BY MUNIR AHMED, JULIA FRANKEL, ABBY SEWELL and WILL WEISSERT Associated Press
ISLAMABAD — The United States and Iran have reached an agreement to end the war and open the Strait of Hormuz, offering relief to the global economy more than three months since fighting began Details of the deal were not immediately available. Key mediator
Pakistan said the signing will be Friday in Switzerland. Key issues like Iran’s nuclear program are expected to be addressed later
President Donald Trump confirmed a deal had been reached and said he had authorized an end to the U.S. naval blockade of Iranian ports in the Strait of Hormuz, imposed in retaliation for Iran’s grip on the crucial waterway “Congratulations to all!” Trump wrote on social media, adding: “I hereby fully authorize the toll free opening of the Strait of Hormuz, and, simultaneously herewith, authorize the immediate removal of the United States Naval blockade.”
The U.S. previously said it would ease its blockade of Iranian ports as the strait reopens, and would agree to relax sanctions to allow Iran to sell more of its oil and strengthen its battered economy
Iran’s deputy foreign minister Kazem Gharibabadi, confirmed the agreement on state television but said Iran would not start implementing it until it was signed on Friday He said the deal followed over 14 hours of talks in Tehran with a representative from Qatar, another mediator Iranian state TV showed a
banner asserting: “US was forced to sign an agreement to end the war.”
Pakistan first announced the deal after a day in which Israel, sidelined from the negotiations, attacked Beirut’s southern suburbs while pursuing the Iranian-backed Hezbollah. The attacks posed a threat to completing the negotiations.
“Both sides have declared the immediate and permanent
ä see PEACE, page 4A
Lawmakers pass bills to lower drug costs
In the legislative session that ended June 1, lawmakers boosted the amount of
would get paid for dispensing drugs. And they placed tougher restrictions on pharmacy
prescription drug coverage for health plans and
BY ALYSE PFEIL staff writer
Louisiana lawmakers in recent years have targeted the high cost of prescription drugs, and this year took what they hope is another big step — new legislation that more tightly regulates the companies involved in all aspects of the industry
One example: Health insurers could soon be required to cover cheaper generic drugs.
“Mandating generic drugs when available to consumers means significant savings for everyday Louisianans trying to manage their healthcare costs,” said state Rep. Chris Turner, R-Ruston, who sponsored the bill.
Along with new rules for health insurers, lawmakers boosted the amount of money locally owned pharmacies would get paid for dispensing drugs And they placed tougher restrictions on pharmacy benefit managers, which handle prescription drug coverage for health plans and reimburse pharmacies for the drugs they dispense.
The package of bills still needs the signature of Gov Jeff Landry to become law
While legislators say the new statelevel regulations are aimed at tamping down drug costs for patients, some people involved in the complex sys-
tem of pharmacies, drugmakers and insurance companies say it’s unclear whether consumers will see a difference.
“The overwhelming majority of the cost of prescription drugs is determined by federal law and policy,” said Frank Opelka, deputy commissioner at the Louisiana Department of Insurance. “States are increasingly limited
Monitor accused of allowing violations
District attorney says texts show company knew about noncompliance
BY QUINN COFFMAN staff writer
A Baton Rouge ankle monitoring company allowed a defendant to break the conditions of his bail hundreds of times in a two-month span, with employees appearing to have approved the man’s movements in lieu of a judge’s approval, according to East Baton Rouge Parish District Attorney Hillar Moore. Home Bound Monitoring Pre-Trial and Probation Services has been at the center of Moore’s recent inquiry into local ankle monitoring companies that have failed to report their clients’ violations. In a motion filed Tuesday seeking more information from the company, Moore’s office claimed that one of Home Bound Monitoring’s clients, Ashtin Ursin, committed as many as 1,181 violations between Feb. 20 and April 29.
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Trump
BRIEFS FROM WIRE REPORTS
McConnell hospitalized, spokesperson says WASHINGTON Republican Sen. Mitch McConnell was admitted to a hospital Sunday, his spokesperson said, but there was no immediate information about why he was there or his prognosis.
McConnell, 84, was the longest-serving Senate leader in history before stepping aside from that role while finishing his final term, which ends in January
“Senator McConnell was admitted to the hospital this morning He is receiving excellent care,” spokesperson David Popp said in a statement without elaboration. It was not immediately clear whether the Kentucky lawmaker was in Washington, his home state or elsewhere.
McConnell’s health has been a subject of scrutiny for years. He fell and sprained his wrist while walking out of a GOP luncheon in December 2024 He was hospitalized with a concussion in March 2023 and missed several weeks of work after falling in a Washington hotel. After he returned, he twice froze up during news conferences that summer, staring vacantly ahead before colleagues and staff came to his assistance.
McConnell had polio in his early childhood and he has long acknowledged some difficulty as an adult in walking and climbing stairs. In addition to his 2023 fall, he also tripped and fell in 2019 at his home in Kentucky He had surgery for a fractured shoulder ‘Spider-Man of Yemen’ dies in fall at crater
CAIRO A daredevil adventurer known as “The Spider-Man of Yemen” has died after falling into a volcano crater while attempting to climb vertical rock faces without safety equipment, authorities said.
Al-Qaqa Ibn Antar, 30, was climbing the steep walls of the Hardah Dam volcanic crater in the southern province of Dhale on Friday when he lost his grip and fell into the 393 feet crater, according to the Civil Defense Authority, which posted a short video capturing the moment of his fall. The 10-second video shows Antar climbing a rocky cliff without any safety equipment. On the cliff he is scaling names in Arabic have been written in white across the rocky wall. He is then seen holding the cliff with his right hand, with his left hand in the air, before he appears to lose his right grip and falls Rescue teams, including diving and water specialists, were sent to retrieve Antar’s body, which was found by divers at a depth of 100 feet below the water surface The four-hour search and rescue operation was described by the authority as “complex” due to the steep and rocky location which made access difficult.
Tyra Banks sues Netflix over documentary LOS ANGELES Tyra Banks has filed a defamation lawsuit against Netflix and the directors of its docuseries “Reality Check: Inside America’s Next Top Model,” alleging that the producers stripped down hours of interview footage to construct a false narrative. In the lawsuit filed Saturday in Los Angeles federal court, the model who created and hosted “America’s Next Top Model” said she was interviewed for 3½ hours, during which she took responsibility for some of the show’s controversial decisions Those interviews were edited down to 16 minutes and manipulated “to support a false and defamatory narrative unrelated to what she actually expressed,” the lawsuit said.
“The accountability Ms. Banks took ended up on the cutting room floor It was there, but viewers were never given the opportunity to see it,” her lawyers wrote. Banks is seeking damages in her lawsuit against Netflix, the directors Daniel Sivan and Mor Loushy and EverWonder Studio She’s also seeking an injunction barring the use of her image in connection with the docuseries’ soundtrack, released as an album Emails seeking comments were sent Sunday to the defendants’ representatives
12 killed in Missouri plane crash
Authorities say passengers were on skydiving outing
BY KRISTIN M. HALL and REBECCA BOONE Associated Press
BUTLER, Mo. — A plane carrying a pilot and 11 passengers on a skydiving outing in Missouri crashed in a field and was engulfed in flames Sunday, killing all aboard, authorities said.
The crash happened shortly after the plane took off from a local airport around 11:30 a.m., and some of the occupants’ family members witnessed the crash, said Bates County Sheriff Chad Anderson.
A heap of blue and silver mangled metal lay in the grass near Butler Memorial Airport with a massive lineup of emergency vehicles gathered on a nearby street.
Clergy and volunteers went to the site to assist relatives, Anderson said, and officials were working Sunday afternoon to identify all victims and notify their next of kin.
Officials with the Federal Aviation Administration were also on scene Sunday afternoon, Anderson said, and a team from the Na-
tional Transportation Safety Board was en route.
The private plane was operated by Skydive Kansas City, said Dennis Jacobs, the acting airport manager and Bates County Emergency Management Agency director It was identified as a single engine turboprop plane.
“It had just taken off and made a left turn” before the crash, Jacobs said “In my opinion, I think it was losing power, and he was trying to make it over to the highway and land, and he stalled and went down nose first and caught fire.”
Emergency responders put out the fire in the wreck-
age soon after the crash, Jacobs said, calling the scene “brutal.” First responders also checked the area under the flight path and did not find anyone who might have tried to jump out before the plane came down, he said.
The Pacific Aerospace 750XL that crashed is a model that’s popular for skydiving and also has proven useful for carrying cargo, aerial surveying and medical evacuation flights.
The aircraft can carry more than 4,000 pounds and is capable of taking off and landing on short runways, according to the manufacturer The plane was built
in 2010, according to FAA records.
Sky diving companies operate in the region eight or nine months of the year, with the season usually starting in late March or early April and lasting into October or November
Someone answering the phone at Skydive Kansas City declined to speak to a reporter from The Associated Press.
The crashed occurred on a sunny day in the area. Data from the digital flight tracking company FlightAware shows the plane had already completed two short flights on Sunday before the crash.
Two more successful flights were logged Saturday, and five on Friday, according to FlightAware. It’s not yet known what factors may have contributed to the crash, Missouri Highway Patrol Sgt Justin Ewing said, and those details will be part of the investigation carried out by NTSB officials.
The sheriff emphasized that the public is safe and this “appears to be an accident.”
Aviation safety expert Jeff Guzzetti said poor maintenance has been a factor in a number of previous skydiving plane crashes because these companies are not held to a high standard under FAA rules. Guzzetti said skydiving companies are governed by the same rules any private plane owner has to follow and not the more stringent rules that charter flight operators and airlines adhere to.
“There’s been a whole history of skydiving accidents for inadequate maintenance and deficient safety culture,” said Guzzetti who used to be a crash investigator for both the NTSB and FAA.
The exact cause of Sunday’s crash won’t be clear for a year or more until the NTSB publishes its final report.
Palestinian death toll in Gaza tops
Israel launches strikes despite ceasefire
BY WAFAA SHURAFA and SAMY MAGDY Associated Press
DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip
The Palestinian death toll from the Israel-Hamas war has surpassed 73,000, Gaza’s Health Ministry said Sunday, as Israeli military operations continued despite a stalled and fragile ceasefire in place since October.
Israel says it is targeting Hamas and other militants who pose a threat, and in response to ceasefire violations, including occasional attacks
Nearly 1,000 people have been killed in Gaza since the start of the ceasefire, according to the health ministry Five Israeli soldiers have been killed since the truce.
The number of deaths since the beginning of the war is now 73,001, according to the health ministry’s tally Over 173,200 people have been wounded since
the start of the war on Oct. 7, 2023, following the Hamas-led attack into Israel. That attack killed some 1,200 people and took 251 others hostage.
The health ministry, part of the Hamas-led government, is staffed by medical professionals and maintains detailed records viewed as generally reliable by United Nations agencies and independent experts. It does not distinguish between civilians and militants but says women and children make
up around half of all fatalities.
Israel says it tries to avoid harming civilians and blames their deaths on Hamas because the militants operate in densely populated areas.
The U.S.-brokered ceasefire deal reached in October ended full-scale military operations and led to the return of all the remaining hostages. But other elements of the deal have stalled as Hamas has refused to disarm and Israeli troops have ad-
Britain detains sanctioned tanker
ship believed to be linked to Russia’s shadow fleet
BY ELISE MORTON and BRIAN MELLEY Associated Press
LONDON Armed British forces boarded and detained a sanctioned tanker Sunday that is suspected of being part of the Russian “shadow fleet,” shipping oil in violation of international sanctions over Moscow’s war on Ukraine, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Sunday Royal Marine commandos rappelled from helicopters onto the vessel, the Smyrtos, in the English Channel, in what the country’s Defense Ministry called “the first U.K.-led operation of its kind.”
The vessel will be held and monitored off the south coast of England for investigation, according to the Defense Ministry
The operation was carried out “in close coordination” with French authorities, who have previously intercepted a number of vessels linked to the “shadow fleet.”
“This operation delivers yet another blow to Russia and reminds those fueling Putin’s war in Ukraine that they cannot hide,” Starmer said.
Russia is believed to be using a fleet of hundreds of ships to evade sanctions over its war against Ukraine.
Sailing under a Cameroon flag, the Smyrtos left the Russian Baltic port of
British Royal Marine commandos detain the smyrtos, a sanctioned tanker, on sunday in the
vanced in Gaza, rather than withdrawn. Both sides accuse the other of violating the agreement but say it is still in effect. Progress on all other issues — including reconstruction, Israeli troop withdrawals and the establishment of a new Palestinian government — is being held up by the deadlock over disarming Hamas, the top diplomat overseeing the U.S.-brokered ceasefire in Gaza, Nickolay Mladenov, has said.
The war displaced most of the Palestinian population of over 2 million, left large parts of the territory in rubble and created widespread shortages of food, medicine and other basic supplies as the border crossings with Gaza all but one controlled
73,000
by Israel — slammed shut. An Israeli strike on Sunday afternoon in northern Gaza’s Jabaliya refugee camp killed at least four people and wounded others, according to health officials at the Shifa hospital, where the casualties were taken. An Israeli military official, who spoke anonymously in line with military guidelines, said the military “struck terrorists” in the area, without elaborating A 13-year-old boy was among five Palestinians killed in Gaza on Saturday night and into the early hours of Sunday, according to Palestinian health officials. In response to the Saturday night strike that killed two of the five, the Israeli military claimed that it was striking Hamas militants.
Channel. GET IN TOUCH
Ust-Luga on June 5 destined for Port Said, Egypt, according to the MarineTraffic website.
U.K. authorities said that such operations were “directly bearing down on the resources sustaining Russia’s aggression in Ukraine and reducing its capacity to threaten security across Europe and beyond.”
Ukraine President Voldymyr Zelenskyy thanked Starmer and the British people for their “principled resolve.”
“It was Russia’s hubris, fueled by high oil and gas revenues, that paved the way for this war, and every decision by partners that deprives Russia of money also limits the war itself,” Zelenskyy said on X.
Emergency workers respond sunday at the scene of a plane crash near the Butler Memorial Airport in Butler, Mo. Authorities say a pilot and 11 passengers on a skydiving outing were killed in the crash.
AssoCIATED PREss PHoTo By ABDEL KAREEM HANA Palestinians clear the rubble of a building at alMaghazi refugee camp in central Gaza strip after it was destroyed in an Israeli airstrike Friday.
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Some states push ahead on AI regulation despite order
BY MARC LEVY Associated Press
HARRISBURG,Pa.—
Six months after President Donald Trump warned states not to regulate artificial intelligence, they are increasingly doing just that.
Congress has stalled on producing federal regulation of artificial intelligence as states forge ahead and scrutinize how chatbots interact with children, how AI systems are used by employers and what developers must do to try to prevent an AI-caused catastrophe.
State lawmakers have stepped back from earlier, wider-ranging attempts to regulate AI that were vetoed or otherwise derailed by governors who viewed the measures as too onerous toward the industry’s development, including efforts to hold developers accountable for bias in AI systems.
But they are returning with legislation that is more targeted and, often, probes the corners of life where Americans interact with AI but may not know it.
Presidential versus state power
Trump’s move to restrain states’ actions on AI drew criticism from members of both political parties and civil liberties and consumer rights groups who worried that banning state regulation would amount to a gift to AI giants, who enjoy little to no oversight.
Trump has made AI a top national and economic security priority, and he said that letting states clutter the regulatory playing field for an industry that’s spending trillions of dollars and driving the economy is too risky in the race with China for AI superiority
Trump issued an executive order that directed the attorney general to create a task force to challenge state laws that are more than “minimally burdensome,” and directed the Commerce Department to draw up a list of problematic regulations. It also threatened to restrict fund-
ing from a broadband deployment program and other grant programs to states with AI laws.
The White House said it wouldn’t target state laws that seek to prevent fraud and protect consumers and children.
In the meantime, the Trump administration released a “national policy framework” in which it urged Congress to preempt state AI laws that are out of step with its regulatory worldview and to pass legislation to protect children, intellectual property rights and free speech. In recent days, a new bipartisan draft proposal in the House met withering criticism from key Democrats and Republicans.
The White House has given no indication that it has made good on its threat to enforce the president’s executive order by going to court against a state’s AI law or withholding money In a statement, it said the Trump administration is “eager to work with partners” to enact its policy framework.
States seem unrestrained
Trump’s executive order didn’t seem to discourage states from trying to regulate how AI is used
More bills have been introduced this year than last, including by Republicans, said Justine Gluck, policy director of the Future of Privacy Forum, a nonprofit that advocates for data privacy in technology and whose members are from industry, academia and civic groups.
In Illinois, legislation on the desk of Democratic Gov JB Pritzker piggybacked on elements of laws passed last year in California and New York that require developers of large advanced AI models to create protocols to prevent their systems from causing a catastrophe, such as a biological weapons attack, power outage or large-scale hack.
Illinois added a requirement that AI developers must get an independent auditor to review whether they are complying with their own policies. Analysts see it as a step
sequential decisions including who gets hired, a home loan or medical care. But it watered down a 2024 law aimed at preventing AI’s penchant to discriminate, amid pressure from Democratic Gov Jared Polis.
In Connecticut, lawmakers required employers who are using employment-related AI systems to tell employees or job applicants that they are interacting with AI.
Meanwhile, Connecticut, Washington and Utah required AI developers to embed data into digital content that will allow users to determine whether the content — such as photos or video — has been created or altered by AI.
More laws are possible this year
toward requiring AI developers to take greater accountability for their products.
The bill’s sponsor, Democratic state Sen. Mary Edly-Allen, brushed aside Trump’s threat
“I don’t know if you’ve met Illinois, but we’re pretty independent,” Edly-Allen told The Associated Press.
The bill drew nearly unanimous support, signaling a willingness by members of Trump’s party to cooperate with Democrats in filling the AI regulatory vacuum left by the federal government
This kind of legislation is expected to expand to other states.
Regulating chatbots
A growing number of states are imposing restrictions on how AI chatbots can interact with people, especially children. A mix of Republican- and Democratic-led states have passed such laws this year, including Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Nebraska and Oregon.
In many cases, states want com-
panies to tell people when they are interacting with AI instead of a human. Many want chatbots to be restricted in how they interact with minors, parents to have control over their child’s access, and data given to chatbots to be kept private
In recent weeks, Connecticut enacted provisions for companion chatbots that sustain an ongoing relationship with a human. Under them, chatbots must not be able to interact with someone under 18, unless it is programmed against encouraging self-destructive behavior and provides parents with tools to manage the child’s use.
Transparency in AI
Colorado in May required companies that deploy AI systems in important areas such as employment, education, housing or banking to tell people when it’s being used to influence a decision about them.
It was a stab at regulating what researchers say is the bias inherent in AI systems that sort through a consumer’s data and render con-
In California, lawmakers are advancing the “No Robo Bosses Act of 2026” to prohibit employers from relying solely on AI to fire or discipline workers, and an expansion of how the state regulates AI chatbots including banning chatbot outputs to children from being used for advertising.
Some states hold back
In Florida, the state House refused to advance what Republican Gov Ron DeSantis called his AI “Bill of Rights” legislation. It included provisions to give parents control over their children’s access to companion chatbots and to require companies that use chatbots to tell consumers when they are interacting with AI instead of a human.
Florida House Speaker Daniel Perez said Trump had made it clear that the federal government should be in charge of AI regulation. DeSantis panned that idea, noting that the federal government isn’t acting.
In Utah, progress stalled on legislation modeled on laws in New York and California after the White House sent a one-sentence memo to lawmakers there to warn that it was “categorically opposed” to the bill.
Protesters in Geneva clash with police ahead of G7 in France
BY JAMEY KEATEN Associated Press
GENEVA Riot police fired tear gas and water cannons in clashes with stone-throwing youths during a protest on Sunday in Geneva against the G7 group of wealthy nations, a day before its leaders including President Donald Trump hold a summit in nearby France.
A violent standoff extended into the evening after a series of incidents — including a car set ablaze and a bank’s windows smashed along the route of an afternoon march that drew an estimated 20,000 people, including some 600 so-called “Black Bloc” militants, according to figures from Geneva police spokesman Alexandre Brahier
The demonstration, which had been previously organized by a hodgepodge of activist groups after weeks of negotiations with local authorities, was otherwise peaceful — with environmentalists, women’s rights advocates, supporters of Palestinians and foes of imperialism, fascism and capitalism.
Early on during the march, firefighters extinguished a Tesla that was set ablaze next to the central bus stop and a phalanx of riot police cordoned off a secure area as a crowd congregated nearby
A handful of demonstrators ripped down wooden barriers that were previously erected to protect a Banque du Leman and smashed its windows.
global inequality and access to critical minerals.
Ahead of the gathering, au-
thorities in Geneva blocked off roads, banned unauthorized gatherings and pledged
financial support for businesses who could be hit by unrest.
pay and executive jobs in the workplace.
Other marchers held signs that showed sympathy for Palestinians in Gaza, carried slogans like “Antisemitic never; anti-Zionist always” and criticized Trump often with expletives — among other sharply worded messages.
Some protesters fired flares toward officers or tore up chunks of asphalt and chucked them toward police in shields and riot gear.
The clashes continued even after police ordered the demonstrators to disperse.
The vast majority of marchers at the front were advocates of women’s rights, many wearing purple T-shirts and holding up banners and posters that decried the “patriarchy,” a lack of women in executive positions and inequality in
Several groups of dozens of youths wearing black hoodies, masks and goggles were mixed in among the other marchers including behind an anti-Trump banner Two with their faces totally covered refused to speak with The Associated Press and silently waved off questions before the protest began.
Organizers of the protest printed a handbook for demonstrators that included a map of the security perimeter, tips on how to gear up for the march, and advice on how to behave if detained by police.
Swiss and French authorities have deployed thousands of police to provide security for the three-day summit starting Monday in the resort town of Evian-les-Bains, France. The leaders are set to discuss wars in Ukraine, Iran and the Middle East, and economic issues like
BY DIARLEI RODRIGUES Associated Press
RIO DE JANEIRO Two helicopters collided over Rio de Janeiro on Sunday morning and crashed
AssoCIATED PREss FILE PHoTo By ALEX BRANDoN
President Donald Trump, second from left, displays his signed artificial intelligence initiative on Dec. 11 in the oval office of the White House in Washington. He is flanked by sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, from left, secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick and White House AI and Crypto Czar David sacks.
AssoCIATED PREss PHoTo By BAZ RATNER Police fire a tear gas canister sunday during a ‘No G7’ demonstration in Geneva, switzerland, ahead of the G7 summit scheduled for Monday through Wednesday.
termination of military operations on all fronts, including in Lebanon,” Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said, adding that mediators this week will facilitate meetings to “lay the foundation for the technical talks.”
Deal under criticism
Broader negotiations on outstanding issues like Iran’s nuclear program would continue over the next 60 days, two senior Pakistani officials said earlier Sunday, speaking on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the matter publicly. If the sides fail to reach a resolution within that time, the timeline could be extended.
The deal likely returns the region to a status that existed before the war, but with thousands of people dead and Iran wielding a new source of negotiating pressure with its ability to influence shipping in the strait. The waterway is crucial to significant shipments of oil, natural gas and related products like fertilizer, and its effective closure rocked the global economy
Of the stated targets by the U.S and Israel when they launched the war on Feb. 28 with strikes that killed Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Tehran still has a missile program, support for armed proxies in the region like Hezbollah and a stockpile of highly enriched uranium for its nuclear program.
Khamenei’s son is now supreme leader, though he has not been seen in the public since the war began. His approval was needed for Iran to sign off on the deal
Iran wanted a ceasefire deal to include the fighting in Lebanon, where Israel has pushed its invasion deeper than at any point in over a quarter-century as it targets Hezbollah. Tehran also has sought the release of billions of dollars in frozen funds.
The emerging deal had been sharply criticized by Israel’s government and by critics in Trump’s own Republican Party Some said it did not improve on the terms of the 2015 Iran nuclear deal that Trump withdrew the U.S. from during his
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The violations are defined as any time Ursin was present at a location outside of his approved residence or the handful of additional accepted locations like court and work.
But beyond failing to notify the court of these violations, texts between Ursin and employees of Home Bound Monitoring also appear to show the company informally granting Ursin’s requests to leave house arrest.
These violations include visits to Movie Tavern, Topgolf and L’Auberge Casino, as well as trips to multiple venues for musical performances Ursin had booked.
A three-day, out-of-state trip to Houston was also never approved by a judge, according to Moore’s motion, but messages to Ursin from Home Bound Monitoring operator John Campbell show Campbell was aware of the trip.
On April 21, Campbell texted Ursin, “Why are You still in LA. When you told me You were leaving after Court?”
On April 28, an investigator with
first term and still describes as “bad.”
There was also apparent friction inside Iran in the hours before the announcement, as the government
Moore’s office requested a location report from Home Bound Monitoring. The same day, an employee of the company texted Ursin the following message: “Hey Mr Ursin we need you to stay put, your whereabout have been requested.”
This communication shows Home Bound Monitoring was aware of Ursin’s potential noncompliance with the terms of his bail agreement, Moore says in his motion
Moore’s motion also claims Ursin had multiple phones, and that texts between Ursin and employees of Home Bound Monitoring on additional phones have not yet been submitted to his office.
Campbell did not respond to a request for comment.
Hundreds of location violations
Ursin was arrested on Jan. 25, 2025, on machine gun and body armor counts, as well as multiple counts for possession and possession with intent to distribute. He posted his $45,700 bail and agreed to random drug testing and a ban on possessing firearms. He was not required to wear an ankle monitor
Then on July 30, 2025, Ursin was arrested again while on bail after police searched his room at the
earlier Sunday warned that any division at home over the deal weakens its negotiating position Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian urged national unity and called it a
Homewood Suites on Corporate Boulevard and said they found evidence of continued drug dealing and gun possession.
Ursin was issued a new bail of $180,100 and was required to be under house arrest with an ankle monitor Ursin would be able to leave his house only for court, work, school church or medical appointments. On Feb. 20, Ursin agreed to the new bail conditions and enrolled with Home Bound Monitoring.
His conditions were then amended on March 31 to say he would be able to leave his home only for court dates, church and to work at a music studio, and would be under house arrest from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m.
Moore’s office first became aware of Ursin’s trip to Houston on April 28 after he mentioned it on a recorded jail phone call between himself and an inmate. Moore then requested Ursin’s location data from the previous two weeks from Campbell. That data showed Ursin had been to Hammond, Breaux Bridge, Prairieville, Gonzales, Convent, Rayne, Ponchatoula and Welsh, all outside of his curfew hours.
Additional location data was subpoenaed and compiled by Moore’s
on sunday.
“disgrace” when someone stands before parliament and calls anyone who negotiates a traitor Iran nuclear program questioned
After the war began, Iran attacked Israel and several Arab Gulf nations with missiles and drones. A ceasefire was reached on April 7.
Ten days later, the U.S. military imposed its blockade. A historic faceto-face meeting between Vice President JD Vance and Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf ended without success.
Throughout negotiations, Trump alternatively threatened to destroy Iranian infrastructure, even its civilization, and praised the relationship with Iran as “more professional” as his administration sought an exit from the war with midterm U.S. elections coming later this year
Iran’s government, with its own tensions around hard-liners as it scrambled to replace several top officials killed in the war, repeatedly expressed wariness of negotiations after rounds of talks last year and
office, showing Ursin had been recorded at an unapproved location between 967 and 1,181 times, and had been tracked leaving his approved residence approximately 106 to 125 times.
Ambiguity in house arrest
The upper and lower estimates of Ursin’s violations come from the fact Moore’s office considers his March 31 amended bail conditions to be ambiguous, with some of his movements being possibly allowed based on how the conditions are interpreted.
In texts between Ursin and Campbell, it is clear that Ursin considers the trip to Houston to be a medical appointment because he was getting the diamonds on his teeth cleaned and reaffixed by a dentist.
Similarly, it is unclear whether Ursin’s musical performances are covered by the “work” exceptions in his bail.
In multiple instances Ursin requested to perform at a show occurring in another part of the state that would require an overnight stay. Those would be routinely approved by an employee of Home Bound Monitoring without consulting a judge.
early this year ended with U.S. and Israeli attacks.
Tehran has emphasized that it wanted a deal to focus on ending the war with discussions put off until later on its nuclear program — the issue at the center of it all.
Iran has 972 pounds of uranium that is enriched up to 60% purity, a short, technical step from weapons-grade levels of 90%, according to the International Atomic Energy Agency
Iran has long maintained its nuclear program is peaceful and has not publicly committed to giving up the enriched uranium, which is believed to be buried under three nuclear sites that were badly damaged by U.S. strikes last year
At times, the U.S. had sought the removal of the enriched uranium from Iran as part of a deal. Russia has offered to take it. At other times, Trump said he wanted the uranium destroyed.
Associated Press writers Melanie Lidman in Tel Aviv, Israel, and Cara Anna in Lowville, New York, contributed to this story
Employees seemed to apply the rules haphazardly, sometimes telling Ursin he couldn’t leave without prior approval and other times approving his travel the same day as the request.
“Even if the Court interprets the amended bond conditions narrowly and concludes that the Defendant was subject only to an 8 p.m to 8 a.m. curfew after March 31, 2026, the reports still reflect a substantial number of violations,” the motion reads.
Moore has admitted in the past that he believes Campbell, Home Bound Monitoring’s operator, might be applying the conditions of Ursin’s bail incorrectly by mistake.
In many messages to Campbell since being put on the ankle monitor Ursin repeats that he was always in contact with an employee from Home Bound Monitoring before leaving the house.
“If I leave to do anything she knows,” Ursin texted Campbell on April 21. “I literally haven’t been doin anything I got messages to prove every time I left da house I txted (her).”
Email Quinn Coffman at quinn. coffman@theadvocate.com.
Ebola cases in Congo climb to 782 and deaths reach 181
BY JEAN-YVES KAMALE Associated Press
KINSHASA, Congo The number of confirmed Ebola cases in Congo has increased to 782, with 181 deaths, the Congolese Ministry of Health said in a statement on social platform X on Sunday evening.
However, the number of cases in Congo is believed to be higher because the outbreak was confirmed on May 15, weeks after it is
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On Friday, shares of stock in SpaceX were trading at $161 at the close of market Friday after rising as high as $175 by midafternoon. That valued the company at more than $2 trillion, exceeding the market capitalizations of other titans of American industry including Walmart and General Motors combined, the New York Times reported.
The company’s president and CEO were on Wall Street on Friday morning to ring the bell to open the Nasdaq Stock Market. Musk also rang a bell from Texas.
SpaceX operates about 9,500 of the 14,000 or so satellites orbiting Earth, providing the company’s Starlink internet service to customers worldwide Earlier this year, it notified federal regulators of intentions to launch up to 1 million lowEarth orbit satellites, part of a larger plan to operate AI data centers from space. The prospectus for the SpaceX stock debut shows spending at a massive scale — greater than the economic output of some countries — and about to grow much larger as Musk races to make good on his promise to hurl people to distant planets, The Associated Press reported. Money to be raised in the IPO will help finance those futuristic, fantastical plans. Some of those plans could involve south Louisiana.
State Sen. Bob Hensgens, R-Abbeville confirmed
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control drug approvals and patent protections, which he called “two of the most significant factors in the cost of drugs.”
“The new laws are a step toward better regulation of the entities involved in the drug supply chain, but cost reduction must start with significant revisions to national policy,” he said.
Independent pharmacists Pharmacy benefit managers, commonly referred to as PBMs, would be required by state law to reimburse local, nonchain pharmacies at a higher rate. Local pharmacies would be paid a “professional dispensing fee” for their services that is at least as much as the Louisiana Medicaid rate, which can be adjusted every year and is currently just under $12 per prescription. Recently, the Insurance Department set a minimum dispensing fee at $9. Previously, there was no minimum.
State Rep. Jason Dewitt, R-Boyce, who sponsored the legislation, said some local pharmacists weren’t getting reimbursed enough to break even.
“These guys were barely surviving,” he said.
The Louisiana Independent Pharmacies Association backed the legislation this year
“You’re allowing the patient to have access to their choice of pharmacy,” said Randal Johnson, president and CEO of the association. But others note that when PBMs, and by extension the health insurers that hire them, are required to pay pharmacists more money, health insurance costs can go up. “This will cause some patients to pay higher outof-pocket amounts at the
suspected to have begun, and the contact tracing coverage rate is at 56%, a sharp decrease from last week.
The latest Ebola outbreak is caused by the rare Bundibugyo virus, which has no approved vaccine or treatment, unlike the “Zaire virus,” which was responsible for most of Congo’s past 16 outbreaks of the disease.
Fifty-six people have recovered, and the current fatality rate of the
outbreak is 23%, the Ministry said.
The outbreak is concentrated in Congo’s eastern province of Ituri, which accounts for more than 90% of the cases. Cases have also been recorded in the North Kivu and South Kivu provinces, and have spread across the border to Uganda.
Nearly a million people have been displaced by conflict in Ituri, according to the U.N. humanitarian office, making contact tracing
difficult as people flee attacks or move frequently in the vast province with dense forests, poor roads and remote villages that can take days to reach.
Tracing is also difficult among the thousands of artisanal miners who regularly move between remote sites in the mineral-rich region.
Attacks on health workers from angry residents, skepticism among some locals, and armed conflict in
hot spots continue to challenge efforts to stop the outbreak.
Last month, U.S. officials said Washington intends to send Americans exposed to Ebola while abroad to a new facility in Kenya rather than flying them back home. They said the center would be located at Laikipia Air Base with a capacity of 50 quarantine beds. The move led to protests over the plans to build an Ebola quarantine center, which was later halted by the courts.
in May that an aerospace company is in talks to buy coastal land in the Vermilion Parish area from ExxonMobil, which has owned 136,000 acres there since the 1950s. Sources familiar with the situation indicated SpaceX is the company in question. Several legislators signed nondisclosure agreements at the request of Gov Jeff Landry’s administration, precluding them from discussing specifics about a potential aerospace company Hensgens was the first elected official to go on record
confirming it. He said he did not sign the NDA because he did not believe it was fair to his constituents. If the deal happens it would bring billions in revenue to the parish along with about $100 million for coastal restoration, Hensgens said.
The potential location in Vermilion Parish could be an ideal one for SpaceX between its Brownsville, Texas, headquarters and Cape Canaveral, Florida, according to Lafayette real estate broker Jim Keaty who has
been monitoring and blogging about local developments. The company’s rockets are too large to be transported by rail and would have to be shipped by barge.
The Freshwater Bayou Lock provides direct, deepwater access to the Gulf for SpaceX’s autonomous drone-ship recovery vessels, Keaty said. The nearby Port of Iberia has more than 100
pharmacy counter and will slightly increase health insurance premiums,” said Opelka. “The intended effect of the bill is to stabilize the market for independent pharmacies, ensuring access in underserved areas.”
Jeff Drozda, CEO of the Louisiana Association of Health Plans, a trade group for the largest insurers in the state, has reservations about the change. He said “government-mandated increases to pharmacy dispensing fees” run the risk of “exacerbating affordability challenges” for insurers and consumers.
Tougher rules for PBMs Lawmakers also passed a measure that limits how PBMs go about charging for their services. In managing prescription drug benefits for health insurers, PBMs negotiate with drug manufacturers for lower prices and also determine which drugs a health plan covers.
PBMs would now be legally required to act in the best interest of insurers and consumers. They would also be prohibited from making money off drug manufacturer rebates and would instead be required to pass those savings on to the health plans they
work for PBMs would be required to charge health plans a flat fee for their services and couldn’t tie their fees to the cost of a drug.
State Sen. Adam Bass, the bill sponsor, called the proposed flat service fee model “a significant change” that ensures PBMs are actually working to save health plans and consumers money Bass said under the old model, that wasn’t necessarily the case.
“Their incentive is to get the biggest rebate they can get. That’s not always the cheapest drug,” he said.
The trade group that represents the country’s largest PBMs blasted the legislation.
“This bill is a love letter to Big Pharma,” said Christine Rex, a senior director for the Pharmaceutical Care Management Association. “It will severely limit the tools health plans use to keep prescription drug prices low.”
Rex said the larger package of bills lawmakers passed this year badly misses the mark when it comes to lowering drug costs.
“Only drug manufacturers
said.
cated), and Cape Canaveral, Florida, where it has launch pads,” said Kimberly Siversen Burke, director of governmental affairs for Quilty Space, a Florida firm that advises aerospace companies.
“It has methane infrastructure nearby in Cameron and fabrication access through the Port of Iberia,” she said. Keaty said the location could support activities such as manufacturing Starships, testing its Raptor engines and loading completed rockets on barges bound for Florida.
State lawmakers in the recent legislative session passed a package of bills to give aerospace companies generous tax breaks and expansive protections against lawsuits. Some companies could get huge tax breaks, including a big property tax exemption and state and local sales tax breaks for aerospace equipment.
marine fabrication yards already equipped to build launch mounts, modify barges and supply offshoregrade steel.
The area also provides easy access to much-needed fuels — natural gas and methane.
“Vermilion gives them Gulf access between Boca Chica, Texas (where the SpaceX Starbase hub is lo-
set prescription drug prices, and PBMs work to lower drug costs for Louisiana patients,” she
AssoCIATED PREss PHoTo By ERIC GAy
spaceX’s mega rocket starship makes a test flight from starbase, Texas, on May 22. spaceX hit the stock market on Friday. If it pursues a project in Vermilion Parish, it’ll have cash to do it.
sTAFF FILE PHoTo By JoHN BALLANCE
A pharmacy tech at st Vincent de Paul Pharmacy speaks on the phone. Along with new rules for health insurers, lawmakers recently boosted the amount of money locally owned pharmacies would get paid for dispensing drugs.
RPCC program expands workforce training
Evening program to help with industrial demand
BY ANNAKATE FREELAND staff writer
Beginning this fall, River Parishes Community College will offer the first two semesters of its Process Technology Program through evening classes at Donaldsonville High School, creating a pathway to earn credentials and prepare for careers in the region’s growing industrial sector
Donovan Thompson, RPCC’s associate vice chancellor of innovation and energy sciences, said the expansion is part of a broader effort to expand evening course offerings collegewide and provide more opportunities within the Donaldsonville community
The Process Technology program at RPCC is a 60-credit-hour program developed in collaboration with the local oil and gas and chemical manufacturing industry.
“This gets your foot in the door at refineries, chemical plants and manufacturing facilities in the River Parishes area, one of the most industrialized corridors in the country,” he said.
He said the plan is to launch a cohort every fall, with a target enrollment of 18 students. The classes will be held two days per week from 5 to 8:15 p.m., accommodating two sections of two courses, Thompson said. Any working adult or prospective student is eligible to enroll, he said.
“These programs are great. They really are,” said Tyler Gray, director of energy innovation for the LSU Energy Institute. “The ability to learn in a living industry is significant.”
Gray said the hiring cycle is constant, and with increased industry demand in Ascension Parish, a substantial need exists for qualified workers.
Successful completion of fall courses will allow students to earn a career and technical certificate. Successful completion of spring courses will put students halfway to earning an Associate of Applied Science. He said the certificate-level coursework gives students foundational skills to pursue entry-level positions in industrial settings.
Per semester, it will cost the typical fulltime load of 15 credit hours. With tuition and fees, the total comes to $2,557.
RPCC plans to host community information sessions at 5 p.m. June 17 and 5 p.m. July 15 at Donaldsonville High School, covering admissions, financial aid, registration and career opportunities.
HIGH STAKES
Kid Fest showcases young authors, artists and entrepreneurs
BY BRIANNA MEEKS
Contributing writer
“Stomp” by Kirk Franklin swelled and softened in the background Saturday as children walked alongside their parents at Kid Fest. A navy blue sign reading “Welcome to Kid Fest” greeted families Saturday as they entered the festival grounds at BREC Scotlandville Parkway under a bridge near the Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport. Children bounced with anticipation as they made their way through the entrance tunnel.
Presented by Community Against Drugs And Violence and Scotlandville Community Development Corporation and supported by The Walls Project, the event brought together families, community organizations and youth entrepreneurs for a day of education, culture, entertainment and community engagement.
Organizer Pat McCallisterLeDuff said the initiative that eventually became Kid Fest began as a community effort to improve neighborhood conditions in Scotlandville. After 15 years of community cleanup and outreach efforts, she launched the festival to help children see themselves as leaders, innovators and changemakers.
“We want every child who attends to leave feeling seen, valued, encouraged and empowered to pursue their dreams,” McCallisterLeDuff said.
ment. Nearby, oversized “225” numbers decorated with flowers rested on the grass.
Across the festival grounds, young entrepreneurs showcased books, artwork, lemonade and handmade accessories while gaining experience interacting with customers and sharing their businesses with attendees. Community organizations also used the festival to connect families with resources and educational opportunities.
At the Line4Line table, shelves were filled with colorful children’s books featuring Black boys and girls. Lucy Perera and Tina Miles shared information about the nonprofit’s literacy mentoring and arts-based programs while distributing free reading materials to families. Perera said the organization intentionally selects books featuring Black children so young readers can see themselves reflected in the stories they read.
featured replicas of local businesses including Empire Wings, Navy Federal Credit Union and Aetna Pierce Clinic, giving children an opportunity to interact with places they see throughout their community
“They need to see places that look like where they grow up,” said Ashley Riley, creator of Little Scotlandville. The sound of a choo-choo train echoed throughout the festival as children rode through the grounds. They passed a recreation area for older children ages 8-18 featuring basketball activities and a footballthemed inflatable attraction.
ter how old you are, you should always strive to do what you like,” Zaria said.
Among the attendees was Brandy Beal, who brought her twin children to the festival. Beal said Kid Fest provides opportunities for families to spend time together while exposing children to positive activities and resources.
“It’s free, for one. Everybody doesn’t have money to do stuff like this. Two, it’s very family friendly and it includes everybody,” Beal said.
Vendors lined both sides of the festival grounds. On one side, youth-owned businesses such as Jaylicious Lemonade, Bundles of Beauty and DMP & Z Fine Fragrances and Accessories showcased their products. Across from them stood community organizations and businesses including the Baton Rouge Police Department, the airport, BDG Creations and Line4Line’s free book stand. Brightly colored bouncy houses stretched across the grassy area beneath the bridge as children sprang into the air with excite-
Nearby, James Roan, of the Scotlandville Culture Center, displayed books, photographs and historical information highlighting Scotlandville’s legacy, notable residents and its connection to Southern University In the center of the festival, children with twinkles in their eyes sat patiently as their faces were painted by Airbrushed By Me while families explored vendor booths and activities.
Near the end of the festival grounds sat “Little Scotlandville,” a play area designed for infants and toddlers. The miniature town
BDG Creations, owned by 10-year-old Braileigh Gray, featured one-of-a-kind canvas art, bookmarks and bracelets. Inspired by her mother, Tyquencia Vessel, a local art teacher Braileigh creates her own artwork and develops her own creative techniques. She has operated her business for one year and was making her second appearance at Kid Fest.
“Just believe in yourself and do what you love,” she said.
At 14, Zaria Cherry has already published multiple children’s books. Zaria said she began writing stories as a child despite having dyslexia, a learning difference that can make reading and writing more challenging. She published her first book at age 9, “Lulu the Lollipop Girl,” which teaches children the importance of balancing sweet treats with healthy habits.
“I want kids to know that no mat-
Brianna Meeks, a journalism student at Southern University, reported and wrote this story with the support of the nonprofit Louisiana Collegiate News Collaborative, an LSU-led coalition of eight universities funded by the Henry Luce and John D. and Catherine T MacArthur foundations.
PRoVIDED PHoTo By BRIANNA MEEKs Zariah Cherry, 14, stands at her table saturday at Kid Fest in the scotlandville area of Baton Rouge. Zariah writes and sells her own books.
sTAFF PHoTo By JoHN BALLANCE
Noelle Amari construction, which specializes in church renovations, works on the Iglesia Ni Cristo Church recently on Florida Boulevard.
on May28in an undisclosed location in Ukraine
Zelenskyyand Putinspeak with Trumpbyphone
Dronestrikes kill 2inRussia
By The Associated Press
RussianPresident Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy each spoke by phonewithU.S.President Donald Trump on Sunday, as Trump markedhis 80th birthday and the war in Ukraine remainedaflashpoint ahead of this week’s G7 summit.
Putin’scall with Trump lasted just under an hour, according to Russian presidential aide Yuri Ushakov, whobriefed reporters afterward.
On Ukraine, Ushakov said Trump emphasized the need to end hostilities and stated his readiness to influence European allies and Kyiv toward that goal, including at the upcoming G7 summit.
Trump also said that recent strikes on civilian targets in Russia complicate asettlement —thoughthe WhiteHouse has notconfirmed that, nor commented on the call —and said that ending the war quickly could open thedoor to “a truly new quality of U.S.Russian relations,” Ushakov quoted him as saying.
Putin, for his part, argued that attacks on Russian civilian infrastructure by Kyiv would not change Ukraine’sposition on the battlefield, and said that if Zelenskyy wants ameeting with him, “let him come to Moscow,” according to Ushakov
U.S. envoy SteveWitkoff and Trump’sson-in-law Jared Kushner are expected to travel to Russia soon, Ushakov said.
Theleaders also discussed Iran, where Trump said aU.S. agreement with Tehran was close and that he hoped the results of the talks couldbemadepublic today,Ushakov said.
Zelenskyy saidinastatement on Telegram Sunday that he had a“wonderful conversation”with Trump. Beyond congratulating Trump on his birthday,the Ukrainian presidentsaid he thanked theU.S. president for supportingUkraine. He said they discussed “what couldhelpbring peace closer now,” without providing details. Zelenskyy also informed Trump about how Ukraine’sposition along the easternfront linehas improved and strengthened “Weagreed to discuss more duringour meeting at theG7summit,” he said. The calls came as Trump prepared to markhis birthdaywith aUFC fight on the WhiteHouse lawn Sunday evening, an event without precedent in American history. Once it concludes, Trump is set to fly overnight to France for theG7 summit, where Ukraine is expected to be amajor topic of discussion Tuesday and Zelenskyy is due tojoin the gathering. Russia’swar in Ukraine has long frustrated Trump, whoasacandidateclaimed he couldend theconflict within 24 hours of taking office. He has since stopped making such claims and tends to pivot awayfrom the topic when pressed. He has also grown increasingly vexed by the war between Israel and Iran, which has driven up gas prices, rattled financial markets and stoked concernsaboutinflation
The diplomatic exchanges came against thebackdrop of continued fighting.
Ukrainian droneattacks killed one person and wounded nine others overnight in aresidential building in the regional capital of Russia’s Oryolregion, Gov.AndreiKlychkov said Sunday.Another droneattack killed one person SundayinRussia’sBryansk region, local authorities said.
Swissvotersrejectbid to cappopulation at 10M, earlyresults show
BY JAMEY KEATEN Associated Press
GENEVA— Nearly 55%of voters in Switzerland on Sunday rejected an initiative championed by the top right-wing party to cap the rich Alpine country’spopulation at 10 million, early results showed. The populist Swiss People’sParty,which has the most seatsinparliament, hasstirred up andfostered anti-migration sentiment over the years,notably about an influx of workers from the neighboring European Union.
Some have dubbedthe proposala“Swiss Brexit” because it could jeopardize Switzerland’sdeep ties to the European Union anchored by deals that foster economic growth, cultural ties and cross-border travel, among otherthings. Switzerlandisnot oneofthe EU’s27member states, but it is all but surrounded by four of them. Recent pollingfrom the gfs.bern agency suggested that it could be aclose con-
Funerals Today
Boydstun, Nancy
FirstPresbyterianChurch at 1p.m
Gautreau,Betty
St.MarkCatholic Church,42021 LA-621 in Gonzales,at11a.m
MarantoDugas,Angie
OurLadyofMercy Catholic Church at 10 a.m.
McCarthy,Susanna
St.James EpiscopalChurch,205 North Fourth Street,at10a.m
Patterson, Suzanne
St.Theresa of Avila Catholic Church at 12:30 p.m
Wilcox, Richard
Mt.CarmelCatholic Church at 11am
Obituaries
Phillips, Billie Claire Lefkovits
Billie Claire Lefkovits
Phillips (a/k/a Miss Bill, Miss Billie) left this world on her own terms on June 5, 2026, at her home in Sunshine, LA,with her sons and belovedcaregiver Teresa by her side
BillieClaire was born October 6, 1930, in ConverseLouisiana at the women's clinic closestto Zwolle, Louisiana. DaughterofLouis Lefkovits (the Jewish ownerofthe dry goodsand grocery storein Zwolle) and Edna Williams Lefkovits (a staunch Southern Baptist)she was raised in this "mixed marriage" family in Zwolle untilshe left to attend college at Baylor.She then moved to Baton Rougeand attended LSUafter becoming acouple withTom Fore PhillipsfromMany, Louisiana. Following Tom's lawschool, BillieClaireand Tom married and putdown rootsinBaton Rouge, and they remained married for 59 years until Tom's death in 2011.
BillieClaire was thecentral figure in running her family,thatevolvedto raising threesons (in addition to Tom), keepingthe books (in theearlydaysa difficulttask, some months putting aside5.00orless intosavings), and maintaining constant connection with her and Tom's parents and afar-flung group of relatives. Once she moved to thenew house on Magnolia Woods, and laterthe home in Sunshine, she provided, generallywithout prior notice, unceasinghosting of and hospitality to friendsand no telling how many of Tom's compatriots, young lawyer mentees,clients protectors (during the Louisiana Creamery strike time), and folks needing a couch for thenight,including even opposing lawyers and their clients in some instances.
She was thebestcook any of herchildrenorfamily or friendshad ever known or experienced. Her sonLouisinpart hooked his wife (he thinks) when early on in their courtship whileata very chic restaurant out with California friends thediscussionturned to favorite chefs,and choosing last (following adiscussionof adizzying array of chefs) he said, "Well Ihaveto say, my mother". BillieClaireispreceded in deathbyher husband, Tom, her parents, her belovedsisterSelma Hopkins,and her beloved nephew Jonathan Hopkins. She is also preceded in death by her youngestson Thomas Bryan Phillips (who had to be her favorite, as her other two sons gladly in recognition cede thecrown), who died in aone-car accident in 1987. Thomas's death did not kill, butcertainly maimed her, butaswas always thecase, it was up to her to holdthe family together, reject false claims of any who foolishlytried to convince that they had come to grips, or gotten through, and to keep Thomas's memory front and center forthe next 39 years. Her family thanks her for her fierce devotion to keeping theflame of recollectionand memory of Thomas alive, such that we think of him everyday, because we just do,and shouldwefalter, we cannot cross BillieClaire
BillieClaireissurvived by sons and daughters-inlaw, Louis M. Phillips and Yvette M. Wiltgenand Ben Foreand Molly Fairchild Phillips;and her grandchildren,Michaella (partner Jamison), Isaac (wife Olivia), EmilyRachel, and Savannah, to allofwhom she was totallydevoted and who madeupmuch of thelight in her life forthe last decades. Her grandchildrencouldnot have been moreloved. She is also survivedbyher nephew SpencerHopkins and her twonieces Emily Claire Brown (husband Mark), and Millicent Hopkins (bothmuch moredaughters than nieces), and the sonofEmily and Mark, Bryan Brown (much more a grandsonthan grandnephew) and his wife Grace and theirchildren Parker and Cooper.She also leavesbehinda host of cousins from both her father's and mother's sides, Brooks, Klein, and Dees and Williams families;and also family from Tom's side -BeckyOsborn and her family,and theWhite and Forefamilies in Arkansas.
BillieClairelived out her last 40 plusyears at the home that she and Tom builtinSunshine Louisiana. She was able to pass on at her beloved home, which was ablessing to her and thefamily. In her last conversation before she declared"OK, I am done",she asked whether she couldhave
donebetterinraisingher family, to whichthere was aunanimous,firm"No." Despite being raised whereand when she was raised(or maybe because of it,asher father Louis wouldmake grocerydeliveriesinhis ownpickup trucktofamiliesout around Zwolle whohad no transportation,both black andwhite, hoping for but notrequiring payment), she rejected institutional cruelty, racism, and meanness. Whileraised in the Baptist church in rural Zwolle in the 1930's and tryingtostay involveduntilthe 1960's, she ultimately fell away, butnot before leaving theestablished church to seekanalternative non-racially biased andsegregated alternative. Throughouther life sheinstilledinher children in anon-intellectual but common decency wayto startwith love,withhold judgment,see the whole person,defendagainst flowingwith acrowd,and to recognize andembrace common humanity, andto honor both basichuman dignity anddecency.Not to be political (or maybe, to be political) she rejected thecurrent prevailing political persuasion on the grounds of plain common decencyand othernon-repeatable grounds. Not an easy set of lessons to impartstartinginthe early 1960's when andwhere we were growingupand not an easy morality to hold for 96 years, throughthe changing of thetimes Thank you Mother Thefamilythanksher dear, lifelongand surviving friends to whom she was devoted -including Joy Pearce, Debbie Lamb, Joyce Moreland; Jan McClanahan andthe McClanahan family; Artis, Mandy,and Leonard, et al; Pete andEllen Abington; Bessie Jackson andmany more. Thanks to herlatest bridge group, to whichshe wasdevoted as longas shecould be there. The familyalso gives thanks to thewonderfulcadre of caregivers duringher last 15 monthswho were with heratthe end- Teresa, Ms. Pam, Tiffany andTameca; thenursing staff at Decision Critical, including Ashley, Karla andReagan (a
wonderful and devoted group of nursing professionals, many of whom took in my motherastheir special charge andwere acceptedbyour motheras though parther family); andfinallytoPinnacle and thehospice nursesthat took such great care. Thank you to therather large groupofdoctors through theyearsfrom whom Billie Claire cadged theircellphonenumbers for private access (Dr. Carl Luikart, especially, until andmaybe after hisretirement). Finally, we thank Dr. Mary Coenen Raven,who so humanely providedBillieClaire such afulsome descriptionofhospice care andupon whose recommendation Miss Billie made herdecision, ultimately.
Billie Claire went out from this life on herown volition,after seeingalmost 96 years of world change;with mind intact; knowing she hadlived a goodlife; andwanting not to be aburden. Her family, friends andacquaintances are blessed to have had herintheir lives
Funeral serviceswill be held on June 20, 2026, at RabenhorstFuneral Home, 825 Government Street,Baton Rouge,LA. Visitation begins at 10:30 a.m., with service at 12:00 Noon. Immediately thereafter,the familywill hold areception at theBaton Rouge City Club, 355 North Blvd,Baton Rouge,LA. Allare welcome.
test. Preliminaryresults sharedbythe federalgovernment showed thatnearly 55%ofvoters rejected the proposal,withnationwide turnout almost 59%. Results were still pending from many of Switzerland’s 26 cantons
The number ofpeople living in Switzerland has soared by nearlyone-quarter overthe last generation, and foreigners today make up nearly one-thirdof the population.
Critics say the boom in migrationhas brought foreign labor andskills to sectorssuchashealthcare, finance,pharmaceuticals andtechnology
Theright-wingparty put forward the “sustainability initiative”measure, saying Swiss infrastructure, housing, socialprograms, natural resources and wayof life have been strained by the spikeindemographic growth.
Thefederal government, Parliament and EconomieSuisse, amajor business association, oppose the idea.
She wasa thankful member of untoldnumbers of bridge groups, well into her 90's (she stopped driving in January2025), all, until thelast of which, she outlived. She wasalso a member of various social groups around town including Morning Callers, LegalAuxiliary, Decorators, and others. As a96year-oldwhitewoman fromnorth Louisiana red dirt,her favorite pursuit was religiously watching LSUwomen'sbasketball and gymnastics (herbest present this past Christmas was aFlau'jae Johnson basketballjersey) She was adearfriend to awide circle of people,a firm non-leaking confidant to whommany pouredout their problems and needs. She helpedraise generations of younglawyersat Tom's firm, Taylor Porter, providing them with succor,bothbefore they found their mates and families and then with respect to some, after things went bad. She letfriendsand confidants(generallymen) knowitwhen their divorce plans were foolishness and had no difficulty directing an end to such pursuits
AssoCIATED PREss FILE PHoTo By EFREM LUKATsKy servicemen of Ukraine’sdefense intelligence set up the Peklo (Hell) missile drones against Russian
Newprogram aims to improve maternity outcomes
Louisiana continues to face one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the nation,with the greatest burden fallingonwomen in rural and underserved communities. These outcomes reflect asystems-level failure, in which behavioral health, addictiontreatment, prenatal care, housing stabilityand social supports remain too fragmented to meet the needs of vulnerable mothers.
Untreated mental illness and substance use disorders during pregnancy are among the most overlooked drivers of poormaternal outcomes. When women cannot access coordinated, evidence-based care, both mothers and infants face preventable risks that reverberate across generations.
This is why the NortheastDelta Human Services Authority is opening RISE, one of Louisiana’smost comprehensive inpatienttreatment programs for pregnant women with substance use disordersand their dependent children.
RISE aligns directly with the Louisiana Department of Health’s maternal-health priorities by expanding access to behavioral health treatment, reducing substance-exposed newborns, strengthening family stability and improving outcomes for high-risk pregnancies
RISE will also function as aresearch-to-practice facility,generating real-time evaluation and applied research to improve maternaland child health outcomes statewide Additionally,itwill train therapists, psychiatrists and family medicine physicians, helping address Louisiana’spersistent workforce shortages in behavioral health and maternal care.
These efforts are strengthened by the development of NEDHSA’s proposed Health District,a coordinated framework designedtoalign services,partners and resources across Northeast Louisiana Facilities like RISE, supported by acomprehensive Health District and transitional housing, arenot peripheral to maternal health. They are central to achieving theoutcomes Louisiana has committed to. Maternal health is astatewide imperative and integrated solutions like these are essentialto protecting the lives of mothers and children.
DR. MONTEIC A. SIZER
executivedirector,NortheastDelta Human services Authority Monroe
LETTERSTOTHE EDITOR
AREWELCOME.HEREARE
YOUR VIEWS
Beauty, warmth of La. is unmatchedanywhere
I’ve been to several dozen countries and traveled all across theUnited States. Ilove Louisiana, and it is aplace like no other First of all, it’shome. There is astrong bond regarding family in our state, and the way we treat our family and friends extends to everyone. Ilove walking into any tiny gas station or restaurant and feeling like I’m with aunts and uncles, grandparents, brothers andsisters, when Idon’tknow the people at all. Igrew up on manyacres of land in AscensionParish. Its beauty and experiences amaze me every day.The loquat tree near my housewould bloom and offer itsfruit for jams. When March and April camearound, citrusaromas rose from thenavel orange and lemon trees. By May,the scent of magnolias filled the air,mimosa trees bloomed soft and fragrant andcrapemyrtles filled thelandscape with color likeakaleidoscope. Come October,the
satsumas cameand the pecans fell to the ground, ready to be harvested and shared with my grandparents. Iloved watching the sun descend in adifferent shade every evening, red, orange, pink and everything in between.Acouple of doves lined thetelephone wire, cardinals flew and sang and spoonbills congregated along with egrets and herons at our pond. At night,raccoons, foxes, deer and coyotes quietly took over.What asight.
ButLouisiana is not only something you see. It is something you taste and feel in the companyofpeople you love. Sweet tea in a tall, scratched plastic cup. Sauce piquante over rice with aslice of Texastoast. An outdoor fish fry with music playing and the smell of hot oil in the air Ilove that Ican call this place my home.
NICHOLAS GARON st. Amant
Down da bayou, fans areskeptical about reporter’s take on LsUcoach Lane Kiffin
Jeff Landry spent millions trying to rewrite Louisiana’sconstitution.
The voters said no. Five amendments, all going downonMay 16, and not even close. Republican policy,when you strip the party label off, loses.
Then Landry fled the state the very next day to lead aTrumpvanity trip to Greenland, getting jeered by residents, picking fights with journalists and trying to lure local kids to his residence with cookies. Rather than face the people who rejected him,heran. This is what running from accountability while embarrassing our state looks like.
But Landry running is just the symptom.The disease is older than he is.
Republican officials hold every lever of state power in Louisiana: the governorship, the Legislature, the courts.
And what they are selling does not look dangerous on the surface. Data centers. Carbon capture. Taxcuts. One hundred billion in investment. It sounds like prosperity.What nobody explains is whopays foritand whocollects the profit.
The people pay through subsidies and tax breaks carved out forcorporations, while utilities climb and wages sit still. The shareholders collect. The politicians keep their power.They pit us against each other with culture warsand dog whistles while they pick our pockets clean.
The grassroots is waking up. Bipartisan coalitions are forming across Louisiana with almost no money,which is exactly what terrifies the people whohave all of it. They are scrambling to restrict voting and gerrymander districts. You only do that when you know you are losing the argument.
Louisiana has always been the battleground. The next phase was always coming. The question is whether enough of us are ready DUSTIN
Draw voting districtson population,and letchips fall wheretheymay
We call our Louisiana population agumbo. This fact is what makes Louisiana, Louisiana.
Our Louisiana gumbo is comprised of manyethnicities. To name afew: French, Italian, African, Irish, Cajun, German, Vietnamese, Caribbean, Central and South American, Mexican, English, many Mediterraneans and many, many moregroups of people.
To sEND Us ALETTER, sCAN HERE
OUR GUIDELINES: Letters are published identifying name and the writer’scity of residence.The Advocate |The Times-Picayune require astreet 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.
Boudreaux say,“Mr.Scott got ‘little doubt’ Kiffin had dem recruitin’ conversations. But who he ask? He ask Kiffin? Same man what said it in da magazine. Dat’sdasame gumbo in twobowls, cher.”
Thibodeaux say,“An’Mr. Scottsay Kiffin deserve credit for da College Football Playoff semifinal, even if he didn’tcoach in it. Boudreaux, you cut da line befo’ da boat come in, you don’tget to weigh da fish. Coach Golding beat Georgia. Kiffin was in BatonRouge countin’ da adult money.”
Boudreauxsay,“An’how come Mississippi can’trecruit, but Golding got da No. 2portal class in da country? An’Chambliss
got da second-bestHeisman odds behind only Arch Manning? Maybe Kiffin just couldn’trecruit high school. NowinBaton Rouge his QB Sam Leavitt was choice number three. Dat’snot arecruiter,dat’s a checkbook.”
Thibodeaux say,“An’Mr. Scott writin’ ‘bout da Sept. 19 security planlike da trouble just appeared.Kiffin poureddagas.Mr. Scottwritin’ ‘boutfire safety like nobody struck da match.”
Boudreaux say,“Mais,dabayou knowda difference ‘tween an alligator an’a coach what wanna be loved by everybody.One you can wrassle. Da other one just keeptalkin’.”
Hotty Toddy
DANIEL BUNCH Metairie
How do we grant special voting privileges to one group/ethnicity without depriving others of the samespecial voting privileges?
It’s not easy
Just draw our voting districts based upon population, regardless of ethnicity or political party.Let the chips fall where they may Put the onus on the candidates to do the the right thing forthe people, and present themselves in aprofessional manner
Then the responsibility is ours to choose the best candidates, and to vote.
GARYDAMARE Marrero
FILEPHoTo By HILARy sCHEINUK
Will this be theunhappy birthday?
In less than amonth, the United States will observe its 250thbirthday
It is shaping up more like amemorial service for alost loved one than aparty to celebrate something special. Rather thananticipating ahappy occasion, America at 250 is increasingly characterized by anger, name-calling and scandals.
Cal Thomas
Performers are withdrawing from President Trump’sFreedom 250 Great American State Fair in Washington, claiming organizers lied tothem about its partisanship. Trump,who has contributed mightily to the growing divisions among us, is threatening to make a“major speech,” mostly to his MAGA crowd to fill the vacuum left by those who have withdrawn. Is there anything new he could say that we haven’t heard dozens, perhaps thousands of times before? Would his rhetoric be uplifting, rather than self-aggrandizing? Based on the past, it doesn’tseem likely
Contrast this dark mood withthe July 4, 1976, bicentennial. Gerald Ford, amodest man, was president. The Vietnam Warhad officially ended in April. Richard Nixon had decamped to California after resigning the presidency over the Watergateaffair American flags were proudly waved, not ceremoniously burned.
Leading up to the occasion was a newspaper ad by British Airways featuring actor Robert Morley.Tongue in cheek, it said: “Come home, all is Forgiven.”
An international parade of tall ships in New York Harbor and later in Boston becameone of the most widely recognized visual spectacles of the day
Thousands of volunteers from every state traveled across the country,using historic routes in covered wagons, culminating at Valley Forge State Park in Pennsylvania. Areplica of the Liberty Bell toured all 50 states, encouragingall citizens to participate in the celebration. The Smithsonian Institution hosted a 12-week Festival of American Folklife on the National Mall. Queen Elizabeth
II made an official state visit At 2p.m. on July 4, President Ford rang anational Bicentennial Bellin Philadelphia 13 times (for the original colonies),prompting communities across America to ring bells in unison.
TheAmerican Freedom Train was atraveling museum displaying rare historical documents, artifacts and artwork. It visited the lower 48 states. Network coveragewas extensive (there were only three broadcast networks at the time). CBS’spopular Bicentennial Minutes segments, which began in 1974 and ran daily,continued through Dec. 31, 1976. The final Bicentennial Minute was presented by President Ford, closing out theyearlong television celebration What’s changed in the last 50 years? Many blame social media, theeducationsystem and politicians who seem to care more about theircareers than the conditionofthe country.Can anyone name amember of one party who has said something nice about a member of the other party?Idoubt a
“Jeopardy” champion could come up with one. Here’satimely quotefrom Ronald Reagan: “Allofus, as Americans, are joined in acommon enterprise to write thestory of freedom —the greatest adventure mankind has ever known, and one we mustpassontoour children and our children’schildren —remembering that freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction.”
It does not appear we are following Reagan’sadvice. Whereisthe soaring rhetoric of the past, even therecent past, that sought to proclaim aunity of purpose? To recallSimon and Garfunkel’smetaphoric line from “Mrs. Robinson”:“Wherehave you gone, Joe DiMaggio? Our nation turns its lonely eyes to you.” Like Elvis, to mix aperformance metaphor,itappearsunityand patriotism have left thebuilding.
EmailCal Thomas at tcaeditors@ tribpub.com.
America’smostboringnightmare
Ever gotten so deep in credit card debt that you stoppedopening the bills because it felt hopeless and looking at the numbers simplystressed you out? If not, Icongratulate you on your thrift and prudence. But alot of people have reached that point,as you will discover if you spend much time on personal finance forums.
product.Inother words, if we wanted to payitoff next year,we’d have to stop consuming anything and turn everything we produce, from apples to zippers, over to our creditors. Sure hope you remembered to stock up thechest freezer,orit’sgoing to be avery hungry year
Democratshave achance, if they change their message
There’sanold story about adog-food manufacturer who created anew canine concoctionwith the best ingredients and infused with the finest nutrients. It was launched into the marketwith great fanfare. There wasonly one problem. The dogs didn’tlike it. The Democrats need to understand the power of this parable. They have potent arguments about why they should reclaim power on Capitol Hill and set of grievances about the Trump years —awar that is deeply unpopular,gasoline and food costs that are stunningly high. There’sonly one problem. The voters don’tlike them.
The temptation, irresistible at the keyboardnow is to invoke the old chestnut that youcan’t teach old dogs new tricks. The lesson for the dog-food manufacturer wasn’ttochange the dogs. It wasto change the food.
The dog-food corollary is clear.The Democrats can’tchange the voters. They have to change the message.
Here’sthe brutal truth: More than half their potential supporters are dissatisfied with the Democratic Party,according to aNew York Times/ Siena University poll taken this spring. Two-thirds of arguably this fall’smost critical group of voters, the Democratic-leaning Independents, are dissatisfied with the Democratic Party.Now factorinthe redistricting sweepstakes, where the Republicans have been the clear winners, and you’ll conclude that the sunny skies Democratic strategists thought they saw suddenly are darkening.
Consider this: Only aquarter of all voters are satisfied with the Democratic Party,less than about athird who are satisfied with the Republicans.
The Democrats still maydowell in November. Gasoline prices remain high. Inflation, which helped take down the party earlier in the decade, is back. The Republicans’ most visible figure, Donald Trump, is deeply unpopular.Historicaltrends for midterm congressional elections strongly favor the party out of power in the White House
All this is good for the Democrats. So are some of the hijinks Mr.Trump has been up to,playing akingmaker’srole in GOP primaries by backing candidates who are on the fringe right in Texas, Kentucky and Louisiana against incumbents with strong proven voter appeal and —aswewill see with many allies in the Republican cloakrooms
The MAGA loyalists he helped win nominations will be substantially weaker than politicians like Senators John Cornyn and Bill Cassidy and Representative Thomas Massie would have been.But that’snot all. The three mutineers are nowfree to air their grievances with the president. Some once-reluctant Trump apostates mayjoin them,especially among the 14 Republicans whose election campaigns don’tcomeuntil 2030, two yearsafter the end of the Trump years in the White House
egaM n
If you are someone who pays off your credit card every month, it can be hard tounderstand why anyone would just stop opening their bills.Sure, it is hard to contemplate your financial problems. But contemplation, however unpleasant, is not what is most stressful about being deep in debt.
The really stressful part is when your creditors cut off your lines of credit, forecloseonyour house or force you into bankruptcy.The only way to avoid that crisis is toconfront the problem head-on.
So why don’tthey? Rather thanoffering pop psychology,Ihave aquestion for you: When was thelast time you devoted serious attention tothe national debt?
Many readers will clickaway at this point, if they haven’talready checked out at the headline. The national debt is so big and so incredibly boring! At best, reading about the debt feels like eating some highly nutritious vegetable you don’tcare for. At worst, it feels overwhelming. What can you do about it, anyway? All it does is make you depressed. Yousee where I’m going withthis. The nation is in ahole, and if it’sgoing to climb out, Americans need totake ahard look at the bill that is rapidly coming due, ratherthan stuff the notices in adrawerand try to forget they’re there.
The debt held by the public is roughly $31.6 trillion, and it recently surpassed 100% of the gross domestic
Thankfully,wedonot actually have to pay off thedebt next year.Infact, we don’thave to pay it off at all. Anation with ahealthy economy can sustaina modicum of debt,and even modest budget deficits, essentially forever As long as the debt isn’ttoo high, the deficits aren’ttoo outrageous, and the economy keeps growing, inflation and economic growth will keep thenational debt-to-GDP ratiowithin healthy bounds.
Alas, the United States is well past thatpoint.The outsize debt was barely sustainable even with the abnormally lowinterest rates between the 2008 financial crisis and the pandemic. But with 30-year Treasury yields at their highest level in almost two decades,it is not. Interest costs alone exceeded 3% of GDP in 2025, more than the government spentonMedicaid or defense. That has helped pushthe annual budget deficit to almost $2 trillion, or 5.8% of GDP.Unlesssomething is done,those numberswill get even worse as the boomers finish retiring and entitlements eat more and more revenue. There is only oneway this kind of profligacy can end: in afiscal crisis thatforces Congress and the president to hike taxes and cut spending, very probably at the worst possible time,when the economy is already nose-diving for some other reason Andhere’sthe thing: Everyone knows this.There’sareason you yawn when you’re asked to think about the national debt —it’sbecause you’ve heard this alla zillion times before. This
slow-moving disaster has been on the horizon for decades.We’ve all decided not to think aboutituntil we make landfall on whatever hellscape we’re approaching. Americans have plenty of ways to deflect attention from the unpleasantnessahead. For those of acertain sanguine frame of mind, it’spreferable to yawn and turn to something more diverting. Alternatively,wecan start an argument about something else that seems vaguely related but actually isn’t.
For example: Is it even possible to have afiscal crisis in anation that printsits own currency?(Yes.) Or: Which party caused this terrible state of affairs? This article probably would have gotten more clicks if I’d blamed Republican tax cuts or runaway Democratic spending. Unfortunately,the boring truth is that most of thedebt was accumulated during thefiscal responses to the financial crisis and the pandemic.
The problem is that neither party is willing to impose the fiscal discipline needed to pay down thedebt now that those crises are over,because there’s no way to do that withouttouching the highly popular entitlements that have driven theincreasingly unsustainable deficits.
Butthis cannot go on forever,and as the great economist Herbert Stein once said, “If something cannot go on forever,itwill stop.” The only choice thenation has is howitwill stop —a gradual tapping of the fiscal brakes, until things areback under control, or acontinued acceleration until adevastating crashbecomes inevitable. But if we want politicians to takethat first option, we voters must focus our attention andforce them to confront the problem beforeus.
MeganMcArdle is on X, @asymmetricinfo. Email her at Megan. McArdle@washpost.com.
This stands out: how negative Democrats are about Trump versus their relative ambivalence toward the Democratic Party
“They hate him alot more than they love their party,” said DouglasRivers, chief scientist of the YouGov Poll. To what extent do Democratic candidates join Mr.Trump in trying to nationalize these midterm contests?
For the Democrats to nationalize these elections, they would have to run against Mr.Trump. To some extent, acampaign based on gasoline and food prices does that.
But personalizing the effort to nationalize the campaign means that the party’scandidates would have to emphasize Trump himself.
He’sajuicy target; by atwo-to-one margin, Americans believe Trump isn’thonest and trustworthy —and by a56-33% margin say theydon’t believe he has the temperament to be president. But Trump isn’tonthe ballot, and two of the last three Democratic presidential candidates who made Trump the principal issue in the campaigns lost. It may be tempting to dismiss the public wariness of the Democratic Party.The Republicans were in muchthe same situation during Watergate, only to win the White House three consecutive times, only ahalf-dozen years afterRichard Nixon’s1974 resignation.
Meanwhile, the Republicans are not exactly in a robust position either.The party now hasa MAGA identity,but there is no assurance thatremains when Mr.Trump departs. In away,the instability that MAGA represents maybeadaggertothe heart of the GOP
Yetthat is only part of the Americanpolitical crisis.
Fully four out of five of the dissatisfied voters want the economic system to be overhauledor torn down, according to the Times/Siena survey And that occurs amonth before the country is scheduled to celebrate 250 years of American independence. Talk about athreat to American democracy! It’sthe dog that isn’tbarking.
Email David Shribman at dshribman@postgazette.com.
David Shribman
McArdle
AssoCIATED PREss PHoTo By JosE LUIs MAGANA
Parade participantsmarch near theNational Mall along Constitution Avenue in Washington to commemorate MemorialDay,coinciding withthe nation’s250th anniversarycelebrations.
City Park golf course deserves to be preservedasis
Public golf in Baton Rougeisunder siege In May,LSU closed its on-campus golf course that hadexisted in various versions since 1961.Now,City Park golf course, acentury-old fixture in the heart of the city,isbeing targeted. Some proponents want to do away with the golf course completely or at the very least —aspart ofa prospective redevelopmentplan commissioned by BREC—alterthe course’sfootprint by repurposing someofthe land it sits upon
The issue has been acontentiousone, as evidenced by this past week’s packed and tensepublic hearing at the nearby McKinley High Alumni Center
Supporters of maintainingCityParkgolf course as is are well organized. Theyhave awebsite,dominated the McKinley meetingThursday,and have cranked outyard
Johnsonhas newstrategy to combat draftpay
LsUcoach expectstolose sixtoeight playerstomajors
BY KOKI RILEY staff writer
Jay Johnson couldn’tstop talking about the Miami Marlins. Or the Tampa Bay Rays,orthe San Francisco Giants.Whatdifference does it make? On July 11-12, duringthe MLBDraft, 30 teams willbepoisedtotakeawayhis high school signees, and there isn’t much he can do aboutit.
LSU doesn’thave the money to compete “If it’sabout money,” Johnson said, “we’re going to lose them.”
LSU isn’tbroke, but it doesn’thave thefinancial might that most major league clubs will flex next month. The Rays, for example, have more than $19 million tospendon draft picks, and they don’teven have the most money.That belongs tothe Pittsburgh
signs reading “Keep CityPark Golf Course intact” that have bloomed across Baton Rougelike crepe myrtles as late spring turns to scorching summer If youare aregular reader of this column —ones on assorted topics are usually started with “Notes on agolf scorecard …” —you have no doubt figured out where Icome down on this issue. Iside wholeheartedly with the folks who want to keep thegolf course intact. Look,noone is going to drive across thebridge over CityPark Lake on I-10 and mistake thenine somewhat scruffy holes hugging thenearby hills for PebbleBeach or TPC Sawgrass. They’re never going to host aU.S. Open there, as compared to venerated Shinnecock Hills in New York, which welcomes the national
land the golf course sits upon.
sTAFFFILE
PHoTo By JAVIER GALLEGos Scott Rabalais
ST NG UP
The Newyork Knicks celebratewith the Larry o’Brien Championship Trophyafter defeating the san Antonio spurs in Game 5ofthe NBAFinals on saturday in san Antonio.
Worththe wait:
After53years, Knicks areNBA champions AP PHoTo By DARREN ABATE
BY TIM REYNOLDS AP basketball writer
SANANTONIO KnowingNew York had waited 53 years to see the Knickshoist theNBA championship trophy,owner JamesDolan didn’teven wait to be handed the 30-pound gold-plated prize. He grabbed it andlifteditskyward with ayell.
“I want to say something toNew York,” Dolan shouted. “Hey,New York! I’m sorry it took so long! But here we are, and hopefully it won’ttake that long again!” The New York Knicks are champions of the NBA for the first time since 1973,beating the San Antonio Spurs in fivegames. The clincher came Saturday night in a9490 victory,the Knicks’ fourth comeback win of the series.
BYLUKE JOHNSON staff writer
Going into Year 3, Kool-Aid McKinstry wantsmore. Of course, there is an on-field element to that. He playeda keyroleina surprisingly stingy NewOrleans Saints secondary lastseason —one thatfinished2026 ranked fifthinpass yards allowed and 12thinExpected Points Added perplay —and McKinstry sees the ways it could have been, and will be, better But, beyondthe obvious, what he really wantsisfor his voice to resonate. “A leader for the whole team,” McKinstry said, “and not just theguys (in thesecondary).”
McKinstry is still more than threemonths shy of his 24th birthday,but he recognizes theopportunity in front of him. Longtime franchise pillars Demario Davis (New York Jets) and Cameron Jordan (unsigned) aren’tinthe locker room, and McKinstry sees an opportunity to be a player theteam rallies around. His main missionthis year,hesaid, is “accepting my
role” as aleader —something he’sbeen nudged toward by both coaches and teammates.
“It’sthem embracing me as aleader,and me,who I am as aplayer and whoI am as aguy,growing into that role,” McKinstry said. “I know it’stimefor me to be a leader and it’stimefor me to step up in multiple ways.”
Having aleadership voice goes hand in hand with what happensonthe field, though.
McKinstry’sfirst two professional seasons were somewhat volatile.Asa rookie,McKinstry wasforced intothe starting lineup by injury anda mid-season trade. Then theSaints changed their defensive schemeand McKinstry wassuddenly the No.1option on the outside.
One of the things the Saints like aboutMcKinstry is that theNo. 1rolenever felt too bigfor him— even when he would get beaten on Sundays.
“You can definitely see the confidence,” coach Kellen Mooresaid. “Corner is ahardposition; youplaysome really hard downs in the NFL, playing against these
ä see SAINTS, page 3B
sTAFF PHoTo By BRETT DUKE saints cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstryruns adrill during organized team activities on Wednesday in Metairie. McKinstry is looking to establish himself as aleader in his third year withthe saints
ä see LSU, page 2B ä see CHAMPS, page 4B
ä see RABALAIS, page 3B
1p.m.
7p.m.
2p.m.
8p.m. Iran vs. NewZealand Fs1
6p.m.Volts at Blaze EsPN2
8:30 p.m.Cascade at Talons EsPN2 TENNIS
4a.m.(Tue.) ATP,WTATennis WNBA
7p.m.Las VegasatDallas UsA
9p.m.Los Angeles at Goldenstate NBCsN
Troy knocks OleMissout of CWS
BY ERIC OLSON Associated Press
OMAHA, Neb.— Jabe Boroff hit the tiebreaking double in afour-run seventh inning and Troy and its potent offense kept the program’s first College World Series appearance going with a12-8 win over Ole Miss in an elimination game Sunday
TheTrojans (39-31)erased a four-run deficit to post their 18th come-from-behind win of the season and advance to agame Tuesday against the loserofthe West Virginia-North Carolina game Sunday night. Mississippi (41-23)wenttwogames-and-out in its first trip to Charles SchwabField sincewinning the national championship in 2022. Southeastern Conference teams had won 14 straightagainst non-SEC opponents in the CWS before the Rebels lost to North Carolina and Troy Troy,which lost 7-5toWest Virginia on Friday,ramped up an offense that arrived in Omaha averaging 10.6 runs per game in the NCAA Tournament.
The conditions wereperfect for the 3-hour, 54-minute offensive free-for-all —sunny, 70 degrees at first pitch and a15mph wind blowing out. The teams combined for 26 hits and six homers, secondmost in agame at the 15-year-old stadium. It was the first time since 2001 at Rosenblatt Stadium that
Troy pitcher Zach Crotchfelt celebrates after the Trojans wontheir CollegeWorld series game against ole Miss on sundayinomaha, Neb.Troywon 12-8
each team wentdeep three times. Noah Thigpen(1-5) pitched five innings of relief forthe winand JP Robertson (5-2) took the loss.
TheTrojans were down 6-2after Brayden Randle andCollin Reuters launched two-run hom-
ers to almost the same spot in the right-field seats. Troy’s Sean Darnell, whohomered in the secondinning, cameup in the fifth with two outs andbases loaded. Hunter Elliott balked to bring in arun and Darnell singled
in two more to cut it to 6-5. Jimmy Janicki’steam-leading 21sthomer tied it at 6inthe seventh andBoroff, afterhis tworun double,scored on Houston Markham’sbase hit to put the Trojans up 9-6.
Former LSUpitcher commitstoTexas Tech
BY JIM KLEINPETER
Contributing writer
Former LSUsoftballleft-handed pitcher Jayden Heavener has committed to two-time national runner-up Texas Tech,according to her socialmedia post on X. Heavener,who playedtwo seasons at LSU, wasconsidered the top pitcher in the transferportal and is one of eight Tigers planning to transfer Utility player Maddox McKee is the only other Tiger committed to anew school, opting forTexas A&M with one season of eligibility Heavener’spost featured little text other than the word “committed” with aheart emojiand three images of her wearinga black Texas Tech uniform.
Aprized recruit in the 2025 LSU signing class, Heavener compiled a26-14 record with a2.78 ERA in two seasons.She struckout 280 batters in 259 inningsbut struggled with control in bothseasons. She walked 155 batters, hit 51 and threw 37 wild pitches.
Texas Tech made waves two years ago by signing Stanford
LSU
Continued from page1B
Pirates, which has ashade over $19.1 million to spend. This is why Johnson won’tbe using financial rewardtolure his recruits. The pitch will instead be something different this year
“Wewant the playerthat looks at it as it’snot pro over college or collegeover pro,” Johnson said. “I want the player who looks at it like, LSU’sthe best place to start their journey to be apro player.”
There’sachance LSUwon’t have ahigh school signee picked in the first round, but Johnson still expects to losesomewhere between six and eight playersto MLB.Thirteen of the Tigers’ signees cracked MLB.com’stop-200 draft prospect rankings.
“I thinkit’sa pretty high-level group,” Johnson said. “I feel like watchingthe success that some of the freshmen had this year makes me optimistic about some of these guys being able to come in and make an immediate contribution to what we’re doing.”
pitcher NiJaree Canady to a$1 million NIL deal.Canadyhelped the Red Raiderstoconsecutive WCWS championship-round finishes, where theylosttoTexas bothtimes.
Other LSU players in the portal but uncommitted thus far are first baseman Tori Edwards,outfieldersDestinyHarris and Jaydn Laneaux, sophomore catcher Jada Phillips, freshman infielder Gradie Appling andfreshman pitcher LaurenSoeken. Edwards, asophomore with two years of eligibility, is another portalprize. She was SECFreshman of the Year in 2025, witha.383 batting average, 18 homers and 73 RBIs. Her numbersdropped to .284, 12 and 45 last season.
McKee started 54 games at thirdbaseand in the outfield her first two seasons but onlyeight last season. She had a.260 career batting average withone homer and 30 RBIs.
Laneaux, ajunior,missed the 2026 season with an injury but started 52 games in left field the season before andbatted .313. Harris, asophomore, batted .295 with 17 starts last season. Phillips
had seven career starts in two seasons witha.182 average. Appling played in eight games withouta startand hadthree hits
LsU coach JayJohnsonand his
against south CarolinaonMay
collegiate level.
watch the
in four at-bats. Soeken didnot play in 2026 but earned aredshirt and will have four seasonsofeligibility.
to him that they are forgoing the draft and heading to school.
“Our best guys have done that,” Johnson said. “Whetheritwas Kade (Anderson), Derek (Curiel) and Omar (Serna) over the last three years.
“I thinkit’sworked out forthose guys here. Idon’twant this opportunity ever to be looked at as a backup plan. If it’slooked at as a backupplan,then it’sprobablynot theright player forus.”
There’sstill work for Johnson to do before the draft. The Tigers have added fiveplayers from the transfer portal,including the top two players in Baseball America’s portal rankings —Gonzaga righthanderLandonHood andNotre Dame outfielderBino Watters— but still have needs remaining on their roster
LSU adds Tulane outfielder Wachs from transfer portal
Tulane sophomore outfielder Jason Wachs committedtoLSU baseball out of the transfer portal, he announced on social media Sunday Wachshit .327 withnine home runs anda1.027 on-baseplusslugging percentage this past season forthe Green Wave. He posted a .328 batting average and a.980 OPS in two seasons in New Orleans. His increase in powerthis season was the result of aflyball rate that jumped from 25.6% to 42.2%, and he accomplished the feat while lowering his strikeout rate. Wachs is aleft-handed hitter who mostly playedright field at Tulane, although he also has experience playing in center.Hespent 13 games in center as afreshman. Wachsisthe fifthplayerLSU has added out of the portal this summer
Kim, Wilson team up to win firstLPGA Tour titles
MIDLAND,Mich. Gina Kim and Yana Wilsonteamed to win the Dow Championship on Sunday for their first LPGA Tour titles, closing with an 8-under 62 in best-ball play foratwo-stroke victory over Hyo Joo Kimand Hye-Jin Choi. Gina Kimand Wilson finished at 17-under263 at Midland Country Club. The round included an eagle, whenGina Kim holed out from the fairway on the par-4 fifth.
The26-year-oldGinaKim wonin her64thstartonthe LPGA Tour, while Wilsonwas making theninth start of her rookie season.
Hyo Joo Kim and Choi finished with a65.
Juli Inkster,who at 66 became the oldest playerinLPGA history to make the cut in an official event, teamed with Angel Yintotie for 12th at 9under.They shot 64.
Johnson wins Champions event at home in Iowa DES MOINES, Iowa— Zach Johnson won the PrincipalCharity Classic on Sunday in hisdebut in his home-state event, shooting a5-under67for afour-stroke victoryat Wakonda Club. Johnson grew up in Cedar Rapids, about two hours away.Hefinishedat17-under199 forhis secondvictory in his first season on the 50-and-over tour Johnson opened with a69and shot 63 on Saturday.Healso won the James Hardie Pro Football Hall of FameInvitational in his senior debut in March.
Richard Green (68) andRetief Goosen (70) tied forsecond. David Bransdon (71) and Brett Quigley (72) were 12 under
Former All-Pro linebacker
Smith dies at age 36
SAN FRANCISCO Aldon Smith, the troubled but talented pass rusher whose promising career was derailed by legal problems, has died at 36.
The San Francisco 49ers announced Smith’sdeath on Saturdaynight. The team did notdisclose acause of death.
Smith wasdrafted by the 49ers with the seventh overall pick out of Missouri in 2011 and made an immediate impact on theteam, helping San Francisco snap aplayoffdrought and reach the NFC titlegame his first three seasons with one trip to aSuper Bowl.
His 331/2 sacks in his first twoseasons are the most in NFL history He kept that pace up with 41/2 sacks in thefirst three games in 2013 before the off-field issues started with aDUI arrest and astint in rehab forsubstance abuse.
Toyota wins 24-hour race to end Ferrari’s win streak LE MANS,France Toyota bested BMW and Cadillac in aclose, racelong fight to win the Le Mans 24hour race for the sixth time Sunday in global endurance racing’s showpiece event.
The bad news for LSU is that MLB teams have over $8 million more to spend on draftees this year than last. The good news is the draft probably won’thurt the Tigers as much as it did ayear ago, when they lost eight high school signees to MLB andsaw their freshmanclass shrink to just nine players. LSU has 24high school signees this July,eight more than last year.Even if achunk of those signees arepicked and leavefor proball, Johnson estimates that LSUwill havearound13freshmen heading intonext season. That big number encompasses awide variety of player types, including six right-handed pitchers, six lefties, four outfielders,three middle infielders and aslew of players who can play one or both corner infield spots.
Even after portal season ends, howLSU’srecruiting classfits into thepicture of next year’srosterisaquestionthatevenJohnson can’t answer.He’llhavetoleave that up to the Marlins and Giants.
“None of them shouldtake a discount from any team,” Johnsonsaid, “because theteams have so much money.”
Johnson wouldn’treveal names, buthenotedthata couple of LSU’s recruits have already indicated
Email Koki Rileyatkoki.riley@ theadvocate.com. For more LSU sports updates,signupfor ournewsletter at theadvocate. com/lsunewsletter
The No. 7Toyota of Mike Conway, KamuiKobayashi andNyck de Vries had been adistant fourth on Sunday morning, but Kobayashi seized his chance when the safety car bunchedupthe field with six hours left.
Kobayashi delivered aseries of fast laps to surge into the lead and the team controlled the pace after that for Toyota’sfirst win since a run of five in arow ended in 2022. Ferrari had won thepastthree Le
sTAFF FILEPHoTo By MICHAEL JoHNsoN
staff
ninth inning of agame
2atAlex Box stadium.Johnson and his staffare lookingfor ways to entice highschool signees to playatthe
sTAFF FILEPHoTo By MICHAEL JoHNsoN
LsU pitcher Jayden Heavener delivers apitch against Akron in an NCAA regional game on May15atTiger Park.
AssoCIATED PREss PHoTo By VERA NIEUWENHUIs
Trumphosts UFCfights on WhiteHouse lawn
BY DANGELSTON AP sportswriter
WASHINGTON Fueled by adose of high-octanepatriotism, President Donald Trump and UFC boss Dana White walkedout from the Oval Office to chants of “USA!” to greet military members and political dignitaries set to watch one of the more surrealspectacles in sports and eveninthe nation’scapital:cage fighting on the White House lawn Along-time fight fan with a25-year professional relationship with White, Trump turned 80 on Sunday and fans gathered on agloomy night on the South Lawn cheered when onefan yelled out “happy birthday!”
Diego Lopes and Steve Garcia opened UFC Freedom 250 in afeatherweight bout under the structure known as the Claw,afoursided mass that arcs more than 90 feet (27 meters) into the air and features lights, speakers, thick snakes of wiring and four large screens so fans not seated right next to the Octagon can follow the cage fighting below Garcia walked out of the White House draped in an Americanflag andaccompanied by two police officers. Lopes walked out to the Mexicansong “La Chona.” Fans were as quiet for the start of the main card Sunday as they might be for the preliminary fights held hours before apay-per-view event in anormal fight arena, such as Madison Square Garden. Closer to the Rose Garden, fans did come alive when Lopes landed aflurry of punches to knock out Garcia in the second round.
AssoCIATEDPREss PHoTo By JACQUELyN MARTIN
President DonaldTrump walks withUFC presidentand CEo Dana Whitethrough the Cross Hall of the White House beforeattendingthe UFC Freedom 250 fights on the south Lawn of the WhiteHouse on sunday in Washington.
Theshow was steeped in pageantry and stands as an outlieramong UFCevents. The Marine Band played from in front of theWhite House and Zac Brown sang the nationalanthem— which is never played beforenormal UFC fight cards because of themix of nationalities fightinginsidethe Octagon. TheNavy’s BlueAngels and AirForce Thunderbirds zipped overhead as part of aflyover UFC’s ringgirls,who normally parade around the cageinskimpy outfits, were covered up foramore PGrated fight night. The women were stylishly dressed in morefull-body outfits,some that flowed past theknee or to theground, thatincorporated the American flaginto thedesigns.
Bruce Buffer’svoice thundered from thecage for fight introductions, and his star-spangled threads fit the occasion: gold stars on the outside of his suit coat
and mini American flags stitched inside.
Hours after the United States andIran reached an agreement to end the war andopenthe Strait of Hormuz,offeringreliefto theglobal economy more than threemonths since fighting began, theWhite House —long known as the people’shouse and asymbol of American democracy opened itsbackyardtostage thefights.
More than$60 millionand tensofthousands of hoursof labor have beenpouredinto building the arena, according to acourtfiling from the National Park Service, which oversees the South Lawn.
UFC is staging seven fights with allmalefighters under the Freedom250 banner to celebrateTrump’s birthday and the 250thanniversary of the Declaration of Independence’ssigning.
The fight card, headlined by two title fights, was scheduled to start at 7p.m.
Cauley wins theCanadian Open to caplongcomeback
Associated Press
CALEDON, Ontario Bud Cauley took the lead with abirdie chip on the par-4 12th and won the RBC Canadian Open in rain and wind Sunday for his first PGA Tour title, eight years after his career nearly ended in acar accident at the Memorial Tournament.
The 36-year-old Cauley won in his 239th tour start just over two years afterhe finally returnedtothe PGA Tour following the accident
“There were times when Iwas hurt that we really weren’t sure if Iwas going to be able to play again,” said Cauley,who was apassenger in acar when he sustained six broken ribs, acollapsed right lung and fractured left leg. On Sunday at TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley, Cauley closed with a5-under 65 to get to 17-under 263. He began the round astroke
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premier receivers.The guys that are really special are obviously really talented, but they also respond to plays that don’tgotheir way, because inevitably there will be aplay.” Now he is benefiting from the stability.Heisentering the 2026 season as the Saints’ unquestioned top corner,and while his play has been imperfect his first two seasons, he is eagerto show what he can do now that he’shad afull season playing in defensive coordinator Brandon Staley’s defense There were alot of moving pieces in that unit last year Starting safety Julian Blackmon was lost for the year after one game, shifting rookie Jonas Sanker into the starting lineup. IsaacYiadom started early in the season before being supplanted by
behind Jackson Suber,and ended up beating Matt Fitzpatrickbytwo shots.
“That’s amoment I’ve thought alot about. Even last year acoupletimeswhen I wasincontentionmyfamily wasn’twith me and it would always crossed my mind that hopefully for my first win everyone would be here,” Cauley said.“Ihad to try to not think about it alot today.Obviously, with them being here and I wasplayingwell, Ireally had to think almost on everyhole about staying focused and not thinkingabout that celebration if Iweretowin.”
Cauleystartedhis backnine birdie runwitha shot to 4feet on the206-yard 11th. He added the hole-out from 93 feet on 12,thenmade a13 1/2-footer on 13 and a15-footer on 15 —bothpar 4s. After abogey on the par-417th, he parred the par-5 18th.
“It was obviously playing
then-rookieQuincyRiley
All of which happened while New Orleans was breaking in anew scheme. McKinstry was one of the few pieces the Saints could reliably count on every week. He started each of theSaints’17games, finishing second on the team in defensive snaps(1,075) behind Davis. Now,going into this season,the Saintsare bringing back mostofthe same cast of characters in the secondary,with the lone exception being AlontaeTaylor,who signed abig free agentcontract with the TennesseeTitans. Sanker is expected to drop down and fillTaylor’s voidasthe slot defender. Therelative continuity has McKinstry excited for what is possible in Year 2under Staley
“Coach Staley’sscheme is very unique,I would say,” McKinstrysaid. “Going through year one and finding out all the small kinks, learningmore and more, facing
Hamlin wins at Pocono forthird straight victory
The Associated Press
LONG POND,Pa. With every Denny Hamlin victory,speculation about his future grows andtalks of retirement are questioned
He signeda two-year extension withJoe Gibbs Racing that runs through 2027 and he insists it will be hislastseason.At45, he’s the oldest full-timeCup Series driver in thefield, but he can’t stop winning. Hamlin won the NASCAR Cup Series race at Pocono Raceway on Sunday for his third consecutive victory and passed thelateKyleBuschfor sole possession of ninthplace on the all-time wins list. Hamlin last week won his 63rd race in NASCAR’s topseriestotie hisformer Joe Gibbs Racing teammate on the alltime wins list.His eighthcareer victory at Pocono pushed him ahead of Busch for sole possessionofninth.
Hisrecentsuccess —itishis fourth win of the season, not including the nonpoints All-Star race —has renewed talk that Hamlin should reconsider retirement when his deal with Gibbs expires.
“I thinkfor Denny,hewants to leave on top, right? He doesn’t want to leave where it was one year too long,” said JGR co-owner Heather Gibbs. “Atthis rate, what he’s producing out there, it’snot something you would notconsider.Wewant the best drivers in our cars. Our teams work to put the best cars on track
“Ifitworks outand he’sstill producing and he wantsto, it’sa huge commitment forhim,he’sgot his ownteam that he kind of wants to run. It’s hard whenyou dangle checkered flags in frontofhim, too. He so far has put astoptosuch talk despite performing at thehighest levelofhis long career.”
Hamlin, who wasn’teven sure he wanted to return to honor this two-year extension after losing the championship in last November’sseason finale and then the December deathofhis father in ahouse fire, understands he’sperforming at ahigh level.
But as far as continuingpast 2027? It’s not yet on his radar despite how strong he’s been on thetrack.
“I would certainly say it’s the best we’ve been,” Hamlin said. “Wecome to the racetrack every week knowing we got agreat shot to win.The team’sdoing an amazing job giving me exactly whatI need in the car every single week. That’s why we’re winning.”
DennyHamlin celebrates in victory
after winning aNAsCAR Cup series race at Pocono RacewayonsundayinLong Pond, Pa
Despite 64 career victories, this marks the first time in his career thatHamlin has wonthree consecutive races. The feat tied Richard Petty,who did it in 1966 and 1967, Bobby Allison in 1971 andDarrellWaltripin1981. Petty,Allison and Waltrip areall in theNASCAR Hall of Fame. He also took ajab at NASCAR, noting that it wastechnically his ninthvictory at Pocono, but he wasstrippedofthe victory in 2022 when NASCAR saidheand Busch’s car’sfailedpost-race inspection
“Theyaren’t getting that checkered flag back,” Hamlin said.
Tyler Reddick, who drivesfor the 23XI Racing team ownedbyHamlin andMichael Jordan, finished second as Toyota took the top two spots. Hamlin is now 19 points behind Reddick in the Cup Series standings.
“Everyone is racing hard fortrack position. Someofit’sjust bad luck, Iguess, where you catch cars,” Reddicksaid. “It’sabummer.I mean, if the 11 wasn’t the winner,you could consider this a good day.Iknow we finished second. Scoring thepoints we did just didn’tget thejob done.”
difficult with the rain and thewind,” Cauley said. “The conditions were so much different today than they were the first threedays. Ifeel like my game was in apretty good spot, Iwas hitting some pretty good shots.
Fitzpatrick was second to take the FedExCup lead into the U.S. Open.Heeagled the 18th in a64.
“I would have taken it at the start of the week,” Fitzpatrick said. “I felt like there was alot of good stuff in there, just needed to have it come out.Myputting was alittlebit of astruggle last week andI feel like Igot a bit of abetterprocess for what I’m working on this week, and that showed today,Iputted really solid.”
Viktor Hovland was third at 14 underafter a65. Suber(70), Jesper Svensson (68), Jimmy Stanger(67) andBrice Garnett (68) were another stroke back
different teams that do different things andlearning different waystoplaycoverage, Ifeel likewe’re going to be better as aback end. We’rereturning alot of guys, so Ifeel like we will be better connected.”
Moore sees that, too. He wasencouragedbythe way thedefensive secondary finished the season. He pointed out the team’ssuccesseson thirddowns —New Orleans led the NFLlast season in yardsper pass playallowed on third downs (4.2) —and alow explosive play rate as evidence. And he’s seeing that carry over intothe summer “I thought ourback end just did an excellent job throughout the season as it progressed,”Moore said. “... Youjust sawthe confidence growing, and even out here in OTAs you can see these guys’ confidence.”
Email Luke Johnson at ljohnson@theadvocate. com.
Sunday’swin comes nearly 20 years to thedate after hisfirst career victory, whichwas at PoconoonJune 11, 2006. He swept the races at thePennsylvania track that year
Hamlin said Pocono has become “like a second home forme.”
“First win here, so special here. Pocono hasmastered thefan experiencefrom the crowd in the stands to the infield here,” Hamlin said. “Just so happy forthis whole Joe Gibbs Racing team. The pit crew is flawlessright now. We got it allgoing.”
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open this week for the sixthtime.
Nonetheless, it is worthy of preserving as it is for numerous reasons.
History: The course was built in 1928 and is on theNational Register of Historic Places. It was designed by TomBendelow, aScottish-American golf course architect who laid out hundreds of courses in thegame’sformative years in North America. Many of them were intended to be what City Park was and is: inexpensive to build and maintain
Already altered: A2007 remodelingalready carved chunks out of the course. Holes No. 5and 9were reduced from par 4s to par 3s. It doesn’tneed to be madeshorter,further eroding the intent of Bendelow’sdesign.
Scarcity: If City Park golf course goes, nearby Webb Parkwill be the only public golf course within Baton Rouge’scity limits. With theLSU golf course’sdemise, thereare now only five publicly owned golf courses in East Baton Rouge Parish:Webb, Santa Maria, Beaver Creek and J.S. Clark, which, like City Park, is anine-hole course.
At 154 acres, City-Brooks Community ParkinBaton Rouge is not as roomyas City ParkinNew Orleans.
When Hamlin tied Busch for all-time wins last week, Hamlin celebratedwith aspecial tribute to Busch. On Sunday,he collected the checkered flag and skipped anytributes to Busch, who diedunexpectedly of sepsisatage 41 last month.
Toyota drivers have won 10 of 16 races this season,and JGR has accounted for five of them. William Byron finished third in aChevrolet forHendrickMotorsports.
“I think this is probably thefirst time in four months that I’ve been able to drive the car this way,just be able to make moves and have the balance stay with me,” Byron said.
course as is,onsunday.
That park is 81/2 times bigger,and swallows up two 18-hole golf courses (there used to be four) with wide open spaces to spare. That City Park can offermany moreoptions forrecreational use. Even though it is much morecompact, Baton Rouge’sCity Park already accommodates apretty darned diverse bunch of uses. In addition to the golf course, there is atennis facility,dog park, croquet lawn, achildren’smuseum, playground, swimming facility,paths forwalking/ cycling, fishing in City Park Lake and soccer and ball fields. Do residents have rights to use the park fornon-golf things? Absolutely.But the golfers deserve their place as well. City Park is a
convenient and quick place to get in nine holes without having to trek to the edges of the parish to Santa Maria or Beaver Creek or deal with the crowds at heavily played Webb Park. City Park, as I’msure is the case formany Baton Rouge golfers, holds asentimental place in my heart. It’s where my dad took me when Iwas first learning the game. It waswhere Imade my first par with him beaming at me on the ninth green. Occasionally, dad admitted to picking up aball that landed near the green on the eighth hole —it’sblind, uphill tee shot makes it one of the toughest par 3s in town—and place it in the cup. If you ever madeanace on No. 8back in the 1970s, not quite sure how the ball could have found the hole, Ithought you deserved to know City Park’srolling terrain is pretty hard to come by in golf land in this part of the country.Teeing off on No. 3, hitting over the railroad freight line that bisects the course toward the lake beyond, you can almost imagine you’re playing somewhere in coastal California. City Park may not be everyone’sidea of atreasure, but it remains one for Baton Rouge nonetheless. Having long coexisted with the park’sgrowing list of other recreational uses, the golf course deserves to be preserved as it is.
AssoCIATEDPREss PHoToByDERIK HAMILToN
lane
All eyes on Antetokounmpo, LeBron in NBA offseason
BY TIM REYNOLDS
AP basketball writer
And just like that, it’s next season in the NBA.
The New York Knicks will be feted with a championship parade through the streets of Manhattan on Thursday after a postseason in which they successfully rallied from six double-digit deficits to win games in the playoffs, including all four of their victories in the NBA Finals against the San Antonio Spurs. It continued the unprecedented run of NBA parity, with eight different franchises winning championships in the last eight seasons — Toronto in 2019, the Los Angeles Lakers in 2020, Milwaukee in 2021, Golden State in 2022, Denver in 2023, Boston in 2024, Oklahoma City last year and now New York.
“To me, it just really speaks to the state of NBA basketball and the state of the future of the game,” NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said. “And now with this draft class coming in this year — again not just the first pick, but a draft that’s considered the deepest in many years — there’s so much talent everywhere. So, it’s a really bright future ahead for the league.” It is, but every team is now chasing the Knicks. They had all the answers. For 29 other franchises, at least on some levels, there seems to only be questions.
n Will Milwaukee really trade Giannis Antetokounmpo after 13 seasons, 10 All-Star selections, two Most Valuable Player awards and an NBA championship in 2021?
n Will LeBron James come back to the NBA for a 24th season? If so, will it be with the Los Angeles Lakers for a ninth year or will he look for a presumably final chapter elsewhere?
n What will Washington do with the No. 1 pick in the draft later this month?
n And who will coach in Chicago, Dallas and Portland?
Those are just some of the major issues facing teams around the league as summer gets underway It’s going to be hard for the Knicks to repeat, because it’s hard for any team to repeat — as the Thunder found out this season.
“The history of the NBA is littered with teams that were not able to find ultimate success again,” Thunder general manager Sam Presti said. “I think there have only been three teams that have repeated since we’ve been in Oklahoma City, and the reasons for that are many, probably too many to list. But the fact is that it helps illustrate how rare and how special it is when you do have a chance to win at the highest level in this league or in professional sports in general.
“However, NBA history is also builtonthebacks ofthoseteams that saw their losses as a continued quest forimprovementandprogress.Most importantly,theysawitaswhatcompetition boils down to, what it’s all about at any level of sports.”
The Giannis question
Antetokounmpo, the biggest star in Milwaukee, will be eligible this
Brown now has been part of 5 NBA championship runs
BY TIM REYNOLDS AP basketball writer
SANANTONIO Mike Brown didn’t
seem to be the New York Knicks’ first choice to take over as coach last spring, when the team fired Tom Thibodeau and was linked to at least a half-dozen other candidates who held various jobs around the NBA. In the end, he clearly was the right choice.
Brown is now a five-time NBA champion coach — four of those rings won as an assistant, the fifth coming as head coach of the Knicks. He joins only Red Holzman on the list of those who won titles as coach of the Knicks, and fittingly, he did it on June 13.
There’s a banner in Madison Square Garden that says “Holzman 613” to commemorate his win total with the franchise. Brown won this title on 6/13.
Antonio spurs on saturda in san Antonio.
2009; the Cavaliers wound up firing him. He was the NBA’s coach of the year again while with Sacramento in 2023; the Kings wound up firing him, too.
fall for an extension that could be worth up to $275 million.
But the Bucks don’t have a roster that’s a championship contender If they trade Antetokounmpo, they can essentially start over with what would be a slew of players and draft picks. If they keep him, there’s no guarantee he’ll be happy — because it seems like he’s primarily interested now in trying to win more titles.
“I just think before the draft is a natural time, right because if Giannis does play somewhere else we’re going to get a lot of assets.
You’ve got to get it right,” Bucks co-owner Jimmy Haslam said in May when the team introduced new coach Taylor Jenkins — who was told that Antetokounmpo may or may not be with the franchise when next season starts.
The draft is next week. And logic would suggest that the Bucks — if they are going to trade Antetokounmpo may do so at least a few days before the draft, so they have some specific idea of who to target with the capital that they’ll get as part of whatever deal might go down
Miami has been mentioned in the Giannis sweepstakes for months, and the Heat are involved in talks with the Bucks again.
LeBron watch
James has never gone into a summer with this much freedom.
He could stay with the Lakers
He could pick another spot. He could retire. He could demand a max salary He could take less money to help a team out. Or he could just continue posting videos of chip-ins on Instagram; yes, James has the golf bug.
“When the time comes, you guys will know what I decide to do,” James said when the Lakers were eliminated this spring by Oklahoma City in a 4-0 sweep.
The Lakers have a lot of other decisions, including how to handle an extension for Austin Reaves But getting some sense from James about his plans will surely go a long way toward having other moves fall into place.
The Spurs Victor Wembanyama is eligible for a four-year extension that would top $250 million, and there’s obviously no reason San Antonio wouldn’t want to commit to keep the game’s most fascinating player around. The extension would start in 2027-28.
There are some other roster spots to address, but the starters are under contract.
It will be interesting to watch how free agents view San Antonio as a destination, especially since the Spurs will go into next season as one of the favorites — if not the biggest one — for the 2027 NBA title.
“Competitiveness, that’s what makes you better,” Spurs coach Mitch Johnson said. “That’s what pushes you to continue to improve in the dark, long hours when nobody is around. We improved a whole lot this year. We have more motivation to continue to get better.”
Other top issues
n The NBA still hasn’t revealed what, if anything, will come from an investigation by outside counsel into whether a $28 million endorsement contract between Kawhi Leonard and a California-based sustainability services company allowed the Los Angeles Clippers to circumvent league salary cap rules.
n Portland hasn’t said who will coach next season, with interim coach Tiago Splitter still in the mix. Chicago and Dallas still have openings. It would seem advantageous to have coaches in place by the draft.
A season of success for Spurs ends in bitter disappointment
BY RAUL DOMINGUEZ Associated Press
SAN ANTONIO As Devin Vassell
reflected on what could have been for the San Antonio Spurs, reality loudly interrupted his thoughts
The sounds of the New York Knicks and their fans celebrating the team’s first NBA championship since 1973 spilled into the recesses of the Frost Bank Center, drowning out Vassell’s postgame interview
“Our goal was to win, obviously,” Vassell said. “We don’t want a participation trophy to where we just got here; we wanted to win.” New York point guard Jalen Brunson stymied that dream, scoring 45 points to lead New York to a 94-90 victory on Saturday night as the Knicks clinched the series 4-1. The Spurs built double-digit leads in the first quarter of every game of the finals, but the Knicks
rallied to win all but Game 3.
That San Antonio was even in the conversation was surprising to most.
“Shout out to the Spurs, they are the real deal,” New York center Karl-Anthony Towns said.
The Spurs exceeded preseason expectations by toppling 2024-25 champion Oklahoma City to win the Western Conference with a youthful roster led by 22-year-old superstar Victor Wembanyama.
San Antonio won 62 games to tie for the second-most victories in franchise history just two seasons after a second straight 22-win season.
There was much for the Spurs to celebrate this season, just not on Saturday night.
“Yeah, it’s a little early to go there,” San Antonio coach Mitch Johnson said
The Spurs were seeking their sixth league championship and first since 2014 after missing the postseason for six straight seasons.
The lack of postseason success hurt San Antonio in the closing minutes of each loss as New York took advantage of every mistake to rally
“The margin of error is very thin,” Wembanyama said. “Our domination stats are absolute. We absolutely dominated for most of the series. But our errors, our mistakes, are punished so hard that we can’t have ups and downs like this.”
Along with Wembanyama, the Spurs have 21-year-old Stephon Castle and 20-year-old Dylan Harper to build around and now they have the anger and frustration of what might have been to add to it.
“I hope they take the same thing that we’ve taken from our success,” Johnson said. “I hope it leads to them be hungrier than they’ve ever been, and I hope it leads them to be more motivated than they’ve ever been, and hopefully that leads them to be more yeah, just to continue to improve in every facet.”
“I’m pretty good at trying to control what I can control,” Brown said. “I had zero control over who else was interviewing, who was denied permission. I had zero control over that. I just did the best I could in the interview process. I went about my business and waited until it was either going to progress or end. I was pretty nonchalant about it as time went on I just let it unfold the way it unfolded.”
Brown speaks fondly of his days with Gregg Popovich in San Antonio, a place his family still calls home — and the place where the Knicks captured this title after topping the Spurs in five games. He raves about his years coaching with Steve Kerr in Golden State as well.
Brown was an assistant on the 2003 Spurs title team, then was with the Warriors for three more title runs. He was the NBA’s coach of the year while with Cleveland in
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Some will say it’s the first “major” professional sports championship for New York in more than 14 years; that would be true when counting only Major League Baseball, the NFL, the NHL and the NBA, though it would be wrong to ignore the New York Liberty’s run to the 2024 WNBA title and New York City FC winning the MLS Cup in 2021. But as far as the teams that have been part of the city’s fabric for generations and generations, yes, this 14-year drought is finally over The New York Giants won the Super Bowl in 2012, capping the 2011 season.
The Yankees — the most decorated team in U.S major pro sports history — haven’t won a World Series since 2009. The Mets haven’t brought a World Series title to New York since 1986. The Rangers last hoisted that trophy in 1994, the Islanders in 1983. The New York Jets haven’t won a Super Bowl since 1969.
None of that matters, at least not right now. The Knicks who won 13 consecutive games at one point in this playoff run and rallied from 29 points down to win Game 4 of the finals at MSG — are the toast of the town.
“Of course I’ve never seen anything like it, because it’d never happened before,” NBA commissioner Adam Silver said of the Game 4 comeback in an interview on NBA TV on Saturday
“But it’s been amazing.”
The Amazin’ Knicks, indeed.
A third title, finally
It took them 80 years — the Knicks won the first game in NBA history in 1946, three years before what was then the Basketball Association of America started being known as the National Basketball Association — but the franchise has now become the ninth that can say it has at least three championships.
Boston has 18, the Los Angeles Lakers have 17, Golden State has seven, Chicago has six, San Antonio has five, and Philadelphia, Detroit and Miami all have three.
Welcome to the club, New York.
“I enjoy watching these guys,” Knicks legend Larry Johnson said. “The Garden is back. It’s back like when we played and made our little run. The city is behind us.”
But in New York, he’s a legend for life now
“Mike was invaluable to this run,” Knicks forward Josh Hart said. “He understands what it is to be a champion. He understands how to build a team, how to build habits that will put you in this position. We’re so grateful, so thankful to have him at the top. He kept us even so many times. He’s brought the best out of us, as people first. I’m so happy for him. He’s the reason why we’re here. He’s the reason why we’re here, and we’ve got love for him.” Brown kept the mood light throughout the postseason push, didn’t blink when the Knicks were down 2-1 in Round 1 to Atlanta after a pair of one-point losses, and always seemed to be the calm in the eye of the storm. Social media was blowing up with how Brown wasn’t the right coach for the job when the Knicks trailed the Hawks.
It’s a franchise that has gone through 24 different coaches and more than 400 players since what was, until now the most recent championship season. Some of the game’s biggest superstars called Madison Square Garden home and couldn’t end the title drought, names like Patrick Ewing, Allan Houston, Bernard King and Carmelo Anthony The Knicks lost a Game 7 in the 1994 finals to Hakeem Olajuwon and Houston, then made a miracle run to the 1999 finals in a shortened season only to lose to San Antonio in five games — the first of what became five championships for Gregg Popovich and the Spurs.
“We didn’t get it done. I always say the third time is the charm,” former Knicks guard John Starks said.
Starks was right. It took the Knicks 27 years to get back to the finals, had the Spurs again standing in their way, and to fully flip the script, it was New York prevailing in five games.
MSG, a banner is coming And finally, the world’s most famous arena — which has raised banners for Billy Joel, Elton John and Harry Styles more recently than it had hoisted one for the Knicks — will be adding to the collection swaying from the rafters. If it follows form from the others, the banner will only have the Knicks logo, then 2025-26 World Champions beneath that.
A simple message. Getting to the place where the Knicks could say those words again, that wasn’t so simple.
“There are a couple of franchises that are pretty iconic just because of the history that they have, the location that they’re in, sometimes even the building that they’re in,” said Knicks coach Mike Brown, who won this title in his first season with the club. “New York is definitely one of the few that you could say that to in all three facets.
“Everybody goes through their ups and downs. I don’t really think much about the tough times that they had, because everybody has tough times, including individuals You just want to try the best you can to be a part of whatever you can to bring joy to the city, to the organization. At the end of the day, the chips are going to fall how they fall. I feel blessed, fortunate, lucky to be a part of what is going on now.”
AP PHoTo By DARREN ABATE
New york Knicks head coach Mike Brown talks with his team during a time out during the first half of Game 5 of the NBA Finals series against the san
AP FILE PHoTo By NATE BILLINGs
Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James prepares to shoot in the first half of a game against the oklahoma City Thunder on May 7. James has options this offseason, including retirement.
WORLDCUP 2026
HavertzsparksGermany’s 7-1victory over Curaçao
BY KRISTIERIEKEN Associated Press
HOUSTON Kai Havertz scored two goals as Germany pulled away from World Cup first-timer Curaçaolate in the opening half and piled on after that in a7-1 win Sunday in agroup match Livano Comenencia tied it at 1-1 withhis left-footed shot through traffic from the center of the box in the 21st minute to give Curaçao its first goal in the tournament and send fans of the tiny Caribbean nationinto afrenzy
It was all Germany after that with the four-time champions regaining the lead on Nico Schlotterbeck’sheader off Nathaniel Brown’scorner kick in the 38th minute.
The margin of victorycomes well short of the WorldCup record of nine goals, which has happened three times, with the last one coming when Hungary beat El Salvador 10-1 in 1982.
Havertzconnected on apenalty shot into theleft goal to make it 3-1. Germany was awarded the penaltyshot after FelixNmecha was tripped in the box by Riechedly Bazoer
Germany wasted no time after halftime to extend the lead with Jamal Musialascoring on arightfooted shot across the goalkeeper’sarea in the 47th minute.
Brown scored in the 68th minute to push the advantage to5-1, and Deniz Undav added agoalinthe 78th.
Havertz’ssecond goal came in the 88th minute.
It was astrong start for Germany against underdog Curaçao as the team seeks redemption af-
AssoCIATED PREss PHoToByKARENWARREN Germany’sKai Havertzcelebrates with teammate Jonathan Tah, left, after scoring his team’sthird goal during aWorld Cup match against Curaçao on sunday in Houston.
terfailing to get out of the group stage in Russia and Qatar following its 2014 title. Nmecha one-timed it withhis right foot into the near post just inside theupper box with an assist from Florian Wirtzinthe sixth minutetomakeit1-0
Thecrowd of 68,021 wasoverwhelmingly rooting for Germany,but there was aspirited contingent of people cheering on Curaçao as it became the small-
AustraliaspoilsTurkey’s return to WorldCup
BY ANNE M. PETERSON AP soccer writer
VANCOUVER,British Columbia—
Nestory Irankunda and Connor Metcalfe scored and Australia spoiled Turkey’sreturn to the World Cup for the first time in 24 years with a2-0 victory on Saturday night.
Goalkeeper Patrick Beach made eight saves for the Socceroosintheir group opener as FIFA PresidentGianniInfantino lookedon. Australia was playing in its sixth straight World Cup and seventh overall.
Turkey reached the semifinals of the 2002 WorldCup butthen missed five straight tournaments before qualifying this year by beating Kosovo in aplayoff.
Irankundabroke through for the Socceroos in the 27thminute with alow shot while pursued by three defenders. It came less than aminute afterthe first-half hydration break.
Irankunda celebrated bypunching the corner flag in atributeto Australian soccer legend TimCahill. The 20-year-old who playsfor Watford is the Socceroo’syoungest-ever goal scorer ata World Cup.
Minutes later Beach stopped Abdulkerim Bardakcı’sblastfrom distance. Beach started in goal for the Socceroos rather than experienced counterpart Matthew Ryan in asurprise decision from coach Tony Popovic.
Irankunda said the Socceroos took issue with comments Turkey
Australia’sNestory
Irankunda celebrates scoring the first goal against Turkey during their WorldCup Group Dmatch on saturday in Vancouver,British Columbia.
captain Hakan Calhanoglu made a day before the match, proclaiming that his side had “morequalities and amore talented team.”
“Yeah, it was extra motivation,”
Irankunda said. “Obviously we don’tlike people to talk badabout us because we’rea great team.
People underestimate us.”
Kenan Yildiz, a21-year-old who playsfor Juventus,was notinthe starting lineup but subbedinfor Turkey at half-time Turkey hada dangerous free kickinthe 57thminute, but Arda Güler’sattempt was saved by Beach.Güler,a talented 21-yearold attackingmidfielder who plays for Real Madrid, was not yet born the last time Turkey played in the World Cup.
Connor Metcalfe capitalized on IsmailYüksek’sturnoverin the75thminutetodoublethe Socceroos’ lead.The Socceroos fell to France in the opener in Qatar but then beat Tunisia and Denmark in their group before getting knocked outbyeventual champion Argentina in the round of 16.
Turkey maintained 72%ofpossession during the match and outshot theSocceroos 30-9,but couldn’tmanage to score.
“I respect Australia very much. Iwas expectingthattheywould play in this way,” said Turkey coachVincenzo Montella,who took theteam to the quarterfinals of the European championshipsin 2024. “Thisisfootball. As for the critics, nobody has underestimated Australia, actually.”
estcountry to ever appear in the tournament. It wasthe first matchofthe tournamentatHouston Stadium, normally calledNRG Stadium, where the NFL’sHouston Texans play Manuel Neuer,the 40-year-old goalkeeper whocame outofinternational retirement forthe tournament, had one save in his first appearance for Germanyin almost two years.
Thematch featuredthe largest agegap between coaches in World Cup history with Curaçao’s 78-year-old coach Dick Advocaat becoming theoldest ever in the tournamentagainst 38-year-old JulianNagelsmann, who is the youngest coach in this year’stournament Germany faces Ivory Coast in its next matchinToronto on Saturday,and Curaçao meets Ecuador on Saturday in Kansas City
AssoCIATED
Japan celebrates agoal during aWorld CupGroup
the Netherlandsand Japan in Arlington, Texas, on sunday.
Kamada’s late header givesJapan a2-2 draw with
theNetherlands
BY SCHUYLERDIXON AP sportswriter
ARLINGTON, Texas Daichi Kamada scored on aheader off Koki Ogawa’scorner kick in the 88th minute, sending theSamurai Blue fans intoafrenzy and giving Japan a2-2 draw with the Netherlands in their World Cup opener on Sunday.
While the Dutch extended their unbeaten streakto16 games in group play, the orange-clad Oranje supporters were stunned by the late goal thatleft themat21-2-11 in group play at theWorldCup.
Virgil VanDijk andCrysencioSummervillescoredoff each post for the Netherlands earlyinthe secondhalf, while KeitoNakamurahad agoal between thoseaspartofathreegoal flurry in just 14 minutes.
An uneventful first half changed quickly after the break foracrowd evenly split at AT&T Stadium, thehome of theDallas Cowboys with the retractable roof that offered relief from the muggy Texas heat, and thegiant video boardthat fans had ahardtime keeping their eyes off.
Summerville gave theeighthranked Dutch thelead in the
64thminute, and Japan was running out of hope when Ogawa sent the corner that Kamada timed perfectly.The ball deflected slightly again on its way toward Bart Verbruggen, who got his hands on it with asprawling dive but couldn’t keep it from going in.
VanDijk sent aheader toward thefar post on the right in the50th minute, bending forwardfrominside the penalty area as he stared at the ball before it caromed in for theDutch captain’s 13th international goal.
Nakamura answered seven minutes later for 18th-ranked Japan,turning andrifling a shotpastVerbruggenfrom the left side of the arc after taking a pass from Takefusa Kubo.
Another seven minutes later, Summerville took apass from RyanGravenberchand senta left-footed shottothe farleft post past Zion Suzuki, where it caromed in again.
The Dutch’smost recent loss before theelimination round came the last timethe World Cupwas in the United States in 1994, when agroup play defeat was followed by aquarterfinal loss to Brazil at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas.
PREss PHoTo By JEssICA ToBIAs
Fmatch between
BY RACHEL MIPRO
writer
Contributing
Zemurray Lodge and Gardens, ahistoric property builton20th century banana wealth, is situated north of Lake Pontchartrain. One reader wants to know its connection with the city of New Orleans.
Sam Zemurray,the money behindthe home, is a name well-known in Latin American political history
“He was considered one of the richest and most powerfulpeople in the United States,a man shrouded with international mystery who overthrew governments, orchestrated coups andhad governmentagreements amended to meet his business needs,”the ANU Museum of the JewishPeople website states. Zemurray,aRussian Jewish immigrant, helped popularize banana consumption across the United States while also exploiting workers andcausing farreaching political instabilityin Latin America. He got his start selling bananas in Mobile before coming to New Orleansin1905, where he began expanding com-
BYGABRIELLE CALISE
Tampa BayTimes (TNs)
TAMPA, Fla. In 2022, Xander Robin booked aroomataMiccosukee casino at the edge of theEverglades and joined in theFlorida Python Challenge. Every year,hundreds ofhunters flood South Florida for astate-
panies andconsolidating ahold on thefruit market
He was first thefounder of the Cuyamel Fruit Company in New Orleans, then served as president of the United Fruit Company oneofthe biggest companies in
theworld at the time, and one that has amassively influential and controversial history.Today, thecompany is known as Chiquita Brands International.
Onepart of his legacy on the city,where he spent large portions of his life, is his mansion at No. 2Audubon Place, which was donated toTulane University after his death in 1961.
Zemurray Lodgeand Gardens, near Hammond, was bought by Zemurray in 1928. In his account of banana company history, “Bananas: How the United Fruit Company Shaped the World,” Peter Chapman characterized the home as aplace where Zemurray could relax.
“In Louisianahecould walk out through theantebellum columns of his home and stroll around his lake that mirrored the cast-bronze statues at its edge,” Chapman wrote. “Zemurray had ahunting lodge in the pine woods and shot quail.”
The estate’snomination for the National Register of Historic
ä see CURIOUS, page 2C
sponsored killingspree aimed at the invasive Burmese python. At theend ofthe 10-daychallenge, Florida awardsthe hunter with themost kills awhopping $10,000. Despite ridingalongwithhunters each nightofthe challenge, Robin didn’tsee —let alone slay —asingle snake. But he did walk away with lots of ideas for adocumentary. “It just sort of felt likepeople
Theelectricguitar spawnedgarage bands, rock gods andgenerations of popularmusic
BY RAVI NESSMAN Associated Press
Peelingback thecurtain Loud and proud
ATLANTA— What is moreAmerican than taking amusical instrument with ancient roots andzapping it with electricity? That new creation,the electric guitar, haslaunchedthe dreams of millions of teenagers. It turned garages into impromptu rehearsal spaces for would-be rock stars across the American suburbs. For those who couldn’t play, couldn’t try to play or couldn’t get some friends with instruments together,there was always the air guitar.(Does anyone ever playanacoustic air guitar?)
Nearly 100years ago, Americans’ love of tinkering, music and just making things loudercombinedwhenGeorge Beauchamp created andAdolphRickenbacker produced thefirst commercially successful electricguitar Thatwas “theFryingPan.” The tinkering continued. Musician and inventor Les Paul put strings and pickups on ablock of wood called “the Log” and madeitone of the first solid body electric guitars. Andnow we’re talking. Imagine the intro to Chuck Berry’s“Johnny B. Goode” without theelectric guitar.Would that song about aguitar player even exist? It’s the engine powering JimiHendrix’sversion of “All Along the Watchtower” and BruceSpringsteen’s“Born to Run.” It spawned the ax man,the guitar god and the apotheosis of look-at-me American exceptionalism,the guitar solo.
It’sinyourface and loud.It goes to 11, after all.
It was so provocative that manyfelt deep betrayal when Bob Dylan plugged in.
It becamesoubiquitous, so essential to rock and pop music, that MTV created its successful “Unplugged” franchise, where bands were forced to play nonelectric instruments as an acousticcounterprogramming novelty
And like all the best American inventions, it wasexported around theworld, whereitstill has the power to make kids dream. As long as they have somewhere to plug in.
Part of arecurring series, “American Objects,” marking the250th anniversary of the United States
CHUCK CooK
Whilenot common,itispossiblefor mentoget UTIs
Dear Doctors: In arecent column, you explained that women can develop repeated urinary tract infections, even with careful hygiene. What about men? Can they also get UTIs? If so, what causes them, and are cranberry supplements helpful for men as well?
Dr.Elizabeth Ko Dr.Eve Glazier
AsK THE DoCToRs
Dear Reader: It’strue that discussions of urinary tract infections (UTIs) tend to focus on women. UTIs occur far more oftenin women than in men. Datashow that up to 60% of women will have at least one UTI in theirlifetimes. That number is far lower for men, about 10% to 12%. This is due,in large part, to the differencesin female and male anatomy. The primary pathogen involved in UTIs is E. coli. The bacteria live in the intestines. E. coli exits the body in stool and can enter theurinary tract through theurethra. Theurethra is the tube urine travels through from thebladder to exit the body.How close the urethra is to the rectum in women increases the chance of bacterial transfer,evenwithvigilant hygiene.The length of theurethra also playsa role. In women, it is just 3to4centimeters long. The urethra in men is much longer, about18to20centimeters. Other
factors also impact thefrequency of UTIs in women. The physical changes associated with pregnancy can contribute. The hormonal changes of perimenopause and menopause is another possibility. Anatomical anomalies and vaginal and urinary microbiome composition also affect their chances. That said, it is possible for men to develop UTIs. Urine helps flush bacteria from the urinary tract. Butsome conditions can narrow theurethra, such as an enlarged prostate. This can impede the flow of urine. It can keep thebladder from emptying completely The remaining urine creates an environment favorable to bacterial growth. Other factors that can increase UTI risk include kidney stones, cystitis, catheter use and diabetes.
Create atower cake of doughnuts
Dear Heloise: Ihave afun suggestion for kids’ birthdays. Most kids onlywant frosting on abirthday cake, so Imade a “tower cake”byusing doughnuts. Just purchase avariety of doughnuts (about adozen) and create atower withthem. Candles can easily be poked into them and be lit.Itcosts about $20. —Great Grandma Betty,inVancouver,Washington Great Grandma Betty, what aclever idea! It’sso unique, too. I’ll have to give this athumbs-up and try it
CURIOUS
Continued from page1C
sometime. —HeloiseSurgical sock trick
Although thepathwaystoUTI differ in women andmen,some symptoms are similar.Theycan both have urinary urgency.Difficultystarting astream andrepeated urge to go are other common symptoms. Aburningsensation,a weak stream and asensation that the bladder remains full can also be shared signs. In men, these symptoms can alsocome from prostate issues. That means prostate health is often checked, in additiontotesting the urine forbacteria. Treatment depends on the primarycause of the UTI. For abacterial infection, patients are often prescribed antibiotics. When thecause relates to the prostate, medications to improve urine flow or prostate inflammation may be needed. Physicians will also assess whether aprocedure to man-
age an obstruction of the urethra might help. Cranberry products can be helpful in somecases. Cranberry is believed to interfere with the ability of E. coli to bind to the urinary tract lining. But in cases where residual urine in the bladder is the breeding ground forbacteria, cranberry products may not be as effective. Recurrent UTIs in menare possible, but not common. If these begin to occur,itisimportant to see your healthcare provider as another condition maybeinvolved. Sendyour questions to askthedoctors@mednet.ucla. edu, or write: Ask theDoctors, c/oUCLA HealthSciences Media Relations, 10880 Wilshire Blvd.,Suite1450, Los Angeles, CA, 90024.
Counterold-age comments with harmless plainfacts
Dear Heloise: I, too, would get frustrated when trying to put onsurgical socks, but an assistant at my rehab hospital showed this trick to me before Iwas discharged: Take aplastic bag (the typethat isused in many grocery stores) andput it on your foot so that your toes are in thecorner and the handles are in yourhands. Gather up the sock andslip thesock on to yourfoot which should beplaced on
top of the bag. Continue sliding thesock on until it’s completely covering your foot.
When you’re done, start pulling the bag out from the open toearea. The bag should slide out easily.(My surgical socks had open toes.) This method saved my husband and me from many minutes of frustration and aggravation. It alsomade it easier for me to dress myself and put my shoes on without needing assistance. —Pauline, via email
Send ahinttoheloise@ heloise.com.
Dear Miss Manners: Do you have asuitable answer to those who say to me, an older woman, “You must have been attractivewhen you were young,”orafter looking at an earlier photo, “Is that you?”
Ialso feel uncomfortable when being referred to as a“young lady” or a“girl,” and being told I’m “X years young,”orbeing asked “How old are you?”
Places described the history of the place as one of the earliest settled areas in Tangipahoa Parish. Planter and lawyer Alfred Hennen built the house in 1829, and the property was inherited by his daughter and son-in-law,who soldit to the Lake Superior Piling Company of Chicago in 1918. Company President Charles Houlton, alongside his brother,added interior decoration and colonnades, among other improvements When it came into the Zemurray family’spossession, Zemurray’swife, Sarah, had rows of azaleas and camellias plantedalong the forest trails. She expanded the gardens and created a two-acre lake, called Mirror Lake. Sarah Zemurray also installed replicas of classical statues. Under the guidance of New Orleans architect Moise Goldstein, the house’s exterior was covered with stucco, Doric columns were added, and two cottages and stableswereinstalled.
PYTHON
Continued from page1C
12-day period,with overnight shoots stretchinguntil 4a.m. or later.The crew gathered some 250 hoursof footage and whittled it down to atight 91 minutes.
“I was excitedabouthow nocturnal it was, because that’s been my life forever For some reason Ican never sleep until like 4or5inthe morning, just since Iwas a kid,” Robin said. “But also,being out there made me start to question things, and Ithink I started to gravitate to people that were also questioning.” Robin grew up in the suburbs of South Florida,dazzled by the lizards thatskittered along his path. He went on to study film at Florida State University before moving to New York City.Anidea for afilm about areptile-obsessed character lured him back home.But after shooting it for fun,he wasn’tdone telling Florida stories. With better film incentives available in other states, filmmakers oftenrecreate Florida in places like Georgia or New Orleans. Since Robin wanted to actually shoot in the Everglades, not aswamp somewhere else, the nonfic-
Interior designer George Gallupdecorated in the Arts and Craft style —one that focuses on natural materials. The then-popular decorating styleturned away fromindustrialization to emphasize nature-inspired motifsand quality craftsmanship. Inside the lodge, wainscoting, painted foliage and medieval-esque beamedceilings showcased the trend. “As far as the StateHistoric PreservationOffice is aware,these interiors representthe most complete and elaborateexample ofArts andCrafts interior design to be found in an eightparish area known collectivelyas
tion route seemed like the way to go.
“You can’t fake that,” he said.
Robin mettwo of the subjects of thefilm during his first hunt: RichardPerenyi, ascience teacher fromSan Francisco who heads into the swamp for adrug-fueled vacation, and Jimbo McCartney an ex-professional hunter determined to expose the challengeasa gamifiedmedia circus. He’salsokeen to mess with theout-of-state “yahoos” like Perenyi.
“The challengeitself is 95% amateurhunters,”Robin said. “The only ones that really get thepublicityare theprofessionals,but actually onthe ground it’severyone trying to bethe professional.” Theheart of the film lies in the bond between Anne Stratton Hilts andTobyBenoit.She’sanature-loving, 82-year-old widow who wants nothing more than to “scramble thebrains” of the snakes destroying nativeanimal populations. He’saneighth generation Floridacracker,a Hernando Sun columnist and her devoted guide.
“She’sat aplace in her life that this would be one of her last adventures, and maybe she wanted to show offalittle bit to her folks at the nursinghome,” Robin said. “But shethought there’d bepy-
the Florida Parishes,” read the National Register of Historic Places nomination form. “…There is no other example of Artsand Crafts interior design known to the State Historic Preservation Officeinthe Florida Parishes which is even comparable to ZemurrayLodge.”
Do you have aquestion about something in Louisiana that’s got you curious? Email your questionto curiouslouisiana@ theadvocate.com. Include your name, phone number and thecitywhere you live.
thons everywhere and then there’s basically no pythons around.”
To follow multiple storylines,Robin deployed three different groups, consisting of aunit director,field producer,cinematographer and sound recorders.
Producers include Lance Oppenheim (director of the 2020 documentary “Some Kind of Heaven, ”onThe Villagesretirement community) and Lauren Cioffi (an executive producer of HBO’s“Love Has Won: The Cult of Mother God”). Cinematographers Matt Cleg and David Bolen set out to capture adreamy sequence of visuals, from moodysunsets andwrithing snakes to flashlights dancing along swampwater
“The thingI really wanted to make sure we captured properly wasthe nighttime stuff, because being out there it doesn’t feel scaryorterrifyingorlike ahorror film,” Robin said.“You’re running into people at 4or5inthe morning, and you’re excited to run into someone and wondering if they’re finding anything.
“Thereare moments where you’re just like, ‘This place wants me dead,’ (and) getting destroyed by mosquitoes. There’salso moments of, ‘This is alsoso spiritual,somajestic, so otherworldly.’
Miss Manners will shock you by the antidote she recommends: Flaunt your age. This will give the lie to anyone whothinks it embarrasses you, or whothinks you would welcome their help in denying it.
of this supposed flattery is invalid.
Gentlereader: It is an affliction of old age tobe patronized by theyoung, who lack the imagination to realize that with any luck, that is where they are heading. Remember the“Never trust anyone over 30” cry? The person who started that is now 86 years old.
So while it is indeed considered rude to ask the age of grown-ups in this society,she is suggesting that you give an honest answer.And correct the “years young” construction by saying, “No, I’mXyears old.”
When addressed as “young lady,” or referred to as a “girl,” say,“Surely you are not referring to me.”
If you do all this pleasantly,asifyou werepuzzled, rather than offended, it will becomeclear that the underlying assumption
But the “must have been” remark requires no answer whatsoever —just let it hang there. And “Is that you?” needs only a simple yes. Although you might add, as if explaining lifetoachild, “I was younger then.” To be clear: Miss Manners is not rescinding the rule against asking people’sages. That is still in the samenosy category as asking how much money they makeand whether they are ever going to get married or have children. She just wantstoget rid of the coynessofconcealing age, which adds to the perception that oldage is an embarrassment.
Sendquestions to Miss Manners at herwebsite, www.missmanners.com.
Friend gets caught talking behind woman’sback
Dear Harriette: My friend recently caught metalking badly about her,and Ifeel awful. We were at dinner, and she had walked away; Iwas facing away from thebathroom, and when she was walking back over, she overheard me say that an outfit didn’tsuit her body well and she didn’t look good. Hearing those comments from afriend must have been incredibly hurtful and embarrassing for her Since then, things have been awkward between us, and Ican tell that I damaged her trust.Iapologized, but I’m not sure if my apologywas enough or if she even believes that I’m sorry.Part of me wants to keep reaching
ByThe Associated Press
out and trying to explain myself,but another part of me worries that I’mmaking the situation about my own guilt rather than her feelings. Iknow that what Isaid was wrong, and I’mstruggling with the fact that Ican’t take those words back. How can I rebuild trust after something like this? Should Icontinue trying to talk to her about it, or should Igive her space and let her decide if she wants to moveforward with our friendship? —Bad Mouth DearBad Mouth: Stop apologizing. The damage is done.You have letyour friend know youdidn’t mean to hurt her. She will forgive youornot.The lessonhereisthatitis
TODAYINHISTORY
Today is Monday, June 15, the 166th day of 2026. There are 199 days left in the year
Todayinhistory: On June 15, 1904, more than1,000 people died when fire erupted aboard the steamboat PS General Slocum in New York’sEast River; it remained the deadliest individual event in the New York area until 9/11.
Also on this date:
In 1775, theSecond Continental Congress voted unanimously toappoint George Washington head of the Continental Army In 1864, Secretary of War Edwin M. Stanton signed an order establishing a militaryburial ground that becameArlington National Cemetery in Virginia.
In 1895, atsunamitriggered by amagnitude 8.5 earthquake struck the
coast of northeastern Japan with waves reaching a height of 125 feet, killing morethan 22,000 people.
In 1934, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed an act making the National Guard part of the U.S. Armyinthe event of war or national emergency In 1934, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, now the most-visited national park in the United States, was established by Congress.
In 1982, the Supreme Court ruled 5-4 in Plyler v. Doe that states cannot deny students afree K-12public education because of their immigration status, citing the Constitution’sEqual Protection Clause.
In 1991, Mount Pinatubo in thenorthern Philippines explodedinone of themost powerful volcaniceruptions of the20th century,killing morethan 800 people.
nevergood to talk about people,whetherornot theyare within earshot. If youhaveathought about the way someone looks, sayitdirectly to themor keep your mouth closed. If others have critical things to sayabout your friends in apublic setting, stepup andinvite themtostop, too. It is so easytodisparage others, andmany people do it unconsciously Yetitispossible to adopt more positive behavior Start nowbybiting your tongue the next time you have an offhanded remark to make.
Sendquestions to askharriette@ harriettecole.com or c/oAndrewsMcMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St.,Kansas City,MO 64106.
In 2020, the U.S. Supreme Court, witha 6-3vote in its Bostock v. Clayton County decision, ruledthatthe Civil RightsAct of 1964 protects gay, lesbianand transgenderpeople from discrimination in employment.
Today’sbirthdays: Baseball Hall of Famer Billy Williamsis88. Former MLB player and manager Dusty Baker is 77. Actor Simon Callow is 77. Singer Russell Hitchcock (Air
Hints from Heloise
Judith Martin MIss MANNERs
sTAFF FILE PHoTo By CHUCK CooK
scenes of Zemurray Gardens in Loranger in 2004
Harriette Cole sENsE AND sENsITIVITy
GEMInI(May 21-June 20) Youare overdue for achange, but first, consider the pros and cons.Doyourresearch, askquestions andrefuse to let your emotions interfere, especially when youmust pay to participate.
cAncER (June 21-July22) Don't hold back your thoughts and feelings if you want to bring about change.It'suptoyou to make adifferenceand to drawothers' attention to your concerns.
LEo(July 23-Aug. 22) Achange will help you let go of the past and encourage you to pursue people, places and lifestyles of interest. Attend talks, watch documentaries and reach out to experts.
VIRGo (Aug. 23-sept. 22) Settinghigh standards, paying attention to detail and focusing on personalupgrades, anew look or educational pursuits instead of trying to change others is in your best interest.
LIBRA (sept.23-oct. 23) You can choose to do nothing, and everything will stay the same, or youcan alter your life to suit your needs.Start by making positive lifestyle changes that cater to good health.
scoRPIo (oct.24-nov. 22) Listen,make corrections where necessary and look foroutlets that encouragephysical movementoralifestyle change. Aday trip will give you aunique perspective regarding your options.
sAGIttARIus (nov. 23-Dec. 21) Payattention to fitness, eating habits andlooking and feeling your best. Youcan implement apositive change regarding part-
nershipsand homeimprovements that offergreater long-term stability.
cAPRIcoRn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Emotional misconceptionsand misunderstandings will surface through talksyou have with friends,family and your associates. Partnerships will needclarification regarding howyou feel.
AQuARIus(Jan. 20-Feb.19) Put your energyintotrying newthings, meeting people, expanding your interests and joining forces withpeoplewho share your beliefs, commoninterests and future endeavors.
PIscEs (Feb. 20-March 20) Pay attention to detail, listen to what others have to say andparticipate in activities that encouragelooking andfeelingyourbest. Keep personal information and secrets to yourself.
ARIEs (March 21-April 19) Ahigh-energy approach to what youdo, alongwith using your connectionstofurtheryour agenda, will bring high returns. Celebrate your victorywith someone special.
tAuRus (April 20-May 20) Personal changes will bring you closer to the lifestyle you desire. Use your imagination, and look forunique opportunitiesand government grantsorcompany incentives that can helpyou put your plans in motion
Celebrity Cipher cryptograms are createdfrom quotationsbyfamous people, past and present. Each letter in the cipherstands for another.
toDAy'scLuE: sEQuALs A
beetLe bAILeY
Sudoku
InstructIons: Sudoku is anumber-placing puzzle based on a9x9 grid with several given numbers. The object is to place the numbers 1to9inthe 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.
Saturday’s Puzzle Answer
THewiZard oF id
BLondie
BaBY BLueS
Hi and LoiS CurTiS
By PHILLIP ALDER Bridge
It is surprising that so many of the adages of bridge are wrong more often than they areright
This week we will look at: Do not finesse againstyour partner. What is afinesse againstpartner? It occurswhen adefenderleads alow card in asuit,promisingatleast one honor in it, dummy plays low, and third hand does not play his highestcard.
In this deal, South is in three no-trump. Westleadshisfourth-highestspade.How shouldEastplan the defense?
Whenyouopenoneortwono-trump,do not worry about unstopped suits. There are not enough words in bridge bidding to permit hands to be described down to thelastatom.
Southwillneedtodriveouttheclubace to establishsufficient tricks for his contract.Ifhealso loses at least four spade tricks,hewillgodown.However,anEast who was born and raised on third hand high will put up his spade king at trick one and thecontract will cruise home.
Each Wuzzle is aword riddle which creates adisguised word, phrase, name, place, saying, etc. For example: NOON GOOD =GOOD AFTERNOON
Previous answers:
word game
InstRuctIons: 1. Words must be of four or more letters. 2. Words
Bizarro
hagar
PearlsBefore
ORDINANCE NO. 1OF2026
To amend Chapter 120 of the Code of Ordinances of the Town of Brusly,State of Louisiana, TO
INCORPORATE AMENDED ZONING DISTRICT MAP UNDER SECTION 120-136 MAP,SPECIFICALLY:
RE-ZONINGPROPERTY LOCATED AT 207 JONES DRIVE FROM C-1 (LIGHTCOMMERCIAL) TO R-1 (SINGLE-FAMILYRESIDENTIAL) AT REQUEST OF PROPERTY OWNERSLYLE CHARLES TORRES ANDDEBORAH JONES TORRES, TRUSTEES OF THE LYLE CHARLES TORRES AND DEBORAH JONES TORRES REVOCABLE LIVING TRUST,PROPERTY ADDRESS: 207 JONES DRIVE, BRUSLY.
WHEREAS,the Planning and Zoning Commission has held apublic hearing thereon on May27, 2026 and submitted its final recommendation to the Brusly Town Council; and,
WHEREAS,the Brusly Town Council has given due public notices of hearing relating to zoning districts, regulations, and restrictions, and held its public hearing on June 8, 2026; and,
WHEREAS,all requirements of R.S. 33:4721-4729 with regardtothe preparation of report of the Planning and Zoning Commission and the subsequent action of the Brusly Town Council have been met
NOW,THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED,bythe Town Council of the Town of Brusly, Louisiana:
That Chapter 120, as found in the Code of Ordinances of the Town of Brusly, be amended by the Re-Zoning of property located at 207 Jones Drive, Brusly from C-1 (Light Commercial)toR-1 (Single-FamilyResidential).
Said Ordinance having been introduced on the 13th day of April, 2026, by Council Member Daigle, notice of public hearing having been published, said public hearing having been held, the title having been read and the Ordinance considered, on motion by Council Member Kershaw,seconded by Council Member Chustz, to adopt the Ordinance, arecordvote was taken and the following result was had:
YEAS: Chustz, Daigle, Kershaw, Young NAYS: None ABSENT:Tassin
WHEREUPON,the presiding officer declared the above Ordinance duly adopted on the 8th day of June, 2026. /s/ Blaine Rabalais, Town Clerk
/s/Scot Rhodes, Mayor
ORDINANCE NO. 2OF2026
TO AMEND THE APPROPRIATIONS ORDINANCE OF 2025-2026; TO PROVIDE RELATIVE TO APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE INCOME AND EXPENSES OF THE TOWN.
Be it ordained by the Town Council of the Town of Brusly,Louisiana:
Section 1. The Appropriations Ordinance for the year commencing July 1, 2025 and ending June 30, 2026 is amended and reenacted to provide that the sumsinthe attached budget adjustment document, or so much thereof as may be necessary,are hereby appropriated out of any monies in the town treasury from the sources specified; from federal funds payable to the town; or from funds belonging to the town and /or collected by boards, commissions, departments, and agencies thereof, for purposes specified thereinfor the year commencing July 1, 2025and ending June 30, 2026.
Section 2. This Ordinance shall become effective June 1, 2026.
Said Ordinance having been introduced on 11th day of May 2026 by Council Member Kershaw,notice of public hearing having been published, said public hearing having been held, the title having been read and the Ordinance considered, on motion by Council Member Chustz, seconded by Council Member Kershaw,toadopt the Ordinance, arecordvote was taken and the following result was had:
Whereupon, the presiding officer declared the above Ordinance duly adopted on the 8th day of June 2026. /s/ Blaine Rabalais, Clerk /s/ Scot
NO. 3OF2026 TO AMEND THE APPROPRIATIONS ORDINANCE OF 2025-2026; TO PROVIDE RELATIVE TO APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE INCOME AND EXPENSES OF THE BRUSLYSEWER SYSTEM. Be it ordained by the Town Council of the Town of Brusly,for the Sewer Systemofthe Town of Brusly,Louisiana that:
Section 1. The Appropriations Ordinance for the year commencing July 1, 2025 and ending June 30, 2026 is amended and reenacted to provide that the sumsinthe attached budget adjustment document, or so much thereof as may be necessary, arehereby appropriated out of any monies in the sewer treasury from the sources specified; from federal funds payable to the sewer; or from funds belonging to the sewer and /or collected by boards, commissions, departments, and agencies thereof, for purposes specified thereinfor the year commencing July 1,2025 and ending June 30, 2026.
Section 2. This Ordinance shall become effective June 1, 2026.
Said Ordinance having been introduced on 11th day of May,2026 by Council Member Chustz, notice of public hearing having been published, said public hearing having been held, the title having been read and the Ordinance considered, on motion by Council Member Kershaw,seconded by Council Member Young, to adopt the Ordinance, arecordvote was taken and the following result was had:
Whereupon, the presiding officer declared the above Ordinance duly adopted on the 8th day of June 2026. /s/ Blaine Rabalais, Clerk /s/
appropriation in this Ordinanceshall be payable in the amounts andout of the sources specified in the attached budget.
Section2.Funds cannot be transferred between budget units receiving appropriations.
Section3.For the purpose of paying appropriations made herein, allrevenuesdue the Town in Fiscal Year 2026-2027 shall be credited to Fiscal Year 2026-2027 provided such revenues arereceived in time to liquidate obligations incurred during Fiscal Year 2026-2027.
Section4.The sums in the attached budget or so much thereof as maybenecessary arehereby appropriated out of any monies in the Town Treasury from the sources specified; from federal funds payable to the Town;or from funds belonging to the Town and/or collected by boards, commissions, departments, andagenciesthereof, forthe purposes specified therein for the year commencing July 1, 2026 andending June 30, 2027 for the line itemsspecified in the attached budget. Funds appropriatedhereinshall not be expended for anypurpose other than specificline itemsindicated.
Section5.This Ordinance shall become effective July 1, 2026.
SaidOrdinance having been introduced on 11th day of May,2026 by Council Member Kershaw,noticeofthe public hearing having been published,said public hearing having been held, the title having been read andthe Ordinance considered, on motion by Council Member Chustz, seconded by Council Member Daigle,toadopt the Ordinance, arecordvotewas taken andthe following result washad: YEAS: Daigle, Young, Chustz, Kershaw NAYS: None ABSENT: Tassin WHEREUPON,the presiding officer declared theabove Ordinance duly adopted on this 8thday of June, 2026 /s/ Scot Rhodes, Mayor /s/ Blaine Rabalais, Town Clerk 2026-2027Budget
CLASSIFIEDSWORK For the Meeting of Mayorand Council City of Zachary,LA Council Chambers, 4700 Main Street Tuesday,May 26, 2026, 6:30 P.M.
A. CALL TO ORDER Mayor McDavid called the meeting to order at 6:31 p.m., on Tuesday May 26, 2026, at the Zachary City Hall located at 4700 Main Street, Zachary,LA.
B. INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Invocation by Councilwoman Landry Pledge of Allegiance by Councilman LeBlanc
C. OPENING PROCEDURES
1. ROLL CALL MAYOR David McDavid COUNCIL MEMBERS Brandy Westmoreland –District 1 JohnLeBlanc– District 2 AmbreDeVirgilio –District 3 James Graves –District 4 Jennifer Landry –District 5
2. READING OF CITY POLICY RELATIVE TO OPEN MEETINGS Beforeproceeding with the meeting, Mayor McDavid read astatement into the recordregarding the Open Meetings Law,and citizens’ right to participate in public meetings. The statement sets forth general rules of conduct of the public meeting and outlined the process through which acitizen can have items placed on the Council agenda. Acopy of the rules is available at City Hall, Mayor’sOffice or by calling the Clerk of the City Council. The rules will also be available at every Council meeting.
3. CHANGES/ADDITIONS TO AGENDA
D. READING OF THE MINUTES
1. Approval of Minutes May 12, 2026, regular meeting,and minutes of May 13, 2026, Annual Budget Workshopand approve them as written. The motion was made by Councilwoman DeVirgilio The motion was seconded by Councilwoman Westmoreland To approve the Minutes May 12, 2026, regular meeting,and minutes of May 13, 2026, Annual Budget Workshopand approve them as written.
1. Receive Minutes of the Regular meeting of May 04, 2026, of the Planning Commission and the Minutes of the Regular meeting of May 04, 2026, of the Zoning Commission. The motion was made by Councilwoman DeVirgilio
The motion was seconded by Councilwoman Westmoreland
To approve receiving the minutes of the Regular meeting of May 04, 2026, of the Planning Commission and the minutes of the Regular meeting of May04, 2026, of the Zoning Commission.
2. Planning matters REQUIRING aPublic Hearing a) CUPAB-01-26 (Dollar General) -Proposed commercial retail to sell packaged alcohol/liquor on property located at 5514 Main Street, Zachary,La70791. Mayor McDavid opened the PUBLIC HEARING at 6:37 p.m. Jessica Starns, 8755 Sullivan Rd. Bldg. 2D, Baton Rouge, LA 70818, client of Dollar General was present to speak in favor of the conditional use permit alcohol beverage. Therebeing no one else to speak in favor of or against the conditional use permit alcohol beverage, Mayor McDavid closed the PUBLIC HEARING at 6:38 p.m. The motion was made by Councilwoman Westmoreland The motion was seconded by Councilman LeBlanc
To approve CUPAB-01-26 (Dollar General) -Proposed commercial retail to sell packaged alcohol/liquor on property located at 5514 Main Street, Zachary,La70791. YEAS: Westmoreland, LeBlanc, DeVirgilio, Graves, Landry
NAYS: None
ABSENT:None
ABSTAINED: None
3. Planning Matters NOT requiringa Public Meeting
4. Zoning Matters REQUIRING aPublic Hearing
5. Zoning Matters NOT Requiring Public Hearing
6. Other Matters
a) Fee Waiver Request -Arequest to waive application fees associated with rezoning, resubdivision, and conditional use permit applications related to manufactured home. Recommend no action taken by Attorney Wilson.
J. RECEIVE RECORD OF PAYMENT OF ACCOUNTSPAYABLE
1. Receive the balance sheet and incomestatement as of May 2026 and the natural gas bill when it is received. The motion was made by Councilwoman DeVirgilio The motion was seconded by Councilwoman Westmoreland To
BANK NA‐TIONAL TRUSTCOMPANY (F/K/A BANKERSTRUST COMPANYOFCALIFOR‐NIA, N.A.), AS TRUSTEE ON BEHALF OF THEOWN‐ERSOFMORTGAGEPASSTHROUGHCERTIFICATES SERIES 2001-AM1vs BETTY J. BROWNWHITE BatonRouge,LA 19thJudicialDistrict Parish of East Baton RougeState of Louisiana Acting under andby virtue of Writ of Seizure andSaleissuedout of thehonorable court aforesaid,inthe above entitled andnumbered cause, dated, May08, 2015 andtomedirected, Idid seizeand will,be‐ginningat10:00 o'clock a.m. on June 17, 2026, via an online auctionsiteat
www.bid4assets.com/ EBRSOsheriffsales, offer forsaleatpublicauction thefollowing described mortgagedpropertybe‐longingto: BETTY J. BROWNWHITE One(1) Certainlot or parcel of ground to‐gether with allthe build‐ings andimprovements thereon, andall of the rights,ways, privileges, servitudes,appurte‐nances andadvantages thereuntobelonging or in anywiseappertaining situated in thePARISHOF EAST BATONROUGE STATEOFLOUISIANA,in that subdivisionknown as PAULFORPLAZA,SEC‐ONDFILING, anddesig‐natedonthe official plan thereof, on file andof record in theoffice of the Clerkand Recorder of the Parish of East Baton Rouge, Stateof Louisiana, as LOT TWENTY FIVE (25),said
subdivision, said lothav‐ingsuchmeasurements anddimensionsand beingsubject to such servitudes andrestric‐tionsasare more partic‐ularly shownonsaid map. TERMSOFSALE: Cash to thehighest bid‐der, at Public Auction WITH Appraisement and accordingtolaw SidJ.Gautreaux, Sheriff East BatonRouge Parish ADVERTISED DATE May15, 2026 June 15, 2026 $242.34 WILLIAMS A/K/AJAMES WILLIAMS,SR. A/K/A JAMESOVERTON WILLIAMS,THE UN‐OPENED SUCCESSIONOF JOHNNIEEDMOND WILLIAMS,UNOPENED SUCCESSIONOFOCIEED‐MOND OLIVER,UN‐OPENED SUCCESSIONOF GLADYS NEWSOME, UN‐OPENED SUCCESSION OF DOROTHYLEE AND THE UNOPENED SUCCESSION OF J.T. EDMOND BatonRouge,LA 19th Judicial District Parish of East Baton RougeState of Louisiana Acting under andby virtue of Writ of Seizure andSaleissuedout of thehonorable court aforesaid, in theabove entitled andnumbered cause, dated, November 05, 2025 andtomedi‐rected,I didseize and will,beginning at 10:00 o'clocka.m.onJune 17,
ANDTOPROVIDE THECOLLECTION OF THESAME ANDFOR OTHER MATTERS IN CONNECTIONTHEREWITH.
The motionwas made by Councilwoman DeVirgilio
The motionwas seconded by Councilwoman Westmoreland
To approve Introduction of Ordinance 2026-09 -ORDINANCE TO FIXTHE ANNUALPROPERTY MILLAGE RATE FOR 2026 ANDTOESTABLISH THERATEOFTAXATION ANDLEVY ATAX IN THEAMOUNT OF 5.070 MILLS TO DEFRAY EXPENSES OF OPERATION OF THECITYGOVERNMENT FOR ALL GENERAL PURPOSES FOR THEYEAR 2026 ON ALL TAXABLE PROPERTY WITHIN THECORPORATE LIMITSOFTHE CITYOFZACHARY
ANDTOPROVIDE THECOLLECTION OF THESAME ANDFOR OTHER MATTERS IN CONNECTIONTHEREWITH.
2. Introduction of Ordinance 2026-10 -ORDINANCE TO FIX THEANNUAL PROPERTY MILLAGE RATE FOR 2026 ANDTO ESTABLISH ANDTOROLL FORWARD THERATEOFTAXATION ANDLEVY ATAX IN THEAMOUNT OF MAXIMUMMILLAGE RATE OF 5.480 MILLS TO DEFRAYEXPENSES OF OPERATION OF THECITYGOVERNMENT FOR ALL GENERAL PURPOSES FOR THEYEAR 2026 ON ALL TAXABLE PROPERTY WITHIN THECORPORATE LIMITSOFTHE CITYOFZACHARYAND TO PROVIDE THECOLLECTION OF THESAME ANDFOR OTHER MATTERS IN CONNECTION THEREWITH The motionwas made by Councilwoman Westmoreland The motionwas seconded by Councilwoman Landry To approve Introduction of Ordinance 2026-10 -ORDINANCE TO FIXTHE ANNUAL PROPERTY MILLAGE RATE FOR 2026 ANDTOESTABLISH ANDTOROLL FORWARD THERATEOF TAXATION ANDLEVY ATAX IN THEAMOUNT OF MAXIMUM MILLAGE RATE OF 5.480 MILLS TO DEFRAY EXPENSES OF OPERATION OF THECITYGOVERNMENTFOR ALL GENERAL PURPOSES FOR THEYEAR 2026 ON ALL TAXABLE PROPERTY WITHIN THECORPORATE LIMITSOFTHE CITYOFZACHARY
ANDTOPROVIDE THECOLLECTION OF THESAMEAND FOR OTHER MATTERS IN CONNECTIONTHEREWITH
YEAS: Westmoreland, LeBlanc, Graves, Landry
NAYS: DeVirgilio ABSENT: None ABSTAINED: None
3. Public Hearing and Adoption of Ordinance 2026-06ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THECITYOFZACHARYTO IMPLEMENTTHE GENERAL FUND,UTILITY FUND,SPECIAL REVENUE FUND ANDCAPITALIMPROVEMENT FUND
BUDGETS FOR THEFISCALYEAR COMMENCINGJULY1,2026
ANDENDINGJUNE 30, 2027. Mayor McDavidopened the PUBLICHEARING at 6:48 p.m. There being no one to speak in favoroforagainst the ordinance, Mayor McDavidclosed the PUBLICHEARING at 6:48 p.m. The motionwas made by Councilwoman Westmoreland The motionwas seconded by Councilwoman DeVirgilio To table Public Hearing and Adoption of Ordinance 202606 -ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THECITYOFZACHARY TO IMPLEMENTTHE GENERAL FUND, UTILITYFUND, SPECIAL REVENUE FUND ANDCAPITALIMPROVEMENTFUND BUDGETS FOR THEFISCALYEAR COMMENCING JULY1,2026 ANDENDING JUNE 30, 2027.
4. Public Hearing and Adoption of Ordinance 2026-07 -PUBLIC HEARING ANDADOPTION OF ORDINANCE 2026-07 –
ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THECITYOFZACHARYTOAMEND ANDCORRECTCERTAIN DEPARTMENTALBUDGETS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR COMMENCINGJULY1,2025, ANDENDINGJUNE 30, 2026. Mayor McDavid opened the PUBLICHEARING at 6:49 p.m. There being no one to speak in favoroforagainst the ordinance, Mayor McDavidclosed the PUBLICHEARING at 6:50 p.m. The motionwas made by Councilwoman Westmoreland The motionwas seconded by Councilwoman DeVirgilio
To approve Public Hearing and Adoption of Ordinance 2026-07 -PUBLIC HEARING ANDADOPTION OF ORDINANCE 2026-07 –ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THECITYOFZACHARYTOAMEND ANDCORRECTCERTAIN DEPARTMENTALBUDGETS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR COMMENCING JULY1,2025, ANDENDING JUNE 30, 2026.
5. Public Hearing and Adoption of Ordinance 2026-08 -
ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THECITYOFZACHARYTOAMEND CIVIL PENALTY PROVISIONS FOR ADMINISTRATIVECODE
ENFORCEMENT PROCEDURE.
Mayor McDavidopened the PUBLICHEARING at 6:52 p.m. There being no one to speak in favoroforagainst the ordinance, Mayor McDavidclosed the PUBLICHEARING at 6:52 p.m. The motionwas made by Councilwoman Westmoreland The motionwas seconded by Councilwoman DeVirgilio
To approve Public Hearing and Adoption of Ordinance 202608 -ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THECITYOFZACHARYTO AMENDCIVIL PENALTY PROVISIONSFOR ADMINISTRATIVE CODE ENFORCEMENTPROCEDURE.
1. Approval of aCooperative Endeavor Agreement with South Central Planning and Development Commission regarding Softwarefor Online InspectionPermitting The motionwas made by Councilwoman DeVirgilio
The motionwas seconded by Councilwoman Westmoreland
To approve Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with SouthCentral Planning and Development Commission regarding Softwarefor Online InspectionPermitting. YEAS: Westmoreland, LeBlanc, DeVirgilio,Graves, Landry
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAINED: None
2. Approval of Interagency Agreement with Dixon Correctional Institute forWork Crews. The motionwas made by Councilwoman DeVirgilio The motionwas seconded by Councilwoman Westmoreland
To approve Interagency Agreement with Dixon Correctional Institute forWork Crews. YEAS: Westmoreland, LeBlanc, DeVirgilio,Graves, Landry
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAINED: None
2026, viaanonlineauc‐tion site at www bid4assets.com/EBR SOsheriffsales,offerfor sale at public auctionthe followingdescribed mortgagedpropertybe‐longingto: THEUN‐OPENED SUCCESSION OF JAMES0.WILLIAMS
NAYS: None
ABSENT:None
ABSTAINED: None
4. Executive Session Request Pursuant to LA R.S. 42:17(A)(2) concerning prospective litigation in response to writtendemand by anonymous individualregarding public recordsrequest The motion wasmade by CouncilwomanWestmoreland The motion wassecondedbyCouncilmanLeBlanc To approve to recess the regularmeeting andenterinto an executive session at 7:06 p.m. YEAS: Westmoreland, LeBlanc, DeVirgilio, Graves, Landry
NAYS: None
ABSENT:None
ABSTAINED: None The motion wasmade by CouncilwomanWestmoreland
The motion wassecondedbyCouncilwomanDeVirgilio To approve to reconvene the regularmeeting at 7:17 p.m. YEAS: Westmoreland, LeBlanc, DeVirgilio, Graves, Landry
NAYS: None
ABSENT:None
ABSTAINED: None
O. CONDEMNED BUILDINGS –PUBLIC HEARINGS OR OTHER ACTION REGARDING BUILDINGS BEING CONSIDERED FOR CONDEMNNATION AttorneyWilson stated the next Condemnation Board meeting will be held May 28, 2026. The Mayor also provided an update on condemnation
P. REPORTSFROMDEPARTMENT HEADS
Q. COUNCIL DISCUSSION OF BUSINESS NOT ON AGENDA (No Action May Be Taken UnlessDeclared an Emergency)
CouncilwomanWestmorelandand CouncilwomanLandry each announced theyhave avacancy on ABC Board thatwill need to be filledsoon. CouncilwomanWestmorelanddiscussedthe topic of food trucks in Zachary andstatedthatshe will be working an ordinanceregarding the matter. CouncilmanLeBlancbrought up concerns regarding signs being placed in areas wheretheyare not permittedwithin the City of Zachary.MayorMcDavid stated thatasthe signs areidentified, they arebeing corrected andaddressed accordingly
R. ADJOURNMENT The meeting wasadjournedat7:21p.m.
Karen Burdette Clerk of City Council CITYOFZACHARY PARISH OF EASTBATON ROUGE STATEOFLOUISIANA CERTIFICATION
KarenBurdette DavidMcDavid,Mayor Clerk of the City Council CITY OF ZACHARY PARISH OF EAST BATON ROUGE STATEOFLOUISIANA
I, KarenBurdette, do hereby certify thatIamthe duly appointedClerk of the City Council for the City of Zachary, Parish of East Baton Rouge Louisiana
Ifurthercertify thatthe above andforegoing is atrueand correctcopy of the minutesofthe regularmeeting of the Mayor andCouncil of the City of Zachary,Louisiana,heldonTuesday,May 26, 2026, aproper quorum being there andthenpresent.
KarenBurdette, Clerk of the City Council MINUTES
For the Meeting of the Governing Authority of Americana EconomicDevelopment District Council Chambers, 4700 MainStreet Tuesday,May 12, 2026 6:00 p.m. –Priorto Meeting of Mayor and City Council
A. CALL TO ORDER The meeting wascalledtoorder by ChairwomanAmbreDeVirgilio at 7:10 p.m.
B. INVOCATION ANDPLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Rolledover from previous meeting.
C. OPENING PROCEDURES
1. ROLLCALL MEMBERS PRESENT Brandy Westmoreland John LeBlanc AmbreDeVirgilio James Graves Jennifer Landry
2. MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING OF April 28, 2026, regular meeting. The motion wasmade by Mrs. Westmoreland The motion wassecondedbyMr. LeBlanc To approve the MinutesofApril 28, 2026, regularmeeting, and approve themaswritten. YEAS: Westmoreland, LeBlanc, DeVirgilio, Graves, Landry
NAYS: None ABSENT:None ABSTAINED: None
D. NEW BUSINESS
1. Update from Chairwoman DeVirgilio Mrs. DeVirgilio stated thatshe is continuing to workon livestreaming for the AEDD meetings.
E. ADJOURNMENT The meeting wasadjourned at 7:14 p.m.
Karen Burdette, Clerk of the AmbreDeVirgilio, Chairwoman City Council CITYOFZACHARY CITYOFZACHARY, LA PARISHOFEASTBATON ROUGE STATEOFLOUISIANA
3. Approval of Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with East Baton Rouge City-Parish EMSregarding LUCAS Chest Compression Systems (ZFD) The motionwas made by Councilwoman DeVirgilio The motionwas seconded by Councilwoman Westmoreland To approve Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with East Baton Rouge City-Parish regarding LUCAS Chest CompressionSystems (ZFD) YEAS: Westmoreland, LeBlanc, DeVirgilio, Graves, Landry
MEETING MINUTES
Facilities Committee Meeting 04/21/2026 05:00 PM West Baton RougeParish School BoardOffice 3761 Rosedale Road Port Allen, LA 70767
Please silence all cellphones Attendance
Voting Members
Mr.Burke Fiscus, Vice President
Dr.Atley Walker Sr BoardMember
Mr.Ronald LeBlanc, BoardMember
Ms. Sonceria Evans, BoardMember
Ms. Chareeka Grace, BoardMember
Mr.Alden Chustz, BoardMember
Mr.Matthew Daigrepont, President
Non-Voting Members Jessica Blanchard, Executive Secretary
Dr.Chandler Smith, Superintendent Jared Gibbs, Supervisor of Business
1. Call Meeting to Order The chairman called the meeting to order
2. Pledge of Allegiance
Mr.LeBlanc led us in ThePledge of Allegiance
3. Roll Call Jessica Blanchardconducted aRoll Call:
The following members werepresent:
•Mr. Burke Fiscus, Vice President
•Dr. Atley Walker Sr BoardMember
•Mr. Ronald LeBlanc, BoardMember
•Ms. Sonceria Evans, BoardMember
•Ms. Chareeka Grace, BoardMember
•Mr. Alden Chustz, BoardMember
•Mr. Matthew Daigrepont, President
Aquorum was present
The following boardmembers wereabsent:
Hayely Clouatre, BoardMember
Mike Maranto, BoardMember
Teri Bergeron, BoardMember
4. Agenda 1. Receive and review Head Start Directors Monthly Report. (Crystal Leon)
The BoardMembersreview the Head Start DirectorsMonthly Report
The chairman declared the floor open for public comment. Informational Item, No action necessary
2. Consider action to suspend policyrequiring committee meetings for the months of June and July of 2026.
Dr.Smith explain to the boardabout having ahardtime getting a quorum last summer.Hediscussed with the boardsuspending the committee meetings forJune and July of 2026.
The chairman declared the flooropen for public comment
That the boardapproves to suspend policy requiring committee meeting for the months of Juneand July of 2026
Motion made by: Mr. AldenChustz
Motion seconded by: Mr.Matthew Daigrepont
Voting results: Unanimously Approved
3. Consideration of request forapproval of the monthly expenditures and financial reportsfor February2026 (Jared Gibbs)
Mr.Gibbs went over attachedreport The chairman declared the floor open for public comment That the boardapproves monthly expenditures and financial reports for February 2026
Motion made by: Dr.Atley Walker Sr Motion seconded by: Mr.Burke Fiscus
Voting results: Unanimously Approved
4. Consideration of request to renew student accident insurance policy.(Jared Gibbs)
Mr.Gibbs went over attachedrenew student accident insurance policy.Heexplained to the boardthat it will renew for 17 months, so that this policy will be renewed with all of our other insurance policies.
The chairmandeclared the flooropen for public comment
That the boardapproves the request to renew student accident insurance policy
Motion made by: Mr. Matthew Daigrepont
Motion seconded by: Ms. Chareeka Grace
Voting results: Unanimously Approved
5. Consideration of request for approvalofthe FY 26 EEF Investment Trust Withdrawl fromthe LouisianaDepartmentof Treasury
This agenda item refersto amendment 3upfor theballotinMay Dr.Smith and Mr.Gibbs explained to the boardthat they would like to draw down this money and put it into our own account.
The chairman declared the flooropen for public comment.
That the boardapproves the request for approval of the FY 26 EEF Investment Trust withdrawl fromthe Louisiana Department of Treasury
Motion made by: Dr.Atley Walker Sr Motion seconded by: Mr.Burke Fiscus
Voting results: Unanimously Approved
6. Consideration of request to approvea new sugar lease with Sugar West, Inc. for the terms of January 1, 2027 through December 31, 2036. (Jared Gibbs)
Theboardreviewed this item at the committee meeting in March. Item was only tabled to be surewewerealigned with surrounding farmers.
The chairman declared the floor open for public comment
That the boardapproves therequest of anew sugar lease with Sugar West, Inc. for the termsofJanuary 1, 2027 through December 31, 2036
Motion made by: Mr.Burke Fiscus
Motion seconded by: Mr.Alden Chustz
Voting results: Unanimously Approved
7. Discussion of Records Request Fee Schedule
Dr.Smith is asking the boardto movefrom25cents perpage to $1.00 per page. Because we had to purchase softwaretohelp redact information for ourrecords request. The chairman declared the floor open for public comment. That the boardapproves to increase the new Records Request FeeSchedule.
Dr.Smith informed the boardabout the support we receive from the FINS program. He is asking to increase it from $12,000 to $24,000 as this valuabletoour School System. The chairman declared the floor open forpublic comment. That theboard approves the Supportof$24,00 for FINS.
Motion made by: Mr.Burke Fiscus
Motion seconded by: Dr.Atley WalkerSr.
Voting results: Unanimously Approved
5. Adjourn
The Finance committee meeting be adjourn
Motion made by: Mr.MatthewDaigrepont
Motion seconded by: Dr.Atley WalkerSr.
Voting results: Unanimously Approved
MEETING MINUTES
Please silence allcellphones
Attendance
Voting Members
Mr.Burke Fiscus, Vice President
Dr.Atley WalkerSr.,BoardMember
Mr.RonaldLeBlanc, BoardMember
Ms.SonceriaEvans, BoardMember
Ms.Chareeka Grace, BoardMember
Mr.Alden Chustz, BoardMember
Mr.Matthew Daigrepont, President
Non-Voting Members
Dr.Chandler Smith, Superintendent
Jessica Blanchard, Executive Secretary
Jared Gibbs, Supervisor of Business
1. Call Meeting to Order The Chairman called the meetingtoorder
2. Pledge of Allegiance Dispense withThe Pledge of Allegiance
3. Roll Call
Jessica Blanchardconducted arollcall: The followingboardmembers werepresent:
•Mr. Burke Fiscus, Vice President
•Dr. Atley WalkerSr.,Board Member
•Mr. RonaldLeBlanc, BoardMember
•Ms. Sonceria Evans, BoardMember
•Ms. Chareeka Grace, BoardMember
•Mr. Alden Chustz, BoardMember
•Mr. MatthewDaigrepont, President
Aquorum was made: The Following BoardMembers wereabsent:
1. Call Meeting to Order The chairman calledthe meetingtoorder
2. Pledge of Allegiance
Ms.Kennedy Wishom led us in The Pledge of Allegiance. AWBR
Student.
3. Roll Call
Jessica Blanchardconducted arollcall
The following members werepresent:
•Mr. Burke Fiscus, Vice President
•Mrs. Hayley Clouatre,BoardMember
•Dr. AtleyWalker Sr BoardMember
•Mr. RonaldLeBlanc, BoardMember
•Ms. Sonceria Evans, BoardMember
•Mr. Michael Maranto, BoardMember
•Mrs. Teri Bergeron, BoardMember
•Mr. MatthewDaigrepont, President
Aquorum was made
The following wereabsent
Ms.Chareeka Grace, BoardMember
Mr.Alden Chustz, BoardMember
4. Approval of Minutes
Be it Resolved, That theapproval of theminutesofthe Regular Board
Meeting held March 18,2026beapprovedaspresented. The Chairmandeclared the floor openfor publiccomment.
Motion made by: Dr.AtleyWalker Sr Motion seconded by: Mr.Ronald LeBlanc
Voting results: Unanimously Approved
5. Superintendent’sReport Dr.Smith over theattached Superintendent Report.Wehad aroom fullofrecognitionslistedonhis report
The chairman declaredthe floor open forpubliccomment.
Informational Item, No Action Necessary
6. ReportfromCommunity Committees/Agencies
7. UnfinishedBusiness
8. Presentation of ConsentAgenda
1. Discussion of potentialDOTD partnership on Rosedale Road by PAES and PAMS (FacilitiesCommittee 4/21/26)
2. Consideraction to suspend policy requiring committee meetings for the months of June and July of 2026. (Finance Committee 4/21/26)
3. Consideration of request for approval of the monthly expenditures and financial reports forFebruary 2026 (Finance Committee 4/21/26)
4. Consideration of requesttorenew student accident insurance policy.(Finance Committee 4/21/26)
5. Consideration of requestfor approval of the FY 26 EEF Investment Trust Withdrawl from the Louisiana Department of Treasury (Finance Committee 4/21/26)
6. Consideration of requesttoapprove anew sugarleasewith Sugar West, Inc. for the terms of January1,2027 through December 31,2036. (Finance Committee 4/21/26)
7. Approval of updated RecordsRequestFee Schedule (Finance Committee 4/21/26) Goingfrom25cents per page to $1.00 per page.
8. Approval of FINS Support(Finance Committee 4/21/26) Increase from $12,000 to $24,000
9. Approval of Consent Agenda
The chairman declaredthe floor open forpubliccomment. Be it resolved thatthe Boarddoeshereby approve andadopt the Above Consent Agenda Items #1-8
Motion madeby: Mr.Ronald LeBlanc
Motion seconded by: Mr.Burke Fiscus
Voting results: Unanimously Approved
10. End of Consent Agenda
1. DiscussionofCohn CafeteriaRenovations (Dr. Chandler Smith) Dr.Smith andMr. Fontenot wentover theattached cost for the renovation of the CohnElementary’sexistingCafeteria. The chairmandeclared the floor openfor public comment. Thatthe boardapproves theattachment andprice for renovations for the Cohn Cafeteria
2. AddAgenda Item Dr.Smith asked to add an agenda itemofpermission to accept the lowest quote for theBUESawning replacement,upto $250,000.This is time-sensitive to be abletoget this project done this summer,whichiswhy the requesttoadd theitem at this time
The chairman declaredthe floor openfor publiccomment.
The theboard add agenda itemPermission to acceptlowest quote for BUES awningreplacementupto$250,000
3. Permissiontoaccept lowest quote for BUES awning replacement up to $250,000 This is time-sensitive to be abletoget this project donethis summer.Itwill take time for thematerial to come in andget it installed.
The chairman declaredthe floor openfor publiccomment That the boardapprovestoacceptthe lowest quote for BUES awning replacement up to $250,000 Motion made by: Mr.Ronald LeBlanc Motion seconded by: Dr.AtleyWalker Sr Voting results: Unanimously Approved
11. Organization Items
12. Any otherbusiness unanimously approved by the boardfor consideration
1. Call to Order The Chairmancalledthe meeting to order.
2. PledgeofAllegiance Dispense with The Pledge of Allegiance
3. Roll Call Jessica Blanchardconducteda roll call.
The followingboard members were present: •Mr. Burke Fiscus, Vice President
Hayley Clouatre, Board Member
AtleyWalker Sr BoardMember
SonceriaEvans,Board Member
Chareeka Grace,Board Member
AldenChustz,Board Member
Michael Maranto, Board Member
MatthewDaigrepont, President
situatedinthatsubdivi‐sionofthe Parish of East Baton Rouge, Louisiana, known as Woodland Ridge Park Subdivision, SecondFiling, andbeing designatedaslot one hundred three(103) on the official plat
entitledto finalplatof Woodland RidgePark, SecondFiling, locatedin Section 52, T7S, R1 E, GreensburgLandDistrict, EastBaton RougeParish, Louisiana,for Harwood Inc.,dated March24, 1976, filedofrecordin map book 155, page 33 ofthe official recordsof EastBaton RougeParish, which said lots having suchmeasurementsand dimensionsasshown of the official recorded sub‐divisionmap TERMSOFSALE: Cash to thehighest bid‐der,atPublicAuction WITHOUT Appraisement and accordingtolaw SidJ.Gautreaux,Sheriff EastBaton RougeParish ADVERTISED DATE May15, 2026 June 15,2026 $278.07
SHERIFF'SSALE
SuitNo: (17) 774650 LAKEVIEW LOAN SERVIC‐ING, LLLC vs KEILAELLIS BatonRouge,LA 19th Judicial District Parish of East Baton Rouge StateofLouisiana Acting under andby virtueofWritofSeizure and Sale issued outof the honorablecourt aforesaid,inthe above entitledand numbered cause,dated,March 06 2026 andtomedirected, I didseize andwill, be‐ginning at 10:00 o'clock a.m.onJune 17, 2026, via anonlineauction site at www.bid4assets.com/ EBRS0sheriffsales,offer
SHERIFF'SSALE SuitNo: (17) 775040 GITSIT SOLUTIONS, LLC, NOT IN ITSINDIVIDUAL CAPACITYBUT SOLELY IN ITSCAPACITYASSEPA‐RATETRUSTEE OF GV TRUST 2025-1vsLEJEUNE M.RILEY AKAONEY LEJUENE MILTON RILEY AND JIMMIE L. RILEYSR. BatonRouge,LA 19th Judicial District Parish of East Baton Rouge StateofLouisiana Acting under andby virtueofWritofSeizure and Sale issued outof the honorablecourt aforesaid,inthe above entitledand numbered cause,dated,March 19 2026 andtomedirected, I didseize andwill, be‐ginning at 10:00 o'clock a.m.onJune 17, 2026, via anonlineauction site at www.bid4assets.com/ EBRS0sheriffsales,offer for sale at public auction the followingdescribed mortgaged property be‐longing to:LEJEUNE M. RILEY AKAONEYLEJUENE MILTON RILEYAND JIM‐MIE L. RILEYSR. FOUR (4)CERTAIN LOTS ORPARCELS OF GROUND TOGETHERWITHALL THE BUILDINGS ANDIM‐PROVEMENTSTHEREON AND ALLOFTHE RIGHTS, WAYS, PRIVILEGES, SERVITUDES, APPURTE‐NANCESAND ADVAN‐TAGES THEREUNTOBE‐LONGING OR IN ANYWISE APPERTAINING, SITUATED IN THEPARISHOFEAST BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA,DESIGNATED ASLOTSTWELVE(12) THIRTEEN (13),FOURTEEN (14) ANDTHE EAST ONE HALFOF(EONE HALF)OF LOT FIFTEEN (15) SQUARETWELVE(12) BAKER LOTS ANDACRES EASTBATON ROUGE PARISH, LOUISIANA, SAID LOTSHAVINGSUCHMEA‐SUREMENTS ANDDIMEN‐SIONS AS·SHOWN ON THE OFFICIAL SUBDIVI‐SIONMAP OF SAID SUB‐DIVISION("Property"). TERMSOFSALE: Cash to thehighest bid‐der,atPublicAuction WITHOUT Appraisement and accordingtolaw SidJ.Gautreaux,Sheriff EastBaton RougeParish ADVERTISED DATE May15, 2026 June 15,2026 $239.78
