The Acadiana Advocate 07-08-2026

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AG, special prosecutor gear up for fight

Attorneys defend themselves against allegations of conflicts

BY JOHN SIMERMAN

themselves over claims of conflicts.

Laurie White, the former Orleans criminal court judge apAfter the Louisiana Supreme pointed as special prosecutor in Court stepped in last week to stay the probe of Murrill’s alleged Attorney General Liz Murrill’s threats against city officials, faced felony indictment, both the special complaints from Murrill’s team prosecutor on the case and attor- that the Attorney General’s Ofneys for Murrill have defended fice represents her in an ongoing Staff writer

sexual harassment lawsuit. White said Monday that she has dropped the private law firm that the Attorney General’s Office hired on her behalf.

White Murrill Though a judge dismissed the claims against White last year, month, asking a judge to toss the those state-hired lawyers rep- case for lack of an appeal, accordresented her as recently as last ing to court records.

The Supreme Court said Friday that the Attorney General’s Office representation of White posed an ethical conflict in Murrill’s case that “should have been obvious.”

Judge Leon Roche appointed White to the case.

Meanwhile, Laura Cannizzaro Rodrigue, a former Orleans Parish prosecutor who is helping defend

ä See CONFLICT, page 5A

U.S. launches new strikes against Iran Renewed attacks threaten negotiations

BY JON GAMBRELL, FATIMA HUSSEIN and KONSTANTIN TOROPIN Associated Press

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — The U.S. military launched new strikes against Iran early Wednesday, hours after three merchant ships were struck in the Strait of Hormuz, in the latest exchange of fire to threaten the interim deal to end the fighting between the two countries.

The strikes were expected to hit a variety of military sites and port facilities, U.S. officials said.

The renewed attacks were sure to add to the difficulty CO ONFLICT of the negotiations aimed at fully reIN THE T opening the strait, MIIDDLE rolling back TehEAST AST ran’s disputed nuclear program and reaching a permanent end to the war launched Feb. 28.

In a statement posted to social media, U.S. Central Command said American forces launched the strikes “to impose heavy costs for targeting and attacking commercial shipping crewed by innocent civilians in an international waterway.”

One U.S. official said the military is targeting Iranian air defense systems, coastal surveillance systems, groundto-air missiles as well as launch sites for anti-ship cruise missiles and drones. Iranian port facilities are also being targeted, the official added.

The second official said the strikes would likely last for hours.

Both officials spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss an ongoing military operation.

Iranian state media reported the sound of explosions in Qeshm and Bandar Abbas.

A similar spate of Iranian attacks on shipping and U.S. retaliation occurred late last month, while the new strikes were notable for happening while President Donald Trump was

STAFF PHOTOS By ENAN CHEDIAK

Vacationers relax on Biloxi Beach in Biloxi, Miss., on June 26. According to the U.S. Travel Association, transportation costs have risen by about 35% over the past year while hotel prices are up by 5%, leading some families to take shorter trips.

Summer beach escapes not immune to rising prices

‘It’s not as affordable as it was 10 years ago’

BY MARTHA SANCHEZ Staff writer

Amy Roddie plays with her grandchildren, Bentley Richardson and Madelyn Wilkinson, while camping at their summer vacation spot at Sun City RV Park in Elberta, Ala., on June 26. Roddie has taken an RV to the beach each summer for two decades, but rising costs led her to choose a campground farther from the beach this year.

On the Gulf Coast beaches where they have long vacationed, many visitors from Louisiana and around the South are encountering a challenge this summer.

Almost everything, it seems — fuel, food, lodging — is getting more expensive. And that’s forcing vacationers to get creative as they seek affordable escapes.

Travel agents say some visitors are vacationing in bigger groups to split the cost of accommodations, or trading Florida’s beaches for cheaper stays at casinos and hotels on the Mississippi Coast. Visitors

ä See VACATION, page 4A

ä See STRIKES, page 5A

Wider roads, traffic circles planned for Lafayette Parish youngsville, Broussard dedicate over $35M to road projects

ued construction over the next 12 months, as both Broussard and Youngsville have approved aggressive capital outlay budgets that will continue many ongoing road improvement projects in the area.

BY JOEL THOMPSON Broussard approved a 2026-27 Staff writer fiscal year budget that calls for Residents of southeastern La- $23.7 million to be spent on capital fayette Parish can expect contin- outlay projects, with around $11.7

WEATHER HIGH 92 LOW 76 PAGE 8A

million funded through state and federal grants.

The $23.7 million figure is a sharp increase from the previous year in which the city only spent around $12 million on public works projects.

The increase is driven in part by a rise in capital contributions, which account for the value of new utility assets created through the

city’s capital spending. The city expects to add $11.3 million in new utility assets during the fiscal year, up from $3.2 million in 2025-26.

Projects that comprise the bulk of the funds include continued improvements being made to water wells located off Garber Road and Albertsons Parkway.

“This funding will assist us to update our current water system

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

and build additional water infrastructure needed to manage growing demand in our city,” Broussard Mayor Ray Bourque said of the projects in April.

Additionally, the city will also be spending money on widening La. 89 near its intersection with Ambassador Caffery Parkway.

ä See UPGRADES, page 4A

102ND yEAR, NO. 8

2A ● Wednesday, July 8, 2026 ● theadvocate.com ● The Acadiana Advocate

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Declared dead, toddler is found alive in hospital morgue

BRIEFS

FROM WIRE REPORTS

Police: ICE officer fatally shoots man in Houston

A U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer shot and killed a man in Houston after he attempted to evade arrest in his vehicle during an operation Tuesday, the agency said.

The Department of Homeland Security said in a statement that the man ignored commands to stop and attempted to ram an agent who fired his weapon in self-defense. The man’s car struck an ICE vehicle, according to the department, which oversees ICE. The statement identified the man as a Mexican national, Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, and said he was living in the country without legal permission. It said federal agents were conducting a targeted enforcement operation against Araujo and that he died at a hospital.

The FBI’s Houston field office is investigating a potential assault on a federal law enforcement officer, said spokesperson Connor Hagan. In addition, representatives of the office’s evidence response team responded to the shooting at the request of DHS to process the scene, he said.

SPLC pleads not guilty in federal fraud case MONTGOMERY, Ala. — The Southern Poverty Law Center, best known for monitoring hate groups, pleaded not guilty Tuesday to federal charges that it defrauded donors by not disclosing that some of the money would be used to pay informants in extremist organizations.

Attorney Abbe Lowell entered the not guilty plea on behalf of the organization to a superseding indictment that adds details about the charges first announced in April.

The Justice Department has accused the SPLC of funding extremist groups while publicly claiming it was working to dismantle them.

The SPLC has denied wrongdoing and said the informant program provided critical intelligence about the work of the groups — information it regularly provided to law enforcement agencies.

The SPLC has accused the Justice Department of carrying out a vindictive prosecution as part of a retribution campaign against President Donald Trump’s perceived political enemies.

The superseding indictment alleges that $4.1 million in donations were used to pay informants inside extremist groups.

Prosecutors said some of the money was used for recruiting new members and purchasing Ku Klux Klan robes and materials for cross-burning ceremonies.

Tornadoes, storms in China kill at least 11 BEIJING — Tornadoes and storms hit central China, killing at least 11 people and injuring hundreds, state media reported on Tuesday, while areas in the south suffered record-breaking rain.

Thunderstorms battered parts of Hubei province’s eastern region on Monday night, affecting 14,600 people, the official Xinhua News Agency reported.

More than 330 people were injured, and one person remained missing, the agency said, adding that over 20 houses collapsed and 4,800 others were damaged.

A rare EF2 tornado swept through the city of Huanggang, where a logistics company and a warehouse were hit hard and multiple trucks were lifted and displaced by winds as much as 98 feet, Xinhua reported.

A video posted by Shanghai Daily on X appeared to show people on the ground floor of a building screaming as high winds blew open the glass doors, shattering one.

Tornadoes are usually recorded in southern and coastal provinces such as Guangdong and Jiangsu, according to China Weather News, which is run by the China Meteorological Administration.

They are rare in Hubei and multiple factors, including the remnants of Tropical Storm Maysak, contributed to those that swept the region on Monday night, meteorological expert Wang Xiaoling told the Hubei Daily newspaper.

Phoenix boy pulled from backyard pool, police say

BY JACQUES BILLEAUD Associated Press

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By ANGELINA KATSANIS

A Manhattan high-rise, located at 235 E. 42nd St. in New york, remained unstable Tuesday after officials found that columns buckled and floors sagged while it was being converted to luxury apartments.

Columns buckle at Manhattan high-rise, forcing evacuations Building was being converted to apartments

BY PHILIP MARCELO and ANTHONY IZAGUIRRE

Associated Press

NEW YORK — A Manhattan highrise remained unstable Tuesday after officials found that columns buckled and floors sagged while it was being converted to luxury apartments, forcing evacuations in and around the Midtown construction site.

The former headquarters of pharmaceutical giant Pfizer is in a busy corridor just down the street from New York City icons like the Chrysler Building and Mamdani Grand Central train station. Drones and city officials were busy checking out the building.

“This is a minute-by-minute assessment,” Mayor Zohran Mamdani told reporters near the scene.

Fire Chief John Esposito said the way the steel-framed build-

ing is constructed, “it would not be a total collapse, it would be more of a localized collapse.”

Firefighters had rushed to the area at around 8 a.m. after reports of falling bricks.

However, the city’s building commissioner, Ahmed Tigani, said officials hadn’t found evidence that anything came off the building.

Later Tuesday, Leila Bozorg, one of Mamdani’s deputy mayors, told reporters that emergency workers were assessing the building “floor by floor” in order to “finalize a plan for how they’re going to reinforce the structure,” adding “it is encouraging.”

Still, nearby buildings and streets remained evacuated, including a school and the Israeli consulate just across the street.

With more than 1,600 units, the developers say the project is the largest office-to-residential conversion in the city’s history. Gensler, the architectural firm leading the project, says on its website that it is transforming a pair of 1970s-era office buildings by adding more than a dozen stories and redesigning an adjoining tower.

Buildings department records show the project has been fined by the city for several safety violations, including glass and metal falling off the

building, along with an incident where a worker fell off a ladder.

Spokespersons for Gensler and MetroLoft, the project developer, didn’t return messages seeking comment. But in a statement to The New York Times, MetroLoft stressed that the building itself is not at risk of collapse and that no debris fell from the building.

Fire officials said two columns appear to have buckled and there were multiple cracks and sagging floors between the 21st and 26th floors. From the street below, a badly bent column could be seen through a large glass window. The fire department also posted images of the column.

First responders and city officials were working closely with the project engineer to develop plans to shore up the impacted flooring, Mamdani said. If it’s deemed to be secure, engineers will enter and begin making repairs.

The building commissioner said workers will need to add emergency beams and columns to stabilize the compromised ones.

“Our top priority right now,” the mayor said Tuesday morning, “is the safety of those who live in this area and the safety of those who work in this area.”

Far right Le Pen says she’ll run for French presidency She’s currently under court-ordered monitor

BY SYLVIE CORBET, JOHN LEICESTER and SAMUEL PETREQUIN Associated Press

PARIS — Far-right leader Marine Le Pen says she’ll run for the French presidency next year despite being sentenced Tuesday to wear a court-ordered electronic monitor for embezzlement.

The decision by the 57-year-old veteran of three presidential races sets up a fourth campaign like no other: potentially seeking votes while subject to monitoring and with a judge possibly deciding how, and for how long, the punishment is applied.

Le Pen said she will appeal the ruling to France’s highest court Le Pen and that the process will suspend the sentence that she be electronically monitored for a year.

“I will therefore campaign without an electronic bracelet,” she said in a television interview Tuesday night. “Tonight, I am a candidate for the presidential election.”

The appeals court ruling earlier Tuesday cleared the way for Le Pen by shortening a ban handed down by a court last year that kept her from seeking public office for five years.

But it also said she must wear an electronic monitor, a constraint Le Pen previously said would make campaigning impossible.

But after huddling for hours with other leading figures of her National Rally party, Le Pen made clear Tuesday night that she believes she won’t be subjected to monitoring at all, and that her appeal to

the Court of Cassation will vindicate her.

“My hands are clean,” she said.

The highest court previously said it would be able to rule before the presidential election, with the first round in April and a knockout round in May. “I want to pursue all the legal avenues available to me so that I can defend my innocence,” she said.

A similar situation arose in former President Nicolas Sarkozy’s corruption case. An appeals court sentenced him in 2023 to serve part of his sentence under electronic monitoring. Sarkozy appealed to the Court of Cassation, which suspended Sarkozy’s sentence pending its review before ultimately upholding the conviction. He wore an electronic ankle monitor last year.

The appeals court ruled that Le Pen oversaw years of misuse by her National Rally party of European Parliament funds by paying staff with money intended for European Union parliamentary assistants. She denied criminal wrongdoing but said during the trial that the party had made a “mistake.”

The ruling upheld guilty verdicts for all 11 accused, including Le Pen and other party members. The party itself also was declared guilty. The court ruled that it embezzled $3.2 million over more than 11 years.

“The facts are serious,” said the chief judge, Michèle Agi. But the court scaled back punishments handed down by a lower court last year.

From five years handed down in March 2025, Le Pen’s ban on seeking office was cut to 45 months, with two-thirds of it suspended. Le Pen has already served 15 months of the ban, meaning that the potential obstacle is now removed.

PHOENIX — A toddler discovered in a backyard pool in a Phoenix suburb in February was declared dead before being found breathing hours later in a room that serves as the hospital morgue, according to recently released police records.

Two Gilbert police officers saw possible signs of life multiple times, but the child was still taken to the hospital’s “cold room” after being treated by staff, according to the documents.

“Please do your thing and let me do my thing,” Dr. Aryan Toosi told an officer at one point, according to the report. “I went to medical school for a reason.”

First responders were dispatched to the home at about 5:30 p.m. on Feb. 8 in response to a reported drowning. They performed life-saving measures on the child before taking him to a hospital where the boy was pronounced dead about an hour later.

About five hours later, police were notified that the child was indeed breathing, and he was flown to another hospital. The boy ultimately survived and has been released.

Gilbert police are recommending negligence charges against the parents. Investigators said there was a strong odor of marijuana at the home and open doors that could have allowed unsupervised access to the pool. The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office said it was reviewing the case and declined further comment Monday.

In 911 calls, two relatives frantically reported that the child had been pulled from the pool as people at the scene could be heard shrieking. One caller reported the toddler was unconscious.

No one answered at the home where the near-drowning occurred.

Mercy Gilbert Medical Center, where the 18-month-old was taken, said in a statement that the hospital conducted “a thorough review of all aspects of the care provided to learn what happened and to make meaningful changes to strengthen our care.”

The hospital called it “a heartbreaking situation” and declined to release further details.

Scott Holden, an attorney for Toosi, said that he wouldn’t make a full statement on behalf of the doctor “other than to assure you that there is much more to this case, both factually and medically, than has been reported thus far.”

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Video shows defendant on roof to kill Kirk, official testifies

BY HANNAH SCHOENBAUM and MATTHEW BROWN Associated Press

PROVO, Utah — The man charged with killing Charlie Kirk strolled Utah Valley University in shorts and a T-shirt, bought a meal at Chick-fil-A and made contact with people from Kirk’s organization, before returning in different clothes to shoot the conservative activist from a rooftop, an investigator testified Tuesday.

Former State Bureau of Investigation Agent David Hull described Tyler Robinson’s alleged movements before and after Kirk was killed as prosecutors played previously unseen campus surveillance videos in state court. The defendant first arrived on campus about four hours before the shooting and returned several times, including when he allegedly went onto the roof to shoot Kirk and again the night after Kirk was killed, Hull said.

P r o s ecutors say they intend to seek the death penRobinson alty in the case. They are trying to convince Judge Tony Graf that they have enough evidence to bring Robinson to trial on an aggravated murder charge.

Robinson has not yet entered a plea. His attorneys have not commented on his guilt or innocence. They have, however, sought to get the death penalty taken off the table, so far unsuccessfully.

In a video shown Tuesday, Robinson climbs over a railing onto a rooftop, crouches down and runs to a site overlooking where Kirk was speaking, Hull testified.

After the shooting, Robinson runs back across the roof, drops to the ground and flees on foot, Hull said.

Investigators found the suspected murder weapon — a bolt-action rifle with one spent round — wrapped in a towel in some nearby woods.

DNA on the towel matched to two people. One was Tyler Robinson’s roommate and the other was very likely Robinson, Jennifer Faumuina with the State Bureau of Investigation testified.

This week’s preliminary hearing marks the most significant presentation of evidence to date in the case.

Authorities allege Robinson, 23, shot Kirk on Sept.

10 while the 31-year-old activist and ally of President Donald Trump was speaking to a crowd of thousands.

Defense attorney Kathryn Nester questioned Hull’s handling of the crime scene on the day of the shooting.

She also asked about a bullet that was found on campus at a different location than the alleged shooting site.

Hull said that bullet was traced back to a law enforcement officer who had “cleared” his weapon, ejecting an unused bullet. He also said a handgun in a backpack was found at the scene.

Robinson’s attorneys also raised questions about the DNA evidence, using testimony from an FBI analyst to demonstrate that finding a person’s DNA on an item doesn’t necessarily mean that person touched the item.

Prosecutors contend the shooting endangered others at Kirk’s campus event — an aggravating circumstance that could make the crime punishable by death under Utah law. Robinson also faces possible sentence enhancements based on the prosecution’s claim that he targeted Kirk because of his political views.

During one of several appearances on campus by Robinson on Sept. 10, Hull said the defendant went to the amphitheater where Kirk was later shot and contacted representatives of Turning Point USA, a group co-founded by Kirk.

Landry lays out Greenland guidance for Trump List focuses on economic, military and cultural ties

BY ALYSE PFEIL Staff writer

Gov. Jeff Landry on Tuesday laid out five recommendations on how the United States should approach its relationship with Greenland.

Landry’s list focused on deeper economic, military and cultural ties — and it didn’t mention the U.S. taking over the island territory in the Arctic, as President Donald Trump has previously said.

“A stronger American presence would make both Greenland and the United States stronger,” Landry wrote in a social media post announcing his ideas.

But on the same day, Trump reiterated his desire for control of the autonomous territory of Denmark during a NATO summit meeting the same day, again stirring international controversy.

“That should be controlled by the United States, not by Denmark,” the president said.

Landry’s recommendations Landry, whom Trump named as his special envoy to Greenland in December, listed five priorities he said he was recommending to the president.

The priorities are: n Set up direct shipping routes between the U.S. and Greenland. n Expand the “diplomatic presence” of the United States in Greenland. n Strengthen the U.S. military presence in Greenland, and approve Denmark’s application to participate in the Department of Defense’s State Partnership Pro-

ASSOCIATED PRESS FILE PHOTO

U.S. special envoy to Greenland, Gov. Jeff Landry, left, arrives in Nuuk, Greenland, on May 20.

gram, which connects the National Guard in various states with military forces in partner countries. n Create a joint investment fund between the U.S. and Greenland. n Expand “diplomacy exchanges” between the U.S. and Greenland.

Spokespeople for Landry directed questions about his recommendations — and whether the governor supported a takeover of Greenland — to the U.S. Department of State, which did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The Louisiana governor’s plan comes as Trump is in Turkey for a summit with leaders of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.

Greenland is a semiautonomous territory of Denmark, and Denmark is a NATO ally. The NATO alliance was founded on the principle that its 32 members will defend each others’ territory and not threaten to seize it.

Continuing controversy Landry also said that, after trav-

eling to Greenland in May to meet with ordinary citizens, he believes that they “feel abandoned by Denmark.”

While Landry has spoken positively of his trip, many international news outlets painted a less optimistic picture.

DR, a Danish public-service radio and television broadcasting company, showed video of Greenlanders rejecting MAGA hats Landry proffered.

The New York Times reported that Landry’s Greenlandic guide heard “Traitor!” shouted at him by some residents.

On Tuesday, Greenland’s foreign minister, Múte B. Egede, wrote in a Facebook post that Trump’s comments show a continued “desire to control our country.”

“We must stand together at home and continue the close cooperation with our allies and partners,” Egede wrote. “At the same time, we must insist on finding solutions through dialogue and respect. Our future is decided by us in Greenland.”

According to the news outlet Reuters, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said at the NATO summit she expects allies to respect that Greenland is not for sale.

“It is a well-known position of the United States that it wants to own and take over Greenland. I hope that it is equally well-known everywhere that this is not going to happen,” Frederiksen said, according to Reuters.

Trump’s continued calls for U.S. control of Greenland have been an ongoing source of tension between the American president and European leaders. They escalated sharply in January after the U.S. military forces entered Venezuela and captured its then-sitting Nicolás Maduro.

A day after Maduro’s ouster,

Trump said U.S. control of Greenland was necessary “from the standpoint of national security.”

Other Landry comments Before and ever since Trump on Dec. 21 announced in a social media post that he named Landry the U.S. special envoy, European leaders have bristled at Trump’s approach to Greenland, and the scope and details about Landry’s role in those efforts has been unclear.

The governor does not appear to be directly involved in official diplomatic negotiations. He has said he is focused on building relationships with Greenland citizens rather than government leaders.

Last week, during an interview on “The Alex Marlow Show,” Landry said Trump recently told him, ‘‘We need to get Greenland.’ ” Landry said Greenland is “unbelievably important” for the U.S. from the standpoint of natural resources like oil and gas and rareearth minerals.

“We’re gonna get it,” Landry said.

That could be accomplished, he said, by increasing U.S. military presence in Greenland and “repopulating our bases” there and opening up shipping and airline routes between the two locations.

On June 21, when Greenlanders celebrated National Day, the Arctic island’s biggest summer festival and a celebration of Greenlandic culture, Landry marked the occasion with a social media post.

“As America inches closer to her 250th Independence Day, we join in the celebration of liberty and opportunity,” Landry wrote that day.

“Perhaps America’s 251st birthday can be celebrated with the addition of it’s 51st state!”

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Shell Norco Welcomes Alex Markos, VP This article is brought to you by Shell.

There’s a new leader - and a new foodie - in St. Charles Parish. You might have noticed Alex Markos turning off River Road into Shell Norco’s main gate, enjoying lunch at a local restaurant, or touring the Norco neighborhood as he gets a feel for life and work in Louisiana. Along the way, he’s been asking an important question: where to find the best gumbo in the parish. So far, his most trusted guides have been Shell Norco employees and nearby neighbors.

That focus on listening and building connections reflects Markos’ approach to leadership, both professionally and personally. “You don’t succeed alone,” he says. “The people closest to the work understand it best, and they are essential to getting it right.”

It’s a mindset he brings to his new role as Vice President of Shell Norco, a key site in Shell’s U.S. operations. The only Shell refinery in the country integrated with chemicals manufacturing, Norco plays a central role in the company’s operations and the Gulf Coast economy.

“I was honored and excited to take on this role,” Markos says. “Shell Norco has a long history and a reputation for great people and a strong culture.

I was excited for the opportunity to become part of that story, while recognizing the responsibility that comes with it. My first priority is getting to know the people, understanding the site, and learning what makes Norco successful.”

Markos joined Shell in 2006 as a mechanical engineer at the Scotford manufacturing site in

Alberta, Canada, a role that shaped the foundation of his career. Early on, he learned the importance of preparation, attention to detail, and an unwavering commitment to safety - and that expertise can be found in every corner of a site. “Some of the most valuable things I learned came from operators, technicians, and frontline workers,” he says. “People who know the plant inside and out.”

Over the past two decades, Markos has worked in several countries in roles spanning operations, commercial work, and strategy. “Those experiences taught me there is rarely only one way to look at a challenge. They also helped me understand how decisions at a manufacturing site connect to customers, markets, employees, and communities,” he says, emphasizing the value of listening.

His leadership roles at Shell Polymers Monaca in Pennsylvania and the Sarnia Manufacturing Centre in Canada prepared him for balancing large-scale operations with culture, trust, and visible leadership. At Norco, he steps into a workplace widely recognized within Shell for its strong culture, something he quickly noticed.

“There’s a real sense of pride here,” he says.

“People care about the site, about each other, and about doing things the right way.” That culture, built over generations, is one of the site’s greatest strengths. Many employees have spent their entire careers at Norco, and for some families, connections to the site span generations. Preserving and strengthening that sense of ownership is a key priority.

At the core of his leadership philosophy is this

principle: safety comes first. “Nothing is more important than making sure every person who comes to work goes home safely,” he says.

His focus also includes environmental performance, reliability, and developing the people who keep the site running. He sees operational excellence and long-term strategy as inseparable.

“You have to deliver today while preparing for tomorrow,”hesays.Thatfutureincludesnavigating an evolving energy landscape while maintaining competitiveness and relevance. Markos believes Norco is well positioned to do both.

Markos is also focused on strengthening connections with the surrounding community.

“Norco’s impact on St. Charles Parish extends across generations, supporting local jobs, businesses, schools, and a broad network of partners,” he says. “It’s important that we continue to earn that trust every day. “I look forward to meeting people and becoming part of the community. Every community has its own history and priorities, and it’s important to listen first and learn what makes St. Charles Parish special.”

Having recently relocated to Louisiana with his wife, Lauren, their two children, ages 14 and 12, a rescue dog, and a horse, the move represents both a professional milestone and a personal adventure. “We’re excited to make Louisiana our home,” he says. “We’re looking forward to experiencing the culture, the Gulf Coast, local festivals, and everything else the region has to offer. And yes, I’m definitely a foodie - so being somewhere known for great food is a nice bonus.

If I had to pick one favorite today, it would probably be gumbo.”

4A ● Wednesday, July 8, 2026 ● theadvocate.com ● The Acadiana Advocate

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VACATION

Vacationers relax on Biloxi Beach in Biloxi, Miss., on June 26. According to the U.S. Travel Association, transportation costs have risen by about 35% over the past year while hotel prices are up by 5%, leading some families to take shorter trips.

Continued from page 1A are looking at places farther from the beach to cut costs. And even some affluent travelers who normally retreat to higher-end destinations along Florida’s Scenic Highway 30A say they are choosing less expensive destinations this summer, including nearby Miramar Beach, Florida, or Alabama’s Gulf Shores.

A similar story is unfolding around the country as rising prices force travelers to scale back vacation plans to fit tighter budgets.

Transportation costs have risen by about 35% over the past year, and hotel prices are up by 5%, according to the U.S. Travel Association.

Some families are taking shorter trips or skipping summer getaways altogether as costs for travel, dining and event tickets soar.

On the Gulf Coast, the changing travel habits are also a sign of how rising populations and strong demand from tourists have transformed once-quiet beach towns.

“It’s not as affordable as it was 10 years ago — nothing is,” said Beth Gendler, president and CEO of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Tourism. Still, the tourism agency’s data shows more than 7 million visitors arrived in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach and Fort Morgan last year and spent a record amount of more than $920 million on lodging.

“There’s great value in it,” Gendler said. “Everyone needs a vacation.”

Demand and prices For decades, the Alabama and Florida coastlines have attracted middle- and working-class Southerners with promises of mostly affordable vacations in spots like Gulf Shores, Destin and Panama City Beach.

Then the aftermath of the coronavirus pandemic led to recordbreaking tourism surges in beach destinations along the Gulf Coast, where many businesses reopened quickly and visitors could enjoy open-air spaces.

The average daily rate for shortterm rentals in coastal Alabama has increased by 9% compared with two years ago, according to Gendler, even though the region’s hotel rates have remained relatively flat over that period.

The population across the southeast United States — where Gulf

STAFF PHOTO By ENAN CHEDIAK

Coast tourism agencies have historically marketed their destinations — is also growing, which means advertisements for Mississippi, Alabama and Florida beaches are reaching more prospective visitors than ever.

And average gas prices amid the Iran war soared almost $1 higher than last year in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida, according to AAA, even as the country’s average price per gallon recently dropped below $4 for the first time in months.

To cope with higher costs, some Louisiana families are now renting older properties away from the beachfront or booking properties with kitchenettes to avoid dining out, according to Allyson Breaux, a travel agent based in St. Landry Parish.

“They decide either less is more, or more is worth paying for,” she said.

Amy Roddie, from Meridian, Mississippi, has taken an RV to the beach with her family each summer for two decades. She used to stay at campgrounds closer to Gulf Shores, just a mile or two from the waterfront. But after several campgrounds were redone and prices rose to about $1,600 a month, she began looking farther north.

This year, she is staying with her grandchildren at Sun City RV Park, where the monthly rate is still about $1,000.

“I don’t know how people afford it,” said Roddie from the RV park

several miles north of Orange Beach.

“It’s still cheaper to literally do three months here than a week in some condos,” Roddie added. “It’s crazy.”

Affordable vacations possible?

Tracking the average cost of hotels and vacation rental properties along the Gulf Coast is difficult.

Many accommodations operate like airlines, with dynamic pricing that can change several times a day.

But travel agents say some beachfront condos can cost more than $3,000 a week, compared with less than $2,000 a week about a decade ago.

In some cases, cruises or allinclusive resorts overseas can be similarly priced to some weeklong condo rentals in the Alabama cities of Orange Beach and Gulf Shores, said Stacy Rodriguez, a travel agent who works with clients in the New Orleans area.

“It’s hard to find a hundred and something dollar hotel anywhere along the coast now,” Rodriguez said. “Just a few years ago, it was definitely doable.”

The rising costs are also adding challenges for travel agents, according to LaKesha Cage, an agent who works with families across Louisiana. One client’s family wanted to visit Florida earlier this summer but began considering a cheaper vacation in Dallas to visit the nearby Six Flags amusement park.

“I really haven’t been able to find

Continued from page 1A That widening project is being conducted in conjunction with the city of Youngsville, which last year made considerable progress in the redesign of the section in the city’s boundaries, particularly the intersection with Fortune Road, which opened a new traffic circle earlier this year.

Youngsville also claimed a hefty sum in state capital outlay money, with $12.1 million allotted for the 202627 fiscal year in its consolidated budget, $5.6 million of which came from state and federal grants.

State and federal contributions will help cover two primary ongoing construction projects in the city, including the aforementioned widening of La. 89 and the reconstruction of Larriviere Road.

The La. 89 widening project is now entering Phase 2 following the construction of the Fortune Road roundabout, with a goal of the road eventually becoming four lanes all the way to the roundabout at La. 92.

Youngsville Mayor Ken Ritter officially announced the beginning of the phase on July 1.

“Roads are one of the most important investments Youngsville can make,” Ritter said in a Facebook post.

“These investments are the result of planning, persistence, and strong partnerships.”

A roundabout at Larriviere Road and Young Street is scheduled to begin construction this year, with both Broussard and Youngsville contributing to the project as the intersection falls partially within both cities boundaries.

Youngsville will pay 75% of the cost for the project, with Broussard pitching in the remaining 25%, reflecting the percentage of the proposed roundabout that falls within each city’s borders.

Yo

u ar r M ts o He ve re

St

them anything” in Florida, Cage said. “Everything is super high.”

Vacation rental property owners are also facing rising expenses, including insurance premiums. And younger owners buying into the market are paying far more for properties than the owners who bought in decades before them, which often means they must charge higher rents to cover their costs.

In Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, tourism leaders say they are trying to promote the benefits of traveling in the offseason to spread demand and are also advertising free attractions to visitors who often return each year.

Around the region, tourism officials say visitors can save money by booking directly with rental companies to avoid added fees and by visiting during August or the fall when rates drop.

“People can still find affordable Destin vacations,” said Tracy Louthain, director of marketing at Newman-Dailey Resort Properties, which manages more than 300 rentals between Destin and Scenic Highway 30A. “You just have to be a savvy traveler.”

Still — even at cheaper campgrounds and RV parks — surging demand has raised some prices near the beach. Sabe Nicholson, who runs Sun City RV Park, said many families who stay with him are retreating from costs at the shoreline.

“This,” he said, “is an alternative.”

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‘Calvin Duncan’s ghost’

Whatever the stakes for Murrill, White insisted in an interview Monday that she’s not conflicted. She said she hasn’t represented Duncan since 1998, and if there’s a conflict over the lawyers who handled her Host of ethical pitfalls civil case, she said it was The court majority sug- Murrill’s concern.

White said she called gested that the case against Murrell could fall on a pro- Murrill’s office last week, after The Times-Picayune | cedural failure.

It found that “by all pub- The Advocate first reported lic accounts” the criminal about the secret grand jury court had “violated express investigation, to alert them provisions of state law re- of a possible conflict on the quiring that grand jury horizon. Murrill’s attorneys

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Continued from page 1A in Turkey for a summit of the NATO military alliance.

Hours after the three tankers were struck by projectiles, the United States revoked a license that had authorized the sale of Iranian oil as part of the interim deal to end the fighting between the U.S. and Iran.

The new assaults in the fuel-shipping waterway were the most in a single day since late April, according to the U.N. International Maritime Organization. The fresh attacks threatened to choke off the flow of traffic in the strait just as countries hoped to restore normal shipping practices and ease the global economic strain of the war.

A U.S. official said the license was revoked because Iran’s actions in the strait were unacceptable and needed to be met with consequences. The official spoke with The Associated Press

on the condition of anonymity to share insight into the reasoning behind the move.

The Iranian Foreign Ministry condemned the U.S. move to revoke the license, saying in a statement that it violates the interim deal and that “the U.S. government bears responsibility for the consequences of this breach of commitment.”

Iran’s deputy foreign minister, Kazem Gharibabadi, also said in a post on X that the new attacks by the U.S. are a violation of that agreement.

One tanker was traveling off the coast of Oman when it was hit and caught fire, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations center said. Iranian state television said the liquefied natural gas tanker came under attack after ignoring warnings but did not directly claim the assault.

The other two ships sustained some damage, but no one was injured, and both continued on their way, the U.K. maritime agency said.

Tehran, which has repeat-

edly declared that only its approved route through the strait is safe, is suspected of attacking other ships that have used another route close to the Omani shore.

Location details provided by the U.K. agency showed that all three attacks occurred off the coast of Oman or the neighboring United Arab Emirates, making it likely that the ships were using the route near Oman.

In peacetime, a fifth of all traded oil and natural gas passed through the channel.

The license issued by the U.S. authorized the production, delivery and sale of Iranian oil through Aug. 21. U.S. Vice President JD Vance said at the time that lengthy talks with senior Iranian officials in Switzerland created a “good foundation for a successful final deal” to end the war.

Meanwhile, talks between Iran and the U.S. appeared to be on hold until after the burial of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed at the beginning of the war.

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Murrill, said in a statement that the attorney general has asked to remove her firm, Rodrigue & Arcuri, from civil cases it handles for the office.

White has claimed it’s Rodrigue who has the conflict, as state law bars prosecutors from criminal defense work.

Rodrigue did not concede any ethical lapses, however. The statement noted that last year, the Louisiana Supreme Court declared an exception for law firms hired by the attorney general to handle civil work — namely, petitions from prisoners.

Rodrigue & Arcuri’s civil caseload with the attorney general is being reassigned “to avoid any confusion,” the statement said.

Those moves came in anticipation of a bitter legal faceoff over the 16-count indictment that an Orleans Parish grand jury handed up last week against Murrill, under White’s guidance.

The charges exploded political tensions that have roiled for months between state Republican leaders and local elected Democrats over control of the New Orleans court system.

The indictment alleges that Murrill committed felonies when she penned warning letters in May to Mayor Helena Moreno, District Attorney Jason Williams and five City Council members, threatening their jobs for backing an election and appointing an interim leader for a newly unified Court Clerk’s Office in the city.

Murrill claimed the local officials were helping “usurp” the authority of Chelsea Richard Napoleon, the elected civil clerk chosen by the Legislature to lead the combined office.

The new law denied former life prisoner Calvin Duncan the criminal clerk’s seat he’d won handily at the polls.

Murrill argues she was just doing her job as the state’s top lawyer by cautioning the city leaders.

The indictment charges her with eight counts each of intimidation and malfeasance in office.

The Supreme Court upheld the law, rejecting the council’s call for a vote.

“This indictment appears to turn the law on its head and flows from what appear to be extraordinary procedural defects and improprieties,” the Supreme Court majority found.

The court set no timetable as it stayed the indictment and invited Murrill to file a motion to quash it. Kyle Schonekas, another attorney for Murrill, declined to comment Monday.

argued that the call itself was illegal, with White revealing secret grand jury information.

White argues that it was Murrill who violated grand jury secrecy.

One prominent legal ethics specialist questioned the court’s jaundiced view of White’s involvement.

“I don’t believe the conflict is as obvious as some members of the Supreme Court might think it is,” said Loyola University law professor Dane Ciolino.

He said he isn’t so sure that Murrill’s office having furnished lawyers to defend White in her civil case was enough to exclude her from the prosecution.

White’s earlier work as a lawyer for Duncan also may not disqualify her.

“Calvin Duncan’s ghost still hangs over this,” Ciolino said, “but I don’t know if that specter is enough to be a conflict of interest.”

The question is whether White has a “personal interest that impairs the fair and impartial administration of justice,” Ciolino said, citing the state law that governs recusals by district attorneys. “That’s a bit of an indeterminate standard.”

Views of the justices differed even among those who agreed to stay of the indictment against Murrill.

Supreme Court Justice Jay McCallum viewed the episode as tawdry and punishable. He wrote that Murrill’s allegations, “if they prove to be even partially accurate,” would require “additional proceedings” before the state bodies that investigate judges and lawyers for misconduct.

Justice Piper Griffin of New Orleans also agreed on the stay, but only because it “allows this Court to ultimately resolve this rapidly escalating quagmire.”

In dissent, Chief Justice John Weimer and Justice John Michael Guidry argued against preferential treatment for Murrill.

Whether Roche or any of the 12 criminal court judges will play a role in the case is doubtful.

The criminal case against Murrill was allotted to Judge Angel Harris, and an arraignment is set for Wednesday.

But sources said a majority of the court’s judges met behind closed doors Tuesday morning and agreed to recuse. Should all of the judges step aside, the Louisiana Supreme Court would appoint an outside judge.

EN

Continued from page 1A

returns occur in the public eye, ‘in open court.’”

Roche, who ordered reporters out of his courtroom for the indictment, quickly responded with an unsolicited opinion that challenged the court’s view of Article 383, the law governing grand jury returns.

Roche claims that open court “does not mean open to the public. Rather, it means while the judge is present on the bench.”

How the Supreme Court decides that issue could dictate the fate of the case against Murrill, as the grand jury that charged her has since disbanded.

In the meantime, legal analysts and court watchers have been left to parse a ruling with little precedent.

Legal scholars couldn’t recall the Louisiana Supreme Court stepping in so early to cast shade on a charging document or question how it came to be.

The court focused a share of its criticism on White, the special prosecutor, who left the criminal court bench in 2023.

White said that Roche called to offer her an appointment as a special prosecutor without indicating the subject matter.

She later agreed to take the case, returning to the court where she served for more than 15 years.

Before becoming a judge, White worked as a civil rights attorney on highstakes prisoner cases. For years, she represented Duncan as he sat in prison for murder.

“The likely conflicts of interest precluding her involvement in this matter, if accurately stated, should have been obvious,” the Supreme Court wrote.

The majority also found that Murrill “is likely to succeed on the merits of a motion to quash this indictment on either a legal basis or due to apparent procedural irregularities.”

White once managed professional boxers. As a judge, she often sparred with Rodrigue’s father, Leon Cannizzaro, the former twoterm district attorney who recently retired as Murrill’s criminal division chief.

The courthouse she left has changed. Alongside local prosecutors, Murrill’s staff now handles hundreds of felony cases at the courthouse, from arrests made by Troop Nola, the dedicated Louisiana State Police unit set up by Gov. Jeff Landry.

“I’m not the story,” White said. “The attorney general is the headline.”

SCAN

CONFLICT

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6A ● Wednesday, July 8, 2026 ● theadvocate.com ● The Acadiana Advocate

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McConnell speaks Platner should drop out, Sanders says candidate with GOP leaders Senate accused sexual Speculation swirls about his health

said Barrasso spokeswoman Kate Noyes.

Another McConnell ally, Republican strategist Scott Jennings, posted on X that he had also talked to McConnell for 20 minutes on

BY MARY CLARE JALONICK Tuesday, and that “he’s still Associated Press recovering in the hospital.”

WASHINGTON — The Sen- Jennings said they spoke ate’s top two Republicans about politics, foreign policy have spoken individually to “and even a little bit of SenKentucky Sen. Mitch McCo- ate history.”

McConnell was admitnnell, according to aides, as the former GOP leader re- ted to the hospital on June 14, according to a mains in the hospistatement from his tal more than three office that only said weeks after being he was “receiving admitted for undisexcellent care.” closed health issues.

A statement a Aides to McConweek later said that nell have declined he would not be votto release any ining that week. And formation about his on Thursday, a new condition, fueling McConnell statement said that speculation about his prognosis and whether he ”appreciates the outpourhe will be healthy enough to ing of support he’s receiving be at the Capitol when the while he continues his reSenate returns to Washing- covery in the hospital.”

“The Senator continues ton next week after a twoweek recess. McConnell, 84, to improve, and is workis retiring at the end of his ing closely with his staff on term in January.

Kentucky and Senate matA spokesperson for Sen- ters while the Senate is out ate Majority Leader John of session,” the statement Thune, R-S.D., said he had said.

A spokesman for McConspoken with McConnell by phone on Monday and that nell released the same statethe two had a “lengthy and ment again on Tuesday, with substantive conversation no new updates. that covered a variety of The senator’s unspecified topics, including national health issues come after security.” As leader, Thune several hospitalizations in is generally kept up to date recent years. on illnesses and absences in While he was still Repubhis conference as he has to lican leader, McConnell was navigate vote counts and his hospitalized with a concusnarrow 53-47 majority. sion in March 2023 and Wyoming Sen. John Bar- missed several weeks of rasso, the No. 2 Senate Re- work after falling in a Washpublican, had a 20-minute ington hotel.

He twice froze up during conversation with McConnell on Tuesday, according news conferences after he to a spokeswoman. The returned, staring vacantly two discussed Senate races ahead before colleagues and ahead of the midterm elec- staff — including Barrasso, tions, the Supreme Court who is a doctor — came to and other topics, the state- his assistance.

A year later, he fell and ment said.

“Senator McConnell was sprained his wrist while fully engaged and is eager walking out of a GOP lunto get back to the Senate,” cheon.

assault

BY KIMBERLEE KRUESI, PATRICK WHITTLE and JESSE BEDAYN Associated Press

PORTLAND, Maine — Sen. Bernie Sanders on Tuesday became the latest and most notable lawmaker to pull support for Maine Democratic U.S. Senate nominee Graham Platner following an allegation of sexual assault, adding to a chorus of calls for him to step aside as party leaders scramble to determine the next steps.

Sanders, a Vermont independent who caucuses with Democrats, has long backed Platner in the high-stakes race against Republican Sen. Susan Collins, but he said in a statement that he spoke with the candidate and “in light of these very serious allegations, I have recommended that he step aside.”

Platner, who denies the allegation, has not heeded the calls to resign. Instead, he posted a video on Monday saying he was considering the next steps for his cam-

ASSOCIATED PRESS FILE PHOTO

Graham Platner, Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate, and Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., left, join hands at an event in Orono, Maine, in May. paign while canceling town hall events.

Platner posted the video after reports that a woman who previously dated the first-time candidate said he drunkenly forced her to have sex after she told him to stop.

The allegation is the latest in a string of controversies Platner has faced and so far weathered since the oyster farmer and Marine veteran entered the race. But the seriousness of the assault claim has put the Maine contest — and Democrats’ ability to win control of the

Senate — at risk, with even some of his strongest supporters questioning whether Platner should continue his campaign.

If Platner steps down, a possible succession battle would inflame a Democratic divide as the party seeks unity ahead of the November midterms.

Platner became a populist hero among the party’s left flank, pulling far ahead of an establishment-backed candidate, Gov. Janet Mills, in the primary. Now, if he quits the contest, progressive groups are demanding that the

state’s Democratic Party choose a similarly shakeup-the-system candidate to replace him.

“To the Democratic establishment: This is not your opening,” said Joseph Geevarghese, who leads an organization founded by Sanders, Our Revolution. After withdrawing its endorsement of Platner, the group said Tuesday that it was “rallying behind” another progressive contender.

Joanie Monteith, a passionate supporter from the southern Maine town of York who organized a trivia night about Platner in March, said through tears Tuesday that she was devastated by the news. She was waiting for another public statement from Platner before making a decision about whether she could keep supporting him.

“I’m numb, and I’m waiting for what Graham has to say,” she said. “I’m trying not to be a part of this public trial. And I’m heartbroken.

And I’m heartbroken for him and his wife.”

She added that she believes the allegations are serious.

“I’m not going to blame a victim. Because if this is true I feel very bad for the woman,” she said.

Judge rejects DOJ subpoena in ’20 election It sought names of Ga. workers

BY KATE BRUMBACK Associated Press

ATLANTA — The U.S. Department of Justice cannot have the names and personal contact information for every person who worked during the 2020 election in Georgia’s Fulton County, a federal judge ruled Tuesday.

The Justice Department in April served a grand jury subpoena seeking the names and personal contact

information of county employees and volunteer poll workers. President Donald Trump has long claimed without evidence that widespread voter fraud in Georgia’s most populous county, a Democratic stronghold, cost him victory in the state in 2020.

Fulton County asked a judge to quash the subpoena, arguing it was meant to “target, harass and punish the President’s perceived political opponents” and that it was “grossly over broad and untethered to any reasonable need.”

“Given the low need for the subpoenaed information and the highly burdensome nature of the disclosure of the same, the Subpoena is unreasonable and must be quashed,” U.S. District Judge William Ray wrote in his ruling, calling the scope of the request “staggering.”

Emails seeking comment were sent to both the Justice Department and Fulton County.

While grand juries often work with federal prosecutors to investigate alleged crimes, “that does not give the DOJ the right to use the

Grand Jury to do whatever the DOJ wants,” wrote Ray, who was nominated to the bench by Trump.

Even if the records sought by the Justice Department could help find people who worked for the county during the 2020 election who support the theory that the election was unfair, the information couldn’t be used to charge anyone, Ray wrote.

“That is because the statute of limitations for any possible crime arising from the 2020 Election has long expired,” he wrote.

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LOW

92° 78°

Beaumont 93/76 Port Arthur 92/78

Baton Rouge 92/76

Lake Charles 93/77

New Orleans 92/78 Houma 91/76

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

0s

Hattiesburg 94/75

Alexandria 93/75

Lafayette 92/76

10s

20s

30s

40s

50s

A couple of Rain and a t-storm afternoon showers in the p.m.

HIGH

LOW

HIGH

92° 76°

LOW

87° 75°

YESTERDAY

TODAY

READING 32 MAIN POLLUTANT Ozone

MAIN POLLUTANT Ozone

Lafayette through 5 p.m. Tuesday

Jackson 92/74 Many 93/74

Well, we saw some strong thunderstorms yesterday across parts of Southwest Louisiana and we may see more of those again today.

Some storms could bring excessive rainfall. So expect a partly cloudy, hot and humid day. Temperatures this afternoon will rise to the low to mid-90s. The humidity level remains high, so feels like temperatures could get up to 105 in parts of southwest Louisiana, especially where there is no rainfall. The UV index is at the very high level, so stay hydrated and wear your sunscreen.

MONDAY

TEMPERATURE

Longview 95/76

-0s

LOW

Monroe 93/75

Shreveport 93/76

-10s

HIGH

91° 77°

SUNDAY

60s

70s

80s

90s 100s 110s

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

Sunrise today Sunset tonight Moonrise today Moonset today NEW

JUL 14

City

Austin Boston Dallas Fairbanks Honolulu Las Vegas Louisville Miami Nashville

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

89°/72° 91°/75° 90°/74° 99° in 1921 57° in 1924

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

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

HIGH

3:55p 9:34a 9:04a 3:54a 5:21a 4:54a 6:29a

6:13 a.m.

8:13 p.m.

12:48 a.m.

2:19 p.m.

FIRST

JUL 21

Hi

TODAY

98 78 99 73 87 110 88 93 88

Lo

75 69 80 53 76 83 73 82 72

FULL

LAST

JUL 29

W

s pc t c sh pc t t t

AUG 5

Hi

98 87 101 63 90 112 89 94 92

GOOD

PRECIPITATION

THU. Lo

76 72 80 54 76 84 74 82 75

W

t pc s c sh s t pc t

FT.

0.5 1.2 1.5 1.3 1.0 1.1 1.2

LOW

0.48” 2.44” 1.58” 36.85” 32.73”

FT.

4:18a 0.2 8:57p 0.1 3:55p -0.1 6:20a 1.3 4:26p 0.1 3:02p 0.0 5:28p 0.1

HIGH

FT.

--- ----- ----- --10:33a 1.4 --- ----- ----- ---

SOURCE: LOUISIANA DEQ AND AIRNOW.GOV

LOW

FT.

--- ----- ----- --7:52p 0.3 --- ----- ----- ---

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

MAJOR MINOR MAJOR MINOR

Today Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday Monday Tuesday

City

6:27a 12:15a 6:51p 12:39p 7:15a 1:01a 7:42p 1:28p 8:06a 1:51a 8:35p 2:20p 9:00a 2:44a 9:32p 3:16p 9:59a 3:42a 10:32p 4:16p 11:00a 4:44a 11:33p 5:17p 12:03p 5:47a 12:34p 6:19p

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

Hi

92 95 84 114 85 92 88 75 94

TODAY Lo

78 77 70 91 68 75 74 65 80

W

t t pc s t t t s t

Hi

93 95 83 113 84 97 94 74 94

THU. Lo

79 75 73 90 70 76 74 66 82

W

t s t s t t t s t

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

N O R T H A M ER I CA’S

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

FLOOD STAGE

34 48 48 35 27 22 17

TUE. 24-HOUR STAGE CHANGE

13.30 41.50 43.40 26.90 17.70 13.17 8.90

-2.82 +0.21 +0.30 none none -0.09 +0.08

40

23.07

-3.14

19

-0.68

+0.63

18 29 8

0.65 12.30 1.59

+0.70 +1.19 -0.52

13 15

2.59 1.58

-1.53 +0.04

47 34 29 20 12 6

23.56 17.83 15.51 12.25 7.10 3.47

-2.68 +0.22 +0.18 +0.18 +0.10 +0.01

data as of 7 a.m. Tuesday

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

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W e d n e s d ay, J u ly 8, 2026

1Bn

Opelousas to host Disability Pride event Elijah Duplechain to serve as grand marshal

BY JA’KORI MADISON Staff writer

The word “Neva” has become a familiar phrase for thousands of people who follow Elijah Duplechain.

The Opelousas eighth grader, who has Down syndrome, has gained attention for his playful, drawn-out catchphrase “Neva,” often delivered with a Cajun twang and a grin that has helped make Elijah a social media favorite.

Now, that same message behind Elijah’s personality will be the focus of Opelousas’ first Disability Pride event: “Neva Let Your Disabilities Define You.” The free event will be from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday inside the Yambilee Building in Opelousas. Organized by Jamie Elizabeth Cormier, the event will celebrate those with disabilities, highlight their accomplishments and create an inclusive space where families can come together.

For the event’s first year, Elijah will serve as grand marshal.

The Opelousas Junior High student has become known for his viral videos on social media and made history as the first Opelousas Police Department Junior Police Academy graduate with special needs. Recently, Duplechain was honored with the Founder’s Award at the 2026 Southern Tea Awards.

ä See DISABILITY, page 4B

PROVIDED PHOTO

STAFF PHOTOS By LESLIE WESTBROOK

Justin Jenkins, left, and Emmitt Dubois, of Professional Pools, mark off areas Tuesday where they will paint new ‘No Diving’ signs at the Martin Luther King Recreation Center pool in Lafayette.

HOT TICKET MLK pool to open this weekend; Girard Park, Mouton to remain closed due to repairs

BY STEPHEN MARCANTEL Staff writer

Lafayette’s Martin Luther King Recreational Center pool is expected to open to the public this weekend, leaving the city with only two of its four public pools open this year.

The Girard Park pool, which opened last year for the first time since it closed in 2019, will remain closed this year to evaluate and recommend repairs and maintenance, a Lafayette Consolidated Government spokesperson said.

The OJ Mouton pool is anticipated to reopen at some point but is undergoing major repairs.

The MLK and Robicheaux Center pools will be open from noon to 5 p.m.

Friday through Sunday. The pools will remain open until the weekend of Aug. 7.

The Girard Park pool reopened last year for the first time since it was shuttered in 2019. Sitting vacant for so many years meant it required several repairs to get it back into shape, officials have said.

It eventually opened in late June 2025 after pumps were replaced. Various improvements at the time included new ladders, painting, repairing

The Martin Luther King Recreation Center pool is slated to open to the public this weekend. cracks and adding lifeguard chairs.

“We want to thank the community for their patience in this process,” an LCG spokesperson said at the 2025 opening.

“Girard Park pool has not been open since summer of 2019, so we recog-

nize it’s long-awaited, especially given this Louisiana heat.”

Lafayette Parish students have been out of school since mid- to late May and are expected to return in mid-August, giving children only four weekends to swim in the city’s public pools.

Elijah Duplechain, left, will serve as the grand marshal of a Disability Pride event, organized by Jamie Cormier.

Cajun World War II veteran dies at 100 Lafayette man Rayne man served

leads police on 140 mph chase, officials say

A Lafayette man was arrested Monday after leading police on a high-speed chase that reached more than 140 mph and crossed multiple jurisdictions in Jefferson Davis Parish, according to the Jennings Police Department.

Jamari Mallery, 22, was CRIME booked with aggravated from an officer, BLOTTER flight reckless operation of a veAdvocate hicle and driving without staff a license. His bail has not reports been set.

A Jennings police officer conducting traffic enforcement spotted a silver Infiniti sedan traveling west on Interstate 10 near the Jennings exit about noon, police said. The car was allegedly weaving through traffic at more than 100 mph.

ä See BLOTTER, page 4B

as ammo carrier, French-speaking liaison

BY JA’KORI MADISON Staff writer

Prigeon Joseph Fontenot Sr., a Rayne native and World War II veteran, has died at age 100.

Fontenot died Friday at Ochsner Acadia General Hospital in Crowley, according to his family.

Just weeks before his death, Fontenot traveled to Normandy, France, where he joined fellow World War II veterans to commemorate the 82nd anniversary of D-Day and honor the men and women who fought during the historic June 6, 1944, invasion.

The Acadia Parish Sheriff’s Office shared a tribute following his death, remembering Fontenot as a veteran whose life represented courage and sacrifice.

“Mr. Prigeon Fontenot, a remarkable 100-year-old veteran,” the Sheriff’s Office said. “Just weeks ago, we had the profound honor of escorting him to Lafayette Regional Airport as he prepared to return to Normandy, France, for the 82nd anniversary of D-Day — a powerful reminder of his courage and sacrifice.”

Fontenot was drafted into the U.S. Army

according to his obituary. Fontenot landed in France in January 1945 and served as an ammunition carrier, moving with a nineman crew aboard a half-track as Allied forces advanced through Belgium and into Germany.

But Fontenot’s service was also significant because of the language he brought with him from Louisiana.

A native Cajun French speaker, Fontenot became one of the Louisiana soldiers known as “Frenchies,” who are men with the ability to speak French, making them valuable interpreters and liaisons during the Allied campaign through Europe.

In a previous interview with The Advocate, Fontenot said his wartime experience brought a renewed sense of pride in his Cajun heritage and identity.

Fontenot remained active in the veteran community as a member of American Legion Post 77, VFW Post 9822 and St. Joseph PROVIDED PHOTO Elderberry’s. The Lafayette-area VFW Post 9822 remembered Fontenot as a beloved Prigeon Fontenot, a Rayne native and member and a source of inspiration. solider during the Great Depression and “Mr. Prigeon was still an active memWorld War II, died Friday at 100. ber of our post and always a positive light wherever he went,” the post shared on at age 18 and served from July 1944 until Facebook. “It was always a pleasure to sit April 28, 1946, during the final years of and talk with him and share in his stories. A World War II. true treasure who will be missed.”

He was assigned to the 52nd Armored Funeral services for Fontenot were held Infantry Battalion of the 9th Armored Di- Tuesday with a Mass of Christian Burial at vision, known as the “Phantom Division,” Gossen Funeral Home Chapel in Rayne.

2B ● Wednesday, July 8, 2026 ● theadvocate.com ● The Acadiana Advocate

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

OUR VIEWS

World Cup reminds us that America can still delight Monday night, in a converted NFL stadium in Seattle, the United States’ dreams of World Cup glory came to an abrupt end in a loss to Belgium’s national soccer team.

In a performance that was stumbling, tentative and prone to massive mistakes, the U.S. gave up four goals while scoring only one.

Millions of fans, in the stadium and watching around the country, were disappointed.

So were we. But we refuse to allow that letdown, albeit significant, dampen our enthusiasm for what has been a fantastic and joyous celebration of the world’s most popular sport.

For nearly a month now, international teams and fans have roamed our country, as well as those of co-hosts Canada and Mexico, occasionally packing themselves into stands to watch their teams play, but also discovering a side of America rarely seen outside our borders.

And for the most part, their reactions have been delightful.

There was the Japanese tourist wowed by the baskets of free chips and salsa at a Tex-Mex restaurant. Or the Swedish visitor who tasted ranch dressing and pronounced her life changed.

And who can forget Freddy, the German soccer fan who chronicled on X his American odyssey, which started with him driving along the East Coast before turning westward for Houston to catch his home nation’s first game.

Along the way, he fell in love with Taco Bell and enjoyed a late-night meal at Waffle House. By the time he got to Louisiana, the Saints reached out to him for a tour of the facility, and he also visited Tiger Stadium.

It wasn’t limited to foreigners discovering our fast food, either. Lawrence, Kansas was the host for the Algerian team. When they arrived, the Desert Foxes, as they are known, were welcomed enthusiastically. Locals turned up to watch practices, stores carried Algerian decorations and festooned trees with green and white lights in support of the North Africans.

In each of these cases, foreign visitors saw a side of America that runs far beneath the headlines and media reports most see. Their reactions in turn serve as a good reminder for us that no matter how bitter our partisan divides, no matter how significant our issues, much of what has made us distinct persists.

And then there have been the games. Pretournament worries about the high ticket prices and Americans’ general indifference to the sport have been allayed by packed arenas full of passionate and joyous fans. Now, as the tournament has only eight of the original 48 teams left, those games will be more intense on the field and more stressful in the stands.

Though the U.S. team is out, we will still be watching. As fans of Louisiana teams, we know that the party doesn’t stop with a loss. And when it’s over, and the international teams and fans have left, we hope the joy, hospitality and wonder will remain.

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

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

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

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YOUR VIEWS

Disparaging district’s motives in closing Comeaux unfair I am writing in response to Claire Taylor’s article, “Saying goodbye to Comeaux High,” in the Acadiana Advocate on June 21. Taylor stated that one of the reasons the Lafayette School Board voted to close the school and move the Career Center there is because “there is supposedly a long waiting list of students who want to take classes” at the Career Center. Supposedly?

To me, she is insinuating that the school district administrators are ly-

ing. This is terribly biased reporting, and I am very disappointed to see her disparage the school board members the superintendent, and the district administrators.

Taylor could easily have confirmed the waiting list with a public records request for said list; the students’ identities could have been redacted from the document. I find this accusation very offensive. Shame on you.

RAMONA A. BERNARD retired LPSS employee

Constitution was designed to prevent Trump It has been said by many that the Founding Fathers had an imaginary demagogue like President Donald Trump in mind when they drafted the Constitution and Bill of Rights with their checks and balances.

The current U.S. Supreme Court doesn’t have to use their imagination or hypotheticals to see what a demagogue can do to destroy the Constitu-

tion. It’s right in front of them, alive and kicking.

And these noble Republican men and one woman continue to come up with half-baked, self-serving judicial ideas to achieve their personal and political opinions about how they want America to look.

ALEX CHAPMAN Ville Platte

Decision to allow political gerrymandering favoring White voters was immoral The U.S. Supreme Court decision on the Voting Rights Act has resulted in one less Black majority congressional district in Louisiana. My understanding of the court’s decision is that congressional districts may not be drawn based on race, but may be drawn based on politics. Gerrymandering is legal based on politics but not on race.

I can’t argue on constitutional or statutory law, but I do know the Constitution of 1789 does not mention the words race, Black, White or political party. There were no political parties in 1789.

To make a new Republican district, one was created with Republican voters.

In Louisiana, most Republican voters are White, and most Democratic voters are Black. So the Legislature found White voters. Not for a racebased district — that’s illegal now —

but for a Republican district.

So, when Republicans get White people for a majority district, that’s legal, but if Democrats get Black people for a Democratic district, that’s illegal. Sure seems like the same thing to me. A law, be it a Supreme Court ruling or state law, doesn’t make it right.

We have had many immoral laws in the past, but they were the law.

Black people were unable to vote, eat at a restaurant, stay at a hotel, get a library card, buy a house in certain neighborhoods — all that was law, but it was immoral.

The Supreme Court decision sure seems wrong to me, as it is marginalizing some of our own citizens who have been marginalized for so long.

We are better than this, or I thought we were.

If Iran gains nuclear weapons, future generations could live in a different world Iran is run by a theocracy. They are religious zealots. So why is it important to make sure they never have nuclear weapons?

In August 1945, the atomic bomb that was dropped on Hiroshima killed an estimated 70,000 people immediately. Another 70,000 died before the end of the year. If Iran has a nuclear weapon, they can and will, at a minimum, control the Strait of Hormuz, disrupting oil production worldwide, and at worst use the bomb against another country.

In June 2022, the average price of gas in the U.S. rose to $5.02 a gallon.

Why? Because Russia had invaded Ukraine. Now imagine the chaos should a rogue nation decide to fire an intercontinental ballistic missile with a nuclear warhead at Israel, Saudi Arabia, London, Paris, etc. (yes, they have proven they have weapons with that range).

The stock market would do a tailspin, and the price of gas would be the last thing the world would be concerned about.

Why would they do that, you ask?

Ask the thousands of Iranian citizens reportedly killed for demonstrating earlier this year. Ask why Iran is financing proxies such as Hamas and Hezbollah, which are terrorist organizations that have had a major role in the deaths of 1,000 Americans.

Reportedly, their goal was to build a drone and missile force that no country could stop without a full-scale war and many casualties.

Finally, our government has weakened Iran militarily without destroying power plants, bridges, etc. Reportedly, this is so as not to punish the Iranian citizens, and that is a civilized approach.

Previous administrations have declared that Iran should never have a nuclear bomb, yet efforts to negotiate an agreement have proven futile.

If current efforts fall short, our children and grandchildren might live in an entirely different world.

JOHN PATRICK MORRIS SR. Metairie

ROBERT TAYLOR Fairhope, Alabama

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COMMENTARY The great America 250 dud It must be said: The Semiquincentennial had all the makings of a dud.

Like all the 50-anniversary predecessors, this big anniversary celebration occurred amid controversy, questions about the character of American life, critiques about the nature of our democratic values and disputes about the meaning of our history. All that occurred in 1826, 1876, 1926 and 1976.

But at least there was ambient joy in those commemorations. There was reason to celebrate the survival for 50 years of the first large democracy, the technological and industrial revolutions present 100 years later, the blooming of American prosperity and promise after 150 years of relative national isolation, and the emergence of a newly optimistic country during the BicentenDavid Shribman nial.

Now the survival of democratic values is uncertain, the technological revolution that has culminated in AI is creating deep uneasiness along with great promise, the national booster hopefulness of the pre-Depression 1920s has no current analogue, and the funk of the 2020s is no match for the relative uplift of the post-Watergate, postVietnam mid 1970s.

Perhaps the sour taste this celebration prompted — or, just as troubling, the feeling of emptiness that seems pervasive in the many commemorations — comes from this moment in the American passage.

Indeed, the British newspaper The Guardian wrote, “If that’s the way America celebrates its birthday, you would not want to be present at its funeral.”

Only about 4 in 10 Americans said they felt “proud” about the country’s 250th anniversary, according to an Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research survey.

Three-quarters believe the signers of the Declaration would be disappointed with how the country has turned out, according to Gallup.

This commemoration isn’t entirely without virtue.

The Atlantic published the score of Julia Ward Howe’s “Battlefield of the Republic” on its cover this month, accompanying it with an essay on its eternal, always evolving, meaning.

The New York Times published a piece examining the changing perceptions of the American Revolution, becoming part of the story as it told the story.

Even Donald Trump’s jeremiad against references in federal historical sites to the struggles of women and minorities had a salutary effect; his attacks prompted an animated discussion about what exactly was

Perhaps Trump’s poodles will finally rouse themselves “And everybody praised the Duke/ Who this great fight did win.”/ “But what good came of it at last?”/ Quoth little Peterkin./ “Why that I cannot tell,” said he,/ “But ’twas a famous victory.”

— Robert Southey, “The Battle of Blenheim” (1798)

STAFF PHOTO By MARK BALLARD

The Great American State Fair on the National Mall on June 25. involved in the telling of history, and whether successes in crumbling ancient barriers should be as much an emblem of national pride as the achievements that for centuries have been celebrated, whether in textbooks, Disney re-creations or popular folklore: in short, did Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Frederick Douglass deserve as much attention as, say, William McKinley, whom the president has singled out for special commendation?

But this celebration lacked buoyancy, which is the physical property that allows an object to rise from a submerged state — and there’s little question that the American spirit is under water today. Consider this: 80% of those voters who told the New York Times/Siena University Poll this spring that they were dissatisfied with the state of the country said that they wanted the country’s economic and political system overhauled or even razed.

During the Bicentennial, which is within the living memory of nearly three out of five of Americans today, the country actually was celebrating.

Richard Nixon’s resignation two years earlier prompted the promiscuous employment of the phrase “the system worked,” and The Boston Globe plastered an image of the Constitution across the top of its front page.

Both are inconceivable today. A popular book about Watergate, which Jimmy Breslin published in 1976, was

titled “How the Good Guys Finally Won.” Today, people think the good guys are confined to those in their own party.

It was, perhaps, more than the early-19th century era that bore that phrase, an era of good feeling. Much of it was due to the unelected president Gerald Ford, ridiculed and often reviled while in the White House, punished at the polls for his Nixon pardon, now a subject of reverence in the revisionism that has occurred since.

“Americans in 1876 were living in a time of dynamic economic and technological growth that had already wrought dizzying change within a single lifetime,” Fergus M. Bordewich wrote in Centennial, his chronicle, published recently, of the celebration of 100 years of American independence. The same can be said of our own era.

In remarks opening that Philadelphia spectacle, President Ulysses S. Grant spoke of the country’s achievement in “rivaling older and more advanced nations in law, medicine, and theology; in science, literature, philosophy and the fine art,” adding, “While proud of what we have done, we regret that we have not done more.”

When it comes to the Semiquincentennial, we already regret that we have not done more.

Email David Shribman at dshribman@ post-gazette.com.

Divorce is harder on the family pet Pew Research Center says 51% of In a nation of people who view pets Americans value pets as much as they as family members — and spent $158 do family members. About 95 million billion last year on their best friends households “owned” a pet last — it was inevitable that pet year, with 53% of all homes havcustody would become the next chapter in family law. We love ing a dog and 39% a cat. This is our pets as much as we love our hardly surprising. Ask yourself: people — if not more. The death Who is always ecstatic to see of a pet has shattered my heart you when you reenter a room more than any other loss. from which you totally vanished Kathleen just three minutes earlier?

Take Asheville, a beautiParker The question of who gets the ful, shaggy, black-and-white family pet during a divorce has mutt. In 1993, I rescued her become so common and vexing that and her sister, Brevard, from a North legislatures have begun doling out cusCarolina highway halfway between the two cities that gave them their tody guidelines. names. They were 4-month-old starvThe underlying premise is that since ing sacks of bones with engorged ticks pets are members of the family, their well-being should be considered in dangling from their eyelids, lips and awarding custody. everywhere else. For the rest of her Obviously, dogs and cats can’t choose life, Ashe would sit before me like which parent they prefer, nor would the sphinx and stare into my eyes for they want to, assuming neither human hours that would have extended to days if not for the necessity of moving is abusive. Like children, dogs (and maybe cats) adore both parents and are one’s legs. never more content than when everyWhen she died at age 20, predeceasing Brevard (aka Beezie) by two years, one is together, and no one is mad. My I was so bereft I couldn’t breathe. husband and I should know. We are the Someone said to me, “I know you miss parents of five dogs, three cats (who Ashe so much because you loved her so think they’re dogs), and four birds who much.” And I replied, “No, I miss her so live like royalty and hate us. much because she loved me so much.”

But do we really need courts to settle In the years after, I’ve managed the our personal pet policies? People think grief of burying a best buddy, a mother nothing of sharing custody of their and my brother, but my heart still aches children. Why not the same for pets? most for Ashe and the Beez. (And Ollie For divorcing couples and their pets, the blind poodle, among others.) arbitration should be a first step dur-

ing family disunity. As reported by the Economist, the pet can become leverage for negotiating better terms in other areas. You can have the dog, but I get the tractor. OK! In Delaware, a judge gave an expensive goldendoodle to the highest bidder, which sounds a lot like a property transaction. Some proponents of official custody arrangements have argued for pet support to the custodial parent. A New York divorcée with custody of the couple’s two dogs receives $1,000 per month in financial support. (Let’s see, that would be $2,500 to me just for the pups.)

Admittedly, pet custody isn’t the stickiest wicket of the day, but granting human (not just humane) considerations to pets signals a potentially problematic trend. American birth rates are at a record low — just 1.6 babies per woman, well below the 2.1 replacement rate. Already, there are more households with pets than with children, and 48% of Gen Zers see no difference between their pets and children. It’s easy to imagine pets replacing babies in the future family unit of choice. Of course, the expensive little secret in our household is that we spend more on our pets than we do on ourselves.

On the bright side, if you’re our pets, we can’t afford a divorce!

Kathleen Parker is on X, @kathleenparker.

Deferring gratification can be virtuous, but now is the time for an autopsy of Donald Trump’s presidency. The nation has experienced more than a few failing presidencies, but this flailing presidency is as uniquely unsightly as it is terminal.

Trump’s plummet will intensify George what is causing it, his self-absorption and self-indulgence. RecentWill ly, he has waged war carelessly, pursued a fixation incontinently, and named a building contemptibly.

He unleashed America’s military competence, in conjunction with Israel’s, for a defensible purpose: preventing a genocidal and theologically demented regime from completing the Holocaust (it has called Israel “a one-bomb country”) and punishing God’s foremost enemy, America.

But this worthy U.S. goal became a casualty of presidential frivolousness.

Trump launched this war eight months after declaring that last summer’s U.S. and Israeli bombing “obliterated” Iran’s nuclear weapon program. The general who led the Defense Department’s intelligence agency was fired after its report concluded otherwise.

In February, Trump implicitly affirmed the report’s conclusion by ordering another obliteration. But when, in May, the price of gasoline reached a national average of $4.47 a gallon (the price 70 years ago, adjusted for inflation, was about $3.70), he wobbled. Trumpeting Iran’s assurance, which it has reiterated for decades, that it would not acquire nuclear weapons, Trump accepted a “memorandum of understanding” under which Iran will be bribed (with reconstruction money from undetermined sources) to accept U.S. capitulation. Here are reasons why Rep. Jake Auchincloss, D-Massachusetts, calls this “the most humiliating national security episode since the British burned the White House”: Restrictions on Iranian exports will be loosened and at least $100 billion in frozen assets will be “fully available” to Iran. The MOU would codify that, contrary to international law, the Strait of Hormuz is “an Iranian river” (Auchincloss). Excluded from negotiations are Iran’s ballistic missile developments, its funding of Hezbollah and other terrorist proxies, and the regime’s slaughter of protesters by the thousands.

If Trump believes that Israel, which was excluded from negotiation of the MOU, and which exists to “never again” depend on others for its security, will allow limits on its measures against Hezbollah, his credulousness is unlimited. Trump, who said he would make Americans “tired of winning,” must, by law, submit a final Iran agreement for congressional review. To him, however, the law is a cobweb; to his many congressional poodles, it is an invitation to evasion. Perhaps, though, they have reached the limits of their canine loyalty.

A figment of Trump’s imagination, the theft of the 2020 election, has produced a congressional train wreck. He is willing to sacrifice national security in order to get a voting-security law that is intended to prevent a repeat of what did not happen in 2020.

The neutering of Trump might continue with the Senate not confirming Todd Blanche as attorney general. National Review, conservatism’s flagship publication, says, “Blanche has been everything President Trump wants in an attorney general, and that’s the problem.” As acting attorney general, he has been “an instrument of Trump’s unworthy and abusive campaign to investigate and prosecute his political opponents.”

Trump’s hunger for flattery, even self-flattery, recently caused him to further miniaturize himself: He tried to appropriate an honor bestowed on an assassinated president. Although Trump’s life has been a long plea of “Look at me!,” he is oblivious to how he looked when he slapped his name on (for 176 days; a court intervened) the Donald J. Trump and the John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts.

“What’s in a name?” asked Shakespeare’s Juliet. “That which we call a rose/ By any other word would smell as sweet.” Well.

The Kennedy Center’s name reminds Americans that honors are bestowed on those whom the nation believes are especially worth remembering. By elevating an honored few, this egalitarian nation reminds itself that excellence is both real and rare. By slathering the building with the stench of self-praise, Trump proclaimed that honor is a mere bauble, a prerogative of power.

So, “What’s in a name?” Sometimes a lot, sometimes — for 176 recent days — nothing.

Email George Will at georgewill@washpost. com.

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lll

Funerals Today

Police: Woman shoots into cars after crash Landry blasts case, says bail too low

BY OLIVIA TEES Staff writer

A woman was arrested after police said she crashed her car on Interstate 110, exited the vehicle, began shooting at cars and hit one person.

Leila Habib, 63, of New Orleans, was booked into the East Baton Rouge Parish Prison on counts of attempted second-degree murder, aggravated criminal damage to property, simple damage to property and illegal use of a weapon.

Baton Rouge police said

DISABILITY

Continued from page 1B His social media platforms have more than 100,000 followers on TikTok and more than 300,000 followers on Facebook, where viewers regularly share how his videos brighten their day.

“I just loved his story when I first met him and got to know him. Me, Elijah, and his mom have been close ever since,” Cormier said.

The original idea was to create something special for Elijah’s birthday in May. However, after consideration, Cormier said the idea expanded into something that could celebrate the entire community.

“July is Disability Pride Month,” Cormier said. “Let’s celebrate everyone since it’s also pride month.”

Cormier, who has a disability herself, was born two months premature and faced several medical challenges throughout her life, including scoliosis and a connective tissue disorder.

She said her parents played an important role in helping her understand that her disability did not define what she could accomplish.

“I just want the public, not just the disabled, to realize that they are capable,” Cormier said. “Their dis-

BLOTTER

Continued from page 1B When the officer attempted to stop the vehicle, the driver refused to pull over and accelerated to more than 140 mph, police said. During the pursuit, the driver allegedly used the interstate’s right shoulder to pass other vehicles.

The chase continued through multiple jurisdictions with assistance from several law enforcement agencies. Police said the driver maintained speeds exceeding 130 mph on several roadways, including La. 26 through the Jennings business district.

The pursuit ended on La. 102 near Richard Road, north of Jennings, where Mallery was taken into custody.

Investigators said Mallery told them he fled because he believed officers would not try to stop him after he passed them at such a high rate of speed.

The investigation is ongoing.

11 accused of trying to meet children Eleven people have been arrested in a multiagency undercover operation in Lafayette targeting people accused of seeking children online for sexual purposes, the Louisiana Attorney General’s Office announced.

The Louisiana Bureau of Investigation conducted the operation over the past several weeks. Authorities said all 11 suspects attempted to meet in person with someone they believed was a child.

The operation initially resulted in eight arrests June 17-18, including three Lafayette men. Three additional suspects have since been arrested.

Those arrested are: n Andrew Belk, 30, of La-

the shooting happened Sunday afternoon on 647 North Interstate 110, near Harding Boulevard, when Habib crashed a black Nissan Altima on the shoulder and blocked one lane of traffic.

The car was reportedly carjacked in New Orleans prior to the crash, police said.

According to Habib’s arrest warrant, she exited the car and ran in between lanes of traffic using a Smith & Wesson handgun to prevent cars from driving past.

Habib blocked a gray Silverado pickup from passing and shot her gun in the air once, police said. As the driver of the truck attempted to get away, he hit Habib, who fell on the front of the car. Habib then shot

abilities shouldn’t define who they are.”

Elizabeth Duplechain, Elijah’s mother, said when he was born, she always wanted others to see beyond his diagnosis and understand the joy he brings to those around him.

“I remember a time when children with disabilities were often kept away from public spaces,” Duplechain said. “So I hope this event encourages families to allow their children to experience the world around them.”

The event is also designed to recognize a different person with disabilities each year, with organizers hoping Elijah’s recognition will become the first of many.

The celebration will begin with a mini parade featuring participants walking into the Yambilee Building. Food will be available through a concession-style setup, and no only nonalcoholic beverages will be served.

Throughout the day, attendees can participate in a variety of activities, including games, arts and crafts, face painting, temporary tattoos, balloon twisting, photo opportunities, door prizes and a petting zoo.

“I just want to thank everyone for supporting this event and loving Elijah on the scale that they do,” Jamie said. “I can’t wait for people to come out.”

fayette n Raul Xochihua, 29, of Lafayette n John Shepard, 39, of Lafayette n David Monroe, 38, of Denham Springs n Dewayne Ordone, 42, of Larose n Hobie Matherne, 32, of Larose n Kenneth Harris, 55, of West Monroe n Xavier Copeland, 22, of Hammond n Evan Graves, 33, of Baton Rouge n Zaikeese Lloyd, 26, of Zwolle n Reid Hebert, 34, of Erath.

All 11 face charges of indecent behavior with juveniles and computer-aided solicitation of a minor. Copeland faces two counts of each charge.

Belk is a former band director at Belle Place Middle School and Belle Place Elementary School in New Iberia. He had recently been hired as band director at Wetumpka High School in Alabama.

“This operation shows what can be accomplished when our law enforcement partners work together,” Attorney General Liz Murrill said. “Protecting our children remains one of my top priorities, and we will continue bringing child predators to justice across Louisiana.”

The operation involved the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, Louisiana State Police and several local law enforcement agencies, including the Lafayette, Livingston, Calcasieu and St. Martin parish sheriff’s offices and Youngsville Police Department.

The Ouachita and Lafourche parish sheriff’s offices and Southeastern Louisiana University Police Department assisted with apprehending suspects.

the windshield of the truck, grazing the driver’s head, according to the arrest warrant.

The driver crashed into the rear of Habib’s car and stopped in the center lane, police said.

Habib then attacked another victim’s Silverado pickup truck after he told her he would call the police.

Police said Habib started banging on the passenger door of the truck before jumping into the bed of the truck and shooting her gun in the air.

Police said the driver headed to a nearby church to get to a safe place while Habib continued shooting her gun and damaged his rearview mirror.

Police arrested Habib at

Duhon, Evelyn

Delhomme Funeral Home's Chapel of the Flowers, 1011 Bertrand Drive in Lafayette, at 1 p.m.

the church at 11:10 p.m. and why Louisianans have lost confiscated the gun. faith in the justice system, start there,” Landry wrote Landry weighs in on X. “And these are the In a statement on social same people who accuse us media, Gov. Jeff Landry of being the problem.”

Landry identified the blasted the bail set for woman as an “organizer” Habib as too low.

C o m m i s s i o n e r K i n a of an effort to gather petiKimble gave her a bail of tions for a recall campaign $180,000, according to pris- against him and other pubon officials, $100,000 for lic officials. attempted second-degree Leaders of the recall cammurder and $80,000 for oth- paign, “Louisiana Deserves Better,” could not immedier counts.

Landry contrasted that ately be reached for comwith the $400,000 bail set ment on whether or how last week for Attorney Gen- Habib was involved in their eral Liz Murrill over an in- organization. But in a July dictment in New Orleans 2 Facebook post, Marion charging her with intimi- Gbaiwon, the campaign’s dating public officials. The founder, described Habib state Supreme Court halted as a “volunteer” with the group who had left the orthat indictment.

“If anyone wants to know ganization.

Obituaries Leger, Ashton Ray 'Bud'

Ashton Ray 'Bud' Leger, 92. Visitation will be observed at Fountain Memorial Funeral Home in Lafayette, LA on Thursday, July 9, 2026, from 9:00 am until the Catholic Funeral Service at 1:30 pm. Online obituary and guest book may be viewed at www.fou ntainmemorialfuneralhom e.com. Fountain Memorial Funeral Home and Cemetery, 1010 Pandora St. 337-981-7098 is in charge of arrangements.

BR man found not guilty in 2024 fatal shooting of cousin

BY QUINN COFFMAN Staff writer

Wrapping up a tense murder trial that saw at least one family member removed from the courtroom, a Baton Rouge jury on Thursday found that Terrell Walker acted in self-defense when he fatally shot an older cousin outside a family gathering in 2024.

The 23-year-old Walker was on trial for second-degree murder in the death of 39-year-old Norris Robinson Jr. He also faced a charge of attempted second-degree murder in the nonfatal shooting of Robinson’s then-17-year-old daughter, as well as a count of illegal use of a firearm.

After an uneasy final day of the trial and around three hours of deliberation, jurors found Walker not guilty on all three charges.

The case split the extend-

ed family onto both sides of the courtroom’s aisle, with Judge Fred Crifasi even being required to kick one man out of the courtroom after he mouthed “murdered” at the defendant, Crifasi said.

Among the most intriguing elements of the case was the lack of footage from a multicamera security system on the exterior of the residence, with Robinson’s father testifying that the system had broken the day before the fatal shooting.

Not only were jurors then required to rely on eyewitness testimony from Robinson’s father and two daughters, but the defense also claimed the footage was likely erased to avoid showing Robinson acting as the aggressor.

In a case where the positioning of the suspect, victims and bystanders in the seconds before the shoot-

ing were vital, and which often required witnesses to sketch on crime scene photos where each person had been standing, the defense argued this footage would have been invaluable.

“We could’ve seen exactly how that started, and the other cameras could have showed us how it proceeded,” said James Manassah, who headed Walker’s defense, “but lo and behold, according to (Robinson’s father), it’s not working the day before.”

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Public Notices

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PUBLIC NOTICE --ADVERTISEMENT Notice is hereby given that the Administratrix of the Succession of Harold Joseph Carver, Docket 20260283, 15th JDC, has petitioned for authority to convey the following described property be‐ longing to said succes‐ sion: property situated in Secs. 53, 58, & 59, T8S, R4E, St. Landry Parish, and being Lot C, approx.

2.98 acres, per record survey of George Eaglin Partition, and undivided interest in proposed 50’ road per same survey.

Any heir, creditor, or in‐ terest owner who op‐ poses the conveyance must furnish his opposi‐ tion within 10 days of the date of this publication.

193415 July 8, 1t $104.54

Public Notices Meet/Hear/Min

PUBLIC NOTICE --MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING HELD AT SCOTT CITY HALL THURSDAY, July 2, 2026, AT 6:00 PM The City Council met in regular session on Thurs‐ day, June 4, 2026. Mayor Richard was absent and council members all were present. Mayor ProTem Moreau ran the meeting.

Councilman Domingue the prayer and led Pledge of Allegiance. il d

ORDER PAGE REPRINTS ANYTIME

STORE.THEADVOCATE.COM Public Notices Meet/Hear/Min g g Councilman Roy moved to approve the minutes of the June 4, 2026, meet‐ ing as written. Seconded Councilman by Domingue, the motion was approved by major‐ ity.

Councilman Montoucet moved to approve the minutes of the special June 23, 2026, meeting as written. Seconded by Goodwin, Councilman the motion was approved by majority.

Councilman Domingue moved to accept the May 2026 financial statement.

Seconded by Councilman Roy, the motion carried by majority.

Mr. Mark Savoy of Groom’s Engineering and Mr. Dustin Guidry of Fen‐ stermaker & Associates gave a brief update on ongoing projects.

Councilman Goodwin motioned to adopt Ordi‐ nance 2026-6, An Ordi‐ nance amending the City of Scott Land Use Map. Mrs. Bonnie Anderson, Planning and Zoning Fa‐ cilitator, explained that this is changing the zon‐ ing for Colt, Inc. to indus‐ trial zone. Seconded by Councilman Montoucet, motion carried by major‐ ity.

Councilman Montoucet motioned to adopt Ordi‐ nance 2026-7, An Ordi‐ nance amending Ordi‐ nance 2017-11 to adopt a salary schedule and pay plan for the employees of the City of Scott Fire De‐ partment. No questions or comments. Seconded Councilman by Domingue, motion car‐ ried by majority.

Councilman Roy mo‐ tioned to adopt Ordi‐ nance 2026-8, An Ordi‐ nance amending Ordi‐ nance 2017-15 to adopt a salary schedule and pay plan for the municipal employees of the City of Scott (excluding Police d i )

Public Notices Meet/Hear/Min g and Fire Departments).

No questions or com‐ Seconded by ments.

Goodwin, Councilman motion carried by major‐ ity.

Councilman Goodwin motioned to adopt Reso‐ lution 2026-19, A Resolu‐ tion of the City Council of City of Scott, the Parish, Lafayette Louisiana to reappoint Preston Bernard to the Scott City Planning/ Zon‐ Commission.

Mr. ing Bernard will be sworn in at the next Planning Commission to start his five-year term. Seconded

by Councilman Roy, mo‐ tion carried by majority.

Councilman Roy mo‐ tioned to award the low‐ est bid for the Apollo Road extension utilitiesPhase 2 to NCMC, LLC in the amount of $3,787,000.

Seconded by Councilman Domingue, motion car‐ ried by majority.

Councilman Moreau led the discussion regarding the 2026 Millage rate. The council presented two for discussion, items keep the current millage rate as is, at 4.32 mils or roll forward to 4.47 mils.

Mrs. Brenda Dugas, City manager, stated that by rolling up to 4.47 mils it would generate approxi‐ mately $17,500 annually.

Discussion item died for lack of motion.

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 6:23 p.m.

Jan-Scott Richard, Mayor Shelley M. Gautreau, City Clerk 193512-JUL 8-1T $63.83

Notice Notice is hereby given, pursuant to Article IV, Section 21(D)(1) of the Louisiana Constitution, that on June 1, 2026, Entergy Louisiana, LLC (“ELL”), a public utility providing retail electric and gas service throughout the State of Louisiana, filed with the Louisiana Public Service Commission (“LPSC”) public and confidential versions of its Formula Rate Plan (“FRP”) Rider Schedule FRP Evaluation Report and Workpapers for Test Year 2025.

The filing reflects an earned return on common equity (“EROE”) for the 2025 Evaluation Period/Test Year of 9.63%, which is within the approved FRP dead band and results in no change in FRP base revenue.

Changes in FRP Revenue include a reduction in credits flowing through the Tax Adjustment Mechanism, additions to transmission and distribution plant in service reflected through the Transmission Recovery Mechanism and Distribution Recovery Mechanism, respectively, and a decrease in credits flowing through the MISO Cost Recovery Mechanism. These changes result in a net increase in FRP Revenue of $226 million.

The resulting FRP factors to be applied to the respective ELL rate classes effective for customer bills rendered on and after the first billing cycle of September 2026 are as follows: Ln No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

Rate Class RESIDENTIAL SMALL GENERAL SERVICE GENERAL SERVICE MUNICIPAL PUMPING SERVICE LARGE POWER SERVICE HIGH LOAD FACTOR SERVICE LARGE LOAD HIGH LF POWER SERVICE LARGE INDUSTRIAL SERVICE LIGHTING SERVICE

Total ELL FRP Rate Adj. 100.7855% 93.2446% 96.3035% 102.9310% 82.9259% 82.7593% 80.9583% 86.5556% 94.5556%

It is estimated that the proposed adjustment in rates will have the following effects upon applicable Legacy ELL customers’ typical monthly bills: for a Residential customer using 1,000 kWh the bill would change by approximately $6.35; for a Small General Service customer using 50 kW and 12,500 kWh the bill would change by approximately $80.47; for a Large General Service customer using 1,000 kW and 500,000 kWh the bill would change by approximately $1,887.73.

It is estimated that the proposed adjustment in rates will have the following effects upon applicable Legacy EGSL customers’ typical monthly bills: for a Residential customer using 1,000 kWh the bill would change by approximately $6.35; for a Small General Service customer using 5000 kWh the bill would change by approximately $34.62; for a Large General Service customer using 500 kW and 255,500 kWh the bill would change by approximately $897.06.

For questions and comments regarding ELL’s filing, please call the LPSC toll free at (800) 2562397. Additionally, the filing, including its attachments, the public version of which may be viewed in the Records Division of the LPSC at the following address: Records Division 602 N. Fifth Street, 12th Floor Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70802 Telephone: (225) 342-3157 ENTERGY LOUISIANA, LLC 193155-664810-JUL 8-1T $ 917.50

OFFICIAL NEWS PARTNER OF THE LOUISIANA RAGIN’ CAJUNS

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W e d n e s d ay, J u ly 8, 2026

Drillers hope to ride balance in Legion tournament

USING HER VOICE

BY MIKE COPPAGE Contributing writer

“We shouldn’t allow Congress to be the ones to decide who makes those rules.”

JADA WILLIAMS, LSU guard, on Protect College Sports Act

ASSOCIATED PRESS FILE PHOTOS By MICHAEL WyKE

Iowa State guard Jada Williams dribbles against Houston on Dec. 31 in Houston. Williams transferred to LSU in the offseason.

New LSU point N i t gguardd takes part in national debate, even when it’s ‘scary’

BY REED DARCEY Staff writer

First, she opened the Instagram app and propped up her phone. Jada Williams was swiveling side-to-side in a gaming chair, a couple of racks of colorful hoodies over her right shoulder and a ring light over her left.

That’s when Williams gave the floor to her co-host for this live stream: U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Connecticut. He introduced himself to her 570,000 followers — or however many of them were watching — before outlining the federal legislation they wanted to spend about 20 minutes discussing.

Then Williams chimed in.

“Before we start anything,” she told Murphy, “I want to introduce myself to your side as well.”

Williams said she was an LSU women’s basketball player. She started her career at Arizona, she said, then transferred to Iowa State.

“And now I’m here,” she said.

Here is Baton Rouge. Williams has lived

1Cn

Iowa State guard Jada Williams shoots under pressure from Houston guard Kierra

ä See WILLIAMS, page 3C Merchant during a game on Dec. 31 in Houston.

The American Legion state baseball tournament has returned to the area with a seven-team field that is heavy on local teams.

Area district champions the Lafayette Drillers and Crowley Millers both will be in action on Saturday in games held at Crowley’s Miller Field. The remainder of the tourney, which will conclude on July 15, will be played at Fabacher Field in Youngsville.

The Drillers (7-6) will face Opelousasbased St. Landry Bank at 4 p.m. Saturday in a rematch of a game last month won by Lafayette 4-1. Ace Dupuis of Southside High scattered nine hits while throwing a complete game with six strikeouts in the regular-season meeting.

“We have to win that first one,” said Drillers coach Matt Standiford, who hasn’t decided which pitcher will get the start out of Acadiana Renaissance’s Beau Cormier, Dupuis, and Lafayette Christian’s Braylon LeMaire and Cohen Landry.

Cormier, a left-hander, helped Acadiana Renaissance win nearly 30 games and reach the Division II select semifinals. Other Eagles include Jackson Kretzer and Vance Laborde.

“Kretzer is a third baseman who has done really well down the stretch,” said Standiford, who inserted the infielder in the two-hole behind leadoff man Ashton Celestine in a recent lineup.

A standout two-way player at LCA, Celestine didn’t pitch his freshman year of college but could be called upon at the state tourney, where it’s all hands on deck.

“He’s been throwing some bullpens,” Standiford said of Celestine, who could pair up with current LCA player Wyatt Whitney in a relief role.

Whitney, a 6-foot-4 flamethrower, was the closer for the Knights this past season.

Another Knight, Cam Roberts, was the region’s hitter of the year after he batted .368 with two doubles, two triples and 10 RBIs. LCA slugger Kaleb Simon leads the Drillers with a .615 average in six games with three doubles and a triple.

“Cam and his brother (Carter) are two of the hardest-working kids on the team,” Standiford said.

Kyzer White (.343), Carter Roberts (.333), Kretzer (.308) and Braxton Boudreaux (.303) are top performers at the plate for Lafayette.

Cormier is 3-1 on the mound with a 1.71 ERA, while Landry (2-1, 1.27 ERA), the youngest player on the team, has come up big after grabbing the final roster spot.

“When he got the 17th spot on the roster, I told (Landry) that he would have to prove himself,” Standiford said.

“He’s done a great job and thrown some

ä See LEGION, page 3C

U.S. men’s soccer team stagnant in World Cup results

BY RONALD BLUM AP sportswriter

SEATTLE — For all the growth in American soccer over the past quarter-century, the U.S. men’s national team remains stagnant.

Christian Pulisic, Tyler Adams and Weston McKennie fared no better at the World Cup in 2022 and 2026 than Tim Howard, Michael Bradley and Jozy Altidore did in 2010 and 2014.

“We want to be able to go and compete with some of the best in the world, and we just still have that next step to come,” Pulisic said after Monday night’s errorfilled 4-1 loss to Belgium in the round of 16.

For all the billions of dollars invested with the goal of boosting the national team into the world’s elite, the Americans remain soccer plebeians.

After reaching the semifinals

of the first World Cup in 1930, the U.S. didn’t even qualify between 1950-90. Since then, the Americans were eliminated in the round of 16 in 1994, 2010, 2014, 2022 and this year; failed to advance past their group stage in 1990, 1998 and 2006; and flopped in qualifying for 2018.

“It’s not like you are in a rocket and you improve and you grow. It’s not linear,” U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino said.

The U.S. won three games in a World Cup for the first time, beating Paraguay, Australia and Bosnia-Herzegovina while losing to Turkey and Belgium. The Americans benefited as host, a seeded team that didn’t face a top-10 nation before the Red Devils.

By the next World Cup in Spain, Portugal and Morocco (with three games in South America), Pulisic, McKennie and Adams will be 31.

Folarin Balogun led the U.S. team with three goals, looking like

a top striker, and gained worldwide notoriety when his red-card suspension for awkwardly landing on an opponent’s ankle was lifted after a phone call from U.S. President Donald Trump. A former Arsenal youth player, the 25-yearold striker is entering the fourth season of a five-year contract with French club Monaco and could be set for a move to a bigger club.

Malik Tillman became the first player since France’s Bernard Genghini in 1982 to have two free kick goals in a World Cup. The 24-year-old midfielder is entering the second season of a five-year contract with German club Bayer Leverkusen. He had a difficult 2025-26, getting dropped from the starting lineup between late March and the season’s final match.

Pochettino said he will speak with the U.S. Soccer Federation

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By ABBIE PARR

United States forward Christian Pulisic reacts after Belgium scored a goal during the World Cup round of 16 match between the United States and ä See SOCCER, page 3C Belgium in Seattle on Monday.

2C ● Wednesday, July 8, 2026 ● theadvocate.com ● The Acadiana Advocate

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Philadelphia at Cincinnati ESPN 9 p.m.

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WIMBLEDON

Djokovic wins marathon match Star, Auger-Aliassime battle for more than five hours to set up semifinal vs. Sinner Associated Press

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTOS By MAJA SMIEJKOWSKA

Novak Djokovic celebrates winning against Felix Auger-Aliassime in their quarterfinal match at Wimbledon on Tuesday in London.

Kevon Looney, who spent last season with the New Orleans Pelicans, is headed back to the West Coast.

The veteran center has agreed to a one-year, $3.9 million deal with the Los Angeles Lakers, according to an ESPN report.

Looney played the first 10 seasons of his NBA career with the Golden State Warriors. He won three NBA titles with the Warriors before signing with New Orleans on a two-year deal in June 2025.

The Pelicans declined the $8 million team option on his deal in June.

Looney played in just 21 games with the Pelicans, starting in eight of them. He averaged 2.8 points and 5.6 rebounds.

Gauff rallies

Coco Gauff celebrates a win over Jessica Pegula in the quarterfinals at Wimbledon on Tuesday in London. the body will feel tomorrow,” Djokovic said.

“I was telling the kids to go to sleep after the fourth (set) but they didn’t want to listen. I’m glad they stayed because it was honestly one of the best matches I was part of on this court in my career.”

ing changeover and took a medical timeout. The trainer tested the stability of his left ankle and calf before massaging Djokovic’s calf muscle.

Djokovic had earlier leaned over to stretch his leg by pulling back the tip of his sneaker. He also stretched while standing at Medical timeout the back wall.

There was more stretching the In the first set, Djokovic dealt with what appeared to be a lower- rest of the way, too — especially leg issue. He grimaced during late in the fifth set.

“It was really anybody’s game the ninth game, which he held to love for a 5-4 lead. Then he was in the super tiebreak in the fifth,” treated by a trainer on the ensu- Djokovic said.

Down a set after untimely double-faults, Coco Gauff rallied past Jessica Pegula 4-6, 6-3, 6-3 to reach the semifinals for the first time.

With the victory, the 22-yearold Gauff became the youngest player to reach the semifinals at all four Grand Slams since Maria Sharapova, who completed the feat at the 2007 French Open, the women’s professional tennis tour said.

Gauff will face 10th-seeded Karolina Muchova of the Czech Republic for a spot in Saturday’s final. Muchova, the 2023 French Open runner-up, eliminated Naomi Osaka 7-6 (4), 6-4 on No. 1 Court.

In Gauff’s six previous appearances at the All England Club, she had never gotten past the fourth round. But perhaps experience at the grass-court major is starting to pay off.

“I think after seven years playing this tournament it’s finally the first time I can walk on Centre Court and I didn’t feel nervous,” Gauff said.

In the completion of a fourthround match, second-seeded Alexander Zverez beat Jiri Lehecka 6-4, 7-5, 3-6, 7-6 (6) to set up a quarterfinal Wednesday against sixthseeded Taylor Fritz.

Former Cowboys DE had early stage CTE Kneeland killed himself after police chase in November

BY JIM VERTUNO Associated Press

AUSTIN, Texas — Former Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland, who died by suicide in November after a high-speed chase with police, had early stage chronic traumatic encephalopathy, a brain abnormality linked to repeated head trauma, his family announced Tuesday.

The Boston University CTE Center, which investigates the long-term consequences of repetitive brain trauma in athletes and others, analyzed Kneeland’s brain tissue after his death. Researchers determined Kneeland, who was 24, was in stage one of four of CTE. CTE is a degenerative brain disease that has been found in athletes in contact sports, combat veterans and others who experience repetitive blows to the head.

It has been known to cause violent mood swings, impulsive behavior and depression. It can be diagnosed only after death.

“While this diagnosis does not change the tragedy of his pass-

Lane Kiffin and LSU scored a win over Ole Miss — on the recruiting trail.

Jayden Anding, a four-star safety in the 2027 class, picked the Tigers over the Rebels on Tuesday.

The Ruston native is the younger brother of LSU defensive back Aidan Anding, a four-star cornerback in the 2025 class.

Anding is ranked as the No. 311 prospect in the 2027 class by the 247Sports Composite. He’s the third defensive back in the Tigers’ haul.

The 6-foot, 170-pound defensive back has held an LSU scholarship offer since August, but Ole Miss put itself in the mix with an offer in January. Anding visited the Rebels a month ago but, ultimately, he decided to stay in state and join his brother at LSU.

Former Pelicans center Looney signs with Lakers

BY ANDREW DAMPF and KEN MAGUIRE LONDON — Novak Djokovic was pushed to play more than five hours by Felix Auger-Aliassime before the seven-time Wimbledon champion prevailed 7-6 (10), 3-6, 6-3, 6-7 (4), 7-6 (4) on Tuesday to set up a semifinal against reigning champion Jannik Sinner.

When a forehand from AugerAliassime sailed wide after a long rally to give Djokovic a 9-4 lead in the final-set tiebreaker, both players leaned on their rackets in exhaustion. Djokovic, while he was leaning over, still found energy to encourage the crowd to cheer louder, waving his racket for more noise.

Then, on his first match point, a big forehand from Djokovic led to another error from his 25-yearold Canadian opponent to end it after 5 hours, 15 minutes — and just before the All England Club’s 11 p.m. curfew took effect.

To celebrate, Djokovic raised his arms high and wide and took in the applause as he walked to the net to shake hands with Auger-Aliassime. Then Djokovic performed a little elbows-toknees dance. He often mentions that his daughter tries to teach him moves.

“These,” Djokovic said, “are the kind of moments that I still play tennis for.”

Djokovic continues to break records as he chases a 25th Grand Slam title. He’s reached a recordsetting eighth consecutive Wimbledon final four — moving him one ahead of Roger Federer for most consecutive men’s singles semifinal appearances at the grass-court tournament.

Sinner spent less than half the amount of time on court as Djokovic did when he beat JanLennard Struff 7-5, 7-6 (4), 6-3 much earlier in the day on No. 1 Court.

Sinner beat Djokovic in straight sets in last year’s Wimbledon semifinals, and Djokovic outlasted the Italian over five sets in the last four of this year’s Australian Open.

“I wish it was finals, so I don’t need to worry about how

Four-star safety Anding picks LSU over Ole Miss

ASSOCIATED PRESS FILE PHOTO By JACOB KUPFERMAN

Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland looks on during a game against the Carolina Panthers on Oct. 12 in Charlotte, N.C. ing, it provides important context about some of the struggles he may have been facing. We share this information to help people understand what NFL and other high-contact-sport athletes might be struggling with,” Kneeland’s family, including his girlfriend, Catalina Mancera, said in a statement issued through the Concussion and CTE Foundation.

“Raising awareness is important to us. We continue to remember

Marshawn with compassion for the person he was, rather than defining him by the final moments of his life. One Love,” the family said.

The abnormality has also been linked to deaths in the NFL, as well as in hockey and soccer.

Kneeland shot himself after evading authorities in his vehicle and fleeing a car crash on foot.

The chase happened after police said Kneeland didn’t stop

for Texas Department of Public Safety troopers over a traffic violation. Authorities lost sight of the vehicle before locating it crashed minutes later.

As authorities were looking for Kneeland after he fled the crash site on foot, a dispatcher told officers that people who knew him had received a group text from Kneeland “saying goodbye,” indicating he might be suicidal.

Dr. Chris Nowinski, CEO of the Concussion & CTE Foundation, noted Kneeland’s diagnosis comes even amid a modern era of concussion protocols in professional and college athletics and better safety equipment.

Kneeland started playing tackle football when he was 7 years old.

He played at Western Michigan University before he was selected by the Cowboys in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft.

“We have no reason to believe the current generation is at a lower risk of CTE than previous generations. Concussion protocols do not prevent CTE, because CTE is caused by repeated head impacts, not just concussions,” Nowinski said. “If we want to reduce CTE risk, we must implement CTE prevention protocols and aggressively reduce the number and strength of head impacts at every level of the game.”

Belgium’s Onana out for remainder of World Cup

RENTON, Wash. — Belgium midfielder Amadou Onana, who injured his right knee in the 19th minute of Monday’s 4-1 win against the United States in the round of 16, will miss the remainder of the World Cup. In a statement released by the Belgian soccer federation, team doctor Brahim Hacene confirmed Onana ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in his knee.

“This is devastating news,” Hacene said, “both for him personally and for the team.”

The 24-year-old Onana appeared in four games at the World Cup for Belgium and made his second start of the tournament against the Americans. Onana also played in two games at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Knicks star Brunson has surgery on his left wrist

NEW YORK — Jalen Brunson has undergone surgery on his left wrist and is expected to be back on the court when the New York Knicks begin defense of their NBA title, a person with knowledge of the details said Tuesday.

The NBA Finals MVP is expected to resume basketball activities later this summer, the person told The Associated Press on condition of anonymity.

Brunson, who is left-handed, didn’t let the wrist injury slow him down on the Knicks’ run to their first championship since 1973. He scored 45 points when the Knicks won the title in Game 5 in San Antonio, after finishing with 36 when they made a record-setting comeback from a 29-point deficit in Game 4. The point guard averaged 32.6 points in the finals.

Pirates star rookie SS Griffin out 8-10 weeks

PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Pirates will have to try to stay in postseason contention without rookie shortstop Konnor Griffin.

The club placed the 20-year-old rising star on the 10-day injured list on Tuesday due to an issue with a knuckle on the ring finger on his left hand. Pirates director of sports medicine Todd Tomczyk said Griffin is expected to miss 8-10 weeks.

Griffin, who made his major league debut in April before signing a lengthy extension, injured the finger in a victory over Washington on Sunday.

Tomczyk said the injury was to the sagittal band, which stabilizes the ring finger. Griffin will keep the hand in a splint for about six weeks before resuming baseball activities.

The Acadiana Advocate ● theadvocate.com ● Wednesday, July 8, 2026 ● 3C

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Date set for Houston vs. LSU men’s basketball LSU also has agreed to participate in the Palm Springs Classic, a multiteam event at Acrisure Arena in Palm Springs, California, according to the game contract. The tournament runs from Nov. 21-26 and LSU will face two of the three other teams in the field: SMU, Arizona State or Southern California. LSU’s first opponent and game times were not listed.

SMU was the only team in the group to make the NCAA Tournament last season, losing 89-79 to Miami (Ohio) in the First Four.

Arizona State finished 17-16 last season and enters its first year under coach Randy Bennett, who left Saint Mary’s after leading the Gaels to five straight NCAA Tournament berths.

One of his associate head coaches is David Patrick, a former LSU assistant under

Matt McMahon (2024-26) and Johnny Jones (2012-16).

The Sun Devils also have former LSU forward Marcus Vaughns. The 6-8 Australian enrolled early at LSU in December and redshirted after not appearing in any games.

USC went 18-14 last season and is expected to improve with three top-30 recruits, including Christian Collins, the No. 9 player in the 2026 class, according to 247Sports.

LSU has also agreed to nine other nonconference games against mid-major teams, all at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center.

The Tigers also will face UNO (Nov. 3), Texas Southern (Nov. 6), Louisiana Tech (Nov. 9), UL-Monroe (Nov. 17), Queens University (Nov. 20), Hofstra (Dec. 5), High Point (Dec. 18), UL (Dec. 22) and Washington State (Dec. 28).

Based out of Gonzales, Gauthier Amedee (10-3-2) defeated Lafayette 8-1 in the regular season behind a complete game, 11-strikeout performance from pitcher Tucker Suire, who led Dutchtown High to a Divi-

sion I nonselect runner-up finish.

The favorite, according to Standiford, is the two-time reigning state champion Bossier Phillies (13-2), who defeated Lafayette 6-1 in June. Bossier, which has

been fielding a top-tier team for several decades, won the past two Mid-South Regionals to reach the American Legion World Series.

Teurlings Catholic infielder Jackson Breaux is another player to watch for the

Drillers, who have played every tourney team except for Jesuit-based Retif Oil in New Orleans, where last year’s event was held.

The Drillers split a pair of games with the Crowley Millers.

losing only one player to the transfer portal: freshman Divine Bourrage.

T h a t ’s w h e n t h i n g s changed for LSU. Mulkey told The Advocate that she was in a children’s hospital in Temple, Texas, helping her 7-year-old grandson, Kannon, get ready for surgery to remove his appendix when Richard called to tell her she had decided to put her name into the portal.

The LSU coaches, Mulkey said, were “certainly caught off guard” by Richard’s move, but they had to act quickly.

“I then immediately turned around,” Mulkey said, “and thought of who was in the portal that could come in here and help us immediately, and it was Jada Williams.”

Mulkey called Williams and told her she wanted to invite her to LSU’s campus for a visit and add her to the roster. The two had a prior relationship — Mulkey recruited Williams when she was coaching at Baylor, and she used to run into her at the Big 12 Tournament in her hometown of Kansas City, Missouri.

Williams still made sure she did her homework.

She said she reached out to DiJonai Carrington and DiDi Richards — two former Baylor players under Mulkey who are like “big sisters” to her — as well as Mikaylah Williams and even some ex-LSU players who have left the Tigers via the portal during Mulkey’s tenure. She wanted to “pick their brains,” she said, and talk to them “about the fit” and “how (Mulkey) coaches.”

“Things like that,” Williams said. “And they told me the truth. We had some

really good conversations.”

Richard announced she was transferring on April 9. Williams landed in Baton Rouge 48 hours later, then committed to the Tigers the next day, giving them a polished, experienced veteran at a position of need. LSU spent only three days in the market for a point guard.

“It wasn’t like it was a hard sell,” Mulkey said, “because she already knew about me. She knew about LSU’s success, my success at Baylor. And the rest is history.

“She’s just a young lady that’s personable. Everybody’s gonna love her. She’s got a lot of energy. She’s going to share the basketball.

She takes as much pride in her assists as she does scoring, and she’s going to be one that the fans really, really enjoy.”

When she was in high school, Williams was one of the earliest beneficiaries of the NIL era. She was a high-profile recruit with a large social media following, so it didn’t take long for the brands to start lining up. Spalding. Move insoles.

SLAM magazine.

Williams moved from Missouri to California ahead of her junior year in part so she could work with those companies. Had she stayed in her home state, where prep athletes weren’t allowed to strike NIL deals, she wouldn’t have picked up some of the experience that

informs her stances today.

She’s been navigating this new world for five years now.

“She’s a really grounded kid,” said Terri Bamford, Williams’ high school coach at La Jolla Country Day School in San Diego. “Really smart kid, and I think she really understands the landscape, especially having received NIL deals so young.”

When Williams was playing for Bamford, she was committed to UCLA. She later dropped that pledge and enrolled at Arizona instead, kick-starting what she described to Murphy as “the worst two years of my life.”

So Williams jumped into the transfer portal in 2025 and landed closer to home at Iowa State. The move paid off. Not only did she play alongside All-American forward Audi Crooks but she also figured out how to improve important parts of her game.

In her lone season with the Cyclones, Williams scored 15.3 points per game and posted the nation’s third-highest assist average (7.7) — two reasons why she became one of the top transfers of the 2026 cycle when she decided in April to switch teams for a second time. Eight of her Iowa State teammates joined her in the portal.

Jill McIntyre, Williams’ mother, said LSU was one of about five schools on her daughter’s initial “short list” of destinations. The problem, though, was that Jada Richard was already the LSU starting point guard, and Mulkey had said in an interview with WAFBTV that her program was

of speaking out and letting other people know our opinions.”

Williams and her fellow UCAA members want to make it clear: They don’t want Congress to set the rules. They’d rather unionize.

Williams shared that sentiment with Murphy a few weeks after Maryland guard Oluchi Okananwa, former UCLA guard Charlisse Leger-Walker and ex-Michigan forward Brooke Quarles Daniels did the same in an online panel with U.S. Rep. Lori Trahan, D-Massachusetts.

Still, as of Wednesday, a collective bargaining model looms as only a remote possibility. The Protect College Sports Act must first fail, and if leaders then decide to explore the possibility of classifying athletes as employees who can unionize, then they’d still face opposition from key figures, significant legal hurdles and a complex web of competing interests.

U.S. Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-Washington — one of the Senate bill’s authors — said in a June 18 hearing that the model “isn’t going to happen anytime soon.”

That belief won’t stop Williams, a savvy veteran who likes to do her homework and say what she thinks — even if she steps into some thorny subjects along the way.

“It’s not an easy thing to do,” Williams said. “It’s definitely very scary. But we kind of feel like it’s our duty with the platforms that we have. God gave us a purpose, and we’re gonna use it for those reasons, and I’m very, very grateful that I got the opportunity.

“It’s not every day you’re on live with a senator.”

America. His first year included failures to win the CONCACAF Gold Cup and Nations League.

“We were in a mess,” he said. “I’ve seen this team show that we can play football. We can play soccer. We can compete. That we need keep improving — a lot of young players with a lot potential and future.”

Goalkeeper has gone from the United States’ biggest strength from 1990 through 2014 to a huge weakness in the past decade and appears to be at its weakest since the 1980s.

Long gone are the days when Tony Meola, Kasey Keller, Brad Friedel, Tim Howard and Brad Guzan inspired confidence.

Zack Steffen and Matt Turner both failed to establish themselves with big European teams. Matt Freese, who supplanted Turner as the first-choice starter last year, gifted a goal in the loss to Belgium that will be replayed on blooper reels.

Gabriel Slonina, Chris

Brady, Patrick Schulte and Roman Celentano, who head the next generation, have the next cycle to establish themselves as possible No. 1s.

Central defense also is a concern. Crystal Palace’s Chris Richards is the only American playing at a top club and his World Cup partner, Tim Ream, at 38 became the oldest U.S. player at any World Cup. With the expansion of the field to 48 nations, including six from North and Central America and the Caribbean, World Cup qualifying is not likely to be challenging for CONCACAF’s powers: Mexico, the U.S. and Canada.

All three were eliminated in the round of 16 after Curaçao, Haiti and Panama were eliminated with last-place finishes in their groups.

Unless the U.S. shows vast improvement, it will not be seeded for the 2030 World Cup and likely will face a world power in the first round.

is led by Troy University catcher commitment Myles Continued from page 1C Collins (Opelousas Catholic), will face perennial powerhouse Gauthier Amedee, which got a bye after the big-time innings.”

The winner of Lafayette Carencro Aces opted out of and St. Landry Bank, which the tourney.

WILLIAMS

Continued from page 1C here for only a few weeks, and she’s devoted that time to a pair of new challenges she’s taken up ahead of her fourth year as a college basketball player.

Running point for coach Kim Mulkey’s Tigers.

And doing what she can to prevent Congress from passing the Protect College Sports Act. Williams is one of only a few college athletes who have spoken publicly about the new bipartisan legislation, which was written and introduced in late May to establish a “national framework” of rules in college sports. She told Murphy that “we need structure” but that “we shouldn’t allow Congress to be the ones to decide who makes those rules.”

Collective bargaining is Williams’ preferred path forward. She doesn’t want athletes to “have to take the passenger seat,” she told Murphy, because if their voices are excluded from the process and a new set of rules is written into federal law without their input, then they’ll lose “a lot of our power” and “everybody will be taking pay cuts.”

It’s a thorny topic. Most decision-makers would rather see Congress restore the NCAA’s authority to enforce its own rules. Collective bargaining faces basic practical issues, too, though Yahoo Sports reported around the time the Protect College Sports Act was introduced that some leaders in the SEC, Big Ten and elsewhere were warming up to the possibility that collegiate athletes could

SOCCER

Continued from page 1C

An early start

‘The scary thing’ These days, Williams is devoting most of her time to summer workouts and Zoom meetings. She’s part of the United College Athletes Association (UCAA) — a nonprofit players’ advocacy group that aims to “build representation structures” for college athletes.

The first step, Williams said, is learning. About the current state of collegiate sports. About the NCAA’s years-long push for federal legislation. About the practicalities, and complications, of a governing model based on collective bargaining.

UCAA leaders help them grasp the issues first so they can untangle them later to the public.

“We agree on the issues that are going on within us,” Williams said, “and then we go and we do the scary thing

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after a rest period to discuss whether it wants him to stay beyond the expiration of his contract this summer and whether he wants to commit to a four-year cycle.

“We had positive conversations with Mauricio before the World Cup about the future. We agreed we would continue those conversations following a chance to rest and reflect post World Cup,” the U.S. Soccer Federation said in a statement Tuesday. “We have a great deal of respect and gratitude for Mauricio, his staff and everyone part of the program. We have shared excitement about our potential and also shared clarity about the amount of work at all levels still required to achieve our ambition.”

The Argentine took over from Gregg Berhalter in late 2024 after a first-round elimination at the Copa

unionize one day.

What is clear is that Williams is eager to speak up, and that willingness should serve her well in the new role she’ll fill at LSU once the 2026-27 season tips off in November.

The Tigers cycled through five starting point guards in five years before they signed Williams. It’s a tough gig, one that two incumbent starters have walked away from before they exhausted their eligibility under Mulkey at LSU. Williams seems suited for it.

“A lot of college athletes don’t know what’s going on,” Williams told The Advocate in a recent interview, “and it’s hard to learn because who’s gonna tell you that?

We don’t sit down as a team and talk about those things, so it’s kind of on us to educate ourselves.

“I think that’s just why I’m passionate. Because we should be able to be in the driver’s seat of the things that we go through in our day-to-day life.”

e

LEGION

al

One of LSU’s most anticipated matchups for the 2026-27 season has a date.

Coach Will Wade’s team will face powerhouse Houston on Dec. 13 at the Toyota Center, the home arena of the Houston Rockets, according to the game contract.

The last time LSU faced Houston was on Dec. 12, 2019. The Cougars won 8276, and the programs are tied 5-5 in the all-time series.

Houston is expected to field a competitive team, as it has for the last several seasons under 12-year coach Kelvin Sampson. His program has won at least 30 games each season since 2021-22.

The Cougars are coming off a Sweet 16 appearance and, the year before, a national championship game

appearance. They have reached at least the Sweet 16 in six straight seasons.

An additional layer of intrigue is that one of Houston’s premier transfer portal additions is former LSU point guard Dedan Thomas.

The 6-foot-1 lefty was the Tigers’ best player last season as a junior, averaging 15.3 points, 6.5 assists and 1.6 turnovers per game before having season-ending foot surgery in February.

Thomas, who started his career at UNLV, injured his left foot on Jan. 2, the day before the Southeastern ASSOCIATED PRESS FILE PHOTO By NATE BILLINGS Conference opener.

Houston isn’t the only elite Houston coach Kelvin Sampson, center, yells among his team LSU has agreed to play players during a game against Texas A&M in the second in the nonconference slate. round of the NCAA Tournament in Oklahoma City on March The Tigers will face Gonzaga on Nov. 14 in Spokane, 21. Houston and LSU are set to play on Dec. 13 at the Washington, according to Toyota Center in Houston. the game contract. It will be the first meeting be- season AP Top 25 team ev- a season outside the final tween the programs ever. ery year since the 2009-10 poll only four times in that Gonzaga has been a pre- season and has finished span.

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BY TOYLOY BROWN III

Staff writer

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4C ● Wednesday, July 8, 2026 ● theadvocate.com ● The Acadiana Advocate

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WORLD CUP

Argentina stuns Egypt with 3 late goals

BY JAMES ROBSON

Associated Press

ATLANTA — It was another World Cup epic from an Argentina team that simply doesn’t know when it’s beaten.

Trailing 2-0 against Egypt with 11 minutes of regulation time to play on Tuesday, the reigning champions rallied for an improbable 3-2 victory and a spot in the quarterfinals.

“We have a phenomenal group, a group that never gives up no matter the difficulties and adversity.

We’re always together,” said Enzo Fernandez, who scored the winning goal in stoppage time.

Argentina will play Switzerland in the next round on Saturday in Kansas City, Missouri.

For much of Tuesday’s game, it looked like it would be a painful exit for the 39-year-old Lionel Messi in what might be the last of his six World Cups.

Egypt led after goals in each half from Yasser Ibrahim and Mostafa Zico and could have been ahead 3-0 if not for a video review that ruled out another score.

Argentina looked down and out, its bid to be the first team to win back-to-back World Cup titles since Brazil in 1958 and 1962 all but dead.

Cue a monumental comeback.

“The heart of Argentinians is always something that pushes, that we keep going no matter what, that we give everything until the end.

And honestly, with the score 2-0, we looked a bit beaten,” Argentina striker Julian Alvarez said. “There was little time left, but we always manage to get something more by

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO

Lionel Messi celebrates scoring Argentina’s second goal during the World Cup round of 16 match against Egypt on Tuesday in Atlanta. fighting until the end.”

Cristian Romero started the rally by scoring with a header in the 79th minute. Messi, who was in tears after the final whistle, scored his eighth goal of the tournament and record-extending 21st goal at the World Cup in the 83rd to level the score at 2-2 and Fernandez completed the comeback in injury time.

“Four years have passed since Qatar, and we’ve come to enjoy another World Cup — and we want to win it again. That’s what we’re aiming for,” Fernandez said.

Argentina is no stranger to he-

roic matches at the World Cup. There was the 3-2 win over West Germany in the 1986 final. Then the 3-3 draw and eventual shootout victory against France to reclaim the title four years ago.

Cape Verde pushed Argentina to the brink in the last round before eventually winning 3-2 in extra time.

Tuesday’s match was even more dramatic, with Messi having a first-half penalty kick saved and another effort hit the post.

“I’m so emotional,” Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said. “What a group of players, brother.”

Egypt took a surprising lead in the 15th minute when Ibrahim got ahead of Lisandro Martinez to meet Marwan Attia’s cross and head the ball into the bottom corner.

Argentina was quickly given the chance to level the match when Haissem Hassan tripped Nicolas Tagliafico in the box moments later. Referee François Letexier pointed to the penalty spot and Messi stepped up with an expectant crowd waiting for him to score.

Egypt goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir had other ideas, diving to his

left to block the shot for Messi’s second penalty miss of the tournament after also failing from the spot against Austria in the group stage.

Despite being the all-time leading scorer at World Cups, Messi has now missed four of eight penalty kicks at the tournament.

After Messi hit the post later in the half, Shobeir pulled off another great save to stop Julian Alvarez from close range.

Egypt thought it had doubled its lead in the second half when Mostafa Zico finished off a sweeping attack. But the wild celebrations were cut short when a foul earlier in the move was confirmed on video review and the goal was disallowed.

That second goal for Egypt did come in the 67th from a similar break, and this time Zico’s effort counted. It just wasn’t enough.

“We looked better compared to the reigning champions. We were better in everything but the result,” Egypt coach Hossam Hassan said.

Hassan said he would not watch any further games at this year’s World Cup, believing his team should have had a penalty before Argentina broke away for the winning goal.

“I’m not convinced with this outcome. I’m not convinced with the way things unfolded during this match,” he said. “I do not want to try to put it nicely here with beautiful wording, selected wording, and saying hard luck and so on and so forth.

“We have been treated unfairly today,” Hassan said. “We have suffered injustice.”

Switzerland in quarterfinals after shootout win over Colombia the quarterfinals of a World Cup where the sellout crowd was Vargas converts since hosting the tournament in overwhelmingly clad in yellow in And the Swiss were short- support of Colombia. penalty kick for Swiss 1954.

Colombia failed to qualify for handed Tuesday without young Johan Manzambi, who the last World Cup in 2022. The after scoreless draw midfielder was injured in training on Mon- team made the quarterfinals at

BY ANNE M. PETERSON

Associated Press

VANCOUVER, British Colombia — Ruben Vargas converted his penalty and Switzerland advanced to the World Cup quarterfinals with a 4-3 shootout win over Colombia after a scoreless draw on Tuesday.

Switzerland will next face reigning champion Argentina on Saturday at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. Argentina defeated Egypt 3-2 earlier in the day.

Switzerland had not reached

day.

Vargas, who has scored two goals in the World Cup, also left Monday’s training early but was available off the bench and came on in stoppage time at the end of regulation.

Colombia defender Davinson Sanchez’s penalty attempt hit the crossbar, and Switzerland goalkeeper Grego Kobel saved an attempt by Cucho Hernandez, giving the Swiss the edge in the shootout.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino was among those at BC Place,

the 2014 tournament in Brazil, defeating Uruguay in the round of 16 before losing to the host country 2-1.

The Swiss reached the round of 16 at the past three World Cups but failed to advance with a smaller field of 32 teams.

The match was tightly contested by two teams with contrasting styles, the Swiss with a more organized approach and Colombia more attack oriented.

Switzerland had a slight edge in possession but both teams had two shots on goal.

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By LINDSEy WASSON

Colombia’s Luis Suárez, left, and Switzerland’s Nico Elvedi battle for the ball during a World Cup round of 16 match on Tuesday in Vancouver, British Columbia.

SCOREBOARD Odds MLB Wednesday

American League FAVORITE LINE UNDERDOG at DETROIT -160 Athletics at TAMPA BAY -125 N.Y Yankees at WHITE SOX -129 Boston at MINNESOTA -136 Cleveland at TEXAS -160 LA Angels National League FAVORITE LINE UNDERDOG at PITTSBURGH -120 Atlanta at CINCINNATI OFF Philadelphia Milwaukee -136 at ST. LOUIS at LA DODGERS -227 Colorado at SAN DIEGO -157 Arizona Interleague FAVORITE LINE UNDERDOG Toronto -120 at SAN FRAN. Chicago Cubs -119 at BALTIMORE Seattle -138 at MIAMI at WASHINGTON -138 Houston at N.Y METS OFF Kansas City

LINE +132 +103 +106 +112 +131 LINE -102 OFF +112 +182 +128 LINE -102 -103 +118 +114 OFF

Pro baseball MLB Glance American League

East Division

Tampa Bay New York Baltimore Toronto Boston Central Division Chicago Cleveland Minnesota Detroit Kansas City West Division Seattle Texas Houston Athletics Los Angeles

Monday’s Games

W 52 50 42 42 40

L 36 40 49 49 48

Pct GB .591 — .556 3 .462 11½ .462 11½ .455 12

W 47 47 44 40 37

L 42 44 47 50 54

Pct .528 .516 .484 .444 .407

GB — 1 4 7½ 11

W 47 45 45 41 36

L 44 45 48 49 55

Pct .516 .500 .484 .456 .396

GB — 1½ 3 5½ 11

Kansas City 15, Philadelphia 1 N.Y. Yankees 5, Tampa Bay 1 Washington 12, Houston 11 San Francisco 10, Toronto 1

Tuesday’s Games

Chicago Cubs at Baltimore, n Athletics at Detroit, n N.Y. Yankees at Tampa Bay, n Seattle at Miami, n Houston at Washington, n Kansas City at N.Y. Mets, n Boston at Chicago White Sox, n Cleveland at Minnesota, n L.A. Angels at Texas, n Toronto at San Francisco, n

Wednesday’s Games

Toronto (Cease 5-4) at San Francisco (Webb 5-6), 2:45 p.m.

Chicago Cubs (Rea 6-5) at Baltimore (Kremer 1-1), 5:35 p.m.

Athletics (Springs 3-8) at Detroit (Melton

4-1), 5:40 p.m.

N.Y. Yankees (Cole 3-3) at Tampa Bay (McClanahan 7-5), 5:40 p.m.

Seattle (Kirby 7-7) at Miami (Phillips 1-3), 5:40 p.m.

Houston (Arrighetti 7-4) at Washington (Griffin 9-2), 5:45 p.m.

Kansas City (TBD) at N.Y. Mets (Scott 2-1), 6:10 p.m.

Boston (Bennett 3-3) at Chicago White Sox (Martin 9-3), 6:40 p.m.

Cleveland (Cecconi 4-6) at Minnesota (Prielipp 2-5), 6:40 p.m.

L.A. Angels (Ureña 5-7) at Texas (Gore 5-7), 7:05 p.m.

National League East Division

Atlanta Philadelphia Miami Washington New York Central Division Milwaukee Chicago St. Louis Pittsburgh Cincinnati West Division Los Angeles Arizona San Diego San Francisco Colorado

Monday’s Games

W 52 50 49 47 38

L 37 41 42 45 53

Pct .584 .549 .538 .511 .418

GB — 3 4 6½ 15

W 57 50 47 46 41

L 33 40 42 45 48

Pct GB .633 — .556 7 .528 9½ .505 11½ .461 15½

W 60 45 44 38 37

L 32 45 46 52 55

Pct .652 .500 .489 .422 .402

GB — 14 15 21 23

Kansas City 15, Philadelphia 1 Washington 12, Houston 11 Milwaukee 4, St. Louis 3 San Francisco 10, Toronto 1 N.Y. Mets 7, Atlanta 6, 10 innings Arizona 8, San Diego 0 L.A. Dodgers 8, Colorado 7, 11 innings

Tuesday’s Games

Milwaukee 4, St. Louis 3, 1st game Chicago Cubs at Baltimore, n Atlanta at Pittsburgh, n Seattle at Miami, n Houston at Washington, n Kansas City at N.Y. Mets, n Philadelphia at Cincinnati, n Milwaukee at St. Louis, 2nd game, n Toronto at San Francisco, n Arizona at San Diego, n Colorado at L.A. Dodgers, n

Wednesday’s Games

Toronto (Cease 5-4) at San Francisco (Webb 5-6), 2:45 p.m.

Chicago Cubs (Rea 6-5) at Baltimore (Kremer 1-1), 5:35 p.m.

Atlanta (Holmes 5-4) at Pittsburgh (Jones 1-1), 5:40 p.m.

Seattle (Kirby 7-7) at Miami (Phillips 1-3), 5:40 p.m.

Houston (Arrighetti 7-4) at Washington (Griffin 9-2), 5:45 p.m.

Kansas City (TBD) at N.Y. Mets (Scott 2-1), 6:10 p.m.

Philadelphia (TBD) at Cincinnati (Burns 101), 6:10 p.m.

Milwaukee (Harrison 8-1) at St. Louis (McGreevy 3-7), 6:45 p.m.

Arizona (Cabrera 0-1) at San Diego (King 5-7), 9:10 p.m.

Colorado (Feltner 3-2) at L.A. Dodgers (Sasaki 3-5), 9:10 p.m.

Pro basketball

zerland winner, 2 p.m.

Pro tennis Wimbledon Results

Spain 1, Portugal 0 Belgium 4, United States 1

Tuesday At All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club London Purse: £30,060,000 Surface: Grass Men’s Singles Quarterfinals Jannik Sinner (1), Italy, def. Jan-Lennard Struff, Germany, 7-5, 7-6 (4), 6-3.

Novak Djokovic (7), Serbia, def. Felix AugerAliassime (3), Canada, 7-6 (10), 3-6, 6-3, 6-7 (4), 7-6 (4).

Women’s Singles Quarterfinals Coco Gauff (7), United States, def. Jessica Pegula (4), United States, 4-6, 6-3, 6-3.

Karolina Muchova (10), Czechia, def. Naomi Osaka (14), Japan, 7-6 (4), 6-4.

Men’s Doubles Quarterfinals Thanasi Kokkinakis, Australia, and Aleksandar Kovacevic, United States, def. Nikola Mektic, Croatia, and Austin Krajicek (14), United States, 7-6 (4), 6-3.

Harri Heliovaara, Finland, and Henry Patten (1), Britain, def. Guido Andreozzi, Argentina, and Manuel Guinard (8), France, 2-6, 6-4, 7-6 (6).

Women’s Doubles Third Round Taylor Townsend, United States, and Katerina Siniakova (1), Czechia, def. Asia Muhammad, United States, and Fanny Stollar (16), Hungary, 6-3, 6-3.

Gabriela Dabrowski, Canada, and Luisa Stefani (2), Brazil, def. Storm Hunter, Australia, and Caty McNally (14), United States, 6-1, 6-4.

Katarzyna Piter, Poland, and Anna Siskova, Czechia, def. Rebecca Sramkova, Slovakia, and Linda Noskova, Czechia, 7-5, 6-4.

Mixed Doubles Semifinals Storm Hunter and Marc Polmans, Australia, def. Mate Pavic, Croatia, and Fanny Stollar, Hungary, 7-6 (5), 6-3.

Marcelo Arevalo, El Salvador, and Jelena Ostapenko (2), Latvia, def. Zhang Shuai, China, and Christian Harrison (3), United States, 6-3, 5-7, 6-4.

Argentina 3, Egypt 2 Switzerland 0 (4-3 PK), Colombia 0

Baseball

WNBA Glance EASTERN CONFERENCE New York Indiana Atlanta Washington Toronto Chicago Connecticut

W 13 12 12 10 9 6 5

L 8 8 9 10 11 14 16

Pct .619 .600 .571 .500 .450 .300 .238

GB — ½ 1 2½ 3½ 6½ 8

Minnesota Las Vegas Golden State Dallas Portland Los Angeles Phoenix Seattle

W 15 15 15 13 9 8 8 6

L 6 6 7 8 12 11 13 17

Pct .714 .714 .682 .619 .429 .421 .381 .261

GB — — ½ 2 6 6 7 10

WESTERN CONFERENCE

Monday’s Games

Golden State 62, Washington 49 Connecticut 90, Minnesota 89 Seattle 82, Los Angeles 64

Tuesday’s Games

Dallas at New York, n Chicago at Phoenix, n

Wednesday’s Games

Golden State at Toronto, 6 p.m.

Minnesota at Connecticut, 6:30 p.m.

Indiana at Los Angeles, 9 p.m.

Pro soccer World Cup Scores, schedule ROUND OF 16 July 4

Morocco 3, Canada 0 France 1, Paraguay 0

July 5

Norway 2, Brazil 1 England 3, Mexico 2

July 6

Tuesday

QUARTERFINALS Thursday

France vs. Morocco, 3 p.m.

Friday

Spain vs. Belgium, 2 p.m.

Saturday

Norway vs. England, 4 p.m.

Argentina vs. Switzerland, 8 p.m.

SEMIFINALS July 14

France-Morocco winner vs. Spain-Belgium winner, 2 p.m.

July 15

Norway-England winner vs. Argentina-Swit-

Transactions MLB

American League ATHLETICS — Optioned C Brian Serven and RHP Kade Morris to Las Vegas (PCL). Reinstated SS Jacob Wilson from the 10-day IL. Recalled LHP Jacob Lopez from Las Vegas.

BALTIMORE ORIOLES — Recalled LHP Nick Raquet from Norfolk (IL). Optioned RHP Cameron Weston to Norfolk.

BOSTON RED SOX — Sent 3B Nick Sogard on a rehab assignment to Worcester (IL).

HOUSTON ASTROS — Sent RHP Ronel Blanco and SS Jeremy Peña on rehab assignments to Sugar Land (PCL). Optioned RHP Mike Burrows to Sugar Land. Recalled RHP Alim-

ber Santa from Sugar Land.

KANSAS CITY ROYALS — Sent 1B Vinnie Pasquantino on a rehab assignment to Omaha (IL). Agreed to terms with RHP Justin Topa on a minor league contract.

MINNESOTA TWINS — Selected the contract of RHP Woo-Suk Go from St. Paul (IL).

TAMPA BAY RAYS — Sent RHP Jesse Scholtens on a rehab assignment to FCL Rays.

National League ATLANTA BRAVES — Agreed to terms with 1B Rowdy Tellez on a minor league contract.

Placed RHP Tyler Kinley on the paternity list. Recalled RHP James Karinchak from Gwinnett (IL). Optioned RHP Owen Murphy to Gwinnett. Selected the contract of LHP Connor Thomas from Gwinnett.

CINCINNATI REDS — Sent 3B Ke’Bryan Hayes on a rehab assignment to Louisville (IL).

MILWAUKEE BREWERS — Secalled LHP Robert Gasser from ACL Brewers. Optioned CF Blake Perkins to Nashville (IL). Recalled CF Luis Lara from Nashville. Transferred LF Brandon Lockridge to the 60-day IL. Placed 3B David Hamilton on the 10-day IL. Sent RHP Carlos Rodriguez on a rehab assignment to Nashville. Selected the contract of LF Greg Jones from Nashville.

NEW YORK METS — Sent CF Luis Robert Jr. on a rehab assignment to Binghamton (EL).

Designated RHP Guillo Zuñiga for assignment. Reinstated 1B Jorge Polanco from the 60-day IL. Designated RHP Alex Carrillo for assignment. Selected the contract of RHP Matt Seelinger from Syracuse (IL). Optioned SS Ronny Mauricio to Syracuse.

PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES — Recalled RHP Max Lazar from Lehigh Valley (IL). Optioned LHP Kyle Backhus to Lehigh Valley.

PITTSBURGH PIRATES — Placed SS Konnor Griffin on the 10-day IL retroactive to July 6.

Recalled SS Jack Brannigan from Indianapolis (IL).

ST. LOUIS CARDINALS — Transferred RHP Max Rajcic to the 60-day IL. Selected the contract of LHP Bruce Zimmermann from Memphis (IL). Recalled RHP Hunter Dobbins from Memphis. Optioned RHP Ryan Fernandez to Memphis.

WASHINGTON NATIONALS — Activated LHP Matt Krook. Optioned RHP Cole Henry to Rochester (IL).

Basketball NBA

CLEVELAND CAVALIERS — Re-signed C Thomas Bryant to a contract.

HOUSTON ROCKETS — Signed G Bruce Thornton to a contract.

PHOENIX SUNS — Re-signed C Mark Williams and G Jordan Goodwin and Collin Gillespie to multi-year contracts.

SACRAMENTO KINGS — Re-signed F Precious Achiuwa to a contract.

UTAH JAZZ — Signed G Trey Alexander to a two-way contract.

WASHINGTON WIZARDS — Signed C Felix Okpara to a two-way contract.

Football NFL

NEW YORK GIANTS — Claimed DE C.J. Ravenell off waivers from Tennessee.

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS — Signed DT Gracen Halton to a rookie contract.

LIVING

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

|

W e d n e s d ay, J u ly 8, 2026

5Cn

TNS PHOTO By JENN HARRIS

A Neapolitan-style Margherita pizza is one of several varieties offered at Pizza Cafe L.A. in Silver Lake.

New cafe helps L.A. raise its pizza game Restaurant offers variety of styles

BY JENN HARRIS

Los Angeles Times (TNS) LOS ANGELES — Have you ever had a meal change the course of your entire life? For Pizza Cafe L.A. owner Diego Garcia, it was a slice of Margherita pizza extraneously covered in pepperoni.

He was in New York for one of his entertainment production jobs and thinking about getting into stand-up comedy. Wanting to make the most of his time in the city, he grabbed a seat at the counter at Juliana’s Pizza in Brooklyn. He watched mesmerized as the cooks stretched and topped pies, then slid them in and out of the coal-burning brick oven.

“I didn’t know that bread, sauce, cheese, pepperoni and basil could be the best thing I’ve ever had,” says Garcia. “I came back to L.A. and was like, that’s what I want to do. I want to make pizza.”

At the time, Garcia was also dabbling in fashion, making hats and clothes, and about to learn how to become a shoe cobbler. Instead, he bought a small wood-burning oven off Amazon and a red counter-top mixer, then started making pizza. He was on a quest to re-create the oversized Neopolitan-style pies from Juliana’s with a leopardspotted crust.

“I was also inspired by Nancy Silverton’s ‘Chef’s Table’ episode,” he says. “It took her a year to make a pizza. I knew it would take me a little longer.”

It ended up taking Garcia two years filled with YouTube videos, dozens of recipes and lots of trial and error. He hosted a few successful pop-ups right before the pandemic, then put all of his money — and a big chunk of his parent’s 401(k) — into a small space he found on Craigslist, at the Fletcher Square shopping

STAFF PHOTOS By BRAD BOWIE

Butter chicken and naan is a popular item at Desi Mart in Lafayette.

‘SERVE THE PEOPLE’ New spot for Indian groceries bringing community together with fresh chai, butter chicken and more in Lafayette

BY JOANNA BROWN Staff writer

The term “desi” refers to the whole of the Indian subcontinent, and the peoples, cultures, products and foods that originate there.

Fresh spices, hot curries and samosas, halal meats, Indian yogurts, stacks of naan — it’s all available at Desi Mart at 2441 W. Congress St., “They’ve Lafayette, where the welcomed us shop specializes in a so nicely here wide range of groceries and personal items in Lafayette, from the nations of Inand the last dia, Pakistan and Bantwo weeks gladesh.

“The most popuhave been Desi Mart owner Sajid Dadwani also operates stores in Beaumont, Texas, and Lake super busy.” lar item we have is Charles. fresh goat meat,” said SAJID DADWANI, owner Sajid Dadwani, that started with his grandfather. “When Desi Mart owner who also operates I was small, my grandfather used to be Desi Marts in Beauin the same field,” he said. “Here, I see mont, Texas, and Lake the difference when people don’t have a Charles. “We have a lot of different pulses community hub where they can shop the (legumes), spice, produce — things you brands from when they were a child. It’s don’t normally find in big stores or chains. missing. So it was my family’s legacy to It’s to bring the community together.” bring this community together and serve Desi Mart’s hot lunches are a good way the people.” to experience the quality of their groHe said the majority of his customers ceries and spices. In addition to popular are locals who are from India and neighdishes like biryani and chicken tikka masala, the shop’s butter chicken is silky boring countries, and before expanding and bursting with both heat and creamy into Louisiana, they had to drive into Texcomfort — and the daal ended up being as to find goods from home. Now that Desi one of the boldest spoonful of lentils I’d Dinora Martinez prepares a serving of Mart has opened in Lafayette, Dadwani goat curry at Desi Mart. ever tried. is thinking about future stores in AlexanI also experienced Desi Mart’s goat dria, Shreveport or Baton Rouge. curry, with delicious chunks of tender adore.

“People used to come from Lake Dadwani, who is based in Beaumont, meat cooked down in a dark and rich stew ä See SERVE, page 6C that lovers of Cajun and Creole food will said that opening Desi Mart was a dream

ä See PIZZA, page 6C

International flavors take center stage Staff report

Peruvian ceviche stuffed avocado, bombon coffee

n Bistrology, 3905 Ambassador Caf-

fery Parkway, Lafayette

STAFF PHOTO By MEGAN WyATT

The Peruvian ceviche stuffed avocado from Bistrology is served with breakfast potatoes and fried green plantains.

I have a love-hate relationship with brunch. While I love a leisurely approach to breakfast with friends, I hate how sluggish I feel after a heavy meal at the start of the day. When confronted with Bistrology’s huge menu on Sunday morning, I was certain I’d soon be in a food coma.

Enter the Peruvian ceviche stuffed avocado.

THE BEST THINGS WE ATE THIS WEEK The dish included a generous portion of ceviche shrimp on an avocado with red onions, peppers, cilantro, lemon juice, arugula, chives and microgreens with a side of fried green plantains and breakfast potatoes. I opted to pair it with the bombon — a layered Spanish coffee drink made with espresso and sweetened condensed milk.

The bright, fresh ceviche balanced the perfectly ripe avocado.

While the plantains and potatoes were crispy and fine on their own,

I wouldn’t have minded the addition of seasoning or sauce. The bombon was my kind of coffee — perfectly intense and rich. I could have easily had a second serving.

Perhaps my favorite part of the meal was that I left the restaurant feeling satisfied and energized instead of ready for a nap.

— Megan Wyatt, investigative reporter

Dan dan noodles

n Chow Yum, 2363 Hollydale Ave.,

Baton Rouge

Chow Yum is one of those gems where I can order something new

ä See BEST, page 6C

6C ● Wednesday, July 8, 2026 ● theadvocate.com ● The Acadiana Advocate

lll

Can sewing hobby become a business?

Dear Harriette: I have always liked to experiment with sewing my own garments. In my culture, it is common for people to make their own clothes or at least be able to repair what they buy. As time goes on, skills like sewHarriette ing have become more uncommon, Cole especially here in SENSE AND the United States.

SENSITIVITy However, developing these skills at such a young age helped shape my relationship with clothes. I have been able to hone this craft over time, turning something I

did as a hobby into a skill. I find myself eager to learn more about business and potentially open my own retail store. I know it’s a big dream; however, I think it would be something I would be interested in as a career. What are some questions you think I should ask myself before moving forward with entrepreneurship?

— Sewerpreneur Dear Sewerpreneur: Being able to sew is a clear asset and a skill that can be turned into a business.

Think big. What would you like to do with your skill? The choices vary widely. You can work in a production space for a designer, making clothes or finishing pieces. You can specialize in al-

terations and work for a bridal designer or a dry cleaner or tailor. Or what about being a fashion designer yourself?

Getting training is a good idea, either from a vocational or a design school. Look for businesses that you admire, and find out if you can get an internship there to learn what they do.

Dear Harriette: I am someone who tries to be as independent as I can be. I do not like to rely on others since you never know what can happen in a relationship. It is honestly not anyone else’s responsibility to take care of you.

Oddly enough, my partner enjoys the traditional masculine role of being a provider, and this is one

of the reasons we argue often — I do not always leave space for him to show his love. This takes a lot of adjusting and feeling safe around your partner. I am not sure why he feels that this is the only way he can show up for me, though I try to meet him where he’s at. I know I can come off a bit strong, so I’m trying not to change him, but I want him to recognize a more holistic view of himself. How do I work on being more comfortable with relying on people? — Lean on Someone Dear Lean On Someone: Being a good partner and even simply a good friend requires being a good listener and learning what makes the other person tick. You

are learning what makes you happy. What about him? If gestures of protection and care are important to him, can you find a way to make space for some of that? Take a breath and observe the moment. How can you best show up in this relationship?

Sometimes it may be by simply being present and watching how things unfold. This way, you will learn what you like about your partner’s attentiveness and what doesn’t work.

Send questions to askharriette@ harriettecole.com or c/o Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.

SERVE

Employee Osama Aslam, right, assists customers at Desi Mart in Lafayette.

PIZZA

TODAY IN HISTORY

By The Associated Press Today is Tuesday, July 8, the 189th day of 2025.

There are 176 days left in the year.

Today in History: On July 8, 2018, divers rescued four of the 12 boys who had been trapped in a flooded cave in northern Thailand with their soccer coach for more than two weeks. (The remaining eight boys and their coach were rescued over the next two days.)

Also on this date: In 1776, Col. John Nixon gave the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence, outside the State House (now Independence Hall) in Philadelphia.

In 1853, an expedition led

by U.S. Commodore Matthew Perry arrived in Edo Bay, Japan, on a mission to seek diplomatic and trade relations with the Japanese.

In 1889, the first issue of The Wall Street Journal was published.

In 1947, a New Mexico newspaper, the Roswell Daily Record, quoted officials at Roswell Army Air Field as saying they had recovered a “flying saucer” that crashed onto a ranch; officials then said it was actually a weather balloon.

In 1950, President Harry S. Truman named Gen. Douglas MacArthur commander-in-chief of United Nations forces in Korea. (Truman would fire MacArthur for insubordination nine months later.)

In 1972, the Nixon administration announced a deal to sell $750 million in grain to the Soviet Union. (However, the Soviets were also engaged in secretly buying subsidized American grain, resulting in what critics dubbed “The Great Grain Robbery.”)

In 1994, Kim Il Sung, North Korea’s communist leader since 1948, died at age 82.

In 2000, Venus Williams beat Lindsay Davenport for her first Grand Slam title, becoming the first Black female champion at Wimbledon since Althea Gibson in 1958.

In 2011, the 135th and final space shuttle mission began when space shuttle Atlantis launched from Kennedy Space Center.

In 2021, President Joe Biden said the U.S. military operation in Afghanistan would end on Aug. 31; in a speech in the White House East Room, Biden made an impassioned argument for exiting the nearly 20-year war without sacrificing

STAFF PHOTO By BRAD BOWIE

more America lives, but acknowledged that there would be no “mission accomplished” moment to celebrate.

In 2022, former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was assassinated on a street in western Japan by a gunman who opened fire on him from behind as he delivered a campaign speech.

Today’s Birthdays: Actor Jeffrey Tambor is 82. Drummer Jaimoe Johanson (The Allman Brothers Band) is 82. Actor Kim Darby is 79. Children’s musician Raffi is 78. Celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck is 77. Actor Anjelica Huston is 75.

Writer Anna Quindlen is 74. Author and politician Marianne Williamson is 74.

Pro Football Hall of Famer Jack Lambert is 74. Actor Kevin Bacon is 68. Singer Joan Osborne is 64. Actor Lee Tergesen (TV: “Oz”) is 61. Actor Billy Crudup is 58. Actor Michael Weatherly (TV: “NCIS”) is 58.

Musician Beck is 56. Actor Kathleen Robertson is 53.

Christian rock musician Stephen Mason (Jars of Clay) is 51. Actor Milo Ventimiglia is 49. Actor Lance Gross (TV: “Tyler Perry’s House of Payne”) is 45.

Actor Sophia Bush is 44.

Actor Maya Hawke is 28.

Actor Jaden Smith is 28.

Continued from page 5C center in Silver Lake. He opened Pizza Cafe L.A. on Valentine’s Day 2021.

Instead of specializing in a single style of pizza, Garcia offers seven, spanning regions across the United States and Italy.

“I thought to myself, pizza is pizza,” he says. “I researched one style pizza, I can research more.”

The crust on the Margherita is covered in big, charred bubbles, with a tang that’s present, but fleeting.

The sauce painted over the surface is thick like puree, with a vibrant, all encompassing, fresh tomato flavor. Milky, creamy blobs of mozzarella are melted over the top with plenty of torn basil.

During his second year in business, Garcia turned his attention to Detroit-style pizza.

He developed a focaccia recipe, then bought a single square pizza pan on Amazon.

“I only had one pan, and that first day I was offering it, I got an order for two Detroit-style pizzas,” he says.

“I was like, what am I going to do?”

He bought more pans, and

themselves when they enter, making the store feel Continued from page 5C even more like the community hub that Dadwani hoped it would be.

Charles to Beaumont, “We didn’t expect this saying, ‘please come, we response from the communeed this over there.’ And nity, but we are more than Houston is a big populated happy,” he said. “I have area, there are so many never seen a community stores that people have ev- like this before. Before we erything they need — but opened, they were bringing here, people don’t have the food for us from the stores, things they need. They’ve like, ‘Hey, man, welcome welcomed us so nicely to the town. Let me bring here in Lafayette, and the something for you.’ So last two weeks have been that’s really nice.”

Desi Mart is open from super busy,” he said.

It didn’t take long for Desi Monday to Saturday from Mart to start bustling along 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunwith the rhythms of the days from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. community. On any given They are located at 2441 W. day of the week, the aisles Congress St., in the former of the small store are full Bismillah Groceries and of carts, while steaming Kitchen store. to-go plates emerge from the kitchen. There’s also a Email Joanna Brown warm thermos of chai avail- at joanna.brown@ able for customers to serve theadvocate.com.

“That’s why I called it Pizza Cafe. Cafe means variety restaurant. It’s like a variety pizza shop.”

DIEGO GARCIA, Pizza Cafe L.A. owner

installed a second oven in the kitchen.

The Detroit pizza features the style’s signature crown of crispy cheese around the edges, and a blanket of brick cheese. There’s the initial crunch, then your teeth sink into a wonderfully soft and squishy focaccia.

Next, he set his sights on New York pizza, tweaking the amounts of olive oil and sugar in the dough to create a crust that’s crisp, but supple and foldable.

And when it comes to the toppings, let your imagination run wild. There’s sausage, Canadian bacon, both cup and sliced pepperoni, peppers, olives, onions and pineapple. I’m partial to the pepperoni cups (even on the New York) and the way the tiny pools of grease gush into your mouth with each bite of pizza.

While Garcia runs a steady takeout business, there are a handful of tables inside, with chili flakes in shakers and rolls of paper towel for napkins. On one

wall, Garcia has some of his hats on display, beautifully constructed in beaver felt. Outside, there’s a reedfencing-lined patio with a few tables and a couch that may or may not be real leather.

At present, Garcia is making Neopolitan, New York, Detroit, New Haven, Chicago tavern, Chicago deep dish and Sicilian pizzas.

And he’s already working on more.

“That’s why I called it Pizza Cafe,” says Garcia.

“Cafe means variety restaurant. It’s like a variety pizza shop.”

Deputy Food editor Betty Hallock recently remarked that Los Angeles is “the pizza capital of the world.”

With places like Pizza Cafe L.A., and a city that boasts nearly every style of pizza imaginable, I thinks she’s on to something.

I can hear all of the New Yorkers screaming. Have a slice at Quarter Sheets, Apollonia’s, Pizzeria Sei, Pizzeria Mozza, DeSano Pizza, Dtown Pizzeria, Pizzana, Fiorelli Pizza, Little Coyote, Pizzeria Bianco, Wallflour Pizza, Cosetta, Bub and Grandma’s Pizza, Ozzy’s Apizza, Redwood Pie, Ronan, LaSorted’s, Pijja Palace, Old Gold Tomato Pies and Friends & Family Pizza Co. (to name a few), then we can talk.

YEARS

BEST

Continued from page 5C and I know it’ll be good. This Mid City spot is one of my go-tos when I’m grabbing dinner with a friend. It has a fun drink selection, cool atmosphere and undeniably great food.

For the entree, I ordered the dan dan noodles, a dish bursting with several flavors. There’s smokiness from the pork belly, spice from the Szechuan sauce and citrus from the little lime wedge. There’s also chili garlic shrimp, fried garlic bits, grilled yu choy and scallions. I’m glad I discovered this dish, because I think it’s my new favorite at Chow Yum. It also holds well in the fridge if you have leftovers.

Maddie Scott, features reporter

Cheeseburger and bread pudding

n Lillie’s Kitchen, 5068 Airline Highway, Baton

Rouge

This was some of the best bread pudding I’ve had. My first visit to Lillie’s Kitchen was unexpected after I first tried visiting a restaurant down the

STAFF PHOTO By MADDIE SCOTT

Dan dan noodles are a favorite from Chow

street, only to see it was closed impromptu. The original plan foiled, but the outcome turned sweet.

I arrived at lunchtime, so I ordered a bacon cheeseburger combo with fries and a Dr Pepper. The bacon had a great bite to it, the cheese was perfectly melted, and the patty was savory. It hit the spot, but the bread pudding was the star of the show.

The texture was a little less chunky than most bread puddings I’ve had. It had more of a stuffing feel. The sticky, sugary taste was just delightful.

I believe there were golden raisins in it, which I’m not usually a fan of, but I enjoyed them that day. A testament to how good this dish was.

Maddie Scott, features reporter

TONIGHT•9PM

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The Acadiana Advocate ● theadvocate.com ● Wednesday, July 8, 2026 ● 7C

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FrAnK And erneSt

roSebUdS

zItS

For better or For WorSe

zodIAC CANCER (June 21-July 22) Consider your options and what the pros and cons are.

Let your emotions filter through consequences and what's worth it to you and what isn't. Stretch your imagination.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) Pay attention; retaining what you hear will be essential if you want to get ahead. Use your Leo charm to captivate your audience and to gather pertinent information regarding different lifestyles.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) Sit back, wait for the right moment and prepare to take a stance that positions you for success. Take care of financial, medical and legal matters with confidence.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) Put everything in its place, and avoid criticism. Reach out to someone who needs help or a cause that concerns you, and do your part to make a difference. Someone you meet will touch your heart.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) Engage in conversations, and invest more time in learning and personal growth. Consider how you can use your knowledge and reputation to teach others to make better decisions.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) You'll be pulled in different directions by the people you have the most contact with.

Surround yourself with those you trust and those who aren't trying to separate you from your cash.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) You may think you have everything in place, but continue to refine and define what you

want and how you plan to make it happen. Trying to do the impossible will set you back.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) A vigilant approach to your work responsibilities will help you excel. Don't trust anyone to do something for you that lives up to your standards. Focus on your responsibilities.

PISCES (Feb. 20-March 20) Choose to have fun. Distance yourself from those who put pressure on you or take advantage of you. Focus on conversations that give you hope for a brighter future.

Don't limit what's possible.

ARIES (March 21-April 19) Keep your thoughts to yourself. Refuse to let your emotions take over and your words lead to trouble. Bide your time and work on self-preservation and improvement.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20) Take care of small details, and invest more time and effort in exploring and expanding your interests. Activities that encourage you to use your physical and mental attributes will help you meet people.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20) Bringing about change will be simple if you use your strengths to consolidate your thoughts and charm your way into the hearts of those who can help you achieve your objective.

The horoscope, an entertainment feature, is not based on scientific fact. © 2026 by NEA, Inc., dist. By Andrews McMeel Syndication

WonderWord

peAnUtS

SALLY Forth

beetLe bAILeY CeLebrItY CIpher Celebrity Cipher cryptograms are created from quotations by famous people, past and present. Each letter in the cipher stands for another.

TODAy'S CLUE: F EQUALS D

Mother GooSe And GrIMM

SherMAn’S LAGoon FAMILY CIrCUS

dooneSbUrY

8C ● Wednesday, July 8, 2026 ● theadvocate.com ● The Acadiana Advocate

CurTiS

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Sudoku InstructIons: Sudoku is a number-placing puzzle based on a 9x9 grid with several given numbers.

The object is to place the numbers 1 to 9 in the empty squares so that each row, each column and each 3x3 box contains the same number only once. The difficulty level of the Sudoku increases from Monday to Sunday.

Yesterday’s Puzzle Answer

BaBY BLueS

BLondie

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La TimeS CroSSword

The Acadiana Advocate ● theadvocate.com ● Wednesday, July 8, 2026 ● 9C

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B.C.

Bridge

BY PHILLIP ALDER Robert Fritz, who developed Structural Dynamics, said, “If you limit your choices only to what seems possible or reasonable, you disconnect yourself from what you truly want.”

I have mentioned before that it pays to pause and consider your options, not just play on autopilot. This deal is another good example. South is in four spades.

How should the defense proceed after West leads the heart ace?

When you have 5-4-2-2 distribution and the right count for one no-trump, open in your five-card suit when it is a major. If the five-card suit is a minor, open one notrump with strong doubletons or when your rebid might be uncomfortable if you start with one of your long suit. Here, if North opens one diamond and South responds one heart, North has an easy one-spade rebid. So North should open one diamond.

After South actually bid one spade, North had just enough to raise to four spades.

But if North had settled for three spades, South would probably have raised to game, although he might have rebid three no-trump, the game contract that is unbeatable.

After taking the first trick, West will continue with the heart king. But what does he do next?

garfield

Pearls Before swiNe

hagar the horriBle

There are two answers to that question: Cash the club ace to save the overtrick or take two club tricks! East should realize that his side needs two heart and two club winners. So it must be right to ruff his partner’s heart king and shift to a club.

As you can see, this is the only way to defeat the contract. © 2026 by NEA, Inc., dist. By Andrews McMeel Syndication

wuzzles Each Wuzzle is a word riddle which creates a disguised word, phrase, name, place, saying, etc. For example: NOON GOOD = GOOD AFTERNOON

PiCKles

Previous answers:

mallard fillmore

word game InstRuctIons: 1. Words must be of four or more letters. 2. Words that acquire four letters by the addition of “s,” such as “bats” or “dies,” are not allowed. 3.

Additional words made by adding a “d” or an “s” may not be used. 4. Proper nouns, slang words, or vulgar or sexually explicit words are not allowed.

toDAY’s WoRD — REGuLAR: REG-yu-ler: Normal; standard.

Bizarro

marmaduKe

Average mark 18 words Time limit 35 minutes Can you find 29 or more words in REGULAR? YEstERDAY’s WoRD — sAMEnEss same sane sans seam seamen seem seen sense sesame

amen mane manse mass mean mesa mess ease enema

name ness nesses

loCKhorNs hidato Yesterday’s Puzzle Answer

today’s thought “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Psalms 46:1

You can depend on the Lord! G.E. Dean

10C ● Wednesday, July 8, 2026 ● theadvocate.com ● The Acadiana Advocate

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BUSINESS T H E A D V O C AT E.C O M/news/business

DOW 52,925.15 -130.76 -0.25%

NASDAQ 25,818.69 -302.47 -1.16%

S&P 500 7,503.85 -33.58 -0.45%

EURO 1.1405 -0.0039 -0.34%

CRUDE OIL 70.44 1.89 2.76%

GOLD 4,145.30 -9.80 -0.24%

6-MO T-BILLS 3.96 0.01 0.25%

30-YR T-BONDS 5.05 0.07 1.36%

Time running out to cash in on Amazon settlement

BY ZOE KOLENOVSKY

The Dallas Morning News (TNS) Customers have less than a month to file a claim for a share of Amazon’s historic $2.5 billion settlement.

The Seattle-based online retailer settled last year with the Federal Trade Commission over claims that it tricked customers into signing up for its Prime membership and made it difficult to unenroll from the plan. The result was $1 billion that Amazon must pay in civil penalties — the largest such fine in the agency’s history — on

top of another $1.5 billion to be doled out to eligible customers.

Most eligible customers should have received an automatic refund from Amazon in November or December 2025. But affected customers who haven’t received theirs can still file a claim. Here’s what you need to know.

Customers must meet three requirements to be eligible for a payment from the settlement fund.

The first is simple: You must be an Amazon Prime customer in the United States. But you must have also either signed up for the Prime subscription through a “chal-

lenged enrollment flow” or tried and failed to cancel your membership between June 23, 2019, and June 23, 2025.

The “challenged enrollment flow” refers to sign-up pathways that the government determined deceptive or confusing — places like the shipping selection page or single-page checkout.

You also must have used at most 10 Amazon Prime Benefits in any 12-month period during which you were enrolled. Those include the free shipping and faster delivery rates the program is famous for, as well as other Amazon products

offered to Prime subscribers for free such as Prime Video, Prime Music and Kindle Books.

You are not eligible to file a claim if you already received an automatic refund from Amazon.

Customers can submit claims until July 27 by visiting the settlement website to file a claim online.

You will be asked to either submit your claim ID and PIN number that you received with a settlement notice via email or mail, or to instead enter the personal information associated with your Amazon account, including an email address or phone number.

Amazon expects to send payments for approved claims by September 2026. Amazon has 30 days to review each claim.

Refunds will be sent via check, PayPal or Venmo.

Customers can receive up to $51 for membership fees paid during the settlement timeline. The refund represents membership fees up to that amount, minus any refunds or credits already issued, according to the settlement website.

Customers can contact Amazon at admin@subscriptionmembershipsettlement.com with questions about the settlement.

Want to find a job Wall Street banks that’s AI-proof? sky-high about SpaceX

New research says employees may be safer at companies embracing tech

But investors remain cautious

BY NILESH CHRISTOPHER Los Angeles Times (TNS)

BY DAMIAN J. TROISE AP business writer

NEW YORK — Wall Street banks have high hopes for SpaceX but at the moment shares of Elon Musk’s rocket market appear to be earthbound.

Many of the investment firms that underwrote SpaceX’s initial public offering issued their first research notes about the company Tuesday, and almost all recommended that investors buy the stock and forecast it to trade above $200 in the next 12 to 18 months.

But after topping $200 in its first week of trading, the stock is trading around $150 per share, where it opened on June 12, its IPO day. Investors may be looking cautiously at the same factors that have Wall Street so enthusiastic about the stock.

Analysts are focused on SpaceX’s potential to lead the market for space transportation and infrastructure. The company’s reusable rockets allow it to transport people and cargo into Earth’s orbit and it is aiming for deeper exploration of the solar system.

Most of the company’s revenue currently comes from its Starlink satellites, and AI innovations are expected to advance that technology.

“SpaceX’s ambitions, and potential impact on humanity, are bigger than any company’s we’ve ever seen,” said an analyst from J.P. Morgan in a research report.

The bank expects the stock price to reach $225 by the end of 2027. It cited the company’s competi-

AFP/GETTy IMAGES/TNS FILE PHOTO By TIMOTHy A. CLARy

SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, displayed on a screen remotely from SpaceX headquarters in Starbase, Texas, speaks before the launch of SpaceX’s initial public offering June 12 at the Nasdaq MarketSite in New york City. Many of the investment firms that underwrote SpaceX’s IPO issued their first research notes about the company Tuesday, and almost all recommended that investors buy the stock and forecast it to trade above $200 in the next 12 to 18 months. tive advantage in space transportation, with about 670 orbital launches and a nearly 99% success rate with its Falcon rockets.

Most payloads launched into orbit since 2023 were through SpaceX. The company has dominated the reusable space rocket market with its Falcon 9, but its gigantic Starship rocket is the key to launching bigger pieces of cargo, including data centers.

Investment bank Raymond James is by far the most optimistic. Its analysts expect the stock to eventually reach $800 per share and consider SpaceX a key industrial company for the 21st century.

“Just as railroads, electric grids, and the Internet reshaped prior economic eras, we believe SpaceX is

building the foundational platform for the next generation of industrial capacity,” the analysts wrote in a research report.

SpaceX founder Elon Musk decided to take the company public because it needs money to fund its ambitions, including putting more satellites and eventually data centers into space. It’s more ambitious goals include establishing a colony on Mars.

For now, Starship is still in the test phase and no technology exists to put data centers in space or send people to Mars. Wall Street analysts acknowledge that a delay or failure to establish a steady schedule of launches for Starship is a risk that could torpedo their forecasts.

SpaceX ended its first day on Wall Street in June with a

market value of more than $2 trillion and is still sitting around that level. That made Musk the world’s first trillionaire, though his net worth has since fallen back below $1 trillion, according to Forbes.

A few banks on Wall Street are more cautious about the company’s prospects. Equity research firm MoffettNathanson said it sees the potential, but has given the company a more “neutral” rating and sees the stock eventually sitting at $131 per share. The concerns are over many of the unknowns related to regulatory issues, technology and demand.

“It is, in short, a bet on any and all things made possible by a virtual lock on rocket manufacturing and launch,” MoffettNathanson said in a report.

While AI is often cited as one of the reasons for mass layoffs, particularly in the tech sector, for fast-growing companies it also seems to be creating new jobs in many companies, according to a study published Tuesday from financial services company Ramp and employment database Revelio Labs.

“Our early result is that it looks like firms are starting to look for more entry-level hires, likely people who are more AI native,” said Ara Kharazian, the lead economist at Ramp, a financial services company that found a rise in early-career hiring by companies in the period they started spending heavily on AI. The study tracked AI spending and the workforce records of nearly 22,000 U.S. companies between January 2021 and February 2026.

It found that firms that spent more on AI ended up increasing their workforce headcount by an average of 10% over the two years after rolling out the technology. Companies that made the largest AI investment expanded entry-level job hiring by 12%.

“If you are a job seeker, or you are graduating from college, and you’re choosing between two different firms that are otherwise similar, I would choose the one that’s using AI,” Kharazian said. “Our paper shows that that firm is going to grow faster.”

The early and intense AI adopters spent more than $100 per month per employee on AI and had their employees using advanced AI, such as coding subscriptions, as opposed to simple ChatGPT subscriptions.

The low-intensity, casual AI adopters didn’t see any hiring gains and reduced headcount.

The Ramp study showed a positive effect on employment from AI because it focused on firms adopting AI, many of them fast-growing,

venture-backed companies hiring AI-native junior employees.

It reached a different conclusion than a November 2025 Stanford University study, which examined payroll data across the entire labor market and found that employment among young software developers had declined by nearly 20% from its late-2022 peak.

The two findings can both be true, Kharazian said, because the Stanford study was broader and didn’t focus just on the firms that use AI. “While there may be overall weak hiring for young people, what we found is that hiring is actually strong at the firms that use AI, and the firms that use AI intensely,” he said.

In another recent study on the impact of AI on jobs, the California AI-unemployment tracker examined the state across industries, education levels and region and highlighted some worrying trends.

It seemed to disprove the understanding that AI has been hurting mostly younger employees and those in entrylevel jobs.

It found that unemployment insurance claims among college-educated workers in high-AI-exposed jobs, such as customer service and software development, increased after ChatGPT’s release in 2022 and remained elevated through May 2026.

Many companies have said AI was one of the main reasons for layoffs. Meta, Oracle, Microsoft and other big tech companies have laid off tens of thousands of employees, while simultaneously investing billions in AI data centers.

Ramp’s findings that heavy AI adoption can lead to increased hiring suggests that some of the companies announcing large layoffs may be guilty of blaming regular cost cutting on AI, a practice dubbed “AI washing.”

“When you hear CEOs talk about layoffs and they attribute it to AI, I would be skeptical,” Kharazian said.

BRIEFS

FROM WIRE REPORTS

AI stocks drag markets lower worldwide

NEW YORK — The roller-coaster ride for AI stocks snapped back down on Tuesday and dragged Wall Street lower.

The S&P 500 fell 0.4% even though the majority of stocks within the index rose. The drops for stocks in the artificial intelligence industry dragged the Nasdaq composite down 1.2%, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 130 points, or 0.2%, from its record.

The weakness began in Asia, where Samsung Electronics tumbled 6.9% in Seoul. The tech giant gave a preliminary look at its performance for the second quarter, and the numbers were strong. Samsung Electronics said it expects to report its operating profit surged roughly 1,800% from a year earlier.

Analysts called the numbers sur-

prisingly good, but they still weren’t enough for investors after Samsung Electronics’ stock had come into the day having more than doubled in the year so far.

On Wall Street, AI stocks have been under similar pressure in recent weeks on worries that their prices shot too high and that AI may not produce enough productivity and profits to make all the investments in chips and data centers worth it.

Drops of 6.5% for Advanced Micro Devices, 9.7% for Intel and 4.7% for Micron Technology were the heaviest weights on the market.

Outside of tech, Vertex Pharmaceuticals slipped 1.4% after saying it agreed to buy Crinetics Pharmaceuticals for $85 per share in cash.

Crinetics, which develops therapeutics for endocrine diseases, soared 98.7%.

Brent crude, the international

standard, rose 3% to settle at $74.16 per barrel.

Higher oil prices put upward pressure on inflation, and Treasury yields climbed in the bond market.

The yield on the 10-year Treasury rose to 4.54% from 4.48% late Monday and from just 3.97% before the war with Iran began.

High yields worldwide have been rattling investors since the war sent oil prices bursting above $100 per barrel in March. The worry is that high inflation may force the Federal Reserve and other central banks to hike interest rates. Higher rates can keep a lid on inflation, but they also slow the economy and hurt prices for all kinds of investments.

bols has cropped up after a court ordered a local tea chain to pay French luxury brand Louis Vuitton $1.5 million over trademark infringement claims.

Chinese state media and online commentators are questioning if the four-petal flower design in the fashion house’s 130-year-old signature monogram is derived from patterns dating back to ancient China.

Some are accusing the company of “monopolizing” traditional Chinese patterns.

A court in the eastern city of Suzhou recently ruled that the logo of Molly Tea, whose signature drinks are based on jasmine and other floral-based teas, infringed on Louis Vuitton’s trademark monogram. It ordered the tea company to pay $1.5 million to the French company, according to local media reports that HONG KONG — A debate over own- carried copies or details of what ership of traditional Chinese sym- they said was the ruling.

Louis Vuitton win stirs debate over copyrights

Microsoft replaces OpenAI, Anthropic in some apps

Microsoft Corp., looking to reduce AI costs, is starting to replace OpenAI and Anthropic with its own models in software products like Excel and Outlook.

Tens of thousands of AI prompts in the widely used spreadsheet and email applications are now being completed each week with Microsoft’s internally built MAI models, according to a person familiar with the work. Previously, Excel and Outlook relied more heavily on models from OpenAI and Anthropic, said the person, who was granted anonymity to discuss an internal matter.

The scale of MAI model usage in Microsoft’s workplace products hasn’t been previously reported. A Microsoft spokesperson declined to comment.

INSIDEs:

d Crosswor oku d u S i n i M Sudoku ote Cryptoqu ze Mega Ma olve Point & S uth Word Sle er Challeng rs Scramble Wuzzles t Fear Kno

Wednesday, July 8, 2026

Sudoku Sudoku is a numberplacing puzzle based on a 9x9 grid with several given numbers. The object is to place the numbers 1 to 9 in the empty squares so that each row, column and 3x3 box contains the same number only once.

Multi-Sudoku Each puzzle consists of two or more Sudoku grids overlapping each other in various configurations. The grids may be Classic Sudoku or a mix of different Sudoku variants. The object is to solve all grids according to their variant rules. Note that overlapping areas comply with the rules of more than one grid.

2

Premier Crossword

By Frank A. Longo

3

Cryptoquip The Cryptoquip is a substitution cipher in which one letter stands for another. If you think that X equals O, it will equal O throughout the puzzle. Single letters, short words and words using an apostrophe give you clues to locating vowels. Solution is by trial and error.

Q

Z H C C D Z N

R N I Q M N I Z

T N I B Y N U Q N S J Q E J

B F D H A

E P D Z N

Y U D H I R

T Q Y JA

M D D

E U B S P A D

F N

A J N

E B P P N R

G W

O Q W G LB G

P M I

J P Q A ,

Today’s Cryptoquip Clue: M equals Z

K N

T Y Q H Y A H

F Y G P

P H B L F

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M C K T Y K P

T O P P - E - J H D E

Y J O D K W U O MA. Today’s Cryptoquip Clue: H equals O

I G C XAYH

B G A G X J X H P

G C L B G I G U Z

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O S O L Q

U M Y G K J M U

Today’s Cryptoquip Clue: T equals S

H G M

N B W G G S N J

Z H P P K R K

W H N I,

P B S Y P .

LVYL

K Q WA

Today’s Cryptoquip Clue: G equals T

G T H T

S H PY

G J L

S M N G QYALM G PT S N G P Q WY M H

E U N N C N U Z .

J SAN LT K

P B G Y L

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LT M H .

Today’s Cryptoquip Clue: L equals T

L V G

Q G P M

M K M M Z

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S X P K I P O

G P X

E K B N S K J

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Q F L J O

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Today’s Cryptoquip Clue: M equals N

N K

CROSSWORD THOMAS JOSEPH

ACROSS 1 Fragment 6 Relaxing resorts 10 Embassy worker 11 Used up 12 Stock unit 13 Be a sponge 14 Gofer’s assignment 15 Last number 16 Actor Wallach 17 Common verb 18 Was in front 19 Making merry 22 Stagger 23 Roman censor 26 Razing 29 PC key 32 Word of accord 33 Road sealer 34 Like a short play 36 Kismet 37 Pebbles’ mom 38 Kayak’s cousin 39 Spot in the ocean 40 Hunter in the stars 41 New driver, usually 42 Pulses

DOWN 1 Annoy 2 Asthma sufferer’s device 3 Difficult to pin down 4 Bottle plug 5 Storm center 6 Reach across 7 Bike part 8 Trig topic 9 Spirited horse 11 Academic area 15 Work wk.’s end 17 Urban prowler 20 Slippery one 21 Lass 24 Fairy queen 25 Barhopping 27 Horse healer 28 Salad makeup 29 Namely 30 Ouzo flavor 31 Southern lass 35 Prayer end 36 Flight cost 38 Corn core 5

Point & Solve In this crossword puzzle variety, the clues appear in the diagram itself. Simply enter the answers in the directions indicated by the arrows.

CROSSWORD THOMAS JOSEPH

ACROSS 1 Maze choices 6 Rocker setting 11 “The Waste Land” poet 12 Moscow setting 13 Circus performer 14 Tag line?

15 Paper worker 17 Quirk 19 Lobster trap 20 Pointer 23 Devotee 25 Old Italian coin 26 Charlie Chaplin film 28 Entreated 29 Passionate 30 Braying beast 31 Foofaraw 32 Last letter 33 Cave 35 Mexican money 38 Goes under 41 Baja buddy 42 Prepare to propose 43 Ungrammatical type of sentence 44 Like some questions

DOWN 1 Favorite 2 Copying 3 Video editing aids 4 Worked the garden 5 American bass 6 Wine grape 7 Stench 8 Sewer rodent 9 Letter before psi 10 Very popular 16 Transport to Oz 17 Lightning setting 18 Pop stars 20 Global strips 21 Tony winner Worth 22 Art class staple 24 Roulette bet 25 Top 27 Russian Revolution leader 31 Fiery crime 33 Kind of boot or dancer 34 Fork feature 35 Golf goal 36 Outback bird 37 Sermon subject 39 Writer Kesey 40 — -mo

7

Sudoku

Cryptoquote A X Y D L B AA X R is L O N G F E L L O W One letter stands for another. In this sample, A is used for three L’s, X for the two O’s, etc. Single letters, apostrophes, and length and formation of words are all hints. The code letters are different for each puzzle.

L

R F D S

R F Y ,

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U N N P U N Z

U F O X V D

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L F B U O

V G L O Z S B L

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P B J U Z J T H S I

H P

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P H B X Q

H P

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T E G U M

—

M B E J M B

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Q W V .

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Sudoku is a number-placing puzzle based on a 9x9 grid with several given numbers. The object is to place the numbers 1 to 9 in the empty squares so that each row, column and 3x3 box contains the same number only once

Word Sleuth Find the listed words in the diagram. They run in all directions - forward, backward, up, down and diagonally. Every puzzle has one unlisted clue.

Challenger Fill each square with a number, 1-9. Horizontal squares should add to the totals on the right, vertical squares should add to the totals on the bottom and diagonal squares should add to the total in the upper and lower right.

CLUE LIST Balance beam Ball Clubs Floor High bar Hoop Parallel bars Ribbon Rope Still rings TeamGym Trampoline Tumbling Uneven bars Vault

CLUE LIST Adriatic Apache Biwa Brook Brown Bull Cutthroat Flathead Gila Lake Marble Ohrid Rainbow Sea Sevan

9

Wuzzles Each Wuzzles is a word riddle which creates a disguised word, phrase, name, place, saying, etc.

For Example, NOON GOOD = GOOD AFTERNOON

Unscramble these twelve letter strings to form each into an ordinary word (ex. HAGNEC becomes CHANGE). Prepare to use only ONE word from any marked ( ♥ ) letter string as each unscrambles into more than one word (ex. ♥ RATHE becomes HATER or EARTH or HEART). Fit each string’s word either across or down to knot all twelve strings together.

1

2

10

CROSSWORD

Word Sleuth Find the listed words in the diagram. They run in all directions - forward, backward, up, down and diagonally. Every puzzle has one unlisted clue.

THOMAS JOSEPH

CLUE LIST Acetone Anyone Birthstone Bone Cellphone Cone Corn pone Cyclone Done Gone Halftone Hormone Monotone None Saxophone

CLUE LIST Big Joe Emmanuel Great Abel Great Bede Great George Great John Great Paul Great Tom Hosanna Little John Lutine Bell Major Matthew Peter Victoria

ACROSS 1 Battery makeup 6 Office sights 11 Lawman Ness 12 “Three Sisters” sister 13 Hayek of “Frida” 14 Nev. neighbor 15 Golf position 16 Julep need 18 Second person 19 TV’s Curry 20 Silent assent 21 Volleyball need 22 Hunting dog 24 Minuscule 25 Social facade 27 Do a checkout chore 29 Like New Year’s Day 32 Ship sealer 33 Historic time 34 Busy one in Apr. 35 Quantity: Abbr.

36 Guitarist Paul 37 Stroller user 38 Kidney-related 40 Pitcher Satchel 42 Sweet liqueur 43 Some woodwinds

44 Flying monster of myth 45 Principle DOWN 1 Magnetic induction units 2 “Seinfeld” role 3 Business investor, of a sort 4 Huck’s friend 5 Woodworker, at times 6 Chopped up 7 Historic time 8 It involves written bids 9 Cutlery 10 Protection from harm 17 Prom date’s gift 23 Toe count 24 Tavern 26 Ace 27 Stiffness 28 Phone feature 30 Orbit point 31 Current fashion 33 Bowling spot 39 Band blaster 41 Tad’s dad

11

Sudoku Sudoku is a numberplacing puzzle based on a 9x9 grid with several given numbers. The object is to place the numbers 1 to 9 in the empty squares so that each row, column and 3x3 box contains the same number only once.

Multi-Sudoku Each puzzle consists of two or more Sudoku grids overlapping each other in various configurations. The grids may be Classic Sudoku or a mix of different Sudoku variants. The object is to solve all grids according to their variant rules. Note that overlapping areas comply with the rules of more than one grid.

12

Premier Crossword

By Frank A. Longo

13

CROSSWORD THOMAS JOSEPH

ACROSS 1 Chair wheel 7 Successful songs 11 Refer 12 Skip 13 Came down 14 Painter Cassatt 15 Jordan’s capital 16 Permitted 17 Low digits 18 Live 19 Previously owned 21 Outlaw Kelly 22 Online shows 25 Tennis star Shriver 26 Script unit 27 Annie, for one 29 Ailurophobe’s fear 33 Recoils 34 Tycoon 35 Garr of “Tootsie” 36 Yacht spot 37 Aphrodite’s love 38 Lucky charm 39 Misplaced 40 Fix

DOWN 1 Garnet unit 2 Crockett’s last stand 3 Snail trail 4 Deli order 5 Perfect place 6 Danger signal 7 Abodes 8 John Lennon song 9 Diatribes 10 Did salon work 16 Enticed 18 Amber, originally 20 Miserly Marner 22 Medal recipient 23 Dominions 24 Propriety 25 Mail-related 28 Bank job 30 Like tumblers 31 Ready to play 32 Grayish 34 Jerry Herman musical 36 Impair

15

Word Sleuth Find the listed words in the diagram. They run in all directions - forward, backward, up, down and diagonally. Every puzzle has one unlisted clue.

CLUE LIST Amalgam Assistant Care Cavity Crown Decay Enamel Hygienist Implant Plate Practice School Surgeon Surgery Tools

CLUE LIST Beale Buckley Dover Eglin Eielson Hill Little Rock Luke Maxwell Robins Scott Shaw Tinker Travis Whiteman

16

Challenger Fill each square with a number, 1-9. Horizontal squares should add to the totals on the right, vertical squares should add to the totals on the bottom and diagonal squares should add to the total in the upper and lower right.

Point & Solve In this crossword puzzle variety, the clues appear in the diagram itself. Simply enter the answers in the directions indicated by the arrows.

CROSSWORD THOMAS JOSEPH

ACROSS 1 Mouse chasers 5 Girder metal 10 Fairy tale monster 11 “Catch-22” author 13 Slimming plan 14 Prison resident 15 Went by 17 Nervous habit 18 Responds to a busy signal 19 Call — day 20 Finish 21 Corn cores 22 Rough hut 25 “Water Lilies” painter 26 Mandolin’s cousin 27 Lawn material 28 Little rascal 29 Paper fasteners 33 Buck’s mate 34 Long-suffering 35 Pencil part 37 Simplicity 38 Modern 39 Rock’s Motley — 40 Title documents 41 Looked over

DOWN 1 Programming pro 2 Like a gymnast 3 Tire feature 4 Bit of stage scenery 5 Gladiator’s need 6 Watches over 7 Shade tree 8 Great joy 9 Beatles classic 12 Get a new actor for 16 Went under 21 Feature of old breeches 22 Fast pitch 23 Indulged 24 Tranquil 25 Ring around a castle 27 Begins 29 Forgo frugality 30 TV’s Dennis 31 Follow as a result 32 Spirited horse 36 Look upon

17

Wuzzles Each Wuzzles is a word riddle which creates a disguised word, phrase, name, place, saying, etc.

For Example, NOON GOOD = GOOD AFTERNOON

Unscramble these twelve letter strings to form each into an ordinary word (ex. HAGNEC becomes CHANGE). Prepare to use only ONE word from any marked ( ♥ ) letter string as each unscrambles into more than one word (ex. ♥ RATHE becomes HATER or EARTH or HEART). Fit each string’s word either across or down to knot all twelve strings together.

1

2

18

Wuzzles

CROSSWORD THOMAS JOSEPH

Each Wuzzles is a word riddle which creates a disguised word, phrase, name, place, saying, etc.

For Example, NOON GOOD = GOOD AFTERNOON

ACROSS 1 Story 5 Electrician’s concern 10 Verdi creation 12 Love, to Luigi 13 Cheap restaurant 15 Ventilate 16 Soak up 17 Young one 18 Ski event 20 Print measure 21 Long-legged bird 22 Job for a plumber 23 City of New York 25 Englishman, for short 28 Irrational fear 31 “Why don’t we!”

32 Fiancée’s agreement, for short 34 One — time 35 Regret 36 “Fifth Beatle” Sutcliffe 37 Symbol of wealthy beginnings 40 Attempted 41 Port — (French cheese) 42 Bus units 43 Brooklyn basketball team

DOWN 1 Frat party costumes 2 Busy months for accountants 3 Ogle 4 Memorable period 5 Hornet’s kin 6 Little devil 7 League newbie 8 Beethoven symphony 9 “In the Night Kitchen” writer 11 Classify 14 Jewish high holy day 19 Brutish ones 20 Flat surface 24 Loving touch 25 Wild parties 26 Stop working 27 Roma’s land 29 Sneaker part 30 Depart hastily 33 Fourth-down plays 35 Cincinnati team 38 Old soldier 39 Skillet 19

Page 5

Page 2 Sudoku 1

Multi-Sudoku 1

Sudoku 2

Scramblers 1

Scramblers 2

Scramblers 3 Multi-Sudoku 1

Joseph Crossword

Page 3 Premier Crossword

20

Page 4

Cryptoquip

1

I SUPPOSE MENAGERIE DENIZENS WHICH CRAWL ABOUT CLOSE TO THE GROUND MIGHT BE CALLED ZOO CREEPERS.

2

TO PROTECT HIMSELF FROM ANY HARM, THE SCOTTISH INSTRUMENTALIST CARRIED AROUND PIPER SPRAY.

3

IF SOMEONE USES ALL YOUR READY MONEY SO THAT THERE’S ZERO LEFT, I’D SAY HE’S A FUND-RAZOR.

4

OLD COLLEGE WHERE STUDENTS LEARNED THE RIGHT WAY TO FUEL CHEVY CARS: FILL-A-NOVA UNIVERSITY.

5

THAT NEW LOCAL MEXICAN EATERY IS RECEIVING EXTREMELY GREAT REVIEWS. IT’S THE TACO THE TOWN.

6

WHEN NANNY POPPINS CREATED HER SPECIAL MAGICAL CAROUSEL, I WOULD SAY IT WAS A MARY-GO-ROUND.

Page 6

Page 9

Page 7 Point & Solve 1

Word Sleuth 1 Joseph Crossword

Challenger

Word Sleuth 2 1

2

3

Point and Solve 2

Page 8

Cryptoquote

1

A WISE MAN FIGHTS TO WIN, BUT HE IS TWICE A FOOL WHO HAS NO PLAN FOR POSSIBLE DEFEAT. — LOUIS L’AMOUR

2

A LIFE SPENT MAKING MISTAKES IS NOT ONLY MORE HONORABLE, BUT MORE USEFUL THAN A LIFE SPENT DOING NOTHING. — GEORGE BERNARD SHAW

3

ONE OF THE MOST SINCERE FORMS OF RESPECT IS ACTUALLY LISTENING TO WHAT ANOTHER HAS TO SAY. — BRYANT H. MCGILL

Sudoku 1

Sudoku 2

All puzzles are syndicated by King Features Syndicate Inc. and have been previously published.

21

Page 10

Fear Knot 1

Fear Knot 2

Page 11 Word Sleuth 1

Wuzzles 1

Word Sleuth 2

Wuzzles 2

Joseph Crossword

Page 12 Sudoku 1

Sudoku 2

Multi-Sudoku 1

Multi-Sudoku 1

Page 13 Premier Crossword

22

Page 14

Page 15

Page 16

Scramblers 1

Scramblers 2

Word Sleuth 1

Word Sleuth 2

Scramblers 3

Challenger 1

2

Joseph Crossword

Page 17

3

Point & Solve 1

Page 19

Page 18 Point and Solve 2

Joseph Crossword

Wuzzles 1

Fear Knot 1

Wuzzles 2

Fear Knot 2

Wuzzles 1

Wuzzles 2

Joseph Crossword

23

Made from a single tree trunk – pirogue –

TRIVIA WITH A LOUISIANA FLAVOR

A new game every day.

Four tries to answer.

Four clues to help.

PLAY IT TODAY!

THEADVOCATE.COM/CLUEDAT

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When the Power Goes Out,

Life Goes On.

Keep your home powered during any outage.

Install Now & Receive

12YR

PowerPlus

WA R R A N T Y Exclusive Offer Valued at $1,499

TURN-KEY INSTALLATION

Plus get $500 off installation Generac Automatic Standby Generator

12-YEAR WARRANTY INCLUDED

FINANCING AVAILABLE

Louisiana’s #1 Full Service GENERAC Dealer

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Free In-Home Quote

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Our 12-Year Power Plus Warranty picks up where other warranties end.

How You Benefit from 12-Years of Full Coverage: • Longest full coverage warranty in the industry • Transferable coverage if you sell your home • Backed by trusted local experts • Faster repairs with no long delays • Peace of mind for years to come

Warranty FAQ’s: Q: What does “full coverage” mean.

A: Full coverage means parts, labor, travel, and major components are included.

Q: Do I need to pay extra for this?

A: We give you 12 years with no additional cost.

Q: What products does it cover?

A: The 12-year warranty is included on all Generac Air Cooled unit purchases.

Q: How do I keep my warranty active?

A: For all manufacturer and dealer warranties, generators must have maintenance performed every year. Our warranty requires that we perform the maintenance to ensure proper upkeep and protect your investment.

MULTIPLE LOCATIONS TO SERVE YOU BETTER

Covington | Scott | Baton Rouge | Kenner

Free In-Home Quote

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easy application 18 MONTHS 0.00%

SYNCHRONY 37 MONTHS 5.99% FINANCING 88 MONTHS 7.99% Schedule Your Free In-Home Informative Quote

Meet with our Optimize team.

Get the specific information and recommendation for installation on your home: Safe Generator location, required clearances, kW size/NEC load circulation, install details, Optimize install process, and receive your specific quote.

1

Meet With an Install Designer & Complete the In-Home Assessment • Location of generator • Size required • How it works • How install happens • Qualify for financing • Answer questions • Location of generator • kW sizer report • Install details • Total Price

Schedule Installation

Air Cooled Generators (Most Common) Ai

• Reliable backup power for essential home systems • Coverage for a typical-sized home during occasional outages

steps to completion

Receive a Written Quote

Not All Home Standby Generators Are The Same

Best for homeowners who want:

GENERATOR INSTALLATION

Air-cooled standby generators make up about 90% of the systems Airinstalled inst in our area. They use an engine similar to what you’d find in a lawn law mower or motorcycle.

• Pick install date • Pay Down Payment • Sign Agreement

Permits & Engineering

Air-cooled units run at 3600 RPM and are designed for emergency use lasting days to a couple of weeks. During extended outages, they may consume more oil and require more frequent oil checks.

2

• Engineering Review • Apply for permits • Contact Utilities • Get Approvals Required

Installation Day

Liquid Cooled Generators (Premium Heavy-Duty Option)

Liquid-cooled generators are a higher-performance option built with larger, heavier-duty engines, similar to a small truck engine with a radiator cooling system like a car.

Best for homeowners who have: • Larger homes with heavy electrical loads • Homes running two AC systems or more

Liquid-cooled units come in both 3600 RPM and 1800 RPM models.

The 1800 RPM models are widely considered the most durable and reliable standby generators available, designed for longer run times, quieter operation, and reduced wear.

• Install Pad or Stand • Install Transfer Switch • Install Gas Lines • Install Generator • Complete electrical • Complete gas work

After installation Day • Have inspections done • Inform utilities • Gas meter upgrade by utility • Schedule final walk through

We specialize in stocking premium 1800 RPM models for homeowners who want the very best.

Final Walk Through

Not sure which type is right for your home? Our team can size the perfect generator based on your electrical load, lifestyle, and outage history. Call us today.

If you have...

Recommended Type

Typical home, occasional outages

Air-Cooled

Large home, multiple AC units

Liquid-Cooled

Rural area with long outages

Liquid-Cooled (1800 RPM)

Budget-focused backup power

Air-Cooled

Maximum longevity + quiet operation

Liquid-Cooled

3

• Load test generator • Explain basics • Deliver paperwork • Offer maintenance • Collect balance

Full Service Dealership • GENERAC Warranty Repair • Maintenance Group Plans • Full Service After Storms • Dedicated Repair Technicians • Dedicated Maintenance Technicians • After Hours - On Call Service

MULTIPLE LOCATIONS TO SERVE YOU BETTER

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337.469.3142 OptimizeGP.com

Awarded Top Service Dealership in North America for 2021 & 2024 by GENERAC

OPTIMIZE has been the largest Louisiana Generator Dealership since 2019 and now is Nationally recognized as among the Top 5 Largest GENERAC Dealerships.

OPTIMIZE is 100% Focused on Home Standby Generators.

Install, Maintenance & Repair.

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Before Mother Nature throws her worst,

give your home the best.

TURN-KEY INSTALLATION

12-YEAR WARRANTY INCLUDED FINANCING AVAILABLE

Keep your home powered during any outage.

Install Now & Receive

12YR

PowerPlus

WA R R A N T Y Exclusive Offer Valued at $1,499

Plus get $500 off installation Generac Automatic Standby Generator

Louisiana’s #1 Full Service GENERAC Dealer MULTIPLE LOCATIONS TO SERVE YOU BETTER

Covington | Scott Baton Rouge | Kenner Offers valid on new customers only and cannot be combined. Financing subject to qualification. Warranty included with purchase of Generac aircooled system plus maintenance plan. Terms and conditions apply and subject to change. See dealer for details. Must be installed by 8/31/2026.

Get a Free In-Home Quote

337.469.3142 OptimizeGP.com