and Chinese diplomats emphasized de-escalation. But “Hormuz remains the real metric that will be watched,” Yu added. “Tanker traffic and energy flows over the coming weeks and months are likely to matter more than diplomatic language in assessing whether Beijing can translate influence with Tehran into practical stability.”

If the ceasefire holds and ships gradually begin transiting the Strait of Hormuz again, shipping won’t “snap back overnight,” warned Razat Gaurav, CEO of Kinaxis, a supply chain management company.

“Even when conditions improve, carriers, insurers, and shippers need confidence that stability will hold before capacity and routes fully normalize,” he said. “Air cargo can recover relatively quickly, but ocean shipping typically takes weeks or months because of longer lead times and contractual constraints.”

He said shipments of certain categories like liquid natural gas and sulfur, where the Middle East is a major source of supply, are likely to move more quickly as backlogs clear, but “most shippers will remain cautious until stability proves durable,” he said.

Some iPhone owners paid after Apple agrees to settle case for $250M

ing. If approved by a judge, it would to resolve claims related to the Company accused of Intelligence.”

The company has been scram- be one of the biggest ever for Apple. availability of two additional feaThe settlement covers about 37 tures,” the company said in a stateto keep up with tech rivals false advertisement bling amid the AI boom but still hasn’t million devices bought in the Unit- ment. “We resolved this matter to

BY KELVIN CHAN Associated Press

LONDON — Owners of some iPhones are in line to get cash payments of up to $95 from Apple after the company on Tuesday reached a $250 million settlement in a class-action lawsuit for false advertising of its artificial intelligence capabilities.

Apple trumpeted new AI features for its virtual assistant Siri when it rolled out the iPhone 16 in 2024, part of new software updates that the company billed as “Apple

delivered on the Siri revamp two years later.

The lawsuit, filed on behalf of U.S. consumers in the San Francisco federal court for the Northern District of California, alleged that Apple deceived consumers with a marketing campaign that promoted features that did not yet exist and misled them into buying the devices.

Lawyers for the iPhone buyers asked a court for preliminary approval of the proposed $250 million settlement, according to a court fil-

ed States between June 10, 2024, and March 29, 2025, including all iPhone 16 models and the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max. Owners are eligible for a payment of at least $25 for each device, and that amount could go up to $95 depending on how many claims are filed “and other factors,” the filing said.

Customers will be notified by email or mail that they can file a claim on a settlement website, it said.

“Apple has reached a settlement

stay focused on doing what we do best, delivering the most innovative products and services to our users.”

Apple, based in Cupertino, California, was caught off-guard by the intense consumer interest in the Siri AI features. Buyers were angered after finding out that the new features would be released later than expected, the filing said.

They “would not have purchased the Eligible Devices or would have paid significantly less, had they known Enhanced Siri features were not available,” the filing said.