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ELECTION 2026

Senate race headlines election day ballot items

Five constitutional amendments also go to voters

BY TYLER BRIDGES Staff writer

PHOTOS PROVIDED By APRIL BUFFINGTON

The College of Agricultural, Human and Environmental Sciences celebrates as their college is called during Southern University’s spring commencement, held at the F.G. Clark Activity Center on Friday.

HONORING THEIR GRADS Southern University awards degrees, honors Caleb Wilson

Carl Nixon Jr., right, receives two degrees from the College of Business in business management and marketing from Dean Donald Andrews during Southern University’s spring commencement on Friday.

BY HALEY MILLER Staff writer

With a crowd of thousands silent save for the sounds of wailing babies, Southern University conferred during its commencement Friday a posthumous degree to 20-year-old mechanical engineering student Caleb Wilson, who died in an alleged fraternity hazing incident last year.

Kavon Barnhill, a 21-year-old nursing major from Shreveport who died in a car crash in December, was also honored with a posthumous degree.

“The Southern University family is deeply saddened, and our thoughts and prayers remain with all who knew and cared for Kavon Barnhill and Caleb Wilson,” Southern University Chancellor John Pierre said.

Families of the deceased students accepted their degrees at the Mini-Dome on the Southern University campus in Baton Rouge, where more than 600 undergraduate and graduate students participated in ceremonies on Thursday and Friday. Parents, siblings, friends and supporters packed the stands Friday morning to cheer on the graduates, who filed in wearing caps decorated with phrases like “That’s a wrap” and “She believed she could, so she did.”

Attendees took a moment of reflection for Barnhill and Wilson before the reading of the graduates’ names began. As they walked on stage to receive the degree,

ä See GRADS, page 5A

Can U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy survive to fight another day?

That’s the biggest question on Saturday’s primary election ballot, with polls showing that Cassidy may not finish first or second in the Republican Senate primary to keep alive his hopes of winning a third term in the Senate.

Trying to unseat Cassidy are U.S. Rep. Julia Letlow and state Treasurer John Fleming. All three have run as the candidate Cassidy most aligned with President Donald Trump.

The outcome has drawn extensive coverage from news outlets outside of Louisiana as a litmus test of Trump’s power and popularity. Trump wants to defeat Cassidy because he joined Democrats in voting to Letlow convict the president on impeachment charges stemming from the Jan. 6, 2021, assault on the Capitol by Trump supporters.

Trump has endorsed Letlow, who has emerged as the frontrunner thanks to the president’s backing, polls show. Gov. Fleming Jeff Landry, who is close with Trump, has also endorsed Letlow and has raised big dollars INSIDE for outside groups attacking ä On the Fleming to keep him from ballot. PAGE 2B knocking out Letlow in the primary.

The Senate race is the marquee election on Saturday, when voters will also decide whether to approve five constitutional amendments.

Also on the ballot are elections for the Louisiana Supreme Court, the Public Service Commission, the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education and local races, including who will be mayor of Kenner and president of Lafourche Parish.

Voting takes place between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m.

Cassidy, Letlow, Fleming and business owner Mark Spencer of Belle Chasse are running in the Republican Senate primary.

Competing in the Democratic Senate primary are policy analyst Nick Albares, who lives in New Orleans and has the endorsement of his former boss, ex-Gov. John Bel Edwards; Jamie

ä See ELECTION, page 4A

Trump weighs arms package for Taiwan after China summit President says he hasn’t made decision on deal

BY AAMER MADHANI, WILL WEISSERT and SIMINA MISTREANU Associated Press

BEIJING — President Donald Trump said Friday that he has not made a decision on whether to move forward with a major arms package for Taiwan after hearing concerns about it from Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Trump’s comments on Taiwan

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— a self-ruled island that China claims as its own territory — came as he flew back to Washington after wrapping up critical talks in which Trump both leaders said important progress was made in stabilizing U.S.-China relations even as deep differences persist between the world’s two biggest powers on Iran and Taiwan.

“I’ll be making decisions,” Trump said. “But, you know, I

ä See TAIWAN, page 4A

Melancon out as head of Baton Rouge Economic Partnership Board to begin search for new leader

BY IANNE SALVOSA and STEPHANIE RIEGEL Staff writers

After nearly two years on the job, Greater Baton Rouge Economic Partnership President and CEO Lori Melancon is out as head of the organization, the group announced Friday.

Classified .....................7D Nation-World................2A Comics-Puzzles .....4D-6D Opinion ........................6B Deaths .........................4B Sports ..........................1C

Klein Kirby, chair of ship’s senior vice presithe Partnership’s board dent of policy and talent of directors, said Melandevelopment, and Jaycon’s abrupt departure son Newell, the Partwas the result of a board nership’s senior vice decision made when the president of business body convened Thursinvestment, will serve as acting co-CEOs in the day. He declined to cominterim. ment on why the board Melancon “We have all the condecided to remove Melancon from her post. fidence in the world in our staff The board of directors will and in Trey and Jayson,” Kirby begin the search for the organi- said in a phone call following zation’s next permanent leader the announcement. soon, Kirby said. ä See MELANCON, page 5A Trey Godfrey, the Partner-

TO OUR READERS: Because of today’s election and expected late results, Sunday’s newspaper delivery may be delayed.

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Iranian official says lack of trust impedes peace talks with U.S.

BRIEFS

FROM WIRE REPORTS

6 from hantavirus-hit ship arrive in Australia

MELBOURNE, Australia — Six passengers from a cruise ship hit by a hantavirus outbreak arrived Friday in Australia for a quarantine expected to last at least three weeks.

The Gulfstream long-range business jet carrying them from the Netherlands landed at RAAF Base Pearce outside the Western Australia state capital, Perth.

The passengers, crew and a doctor who accompanied them were taken by bus to the nearby Bullsbrook quarantine facility.

Australian Health Minister Mark Butler said the government would implement one of world’s strongest quarantine responses to the outbreak.

He said passengers of the cruise ship MV Hondius who returned to the United States and most European countries would spend a few days in a quarantine center before they were sent home.

“We have taken the decision to take a stronger approach to quarantine arrangements than that because we are determined to ensure there is no risk at all of any transmission of this virus into the Australian community,” Butler told reporters in his hometown of Adelaide.

The five Australians and one New Zealand citizen will spend the three-week quarantine period in the facility that had remained largely unused since it was built in 2022 is response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Gaza airstrike targeted Hamas military leader

DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip — An Israeli airstrike in Gaza on Friday targeted the leader of Hamas‘ military wing, Israeli officials said, but it wasn’t immediately clear if Izz al-Din al-Haddad was killed or injured.

Hamas did not immediately acknowledge or comment on the strike.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz said an airstrike carried out by the military Friday evening targeted al-Haddad, the leader of Hamas’ Qassam brigades.

There were at least two Israeli strikes Friday evening in Gaza City, one of which Israel said targeted al-Haddad. One strike targeted a residential building and another a vehicle. Seven people were killed and dozens of others wounded, according to health officials in the Palestine Red Crescent Society’s Saraya Field Hospital and Shifa hospital, where the casualties were taken In a statement, Netanyahu and Katz said that al-Haddad was “one of the architects” of the Oct. 7 attack.

Gaza has seen near-daily Israeli fire despite a fragile ceasefire agreement reached in October. More than 850 people have been killed since then, according to the Gaza Health Ministry.

Soldier’s wife out of U.S. immigration custody

The wife of a U.S. Army sergeant has been released from federal immigration custody after spending a month in detention.

Sgt. Jose Serrano, an active duty soldier stationed in Texas who served three tours in Afghanistan, previously told The Associated Press that immigration agents arrested his wife, Deisy Rivera Ortega, during an April 14 appointment with immigration services to advance her application for permanent residency.

U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth, a Democrat and combat veteran, told the AP that she personally contacted Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin on Wednesday to advocate for Rivera Ortega’s release after learning of her situation from advocacy groups.

Rivera Ortega returned home Thursday evening.

“Rivera-Ortega has been released from ICE custody with a GPS tracking device, mandatory home visits, and ICE office check-ins. She will receive full due process,” said the DHS, which oversees U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

The family of Rivera Ortega did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

BY SHEIKH SAALIQ and ADAM SCHRECK Associated Press

ASSOCIATED PRESS FILE PHOTO By ISMAEL FRANCISCO

Former Cuban President Raúl Castro looks at the Cuban flag during his speech on Jan. 1, 2024, at an event celebrating the 65th anniversary of the triumph of the revolution in Santiago, Cuba. The Justice Department is preparing to seek an indictment against Castro, three people familiar with the matter said Friday.

Sources: U.S. seeks to indict Raúl Castro DOJ preparing to charge former Cuban president

BY JOSHUA GOODMAN, ALANNA DURKIN RICHER and ERIC TUCKER Associated Press

MIAMI — The Justice Department is preparing to seek an indictment against former Cuban President Raúl Castro, three people familiar with the matter told The Associated Press on Friday, as President Donald Trump threatens possible military action against the communist-run island.

One of the people told the AP that the potential indictment is connected to Castro’s alleged role in the 1996 shootdown of four planes operated by the Miami-based exile group Brothers to the Rescue. Castro was defense minister at the time.

All three people spoke on the condition of anonymity because they weren’t authorized to discuss an ongoing investigation.

The Cuban government did not respond to a request for comment on the potential indictment, which was reported earlier

by CBS. Any criminal charge against Castro, which would need to be approved by a grand jury, would dramatically escalate tensions with Havana. Following the U.S. military’s brazen capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in January, the Trump administration quickly turned its attention to its ally Cuba and ordered an economic blockade that choked off fuel shipments to Cuba, leading to severe blackouts across the island, increasing food insecurity, and heightening ongoing economic woes across the island.

But the U.S. war in Iran gave Cuban leaders something of a reprieve from U.S. talk of regime change.

Richard Feinberg, a professor emeritus specializing in Latin America at the University of California-San Diego, said that

any indictment of Castro will play well with voters in south Florida but is unlikely to persuade members of the U.S. military to pursue a second war of choice — this time just 90 miles from Florida.

“There’s no easy Venezuela copy,” said Feinberg. “There’s no clear line of succession and it’s hard to imagine regime change without U.S. boots on the ground.”

The AP reported in March that the U.S. Attorney in Miami had created a special working group of prosecutors and federal law enforcement to build cases against top Cuban officials amid calls by several south Florida Republicans to reopen its investigation into Castro’s alleged role in the 1996 shootdown.

As Trump seeks to wind down the war in Iran, speculation has been growing that he may soon turn his attention back to Cuba after pledging earlier this year a “friendly takeover” of the country if its leadership didn’t open up its economy to American investment and kick out U.S. adversaries.

Trump declined to discuss a potential indictment on Friday, deferring to the Justice Department.

“But they need help, as you know, and you talk about a declining country — they are really a nation or a country in decline, so we’re going to see,” Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One. “We have a lot to talk about on Cuba, but not maybe for today.”

CIA Director John Ratcliffe met with Cuban officials, including Castro’s grandson, during a high-level visit to the island on Thursday.

Castro, 94, took over as president from his ailing brother, Fidel Castro, in 2011, and then handed power to a hand-picked loyalist, Miguel Díaz-Canel, in 2019.

While he largely has avoided the spotlight since retiring in 2021 as head of the Cuban Communist Party, he is widely believed to wield power behind the scenes, a fact underscored by the prominence of his grandson, Raúl Guillermo Rodríguez Castro, who previously met secretly with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

Jurors deadlock in Weinstein’s retrial; judge declares mistrial

BY JENNIFER PELTZ

when defense lawyers were questioning her.

“The prevailing thought was that the NEW YORK — Jurors deadlocked in Harvey witness had a lot of inconsistencies in Weinstein’s rape retrial Friday, forcing her story,” said juror Josh Hadar, 57. He another mistrial in a #MeToo-era case that favored acquittal: “I don’t come to that easily, but it just seemed that there was has gone to trial three times so far.

While the former Hollywood mogul has enough reasonable doubt.”

Another juror, Sarae Perez, 25, noted been convicted of other sex crimes on two that she studied feminism and is U.S. coasts and remains behind well versed in #MeToo, but she bars, the mistrial leaves the New also couldn’t overcome uncertainYork rape charge in limbo. Prosties about Mann’s account. ecutors were pondering whether “There were places where we to try the case a fourth time, after couldn’t trust her word for it,” some jurors said outside court she said. that nine out of 12 wanted to acMann said in a statement that quit Weinstein. the mistrial “doesn’t in any way Weinstein, 74, showed little re- Weinstein detract from the truth I told.” action as he was ushered from “I deserve justice, which is why I stand court, but his attorneys said later that he up and face unbearable public scrutiny was pleased with the outcome.

“Maybe it’s not the win that he wanted, in the name of a greater good,” she said.

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin but it’s a win, and we’re going to keep fighting,” attorney Marc Agnifilo said, Bragg hailed Mann’s “perseverance and adding that the defense believed it has bravery” and said in a statement that “outstanding” prospects if the case is re- prosecutors will consult her about next steps. They’re due to say next month tried.

The majority-male Manhattan jury whether they will retry the case.

As an Oscar-winning movie producer weighed whether Weinstein raped Jessica Mann, a hairstylist and actor. Wein- and studio boss, Weinstein was one of stein’s lawyers argued that the encounter Hollywood’s most powerful figures and was consensual. It happened in 2013 dur- a significant Democratic donor before ing a fraught relationship between the the long-suppressed sexual harassment then-married Weinstein and the decades- and sexual assault allegations against him cascaded into public view in 2017. younger Mann.

Deliberations began Wednesday. On The revelations galvanized the #MeToo Friday, after the jury sent two notes in 90 movement ’s demands for accountability minutes saying it was stuck, Judge Curtis for sexual misconduct, made Weinstein a pariah, bankrupted the studio and ulFarber declared a mistrial.

Some jurors said they were struck by timately led to criminal charges against gaps in what Mann recalled, particularly him in New York and Los Angeles.

Associated Press

NEW DELHI — Iran‘s foreign minister said a lack of trust is the biggest obstacle in negotiations to end the war with the U.S., saying Friday that Tehran would be open to diplomatic help, particularly from China, to help ease tensions.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said contradictory messages have “made us reluctant about the real intentions of Americans.”

“We are in doubt about their seriousness,” he told reporters in New Delhi, adding that negotiations would move forward if Washington was ready for a “fair and balanced deal.”

President Donald Trump earlier this week dismissed Iran’s latest formal proposal as “garbage.” While Iran was said to include some nuclear concessions, Trump has said he wants to remove highly enriched uranium from the country and prevent it from developing nuclear weapons. Iran says its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes.

In separate negotiations in Washington between Israel and Lebanon, both sides agreed Friday to extend their ceasefire until early June, U.S. officials said.

With talks between Iran and the U.S. at a standstill during the shaky ceasefire, tensions remain high and threaten to tip the Middle East back into open warfare and prolong the worldwide energy crisis sparked by the conflict.

Iran still has a chokehold on the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway where a fifth of the world’s oil passed through before the war, and America is blockading Iranian ports.

Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, who finished talks on Friday, agreed the strait needs to be reopened.

Araghchi said Friday that Iran would welcome diplomatic support from other countries, particularly from China, citing Beijing’s previous role in facilitating the

restoration of ties between Iran and Saudi Arabia.

Beijing has shown little public interest in U.S. requests to get more involved, even though Trump told Fox News’ Sean Hannity that Xi had in their conversations offered to help.

Pakistan said Thursday it was continuing diplomatic efforts to help ease regional tensions. But it declined to disclose details of the discussions or say whether the U.S. had formally responded.

“The clock on diplomacy has not stopped. The peace process is working,” Pakistani Foreign Ministry spokesperson Tahir Andrabi told reporters in Islamabad.

Trump has demanded a major rollback of Iran’s nuclear activities while Iran says it has a right to enrich uranium.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who launched the war with Trump on Feb. 28, also wants Iran’s highly enriched uranium removed from the country.

Iran’s foreign minister said Friday that the issue of its enriched uranium stockpile is one of the most difficult subjects in negotiations with the U.S. Russia has previously offered to take the stockpile if Iran is willing to give it up. Araghchi said Russia’s proposal was not currently under active discussion, but could be revisited.

“When we come to that stage, obviously we will have more consultations with Russia and see if the Russian offer can help or not,” he said.

Israel and Lebanon agreed to extend the expiring Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire for another 45 days to allow for negotiations on a broader peace agreement, the U.S. State Department said.

After two days of meetings, the department said it would reconvene the two sides for discussions on June 2 and 3, while a military track — between the Israeli and Lebanese armies — by the Pentagon will begin on May 29.

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FLORIDA

House map accused of violating gerrymandering law

BY DAVID A. LIEB and JEFFREY COLLINS Associated Press

New U.S. House districts that could help Republicans win several additional seats in Florida got their first test in court Friday against assertions that they violate a state constitutional ban on partisan gerrymandering.

Attorneys representing voters asked a state judge to block the new districts from being used in the midterm elections and instead reinstate districts used for previous elections. Such a move would create a significant wrinkle in President Donald Trump’s attempt to hold on to a narrow House majority by redrawing voting districts to the GOP’s advantage. The judge gave no timetable for when he will rule.

Florida’s new House map is part of a national redistricting battle that gained steam last year when Trump urged Texas Republicans to redraw the state’s congressional districts. On Friday, the Texas Supreme Court refused to declare that Democratic lawmakers had vacated their offices when they briefly fled the state to block a redistricting vote.

The Florida Legislature approved a new House map on April 29 — the same day the

U.S. Supreme Court weakened federal Voting Rights Act protections for minorities while striking down a majority-Black congressional district in Louisiana.

Since then, several Southern states have taken steps to try to eliminate minority districts that have elected Democrats.

On Friday, Democratic U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen of Tennessee announced that he is ending his reelection bid. His decision came a week after Tennessee Republicans enacted a new U.S. House map that carves up Cohen’s majority-Black district in Memphis. The new map gives Republicans a shot at winning all nine of Tennessee’s U.S. House seats.

Republicans already hold 20 of Florida’s 28 U.S. House seats. New voting districts signed into law by Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis after a swift two-day special legislative session could improve the GOP’s chances to win four additional seats in the November elections.

Congressional districts typically are redrawn once a decade, after each census, to rebalance populations. But since Trump urged mid-decade redistricting last year, Republicans think they could gain as many as 15 seats from new House maps in Texas,

ASSOCIATED PRESS FILE PHOTO By MIKE STEWART

State Rep. Angie Nixon, D-Fla., speaks loudly on April 29 on the House floor as lawmakers vote on a redistricting bill during a special session of the Florida Legislature in Tallahassee, Fla. Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio, Florida, Tennessee and Alabama. Democrats, meanwhile, think they could gain six seats from new maps in California and Utah.

Democrats had counted on winning up to four additional seats in Virginia.

But the Virginia Supreme Court last week struck down a Democratic redistricting plan approved by voters, ruling the legislature violated procedural requirements when placing it on the ballot.

On Friday, the U.S. Supreme

Court rejected a request to restore the map favoring Democrats.

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in 2019 that it has no authority to decide whether partisan gerrymandering goes too far. But it said partisan gerrymandering claims could continue to be decided in state courts under their own constitutions and laws.

Florida voters approved a state constitutional amendment in 2010 that prohibits U.S. House districts from being drawn with the intent

to favor or disfavor a political party or incumbent. The amendment bars districts from diminishing the ability of racial or language minorities to elect the representatives of their choice. It also requires districts to be compact and, where feasible, use existing political and geographic boundaries.

Lawsuits filed on behalf of voters seek a temporary injunction against the new House map for violating that amendment. Their arguments focus heavily on po-

litical favoritism.

Under the new House map, 82% of voters in districts represented by Republicans remain in the same districts as under the previous map, said attorney Chris Shenton, who represented Common Cause and other groups challenging it. Just 41% of voters in districts represented by Democrats are kept in their same districts, he said.

“It shows that Democratic districts are being targeted for reconfiguration. And why? To favor Republicans and disfavor Democrats.

That is unconstitutional,” Shenton said.

Attorneys representing Florida’s state lawmakers and executive officials argued that partisan intent had not been proven and that a temporary injunction against the new districts is not appropriate in advance of a fully developed trial.

Though DeSantis called lawmakers into session before the Supreme Court’s ruling in the Louisiana case, he anticipated an eventual outcome weakening Voting Rights Act protections for minority districts. Among other changes, Florida’s new map reshapes a southeastern district that DeSantis’ office said was created to help elect a Black representative in an attempt to comply with federal law.

Colorado’s governor commutes ex-county election clerk’s sentence Tina Peters convicted in scheme to copy election data

BY COLLEEN SLEVIN and NICHOLAS RICCARDI Associated Press

DENVER — Colorado Gov. Jared Polis on Friday commuted the sentence of election conspiracy theorist Tina Peters following pressure from President Donald Trump, the latest instance of the president using his powers to reward those who echoed his baseless claims of mass fraud as the cause

of his 2020 loss.

Trump has championed the case of Peters, a 70-yearold former county clerk who was sentenced to nine years behind bars after being convicted in a scheme to make a copy of her county’s election computer system. She gets released June 1.

In April, a Colorado appeals court Peters ordered Peters to be resentenced because it said the judge who sent her to prison wrongly punished her for speaking out about election fraud, a decision praised by Polis. The court upheld her convictions though.

In a letter to Peters, Polis wrote that Peters was convicted of serious crimes and deserved to spend time in prison. “However, this is an extremely unusual and lengthy sentence for a first time offender who committed nonviolent crimes,” the governor wrote.

President Donald Trump posted around the time of the announcement on his Truth Social platform: “FREE TINA!” Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold, a Democrat, said “it was a dark day for democracy” and ”selling out our state’s justice sys-

DOJ will seek death penalty in killings of Israeli Embassy staffers

BY MICHAEL KUNZELMAN Associated Press

WASHINGTON — The Justice Department will seek the death penalty for the man accused of fatally shooting two staff members of the Israeli Embassy in Washington outside a Jewish museum, prosecutors said in a court filing Friday.

Elias Rodriguez faces federal hate crime and murder charges in the killings of Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim as they left an event at the museum last May. Ro-

driguez shouted “Free Palestine” during the shooting and later told police, “I did it for Palestine, I did it for Gaza,” according to his indictment.

The charges against Rodriguez include a hate crime resulting in death. The indictment also includes notice of special findings, which allows prosecutors to pursue the death penalty.

“My message to anyone who seeks to commit political violence in this district — D.C. is not the place. You will be held accountable and you will face the full wrath of the

law,” Jeanine Pirro, the U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, said at an unrelated news conference Friday in which she revealed the Justice Department’s death penalty decision.

The hate crimes charges mean prosecutors will have to prove that Rodriguez was motivated by antisemitism when he opened fire on Lischinsky and Milgrim, a young couple who were about to become engaged. Milgrim, 26, was a U.S. citizen and Lischinsky, 30, was an Israeli citizen working in the U.S.

tem for Trump is an affront to the rule of law.”

“A clear message is being sent to those willing to break the law and attack democracy for the president — they will likely not face consequences for their actions,” Griswold said at a news conference.

Peters has been serving her sentence at a prison in Pueblo after being convicted in 2024 by jurors in

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reveal proof of election rigging, video and photos of the upgrade, including passwords, were posted online.

Peters was convicted of state, not federal, crimes, which put her beyond the reach of Trump’s pardon power that he used to free those convicted of crimes for the Jan. 6, 2021, attacks on the U.S. Capitol. But the president still championed her cause.

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Peters snuck in an outside computer expert, an associate of MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell, to make a copy of her county’s Dominion Voting Systems election computer server as state officials updated it in 2021.

After Peters joined Lindell onstage at a “cybersymposium” that promised to

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4A ■ Saturday, May 16, 2026 ■ theadvocate.com ■ The Advocate

ELECTION

Continued from page 1A Davis, a farmer in northeast Louisiana running with the endorsement of the Louisiana Democratic Party; and Gary Crockett, a business owner in New Orleans.

The three Democratic Senate candidates appeared Friday at a forum hosted by Jim Engster on his “Talk Louisiana” public radio program.

Albares, Davis and Crockett criticized Trump for launching the war against Iran. They also knocked plans underway by Landry and the Republican-controlled state Legislature to turn the Black-majority district held by U.S. Rep. Cleo Fields of Baton Rouge into a safe Republican seat, as legislators draw a new map for the state’s six congressional districts.

How will ‘no party’ voting go?

Voters will choose among the Republican and Democratic Senate candidates in separate party primaries Saturday. No-party voters can choose whether to vote for either the Republican or Democratic candidates, but not both. To do so, no-party voters must fill out a onepage Declaration of Ballot Choice.

Cassidy is relying on a goodsized turnout of no-party voters for him.

But he told reporters on Friday that he fears a significant number of no-party voters won’t understand the new system and won’t vote for him as a result.

“The system should be made to serve the voter, not asking the voter to serve the system,” he said.

TAIWAN

Continued from page 1A think the last thing we need right now is a war that’s 9,500 miles away.”

Trump’s Republican administration in December authorized a recordsetting $11 billion weapons package for Taipei, but it has yet to move forward.

Lawmakers also approved a $14 billion arms sale to Taiwan in January, but the Xi sale cannot advance until Trump formally sends it to Congress. China opposes such sales and has suggested that Washington’s relationship with the self-governing island is the key factor in U.S.-China relations.

Trump said Xi also reiterated China’s strong opposition to Taiwan’s independence. “I heard him out,” Trump said. “I didn’t make a comment.”

Trump’s consultation with Xi about arms sales to Taiwan may violate the socalled Six Assurances, a set of nonbinding U.S. policy principles formulated in 1982 under President Ronald Reagan that have helped guide the U.S. relationship with Taipei, according to analysts.

The second of the Six Assurances states that the U.S. “did not agree to consult with the People’s Republic of China on arms sales to Taiwan.”

Trump said the issue of the 1982 assurances came up in the talks with Xi. Trump also said he raised a

lll

Landry and Republican legislators instituted the semi-closed party primary for this year’s elections.

Past open primaries — where voters could choose among Republican and Democratic candidates on the same ballot — produced turnout rates of about 50%.

But this year, the office of Secretary of State Nancy Landry is projecting a voter participation of only 28%. That would equal about 830,000 voters.

About 257,000 people have already voted, either by absentee ballot or during the May 2-9 early voting period, according to pollster John Couvillon, who conducted surveys for Fleming. Of the 257,000 voters, only about 15% have been no-party, Couvillon said. In all, 27% of Louisiana’s voters are registered as no-party.

If no candidate wins a majority in either party primary, Cassidy needs to finish first or second to advance to the runoff election on June 27 and avoid becoming on Saturday only the second incumbent Louisiana senator to lose reelection since 1932.

Early voting from May 2-9 showed widespread confusion with the semi-closed primary system and with Gov. Landry’s decision to declare an “emergency” and cancel the races for the six House elections, even though absentee ballot voting was underway. Landry made that decision after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the state’s current congressional districts are unconstitutional.

During early voting, Black voters turned out in large numbers proportionally, with analysts citing anger at the move to eliminate seats held by Black elected officials.

potential three-way nuclear deal that would involve the U.S., Russia and China. He wants each of the three countries to sign a pact that would cap the number of nuclear warheads in their arsenals.

China has previously been cool to entering such a pact.

Beijing’s arsenal, according to Pentagon estimates, exceeds 600 warheads and is far from parity with the U.S. and Russia, which are each estimated to have more than 5,000 warheads.

But Trump suggested Xi was receptive to the idea.

“I got a very a positive response,” Trump said. “This is the beginning.”

The last nuclear arms pact, known as the New START treaty, between Russia and the United States expired in February, removing any caps on the two largest atomic arsenals for the first time in more than a half-century. As the treaty was set to expire, Trump rejected a call by Russia to extend the two-country deal for another year and called for “a new, improved and modernized” deal that includes China.

The Pentagon estimates China will have more than 1,000 nuclear warheads by 2030.

Xi welcomed Trump at his official residence, Zhongnanhai, on Friday for their final engagement of the summit before the U.S. leader’s return to Washington. The leaders took a short walk through the grounds that feature ancient trees and Chinese roses, and they

Anyone with concerns or questions on Saturday can speak with an election commissioner at their precinct or call the secretary of state election hotline at (800) 883-2805.

Voters can go to geauxvote.com or download the GeauxVote app to get their voting information, their sample ballot, their voting precinct location, and other info, according to the Secretary of State’s Office.

Last-minute campaigning On Friday, Cassidy and Fleming kept up their attacks on Letlow, while an outside group associated with Gov. Landry continued its attacks on Fleming.

Cassidy mostly stuck to his home base in Baton Rouge, speaking to a disabled veterans’ group at a hotel and talking to reporters at a gun range.

Afterward, he stepped into the range and, while shooting an AR15, hit the bull’s-eye on five of six shots. He proudly held up the paper target afterward to show off his marksmanship.

Fleming appeared on the talk show radio programs of two conservative stalwarts, Jeff Crouere and Moon Griffon.

On both, he blamed Letlow for attack ads broadcast by the Accountability Project, one of the pro-Landry outside groups, that say Fleming is soft on border security, didn’t serve as Trump’s deputy chief of staff in his first term and voted for carbon capture and sequestration bills as a member of Congress more than a decade ago.

“It’s dishonest politics, and it’s boomeranging on them,” Fleming said on Griffon’s show.

Letlow, who is leading in most polls, went to Cameron Parish

strolled through a covered passageway with green columns and archways painted with birds and traditional Chinese mountain scenes.

Over tea and lunch, Trump and Xi — with top aides and translators in tow — huddled for nearly three hours of talks before the U.S. leader completed his three-day visit to China.

Trump appeared impressed by the bucolic grounds, remarking that the roses were the most beautiful he had ever seen. Xi promised to send him some rose seeds.

“It’s been really a great couple of days,” Trump told reporters.

Xi, for his part, called it a “milestone” visit. “We have established a new bilateral relationship, or rather a constructive, strategic, stable relationship,” he said.

But the optimistic outlook collides with some difficult truths about the thorniest issues between the two superpowers.

Beijing has shown little public interest in U.S. entreaties to get more involved in solving the conflict in Iran, even though Trump said in an interview with Fox News’ Sean Hannity that Xi had in their conversations offered to help.

In recent weeks, the U.S. State Department has accused Chinese firms of providing satellite imagery to the Iranian government, and the Treasury Department has moved to target Chinese oil refineries accused of buying oil from Tehran, as well as shippers of the oil.

Xi on Thursday warned

NOW OPEN

with Landry and Energy Secretary Chris Wright to celebrate plans for a $13 billion LNG facility.

In a phone interview, Letlow said her key message is that she has Trump’s message and would be a great public servant in the Senate.

Letlow noted that she’s not involved with the Accountability Project and said Fleming’s comments “are another of his conspiracy theories.”

court judge in St. Tammany and Washington parishes; and Blair Edwards, a 1st Circuit Court of Appeals judge and former juvenile judge.

Board of Elementary

Three Republicans are running in a primary election for the 1st District seat on BESE, which sets policy for Louisiana’s K-12 school system. The district covers St. Tammany Parish and parts of OrFive constitutional amendments leans, Jefferson and Tangipahoa Voters will decide whether to ap- parishes.

Those candidates are: prove five amendments to the state n Joseph Cao, a former member constitution.

Amendment 1 would give the of Congress who Gov. Jeff Landry Louisiana Legislature more power appointed to fill a vacant spot n Mike Hollis, who is in the into designate which positions have civil service protections. surance business and whose faAmendment 2 would create a ther and brother were both state school district in St. George, the lawmakers n Ellie Schroder, who worked in new city in East Baton Rouge Parpublic schools for nearly 30 years ish.

Amendment 3 would liquidate and is the wife of former state several education trust fund ac- Treasurer John Schroder. counts and use the money to pay off retirement debt, which would Public Service Commission fund a $2,250 raise for teachers Five Republicans are running statewide. for a seat on the Public Service Amendment 4 would give par- Commission representing St. Tamishes the option to eliminate taxes many Parish and parts of Orleans, on business inventory.

Jefferson and Tangipahoa parAmendment 5 would raise the ishes. The commission regulates mandatory retirement age for utilities. judges from 70 to 75.

The candidates are: n Wayne Cooper, a kitchen manState Supreme Court ager at the Florida Parish Juvenile Voters in the first district of the Detention Center n State Rep. Stephanie Hilferty, Louisiana Supreme Court will elect a new justice. That district R-New Orleans n John Mason, a criminal decovers Livingston, St. Tammany, Washington, Tangipahoa and St. fense attorney n State Rep. Mark Wright, Bernard parishes and a smidgen of Orleans Parish.

R-Covington n John Young, the former JefferTwo Republicans are running for the seat: William Burris, a district son Parish president.

Trump during private talks that their differences on Taiwan, if handled poorly, could hurtle the world’s dominant powers toward “clashes and even conflicts,” according to Chinese government officials.

But Trump, as he made his way home, said he was not concerned that the U.S.China relationship was in danger. “I think we will be fine,” he said.

Xi’s sharp language on Taiwan loomed large over the visit, with Chinese government officials amplifying his

senior aides to join Trump for the talks.

Some Republicans in Congress expressed displeasure at Trump’s pronouncement that he has not decided whether to move forward with the arms package for Taiwan.

“We have to support Taiwan, just like we have to support Ukraine,” said Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, a Pennsylvania Republican. “These are the fortresses of democracy, and they’re on the front lines, and we have to protect and defend them.”

view that differences on the island pose the biggest risk to U.S.-Chinese relations.

But Secretary of State Marco Rubio told NBC News that U.S. policy toward Taiwan was “unchanged” and cautioned that it would be “a terrible mistake” for China to try to take Taiwan by force. He also framed Xi’s comments as standard practice.

“They always raise it on their side. We always make clear our position, and we move on to the other topics,” said Rubio, who was among

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lll

GRADS

Continued from page 1A Wilson’s parents carried a poster with their son’s image, capturing him in a suit with a pair of rectangular glasses balanced on his nose.

“We love you, Caleb!” shouted one member of the crowd.

Graduates on the floor of the arena stood up row by row as Wilson was honored, erupting into applause as the family exited the stage.

Wilson inspires changes Wilson was a trumpet player with Southern University’s renowned marching band, the Human Jukebox. His friends called him “Cheese” and described him as both a jokester and someone who “walked this campus with a purpose.”

He died after being punched in the chest during an off-campus fraternity hazing ritual involving Southern’s chapter of Omega Psi Phi in February 2025, investigators said. Five defendants have been charged with criminal hazing in connection to his death. All pleaded not guilty in January of this year.

His death sparked a wave of anti-hazing advocacy around the state, with memorials held in New Orleans and Baton Rouge in the immediate aftermath. His family established a foundation in his honor and raised awareness with a billboard campaign that spanned from Kenner to New Orleans.

State leaders also spoke out about the incident. Lawmakers are currently considering a bill

MELANCON

Continued from page 1A Melancon stepped into controversy in January while MayorPresident Sid Edwards and other city leaders were in Detroit looking for ideas on how Baton Rouge could deal with blighted properties more quickly. Melancon said there were existing laws to speed up condemnations, but the Metro Council was not using them.

Council member Jen Racca said at the time that she was “concerned the Partnership went to the media” instead of dealing with the

PHOTO PROVIDED By APRIL BUFFINGTON

Caleb Wilson’s family received his posthumous degree during Southern University’s spring commencement, held at the F.G. Clark Activity Center on Friday. called “The Caleb Wilson Hazing Prevention Act” to provide greater education around hazing rituals, strengthen reporting requirements for institutions and permanently banishing from college campuses any organizations that violate the law resulting in the

death of a person. The legislation passed the House and is awaiting final passage in the Senate.

“Hazing is not a tradition, and it should not be a part of any tradition,” bill author Rep. Vanessa LaFleur, D-Baton Rouge, said during a House Education Committee

meeting in March. “It is not brotherhood. It is not harmless. It is dangerous, it is illegal, and hopefully, with this bill and others, preventable.”

LaFleur said Wilson’s family served as a grounding, guiding force of the legislative efforts to

protect students from hazing. His mother, Urania Wilson, spoke in favor of the bill at the committee meeting.

“I feel that Louisiana can be an example for the rest of the country,” she said to legislators. “Something needs to happen.”

council first. Racca also said the law was “unconstitutional” and in conflict with the plan of government.

Multiple city-parish sources say the public disagreement deepened tensions with the mayoral administration and several council members.

Then, earlier this month, the state notified the Partnership that its annual $480,000 appropriation was at risk of not being renewed for the upcoming fiscal year because of concerns about the organization, according to two board members familiar with the discussions.

Melancon did not immediately

respond to requests seeking comment.

Asked about the situation on Friday, Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Susan Bourgeois said, “Much of the success LED has had these last two years has been because of our strong partnerships with our regional economic development organizations. Those relationships must be in total alignment to maximize the return to the state and all of our regions.”

Melancon was chosen to lead what was then the Baton Rouge Area Chamber in July 2024. She replaced Adam Knapp, who served as president and CEO for

15 years before leaving to become CEO of the Committee of 100 for Economic Development, a statewide organization.

During Melancon’s tenure, the organization was rebranded as the Greater Baton Rouge Economic Partnership in an effort to better reflect its role as a regional economic development organization. She oversaw the implementation of the Partnership’s Better in BTR campaign, which aimed to entice college students and young professionals to stay and work in Baton Rouge.

Melancon was a senior marketing and communications director with Louisiana Economic

Development from 2011 to 2016 and director of communications with BRAC (then the Chamber of Greater Baton Rouge) from 2005 to 2008.

Melancon left Louisiana to take a job with the Virginia Economic Development Partnership, which was then led by Stephen Moret, former head of LED and BRAC. For eight years before returning to Louisiana, she held economic development jobs in Virginia and South Carolina.

Staff writer Patrick Sloan-Turner contributed to this story.

Email Ianne Salvosa at ianne. salvosa@theadvocate.com.

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Sources: U.S. halts deployments to Poland, Germany Pentagon seeks to reduce troop numbers in Europe

BY KONSTANTIN TOROPIN, EMMA BURROWS, BEN FINLEY and CLAUDIA CIOBANU

Associated Press

WASHINGTON — The Pentagon is drawing down thousands of troops in Europe by canceling deployments to Poland and Germany as opposed to yanking forces already stationed there, U.S. officials say, as President Donald Trump has tussled with allies over the Iran war and called for changes.

Several U.S. officials confirmed that 4,000 troops from the Army’s 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division were no longer en route to Poland this week. The Trump administration had previously said it was cutting U.S. forces only in Germany, and the decision spurred questions and criticism in both Warsaw and Washington.

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By ALEX BRANDON

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, left, testifies Tuesday at a House Appropriations subcommittee budget hearing for the Department of Defense in Washington, as Chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine listens.

Two officials told The Associated Press the Poland deployment was canceled after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth signed a memo directing the Joint Chiefs of Staff to move a brigade combat team out of Europe. One of them said the choice of which unit was left to military leaders.

Besides the Army combat team based in Fort Hood, Texas, the memo also led to the cancellation of an upcoming deployment to Germany of a battalion trained in firing long-range rockets and missiles, according to the two officials, who like the others spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss sensi-

tive military operations.

Three U.S. officials said the canceled deployments were part of an effort to comply with a presidential order issued at the beginning of May to reduce the number of troops in Europe by about 5,000. The reasoning does not appear to have been well communicated

because others based in Europe said they did not know if the halted deployment to Poland was part of the previously announced reduction in troops.

Trump and the Pentagon have said in recent weeks that they were drawing down at least 5,000 troops in Germany after Chancellor Friedrich Merz said the U.S. was being “humiliated” by the Iranian leadership and criticized what he called a lack of strategy in the war.

The drawdown reflects a growing rift between the administration and traditional European allies, with the U.S. leader repeatedly criticizing fellow NATO members for a lack of support for the Iran conflict.

Polish officials on Friday insisted that the canceled U.S. deployment to Poland, which was reported earlier

by The Military Times and other outlets, was not targeted directly at their country but was a consequence of Trump’s decision to reduce the number of troops in Germany.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said he “received assurances” that the decision was of a logistical

nature and said it does not directly impact deterrence capabilities and Poland’s security.

Joel Valdez, a Pentagon spokesman, said “the decision to withdraw troops follows a comprehensive, multilayered process” and he argued that it was “not an unexpected, last-minute decision.”

Speaking to Congress in a hearing Friday, Army Secretary Dan Driscoll and Gen. Christopher LaNeve, the Army’s chief of staff, said discussions around the halted deployment to Poland occurred over the past two weeks but that the decision itself was made in the past couple days.

Republican Rep. Don Bacon, of Nebraska, said he spoke with Polish officials Thursday and they were “blindsided.”

The move also left some U.S. military personnel in Europe in the dark about how the Trump administration was reducing forces. A U.S. official based in Europe said a meeting was called with 20 minutes’ notice on Monday to discuss the cancellation of the deployment to Poland.

New Ebola outbreak confirmed in remote province in Congo Officials say 65 deaths recorded

By The Associated Press KINSHASA, Congo — Africa’s top public health body on Friday confirmed a new Ebola outbreak in Congo’s remote Ituri province, with 246 suspected cases and 65 deaths recorded so far.

Neighboring Uganda later confirmed one death in an Ebola case it said was imported from Congo.

The deaths and suspected cases have been recorded

mainly in the Mongwalu and Rwampara health zones, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention said in a statement. The agency said 65 deaths have been attributed to the outbreak and that four of those have so far been confirmed in a laboratory.

Ebola is highly contagious and can be contracted through bodily fluids such as vomit, blood or semen. The disease it causes is rare, but severe and often fatal.

Scientists were trying to determine exactly what virus was driving the cur-

rent outbreak in Congo. The Ebola virus — also known as the Ebola Zaire strain — has been prominent in Congo’s past outbreaks. Results so far suggest some variant other than the Ebola Zaire strain, with sequencing continuing to give more clarity, the Africa CDC said.

The World Health Organization says the Ebola disease is caused by a group of viruses, and that three of them are known to cause large outbreaks: Ebola virus, Sudan virus and Bundibugyo virus.

Uganda on Friday report-

ed one Ebola case involving a Congolese man admitted to a hospital in Kampala three days before he died.

Officials said the case was “imported” from Congo, and that Uganda has not yet confirmed any local cases.

Uganda’s Health Ministry said the patient was tested posthumously on Friday after neighboring Congo confirmed its Ebola outbreak.

All contacts linked to the man have been quarantined, the agency said. The deceased’s body has been taken back to Congo.

The ministry said the per-

son was infected with the Bundibugyo virus, a variant of the illness that has been endemic in Uganda.

The WHO said last year that Congo has a stockpile of treatments and some 2,000 doses of the Ervebo Ebola vaccine. The Ervedo vaccine is effective against the Ebola Zaire strain — considered the most severe one — but not against the Sudan virus or Bundibugyo virus, according to health authorities.

Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, World Health Organization director-general,

told reporters Friday that the WHO last week sent a team to help Congo investigate the outbreak and collect samples. While initial results did not confirm Ebola, a new analysis on Thursday did, he said.

Congo has “a strong track record in Ebola response and control,” Tedros said, adding that the WHO is releasing $500,000 to aid Congo’s response.

The latest outbreak comes around five months after Congo’s last Ebola outbreak was declared over after 43 deaths.

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TODAY

SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

Partly sunny

A shower and t-storm; humid

Humid with clouds and sun

Humid; an afternoon t-storm

Showers and a heavier t-storm

Humid with a couple of showers

HIGH

LOW

HIGH

85° 69°

LOW

HIGH

84° 75°

LOW

88° 74°

Beaumont 84/76 Port Arthur 85/77

Hattiesburg 86/63

Alexandria 86/69

Lafayette 84/70

Baton Rouge 85/69

Lake Charles 84/73

New Orleans 84/72 Houma 83/72

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

0s

10s

20s

30s

40s

50s

LOW

HIGH

LOW

85° 72°

YESTERDAY

Baton Rouge through 5 p.m. Friday

Jackson 84/64 Many 86/69

HIGH

88° 71°

TEMPERATURE

Longview 87/71

-0s

LOW

Monroe 87/66

Shreveport 89/71

-10s

HIGH

89° 72°

Not a bad day in the forecast today. Expect a partly to mostly cloudy and warm day with a light breeze. Temperatures this afternoon are about where they should be, rising to the mid- to upper 80s, and those numbers should be just as high tomorrow. Winds will be southerly at 10 mph, bringing moisture from the Gulf. Expect rising dew points and humidity. Our rain chances will be just about zero, but tomorrow, they will rise to about 50%, so expect some scattered showers and storms.

60s

70s

80s

90s 100s 110s

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

Sunrise today Sunset tonight Moonrise today Moonset today

MAY 16

City

Atlanta Austin Boston Charlotte Chicago Dallas Denver Houston Las Vegas

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

88°/65° 86°/65° 91°/76° 96° in 2018 50° in 2014

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

PRECIPITATION

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

HIGH

FT.

7:39p 1:29p 5:48a 8:43a 9:10a 8:38a 10:18a

0.9 1.9 2.5 2.0 1.5 1.9 1.9

6:10 a.m.

7:53 p.m.

5:38 a.m.

8:13 p.m.

FIRST

MAY 23

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86 87 76 84 83 88 77 87 93

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66 76 55 67 70 77 41 77 59

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HIGH

6:30a -0.1 --- --8:29p -0.7 --- --8:26p -0.3 6:55p -0.5 9:28p -0.4

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READING 73 MAIN POLLUTANT Ozone

MAIN POLLUTANT Ozone

SOURCE: LOUISIANA DEQ AND AIRNOW.GOV

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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.

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Los Angeles Miami Nashville New york City Philadelphia Phoenix St. Louis San Francisco Seattle

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71 89 88 78 82 99 80 65 54

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

Safety. Style.

Stress-Free Installation.

MODERATE

Today 11:19a 5:04a 11:50p 5:34p Sunday 11:46a 6:06a 12:22p 6:39p Monday 12:58a 7:15a 1:32p 7:48p Tuesday 2:10a 8:27a 2:43p 8:59p Wednesday 3:22a 9:37a 3:52p 10:08p Thursday 4:28a 10:42a 4:56p 11:10p Friday 5:27a 11:40a 5:52p ----

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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

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11.90 35.40 38.00 22.40 14.10 10.78 7.30

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19

-0.78

-0.76

18 29 8

0.50 19.63 4.99

-0.63 -5.67 -1.11

13 15

5.00 10.87

-3.95 -1.80

47 34 29 20 12 6

19.69 14.66 12.24 10.21 6.40 3.29

-0.11 -0.14 -0.49 -0.09 -0.10 -0.02

data as of 7 a.m. Friday

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

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BATON ROUGE • ASCENSION • LIVINGSTON • FELICIANAS WEST BATON ROUGE • TANGIPAHOA • IBERVILLE

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

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S at u r d ay, M ay 16, 2026

1BN

Blue Bayou ready to open for summer New management spent $1M in renovations

BY IANNE SALVOSA

Sports and Recreation, has led a more than $1 million refurbishment of the park’s After taking last summer roughly a dozen attractions off, getting new managers since June.

Enhancements to the park and undergoing a $1 million refurbishment, Blue Bayou will be ongoing throughwater park is set to open out the summer, but all atSaturday. tractions will remain open The new manager, Man- throughout the process.

Mark Moore, chief operatdeville-based Leisure

Staff writer

ing officer of Blue Bayou, first got his start in the water park industry at the attraction off Interstate 10 and said he’s excited for locals to dive back into the nostalgic park. Moore, Chief Development Officer Glenn Haggerty and President and CFO Paul Rees are leasing the park under SFBB LLC.

“There’s been families coming here for years and years, parents bringing children, and then grandparents bringing grandchildren,” Moore said. “I’m excited to see that back in the community. I’m excited to see those families coming back here and making new memories that continue to build for generations to come.”

The park features a wave pool, a lazy river and a

children’s area with dump buckets and slides. Fanfavorite attractions like the Mad Moccasin slide, a black tube slide that coils down from two snakeheads at the top, and the Conja, a white, winding tube slide, will return after restorations over the past few months.

Dixie Landin’, an amusement park that accompanied Blue Bayou, is closed permanently.

Food vendors T-Joe’s Grill, Chicken Shack and the Bayou Treats Stand will be returning, with some new menu items like dirty soda. The new management has retired the traditional locker system for a “smart locker system,” which uses the guests’ choice of either facial recognition or a personal identification number

ä See BAYOU, page 2B

TURNING THE TASSEL

STAFF PHOTOS By MICHAEL JOHNSON

Imagine Murff holds up her diploma while walking off the stage during the commencement ceremony for the LSU College of Agriculture on Friday at the Maddox Fieldhouse in Baton Rouge.

Berkeley Bolinger walks with her service dog in training Harlan during Friday’s ceremony.

A graduate wears a decorated cap during the commencement ceremony on Friday.

Nottoway Plantation owners file Zachary ex-teacher accused of student sexual abuse suit a year after destructive fire Iberville Parish, others gent manner” that contributed to At some point after firefightcomplete destruction of the ers arrived on the scene, the suit acted in ‘gross negligent the major attraction. claims the Plaquemine Fire DeNottoway Plantation Resort partment assumed the lead. At manner,’ it claims filed the petition for damages on 3:30 p.m., sources on the scene

Thursday, asking for compensation of “all reasonable damages.”

Its owner, Dan Dyess, could not Staff writer be immediately reached for comNearly a year after Nottoway ment.

Nottoway Plantation was dePlantation burned to the ground, its owners filed a lawsuit against stroyed in a fire on May 15, 2025. the Iberville Parish government, The blaze started at around 2 p.m.

Parish President Chris Daigle and in the mansion’s south wing before the city of Plaquemine, claiming completely engulfing it by nightall three acted in a “gross negli- fall.

BY AIDAN MCCAHILL

reported the fire had been contained in the “Boys Wings” of the mansion. Water had extinguished the fire on the floor, drapes and furniture, according to the lawsuit, and the fire was in a position to be completely put out.

But it was a “false horizon.” The mansion was built using a 19th-

ä See FIRE, page 2B

A former teacher and assistant basketball coach within the Zachary Community School District was arrested Thursday afternoon for allegedly having CRIME sexual relations a student at a BLOTTER with school, according staff to police. reports An arrest warrant was issued for Timothy Ta’Juan Johnson, 29, by the Zachary Police Department after an investigation.

Johnson turned himself in to

Zachary police on Thursday and was arrested in connection with carnal knowledge of a juvenile, molestation of a juvenile, prohibited sexual conduct between an educator and student and improper telephone communications involving harassing language.

Johnson will be booked into the East Baton Rouge Parish Prison.

The alleged incidents occurred in Zachary and Baton Rouge.

Johnson has been placed on administrative leave. Police are still investigating.

ä See CRIME, page 2B

2B ■ Saturday, May 16, 2026 ■ theadvocate.com ■ The Advocate

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ON THE BATON ROUGE-AREA BALLOT Polls on voting day, May 16, open at 7 a.m. and close at 8 p.m.

Runoffs, if needed, will be held June 27.

For more information, go to geauxvote.com.

ASSOCIATE JUSTICE, LOUISIANA SUPREME COURT 1ST DISTRICT, REPUBLICAN PARTY

U.S. SENATOR

(runs in multiple parishes)

Nicholas “Nick” Albares Gary Crockett “Jamie” Davis

REPUBLICAN PARTY “Bill” Cassidy John Fleming Julia Letlow Mark Spencer

The Blue Bayou water park sits ready for opening day. The newly renovated park will be open this weekend and open daily starting May 23. Tickets start at $15.

BAYOU

to open the locker.

The park will have about 300 staff members spread across departments, including aquatics, food and beverage, and park services.

Moore said the park is still seeking lifeguards.

Water parks and pools across the country have struggled with hiring lifeguards in the past few years due to the pandemic hindering training opportunities and the perception that lifeguarding is solely a seasonal gig for teenagers rather than a career, according to the American Lifeguard Association.

Moore said park management offers free lifeguard training to those hired for the role, a “big perk” for young teens looking for work. To mitigate the nationwide shortage, he says management tries to treat employees as they would treat guests.

“When we’re working, we’re working, and when we’re laughing and playing, we’re laughing and playing, and we get to teach a lot of the young workforce how to do that, and that has worked very well for us for the past 20 years in Gulfport, (Mississippi),” Moore said.

Leisure Sports and Recreation also own Gulf Islands Waterpark in Gulfport and their management of Blue Bayou marks the company’s entrance into the Baton Rouge market.

Blue Bayou is set to be a regional attraction, drawing guests from Lake Charles and Alexandria, Haggerty said. The park is located off Interstate 10 at 18142 Perkins Road.

The Gulf Islands Waterpark also has a far reach, drawing from Mobile, Alabama; Pensacola, Florida; and Hattiesburg, Mississippi.

Blue Bayou can accommodate up to 4,000 people.

“It’s south Louisiana, south Mississippi, south Alabama, really giving us an opportunity to engage with families across the Gulf

AMENDMENT 1 To allow the legislature to remove or add officers, positions and employees to the unclassified state civil service system.

To grant the St. George community school system in East Baton Rouge Parish the authority to operate a school system.

AMENDMENT 3

To fund a teachers pay raise by paying down the long-term debt of the Teachers Retirement System of Louisiana.

That would be achieved by redirecting funds from three educational trust funds.

AMENDMENT 4

To allow parishes to reduce or eliminate property taxes on business inventory, but only if the sheriff, school board and parish governing authority approve. Parishes choosing to fully exempt inventory taxes could receive a one-time payment from the Revenue Stabilization Trust Fund.

AMENDMENT 5

To change the mandatory retirement age of judges from 70 to 75 years of age.

Blue Bayou water park’s new management team, from left, Gabriella Lorusso, guest services manager; Glenn Haggerty, chief development officer; Mark Moore, chief operating officer and general manager; and Alex Moore, director of revenue, stand together in front of the newly renovated park on Thursday in Baton Rouge Blue Bayou water park’s Atchafalaya Run sits ready for the park to open.

The park underwent a $1 million refurbishment over the last year and reopens Saturday.

EAST BATON ROUGE PARISH JUDGE, FAMILY COURT ELECTION SECTION 3, DIVISION A Joseph Cataldie, R Caulette “Twin” Jackson Guillard, D

Propositions FOREST HEIGHTS PARK CRIME PREVENTION AND NEIGHBORHOOD IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT To continue the $220 annual parcel fee for each residential structure within the district for 10 years, ending on Dec. 31, 2035. The governing authority may increase the parcel fee without election, but not

CRIME

Continued from page 1B

Man sought for alleged rape Coast,” Haggerty said.

Blue Bayou previously hosted artists including Blake Shelton and Panic! at the Disco, and Haggerty says he plans to have “family-focused” entertainment at the park, with specific events to be determined.

Since the pandemic, water parks across Baton Rouge have had a limited presence, closing due to challenges from Hurricane Ida and staffing issues. BRECowned Liberty Lagoon will

also make a return this summer under new management, as a part of the organization’s broader restructuring which includes privately managed aquatics.

Haggerty said the company’s two decades of experience in the Gulf Coast have prepared Blue Bayou to weather whatever obstacles may come in its future.

“This is not a short-term thing for us,” he said.

“We’ve been met with a lot of things when we opened

FIRE

Continued from page 1B century technique called “balloon framing,” where wall studs run vertically in a single piece from the foundation up to the roof — a “known issue for firefighters,” the suit states. The spaces between those studs hadn’t been fully extinguished, the suit alleges, and the Plaquemine Fire Department should have known to send hose lines to the attic, or the highest point of the structure, to douse it from above and prevent the fire from spreading.

But they didn’t, despite standard procedures and also at least two of the Nottoway Plantation employees notifying the Plaquemine Fire Department that water needed to be put in the walls from the attic. That, along

CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS

AMENDMENT 2

Continued from page 1B

STAFF FILE PHOTO By MICHAEL JOHNSON

Fire crews move a line around Nottoway Plantation on May 15, 2025, in White Castle, Louisiana. with additional failures by the department, allowed the fire to reignite and spread, the suit states.

The petition for damages also claims that at a “critical juncture,” Daigle, who is a volunteer firefighter, arrived at the scene and told

firefighters to “stand down.”

The suit claims his actions allowed the fire to rekindle.

Daigle said he has not gotten a chance to thoroughly review the petition for damages but called the claims false.

The Plaquemine Fire Department was one of several

Gulf Islands Waterpark.

Katrina hit six weeks later, and so if we can rebound from that in south Mississippi, we can manage our way through what life brings us.”

Blue Bayou will be open both days this weekend and open daily starting May 23. The park offers season passes starting at $79.99 and day tickets, which vary from $15 to $36 depending on the day, time and height of the guest. fire departments on the scene that acted in an assisting role, Daigle said. Others included White Castle, Bayou Goula, Iberville Parish, St. George, Baton Rouge and West Baton Rouge fire departments.

Plaquemine Fire Chief Darren Ramirez could not be immediately reached for comment.

One of the challenges in putting out the fire at the time was a lack of available water, and the suit claims the Parish Council’s failure to maintain an adequate water supply directly contributed to the damages.

“Water. Not enough of it,” Iberville Parish Fire Department Director Shaun Bordelon told The Advocate during the fire.

The suit alleges the only fire hydrant available was operating at less than half capacity for both water flow and water pressure. The lack

FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT NO. 6 PROPOSITION

NOTE: Races for the U.S. House of Representatives will appear on the ballot, but those votes will not be counted. The U.S. Supreme Court ruled the state’s voting map unconstitutional and Gov. Jeff Landry postponed the election, but it was too late for election officials to change the voting machines.

Party Affiliations D = Democratic R = Republican NP = No Party

DEMOCRATIC PARTY

STAFF PHOTOS By MICHAEL JOHNSON

to exceed $250 per parcel per year. Proceeds of the parcel fee, estimated at $40,260 a year, are to be used to aid in crime prevention, beautification and for the overall betterment of the district.

Police are looking for a man who allegedly raped a woman after she tried to lock herself in her daughter’s bedroom for safety, according to an arrest warrant.

Jonathan Fountain, 28, is wanted in connection with first-degree rape and other counts.

The Baton Rouge Police Special Victims Unit responded Thursday to the alleged sexual assault incident, according to the warrant.

The victim told police that from Wednesday evening of water and failure to utilize water from the Mississippi River allegedly directly contributed to the damage.

Safe Home Monitoring Inc., a home alarm company, is also included in the suit for negligence and breach of contract. It claims the alarm system failed to sense the fire and alert first responders in time.

After last year’s fire drew national media attention, the owners of Nottoway Plantation told The Advocate in February they planned to rebuild the mansion “exactly as it stood.” No insurance had been purchased on the mansion before the fire.

Prior to its destruction, Nottoway was a major tourist attraction in Iberville Parish, though one that sparked divided reactions from local residents and the descendants of enslaved Black Americans. Shortly after the

To continue the 9-year, 5-mill property tax, estimated at $351,194 a year, for 9 years ending in 2034, for the development, operation and maintenance of the fire protection facilities.

LIVINGSTON PARISH

William “Billy” Burris Blair Downing Edwards

PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION DISTRICT 1, REPUBLICAN PARTY (Runs in multiple parishes)

Wallace “Wayne” Cooper II Stephanie Hilferty “Big John” Mason Mark Wright John Young

FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT NO. 1 TAX RENEWAL To renew the 10-mill property tax, currently generating an estimated $446,679 a year, for 10 years beginning in 2027 and ending in 2036, to fund maintenance and operation of fire protection facilities, including purchasing fire trucks and other fire-fighting equipment and paying the cost of obtaining water for fire protection purposes.

POINTE COUPEE PARISH FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT 1 TAX To levy a 6.80-mill property tax, part renewal and part increase, generating an estimated $239,500 a year, for 10 years beginning in 2027 and ending in 2036, for maintenance and operation for fire protection facilities, including purchasing fire trucks and other fire-fighting equipment, paying to obtain water for fire protection purposes, including charges for fire hydrant rentals and service; and paying to acquire, improve or build fire protection facilities, provided that a portion of the tax proceeds is required to be contributed to state and statewide retirement systems. The renewal would represent a 3.29-mill increase over the 3.51 mills authorized through the year 2026.

FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT 2 TAX To levy a special 15-mill, 10year property tax, expected to generate an estimated $285,000 a year, ending in 2035, for fire protection facilities, purchasing fire trucks and other firefighting and emergency rescue equipment; paying the cost of water for fire protection purposes, provided a portion of the tax proceeds are contributed to state and statewide retirement systems.

through Thursday morning, she was sexually assaulted and knew her attacker, police said.

According to the woman, Fountain dragged her around the apartment, strangling her while she went in and out of consciousness before she was able to lock herself inside her daughter’s bedroom. Fountain broke the door down and continued assaulting the woman, according to the warrant.

Fountain then retrieved two firearms and threatened to kill the victim over fear of losing his job because of the assault, she told police. He also took her phone and keys to prevent her from leaving.

The woman was eventually able to leave with her daughter and contact law enforcement. fire, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms began assisting the Louisiana Fire Marshal in investigating the origin of the fire.

A spokesperson for the State Fire Marshal said Friday the investigation is still ongoing. Interviews with the owners, workers and witnesses, as well as results of lab tests conducted on recovered items, have so far not revealed anything suspicious about the cause of the blaze, the official said.

LOTTERY

THURSDAY, MAY 14, 2026 PICK 3: 6-6-4 PICK 4: 7-7-0-9 PICK 5: 1-5-3-6-7

Unofficial notification, keep your tickets.

The Advocate ■ theadvocate.com ■ Saturday, May 16, 2026 ■ 3B

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4B ■ Saturday, May 16, 2026 ■ theadvocate.com ■ The Advocate

Funerals Today Anderson, Virgie

Antioch Missionary Baptist Church, 2778 Billups Lane in Brusly, at noon.

Babin, Lionel

Holy Rosary Catholic Church, 44450 LA-429 in Saint Amant, at 11 a.m.

Boyd Fowler, Sadie

lll

death by his parents, Ivy, Sr., and Harriet Wyatt Creel. He is survived by his brother, Randolph "Randy" Creel and wife Sher, along with many cousins, nieces, and nephews. We miss him immensely .

Kirkpatrick, Edith Kay

Mount Carmel Baptist Church, 5262 Prescott Road at 11am.

Campbell, Theolia

STEAM Academy, 9414 Plank Road at 11am.

Garner, Linious

Mt. Pilgrim Baptist Church at 11 a.m.

Gregg Jr., William

Jefferson Baptist Church at 11 a.m.

Hart, Nancy

Church of the Highlands in Baton Rouge at 11am.

Hawkins Jr., Herbert

St. John the Baptist Church in Dorseyville at 11 a.m.

Holleman, John

Natchez City Cemetery in Natchez, MS, at 3:30 p.m.

Keller III, John

Greenoaks Funeral Home, Florida Boulevard, at 2 p.m.

9595

Peace, Lori

Charlet Funeral Home, 4230 High Street in Zachary, at 3 p.m.

Richard Jr., Randolph

St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church at 11 a.m.

Woosley, Marcelle

St. Theresa of Avila Catholic Church in Gonzales at noon.

Obituaries Bankston Jr., Clay A.

Clay A. Bankston, Jr. also known as Butch or Brother, he was resident of Amite, LA, formerly of Baton Rouge, LA. He passed away on Wednesday, May 13, 2026 at Hood Memorial Hospital in Amite, LA. He was born November 6, 1948 in Baton Rouge, LA and was 77 years of age. He loved his grandkids, animals, and Harley Davidson motorcycles. Clay was a member of Mt. Nebo Baptist Church and a proud graduate of Istrouma High School. He is survived by daughter, Ash-Leigh Bankston Garcia and husband, Omar; son, Jonathan Clay Bankston and wife, Kelly; grandchildren, Adam "A.J." Calais and fiancé, Ashlee, Ana-Grace Garcia, Grant Bankston, Carter Bankston, Easton Garcia, and Everett Bankston; 2 sisters, Mary Ann Kofron and husband, Bob, and Margaret Wascom; and numerous other family members and friends. Preceded in death by his parents, Clay A. Bankston, Sr. and Bessie Morris Bankston.

Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 10:00AM until Religious Services at 12:00 Noon on Monday, May 18, 2026. Services conducted by Rev. Randel Camardelle. Interment Bankston Cemetery, Amite, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://ww w.mckneelys.com.

Creel, Richard Lee

Richard Lee Creel, a cherished family member, recently passed away unexpectedly at 76. He left behind a legacy of love and warmth.

Born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, on March 17, 1949, Richard graduated from Baton Rouge High and LSU with a degree in accounting.

An eager golfer and avid reader, Richard traveled and worked in various cities, including Lake Tahoe, Las Vegas, New Orleans, and Houston, where he settled into a fulfilling career as an accountant in the oil and gas industry.

After retiring, Richard returned to his hometown, spending his later years in his grandparents' house, next to his brother, Randolph, and his wife, Sher.

This home became a sanctuary for him, where he enjoyed his old neighborhood, witnessed the regrowth of Baton Rouge, and reconnected with family and friends.

Known for his insightful opinions and kindness, Richard's quiet, sweet spirit will be deeply missed.

He was preceded in

A distinguished member of the Baton Rouge community who left a legacy of many accomplishments passed away on Sunday, May 10, 2026, at The Crossing at Clarity Hospice in Baton Rouge.

Edith Kay Kirkpatrick, known to family and friends as Kay, was born in Jennings, Louisiana, on July 14, 1946.

Her parents, Edith and Claude Kirkpatrick, shaped Kay's life and instilled in their daughter a powerful sense of faith, family and public service.

Kay's mother and father led her and her brothers, Tommy and Kris, by example.

Her father, Claude, was a successful businessman who served two terms in the Louisiana legislature, Director of Louisiana Department of Public Works, and was the administrator of the Baton Rouge General Hospital.

Her mother, Edith, was an accomplished musician who attended a summer session at the Julliard School of Music in New York, received a BA in music from Louisiana College and a Master of Arts and Music from LSU. She also served on the State Board of Trustees for Higher Education and the Louisiana Board of Regents.

In 1957, the Kirkpatricks were named the first "All American Family" of Louisiana.

Kay had many talents and at the age of 12 became a childhood prodigy playing a piano solo with the New Orleans Philharmonic Symphony.

When Kay was 13, the family moved to Baton Rouge where she attended Lee High School.

She was very active in high school being voted Most Likely to Succeed and Student Body Vice-President. In 1963, Kay attended Louisiana Girls' State and was asked to return as a counselor in 1964. For decades she volunteered her time to the organization and was a regular speaker for the Girls' State conventions.

She loved music but, much to her mother's chagrin, upon graduation she chose another career path.

She wanted to attend law school but at the time there were very few women in law school and most law firms were not hiring women. So, Kay pursued a Masters and then a Ph.D in Speech and Psycholinguistics which she completed in 1972.

While at LSU, Kay joined the Chi Omega sorority and became an officer. She was very active in Angel Flight, rose in the ranks of the organization, and soon became a National Commander in Angel Flight.

This led her to friendships with future astronauts and later attending a space shuttle launch.

Kay was always a renaissance woman. In addition to excelling in her studies and being a member of the ODK Chapter at LSU, she was a Campus Beauty. In her senior year at LSU, Kay went on an archaeological dig in Israel.

She also played in Intramural Sports including soccer and tennis.

After completing her Ph.D, she began to see more opportunities for women in the legal profession and decided to pursue a career in law and passed the bar in 1977.

As she explored the job market, an opportunity she never considered presented itself and she joined the office of Baton Rouge District Attorney Ossie Brown.

Kay loved the intellectual challenge and the research involved in appellate argument. She then became the person to go to state Appeals Courts and the Supreme Court on behalf of the District Attorney.

When Bryan Bush was elected in1984 he retained her in this position. And then another unexpected opportunity presented itself.

In 1988, Governor Buddy Roemer was elected and the governor's office wisely chose Kay to be the Assistant Executive Counsel to the Governor. In this position, her work expanded beyond criminal law to issues involving the environ-

ment, public finance, education and many other policy issues. Kay loved this position and especially being "in the room" when important decisions impacting citizens and government were being made.

Kay represented the governor during the legislative session. She found the hearing process tedious but it was an opportunity to hear the "cacophony" (as she put it) of constituent voices.

Kay found the process to be instructive and "endlessly fulfilling."

In her various legal positions, Kay always felt that any discussion should begin with the law and not a preconceived outcome.

So, her next job was the perfect step for her.

In 1992, newly elected Attorney General Richard Ieyoub chose her to be the Deputy Attorney General in charge of the Civil Division.

At the time, this division handled the majority of the office's work. It was in this role that she became part of the team negotiating with the U.S. Department of Justice in their suit challenging the organization and governance of the state's higher education system. They specifically challenged the existence of historically black institutions. Many changes followed this litigation.

Those changes involved cross-campus degrees and increased diversity on campuses. As a result, Kay believed that the state and the Department of Justice had an increased awareness of the value of HBCU's.

In her role, she participated in extended negotiations, again with the U. S. Justice Department on prisons and juvenile justice facilities. Additionally, on the state level, Louisiana pursued royalty cases.

She was one of the frontline negotiators and litigators in the state's case against Texaco.

"Fight for the things that you care about but do it in a way that will lead others to join you." This quote by Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg best describes Kay's style of negotiation.

Kay always spoke softly but her intellect, strength of conviction and the ability to clearly and powerfully articulate her position made her a formidable opponent - no matter who was on the other side.

Anyone who underestimated that did so at their own risk.

Kay's final position in government was as General Counsel for the University of Louisiana System.

This provided the opportunity to return to the higher education structure that was part of the earlier litigation and to be part of the state's release from the Higher Education Desegregation Settlement she helped negotiate.

In every position she held and in every organization she belonged to, Kay was revered and respected by those who worked with her and for her.

Kay Kirkpatrick was devout in her faith and her family was her greatest source of pride. She was the sparring partner for her brother Tommy, (Colonel K), also a lawyer and part of the Judge Advocate Corps for the U.S. Army. She was the diplomatic and community partner for her brother Kris, a lawyer and former chief of staff for U.S. Senator Russell Long and a partner in the Long Law Firm.

Every friend knew every accomplishment of her nieces and nephews. They all knew they could go to Aunt Kay for support in every endeavor and that she would be a confidante in all things.

Relationships were important to Kay and she maintained friendships for life. She was a kind and loyal friend who was the first to offer comfort and was willing to jump in to support her friends' causes as well. When she became friends with former LSU gymnastics' coach, DD Breaux, she immediately became a top-level sponsor, bought season tickets and, of course, involved her whole family in the sport.

Kay was a strong advocate for Title IX. She joined in the fight for better opportunities and facilities for women's sports including the LSU Gymnastics' Training Center.

Kay had diverse interests and got her recreational pilot's license before she could register to vote. True to her adventurous spirit, she loved saltwater fishing, went fly fishing in Alaska, learned to sail, and played golf.

She loved to read, attend concerts and argue about politics.

Kay was an avid LSU sports fan. She had season tickets to Football, Gymnastics and Women's Basketball.

True to her parents' philanthropic example as well as her dedication to public service, Kay created the E. Kay Kirkpatrick Endowed Superior Graduate Scholarship in Pubic Law. She was predeceased by her parents, Edith and Claude Kirkpatrick; her brothers Claude Kent Kirkpatrick and Thomas Killgore Kirkpatrick; and her niece, Sandra Karen Kirkpatrick.

She is survived by her brother, Charles Kris Kirkpatrick and wife Jane Foshee Kirkpatrick; Sandra Futrell Kirkpatrick wife of Thomas Kirkpatrick; nieces and nephews Mildred (Katie) Kirkpatrick Justice and husband Richard Todd Justice; Thomas (Kirk) Killgore Kirkpatrick, II and wife Jena Kirkpatrick; Kristopher Scott Kirkpatrick and wife Heather Dupree Kirkpatrick; Charles Stephen Kirkpatrick and wife Mary Elizabeth Buntin Kirkpatrick; great nieces and nephews, Thomas (Trey) Killgore Kirkpatrick III, Hudson Brandt Kirkpatrick, Abigail (Abby) Kay Kirkpatrick Addison and husband Daniel, Laura Jane Kirkpatrick, Virginia Ann Kirkpatrick, Kristopher Claude Kirkpatrick, Leah Elizabeth Kirkpatrick, Charles Jude Kirkpatrick, Jackson Todd Justice, Pierce Maughan, Ellis Maughan, and Quentin Maughan.

Pallbearers will be Scott Kirkpatrick, Stephen Kirkpatrick, Kirk Kirkpatrick, Trey Kirkpatrick, Hudson Kirkpatrick, Todd Justice, Kristopher Kirkpatrick, Jude Kirkpatrick, Jackson Justice, Joe Juban, Connie Koury and D-D Breaux.

Visitation will be held at Rabenhorst Funeral Home at 825 Government Street on Sunday, May 17, 2026, beginning at 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Services celebrating her life will be held at First Presbyterian Church 763 North Boulevard on Monday, May 18, 2026, with visitation from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and funeral services beginning at 11:00.

The family would like to thank Dr. Louis Minsky not only for his medical care but for the friendship and comfort he extended to Kay and the entire Kirkpatrick family; and Jill Chaney who not only made sure that Kay and her beloved cat, Bella, were comfortable but that their home needs were always provided.

In lieu of flowers, contri-

butions may be made to the Baton Rouge Symphony, the Food Bank of Greater Baton Rouge or to the charity of your choice.

Tompkins, Elmer Fayette

Elmer Fayette Tompkins, dedicated journalist, a lover of animals and a crack shot, died May 8, 2026. Fayette, as he was known, was born October 1946, in Homer 14, Louisiana, graduating from Homer High School in 1964.

He obtained B.A. degree from LSU in 1968, majoring in journalism and a Mas‐ ter’s degree in journalism from LSU in 1972. During his time at the university, he was an active member of the Reveille staff, mak‐ ing lifelong friends. He joined the State-Times in 1970, working for it and its successor The Advocate for more than 30 years.

Fayette was an enthusias‐ and award-winning tic journalist, who enjoyed writing the “Offbeat Re‐ column, usually port” about local politics and rela‐ labor-management tions. When his hearing loss affected his ability to

cover news, he shifted to editing posts. In his final years at the paper, he worked on the editorial pages. He was a grammar guru and took pride in making certain that every subject agreed with a verb and every pronoun agreed with a noun. He checked (and double-checked) the spelling of every name.

After retirement, he insti‐ the “Dinosaur tuted Lunches” for newspaper retirees. He lovingly cared for his pets – adopted dogs and stray cats. With a keen interest in guns, he en‐ joyed his time on the shooting range. Fayette was preceded in death by his parents Elmer Tomp‐ kins Sr. and Genevieve Tor‐ bet Tompkins. He is sur‐ by his cousins vived Pamela Torbet Smith and her husband Timothy E. Smith; Shannon Penix and husband Greg Penix; Scott Simpson and wife Alice, and Ashley Turley Teague and husband Kevin Teague.

A graveside service will be held Saturday, May 30 at 11 a.m. at Arlington Cemetery in Homer. Rose-Neath Fu‐ neral Home in Homer is in charge of arrangements.

For those interested in honoring Fayette with a memorial donation, they may consider the LSU Man‐ ship School of Mass Com‐ munication.

The Advocate’s Obituary Department

Memorial M i l Day D H Hours Due to the Memorial Day Holiday our office will be closed Monday, 5/25/26.

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FROM WIRE REPORTS

Tech CEOs summoned to Congress for hearing

Social media CEOs once again are being called to testify before the Senate in light of mounting legal and public pressure to protect young users on their platforms.

The leaders of Meta, Alphabet, TikTok and Snap were invited to testify next month before the Senate Judiciary Committee, a committee spokesperson confirmed Friday.

The hearing comes at an inflection point for social media as court cases, proposed legislation and increased advocacy place mounting pressure on the tech companies behind these platforms to protect children and teens who use them by making material changes to how they operate.

“Americans are realizing more and more every day that they cannot trust the CEOs at the helms of these companies because they do not put our safety first,” said Sacha Haworth, executive director of watchdog group The Tech Oversight Project. “If it feels like the pace is accelerating, it’s because it is.”

The date of the hearing has significance for advocates. In 2024, Senators Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., and Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn., introduced a resolution to designate June 23 as Social Media Harms Victim Remembrance Day. The resolution encouraged the “government, industry and community stakeholders to take action to prevent social mediarelated harm.”

India raises fuel prices during global crisis NEW DELHI — India raised fuel prices by $0.03 per liter Friday as the government moved to offset losses due to higher global oil prices.

In New Delhi, gasoline prices rose to $1.17 a liter, while diesel climbed to $1.09 a liter.

India imports about 90% of its oil and has been hit hard by rising energy prices and supply disruptions linked to the Iran war and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. It had until now avoided raising retail fuel prices despite sharp increases in energy costs, making it one of the last major economies to pass higher crude prices on to consumers.

The price increases came days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged Indians to adopt voluntary austerity measures.

Modi on Sunday called on people to work from home where possible, limit foreign travel and reduce purchases of gold. He described fuel conservation and saving foreign exchange as an act of “patriotism,” and encouraged greater use of public transportation, carpooling and lower fertilizer consumption.

Opposition leaders said Modi’s appeal came only after a key round of state elections had concluded, noting that fuel prices were kept unchanged during the campaign.

Starbucks to lay off workers, close offices Starbucks said Friday it’s laying off 300 corporate employees and closing some U.S. offices as part of its ongoing turnaround.

No coffeehouse employees are affected, the company said. The cuts will impact employees in support functions like marketing, human resources and supply chain management. No international employees are affected for now, but Starbucks said it is also reviewing its corporate structure outside the U.S. Starbucks said it’s also closing underused offices in Atlanta, Dallas, Chicago and other cities. The Seattle-based company recently announced that it’s opening a corporate office in Nashville, Tennessee, that will employ up to 2,000 people within five years.

Starbucks expects to the moves to result in $400 million in restructuring charges, including $120 million in employee separation benefits.

Starbucks has been trying to reduce costs and complexity under Chair and CEO Brian Niccol, who joined the company in 2024. Last year, the company laid off 2,000 corporate employees and closed hundreds of stores in the U.S., Canada and Europe.

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Oil prices rattle the bond market Stock markets worldwide drop from records

BY STAN CHOE

AP business writer NEW YORK — The U.S. stock market fell from its records Friday and joined a worldwide drop for stocks after higher oil prices sent a shiver through the bond market. Stocks that had been caught up in the euphoria around artificial-intelligence technology led the way lower.

The S&P 500 fell 1.2% from its all-time high set the day before.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 537 points, or 1.1%, and the Nasdaq composite sank 1.5% from its own record.

Technology stocks tumbled in a

sharp turnaround from their meteoric rises for much of the year, which had carried markets worldwide to records but also raised criticism that they had gone too far.

Nvidia, the stock that quickly became the face of the AI revolution, dropped 4.4% and was the heaviest weight on the S&P 500. It had come into the day with a gain of more than 26% for the year so far.

Micron Technology was another one of the heaviest weights on the market after falling 6.6%. It’s nevertheless still up nearly 154% for the year so far.

“To us, it looks like markets have pushed into overbought territory,” according to Brian Jacobsen, chief economic strategist at Annex Wealth Management. He said the strong corporate profits and durable U.S. economy that launched U.S. stocks to records remain intact, but

“the path is unlikely to be smooth.

Periods like this call for discipline more than hope.”

In the meantime, rising oil prices are raising the pressure after already worsening inflation by more than economists had feared. The war with Iran is continuing, and the Strait of Hormuz remains shut to oil tankers, which is preventing them from delivering crude to customers worldwide and driving up oil’s price.

The price for a barrel of Brent crude oil, the international standard, rose 3.3% to settle at $109.26 and is well above its level of roughly $70 from before the war.

Many big U.S. companies have been saying their customers have been able to keep spending on their products and services despite having to pay higher prices for gasoline. But U.S. households have also

been telling surveys they’re feeling discouraged about the economy and the pressures building on them because of the war and tariffs.

The worries were most clear Friday in the bond market, where Treasury yields climbed. The yield on the 10-year Treasury rose to 4.59% from 4.47% late Thursday. That’s a notable move for the bond market, and it’s well above its 3.97% level from before the war.

The yield on the 30-year Treasury reached 5.13% and is back to where it was in 2007, before the financial crisis sent yields crashing toward zero in the ensuing year.

Higher yields can make mortgages and other kinds of loans going to U.S. households and businesses more expensive, which slows the economy. They also tend to push downward on prices for stocks and all kinds of other investments.

Trump says China agreed to buy Boeing planes, interested in more

BY RIO YAMAT

Associated Press

Aircraft manufacturer Boeing will make its first major sale to China in nearly a decade with an order for 200 planes, President Donald Trump told reporters Friday as he flew back from his summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump said China reserved the right to buy as many as 750 Boeing aircraft as part of a deal reached during the summit. The White House did not specify the types of planes or provide any other details.

Neither the Chinese government nor Boeing issued statements confirming the purchase agreement. A Boeing spokesperson on Friday referred questions to the White House.

The deal, if finalized, would mark a significant breakthrough in a market that was once central to the U.S. aerospace company’s long-term growth.

Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg was among a large group of American CEOs who joined Trump during the president’s trip to Beijing, seeking to sell products and services to China.

Trump said the potential aircraft deal also would benefit General Electric, which he said would supply 400 to 450 engines to China. GE Aerospace Chairman and CEO H. Lawrence Culp also joined the president on his trip. The company did not immediately comment on the agreement.

While there were some hopes that the summit would result in concrete announcements of deals, the trip ended with a lot of uncertainty about what the two sides agreed on, said Bonnie Glaser, managing director of the Indo-Pacific program at the German Marshall Fund.

“I think we really have to wait until we hear numbers from Boeing or from the Chinese,” Glaser told a media briefing Friday, saying there had been little concrete information about any trade agreements from the summit, including on Chinese purchases of U.S. exports such as soybeans, liquefied natural gas and beef. “All that we have is really what the president has told the world that China has agreed to.”

Last month, Ortberg expressed confidence that any broad U.S.-China trade agreement to emerge when Trump and Xi met would be a “meaningful opportunity” for Boeing.

“President Trump has been very focused on supporting us in international campaigns, and he’s been very successful in doing that,” Ortberg told investors.

ASSOCIATED PRESS FILE PHOTO By LINDSEy WASSON

A Boeing 737 MAX airplane on the final assembly line is seen during a media tour at Boeing’s factory on April 15 in Renton, Wash.

Since Trump’s return to the White House for his second term, his administration has made Boeing a focus of its plans to revive U.S. manufacturing. A visit to the Middle East a year ago culminated in major aircraft agreements, including a Qatar Airways order for up to 210 Boeing jets in what the planemaker described at the time as its largest-ever widebody aircraft order. Saudi Arabia also placed commercial jetliner orders during the trip.

Other major Boeing agreements have followed meetings between Trump and foreign leaders. In August, Korean Air formalized a roughly $50 billion deal to buy more than 100 Boeing aircraft, spare engines and long-term maintenance services during South Korean President Lee Jae Myung’s visit to Washington.

The following month, a day after Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdo an met with Trump in Washington, Turkish Airlines said it planned to add 225 Boeing aircraft to its fleet.

In another win for Boeing, the biennial Dubai Air Show opened in November with hometown airline Emirates ordering 65 of Boeing’s upcoming 777-9 aircraft. Days later, FlyDubai, the lower-cost sister carrier of Emirates, announced it had ordered 75 additional Boeing 737 MAX aircraft.

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, roughly a third of the narrowbody airliners Boeing de-

livered went to China. But the company’s business there plummeted as U.S.-China relations soured.

China also was the first country to ground the 737 Max in 2019 after two of the then-new models crashed less than five months apart in Indonesia and Ethiopia, killing 346 people.

Chinese airlines did not resume Max flights until January 2023, much later than carriers in many other countries.

Ortberg took over as Boeing’s CEO in 2024, a calamitous year for the company. In January of that year, a panel known as a door plug blew off a 737 Max shortly after takeoff from Portland, Oregon. Boeing faced mounting financial pressure as it came under intensifying scrutiny over alleged production and quality failures.

Months later, the U.S. Justice Department revived a criminal case against Boeing tied to the two fatal Max crashes, although prosecutors later reached an agreement with Boeing to dismiss the case, committing the company to an additional $1.1 billion in fines, compensation for victims’ families and internal safety and quality improvements.

Then an eight-week strike stretching through the fall by machinists who assemble the 737 Max in Washington state disrupted production and added to the company’s financial strain.

AP finishes US restructuring with round of layoffs

BY JOCELYN NOVECK AP national writer

The Associated Press laid off an unspecified number of U.S.-based journalists on Friday, part of a restructuring announced last month that is turning the news organization’s focus away from print journalism and toward visual journalism and other revenue sources.

“This is part of the restructuring we announced last month to align our operations with what our top customers need from us today,” an AP spokesman, Patrick Maks, said in an email. He declined to give numbers or to say whether the layoffs would conclude on Friday.

“It’s never easy to part ways with valued colleagues — we are appreciative of their contribu-

tions to the AP and wish them all the best,” wrote Maks, the news outlet’s director of media relations and corporate communications.

The layoffs, which had been expected, come about a month after AP, one of the world’s oldest and most influential news organizations, offered buyouts to more than 120 journalists based in the United States. About 40 subsequently volunteered and were accepted, according to the News Media Guild, the union that represents AP journalists.

The guild said some 20 employees had been laid off by midafternoon. For those affected, Friday was their final day of work.

Tony Winton, the guild’s administrator, said the union had received an email just before 10 a.m. Friday

from an AP human resources official saying the company was planning to implement layoffs, and the last day of work was Friday. He said no other information was provided.

“Today’s cuts show just how directionless AP’s leadership has become,” said a statement from Kimberlee Kruesi, an AP reporter and the guild’s acting president. “The company touts that it is prioritizing visual journalism, yet among the 20 employees sacked today are experienced photographers.”

Julie Pace, executive editor and senior vice president of the AP, said in an interview last month that AP’s goal was to reduce its global staff by less than 5%. The company does not say how many journalists it employs.

Pace said at the time that the AP “is not in trouble.”

“We’re making these changes from a position of strength, but we’re doing so now to recognize our changing customer base,” she said.

Over the past four years, the AP’s revenue from newspapers has declined by 25%. Gannett and McClatchy, two of the largest traditional newspaper publishers, dropped AP in 2024.

AP customers now are dominated by broadcast, digital and technology companies. Kristin Heitmann, senior vice president and chief revenue officer, said last month that the company had seen a 200% growth in revenue from technology companies over the same period.

6B ■ Saturday, May 16, 2026 ■ theadvocate.com ■ The Advocate

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

ANOTHER VIEW

Trump’s allies float a specious theory about treaties Shakespeare’s Cassius asked, “Upon what meat doth this our Caesar feed that he is grown so great?” Constitutional theories are the meat that feeds today’s swollen presidency.

The “unitary executive theory” is an idea percolating in America’s political and judicial debates. Its radicalism includes insistence that the president may unilaterally withdraw the nation from treaties to which the Senate has consented.

Withdrawal from NATO has become topical because of the current president’s long-standing animosity toward the alliance. This has intensified because some NATO members have been uncooperative concerning the Iran war, George about which they were barely consulted.

Will Put aside the wisdom of leaving NATO — history’s most successful instrument of collective security — during the largest European war since NATO was created in 1949. But consider the ramifications of this additional marginalization of Congress: postulating an inherent presidential power to withdraw from even the most consequential treaties.

In “Imperial from the Beginning: The Constitution of the Original Executive,” Saikrishna Bangalore Prakash, University of Virginia law professor, writes, “While people often speak of the Senate ‘ratifying a treaty,’ the Senate can do no such thing”: “It supplies its ‘advice and consent’ only to the making of treaties, that is, it consents to the president’s ratification of them, an act that finalizes them as international contracts and the law of the land. The Senate recognized this when it passed the following resolution for the first proposed treaty: The Senate ‘do consent to the said convention, and advise the President of the United States to ratify the same.’”

But the “convention” becomes a treaty only upon Senate consent. This makes it “the supreme law of the land” (Article 6 of the Constitution). Would a president unilaterally nullifying this law, which he did not unilaterally make a law, violate his duty to “take care that the laws be faithfully executed?”

The NATO treaty’s Article 13 says that any party to the treaty can cease to be a party after giving one year’s notice of withdrawal. Could Congress in 1949 have conditioned its consent to the treaty by stipulating that no president could undertake an Article 13 withdrawal without its consent? If not, why not? And if Congress could have asserted its role then, why not now?

Curtis Bradley of the University of Chicago Law School notes that the Constitution is silent regarding withdrawals from treaties, of which there were just seven at the Founding. Today, there are thousands. Most are minor; none is as important as the NATO treaty.

Modern presidents have often unilaterally withdrawn the nation from treaties. But does practice always and forever define propriety? Through the nation’s first century, Bradley says, “no president” thought the vesting of executive power in presidents “gave them the treaty termination power.”

Then, “presidents worked with Congress to terminate treaties.”

In 2023, bipartisan congressional majorities (including Marco Rubio and 86 other senators) passed a bill that became this law: Absent a two-thirds Senate vote of concurrence (mirroring the vote to enact a treaty), or an act of Congress, “The President shall not suspend, terminate, denounce, or withdraw the United States from the North Atlantic Treaty.” How would a president justify noncompliance with this law and the unilateral abrogation of another — the treaty?

Presidents may unilaterally extend recognition to foreign governments, thereby establishing relations. Treaties, however, establish U.S. obligations. The president’s primacy in foreign policy does not entail the power to exclude Congress from involvement in implementing or renouncing these obligations.

Supporters of the unitary executive theory argue that the vesting of executive power in the president means a presidential monopoly of all power connected in any way to executive duties. John Yoo, law professor at the University of California at Berkeley, brings to his advocacy of the unitary executive theory learning that is proportionate to his tenacity. He says: “The Constitution only provides for the participation of the Senate in making the treaty; therefore, everything else regarding international agreements defaults to the president.”

But his brassy “therefore” cannot disguise a non sequitur.

He says, “Unlike with legislation, where Congress can override a presidential veto, the Senate has no power to force the president to accept a treaty that he opposes.” But there is no such thing as a treaty the Senate opposes.

Yoo says leaving NATO “would certainly be a foreignpolicy disaster.” But his theory insists that the Constitution relegates Congress to the role of spectator at the disaster.

When a theory drags its adherents into such an intellectual cul-de-sac, the theory should be relegated to the ranks of ideas that need to be reconsidered.

YOUR VIEWS

How we invest in La. must lead on early education says a lot about us childhood education Louisiana employers are absorbing a $1.3 billion annual hit. Not from regulation. Not from litigation. From a workforce that can’t show up. The reason is straightforward: Parents can’t work when they have nowhere safe to take their children.

This isn’t a family problem. It’s a business problem. And right now, it’s our problem.

Gov. Jeff Landry opened this legislative session with a clear charge: Strengthen Louisiana’s economy, remove barriers to work and build a workforce ready to meet industry’s demands.

Those are the right goals. But they cannot be achieved while we ignore the single largest barrier keeping Louisiana workers on the sideline. Louisiana already ranks near the bottom nationally in workforce participation at 58%. Business leaders across the state will tell you why: childcare. When the system breaks down, workers don’t show up. When workers don’t show up, employers absorb the cost.

When employers absorb the cost, Louisiana loses. Right now, over 116,000 children under the age of 4 lack access to quality early education programs.

Louisiana is not starting from scratch. More than two decades ago, this state led the entire South with the creation of LA-4, delivering quality pre-K to over 80% of atrisk 4-year-olds before most states had even entered the conversation.

That was a decision to compete.

The creation of the Early Childhood Education Fund signaled that Louisiana wasn’t done — that we understood the next and harder frontier was infants and toddlers, the most expensive and most undersupplied segment of the entire pipeline. That is Louisiana’s distinct advantage. And it is what this session must protect.

The data is not in dispute. The cost of inaction is not theoretical.

The only question is whether Louisiana leads or follows.

On April 19, the newspaper included an editorial about education. It was titled, “As public school enrollment shrinks, (our) state needs a strategy.” It highlighted that there are 60,000 fewer students in our Louisiana public schools than 10 years ago.

I took an interest and researched the current fastest-growing parishes in Louisiana. Livingston, Lafayette and Ascension were the top three parishes for population growth.

According to a Google review, “Lafayette Parish Schools have maintained a solid ‘B’ letter grade. Ascension and Livingston parish schools are currently holding an ‘A’ rating.” Anyone with kids and an average income in Louisiana will want to live in a parish with a strong public school system. When my friends were pregnant with their first baby, many quickly moved to Livingston because they wanted affordable housing and high-quality public schools. Many families make this sacrifice despite the inconvenience of the commute to and from work.

Back in 1991, I remember the Louisiana Lottery was touted as a way to fund K-12 public schools.

Last year, the lottery brought in $585.2 million in profit. Louisiana also received $144 million in state taxes for Exxon and $84 million in local taxes. For sports gambling, Louisiana earned $67.9 million. Of course, we are also earning millions from Caesars casino, as well as the riverboats.

Our next investments include artificial intelligence data centers in Louisiana. With all these profitable businesses, at what point are we going to seriously invest in high-quality public schools for all of our children? When is Louisiana going to become a state that pays teachers a competitive wage? Surely, Louisiana has the ability to see that quality public schools are a well-established investment for our communities and our state.

JOHN ENGQUIST Baton Rouge

Ten Commandments a learning opportunity in schools If someone insists you post the Ten Commandments in your school, here’s a suggestion.

For your upper grades, history and literature, have them research other law codes or society rules. For the lower grades, ask them to construct a plan for what they feel would be proper classroom or playground behavior.

From the Code of Hammurabi to Robert’s Rules of Order and

The Girl Scout Laws, every group of people have some recognized agreements on what people should do to have peace and good order.

(For example, don’t take things that don’t belong to you.)

Then take these and post them with the Ten Commandments.

Your students will learn something.

NANCY VAN DEN AKKER New Orleans

Comey case puts Trump hypocrisy on full display It is another disappointment that we have a president who would react, as President Donald Trump has, regarding the seashell formation that James Comey encountered on a North Carolina beach.

Hundreds, possibly thousands, of “MAGA patriots” demanded the hanging of Vice President Mike

Pence on Jan. 6, 2021. Not a vague, implied, encrypted message made of seashells, but blood-curdling demands that our vice president be hanged! What did Trump do? Release them all! Hypocrisy beyond description.

ALICE DEVALL Baton Rouge

ADELE FOSTER Mandeville

Email George Will at georgewill@washpost.com.

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LSU baseball run-ruled to lose series to Florida, Page 4C

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LSU rolls past Akron to open NCAA regional

BY JIM KLEINPETER Contributing writer

Whether it was extra preparation time or memories of last year’s stumble, the LSU softball team came out and established itself early.

Jayden Heavener struck out the side in the first inning, and her offense handed her a 3-0 lead in the bottom of the first inning on the way to an 8-0 victory ä Virginia against Akron in the Baton Tech vs: LSU Rouge Regional at Tiger NOON SATURDAy, Park Friday.

Heavener whiffed 11 in ESPN+ the game shortened to six innings by the mercy rule and the offense did the rest. Kylee Edwards had two hits and three runs batted in, including a timely two-run double three batters into their first at bat.

“It was important for us to come out, set a tone today, start the postseason on the right foot,” LSU coach Beth Torina said. “That was obvious by the lineup we wrote and the way we approached the game.

“We knew we had a quality opponent in Akron and the season they put together.

We wanted to make sure and give them our best game. We did that. Jayden started with three strikeouts in the first inning to set the tone and the offense scored early and throughout the game.”

LSU lost to last year’s No. 4 seed Southeastern in the first game and was eliminated by the Lions the next day. Tomorrow, the

ä See LSU, page 4C

STAFF FILE PHOTO By DAVID GRUNFELD

Saints wide receiver Dante Pettis, left, celebrates wide receiver Chris Olave’s touchdown in the second half of a game against the New york Jets on Dec. 21 at the Caesars Superdome.

SEASON OUTLOOK T Game-by-game predictions following Saints’ schedule release

he New Orleans Saints’ path to the playoffs is now set after the league announced the 2026

schedule Thursday.

The Saints have missed the playoffs each of the past five seasons.

The last time they made it was in Drew Brees’ final year.

The Saints are Tyler Shough’s team now, and it’ll be up to the second-year quarterback and his new weapons to lead the team back to the postseason.

It won’t take long for the Saints to get tested, as they face two of their toughest opponents right out the gate.

Can the Saints improve on last year’s 6-11 record and return to the playoffs for the first time since 2020?

STAFF PHOTO By MICHAEL JOHNSON

LSU shortstop Kylee Edwards drives the ball for a base hit against Akron in the fourth inning on Friday at Tiger Park. LSU won 8-0 and will face No. 2 Virginia Tech on Saturday.

Here are my annual (and way-tooearly) game-by-game predictions for this season.

SEPT. 13 AT DETROIT LIONS, NOON • Last meeting: Saints lost 33-28 in 2023 • Lions in 2025: 9-8, fourth in NFC North PREDICTION: The Saints start on the road for just the second time in the last eight years. The Lions took a step back last season after making the playoffs the previous two seasons, including a trip to the NFC championship game after the 2023 season.

The Saints have to deal with a loaded offense that includes QB Jared Goff, RB Jahmyr Gibbs and WRs AmonRa St. Brown and Jameson Williams.

Rod Walker Too much firepower. Lions 27, Saints 17 | Record: 0-1.

SEPT. 20 AT BALTIMORE RAVENS, NOON • Last meeting: Saints lost 27-13 in 2022 • Ravens in 2025: 8-9, second in AFC North PREDICTION: Starting the season with back-to-back road games isn’t easy.

One of the most difficult tasks in

the NFL is trying to slow down the Ravens’ tandem of QB Lamar Jackson and RB Derrick Henry. Former Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter takes over as head coach in Baltimore, replacing John Harbaugh.

The Ravens added former Saints draft pick Trey Hendrickson, so an always-tough defense should be even better. The Ravens lead series 6-2 and will stretch that lead even more. Ravens 27, Saints 17 | Record: 0-2.

SEPT. 27 VS. LAS VEGAS RAIDERS, 3:25 P.M. • Last meeting: Saints lost 25-10 in 2024 • Raiders in 2025: 3-14, fourth in AFC West

ä See WALKER, page 3C

Preakness has everything but Kentucky Derby winner

BY STEPHEN WHYNO

Associated Press

Except for the Kentucky Derby winner going for the Triple Crown, the 151st running of the Preakness Stakes has a little bit of everything.

The Preakness features a venue change to a 115-year-old track that has never hosted the event, a field of some of the best 3-yearold colts in the country and a couple of

ä 151st Preakness Stakes

Golden Tempo two weeks after his thrilling its traditional home next year, mid-conlast-to-first charge in the Derby, there is — struction, with the full Pimlico back in 2028. just like that day — no obvious horse to beat.

Many of the top trainers have limited Six horses opened at odds of 8-1 or shorter. experience at Laurel, which will host the chances to make horse racing history.

Preakness at the same 1 3/16-mile length.

“This is a great race,” Maryland Jockey One and done at Laurel Park “I’ve run horses there sparingly,” said Club president and general manager Bill The second leg of the Triple Crown moved Chad Brown, who has the slight morning Knauf said. “It’s 14 horses: a great betting down the road to Laurel Park for a one-time line favorite, Iron Honor. “The change for race. Incredibly hard handicapping race. performance while Pimlico Race Course in this year isn’t going to stop me from going And you don’t always have those.”

Baltimore is rebuilt from the ground up. ä See PREAKNESS, page 2C After Cherie DeVaux decided not to enter The plan is for the Preakness to return to POST TIME: 6:01 P.M. SATURDAy, NBC

LEARN MORE

Chris Stanfield LSU Baseball, Outfielder

2C ■ Saturday, May 16, 2026 ■ theadvocate.com ■ The Advocate

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BROADCAST HIGHLIGHTS On TV

AUTO RACING 7:30 a.m. NTT IndyCar Series practice FS2 9:30 a.m. GP of Catalunya Sprint Race FS2 10 a.m. NTT IndyCar Series qualifying FS2 11 a.m. NASCAR Cup Series qualifying FS1 1 p.m.

NTT IndyCar Series qualifying FS1 3 p.m.

O’Reilly Series: BetRivers 200 CW 3 p.m.

NTT IndyCar Series qualifying Fox 6 p.m.

ARCA: Owens Corning 200 FS1 COLLEGE BASEBALL 11 a.m. Georgia Tech at Boston College ACCN 11 a.m. Mississippi St. at Texas A&M SECN 2 p.m.

Wake Forest at Duke ACCN 2 p.m.

UCLA at Washington BTN 2 p.m.

Ole Miss at Alabama SECN 5 p.m.

Southern Cal at Oregon BTN MEN’S COLLEGE LACROSSE 11 a.m. Johns Hopkins vs. Notre Dame ESPNU 1:30 p.m. Syracuse vs. North Carolina ESPNU COLLEGE SOFTBALL REGIONALS Noon Wisconsin at Texas ESPN 2 p.m.

TBD, Regional — Game 2 ESPN 4 p.m.

TBD, Regional — Game 2 ESPN

6 p.m.

6 p.m.

7 p.m.

8 p.m.

9 p.m.

10 p.m.

TBD, Regional — Game 2 ACCN TBD, Regional — Game 2 ESPN2 TBD, Regional — Game 2 ESPN TBD, Regional — Game 2 ESPN2 TBD, Regional — Game 2 ESPN TBD, Regional — Game 2 ESPN2 COLLEGE TRACK AND FIELD 5 p.m.

SEC Tournament Championship SECN CYCLING 6 a.m.

UCI: Giro d’Italia, Stage 8 TRUTV 5 a.m. (Sun.) UCI: Giro d’Italia, Stage 9 TRUTV FISHING 7 a.m.

Bassmaster Elite Series FS1 11 a.m. Bassmaster Elite Series Fox GOLF 7 a.m.

Amundi German Masters Golf 9 a.m.

PGA Championship ESPN Noon PGA Championship CBS 2 p.m.

LPGA: Kroger Queen City Champ. Golf HORSE RACING Noon Preakness Stakes Prep Races NBCSN 1 p.m.

America’s Day at the Races FS2 3 p.m.

151st Preakness Stakes NBC 7 p.m.

America’s Day at the Races FS2

IN BRIEF

FROM STAFF AND WIRE REPORTS

MEN’S IIHF HOCKEY 9 a.m.

Italy vs. Canada NHLN 1 p.m.

Switzerland vs. Latvia NHLN 5 a.m. (Sun.) Great Britain vs. U.S. NHLN MLB 3:05 p.m. Baltimore at Washington FS1 6:15 p.m. N.y. yankees at N.y. Mets Fox 8:38 p.m. L.A. Dodgers at L.A. Angels MLBN NHL PLAYOFFS 7 p.m.

Buffalo at Montreal, Game 6 ABC MEN’S SOCCER 6:25 a.m. Heart of Midlothian at Celtic CBSSN 8:55 p.m. Chelsea vs. Manchester City ESPN2 5 p.m.

Charleston at Richmond CBSSN 8 p.m.

LA Galaxy at Seattle FS1 WOMEN’S SOCCER 5:30 p.m. Chicago at North Carolina ION 7:45 p.m. Orlando at Denver ION TENNIS 10 a.m. Rome-WTA Tennis 5 a.m. (Sun.) Rome-ATP/WTA Tennis UFL 11 a.m. DC at Louisville ABC 2 p.m.

Houston at St. Louis ABC

Orioles IF Westburg has surgery, will miss season

WASHINGTON — Baltimore Orioles infielder Jordan Westburg had Tommy John surgery on his injured right elbow on Wednesday and will miss the rest of the season.

“Pretty normal Tommy John surgery,” general manager Mike Elias said Friday. “Obviously this will put him out for the rest of the year. I think it’s too early to put a specific timeline on something like this, but him being back as a full player in the early part of 2027 is very much in play.”

Westburg, an All-Star in 2024, had a partial tear of his ulnar collateral ligament. He received a platelet-rich plasma injection in February and had hoped to return this season. Westburg was limited to 85 games last year because of injuries.

Ruud defeats Darderi in Italian Open semifinal

ROME — Casper Ruud maintained his focus during a nearly two-hour rain delay to rout home player Luciano Darderi 6-1, 6-1 and reach the Italian Open final for the first time on Friday.

The match was suspended with Ruud leading 4-1 in the first set.

In Sunday’s final on the red clay of the Foro Italico, Ruud will face top-ranked Jannik Sinner or former No. 1 Daniil Medvedev.

Sinner led Medvedev 6-2, 5-7, 4-2 when their semifinal was suspended due to rain. The match will resume on Saturday.

Coco Gauff will play Elina Svitolina in the women’s final on Saturday.

Rome is the last big warmup before the French Open starts in nine days.

Spurlock makes NASCAR history, crashes in race

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By CAROLyN KASTER

Chris Gotterup lines up his ball on Friday during the second round of the PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club in Newtown Square, Pa.

Smalley, McNealy share PGA lead

BY DOUG FERGUSON Associated Press

NEWTOWN SQUARE, Pa. — Not many players imagined Aronimink Golf Club and its wild, wavy greens would be so tough on scoring at the PGA Championship. Even fewer would have predicted Alex Smalley and Maverick McNealy to be atop the leaderboard Friday.

What to expect the rest of the weekend? Pretty much anything.

“Anyone who makes the cut, they’ve got to feel they have a shot in the tournament,” said Rory McIlroy, who found himself only five shots behind with 29 players — including Scottie Scheffler and six other major champions — ahead of him.

Two long days at Aronimink produced the highest 36-hole score to par to lead the PGA Championship in 14 years. The 15 players separated by two shots made it the biggest logjam going into a weekend

at a major since 2002.

The difference between first and worst among 82 players who made the cut was only eight shots, unusually tight for any tournament, much less a major.

Smalley, in only his fifth major championship, overcame three straight bogeys after making the turn and closed with a birdie for a 1-under 69. McNealy, who has never been among the top 25 in any major through 36 holes, fell back with a pair of late bogeys in his round of 67.

They were at 4-under 136, the highest 36-hole score to par for co-leaders in the PGA since 2012 at Kiawah Island.

Chasing them? It’s a long list.

Hideki Matsuyama, the 2021 Masters champion, and world No. 10 Chris Gotterup were among those one shot behind. They were followed by Scheffler, two-time PGA champion Justin Thomas and Cameron Young, who has won

The Players Championship and at Doral the last two months.

Jon Rahm and Ludvig Aberg.

Patrick Reed and Patrick Cantlay.

And on it goes.

“A bunched leaderboard like this, I think it’s a sign of not a great setup,” McIlroy said after a 67. “It’s easy to make a ton of pars, hard to make birdies, and ... it feels like bogey is the worst score you’re going to shoot on any one hole.”

It was tough to hit shots close.

And then it was tough to get long putts close.

“This is the hardest set of pin locations that I’ve seen since I’ve been on tour,” Scheffler said after salvaging a 71. “And that includes U.S. Opens. That includes Oakmont.”

McNealy became the only player to reach 6 under at any point this week. He holed a bunker shot for eagle on the par-5 16th and remarked to his brother and cad-

PREAKNESS

“Maybe there’s another star that’s going to emerge from this race.”

Continued from page 1C and kind of seeing what happens.”

Tactically, the stretch run at Laurel is shorter than many tracks. The finish line comes 1,089 feet after the final turn, compared to 1,152 feet at Pimlico and 1,234 feet at Churchill Downs. It could be an edge for hometown horse Taj Mahal, who is unbeaten in all three of his races on the dirt course there.

“I’d like to think it’s beneficial that he’s had a good two-turn run over it,” trainer Brittany Russell said. “That’s definitely in our favor.”

Chances at history

CHAD BROWN, Horse trainer “At an unrecognized racetrack and race meet, he is indeed a winner,” trainer Whit Beckman said.

“He knows how to put his head across the line first.”

What to watch

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By JULIA DEMAREE NIKHINSON

Horses work out at sunrise ahead of the 102nd running of the BlackDeVaux two weeks ago became Eyed Susan horse race on Friday at Laurel Park in Laurel, Md. The 151st the first woman to train a Ken- Preakness Stakes will run at the track Saturday evening.

tucky Derby winner, following Jena Antonnuci’s 2023 Belmont victory with Archangelo, Russell has the chance to complete the Triple Crown sweep in the Preakness.

In the aftermath of losing a horse to a cardiac event following his debut race Friday, Russell is saddling Taj Mahal in the Preakness at her home track, where she started her business eight years ago and is stabled full time. Husband Sheldon is the jockey.

die, Scout, that he was amazed and how well he was playing. And then he added three birdies over his next five holes until some mistakes caught up with him, as they did just about everyone.

“This is unfamiliar territory for me,” McNealy said.

Gotterup and Matsuyama had the toughest time by playing in the morning, when the temperatures barely cracked 50 degrees and the wind was ripping. Gotterup, who played college golf at just up the New Jersey Turnpike at Rutgers, had enough Jersey toughness to handle it just fine, and he poured it on at the end with three straight birdies for a 65, the low round of his championship.

“Today would definitely be one of those days where I would be on the couch and I would be like, ‘How did he hit it there?’ and ‘How did he do this?’ And then you’re out there, and it just feels like it’s impossible,” Gotterup said.

“We’re just trying to keep it pretty simple,” said Sheldon Russell, who’s set to take part in his fourth Preakness. “We both do our homework. We watch replays together. It’s nice because I know him. That’s a huge advantage, I would say. I’m happy, and I’m happy it’s one of Brittany’s horses that we get to have a ride in the race with.”

Ocelli is one of three Derby horses in the field, coming off

finishing third as a 70-1 long shot, and could accomplish something not done in more than a century: No horse has broken his maiden — picked up his first win — in the Preakness since 1888.

Looking to join 19th-century champions like Refund, Saunterer, Cloverbrook, Shirley and Culpepper, Ocelli is 0 for 7 but he did win a 2-furlong trial race in Aiken, South Carolina, that doesn’t count on his record.

With a capacity of just 4,800 at Laurel Park, tickets are hard to come by this year. The Preakness is set to air on NBC and Peacock, with post time scheduled for 6:01 p.m.

Brown, who has won the Preakness twice, pointed out that the $2 million race, even without the Derby winner, carries great importance in the sport, for the rest of this year and beyond. While Golden Tempo has the spotlight now, the Preakness could bring a rival to challenge him.

“Maybe there’s another star that’s going to emerge from this race and perhaps we’ll be looking back at the Preakness in a few months saying, ‘Wow, this was the start of this particular horse’s campaign that ended up being one of the top horses,’ ” Brown said.

“Just not sure that’s not clear yet until we run the race.”

DOVER, Del. — Dystany Spurlock became the first Black woman to compete in one of NASCAR’s three national series, crashing on lap 39 in her debut in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series at Dover Motor Speedway on Friday.

Spurlock, 34, drove the No. 69 MBM Motorsports Ford at the track in Delaware. Her truck became loose while coming around a turn and she tried to save it before crashing into the outside wall, which ended her race.

She finished 36th.

Spurlock made her stock car racing debut in March, finishing seventh in the ARCA Menards Series East — one of NASCAR’s developmental series — while driving the No. 66 MBM Ford at Hickory Motor Speedway in North Carolina.

Ko, Doherty share lead in Cincinnati; Korda 3 back

CINCINNATI — Jin Young Ko and Amanda Doherty each shot 4-under 66 on Friday to share the second-round lead in the Kroger Queen City Championship, with Nelly Korda three shots back in her bid for a third straight victory.

Korda had two late birdies for a 67 at Maketewah Country Club.

She won the Chevron Championship for her third major, then followed with a victory in Mexico before taking last week off.

Ko had a bogey-free round in the morning to reach 7-under 133 on the first-year venue. The 30-yearold South Korean player has 15 LPGA Tour victories, winning two majors in 2019.

Doherty had five birdies and a bogey, closing with a birdie on the par-3 18th.

Woodson Jr. commits to play at Michigan in 2027

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Charles Woodson Jr. has committed to play college football at Michigan, which is where his dad won the Heisman Trophy in 1997.

The defensive back is headed to Ann Arbor, where he’ll play under first-year coach Kyle Whittingham. The 5-foot-11, 170-pound rising senior will be part of the 2027 class.

Woodson picked the Wolverines over several other schools, including Florida State, Ole Miss, Texas A&M, Iowa State and Kentucky, according to ESPN. The elder Woodson is one of the all-time great college football defensive backs, starring for Michigan from 1995-97. He led the Wolverines to the national title in 1997 and became the first primarily defensive player to win the Heisman.

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NFL

The Advocate ■ theadvocate.com ■ Saturday, May 16, 2026 ■ 3C

Chiefs’ prime-time games not tied to QB Mahomes’ recovery

BY JOSH DUBOW

AP pro football writer

Saints safety Steve Gleason blocks a punt by Falcons punter Michael Koenen in the opening drive of the Saints’ return to the Superdome on Sept. 25, 2006, following Hurricane Katrina. The NFL will recognize the 20th anniversary of the Saints’ homecoming on Oct. 5 with a Monday Night Football broadcast. STAFF FILE PHOTO By MICHAEL DEMOCKER, STAFF ILLUSTRATION

NFL exec explains why ‘Domecoming’ tribute isn’t on anniversary

BY MATTHEW PARAS Staff writer

“Fans remember that moment, the electricity, the excitement.

“If we were a week early or close to the day or a week later, we weren’t going to throw away our best schedule just by being off a couple of days.”

North said the NFL has to be mindful of other events in the region, though he noted he didn’t have the stadium’s availability memorized. The NFL opted to have the Philadelphia Eagles play the Chicago Bears on “Monday Night Football” in Week 3.

Still, North said having the Saints take the Falcons on in prime time was a priority for the league — starting at the very top.

“It was, and it’s really to the commissioner’s credit, it was, ‘We’re gonna play Falcons at Saints on Monday night this year. Fit it in that kind of 3-week window,” North said, referring to commissioner Roger Goodell. “It wasn’t a requirement it had to land in a special week, but it was a requirement straight from the boss that it landed on our schedule.”

The NFL recognized the 20th anniversary of the New Orleans Saints’ first game back in the Superdome after Hurricane Katrina by scheduling the black and gold against the Atlanta Falcons in prime time on “Monday Night Football.”

But in an odd twist, the game will be 10 days removed from the actual “Domecoming” date: Steve Gleason’s famous blocked punt against the Falcons took place on Sept. 25, 2006. And the Saints won’t play the Falcons this year until Oct. 5 — in Week 4 of the NFL season, even though New Orleans has a home game in Week 3.

Why the delay?

According to an NFL executive, the league wanted to make sure the game had its moment, but was flexible with the date as long as it was close enough.

“Relative to the exact date of the anniversary, honestly, we figured if we were within a couple of weeks, we were in good shape,” said Mike North, the NFL vice Email Matthew Paras at matt. president of broadcast planning. paras@theadvocate.com

WALKER

Continued from page 1C PREDICTION: The Saints are 5-2 in their last seven home openers. In this one, they’ll face either the No. 1 overall draft pick (QB Fernando Mendoza) or veteran Kirk Cousins.

They’ll also have to contend with Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty. The Raiders revamped their linebackers corps in free agency.

Surprisingly, the Saints have lost three of their last four games against the Raiders. They’ll get a win this time, their first of the season. Saints 27, Raiders 13. | Record: 1-2.

OCT. 5 (MONDAY) VS. ATLANTA FALCONS, 7:15 p.m.

• Last meeting in New Orleans: Saints lost 24-10 in 2025 • Falcons in 2025: 8-9, third in NFC South PREDICTION: The Saints get a prime-time game this season after not having one in 2025. The Saints have lost their last five prime-time games. They should have plenty of motivation for this one after getting swept by the Falcons last season. It was the first time that had happened since the 2016 season.

The Falcons quarterback situation is still up in the air with Michael Penix and Tua Tagovailoa vying for the job. Running back Bijan Robinson is the early favorite in Vegas to win Offensive Player of the Year, so slowing him down is a must. The Dome on a Monday night should be rocking. Saints 23, Falcons 17 | Record: 2-2.

OCT. 11 VS. MINNESOTA VIKINGS, NOON • Last meeting: Saints lost 27-19 in 2023 • Vikings in 2025: 9-8, third in NFC North PREDICTION: Kyler Murray, who spent his first seven seasons with the Arizona Cardinals, signed with the Vikings in March. He gets to team up with one of the NFL’s best receivers in former Destrehan High and LSU star Justin Jefferson. The Saints defense did a solid job of keeping Murray in check last year

The NFL’s decision to put the Kansas City Chiefs in primetime windows the first two weeks of the season wasn’t meant to be a hint on how fast Patrick Mahomes will recover from knee surgery.

Mahomes tore the ACL and LCL in his left knee on Dec. 14 and has said his goal is to be back in time for Week 1 of the season. The Chiefs host the Denver Broncos on “Monday Night Football” to open the season on Sept. 14 and then play Indianapolis at home on Sunday night in Week 2.

“We didn’t know anything more than anyone else,” NFL executive Hans Schroeder said Friday.

Coach Andy Reid said on NFL Network on Friday that the NFL didn’t talk to him about Mahomes’ status, but is encouraged by what he has seen so far early in the offseason program.

Schroeder said he was “excited” about Reid’s comments and said that the Chiefs remained a popular team among the broadcasters as evidenced by their six primetime games, including a Thanksgiving night showdown against Buffalo that is typically one of the most-anticipated matchups of the season.

Kansas City, which went 6-11 and missed the playoffs last season after making three straight Super Bowl trips, also has five additional games slotted in the high-profile late afternoon Sunday doubleheader window.

More Wednesday openers With Labor Day falling later this year and the NFL wanting to play a Week 1 game in Australia, the opener was moved to a Wednesday for the second time in league history.

That might not be a one-off.

The league announced a new deal with Netflix through 2029 that guarantees the streamer a Week 1 game in addition to the traditional opening game on NBC for the defending Super Bowl champion.

Schroeder said that could lead to a Wednesday start to the season again.

The 2026 season opens on Wednesday, Sept. 9, with Seattle hosting New England on NBC, followed by a game on Netflix the

(five sacks, 163 yards passing), de- tested, but they pass the test. Saints spite losing to Arizona in the opener. 19, Browns 16. | Record: 5-3.

The Saints lost their last two games NOV. 15 VS. CAROLINA PANTHERS, NOON against the Vikings, but snap that • Last meeting in New Orleans: Saints skid. Saints 30,Vikings 20 | Record: 3-2. won 20-17 in 2025 • Panthers in 2025: 8-9, first in NFC OCT. 18 AT NEW YORK GIANTS, NOON •Lastmeeting: Saints won 26-14 in 2025 South PREDICTION: The Panthers won the • Giants in 2025: 4-13, fourth in NFC South last season for the first NFC East PREDICTION: Two of the top quar- time since 2015. QB Bryce Young terbacks in the 2025 draft (Tyler had his best season since being the Shough and Jaxson Dart) go head- No. 1 overall draft pick in 2023. to-head for the first time. Dart Wide receiver Tet McMillan was played in last year’s game against named Offensive Rookie of the the Saints, but Shough was still a Year, finishing ahead of secondbackup to Spencer Rattler at the place Shough. The Saints have sent time. Dart threw for 202 yards the Panthers home with an L the and two TDs (and two INTs). The last three times they came to New Giants signed ex-Tulane WR Dar- Orleans. Make it four. Saints 21, Pannell Mooney in free agency to go thers 20 | Record: 6-3. alongside former LSU star Malik NOV. 22 AT CHICAGO BEARS, NOON Nabers. Round 1 goes to Shough.

• Last meeting: Saints lost 26-14 in Saints 21, Giants 20 | Record: 4-2.

2025 • Bears in 2025: 11-6, first in NFC OCT. 25 VS. PITTSBURGH STEELERS (IN North PARIS), 8:30 A.M. PREDICTION: This very well • Last meeting: Saints lost 20-10 in could be the toughest game on 2022 • Steelers in 2025: 10-7, first in AFC the Saints’ schedule. The Bears reached the divisional round of North PREDICTION: The Saints take the the playoffs and came close to long trip across the pond to take reaching the NFC championship on one of the league’s most storied game. Much like last season, franchises. It’s designated as a Bears defensive coordinator and Saints home game, but it could feel former Saints head coach Dennis like a neutral site with the Steel- Allen will have his unit locked in. ers’ large fan base. The Saints are Bears QB Caleb Williams showed 2-1 in international games, with all during the playoffs just how danthree of those being played in Lon- gerous he can be. This begins a don. Slight edge to the Steelers if tough stretch. Bears 27, Saints 16 | Aaron Rodgers returns for another Record: 6-4. year. If it’s Mason Rudolph at QB, NOV. 29 AT CINCINNATI BENGALS, NOON this one flips the other way. Steelers • Last meeting: Saints lost 30-26 in 23, Saints 20 | Record: 4-3.

2022 • Bengals in 2025: 6-11, third in AFC NOV. 1 (BYE WEEK) North PREDICTION: Joe Burrow and NOV. 8 VS. CLEVELAND BROWNS, NOON •Lastmeeting: Saints won 35-14 in 2024 Ja’Marr Chase play the Saints • Browns in 2025: 5-12, fourth in AFC for the second time in their stellar careers. Burrow threw for North PREDICTION: Will it be Shedeur 300 yards, including a late touchSanders or Deshaun Watson hold- down to Chase, in the win over the ing the keys to the Cleveland of- Saints four years ago in the Dome. fense that was one of the worst The Saints’ secondary will surely in the league last season? The de- get tested with Chase and Tee fense is led by two-time Defensive Higgins. The Bengals beefed up Player of the Year Myles Garrett. their D-line this offseason. Bengals The Saints’ offensive line will be 30, Saints 20 | Record: 6-5.

ASSOCIATED PRESS FILE PHOTO By CHARLIE RIEDEL

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes looks to pass during the first half on Dec. 14 against the Los Angeles Chargers in Kansas City, Mo. next night in the United States between the Los Angeles Rams and San Francisco 49ers. That game will kick off on Friday morning in Australia.

The NFL played an international game in Week 1 on a Friday night the previous two seasons but can’t play again on Friday night in Week 1 until 2029 because of the Sports Broadcasting Act of 1961, which prohibits the league from televising games on Friday night starting with the second Friday of September.

The Friday of Week 1 will be on the second Friday of September again in both 2027 and 2028.

The only other time before this season that the first game of the NFL season was played on a Wednesday came in 2012 when the Dallas Cowboys visited the New York Giants. The game was moved from its usual Thursday spot that year because President Barack Obama was set to speak that night at the Democratic National Convention.

Travel mitigation The opening game in Australia gave a heavy load in terms of travel to both the 49ers and Rams.

San Francisco will set a record this season with about 38,000 miles traveled thanks to the farflung opener and a “home” game in Mexico City in Week 11 against

DEC. 6 VS. GREEN BAY PACKERS, NOON • Last meeting: Saints lost 34-0 in 2024 • Packers in 2025: 9-7-1, second in NFC North PREDICTION: Jordan Love and the Packers have won their last two games against the Saints, both at Lambeau Field. Three years ago, the Saints were unable to hold on to a 17-0 lead. And two years ago, it was just a whipping from start to finish. The Saints keep it close this time, but the Packers run their winning streak against Saints to three in a row. Packers 26, Saints 21 | Record: 6-6.

DEC. 13 AT CAROLINA PANTHERS, NOON • Last meeting in Charlotte: Saints won 17-7 in 2025 • Panthers in 2025: 8-9, first in NFC South PREDICTION: Tyler Shough’s first victory as a starter came last season in Charlotte. Now he looks to improve to 2-0 at Bank of America Stadium.

The Saints swept the Panthers last season. Assuming my prediction is right for the first meeting this season, this is their chance to sweep them again. The two teams have alternated wins and losses the last four meetings in Charlotte, but Saints end that trend and sweep again. Saints 20, Panthers 17 | Record: 7-6.

Minnesota. Los Angeles is close behind with about 35,000 miles traveled this upcoming season.

The two teams will return home on Friday Sept. 11, giving them a little extra time before playing Week 2. The Rams get an extra day because they will host a Monday night game against the New York Giants before back-to-back road games at Denver and Philadelphia.

Niners coach Kyle Shanahan publicly complained about the heavy travel at the league meetings earlier this offseason and general manager John Lynch said the NFL would make some considerations for them.

San Francisco will play three straight home games following the Week 1 trip and won’t leave the Pacific Time Zone again until a trip to Atlanta in Week 7. The Niners also avoided having games on either Thanksgiving or Christmas after playing on both holidays in 2023.

“I’m sure wave a magic wand, they would move a game or two on their schedule,” NFL VP of NFL broadcast planning Mike North said. “But I assume the same is true for the other 31 teams as well. We were sensitive, we were cognizant, and think we landed in a fair place, not just for the Niners and the Rams, but hopefully for everybody.”

NFC West PREDICTION: The Cardinals came to the Dome last season and gave the Saints their first season-opening loss since 2018. The Saints had a chance late, but Juwan Johnson wasn’t quite able to hold on to what would have been a late touchdown. Jacoby Brissett is the likely starting QB unless Gardner Minshew or Carson Beck wins the job. The Saints have to slow down rookie Jeremiyah Love, a running back whom Saints fans coveted in the draft. Saints 24, Cardinals 13 | Record: 8-7.

JAN. 3 AT ATLANTA FALCONS, NOON • Last meeting in Atlanta: Saints lost 19-17 in 2025 • Falcons in 2025: 8-9, third in NFC South PREDICTION: The Saints have lost their last three games at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Both of the last two games were decided by two points (19-17 last year and 26-24 the year before that). Saints linebacker Kaden Elliss returns to face the team he played with for the past three seasons after playing his first four years in New Orleans. Falcons 28, Saints 23 | Record: 8-8.

JAN. 10 VS. TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS, NOON • Last meeting in New Orleans: Saints DEC. 20 AT TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS, lost 23-3 in 2025 • Buccaneers in 2025: 8-9, second in NOON • Last meeting in Tampa: Saints won 24- NFC South PREDICTION: The Saints have lost 20 in 2025 • Bucs in 2025: 8-9, second in NFC the last four games in the Dome against the Bucs. The last home South PREDICTION: Raymond James Sta- win against Tampa Bay was the dium has been pretty good to the Halloween game in 2021 when Saints over the years. The Saints are Jameis Winston injured his knee.

6-2 in their last eight games there. The Bucs saw their streak of four Baker Mayfield returns at quarter- consecutive NFC South titles come back, but he’ll no longer have Mike to an end last season. The NFC Evans (now with the 49ers) to throw South typically comes down to the to. But there are still plenty of weap- last week of the season, and this ons and the defense added former year won’t be any different. There Saints’ LB Alex Anzalone and rookie likely will be scoreboard-watching edge rusher Rueben Bain. Slight on this day to see what’s going on edge to the home team. Bucs 20, Saints between the Falcons and Panthers in their regular-season finale. The 17 | Record: 7-7.

Saints end their home woes against DEC. 27 VS.ARIZONA CARDINALS, NOON Bucs, secure their first winning • Last meeting: Saints lost 20-13 in season since 2023 and squeeze into the playoffs. Saints 17, Bucs 14 2025 • Cardinals in 2025: 3-14, fourth in | Record: 9-8.

4C ■ Saturday, May 16, 2026 ■ theadvocate.com ■ The Advocate

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Auburn ends LSU’s season in women’s tennis

Staff report

FILE PHOTO By PATRICK DENNIS

LSU freshman pitcher Marcos Paz pitches in relief in the eighth inning against Texas A&M on April 18 at Alex Box Stadium.

LSU suffers mercy rule loss to Florida Freshman RHP Paz struggles in start

BY KOKI RILEY Staff writer

Marcos Paz was looking for a bounce-back.

Last weekend was not what the LSU freshman right-handed starter had hoped for, allowing seven earned runs and failing to escape the second inning against Georgia. It was a step back after a promising outing two weeks ago against South Carolina when he surrendered just one run in five innings.

But on Friday night against Florida (36-18, 17-12 SEC), Paz didn’t get the step forward he was looking for. He allowed seven earned runs again in 41/ 3 innings as the Gators dominated LSU in an 11-1 victory in seven innings at Alex Box Stadium. “(He’s) playing against good teams,” LSU coach Jay Johnson said. “The stuff was good.”

Paz allowed two runs in the first inning and three in the second, including a 496-foot home run that gave Florida a 5-0 lead. He never found his command, walking four batters, hitting another and throwing just 53 of his 99 pitches for

strikes.

The exclamation point for the Gators came in the fifth inning, when Paz allowed a two-run homer off the batter’s eye in center field, stretching Florida’s advantage to 7-1. Friday was the fifth consecutive game in which LSU (29-26, 9-20) allowed at least 10 runs.

“We need to get some development going,” Johnson said. “That’s why I wanted him to go back out and face three hitters (in the fifth).”

Despite Johnson stating on Thursday that sophomore righthander Casan Evans wouldn’t pitch this weekend, Evans entered the game in the sixth inning on Friday and tossed a scoreless sixth inning before allowing a three-run homer in the seventh that gave Florida a 10-1 lead.

The Gators then won the game on the 10-run mercy rule after first baseman Landon Stripling’s solo homer off of freshman righthander Zion Theophilus and a scoreless bottom of the seventh for LSU. Evans and sophomore righthanded starter William Schmidt didn’t pitch in Thursday’s series opener so that both pitchers would be rested for LSU’s first game at the SEC Tournament on Tuesday.

“It was always the plan to have (Evans) throw tonight around 40 pitches, two innings,” Johnson said. “I think what I was getting at is we weren’t going to start him.”

While Paz struggled, LSU’s offense didn’t fare any better against Florida right-handed starter Liam Peterson. In a complete game performance, Peterson struck out 11 batters and allowed just three hits.

His fastball was still up to 99 mph by the sixth inning, and he threw a devastating slider throughout the night.

“He could’ve gotten outs in Yankee Stadium tonight,” Johnson said. “So I won’t take anything away from that.”

Junior Steven Milam’s home run in the fourth was the Tigers’ only extra-base hit off the future firstround pick. Freshman Jack Ruckert and sophomore Derek Curiel had their other two hits.

“Tip my cap to (Peterson), he’s going to be a first-rounder and a big leaguer,” Milam said. “But at the end of the day, that’s who you’ve got to beat if you want to be successful in this game.”

LSU and Florida finish their series and their regular seasons on Saturday at Alex Box Stadium.

First pitch is set for 2 p.m., and the game will be available to stream on SEC Network+.

Anderson, Eyanson shining in pro baseball

BY KOKI RILEY

Anthony Eyanson

start in his professional career, posting a 2.16 ERA with 20 strikeEyanson has been an early-sea- outs in 162/ 3 innings in Single-A. Control is still an issue since he Tough times have hit LSU on the son star in the Boston Red Sox mound in 2026, but it was just a minor league system. He posted a arrived in the Boston Red Sox orseason ago that the Tigers had one 0.44 ERA over five starts in High-A ganization. He’s walked 12 batters, of the best pitching staffs in all of before being promoted to Double- including five in one game. But college baseball, led by Kade An- A last week, allowing one earned Mayers is holding hitters to a .179 run in four innings in his first start batting average, and he hasn’t surderson and Anthony Eyanson.

The Tigers’ struggles this year for the Portland SeaDogs. rendered a home run. The swingHis velocity is up from where it and-miss stuff out of the bullpen is make their triumphs last year feel like they happened a decade ago. was at LSU, and that, in turn, has very much present.

But under pitching coach Nate helped him become a top prospect Yeskie’s tutelage, LSU won the in the Red Sox’s system. He’s the Conner Ware College World Series and had three No. 3 prospect in Boston’s system, Ware has pitched in six games in pitchers selected in the first three according to MLB.com, and the Single-A, making three starts and No. 5 prospect in ESPN’s rankings. earning a save in 22 innings. He rounds of the MLB Draft.

Here’s how the pitchers that holds a 5.73 ERA with 22 strikeouts were drafted out of LSU have Chase Shores and 11 walks. fared in pro baseball so far.

After getting drafted by the New Despite speculation that he’d be used as a reliever in profes- York Mets in the 15th round, he’s Kade Anderson sional baseball, Shores has only allowed one run or fewer in three Anderson began his pro career been used as a starting pitcher in appearances but has also surrenin Double-A and is dominating, High-A after he was selected in the dered four or more runs in his allowing just two earned runs in second round by the Los Angeles three other outings. six starts for the Arkansas Trav- Angels He holds a 5.06 ERA in four Kade Woods elers. He’s struck out 47 batters, walked only five and he holds a starts for the Tri-City Dust Devils, Woods was the only LSU draftee allowing one earned run in his first whose organization (the Atlanta 0.60 ERA. After the Seattle Mariners two outings before getting tagged Braves) had him pitch last sumscooped him up with the No. 3 for five earned runs in three in- mer. With the Augusta GreenJackoverall pick in last summer’s draft, nings on April 21 and three earned ets in Single-A, Woods had a 2.63 Anderson has lived up to the hype runs in five innings a week later.

ERA in 132/ 3 innings last weekend and then some. MLB.com and before returning to Augusta this ESPN have him tabbed as a top-20 Jacob Mayers season and allowing two earned prospect in baseball.

Mayers had gotten off to a strong runs in 41/ 3 innings.

Staff writer

The LSU women’s tennis team fell to No. 2-seeded Auburn 4-1 in the NCAA Championship quarterfinals Friday morning in Athens, Georgia, bringing an end to another strong season for coach Taylor Fogleman’s squad.

Under Fogleman’s direction, LSU reached the NCAA quarterfinals for the second consecutive season and for only the second time in program history.

Friday’s match marked the third time this season Auburn defeated LSU, including a 4-3 outcome in the title round of the SEC Championship on April 19 in Norman, Oklahoma. On March 7, Auburn topped LSU 4-2 at the LSU Tennis Complex.

Following a tight contest in the SEC Championship, Auburn came up with an answer each time LSU was on the verge of building momentum at the Dan Magill Tennis Complex.

LSU’s No. 1 doubles team of Cadence Brace and Kayla Cross picked up a 6-4 win, but

Auburn secured the doubles point with victories from its No. 2 team of Angella Okutoyi and Merna Refaat and No. 3 pairing of Ekaterina Khairutdinova and Ashton Bowers.

Cadence Brace provided LSU, the tournament’s No. 10 seed, its lone point of the day when she topped Auburn’s DJ Bennett, 6-3, 7-5 in the No. 1 singles match.

Auburn swept three other singles matches to clinch the victory, with Khairutdinova, Okutoyi and Eva Ionescu all coming out on top. Ionescu, who also clinched Auburn’s victory over LSU in the SEC Championship, provided the decisive point Friday, 4-6, 6-0 and 7-5, over Ella McDonald.

Auburn (36-3) advances to play the winner of Ohio State-Pepperdine in the national semifinals at 3 p.m. Saturday in Athens.

Matches are available to watch on ESPN+.

Fogleman, a New Orleans native, has led LSU to the postseason in each of his four seasons as coach.

STAFF PHOTO By MICHAEL JOHNSON

LSU pitcher Jayden Heavener delivers a pitch against Akron in the first inning of an NCAA regional game on Friday at Tiger Park.

LSU

Continued from page 1C Tigers play No. 2 seed Virginia Tech, a 6-0 winner against South Alabama, at noon for a trip to the championship round.

Akron (34-24) plays South Alabama in an elimination game at 2:30 p.m.

Heavener (13-8) threw her fifth shutout and 10th of her career.

The offense doubled the lead in the third inning, which included a home run by Alix Franklin.

Heavener allowed two baserunners in the third and fifth innings but pitched around both jams with three more strikeouts.

“This week’s preparation, we worked on some little things mechanically, hitting my spots and spins,” said Heavener of the keys to her success. “Going out there with confidence and knowing things I’ve done in the past, playing for LSU.” Heavener had some spotty performances toward the end of the season but allowed only three hits and three walks while throwing 115 pitches.

“With the movement she has and the velocity she has, she located really well today,” Torina said. “Somebody (teammate) nominated her for player of the game and said they’d never seen her throw like that. We had a good matchup with them as a lefthander; they hadn’t

seen as many.”

Jalia Lassiter opened the game with a walk and Sierra Daniel and Edwards followed with doubles off Akron starter Madie Jamrog (18-7). LSU pushed another across with two outs on Char Lorenz single to score Edwards.

The Tigers doubled the lead in the third. Franklin hit her sixth homer to center field while Ally Hutchins and Avery Hodge added run-scoring singles. The bottom third of the Tigers’ line went 4-for-7 with three RBIs. “Today was fun, being out there playing Tiger softball,” Edwards said. “We did a lot during the season, so we were out there playing free, being ourselves. That was our main goal and that’s what we did.

“It was just take our swings.

See ball hit ball, put a good bat on it.”

VIRGINIA TECH 6, SOUTH ALABAMA 0: Kylie Aldridge hit a two-out grand slam in the third inning to break a scoreless tie and lift the Hokies to a 6-0 victory in Friday’s opening game.

Aldridge followed a walk, a hit and an error with her 11th home run to right field on a 1-2 pitch.

Catcher Zoe Yaeger had two hits, including her 10th home run.

Bree Carrico (15-1) and Avery Layton teamed up to pitch a four-hit shutout, allowing two hits each, and struck out seven.

Presley Lively had two of South Alabama’s hits.

– SINCE I842 –

The Advocate ■ theadvocate.com ■ Saturday, May 16, 2026 ■ 5C

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LHSAA BASEBALL TOURNAMENT

Catholic earns 3-peat in marathon

first two runs in the first off with this class when they said we After a base-running gaffe in ninth, Bears beat Brother Martin in 15 agame’s couldn’t do it is just amazing.” single, an error and a double.

BY JACKSON REYES Staff writer

SULPHUR — It’s not often a team experiences the emotions of a state title. Catholic felt that joy twice in one game.

In the bottom of the ninth inning in a 2-2 game, the Bears loaded the bases against Brother Martin on Friday night. Myles Auxt drew a walk, and as the winning run trotted home, Auxt celebrated with his teammates. Since he declared a direction and never reached first base

DIVISION I SELECT in time, Brother Martin tagged the bag to continue the game.

Six innings later, Auxt found redemption in a lead-off single to start the bottom of the 15th. Jude Schneider moved him to second with a sacrifice bunt.

Harrison Kidder then stepped to the plate and ripped a line drive to deep center field to end the longest state title baseball game in LHSAA history. No. 2 Catholic’s 3-2 win

over top-seeded Brother Martin on Friday at McMurry Park sealed the Bears’ third straight state title.

This is Catholic’s first three-peat in school history after completing the two-game sweep.

“We may be viral all over the world right now,” said Bears coach Brad Bass, whose team finished 37-5. “That’s fine. What needs to be real viral is that that happened, the ultimate high, the ultimate low, and a group of kids united and battled back and got it done.”

Brother Martin (35-7) scored the

Catholic starting pitcher Mills Richardson settled in after that, pitching nine innings. He tossed 115 pitches, allowing six hits and one earned run while striking out five.

“I’d do anything for this team,” Richardson said. “I knew I needed to do that, and just threw my guts on the line.”

Richardson added that the win was made sweeter after the bizarre play in the ninth.

“It feels awesome, especially after that inning where we won it, and we didn’t win it,” Richardson said. “To be able to get a three-peat

Catholic tied it in the fourth after Dekohta Jones led off the inning with a triple. An error brought him home and allowed another runner to reach first. Kooper Childs then doubled to tie the game.

After 10 scoreless innings, Kidder’s RBI sealed the win.

“I was just able to get a good pitch on the outer half, and I thought I put the best swing I could on the pitch,” Kidder said.

“The best feeling in the world, rounding that base and seeing my teammates come out of the dugout to dogpile me.”

No. 2 Sam Houston topples Dutchtown to force a Game 3

BY JACKSON REYES Staff writer

STAFF PHOTO By JACKSON REyES

Lutcher players dogpile after beating Brusly in Game 2 of the Division II nonselect championship series on Friday at McMurry Park in Sulphur. The Bulldogs’ 8-3 victory completed a series sweep and earned Lutcher its second state championship in the past three years.

DOGS’ YEAR

Big second inning helps Lutcher sweep Brusly for state title

BY JACKSON REYES Staff writer

SULPHUR — Lutcher coach Ryan Jensen knew his team had talent.

The only question was whether the Bulldogs could put it all together against the best teams in the state.

Lutcher answered that question resoundingly against top-seeded Brusly in Game 2 of the Division II nonselect state championship series on Friday at McMurry Park.

The third-seeded Bulldogs plated five runs in the second inning en route to an 8-3 win to become state champions for the second time in three years.

Jensen said the journey to reach Sulphur is what he’ll remember most. The Bulldogs needed two walkoff victories in the regionals, and then won their quarterfinal and semifinal series in three games.

“These playoffs really showed just how difficult it is to get here and how difficult it is to be that successful,” he said.

A big part of that success Friday was pitching. Dane Bodin pitched a complete game, scattering five hits and allowing one earned run.

“Dane has been a guy for us for the past two years,” Jensen said of

“Nothing has come easy for us. I’m just super proud of our guys. They just keep competing.”

RyAN JENSEN, Lutcher coach

DIVISION II NONSELECT the 6-foot-1 senior. “I’m so happy for that kid to get a chance to close it out.”

Lutcher (35-9) struck first after loading the bases in the second inning with two walks and a bunt that led to a throwing error.

A third walk allowed the first run to score. After two more called balls, Brayden Ray relieved starter Aiden Harris. Ray did little to change things, missing the strike zone twice and walking in another run.

David St. Pierre then grounded to the shortstop, who hesitated on which base to throw it to. By the time he tossed it to third, everyone was safe and a third run scored.

A fielder’s choice and a sacrifice fly brought home two more runs as the Bulldogs led 5-0 after the long inning that included just one hit

and four walks.

Brusly (35-8) chipped away in the top of the third. Aubrey St. Angelo led off the inning with a solo home run to left field.

After a walk, Brusly plated a second run after the Lutcher second baseman fielded a grounder and airmailed the throw over the first baseman’s head.

The Panthers loaded the bases with one out in the fourth on an error, single and walk. Isaiah Daley scored one run on a sacrifice fly. A strikeout kept the deficit at 5-3.

Lutcher stretched its lead at the bottom of the inning.

Eric St. Pierre hit a two-out, tworun home run to left field that soared over the foul pole for a 7-3 lead.

The homer was sweet for St. Pierre, who said he had struggled in the postseason.

“I haven’t done good in the playoffs,” he said. “For me to come here and hit those home runs. ... I was just very relaxed, and I was just playing.”

The Bulldogs added another run in the sixth, and Bodin retired the side in order to seal the state title.

“Nothing has come easy for us,” Jensen said. “I’m just super proud of our guys. They just keep competing.”

REPORT LHSAA baseball championships, at McMurry Park, Sulphur. Divisions I-III play best-of-three series.

Nonselect DIVISION I

No. 8 Dutchtown vs. No. 2 Sam Houston Game 1: Dutchtown 5, Sam Houston 1 Game 2: Sam Houston 3, Dutchtown 1 Game 3: 5:30 p.m. Saturday

DIVISION II

No. 1 Brusly vs. No. 3 Lutcher Game 1: Lutcher 6, Brusly 4 Game 2: Lutcher 8, Brusly 3

DIVISION III

No. 1 Sterlington vs. No. 2 Westlake Game 1: Westlake 5, Sterlington 3 Game 2: Sterlington 18, Westlake 7 Game 3: 11 a.m. Saturday

DIVISION IV

No. 1 Welsh vs. No. 3 Mangham Mangham 11, Welsh 7 (title game)

Select

DIVISION I

No. 1 Brother Martin vs. No. 2 CatholicBaton Rouge Game 1: Catholic 6, Brother Martin 2 Game 2: Catholic 3, Brother Marin 2, 15 innings

DIVISION II

No. 1 Vandebilt Catholic vs. No. 2 St. Charles Game 1: St. Charles 6, Vandebilt 2, 8 innings Game 2: Vandebilt 6, St. Charles 4 Game 3: 2 p.m. Saturday

DIVISION III

No. 1 University vs. No. 2 Newman Game 1: University 4, Newman 2 Game 2: Newman 13, University 6 Game 3: 11 a.m. Saturday

DIVISION IV

No. 5 Ouachita Christian vs. No. 2 Covenant Christian Ouachita Christian 4, Coventant Christian 2 (title game)

Class B

No. 1 Pitkin vs. No. 2 Glenmora

Glenmora 3, Pitkin 2 (title game)

Class C

No. 1 Maurepas vs. No. 3 Claiborne Christian Claiborne Christian 8, Maurepas 0 (title game)

Newman 13, University High 6 University High 002 200 2 — 6 11 4 Newman 450 040 X — 13 12 2 W — Christian Sauska. L — Brody Mayeu Leading hitters: NEWMAN: Charlie Wilson 2-4, 2B, 3 RBIs; Atticus Lafleur 2-4, 2 RBIs; Malcolm Schairer 2-4, 1 RBI, 3B. UNIVERSITY High: Shepherd Gammon 2-4, 1 RBI, 1 2B; Lane Mixon 3-4, 1 RBI.

Lutcher 8, Brusly 3 Brusly 002 100 0 — 3 5 1 Lutcher 050 201 X — 8 5 2 W — Dane Bodin. L — Aiden Harris.

Leading hitters: LUTCHER: Eric St. Pierre 1-1, 3 RBIs, HR, BB; Bryson Keller 1-4, 2 RBIs, 2B. BRUSLY: Aubrey St. Angelo 1-2, HR, RBI, 2 BBs; Isaiah Daley 1-2, RBI.

SULPHUR — Dutchtown searched all game for one hit to change the game.

Sam Houston led 2-0 early, scoring scored one run in each of the first two innings.

The Griffins had their best chance in the bottom of the sixth with two outs and the bases loaded. Seth Davis then hit a single to left field to drive in one run, but the second runner was tagged out at the plate.

Dutchtown failed to muster any more offense and fell to No. 2 Sam Houston 3-1 on Friday at McMurry Park in Game 2 of the Division I nonselect state title series.

The deciding Game 3 will be played at 5:30 p.m. Saturday.

“Their guy was outstanding on the mound,” Dutchtown coach Chris Schexnaydre said of Sam Houston’s Ty Smith. “We stayed right there with them all game.

We just miss out on a big hit here or there. It’s baseball.”

Dutchtown (29-14) started Taylor Tunnard on the mound. Tunnard went five innings and struck out three.

In the top of the first, Smith helped his own cause with a twoout double.

Owen Galley brought him home with a single. In the second, Sam Houston led off the inning with

DIVISION I NONSELECT a pair of singles. Kannon Keiser knocked a sacrifice fly to score another run and make it 2-0.

Smith started and pitched five innings for Sam Houston (33-9).

He struck out three, walked three and allowed just one hit for the win. Brock Blessington pitched the final two innings for the save.

The Griffins managed five hits and five walks, but failed to string enough together through the first five innings.

In the sixth, Dutchtown put two runners on with a pair of singles after a groundout. After a lineout, Dawson Leblanc drew a walk to load the bases.

Davis’ single scored one run, but the runner from second rounded third, looking to tie the game.

The relay throw home beat the runner, and he was tagged out to end the inning.

Dutchtown managed a two-out walk in the seventh, but a flyout ended the game.

Schexnaydre said he remains confident in his Griffins, who have won their past two playoff rounds in decisive third games.

“That’s what’s been the routine for us the last couple of weeks,” Schexnaydre said. “We’re going to line up. “We’re going to get a good night’s rest tonight, and be ready to go in the morning.”

Newman evens series with U-High

BY JACKSON REYES

Staff writer

SULPHUR — Newman entered Game 2 against University High looking to keep its season alive, and that determination paid off.

The Greenies’ bats made sure there will be a Game 3 to decide the Division II select state championship series. Newman plated nine runs against U-High through the first two innings and won on Friday at McMurry Park.

The deciding Game 3 will begin at 11 a.m. Saturday.

“We didn’t play well,” Cubs coach Jon Ramsey said. “Simple as that. We played horrible, and when you play horrible, that’s what happens. You get your butt kicked.”

Newman (27-8) scored four runs in the bottom of the first.

John Falgoust led off the inning with a double and moved to third on a ground ball. He scored on a passed ball.

Atticus Lafleur then knocked a single to left field that the Cubs left fielder dropped, allowing another run to score on the error.

Collier Villere then ripped a double to deep center field to plate a third run.

Malcolm Schairer scored the fourth run after he smashed a deep fly ball that was misplayed by the U-High center fielder for a triple.

Newman opened the second with five straight hits to stretch the lead to 8-0, prompting a pitching change as starting pitcher Brody Mayeux exited for Graham

DIVISION II SELECT

Morgan.

After a flyout, a grounder scored another run to make it 9-0 after two innings.

The Cubs clawed back with two runs in the third off consecutive doubles by Shepherd Gammon and Trey Sotile. Two batters later, Lane Mixon singled to left field to trim the deficit to 9-2.

U-High (30-10) began the fourth with two baserunners after a walk and an error. Ian McCauley ripped a hard grounder to third base and beat the throw for an RBI. Gammon ripped a line drive to left field for an RBI to cut the deficit to 9-4 after four innings.

Newman snuffed the Cubs’ comeback in the fifth. The Greenies used a double play to end U-High’s scoring chance at the top of the inning. A pair of Newman singles in the bottom of the fifth put runners at the corners.

A sacrifice bunt scored one run.

A hit batter loaded the bases, and Charlie Wilson doubled to left field to empty the bases for a 3 RBI double to make it 13-4.

The Cubs clawed back two more runs in the seventh. UHigh opened the frame with two singles, a double and an error.

After a strikeout, Camden Smith grounded into a double play to end the game.

“I told the guys, we’ve got to come back with a new attitude,” Ramsey said. “Be ready to roll (Saturday), and get out and go after it.”

6C ■ Saturday, May 16, 2026 ■ theadvocate.com ■ The Advocate

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Cunningham scores 21; Pistons dominate 2nd half to beat Cavs

BY JOE REEDY AP sportswriter

CLEVELAND — Cade Cunningham scored 21 points and the top-seeded Detroit Pistons dominated the second half, beating the Cleveland Cavaliers 115-94 on Friday night to force a Game 7 in their Eastern Conference second-round series.

Jalen Duren had 15 points and 11 rebounds while Daniss Jenkins also scored 15 for the Pistons, who have won four games this postseason when facing elimination.

They were down 3-1 to Orlando before winning the last three to ad-

vance out of the first round.

Cunningham made five 3-pointers as the Pistons went 16 of 36 from beyond the arc. Duncan Robinson, who missed Wednesday’s Game 5 with a lower back injury, had four 3-pointers and scored 14 points off the bench.

Paul Reed also had 17 points as Detroit’s reserves outscored Cleveland’s 48-19.

James Harden scored 23 points for Cleveland, which suffered its first home loss of the postseason.

Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley scored 18 apiece.

Detroit asserted its will on the

offensive boards and took advantage of Cleveland turnovers. The Pistons converted 13 offensive rebounds into 20 points. The Cavaliers had 20 turnovers, which resulted in 28 Detroit points.

The Pistons were up 54-41 at halftime and started the second half with a 12-2 run. The Cavaliers rallied to get within 74-68 before the Pistons put it away with a 13-2 spurt.

Evan Mobley missed a dunk and Marcus Sasser drove the length of the floor for a layup at the buzzer to give Detroit a 84-70 lead at the end of the third quarter.

SCOREBOARD Holes-in-one

Thursday, May 14: Vegas 5, Anaheim 1

Colorado 4, Minnesota 1

Sunday, May 3: Colorado 9, Minnesota 6 Tuesday, May 5: Colorado 5, Minnesota 2 Saturday, May 9: Minnesota 5, Colorado 1 Monday, May 11: Colorado 5, Minnesota 2 Wednesday, May 13: Colorado 4, Minnesota 3, OT

James Upton

Course: Baton Rouge Country Club Hole: No. 8 Yardage: 151 yards Club: 8 Iron Witnesses: Charlie Peit, Tommy McRae, Charles Mugrove

CONFERENCE FINALS

Nick Russel

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

Course: Baton Rouge Country Club Hole: No. 3 Yardage: 108 Club: Wedge Witnesses: n/a

Colorado vs. Vegas

Wednesday, May 20: Vegas at Colorado, 7 p.m.

Friday, May 22: Vegas at Colorado, 7 p.m.

Sunday, May 24: Colorado at Vegas, 7 p.m.

Tuesday, May 26: Colorado at Vegas, TBA x-Thursday, May 28: Vegas at Colorado, TBA x-Saturday, May 30: Colorado at Vegas, TBA x-Monday, June 1: Vegas at Colorado, TBA

Odds Sports Betting Line MLB

College softball

Saturday

NCAA Tournament glance

American League FAVORITE LINE at DETROIT OFF Texas -152 National League FAVORITE LINE Arizona -124 Philadelphia -188 Interleague FAVORITE LINE Kansas City -111 Baltimore -116 at TAMPA BAY -126 at CLEVELAND -162 Milwaukee -120 Chicago Cubs -112 N.Y Yankees -130 at ATLANTA -138 at SEATTLE -132 LA Dodgers -132 at ATHLETICS -130

UNDERDOG Toronto at HOUSTON

UNDERDOG LINE at COLORADO +104 at PITTSBURGH +158 UNDERDOG at ST. LOUIS at WASH Miami Cincinnati at MINNESOTA at WHITE SOX at N.Y METS Boston San Diego at LA ANGELS San Francisco

NHL

Saturday

FAVORITE LINE at MONTREAL -162

LINE OFF +128

LINE -108 -102 +108 +136 +102 -104 +110 +118 +111 +112 +110

(Double elimination; x-if necessary)

Baton Rouge (La.) Regional Friday’s games

Game 1 — No. 5 Virginia St. 6, South Alabama 0 Game 2 — No. 4 LSU 8, Akron 0

Saturday’s games

Game 3 — No. 5 Virginia St. vs. No. 4 LSU, TBD Game 4 — South Alabama vs. Game 2 loser, TBD. Game 5 — Game 3 loser vs. Game 4 winner, TBD

Sunday’s games

Game 6 — Game 3 winner vs. Akron, TBD x-Game 7 — Game 6 opponents, TBD

Bryan-College Station (Texas) Regional Friday’s games

Game 1 — No. 4 Texas A&M 17, UConn 3 Game 2 — No. 5 Arizona 8, McNeese 0 UNDERDOG Buffalo

LINE +136

Pro basketball

Sunday’s games

NBA Playoff

Game 6 — Game 3 winner vs. Game 5 winner, TBD x-Game 7 — Game 6 opponents, TBD

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

Eastern Conference Cleveland 3, Detroit 3

Tuesday, May 5: Detroit 111, Cleveland 101 Thursday, May 7: Detroit 107, Cleveland 97 Saturday, May 9: Cleveland 116, Detroit 109 Monday, May 11: Cleveland 112, Detroit 103 Wednesday, May 13: Cleveland 117, Detroit 113, OT Friday, May 15: Detroit 115, Cleveland 94 Sunday, May 17: Cleveland at Detroit, TBA

New York 4, Philadelphia 0

Monday, May 4: New York 137, Philadelphia 98 Wednesday, May 6: New York 108, Philadelphia 102 Friday, May 8: New York 108, Philadelphia 94 Sunday, May 10: New York 144, Philadelphia 114

Western Conference

Sunday’s games

Game 6 — Game 3 winner vs. Game 5 winner, TBD x-Game 7 — Game 6 opponents, TBD

College baseball Southland Conference tournament (Double elimination; x-if necessary)

Friday’s games

G3. Houston Christian 6, No. 4 Nicholls 5 G4: No. 5 McNeese 15, Southeastern 9

Saturday’s games

WNBA Glance

Chicago Atlanta New York Washington Indiana Toronto Connecticut

W 2 2 3 1 1 1 0

L Pct 0 1.000 0 1.000 1 .750 1 .500 1 .500 1 .500 3 .000

GB — — — 1 1 1 2½

Minnesota Las Vegas Golden State Phoenix Dallas Seattle Portland Los Angeles

W 2 2 2 1 1 1 1 0

L 1 1 1 2 2 2 2 2

GB — — — 1 1 1 1 1½

Pct .667 .667 .667 .333 .333 .333 .333 .000

Minnesota 90, Dallas 86 New York 100, Portland 82

Friday’s Games

Las Vegas at Connecticut, n Washington at Indiana, n Chicago at Phoenix, n Toronto at Los Angeles, n

Saturday’s Games

No games scheduled.

Hockey NHL Playoff SECOND ROUND (Best-of-7; x-if necessary)

EASTERN CONFERENCE Montreal 3, Buffalo 2

Wednesday, May 6: Buffalo 4, Montreal 2 Friday, May 8: Montreal 5, Buffalo 1 Sunday, May 10: Montreal 6, Buffalo 2 Tuesday, May 12: Buffalo 3, Montreal 2 Thursday, May 14: Montreal 6, Buffalo 3 Saturday, May 16: Buffalo at Montreal, 7 p.m. x-Monday, May 18: Montreal at Buffalo, TBA

Carolina 4, Philadelphia 0

Saturday, May 2: Carolina 3, Philadelphia 0 Monday, May 4: Carolina 3, Philadelphia 2, OT Thursday, May 7: Carolina 4, Philadelphia 1 Saturday, May 9: Carolina 3, Philadelphia 2, OT

WESTERN CONFERENCE Vegas 4, Anaheim 2

Saturday’s games

Game 3 — No. 1 Alabama vs. Belmont, TBD Game 4 — USC Upstate vs. No. 8 Southeastern, TBD Game 5 — Game 3 loser vs. Game 4 winner, TBD

G1: No. 5 McNeese 11. No. 4 Nicholls 3 G2: No. 1 Southeastern 3, No. 8 Houston Christian 2

Monday, May 4: Minnesota 104, San Antonio 102 Wednesday, May 6: San Antonio 133, Minnesota 95 Friday, May 8: San Antonio 115, Minnesota 108 Sunday, May 10: Minnesota 114, San Antonio 109 Tuesday, May 12: San Antonio 126, Minnesota 97 Friday, May 15: San Antonio at Minnesota, n x-Sunday, May 17: Minnesota at San Antonio, TBA

WESTERN CONFERENCE

Game 1 — No. 1 Alabama 8, USC Upstate 0 Game 2 — Belmont 2, No. 8 Southeastern 0

Thursday’s games

San Antonio 3, Minnesota 2

EASTERN CONFERENCE

Tuscaloosa (Ala.) Regional Friday’s games

Hammond bracket

Oklahoma City 4, L.A. Lakers 0

Tuesday, May 5: Oklahoma City 108, L.A. Lakers 90 Thursday, May 7: Oklahoma City 125, L.A. Lakers 107 Saturday, May 9: Oklahoma City 131, L.A. Lakers 108 Monday, May 11: Oklahoma City 115, L.A. Lakers 110

Thursday’s Games

Saturday’s games

Game 3 — No. 4 Texas A&M vs. No. 5 Arizona, TBD Game 4 — UConn vs. Game 2 loser, TBD Game 5 — Game 3 loser vs. McNeese, TBD

Monday, May 4: Vegas 3, Anaheim 1 Wednesday, May 6: Anaheim 3, Vegas 1 Friday, May 8: Vegas 6, Anaheim 2 Sunday, May 10: Anaheim 4, Vegas 3 Tuesday, May 12: Vegas 3, Anaheim 2, OT

G5: Houston Christian vs. Southeastern, 1 p.m.

G6: No. 5 McNeese vs. Winner of Game 5, 6 p.m.

Sunday’s games

x-G7: Winner of Game 6 vs. Loser of Game 6, 1 p.m.

Beaumont bracket

Thursday’s games

G1: No. 6 Northwestern State 6, No. 3 UTRGV 5 G2: No. 7 SFA 3, No. 2 Lamar 0

Friday’s games

G3: No. 2 Lamar 3, No. 3 UTRGV 2 G4: No. 7 SFA 6, No. 6 Northwestern State 4

Saturday’s games

G5: No. 2 Lamar vs. No. 6 Northwestern State, 1 p.m.

G6: No. 7 SFA vs. Winner of Game 5, 6 p.m.

Sunday’s games

x-G7: Winner of Game 6 vs. Loser of Game 6, 1 p.m.

Championship Series May 21

G1: Winner of No. 1 Seed Bracket vs. Winner of No. 2 Seed Bracket

May 22

G2: Winner of No. 1 Seed Bracket vs. Winner of No. 2 Seed Bracket

May 23

x-G3: Winner of No. 1 Seed Bracket vs. Winner of No. 2 Seed Bracket

State schedule

Thursday’s games

UL 7, Coastal Carolina 2 Southern 9, Alabama A&M 8 Florida 11, LSU 8 Rice 12, Tulane 0

Friday’s games

Coastal Carolina at UL, n Alabama A&M at Southern, n Florida 11, LSU 1 Rice 12, Tulane 0

Saturday’s games

Tulane at Rice, 1:05 p.m.

Florida at LSU, 2 p.m.

Coastal Carolina at UL, 2 p.m.

Alabama A&M at Southern, 3 p.m.

Late Thursday Florida 11, LSU 8

LSU Florida (29-25, 9-19 SEC) (35-18, 16-12 SEC) ab r h bi ab r h bi Braun 1b 5 2 2 0 Jones cf 2 1 2 2 Serna dh 5 2 2 1 Yost ph 2 1 0 1 Curiel cf 4 2 1 1 Lawson ss 4 1 1 0 Arrambide c 5 0 2 1 Cyr lf 3 2 1 1 Milam ss 5 1 3 3 Surowiec 3b 6 1 1 4 Pearson 3b 3 0 1 0 McDonald dh 5 1 1 0 Dardar ph 1 0 0 0 Bowen c 5 1 1 0 Ruckert 2b 3 0 0 0 Stripling 1b 4 1 2 1 Yamin ph 1 0 0 0 Kurland 2b 2 2 0 1 Patrick rf 0 0 0 0 Strayer rf 2 - 0 0 Reaves lf 3 0 0 0 TOTALS 39 8 12 7 TOTALS 35 11 8 10 Florida 600 110 210 — 11 8 1 LSU 003 001 022 — 8 12 2 DP — Flroda 1; LSU 1. LOB — Florida 12; LSU 7. 2B — McDonald (5); Stripling (7); Jackson (11); Peeples (2) HR — Stanfield Serna (10);

Curiel (15); Milam (15). HBP — Yost; Lawson; Dardar. SB — Yost (2); Lawson (11).

LSU IP H R ER BB SO 2 Lachenmayer ⁄3 4 6 6 3 1 1 Ricken 4 ⁄3 4 2 2 0 5 Williams 11⁄3 0 2 0 1 2 1 Benge ⁄3 0 0 0 2 0 Primeaux 1 0 1 1 4 1 Rizy 1 0 0 0 1 0 Florida IP H R ER BB SO King 51⁄3 8 4 4 0 7 Barberi 12⁄3 1 2 1 1 3 1 Barlow ⁄3 0 0 0 1 2 2 LugoCanchola ⁄3 0 0 0 1 1 Reeth 0 2 2 2 0 0 Whritenour 1 1 0 0 0 2 WP — King (4); Primeaux (1); Rizy2(8). ;Bar HBP — by Ricken (Yost); by Barlow1;LugoCanchola 15/9; Reeth 7/5.Umpires — HP: Brian Hale 1B: Scott Letendre 2B: William VanRaaphorst 3B: Jordan Ferrell Start — 6:34 p.m. Time — 3:38 Attendance — 10553

Golf

MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL American League

National League

East Division

East Division

Tampa Bay New York Baltimore Toronto Boston

W 28 27 20 19 18

L 14 17 24 24 25

Pct .667 .614 .455 .442 .419

GB — 2 9 9½ 10½

Atlanta Philadelphia Washington Miami New York

W 30 21 21 20 18

L 14 23 23 24 25

Pct .682 .477 .477 .455 .419

GB — 9 9 10 11½

Cleveland Chicago Minnesota Detroit Kansas City

W 24 22 20 19 19

L 21 21 24 25 25

Pct .533 .512 .455 .432 .432

GB — 1 3½ 4½ 4½

Chicago Milwaukee St. Louis Pittsburgh Cincinnati

W 28 24 25 24 23

L 16 17 18 20 21

Pct .636 .585 .581 .545 .523

GB — 2½ 2½ 4 5

Athletics Seattle Texas Houston Los Angeles

W 22 22 21 17 16

L 21 23 22 28 28

Pct .512 .489 .488 .378 .364

GB — 1 1 6 6½

Los Angeles San Diego Arizona San Francisco Colorado

W 26 25 20 18 17

L 18 18 22 26 27

Pct .591 .581 .476 .409 .386

GB — ½ 5 8 9

Central Division

West Division

Thursday’s Games

N.Y. Mets 9, Detroit 4 Minnesota 9, Miami 1 Seattle 8, Houston 3 St. Louis 5, Athletics 4 Philadelphia 3, Boston 1 Chicago White Sox 6, Kansas City 2

Friday’s Games

Washington 3, Baltimore 2 Detroit 3, Toronto 2 Tampa Bay 7, Miami 2 Cincinnati 7, Cleveland 6 Milwaukee 3, Minnesota 2 Atlanta 3, Boston 2, 10 innings N.Y. Yankees 5, N.Y. Mets 2 Houston 2, Texas 0 Chicago Cubs 10, Chicago White Sox Kansas City at St. Louis, n L.A. Dodgers at L.A. Angels, n San Diego at Seattle, n San Francisco at Athletics, n.

Saturday’s Games

Toronto (TBD) at Detroit (Mize 2-2), 12:10 p.m.

Kansas City (Cameron 2-2) at St. Louis (Leahy 4-3), 1:15 p.m.

Baltimore (Bassitt 3-2) at Washington (Cavalli 1-2), 3:05 p.m.

Miami (Alcantara 3-2) at Tampa Bay (Martinez 4-1), 3:10 p.m.

Cincinnati (Paddack 0-5) at Cleveland (Williams 5-3), 5:10 p.m.

Chicago Cubs (Taillon 2-2) at Chicago White Sox (Martin 5-1), 6:10 p.m.

Milwaukee (Henderson 0-1) at Minnesota (Prielipp 1-1), 6:10 p.m.

Texas (deGrom 3-2) at Houston (Teng 1-3), 6:10 p.m.

Boston (Tolle 1-2) at Atlanta (Elder 4-1), 6:15 p.m.

N.Y. Yankees (Rodón 0-0) at N.Y. Mets (TBD), 6:15 p.m.

San Diego (Buehler 2-2) at Seattle (Gilbert 2-3), 6:15 p.m.

L.A. Dodgers (Wrobleski 5-1) at L.A. Angels (Soriano 6-2), 8:38 p.m.

San Francisco (McDonald 1-0) at Athletics (Severino 2-4), 8:40 p.m.

PGA Championship Friday At Aronimink Golf Club Newtown Square, Pa. Yardage: 7,394; Par: 70 Second Round M. McNealy, United States 69-67—136 -4 Alex Smalley, United States 67-69—136 -4 C. Gotterup, United States 72-65—137 -3 M. Greysrmn, United States 68-69—137 -3 Stephan Jaeger, Germany 67-70—137 -3 Min Woo Lee, Australia 67-70—137 -3 Hideki Matsuyama, Japan 70-67—137 -3 A. Potgieter, South Africa 67-70—137 -3 Ludvig Aberg, Sweden 72-66—138 -2 Harris English, United States 71-67—138 -2 Si Woo Kim, South Korea 71-67—138 -2 David Puig, Spain 71-67—138 -2 S. Scheffler, United States 67-71—138 -2 J. Thomas, United States 69-69—138 -2 C. Young, United States 71-67—138 -2 Patrick Cantlay, United States70-69—139 -1 Jason Day, Australia 69-70—139 -1 K. Kitayama, United States 70-69—139 -1 A. Novak, United States 69-70—139 -1 Jon Rahm, Spain 69-70—139 -1 Aaron Rai, England 70-69—139 -1 Ryan Fox, New Zealand 70-70—140 E Daniel Hillier, New Zealand 71-69—140 E Ryo Hisatsune, Japan 67-73—140 E Rico Hoey, Philippines 70-70—140 E Hao-Tong Li, China 71-69—140 E A. Putnam, United States 69-71—140 E Patrick Reed, United States 68-72—140 E Cameron Smith, Australia 69-71—140 E Bud Cauley, United States 69-72—141 +1 Corey Conners, Canada 68-73—141 +1 Rickie Fowler, United States 70-71—141 +1 Ryan Gerard, United States 69-72—141 +1 Ben Griffin, United States 71-70—141 +1 Ben Kern, United States 74-67—141 +1 B. Koepka, United States 69-72—141 +1 R. McIlroy, Northern Ireland 74-67—141 +1 C. Morikawa, United States 69-72—141 +1 X. Schauffele, United States 68-73—141 +1 Matti Schmid, Germany 69-72—141 +1 Jordan Spieth, United States 69-72—141 +1 Nick Taylor, Canada 69-72—141 +1 S. Theegala, United States 68-73—141 +1 C. Blanchet, United States 69-73—142 +2 Sam Burns, United States 70-72—142 +2 Matt Fitzpatrick, England 70-72—142 +2 Alex Fitzpatrick, England 72-70—142 +2 Kazuki Higa, Japan 71-71—142 +2 Tom Hoge, United States 72-70—142 +2 Casey Jarvis, South Africa 70-72—142 +2 D. Johnson, United States 72-70—142 +2 Martin Kaymer, Germany 67-75—142 +2 Mikael Lindberg, Sweden 71-71—142 +2 D. McCarthy, United States 71-71—142 +2 Keith Mitchell, United States 73-69—142 +2 Joaquin Niemann, Chile 69-73—142 +2 Sam Stevens, United States 69-73—142 +2 Matt Wallace, England 71-71—142 +2 Daniel Brown, England 68-75—143 +3 Brian Harman, United States 70-73—143 +3 Padraig Harrington, Ireland 74-69—143 +3 Rasmus Hojgaard, Denmark 72-71—143 +3 Michael Kim, United States 73-70—143 +3 Chris Kirk, United States 73-70—143 +3 Kristoffer Reitan, Norway 71-72—143 +3 Justin Rose, England 70-73—143 +3 Sami Valimaki, Finland 73-70—143 +3 Daniel Berger, United States 74-70—144 +4 C. Bezuidenht, South Africa 72-72—144 +4 M. Brennan, United States 72-72—144 +4 B. Campbell, United States 72-72—144 +4 Luke Donald, England 71-73—144 +4 Nicolai Hojgaard, Denmark 69-75—144 +4 John Keefer, United States 72-72—144 +4 Shane Lowry, Ireland 68-76—144 +4 William Mouw, United States 74-70—144 +4 Rasmus N-Petersn, Denmark 72-72—144 +4 Alex Noren, Sweden 71-73—144 +4 John Parry, England 73-71—144 +4 Taylor Pendrith, Canada 72-72—144 +4 Elvis Smylie, Australia 72-72—144 +4 Jhonattan Vegas, Venezuela 73-71—144 +4 Missed Cut A. Bhatia, United States 71-74—145 +5 Michael Block, United States 70-75—145 +5 W. Clark, United States 75-70—145 +5 Thomas Detry, Belgium 72-73—145 +5 Tommy Fleetwood, England 72-73—145 +5 Russell Henley, United States 72-73—145 +5 Garrick Higgo, South Africa 69-76—145 +5 Sungjae Im, South Korea 73-72—145 +5 Kota Kaneko, Japan 73-72—145 +5 Robert MacIntyre, Scotland 70-75—145 +5 J.T. Poston, United States 71-74—145 +5 Andy Sullivan, England 72-73—145 +5 Jimmy Walker, United States 71-74—145 +5 Angel Ayora Fanegas, Spain 72-74—146 +6 K. Bradley, United States 74-72—146 +6 Stewart Cink, United States 74-72—146 +6 Tyler Collet, United States 75-71—146 +6 Pi. Coody, United States 71-75—146 +6 J. Gumberg, United States 73-73—146 +6 Tyrrell Hatton, England 72-74—146 +6 Viktor Hovland, Norway 74-72—146 +6 David Lipsky, United States 74-72—146 +6 Max McGreevy, United States 76-70—146 +6 Ben Polland, United States 73-73—146 +6 Adam Schenk, United States 75-71—146 +6 B. Snedeker, United States 72-74—146 +6 J.J. Spaun, United States 70-76—146 +6 Sepp Straka, Austria 73-73—146 +6 G. Woodland, United States 72-74—146 +6 Ricky Castillo, United States 74-73—147 +7 B. DeChambu, United States 76-71—147 +7 Harry Hall, England 72-75—147 +7 T. McKibbin, Northern Ireland 74-73—147 +7 P. Rodgers, United States 77-70—147 +7 A. Smothermn, United States 72-75—147 +7 Travis Smyth, Australia 74-73—147 +7 +8 J. Bridgeman, United States 74-74—148 Jason Dufner, United States 75-73—148 +8 Steven Fisk, United States 76-72—148 +8 Emiliano Grillo, Argentina 76-72—148 +8 Joe Highsmith, United States 73-75—148 +8 Billy Horschel, United States 74-74—148 +8 Adam Scott, Australia 72-76—148 +8 72-76—148 +8 Bernd Wiesberger, Austria Lucas Glover, United States 76-73—149 +9 Garrett Sapp, United States 75-74—149 +9 Y.E. Yang, South Korea 72-77—149 +9 N. Echavarria, Colombia 75-75—150 +10

Central Division

West Division

Thursday’s Games

Cincinnati 15, Washington 1 Pittsburgh 7, Colorado 2 N.Y. Mets 9, Detroit 4 Minnesota 9, Miami 1 Milwaukee 7, San Diego 1 St. Louis 5, Athletics 4 Philadelphia 3, Boston 1 Chicago Cubs 2, Atlanta 0 L.A. Dodgers 5, San Francisco 2

Friday’s Games

Philadelphia at Pittsburgh, n Washington 3, Baltimore 2 Cincinnati at Cleveland,n Tampa Bay 7, Miami 2 Milwaukee at Minnesota, n Atlanta 3, Boston 2, 10 innings N.Y. Yankees 5, N.Y. Mets 2 Chicago Cubs 10, Chicago White Sox Kansas City at St. Louis, n Arizona at Colorado, n L.A. Dodgers at L.A. Angels, n San Diego at Seattle, n San Francisco at Athletics, n

Saturday’s Games

Kansas City (Cameron 2-2) at St. Louis (Leahy 4-3), 1:15 p.m.

Arizona (Rodriguez 4-0) at Colorado (Sugano 3-3), 2:10 p.m.

Baltimore (Bassitt 3-2) at Washington (Cavalli 1-2), 3:05 p.m.

Philadelphia (Sánchez 4-2) at Pittsburgh (Chandler 1-4), 3:05 p.m.

Miami (Alcantara 3-2) at Tampa Bay (Martinez 4-1), 3:10 p.m.

Cincinnati (Paddack 0-5) at Cleveland (Williams 5-3), 5:10 p.m.

Chicago Cubs (Taillon 2-2) at Chicago White Sox (Martin 5-1), 6:10 p.m.

Milwaukee (Henderson 0-1) at Minnesota (Prielipp 1-1), 6:10 p.m.

Boston (Tolle 1-2) at Atlanta (Elder 4-1), 6:15 p.m.

N.Y. Yankees at N.Y. Mets (TBD), 6:15 p.m.

San Diego (Buehler 2-2) at Seattle (Gilbert 2-3), 6:15 p.m.

L.A. Dodgers (Wrobleski 5-1) at L.A. Angels (Soriano 6-2), 8:38 p.m.

San Francisco (McDonald 1-0) at Athletics (Severino 2-4), 8:40 p.m.

BOX SCORES Chicago Cubs 2, Atlanta 0

Milwaukee 3, Minnesota 2

Chicago

Milwaukee

Atlanta

Minnesota

ab r h bi ab r h bi Hoerner 2b 3 0 0 0 Baldwin c 4 0 1 0 Bregman 3b 4 0 1 0 Albies 2b 4 0 0 0 Happ lf 3 2 2 1 Olson 1b 4 0 1 0 Suzuki dh 4 0 0 0 Harris cf 4 0 1 0 Shaw rf 4 0 0 1 Dubón lf 4 0 0 0 Busch 1b 4 0 1 0 Riley 3b 3 0 1 0 Swanson ss 4 0 0 0 Smith dh 4 0 1 0 Amaya c 4 0 1 0 Kim ss 3 0 0 0 Crw-Armstrong cf3 0 1 0 Yastrzemski rf2 0 0 0 Totals 33 2 6 2 Totals 32 0 5 0 Chicago 000 001 010 — 2 Atlanta 000 000 000 — 0 E_Kim (1). LOB_Chicago 7, Atlanta 7. HR_ Happ (10). SB_Shaw (3), Crow-Armstrong (11).

IP H R ER BB SO Chicago Brown 4 1 0 0 1 7 Milner W,1-0 2 1 0 0 0 1 Maton H,3 1 1 0 0 0 2 Webb H,2 1 1 0 0 0 1 Palencia S,3-3 1 1 0 0 0 2 Atlanta Sale L,6-3 6 5 1 0 2 8 1 1 1 López 1 2⁄3 1 1 0 0 1 Bummer 1 1⁄3 0 0 HBP_Brown (Riley). WP_Brown.

ABS Challenge_Brown (Ball-Overturned to Strike); Milner (Ball-Overturned to Strike).

Umpires_Home, John Libka; First, James Hoye; Second, Tyler Jones; Third, Sean Barber.

T_2:30. A_36,367 (41,149).

ab r h bi ab r h bi Chourio lf 5 2 2 0 Martin rf 4 0 1 0 Turang 2b 4 1 1 0 Lee ss 4 0 1 0 Contreras c 4 0 1 1 Jeffers c 3 0 0 0 Bauers 1b 4 0 2 1 Bell dh 4 0 0 0 Mitchell cf 2 0 1 0 Keaschall 2b4 1 1 0 Perkins ph-cf 2 0 0 0 Clemens 1b 3 0 1 0 Vaughn dh 4 0 1 0 Lewis 3b 4 0 1 1 Frelick rf 4 0 1 0 Kreidler cf 3 0 2 0 Rengifo 3b 4 0 0 0 Outman lf 3 1 1 0 Hamilton ss 2 0 0 0 Totals 36 3 9 2 Totals 32 2 8 1 Milwaukee 100 000 020 — 3 Minnesota 000 001 100 — 2 E_Rengifo (2), Lewis (4). DP_Milwaukee 2, Minnesota 0. LOB_Milwaukee 7, Minnesota 4. 2B_Chourio (4), Bauers (9).

SB_Bauers (4), Turang (9).

IP H R ER BB SO Milwaukee Crow 5 3 1 1 0 3 Ashby W,8-0 2 4 1 1 0 1 Uribe H,5 1 1 0 0 1 1 Megill S,5-6 1 0 0 0 0 1 Minnesota Ryan 6 4 1 1 1 7 Rogers 1 2 0 0 0 0 Morris L,1-2 BS,0-2 2/3 3 2 2 0 0 Banda 1 0 0 0 0 0 Gómez 1/3 0 0 0 0 1 Crow pitched to 2 batters in the 6th, Banda pitched to 2 batters in the 9th.

HBP_Crow (Clemens). WP_Ashby.

ABS Challenge_Crow (Ball-Overturned to Strike); Ryan (Ball-Confirmed); Martin (StrikeConfirmed); Megill (Ball-Overturned to Strike).

Umpires_Home, Rob Drake; First, Stu Scheuwater; Second, Junior Valentine; Third, Jordan Baker.

T_2:40. A_24,309 (38,544).

Washington 3, Baltimore 2

Tampa Bay 7, Miami 2

Baltimore

Miami

Washington

ab r h bi ab r h bi Henderson ss5 0 2 1 Wood rf 4 0 1 0 Ward lf 4 0 1 0 García dh 4 0 0 0 Rutschman c 5 0 0 0 Mead 1b 3 1 1 0 Alonso 1b 4 0 0 0 Abrams ss 4 1 1 0 Basallo dh 3 1 1 0 Lile lf 4 1 3 2 O’Neill rf 3 1 0 0 House 3b 3 0 0 1 Cowser cf 1 0 0 0 Nuñez 2b 0 0 0 0 Alexandr ph 1 0 0 0 Vivas 2b-3b 1 0 0 0 Taveras ph 0 0 0 0 Millas c 3 0 0 0 Mayo 3b 3 0 1 0 J.Young cf 3 0 0 0 Jackson 2b 3 0 1 1 Totals 32 2 6 2 Totals 29 3 6 3 Baltimore 000 000 002 — 2 Washington 000 102 00x — 3 LOB_Baltimore 10, Washington 6. 2B_Henderson (8), Jackson (4), Lile (12). HR_Lile (7). SF_Jackson (2), House (1).

IP H R ER BB SO Baltimore Baz L,1-5 7 6 3 3 3 4 Walker 1 0 0 0 0 1 Washington Littell W,2-4 5 2 0 0 2 3 Alvarez H,1 3 3 2 2 1 5 2 ⁄3 0 0 0 1 1 Varland H,5 1 ⁄3 1 0 0 1 1 Lovelady S,2-2 Alvarez pitched to 2 batters in the 9th.

HBP_Littell (Mayo).

ABS Challenge_Baz (Ball-Confirmed); Lovelady (Ball-Confirmed).

Umpires_Home, John Tumpane; First, Chris Conroy; Second, Brennan Miller; Third, Ben May. T_2:33. A_38,912 (41,376).

Tampa Bay

ab r h bi ab r h bi 4 0 2 0 Simpson lf 4 0 2 0 4 0 0 0 Caminero 3b4 0 0 0 4 0 1 0 Aranda 1b 2 1 0 0 4 0 0 0 Díaz dh 3 1 1 2 4 0 0 0 Fraley rf 3 0 0 0 4 1 1 1 DeLuca ph-rf1 0 0 0 4 1 3 1 Palacios 2b 3 1 2 0 3 0 0 0 Williamsn ph1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 Mullins cf 4 3 4 1 3 0 0 0 Feduccia c 2 1 1 1 Fortes ph-c 1 0 0 0 Walls ss 3 0 1 3 Totals 35 2 7 2 Totals 31 7 11 7 Miami 010 001 000 — 2 Tampa Bay 220 201 00x — 7 E_Feduccia (2), Caminero (9). DP_Miami 2, Tampa Bay 0. LOB_Miami 6, Tampa Bay 4. 2B_Palacios (2), Walls (4), Feduccia (2).

3B_Simpson (4). HR_Norby (4), Marsee (3), Díaz (6), Mullins (3). SB_Mullins (9).

SF_Feduccia (1).

IP H R ER BB SO Miami 7 3 4 Junk L,2-4 5 2⁄3 10 7 0 0 1 Petersen 1 1⁄3 0 0 Nardi 1 1 0 0 0 2 Tampa Bay Seymour 2 2 1 1 0 2 Scholtens W,4-2 5 5 1 1 0 4 Legumina 2 0 0 0 0 0 Umpires_Home, Quinn Wolcott; First, Brock Ballou; Second, Ramon De Jesus; Third, Paul Clemons.

T_2:17. A_14,919 (25,025).

Edwards 2b Hicks dh Lopez ss Morel 1b Stowers lf Norby 3b Marsee cf Ruiz rf Caissie ph Mack c

THIS DATE IN BASEBALL May 16

1933 — Cecil Travis of the Washington Senators made his major league debut with five hits in a 12-inning, 11-10 win over the Chicago White Sox. 1939 — The Cleveland Indians beat the Philadelphia Athletics 8-3 in 10 innings in the first American League night game, held at Philadelphia’s Shibe Park.

1953 — The White Sox loaded the bases against the Yankees in the ninth inning, but Vern Stephens, who had 10 grand slams in his career, was lifted for a pinch hitter. Pitcher Tommy Byrne, the substitute batter, then hit a homer off Ewell Blackwell for a 5-3 win.

1965 — Jim Palmer, 19, won his first major league game and hit his first homer, off Jim Bouton. The Baltimore Orioles beat the New York Yankees 7-5.

1972 — Rick Monday hit three consecutive homers to lead the Chicago Cubs to an 8-1 win at Philadelphia. Greg Luzinski’s 500-foot home run hit the Liberty Bell monument at Veterans Stadium for the Phillies’ only run.

1978 — The White Sox trade OF Bobby Bonds to the Rangers for OF Claudell Washington and OF Rusty Torres.

1981 — Craig Reynolds of Houston hit three triples to lead the Astros to a 6-1 victory over the Chicago Cubs.

1996 — Sammy Sosa becomes the first Cub ever to hit two homers in one inning, hitting them in the eight-run 7th inning at Wrigley Field.

1997 — The Montreal Expos overcame an early nine-run deficit and rallied past the San Francisco Giants 14-13 on David Segui’s RBI single in the ninth inning. The Giants took an 11-2 lead after three innings.

Montreal came back with four runs in the fourth, three in the fifth and three more in the sixth for a 12-11 lead. Glenallen Hill’s RBI single capped a two-run seventh that put the Giants ahead 13-12.

2000 — The Los Angeles Dodgers went into the Wrigley Field crowd after a fan ran off with Chad Kreuter’s cap in the ninth inning of Los Angeles’ 6-5 victory. The game was delayed for nine minutes while some Dodgers and fans fought.

2001 — Rickey Henderson leads off with a home run, extending his major-league record for leadoff home runs to 79. This is more than the combined total for the #2 and #3 players on the list: Brady Anderson (44), and Bobby Bonds (35).

LIVING

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

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S at u r d ay, M ay 16, 2026

1dN

Store’s budget take on jambalaya enticing

BY MADDIE SCOTT Staff writer

I’ve eaten a lot of jambalaya in my lifetime as a Louisiana native who grew up climbing magnolia trees and chasing lizards in between Covington and Mandeville. I’ve also frequented Trader Joe’s as someone who, not too long ago, found solace in their frozen food selections during finals week.

Now, as a food reporter in Baton Rouge, I wonder, can a frozen bag of jambalaya capture Louisiana flavor?

Trader Joe’s, a Californiabased chain, has over 650 locations in the United States, and they brought their rendition of jambalaya to stores in February. The purple bag is found in the frozen section and runs $5.49 plus tax, enough for two servings.

Online, the product’s description gives a small history rundown on the dish, writing that jambalaya means “jumble” or “mish-mash” and is derived from West African, Spanish and French influences.

“You can taste each of these influences in every forkful of Trader Joe’s Jambalaya, our easy-to-prep version of this iconic (and aptly-named) Louisiana treat,” the description states.

Big-font text on the front of the bag describes the ingredient list in a nutshell: “Seasoned rice with uncured andouille sausage, onion and green bell peppers.”

How can one make and promote a Louisiana dish without the complete Cajun Holy Trinity? Where’s the celery?

Technically, the andouille sausage includes celery in the form of “cultured celery juice powder,” per the ingredients list.

Does this break the trinity? No, I guess. But I’m feeling a little uneasy about it.

STAFF PHOTO By MADDIE SCOTT

Trader Joe’s sells bags of frozen jambalaya running at $5.49 a pop.

The cooking (or warming up) My kitchen is about the size of a small bathroom, so it makes cooking a challenge in terms of counterspace, but it keeps everything in arm’s reach. Luckily, the bag’s instructions are not complex.

There are microwave and stovetop instructions to choose from. Cooking by stovetop felt more promising, so I turned on medium-high heat, added two tablespoons of water to my stainless steel pan and poured the bag in. The contents began to melt, and the aroma filled the air. Eight minutes later, I had dinner.

If it looks like jambalaya, and it smells like jambalaya, it must be jambalaya, right? We’ll see.

The taste test First, I took a bite of the rice.

It was well-seasoned with a mild kick and good texture — not too soft. I was relatively impressed.

My fork speared a piece of the andouille sausage (which,

ä See JAMBALAYA, page 2D

A view of the front of the Burden Museum & Gardens’ new welcome center.

STAFF PHOTOS By ROBIN MILLER

With open arms This building will welcome visitors to 440 acres of gardens and museums in Baton Rouge

T

BY ROBIN MILLER Staff writer

he ribbon will be cut on May 17, but the Burden Museum & Gardens new welcome center won’t officially open its doors until this summer. Though, the opening date is pending at the moment.

But the completion of the center ushers in a new starting point connecting Windrush Gardens, the LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens and the LSU Rural Life Museum on their 440 acres at 4560 Essen Lane in Baton Rouge.

“Basically, this will be the front door to the property,” said Jeff Kuehny, director of the LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens at the Burden Center.

Once it opens, visitors can stop Bill Stark, director of the LSU Rural Life Museum, left, and Jeff Kuehny, by the welcome center to get an director of the LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens, stand in front of the newly idea of the grounds’ layout, where to go to find the 25-acre Windrush completed welcome center for the Burden Museum & Gardens, which Gardens designed by Steele Bur- officially will open in the summer. den, the LSU Botanic Gardens and the LSU Rural Life Museum’s 30 and his wife, Emma, who named it Ione, donated the land to LSU in Windrush after a creek in the Eng- 1966 as the LSU Rural Life Musehistoric buildings. um and Burden Research Center. lish Cotswolds.

Understanding the grounds Their son, William Pike Burden, The grounds were rebranded as To understand the grounds, it’s and his wife, Ollie Steele Burden, the Burden Museum & Gardens in important to know its history. eventually raised three children on 2013.

Steele Burden, a self-taught The property was a working farm the grounds: Ione Easter Burden, known as Windrush Plantation William Pike Burden Jr. and Oillie landscape architect, designed and in the 19th century. In 1856, the Brice Steele Burden, known sim- maintained the property’s 25 acres plantation was gifted as a wedding ply as Steele. ä See BURDEN, page 2D present to John Charles Burden Steele Burden and his sister,

‘INELIGIBLE BACHELOR’

Prairieville billboard bachelor announces engagement Jeff Seeger’s new billboard advertises that he’s no longer a bachelor. He’s engaged.

PROVIDED PHOTO

BY JOY HOLDEN Staff writer

In April 2025, Prairieville entrepreneur Jeff Seeger decided to take a unique direction with his next billboard: he decided to advertise himself. In the last year, Seeger’s bold bachelor bet has paid off.

He is now engaged to Robin Caronna — however, the couple

did not meet via the billboard.

They met through Hinge, a dating app, four months after the billboard went up. Perhaps Seeger’s public declaration that he was ready for love provoked the universe to nudge these two together. Caronna is from Hammond, and she says that she knew nothing of the billboard until

ä See BILLBOARD, page 2D

2D ■ Saturday, May 16, 2026 ■ theadvocate.com ■ The Advocate

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RELIGION BRIEFS FROM STAFF REPORTS

Wesley Founders’ Day approaching

call the church office at the Rev. Orin D. Grant Sr., (225) 343-8421 or Dr. Joyce pastor of St. Paul MissionO’Rourke at (225) 252-1736. ary Baptist Church, Gretna.

All are invited.

The historic Wesley United Methodist Church, 544 Government St., Baton Rouge, will celebrate 160 years of serving the comFreeman Baptist Church, munity at a Founders’ Day 4628 La. 955, Ethel, will hold Little Prairie Baptist service at 10 a.m. Sunday, its pastor’s appreciation Church, 40497 La. 42, Praiservice at 2 p.m. Sunday, rieville, will host a gospel May 24.

The Rev. Robert Johnson, May 31. concert at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday.

The church will celebrate of the Louisiana ConferFeatured guests will be ence of the United Method- and honor the Rev. Robert The Chuck Wagon Gang.

L. Scott Jr. for his service The public is invited to ist Church, will speak. the evening of faith, music The community is invited. and commitment.

The guest speaker will be and fellowship.

For more information,

Freeman Baptist to honor pastor

JAMBALAYA

Continued from page 1D by the way, Trader Joe’s did not skimp out on the sausage portions). The texture was a little denser than I’m used to, more so resembling a hot dog than a sausage. The taste, however, was solid: flavorful, a little smoky. I found myself looking forward to each piece.

I finished the bowl, and the pan still had another serving left that I saved for later. I was quite satisfied.

The verdict In the aftermath of meeting Trader Joe’s jambalaya, I wondered what makes jambalaya, jambalaya. I texted my family group chat and asked for their thoughts.

STAFF PHOTO By LAUREN CHERAMIE

Trader Joe’s sells frozen jambalaya running at $5.49 a bag.

My dad, New Orleans born and raised (a Brother Martin alum), said the sausage is important and should contain “juuust the right amount of heat.” I

Gospel concert at Little Prairie Baptist

agree with this.

My brother’s take surprised me. He believes there’s not a singular thing that’s pivotal in the dish. In just a few sentences, he explained a jambalaya philosophy that was surprisingly comforting.

“All cultures have rice dishes, and this one is ours,” my brother, Ben Scott, said.

“There’s no one thing for fried. No one thing for rice and beans. What makes jambalaya, jambalaya is that the cook says they’re making jambalaya and that it tastes good.”

That made me think. Maybe the question isn’t about how authentic Trader Joe’s jambalaya is, but rather, if it’s enjoyed.

Was Trader Joe’s jambalaya enjoyable? My answer lies in the happy, empty bowl sitting in front of me.

BILLBOARD

Continued from page 1D their first date.

Seeger, 35, and Caronna, 32, met for lunch at Mike Anderson’s in Prairieville on Sept. 14, 2025. They both say that first impressions indicated a solid friendship, not a love match. However, they ended up spending the rest of the day together — from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. — so something was clicking.

“The date lasted 12 hours,” Seeger said. “I didn’t want to get rid of her. We kept getting to know each other.”

Caronna felt like they were on the same page about a mutual friendship, and she said that the date was “super laid back.”

Lunch turned into a stop at Seeger’s Blue Jay Snoballs followed by swimming, more hanging out and then dinner at Agave Blue.

Seeger and Caronna found out that they enjoyed each other’s company.

Since then, they have taken road trips, seen concerts, run races, hiked trails and worked out together.

Both business owners, Caronna and Seeger say they share a drive for improvement, a longing to travel, spontaneity for adventure, love for deep conversations and flexibility toward the future.

“I liked that he was driven and had his businesses,” Caronna said. “He was super motivated. He was very intentional. That was my favorite thing about him.”

Caronna, a mother of four — ages 13, 11, 10 and 8 — started a business with her daughter, Bella, called Brave Bella’s Beads

STAFF PHOTOS By ROBIN MILLER

Jeff Kuehny, director of the LSU AgCenter Botanical Gardens, stands in the events room in the new welcome center for the Burden Museum & Gardens.

BURDEN

Continued from page 1D of live oaks, ancient crape myrtles and camellias he called Windrush Gardens.

He also founded the openair LSU Rural Life Museum with a mission to preserve Louisiana’s 19th century rural culture.

The Rural Life Museum was among the first in the state to interpret slavery, and Steele Burden served as its curator until his death at age 95 in 1995.

Baton Rouge has since expanded around the grounds, but the museums and gardens are an oasis. Once visitors pass the front gate, all sounds of the city disappear.

Shifting gears

PROVIDED PHOTO

Jeff Seeger gets down on one knee to propose to Robin Caronna on May 1 in Denver, Colorado. in 2023. What began as a mission to pay for braces has evolved into a business with a charity component that includes donations to St. Jude Hospital, because Bella is a patient there.

The couple primarily lives in Prairieville in a house full of pictures of the couple with her children.

A sunrise proposal At the end of April this year, Caronna and Seeger went to Denver to see Two Friends, a DJ group, at Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater. The next morning, on May 1, Seeger woke Caronna up to go see the sunrise on the rocks.

“It was perfect,” Caronna said. “Jeffrey got on his knee, and it was beautiful. I forgot the sunrise was even there.”

Caronna says looking back now, she sees several

signs that a proposal was coming up, but in the moment, she was completely surprised.

“I knew probably four months ago that I was ready, which is so cool,” Seeger said, “because I’ve had long relationships in the past. When you know, you know. We were just a couple months in and I was like, ‘This is what I’ve been looking for.’”

As for a wedding date, the couple is looking to Feb. 27, 2027. Seeger says when they had only been dating for a couple of months, a friend jokingly asked when they were getting married, and Seeger replied with “227-27.” The date stuck.

After Seeger proposed, he put up a new billboard in Prairieville on May 6 proclaiming that he is now “an ineligible bachelor” and that “She said yes!”

Bill Stark, director of the LSU Rural Life Museum, shows some of the cases for the gift shop that will occupy part of the reception area in the Burden Museum & Gardens’ new welcome center.

And now the Welcome Center will enhance this experience.

Bill Stark, director of the LSU Rural Life Museum, says the goal is for tours to start at the welcome center, with plans to build more collaborative programming between the museum and gardens.

A master plan for the welcome center was drawn up in 2010, but actual construction on the building didn’t begin until last summer.

“It’s taken us that long to get here,” Kuehny said. “We really began working on the project in earnest about six years ago. That’s when we really started raising funds and getting some design concepts. And we got a road put in so that we would have a construction entrance and be able to manage that along with other traffic that we had.”

But then came the COVID pandemic, and building supply prices skyrocketed.

Some $5 million was raised for this project totally funded by donations and designed by New Orleans architectural firm EskewDumezRipple.

“We had a larger building planned,” Kuehny said. “But everything doubled in price during COVID, so we had to go back and scrap the old plans for the building.”

Scaling back So, the building’s size was scaled back by half, now measuring 9,500 square feet — 6,500 of it enclosed, and 3,000 square feet outdoors.

“In the primary point of entry, we wanted to have a

large cover space,” Kuehny said. “We also wanted to have a space for people to gather outdoors. And then we have the space in the front of the building for reception, future ticketing, exhibits and a gift shop.”

Meanwhile, the Rural Life Museum will continue operating its own gift shop.

As for the welcome center’s exhibit space, visitors will be greeted by a permanent display on the Burden family, along with exhibits about the gardens and museum. A smaller space also will be reserved for changing exhibits.

The space also features a large events room designed to host programs, workshops, classes and even such events as weddings. In the future, Kuehny said the center may also put up a second building to have a cafe and more office space.

The current building was constructed on the space once partly occupied by the property’s research gardens’ greenhouses and facilities, which, Kuehny said, have been moved to a property on the opposite side of U.S. Interstate 10 from the museum and gardens.

“The outdoor area will be phased into the master plan as part of an exhibit of the different ecosystems of Louisiana,” Kuehny said. “It took a year to complete the building, which is designed to interpret the landscape.

We’re still working on the landscaping, but you can get views of different landscapes on each side.”

“The building also has a green infrastructure,” Kuehny said. “The roof is sloped upward so it doesn’t stop your eye from viewing the landscape. It’s also designed so all of the water that comes off of the surface of the building and the parking lot areas flows into the rain guards here, which is meant to remediate the amount of storm water that we have.

One of our main themes here is living with water.”

An exit door on the side of the events room leads out to a manicured lawn, which doubles the events space.

And while finishing touches are being made to the building, plans are in the works for a redesign of Burden’s rose garden to allow more visitor interaction.

“As we move on in our landscape design, we’re working on interpreting the future of stormwater management in Louisiana,” Kuehny said. “Louisiana is one of the highest rainfall states in the the country. We compete with Mississippi and Hawaii.”

This interpretation also will play into the Rural Life Museum’s 2027 theme focusing on the state’s floodwaters, which will include the Great Flood of 1927 and the 2016 flood in Baton Rouge.

“We’ll be looking at the whole state in our programming, and we have all kinds of artifacts that date to 1927 to pull from our collection and exhibit,” Stark said.

This will be one of the ways the Rural Life Museum will collaborate with the gardens. For now, the Landscapes in full view welcome center’s summer In full view on one side are opening is top priority.

“This is long overdue,” Burden’s designed gardens dominated by rose blooms at Kuehny said. “We had long the moment. The property’s outgrown our conference wetlands stand on the oppo- center.” site side. And in the distance of the sculpted gardens is a Email Robin Miller at view of the property’s wood- romiller@theadvocate. com. lands.

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The Advocate ■ theadvocate.com ■ Saturday, May 16, 2026 ■ 3D

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‘May I ask who’s calling?’ Use yellowed shirts for tie-dyeing Dear Miss Manners: I am suf- themselves, nor to say, “May I tell her who is callficiently old-school that I will sometimes answer a ing?” on behalf of your phone call from an unfawife — as long as she is agreeable to it. miliar number for Miss Manners which no caller ID would think she is displayed, rather would be grateful than letting it go to for the gatekeepvoicemail.

If I say hello, and ing if she is spared the caller asks to talking to a soliciJudith speak to (name), is tor — or a scammer Martin falsely telling her it rude of me to reMISS she will be arrested ply by asking, “Who MANNERS unless she pays out is calling, please?” thousands. Which, Also, does it matsince these are generally ter whether the name the the two categories of unfacaller asks for is my own, or that of my spouse? miliar numbers, begs the If the unknown caller question of why you are asks for me by name, I pre- answering these calls in the first place. fer to know who is calling Dear Miss Manners: A couple before deciding whether with whom we are friendly, to proceed with the call.

That seems a wise precau- but not close, asked us to tion against scammers and meet for dinner on a Saturtelemarketers, but I do not day night. We agreed that want to be rude or abrupt we would meet at a certain with other callers. restaurant at 7 p.m. A few My wife and I have difdays beforehand, they ferent phone numbers, but asked if we could push it to 8 p.m. because they had it is not uncommon that a been invited to a tree-trimcaller reaches me despite intending to call her. I do ming party and wanted to not wish to be, nor to sound attend. like, a gatekeeper handing I was a little put off, the phone to her only if I since we originally accomapprove of the caller. But I modated the time they rewould like to tell her who is quested, but we agreed and calling, so that she can deI pushed the reservation to 8. Then, the day before, cide whether she wants to they emailed us to cancel take the call or not. Please dinner altogether because advise.

Gentle reader: It is not rude at the last minute, they’d been invited to a 50th to ask callers to identify

birthday party.

I thought that was incredibly rude. We accommodated their first lastminute party plans, but to cancel on us altogether because something more fun came up was unacceptable to me.

How should we have handled this? I am not inclined to make plans with them again, but they keep asking when we are going to get together. How should we respond?

Gentle reader: There was no other way of handling this rudeness other than to quietly seethe and vow not to make plans with the couple again anytime soon. (Although Miss Manners thinks it fair to pass it along if the restaurant charged you for canceling or was otherwise peeved.)

Next time they ask to get together, you may say, “We would love to, but your social calendar seems to be constantly evolving — and we don’t want to get in your way.”

Send questions to Miss Manners at her website, www.missmanners. com; to her email, dearmissmanners@gmail. com; or through postal mail to Miss Manners, Universal Uclick, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.

Employee terrified of losing job the ways things could go Dear Harriette: I am havwrong and what I would do ing severe anxiety attacks if I suddenly didn’t have about losing my job. The an income. I try to prepare company I work for has by looking at job postings, been doing small reorganibut that makes me feel zations of my department more discouraged all year. It feels like because I don’t feel I am just waiting qualified enough for my turn to be or confident in my let go. I am a poor ability to interview interviewer, and I for what’s available. don’t have a large How can I get a network. Since the Harriette grip on myself? — economy is so bad, Cole Paralyzed I am scared it may Dear Paralyzed: Drum SENSE AND take me years to SENSITIVITy up some courage find a new job and and speak to your I’m going to have supervisor. Start by saying to move back in with my how much you appreciparents. This fear has started to take over my ate your job and want to day-to-day life. I find myself do your best, but you are constantly overanalyzing worried about the future every meeting, every email because of all the layoffs. and every interaction with Ask directly if your job is my manager, wondering if at risk and what, if anyit’s a sign that something is thing, you can do to keep it. about to happen. Even small This way you will know. changes, like shifts in team Dear Harriette: I went on a responsibilities or co-work- date recently. It was the first date I’ve been on in ers being pulled into meeta long time. My date was ings without me, make my mind spiral into worst-case adorable! His personalscenarios. It’s getting to the ity had depth and didn’t point where I have trouble feel overbearing. My last focusing on my actual work relationship lasted way too because I’m so consumed long, and it really changed by the uncertainty. the way I view romance.

Outside of work, it’s not Before my ex, I was what much better. I’ve been some may call a hopeless losing sleep, replaying all romantic, but now I don’t

feel as drawn to serious relationships. I simply do not trust men anymore. I know that sounds bitter, but after being played for so many years, I refuse to rush into commitment again. My friends are telling me not to bring yesterday into tomorrow, but that is hard.

I see it as me avoiding unnecessary hurt by being cautious from the start.

However, I do want to give this new guy a chance. Am I scorned or being smart?

— New Love Dear New Love: That past heartbreak makes it hard to trust the potential wonder and purity that a future relationship may offer. You should not give up. Go out and meet people. Enjoy the moments as you get to know potential suitors.

Keep your eyes open. Ask questions. Pay attention. If you start dating someone, check in early about values. What does each of you care about? Be direct when inquiring about cheating, monogamy, money, family, etc. Be inquisitive so you know what you are getting yourself into.

Send questions to askharriette@ harriettecole.com.

creative for hours, didn’t Dear Heloise: Yellowed cost much, and produced shirts that still fit and can something worthwhile. If a be worn don’t belong in the pile of faded tops has been trash. They make perfect sitting in your closet waittie-dye candidates! Wash and line-dry the ing for a decision, shirts first to rethis is a satisfying one. — Elaine, in North move buildup, then Carolina hand them over to your kids or grandWashing the wash kids for an afternoon project.

Dear Heloise: If you Hints from pull your towels Tie-dye kits are Heloise out of the dryer, inexpensive and widely available, and they still smell and the bold colors commusty, the washing mapletely cover the yellowing. chine is probably the culThe results look intenprit. Over time, detergent tional, bright, wearable and and fabric softener residue can build up inside, leading genuinely fun. Our group to odors or mildew. produced shirts in various According to Tom’s sizes, which made donatGuide, we should avoid ing them to a local clothing using large amounts of vinshelter an even better outcome. egar during monthly deep Every shirt went to cleanings, as it can damsomeone who could use it, age the machine’s parts. and nothing looked like a Instead, use a small amount cast-off. The project kept of vinegar in the rinse cycle a group of kids busy and for freshness and follow

your manufacturer’s maintenance instructions. Then run another hot cycle with a 1/2 cup of baking soda.

Leave the lid open to let the machine dry completely.

Also, and this one surprises people, stop using so much detergent. More soap doesn’t mean cleaner clothes; it just leaves more residue. Use less detergent than the bottle says — half is usually plenty. More soap just means more residue, and residue is half your problem right there.

Leave the fabric softener off your towels entirely. It makes them feel nice and fresh when coming out of the dryer, but it ruins their absorbency little by little until, one day, you realize that your bath towel is basically useless. — Linda P., in Akron, Ohio Send a hint to heloise@ heloise.com.

TODAY IN HISTORY

By The Associated Press Today is Saturday, May 16, the 136th day of 2026. There are 229 days left in the year.

Today in history: On May 16, 1966, the Chinese Communist Party issued the May 16 Notification, a document that criticized “counterrevolutionary revisionists” within the party and marked the beginning of the Cultural Revolution.

Also on this date: In 1770, Marie Antoinette, age 14, married the future King Louis XVI of France, who was 15.

In 1868, having already been impeached by the House of Representatives, President Andrew Johnson narrowly avoided impeachment by the Senate, which voted 35-19 in favor of impeachment — one vote shy of the required two-thirds majority.

In 1929, the first Academy Awards were presented.

“Wings” won the award for Outstanding Picture, while Emil Jannings and Janet Gaynor were named Best Actor and Best Actress.

In 1943, the nearly monthlong Warsaw Ghetto Uprising came to an end as German forces crushed the Jewish resistance and blew up the city’s Great Synagogue.

In 1960, the first working laser was demonstrated at Hughes Research Laboratories in Malibu, California, by physicist Theodore Maiman.

In 1975, Japanese climber Junko Tabei became the first woman to reach the summit of Mount Everest.

In 1988, U.S. Surgeon General C. Everett Koop declared that nicotine is as addictive as heroin or cocaine as part of his campaign to warn against the

health hazards of smoking and make America smokefree by 2000.

In 1991, Queen Elizabeth II became the first British monarch to address the U.S. Congress, speaking to a joint meeting of both chambers during her state visit to the United States.

In 1997, President Bill Clinton publicly apologized for the notorious 40-year Tuskegee Experiment, in which government scientists deliberately allowed Black men to weaken and die of treatable syphilis.

In 2011, Space Shuttle Endeavour launched on its 25th and final flight into space, bound for the International Space Station. The launch came as NASA was winding down the 30-year shuttle program that would end with a final flight by the orbiter Atlantis in July of the same year.

In 2018, officials at Michigan State University said they had agreed to pay $500 million to settle claims from more than 300 women and girls who said they were assaulted by sports

doctor Larry Nassar.

In 2022, the U.S. death toll from COVID-19 reached 1 million.

In 2025, a devastating tornado claimed several lives and damaged hundreds of homes in Somerset, Kentucky, during a severe weather outbreak in the South and Midwest that killed at least 19 people.

Today’s Birthdays: Actor Danny Trejo is 82. Actor Pierce Brosnan is 73.

Olympic gymnastics gold medalist Olga Korbut is 71. Baseball Hall of Famer Jack Morris is 71. Actor Debra Winger is 71. Olympic marathon gold medalist Joan Benoit Samuelson is 69. Actor Mare Winningham is 67. Rock musician Krist Novoselic (Nirvana) is 61. Singer Janet Jackson is 60. Football Hall of Famer Thurman Thomas is 60. Singer Ralph Tresvant (New Edition) is 58. Actor David Boreanaz is 57. Tennis Hall of Famer Gabriela Sabatini is 56. Actor Tori Spelling is 53. Actor Megan Fox is 40. Actor Thomas Brodie-Sangster is 36.

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4D ■ Saturday, May 16, 2026 ■ theadvocate.com ■ The Advocate

FrAnK And erneSt

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zodIAC TAURUS (April 20-May 20) Be bold. Once you lay your intentions on the table, you will get a clear vision of what's possible.

Don't sit back when asking for what you want will help you come to terms with what it will take to reach your goal.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20) You'll have plenty of ideas and change your mind a lot, which will confuse some and excite others. Be true to yourself and worry less about who comes along on your journey.

CANCER (June 21-July 22) Be a good observer. Bide your time, and offer only what's necessary. Confusion will set in due to misinformation. Take the initiative to determine what's valid before you agree to get involved.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) Channel your energy into fulfilling your obligations.

Someone will be quick to point out your flaws if you take shortcuts or renege on a promise you made. Take a step back.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) Pay attention to the changes others make. Protect yourself from anyone who tries to talk you into something you don't want to do.

Choose to be direct and to take a pass.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) Physical activities that strengthen your mind, body and soul will be uplifting and give you a positive perspective regarding what's possible. Trust and believe in yourself.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) You'll be drawn to people, places and events that are new to you. The opportunity

to share perspectives with those from different backgrounds will help you find common ground.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) Put a plan and a budget in place. Getting organized will be the most effective way to stay out of financial trouble. A little charm, resourcefulness and confidence will result in new beginnings.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Put your energy into something you enjoy doing.

Challenge yourself, socialize, enter a competition and rise above any situation that tries to drag you down when you are upward bound.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) Don't get stuck in someone else's dream. It's time to build your own future and to turn your attention to what makes you happy. Let the past go and make way for a bright future.

PISCES (Feb. 20-March 20) You have plenty to gain regarding personal growth, establishing your position and gaining the support necessary to turn your dream into a reality. Protect your honor.

ARIES (March 21-April 19) Discuss your thoughts and intentions with those affected by the decisions you make, and find solutions that will justify your actions. How you manage your money and what you spend it on will matter.

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: O EQUALS S

Mother GooSe And GrIMM

SherMAn’S LAGoon FAMILY CIrCUS

dooneSbUrY

The Advocate ■ theadvocate.com ■ Saturday, May 16, 2026 ■ 5D

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CurTiS

Hi and LoiS

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

6D ■ Saturday, May 16, 2026 ■ theadvocate.com ■ The Advocate

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B.C.

Bridge

BY PHILLIP ALDER Jackie Chan, an action film star who hails from Hong Kong, said, “American stunt men are smart — they think about safety. But in Hong Kong, if you’ve got the guts, you do it. All of my stunt men have gotten hurt.”

At the bridge table, we have safetyplays. Their aim, usually, is to ensure at most one loser whatever the lie of the missing cards in that suit. Experts know a lot of them; less capable players know far fewer. But, of course, often a safetyplay proves unnecessary, because the distribution is docile.

The safety-play that is needed in this deal looks so strange that many would never even think of it. How should South play to guarantee making six no-trump?

West leads the spade 10.

North made a sensible quantitative raise to slam.

Declarer starts with 10 top tricks: three spades, three hearts, two diamonds and two clubs. So he needs only four club winners, not five.

It is tempting to win the first trick in the dummy and call for the club jack (the right play in seven no-trump). And it is true that any time clubs are 3-2 or 4-1, or East has all five, there is no damage done. However, when West has all five clubs, suddenly the contract has died.

South should take out insurance. He should win the first trick in his hand

garfield

Pearls Before swiNe

hagar the horriBle

and lead a low club toward the dummy.

At the worst, this costs an overtrick.

Here, though, if West wins with his club queen, four club tricks are established.

Or, if West plays low, declarer wins with dummy’s 10, plays a heart to his hand, and leads another club toward dummy — mission accomplished. © 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 — cAPItoL: KAP-ih-tol: A building in which a legislative body

Bizarro

marmaduKe

meets.

Average mark 27 words Time limit 45 minutes Can you find 40 or more words in CAPITOL? YEstERDAY’s WoRD — FoRAYED fade fare faro fear fedora foray ford fore foyer fray frayed

froe oared rayed read ready redo road rode adore aero aery

yard yare year yore dare deaf dear defray defy doer dory

dray dyer

loCKhorNs hidato Yesterday’s Puzzle Answer

today’s thought “In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.”

Genesis 1:1

God and God alone is the creator and sustainer of the universe. — G.E. Dean

The Advocate ■ theadvocate.com ■ Saturday, May 16, 2026 ■ 7D

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classifieds.theadvocate.com Search& &Place PlaceAds AdsOnline Onlineatatclassifieds.theadvocate.com classifieds.theadvocate.com* Call * Call -Friday Us Monday-Friday 8AM-5PM at 225-383-0111 8AM-5PM at 225-383-0111 Search

Announcements A'MIRE, L.L.C. d/b/a/ The 121 is applying to the Office of Alcohol & Tobacco Control of the State of Louisiana for a permit to sell beverages of high and low alcohol content at retail in the Parish of East Baton Rouge at the following address: 121 Convention Street Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70801 The 121 Members: Paula Clayton 187888-May 16, 1t $106.38 Anyone knowing the whereabouts of Anton Smirnov, please contact David McDavid, Attorney, at 225-4908780.

187576-May 14-16, 3t $85 ANYONE knowing the whereabouts of any property owner, heir or other related person, in regard to the properties listed below, please contact the East Baton Rouge CityParish, Department of Development – Neighborhood Revitalization Office at 225-389-8680.

908 WOODHILL DR THE ESTATE OF IDA LEWIS SCOTT 610 EDDIE ROBINSON SR DR

WELLINGTON INVESTMENT GROUP, LLC

9858 AVENUE J MARICO RAYON BAINGUEL 2631 CONVENTION OPTIONS FOUNDATION, INC

REGISTERED AGENT: BRENT A NETTLES

11686 WILLOW OAK AVE TAN CHANH PHAN 5350 CLAYTON ST GRACE PROPERTY VENTURES, LLC 3720 SHERWOOD ST JULIUS C WHISENANT 1123 N 49TH ST MLK COMM CENTER 1395 COLUMBUS DUNN DR ROBERT CURTIS 3006 DRUSILLA LN TERRY CLYDE LANDRY JR 10341 W ALMOND DR THE ESTATE OF MARVIN J BLACK JR 2108 GORE RD TONY HARDESTY 5725 CADILLAC ST LUTHER SLATON 11234 DEVALL LN GAYLE B PARKER 9224 ELM GROVE GARDEN DR AARON D FRAZIER 1733 ROBIN ST BENNETT PHILIPS 7327 BOMER DR ALLIED TAX FUND, LLC 4918 CADILLAC ST COMMUNITY ASSN FOR THE WELFARE OF SCHOOL CHILDREN 1540 SWAN AVE PETER BUTLER JR 1059 BARANCO ST MARIO RON LONDON 11151 CYPRESS GLENN AVE LARRY ALEXANDER 905 SAINT JOHN LN ROBERT SPEARS 10085 GREAT SMOKY AVE VERY GOOD PROPERTY MANAGEMENT, LLC 1206 BOREAS DR MICHELLE VINSON 5765 MADISON AVE BETTY THOMAS 1581 N 36TH ST JAMAR C MIMS SR 1685 AMOS LINDA LENOIR 9984 AVE D THE ESTATE OF JOHN M TAYLOR 2110 70TH AVE LATOY PESHUN TRAVELER 7428 RICHEY DR THE ESTATE OF STAFFORD R MAYBERRY 6680 BROWNFIELDS JOSEPH COMEAUX 9607 GASSIE JAMES MACK JR 7852 PHEBUS DR GORDILLO PROPERTIES, LLC 8745 ELM GROVE GARDEN DR DAVID HULBERT SR 5472 DICKENS DR LARRY JERMAINE JOHNSON 9162 GASSIE LEESTHER CURTIS 5050 BYRON ST LAKEITHA A JOHNSON 4075 BEECH ST THE ESTATE OF DELLARINE B CRAIN /C/O EDWARD SAUNDERS 3946 LYNN ST ANTHONY JAMES MITCHELL & ELIZABETH TOMEKA LANIEU 4615 HOLLYWOOD ARDELL H DAVIS 5738 MATTHEWS ST THE ESTATE OF ARTHUR H & PAULINE H PERRY 4615 SAINT KATHERINE AVE DION K SIDEBOARD 2438 BADLEY RD FRANCINE J MATTHEW 4760 AIRLINE HWY DOLLY PHILLIPS 11231 GREENWELL SPRINGS RD JASON WARREN MURRAY 4710 BAWELL ST ARISTILE THARRANCE 9412 BOONE DR KELLIE TAYLOR-WHITE 243 W WASHINGTON ST CECILIA DAISY BAZILE 2155 MINNESOTA ST WENDY NICHOL LEWIS WIGGINS 4018 CHIPPEWA ST

TIMOTHY PAUL MCCOY 8941 PECAN TREE DR AERIAL SKYCAM, LLC 16524 VERMILLION DR ESSIE GALMORE PAIGE 9733 MOLLYLEA DR MONIQUE RENEE KENNEDY 2269 VALLEY ST BRANDON ANTONIO JONES 3678 ONTARIO ST RHINO VENTURES, LLC 2265 VALLEY ST

HOUSE OF GOD OF BATON ROUGE, INC

2315 RHODES AVE GREGORY MOORE 12041 PROVINCE CHEUNG C WONG 423 LIVE OAK BLVD G A DOSHIREH 452 LIVE OAK BLVD G A DOSHIREH 1136 N 35TH ST LOUIS KELLER, JR 7323 MEADOWVIEW AVE GARY FRANK TUERS 721 N 35TH ST BEATRICE MATTHEWS HARRIS 7241 MEADOWVIEW AVE RICHARD A PENCE, III 7247 MEADOWBROOK AVE MARILYN N SAYTUE 442 LIVE OAK BLVD G A DOSHIREH 9010 AUDREY DR JUDY MILLER BERNARD 1567 N 36TH JEANETTAER SERAPHINE BELL 1709 AMOS ST LOFTON CLAYTON 4865 JEAN ST RALPH THOMAS DAVIS 5835 ADAMS AVE TERRY ZIMMER 5127 BANGOR RD HOMEFRONT NOW, LLC 187144-May 11-17, 7t $3945

Anyone knowing the whereabouts of Mr. Korey Clark OR NEXT OF KIN, please contact John A. Obebe, Attorney At Law, 10126 Springbrook Avenue, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70810or call (225) 924-8000.

187747-May 16-18, 3t $109 Any person knowing the whereabouts of the following described promissory note: That certain promissory note dated November 17, 2018 by Sidney Marcel payable to First Consumers Financial of Carencro, LLC in the amount of $1056.00 together with interest at the rate of 36% until paid, payable in 12 equal monthly installments of $88.00 each. Please contact Richard D. Bankston, 427 South Foster Drive, Baton Rouge, LA 70806, (225) 346-1999.

187841-May 16-18, 3t $205

Pursuant to the lien granted by the Louisiana Self-Service Storage Facility Act LA RS:479, Storage Post will sell at public auction on May 26, 2026, personal property belonging to the following tenants to the highest bidder: Antoine Sanders: P8: 1983 Southwind RV by Fleetwood JModel VIN 1GBJP37W3D3329974 – FOR PARTS ONLY; Deloris Dorsey: 146: dresser, ref, washer, boxes; Joseph Cormier: 445: dog crate, folding chair, tools, carpet; Joshline Dunn: 509: chairs, box, cab, head & footboard, sofa; Cierra Anderson: 653: vac, fan, chairs, sofa set; Tammy Wright: 717: matt’s, AC unit, boxes, end tables; D’juna Martin: 728: dresser, bed set, ice chest, TVs. The sale shall be held at 8118 Tom Drive, Baton Rouge, LA 70815, 225926-9081, commencing at approximately 1:00 PM. All sales are subject to prior cancellation. Rules and regulations are available at the time of sale.

187392-May 16, 1t $194.02

Merchandise SPORTSMAN EXCHGE Leaning Post - Seeked, Ice chest not included, $250 Call John 225-266-1953 CEMETERY PLOTS Azalea Rest Cem. 2 Plots. Lot 86 Spc 2 & 3, Sec 1. $2500 ttl. Owner pays transfer fees. 225-278-9931 GARDEN/LAWN EQUIP Snapper rear bag with frame, discharge shute, All new for $100.

225-603-5805

AREA 8 32350 Avants Rd., Walker. 7am-until.

HH items, camper acc, misc ammo, decor, bedding & more.

Employment

EDUCATION NOTICE OF VACANCY Applications are being accepted for the following position(s):

AREA 2 5723 Hartford Ave. Glen Oaks Area Off Greenwell St., Comp. Updated!

3BR 1.5BA, w/New C H/A New Light Fixtures & Windows Freshly Painted Int/Ext, & Ceramic FLR throughout Call Charles for your showing @ 225-266-4078 Roy Carter Realty 225-357-6436 AREA 2 Central: Fixer-Upper, 2Br/2Ba 1000sf, 1/2 ac. Priv Rd. $88k 225-261-2329

Baton Rouge Rental

Secondary Principal LOCATION: White Castle High School STARTING SALARY $106,987 - $115,375 Range based on teacher salary plus Factor 1.525 Supervisor of Federal Programs LOCATION: Central Office STARTING SALARY $112,616 - $121,916 Range based on teacher salary plus Factor 1.55 APPLICATION PROCEDURE Anyone interested in being considered for this position should submit an ap‐ plication @www.ipsb.net JOIN OUR TEAM DEADLINE FOR APPLYING Until filled or May 22, 2026 All IPSB employees must pass a criminal records check.

The Iberville Parish School System is an Equal Opportunity Employer

MISC FOR SALE A beautiful cocktail table, pool table & lots of misc items. 225-726-4530

AREA 1 2BR/2BA Remodeled Apts. Available.

Sec 8 wlc. $875 Baker. 225-413-7611

MISC FOR SALE Small Solid Black THROW PILLOWS Many Avail! Each $5 225-752-7273

AREA 2 2BR/1BA APT for rent in Central school district, $700/mo, $500/dep Call 225-603-4395

MISC FOR SALE Two 38” Tall Cement Cranes Each Crane $50 225-752-7273

Garage Sales AREA 9 38066 Willow Lake Dr., Prairieville.

Saturday, May 16, 8a-3p. Lots of High-end (Polo & Duck Head) Day & Evening clothing, shoes, knick knacks, kitchenware, furniture & much more AREA 2 5177 Roy Ave., Grnwl Spgs. Fri/Sat 8a-4p. 2-10x20 WH contents. New & slightly used hh items, kitc, furn, linen, awesome gift items, art, collectibles, camping & outdoor garden items, fantastic clothing, books, CDs, ice chests, Seasonal decorations & so much more.

AREA 2 Garage + Jewelry Sale! Gold, Silver & Costume. Riding Lawn Mower. Great prices! 13525 Palomino Dr., Grnwl Spgs. Fri/Sat., May 15-16, 9a-3p.

AREA 2

Huge Garage Sale.

Zoar Baptist Church, 11848 Hooper Rd., in the Gym. Corner of Hooper & Joor. Fri 5/15, 7a-4p & Sat 5/16, 7a2p. CASH ONLY!!

EDUCATION WEST BATON ROUGE PARISH PUBLIC SCHOOLS West Baton Rouge Public Schools is soliciting applications for future em‐ ployment of certified special education teachers. View vacant positions as well as positions being filled by retired teachers on the school district's web‐ site: www.wbrschools.net

AREA 4 CHURCH GARAGE SALE. Saturday 812p. 10011 Old Hammond Hwy. AREA 4 Garage Sale. Saturday, May 16, 7a12p. 2020 Cedarcrest Ave. Lots of houseware & hardware items.

ESTATE/GARAGE SALE 16840 Dahlgren, Shenandoah Estates. Sat & Sun 8a-4p. Complete Sale. Furniture, pics, appliances.

Everything Must Go.

Pets / Pet Services Directory

AREA 5 655 North St. Subsidized eff Apts cpabr.org 225-383-5551.

TDD/TTY /711RELAY

Baton Rouge Real Estate For Sale

HOUSEHOLD ITEMS 5 in 1 hot air dryer brand new never used $45 225-938-8700

If anyone knows the whereabouts of James Muzzuto, please contact Attorney Halima N. McKenna at (504) 208-4545.

187754-May 16-18, 3t $85 NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR ALCOHOL PERMIT Carroll's Promotions, Inc. d/b/a Baton Rouge Raceway is applying to the Office of Alcohol and Tobacco Control of the State of Louisiana for a permit to sell beverages of low alcohol content at retail at the following address: 1770 Plank Road Baker, Louisiana 70714 Parish of East Baton Rouge Members/Owners: Donald P. Watson Eunice E. Watson 187740-May 16, 1t $125.16

GENERAL HELP The Diocese of B.R. Child Nutrition Pro‐ gram is seeking FT school Cafeteria Mgrs., Cooks, & Porters. HS Diploma or Equiv. and BG Check req. Apply at www.cnpbr.org/employment

COMMERCIAL PROPERTY LEASE: Lot 150'x250'. 11754 Florida Blvd. High traffic area. 225-819-6679 MOBILE HOME 1, 2 & 3 BR mobile homes, $675 & up 6061 Plank Rd. CALL 225-978-4653 ROOMS FOR RENT Furnished Rooms. $125/wk. $500/mo.

225-933-7560

Recreational Vehicles CAMPER-CAMP EQUIP 2013 17' Retro, Ultra Light Bumper Pull Camper $5.000 (225) 410-0442

AREA 2 3BR 2BA, 16x80 Mobile Home in Central School District on 1 acre treed lot, $600 dep, $1100/mth rent.

Large storage bldg, Lawn Service Included. 225-603-4395

AREA 4 11839 Stan Ave., 3BR 2BA, fnc'd yd, C/H/A, wdhu, Att CP, $1300/mth/dep (225) 356-1756 pls lv mssg

Reporting you can trust on stories that matter

AREA 5 1 & 2 BR Apts, W/D, C A/H, Starting at $850/mo Deps vary 225-315-0930 AREA 5 1BR $550, 2BR $650 Tigerland. $500 Deposit. 225-475-1737

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MONDAY ONDAY,, MAY 25TH 25T in observance of

Memorial Day

And will be observing the following Early Deadline: Deadline: Thursday May 21 @ 3pm

Run Date Tuesday May 26 Wednesday May 27

Call (225) 383-0111 - Option 3 then Press Option 1 or email: Classifieds at ClassifiedAds@theadvocate.com or Public Notices at legal.ads@theadvocate.com

PETS • SUPPLIES • SERVICES • OBITUARIES • LOST & FOUND

PLACE YOUR PET SERVICES INFORMATION IN THE PET SERVICES DIRECTORY TODAY! • IT IS FAST AND EASY! • CALL 225-383-0111 DOGS CKC YORKIES - with papers vet checked shot and worming standard and parti available meet in Gulfport $750 (334) 467-3416

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

PRINT ADVERTISING

WORKS

DOGS Australian Shepherd - We have six Australian Shepherd puppies one male blue merle, one female black tri, two male red tri, two female red merle’s looking for their forever homes. $800 985-688-7455

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

NEWS 24/7 ON

MONDAY ONDAY,, MAY 25TH 25T in observance of

Memorial Day

And will be observing the following Early Deadline: Deadline: Thursday May 21 @ 3pm

DOGS Cairn terriers - Shots and wormed $400.00 (985) 222-4354

DOGS CKC Reg. Rat Terrier & Teddy Roosevelt Terrier Pups Avail. (985) 217-2950

The Classified Advertising Department will be closed on

DOGS Many breeds, payment plans available (225) 810-5771 DOGS Shih Tzu, m/f, 6wks old, paper trained $400 Cash Only. 504-418-3046

Run Date Tuesday May 26 Wednesday May 27

As always, you may place your ad 7 days a week, 24 hours a day online at www.theadvocate.com or call Monday – Friday 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (225) 383-0111

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8D ■ Saturday, May 16, 2026 ■ theadvocate.com ■ The Advocate Public Notices

Public Notices Bids/Proposals

PUBLIC NOTICE --The Louisiana Office of State Parks is requesting proposals for a Public, Private Partnership pro‐ ject to operate certain components of Poverty Point State Park and Black Bear Golf Course.

For more information go to OpportunitiesinLouisia na .com 186440-may 4-22-19t $87.78

Legal Notices

PUBLIC NOTICE --Notice is hereby given that KDU Marine has ap‐ plied for a 401 Water Quality Certification to conduct dredging, drive pilings, and install a new bulkhead on Deer Range Canal. In addition, a boat house with boat slips and a dock will be con‐ structed. All work will occur at 134 Rabbit Road in Port Sulphur and near Deer Range in Plaquem‐ ines Parish. KDU Marine is applying to the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality, Office of Environmental Services for a Water Quality Certification in accordance with statu‐ tory authority contained in the LAC 33:IX.1507 A-E and provisions of Section 401 of the Clean Water Act. Comments conceming this application can be filed with the Water Per‐ mits Division within ten days of this notice by ref‐ erencing WQC 260409-01, Al 250905 to the following address: Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality Water Permits Division P.O. Box 4313 Baton Rouge, LA 708214313 Attn: Water Quality Certifications Comments may be sub‐ mitted by email to DEOWate!QualityCertifica‐ tions@la.gov.

A copy of the application is available for inspec‐ tion and review at the LDEQ Public Records Center at 602 North Fifth Street; Baton Rouge, LA 70802, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The available information can also be accessed electronically on the Electronic Docu‐ ment Management Sys‐ tem (EDMS) on the LDEQ public website at www. deg.louisiana.gov.

187709 May 16, 1t $206.60 PUBLIC NOTICE Public Hearings will be held at Zachary City Hall 4700 Main St. during a regular meeting of the Planning and Zoning Commission meetingMonday, June 01, 2026 – 6:00 pm for the purpose indicated: Resubdivision Tract Sec 3 into Tracts TB-1 & TB-2 23000-24000 Brian Road 187575 May 16, 17, 18, 2026 3t $44.38 PUBLIC NOTICE Public Hearings will be held at Zachary City Hall 4700 Main St. during a regular meeting of the Planning and Zoning Commission meetingMonday, June 01, 2026 – 6:00 pm and the City Council meeting – Tues‐ day, June 23, 2026 – 6:30 pm for the purpose indi‐ cated: Conditional Use Permit Manufactured Home 7215 Lower Zachary Road 187585 May 16, 17, 18, 2026 3t $47.41

Legal Notices

PUBLIC NOTICE Public Hearings will be held at Zachary City Hall 4700 Main St. during a regular meeting of the Planning and Zoning Commission meetingMonday, June 01, 2026 – 6:00 pm for the purpose indicated: Resubdivision Lot 9 into Lots 9-A & 9-B 4200-4300 Rollins Road

lll

Public Notices Meet/Hear/Min p p g normal business hours at the Louisiana Key Acad‐ emy Charter Manage‐ ment Office.

187845-may 16-1t $

Public Notices Sex Offenders

Public Notices Sex Offenders

Scars/Tattoos:

Scars/Tattoos:

Louisiana

Louisiana

187545, MAY 15-16 $250.00

187544, MAY 15-16 $250.00

Public Notices Sex Offenders

Weight: 155 Hair Color: BROWN Eye Color: BROWN Scars/Tattoos: Louisiana 187541, MAY 15-16 $250.00

Public Notices Sex Offenders

187593 May 16, 17, 18, 2026, 3t $43.36 PUBLIC NOTICE Public Hearings will be held at Zachary City Hall 4700 Main St. during a regular meeting of the Planning and Zoning Commission meetingMonday, June 01, 2026, for the purpose indi‐ cated: Combination of Lots Lots 24 & 25 into Lot 25A 4045 & 4055 Nelson Street 187597 May 16, 17, 18, 2026, 3t $44.38 PUBLIC NOTICE Public Hearings will be held at Zachary City Hall 4700 Main St. during a regular meeting of the Planning and Zoning Commission meetingMonday, June 01, 2026 – 6:00 pm and the City Council meeting – Tues‐ day, June 23, 2026 – 6:30 pm for the purpose indi‐ cated: Conditional Use Permit – Alcoholic Beverage 20191 Plank Road

I, BRIAN COLBURN, have been convicted of 14:81.1 - Pornography Involving Juveniles.

Date Convicted: 10/04/2021.

My Address is: 23860 HUGGINS LN ZACHARY, LA 70791 Race: WHITE Sex: MALE Date of Birth: 1/23/1989 Height: 6'2" Weight: 192 Hair Color: BROWN Eye Color: BROWN Scars/Tattoos: Louisiana 187549, MAY 15-16 $250.00

187603 May 16, 17, 18, 2026 3t $46.39

I, GERALD LEWIS HOOPER, have been convicted of 18 USC 2252(A) - POSSESSION OF CHILD PORNOGRAPHY. Federal. Date Convicted: 03/12/1999.

State Equivalent: 14:81.1 - Pornography Involving Juveniles.

My Address is: 13228 NATCHEZ CT BATON ROUGE, LA 70810 Race: WHITE Sex: MALE Date of Birth: 5/21/1950 Height: 5'8" Weight: 162 Hair Color: BROWN Eye Color: BLUE Scars/Tattoos: FEDERAL 187546, MAY 15-16 $250.00

I, Joshua Sage Opitz AKA JOSH, have been convicted of 14:93.5 Sexual Battery of the Infirmed. 14:93.5 Sexual Battery of the Infirmed. 15:542 Failure to Register/Notify as a Sex Offender. Date Convicted: 07/17/2008.

I, RONALD Stephen WHITE AKA RONNIE, have been convicted of 14:78.1 - Aggravated Incest Sexual Motivation. Date Convicted: 04/10/2003.

My Address is: 1072 N 48TH ST #9 BATON ROUGE, LA 70802

My Address is: 503 Lettsworth St Baton Rouge, LA 70802

Race: WHITE Sex: MALE Date of Birth: 7/26/1973 Height: 6'2" Weight: 230 Hair Color: BLACK Eye Color: HAZEL Scars/Tattoos:

Race: BLACK Sex: MALE Date of Birth: 6/29/1963 Height: 5'9" Weight: 200 Hair Color: BLACK Eye Color: BROWN Scars/Tattoos:

Louisiana

Louisiana

187543, MAY 15-16 $250.00

187548, MAY 15-16 $250.00

Request for Scenic River Permit on Tangipahoa River

187846-may 16-1t $109.65 PUBLIC NOTICE --The Louisiana Office of State Parks is requesting proposal for a Public, Pri‐ vate Partnership project to renovate the Beach Bathhouse at Fontainebleau State Park into an events facility.

For more information go to Opportunitiesin‐ Louisiana.com

I, Darrow Dewayne Allen AKA DARRYL ALLEN AKA ALLEN DARROW, have been convicted of 14:43.1 Sexual Battery. Date Convicted: 02/21/1995.

My Address is: 3298 Garnet Dr #9 Baton Rouge, LA 70805 Race: BLACK Sex: MALE Date of Birth: 9/4/1968 Height: 5'9" Weight: 145 Hair Color: BLACK Eye Color: BROWN Scars/Tattoos: Louisiana 187542, MAY 15-16 $250.00

I, Haywood Allen Campbell AKA HAYWARD CAMPBELL, have been convicted of 14:43.1 - Sexual Battery Sexual Motivation.

Date Convicted: 05/07/1986.

My Address is: 9138 Tracy Ave Baton Rouge, LA 70814 Race: BLACK Sex: MALE Date of Birth: 11/23/1968 Height: 5' 11 Weight: 175 Hair Color: BALD Eye Color: BROWN Scars/Tattoos: Louisiana 187547, MAY 15-16 $250.00

I, Kelvin James Jolivette, have been convicted of 22.021(a) (1)(A) - Aggravated Sexual Assault. TEXAS. Date Convicted: 11/14/1994. Details: Victim- 9 year old female. State Equivalent: 14:43.1 Sexual Battery.

My Address is: 1435 Monterrey Blvd Baton Rouge, LA 70815 Race: BLACK Sex: MALE Date of Birth: 6/21/1970 Height: 5'5" Weight: 145 Hair Color: BLACK Eye Color: BLACK Scars/Tattoos: TEXAS 187540, MAY 15-16 $250.00

A motion was made by Ms. Gordon and sec‐ onded by Mr. Payne to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of March 11, 2026. A roll call vote was as follows: Yeas; Mrs. Joseph, Ms. Gordon, Mr. Hubble, Ms. King, Mr. Payne: Abstain; no one Absent; no one: Motion passed.

A motion was made by Ms. Gordon and sec‐ onded by Mrs. Joseph to approve the minutes of the special meeting of March 25, 2026. A roll call vote was as follows: Yeas; Mrs. Joseph, Ms. Gordon, Mr. Hubble, Ms. King, Mr. Payne: Abstain; no one Absent; no one: Motion passed.

A presentation to the Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) ser‐ vices executive director Mrs. Kendall Hebert by Mayor Pattan. Mr. Chris Murphy and Council Woman Charlene Gordon spoke on behalf of the organization.

A motion was made by Mr. Hubble and seconded

by Ms. King to authorize Mayor Pattan to approve the Municipal Water Pol‐ lution Prevention Envi‐ ronment audit report. A roll call vote was as fol‐ lows: Yeas; Mrs. Joseph, d bbl

p Ms. Gordon, Mr. Hubble, Ms. King, Mr. Payne: Nays; none: Abstain; no one: Absent; no one. Mo‐ tion passed.

A motion was made by Mr. Hubble and seconded

by Mrs. Joseph to autho‐ rize Mayor Pattan to rebid for the LCDBG sewer project. A roll call vote was as follows: Yeas; Mrs. Joseph, Ms. Gordon, Mr. Hubble, Ms. King, Mr. Payne: Nays; none: Ab‐ stain; no one: Absent; no one. Motion passed.

A motion was made by Ms. Gordon and sec‐ onded by Mr. Hubble to authorize Chief Mitchell to enter into a contract with LEXIPOL System at an annual cost of $9,600.00. A roll call vote was as follows: Yeas; Mrs. Joseph, Ms. Gordon, Mr. Hubble, Ms. King, Mr. Payne: Nays; None: Ab‐ stain; no one; Absent; no one. Motion passed.

The update of progress on resolving the audit findings was given by Adrian Daigle, Director of Finance.

meeting will be Monday May 4th • National Day of Prayer will be celebrated on Thursday, May 7th at 6:00PM in the West Baton Rouge Community Cen‐ ter.

With no further business to come before the coun‐ cil, the meeting was ad‐ journed at 6:02PM. Terecita Pattan, Mayor Rose A. Roche', Municipal Clerk 187833-may 16-1t $50.92

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The monthly financial re‐ port was presented by Mr. Adrian Daigle, Direc‐ tor of Finance.

There were no condem‐ nations to report.

There were no alcoholic beverage permits to ap‐ prove.

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Announcements: • The next Town Hall

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I, SAMUEL Tristan MUNOZ aka SAMMUEL MUNOZ, have been convicted of 14:80 Carnal knowledge of a juvenile. Date Convicted: 01/09/2012.

My Address is: 1615 Hwy 190 hwy 140 Port Allen, LA 70767 Race: OTHER Sex: MALE Date of Birth: 8/26/1985 Height: 5'10" Weight: 275 Hair Color: BLACK Eye Color: BROWN Scars/Tattoos: Louisiana 187374, MAY 15-16

Public Notices Meet/Hear/Min

Notice is hereby given that the Board of Direc‐ tors of Louisiana Key Academy will hold a pub‐ lic meeting and vote on the adoption of its Fiscal Year 2026-2027 annual budget at its meeting to be held on June 15, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. at the Louisiana Key Academy (LKA) Charter Manage‐ ment Office (CMO), lo‐ cated at 2900 Westfork Dr., Suite 400, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70827.

The public is invited to attend. The proposed budget is available for public inspection during lb i h

g PM. The pledge of alle‐ giance was recited.

Council members pre‐ sent were Mrs. Joseph, Ms. Gordon, Mr. Hubble, Ms. King Mr. Payne.

There was a quorum pre‐ sent.

WBR Legal Notices

WBR Public Notices Sex Offenders

186236-May 9-16-8t $36.96

PUBLIC NOTICE ---

WBR Legal Notices

WBR Public Notices

PUBLIC NOTICE ---

The Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) as Administrator of the Louisiana Natural and Scenic Rivers System is currently considering the application of Seth Bratton to build a boat shed and bulkhead on Tangipahoa River. Copies of the application can be reviewed at the LDWF main office, 2000 Quail Drive, Baton Rouge, LA. The public is invited to comment on this permit request for a period of forty-five (45) days. Re‐ sponses should be mailed to LDWF Scenic Rivers Program, P.O. Box 98000, Baton Rouge, LA 70898-9000.

WBR Legal Notices

I, EFREM Tremaine MOSBY AKA TREMAIN, have been convicted of 14:42.1 - Forcible Rape (attempted) Sexual Motivation. Date Convicted: 12/12/2007.

My Address is: 3824 CLAYTON DR BATON ROUGE, LA 70805 Race: BLACK Sex: MALE Date of Birth: 12/12/2007 Height: 5'6" Weight: 210 Hair Color: BLACK Eye Color: BROWN

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WBR Legal Notices I, Joseph Paul Collins, have been convicted of 14:80 - Carnal knowledge of a juvenile. Date Convicted: 03/26/2018.

My Address is: 2206 Adella St Baton Rouge, LA 70802 Race: WHITE Sex: MALE Date of Birth: 3/5/1992 Height: 5'7" Weight: 255 Hair Color: BROWN Eye Color: BROWN

I, Layton Ernest Leblanc, have been convicted of 14:81 Indecent Behavior with Juveniles. Date Convicted: 03/05/2009.

Details: INDECENT BEHAVIOR. My Address is: 5817 Prescott Rd #4 Baton Rouge, LA 70805 Race: WHITE Sex: MALE Date of Birth: 8/5/1977 Height: 5'8"

PUBLIC NOTICE --REGULAR MEETING OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL CITY OF PORT ALLEN, LOUISIANA WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 2026

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The City Council of the City of Port Allen, Louisiana met in regular session on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in the Coun‐ cil Chambers of Port Allen City Hall.

Mayor Pattan called the meeting to order at 5:32 h l d f ll

187724-648427-May 16-1t $ 211.68

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