The Advocate 06-25-2026

LawmakersOKteacher stipendplan

Courttemporarily blocks Landry’s executiveorder

BY PATRICK WALL Staff writer

Louisiana lawmakers approved

Gov.Jeff Landry’splan to cut nearly $170 million from school budgets to pay for teacher stipends, according to vote tallies released Wednesday,though acourt has temporarily blocked the plan

from taking effect

More than two-thirds of members inboth chambers of theLegislature voted in favor of reducing thestate’smain education fund by $168 million, which requires legislative approval.Under Landry’s executiveorder,that money would instead be used to give $2,000 stipends to teachers and $1,000 to

somesupport staffers.

Louisiana educators have receivedthe stipends the past three years instead of raises. After voters rejected aballot measure in May to finance permanent raises, teacherswereset to lose the stipends this school year before Landry proposed usingstate education funds to pay for them.

“While working towards a permanent solutiontoraise our teacher pay in Louisiana, the Legislature clearly did not want to see areduction in teacher paythis year,” Senate President Cameron Henry andHouse Speaker Phillip DeVillier said in ajoint statement

Wednesday In theHouse, 76 of 105 members voted forthe funding cut, while eight members voted against it, one abstained and 20 members did not vote, according to the official tally.The “no” votes were cast by Democrats and Rep. Neil Riser,a Republican who represents several rural parishes where school leaders have said the state funding cut could devastate their budgets. In the Senate, 37 of 39 members voted in favor of the funding reduction, while Sen. Royce Duplessis, D-NewOrleans, cast the lone

Centralpastordefends attackingneighbor

Tony Spellsaysman had been threatening family

BY OLIVIATEES Staff writer

The Rev.Tony Spell stood on the steps of his church in Central on Wednesday —aday after being arrestedfor allegedly beating up his neighbor’s20-year-oldson —and defendedhis actions, comparinghimselftoa shepherd protecting his flock.

Spell said the neighbors, who live across the street from his Life Tabernacle Church on Hooper Road, have been terrorizing him andhis congregation for months.

“I fulfilled the scripture, because Ilaid hands on the sick. Idon’t know how much recovery they’re going to have, but I laid hands on them.”

REV.TONy SPELL

Just before the fistfight, the 20-year-old manthreatened to rapeand kill hisfamily, Spell claimed Scott Sherwin,the father of the20-year-old,countered after thenews conference that hisson wouldn’thave said something like that, let aloneloudenough for Spell to hear across four lanes of traffic.

“You know what Ithink?” he said. “I should buymy son amegaphonebecause I knowhedidn’t hearacross thehighway.”

Sherwin said his son was in the front yard checking whether the grass was dry enough to mow and had done nothingtoprovoke Spell.

At the news conference, Spell saidthatasa “natural protector to my wifeand to my grandchildrenwho werethreatenedmurder,who were threatened rape,I have an obligation to protect them.”

ä See PASTOR, page 4A

Letlow,Fleming down to wire in Senate Republican primary

BY TYLER BRIDGES Staff writer

In the final days of an increasingly divisive Senate Republican campaign, the race hascomedown to this: Can President DonaldTrump and theavalanche of negative ads against treasurer John Fleming

stem hismomentumand give U.S. Rep. Julia Letlow thevictory on Saturday?

Polls show that Fleming has erased most or allofLetlow’s17-point advantagecomingout of the May16 primary. “It’sdog close,” said Greg Rigamer,a New Orleans pollster who has

done weekly surveys for super lobbyist Alton Ashy,a Letlow contributor With Flemingmounting asurprisingly strong challenge, Trump

is stepping up hispush forLetlow, and outside groups are launching a barrageofattacksagainst thetreasurer Fleming said those moves indicate his political strength.

“They wouldn’tbedoing this if

ä See PRIMARY, page 4A

Letlow Fleming

PHOTO By MICHAEL BACIGALUPI

Life Tabernacle Church pastorTonySpell, right, speaks to media Wednesdayalongside hisattorneyWitten Brink at the church in Central.

Man allegedly filmed people inside bathroom

A San Francisco Bay Area pop culture writer and former curator of San Francisco’s Cartoon Art Museum was arrested earlier this month after allegedly filming people inside his bathroom during a birthday party.

Andrew Farago, 54, hosted a birthday party at his South Berkeley house on May 23 and allegedly used a cellphone to secretly record people using his bathroom, according to court records.

Berkeley police confirmed that Farago was arrested June 3 on suspicion of invasion of privacy by using a hidden camera to secretly record someone under their clothing.

During the party, a woman found a video showing Farago “setting the phone up, concealing it with a towel, and aiming it to record people’s genitalia as they used the restroom,” Berkeley police said in court records.

Farago “made admissions and also stated that he had deleted the videos” from his phone and iCloud, according to Berkeley police.

Texas Hill Country told about giraffe on the lam

A giraffe named Gracie is missing in Texas, and the search for her has become a tall order Gracie, who is about 3 years old, has been missing for nearly two weeks after escaping her enclosure at Cedar Hollow Ranch in the Texas Hill Country, said Vic Jones, who owns the remote property about 100 miles west of San Antonio. He said Wednesday that Gracie had wandered into a part of the privately owned preserve that other giraffes previously avoided.

Jones said he has sent up helicopters to look for Gracie, a few sightings have trickled in, and a $5,000 reward is on the table. But the giraffe, which stands roughly the height of a tree, hasn’t turned up.

“She wound up going up and feeding in an area on the hillside and the rocky ledges that none of the other giraffes had ever gone on before,” Jones said. “And when she came down off of there, she came down on the wrong side of the gate.”

The ranch is in rural Real County, where its roughly 2,700 residents were put on alert to be on the lookout for a missing giraffe. Jones said the search area is extremely remote, and the likelihood of Gracie encountering any humans is low

“People are not in danger of her because she’s not around people,” Jones said. ‘She’s out in very, very rough, heavily wooded lands.”

The Texas Hill Country has one of the largest concentrations of exotic captive animals in the country Real County Sheriff Nathan Johnson said the mild climate and rugged terrain seems to serve as a good standin for most of the animals’ native African environments He rattled off a list of animals that have gone missing over the years, especially after floods, but said this was his first giraffe “I’ve had wildebeests, I’ve had water buffalo, I’ve had monkeys, I’ve had zebras, all go missing,” Johnson said. “Sometimes we recover them, and sometimes we don’t.”

While the middle of Texas is not a giraffe’s native environment, Jones said Gracie should be able to find plenty of leaves and other vegetation to eat. He said other animals were not likely to bother her Jones said he initially had helicopters searching an area of about 7,500 acres with no luck. A few days later, there was a report that Gracie was spotted to the south. But by the time they could search the area, Jones said, she was already gone.

White House seeks $87.6 billion

Money wanted for Iran war costs, U.S. farmers and Ebola response

BY LISA MASCARO and KEVIN FREKING Associated Press

WASHINGTON The White House has formally requested $87.6 billion mostly to replenish the Pentagon after the U.S. war against Iran, submitting the request to Congress at a politically difficult time as Republican and Democratic lawmakers have objected to any further military action.

The Office of Management and Budget sent the supplemental spending request on Wednesday It arrived just hours after President Donald Trump assailed Republican senators during a private lunch — engaging in a shouting match with one over their votes to approve a war powers resolution that would halt further hostilities.

The request is mostly for expenses incurred by the Defense Department as part of Operation

Epic Fury, the U.S.-led attack on Iran. But it also includes a range of other items, including aid to American farmers, help for the Ebola crisis in Africa, and other needs closer to home, including restoration projects in Washington, D.C.

“I urge the Congress to take action on these important and urgent requests as soon as possible,” said OMB Director Russ Vought in a letter to House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-Benton.

It’s unclear how quickly the House and Senate could act on the White House’s request, or if Congress takes up the matter at all.

The funding faces a difficult path because many lawmakers could view any votes as a reflection of test of their support for the war effort.

Yet the White House was clear to include provisions to interest lawmakers from various regions, including $1 billion to assist “the

final design and construction of a modernized Penn Station in New York City,” which would be of interest to the Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, both New York Democrats.

The administration said it is requesting $67 billion for the Department of Defense for what it said were urgent needs related to the war against Iran, including “funding for military personnel and readiness expenses, operational costs to rebuild stocks.”

It also wants $11.1 billion toward economic assistance for American farmers, $1.4 billion for the Ebola virus outbreak in Central Africa and requests $500 million to support ongoing efforts “to complete restoration and construction projects in and around Washington, D.C.”

The package also includes a collection of policy proposals that the

Ukraine hits natural gas plant, satellite centers

BY ILLIA NOVIKOV

Associated Press

KYIV Ukraine — Ukrainian forces struck a major natural gas processing plant and two key satellite communications centers in their latest nighttime attacks on Russia, Ukraine’s General Staff said Wednesday

The operation was part of Ukraine’s aerial campaign targeting energy facilities and military industries that has intensified as Kyiv builds bigger and better long-range weapons to ward off Russia’s full-scale invasion now in its fifth year

In response, Moscow has ordered the redeployment of some air defense systems from Russian regions to the capital and to Crimea’s Kerch Bridge, a crucial link for supplying Russian troops, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said. The bridge connects the Crimean Peninsula with the Russian mainland.

“It is important that as many Russians as possible come to understand that it is the Russian leadership’s rejection of diplomacy that is prolonging the war,” Zelenskyy said on X.

Zelenskyy has accepted an unconditional ceasefire demanded by U.S. President Donald Trump but Russian President Vladimir Putin has refused.

In northern Ukraine meanwhile military officials ordered a mandatory evacuation for communities and settlements in the Chernihiv region bordering Belarus starting July 1, according to Viacheslav Chaus, the head of regional military administration, in a statement on his Telegram channel.

Ukraine: Plant among world’s largest

The overnight attack hit the Orenburg Gas Processing Plant, which is part of a complex that also houses the only helium plant in Russia, the General Staff said in a statement on the Telegram messaging app. The attack set the complex on fire, it said.

Orenburg, in the southern Urals near Russia’s border with Kazakhstan, is more than 750 miles behind the front line in eastern and southern Ukraine.

The plant is one of the largest gas complexes in the world, according to the General Staff. It produces helium, used in liquid-fuel rocket engines and guidance systems, and ethane, a key component in producing solid rocket fuel and gunpowder, it added.

Overnight attacks also hit two satellite communication centers used by the Russian military, according to the General Staff. One was the Dubna Space Communications Center near Moscow, which it described as Russia’s largest groundbased satellite communications complex, and the other was in the Vladimir region east of the capital.

It was not possible to independently verify the General Staff’s report, and Russian officials made no immediate comment.

Ukraine keeps hammering Crimea

Ukraine has recently focused its drone and missile attacks on Crimea, aiming to cut off the vital Russian-held peninsula, and overnight drone strikes knocked out power in Sevastopol, Mikhail Razvozhayev, the city’s Moscow-installed governor said Wednesday Crimea, which was illegally annexed by Russia in 2014, sits in a strategic location on the Black Sea. It has naval bases and also provides an important supply line to Moscow’s forces inside Ukraine.

Ukraine recently destroyed more than 60,000 tons of Russian ammunition when it hit a Baltic Fleet arsenal near St Petersburg, Zelenskyy said.

Ukraine is trying to disrupt military supply lines in Crimea and strike the peninsula’s power grid at the height of the summer tourist season. Kyiv hopes the campaign will embarrass Putin and increase public pressure on him to end the war, according to Western analysts.

Zimbabwe’s Senate approves bill to delay presidential election

BY FARAI MUTSAKA Associated Press

HARARE, Zimbabwe Zimbabwe’s Senate on Wednesday approved constitutional amendments that would remove direct presidential elections, delay the next one and extend the tenure of the country’s 83-year-old leader, whose signature is the final step for them to become law

Seventy-five senators voted in favor of the bill that would postpone elections scheduled for 2028 to 2030 and extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s term by two years. Four senators opposed the measure.

The bill overhauls the way presidents are chosen, replacing direct popular elections with selection by lawmakers. It also extends the terms of the president and members of par-

liament to seven years from five.

The proposed amendments have heightened political tensions in Zimbabwe. Critics of the bill have faced arrest and detention, while others have alleged harassment and intimidation.

Mnangagwa has been in power since 2017, when the military backed the ouster of his mentor and Zimbabwe’s longtime ruler Robert Mugabe, who died in 2019.

administration strongly supports, and which are certain to raise interest among lawmakers.

Among them, the package proposes revisions to federal regulations of hemp products that have long been in dispute, changes to the year-round sales of renewable fuels and lifting of restrictions around federal investment support in Venezuela.

The biggest share of defense funding, $21 billion, will go to weapons munitions, with another $17.3 billion for operational costs and $12.1 billion for other classified programs. Funds are also requested to cover fuel costs, drone manufacturing and cybersecurity

The money for farmers would provide $10 billion in economic assistance to row and specialty crop farmers and $1.1 billion specifically to Florida agriculture producers who suffered losses from this past year’s winter storms.

Camp Mystic files for bankruptcy

BY JAMIE STENGLE and KATHY McCORMACK Associated Press

DALLAS Camp Mystic filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization on Wednesday, nearly a year after catastrophic floods killed 25 campers and two teenage counselors at the Christian camp for girls along the Guadalupe River in Texas.

Camp Mystic has been under increasing pressure since the July 4 disaster Owners had planned to reopen the Texas Hill Country camp this summer for its 100th anniversary but reversed course in April amid outrage from victims’ families and lawmakers. Victims’ families filed lawsuits accusing the camp of failing to protect the girls as the powerful floodwaters approached.

Camp Mystic’s owner Richard Eastland, also died in the flood.

The camp listed its debt at more than $10 million, according to the filing made in federal bankruptcy court in Houston.

“Bankruptcy will not

stop all responsible parties from being held accountable,” Paul Yetter, a lawyer who represents multiple families of campers and counselors who died at Camp Mystic, said in a statement. “These innocent girls deserve justice.” For decades, Camp Mystic was a summer staple and an institution for generations of families, who dropped off their girls at the sleepaway camp to ride horses, canoe, fish and attend Bible studies Other summer camps did not take on such devastating flooding and in some cases have reopened. All told, the destructive flooding killed at least 136 people along a several-mile stretch of the river raising questions about how things went so terribly wrong. In the aftermath of the tragedy, the Eastland family spent months determined to reopen the camp this summer, pointing to enhanced safety measures that included flood warning river monitors and putting two-way radios enabled with national weather alerts in every cabin.

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By EFREM LUKATSKy

An owner rummages through the ashes on the site of the ruined city marketplace after a recent Russian missile attack in Kyiv, Ukraine, on Wednesday.

Cassidy, Trumphaveshoutingmatch over Iran

BY MARK BALLARD Staff writer

WASHINGTON —U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy and President DonaldTrump got into shouting match Wednesday during aclosed-door meeting with Republican senators.

Trumpasked why four GOP senators voted Tuesday for legislation directingthe presidenttoeither withdraw troops from the conflict Iran or seek Congressional approval for the operation under the WarPowers Act. Cassidy,aBaton RougeRepublican, voted for the measure, which also passed in the House with Republican help.

Theresolution carries no legal authority but sends apowerful symbolic messageabout the conflict.

“I said, ‘Is that arhetorical question? Or would you like to really know?’”Cassidytold reporters after theluncheon, which was billed as akumbaya effort to overcome

disagreements between Trump and the GOP majority in the Senate. “He said, ‘I’dliketoknow.’I stood and said, ‘You have nottold the American peoplewhat’s going on.’ It was supposed to last four weeks. It’slasted four months Ouroriginal objectives have not been achieved. And Iwant to know what’sgoing on,” Cassidy said.

Trumpdidn’tcare for Cassidy’s comments and raised his voice, Cassidy said,adding that he matched Trump’s“toneand vibe.”

“It’s theIrish in me,” Cassidy said. “It went back and forth.”

Trumpdismissed the senior senator,reminding Cassidy that he lost his bid for athird term in the May 16 closed partyprimary “I don’tlike afew people, but Ithink youknowwho they are,” Trumpsaid when he left.

Trumpbacked U.S.Rep.Julia Letlow,R-Baton Rouge, in the election.She facesState Treasurer

John Fleming, R-Minden, in Saturday’sprimary runofftodetermine which Republican will face the Democratic candidate in the Nov 3general election.

Cassidy had been deferential to Trump before ballots were counted in May.Since theelection,like other incumbents who lost because of Trump’sopposition, Cassidy now has moreflexibility to contradict thepresident.

Only one or twoother senators spokeupatthe meetingmeant to repair bridges betweenthe Senate majority and the White House, Cassidy said, adding that it was mostly Trumptalking.

Trump canceled aceremony to sign bipartisan legislation to incentivizethe building of more houses until the Senate passes abill that would require proof of citizenship when registering to vote andshowing picture identification to cast a ballot.Last week he said he would refuse to sign ameasure reautho-

rizing spying on foreigners until the voting bill is passed.

Cassidy supports the Safeguard American Voter EligibilityAct, called the SAVE America Act. But not enough other senators do. Senate leadership wants to moveonto address other issues, such as lowering health care costs, in the time remaining forthis Congress.

Onecolleague quietlytoldCassidy to let it go, and he “sat down and tried to de-escalate,” the senator said.

“I make no apologies for standing up to the president, if you will, trying to demand that more information be shared with the Senate and moreinformation be shared with the American people,” Cassidy said. “If someone tries to bully me and is not answering that question,I’m notgoing to acceptthat either.”

Email Mark Ballardat mballard@theadvocate.com.

Trumpberates Senate Republicans, cancelsbillsigning

BY MARYCLARE JALONICK and STEVEN SLOAN Associated Press

WASHINGTON President Donald Trump berated Senate Republicans during avisit to the Capitol Wednesday for allowinga vote to blockhis war in Iran, further escalating afeud that has diverted GOP efforts to focus on election-year affordability issues and broughtmuch of the chamber’sbusiness to ahalt.

Invited to speak at the GOP luncheon by Florida Sen. Rick Scott, Trump had signaled ahead of time that he would use the closed-door meetingtopushsenators to pass his proof-of-citizenship voting bill.But theconversation was more focused on Tuesday’svote to approve the war powers resolution, amostly symbolic measure that allows Congress to rebuke the administration’s military actions. The House passed its own version of the resolution earlier this month.

Trump had particular words for the four Republican senators who voted with Democrats on the measure —RepublicansLisa Murkowski of Alaska, Susan Collins of Maine, Rand Paul of Kentuckyand Bill Cassidy of BatonRouge —after calling them “losers” on social media.

Publicly,Trump said afterward that theyhad “a really great meeting.” But he hinted at the discord.

“Welike everyone in the room,” Trump said. “I don’t like afew people, but that’s OK.”

The meeting capped weeks of friction between Trump and Senate Republicans and added anew layer of frustration as Tuesday’svote was the first time the Senate had adopted awar powers resolution on theIranwar Trump made clear he was in no mood to compromise before it even started, calling off ascheduledsigning ceremony on ahousing bill that passed both chambers overwhelmingly this week and that GOP lawmakers were touting as an electionyear achievement.

DonaldTrump, escorted

John Thune, R-S.D., headstoameetingwith

Trumphousing bill reversal

Republican senators were eager for aconciliatory meeting with the president after escalatingtensionsin recent weeks. But Trump upendedtheir planswhen he declared on social media just beforehand that he wouldn’t signthe legislation until they sendhim the SAVE America Act, hisbill to require proof of citizenship for all voters.

North Carolina Sen. Thom Tillis said before themeeting that he doesn’tknow why Trumpis holdingthe housing bill “hostage” for the votingbill that “will never pass in this Congress.”

“It makes no sense to me,” Tillis saidashewalked into theluncheon.

Senate Majority Leader JohnThune, R-S.D., said the housinglegislation,which aims to lower costs, is “an affordability issue,” Thune said, “and eventually Ihope he finds away to sign it.”

TheWhiteHouse didnot immediately respond when asked whether Trump would veto thelegislation.But his apparentreversal on the measure that Republicans have toutedahead of the

election is likely to only aggravatethe deepening split between the president and his Republican majorities on Capitol Hill.

Trump, senators at odds Trump’smove on the housingbill is his latestreversal after weeks of being at odds with Senate Republicans.

Trump hasblocked the Senatefrom confirming oneofhis ownnominees, asked them to fundpartsof his WhiteHouse ballroom projectdespite opposition and forced them to defend theIran war even as they questionthe strategyand endgame.

By rejecting apublic bill signing, Republicans worry thatTrump is also indicating alevel of indifference to voters’ affordabilityconcerns heading into November’s midtermelections.

Trumphas also helped whittle down his own support in the Senate after endorsing primary challengers to two GOP incumbents who werepreviously reliable votes for hisagenda —Cassidy and Texas Sen. John Cornyn. Both men have become more critical of Trump since losing reelection.

“If we’re going to win the midterm elections, we need to getonthe same page,” Cornyn saidahead of the meeting. “We’re notonthe same page now,and that I thinkisdangerous.”

TrumppushesThune on bill

Trump has pressed Republicans for monthstokill the Senatefilibuster and focus on theproof-of-citizenship voting bill, even though Thune hasrepeatedly told him that neither has thevotes

While Thune remains popularinhis conference and cordial with thepresident, he hasspent much of his time lately telling Trumpwhat he doesn’twant to hear.Thune saidTuesday that while Trumpand some in their conference want to see thevotingbill pass,“it’s just not realistic.”

Trump has also demanded that they addaban on mailin ballotstothe bill as well as unrelated provisions to block sex reassignment surgeries

on some minors and prevent transgender womenfrom playing in women’ssports.

Thune devoted weeksof floor time to thevoting bill earlierthis year andhas said he supports it. But he has repeatedly said therearen’t enough votestoscrap the filibuster that triggers a60vote threshold to pass most bills in the 53-47 Senate. And

Democrats are uniformly opposed to the bill.

“Those are just hard realities,”Thune said. “And I think people at some point

have to come to grips with that.”

House Speaker Mike Johnson,R-Benton,said Wednesday that he had talked through adifferent approach on his call with Trump —putting the voting bill on abudget reconciliation measure that would only need asimple majority to pass. He has proposed a federal grant program that would provide funding to statesiftheyimplement various SAVE Actprovisions.

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By J. SCOTT APPLEWHITE

President

by Senate Majority Leader

Senate Republicans at the CapitolinWashington on Wednesday

STAFF PHOTO By MARK BALLARD

U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-Baton Rouge, speaks to reporters Wednesdayatthe Capitol after getting into ashouting match with President Donald Trump overthe militaryconflict with Iran.

PASTOR

Continued from page 1A

“I’m a pastor who shepherds his flock. It’s not the job of the sheep to attack the wolves; it’s the job of the shepherd to protect his sheep,” Spell said.

On Tuesday morning, Spell said, he was fixing the battery on a church bus as the neighbor was walking along his property in front of the church on the other side of Hooper Road. The neighbor shouted obscenities, Spell said.

Spell’s arrest warrant says that the man yelled “f*** you.” Surveillance footage shows Spell running across the road, with the neighbor videoing him with a cellphone until the fight ensued Video appears to show

PRIMARY

Continued from page 1A

they weren’t worried where they are,” Fleming said in an interview Wednesday “In a certain odd way it’s reassuring to us.

“They are spending millions and millions of dollars trying to save her campaign.”

Probable voters in the Republican runoff received texts Wednesday that contained a pro-Letlow message from Trump.

“With your vote, she will protect your borders, your paychecks, your jobs and your Second Amendment,”

Trump said in the text, which was paid for by an outside group called Save American Freedom.

Trump will participate in a “tele-rally” Thursday afternoon with Letlow where supporters can call a tollfree number and listen in.

At the same time, an outside group associated with Gov. Jeff Landry is spending heavily to try to taint Fleming enough to give Letlow the edge. The anti-Fleming campaign calls him “a fraud” and says he supports the flow of “illegal aliens” across the Mexican border

“Muchas gracias, John Fleming!” reads one side of a mailer featuring a brownskinned man sporting ganglike tattoos of a marijuana leaf, a revolver and two skulls. “I voted” reads a redwhite-and-blue sticker on his shirt.

The Accountability Proj-

STIPEND

Continued from page 1A

“no” vote and Sen. Katrina Jackson-Andrews, D-Monroe, abstained.

Rep. Aimee Adatto Freeman, D-New Orleans, said she declined to vote because the court order forbids Landry from taking “all steps” to enact the funding cut, including any efforts to obtain lawmakers’ consent.

“I don’t believe they should have even counted the vote,” she said, adding that she does not think Landry has the legal authority to reallocate education funding through an executive order.

“I don’t even know how this is constitutional.”

The order was set to take effect July 1, if the Legislature gave its blessing

However, a Baton Rouge judge put the plan on hold after a group of education advocates last week filed a lawsuit arguing that Landry overstepped his legal authority by effectively reallocating education funding, which is controlled by the Legislature and the state board of education.

On Tuesday, state attorneys asked the court to lift the temporary restraining order, which they called an “unprecedented intrusion into the appropriations process.” On Wednesday, the plaintiffs a former state education board member, a former school superintendent and a current Orleans Parish School Board member — filed a motion to preserve the order, arguing that the funding cut would cause “irreparable harm.”

The plaintiffs’ lawsuit also

the neighbor threw the first punch as he was being charged by Spell. Spell then started punching the neighbor, whose identity has not been released, on the side of the major road as vehicles passed by Video shows Spell punching the man eight times

ect, which is run by Landry’s campaign associates, sent the mailer to homes this week, as part of a barrage of antiFleming ads that are citing a 2008 campaign comment by Fleming, which he said was a slip of the tongue that he immediately corrected.

Fleming said the ads are misleading since they don’t note his correction and his strong record on border security as a member of the House.

“I’ve never seen so much money being spent in the final 72 hours of the race. It’s just unbelievable,” said Fleming campaign strategist Roy Fletcher, who has worked on Louisiana campaigns since the 1970s.

Fletcher, nonetheless, predicted that Fleming would win narrowly, citing a poll by his campaign taken on Sunday and Monday of 600 likely runoff voters by John Couvillon that had the treasurer up, 45%-40%.

Parker Carey, Letlow’s campaign manager, said their poll has her leading by 7 points.

“We are confident she is going to win,” he said While the Republican runoff has received most of the attention, farmer Jamie Davis and business owner Gary Crockett are facing off Saturday for the Democratic Party nod in a separate primary Davis led Crockett in the May 16 primary, 47% to 26%. During the campaign, Davis has raised $1 2 million, while Crockett has not collected any money Davis has a full campaign staff

argues that proper legislative procedure was not followed Landry issued the order after the legislative session ended June 1, so lawmakers voted electronically on the funding cut without a public debate.

Greg Beuerman, a spokesperson for the plaintiffs, said Wednesday that they believe the Legislature’s vote “carries no force of law” because the temporary restraining order issued June 18 forbids Landry from taking “all steps” to enact the funding cut, including any efforts to obtain lawmakers’ consent.

“As the plaintiffs have maintained all along,” Beuerman said in a statement, “the appropriate and constitutionally correct course of action is for the governor to call the Legislature back into special session and to address this issue openly, transparently and with the kind of public input and engagement an issue of this importance deserves.”

A hearing in the case is scheduled for Monday

The legal battle follows a debate over how to boost average teacher pay in Louisiana, which has the 49th lowest rate in the country

After voters rejected a state constitutional amendment to bankroll permanent raises, Landry proposed shifting the money out of school budgets. He argued that most school systems have enough savings to cover the gap adding that districts need to “tighten their belt.”

But school boards and superintendents loudly objected saying Landry and lawmakers should find money

to the side. After Spell stopped punching, he delivered a kick to the man’s side before crossing back over the road and going into the church.

because I laid hands on the sick. I don’t know how much recovery they’re going to have, but I laid hands on them,” Spell said.

about the family, filed by the pastor’s wife, Shaye Spell. Corcoran said they investigated the claim but found nothing and closed it.

before tackling him to the ground, then hitting him another 27 times. During the fight, Spell also throws the phone into the street. The majority of the 35 punches were to the head and chest. Between punches, while on top of him on the ground, Spell twists the man’s neck

unlike Crockett and has endorsements from the Louisiana Democratic Party, New Orleans Mayor Helena Moreno and Indivisible NOLA, a grassroots group.

Davis and Crockett are both blasting Trump’s moves on Iraq, taxes, spending and immigration enforcement.

The winner will advance to the Nov 3 general election and be the first Black finalist for a Senate campaign in Louisiana since Reconstruction.

On the Republican ledger, little distinguishes Fleming and Letlow on the issues, so each side has seized on old comments or past votes to paint the other as a “liberal,” an epithet among conservative voters.

Both are pledging their fealty to Trump, although she has the president’s endorsement.

The expected overall low turnout of about 15% of voters is scrambling the analysis of who might win the Republican runoff and advance to the Nov 3 election. Republicans and no-party voters who didn’t vote in the Democratic Party primary are eligible to vote in the Republican runoff.

Rigamer is projecting that 300,000 to 320,000 people overall will vote in the Republican runoff, based on the eight-day early voting period that ended on Saturday

He found that early voting for the runoff was down by 25% for Republicans and 50% for Democrats compared to early voting for the May 16 primary

Rigamer conducted polls on Monday and Tuesday

for the stipends in the state budget rather than shift the burden onto schools. They also warned that the loss of state dollars would force some school systems, particularly in rural areas with limited local tax revenue, to eliminate programs or positions.

“I talked to some of them and they said, ‘I’m going to have to do a bunch of cutting,’” said Mike Faulk, one of the plaintiffs in the lawsuit, who previously led the Louisiana Association of School Superintendents. “It’s more than talk it’s facts.”

Some lawmakers said they did not want to cut school budgets, but they worried that Landry could veto funding for projects in their districts if they voted against his plan, according to people who spoke with them. Other lawmakers said they did not want already underpaid teachers to lose the stipends.

“Our teachers and our support personnel have earned this,” Rep. Charles Owen, RRosepine, said Monday Louisiana educators overwhelmingly want to receive the one-time pay bumps, according to the Louisiana Federation of Teachers, the state’s largest teachers union, which surveyed its members. But nearly two-thirds of survey respondents said they oppose Landry’s plan to pay for the stipends by cutting school budgets, the union said.

“I support teacher pay raises,” said Duplessis, the only senator to vote against the plan. “But I don’t believe that we should fund teacher pay raises by taking from public education.”

Staff writer Quinn Coffman contributed reporting.

Sherwin said his son was taken after the fight to a hospital and required five stitches to his chin.

Deputies made contact with Spell inside the church and later booked him into jail on a second-degree battery count.

He was released on bond the same day, in time to make it to his church’s usual Tuesday service.

Although another pastor was called in to handle much of the service, Spell took to the pulpit at one point and told congregants that his day had begun with the Biblical scripture that followers of Jesus would lay hands on the sick.

“I fulfilled the scripture,

In one, he surveyed 600 people who had already voted in the Republican runoff. The result: Fleming with 43.8% and Letlow with 42.5%. That’s a statistical tie since it was within 3.5 points of the margin of error

In another poll, Rigamer surveyed 600 people who had voted in the May 16 Republican primary but hadn’t yet voted in the runoff. In that poll, Letlow led, 42.8% to 35.8%.

The two sets of numbers suggest that Letlow has the advantage, because early voting typically accounts for about one-third of the overall vote. But Rigamer cautioned that Letlow’s advantage on Saturday is likely to be lessened because of the projected lower turnout.

“It’s all about who gets their vote out,” the pollster said.

Fleming was a family physician in Minden, east of Shreveport, when he was elected to the U.S. House in 2008 representing northwest Louisiana. Over the next eight years, he voted consistently against President Barack Obama’s initiatives and helped co-found

Spell went on to imply that he should have done so sooner. He said that while he was in parish prison, he and others in or near his cell quoted the Bible and poetry, adding that the guards were watching the video of the fight earlier in the day He added that controversial radio show host Alex Jones had invited him to go on his program.

Spell described the Sherwin family as “domestic terrorists” and claimed the church has made multiple complaints to Central Police about them. Spell said police have chosen to ignore the complaints.

Central Police Chief Roger Corcoran said they have only received one complaint

the House Freedom Caucus, perhaps the most conservative wing within the Republican Party in Washington.

Fleming ran for the Senate in 2016, lost and went on to serve four years in the first Trump administration, including the final 10 months as the president’s deputy chief of staff He was elected treasurer in 2023.

Fleming, 74, is banking on his grassroots network to turn out to overcome Letlow’s huge spending advantage.

“Fleming is capturing the outsider spirit to overturn the establishment,” said Pearson Cross, a political science professor at the University of Louisiana at Monroe. “This may indicate that the Trump brand is losing credence in Louisiana.”

Letlow, who has a doctorate from South Florida University, planned to spend her career in higher education. She was serving as a senior staffer at the University of Louisiana at Monroe when her husband Luke was elected to the House in 2020 — but then died from COVID-19 five days before he took office.

Letlow captured the seat in a special election, won

Sherwin and Spell have been feuding since at least 2020. After Sherwin set up surveillance cameras at his own home, Spell sued, claiming they were installed to keep tabs on him.

Spell drew national attention in 2020 after refusing to stop holding church services at Life Tabernacle, defying then-Gov John Bel Edwards’ emergency orders shutting down group events because of the COVID-19 pandemic. He was charged with misdemeanors for doing so, but the Louisiana Supreme Court threw them out, saying the state government’s restrictions on religious gatherings violated the First Amendment.

reelection in 2022 and 2024 and jumped into the Senate race in January after Trump endorsed her Letlow, 45, is banking on Trump and her support from Louisiana’s political establishment. She held a meet-and-greet Monday at the office of Jefferson Parish’s preeminent political consultant, Greg Buisson, and the elected officials in attendance included Sen. Kirk Talbot of River Ridge, Sen. Greg Miller of Norco, Rep. Laurie Schlegel of Metairie, Rep. Polly Thomas of Metairie, Rep. John Illg of Harahan, Rep. Mike Bayham of Chalmette, Rep Kim Carver of Mandeville, Jefferson Parish Sheriff Joe Lopinto and Plaquemines Parish President Keith Hinkel. A pianist in the corner of the room played the refrain from Jimmy Davis’ “You Are My Sunshine” as Letlow was introduced.

“I got that unbelievable, unimaginable call from the Big Man, and I don’t mean the Lord,” Letlow told the crowd. “He encouraged me to run for the seat, and that meant the world to me.”

PHOTO By MICHAEL BACIGALUPI

Life Tabernacle Church pastor Tony Spell speaks to the media on Wednesday.

Landry to address data center power concerns

BY SAM KARLIN Staff writer

Gov. Jeff Landry is planning to issue an executive order Thursday on data centers emerging in the state and their impact on consumer electric bills, amid new concerns about an Entergy proposal to spend $1.8 billion buying a new power plant. Details about the executive order’s language and potential impact were not immediately available Wednesday, but sources said that Landry plans to sign an order about the topic Landry’s office announced that he and Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Susan Bourgeois would hold a news conference Thursday about a new, statewide initiative “focused on protecting ratepayers and strengthening Louisiana while supporting the state’s current economic momentum and long-term competitiveness.”

The high-profile move comes as some elected leaders, including Republicans, are raising questions about Entergy Louisiana’s plans to buy a power plant in Texas called Cottonwood, a decision that would cost the average customer about $8 a month, according to records. A consultant for Louisiana’s Public Service Commission, which has to approve the acquisition, said in a recent report that the plant is primarily needed because of Meta’s giant north Louisiana data center. Entergy and Meta say the conclusion is inaccurate But it has put a public spotlight on whether the companies are fulfilling the promise that regular customers won’t pay for data center costs.

Landry expressed concerns last week about the plan, in a post on the social platform X, responding to a Times-Picayune | The Advocate article about it. The governor said Entergy promised him they wouldn’t pass costs along to ratepayers, and he called on the PSC to ensure that doesn’t happen

“The PSC should not allow anyone to take advantage of power

markets at the expense of our ratepayers,” the governor said in his post.

State Sen. Bob Hensgens, a prominent Republican lawmaker who chairs the Senate Committee on Natural Resources, is also wading into the issue. He recently sent a letter to PSC member Mike Francis that warns about data centers’ potential impact on customers’ electric bills.

“Recent developments, including the PSC consultant’s testimony that the plant’s need is driven principally by Meta’s data center ramp-up, underscore the risk that significant costs could be shifted onto residential and small commercial ratepayers absent stronger safeguards,” wrote Hensgens, who represents Abbeville.

Hensgens also asked the PSC to answer six questions about such projects, including whether it will explore a new policy for customers with large power needs and how it will handle the Cottonwood plant.

Entergy has won approval for a massive build-out of power plants and transmission lines to service Meta’s data center in north Louisiana, with an agreement that Meta will cover the costs for 15 years.

Entergy filed a separate plan to buy Cottonwood in December for $1.8 billion. Entergy said the 1,200 megawatt, gas-fired plant in Deweyville, Texas, is needed for general growth in power demand, not Meta.

The PSC consultant, Lane Sisung, wrote in his filing that Meta should pay for the plant if the PSC decides it’s needed to meet its demands for power He also warned the plant is unreliable, having sustained recent outages, and its private equity owners are charging a premium of about $1 billion to Entergy for the plant.

The PSC has not made Sisung available for comment.

“The scarcity conditions and resulting capacity needs relied upon by (Entergy) are being driven principally by the Meta-related

ramp period rather than by general system load growth,” Sisung wrote.

Commissioner Mike Francis, RCrowley, said in an interview that it’s too early to make a decision but that he generally trusts Sisung, who regularly analyzes utility deals on behalf of the PSC.

“If that’s his opinion, I’m going to be inclined to go with it,” Francis said. “But I haven’t seen all the details yet.”

Francis declined to comment on Hensgens’ letter, saying the PSC is already reviewing the issues raised.

Entergy Louisiana and Meta insist that Sisung’s testimony is wrong and that the plant is needed for general demand growth, not the data center Entergy spokesperson Brandon Scardigli said in a statement Tuesday that Louisiana customers would “only pay for their power” from Cottonwood and Meta would pay for its share.

“Entergy Louisiana customers are not only NOT paying for

Meta’s power, but the reverse is happening,” Scardigli said. “Meta is paying for grid improvements and maintenance that our Louisiana customers would have otherwise had to pay for themselves — reducing future customer bills in the process.”

Meta has rebuffed claims that the company would be violating a recent pledge with the White House that tech companies will pay for their own power needs when building data centers.

“This consultant’s report is inaccurate speculation given the facility will provide power to multiple Entergy customers and Entergy planned to acquire it before Meta decided to build in Louisiana,” Meta spokesperson Francis Brennan said in a statement last week “Meta pays its own way, both for the power and new infrastructure we use. Our agreement with Entergy is built to guarantee we pay those costs, not Louisianans.”

Hensgens said in an interview that the consultant’s report about Cottonwood raises questions about whether regular customers are going to see cost hikes as a result of data centers.

“It’s fine if they want to pass that on to Meta,” Hensgens said. “It’s not fine if they want to socialize it to the ratepayers.”

Hensgens asked the PSC to consider establishing a policy for customers that need huge amounts of power like data centers. The commissioners have fast-tracked Entergy’s plans for Meta, raising concerns from advocacy groups.

Hensgens added that he wants to see the PSC allow large customers to procure power outside of the traditional process, a long-running desire of the Louisiana Energy Users Group, which represents industrial customers. LEUG has called on the PSC to let its members get power from other sources than Entergy

The PSC will ultimately vote on whether to approve Entergy’s request to buy Cottonwood. Two of the five elected members — Republican Eric Skrmetta and Democrat Davante Lewis have already flagged concerns with the plan Skrmetta said he won’t consider voting to approve it.

STAFF FILE PHOTO By SOPHIA GERMER

Construction workers raise new power poles at the Meta data center site in Holly Ridge on March 10.

BRIEFS

FROM WIRE REPORTS

Tech pulls down stocks as day ends mixed

NEWYORK Stocks wavered to a mixed closeWednesday on Wall Street as technology stocks once again weighed down the market. Declines for several influential tech heavyweightspulled the broader market lower even though most stocks in the S&P 500 gained ground. That was also thecaseonTuesday,when techstockspulled the market lower despite broader gains elsewhere.

A2.3% drop in Microsoft was the heaviest weight on themarket. Oracle slumped 4.6%.

Many large tech companies have been behind Wall Street’s record-setting runthroughout theyear,but analysts have warned their valuationsmay have become stretched.

Google’sparent company Alphabet slipped 0.2%. The company is replacing Verizon in the Dow on Monday. The company’s inclusion in the S&P 500 means more to investors, however,because 401(k) accounts aremuch more likely to include an S&P 500 index fund than anything tied to the Dow Alphabet will become thefifth Magnificent 7company to join the Dow.The others are Apple, Amazon, Microsoft and Nvidia.

Suit says AI colludesto raise Calif.fuel prices

AI-powered software hasallowedgas station operators across California to illegally collude and drive up prices at the pump, according to afederal lawsuit.

The proposed class action lawsuit, filed Monday,accuses gasstationgiants including Marathon and Circle Kof violating California’santitrust law through Kalibrate, afuelpricing software system used across the world. The plaintiffs describe Kalibrate as the “centralnervous system fora conspiracy to extinguish retail price competition among gas stations.”

According to the lawsuit, Kalibrate helps “coordinate high prices” and evendiscourages itsusers from pricingtheir gas lower than competitors,saying that doing so would triggera “downward spiral.”

“Kalibrate promises that if gas stations surrender their pricing decisions and competitively sensitive cost and volume datatoKalibrate Fuel Pricing, thesoftware will enablethemto avoidcompeting with other area stations and to charge higher prices to consumers,” thelawsuit said.

Concern over algorithmic pricing prompted Democratic California Gov.Gavin Newsom lastyear to sign abill saying that state antitrust law applies to pricing algorithms, helping to pave the wayfor thisweek’s lawsuit.

Alibaba sues theU.S. Defense Department

WASHINGTON The Chinese tech giant Alibaba has sued the U.S.Department of Defense, demanding that it be removed fromthe Pentagon’slist of Chinese military companies that prohibits them from landing U.S.defense contracts and carries reputational damage

In the petition filed thisweek in the San Jose division of the U.S. District Court in the Northern District of California, Alibaba, whichispublicly tradedon the New York Stock Exchange, argued that the designation, announced on June 8, has “no basis in fact or law” and that the Pentagonfailedtoreach its conclusion through any fair process In 2021, with some in Washington seeing Chinaasagrowing military threat, Congress asked the department to create alist of Chinese companies directly controlled by the Chinese military and security forces, as wellasthose it believed had contributed to thecountry’s defense industrial base.

The current list includes 188 entities ranging from stateowned defense businesses, to private-sector tech companies like Alibaba and the robotics company Unitree.

U.S. settles‘forever chemicals’ case

BY MATTHEW DALY Associated Press

WASHINGTON The Trump administration on Wednesday reached amulti-state settlement with chemical giant Chemours Co. over years-long, illegal discharges of synthetic “forever chemicals used to make products resistantto water,grease and stains.The settlementisthe first by the federal government to resolve enforcement claims againsta manufacturer of harmful chemicals known as PFAS.

Under the agreement, filedin federal court in West Virginia,

Chemours will paya civil penalty of $22.5 millionfor alleged violations and spend $90 million over 15 yearstomitigate PFAS discharges in three states: West Virginia, North Carolina and New Jersey Chemours, aspin-off of chemical maker DuPont, also agreedto install PFAS pollution controls for and surface water discharges and air emissions at aWest Virginia facilityatanestimated cost of $60 million, supply clean drinking water to communities near itsWest Virginia andNew Jersey sites at an estimated cost of $280 million; andimplement controlstoreduce releases of PFAS and other toxic chemicals from its facility in North Carolina, based on apending independent assessment.

Combined,the penalties and relief programsare estimated to cost at least $450 million, the Justice Department said.

The settlement allows Chemours to continue manufacturing PFAS forcommercialand military applications whilepreventingfuture contamination and protecting communitiesfrom existing pollution, said AdamGustafson,principal deputy assistant Attorney General for the Environment and Natural Resources Division.

“The Trump administration recognizes the important role of Chemours foritcommercial and militaryobligations,” Gustafson saidinaninterview

“The settlement protects public health while preserving that importantbalance.”

The agreement will greatly reducePFAScontaminationofwater, land andair andeven begin to mitigate past harm, Hall said.

“This settlement brings Chemours into compliance with the law and holds it fully accountable,” he said.

In astatement Wednesday,Chemours said it has already begun planning and implementing operational improvements at its facilities and will take steps to mitigate future emissions andenhance existing programs.

The settlement comes as the Trump administration is expected to propose softening Biden-era limitson“forever chemicals” in drinking water,while delaying but keeping tough standards for two common typesofthe substance. Chemours to

Deliveries to beginthisyear on Slate’s$25Kelectrictruck

Companysaysithas 180,000 reservations

BY CAROLINE PETROW-COHEN Los Angeles Times (TNS)

The electric vehicle companySlate Auto set out in 2022 to make the most affordable electrictruck in the country.This week,it unveiled theprice tag: $24,950.

At atime when demand for new electric vehicles is coolingand cars aregetting harder to afford, Slate’scustomizable truck couldbringafresh wave of excitementto the industry

Deliverieswillbegin later this year and accelerate in 2027, the company said. Slate’s vehicle is built around asimple concept payonly forwhatyou actually want

Buyers will startwithabasic truck without power windows or even paint and can then customizeithowever they like.They can tailor-make their“blankslate” by paying extra for smart phone-compatible screens, speakers, colored wrap or paint.A$5,000 kit even converts the truck into an SUV Slate’sdesignteam is based in LosAngeles County and recently moved into anew space in Carson,California, which employs about 50 workers. The company’sheadquarters are in Troy,Michigan,and itsvehicles will be producedinWarsaw, Indiana.

Squeezing outasmuchcost as possible whilemakingitaseasyasLegos to snap on different options has required complex engineering,which is why the company decided to set up its design studio in Southern California. The region is full of experts.

“Slate has done something smart,” said autoindustryanalyst BrianMoody.“Their EV isn’t onlyabout price, there’s also a strong personalization element. In Southern California, the boxy,retro look will earn it a lot of attention.”

The companyisbuilding amarketplace of accessories for customers to choosefrom, including 54 basic wraps that cost less than $500 each.Incontrast, apaint jobona car can cost thousands of dollars. The marketplacealso offers roof stacks, zip-onseat coversand stereos

Forjustunder$30,000 total, customers can get abasic SUV in afastback or squareback style. Whether it’s configured as atruckor SUV,the EV will have an estimated range of 205 miles and will be compatible with Tesla chargers.

“This is thefirst time in automotive history that consumers aregoing to get to choose,” said Slate Chief Executive Peter Faricy,who

Testing reveals safety issues

BY BENFINLEY Associated Press

WASHINGTON—

AU.S. official told TheAssociated Press on Tuesday that one of Anthropic’sartificial intelligence models hadidentified vulnerabilities in highly sensitive and secure U.S. government computer systemsduringatesting exercise. The official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss thematter,said Anthropic had teamed up with U.S. intelligence agencies to conduct tests using thecompany’sMythos model. It hadidentified certain vulnerabilities within hours, but that does not meanthe modelwas able to exploit

joined thecompany in March after 13 years with Amazon.

“It started with design, then engineering, andeventually manufacturing, andwe figured out innovations in all three of those phasesthatmakethe vehicle less expensive,”hesaid. Forexample, Slate vehicles were designed from thebeginning to be wrapped instead of painted. The company will offer more than 100 colors of wrap at itslaunch, or customers can choose acustom color Slate did not disclose financial information or howmuchthe vehicles costtoproduce. However,Faricy said thecompany will generate apositive gross margin on its vehicles, meaning they areselling for morethan what they cost to make.

“Whether Slatesucceeds or fails, it has already influenced the conversation forcing theindustry to ask whyaffordable vehicles have becomesorare,” said Jesse Toprak, an industry analyst and founder of OptiCar.ai “They are betting on making higher profit marginsonthe accessoriesand do-it-yourself angle.”

Slate says it has already received more than 180,000 reservations. The earlier acustomer placed theirreservation,the sooner they’ll get their vehicle. Pre-orders opened Wednesday for $300, or $250 if the customer has already paid a$50 reservation fee. Despite thehype,Slateisstill astartup

that has yet to prove itself in the market. The companyhas about750 employees and hasraised more than $700 millionfrom Amazon’sJeff Bezos and others.

“For thevehicle itself, theconcept is brilliant,” Toprak said. “I think theexecution risk is enormous.”

The EV industry has been under fire from the Trumpadministration, which hasremoved incentives for ownership and cleancar goals.

Majorautomakers including Ford and Stellantis have paredback their EV offerings, and other startups have struggled to turn a profit.

The Irvine,California-based EV company Rivian, which hasn’treached profitability sinceits founding in 2009, recentlylaidoff hundreds of workers. It launched itshighly anticipated R2 SUV earlier this month, which will eventually be available forless than $45,000.

Lucid, theluxuryelectricvehicle maker based in Newark,California,announced this weekthat it’sreducing its workforce by 18%. The cuts come just months after it laid off 319 Bay Area employees in February Faricy,Slate’schief executive, saidthe company’svehicle will appeal to awide range of customers.

“There will be alot of people thatare attracted to the affordability but have never had an EV before,” he said.

themwithin thattime, the official said. Theofficial said thetestingwas done through an Anthropic initiative called Project Glasswing, which brought together tech giants and other companies in hopes of securing the world’scritical software from“severe”fallout that the Mythosmodel could pose to public safety,national security and the economy

Democratic Sen. Mark Warner of Virginia had briefly mentioned the testing during aJune 11 hearingbeforethe SenateCommittee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. Warner had said, “This tool broke into almostall of our classified systems, notinweeks but in hours.” He attributed the information to thehead of the National Security Agencyand U.S. Cyber Command,

who is Gen. Joshua Rudd. The NSA declinedtocomment on the matter in an email. An Anthropic spokesman also declinedto comment.

Despitethe recent cooperation between Anthropic and U.S. agencies to test forvulnerabilities, tensions betweenthe California companyand the Trump administration have been growing. Anthropic has raisedconcerns over how the U.S. military would use its AI, while the administration hasrestrictedthe use of some of Anthropic’smodels.

The administration issued adirective earlier this month requiring Anthropic to prevent foreign nationals from using its latest artificial intelligence models, known as Fable 5and Mythos 5. Anthropic released Fable widely earlierthis month

That model is alimited version of the moreadvanced Mythos, to which the company has tightly limited access duetocybersecurity fears. The directive came10days after PresidentDonaldTrump signed an executive order to establisha framework forthe federal government to vetthe national security risks of the mostadvanced AI systems for up to amonth before their public release. Participation by AI developers would be voluntary,the order said. Anthropic said it disabledthe models for all of its customers to comply withthe administration’s directive.

The AI giant said it did not believe the steps taken by the government were warranted by the concern it flagged about apotential security issue.

ASSOCIATEDPRESS

PHOTOByMyUNGJ.CHUN

At atime when demand for newelectric vehicles is cooling and cars are getting harder to afford,Slate’scustomizable truck couldbring afresh wave of excitement to the industry.

Hilferty, Young face off in primary

District 1 race covers most of N.O. region

BY ALYSE PFEIL Staff writer

State Rep. Stephanie Hilferty of New Orleans and former Jefferson Parish

President John Young are competing Saturday in the Republican primary for a chance to represent southeast Louisiana on a powerful state board that regulates public utilities.

The winner of the GOP primary runoff for the Public Service Commission seat will advance to the November general election and face Democrat Connie Norris of Slidell and Chris Justin, a noparty candidate District 1 on the PSC leans Republican, and the GOP candidate is favored to win in November The district includes portions of Jefferson, Livingston, Orleans and St. Charles parishes. It also covers the parishes of Plaquemines, St. Bernard, St Helena, St Tammany, Tangipahoa and Washington. Eric Skrmetta, a Metairie Republican, is vacating the seat due to term limits.

The five-member commission plays a key role in major decisions like Entergy’s purchase of a $1.8 billion power plant in Texas and whether consumers foot the bill for it, whether 10 power plants can be built to support a giant $27 billion Meta data center, and oversight of millions of dollars of corporate incentives to attract businesses like the planned Hyundai steel mill.

Broadly, the PSC regulates electric, water, wastewater, natural gas and some telecommunications services

The candidates Hilferty, 40, was elected to the Louisiana House in 2015 and represents parts of Jefferson and Orleans parishes. She’s worked in commercial real estate for close to 20 years.

She said the race is “about families staring at utility bills that keep climbing for reasons they had no say in,” and she is focused on fighting for ordinary ratepayers, rather the shareholders of utility companies.

“People want accountability and transparency about

where their money goes, and they’re not getting it from the good-ole-boy system that’s run the PSC for too long,” Hilferty said.

She has said affordability and reliability of the power grid are the top issues she would be focused on as a commissioner, and costs for power generation for data centers should not be shouldered by ratepayers.

Young, 68, was Jefferson Parish president from 2010 through 2016. Before that, he served on the Jefferson Parish Council for several years and he was an assistant district attorney there. He lives in Metairie and is an attorney with a civil litigation practice.

“My top pri ori ties as a public service commissioner are straightforward: protect ratepayers, keep utility costs as low as possible, ensure reliable power for every customer and push back against state or federal actions that could raise costs or threaten grid stability,” Young said.

Young has said he is running because Louisiana’s economy is at a transforma-

tive inflection point, and the PSC will play a critical role as businesses seek to invest billions of dollars in Louisiana.

He has said companies need to pay their own way for infrastructure and power generation to operate, and they should not pass those costs on to ratepayers.

Open seats on the PSC

The District 5 seat representing north Louisiana is also open due to term limits, and Democrat Foster Campbell will end his time on the commission.

Republican John Atkins, a Caddo Parish commissioner, and Democrat James Green, a Shreveport City Council member, each won their closed party primaries outright on May 16 and will face each other in the November election.

The other three commissioners who are not up for reelection are Jean-Paul Coussan, a Republican representing parts of southcentral Louisiana; Davante Lewis, a Democrat representing the cities of Baton Rouge and New Orleans and parts of the river parishes in between; and Mike Francis, a Republican representing southwest Louisiana.

2 earthquakes slam Venezuela

BY REGINA GARCIA CANO and JUAN PABLO ARRAEZ Associated Press

CARACAS, Venezuela Back-to-back powerful earthquakes slammed Venezuela on Wednesday evening, collapsing buildings in the capital of Caracas and leaving residents shaken.

The U.S. Geological Survey said the first earthquake had a magnitude of 7.1 and its epicenter was west of the community of Morón located along the country’s Caribbean coast, about 104 miles west of Caracas.

The USGS reported an even larger 7.5-magnitude earthquake just a minute later The second quake had a depth of 10 kilometers and its epicenter was 10 miles southwest of Morón.

The quakes are among the strongest to strike Venezuela in more than a century The earthquakes struck shortly after 6 p.m. People evacuated swaying buildings in Caracas and remained outside, many visibly shocked as they saw entire walls that had collapsed, making furniture visible from the street. Dust columns could also be seen in two neighborhoods of the capital, where restaurants and other businesses are typically busy People remained on the streets after sunset. Some sat on the ground hugging their pets as dust gathered around them.

“It started off gently and then gradually grew, and in the end, we all had to leave our houses, go outside and gather together,” Caracas resident Hector Ricci said. Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello said the quake could be felt in several states. The Altamira neighborhood in Caracas had “alarming situations” with collapsed homes and buildings, he said.

Strong earthquakes are unusual in Venezuela. While the country sits near multiple fault lines, its position straddling the South American and Caribbean plates makes earthquakes much less common than in other parts of Latin America. Along the Pacific coast, earthquakes are frequent.

Judge bars Trump from implementing proof of citizenship requirement to vote

BY JULIE CARR SMYTH and MICHAEL CASEY Associated Press

A federal judge on Wednesday permanently barred President Donald Trump’s administration from implementing most of his first executive order on elections, part of which sought to require people to show documentary proof of citizenship when they register to vote.

The ruling by U.S. District Court Judge Denise Casper in Boston effectively converts a preliminary injunction she issued a year ago, in which she temporarily blocked

many of Trump’s efforts to overhaul elections, into a permanent ban.

Casper rejected the Republican administration’s argument that the lawsuit to block the changes brought by Democratic state attorneys general was premature because the rules had yet to be put in place. Instead, she agreed that the Constitution gives states and Congress the authority to regulate elections, and that Trump’s requirements violated the separation of powers. The Constitution “does not grant the President any specific powers over elections,” wrote Casper

Among other proposed changes, Trump’s order would have required people to provide documentary proof of citizenship when registering to vote, prevented mail ballots from being counted if they arrive after Election Day, even if they were postmarked by then, and punished states that failed to comply by withholding certain federal money In a statement, New York Attorney General Letitia James said she was grateful the court had blocked Trump’s “unconstitutional attempt to seize control of our elections” and would continue to defend voting rights in this year’s midterm elections.

“Generations of Americans fought tirelessly for the right to vote, and we honor their legacy by protecting that right against anyone who tries to undermine it,” said James, a Democrat.

Requests for comment sent to the White House and the U.S. Department of Justice were not immediately returned.

The ruling was the latest in a series against the elections executive order Trump signed just months after taking office for his second term. The Republican president has since signed another executive order on elections that

seeks to create a national voter list and limit mail balloting That directive also faces multiple legal challenges.

Last fall, a federal judge in Washington, D.C., overseeing a separate challenge to the first election executive order by civil rights and Democratic Party-aligned groups blocked the government from taking steps to include the proofof-citizenship requirement on the federal voter registration form. That judge later barred Trump’s defense secretary from requiring documentary proof of citizenship when military personnel register to vote or request ballots.

Hilferty

Young

Trump turns America 250 kickoff into rally

BY COLLIN BINKLEY, THOMAS BEAUMONT and JOSH BOAK Associated Press

WASHINGTON President Donald Trump formally kicked off celebrations for America’s 250th anniversary on Wednesday night by working to get the country excited again — about himself.

The president hosted a rally on Washington’s National Mall, including a series of booming flyovers by stealth bombers, music from military bands, and Lee Greenwood singing “God Bless the USA.”

“There has never been anything like the United States of America and together we are making it bigger and better and stronger and far more exceptional than ever before,” Trump said.

He said he’d restored the country to greatness, proclaiming, “Nobody’s laughing at us anymore.”

As he does in all rally speeches, Trump championed his crackdown on the U.S.-Mexico border and opposition to transgender rights. However, perhaps in a nod to the anniversary celebrations he was far less critical of Democrats than usual — at least to a point.

“The American Dream is alive again. It’s something that nobody thought they’d be saying when you went through that last four years of incompetence,” Trump said.

The president also mentioned his tumultuous effort to revamp the Reflecting Pool near the Lincoln Memorial and build a ballroom at the White House.

Surprisingly, Trump wrapped his speech in less than half an hour — making it one of the shortest rally addresses of his second term and perhaps his entire political career Just Tuesday while addressing workers at a truck factory in Pennsylvania, Trump spoke for well over an hour

Still, he found time to note that he’ll again be addressing a Washington rally on July Fourth, imploring, “Your favorite president will be speaking so please show up.” For Wednesday’s speech, the crowd was contained to a segment of the National Mall that was nearly full From the stage, Trump could likely see the neon colors of the giant Ferris wheel erected in front of the Capitol.

‘Great American State Fair’

Trump is working to convince Americans ahead of critical November elections that he’s put the unpopular Iran war in the rearview mirror with oil prices easing as the Strait of Hormuz has started to reopen in the wake of an interim deal to end the war with Tehran.

The rally launched weeks of celebrations about America and its 1776 founding as part of “The Great American State Fair” on the mall, the national park that stretches from the U.S Capitol to the Lincoln Memorial.

But Trump’s appearance was only announced after several musicians — including Young MC,

Martina McBride and the Commodores — canceled their concerts because of concerns the event had become politicized.

Instead, among those addressing the crowd was Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, who slammed the musicians who backed out while declaring that Trump is “the greatest president that’s ever existed in this country since George Washington.”

The president himself told the crowd, “This is the beginning of the golden age of America.” He congratulated himself for ousting Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro — but made no mention of the earthquakes that rocked that country Wednesday night.

Organizers distributed rectangular cardboard American flags that some attendees used for shade before the sun went down and Trump took the stage.

Variety of flag-themed gear

On the menu for the crowd: burgers, sausages and turkey legs. The program felt like a summer concert, expect for the variety of American flag-themed outfits, from overalls to skirts to hats.

There were also plenty of “Make America Great Again” hats.

Attendees included Karen and Brian Ontrap, who drove 500-plus miles from northwest Ohio with their children. They planned the trip in January to celebrate the nation’s 250th anniversary and, for some in the group, see Washington for the first time.

Karen Ontrap said the pair support the president “100%.”

The president has struggled to deliver the presidency that he advertised to voters — causing his approval rating to dwell at a low 37%, according to the most recent Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research polling.

Democrats say his botched repairs to the reflecting pool and the resulting algae outbreak are a sign that he’s spending taxpayer money on vanity projects instead of the nation’s legacy

Rep. Jared Huffman, D-Calif., said the Trump-affiliated group organizing the 250th anniversary was selling access to special interests and redrafting the nation’s founding to the president’s liking.

“It should be about bringing us together,” Huffman said. “He’s trying to make this 250th celebration all about him.”

Only 33% of U.S. adults approve of Trump’s economic leadership, with favorability at 40% on immigration and 34% on Iran.

Inflation is still higher than what Trump inherited and it has been outpacing wage growth. The budget deficit remains on a path upward that keeps interest rates high. Investments in artificial intelligence are driving growth, but they come with fears of middleclass job losses such that the construction of data centers needed for America’s tech economy have become controversial politically Still, for many, Trump was the main attraction.

Jacob Wankasky and his family, traveling from Buffalo, New York, peeled off a day early from their trip to Hershey, Pennsylvania, when he and his wife, Jennifer realized they could see Trump before their planned visit Thursday with their children, ages 4 and 6.

In a bright red “America Is Back” ballcap, Jacob Wankasky a 42-yearold antique mall owner, said Trump’s return to the White House was a relief in a time of “insanity.”

ASSOCIATED

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By JACQUELyN MARTIN

President Donald Trump wraps up his speech at

Judge adds cities to DA funding suit

Moore says parish must fund office, not cities

BY PATRICK SLOAN-TURNER Staff writer

As

Baton Rouge Judge Tarvald Smith ruled

that St. George, Baker, Central and Zachary must be added to the case as third parties, siding with city-parish attorneys who have argued that those cities aren’t paying their fair share. Moore opposed adding St. George and others to the suit. He agreed with leaders of those cities, who point to state law requiring parish governments to fund district attorney offices, not cities. Smith’s ruling is a major development in an ongoing debate that has grown fiercer since the Louisiana Supreme Court allowed St. George to incorporate two years ago: In a parish fragmented between so many cities, who is responsible for paying for what?

The debate is bigger than just district attorneys For example, some have also questioned why cities other than Baton Rouge do not pay for the 19th Judicial Court, from which Smith issued the ruling. In a statement Wednesday afternoon, Moore noted that it was not his office that brought the cities into the suit.

FISHING 4H FUN

ABOVE and BELOW: Students compete in the Outdoor Skills and Fishing Sport contest, which is part of the 4H University This is the 112th year of the 4H University at the LSU Agricultural Center The students compete in over 40 contests over three days. STAFF PHOTOS By JOHN BALLANCE

BY TIMOTHY BOONE Staff writer

17-year-old convicted in LSU game-day shooting

BY QUINN COFFMAN Staff writer

A 17-year-old was convicted Monday on two counts of attempted second-degree murder for a football game-day shooting at LSU that injured two people, including a bystander Kyiveon Keller, who was 16 at the time of the October shooting, was convicted in juvenile court on two counts of attempted second-degree murder, illegal carrying of a firearm on school property and illegal possession of a firearm by a juvenile. “This was a difficult case with many evidentiary issues,” East Baton Rouge District Attorney Hillar Moore said. “After hearing all the evidence, Judge (Adam J.) Haney adjudicated (Keller) and found him guilty of these offenses. Since these charges are classified as crimes of violence this information is

allowed to be released.” LSU police responded around 8:30 p.m. Oct. 11 to reports of a shooting during the football game against the University of South Carolina. Baton Rouge police said at the time that two people opened fire and two were injured in the exchange, with one victim being a bystander The shooting stemmed from a “prior altercation between the parties,” BRPD said in a news release following the shooting.

The on-campus violence prompted Gov Jeff Landry to order state and local law enforcement to increase security on campus for upcoming home games. Keller’s sentencing is scheduled for Aug. 4. As a juvenile, he can be kept in prison for only a maximum of four years, getting out on his 21st birthday Keller will have the opportunity for parole.

Staff report

The driver who ran a red light in downtown Baton Rouge earlier this month, causing a crash that killed two elderly people, is former LSU football player Richard Murphy, police said Wednesday No arrest has been made yet in the crash, and a toxicology test on Murphy is pending, according to Baton Rouge police. The crash happened at around 4:30 p.m. June 14 in the 900 block of Main Street, under the Interstate 110 overpass. According to police, a Ford F-250 traveling east collided with the Tarver’s F-150 Robert Tarver, 95, and his daughter-in-law, Carla Tarver, 70, passengers in the other vehicle, died at the scene. The driver of the vehicle, Carla’s husband, Bobby Tarver, remains hospitalized. Murphy was taken to a hospital

Moore Smith

Panel tied to Hyundai plant discussed

Concerns raised about hiring

BY ANNAKATE FREELAND Staff writer

As Donaldsonville prepares for economic growth related to Hyundai’s planned $5.8 billion steel plant, city officials are considering creating an advisory committee to help connect local government with businesses, investors and residents moving into the community But the Donaldsonville council chair and a former mayoral candidate said they would like to see Hyundai hire qualified local people who can’t get jobs and make direct investment in the community

The proposal was introduced during Tuesday’s City Council meeting, under the agenda item Korean Advisory Committee. Mayor Leroy Sullivan said he did not want the committee to focus solely on Korean businesses or residents and would actually call the body the Mayor’s Advisory Committee.

“I had Korean on there, but I would like for this committee to deal with all groups that will be coming into the city of Donaldsonville,” he said. Sullivan said the committee would serve as an appointed advisory body to promote economic development, investment, culture and community cooperation between the city and investors. Some positions he wants to include are chair legal affairs adviser real

estate and relocation advisory, and public safety and community operations advisers.

Council Chair Charles Brown Sr expressed concerns about local hiring, citing the difficulty of his son and others had finding work at the nearby industrial plants. Brown said his “voice is not going to be quiet no more.”

“I think we’ve just been too silent, and we allow stuff to go on, and nobody’s saying anything. And it’s just time we all stand up and hold all of them accountable,”

Brown said. “I don’t know how we have such a billion-dollar plant, and here we got our kids in the community who are qualified and can’t get a job I don’t think we need to allow that to happen with all other industries coming in the community.”

St. Tammany sheriff pleads guilty to battery, resigns

Smith calls his actions a mistake

BY WILLIE SWETT Staff writer

Randy Smith resigned as St. Tammany Parish sheriff Wednesday after pleading guilty to violently attacking a man in a Madisonville-area steakhouse, effectively ending his four-decade lawenforcement career by standing before a judge as a criminal defendant in the parish courthouse in Covington. His resignation, effective at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, was part of a plea agreement that saw Smith admit to a charge of felony battery and agree to attend a substance abuse program in order to reduce the charge to a misdemeanor and avoid spending time in jail.

vestigation by Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill’s office into the fight days earlier at Keith Young’s steakhouse, where he attacked Bobby Couvillion, a vocal critic, in front of a room full of patrons. According to Murrill’s investigators, Smith came up from behind Couvillion and put him in a chokehold before pulling him to the ground and beating him.

The sheriff had consumed multiple drinks before attacking Couvillion and had to be pulled off him by patrons and staff, according to a copy of the plea agreement.

Smith was at the restaurant with bail bondsman Greg Saurage, investigators said.

Dressed in a light blue suit in front of a nearly full courtroom, Smith told Judge Reginald Badeaux of the 22nd Judicial District Court that he understood the charges against him. When asked how he pleaded on one count of felony battery and one count of disturbing the peace through intoxication, Smith said “guilty,” and called his actions on May 29 a mistake

“I take full responsibility and I apologize to the citizens of this parish, the men and women of the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office, and to my family, that I stood up for, and I’ll face the consequences of my actions,” Smith told the judge.

Smith’s guilty plea and his resignation marked a stunning fall for a law enforcement officer who first joined the Sheriff’s Office in the 1980s at 21 years old, before going on to serve as Slidell’s police chief for six years and spending most of the last decade as St. Tammany’s sheriff.

While Smith’s tenure as sheriff has not been without controversy, he proved to be popular with voters, winning three sheriff’s elections, most recently in 2023. But it all unraveled after his arrest on June 4 following an in-

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“We have not sought to make this a dispute with our local mayors or city governments,” Moore said In court, attorneys representing his office have pointed to a 1988 Louisiana Supreme Court decision that }ordered a parish government — not a city — to reimburse its district attorney’s office operational expenses.

A spokesperson for MayorPresident Sid Edwards declined to comment on the judge’s decision, citing pending litigation

‘There’s no precedent for it’

A St. George spokesperson did not immediately respond to requests for comment Wednesday St. George’s incorporation diverted roughly 40% to 50% of the city-parish’s annual parish sales tax revenue from the cityparish general fund to finance St George’s government.

The general fund supports dozens of departments and agencies, including the so-called “constitutional offices” like the District At-

In a news conference following Smith’s plea, northshore District Attorney Collin Sims said that the agreement was aimed at treating the sheriff the same way anyone else would be treated under the same circumstances.

“He acted out, and as a result of that sobriety issue, we’re giving him an opportunity and a path that we afford every other citizen in this parish to earn a misdemeanor if they address the issue that caused it,” Sims said.

Smith joins a handful of other top St. Tammany Parish officials in the past decade and a half who have ended their careers with a felony conviction: Smith’s predecessor, former Sheriff Jack Strain, who is serving life in prison for child sex crimes, and former District Attorney Walter Reed and St. Tammany Coroner Peter Galvan, who both served time in federal prison on corruption charges.

“It’s beyond disappointing, it’s a shame, it’s sad that these things occurred, but they did,” St. Tammany Parish Council member Jerry Binder, one of the longest serving elected officials in the parish, said in an interview Wednesday “Each person went through the legal system properly and a sentence was given I just hope and pray that in this case, the treatment that’s been assigned to him helps him to make a better life for himself.”

Wednesday’s hearing took less

torney’s Office, coroner, court and parish prison.

Over the past two years, some parish leaders have argued that St. George, Baker, Central and Zachary are not contributing funds toward Moore’s office and others, yet are getting services from those agencies for free.

Attorney Brett Furr who is representing the city-parish in the case, previously filed arguments that said St. George and others should be added to the case. Furr’s ammunition for those arguments came from St. George’s incorporation case at the Louisiana Supreme Court in which organizers filed documents that said money would be allocated to the District Attorney’s Office and others if they became a city — but that never happened.

“Now that it has incorporated and it is time to write a check, St. George has reneged,” Furr said.

In that case, St. George’s own expert witness testified that the city would contribute more than $5.3 million annually to pay for the district attorney and coroner’s offices and the parish prison.

The newest incorporation has led to some pointing fingers at

Before the mayor provided details of the proposed committee, former mayoral candidate Glenn Price raised concerns about the intentions of Korean businesses investing in the area and criticized the use of nondisclosure agreements related to the Hyundai project.

He referenced documents that a state district judge ruled Ascension Parish government must release Price serves as president of the Sunrise Committee, which is part of a coalition advocating for a community benefits agreement with Hyundai. “We do not believe they have sincere intentions. History has proven that they don’t keep their promises,” Price said. “How are we going to hold Hyundai accountable when our local leaders, our

Mayor Leroy Sullivan, our parish councilman, Oliver Joseph, signed the secret agreement withholding information, bottling information from the residents that you’re supposed to be representing?”

He also suggested that Hyundai should make direct investments in the community and contribute financially to Donaldsonville.

“Why don’t we demand that they put some money into our community? Real money Donate some money to the city of Donaldsonville,” he said. “These people are coming here to make billions, along with their pollution, but we’re not making any demands of these people.”

Sullivan said that there would be further discussion of the proposed committee at future council meetings

Slidell man accused of illegally selling trout

than 30 minutes, with Smith walking quickly into the courtroom at about 9:30 a.m., avoiding the media gathered outside. He glanced at the roughly two dozen people behind him in the courtroom’s galley — including local lawyers, reporters and community group members — and sat down next to his attorney, Eric Hessler Couvillion sat in the front row behind the prosecutors’ table, between his wife and his attorney Couvillion filed his victim impact statement with the court. He did not read it, but a copy was provided to the media by Sims’ office. In it, Couvillion said that he was “grateful that the truth came to light and that justice was not swept under the rug simply because of who was involved.”

Smith gave his plea and said he was prepared to face the consequences. He agreed to not have any contact with Couvillion or Couvillion’s family going forward.

Badeaux told Smith “good luck to you in the future,” and Smith was handed over to bailiffs for processing.

Smith turned his guns in to the Sheriff’s Office before his hearing, spokesperson Lt. Suzanne Carboni said. He will likely not be stripped of his state pension, according to Rafael Goyeneche III, president of the Metropolitan Crime Commission, partly because the offense he pleaded guilty to was not related to his duties as sheriff.

In a news conference after the court proceeding, Sims said that part of the reason he pushed for Smith’s immediate resignation was to remove him from the agency ahead of Saturday’s election, in which St. Tammany residents will vote whether to renew a millage that funds deputies’ salaries. “We don’t need to have a protest vote,” Sims said.

Sims said he could not release video footage of the incident because of the other defendant, Saurage, who has been arrested on one count of being a principal to second-degree battery Sims also said he could not speak to details of the investigation into Smith, though he said search warrants were issued and phones seized.

other cities, too.

Following Wednesday’s ruling Central Mayor Wade Evans said he believes the state’s constitution doesn’t allow for a mandate that cities pay for the district attorney and others.

“We’re going to defend it, because we don’t believe the constitutionality of the municipalities having to pony up for the constitutional offices is sound,” Evans said of the order “There’s no precedent for it The solution is not to just for us to give more money The solution is to fix the problem.”

Moore said he personally spoke with mayors of all four cities following the decision, adding his office “values its relationship with every municipality” and will continue to serve them regardless of what happens with his lawsuit.

District attorney’s funding woes

Moore has repeatedly said that the District Attorney’s Office is operating at a severe funding disadvantage.

The city-parish provides about $7.5 million annually, but Moore says the office would need $22.6 million a year to be on par with

Fish plates were sold out of home, officials say

BY MIKE SMITH Staff writer

Louisiana sport anglers are sometimes tempted to sell their catch to earn a few extra dollars, but a recent alleged example was a reminder that it is illegal to do so under state law

A Slidell man accused of offering fried speckled trout plates at $15 each has been cited by enforcement agents with the state’s Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. Agents allege Markeegan J. Gray, 22, caught the fish recreationally, then offered them for sale.

Agents had received a report that fried fish plates were being sold from a Slidell home, the department said in a statement. An investigation determined the plates were being offered for sale on social media on May 30, according to the department. Gray allegedly admitted to

catching the trout in Lake Pontchartrain about two weeks before, it said. He was issued a citation and 104 trout filets were seized. They were donated to a local charity Selling fish caught recreationally carries a $400 to $950 fine and up to 120 days in jail, the department says Gray will also be assessed with civil restitution totaling $1,625 for the speckled trout that he was accused of selling illegally Speckled trout, officially known as spotted sea trout, are tightly regulated under state law They have been found to be overfished, and the state has been seeking to rebuild stocks, in part through tightened regulations on sport anglers.

The current limit on sport fishing is 15 fish per person per day, with a 13-inch minimum size. In addition to the minimum size, only two fish larger than 20 inches can be kept.

The state allows a 1-millionpound quota for commercial fishing each year for speckled trout. They can only be caught with a rod and reel, and a commercial license is required.

Lemoine leader stepping down Lenny Lemoine will remain chair

BY ADAM DAIGLE Acadiana business editor

Longtime Lemoine Co. CEO

Lenny Lemoine has stepped down but will remain on as the company’s executive chair

Lemoine spent 25 years as CEO and 40 years with the company overseeing its transformation from a regional commercial general contracting and construction management firm to a nationally recognized, comprehensive services provider, company officials announced.

Two of Lemoine’s nephews were named to leadership positions.

Seth Lemoine was named CEO and William Lemoine was named chief operating officer

Seth Lemoine has been with the

similarly sized district attorneys’ offices elsewhere in Louisiana

The legislature passed a bill earlier this year that effectively provided Moore’s office $800,000 in additional funds for prosecutor salaries but Moore says more is needed.

Before filing his lawsuit, the district attorney tried to pass his own parishwide property tax last year to fund his office independently, but voters rejected it by a 20% margin.

All four cities recently agreed to begin allocating funds to the public defender office in Baton Rouge.

The fundamental argument of Moore’s case that a judge will ultimately need to decide is whether or not the local government is adequately funding his office as the constitution requires.

“Our goal is not conflict,” Moore said. “Our goal is to find a lawful and workable solution that allows this office to carry out its constitutional duties and continue protecting all of our communities.”

Email Patrick Sloan-Turner at patrick.sloan-turner@ theadvocate.com.

company for 24 years, working in operational, management and executive leadership roles. His last title was chief operating officer of the company’s Response & Resiliency service line.

William Lemoine will oversee all organizational operations. He has nearly 30 years of experience and was most recently president of building construction and COO over the organization’s building, infrastructure and program management service lines.

Lemoine, which marked its 50th anniversary in December, is a multi-professional services company with three intersectional service lines of building and infrastructure, response and resiliency and advisory services.

It provides a full-service offering that supports clients at all stages of facilities and infrastructure growth, disaster relief and disaster prevention.

DRIVER

Continued from page 1B

with serious injuries following the crash, police said at the time. Murphy, of Rayville, was a running back with the Tigers from 2007 to 2010. He was selected to wear the No. 18 jersey in his senior year, an honor bestowed on upperclassmen who are team leaders, according to his biography on the LSU Athletics website. He went on to play professionally in the NFL with the Jacksonville Jaguars.

TUESDAY, JUNE 23, 2026

3: 5-9-6

4: 1-3-8-2

Smith

Sanches, Wanda

St.GeorgeCatholic Church,7808 St George Drive, at 11 a.m.

Simpson, Carlon

St.Isidorethe Farmer Catholic Church of Bakerat10am.

Tarver,Carla

St.Alphonsus Catholic Church at 11

a.m. Tarver,Robert St.Alphonsus Catholic Church at11 a.m.

Taylor,Leroy

Little Zion BaptistChurch in Kenner at 1pm

Obituaries

Adams, Marsha Lynn

MARSHA LYNN ADAMS, aresident of BatonRouge, Louisiana, and retired Human Resource Specialist and Supervisor of Benefits at Southern Universityand A&M College, peacefully departedthis life on Monday, June 15, 2026.

Avisitation willbeheld from 9AM until thestart of service at 11AM on 2026-06

-26atShiloh Missionary Baptist Church, 185 Eddie Robinson Sr., Dr.

If laughter were the key, he opened many adoor." Frank Thomas "Tom" Pollock passed away on Friday, June 19, 2026, surrounded by family and friends at The Crossing at Clarity Hospice in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Tom was born on April 1, 1945, to Frank Rowland Pollock and Frances Meyer Pollock in Columbus, Ohio. He grew up in Virginia, attended Catholic schools, served as an altar boy, and remained adevout Catholic throughout his life. Agifted athlete, he competed in swimming and baseball before graduating from St. John's Military Academy and earning aBachelor of Science in Political Science from American University in Washington, D.C., where he lettered in football and baseball. He served in the U.S. Army before entering the hospitality industry, eventuallymaking his way toBaton Rouge in 1976. His professional life included management at Gally SeafoodRestaurantand Ruth's Chris Steak House, beforea longand fulfilling career as Regional Sales Manager at AAA, from which he retired in 2013. He was atwo-time Louisiana Amateur Golf Champion, winning titles in 2000 and 2001. Tom loved deeply and lived generously. His annual tradition of smoking hams and turkeys alongside his dear friend Gary Spurlock became a beloved holiday ritual for family and friends alike. When hisfriend Eileen Hollingsworth donated a kidney, she gave him the priceless gift of more years with the people he loved -a gift forwhich he was forever grateful. Tom was utterly devoted to his daughters, Jewel and Sara. He showed up for every milestone, cheered from every sideline —literally, as anyone who heard him shout "Fresh legs, Coach! Fresh legs!" at Sara's LSU soccer games can attest and never stopped looking for waystohelp them succeed and find happiness. When Jewel started her own business, he was there to "observe" and encourage, because that was simply who he was. They, in turn, stood by him through everyhealthchallenge, caring for him and advocating for him until the very end. Alasting bond of mutual respect and friendship also remained between Tom and his ex-wife, "D-D" Breaux, aquiet testament to the grace with which he d h h l

movedthrough everyrelationship in his life.

Tomfound immeasurable joyinhis grandchildrenPorter,Chase, Robby and Rose —theirinterests becamehis interests, and their successes brought him immense pride. He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank Rowland and FrancesMeyer Pollock

Tomissurvived by his daughters,JewelPollock Fourrier and Sara Rose Pollock Dickson; hisgrandchildren, PorterThomas Fourrier,ChaseHebert Fourrier,Robert"Robby" Eric DicksonIV, and Rose Breaux Dickson; and his sister,MaryJoPollock and her husband Richard.

The family extends heartfeltgratitude to Tom's Village: Jean Comeaux,Brandon Baque, Nancy and MichaelCharbonnet, Janey Nasca, Vicki and GarySpurlock, Renee Crifasi, "D-D" Breaux, Rhonda McFarland, Ronda Bennet, and Eileen Hollingsworth, whose extraordinarygiftoflife made allthe difference.

Pallbearers arePorter Fourrier, Chase Fourrier Robby Dickson, Bryson Person,Major Person, Bill Caldwell,GarySpurlock, Rick Reckman, Mike "Gump"Bragg, andEileen Hollingsworth.

Visitation willbeheld Friday,June 26, 2026, from 9:00-10:30 a.m. at St. Aloysius CatholicChurch, 2025 StuartAvenue,Baton Rouge,followed immediately by aMassofChristianBurial. In lieu of flowers,memorial contributionsmay be made to the Legacy DonorFoundation, 2701 Kingman Street, Suite 101,Metairie, Louisiana 70006. of

Lena MarcelloRome passed awayonTuesday, June 23, 2026, atthe ageof 95. Shewas alifelong resident of Donaldsonville,LA. Sheissurvived by her daughters, Darlene R. LeBlanc (James"Jimmy" LeBlanc) and Deborah A. Rome;her grandchildren, Shane LeBlanc (Rebekah), Allen LeBlanc (Matthew), ChrisRome (Marcia), Jenny R.Kelly(Partner: Nobu) and Phillip Rome;her great -grandchildren, Artemis LeBlanc,Lyraand Ben Kelly, Madi, Sloane, Lleyton, Luella,Elliotand Clyde Hazlett. Sheisalsosurvived by her brother Emile Marcello (Lorraine), her belovedfriend Sister Loretto Gettemeier (D.O.C)and numerous family members and friends Shenow joinsthose who have preceded her in death, her husband Allen J. Rome Jr.; her son, Dennis M.Rome and daughter-inlaw NanciRome;her granddaughter, Ann M. Hazlett; her parents, Phillip and Patrina Marcello;her brother,MickeyMarcello Herin-laws Allen J.Sr. and Nellie M. Rome, Geraldand Joan "Pookie"Rome, Harry andBarbara Theriot,Janice Landryand her nephew Kirk Landry. Lenawas afaithful parishioner, choir member, and Eucharistic Minister of Ascension of Our Lord CatholicChurch. She loved making fig cookiesfor the St.Joseph Altar. Lena also took pride in being fit; she loved swimming and exercising. The family wouldlike to express theirsincere gratitude to the caregivers, family and friends who weretherefor herduring her battle with Parkinson's Disease. Specialthanks to her caregiversKathleen, Kim,Hiddie, Claudia, Judy, Ethel and many others. Thank you to the staff of Audubon Hospice for their care. Shewas amuch-loved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother,and friend. Shepassedfrom thislifeinto the next phase of heradventurewith our Lord Jesus Christhaving spent 95 yearsonthis earth. Shewas aguiding light to her family and herlegacy and memorieswill live on. Visitation willbeheld at AscensionofOur Lord Catholic Church, 716 Mississippi St, Donaldsonville, Louisiana 70346, on June 26,2026, from 10:00amto 12:00pm, followedbya Mass of ChristianBurial at 12:00pm. Final resting place willbe at Ascension f d h li

Patricia "Trish" Sedlin passed away on June 19, 2026, at theage of 89. Born March 11, 1937, in Bogalusa,Louisiana, Trish livedanadventure-filled life that was sustained by steady devotion, loyal friendship, and adeep commitment to serving others. Alongtime resident of BatonRouge, she was widely respected for the graceand purposewith which she moved through each seasonoflife

Trishearnedboth undergraduateand graduate degreesfrom LSU. Soon aftercollege,she met the love of her life,Len. Their 65 years of marriagebegan with ashared willingness to step into theunfamiliar, leading themtolive around theworld in Gladstone, Australia, as wellas in Weybridge, England and Sardinia, Italy—experiencesthatbeautifullyreflectedher adventurous spirit Herservicetoher community was both enduring and substantial. Early on, she served as aProvince President forAlpha Delta Pi Sorority.Later, Trish worked as asubstitute teacher and gave generouslyofher timetonumerous organizations. She was amember of the Lagniappe Women's Club, theLouisianaFederationof Women's Clubs, Trianon, PEO, Auxiliary forARC,and theInter-Civic Council, and she volunteered as alibrarian for thePennington Biomedical Research Center. She wasalso an enthusiasticsupporter and volunteer for theWalktoRemember and Alzheimer's Servicesofthe Capital Area.For herconsistent serviceand leadership, she was honored as aVolunteer Activist by The EmergeCenter Trish was alongtime memberofBroadmoor UnitedMethodist Church, where her faith was expressed through steadfast involvement in theHope Circle, Altar Guild, and the church foodpantry. Outside of her volunteer work, she lovedthe Garden Club, played bridge,lovedto cook, and cheeredfaithfully forLSU football.She found immense joyinher lifelong friendships and in caring for her family.Trish had thejoy of furry companionshipher entirelife andwas absolutelydevoted to themany dogs (and one cat) that were part of her home.

Throughout her life,Trish remained adevoted wife and aloving, supportivepresence to her children and grandchildren, offeringquiet constancy and aloyalty that couldbe counted on without question.

Trishissurvivedbyher loving husband, Len Sedlin; her son, David Sedlin of Dallas, Texas; her daughter, Elizabeth Buie; and her grandchildren, Avery Buie, MatthewBuie, and David Buie, all of Charlotte,North Carolina. She was preceded in death by her parents, GeorgeMayo Parr and Dorothy Cross Parr,and her brother, James Parr. In lieu of flowers,and if friendsdesire, contributions may be sent to Alzheimer'sServicesofthe Capital Area in Trish's honor

Yolanda Skidmore departed this life on Monday, June 22, 2026 at age 66 whileatCrossing-Clarity Hospice of Baton Rouge She was born on October 18, 1958 to Noahand Leola Haynes Osborne, Jr.in Plaquemine, LA. Visitation willtakeplace at Roscoe Mortuary 58635 Meriam StreetPlaquemine, on Thursday, June 25, 2026 from5-7pmand Friday, June 26, 2026 at 8am until 10am Religious Servicesat Greater PilgrimRestBaptist Church 23030 Talbot Drive Plaquemine, Reverend Clyde McNell, Sr. Pastor Yolanda is survived by her daughterDr. Shalonda Skidmore, siblings Brenda (Floyd)Robertson, Kevin and ChristopherGeorge Osborne allofPlaquemine and Shalita Sanders, New Orleans. She was preceded in death by her parents; threebrothers Freddie, Donald, and Nolan Osborne; grandparents Noah and ElizabethJames Osborne, Sr.; Steven and Della Haynes. Interment Grace MemorialParkCemetery 60455 Bayou Jacob Road Plaquemine.

Irma Lee Stevenson Brown, 84, of BatonRouge LA passed away peacefully after aseriousillness on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, surrounded by family and lovedones. Affectionately known to many as "Weezie" she was thecornerstoneofher family AnativeofJackson, LA, she was thefifthofeleven children born on April 19, 1942, to thelateEugene and Beatrice Stevenson. She graduated from ClintonHighSchool of Clinton, LA and was married for40years to thelove of her life,the late GeorgeS Brown. Adedicated health care worker, Irma was employedbyLane Memorial HospitalofZachary, LA as anurse's assistant for 32 years. She is survivedbytwo children, ason, Andrew Brown and adaughter, Vivian Brown; seven grandchildren, Johnny Young, Andre Brown, Brittany Varmall, Courtney Collins AndreaBrown, Adrian Brown, and AliahBrown; eight greatgrandchildren, Sherman Young,Jr.,Ja'Nya Young,Britain Paul,Nila Brown, MilaBrown, Aubree Stoneham, Mackenzie Stoneham and Demarcas Cole;two brothers, Willie (Corlette)Stevenson, and Lloyd Stevenson; four sisters Ruby(Samuel) Mitchell, Eugene Marie Turner, Verla Foster, and Lois Holden; one aunt, Helen BSmith;aswellasnumerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends She is preceded in death by her husband, adaughter, ConnieBrown, agrandson, Sherman Young,Sr., her parents, abrother, Andrew Stevenson, and three sisters,Ida Mae Williams, Helen Tapps, and Eula Beatrice Stevenson. Visitationwillbeheldon Saturday, June 27, 2026 from 11:00am until thefuneral serviceat1:00pm, at PoplarSprings Baptist Church, 1692 Highway 68, Jackson, LA 70748. Burial willimmediately follow at Southern Memorial Gar-

densCemetery.Arrangements entrustedtoDemby &Son Funeral Home, 900 Magnolia St Donaldsonville, LA.

Taylor,

Reverend Leroy Alvin Taylor Passes Away; Leaves aLegacyofFaith, Education,and Service

DENHAMSPRINGS,La. Reverend Leroy Alvin Taylor,a native of Kenner and residentofDenham Springs, Louisiana, entered eternalrest after alifetime devotedtofaith, education,music,and community service

Born March2,1955, to ArthurJackson andEssie Taylor,Rev.Taylor served as pastor of Little Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Kenner,New Zion Baptist ChurchinDenham Springs, andGreater Rosehill Missionary Baptist ChurchinHammond.Healso held numerous leadership positions within state and nationalBaptist organizationsand participated in missionarywork throughoutthe world.

He leaves to cherish his memory hiswife of 34 years, John EthelTaylor; seven children; 21 grandchildren; seven greatgrandchildren; histwin brother, Archie Taylor; threesisters; and ahostof relatives, friends, and church families.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, June 24, from 4to7 p.m. with aReflectionsService at 7p.m. at GreaterRosehillWestside Missionary Baptist Church in Hammond.Celebration of Life serviceswill be held Thursday, June 25, at 1p.m. at Little Zion Baptist Church in Kenner.Intermentwill follow Friday, June 26, at 10 a.m. at ProvidenceMemorialParkin Metairie. Afuneral service will be held at 1:00 PM on 2026-06-25 at Little Zion Baptist Church ,2200 KennerAvenue.

Varnell, Donald James'Be Bop'

Donald JamesVarnell, known as "Be Bop", passed away on Thursday, June 11, 2026, at Legacy Nursing Home in Plaquemine,at theage of 84. He wasa native andresident of Plaquemine. "Be Bop" was aNational Guard Veteran He workedatBon's Bakery for over 30 years, went on to be acommercial fisherman, workedatPortAllen Bakery andthenworkedat Dale's Welding& Fabricators for13years. "Be Bop" wantedtobecremated andhave acelebration of hislife. The celebration will be held at the home of Dale andBeverleyLively, 65100 Mendoza Drive Plaquemine, LA on Saturday, June 27th, from 10 a.m. until12p.m. "Be Bop" is survived hy his nieces andnephews, MarySue Gulotta, Zella Schonemaker,RodneyVarnell, Dalbert VarnellJr, Raymond Varnell,GretchenVarnell, Bridget Varnell, Angela VarnellCunninghamand Jason Varnell. "Be Bop" wasprecededindeathby hisparents, JoeSrand Zella Duplechain Varnell; siblings, JB Varnell Jr,Dalbert VarnellSr, Charles Varnell andVernonVarnellSr; nephew,VernonVarnellJr. "Be Bop" wasa former member of theWoodman of theWorld andKnights of ColumbusinPlaquemine. Please share memories at www.wilbertservices.com.

DEADLINE RUNDATE

Porteous IV,John OursoFuneral Home,13533 Airline Highway in Gonzales,at2 p.m

Sedlin, Patricia 'Trish'

Stevenson Brown, Irma Lee 'Weezie'

Rome,Lena M.

Pollock, Frank Thomas 'Tom'

OUR VIEWS

We should heed lessons from Arthur — thenew normal

Tropical Storm Arthur,aslow-moving rainmaker that washed throughLouisianalastweek, should not be viewed as an outlier

Instead, storms like Arthur are the newnormal. No longer do stormsoriginateonlyoff the west coastofAfrica, meander throughthe Caribbean and then enter the GulfofMexico as known threats. Now,potentially devastating tropical systems can form at any time andneed only the warm waters of the Gulf to develop into somethingdangerous

In this case, what eventually became Arthur began with an Atlantic system thatcombined with theremnants of aPacific storm that had moved across Central America before heading north. Because it waspoorly organized,its official landfall was in Texas, but thebrunt of the impacts were felt far to theeast in Louisiana

As of Wednesday,14tornadoes havebeen attributed to the stormacross southLouisiana andMississippi.Mostofthemwere small, and thankfully,nodeaths were attributed to them

Arthur brought heavy rains, too: around10 inches of rain in and aroundpartsofsoutheast Louisiana, but it saved its heaviest loads for central Louisiana, whereofficials estimated as much as 29 inches of rain fell in a24-hour period in Avoyelles Parish. Morethan 200 structureswereflooded, and scores of residents were forced to evacuate.

Arthur is not the firststorm to defy the decades-long pattern to which many of us have become accustomed. And it certainly won’tbe thelast.

Itsearly season toll remindsusofthe importance of federal weather forecastingand climate science efforts, many of whichare housed within the National Oceanic andAtmospheric Administration or NOAA. The Trumpadministration has cut the agency,and earlierthisyear, proposed more cuts. Those cutscouldhit the National Weather Service, for example,akey federal entity thatprovides crucial forecasting and weather data to localmedia whothenshare that with the public.

Such cuts threaten to reduce ourreadinessto face storms just at the momentthey arebecoming more unpredictable. For those of us who confront anew each year thethreatsofsevere weather,this is worrisome.

We are encouraged thatthe administration has stepped back from earlier indications that it would abolish or greatly reduce the Federal Emergency ManagementAgency.FEMA isn’t aperfect bureaucracy byany means,but it has on more than one occasion provided essential federal support to disaster-stricken regions, including in Louisiana.

We therefore encourage ourelected federal representatives to heed Arthur’swarnings. Any reductions in NOAA funding should be surgical and focused on efficiencyratherthanjust cuts for cuts’ sake. We know thischallenge is formidable. Butsolving hard problems is what they were elected to do.

For now,weurge our fellow Louisianans to do what we always do, and offer helpinghands to those affected by Arthur.Weare thankful that its effectswere not worse, butwehopeits lessons linger

LETTERSTOTHE EDITOR ARE WELCOME. HERE AREOUR

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

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

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OPINION

YOUR VIEWS

Land bridge conceptwas proven by I-10 project, in 1967

Mike Smith’sMay 24 article asks whether Louisiana can build a94-mile land bridge. His own comparison answers the question: The distance is “longer than thedriving mileagefrom New Orleans to Baton Rouge.”That is exactly how we built Interstate10.

Between August 1967 and July 1968, theLouisiana Department of Highways let four contracts to construct 22 miles of I-10 embankment across the swamps between Sorrentoand LaPlace. Contractors dredged 13.35 million cubic yards of sand from theMississippi River and pumped it through pipelines up to 15 miles to the construction site, using booster-pumpstations at 2- to 3-mile intervals. That was 1967 technology —a30-inch hydraulic dredge recovering 1,000 cubic yards per hour from theriver bottom. Today’scutterhead dredges are larger,more efficient and routinely pumpsediment farther.The land bridge concept uses theidentical method dredge river sediment,transport it by pipeline, build stable embankments

at ascale Louisiana contractors demonstrated nearly 60 years ago. The question is not whether it can be done. The question is why it took so long to return to what works.

The article quotes Steve Cochran urging thestate to “use the river.” That is precisely what dredge-and-pipeline does: It uses theriver’ssediment, placed where it is needed, without the open-discharge salinity shocks that threatened dolphins, fisheries and drinking water under the canceled diversions Afinal noteonsourcing. Smith’sarticle carries thedisclosure that his work is supported by agrant from the Walton Family Foundation.

That same foundation invested tens of millionsofdollars in the organizations that promoted the diversions the land bridge now replaces. Readers should weigh the article’sskepticism accordingly DENNIS LAMBERT

formerchair,Waterways Committee, ASCE Coasts, Oceans,Ports &Rivers Institute Lettsworth

Confederatesoldiersand thebreakaway states were fighting forslavery,and they knew it

On May 21, you published aletter to theeditor by Toby Russo: “Treat Confederate dead just like other veterans.” This may be one of the most ignorant, factually dishonest screedsever published in your paper

Russo saysnot honoring dead Confederates —who, to be clear,are traitors whotook up arms against the United States —isbeing “ignorant of history,” when they themselves seem to have no working knowledge of it.

Russo wrote “there was no OneNation”in1861.

This will come as ashock to thewriters of the Constitution, which begins “Wethe people of the United States.” Russo then states that “onenation” wasn’tadded to thePledge of Allegiance —which is not alegal document —until 1883, even though Francis Bellamy didn’twrite thepledge until 1892.

Russo then contradicts himself, saying Southernersthought they were “defending themselves from invasion” (also factually wrong) but also that rich slaveowners made them “fight re-

gardlessofhow they felt about awar.” Forgetting that the South startedthe war,claiming soldiersfought only because they were forced to echoes NazisatNurembergwho said they were “just following orders.”

It’snot “inconceivable” that Southerners fought to preserve slavery Texas,Georgia, Mississippi, South Carolina, Virginia and Arkansas all explicitly cite the preservationand expansion of slavery in their articles of secession, which were endorsed by the rest of the Confederate states.

Russo’sentirenarrative is built on lies about the“lostcause”and “states’ rights.” Ihave onequestion for people defending this position: the states’ rightstodowhat exactly?

Instead of espousing factually empty nonsense, Isuggest Russo go to a libraryand read firsthand accounts written by Confederates bragging about their slaves thatthey would fight to thedeath to keep.

ALEJANDRODELOS RIOS NewOrleans

The emperor has no clothes. Iwrite not just about President Donald Trump, but the Republican Party and mostofits voters. The president’sauthoritarian impulses, corruption, disregard forthe Constitution, and racist and misogynistic behavior are well documented. His actions are unhinged as evidenced by his recent interview with Kristen Welker on “Meet the Press.” Most of his insults are reserved forfemale reporters. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth is hostile to women and people of color.This is systemic throughout the Republican Party “Profiles in cowardice” describes Republicans in Congress. Any pushback against this president is tepid at best. There are symbolic votes, but they won’t stand up when it counts. This conservative SupremeCourt has acreative interpretation of the Constitution. They gave Southern states the green light to dilute the votes of African Americans. Hoping to preserve their House majority,Republican dominated legislatures have been all too eager to target Black-majority districts in their gerrymandering schemes. Speaker Mike Johnson seemstoemulate the cardinals in the Catholic Church whohid abuse of children as he has fought the release of the Epstein files by going as farasrefusing to swear in Adelita Grijalva formore than 40 days. She wonanopen seat in Arizona and was the 218th vote on the discharge petition to release the files.

Iwas aRepublican until Donald Trumpdrove me away.Now Ihave no party preference. Ifind their silence to be deafening on the president’sposting Christlike images of himself or attacking the pope, in addition to his racist posts targeting the Obamas. History has away of grading you. Former U.S. Rep. Adam Kinzinger predicts that in 10 years, fewpeople will admit to voting forTrump. Ibelieve him

CHARLESV.DUNCAN Lafayette

Cassidy hasremedyfor medical cost squeeze

No

mere electionloss can stop Sen BillCassidy,R-Baton Rouge, from trying to craft policies that improve family finances, especiallyrelated to the costs of medical care. Not that Louisiana GOP voters, intent on exercising their rageful ids, seem to care. But when they refused to reelect Cassidy,they gave him only about six more months to push through good ideas as chairman of the Senate’skey healthcare committee. Nonetheless, he’s trying to make the most of those six months.

In aJune 22 column in theonline publication “State Affairs,”Cassidy continued severalmonths’ worthofattempts to outline what he calls his MVP Agenda: Moneyand Value for Patients. Hisproposals make aton of sense.

In floor speeches and other forums, Cassidy has noted that the average American household now has more than $10,000 in total creditcard debt, and that more than 60% of personal bankruptcies relate in part to healthcare expenses. Full-coverage insurance plans can be too expensive, though, while out-of-pocket healthexpenses,even for insured people, can be quite burdensome.

The answer,Cassidy says, is to allow or incentivize more people to choose lower-cost and“catastrophic” plans rather than lower-deductible ones —driving down demand costs, and prices,for the wholeinsurance market —while providing “pre-funded”health savings accounts (HSAs)that could coverfar more of the out-of-pocket costs.

Younger people would receive$1,000 annually,and older people up to $1,500, for these accounts, if used in conjunction with low-cost insurance plans. Unused funds each year,ofcourse, would roll over,sobythe time young workers really need to dip heavily into the HSAs, the accounts could be rather substantial.

The money for the pre-funded accounts would come from changes to thegovernment’stax subsidyformulas for health-insurance purchases. Those formulas favor high-income earners over middle earners, butCassidy’splan would free up money by equalizingthe

treatmentacross income groups. Other policy changes, morecomplicated but eminently sensible in incentivizing care for lower-income workers, would free upeven more money for HSAs.

Meanwhile, Cassidy has been pushing (and on some fronts already has helped enact) tools to force more “pricetransparency” from bothmedical providers and insurance companies. The idea is to give patients accesstoprices before securing services, rather than being surprised by multiple bills afterwards.

Cassidy wants to pair up transparency laws with new online applications that will enable patientstosee which providers are nearby,compare their prices, and see various indicators of the quality of care from each.

“Take power from the insurance company,power from the middlemen and giveittothe patients,” Cassidy said in aJune 9, 15-minuteSenate floor speech, then repeated: “Power tothe patients, not profit for the insurance companies.”

Cassidyalso would try to reduce health problems from starting in the first placebyadding an element helpingparents know what ingredients are in the foodsthey buy,sochildren are better nourished andavoid chronic disease

Parts of Cassidy’sMVP approach

dovetail withchanges in law already madebyeither the first or second Trumpadministration, or withwidely supported bipartisan initiatives in the past 10 years. Someofthe food labeling elements track the wiser partsof HealthSecretary Robert Kennedy Jr.’sotherwise dicey agenda. Cassidy’s MVPapproach probably will involve several bills, not just one. Either way,though, this is thesort of creative reform package that actually makes sense, one in which the numbers really do work well with no magic asterisks: In sum, they are actuarily sound.

Andthey are designed, as Cassidy told me this week, toempower middleclass “families acrossLouisiana (who) are being squeezed by rising healthcare costs.”

The problem Cassidy is addressing is real. As aloser in his reelection primary,Cassidy isn’twasting his time licking his wounds.Instead, he is diligently working to help moreAmerican people afford to get medical help for their own wounds and illnesses. In doing so, he upholds thehighest standards of the proverbial good doctor,seeing to his patients’ needs.

Email QuinHillyer at quin.hillyer@ theadvocate.com

SupremeCourt supports religiousfreedom, except when it comesina di

The U.S. Supreme Court has consistently ruled in favor of protecting people who have specific faithand religious practices, arguingthatmainstream religious values andorganizations must be protected, with an expansive view of the free exercise clause of the First Amendment.

Were you not entertained by the human cockfight staged on the South Lawnofthe White House recently? Blood and guts werethe coin of the realm in Washington’sUltimate Fighting Championship extravaganza held to celebrate President Donald Trump’s80th birthday and, supposedly,the 250th birthday of the United States of America.

Isuspect the nation’sfounders would have been unamused by Trump’sidea of acelebration worthy of the blood sacrificed for the highest prize —freedom.If the term “toxic masculinity” were in search of an illustration, Trumpgleefully provided it.

With fighters, politicians, billionaires, military performers and about 4,000 spectators, the nation’scapital was forseveral hours a250year testosterone-flood event. Even the scantily clad Octagon girls wereabout to sprout mustaches by the end of the morethan $60 million show Yes, somewomen enjoy the sport, and some are fighters, too, though none competed in this event. Though it’sdifficult to estimate the number of women whoattended the White House fight fest, somenotables stood out, including first lady Melania Trump; Ivanka Trump, who posted that the evening was“epic,” and, of course, Linda McMahon, whowas chief executive of World Wrestling Entertainment before Trumptapped her as education secretary For the uninitiated, the Las Vegas-based UFC is one of the world’slargest mixed martial arts organizations. It hosts combat events forathletes from different fighting styles —boxing, wrestling, jiu-jitsu and kickboxing —inside a cage called the Octagon.

As they say,ittakes all kinds. But on the White House lawn? What should we expect from areality-show president whodemolished part of the White House to makeway foragargantuan, gilded ballroom?Amaster of distraction, Trumpis never at aloss forways to deflect attention from whatever is making headlines to himself Although he may have felt rebuffedbymusicians whocanceled their showsfor the 250th anniversary celebration once they learned about the host organization’sties to the president, the new circumstances gave Trumpan excuse to take the stage himself on July 4and lead what he’snow calling a“rally.”

From about1950 until about 1995, Fred M. Vinson (1946-1953),Earl Warren (1953-1969) Warren E. Burger (19691986) and William H. Rehnquist (1986-2005) servedasthe first among equals on the nation’shighest court. In thattime,the Supreme Court ruled in favor of faith andreligious plaintiffs in some cases and not in others. The record shows that they split about 50-50 withtheir decisions on these issues.

In 2005, President GeorgeW.Bush appointed John Roberts as chief justice. Since then, faith and religious plaintiffs have won the Supreme Court’sfavor 83% to 91% of thetime. That’sahuge increase,and one that plaintiffs who feel they’vebeen discriminated against based on theirfaith of choice and religious practices were pretty certain that they would get a fair hearing —and likely afavorable result.

I’m sure that’swhat Damon Landor and his attorneys thought whenthey filed Landor v. Louisiana Department of Corrections, alawsuit that argued that Landor’sreligious rights as a

LETTERS TO THEEDITORARE

Rastafarian were violated when Louisiana prison guards forcibly cut off his dreadlocks while he was imprisoned. But no. Theconservative majority of six decided that federal laws protectingreligiousrights don’tapply to state officials as individuals and therefore Landor cannotsue theprison guards whoignored afederal law providing him and other prisoners protections based on alegitimate religious practice. Landor showed guards and thewarden proof that his long locks shouldn’tbecut.The paper was tossed in the trash. They handcuffed him and shaved him bald.

I’venever been in ajail or prison excepttovisit. I’ve been bald since 2018 bychoice. I’m apracticing Christian,and my faith doesn’trequire me to grow my hair and never cut it. But

Landor’sfaith does require that practice.

I’d be appalled if someone had mandated that Igobald and proceeded to shave my head against my will.

The state and the high court surely must realize that somereligions either strongly encourage or require men to grow beards.

Devout (Amritdhari) Sikhs keep all hair uncut,especially men withbeards. Somewho practice Judaism reference theZohar and the Torah law,either to keep fully-grown beards or totrim beards without arazor.That’s especially true for Hasidic Jews and someOrthodox or ultra-Orthodox Jews. Some Christians, like theAmishand Old Order Mennonites, keep their beards once they are married.

Though theSupremeCourt decision was narrowly tailored, Ican’thelp but thinkthe high court and prison officials too easily dismiss thecomplaints of people like Landor who don’tlook like them —and those who don’thave religious practices they don’tunderstand or care to understand.

Idoubt they would’ve cut the hair of aSikh, aHasidic Jew or an Amish prisoner,people who also don’tlook like them.

Landor’shair should’ve never been cut. The state and prison officials know that. That’swhy they changed the policy to include providing cover for Rastafarianslike Landor

Email Will Sutton at wsutton@ theadvocate.com.

At atimewhen toxic masculinity is alegitimate concern —and when boys and men sufferfrom avariety of problemsrelated to education, jobs, relationships, isolation and depression —itisjarring to see the mostextremeexamples of masculinity highlighted by the president, not only as entertainment but, presumably,asrole models. Ihave no reason to think that those men in the cage are anything but good citizens, fathers, sons and brothers, but they don’toffermost of America anything to celebrate. Why not skip the pretense and bring in somelions and giraffes?

I’mtrying to be polite. Really,I am. And please don’tmistake me for an anti-male feminist. Iwrote the book “Save the Males” way back in 2008, outlining the early warning signs of the problemswe’re seeing now.Would Irather watch the cast of “Hamilton” at the White House than men pummeling each other into bloody pulps? Youbet. But there’sachasmic difference between brilliant Broadway performers and hyped-up men kicking and punching forspectacle. Ican’tbear to think what the rest of the world sees when it watches the most powerful country on Earth, the heart of democracy,descend from the hilltop into the primal muck where man-as-beast triumphs over the sublime. (That’smebeing polite.)

The People’sHouse has been so desecrated by this president.

Finally,the fighter whodecided that his victory was the perfect timetoinsult former first lady Michelle Obamaunderscored the tasteless theatrics. Real men don’tspeak disrespectfully of others regardless of circumstances, but that ship sailed long ago.

Trump’sbig, beautiful brawl, with all its blood, sweat and smears, was an “epic” embarrassment. Once again, the president of our United States has shownthe world whohereally is —ashowman with poor taste and worse judgment, whogets his kicks from watching other people get knocked down. Our boys and young men deserve better,and so do our girls and women

Kathleen Parker is on X, @kathleenparker

Quin Hillyer

Will Sutton

Kathleen Parker

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By GERALD HERBERT

Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-Baton Rouge, speaks to supporters during an election night watch party onMay 16.

ASSOCIATEDPRESS FILE PHOTO

The U.S. Supreme Court

BY JENNIFER McDERMOTT Associated Press

Olympian Jessie Diggins visited Capitol Hill with her four medals in hand Wednesday to advocate for clean air, clean water anda healthy planet.

America’smost decorated crosscountry skier is part of “Protect Our Winters,” an athlete-driven environmental groupthatsenta coalition to Washington tomeet with lawmakersTuesday and Wednesday.The group is most concerned with how theEnvironmental Protection Agency has weakened key climate, water and pollution regulations since President Donald Trumpreturnedto office.

“I don’twant to stick my head in the sand and ignorethe world burning,” Diggins said in an interview.“Ifeel like Ihave aresponsibility to use my voiceto advocate for change. And so that’s why it’ssoimportant to me, because Iwant my great-grandkids to be able to build asnowmanand try cross-country skiing someday, and be able go hiking and fishing and camping in the summer,and breathe clean air.Iwant that for them very badly.”

Diggins retired from professional ski racing this yearafter earning bronze in the women’s 10-kilometerinterval start at the 2026 Milan Cortina WinterOlympics. Many skiers expressed concern during these Olympic Games about climate change and the accelerating melt of the world’s glaciers. Awarming world jeopardizes the future of their sport.

Diggins described bringing her medals to Washington as a“beautiful, full circle moment.” She said she’llconsider it asuccess if she has productive conversations that help pave the way for bipartisan efforts to strengthen and bolster the EPAinthe future. Republicans currently in control of Congress have generally supported the Trump EPA’sactions.

“We’re trying to advocatefor solutions that are going to protect us

long term, and training and racing throughfour Olympics, that was a very long-term thing, youknow?

It’snot quick,immediategratification, you work andyou work and you work,” Diggins said. “I think it’sanice reminder of like, it’sOK thatweare looking for solutions for thefuture.”

Democratic Rep. Paul Tonko, of New York, said it was an honor to meet with this group of “athletes, advocates andchampions.”

“These efforts aremore important thanever, with an administration and EPAthat is wiping out environmental protections left and right,”hesaid in astatement.

“I remain as committed as ever to being sound stewards of our environmentand leaving behind abetter planet for our next generation of torchbearers.”

Athletes,scientists, storytellers

It’s not the typical lobbying group. Professional ski mountain-

Olympian advocatesfor cleanair initiatives

obligation to protectthe public from dangerous greenhouse gas pollution at atime when climate change is creatinggreater risks of extreme weather,including strongerhurricanes, more dangerous floodsand more intense wildfires. Legal challenges to arange of EPArule changes have been filed by states, citiesand public health andenvironmental groups. Beyond theTrump years

Ben Gubits, vicepresident of campaigns and advocacy forProtect Our Winters, said the group expectsthe federalgovernment to protect the health of American citizensand theplanet. POW has lobbied Congress forabout adecade, including several visits in 2021 and2022 whenitadvocated forpassage of alandmark climate bill. President Joe Biden signed the so-calledInflationReduction Act in 2022.

eer BrodyLeven only owns asuit to go to Washington withProtect Our Winters.But, he said,theyare the ones who can hopefullybring people together around policy solutions to climatechange.

“We’regood at looking at adversity in theface and still moving forward,” he said. “Andwe’re good at knowing something is going to be hard andtrying to do it anyways.”

They met with Democrats and Republicans. Olympians Jaelin Kauf, Gus Schumacher,Bea Kim, Julia Kern and Olivia Giaccio were involved, Protect Our Winters said. Kauf, athree-timeOlympic silver medalist, said she talked with lawmakersWednesday about seeingthe effects of climatechange firsthand as she travels, and about howpoorsnowisimpacting major races.She said protecting theselands andbeautifulplaces is “something that can bring alot

of us together. During the Trump administration,the EPAhas revoked ascientific finding that underpinned the fight against climate change, moved to roll back limits on toxic wastewaterfrom coal-fired power plants and announced other cuts to federal limitsonair andwater pollution as it promotes fossilfuels. These changesclash with the agency’s historic mission to protect humanhealthand theenvironment.

EPAAdministrator LeeZeldin has saidthe department is “driving adagger through the heart of climate-change religionand ushering in America’sGolden Age.” Doing so, he said, will save trillions of dollars in regulatory costs andhiddentaxes, whichinturn will make the cost of living more affordable and reignite domestic manufacturing.

Environmentalists say the EPA under Zeldinhas abandoned its

“Weare really thinking about a long-term and positive vision for the future,and howdowerebuild these critical institutions beyond the Trumpyears,” Gubits said. Stuart Nissenbaum startedworking at theEPA early in Biden’s term and leftayear ago. He’spart of thecoalition, too. Nissenbaum said he thinks being in Washington with Olympians will help bring attention to their message. They are masters of their craftand they wore the U.S. flag while competing, which should resonate with members of Congress, he added. Nissenbaumsaid he went to Washington to convey to legislators that clean air and clean water arebipartisan, andtheyshould adopt policies grounded in science to protect the environment.

“Clean air and clean water isn’t something that we should take for granted,” he said. “It affects every single person.”

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By JOSE LUIS MAGANA

Senate MinorityLeader Chuck Schumer,D-N.y., speaks withOlympians Julia Kern, from left,Jessie Diggins, Bea Kim and Olivia Giaccio, during ameeting to advocate for clean air,clean water and ahealthyplanet on Capitol Hill in Washington on Tuesday.

SPORTS

LOUISIANA SPORTS HALL OF FAME

LIFE CHANGER

One swing altered Morris’ legacy with LSU baseball

Editor’s note: This is one among 12 profiles of inductees for the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2026. Festivities will take place through Saturday in Natchitoches.

BY JOHN MARCASE

Contributing writer

Thirty years after hitting the biggest home run in college baseball history, Warren Morris is still amazed at its impact.

“I had no clue that it was gonna be something where strangers would come up to me all the time and tell me, I remember where I was, I was doing this or, you know, I was at this wedding,” Morris said.

“It’s kind of like a moment in time; people remember where they were.”

The moment was the championship game of the 1996 College World Series. LSU trailed Miami, 8-7, with two outs in the bottom of the ninth inning and the tying run on second base. Morris, batting last in the LSU lineup because of a hand injury and subsequent surgery had not hit a home run that season Until then.

Morris attacked the first pitch from Miami closer Robbie Morrison The line drive just sailed over the right-field wall.

Morris’ life changed with that one swing. But as anyone who has known him before he stepped into the lefthanded batter’s box at Rosenblatt Stadium for the final time on June 8, 1996, will attest, that one swing did not

change him.

“Warren Morris was a great kid before he hit that home run,” said Steve Boniol, Morris’ first baseball coach, “and Warren Morris would’ve been the same had he struck out. He has not changed.”

That is one of the reasons Morris is being recognized as the third recipient of the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame’s Louisiana Sports Ambassador Award, established in 2020. The award honors long-term exemplary contributions to the perception of Louisiana by an individual who has ties to the state’s sports landscape.

Morris’ former offseason workout partner called to congratulate him upon

ä See MORRIS, page 3C

U.S.

BY GREG BEACHAM AP sportswriter

IRVINE, Calif. Christian Pulisic said he feels “great” now after missing one World Cup match with a calf injury, and he hopes to play for the U.S. in its final group match against Turkey on Thursday night.

Pulisic played a dynamic first half in the Americans› 4-1 victory over Paraguay to open their home World Cup nearly two weeks ago, but the AC Milan midfielder came off at halftime after an injury from training stiffened up.

Pulisic said he nearly played in the 2-0 victory over Australia last Friday but was held out to get closer to full fitness for the games ahead. He has returned to practice

ä United States vs.Turkey, 9 P.M.THURSDAy,FOX

with his teammates this week after working out on his own last week before the trip to Seattle.

“I›m hoping to play a part in (the match against Turkey), for sure,” Pulisic said before the U.S. training session Wednesday at Great Park “I’ll discuss that with my coaches and the medical staff. Obviously not a good chance I’ll probably go and play 90 (minutes) right away after you come back and miss a game, but we’ll see.”

U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino didn›t reveal his plan Wednesday for Pulisic in the match against Turkey, which is meaningless for both teams. The Americans are locked into first place in

BY ANNE M. PETERSON AP soccer writer

While most of the soccer world is focused on the men at the World Cup, the countdown has begun for the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil. The women’s tournament is set to start June 24, 2027, hosted by a South American country for the first time. Brazil hosted the men’s World Cup in 1950 and 2014.

“I think that the host country, it sleeps and breathes football. So, I think just the energy you’re going to see from the public, the general public, and obviously the teams touching down in Brazil, I mean, it’s such a unique, special country,” FIFA chief football officer Jill Ellis said at an event Wednesday in Miami “I think the same energy you’re going to feel

ä See WOMEN, page 6C

BY ROD WALKER Staff writer

Jaron Pierre is coming back home.

Pierre, a graduate of St Augustine High School, was selected with the No. 58 pick by the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday night in the second round of the NBA draft. Pierre, a 6-foot-5 guard, finished his career at SMU. Before that, he had college stops at Southern Miss, Wichita State and Jacksonville State. Pierre averaged 17.6 points, 4.9 re-

have any firstround picks thanks to last year’s draft night trade when they traded with the Atlanta Hawks to move up from No. 23 to No. 13 to select forward Derik Queen. That move was highly criticized because the Pels gave up this year’s draft pick to get it. That deal ended up giving the Hawks the No 8 pick in this year’s draft. Atlanta selected guard Kingston Flemings from the University of Houston with the pick Tuesday night. Joe Dumars, the Pelicans executive vice president of basketball operations, hinted in April after the Pelicans’ 26-56 finish that trading to get into the first round was a possibility

“Unless you’re a championship team, you might tweak one or two things,” Dumars said. “When you’re where we are, you have to be open to everything. And that’s where I am. I am open to whatever comes across my desk. Whatever phone calls I get, I’m open to it to listen and see if this is the right thing for us at this moment. I don’t think you can close off anything where we are right now.”

But nothing happened on Day One. Wednesday was different as the Pelicans hope to hit on a second-round pick for the second year in a row The Pels drafted guard Micah Peavy from Georgetown in the second round last season and he proved to be a solid player Peavy averaged just 4.3 ppg, but he displayed the strong defensive traits that made the Pels draft him.

Now the Pelicans are hoping to see that same promise from Pierre.

Email Rod Walker at rwalker@ theadvocate.com.

ASSOCIATED PRESS FILE PHOTO By RODNEy WHITE

LSU hitter Warren Morris celebrates as he rounds first base in front of assistant coach Daniel Tomlin after hitting a two-run, walk-off home run to win the national championship against Miami at Rosenblatt Stadium in Omaha, Neb., on June 8, 1996.

Southwest Division spotlights frontcourt

Grizzlies, Mavericks and Spurs select 4 prominent prospects in the first round of the NBA draft

BY BRETT MARTELL AP sportswriter

The Memphis Grizzlies, Dallas Mavericks and San Antonio Spurs brought four prominent frontcourt prospects to the Southwest Division in Tuesday night’s first round of the NBA draft. Memphis took Duke forward Cameron Boozer third overall. Michigan’s Morez Johnson went to Dallas with the ninth overall draft choice.

When the defending Western Conference champion San Antonio Spurs picked 20th overall, they added Kentucky forward and center Jayden Quaintance — and then traded for another big man at 26th overall: Tarris Reed of Connecticut.

In Memphis, the 6-foot-9 Boozer will join another top young big man in Zach Edey

“We automatically become one of the best rebounding duos in the league,” Boozer said. “It’s going to be exciting to see what different types of things we can do — really mess up other teams and cause some mismatches for sure.”

The 6-9 Johnson helped Michigan win the second NCAA title in program history this past season, averaging 13.1 points and 7.3 rebounds The 6-9 Quaintance averaged 5 points and 5 rebounds for Kentucky during an injury-shortened season after spending his previous college campaign with Arizona State.

Meanwhile, Houston and New Orleans entered the draft without a first rounder and neither succeeded in finding a trade they liked to get back into NBA draft’s opening round.

New Orleans Pelicans

What was the team’s need: The Pelicans could use more outside shooting particularly if they intend to continue to build around power forward Zion Williamson. Trey Murphy III is New Orleans’ lone reliable outside shooting threat, and he’s been mentioned in trade talks so often that it’s not entirely clear how long his tenure with the Pelicans will endure.

Who New Orleans drafted: The Pelicans entered the draft without a first-round choice, having traded it away last year to Atlanta so New Orleans could acquire a sec-

NBA

BY JAY COHEN AP sportswriter

ond 2025 first-rounder that was used to take Derik Queen. Pelicans basketball operations chief Joe Dumars expressed interest in making a trade to get back into the first round this year, but apparently couldn’t find a deal he liked New Orleans wasn’t slated to pick until late in the second round, at 58th overall.

Memphis Grizzlies

What was the team’s need: Pieces for a rebuild Memphis started the process last summer, and these are the latest steps.

Who did Memphis draft: Cameron Boozer, 6-foot-9 power forward from Duke with the No. 3 pick.

Two trades dropped the Grizzlies from No. 16 to No. 17 to 21, picking up five second-round picks in the process, a person familiar with the moves told The Associated Press. At No. 21 from Detroit, Memphis selected Karim Lopez, a 19-year-old forward from Mexico, who played for the New Zealand Breakers in the NBL.

The picks’ NBA comparison: Boozer compares to Al Horford, Paolo Banchero and Kevin Love. As for Lopez, the comparisons stretch from Kyle Kuzma to Deni Avdija.

Dallas Mavericks

What was the team’s need: The Mavericks might spend a long time looking for their next star point guard after the ill-fated Luka Doncic trade.

Who did Dallas draft: Michigan F/C Morez Johnson Jr at No. 9 and G Sergio De Larrea of Spain at No. 25 in a trade with the Knicks.

The pick’s NBA comparison: At 6-9 with a defensive pedigree, Johnson fits the profile of a young Bam Adebayo. Johnson is considered limited offensively with the potential to grow Adebayo wasn’t a double-figure scorer until his third season. De Larrea, who fits the mold of a point guard, turned down U.S. college offers to follow the same path as Doncic in the EuroLeague. That comparison is farcical for now

San Antonio Spurs

What was the team’s need: Losing 4-1 to the New York Knicks in the NBA Finals exposed the Spurs’ need for another big man to play alongside and spell Victor Wembanyama. The French All-Star averaged 26.0 points, 11.2 rebounds, 3.6 blocks and 2.6 assists while playing a series-high 39.7 minutes.

Who the Spurs drafted: Jayden Quaintance, a 6-9, 253-pound forward from Kentucky and Tarris Reed, a 6-11 center from Connecticut. Quaintance’s career started at Arizona State, but his freshman season ended when he suffered a torn ACL, torn meniscus, and fracture to his right knee on Feb. 23, 2025. He played four games for Kentucky before knee pain and swelling forced him to end his season. Reed, picked 26th overall and acquired from Denver in a draft night trade, spent his first two seasons at Michigan before closing his career at UConn. Reed averaged 9.2 points, 6.8 rebounds and 1.5 blocks during his fouryear career Both Quaintance and Reed are rim protectors and defensive-minded players who rely on their strength.

The pick’s NBA comparison: Quaintance has been compared defensively to Portland’s Robert Williams III and Houston’s Clint Capela and offensively to Detroit’s Jalen Duren for his play around the rim. Reed has been compared to Joakim Noah and Andrew Bogut for his back-to-the-basket approach to offense.

Houston Rockets

What was the team’s need: Houston could use help with perimeter shooting, having ranked near the bottom of the NBA in 3-point shooting. But the Rockets also could use help in the front court, given the recent injury struggles of Capela and Steven Adams. Depth at point guard also would come in handy for a team that seemed to struggle to produce when starter Fred VanVleet wasn’t on the court.

Who Houston drafted: The Rockets aren’t scheduled to pick until 39th and 53rd overall in the second round, having traded away their 2026 first-rounder back in 2019 and part of a trade that sent Russell Westbrook to Houston that year

draft showcases Graham’s vision for the Bulls

CHICAGO — Bryson Graham took over the Chicago Bulls when he was hired as executive vice president of basketball operations in May At his introductory news conference, he referenced the acronym SLAP size, length, athleticism, physicality That vision is beginning to come into focus.

Chicago selected Caleb Wilson and Dailyn Swain in the first round of Graham’s first draft with his new team on Tuesday night. It was part of a busy stretch for the Bulls, who reportedly acquired Nic Claxton as part of a three-team trade on Monday night Tiago Splitter was hired as coach last week.

The 6-foot-9 Wilson and 6-7 Swain are known for their athleticism and finishing ability, and the 6-11 Claxton shot 57% from the field while averaging 11.7 points for Brooklyn last season. The three additions — along with Splitter’s arrival — provide the strongest indication yet of how the Bulls might look under Graham.

“We’re definitely not where we want to be, but we’re establishing an identity,” Graham said.

“I think that’s really important for this organization, especially where we’re at right now Both Caleb and Dailyn, they fit the bill. We’re not addressing every skill yet. A lot of people might (ask), ‘Where is the shooting at?’ and things of that nature. I’m not typically worried about that right now.”

Wilson made just seven 3-pointers in his only season at North Carolina, and Swain shot 37% (26 for 71) from deep during his junior year at Texas. But Graham said he thinks both players can improve their shooting skills. What Wilson and Swain bring right now is defensive versatility an important upgrade for Chicago after it allowed 121.5 points per game last season, ranking 28th overall in the NBA. The rebuilding Bulls also have two more picks in the second round of the draft on Wednesday night.

“The fastest way to find playing time and opportunity is on the defensive side of the ball,” Graham said. “So as Dailyn comes in and as Caleb comes in, I’m looking for them to be tone-setters on that side of the floor and be pillars for this organization going forward. Wilson, quite possibly the most athletic player in the draft, was the No. 4 pick after he averaged 19.8 points and 9.4 rebounds in 24 games with the Tar Heels. His season was cut short by left hand and right thumb injuries, but he said he feels great right now.

Ex-LSU coach Kelly to call football games for CBS

Brian Kelly, the former LSU football coach fired in November, has landed a new job as CBS college football color commentator Kelly is expected to be a part of a three-man booth and call Mountain West games on the network this fall.

Kelly did in-studio work with CBS for the NFL draft.

LSU announced it “separated” from Kelly in October after the Tigers started 5-3 in 2025 The separation, however, was found to be without cause, so the two sides agreed to a $54 million buyout, and Kelly was officially fired in November, the same month the program hired his successor, Lane Kiffin. Kelly, 64, previously said he wanted to work in a role around football to keep his opportunity to coach again open.

LSU gymnast Chio wins program’s 5th Corbett Award

LSU gymnastics star Kailin Chio has been named the recipient of the 2026 James J. Corbett Award, presented annually by the Allstate Sugar Bowl to the top female amateur athlete in the state.

Chio becomes the latest LSU gymnast to earn the prestigious distinction. She is the fifth LSU gymnast to be recognized with the Corbett Award, joining Haleigh Bryant (2024), Sarah Finnegan (2019), Ashleigh Gnat (2017) and Susan Jackson (2010).

The sophomore from Henderson, Nevada, earned eight All-America honors and helped lead the Tigers to an national runner-up finish in 2026. Her 13 perfect 10 scores set a new LSU single-season record and marked the second-most perfect scores by a NCAA gymnast in a season since 2019.

LSU baseball LHP signee will reopen recruitment

LSU signee and left-handed pitcher Colton Christman has decided to decommit from the program and reopen his recruitment, he announced on social media Wednesday Christman attended Arbor View High in Las Vegas and played some outfield in high school. Without Christman, LSU’s incoming class shrinks from 24 to 23 players.

LSU has a strong crop of lefthanded pitchers in its incoming recruiting class. Even without Christman, the Tigers have signed five lefties, including Logan Schmidt, who could be selected in the first round of the MLB draft next month. Schmidt, Lucas Nawrocki, Spencer Evans, Braxton Beaty and Bradyn Cupit are LSU’s remaining freshman left-handed pitchers.

Lakers to re-sign guard Reaves to 4-year deal

“My fit on the team is going to be, I’m just going to go hard, man, honestly,” said Wilson, who turns 20 on July 18. “I’m going to make it happen. Whatever they need me to do, I going to do it and more.”

Swain, taken at No. 15, played for Xavier for two seasons before transferring to Texas. He averaged 17.3 points, 7.5 rebounds and 3.6 assists last season with the Longhorns. He also led the team with 59 steals.

Swain prides himself in being what he called “a connective player.” Asked what that means from a defensive perspective, he focused on being able to disrupt the opposing offense.

“You know, get them out of rhythm, read plays before they happen,” Swain said, “get in the passing lanes and, you know maybe help out a teammate. Just anything to help out on defense.”

Chicago finished with a 31-51 record last season while missing the playoffs for the fourth straight year Graham has described the Bulls as being “at the ground floor,” so the development of Wilson and Swain will be a major factor in the direction and timeline for the team’s future Swain, for one, seemed excited about beginning his NBA career alongside Wilson.

“He is an electric player Every time you watch him, he has a highlight,” said Swain, who turns 21 on July 15 “I’ve just seen like a five-minute video of all his dunks from this season. It was the longest thing I’ve watched. I think we’re going to be great together.”

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — Austin Reaves is re-signing with the Los Angeles Lakers on a four-year contract worth $185 million, a person with knowledge of the deal told The Associated Press on Wednesday

The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the deal is not yet official for Reaves, who cements his status as one of the most successful undrafted players in recent NBA history with this contract. Reaves is declining his $14.9 million player option for the upcoming season to reach this deal with the team that signed him out of Oklahoma after the draft in 2021

The 28-year-old Reaves averaged 23.3 points, 5.5 assists and 4.7 rebounds last season despite missing two significant chunks of the year with injuries.

Cubs add pitchers Brown, Cabrera to injured list

NEW YORK Ben Brown and Edward Cabrera were placed on the injured list Wednesday, delivering two more blows for the pitching-depleted Chicago Cubs. Cabrera was expected to get imaging Wednesday after straining his left hamstring/adductor stretching for a throw at first base Tuesday during a 9-6 win over the New York Mets. Brown has a neck strain. He is 4-2 with one save and a 1.85 ERA for the Cubs, including 3-1 with a 1.70 ERA in eight starts since joining the banged-up rotation May 8. The Cubs have six

is

and

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By yUKI IWAMURA

Cameron Boozer right, poses for a photo with NBA commissioner Adam Silver after being selected by the Memphis Grizzlies in the first round of the NBA draft on Tuesday in New york.

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By yUKI IWAMURA Dailyn Swain, right, celebrates after being selected by the Chicago Bulls as the 15th pick in the first round of the NBA draft on Tuesday in New york

Principalhelpedput Strother on legendarypath

Editor’snote: This is one among 12 profiles of inductees for the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2026. Festivities will take place through Saturday in Natchitoches

BY RAYMOND PARTSCH III

Contributing writer

If not for adetermined crop-dusting principal, Dewain Strother likely would have spent decades working in lumber mills instead of becoming one of the winningest girls highschoolbasketball coaches in the country

Despite being an all-district guard at Plainview High Schooland helpingthe Hornets claimthe statechampionshipin1965, Strother had no intentions of going to college. Raised in theRapides Par-

ish woods westofGlenmora, Strother firmly believed he wasdone with schooling upon graduation.

“I had been in schoolfor 12 years,” Strother said. “That was long enough.”

Thankfully,Plainview principal Mike Irving hadother plans.

During his senior year, Strother wanted to take shop class, butthe school had him in English 4. So Irving made himadeal. He could take shop class, but if he messed up, then back to English he wouldgo.

“I leftschool without permission oneday,” Strother said. “I think they were watching me under amagnifying glass. Iwas putback in that English class. (Irving) then helpedregistermefor Northwestern State, flew me

up thereinhis little four-

seat Cessnaplane to take a test, and that is how Igot up there.”

That would set into motion astoried career,asStrother wouldlead Florien High School to six state championships, five runnerup finishes and 21 semifinal appearances. His 1,235 victories are the most by any girls basketball coach in state history,and the second-most in the nation.

“Itain’t about me,”Strother said. “It’s about thosegirls on the floor.They put the work in. They bought into what they needed to do.All theplayers whohave gone

LSU hitter Warren Morris celebrates after hitting agame-winning

1996 CollegeWorld Series championship game in Omaha, Neb

MORRIS

Continued from page1C

hearing the news.

“I told him that in away, that’s even better than what Igot, because they putme in on what Idid on the field,” said Russ Springer, who was inducted into the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame in 2018 after 18 years in themajors aftera stellar career at LSU, “but they thought he was agood enough person andall the things he did outside of the field that you deserve this award.”

HowMorrisended up as amember of the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame would be astorybook tale, only if he hadn’talready been the subject of an SEC Network documentary,“The Walk Off.” To adequately comprehend how Morris got to this point in his life would need aseries, not just aonehour production.

“If you would have told the 9-, 10-year-old me, go ahead and just dream big,” Morris said, “I would have sold myself way short. All of this is just way beyond anything thatIthought I was even capable of doing.” The 9-year-oldMorris would’ve told you he was gonna be abasketball player.After all, that was his favoritesport,and hisdad Bill,was the high school coach at Bolton High School in Alexandria. That was when fate intervened for the first time.

SteveBoniol’sson, Scott, and Warren were best friends. Scott’sDixie Youth Baseball team, coached by Steve, needed an extra player.Steve had to talk Bill and Barbara Morris into letting Warren play baseball. Steve and Scott Boniol tookWarren

to hisfirst practice,but first, theyhad to stopatSteve’s store, Cenla Sports, to get Warren aglove

“Thefirst practice,I threw batting practice and he would miss every time,” Boniol said.“Itold my assistant, Billy Moore, to teachWarren how to bunt. Warren had a work ethic, andhe wasn’t goingtosettle for not being able to hit. By the endofthe season, Warren led theteam in hits.”

Thevaledictorian of his graduating class, andanallstate infielder,Morris wound up accepting awalk-on invitation to join theLSU baseball program, then promptly redshirtedduring his freshman year.

The following season, Morris started63 of 66 games as an outfielder.The next season,hetookover atsecond baseand earned secondteam All-American honors. Heading intohis fourth year of college and third asaneveryday player,Morris was a preseasonAll-American.

Then,fate intervened again.

His right hand feltuncomfortable during the fall of 1995, and it never improved as the 1996seasonbegan Eventually it was discoveredMorrishad fractured the hamatebone and would need surgery.Itforced him to miss 39 games,and it caused manyfrustrating moments. Yet, it may have been the best thing that ever happenedtohim.

“I mean, obviously,atthe time, Iwasn’t enjoyingit, but looking back, it kind of goes backtoGod’s got aplan,” Morrissaid. “You don’tunderstand it,but it turned out betterintwo ways.”

The firstwas Morris surrendered to God’swill. If he could return to baseball he would. If his career was finished, he was content to

through my program aresuccessful. Nurses,policeofficers, teachers.I am amazed. Iamjustamazed. They are successful in society.”

Like many young boys in rural Rapides Parish during the1950s and60s,Strother fellinlove with basketball.

“I always loved the game of basketball,” Strothersaid. “At home,whenwefinished ourchores, Iwould go outsideand play basketballuntil mama hollered aboutsupper.”

Hison-courtcareer came to aclose upon graduationin 1968, but thankstohis principal,hewould return to the hardwood in adifferent capacity

Aftergraduating with his bachelor’sdegree in 1974, Strother was hired as an elementaryphysical ed teacher

at Florien, located roughly 40 miles southwest of Natchitoches. He would keep books forthe boys team before being asked to begin thegirls basketball programinthe early 1980s. It didn’ttakelongfor Strother to mold the Black Cats into oneofthe state’s bestprograms. In his second season, theteam won thedistrictchampionship. Then in 1986,theyadvancedtothe semifinals, losing to Starks. Then camea state runnerup finish in 1987 to Starks The seeds had been planted for one of the greatest runs in girls basketball history in Louisiana. Florien claimed its first state championship under Strother in 1989 by rolling Chatham In 1990-91, Florien went

48-0, defeated Holden forthe state crownand was ranked No.13inthe nation —the perfect season Florien would repeat in 1992 by beatingPitkin forthe state title, then win the title again in 1993 over Zwolle, and defeat Doyle forthe crown in 1994. In six years, Florienwent to six consecutive titlegames, hoistingthe title trophy five times. “It wasamazing,” said Strother’sdaughter, Jessica Caroline,who played for her dad. “Florien,itwas on the map. Everybody knew about Florien. Everybody knew Dad. Everybody still knows Dad. They will say,‘He is so amazing, andIwish we hada coach likehim.’ “ Strother retired after the 2022-23 season

graduate and move on with his life’scalling.

The second partpaid dividends on the field. The injury and post-surgery recovery changed Morris’ swing. He went from aplayer who threwright-handed andwas acontact left-handedhitter, to ahitter who could really start driving the ball when he made contact.

Morris returnedtothe LSU starting lineup on May 16, hitting ninth.

Had he neverbeeninjured, he would nothavebeen in position to hithis walk-off homer in Omaha. As it turned out,LSU won all 22 games he startedthat season.

Had he neverbeeninjured, Morris likely would not have been the best player on the 1996 U.S. Olympic baseball teamthat wonbronze. He led theteaminaverage (.409) to go with five homers, 11 RBIs and10runs scored in nine games.

Hadhenever been injured, Morrisadmits, he may neverhavemade the major leagues, finishing third in NL Rookie of the Year voting in 1999 when he hit 15 home runs.

Morrisretired from baseball in 2006. He and his wife, Julie,settled in Alexandriato raise theirthreedaughters. Morriseventually took ajob working for Red River Bank. He took anotherjob in an unofficialcapacity —perhaps thebest ambassador LSU baseball could askfor

“He provided the greatest momentinthe history of theCollege World Series 30 yearsago, and he since has embodied the values of adevoted husband, father and community leader,” saidBill Franques, the LSU baseball communications director since 1989.“LSUis very grateful forthe lifetime impact Warren Morrishas made uponour state.”

TheAssociated Press

CROMWELL, Conn. Twodays of rain gave way to aclearing sky Wednesdayatthe TravelersChampionship,a reminder that his week could be asoftre-entryintothe post-U.S. Open world.

Scottie Scheffler says that doesn’t make it any easier, just different Scheffler,who won this signature eventtwo years ago, joins U.S. Open champion WyndhamClark, runner-up SamBurnsand most of the best players on the PGA Tour at rain-softenedTPC River Highlands, acourse that tends to producebirdies even without rain.

“I really do enjoy kind of hardertests andsometimes the battle is funaswell,” Schefflersaid. “This golf course Ithink is interesting in asense of youhit some different clubs offthe tee, there’ssome strategy involved, but yougot to show up andmakebirdies.

“When you look at the closingstretch on this golf course,especially if you’re in contentiononSunday, you’re not going to be able to just limp in,” he said. “You got to go out there and you got to make birdies andhit some really,really great shots in ordertowin this tournament.”

That’swhat Keegan Bradleydid last year whenherallied over theclosingstretch to overcome Tommy Fleetwood—a two-shotswing on the final hole —towin the Travelers. It wasavictory thatput Bradley squarelyin the conversationofwhether the Ryder Cup captain should pickhimself. Ultimately,he didn’t.

Fleetwood wascrushed making bogey on the final hole as Bradleymadebirdie, particularlybecause he had yettowin on U.S. soil. He took care of that in much more granderstyle two

months later by winning the Tour Championship for the FedEx Cup.

“Asdisappointed and gutted as Iwas Ifelt like Igot a lot of support from it,” Fleetwood said of the runner-up finish last year.“I’ve seen Rory (McIlroy) talk about it before, like you go through those upsets and you wait for the next day and you realizemaybe it’snot as bad as youthink andyou have to get back to worknomatter what.”

McIlroy headed back home to London instead of playing the Travelers, the third time this year he has chosen not to play a$20 million signature event.

That’s not arequirement, and it won’tbein2028 when the PGATourembarks on a bold, new competition model that essentially divides the tourintotwo circuits —the Championship Series of some 24 events (including majors) and $20million purses, and the ChallengerSeriesfor players to try to earn their way into the top tier

Keytothe change is the ChampionshipSerieswill be 120 players on average, instead of 72 playersthat now compete at the Travelers Championship and other signature events. That appeals to Scheffler as much as

When youneed thenews. Wherever youreadthe news

anything else.

“I thinkwhatpeople want is to getthe best players playingtogether more often, Schefflersaid.“I’m notsure if the smaller fields werea huge fan favorite, so getting fields back to 120-man fields, getting acut back, Ithink it’s agood change.”

Eight of his 20 titles on the PGATour have hadsmaller fields, including the 64-man MatchPlayChampionship he won in 2024 when he first rose to No. 1inthe world. That includesapair of postseason events, and five signature events.

“I think whenyou look at larger fields it will be much hardertowin tournaments,” Scheffler said. “Itwill be different than theold days on tour whereyou could win atournament wherethere wasn’tmany of the top players playing.” Scheffler said winning any of the tournaments on the Championship Series in 2020 will be significant.

Scheffler is the only player to go from amajor title to a signatureevent victoryin consecutive weeks,in2024 at the Masters and RBC Heritage. That task now falls to Clark,who is comingdown from the high of winning hissecondU.S. Opentitle at Shinnecock Hills last week.

ASSOCIATED PRESS FILE PHOTO

homer to beat Miami in the

Strother

WORLDCUP 2026

Switzerland, Brazil clinch groups

Swisstopples Canada; Braziliansblank Scotland

By The Associated Press

VANCOUVER, British Columbia Switzerland put adamper on Canada’s World Cup party

The Swiss got goals from Rubén Vargas and Johan Manzambi to beat Canada 2-1 on Wednesday and win Group B Switzerland will get aweek of rest before returning to Vancouver to face one of the eight best thirdplace finishers on July 2.

“I think that we deserve to be whereweare right now,” Switzerland coach Murat Yakin said. “In three days from now,wewill know the opponent of the nextmatch, and now we have the possibility to watch this tournament, and to watch the matches, and we will take what we will get.” Canada dropped to secondplace in the group and will play in the knockout round for the first time in team history.But theCanadians had been hoping for awin or a draw on Wednesday so they would play their round-of-32 matchon home soil.

Instead, Canada will travel Inglewood, California, to playSunday against South Africa, which beat South Korea 1-0 in Monterrey, Mexico, to finish second in Group A.

“WewantedtobehereinVancouver,but we still have amassive opportunity ahead of us to find away to still electrify the nation, even though it’ll be fromLos Angeles,” Canada coach JesseMarsch said. After Manzambi came off the bench and scored two goals in

Remo Freuler of Switzerland plays theball in front of Stephen Eustaquio of CanadaduringtheirWorld Cup Group BmatchonWednesdayinVancouver,British Columbia. Switzerland won2-1

Switzerland’s4-1 victory over Bosnia-Herzegovina on Thursday, he earned aspot in the starting lineup against Canada. The 20-year-old midfielder became the youngest player to score two goals off thebench in the World Cup and is among the breakoutyoung stars of thetournament.

BRAZIL3,SCOTLAND 0: In Miami Gardens, Florida, Vinícius Júnior scoredtwo goals, MatheusCunha also scored and five-timeWorld Cupchampion Brazil beat Scotland to win GroupC and advance to the

knockout round.

Vinícius —who has agoal in all three of Brazil’sgroupmatches —scored in the seventh minute and again just before halftime, tying Kylian Mbappé of France with four goals, onebehind Lionel Messi’stournament-leading five Neymar entered as asubstitute in the 76th, making his debut after aright calfinjury sidelinedhim for Brazil’sfirst twomatches.

The majority-Brazilian crowd at Hard Rock Stadium began chanting his namemidway through the

Turkey coachMontellasayshe won’tresignafter winlessstart

BY GREG BEACHAM AP sportswriter

INGLEWOOD,Calif. Turkey

coach

Vincenzo Montella said he does not plan to resign with his team already eliminated from championship contention at the World Cup aftertwo scoreless defeats.

Montella also fought back against what he considers to be excessivecriticism of his team, received both online and in person, during apassionate news conference on Wednesday.Turkey finishes its World Cup againstthe unbeaten co-host U.S. on Thursday night at SoFi Stadium.

“Will Iresign? The answer is no,” Montella saidthrough an interpreter.“BecauseIstill have energy.Istill have enthusiasm. Ialso feel stronger after this experience Maybe if there is somebody who

wants me to resign, well, maybe they will have to accept Iwill not.”

TheItalian coach, who ledTurkeyback to the World Cup after a 24-year absence as the peak of his largely successful tenure, pleaded with histeam’sfans and media to be civil and even supportive after theirWorldCup was scuttled by a 2-0 loss to Australia and a1-0 loss to Paraguay.Turkey dominated both games by manystatistical measures,but couldn’tfind theopposing net

Montella is aware of themassive disappointment in aTurkish team that was apopular pick to have significant success at this World Cup, and hedoesn’t wantthis setback to affect his youngplayers’ attitudes or their confidence in the future of Turkish soccer

“These are the same boys, the same players who are heretoday and who maybe will be here in the future, so Ireally ask you to respect them,” Montella said. “Because they are our boys,they are our players,and Ihaveseen per-

sonal attacks that Icannot accept, because thisissomething youare doing againstyourown son,and this Icannot accept.”

The Turkish team was subjected to profane heckling fromahandful of angry fans when it arrived by bus at the team hotel in Los Angeles on Tuesday. Afan yelled in English: “Montella go home!”atthe coach, whoisnot fluentinTurkish, and calledout footballfederation president Ibrahim Hacisomanoglu beforeattempting to personally provoke captainHakan Calhanoglu.

“I was not expecting congratulations allthe time,but Iwas not expecting this kind of communication,” Montella said. “Wehave people that have been (supportively) following us by car from thestadium to theairport to hotels. We had a(heckling) group of three, four people probably,and now thinking that this is how the whole country feels, well, this is negative. This is not positive for the system, becausewehad 50 more (fans)who were supportive.”

second halfashegot off the bench andbegan doing warmup sprints on the sideline —and fans roared as he trotted onto the pitch.

Neymar is Brazil’scareer scoring leader with79goalsin130 international appearances.The 34-year-old forwardappeared in each of the past three World Cups for Brazil, scoring eight goals.

BOSNIA 3, QATAR1: In Seattle, Bosnia-Herzegovina eliminated Qatar and boosted its chances of advancingatthe World Cup with avictory With the win, thethird-place

finishing Bosnia-Herzegovina is morethan likely to advance to the Round of 32 in the expanded field. The eight best third-place finishers across the 12 groups advance.

MOROCCO 4, HAITI2: In Atlanta, Soufiane Rahimiand GessimeYassine came off the bench to help Morocco rally past Haiti and erase the Caribbeannation’shopes of afirst point at the World Cup.

Morocco twice came from behind against ateam playing at soccer’sbiggest tournament for the first timein52years.

Rahimi’sdeflectedshot in the 78th minute put Morocco ahead 3-2 and Yassine killed offany chance of an upset with agoal in the 89th.

MEXICO 3, CZECH REPUBLIC 0: In Mexico City,Mateo Chávez and Julián Quiñones scored goals in asix-minutespanearly in the secondhalf, andMexicobeat the Czech Republic to win all three of its World Cup group-stage matches forthe first time.

The 22-year-old Chávez, in his first World Cup, opened the scoring in the 55th minute and Quiñones scored his second goal of the tournament in the 61st. Alvaro Fidalgo added agoal in second-half stoppage time.

SOUTH AFRICA 1, SOUTH KOREA0: In Guadalupe, Mexico, South Africa advanced to the knockout phase of the World Cup forthe first time with avictory over South Korea. Thapelo Maseko scored in the 63rd minute and South Africa finished in second place in Group Abehind Mexico, which won all three of its group-stage games. SouthAfricawilltakeonCanada, the second-place finisher in Group B, in aknockout game Sunday at Inglewood, California.

BY JOHN MARSHALL AP sportswriter

Ecuador arrived at the World Cup on a19-game winning streak

They could face an early exit if they can’t find away to beat Germany in East Rutherford, New Jersey

Ecuador opened the World Cup witha 1-0 loss to Ivory Coast on Amad Diallo’sgoal in the 90th minute and playedtoascoreless draw against Curacao, the smallestnation in the World Cup.

That leaves Ecuador trailing both Germany and IvoryCoastin

Group Ewith one point and needing to beat the Germans, who have already clinched the group but will be without defender Nico Schlotterbeckfor the rest of theWorld Cup because of an ankle injury.

IvoryCoast nearsknockoutstage

Ivory Coast has achance to make history in its fourth World Cup.

With awin already under their belt, the Elephants can clinch a

spot in the knockout round for the first time with awin over Curacao in Philadelphia.

Ivory Coast pulled off a1-0 win over Ecuador and had ahalftime lead over Germany beforelosing 2-1. IvoryCoast’spreviousbest chance to reach the knockout stage came in Brazil in 2014 when they opened with awin over Japan before losingthe nexttwo games.

Curacao still hasanoutside shot of reaching the knockoutround, needing awin and some goaldifferential help fromEcuador Curacao has agoal differentialof minus-6,thankstoanopening 7-1 loss to Germany.

GroupFwinnerstill up in theair

The Netherlands and Japan will be playing for thetop spotin

Group FonThursday night— the Dutch play Tunisia, the Japanese face Sweden —but both teams have saidtheywant no updates on

each other as their games are progressing.

“You have to focus on making sure youwin the match,” said Netherlands coach RonaldKoeman, whose team has arecord World Cup unbeaten streak of 14 matches excluding penaltyshootouts. “Wewould love to be firstin thegroupand of course the result will haveanimpact on that, but that’snot the most important thing. Playing this game is the mostimportant thing.”

The Netherlands and Japan both have fourpoints anda plusfour goal differential. Sweden is at three points with its 5-1loss to Dutch.

To finish first in thegroup, Swedenhas to win andhavethe Netherlands do no better than adraw

“It’sliterally my first rodeo in terms of aWorldCup so it’sgoing to be newtome,” Sweden coach Graham Potter said.

“But yeah, it’s best for us to try to get thepositive resultsand focus on that.”

1 Thursday, June 18 Czechia 1, South Africa1 Friday, June19 Mexico 1, South Korea0 Wednesday Mexico 3, Czechia 0 South Africa1,South Korea0 GROUPB GPWDLGFGAPts Canada 21 10 71 4 Switzerland 21 10 52 4 Bosnia-Herzego.

Canada6,Qatar 0 Wednesday Switzerland 2, Canada 1 Bosnia-Herzegovina3,Qatar 1 GROUPC GPWDLGFGAPts Brazil 32 10 71 7 Morocco 32 10 63 7 Scotland 21 01 11 3 Haiti 20 02 04 0 Saturday, June 13 Brazil 1, Morocco 1 Sunday, June 14 Haiti 0, Scotland 1 Friday, June19 Scotland 0, Morocco 1 Saturday Brazil 3, Haiti 0 Wednesday Brazil 3, Scotland 0 Morocco 4, Haiti 2 GROUPD

GPWDLGFGAPts United States2200616 Australia 21 01 22 3 Paraguay2 10 12 43 Turkey 20 02 03 0 Saturday, June 13 United States4,Paraguay1 Sunday, June 14 Australia 2, Turkey 0 Friday, June1

Montella

Mannings celebrateN.O.HOF inductionwithhumor

BY JEFF DUNCAN Staff writer

The Mannings know how to take over aroom. Eli and PeytonManning, after all, are two of the most accomplished athletes of their generation and have become just as successful in the entertainment industry, where their “Manning Cast” show has become aMonday night staple during football season.

So it was no surprise that the former star quarterbacks stole the show at the Allstate Sugar Bowl awards banquet Wednesday night at theSuperdomeas the headliners for the New Orleans Hall of Fame Class of 2026. Theyentertainedthe standing-room-onlycrowd with memories of their combined four Super Bowl championships and nostalgic stories of their playing days at Isidore Newman School.

“It’sagreat honor,” Eli Manning said of hisHallof Fame induction. “I love New Orleans. When we came to play the Saints, I’m sucha loyal person that Ilet the Saints beat me every time I played here.”

The Mannings’ free-wheeling conversations with older brother and roundtable emcee Cooper punctuated the awards ceremony,conduct-

WOMEN

Continued from page1C

right now when you bring the world together,and you have an incredible product in women’sfootball, Imean, thelevel of quality theplayers is so extraordinary that Ithink, honestly,it will be an epic showcase of football and fandom.”

In addition to Miami, a countdown event wasalso held in Rio de Janeiro. Even in Vancouver,British Columbia, at Wednesday’sWorld Cup match between Swit-

reminisced about his playing days in theCarrollton youth league at Audubon Mark and later at Newman, where he passed for morethan 7,000 yards and 92 touchdowns, while earning National Player of the Year honors as a senior

He also spoke abouthis record-setting career at the University of Tennessee and his Hall of Famecarer in the NFL, where he earned arecord five MVP awards and became thefirst quarterback to win Super Bowls with two teams (Colts and Broncos).

“I wasalwaysproud to be from NewOrleans,”Peyton Manning said. “Just incredible memories here in New Orleans and areal honorto join Eliand Bo here in the New Orleans HallofFame. It means alot.”

said. “I loveNew Orleans. To this day, some of my best friends in the world are my buddiesthatI went to elementary school and Newman with.I just love the people here.”

ed annually by the Sugar Bowl to recognize andhonor the top athletes and teams in New Orleans and the state of Louisiana. The brothers delighted the crowd with their humility and trademark deadpanhumor.

zerland and co-host Canada, video signage flashed with adsfor the upcoming women’stournament.

All eight citiesthat will host women’smatches next year also hosted men’s games in 2014: RiodeJaneiro,Sao Paulo, Belo Horizonte, Brasilia,Fortaleza, Porto Alegre, Recife andSalvador Qualificationfor the tournament has already begun. Brazil, which has an automatic spot as host, has never won the women’s tournament and it remains to be seen whether Marta, the six-timeFIFAworld player of the year,will be on the

When askedbyCooper

aboutthe many records he setduring his Hall of Fame career with theIndianapolis Colts and Denver Broncos, Peyton quipped: “I threw 28 interceptions, whichis still an NFL all-time rookie

national team. The 40-yearold Martanever has wona major international tournament.

Thirteen other teams also have qualified, including Australia, Philippines, Japan, North Korea, China, SouthKorea, Argentina, Colombia, New Zealand, Germany, France, Spain and Denmark

“There is only one year left until the moment that will be marked in the history of our country. Forthe CBF(Brazilian soccer confederation) andfor allBrazilians, it is a source of great pride to host the Women’sWorld Cup,”

United States forward Christian Pulisic,left, andteammate Chris Richardsattend atraining session Tuesdayahead of aWorld Cup matchagainst Turkey on Thursday.

SOCCER

Continued from page1C

their group, while Turkey has been eliminated from knockout-round contention.

»Pulisic is talking with the medical (staff),» Pochettino said in an afternoon news conferenceatSoFi Stadium.

“Wehave to decide if it’s possible to play from the beginning, or maybeplay from the bench and playthe second half.” Pochettino did indicate that his players who have already received yellow cards

—Folarin Balogun, Chris Richards, Antonee Robinson and Tyler Adams —are unlikely to play,atleast as starters.

“For the guys that have yellowcards, it’s notnecessary to take another yellow card and not be available for the next stage,” Pochettino said. “It’sanormal, easy answer not to play with them from the beginning.”

Pulisic hopes the plan includes at least some playingtimefor himasthe U.S. ramps up for its round-

of-32match in SantaClara, California, on July 1. While Pulisic›s calf injury robbed him of one chance on the World Cupstage, he felt certain he wouldn›t be out for long.

“I never feared anything worse,” Pulisic said. “I was pushing, and Iwas really close to trying to be available for the last game, for sure. Idid feel alittle something (against Paraguay), butI definitely was able to push through in the first half andjust get me through. But yeah, it wasn’tquite ready but it wasn’tanything where Ifeared anything worse than what it was.”

With no stakes for the U.S. against Turkey,Pochettino seems likely to provide some rest to key playersin hisstarting lineupwhile giving afew of hisreserves possibly their only opportunity to hit the field. That sounds great to Richards, who thinks some time off wouldn›t be ahindrance.

“Our trainings are pretty intense,» Richards said. «I think fitness won›t beanissue.I don›t think sharpness will be, either.Obviously

it›s good to keep into some sort of rhythm, butI think theseguys deserve it if they get the chance (Thursday). Ithink we›llbefine whenit comes to the next game.”

Pulisic was visibly excited as aspectator during the Americans› wininSeattle, celebrating along withhis teammates as they capably handleda secondstraight opponent fortheir team›s first consecutive World Cup victories since 1930. The U.S.offensive performance withoutits most accomplishedattacking player particularly in thefirst half against Australia, pleased Pulisic greatly “It’snot surprising to me,”Pulisic said.“Isee whatthis team cando. We have depth. We have really strong players in alot of positions. Idon’t need to do everything. It’ssuch a strongteam. These guys, everyonehas each other’s backs. That’swhat so fun about it,and to seethe way the team performance that we’ve put in, especially the way we’ve started the games, has been fun to watch.”

record thatI hold today.It›s actually veryhardtodo. I had to be a16-game starter to break it.Eli would have broken it for sure, but he only started sixgames his rookie year.» Peyton Ma nni ng

federation presidentSamir Xaud saidina statement.

“Itwill be an opportunity to showthe world our passion forfootball and, above all, the strength of Brazilian women’s football. We are certain that this will be a transformative World Cup, capable of inspiring girls in allregions of Brazil and leaving alasting legacy.”

The first Women’sWorld Cupwas hosted by China in 1991. TheUnited States has won the most titles with four.Spain won the lasttitle in 2023 at the tournamentcohosted by Australia and New

Likewise, Eli Manning spoke wistfully about his playing days at Newman, whereheset athen-school recordwith 7,389 passing yards and 89 touchdowns, while earning three allstate selectionsand Louisiana Player of the Year honors. He later starred at Ole Miss, where he set or tied 47 school records, and then wentontowin two SuperBowlsand earnfour ProBowl invitations during stellar 16-yearcareerwith the New York Giants.

“It’sagreat honor,” Eli

Zealand. Women’s soccer has experienced exponentialgrowth in thepastdecade, with newleagues, andincreasing viewership andrevenue.The Women’sWorld Cup in Brazil will be the lastwith32teams In 2031 the event will include 48 teams, like the men’s tournament started this year

The 2031 World Cup is expected to be hosted by the United States, Mexico, Costa Rica and Jamaica. The formal decision will likely be announced in November “I think whenwewent to 32 there was some noise, are

The Manning brothers were joined in the Hall of Fame Class of 2026 by former O. Perry Walker High andUniversity of New Orleansstandout Bo McCalebb. McCalebb setscoring records at UNO from 2003-08 andenjoyed a10-year professionalcareer internationally as ahigh-scoring point guard.A2003 graduate of O. Perry Walker High School,heaveraged 20.9 points in his four-year UNO career and played in aschool-record 128 games. He led the Sun Belt in scoring three times andfinished his career with aUNO-record 250 steals. His 2,679 points are UNO and Sun Belt Conferencecareer records and rank 36th all-timeamong NCAA Division Imen. “It means everything to me,” said McCalebb, who was inducted intothe UNO Athletics Hall of Famein 2023 and the Louisiana Basketball Hall of Famein2025. “I love

we’re ready,are there goingtobeblowouts? We saw an incredibly competitive landscape. We saw debutantes making the knockout rounds. Ithink the global game is accelerating so fast that countries are closing the gap alot faster,” Ellis said. “Our job is to make sure teamscomeinthere as prepared and ready as they can, so we have the most competitiveWorld Cup. So I think the growth of the game is accelerating rapidly,and I think by 2031 we certainly will have avery competitive World Cup.”

ASSOCIATEDPRESS

PHOTO By ANDRE PENNER

Ashortcut to crunchy half-sour pickles

BY BRUCE WEINSTEIN and MARK SCARBROUGH Voracious

Half-sour pickles are crunchy and bright green with adistinct snap and gentle flavor In their cookbook “Cold Canning,” Bruce Weinstein and Mark Scarbrough have aguide to making half sourswitha simplerefrigerator ferment. Sterilizing the jar is crucial, and substitutions should be avoided, exceptfor swapping thyme with herbs like dill or cilantro. Use distilledwater to prevent fermentation issues. After preparing the brineand cucumbers in jars, let them sit at room temperature for 12–16 hours, then refrigerate for five–six days before eating The pickles will last for upto three weeks in the fridge. If you know deli lingo, you know that half-sour pickles are crunchy,bright-green pickles, not the duller green of more familiarlong-souredpickles.

This recipe from our cookbook “Cold Canning” is our first refrigerator ferment: There’snovinegar,but we’re using ashortcut method, not standard fermentation, giving the jar alittle bump toward true fermentation at room temperature before squirreling it away in thefridge for upto three weeks (do not freeze). This way,wedon’tpush the limits of what cold canning can accomplish withpickles. In any event, sterilize the jar and don’tbetempted to make substitutions. Though, for a completely nontraditional take, you can swap out the thyme sprigs for other leafy herbs: tarragon, rosemary, dill, cilantro or parsley

Use only distilled waterfor best results (since the chlorine in tap water or chemicals in well water can haltfermentation.)

Half-Sour Pickles

Makes 7-9 pickles.Recipe is from “Cold Canning” by Bruce Weinstein and Mark Scarbrough.

1medium garlic clove, peeledand thinly sliced

1teaspoon coriander seeds

1teaspoon yellow mustard seeds

1teaspoon black peppercorns

2dried bayleaves

1¾ pounds (or 7to9)medium Kirby or pickling cucumbers, each fairlythin and about 5inches long

Distilled water for rinsing the cucumbers

2fresh thyme sprigs

4cups distilled water

¼cup kosher salt

1. Put the garlic, coriander mustard seeds, black peppercorns and bay leaves in one clean 2-quart jar or other container.

2. Rinse the cucumbers with distilled water, gently scrubbing them with anew sponge or awad of paper towels (without nicking the skins). Stuff the cucumbers and thyme sprigs into the jar

3. Whisk the 4cups of distilled water and salt in abowl until the salt dissolves. Pour this brine over the cucumbers and aromatics,leaving about ½-inch head space. If the brine does not cover everything, make more in that same ratio by volume to fill the container (Make sure no cucumbersticks out of the brine.)

4. Cover or seal; set aside at room temperature for 12–16 hours.

5. Refrigerate to steep until the cucumbersare crisp and starting to get sour,5–6 days, before enjoying. (The longer the pickles sit in the brine, the saltier and more sour they’ll get.)

OUTDOOR SPECIAL

Plan theperfect summer picnic with these cold recipesfromaNew Orleanslocal

Liz Williams

TIPOFTHE TONGUE

Summer is theright time for apicnic! With the Fourth of July holiday coming up, and considering how special this 250th anniversary of our nation is,why wouldn’tyou want to celebrate?

Even if you cannot go out for apicnic, you can eat picnic food at home. So Ihave picked some traditional picnic foods, like potato salad, as well as some nontraditional items,like Lemon CreamPie in ajar,sowecan celebrate thepast and look forward to thefuture.

MORE RECIPES

ä Lemon Cream Pie in aJar

ä Oven Barbecued Chicken Strips PAGE 2D

Apicnic staple, potatosalad can be bland and very mayonnaise-forward. Itried to punch up the flavors abit, while making sure the hunks of potatoare nicesized and comforting. This is not bland potatosalad. Be sure to keep it cold on ice. Youcan make it the daybefore and refrigerate it so it stays cold in acooler The Oven Barbecued Chicken is great cold. This versionis easy to makeand designed for dipping. Cut chicken strips from thebreast or buy already cut chicken fingers, if you prefer breast meat. If you prefer

ä See

Potato Salad

Serves 8.

8medium redskinned potatoes, unpeeled,quartered and boiled until forktender

1cup mayonnaise ½cup prepared basil pesto or sundriedtomato pesto 4cloves garlic, chopped ¼cup olive oil

5scallions, chopped using white and green parts

1cup fresh basil leaves, chopped ½pint cherry or grape tomatoes, halved 1teaspoon salt ½teaspoon pepper ¼cup capers, chopped ½cup pitted black olives, roughly chopped 4hard-boiled eggs, peeled and sliced

1. Place thedrained, cooked potatoes into alarge bowl. In aseparate bowl, mix the mayonnaise, prepared pesto, garlic andolive oil. Mix until uniform and set aside.

2. Addthe choppedscallions, basil leaves, tomatoes, salt, pepper,capers andolivestothe bowl withthe potatoes. Add the mayonnaise mixture to the bowl. Mix thoroughly with asturdy spoon. Cover until ready to serve Keep the bowl and the eggs chilled.

3. When ready to serve, sprinkle with the sliced eggs. Toss and serve.

GRETCHEN McKAY

Liz Williams makes potato salad at home in Chalmette.

Makes 84-ounce jars

LemonCream Pie in aJar

Crust or topping (depending on how you like it):

1cup crushed vanilla wafers graham crackers or Ritz-style

crackers if you likeyour crust salty

3tablespoons melted butter

Creamy layer (I like my creamy layer in the middle):

1generous cup full-fat vanilla Greek yogurt

Lemon layer (I like my lemon layer on the bottom):

2⁄3 cup fresh lemon juice

114ounce can condensed milk (or condensed coconut milk)

2eggs, cracked and whipped with afork

1. Mix the lemon juice, condensed milk and egg together with afork until well combined in amicrowaveable bowl.Heat for1 minute in the microwave on

high. Removefrom the microwave and stir again with thefork. Return the bowl to the microwave and cook for 30 seconds. Removeand stir with afork. Cook for 30 more seconds. Set aside to begincooling Assembling the pie in a jar: 1. Thelayers can be added in anyorder that you like. Youmay startwiththe crumb to mimicacrust. Distribute the crumbsevenly amongthe 8jars. Add a few dropsofthe melted butter into each jar and stamp down thecrumbswitha muddler or the handle of a wooden spoon.I like to start with thelemon mixture and put thecrumbs on last so

that they stay crispy.This is your dessert. Make it the way you want.

2. The next layerfor me is alwaysthe yogurt. Distributethe yogurtequally among the jars.

3. End withyour choice of layers. If you add the crumbslast, adda fewdrops of meltedbutter for extra flavor.Ifyou endwith the yogurt, youcould garnish with lemon zest or amint leaf. That is up to you.

4. My jarislemon curd on the bottom, yogurtinthe middleand crumbsontop. Youcouldmake 2recipes of this dessert, which is preportioned for thepicnic, and keep theother batch in the fridge for snacks.

Oven Barbecued ChickenStrips

Serves 8.

2½ pounds boneless

2tablespoons olive oil

The sauce: (You will need 2batches of this sauce. One for cooking the strips, and one fordipping. Do not use the cooking batch for dipping.)

2cups tomato ketchup

2tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce

3tablespoons brown sugar

¼cup cane syrup

3tablespoons smoked paprika

1tablespoon minced garlic (about5cloves)

¼cup olive oil

1. Preheat oven to 350F Mix all ingredients together in apot and cook, stirring occasionally, until the mixture begins to bubble around the edge of the pot. Cook, stirring as needed, to incorporate the sugar and the syrup

2. Cover the pot and cook for 5more minutes. Allow to cool.

(Repeat this process for the second batch of sauce. Cool and refrigerate the second batch untilyou are readyto leave for your picnic. Divide

PICNIC

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thighs, as Ido, buy boneless, skinless thighs and cut them into strips witha sharp knife. Cook them in the oven, and make enough for two meals. The day that you cook them, serve them for dinner.Use the leftovers for the picnic the next day Whip up lots of sauce for more dipping, making sure each person gets alittle cup of it. The Lemon Cream Pie in ajar is easy to transport,

among the eatersfor dipping sauceontheir plates.)

To prepare the chicken:

1. Saltand pepper the chicken strips. Then use the olive oil to coat asheetpan

2. Coat the strips with the prepared sauce by dipping them so that they arewell covered. Lay them outon the sheet pan. Place the pan in the preheated oven for 10 minutes.Remove thesheet panfromthe oven andturn

which is always an importantconsideration for apicnic. Keep it cold untilyou beginthe meal, then setout the jars so they aren’t too cold,asthe flavors are best just cool. Havingindividual jars makes serving easy, and if you are not keeping the jars, it makes cleanup quick. Don’tforget to pack fruit and extradrinks. If you are havingapicnicatabeach or park, you might consider having table linens andglasses. It’sfun andslightly eleganttoeat outdoors with real tableware. If you are going to be eatingonthe ground, ornot able to easily drag things

Buffalo Chickpea Wraps

the strips. Brush the turned strips withmore sauce.

3. Return the strips to the oven for another 10 to 15 minutes. Do not overcook.

4. Place the cooked strips into acontainertocarry to thepicnic site andserve when ready. Give everyone adollop of sauce for dipping from your secondbatch of sauce. Be prepared withpapertowels or wipes.This is messy but worthit!

around with you, paper or other disposable goods can make the meal run smoothly Youshould takeall of this into consideration as you plan. Anddon’tforget bottle openers, condiments and clean up wipes for hands and faces. Happy birthday, America!

Liz Williamsisfounder of the Southern Food & Beverage Museum in New Orleans.Listen to “Tip of the Tongue,” Liz’spodcast about food, drink and culture, wherever you hear podcasts. EmailLiz at lizwillia@gmail.com.

Makes 4wraps. If using canned chickpeas,besuretorinse and drain them to remove excess starch before adding to thehot sauce. Recipe is adapted from “Weeknight Vegetarian” by Joe Woodhouse.

FOR SAUCE:

1⁄3 cup tahini

Finely grated zest and juice of 1lemon Salt, to taste

2½ ounces cold water

FOR WRAPS:

2(15-ounce) cans chickpeas, rinsed and drained

4tablespoons hot sauce, such as Texas Pete or Frank’sRed Hot, plus more forgarnish

1clove garlic, finely minced

1celerystick, finely chopped

1small red onion or 2green onions, finely sliced or chopped

2tablespoons chopped cilantro

4(10-inch) flour tortillas

1cup (4 ounces) blue cheese, crumbled

2⁄3 cup (3½ ounces) cherry tomatoes, quartered Babygem or romainelettuce, shredded Neutral oil, for cooking

CHICKPEA

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Woodhouse’slatest cookbook, “Weeknight Vegetarian: Easy VegetableRecipes for Lunch &Dinner” (Kyle Books, $30), is abetter-foryou vegetarian spin on the dish. It’smade with chickpeas instead of chopped chicken, cream cheeseand shredded cheddar Arich source of protein,

1. Whisktahiniwith lemon zest and juice and agoodpinchof salt. Add enough of the measured watertoloosen themixture and form asauce; fluid but notrunny is thekey

2. Toss drained chickpeas in amixing bowl with hot sauce and garlic, gently crushingafew chickpeas to help the mixture cometogether.Stir in celery,onionand cilantro. Tasteand adjustseasoning.

3. Gently warm flatbreads in adry frying pan to make themsoftand malleable. Youalso can warm them by laying them on atoaster; just be careful they don’tcatch fire.

chickpeas (legumes) are also cholesterol-free and full of soluble fiber.They’re also aheck of alot cheaper than chicken: a15-ounce can often costs less than $1 andserves two people. Included in the “AssemblyJobs (mostly)” section of Woodhouse’sbook,this recipe requires minimal cookingtomaximumeffect. If you know yourway aroundafrying pan and can chop astalk of celery you’regolden.

‘I’m notcomplaining,’ she…complained

Dear Miss Manners: Iaman aunt to aniece who is married with two sons. She’s always been somewhat naive about certain things. This last Christmas, she gave me a$25 gift card to aplace where Iget pedicures. Iwas somewhat surprised, as apedicure here costs $49. She and her husband makeacombined incomeof over $150,000. They recently moved into ahome costing $800,000, and Igave them $3,000 to have theinterior painted by aprofessional. Igenerously give them money for their kids’ college funds, as well as other things. Ienjoy being apart of their lives and I can afford to be generous. Iamnot complaining about the size of her gift. My concern is that she doesn’tseem to understand appropriategift card amounts. Ionce had someoneeducatemealong these lines as to what dollar amount is an appropriate wedding gift. When I later married, Ireceived a$10 gift from acouple, bothofwhom had enjoyed thereception’sprimerib

4. Spread tahinisauce on flatbreads.Pile the chickpea mixture in thecenter and add cheese, tomatoes and lettuce.

5. With thewrap in front of you, foldupthe edge closest to you. Turn and fold the next section into themiddle and continue until you have aneat pentagon.

6. Brush atiny bit of oil over afrying pan andtoast the wraps on each side, starting with the seam side,untilgoldenand crisp (it will help seal thewrap) Go slowly,asyou want the cheese to meltand the filling to be warmed through.

7. Enjoy with extra hot sauce if you like.

Iused10-inch flour tortillasand Texas Petehot sauce, but any brand of hot saucewill work. If you’re not sure of your heat tolerance, add slowly and taste as you go. While atraditional Buffalo chicken dish doesn’t include cilantro, Iadded a couple of tablespoons for an extra popofcolor and flavor Trying to stay glutenfree? The filling could also be used to add alittle plantbased protein toatossed salad.

dinner and open bar.I was appalled. Am Iout of bounds in wanting to educate my niece as to what is appropriate? My instinctistotalk to my sister,her mother, aboutthis. Her mom avoids talking to her daughter about most things as shedoesn’t want to upset her Gentle reader: In her own naive way, Miss Manners notices that your concern about gift cards requires a remarkable number of dollar signs to express. Younodoubt meantto say that with gifts, it is the thought that matters. Full stop. Fortunately, good manners prevent you from talking to your niece —oranyone else as agobetween —about how you think she should behave.

Dear Miss Manners: How do you extend an invitation to someone to do something together if you’re not offering to pay forthem?Say aconcert or play is coming up, and you know someone whowould like to go. Of course, you would like to sit together Is it polite to say,“Hey, that band you like is com-

ing here in June. Tickets are (dollar amount). Would you rather grab your own ticket, or should Igrab yours when Iget ours so we can sit together?”

Ihavealways felt awkward wheninviting people in these situations, buthave also been stuck whenthe friend doesn’t paymeback If it’s my treat, I’ll just say, “I gotustickets!” Butwhen Iwantthemtojoinbut can’t afford to pay forthem,itis harder to be clear

Gentle reader: That is two questions, but Miss Manners does not mind, particularly as you already answered one yourself Your form forasking is serviceable —when you know the friend is going to pay you back. When that is doubtful, buy your own tickets and leave them to buy theirs. Rather than sit together,you can meet up fordrinks in the lobby at intermission.

Send questions to Miss Manners at her website, missmanners.com; to her email, dearmissmanners@ gmail.com; or through postal mail to Miss Manners, Universal Uclick, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City,MO64106.

Cleanshowers with ease

Dear Heloise: The easiest way to clean ashower is with asqueegee. They come in different widths, and it only takes a minutetorun the squeegee over the door when you’re finished showering. Ialso use them to washwindows, which makes this taskasnap. —MaraT., in Alexandria Ideasfor theelderly

Dear Heloise: Here are somethings that I’ve learned from taking care of my disabled spouse: n Attach tennis balls to thefeet of walkers for easy gliding.

n If someone has vision problems, attach asmall piece of contrasting tape to thetop of one of their shoes and tell them which side of the shoe it always goes on so that they can put their shoes on correctly

n As an alternative to traditional gift giving, maybe giftsofthe following would really be appreciated: postage stamps, an assortment of greeting cards, asubscription to

By The Associated Press

Today is Thursday June 25, the 176th day of 2026. There are 189 days left in the year

Todayinhistory: On June 25, 1950, war broke out in Korea as forces from the communist North invaded the South. The conflict would last for over three years and would bring about an estimated 4 million deaths, three-quartersofthem civilians.

Also on this date: In 1876, theBattle of the Little Bighorn, also known as Custer’sLastStand, began in theMontana Territory.Asmanyas100 NativeAmericans were killed in the battle, as were 268 people attached tothe 7th Cavalry Regiment, including George Armstrong Custer and Mark Kellogg, thefirst Associated Press reporter todie in theline of duty

In 1938, theFair Labor Standards Act of 1938, which set aminimum wage, guaranteed overtime pay and banned “oppressive child labor,” was signed into law by President Franklin D. Roosevelt

their local newspaper or favorite magazine, ashopping trip, or abasket of basic grocery itemsthat they use regularly n Offertotake them shopping, do their shopping, and haul their groceries in forthem Offertohelp them with lawnmowing, snow removal in the winter,leaf raking, or just plain ol’ chores that they can no longer do themselves.

n Check on your elderly/ disabledloved onebycalling or,better yet, visiting them (even if it’s just fora short time) —A Reader,via email Reader,these are some wonderful ideas. Thank you forwriting in! —Heloise Difficult openingbottles

Dear Heloise: Ihave recently been diagnosed with glaucomaand wasprescribed an eye-drop medication to be used nightly The medication comes in the tiniest container,and it’sextremely and frustratingly difficult to open up anew bottle each month.

There’saplastic covering that needs to be torn off to

TODAYINHISTORY

In 1947, “The Diary of a Young Girl,” the personal journal of Anne Frank, a German-born Jewish girl whohid with her family from the Nazis in Amsterdam during World WarII, was first published.

In 1973, former White House Counsel John Dean began testifying before the Senate Watergate Committee, implicating top administration officials, including President Richard Nixon as wellashimself,in the Watergate scandal and cover-up.

In 1990, the U.S. SupremeCourt, in Cruzan v. Director,Missouri Department of Health, its first “right-to-die” decision, ruled 5-4 that family members could be barred from ending the lives of persistently comatose relatives whohad not made their wishes knownconclusively In 1993, KimCampbell was sworn in as Canada’s 19th primeminister,the first woman to hold the post.

In 1996, atruck bomb killed 19 Americans and injured hundreds at aU.S. military housing complex in Saudi Arabia.

access the top. (I use cuticle scissors.) Then comes the challenge of twisting off the tightly affixed top. It’s too small formetouse my usual gripper,soI usually need my strong husband to open the container.I suspect that mostpeople who are prescribed these eye drops are of an age that they might also have hand arthritis, which would add to the difficulty.What do people do when they live alone?

Iwonderifanyone else with glaucoma hasthis problem. Is there atrick to getting this medication open safely? Thanks for anyhints! —Dottie, in Cleveland Dottie, when you’re at the pharmacy,explain your difficulty of opening up the tiny container and ask the pharmacist if they’ll open the bottle while you wait. I’ve had to do this in the past, and the pharmacist wasvery helpful. After all, the medication is useless if you can’topen the container! —Heloise

Sendahinttoheloise@ heloise.com.

In 2015, in the case of King v. Burwell, the U.S. SupremeCourt upheld nationwide tax subsidies under President Barack Obama’shealthcare overhaul in a6-3 ruling that preserved health insurance formillions of Americans. In 2021, aWhite former Minneapolis police officer,Derek Chauvin, was sentenced to 221/2 years in prison forthe murder of George Floyd, aBlack man whose death led to some of the biggest protests against racial injustice in the U.S. in generations. Today’sbirthdays: Civil rights activist James Meredith is 93. Singer Carly Simon is 83. Actor-comedian Jimmie Walker is 79. Musician Tim Finn is 74. U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor is 72. Actor-writercomedian Ricky Gervais is 65. Hockey Hall of Famer Doug Gilmour is 63. Author Yann Martel (“Life of Pi”) is 63. Actor

Hints from Heloise

Judith Martin MISS MANNERS

STAFF PHOTO By SOPHIA GERMER

Oven barbecued chicken strips

CANCER (June 21-July 22) You may have to step outside your comfort zone when dealing with associates or authority figures. Listen carefully and respond honestly to ensure you understand what others want from you.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) An open mind and heart will redefine who you are and what you share. Volunteering, donating and reaching out with compassion will have an infectious effect on those you encounter.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) Don't let what others do stop you from pursuing what matters to you What you do to make a difference to yourself, your community or a cause you feel passionate about will give you hope for a better future.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) Size up situations before you indulge in rhetoric that can cost you. Discipline and ingenuity are necessary if you want to navigate your way through a stormy situation.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) Size up and sort through differences. How you engage in talks and work alongside others will determine how far you get By choosing intellect over a force play, you'll gain respect.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23-Dec 21) Have faith in yourself and your resources. Focus on fixing up your space. A work-related opportunity will enhance your earning potential. Choose what makes you feel comfortable.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Reach out to experts and get the lowdown on what you can do to contribute to something

purposeful. Walk away from people and situations that are dishonest or cause despair.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) Personal improvements show promising results. Engage in fixing up your life and surroundings, and the rewards will shine through in how you treat yourself and others moving forward.

PISCES (Feb. 20-March 20) Money and emotions won't gel. Avoid scams and purchases making unreasonable claims Paymoreattentiontorunningyourhome efficiently and putting money aside for something special.

ARIES (March 21-April 19) You'll be tempted to exaggerate. Stick to the truth or be ready to explain your assumptions. Don't try to change others when your efforts will offer better results if you focus on self-improvement.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20) Note your feelingsbeforeyouengageinsomethingthat puts your well-being at risk. A change to your living arrangements will help you sort through any differences you have with associates or family members.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20) You'll be quick to respond. Choose your words wisely, and take the time to process the information you receive prior to blurting out what you think. Your best returns will come from what you learn.

The horoscope, an entertainment feature, is not based on scientific fact. © 2026 by NEA, Inc., dist. By

Andrews McMeel Syndication

FAMILY CIrCUS

Celebrity Cipher cryptograms are created from quotations by famous people, past and present. Each letter in the cipher stands for another.

TODAy'S CLUE: B EQUALS H

CeLebrItY CIpher For better or For WorSe

beetLe bAILeY

Mother GooSe And GrIMM

Sudoku

InstructIons: Sudoku is anumber-placing puzzle based on a9x9 grid with several given numbers. The object is to place the numbers1 to 9inthe empty squares so that each row, each column and each 3x3 box contains the same number only once. Thedifficulty level of the Sudoku increases from Monday to Sunday.

Yesterday’s PuzzleAnswer

THe wiZard oF id

BLondie

BaBY BLueS

Hi and LoiS

BY PHILLIP ALDER

Professor Shlomo Benartzi, an expert on various types of behavioral finance, said, “Self-control is not a problem in the future. It’s only a problem now when the chocolates are next to us.” Keeping the trump suit under control is often a problem of what to do now, at this trick. Today’s deal would trip the unwary or the perennially optimistic. How should South play in four spades after West leads the heart six?

East opened with a textbook vulnerable weak two-bid, promising a good six-card suit and 6-10 high-card points. South made a takeout double, and North cue-bid to indicate at least 12 high-card points. South started showing four-card suits in ascending order, and North raised to game in spades. South has two losers in the red suits, so at first glance needs to find spades 3-2. However, on closer inspection, declarer will notice that he can discard dummy’s heart losers on his club winners. Without further thought, but perhaps after eating an orange cream or two, South would win with dummy’s heart ace, cash the two top trumps (getting the bad news), and take his three clubs, discarding dummy’s hearts. However, whenhenextplaysadiamond,Westwins with his ace, draws trumps, and leads a heart, resulting in down four.

Often, when you must make use of a side suit, it is right to play on that suit first. Here, declarer should win the first trick, draw one round of trumps, take his heart discards on the clubs, and play a diamond. Everything is then under con-

loCKhorNs

marmaduKe

Bizarro

hagar the horriBle

Pearls Before swiNe

garfield

B.C.

PiCKles

RECREATION AND PARK COMMISSION FOR THE PARISHOFEAST BATONROUGE Regular Meeting –5:00p.m. BREC Administration Building 6201 Florida Boulevard Baton Rouge, Louisiana Commission Minutes May 28, 2026

Call to Order Aregular meeting of the Recreation and Park Commission forthe Parish of East Baton Rouge (BREC) was held at BREC’sAdministrative Offices on May 28, 2026. The meeting was called to order at 5:00 p.m. by Chairman Michael Polito. Commissioner Marshall Ortego offered the invocation, and Commissioner Murelle Harrison led the Pledge of Allegiance. Roll was taken and aquorum of Commissioners was present, including Michael Pol to, Chair; Carl Stages, Treasurer; Dr.MurelleHarrison; MarshallOrtego; David McDavid; Lon Vicknair; and Dustin Yates. Commissioner Collis Temple III arrived at 5:07 p.m. Commissioner Wade Evans was absent. Staff members present wereJanet Simmons, Interim Superintendent; Aneatra Boykin, Chief Administrative Officer; Maurice Velasquez, Interim Chief Operating Officer; Johanna Landreneau, Interim Chief Human Resources Officer; Corey Luttrell, Rhonda Williams, Tia Edwards, Wesley Sims, Angela Harms, Steven Knight, RaHarold Lawson, Mike Raby,Robyn Lott, Katrina Coots-Ward, Dina Duplantis, and Brendan Nestor Jim Raines, legal counsel, was also in attendance. The rest of the audience consisted of other BREC staff, media, and the public.

Public Comment

Chairman Polito announced that public comment would be allowed prior to avote being taken on any agenda action item and explained the process to be observed.

Adoption of Minutes

Resolved, that the reading of the minutes of the Recreation and Park Commission Meeting of April 23, 2026, the Special Meeting of May 7, 2026, and the Special Meeting of May 13, 2026, be dispensed with, and that they be approved as written.

Motion by Mr.Ortego

Second by Dr.Harrison

Therebeing no discussion, Chairman Polito called for the vote with the following results:

Yeas: 7

Nays: 0 The motion was approved unanimously.

ConsentCalendar

Under the Consent Calendar,Chairman Polito read the following resolution:

Resolved,that the Commission review and accept the Routine Personnel Transactions from April 8, 2026 through May 8, 2026.

Motion by Mr.Yates

Second by Mr.Stages

Therebeing no discussion, Chairman Polito called for the vote with the following results:

Yeas: 7

Nays: 0

The motion was approved unanimously.

Presentations

The BREC video showcasing upcoming activities for the month of April was played.

Reports of Officers and Standing Committees

Interim Superintendent Simmons presented the April 2026 attendance report and provided updates on community engagement meetings, summer camp enrollment count, automated external defibrillator (AED) device distributions and trainings, City-Brooks Park Master Plan update, social mediacollaboration with The Advocate, the Better Parks Brighter Futureinformational nitiative, tax renewal, Liberty Lagoonopening, BREC vendor summit,Safety Place ribbon cutting, and upcoming community meetings. She also stated that due to the merger of the Zoo Foundation and the BREC Foundation, two Zoo events, Brew at the Zoo and the Wild Wine Walk,have been combined intoasingleevent to be held in the fall.

Chairman Polito asked for clarification regarding the top performing facilities and how the attendance data is collected. Ms. Simmons stated that the data is collectedvia cell phone usage at the facilities.

Chairman Polito and Ms. Simmons congratulated Dina Duplantis, Director of Equine Operations, on her work in expanding the programming and use of Farr Park. Chairman Polito also applauded the efforts of the Communications Department and noted the dramaticimpact it is having on and in the community

Commissioner Stages stated that therewas anewspaper article about how the City-Parish is utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) to expand their 311 call system and asked if BREC was going to implement something similar in its call center in an effort to keep costs down. Chief Information Officer Steven Knight stated that the platform currently built allows for upscaling to meet any challenges.

Ms. Simmons stated that BREC is partnering with parish law enforcement agencies to ensure that all resources areutilized in the Security Operations Center (SOC). Chairman Polito applauded all efforts by BREC to raise the bar Standing Committee Reports

Finance Chairman Polito recognized Commissioner Stages, chair of the Finance Committee. Commissioner Stages stated that aworkshop was held after theFinance Committee meeting on May 26, 2026 so that new and returning committee memberswould have achance to understand the work of the Finance Department and its reporting. He stated that committee members offered suggestions and extended the opportunity to offer suggestions or give feedback to the Commission. He stated that therewerediscussions surrounding zero-based budgeting and how that could be implemented, and that additional information would be forthcoming. Chairman Polito asked if the committee was close to done with the budgeting. Mr.Stages stated that they werenot; half of next year’sbudget would be zero-based, with fullimplementation beginning in 2028. He also gave an update on the 2025 audit, stating that it was currently underway and that so far,everything was going well. He statedthat therewas an article in the newspaper that reported negatively on the 2024 audit findings and reminded everyone that the auditors had previously stated in their presentation that since therewas no time for corrections between previous audits therewould be repeat findings. He then recognizedFinance Director Rhonda Williams.

Chairman Polito announced the arrival of Commissioner Temple III and acknowledged the presence of former Commissioner Collis Temple, Jr

Ms. Williams stated that the 2025 Audit could possibly be completed in six to eight weeks. She also offered to host aworkshop for Commissioners similar to the one hosted for the Finance Committee.

Chairman Polito congratulated Ms. Williams and her staffontheirhardwork.

Chairman Polito asked for amotion to approve the following: Resolved, that the Commission accept the unaudited monthly Budget Status Reportfor the month ending and fiscal year-to-date ending April 30, 2026, as presented. Motion to approve by Mr.Stages Second by Mr.Temple

Therebeing no discussion, Chairman Polito called for the vote with the following results: Yeas: 8 Nays: 0 The motion was approved unanimously.

Human Resources

Chairman Polito recognized Commissioner Harrison, chair of the Human Resources Committee. Dr.Harrisonstated that the committee reviewed and recommended approval of the realignment proposals, but it would take time for implementation to occur.She then recognized HumanResources Director Corey Luttrell.

Mr.Luttrell presented the Executive StructureRealignment Plan, stating that it was in line with modernrecreational agencies. He also stated that therewould be acompensation study completed later in the year.Chairman Polito suggested that BREC allow the ability to hireand not hire to bethe compensation study as opposed to hiring someonetotellthem what they would find out if they went out into the market and discovered that they could not hire. He stated that some of that informationcould be gleaned without doing an actual study. Mr.Luttrell stated that the compensation study wouldbebigger than just market data but would also include point-factor analysis internally to be able to determine appropriate hierarchies based on what the positions produce for the organization and make surethat those positions arefairly compensated.

Chairman Polito commented that he still wonders why the Commission needs to be involved in this process and that is something that needs to be worked on. Mr.Luttrell said that the reclassification reduces the number of times it would need to come beforethe Commission.

Mr.Luttrell read Item

Second by Mr.Vicknair

Commissioner Stages asked for clarification regarding the timelineofthe realignment, asking if it would take about three years. Mr.Luttrell stated that the approval serves as proof of concept and would allow the process to move faster He stated that he would liketohave the compensation study beginbeforethe end of the year with an implementation goal of 2027 for anystructural changes. He stated that the job classification realignment to be discussed next would also happen much sooner than that.

Commissioner Stages asked how much of theplan,ifapproved, would be implemented beforethe new Superintendent arrives. Mr.Luttrell stated that if approved, the next step would be to beginmapping the positions and depending on how longittakes for that to be completed, implementation would occur after that, so it could possiblytake place beforethe new Superintendent’sarrival. Mr Stages stated that he would wantthe new Superintendent to look over the plan beforeimplementation to give his/her thoughts and hopes that the process has not gonetoo far beforethat happens.

Commissioner Stages asked for clarification regarding the elimination of the Assistant Superintendent position and howthataffects those currently holding those positions. Mr.Luttrell stated that their salaries would not be affected; that it would only be atitle change, moving them into the Tier TwoDirector position. He said that the reason for the elimination was to clean up some of the confusion created in the hierarchy.Commissioner Stages asked if therewould be any pay raises related to the move; Mr.Luttrell stated that therewould not be.

Therebeing no further discussion,Chairman Polito called for the vote with the followingresults:

Yeas: 8

Nays: 0

The motion was approved unanimously

Mr.Luttrell read Item bunder Human Resources:

Resolved, that the Commission review and approve the proposed Job Classification Realignment initiative, including the establishment of the Coordinator,Generalist, and Supervisor classification structures and associated tier progression framework, as presented. Motion to approve by Mr.Ortego

Second by Mr.McDavid

Mr.Luttrell stated that therewereover 300 job classifications, andthe plan reduces that to around fifty. Thegoal for this realignment is to create larger classifications as well as tierswithin those classifications to allow for more flexibility andclear growth pathways. It also allows for hiringata higher level based on skills. He also presented amodel that reflects how an employee would progress through the new classification

Commissioner Temple stated that the current classifications presented did not look fluidatall andappreciated the efforts to clean it up.

Commissioner Yates asked if the new classifications would allow for anew hire to be placed at alevel other than entry within the classification.Mr. Luttrell stated that it would allow BREC to bringpeople in at ahigher level as well as develop current employees to move to higher levels.

Chairman Polito thanked Mr.Luttrell for simplifying the process but stated that it needed to be even simpler

Commissioner Stages asked for the timeline of implementation. Mr.Luttrell stated that once approved, the mapping process would beginwith the next pay period;the approval serves as proof of concept, and the goal is to reduce bureaucracy and make it moreefficient and agile. Commissioner Stages asked if it fits thisyear’sbudget; Mr.Luttrell affirmed that it did. Commissioner Stages asked if employee input was considered in this process; Mr.Luttrell affirmed that it was considered. He stated that he also leaned heavily on the Human Resources Committee, saying that some of them had either done something similar or operated under asimilar structure.

Therebeing no further discussion,Chairman Polito called for the vote with the followingresults: Yeas: 8 Nays: 0 The motion was approved unanimously Selection of Professionals

Chairman Polito stated that the Selection of Professionals Committee met beforethe regular Commission meeting, and all items on the agenda were recommended for approval. He then recognized Planning and Engineering Director Angela Harms.

Ms. Harms read Item aunder Selection of Professionals: Resolved, that the Commission approve acontract not to exceed $10,000.00 with Buffalo Electric, Inc. for investigation,study,and reportofthe Highland Road Community Park TennisCourt lighting electrical system to identify electric connection issues, listing the requiredrepairs and estimated costs for suggested repairs; authorizeSuperintendent to execute appropriate documents pending final legal review Motion to approve by Mr.Ortego Second by Mr.Yates

Ms. Harms stated that thereweresome issues with the electrical system at the tennis courts at Highland Road Community Park, and that Buffalo was chosen to investigate those issues and explain how to correct them. Chairman Polito clarified that this was an instance wherethe contractor didnot perform and that the company would be charged for the efforts. Ms. Harms stated that the contractor would be relieved of the rest of the contract. Chairman Polito asked if the contract had been terminated; Ms. Harms stated that that had not been done yet, and that acreditchange order would be done and the contractor would be charged the full punch list value.

Therebeing no further discussion,Chairman Polito called for the vote with the followingresults:

Yeas: 8 Nays: 0 The motion was unanimously approved.

Ms. Harms read Item bunder Selection of Professionals: Resolved, that the Commission approve acontract with Tipton Associates to provide architectural design, construction documents, bidding, and construction administration services for Magnolia Mound Visitor Center repairs for afee of $162,814.00, based on the BREC fee curve and estimated construction cost of $1,689,974.00, including any change orders; and additional analysis and predesign services not to exceed $5,000.00 for conceptiterations and budgetary reviews. Authorize Superintendent to execute appropriate documents pending final legal review

Ms. Harms stated that the Visitor Center was built several years ago and thereweresome structural and system issues within the building, andthiswould address those issues and make the Center what it should be for the public.

Commissioner Temple asked for clarification regarding listed costs. Ms. Harms stated that it was just an estimate, and that it may not necessarily cost that amount. She said that the BREC fee curve is based on cost of construction and that the fee would be adjusted based on that cost.

Amotion to approve Item bwas made by Mr.Stages and seconded by Mr McDavid.

Therebeing no further discussion,Chairman Polito called for the vote with the followingresults: Yeas: 8 Nays: 0 The motion was approved unanimously

Ms. Harms read Item cunder Selection of Professionals: Resolved, that the Commission approve acontract with Pivotal Engineering to provide electrical engineering services for the Eugene

Motion to approve by Mr.McDavid Second by Mr.Temple

Ms. Harms stated that the Womack Building is ahighly used facility and that with the recent modifications, it is reaching maximum capacity on the electrical infrastructure; the goal is to work with Entergy andhopefully have them provide the

Ms. Harms stated that this resolutionwas to bring BREC through therest of thedesign services, schematic design, and constructionadministrationphase forthe revamped master plan forAirline Highway CommunityPark. She saidthat bidding will begin hopefully by theend of theyear,with constructionbeginning next year.Chairman Polito asked if considerationwas being given to theCMAR (Construction Manager at Risk) process. Ms.Harms stated that BREC wastoo farintothe design process to do that

Chairman Polito recognized Coleman Brownfor public comment.Mr. Brown shared his concerns regarding theconstructioncosts, selectionofa design firm from out of thestate,and overallproject design. He asked if therewas any federal funding involved with this project.Ms. Harms stated that federal funding wasonly forthe saferoom project,not any other portionofthe project.She also addressed theprocess of selecting design firms.Chairman Polito stated that he would like foreveryone to be abletocompeteregardless of location. Mr.Brown also questioned thedistance from theballfieldtothe road. ChairmanPolito asked Ms.Harms about thedistance; she stated it wasmorethan 500 feet

Therebeing no furtherdiscussion, ChairmanPolito calledfor thevotewith thefollowing results: Yeas: 8 Nays: 0 The motionwas approved unanimously

Chairman Polito recognized ParkOperations Director Dr.RaHarold Lawson, who presented informationonthe next agenda item. He stated that aerators were installedinseveral ponds throughout theparishand recently discovered that someofthem need repair.The contract wasbeing amended to cover those costsinadditiontoadding new aeratorsfor ponds that would be coming online

Dr.Lawson read Itemf under SelectionofProfessionals: Resolved, that theCommission approve an amendment to Contract 2025000310 —Aerator Removal and Installationwith Cajun Carpentry &Repair, LLC foranamount not to exceed $125,000.00. Previous contract amount was $75,000.00. Motion to approve by Mr.Ortego Second by Dr.Harrison Therebeing no discussion, Chairman Polito calledfor thevotewith the following results: Yeas: 8 Nays: 0 The motionwas approved unanimously Zoo Assistant Director forBusiness Operations Kim Lodrigue read Itemg under SelectionofProfessionals: Resolved, that theCommission approve awarding RFP 244 forHoliday Lighting at BREC’sBaton Rouge Zoo to DNE Productions,LLC forthe bid amount of $249,000.00. Thiswill include thedesign, installation, maintenance, and takedown of all displays, lights, and materials forZooLights. Authorize the Interim Superintendent to executethe appropriate documents. Motion to approve by Mr.McDavid Second by Mr.Vicknair

Ms. Lodrigue stated that this company waschosen because theirbid addressed many of thefeedback issues they received from thepublic and included interactive display; thecompany is also local,which limits downtime during maintenance issues.

Commissioner Stages asked about cost recovery. Ms.Lodrigue stated that thecost recoveryfromlast year was100%; they estimate to recoup 75% of the costsfromthis year.Cost recoveryfor theZoo as awhole is about 39%. Therebeing no furtherdiscussion, ChairmanPolito calledfor thevotewith thefollowing results: Yeas: 8 Nays: 0 The motionwas approved unanimously Commissioner Stages remarkedthat thePlanning and ParkResources Committeemet on Tuesday,May 26, 2026; they received reportsfromFriends of theBotanicGarden and theState FairFoundationaspartoftheir fiduciary responsibility. He also congratulated Ms.Harms on her promotiontoDirector of Planning and Engineering.

Reports of Special Committees

None

Special Orders

None

Unfinished Business and General Orders

Ms. Boykinread an amended ItemA under Unfinished Business and General Orders: Resolved, that theCommission approve theamended and extended Contract 2025000384 with Clearly Managed Consulting LLC forsafety emergency training,including fire drills, situational awareness, and incident response, foramonthly amount of $16,000.00 foraperiodoffour months, not to exceed $64,000.00. Previous amount wasfor $40,000; subject to legal review Motion to approve by Mr.Stages Second by Mr.Yates

Commissioner Stages asked foranexplanationfor thechange in costs. Interim Chief OperatingOfficer Maurice Velasquez stated that theoriginalplan wastohave atwelve-monthplanwith theconsultants, but upon furtherreview and afterfurther discussion with lawenforcement and theCommission, it was decided to take amorephased approach and to onlycommit to four months. The consultantscameupwith afour-monthgameplanand identified whatcould be done in four months as opposed to twelvemonths, so thechange reflects that Commissioner Stages asked about theinformationreceived regarding changes to thescope of thecontract.Mr. Velasquez stated that this resolutionwas to approve thecontractswith theconsultantstoassist in management oversight and set up. He also stated that theoriginalplanwas to hireseven to tenagentsata time,but with this phased approach they would onlylook to hireone to threeagentsand one contract officer instead of three; thevotewas onlytosettle thecontract portion. Commissioner Stages asked if theexplanationwas apartofItemb;Ms. Simmons and Mr.Velasquez both responded in theaffirmative.

Commissioner Stages mentioned an article that referenced athird-party agency that handles minor crashes and incidentsinSt. George and stated that he hoped BREC would also look into whatthis company is doing and make any modifications that they can help to provide as away to be more efficient.Hesaid that everyone is in favor of theconcept of utilizing cameras in theparks forsafety and as treasurer he wantstomake sureit’sdone as cost-efficiently as possible. Mr.Velasquez stated that BREC is working in conjunctionwith boththe Information SystemsDepartment as well as lawenforcement to ensurethat happens.

Commissioner Ortego stated that Mr.Knight mentioned in the Communications and InformationSystemsCommitteemeeting that BREC was partnering with Flock Safetyand asked if therewouldbeany redundancy.Mr. Knight stated that Flock provided thetechnology,but theconsultantswere bringing in theknowledge,