The Lafayette Regional Airporthas added anew aircraft rescue and firefighting vehicle to strengthen its emergency response capabilities.
The new2026Oshkosh Striker carries 3,000 gallons of waterand is equipped with Purple-K drychemical, a nonhazardous fire suppressant used to combat fuel fires.The specializedvehicle cost about $1.8 million.
Funding wasprovided by theFederal Aviation Administration, theLouisiana departmentofTransportation and development’sOffice of Aviation and the Lafayette AirportCommission.
AirportExecutivedirector StevenPicou said the truck’spumping capacity exceeds that of atypical municipal fire hydrant.
“I’mnot a firefighter,but I’vebeen toldit will outpump anycity fire hydrant,”Picou said.“Fire hydrants can’t keep up with it.”
Picou said the vehicle is asignificant technological upgrade, featuring the latest firefighting equipment and technology.
—KristinAskelson
BY JOHN SIMERMAN Staff writer
The Louisiana Supreme Courtisweighing whether to recuse Chief Justice John Weimerfrom cases involving aformer colleague, aftera bitter exchange this month that re-aired alingeringbeef at the state’s highest court Former Justice Scott Crichton arguedina recent letter to Weimer that the chief judge has gone out of his way to publicly disparagehim andthathis “intense prejudice, if not outright hatred, forme” shouldbar himfrom any case Crichton handles as an attorney. La.Supreme Court
ä See CLASH, page 6A
investigation.
Netanyahu callsTrump meeting ‘excellent’
rst time sincestart of Iran war
BY ERIN CUNNINGHAM, MICHELLE L. PRICE and FARNOUSH AMIRI Associated Press
WASHINGTON Israeli PrimeMinister Benjamin Netanyahu said he hadan“excellent” meeting with President Donald Trump at the White House on Tuesday, their first sitdown since launching ajoint war against IranthatofferedNetanyahu achanceto smooth out strains in their relationship. The closed-door meetinglasted nearly an hour and ahalf and was “positive and productive,” White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said. The White House did not immediately offer moredetails. It comes as both leaders face growing pressures at home. Netanyahu is up forreelection and is embattled in part because of his deteriorating relationship with Trump. Trumpisunder pressure to end an unpopularwar that haswreaked economic havoc and driven prices higher ahead of midterm elections this November An Israeli officialbriefed on themeeting said Netanyahu madeitclear to Trumpand his Cabinet that if Iran were to attack Israel,theywould respond, but that beyond that, they would trust thejudgment of the president regarding next steps. The official spoke on the condition of anonymity to share details of aprivate meeting.
Despite signs of tension between the two before the meeting,Netanyahuwas effusive afterward in apost on Instagram,
Ex-charter school employees arrested
2workers accused of payrollfraud
BYCLAIRE TAYLOR Staff writer
Twoformer employees of theLafayette Renaissance Charter Academyhave been arrested in apayroll fraud investigation at the tax-funded kindergarten through fourth grade school. Shameka Bazile, 40, and Marva Williams, 49, were arrested Mondayand booked on behalfofthe Lafayette Police Department into the LafayetteParish Correctional Center
Williams, regionalschool operations administrator, and Bazile, administrative assistant, were booked on counts of forgery,public payroll fraud and theft (swindling/false pretenses), according to jail records. The twowere identified as being involved in the payroll fraudinMarch 30 lettersto officials, including the Louisiana Legislative Auditor’s Office and DistrictAttorney Don Landry,byCharter Schools USA State Superintendent Alonzo Luce. Williams wasreleased on a$4,500bail. Bazilewas re-
STAFF PHOTO By BRAd KEMP
Twoformer employees of Lafayette Renaissance Charter Academy have been arrested in apayroll fraud
Capt. Grant Credeur,bottom,speaks withAirportCommissioners Patrick Edmond Sr., center,and TerryHurd aboutthe new firefighting vehicle.
STAFF PHOTOSByLESLIE WESTBROOK
The new2026 Oshkosh Striker6x6 aircraft rescue and firefighting vehicle sprays water from itsfront bumper turret during anewsconference Mondayatthe Lafayette Regional AirportFire Station.
The new2026 Oshkosh Striker 6x6 aircraft rescue and firefighting vehicle cost $1.8 million.
ASSOCIATEdPRESS PHOTO
IsraeliPrime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, center,speakstoSecretaryofdefense Pete Hegseth, right, and SecretaryofState Marco Rubio before the funeral of Sen. Lindsey Graham on Tuesday.
Ky. governor demands McConnell prove fitness
WASHINGTON Kentucky Gov Andy Beshear, a rising national figure in the Democratic Party, is calling on the state’s Republican Sen. Mitch McConnell to either prove that he is fit to continue serving after his lengthy hospital stay or resign from office
Beshear made the demand in a letter after McConnell’s office said Monday that the 84-yearold senator had not yet been medically cleared to leave the rehabilitation facility where he has been undergoing physical therapy The office said he would miss a major Kentucky political event and upcoming Senate votes. McConnell was hospitalized June 14 and disclosed weeks later that it was the result of a fall.
Beshear, who is widely viewed as a potential presidential candidate in 2028, first urged McConnell in early July to release more information about his condition after weeks of public silence. His letter Tuesday marked a significant escalation.
“I am calling on you to directly and verbally address the people of Kentucky and provide proof of your capacity to serve, or resign,” Beshear wrote to McConnell.
Beshear also sent a letter to Senate Majority Leader John Thune, urging him to investigate McConnell’s condition if the senator does not demonstrate that he is capable of continuing to serve. McConnell and Thune’s offices did not provide comment on the letter
Lifeguard hailed as hero after rescuing a boy
SANTA CRUZ, Calif. — A lifeguard who dove into massive waves to save a boy in a dramatic rescue off the California coast has caught the attention of President Donald Trump, who said Tuesday that he would invite him to the White House.
The lifeguard, who hasn’t been identified, is being hailed as a hero after he risked his life last weekend to save the boy who was being pulled into the ocean by huge waves that suddenly came ashore at Seabright Beach in Santa Cruz, about 60 miles down the coast from San Francisco.
“We’re going to bring this heroic young man, and his family, into the White House with, perhaps, the boy he saved, to give him a High Civilian Honor Very brave, he deserves it!” Trump wrote on social media.
A witness captured video of the rescue.
“The waves, I wouldn’t say they were tranquil, but they were what you’d expect a normal cadence and intensity,” Scott Vander Dussen told KNTV-TV “And then that just changed in a heartbeat. It caught a lot of people off guard Unfortunately, this young man was overwhelmed and swept out in just a moment’s time. I’m glad it ended the way it did.” In the video, the lifeguard can be seen rushing into the water after seeing the boy struggle. After reaching the boy the young lifeguard dove into a coming wave while holding tight to the boy, who was going limp Eventually, the lifeguard and one of his colleagues managed to get the boy safely out of the water Coast Guard stops marijuana-laden boat
U.S. Coast Guard crews intercepted a boat off the Bahamas on Saturday that was hauling almost 100 bales of marijuana, the service said.
Small boat crews from the Cutter Charles Sexton along with Royal Defense Force crews, intercepted the boat off about 80 miles southwest of Inagua, an island off the eastern tip of Cuba, the Coast Guard said in a press release. The Coast Guard released a photo of the smuggling vessel, showing it to be a twin-engine white speedboat. The agency estimates the value of the drugs to be $2.8 million. The combined weight of the load was 2,380 pounds, according to the Coast Guard.
The three people on the boat and the contraband were handed over to Bahamian authorities, the Coast Guard said.
Teen in Ga. shooting gets life
2 students, 2 teachers were killed
BY KATE BRUMBACK Associated Press
A judge on Tuesday sentenced a teenager who killed two students and two teachers in a shooting at Apalachee High School in Georgia to serve life in prison without the possibility of parole, calling his crimes “deliberate, contemplated evil.”
Colt Gray, 16, had pleaded guilty Friday to 55 counts, including murder, in the Sept. 4, 2024, shooting at the school about 45 miles northeast of Atlanta.
Barrow County Superior Court
Judge Nicholas Primm handed down the sentence after hearing from family members of those killed and victims, as well as investigators, Gray’s grandmother
and a forensic psychologist who had evaluated Gray Murder carries a mandatory sentence of life in prison in Georgia, so the only decision Barrow County Superior Court Judge Nicholas Primm had to make was whether Gray should ever be eligible for parole. He decided the teen should never be allowed out.
“You do not seem to be tormented by what you did. You seem to relish following in the footsteps of the murderers you idolize. You aren’t wracked with guilt. You’re proud of yourself,” Primm said.
“We’ve seen no evidence he has any ability to develop a conscience or any ability ever to fully value human life,” District Attorney Brad Smith had said during his closing argument, insisting that Gray “cannot be in society.”
Defense attorney W. Charlton Allen told the judge his client was “not irretrievably broken.”
Teachers Richard “Ricky” Aspinwall, 39, and Cristina Irimie, 53, and students Mason Schermerhorn and Christian Angulo, both 14, died in
the shooting Another teacher and eight more students were wounded, seven of them hit by gunfire.
Victims of the shooting and family members of those killed conveyed their anger and grief to Primm on Friday, almost all of them asking him not to allow the possibility of parole.
Aspired to be a mass shooter
Investigators testified during the three-day sentencing hearing that Gray idolized mass shooters, talking about them online with other members of the “true crime community,” a group of young people online who are fascinated with such attacks. Gray had chatted online about gaining notoriety through a school shooting.
Prosecutors played recordings of phone conversations Gray had with his mother Marcee Gray from a youth detention center in the months after the shooting
During those calls, he directed his mother to look up what people were saying about him online. He was excited when she described
Earthquake hits Japan’s southern Kyushu island
dozens missing or injured after magnitude 7.1 strike
BY MARI YAMAGUCHI Associated Press
TOKYO — A 7.1 magnitude earthquake
shook Japan’s southern main island of Kyushu on Tuesday, leaving dozens of people injured or missing after part of a shopping center and a huge chimney at a paper factory collapsed, officials said. A tsunami advisory was issued but quickly lifted There were fears that at least two people were dead
In Kashima Town, the quake collapsed the second floor of the Aeon Mall shopping center, trapping an unknown number of people there, according to the fire department in the prefectural capital of Kumamoto. Japan’s NHK national television said the collapse came after an explosion, believed to have been triggered by a gas leak at the building.
Four people were pulled out with injuries and taken to a hospital, while 10 others were unaccounted for, the Kumamoto prefectural emergency response team said. It said the extent of the damage was still being investigated as the search and rescue effort continued.
At the Nippon Paper Industries Co.’s Yatsushiro factory, where a chimney collapsed and the building was damaged, 11 people were trapped underneath the debris, the Kumamoto emergency team said. Two of them were later found with-
out vital signs, while the conditions of nine others were unknown, the team said.
The Fire and Disaster Management Agency said more than 260,000 people were advised to evacuate, most of them in Kumamoto prefecture, but also in the neighboring Nagasaki prefecture.
The affected area is about 540 miles southwest of Tokyo, the country’s capital.
Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi told journalists that there were reports of damage to roads, bridges and buildings, as well as blackouts and fires, though details were unclear
Kyodo News said a hospital in the city of Yatsushiro took in about 40 people with injuries and about 50 others were taken to a hospital in Kumamoto city.
Shinkansen bullet trains and local trains in Kyushu were suspended for safety checks, and the runway at Aso Kumamoto Airport was closed, with “no prospect of resuming operations” anytime soon, according to a notice on the airport’s website. There were no details.
A train derailed and fell on its side at Yatsushiro station, and stone walls were damaged at Kumamoto Castle, a main tourist destination that was badly damaged in the 2016 quake and is still being repaired, Kyodo said.
“The shaking reminded me of the Kumamoto quake (10 years ago) and I was frightened,” said Hiroki Shimoda, an official at Mifune town hall, who saw roof tiles of nearby homes crash to the ground. Kumamoto was hit with a deadly quake in 2016 that killed at least 50 people.
Keiko Fujimori inaugurated in Peru
BY FRANKLIN BRICEÑO Associated Press
LIMA, Peru Conservative leader Keiko Fujimori was sworn in as Peru’s president on Tuesday after winning the June presidential runoff by a margin of fewer than 50,000 votes. With the ceremony, Fujimori, 51, a four-time presidential candidate and leader of Peru’s largest political party, takes office as the country’s ninth president in a decade. She is hoping to stabilize Peru’s turbulent politics, reduce crime and boost economic growth.
Over the past decade, only three of Peru’s presidents have been elected by popular vote. The rest have come into office after their predecessors resigned or were removed by Congress amid protests or corruption scandals.
Fujimori’s Popular Force party and its main ally, Popular Renovation, will hold half the Senate seats once the new Legislature is installed, making it harder for opposing legislators to attempt to remove her as president.
Fujimori centered her campaign around prom-
ises to improve security in a nation where extortion rackets have become a significant problem. She is the daughter of former President Alberto Fujimori, who led the country in the 1990s and stabilized its economy while defeating terror groups, but was later imprisoned for human rights abuses committed under his rule by the Peruvian military as his government took an authoritarian turn. He was pardoned in December 2023 and died in September the following year
“fan art” drawings depicting him or comments people made about him and the attention he was getting online. Gray had the “mental wherewithal” to mimic details of other mass killings on the day of the shooting, Smith said.
Grandma said he needed help
“Colt got less stability than he needed, which made him even more vulnerable,” Allen, the defense attorney, argued. He said his client got wrapped up in an online community where he found the acceptance he craved but wasn’t getting at home.
Gray’s maternal grandmother Debbie Polhamus, testified that the teen had a troubled childhood and that his parents failed him. Her grandson had grown “highly agitated and aggressive” in the weeks before the shooting, she said, adding that she had urged his parents to get him some help but they didn’t follow through. “I tried to help Colt because nobody else was helping him,” she said.
Trump’s teleprompter operator out of a job
Accused of using inside knowledge to make bets
BY AAMER MADHANI Associated Press
WASHINGTON A White House teleprompter operator who was put on unpaid leave after news reports he had used inside knowledge to make bets about President Donald Trump’s speeches on the online prediction market Kalshi is no longer in his post, according to a White House official.
The official, who was not authorized to comment publicly about the personnel matter and spoke on condition of anonymity, said on Tuesday that teleprompter operator, Gabriel Perez, “no longer works in the federal government.” The official would not say whether he resigned or was fired.
The White House confirmed earlier this month that Perez had been placed on unpaid leave after ABC News reported he had used
his inside knowledge to win more than $100,000 betting on what the president would say in big speeches. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt had described the reports of the insider trading as “deeply unfortunate and, frankly, a disgrace.” Robert Denault, Kalshi’s lawyer and head of enforcement, said on X following the ABC News report that the “Kalshi surveillance team promptly flagged, investigated and referred these trades” to the U.S Commodity Futures Trading Commission that has regulatory authority over such matters. His statement did not name Perez. The ABC report described suspicious activity on Kalshi’s “Mentions” market, in which users can place bets on what phrases and specific words might be used in public speeches. Kalshi recently began requiring users to disclose their place of employment, and the platform’s policy prohibits betting based on information that users gain because of their job.
KyOdO NEWS PHOTO This aerial image shows the damaged AEON Mall following an earthquake in Kashima, Kumamoto prefecture, southern Japan, on Tuesday.
Gray
Graham eulogized as ‘American original’
BY LISA MASCARO, MEG KINNARD and MARY CLARE JALONICK Associated Press
WASHINGTON Sen. Lindsey Gra-
ham, the son of pool hall owners who rose to become one of his generation’s more influential U.S. politicians at home and abroad, was eulogized Tuesday as “a true American original” during memorial services in Washington Graham’s flag-draped casket arrived for a tribute at the U.S. Capitol, where the Republican served for more than 30 years as an indefatigable dealmaker who talked and laughed and badgered his colleagues into action. Later, President Donald Trump joined foreign leaders for a funeral at Washington National Cathedral, a testament to Graham’s stature on the global stage.
Trump called Graham “a giant of the United States Senate, a true American original who left us much too soon.”
In mostly prepared remarks, Trump described his onetime presidential rival turned ally as “the first person to make you laugh and one of the last people that you’ve really ever wanted to fight.”
Trump told the story of how he had publicly disclosed Graham’s cellphone number on the campaign trail, reciting the number in the cathedral, but said the senator had the last laugh because “Lindsey did not stop calling me for the next 10 years.”
Among those gathered were Israel’s Benjamin Netanyahu and Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelenskyy, leaders of two countries fighting separate wars, a nod to Graham’s role as a foremost believer in the power of the U.S. and its military to intervene in the world’s prob-
Congress prepares for August recess
BY VALERIE YURK and NINA HELLER
CQ-Roll Call (TNS)
WASHINGTON Few things are certain in Congress anymore. One thing lawmakers can still count on? August recess. But the five-week break for the House isn’t all fun and games — especially ahead of the tight midterm elections battle for the majority
Speaker Mike Johnson, RBenton, is packing his bags for a campaign blitz with incumbents and challengers across 17 states, not including his home state, and 30 districts and cities, per a leadership aide.
And Democrats are launching their own “100 days of action,” Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., said, starting with events over the weekend to mark 100 days until Election Day
Republican Rep. Derrick Van Orden, who is facing a true toss-up race for Wisconsin’s 3rd District, said he’s hitting the road.
“I’m going to be with my constituents as much as possible, riding my motorcycle from point to point,” he said Thursday “It can take, like, five hours to go from one point of my district to another, and we do six or seven events a day That’s every day.”
“But you know what?
That’s part of the job, and it’s great because that’s the only time we really get to see people,” he said, adding that “sitting around having cheese curds and beer” beats meeting over Zoom.
Aside from campaigning, lawmakers have district work, like meeting with constituents and fielding their requests, waiting for them at home.
Rep. Tim Burchett, RTenn., said he’ll be out “getting reelected — knocking on doors, working the polls, putting up some yard signs.”
But he’s also looking forward to checking some items off of his to-do list and spending time with his family
“My donkeys just tear up my fences all the time, so I’ve got a little sawmill, I’m gonna cut some wood,” he said. “I do more work when I’m home than I am here honestly.”
lems. Fox News’ Sean Hannity, in his remarks, said Graham would have been moved that they both made the long journeys to attend.
Trump Cabinet officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh, and current and former senators and lawmakers joined in the pews, as did Graham’s sister now-Sen. Darline Graham, who was appointed by the state’s governor to fill the remainder of her brother’s term.
It was the start of two days of services, with burial Wednesday in Graham’s home state of South Car-
olina. Joint Base Charleston will be renamed in his honor, an Air Force official said Graham died suddenly on July 11 at his home in Washington of a likely aortic tear, according to preliminary findings. He had just returned from a whirlwind trip to a NATO summit in Turkey, where he celebrated his birthday, and a visit to Ukraine. He was 71.
‘Swashbuckling’ senator
During the morning service in the Capitol Rotunda, Vice President JD Vance described Graham as a man of “swashbuckling” stature “who swashbuckled into the Senate” with his suit jacket open
— and was impossible not to like.
“Lindsey was a towering figure,” Senate Majority Leader John Thune said, choking back tears during his remarks.
First elected to Congress in the 1994 Republican revolt that swept the GOP to power, Graham was part of a new era of conservatives to take their seats in the House — and among the first Republicans from his Southern state since Reconstruction.
He quickly rose to prominence as a manager in Democrat Bill Clinton’s presidential impeachment, and he was elected to the Senate in the 2002 election. There,
he formed an alliance with Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., and Sen. Joe Lieberman, I-Conn., in what would become the “three amigos,” globetrotting the world focused on national security issues.
Vance recalled how he argued with Graham over the senator’s staunch support for aid to Ukraine, which has divided the GOP, but praised his legacy saying Kavanaugh “would not be on the Supreme Court” were it not for Graham’s “fierce advocacy” during the confirmation hearing.
For decades, Graham had been at the center of the action — a member of virtually every bipartisan gang in Congress — with a relentless ability to adapt to political realities, particularly when it came to Trump.
One by one, many of Graham’s colleagues said their goodbyes in the Rotunda. Former Sen. Richard Burr R-N.C., bowed and delivered a brief kiss and Sen. John Kennedy, R-Madisonville, gave a fist bump. Last mission: Russia sanctions
Perhaps nowhere was Graham’s political dexterity on display more as when he navigated his on-again, off-again relationship with Trump. Graham had denounced Trump as a “unfit for office” during the 2016 presidential campaign, but over time he had become what colleagues called the “Trump whisperer,” someone even world leaders relied on to understand the president. Days before his death, Graham had won Trump’s support for a long-fought bipartisan proposal to impose sanctions on Russia over the war in Ukraine, in what would be one of the strongest U.S. efforts to hamper Russian President Vladimir Putin’s ability to prolong the conflict.
ShellPowersProgressatLSU
TheLSU community, lead donors andfriends cutthe ribbon on the newOur Lady of theLakeHealth InterdisciplinaryScience Building on April17, 2026.The premier facility hasbeenthe university’s topcapital priority forcatalyzing itsvisionfor thefutureofSTEM education, research andimpact.
ColetteHirstius, President, Shell USAsaid, “The openingofthe LSUOur Lady of theLakeHealth InterdisciplinaryScience Building is atestament to thepowerofpartnershipand what canbeachievedwhen industry andacademiacometogether around asharedvision. We areproud to support aspace wherestudents, faculty andindustry cancollaborate to drive discovery, explorenew frontiersand developthe next generation of scientists, engineersand energy leaders.”
ShellResearchLaboratories, advanced research environments that
willsupport interdisciplinaryscientific discoveryand enable facultyand students to work together on complex, real world challenges.
ShellInterdisciplinaryCollaborationZone,focused spacefor collaborationacrossdisciplines that will encourageexchangeof ideas, partnershipand team-based research
Building as part of a$27.5 millioninvestment in energy-related initiatives at LSU. LSUChancellorJim Dalton said, “The OurLadyofthe Lake Health InterdisciplinaryScience Building willbe integral to preparingthe next scientistsinbiology,chemistry,geology, math,physics andastronomy Graduatesfromthese programs go onto promisingcareers in theSTEM fieldsacrossthe stateofLouisiana Alongsidethe eliteacademicexperience students willreceivehere, world-classfaculty willpartner togetherandwithindustryleadersin thestate-of-the-art laboratories to advancescientific discoveryand move the LSUflagship toward itsgoalofbecoming atop 50 research university.
Thefourthfloor of OurLadyofthe Lake Health InterdisciplinaryScience Building includes:
ShellUSA,Inc.committed $2.5 milliontothe OurLadyofthe Lake Health InterdisciplinaryScience
ASSOCIATEd PRESS PHOTO By JACQUELyN MARTIN
President donald Trump, Vice President Jd Vance and other guests attend the funeral of Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., Tuesday at Washington National Cathedral in Washington.
Wis. tornadowas on ground for20minutes
BY DAVID COLLINS, ED WHITE and LAURA TURBAY Associated Press
First responders searched homes and buildingson Tuesday for possible victims of apowerful tornado that ravaged several northeastern Wisconsin communities.
The Fox Cities region, which is home to more than 100,000 people in the cities of Appleton,Menasha and Neenah, was left in shambles by Monday’stwister, with homes leveled, cars flipped, and power lines and trees toppled.
Menasha Police Chief Matt Albrecht said. “Most people were not at home and at their place of employment.”
Dozens of peoplewere injured,and officerswere still going door-to-door aday later in search of possible victims.
anumber of neighborhoods were “truly devastated.”
“sucked out.”
“The depth of the tornado and its impact is incredible, devastating. We’re really still at the assessment stage,” Winnebago County Executive Gordon Hintzsaid ata news conference Tuesday David Chew,55, said atree smashed through his roofin Menasha, and he still hadn’t located an outdoorpatio loungerswept away by the storm. But he’s better off than aneighbor: Aportion of her roof was ripped clean, with furnitureand drywall
Despite widespread damage, thetimingofthe storm could be why there have been no reported deaths.
The tornado touched down around 1p.m. and remained on the ground for morethan 20 minutes, cutting aroughly 12-mile path of destruction,the National Weather Servicereported. The area is about 100 miles northwest of Milwaukee. It was classified as an EF3 tornado —the strongest to strike Outagamie andWinnebago counties since an EF4 touched down in April 1984, the weather service said.
Like elsewhere in theregion, electricity lines were tangledaround broken trees, making powerrestoration aslow,risky process. More than 10,000 customersinWinnebago andOutagamiecounties were still without power, according to utilities that serve them. It could be several days before power is fully restored.
Thetwisterwas spun off by alarge storm system that moved through the Great Lakes andwas fueled by a buildup of heat and humidity,the weather service said.
Rachel Bernhardt, 56, said she grabbed her dog and dashed to her basement in the village of Fox Crossing after she sawa steel swing spinning in the yard. Whenthe storm passed, her second-floor bedroom was covered in glass and atree branch wasresting on her bed. The carpet wassoaked.
“Wecan’tbeinthere anymore,” said Bernhardt, who is sleeping on the first floor and using agenerator to keep the refrigerator going.
“It was just ashocker,” saidChew,who hadrushed to the basement with his wife and son.
The tornadoarrived in the early afternoon, authorities noted, when most people were awake and after warnings had been issued.
“Everybody was at work. It was the middle of the day,”
Gov. Tony Evers declared astate of emergency for the affected areas.
As chain saws roared in the background, Appleton Mayor Jake Woodford said
ThedaCare Regional Medical Centers in Appleton and Neenah said it treated 40 people, mostly for minor storm-related injuries. Ascension St. Elizabeth HospitalinAppleton said it saw about 30 patients, all with minor injuries.
Luigi’sPizza in Menasha set up afood trailer to distribute hygiene packsand free slices after donors kicked in enough money to make at least 125 pizzas Tuesday
“Sometimes ahot pizza, ataco, anda reminder that your community cares can mean more thanwords,” said Duncan’sWindow & Door,which chipped in for 50 pizzas.
Fla. executes 2men in 1day
BY DAVID FISCHER Associated Press
STARKE, Fla.— Florida on Tuesday became the first state in nearly adecade to carry out two executions in a single day,putting to death an 80-year-old man who was the second-oldest inmate known to receive alethal injectionin modern U.S. history
Hours earlier,the state executed aformer police officer convicted of the killing of ayoung girl
Republican Gov.Ron DeSantis hasmadeFlorida’s death chamber the nation’s busiest at the end of his final term, saying too many families have waited too longto see justice. The lethal injections just hours apart were the first nearly back-to-back executionssince Arkansas put two men to death three hours apart in 2017.
DeSantis, who has the authority under Florida law to
set execution dates, decided earlier this monthtocarry out both executions on the same day
Dominick Anthony Occhicone,the octogenarian,was pronounced dead at 6:13 p.m. at Florida State Prisonnear Starke following athreedrug injection.His execution cameshortly less than five hours after the ex-police officer, James Aren Duckett, 68,received alethal dose in the same death chamber.
Occhicone, who was convicted of killinghis ex-girlfriend’sparentsin1986, isthe oldest prisoner executedin Florida’shistory since modern record-keeping began acentury ago. Nationwide, an older inmate, 83-year-old Walter Moody Jr., received alethal injectioninAlabama in 2018for awaveofmail bombs in 1989 that killed a federal judge andwounded aBlackcivil rights attorney Earlier Tuesday after-
noon,Duckett becamethe
11th inmate executed by the stateofFlorida this year.He was convicted of raping and drowning 11-year-old Teresa McAbee while he was working as apolice officer in central Florida in 1987.
Afterward, the girl’sfamily memberssaidthey had suffered for decades.
“I waited nearly40years to havehim dead,” Dorthy Tula, the victim’smother said before breaking
“This man took of hisbadge,” said Mcfall-Buskirk, cousin.
Just beforeDuc scheduled to be executed March, the Florida Court issued astay for DNA testing dence. The results conclusive,meanin not exonerateDuckett finitively connect crime. Judges have the jury verdict to
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ALafayettenative, Paul is agraduateofCathedral-Carmel High School and the Universityof Southwestern Louisiana.HefoundedEason Advertising,a Lafayette-based marketing and public relations firm, and has spentmorethan three decadesserving the Acadiana regioninthe media sector
Paul currently serves as Chairmanofthe BoardofBilleaud Companies, aLafayetterealestate and development companywith more than800,000 squarefeet of business propertyfor lease, as well ashundredsofacres of undevelopedland in Acadiana. His combined expertiseinmediaand real estate development makes himavaluableaddition to the bank’sBoard of Directors. Throughouthis career,Paul has supported numerous communityorganizations,including Presidents Clubofthe Chamber of Commerce,membership boardmember of LafayetteGeneral Hospital, Chairman of Martial F. Billeaud Sr.Foundationand boardmember of Lafayette Crime Stoppers.Paul; his wife, Suzanne,of42years;their son, Ross (Morgan); and granddaughter,Riley Alexandra,are lifelongresidentsofAcadiana. Hislongstanding commitment to servicereflectsthe values of abank that putscommunity first
CLBThe Community Bank is excited to welcome Paul Easontoits BoardofDirectors.
ASSOCIATEdPRESS PHOTO By KAyLAWOLF
debrissurrounds adamaged warehouse in the aftermath of atornado that tore throughAppleton, Wis., on Tuesday.
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noting that the meeting included Trump’s “entire senior team.”
Vice President JD Vance, who has had critical words for Israeland in June warned Israeli officials that Trump wastheir only friend among world leaders, was among those in the meeting.
“When Isay excellent, I don’tmean it in asuperficial way,” Netanyahu said in Hebrew.“Aconversation with full partnership, with mutual support, with an understanding of the common goal of ensuring that Iran does not have nuclear weapons, and other goalsas well.”
Netanyahu later joined Vance and Trump at afuneral for Sen. Lindsey Graham, where the Israeli leader was seen speaking to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy,who met with Trump earlierin the day
Trump revealed some tension with Netanyahu ahead of their meeting, complaining about reports that the Israeli leader plannedto discuss intelligence on Iranian activities at PickaxeMountain, apotential nuclear site that the U.S. president has threatened repeatedly to bomb.
“I know exactly what’s go-
CLASH
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Crichton cited aletter from Weimer datedJuly 4 in which the chiefjustice accuses him of knowingly breaking the law by voting in policies as ajustice to benefit himself financially We imer sought a public apology and reimbursement while scorning Crichton Former Justice James Genovese, who left the court in 2024 to be presidentof Northwestern State University,said Weimer sent him aletter “just as nastyand caustic” datedthe same day Why is unclear.Weimer did not respond to acall seeking comment.
Crichton, who aged out of office at the end of 2024 and is now in private practice, has his own views on the matter.He wrotethat Weimer helda“fixated and obsessivedisdain for me and Genovese.”
Crichton also filed amotion to recuse Weimerina case involving a$421 million jury verdict in New Orleans against Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana.He argues that Weimer should add him to an automatic recusal list. Crichton has asked the court to seal his recusal motion. The rhetoric echoes abitter dispute over judicial compensation in which Weimerhas remained steadfast and alone in arguing that colleagues have ille-
ing onat Pickaxe,” Trump told “Fox &Friends.”He insisted that whatever Iran is doing is “not abig problem”and that“Bibi’stelling methat becausehewants me to stay involved.”
“Why do you have to announcetothe world?”
Trump added, flashing his frustrations with his ally
The Israeli official said that Netanyahu reiterated to Trump during the meeting that Israelwill always share its intelligence with the U.S. but that it alsounderstands that Washingtonhas its own timeline and considerations to factor in,including other allied countries inthe region that would be affected if Washington were to escalate militarily
Trump hashad ahot-andcoldhistory with Netanyahu over theyears, but upon hisreturntothe White House last year, their alliance seemed stronger than ever.Whenthey started the war togetherinFebruary, it was with aunitedfront, touting their respective militaries as acting in lockstep to take out Iran’sleadership and pavethe way for agovernmentmorefriendlyto theWest.
ButasIran fought back —sending drones and missiles slamming into U.S. basesand high-rises in cities in the Gulf,and choking offthe Straitof Hormuz —Trump cameunder immense pressure both at
gally paddedtheirincomes.
Weimer’sinsistence has comewith aprice, according to the exchange of letters andGenovese. In 2023, all six of hisfellow justices voted to strip himofadministrative powers as chief judge in favor of anew “executive committee.” The court named Crichton as its chair,hewrote.
“The reason for the executivecommittee is Chief Justice Weimercontinued to act without authority of thecourt,and he wouldn’t stop it,” Genovese said in an interview.“It was definitely necessary.”
Weimer’sadministrative curbing does not appear to have been previously reported.Lastweek, in another letter to Crichton, he wrote that his colleagues had created the “so-called” committee “to usurp the constitutionally mandated duties of the Chief Justice.” Weimercalled it an unprecedented effort to silence andpunish him. He added that its “very existence is tied to my attempt to insure (sic) fiscal responsibility,integrity,and transparency in the judiciary.”
Weimer wrote that he “continued to discharge all the duties and responsibilities of theChiefJustice” in spite of the committee.
Weimerhas long called out colleagues fordistributing asupplemental fund to padjudicial salarieswithout first paying allofits bills. He also claims colleagues took a judicial stipend illegally in upfront lump sums. And WeimeraccusesCrichtonand Genovese, in particular,ofexploiting a$118 meal per diem likenoother judges, claiming they double-dipped
homeand by allies in the region to end the conflict.
Since then, Netanyahu, who wanted to continue the fighting in Iran andagainst its ally,Hezbollah, in Lebanon, has been sidelined as Trump sought adeal with Tehran. Disagreements withTrumpand Vance have burst intothe open over the war in Iran and more.
“The Americansare making it clear to theIsraelis they are theones who are running thewar,” Israeli journalist and political analyst Amit Segal wrote Mondayinthe daily newspaper Israel Hayom. “It is clear to everyone that Israel has been put in theback seat.”
Of Trump, Netanyahu said Sunday that “many ways, it’shis decision”on howtomoveforward. “Ifhe can do so without returning to intensemilitaryfighting, that’sfine. Why not?”
“But one way or the other,they have to endtheir nuclear program,” Netanyahu told Maria Bartiromo on Fox News Channel’s “SundayMorning Futures” about Iran.
TheIsraeliofficial said the two leadersalso discussed the framework agreement that the U.S. and Israel signed with Lebanon over the Israel-Hezbollah warand the expansionof the Abraham Accords, whichhaveAraband Muslim-majority nations normalizeties with Israel.
in the processbytopping off amonthly stipend for housing and other expenses.
“I suggest that you apologize to the people of Louisiana and reimburse them for theextravagant and unjustified incomeyou took from them for your benefitinmeals per diem, stipe nd, andsuppleme nt,” We imer wrote Crichton Cricht on declined to comment,citing the pending motion to keep the matter confidential.
Genovese said he has no business beforethe court and thatWeimer’sletter came out of the blue.
“I don’tknow why he’sstill angry with me. I’ve been off the court for two years,” Genovese said. “This is old news andhe’sstillblowing thesame horn.”
The chief justicerejected the push for his recusal in a response on Friday.Weimer agreed thathis views are nothing new, arguing that Crichton’srequest for a blanket recusal invites judge shopping.
“I have no ill will toward former Justice Crichton’s clients,”Weimer wrote “I have no malice towards ScottCrichtonasanindividual or an attorney.I simply remain disappointed in hisactionsrelated to votes he took behind closed doors while serving as an Associate Justice on this court to favor himself financially.”
Weimerargued against Crichton’smotion to seal his recusal motion.
Netanyahu also needed to persuade Trumpthat he won’t playspoilerto U.S.diplomatic and reconstruction efforts in Gaza andLebanon,where the president haspreviously complained that“too many people are being killed” by Israeli strikes.
In Lebanon,where the Israeli military occupies much of thesouth, Israel agreed to allow the Lebanese armytodeploytosome villages as part of a“pilot program”testing its ability to secure areas where Hezbollah once operated The U.S. State Department says thenext round of talks between Israel and Lebanon will take place next week in Rome withafocus on expanding theprogram On Gaza, Israel’ssecurity cabinet green-lit on Sunday ameasure thatwould, in theory,grant entrytothe firstmembersofaninternational stabilization force outlined last year in aU.S.backed ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas
ARRESTED
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leased on a$15,000 bail.
Both women provided statements to CSUSA during its investigation. The statements were obtained by The Acadiana Advocate through apublic records request.
Williams, a10-year employee of the charter academy,indicated that she is accused of forging payroll documents on behalf of her daughter,asubstitute teacher at the school, but cannot recall specific details.
“Regarding the allegations of entering or modifyingtimecardinformation on behalf of my daughter, clocking her in or out when she maynot have been present or performingassigned duties, and allowing or facilitating payment fortime that may not have been worked,” Williams wrote, “I respectfully state that Iamunabletorecall specific details at this time
andtherefore cannotprovide adefinitive account of howmyactions mayor maynot have contributed to this inquiry.” Williams said herdaughter wasnot involved and had no knowledge of what was taking place.
Bazile, who worked at the school 11 years, indicated in her March 28 letterto CSUSA that the allegations against her also involve payments to her daughter who had worked as asubstitute teacher at the school. She wrote that she and Williamsmet with Principal Clovis Benoit about their daughters “being paid under asubstitute teacher” to keep them employed at the school and that he approved thenew position as of August 2025. On March 28, Bazile wrote, she learned that Benoithad not approved of what was taking place. Bazile also said her daughterwas unaware of the paymentsand offered to paythe money back.
Weimer
Crichton
Zelenskyy has
BY SEUNG MIN KIM Associated Press
WASHINGTON President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met Tuesday ahead of Sen. Lindsey Graham’s funeral, with the two leaders discussing ways for Ukraine to produce its own powerful weapons and “other ideas that could help” in its ongoing war against Russia.
The sit-down in the Oval Office, which was closed to the media, followed a consequential meeting at the NATO summit earlier this month in Ankara, Turkey, where Trump announced that the U.S. will give Ukraine a license to make Patriot defense systems — a long-running request from Kyiv to counter Russian missile attacks.
Taken together, those meetings underscore how much the U.S. president, once a major skeptic of continued assistance to Kyiv, has warmed to Zelenskyy as Ukraine continues to withstand the Russian barrage more than four years after Moscow’s invasion in 2022. The Ukrainian leader, whose relationship with Trump in his second term was marked by a raucous White House visit in which he was denigrated for being ungra-
cious, has worked to court the Republican administration while relying on both likely and unlikely allies in Trump’s orbit to exert their influence with the president.
The ongoing conflict in the Middle East, which has consumed much of the Trump administration’s focus this year, has also become gradually entwined with Ukraine, with Ukraine firing on at least one Iranian vessel in the Caspian Sea over the weekend while Zelenskyy asserts that Russia has been offering satellite imagery of U.S. bases in the Persian Gulf to Iran.
In a post on social media after the meeting, Zelenskyy thanked Trump for the “good meeting” and the Republican administration’s efforts to aid Kyiv in the longrunning war
“The President and I discussed licenses for Patriot interceptor production and several other ideas that could help,” said Zelenskyy, who also noted that he offered condolences to Trump for the death of Graham, a close ally “We also spoke about diplomacy — it’s important that the diplomatic process be reinvigorated.”
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said both the Zelenskyy meeting and a separate, later
sit-down with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu were “positive and productive.”
Later during his whirlwind, one-day visit to Washington, Zelenskyy posted that he met with officials from Lockheed Martin for further cooperation in both defense production and exchanging of technologies, saying, “Ukraine has a lot to share with those who help us protect lives.”
Luke Coffey, a senior fellow at the conservativeleaning Hudson Institute, said expanding production capacity for Patriot interceptors is not only vital for Ukraine, but also for the U.S. and its Gulf allies, particularly as supply runs low during the war in Iran.
“Ukraine has shown that its defense industry is capable, innovative and creative,” Coffey said. “I have no doubt that when they’re granted the license, they will be able to produce these missiles which will hopefully mean there will be more available for the U.S.”
Trump welcomed Zelenskyy to the White House as the Ukrainian leader traveled to Washington to honor Graham, whose final act as a public official was visiting Kyiv and securing an agreement on a package of
sanctions that seek to punish countries that purchase Russian oil, gas and other exports.
In a Fox News Channel interview Tuesday, Trump recalled Graham’s hawkishness and said the Republican South Carolina senator’s support for Ukraine never wavered Trump said Graham had suggested it was time to make a deal with Iran but had no similar suggestion for the Russia-Ukraine war “Ukraine, he’s very militant about,” Trump said on “Fox & Friends.” “I mean, Lindsey liked war, to be honest with you.”
Ahead of the meeting, Zelenskyy also warned that Russia has been aiding Iran as the war persists by capturing satellite imagery of U.S. bases in the Gulf region that later appear in Iran. The Ukrainian president
also asserted that there was a “clear correlation” between Russia’s images and subsequent Iranian strikes.
Iran is a key ally of Russia in its war against Ukraine and has helped Moscow build up its drone expertise.
But on Monday, Trump downplayed any impact of potential Russian assistance for Iran, even as he said he would raise the matter with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
“I don’t think they’ve been doing it, certainly not at a high level,” Trump told reporters on Air Force One as he traveled to Michigan. “And if they have, it has been very un-impactful.”
On the Caspian Sea attack, the foreign ministers of Iran and Ukraine spoke about the matter according to statements posted on social media Tuesday Ukrainian For-
eign Minister Andrii Sybiha called the conversation “frank” and said Ukraine’s focus is “solely at defending our country from Russian aggression and never intended to target civilian vessels or people.”
Iran has said at least one sailor was killed in the attack.
Republican leadership is hoping to advance Graham’s sanctions legislation this week, although the Senate is juggling several other priorities.
The bill has dozens of backers from both major political parties and is seen as the main policy tribute to Graham, who died unexpectedly this month from a tear in his aorta. It imposes tariffs on goods from the world’s top five purchasers of Russia oil or natural gas, including China and India.
By Stevie Cavalier Licciardi stevie.licciardi@theadvocate.com
With the world’slargest data center yet being built in Richland Parish, Louisiana,local businessesare adapting and
to meet the growing needs of the incoming investment. More jobsand increased sales arecreating asteady stream of businessfor local companies,and the impact is beginning to show.
ForWill Dear,owner of Rayville Tire & Service Center and lifelong residentofthe area,the effect has been positive, allowing his businesstoexpand further than he had previously imagined. Kelsey Higdon, Digital Sales Manager forNola comand The Advocate,sat down with him to hear the full story CanyoutellmeaboutRayvilleTire &ServiceCenterandwhatatypical weeklookedlikebeforethe investmentwasannounced?
tires forevery one of them.Ifaconstruction vehicle comes in, we already knowwhat’s going to be on it.Wealsokeep our toolboxes well stocked and always have ouremergency lights becauseweuse thoseevery dayonthe trucksthatcome in.
We were always busy. We liveinafarming communitysoit’snon-stop every day, especiallyduring the planting and harvest season. Inever thoughtwecould be any busier than we were,but nowhereweare We aretaking it one dayatatime. Whatdoesatypicalweeklook likenowsincetheconstruction hasstarted?
I’ve hired alot moreemployees and more managerstohelp run things, becauseithas been non-stop.There’smoreinand out,and everything is moving alot faster than anything I’ve seen in my life.
Ican getvehicles in and out alot faster than beforeitstarted picking up.Itusedto be thatIwould order the part and let the customer knowtheycould come in acouple of days later. Now, sometimes theycan bring it in, and we canhavethem out by lunch. We areturning out alot morework becauseofit.
We used to stock some thingsbeforethis mostly semi-vehicle parts,but now, since we knowthe vehicles out there, we stock
Richland Parish is likeabig family Everybody knows everybody.Everyone knows my dad and wheremysibling and Icome from. Beforethis project came in, everyone wasvery tight-knit,and we just relied on our farmersand locals to keep us afloat. Now, this project is helping everyone out,not just our local tireshop
To be honest, I’ve learned moreabout businessinthe past year than Ihavein my entirelife. Iwould have said Iknew businessbefore, but Ididn’treally know businessuntil we had this much work. Once the project is all said and done, Ithink I’ll carry thatexperience into the next chapter with me. I’ve gained alot of contacts,and even when theymove on to anotherjob, we arestill going to be reaching out to one another when we need help with this or that. If Imaintain the relationship,theseare the types of guyswho will work with youuntil the end of their career
Formoreinformation on Rayville Tire & Service Center,followthem on Facebook or call (318) 728-1155
Formoreinformation on the Meta project in Richland Parish, see meta.com/ BuildingLouisiana.
Trashcollectionday settochangefor some
Affected householdswillbenotified by mail,email
BY KRISTIN ASKELSON Staff writer
About 7,000 households in thecity of Lafayette and unincorporated areas of Lafayette Parish will havea new residential trash collection
daybeginning next week, according to Lafayette Consolidated Government.
The changes affect curbside trash, recycling,yard waste and bulky item collection. Residentswhose collec-
tion dayischanging are being notified by mail and, when available, by email. Collection schedules can also be confirmed through theaddress lookup toolat LCG’swebsite.
LCG said theroute chang-
es are needed because participation in the parish’sresidentialrecycling program has nearly doubled since 2023, increasing the amount of materialcollected and creating uneven collection routes.
Officials also asked residents to: n Place carts and other collection items at least 3 feet apart. n Avoid overfilling carts.
To ease thetransition, Acadiana WasteServices will allow residentstoplace securely baggedhousehold trashatthe curb in addition to their collectioncartduring the week starting Monday only
SPLASH ROYALE
Broussard FireDepartment celebrated mascot Ember’s7th birthday withawater war and party at Arceneaux Park on Saturday.Alongwith abirthday cake,young and old participated in the water wars.
ABOVE: Firefighter Nathan Roy,right, sprays water during Ember’sbirthday party
RIGHT: Firefighter Dru Davis getssprayed with water during Saturday’s celebration
Children reload their water weapons, spray and playduring the water war between young and old.
STAFF PHOTOSBy BRAdKEMP
St.Landryo
Acorrectional
Advocate staff reports
officer employed by the St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office was arrested Tuesday on counts relating to drug possession and manufacturing. Mary Clark, 57, was taken into custodyalongside herhusband,Brian Clark, 47,following an investigation thatculminatedin asearchwarrant of their Sunsetresidence. Policesay they found 27 hydrocodone pills in the residence, along with pyplobenzaprine and methocarbamol tabletsand equipment formanufacturingcocaine.Au-
thorities further reported that the equipment in the residence tested positive for cocaine. Because of heremploymentwith the Sheriff’sOffice,MaryClark was issued an additional count of malfeasance in office,while her husband receivedanadditional count relating to an outstanding bench warrant
n Make sure cart lids close completely Residents can contact LCG’sEnvironmental QualityDivision or Acadiana Waste Services for moreinformation.
Nonprofitalleges United CajunNavyhas damaged itsreputation
BY ELLYN COUVILLION Staff writer
Cajun Navy 2016, anonprofit foundedafterthe devastating floodsthathit Louisiana 10 years ago, hasfileda lawsuit against the organization United CajunNavy and its top officials, saying that grouphas damagedits reputation with “a multi-year campaign of false and defamatory statements.”
The lawsuit was filed Friday in the19thJudicial District Court against United Cajun Navy,aswell as the organization’spresident, Todd Terrell, and vice president, Brian Thrasher
The lawsuit seeksdamages authorized under Louisiana law,together with injunctive and declaratory relief, to prevent further defamatory conduct, CajunNavy2016saidinan online post.
“The lawsuit does not challenge the work of other disaster relief organizations,” the post said. “Instead, it alleges that repeated false statements about Cajun Navy 2016 crossed the line from protected criticism into defamation.”
Terrell said Monday,“United CajunNavyhas been around along time andwe’vehelpeda lotofpeople in times of disasters.”
He said theorganizationalso helps people outside of disasters.
“I want our day in court,” he said.
Cajun Navy 2016 and United Cajun Navy are two of about ahalfdozen rescue groups, all with some versionofCajun Navy in their name, that grew out of agrassroots aidresponse following the widespread floodingcaused hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005.
The groups use boats and highwater vehicles to respond to natural disasters.
Cajun Navy 2016, basedinWatson,isone of themore well-known groups. United Cajun Navy,anonprofitbased outofBaton Rouge, says it has provided relief from more than 40 disastersacross17 states.
The lawsuit said that after the United Cajun Navywas establishedasa nonprofit in 2018, it began “distributing false information and false statements to the public” about Cajun Navy 2016.
One of several examples of those statements, provided as exhibits in the lawsuit, is an online post that United Cajun Navy made as Cajun
ä See LAWSUIT, page 6B
In anews release issued Tuesday, St.Landry Parish Sheriff Bobby Guidroz said Mary Clark had been terminated from her position. “Should any employee with this agency involve themselvesinany criminal action, they will be arrested. Mary Clark is terminated from her employment with the St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office, Guidroz said in the newsrelease. Guidrozsaidthere is no evidence suggesting that inmates in theSt. Landry Parish Jail received any illicit substances through Mary Clark. The Sheriff’sOffice requests thatanyone with additional
ä See BLOTTER, page 6B
Committee for 2026.
Moved by: Robert Davidson; seconded by: David LeJeune Yes: None Mrs. Masonwas elected by acclamation. 0-0
3.2 COMMITTEE: Review and Approval of LPSB -BoardInsurance Committee Meeting Minutes on March 4, 2026 -Mason LPSB -BoardInsurance Committee Meeting -Mar 04 2026Minutes -Html That the committee approve the minutes fromthe Board Insurance Committee Meeting on March 4, 2026. Moved by: David LeJeune; seconded by: Robert Davidson Yes: Hannah Smith Mason, David LeJeune, and Robert Davidson Carried 3-0
3.3 INSURANCE: Discussion and/or action regarding the Gallagher Report -Gardner/LeBouef Public comment was received. Melody Terral with Gallagher reviewed the Financial Monitoring Summary for Fiscal Year 2025/26 from July 2025 through March 2026. Ms. Terral pointed out the retirees with no Medicarewill always have the highest cost claimants PMPM (per member per month). She also made note that claims through March arerunning on average 5% less than the last 12 months. The average medical inflation trend in Louisiana is 10%. Ms. Terral indicated that Verityhas better discounts than Blue Cross. Superintendent Touchet stated he feels the district has been under funding the actual budget for insurance. Ms. Terral recommended the district should have areserve amount of $18 million -typically three months of claims. Mr.Anthony Mouton, Chief Financial Officer,indicated that currently Lafayette Parish School System does not have an insurance reserve; therefore, the Boardwould have to approve taking the money from the General Fund.
Lana Labourdette with Gallagher performed amarket check for aWellness Program. Gallagher was looking for aprogram that would have long-term positive effects on LPSS members’ health. Gallagher narrowed the four vendors down to two based on cost, solutions and integration. Gallagher landed on acompany called WellRight. According to Ms. Labourdette, WellRight is customizable and Gallagher feels it best fits the needs of Lafayette Parish School System. The overall price is $1.85 per employee per month, which is atechnology fee. Members would have $45.00 on-site biometric screenings, which members currently receive. Please note the on-site biometric screenings will only be for active members and non-Medicare retirees. Members would also receive $30.00 flushots. Ms Labourdette recommended to the committee not to go with the additional options/costs of $.50 PEPM (per employee per month) coaching fees and $225.00 Tobacco Cessation Program. She also does not recommend the $8.00 PCP Forms because they can pull claims in from Meritain and Gallagher will not have to spend those dollars on the physical forms the doctor completes in order to show the member completed the doctor visit that counts towards preventative. Ms. Labourdette indicated the annual base technology fee would be $124,320, which has been built into the budget. WellRight would be available to all active and non-Medicareretirees effective January 1, 2027.
Lana Bourdette presented acustom search engine called DocConnect. DocConnect is atailored provider search tool that applies the plan’sspecificnetworks, tiers and rules in real time which makes it easier for members to find the right in-network providers. DocConnect removesthe guesswork for members to find providerswho participate in their specificnetworks. All members would have access to DocConnect. The cost is $1.16 per employee per month ($73,776 annually). The cost is not included in the budget. Committee ChairpersonHannah Smith Mason indicated she is concerned about the cost of the program. Melody Terraloffered advice on making sure contracts arecancelable and to only sign aone year contract. Superintendent Touchet asked Ms. Terralifthis is the right time to go with DocConnect. Ms. Terralindicated she felt it could wait. Mr.Touchet then indicated he would want afreetrial to see what DocConnect looks like because he feels this will not go as smooth as Gallagher is predicting. Mr.Touchetalso indicated thereare things the district thought would happen with Meritain and those things have not happened. He feels beforemaking an investment for this program, the district should have an opportunity to see if Meritain will keep their wordand follow through on their claims. BoardMember David LeJeune questioned what Meritain is doing to improve on their service for members. Ms. Terralindicated Meritain is limiting the number of customer service representatives allowed to take phone calls from members so those individuals can better understand in volume how to respond to the questions coming in. Meritain is also recording all calls and every thirdday they aredoingsample checks on the responses. Ms. Terralalso stated Gallagher has hired an individual to help Trish LeBouef, Director of Insurance &Benefits, with the calls she is receiving. Meritain is providing Gallagher with reports of claims that have been reprocessed since the coordination of benefits issue with Medicare. Ms LeBouef indicated communication was sent to MedicareA and Bmembers to provide information on who they could connect with if they arehaving issues and to connect back with Lafayette Parish School System if they continue to have issues. Superintendent Touchet suggested the Insurance Department take asurvey to see if customer supportfromMeritain has improved.
5.6.26 Gallagher BIC Presentation.pdf
3.4 INSURANCE: Discussion and/or action regarding the WellRight Wellness Program Proposal -Gardner/LeBouef WellRight is awellness platform that drives employee engagement and health outcomes. Implementing acomprehensive wellness program, for all LPSS Group Health Insurance participants, provides astrategic longterminvestment to member wellbeing. Associated base program costs with the implementation of this program are$1.85 PEPM ($124,320 annually) for 5,600 active employees and non-Medicaremembers. Supplemental services areavailable at an additional cost per service.
That the BoardInsurance Committee (BIC) recommend to the full Boardtoapprove WellRight as the official wellness program of the Lafayette Parish School System beginning January 1, 2027, and to authorize stafftobegin the administrative and implementation process immediately following the Board’s adoption. Moved by: David LeJeune; seconded by: Robert Davidson Yes: Hannah Smith Mason, David LeJeune, and Robert Davidson Motion Carried 3-0
3.5 INSURANCE: Discussion and/or action regardingDocConnect Custom Search Engine Proposal -Gardner/LeBouef DocConnect is atailored search engine platform that streamlines the process of locating an in-network
Associated costswith the implementation of this program are $1.16 PEPM ($73,776 annually).
That the BoardInsurance Committee (BIC) recommend to the full Boardtoauthorize an agreement with DocConnect to streamline the in-network provider search and enhance the
Davidson Motion Carried3-0
3.6 INSURANCE: Discussion and/or action regarding the Voluntary Benefits Request forProposal (RFP) -Gardner/LeBouef Public comment was received.
The Lafayette Parish School System (LPSS) is requesting proposals from an integrated Third-Party Administrator (TPA) consultant and brokerage services to manage its voluntary benefits and administrative services. The selected partner will oversee the entire lifecycle of the District’s voluntary benefits programs from strategic planning and implementation to daily administration and ongoing communications.
LPSS intends to awardaninitial one-year contract, effective January 1, 2027, through December 31, 2027. The agreement includes the option to renew for up to three (3) additional oneyear terms. Please note, the successful Administrator must begin implementation and support services prior to the formal start date to facilitate the Fall2026 Open Enrollment period.
5.11.26 FINAL Voluntary Benefits RFP.pdf
Recommend that the BoardInsurance Committee (BIC) authorize the Superintendent to direct stafftoinitiate an RFP for Voluntary Benefits in accordance with the Calendar of Eventssection. Following the evaluation, the BoardInsurance Committee (BIC) will review the top finalists and make arecommendationtothe full Boardfor awardofcontract.
Moved by: David LeJeune; seconded by: Robert Davidson Yes: None No: Hannah Smith Mason, David LeJeune, and Robert Davidson Motion Failed 0-3
4. ADJOURN
4.1 Therebeing no further business, the meeting was adjourned. /s/Francis Touchet, Jr Francis Touchet, Jr., Secretary-Treasurer
/s/Hannah Smith Mason Hannah Smith Mason, BoardPresident
Lafayette Parish School Board- Regular BoardMeeting -June 11, 2026 Minutes Thursday,June 11, 2026 at 5:30 PM 202 Rue Iberville Lafayette, LA 70508
Meeting called to order at 5:30 PM
1. MEETING OPENINGS
1.1 Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag followed by aMoment of Silence
BoardPresident Hannah Smith Masonasked Mr.David LeJeune to lead the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
1.2 BoardMember Roll Call Boardmembers present: LeJeune, Davidson, Edmond, Trahan, Latiolais, Bergeron, Labue, Mason and Hidalgo Boardmembers absent: None
1.3 Opening Comments-Superintendent Superintendent FrancisTouchet,Jr. passed on making any opening comments.
2. INFORMATION ITEMS
2.1 SUPERINTENDENT: Superintendent FrancisTouchet,Jr. awarded Louisiana 4-H StateSuperintendent Award- Richard Mrs.Ginger Richard, Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction, announced Superintendent Touchet was awarded Louisiana 4-H StateSuperintendent for the work he has done with 4-H and the LSUAgCenter.The work was centered around HealthRocks, which is aprogram that helps middle school students stay clean of substance abuse.
BoardPresident Hannah Mason asked fellow Boardmembers if they had any objections to move the agenda item regarding Ovey Comeaux Highbeforethe consent agenda sectionofthe agenda. Therewerenoobjections from fellow Boardmembers.
3. LITIGATION
3.1 BOARD: Discussion and/or action concerning potential litigation involving damage to the Le Triomphe front entrance sign -Early That the Boardenter into executive session to discuss items 3.1 and 3.2. Moved by: Britt Latiolais; seconded by: Roddy Bergeron Yes: Britt Latiolais, Hannah Smith Mason, Kate Bailey Labue, Amy Trahan, Jeremy Hidalgo, Roddy Bergeron, Joshua Edmond, David LeJeune, and Robert Davidson Motion Carried9-0
That the Boardreturntoregular session. Moved by: Britt Latiolais; seconded by: Roddy Bergeron
Yes: Britt Latiolais, Hannah Smith Mason, Kate Bailey Labue, Amy Trahan, Jeremy Hidalgo, Roddy Bergeron, Joshua Edmond, and Robert Davidson
Absent: David LeJeune
Motion Carried8-0
That the Boardaccept counsel’srecommendations for both 3.1 and 3.2. Moved by: Britt Latiolais; seconded by: Roddy Bergeron
Yes: Britt Latiolais, Hannah Smith Mason, Kate Bailey Labue, Amy Trahan, Jeremy Hidalgo, Roddy Bergeron, Joshua Edmond, David LeJeune, and Robert Davidson
Motion Carried9-0
3.2BOARD: Discussion and/or actionconcerning prospective litigation in the matter of Shawana Johnson relative to her Workers’ Compensation claim- Early
That the Boardenter into executive session to discuss items 3.1 and 3.2. Moved by: Britt Latiolais; seconded by: Roddy Bergeron
Yes: Britt Latiolais, Hannah Smith Mason, Kate Bailey Labue, Amy Trahan, Jeremy Hidalgo, Roddy Bergeron, Joshua Edmond, David LeJeune, and Robert Davidson
Motion Carried9-0
That the Boardreturntoregular session.
Moved by: Britt Latiolais; seconded by: Roddy Bergeron
Yes: Britt Latiolais, Hannah Smith Mason, Kate Bailey Labue, Amy Trahan, Jeremy Hidalgo, Roddy Bergeron, Joshua Edmond, and Robert Davidson Absent: David LeJeune Motion Carried8-0
That the Boardaccept counsel’srecommendations for 3.1 and 3.2. Moved by: Britt Latiolais; seconded by: Roddy Bergeron
Yes: Britt Latiolais, Hannah Smith Mason, Kate Bailey Labue, Amy Trahan, Jeremy Hidalgo, Roddy Bergeron, Joshua Edmond, David LeJeune, and Robert Davidson Motion Carried9-0
4. CONSENT AGENDA
4.1 ACADEMICS:Discussionand/or action concerning the 20262027 Pupil Progression Plan -Melton 2026-2027Pupil Progression Plan Lafayette Parish School System.pdf
That the Boardapprove the 2026-2027 Pupil Progression Plan as attached above. Moved by: Britt Latiolais; seconded by: Roddy Bergeron
Yes: Britt Latiolais, Hannah Smith Mason, Kate Bailey Labue, Amy Trahan, Jeremy Hidalgo, Roddy Bergeron, Joshua Edmond, David LeJeune, and Robert Davidson Carried9-0
4.2COMMUNICATIONS: Discussion and/or action concerning Resolution 06-026-2180 Official Journalfor Lafayette Parish School Board -Wirtz The AcadianaAdvocate hasa totalpaiddaily circulation of 3,122 anda totalpaidSundayCirculation of 3,430 We have 42,582
DavidLeJeune,and Robert Davidson Carried 9-0
4.4EMPLOYEE SERVICES:Discussion and/or action concerning an adjustment to the 2026-27 Salary Schedule –Gardner/Mouton/ Clement 2026-2027 Salary Schedule Booklet v2.pdf
That the Boardapprove the revisions to the 2026-27 Salary Schedule. Moved by: Britt Latiolais; seconded by: Roddy Bergeron Yes: Britt Latiolais, HannahSmith Mason,KateBaileyLabue, Amy Trahan,JeremyHidalgo, Roddy Bergeron, Joshua Edmond, DavidLeJeune,and Robert Davidson Carried 9-0
4.5FACILITIES: Discussion and/or action regarding the FireAlarm Inspections, Testing, andMonitoringServices; SprinklerSystem Inspections andTesting Services; KitchenHood Inspections and FireExtinguisherInspections -Rabalais/Fontenot
LPSS intends to awardaninitialthree-year (3)contract with two (2)one-year (1)optional extensions. LPSS’sgoalistoengage the services of one (1)Contractor thatwill maintain allofthe equipment andsystems, per associatedcodesand manufacturer recommendations. The base contract will be effective from issuanceofnoticetoproceed (pending Board approval) andend as detailed in the Request for Proposal. RFP# 46-26 Specs.pd RFP# 46-26 Addendum #1.pdf PyeBarker.pdf
That the Boardapprove Pye-Barker Fireand Safety for the maintenance of the FireAlarm Inspections, Testing, and Monitoring Services; SprinklerSystem Inspections andTesting Services; KitchenHood Inspections andFireExtinguisher Inspections. Moved by: Britt Latiolais; seconded by: Roddy Bergeron Yes: Britt Latiolais, HannahSmith Mason,KateBaileyLabue, Amy Trahan,JeremyHidalgo, Roddy Bergeron, Joshua Edmond, DavidLeJeune,and Robert Davidson Carried 9-0
4.6FACILITIES: Discussion and/or action concerning aServitude Agreementwith the City of Lafayette -Touchet/Rabalais Public comment wasreceived. Lafayette High School 5.19.26.pdf EasementsPlatSS5-18-26. pdf
That the Boardapprove the Servitude Agreementwith the City of Lafayette for aPermanentUtilitiesServitude at 3000 W Congress Street Moved by: Britt Latiolais; seconded by: Roddy Bergeron Yes: Britt Latiolais, HannahSmith Mason,KateBaileyLabue, Amy Trahan,JeremyHidalgo, Roddy Bergeron, Joshua Edmond, DavidLeJeune,and Robert Davidson Carried 9-0
4.7FINANCE: Discussion and/or action for the purchase of anew server within the Capital Improvement Fund -Cassidy/Mouton/ Rabalais
The MCSsoftwarehas reached its end-of-life on our current server infrastructure andisnolongersupported. To mitigate operational risks andensure system stability,staffrequests funding for acloud server migration to replace the outdated system.
That the Boardapprove the use of $80,000 from the Departmental Needs SetAside within the Capital Improvement Fund to purchase aserver for the School Food Service Department. Moved by: Britt Latiolais; seconded by: Roddy Bergeron Yes: Britt Latiolais, HannahSmith Mason,KateBaileyLabue, Amy Trahan,JeremyHidalgo, Roddy Bergeron, Joshua Edmond, DavidLeJeune,and Robert Davidson Carried 9-0
4.8FINANCE: Discussion and/or action concerning revision to PolicyDJED -Bids andQuotations- Mouton DJED Bids andQuotations -redline.pdf DJED revised 2026 final. pdf That the Boardapprove the revision to PolicyDJED -Bids and Quotationsasattached in the public content section of this agenda item. Moved by: Britt Latiolais; seconded by: Roddy Bergeron Yes: Britt Latiolais, HannahSmith Mason,KateBaileyLabue, Amy Trahan,JeremyHidalgo, Roddy Bergeron, Joshua Edmond, DavidLeJeune,and Robert Davidson Carried 9-0
4.9FINANCE: Discussion and/or action concerning the June Budget-to-Actual/Revisions for FY 25-26 -Mouton/LeBlanc GF Revision #11.pdf FY26 Capital Improvement Fund BTA-Revision #11.pdf FY26 Self-FundedConstruction
4.10 INSURANCE: Discussion and/or action regarding theVoluntary Benefits Request for Proposal (RFP) -Hidalgo Agenda item pulled by Jeremy Hidalgo for further discussion. Public comment was received.
After evaluating and ranking the proposals based on the established criteria, the RFP Selection Committee will send the top three finalists to the Superintendent. The proposers will be notified and invited to present to the BoardInsurance Committee (BIC). The BIC will then provide its recommendation to the LPSB, with the full Boardholding final approval for the contract award.
1-6.8.26 Voluntary Benefits RFP -Google Docs.pdf
That the Boardgives the Superintendent authority to direct staff to initiate aRequest for Proposal (RFP) for Voluntary Benefits, adhering to the timeline and specifications outlined in the 1.1 Calendar of Events section.
Moved by: David LeJeune; seconded by: Jeremy Hidalgo
Yes: Britt Latiolais, Kate Bailey Labue, Amy Trahan, Jeremy Hidalgo, Roddy Bergeron, and Joshua Edmond
No: Hannah Smith Mason, David LeJeune, and Robert Davidson Motion Carried 6-3
4.11 INSURANCE: Discussion and/or action regarding the WellRight Wellness Program -Gardner /LeBouef WellRight is awellness platform that drives employee engagement and health outcomes. Implementing acomprehensive wellness program for all LPSS Group Health Insurance participants provides astrategic long term investment to member wellbeing. Associated base program costs with the implementation of this program is $1.85 PEPM ($124,320 annually) for 5,600 active employees and non-Medicaremembers. Supplemental services areavailable at an additional cost per service. This program has been built into the FY26/27 Insurance budget fromJanuaryJune 2027.
That the Boardadopt the May 13, 2026 recommendation of the BoardInsurance Committee (BIC) to approve WellRight as the official LPSS wellness program effective January 1, 2027 and authorize stafftobegin the implementation process upon Board approval.
Moved by: Britt Latiolais; seconded by: Joshua Edmond
Yes: Britt Latiolais, Hannah Smith Mason, Kate Bailey Labue, Amy Trahan, Jeremy Hidalgo, Roddy Bergeron, Joshua Edmond, David LeJeune, and Robert Davidson Carried 9-0
4.12 RISK MANAGEMENT:Discussion and/or action concerning consultant recommendations for property and casualty insurance coverages, including student coverages for the 20262027 fiscal year and authorization to put broker agreement(s) in place -Early Agenda item was pulled by Jeremy Hidalgo for further discussion. Public comment was received.
(2).pdf
(1).pdf
That the Boardapprove the consultant’sproperty and casualty insurance renewal recommendations for the 2026 -2027 fiscal year,including student coverages, with the exception of the liability coverage. To maintaincompliance with Policy EG, which requires allproperty and casualty policies to be managed by a single broker,werecommend accepting the revised quote from American Alternative through Alliant.
Imove that we amend Policy EG by removingthe last
sentence of paragraph four (4) in order to allow for the use of multiplebrokers/agencies, and that we approve our insurance consultant’srecommendations as to the placement of property and casualty insurance coverages, including student coverages, for the 2026-2027 fiscal year Moved by: JeremyHidalgo; seconded by: Roddy Bergeron
Yes: Britt Latiolais, Amy Trahan, Jeremy Hidalgo, Roddy Bergeron, Joshua Edmond, and Robert Davidson
No: Hannah Smith Mason, Kate Bailey Labue, and David LeJeune Motion Carried6-3
4.13 RISK MANAGEMENT:Discussionand/or action concerning compensation to School Bus Owners-Operators for insurance -Early/Jeffers 2026_2027 -LPSB School Bus Use Agreement.pdf
That the Boardapprove compensation to be paid to school bus owner-operators for the 2026/2027 school year for $5,000.00
(total)for the cost of insurance for those entering agreements for aterm of 1-year effective July 2026 and up to $4,587.00
(pro-rated) for those entering agreements for aterm of less than one year after the start of the school year,provided the school bus owner-operator executes aSchool Bus Use Agreement prepared by the Board’slegal counsel.
Moved by: Britt Latiolais; seconded by: Roddy Bergeron
Yes: Britt Latiolais, Hannah Smith Mason, Kate Bailey Labue, Amy Trahan, Jeremy Hidalgo, Roddy Bergeron, Joshua Edmond, David LeJeune, and Robert Davidson
Carried9-0
4.14 SUPERINTENDENT: Discussion and/or actionconcerning the MinutesofMay 14, 2026 and June 2, 2026 -Touchet
LPSB -PublicHearing on Budget -May 14, 2026 -MinutesHtml
LPSB -Regular BoardMeeting -May 14, 2026 -Minutes - Html
LPSB -Public Hearing Regarding Potential Closureand Repurpose of Ovey Comeaux High- June 2, 2026 -Minutes -Html
That the Boardapprove the minutes of May14, 2026 and June 2, 2026 as attached to this agenda item
Moved by: Britt Latiolais; seconded by: Roddy Bergeron
Yes: Britt Latiolais, Hannah Smith Mason, Kate Bailey Labue, Amy Trahan, Jeremy Hidalgo, Roddy Bergeron, Joshua Edmond, David LeJeune, and Robert Davidson
Carried9-0
4.15 Approval of allAction Consent Items
That the Boardapprove all ActionConsent agenda itemswith the exception of items pulled.
Moved by: Britt Latiolais; seconded by: Roddy Bergeron
Yes: Britt Latiolais, Hannah Smith Mason, Kate Bailey Labue, Amy Trahan, Jeremy Hidalgo, Roddy Bergeron, Joshua Edmond, David LeJeune, and Robert Davidson
Carried9-0
5. ACTION
5.1 BOARD: Discussion and/or action to take Ovey Comeaux High School offline for the 2026-27 school year and Re-purpose the Campus -Mason/Labue Public comment was received. Ovey Comeaux HighSchool will be taken offline at the
encouraged to attend the bidopening virtually by usingthe followinglink https://us02web.zoom us/j/85077817058? pwd=gaSN9cdGYDvhrYx klE6DUzjeSujI0J.1 Meet‐ingID: 850 7781 7058 Passcode:865598 In accordance with LouisianaRS38:2212. vendorsmay submit theirbid electronically at thewebsite listed above. Bidderswishing to sub‐mittheir bidelectroni‐callymust firstberegis‐teredwithinLCG Vendor Access at thewebsite listed above. Theregis‐trationprocess cantake some time;therefore, LCGrecommendsregis‐tering days in advanceof thetimethatbidsare due. It is thesolerespon‐sibility of thebidderto ensure theirbid is deliv‐ered (whether electroni‐callyvia Vendor Access, in person,orvia mail)to thePurchasingDivision priortothe scheduled date andtimeofthe bid opening. Vendorsmay requestthe bidpackage electronically from Thomas Metrejeanat tg‐metrejean@lafayettela
electronically arere‐quired to providethe same documentsasbid‐ders submitting through themailassoon as avail‐able.Onlya bidbond, certified checkor cashier’scheck shallbe submittedasthe bidse‐curity Electronic copies of both thefront and back of thecheck or bid bond shallbeincluded with theelectronicbid Bids must be signedin accordance with LRS Title38:2212(B)5.A Cor‐porate Resolution or Cer‐tificate of Authorityau‐thorizingthe person signingthe bidisre‐quired to be submitted with bid. Failuretosub‐mita CorporateResolu‐tion or Certificate of Au‐thoritywiththe bidshall be causefor rejectionof bid. Copies of thebidding documentsare available at thePurchasingOffice locatedat705 West Uni‐versityAvenue Lafayette,LA70506. Tele‐phonenumber(337) 2917187 (Attn:ThomasMe‐
OPINION
Fundingreview foreducation canbearfruit if done right
We agree withGov.Jeff Landry andlegislators that it’stime for the Minimum Foundation Program, thestate’sprimary methodofdeliveringfunding to school districts, tobereviewed. Louisianadoles outMFP fundstolocal districts based on the number of students.MFP funding makes up about 40%oftotal education funding for most districts. Currently,the MFP pays abase of about $4,000 per student, anumber that has risen only about $600 inthe last two decades. If the allocation hadkeptpacewith inflation, theMFP wouldnow pay about$5,600 per pupil.
So we’re cautiously hopeful that anew task force, created this year by theLegislature initially as away to find permanentfunding for teacher raises, willchart apathforward. But we share the concerns of education advocates and others that its timelineistoo compressed. We urge membersto takethe time to do the job right.
What theyare attempting is no small task. The 15 members of the task force —mostly legislators or their designees —are chargedwith creating a“revised or replacement formula”by Jan. 1, according to the resolution that formed it. Given that their firstmeeting will take place next month, that’savery quick turnaround. Other states that have conducted similar reviews in recent years,suchasTennesseeand Texas, have taken longer andinvolvedmore people.
Nevertheless, we don’tthink the shorttimeline makes the job impossible. The processcan bearvaluable fruit if legislators followsome simple maxims.
First, the group must focus on building on recent successes. For thelast fewyears, Louisiana students have made impressivegains in the classroom, turning the stateinto an improbable success story among educationwonks. Those improvements havecome on theback of arenewed focusonclassroom instruction. Any changetothe MFP must keep theteachingof students at its center
Of course, that includes findingpermanent fundingfor raises. Many of thegains should be credited to teachers, andthey deservemore than the uncertainty that has characterized the last several years.
Second, the task force should not remove any options fromthe table. When Tennesseeand Texas finished their reviews, they concluded that morefunding was needed. Louisiana’s leaders should be open to similar conclusions. As mentioned above, the MFPhas barelyincreased in two decadeseven as thedemands on school systemshave grown.
Thetaskforce must do all thiswhile putting aside the temptation to pursue strictly political aims. Louisiana’seducation formula can improve —for taxpayers, teachersand students —only if it is done without thepartisan maneuvering thatsooften characterizesstate government.
There are plenty of questions as the task force begins itswork. Butwith theright priorities, we believe it can yield good results.
LETTERSTOTHE EDITOR ARE WELCOME. HERE AREOUR
GUIDELINES: Letters are published identifying name, occupation and/or title and the writer’scity of residence TheAdvocate |The Times-Picayune require astreet address andphone number for verification purposes, but that information is not published. Letters are not to exceed 300 words. Letters to the Editor,The Advocate, P.O. Box 588, Baton Rouge, LA 70821-0588, or email letters@ theadvocate.com.
Givestatestimetoprepare for lawthatcould cutfoodaccess
Louisiana families should be able to sit down at the dinner table knowing there will be enough food tomorrow. Yethigh grocery,housing and utilitycosts are making thatincreasingly difficult.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, helps morethan 800,000 Louisiana residentsafford groceries each month, including children, seniors, veterans, people with disabilities and working families.AtFeeding Louisiana and our five regional food banks, we seehow SNAPhelps families remain stable. SNAP also strengthens Louisiana’s economy.Benefits arespent at grocery stores, farmers markets andotherfood retailers, supporting local businesses, farmers and jobs.
Anew federal law will require states, for the first time, to pay aportion of SNAP benefits based on administrative payment error rates. Louisianacould face an estimated annual cost of $184 million.
Louisiana has traditionally maintained arelatively low SNAPpayment error rate.Werecognizeand appreciatethat the Louisiana Department of Health is
working hardtoimprove the state’scurrent rate and ensure benefits are issued accurately Payment errors should be corrected, but they arenot fraud. They often result from complicated rules, outdated technology,staffing challengesorpaperwork mistakes. Imposing amajor new cost before improvements are completed could force Louisiana to cut services or restrict SNAP access. Atwo-year delay is the responsible solution. It would give Louisiana timeto modernize systems, train staff, implement new requirements and improve accuracy without disrupting food assistance. Feeding Louisiana urgesSens. Bill Cassidy and John Kennedy to support legislation delaying the SNAP cost shift fortwo years. Louisiana cannot balance its budget on theplates of working families. Congress should give our state time to strengthen SNAP while protecting the neighbors who depend on it.
The recenteditorial, ”Historicdrop in New Orleans crime is worth celebrating,” rightly celebrates our city’s progressinreducing crime. However, it overlooks an importantpart of the story:Public safety isabout more than policing.
To be sure, New Orleans’ declining crime rate is avictoryfor the people who call this city home, for our families,friends, neighbors and communities. It is rooted more than anything in thefact that we, as acity, have more stable, healthy lives
While law enforcement plays arole in public safety,sodopublic defenders, community organizations and well-resourced communities that address the issues often underlying justice system involvement.Everyday,werepresent people struggling withmental illness, substance usedisorders, housing instabilityand other unmet needs.Arrests and incarceration alone do little to improve long-termpublic safety when those challenges remainunaddressed. At Orleans Public Defenders, attor-
Messi’snod
safer
neys workalongside social workers, client advocates andinvestigators to connect clients with treatment, housing, employment assistance and other resources that reducefuture system interaction. Public defense is an investment in people; helping individuals move from crisis to stability,supporting families and fostering safer neighborhoods
If New Orleans’ health and safety progressistocontinue,wecannotrely solely on enforcement andincarceration.Lasting crime reductionrequires continued investment in the community organizations doing the often unseen work to prevent violence and increase stabilityfor the most vulnerable in our city —and yes,public defense as well. Those investments make our city safer for residents andvisitors alike, and they deserve recognition as part of New Orleans’ success.
DANNY ENGELBERG chief public defender, Orleans Public defenders NewOrleans
to winningteamwas aclassymove
Lionel Messi, theworld-renowned soccer player from Argentina, played his heart out in the final World Cup game. But his side lost. In his statement to the press, Messi said, “I feel sad. They were better,tobe honest.”
In thestreetside language of my youth, what aclass act! Wasn’tMessi’s loss statement better than what we usually hear now in our country: “Wegot screwed”?
SAM GALLO Baton Rouge
AI mayforce Congress to adopt long-rejected solutions
The July 11 editorial by Ron Faucheux, “The next American revolution is already here,” speculating on future Democratic and Republican remedies to the rapidity of change being brought by AI,was very provocative.
He mentions such traditional Democratic solutions as Medicare forAll, cash assistance for the disadvantaged, higher taxes on the rich and an array of free or subsidized social services. Republicans and Congress itself may be forced into accepting such policies when faced with an economic crisis from the impacts of AI,which forces “the government to think and act differently.” Faucheux even mentions Elon Musk’scomment that universal basic income(UBI) may be needed as AI changes the worklandscape.
As college economics students decades ago, we studied the economic remedies Faucheux mentions and are reminded of Thomas Paine’squote in Common Sense: “A long habit of not thinking athing is wrong, gives it asuperficial appearance of being right, and raises at first aformidable outcry in defense of custom. But the tumult soon subsides. Time makes moreconverts than reason.”
When it comes to our government’seconomic response to AI in the workplace —however obstructive the GOPmay be timewill convert all of us to the old/new ways of the solution.
Ilove reading Jan Risher’s column. It’s uplifting and informative.
Ican’twait to read it tomorrow LISA JONES Thibodaux
COMMENTARY
Exposing academia’s cluelessness
It can’thave been fun for theanthropologists when their discipline was singled out as ahive of political groupthink. In fact, they got very angry about the “Report on theState of Scholarshipinthe Humanities and the Humanistic Social Sciences,”commissionedby Vanderbilt and Washington University in St. Louis. The 10 scholars who authored the report, which was released in June, offeredanthropology as an example of afield where “we see awidespread deterioration in scholarly standards …together with atoxic intellectual climatein which reasonable dissentonpolitically charged topics is routinely suppressed and punished.” For instance: The American Anthropological Association canceled a2023 conference panel on the relevance of biological sex to anthropology Carolyn Rouse, the president of the American Anthropological Association, was not one to stay silent while outsiders claimed that her field had abandoned rigorous argumentinfavor of social justice orthodoxy. No, sir Instead, she opened her mouthand proved it.
equivalentofturning an astronomy departmentintoanastrology department.”
ega McArdle M n
Her interview with the Chronicle of Higher Education has to be read to be believed. No, strike that, I’veread it three times, and Iamstill strugglingto convince myself that it’sreal.
“They used AI,” said the Princeton anthropology professor,apparently unaware that using artificial intelligence to survey large bodies of text is an increasingly common method in many social science fields.She rambled about acouple of passingreferences to Socrates as if this somehow discredited the report.She asserted that teachingthere are two sexes would be “the
When the interviewer pushes back on that last point, she tries to dodge and weave, but has no idea what an effective dodge would be. So we endupwatching an unintentional comedian take repeated pratfalls, such as suggesting that peoplewho believe sex is binary maybe “want tokill babies that aren’t just XX presenting XX or XY presenting XY,” and that teaching that sex is binary is as inappropriate in aclassroom as debating the prosand cons of interning Japanese people. Perhaps this sounds more coherent if you are fluent in Anthropologese, but to those outside the tribe? Woof. It makes for painful reading, not just because Rouse can’tseem to untangle herfoot from her tonsils, but because she exemplifies someofthe deepest problemswith academia today Rouse comes off as someone who has not talked to anyone outside of academia for along, long time. That can’t actually be true, since she mentions her extensive fieldworkinarural White community. This boast makes it even more disturbing that she is so comically bad at communicating with normalpeople.
Rouse had one job in that interview: to defend theintegrityofher discipline. Shebotched that assignment because the only audience she cared aboutbelieves it has no reason to be defensive. It is the latestinalong line of such errors: the college presidents whofumbled their congressional hearing, the public health experts who issued aget-out-of-lockdown-free pass for GeorgeFloyd protests, and theendless think pieces arguing that reform-
ers who are trying to rebuild trust are quislings handing academia’senemies moreammunition. This inward-focused culture was bred when acollege diploma was a near-guaranteed ticket toagood job, and public faith in academia was high. Academics didn’thave to cater to the public; thepublic had to cater to them. Those days are over,though word does not yet seem to have reached the faculty lounge. Only 50% of Democrats now express much confidence in higher education. Independents are at 39%, Republicans at 23%. The most common reason given for distrusting academia is “political agenda,” closely followed by “cost”and theperception that degrees no longer prepare graduates for theworkforce. Meanwhile, ademographic cliff is hittingenrollments. Academics need to sell thepublic on thevalue of their project. Many people in academia do understand this, including the administrators who commissioned that report Butmany others are still clueless. Even if they grasp, dimly,that somethingisseriously amiss, they do not understand what it will take tofixthe problem They can get away with this in the classroom. They can play those lines for applause at disciplinary conferences. Butinthe world outside, “experts say” no longer works.Academics spent years lending their institutional credibility to various political projects. Now they are reputationally bankrupt. If they don’trepair the damage and convince people to keep writing the checks, many institutions will eventually be financially bankrupt as well. MeganMcArdle is on X, @asymmetricinfo.
Thecaseagainst confirming Todd Blanche
Acongregation turnsonthe pastor of aS.C.church
PAWLEYS ISLAND,S.C. This peaceful coastal community has been swept by atsunamiofoutrage after residents learned about allegations that aconvicted sex offender was allowed to volunteer at achurch that operates adaycare center and school.
The growing scandal and resulting criminal investigation led to the arrests of the registered sex offender and three leaders at Pawleys Island Community Church and Pawleys Island Christian Academy. The GeorgetownCounty Sheriff’sOffice learned about the allegations in the case on July 12 after aparent found Warren Perry,70, listed on asex offender registry
The parent told investigators that Perry was in close proximity to children at the church academy
At arecent newsconference, Georgetown County SheriffCarter Weaver announced that investigators had arrested and brought criminal charges against Perry,whom the children called “Mr.Warren,” according to alawsuit filed against the church and academy.Weaver said former pastor Don Williamsand former academy director Jennifer Nicole “Niki” Howard were each charged with obstruction of justice, unlawfully placing achild at risk and criminal conspiracy.Ginny Williams, the pastor’swifeand former guest services director at the church, wascharged with criminal conspiracy and obstruction of justice. The pastor, his wife and Howard had resigned from their positions days before their arrests. Perry was charged with obstruction of justice and criminal conspiracy and is being held without bond.
Weaver said Perry wascharged by the Georgetown County Sheriff’sOffice in August 2020 with twocounts of sexual exploitation of aminor.InNovember 2023, Perry was found guilty of one of those counts. He was placed on probation forfive years with restrictions on contact with minors.
George Will
What benefit of norms is owed to someone who disdains norms? There are many sufficient reasons to oppose confirming Todd Blanche as attorneygeneral. Presidents generally are owed some deference in selecting Cabinet members, but “some” implies limits, lest the Senate’s advice-and-consentduty be drained of responsibility. And notall presidentsare equally owed. Today’s president is owedlittle, givenhis contempt for the unwritten rules of civility that can lubricate acongenial society’s governance.
Eight days after the 2024 election, Donald Trump set the tone of his second term by announcinghis beau ideal of an attorney general: Rep.Matt Gaetz. This insult lasted eightdays, until Gaetz withdrew as nominee. He had resigned from the House earlier, reportedly to prevent release of the House Ethics Committee’sreport on his alleged drug use and sexualmisconduct, which awoman said included sex with her twicewhen shewas 17 Trump settled for Pam Bondiasattorney general, with Blanche as her deputy.While Blanche was theJustice Department’ssecond-in-command, the U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia, aJustice appendage, sought criminal indictments of six congressional Democrats, all with military or intelligence backgrounds. They had made avideo Made whileTrump’sadministration waskilling people on boats(in international waters) suspected of carrying drugs, the video said what theUniform CodeofMilitary Justice says: Do not obey illegal orders. Agrand jury did something vanishingly rare in criminal cases. It refused to indict thesix. Blanche was acting attorney general when the Justice Departmenttook seriously Seashellgate. His department secured asecond indictment of former FBI director James B. Comey, this time for posting aphotographof shells arranged on abeach to read “86 47”;“86”isslang for “remove.” Trump is the 47th president. Blanche’sDOJ pretended to regard Comey’sinfantile gesture as aprosecutable threat. Republican senators nowhavedemanded Blanche’sassurances that the proposed $1.776 billion slush fund, for compensating persons Trumpdesignates as victims of Biden administration persecution, is dead. But this grift was incubated in Blanche’sDOJ.
ActingAttorney
GeneralToddBlanche talks withreporters after attending ameeting related to survivors of convicted sex offender JeffreyEpstein.
Blanche, who serves at thepleasure of thepresident, signed amemo pledgingthat the IRS is “Forever Barred” from “examinations” of Trump, certain members of his family,the TrumpOrganization and “related or affiliated individuals.” This “negotiated” —try not to snicker —settlement between the presidentand theexecutive branch he heads exemplifies the administration’s sludge of self-dealing.
Trumpsicced Blanche’scompliantJustice Department on Federal Reserve ChairJerome H. Powell, ostensibly aboutfictitious criminality in construction spending, actually to pressure Powell to resign. With Blanche as deputy, then acting, attorney general, the Justice Department (per the Economist) gave courts inaccurate information “nearly 100 times in Mr Trump’s first 14months.” In April, Blanche became acting attorney general when Trumpfired Bondi. “Nobody has any idea why,” said Blanche. Plausiblereports said Trumpconsidered Bondi insufficiently aggressive about prosecuting his enemies Blanchehas said, cloudily,that “some” Justice Department prosecutions “involvemen, women, and entities” that Trump“hashad issues with. …That is hisright, andindeed it is his dutytodo that, meaning, to lead this country.” Blanche said it is “completely false” that the president targets political enemies. Trumpmerely “wants justice.” Blanchesaid he was not “celebrating”
Trump’spardons of almost all the approximately 1,500 Jan. 6rioters when, to agathering of Trumpsupporters, he praised the“generous” pardons as one of the administration’saccomplishments If at most four Republican senators had, in committee or floor votes, behaved as independently as the Founders thought senators would, Bondi, Kristi Noem, Tulsi Gabbard, Pete Hegseth, Robert F. Kennedy Jr.and others would not have been confirmed to offices far above their competences. Children probably have died of measles, and of hepatitis Bpassed from motherstoinfants, because of vaccine hesitancy promoted by Kennedy,who lied when he promised not to indulge in such quackery if confirmed as SecretaryofHealth and Human Services. Now comes Blanche. He received this embarrassingly backhanded endorsement (in the Wall Street Journal) from former attorney general William Barr: Blanche “will run thedepartment as effectively as anyone could under President Trump.”Isthis sufficient reassurance for Republican senators? Or will, at last, anominee trigger their gag reflexes?
Once, when someone noted that Sen. Richard Russell, theGeorgia Democrat, had “served under” six presidents, Russell bristled, saying he “served with” six. It will be apleasant surprise if, concerning Blanche, afew Republican senators becomesimilarly sensitive about those prepositions.
Details regarding whether Perry was an employee or avolunteer are murky,which is significant because state law requires background checks of anyone employed at alicensed childcare facility.Weaver said Perry became“employed” at the Pawleys Island church and academy in amaintenance position shortly after his arrest in 2020. The sheriffdescribed Perry’s role as “what anybody would call employed.” At the newsconference, Weaver displayed twopictures that he said show Perry near children. One of the photos appears to show an adult washing Perry’sfeet with children close by Other allegations makethis story uniquely disturbing: According to alawsuit, the church academy advertised an auction in which children whowon would get to spend aday with one of two maintenance workers, including Perry.Seriously? Aday with asex offender? No wonder parents are on the warpath.
Four lawsuits, including a$25 million classaction complaint, have been filed against the church and its leaders.
At acommunity meeting Williamshosted at his church on July 15, the pastor insisted that Perry wasnever supposed to be alone with children and wasclosely supervised. Members of the packed audience responded that the pastor should be in jail, among other withering suggestions.
Williams’ feeble attempt to quell his congregation’sanger wasalmost comical as he read stiffly from aprepared statement while the crowd roared its disapproval. Their protests were so deafening that you could barely hear the words, but Williamskept reading, as though talking to himself, until the last page. Williams explained that only acore group knew about Perry’sbackground —staff, church leaders and he and his wife. When he talked about the decision not to share “sensitive information” about Perry with teachers and parents, the sanctuary erupted in fury Iguess it’suptoparents to demand proof that all employees and volunteers have clean slates. To find out that asex offender had access to children forsolong wasbreathtaking and heartbreaking forparents. Williamstried to makethe case that, as Christians, his flock should be willing to forgive Perry forhis transgressions. This didn’tgoover well.
Forgiveness is alovely concept and fundamental to the Christian faith. I, too, believe in turning the other cheek most of the time, but some cases tax one’sprinciples more than others. Idrawthe line at children. The sexual predation of children is especially unforgivable given the disparity between achild’sinnocence and the predator’s power.Children trust and look to adults to protect them. The shattering of that trust through sexual exploitation imposes lifelong consequences that warrant astrong sentence. Ilike to think of forgiveness and justice as cellmates. Those whowould knowingly and intentionally harm achild are best forgiven behind bars.
Kathleen Parker is on X, @kathleenparker
Kathleen Parker
ASSOCIATEd PRESS PHOTO By MARIAM ZUHAIB
BR police ‘remainhopeful’insearchfor teen
Offi
cialshaveno
planstohalt landfill operation
BY OLIVIA TEES Staff writer
As the search for Ja’Derrius
Minnieweather’sbody in the Baton Rouge landfill entersits third week, law enforcement officials saidtheyare making significant progress while maintainingthe safety of all personnel involved and have no end date in sight
“At this time, there is no established end date for the operation. The Baton Rouge PoliceDepartment remains committed to continuing the searchand remains hopeful that its objective will be achieved before all available resources have been exhausted,” police said in a statement released Tuesday
As of Monday,crews hadcovered 2,679 square yards of the landfill, about86% of theoriginal 0.64-acre search area, the department said.
During the past three weeks, 1,054 tons of waste have been processed.
“The operationhas continually evaluated and refined its search methods, increasing daily productivity from approximately 90 tons per day to 150 tons per day,” police said. Because the landfill is ahazardous area with needles, glass and potentially hazardous gases lurking below, law enforcement has worked in search party teams to maintain efficiency and safety.
Officials have been searching for the body of Minnieweather,15, in thelandfill since July 13. The teen is presumed dead, andpolice have said they believe his body was dumped in agarbage bin, picked up by agarbage truck and dumped somewhere in the landfill. Since the startofthe search, more than 395 search shifts have beencompleted withanaverage
of 15 people per team across three daily shifts,police say.Eachsearch team is allotted 30 to 45 minutes of active work before itsmembers undergo aperiod of rehabilitation lasting morethan an hour
Therehabilitation includes decontamination from landfill hazards, rehydration, medical evaluationsand putting on personal protective equipment before re-
turning to the search.
Seventy to 80 personnelare requiredeach day, including search teams,logistics, medical support, equipment operators, command staffand numerous support personnel who work behind the scenes to keep the operation running safely and efficiently,police say
The biggest challenges law enforcement has faced during the
search have been weather conditions, including severe heat, available crews, equipment capabilities andenvironmentalconditions of the landfill.
TheBaton Rouge Fire Department and Emergency Medical Services have been at the scene continuously,monitoring thehealthand well-being of all personnel on-site.
The BRPD is the lead agency on the case but has enlisted the help of various federal and local agencies, including specialty teams from the FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, theLouisiana National Guard and the United Cajun Navy
“The United Cajun Navy stands with allofthe agencies andpersonnelinvolved in this operation. We knowthe physical andemotional tollthese missions take, and we remain grateful for every individualwho refuses to give up in the pursuit of truth,” the United Cajun Navysaid in astatement on Facebook.
Minnieweather has been missing since June 5.
Maurice Parms, 51, who was arrested June 20 on afirst-degree murdercount, is accused of dumping the teen’s body in agarbage bin in theearly morning hours on June 5. Thegarbage truck was scheduledtopickupthe trash thatmorning at 6a.m., according to Parms’ arrest warrant.
Police have said Parmshas made no statementorofferedany help to locate Minnieweather’sbody.He remains in theEastBaton Rouge Parish Prisonand is held without bail. His next court date will be on Oct. 15 forabail review hearing. Parmsfaces thepossibilityofthe death penalty if he is convicted of first-degree murder
paperworkused forsales
BY BLAKE LESCHBER
Staff writer
Aman is wanted in Baton Rouge after police sayhe stole vehicles with atow truck and sold them for parts while forgingpaperwork to scrap them.
Matthew Dunn, 35, is wanted on five counts of theft of amotor vehicle, five counts of filing false public records and four counts of forgery,according to awarrant for his arrest. Baton Rouge police of-
Baton Rouge’sRoger Mitchell, standing,center,and Lee Mouk, standing,right, both members of theCajun Navy 2016 contingent, ferry evacuees Isabel Herrera, left, and her husband, John, of Katy,Texas, and their dogs, daisy and Max, on Aug. 29, 2017, in the aftermath of flooding from Hurricane Harvey
STAFF FILE PHOTO By TRAVIS SPRAdLING
BLOTTER
Continued frompage1B
information on this contact it at (33) 948-6516.
Man pleads guilty to false citizenship claim Aman pleaded guilty Thursday to falsely claiming United States citizenship while seeking employment at aMorgan Citybusiness. Eduardo Perez-Calderon, 34, of Mexico, entered his plea in federalcourt. According to court documents, on March26, Immigrationand Customs Enforcement received information from the Morgan CityPolice Department about identification documents submitted by an individual seeking employment at abusinessinMorganCity. The investigation revealed that on Jan. 5, Perez-Calderon completed aUnited States Citizenshipand Immigration Services form and falsely selected the op-
ficers were called on May 14 to the12000 block of La Margie Avenue in response to amotor vehicletheft.
The victim said he last saw his 2010 Nissan Titanat 8a.m then returned about 5:30 p.m. to finditmissing, police documents said. Members of the apartment complexmanagement teamtoldpolice that Dunn said he workedfor thetowingcompany contracted by the complex and he was there to remove abandoned vehicles, police said. Dunn brought the Nissan to aBaton Rouge junkyard, where itwas crushed for recycling, according to the arrest warrant. Policesaid he made $585 in the sale. On July 20, Dunn was ar-
rested on acount related to the May 14 Nissan theft, and a$15,000 bail was set the next day. He wasreleasedaround Saturday, according to the EastBatonRouge Parish Prison database.
Now,policesay Dunn is wanted in fiveothervehicle thefts:
n On April8,aresident reportedhis inoperable vehicle had been stolen from thedriveway of his house. Policesaidthe vehicle was taken to ascrap yard, where Dunn sold it for about $260.
n Baton Rouge police officers weredispatched on May13toanapartment complex in the 12000 blockofLaMargie Avenue,
tion that indicated he was a United States citizen He then signed the document in the name of another individualand provided a falseSocialSecurity number. Perez-Calderon admitted that he madethese misrepresentationsdeliberately andwith the intent to disobey thelaw.Hefaces upto three years infederal prison for the charge and is alsopotentially subject to removal proceedings.
U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Keller forthe WesternDistrict of Louisianaannounced theguilty plea
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wherea ChevroletImpala hadbeen stolen.
n Aman contacted the Baton RougePolice Departmentabout amonth later to report his2004 Ford pickup truck had been stolen. The vehicle hadbeen parkedat achurchinthe 3800 block of Keokuk Street and was last seenonJune 9. When he returned to thelocation on June 12, the pickup was missing.
n On June 22, another person contacted the BRPD, statingshe hadleft her1999 ChevroletC1000 pickup truck in aparking space at her residence in the 2900 block of Lorraine Street becausethe battery was missing. The victim was outoftown June 14-
LAWSUIT
Continuedfrom page1B
Navy 2016 was responding to flooding in Kerr County, Texas, earlier this month. “FRAUD ALERT,” the post begins. “The grifters and scammers are at it again! Agroup identifying as ‘Cajun Navy 2016’ who is NOTauthorized by any EOC (emergency operation center) in Texasisposting copied images to raise money
19 and returned to find the truck gone.
n Officers respondedto thesame location on June 25, where aseparate person stated she left a2009 Chevrolet Equinox forher husband to do maintenance work on it. It waslastseen on the morning of June 25, according to police records. Accordingtoarrestwarrants, during the investigation of the May 14 theft, officers obtained asearch warrant forDunn’stransaction records for aBaton Rouge scrap yard. Records showed Dunn transported these vehicles to the scrap yard and sold them,police said. He did so by submitting fraudulent paperwork that represented him as the legal owner of the vehicles, police sadi. Thefalse bills of salelisted Dunn as the purchaser of the vehicles from an individual named “Kevin King.” Asearch of vehicle registration information showed that King was not the registered owner of the vehicles, police said. Investigators believe thatKing is afake seller made up by Dunn to create false bills of sale and other documents, according to the arrest warrant. Allofthe victims saidthey did not know Dunn or King and did not sell or transfer their vehicles to him for scrap, police said. Dunn told police he “scraps vehicles for aliving,” they said.
pretending to be us. Please be aware, don’t getSCAMMED! WE ARE THE ONLYLEGIT CAJUN NAVY!”
Cajun Navy 2016 said the false statements questioned the organization’s legitimacy,integrityand disaster response efforts. In its online statement, Jon Bridgers, thechiefexecutive officer andfounder of the organization, said, “For years,we’vestayed focused on serving others. Unfortunately, thefalse statements have contin-
ued, and protecting our reputation has become necessary to protect our mission.”
“Whenfloodwaters rise, families don’thave time to sort throughcompeting claims on social media,” Bridgers said. “They need to know whoisactually showing up. Our reputation is one of the mostimportanttoolswehavewhen livesare on theline.” Email Ellyn Couvillionat ecouvillion@theadvocate. com.
SAINTS TRAINING CAMP
“They have the opportunitytocontinue their career withthe Saints and only the Saints.I think that’s really special, and it’smeaningful to them and meaningful to us.”
MICKEy LOOMIS,Saintsgeneral manager,onre-signingveteran stars Alvin Kamara and Cam Jordan
The
Oldguard’s role
BY MATTHEW PARAS Staff writer
To be the team theNew OrleansSaints want to be in 2026, general manager Mickey Loomis is counting on theblack and gold’syoung foundation to take a leap. The executive wasn’tshy about rattling off examples,either.
The Saints want to see cornerback KoolAid McKinstry make yet anotherjump after being pleased by his growth from Year 1toYear 2, Loomis said. New Orleans also wants the cornerback across from McKinstry,Quincy Riley,tobuild on apromising rookieyear.Loomis didn’t even have to mention Tyler Shough as the quarterback’simportance should go without saying.
But for theSaints to finally snap afiveyear playoff drought, Loomis concluded they still need running back Alvin Kamara anddefensive end Cam Jordan, too.
“They have the opportunity to continue their career with the Saints and only the Saints,” Loomis said. “I think that’sreally special, and it’smeaningful to them and meaningful to us.”
Saints running back Alvin Kamara, top, and defensiveend CamJordan, right, give theSaints veteran leadership going into theseason.
In my nearly 25 years as a sports columnistI’ve never done aranking of SoutheasternConference football coaches. But considering new LSU coach Lane Kiffin is one of six SEC coaches in new venues this fall, I thought this was a good time to start. Most of these rankings arebased on achievement, some on expectations, acouple on flipped coins (no, not really). Hardly ascientific quantification, but rankings and opinions arethe greasethat lubricates the American sports engine —especially in the offseason. So, to quote Jackie Gleason, “And away we go …”
Age: 50
Career record: 117-21
1. KirbySmart, Georgia
Hot seat rating (10 hottest, 0coldest): 1
Smart’sBulldogs have lost a little offtheir fastball since backto-back national titles in 2021-22, but Georgia is still the two-time reigning SEC champion and picked to win the SEC again. In an ever more competitive league, Smarthas maintainedalmost Saban-esque levels of success.
2. Lane Kiffin, LSU
Age: 51
Career record: 116-53
Hot seat rating: 1
His early coaching career (Raiders, Tennessee, USC)was aminefield, but Kiffin was 81-32 combined at Florida Atlantic and OleMiss. Hardtobelieve he has the second-most wins of any active SEC coach, but it’strue. Kiffin said he will win anational championship at LSU. He has all the tools to do it.
3. SteveSarkisian,Texas
Age: 52
Career record: 94-55
Hot seat rating: 3 Sarkis35-8 the past three seasons in Austin, but the overall record(48-20) doesn’toverwhelm. I alsocan’tget pasthow the Longhorns plodded through muchof lastseason (10-3) offensively, missing the CFP despite lofty expectations.Thereare no excuses this season forTexas
Just as notable, the Saints will start camp without anymajor drama. While questions over Kamara’sfuturehad lingeredthroughout the offseason, he and NewOrleans seemingly resolved that issue earlier thismonth by agreeing to a pay cut that will keep the Saints’ all-time leading rusher on the roster.Thatdeal came amonth after the Saints brought back Jordan,the franchise’sall-time sacks leader,onaone-year deal.
Anothertraining camp is here as players reported to theSaints’facilityTuesday in advanceofWednesday’sfirst practice. New Orleans begins camp this year with relatively high expectations after last season’s strong finish and optimism around Shough.
The lack of distractions should pave the way for coach Kellen Moore and his staff to focusonfostering the development required for the Saints to take that envisioned leap.
“Anytime there’sdefinition, it allows us to buildplans,” Moore said of the clarity from having thesituations addressed. “It’sthe NFL —there arealways amillion moving pieces. That’sjust inevitable. These rosters are always moving, but
ä See SAINTS, page 2C
BY DAVE CAMPBELL AP pro football writer
EAGAN, Minn. The quarterback position took even more heat and hits— than usual last season around the NFL.
Ill-timedinjuriestoDaniel Jones, PatrickMahomes andBo Nix left their teamsinthe lurch. Joe Burrow,Jayden Daniels and LamarJackson had trouble staying healthy Others once trained as franchise players were eithersidetracked or discarded, as J.J. McCarthy,Kyler Murray, Michael Penix andTua Tagovailoa found themselves on insecure ground.
Training camps always presentafresh start. Jones,Mahomes and Nix have been cleared for full activity,stabilizingorenergizing the huddle in Indianapolis, Kan-
sas City and Denver.Cincinnati, Washington and Baltimoreare plenty happytoturnanewtoBurrow,Daniels and Jackson. Murray (Minnesota) andTagovailoa (Atlanta) flew to new placesfor welcomed scenery changes. After all 32 reset buttons have been pushed, ahandful of teams have reported with varying levels of intrigue and scrutiny surrounding the mostimportant positionon the field. Here’sacloser look at the campswherethere’seither alegitimate competition for the seasonopening starter or ameasure of uncertainty: Browns
SinceCleveland got its NFL team back in 1999, theBrowns have made theplayoffs just three times —and won only one postseason game. There’snoarguing
4. KalenDeBoer, Alabama
Age: 51
Career record: 57-17
Hot seat rating: 4 DeBoer in two years got Bama to the SEC championship game and the CFP.But the fear factor with Alabamafootball is gone. That38-3 thumping by Indiana in the CFP quarterfinals looms
ä See RABALAIS, page 4C
the connection to the perpetually shuffling depth chartatquarterback, with 42 different starters over those 27 years. The latest was Shedeur Sanders, who fell to theBrowns in thefifth roundofthe 2025 draft afterthey’d selected Dillon Gabriel in the third round. Sandersisnow competing for the job with Deshaun Watson, the fallen star whose health problemsand off-the-field trouble have limited him to just 19 games over the last five seasons. Watson last played on Oct. 20, 2024, before an Achilles tendon rupture kept him sidelinedin 2025. Rookie coach Todd Monken had hoped to name astarter by the start of training camp, but the competition will last at least afew moreweeks.
STAFF PHOTO By BRETT dUKE Saints general manager MickeyLoomis speaksabout
Scott Rabalais
RACING
8p.m.
6:30 p.m. N.y.yankees at White Sox MLBN
9:30 p.m. Seattle at L.A. dodgers MLBN MEN’S SOCCER
6:30 p.m. Wrexham AFCvs. Liverpool ESPN
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10 a.m. Washington d.C.ATP/WTATENNIS
9p.m.Los Cabos-ATP TENNIS WNBA
7p.m.Atlanta at dallas USA
9p.m.Golden State at Phoenix CNBC
Saints,Olave stilleyeing extension
BY LUKE JOHNSON Staff writer
Saints notebook
The last major domino of the NewOrleans Saints’ offseason has yet to fall, but it doesn’tmean there isn’tworkbeing done behind the scenes Unless something changes quickly Chris Olave will show up for his fifth training camp Wednesdayenteringthe final yearofhis rookie contract. General manager Mickey Loomis said both the organization and Olave’s representatives are continuing to have talks about along-term deal that will keep OlaveinNew Orleans.
“We’re having alot of discussions,” Loomis said. “We’re just notthere yet. We’re hopeful.” Olave is coming offthe best season of his professional career, posting career-highs in receptions (100), receiving yards(1,163) and receiving touchdowns (nine) on his way to second-team All-Pro honors.
Perhaps most importantly, he matched his career-high in games played (16)after missing nine games in 2024 with aseries of concussions that forced Olave toconsider an early retirement.
He did suffer ablood clot that forced him outofthe lineupfor the Saints’ Week 18 loss to Atlanta, but after missing some of the summer program, Olave has beencleared fortraining camp, Loomis said.
The injury history is a“variable” in contract discussions,Loomis said, but it hasn’tchangedthe Saints’ desire to get anew contract in placefor the young receiver “Wewanttoget it done,” Loomis said. “Chris and his agents, Jason and Drew Rosenhaus,I know they want to get it done.Weall do,but it’sgot to be right for both parties ” NewOrleans could be motivated to get something done before the start of the season so it doesn’t have to keep seeing thebar set higherbynew receiver contracts Olave’scollege teammate, Jaxon Smith-Njigba,signed the richest contract ever for areceiverinthe offseason (four years, $168 million). Eleven receiverscurrently make more than $30 millionannually,and that doesn’tinclude Rams wideout Puka Nacua,who couldsurpass Smith-Njigba’scontract when he signs.
The Saints are also motivated
Continued from page1C
Falcons
Atlanta had abig hand in the offseason quarterbackcarousel, cutting KirkCousins to clearsalarycapspace after two unfulfilling seasons and signingTagovailoa after Miami dumped him andate arecord $99 million in dead money against the cap.
Cousins’ status immediately got complicatedwhen theFalcons drafted Penix eighth overallin 2024, and the situation grew murkier last year when Penix torethe ACLinhis left knee.
Penix had not yet been cleared forfull-team work when the Falcons were last on the fieldatminicamp, so health and experience make Tagovailoa the front-runner for the job, though new coach
SAINTS
Continued from page1C
STAFF PHOTO By dAVId GRUNFELd
Saints wide receiver Chris Olave,left, scores atouchdownagainst Newyork Jets safety dean Clark during a game at theCaesars Superdome on dec.21.
because they see Olave as afoundational piece
“Chris has been as enthusiastic andoptimistic as anyone,” Loomis said. “So Ireallyappreciatethe way he’sconducted himself.And that’s not just this year; it’severy year with Chris.”
Rookie readytogo
Jordyn Tyson spentmostofthe offseason program watching from the sidelines, but it sounds like that is about to change.
The Saintsstill will monitor Tyson closelyand manage his workload intrainingcamp, but he will be out there playing with the rest of histeammateswhencamp opensWednesday
“I think we’llsee him play football tomorrow,” coach Kellen Moore said.
Tyson endured several injuries throughout hiscollege career at Colorado and Arizona State, the latest being ahamstring injury that limited him to nine games in 2025. That injury lingered through the pre-draft process, and Loomis said Tuesday that Tysonsuffered a “recurrence” of the injury before the Saints selectedhim.
He participated in the first day of rookieminicamp butwas then held outofteam drills for the re-
Kevin Stefanski has declared this an open competition.
Vikings
McCarthy struggled with consistency and injuries that further hindered hisopportunities to learn andimproveinhis debut with the Vikings lastseason, so the club reopened the search this year and found Murray available for the veteran’sminimum salary
TheVikings have not given up on McCarthy,the 10thoverall pick in the2024 draft,and they’ll split turns with the first-team offense at leastfor the earlystage of trainingcamp. ButifMurray is healthy after spraining his foot last season and missing timebetween 2022-23 to recover from knee surgery,he’s theclear favorite.
Cardinals
After moving on from Murray, theCardinals landed on this short
mainder of the summer
While Mooredidn’texplicitly say Tyson would go through competitive periods thisweek,hedid sayTyson has “done an awesome job through this wholeprocess” andthathewould ramp up with the rest of his teammates toward the first padded practice on Aug. 3.
Saints director of sports science TedRath has devisedmuchofthe plan for Tyson to this point,giving the team signals forwhentopush the rookie and when to back off.
“Onething I’ve discovered in the last season wasTed Rath knows hisstuff,”Loomissaid.“So we’re going to rely on himand (directorofsportsmedicine Ben Stollberg and head athletic trainer Shone Gipson)interms of managing (Tyson) through this early part of training camp.”
Transaction
The Saints made one roster move Tuesday,signing cornerback MikeReid and waiving Beanie Bishop
The 6-foot-2,200-pound Reid signed with the Carolina Panthers as an undrafted free agent last season.Hespentthe campaignwith both the Panthersand Seahawks practice squads, then re-signed with Carolina this offseason before his recent release.
list of quarterback uncertainty —until satisfying veteran frontrunner JacobyBrissett with anew contract and formalizing his place atop the depth chart on Sunday. Fellow journeyman Gardner Minshewand third-round draft pick Carson Beck are waiting behind him in case asignificant injury or costly interceptions were to give new coach Mike LaFleur pause at somepoint this season.
Brissett, who’sinhis 11th year in the NFL, started12games last season after Murray’sinjury.After switchingteams five times in fiveyears, Brissett has stayed put forthe first time since afourseason stint withIndianapolis. He was the starter for the Colts in 2017 and2019. Minshew, who’s on hissixth team in eight years in the league,was theprimary starterfor the Coltsin2023 after replacingthen-rookie Anthony Richardson.
Bishop joinedthe Saintsmidway throughlast season after the Steelers cut him. He was facing an NFL suspension to startthe season after the league found he violated its policy on substance abuse.
Injury updates
Loomis said Tuesday afternoon that the team was placing receiver Mason Tipton and defensive lineman Keeshawn Silver on the physically unable to perform list (PUP), while rookie defensivetackle Zxavian Harris will begin camp on the nonfootball injury list dating back to acollege injury.Loomis also said rookie tight end Cody Hardy failed the conditioning test, which will keep him offthe field.
Loomis said none of thoseplayers are likelytomisssignificant time.
Playerswho begin camp on the active PUP list are eligible to return at any time, andthey continue to count against the 90-man roster limit.
Notably,this group does not include running back Kendre Miller, whoisaiming to return from a torn ACLthat prematurely ended his 2025 season after eight games.
Email Luke Johnsonat ljohnson@theadvocate.com.
Raiders
The best long-term outlookofthe group clearly belongs to LasVegas aftertaking Heisman Trophy and national championship winner FernandoMendoza with the first pick in the draft. TheRaiders under new head coach Klint Kubiak also brought in asturdy bridge to that bright futurebysigning Cousinsto help ease the rookie in Cousins is on top of thedepth chart to start camp and the favorite to lead theLas Vegasoffense in theopener,which would stop astreak of six straight quarterbacks drafted No.1overall starting their season opener —following Cam Ward, Caleb Williams, Bryce Young, Trevor Lawrence, Joe Burrowand Murray.Baker Mayfield in 2018 with theBrowns was the last quarterback who didn’tstart hisfirst gameasthe first overall pick.
Vikings sign veteran Adams to bolster defense EAGAN,Minn. The Minnesota Vikings signed 10th-year veteran Jamal Adams to bolster their depth at the beginning of training camp on Tuesday,adding asafetyturned-linebacker with pass-rushing skill for defensive coordinator Brian Flores to work with. Adams,aformer LSU player, was thesixth overall pick in the 2017 draft, made three Pro Bowls and wasanAll-Pro in 2019 with the NewYork Jets. He has been an excellent blitzer who set the NFL season recordfor sacks by adefensive back (91/2)in2020 after being traded to the Seattle Seahawks.Injuries have derailed him since then, with Minnesota becoming his fifth team in four years. Adams severely tore his quadricepsinthe 2022 season opener in Seattle.
Eagles settomakeCarter highest-paid DT in NFL
PHILADELPHIA The Philadelphia Eagles areset to make two-time Pro Bowl selection Jalen Carter the highest-paiddefensive tackle in NFL history,aperson with knowledge of the deal told TheAssociated Press on Tuesday
TheEagles andCarterannounced that they agreed to terms on afouryear extension through the 2031 season.
Carterwas runner-up forthe AP Defensive Rookieofthe Year award in 2023 to Houston Texans defensive end Will Anderson. He has 13½ sacks in 43 career games —hemissed three games lastseason with injuries. Carter earned Pro Bowl selections for the 2024 and 2025 seasons. TheEagles have re-signed two of their top young defensive tackles this offseason, including Jordan Davis.
49erscoachShanahan takes blame for carcrash SANTACLARA, Calif. San Francisco 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan took the blamefor the car crash that left him withaconcussion and other injuries, saying he took his eyes offthe road to reach for his fallen cellphone before hitting another vehicle.
Shanahancrashedintoa21-yearold womandriving in the other direction in Palo Alto on July 14 and was leftwith aconcussion, broken ribs,a broken nose,a broken left hand andstitches foralarge cut above his right eye. Shanahan was briefly hospitalized after thecrash while the other driver suffered minor injuries and did not need to be hospitalized.
Shanahan has been unable to run the team or practice since training camp started on Saturday
Forward Green signs 1-year extension with Warriors
SAN FRANCISCO DraymondGreen has agreed to aone-year,$27.7 million deal to return to theGolden StateWarriors, aperson familiar with the decision told TheAssociated Press on Tuesday Green will signthe contract that essentiallymatches the deal he opted out of lastmonth before the Warriors made an unsuccessful bid to signLeBronJames,the person said. Green is now set to play his 15th season with the Warriors and if he plays in 51 games he will joinStephen Curry as the only playersin franchise history to appear in at least1,000 contests.
Golden State last wonthe title in 2022 and hasn’tmade it past the second round of the playoffs since then.
Zidane takes charge of Frenchnational team
Cam, Alvin, they’re reallytalented players and they meana lotto this organization.” Those pieces, as Moore said, continuetomove. The Saints have yet to reach along-termextension with star wide receiverChris Olave.Rookie wide receiverJordynTyson’sworkload is expected to be carefully managed after he was limited by amonthslong hamstring injury.There willbe other issues that pop up between now and the regular season. But Moore and Loomis gladly will embrace the expectations,
with eachacknowledging they’d rather there be apositive outlook than anegativeone. The latter wasthe case ayear ago when the Saintswere routinelyprojected to be the league’s worst teamduringMoore’sfirst season. New Orleans, even at 6-11, defied those projections and has since become atrendy pick to be oneofthe NFL’s most improved teams.
experiencing thekind of turnaround that has becomecommon in the league.
“Welike expectations,”Loomis said. “I want our guys, and Iwant us to have expectations that we want to meet. But we can’tlet the expectations interfere withthe process. We’vegot alot of guys thatwe’re optimistic about. But they still have to perform. They have to get better
sumes, noting they have a“positive influence” on the roster. Loomis alsosaid they can still contribute on thefield —evenif thatcould be in reduced roles Jordan, despite coming off a101/2sack season, will have to carve out timeinarotation.
Kamara likely will seefewer snaps because of Travis Etienne’s signing.
PARIS Moments after being announced as France’snew coach on Tuesday, Zinedine Zidane clenched his fists and his usually measured voicetrembled alittle.
“I’m excited,” he said. “The France team makes you dream. We have extraordinary players, an extraordinary team.”
Zidane coached Real Madrid until leavingin2021. He replaces Didier Deschampsatthe helm of the Franceteam he ledtogloryasarguably its greatest ever player FrenchFootball Federationpresident Philippe Diallo announced Zidane’sappointmentatthe FFF headquarters in Paris on Tuesday,saying he hasbeen givena 4-yearcontract Diallo called thehiringofZidane “an exceptional moment,” callingZidane“oneofthe legendsof Frenchsoccer.” On TV
Colin Cowherd of Fox Sports said he believes the Saints will be a“nine-to-10-win” team. ESPN’s Mina Kimeshas been bullishon Shough, particularly believing in hisconnection with Olave and Tyson. And the Saints often have been mentionedasa team that could go from“worst to first,”
“Andour coaches andmyself, all of our building, we have to createanenvironment where they can getbetterand helpthem to do that.”
Thatenvironment also explains why the Saints wantedKamara and Jordantostick around. Loomispointed to each of theirre-
Loomis said he talked with both players about expectations before their deals were reached.
“These guys have alot left in the tank,” Loomis said. “It’supto us to put them in positions that we can take advantage of that.”
EmailMatthew Paras at matt. paras@theadvocate.com
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Offense
WR dwayne Batiste (6-1, 165, Jr.)
WR Jayden Jenkins (5-11, 155, Sr.)
TE Hayes Swain (6-3, 235, Sr.)*
LT d’myrie Clay (6-2, 275, Sr.)
LG Eli Bolivar (6-0, 265, Jr.)
C Grigore Roman (6-2, 250, Jr.)
RG Evan dulaney (6-1, 275, Sr.)*
RT Jamari Perkins (6-2, 315, Jr.)*
QB Richmond Saunier (6-3, 200, Sr.)*
RB Jaden Celestine (5-10, 185, Sr.)
RB Jaiden Portalis (5-7, 170, Jr.)
Defense
dE Larry Vallier (6-4, 230, Sr.)
dT Jovontre Robertson (6-1 315, Jr.)
dE Amore Shelvin (6-2, 235, Jr.)
dT Javien Williams (5-11, 230, So.)*
LB Bryson Lee (5-11, 180, Jr.)*
LB Grant Sliman (5-10, 175, Sr.)
LB Clark Griffen (5-10, 170, So.)*
CB Jordan Portalis (5-7, 170, Jr.)
CB Owen dozier (5-10, 170, Jr.)*
SS Kyle Savoy (5-10, 170, Jr.)* FSAmonteeAbraham (5-10,170,Sr.)*
* RETURNING STARTER
COACHES
Head coach: Stephen Hearen (28-18)
Assistant coaches: Beau Badon (OLBs/dC), Sam Taulli III (ILBs), Landon Ward (d-line), Hunter Welch (offensive backfield/ST coordinator), Andrew Menard (O-line) Brad Bergeron (O-line),Todd Noel (O-line), Hunter Sims (d-line/ST coordinator), Johnathon Edmond (dBs), Mike Revere (kickers),Aaron Woods (RBs), Marcques Lewis (dBs), Romelo Joseph (WRs), Sam Taulli (QBs), darryl Johnson (d-line), Cole Cooper (LBs).
What we know
Lafayette High’s offensive success will start with the running game, as the Lions are equipped with one of the best backfields in the area. Not only do the Lions return quarterback Richmond Saunier but also added two Comeaux High transfers to their backfield, including one of the best running backs in the state in Jaden Celestine along with Jaiden Portalis.
“It’s great to have Richmond back,” Lions coach Stephen Hearen said. “I can’t say enough good things about him. He’s a steady presence for us on offense. Having Richmond is like having a coach inside the huddle.”
With the Spartans, Celestine rushed for 1,648 yards and 24 touchdowns, leading Comeaux to its first non-losing season since 2019.
“Jaden hasn’t been with us long, but he has shown great leadership and he has a great work ethic,” Hearen said. “He’s a dynamic ball carrier Last year, he got a lot of yards after contact.”
The Lions’ lofty offensive expectations aren’t based solely on the talent they possess in the backfield. Their offensive line is also expected to play an instrumental role in their ability to move the football.
“We don’t only feel good about our ball carriers,” Hearen said “We feel really good about our offensive line, also. We have a lot of potential upfront, but potential is only good on paper Nobody cares about our potential.”
The Lions have only two returning starters upfront in senior right guard Evan Dulaney and junior right tackle Jamari Perkins, but Hearen is excited about a unit that also includes senior left tackle D’myrie Clay, and juniors Eli Bolivar at left guard and Grigore Roman at center
“We want to establish the running game,” Hearen said. “If you can run the football, it makes every aspect of your offense better You’re able to be more versatile.”
Defensively, the Lions have talent, and they ex-
pect that side of the football to be the strength of the team because of the experience they return.
The defense is led by junior defensive backs Kyle Savoy, who was the leading tackler last year, and Owen Dozier, and sophomore defensive tackle Javien Williams.
What we don’t know
While there’s no question about which players will spearhead the rushing attack, it’s a little different when it comes to the passing game.
Saunier returns under center for the Lions, but he will have a new cast of receivers after losing his top three targets from last season to graduation.
“The biggest question mark on our team is the new faces that we’ll have at receiver,” Hearen said. “Our wide receivers are all new, so we’re going to need those guys to come in and gain some confidence.”
Hearen believes the Lions have a host of talented players on the perimeter but they are lacking in experience.
The receivers will be led by senior Jayden Jenkins and junior Dwayne Batiste.
“We don’t lack talent at the receiver position,” Hearen said. “We are lacking experience. We have six to eight guys that we feel really good about. It’s a great group, and I think the ceiling is high for those guys.”
How we see it
Hearen isn’t one to make predictions, but the second-year coach is thrilled about his team’s outlook
Like most teams, staying healthy is going to be paramount. If the Lions are able to live up to expectations in the running game and get their receivers to be consistent threats on the perimeter Lafayette should be in contention for the playoffs.
“Our goal is to be a week better a week at a time,” Hearen said. “Everybody wants to win. There’s no one in the state that doesn’t want to win. If we can stay healthy I think we can be a really good football team.”
Eric Narcisse
Richmond Saunier QB, 6-3, 200, Sr. Saunier has shown the ability to affect the game as both a passer and runner Saunier is a strong and physical runner who has the arm strength to make all of the throws in the passing game.
Kyle Savoy SS, 5-10, 170, Jr. A three-year starter for the Lions, Savoy is one of the most experienced defenders on the team. He has good recognition skills, is good in coverage and has proven to be a great tackler
Javien Williams DT, 5-11, 230, So. Williams, who plays with a low center of gravity is a disruptive force along the defensive line. He is quick off the snap and often overpowers opposing offensive linemen with his strength.
Jaden Celestine RB, 5-10, 185, Sr. Celestine, who is one of the best running backs in the state, runs with great balance.The former Comeaux star is a threat to score any time he touches the football.
Owen Dozier-George CB, 5-10, 170, Jr. dozier, who is in his second year starting, is a great athlete.The veteran defensive back not only is strong in coverage but also isn’t afraid to come up and make a tackle in run support.
Savoy
Williams
Celestine
Dozier-George
STAFF PHOTO By ERIC NARCISSE
Lafayette High defensive standouts include, from top left, Bryson Lee, Clark Griffen, Owen dozier-George and Grant Sliman, and from bottom left, Amontee Abraham Kyle Savoy and Javien Williams.
Hearen
Cane Cuttershopetoremainhot at home
Acadianafacing Lake Charlesinbest-of-3
BY MIKE COPPAGE
Contributing writer
There has been no place like home for the Acadiana Cane Cutters. With a24-21 overall record, Acadiana posted a16-7 record at Fabacher Field in Youngsville this summerinthe Texas Collegiate League,whichbegan postseason playTuesday with apairof bestof-three series. Although the Cane Cutters traveled to Lake Charles(27-19) in Game 1onTuesday,the series will resume in Youngsville at 7p.m. Wednesday.IfGame 3is neces-
series
sary, it also would take place at Fabacher Field
“We’ve been good at home,” Cane Cutterscoach Darien Dukes said.
“You’reable to get away (pitching) with alot of stuff at Fabacher that youcan’tatother places. The ball doesn’tfly(as far) here.”
TheCane Cutters went 7-3 to finish the regular season, which they capped with two wins at home over the Sherman Shadowcats
“We’re inagood place, attitudewise,” Dukes said. “We’ve been able to rest when needed. The bullpenwill be fresh. We have plenty of arms.” Jacob Bakerreceivedthe start
Tuesday.Inhis last start, Baker (1-1, 1.98 ERA, 13 strikeouts in 132/3 innings) threw fiveshutout innings with seven strikeouts.
“He’sjust astrikethrower,” Dukes said. “(His) fastball runs fromthe upper80s to low90s. He gives you good, quick innings.”
Dukes isn’tsure who will start Game 2, which will offer free admission courtesyofCoushatta Casino. Bullpens throw the bulk of theinnings in theTexas Collegiate League, and theCane Cuttershave astable of arms.
“Jack Halbrook cameinand emerged as our second-half closer to replace Jack Howell (0.61 ERA in first half of season),” Dukes said. “Wefeel good if we can get him theball in the eighth inning.”
Additional relievers who will be on callinclude J.B. Landrum, RyanUrsery and WesPritchard, whothrewthreeinnings with eight strikeoutsinarecent win.
“Wes has unbelievable stuff but hadbeen struggling,” Dukes said.
“He’scoming off TommyJohnsurgery.Hewas so excitedthe other nightbecause everything clicked.
He figured outhis release point.”
Easton LeBlanc, Jack Jones and KannonDempsey allhave been comingout of the bullpen.
Theoffense is powered by the league’s besthitter in AidanEshelman, whoisbatting .417 with 13 doubles, two triples and has one of the team’ssix homers in the wooden bat league.
“Eshelman has kept an incred-
ible pace,” Dukes said.
“With him and third baseman Ethan Espricueta, you know what you’re going to get —a tough, grind-it-out at-bat.”
McCann Libbey,who is hitting .318 in 11 games, produced three hitsand five RBIs in an 8-2 win over Sherman.Kennedy Leggett hadtwo doublesand two RBIs in the other win, which was5-1.
The Cane Cutters boastthe TCL’s best batting average (.265),and their pitchers have been the toughest in the league to hit (.232) with the second-best ERA. On the other side of the bracket, Victoria (30-18) will face Brazos Valley (24-21). The championship will be decided by asingle game.
large.He got acontractextension in April, but that won’tmean much if Alabama stumbles.
5. Mike Elko,Texas A&M
Age: 49 Career record: 35-16 overall Hot seat rating: 2
When the Aggies routedLSU 49-25inOctober,they looked like thenation’sbest team. Then came November,rallying to beat South Carolina31-30 after a30-3 halftime deficit, a27-17 loss at Texas and10-3 home loss to Miami in theCFP.Elko faces promise and peril going forward.
6. ClarkLea,Vanderbilt
Age: 44
Career record: 26-36
Hot seat rating: 0 Few SEC coaches haveseen their credibility make abigger one-year leap than Lea last season. If Vandy was Texas, the 10-2 Commodores would havebeen in the CFP.Lea’s job is safer than safe, but the questionremains: Canhekeep winning without quarterback Diego Pavia?
7. BrentVenables, Oklahoma
Age: 55 Career record: 32-20 Hot seat rating: 3
Venables guided the Sooners to theCFP after two 6-7 seasons in his first three in Norman. Venables turned the temperature way down, but with quarterback John Mateer returning and a stellar defense, there are no excuses foranother downturn in 2026.
8. EliDrinkwitz,Missouri
Age: 43 Career record: 58-30 overall
Hot seat rating: 3 Drinkwitz has made Mizzou aconsistent winner.Thatsaid, Drink is 0-16 against SEC teams with winning records, and his record has gone from 11-2 in 2023 to 10-3to8-5.Missouri fans don’texpect national titles, but they maytireofjust being pretty good.
9. Pete Golding, OleMiss
Age: 42 Career record: 2-1
Hot seat rating: 1 The Hammond nativewent 2-1 in the CFP,but was that becaue of post-Kiffin momentum or his handiwork? Golding must prove he can run aprogram 24/7, 365 days. His hot seatratinggoes up enormouslyifhedoesn’t beat YouKnow-WhoonSept.19inOxford.
10.Jon Sumrall, Florida
Age: 44 Career record: 43-12 Hot seat rating: 1
Sumrall won at Tulane and Troy in brief two-year bursts. It’snot his fault, but his resumeisawfully Billy Napier-ish at this point Also not his fault, but Floridahas chewed up four coaches since Urban Meyer leftGainesville in 2010.
11.JoshHeupel, Tennessee
Age: 48 Career record: 73-28 overall Hot seatrating: 5 The bloom hascome offthe Heupelrose since an 11-2record andOrange Bowl appearance in 2022. He’s gone 4-4inSEC play three times, including this past season, and Tennesseehasn’t made the SEC title game since 2007. It’s50-50 whether Heupelis back in 2027.
12.AlexGolesh, Auburn
Age: 42
Career record: 23-15
Hot seatrating: 1 Golesh was Tennessee’splaycallerin2022. His up-tempo offensesand modest success in three years at South Florida got him this job. Fans are starving forawinneratAuburn after five straight losing seasons, but it may take time.
13.Shane Beamer,So. Carolina
Age: 49 Career record: 33-30
Hot seatrating: 10 The sight of Beamer pumping
his arms to the South Carolina section up 30-3 at halftime at TexasA&M is hardtoshake. It’s winorgohome forBeamer,who showed howdirethings areby bringing in Kendal Briles and his baggage to be the team’soffensive coordinator
14.RyanSilverfield, Arkansas
Age: 45 Career record: 50-24
Hot seatrating: 0
Silverfield won every year at Memphis. But resurrecting Arkansas, which the athletic director said isn’tset up to win anational title, isn’teasy.Silverfield is 5-1againstcurrent SEC coaches, but this is afull-time SEC gig now.
15.JeffLebby,MississippiState
Age: 42
Career record: 7-18
Hot seatrating: 8 Lebby is Mississippi State’s sixth head coach since 2017, a string that includes Mike Leach’s untimely death in 2022. A1-15 conference mark doesn’tgive Lebby much leeway if this season goes south.
16.Will Stein, Kentucky
Age: 36 Career record: 0-0
Hot seatrating: 0 Stein returns to his home state after three seasons as the Oregon offensive coordinator,but he’s
Eggplant flatbreads tastelike summer
BY GRETCHEN McKAY Pittsburgh Post-Gazette (TNS)
As locally grown produce fills farmersmarkets, there’snever beenabetter time to embrace seasonal eating.
One favorite summer option, thankstoits neutral flavorand aspongy texture that turns creamywhen cooked, is eggplant. Technically afruit, the dark purple globes and more slenderJapanese variety can be fried, bakedand/or grilled. It works just as well as aheadliner in eggplant parm as it does in supporting roles —say,a stirfry or curry or seasonalsummer stew like ratatouille Eggplant provides both soluble and insoluble fiber,and one cup has only 20 calories. It’salso rich in antioxidants that promotehealthy aging and support youroverall immune system
PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE/
GRETCHENMcKAy
TNS PHOTO By
Cheesy Eggplant Flatbread
If you, like me, swearthisis the year you’re actually going to getthe fivedaily servings of fruits and vegetables recommended by theDepartment of Agriculture,eggplant is agreat placetostart. Especiallyifyou do something fun with it, like turn slicesinto aflatbread for sandwiches
ä See FLATBREAD, page 6C
Thebig scoop!
BY JOANNABROWN
It’s asteamy summer in Lafayette andthe surrounding area, the time of year when having acool place to retreat indoorsismore than worth afew extra calories. The communityishome to several old-fashioned ice cream parlors and sweets shops that are the perfect retreat in the summer months. From classic icecream cones to smooth, creamy gelatos, the area hasseveral spotstochoosefrom —and many thatoffercoffees, shakes or maltsaswell.
Candyland Cottage in Scott is a unique destinationthatwelcomes travelers right off the interstate, as well as locals stopping in to stock up on retro candies,fudge and ice cream —and year-round Christmas decor kept up by animated elves.
Other local spots like Sunday’s Soda Fountain and Twin’sBurgers and Sweets in Lafayette offer family-friendly meals alongside their ice cream offerings,such as burgers,hot dogs, loaded fries and grilled cheese.
Lafayette is also home to thelast Borden’sice cream parlor,scoopingupmalts, banana splits,sundaes, sherbet freezes andother old-fashionedtreats forpeoplewho are looking foranostalgic experience. It’sa great place to bring the
kids, but if you’d rather bring your laptop andget alittlework done, Rêve Coffee Lab in River Ranch hasplentyofseating, abustling vibe and alittle ice cream counter for asweet treat to go with acappuccino.
With plenty of ice cream options to choose from, my favorite stop in thearea might be Carpe Diem Cafe&Wine Bar,knownfor its gelato counter with arotating mixof flavors.
Gelato uses less cream than ice cream and no eggs, and it is churned slowly forasmooth, rich consistency where the flavors really shine. BiscoffisCarpe Diem’s mostpopular flavor,and nutty options like pistachio stracciatella and caramel almond espresso are also big sellers, according to employee Kallyn Clark.
Iwentfor adouble scoop with peanut butter Oreo and chocolate lavender gelato on arecent visit, whichpaired perfectlywith asmoothshot of espresso (trying this combo as an affogato, or gelato
For this hand-held sandwich, Ispread the cheesy eggplant crust with acouple tablespoons of jarred basil pesto, then filled it with asavory mix of sauteed cherry tomato, onion and garlic. Ialso added afew thin slices of jamón serrano, aSpanishdrycure hamwitha mild,salty flavor. When Itexted apicture to my daughter,Olivia, shesuggestedthe sandwich would benefit from some sort of dipping sauce; Icountered that would make it too messy for adesk ä See ICE CREAM, page 6C
OlivierPucheu, 2, takes abig bite of ice cream fromhis mother,Sarah, at Moncus Park on July20, 2025, in Lafayette. | STAFF FILE PHOTO By BRAd KEMP
STAFF PHOTO By JOANNA BROWN Gelato from Carpe diem Cafe & Wine Bar at 812 Jefferson St.
BEST
Continued from page5C
Kheer.Ofthe three, the Badaami Kheer,acreamy almond-infused rice pudding with saffron and cardamom, was my favorite —Joy Holden, features reporter Fried chicken dinner n Chicken Shack, 413 N. Acadian Highway,Baton Rouge
After writing about different local chefs’favorite fried chicken in Baton Rouge, Idecided it was time to visit my favorite spot.
On the way home from work, Istopped at Chicken Shack and orderedthe twopiece dinner,which has fried chicken, two sides (I picked potato salad and mac and cheese) and aroll.
Iopened the plate and realizedthey gave me an extra piece of chicken, which may not have been intentional, but hey,awin is awin! Idoveinand, y’all, this hitall the right spots. This longtime Baton Rougestaple was ataste of comfort after along day of work,and Ithink that’s whyIlove Chicken Shack so much.
—MaddieScott, features reporter
Meatball stew
n Gravy, 107 E. Main St., Lafayette
With no shortage of spots to get adelicious plate lunch in the Lafayette area, somehow,rice and gravy still never getsold.
Gravy,anew plate lunch restaurant from the restaurateurs behind Pamplonain downtown Lafayette, offers their own spin on an Acadiana classic witharich, tasty meatball stew,side of savory collards and aspicy, mustardy potatosalad that brings an elevated flavor to thetender meatballs (yes, when it comes to aplate lunch, the foods mix on my fork).
Come hungry,and ideally, bring afriend —Gravy’s daily plates include meatball stew,stickychicken, beef debris and smothered sausage, and you’ll want to tryatleast acouple.
—Joanna Brown staff writer
Cheesy Eggplant flatbread
Makes 1largewrap. Recipe is from GretchenMcKay,PittsburghPost-Gazette 1largeeggplant, thinly sliced Sea salt 2cups shredded mozzarella or mozzarella-Parmesan mix cheese, divided Oil, for drizzling 1cup halved cherry tomatoes ½small red onion, thinly sliced 1or2garlic cloves, finely minced 2tablespoons homemade or jarred basil pesto
1ounce thinly sliced ham, such as jamón serrano Fresh basil leaves
1. Line abaking sheet with parchmentpaper and preheat oven to 425 F.
2. Sprinkleeggplantslices liberally withsalt, and allow to sitfor 10-15minutes on a cutting board or other prep surface to draw out the water Pat dry with apaper towel.
3. To prepared pan,add a thin layerofshredded moz-
FLATBREAD
Continued from page5C
lunch. Then again, my sister ate one of the halves with a knife and fork, so maybe it’s
By The Associated Press
Today is Wednesday, July 29, the 210th day of 2026. There are 155 days left in the year
Todayinhistory:
On July 29, 1967, an accidental rocket launch on the deck of the supercarrier USS Forrestal in the Gulf of Tonkin resulted in afire and explosions that killed 134 service members.
Also on this date:
In 1836, thenewly completed ArcdeTriomphe was inaugurated in Paris.
In 1858, theUnited States and Japan signed theHarris Treaty,formalizing diplomatic relations and trading rights between the two countries.
In 1890, artist Vincent van Gogh, 37, died of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound in Auvers-surOise, France.
In 1914, transcontinental telephone service in the U.S. became operational with the first testconversation between New York and San Francisco.
In 1921, AdolfHitler became theleader of the National SocialistGerman Workers’ (Nazi)Party
In 1954, thefirst volume of JRR Tolkien’snovel “The Lordofthe Rings”
ICE CREAM
Continuedfrom page5C
topped withespresso, is especially delightful). Some of Carpe Diem’sunique gelatoflavors available this summer haveincluded Thai tea, s’mores, Almond Joy, almond and EarlGrey, and lavender honey
“Wehave 70-plus flavors, and we’re always coming up with newones,” Clark said. “The combos are just experiments, happy accidents. We think aboutwhat kind of flavorsgotogether in baking or cocktails or cooking, and go for that.”
(“The Fellowship of the Ring”) waspublished.
In 1958, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed the National Aeronautics and Space Act, creating NASA.
In 1981, Britain’sPrince Charles married Lady Diana Spencer in aglittering ceremony at St. Paul’s Cathedral in London. (They divorced in 1996.)
In 1986, afederal jury in NewYork found that the National Football League had committed an antitrust violation against the rival United States Football League, but the jury ordered the NFLtopay token damages of just $3.
In 1994, abortion opponent Paul Hill shot and killed Dr.John Bayard Britton and Britton’sescort, James H. Barrett, outside the Ladies Center clinic in Pensacola, Florida.
In 1999, aformer day trader,apparently upset over stock losses, opened fire in twoAtlanta brokerage offices, killing nine people and wounding 13 before shooting himself; authorities said Mark O. Barton had also killed his wife and two children.
In 2016, former suburban Chicago police officer Drew Peterson was givenanaddi-
If you’re planning an ice cream outing in Lafayette before summer ends, check outthese area shopsoffering an indoor cafe experience with icecream, coffees,shakesand othersweet treats: n Andy’s Frozen Custard,2301 KalisteSaloom Road,Lafayette, and 2908 E. Milton Ave., Youngsville n BaskinRobbins,4807 Johnston St Lafayette,and 1911 Chemin Metairie Parkway, Youngsville n Borden’sIce Cream Shoppe, 1103 Jefferson St., Lafayette n Candyland Cottage&Ice Cream Shoppe,109 Benoit Patin Road, Scott n Carpe Diem Cafe &Wine Bar,
tional 40 years in prison for trying to hire someone to kill the prosecutor who put him behind bars for killing his third wife
In 2021, anewly arrived Russian science lab briefly knocked the International Space Station out of position whenitaccidentally fired its thrusters. For 47 minutes, the space station lost control of its orientation whenthe firing occurred after docking, altering akey position for communications and for getting power from its solar panels. Today’sbirthdays: Former Sen. Nancy KassebaumBaker is 94. Former Sen. Elizabeth H. Doleis90. Artist Jenny Holzer is 76. Documentary filmmaker KenBurns is 73. Style guru TimGunn is 73. Rock singer-musician Geddy Lee (Rush) is 73. Rock singer Patti Scialfa (Bruce Springsteen and the EStreet Band) is 73. Actor Alexandra Paul is 63. Country singer Martina McBride is 60. Actor Wil Wheaton is 54. R&B singer Wanya Morris (Boyz II Men) is 53. Actor Stephen Dorffis53. Actor Josh Radnor is 52. Hip-hop DJ/ music producer Danger Mouse is 49. NFLquarterback DakPrescott is 33.
812 Jefferson St., Lafayette n Emmy’s IceCream Bar,481 Albertson’sParkway,Broussard n MarbleSlab Creamery,3500 N.E. EvangelineThruway Lafayette, and2018 Chemin Metairie Parkway, Youngsville n Reve Coffee Lab River Ranch, 1042 Camellia Blvd., Lafayette n Sunday’sSoda Fountain,431 Jefferson St., Lafayette n Twin’s Burgers and Sweets, 2801 Johnston St., Lafayette n Yogurtland,104 E. Kaliste Saloom Road, Lafayette. Email Joanna Brown at joanna.brown@ theadvocate.com.
zarella. Laythe eggplantslices on top of cheeseinrows, overlaying the edges slightly, to form asolid rectangle. (I used12slices ofeggplant.)
4. Topwith remaining shredded mozzarella, then bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden and bubbling.
5. While eggplant is baking, drizzle alittle oil in a saute pan and, when it sizzles, add cherry tomatoes, redonion and garlic. Cook, tossing occasionally,until tomatoes burst and onion softens, then set aside.
6. Remove from ovenand allow to cool slightly,then lay another sheet of parchment paper on top,and flip the eggplant flatbread over onto aprep surface.
7. Spread basil pesto evenlyonthe cheese base,
not abad idea, depending on the mix of ingredients.
Rather keep it strictly vegetarian? BuildaCapresestyle sandwich withtomato, slicesoffresh mozzarella, ahandful of arugula and a drizzle of balsamic glaze
then layer with the tomatoonion mixture, leavinga 1-inch border around the toppings. Add the hamand basil leaves, then roll tightly from the bottomup, pressing gentlytocompact the ingredients. Use the edge of your parchment paper to help liftand tightlyroll theflatbread from the bottom upward.(Press gently as yourolltokeep thewrap compact and secure.)
8. Unwrap theroll, then slice it in half using asharp knife and enjoy COOK’SNOTE: Pick an eggplant that hasa firm skinand gives alight spring when squeezed; if it’s mushy,it’s over-ripe. Also, thecap and stem should be green. Eggplants with wrinkled skin are dehydrated, and past peak freshness.
Acreamyhummuswould also make afantasticfiller, as would aheartier combo of your favorite meat and cheese— say turkey,bacon andprovolone. When it comes to flatbreads,the sky’sthe limit
STAFF PHOTO By MAddIESCOTT
Fried chicken, mac and cheese, potatosalad and aroll from ChickenShack
STAFF PHOTO By JOANNA BROWN Meatball stewfrom Gravy in Lafayette
LEo (July 23-Aug. 22) Set up meaningful conversations that can open doors or help you envision how you can reach your goals. Refuse to let a lack of knowledge or not sharing your plans be your nemesis.
VIRGo (Aug. 23-sept. 22) Keep your plans and your actions to yourself. Working behind the scenes will help you get things done without interference. Invest more time in yourself and your objectives.
LIBRA (sept. 23-oct. 23) Engage in an activity that serves as a platform to showcase your skills, projects and longterm goals. The people you encounter and what they offer will be eye-opening. Embrace the possibilities.
scoRPIo (oct. 24-nov. 22) Stop, listen and observe before you decide to join in. Your intentions may be honorable, but you aren't likely to be met with positive feedback if you are restrictive or pushy.
sAGIttARIus (nov 23-Dec. 21) Spend more time at home and doing what you can to lower your overhead. You can cut your losses if you walk away from what's holding you back. Say no to subscriptions you no longer use.
cAPRIcoRn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Pay attention to detail, money management and your health. Put time aside to nurture yourself and your relationships with those who contribute to your happiness.
AQuARIus (Jan 20-Feb. 19) Rely on your own devices instead of waiting for someone to do the work for you It's
time to take responsibility and to apply your skills, knowledge and experience to make headway.
PIscEs (Feb. 20-March 20) Refuse to let what others do make you angry. Freedom to do as you please comes at a price. Weigh the pros and cons, then proceed with honorable intentions. Explore the possibilities.
ARIEs (March 21-April 19) Take an interest in others, events and activities that grab your attention. Being an enthusiast will lead to friendships with likeminded people and information that can enrich your life.
tAuRus (April 20-May 20) Overindulgence will set you back. Concentrate on decluttering and minimizing your stress. Distance yourself from emotional issues and people who tend to bring you down or cost you emotionally or financially.
GEMInI (May 21-June 20) A change of routine will boost your ego and your enthusiasm. Engage in events that look promising and help you connect to someone who shares your beliefs and goals. Don't take risks.
cAncER (June 21-July 22) Pick and choose carefully. Anger and manipulation will set you back If you want something, proceed with a kind word and a positive attitude. Be willing to give and take.
InstructIons: Sudoku is anumber-placing puzzle based on a9x9 grid with several given numbers. The object is to place the numbers1 to 9inthe empty squares so that each row, each column and each 3x3 box contains the same number only once. Thedifficulty level of the Sudoku increases from Monday to Sunday.
Yesterday’s PuzzleAnswer
THe wiZard oF id
BLondie
BaBY BLueS
Hi and LoiS
CurTiS
By PHILLIP ALDER
Simone de Beauvoir, a French writer, said, “I tore myself away from the safe comfort of certainties through my love for truth and truth rewarded me.”
At the bridge table, the truth is that we love certainties lines of play or defense that are guaranteed to work. In thisdeal,isthereawayforSouthtomake sure ofsix no-trump given thatclubsare not breaking 5-0?
South’s two-diamond rebid was fourthsuit game-forcing. When North bid four hearts, he showed a minimum opening bid. With extras he would have controlbid (cue-bid) four clubs. South signed off in six no-trump to protect his diamond holding, expecting North’s values to be in his long suits.
Declarer starts with 10 top tricks: two spades, five hearts, one diamond and two clubs. His plan should be to win four club tricks but how?
The club nine in South’s hand makes getting four tricks a near-certainty.
After winning the first trick with his spade ace, declarer should play a club to dummy’s ace, then return a low club and cover East’s eight with his nine.
Finally, if East shows out on the second round of clubs, declarer wins with his king and leads back through West’s queen up to North’s jack.
Here, that ends South’s problems. But if his nine were to lose to the 10, the suit would be splitting 3-2 and the contract would be home.
toDAy’s WoRD — KILLDEER: KIL-deer: An American plover.
Average mark 21 words
Time limit 35 minutes
Can you find 30 or more words in KILLDEER?
loCKhorNs
marmaduKe
Bizarro
hagar the horriBle
Pearls Before swiNe
garfield
B.C.
PiCKles
hidato
mallard fillmore
BRIEFS
FROM WIRE REPORTS
Oil prices ease as tech stocks tumble
NEW YORK MostofWall Street rose Tuesday,even as stocks of computer chipmakerscontinued to tumble worldwide. Oil prices, meanwhile, eased further from the two-month high theyhit last week
The majority of the U.S. market rose aftermore companies delivered stronger profits for the spring than analysts expected. Coca-Colaclimbed 5% after its revenuerose7%despite whatCEO Henrique Braun called “a dynamic consumer landscape.”
Sherwin-Williams rallied 8.3%, and Illinois Tool Works rose 3.6% afterboth likewise reported stronger earnings for the latest quarter than analysts expected. Stockprices generally follow the trend of corporate profits overthe long term, and expectationsare high for this most recent round of reports withthe U.S. stock market still nearits all-time high
Such expectations are weighing particularly heavily on stocks of chipmakers and other companies that have been huge winners from the boom in artificial-intelligence technology
But worries are rising about whether such growth is sustainable. Big spenders on computer memory could pull backoninvestments if AI does not produceasmuch profit or productivity as promised.
BuzzFeed slashing workforce by 35%
BuzzFeed is cutting roughly 35% of its workforce in its first major restructuring since mediamogul ByronAllen bought amajority stake in the firmtwo months ago.
The layoffs, outlined in aSecurities and Exchange Commission filing on Monday,willaffect about 180 staffand contract positions across BuzzFeed and itssister brands HuffPost and Tasty
“We’ve been actively managing costs for some time, working through scenarios to save as many jobs as possible,” BuzzFeed’sleadership team said in the memo. “Unfortunately,the elimination of certain roles is still required.”
The company said the changes are necessary to “put our business on apathtoprofitable and sustainable growth.”
The BuzzFeed purchase is thelatest in aseries of business moves Allen has made in recent years to build his entertainment empire. The former standup comedian recently purchased a portion of CBS’slate-nightblock earlier this year,taking overthe time slot for the 2026-27 season. Theslot once belonged to “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert,”which wascanceledlast year and aired its final episode in May BuzzFeed was founded in 2006. The website became known as apop culture hub, where readers could indulge in the latest celebritygossip or discover aunique cookingrecipe.
Settlement proposed to end longtime talc suit
Johnson &Johnson has agreed to pay $5.5 billion to tie up remaining lawsuits that claim its talc products caused ovarian cancer
Thedrugmaker,which has been fightingtalc-relatedlawsuits for more than adecade, said that the settlement is conditioned on at least 95%of remaining claimants participating.
AU.S. bankruptcy courtjudge denied a$9billion settlement proposed by company subsidiaryRed River Talc lastyear that would have been one of the biggestmass tort settlements in history Johnson &Johnson decided not to appeal that ruling and instead fight on in court. Afederal judge last week orderedplaintiffs in the case against Johnson &Johnson to show whythe remaining pending talcclaims should notbe dismissed after theirwitnesses could not provide adirect link between the company’sproduct and cancer
THEADVOCATE.COM/news/business
ConfidenceinU.S.economy falls
BY MATT OTT Associated Press
WASHINGTON Americans’ confidence in the economy fell this month as gas prices resumed their climb after the U.S. andIran steppeduptheir fighting.
The ConferenceBoard said Tuesdaythat its consumer confidence indexfell to90.8 in July from 92.2 in June.That’sessentially thesame tepid range its been in since thebeginning of the year.Inlate2024 and early 2025 thereadings were well above 100.
Consumer attitudes had im-
provedmodestlyinJune as gas prices came down to around $3.70 agallon from more than $4.50 a gallon in late April and early May Butasfighting in theMiddle East escalated,the averageprice for a gallon of gas in the U.S. started to rise again. On Tuesday it was $4.10, according to theautoclub AAA. Afterbeing attackedbythe U.S. andIsrael in late February,Iran shut down the Strait of Hormuz, through which aboutone-fifth of theworld’soil travels, causing a spike in gasprices.That accelerated inflation, causing Americans’ inflation-adjusted incomes to decline.
Americans remain sour on the economyafter five years of elevated inflation, potentially posing
arisktoPresident Donald Trump and Republicans in the midterm elections, which are now less than 100days away Trump continues to blameinflationonhis predecessor,Democrat Joe Biden. Yetinflation has risen sinceTrump’sinauguration last year,to3.5%from 3% in January 2025. It jumped even further after theIranwar began Feb. 28, when it was just 2.4%.
Write-in responses to the survey, which were collected July 1-22, remained pessimistic. The Board said references to gasprices were down slightly but remained elevated. Respondents’ mention of food and groceryprices increased.
Government data shows that buying food to bring homehas gotten
33% more expensive since the beginning of 2019. To navigate those higher prices, Americans have turned to coupons, comparison shopping and cutting back as they absorb the biggest jump in grocery prices in ahalf-century Beef epitomizesout-of-control grocery prices for many Americans with groundbeefreaching $6.82 apound in June —79% more than at thebeginning of 2019, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
References to jobs and unemployment pickedupslightly this month and views of the current job market fell. Expectations of how the labor market will be six months going forward improved slightly, but remained in negative territory
BY DYLAN LOVAN Associated Press
SHELBYVILLE,Ky.— KFCfounder ColonelSanders‘pressure cooker,black bow tie and dozensofother personal items are up for public auction Tuesday night, alongwith his former homeand adinner house Sanders opened afterselling his iconic restaurant chain.
HarlandSanders, still known as theface of theworldwide chainoriginally knownas KentuckyFried Chicken, established the Shelbyville property as the first headquarters of his restaurantbusinessinthe late 1950s. He sold the property,which included his home and the Claudia Sanders Dinner House, to Tommy and Cherry Settle in 1974, who have run therestaurant since then.
“Colonel Sanders was theoriginalcelebrity chef,” saidBill Menish, whose firm, The Menish Group, is conducting the auction. “The feedback has been worldwide, so we needed to have an auction that would cater to that worldwide audience.”
Online pre-bidding concludes with alive, in-person auction for the Sanders memorabilia on Tuesday evening. Sealedbids for the restaurant and Sanders’ former 5,000-square-foot home, which he named Blackwood Hall, will be taken until Friday Sanders’ personal watches, an original cashregister,his cutleryset, abust sculpted by his daughter and acommercial gas range from thecolonel’s former residence are among theitems up for bidding.The bust hadabid of $4,400 on Tuesday morning, and
thecash register was bidding at $5,000.
Sanders sold KFC in 1964 to agroup of investors, but continued as abrandambassador for the company
Menish called Sanders a“marketing genius” for creating the character of the colonel.
“He didn’tdress like that before he was starting to build Kentucky Fried Chicken,” Menish said. “He adopted thecolonel: the clothes, thebow tie, the glasses, the goatee.”
One of the most intriguing pieces could be apersonal 1964 plannerwitha handwritten herbs and spices recipe thatwas later the subject of an early 2000s lawsuit filed by the KFCCorp. to keep thecontentsprivate. KFC
ABOVE: Auctioneer Jonathan Klunk saidthere’sa little-known secret behind the bowtie. ‘Not alot of people know;hedid wear clip-ons. LEFT: Klunk stands behind adisplay of personal items owned by KFC founder Harland Sanders. AP PHOTOS
later dropped the legal action, saying after reviewing the planner the ingredients didn’t match Sanders’ secret blend of 11 herbs and spices and was likely forastuffing recipe.
“What akeepsake,” Menish said.
The current high bid Tuesday was fora 1955 certificate naming Sanders as an honorary Kentucky Colonel that is fetching $7,500 so far.
One of Sanders’ signature black bow ties is also up forauction. The highest online bid forthe tie was morethan $4,000 on Tuesday Auctioneer Jonathan Klunk said there’sa little-knownsecret behind the bow tie.
“Not alot of people know;hedid wear clipons.”
BY MARC LEVY Associated Press
HARRISBURG, Pa.— Afederal judge hastemporarily blocked Minnesota’sfirst-in-the-nation law banning predictionmarkets just days before it was to take effect,the latest clash between President Donald Trump’sadministration and states over who regulatesoperators such as Kalshiand Polymarket. Monday’sdecision is the latest setback for states trying to outlaw or regulate fast-growingprediction market platforms U.S. District JudgeKatherine Menendez in Minnesota found that theU.S. Commodity Futures Trad-
ing Commission, Kalshi and Polymarket were likely to succeed in their challenge to the law and that lettingittakeeffect would cause “irreparable harm”tothe operators. The law was scheduled to take effect Saturday It would have made it acrimeto createoroperate prediction marketsorhelp administer nearly any activityconnected to one. The law will remain blocked while the lawsuit proceeds. Kalshi, Polymarketand the Commodity Futures Trading Commissionwant the law permanently blocked and argue thatfederal law gives the CFTC exclusive jurisdic-
tion to regulate the type of “eventcontract transactions” offered by Kalshi and Polymarket.
States argue that the vast majorityofthe businessonprediction market platformsissportsbetting, which they are empowered to regulate, and that is completely different from the commodities and futures contracts that the commission has historically regulated. In astatement Tuesday,Minnesota Attorney GeneralKeith Ellison saidpredictionmarkets are “gambling,plain and simple.”
“AndMinnesota has every right to keep predatory gambling out of our communities,” Ellison said. Neal Kumar,Polymarket’schief
legal officer,said in astatement thatthe decisionmakes clear that prediction markets on commission-registered exchanges “are governed by federal law,not a patchwork of state rules.” AKalshi spokesperson, Elisabeth Diana, said in astatement that “states cannot ban things that they don’thave jurisdiction over.” Menendez’sdecision follows adeclarationinFebruary by Trump’sappointee atop the Commodity Futures Trading Commissionthatthe agency “will no longer sit idly by” while states aim to regulate or ban prediction markets and “undermine the agency’sexclusive jurisdiction.”
