The Advocate 08-01-2026

RLOUISIANA ESIDENTS

LSUgetting selective

University tightens admissions standardsinefforttoimprove academic reputation anddealwithconcernsabout campus capacity

This year’sclass at LSU will likely be afew hundredstudents smaller than last year,which totaled 8,153 first-time freshman and wasthe largest class in schoolhistory, accordingtoanLSU official.

BY HALEY MILLER Staff writer

Across her college career,LSU senior Rachel Kashimawo has spenthours circling campusinher RAV4, searching for a parking spot even though she always buys apermit.

The parking space was only thefirst obstacle in navigatingthe campus of ajampacked flagship university that has seen record-breaking freshman class sizesfor the years Kashimawo has attended.

In lecture halls,especiallyearly in her time on campus, Kashimawo said she watched while some students stood for

“It’sjust alot of people, and even though we’re abig campus per se, we don’thavethat much spacefor that many people.”

RACHEL KASHIMAWO,LSU senior

class because all 200 seats were filled.

“There’sa lot of people in every aspect, not even just classes—game days,trying to gettickets,parking,”Kashimawo said.

“It’sjust alot of people, and even though we’re abig campus per se, we don’thave that much space for that many people.”

Concerns about campus capacity and a push to become amore selectiveinstitutionoverall have led LSU to ease offthe gas in enrollment for the first time in nearly adecade.

“If we’re committed to excellence bothinthe classroom and in the student experience, then part of thatcalculus does have to involve maybe not growing beyond what thecampus capacity is,” Emmett Brown, vice presidentfor enrollment management, said.

Though Brown said thedata is not finalized yet, this year’sclass will likely be a

ä See LSU, page 5A

Eight schools have new principals

11 assistants also changing locations

BY CHARLES LUSSIER Staff writer

Aveteran principal best known forleading Liberty High hasreturned to East Baton Rouge Parish to take over managementofWoodlawn High, thesecond-largest high school in the district. And the person he replaced at Woodlawnhas transferred across theparish to fill the vacantjob at NortheastHigh in Pride.

When the new school year starts Thursday, eight public schoolsin East Baton Rouge Parish will have different principals than they had ayear ago. Four of those new leaders were selected this summer and four during the 2025-26 school year

Overall, it’s less turnover at the top than in years past for the oftenchanging East Baton RougeParish school system,the secondlargest traditional school district in Louisiana.

Thanks to around of school closuresin2025, there arefewer schools than in the past. Arecently released listshowed 67 school principals in the district. That’snot counting 12 independent charter schools sponsored by the school system

The eight school principals who’ve changedschoolsinthe past year arejoinedby11assistant principals who’ve changed schools during that time frame as well as several moretransferring deans of students.

East Baton Rouge released the latest school leadership list after The Advocate questioned theabsence of recent administrative changes in the Personnel Changes reports submittedmonthly to the

Race to replacedistrictattorneybeginsinLivingston

Twoonballotsofar for21stJudicial Districtoffice

BYGIGI LIMAN Staff writer

In one week, the field of candidates for district attorney in Louisiana’s21st Judicial District will be set. For the first timein30

years, it will notinclude Scott Perrilloux’sname. Thelongtime district attorney is stepping down, opening the race to succeed him astop prosecutor across Livingston, St. Helenaand Tangipahoa parishes. The deadline to qualify for the November election is next Friday Whoever replaces Perrilloux will hold oneofthe mostpowerful of-

fices in the region, deciding, for some 280,000 people across the three parishes,who getscharged withacrime, who is offered aplea and who is sent to prison. They will also lead more than two dozenattorneys and set thestrategy for trials. Twocandidates have stepped forward so far,and while bothare Republicans,they otherwise present divergent options for

voters. Longtime Assistant District Attorney Brad Cascio is running on hisexperience in theDistrictAttorney’sOffice, andformer state Rep. Sherman Mack is running on being theoutside-the-box candidate. Mack is “the candidate for change,” he said.

After achieving nearly all his professional and political goals, he is running for district attorney to try to give back to the community he grew up in, he said. Mack hasspent his career

STAFF PHOTO By MICHAEL JOHNSON

Trump considering new strikes on Iran

CAIRO The White House on Friday signaled that President Donald Trump is weighing carrying out new strikes on Iran as the U.S. presses for Tehran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and abide by terms set out in a truce agreement the two sides forged last month only to quickly collapse. There were no U.S. strikes on Iran Friday, but Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard said it had struck another two tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, and Kuwait said it intercepted drones. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt expressed the U.S. administration’s frustration anew, charging that Tehran last month signed a memorandum of understanding with the U.S. on a truce but then quickly “broke it, shot at commercial ships, and killed American soldiers.”

“President Trump is not going to stand by and allow this terrorist behavior to occur,” Leavitt said in a statement on Friday evening “Iran will continue to pay until they come to the table in, what President Trump deems, a meaningful way.” Leavitt issued the fresh warning after Trump earlier on Friday told reporters that “we just want to win” in Iran and signaled that he expected U.S. military action to continue for some time

Discarded SpaceX rocket to crash on moon

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — A drifting SpaceX rocket is on a collision course with the moon after launching a pair of lunar landers more than a year ago.

The rocket’s upper stage will unintentionally slam into the moon on Wednesday, carving out a crater and sending up a plume of dust and rubble that scientists — and skygazers — are eager to observe.

Space tracking expert Bill Gray predicts an impact of 5,400 mph seven times the speed of sound — near Einstein Crater on the moon’s sunlit western limb. With the action unfolding in the wee hours, the eastern portions of the U.S. and Canada, and much of South America should have the best views. While scientists are not too concerned about this particular piece of space junk, it highlights the growing threat as more and more items cram into orbit.

“Things are getting crowded up there,” said Gray, who plans to view the aftermath from New Brunswick, Canada.

It was never SpaceX’s intent to hit the moon. But space experts said the crash could have been avoided if the upper stage had been nudged into orbit around the sun.

Rock legend Patti Smith visits pope, says ‘hi’

ROME Rock legend Patti Smith was giddy and almost at a loss for words when she met Friday with Pope Leo XIV “Hi,” she said softly as she sat down across from Leo at his desk in the Apostolic Palace.

Wearing a crucifix necklace and hair in her trademark braids, Smith has become an increasingly visible presence at the Vatican thanks to her friendship with the Rev Antonio Spadaro, undersecretary in the Vatican’s culture ministry

She has said that while she is not Catholic, she was drawn in particular to Pope Francis and his “gentle, open and steadfast sense of humanity.”

She also had a thing for Pope John Paul I: Her 1979 tune

“Wave” is about a make-believe conversation with the pope who had just died after a 33-day papacy It begins “Hi. Hi” uttered in the same breathy voice Smith used with Leo on Friday

The pope clearly was familiar with the tune. “That was marvelous,” he said.

Spadaro, who joined Smith at Friday’s audience, said the encounter between the two Chicago natives was around 40 minutes long. In a text message, he said it “felt more like a conversation between two people discovering they were old friends, sharing memories woven from words and music, dreams, visions, and hopes — both from yesterday and for today.” He said at the end, Smith said “Bye. Bye.”

JACQUELyN MARTIN

Trump hails ‘unique’ Cabinet meeting

Seizes on Spain’s migration crisis at Camp David gathering

BY SEUNG MIN KIM, DARLENE SUPERVILLE and JACQUELYN MARTIN Associated Press

CAMP DAVID, Md. President Donald Trump took Friday’s Cabinet meeting on the road to Camp David, using the historic rustic backdrop of the presidential retreat to boast of his administration’s achievements while seizing on a migrant crisis in Spain to make his case for why voters should keep the Republican Party in power

The Cabinet meeting, the 13th such gathering of Trump’s second term, came just three months before the November midterm elections that could serve as a check on his power if Democrats take control of one or both chambers of Congress. His warnings about Spain echoed language he used ahead of the 2018 midterms, when he warned of caravans of migrants headed to the southern U.S. border

“You know, I saw Spain yesterday, and I watched the catastrophe that took place. It looks like an invasion of a country by hundreds of thousands of people,” Trump said. “And that same thing is going to happen to us if the Republicans don’t get elected. Except worse, much bigger.”

Some 60,000 migrants crossed from Morocco into Spain’s tiny Ceuta territory over the past 24 hours. Roughly half of them have already made their way back voluntarily, according to the Spanish government, but at least 57 have died on the journey

Separately, he deflected blame for a series of cyberattacks that targeted 30 water systems in Minnesota on the state’s “grossly incompetent” Democratic leadership. Officials have not publicly identified who was behind the attacks, though the FBI, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency and other agencies warned in an advisory last week that Iranian hackers have been targeting water and wastewater systems and the operational controls of other critical infrastructure sectors.

“They blame it on Iran,” Trump said, without offering evidence. “I don’t think so I think I blame it on Minnesota because they’re grossly incompetent.”

The president regularly convenes his Cabinet throughout his terms as a setting to promote his administration’s policies while fielding questions on the news of

the day, but what made Friday’s unusual was that it was at Camp David, the government-owned retreat nestled in Maryland’s Catoctin Mountains where Trump held one Cabinet meeting during his first term.

Trump began the meeting by noting it was “something very unique.” The White House called it the first-ever televised Cabinet meeting from the presidential retreat.

“It’s Camp David, and this room is a very, very special room,” Trump said.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth were among the Cabinet officials who spoke before Trump took questions from journalists. The public portion of the meeting ended after about an hour

In the lengthy question-and-answer session, Trump commented on the latest developments regarding the war in Iran and a deal he announced Thursday that would lead to the disarmament of the Palestinian group Hamas. He also lamented that a $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund to compensate his allies was “dead” and appeared to back off a pledge he made earlier this month to grant Ukraine a license to manufacture Patriot air defense systems.

“I don’t think this would ever happen, but, you know, there’s people that, you give that technology they can someday turn on you,” Trump added. “You look at war, that’s happened a couple of times over the years, right? So we have to be very careful.”

On the Hamas agreement, Trump acknowledged that the agreement that would also lead to Israel’s withdrawal from Gaza will have “ups and downs.” Still, he called it a “great breakthrough” that has been helped along by the U.S and Israel’s war with Iran, which has served as Hamas’ prime backer

Trump also remarked on the anti-weaponization fund that is holding up the confirmation of Todd Blanche as his attorney general, saying the pot of money is “dead” and that “I wish it weren’t, to be honest with you.”

The president continued to defend the people who could potentially benefit from the fund, mainly those who stormed the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, to stop the certification of Democrat Joe Biden’s victory over him.

“Their families have been ruined,” Trump said. Those people “wanted to go to a rally or an event and ended up spending the rest of their lives in horror.”

Trump said Blanche has been a “pawn in this whole thing.” Blanche, who was present, did not speak in the public portion of the Cabinet meeting.

Marine Corps says F-35B stealth fighter crashed in California

Authorities say pilot ejected

BY KONSTANTIN TOROPIN and GABRIELA AOUN ANGUEIRA Associated Press

SAN DIEGO The U.S. Marine Corps says the pilot of an F-35B stealth fighter is expected to live after ejecting from the jet before it crashed in California.

The jet went down Friday near the Miramar air base in San Diego. “The pilot ejected, was transported to a local medical facility in stable condition for evaluation and treatment of non-life-threatening injuries,” the Marine Corps said in an updated statement.

Aerial video from a news helicopter showed a plume of black smoke rising from the wreckage in a dirt field, with multiple military and firefighting vehicles and people standing nearby What appeared to be white flame retardant covered the ground, and at least one person was spraying the wreckage with a fire hose.

Authorities release early ransom note in Nancy Guthrie case

BY JACQUES BILLEAUD Associated Press

PHOENIX Authorities released an early ransom note in the investigation into the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie in hopes that someone will recognize the writing style. A second note released Friday indicated Guthrie died shortly after she was kidnapped.

Both notes initially went to a Tucson television station days after the 84-year-old mother of “Today” show host Savannah Guthrie went missing from her home outside Tucson on Feb. 1. Authorities have not said whether Nancy Guthrie is still alive.

one who knows the notes’ writer may recognize the patterns.

The Pima County Sheriff’s Department said “we believe these distinctive linguistic characteristics may be recognizable to someone who knows or has interacted with the notes’ writer.”

The first note, sent Feb. 2, said Guthrie was safe but scared and would be released unharmed once her captors received $4 million in cryptocurrency, with the ransom amount increasing if the first demand was not met.

It said Guthrie would be released within 12 hours if the payment was received. It also included a threat to kill her if the ransom wasn’t paid.

“Your mother is aware of this and her life is in your hands,” the first note read. “It is in the best interest of everyone to have this completed as soon as possible.”

The second note was sent Feb. 6 and said Guthrie died shortly after she was taken. “She is buried in nature now,” the second note said. “Nothing you could have done could have changed the outcome.” The note ends with an apology, “We are truly sorry.”

The sheriff’s department said the notes reveal a distinctive pattern of word choices and provide insight into the writer’s mindset.

The agency said some-

Authorities similarly used a suspect’s own writings as a tool to apprehend Theodore “Ted” Kaczynski, branded the “Unabomber” by the FBI. Kaczynski, who killed three people and injured 23 others with mail bombs over a 17-year span, pressured The Washington Post, in conjunction with The New York Times, to publish his 35,000-word manifesto in 1995. Federal authorities encouraged its publication, leading Kaczynski’s brother and sister-in-law to recognize the syntax and antitechnology themes and tip off the FBI, bringing to a close the agency’s longest and costliest investigation at the time.

In a statement Friday, the sheriff’s department also appealed to people who may know something about the case, saying it may be difficult to come forward due to a personal relationship with someone involved or just for their own safety

“We recognize relationships and loyalties change over time as do people and their perspectives,” the sheriff’s department wrote. “It is not too late to come forward.”

The sheriff’s office also said Friday that two videos recovered from Guthrie’s doorbell camera might be from two separate days and indicate an unidentified male prepared ahead of when Guthrie was taken. Authorities are seeking information on anyone who was behaving differently, changed their physical appearance, suddenly left the Tucson area, or had a noticeable or unexplained interest or disinterest in the case.

“Investigators continue to pursue every available technological and investigative lead,” the sheriff’s office said. “However, community members remain a vital resource as we seek to provide answers for Nancy’s family.”

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Wade Lott saw the crash as he drove to work at a concrete company just south of the flight line. “It just blew up, it was crazy,” said Lott, 36, who watched from his truck as two jets descended toward the runway together The first landed without incident, but the second suddenly began slowing down, almost as if it were trying to hover, Lott said. When the jet was about 100 feet above the ground, the pilot ejected and their parachute deployed as they rose about 200 feet into the air

S. Guthrie

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By

President Donald Trump speaks Friday as Secretary of State Marco Rubio, left, and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth listen during a cabinet meeting at Camp David, the presidential retreat, near Thurmont, Md.

Hamas OKs deal if Israel halts strikes

Obstacles remain to settlement

BY SAMY MAGDY, SAM MEDNICK, JONATHAN J COOPER and MATTHEW LEE

Associated Press

CAIRO Hamas said Friday that it will begin disarming as part of a deal announced by U.S. President Donald Trump that also requires Israel to end its strikes and withdraw from Gaza. It marks a potential breakthrough in ending the war, but implementation faces major challenges.

Hamas also said that laying down its heavy weapons, which would come later in the process, was contingent on the creation of a Palestinian state, something Israel’s current government adamantly rejects.

Israel has not officially commented on the deal, which is part of a U.S.-brokered ceasefire announced last October That agreement called for Hamas to disarm and hand over power to an independent Palestinian administration. Israel was to withdraw, and an International Stabilization Force was to deploy

that would happen since it is contingent on other steps.

A process to decommission and store heavy weapons, military production sites and tunnels will begin after the arrival of the Palestinian committee and the deployment of international forces.

The process will be linked to a phased Israeli withdrawal, according to the agreement.

Israel currently controls around 60% of Gaza, areas that have been mostly destroyed and depopulated.

Most of the territory’s 2 million Palestinians are in the other part, where hundreds of thousands live in squalid tent camps and destroyed neighborhoods.

Disarming would represent a sea change for Hamas, whose founding charter calls for armed resistance against Israel, and which sees its arsenal, including rockets, anti-tank missiles and explosives, as lying at the heart of its identity Israel, meanwhile, appears unlikely to pull back significant forces or make other concessions ahead of its October elections. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces a tough reelection battle, with opponents accusing him of failing to prevent the Oct. 7, 2023, attack that triggered the war

Neil Quilliam, a Middle

But progress stalled, with Israel saying everything hinged on Hamas disarming, and Hamas accusing Israel of violating the agreement by continuing to carry out regular strikes on Gaza

East expert at London’s Chatham House think tank, said expectations are low that Hamas will actually disarm or that Israel will withdraw from Gaza.

“I think that Netanyahu’s silence speaks volumes,” Quilliam said. “This is a massive decision that he has to make.”

“But with the prospect of the elections hanging over his head with several Cabinet ministers and opposition leaders already counseling not to go ahead with the deal, I think he understands that doing so would likely scupper his chances of reelection,” he added.

In announcing the latest deal on social media, Trump

said it would be carried out in “carefully structured phases.”

“As disarmament is completed, Israeli forces will withdraw, and the International Stabilization Force will work with a new Palestinian police force to take responsibility for Gaza being safe for its residents and its neighbors,” he wrote.

A copy of the agreement obtained and verified by The Associated Press said that all weapons held by the Hamasrun police will be transferred to the U.S.-backed Palestinian technocratic committee, known as the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza, upon its arrival in the enclave. It’s not clear when

In a statement Thursday, an Israeli official said that there will be no Israeli withdrawal before the militant group is disarmed and the strip demilitarized. The statement was made on condition of anonymity in line with government protocol.

A person with knowledge of the situation said that Israel is fully involved, but it’s not a signatory to the deal, which is between Hamas and several countries helping to negotiate and guarantee the ceasefire. The person spoke on condition of anonymity in order to discuss the agreement. The deal’s guarantors are the U.S., Turkey, Egypt and Qatar

On Thursday, U.S and

Board of Peace officials, describing the deal to reporters on condition of anonymity under guidelines set by the White House, gave an extremely optimistic assessment. The board was established by Trump to oversee the ceasefire in Gaza. While Gaza’s police force is expected to hand over its arms, that doesn’t include the vast majority of Hamas militants, and heavy weaponry is not included in that part of the agreement, according to the officials. Instead, the surrender of heavy weapons and the decommissioning of Hamas tunnels and other infrastructure are to come later in a process that could take between 200 and 350 days, a Board of Peace official said That timeline did not appear in the agreement obtained by AP A Hamas official and a regional official involved in the process said that Hamas and other groups agreed to “collect and store” arms inside Gaza under the supervision of the Palestinian technocratic committee and that weapons won’t be handed to Israel or non-Palestinian parties. The officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to brief the media, said this would be a gradual process linked to an Israeli withdrawal.

Jurors in Clancy trial visit home where she killed her kids

BY LEAH WILLINGHAM Associated Press

DUXBURY, Mass. — Jurors walked through the Massachusetts home where Lindsay Clancy strangled her three children, a rare visit Friday that let them see firsthand the place where an outwardly ordinary family life unraveled into tragedy. After being driven past two businesses relevant to the narrative of the January 2023 killings, jurors were

escorted in groups of six to view the inside of the house, including the basement where the children died. During the roughly 40-minute visit, the jury also saw the yard where Clancy was found after jumping from a second-story window Journalists were kept away by a police barricade, but court officers could be seen through the trees escorting jurors to and from the bus along the site of the Clancy family’s former

driveway. The home now has a new owner Clancy herself did not attend the visit to the home, which she hasn’t seen since the day of the killings. Her lawyers argue she was in the grip of postpartum psychosis, a rare mental illness linked to the stress, sleep deprivation and hormonal changes that follow childbirth. Jurors in U.S criminal cases often are expressly told not to visit the scene

Charges against ex-Olympian in reflecting pool case dismissed

BY ERIC TUCKER Associated Press

WASHINGTON The Justice Department moved Friday to dismiss a criminal case charging a former Olympian with deliberately damaging the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool.

Government lawyers said in a 20-page court filing that information provided since the indictment of David Hearn shows that the damage was the result of a “flawed installation by the contractor” as well as “the rush to complete the project prior to events associated with the America 250 celebration in the weeks surrounding Independence Day 2026.”

“Given all of this newly discovered information, it is difficult to attribute the

widespread damage to the reflecting pool to vandalism, let alone to establish that fact beyond a reasonable doubt,” said the filing from U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro.

carries a maximum prison sentence of 10 years upon conviction, accuses Hearn of causing at least $1,000 in damage to the pool.

of the events in question. There are a number of rationales for not doing so — among other things, the site may have changed in the interim between an alleged crime and a trial.

But courts sometimes allow juries to make a supervised excursion as a group, for reasons that can include assessing distances or features that aren’t thought to

come across fully in photos. Such excursions have happened in a number of high-profile cases, including the 2023 murder trial of South Carolina attorney Alex Murdaugh, the 2022 sentencing trial of Parkland, Florida, school shooter Nikolas Cruz, the 2015 Massachusetts murder trial of former New England Patriots player Aaron Hernandez and the 1995 murder trial of O.J. Simpson. Jurors in Clancy’s trial retraced the route her thenhusband, Patrick Clancy took when she asked him to pick up takeout food and medicine for daughter Cora on the night of the killings. He returned to find the children dead and his then-wife badly injured and bleeding in the yard.

BY SERGIO RODRIGO RUÍZ, RENATA BRITO and SUMAN NAISHADHAM Associated Press

CEUTA, Spain Tens of thousands of migrants who crossed into Spain’s tiny Ceuta territory returned voluntarily to Morocco on Friday, a day after the influx triggered chaos in the North African city and reignited the immigration debate in Europe and beyond. At least 57 migrants died on the journey Ceuta’s president put the number of migrants at 60,000, which was equivalent to 70% of the territory’s population But most of them soon went back, the Spanish government said, after the arrival of so many people sparked a humanitarian crisis

Hearn’s lawyers said in a statement that the case against him should never have been brought.

“Its dismissal today does not erase the abuse of government power in arresting and charging a patriotic American who did nothing wrong. The government’s approach was ready, fire, aim. The administration owes Mr Hearn an apology,” the lawyers said.

Hearn pleaded not guilty earlier this month to one felony count of property destruction and has a trial scheduled to start Sept. 28 in D.C. Superior Court. The charge, which

Hearn told The Associated Press he was detained by National Guard troops and U.S. Park Police for five hours after stopping by the pool during a bike ride on June 19 He said he reached in to examine the pool’s newly peeled coating and briefly touched a chunk attached to the side of the pool, but said he obeyed a park worker who told him to let go of it Hearn, 67, of Bethesda, Maryland, competed in three Summer Olympics, earning his best finish, ninth, at the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games, the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee says on its website.

migrants

Some migrants swam several miles through the sea and faced down authorities who tried to turn them back with water cannons, tear gas and warning shots. Those who died included some who drowned or were killed in a stampede to cross a breakwater barrier near a border checkpoint.

Spain deployed its armed forces and additional police to restore order in Ceuta, which sits on the Strait of Gibraltar at the entrance to the Mediterranean Sea and has been a Spanish possession since 1580. On the Moroccan side of the border, security forces clashed with migrants. The chaos also had ripple effects abroad, with Italy and France pledging to tighten their controls on

people arriving from Spain.

“The situation that Ceuta is going through is absolutely unsustainable,” Ceuta President Juan Jesús Vivas told journalists. Meanwhile, migrants from Morocco also attempted to cross into Melilla, Spain’s other territory at the tip of North Africa, where they clashed with police.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez visited Ceuta on Friday and condemned the border breach, which he described as “a violation of Spain’s territorial integrity.”

Sánchez blamed human smugglers for the crisis, saying they “deceive so many young people and ultimately lead many of them to their deaths,” whether in the ocean or in the city.

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By ABDEL KAREEM HANA

A Palestinian man rides his bicycle on Friday past the rubble of buildings that were destroyed during the Israel-Hamas war in Khan younis, southern Gaza Strip.

Migrant children could face new deportation risks

Government lets legal aid deal expire

BY REBECCA SANTANA and VALERIE GONZALEZ Associated Press

HARLINGEN,Texas Advocates

warn that tens of thousands of migrant children who came to the United States alone could lose legal representation in immigration court and increase their risk of deportation as the Trump administration allows a contract with legal services providers to expire.

Friday marked the last day of a contract under which the federal government pays for legal services for children who enter the U.S. without a parent or guardian. The government contracts out those services to a network of nearly 100 legal groups across the country that provide services to roughly 20,000 children.

The Trump administration did not immediately respond to a request for comment on why it allowed the contract to expire. But it comes as the administration has redoubled its efforts to achieve its policy of mass deportations, and after migrant children became a target for removal from the country during the

first year of President Donald Trump’s second term in office

As part of the expiring contract, the legal groups can enter government-funded shelters and give presentations to children about their legal rights, and directly represent the children as they go through immigration court proceedings

But as that contract ends, the providers say it’s unclear what will happen come Monday or whether they’ll be able to visit their clients in the shelters where they live.

“We have no understanding of what’s going to happen to those children come next week. We don’t know if they’re going to have legal representation. The government as of yet has not identified who will take over this representation,” said Melissa Lopez, the executive director of Estrella El Paso, during a news conference earlier this week The organization currently represents 243 unaccompanied children in western Texas and New Mexico

The providers say their ability to enter the shelters, check on their clients and give presentations to new arrivals serves as an important oversight measure for a vulnerable population. The providers warn that without a lawyer to assist them in court and help them navi-

gate the complexities of immigration law, children will be much more likely to be deported back to countries they initially fled.

“The government is trying to eliminate our work in this program because they know that without attorneys children will be deported,” said Lopez.

Health and Human Services, which is responsible for caring for unaccompanied migrant children while they are in government care and which administers the contract, did not respond to a request for comment Friday Dozens of children and

teens filed early Friday morning into the Harlingen courthouse for a hearing before an immigration judge. In the lobby, other children waiting for their hearings played with puzzles and action figures or drew in coloring books.

One 8-year-old boy walked into the courtroom holding an Etch-a-Sketch as he sat next to his attorney

These were children who had come to the U.S. without a parent or guardian and now their cases were making their way through the immigration courts. But Lauren Fisher Flores, an

attorney for the American Bar Association’s ProBar project, which is contracted to provide legal services in southwestern Texas, warned the court of the looming contract expiration. She explained that come Monday, lawyers wouldn’t be able to provide the legal information sessions that they usually give to children in shelters that let children know their rights and lawyers also would no longer be able to step in and provide the “Friend of the Court” services where they assist those children who sometimes show up in court with-

out a lawyer Fisher Flores said the organization didn’t know what the government’s plan was going forward.

“We sincerely hope there will be someone to step in next week,” she said. The judge thanked the attorney and said she was sorry to hear the news. The end of the contract comes as the legal service providers representing these children say they have not been paid for more than half a year. The organizations say that the Trump administration has been withholding payments as it demands detailed information from the providers about their clients that the providers say they have never been asked for before and that they ethically cannot provide.

“They are clearly trying to destroy the program by grinding down the financial health of nonprofits. We’ve seen layoffs and furloughs, and we will see a lot more of that if these invoices aren’t paid,” said Michael Lukens, the executive director of the Amica Center Some groups have been trying to secure private funding to continue their work, while others have begun laying off staff and shuttering offices. ProBar in south Texas this week laid off 20% of its staff.

Trump says anti-weaponization fund ‘dead,’ even as he defends it

BY MARY CLARE JALONICK, SEUNG MIN KIM and ALANNA DURKIN RICHER Associated Press

WASHINGTON President Donald Trump said Friday that his $1.776 billion antiweaponization fund is “dead” while also continuing to defend it, further complicating his administration’s negotiations with two Republican senators who are blocking his attorney general nominee in protest.

Trump told reporters at Camp David on Friday morning that administration officials had “agreed not to have a fund” that compensates his political allies, yet made clear that he disagrees with that decision.

The comments came hours after an early morning social media post in which Trump said people who had been prosecuted by the Justice Department many of them for their involvement in the violent Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol “are suffering still, many ruined, and I felt that they should be given compensation for what has been done to them.”

Trump’s reluctant declaration that the fund won’t be created came as Republican Sens. John Cornyn, of Texas; and Thom Tillis, of North

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By JACQUELyN MARTIN Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr from left acting Attorney General Todd Blanche and Vice President JD Vance attend a cabinet meeting on Friday at Camp David, the presidential retreat near Thurmont, Md

Carolina, both members of the Senate Judiciary Committee, say they won’t support Todd Blanche’s nomination for attorney general until they see that promise in writing. They have been working for weeks with the White House and Blanche, who is now the acting attorney general, to produce a document to that effect, but both senators have said they aren’t satisfied so far “The President made it clear today that the so-called Anti Weaponization Fund is still alive, which is exactly why we are attempting to formally end it,” Tillis said

after Trump’s initial social media post.

Trump said in his post that Blanche should be immediately confirmed and is a “pawn in this whole thing.”

Blanche said at a hearing two months ago that the antiweaponization fund would not move forward after Republican senators revolted and held up an immigration funding bill.

But Tillis, who is retiring when his term ends in January, and Cornyn, who lost reelection this year after Trump endorsed his primary opponent, said they want to ensure that the White House

doesn’t reverse course, especially as Trump continues to argue that a fund is needed.

The Justice Department has provided the senators with language that says Blanche’s May 18 order establishing the “Anti-Weaponization Fund” is “rescinded and shall have no force or effect,” according to a document reviewed by The Associated Press.

Cornyn and Tillis have said they also want some clarifications on a separate piece of the settlement that would grant Trump and members of his family immunity from tax audits. Cornyn said this week that it was his understanding that the audits could extend to more than 100 different Trump organization subsidiaries into the future.

“Todd Blanche said it was limited to the parties to the litigation — and it was retrospective, not prospective,” Cornyn said. “And all we’re doing is asking them to put that in writing.”

The Judiciary Committee postponed a vote on Blanche’s nomination that had been scheduled for Thursday morning after Tillis and Cornyn said they needed more from the administration before they could provide the necessary votes.

After the meeting was de-

layed, Trump said in a social media post that he might pull Blanche’s nomination and resubmit it after Cornyn and Tillis leave office next year But the two sides continued to negotiate through Thursday afternoon, when Blanche, Cornyn and Tillis met on Capitol Hill.

On Friday, a person familiar with the negotiations said talks had been positive but the senators were still awaiting a new offer from the Justice Department. The person requested anonymity to discuss the private negotiations.

The two senators have repeatedly said the Justice Department seemed interested in reaching an agreement, but the White House wouldn’t budge even to aid the confirmation of Trump’s loyal former personal attorney, who has aggressively pursued the administration’s priorities as acting attorney general.

“I think as far as Blanche and the Department of Justice, we were pretty much on the same page,” Cornyn said Thursday “But then when the president got wind of it, he wasn’t willing to go along with it.”

Tillis said Blanche has been “has been forthright, thoughtful and patient” but attributed the holdup to an “incompetent personal ad-

viser” to the president, even as Trump himself continued to advocate for the fund.

Behind the scenes, Trump legal adviser Boris Epshteyn is being blamed as an obstacle to an agreement that would let Blanche move forward, according to three people who have direct knowledge of the discussions and requested anonymity to discuss them.

Saying the AP’s “sources are wrong,” White House communications director Steven Cheung said “anyone trying to assign blame to the President or his team has no earthly idea of what is going on and clearly is trying to deflect from the issue at hand — Todd Blanche will be an exceptional Attorney General and he should be confirmed immediately.”

Also on Friday, Trump’s attorneys notified a court it would appeal a judge’s scathing ruling that characterized the settlement of the president’s lawsuit against the IRS as an improper exercise in self-dealing. The judge in her order earlier this month referred one of Trump’s attorneys for potential disciplinary action and criticized Blanche’s involvement in the settlement, given his prior representation of Trump.

BY MARK CARLSON and MASHA MACPHERSON Associated Press

LANTON, France With his watering can and bucket, Jean-François Pauner meanders from one small fire to the next along a forest floor, dousing small flareups of wildfires that have swept through woodlands four times the size of Paris in southwestern France.

“This is the first fire I’m experiencing real-time, and I can tell you it’s vicious,” said Pauner, 64. “It’s underground, it comes out at any moment, and no matter how much we try to extinguish it, re-extinguish it, re-extinguish it, it keeps restarting.”

“It’s like a steamroller that’s constantly, constantly rolling,” said Pauner, wearing shorts, boots and sunglasses on a string around his neck on a road through cultivated pine trees, as the ground smoldered. Pauner is among the untold numbers of volunteers who have mobilized to support firefighters battling the biggest wildfires in years in France.

“I’m protecting my forest, and my home,” he said, pouring his watering can into a

smoking ditch as if watering a garden, then huffing in the heat.

The wildfires that tore through cultivated forests on an Atlantic coast also known for towering sand dunes and tourist resorts devastated about 162 square miles west of Bordeaux, driving nearly a quartermillion people out of their homes and vacation sites.

Many other places in France have been hit by fires this summer including in the Mediterranean Var region where a blaze in the Gros Bessillon mountain ridge flared up again on Friday driven by violent winds, local authorities said. Several towns in the area were evacuated

Europe is facing an extremely hot summer, fueling wildfires from the Atlantic coast to the eastern Mediterranean The United Kingdom, Spain, Germany, Greece and Turkey battled blazes this week. As cooler, more humid air moved into southwest France this week, authorities allowed two-thirds of the 224,000 evacuees to return home, including some more on Friday

But the ground still sim-

mers in many places.

“It’s stabilized, but not totally stopped,” French Interior Minister Laurent Nunez told RTL radio. “Hot spots remain.”

Volunteers like Pauner — what he calls “little eyes” on watch to report flare-ups to firefighters — do what they can with limited resources. Others have mobilized their trucks and giant jerrycans to supply water to fire crews.

Prolonged drought and climate change have created fire-prone conditions. Pauner said the region endured more than two months without significant rainfall, leaving vegetation exceptionally dry

In the smoking forests, fire crews used rakes to dig down into the smoldering forest floor so buried embers can be doused with water a long and painstaking job. Ukraine became the latest country to send help, dispatching 70 people and 10 vehicles in the coming days, Nunez said.

Investigators suspect that contractors clearing away vegetation inadvertently ignited the blaze last week But other fires have been attributed to arsonists or

criminal negligence.

Nunez said police have made 308 arrests in connec-

ASSOCIATED PRESS FILE PHOTO By ERIC GAy

Immigrants play soccer at a U.S. government holding center for migrant children in Carrizo Springs, Texas, in 2019.

few hundred students smaller than last year, which totaled 8,153 firsttime freshman and was the largest class in institutional history Up to now LSU had broken its own freshman enrollment record for eight straight years

The decline comes not from a shrinking applicant pool, which was over 67,000, but from more stringent admissions.

LSU’s acceptance rate this year decreased by 10%, Brown said. Last fall, roughly 69% of new freshman who applied were admitted, according to institutional data.

“Having the ability to be more selective is not always the norm,” Brown said. “We were able with the applicant pool to have a couple different levers that we could pull.”

The tougher standards were mostly directed toward nonresidents, who faced a 12% decline in their acceptance rate. Louisiana residents benefited from a slightly higher acceptance rate compared to last year

The university is particularly interested in attracting students with a 30 or above on the ACT, Brown said. A score of 30 or above places students in the 94th to 99th percentile, according to The Princeton Review

“That is a notoriously difficult group to move,” Brown said. “But we’re seeing significant demand both from our best students in Louisiana, but also from students from all over the country, who

PRINCIPALS

Continued from page 1A

School Board. School officials subsequently revised the Personnel Changes report for July, adding 13 changes not previously reported. They didn’t offer an explanation for the lapse. Brandon Levatino was named the principal at Woodlawn High in late June. With about 1,250 students, Woodlawn High is second in size only to Baton Rouge Magnet High. The 57-acre campus at 15755 Jefferson Hwy is the district’s only high school in St. George. City leaders had hoped to make Woodlawn the centerpiece of their own school district, but a statewide referendum to create such a district was rejected decisively in May by voters Levatino spent seven years as principal of Northeast High and

RACE

Continued from page 1A

working as a lawyer and lawmaker, but never as a prosecutor This, he says, makes him no less qualified. Having both argued cases in the courtroom and written laws in the legislature, he understands the law from all angles.

Mack served in the Louisiana House of Representatives from 2012 to 2024. He chaired the chamber’s criminal justice committee and authored several bills, including one that strengthened the state’s DWI laws and another that made it a crime to electronically abuse elderly and incapacitated people.

He has also practiced law for 25 years. Founding his own firm in

have a lot of options, choosing to enroll here.”

Part of top-50 goal

The reduced class size comes as university leaders push to improve

almost four years as principal of Liberty High in Baton Rouge, a prominent magnet school. He left Liberty in summer 2024 to take a job across the river as coordinator for secondary instruction and new teacher support in West Baton Rouge Parish He is Woodlawn High’s third principal since Scott Stevens, principal for nine years, left in 2023 for a job in Central Office. Levatino replaces John Jenkins Jr who took over the high school in fall 2024 after previously serving as the school’s assistant principal. Superintendent LaMont Cole has reassigned Jenkins to become principal at Northeast High. There, Jenkins is replacing Shawona Ross, who recently retired. Since fall 2020, Ross has led this small high school in Pride, home to about 300 students Audubon and Wildwood elementary schools also have new principals who were chosen over the summer

2000, he has represented clients in personal injury, family law, successions, probate, criminal litigation and civil proceedings.

He has not yet released a detailed platform, but his top priority is to put in place policies and standards meant to give the public more confidence in the office and to increase community outreach, he said

It would not be unprecedented for an attorney with scant prosecutorial experience to be elected as district attorney Hillar Moore, the longtime East Baton Rouge district attorney spent over a decade as a defense lawyer before winning that office.

Cascio is running on the idea that the job should go to someone who has tried cases against defendants.

LSU’s academic reputation and reach the top 50 of the National Science Foundation Higher Education Research and Development

Survey

Officials say the flagship cam-

George Cage is taking over Audubon, located at 10730 Goodwood Blvd., after spending four years there as an assistant principal. Cage has served as a math teacher in parish schools since 2014. He replaces Terry Walls, who was reassigned in the spring to the district’s virtual school. Wallis came to Audubon in summer 2025 after her previous school, Bernard Terrace Elementary was closed. Wildwood Elementary is reaching into the past as it welcomes back longtime principal Daniel Edwards. Edwards was reassigned last summer to run Woodlawn Middle School, where he spent most of the school year Edwards’ return to 444 Halfway Tree Road ends the short tenure of Michael Butler, who spent the past year as Wildwood’s principal. Butler has been reassigned to be an assistant principal at Broadmoor Elementary Here are four more Baton Rouge

“I’m the only candidate who has been a prosecutor,” he said. “My opponent has never — he hasn’t even prosecuted a traffic ticket,

pus in Baton Rouge, the medical schools in Shreveport and New Orleans, the LSU AgCenter and Pennington Biomedical Research Center will drive the university’s research ambitions,

schools that recently changed principals: n Capitol High. Eric Greely took over the 5100 Greenwell Springs Road campus last fall, transferring from Park Forest Middle, where he served as assistant principal Greely replaced Brandon Fontenot, who had been principal since August 2023 when the historic high school returned to the school district after 15 years under state control. Fontenot was subsequently reassigned to director of data. Last year, Capitol High moved to the former Capitol Middle campus and added seventh and eighth grades.

n Glen Oaks Park Elementary Jamie Johnson replaced longtime principal Bernard Williams after he retired midyear Johnson was previously assistant principal at the 5656 Lanier Drive campus Last year, this school shrunk to third to fifth grades but expanded its attendance zones.

n Scotlandville Pre-Engineering

let alone a serious crime.”

Cascio has worked as an assistant district attorney in the 21st Judicial District since he graduated from law school in 2013. Over those years, he has prosecuted more than 4,000 cases, including one that resulted in the first courtordered physical castration of a sex offender in the state of Louisiana.

Among Cascio’s goals are to create an in-house investigations unit in the District Attorney’s Office, where none currently exists, and to expand the district’s drug court, which focuses on diversion and oversight rather than incarceration.

The roles of prosecutors, who try to convict defendants, and defense attorneys, who try to acquit them, are two completely different positions, he said.

while the regional campuses will focus on “accessibility,” helping students attain degrees affordably and get placed in jobs quickly

The lower acceptance rate in Baton Rouge this year shows how the campus is pursuing heightened academics, Brown said. It will positively affect the retention and graduation rate for existing students, he said.

“That both allows us to provide an excellent experience but also means that our students are more likely to ultimately succeed,” he said.

Incoming freshman Frederic Curlin said it would be unfair to enroll too many students without sufficient parking and housing.

“I think they should cap it depending on the resources,” Curlin said. “But if they have enough resources, I think they should take as many as they can.”

Kashimawo said she agrees that in-state students should have a slight edge over out-of-state students in admissions, but she believes the university still needs to maintain a robust nonresident student population.

The more selective admissions process will be a boost for the university’s academics, she said.

“I want to give people a good chance to come to school,” Kashimawo said. “But I definitely have met some people like, how did you get into this school?”

Email Haley Miller at haley miller@theadvocate.com.

Magnet Academy Stacy Bradford took over this middle school located at 9147 Elm Grover Garden Drive midyear Bradford most recently worked as an administrator at LSU Lab School. He’s previously worked in the parish school system as principal of Broadmoor High and a Central Office administrator He replaced Anitra Walker, who spent about half the year as principal before being reassigned to instructional data coordinator A year ago, this school added hundreds of non-magnet students from nearby Crestworth Elementary School.

n Woodlawn Middle School. Terran Perry became principal in mid-March of the 14939 Tiger Bend Road school, home to about 800 students. Perry has a long career as a school leader and administrator in St. John and Tangipahoa parishes. He’s also worked as a consultant for the Louisiana Department of Education. Perry replaced Edwards.

Defense attorneys choose “to take money from pedophiles, drug dealers and murderers, and to work hard to keep them on the street,” he said. “That’s not the mindset of a chief prosecutor.”

Both candidates have already been raising money, filming ads and meeting voters. Elected leaders will decide who to endorse for the first time in decades Cascio has landed the endorsement of one key figure: Scott Perrilloux.

“The understanding of the responsibility and discretion of the position is something I think Brad understands more than his opponent,” Perrilloux said.

Mack and Cascio will appear on the same ballot this fall, along with anyone else who qualifies by Friday’s deadline. The primary is Nov 3; if no one wins a majority, a runoff follows Dec. 12.

STAFF FILE PHOTO

21st Judicial District Attorney Scott Perrilloux is not seeking reelection after serving five terms in office.

STAFF PHOTO By MICHAEL JOHNSON

LSU students walk through the Quad on Friday.

Large-scaledrugringbustedinEBR

Anonymoustip to authoritiesled to surveillance,infiltration

BY OLIVIA TEES Staff writer

Alarge-scale crystal meth and fentanyl dealer bustedthismonth to in BatonRouge used twofake businesses —anautoshopand a construction firm —asafrontfor drug money,authorities said.

Througha nearlytwo-month operation of intensive surveillance of the individualsinvolvedand suspected homes, agents with the Sheriff’s OfficeNarcoticsDivisiondetermined thatthe dealers were using an automotive shopat11744 Darryl Drive, near Choctaw Drive, to pretend to be alegitimate source of cash.

On July 2, 19thJudicial District Judge Nicole Robinsonsigned off on search warrants for sixlocations suspected as drop housesand storageplaces forthe methand fentanyl. On July 9, thesearch warrants were executed and agents confiscated 147.1 grams of fentanyl, 123.5 gramsofcrack, 76.9gramsof

cocaine and 10.7 grams of meth.

They also confiscated various amountsofMDMA pills, oxycodone, marijuana, amphetamines, guns and other drug paraphernalia One day after the search warrants were executed, deputies arrested Ronny Howard, 40, andRonricoTerrell, 50, on multiple counts including possessionwith intent to distribute Schedule II and IV drugs,operation and creationofa clandestine labfor

OUTTOLUNCH

Centralyearbookuses

AI-generated images

Students, alumnidebate practice online

BY AVERYWHITE Staff writer

Central High School has beenatthe center of discourse on Baton Rouge-area Facebook pages this week after people noticed theuse of artificial intelligence in the yearbook.

Students and newly minted alumni took to the “Central Rants and Raves UNCENSORED” Facebookgroup after the release of the2026 yearbook, posting photosof pages noting AI versions of people scattered through the spreads. The posts tookoff, each receiving hundreds of interactions and comments.

SerenityStewart, 19, who graduated in May,included photos of thecover,clubs and organizations page,and senior superlatives pages in the post addressing theschool.Each page appeared to feature AIgenerated cartoons of people, and thestyling of the images matchedthe book’s overall theme mirroring CartoonNetwork.

Stewart notedall the senior superlative portraits on the pages were AI recreations of the seniors rather than photos of them, calling the photos “uncanny” and an “affront” tothe featuredseniors.

Facebook users chimed in, commenting under the post referring to the use of AI throughout the book as “lazy”

and“unethical,” asking who approved theusage. Others defended the use, noting the books are created by students who can make mistakes.

Yearbook sponsor Taylor Keowen responded to Stewart’s post in the comments, explaining the use of AI was due to multiple factors. Keowen said there were scheduling conflictswhen photographing thesuperlative winners, tight deadlinesand trademark issues in connection with the themewere alargepart of considering the use of AI.

“They used software to cartoon photos to fit the theme of Cartoon Network. The images that are cartooned were used as an addition to ‘real life’ pictures to go with the cartoon theme. …The superlatives were theonlyimages the class had to edit like that to getthem in to have them included inthe book; they did not want to exclude them totally,” Keowen said in her comment.

“That is not my favorite page either,trust me, but they did what they couldwiththe two 90-minute class periods they had.” Keowen could not be reached for further comment.

Commenters agreed with Stewart when she referred to theAIusageashypocritical,highlighting thatstudents face penalties for using AI in schoolwork.

She alsonotedthe privacy issues connected toadding photos of minors to AI databases and her concerns about the

ä See YEARBOOK, page 2B

Graves says he doesn’t plan to runfor Congress

Former repsays he’s taking apolitics‘detox’

BY ALYSE PFEIL Staff writer

Former U.S. Rep. Garret

Graves said Friday he doesn’t plan on running for Congress this fall, and sidestepped the idea of running for statewide office or challenging Gov.Jeff Landry next year

“I’ve been coaxed to runina lot of different races, and, candidly,nothing’s attractive right now,” Graves saidduring an interview with Jim Engster on WRKF’s “Talk Louisiana”radio program on Friday

Black Democrat from Baton Rouge, was elected

But this year,the U.S. Supreme Court ruledthe new district representedbyFields was unconstitutional andordered state officials back to the drawing board. Landryand the Legislature put together arevised map,adding back another majority-White, Republicanleaning district centered in the Baton Rouge area.

Some have speculatedthat Graves could potentially run in andwin that district. But, on Friday,Graves shot down that idea.

“I’mindetox right now,”Graves said. “I wanta little bitmore of areset before Ijumpback in.”

The former congressman said he still feels drawn to public service andwants to help Louisiana get unmired from thebottom of national rankings.

“I feel acalling to try to step in and push us in abetter direction,” he said. “It needs to be the right office. It needs to be the right time.” In 2024, almost immediately after taking office, Landry and theLegislature reconfigured Louisiana’scongressional map, converting the majority-White districtGraves represented at the time into aBlack-majority district that Graves faced slim odds of winning. He declined to run, andRep.CleoFields, a

controlledsubstancesand several illegalfirearm charges.

In May, an anonymous source told agents about alarge-scaledealer later identified as Howard —who dealt in kilo and multi-kilo quantities of drugs.

Howard owns and operates Ronnie Howard Construction andHoward Auto Sales, both of which are

BuildEast Baton Rouge leader departing

BY IANNE SALVOSA Staff writer

The leader of East Baton Rouge Parish’sredevelopment authority will depart the organization, the group announced Thursday morning.

Deidre Deculus Robert, president and CEO of Build East Baton Rouge, will leaveher role afterabout 11/2 years after fielding afew job offers, boardChair CharlesLandry said. Robert joined Build EBR, which manages theparish’slandbank, in March 2025 afterserving as the director of state operations at USDA Rural Development.

Robert will continue her role as the organization transitions to a new leader and will depart at the end of August.

Robert took over as head of Build EBR after the organization had been without afull-time leader formore than three years.

Underher tenure, Build EBR developed afive-year strategic plan, the organization’sfirst since the pandemic, that focuses on easing the processes to acquire property from the landbank andlaunched redevelopment projects aimed at North Baton Rouge, targeting corridors like Plank Road. The organization also started aseries of estate planning clinics to help residents draftwills, alleviating heirship struggles that often lead to blight.

Build EBR earnedmorethan$1.5 million in grants fortheirredevelopment projects, arelease states. The organization has recently navigated limited financial resourcesafter a 25% cuttoparish funding due to Mayor-President Sid Edwards’ failed tax restructuring, leading Build EBR to tap into their financial reserves.

“I don’t have plans to runinNovember,”he said. “I think it’sjust really important thatwe getsomeone in there who’sgood, whoknows what they’re doing and canhit thegroundrunning.”

Engsteralso askedGraves aboutformer Gov.Edwin Edwards. Graves said he got to knowthe influential politician while running and then defeatinghim in therace for Congress in 2014.

“Webecame good friends,” he said.

Graves called Edwards “one of thebrightest menthat I’ve ever met in my life.”

Butheacknowledged the notoriousformer governor was “a complex guy.”

“I think that he wasa great man,”Gravessaid.“He probably didn’tmake some great decisions his entire life.”

Email AlysePfeil at alyse pfeil@theadvocate.com.

“This was notaneasydecisionfor me to make.But,asI preparefor a new career opportunity,I do so with deep pride in what Build EBR has accomplished and full confidence in thepeoplewho will carrythe work forward,” Robert said in the release.

“Build EBR’sfuture has never depended on one individual. It rests with an outstanding Board, an exceptional leadership team,atalented staff, and acommunity that believes in its mission. Ihave every confidence that the organization’sbest days are still ahead.”

LandrysaidRobert worked withthe board to create astrategic visionfor the organizationbased on its original mission of transforming properties to better the parish and implemented aproject-based tactic for redevelopment. Details on the search foranew leader have not been determined yet, he said, but Robert’sreplacementwill be charged with following the strategic planadopted underher leadership and continuing the organization on the path she set.

“Whentheydoagood jobfor you, they becomehighly visible, as Deidre was,” Landry saidofRobert’sdeparture forother job opportunities.

STAFF PHOTO By JAVIER GALLEGOS

Afamily visiting Louisiana from Franceeatslunch inthe shadeofapier along the Mississippi River leveedowntownonTuesday

Graves

Cases of parasitic infection grow to 100 in La.

Instances of cyclospora typically spike in summer

BY MARGARET DELANEY Staff writer

On Thursday, the Louisiana Department of Health reported that cases of cyclosporiasis, a parasitic infection that can cause weeks of watery diarrhea, have reached 100 in the state.

So far, there have been six hospitalizations in association with the infection and zero deaths East Baton Rouge Parish has the highest number of cases in the state at 20, followed by Lafayette Parish with 18 cases, according to LDH. Since May, over 6,700 cyclospora cases have been confirmed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the U.S. The organization is aware of more than 11,500 additional cases that require further investigation, the CDC reported Tuesday Many of the additional cases have been reported by Michigan and Ohio.

National investigations by the CDC identified lots of iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms de Mexico sold in Taco Bell locations in Indiana, Kentucky Michigan, Ohio and West Virginia as the source of the outbreak.

On July 17, Taylor Farms initiated a recall of all iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico. The recall includes iceberg lettuce sold at retail stores and restaurants, as well as other products distributed to food service customers, according to the CDC.

Neither the CDC nor state officials, however, have reported any connection to Louisiana cyclospora cases.

In the first week of July, there were 23 reported total cases of cyclospora in Louisiana. Previously, the state has averaged 20 reported cases over the same time period during the past five years.

The next week, total cases jumped to 43 Then, another increase the following week, to 79 total cases. Cases of cyclosporiasis typically spike in the summer months, with historically active outbreaks in Louisiana between June and August. In

the U.S., the cyclosporiasis season is considered May 1 through Aug. 31, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Over the past 20 years, between one and 101 cases have been reported annually in Louisiana, with 73 cases reported in 2023.

The LDH gets notice of positive cyclospora cases as soon as they are confirmed through lab results in hospital medical records The parasite is diagnosed through a gastrointestinal pathogen panel, a onehour, highly sensitive stool test that simultaneously detects the DNA or RNA of multiple bacteria, viruses and parasites causing diarrhea.

“This is a rare one,” said Dr Katie Taylor, who runs infection control and outbreak management at Our Lady of the Lake Hospital in Baton Rouge. “(Cyclospora) tends to last longer and may improve and relapse before it completely resolves.”

The threshold for hospitalization, sitting at six so far in Louisiana, rests primarily on dehydration.

“Louisiana has slightly higher than normal levels going around right now,” Taylor said. “The center

Landry names new state fire marshal

Current leader moves to public safety

BY ELLYN COUVILLION Staff writer

Gov Jeff Landry has named Chad Sonnier the director of the Lafayette Parish Office of Homeland Security, as the new state fire marshal. He also promoted the current fire marshal, Bryan Adams, to an appointment in the Louisiana Department of Public Safety Adams will serve as principal assistant to the deputy secretary

of that department, the State Fire Marshal’s Office said Friday In that role Adams will oversee the daily operations of five state offices: the Office of State Fire Marshal, Office of Motor Vehicles, Louisiana Highway Safety Commission, Louisiana Gaming Control Board and Louisiana Liquefied Petroleum Gas Commission.

Adams had served as state fire marshal since January 2024.

Sonnier who will become state fire marshal on Monday, has more than 37 years of fire service experience. He had served as fire chief of the Scott Fire Department for more than 20 years, before serving for the past two years as the director of the Lafayette Parish Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness.

The appointments will take effect on Monday, the State Fire Marshal’s Office said in a news release Friday

Email Ellyn Couvillion at ecouvillion@theadvocate.com.

Tomato, citrus farmer Ben Becnel Sr. dies at 83

BY WILLIE SWETT Staff writer

Ben Becnel Sr., a fifth-generation farmer in Plaquemines Parish known for his Creole tomatoes and citrus that he sold at his popular farm stands, died on Wednesday at the age of 83. He died after a battle with pancreatic cancer, his family said Becnel, a lifelong Plaquemines Parish resident, did all sorts of different jobs over the course of his life, including building houses, painting, and even driving the school bus for a local private school. But his greatest passion, his son, Ben Becnel Jr said, was farming “This place was his life,” Becnel Jr said, reached by phone Friday at his family’s farmland in Plaquemines. “It’s hard to walk in the barn and think, ‘He’ll never be in here again or help me work on things.’” At its peak, the father-son duo’s farm had 80 acres of vegetables and 40 acres of citrus trees, Becnel Jr said. Becnel was named Plaquemines’ 2012 “Orange King.”

Until the end of the last year, Becnel sold goods at farm stands in Belle Chasse on La. 23 outside of Zydeco’s Restaurant and at a spot near Jesuit Bend. They sold produce and jarred goods, mustard greens and jam They were best known for their large red Creole tomatoes and citrus from their orchards.

“We always appreciated his passion for farming and the outstanding citrus and produce he grew in Plaquemines Parish,” wrote Rouses supermarkets, which distributed Becnel’s citrus and Creole tomatoes, in a social media tribute on Wednesday Even after their farm and the industry as a whole suffered significant losses in recent years — there was Hurricane Katrina,

YEARBOOK

Continued from page 1B

potential impact on climate.

“I’m pretty sure everyone knows about the climate effects

If you’re actively destroying the world that your students live in, it just feels like they don’t really care about the students if they’re condoning AI usage,”

then Hurricane Ida in 2021, and more recently the blizzard in 2025

— they continued to operate their farm stands and sell vegetables.

But at the end of 2025, with profits falling due to rising production costs during the Covid-19 pandemic, and his father growing more tired from cancer treatment, they decided to shut down the stands, Becnel Jr said.

Nevertheless, he said, he plans to once again open a citrus stand on La 23 in October.

Becnel was born in Plaquemines in 1942 to a farming family, and lived there the rest of his life.

Becnel and each of his nine siblings inherited 7 acres of farmland when their father retired. Becnel later bought up more land and expanded his farm, Becnel Jr said.

He could be rough and tough, but at the same time he was very

Stewart said. Supporters of AI use and data centers have said that climate concerns are overblown.

Naiya Kessler, 18, a Central art student who also graduated in May believes there were alternatives to using AI-generated images; to prove that, she will be drawing the superlative pictures herself, Kessler said.

“I was very disappointed,” Kessler said.

of where this is happening is around Michigan.”

What is cyclospora?

Cyclospora is a microscopic, spherical parasite that commonly causes watery diarrhea “with frequent and sometimes explosive bowel movements,” according to the CDC. The illness, called cyclosporiasis, is not usually life-threatening and is typically treated with antibiotics. As far as epidemiologists know, humans are the only species that can contract cyclosporiasis.

The heat-loving parasite infects the bowels and spreads through feces. In the past, people have been infected by consuming fruits or vegetables that were exposed to feces-contaminated water

The rates of cyclosporiasis cases are generally higher in developing countries, according to Nnedu, and some previous outbreaks of the illness were linked to imported produce.

compassionate,” recalled Becnel Jr “When it was business time, he was business.”

Becnel also loved ballroom dancing with his wife, Gwen, and the couple would travel and compete in Baton Rouge, Becnel Jr said. “I was so used to only seeing him on a tractor it was great to see him outside of that and having fun.”

Becnel is survived by his wife, Gwendolyn Becnel of Belle Chasse; his son, Benjamin Becnel of Belle Chasse; his daughter, Christy Becnel of Abita Springs; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Visitation will be held on Monday, Aug. 3 at 10 a.m. at The First Baptist Church of Belle Chasse. Email Willie Swett at willie. swett@theadvocate.com.

Central Community School System administration could not be reached for comment.

This story was reported and written by a student with the support of the nonprofit Louisiana Collegiate News Collaborative, an LSU-led coalition of eight universities funded by the Henry Luce and John D. and Catherine T MacArthur foundations.

Foods like bagged salad mixes and kits, fresh cilantro, fresh basil, raspberries, snow peas and green onions more commonly carry the parasite. People with diarrhea that hasn’t resolved on its own within a few days should see a health provider and discuss the possibility of cyclospora, officials say “If diarrhea is prolonged, that goes on for more than two days unstopped, you may want to talk with your physician,” Nnedu said. Continue to watch out for other symptoms as well, like abdominal pain and nausea. Investigations can take months to determine where contaminated food came from and sometimes fail to find a clear source of the parasitic infection.

The best way to prevent infection with a parasite is to avoid food or water that may have been contaminated. Fresh produce should be thoroughly washed before being eaten, especially for immunocompromised people who are at a greater risk of infection But be aware that cyclospora can stick to some foods, so washing may not eliminate the risk of infection. It is also best to cook vegetables when possible and practice standard good hygiene before meals.

COMING UP

Auto parts warehouse building distribution center

Staff report

U.S. AutoForce, which distributes tires, auto parts and lubricants, is building a 125,000-squarefoot distribution center on Rieger Road, near the Interstate 10-Pecue Lane exit. The warehouse has a target completion date in September, said Bryce French, a senior vice president with CRBE, who represented U.S. AutoForce.

U.S AutoForce has more than 70 distribution centers across the

country, but none in Louisiana, Arkansas or Mississippi. French said U.S. AutoForce liked the location because of the visibility and the I-10 traffic. ARCO is the contractor for the project.

Is there a building under construction or renovation in your neighborhood and you want to know what it is? Send an email with a picture or the location to ianne.salvosa@ theadvocate.com.

DRUG RING

Continued from page 1B

listed at Darryl Drive on their respective websites. Both businesses are in good standing with the state.

During the investigation between May and June, agents observed Howard conducting short non-social visits to multiple residences, something typically associated with drug deals, according to the agents’ years of experience in narcotics.

According to the search warrant, the deals occurred in private homes and public areas like gas stations and Cracker Barrel restaurants.

While attempting surveillance on Howard in his personal car he exhibited multiple counter-intelligence tactics such as using neighborhoods instead of highways as main travel lanes, abruptly speeding, switching lanes and accelerating or braking for no specific reason, the warrant for his arrest said.

This is a tactic agents refer to as heat checking, which is abnormal and aggressive driving that is not associated with everyday driving. It often also includes changing vehicles when driving to drug deals and subsequently taking the money back to the business where it will be laundered. Howard was also seen switching between multiple cars such as a red Mini Cooper, a white Chevy Trax, a white Hyundai SUV, a black Jeep Wrangler and a 2025 Hyundai Kona, which was later identified as a rental car

According to the warrant, Howard made multiple trips to Texas in the rental car and replaced the temporary Colorado license plate with another temporary one. Agents identified it as a common tactic used to travel across state lines without being tracked by police. The tags were issued from Howard’s auto shop.

During his trips to Texas, he stopped at multiple places in Beaumont before driving back through Lafayette and ending in Baton Rouge, according to the warrant.

On June 11, agents set up a controlled buy with a confidential informant. The informant purchased fentanyl from Courtney Forman, a dealer with Howard, at a residence at 3983 Gus Young Avenue. The deal went through, and Forman was arrested on June 29. In addition to the physical surveillance evidence agents have gathered, agents were notified of a series of suspicious activities concerning the bank accounts in the names of Howard’s businesses.

Between Feb. 25 and March 10, Howard deposited $21,050 into an account at the Guaranty Bank and Trust Company and withdrew the same amount three days later

This series of rapid deposits and withdrawals is called layering and is a common tactic used to limit the transparency of the source, according to the warrant. According to the agents in the investigation, this tactic is commonly used to circulate and “launder” the drug money and circulate it with legit bills.

According to the law enforcement databases, Howard Auto LLC claimed to make $44 million annually from sales. However, the investigators who did surveillance on the shop said the shop was not consistent with the behaviors of a business making that sum of money, according to arrest documents.

During surveillance of the property agents confirmed that the people at the auto shop did not appear to be employees or customers.

Norman Sims, 29, and James Tullier, 62, were also arrested on various drug charges in connection with the bust.

Both Sims and Howard are out on bond.

Sonnier

STAFF FILE PHOTO By SOPHIA GERMER

Ben Becnel Sr., a well-known citrus and tomato farmer in Plaquemines Parish, died on Wednesday after a battle with cancer He was 83.

STAFF PHOTO By TIMOTHy BOONE

U.S. AutoForce, which distributes tires, auto parts and lubricants, is building a 125,000 square foot distribution center on Rieger Road near the Interstate 10-Pecue Lane exit.

Angela Hargrove,a resi-

dent of Baton Rouge,transitionedfromEarth to Glory on July 28, 2026, at her residence, at the ageof54. Sheleaves to cherish hermemory herloving husband, Migel Hargrove; her sons, Joshua and Migel HargroveJr.;and ahost of family and friends who will foreverrememberher kindness, strength, and faith. Visitationwillbeon Monday, August 3from 9am-10am at Rabenhorst FuneralHome, 11000Florida Blvd, Baton Rouge,La 70815. Services will begin at 10:00am. Wesley, Geneva

Geneva Wesley transitionedpeacefullyonJuly 24, 2026 in Natchez,MS. She wasborn on October 04,1937 in Natchez,MS. Avisitationwillbeheld from10:00 AM to 11:00 AM on 2026-08-01 at Evergreen Baptist Church, 4140 LA Hwy 955 West. Afuneral servicewillbeheldfrom 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM on 2026-08-01 at Evergreen Baptist Church, 4140 LA Hwy 955 West. Aburial will be held from 12:30 PM to 1:00 PM on 2026-08-01 at Greenbriar Cemetery, 1235 Line Rd

Funerals Today Hargrove, Angela

BRIEFS FROM WIRE REPORTS

N.Y.calls Kalshi ‘illegal gambling operation’

New York officials suedprediction market platform Kalshi for potentially billions of dollars on Friday,calling it an “illegal, unlicensedgambling operation” that includessports wagering as the state seeks to halt itsoperationsand forcethe companytoforfeit its profits. Kalshi and other platforms argue they are federallylicensed andregulated, and states have no authority to govern them.

Prediction market platforms like Kalshi and Polymarket allow trading on the likelihood of awiderange of eventssuchas sports, politics, news andeven the weather

“No matter what they call themselves, prediction markets like Kalshi are gambling platforms, plain and simple. By ignoring our laws, Kalshiis runninganillegal operation and harming New Yorkers in the process,” Attorney General LetitiaJames said in astatement James’ office is requesting that Kalshi be ordered to forfeit all illegalgains,pay restitution to consumers who wereharmed and payfines equal to three timesthe company’sgains. In a courtfiling, stateofficials provideda roughestimate of the damagesand costs sought by the lawsuit —$36 billion FCC chairman defends actions against ABC

Federal Communications Commission Chairman Brendan CarronFriday defended his agency’srecent actions against ABC, saying broadcasters have aduty to “operate in the public interest” and the FCC is merelytrying to restore that standard.

Broadcasters like ABC, Carr said in an interview on the Fox Business Network, “struck a deal with the American people. Youbroadcasters get subsidizedaccess, free access to a valuable public resource, the airwaves, worth billions of dollars.Inexchange, you have to operate in the public interest.”

“Look, as acountry,weshould have atrusted, respected news media, andwe’re notthere,” Carr told anchor Maria Bartiromo. “So Ihope more broadcasters return to their public interest obligations.”

ABC accused the agency of retaliating against it simply because it doesn’tlikethe political content of ABC’sshows.

Social media companies sued over teens’ deaths

The families of four teenagers whodiedbysuicide are suingMeta, TikTok, Snapchat and YouTube over what they describe as “years of escalating harms” from using their platforms that eventually resulted in their deaths.

The lawsuit, filed Thursdayin the Superior Court of Delaware, is the latest in aflurry of suits filed against the social media giants that alleges theirplatforms are addictive and dangerous

The complaint wasfiledon behalf of four familiesfrom Texas, North Carolina, Minnesota and Tennessee whose children died over a14-month period starting in July 2024 throughSeptember 2025.

TheSocial Media Victims LawCenter is bringing thesuit on behalf of the families, and its founding attorney,Matthew Bergman,said it’s“particularly salient”thatthe children in this case died “long after” similar suits had been filed.

“These platforms continue to kill kids, despite theplatitudes of their executives,” Bergman said in an interview.“This is a clear and present danger to the healthand safety of children, notjust in the United States but around the world.”

The four teens each experienced harmsincluding social media addiction, severe sleep deprivation, depression, anxiety and suicidal ideation after years of usingthe social platforms, thecomplaint states. LiviCastro died at age13, Riv Kelleher at 14, Nathaniel Chambers at age 17 and Dawson Holden at 18.

Amazon soars, Applesinks,oil stayshigh

Inflationworries worsen in wild July

BY STAN CHOE Associated Press

NEW YORK U.S. stocksroseFriday to finish awild July for Wall Street as Amazon leaped,Apple sankand risingoil prices worsened worries aboutinflation stayinghigh.

It’safittingfinish to July for the U.S. stock market, which lurched up and down as oil prices shot high-

er because of the warwith Iran andworries grew about whether BigTech’s massiveinvestments in artificial-intelligence technology will translate into profits and whether chipmaker stockssoared toohigh in the euphoria around AI Friday’sgains sent theS&P 500 to its first winning week in three, but the main measure of the U.S stockmarket nevertheless finished the month with atiny loss. Amazonled themarket with aleap of 15.3% after reporting much stronger profit for thelatest quarter than analysts expected.

Itsprofit more than tripled from ayear earlier,thanks in part to an acceleration of growth in its cloud computing business.

Analysts said that could be a signal Amazon’shuge AI investments are paying off, and Amazon increased its forecast forhow much it will spend on investments this year

Chip companies selling the processors andcomputermemory thatsuch“hyperscalers” are scrambling to buyswung sharply again on Friday.Micron Technology,for example, went from an ear-

ly jump of 6.4% to alossof6.5% before finishing with afall of 5.9%.

More firmly on the losing end of Wall Street was Apple,which dropped 7.4% despite reporting strongerprofit for the latest quarterthanexpected.Its forecastfor revenue growthinthe current quarterfellshort of expectations, which executives pinned on asupply crunchincomponents getting vacuumed up in the AI boom

The pricefor abarrel of Brent crude rose 1.2% to settle at $87.93 after careening between $72and $102 earlier in July

Major oilcompanies reap massive profitsduringconflictwithIran

BY CATHY BUSSEWITZ Associated Press

NEWYORK American oil and gas giants raked in massive spring profitswhile fightingbetween Iran and the U.S. impeded petroleumshipments andconsumers around theworld paid more for fuel and confronted shortages.

Theconflict, now in its sixth month, halted most shipping through theStraitofHormuz, anarrow waterway that previously served as adelivery route for afifthofthe world’s oil andnatural gas. With global supplies constrained, prices forBrent crude,the internationalstandard, soared from about $70 to above $100 abarrel for much of March, April andMay,and at one point reached $126.

Themoney that oil companies accrued between the beginning of April and the end of June couldreceive extra scrutiny this year

Gasoline, diesel andjet fuelprices climbed sharply during that period, increasing costs for drivers and airline passengers. Supplies ran low in some countries, leading to sporadicfuelrationinginAustralia and government office closures in Nepal and Sri Lanka.

ExxonMobilonFridayreported that its second quarter profits doubled to $14.53 billion, boosted by record diesel production. Theoil giant, based in Spring, Texas,brought in $116.02 billion in revenue, up 42%.

Chevron,based in Houston, nearlyquadrupledits profits to $12.07 billion and revenue jumped 56%to $70.06 billion.

SixofEurope’slargestoil companies posted combined first-quarter profits of $22 billion,more than 40%higher than last year

“There areconstituenciesaroundthe world who are having avery good crisis, and the oilproducers are one of them,”said Patrick Galey,fossil fuels lead at Global Witness, a nonprofit organization that investigatesenvironmental issues. “Whenyou compare that to the hundreds of millionsofpeople whoare struggling with rolling blackouts, with electricity curbs, rationing, waiting in line for food queues,orthe disruption to fertilizers and the potentialimpact that thathas on food prices, we don’tthink that it’s ajustifiable price for the rest of the world to be paying.”

Lawmakerspropose taxing oilproducers Energy companies such as Exxon and Chevron do notset the price of American oil, which ricocheted from $68 to $115 abarrelduring thequarter.It’sdriven by supply anddemand,and what traders, refiners and other buyersare willing to pay

Nevertheless, Democrats in Congress introducedbills in March to taxmajoroil producersfor profits they showfrom 2026 onward and havethe tax proceeds redistributedtoconsumers.

“It’sfairtoput awindfall profitstax on inordinate windfall profits ratherthancut off children’s food programs,”Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse,D-R.I., who introduced the Senate version of the legislation Whitehouse’smeasure and acompanion bill introducedbyU.S.Rep.RoKhanna,

D-Calif., would amendthe U.S.tax code to impose aper-barrel tax on companiesthat produced or imported at least300,000 barrels of oil per day in 2025.

“Wecracked $4 again per gallon last weekend in gas stations that Idrove by,and that’s abig expense, particularly for families that gettheir income fromdriving around from jobtojob in the work vanorthe work truck,” Whitehouse said.

Theaverage pricefor agallonofregular gasoline in theU.S., which was below $3 before theU.S. and Israel launched attackson Iran,reached $4.11 Friday, about$1more than ast year at this time.

The UK andother European countries implemented temporarywindfall profits taxes on fossil fuel companies in 2022. The UK extendedthatto2030, according to Tax Foundation Europe.

“Penalizing the businesses whostood by those countries and providedthat product going forwardisveryshortsighted,”Exxon CEO Darren Woods said in acall with investors Friday. “Wecanceled investments that we had planned for Europe based on the last time they passed awindfall profits tax.”

Return on refining ‘has skyrocketed’

Outfits such as Exxon and Chevron, which alsoown refineries, areinthe best position to profit from the current market conditions, said TomSeng, assistantprofessor of energy finance at Texas Christian University

Refineries turn oil intogasoline, diesel, jet fuel and home heating oil. Higher prices for those products meant Chevron’squarterly refinery profit was six timesasbig in 2026, despite processing lesscrude and selling less products.

“The return on refining, on apercentage basis, hasskyrocketed,” Seng said. “Oil right now is priced what it is priced because of the Iran war.But in themeantime, the refineries are making money hand over fist.”

The global refining market is undersupplied, and with countries such as Russia and China no longer exporting, companieslike Exxonand Chevron have to pick it up, said RobThummel, seniorportfolio manager at Tortoise Capital. “The worldisgoing to be short jet fuel, diesel and gasoline, so we’ll probably continue to see higher profits there.” Globally,not allrefineries havebeen able to getthe supply of crudeoil they need to meet demand since theconflictbegan,said Timothy Fitzgerald, aUniversity of Tennessee professor of business economics who studies the petroleum industry As aresult, refineries that have ample oil to work with, including those in the U.S., are turning high profits, particularly when they make jet fuel and diesel, which is priced about 41% higher in the U.S. than before the Strait of Hormuz wasblocked.

“Ifyou’re acompany that owns abunch of refinery capacity,things look pretty good,” Fitzgerald said.

American refineries are running at near-full capacity andpoisedtobenefitbecause some refineries in the Middle East andRussiawere damaged. And Asia can’tget the amount of Middle East oil needed for refining.

“Ultimately,users of theenergyservices pay,” Fitzgerald said. “Consumers, people like youand me buying retailmotor gasoline or diesel fuel or airplane tickets. But it also means thatalmost everything else we buy has an embedded energy content to it and this is where you start to worry about it driving increases in costs.”

Exxon and Chevron weren’tasprofitable in the first quarter due to the wayoil is traded; thefirstreal opportunity they hadtotake advantage of higher prices oil was in April.

Companies that hada lotofoil stored in floating tankers and available forspot-market trading, including some Europeanones, were able to benefit from March’shigher oil prices, Seng said.

Anthropicsaysits AI models hacked 3organizations during testing

BY CHAN HO-HIM Associated Press

Anthropic said its artificial intelligencemodels hacked into three other organizations during testing, just days after ChatGPT maker OpenAIraisedconcerns over AI controls afteritdisclosed itsrogue modelshacked another company Anthropic, the SanFranciscobased AI company behind Claude, posted onits websiteThursday that it discovered thethree incidents after reviewing morethan 141,000 evaluation runs. It had launcheda“large-scale” cybersecurity review which specifically lookedfor evidence whether itsAImodels wereable to access the internetfrom within testing en-

vironments that shouldhavebeen sealed off, in response to the OpenAI incident,Anthropic said.

Anthropic saidthe models involved in the incidentswere ClaudeOpus 4.7, Claude Mythos 5and an internal research test model. The earliest incidents date to April, theAIcompany said.

“Claude compromised the impacted organizations’ infrastructure using basic techniques,” Anthropicsaid, such as exploiting weak passwords. In all three incidents, the AI models were taskedwitha“capturethe flag” cybersecuritychallenge,whichAnthropicsaid has been one of the ways it assesses a model’scyber capabilities. The modelsweregiven afic-

tional scenario andtolda piece of secret information,orthe “flag,” hadbeen hidden on adifferent machineonthe network with the objective of breaking in and retrievingit, it said. It added that it had already reached out to the affected organizations, which it didnot name. Two of them said they hadnot previously detected the activity.Anthropic said it was “continuing to reach out to thethird.”

Anthropicsaiditconducted its reviewwith Irregular,which describes itself as the “first frontier securitylab.” “Addressing these risks will require closer cooperationacross the AI ecosystem,” Irregular saidinapost on X. Last week,OpenAI said itsAI

modelswentrogueduringan evaluation of its models, breaking into the servers of AI startup Hugging Face. OpenAI described it as a“significant security incident.”

These incidents have highlighted the vulnerabilities in AI security and controls and raised questions over how AI can be safely kept under human control as the technology’susagebecomes morewidespread globally Researchershavewarnedfor yearsabout risksfrom technology and the need for stronger AI defensive engineering.

“Safety testing happens before amodelisreleasedprecisely because we don’tyet knowwhatit is capable of,” Anthropic said on Thursday on its website.

ASSOCIATEDPRESS FILEPHOTO By ASHLEy LANDIS

Atruck enters the ExxonMobil Baytown Olefins Plant on April 29 in Baytown, Texas

OPINION

ANOTHERVIEW

Is Jon Ossoff theleaderthat Democratswant?

Meet Jon Ossoff. At 39, he’s thenation’syoungest U.S. senator. Elected from the swing state of Georgia, he’s smart, focused and strongonthe attack.And if some Democratshavetheir way,hecould betheir party’snominee for president in 2028.

Democrats are tired of Donald Trump setting the agenda. Many worrytheir current crop of presidential candidates falls shortofwhatthey need:a new generation leader whocan win, govern andrebuild the party

Growing excitement surrounds Ossoff’s prospects even though he’slargely unknown to most voters andcurrently denies interest in aWhite House bid. That may change afterNovember,when Ossoff is favored to win reelection,but his victory is not guaranteed;federal elections in Georgia are often perilously close Ossoff grew upinAtlanta andismarried to Alisha Kramer,anOB-GYN at Emory University.Theyhave two daughters. His mother is an Australian immigrant,and his father is an attorney-turned-publisher In high school, Ossoff interned forcivil rights icon U.S. Rep. John Lewis. AgraduateofGeorgetown’sSchool of ForeignService,heearneda master’sdegree fromthe London School of Economics. Ossoff has worked as alegislativeassistantonCapitol Hill andasCEO of atelevision productioncompany that created documentariesabout foreign corruption. Ossoff narrowly lostaspecialelectionfor Congress in 2017. Four years later,hedefeated Republican Sen. David Perdue, becoming the first millennialinthe Senate and the firstJewishsenator fromGeorgia

Knowing howDemocratic strategists viewpresidential prospects tells us why anew face likeOssoff hasappeal

Many expect Kamala Harris, 61, to fade once the race starts, arguing her currentstrength rests onnamerecognition more than loyalty. Gavin Newsom, 58, dazzles on television andonline,but some fear he’stoo slickfor Sheboygan

They thinkPete Buttigieg,44, ran an impressive presidential campaign in 2020, but were less impressedwith his performance as aBiden cabinetmember.U.S. Rep. AlexandriaOcasio-Cortez, 36,is as hipand modernasa Democrat can be —but insiders wonder whether aselfdescribed Democraticsocialist canwin anational election. Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, 53,earns praisefor intelligence, competence and calm. But skepticsfear he’s too moderate, too pro-Israel and toocautious forthe progressive base. Arizona’sMark Kelly,62, looksgoodonpaper —astronaut, veteran, swing-state senator —yet may lack thespark Democratscrave. Illinois Gov.JBPritzker,61, is popular with pundits and politicians, but do Democratsreally wantabillionaire leading their ticket as they runonclosingthe wealth gap? Kentucky Gov.Andy Beshear,48, has an aura of moderation and electability,but strategists question whether he could ever capture the party’sprogressive base, which will likely have veto power over the next nominee. Andthenthere’s Rahm Emanuel, 66:tough, brilliant, able. He’s been amayor,House member,ambassadorand presidential chief of staff. Yettomany, he’stoo much the insider, lacking appealamong rank-and-file voters. Wheredoesthatleave Ossoff? Young, telegenicand battle-tested in aswing state. Acrisp communicatorwith strong support among Georgia’sBlack voters and suburban women. His attacks on Donald Trumpand JD Vance land hard —sharp, straightforward androoted in facts His online video clips have put him on themap. Noteverybody will agreewithOssoff on everyissue He’scriticized the Iran war,voted to convict Trumpduring his second impeachment, supports abortion rights and wants to ban members of Congress andtheir spousesfrom trading stocks. He voted withJoe Biden 97% of the time. He’sopposedthe Green New Deal, defunding police, abolishingICE and single-payer healthcare. While he’scommitted to “thesecurity of Israel,”and acknowledges the “ironclad” U.S.-Israel relationship, Ossoff doesn’tfavor unconditional Americansupport. His youth could hurt as well as help, though he’s older than AOC and only slightly youngerthan Vance. Asa national candidate, Ossoff is untested. He may be too far leftfor centrists, and not farenough left for Democratic socialists. Hisposition on Israel will be closely watchedby pro- and anti-Israel Democrats. Nonetheless, Ossoff checks alot of boxes forDemocrats. He’snot ahousehold name, butthat’spartofthe appeal: less baggage, more runway and astory still being written. Democrats often fall in love withunknowns running for president. JFK and Barack Obama come to mind.Will Jon Ossoff be next?

Ron Faucheux is anonpartisan political analyst, pollster and writer based in Louisiana.

When data center doublesinsize, howwillitimpactneighbors?

Re:“Metaplans $40 billion expansionofLouisiana AI data center, morethan doubling itssize.”

Ijustwonder if Richland Parish is aware of what they’re in for Otherplaces said, “Wedon’twant it.” Louisiana said, “I want it, Iwant it.” Otherplaces are concerned about the water and energy usage. They said theyare building moreenergy resources, which is going to make energy cheaper for residents. Really? Idon’tknow,ask Entergy People in places like Southaven, Mississippi, are saying the constant hum and whirring is driving themcrazy.Isthis one going to be quieter? How is thatpossible with aplace four times the size of New

York City’sCentral Park? What happens to the value of the land near this gigantic AI center? They’re touting jobs. After constructioniscompleted, what kind of jobs, besides maintenance? Afterall, this is an AI center; you won’tneed too many others. Right now, there’salot of tax talk, contributions and promises which will lastfor how long? Until 2032? 2036? Hmm. As Isaid, I’m just wondering, and Iguess I’m worried, too. At my age, Iwon’tbeherewhen it all comes to pass, but that doesn’tstop me from being concerned for my grands and great-grands. And for my state. CAROLYN ROUSSEAU Slidell

Articleabout Trump’s‘unproven’claimsshowedbias

Istrongly disagree with the headline in theJuly 17 paper, which stated: “Trump uses address to push unproven claims about past elections.” The Associated Press article should have disclosed the documents that were released and let the public make their own determination. For example, Ihave only reviewed one document so far,and it showed dead citizens and non itizens registered to voteincertain states.Would it have changed

theresults of the election? Probably not, yet several states refuse to disclose theinformation to the federal government.

This bias makes people lose faith in thenews media. For example, for at least three years, Rachel Maddow spoke about the Russian collusion and implied President Donald Trumpwas guilty. What about an apology for being wrong?

ALAN JUDERJAHN Ponchatoula

Couldentrepreneurial towtruck drivers solveabandoned vehicleproblem?

Re: “Baton Rouge man wanted for allegedly towingaway vehicles, selling them using forged papers.”

It sounds to me likethe towtruck driver needs to be nominated for the Golden Deeds award! He’sdoing more to clean up the city than anyone that Iknow of. True, he may have bent afew rules and possibly stepped over theline abit, but all things considered, he is doing agreat public service in clearing junk cars from thestreets of Baton Rouge.

If we can find eight or 10 more like-minded good citizens,we could clean this city up about as fast as Donald Trumpsecured the border Does this tow-truck driver pos-

sibly have somefriends whoknow how to tear down oldabandoned houses?

If that be thecase, we could turn them loose on that project as well, give them about $500 each, give them the scrap material and we could clean up Baton Rouge in ajiffy Ihave one more bright idea. It involves cleaning up the trash and old tires that litter Baton Rouge streets. Ihave thefeeling that entrepreneurslike our tow-truck driver could be an asset in this regard.

Sometimes to actually get thingsdone, one needs to think outside the box.

JOE T. SMITH Baton Rouge

RonFaucheux’sJuly 18 op-ed, “Polls showhow Americans see the issues,” shows how unsound his arguments are. He starts with adoozy:

“In recentmonths …Donald Trump’sjob approval ratings have remained steady. His latest rating averages 43%,exactly where it was four months ago. The president’scriticsfind that hard to believe;theykeep hearing about individualpolls showing his popularity falling. But polling averages,whichcombine results from multiple surveys, have shown little movement.”

Ilike polling averages, and agreethatweshould not rely on single polls like the FoxNews poll publishedMay 20th, showing Trump’soverall jobperformance with 39% approval and 61% disapprovalrates

But lo andbehold, Fox News was notalone in finding farlower approval ratings than Faucheux’s numbers.

Taking just the four months of this March-June, 196 national polls publishedhaveanidentical averageof39% approval/61% disapproval of the president overall. Getting even pickier,byonly including the subset of 47 polls that metThe New York Times’ criteria of being “select pollsters,” that approval rating drops to 36.9%.

Forthose who think thatthere is notmuchdifference between 43 and36.9or39, just imagine which poll numberany politician would ratherhave.

Evenour esteemedgovernor droppedfrom58% ayear ago to 43% in March, according to the Pelican Institute for Public Policy studiesreported in this newspaperJuly 19.

GARYCLEMENTS NewOrleans

Ron Faucheux

ANALYSIS

Bresee’s injury comes at toughtime forhimself, Saints

NewOrleans lineman setto getsecondopinion on knee

BY MATTHEW PARAS Staff writer

Bryan Bresee will receive asecond opinion on his knee injury thatisfearedtobea torn ACL, but the New Orleans Saintsare operating as if they willbewithout astarting defensive lineman after hegot hurt duringthe team’s firsttraining camp practice

Wednesday

“It’stough,” Saints coach Kellen Moore said.

Theinjuryhurts on multiplelevels. Bresee is acritical piece upfront who haddeveloped quite nicely sincethe Saints drafted him 29th overall in 2023. For Bresee, having to miss an entire season comes at abrutal time as he perhaps wouldhavebeen in line for amajor payday next offseason Instead, Bresee’sinjury will test theSaints by seeing if the youth movement they’ve experienced over the last two drafts isactually ready to contribute. In back-to-back years, theSaints used Day 2picks on defensive linemen in third-rounder Vernon Broughton in 2025 and second-rounder ChristenMiller this year New Orleans had wanted to see whether either would be able to contribute by beating out any of the incumbentstarters. Now? The chances are one of them will be forced into the spotlight, ready or not.

“We’ll use training camp and preseason games and all these opportunities tokindof evaluate that,” Moore said.“Andwe’llhave agood opportunity there. We’ve got some talented guys in that room, some veterans, some young guys that will getplenty of reps

ä See BRESEE, page 4C

STAFFFILE PHOTO By

Saints defensivelineman BryanBresee stretches during organized team activities on May28atthe team’sindoor practice facility in Metairie. Bresee suffered what is feared to be atornACL on the first dayofcamp.

Chris Olave strode into the Saints’indoor practice facility Friday like aman who’d had the weight of the world lifted from his shoulders. Who could blame him?

Only 24 hours removed from signing ablockbuster four-year, $132 million contract, the star receiver was all smiles as he addressed reporters after the team’sthird practice of training camp. “I feel great, actually,” he said, breaking into adevilish grin. Alife-changing contract andlong-term financial securitywill do that foryou. Olave’scontract was thesecond-largest in Saints history,trailing only Derek Carr’sfour-year,$150 million deal in 2023. It also makes him the sixth-highest-paid receiver in the NFL. No Saints skill position player ever has been rewardedwith

‘

GO OFF GREEN MEANS

Kiffinschemingupwaysfor LSUTEtohavemonster season

When LSU coach LaneKiffin paid avisit to theSEC Networklast week, thebroadcast crew’sresident tight end, Benjamin Watson,vouched forone of hisown.

“I’m living vicariously through him, so Iwanttosee himgooff this year,” Watson told Kiffin,referencing Tigers tight end Trey’Dez Green. “Please tell me he’s gonna go off.”

Kiffin, ever theprankster,couldn’thelp but give Watsonananswer he didn’tlike.

“We’re really excitedabout putting himinthe Bgap,” the coach said.“We really think he can lead block.”

Considering thewide smile on Green’s face throughout hisinterview sessionsatSEC media days in Tampa, Florida, last week,Kiffin’slie wasn’tfoolinganyone. Green,the 6-foot-7, 237-pound junior,has lined up nearlyeverywheresince hisnew coach arrived in Baton Rouge, including in athree-point stance, in the slot and out wide Instead of crashinginto300-pounddefensive tackles in theBgap,he’sfelt thefreedom of running untouched through unoccupied spaces.

such alucrative deal. Olavealways hasbeen aman of few words. Quiet by nature, he prefers to let hisgame do his talking for him. But he was thoughtful andexpansivewith reporters on Fridayas he discussed the roller-coaster ridehe’snavigated the last few years. At this time ayear ago, he didn’t knowwhether he had afuture, much less asecure one. He was coming off the worst season of his career,aninjury-riddled campaign that limited him to only eight games and acareer-low 32 receptions for 400 yards. Aseries of concussions caused him to contemplate retirement in the2025 offseason. But Olave rebounded with abreakout

FridayinMetairie. Olave

theSaintsonThursday.

I’mjustgrateful, man. Everybody knows the adversity I’ve been through. All the times Igot knocked down, just keep getting backup, keep getting backup and keep putting my bestfoot forward …not just in football but in life.” CHRISOLAVE, Saintswide receiver

STAFFPHOTO By BRETT DUKE Saints wide receiver Chris Olave takes abreak in between drills on

BRETT DUKE

Jeff Duncan

By MICHAEL JOHNSON

Young shares lead at Rocket Classic

BY LARRY LAGE AP sportswriter

DETROIT Cameron Young bird-

ied seven of his first eight holes in the second round of the Rocket Classic and thought he had a shot at the lowest score in PGA Tour history

“I was thinking 55,” he said.

Young cooled off with two birdies on his back nine in a bogeyfree round, closing with a Detroit Golf Club-record tying 61 to reach 10 under for the tournament to tie Patrick Cantlay (66) and Patrick Fishburn (66) atop the leaderboard Friday

“You hate to call it a disappointing 61,” he said, lamenting missing many birdie opportunities that prevented him from breaking Jim Furyk’s record 58 that has stood for a decade.

Young, the No. 3 player in the world with three wins this season, shot a 59 in 2024 at the Travelers Championship and had a chance to join Furyk with multiple sub60 rounds on the PGA Tour

“It felt like I had a 10-footer for birdie on pretty much every hole,” Young said.

A lot of players took advantage of one of the easiest courses on the PGA Tour

Matt Wallace (64) and Rickie Fowler (68) were two shots back.

Fowler surged into the lead — briefly — at 11 under before falling back to the pack. He threeputted from 24 feet to bogey No. 11 and went from thigh-high fescue to a greenside bunker at No. 13, leading to his second of three bogeys on the back nine.

“Nice to finish with birdie on 18,” said Fowler, whose sixth and last win was the 2023 Rocket Classic. “A lot of good stuff today and nice to be in a good spot for the weekend.”

First-round leader Peter Malnati, who followed up his 61 on Thursday with a 71, was another stroke back in a large group that included Xander Schauffele (66) Hideki Matsuyama (68) extended the PGA Tour’s longest active cuts streak to 30 by getting to 5 under with a slew of players, including Tony Finau (67), who is hoping to improve his positioning to be among the top 70 players in the FedEx Cup standings after next week’s Wyndham Championship

“I check it pretty much every tournament just kind of see where I’m at, even on off weeks,” said Finau, the 2022 Rocket Classic champion, who entered the tournament No. 87 in the standings. Matt Kuchar was another stroke back, getting a boost from his seventh career ace with a 9-iron on the 156-yard, par-3 5th hole. Kuchar invited a kid to join him inside the ropes to retrieve the ball, which he signed with a black marker

Skubal is the big prize, but buyers have other options

MLB’s trade deadline is Monday, and several top pitchers could be moving

BY DAVID BRANDT AP baseball writer

A trio of powerful pitching arms

— including two-time Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal, Freddy Peralta and Mason Miller

— highlight the intriguing candidates who could switch teams as Major League Baseball’s trade deadline approaches.

The deadline is Monday at 5 p.m.

Skubal — a 29-year-old lefthander who will be a free agent this offseason — is in the midst of another strong year for the Detroit Tigers after winning back-toback Cy Youngs in 2024 and 2025.

The left-hander missed about five weeks earlier in the season because of surgery to remove loose bodies in his elbow, but he has bounced back quickly

He’s been excellent over his last five starts, with a 2.03 ERA and 41 strikeouts in 31 innings.

One thing complicating Skubal’s availability is the Tigers have played better of late and they’re hanging around the American League wild-card race, just 4½ games back for the final playoff spot going into Friday’s games

— albeit with five teams ahead of them But if a juicy offer is presented, it’ll be hard to say no.

Detroit’s uncertain playoff fate is a common problem for teams as the deadline approaches. There is a handful of obvious buyers at the deadline like the Yankees, Rays, Brewers, Braves and Dodgers. There is also a small group of obvious sellers like the Rockies, Giants, Angels, Mets, Athletics and Royals.

But that leaves nearly 20 other teams who are in the middle and could be buyers, sellers or a combination of both.

Here’s a look at some of the top trade candidates as Monday’s deadline approaches.

Starting pitchers

Peralta,Mets: The right-hander has had a disappointing season, which is a common refrain for the Mets, but his strikeout numbers are still good He was excellent for the Brewers over the previous three seasons. If he can fix his command issues, he could help a contender

Joe Ryan, Twins: Another powerful arm, the right-hander has been an All-Star in each of the past two seasons. It’s unclear if the Twins are buyers or sellers in a crowded American League race — they added reliever A.J. Minter from the Mets on Friday so continued buying seems more likely If the Twins decide to move Ryan, though, it could bring back a solid

return. Foster Griffin, Nationals: The veteran lefty has been outstanding in his return to MLB after spending three seasons in Japan with a 12-2 record and 2.76 ERA. The Nationals are still in the mix for a playoff spot in the National League, but they will likely still be willing to listen to offers.

Reid Detmers, Angels: The lefthander has been a bright spot in a mostly dismal season for the Angels with 145 strikeouts in 125 innings. Los Angeles will want a sizable return for the 27-year-old, who is still under team control for the next two seasons.

Clay Holmes, Mets: The 33-year-old made a successful transition from reliever to starter in 2025 and was having another solid season before he fractured his right fibula on a comeback liner in May The right-hander is in the midst of a minor-league rehab assignment and nearing his return.

Robbie Ray, Giants: The two-time All-Star and 2021 Cy Young winner doesn’t have the wipeout, strikeout stuff that he possessed early in his career, but he’s been very good for San Francisco this season with a 10-6 record and 3.08 ERA.

Relief pitchers

Miller, Padres: The game’s most dominant closer, Miller has a jawdropping 85 strikeouts over 452/3 innings, 28 saves and an 0.79 ERA.

Relievers usually don’t command huge returns during trade deadline deals, but Miller is an exception, particularly because the 6-foot-5 righty is still under team control for three more years.

Adrián Morejón, Padres: The lefthanded Cuban has been a key part of the Padres’ bullpen for the past three seasons. He’s a free agent after the season, which means he could be on the move.

Luke Weaver, Mets: The veteran righty has found his niche after making the full-time move to the bullpen in 2024. He’s not necessarily a closer, but he does have some experience in the role. He

was very good for the Yankees in the playoffs during their run to the World Series in 2024.

Jeff Hoffman Blue Jays: The righthander lost his job as the team’s closer earlier this season, but his strikeout numbers are still excellent with 72 punchouts over 46 innings.

Position players

Luis Arraez, Giants, 2B: The threetime batting champion and fourtime All-Star is in the midst of one of his best seasons and has flashed improved defense at second base. He is an elite contact hitter who rarely strikes out and is a free agent after the season.

Ryan Jeffers, Twins, C: Jeffers recently returned from the injured list and has a career-high .928 OPS this season. His ability to provide pop from the right side will make him a popular trade target, though the Twins might not be willing to make a deal since they’re still in the playoff hunt.

Daulton Varsho, Blue Jays, OF: The 30-year-old slugger is one of the game’s better athletes and won a Gold Glove in 2024. He’s an upcoming free agent, but he has playoff experience and can still provide great defense with some left-handed power

CJ Abrams, Nationals, SS: Washington will want a big return for the AllStar shortstop, who is in the midst of his best year and is under team control for the next two seasons. But if a contender is willing to offer a big package of prospects, the ascending Nationals will likely listen.

Zach Neto,Angels, SS: Neto has been one of the Angels’ best players over the last three seasons. He’s a solid defender and provides a good amount of right-handed power though his strikeout numbers have been high this season.

Luis García, Nationals, 1B: The lefthanded slugger has quietly put together his best season with 23 homers and 76 RBIs. He doesn’t walk much, but has one more year of team control and is still just 26 years old.

Connecticut Sun trades ex-LSU star Morrow to Toronto Tempo

BY RASHAD MILLIGAN Staff writer

Former LSU star forward Aneesah Morrow is headed to a new home.

The second-year WNBA player was traded Friday from the Connecticut Sun to the Toronto Tempo for the rights to forward Maria Kliundikova and a 2028 se co nd -r ou nd pick. It marked the first major move

in the WNBA on the weekend of the trade deadline. Morrow was included in rumors as a valuable young piece on a team with the second-worst record in the league. Through her first 20 games of the season, Morrow has averaged 11.6 points and 8.9 rebounds with the Sun. Morrow is the second former LSU Tiger to be traded this season Weeks before the season started, Angel Reese was traded from the Chicago Sky to the Atlanta Dream. Reese recently played in her third All-Star Game and debuted the release of her Barbie doll.

The Sun is set to move to Houston after this season as the league plans to revive the Houston Comets franchise. The Tempo is in its inaugural season, and Morrow will get an opportunity to shine in the front court. The Tempo is led by the veteran guard duo of Marina Mabrey and Brittney Sykes. Sykes is currently out with a foot injury, and Mabrey tied the single-game WNBA scoring record of 53 points on June 25 Email Rashad Milligan at rashad.milligan@theadvocate. com.

LSU baseball sets schedule, foes for fall scrimmages

LSU baseball will face Samford, Troy and Southeastern Louisiana for fall scrimmages leading into the 2027 season, coach Jay Johnson told The Advocate on Friday

LSU squares off against Samford in Biloxi, Mississippi, on Oct. 31 and Nov 1 before facing Troy on Nov 8 and Southeastern Louisiana on Nov 11 at Alex Box Stadium.

LSU heads into fall practices with a new-look roster after a disappointing 2026 campaign. The Tigers missed the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2011 and finished 30-28 and 9-21 in the Southeastern Conference.

Johnson promised to make changes with the team’s fall practices.

“And then (we’ll do) some initial planning of next fall,” Johnson said, “in terms of some adjustments that I would like to make.”

Romo on leave from CBS after July 23 DUI arrest

Tony Romo has been placed on leave from his role as the lead analyst on CBS’ NFL coverage following his arrest last week on suspicion of operating a vehicle while under the influence.

CBS Sports announced Friday that the former Dallas Cowboys quarterback was on leave “until further notice.” JJ Watt will join Jim Nantz and Tracy Wolfson as CBS Sports’ lead NFL team during Romo’s absence.

Romo, 46, was arrested July 23 after he was stopped while driving south on Interstate 43 in Wisconsin. According to the Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office report, Romo performed poorly on field sobriety tests before getting taken into custody, booked and released. He has a court date set for Sept. 21.

Ryu takes a 1-shot lead at British Women’s Open

LYTHAM ST ANNES, England Haeran Ryu birdied No. 18 to complete a 2-under 69 for a one-shot lead after two rounds of the British Women’s Open on Friday as the South Korean star pursues a third consecutive major victory Ryu overcame a tough start — including a double bogey on the par-3 5th to tally five birdies and reach 7 under overall at Royal Lytham & St. Annes.

Shiho Kuwaki of Japan was one shot back after her 70, and overnight leader Jeeno Thitikul and Yealimi Noh were tied for third, both two strokes behind Ryu.

“I’m just trying to have fun on the course because this course is (very) stressful,” Ryu said, citing “a lot of bunkers” plus windy conditions.

Twins acquire reliever Minter from Mets in trade

NEW YORK — The Minnesota Twins acquired left-handed reliever A.J. Minter from the New York Mets for minor league infielders Bruin Agbayani and Billy Amick on Friday, reinforcing a thin bullpen ahead of the trade deadline.

The 19-year-old Agbayani, who is the son of former Mets fan favorite Benny Agbayani, is a middle infielder who hit .268 in 10 games for Fort Myers in low Class A this season. The sixthround 2025 draft pick, a native of Hawaii, has been limited by injuries.

The 23-year-old Amick batted .217 with 23 homers in 86 games for Double-A Wichita this season, playing first and third base. He was a second-round draft pick in 2024.

Rangers activate SS Seager from IL ahead of Astros series

HOUSTON Shortstop Corey Seager was activated from the injured list Friday along with several other moves made by the Texas Rangers ahead of their pivotal series with the Houston Astros. The 32-year-old Seager missed the last 23 games with inflammation in his lower back. He went 1 for 5 with a home run in two games of a rehabilitation assignment for Double-A Frisco earlier this week before returning to the team for the first time since July 1. Seager has been limited to 51 games this season. He was placed on the seven-day IL on June 15 with a concussion and missed 12 games before dealing with back inflammation on May 15 that kept him out for 19 games.

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By PAUL SANCyA

Detroit Tigers pitcher Tarik Skubal throws during the seventh inning of a game against the Baltimore Orioles in Detroit on Wednesday.

Morrow

AP PHOTO By JOSE JUAREZ

Cameron young chips onto the eighth green during the first round of the Rocket Classic golf tournament at the Detroit Golf Club on Thursday in Detroit

CAMP OBSERVATIONS

Offensestill searchingfor itsrhythm

BY LUKE JOHNSON Staff writer

With aday off on Saturday looming on their schedule, the New Orleans Saints pushed their players through their longest —and maybe hottest —day of training camp yet.

New Orleans practiced for about 90 minutes in front of acrowded sectionoffans, many of whom cheered newlyrichreceiver Chris Olave as he went throughhis first competitive periods of training camp after signing amassive extension Thursday

Here were the highlights from Friday’ssession.

Attendance

Defensive back Kool-Aid McKinstry participated in an extremely limited fashion after rollinghis ankle Thursday,essentially going through the walk-through portion before watching the remainder of the practice from the sideline CoachKellen Moore said after practice that the team was exercising caution with McKinstry,and he should be fine moving forward Receiver Ja’Lynn Polk and right guard Cesar Ruiz missed practice with what Moore describedasexcused absences. Veteran defensive tackle DavonGodchaux received aveteran rest day The rest of the absences were all related to previously reported injuriesfor defensive tackle Bryan Bresee,receiver Mason Tipton,tight end Cody Hardy and defensive linemen Keeshawn Silver and Zxavian Harris Offense findingits way

New Orleans devoted aton of resources overthe last calendar year toward improving an offense that has just onetop-18 scoring season since the start of the 2021 season Thatstarted with theacquisitionsofreceivers Polk and

Devaughn Vele last fall and turned into awholesale build this spring with the signings of Travis Etienne and DavidEdwards and adraft classthat included first-rounder Jordyn Tyson It is, without question, adeeper andmoretalented unit than they’ve had in years. But it is understandablytakingthe new pieces awhile to gel

Three days into camp,the Saints offense is looking for adecisive win against adefense that features many of the same players from last year.Thereweremoments—such as Tyler Shough’s brilliant anticipation throw to oneofhis new weapons, tightend Noah Fant,onaskinny post

Star runningbacks Gibbs, Robinson holdinginto getpaidbyLions,Falcons

BY MAURA CAREY AP sportswriter

Twoofthe NFL’s most productive running backs haven’tgotten off to theracesquiteyetattrainingcamp

Jahmyr Gibbs of the Detroit Lions and Bijan Robinson of the Atlanta Falcons have been spectators as they play their hands in an apparent contract “hold-in”as their teams get to work.

Lions coach Dan Campbell and Falcons coach Kevin Stefanski insist the focus remains on the active participants.

“My job is to coach who’s out there rightnow,” Campbell said Thursday.“Ilove the kid, butman, I’ve got ateam to coach right now.”

As for Stefanski’soutlook: Just coach the football team. Understand there’sabusiness side to what we do.”

The first-year Falcons coach said he has had conversations with Robinson, but those will remain private.

“I don’tthink it’sfair to share those types of things, and Ithink we all trust in the process, what’s going on,” he said.

Both playershave theresume for ahefty paycheck.

Robinson led the league with 2,298 yards from scrimmage last season. He rushed for 1,478yards with seven touchdowns and set careerhighs with 79 receptions for

DUNCAN

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year last season. He started 16 games and recorded career highs of 100 receptions, 1,163 yards receiving and nine touchdowns. He also started to blossomasaleader in the locker room, an area he’d been hesitant to embrace until he felt like he was ready Even with Olave’sbreakout season, the Saints were concerned enough about hislongterm health and availability that they spent significant resources to fortify their receiver position. They traded for Devaughn Vele and Ja’Lynn Polk last season, then selected Jordyn Tyson in the first round of this year’sNFL draft. “I’m just grateful, man,” Olave said. “Everybody knowsthe adversity I’ve been through.All the

820 yardsand fourtouchdowns, earning an All-Pro selection and his second Pro Bowl appearance. New Falcons quarterback Tua Tagovailoa put it plainly Friday: “We’re waiting forBijan to get paid.”

Gibbs, too, ranked in the top 10 with 1,228 yards rushingand 13 touchdowns. Afterthree years in theleague, he’s one of just four in league history to surpass 4,500 yards from scrimmage and score 45-plus touchdowns, and he’s3 for 3inPro Bowl selections.

Aonce under appreciated running back market has been reset as the Eagles awarded Saquon Barkley’sSuperBowl run and Offensive Player of theYear campaign with arecord-breaking two-year,$41 million extension ahead of last season

Both Gibbs and Robinsonare expected to seek similar figures, meaning there could be power and adiscount— in beingthe first team to cross the finishline. Ahold-in has proven asuccessful negotiation tactic before. Tagovailoa staged ahold-in of his own in2024 whileseeking an extensionwith theMiami Dolphins.The left-handed quarterback ended up with afour-year, $212 million extension, and despite being cut in March, is still owed $54 millioninguaranteed money thisyear

times Igot knocked down, just keepgetting back up, keep getting backupand keepputting my best foot forward…not just in football but in life.”

Olave’sbreakout campaign came at acritical time, both for him and the Saints.

It validated the club’sdecision to trade up and select Olave with the No. 11overall pick in the 2022 draft and gave them the confidenceneeded to open the vault and extend histimehere. For Olave, the bounce-back, injury-free season validated the work he put in last offseason and bolstered his confidence as he enters the prime of his career

“I feel like last year we hadan interview around this time, and Ifeel like Iwas going to (have abreakout season) andspoke it into existence,” Olave said. “I knew Iwas in agreat role to be able to have that type of year, just had to stay healthy.Ijust put my best foot forward and I

in 7-on-7 drills.But for themost part,the defense is having itsway

Thatcontinuedtobetrue even as Olave made his way back into the fold Friday.The star receiver saw just one target in either team or 7-on-7 periods, adeep shot toward the back left corner of theend zone that he wasn’table to haul in.

Shough completed sixof12 throws Friday.One of those was abad dropby Juwan Johnson,who hasotherwise been the most dependable targetthrough three days (Johnson hascaught his other five targets in camp). One of themwas anice breakup by Quincy Riley on an on-targetpass to

BRESEE

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to get ready to go.”

Broughtonwillget thefirstcrack at it. The 6-foot-5, 311-pounder lined up with thefirst team in Bresee’sabsence, while Miller stayed with the backups.

But Broughton is also an unknown. The 25-year-old missed all but onegame of hisrookie year withahip injury,preventing the Saints from seeing howhewould fareagainst NFL-qualityopposition.Beforegetting hurt as arookie, Broughtonhad astrongbeginning to training camp but cooled off as thesummerprogressed leading New Orleanstostick with Nathan Shepherd as astarter next to Breseeand nose tackle Davon Godchaux.

Shepherd is coming off aproductive season in which he recorded acareer-high13quarterbackhits. If neither Broughtonnor Miller is ready for an increased role, it’s possible New Orleans relies on Shepherd and Godchaux in nonbase looks, which theSaints play themajority of the time.

Andthere’salso John Ridgeway, whom theSaints made apriority to re-signwhenfreeagencyopened by giving him atwo-year,$5.7 million contract.

The big question is whether any of theSaints’ interiorlineman will generatethe kind of pressure that Bresee had been accustomed to producing. Throughhis first three seasons, Bresee racked up 141/2 sacks, including acareer-high 71/2 in 2024. Andthough he registered only 21/2 sackslastseason, his30

Vele.Yet another was on awellplaced throwinto double coverage for Vele on adeep post. At somepoint, the offense will begin to find its stride —itistoo talented,and the quarterback and play-caller are on the same page —but at this point the defense is still ahead.

Odds andends n Anametowatch forascamp progresses is second-year tight end MolikiMatavao.The 6-foot-6, 263-pound UCLA product has been aconsistenttarget on underneath routes for several different quarterbacks, andwhile he’snot afield

stretcher like the three players above him on the depth chart, his huge frame andsteadyhands will give him achance to contribute in heavy personnel packages. He’s definitely improved from his limited action as arookie. n It’s early,everybody is healthy andthere arenopads. But Alvin Kamara definitely looks more like the 2024 version of himself than the player whose production dramatically fell offlast year.Aday after scoring a5-yard touchdown on a draw,Kamara showed good burst getting through theholeoff left guard during the first-team period Friday n Quarterback Hunter Dekkers, wearing Taysom Hill’s old No. 7uniform, has yet to take acompetitive snap in training camp. Moore said he’s hopefulthatwillchange soon,but to this pointevery rep hasgonetoShough, SpencerRattler and Zach Wilson n Newly signedpunter RyanWright, aTulane product, kickedfor the first time in training camp. It is already fair to call him amassive upgrade over what the Saints have trotted out forthe last several seasons. Wright unleashed astring of booming punts in Friday’ssession, andatone point had afan shouting at him, “Now that is how you kick.” Punting may be the least sexy play on game day,but it is an area the Saints have fallen well short of league standards in recent seasons.

n Kicker CharlieSmyth went aperfect 5for 5onfield goal attempts and is now 10 for 10 to start training camp. Smyth’slong came from 49 yards out. Earlier this week, Smyth said the experience kicking in games last year was beneficial to his mindset. He believes his altered approach in camp this year —namely,not trying to smash everykickashardashecan —has helped with his consistency

Ex-Saints O-lineman Peat announces retirement AndrusPeat, whostartedonthe NewOrleans Saints offensiveline forparts of nine seasons, announcedhis retirementfrom the NFL on Friday. TheSaints’ first-round pick out of Stanford at No.13overall in the 2015 NFL Draft, Peat mostly playedleft guardand made threePro Bowls as amember of the Saints from the 2018-20 seasons. He wasa member of astable offensive linethat wonfour straight NFC Southdivision titlesand whose career spanned theSean Payton and Dennis Allen eras. Peat, 32, left the Saints in free agency after the2023 season and played oneseason withthe Las VegasRaiders and one withthe Pittsburgh Steelers. His final season wascut shortbya concussion suffered in December.Hehad not been signedbyanew teamfor 2026.

pressureshelpedcollapse the pocket and free up edge rushers such as Chase Young and Cam Jordan.

Bresee’spressure rate of 8.2% —down just slightly from 8.6% in 2024 —reinforcedthe Saints’ belief thatheplayed better than his sack numbers indicated in 2025.

“Fromtop to bottom,wegot horses,” Young said. “Wegot big boys. They can run. They’re physical. They’re everything youwant from areal, old-schoolinterior defensive line. From Davon Godchaux to Vernon to (Ridgeway) to Shep,them boys ain’tnothing to play with.

“That’s one thing us as adefense is we’re neverworriedabout our interiorD-line,because we know them boys is nasty.”

If there is asilver lining forBresee, it’s that the injury occurred to theleg opposite of whichhe suffered atornACL at Clemson in 2021. The 24-year-old was also fortunate theSaintspickedup hisfifth-year option in May,fully guaranteeing him $13.9 million in 2027. If the Saints haddeclined the option, Bresee would have been

Olave’sinjury history exacerbated matters. Negotiations between the Saints and Olave’s representatives had been ongoingthroughout the offseason and dated to last season.

In the end, the Saints did the right thing by rewarding Olave for hiscommitment and production. In aprove-it season, he delivered the goods with an AllPro campaign. The contract will serve as apositive example for the rest of the roster: If you’re agood teammate and produce when called upon, the organization will reward your efforts.

“It’sobviously awesome for our team, awesomefor Chris for what he’s gone through in his career and the things he’shad to navigate,” Saints coach Kellen Moore said.

believed in myselfand kind of set the standard earlytobeable to have that type of season.” Asigning of this magnitude is complicated andtakes time.

Olave deserves credit for the way he handled the highstakes negotiations. He could have turned the situations into asideshow and allowed the

ZachEwing

facing free agency while coming off amajor injury

Butthere’s little doubt this torn ACL is asetback for Bresee. The former first-rounder,once panned for his porous run defense, had made promising stridesbyaddressing one of the biggest weaknesses in his game.

Bresee’s improvementasa run defender led the NewOrleans coaching staff to not automatically take Bresee off the field in clear rushing situations, and as aresult, Bresee played apersonal-best 69.4% of the snaps when healthy

But now Bresee will have to focusonhis rehabwhile the Saints try to findasolution without him

“The brightsideisACLsnow,you know youcan getback,”saidYoung, who suffered asignificant knee injury in 2021. “Just attack it. We know that you’re going to heal. We know that you’re going to get better

“And you know,you know what yougot to do when youget back That’sthe nameofthe game.”

Email Matthew Parasatmatt. paras@theadvocate.com

standoff to become adistraction for the team and fan base. But he refused to go down that road, saying he didn’twant to do anything to disrupt the positive vibes the team has fostered this offseason.

Olave was already widely respected by his teammates and coaches, but his selfless approach to such ahigh-pressure, high-stakes deal will burnish his reputation in the locker room.

“Huge congrats,” center Erik McCoy said, echoing the sentiments of several of Olave’s teammates. “I can’tthink of a person more worthy,aguy that really battled injuries and was resilient and fought through to the other side. And now he’sset.” And with their No. 1receiver locked up for the foreseeable future, so, too, is the Saints offense.

Email JeffDuncan at jduncan@theadvocate.com.

STAFF PHOTO By BRETTDUKE

Saints wide receiver Chris Olave takes abreak in between drills on Friday during training camp in Metairie.

STAFF PHOTO By BRETT DUKE

Saints quarterback Tyler Shough looks to throwthe ball on Friday during training camp in Metairie.

NFL

Lessons learned

BY DAVE CAMPBELL AP pro football writer

EAGAN, Minn. — Korey Stringer’s death from heatstroke in 2001 after he collapsed at practice with the Minnesota Vikings prompted many changes to safety protocols across all levels of sports.

There’s no lesson learned more vital than this: Cool first, transport second.

Almost an hour and a half passed from when Stringer exited a blocking drill during training camp and arrived by ambulance at a hospital with a core body temperature of 108.8 degrees.

Though he was moved to an airconditioned trailer by the practice field that morning in Mankato, Minnesota, the lack of effective diagnosis and treatment by the team’s medical staff during that time made his outlook all the more dire. About 15 hours after he collapsed, Stringer was pronounced dead, the only known NFL player to die from exertional heatstroke.

“I’ve been an expert witness in 85 court cases of people dying from heat stroke and in every single one the person didn’t need to die if they were properly treated and cooled,” said Douglas Casa, the executive director of the Korey Stringer Institute at the University of Connecticut that was established in 2010 as part of the settlement of the wrongful death lawsuit his family brought against the league. “With a $150 tub of ice and water, these people would still be alive.” Casa got connected with Stringer’s widow, Kelci Stringer, and

Ravens’

Former Minnesota Vikings offensive tackle Korey Stringer collapsed during an Aug. 1, 2001, training camp practice and later died of heatstroke. Almost an hour and a half passed from when Stringer exited a blocking drill and arrived by ambulance at a hospital with a core body temperature of 108.8 degrees.

agent, Jimmy Gould, through the litigation. The professor of kinesiology had a personal interest in the subject of heat safety, from his own brush with death at age 16 while running a 10-kilometer race at the Empire State Games in New York.

Casa collapsed on the final lap with 200 meters remaining, got back up and fell again with about 80 meters to go. He was unconscious for two hours.

Fortunately, a quick-thinking physician placed him in a cold water immersion tub. Though that came after he was taken to a hospital, the effective on-site care he received from an athletic trainer and in the ambulance from emergency medical technicians gave him a fighting chance to survive.

Henry No.

“If Korey had gone in a cold immersion tub, we would not be chatting right now,” Casa said in a recent interview “He would’ve had dinner with his teammates that night.”

Casa, who is on the NFL’s general medical committee, regularly advises the league on player safety matters. The mandatory presence of cold tubs near the practice fields for every team, one of many protocols enhanced in the 25 years since Stringer’s death, can be traced to the work that’s been done in his honor

“When I tell Korey’s story, it takes it from such a sad, morbid place to a place of such action,” Kelci Stringer said. “It’s better to be proactive than reactive.”

10 on rushing list and not thinking retirement

BY NOAH TRISTER AP sportswriter

OWINGS MILLS, Md. — Even Derrick Henry, the backfield bulldozer who has remained a force in the NFL into his 30s, will allow himself occasional “cheat days” from his health regimen.

10 a.m. and Henry said afterward he hadn’t eaten anything yet.

“I try to fast until about, I don’t know, (2 p.m., 1 p.m.) — maybe even longer, depending on the day Not every day,” he said. “But, I only eat past (noon) if I do eat. I never eat in the morning.”

didn’t lean on him even more with Lamar Jackson banged up.

He said he hasn’t thought about retirement at all.

Jaguars’ two-way star Hunter stronger and plenty fast after injury

BY DOUG FERGUSON AP sportswriter

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — As if two-way player Travis Hunter doesn’t already have enough on his plate. The week before the Jacksonville Jaguars opened training camp, Hunter was photographed wearing a police vest posing with Sheriff T.K. Waters and members of the Jacksonville Fire Rescue Department. It had the look of a ride-along, though Hunter wasn’t saying.

“I was just out there just having fun with Sheriff T.K.,” Hunter said Friday Hunter the Heisman Trophy winner out of Colorado whom the Jaguars made the No. 2 pick in last year’s draft, has enough to keep him occupied in training camp. Hunter is returning from injury, his rookie year ending two months into the season when he tore knee ligaments during noncontact drills.

In seven games, he played 324 snaps at receiver and 162 snaps at cornerback. The plan to use him on both sides of the ball has not changed, especially after the Jaguars shored up the core of their secondary by re-signing Montaric “Buster” Brown in March. Hunter has been wearing a teal jersey for offense in three days of camp, with a white bib and his No. 12 he can slip on when he plays in the secondary

“How do we balance his reps here, knowing that we’re trying to ease him in, but he also at some point needs to get double the amount that a normal player gets,” coach Liam Coen said “And so what does that ramp-up look like? We have it all kind of mapped out on every single practice schedule, his reps are highlighted in here — where he’s in, what plays he’s in, where he’s at on the field. We’ve been extremely intentional about it.”

Hunter, who had surgery Nov 11 to repair the lateral collateral ligament in his right knee, was limited during offseason workouts. But he used that time to build up some 10 pounds of muscle in his upper body and managed to get even faster He was clocked running at 22.6 mph at the team’s facility last

week.

“I was a small guy coming in. Everybody was like, ‘Gain weight, gain weight,’ ” Hunter said. “I was scared at first. I’m like: ‘Dang, I’ve never played at this weight I’m going to feel heavy, not going to be able to do what I do.’ Training and being able to put those months in — not just on the grass but in the weight room — just putting in extra work, it made me feel lighter on my feet when I finally touched the grass.”

He looked like he was flying on grass when he ran the 22.6 mph — no pads, no one around him, not in a game — but it was another indication all was well.

“I’m trying to hit 23 now,” Hunter said. “That’s the next goal.”

The Jaguars could use the production considering how much they gave up in a trade to get the second pick in 2025 — their No. 5 pick last year and No. 1 pick this year They won nine of their last 10 games last year after Hunter was injured to win the AFC South. For his part, Hunter said he feels like last year never happened in terms of his health.

“I put nine months in, so it doesn’t feel like I’m coming off an injury,” he said. “Just get the rust off right now I’ve been gone for nine months, not able to be out here with my teammates for nine months, so finally being able to hit the grass, knock the rust off and just continue to click with the quarterbacks and click with the defense.”

Skattebo set to take break from backflips

Giants running back healthy after injury

BY STEPHEN WHYNO AP sportswriter

WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS,W.Va Cam

Skattebo is all systems go at practice. His signature celebration is on hiatus.

hurt. He took part in a WWE show in November, weeks after surgery, took criticism from radio hosts but was not worse for the wear

The botched backflip was a much riskier endeavor the Giants would rather he not repeat.

“The big picture message is you want to take care of yourself,” Harbaugh said. “You want to take care of your team: do everything you can do to be healthy be back, be right, be good.”

“I give myself grace in the offseason — I’m not dieting as much,” the Baltimore Ravens running back said. “Somebody sees me in a restaurant with fried chicken then that’s what it is. I’m not dieting at that time.”

At his first media availability of training camp this week, the 32-year-old Henry welcomed the chance to talk about how he takes such good care of himself. He said he appreciates the curiosity people have and he’s happy if his routine can help someone. He also suggested there might be some myths circulating about his level of fanaticism.

“I have cheat days,” he said. “A lot of that got misconstrued. I told everybody that some days I eat at 4 or 5 o’clock. Not every day, that’d be crazy. But, I do fast. I do intermittent fasting.” Thursday’s practice was at

Henry is entering his third season with the Ravens after eight with Tennessee He’s played at least 15 games in all but one year, and he rushed for 1,595 yards last season, moving up to 10th on the career list at 13,018. Next up would be Eric Dickerson (13,259), Jerome Bettis (13,662), LaDainian Tomlinson (13,684) and Curtis Martin (14,101).

“I think the thing that strikes me the most about him is just his intent every day,” said Jesse Minter, Baltimore’s new coach. “The success that he’s had is a combination of being gifted and having some tools, but (also) one of the craziest work ethics and just work demeanors that I’ve been around. I do think, like all the players, we are going to have to be really smart to get him through the long season.”

As the Ravens tried to salvage a playoff berth last season, Henry ran for 216 yards and four touchdowns in Week 17 against Green Bay and one of the biggest questions in 2025 was why Baltimore

“I don’t try to enter another season thinking about retiring and have that on my mind. That’s not even my mindset,” he said. “My mindset is: How can I get better, be the best teammate I can be so we can be the best team we can be?”

Although Henry is nine years younger than LeBron James, the two are both examples of players who have defied age in their sports. As with Henry himself, it’s sometimes hard to separate fact from fiction when it comes to James’ routine.

“He was saying that he doesn’t know where someone got the rumor that he spends one mil on his body Apparently, that wasn’t true,” Henry said of James, who signed with Philadelphia to play in a 24th NBA season.

“So I’m like, I might need to cut back on how much I spend if he isn’t spending one mil,” he added. “But no, he’s the alpha, someone that you can look up to and so many great things you can take from him. Anybody that puts out information about how they take care of their body, I’m always trying to look at and see how I can implement to my own routine.”

Skattebo declared himself nearly fully healthy at New York Giants training camp, nine months removed from his gruesome right ankle and leg injury But after getting into some hot water with the organization for doing a backflip and landing awkwardly on that surgically repaired ankle earlier this month, he’s planning to stay grounded for a while.

“Obviously, I do some dumb things here and there, but I learn from it,” Skattebo said Friday

“We’ll see when game time comes around. But right now, we’re focused on training camp, and we’ll keep the backflips off the field for now.”

Skattebo alarmed among others, coach John Harbaugh and general manager Joe Schoen when they saw video of the backflip at Fanatics Fest in New York on July 18. He turned out to be fine, but a text message and some difficult conversations followed.

“He’s a young man that’s still getting used to the spotlight and in New York City, and you’ve got to be conscious of your actions, not only from a health standpoint but a perception standpoint,” Schoen said.

“He knows I’d rather him not do that, especially this close to camp.” It is not the first time Skattebo has been second-guessed for something off the field since reaching the NFL and getting

The 24-year-old running back declared in May he’d be ready for the season opener Sept 13 against Dallas. Skattebo also told the coaching staff he’d be good for the start of camp and hit that deadline. As a result, he has no limitations and is doing just about as well as he can.

“I’ve felt 99%,” Skattebo said. “I think the 100% is when I put shoulder pads on and I’m able to hit someone. That’s when I tell you I’m 100%, but for now I’m 99.9% OK.” Skattebo will get that chance when the pads go on beginning Monday

A 2025 fourth-round pick out of Arizona State, Skattebo rushed for 410 yards and five touchdowns on 101 carries before having his rookie year cut short Oct. 26 at Philadelphia. This past spring, he set a goal of playing 17-plus games and rushing for more than 2,000 yards on 300 carries.

Skattebo didn’t shy away from those lofty aspirations — which would give him a top-10 season in league history — but his main focus is on moving past the injury and rehab process and getting back to what he does best.

“It was a long, hard road,” Skattebo said. “It’s time to play football.”

Henry

Stringer’s death led to cold water immersion tubs on practice fields

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By ABBIE PARR

Minnesota Vikings tackle Ryan Van Demark hydrates during the team’s training camp Wednesday in Eagan, Minn.

ASSOCIATED PRESS FILE PHOTO By TOM OLMSCHEID

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver and cornerback Travis Hunter pulls on his helmet during Wednesday’s practice in Jacksonville, Fla.

Raidersquarterback Cousinsdigs in as Mendozasurgesincamp

BY MARK ANDERSON AP sportswriter

HENDERSON,Nev.— Fernando Mendoza eventually taking over as the Raiders’starting quarterback seems inevitable,somuch so that the only question is amatter of when it occurs. Kirk Cousins doesn’tappear to be in any terrible hurry to hand the position to him, exhibiting the emotionsand precision of someone ready to secure the spotentering Las Vegas’ season.

“I think in this league, it’s kind of one day at atime,” Cousinssaid “You’reonlyasgoodasyourlast throw,your last practice. Youtry to every day go out and earn that opportunity andnever take anything for granted.”

Coach Klint Kubiak made national news on the eve of training camp that Cousins would be the starter when practices began, but he was stating the obvious. Cousins ran the first-team offensein organized team activities and minicamp and there was no indication that would change entering camp.

Kubiak also made it clear at the time that he expected Mendoza and Aidan O’Connell to push Cousins, noting Friday he thought that position wasoff to agoodstart this camp.

“Any time they complete aball better than(Cousins) does or get it out faster than he does, then he should get pissed and want to do it better,” Kubiak said. “That’s the goal, and Ithink they’ve done that in these first three practices. Every guy is doing something good every day, and it makesthe other guy want to stay after practice alittle bit longer to work on that throw that they missed.” Cousins doesn’t hold back much emotionally on the field, though none of that has been directed at Mendoza or O’Connell.He has punched his fist in the air after throwing atouchdown pass and gotten into some verbal back and forth with the defense.

“I think I’ve always kindofbeen pretty spirited and competitive in practice and kind of have alittle inner fire,”Cousins said. “Sometimes Ican be relatively calm, but

if you rattled the cage, then maybe you’ll seealittle different guy Sometimesit’sgood thentoget my cage rattledbecauseitbringsout the best in me.”

The Raiders brought in Cousins, afour-time ProBowler entering his 15thseason, to be abridge rather than handthe offense directly to arookie. Cousinsisplaying for a guaranteed$20 million, though his former club, Atlanta, is responsiblefor $8.7 million of that.

LasVegas drafted Mendoza first overall after hewon the Heisman Trophyand led Indiana to ahighly unlikely national championship

The hope is he will help deliver the Raiders, whohaven’twon aplayoff game in more than two decades, backtocontention

Forhis part,Mendoza is still adjusting to NFL life, learning to take snapsunder center and the footwork adjustments that come with that. He struggled during much of OTAs and minicamp, his passes often nowhere close to on target.

That wasn’tthe casesofar in training camp. Mendoza was not only on point, he completed some tight-window passes.

“I love the mindset that he has,” Kubiak said.“That’swhatall of our players should have. Nobody has arrived, especially arookie quarterback.”

Mendoza would not argue, saying sometimes aplay he feels good about on the practice field looks a lot different when reviewing the video,that he’shad to get used

to the fact the margins are alot smaller than in college.

“When it was rookie minicamp and OTAs,ithappens very quick,” Mendoza said. “However,now in training camp, Itruly feel like a member of theteam rather than a new rookie on the scene.”

That was evident on Thursday in just his second camppractice during aseven-on-sevendrill. Before the snap, Mendoza signaled to ninth-yearwide receiver Phillip Dorsett II to move to his left. Dorsett indeed moved over and then Mendoza hit him in stride with the throw

When askedlater about taking suchcommand of the offense, Mendoza deflected thepraise.

“There’sa lot of times that the offensive line would correct me,” Mendozasaid. “The running backs, tight ends, receivers, they would help put me in place. It’sthat relationship that we have, that dynamic relationship where we can hold each other accountable.”

That kind of answer likely sits well in the locker room. Rather than expecting to be handedthe job as the top draft pick, Mendoza has shown he is willing towork for it.

“Everyday,he’strying to get better,” fourth-year wide receiver Tre Tucker said. “I’m watching him in meetings and he’slistening, taking thecorrections.Those arethe type of things that you want to see from aguy like him, and he has avery bright future.”

“I’ve been so open in his offense,” Green said. “I’ve been having so much fun.”

Wherever he lines up, Green shouldn’tbehard to find. The former basketballplayeristaller thaneveryone on the field and has theathleticism to outleap them all.

“He fitspartofthis decisionof whyyou come to LSU,”saidKiffin, who left Ole Miss after six seasons. “You got players in the statethatlook andplaylikehim andthen they wannacometo LSU. You’re the only school that they go to in the state.”

Kiffinhas more serious ideas on how to use the long, explosive athletes he inherited.

He thinks back to histime as theAlabama offensive coordinator, specifically a2015national title game versus Clemson where tight endO.J. Howard hauled in fivepassesfor 208 yards andtwo scores

Earlyinthe contest, the6-6, 250-pounderwas an in-line blocker versus defensive ends andlinebackers, helpingopen holes for star running back DerrickHenry.Howard sometimes motioned into the backfield and lined up at fullback. But he didn’tlinger over the B gap. He swung into the flat, wide open, versus athird-and-3blitz Howard rumbled for25yards to theClemson 29. Later in the game, Howard lined up at slot receiver,faking a block on aquick screen before he zoomed down thefield, wide open, for a53-yard touchdown.

He hadanother long touchdown, 51 yards, in a45-40 victory.Howard started in athreepoint stance but exploded past the Clemson secondary,straight down the seam Tight ends get open in Kiffin’s offense. Former Alabama coach Nick Saban, who joined the SEC Network crew,recalled Kiffin’s play-actionconcepts thatpull linebackerstoward the line of scrimmage,abandoning themiddleof the field, including “pop”passes wheretight ends comeopen for a quick flip from aquarterback.

“I seeTrey’Dez in that type of role,” Kiffin said. “Nodoubt.” Green has flashed playmaking potential. He produced 433 yards as asophomore,including

an eight-catch, 119-yard outing against South Carolina.

The trouble is Green seemed to disappear from the game plan at times. He amassed 76% of his yards in just four games. From themomentKiffin was hired, Green believedhecould have abigger and moreconsistent role in the offensive scheme —and he didn’thave to rewind a decade to see it.

Green started watching tape of OleMisstight endDae’Quan Wright, whohad 39 catches for 635 yardsand fivetouchdowns last season. Wright, who was signedasanundrafted free agentbythe Eagles,standsa hair under 6-4 and weights in at 246 pounds.

“They used him,” Greensaid. “He wassoeffective.” In 2024, theRebelsutilized both Wright and Caden Prieskorn for acombined795 yardsreceiving. Prieskorn is currently with the Carolina Panthers. Regardless, it wasn’tgoing to take much convincingtokeep Green in Baton Rouge. As Kiffin said, Louisiana is filled with long, explosive athletes who want to play forLSU Green, aJackson native, said he neverconsideredatransfer. He gets “chills” just talking aboutLSU and fondly remembers his first visit to TigerStadium as amiddle schooler.Strangers offeredhim a plate of cooked gator as he walked up.

Just recently,Green moved his mother to Baton Rougeand he lives with her “I get to come hometohomecooked meals every day,” Green said with asmile.

At least one night aweek, Green will ride over to aparking garage near the stadium. He just gazes at Death Valley and imagines the plays he is about to make. Most likely,he’snot fantasizing about blocking defenders in the Bgap.

Kiffin has seen his tight end catching balls from aJUGS machine at 10 p.m.Green is running through walkthroughs and Kiffin has to slow him down. He’sgiving himself every chanceto“go off”in2026, as Watson hopes. “I just want to bring thatwinning culture back to LSU,” Green said. “I’m from the state of Louisiana. It’ssoimportant. It’sjust different when you’re at LSU. Those three letters and twocolors mean so much to me.”

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By LUCAS PELTIER

Las VegasRaiders quarterback FernandoMendozaruns througha drill duringpractice atthe team’straining camp on Wednesday in Henderson, Nev.

RoyPetitfils

Once they trustenough to talk,make sure youlisten to teen boys

Afew weeks ago, Iasked a teenage boy in my office how many people he could call if he was having the worstday of his life. He looked down for amoment, shrugged, and quietly said, “Probably nobody.” That answer has stayed with me. He isn’tunpopular. He plays sports. He has good grades. He has friends he laughs with every day But he doesn’thave anyone he feelssafe enough to really talk to. Unfortunately,his answer isn’tunusual.

As acounselor,I’ve become increasingly concerned about agrowing number of teenage boys who are struggling with something that’seasy to miss becauseitdoesn’talwayslook like acrisis. They’re not necessarily acting out. They’re not getting suspended. Many aren’tclinically depressed. Instead, they’re quietly carrying anxiety,loneliness,self-doubt and pressure they rarely and in many casessimply can’t —put into words.

Many boys have learned that being “fine” is expected of them.Ifthey’re hurting, they distract themselves.They bury themselves in sports, video games,work or their phones They joke their way through difficult emotions because humor feels safer than honesty

Theresult is that many parents assume everything is OK simplybecause nothing appearstobewrong.

It isn’tthat today’sboys don’t have emotions. It’sthat many have never been shownwhat to do with them. Then there’s friendship. When many of today’sparents were growing up, friendships were built by spending long afternoons riding bikes, shooting basketball, working on projects or simply hanging around together.Those hours created conversations that weren’tplanned —they just happened. Today,many friendships

The Louisiana Art&Science Museum is featuring women’s eveningwear in itsexhibit,‘Louisiana

The Legacy of SanCarlin.’The Baton Rougecouture business wascreated and operated by

and Linda Ward-Dalton from 1987 to 2006. The show features 29 designs, most of them curated fromthe LSU Textile &CostumeMuseum’s permanentcollection.

IN VOGUE

TBY

ROBIN MILLER Staff writer

he dress was asize 6, but Hollywood diva Joan Collins’ figure was edging in on size 8.

Designer Linda WardDalton wasn’tdeterred.

“I told her to put her hands on her hips and suckher stomach in,”she said. “Then Istarted inching thezipper up until Ifinally had it zipped.”

Thatwas in 1992 in New York’s posh Carlisle Motel, where Collins resided while starring in the Broadway revival of Noël Coward’scomedy “Private Lives.”

Ward-Dalton’smeetingwith Collins happened afew years after she and Carla Jumonville, co-owners of Baton Rouge couturebusiness San Carlin,first traveled from Baton Rouge to New York to introduce their women’seveningwear to the city’sfashion scene in aWaldorf Astoria Hotel suiteshow

Thetrip marked aturning point forthe duo after Ward-Dalton not only hung up on aSaks Fifth Avenue buyer but refused to let thebuyer look at the collectionnot once but twice, after adisagreement.

“She returned athird time to see the collection,” Ward-Dalton said of theSaks buyer

CarlaJumonville, left, and Linda Ward-Dalton created and operated SanCarlin, aBaton Rougecouture business specializinginwomen’s eveningwear,from 1987 to 2006.

Visitors won’thave to worry about being turnedaway when theLouisianaArt &Science Museum opens its exhibit “Louisiana Couture: The Legacy of San Carlin,” Aug. 1. The show runs through Jan. 4. RootsinBaton Rouge

Jumonville andWard-Dalton startedSan Carlin in alittle pink house on O’Neal LaneinBaton

Chapel features first

Alonghorncuckoobee finds its flower in the nativeplant garden on the grounds of St Alban’sEpiscopal Chapel at LSU.This is the university’s first certified nativeplant garden

SAN CARLIN

WHEN: Aug. 1-Jan. 4. Hours are 10 a.m.-3 p.m.Wednesdaythrough Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturdayand 1-5 p.m. Sunday.

WHERE: Louisiana Art& Science Museum, 100 S. RiverRoad. ADMISSION: $15, ages 13-64; $12, seniors age65and olderand children age12and younger VISIT: lasm.org

Rouge in 1987, specializing in women’seveningwear

“Itwas located across the road from where the movie theater is now,”Jumonville said.“Idon’t even know if it’sstill there.”

They closed the business in 2006 after creating hundreds of gowns for Mardi Gras balls, galas, NeimanMarcus,a fewcelebrities and, despite initially hanging up on the buyer, Saks FifthAvenue.Most of thegowns in theexhibitionwere selected from theLSU Textile& CostumeMuseum’s permanent collection.

“Wehouse approximately 100 gowns from San Carlin in our private archive,and we’re showing29

BY COLETTE DEAN Contributing writer

Since 1928, St. Alban’sChapel EpiscopalUniversity Center haspursued amission of hospitality to LSU students, faculty and staff. Thanks to adedicated parishioner,thathospitality has grown outside thechurchwalls and into the garden. St.Alban’s Chapel,located on HighlandRoad at Dalrymple Drive, now has LSU’sfirst certi-

fiednative plant garden, thanks to Emily Stich. The certifiedhabitatdistinctionfromthe Louisiana Native Plant Society means the property conserves Louisiana’s natural heritage: Native plants support alocal ecosystem providing essential food and habitat for wildlife, like nectar,seeds, fruit and shelter Through theyears, Stichhas served as the church’svolunteer

STAFFPHOTO By ROBIN MILLER

Couture:

Carla Jumonville

PROVIDED PHOTO By FRED FREy

TEEN BOYS,

Next time,address heras‘Mrs. JudgyBetter-Than-You’

Dear Miss Manners: We received a wedding invitation for awedding from my husband’snephew and bride-to-be. The attire for the occasion is described as: “black tie optional. Elegant, coastal chic. We ask that men wear jackets.” It is clear what my husband should wear,but do you have asuggestion for me to fulfill “elegant, coastal chic”? The wedding venue is aprivate club on the New England coastline.

seemstobethe brief

Judith Martin MISS MANNERS

And may Ivent about my pet peeve, if Ipromise to be themodel of elegance and politeness at the wedding and reception? Our names on the outside envelope

were written as “Paul and Paulette Last Name” instead of “Mr and Mrs. PaulLast Name” —or better yet, “Dr. and Mrs. Paul Last Name.” (He and several other family members are doctors.) Even the father of the groom’sname was written on his invitation as “Bill Last Name” rather than the more formal and elegant “William.” The nephew’sparents are divorced and both are remarried. Perhaps thisisthe reason that formality onthe envelopes did not quite meet the elegance mark.

Gentle reader: Aw,wewere so close. Miss Manners was so ready to have agood gossip about all the

RELIGION BRIEFS

FROM STAFFREPORTS

Gospel service at Unitarian Church

The Unitarian Church of Baton Rouge, 8470 Goodwood Blvd., will host its annual gospel serviceonSunday, featuringits special gospel choir led by Jared Robinson and gospel music from classic to contemporary Sunday worship services are at 9a.m. and 11:30 a.m. The 9a.m. service is also livestreamed on YouTube at

youtube.com/@UnitarianBR. For more information, visitunitarianbr.org. Back-to-school supplies giveaway

CarolynGee andGreater Mt. Canaan Baptist Church, 5820 Evangeline St., Baton Rouge,will host abackto-school giveaway from 10 a.m. to 1p.m.Saturday The public is invited. Children must be present to receive school supplies.

TODAYINHISTORY

By The Associated Press

Today is Saturday, Aug. 1, the 213th day of 2026. There are 152 days left in the year

Todayinhistory:

On Aug. 1, 1981, MTV began its American broadcast; the first music video aired on the new cable TV network was “Video Killed the Radio Star,” by The Buggles.

Also on this date:

In 1876, Colorado was admitted as the 38th state in the Union, less than amonth afterthe U.S. Centennial (earning it the nickname “the Centennial State”).

In 1907, aweeklong boys’ camping event began on Brownsea Island in southern England, organized by RobertBadenPowell; the event is now marked as the beginning of the Scout Movement.

In 1944, an uprising broke out in Warsaw,Poland, against Nazi occupation; the revolt lasted two months before collapsing.

In 1957, the United States and Canada announced they had agreed to create the North American Air Defense Command (NORAD).

In 1966, Charles Joseph Whitman, 25, went on an armed rampage at the UniversityofTexas in Austin that killed 14 people, most of whom were shotbyWhitman while he was perched in the clock tower of the main campus building.

In 1971, The Concert for Bangladesh, an allstar benefit organized by George Harrison of The Beatles and sitarplayer Ravi Shankar,was held at Madison Square Garden in New York.

In 2001, Pro Bowl tackle Korey Stringer,27, died of heatstroke, aday aftercollapsing at the Minnesota Vikings’ training camp on thehottest day of theyear

In 2004, theYcuáBolaños supermarket fire in Asuncion, Paraguay,killed more than 400 people.

In 2007, theeight-lane Interstate 35W bridge, a majorMinneapolis artery collapsed into the Mississippi River duringthe eveningrushhour,killing 13 people.

In 2008, 11 international climbers were killed on the world’ssecond-tallest mountain, K2, afteran ice avalanche sweptaway some and stranded others. Dozensofdeathshave been recorded since1939 on themountain,which some regard as more challenging to mountaineers than the world’stallest peak, Mount Everest

In 2014, amedical examiner ruled that aNew York City police officer’schokeholdcaused thedeathof Eric Garner,whose videotaped arrest and final pleas of“Ican’tbreathe!” had sparked outrage. OfficerDaniel Pantaleo, who restrained Garner,was firedin2019 butnever charged with acrime.

Today’sbirthdays: Actor Giancarlo Giannini is 84 Basketball Hall of Fame coachRoy Williams is 76. Blues musicianRobert Cray is 73. Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum is 70.Rocksinger Joe Elliott (Def Leppard) is 67. RapperChuckD(Public Enemy) is 66. Actor John Carroll Lynchis63. Rock singer Adam Duritz (Counting Crows)is62. Film director SamMendes is 61.Actor Tempestt Bledsoe is 53.

thingsthese wedding hostsdid wrong —and then you went and blamed it on divorce.

The state of one’smarriage does not preclude elegance or formality,inthe addressing of envelopes or otherwise. If anything, those who have divorced and remarried have had morechances to practice. Nevertheless, you are correct that these particular hosts bungled it.The dress code, as you surmised, is madeup, so “elegant, coastal chic” is whatever you want it tobe. Butifyou need guidance, watch any of the myriad television shows and movies that the couple is no doubt trying to emulate. Long, flowy dresses on chic, badly behaved women

SAN CARLIN

Continuedfrom page1D

here,” said Michael Mamp, director of the LSU museum, whosesupportgroup, Friends of the LSU Textile &Costume Museum, is cohosting theshow Mamp alsocuratedthe show of silk taffeta, feathers andhand-beaded designs withthe help of LSU merchandising graduate student Sujun Liu. Some of thegarments are on loan from locals.All weremade in Baton Rouge.

Not in New York or Paris butBatonRouge —anidea some national buyers didn’t comprehend at first.

“Linda tells thestoryabout handing out her business card, and when people would look at it, they’d see the ‘LA’ behind Baton Rouge, andsay, ‘Oh, you’reinLos Angeles?’” Mamp said. “She’d say, ‘No, we’reinLouisiana.’

Co-workers to partners Jumonville andWardDalton met while on staff at D.H. Holmes in the 1980s Jumonville worked in the public relations department, and Ward-Dalton worked in saleswhile also modeling thestore’swomen’sclothes. Their friendshipflourished, and they began noticing aflaw in the Baton Rouge fashion scene.

“Wegot tired of seeing the same dresses on the rack,” Jumonville said. “The buyerswould buy thesamestyle in five different colors, and people would go to Mardi Gras Ballsand seethemselves coming andgoing. We said, ‘That just isn’tright. We cansolve this problem.’”

So, theybroke away from the store and started their own business, both in their early 40s.

In the beginning, bookkeeper Sandra Pearah also worked withthe duo. She stayed only six monthsbeforemovingtoTexas, but her nameplays asignificant part in thecompany’sstory.

“Wecameupwiththe name San Carlin from our three names —San for Sandra, andCarlin for the first letters in mineand Linda’s names,” Jumonville said.

“Wehad abusinessadviser on the logo, and she said, ‘God, Idon’tknow about thatname. It sounds like an island to me.’ And we said, ‘That’sOK. We’ll buy an island after we’ve madeitbig and name it San Carlin.’”

Expandingthe business San Carlin, in itsown way,

Butthen again, you promised not to be oneofthose.

Dear Miss Manners: My wife and Iwere hosting dinner foranold friend at alocal restaurant. On arrival we saw another mutual friend, who also knew our guest.

Those two talked forabout 10 minutes while my wife and Iwere settled at the table. We had no qualmsabout that, since they had not seen eachother in along time.

At theend of the meal,wefind that the friend we had happened on had discreetly paid our check before he left. We had no idea.

The next day Iwrote him asincere thank-you note from myself my wife andour friend. The question is whether our friend should

also send anote, even though I wrote on behalf of all of us. It seemslikely that his being there wasthe primary reason it happened.

Gentle reader: Are you, as it were, asking forafriend?

As you werealready taking this friend out fordinner,you were the host and the one whoprimarily benefited from the transaction. Miss Manners agrees that it would be gracious of your friend to thank the mutual friend, but whether or not he does is not your concern. That you did it forhim waseven morehostly

Send questions to Miss Manners at herwebsite,www missmanners.com.

PHOTO By ROBIN MILLER

The Louisiana Art&Science Museum is featuring women’seveningwear in itsexhibit, ‘Louisiana Couture: The Legacy of San Carlin.’The Baton Rougecouture business was created and operated by CarlaJumonville and Linda Ward-Dalton from 1987 to 2006. The showfeatures 29 designs, mostofthem curated fromthe LSUTextile &Costume Museum’s permanent collection.

An invitation to one of San Carlin’ssuite shows in New york’sWaldorf-Astoria Hotel is included in the Louisiana Art&Science Museum’s exhibit, ‘Louisiana Couture: The Legacy of SanCarlin.’ The exhibit is co-hosted by Friendsofthe LSU Textile & CostumeMuseum

did make it big, but Jumonville and Ward-Dalton never bought an island.Instead, they expanded their business in Baton Rouge by hiring designer Gonzaló Calderon Ortiz, who was fresh out of LSU with adegree in fashion design. They would eventually move the operation to DenhamSprings andhire a staffofseamstresses, who hand-stitched everydetail But they startedhitting the road beforethat,traveling

to New York to show their wares. That’swhen the Saks Fifth Avenue encounter occurred.

“Because Iwas in sales, Iloved to talk to people,” Ward-Dalton said. “Wewere actually in California when we showed the collection for the first time,and arepresentative of Saks came over and said she loved our collection, but she couldn’tbuy it, because the buyer was in NewYork.”

Therep sharedthe buyer’s contact information, and Ward-Dalton placed acall.

“I toldher we werecoming to New York, andthat we’d be showinginWaldorf Astoria. She said, ‘Oh, honey, we don’tdohotel shows,’ ” Ward-Dalton said.

When she and Jumonville reached New York, WardDalton reconnected with thebuyer,who hung up before theconversation ended.

Ward-Dalton calledback, told the buyer she’d be the onemissing out, then hung up on her “So, she cameand knocked on the door and told me whoshe was,” WardDalton continued.“Now, there wasnot one soul but Carla andIinthe room, and Isaid, ‘We’re so busy right now, we can’t seeyou.’ She said she didn’tknow if she could come back,and Itold her she’d be missing out. She came back again, and I wouldn’tlet her in. Ithought Iwas goingtohavetopick

Carla up offthe floor.” Wouldn’t be denied But the buyerwouldn’tbe denied, and she returned a third time. This time, WardDalton offered asweet Southern welcome. “It all goes back to wanting what you can’thave,” she said. “She bought forall the Saks stores all over the country,and she started ordering from us. The three of us became great friends after that, and we always took hertolunchwhenwewere in New York.” Collins wasn’tSan Carlin’s sole celebrity client. Loretta Swit of “MASH” fame also placed orders. Jumonville andWard-Daltonshowedtheir designs in NewYork,Paris, London and South America, but in the end, the duo’smost important clientswere local andregional As theSan Carlin namegrew in fashion circles, orders began pouring in from Dallas, NewOrleansand other big cities in the region The gowns weren’tcheap, somecosting up to $4,500 in the1980s and1990s, butclients were looking for something different, something othersweren’twearing something in which they wouldn’tsee themselves coming and going. And San Carlin delivered. Email RobinMillerat romiller@theadvocate. com.

Places of Worship Directory

STAFF

Baha'i Faith

landscaper and florist. She received alandscape contractor license in 1992 and aflorist license in 2005.On occasion, she would tryto enhance the main entrance’s garden area by inserting a spare plant ortwo.

“I would have an extra rose bush left over from a job or an extra ginger plant on hand that Iwouldadd,” she said. After the death of her husband, Jim Willis, she had moretimetospend gardening.

In 2025, Stich overhauled her own yard with native plants with the help of SwampFly Native Landscapes. She enrolled in the Louisiana Master Naturalists of GreaterBaton Rouge course, became more active in the Louisiana Native Plant Society and Friends of LSU Hilltop Arboretum, and attended native plant symposiums and conferences.

“Let’sjust say,I was bitten by the native plant bug,” Stich said. She also registered for the inaugural Louisiana Native Professional Certification Program,which is open to professionals and homeowners. She learned information on plant identification, site analysis and landscape design techniques. As her final project for the master naturalists course, she decided to dedicate her skills and newfound knowledge to the beds of her church home.

The landscaping around the main entrance was an eyesore, with overgrown plants and weeds.

“The greenbrier monster vinewas relentless,” she said. Stich approached theRev Brandon Peete, St. Alban’s newest rector and chaplain, about agarden renovation She surprised him by dedicating one side of the garden to plants with red and white blooms, two of the colors of hisalmamater,the University of Alabama.

“I’m an Oklahoma University grad, so those are my col-

TEEN BOYS

Continued from page1D

revolve around activities, group chats or gaming. Boys may spend hours together without evertalking about what’sreallyhappening in their lives.

One teenager told me, “We hang out all the time, butnobody talks about real stuff.”

At the same time, expectations have never been higher.Boys are expected to succeedacademically, excel in sports, make good decisions, stay out of trouble,get intocollege and somehow project confidence while they’re still trying to figure out who they are.

Chapelrector and chaplain, gather near the church’snativeplant garden. Stich holdsthe documentfrom the Louisiana Native Plant Society certifying the garden.

ors, too,” Stich said, laughing. Theremaining beds are flush with LSU purple and gold

Fellow congregants Keith Pope and Bob Jacobsen helpedwithbed prep using their brawn, trucks and ropes to yank out stubborn plantsthatwere taking over thespace. Mostof thework was completed in April and so far,the plantings are adapting well, even during theheat.

“That’sthe beauty of native plants.Theyhavedeep roots and, when mulched, they adaptwell. With native plants, the sayingis‘the first year they sleep, thesecond yearthey creep,and the third yearthey leap.’ I’ve really seen this come true in my yard,” she said.

Stichservesaspresident of the LouisianaNativePlant Society,which, in addition to publicizing thelandscape course, has been promoting theLouisiana Certified Habitat program to homeowners and business since 2020.

Habitat certification levels are determined by the num-

That’saheavyload to carry alone.

Many boys don’tneed someone to have all the answers. They simply need to knowthey don’thave to carry theweight bythemselves.

Thegood news is that boys don’tnecessarilyneed more lectures. They need more relationships. Research consistently shows that onecaring, emotionally available adult canmake atremendous difference in ayoungperson’s life. Afather.Agrandfather.Acoach.Ateacher.A youthminister.An uncle. Afamily friend.Someone who listenswithoutimmediately tryingtofixthings can become oneofthe greatest protective factors

ber of native plant species on aproperty: bronze level is 25 nativeplantspecies or 25% native plants; silver,50 native plant species or 50% native plants; and gold, 75% native species or 75 native plants.Certification levels can be upgraded for free at any timebyresubmitting an updated species list via email. St.Alban’syardreceived the bronze certification

Stich hopes that the beds at St. Alban’scontinue to provide beauty andeducate the LSUcommunity on the importance of native plants.

“I’d love tosee more areas of campus become certified habits,” she said.

St.Alban’snative plant list includes:

n Bluestar

n Boneset

n Inland Sea Oats

n Purple Coneflower

n Rattlesnake Master

n LouisianaIris, purple

n Dense blazing star

n Manfreda

n Gulf Coast Penstemon

n Louisianablue phlox

n Resurrection fern

in aboy’slife.

Parents can help, too —not by forcing long conversations, but by creating opportunities where talking happens naturally.A drive to practice. Shooting basketball in thedriveway Working on aproject together.Grabbing breakfast before school. Those moments often open doors that sittingface-to-face at the kitchen table never will.

When boys do begin to talk,resist theurge to solve every problem. Listen first. Askcurious questions. Thank them for trusting you. Often thegreatest gift you can give ateenage boy is the confidence that his feelings won’tscare you.

Ioften tell parentsthat they don’thave to say the

n Christmas fern

n Common selfheal

n Black-eyed Susan

n Giant coneflower

n Sweet coneflower

n Carolina wild petunia

n Bluesalvia

n Red salvia

n Lyre-leaf sage

n Blue-eyed grass

n Indian Pink

n BluePorterweed

n Stokes aster

n Violets

n PinkRain Lily

n American Beautyberry

n Wood fern

n Blanket flower,firewheel

n Turk’scap

n Prairie coneflower

n Rough coneflower

For more information, go to lnps.org or emaillnpsinbox@gmail.com

This articlewas supplied by the Louisiana Master NaturalistsofGreater Baton Rouge,which seeks to advance awareness, understanding and stewardship of the natural environment.For more information, emaillmngbr org.

perfect thing.They just have to be thekind of person their son believes he can come back to tomorrow Ourboys don’tneed to becomesomeone different. They need adults who remindthem that strength isn’tmeasured by how little they feel but by having thecourage to let someone else know they’re carrying somethingheavy

The quiet crisis of teen boys isn’tthat they don’t care. It’sthat too manyofthem are carrying life’sweight in silence.

Let’smake sure they don’t have to.

Petitfilsisalicensed professional counselor in Youngsville

Dear Heloise: Idecided to put atimer on acouple of lamps to makeitlook like I’mhome all the time. My handyman came over and placed atimer on my outdoor lights that was hidden by shrubs. When I drive up to my little home, the whole house and yard are lit up. They turn off after 15 minutes. There’sareason forthis precaution. If anyone’slurking in the front, I can see them and leave. Additionally,ahouse and yard that can be lit up is adeterrent to athief.As asingle woman, Ineed to use common sense. Once I’minthe house, Ialways lock the door behind me. Am Ioverly cautious? Idon’tthink Iam, but recently,I wastold that I’m wasting energy/resources.

Hints from Heloise

—Emily T.,inOrange, California Emily,no, you’re notoverreacting.The keystatement here was “common sense.” Usually,peopleset atimertohave thelights go on shortlybefore they get home. If it gives youpeace of mind to comehome to ahouse andyard withthe lightson, then don’tlet anyonediscourageyou from using them —Heloise Oral cancer concerns

DearHeloise: My 22-year-

oldson hasrecently started to dip snuff. Ican’t even begin to tell you how much Ihatetobaccoproducts. Iwarnedhim that he could developcancer, andhelaughedatme. He claims thatit’s harmless andthat smoking tobacco is what causescancer.Issnuff harmless? —Suzanna A.,in El Paso, Texas Suzanna, smokeless tobacco isn’t harmless, no matter if it’schew,dip or snuff. Your son’sexposing himself to anicotine addiction and over adozen cancer-causing chemicals, such as arsenic and formaldehyde. In addition to cancer,it also causes gum recession, tooth decay and tooth loss. The sooner your son stops, the better —Heloise Twotipsinone letter

Dear Heloise: Iuse paper coffee filters to cover foods that need to be warmed up in the microwave. Also, Iuse cat litter in old trunks for musty smells. Ispread out 3cups in the trunk, then keep it closed for four to five days. —D.H., in Minnesota

Sendahinttoheloise@ heloise.com.

PROVIDED PHOTO

Emily Stich,from left, BobJacobsen, Justin Langford, chapel administrator;and the Rev. Brandon Peete, St.Alban’s

LEO(July 23-Aug. 22) Be open and reveal your feelings, intentions and long-term goals. Start abuzz that infiltrates your circle, and thefeedback youreceivewill help youget your plansunderway.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) Focusonrelationships, equality and making ends meet. Trustyourinstincts, andpay attention to detail, spendingand howyou look and feel. Trying to do too much all at once will notmeet your standards.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct.23) Push your way forward withdiscipline anddevotion. Keep your plans to yourself until you are confident that successwill follow Change is necessary, andgood timing is essential if youwanttocome outon top

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) Check out what your adversaries are doing. Keepinga tight budget and using your intelligence to attract positive attention will help you gain respect andthe attention of those in aposition to help.

SAGITTARIUS(Nov. 23-Dec.21) Review your contracts, medical records and investments.Keep youremotions under control and your personal information to yourself. Don't trustanyone who asks too many questions.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Puttogether aplan that will keep you safe from those trying to takeadvantage of you. Ajoint venture mayintrigue you, but you are better offnot committing to anything that entails trust and shared expenses.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) Keepthe momentum flowing, takeresponsibil-

ity for yourself andyourhappiness, andparticipate in social events that will reunite you with someone special.

PISCES(Feb. 20-March 20) Sit tight and see what transpires before you implement changes thatcan affect your lifestyle. Refusetolet an emotional situation stealyourjoy.Angersolves nothing.

ARIES (March 21-April 19) Adisciplined approach will payoff. Havinghighenergy, coming up with innovative ideas and investing in yourself, your lifestyle and your home will be an experience that will open doorstonew beginnings.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20) You need time to rejuvenate and to rethink howyou want to move forward.Actinginhaste will end in disappointment. Listento your heartand pursuewhat's meaningfultoyou

GEMINI (May 21-June 20) Manageyour time and money carefully. Don't let anyone take advantage of you. Stick to what and who you know andtrust, andsay no to anyone trying to sell yousomething youdon't need

CANCER (June 21-July22) By expressing your feelings and considering the response you receive, you'll discover how you can bring about positive domestic changes thatbring you closer to loved ones

The horoscope, an entertainment feature,isnot based on scientific fact ©2026 by NEA,Inc.,dist. By Andrews McMeel Syndication

Celebrity Cipher cryptograms are created from quotations by famous people, past and present.Each letter in the cipher stands for another.

TODAy'S CLUE:Q EQUALS O

CeLebrItY CIpher

For better or For WorSe

beetLe bAILeY

Mother GooSe And GrIMM

Sudoku

InstructIons: Sudoku is anumber-placingpuzzle basedona9x9 grid with several given numbers The object is to place the numbers 1to9inthe empty squares so that each row, each column and each 3x3 boxcontains the same number only once. Thedifficulty level of the Sudoku increases from Monday to Sunday

BLondie

BaBY BLueS

BY PHILLIP ALDER Bridge

Bill Watterson,the authorofthe comic strip “Calvin and Hobbes” from 1985 to 1995, said, “Weekends don’t count unless youspend them doing something completely pointless.”

Bridge playersoften competeonly on weekends,when counting points and suit lengths will be very important

This deal occurredduring asocial game.Whatshould happenintwo notrump after West leads hisfourth-highest club and East puts up his king? Do you agree with North’s pass over two no-trump?

Takingthose questionsinreverse order, North should have used Stayman, then raised three spades to four spades. Thatcontract couldhave been made, but it wouldhavebeen atad lucky Still, South couldhavehad amoresuitable hand. And at theworst, South would have endedinthree no-trump when he did not have afour-card major. Maybe it would have made.

Intwono-trump,SouthtookEast’sclub king with his aceand exited with alow spade. East won with the 10 and returned theclubseven, high from aremaining doubleton. Westtook South’s nine with his 10 and erred badly by cashing the club queen. (The club jack couldnot be dropping, because if East had started with K-7-3-2 of clubs, he wouldhave led back the club two, not the seven.)

Southtook the next club with his jack andplayed asecondspade.East won and shifted to aheart. Southwon and ledhis spade queen. East took the trick andplayed another heart, but South won, unblocked his diamond winners, crossed to dummy with aspade,and cashed the diamond king for his eighth trick.

©2026 by NEA, Inc.,dist.

By Andrews McMeel Syndication

Each Wuzzle is awordriddlewhich creates adisguised word, phrase, name, place, saying, etc. For example: NOON GOOD =GOOD AFTERNOON

Previous answers:

word game

InstRuctIons: 1. Words must be of four or more letters.

wuzzles

marmaduKe

Bizarro

hagar the horriBle

Pearls Before swiNe

garfield

B.C.

of theContractamount TheSuretyCompany mustbelistedcurrently on theU.S Department of Treasury Financial Management ServiceList (TreasuryList) as ap‐proved foranamount equalorgreater than the contract amount or must be an insurancecom‐pany domiciledin Louisianaorownedby Louisianaresidents.If TheSuretyCompany is qualified otherthanby listingonthe Treasury list,the contract amount maynot exceed fifteen percent of policyholders' surplusasshown by The Surety's Companymost recent financialstate‐ments filedwiththe LouisianaDepartmentof Insuranceand maynot exceed theamount of $500,000. However, a Louisianadomiciledin‐surancecompany with at leastanA-ratinginthe latest printing of theA M. Best's KeyRating guideshall notbesub‐ject to the$500,000 limi‐tation provided that the d

Regular Meeting –5:00p.m. BREC Administration Building 6201 Florida Boulevard BatonRouge, Louisiana Commission Minutes June 25, 2026

to Order Aregular meeting of the Recreation and Park Commission for the Parish of East Baton Rouge (BREC) was held at BREC’s Administrative Offices on June 25, 2026. The meeting was called to order at 5:00 p.m. by Chairman Michael Polito. Commissioner Wade Evans offered the invocation, and Commissioner Dustin Yates led the Pledge of Allegiance. Roll was taken and aquorum of Commissioners was present, including Michael Pol to, Chair; Wade Evans, ViceChair; Carl Stages, Treasurer; Dr.MurelleHarrison; David McDavid; Marshall Ortego; Lon Vicknair; and Dustin Yates. Commissioner Collis Temple III was absent. Staffmembers present wereJanet Simmons, Interim Superintendent; Maurice Velasquez,Interim Chief Operating Officer; Johanna Landreneau, Interim Chief Human Resources Officer; Steven Knight,Chief Information Officer; Katrina Coots-Ward, Dina Duplantis, Tia Edwards, Jim Fleshman, Angela Harms, RaHarold Lawson, Corey Luttrell, Michael Raby,Wesley Sims, and Rhonda Williams. Chris Marchiafava was in attendance to recordthe actions of the Commission. Dr.Evante Topp, BREC Foundation Executive Director,and Murphy Foster,legal counsel, werealso in attendance. Therestofthe audience consisted of other BREC staff, media, and the public.

Public Comment Chairman Polito announced that publiccomment would be allowed prior to avote being taken on any agenda action item and explained the process to be observed.

Adoption of Minutes

Resolved,that the reading of the minutes of the Recreation and Park Commission Meeting of May 28, 2026 be dispensed with, and that they be approved as written.

The Chairman recognized Commissioner Carl Stages foramotion on the minutes. Commissioner Stages stated that amember of the public who commented at last month’smeeting wanted to clarify what they said and he recognized Chris Marchiafava, who stated that the words “the increased design fees” could be added to cover an amendment to the minutes. Chairman Polito stated, for the audience, that Coleman Brown had commented and had objected to the increased design fees and wanted the change made for the record.

Chairman Polito made the amendment apart of the motion.

Second by Mr.Evans

Therebeing no further discussion, Chairman Polito called for the vote with the following results:

Yeas: 8 Nays: 0 The minutes wereunanimouslyapproved, as amended.

Consent Calendar

Under the Consent Calendar,Chairman Polito read the following resolution:

Resolved,that the Commission review and accept the Routine Personnel TransactionsfromMay 9, 2026 through June 8, 2026.

Motion to approve by Mr.Vicknair

Second by Mr.Yates

Therebeing no discussion, Chairman Polito called for the vote with the following results:

Yeas: 8 Nays: 0 The motion was approved unanimously.

Presentations

The BREC video showcasing upcoming activities for the month of Julywas played.

Reports of Officers and Standing Committees

Interim SuperintendentSimmons presented the May 2026 attendance report and provided updates on community engagement meetings attended. She recognized Rodney Combs from EisnerAmper,who gave areport on the 2025 Audit.

Commissioner Evans stated that he wanted to echo Mr.Combs’sstatement that the findingsonthis audit willberepeated from earlier auditsdue to the lack of time between them to implement any changes, but the findings related to timeliness will fall off. He commended Finance Director Ms. Rhonda Williams, her team, and the management team on their work in ensuring BREC is in financial compliance. The Commission and the audience applauded. Commissioner Evans spoke about empowering staffand celebrating theiraccomplishments, and he looks forwardtoBREC implementing the necessary steps to prevent further findingsand to making the organization better

Ms.Simmons recognized Johanna Landreneau, who gave an update on BREC’spension plan (City-Parish Employees Retirement System:CPERS) and changes being considered. She gave the history of BREC’s participation in the plan, stating that it is adefined benefitplan in which participation is required for full time employees; they cannot opt out and BREC cannot switch current employees to adifferent plan. She stated that the plan is very expensive because CPERS has Unfunded Accrued Liabilities (UAL), of about$751,000,000 systemwide with total assets around $1.3 billion. The annual bill to fund CPERSisrising for all participating agencies. She stated that BREC’s mandatory employer contribution rate for 2026 is 38.2%of payroll, with employee contribution at the maximum rate of 9.5%. She stated that according to CPERS, BREC’s rate will increase to 39.92% in 2027, with the system-wide average being 38.1%. She said that the employee rate will remain unchanged. Ms. Landreneau stated that an actuary has been hired and they arebuilding out solidoptions to bring before the Commission and employees for consideration; nothing has been finalized. She read Goal 24 from the StrategicPlan entitled “Financial Resilience”, which mentioned proposing alternative pension contribution plans and recapturing contributions made for those employees who depart the organization with less than ten years of service; currently, the City-Parish retains those contributions.

Commissioner Evans stated that he learned during the previous evening’s parish council meeting that the UAL is around 60%, and most public pensions want to remain between 80 and 90 percent. He stated that thisisa failing plan and thereisnoway to make up the loss without the state stepping in and bonding it similar to the pension plan for police officers.

Chairman Polito noted that about two weeks prior,heand Ms. Landreneau met with CPERS, who informedthem that the 2027 rates would go down, only to find out now that they will go up. He stated that thisisjust another example of total mismanagement on theirpart. He thanked Ms. Landreneau for her efforts and encouraged her to keep pushing forward.

Commissioner Vicknair asked Ms. Landreneau fCPERShad given her the amount of BREC’sportionofthe UAL. She stated thatithas been requested but not received; CPERS promised to deliver the data by July10, 2026. She said that aletter was received in January 2026 stating that BREC’s portion of the UAL amounted to around $112 million but BREC was recentlyinformed that this amount was ahigh-level estimation. She stated that apension attorney has also been hired. Commissioner Vicknair cautioned that these numbers should be investigated thoroughly since they change so rapidlyasthey arebased on estimations. He stated that other employer participants aremaking inquiries as well, and that employees deserve abetter system.

Chairman Polito recognized Linton Naquin forpubl ccomment. Mr.Naquin stated that based on his understanding, the employee who left beforebecoming vested would receive the principal only,and that anew plan was probably better forthem. Commissioner Stages inquiredabout

p contract amount does notexceed tenpercent of thepolicyholders'sur‐plus filedwiththe LouisianaDepartmentof Insurance. TheBond shallbesignedbyThe Surety's Companyagent or attorney-in-factand countersignedbya per‐sonwho is under con‐tractwithThe Surety’s Companyasa licensed agentinthisState,and whoisresidinginthis State. Thesuccessfulbidder shallprovide builder’s risk insurancefor the totalamount of thepro‐ject AN ON SITE MANDATORY PRE-BIDCONFERENCE WILL BE HELD Wednesday, August 12, 2026 at 3:00pm Contractorsthathave requestedbidding documentsfromthe Architectvia emailwill be invitedtothe manda‐tory pre-bid conference Bids shallbeaccepted from Contractorswho arelicensedunder LA R.S. 37:2150-2192 forthe classification of Building i idd i

g Construction.Bidder is required to comply with provisions andrequire‐mentsofLAR.S.38:2212. No bidmay be with‐drawnfor aperiodof forty-five (45) days after receiptofbids, except under theprovisionsof LA.R.S.38:2215. TheOwner reserves the righttorejectany andall bids forjustcause.Inac‐cordance with La.R.S 38:2214, theprovisions andrequirementsofthis Section; andthose stated in thebidding documentsshall notbe waived by anyentity. ENDOF ADVERTISEMENT TO BID 195918 Aug. 1, 7, 14, 21, 2026 4t $279.92

g g closed:2026 EBR‐COA533N-001 by 2:00pm Monday,August31, 2026 forthe projectentitled: BidEnclosed: 2026 EBRCOA533N-001 RenovationstoExisting Residenceat: 533 N. 17thStreet BatonRouge,Louisiana 70802

ProjectNumber: WA ProjectNo. WA-2B-126 Bids will be opened and read aloudwithbidders invitedtoattend immedi‐atelyafter thedeadline forsubmissionofbids. Complete Biddingdocu‐mentsmay be obtained by contacting theArchi‐tect designated in theIn‐vitation to Bid: Williams Architecture 700 N. 10THStreet Suite350 BatonRouge,Louisiana 70802

ContactPerson: Marcus Williams Phone: 225-938-0421 Email: Marcus@williamsarch.com BiddingDocuments will be issued as allowedby the provisionsofLa. li d p R.S.37:2163 Bto licensed contractorswho hold an active licenseorhis au‐thorized representative Prospectivebidders de‐siring furtherinforma‐tion or interpreta¬tions of theDrawingsand/or Specificationsshall re‐questsuchdataelec‐tronically directly to the architect. Answerstoall questions,inquiries and requests foradditional informationwillbeis‐sued in theformofAd‐dendatothe Drawings andSpecifications. Refer to Instructions to Bid‐ders Thesuccessfulbidder shallberequiredtofur‐nish aPerformance and PaymentBondwrittenby acompany licensed to do business in Louisiana, in amount equalto100% of theContractamount TheSuretyCompany mustbelistedcurrently on theU.S.Department of Treasury Financial Management ServiceList (TreasuryList) as ap‐proved foranamount equalorgreater than the contract amount or must be an insurancecom‐pany domiciledin

Luttrell stated that they communicate through town halls; he said that he has an upcoming meeting scheduled with two retirees to startdiscussingaretirement coalition to make surethat they receive all information involving them. He reiterated that this is still in the early stages, andthereisnot alot of information to share; surveys have been conducted, and concerns arebeing addressed as they areraised. Ms. Landreneau stated that the plan is to have aspecial meeting of the Commission whereemployees areabletocome and ask questions. Shestated that she should have moreinformation at the August Commission meeting.

Chairman Polito asked for clarification regarding plan contributions from retirees, employees whohave vested, and all currentemployees and their ability to keep what they have contributed. Ms. Landreneau stated that they will get all their benefits. Shestated that of the 38.2% contributed by BREC, only 5.9% of that goes to the employee; the rest goes to pay the UAL.She said that she wanted employees to know that if BREC withdrew from CPERS, they would not lose that payment because they would have never received all of that payment. Chairman Polito stated that it is “when”wewithdraw

Commissioner Evansstated that in theoryemployees could continue with the 9.5% rate andwith adollar-for-dollar match, they could earnmorethan they would if they continued with the current plan,which would be less expensive for BREC andpossibly allow for alarger payment towardthe insurance.

Commissioner Vicknairstated that the Department of Defense wentthrough the process, and it was asignificantimprovement for the employees, so BREC could leverage what they learned since it would be asimilar process that would benefiteveryone, including the citizens of East Baton Rouge Parish.

Ms. Simmonsconcluded her report by presenting an update on the CityBrooksPark planned community meeting on July14, 2026; the “Better Parks. Brighter Future” initiative; the Baker press announcement regarding the Baker ballfieldsproject; the tax renewal on June 27, 2026; the Freedom Heritage Trail ribbon cutting; the pollinator garden grant extension received by the Zoo; the Jordan Seaton Football Camp at Memorial Stadium; Parks &Recreation Month in July; and International Yoga Day on June 27, 2026. Ms. Simmonscommended Dr.RaHarold Lawson andthe Park OperationsDepartment for their work in preparing Memorial Stadium for the football camp.

Commissioner Evanscongratulated both the Park Operationsand the Equine Operationsteams for the Shady Park arena cover,stating that it was an asset to the community and hopes that the parkwill eventually be listed as an equestrian center due to its great potential.

Chairman Polito read Item 1a under Superintendent’sReport: Resolved,that the Commission approve The Advocate as the Official Journal of Recordfor the Recreation and Park Commission for the Parish of East Baton Rouge andapprove acontract from July1,2026 through June 30, 2027 to be used for the public posting of minutes, resolutions, budgets, and other official proceedings and announcements of said commission as required by law for the price of $.33/agate line or less and $25 per affidavitwith the same terms and conditions. Motion to approve by Mr.Evans

SecondbyDr. Harrison

Chairman Polito recognized Pennie Landryfor public comment. She expressed concerns about public notice information not being accessible to the public due to online paywalls. Commissioner Evansnoted that therewas legislation this past session that would allow agencies to use their websites as official journals to avoid paywalls but due to the influence of thenewspaper lobby the legislation was not advanced. He also expressed hisdesirefor everyone to rally and support the legislation next year

Commissioner Stages recognized Ms. Marchiafava, who clarified that public notices areavailable to everyone and arenot behind apaywall. Commissioner Stages inquiredabout the feasibility of placing information such as public bids on BREC’swebsite. Commissioner Evans stated that the minutes and agendas areonthe website but aresomewhat difficult to access; he expressed his thoughts on access to the public notices suggesting aseparate banner or tab on the website.

Therebeing no further discussion, Chairman Polito called for the vote with the followingresults:

Yeas: 8

Nays: 0 The motion was approved unanimously StandingCommittee Reports

Chairman Polito recognized Commissioner Stages, chair of the Finance Committee. Commissioner Stages stated that the Finance Committee met on June 23, 2026 and recognized Finance Director Rhonda Williams, who presented the monthly Budget StatusReport.

Ms. Williams read Item 1under New Business:

Resolved,that the Commission acceptthe unaudited monthlyBudget StatusReport for the month ending and fiscal year-to-date ending May 31, 2026, as presented. Motion to approve by Mr.Evans SecondbyMr. McDavid Therebeing no discussion, Chairman Polito called for the vote with the followingresults:

Yeas: 8 Nays: 0

The motion was approved unanimously

Ms. Williams read Item 1under Contracts andBids:

Resolved,that the Commission approve awarding SB 1863 –Liberty Lagoon Aquatic Repairs to the lowest responsive bidder,Francise Horticultural Services, Inc., for an amount not to exceed $1,250,000.00; authorize the Interim Superintendent to execute appropriate documents pending final legal review

Motion to approve by Mr.Evans

SecondbyMr. Stages

The Chairman again recognized Ms. Landryfor public comment. She questioned the company’sname in reference to the bid’sscope. To address Ms. Landry’sconcern, Commissioner Evansstated that partofthe “new” BREC is to do better going forwardonhow projects arescoped and that some companies start in oneareaand expand into others. This company started out as ahorticultural services company and expanded into apool company,and changing the name is irrelevantaslong as the work is done and the company is licensed andinsured. He stated that she was not wronginher questioning, as he and Chairman Polito shared similar concerns, but the project was one that needed to be done.

Therebeing no further discussion, Chairman Polito called for the vote with the followingresults: Yeas: 8 Nays: 0 The motion was approved unanimously

Commissioner Stages stated that item 2did not come beforethe Finance Committee, so the item is comingbeforethe Commission withouta recommendation from any standing committee.

Ms. Williams read Item 2under Contracts andBids: Resolved,that the Commission approve an increase in funding of $20,000.00 to State Contract #4400022627 with WestaffTemporary Staffing Services to hiretemporary staffasneeded to fill vacantpositions for the BREC Park OperationsDepartment at the contracted hourly rates, for atotal amount not to exceed $1,545,000.00; contract terminates July31, 2026. Authorizethe Interim Superintendent to execute the appropriate documents upon legal review Motion to approve by Mr.Evans

Chairman Polito recognized ParkOperations Director RaHarold Lawson. Dr.Lawson explained that thecurrent contract is an agency-wide contract housed under ParkOperations. The contract is traditionally utilizedbythe Park Operations and GolfDepartments; however, with theadditionofthe callcenter as well as theworkdone to improve FarrPark, thecontract

Ms.Williams

time

Commissioner Evans clarified that thecontract wasa system-widecontract and did not pertaintoHuman Resources per se, and assured Ms.Landrythat theamendment wasa1.2%variationinthe originalcontract change order and wasnot significant but necessary

Chairman Polito inquired as to thereason why theitemwas not presented in committee; Ms.Williams stated that it wasa timingissue.

Therebeing no furtherdiscussion, ChairmanPolito calledfor thevotewith thefollowing results: Yeas: 8 Nays: 0 The motionwas approved unanimously

Ms.Williams commended her team on theirworkincompleting the2025 auditand stated that her mission wastohave an auditwith zero findings. She thanked Ms.Simmons forher support.

Commissioner Stages asked Ms.Williams to give an updateonthe upcoming budget.She stated that therewill be an agency-wide training with all departmentsonbudgeting and procurement,and this year’s budget process will begin in July whichwill give theFinance department afull sixmonths to finalize thebudget.She stated that travel as well as professional fees and services will be zero-based.

Commissioner Evans encouraged department directorstoutilizethe free videos on theU.S.General Services Administration(GSA) websitefor more insight into budgets.

Reports of Special Committees Chairman Polito recognized Commissioner Stages, who stated that the Internal Process Review Committeemet on June 9, 2026 to review BREC employee practices, procedures, and investigations to ensurecompliance with applicablestate law, BREC policy,and established best practices; each case wasdiscussed and appropriate resolutions wereident fied. He explained that statelaw prohibitsthe discussion of personnel matters in public without the consent of theaffected employee. The committeewill reconvene in August 2026 forits next schedulemeeting

Special Orders Chairman Polito took up theappointmentstostanding advisorycommittees as follows: Lon Vicknair Christopher Toombs Zoo Dustin Yates, Mayor of St.George JeffCarbo Planning &ParkResources

Motiontoapprove by Mr.Evans Second by Dr.Harrison There being no discussion, Chairman Polito calledfor thevotewith the following results: Yeas: 8 Nays: 0 The appointmentswereapproved unanimously

Unfinished Business and General Orders

None

New Business Chairman Polito read ItemAunder New Business: Introductionofthe proposed resolutionlevying theadvalorem taxmillages forthe 2026 parish-wide assessment roll and settinga public hearing forJuly 23, 2026, during theregular meeting of theCommission at BREC administration offices in Womack Park.

Motiontoapprove theintroductionbyMr. Evans Second by Mr.Yates

Therebeing no discussion, Chairman Polito calledfor thevotewith the following results: Yeas: 8 Neas: 0 The motiontointroduce wasapproved unanimously

Chairman Polito read ItemBunder New Business: Resolved, that theCommission, recognizing theimportant role that parks and recreationplays in strengthening communities, promoting healthand wellness, preserving natural resources, and enhancing thequalityoflife in East Baton Rouge Parish, declares themonthofJuly 2026 as Parks and Recreation Month.

Motiontoapprove by Mr.Yates Second by Mr.Vicknair

Commissioner Evans requested that acopy of theParks and Recreation Monthresolutionbesent to allofthe municipalitiessothat thedeclarationcan be made in concertthroughout theparish.

Therebeing no furtherdiscussion, ChairmanPolito calledfor thevotewith thefollowing results: Yeas: 8 Nays: 0 The motionwas approved unanimously

Adjournment Chairman Polito calledfor amotiontoadjournthe meeting.Commissioner Evans made amotion, Commissioner Yatesseconded.

Ms.Landryspoke from her seat in theaudience and noted that she had submitteda cardtospeak. Chairman Polito clarified that avotehad not been taken on themotiontoadjourn. The Chairmanthen recognized her and asked her to cometothe podium.Ms. Landry clar fied her reason forasking the questionearlierregarding theHuman Resources employees and theincrease in theamount of theWestaffcontract.She also asked forclarificationofthe dateand time of thecommunitymeeting forCity-Brooks Park. She mentioned thetownhallmeetingslistedonthe BREC website, stated how difficultitwas to navigatethe website, and suggested that acommitteeofcitizens be formed to meet with theBREC InformationSystemsteam to share from thecitizens’ perspectiveonhow they would like theBREC websitetowork. Ms.Simmons clarified that those meetingsmentioned by Ms.Landrywerenot community meetings, but town hall meetingsheldwhen she firstcameonboard as Interim

Superintendent

Chairman Polito calledfor avoteonthe motiontoadjournand themeeting wasadjourned at 6:05 p.m. without objection.

Janet C. Simmons,Interim Superintendent Michael Polito,Chairman and Ex-OfficioSecretary

DRAFT

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