The Times-Picayune 06-04-2026

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House votes to stop war with Iran Approval of resolution a rebuke of Trump

BY LISA MASCARO

AP congressional correspondent

STAFF PHOTO By CHRIS GRANGER

Palm and crape myrtle trees grow along Veterans Memorial Boulevard in Metairie on Wednesday.

Jefferson Parish needs more trees, study says But ‘significant barriers’ lie ahead

BY LARA NICHOLSON Staff writer

Jefferson Parish doesn’t have enough trees.

Vast areas of the populated parts of the parish, including Elmwood, swaths of Metairie’s commercial districts, most of Marrero and the entirety of Gretna have little to no tree cover, a state of affairs that’s well known

to parish officials and residents but hadn’t been cataloged in any comprehensive way.

Now, a new study has mapped and quantified the lack of trees in hopes of prompting public support for investments that would help beautify neighborhoods and streetscapes — and could bring other benefits.

The Urban Forest Master Plan, commissioned by Jefferson Parish and horticulture group Friends of Jefferson the Beautiful and released in April, says the suburban parish is in desperate need of more trees to combat

rising temperatures and increasing floods after decades of development and hurricanes eliminated much of the parish’s preexisting forest.

The study, which measured tree coverage using high resolution aerial imagery and tree mapping software, found that about 17% of the land area of Jefferson Parish is covered by a tree canopy (not including areas outside of the levee protection system). On the east bank, which is almost entirely built out, the canopy size dwindles

ä See TREES, page 4A

WASHINGTON — The House for the first time Wednesday approved a war powers resolution that would halt the U.S. military action against Iran, defying “It is time for President Donald Trump as a handful of Republithe president cans joined with Demoto do the right crats to end the threething. The month-long conflict that people are tired has reordered politics at of suffering home and abroad.

House Speaker Mike because of his Johnson had tried to war of choice prevent an outcome that — suffering at would show the mountthe gas pump, ing opposition to the war, abruptly shutting suffering at the down floor action two supermarkets.” weeks ago when the resREP. GREGORy olution was on the verge MEEKS, D-N.y. of approval. But displeasure has only grown as the conflict drags on and as Trump struggles to negotiate a plan for peace.

“Enough is enough,” said Rep. Gregory Meeks of New York, the top Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, who led the effort.

“It is time for the president to do the right thing,” he said. “The people are tired of suffering because of his war of choice — suffering at the gas pump, suffering at the supermarkets.”

The roll call Wednesday was 215-208, but next steps are uncertain. Trump would likely reject any measure from Congress to limit his commander-in-chief authority. Still, the tally, with four Republicans joining Democrats, was a rebuke of the president’s war strategy, and cheers erupted in the House chamber.

It’s the fourth time the House has tried to

ä See HOUSE, page 4A

Louisiana mostly ends inspection stickers

ST. TAMMANY PARISH

Report details fight involving sheriff

dence, according to the docuIt’s not clear ments, which were released a public records rewhen, or if, charges through quest. will be filed The report lists Smith as a

N.O., BR areas retain rules for safety checks

BY WILLIE SWETT STAFF FILE PHOTO By BRETT DUKE

BY ALYSE PFEIL

Staff writer

Vehicle inspection stickers will no longer be required for many vehicles in Louisiana.

Drivers across most of Louisiana will no longer need a vehicle inspection sticker — though many in the Baton Rouge and New Orleans areas will still have to comply with other inspection rules in those places.

“The inspection sticker is now EXPIRED in Louisiana!” Gov. Jeff Landry wrote in a social media post after a Tuesday bill-signing ceremony, calling it “costly and burdensome.”

Most drivers will no longer need to get a basic safety check every year or two.

Instead, they’ll have to get a new Louisiana Vehicle Identification Program sticker, which will have a QR code that lists the vehicle identification number when scanned.

Drivers will get the new QR code sticker when registering a vehicle.

It will have an annual cost of $6 that will be collected by the Office of Motor Vehicles at the time of

WEATHER HIGH 84 LOW 77 PAGE 8B

registration and again every time the registration is renewed, which could be at one-, two- or four-year intervals. For example, someone who renews a registration every two years will pay $12.

The state’s new QR code sticker listing the VIN will be rolled out beginning Jan. 1.

Before that date, drivers do not need to visit the OMV to get the

ä See STICKERS, page 7A

Staff writer

A St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office incident report released Wednesday provided new details about the allegation that Sheriff Randy Smith attacked one of his harshest critics last week at a northshore steakhouse as state officials continue to investigate the case.

At least nine people witnessed what officials called a “disturbance” at Keith Young’s Steakhouse near Madisonville on Friday and two Snapchat videos were obtained as evi-

Business ......................6A Commentary ................7B Nation-World................2A Classified .....................7D Deaths .........................4B Opinion ........................6B Comics-Puzzles .....3D-6D Living............................1D Sports ..........................1C

suspect in the encounter and notes that the Sheriff’s Office deputy who responded to the restaurant turned over the case to Smith Louisiana Bureau of Investigation officials once they arrived at the scene.

Northshore resident Bobby Couvillion, a vocal online critic of St. Tammany politicians, including Smith, said last week that Smith choked him while he sat at the restaurant’s bar

ä See SHERIFF, page 7A

13TH yEAR, NO. 296

2A ✦ Thursday, June 4, 2026 ✦ nola.com ✦ The Times-Picayune

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Pentagon hires convicted rioter to military post

BRIEFS

FROM WIRE REPORTS

Ford issues recalls for several models

Ford is recalling almost 420,000 vehicles because of a seat belt issue that may result in an injury if a crash occurs.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said in a report Tuesday that the recall includes certain Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles with model years 2018 through 2022.

The issue involves seat belts that may lock inadvertently, not allowing them to retract or extend.

Vehicle owners will receive a notification in the mail about the recall. They can take their vehicle to a Ford or Lincoln dealer to have both front seat belt retractors inspected and to replace retractors involved in the recall for free.

Ford also issued a do-notdrive warning for thousands of Bronco Sport and Maverick due to problems with the vehicles’ suspension systems.

The NHTSA said that the front lower control arm ball joints may have been incorrectly installed or incorrectly repaired at an assembly plant, and the control arm could disconnect from the front wheel knuckle.

Dealers will inspect and repair the front lower control arm ball joints as necessary, for free.

Owners may contact Ford customer service at (866) 436-7332 or the NHTSA at (888) 327-4236 for more information about the recalls.

Child dies after inflatable castle tossed into air MONTREAL — A 3-year-old girl died from injuries she sustained when strong winds tossed an inflatable castle into the air during a party at a Montreal park last weekend.

Eleven people were injured with six of them sent to hospital when a bouncy castle and a tent were tossed by high winds on May 31 at Parc Ouellet in LaSalle, a borough in southwest Montreal, emergency medical services said.

The government agency Environment Canada said wind speeds were up to 31 miles per hour on Sunday afternoon during a party held by a church.

Cathy Denis, owner of an inflatable-structure rental company in Quebec, said she doesn’t install or operate bouncy castles or similar inflatables when forecasts call for wind speeds exceeding 24 miles per hour.

She said that limit is important because inflatables present a large surface area and sudden gusts can move the structures, even when they are properly installed.

Germany seizes tons of cocaine, arrests suspects BERLIN — German authorities said Wednesday they have seized more than 8 metric tons of cocaine from a container that was supposed to be carrying cacao beans, and two suspects were later arrested in Spain.

German customs investigators put the street value of the cocaine seized in the North Sea port of Wilhelmshaven at about $582 million.

The drugs were seized on Feb. 9. The arrests were made in El Ejido, in the Spanish province of Almería, on May 14.

The container had arrived from West Africa and was destined for Spain, investigators said in a statement. Instead of cacao beans, officials found more than 400 packets wrapped in black foil, each containing about 20 blocks of compressed cocaine.

The shipment was destroyed in Germany before the container was sent on its way to Barcelona. Investigators identified two suspected organizers of the shipment and arrested them during a handover of the container.

One of them, the manager of an import company, has been linked to a previous cocaine shipment by Spanish customs, the statement said.

CORRECTION An article Wednesday misspelled the name of Laura Ashley, the attorney representing Gian Durand in the Krewe of Oshun’s legal dispute with a float builder.

Man was freshman window, entered a conferroom, carried a metal at Citadel when he ence pole through the Capitol and took photos before leaving joined attack the building, the records say.

BY KONSTANTIN TOROPIN Associated Press

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By MOHAMMED ZAATARI

Rescue workers use an excavator on Tuesday as they search for victims under the rubble of a building that was hit Monday in an Israeli airstrike in Tyre, Lebanon.

Trump admits calling Israeli PM ‘crazy’ Israel, Lebanon agree to renew fragile ceasefire

BY KAREEM CHEHAYEB, MATTHEW LEE, JOSH BOAK and SARAH EL DEEB Associated Press

BEIRUT — President Donald Trump acknowledged criticizing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as “crazy” in a phone call that involved expletives, saying he was “a little bit perturbed” that Israel’s fighting with Hezbollah militants in Lebanon was holding back peace talks with Iran.

But even as the U.S. president conceded the tensions in an interview released Wednesday, he insisted that his relationship with Netanyahu was solid and that they connected, in part, because they are both “wartime” leaders.

“We’ve worked very well together. I like Bibi a lot. And I work very well with him,” Trump told The New York Post’s “Pod Force One.” In an interview on the American business-news channel CNBC, Netanyahu responded that he and Trump sometimes have “tactical disagreements” but have “common goals” and “agree on the main things.”

“He respects me. I respect him. We always find a way to work out our differences,” the prime minister said.

The president’s comments about the Monday call offered a sign of the growing pressure he faces to resolve the Iran war as higher energy prices and economic uncertainty threaten Republican prospects in the midterm elections and hamper global commerce.

Talks have dragged on for weeks and have been strained by Israel’s broadening war with the Iranian-backed militia group in Lebanon. The conflicts have become increasingly intertwined as Iran insists that any potential truce in the war there must also quell the fighting in Lebanon.

Israel, Lebanon renew ceasefire Israel and Lebanon agreed Wednesday to renew their fragile ceasefire and create a number of “pilot” security zones inside Lebanon from which Hezbollah militants would be banned.

In a joint statement released after a fourth round of U.S.-mediated talks at the State Department, the two sides said

the ceasefire “is contingent on a complete cessation of Hezbollah fire and the evacuation of all Hezbollah operatives” from areas south of the Litani River. It was not immediately clear how the security zones would be established but the agreement calls for the Lebanese army to take full control of those areas.

“These steps will enable progress towards a comprehensive peace and security agreement,” the statement said.

“All countries reaffirmed that the future of the relationship between Israel and Lebanon must be decided by the two sovereign governments. They rejected any attempt, by any state or non-state actor, to hold Lebanon’s future hostage.”

The latter is a reference to Iran, which supports Hezbollah and has insisted that Israeli attacks on Lebanon be halted as part of a tentative agreement with the U.S. to end the conflict with Iran.

Hezbollah is not part of the Israel-Lebanon talks, which have been held at the ambassadorial level in Washington since the beginning of last month.

“All parties condemned Iran’s attacks on countries in the region, and ongoing activities that undermine stability throughout the Middle East, whether through support for proxies and all other acts of aggression,” the statement said.

A new round of discussions will be held during the week of June 22 with an eye toward “reaching a comprehensive agreement.”

Military warning rattles coastal city Israeli strikes over southern Lebanon continued, especially in and around the battered cities of Tyre and Nabatiyeh. Two overnight strikes near Tyre, a coastal city, killed four Syrians and two Palestinians.

Israel warned the Christian neighborhoods in Tyre that Hezbollah members were among them. Many Lebanese Shiite Muslims fled to those areas in recent days because they were spared from the aerial bombardment along the Mediterranean coast.

After the warning, the Lebanese army deployed to the Christian district of Tyre in an effort to prevent Israeli attacks there and to show that Hezbollah has no armed presence in the area.

600 firefighters battle fire at the U.S.-Mexico border

BY KAREN KUCHER

The San Diego Union-Tribune (TNS) SAN DIEGO — Six hundred firefighters, aided by helicopters and air tankers, were battling a stubborn brush fire along the U.S.-Mexico border Wednesday that so far has charred more than 2,600 acres of vegetation on both sides of the border.

The blaze, which sparked Monday afternoon in Mexico before crossing into the U.S., south of Dulzura, was reported to be 5% contained as of Wednesday morning, according to Cal Fire officials.

Aerial mapping of the burn area estimated total acreage at 2,617 acres early Wednesday. Officials said 1,625 acres were in the U.S. and 992 acres were in Mexico.

One night-flying helicopter worked up until midnight making water drops on the fire, and officials ordered two air tankers and four helicopters to make water and fire retardant drops Wednesday, said Cal Fire Capt. Oscar Sotelo. He said the fire was burning east and was expected to grow after the marine layer burned off.

“The fire did go down in intensity, and they are expecting the intensity to pick

up during the day,” Sotelo said.

Although no structures were immediately threatened, the fire is about a mile from Tecate Peak, where radio communications equipment is housed, and a mile from a high-voltage power line that feeds San Diego. Sotelo described the area as being “a pretty rural, inaccessible area.”

Evacuation warnings were issued around 5 p.m. Tuesday for businesses and homes north of Conchera via Road at Cochera via Drive, south of state Route 94, east of Little Tecate Road at SR-94 and west of U.S. Border Patrol Road at SR-94. The Red Cross opened an overnight shelter at the Spring Valley Community Center where residents and their pets were welcomed.

According to Baja California Civil Protection officials, the fire began shortly after 2:15 p.m. Monday near Rancho Las Uvas and the border fence, between Tijuana and Tecate.

Mexican officials on Tuesday had said the fire charred more than 520 acres south of the border and reported it mostly under control there. Sotelo said Cal Fire was told Mexican officials are moving their resources to fight the fire on the east side.

WASHINGTON — The Trump administration has given a man convicted in the Jan. 6, 2021, riot at the U.S. Capitol a job in the Pentagon’s policy office, according to officials and internal records.

“Mr. Elias Irizarry is a qualified, patriotic young professional, and we are proud to have him as a political appointee,” acting Pentagon press secretary Joel Valdez said in a social media post this week.

Irizarry, whose appointment was first reported

by The Washington Post, was convicted in 2023 of a misdemeanor trespassing charge after a mob of President Donald Trump’s supporters stormed the Capitol.

He showed contrition when he was sentenced to two weeks behind bars in 2023, court documents show.

Internal Pentagon records described to The Associated Press show that Irizarry has been assigned to the office of the undersecretary of defense for policy, which is tasked with providing national security advice and support on military strategy and planning to the defense secretary.

It was not clear from Valdez’s statement how long Irizarry had been in the post, and the Pentagon declined to provide more information.

Sen. Mark Warner, the top Democrat on the Senate Intelligence Committee, said on social media: “This administration thinks a convicted Jan. 6 rioter should be doing that kind of work?????”

Irizarry was a 19-yearold freshman at the Citadel military college in South Carolina and a Civilian Air Patrol cadet when he joined the attack on the Capitol, court documents show. He climbed through a broken

“Because of his training, Irizarry was undoubtedly aware of the safety threat posed by a mass of angry rioters to the Congressional members and staff inside the building,” prosecutors said in a court filing.

Irizarry pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor trespassing charge in October 2022. In March 2023, U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan sentenced Irizarry to 14 days behind bars.

Before learning his sentence, Irizarry told the judge he brought “great shame upon myself, my family and even my country,” according to a transcript.

“The idea of Americans being willing to fight other Americans and tear down the very institutions that millions of other Americans sacrificed and built and protect is horrible. It is something I have to live with being a part of,” he said.

Irizarry is not the only convicted participant of the Jan. 6 riot to find a job within the Trump administration.

Jared Wise, a former FBI agent charged with joining the crowd, was hired at the Justice Department last year to serve as an adviser to the department’s pardon attorney.

Wise was on trial in Washington when Trump returned to the White House in January and immediately pardoned, commuted prison sentences or ordered the dismissal of cases for all of the nearly 1,600 people charged in the attack. The case against Wise was dismissed before the jury reached a verdict.

He announced on social media in April he had resigned from the department, saying: “I returned to Washington to fully expose the abuses by the FBI and DOJ against J6 defendants, but it became clear that this will only happen from outside of government. So I left and will do so.”

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Bessent refuses to say Senate begins vote on funding if Trump is exempt immigration enforcement threatened to stall key elements Treasury secretary the White House agenda. Still, won’t clarify president’s of the status of the IRS immunity deal as part of the controversial IRS immunity settlement crafted to resolve

BY FATIMA HUSSEIN Associated Press

WASHINGTON — Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent refused to say Wednesday whether President Donald Trump and his family would still get immunity from IRS audits after the administration abandoned plans for a $1.776 billion compensation fund that would have benefited the president’s allies.

“There’s continuing litigation, and I’m unable to comment on ongoing litigation,” Bessent told lawmakers at the Senate Finance Committee hearing.

It was a frustrating answer for Democratic lawmakers looking to get answers from Bessent at a hearing ostensibly focused on the Treasury Department’s budget and came a day after acting Attorney General Todd Blanche seemed to indicate that the portion of the settlement dealing with the IRS audit immunity would still be in effect for the Republican president.

After several failed attempts to get Bessent to answer, Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto, D-Nev., said, “It’s been very clear you’re dodging this and you’re trying to use it as an excuse. It’s just outrageous on behalf of the American republic.”

A White House representative did not respond to an Associated Press inquiry about the status of the settlement. In the Oval Office on Wednesday, Trump did not confirm whether the compensation fund had been scrapped or was simply on hold. “I’d have to ask the lawyers, I don’t know,” he told reporters. “As far as I’m concerned, it was a beautiful thing,” he said.

The administration decided to scrap plans for the compensation fund, which could have included payouts to participants in the Jan. 6, 2021, riot at the U.S. Capitol, after bipartisan outrage and a fierce political backlash that

Trump’s $10 billion lawsuit against the IRS remained unclear, though Blanche said Tuesday that “nothing has changed” in that regard.

Last week, a federal judge in Florida overseeing Trump’s lawsuit against the IRS, who had initially dismissed the case, reopened the case and ordered the president’s attorneys to respond to allegations that Trump abandoned his claims to avoid the court’s scrutiny of the deal.

When she initially dismissed the case, Kathleen Williams, the judge handling the lawsuit, admonished the Justice Department for a lack of transparency and said no agency “submitted any settlement documents nor filed any documents ensuring that the settlement was appropriate where there was an outstanding question as to whether an actual case or controversy existed.”

Matt Platkin, a former New Jersey attorney general now at the law firm Platkin LLP, which is representing lawmakers and judges challenging the settlement agreement, called it “one of the greatest scams in American history.”

He told The Associated Press that Blanche’s testimony on Tuesday over plans to scrap the weaponization fund and grant Trump audit immunity “underscores the need for the court to continue its inquiry in Florida.”

Lawmakers on Wednesday tried to grill Bessent on the agreement without success.

“Secretary Bessent owes the committee an explanation of what the Treasury knows about the dirty settlement. That’s because his department was involved from beginning to end,” said Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore. Wyden asked Bessent: “Does the IRS audit immunity given to Trump, his family, and his businesses still stand?”

Bessent declined to answer, citing the unresolved legal dispute.

Legislation was delayed for weeks

BY MARY CLARE JALONICK, KEVIN FREKING and JOEY CAPPELLETTI Associated Press

WASHINGTON — The Republicanled Senate is moving forward with legislation to fund immigration enforcement agencies after forcing the Trump administration to say it will drop its settlement fund for political allies and stripping a separate proposal for White House security from the bill.

The Senate voted 53-46 on Wednesday to begin debate on the roughly $70 billion bill to fund U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Border Patrol. The legislation was delayed for weeks as Republican senators navigated the various obstacles to passage created by President Donald Trump and the White House, but they are now moving quickly to pass it after paring it back to its original form.

“Right now, the goal is to get the base bill across the finish line,” said Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D. Still, Republicans will need to find enough votes to beat back multiple amendments that Democrats — and some Republicans — say they will offer to permanently ban Trump’s $1.776 billion settlement fund.

After fierce Republican pushback, acting Attorney General Todd Blanche told House lawmakers at a hearing on Tuesday that “we are not moving forward with the fund, period.” But shortly after the Senate voted to move forward with the bill on Wednesday, Trump repeatedly defended the settlement in response to reporters’ questions at the White House.

When asked directly whether the fund is dead or just on hold, Trump responded: “I’d have to ask the lawyers, I don’t know.”

“I love it,” Trump said of the settlement. “I think it’s so important.”

Republicans are using a process called budget reconciliation that enables them to pass the legislation without any Democratic votes, but they must first wade through

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By J. SCOTT APPLEWHITE

Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., right, speaks to reporters on Tuesday after a closed-door meeting with fellow Republicans at the Capitol in Washington.

a long series of amendment votes very clear they’ve got concerns that could pose problems for the there,” said Tillis.

Thune said earlier on Wednesbill. That process is expected to start on Thursday. day that Blanche’s comments were “extremely helpful” and that he Amendments test unity thought most GOP senators were Republicans said they felt reas- satisfied. He said he was working sured by Blanche’s promises to with Tillis and others who have disscrap the fund, which was part of cussed amendments as he tries to a settlement resolving Trump’s ensure he has enough votes for a lawsuit against the IRS over the simple majority in the 53-47 Senate. leak of his tax returns. GOP sena“Keep in mind, we’ve got to keep tors had revolted and left town them all together, make sure we’ve two weeks ago after the Justice got 50 votes for it,” Thune said.

Department announced the payouts, which could potentially go Money dropped for ballroom to participants in the violent Jan. The legislation was also delayed 6, 2021, riot at the U.S. Capitol and by the opposition to $1 billion in seother Trump allies. curity funding for the White House, Democrats say they want it writ- including for Trump’s new ballroom, that was added to the original bill. ten into the law.

Democrats and some Republicans “It is only a matter of time before Blanche and Trump go back questioned using taxpayer money on their word,” said Senate Minor- for the massive project in a time of ity Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., economic hardship for many voters.

Democrats had planned amendpredicted Wednesday morning.

After Trump’s comments, ments to strip that language, as well.

Schumer posted on X that “this is As various side issues temporarEXACTLY why” Democrats would ily derailed the legislation, Repubbe forcing votes to ban it. licans have said their top priority Some Republicans also planned is passing the ICE and Border Pato try and put Blanche’s promise in trol funding that Democrats have writing. Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., blocked for months in protest of has said he will offer an amend- the administration’s immigration ment to block any attempt at res- enforcement crackdown.

But success requires GOP unity urrecting the fund.

“We’ve got a sufficient number in the Senate and the House before of Republicans who have been it can reach Trump.

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TREES

Continued from page 1A down to just 15%.

Though the study says New Orleans has a canopy that covers just 18.5% of its area, the coverage is vastly smaller than estimates for some other Southern cities.

For instance, the tree canopy coverage of Charleston, South Carolina, is about 64%, while the national average for urban areas is about 39.4%.

Supporters say reforestation is needed now more than ever, especially in the face of rising deaths due to extreme heat in Louisiana and an ever-present need for improved drainage as floods become more common. Green infrastructure is also seen as helping to lower energy bills, improve air quality and increase property values, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.

Friends of Jefferson the Beautiful hopes to increase the tree canopy to 40% over the next 15 years, starting with the planting of about 1,440 trees across areas most bereft of greenery by 2031.

STAFF PHOTO By CHRIS GRANGER “The best time to plant a The tops of a few trees pop out of the landscape in Elmwood in Jefferson Parish on Wednesday. tree was 20 years ago, but it’s also today,” said Nora Vaden Holmes, co-president of ture obstacles, Hurricane implementing new and the organization, in a recent Katrina wiped out about consistent tree protections Jefferson Parish neighborhoods with less than 10% tree canopy presentation to the council. 200,000 trees in Jefferson and educating the public Parish and left many resi- on which trees are safest to ‘Never fully recovered’ dents hesitant to replant out plant in the swampy New The 164-page study con- of fear that new trees would Orleans area.

Holmes said Wednesday cluded that about half Jef- cause more damage in fuMETAIRIE that Friends of Jefferson the ferson Parish’s neighbor- ture storms.

Metairie business district “Hurricane Katrina deci- Beautiful has commitment hoods and municipalities 10 have less than 20% tree mated much of Jefferson from parish council memRosedale North 10 coverage. It identified 12 ar- Parish’s tree canopy, and bers to help fund the master Rosedale South 610 eas as most in need of new while we’ve made progress, plan, and that they would betrees, including Elmwood, we have never fully recov- gin to apply for grants using parts of Metairie, Harvey ered,” Parish President the results of the study.

61 and Gretna. Also most in Cynthia Lee Sheng said in a The nonprofit will start NEW ORLEANS need were Shrewsbury, statement. with a short-term goal of inShrewsbury Rosedale North and South Residents also reported creasing the tree canopy by City of and Bellemeade. problems with utility com- 5% over the next five years, Gretna The Jefferson Parish panies over-trimming exist- and identified in the master Council commissioned the ing vegetation, and incon- plan three locations in each study from Dana Brown sistent policies and code council district where trees Old ALGIERS and Associates for $94,000 enforcement regarding should go first.

Harvey HARAHAN in 2022 in response to a new trees as additional issues, The study estimated it East Elmwood reforestation plan by New the study found. would cost about $1.9 milindustrial Orleans, which set the goal In Old Metairie, for exam- lion total to achieve that iniiv e r of planting about 7,000 trees ple, the parish can charge tial goal based on contractor park Mississippi R per year to reach a 10% property owners up to $500 pricing, although Holmes 90 WESTWEGO Old tree canopy in every neigh- per day for unlawfully re- said they would likely be borhood by 2040 — about moving trees on private able to work with the parish Harvey 100,000 new trees total. property until a permit is ob- to significantly reduce those West The struggles to reforest tained, which is stricter than costs.

Marrero Friends of Jefferson the in New Orleans and Jeffer- anywhere else in the parish. and Kings Beautiful currently plants son Parish are largely the over 600 trees per year same. Both areas developed Looking ahead Grant their land with vast swaths The master plan stated through projects like tree of concrete, rooftops and that the parish will face giveaways, memorial groves Harvey and narrow easements along “significant barriers” in bol- and community meetings.

Bellemeade and Peters Road roadways, making it difficult stering its tree canopy and Meadowbrook to find viable green space will require a multiprong Email Lara Nicholson at for new trees to grow. approach rooted in expand- lnicholson@theadvocate.

Staff map On top of infrastruc- ing tree planting programs, com.

HOUSE

Continued from page 1A curb the U.S. war against Iran. The Senate advanced its own war powers resolution last month when a handful of GOP senators broke ranks with the Republican president in a rare show of political pushback from his party.

Each time Democrats have pushed forward the war powers resolution, the vote tallies have inched higher as political unease with the U.S. war swells. Trump had campaigned for the White House on a promise to end U.S. entanglements abroad and focus more on domestic issues, but the war has shifted attention back to the Middle East.

Johnson insisted Trump is “laser focused” on the domestic front, particularly ahead of the midterm elections that will determine control of Congress.

The speaker said he spent three hours at the White House with the president this week and Trump is calling on allies to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz and resume the flow of commerce.

Since the U.S. joined Israel in launching the Feb. 28 strikes on Iran, Americans have seen gas prices spike at the pumps, adding to inflationary pressure on consumer spending.

Iran has been able to interrupt shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital channel for a large segment of the world’s oil, natural gas and related products such as fertilizer.

gress approved a war powers resolution. He said they would think “we won’t be able to do anything to them, so why make a deal?”

It’s not the only action Congress is taking in the national security arena as Democrats, in the minority, work to peel off Republican support for measures beyond the war against Iran.

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By J. SCOTT APPLEWHITE The House also voted Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, R-Benton, prepares to Wednesday on another Democratic-led effort, a talk to reporters at the Capitol on Wednesday. procedural step toward a measure that would au“We’re working on that fi- immediately stop the war, nal piece,” said Johnson, R- but it would provide a symBenton. “The entire world bolic — if not legal — step has an interest in the Strait against further military acof Hormuz being reopened tion. for commerce. That’s what The resolution next goes he’s working on.” to the Senate, where four While a ceasefire in the Republican senators last conflict was declared in month joined Democrats April, it remains uneasy and in advancing a similar uncertain. Talks for a more measure to curtail the U.S. durable end to the fighting campaign against Iran. The have dragged, increasingly Senate has yet to take a final complicated by Israel’s vote to approve or reject its broadening war with Iran- own war powers resolution. backed Hezbollah militants Secretary of State Marco in Lebanon. Meanwhile, Rubio warned Wednesday military strikes between at a House Foreign Affairs the U.S. and Iran continue Committee hearing that the to flare.

Iranians would think that The war powers resolution the administration’s “hands from the House would not are going to be tied” if Con-

thorize U.S. support for Ukraine’s military operations as it battles Russia and would help reconstruct the war-torn country. That vote is expected later this week.

The House also expected to consider a war powers resolution to block U.S. action in Lebanon.

While Congress has the authority under the Constitution to declare war, the president also has power as the commander in chief to engage in military action, creating a legal dispute over

which branch of government has ultimate say in matters of war and peace. If the Senate joins the House to approve the resolution, it could set the stage for a fresh legal test of war powers.

Under the War Powers Act, the White House has a 60-day window to seek approval from Congress for military action. The administration, however, has indicated that because a ceasefire has been declared in the current conflict in Iran, the hostilities have ceased.

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U.S. stocks halt their record-breaking rally

NEW YORK — Oil prices rose Wednesday following the latest flare-up in fighting to threaten the U.S.-Iran ceasefire, and U.S. stocks retreated from their records.

The S&P 500 fell 0.7% from its all-time high for its first drop in 10 days. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 620 points, or 1.2%, and the Nasdaq composite sank 0.9%.

Weighing on the market was a climb of 1.9% for the price of a barrel of Brent crude oil, the international standard, which brought it back to $97.81. It rose after both the United States and Iran said they launched retaliations for earlier attacks or attempted ones.

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Dallas Neiman Marcus to close

The downtown store was first acquired Neiman Marcus founded and headquartered NeiIconic location to which at the end of 2024. The closure man Marcus until the chain was set to close at the end of March will close the chapter on a multi- purchased by upscale competitor in 2025 after weeks of back and shutter in September decade run for the shop that had Saks Global in 2024. For more than forth between city and business

BY BRIAN WOMACK

The Dallas Morning News (TNS) DALLAS — Neiman Marcus will close its downtown Dallas department store, ending months of speculation and delivering another blow to the central business district landscape.

The iconic store is set to shutter at the end of September as the company turns its focus on the NorthPark Center amid a bankruptcy process with Saks Global,

acted as a fashion beacon for the region.

“It is not an easy decision, but it is a final decision,” said Geoffroy van Raemdonck, CEO of Saks Global. “... The rationale is really we’ve looked at multiple criteria, but it’s mostly the criteria of what are the customer preferences and where is demand, and what we see is that there’s a shift in the retail map in Dallas.”

The downtown Dallas store was a flagship property for Dallas-

a century, the building the epicenter of luxury retail in North Texas and welcomed some of the world’s biggest names in fashion such as Christian Dior, Sophia Loren and Gloria Vanderbilt.

With the change, Neiman Marcus plans to infuse elements of the downtown store and its history into the NorthPark site, according to the company. This includes reimagining the Neiman Marcus Cafe into The Zodiac Room and celebrating other pieces of its history.

officials and the company amid a lease dispute. Yet an 11th-hour announcement staved off the shuttering with the site set to be kept open through the holiday shopping at the end of last year — and then the lifeline was extended into 2026.

The NorthPark business does more than 10 times the sales of the downtown business, van Raemdonck said.

And sales, despite the attention the store attracted last year, declined in 2025.

Airport could soon run on 100% solar power A large solar array is being planned to fully power Northeast Philadelphia Airport.

A bill that still needs approval by City Council would authorize a contractor to build a 1.5-megawatt solar farm. In return, the city would purchase the energy for the airport for 25 years at a set rate.

It would become the largest municipal on-site solar project within city limits. There are larger privately run solar arrays.

The plan is a partnership between the city’s Department of Aviation, which manages both PNE and Philadelphia International Airport, and the Philadelphia Energy Authority.

“The Department of Aviation is committed to purchasing or generating 100% renewable energy through collaboration with the City of Philadelphia Office of Sustainability,” Jessica Noon, sustainability manager for the airports, said at a hearing Tuesday by the council’s Committee on Transportation and Public Utilities.

Noon said Reactivate LLC, a subsidiary of Chicago-based Invenergy, will own the solar array. It will be responsible for construction, daily operations, and long-term maintenance.

EU launches tech sovereignty initiative BRUSSELS — European Union leaders, worried about the continent relying too heavily on American companies for AI and cloud computing services and Asia for microchips, are pushing back.

The 27-nation bloc unveiled a “tech sovereignty” package on Wednesday with measures to promote homegrown European alternatives to Big Tech services and hardware.

The efforts by Brussels have gained urgency as leaders worry about dependence on technologies from foreign providers, which they say could be “weaponized” against Europeans. Those fears crystallized after the International Criminal Court’s top prosecutor was sanctioned by the Trump administration, which led to Microsoft canceling his email account, sparking fears of a “kill switch” hidden in U.S. tech services.

“Europe wants to be in the position to make its own choices, avoiding risky dependencies on single dominant suppliers, one company or one third country,” European Commission Executive Vice-President Henna Virkkunen, who oversees tech sovereignty, told reporters in Brussels.

“Because we live in a world where geopolitics and technology go hand in hand. Those who champion technological innovation will shape the future, and we must ensure that Europe plays a leading role in this.”

U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer arrives May 6 for the G7 trade meeting in Paris.

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By AURELIEN MORISSARD

Trump administration seeks new path forward with tariffs First attempt hit legal roadblocks

BY PAUL WISEMAN and ELAINE KURTENBACH AP business writers

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump is in a hurry to rebuild the tariff wall the Supreme Court tore down less than four months ago.

The administration this week has proposed slapping double-digit tariffs on products from dozens of major U.S. trading partners after an investigation into imports of goods allegedly made with forced labor. And more tariffs are likely coming.

Under the proposal released in Washington late Tuesday, 16 economies — including Canada, Mexico, the European Union, Taiwan and the United Kingdom — would face 10% levies for allegedly failing to enforce bans on forced labor. Another 44 trading partners — including China, Japan, India, South Korea and Switzerland — would be hit with 12.5% import taxes.

The tariffs are part of Trump’s push to replace revenue lost when the U.S. Supreme

Court struck down sweeping global tariffs he’d imposed last year. This latest barrage is likely to unsettle key trading partners that have been hit with waves of tariffs since Trump returned to the White House early last year.

“The failure of our most important trading partners to address the importation of goods made with forced labor is unacceptable,” U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said in a statement. “This creates a dynamic where American workers are forced to compete globally on an unlevel playing field.”

Greer’s office said failure to prevent such imports is “unreasonable and burdens or restricts U.S. commerce.”

Trump’s tariffs are paid by U.S. importers who usually try to pass along those higher costs to customers.

The administration, mindful that Americans are growing increasingly unsettled by high prices with midterm elections just months away, said that it would limit the impact by exempting from the latest proposed tariffs a long list of products, including aircraft parts, food products (from coffee to beef) and rare earth minerals crucial in the production

of smartphones and cars. Also spared would be products from Canada and Mexico covered by a North American trade pact.

The new tariffs would not take effect immediately. They are subject to public comment and review. Public hearings on the proposed duties are due to begin on July 7.

The plan drew immediate pushback. A Chinese government spokesperson denied the forced labor allegation and called for resolving economic issues through dialogue, saying a trade war doesn’t serve anyone’s interests.

“There is no such thing as forced labor in China, and we oppose using it as an excuse to engage in political manipulation,” Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said in Beijing.

The U.S. has long said imports of goods that include material from China’s farwestern Xinjiang are at risk of using forced labor. Beijing denies allegations of forced labor in the Muslim majority region.

But critics saw the proposed tariffs as a pretext to reinstate tariffs on dozens of countries across the globe that hadn’t passed legal muster.

Humanoid robots are learning to do your job — in the kitchen

BY NILESH CHRISTOPHER Los Angeles Times (TNS)

Fernando Flores can spend eight hours a day pouring the same cup of coffee.

He is not a barista. He’s a robot puppeteer, trying to train humanoids.

He manipulates mechanical controllers to make nearby robot arms pick up a pot of coffee, pour it into a mug and put the pot back in the coffee maker. Flores checks for spills, then empties the mug back into the pot by hand and does it again — hundreds of times.

“The repetitiveness, it can cause some discomfort,” said Flores, who has the title of senior robotic pilot

at San Francisco startup Encord.

“It becomes second nature after a while.”

This Sisyphus of Silicon Valley is on the front lines of a rapidly expanding industry of robot trainers, preparing to teach and operate the army of humanoid robots scheduled to march out of nearby factories in the coming year. Encord practices, records and sells data about movement to the companies racing to bring humanoids to homes, offices and factories.

If tech companies’ optimistic plans are to be believed, a swarm of American-built robots is about to hit the market.

Tesla’s Fremont factory stopped car production this year to make

way for production lines for its Optimus robots, with unbelievable plans to ramp up capacity to 1 million units a year. Palo Alto-based 1X Technologies is already manufacturing its 66-pound, 5-foot-6 humanoid named Neo at its factory in Hayward. The company received 10,000 preorders, and its first shipment is expected later this year.

Figure AI’s humanoid factory in San Jose has increased its manufacturing capacity to produce one Figure 03 robot an hour, with the goal of producing 12,000 a year.

Goldman Sachs projects the global market for humanoids could reach $38 billion by 2035.

The AI of these humanoid robots needs an immense amount of data

on human movement. How humans write, speak, code and compose was easily scraped off the internet, but the bots need more information to master how to stand, step, lift, squeeze, pour and perform other physical movements. That is where companies like Encord come in.

The $10 billion invested in robotics in 2026, according to CB Insights, has spawned an industry focused on training robots. Initially, that meant humans strapping iPhones to their foreheads, recording actions like cooking, cleaning and performing household chores.

That, however, doesn’t capture the exact torque, force and grip required for a robot hand to work flawlessly.

The Times-Picayune ✦ nola.com ✦ Thursday, June 4, 2026 ✦ 7A

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SHERIFF

Continued from page 1A and then punched and kicked him before bystanders pulled Smith away. The incident report didn’t address the specific allegations, but appeared to confirm some of the injuries Couvillion said he suffered, noting that the victim in the attack suffered a busted lip and bruises before he was taken to an area hospital.

The incident report, along with a report from St. Tammany Fire District No. 2 which was released late Tuesday, offered the first official accounts of an encounter that’s become the talk of St. Tammany and represents perhaps the biggest political and personal challenge for Smith since he was elected sheriff in 2015.

Smith has not been arrested on any counts related to the fight, and is continuing to serve as sheriff, according to his office.

He has not publicly commented or responded to calls or text messages, but his lawyer has said he is cooperating with the investigation.

The Sheriff’s Office turned over the investigation to Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill, and a spokesperson for Murrill’s office on Wednesday said officials were still reviewing evidence and there was no update on the case. Northshore District Attorney Collin Sims declined to comment.

Contacted by phone on Wednesday, Couvillion said, “It’s unfortunate that the eyewitnesses had to witness such a horrific act by the highest ranked law enforcement officer in our parish.”

“I have faith that the Attorney General’s Office will do the right thing,” he said.

STAFF PHOTO By WILLIE SWETT

Attorney General Liz Murrill is investigating an incident involving St. Tammany Parish Sheriff Randy Smith at Keith young’s Steakhouse on Friday.

Bobby Couvillion, a frequent critic of Smith, has accused Smith of attacking him at the popular steakhouse near Madisonville.

scene, the report indicates, and their names were redacted. Other submitted evidence included 36 photos of injuries to Couvillion and two Snapchat videos, one that was 12 seconds long and another that was two seconds long.

The report referred to Couvillion as the victim and lists injuries as a “busted upper lip,” an “abrasion to left elbow” and “redness.” The Sheriff’s Office was cleared from the scene at 8:20 p.m. on Friday, the report says.

The Sheriff’s Office has declined to provide an audio recording of Sheriff’s Office response the 911 call, citing exemptions in According to the documents, the state public records law for reencounter was reported to authori- cords related to ongoing investities at 4:31 p.m. Friday as a “distur- gations. bance” in the dining room at Keith Fire response Young’s.

Capt. John Evans arrived on Other records provided by St. scene around 5 p.m., about 30 min- Tammany Fire District No. 2 show utes after the reported incident, that two firefighters responded at the Sheriff’s Office report showed. 4:36 p.m. to what it referred to as While conducting his investiga- an assault at Keith Young’s.

The pair was on the scene within tion, Evans learned the case was being turned over to the Louisiana five minutes, records show. They Bureau of Investigations, which is were dispatched from a station the investigative agency overseen that is located about a mile away by the state Attorney General’s Of- from the steakhouse, according to Fire Chief Randy Hess. fice.

The firefighters were advised it Several witnesses were on the

STICKERS

“The city is currently reviewing the legislation that removes the requirement for brake tags and vehicle inspection stickers.”

Continued from page 1A QR code sticker. Instead, they will simply get the new sticker when their registration is up for renewal in the coming months or years.

Drivers in some major metro areas, however, will still have to periodically trek to inspection facilities to comply with requirements there.

The cities of New Orleans, Kenner and Westwego run their own local vehicle inspection programs.

The new state law does not impact those local programs.

“The city is currently reviewing the legislation that removes the requirement for brake tags and vehicle inspection stickers,” said Jonah Gilmore, spokesperson for New Orleans Mayor Helena Moreno. “We are evaluating the law and its potential impact on opera-

JONAH GILMORE, spokesperson for New Orleans Mayor Helena Moreno tions within Orleans Parish to determine how the city will proceed.”

And the capital region — the parishes of Ascension, Iberville, Livingston, East Baton Rouge and West Baton Rouge — are still subject to federal Clean Air Act emissions testing requirements.

“In these parishes, vehicles will continue to obtain emissions control stickers and pay the associated $8 fee,” according to a fiscal analysis of the legislation.

About 314,000 emissions control stickers are sold annually, the analysis says.

was safe to enter the steakhouse per the Sheriff’s Office and found a patient sitting in the dining room, records showed. The patient’s name was redacted in the records, but Couvillion has publicly identified himself as the victim.

Couvillion told the firefighters he had neck pain and his upper lip was “busted.” He was not actively bleeding, but the firefighters noticed blood on his shirt. They put a neck brace on Couvillion “for precaution” and then handed him over to a private ambulance company.

The firefighters were cleared from the scene at 5:02 p.m., around the same time that Evans arrived on scene.

Up next Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Suzanne Carboni confirmed on Wednesday that Smith, a career law-enforcement officer, remains atop the department and continues to go to work.

“He is the sheriff and is doing his job as the sheriff,” she said.

It’s not clear when the Attorney General’s Office will provide additional information on the incident. It’s also not clear when, or if, charges will be filed.

Drivers in the New Orleans area and capital region will also be required to get the new Louisiana Vehicle Identification Program QR code, according to the OMV. Starting on June 30, law enforcement officers will be prohibited from issuing tickets for not displaying an inspection sticker.

Under the legislation, House Bill 1085, personal vehicles will no longer need state inspection stickers effective Jan. 1, but commercial vehicles and school buses are still required to do regular safety inspections.

A spokesperson for the Louisiana Department of Insurance said it has received no indication from auto insurers that ending the inspection sticker requirement will affect insurance rates and that department has “no reason to anticipate that it would.”

Staff writer Marco Cartolano contributed to this story.

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social media accounts and pages focused on the northshore have been abuzz with commentary and memes about what transpired at the popular restaurant.

Smith is among the most wellknown politicians on the northshore, having won parishwide office three times after serving as the chief of police in Slidell. He’s been able to point to low crime rates during his tenure, but has also faced criticism for his handling of high-profile cases, such as the death of Nanette Krentel.

Community group Concerned Citizens of St. Tammany, which has historically been critical of Smith, said in a social media post soon after the incident on Friday that Smith should resign if Couvillion’s allegations turn out to be true.

Parish residents may demonstrate their feelings about the incident at the end of this month, when voters will be asked to renew a 4.31-mill property tax that the Sheriff’s Office says generates about $13.6 million and pays for deputies’ salaries and benefits.

Email Willie Swett at willie. swett@theadvocate.com.

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If Smith were to take a leave of absence or otherwise step away from his position, the department’s chief deputy, Jeff Boehm, would likely take the top post, Carboni said.

In general, if a deputy is charged with a crime, whether or not the person is forced to resign or take a leave of absence is determined by the office’s public integrity bureau on a case-by-case basis, Carboni said.

Under state law, an arrest for a misdemeanor or a felony wouldn’t force Smith’s removal from office, according to Rafael Goyeneche III, president of the Metropolitan Crime Commission. Only a felony conviction would trigger removal, he said.

Normally, when a law enforcement officer is arrested, there is often an administrative reassignment, such as to desk duty, or potentially a suspension while the matter is investigated, Goyeneche said, though he noted that there are fewer examples of what happens when a sheriff is under investigation.

St. Tammany Parish officials have avoided commenting directly on the incident in recent days, but

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DOE backing away from addressing civil rights Efforts to address inequities are cast as discriminatory

BY ANNIE MA

AP education writer WASHINGTON — For generations, the federal government enforced civil rights laws with an eye toward remedying historic, systemic discrimination against Black people and other people of color. The Department of Justice pressed schools to desegregate. The Department of Education worked to promote equal opportunity and held schools accountable for racial bias.

But under the Trump administration, efforts to address deeprooted inequities for students of color are being cast as discriminatory against White students. Programs that have long withstood legal scrutiny are now quick to be deemed “illegal DEI” — diversity, equity and inclusion — by the White House. Schools that do not comply have faced threats to their funding, and in some cases, lost federal grants.

Civil rights lawyers describe the Republican administration’s actions as a complete inversion of legal history.

“It’s literally flipping the purpose of civil rights law on its head, not just harming Black students and students of color, but entire school communities,” said Michael Pillera, director of the Educational Opportunities Project at the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law. “It’s unmoored from the actual history of our country and untethered to the reality of life in this country.”

The administration has opened investigations or joined litigation over a wide range of efforts to address racial inequality. President Donald Trump’s Justice Department is investigating programs to increase the number of teachers of color in Rhode Island and Iowa. Grants to districts to train teachers or recruit school mental health workers have been discontinued for mentions of diversity in recruitment.

In a statement, the Education Department said programs receiving federal money must follow the law, which prohibits discrimination based on race.

“Serving student needs and following the law are not irreconcilable mandates. Advocates and educators have no reason to stress if they abide by the law,” said Amelia Joy, a department spokesperson.

The administration investigated Chicago Public Schools and withheld more than $20 million when the district refused to end its Black Student Success Program, which aims to increase access to advanced coursework for Black students and reduce overly harsh discipline.

Complaints find new traction

In a written statement, the school district said its programs are aligned with state and federal laws and are open to all students.

Makeda Walker-Deen, a junior at Dorsey High School in Los Angeles, said the program has supported her in several ways through high school.

A program counselor directed her toward college preparation programs, which made it possible for her to visit the University of California-Berkeley, and Stanford, colleges where she is thinking of applying. Psychologists and social workers she connected with have helped her navigate pressure and anxiety.

“I think that the things a lot of critics are saying are so unreasonable,” she said. “They’re saying that a program that’s meant to help Black students, other students of color, is discriminatory.

We’ve been discriminated against in school systems basically our entire lives.”

The district has seen signs of impact. In recent state testing, Black students in the district outperformed the average Black student in California.

“When you provide teachers and school personnel with knowledge and skills to help your lowest performing students, everyone wins,” said Tyrone Howard, an education professor at UCLA who consulted on the initiative.

Organizers worry pressures on the program will slow efforts to address inequities for Black students.

“Where is the uproar about the failings of the public education system for Black children?” said Christian Flagg, director of youth organizing at Community Coalition, which lobbied for the creation of the achievement plan.

“We have had this student group at the bottom for so long, these massive gaps for so long. But when we do something to try to address it, there’s a problem.”

A similar effort to close racial achievement gaps in Los Angeles is under the same pressure.

The Los Angeles Unified School District created the Black Student Achievement Plan after an outpouring of student activism following the 2020 murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis. It supports schools with extra teachers, counselors and curriculum in Black history.

Initially, the district chose schools partially based on the number of Black students enrolled. In 2023, Defending Education, a Virginia-based conservative group, filed a complaint to the Education Department, alleging discrimination against non-Black students.

The district said it would no longer consider Black enrollment and instead focus solely on metrics such as high absenteeism and low test scores, emphasizing that all students could take part.

After the changes, the Education Department in 2024 said it saw no evidence of a violation. But when Defending Education filed its complaint again this year, the department’s Office for Civil Rights opened an investigation.

Sarah Parshall Perry, senior legal fellow at Defending Education, said it refiled the complaint after district leaders were recorded saying the program had not materially changed, despite the new criteria.

“Our goal is not to make L.A. Unified a target, but rather to make sure that when people say that Targeting separate L.A. program they are eliminating racially disThe pivot in the federal governcriminatory aspects of programs, ment’s approach to civil rights in that they’re actually making good schools has taken several forms on their word,” Perry said. under Trump.

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By JAE C. HONG

Makeda Walker-Deen, a junior at Susan Miller Dorsey Senior High School in Los Angeles, says the Black Student Achievement Plan created by the Los Angeles Unified School District helped her visit colleges and navigate pressure and anxiety.

The Justice Department has released school districts from courtordered desegregation plans dating to the Civil Rights Movement, describing them as outdated and burdensome. The Education Department has stripped funding from some districts that used it to create magnet schools intended to be more diverse.

In correspondence discouraging districts’ diversity programs, the administration has repeatedly cited a broad interpretation of the Supreme Court’s ruling on affirmative action, which prevented colleges and universities from directly considering race in admissions.

While that ruling pertained only to admissions, the administration last winter notified schools that any differential treatment based on race was unconstitutional. A federal court struck down that guidance last year, but advocates say schools may still preemptively end equity programs to avoid drawing federal scrutiny.

In Los Angeles, the Justice Department has tried to end another racial equity effort.

In the 1970s, courts ordered the district to address the harms of its segregated schools. The case led to a short-lived period where Black students and White students were

bused to different schools. The more lasting programs included the district’s magnet schools, and a special designation for “Predominantly Hispanic, Black, Asian or Other Non-Anglo” schools.

That program offers smaller class sizes and additional parentteacher conferences when 70% of the students zoned for that school are students of color. The vast majority of district schools qualify.

In January, the conservative 1776 Project Foundation filed a lawsuit challenging the designation, describing it as “a program of overt discrimination against a new minority: White students.”

The next month, the Justice Department filed its own complaint and asked to join the lawsuit.

The district’s “desegregation program has outlived its usefulness to the point of being unconstitutional,” a federal prosecutor said in a news release.

Decades of inequity show that is not true, said lawyer Mark Rosenbaum, who years ago represented students of color in L.A.’s desegregation case.

“The opponents of desegregation always said, ‘Drop desegregation, and we will put resources into these schools,’ ” Rosenbaum said.

“You know, we are still waiting for that to happen.”

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JEFFERSON • NEW ORLEANS • ST. TAMMANY • RIVER PARISHES ST. BERNARD • TANGIPAHOA • PLAQUEMINES

METRO N O L A.C O M

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T h u r s d ay, J u n e 4, 2026

1Bn

Landry says he’ll sign judges bill Judge set for removal says she was ‘deeply blindsided’

BY JOHN SIMERMAN Staff writer

Gov. Jeff Landry on Wednesday pledged to sign legislation to eliminate several judgeships in New Orleans, after he criticized lawmakers for approving a bill that tapped

a criminal court judge he favors for removal.

Landry’s remarks came as advocates waged a last-ditch campaign urging him to veto Senate Bill 217 after lawmakers ignored a “last in, first out” protocol to include Criminal District Judge Rhonda

Goode-Douglas in the losses. The move spared Judge Leon Roche, who has less seniority.

Landry called Goode-Douglas the “best judge” on the bench but claimed Wednesday that her inclusion was a ploy by Democrats that wouldn’t prevent his signature.

“Cutting excess judgeships in Orleans Criminal Court is fiscally responsible and data-driven.

What should have been a simple Goode-Douglas and fair process was turned into a spectacle by TYPICAL Democrat gamesman-

ship,” he wrote.

Landry’s support for the bill came after Goode-Douglas said she was “deeply blindsided” and plans to keep serving, in her first statement since the Legislature came for her job over the weekend.

A conference committee

ä See BILL, page 3B

Mass hearings latest tool in deportation push Attorney calls strategy ‘sham’

BY JAMES FINN Staff writer

STAFF PHOTOS By CHRIS GRANGER

Crowds gather around the tall ships docked on the Mississippi River along Woldenberg Park in New Orleans for the last day of Sail 250 on Monday.

125K attend gathering of tall ships in N.O. Room occupancy in city up compared to 2025

BY DOUG MacCASH Staff writer

Historic sailing ships from Argentina, Colombia, Peru, Sweden and the United States Coast Guard lined the French Quarter wharf last weekend.

New Orleans was the first stop in a five-city exhibition of the old-fashioned vessels called Sail 250, which is part of the country’s semiquincentennial celebration.

The event was a big hit, with long lines of land lubbers climbing the gang planks to tour the picturesque vessels. There were 125,000 people at Sail 250 from May 28-31, based on data derived from Placer.ai, a digital marketing analytics company, according to the New Orleans & Company tourism bureau.

That’s about double the daily attendance of this year’s New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival.

“Sail 250 showcased what we have always known, Louisiana is a key part of our country’s story,” Gov. Jeff Landry said in a statement. “From the Mississippi River that drives our economy, to the culture and history that define our people, we were proud

More than 450 people were summoned early this week to New Orleans’ immigration court for so-called “mega master” hearings, spurring a flurry of deportation orders for immigrants who failed to show in the latest strategy driving the massdeportation campaign from President Donald Trump’s administration.

“Master” hearings — where immigrants seeking to stay in the U.S. are told how to prepare asylum claims and notified of upcoming court dates — are procedural fixtures of the country’s administrative immigration court system, typically scheduled months, if not years, in advance.

But in the past few weeks, the U.S. Justice Department’s Executive Office of Immigration Review sent letters to hundreds of immigrants’ mailboxes across the Gulf South, summoning them to the en-masse hearings Monday and Tuesday in New Orleans. Those who failed to obey faced deportation orders.

The strategy was on full display at the immigration courts on the fifth floor of Canal Place mall in downtown New Orleans. Lines accumulated down the court complex hallway and court staff asked observers to wait outside the hearing

ä See HEARINGS, page 2B

Arguments heard on Frank petition Ex-NOPD officer seeks review of conviction

New Orleans was the first stop in a five-city exhibition called Sail 250, part of the country’s semiquincentennial celebration.

BY MATT BRUCE

to welcome the world to New Orleans Day weekend last year, when there and kick off America’s 250th anniver- was no similar event, said New Orleans & Company Senior Vice sary celebration.”

The riverfront attendance figure ä See TALL SHIPS, page 2B was 500% higher than over Memorial

“There is no evidence it was about bias or prejudice, which is why the state only charged these low level misdemeanors.

Mr. LaBeouf came to court today wanting to take accountability for his part in what happened, and he has done so. Now he’s looking forward to focusing on family, work, and new creative projects.”

New Orleans Police

It’s been more than 30 years since Antoinette Frank, a former NOPD officer, was found guilty and sentenced to die for her role in a grisly triple murder during a botched armed robbery at a Vietnamese restaurant in New Orleans East.

On Wednesday, Criminal District Judge Kimya Holmes heard arguments over Frank’s longdormant petition for a review of her conviction and sentence, as state prosecutors claimed it should be dismissed over Frank the impact of it languishing so long.

Attorney General Liz Murrill’s office stepped in last year to press a similar argument in Frank’s case and that of other condemned inmates as she sought to restart the state’s execution chamber.

The push by Gov. Jeff Landry and Murrill resulted in one execution last year, along with legislation setting new, tight timelines for death row inmates to pur-

ä See LABEOUF, page 3B

ä See FRANK, page 3B

LaBeouf pleads guilty to misdemeanor battery counts filled antics outside Actor gets a Marigny bar on the morning of Fat Tuesday, suspended court records show. sentence, probation Magistrate Judge

month against LaBeouf following his arrest on Mardi Gras morning.

LaBeouf ’s attorney, Sarah Chervinsky, isJuana Lombard handed sued a statement after the “Transformers” the guilty plea.

BY JOHN SIMERMAN and “Holes” star a six“The police and DA Staff writer month suspended sen- LaBeouf investigation proved Actor Shia LaBeouf pleaded tence with two years’ probation exactly what Shia LaBeouf guilty to three misdemeanor over the three simple battery said from the beginning — that this was nothing more than a battery counts Wednesday and counts.

District Attorney Jason Wil- minor Mardi Gras bar tussle,” received a suspended sentence and probation over his slur- liams filed the charges last Chervinsky said.

Staff writer

2B ✦ Thursday, June 4, 2026 ✦ nola.com ✦ The Times-Picayune

lll

Climate plan still in place despite state’s rightward shift Landry maintains stance on issues

BY DAVID J. MITCHELL

Staff writer

Three years ago, the administration of then-Gov. John Bel Edwards finished a broad plan to cut the state’s greenhouse gas emissions through 2050 and help industries transition to low-carbon production.

That plan is still technically on the books despite the state’s right-wing shift under Gov. Jeff Landry, and lawmakers hoping to ditch it altogether are learning that doing so is not a simple matter.

Landry, who has questioned human-caused climate change, has staked out a quiet middle ground — not supporting the plan’s emissions reductions but remaining open to related projects that his adminis- Landry tration says have “broad support.”

This position has run headlong into rural and conservative opposition over carbon capture and sequestration, a method of mitigating climate change by injecting carbon dioxide emissions permanently underground.

LSU scientists say it is safe technology, and big Louisiana industries see it as a way to lower the carbon intensity of their fossil fuel-based operations without giving up on oil and gas. There are also major federal tax credits in place to support it.

But critics worry about threats to groundwater, pipeline leaks and land rights infringements from the deep injection wells and their infra-

structure. They are asking how Louisiana has gotten to the point where nearly three dozen carbon capture projects are up for review.

Enter state Rep. Charles “Chuck” Owen, R-Rosepine, a retired military intelligence officer, climate change skeptic and CCS critic.

Owen has called for the repudiation of the 2022 Climate Action Plan.

Owen says the plan never received the Legislature’s scrutiny, commits to a Paris climate agreement that the second Trump administration dumped in January 2025 and remains a justification cited in permits for CCS projects he opposes.

Earlier this month in a compromise, he agreed to a resolution calling for an oversight hearing.

Owen said he wants to expose the “shenanigans” that led to the adoption of climate goals that, he says, give businesses a false impression of what Louisianans want.

“I’m trying to recalibrate where we are in this state,” he said.

Owen said he wants to shift to a more full-throated endorsement of oil and gas development, though he isn’t opposed to renewable projects that can stand on their own economically. The House Natural Resources and Environment Committee would hold the hearing, possibly this fall, the committee chairman has said.

The panel includes members skeptical of climate change and oppose CCS, but also has a separate majority which has blocked most bills to bar or limit CCS. The technology is drawing billions of dollars in new industrial investment to

Louisiana, and these members see it as critical for oil, gas and petrochemical industries, including the fast-growing LNG industry, to make low-carbon products sought in Europe and Asia.

The hearing could put these legislators in the position of defending some of the plan’s proposed solutions while not endorsing the science behind climate change itself.

State Rep. Jessica Domangue, RHouma, who sits on the committee, said there’s no question in her mind that the climate has been changing, but she isn’t sure it is tied to manmade emissions versus natural cycles.

Domangue, 43, said she grew up in a family that lived off the shrimping industry and struggled through the oil bust of the 1980s. Her votes to protect carbon capture are aimed at supporting her oil and gas-reliant district in Terrebonne Parish, she said.

She said countries want low-carbon products from wherever they can find them, and worries what kind of message killing the climate plan would send.

“I know that companies are watching every piece of legislation that’s coming out of this body, and they’re watching, and they want to make sure that we’re continuing to move towards the goal of these lowcarbon emissions, whether we like it or not,” Domangue said.

where we are. This is the world that we’re living in. It’s not going away,” Domangue added.

A consensus developed by years of scientific study has concluded the climate is warming from manmade emissions from burning fossil fuels. Seas have been rising for years, a change expected to sharpen in the coming decades in Louisiana, driven by warming temperatures and land subsidence.

Domangue’s coastal district near Houma could see between 3.3 feet and 8.5 feet sea level rise by 2100, according to projections from the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration.

Developed from a consensus of industry, environmental groups, scientists and others meeting publicly over 15 months, the 2022 Climate Action Plan laid out the scale of the state’s greenhouse gas emissions and committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.

Called for in the United Nations Paris climate agreement, “net zero” is meant to keep global temperatures from rising further than they have already during the world’s industrial era.

The state plan doesn’t have the force of law, but anticipates emissions reductions through CCS, coastal protection, increased industrial electrification, more efficient gas-fired power plants and several other methods.

‘Not going away’

‘Sky would not fall’

Since 2018, about $100 billion in CCS-related projects have been proposed for Louisiana, state economic officials say.

“Whether Trump likes it or not, whether I like it or not, this is

Charles Sutcliffe, Louisiana’s first chief resilience officer under Edwards, said his task force to develop the plan included legislative appointees and demonstrated that a consensus could be reached from

diverse interests — and “that Louisiana could speak the words ‘climate change’ out loud and the sky would not fall.”

Development of the plan’s science-based recommendations “involved over 140 experts and nearly 50 public meetings,” he added.

“It also showed that by doing that hard work, we could attract billions of dollars in federal grants to both reduce our disaster risk and improve our infrastructure, and we could send a signal to the private sector that Louisiana was ready to lead the next generation of energy production just like it had the last,” said Sutcliffe, now a senior resilience adviser with the National Wildlife Federation.

“And we could do it all with an eye on improving people’s health and lives. I am not sure which parts of that need repudiating.”

As CCS storage and CO2 pipeline projects have begun to roll out, however, the usual political dynamic around environmental issues has been scrambled, with left-leaning environmental groups finding uneasy common cause with rural conservatives generally in favor of oil and gas to oppose CCS. Louisiana’s oil and gas industry and chemical sectors are also defending CCS, not so long after oil majors spent decades casting doubt on climate change.

The Louisiana Mid-Continent Oil and Gas Association and Louisiana Chemistry Association, which favor carbon capture, did not respond to requests for comment.

The Louisiana chapter of the Sierra Club, which opposes carbon capture, opposed Owen’s resolution.

Five indicted in killing TALL SHIPS of Marine vet in N.O.

Continued from page 1B

Man caught in crossfire of shootout

BY MATT BRUCE Staff writer

Neither he nor Watts were named in last week’s slate of indictments.

No arraignment dates have been set. District Attorney Jason Williams described Garcia as “an innocent victim whose life was tragically taken during a reckless act of violence.” He said that while the state isn’t currently pursuing murder charges against Leavell or Watts, prosecutors haven’t closed their files.

“We intend to pursue charges commensurate with each individual’s alleged conduct and involvement as supported by the evidence,” Williams said in a statement.

New Orleans police allege Garcia was caught in the crossfire of a narcotics-related dispute April 7, when a group of people opened fire at North Claiborne Avenue and Desire Street.

Court documents described a conflict between rival dealers that escalated to violence, leaving more than 60 shell casings from four firearms scattered across the intersection.

The group of shooters were targeting a man driving a Nissan Maxima. One bullet struck the driver, who crashed into Garcia’s Jeep. The driver fled the scene on foot.

Leavell admitted to officers that he returned fire at the group of shooters to protect his nephew, who was behind the wheel of the Maxima.

Five people accused of being involved in the shooting death of Marine veteran Michael Garcia earlier this year in New Orleans have been indicted for murder, according to Criminal District Court records.

An Orleans Parish grand jury handed up a 15-count indictment Thursday that formally charged all five on counts of second-degree murder and obstruction of justice.

The defendants are Caron Fortenberry, 25; Mi’Janae Ingram, 20; Bennalyn Ingram, 39; Joshua Emery Sr., 33; and Byron Dubose, 23.

Emery was indicted on four additional counts of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and Dubose faces one count of the same weapons charge.

District Judge Leon Roche ordered the defendants held without bail, court records show.

The five indicted were among seven people arrested in connection with Garcia’s death. New Orleans police also booked 21-yearold Alshawn Watts on a murder charge.

Police detained Terrence Leavell, a 49-year-old New Orleans man with prior felony convictions, at the scene and later booked him for manslaughter Email Matt Bruce at matt. and illegal use of a weapon. bruce@theadvocate.com.

HEARINGS

Continued from page 1B rooms.

At the conclusion of one hearing Monday afternoon, a judge ordered 40 “in absentia” deportation orders for people who failed to appear. Another judge issued 33 deportation orders in an afternoon session Tuesday.

“That’s more (deportation orders) than the entire docket would usually have been,” said Homero López, a New Orleans-based immigration attorney and former immigration judge.

The emerging strategy, which attorneys say has been employed in select U.S. cities but appears to have ramped up this week in New Orleans, highlights a shift toward less publicly visible tactics in the administration’s bid to deport millions of people.

It comes after bipartisan rebukes of militarized U.S. Border Patrol sweeps late last year, which yielded hundreds of detentions in New Orleans and the killings of

two U.S. citizen protesters in Minneapolis.

In an emailed statement Wednesday, a spokesperson for the DOJ’s Executive Office of Immigration Review, which oversees immigration courts, attributed the recent mass hearings in New Orleans to a “scheduling adjustment” meant to expedite a backlogged immigration system.

The office “makes scheduling adjustments as needed to ensure cases do not languish,” said the spokesperson, Kathryn Mattingly, adding that “unnecessary delay hurts both aliens with meritorious claims and the American public who wish to see aliens with nonmeritorious claims removed as quickly as possible.”

“As it continues to add new immigration judges,” Mattingly added, “(the office) will continue to make scheduling adjustments to ensure all cases are handled in a timely and lawful manner.”

President for Communications Kelly Schulz.

Throughout the entire city, Schulz said, the number of visitors was 454,000, an increase of 140,000 over 2025.

Sail 250 was certainly an important factor in the increase, she said, but there were also other events, including the Louisiana Department of Education convention that drew 7,000 attendees, the North America’s 50 Best Restaurants ceremony, and the normal holiday weekend visitor uptick.

The influx of tall-ship fans was also a boon to hotels across the city, Schulz said. Based on data from the Smith Travel Research Report, room occupancy was mostly up compared to 2025, though Sunday’s figures are not yet available. For example, on Memorial Day, hotels were 49% full, compared to 33% in 2025.

Only Saturday night’s occupancy rate was lower.

Schultz pointed out that hotel occupancy figures provide only part of the picture, since they do not account for day trippers, short-term rentals and visitors staying with friends or family.

“It was incredible to welcome ships from around the world and see families, residents and visitors come together along our riverfront for a truly memorable celebration,” Mayor Helena Moreno said in a statement.

“Events like this give us a unique opportunity to showcase the culture, hospitality, and spirit that make New Orleans unlike anywhere else in the world.”

Anecdotally, some downtown

deter immigrants from being able to thoroughly present their claims to a judge before receiving a deportation order.

“Even though they’re giving it the veneer of due process, it’s clearly a sham,” he said.

There are signs that the strategy is being employed elsewhere. On Wednesday, the Minnesota Star Tribune reported that “mega” hearings had been convened at the immigration court in Minneapolis.

In New Orleans, some immigrants traveled far distances to attend this week’s hearings. One man came to tell a judge he had moved from New Orleans to Georgia.

In at least two cases, judges held off on issuing deportation orders for people who did not appear, but who the judges said appeared to have moved out of the region. They ordered fresh notices of upcoming hearings mailed to their new addresses.

The new strategy of swiftly calling large hearings does not neces‘Veneer of due process’ sarily ensure immediate detention What the federal government or deportation of immigrants. But described as a scheduling matter attorneys say the practice can proLopez termed a “sham” meant to duce deportation orders at a scale

STAFF PHOTO By CHRIS GRANGER

Tall ships rise next to the French Quarter on the last day of Sail 250 in New Orleans on Monday. businesses benefited from the tall ships’ visit.

With approximately 3,000 sailors and cadets enjoying shore leave, the French Quarter buzzed with activity, even after the onboard tours ended at 5 p.m. each day.

As general manager of Port of Call on Esplanade Avenue, known for its staggering Monsoon cocktails, Mike Mollere said the place was packed with uniformed mariners and sail ship enthusiasts.

“It was a holiday-like atmosphere,” Mollere said, “Mardi Gras-like.”

Mollere acknowledged that “the name Port of Call may have had something to do with” the sailors finding their way to the establishment at the edge of the French Quarter. But they visited other watering holes as well.

At Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop on Bourbon Street, the crowd “was

amazing,” according to manager Kenny Burque. They were “all in uniform” and “well behaved, every one of them,” he said.

Mostly the visiting mariners drank beer, he said. But at Tropical Isle, home of the Hand Grenade cocktail, visiting sailors sipped “a little of everything,” said bartender Tray Fray.

They also rarely had to pay for their beverages. As in other establishments, patrons often picked up the tabs for the visiting seafarers, who were polite and grateful.

“They said, ‘Thanks, no need to do that’ and that sort of thing,” Fray said.

On Thursday, Frey said, he saw clusters of sailors standing beneath balconies where some residents tossed them beads. “We were glad to have them,” he said.

Email Doug MacCash at dmaccash@theadvocate.com.

Lopez, the immigration attorney and former judge, was among those dismissed after Trump took office after previously sitting on the Board of Immigration Appeals, the nationwide immigration appeals court. He described the new mass hearings as part of his administration’s overhaul of the immigration system aimed at limiting due process.

“This is the next step in saying, ‘Look, we gave you a process,’ ” he said. “People are being detained and being arrested without due process.

Changes in immigration courts Their response is going to be, ‘We’re The new strategy has surfaced giving you due process. You had a amid the Trump administration’s hearing, and you didn’t show up.’ ” wide-scale effort to pressure immigration judges — who, unlike federal District Court judges, are LOTTERY employees of the Justice Department who may be hired and fired at TUESDAY, JUNE 2, 2026 will — to rule favorably toward the PICK 3: 9-5-9 immigration crackdown.

PICK 4: 7-9-0-0 The administration has dismissed PICK 5: 0-0-8-0-8 about 150 immigration judges who were serving when the president MEGA MILLIONS: took office last January, according 15-26-43-48-60 to a New York Times investigation MEGA BALL: 12 published in April, and has hired about 143 new judges in the same Unofficial notification, keep your tickets. period.

that makes it easier for the federal government to detain and deport immigrants.

“What the administration is calling a court proceeding is actually a mechanism for generating deportation orders in bulk,” said Caitlin Bellis, advocacy director for the National Immigration Project, an immigration advocacy group that dispatched an attorney to monitor the court proceedings this week in New Orleans.

The Times-Picayune ✦ nola.com ✦ Thursday, June 4, 2026 ✦ 3B

lll

Shrewsbury man pleads guilty in killing of cousin

BY MICHELLE HUNTER Staff writer

A Shrewsbury man pleaded guilty to manslaughter Tuesday in the shooting death of his first cousin, according to authorities.

Devin Tatum, 32, was charged with killing 28-year-old Darren Tatum, a married deckhand from Gretna.

Judge Donald Rowan Jr. of the 24th Judicial District Court sentenced Tatum to five years in prison with credit for time served, court records said.

The shooting occurred on the evening of July 31, 2022, at Devin Tatum’s home in the 1100 block of Lurline Drive in Jefferson.

Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office deputies dispatched to the scene said they found Darren Tatum lying on the ground in the backyard with a gunshot wound to his abdomen. Devin Tatum was trying to render aid to his cousin when they arrived, officials said.

Darren Tatum was taken to University Medical Center in New Orleans but later died of his injuries.

Devin Tatum allegedly told deputies at the time, “I shot him because he was coming at me.”

Investigators learned that Devin and Darren Tatum had been arguing about a job opportunity. At some point, Devin Tatum armed himself with a gun and warned his cousin to stay back, according to officials.

Devin Tatum told investigators he fired a warning shot into the ground as his cousin ran toward him and fired again as Darren Tatum closed the distance.

An attorney for Devin Tatum previously filed notice with the court that they intended to assert at trial that he acted in self-defense, according to court records.

Devin Tatum faced a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison.

BILL

Continued from page 1B emerged with a plan to cut Goode-Douglas’ post in Section E of the Criminal District Court instead of Roche’s Section I seat, and both sides of the Legislature voted it through.

“The enactment of this legislation represents more than the reduction of a judgeship,” she wrote of Senate Bill 217, “it overrides the expressed will of the voters who entrusted me with the responsibility of serving our community.”

The controversial cuts to three criminal court judgeships in Orleans Parish are part of a broader set of reductions targeting New Orleans courts. Backers call it an overdue realignment to accord with population and caseload trends. Critics describe it as part of a power grab on New Orleans.

LABEOUF

Continued from page 1B Department officers were called to R Bar in Faubourg Marigny about 12:45 a.m. on Feb. 17 after receiving a report of two men being assaulted. All three charges relate to the bar incident.

LaBeouf was “reportedly causing a disturbance and becoming increasingly aggressive,” police said in a report. He allegedly punched an R Bar staff member trying to eject him due to his behavior.

Video showed LaBeouf taking his shirt off before approaching men outside the Royal Street hangout,

Professional hockey will stay in Baton Rouge Team will have new owners

include Jacob Hector, a Baton Rouge native who owns Tiger Nutrition, Happy Scoops Ice Cream Parlor and Badger Mechanical, and Binghamton owners Matt Pace, Andreas Johansson and Ted Goldthorpe.

River Center general manager Wayne Hodes said after the Zydeco folded — which was a mutual agreement — he engaged in negotiations with many teams and leagues to continue hockey in Baton Rouge, prioritizing obtaining a new owner, management and brand. The new hockey team will have a three-year lease at the River Center, with a requirement to sell an average of 3,000 tickets per game after the first season. If the team does not meet the threshold, the River Center can cancel the lease, Hodes said.

“Yesterday, we came in, we signed our agreement, so now they’re going to

move forward with full force,” Hodes said.

The new team will play in the 2026-27 hockey season, creating a tight timeline for the owners to whip the organization into shape.

The group will retain the Zydeco roster but will participate in a draft.

Pace said the new ownership group will work on earning the trust of the Baton Rouge community by engaging with fans and partnering with local businesses. He said the group became interested in investing in Baton Rouge hockey due to the region’s ability to “rally behind its winners.”

“While we are the ownership of this team on paper, this isn’t our team,” Pace said. “It’s your team. This is Baton Rouge’s team.”

There has been speculation the team will be rebranded as the Baton Rouge Kingfish, but Hodes and

of LaCaze, a drug dealer.

She claims he forced her to shoot the Vus at the threat of violence during the robbery and that she was “not a willing participant.”

Whether her attorneys can lay out the evidence at a future hearing was the subject of Wednesday’s debate in front of Holmes, a former prosecutor and capital defense attorney who had earlier barred Murrill’s office from handling the case, before a successful appeal.

State attorneys argued Wednesday that long delays, missing evidence and several key witnesses who have died over the years have unfairly precluded them from attacking Frank’s claims.

Naila Campbell, a member of Frank’s legal team, argued that Murrill’s office had misplaced responsibility on Frank “for its own decision not to act for more than a decade, despite choosing to litigate her codefendant’s case, and asked the court to prevent her conviction and death sentence from ever being reviewed

in light of this exculpatory evidence.”

Frank, who turned 55 in April, seemed jovial as she sat in the courtroom on Wednesday. She turned around multiple times and flashed a warm smile at supporters sitting in the audience.

She was represented by a team of attorneys from the Mwalima Center for Justice, a New Orleans deathpenalty defense firm, formerly known as the Capital Post-Conviction Project of Louisiana.

Convicted in 1995, Frank is the only woman on Louisiana’s death row. She’s trying to avoid becoming just the third woman — and the first in over 80 years — put to death in the state.

Following a 15-year respite, Louisiana resumed the practice of executions under Landry in March 2025, when Jessie Hoffman was put to death by nitrogen gas for a 1996 rape, kidnapping and murder that began in New Orleans.

SB217 also slates Judge Simone Levine, who beat out Roche to win the Section A seat in 2023, and Judge John Fuller, who just took his seat on the Section J bench, for removal. It reduces the court from 12 to nine district judges.

The Senate passed it Sunday, and the House on Monday sent it on to Landry, who laid the blame for the switch on Sen. Gary Carter, D-New Orleans, a cousin of Roche.

The governor on Wednesday accused Carter of manipulating the process to spare his kin.

“Democrats can answer to their own constituents for that. I certainly won’t let it derail this legislation that has been needed in Orleans for DECADES,” he wrote.

Carter said he opposed any judicial cuts in the bill in a statement issued Wednesday.

“Let me be clear: I oppose any reduction of judges in New Orleans. I have op-

posed this legislation at every turn,” he said.

“At a time when New Orleans has repeatedly found itself defending its right to local self-government, we should remain focused on the facts and not allow distractions to divide us from the work that still needs to be done.”

The bill also includes cuts to judgeships in Juvenile Court and Municipal and Traffic Court in New Orleans but spared Orleans Parish Civil District Court.

Sen. Jay Morris, R-West Monroe, the bill’s sponsor, and other lawmakers have declined to specify who decided to spare Roche and settle instead on GoodeDouglas, a former prosecutor who won office in 2020, or why.

Goode-Douglas made it clear she wasn’t going willingly.

“I was elected to serve the citizens of Orleans Parish in November of 2020 and have

diligently served the members of this community with fairness and equity to all parties,” her statement read.

“Contrary to what has been previously stated during legislative hearings, I have no intention of retiring and plan on seeking reelection this fall.”

All of the remaining seats on the court are up for election in November.

Goode-Douglas echoed concerns about the possible impact on efficiency in a courthouse with some of the nation’s longest average waits for murder cases to resolve. Supporters claim the Orleans Parish judiciary is out of proportion to the

shoving one and punching others.

“Let’s fight, let’s fight,” LaBeouf can be heard saying in the video. Later, a crowd held him on the ground before police arrived.

Police said LaBeouf hurled a homophobic slur repeatedly during the fight, arrest and investigation, at one point saying, “These f****** put me in jail. I’m a Catholic.”

Police later added a third battery count against LaBeouf over the same incident.

Williams’ office issued a statement after Wednesday’s guilty plea that said LaBeouf agreed to several conditions as part of a plea deal. The statement noted

that he was never charged with a hate crime.

“We are not interested in elevating anyone’s profile because of who they are,” Williams said. “Our responsibility is the same in every case: to follow the facts, apply the law, and seek accountability where it is warranted.”

The DA’s statement said LaBeouf’s victims supported the agreement.

“The agreement creates meaningful legal consequences and enforceable conditions moving forward.

If those conditions are violated, there are real penalties attached,” Williams said.

Staff writers Marco Cartolano and Missy Wilkinson contributed to this report.

BY IANNE SALVOSA Staff writer

About a month after the future of professional hockey locally darkened when the Baton Rouge Zydeco team president and owner left the organization, Mayor-President Sid Edwards and officials with the Raising Cane’s River Center announced the team will remain under new ownership.

At a news conference Wednesday, it was announced that the owners of the Binghamton (New York) Black Bears will take over control of the team.

The Black Bears have won the last three championships of the Federal Prospect Hockey League, the same league the Zydeco compete in.

The ownership group will

FRANK

Continued from page 1B sue their post-conviction claims.

Murrill’s office wants Frank’s petition for postconviction relief dismissed and a date for her execution set, in part because the state claims it can no longer mount an adequate counter-argument.

Frank was con- Murrill victed of one of the most notorious crimes in modern New Orleans history: The slayings of fellow police officer Ronald Williams II, along with 17-yearold Cuong Vu and 24-yearold Ha Vu at the Kim Ahn Noodle House in New Orleans East.

Her one-time co-defendant, Rogers LaCaze, also was sentenced to death after a separate trial but escaped that fate when he struck a deal in 2019 with former district attorney Leon Cannizzaro.

Frank has argued that a lifetime of abuse at the hands of her father left her vulnerable to the influence

Edwards said they would announce the name of the team in the coming weeks, along with providing a schedule and ticket information. Whether there will be public input in the naming process will be determined by the new owners, Hodes said.

In advance of Wednesday’s news conference, the local hockey team’s official Facebook fan page was renamed the Official Baton Rouge Kingfish Fan Group on Tuesday. YouTuber Fed East Flash, who covers the FPHL, said the Kingfish will return under a new ownership group at the River Center in a video posted Wednesday.

The Kingfish played in Baton Rouge in the late ’90s and early 2000s before moving to Victoria, Canada.

Minor league hockey got a revival in the capital region three years ago when the Zydeco came to town.

The team came to Baton Rouge in part thanks to a sizable investment from the administration of thenMayor-President Sharon Weston Broome and the Metro Council. Edwards said he’s interested in helping the new team.

“We’ve tightened our belts in the city-parish, but I am committed, and I’ll speak for our council as well. Whatever help and assistance this new organization needs, we certainly want to work with them,” Edwards said.

Hector grew up watching the Kingfish, he said, and will serve as a local voice on the ownership team, making up for the struggles of the Zydeco. He attributes part of the Zydeco’s demise to previous owners not owning up to their faults and said the new owners will emphasize communication with fans and local businesses.

in the 4900 block of Bullard Avenue on May 22. He also testified that he reexamined evidence from Frank’s trial.

The entirety of documents and exhibits was stashed in a large cardboard shipping box in the custody of the Orleans Clerk of Court.

Vorhoff suggested some key pieces of evidence, including a 9 mm Beretta handgun and sketches and photos of the restaurant, went missing from an evidence room damaged in Hurricane Katrina.

Orleans Parish Assistant District Attorney Brad Scott said the trial notes of Frank’s trial attorneys, Robert Jenkins and Frank Larre, are also missing. Both men are now deceased.

Scott ran through a litany of questions he said he won’t be able to ask them about their trial defense to refute Frank’s claims of ineffective counsel.

“We’re not going to have the answer to any of these questions,” he argued. “So the state is materially prejudiced. Not just because they’re dead, but because Questions around records there are no notes. So we Kurt Vorhoff, a special in- can’t know why he (Jenkins) vestigator for the Attorney strategized things the way he General’s Office, said he vis- did.”

Part of the state’s case ited the former restaurant

hinges on a provision of state law that was revamped last August. Act 393 amounted to a sweeping restructuring of post-conviction relief, imposing strict timelines and procedural requirements that force prisoners to push their petitions through the courts at an expedited rate.

If petitioners miss the deadlines, they run the risk of being automatically barred from relief.

A subsection of the law calls for postconviction claims to be tossed if prosecutors can show events outside the state’s control hampered a response or rebuttal.

Scott, the prosecutor, sought to convince the judge to dismiss Frank’s application due to the “prejudicial delays.”

Under the new law, if a petitioner fails to seek an evidentiary hearing or lets the case languish two years without action, the delay can be construed as prejudicial to the state, the law states.

Holmes gave attorneys deadlines to submit follow-up briefs and set an Oct. 9 court date, when she said she’ll render her ruling.

Email Matt Bruce at matt.bruce@theadvocate. com.

number of judges in other parishes with high volumes of felony cases.

“The judiciary belongs to the people,” Goode-Douglas wrote. “Their voices matter, their votes matter, and their faith in our democratic institutions must always be respected.”

She only learned of the change about 7 p.m. on Sunday in a text message, she told Times-Picayune columnist Will Sutton on WBOK on Wednesday morning. She said she still hasn’t received an explanation.

“Trust me, I’ve called up and down Baton Rouge and no one can tell me … how they came to Section E,” she

said.

Rep. Candace Newell, DNew Orleans, said she too was taken aback by what she called a “‘what the hell’ moment” that came as she sat Sunday night in the Legislature.

Goode-Douglas was “not a judge that has had any disciplinary actions to where we would see fit that she needs to be the one to be removed,” Newell said.

Goode-Douglas expressed dismay at having to run against one of her colleagues in the fall if Landry signs the bill as he said, but she said she won’t step aside.

“I deserve to be on the bench,” she said.

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4B ✦ Thursday, June 4, 2026 ✦ nola.com ✦ The Times-Picayune

New Orleans Area Deaths Aucoin, Kathleen Bachemin, Beverly Batiste, Roland Boyer Sr., Pheris Champagne-Williams, Sharon Clark, Albert Davis, Vicki Goodman, Myra Hawkins, Lucile Jackson, Janice Johnson, Darlene Johnson, Ronald Lyons, Janet Mays Sr., Lee McKee, Cynijah Miller, Jaheim Morris, Sam Narcisse, Cledman Neves, Dale Onezine, Iola Rives, Katherine Serpas, Richard Smothers, Albert Williams, Cynthia

New Orleans Boyd Family Morris, Sam Charbonnet Champagne-Williams, Sharon Neves, Dale Williams, Cynthia

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lengthy battle with demen‐ tia. She was predeceased by her devoted husband of 61 years, Leroy (“Lee”) J. Aucoin; her son, Darren (“Dee”) M. Aucoin; her par‐ ents, Gerard L. Wingerter and Dolores J. Wingerter; her sisters, JoAnn W. Kopelman, Linda W. Blan‐ chard, and Marlene W. Arceneaux; her grandchil‐ dren, Ryan J. Aucoin and Shelby E. Aucoin; and her nephew, Richard C. Arce‐ neaux, Jr. She was a loving mother of Lee J. Aucoin (Shawn), Sandi A. Brous‐ sard (Gabe), and Cindy A. Bodden (Tony); a loving grandmother of Taylor E. Aucoin, Madison A. Al‐ barado (Adam), and Aaron G. Broussard; and a loving grandmother to great Caden J. Albarado, Aubrey M. Albarado, and Bennett T. Albarado. Kathy is also sur‐ vived by many nieces. She devoted her life to her chil‐ dren, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She traveled far and wide for nearly all of her grandchil‐ dren’s sporting events. She hosted countless family gatherings with her family for as long as she was able. She loved to shop.

She had a strong faith and prayer life and was a de‐ vout Catholic. She was a graduate of Redemptorist High School in New Or‐ leans. She worked as an account representative for several companies in the New Orleans area and as an office manager for an office supply company.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the visita‐ tion at Greenwood Funeral Home, 5200 Canal Blvd., New Orleans, on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at 9:00 a.m., with mass immediately fol‐ lowing the visitation at noon. Interment will take place at Greenwood Ceme‐ tery immediately after the mass. The family invites you to share your thoughts, fond memories, and condolences online at www.greenwoodfh.com.

Bachemin, Beverly Marie

DW Rhodes Smothers, Albert Estelle J Wilson Boyer Sr., Pheris Gertrude Geddes Clark, Albert Greenwood Aucoin, Kathleen Littlejohn FH Mays Sr., Lee Majestic Mortuary

Bachemin, Beverly Batiste, Roland Jackson, Janice Lyons, Janet

St Bernard Charbonnet Labat Johnson, Ronald

St Tammany EJ Fielding Hawkins, Lucile Rives, Katherine

West Bank Davis Mortuary Johnson, Darlene Onezine, Iola Robinson FH McKee, Cynijah Miller, Jaheim Narcisse, Cledman

Obituaries Aucoin, Kathleen W. 'Kathy'

Kathleen (“Kathy”) W. Aucoin, 85 years old, was born on February 27, 1941 and passed away on June 2, 2026 at St. Patrick’s Hos‐ pital in Lake Charles, sur‐ rounded by family, after a

Beverly Marie Bachemin of Los Angeles, California, passed away peacefully on April 21, 2026, after a twoyear struggle with illness.

She was born on January 20, 1940 to Myrtle Casmier Bachemin and Edward Leonard Bachemin in New Orleans, Louisiana. Beverly attended McDonough #37 and Albert Wicker Elemen‐ tary Schools. She gradu‐ ated from St. Mary's Acad‐ emy High School in the French Quarters in 1957. In 1959, she graduated from Straights Business School with an associate degree in business administration.

In 1961, Beverly relocated to Los Angeles and worked in the garment business for one year before moving to Washington D.C. to join the U.S. Department of Labor. Beverly lived in Washington D.C. for sixty plus years and worked in various top management positions with the Depart‐ ment of Labor. Beverly en‐ joyed traveling around the world as part of her job and also with friends and family for vacations. She enjoyed classical music.

She played an organ and a baby grand piano. She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Olanda Bachemin Shannon, and her two brothers, Cordell Stevens Bachemin and Ed‐ ward Felton Bachemin of New Orleans, Louisiana.

She will be sadly missed by family and friends in Los Angeles, Washington D.C., and here in New Orleans, Louisiana. Relatives and friends of the family are all invited to attend a Memor‐ ial Service on Friday, June 5, 2026 at 11:00 am at St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church, 5621 Elysian Fields Ave., New Orleans, LA 70122. Visitation will begin at 10:00 am. Inurnment at Mt. Olivet Cemetery. Pro‐ fessional arrangements entrusted to Majestic Mor‐ tuary Service, Inc. (504) 523-5872.

Batiste, Roland

Boyer Sr., Pheris Stanley

Roland Batiste, son of the late Herbert Batiste and the late Hannah R. Batiste, was born on March 1, 1953, in New Orleans, LA. He peacefully entered into eternal rest on June 1, 2026 at the age of 73. Roland ac‐ cepted Christ at an early age at New Hope Baptist Church and was later bap‐ tized at First Assembly of God. He grew up in Uptown New Orleans and was edu‐ cated in the neighborhood schools. He received his General Education Diploma from Booker T. Washington High School. He was an in‐ telligent man who mas‐ tered many crafts. He re‐ ceived technical training in welding as well as AC and refrigeration. He also re‐ ceived his 2nd class Engi‐ neering Certificate in Boil‐ ers and Refrigeration in 1979. He was employed as an Engineer at Southern Baptist Hospital until he became disabled in 1999.

He also worked with his Uncle Wally repairing re‐ frigerators, washers and dryers throughout the Greater New Orleans Area.

Roland’s love for music was showcased through performing in talent shows and writing songs. He also had a love for Billiards and was considered as one of the best players of his era.

Roland was married to Beulah Solomon and to their union two beautiful daughters were born, Rolanda and Kimberley.

Despite the marriage end‐ ing in divorce, they main‐ tained a good relationship and were equally involved in the upbringing of their children. He maintained a great relationship with his girls which made it an honor for them to care for him in his later years.

Roland was definitely a #GirlDad. This was noticed even more when his grand‐ daughters, Kiera and Ca‐ maron were born. In the last years of his life, he en‐ joyed spending time with his daughters and grand‐ daughters at St. Bernard Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. While there, he also looked forward to Fish Fry Fridays with his son-inlaw, Brown. Roland also en‐ joyed regular visits from his friend of over 60 years, Larry “Rebo” Thomas.

When they were younger, they were known as “The women’s pet and the men’s threat”. Roland was a man of few words but was a man of his word.

Roland was a devoted son, brother, father, grandfa‐ ther, cousin, nephew, uncle and friend. He served as the father figure to his nieces and nephews who grew up in the home with him. Roland leaves to cher‐ ish his precious memories, his loving daughters, Rolanda (Aldwyn aka Brown) Baptiste and Kim‐ berley Batiste; his grand‐ daughters Kiera Spears and Camaron Batiste; his uncle Randolph (Mable) Royal; his lifelong friend Larry “Rebo” Thomas and a host of other relatives and friends. Roland was pre‐ ceded in death by his par‐ ents, Herbert Batiste, Sr. and Hannah R. Batiste, his brothers, Herbert Batiste, Jr. and Lawrence Batiste.

Relatives and friends of the family are all invited to at‐ tend a Visitation on Friday, June 5, 2026 at Calvary Tabernacle C.M.E., 3629 Dryades St., New Orleans, Louisiana 70115 from 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m (No Ser‐ vice) followed by Inter‐ ment in Providence Memo‐ rial Park.

Professional arrangements entrusted to Majestic Mortuary Service, Inc. (504) 523-5872.

Pheris Stanley Boyer, Sr., a lifelong resident of New Orleans, was born June 5, 1930, to Leonard Boyer, Sr and Geneva Cheeks Boyer. Known for his gentle spirit, warm smile, and deep devotion to his family, he passed peacefully at his home on May 31, 2026. Pheris en‐ joyed a 40-year career with Southern Railroad (now Norfolk Southern) as a diesel mechanic and later worked part-time at the Boston Club. He and his de‐ voted wife of seventy-five years, Marie, shared a life centered on family, faith, and community. A parish‐ ioner of St. Katharine Drexel Catholic Church for nearly seven decades, he lived his faith daily. He was also a proud lifetime Saints fan and held season tick‐ ets for more than 50 years.

He is preceded in death by his son, Dr. Pheris Boyer, Jr.; his parents, Leonard and Geneva Boyer; his sis‐ ter, Lorraine Boyer Jack‐ son; and his brothers, Leonard Boyer, Jr., Charles Armstead, James Williams, and his sister-in-law, Teresa Johnson Cordova.

He is survived by his wife, Marie; daughter, Dr. Lynn Boyer Smith (Edward); grandchildren, Dr. An‐ gelique Boyer, Pheris Boyer, III, and Michael Boyer; great-grandchil‐ dren, Johanna and Pheris Boyer IV; his sister, Gloria Williams; daughter-in-law, Marie Suzette Boyer; brother-in-law, Edmond Cordova, Jr.; caregivers Ella Bates and Janice Robertson, and many rela‐ tives and friends. Rela‐ tives, friends and parish‐ ioners of St. Katherine Drexel Catholic Church, and staff of Serenity Hos‐ pice are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., with visitation beginning at 9:00 a.m. at St. Katherine Drexel (for‐ merly Holy Ghost), 2015 Louisiana Avenue, New Or‐ leans, LA. 70115. Father John Asare-Dankwah, Cele‐ brant. Interment: St. Louis Cemetery #3, 3421 Es‐ planade Ave., New Orleans, LA 70119. Arrangements entrusted to Estelle J. Wil‐ son Funeral Home, Inc., 2715 Danneel Street NOLA 70113. Information: (504) 895-4903. To sign online guest book, please visit www.estellejwilsonfh.com.

Champagne-Williams, Sharon Theresa

Sharon Theresa Cham‐ pagne-Williams was born on May 19, 1958, in New Or‐ leans, LA and peacefully departed this life on May 18, 2026, just one day be‐ fore her 68th birthday. She was educated within the Orleans Parish School Sys‐ tem, where she built life‐ long friendships and mem‐ ories in the city she loved dearly. Beloved daughter of Alice Rita Hughes and the late Sgt. Leonard J. Champagne, Sr. In addition to her father, Sharon is also preceded in death by an adoring husband, Albert Williams; grandmother, Mary Carr Dabney; sib‐ lings, Leonard J. Cham‐ pagne, Jr., Lenn Green and favorite cousin, Elsa Holmes. A woman full of love, strength, personality

Davis Mortuary Service, Inc Gretna, LA (504) 361-8649 Woodlawn Park Memorial Cemetery and Mausoleum (504) 362-3091

and wisdom, Sharon dedi‐ cated her life to her family.

Loving mother of three children, Ashanti, Tanzania and Bobby Champagne, Sr. Esteemed mother-in-law of Dr. Fawn U. Champagne.

Sharon’s greatest joy was being surrounded by her family, especially her grandchildren, Cornaie, Bobby, Jr. and Zyquan Champagne and Kewe Ukpolo; great-grandchil‐ dren, Sire Davis and Samir Brooks, who brought end‐ less light into her life.

Beloved sister of Timothy Smith and George “Billy” Green, Jr.; sister-in-law of Anna Smith; Also survived by her best friend of over 60 years, Brenda Marzett; Godson, Kenwon Marzett; favorite nephew, Christian Leonard Champange; bonus sons, Jashad and Jamal McCoy and Keith Franklin, along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and friends who loved her immeasurably.

Relatives and friends of the family; employees of Ochsner Hos‐ pital/Lieselotte Tansey Breast Center, Home Care Solutions, Tulane Univer‐ sity Office of Human Re‐ sources, Champagne Trucking, LLC, Audubon Fertility, Headquarters Bar‐ bershop, Feelgood Con‐ struction and The Chair Boutique are invited to at‐ tend the funeral. A Cele‐ bration Service honoring the life and legacy of the late Sharon T. ChampagneWilliams will be held in the Chapel of Charbonnet Labat Glapion Funeral Home, 1615 St. Philip Street, New Orleans, LA 70116 on Saturday, June 6, 2026 at 1 p.m., Rev. Damian J. Brown of Second St. John Baptist Church and Little Zion M.B.C., Officiating. In‐ terment Private. “Happy Hour”/Visitation will begin at 12 noon in the chapel. A Jazz Processional will con‐ clude the service. A repast will be held in the Family Center at the funeral home. Please sign the on‐ line guestbook at www.cha rbonnetfuneralhome.com.

Charbonnet Labat Glapion, Directors (504) 581-4411.

Providence Memorial Park, 8200 Airline Hwy, Metairie, LA 70003.

A Traditional Jazz Funeral. You may sign the guest book on www.ge rtrudegeddeswillis.com.

Gertrude Geddes Willis Funeral Home Inc., in charge. (504) 522-2525.

Davis, Vicki Rae

Vicki Davis, born May 1, 1969 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to Roger and Vergie Davis passed away on April 7, 2026 in Dallas, Texas.

A 1988 graduate of Kennedy High School, she also attended Delgado Community College. She joined the Saint Maria Goretti Gospel Choir because she loved to sing. In 2005 she left New Orleans due to Hurricane Katrina.

Vicki leaves to cherish her memories a son Raymond, daughter-in-law Chandler, a brother, Roger W Davis Jr, beloved daughter Princess Victoria along with aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

Family and friends are invited to a memorial mass at 11:00 AM on Saturday, June 6, 2026 at Resurrection Church, 9701 Hammond Street, New Orleans LA. Visitation begins at 9:00 AM. The Rosary begins at 10:30AM. A repass will follow in Resurrection Church's Pastoral Center.

Goodman, Myra Catherine

Clark, Albert

Albert "Chui" Clark, age 73 was born on March 12,1953 in New Orleans, LA departed this earthly home on Saturday, May 23, 2026.

He was a member of the Good Fellas S&P Club, Black Liberation Movement, Neighborhood Unity MERGE, Louisiana Chapter Prisoners of Conscience, Committee & Black Panther Party Cubs POCC/ BPPC, Universal Negro Improvement Association/ Marcus Garvey Organization, and Angola 3. Albert was the companion of Tabatha Johnson. Loving father of Tiana Clark and Tyesha Johnson whom he adored.

Beloved brother of William Clark, Sr. (Dr. Cheryl Banks -Clark) and Marcus Clark.

He was also survived by a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends. Albert was preceded in death by his parents Albert Washington and Beatrice Clark; siblings Clarence Richardson, Latson Clark and Jo-ann Nevels.

Relatives and friends of the family, also the Good Fellas S&P Club, surrounding New Orleans Metropolitan S&P Clubs and the Africian American Empowerment Organizations are invited to attend the Celebration of Life Service on Friday, June 5, 2026 at Gertrude Geddes Willis Funeral Home, 2120 Jackson Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70113 at 10:00 a.m.

Visitation from 9:00 a.m. until 10:0 a.m. Interment

Goodman, Myra Catherine (Crochet), age 78, of Texas City, departed this life on Thursday, May 14, 2026.

She passed peacefully in the comfort of her own home surrounded by family and friends.

Born October 8, 1947, she was a native of New Orleans and graduated from St. Joseph Academy High School in 1965. She worked for many years as a secretary for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and later as an assistant teacher and teacher's aide in both private and public schools. She was an active and devoted member of Queen of Peace Catholic Church in La Marque, sang in the choir, and regularly participated in church activities and events. She was a proud member of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Court #1855 of the Catholic Daughters of America for 43 years, serving as court regent and heading its annual arts & crafts show on numerous occasions. She led a very active social life, and she thoroughly enjoyed hosting friends and family at her home. She loved dinner outings with friends and rarely missed card night on Thursdays. She was an avid New Orleans Saints fan and held a special place in her heart for her native city and its cuisine.

She enjoyed cooking, crafts, and reading, and she had a passion for collecting fine jewelry and antiques. She was a beloved mother, grandmother, godmother, sister, cousin, and friend, and she was a positive and encouraging presence in the lives of everyone who knew her. She was preceded in death by her parents, Woodrow C. Crochet, Sr. and Myrl Miller Crochet, and her husband of 28 years, Dan F. Goodman. She is survived by two sons, Ryan L. Goodman, and his wife,

The Times-Picayune ✦ nola.com ✦ Thursday, June 4, 2026 ✦ 5B

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Molly, and Sean R. Goodman; two granddaughters, Virginia M. Goodman and Stella L. Goodman; a brother, Woodrow C. Crochet, Jr., and his wife, Gay, one niece and one nephew. A funeral mass will be held at 10:00 AM on Saturday, July 25, 2026 at Queen of Peace Catholic Church, 1224 Cedar Dr., La Marque, with Fr. James B. Anderson, S.Th.D., V.F., officiating. In keeping with her wishes, cremation has taken place, and her ashes will be placed in the family tomb on Monday, July 27, at Greenwood Cemetery in New Orleans. All who wish to attend the mass and the placement of ashes are welcome. The Goodman Family would like to extend their thanks and gratitude to Living Hope Home Healthcare and Living Hope Hospice of Houston, as well as her caretakers, for the excellent and compassionate care they provided, and to all of the Catholic Daughters, friends, and neighbors who did so much for her.

Condolences may be sent to the family at their convenience. A memorial service will be held from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM on 2026-0725 at Queen of Peace Catholic Church, 1224 Cedar Dr. A interment of ashes will be held from 11:00 AM to 11:30 AM on 2026-07-27 at Greenwood Cemetery, 5200 Canal Blvd.

Hawkins, Lucile Taylor Smart

of fun sleepovers, endless card games, thoughtful birthday gifts, frequent Wizard of Oz viewings, and unrequested recitations of her silly poetry. She was a tireless cheerleader amidst all their activities and education.

Puddin and John were active Christians and devoted Presbyterians throughout their marriage, always participating in congregations and their ministries wherever they resided.

During her decades of membership at Covington Presbyterian Church, she served in numerous roles: deacon, ruling elder, Sunday School teacher, and organizer of Presbyterian Women groups. For many years, she joined other women in a lively puppet ministry, her character "Lucy" playing a part in teaching Bible stories and life lessons to children. As a deacon, Puddin was a dutiful visitor of friends in need during their time in hospitals and nursing homes. Her children give thanks for the many ways she exercised her spiritual gifts of compassion, kindness, and encouragement.

A service of witness to the resurrection will be held at Covington Presbyterian Church on Saturday, June 6, at 11 a.m., with a reception to follow. Rev. Dr. Jeff Simms will officiate, and family member Miriam Ross — a candidate for Presbyterian ordination — will offer words of remembrance.

Despite her lifelong love of camellias, in lieu of flowers, her family suggests donations be made in her memory to Covington Presbyterian Church.

E.J. Fielding Funeral Home has been entrusted with funeral arrangements. Please sign the guestbook at https://www. ejfieldingfh.com.

Jackson, Janice Marie Breaux Lucile Taylor Smart Hawkins died Friday, May 29, 2026. A longtime resident of Covington, Louisiana, she died peacefully in Tylertown, Mississippi, at Loch Ross Farms, in the care of her daughter. She was 89 years old.

Known by family and friends as "Puddin," a nickname she received in infancy, she was born September 17, 1936, in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Adopted and raised in the Carrollton neighborhood by loving parents William Graham Smart Sr. and Lucile Taylor Smart, their extended family became a source of great honor in her life. She relished a wonderful cadre of loving aunts, uncles, and cousins across the Southeast.

Puddin attended St. Martin's Episcopal School in Metairie, graduating in 1954. She remained a proud alumna, participating in her 70th class reunion in 2024.

After attending Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, in August 1958, she married John Carlton Hawkins, also from New Orleans. Over the next twenty years, the couple lived in Pensacola, Florida, Wills Point, Texas, and Huntsville, Alabama, before returning to greater New Orleans in 1979 to help care for her aging parents.

Residing in Covington, John and Puddin renovated her parents' home at "Smartacres" along the Bogue Falaya River, which had been a weekend retreat throughout her childhood. There she hosted many gatherings of church friends, card groups, and family celebrations. She also took great pride in tending to her late father's prize-winning camellia bushes. John preceded her in death in 2009, bringing to a close 51 years of marriage.

Puddin was a devoted mother to their three children: daughter Sarah Hawkins Ross (Dennis) of Tylertown, Mississippi; son John Carlton "Jack" Hawkins Jr. (Diane) of Mandeville, Louisiana, and son Ralph William Hawkins (Debra) of Warner Robins, Georgia. "Aunt Puddin" also dearly loved her two nieces and two nephews, children of her late brother William Graham Smart, Jr. and his wife Lane Ford Smart. Being a grandmother to her six grandchildren and her four greatgrandchildren proved to be Puddin's most cherished role in life, and she was affectionately known by them as "Grammy" and "Mimi." They are Andrew Ross (Miriam) and children Kaylie, Emalyn, and Sawyer; Ainsley Ross McGovern (Grant) and child Grant Jr.; Michelle Hawkins, John Hawkins III, Lonnie Hawkins; and Ella Hawkins. Collectively, they give thanks for many years f f l dl

Janice Marie Breaux Jackson, was born on Au‐ gust 21, 1946 to Clifton Breaux Sr. and Nancy Ce‐ lestine Breaux, the second of seven children. She was married to Johnny Jackson, on January 21, 1967 and settled in New Orleans where they welcomed a daughter, Tonia. Janice went on to complete her certification as an ac‐ counting clerk working for more than 20 years with Knights of Peter Claver and Ladies Auxiliary before concluding her career. Jan‐ ice is survived by her sister Nancy Louise and brother Irvin Benjamin. She was preceded in death by her parents Nancy and Clifton Sr., her siblings Clifton Jr., Ronald Lee, Bernard, and Beverly Ann. She leaves be‐ hind her husband Johnny, daughter Tonia, son-in-law Michael Anthony Wilson, and grandson Michael Hannibal Wilson. She also leaves a host of loving nieces and nephews Dana Burresch, Thomas Turner VI, and Dorian Turner (Bev‐ erly); Kim, Gary, and Cyn‐ thia Breaux (Bernard); Chad and Keyna Skidmore (Nancy); Jeanette, Robert, and Angela Breaux (Ronald); Maurice and An‐ drea Breaux (Irvin); and Melany and Clifton Breaux III (Clifton Jr.). Relatives and friends of the family are all invited to attend the Memorial Service on Satur‐ day, June 6, 2026 at 10:30 am at Blessed Trinity Catholic Church, 4230 S. Broad St., New Orleans, LA 70125. Visitation will begin at 10:00 am. Professional arrangements entrusted to Majestic Mortuary Service, Inc. (504) 523-5872.

Johnson, Darlene 'Big Eyes'

Majestic Mortuary Service, Inc. (504) 523-5872.

Mays Sr., Lee Earnest

Darlene “Big Eyes” John‐ son entered into eternal rest at her residence sur‐ rounded by her family and friends on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at the age of 65.

She was a native of New Orleans, LA and a resident of Harvey, LA. Darlene was a retried housekeeper where she worked in the French Quarters for many years. She was feisty and loved spending time with her family. Her legacy of love, generosity, and re‐ silience will live on through the many lives she touched. Beloved mother of Chantell Johnson and Laron Johnson (Khadijah).

Grandmother of LeVell Johnson, Dajanell Johnson, Cedric Johnson, LaJon Jonhson, and Yusef Muhammad. Great grand‐ daughter of Tilah Williams, Tynajah Williams, Calvin Williams, III, Da’Zani John‐ son, and Ry’Lan Johnson.

Daughter of the late Her‐ bert and Willie Mae Williams. Sister of John Wayne Williams (Con‐ stance), Harold Williams, Perry James Jason, Rose Grady (Curly), Diane Williams, Cheryl Johnson, Karen Williams, Beverly Johnson, Angel Johnson, Sandra Johnson -Coleman (Dwayne) and the late Frank Johnson. Darlene is also survived by a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends.

Relatives and friends of the family are in‐ vited to attend the Cele‐ bration of Life at Davis Mortuary Service, 6820 Westbank Expressway Marrero, LA on Friday, June 5, 2026, at 10:00a.m. Visita‐ tion will begin at 8:30a.m. until service time at the parlor. Interment: Rest‐ lawn Park Cemetery, Avon‐ dale, LA. To view and sign the guestbook, please go to www.davismortuaryse rvice.com.

Johnson, Ronald

Lee Earnest Mays, Sr. was called home to be with the Lord on Sunday, May 17, 2026. He leaves to cher‐ ish his precious memories, his devoted and dedicated wife, Emelia; two sons, Lee Earnest, Jr. and Earnest Lee Mays; bonus daughter, Emelia Angelique Wilfred; granddaughter, Myla Malani Mays; grandchil‐ dren, Derinisha J’quell Wil‐ fred, Derrick Johnson, Jr. and Ronja’Naize Hill: one great grandson, Derrick Johnson III; his special bonus daughter, Mikeiona Sierra Carter (Myla’s mom); adoptive mother, Emma Butler; sisters Shirley Mays, Linda Burks (Lake Providence), and Mary Jones (Glenn) (Lake Providence); sister-in-law, Darlene L. Essex (Erick) (Colorado Springs); brother-in-law, Emile Lewis III; God-child, Darriyell La‐ trice Williams and a host of nieces, nephews, other rel‐ atives, Church family and friends. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Cathy Mays; his mother, Reat Mays; one sister, Essie Railey and one brother Johnny Mays; fa‐ ther-in-law, Emile Lewis, Jr.; mother-in-law, Thelma Lewis; sister-in-law, Bernadette Washington; and brothers-in-law, Michael and Gabriel Lewis.

The Homegoing Celebra‐ tion will be held on Friday, June 5, 2026 at New Hope Baptist Church, 1807 Rev‐ erend John Raphael Jr. Way, beginning at 10:00 a.m. Rev. Jamaal Weath‐ ersby, officiant. Church vis‐ itation from 9:00 a.m. until the hour service. Entomb‐ ment Mount Olivet Ceme‐ tery. Rev. David M. Patin Sr. and Gwiena Magee Patin, Funeral Directors. Profes‐ sional Service Entrusted to Littlejohn Funeral Home, 2163 Aubry Street, Cal K. Johnson, Funeral Direc‐ tors/Manager, Info: (504) 940-0045.

McKee, Cynijah Aviyah 'Cam'

Ronald Johnson de‐ parted this life on Monday, May 25, 2026. Survivors in‐ clude a host of siblings, their spouses, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. A Celebration service honoring his life will be held at Christian Fellowship Family Worship Center, 5816 E. Judge Perez Drive, Violet, LA on Satur‐ day, June 6, 2026 at 11 a.m., Bishop Ronnie London, Of‐ ficiating, Pastor Henry Bal‐ lard, Host-Pastor. Inter‐ ment 10 a.m. in the church.

Please sign online guest‐ book at www.charbonnetf uneralhome.com.

Final arrangements entrusted to Charbonnet Family Ser‐ vices (504) 302-1520.

Lyons, Janet

Janet Lyons entered into rest on Tuesday, May 26, 2026 at the age of 84. A Fu‐ neral Service will be held on Saturday, June 6, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. at Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church #2, 2200 Louisiana Ave., New Or‐ leans, LA 70115. Visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m. In‐ terment will be in Holt Cemetery.

Professional arrangements entrusted to

Cynijah Aviyah “Cam” McKee. February 27, 2015 – May 17, 2026. Cynijah was called into rest Sunday May 17, 2026, at the tender age of eleven. Cynijah was born February 27, 2015, to Dwayne and Cyndrea McKee. Cynijah was a tal‐ ented, joyful, fun-loving child who enjoyed being with, learning, growing, and celebrating her big brother D’wyne. Cynijah lived and grew up in Mar‐ rero, La where she at‐ tended and was a fifthgrade student at C. T. Janet Elementary. Her hobbies were singing, playing her keyboard, painting, jew‐

elry, journal, pen, and can‐ dle making, family game and movie nights. She played various sports at Pard Playground and with The She League. Her pas‐ sions and plans were to become an event planner and sing on Broadway.

Cynijah was preceded in death by her Grandfather Darrell “Poppy” Heim Sr., Grand-Nanny Almedia “Pokey” Phoenix, and Aunt Maw-Maw Linda Turner.

She leaves behind her par‐ ents Dwayne and Cyndrea, brother D’wyne, grandpar‐ ents Letha Heim, Derry (Delores) McKee, Brenda Turner, her aunts and un‐ cles Darrell Jr., Le’Kisha, Kimberley, Jarvis, Shaletha Heim, Lucretia Jenkins, Derry Turner, Thaddeus, Keisha, Jay’Lonie McKee, and Paquella Williams, a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, family and friends who will love and celebrate her forever. Celebration of Life will be held Saturday June 6, 2026, at Life Center Cathedral 2100 Ames Blvd Marrero, La 70072. Host Pastor, Bishop J.D. Wiley, Pastor Terrance Green, Of‐ ficiating. Visitation will begin at 9a.m. and Service will begin at 10a.m. Inter‐ ment will follow in West‐ lawn Memorial Park 1225 Whitney Ave, Gretna, La 70056. Repast: St. Rosalie Cafetorium 628 1ST Ave Harvey, La 70058. Funeral planning entrusted to Robinson Family Funeral Home, 9611 LA - 23, Belle Chasse, LA 70037 (504) 208 – 2119. For online condo‐ lences please visit www. robinsonfamilyfuneralho me.com

Miller, Jaheim J.

Jaheim J. Miller was born on January 29, 2004, to Hicks Miller and Ashlie Terry and departed this life on May 18, 2026. Jaheim was a 2022 graduate of Chalmette High School. He leaves to cherish his pre‐ cious memories his par‐ ents, Hicks Miller and Ash‐ lie Terry; siblings, Danielle Lewis, Ebony Reese, Danzel Miller, Jarrard Payne, and Jordan Miller; grandpar‐ ents, Eloise Terry and James Terry, Sr.; three un‐ cles and two aunts. Jaheim was preceded in death by his grandparents, the late Freddie and Carrie Miller; great-grandparents, the late Warren and Evelyn (MeMaw) Perez; aunts, Carrie “Bert” Francis and Ramona Duplessis, and un‐ cles, Jessie Miller, Freddie “Bubbie” Miller, Jr., Melvin “Mel” Miller, and Allen Lewis, Sr. Relatives and friends of the family; Pas‐ tor, Officers and members of Bethlehem Baptist Church and all other sur‐ rounding churches of Plaquemines and St. Bernard Parishes are in‐ vited to attend the service which will be held at Beth‐ lehem Baptist Church, 111 Bethlehem Lane, Braith‐ waite, LA on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at 11 a.m., Rev. Dr. Michael W. Jiles, Sr., Offici‐ ating. Visitation will begin at 9 a.m. Entombment will Bernard follow in St. Memorial Gardens, Chal‐ mette, LA. Final arrange‐ ments entrusted to Robin‐ son Family Funeral Home, 9611 Highway 23, Belle

Chasse, LA 70037, (504) 208-2119. For online condo‐ lences, please visit www. robinsonfamilyfuneralho me.com.

Morris, Sam

Sam Morris passed away on May 16, 2026, at the age of 82. Sam is sur‐ vived by his devoted wife Shella Morris, daughters: Shontra (Andre) Powell, and Sheleth Hampton, and grandchildren: Zoe Noel Powell, Andre Maurice Powell, Jr., Samuel Langston Powell and Carsyn Alexandra Hamp‐ ton. Also, survived by his sister Gwendolyn Lee (Myron) and brother Jerome Reese, a host of other relatives and friends.

Preceded in death by his mother Aldora Reese, step‐ father Dave Reese, Sr. fa‐ ther A.B. Morris, sister Ethia Reese Charles and brother Dave Reese, Jr. Family and friends are in‐ vited to the Celebration of Life Service on Friday, June 5, 2026, for 10:00 a.m. at Franklin Avenue Baptist Church, 8282 I-10 Service Road South, New Orleans, LA 70126. Visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m. Pastor Fred Luter, Jr., officiating.

Interment will follow at Southeast LA Veteran Cemetery, Slidell, LA. Guestbook Online: www. anewtraditionbegins.com (504)282-0600.

Linear Brooks Boyd and Donavin D. Boyd Owners/Funeral Di‐ rectors.

Narcisse, Cledman Joseph 'Joe'

A man defined by faith, devotion, laughter, gen‐ erosity, and a love that knew no bounds, Cledman Joseph “Joe” Narcisse tran‐ sitioned peacefully from his earthly home to his heavenly home on May 21, 2026, in Pointe à la Hache, Louisiana, at the age of 71.

A devoted member of First Mount Zion Baptist Church, Joe served faithfully as a Deacon until his health no longer permitted. He was known for his kind heart, unwavering faith, and ded‐ ication to family and com‐ munity. Joe was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Joyce Narcisse, whose memory remained close to his heart through‐ out his life. He leaves to cherish his memory his siblings, Felix “Blond” Nar‐ cisse, Kermit Narcisse (Samantha), Anthony Nar‐ cisse, Francis Narcisse, and Caffie Riley; bonus chil‐ dren, Brenda Merrick,

See more DEATHS, page

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6B ✦ Thursday, June 4, 2026 ✦ nola.com ✦ The Times-Picayune

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OPINION N O L A.C O M/opinions

OUR VIEWS

On this D-Day anniversary, we honor the heroes who fought to preserve freedom Editor’s note: This editorial, slightly revised, is published annually as a tribute to D-Day. When the United States put its young men ashore on D-Day 82 years ago Saturday, they were not alone.

Although Americans remember Omaha Beach, where our troops saw some of the bloodiest fighting and suffered many casualties, young men from at least a dozen other countries fought and died on other beaches — all in the common cause of freedom.

By late spring 1944, after years of combat and human sacrifice, the tide had begun to turn against Adolf Hitler’s Germany. Even as the risks of the D-Day invasion weighed heavily on Gen. Dwight Eisenhower, who drafted — just in case — a statement of responsibility for failure, victory in Europe was finally in sight. Yet, many more died before it finally came.

The hammer blows landed against the Reich on D-Day made up history’s largest amphibious operation. The United States, Great Britain and Canada provided most of the troops, but they were joined by forces from every Allied nation that had suffered during the war: Australia, Belgium, Czechoslovakia, Denmark, France, Greece, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway and Poland.

Their heroic campaign is memorialized at the National WWII Museum in New Orleans. Now a sprawling campus that has welcomed more than 10 million visitors since it opened in 2000, it began life as the National D-Day Museum, dedicated to telling the stories of those who answered history’s call that stormy June morning so far from home.

Louisiana is honored to host those who pass through its doors, especially the members of our country’s Greatest Generation who served.

Today, as always, a grateful nation honors their struggles and sacrifices.

We also remember the dramatic innovations that sprang from America’s arsenals of democracy, particularly Louisiana’s shallow-draft Higgins boats, which made possible the D-Day landings and those in the Pacific.

Perhaps the most enduring outcome of World War II, one embodied in the planning and execution of D-Day, is America’s role as a world leader. The late University of New Orleans historian Stephen Ambrose, who conceived the World War II Museum, said that the defining quality of Americans is our sense of optimism. It’s what enables us to lead with hope, strength and a determination to meet any challenge.

Those qualities may seem sadly lacking today. But by commemorating sacrifice made by thousands of young men who piled out of boats and onto beaches in service of a greater cause, we honor their heroism and remind ourselves of the courage that freedom demands. Now, just like then, we must not forget that challenges far from our borders can have profound effects here at home.

As it did on D-Day, meeting those challenges will require the best from all of us.

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

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

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

YOUR VIEWS

Ratepayers deserve stronger protections

Loving fathers teach you lessons you may not realize is no going back, and the job will last forever. I learned commitment, endurance and patience.

When you hold the light, it was to be in an exact spot. “A little higher up. A little to the left, hold still.” I learned to hold my position.

“Get your head out of the way.”

When you hold the light, you want to see what is going on. What’s he doing? Is it going to work? Let me get a little closer. “Move your head.” The one holding the light is not the one who gets to see. I learned I could not always be in charge and to trust the process even if I could not see it.

As I got older, I realized that he didn’t need me to hold the light, he just wanted to spend time with me.

The lessons were a bonus. I love you, Daddy, and thanks for letting me hold the light.

If you grew up when I did, you probably had to hold the light.

I learned so much from my daddy by holding the light. “Daddy, can I help? Can I hold the light? Please Daddy, let me hold the light.” I would plead with big brown eyes. “Ok, go get the light.” I learned the power of persuasion.

He would get the light and the tools. In my eyes, there was nothing that man couldn’t fix. We had socket wrenches, crescent wrenches, needle nose pliers — you name it. “Daddy, do we need this?” “No, put that back.”

“Daddy, do we need this?” “No, put that back.” I learned to use the right tools.

About half a second into holding the light, I was done. “On my God, why did I ever want to hold the light?

Why? This is so boring. Are we done yet?” The thing about holding the light is, once you’re holding it, there

TRACIE ELSWORTH Denham Springs

Crumbling tombs, high weeds mar cemetery visit I recently had to get permission from the New Orleans Cemetery Division to gain entrance to Lafayette Cemetery No. 1, as I had family in town who wished to see their family tomb.

I was simply mortified by the condition of the entire place. Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 is the oldest cityowned cemetery, founded in 1833 and has been closed since 2019 because of the condition.

I now know why. The tombs and walls are crumbling, and the weeds are thigh high, full of stickers that covered my clothes and arms as I

waded through the aisles. There has obviously been no attempt to care for the grounds for years.

I am both sad and angry. If there is money to put colored lights on the Crescent City Connection, then surely there is money to continue to care for our historic cemeteries.

I cannot imagine the impression this has given my out of state visitors.

If this is the way New Orleans cares for our dead and the history of the city, then truly the city is doomed.

PATRICIA WATERMEIER Metairie

My electric bill keeps climbing, and no one can clearly explain why.

Each month I open my utility statement expecting stability, but instead I see another increase that strains my household budget. What’s most frustrating is the feeling that everyday families like mine have little say in the decisions driving these costs.

Recent utility proposals and largescale energy projects raise serious questions about who is ultimately paying for infrastructure upgrades.

When massive new developments are added to the grid, the cost should not automatically fall on ordinary customers who are already struggling with high bills and unreliable service.

I am calling for stronger protections for ratepayers before any major utility expansion or fast-tracked approval is granted. Regulators should require full transparency about cost distribution and ensure that large commercial energy users pay their fair share, rather than shifting expenses onto residential customers.

We also need independent review of any proposals that could significantly increase demand on the power grid. Communities deserve clear answers, not rushed decisions that prioritize corporate interests over household affordability.

No family should have to choose between paying their electric bill and meeting other basic needs. It is time for utility regulators and policymakers to put fairness, accountability and transparency first.

LAUREEN DOUGLAS New Orleans

Coast study underestimates the creativity and courage that exist in N.O. TO SEND US A LETTER, SCAN HERE

Sea monsters have been visiting my dreams. At first, I treated them as private symbols, the kind my grandfather’s old sailor stories might have planted in me long ago. But lately they feel less private. They feel civic.

New Orleans knows water as both a blessing and threat. We dance beside it, build beside it, bury our dead beside it and pretend the bargain can last forever. Now Tulane researchers are warning that the city must think seri-

ously about an immediate retreat from the coast. That is not just a climate story. It is a moral test.

At the same time, we are watching technology make war, surveillance and displacement more efficient than online shopping. Drones hunt from the sky. Algorithms sort human beings into targets, risks and costs. The old science-fiction warnings are no longer warnings. They are procurement plans.

So maybe the sea monster is the right image. It is what rises when buried truths become impossible to ignore.

New Orleans should not answer with denial. It should answer with imagination, courage and planning worthy of the city’s soul.

Please remember everyone, New Orleans was the only city on Earth that never surrendered to the robots.

ERIC WALTON New Orleans or die

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ARNESSA GARRETT STEPHANIE GRACE WILL SUTTON QUIN HILLYER FAIMON ROBERTS

The Times-Picayune ✦ nola.com ✦ Thursday, June 4, 2026 ✦ 7B

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COMMENTARY Sensible La. district lines would benefit neither race or party Amidst the racially charged arguments surrounding Louisiana’s congressional districts, the reality is that the population distribution within Louisiana isn’t naturally conducive to either political side’s fondest wishes.

It’s virtually impossible to create a second Blackmajority district without major gerrymandering that violates traditional districting standards.

Then again, a neutral apQuin plication of those same Hillyer standards naturally would produce a second district in which a Democrat, including a moderately liberal Black candidate, would be slightly favored to win.

One can reach this conclusion using race-blind principles along with parish population numbers readily available online. The point of this exercise wasn’t arithmetical exactitude but instead to get within a few thousand people in each district of the average Louisiana congressional district size of 777,000 residents.

Admittedly, I saved hours of research time by using Chat GPT and Wikipedia for searches and arithmetic, while crosschecking their numbers against each other — and again, the principles, not exact numbers, are the point here.

With those caveats, here’s what I found, using the court-recognized districting principles of compactness, contiguity and existing parish lines or obvious geographical features such as rivers or lakes. In ordinary language, this means the maps should keep parishes whole to the greatest extent possible, while each district should appear as reasonably concentric shapes.

Without racial gerrymandering, the lower part of Louisiana’s toe — the parishes of Orleans, Plaquemines, St. Bernard, Lafourche and the West Bank of Jefferson, with slivers from Terrebonne and St. Charles — naturally creates not a Black majority district, but at least a Black plurality one that, when combined with Hispanic voters, forms a non-White majority. Also considering the voting patterns of tens of thousands of liberal White Democrats in New Orleans, an overwhelming likelihood is that a Black Democrat would win.

The top of the toe, surrounding most of Lake Pontchartrain, would be, as now, a strongly Republican district consisting of the parishes of St. Tammany, Washington, Tangipahoa, St. John the Baptist and

STAFF PHOTO By JAVIER GALLEGOS

Sen. Jay Morris, R-West Monroe, holds up a proposed congressional map during a House and Governmental Affairs Committee meeting on May 21. most of St. Charles, plus East Jefferson.

Along and inland from the southcentral coast, the “Cajun parishes” easily form another Republican-leaning district. The western portion of the state from the Gulf to the Arkansas line, roughly a slightly bulbous rectangle including both Lake Charles and Shreveport, forms another such district — but with a significant Black population in Caddo Parish. Alas, the numbers mean that one major parish can’t stay intact, so Rapides, in the middle of the state, does get bisected.

The fifth of my districts is largely rural, so naturally it encompasses by far the largest amount of territory. Apart from the cities of Monroe and Ruston, it essentially takes in every non-Cajun, non-major-urban parish in the state, plus half of the Florida Parishes — the Felicianas, St. Helena and Livingston. (The tiny Florida Parishes jut is unfortunate, but necessary for the numbers to work.)

That would leave one more district that would be hotly contested. Not perfectly concentric, it nonetheless is far more compact and geographically sensible than the crazy-quilt District 2 the Legislature actually produced. In essence, it’s a Mississippi River district, plus some borderline Cajun parishes. It would include both East and West Baton Rouge parishes, along with Avoyelles, Point Coupee, Iberville, Ascension, Assumption and St. James.

For those from either side who obsess about race or partisan advantage, this district would cause nervous nights. By

my wiki-aided count (again, the general trend, not the exact numbers, are what’s important), the district would have roughly 360,000 White voters, 303,000 Black voters and just over 100,000 of “other” or “mixed” races, with Hispanics clearly predominating among those.

Plus, a significant percentage of the Whites would be Democrats.

Meanwhile, some of us insist, with significant evidence, that race is not entirely determinative of political victory.

Witness Mobile, Alabama, which for six consecutive elections chose a member of the then-minority race as its mayor — twice electing a Black Democrat when the city was majority White, then four times picking a White Republican after the city had become majority Black.

The “river district” above would almost assuredly mimic Mobile’s experience, in which successful coalitionbuilding is rewarded. That’s a situation that is fair, one that inspires confidence in the system.

The broader point: A neutral computer programmed for compactness, contiguity, parish lines and geographical features would produce something similar to the plan above, without any racial or partisan thumb on the scales.

For a healthy representative democracy, one in which no group thinks the game is rigged against them, that’s the sort of approach legislators henceforth should take.

Email Quin Hillyer at quin.hillyer@ theadvocate.com

Chronic pilot shortages, ancient planes — Air Force needs upgrading U.S. Air Force B-52s have been busy in the war against Iran, as they were in Vietnam, and when they were crucial Cold War components of the nation’s nuclear triad of air, land and sea-based deterrence.

Wars are mostly fought by young people, but today, geriatric machines participate in the wild blue yonder.

George Of the 76 extant B-52s, Will the youngest was built in 1962, before the Beatles’ first album and the Cuban missile crisis.

According to Joseph Trevithick of the War Zone, a defense news and analysis website, current planning envisions these heavy bombers in service until 2050, when the youngest will be 88 and will have outlasted today’s B-1s and B-2s.

The B-52s have undergone many upgrades and are now in a modernization program: new engines and avionics. But as Trevithick writes, “At some point, the airframes will simply age out.”

Retired Air Force Lt. Gen. David Deptula, now dean of the Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies, writes in Forbes “the bulk of our Air Force” — 10 aircraft types, more than 2,600 aircraft, twothirds of the entire force — “consists of geriatric fighter, bomber and trainer aircraft that were designed and built before the internet was invented,” having had their first flights more than 50 years ago.

Former defense secretary Robert Gates, one of our wisest national security thinkers, was imprecise when in 2024 he lamented that “our Air Force has stagnated in size.” The situation is worse than that. Since Operation Desert Storm (1991), the number of fighter squadrons

has declined from 134 to 56, the number of fighter pilot flight hours per month has declined from 22.3 to under 10, and the average age of fighter planes has increased from 9.7 years to 30.3 years.

What the Air Force calls its “advanced” trainer first flew in 1959 — the Eisenhower administration.

The Iran war has highlighted the weakness of the nation’s defense industrial base and the precarious condition of its munitions stocks. The American Enterprise Institute’s Mackenzie Eaglen, writing in the Dispatch, reports that U.S. forces expended more than 1,000 Tomahawk cruise missiles in a few weeks.

Because average annual production has been 90 to 100, she says, “absent acceleration, replenishing this key armament … would take roughly 10 years.”

Our adversaries in Beijing and Moscow know this, and know the production of sophisticated weapons cannot easily be surged. Readers of the 2024 report by the U.S. Commission on the National Defense Strategy know that today’s threats are the most serious “since 1945 and include the potential for near-term major war.” Deptula notes that the Air Force is older, smaller and less ready to deter or win a major war than at any time since it became an independent service in 1947.

The pilot shortage is now chronic. Today the game is more than 2,000 short of requirements. The Mitchell Institute’s Heather R. Penney writes that the Air Force “has been unsuccessful in meaningfully improving its pilot retention rates for over twenty years.” To those who say unmanned systems are radically reducing the importance of pilots, she says: “Algorithms and software, no matter how sophisticated, cannot replace

the creativity, initiative, and judgment to decide and act through the fog and friction of war that only human cognition at the forward edge of the battlespace can provide.”

The war to defang Iran has been a reminder that there are things, such as regime change, that airpower alone cannot accomplish. But consider what airpower has done to implement the U.S. political objective of reducing that regime’s capacity for projecting threats against other nations.

The Washington-based Institute for the Study of War notes that U.S. and Israeli operations achieved air dominance over Iran in 72 hours, partly because of Israeli attacks on Iran’s air defense radars in April and October 2024. And the Iranian missile force is much more than missiles and launchers. It is crews, communications and computer networks, production and logistical facilities. Airpower has struck one of the few ball bearing plants (crucial for ballistic missile guidance systems), at least 69 facilities associated with the production of missiles, warheads and explosives, and at least 11 research and development facilities.

Rebuilding its production chain will take many years. All this without “boots on the ground.”

Most developed democracies contentedly assume perpetual peace, and are ever more casualty-averse. That this social-political fact converges with myriad military facts (the force structures of China and Russia) adds urgency onto making U.S. airpower again adequate for its many missions.

Email George Will at georgewill@ washpost.com.

Does it matter what Helen of Troy looked like?

It’s the controversy that has launched a thousand X posts.

Elon Musk, who is a fan of Homer, has kicked up a fuss by objecting to filmmaker Christopher Nolan casting the Black actress Lupita Nyong’o as Helen of Troy in his forthcoming movie version of “The Odyssey.”

The epic production presumably won’t rise or fall based on its depiction of Helen, the legRich endary beauty who precipitated Lowry the Trojan War. That conflict is portrayed in “The Iliad,” while “The Odyssey” follows the Greek warrior Odysseus on his return home after the war, a story that doesn’t feature Helen prominently.

The casting of Nyong’o, though, has raised the perennial question of what Helen looked like, as well as the more pedestrian matter of what the standard should be for actors playing people of a different race or ethnicity (or, these days, gender).

Helen was a Spartan woman, married to Menelaus, the king of Sparta. When she left him for Paris of Troy, it started the long battle between the Greeks and Trojans.

Everyone who saw her instantly understood why a yearslong war over her was worth it: “No wonder the Trojans and well-greaved Achaeans have suffered long for such a woman — she is terribly like an immortal goddess to look at.”

The genius of Homer’s description of Helen is that he leaves it vague, and therefore up to the imagination. We know, though, that she wasn’t black.

The co-host of “The View” Sunny Hostin slammed all the critics of the choice of Nyong’o as ignoramuses for not realizing that Africa was supposedly the source of Ancient Greece. In so doing, she relied on a discredited book called “Black Athena” that maintained that ancient Sparta and Phoenicia colonized Ancient Greece. There is no evidence for this whatsoever — one scholarly critic compared its highly politicized claims to “the Aryan science of the Third Reich or the Lysenkoite genetics of Stalinist Russia.”

Ancient Greece was Indo-European in origin; people who lived in the area back then looked, by and large, like people who live there now.

Homer says that Helen was “white-armed,” suggesting that she was fair-skinned, and other ancient sources can be interpreted as saying that she had light hair and blue eyes, although there’s debate about this.

Certainly, depictions on film have favored this interpretation. The 2004 movie “Troy” cast the gorgeous, blonde-haired, blue-eyed German actress Diane Kruger as Helen.

All that said, what the role most requires is luminous beauty, and there’s nothing inherently wrong with casting actors in roles that don’t match their ethnicity. Macbeth wasn’t African American, but Denzel Washington played him compellingly in a movie version.

The problem is that such casting decisions can be distracting, or even parodic. The Churchill movie “Darkest Hour” had the wartime prime minister taking a random trip on the London Underground and getting a pep talk from a black laborer. Why insult everyone’s intelligence with this kind of pandering?

Also, there should be a uniform standard.

Whenever a white actor or actress is cast in another ethnic role it is condemned as “whitewashing.” There was a furor when Scarlett Johansson played Motoko Kusanagi in the movie version of the Japanese manga series “Ghost in the Shell,” even though the character is a cyborg. Johansson had to back out of another project where she was cast as a trans man despite herself being a cis woman.

A headline in Allure magazine at the time read, “Scarlett Johansson Is Facing Major Backlash for Saying She ‘Should Be Allowed to Play’ Anyone.”

What’s good for Lupita Nyong’o should be good for Scarlett Johansson, and vice versa.

But Hollywood wants to put its finger on the scale; it has preposterous, bean-counting standards for what films can be considered for Oscars based on the inclusion of “underrepresented groups” on screen and in other ways.

If Nolan has done his job, this controversy will be overwhelmed by the power of Homer’s work, perhaps the second greatest story ever told.

Rich Lowry is on X @RichLowry.

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

writer’s city of residence. The Advocate | The Times-Picayune require a street address and phone number for verification purposes, but that information is not published. Letters are not to exceed 300 words. Letters to the Editor, The Advocate, P.O. Box 588, Baton Rouge, LA 70821-0588, or email letters@theadvocate.com.

TO SEND US A LETTER, SCAN HERE

8B ✦ Thursday, June 4, 2026 ✦ nola.com ✦ The Times-Picayune

lll

with meteorologist Damon Singleton

TODAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

A t-storm around in the p.m.

Showers and thunderstorm

Humid with heavy t-storms

Showers, heavy thunderstorms

Some sun, a t-storm; humid

Showers around in the p.m.

HIGH

HIGH

HIGH

HIGH

LOW

84° 77°

LOW

HIGH

84° 75°

LOW

85° 77°

Beaumont 82/73 Port Arthur 82/74

Baton Rouge 83/69

Lake Charles 81/71

New Orleans 84/77 Houma 81/73

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

0s

Hattiesburg 85/63

Alexandria 82/67

Lafayette 80/70

10s

20s

30s

40s

50s

HIGH

89° 75°

LOW

90° 77°

New Orleans through 5 p.m. Wednesday

Jackson 86/64 Many 82/66

LOW

TEMPERATURE

Longview 82/71

-0s

87° 76°

Monroe 84/66

Shreveport 82/70

-10s

LOW

Well, while rain and storms are in the forecast again today, the chance of rain is actually lower than it was yesterday. So, expect a partly cloudy, warm and windy day with scattered showers and a few storms. Winds today will be out of the east at 15-20 mph with gusts as high as 30 mph. Those strong easterly winds have prompted a coastal flood advisory for all the eastern-facing shorelines through Friday. Temperatures will rise to the mid-80s today and fall tomorrow as rain chances rise once again.

60s

70s

80s

90s 100s 110s

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

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

Sunrise today Sunset tonight Moonrise today Moonset today

City

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

HIGH

10:37p 4:57p 9:34a 12:36p 12:16p 11:36a 1:24p

6:00 a.m.

7:59 p.m.

11:39 p.m.

9:25 a.m.

LAST

NEW

FIRST

FULL

JUN 8

JUN 14

JUN 21

JUN 29

Atlanta Austin Boston Charlotte Chicago Dallas Denver Houston Las Vegas

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

84°/75° 89°/73° 89°/73° 98° in 2019 55° in 1984

Hi

TODAY

83 86 85 86 86 86 87 84 105

Lo

62 73 64 59 69 73 54 74 80

W

s t s s pc t t t s

Hi

86 86 87 89 81 86 86 85 106

FRI. Lo

64 72 67 64 68 73 57 74 81

W

s t pc s t t pc t s

FT.

0.7 1.7 1.9 1.9 1.3 1.6 1.6

LOW

YESTERDAY

TODAY

READING 37 MAIN POLLUTANT Ozone

MAIN POLLUTANT Ozone

GOOD

PRECIPITATION

0.52” 0.52” 0.70” 22.22” 25.23”

FT.

HIGH

10:09a -0.1 3:11a -0.1 11:24p -0.1 2:49a 0.2 11:45p 0.0 10:10p -0.1 12:16a -0.1

SOURCE: LOUISIANA DEQ AND AIRNOW.GOV

FT.

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FLOOD

FT.

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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.

MAJOR MINOR MAJOR MINOR

Today Friday Saturday Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday

2:54a 3:46a 4:37a 5:24a 6:08a 6:51a 7:33a

City

Hi

9:06a 9:58a 10:48a 11:35a 12:19p 12:39a 1:21a

TODAY

Los Angeles 81 Miami 83 Nashville 86 New york City 85 Philadelphia 89 Phoenix 108 St. Louis 87 San Francisco 68 Seattle 68

Lo

61 76 60 65 64 80 69 53 49

3:18p 9:30p 4:09p 10:21p 4:59p 11:10p 5:45p 11:56p 6:30p ---7:13p 1:02p 7:57p 1:45p

W

pc t s s s s pc pc pc

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80 85 88 89 94 107 87 72 61

FRI. Lo

62 76 66 73 71 80 69 53 47

W

Travis Merrick, Sr. (Amber), Terrance Merrick; and Bianca, grandchildren, Story, Costen, Kalen, Makenzie, Travis Jr., and Briana Williams; greatSalaya; granddaughter, Denardria godchildren, and Arianne Narcisse Parker-Flot; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Relatives and friends of the family, along with pastors, officers, and members of neighboring churches, are invited to at‐ tend the Celebration of Life Service honoring Cledman Joseph “Joe” Narcisse on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at First Mount Zion Baptist Church, 32471 LA-23, Em‐ pire, Louisiana 70050. Visi‐ tation will begin at 9:00 a.m., followed by the fu‐ neral service at 11:00 a.m.

Jordan L. Pastor-Elect Robinson Sr. officiating.

Entombment will follow at Mount Zion Memorial Park Cemetery. Funeral arrange‐ ments are entrusted to Robinson Family Funeral Home. For online condo‐ lences, please visit www. robinsonfamilyfuneralho me.com.

Neves, Dale Joseph

leans. A proud New Orlean‐ ian, Dale embraced the cul‐ ture and traditions of his city. He loved music, danc‐ ing, second lines and the Mardi Gras Indian tradi‐ tion. He was a proud sup‐ porter of Victor Harris known as “Spirit of the Fi Yi Yi” and Big Chief of the Mandingo Warriors, a Sev‐ enth Ward tribe. He spent the last 4 years of his life residing at Rescare in New Iberia, LA where he gained a bonus family, many new friends, and a community that also loved, cared for and supported him. Dale was a loyal and faithful member of Corpus Christi Catholic Church, where he was a familiar and cher‐ ished presence among fel‐ low parishioners. Known for his gentle nature, warm smile and kind heart, He touched the lives of many and was loved by family, friends and his church community. Though he will be deeply missed, Dale’s memory will live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know him. A Celebration service honor‐ ing the life and legacy of the late Dale J. Neves will be held in the Chapel of Charbonnet Labat Glapion Funeral Home, 1615 St. Philip Street, New Orleans, LA 70116 on Friday, June 5, 2026 at 1 p.m. Visitation 12 noon in the chapel. Inter‐ ment private. Please sign online guestbook at www. charbonnetfuneralhome. com. Charbonnet Labat Directors Glapion, (504)581-4411

Onezine, Iola Brenda Eugene 'The Chief'

Dale Joseph Neves, age 66, peacefully entered eter‐ nal rest on Wednesday, May 27, 2026. Born on March 7, 1960, in New Or‐ leans, LA, Dale is the beloved son of the late An‐ tonio and Muriel Fazande Neves. Devoted brother of Sonja Evangelista, Antonio Neves, Jr., and Juliette Neves. In addition to his parents, Dale is also pre‐ ceded in death by a brother, Ricardo Neves, whom he loved dearly. Dale attended the Olaf Fink Cen‐ ter for Pre-Vocational Edu‐ cation and was a dedi‐ cated employee for many years at National Food Store. Later he worked at ARC of Greater New Or‐

Onezine, Sr. Beloved mother of Debra Eugene Walker, Myra Simmons Deirdre Weatherspoon, Onezine Simmons (Milton), and the late Bruce Sim‐ mons, Laura Simmons, and Joseph Onezine, Jr. Daugh‐ ter of the late Samuel Eu‐ gene, Sr. and Audrey Dixon.

Granddaughter of the late James and Victoria Eu‐ gene, Ophelia Collins, and Mark Dixon. Sister of Sheila Ketchens (Albert), Annette Parker, Paulette Alexander, Kurt Dixon (Debra), and Eugene.

Grand‐ Tracy mother of Dwayne Eugene, Sr. Bridgette Walker, Bryan Simmons, Sr., Toi Weather‐ spoon, Bryson Simmons, Sr. (Jene), and Breione Weatherspoon, Godmother of Byron Davis and Harry Alexander. Also survived by 11 great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchil‐ 7 dren, and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Relatives and friends of the family, also pastors, officers, members of Progressive Church, New Home Ministries, Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church, Mount Calvary Interna‐ tional Worship Center, Em‐ powerment Church NOLA, Ephesus Missionary Bap‐ tist Church, True Vine Bap‐ tist Church, and all neigh‐ boring churches are in‐ vited to attend the Cele‐ bration of Life at Progres‐ sive Church, 437 Cohen Street, Marrero, LA, on Fri‐ day, June 5, 2026 at 10:00 Apostle Sterling a.m.

Mealancon, officiating. Vis‐ itation will begin at 8:00 a.m. until service time at the above-named church.

Interment: Restlawn Park Cemetery, Avondale, LA. Arrangements by Davis Mortuary Service, 230 Mon‐ roe St., Gretna, LA. To view and sign the guestbook, please go to www.davismo rtuaryservice.com.

Rives, Katherine Jane

Iola “The Chief” Brenda Eugene Onezine, age 83, answered the call of the Father on Heavenly Wednesday, May 27, 2026, at Ochsner Medical Center Kenner, surrounded by her love ones. She was a native and resident of Westwego.

Loving wife of late Joseph

Katherine Jane Rives passed away on May 27, 2026, after a long illness in

Lafayette, Louisiana at the age of 74. She died peacefully with her friend and caregiver Verda BoutteTrahan by her side. Jane was preceded in death by her father, James D. Rives, Jr., and mother, Mary Thibaut Rives and is survived by her brothers, James D. Rives, III, Frank Williams Rives, and Bronier Thibaut Rives. Jane was an artist, equestrian, cat lover and a devout Catholic. She was born on February 13, 1952, in New Orleans and lived in Houston with her family for four years before they returned to New Orleans.

She attended Ecole Classique until the family moved to Covington, and then she transferred to St. Scholastica, from which she graduated in 1970.

Jane went to college at the University of Southwestern Louisiana in Lafayette and received several degrees there. She enjoyed the culture of Lafayette and permanently settled there after finishing her studies.

Jane was a kind, gentle person who was always sensitive to the feelings of others. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends.

In lieu of flowers please donate to PetsMart Charities; https://petsmart charities.org/ Relatives and friends are invited to attend the funeral services at E.J. Fielding Funeral Home, 2260 W 21st Avenue, Covington, LA 70433 on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at 11:00 AM with visitation beginning at 10:00 AM until mass. Interment will take place following the service in Pinecrest Memorial Gardens.

E.J. Fielding Funeral Home has been entrusted with funeral arrangements. The family invites you to share thoughts, fond memories, and condolences by signing an online guestbook at www.ejfieldingfh.com.

SIGN UP TODAY

WED. 24-HOUR

STAGE STAGE CHANGE MISSISSIPPI Memphis 34 19.90 -0.21 Vidalia-Natchez 48 38.70 +0.83 Red River Landing 48 40.20 +1.00 Baton Rouge 35 23.50 +1.30 Donaldsonville 27 14.50 +1.10 Reserve 22 10.33 +0.70 New Orleans 17 6.70 +0.50 OHIO Cairo 40 35.54 +0.02 COMITE Near Olive 19 -1.20 +0.18 AMITE Near Darlington 18 -0.26 -0.06 Denham Springs 29 11.73 -0.03 Port Vincent 8 1.99 +0.13 TICKFAW Montpelier 13 2.04 +0.07 Holden 15 2.12 +0.49 ATCHAFALAYA Simmesport 47 19.74 +0.83 Melville 34 14.30 +0.52 Krotz Springs 29 12.38 +0.58 Butte La Rose 20 9.70 +0.37 Bayou Sorrel 12 5.70 -0.20 Morgan City 6 3.37 +0.11

s pc pc s s s t s sh

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

DEATHS continued from

GOOD

Serpas, Richard S.

Richard Stephen Serpas, age 84, on Friday, May 29, 2026, in League City, Texas.

Survived by his son Jeffery (Debra), brother Raymond and grandchildren Shaune, Michaela, Emma and Logan. Preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Sylvia April Serpas, son Richard Jr. (Melissa), parents Gideon and Claire Baehr Serpas and sister Jeanne (Metge). The family will share details about future services as they become available. Richard, born in New Orleans, Louisiana, worked in Houston for NASA for 30 years, retiring in 1993. The family is most grateful for all the prayers and expressions of sympathy received during this challenging time.

Smothers, Albert R.

Albert R. Smothers departed this life on May 24, 2026 at the age of 75.

Husband of Cynthia Smothers. Son of Robert & Willie Mae Smothers.

Father of Tara Barrios & bonus daughter Keisha Thomas. Brother of 5 living siblings and 1 deceased sibling. He is also survived by 5 grandchildren, 1 great granddaughter and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Relatives, friends of the family, and employees of Bell South are invited to attend a Funeral Service at Rhodes Funeral Home, 3933 Washington Ave., NOLA 70125 on June 5, 2026 at 1:00 p.m., visitation at noon.

Internment: Mt. Olivet Cemetery, 2050

data as of 7 a.m. Wednesday

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

Caton St. NOLA 70122.

Please visit www.rhodesfuneral.com to sign the online guestbook.

Funeral can be live streamed @ www.facebook.com/ D.W.RhodesFuneralHome/ live.

Williams, Cynthia M. Spiller

Cynthia M. Spiller Williams, age 82, was born on March 27, 1944 and passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 23, 2026. She lived a full life as a retired United States Postal Ser‐ vice clerk and a Trustee of the church at First Free Mission Baptist Church.

She will be lovingly re‐ membered by her grand‐ Roshonda daughter, (Ryan); eight Williams great grandchildren, a host of other relatives and friends. A Celebration ser‐ vice honoring the life and legacy of the late Cynthia Spillers Williams will be held at First Free Mission Baptist Church, 919 Adams Street, New Orleans, LA 70118 on Saturday, June 6, 2026 at 10 am. Visitation 9 am in the church. The fam‐ ily thanks Ochsner Hospice their compassion. for Please sign the online guestbook at www.cha rbonnetfuneralhome.com.

Charbonnet Labat Glapion, Directors (504)581 4411.

OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF THE NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

SPORTS N O L A.C O M

|

T h u r s d ay, J u n e 4, 2026

1Cn

Shough’s throws, Kamara’s presence highlight day

BY LUKE JOHNSON Staff writer

Saints running back Alvin Kamara runs a drill during an OTA practice in Metairie on Wednesday.

STAFF PHOTOS By BRETT DUKE

RUNNING IT BACK? Kamara surprisingly shows up to OTAs, says ‘no beef’ with Saints

BY MATTHEW PARAS

Staff writer

Alvin Kamara didn’t tell anyone on the New Orleans Saints that he was planning to show up to Wednesday’s offseason workout. The Saints running back, who has a well-documented history of skipping these voluntary sessions, wanted the surprise to speak for itself.

Mission accomplished.

“I walked in this morning

and I was just talking (trash) to some dudes and they looked up, like, ‘Man … who the (expletive)?’ ” Kamara said, recalling his arrival. “They were like, ‘Oh (expletive), AK!’” His coach definitely was not in on the surprise.

“Obviously a little bit unexpected,” coach Kellen Moore said.

After weeks of uncertainty

The second of three organized team activities is in the books for the New Orleans Saints, and this week’s edition included a surprise guest in running back Alvin Kamara.

This has been an interesting offseason for the SAINTS Saints star, who coming off his OBSERVATIONS isworst season as a professional.

New Orleans signed running back Travis Etienne to a big contract in the early stages of free agency, then proceeded to further muddy the waters surrounding Kamara’s status with the team by refusing on multiple occasions to state that he would be part of the team in 2026.

From Kamara’s vantage point, everything had been all quiet until Wednesday, when he showed up for the voluntary workout with the rest of the squad.

This alone was newsworthy, as it had been years since Kamara participated in any of the Saints’ voluntary offseason work.

His participation Wednesday felt like a tacit acknowledgement of all that has transpired this offseason, even if he declined to add any fuel to the speculation when speaking with reporters after practice.

Kamara said he flew from Miami to New Orleans late Tuesday night. He went through light work with his teammates Wednesday, taking second-team reps during the walk-through period and going through drills with the rest of the running backs during some individual position periods.

It is definitely too early to say there has been any sort of resolution between the two sides, but Kamara making an appearance this week does at least feel like the start of something.

Onto the observations.

Attendance

Saints quarterback Spencer Rattler, left, and running back Alvin Kamara embrace during an OTA practice in Metairie on ä See KAMARA, page 4C Wednesday.

The following players were not seen during the open practice viewing period: running back Kendre Miller, wide receiver Chris Olave, defensive lineman Zxavian Harris, defensive lineman

ä See SAINTS, page 4C

Choosing lesser of two Saban supports Senate bill, evils in college sports Legendary college football coach Woody Hayes once said there were three things that can happen when you pass the ball and that two of them were bad.

If Hayes, who died in 1987, were still around, he Scott say college Rabalais might athletics is facing two prospects, and both of them are bad.

Unfortunately, college sports leaders — coaches, athletic directors, school presidents and conference commissioners — have only themselves to blame for being where we are in 2026.

Either NCAA schools must embrace federal legislation to curb their ills, which likely will bring with it plenty of unintended consequences. Or they can allow unchecked spending to continue, possibly bringing many schools (not just athletic departments) to financial ruin and definitely resulting in college sports programs being cut all over the country.

The bipartisan Protect College Sports Act, unveiled last week

by Sens. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Maria Cantwell (D-Washington), aims to do what NCAA schools have been unable or unwilling to do: address major issues facing college athletics today, most of

them relating to money.

In an age when Republicans and Democrats can’t agree on what color the sky is, what does it say when both sides of the aisle believe college sports needs fixing?

They held a hearing on Capitol Hill on Wednesday with numerous major college sports figures testifying in regards to the proposed bill. The most prominent was former LSU and Alabama football coach Nick Saban.

Saban talked about how NIL budgets went from $2.7 million near the end of his tenure at Alabama to $40 million for some college football teams today. “Some teams,” if former LSU coach Brian Kelly is to be believed, includes the Tigers.

“It’s become an arms race,” Saban said. “Who spends the most has got the best chance to win.

But I think it’s a race to the bottom, because if you don’t spend to win you lose your fan base and you don’t have any revenue.”

The Protect College Sports Act, among other things, would seek to limit athletes to a onetime transfer without penalty, prohibit former professional athletes from playing in college, cap eligibility at five years and prohibit a coach from leaving for another school before the

ä See RABALAIS, page 5C

but SEC, Big Ten push back

BY JOEY CAPPELLETTI and EDDIE PELLS

Associated Press

WASHINGTON — Former Alabama football coach Nick Saban and others testified Wednesday in support of a bipartisan bill aimed at overhauling a college sports system where players can increasingly earn millions of dollars while moving freely between schools.

The leaders of the Senate Commerce Committee held the hearing as they push legislation unveiled last week that supporters hope can break the congressional gridlock over how to regulate college athletics. But it’s already facing criticism from some senators and the two most influential conferences in college sports.

The bill, introduced by Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, and Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., would regulate payments to athletes, limit them to one “free” transfer during their careers and create a “Lane Kiffin Rule” restricting coaches from leaving programs during the season. Cruz touted the proposal as “the last, best hope we have to save college sports.”

“If you had the biggest, baddest Ferrari that you could ever have and it was going 150 miles an hour toward the Grand Canyon, somebody needs to tap the brakes. And

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By JOSE LUIS MAGANA

Former Alabama football coach Nick Saban testifies before the Senate Commerce Committee on Capitol Hill on Wednesday in Washington about a bill aimed at changing the college sports landscape.

I think that’s what we all need to do here,” Saban said in his opening remarks.

Notably absent from the the witness list, which included the Notre Dame athletic director and the commissioner of the newly reconstructed Pac-12 Conference, were any representatives from either the Big Ten or Southeastern Conference. Saban won seven national championships at SEC schools Ala-

bama and LSU but said he was not in Washington to represent any conference or team.

The SEC and the Big Ten, the two most powerful conferences in college sports, oppose the bill, arguing it “leaves critical issues unresolved.”

Asked after the hearing about opposition from the SEC and Big

ä See SABAN, page 5C

2C ✦ Thursday, June 4, 2026 ✦ nola.com ✦ The Times-Picayune

lll

BROADCAST HIGHLIGHTS On TV

CFL 6:30 p.m. Montreal at Hamilton CBSSN COLLEGE SOFTBALL 7 p.m.

Texas vs. Texas Tech ESPN GOLF 7 a.m.

LIV Golf: Real Club Valderrama FS2 8 a.m.

Korn Ferry Tour GOLF 1 p.m.

PGA: Memorial Tournament GOLF

8 a.m.

6 p.m.

LPGA: U.S. Women’s Open USA LPGA: U.S. Women’s Open NBCSN HORSE RACING 11:30 a.m. America’s Day at the Races FS2 MLB 12:30 p.m. Cleveland at N.y. yankees MLBN 7 p.m.

Pittsburgh at Houston FS1 NHL 7 p.m.

Vegas at Carolina ABC

IN BRIEF

FROM STAFF AND WIRE REPORTS

MEN’S SOCCER 6:50 p.m. Czechia vs. Guatemala TENNIS 8 a.m.

French Open 10:30 a.m. French Open WNBA 6 p.m.

Atlanta at Indiana 8 p.m.

Golden State at Minnesota

FS2 TNT TNT PRIME PRIME

FRENCH OPEN

Top-ranked Sabalenka falls flat

BY JEROME PUGMIRE

AP sportswriter

PARIS — After letting another big lead slip with an error-strewn performance at the French Open, top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka felt like getting as far away from the courts as possible.

“Just want to quit tennis right now,” Sabalenka said after wasting a lead of a set and two breaks in a 3-6, 7-5, 6-0 loss to Diana Shnaider in the quarterfinals on Wednesday.

“We’ll see in few days. Hopefully I’ll get back on track mentally.”

Sabalenka’s wait for a first French Open title continues despite the four-time major winner leading 4-1 in the second set and being two points from victory while serving for the match at 5-4.

What followed was a complete collapse as she lost 12 of the last 13 games against a player appearing in her first Grand Slam quarterfinal, looking increasingly frustrated and forlorn in the windy conditions.

Just like her loss to Coco Gauff in last year’s final, when she also won the first set before becoming undone with a slew of unforced errors, this one will take some time to get over.

“You know those rooms where you just go in and you smash everything,” Sabalenka said. “Probably I will spend a whole day tomorrow over there destroying stuff.

Maybe it will help, maybe not.”

Shnaider next faces Maja Chwalinska, who extended her remarkable Roland Garros run by beating No. 22-seeded Anna Kalinskaya 7-6 (3), 6-3.

Sabalenka stood still and screamed loudly after losing a point to fall 0-30 down in the sixth game of the decider and, although she saved two match points at 0-40 down, she lost when she sent a shot into the net.

“I just think it’s combination of everything,” Sabalenka lamented.

“You overthink, then you make easy mistakes, then you miss opportunities.”

Her struggles were reminiscent of the match against Gauff, when

Five-star edge rusher flips from LSU to Miami

Five-star edge rusher Jaiden Bryant has flipped his commitment from LSU to Miami, he revealed on social media Wednesday.

Bryant is the No. 2 edge rusher in the country and a top-20 recruit nationally in the Class of 2027, according to the 247Sports composite. The 6-foot-4, 245-pound edge rusher had been committed to LSU since January.

He attends Irmo High School in Columbia, South Carolina, and is the topranked player in the state.

Bryant was the second-highestranked recruit in LSU’s 2027 class, trailing only five-star tight end Ahmad Hudson. LSU has four commitments in its class after losing Bryant’s pledge, with four-star quarterback Peyton Houston, four-star athlete Braylon Calais and four-star wide receiver Ah’Mari Stevens in the fold.

QB Williams strikes a pose for Madden NFL ’27 cover

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By EMMA DA SILVA

Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus reacts after losing a quarterfinal match against Diana Shnaider of Russia at the French Open in Paris on Wednesday. she remonstrated loudly, shouting to herself and glaring at her team box.

“I just have to sit back and openly think about what’s going on in my head in those tough moments,” Sabalenka said, recalling that match. “Because I’m quite an experienced player. I have been through so many things, and I overcome so many things.”

Sabalenka had already looked agitated when serving for the first set but still looked in control as she served for the match in the second, holding a 30-15 lead.

“Of course I saw some moments of her frustration,” Shnaider said.

“I know Aryna, that she’s a very emotional person.”

Shnaider, who was already on her best run at a major, broke Sabelenka before taking complete control.

“Well, honestly I am speechless.

Super happy,” Shnaider said. “I feel like I was trying to focus point by point. Not thinking about the score. She is the world No. 1, so I just trying to do my best. I just had to fight for every point.”

Sabalenka looked increasingly frustrated as the third set wore on, and when she missed a volley

at the net in the fourth game of the decider she crouched and rested her head on her racket.

From qualifier to contender The unseeded Chwalinska came through three qualifying rounds to become only the second Polish woman to reach the semifinals at Roland Garros, along with Swiatek.

Chwalinska said British player Emma Raducanu’s run to the 2021 U.S. Open title as an 18-year-old qualifier had inspired her.

“It was such an impressive run, you know,” Chwalinska recalled.

“Also, she was so young.”

When Kalinskaya’s big forehand from the back of the court went out, the 24-year-old Chwalinska had her biggest win, having never been beyond the second round at any major before this tournament.

Chwalinska’s total prize money heading into Roland Garros was $864,030 and reaching the last four here earns her 750,000 euros (about $872,000).

6-4 and will face fellow Italian Matteo Arnaldi for a spot in the final.

Arnaldi advanced when Matteo Berrettini, yet another Italian, retired due to a left hip injury with Arnaldi leading 7-5, 5-2.

Berrettini had his hip treated during a medical timeout earlier in the second set.

The strong Italian showing comes despite top-ranked Jannik Sinner getting stunned in the second round.

Second-seeded Alexander Zverev and No. 26 Jakub Mensik will meet in the other semifinal.

Another upset

It was another big upset in a tournament where defending champion Gauff (third round) and fourtime winner Iga Swiatek (fourth round) already tumbled out.

Sinner, last year’s runner-up, served for the match in a secondround defeat, and 24-time major winner Novak Djokovic wasted a two-set lead in a third-round loss.

That opened things up for lesserknown players. According to Opta, Italian men’s finalist this is the first major without a forIn the men’s quarterfinals, 10th- mer champion in either the men’s seeded Flavio Cobolli beat No. 4 and women’s semifinals since the Felix Auger-Aliassime 4-6, 6-4, 6-4, French Open in 1977.

Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams was announced Wednesday as EA Sports’ cover athlete for Madden NFL 27.

On the standard cover, Williams is depicted in a position similar to his pivotal, scrambling, fourth-and-8 jump pass to Rome Odunze in a stirring comeback victory over Green Bay in a wild-card playoff game on Jan. 10.

With his arm cocked to throw and his feet spread, Williams appears to soar above a silhouette of the Chicago skyline.

The deluxe edition features a tight shot of Williams with arms crossed over his white game jersey, a dark, night-like background and snow falling around him.

Being featured on the cover is “like my childhood dream was coming true,” Williams said in a statement.

Prosecutors drop charges against Falcons WR Branch

ATHENS, Ga. — Prosecutors in Georgia have dropped two misdemeanor charges against Atlanta Falcons third-round draft pick and receiver Zachariah Branch.

The former Georgia player was arrested in Athens the weekend before the NFL draft and was charged with obstructing public sidewalks/streets and the obstruction of a law enforcement officer. He was released on a combined $39 bail.

At the time, the Athens-Clarke County Police said they were summoned to an early morning incident in which a large crowd had gathered outside a bar in Athens and was blocking the entrance to the building.

Branch’s attorney, Kim Stephens, issued a statement confirming that the charges had been dropped.

designate outfielder Korda charges into U.S. Women’s Open on a roll Padres Castellanos for assignment

BY GREG BEACHAM AP sportswriter

LOS ANGELES — Nelly Korda fell just short of her first U.S. Women’s Open title a year ago, coming up second to Maja Stark in a finish that was painfully appropriate for her inexplicably winless calendar year.

But that disappointment at Erin Hills is a primary reason Korda arrived at venerable Riviera this week as the world’s No. 1 player and a favorite to raise the trophy at the 81st Open.

“I was just hungry for more,” Korda said of last year’s Open experience. “Last year was just a weird year of kind of not necessarily playing my best, but also when I did, not getting the bounces or just missing by a centimeter here and there. But I also learned a lot about myself. It made me hungrier to be in those positions.”

Korda has been eating this year, all right.

A dominant major title at The Chevron Championship. Three victories overall. Three more secondplace finishes, and an emphatic return to the top of the rankings.

Korda says she welcomes the pressure that accompanies her success, and she is thrilled to be under the spotlight and playing for the richest prize pool in women’s golf at the first women’s Open ever held at Riviera, the 100-year-old country club nestled in Pacific Palisades and patronized by decades of Hollywood royalty.

“I’m just motivated to put myself into that position, to grind on off weeks, to just play the game,” Korda said. “It’s really hard to explain, but there’s nothing better when you’re a very competitive person than being in the hunt on a back nine at a tournament. There’s a really big rush of emotions. Even if it doesn’t

three weeks ago.

First starts Megha Ganne is beginning her pro career at Riviera just one week after last year’s U.S. Women’s Amateur champion led Stanford to another NCAA title, making the winning putt to beat USC down the coast in Carlsbad, California. Trojans star and Irvine native Catherine Park is also making her pro debut at Riviera.

Ganne played in the final group of the 2021 Open as a 17-year-old high schooler at Olympic Club in San Francisco, eventually finishing as the top amateur. As her pro career approached, she has been leaning on her LPGA Tour friends, including three-time major champion Lydia Ko. “Being a professional is about the ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By ASHLEy LANDIS little stuff, and the stuff you can’t reNelly Korda hits during a practice round ahead of the U.S. Women’s ally see, like invisible little details,” Ganne said. “That stuff comes with Open on Tuesday in Los Angeles. experience, time, maturity and havwork out, you constantly want to put tion. ing a good team around you.” yourself back into that, because all No matter how her debut goes, “I did kind of want to let it go, bethat work that you’ve put in in your cause it’s weird — it’s like I had it Ganne is graduating from Stanford off weeks. That’s what makes it sitting in my room, and I just saw next week. worth it.” it every day,” Stark said. “And I’m Korda took the past two weeks off like, ‘Oh, this is cool.’ But I just want Wie’s back to make sure she was fully rested to move on. I want the challenge Michelle Wie West is coming out and prepared for the Open and for again. It was fun to have it, but it’s of retirement to play her first tourRiviera, a course she had played more fun to play for it than to have nament since the 2023 U.S. Open. only once before this week. This it, I guess.”

The former wunderkind’s only matournament has never been held Stark had been on the fringes of jor victory was at the Open in 2014, anywhere in Los Angeles County, the LPGA Tour field before her vic- and the 36-year-old mother of two easily the most populous in the U.S. tory last year at Erin Hills — but used her final year of exemption for “It’s amazing out here,” Korda after securing her tour status with a spot in this field. said. “I mean, the vibe of the place, a major win, the Swede promptly Her husband, Jonnie West, will knowing that so much history has missed the cut in five of her next caddy for her at Riviera, while been played out here, it’s a great seven tournaments. She’s now pay- daughter Makenna will be watchplace for us to play.” ing more attention to the mental ing.

“Last time I retired at Pebble side of her game, hiring a therapist Stark contrast Beach, Makenna was 2 and doesn’t and a sports psychologist.

The results are promising: Stark really have any memories,” she Stark began the week by returning the trophy she won by holding is up to 23rd in the world after mak- said. “Hopefully being 6 now, she’ll off Korda last year at the Open, but ing seven cuts in eight starts this have a lot more memories of being she wasn’t sad to comply with tradi- season, finishing 16th in Cincinnati here this week.”

PHILADELPHIA — The San Diego Padres designated outfielder Nick Castellanos for assignment on Wednesday, one day after he received a video tribute in his return to Philadelphia.

Castellanos was released by the Phillies in February just ahead of their first full-squad workout at spring training. The Phillies released him even though they owed him $20 million for the final season of a $100 million, five-year contract.

The Padres took a flier on him and spent only the league minimum of around $780,000 for him this season. Castellanos never returned to his two-time All-Star form in limited action with San Diego. He hit .191 with a .560 OPS, four home runs and 20 RBIs in 39 games for the Padres.

Mets option Tong, recall Gerber to refresh bullpen

SEATTLE — The New York Mets optioned right-hander Jonah Tong to Triple-A Syracuse on Wednesday before their series finale against the Seattle Mariners.

Righty Joey Gerber was recalled from Syracuse in a corresponding move.

Tong, the No. 35 prospect in MLB Pipeline’s rankings and second in the Mets organization, pitched 31/3 innings in Tuesday’s 8-3 loss, allowing four runs on five hits while striking out four and walking two.

Tong, 22, appeared in three games this season as a bulk reliever after being called up May 22. In 10 innings, he posted a 3.60 ERA with seven strikeouts and seven walks.

Gerber has made one appearance for the Mets this season, allowing two hits and no runs over two innings on April 13. He struck out five batters.

The Times-Picayune ✦ nola.com ✦ Thursday, June 4, 2026 ✦ 3C

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LHSAA moving 3 of its title games to new sites in Kenner.

Boys basketball set to Center The boys basketball tournament return to Cajundome; has been held in Lake Charles 2014 and will return to the wrestling coming to N.O. since Cajundome for the first time since

BY CHRISTOPHER DABE Staff writer

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTOS

LEFT PHOTO: Scottie Scheffler hits from the 17th tee during the third round of the PGA Championship on May 16 in Newtown Square, Pa. RIGHT PHOTO: Rory McIlroy watches his shot on the 11th fairway during the final round of the PGA Championship on May 17 in Newtown Square, Pa.

Skill trumps power

Scheffler, McIlroy see Muirfield Village same way, but results differ

BY DOUG FERGUSON AP golf writer

DUBLIN, Ohio — Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy think the same way about Muirfield Village, and what it takes to succeed at the Memorial Tournament.

This is a big golf course, but it’s not all about power.

“Here it’s more about placing the ball in the right spots and taking your ä The Memorial. opportunities when 1 P.M.THURSDAy, GOLF you can get them,” said Scheffler, who speaks from the experience of winning the past two years.

“For being such a long golf course, I feel like it takes the driver out of my hand a lot,” said McIlroy, who played for the 14th time without ever getting that winner’s handshake from tournament host Jack Nicklaus off the 18th green.

The Memorial is one tournament McIlroy can’t seem to win — he’s had only five finishes in the top 10 and never a reasonable chance to win.

And it’s the one tournament Scheffler can’t seem to lose.

Scheffler, the world’s No. 1 player, sets out this week to try to join Tiger Woods as the only players to win three straight times at the tournament Nicklaus built.

Nicklaus was asked why he thought Scheffler played so well at Muirfield Village, beyond the obvious of having great control of his shots. Nicklaus raised his right index finger and tapped the side of his head.

“He thinks his way around the golf course,” Nicklaus said. “His golf swing is certainly not spec-

tacular from a standpoint of looking at balance — the pathway of his club is very good.

But he doesn’t put himself in position to make doubles Nicklaus and triples.”

Scheffler and McIlroy, Nos. 1 and 2 in the world, lead another strong field at the Memorial with the U.S. Open looming two weeks away. Both went to Shinnecock Hills on Monday on their way to central Ohio — they didn’t play together — to scout the U.S. Open course.

It’s not like they run in the same circles or even play in the same events. This is the 12th event for Scheffler this year, the 10th for McIlroy. But they have played the same tournament only six times, two of them majors and The Players Championship.

Both have won this year, McIlroy’s victory being far more meaningful. He held off Scheffler at Augusta National to become only the fourth back-to-back winner of the Masters.

Scheffler, coming off another dominant season, won his first tournament of the season at The American Express. The rest of the year has been close calls — three runner-up finishes in a row, three other finishes in the top five.

“I felt like I haven’t been as sharp as I would have liked to have been,” Scheffler said. “When you look at the margins in this game, they’re quite small. I think statistically I’m probably not far off from where I’ve been the last couple years, it’s just a couple shots here or there, a couple of those momentum shots where it

can kind of swing you in a tournament.”

McIlroy has the career Grand Slam, and it’s cherry-picking what else he would like to win. Courses mean a lot to him. There’s also an Olympic gold medal to chase once every four years, and Riviera and Muirfield Village — the tournaments hosts are Tiger Woods and Nicklaus — are on his list.

“I’ve been lucky enough to win at Bay Hill, but not while Arnold (Palmer) was alive,” McIlroy said.

“So I always thought it would be cool to win here and take that little walk up the hill off the 18th green and shake Jack’s hand. Also, Jack and I share a nice history. I’ve known him for nearly 20 years.

He’s been nothing but great to me and my family. So, yeah, this is certainly one I would love to get done.”

McIlroy skipped last year and played the RBC Canadian Open instead. He also missed in 2017 when he was tending to sore ribs from an injury earlier in the year.

But he’s played all the rest of them at Muirfield Village, just not with anything to show for it.

That’s not unusual in golf.

Woods never figured out how to win at Riviera, the Los Angeles masterpiece that’s one of his favorites and now is tournament host for the Genesis Invitational.

Nicklaus was runner-up seven times at the Canadian Open. His only win in Canada was as Presidents Cup captain in 2007.

“Obviously a great list of champions on a wonderful golf course,” McIlroy said of the Memorial. “I haven’t quite figured it out yet. It’s frustrated me over my career. But hopefully, this is the week that I put it all together.”

2011 — except when select schools held their tournament games at the Cajundome in 2022.

The LHSAA in a release said that moving the boys basketball tournament to Lafayette put it in “a centralized location for schools and fans traveling from every corner of the state.”

Moving the wrestling tournament will improve “accessibility for a significant portion of the state’s wrestling community,” the LHSAA said in its release.

Holy Cross won the Division I state title in February, snapping Jesuit’s three-year title hold in a sport that also saw Brother Martin win state as recent as 2022.

The LHSAA announced three venue site changes for state championships beginning with the 202627 academic year.

The boys basketball state championships will move to the Cajundome after 13 seasons at Burton Coliseum in Lake Charles.

The state wrestling tournament will take place at Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans after being held in Bossier City and Baton Rouge in recent years.

The powerlifting state championships move to the West Monroe Sports & Events Complex after Contact Christopher Dabe at two seasons at the Pontchartrain cdabe@theadvocate.com

LSWA CLASS 1A ALL-STATE TEAMS Baseball Pos. Player School Class Rec./Avg. P Mason Dudek Covenant Christian Sr. 12-2 P Kade Luker Cedar Creek Jr. 10-1 P Jayce Ruiz Riverside Sr. 7-2 P Peyton Vizena St. Edmund Sr. 8-2 C Peyton Trosclair Covenant Christian Sr. .392 INF Keaton Cason Logansport Sr. .451 INF Brandon Guagliardo Central Catholic Fr. .358 INF A.J. Lavespere St. Mary’s Sr. .346 INF Maden Rodriguez Central Catholic So. .366 OF Ryan Coleman Cedar Creek Jr. .359 OF Nate Loupe Covenant Christian Jr. .388 OF Myka Nipple Catholic-Pointe Coupee Jr. .425 UT Myles Collins Opelousas Catholic Jr. .394 UT Law Faulk Grand Lake So. 6-1 UT Owen O’Neil St. Frederick Sr. .380 UT Owen Trosclair Covenant Christian Sr. .391 UT Brody Vicknair Riverside Jr. .449 Most outstanding player: Kade Luker, Cedar Creek Coach of the year: Brent Hidalgo, Central Catholic Honorable mention: Vaughn Blanchard, Ascension Catholic; Luke Brignac, Ascension Christian; Blaize Brister, Merryville; Winn Cedars, St. Mary’s; Cy Crowson, St. John; Landon Daigle, St. John; Gavin Edwards, Montgomery; Tyler Edwards, St. John; Jaxon Frederick, Centerville; Kross Gillen, Opelousas Catholic; Parker Gros, Central Catholic; Riley Hebert, Centerville; Carter Hotard, Catholic-Pointe Coupee; David Irwin, Central Catholic; King Jones, Logansport; Mason Jordan, Montgomery; Cy Landry, Ascension Catholic; Luke Leaumont, St. Frederick; Cole Mirante, Merryville; Jude Morrison, Catholic-Pointe Coupee; Haidyn Nelson, St. Mary’s; Preston Peebles, Ascension Episcopal; Lanny Reed, St. Edmund; Gabe Savarese, St. Martin’s; Alex Scheuermann, St. Martin’s; William Simon, Vermilion Catholic; Luke Spangler, Centerville; Carter Stelly, Opelousas Catholic; Landon Underwood, Central Catholic; Owen Vacarella, Hanson; Johnny Viallon, Ascension Catholic; Connor Yates, Cedar Creek.

Softball Pos. Player School Class Rec./Avg. P Kamryn Cancienne Riverside Sr. 22-6 P Ava Gauthe Ascension Catholic Sr. 17-9 P Landry Long LaSalle So. 23-2 P Ainsley Morvan Logansport So. 15-9 C Brynn Beard Merryville So. .563 INF Gabi Brown Glenbrook Academy Sr. .524 INF Charli Neumann St. John Sr. .605 INF Olivia St. Pierre Riverside So. .477 INF Bella Trosclair Covenant Christian Sr. .559 OF Sophie Crochet Ascension Catholic Sr. .475 OF Avery Houser St. Frederick Sr. .418 OF Bayli Melancon Riverside So. .447 UT Alaina Beard Grand Lake Sr. 13-5 UT Camille DeGravelle St. Frederick So. .380 UT Sanaa Lyles Plain Dealing Sr .630 UT Kinley Morris LaSalle Sr. .512 UT Grace Wren St. Mary’s Sr. 17-6 Most outstanding player: Charli Neumann, St. John Coach of the year: Ryan Monceaux, Grand Lake Honorable mention: Emmarie Atkins, Logansport; Ally Atwood, Delta Charter; Hydi Boyd, Cedar Creek; Addy Brown, Central Private; Tyonnah Burton, St. Mary’s; Addie Clampit, St. Frederick; Karson Davis, Covenant Christian; Emma Delatte, Ascension Catholic; Onnie Doucet, Hanson; Kaleigh Evans, Covenant Christian; Sofie Green, Plain Dealing; Anna-Maria Gros, Central Catholic; Heidi Harrison, St. Frederick; Gracie Heard, Glenbrook Academy; Sophie Hedrick, Delta Charter; Malorie LaCaze, St. Mary’s; Ava Lantrip, Cedar Creek; Avery McCartney, Central Private; Lawson Olinde, Catholic-PC; Emma Pitre, Hanson; Addison Quick, Covenant Christian; Mia Richard, Grand Lake; Averie Ryals, Central Catholic; Zoie Scully, Central Catholic; Mia Sisco, Westminster Christian-Lafayette; Kennedi Smith, Logansport; Brooklyn Steward, Merryville; Hallie Sutton, Glenbrook; Ava Taylor, Delta Charter; Hannah Thevis, Grand Lake; Madison Trahan, Grand Lake; Presley Wall, Cedar Creek.

MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL

Adell’s misplayed flyball New PGA model to expand fields reminiscent of 1993 gaffe

at elite events, restore 36-hole cut

BY DOUG FERGUSON AP golf writer

DUBLIN, Ohio — The PGA Tour is making what CEO Brian Rolapp called substantial progress on a revamped model that would restore 36-hole cuts to all the top tournaments.

He said Wednesday the finished product probably won’t be ready Rolapp until 2028 and would be a system “that outlives any player.”

The tour is moving toward a model of two tracks that Rolapp first mentioned in March. The top track for the top performers would be roughly 16 tournaments, not including the majors or postseason. Track 1 would have around 120 to 130 players.

Track 2 would be for those aspiring to get to Track 1. The purses would be smaller and the title sponsors would pay less, though Rolapp sounded confident there would be sponsors willing to spend less for such tournaments.

Still under discussion is whether players could move up to Track 1 in the middle of the season depending on their performance, such as winning multiple times.

Key to a new model, Rolapp said, was bringing back the 36-hole cut, which would make sense if the fields are going from 72 players

to 120 players or more. The tour now has “signature events” with 72 players and a 36-hole cut at only three such events hosted by golf greats.

“At the end of the day, sports is about how good the athletes are and what the competitive consequences are,” he said. “I think you’ll see that in Track 2. And I think you’ll see people fighting to stay on Track 1. And I think we have lost a lot of that with the smaller field, no-cut events.”

He said the tour wants to get back to the competitive meritocracy that makes golf unique.

Rolapp has leaned on the pillars of scarcity, simplicity and parity since he first appointed a Future Competition Committee in August, leading to speculation that tour would go to a smaller, more streamlined schedule that would create fewer opportunities.

Rolapp painted a different picture Wednesday while meeting with a small group of reporters.

“I think when you see where we land, you’re not going to see that,” he said. “But what you are going to see is an elevation of tournaments. And you’re going to have a collection of Track 1 that are special, that are bigger. I think what we have found as we’ve talked to sponsors both for Track 1 and Track 2, there’s a lot of demand for both. And the price points will be different.

“The bigger events ... not everyone can afford and may not be

sort of consistent with their business goals,” he said. “That’s great.

There’s other price points too for it, and I think there’s plenty of demand for both Track 1 and Track 2 in that regard because there’s definitely people who want to invest different amounts in these events.”

The postseason format also is being revamped. Rolapp said he invited all the PGA Tour’s broadcast partners and even those with whom the PGA Tour does not have contracts, such as streaming services, to provide insight into the tour’s thinking toward a new media rights deal.

Rolapp has pointed toward June 23 — a day after the next board meeting — for a full update.

“I feel good where we are, but I also had expectations that it wasn’t going to be easy,” Rolapp said. “You don’t have a good process if there’s not tension. That means you’re not asking the right questions.”

Still under discussion are details that include which tournaments are going on Track 1 and Track 2, the courses they play and perhaps going to bigger markets the tour is not in, such as New York, Chicago, Boston, Denver and Philadelphia, for example.

There also is the issue of players who defected to LIV Golf, a rival league that has its own set of issues now that the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia will stop paying for it after this year.

By The Associated Press ANAHEIM, Calif. — Earlier this season, Los Angeles Angels right fielder Jo Adell had an incredible night to remember on defense, when he robbed the Seattle Mariners of three home runs.

This time, he was on the wrong end of a play to forget.

Adell misplayed a flyball into a bizarre home run off his head Tuesday, a fielding blunder reminiscent of José Canseco’s embarrassing gaffe 33 years ago with the Texas Rangers.

Adell reached up to catch TJ Rumfield’s deep fly for the Colorado Rockies in the fourth inning, but the ball grazed the outside of his glove before bouncing off his head and over the wall for a solo homer.

“I was toward the line and I felt like I had a little bit longer way to go than I normally do on a route like that and just missed it,” Adell told MLB.com. “It hit off my hat. I don’t know if I overran it and took a step over. But it was kind of the icing on the cake because I was (bad) all the way around the whole day today.”

There was brief confusion on the field when the ball caromed off a digital scoreboard above the fence and back into the outfield.

Rumfield stopped at second base, initially unsure of the ruling, before proceeding around the bases to give Colorado an 8-0 lead on the way to an 8-2 victory.

“It’s one of those things where how it happened looks crazy,” said Adell, who also went 0 for 4 at the plate with two strikeouts. “It looks

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO

Los Angeles Angels right fielder Jo Adell misplays a ball hit by Colorado Rockies first baseman TJ Rumfield that hit him in the head and then bounced out for a solo home run during the fourth inning on Tuesday in Anaheim, Calif.

like I’ve never played in the field before, which is disappointing, because it’s beyond the truth. But it is what it is. I’m the only one that really knows what happened. I was out there, and it happened to me, so it is what it is. I’ve got to just keep going, and as a team, we’ve got to keep going.”

It was similar to an infamous play on May 26, 1993, when Canseco lost track of a long drive hit by Cleveland’s Carlos Martínez. The ball bounced off Canseco’s head and over the right-field wall for a home run.

Rumfield’s gift homer ended the night for Angels starter Grayson Rodriguez, who gave up three homers and eight runs in 32/ 3 innings.

4C ✦ Thursday, June 4, 2026 ✦ nola.com ✦ The Times-Picayune

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49ers prepare for Garrett after Rams trade

BY JOSH DUBOW

player is a different way to do it.

I’m not saying they’re the same guy. Myles Garrett is an all-time great pass rusher. He’s an unbelievable talent. But he’s still an edge rusher.”

Quarterbacks coach Mick Lombardi took the big trade in stride, saying the Niners are used to going up against tough competition every week.

“Every game’s hard,” Lombardi said. “They have Myles Garrett. It is what it is. New players, free agency, trades, it’s so common nowadays. Everybody plays for different teams all the time. They have good players. I feel like every team we play has good players. But every week’s a challenge, so we’ll go out there and see what we can get done in the first week of the season.”

AP pro football writer SANTA CLARA, Calif. — The initial news of Myles Garrett’s trade from Cleveland to the Los Angeles Rams hit San Francisco 49ers offensive line coach Chris Foerster like a “gut punch.”

The game’s most fearsome pass rusher was joining the Niners’ division rivals, setting up two head-to-head matchups this upcoming season beginning with the opener in Australia.

So Foerster went right to work to study Garrett and figure out how to deal with the reigning AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year.

“It was kind of a little gut punch at first, you’d feel like, gosh, here we go,” Foerster said Tuesday. “But then I woke up really early this morning, earlier than usual. I came in and just watched tape. I said, he’s a tough football player. He’s going to be a challenge for us to take care of. But we had a plan last year.

You’re going to do the best you can. Everybody has good players, and he’s a great player. It’s good for them and it’ll be a good challenge for us.”

The 49ers haven’t had to deal with Garrett often as he spent his first nine seasons in the AFC playing for the Browns before the trade on Monday to Los Angeles for young pass rusher Jared Verse and a package of draft

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By KyUSUNG GONG

From left, Los Angeles Rams general manager Les Snead, defensive end Myles Garrett and coach Sean McVay pose for a photo during a news conference after the team’s practice on Tuesday in Woodland Hills, Calif. picks that Foerster said “came out of left field.”

San Francisco played Garrett three times over that span, including a matchup last season when Garrett had one of his NFL single-season record 23 sacks to go along with eight quarterback pressures.

After that 26-8 win by the 49ers in Week 13, 49ers star left tackle Trent Williams told Garrett he

wouldn’t mind if he never had to face Garrett again and called him the “best ever.”

Now Williams and the Niners are scheduled to face him twice this season alone.

Foerster said looking back at that game, he felt as if the 49ers offense had a plan that allowed them to be successful despite the presence of Garrett.

Now Garrett joins a much

more formidable team in the Rams, who came up one win shy of reaching the Super Bowl last season. While Garrett provides a clear upgrade, the approach for the 49ers won’t change much.

“We had to take care of Jared Verse. We have to take care of Myles Garrett. It’s an edge player,” Foerster said. “It’s different than when it was Aaron Donald. To take away an interior

Roster shuffling The 49ers signed safety Ashtyn Davis to a one-year deal to add depth at the position.

Davis grew up nearby in Santa Cruz and played in college at California before being drafted by the New York Jets in the third round in 2020. In six seasons with New York and Miami, Davis has 217 tackles, 19 passes defensed, nine interceptions, five forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries in 84 games.

The Niners waived running back Jermar Jefferson, who was signed last week.

Beckham understands Wilson confirms retirement need to earn his spot from the NFL to join CBS Sports The Associated Press EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — Odell Beckham does not expect to have a roster spot handed to him after returning to the New York Giants.

“I know I’ve got a lot of work to do,” Beckham said Wednesday after his first offseason workout practice with the team since signing Monday. “I came here to earn anything. Everything in my life, nothing was given to me. I came here to earn it, work hard every day and be the best I can for the team.”

Beckham, 33, worked out for the Giants in April, and coach John Harbaugh said the conditions would have to be right for a reunion. Returner/receiver Gunner Olszewski tearing his right Achilles tendon last week precipitated the move to bring in Beckham, JuJu Smith-Schuster and Braxton Berrios.

“Try to be aggressive and give ourselves as many opportunities

KAMARA

Continued from page 1C about whether he’ll be on the roster next season, Kamara’s surprise appearance Wednesday was the latest twist in a saga that already has taken its fair share of turns. But the situation, even with the visit, is far from settled.

The Saints have indicated they would like to address Kamara’s contract, but speaking to reporters for the first time since last season, the Saints’ all-time leading rusher said he hasn’t talked with general manager Mickey Loomis, nor has he been approached about taking a pay cut.

Kamara is entering the last year of his contract and holds a cap hit of nearly $10.5 million, which was already reduced earlier this offseason when the Saints restructured the deal using an unconventional salary cap tactic called the 50% rule. The Saints also seemingly signed his replacement in March by giving a four-year, $52 million contract to Travis Etienne.

Kamara, who reiterated that he had no problem with Etienne’s signing, said he’s “going to be ready” to play for the Saints next season. He also acknowledged there are some “conversations that may need to be had” to determine his status.

“Look, I’m prepared,” Kamara said. “I’m under contract. I still got my locker. That’s really why I came. My locker’s still here. My fingerprint still works at the door.

Like I guess I’m here, right?

“That’s what that means. You know what I’m saying? So yeah, man, I’m good.”

If Kamara’s unexpected attendance was a way to put pressure on the franchise to make a decision, the running back did not con-

as we possibly can to have the strongest roster we can,” Harbaugh said. “They’ll be competing for roles. They’ll be competing for their opportunity, just like everybody else. Let’s see how it goes.”

There is significant uncertainty at the position, with Malik Nabers working to rehab a torn ACL in his right knee. There is lingering doubt about Nabers being ready for the season opener Sept. 13 against Dallas.

Beckham making the team is no guarantee, but this isn’t just about nostalgia in New York after getting drafted by the Giants in 2014 and spending his first five NFL seasons with them.

He has not played a game in the league since Dec. 8, 2024, with Miami after serving a six-game suspension last year for failing a performance-enhancing drug test.

He took time away from football and has been working out since to get in optimum shape.

firm the tactic. He said he wanted to show up at some point because of the number of teammates who had checked up on him over the last several months. Kamara said he made the decision to book a late flight Tuesday and arrived in New Orleans at 1 a.m. before showing up to the facility in the morning.

The Saints seemed unprepared for Kamara’s arrival. New Orleans had the five-time Pro Bowler participate in individual drills but chose not to include him in any 7-on-7 work or team walk-throughs. During individual drills, Kamara’s reps came notably after Etienne and several other backs.

Moore said Kamara’s workload would be lighter since he has to go through an “acclimation process” of getting up to speed.

“I’m excited to be able to spend a little bit of time with him and just kind of see where he’s at,” Moore said. “But it’s good to see him.”

Even Wednesday, Moore appeared noncommittal about Kamara’s future. The coach said Kamara could fit in “really well from an offensive standpoint,” but he deflected when asked several times whether the Saints had decided to keep him around for next season.

The lack of a decision has been polarizing. Former Saints safety Tyrann Mathieu criticized the franchise for not acting in “good faith,” arguing the Saints were mistreating their all-time leading rusher. Mathieu suggested the Saints don’t have “the balls to outright cut him” and would rather Kamara retire.

Second-year running back Devin Neal said he had been speaking with Kamara “pretty consistently” this offseason, which is why he wasn’t completely shocked the veteran showed up to practice this week. Neal said Kamara had told

The Associated Press NEW YORK — Ten-time Pro Bowl quarterback Russell Wilson confirmed Wednesday in a video posted to social media that that he’s retiring from the NFL to take a job with CBS Sports.

Wilson’s announcement came two days after news broke that he was finalizing a deal to become an analyst on CBS’ Sunday NFL pregame show.

“As I enter this next chapter with CBS Sports and ‘The NFL Today,’ I’m so blessed to continue doing what I love most — being around the greatest game in the world,” he said in the video.

Wilson played 14 seasons after being taken by Seattle in the third round of the 2012 NFL draft out of N.C. State. He spent his first 10 seasons with the Seahawks, leading them to their first Super Bowl championship in the 2013 season.

He was traded to Denver after the 2021 season and spent two rocky years with the Broncos before play-

him he planned to attend at some point, though he did not specify when.

“Just to hear his thoughts about everything going on — the elephant is definitely in the room,” Neal said. “Just to see what’s going on, what’s he’s gonna do, what we’re gonna do with him.”

Kamara said he isn’t confused by how the Saints have acted over the last several months. He also disagreed with the idea that the franchise was acting disrespectfully by not providing a clear answer about whether it plans to keep him.

“I’ve been through a lot in my life, man,” Kamara said. “I learned not to take things personal. Man, I’m blessed. Like it is what it is. We’re in a business that’s unique to a lot of spaces in the world. Nothing catches me off guard, man.”

So would Kamara be open to taking a pay cut to stick around?

“I haven’t had any conversations in regard to that, so I don’t know,” Kamara said. “I think there’s a time and a place for everything. If that conversation comes up, then I’ll have an answer for you when it comes up.”

For now, Kamara was set to embrace the people he hadn’t seen since the end of last season. Before practice began Wednesday, he hugged defensive coordinator Brandon Staley and enthusiastically greeted several other teammates.

He said afterward he even had a chance to catch up with Moore.

“On my side, I feel no pressure,” Kamara said. “There’s no beef or bad blood, I don’t think. I’m just doing what I do every year, working. Whatever decisions have got to be made, they’ll be made.”

Email Matthew Paras at matt. paras@theadvocate.com

AP FILE PHOTO By JULIO CORTEZ

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson holds the Lombardi Trophy after Super Bowl XLVIII on Feb. 2, 2014, in East Rutherford, N.J. ing one season in Pittsburgh and another for the New York Giants.

Wilson threw for 46,966 yards, with 353 touchdown passes and 114 interceptions.

He joins Peyton Manning and Dan Marino as the only quarterbacks to throw at least 20 touchdown passes in each of their first three seasons

SAINTS

and is one of seven quarterbacks to be selected to 10 Pro Bowls.

Wilson is the only player in NFL history with at least 30 touchdown passes and fewer than 15 interceptions in four straight seasons. He also had three seasons with at least 30 TD passes and 500 yards rushing, which is the most in NFL history.

Wilson is the shortest starting quarterback to win a Super Bowl.

Wilson will replace Matt Ryan, who joined the Atlanta Falcons as president of football after two seasons on “The NFL Today.” Wilson had considered returning for a 15th season, telling the New York Post last month that he was mulling an offer to join the New York Jets and back up Geno Smith.

His video featured highlights from his career and footage of him visiting patients at Seattle Children’s Hospital. It ended with him thanking his wife, Ciara, and the sport he dedicated his life to.

“I thank you, football. ... I am forever grateful,” he said.

Nathan Shepherd and defensive end Chase Young.

The following players attended practice but did not participate in anything outside of walk-through: wide receiver Jordyn Tyson, defensive lineman Christen Miller and tight end Oscar Delp.

worked through his progression on the play and hit Polk in rhythm for a big gain. On the next play, Shough hit Kevin Austin in almost the exact same spot after a scramble drill for another big gain.

In all, Shough completed six passes, with four of them coming in the intermediate part of the field. The only true deep shot he attempted landed just out of the reach of receiver Bub Means.

Shough starts strong

Odds and ends

Let’s get the caveat out of the way: These are spring workouts and therefore are not necessarily indicative of anything that will happen from here on out. The Saints practiced without pads, and the most competitive thing they did was a pair of 7-on-7 periods.

That being said, Tyler Shough made some impressive throws in those limited competitive settings — the sort of throws that show the strides he’s made since his rookie season ended.

Last year around this time, Shough had the look of a player who was trying to play within the structure of an offense that did not want him to do too much.

There were a lot of check-downs, even in 7-on-7 periods, in which Shough was taking the easy outlet rather than attacking the defense.

That was not the case Wednesday, when Shough pushed the ball downfield to his targets. Working without his presumptive top two wideouts — Olave and Tyson — Shough still made several big completions downfield in his 10 competitive reps.

His best throw came when he found Ja’Lynn Polk streaking near the right hash mark about 20 yards down the field on a deep over route. Shough quickly

Defensive back Martin Emerson secured the lone turnover of the day when he intercepted a Spencer Rattler pass intended for Bryce Lance. The interception came on a batted ball and Emerson was in the right spot to make the play.

Emerson signed with the Saints in late April, and he is an intriguing player in the defensive backfield. He’s 6-foot-2 and 201 pounds and started 33 NFL games. If he can bounce back from an Achilles injury that cost him all of last year, he could play some meaningful football in New Orleans.

Speaking of Lance, he had the biggest play of the day when he beat the defensive back across from him with a double move before hauling in a deep touchdown from third-string quarterback Zach Wilson. That is precisely what the Saints want to see out of the speedy fourthround pass catcher.

Devaughn Vele didn’t have a ton of action as a receiver Wednesday — he caught one of his two targets — but, interestingly, he did see the field as a holder for kicks. That role presumably will belong to punter Ryan Wright, but with Wright not present, Vele handled those duties.

Continued from page 1C

The Times-Picayune ✦ nola.com ✦ Thursday, June 4, 2026 ✦ 5C

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Spurs, Knicks battle in Game 1 of NBA Finals

England turns to a German to end World Cup drought

BY JAMES ROBSON AP soccer writer

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By ERIC GAy

New york Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns shoots between San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama, right, and forward Julian Champagnie during the first half of Game 1 of the NBA Finals on Wednesday in San Antonio. The game ended before this edition went to press.

SABAN

Continued from page 1C Ten, Cruz said he remains confident the bill can pass Congress.

“We’re going to get the votes,” Cruz said. “If we do nothing, there is no alternative. As every witness testified, college sports is facing a crisis.”

Cantwell said at Wednesday’s hearing that the legislation is intended to restore competition to college athletics by ensuring success is determined by how universities “build a team, and not because they have a billionaire in their back pocket.”

She also addressed the conferences’ opposition directly, suggesting they fear a more level playing field and the idea “that somebody’s going to come in and rearrange the deck chairs of those conferences, steal the eyeball schools, and then basically leave everybody with everything else.”

While Cruz and Cantwell, the two top-ranked lawmakers on the Senate Commerce Committee, support the bill, passage through the Senate is far from certain. President Donald Trump has yet to comment on the bill publicly.

Sen. Bernie Moreno, R-Ohio, an ally of Trump’s, said he had “grave concerns” about the bill.

He said his most important concern was “it does nothing about protecting biological women from competing with men and sports” — an issue that Trump has dealt with via executive orders but that has not come up in any version of

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By JOSE LUIS MAGANA

Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, chairman of the Senate Commerce Committee, speaks during a hearing on Capitol Hill on Wednesday in Washington. these bills.

Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala., a former college football coach at Auburn, said Tuesday that “there’s going to have to be some changes” to the bill for him to support it.

House Republican leadership had been working toward a vote on its own college sports bill, known as the SCORE Act, before the Congressional Black Caucus announced its unanimous opposition.

The CBC said the legislation should not move forward after a recent Supreme Court ruling that

effectively disabled a key provision of the Voting Rights Act. They say athletic leaders are failing to address concerns about the decision’s impact on Black political representation.

On Wednesday, the Congressional Black Caucus sent a letter to Cruz and Cantwell urging the committee to pause consideration of their bill as well.

“Meaningful engagement and action by college athletics leadership should be viewed as a necessary first step,” the letter stated.

RABALAIS

Continued from page 1C

The SEC and Big Ten have a point — to a point. The bill isn’t perfect. But their motivation, quite transparently, appears to be the protection of their media rights.

present school’s season is completed. The latter was labeled the “Lane Kiffin Rule” for the new LSU coach who left before Ole Miss’ first game in the College Football Playoff. The one about former pro athletes certainly could pertain to LSU men’s basketball coach Will Wade’s still growing roster.

There are many other provisions in the bill, among them giving cover to the NCAA and the new College Sports Commission to basically enforce a spending cap on how much each school can pay its athletes and pooling media rights for the various conferences that the bill’s sponsors argue would create more revenue.

Saban admitted the bill isn’t perfect and needs “adjustments.”

The Southeastern Conference and Big Ten agreed. The two mega conferences, who essentially hold all of the power over the CFP, can’t agree how big the CFP should be. But they do agree the Protect College Sports Act needs work and declined to give it their support in a joint statement released Tuesday.

The SEC and Big Ten have a point — to a point. The bill isn’t perfect. But their motivation, quite transparently, appears to

be the protection of their media rights.

“The posture of these two commissioners indicates that they do not care about the fate of the other conferences or smaller schools,” Cody Campbell, a Texas Tech billionaire booster and head of its board of regents, said earlier this year. “Nor do they care about the lifechanging opportunity provided to women and to athletes in our Olympic sports.”

Not long after Campbell’s comments, Arkansas announced plans to cut its men’s and women’s tennis programs. They have since been reinstated because of the backlash, but the threat to non-revenue programs — basically everything outside of football, men’s basketball and a few baseball teams — is real.

Kirby Smart said at last week’s SEC spring meetings that he’s a proponent of the SEC making its own rules to make its programs more stable. I disagree with that, but he also sounded the alarm to the real threat to Olympic/nonrevenue programs.

“My biggest concern for our sport is that we will ruin all the other sports,” Smart said.

“People say, ‘That’s just the way

it is.’ I don’t agree with that. We develop Olympians. We (football players) sit in classrooms next to someone who swims and dives.”

Maybe you don’t care whether colleges continue to lavish unchecked dollars on football and men’s basketball because that’s where the money is, at the expense of everything else. But that’s not the intent of college athletics or the college experience.

LSU offers 330 different degree programs. Should LSU only offer degrees in business, prelaw and medicine because that’s where the money is? Of course not.

College sports spent its way into this financial pickle. It won’t figure a way out without some oversight from somewhere. It may sound comical to think the federal government, which has created the enormous national debt, should be able to help. But college athletics clearly has proven it can’t help itself.

“We’re all grasping for somebody to give us some direction on what to do,” LSU women’s basketball coach Kim Mulkey said at the SEC spring meetings.

Sometimes, you have to grasp for the least bad option.

MANCHESTER, England — In a bid to end its decades-long wait to win a second World Cup, England has put its fate in the hands of a German.

It’s fair to say the appointment of Thomas Tuchel was not universally well received.

“I’m sorry I have a German passport,” the serial-winning former Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea and Bayern Munich coach quipped at his official unveiling in 2024.

He had woken up that morning to some unflattering headlines in the British media. The Daily Mail described it as a “dark day for England” and said the national team had gambled on a “GERMAN. The leader of the right-wing Reform Party Nigel Farage asked on X: “Why can’t we have an English manager?”

Never mind that Tuchel was a Champions League winner who had lifted trophies in three different countries. Or the fact that England has gone down the foreign route before: a Swedish coach in Sven-Goran Eriksson and an Italian in Fabio Capello.

A point of contention was the fact that Germany has long been England’s biggest soccer rival. Since winning the 1966 World Cup final against West Germany, England has often struggled against the Germans in major tournaments.

Some England fans have brought 20th century history to the rivalry with provocative chants taunting Germany about World War II. Debate about Tuchel’s nationality, however, dissipated quickly, helped by his easygoing charm when dealing with the media and a perfect winning record during England’s World Cup qualifying campaign.

According to professor Jan Rüger, author of the upcoming book “Great Powers: A History of Britain and Germany,” the wider reaction to Tuchel’s appointment points to a change in Anglo-German relations after the tensions that prevailed in the decades following two world wars.

“There were questions, but it certainly hasn’t turned into an ongoing saga in the way in which it would have in the 1990s or even around the turn of the century,” Rüger said. “Then it would have been unthinkable to have a German manager.

“Germany really isn’t the bad guy anymore. That’s long since passed. I don’t think it works portraying Germany as the bogeyman.”

Time will tell whether Tuchel is portrayed as a hero or villain at the World Cup. If England fails, his nationality might be raised again. But England managers of the past have been the subject of brutal criticism by fans and media, regardless of what it says on their passport.

Tuchel’s predecessor Gareth Southgate was widely credited with making England fans fall back in love with the national team during his eight-year spell, yet he faced a torrent of abuse from sections of supporters during the 2024 European Championship, with plastic beer glasses thrown in his direction after one match.

Southgate departed after leading England to back-to-back Euros finals and the World Cup semifinals in 2018.

He goes down as the nation’s second most successful manager after Alf Ramsey, who led England to the World Cup victory in 1966.

If Tuchel can end England’s trophy wait, he would become a national treasure.

“Everyone in the squad, the staff, everyone believes we can win it,” midfielder Kobbie Mainoo said.

Tuchel is the 14th coach tasked with the challenge of ending England’s trophy drought, which now stretches to 60 years.

After Southgate’s departure, the English Football Association said it was looking for a candidate to “win a major tournament.”

Southgate got closer than anyone since Ramsey despite a modest coaching career before being handed the national job.

His success appeared to be grounded in developing a connection both within his squad and with supporters. As a former player who missed a penalty in a semifinal shootout defeat to Germany at Euro 1996, his emotional understanding of what it means to represent England appeared to resonate with a new generation.

As a foreign coach, Tuchel cannot bring that same dynamic to the role.

He does, however, fit the description of a winner of major tournaments, having led Chelsea to the Champions League in 2021. He was also a Champions League finalist with Paris Saint-Germain.

“I love the difficult decisions and I love the tough decisions because they bring in the end clarity, they bring a certain edge, and it’s what you need to go all the way,” Tuchel said. “From Day One, we said we will always try to select and build the best group, which is maybe not necessarily just to collect the best talents.”

ASSOCIATED PRESS FILE PHOTO By KIRSTy WIGGLESWORTH

England players pose for a team photo before the start of the international friendly soccer match between England and Japan in London on March 31.

ONLY $39.95

100+ years of LSU Football history in a hardcover book by columnist Scott Rabalais

LSU.PICTORIALBOOK.COM

6C ✦ Thursday, June 4, 2026 ✦ nola.com ✦ The Times-Picayune

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MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL American League

National League

East Division

East Division Atlanta Philadelphia Washington Miami New York

W 41 31 31 29 27

L 20 29 32 34 35

Pct GB .672 — .517 9½ .492 11 .460 13 .435 14½

Pct GB .565 — .532 2 .460 6½ .397 10½ .377 11½

Milwaukee Pittsburgh Chicago St. Louis Cincinnati

W 37 33 32 31 31

L 21 28 29 28 29

Pct .638 .541 .525 .525 .517

Pct .524 .492 .483 .435 .371

Los Angeles San Diego Arizona Colorado San Francisco

W 39 32 32 24 23

L 22 27 28 38 38

Pct GB .639 — .542 6 .533 6½ .387 15½ .377 16

Tampa Bay New York Baltimore Toronto Boston

W 36 36 29 29 25

L 23 24 32 32 34

Pct .610 .600 .475 .475 .424

Cleveland Chicago Minnesota Detroit Kansas City

W 35 33 29 25 23

L 27 29 34 38 38

Seattle Texas Athletics Houston Los Angeles

W 33 30 29 27 23

L 30 31 31 35 39

Central Division

West Division

Tuesday’s games

GB — ½ 8 8 11

GB — 2 2½ 5½ 9½

Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Cristopher Sánchez reacts after pitching during the seventh inning against the San Diego Padres on Wednesday in Philadelphia. Sánchez saw his consecutive shutout innings streak end at 502⁄3 innings in a 3-2 win. Sánchez’s streak ranks as the third-best overall since 1920 behind Orel Hershiser of the Los Angeles Dodgers with a record 59 straight scoreless innings in 1988, and Don Drysdale with 58 in 1968.

Sánchez’s scoreless innings streak ends in win vs. Padres

By The Associated Press

PHILADELPHIA — Cristopher Sánchez ran his consecutive shutout innings streak to 502⁄3 before allowing a run and earned the win after J.T. Realmuto and Kyle Schwarber homered in the seventh inning, leading the Philadelphia Phillies to a 3-2 victory over the San Diego Padres on Wednesday night.

Jhoan Duran worked a scoreless ninth for his 14th save.

Sánchez’s streak ranks as the

third-best overall dating to the start of the Live Ball Era in 1920 behind the Los Angeles Dodgers’ Orel Hershiser, with a record 59 straight scoreless innings in 1988, and Don Drysdale with 58 in 1968.

With a scoreless first inning against the Padres, Sánchez topped Hall of Famer Carl Hubbell’s mark of 451⁄3 in 1933 for longest by a lefthander.

Sánchez (7-2) breezed through six scoreless innings against the

Padres before allowing a two-out double in the seventh to Ty France.

Sánchez allowed an RBI single to lefty-swinging Jackson Merrill that scored France and accounted for the only run he allowed since the end of April.

Sánchez stood on the mound and finally cracked a smile and fidgeted with the bill of his cap after a nearly minute-long standing ovation from 40,453 Phillies fans. He finished with eight strikeouts.

SCOREBOARD Odds

Sunday Game 2: No. 1 Texas vs. No. 1 Oregon, 8 p.m. x-Game 3: No. 1 Texas vs. No. 1 Oregon, TBD

Major League Baseball American League

Chapel Hill, N.C.

FAVORITE Baltimore at N.Y YANKEES at MINNESOTA

LINE OFF -164 OFF

UNDERDOG at BOSTON Cleveland Kansas City

FAVORITE at PHILADELPHIA at MILWAUKEE LA Dodgers

LINE -192 OFF -147

UNDERDOG LINE San Diego +161 San Francisco OFF at ARIZONA +124

FAVORITE at ATLANTA at CHICAGO CUBS Pittsburgh

LINE -188 OFF -111

UNDERDOG Toronto Athletics at HOUSTON

LINE +158 OFF -108

FAVORITE at CAROLINA

LINE -162

UNDERDOG Vegas

LINE +136

National League

Interleague

NHL

LINE OFF +139 OFF

Pro basketball NBA Finals (Best-of-7; x-if necessary) San Antonio vs. New York Wednesday: New York at San Antonio, n Friday: New York at San Antonio, 7:30 p.m.

Monday: San Antonio at New York, 7:30 p.m.

Wednesday, June 10: San Antonio at New York, 7:30 p.m. x-Saturday, June 13: New York at San Antonio, TBA x-Tuesday, June 16: San Antonio at New York, TBA x-Friday, June 19: New York at San Antonio, TBA

WNBA glance

EASTERN CONFERENCE Atlanta New York Toronto Washington Indiana Chicago Connecticut

W 6 6 5 4 4 3 2

L 2 4 5 4 4 6 9

Pct .750 .600 .500 .500 .500 .333 .182

GB — 1 2 2 2 3½ 5½

Minnesota Dallas Las Vegas Golden State Portland Los Angeles Seattle Phoenix

W 7 6 6 6 6 4 3 2

L 2 3 3 3 5 5 7 8

Pct .778 .667 .667 .667 .545 .444 .300 .200

GB — 1 1 1 2 3 4½ 5½

WESTERN CONFERENCE

Tuesday’s games

Atlanta 91, Connecticut 75 Washington 90, Chicago 72 Golden State 95, Portland 77 Las Vegas 79, Los Angeles 69

Wednesday’s games

New York 97, Toronto 82 Phoenix at Seattle, n

Thursday’s games

Atlanta at Indiana, 6 p.m.

Golden State at Minnesota, 8 p.m.

Friday’s games

Connecticut at Chicago, 6:30 p.m.

Dallas at Los Angeles, 9 p.m.

Phoenix at Portland, 9 p.m.

College softball College World Series At Devon Park; Oklahoma City

Championship Series

(Best-of-3) TEXAS VS. TEXAS TECH Wednesday: Texas 7, Texas Tech 3 Thursday: Game 2, 7 p.m. x — Friday: Texas vs. Texas Tech, 7 p.m.

College baseball Super regional glance Double elimination; x-if necessary

Athens, Ga.

Saturday Game 1: No. 1 Georgia vs. No. 1 Mississippi St., 10 a.m.

Sunday Game 2: No. 1 Georgia vs. No. 1 Mississippi St., 11 a.m. x-Game 3: No. 1 Georgia vs. No. 1 Mississippi St., TBD

Auburn, Ala.

Friday Game 1: No. 1 Auburn vs. No. 2 Ole Miss, 7 p.m.

Saturday Game 2: No. 1 Auburn vs. No. 2 Ole Miss, 4 p.m. x-Game 3: No. 1 Auburn vs. No. 2 Ole Miss, TBD

Austin, Texas

Saturday Game 1: No. 1 Texas vs. No. 1 Oregon, 7 p.m.

Friday Game 1: No. 1 North Carolina vs. No. 2 Southern California, 2 p.m.

Saturday Game 2: No. 1 North Carolina vs. No. 2 Southern California, 1 p.m. x-Game 3: No. 1 North Carolina vs. No. 2 Southern California, TBD

Lawrence, Kansas

Saturday Game 1: No. 1 Kansas vs. No. 2 Oklahoma, 5 p.m.

Sunday Game 2: No. 1 Kansas vs. No. 2 Oklahoma, 5 p.m. x-Game 3: No. 1 Kansas vs. No. 2 Oklahoma, TBD

Morgantown, W. Va.

Friday Game 1: No. 1 West Virginia vs. No. 3 Cal Poly, 11 a.m.

Saturday Game 2: No. 1 West Virginia vs. No. 3 Cal Poly, 11 a.m. x-Game 3: No. 1 West Virginia vs. No. 3 Cal Poly, TBD

Troy, Ala.

Friday Game 1: No. 3 Troy vs. No. 4 Little Rock, 4 p.m.

Saturday Game 2: No. 3 Troy vs. No. 4 Little Rock, 2 p.m. x-Game 3: No. 3 Troy vs. No. 4 Little Rock, TBD

Tuscaloosa, Ala.

Saturday Game 1: No. 1 Alabama vs. No. 4 St. John’s, 8 p.m.

Sunday Game 2: No. 1 Alabama vs. No. 4 St. John’s, 2 p.m. x-Game 3: No. 1 Alabama vs. No. 4 St. John’s, TBD

Hockey NHL playoffs Stanley Cup Finals

Best-of-7; x-if necessary Tuesday: Vegas 5, Carolina 4, Vegas leads series 1-0 Thursday: Vegas at Carolina, 7 p.m.

Saturday: Carolina at Vegas, 7 p.m.

Tuesday: Carolina at Vegas, 7 p.m.

Thursday, June 11: x-Vegas at Carolina, TBA Sunday, June 14: x-Carolina at Vegas, TBA Wednesday, June 17: x-Vegas at Carolina, TBA

Tennis French Open At Stade Roland Garros, Paris Purse: $33,513,885; Surface: Red clay

Men’s singles

Quarterfinals Flavio Cobolli (10), Italy, def. Felix AugerAliassime (4), Canada, 4-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-4.

Women’s singles

Quarterfinals Maja Chwalinska, Poland, def. Anna Kalinskaya (22), Russia, 7-6 (3), 6-3.

Diana Shnaider (25), Russia, def. Aryna Sabalenka (1), Belarus, 3-6, 7-5, 6-0.

Men’s doubles

Quarterfinals Harri Heliovaara, Finland, and Henry Patten (2), Britain, def. Marcelo Demoliner, Brazil, and N. Sriram Balaji, India, 6-3, 6-4.

Marcel Granollers, Spain, and Horacio Zeballos (1), Argentina, def. Edouard Roger-Vasselin, France, and Hugo Nys (10), Monaco, 6-3, 6-4.

Pierre-Hugues Herbert and Quentin Halys, France, def. David Pel and Sander Arends, Netherlands, 6-4, 6-4.

Women’s doubles

Quarterfinals Shuko Aoyama, Japan, and En-Shuo Liang, Taiwan, def. Kristina Mladenovic, France, and Hanyu Guo (13), China, 6-4, 6-4.

Aleksandra Krunic, Serbia, and Anna Danilina (2), Kazakhstan, def. Demi Schuurs, Netherlands, and Ellen Perez (7), Australia, 6-2, 7-6 (6).

Auto racing NASCAR Cup Series Points leaders Through Sunday

1. Tyler Reddick, 657.

2. Denny Hamlin, 560.

3. Ryan Blaney, 483.

4. Chase Elliott, 460.

5. Ty Gibbs, 449.

6. Kyle Larson, 409.

7. Christopher Bell, 399.

8. Chris Buescher, 393.

9. Carson Hocevar, 383.

10. Daniel Suárez, 378.

11. William Byron, 352.

12. Shane Van Gisbergen, 348.

13. Brad Keselowski, 347.

14. Chase Briscoe, 343.

15. Bubba Wallace, 338.

16. Austin Cindric, 306.

17. Ryan Preece, 304.

18. Joey Logano, 297.

19. Michael McDowell, 275.

20. Zane Smith, 272.

Golf PGA Tour statistics Through Monday FedExCup season points: 1, Scottie Scheffler, 2,711. 2, Cameron Young, 2,541. 3, Matt Fitzpatrick, 2,494. 4, Collin Morikawa, 1,737.

5, Si Woo Kim, 1,704. 6, Ludvig Aberg, 1,677.

7, Chris Gotterup, 1,552. 8, Jacob Bridgeman, 1,512. 9, Rory McIlroy, 1,503. 10, Akshay Bhatia, 1,371.

Scoring average: 1, Scottie Scheffler, 69.057.

2, Jake Knapp, 69.571. 3, Cameron Young, 69.669. 4, Ludvig Aberg, 69.860. 5, Matt Fitzpatrick, 69.893. 6, Xander Schauffele, 70.000. 7, Nicolai Hojgaard, 70.001. 8, Collin Morikawa, 70.034. 9, Si Woo Kim, 70.058. 10, Alex Smalley, 70.060.

Driving distance: 1, Aldrich Potgieter, 328.4.

2, Michael Brennan, 324.6. 3, Gary Woodland, 323.7. 4, Chris Gotterup, 322.6. 5, Nicolai Hojgaard, 321.6. 6, Rasmus Hojgaard, 321.4. 7, Marco Penge, 320.8. 8, Min Woo Lee, 320.3. 9, Jesper Svensson, 320.2. 10, Jake Knapp, 319.8.

Driving accuracy percentage: 1, Russell Henley, 71.77%. 2, Si Woo Kim, 70.48%. 3 (tie), Andrew Putnam and Aaron Rai, 69.28%.

5, Corey Conners, 68.91%. 6, Matt Fitzpatrick, 68.30%. 7, Lucas Glover, 68.11%. 8, Kensei Hirata, 67.58%. 9, Tommy Fleetwood, 67.48%. 10, Joel Dahmen, 67.00%.

Total driving: 1, Scottie Scheffler, 53. 2, Michael Brennan, 56. 3, Ludvig Aberg, 61. 4, Matt Fitzpatrick, 62. 5, Jordan Smith, 63. 6, Cameron Young, 65. 7, Kurt Kitayama, 68. 8, Sudarshan Yellamaraju, 74. 9, Min Woo Lee, 76. 10, Neal Shipley, 82.

SG-putting: 1, Vince Whaley, .880. 2, Jacob Bridgeman, .837. 3, Jake Knapp, .744. 4, Akshay Bhatia, .718. 5, Beau Hossler, .700. 6, Sam Burns, .670. 7, A.J. Ewart, .608. 8, Robert MacIntyre, .604. 9, Eric Cole, .579. 10, Christiaan Bezuidenhout, .556.

Birdie average: 1, Scottie Scheffler, 4.98. 2, Si Woo Kim, 4.62. 3, Ludvig Aberg, 4.61. 4, Akshay Bhatia, 4.51. 5 (tie), Jacob Bridgeman, Wyndham Clark and Collin Morikawa, 4.5. 8, Cameron Young, 4.48. 9, Harris English, 4.42.

10, Matt Fitzpatrick, 4.39.

Eagles (holes per): 1, Jake Knapp, 43.7. 2, Nicolai Hojgaard, 69. 3, Sahith Theegala, 74.6. 4, Max Greyserman, 79.2. 5, Shane Lowry, 81. 6, Kris Ventura, 82.8. 7, Tommy Fleetwood, 85.5. 8, Chris Kirk, 87.8. 9, Keegan Bradley, 88. 10, Aldrich Potgieter, 92.3.

All-around ranking: 1, Scottie Scheffler, 154.

2, Ludvig Aberg, 229. 3, Collin Morikawa, 273.

4, Min Woo Lee, 286. 5, Alex Smalley, 303. 6, Wyndham Clark, 305. 7, Cameron Young, 308.

8, Chris Gotterup, 311. 9, Jake Knapp, 325. 10, Si Woo Kim, 329.

Transactions Major League Baseball

American League BOSTON RED SOX — Placed UTL Nick Sogard on the 10-Day IL retroactive to May 31. Recalled INF Anthony Seigler from Worcester (IL).

TAMPA BAY RAYS — Optioned RHP Trevor Martin to Durham (IL). Recalled RHP Mason Englert from Durham.

TORONTO BLUE JAYS — Sent C Alejandro Kirk and RHP Yimi García on rehab assignments to Dunedin (FSL).

National League CINCINNATI REDS — Optioned CF TJ Friedl to Louisville (IL). Recalled OF Noelvi Marte from Louisville.

MILWAUKEE BREWERS — Placed LHP Rob Zastryzny on the 15-day IL retroactive to May 31. Recalled LHP Robert Gasser from Nashville (IL).

NEW YORK METS — Optioned RHP Jonah Tong to Syracuse (IL). Recalled RHP Joey Gerber from Syracuse.

SAN DIEGO PADRES — Designated RF Nick Castellanos for assignment. Selected the contract of 2B Samad Taylor from El Paso (PCL).

SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS — Placed LHP Matt Gage on the 15-day IL retroactive to June 2. Recalled RHP Dylan Smith from Sacramento (PCL).

FOOTBALL

NFL DALLAS COWBOYS — Signed WR Jaden Smith to a contract.

MIAMI DOLPHINS — Signed G/T Kadyn Proctor to a rookie contract.

NEW YORK JETS — Signed K Jason Sanders to a contract. Waived K Younghoe Koo and WR Da’Quan Felton.

West Division

Tuesday’s games

Detroit 8, Tampa Bay 0 Baltimore 4, Boston 2 Atlanta 4, Toronto 3 Cincinnati 4, Kansas City 3, 10 innings Cleveland 9, N.Y. Yankees 4 Minnesota 6, Chicago White Sox 4 Athletics 2, Chicago Cubs 1 Texas 7, St. Louis 4 Pittsburgh 10, Houston 6 Seattle 8, N.Y. Mets 3 Colorado 8, L.A. Angels 2

Philadelphia 3, San Diego 2 Atlanta 4, Toronto 3 Miami 7, Washington 3 Cincinnati 4, Kansas City 3, 10 innings Athletics 2, Chicago Cubs 1 Milwaukee 8, San Francisco 3 Texas 7, St. Louis 4 Pittsburgh 10, Houston 6 Seattle 8, N.Y. Mets 3 Colorado 8, L.A. Angels 2 L.A. Dodgers 6, Arizona 5

Detroit 7, Tampa Bay 2 N.Y. Mets 7, Seattle 1 Chicago White Sox 8, Minnesota 0 Baltimore at Boston, n Cleveland at N.Y. Yankees, n Kansas City at Cincinnati, n Toronto at Atlanta, n Texas at St. Louis, n Athletics at Chicago Cubs, n Pittsburgh at Houston, n Colorado at L.A. Angels, n

N.Y. Mets 7, Seattle 1 Miami 4, Washington 1 San Diego at Philadelphia, n Kansas City at Cincinnati, n Toronto at Atlanta, n San Francisco at Milwaukee, n Texas at St. Louis, n Athletics at Chicago Cubs, n Pittsburgh at Houston, n Colorado at L.A. Angels, n L.A. Dodgers at Arizona, n

Wednesday’s games

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By MATT SLOCUM

Central Division

Thursday’s games

Baltimore (Rogers 2-6) at Boston (Bello 2-5), 12:35 p.m.

Cleveland (Cecconi 3-5) at N.Y. Yankees (Rodón 1-2), 12:35 p.m.

Toronto (TBD) at Atlanta (Sale 8-3), 6:15 p.m.

Kansas City (Lugo 2-4) at Minnesota (TBD), 6:40 p.m.

Athletics (TBD) at Chicago Cubs (Imanaga 4-6), 7:05 p.m.

Pittsburgh (Jones 0-0) at Houston (Teng 3-3), 7:10 p.m.

GB — 5½ 6½ 6½ 7

Wednesday’s games

Thursday’s games

San Diego (Giolito 2-0) at Philadelphia (Wheeler 4-1), 12:05 p.m.

San Francisco (Houser 2-5) at Milwaukee (Crow 0-0), 1:10 p.m.

Toronto (TBD) at Atlanta (Sale 8-3), 6:15 p.m.

Athletics (TBD) at Chicago Cubs (Imanaga 4-6), 7:05 p.m.

Pittsburgh (Jones 0-0) at Houston (Teng 3-3), 7:10 p.m.

L.A. Dodgers (Wrobleski 7-2) at Arizona (Nelson 2-4), 8:40 p.m.

BOX SCORES N.Y. Mets 7, Seattle 1

White Sox 8, Minnesota 0

New York

Chicago

Seattle

ab r h bi ab r h bi Benge rf 5 1 1 0 Crawford ss 4 1 3 1 Bichette ss 4 1 4 3 Rodríguez cf 3 0 0 0 Soto dh 5 1 1 0 Naylor 1b 4 0 0 0 J.Young 1b 5 0 2 1 Arozarena lf 3 0 0 0 Baty 3b 5 0 0 0 L.Raley rf 4 0 0 0 Semien 2b 5 0 0 0 C.Young 2b 4 0 1 0 Ewing cf 5 1 3 0 Canzone dh 2 0 1 0 Melendez lf 3 1 1 1 Refsnyder dh 2 0 0 0 Torrens c 4 2 2 0 Pereda c 2 0 1 0 Emerson 3b 3 0 0 0 Totals 41 714 5 Totals 31 1 6 1 New York 100 410 010 — 7 Seattle 100 000 000 — 1 E — Naylor (4), Emerson (2). DP — New York 2, Seattle 1. LOB — New York 9, Seattle 6. 2B — J.Young (3), Melendez (4), Torrens (8), Crawford (5). HR — Crawford (10). SB — Soto (6), Benge (10), Ewing (5).

SF — Bichette (3).

IP H R ER BB SO New York Peralta W,4-4 6 6 1 1 2 6 B.Raley 1 0 0 0 1 1 Weaver 1 0 0 0 0 2 Gerber 1 0 0 0 0 0 Seattle Kirby L,5-5 4 9 5 4 1 5 Bazardo 1 2 1 1 0 2 Ferrer 1 1 0 0 0 1 Criswell 1 1 0 0 0 1 Hoppe 2 1 1 1 0 1 ABS Challenge — Kirby (Ball-Confirmed); Peralta (Ball-Overturned to Strike); Peralta (Ball-Overturned to Strike); Kirby (BallConfirmed); Torrens (Strike-Overturned to Ball); Peralta (Ball-Confirmed).

Pitch timer violations — Pereda (batter).

Umpires — Home, Adam Beck; First, Jen Pawol; Second, Jeremie Rehak; Third, Dan Iassogna.

T — 2:35. A — 27,969 (47,929).

Detroit 7, Tampa Bay 2 Detroit

Minnesota ab r h bi ab r h bi Antonacci lf 4 2 4 1 Buxton cf 4 0 0 0 Vargas 3b 3 2 1 1 Outman cf 0 0 0 0 Acuña ss 1 0 0 0 Lee 3b 4 0 0 0 Benintndi dh3 2 2 2 Larnach lf 3 0 0 0 Montgmry 3b60 0 0 Bell dh 4 0 1 0 Meidroth 2b 4 1 1 1 A.Martin rf 4 0 1 0 Gonzalez 1b 4 0 2 2 Caratini c 4 0 1 0 Peters cf 5 0 1 1 Keaschall 2b 4 0 1 0 Romo c 5 0 1 0 Gray ss 2 0 1 0 Nishida rf 3 1 0 0 Kreidler ss 0 0 0 0 Grichuk ph 1 0 0 0 Arcia 1b 3 0 0 0 Hill rf 0 0 0 0 Totals 39 812 8 Totals 32 0 5 0 Chicago 400 001 030 — 8 Minnesota 000 000 000 — 0 E — Gray 3 (7). DP — Chicago 0, Minnesota 1. LOB — Chicago 14, Minnesota 7. 2B — Meidroth (13), Peters (11), Antonacci 2 (8), Romo (4). HR — Benintendi (6).

IP H R ER BB SO Chicago Fedde W,1-5 5 2 0 0 1 2 Taylor 2 1 0 0 0 3 Murphy 2 2 0 0 0 3 Minnesota 2 4 5 5 Bradley L,5-2 4 ⁄3 7 4 0 1 2 Orze 11⁄3 1 1 Rogers 1 1 0 0 0 0 Laweryson 1 3 3 3 1 2 Lawrence 1 0 0 0 1 1 HBP — Murphy (Kreidler), Lawrence 2 (Hill,Antonacci).

ABS Challenge — Bradley (Ball-Overturned to Strike); Orze (Ball-Confirmed); Meidroth (Strike-Overturned to Ball); Taylor (Ball-Overturned to Strike); Laweryson (Ball-Overturned to Strike); Romo (StrikeConfirmed); Murphy (Ball-Confirmed).

Umpires — Home, Brennan Miller; First, Chris Conroy; Second, Ben May; Third, John Tumpane.

T — 2:43. A — 20,322 (38,544).

Philadelphia 3, San Diego 2

Tampa Bay ab r h bi ab r h bi Torres 2b 5 3 3 0 Simpson lf 4 0 0 0 McGnigle 3b 5 1 2 0 Caminero 3b 4 1 1 0 Dingler dh 4 1 2 4 Aranda 1b 2 0 0 0 Carpenter rf 4 0 1 1 Díaz dh 4 0 1 1 Greene lf 4 0 2 0 Palacios 2b 4 0 0 0 Torkelsn 1b 3 0 0 1 Williamsn ss 3 0 0 0 Keith 3b 3 0 0 0 Mullins cf 3 1 1 1 Short ss 1 0 0 0 Fortes c 3 0 1 0 Vierling cf 4 1 1 0 Mesa rf 3 0 0 0 Rogers c 3 1 2 1 Totals 36 713 7 Totals 30 2 4 2 Detroit 111 300 001 — 7 Tampa Bay 110 000 000 — 2 DP — Detroit 1, Tampa Bay 1. LOB — Detroit 7, Tampa Bay 3. 2B — Torres (3), McGonigle (13). HR — Rogers (1), Dingler (14), Mullins (4). SF — Torkelson (2), Carpenter (3). S — Rogers (1).

IP H R ER BB SO Detroit Melton W,2-0 8 4 2 2 2 5 Anderson 1 0 0 0 0 1 Tampa Bay Martinez L,5-2 4 9 6 6 1 1 Englert 5 4 1 1 0 3 HBP — Englert (Dingler). WP — Englert(2).

ABS Challenge — Martinez (BallOverturned to Strike); Melton (BallConfirmed); Rogers (Strike-Confirmed); Englert (Ball-Overturned to Strike).

Umpires — Home, Derek Thomas; First, Dan Merzel; Second, Dan Bellino; Third, Mark Ripperger.

T — 2:14. A — 12,585 (25,025).

Philadelphia ab r h bi ab r h bi Tatis 2b 4 1 1 0 Schwarber dh3 1 1 1 Andujar dh 4 0 1 0 Turner ss 4 0 1 0 Machado 3b 4 0 1 0 Harper 1b 3 0 0 0 Sheets lf 3 0 0 0 Marsh lf 4 0 2 0 Fermin c 0 0 0 0 Bohm 3b 4 0 1 0 Bogaerts ss 3 0 0 1 Stott 2b 4 1 1 0 France 1b 4 1 2 0 Realmuto c 3 1 1 1 Merrill cf 4 0 1 1 García rf 3 0 1 1 Bowen rf 3 0 0 0 Crawford cf 3 0 0 0 Johnson ph 1 0 0 0 Durán c 1 0 0 0 Taylor ph-lf 2 0 0 0 Totals 33 2 6 2 Totals 31 3 8 3 San Diego 000 000 110 — 2 Philadelphia 000 010 20x — 3 DP — San Diego 1, Philadelphia 0.

LOB — San Diego 7, Philadelphia 6. 2B — France (5), Stott (9), García (8). HR — Realmuto (3), Schwarber (23).

IP H R ER BB SO San Diego Buehler 6 4 1 1 2 6 2 Adam L,2-1 ⁄3 3 2 2 0 2 Peralta 11⁄3 1 0 0 0 0 Philadelphia Sánchez W,7-2 7 4 1 1 1 8 Keller H,10 1 2 1 1 1 1 Duran S,14-14 1 0 0 0 0 2 HBP — Keller (Bogaerts).

ABS Challenge — Machado (Strike-Confirmed); Realmuto (Strike-Confirmed).

Pitch timer violations — Buehler (pitcher).

Umpires — Home, Hunter Wendelstedt; First, Vic Carapazza; Second, Nic Lentz; Third, Edwin Moscoso.

T — 2:15. A — 40,453 (42,901).

Cleveland 5, N.Y. Yankees 4

Miami 4, Washington 1

Cleveland

Miami

New York

ab r h bi ab r h bi Bazzana 2b 4 0 0 0 Grisham cf 3 0 0 0 Ramírez 3b 4 3 3 1 Rice 1b 4 1 1 0 DeLauter rf 4 0 0 0 Gldchmit dh 4 1 1 0 Manzardo 1b4 1 3 1 Bellinger lf 2 0 0 2 Hoskins dh 3 1 2 3 Chisholm 2b 4 1 1 1 Martínez lf 4 0 1 0 Caballero rf 4 1 2 1 Kwan cf 4 0 0 0 McMahon 3b 3 0 0 0 Bailey c 4 0 0 0 Wells c 3 0 0 0 Rocchio ss 4 0 0 0 Volpe ss 3 0 0 0 Totals 35 5 9 5 Totals 30 4 5 4 Cleveland 010 201 010 — 5 New York 010 101 001 — 4 DP — Cleveland 0, New York 1. LOB — Cleveland 4, New York 2. 2B — Martínez (10), Manzardo 2 (6), Rice (15), Goldschmidt (8). HR — Manzardo (7), Hoskins (6), Ramírez (9), Chisholm (7), Caballero (5). SB — Ramírez (21). SF — Bellinger 2 (5).

IP H R ER BB SO Cleveland Williams W,9-3 51⁄3 4 3 3 1 6 2 Herrin H,9 ⁄3 0 0 0 0 1 Holderman H,4 1 0 0 0 0 2 Gaddis H,9 1 0 0 0 0 0 Smith S,21-23 1 1 1 1 0 1 New York Cole L,1-1 51⁄3 6 4 4 1 2 Cruz 11⁄3 0 0 0 0 3 2 ⁄3 2 1 1 0 1 Hill 2 Blackburn 1 ⁄3 1 0 0 0 1 WP — Williams, Smith.

ABS Challenge — DeLauter (StrikeOverturned to Ball); Hoskins (Strike-Overturned to Ball); Bazzana (Strike-Overturned to Ball); Caballero (Strike-Confirmed); Wells (Strike-Overturned to Ball); Smith (Ball-Overturned to Strike).

Umpires — Home, Laz Diaz; First, James Jean; Second, Erich Bacchus; Third, Chris Segal.

T — 2:37. A — 37,683 (47,309).

San Diego

Washington ab r h bi ab r h bi Hernándz lf 4 0 1 0 Wood dh 3 0 0 0 Lopez ss 5 1 1 0 Crews rf 3 0 0 1 Stowers 1b 5 0 1 1 Mead 3b 4 0 1 0 Edwards 2b 5 0 2 0 Abrams ss 4 0 0 0 Morel dh 2 0 1 0 Young cf 4 0 1 0 Hicks ph-dh 1 1 0 0 Lile lf 4 0 0 0 E.Ruiz cf 2 1 1 1 K.Ruiz c 2 1 1 0 Marsee cf 1 1 1 0 García 1b 2 0 0 0 Norby 1b 1 0 0 0 Nuñez 2b 2 0 0 0 Caissie rf 2 0 0 0 Tena ph-2b 1 0 0 0 Sanoja 3b 5 0 0 0 Mack c 3 0 2 2 Totals 36 410 4 Totals 29 1 3 1 Miami 010 000 021 — 4 Washington 001 000 000 — 1 E — Lopez (9), Lord (1). DP — Miami 2, Washington 1. LOB — Miami 13, Washington 5. 3B — Stowers (1). HR — E.Ruiz (3).

SB — Marsee (15).

IP H R ER BB SO Miami Meyer W,6-0 7 2 1 1 2 7 Faucher H,4 1 0 0 0 1 1 Fairbanks S,7-9 1 1 0 0 0 1 Washington Alvarez 42⁄3 4 1 1 1 5 Lord 11⁄3 0 0 0 3 2 2 Ribalta ⁄3 1 0 0 1 1 11⁄3 3 2 2 1 3 Beeter L,1-1 2 Varland ⁄3 2 1 1 1 0 1 Schultz ⁄3 0 0 0 1 0 HBP — Fairbanks (Crews). WP — Alvarez.

ABS Challenge — Alvarez (Ball-Confirmed); Marsee (Strike-Overturned to Ball); Beeter (Ball-Overturned to Strike); Faucher (Ball-Confirmed); Faucher (BallOverturned to Strike); Mead (StrikeConfirmed).

Umpires — Home, Alan Porter; First, Roberto Ortiz; Second, Jim Wolf; Third, Alex MacKay. T — 3:13. A — 16,695 (41,376).

LIVING N O L A.C O M

|

T h u r s d ay, J u n e 4, 2026

1dn

A little prep goes a long way for chicken thighs with veggies

BY LINDA GASSENHEIMER Tribune News Service (TNS)

For this easy, hands-off dinner, the oven does all the work.

Bone-in chicken thighs, coated in rich pasta sauce, roasted on a sheet pan will stay tender, juicy and full of flavor.

To save time, the potatoes and asparagus get a head start in the microwave before finishing alongside the chicken, soaking up all those delicious pan juices. Lining the sheet pan with foil makes cleanup easy. It just needs a quick rinse and you’re done.

Creamer potatoes are small, about ¾ inch in diameter, and new potatoes are a little larger and measure about 2 inches in diameter. Both are tender, flavorful potatoes that have a short spring season. Either can be used.

HELPFUL HINTS: n Any type of pasta sauce can be used. n Green beans can be used instead of asparagus.

Cowboy Caviar (aka Texas Caviar)

Bean there, done that B

Recipe, 2D

PHOTOS By LIZ FAUL

Going beyond the traditional red beans and rice, here are 3 recipes to try featuring popular legumes

Liz Faul

TNS PHOTO By LINDA GASSENHEIMER

Savory Oven-Baked Chicken Thighs with Roasted Potatoes and Asparagus Yields 2 servings. Recipe is by Linda Gassenheimer.

1 pound bone-in chicken thighs, skin removed Olive oil spray 1 cup pasta sauce ¾ pound creamer potatoes washed with skin on, about 2 cups ¼ pound asparagus cut into 2-inch pieces (about 2 cups cut) 1 tablespoon olive oil Salt and freshly ground black pepper ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese 1. Preheat oven to 400 F. Line a large baking sheet with foil.

2. Place chicken thighs skinside-up on one side of the sheet.

Spray them with olive oil spray.

Spoon pasta sauce over the chicken. Place sheet in heated oven for 15 minutes.

3. While chicken bakes, place potatoes in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave on high 2 minutes. Add the asparagus to the bowl with the potatoes and microwave 2 minutes. Add the olive oil and salt and pepper to taste. Toss well.

4. After the chicken bakes for 15 minutes, remove the baking sheet from the oven and add the potatoes and asparagus to the empty side of the sheet.

5. Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese over the chicken and place the sheet back in the oven.

Bake 5 minutes. A meat thermometer should read 165 F for the chicken.

6. Divide the chicken, potatoes and asparagus in half and place on two dinner plates.

NUTRITION INFO PER SERVING: 547 calories (34 percent from fat), 20.5 g fat (4.4 g saturated, 7.6 g monounsaturated), 167 mg cholesterol, 44.0 g protein, 47.4 g carbohydrates, 7.5 g fiber, 378 mg sodium.

eans are having a moment.

Lately, they seem to be in the cultural zeitgeist.

At local markets in New Orleans, I have seen a wide variety of heirloom beans on the shelves.

Last month, I went to a delicious bean popup, called “Luci’s Beans,” by chef Luci Winsberg at Really Really Nice Wines on Magazine Street.

Last week, I read a report

by National Public Radio titled “What’s Eating America.” It discussed the resurgence in popularity of beans amongst Americans. The renewed popularity of legumes was attributed to the fact that they are versatile, inexpensive and healthy.

In Louisiana, we don’t need to be convinced of the value or flavor of beans. Red beans and rice is a classic New Orleans dish

ä See LEGUMES, page 2D

Lemon-Garlic White Bean Dip with Fennel

Serves 8. This recipe is adapted from a recipe from America’s Test Kitchen.

FOR THE DIP: 1 teaspoon olive oil 4 green onions (scallions), white and light green ends chopped 2 (15-ounce cans) small white beans, like cannellini beans (drained and rinsed) 1 lemon, zested and juiced 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 tablespoon olive oil (or lemon

olive oil) ½ teaspoon salt LEMON FENNEL TOPPING: 2 teaspoon fennel seeds (toasted and crushed) 1 teaspoon lemon zest 1 fennel bulb, cored and sliced thin 1 teaspoon olive oil (optional drizzle on top)

1. In a pan over medium heat, add the olive oil, then the chopped green onions; stir until the green onions are lightly brown.

2. Add the drained beans, lemon juice, garlic, cumin and salt. Turn the heat down to low and stir the ingredients together.

3. In the bowl of a food processor, or blender, add the warm white bean mixture from the pot along with olive oil and blend until smooth. Then spoon the blended bean mixture into a serving bowl.

4. For the topping, dry

toast the fennel seeds in a small pan, over medium to low heat, for 2 minutes.

Once the seeds are cool, pour them out of the pan and crush them using a mortar and pestle (or just roll them with a rolling pin). This step will unlock the sweet, warm licoricelike aroma from the fennel seeds.

5. Add the crushed fennel seeds, lemon zest and sliced fennel bulb over the top of the dip. Add a small drizzle of olive oil. Serve with sliced fresh vegetables, crackers or chips.

2 Guinness recipes you can eat instead of sip

BY GRETCHEN McKAY

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette (TNS)

PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE/ TNS PHOTO By GRETCHEN McKAy

Guinness Mac and Cheese

Most of the time, Guinness is enjoyed exactly how Arthur Guinness envisioned it when he started brewing the darkcolored but light-bodied Irish dry stout more than 200 years ago — in a pint glass with its signature creamy head.

But it also can be the surprise ingredient in any number

of dishes, including savory stews and grilling or braising sauces.

Its rich and Review coffee-like Guinness Mac malted flavors and Cheese also compleGuinness Brownies ment sharp cheddar and 2D bittersweet chocolate, ingredients many of us have in the fridge or pantry at any given moment.

These two recipes demonstrate how the world’s bestselling stout can elevate two everyday American dishes — a creamy pot of mac and cheese and a pan of rich and fudgy brownies.

Both are quite easy to pull together and gain a touch of unexpected umami from the beer.

Most of the alcohol will burn off during cooking but neither is completely alcohol-free.

2D ✦ Thursday, June 4, 2026 ✦ nola.com ✦ The Times-Picayune

lll

Should guests help clean up?

Cowboy Caviar (aka Texas Caviar) Serves 10-12. This recipe is adapted from a recipe from America’s Test Kitchen.

2 (15-ounce) cans of black-eyed peas, drained and rinsed 1 (15-ounce) can of black beans, drained and rinsed 1 red bell pepper, stemmed, seeded and chopped 1 green bell pepper, stemmed, seeded and chopped 1 jalapeño chili pepper, stemmed, seeded and finely chopped 1 celery rib, finely chopped 3 garlic cloves ½ cup fresh cilantro ½ cup fresh parsley ½ cup olive oil ¼ cup red wine vinegar ½ teaspoon salt 2 teaspoons of green jalapeño hot sauce (optional for additional spice) 1. In a large serving bowl, add the drained and rinsed black-eyed peas, black beans, chopped bell peppers, jalapeño pepper and chopped celery. Stir the beans and vegetables together.

2. In the bowl of a food processor, or blender, add 3 garlic cloves, cilantro, parsley, olive oil and red wine vinegar; blend on a low speed until the herbs are finely chopped and mixed with the

Cowboy Caviar (aka Texas Caviar) oil and vinegar. Add the salt, taste, add more salt if needed. Add jalapeño hot sauce for additional spice.

3. Pour the herb sauce/ dressing over the bean and

PHOTO By LIZ FAUL

pepper mixture. Mix it all together so the dressing covers the beans and vegetables.

4. Chill for at least one hour before serving with your favorite nacho chip.

Black Bean Cakes with Sour Cream Serves 10-12. Recipe is by Liz Faul.

of cooking oil. Then add the onion and cook for about 2-3 minutes. Add the chopped 1-3 tablespoons cooking oil garlic. Stir the onion mixture.

1 onion, chopped 2. Add the cumin, oregano, 2 garlic cloves, chopped cayenne and salt and stir the 1 teaspoon ground cumin spices into the onion mix.

1 teaspoon dried oregano Turn off the heat and let the ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper onions and spices cool. ½ teaspoon salt 3. Place the breadcrumbs ½ cup panko breadcrumbs (or in a shallow bowl. Set the finely ground nacho chips) bowl of breadcrumbs aside 2 (15-ounce) can of black beans, to coat the black bean cakes. drained 4. In the bowl of a food pro1 egg cessor, add the drained black SERVE WITH: beans, the egg and the cooled Sour cream onion/spice mix. Lightly pulse Tajin spice blend the food processor to combine Sliced lime all the ingredients, but stop Sliced avocado (or guacamole) before the mix is a smooth paste. It is easier to work with 1. In a large pan over me- a thicker mix. If the bean mix dium heat, add 1 tablespoon is too thin, try adding some of

LEGUMES

Continued from page 1D that has been enjoyed in homes and in restaurants for generations.

After eating Winsberg’s creative bean dishes, I was inspired to think more about cooking with beans at home.

I looked through cookbooks and, considering what I had in the pantry, I made cowboy caviar, a white bean dip and black bean cakes.

Cowboy caviar, or Texas caviar, is the perfect side dish for a summer barbeque. This dish does not contain any caviar, it is just a name that was created

by Helen Corbitt to make it more elegant. I have eaten this dish for years but I never thought to look up its origin story. I was delighted to learn that this popular bean salad was created by a fellow dietitian.

Corbitt began her career in the 1930s as a hospitalbased nutritionist in New Jersey and New York. However, she was not satisfied

in that position, and looked to do something more with food and nutrition. She found a job in Texas teaching and developing new recipes and cookbooks.

Corbitt sought to use local fresh ingredients and present them in a tasteful way. She did not care for traditional black-eyed pea dishes, so she created this tangy bright alternative bean salad that has endured the test of time.

I make cowboy caviar by mixing beans with fresh bell peppers and jalapenos.

Then I make a dressing that is essentially similar to a chimichurri sauce with olive oil, red wine vinegar and a lot of herbs to bind the ingredients together. It is best made in advance and chilled before serving.

I found two cans of white beans in my pantry and decided to make a white bean dip. I was guided by a recipe from America’s Test Kitchen that simply blended the beans with olive oil, lemon juice and spices. I had a fennel bulb in the refrigerator and decided to

Guinness Mac and Cheese Serves 6. Recipe is from marydisomma.com. This flavorful super-easy stovetop mac and cheese is made with Guinness stout, sharp Irish cheddar and a touch of Dijon mustard. It’s creamy and cheesy with an optional crunchy breadcrumb topping. Best part: It takes only about 20 minutes.

FOR TOPPING: 4 tablespoons unsalted butter 4 garlic cloves, minced ¾ cup breadcrumbs 1 tablespoon chopped fresh Italian parsley FOR MAC AND CHEESE: 2¼ teaspoons salt, divided 1 pound elbow macaroni 2 tablespoons unsalted butter 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour 2 ⁄3 cup Guinness stout 1½ cups whole milk ½ cup half and half A few grinds of black pepper 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard 3 ounces cream cheese, cut into pieces 3¾ cups grated Irish cheddar cheese 1. Begin by making the topping: In a medium skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter.

2. Add minced garlic and cook, stirring constantly, for 30 seconds. Do not brown the garlic! Add breadcrumbs and cook on low heat until they turn a golden brown. Next, add the Italian parsley.

That’s it — transfer the topping from the skillet into a bowl and set aside.

the breadcrumbs to help you form the bean patties.

5. Form the bean patties, add each patty into the breadcrumb mix, coat both sides, and then place all the formed patties on a plate while you prepare the pan to fry them.

6. In a large pan over medium-high heat, add 1-2 tablespoons of cooking oil, then carefully add the patties. Cook the bean cakes until golden brown on both sides, or for about 2 minutes per side.

7. OPTIONAL: Serve the black bean cakes with lime and sour cream, or your choice of avocado or guacamole. I sprinkled tajine spice blend over them for an extra bright flavor. add fennel and lemon zest to the top of the dip to add taste and texture. I love fennel because it has a mild refreshing taste. Fennel is also thought to help with digestion. For this reason, fennel is an ideal herb to pair with bean dishes.

Black bean patties can be made small and served as an appetizer or snack.

They also can be made a bit larger and served on a hamburger bun as a tasty alternative to meat. It can be tricky to blend the beans to the right texture to form patties that hold together.

To add extra flavor, try blending nacho chips in a food processor until they are the texture of breadcrumbs. The nacho crumbs serve to bind the bean cakes together and they add a toasted corn taste. It helps to chill the bean mixture in the refrigerator before forming the patties.

Black bean cakes taste great with sour cream, lime and sliced avocado. These bean cakes are packed with fiber and protein, but more importantly, they taste good.

3. Bring a pot of water to a boil. When the water is boiling, add 2 teaspoons of salt. Cook the elbow macaroni until it’s al dente.

4. Remove 1 cup of the pasta water and set it aside (you’ll need this later when you’re making the sauce). Drain and rinse the pasta, then set it aside while you prepare the sauce.

5. In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter.

Once it’s melted, whisk in flour. Whisk for 1 minute to create a roux for the sauce.

6. Continue to whisk as you slowly add Guinness stout, followed by milk, half and half, remaining ¼ teaspoon salt, black pepper and Dijon mustard.

7. Bring to a simmer and cook, whisking now and then, until the sauce thickens. This will take about 2 minutes.

8. Add cream cheese and 2½ cups of grated cheese. Stir the mixture until the cheeses are incorporated.

9. Add cooked pasta followed by the remaining 1¼ cup grated cheese.

Stir gently until the remaining cheese is melted and the pasta is heated through. Since the mac and cheese does not go in the oven, it is essential that the pasta is reheated in the sauce.

If the sauce seems too thick, drizzle in a little bit of the reserved pasta water.

10. Place the hot mac and cheese in a serving bowl, sprinkle on the topping and serve.

trash, recycle what I can Dear Miss Manners: My husband and I hosted a brunch and take any dishware in need of washing to gathering of about the sink.

10 people at our By the end of home. We offered the party, I was a wide spread of frustrated and also food and drinks, questioning myand we used paper plates and napkins self. What are the Judith to make cleaning up expectations for Martin a little easier — and cleaning up after MISS also because I’m in oneself as a guest?

MANNERS my third trimester Were my guests and frankly, the right, or am I right idea of cleaning that many to be frustrated by what dishes had me feeling exI perceive as their lack of consideration? hausted.

Gentle reader: Technically, It was a wonderful time your guests are correct, and a great opportunity to because they have no busispend time with friends before the baby arrives. ness barging uninvited into But throughout the party, private family spaces such there was something that as a kitchen. That would, bothered me. People ate of course, be modified by and moved freely through- your situation, though, since no well-mannered out the house, and as they guest would watch a pregwent, they left behind dirty glasses, paper plates, nant woman struggling unwadded-up napkins and der a load of plates without empty (or half-empty) cans intervening. of seltzer.

The thinking is that evWhenever I’m a guest eryone takes a turn being in someone else’s space, host, and the cleaning you I do my best to clean up do now will be balanced after myself. I throw away by your carefree time as

a guest in the future. But Miss Manners realizes that dates to a time when people reciprocated hospitality — and did not do half of their entertaining in the kitchen.

She has no objection to you and your friends having a different understanding, so long as two fundamental points are preserved — points about which she believes you to be in agreement. First, that the guests are considerate and grateful — even if that does not mean taking out the trash. And second, that the hostess’s primary concern is that her guests enjoy themselves — not who is right or wrong.

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.

Sound the horn to find the car! particular airport before, Dear Heloise: The key fob you won’t get lost as long for my 4-year-old Toyota as you can read. Why can be pressed to lock or don’t hospitals follow this unlock my car, and it can example?! Hospitals are also be pressed to sound mazes, and finding the horn. If I can’t your way through find my car in a most of them is large lot, I hold a logistics nightthe key fob over my head, press the mare. Hospitals, horn button, and get a clue! — Meg D., follow the sound. in St. Louis Hints from This is especially Heloise Microchipped pets helpful because my car is white, which Dear Heloise: Anne is a predominant color for M. recently wrote to you vehicles. — Jo M.K., in Houston with a suggestion about calling animal control for Looking for a sign stray cats. As a shelter volunteer, I must say that Dear Heloise: It’s imposhere in Tucson, Arizona, sible to get lost in an we and the Humane Sociairport. Everywhere you go, there’s signage. Even ety have insufficient reif you’ve never been to a sources to pick up healthy

cats. Instead, we recommend taking a friendly stray to any vet clinic to check for a microchip (which is free) and search for the owner.

Also, a post online (such as on Nextdoor or Lost.PetcoLove.org) and/or flyers in the neighborhood might help reunite a missing cat with their family. — Carol G., Pima Animal Care Center cat volunteer Carol, this is an excellent idea to return a cat to its owner! And for those who have cats, have them microchipped the next time they get their shots.

— Heloise Send a hint to heloise@ heloise.com.

TODAY IN HISTORY

By The Associated Press Today is Thursday, June 4, the 155th day of 2026. There are 210 days left in the year.

Today in history: On June 4, 1989, hundreds, perhaps thousands, of prodemocracy demonstrators and dozens of soldiers are estimated to have been killed when Chinese troops crushed a seven-week-long protest by demonstrators occupying Beijing’s Tiananmen Square.

Also on this date: In 1919, Congress approved the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which said that the right of Americans to vote “shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex.” (The amend-

ment was then sent to the states for ratification.)

Also in 1940, British Prime Minister Winston Churchill declared in a speech to the House of Commons: “We shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills; we shall never surrender.”

In 1942, the World War II naval Battle of Midway began, which resulted in a decisive American victory against Japan and marked a turning point in the war in the Pacific.

In 1990, Dr. Jack Kevorkian carried out his first publicly assisted suicide, helping Janet Adkins, a 54-year-old Alzheimer’s patient from Portland, Oregon, end her life in

Guinness Brownies Makes 16-20 brownies. Recipe is from sallysbakingaddiction. com. These Guinness brownies are made from reduced Guinness stout. They’re fudgy, rich and topped with espresso- and Guinness-infused frosting.

FOR BROWNIES: 1 (12-ounce) bottle Guinness Draught Stout ¾ cup unsalted butter 8 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips 1¼ cups granulated sugar 3 large eggs, at room temperature 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract 1 cup all-purpose flour ½ teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon espresso powder FOR FROSTING: ½ cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature 2 cups confectioners’ sugar 2–3 tablespoons reduced Guinness 1 teaspoon espresso powder ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract ¼ teaspoon salt 1. In a small saucepan, bring the Guinness to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce to medium heat and allow to simmer until reduced down to 2⁄3 cup, about 12–15 minutes. Set aside to cool for at least 10 minutes. You will use ½ cup in the brownies and the rest

PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE/ TNS PHOTO By GRETCHEN McKAy

Guinness Brownies

in the frosting.

2. Preheat the oven to 350 F and grease a 9-inch square baking pan or line with aluminum foil or parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides to lift the finished brownies out (makes cutting easier). Set aside.

3. Place butter and chopped chocolate in a large microwavesafe bowl. Melt in 30-second increments, whisking after each, until completely smooth.

4. Whisk in the sugar and ½ cup of reduced Guinness until completely combined. Whisk in the eggs and vanilla extract.

5. Finally, whisk in the flour, salt and espresso powder (if using). The batter will be thick and shiny. Pour/spread evenly into prepared pan.

6. Bake for 32 minutes, then

Oakland County, Michigan.

(Kevorkian died in 2011.)

In 1998, a federal judge sentenced Terry Nichols to life in prison without parole for his role in the 1995 bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City, which killed 168 people.

Today’s birthdays: Actor Bruce Dern is 90. Golf Hall of Famer Sandra Haynie is 83. Singer-actor Michelle Phillips is 82. Jazz musician Paquito D’Rivera is 78.

Actor Parker Stevenson is 74. Actor Keith David is 70.

Singer El DeBarge is 65.

Opera singer Cecilia Bartoli is 60. R&B singer Al B. Sure! is 58. Actor Scott Wolf is 58. Comedian Horatio Sanz is 57. Republican Sen. Mike Lee of Utah is 55.

Actor Noah Wyle is 55. Actor Angelina Jolie is 51.

test the brownies with a toothpick. Insert it into the center of the pan. If it comes out coated with wet batter, the brownies need more time. If there are only a few moist crumbs, the brownies are done.

7. Remove from the oven and place on a cooling rack to cool completely in the pan before frosting or cutting.

8. Make the frosting: In a large bowl using a handheld or stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, beat the butter on high speed until completely smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.

Add the confectioners’ sugar, beating on low at first then increasing to high speed.

9. Once creamy and combined, beat in 2 tablespoons of reduced Guinness, the espresso powder, vanilla extract and salt. Taste. Add the remaining reduced Guinness if needed.

If you want the frosting a little thinner, beat in a splash of milk.

10. When cool, lift the brownies out by gripping the parchment overhangs and transfer to a cutting board. Spread frosting over cooled brownies. Use a sharp knife to cut into squares.

11. Cover and store leftover brownies at room temperature for up to 1 week.

The Times-Picayune ✦ nola.com ✦ Thursday, June 4, 2026 ✦ 3D

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FrAnK And erneSt

bIG nAte

zItS

zodIAC GEMINI (May 21-June 20) Change the dialogue to reflect your needs. Ask questions, show interest and charm your way forward. Your input, dedication and creativity will help you outshine anyone who wants to challenge you.

CANCER (June 21-July 22) Be honest with yourself and others. It's easy to dwell on the negative, but it's far more productive to let go of what isn't working for you and embrace something that is.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) Put a plan together and participate in something that addresses issues of concern. A change to how you think and what you are willing to do will commence once you get your head wrapped around what's happening.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) Don't feel pressured to make a move or decision prematurely. Concentrate on how to help yourself first and then parlay your findings into helping those less fortunate.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) You'll have decisions to make that conflict with your time, schedule and what you want to do. Don't commit to something to avoid opposition. Offer what's doable, affordable and within your capabilities.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) Let your questions and responses be your ticket to a brighter future. Send out resumes, sign up for courses to update your qualifications and connect with people who can help you make your way forward.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) Keep the momentum flowing, and you'll do great.

Fixing up your space, vying for a new

position and higher pay or participating in something that intrigues you will all lead to changes in how you do things and who you associate with.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) When opportunity knocks, open the door. A chance encounter will make your heart skip a beat. Focus on home, family, love and romance, and less on outside influences trying to lead you astray.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) Put the past behind you, and structure your schedule to enhance your chance to use your talents for something lucrative and constructive.

PISCES (Feb. 20-March 20) Hold on to what you have, and make sure you are doing what's best for you. Someone will lead you astray if you are gullible. Put more thought into making positive changes to your space.

ARIES (March 21-April 19) Don't let confusion set in. Take a step back, ask questions and evaluate what's necessary.

When in doubt, take a pass and don't look back. Focus on how you earn your living.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20) Pump it up; work those muscles. Implement exercise into your routine or drum up entertaining activities you can do with friends. Participating in group activities will broaden your vision.

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: L EQUALS C

Mother GooSe And GrIMM

SherMAn’S LAGoon FAMILY CIrCUS

dooneSbUrY

4D ✦ Thursday, June 4, 2026 ✦ nola.com ✦ The Times-Picayune

CurTiS

Hi and LoiS

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Sudoku InstructIons: sudoku is a number-placing puzzle based on a 9x9 grid with several given numbers.

The object is to place the numbers 1 to 9 in the empty squares so that each row, each column and each 3x3 box contains the same number only once. The difficulty level of the sudoku increases from monday to sunday.

Yesterday’s Puzzle Answer

BaBY BLueS

BLondie

THe wiZard oF id

nea CroSSwordS

La TimeS CroSSword

The Times-Picayune ✦ nola.com ✦ Thursday, June 4, 2026 ✦ 5D

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Bridge

BY PHILLIP ALDER U.S. Rep. George Miller, from California, said, “The trouble with eating Italian food is that five or six days later, you’re hungry again.”

The trouble with 5-6 hands is deciding in which order to bid the suits. Look at today’s South hand. Would you open one spade or one heart?

With a relatively weak hand, it is better to open one spade and describe your hand as a 5-5. But this hand has very few losers if partner has a fit in one suit (or, even better, in both suits). So South should plan to bid hearts, spades and spades again to describe his 5-6. Note that his two-spade rebid is a reverse because partner, to show preference for the firstbid suit (hearts), has to go to the threelevel. There are two other points about the two-level reverse. It guarantees that the first-bid suit is longer than the second-bid, and it shows extra strength, instigating a game-force.

So North quietly supports hearts before using the Grand-Slam Force, asking South to bid seven hearts with two of the top three trumps. (Roman Key Card Blackwood would also do the job.) Surely South has the spade king for his threespade bid.

HowshouldSouthplayafterWestleads the diamond king to dummy’s ace?

garfield

Pearls Before swiNe

hagar the horriBle

Just in case the breaks are bad, declarer should play a low trump to his ace.

When West discards, South leads a spade to dummy’s ace, returns a spade to his king and ruffs a spade with dummy’s heart queen. Then he plays a heart to his nine, draws trumps and claims. © 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 — THunDER: THUN-der: The sound that follows a flash of

Bizarro

marmaduKe

lightning.

Average mark 21 words Time limit 30 minutes Can you find 29 or more words in THUNDER? YEsTERDAY’s WoRD — MYTHIcAL mach mail malt malty match math mica myth mythic yacht tail

talc hail halt hilt itch itchy calm chai chat chia chit

city claim clam clay achy alit amity lacy laic laity latch

lath limy

loCKhorNs hidato Yesterday’s Puzzle Answer

today’s thought “This people draws near to me with their mouth, and honors me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.”

Matthew 15:8 Where is your heart in relation to the Lord? G.E. Dean

6D ✦ Thursday, June 4, 2026 ✦ nola.com ✦ The Times-Picayune

muttS

roSe iS roSe

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Scrabble GramS dIrectIons: make a 2- to 7-letter word from the letters in each row. add points of each word, using scoring directions at right. Finally, 7-letter words get 50-point bonus.

“Blanks” used as any letter have no point value. all the words are in the Official sCraBBlE® players Dictionary, 5th Edition.

Yesterday’s Puzzle Answer

jump Start

For more information on tournaments and clubs, email naspa – north american sCraBBlE players association: info@scrabbleplayers.org. Visit our website: www.scrabbleplayers.org. For puzzle inquiries contact scrgrams@gmail.com.

Get fuzzy

Hasbro and its logo sCraBBlE associated logo, the design of the distinctive sCraBBlE brand game card, and the distinctive letter tile designs are trademarks of Hasbro in the United states and Canada. ©2021 Hasbro. all rights reserved. Distributed by Tribune Content agency, llC.

ken ken

animal crackerS

DuStin

InstructIons: 1 - Each row and each column must contain the numbers 1 thorugh 4 (easy) or 1 through 6 (challenging) without repeating.

2 - The numbers within the heavily outlined boxes, called cages, must combine using the given operation (in any order) to produce the target numbers in the top-left corners.

3 - Freebies: Fill in the single-box cages with the number in the top-left corner.

Wallace the brave

Drabble

WiShinG Well breWSter rockit

luann

HErE is a plEasanT liTTlE gamE that will give you a message every day. it’s a numerical puzzle designed to spell out your fortune. Count the letters in your first name. if the number of letters is 6 or more, subtract 4. if the number is less than 6, add 3. The result is your key number. start at the upper left-hand corner and check each of your key numbers, left to right. Then read the message the checked figures give you.

The Times-Picayune ✦ nola.com ✦ Thursday, June 4, 2026 ✦ 7D

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classifieds.nola.com Search & Place Ads Ads Onlines at classifieds.nola.com • Call Monday Us Monday - Friday 8AM - 5PMatat(504) (504)636-7435 636-7435 Search & Place Onlines at classifieds.nola.com - Friday 8AM - 5PM Struggling with debt? If you have over $15,000 in debt we help you be debt free in as little as 24-48 months. Pay nothing to enroll. Call Now: 1-877-773-1742.

Announcements Anyone knowing the whereabouts of Eric Dickerson and Katrina Dickerson, please Contant the law office of Garrison Youn Forte & Mulcahy At 504-527-0100 or lprestigiacomo@garrisonyount.com.

189624-June 2-4, 3t $109 Anyone knowing the whereabouts of IVAN LANER JOHNSON, who at one time resided at 2651 Poydras Street, Apt. 1315, New Orleans, LA 70119, please contact Thomas S. Block, Atty., 504-382-1204.

189713-June 3-5, 3t $109

Anyone knowing the whereabouts of Joeisa Davis and Tennille Meggs children/descendants/heirs, Please contact Attorney Tyralynn WellsDonald at 504-388-0189 or info@thewellslawoffice.com.

189887-6/4-5-6-3t $109.00 Anyone knowing the whereabouts of Joyce Savoca, please contact Trendell M. Shorty, Curator AdHoc/Attorney, 650 Poydras Street, Suite 2515, New Orleans, LA 70130, (504) 207-1370; regarding Wilmington Savings Fund Society, FSB as Owner Trustee of CFS15 Grantor Trust v. Joyce Anna Savoca a/k/a Joyce A. Savoca a/k/a Joyce Savoca, Suit No. 2026-02284, Civil District Court for the Parish of Orleans.

189556-June 2-4, 3t $193 Anyone knowing the whereabouts of Louise Baltimore Henderson and Wade Henderson, please contact attorney Ryan Cox at 504-782-9889.

189789-June 3-5, 3t $85

Anyone knowing the whereabouts of TIFFANY ADAMS A/K/A TIFFANY LYNN ADAMS, who at one time resided at 840 Keller Ave., Westwego, LA 70094, please contact Thomas S. Block, Atty., 504-382-1204, Property Rights Involved.

189798-June 4-6, 3t $121 Anyone knowing the whereabouts of Unopened Succession of William Gray, 5849 Tullis Drive, New Orleans, LA, please contact N. Kim Nguyen, Attorney, 401 Whitney Ave., #515, Gretna, LA 70056, or (504)218-5946.

189705-6/3-4-2t $102.00 Anyone knowing the whereabouts of Willis Coleman and/or Herbert McCarver’s children/descendants or heirs. Please contact Attorney Tyralynn Wells-Donald at 504-3880189 or info@thewellslawoffice.com.

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Public Notices

Public Notices Bids/Proposals

PUBLIC NOTICE --ADVERTISEMENT REQUEST FOR PROPOS‐ ALS (RFP) CONSTRUCTION PROPOS‐ ALS FOR THE NORMAN C. FRANCIS SCIENCE & ACA‐ DEMIC BUILDING EXTE‐ RIOR ENVELOPE REPAIRS Xavier University of Louisiana is issuing an RFP for an organization, authorized to do busi‐ ness in the State of Louisiana, to provide construction services for the Exterior Envelope Re‐ pairs of the NCF Science & Academic Building. RFP XULA 05-2026 is available on the University’s Web‐ site at https://www.xula. edu/fiscal-services/rfpxula-05-2026-ncfexterior-envelope.pdf The University must re‐ ceive all proposals that are submitted in re‐ sponse to the RFP before 2:00p.m. Central Stan‐ dard Time (CST) on June 19, 2026. The University will not accept either faxed or emailed propos‐ als. Also, proposals re‐ ceived after that time will not be considered.

Xavier University of Louisiana reserves the right to reject any or all proposals and to waive any informalities inci‐ dental thereto.

All questions about this correspondence shall be directed via email to Xavier University’s Pro‐ ject Manager, Lauren Smith lsmith9@xula.edu.

189132-may 28-jun 18 $3,153

PUBLIC NOTICE --INVITATION TO BID PURCHASE AND DELIV‐ ERY OF FOUR (4) 100 TON MOORING BOLLARDS FOR THE JULIA STREET WHARF June 1, 2026 Notice is hereby given that the Board of Com‐ missioners of the Port of New Orleans (“Board”) is soliciting bids for the purchase and delivery of four (4) 100 ton Mooring Bollards for the Julia Street Wharf.

All Invitation to Bid (ITB) documents will be avail‐ able on www.centralbidd ing.com on Monday, June 1, 2026. The ITB docu‐ ments may also be ob‐ tained from the SEBcon‐ nect App, available on both the Apple and Google play platforms.

Bids must be submitted via Central Bidding, no later than 1:00 PM (CST), on Friday, June 19, 2026, to be considered. Bidders shall follow the instruc‐ tions given in the Invita‐ tion to Bid (ITB) in order to respond with a valid bid.

All inquiries shall be di‐ rected to the Procure‐ ment Department at pro‐ curement@portnola.com

by Tuesday, June 9, 2026 at 5:00 PM (CST). Ad‐ denda to this ITB will be issued to all Bidders re‐ ceiving this ITB. Ques‐ tions and answers and all forms required will be posted on www.central biding.com.

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Public Notices Bids/Proposals

The Board strongly en‐ courages the acquisition of goods and services from and direct partici‐ pation of eligible busi‐ ness entities (“EBEs”) as defined in the Board's Small Business Opportu‐ nity Program (the “Pro‐ gram”). The Program is a race and gender-neutral program intended to pro‐ vide additional contract‐ ing and procurement op‐ portunities for certified eligible businesses by encouraging contractors who receive state con‐ tracts to use good-faith efforts to utilize such certified entities in the performance of those contracts.

ing.com on Monday, June 1, 2026. The ITB docu‐ ments may also be ob‐ tained from the SEBcon‐ nect App, available on both the Apple and Google play platforms.

Bids must be submitted via Central Bidding, no later than 10:00 AM (CST), on Friday, June 19, 2026, to be considered.

Bidders shall follow the instructions given in the Invitation to Bid (ITB) in order to respond with a valid bid.

The Board desires to achieve, to the greatest extent possible, commer‐ cially meaningful and useful participation by EBEs. By providing equi‐ table opportunities for EBEs, the Board derives multiple benefits, includ‐ ing contributing to the economic vitality of our communities and ensur‐ ing a broader selection of competitively priced goods and services.

Bidders should present a responsible plan that provides for participation of qualified EBEs. Bidders should clearly state EBE participation goals and their plan for implemen‐ tation of the same in their proposal. Bidders should also include infor‐ mation relative to the participation levels it has managed on other prior projects.

Participation shall be counted toward meeting the contract goals only by business entities cer‐ tified designated in the Program. The direct par‐ ticipation goal can be achieved through direct ownership, joint venture participation, owner/op‐ erator agreements, or sublease agreements for operations. Participation shall include work oppor‐ tunities in planning, de‐ velopment, construction, and operation of the Pro‐ ject.

The Board accepts the following certifications: (1) the SLDBE program run by the City of New Orleans, (2) the state of Louisiana’s Department of Economic Develop‐ ment’s SBE Hudson Ini‐ tiative program, (3) The Louisiana Unified Certifi‐ cation Program, or (4) the Federal Small Busi‐ ness Enterprise Program.

Proposals shall include evidence of a current certification in order to receive points for partici‐ pation.

189855-JUN 4-8-2T PUBLIC NOTICE --INVITATION TO BID PURCHASE AND DELIV‐ ERY OF TWENTY-TWO (22) STEEL PIPE PILES FOR UP‐ GRADES TO THE JULIA STREET WHARF June 1, 2026 Notice is hereby given that the Board of Com‐ missioners of the Port of New Orleans (“Board”) is soliciting bids for the purchase and delivery of twenty-two (22) Steel Pipe Piles for upgrades to the Julia Street Cruise Wharf.

All Invitation to Bid (ITB) documents will be avail‐ able on www.centralbidd

All inquiries shall be di‐ rected to the Procure‐ ment Department at pro‐ curement@portnola.com

by Tuesday, June 9, 2026 at 5:00 PM (CST). Ad‐ denda to this ITB will be issued to all Bidders re‐ ceiving this ITB. Ques‐ tions and answers and all forms required will be posted on www.central biding.com.

The Board strongly en‐ courages the acquisition of goods and services from and direct partici‐ pation of eligible busi‐ ness entities (“EBEs”) as defined in the Board's Small Business Opportu‐ nity Program (the “Pro‐ gram”). The Program is a race and gender-neutral program intended to pro‐ vide additional contract‐ ing and procurement op‐ portunities for certified eligible businesses by encouraging contractors who receive state con‐ tracts to use good-faith efforts to utilize such certified entities in the performance of those contracts.

The Board desires to achieve, to the greatest extent possible, commer‐ cially meaningful and useful participation by EBEs. By providing equi‐ table opportunities for EBEs, the Board derives multiple benefits, includ‐ ing contributing to the economic vitality of our communities and ensur‐ ing a broader selection of competitively priced goods and services.

Bidders should present a responsible plan that provides for participation of qualified EBEs. Bidders should clearly state EBE participation goals and their plan for implemen‐ tation of the same in their proposal. Bidders should also include infor‐ mation relative to the participation levels it has managed on other prior projects.

Participation shall be counted toward meeting the contract goals only by business entities cer‐ tified designated in the Program. The direct par‐ ticipation goal can be achieved through direct ownership, joint venture participation, owner/op‐ erator agreements, or sublease agreements for operations. Participation shall include work oppor‐ tunities in planning, de‐ velopment, construction, and operation of the Pro‐ ject.

The Board accepts the following certifications: (1) the SLDBE program run by the City of New Orleans, (2) the state of Louisiana’s Department of Economic Develop‐ ment’s SBE Hudson Ini‐ tiative program, (3) The Louisiana Unified Certifi‐ cation Program, or (4) the Federal Small Busi‐ ness Enterprise Program. l h ll i l d

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OFFICE EQUIPMENT & MISC. Office desks, chairs, filing cabinets plus commercial retail display fixtures for sale. Heavy-duty warehouse shelving and storage racks also available. Priced to move fast. Perfect for new businesses or upgrades. See inventory and pick up at 509 N. Carrollton Ave. $15+ (504) 648-0292

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p g Proposals shall include evidence of a current certification in order to receive points for partici‐ pation.

189886-JUN 4-8-2T PUBLIC NOTICE --ORLEANS PARISH SCHOOL BOARD Procurement Department 2401 Westbend Parkway, Suite 5055 New Orleans, Louisiana 70114 ADVERTISEMENT REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL NO. 26-0123 STAFF TRAINING FAMILY ENGAGEMENT: SPECIALITY IN ENGLISH LEARNER, IMMIGRANT, LEP POPULATIONS Electronic Responses to Request for Proposal rel‐ ative to the above will be received via email sub‐ mission to the Procure‐ ment Department for the Orleans Parish School Board (“OPSB” or “the District”) at 2401 West‐ bend Parkway, Suite 5055, New Orleans, Louisiana 70114 until 10:00 A.M. (CST) on Tues‐ day, June 30, 2026.

Specifications and quali‐ fications are found in the RFP documents and may be obtained by visiting the District’s website at www.nolapublicschools. com. All questions re‐ garding this RFP shall be directed to the Executive Director of Procurement procurement@nol at apublicschools.com.

The District will host a Virtual Pre-Proposal meeting to be held on Friday, June 12, 2026, at 10:00 A.M. (CST). The Vir‐ tual link can be found below: Register in advance for this meeting: https://us06web.zoom. us/meeting/register/scY pDV9XQl6SBpUAWx_tYQ After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing infor‐ mation about joining the meeting.

The District reserves the right to reject any or all Responses to Request for Proposal whenever such rejection is in its best in‐ terest in accordance with law. The provisions and requirements of this ad‐ vertisement shall not be waived.

NOLA Public Schools shall make every effort to provide reasonable ac‐ commodation for people with disabilities. The re‐ quests for any reason‐ able accommodation shall be submitted in writing to the Executive Director of Procurement, no less than seven (7) days in advance of any meetings.

Paul A. Lucius Executive Director of Procurement FIRST INSERTION DATE: THURSDAY, JUNE 4 2026 SECOND INSERTION DATE: THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 2026 189739-jun 4-11-2t $95.18

PUBLIC NOTICE --ORLEANS PARISH SCHOOL BOARD Procurement Department 2401 Westbend Parkway, Suite 5055 New Orleans, Louisiana

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

NEW ORLEANS EAST 2Br/1.5Ba TH 7040 Crowder, w/d conn, carpet, cnt a/h. Furn kitc. No Pets $1,150/mo. 504-554-3500 NEW ORLEANS EAST LITTLE WOODS SPECIAL 7819 SANDS STREET * 3 BD/2 BA Central A & H * Fenced Backyard Sec 8 Welcome. No Deposit. $1,200 504-241-6189 * 504-430-1162

DOGS Maltipoo pups. Vet checked, 1st Shots, de-wormed (225) 806-1788 DOGS Maltipoo’s, Dorkie’s, Yorkie’s - Maltipoo puppies, $350 & $400. Dorkie puppies $350 & $400 Reg. Yorkie puppies $700 & $800. $350+ 601-543-4232

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OUT OF TOWN PROPERTY 800acres of Prime Rice Pasture & Marsh Land for Sale in Klondike LA, Exc. Water Fowl Hunting & Fishing, for more info (337) 789-4999

Public Notices Bids/Proposals

3315 Iberville St. Unit 3, 3BR 1.5BA, Mins. from City Prk, Popular Mid City Spots, Bright Apt. w/Hardwood Flrs, Water Pd, W/D hu, Walk-in Closets, $1345/mth. Call Felicia 504-813-2996

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Public Notices Bids/Proposals

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Public Notices Bids/Proposals

70114 ADVERTISEMENT INVITATION TO BID NO. 27-CN-0003 FRESH, PROCESSED AND PRE-CUT PRODUCE Electronic Responses to Invitation to Bid relative to the above will be re‐ ceived via email submis‐ sion to the Procurement Department for the Or‐ leans Parish School Board (“OPSB” or “the District”) at 2401 West‐ bend Parkway, Suite 5055, New Orleans, Louisiana 70114 until 1:00 P.M. (CST) on Tuesday, June 30, 2026.

Specifications and quali‐ fication documents may be obtained by visiting the District’s website at www.nolapublicschools. com. All questions re‐ garding this ITB shall be directed to the Executive Director of Procurement procurement@nol at apublicschools.com.

The District reserves the right to reject any or all Responses to the Invita‐ tion to Bid whenever such rejection is in its best interest in accor‐ dance with law. The pro‐ visions and requirements of this advertisement shall not be waived.

NOLA Public Schools shall make every effort to provide reasonable ac‐ commodation for people with disabilities. The re‐ quests for any reason‐ able accommodation shall be submitted in writing to the Executive Director of Procurement, no less than seven (7) days in advance of any meetings.

Paul A. Lucius Executive Director of Procurement FIRST INSERTION DATE: THURSDAY, JUNE 4, 2026 SECOND INSERTION DATE: THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 2026 189744-jun 4-11-2t $79.02

PUBLIC NOTICE --ORLEANS PARISH SCHOOL BOARD Procurement Department 2401 Westbend Parkway, Suite 5055 New Orleans, Louisiana 70114 ADVERTISEMENT INVITATION TO BID NO. 27-CN-0007 BREAD PRODUCTS Electronic Responses to Invitation to Bid relative to the above will be re‐ ceived via email submis‐ sion to the Procurement Department for the Or‐ leans Parish School Board (“OPSB” or “the District”) at 2401 West‐ bend Parkway, Suite 5055, New Orleans, Louisiana 70114 until 11:00 A.M. (CST) on Tues‐ day, June 30, 2026.

Specifications and quali‐ fication documents may be obtained by visiting the District’s website at www.nolapublicschools. com. All questions re‐ garding this ITB shall be directed to the Executive Director of Procurement at procurement@nol apublicschools.com.

The District reserves the right to reject any or all Responses to the Invita‐ tion to Bid whenever such rejection is in its best interest in accor‐ dance with law. The pro‐ d i i i

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Public Notices Bids/Proposals

p visions and requirements of this advertisement shall not be waived.

y mated pursuant to this advertisement. Addition‐ ally, no offeror will be discriminated against on the basis of age, sex, race, color, religion, na‐ tional origin, ethnicity or disability.

Paul A. Lucius Executive Director of Pro‐ curement FIRST INSERTION DATE: THURSDAY, JUNE 4, 2026 SECOND INSERTION DATE: THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 2026 189748-JUN 4-11-2T $76

PUBLIC NOTICE --PUBLIC NOTICE REGIONAL TRANSIT AUTHORITY STATE LEGISLATIVE SERVICES REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP) #2026-014-1 (Rebid) Project Description: The Regional Transit Author‐ ity (RTA) is seeking a vendor to provide State Legislative Services per specifications in RFP 2026-014-1.

How to Obtain a copy of the RFP: Scope of Work and further information concerning the RFP may be obtained beginning Monday, May 18, 2026, from the RTA’s Procure‐ ware website at https:// norta.procureware.com/ home. You will be re‐ quired to first register on this website. The RFQ can also be obtained at Regional Transit Author‐ ity’s website at http:// www.norta.com Responding to RFP: Pro‐ posals shall be submit‐ ted through RTA’s Pro‐ cureware website on or before 2:00 P.M., June 16, 2026. Any questions or further information con‐ cerning this RFP may be submitted through https://norta. procureware.com/home beginning on May 18, 2026. Only written ques‐ tions submitted through https://norta. procureware.com/home shall be considered offi‐ cial. All answers to ques‐ tions shall be by formal addenda posted to the website under RFP #2026-014-1.

RTA in accordance with 49 Code of Federal Regu‐ lations (CFR) Part 26 has an obligation to ensure nondiscrimination of Dis‐ advantaged Business En‐ terprises (DBEs) and to comply with all federal, state and local regula‐ tions relative to utiliza‐ tion of DBEs on publicly funded projects. The RTA is committed to utiliza‐ tion of DBEs on all feder‐ ally funded projects to‐ ward attainment of the agency's established overall goal of 32%.

NO DBE goal has been es‐ tablished for this project.

Notice to all offerors is hereby provided that in accordance with all ap‐ plicable federal, state and local laws the RTA will ensure that DBEs are afforded full opportunity to submit offers and re‐ sponses to this solicita‐ tion and to participate in any contract consum‐ d hi

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Public Notices Bids/Proposals

NOLA Public Schools shall make every effort to provide reasonable ac‐ commodation for people with disabilities. The re‐ quests for any reason‐ able accommodation shall be submitted in writing to the Executive Director of Procurement, no less than seven (7) days in advance of any meetings.

DOGS T-cup YORKIES Maltipoos POMS Mini Goldendoodles POODLES Shit Tzu De‐ signers + Siamese Kittens S/W=UTD Teacups $995+. Puppy Pack $595+ 504-259-2222

The RTA reserves the right to accept or reject any and all submittals.

Lona Hankins Chief Executive Officer Regional Transit Authority 188047-may 28-jun 4-2t $572.50

PUBLIC NOTICE --PUBLIC NOTICE ST. CHARLES PARISH Request for Proposals for Program Administra‐ tive/Management Ser‐ vices to Implement the St. Charles Parish Resi‐ dential Mitigation Pro‐ gram St. Charles Parish has se‐ cured/intends to secure grant awards through FEMA’s Flood Mitigation Assistance and Hazard Mitigation Grant Pro‐ grams (and any other funding that may be‐ come available) to miti‐ gate Severe Repetitive Loss and Repetitive Loss residential structures.

These grant programs will provide funding nec‐ essary for the elevation or mitigation reconstruc‐ tion of residential struc‐ tures to reduce or elimi‐ nate the risk of flood damage to said struc‐ tures insured under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).

The Parish is interested in procuring the services of an administrative con‐ sulting firm to manage the implementation of these programs.

The procedures for the selection of this firm will

Public Notices Bids/Proposals

be in accordance with the procurement require‐ ments of FEMA, GOHSEP, the State of Louisiana, and St. Charles Parish.

All responses received will be evaluated in ac‐ cordance with the selec‐ tion criteria and corre‐ sponding point system, which is identified in the Request for Proposals package. The package also identifies the scope of services to be per‐ formed by the selected firm. All proposals will be scored and ranked with the highest rated firm being awarded the con‐ tract. Interviews may be conducted at the Parish’s discretion or in the event of a tie.

Interested parties are in‐ vited to secure a pro‐ posal package from Blaise Robert by e-mail‐ ing a request to brobert@stcharlesgov. net.

Proposals must be re‐ ceived by the St. Charles Parish Grants Office at P.O. Box 302, Hahnville, LA 70057 or 15045 River Road 3rd Floor, Hahnville, LA 70057, no later than 10:00 a.m., local time on Thursday, July 2, 2026.

Any proposal received later than the specified time and date will NOT be accepted or consid‐ ered.

No facsimile, e-mail, or telephone proposals will be accepted. Submitted Proposals MUST be sealed and clearly la‐ beled: St. Charles Parish Residential Mitigation Program on the outside of the envelope/package, as well as the Proposer’s business name, address, and license number (if applicable).

St. Charles Parish is an Equal Opportunity Em‐ ployer. We encourage all small and minorityowned firms and women’s business enter‐ prises to apply.

Persons requiring rea‐ sonable accommodation to respond to this solici‐ tation are requested to contact Carla Chiasson at cchiasson@stcharl esgov.net to discuss their particular needs.

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St. Charles Parish Herald Guide The Advocate https://www.stcharlespa rish.gov/ Thursday, May 28, 2026 Thursday, June 4, 2026 Thursday, June 11, 2026 188790-may 28-jun 4-11-3t $1,082

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PUBLIC NOTICE --SEWERAGE & WATER BOARD OF NEW ORLEANS KANSAS STREET SEWER FORCE MAIN REPLACE‐ MENT PROJECT CONTRACT NO. 30200 SOLICITATION NO. 2026SWB-28 Sealed Bids for construc‐ tion of Contract 30200 KANSAS STREETSEWER FORCE MAIN REPLACE‐ MENT Bid Documents and pro‐ posal forms are available for download on May 21, 2026, at the following websites: SWBNO: https://www2. swbno.org/business_bid specifications.asp LAPAC: https:// wwwcfprd.doa.louisiana. gov/OSP/LaPAC/dspBid. f h d

Public Notices Bids/Proposals g p cfm?search=departm ent&term=181 A NON-MANDATORY prebid conference will be held on June 4, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. Central Time at the Sewerage and Water Board of New Or‐ leans, Purchasing Con‐ ference Room RM 131, lo‐ cated at 625 St Joseph St., New Orleans, Louisiana, 70165 or if you are unable to attend this in-person meeting, you can also join via telecon‐ ference call: Microsoft Teams https://teams.microsoft. com/meet/23768675562 1484?p=HKaqXUmyQlS OcvYbaD Meeting ID: 237 686 755 621 484 Passcode: aF3jK7wh Dial in by phone +1 504-2248698,,239039723# United States, New Orleans Phone conference ID: 239 039 723# All inquiries shall be di‐ rected to Connor Metcalf, Procurement Analyst, at cmetcalf@swbno.org.

The deadline for in‐ quiries is on June 9, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Central Time.

Bids are due on June 30, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. Any Bids received after the specified time will be re‐ jected.

Bids will then be publicly opened and read on June 30, 2026, at 11:30 a.m. at Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans, 625 St. Joseph Street, Purchasing Conference Room 131, New Orleans, Louisiana.

Microsoft Teams https://teams.microsoft. com/meet/29279329682 4806?p=cuVbPTxGsKC 3AtSWUv Meeting ID: 292 793 296 824 806 Passcode: Rj7nF9gU Dial in by phone 504-224+1 8698,,248440619# United States, New Orleans Phone conference ID: 248 440 619# LATE BIDS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. 188378-MAY 21-28-jun 63t $130 PUBLIC NOTICE --The Ernest N. Morial New Orleans Exhibition Hall Authority (“the Author‐ ity”) is requesting sealed bids for C-2227 Procure‐ ment of Video Equip‐ ment.

Bids are due Tuesday, June 23, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. at which time Bids received on time and in the correct location will be considered. Bid docu‐ ments may be obtained online at https://www. centralauctionhouse. com/Category/10822/ NewOrleansErnestNMo rialConventionCenter or by contacting the Con‐ tracts Department at (504) 582-3562 or con‐ All tracts@mccno.com.

Bids must be submitted in accordance with the bid documents.

189568 June 4, 10, 2t $9.19

NEWS 24/7

8D ✦ Thursday, June 4, 2026 ✦ nola.com ✦ The Times-Picayune

PUBLIC NOTICE --BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE PORT OF NEW ORLEANS along with the NEW ORLEANS PUBLIC BELT RAILROAD COMMISSION FOR THE PORT OF NEW ORLEANS In accordance with LRS 39:1306 to 1308, public notice is hereby given that the Board of Com‐ missioners of the Port of New Orleans (Board), acting through its Presi‐ dent and Chief Executive Officer Beth Ann Branch, will hold a public hearing on the proposed operat‐ ing and capital budgets of the Board and the New Orleans Public Belt Rail‐ road Commission for the Port of New Orleans for Fiscal Year 2027, which commences July 1, 2026.

The hearing will be held at the Port of New Or‐ leans Administration Building, 1350 Port of New Orleans Place, in the Auditorium, First Floor, New Orleans, Louisiana, at 10:00 A.M. on Monday, June 15, 2026.

Prior to the hearing, copies of the budgets will be available for re‐ view by the public at the Port of New Orleans Ad‐ ministration Building, 1350 Port of New Orleans Place, New Orleans, Louisiana between 9:00 A.M. and 1:00 P.M. on Fri‐ day, June 12, 2026. Please check in at the front desk for viewing location in the building.

The Board Meetings for the adoption of the bud‐ gets will be held at the Port of New Orleans Ad‐ ministration Building, 1350 Port of New Orleans

Legal Notices

Legal Notices

Legal Notices

Legal Notices

Place, in the Auditorium, First Floor, New Orleans, Louisiana, on Thursday, June 25, 2026.

COMMISSION WILL HEAR PROPONENTS AND OPPO‐ NENTS TO THE ABOVE PROPOSED SUBDIVISION. ALL INTERESTED PARTIES ARE ENCOURAGED TO AT‐ TEND AND ALL RELEVANT COMMENTS CONCERNING THE PROPOSED CHANGES ARE ENCOURAGED. THE CPC HAS ESTABLISHED PUBLIC HEARING RULES WITHIN ITS ADMINISTRA‐ TIVE RULES, POLICIES, & PROCEDURES, WHICH ARE AVAILABLE ON THE CPC WEBSITE: WWW. NOLA.GOV/CPC. YOU MAY ALSO SUBMIT WRITTEN COMMENTS TO THE EX‐ ECUTIVE DIRECTOR IN ADVANCE BY MAIL (1300 PERDIDO STREET, 7TH FLOOR, NEW ORLEANS, LA 70112) OR EMAIL CPCINFO@NOLA.GOV. ALL WRITTEN COM‐ MENTS MUST BE RE‐ CEIVED BY CLOSE OF BUSINESS ON THE MON‐ DAY, EIGHT DAYS PRIOR TO THE HEARING DATE.

the Public Hearing will be held before the Laureate Academy Char‐ ter School Finance Committee:

Non-polar material SGTHEM samples taken by Total Clean, LLC on 4/18/2025, during the user’s mandatory selfmonitoring sampling event.

ACTION TAKEN: Notice of Violation No. 1-2025 was issued to Total Clean LLC for noncompliance of their Wastewater Dis‐ charge Permit No. 017.

Subsequent sample analysis showed Total Clean LLC met all dis‐ charge permit limits found in Permit No. 017.

189843-jun 4-1t $46.95 PUBLIC NOTICE --CITY PLANNING COMMISSION PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE TUESDAY, JUNE 23, 2026 PUBLIC HEARING: 1:30 P.M. CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS 1300 PERDIDO STREET 1st FLOOR THE CITY PLANNING COMMISSION, IN ACCOR‐ DANCE WITH PROVISIONS OF THE CITY OF NEW OR‐ LEANS SUBDIVISION REG‐ ULATIONS, WILL HOLD A PUBLIC HEARING ON JUNE 23, 2026 ON THE FOLLOWING MATTER:

June 4, June 11, and June 18, 2026

SUBDIVISION DOCKETS 059-26 SD059-26 Resubdivision of Lot 19-B2-1 into Lots 19-B2-1A, 19-B2-1B, and 19-B2-1C in Arpent Lot 18 and 19, Section 39, Town‐ ship 12S, Range 12E (now or formerly Seegar prop‐ erty), Third Municipal District and bounded by Chef Menteur Highway, Jourdan Road, Dwyer Road, and Downman Road.

Municipal ad‐ dresses are Municipal addresses are 5801-5835 Chef Menteur Highway and 3908-3934 Downman Road.

(Policy D) THE

CITY

Robert Rivers, Executive Director NOCP 9095 189898-jun 4-11-18-3t $94.17 PUBLIC NOTICE --Laureate Academy Char‐ ter School Public Hearings on Laureate Academy Char‐ ter School’s 2026-2027 PROPOSED BUDGET

PLANNING

In Pursuant to the Provisions of La.R.S. 39:1306-1308,

Monday, June 15, 2026, Time: 5:00 PM, Place: 2115 Oakmere Dr, Harvey, LA 70058 For at least 15 calendar days before the Budget’s Adoption, Laureate Academy Charter School’s proposed budget will be available for public inspection at 2115 Oakmere Dr, Harvey, LA 700 189733-JUN 4-1T $102.50 PUBLIC NOTICE --PUBLIC NOTICE OF SIGNIFICANT NONCOM‐ PLIANCE VIOLATIONS FOR THE SEWERAGE AND WATER BOARD OF NEW ORLEANS PRETREATMENT PRO‐ GRAM Listed below are signifi‐ cant wastewater dis‐ charge violations or non‐ compliance of the re‐ quirements of 40 CFR Part 403, (General Pre‐ treatment Regulations) occurring in the last 12 months.

NAME OF COMPANY: Total Clean LLC ADDRESS: 7301 Terminal Road New Orleans, LA 70126 VIOLATION: Process wastewater discharges exceeded the Technical Review Criteria (TRC) limit for Oil & Grease and

Legal Notices

189764-JUN 4-1T $42

PUBLIC NOTICE --The Jefferson Parish School Board is seeking applicants who meet the qualifications of the of‐ fice to fill a vacancy for the unexpired term of the resigning member in School Board District 9.

This vacancy was caused by the resignation of the School Board Member of that District, which unex‐ pired term begins on the date of selection of the applicant to fill the va‐ cancy and ends on De‐ cember 31, 2026. Appli‐ cants must be at least 18 years old, able to read and write, possess a high school diploma or its equivalent as deter‐ mined by BESE, have resided in Louisiana for the preceding 2 years, and have been actually domiciled for the preced‐ ing year in District 9 from which appointment is sought.

Applications from those who meet the above qualifications interested h i i filli

q in filling the vacancy in District 9 will be received at the Office of the Chief of Human Resources, 501 Manhattan Blvd., Harvey, La., beginning June 3, 2026 and must be re‐ ceived there no later than June 8, 2026 at noon.

Applicants should sub‐ mit a letter of interest, a resume, proof of resi‐ dency, an email address and a telephone number as part of the application to Donna Joseph, Chief of Human Resources, either by hand delivery during business hours at 501 Manhattan Blvd., Harvey, La. or by email at donna. joseph@jpschools.org or

by Fax at (504) 349-7726.

Public interviews by the School Board will be held at a Special Session of the Board on Thursday, June 11, 2026 at 1 p.m., at the Administration Build‐ ing, 501 Manhattan Blvd., Harvey, La. Applicants will be given 15 minutes for a presentation, fol‐ lowing which presenta‐ tion from all applicants the School Board will vote to select one of the applicants to fill the va‐ cancy.

Kriss Fairbairn-Fortunato School Board President 189791-JUN 3-5-3T $83 PUBLIC NOTICE --The Louisiana Office of the State Museum is re‐ questing proposals for a Public-Private Partner‐ ship project to design, build, furnish, operate, and maintain an in‐ door/outdoor café at the New Orleans Jazz Mu‐

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g low St., New Orleans, LA 70113 (LA R.S. 39:1307).

ReNEW-Reinventing Edu‐ cation is the charter school management or‐ ganization operating ReNEW Laurel Elemen‐ tary, ReNEW Dolores T. Aaron Elementary, ReNEW Schaumburg Ele‐ mentary, and ReNEW Moton Lakefront Elemen‐ tary. A physical copy of the 2026-2027 budget is available at 10001 Lake Forest Blvd., Suite 710, New Orleans, LA 70127.

seum. For more informa‐ tion go to opportuni‐ tiesinlouisiana.com.

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PUBLIC NOTICE --The Orleans Public De‐ fenders (OPD) FY 2027 proposed budget will be available for public in‐ spection on June 9 – 11, 2026, at www.opdla.org or at OPD office, 2601 Tu‐ lane Ave, Suite 700, New Orleans, LA 70119.

189805-jun 4-1t $38.87 PUBLIC NOTICE --Please take notice that a Petition to Open Admin‐ istration and Appoint In‐ dependent Administra‐ tor, Sarah F. Hamed, in the Succession of Nabil A. Awad has been filed in the 24th Judicial District Court for the Parish of Jefferson under Probate Number 876222. Any op‐ position thereto must be filed within seven (7) days of notice hereof.

Amanda J. Butler, Esq., 3436 Magazine St., #8012, New Orleans, LA 70115.

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PUBLIC NOTICE --The Orleans Public De‐ fenders (OPD) will hold a public hearing on the FY 2027 proposed budget on June 10, 2026, at 12:30 pm.

OPD conference room, 2601 Tulane Ave, Suite 700, New Orleans, LA 70119.

PUBLIC NOTICE --24th JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT FOR THE PARISH OF JEFFERSON STATE OF LOUISIANA NO. 843-463, DIVISION P, SUCCESSION OF CLINTON SHELTON, III NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR AUTHORITY TO PAY ESTATE DEBTS, POSSES‐ SION, AND CLOSE THE FOREGOING SUCCESSION IS HEREBY GIVEN that MERCEDES WASHINGTON, in HER capacity as EX‐ ECUTRIX of the Succes‐ sion of CLINTON SHEL‐ TON, III, has petitioned this Court for application for authority to pay es‐ tate debts, possession, and close the foregoing succession, in accor‐ dance with the provi‐ sions of Article 3304 of the Code of Civil Proce‐ dure. Any heir or creditor who opposes the must file his opposition with h i hi

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PUBLIC NOTICE --ReNEW-Reinventing Edu‐ cation will introduce the 2026-27 budget and hold its first public hearing on the 2026-27 budget on May 14, 2026 at 5:30 pm at Edgar P Harney Build‐ ing located at 2503 Wil‐ l l

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THE TIMES-PICAYUNE

June 4, 2026

PAGE 6

Footage taken in Louisiana swamp for new ‘Star Wars’ adventure page 9

Festival at French Market turns fabulous 40 page 4

2 ✦ Thursday, June 4, 2026 ✦ nola.com ✦ The Times-Picayune

don’t miss lll

magnolia ball

Ogden Museum of Southern Art blossoms after dark Saturday for its annual evening of music, martinis and marvelous art up for bid. Krewe des Fleurs and All3n Generation led by Shamarr Allen will perform; Jon Osborne will do a live painting; and a silent auction online features more than 100 regional artists, businesses, restauranteurs and cocktail crafters. The fun starts at 7 p.m. at 925 Camp St. Tickets start at $200.

‘american celebration’ The Jefferson Chorale, an affiliate of the Jefferson Performing Arts Society, raises its voice in patriotic tones for a free concert at 3 p.m. Sunday at the Westwego Performing Arts Theater, 117 Sala Ave. The ensemble is conducted by Louise La Bruyere. jpas.org.

quarter kaleidoscope The Vieux Carré Property Owners, Residents and Associates and the BK House partner for an evening of storytelling, which aims to show the French Quarter as a community. Speakers include Liz Green, Ennis McKenzie, Amzie Adams, Glenn Miller and Alicia “Blue Eyes” Renee starting at 6 p.m. Wednesday at the historic domicile at 1113 Chartres St. Tickets start at $10. bkhouse.org.

lucy darling: simply darling Carisa Hendrix dons the persona of a cocktail enthusiast and charming socialite for her travels as a “vivacious vagabond,” and what better place for fun and frolic than the Crescent City?

She’ll arrive at 7:30 p.m. Friday at the Mahalia Jackson Theater for the Performing Arts in Armstrong Park to bring her wit, advice and “signature charm and mischief.” Tickets start at $49. mahaliajacksontheater.com.

michael carbonaro: wonderboy Illusions, magic and comedy take over The Fillmore at Caesars Casino on Friday when the star of television’s “The Carbonaro Effect” puts on a 6 p.m. show billed as “magic is the superpower and laughter is the sidekick.” Tickets start at $64. thefillmorenola.com.

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don’t miss

queer comedy fest

The Times-Picayune ✦ nola.com ✦ Thursday, June 4, 2026 ✦ 3

From left, Bailey Pope, Kalea McNeill and Ren Q. Dawe

More than 50 comedians from the LGBTQ+ community, including Ren Q. Dawe, Kalea McNeill and Bailey Pope, will perform over four days on stages across the metro area.

Some events Thursday through Sunday are free, including the welcome and open mic at Really Really Nice Wines and the wrap party at Urban South.

Others require tickets at various prices. Venues also include Howlin’ Wolf, Sports Drink, Oz and the Bourbon Pub. lgbtol.com.

ABOUT LAGNIAPPE

The Lagniappe section is published each Thursday by The Times-Picayune | The New Orleans Advocate.

All inquiries about Lagniappe should be directed to the editor.

LAGNIAPPE EDITOR: Lauren Walck, lauren.walck@theadvocate.com COVER DESIGN: Andrea Daniel CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Victor Andrews, Kasey Bubnash, Marco Cartolano, Marigny Lanaux, Keith Spera, Molly Terrell

GET LISTED IN LAGNIAPPE Submit events to Lagniappe at least two weeks in advance by sending an email to events@ theadvocate.com.

ON THE COVER

Patrons at Anna’s bar in the Marigny clink together Underberg, the 20-mililiter bottles of herbal bitters wrapped in straw-colored paper.

Photo by Kasey Bubnash. The tiny drink is drawing widespread popularity. Story by Bubnash on Page 6.

happy birthday america

opera in the piazza At 7 p.m. Friday, the sounds of opera, Broadway and more will fill the air inside the Piazza d’Italia, 377 Poydras St. Hear local and national operatic voices while enjoying food and drink from local vendors. Folding chairs suggested. VIP ticket holders have seating and refreshments in the Renaissance Room at the American Italian Cultural Center. A seated dinner will be offered starting at 6:30 p.m. Tickets start at $35. aiccnola.org.

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4 ✦ Thursday, June 4, 2026 ✦ nola.com ✦ The Times-Picayune

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Just ripe

Creole Tomato Festival celebrates 40 years

BY MARIGNY LANAUX

Staff writer

A BLT, bloody mary, bowl of gazpacho and caprese salad are just a few dishes available to try at the annual Creole Tomato Festival, which returns to the French Quarter for its 40th anniversary celebration Saturday and Sunday.

Created as a delicious way to welcome the warmer summer months, the two-day festival spans from the end of the French Market on Esplanade Avenue to Jackson Square, including Oscar Dunn Park, Dutch Alley, Dumaine Plaza and Latrobe Park.

The ongoing French Quarter road construction project shouldn’t affect festivalgoers much, said Shayd Coots, director of marketing and development for the French Market Corp., which puts on the festival. In addition to the standard banners, more signage and pavement decals will be placed throughout the area for easy navigation, she said.

“The Creole Tomato Festival began in 1986 as a celebration of southeast Louisiana’s rich agricultural heritage and the abundance of locally grown produce,” Coots said in a statement. “Held in the nation’s oldest continuously operating public market, the festival honors the region’s iconic Creole tomato and the farmers who cultivate it.”

The fest kicks off with a second-line at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, featuring the We Are One Brass Band and the New Orleans Baby Doll Ladies, beginning by Jackson Square and ending at the Bon Temps Music Stage in the French Market.

ä See TOMATO, page 5

STAFF FILE PHOTO By SOPHIA GERMER

Visitors look at Creole tomatoes grown by Matt Ranatza Farms during the 2025 Creole Tomato Festival at the French Market. A delicious way to welcome the warmer summer months, the two-day festival kicks off its 40th year on Saturday.

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The Times-Picayune ✦ nola.com ✦ Thursday, June 4, 2026 ✦ 5

food

Gendusa’s reopening Kenner cottage location

BY MARCO CARTOLANO Staff writer

Gendusa’s Italian Eatery will once again serve its pizzas and pastas out of a cottage in Kenner’s Rivertown District.

Owner Troy Gendusa posted to social media last week that he would reopen at 325 Williams Blvd. as a second location of Gendusa’s Pizzeria after customers expressed that they missed the former spot.

Gendusa said he will start with limited openings from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday through Sunday. An official opening date has not yet been announced.

In January, the restaurant closed

Gendusa’s Italian Eatery is acquiescing to its regulars and reopening its location in Rivertown, which it left for a bigger space across Kenner.

its Rivertown location and moved to a larger space at 2717 Williams Blvd. in Kenner. Gendusa said the change was made to add more space for large parties and avoid occasional long waiting times.

The cottage will reopen with a simple menu of pizzas, calzones, pasta dishes and appetizers, as well as cannolis.

“I’m going back to my roots with a simple menu and truly going old school with no alcohol and no corkage fee if you bring any,” Gendusa said in his post.

“I’m going to see how things go and build from here. I hope to see a lot of my old customers and get a chance to say hi.”

STAFF FILE PHOTO By SCOTT THRELKELD

TOMATO

Continued from page 4 Local artists Amanda Shaw, BrassA-Holics, Jamie Lynn Vessels, Rusty Metoyer & The Zydeco Crush and more will take the stage throughout the weekend.

Back for the festival’s 40th anniversary will be cultural performances by the Black Masking Indians and tomatoeating contests for both adults and children, which haven’t happened in several years.

Also new is the Blue Plate Mayo Café, which has food, drinks, a live DJ and waterfront views across the street from Jackson Square.

Food vendors include Ruby Slipper, Lillie’s Cajun Kitchen, Numada, LaDelyo’s Creole Catering, Pupuseria La Milpa, Lil Dustin’s Italian Ice, Paula’s Taste of Soul, Riley’s Foods, Messinas, Da Grill Masters and Uncle Mikey’s Creole & Cajun Cuisine, Lil Nawlins Creole & Cajun Cuisine and Squeezy Street along with the permanent market eateries with tomato dishes.

They’ll offer options like a pickled bacon bloody mary, spiked watermelon lemonade, caprese salad or a classic tomato sandwich. Plus, you can get a 6-pound box of Creole tomatoes for $20 from Squeezy Street.

Besides the plethora of tomato-

STAFF FILE PHOTO By MATTHEW PERSCHALL

Revelers in tomato costumes dance into the French Market during the 2024 Creole Tomato Festival in the French Quarter.

centric dishes, festivalgoers can also enjoy interactive activities, such as free dance lessons with the KWL Steppers and cooking demonstrations by local chefs.

Artwork by Cubs The Poet, alligator petting, a Miss Creole Tomato Pageant and the chance to bring home plenty of fresh Creole tomatoes round out the fest.

Free and open to the public, the festival is from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days. Red and tomato-themed attire is encouraged.

Find a map and more information at frenchmarket.org/creoletomatofest.

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6 ✦ Thursday, June 4, 2026 ✦ nola.com ✦ The Times-Picayune

drinks

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The

last-call call shot

New Orleans bartenders are obsessed with a tiny, bitter digestif

BY KASEY BUBNASH Staff writer

At best, New Orleans bartenders will tell you the bitter burn of Underberg is an acquired taste, one you learn to appreciate after years behind the bar.

At worst?

“It tastes like the absence of your mother’s love,” Pal’s Lounge bartender Laura Walch said.

It was almost 10 years ago now that Walch and Flour Moon Bagels coowner Jeff Hinson peeled the paper off two tiny brown bottles that a liquor rep left for them to try and tossed back the herbal alcoholic concoction inside.

“Underberg,” the label read, something Hinson had only seen in Brooklyn, New York.

The flavor was intense, reminiscent of amaro, fernet or Jägermeister, and Walch wondered if anyone would buy the stuff. But in the years that followed, Hinson said the little unassuming bottles started to pop up everywhere, lining the shelves at local bars, restaurants and coffee shops.

Despite the 175-year-old German digestif’s formidable flavor and roots in a world far, far away from the South,

STAFF PHOTO By KASEy BUBNASH

Pal’s Lounge bartender Laura Walch shows off her Underberg tattoo.

Tiny straws are among the techniques some area bartenders use to help make the bitter Underberg more palatable.

PROVIDED PHOTO By JEFF HINSON

The Times-Picayune ✦ nola.com ✦ Thursday, June 4, 2026 ✦ 7

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Pal’s Lounge in New Orleans displays the Underberg Giant Herb Mobile, worth 25,000 Underberg caps.

STAFF PHOTO

By KASEy BUBNASH

Underberg has been embraced by New Orleans’ service industry as the ultimate hangover cure and, with just over half an ounce of liquid per bottle, a great way to drink on the job without getting hammered. It’s become a signifier of a good bar — or at least a bar with good bartenders — and a closing time ritual that helps to ease the pains of a busy shift.

“It’s kind of become a little secret bartender’s handshake,” Hinson said.

Underberg is loved even by those who don’t really enjoy the drink itself. Walch winced at closing time one Saturday in May as she sipped up a bottle of it through a straw and followed it with a chaser of root beer, a Pal’s original technique that makes the drink significantly more palatable.

She hates it, she said. She takes several of these shots each day.

Part of the motivation lies in the company’s loyalty program, through which Underberg bottle caps can be returned and exchanged for highly sought-after prizes, like branded playing cards and pens.

The more caps, the better the prize, and this seems to be a

source of both fierce camaraderie and competition among bars and restaurants in New Orleans.

Ninety-six caps will get you a ball cap that features a whimsical loop just big enough to hold a bottle of Underberg, if you for some reason need one on the go.

Turn in 168 caps, and you can get a handblown, long-stem shot glass engraved with your name, though these are rumored to have a short life span upon entering the rowdy New Orleans bar scene.

Bartenders around town are avid cap collectors, and Walch on Saturday showed off the goods at Pal’s, dozens of gallon Ziplock bags stuffed with tiny green caps.

Pal’s and a few other Underbergers, Flour Moon included, recently pooled a whopping 25,000 caps and exchanged them for the ultimate, mack daddy of Underberg prizes, a 3-foot long “Underberg Giant Herb Mobile XXL.” Smaller versions can be found on display at bars across the city.

When they obtained this white whale of merch, several bartenders celebrated with matching tattoos of an anthropomorphic baby bottle of Underberg. This includes Walch, who proudly showed off her Baby Berg tat.

At Anna’s in the Bywater, bar manager Jacob Rickert is saving

up for a three-piece Underberg china set that costs 384 caps per dish. He wants 12 settings, so they need about 14,000 caps.

They’ve got about 2,000 caps to go, and it shouldn’t be too hard to get the rest of the way.

“They’re just the perfect quick pick-me-up to share with friends while at work,” he said.

Julian Lutz, another bartender at Pal’s, said Underberg has gained a cult following in the U.S. thanks in part to its treatment by the Food and Drug Administration as a food product or digestive aid rather than a liquor. While Underberg is just as potent as other liquors with 44% alcohol by volume, each teensy bottle contains about as much booze as half a typical shot.

Underberg is uniquely available for purchase on Amazon in Louisiana, and it’s often found in establishments that are permitted to sell beer and wine but lack full liquor licenses.

Besides, Lutz said, the flavor doesn’t exactly leave you craving more.

“You’d have to have a very serious problem to get f***** up on these,” he said.

Email Kasey Bubnash at kasey. bubnash@theadvocate.com.

8 ✦ Thursday, June 4, 2026 ✦ nola.com ✦ The Times-Picayune

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PUTTING IN THE HOURS

Northshore’s Evangeline Theater gets to work with Dolly Parton’s ‘9 to 5’ The drudgery of working for despicable boss in a soulless company sounds like a dreadful concept for a movie, much less a musical.

But when its got the magic touch of Dolly Parton, it can’t help but be a lot like Miss Dolly herself — brash, blingy and lots of fun.

Evangeline Theater Co. in Mandeville is producing the 2009 Broadway show Victor “9 to 5,” based on the 1980 movie, startAndrews ing Friday.

Both the movie and stage show were written by Patricia Reznick, so there’s lots of cohesion, but Parton added loads of music to the doubleGrammy-winning theme song she wrote for the movie. The musical also takes a deeper look at some of the characters and their lives.

The premise is three employees of a faceless behemoth corporation (Doralee, Violet and Judy) must put up with the chauvinistic, dictatorial boss (Franklin Hart) and his manipulative ways.

But things get crazy when a daydream turns into reality, opening the door to either a brighter future or a dead end. Gordon and Emily Carmadelle direct the fun. Reagan Hightower is the musical director.

Taking the roles of three female compatriots are Emily Carmadelle as Doralee, Nicole Hebert Barwick as Violet and Brandi Lopez as Judy. Michael D. Graves is Mr. Hart. Also taking roles are Cat SchullyWilliams, Patty Blanchard, Bella Rusche, Casey Lipscomb, Barrett Baumgartner, Andrew Niemann, Jayna Young, Allen Bryant, Ken Richard, Alyssa Scallan and Julia Freas.

The show runs at 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays through June 21 at 2635 N. Causeway Blvd. Tickets start at $32. Visit evangelinetheater.com.

NOLA Project in togas?

Wrap up those togas and head over to the Broadside Pavilion, 600 N. Broad St., for NOLA Project’s announcement of its upcoming season at 7 p.m. Friday.

“We are so proud and excited to reveal our next season of shows with a fun themed event like a toga party, an apt goodbye to this season’s closer, ‘Medea,’” said Rebecca Duckert, board president. “We encourage guests to don their most creative togas for a chance to win premier-level season tickets and come ready to have a good time. We might do serious theater, but we don’t take ourselves too seriously.”

In addition to the announcement and contest, there will be a performance, cocktails, discounts on tickets and more.

Tickets are $22. Visit nolaproject.com.

PROVIDED PHOTO By GORDON CARMADELLE

Emily Carmadelle, Nicole Hebert Barwick and Brandi Lopez take their work seriously in Evangeline Theater Co.’s ‘9 to 5,’ opening Friday at the Mandeville theater.

In production “KING LEAR”: 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and 1:30 p.m. Sunday; Lupin Theatre, 150 Dixon Hall Annex, 69 Newcomb Circle. John Neisler takes the title role of the king who divides his country between three daughters. This sets in motion a disastrous landslide of calamities, ending with a descent into madness and mortality. Tickets start at $27. neworleansshakespeare.org.

“ONCE”: 7:30 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays, 3 p.m. Sundays through June 21, plus 2 p.m. June 20; Le Petit Théâre du Vieux Carré, 616 St. Peter St. Stage show based on the motion picture about an Irish musician and a Czech immigrant who orbit

each other in this tale of melodies and heartbreak with the cast playing various instruments. Tickets start at $40. lepetittheatre.com.

“SPAMALOT”: 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, plus 2 p.m. Saturday, and 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Sunday; Saenger Theatre, 1111 Canal St. From the brilliant minds who brought forth “Monty Python’s Flying Circus” comes the stage show about King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table in their quest for the Holy Grail that took three Tony Awards, including best musical, when it debuted in 2005. Tickets start at $39. saengernola.com.

Email Victor Andrews at vandrews@theadvocate. com.

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film

The Times-Picayune ✦ nola.com ✦ Thursday, June 4, 2026 ✦ 9

Caddo’s closeup

L ii Louisiana, TTexas swamp has a cameo in new ‘Star Wars’ flick

BY MOLLY TERRELL

Staff writer

The newest movie in the “Star Wars” franchise, “Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu,” was partially filmed on Caddo Lake near Shreveport, and the crew was brought out by a local swamp tour company.

The lake, which spans both Louisiana and Texas, is at its swampiest near the city of Uncertain, Texas, where Captain Ron’s Swamp Tours operates from the Uncertain Lodge and Inn. Captain Ron’s Swamp Tours was able to announce their involvement the day the movie released, and posted to Facebook, writing, “The swamps of Caddo Lake were part of film magic.

We were honored to work alongside Disney on the new Star Wars film, Mandalorian and Grogu!

If you have ever glided through our ancient Cypress groves, you already know why they came here. There is no place on earth quite like it. Look out for Caddo when you watch the movie. Come and see the lake that caught Hollywood’s eye.”

The company is the No. 1 tour operator on the lake, according to co-partner Jean Rhodes-Werneke, who said they could fill a second boat for tours because of how busy they are.

They were contacted by Disney in July 2024, Rhodes-Werneke said, to arrange for a scout to visit Caddo Lake as a potential filming location for part of the newest “Star Wars” movie, released on May 22.

STAFF PHOTOS By JILL PICKETT

TOP: Bald cypress trees grow in Caddo Lake near Uncertain, Texas. ABOVE: A great blue heron stands near shore.

One of the locations was Pine Island Pond, where Rhodes-Werneke had asked a friend if the crew could use her dock to film. She said the PROVIDED PHOTO By JEAN RHODES-WERNEKE pond had calm water so that the crew’s equipThe film crew for ‘Star Wars: The Mandalorian and ment wouldn’t be jostled.

They even rebuilt Caddo Lake as a set in Los Grogu’ works on Caddo Lake.

Angeles for the actors to use, she said.

The tour company also served as a point of By that October, she said, the film’s crew contact for the horror film “Caddo Lake,” and stayed in the Uncertain Lodge and Inn and the a couple of Japanese shows have also used the Shady Glade Resort for a few days of filming.

But the pontoon boat they had wasn’t big enough location to film. She said a lot of people are atfor the crew, so Disney had a barge moved from tracted to the location because it’s beautiful in Miami for the crew. every season.

Rhodes-Werneke said the crew had pictures of “It’s just magical and mystical,” Rhodesthe lake they wanted to be guided to, and she im- Werneke said. “It’s such a unique place that some people find it very eerie, which is why some hormediately knew where each location was.

“I’ve been on this lake for 33 years, so we took ror films have been here.” them where pictures were, and then also some more areas that we knew they might be interEmail Molly Terrell at molly.terrell@ theadvocate.com. ested in,” she said.

10 ✦ Thursday, June 4, 2026 ✦ nola.com ✦ The Times-Picayune

music

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WILLIS ALAN RAMSEY

Keith Spera

THURSDAY, CHICKIE WAH WAH Before there was Lyle Lovett, there was Willis Alan Ramsey.

Ramsey’s self-titled 1972 album is considered a classic of Texas music and a blueprint for the Americana genre. Growing up, Lovett idolized Ramsey; years later, he and Ramsey would co-write “That’s Right (You’re Not From Texas),” one of Lovett’s signature songs.

Scores of other artists have covered Ramsey’s songs, including Jimmy Buffett (“The Bal-

Willis Alan Ramsey

SOUND CHECK

In a relatively quiet summer week for touring acts, New Orleans still has a whole lot of quality live music in the clubs.

lad of Spider John”), Eric Clapton (“Positively”), Captain & Tennille (“Muskrat Candlelight,” which they renamed “Muskrat Love”), Waylon Jennings (“Satin Sheets”), Widespread Panic (“Geraldine & the Honey Bee”), Jerry Jeff Walker (“North Texas Women”) and Jimmie Dale Gilmore (“Goodbye to Old Missoula”).

Ramsey never really got around to making a follow-up album, but he kept writing more songs. He spent a bunch of years lying low in London before returning to the United States. He’s toured very rarely over the years, preferring to stay at home and write.

So his scheduled appearance at Chickie Wah Wah on Thursday is a rare opportunity to hear his compositions performed by the same person who wrote them.

New Orleans’ own Paul Sanchez, no slouch in the songwriting department either, opens for Ramsey at 8 p.m. Tickets are $20 plus fees.

OTHER NOTEWORTHY SHOWS Dave Jordan & the NIA

THURSDAY Oscar Rossignoli

Drawing on his classical training, his jazz instincts and the traditional sounds of his native Honduras, Oscar Rossignoli is one of the most articulate and versatile piano players on the New Orleans scene. For shows at 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. at Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro on Frenchmen Street, he’ll be joined by bassist Martin Masakowski and drummer Peter Varnado. Tickets are $30.

Accordionist Geno Delafose & French Rockin’ Boogie are featured for the weekly Zydeco Night at Rock ’N’ Bowl. Tickets are $17.

The Maple Leaf Bar is closed some nights in June as a summer slowdown, but is open on Thursdays for master drummer Johnny Vidacovich’s weekly gig. This week Vidacovich is joined by

Sam Kuslan and Grayson Brockamp at 8 p.m. Tickets are $18.

FRIDAY Local Americana guitarist, singer and songwriter Dave Jordan & the NIA headline this week’s installment of the summer-long “Free Fridays” series of free

weekly concerts at Tipitina’s.

Cardboard Cowboy opens the show at 9 p.m.

The outdoor venue The Broadside hosts a “Soulful Summer Night of Women-Led Music” featuring Jenn Howard, Kelli Baker, Beach Angel, Darcy Malone and Mikayla Braun. Tickets are $22.

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The Times-Picayune ✦ nola.com ✦ Thursday, June 4, 2026 ✦ 11

music

Singer Dua Lipa says Preservation Hall is one of her favorite date night spots

Orchestra Noir

BY MARCO CARTOLANO Staff writer

FRIDAY (continued) Progressive bluegrass band Shadowgrass picks and strums at Chickie Wah Wah. Tickets are $20 plus fees.

Drummer Jason Marsalis presents the music of his late father, pianist Ellis Marsalis Jr., at Snug Harbor with jazz vocalist Christien Bold, pianist Oscar Rossignoli and bassist Jason Stewart. Showtimes are at 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Tickets are $40.

Ever-popular cover band the Bucktown Allstars is at Rock ’N’ Bowl.

Tickets are $17.

SATURDAY Formed in Atlanta in 2016 by maestro Jason Ikeem Rodgers, Orchestra Noir celebrates African American composers and performers from classical, jazz, blues, hip-hop, R&B and other genres through orchestral performances. Orchestra Noir makes its annual visit to New Orleans for a Saturday show at the Orpheum Theater. Tickets start at $80.

DJ Soul Sister, the longtime host of WWOZ-FM’s Saturday night “Soul Power” show, stages her ninth annual “Purple Takeover: A Prince Celebration” at Tipitina’s. She’ll spin Prince tracks, both hits and rarities, from her extensive vinyl

collection. The Lovesexy Dancers will also be in the house. Showtime is 9 p.m. General admission floor tickets are $20 plus fees; “premium balcony” tickets are $40 plus fees. A portion of proceeds benefits Project Ishmael, a pro bono immigration legal program serving children in New Orleans.

At Chickie Wah Wah, catch guitarist Papa Mali along with the Jeff Miller Band and the Rag Tag Misfits; tickets start at $20.

Dr. Michael White, the prolific traditional New Orleans jazz composer and clarinetist, leads the Original Liberty Jazz Band at Snug Harbor at 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Tickets are $45.

SUNDAY Sunny Sweeney engages with country music from two directions.

She’s an independent artist with a 20-year track record of touring and recording, including her wellreceived “Rhinestone Requiem” album. She’s also the host of two SiriusXM shows devoted to hardcore, old-school country music: “The Sunny Side of Life” on the Outlaw Country channel and “Sunny Side Up” on Willie’s Roadhouse. Sweeney shares a bill with Nashville, Tennessee, singer-songwriter Addison Johnson at Chickie Wah Wah on

Sunday. Tickets start at $20.

Vocal group the Pfister Sisters is at Snug Harbor for a free happy hour show at 4:30 p.m. Later, trombonist Charlie Halloran & the Tropicales synthesize Afro-Caribbean rhythms, classic Latin jazz, and modern New Orleans grooves at Snug Harbor at 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Tickets are $30.

MONDAY Meters bassist George Porter Jr. is at the Maple Leaf Bar at 8 p.m. Tickets are $18.

TUESDAY Jazz drummer Gerald Watkins Jr. leads his band at Snug Harbor at 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.; tickets are $30.

Pop star Dua Lipa is revealing her picks for the best date-night locations across the globe, and one of them is in New Orleans’ French Quarter.

The British singer’s lifestyle website Service95 partnered with Google Maps for 12 lists of some of Lipa’s favorite places in the world. They range from cityspecific guides to international recommendations for categories Lipa like food, drinks and date nights.

The legendary jazz venue Preservation Hall made the list for date nights, described as a “tried and tested” group of spots “where the room does the work.”

“Preservation Hall is the heartbeat of New Orleans jazz. It’s small, it’s loud, and the musicians are extraordinary. There are no seats, no drinks, just pure live music in a space that has been doing this since 1961. You will not stand still,” Service95’s write-up states.

Preservation Hall was one of two American spots to make the date-night list. Nancy’s Hustle in Houston also made the list, along with other spots that span Europe and Jamaica.

Lipa visited Preservation Hall during a trip to the Crescent City with her then-fiancé Callum Turner last August. The now-married couple checked out the French Quarter, City Park and Café Du Monde, according to Lipa’s Instagram.

WEDNESDAY Keyboardist Jon Cleary plays a solo show at Chickie Wah Wah. Tickets are $20.

Trombonist Terrance Taplin swings out with the Uptown Jazz Orchestra at Snug Harbor at 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Tickets are $45.

The Runarounds bring the “Minivan Tour” to the Fillmore. Tickets start at $47.

Email Keith Spera at kspera@ theadvocate.com.

STAFF FILE PHOTO By SOPHIA GERMER

Preservation Hall is a no-frills music venue with wooden floors and no air conditioner in the French Quarter.

12 ✦ Thursday, June 4, 2026 ✦ nola.com ✦ The Times-Picayune

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