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SLOW THE WATER DOWN

La. waits to see how Trump, Congress regulate AI Political pressure mounts over industry concerns BY MEGHAN FRIEDMANN Staff writer

STAFF PHOTOS By JOHN BALLANCE

The Amite River flows next to property in St. Helena Parish recently purchased by the Amite River Basin Commission.

Amite panel looks at gravel sites to stop flooding

Paul Sawyer, executive director of the Amite River Basin Commission and a state representative for Baton Rouge, speaks about plans to turn an old sand-andgravel mine along the Amite River into a site to hold floodwater temporarily on July 28.

BY DAVID J. MITCHELL Staff writer

Down a gravel road — through pine trees and past rusting hulks of equipment — fish occasionally jump in a tranquil pond amid the creaking of insects. Just south of the small community of Coleman Town, this pond in St. Helena Parish along the Amite River was once an old sand-and-gravel pit. Now it might soon be the first piece in a natural workaround to a controversial 26,000-acre reservoir known as the Darlington Dry Dam, first proposed decades ago after catastrophic floods. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reexamined the dam idea more recently in the aftermath of Baton Rouge’s historic Au-

gust 2016 ﬂood, which swamped more than 91,600 homes across the state. But amid controversy over land buyouts and dam safety, the agency later killed the proposal. Now ofﬁcials are set to try another ap-

proach similar to Darlington’s central concept — that by holding up ﬂoodwater temporarily, more populated places downstream have time to drain.

ä See GRAVEL, page 4A

During its recent legislative session, Louisiana parked many bipartisan bills regulating artificial intelligence after President Donald Trump’s administration urged states against passing them, arguing that it would be better to have a national regulatory framework. So far, Congress and the president — who also threatened states’ broadband funding to stop them from passing certain AI regulations — have taken a mostly hands-off approach. But as AI causes rising public concern across the political spectrum — and with midterm elections on the horizon — pressure is mounting on Congress to act. Though many politicians on both sides of the aisle say that at least some AI regulations are necessary, the exact nature of the laws Congress may pass remains murky. Top Republican members of Louisiana’s congressional delegation have offered few details on measures they would support, as have major candidates for Louisiana’s two wide-open congressional seats. And many politicians have argued that too many regulations would stiﬂe innovation and hobble the United States in its race against China. “As we see abuses (of AI) we will make sure we address them, but you also don’t want to limit innovation,” House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, a Louisiana Republican, told the press on Aug. 7 after qualifying to run for reelection in November. “One thing government really likes to do a good job of is regulating to the

ä See CONGRESS, page 6A

Louisiana’s push for wind power off the Gulf Coast stalls

reality facing the industry. gy ﬁrms to buy out offshore wind was determined there is no path German firm sees ‘no path forward’ after settlement a stark Offshore wind in the Gulf — and leases, including RWE, which in forward to permit these projects

BY MIKE SMITH

ter — at least for now. The recent announcement that Staff writer German ﬁrm RWE had reached a The prospect of wind power off $1.22 billion settlement with PresLouisiana’s Gulf Coast, once touted ident Donald Trump’s administraas a boon for local companies and tion to relinquish its offshore wind a way to reduce climate-warming leases, including off Louisiana’s emissions, appears dead in the wa- southwestern coast, has laid bare

WEATHER HIGH 99 LOW 76 PAGE 8B

nationwide — is up against enormous odds under Trump, industry analysts say. The president has loudly proclaimed his opposition to offshore wind and issued an executive order on his ﬁrst day in ofﬁce halting new leases. More recently, the Interior Department has negotiated with ener-

2023 won a bid to develop an area 36 miles off the coast of Cameron Parish. The settlement announced Aug. 6 will see RWE relinquish that lease — the ﬁrst ever in the Gulf’s federal waters — and others off New York and California, then invest in other energy projects. “After careful consideration, it

Business ......................1E Deaths .........................3B Opinion ........................6B Classified ..................... 2F Living............................1D Nation-World................2A Commentary ................7B Metro ...........................1B Sports ..........................1C

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EDGAR R H. SILV VEY

Liffetime achievement hievement award BATONROUGECLINIC . COM

Co ongratulations to CEO, Edgar Silvey, on being honored with the Lifetime Achievement o ongratu Aw ward for the Excellence in Health Care Awards, presented by the Baton Rouge Business Report. Mr. Silvey's decades of service, steady leadership, and dedication to strengthening The Baton Rouge Clinic embody the very spirit of this award.

in the U.S. for the foreseeable future,” RWE said in a statement. The Gulf project was a closely watched indicator of the future of offshore wind power in the region. Louisiana companies, already contracted for wind projects in other

ä See WIND, page 7A

102ND yEAR, NO. 47

2A ■ Sunday, August 16, 2026 ■ theadvocate.com ■ The Advocate

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FROM WIRE REPORTS

Teen boy among victims in Michigan shootings

A teenage boy and four adults were killed Friday in shootings that prompted a wide search for the ﬂeeing gunman, whose body was ultimately found in a wooded area alongside one of his victims, authorities said. A teenage girl survived and was in stable condition, police said. Chad Hickman, 39, was found dead after a wide search in Missaukee County, police said. Police released the ages and genders of the victims on Saturday but did not specify whether they were related to each other or the suspect. Officers responded Friday morning to reports of a shooting at a home about 170 miles northwest of Detroit, where they found the bodies of a 16-year-old boy, a 45-year-old man and 40-year-old woman, and a 13-year-old girl in critical condition, Michigan State Police said. Authorities say Hickman ﬂed that scene, leading to a largescale search. Police found the body of a 53-year-old man at a second home, and then a 29-yearold woman, dead alongside Hickman, in the woods. All the victims died of gunshot wounds, police said. “This situation is heartbreaking for the community and challenging for the investigators involved,” Lt. Ashley Miller said in a Friday statement. Miller said Saturday the investigation is ongoing. Hickman was convicted in 2024 of misdemeanor fourthdegree child abuse, according to court records. He was sentenced to one year in jail. In the same case, the court dismissed felony assault and criminal sexual conduct charges.

Death toll rises to 72 in Zimbabwe ferry disaster

HARARE, Zimbabwe — Eighteen children were among more than 70 people killed when an overloaded ferry capsized on Lake Kariba in Zimbabwe this week, police said Saturday after rescuers recovered more bodies. The ferry capsized in strong waves on Tuesday. Police said that 26 more bodies had been recovered since then, bringing the death toll to 72. The aging ferry was traveling from the town of Kariba to rural and ﬁshing communities in the country’s northwest, where roads are damaged and public transportation is scarce. Authorities have not said how many people were aboard or how many remain missing. Estimates have put the number of passengers as high as 153, while authorities say the ferry’s capacity is 90. Zimbabwe’s disaster management agency has said 77 people were rescued. Authorities initially said the number of children aboard was unknown because those below ticketing age were not included in passenger estimates. A police list released later showed that 16 of the child victims were aged 10 or younger, with the youngest just 1.

Giant Virgin Mary statue inaugurated in Poland

KONOTOPIE, Poland — An enormous statue of the Virgin Mary that is believed to be Europe’s tallest was inaugurated on Saturday in a small Polish village, in the presence of legendary anti-communist leader Lech Walesa. Hundreds of people took part in the consecration of the monument, which towers 182 feet over Konotopie in central Poland, the home of fewer than 150 people. While helicopters scattered miniature red roses over the crowd, priests in white robes celebrated Mass and the popular Mazowsze folk ensemble sang and danced to traditional Polish music. The Polish statue is taller — if less dramatically located — than the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, which measures some 125 feet including its pedestal. Its height includes a crown-shaped 49-foot pedestal. It also surpasses another recent large-scale religious monument in Poland, the Christ the King statue in the western town of Swiebodzin, which was unveiled in 2010 and — complete with the mound it stands on — rises some 170 feet above the ground.

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Earthquake strikes off Indonesia Authorities say at least 47 killed

BY YACOB HERIN Associated Press

MAUMERE, Indonesia — A powerful magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck off the coast of Indonesia early Saturday, killing at least 47 people, collapsing buildings and causing panic in a region prone to deadly quakes. Authorities said dozens more residents were injured and warned that the death toll would almost certainly rise. Authorities issued a tsunami warning and urged coastal residents to move to higher ground, but later lifted the warning when Indonesia’s meteorological agency said monitoring showed no signiﬁcant sealevel changes that posed a threat to coastal communities. Some smaller tsunamis were reported. The U.S. Geological Survey said the quake hit eastern Indonesia’s Flores region at a depth of 6 miles at 5:58 a.m. local time. Its epicenter was 42 miles north-northwest of the city of Ende in East Nusa Tenggara province. The meteorological agency said the quake was followed by at least 235 aftershocks, with the largest recorded at magnitude 6.2. The agency’s sea-level monitoring stations ac-

PHOTO PROVIDED By INDONESIAN NATIONAL SEARCH AND RESCUE AGENCy

Rescuers attempt to clear debris Saturday at a building damaged by an earthquake in Maumere, East Nusa Tenggara Province, Indonesia. knowledged some small tsunamis reached coastal villages in Manggarai and East Manggarai regencies. Videos obtained by The Associated Press showed the coastal village of Riung in Ngada regency blanketed in mud and debris after what the agency described as a 5.3 feet tsunami. Fishing boats were stranded ashore, infrastructure damaged, and homes surrounded by sediment left by receding waters. Waves measuring 3.1 feet were observed in Maurole, Ende Regency. Tsunami waves exceed-

ing 1.6 feet were detected in Bulukumba, South Sulawesi, and Sape in Bima Regency. A strong, land-based earthquake of 6.9 magnitude hit North Sumatra province in western Indonesia on Saturday afternoon, according to the USGS. It struck 107 miles beneath the earth’s surface, meaning it was too deep to cause signiﬁcant damage or casualties, Indonesian authorities said. East Nusa Tenggara Police Chief Rudi Darmoko said power outages hampered the spread of infor-

mation about the impact of the earthquake in cities and villages, complicating search and rescue efforts. “We are continuing to collect reports of damage and casualties, but there are communication disruptions,” Darmoko said. He said quake-triggered landslides in Ende regency blocked the Trans-Flores highway, a roughly 435mile paved mountain road spanning Flores Island, from Labuan Bajo to Larantuka. The head of the National Disaster Management Agency, Suharyanto, said

rescuers have recovered at least 47 bodies, mostly in Sikka, Manggarai and East Manggarai, and at least 50 people were taken to hospitals. Suharyanto, who like many Indonesians uses a single name, said the quake ﬂattened at least 157 houses and damaged nearly 200 more, forcing about 2,000 villagers to abandon their homes and move to temporary shelters. The powerful temblor also destroyed more than 100 public facilities, including schools, medical centers and churches. The death toll could rise because landslides triggered by the earthquake buried or cut off many remote villages across six regencies on Flores Island, said Fathur Rahman, who heads the Search and Rescue Ofﬁce in Maumere, the capital of Sikka. Some remote villages are completely buried, he said, and damaged infrastructure and a lack of heavy equipment were hindering rescue efforts. Authorities deployed three helicopters and a rescue vessel to support logistics and emergency response operations, including potential evacuations. East Nusa Tenggara consists of numerous islands and presents significant transportation and access challenges.

Iran, Oman work on strait deal amid ship attacks BY ARSALAN SHAHLA, SARA GHARAIBEH and CATHERINE LUCEY Bloomberg News (TNS)

Iran and Oman appear to be edging closer to a deal on how the Strait of Hormuz should be managed, agreeing on routes through the key waterway that’s proved a major stumbling block in efforts to end almost six months of war between the Islamic Republic and the U.S. The finalization of a “shipping map” forms part of a broader accord to govern trafﬁc through the strait and constitutes an independent arrangement between the two states that will uphold their sovereignty and ensure the safe transit of vessels, Defa Press cited Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei as saying. The state-run news agency didn’t spell out whether ships will be charged transit fees or what security arrangements would be made for them, saying another phase of talks would be held. The move follows a series of attacks in Hormuz, through which a fifth of the world’s oil and gas transited before the war. The U.S. wasn’t party to its negotiation and is unlikely to agree to terms that don’t restore free passage along

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By VAHID SALEMI

A man rides on his motorbike on Saturday in Tehran, Iran, past a billboard with a message that reads in Farsi: ‘We must rise up’ and an image of the late Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed during the U.S. and Israel strikes on Feb. 28. the route linking the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea. The price of Brent crude, the global benchmark, rose almost 6% this week as hopes faded of a quick resolution to a deadlock that’s disrupted the ﬂow of oil and other key commodities to global markets. There had been some 65 confirmed incidents involving vessels in Hormuz and the broader Middle East during the conflict and 17 seafarers had died as of Aug. 11, according to the International Maritime Organization. Attacks have continued since then, with the U.K. Maritime Trade Operations saying on Saturday that it had been notified

of a projectile striking the hull of a bulk carrier. And two Abu Dhabi National Oil Co. vessels were struck while transiting Hormuz on Thursday and another was hit on Friday evening, according to reports from the United Arab Emirates’ state-run WAM news. Meanwhile, the U.S. is readying new economic measures to force Tehran to capitulate in the war, which began when America and Israel launched airstrikes against the Islamic Republic on Feb. 28 and has claimed thousands of lives — most of them in Iran. President Donald Trump told Fox News on Friday that the U.S. plans to hit

At least 1 student among 5 people shot at Virginia State University BY PATRICK WHITTLE Associated Press

Five people were wounded in a shooting involving multiple suspects at Virginia State University early Saturday, prompting a campus lockdown and police investigation just as students got ready for a new school year. It happened near the university’s Quad Annexes, where campus police and Chesterfield County officers discovered ﬁve people suffering from gunshot wounds outside campus dormitories. At least one of the wounded people was later conﬁrmed to be a stu-

dent, the university said in a statement. The shooting was still under investigation later Saturday and happened as Virginia State’s academic year begins. According to the university’s website, residence halls opened for students a week ago, and classes resume on Monday. Many students had just completed the university’s “New Trojans Experience” for incoming students. Police and university officials have not identified any of the victims. The five were taken to hospitals, and one initially listed as having life-threatening injuries has been upgraded

to critical condition, county police said. The others suffered injuries that were not lifethreatening, police said. The person conﬁrmed to be a student was among those whose injuries were not life-threatening, and the student has been released from a hospital, the university said. The university said in a statement Saturday that the shooting involves “multiple suspects.” It said in a statement later in the day that law enforcement did not believe there was an immediate threat to the campus community, and a campus lockdown had been lifted.

Iran’s economy hard and he didn’t care if the conﬂict ends before the November U.S. midterm elections, which will hinge on voter perceptions of the economy. In a speech on Long Island Friday, Trump said a U.S. blockade of Iranian ports was a “wall of steel” that enabled Washington to effectively govern Hormuz. “Pretty soon I’ll be declaring the Hormuz strait a territory of the United States,” he said. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said an agreement with Oman wouldn’t translate into the strait’s reopening. That “is a separate issue. It depends on fulﬁlling oth-

er conditions that the U.S. must abide by for it to take place,” he said on his Telegram channel on Saturday. While Iran is in contact with mediators from Qatar and Pakistan, who are passing messages between Tehran and Washington, “this does not constitute negotiation. We have not yet made a decision to resume negotiations with the U.S.,” he added. Trump has struggled to ﬁnd an off-ramp to the war and his push for renewed economic pressure on Iran comes as the U.S. faces a shortfall of key munitions and mounting domestic opposition to an expanded military campaign.

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Indiana authorities: At least 5 killed in severe weather BY SUSAN MONTOYA BRYAN Associated Press

Indiana authorities said at least five people have died as a result of severe storms and flooding across the state this week, as first responders used boats to rescue more people Saturday from rising waters in neighborhoods along the White River in Indianapolis. The state has been hammered over the past week by heavy rains, resulting in rivers reaching record levels and sending residents in search of higher ground. More than a dozen counties have declared local disasters, with much of the latest damage concentrated along river corridors from Hamilton County heading into the northern Indianapolis suburbs. Farther east in Delaware County, sheriff’s deputies on Friday found the body of a 58-year-old woman who they believe died after trying to drive through floodwaters. They also recovered the body of a teen who was first reported missing on Wednesday after jumping into a river. Earlier in the week,

PHOTO PROVIDED By INDIANAPOLIS FIRE DEPARTMENT

Floodwaters rise Saturday in northern Indianapolis, Ind. a 4-year-old boy was killed when a tree fell on his home in Jennings County. “My heart is with the families and loved ones of the five Hoosiers we have lost and every family whose life has been changed by these

storms,” Gov. Mike Braun said in a statement issued Saturday. “Please continue to take flooding seriously and stay away from floodwaters.” Braun confirmed Saturday that President Donald Trump intends to approve his re-

quest for federal resources to help in response to the ﬂooding and the recovery. Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett was joined by emergency managers during a briefing Saturday as he urged residents along the

White River to evacuate. He said the city was experiencing its most severe ﬂooding in more than 30 years, noting that conditions were shifting rapidly. Jacob Spence, director of Marion County Emergency Management, called it a once-in-a-lifetime type ﬂood. “This is an unprecedented event, and unfortunately we’re setting some new records,” he told The Associated Press. The National Weather Service reported that more than 11 inches of rain fell over a two-day period in some areas. The White River crested at more than 24 feet in the communities of Anderson and Noblesville, surpassing records set in 1913. Flash-flood warnings and watches remained in place Saturday across a swath of central Indiana. Forecasters expected the White River to crest Saturday evening in the Indianapolis area, where National Guard vehicles were among those helping with the rescue efforts. Rita Reith, a spokesperson with the Indianapolis Fire Department, put the number of rescues at 91 peo-

ple and 45 pets as of early afternoon. “The water is still rising, so heed the warnings,” said Todd Wilson, director of the city’s public works department. Authorities estimated that about 400 people evacuated parts of northern Indianapolis on their own, while the governor’s office reported more than 350 evacuations have occurred in Delaware County and that a senior mobile home community in Tipton County was being evacuated. Rescues and welfare checks also were happening in Fayette County. Residents posted videos on social media that showed vehicles stranded in high water, a power pole being toppled by rushing water and flooded intersections. Earlier this week, severe storms wreaked havoc across other parts of the Midwest, causing tornadoes, heavy rains and flash flooding. Storm damage was reported from the Chicago area all the way to western Pennsylvania. Montoya Bryan reported from Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Lala strengthens into hurricane, bears down on Hawaii’s Big Island BY ALEXA ST. JOHN and ED WHITE Associated Press

Hawaii’s Big Island was threatened Saturday with its ﬁrst possible direct hit from a hurricane in 155 years as Hurricane Lala roared in the Paciﬁc Ocean and gusty wind, waves and rain pounded the region. The National Hurricane Center said Lala’s maximum sustained winds increased to 75 mph, making it a Category 1 hurricane. The storm’s center was forecast to move over or near the island’s southern end by the evening, lashing its worst winds at volcanic slopes thousands of feet above sea level. Whitecap surf slammed ashore nonstop, howling winds whipped the tops of palm trees, and waterways swelled with fast-moving runoff from relentless rain that blew nearly sideways. Gov. Josh Green, noting rainfall of 2 inches an hour, said “people should be sheltering in place now.” Forecasters said higher elevations on the island, dominated by the towering Mauna Kea volcano, could get as much as 25 inches of

east coast, said his power generator was ready and a 10,000-gallon home water tank was full. He said the main concern was flash flooding and fallen trees, especially albizia, a common tree. “They’re not very sturdy, but they grow extremely large,” said Caputo, 50, a local fire captain. “They can make roads impassable.” The Big Island was under a hurricane warning, and tropical storm warnings were issued for the islands SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE PHOTO By STEPHEN LAM of Maui, Molokai, Lanai, Kahoolawe, Oahu, Kauai and Shaheer Faltas, left, and his father-in-law, Joe Brosnan, fill Niihau. sandbags on Friday in Captain Cook, Hawaii, in preparation A Category 3 hurricane hit for the arrival of Hurricane Lala. the northeast corner of the Big Island in 1871, accordrain. That could cause life- 210,000, is Hawaii’s largest. threatening mudslides in Bobby Camara, a 75-yeara mountainous area where old lifelong resident, said he people live off the grid in planned to “hunker down, improvised housing. cross my fingers, hope the Earlier the governor called lights don’t go out” at a care it an “enormous storm,” ca- home just outside Hilo. He pable of destructive flood- said gas stations were busy ing and even the possibility as people sought fuel for of wildfires kicked up by chain saws and vehicles. “I think stocking up is part strong winds across the island chain. Electricity was of life over here. ... You learn knocked out for 32% of cus- to be self-reliant,” Camara tomers on the Big Island, ac- said. Mike Caputo, who lives in cording to poweroutage.us. The island, population Keaau, near the Big Island’s

Hate crime charges filed in synagogue attack at and head-butted a member of the security team,” a statement from Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said. A police sergeant working as a paid security detail at the synagogue immediately took the man into custody and no one was seriously injured, Tisch said. Larry Montes, 46, of the

Bronx, faces two counts of assault as a hate crime and one count of criminal mischief as a hate crime, among other charges, Tisch said. Mayor Zohran Mamdani called the assault during the livestreamed service “horrifying.” “Every New Yorker must be able to observe their religion without fear of violence,” he posted on social media.

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Shelters were opened, events were canceled and ranchers were urged to leave their cattle in pastures, rather than structures that might collapse. “It doesn’t take landfall to create destruction,” Almanza said.

ATUR E EV GN

NEW YORK — Hate crime charges have been filed against a man who disrupted Shabbat services in Manhattan’s Central Synagogue and struck two people while being hustled outside Friday night. “As synagogue security was escorting him out, he struck a member of the congregation, damaged synagogue property, and then spit

NEW YORK

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By The Associated Press

ing to research by a University of Hawaii atmospheric scientist. The latest forecast has Lala striking “very close to the southern tip of the Big Island,” said Vanessa Almanza, a National Weather Service meteorologist in Honolulu.

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GRAVEL

Part of bigger effort Since the 2016 flood and earlier hurricanes, regional sites to hold up floodwater have increasingly been seen as a way to reduce risk, popping up in Orleans, Lafayette and St. Tammany parishes and elsewhere. Federal dollars that flowed into the state after the 2016 flood have gone to several such projects. In one floodmitigation program, the $1.2 billion Louisiana Watershed Initiative, 21 out of 132 projects statewide are regional detention projects. The $119.2 million investment represents about 13% of the $900 million the program has set aside for local projects. Gina Campo heads the state Office of Community Development, which oversees the Watershed Initiative. She says communities are pursuing “regional detention” to help lessen the effects

10 37 16

Amite River restoration site 449

Livingston Parish

55 Tangipahoa Parish

Creating flood storage on the old mine property is one of several ideas local leaders are pursuing to try to avoid a repeat of August 2016. “Whatever we can do to slow (the water) down, it gives the lower basin an opportunity to get out more efficiently. Again, 2016 was when the entire system, the whole auditorium, wanted to go through the exit door at the same time, and it’s just complete system failure,” said Paul Sawyer, executive director of the Amite River Basin Commission, which oversees flood control in the Baton Rouge area. Earlier this year, the commission bought the 145-acre gravel site, which shut after the 2016 flood, with $700,000 in state money. The commission is studying how the flood storage and environmental project might work. The commission has hired Resonance Water Consulting toward that end. Regardless, the first task is to clean the site. Sawyer, who is also a Republican state lawmaker, said storage ideas could entail enlarging some of the site’s ponds, simply slowing the water down by replanting denuded sandy sections of the site, and making the Amite floodwater temporarily follow some of the river’s now abandoned, curving channel beds. “Keep in mind that the Amite River has lost about 4 to 5 miles, conservatively, ... because of these sand-andgravel pits,” he said. “Instead of meandering, it just digs a straight line. We want to slow the river down.” In addition to a potential future recreational area — left-behind ponds have sandy beaches — the project would have the added benefit of potentially reducing sediments that run off and clog the lower stretches of the Amite, commission officials said. John Clark, the commission’s president, said the purchase represents “a historic opportunity to turn a former industrial site into a working piece of flood-protection infrastructure.”

St. Helena Parish

448

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190 Staff map

of flood-control projects on downstream neighbors. “If you want to have a broader impact, then the easiest and best way to do that is to retain the water at the head of the watershed,” she said. Floodwater detention sites — such as along the Amite — can work hand-in-hand with projects designed to speed up drainage through local ditches and waterways, Campo added. “You have two options: you can either get the water out faster or you can hold it up and meter it out slower, or a combination, which is usually a combination,” she said. Baton Rouge city-parish officials have long pointed to upstream detention as a way to compensate for the potential downstream impact of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ “Five Bayous” project. That ongoing work has cleared brush and debris out of major waterways to improve flow out of the parish. In Baton Rouge, the cityparish was awarded almost $37 million for water-detention plans on Wards and Jones creeks, along with money to preserve natural floodplains along Bayou Duplantier and Wards Creek. Fred Raiford, the cityparish transportation and drainage director, said Five Bayous and other work has improved Wards Creek, Dawson Creek, Bayou Fountain and part of Jones Creek enough to handle a “25-year storm.” But he pointed out that the detention sites will make those waterways better able to handle worse ones. Otherwise, the waterways would need to be made far wider to increase their capacity, a difficult task because they run through areas constrained by neighborhoods, he explained. “And you’re not going to do that without buying out a bunch of homes that live along the channels,” Raiford said. Some projects don’t focus directly on detention but have a floodwater storage component. The University Lakes restoration effort in Baton Rouge — primarily a silt removal and beautification project — will result in the lakes being able to hold more stormwater runoff. And in Ascension Parish, officials want to use two detention sites in conjunction with expanding the Conway Bayou pump station and improving drainage in Sorrento.

commission is in the same general area where the Darlington reservoir would have been built. When the Corps of Engineers looked again at Darlington post-2016, it devised a modified, $2.3 billion plan for a dam with a temporary reservoir that filled only during floods. The proposal also included elevating many homes downstream. The project would have reduced flooding in Denham Springs by 6.5 feet in a major storm but required thousands of property buyouts in St. Helena and East Feliciana parishes, including from many minority residents. It also would have meant permanent development limits on large swathes of wooded land that would be earmarked for occasional flooding. Churches and graveyards also faced impacts. Opposition from both the people affected and public officials was fierce. The Corps killed the idea in favor of $1 billion in home elevations and other “non-structural” ideas. Local officials didn’t warm to the revised plan, either, because it would still allow flooding of roads and other infrastructure. More recently, the commission proposed big detention sites both in the upper and lower sections of the Amite, only to see the same opposition stir again in St. Helena and East Feliciana. The panel later backed away from sites of that size in the upper watershed. Sawyer, the Amite commission director, said the idea now is to find multiple former gravel sites along the upper Amite’s floodplain between La. 10 in the north and the Magnolia Bridge south. That doesn’t require buying out homeowners, and the owners of the spent mines often see them as cleanup liabilities, Sawyer said. In pursuit of that vision, Sawyer successfully sponsored legislation that redirects to the commission about $1 million per year Gravel pits gain traction in state fees paid by sandOff La. 448 north of Gran- and-gravel operations. That geville, the former gravel money would be used as a site purchased by the Amite match to pull down federal

L S U T H E AT R E & F I L M P R E S E N T S

BY SELINA FILLINGER Directed by Lori Elizabeth Parquet Shaver Theatre lsu.edu/cmda/theatre 225-578-3527

STAFF PHOTO By JOHN BALLANCE

This sandy section of property in St. Helena Parish was recently purchased by the Amite River Basin Commission. The flood control panel hopes to turn the sandy area and others in a nearly 150-acre sand-and-gravel mine into a flood storage area for the Amite River. Those efforts may include revegetating areas like this one.

SEPT. 24–OCT. 4

grant money to buy and maintain gravel sites. The commission, which no longer has a dedicated tax as it once did, has been able to amass other long-term funding commitments, Sawyer said. The panel also expects to get a $2 million federal grant through U.S. Rep. Julia Letlow, and has been earmarked $67 million in longterm state capital outlay dollars. Four million dollars of that was recently converted to available funds. State Sen. Valarie Hodges, a Denham Springs Republican and advocate of the Darlington reservoir, said the idea of alternative detention sites began to be explored as the opposition to the dam emerged several years ago. She said she favors the Amite commission’s work. “Any ﬂood mitigation project that shows signiﬁcant reduction in risk is worth looking into,” she said. David J. Mitchell can be reached at dmitchell@ theadvocate.com.

The Advocate ■ theadvocate.com ■ Sunday, August 16, 2026 ■ 5A

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CONGRESS

Continued from page 1A point where they crush innovation, and you’ve seen that in a lot of industry,” he added. “Luckily the technology industry moves so fast that government hasn’t figured out how to regulate it into extermination, and it’s one of the reasons why it’s probably the fastest-growing industry in America, and one of the areas America dominates the world.” How Congress handles AI could inﬂuence Louisiana’s legislative session next year, as some state lawmakers, including Republicans and Democrats, have expressed interest in reconsidering some AI regulations if Congress does not step in. Over the past year, AI has grown ever more prevalent in American society, raising questions about how to responsibly use the technology, which impacts everything from healthcare, education and journalism to political campaigns and warfare. AI is already being used to record and transcribe doctors’ visits and review health insurance claims. Accusations that AI systems are harvesting user data to help companies price items differently for individual shoppers have caused widespread concern. And observers worried about national security note that AI can create viruses and has major implications for modern warfare.

The mood in D.C. In recent weeks, news has surfaced that advanced AI systems for three of the country’s leading AI firms broke out of their controls, went beyond human instructions and hacked other companies. The tech giants involved in those incidents were Meta, Anthropic and OpenAI. The breaches have sparked major cybersecurity concerns and alarmed members of Congress from both parties, prompting renewed calls for regulation. Last month, U.S. Rep. Ted Lieu, D-Cali., and U.S. Rep. Nathaniel Moran, R-Texas, introduced a “Kill Switch” bill that would require developers to maintain ways to shut down AI systems to prevent them from causing catastrophic harm. It would also authorize the Department of Homeland Security to order the slowdown or shutdown of an AI system in order to prevent such harm. The bipartisan measure, along with apparent changes in the Trump administration’s approach to AI, may be a sign that regulations are ahead. That a Republican and a Democrat sponsored the Kill Switch bill shows “there is a path for this bill and other bills that focus on protecting Americans from loss of control incidents and other national security threats,” said Brendan Steinhauser, CEO of the Alliance for Secure AI, a nonprofit based in Washington, D.C., that aims to build bipartisan support for

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By ROD LAMKEy

Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, R-Benton, center, has said he supports national AI guardrails to protect Americans but that the federal government should ‘regulate only where we must and pave the way for American dominance.’ AI safeguards. Steinhauser also has worked as a Republican strategist.

Response from Trump The fate of AI regulations also depends on congressional leadership, the midterm elections and what stance Trump takes. For now, Louisiana has two of Congress’ highestranking ofﬁcials in its delegation: Scalise, the House majority leader, and House Speaker Mike Johnson. Both are Republicans. Spokespeople for Johnson and Scalise did not answer questions about whether the congressmen would support the Kill Switch bill. Johnson’s spokesperson shared remarks the speaker made earlier this year, in which he said he supported national guardrails to protect Americans but that the federal government should “regulate only where we must and pave the way for American dominance.” U.S. Rep. Troy Carter, who is likely to be the only Louisiana Democrat in Congress after the midterm elections, also did not answer a question about whether he supported the Kill Switch bill. He did, however, issue a statement saying he supports measures that would require AI chatbots to disclose to children that they are not real human beings, along with regulations that would protect Americans from AI abuse and from being deceived by AI-generated content. In previous statements, both Johnson and Scalise have expressed support for regulations that align with Trump’s plans. In March, the Trump administration released its AI policy agenda, which says Congress should block state AI laws that “impose undue burdens” in order to ensure “a minimally burdensome national standard” that promotes American dominance in the technology. But the framework endorses regulations that protect children, and it suggests there is also room for laws that protect consumers, prevent fraud and govern the placement

“As we see abuses (of AI) we will make sure we address them, but you also don’t want to limit innovation.” STEVE SCALISE, House majority leader of AI infrastructure. Throughout much of his term, Trump has been reluctant to curb the use of AI, arguing that restrictions would hinder U.S. innovation. The president has strong ties to tech billionaires, and tech companies donated millions of dollars to his reelection bid and inauguration. But Steinhauser said there are signs that the White House is shifting its approach — and he believes that concerns about AI from Trump’s base may push the president toward regulations. Trump recently issued an executive order establishing a national framework for the government to test advanced AI models before their release, though that testing is voluntary. And in June, the Trump administration temporarily halted the release of one of Anthropic’s AI models due to cybersecurity concerns. The White House did not answer a question about whether the president would support the Kill Switch bill, but a White House official did issue a general statement citing the national policy framework the Trump administration released in March. “The Trump Administration is committed to implementing a comprehensive AI framework that serves all Americans,” the statement said. “This approach will protect children, prevent censorship, respect intellectual property, and safeguard communities while ensuring America remains the undisputed leader in AI and technological innovation.” The statement also reaffirmed the president’s strong opposition to “restrictive” state regulations.

lup poll recently found that 70% of Americans oppose the construction of such data centers in their local communities, and data center development has become a key issue in the Texas governor’s race. Louisiana has two wideopen congressional seats, both of which favor Republicans. Those seats are in the 5th and 6th districts; in the 5th, Meta’s plan to build a massive data center — and the power needs associated with that plan — has stoked controversy across the state. It is unclear how prominently AI will feature in Louisiana’s congressional races. The ﬁelds are crowded, with nine candidates in the 5th District and 10 candidates in the 6th District; after qualifying for those races earlier this month, most candidates said there ought to be some

monds, R-Baton Rouge. Edmonds said he would work hard to protect constituents while also ensuring Louisiana could reap the economic beneﬁts of AI. Miguez called AI the “new space race” and said it was imperative that the United States stay ahead of China in that race, but that he would work to protect children from harms associated with AI and to prevent utility costs from going up because of data centers. Lindsay Rubia Garcia, one of three Democrats vying for the 6th District seat, said she did not oppose AI but felt “we are going too fast without the regulational safeguards.” Garcia, a former teacher and recent law school graduate, won the Louisiana Democrats’ endorsement when she was running for the 5th District earlier this year, before the state delayed elections and redrew its congressional map. In a statement, Chauna Banks, another Democrat running in the 6th District, said she would support a bipartisan approach to AI that “protects the public, preserves constitutional rights, encourages American innovation, and holds bad actors accountable without creating unnecessary barriers.” Banks previously served on the Baton Rouge Metro Council. And Pat Forbes, a Democratic candidate who worked for the state for 20 years, mostly handling disaster recovery efforts, shared a concern that differed from those many of the other candidates expressed: He was worried AI would widen the wealth gap in the country. “How can we with good conscience not look at that and pass laws that make sure (AI) beneﬁts the country and the people of the country, and not just some billionaires?” he said.

national regulations on AI. In the 5th District, state Sen. Stewart Cathey, RMonroe, and state Rep. Michael Echols, R-Monroe, both said AI needs guardrails — but that those guardrails should not be overly burdensome. State Rep. Gabe Firment, R-Pollock, said he was committed to putting a national framework in place to keep AI from being abused; and Misti Cordell, another Republican who chairs the Board of Regents, said she was concerned about how quickly AI was advancing; the country needs to find a way to manage it, she added. Those four Republicans have the best odds of winning the Fifth District race. State Rep. Pat Moore, DMonroe, who is the only major Democrat in the running, said AI was an important tool but that regulations The Associated Press conwere needed to minimize the harm it could cause. tributed to this report. The 6th District’s biggest candidates are state Sen. Email Meghan Friedmann Blake Miguez, R-New Ibe- at meghan.friedmann@ ria, and state Sen. Rick Ed- theadvocate.com.

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WIND

Continued from page 1A parts of the country due to the state’s long experience offshore, stood to gain from a burgeoning new industry in their backyard. But Trump and other opponents have cited a range of grievances related to wind power — from costs to national security claims — and focused heavily on opening up new areas for oil and gas drilling instead. The Trump administration has also put an emphasis on developing nuclear power. Des Allemands-based Otto Candies LLC, which began business in 1942 servicing oil rigs, has recently branched out into the wind sector, currently operating three vessels off the East Coast. The company’s main source of business remains the oil-and-gas sector, but it saw prospects for future growth in wind. “It is disappointing to us from our company’s perspective,” said CEO Otto Candies III. “The offshore wind is a burgeoning new market for us.” He said he hoped for a turnaround in the future, but “pushback from the current administration has been difﬁcult on our clients.”

‘Very important’ In addition to the RWE lease, the state under previous Gov. John Bel Edwards had entered into two agreements with companies for wind farms in nearshore state waters. One of them, for a project off Terrebonne and Lafourche parishes, was withdrawn in 2025. The second, for the “Cajun Wind” project off Cameron Parish, remains in effect. But the state Department of Conservation and Energy was not aware of any imminent construction related to it. The U.S. arm of Danish company Vestas, which is behind the project, did not respond to requests for comment. Gov. Jeff Landry is a close ally of Trump and has backed away from his predecessor’s

PHOTO PROVIDED By U.S. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGy

The Block Island Wind Farm near Rhode Island takes a beating from waves in 2016. The wind farm was the first to operate in U.S. waters. Several Louisiana companies with roots in the offshore oil-and-gas industry helped design and build the farm. climate action plan, which was the first in the Gulf South. The state’s economic development arm did not respond to a request for comment. Regional economic development organization GNO Inc., once a strong proponent of the wind sector, also did not respond to a request for comment. Those keeping a close eye on the offshore wind industry say they believe the pendulum could swing back once Trump exits office but hold little hope for now. “All-of-the-above energy is very important for Louisiana,” said state Rep. Joe Orgeron, R-Cut Off, whose former company Montco supplied lift boats to help build the nation’s first-ever offshore wind farm off Block Island in the Northeast. “Our inherent evolved skills of working in offshore energy support lend perfectly to a broad offshore wind industry continuing to grow.” One 2024 study found that Louisiana could see 3,700 more jobs by 2031 in connection with the wind industry. RWE’s settlement with the Trump administration was the fifth such deal with wind developers, industry watchers said. It will see RWE instead invest $900 million for a 16% stake in Woodside Energy’s Louisiana LNG

Project near Lake Charles, among other investments. Louisiana has embraced liquefied natural gas development and positioned itself as a hub for the industry, with major projects in the state’s southwest and in Plaquemines Parish. LNG plants supercool gas to liquefy it, allowing it to be stored on vessels for export. The industry is an important emitter of planet-warming greenhouse gases, though it produces signiﬁcant jobs during plant construction and provides the nation with economic leverage abroad. “Americans deserve an energy system built on common sense, not one dependent on costly subsidies or technologies that can’t meet our country’s current demand,” Interior Secretary Doug Burgum said in announcing the RWE settlement.

climate impacts, said Madelyn Smith, senior program manager for the Southeast Wind Coalition nonproﬁt. The RWE project was expected to produce 2 gigawatts of electricity once built out. That would be enough to power around

350,000 homes, but a primary focus of the project was expected to be power supply agreements. Such agreements help pay for large-scale renewable electricity projects by allowing companies to effectively buy clean energy. Industry faces increasing pressure, particularly those exporting to Europe, to produce products using at least some renewable energy. The European Union has, for one, instituted a carbon fee on certain imported goods. Not all renewable projects have been scuttled. Onshore wind has not faced as tough a time as offshore projects, and solar has seen some success despite pushback from residents. In Louisiana, at least two onshore wind projects are moving ahead, said Smith. One is in Morehouse Parish and another is in St. Landry and Evangeline parishes, she said. But for offshore wind, the Trump administration has left little doubt that it will

stand in the way, she said. “The federal government just stopped issuing any sort of permits, so these leases became functionally just not valuable anymore,” Smith said. “And they’re expensive, so it makes sense that developers would return those assets and reinvest money in something that could actually move forward.” Greg Upton, executive director of the Energy Institute at LSU, said a favorable political climate, reduced costs and regulatory certainty could see Gulf offshore wind reemerge in the future. “Economics has a way of driving policy,” he said. “If natural gas prices were to meaningfully increase and people were to anticipate that that was going to continue, it’s absolutely plausible that offshore wind could happen in the Gulf of America in the future.” Email Mike Smith at msmith@theadvocate.com.

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U.S. pulls last carrier in Asia as Trump shifts focus President concentrating on Iran, Western Hemisphere

BY BEN FINLEY and DIDI TANG Associated Press

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump’s war against Iran is stretching the limits of U.S. aircraft carriers and leaving the western Pacific without one of the key American warships as China shows more signs of aggression. The USS George Washington is departing the Pacific and expected to replace the USS Abraham Lincoln in the Middle East amid growing concerns about mental health and supply issues aboard the long-deployed carrier. The Lincoln has had its time at sea extended from its original May return date to support operations against Iran. The lack of a U.S. carrier in the Pacific may be shortlived if the Navy deploys another in the next couple of months. But it shows how the open-ended operations with Iran are running some American sailors ragged, analysts say, while the Trump administration further retreats from the Asia-Pacific region and focuses on the Western Hemisphere. “The administration says that the Pacific is supposed to be the most important behind the Western Hemisphere,” said Greg Poling, director of the Southeast Asia Program at the Center for Strategic

and International Studies. Instead, the U.S. is “doing the exact opposite” of its previously expressed goal of pulling out of the Middle East. American allies in the Pacific are unsettled over the unpredictability of the Republican administration, Poling said, while Beijing “is quite happy with U.S. distraction, with the frustration of U.S. allies and partners.” Beijing sees the U.S. military presence in the region as a threat to China’s rise and an obstacle to its ambition to seize Taiwan, the selfgoverning island it claims as its own. But the United States has argued that the Paciﬁc region is too important economically to lose. No one expects China to invade Taiwan because an American aircraft carrier has left the region. But the carrier’s absence gives the Chinese another opportunity to show its strength, said Bryan Clark, a former Navy submariner who is a defense analyst at the Hudson Institute. “They’re using this as part of the narrative to demonstrate to the Philippines, to Japan, to Indonesia and others that the U.S. is not the big dog in the western Pacific anymore,” Clark said. “They would just prefer that countries in the region decide that China is the bigger power and the U.S. is not able to guarantee their security anymore.” China conducted naval exercises this week with Indonesia and recently has shown signs of aggression toward Japan and the Philippines, two key U.S. allies that also have territorial

ASSOCIATED PRESS FILE PHOTO By GIANNIS ANGELAKIS

The USS Gerald R. Ford departs from Souda Naval Base near Chania on the island of Crete, Greece, on Feb. 26. disputes with Beijing. China carried out military drills this month near the Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea. Both China and the Philippines have claims over the shoal. Last month, a Chinese guidedmissile destroyer conducted a live-fire exercise off Japan’s southernmost island of Okinotori. Adm. Frank Bradley, head of the U.S. Special Operations Command, has been trying to reassure regional allies of Washington’s commitment. He was in Manila on Thursday, telling his Filipino counterparts that U.S. special operations forces are ready to step up joint exercises to strengthen the countries’ alliance. He also is expected to travel to Japan. Evan Sankey, a policy analyst at the Cato Institute who focuses on U.S. policy toward China, said aircraft carriers provide psychological assurance to U.S. allies. The

absence of carriers in the region, he said, “adds to the general sense that the U.S. is distracted by events in the Middle East.” Trump has relied heavily on aircraft carriers to support military operations during his second term. For example, the USS Gerald R. Ford returned home in midMay after an 11-month deployment, the longest since the Vietnam War, during which it supported the U.S. fight against Iran and the capture of Venezuela’s thenleader, Nicolás Maduro. The Ford had experienced a fire in a laundry space that forced the carrier to turn around and return to the Mediterranean Sea for repairs and left hundreds of sailors without places to sleep. Meanwhile, the Lincoln has spent a record uninterrupted time at sea of more than 240 days. Democratic lawmakers have been calling for investigations and

greater visibility into conditions aboard the ship. Warships and their crews can only handle so much, said Robert Farley, who teaches national security and diplomacy at the University of Kentucky and often writes about aircraft carriers. “People don’t get enough rest. It’s psychologically exhausting. And R&R is part of keeping the crew healthy,” Farley said. “Sometimes it’s framed as, ‘These people haven’t had a vacation.’ But we are dealing with wellknown limits on the capacity of a crew to operate at top efﬁciency over time. And that just declines.” Clark, of the Hudson Institute, said the squeeze on the nation’s aircraft carriers stems from the lack of preparation and planning for the Iran war. “If we were going to mobilize to do this kind of conﬂict, and we anticipated it might go this long, we might have

done some changes to the carrier schedule to make sure more would be available,” Clark said. Clark said the Navy has 11 aircraft carriers and typically deploys two or three at a time. But it could soon deploy four if the USS Theodore Roosevelt leaves San Diego for the Middle East, allowing the Washington to return to Paciﬁc. But the massive warships will need maintenance, likely causing a bottleneck at the nation’s only two carrier shipyards. “We’ll end up with a maintenance debt that needs to be paid for the next few years,” Clark said. “We’ll probably have less carrier presence than we’ve had in the previous years because carriers will be lined up to get into the shipyard.” Michael Swaine, a senior research fellow in the Quincy Institute’s East Asia Program, questions the future need for aircraft carriers as warfare rapidly changes. Carriers can be more easily targeted with drones and missiles, particularly by an adversary such as China, Swaine said, while smaller ships and submarines can be as effective in striking targets as the ﬁghter jets that launch off a carrier. Top Navy officials have indicated a desire to move away from a heavy reliance on carriers. Adm. Daryl Caudle, chief of naval operations, told The Associated Press in February that he wants to convince commanders to use smaller, newer ships and other assets instead of consistently turning to huge aircraft carriers.

Israeli airstrikes Ukraine attacks Russia’s Samara industrial site in Lebanon kill 11 By The Associated Press

BY BASSEM MROUE

Associated Press

BEIRUT — Israeli airstrikes on southern Lebanon killed at least 11 people Saturday, in the deadliest attacks since a truce between Israel and Hezbollah went into effect on June 20. Lebanon’s Health Ministry and state news agency said an airstrike that targeted a home on the edge of Ansar village killed seven people, including three children, and wounded two. The second, on the village of Deir al-Zahrani, killed four and wounded 17. Israel and the Lebanese government announced a “framework agreement” on June 26, laying out a plan for Israeli forces to withdraw from southern Lebanon in exchange for the disarmament of the Iran-backed Hezbollah militant group. It envisions steps toward an eventual peace agreement between the countries, which remain technically at war nearly 80 years after Israel’s establishment. Hezbollah has refused direct talks and wasn’t party to the deal.

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam criticized Israel’s airstrikes on southern Lebanon, saying they intimidate “residents in their homes” and undermine efforts to stabilize the situation in the south. “The seven martyrs of the Israeli airstrike on the town of Ansar are not military infrastructure and the children and women killed were not military targets,” Salam said on X. He added that it is the job of the Lebanese state to deal with any military infrastructure in the country. President Joseph Aoun said in comments released by his ofﬁce that the strikes are “a clear message to the negotiation track and to the American efforts aimed at implementing this agreement.” Intense Israeli airstrikes early Saturday also hit the strategic Ali Taher hill, which overlooks parts of the southern city of Nabatiyeh and main roads leading to it, NNA reported. Despite the truce, Israel’s military has continued near-daily attacks in the area north of the Litani River, with large areas to the south under Israeli military control.

A large-scale Ukrainian attack struck industrial infrastructure in Russia’s southwestern Samara region Saturday, a Russian ofﬁcial said. Ivan Noskov, head of the region’s capital, Samara, said air defense forces had repelled a “massive” missile attack, with “localized damage” to the city’s industrial sites. He also said that medical assistance has been provided to those injured in the attack, but did not give further details. Ukraine has stepped up its long-range aerial attacks on Russian military industries and energy facilities, aiming to cut Moscow’s revenue for the war and make Russians feel the consequences of the invasion, now in its ﬁfth year. Writing on social media, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that Kyiv’s forces had carried out a strike against Samara’s Progress Center, which operates under Russian space agency Roscosmos and is involved in producing rocket technology and electronics. He said that the strike used Ukraine’s domesti-

cally produced Flamingo missiles to hit the site, which is approximately 560 miles from the Ukrainian border. Zelenskyy also said Russia’s Savasleyka air base,

some 430 miles from the front line, had also been hit. “Peace is needed, and this must be evident in Russia — through concrete damage to speciﬁc facilities,” Zelen-

skyy wrote. While most of Ukraine’s strikes have a range of less than 125 miles, its longerrange attacks have increased dramatically this year.

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Democrats set 2028 presidential calendar Schedule gives Black and Latino voters, union members early say

But, she said, “Southern Black voters are more progressive than they’re given credit for” on policy but also “realists” about what is possible. “Living through Jim Crow and other oppressive structures will force you to be take that approach,” she said. Smith said that with South Carolina leading off and many Southern states fol-

BY MIKE CATALINI and BILL BARROW Associated Press

AUSTIN, Texas — Democrats seeking the party’s presidential nomination in 2028 will need to prove themselves early on in states where Black and Latino voters and union members are key supporters, under an electionyear calendar approved Saturday. The primary lineup pushes Iowa from the traditional top spot and makes South Carolina the leadoff state, voting on Jan. 22, 2028, followed by Nevada on Feb. 1. New Hampshire, New Mexico, Michigan and Virginia round out the early states, throughout February, according to the plan endorsed by the Democratic National Committee at its meeting in Texas. DNC Chair Ken Martin said that to win the general election, “You have to be battle-tested in a way that you already have campaigned in front of and for the support of various communities throughout the country.” That is why the calendar designed by the party matters, he said in an interview. Some potential candidates in what is expected to be a large ﬁeld have visited earlyvoting states such as South Carolina. Party leaders have said the order give candidates the best shot at winning back the White House after Republican President Donald Trump’s second term. “They have to show that they can go to the South and talk to Black voters and rural voters, as well as out west, talking ranching and mining issues, to a border state, to union members,” said party

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By JOEL ANGEL JUAREZ

Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin speaks Thursday during a Labor Council meeting as part of the DNC Summer Meeting in Austin, Texas. strategist Karen Finney, who has worked on multiple presidential campaigns. “Whoever survives will be battle-tested.” Former presidential candidate Howard Dean, a onetime Vermont governor, recalled his tenure as national party chair, when Democrats solidiﬁed Nevada and South Carolina as early states behind Iowa and New Hampshire. The latest change is even better, he said. “These states look more like the country,” as a whole, he said, “whereas Iowa and New Hampshire don’t.” Rita Hart, chair of the Iowa Democratic Party, said bypassing her state in the early going would sideline important voter voices and give a political edge to Republicans, who are expected to keep Iowa atop their calendar. As the first-in-the-South primary, South Carolina was more decisive than Iowa and New Hampshire for nominees Barack Obama in 2008, Hillary Clinton in 2016 and Joe Biden in 2020. All three dominated among South Carolina’s large Black population, which can yield more than half the state’s Democratic primary electorate. With Nevada and New

Mexico following, that will require candidates to court more Latino voters early in the process. Shifting from Iowa and New Hampshire does not mean little-known candidates cannot catch fire, as Pete Buttigieg did in Iowa and New Hampshire in 2020, when he was a 37-year-old former mayor. They just will not be able to do it with an almost entirely White audience. There is disagreement over how Democrats’ split between progressives and mainstream liberals may or may not surface in the nominating calendar. “I think our primary voters up north are probably a little different than primary voters in South Carolina,” said Boyd Brown, a former DNC member from South Carolina. “It’s not the woke ideologies that we just can’t get away from” in other places. Nina Smith, a former Buttigieg adviser who now works closely with progressive causes, disagreed. Smith said Black South Carolinians, especially, have gravitated to more moderate candidates — twice rejecting Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders in favor of Clinton and Biden.

recent fatal shootings by the agency in July. Saturday’s vote isn’t binding and doesn’t set the party’s platform, which will be determined at the 2028 convention, but it reflects the party’s differing views on a major issue. Candidates and lawmakers will continue to determine their own positions on the issue. Michele Johnson, a DNC member from Louisiana who proposed the measure to abolish ICE, said it’s time for Democrats to take a stand and pointed to the dissolution of ICE’s predecessor agency, the Immigration and Naturalization Service, as a precedent. “I think one of the reasons why people are not trusting the party is because we sound so academic,” she said. “We sound focus group tested, we sound poll tested because we’re worried about saying the wrong

thing or doing the wrong thing and not just like, just stand on business, like take a position.” Not every DNC member was convinced, though. Yvonne Reeves-Chong voted against the measure, saying it would only gain support from a part of the party’s base, while drawing “fire” from another group of voters. “I would strongly suggest we get to the business of winning races so we can make the policies that make a difference,” she said. DNC Chair Ken Martin, who’s from Minnesota, where Renee Good and Alex Pretti were fatally shot amid the immigration crackdown earlier this year, said in an interview that the takeaway is that Democrats find the administration’s handling of immigration, including by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, unacceptable.

lowing on Super Tuesday soon after the early lineup concludes, progressives will have to take the time to listen and then tailor their messages. “A lot of Black voters don’t necessarily see themselves in the ideas and arguments that progressives put forward,” she said. Nevada has the service industry unions because of Las Vegas; Michigan has the

auto industry and associated manufacturing support industries; Virginia is home to more federal workers than any other state. “Labor is still so important,” Dean said. Beyond seeking the backing of organized labor, the campaigns and the party will look to unions for help in spreading Democrats’ message to voters and getting people to the polls.

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Associated Press

AUSTIN, Texas — Democrats on Saturday approved dueling messages on whether U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement should be abolished or reformed, reﬂecting sharp opposition to President Donald Trump’s crackdown but revealing disagreement in the party ahead of the midterms. The Democratic National Committee, gathered for a summer meeting, also signed off on a raft of policy positions, including one that calls for “concrete reforms” of ICE and another for abolishing the agency that’s been at the center of several fatal encounters. ICE has been at the heart of a progressive rallying cry since 2018 during the first Trump administration, and has been renewed among some in the party after two

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10A ■ Sunday, August 16, 2026 ■ theadvocate.com ■ The Advocate

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Taliban leaders mark 5 years in power in Afghanistan Women have also been U.N. official warns banned from public spaces such as gyms and parks, of a rights crisis from taking part in sports

BY ABDUL QAHAR AFGHAN and SUZAN FRASER Associated Press

KABUL, Afghanistan — Taliban rulers and other officials gathered at Afghanistan’s traditional Loya Jirga assembly hall on Saturday to celebrate the fifth anniversary of their return to power, touting what they described as restored stability and an end to decades of conflict. A top United Nations official, however, warned of a grave human rights crisis in Afghanistan, where girls over age 12 are barred from attending school. The Taliban seized power on Aug. 15, 2021, as the U.S. and other NATO troops withdrew following a costly twodecade war. The U.S. withdrawal led to chaos at Kabul airport as crowds of people tried to flee the country in desperation. Soon after taking power, the Taliban administration imposed a ban on girls’ education beyond the sixth grade and later banned higher education for women, despite having pledged before the takeover that women would be allowed access to education, employment and public participation.

and traveling to distant locations without a male guardian.

Taliban hails ‘liberation’ At the Loya Jirga, highranking ofﬁcials were joined by some foreign representatives and thousands of ordinary citizens for speeches marking what they said was Afghanistan’s liberation from American forces. “We pray to Almighty God to forever protect our homeland from occupation, aggression, wars, and insecurity, and to enable our people to enjoy peace, tranquillity, and prosperity under the auspices of the Sharia-based government,” the Taliban government’s deputy spokesman, Hamdullah Fitrat, said during the ceremony. Abdul Salam Hanafi, the deputy prime minister in charge of administrative affairs, said the Taliban rule ended an era of external interventions and internal strife in Afghanistan “over the past half-century,” restoring security. “At least 300 Afghan youth were martyred or killed every day,” Hanaﬁ said. “Three hundred sisters would become widows, several chil-

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By SIDDIQULLAH ALIZAI

Taliban delegates from across the country attend a meeting Saturday at the Loya Jirga Hall in Kabul, Afghanistan, that opens celebrations marking the fifth anniversary of the U.S. withdrawal and the start of Taliban rule. dren would become orphans and 300 mothers would be grieving. Praise be to God, with the rule of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, this tragedy was removed from the Afghan nation.” There were no women present at the ceremony.

International engagement Five years on, the Taliban government remains isolated internationally, with Russia being the only country to have recognized it formally. Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi said countries that have engaged with the

heavy Taliban security force presence and several checkpoints on a main road leading to the Loya Jirga. Celebrations were also held in provinces across Afghanistan, where Taliban flags and posters emblazoned with slogans in praise of the Taliban’s return to Tight security power were displayed along In Kabul, Afghans took to major roads and marketthe squares carrying Taliban places. ﬂags and chanting slogans in support of the government. U.N. official’s warning Convoys of vehicles wound In a video message, Richtheir way through the city, ard Bennett, the U.N. special causing trafﬁc jams. rapporteur on the human Security was tight, with a rights situation in Afghani-

administration have gained from doing so and called on others that have not established contacts to reconsider their approach. “They should move towards a policy of engagement and mutual interaction,” he said.

stan, said the country was undergoing a deep human rights crisis. “While the era of war has ended, it’s questionable whether there’s real peace, and the human rights situation has steadily deteriorated, most dramatically for women and girls,” Bennett said. “My mandate has concluded that this system amounts to the crime against humanity of gender persecution.” “The crisis extends well beyond gender discrimination, even beyond gender apartheid,” he continued, noting that the U.N. continues to document arbitrary arrests, torture, extrajudicial killings and persecution of minorities in Afghanistan. Bennett warned the international community against “normalizing” the Taliban’s policies, saying it would legitimize the discrimination and tell “victims their suffering is negotiable.” In an interview with The Associated Press earlier this week, Molvi Hayatullah Mahajar Farahi, deputy minister in the Taliban government for broadcasting at the Ministry of Information and Culture, said despite “challenges and difﬁculties” the administration has in the past ﬁve years delivered security and infrastructure and created jobs.

U.K.’s leader calls for reﬂection after death of ex-Cambridge professor Former educator was accused of plagiarism

BY SYLVIA HUI

Associated Press LONDON — Britain’s prime minister called for reflection on Saturday after a Black professor who faced a storm of plagiarism accusations died suddenly, days after resigning from a pres-

tigious role at the University of Cambridge. Jason Arday, who became Cambridge’s youngest Black professor in 2023, was found dead inside an address in south London on Friday. He resigned last week as professor of sociology of education after coming under intense media scrutiny, with weeks of news headlines alleging plagiarism in his academic work and questions surrounding claims about his athletic and fundraising

accomplishments. His death has prompted outcries that the allegations against Arday, 41, were magniﬁed into a cruel public takedown motivated by racism and long-standing hostility to diversity, equity and inclusion, or DEI, policies at universities and other institutions. Prime Minister Andy Burnham said Arday’s death was “a tragedy on so many levels.” “It’s not a moment for any

rushing to judgment. It’s a moment for reflection, I would say, reﬂecting on how things came to this,” Burnham told reporters. Police said the death was being treated as “unexpected” but not suspicious. They said ofﬁcers were called to an address in south London on Friday afternoon and a 41-year-old man was pronounced dead at the scene. They did not name Arday, in accordance with police policy.

A friend said Arday had told him that he “felt he couldn’t go on” in a voice note earlier Friday. “He was being subjected to relentless scrutiny, including ridicule, discrediting absolutely every detail of his life, and he wasn’t coping with the loss of his career, the loss of his reputation,” Cambridge professor and director of the Autism Research Centre, Simon Baron-Cohen, told the BBC.

Arday’s family said in a statement that he had been subjected to a “campaign of harassment” and “sustained abuse” ever since he took up his post as professor at Cambridge. “The campaign of misinformation was too much for Jason,” the family said in a statement issued through his publisher Simon & Schuster U.K. “We are in shock to have lost this amazing father, partner, brother, uncle and son.”

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National Park Service’s mission tested in reflecting pool saga BY MATTHEW DALY Associated Press

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump’s botched repairs at the Lincoln Memorial Reﬂecting Pool have landed the National Park Service in a tight spot, forced to serve the public while managing controversial demands by the Republican president. The beloved federal agency, its iconic park rangers and other employees have been navigating a new reality under Trump, from orders to revise exhibits at parks and other sites to the demolition of important structures under its stewardship, such as the White House’s East Wing, to arresting visitors for alleged vandalism at the pool. Critics say the monthslong reﬂecting pool saga and other demands by Trump risk undermining the integrity of a federal agency that has long been held in high esteem by the American public. “Never — not once in decades — have I witnessed such systematic degradation, disrespect and dismantling of the National Park Service as I see today under the thumb of President Donald Trump and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum,” said Bill Wade, a former park ranger and superintendent. Wade, who now serves as executive director of the Association of National Park Rangers, wrote an op-ed for The Denver Post lamenting what he called the Trump administration’s “assault on the people, the mission and the values that have made the National Park Service one of America’s most valued institutions.” The park service has been at the center of some of Trump’s most contentious actions during his second term. An executive order targeted funding and demanded reviews at national parks and other sites that Trump said advanced “divisive narratives” and “improper ideology,” resulting in changes to some exhibits on slavery or climate change. The president has also ordered sweeping changes to historical monuments and buildings in Washington that fall under NPS’ purview, including the creation of a White House ballroom and a 250-foot-tall memorial arch.

you have the president of the ment. “Fixing it was common he said in an interview. “It’s very frustrating for them, as United States directly driving sense.” Wade, the former park su- you can imagine.” decisions, both here in WashTrump’s proposed memoriington and around the coun- perintendent, called the pool try,” Stierli said. The park repair “a comedy of errors” al arch has faced some pushservice — and especially its and “a continuation of the back. A recent report by park career staff — “has very little incompetence” shown by the service staff warned that the Trump administration. control over this,” he added. proposed gilded arch could “Most people realize the disrupt the historical sigThe White House and the Interior Department did not NPS is under the gun and nificance of dozens of sites directly respond to requests can’t do much about it, even around its planned location for comment on the park though they’d like to, he said, near the Lincoln Memorial. service. The White House adding that morale at the The arch, which last month defended the pool project, agency is at the lowest point received initial approval saying Trump “promised to he can remember. from a key federal comEdicts from Washington mission, would impact the ASSOCIATED PRESS FILE PHOTO By MARK SCHIEFELBEIN make D.C. safe and beautiful, have made clear that speak- “integrity” of dozens of hisand he’s delivering.” A National Park Service worker stands on July 10 near a “For years, the reflecting ing honestly about what is torical properties because pump placed next to the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool in pool sat neglected, plagued going on could cost staff- it would change “characterWashington. with algae and leaking mil- ers their jobs, Wade said. defining visual and spatial lions of gallons of water,” the “There’s a very strong fear relationships” between them, The agency meanwhile has caused by a bungled instal- White House said in a state- among employees at NPS, the report said. lost at least one-quarter of lation rather than vandalism. its permanent workforce The advice and counsel of since Trump began his sec- career officials and rangers ond term, through layoffs, — instantly recognizable by forced retirements and res- their signature flat hats and green-and-gray uniforms — ignations. Park service employees has been ignored or pushed “are being politicized and aside as Trump and Burgum drawn into the absurdities make decisions regarding and corruption of this admin- the failed pool repair, accordistration” on a regular basis, ing to an Interior Departsaid California Rep. Jared ment employee who was not Huffman, the top Democrat authorized to discuss interon the House Natural Re- nal discussions and spoke on sources Committee. He cit- the condition of anonymity. “It’s tragic,” said Ed Stierli, ed the pool project, the proposed arch and the executive vice president of governorder on exhibit materials. ment affairs at the National The ongoing political as- Parks Conservation Assosault on the agency “is un- ciation, another advocacy like anything we’ve seen in group. “The whole thing is a this country, and it makes life master class in how not to go miserable at agencies like about a public rehabilitation the National Park Service,” project.” In the days since the disHuffman said. Trump launched repairs missal of the charges, Trump at the reflecting pool earlier has continued to lean on NPS this year, hoping to address in his repeated claims that longstanding problems at vandals damaged the pool’s the iconic site ahead of the lining. America 250 celebrations. “A National Park Service But the $16 million project career employee, a highly faced immediate problems, credible witness, saw David including peeling blue seal- Hearn ... in broad daylight ant and a fierce return of vandalize the reflecting pool by ‘violently’ ripping and tuggreen algae. Trump blamed the sealant ging at the Pool’s somewhat issues on vandalism with- delicate coating,” Trump out providing evidence, and posted Aug. 9 on his Truth Sofelony charges were brought cial site. Hearn’s legal team against a former Olympic ca- said Trump “is continuing to noeist, David Hearn, after he attack an innocent man.” Stierli, of the parks conserwas accused of vandalizing the pool. vation group, called Trump’s The U.S. Park Police, a unit reference to the unnamed of the National Park Service, park employee an example arrested Hearn, who denied of the awkward position wrongdoing and said he agency workers now face unbriefly touched a chunk of der Trump and Burgum, who the coating. has publicly backed Trump’s Charges against Hearn claims about vandalism at Honoring Philanthropy Since 1942 were dropped on July 31 the pool. after prosecutors acknowl“I think the public underThe Golden Deeds award is the most prestigious award in the Greater Baton Rouge area. edged that damage was stands that unfortunately, Since its inception in 1942, it has been awarded to only one outstanding recipient each

GOLDEN DEEDS

year for philanthropic service to the community. The actions and service of the recipients have made the community a better place to live and work.

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South Toledo Bend

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Nominations must meet speciﬁc requirements to be considered. Bogue Chitto

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NOMINATE AN OUTSTANDING CITIZEN Explain why your nominee should receive the Golden Deeds Award. Tell us in your own words about the most notable things they’ve done in service to the community, committees and civic and charitable group afﬁliations. Tell us how their actions made a difference. Give speciﬁc examples of what they’ve done. Maximum of 750 words.

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ALL NOMINATIONS MUST BE RECEIVED BY 5 P.M. ON FRIDAY, AUGUST 21

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The Golden Deeds Award nominations include the nine-parish Baton Rouge Metropolitan Statistical Area which covers East Baton Rouge, West Baton Rouge, Iberville, Ascension, Livingston, St. Helena, East Feliciana, West Feliciana and Pointe Coupee.

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12A ■ Sunday,August 16, 2026 ■ theadvocate.com ■ The Advocate

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EDUCATION Making the most of back-to-school parent-teacher talks BY CHEYANNE MUMPHREY AP education writer

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. — Parent-teacher conferences can conjure a familiar scene: adults crammed into childsize chairs, listening to teachers run through a list of students’ achievements and struggles. For many families, they can also mean frustration. Today’s school conferences are sometimes 15 to 20 minutes, with little time for parents to ask their own questions. Adults may arrive with their own baggage about their time in school. They may be worried about being judged or dreading what a teacher may say about their child. For teachers, conferences can mean pressure to give a snapshot of a child’s progress, with the next opportunity to connect months away — if at all. The conference may be brief, but it can set the tone for a family’s relationship and partnership with the teacher. Parents, teachers and school administrators have these tips to make the conference productive and help build a stronger connection between home and school.

Communicate early Schools typically offer several early opportunities for parents and teachers to connect, from meet-the-teacher events and backto-school nights to open houses. By the time conferences are on the calendar, parents and teachers should already be communicating. But sometimes it can take weeks, or even months, to hear from your child’s teacher, who must establish relationships with dozens of families. Don’t wait, say parents and teachers alike. Take the initiative and reach out yourself. “Do you want to set your child up for success? It’s a yes or no. And if

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By CHEyANNE MUMPHREy

Emily Henderson sits at her desk in her first and second grade classroom ahead of the school year at BASIS Flagstaff in Flagstaff, Ariz. it’s a yes, then you have to be very involved,” said Bell White, a Houston mother of two. When her son Lennox, now 8, was in preschool, four teachers came and went during the school year. White quickly learned how important it was to stay engaged with the school. Since then, she has introduced herself to each of her son’s teachers at the ﬁrst opportunity, even if virtually. She tells them how she prefers to communicate — whether over email, phone or via a school app — and when she’s most reachable. Technology can make it easier for parents with multiple children or busy schedules to stay connected and for teachers to send quick messages or reminders. But with schools using multiple platforms, some parents say it helps to establish a preferred way to communicate. Early in the relationship, parents and teachers should focus on building trust, said J.B. Robinson, a clinical psychologist and dean of students at National University in San Diego. Positive interactions are like putting money into a relationship bank that can be drawn on when challenges arise, he said. For

parents, that can mean showing interest in the classroom and recognizing the effort that goes into creating a positive learning environment. Teachers can similarly begin with questions about the individual child, rather than immediately moving into classroom expectations or academic performance. Whatever the nature of your ﬁrst communication with a teacher, try not to worry that you’re bothering the teacher. Your child’s growth is the priority, and communicating with you is part of the teacher’s job.

What to do if your kid is present Some schools recommend that students join the conference, and in other cases, a parent may want to bring them along — or need to, if they lack child care. For younger students, teachers recommend asking in advance whether they should attend, if that is an option. If you do plan to bring the student or younger siblings, let the teacher know ahead of time so they can prepare for a more engaging meeting or set up a few distractions. If younger students are present, it is up to administrators and teachers to engage them and speak directly to them, said Kellie Hintze, head of school at BASIS Flagstaff. “When I have younger students at a meeting, we typically have a mini meeting with the student and the parent,” she said. “Then we can dive a little deeper or have those long, drawn-out conversations that a student wouldn’t want to be a part of or be able to focus

Make the time count Parent-teacher conferences are designed to address students’ academic and social progress, identify concerns and discuss what comes next, but there may not be time to cover everything parents or teachers want to discuss. “The teacher and the parent need to go in with realistic expectations as to what can actually be accomplished in one parent-teacher conference and see that more as a starting point for a conversation,” said Robinson, the psychologist. The meetings can also be ripe for tension. Teachers may be having dozens of back-to-back confer-

through.” Older students have more agency over their learning and are better positioned to contribute to discussions about their progress, challenges and possible next steps, experts say. “We’re doing students a disservice when we’re not teaching them how to advocate, when we are not teaching them those communication skills, to have the tough conversations when they need to be had,” said Kendrick Friendly, who is a high school assistant principal with Denver Public Schools. “This is a safe space for those conversations to happen.”

Questions to consider Parents don’t need to arrive with a long list of questions. A few thoughtful ones can help clarify what a teacher considers success, what they are seeing in the classroom, what support is available and how to stay connected throughout the year. Consider asking: 1. How do you prefer to communicate with parents, and how often should we check in? 2. What does success look like for my child this year? 3. How do you identify when a student is falling behind, and who should I speak with about getting additional support? 4. What are you noticing about my child that I might not see at home?

Leave with a plan Parent-teacher conferences do not resolve every concern, but they should identify next steps, whether those are regular checkins, strategies for improved behavior or additional resources, such as tutors, specialized instruction or extracurricular activities. Before leaving, make sure everyone knows what happens next, who is responsible for it and when you’ll check back in. Don’t be afraid to request another conference later in the year. Remember: Your child’s growth is the priority, and it will take everyone in the room to get there.

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ences, while parents may arrive with weeks’ worth of questions, all seemingly valid. Depending on the school and the child’s grade, some teachers follow a set agenda, with presentation slides, packets or lists of topics to cover. Emily Henderson, who teaches ﬁrst and second grade at BASIS Charter School in Flagstaff, Arizona, says her conversations are mostly individualized, with some focusing more on academics and others on social-emotional needs. “We use parent-teacher conferences to really talk about strengths, talk about weaknesses of students, and then come up with a plan together to address those concerns or address those needs,” Henderson said. Given time constraints, parents should come with just a few thoughtful questions, teachers say. But remember this is a starting point. It’s totally reasonable to set up another conference later in the year, even if your school doesn’t have one scheduled. Or you can continue the conversation online or over the phone.

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National Code Talker Day brings 101-year-old vet to Phoenix BY WUFEI YU

Associated Press PHOENIX — All eyes were on Navajo Code Talker Thomas H. Begay. The 101-year-old veteran saluted while the national anthem played on Friday, kicking off a day of recognition honoring him and the other Navajo recruits who famously used their native language to keep military secrets during World War II. Begay, one of the last two living Code Talkers, made the long trip from his home on the Navajo Nation to the Arizona State Capitol for the event. He was joined by family members and dozens of descendants of other Code Talkers. “I am so damn proud,” said Begay, in a wheelchair and wearing a cap dotted with pins and a golden shirt that featured military patches and his service ribbons. “We used our language in World War II and won the battles.” The Marine Corps recruited over 400 Navajos during World War II to communicate conﬁdential information using their then-unwritten language. It was the largest code-talking program in the military at the time. In 2021, Arizona became the first state adopting Navajo Code Talker Day as a state holiday. Between 1942 and 1945, they sent thousands of secret messages on battle tactics and enemy troop movements — using the same language Begay spoke while growing up and herding sheep on the Navajo Nation. Ultimately, the Code Talkers helped save the lives of thousands of Allied soldiers. The program remained se-

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By ROSS D. FRANKLIN

Navajo Code Talker Thomas Begay salutes Friday during the national anthem during a ceremony on Navajo Code Talkers Day in Phoenix. cret for decades and in 1982, President Ronald Reagan signed a proclamation designating Aug. 14 as the ofﬁcial day to honor the Navajo Code Talkers and all Native Americans who served in the war. “The U.S. was being defeated. Without that code, that war could have been different,” said Dawn Manuelito, a granddaughter of one of the ﬁrst 29 Navajo Code Talkers who developed the code. “Our language saved this country.”

Sworn to secrecy

in 1976, and a joint congressional resolution resulted in Reagan’s proclamation. In the proclamation, Reagan also acknowledged that members of the Choctaw, Chippewa, Creek, Sioux, and other tribes used their tribal languages as effective battleﬁeld codes in the two world wars. At least 20 tribes have had members participate in the code talking programs, according to the National Museum of the American Indian. During World War II, over 40,000 Native American men and women enlisted in the U.S. armed forces. Of the hundreds of Code Talkers deployed, the Comanches participated in operations in Europe, including the D-Day invasion of Nazi-occupied France.

When the Code Talkers were discharged after the war, they couldn’t tell anyone about their mission. The program remained classiﬁed until 1968 and then efforts began to formally recognize the soldiers for their contributions. In 1971, President Richard Nixon sent a letter of appre- Keep the legacy alive ciation to the Navajo Tribal Following President DonCouncil. Code Talker veter- ald Trump’s executive order ans participated in the bicen- to end federal diversity and tennial parade in Washington equity programs, the De-

Italian Carabinieri recover stolen Renoir, Cézanne, Matisse artworks By The Associated Press MILAN — Italian authorities recovered three artworks by Renoir, Cézanne and Matisse worth millions of euros that were stolen earlier this year from a private museum near the northern city of Parma, police said Friday. Five people were detained. A statement from the Italian Carabinieri’s art recovery squad said the artworks were discovered in the possession of one of the suspects during searches ordered by prosecutors in the Parma province and neighboring provinces. The ﬁve suspects detained are believed to belong to an organized crime group responsible for numerous thefts of homes, businesses and other properties. Police also recovered stolen goods worth tens of thousands of euros. Meanwhile, Brazilian police said late Thursday they located eight stolen works by Matisse following an apartment raid outside Sao Paulo. There were no apparent links between the two thefts. The three artworks recovered in Italy are “Fish,” a painting by Auguste Renoir, “Still Life with Cherries,”

fense Department deleted thousands of pages honoring contributions by women and minority groups, including the Navajo Code Talkers and other Native American veterans. Tribes condemned the action. The Pentagon restored some webpages, saying the Navajo Code Talker material was erroneously removed. “They left their home, their sheep, their loved ones, to serve a country. They came back home and most of them have PTSD, like my dad. But they continued to do the best they can — and the Trump administration wiped them out of the map,” said Ronald Begay, 70, the oldest son of Thomas H. Begay. “It just makes your blood boil.” Laura Tohe, the Arizona poet laureate and daughter of a Navajo Code Talker, said her father went to a boarding school where students were punished for using their na-

tive languages. But when he joined the Marines, Tohe said, he and other men were told that the military would use their language to devise a code. “It’s a huge contradiction,” Tohe said. “Despite the complicated and dark history and relationship that we have with the U.S., these men were willing to step up because many of them felt like it was their responsibility to serve.” There’s no dedicated museum to honor the group. Attempts to build one on the Navajo Nation haven’t come to fruition. New Mexico officials announced on Friday that the state would invest $20 million in a museum in Farmington.

Only two remain Thomas H. Begay grew up speaking only the Navajo language with his parents. At

13, like many Native American Code Talkers, he first learned English when he was sent to boarding school. Begay left the Marines in 1946 and joined the U.S. Army a year later. He worked as a communication specialist and was a paratrooper during the Korean War. That experience convinced him to leave the military in 1953. The other surviving Navajo Code Talker is Peter MacDonald. He joined the Marine Corps at 15. He was two years too young, so he lied about his age. After the war, MacDonald worked as an engineer for a defense contractor and eventually became a powerful and controversial politician on the Navajo Nation. In November 2017, MacDonald, along with other World War II veterans, met Trump in the Oval Ofﬁce and shared the history of the Navajo Code Talkers.

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Italian Carabinieri stand Friday in Parma, northern Italy, with artwork recovered following a police operation. a pencil and watercolor by Paul Cézanne, and “Odalisque on the Terrace,” a color aqatint by Henri Matisse. Authorities said the Cézanne was valued at $7 million, the Renoir at $3.5 million, and the Matisse at $23,000. The heist at the Magnani Rocca Foundation, about 12 miles from Parma, took place on the night of March 22-23, police said. Video distributed by authorities showed the thieves entering through a broken door window and then taking the three artworks down from adjacent walls before exiting and escaping through the gardens in a matter of minutes.

Investigators said they retrieved important evidence at the scene, including a pickaxe and ﬁre extinguisher with their serial numbers removed. Forensic officers were able to reconstruct the serial numbers, which linked them to an apartment building accessible to one of the alleged members of the criminal gang. The suspects were all born in Moldova and resided in the Parma area, authorities said. Established in 1977, the foundation hosts the collection of art historian Luigi Magnani and includes works by Dürer, Rubens, Van Dyck, Goya and Monet.

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14A ■ Sunday,August 16, 2026 ■ theadvocate.com ■ The Advocate

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LOUISIANA POLITICS Cassidy’s efforts to reform Social Security nearly out of time WASHINGTON — With the primary losses of Democratic Connecticut Rep. John Larson on Tuesday and Louisiana Republican Sen. Bill Cassidy in May, two of the top agitators for fixing Social Security, which is expected to run out of money in six years, will be out of Congress in four months. “I got limited time left,” Cassidy, R-Baton Rouge, said Aug. 7 on the Senate floor before leaving for a five-week recess. “I don’t feel like sitting back and being a good politician when I should be a good senator working to fix Social Security, because every day Mark it gets worse.” Ballard Social Security benefits, generally, are paid out of taxes that are collected on a share of each worker’s paycheck. For workers making more than $184,500 annually, those payroll tax collections end once that share is reached — translating into higher take-home pay for the few months after the cap is reached. A separate trust fund covers what benefits the payroll taxes can’t. That’s the fund running out of money in 2032. Once the trust fund is empty, benefits will be reduced by 22.5% on average, according to estimates by the actuaries on whom Social Security administrators. An average monthly check is about $2,400. Benefits will decrease by about $450 to $500 per month — unless Congress shores up the program’s finances. Politically, that’s easier said than done. The last significant effort to address Social Security solvency began in 1981 and took two years. For years, Cassidy and Larson, who has chaired the House Social Security subcommittee, have

Landry says he’s not speaking to N.O. leaders

Gov. Jeff Landry made clear Friday that he is still distancing himself from New Orleans Mayor Helena Moreno and other city leaders after a grand jury in the city indicted Attorney General Liz Murrill last month. “She’s always free to have a discussion with my staff,” Landry told host Jim Engster on WRKF’s Talk Louisiana. Landry “I’m not going to be speaking to them personally until this investigation is done, until I know who did what, what happened and why it happened in the way that it transpired. No one believes that this grand jury just, on its own, took up this matter.” Tensions have been high between state and city leaders. During the legislative session earlier this year, Landry helped push a law merging the city’s criminal clerk of court ofﬁce into its civil clerk of court, preventing Calvin Duncan from taking ofﬁce as criminal clerk after an overwhelming election win. City leaders argued that this created

by Sen. Dick Durbin, an Illinois Democrat who is also leaving the Senate on January 3. They decided to “make a run” at jumpstarting the debate with a bill that would circumvent some of the Senate’s baked-in rules that slows down legislative progress to allow more deliberation. “It doesn’t pick a solution,” Durbin said of his and Cassidy’s resolution. “It just says ‘don’t waste any time. Start talking about it.” But even that idea ran into political headwinds. “This proposal, in my view, is effectively a wolf in sheep’s clothing,” said Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Oregon, also a frequent collaborator on fixing Social Security finances. Wyden noted that, because only the House can begin bills that levy taxes, the proposal to lift the $184,500 cap and continue collecting payroll taxes from well-off workers is off the table. “Each time Republicans get their hands on Social Security, it seems that cuts get made, life gets worse for seniors,” Wyden ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By ROD LAMKEy JR. said. Friday was the 91st anniversary Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-Baton Rouge, departs the U.S. Capitol on Aug. 7 in Washington, D.C. of President Franklin D. Roosbeen on a kind of traveling show cratic Party primary Tuesday the trust fund. evelt’s signing of the law that crehawking their different plans to night largely on arguments that, A couple other ideas are also ated Social Security. keep Social Security afloat. at age 78, he had gotten too old. on the table, including a package “As policymakers blow out Cassidy has A handful of bills have been that would create a commission to the candles on Social Security’s been in Congress filed, but none have enough suprecommend solutions. 91st birthday, they are doing far since 2009, first in port to continue the process. “The history of special commis- too little to ensure its continued the House, then longevity,” Maya MacGuineas, Liberal Sen. Elizabeth Warren, sions is littered with very good for two six-year president of the Committee for D-Massachusetts, is working with intentions and failed results,” terms in the Sena Responsible Federal Budget, conservative Sen. Bernie Moreno, AARP Executive Vice President a Washington-based centrist R-Ohio, on one package that Nancy LeaMond told the Senate ate. He lost the business-supported think tank would continue to collect payroll committee Aug. 5. May 16 Republiseeking lower deficits, said in a taxes after reaching the $184,500 There’s a little more than four can Party primaLarson statement. months to go before this 119th ry after President cap. “Social Security won’t make it Cassidy is working with VirCongress adjourns and the 120th Donald Trump endorsed a GOP past age 97 as things currently challenger, U.S. Rep. Julia Letlow, ginia Democratic Sen. Tim Kaine Congress — sans Cassidy and of Baton Rouge. on another plan that would create Larson — takes office. All legisla- stand,” she added. Larson, an insurance agent who a sovereign wealth fund, allowing tion needs to start again once the entered Congress in 1999, lost his administrators to invest the pronew Congress is seated. Email Mark Ballard at reelection in Connecticut’s Demo- ceeds and dedicate the profits to Cassidy said he was approached mballard@theadvocate.com.

a new, vacant position and moved actions. to appoint their own interim Some critics have accused clerk and call for a speLandry of using the indictcial election, a move later ment to score political overturned by the state points by railing against Supreme Court. New Orleans. But he arMurrill sent a letter to gued that trying to throw city leaders arguing they the sitting attorney genwere usurping the current eral in jail was a major Capitol threat to the rule of law. clerk and warning their Buzz jobs were at risk. Then a “We can’t just, like, STAFF grand jury indicted the gloss over it,” Landry said REPORTS attorney general on 16 felFriday. “We need to hold people accountable when ony counts of malfeasance they use our criminal justice in ofﬁce and public intimidation. system for their own personal axThat indictment was later grinding.” dropped after Moreno and other The governor also said, “Those city leaders issued a letter saying folks in New Orleans have played they were not intimidated and that footloose and fancy-free with their criminal justice system for the charges were far too long at a great expense of causing politilife and property and taxpayer cal havoc for the money.” city. But Landry Landry said there are “ample and Murrill have lines of communication” if the pushed for an city has problems that need state investigation into Moreno help. the grand jury “We’re not leaving, we’re not proceedings that abandoning New Orleans,” he led to the indictment. Landry ordered Louisiana State said. Police to investigate, while Murrill has called for a joint state and federal investigation. Last week, Murrill said she didn’t know the status of any investigation. Louisiana residents are more inMoreno has said she had nothterested in politics and talk about it more often than most Ameriing to do with the grand jury’s

Study examines political polarization

cans, and they are equally or slightly less polarized along partisan lines, a new survey found. The 2026 Louisiana Common Ground Survey, conducted by the Reilly Center for Media & Public Affairs at LSU and the Public Affairs Research Council of Louisiana, surveyed 1,046 people on a range of questions about politics and partisanship. “On an abstract level, people in Louisiana appear to feel just as negatively about the opposing political party as they do nationwide, but there are more positive signs when you take it out of the realm of the abstract,” said Michael DiResto, director of the Reilly Center, in a news release. The study analyzed the polarization score — the difference between how a respondent rated their own party and the rival party on a scale from zero to 100. It found Louisiana residents saw a wide gap of 48.2 points, slightly lower than the 49.9 found in a similar national survey. When asked to picture a supporter of the opposite party who they personally know, that score dropped by more than 10 points to 38. Of those surveyed, 70% said they had a conversation in the past month with someone who has different political opinions

than their own. And 57% said they discussed government and politics with others either a few times a week or nearly every day, compared to 45% reported in national surveys. And the survey found broad agreement on many central questions about politics, including 81% saying they want elected officials to work harder to find common ground across the aisle. “These findings show that Louisianans can disagree on politics while still sharing important democratic values. That broad commitment to free speech, equal opportunity and constitutional principles creates space for more constructive debate and cooperation,” Steven Procopio, president of PAR, said in the release. Among other findings: only 8% of people said they posted frequently about politics on social media, and 70% said violence is never justified to achieve political goals, while 14% said it is sometimes justified. When asked if they would feel comfortable if their child married someone from the opposite political party, 46% reported feeling somewhat or very comfortable, 25% said they would be somewhat or very uncomfortable, and 29% said it wouldn’t matter either way.

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The Advocate ■ theadvocate.com ■ Sunday, August 16, 2026 ■ 15A

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THE GULF COAST

Sunken ships, artificial reefs could attract more tourists As programs grow, so do some concerns

In Okaloosa County, some local divers say visitors from California, the Northeast and the Midwest are already coming to explore the county’s wrecks. “It’s been huge,” said Savanna Christy, who owns a dive shop in Destin. Fogg said the program is also helping fishermen. Ten years ago, he said, most boats would pile around a few good offshore fishing sites. Now boats leave in different directions, heading for various artificial reefs. Advocates say the spread prevents overfishing and bolsters the local economy. One estimate by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission suggests every dollar spent on artificial reefs in Florida’s Panhandle creates about $138 — a return on investment of more than 13,000%.

BY MARTHA SANCHEZ Staff writer

Under the waves, miles from the coastline, Alex Fogg keeps finding opportunity. He and his colleagues have sunk thousands of tons of concrete and nearly two dozen old ships off the Florida Panhandle in recent years as part of a vast and growing network of artificial reefs. They are planning to send dozens more structures to the bottom of the Gulf. And they are betting their endeavor will lure thousands more visitors throughout the year and bring millions of dollars to the cities of Destin and Fort Walton Beach. “We’re going to become even more discovered,” said Fogg, who manages the county’s artificial reef program, which is now among the largest in the world. The region “has always been considered a summertime beach destination, but when we started to do the artificial reefs, we realized it was a year-round destination,” said Jennifer Adams, the county’s tourism director. “That’s been the biggest change for us — trying to develop these products that will help the local economy but really embrace more than just the beach.” The county has sunk more than $20 million worth of artificial reefs over the last five years, including many funded by grants and partnerships. Leaders and some local businesses say the underwater network is beginning to catch the attention of divers and anglers from Louisiana and around the country as more fish move in. The county is also in the midst of its largest and most controversial step yet: In the fall, it plans to sink a famed ocean liner called the SS United States. Fogg and his colleagues are confident the ship’s addition to their growing program will turn the Destin area into one of the world’s

‘Where does it stop?’

PROVIDED PHOTO By OKALOOSA BOARD OF COUNTy COMMISSIONERS

Okaloosa County sunk the Skippin Sue, a 118-foot offshore utility supply vessel, as an artificial reef south of Destin and Fort Walton Beach, Fla., in 2025. most popular spots to dive and ﬁsh. And their efforts are one sign of a surging trend around the region, where many local governments are sinking man-made reefs to build new ecosystems, reshape economies and bridge the needs of man and nature along the Gulf Coast. The idea has always attracted some skeptics. One prominent group racing to keep the SS United States above water is also questioning the safety of sunken ships and how many visitors they attract. “Sinking vessels is essentially dumping,” Carlos Camacho Jr., cofounder of the nonproﬁt SS United States Preservation Foundation, said. But research over the last several decades has convinced many scientists that the right kind of structures placed underwater can

attract marine life and help species’ populations grow. “We have built a sustainable fishery,” said Stewart Walter, who runs an Alabama company called Walter Marine that has sunk more than 60,000 artificial reefs since the 1980s. “The scientists that were a little on the fence about whether we were just attracting fish or building the producing of fish have come around to the production side now,” he added. “It’s going to mean a good future.”

‘It’s been huge’ Okaloosa County, home to Destin and Fort Walton, has been sinking reefs for decades. But leaders decided to start turning reefs into tourist attractions almost ten years ago, and now the program is moving faster than even Fogg predicted.

He expected to sink one or two large ships each year. In recent years, he said, the team has sunk 23. They livestream some reef deployments to thousands of viewers. And the seafloor off Destin’s coastline is now dotted with nearly 600 manmade structures, including several armored tanks, hundreds of concrete slabs that look like pyramids and a Sept. 11 memorial with pieces of the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. Hundreds more structures exist elsewhere in the Gulf. Texas wants to turn more old oil rigs into coral reefs. Louisiana has three-dimensional printed concrete reefs called “Cajun coral.” Alabama added another reef last month when it sunk a former riverboat casino. Two years ago, a Mississippi pest control company reefed a 70-footlong steel cockroach sculpture.

Still, the idea of sinking ships — the SS United States in particular — is attracting the attention of some preservationists who say they fear it will erase history and harm the environment. The county says it cleans ships of all toxins and follows rules set by the Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Leaders near Destin are still studying where divers and fishermen are visiting from and how much the artificial reef program is impacting tourism. Adams, the tourism director, expects the SS United States will lead to a boom and said an economic impact study on the existing reef program will be ready in the next several months. Camacho, at the SS United States Preservation Foundation, said clean, concrete artificial reefs are generally “a great idea.” “The question is what are they going to sink next?” he said. “How far is this going to extend?” Fogg is used to questions about when enough is enough. But he said more reefs bring more fish. And plenty of open space still exists in the Gulf. So the answer, Fogg said, is “really never.”

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1Bn

Hearing set for Hyundai Steel air permit

the planned $5.8 billion steel facil- submitted online or by mail and representative Hyo Joon Park vised its application this year. Environmental groups ity must be received by 4:30 p.m. said. “The upcoming public hearThe coalition says the company’s in Ascension Parish. The hearing comes only a few Sept. 2. ing is an important part of that pro- permit application fails to require raise concern as The groundbreaking ceremony cess, and we welcome the opportu- comprehensive electriﬁcation of days before a groundbreaking cerwill be held for the manu- will take place at 3 p.m. on Sept. 4. nity to hear from the community.” ﬁnishing processes, control toxic groundbreaking nears emony “We have made every effort to Among the groups raising con- dust that could come from trucks facturing plant.

BY ANNAKATE FREELAND Staff writer

Residents will have an opportunity next month to weigh in on Hyundai Steel’s proposed air permit as environmental groups push for stricter pollution controls at

Danny Heitman

The Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality will hold a public hearing Sept. 1 on the proposed permit for Hyundai’s planned steel plant. The hearing will begin at 6 p.m. at the Lemann Center in Donaldsonville. Written comments may also be

ensure that our project meets rigorous environmental standards and complies with all applicable regulatory requirements. We respect the permitting process and will continue to follow all required procedures as it moves forward,” Hyundai-POSCO Louisiana Steel

cerns are United Steelworkers District 13, the NAACP Louisiana State Conference and the Sierra Club. Earlier this year, they formed a coalition to advocate for residents on major industrial projects. The permit is critical as the plant moves forward, and the company has re-

and outdoor storage piles, provide details on Hyundai’s carbon capture and sequestration plans, and establish a timeline for transitioning from methane gas to green hydrogen in the iron-making process.

ä See PERMIT, page 3B

READy, SET, GLOW

AT RANDOM

In La. in August, nature works in shifts I’m writing from the front lines of another Louisiana August, perched in an armchair while moths beat against the living room window. They’re drawn each night to the light of my reading lamp, pelting the glass like a faint spray of hail. The stir reminds me each evening that I’m straddling two places. Mentally, I’m in the provinces of 19thcentury England, anchored in another time and country by the heavy copy of “Middlemarch” on my lap. But the buzz of life just beyond the drapes tugs at my sleeve as I wade through George Eliot’s epic novel, pointing me to the present patch of the planet where I actually happen to be. I’m really in the trough of summer in my small corner of Louisiana, a world of such ﬁerce vitality that it’s hard to ignore. Summer is so alive in August that not even the closing curtain of nightfall seems to slow its pace. The ﬂutter at my window after dusk tells me this is so, and so do the frogs that bellow like bagpipes as I drift off to sleep. While putting the house to bed the other night, I glanced across the patio and saw a mouse at the bird feeder, savoring his supper by the light of the moon. Summer does its work in shifts where we live, a roundthe-clock affair that involves wild things in courtship and competition without pause. As the heat of the night meets

ä See AT RANDOM, page 2B

STAFF PHOTOS By MICHAEL JOHNSON

ABOVE: Hot air balloons light up the sky during the glow at the Zachary Really Hot Air Balloon Festival on Friday in Zachary. LEFT: A member of the 225 Jeep Club places a rubber duck inner tube on top of her jeep for the jeep show at the Zachary Really Hot Air Balloon Festival on Friday in Zachary.

Livingston on track to spend $100M on roadwork Multiyear initiative to fix 140 miles of streets BY GIGI LIMAN

term, he said in his State of the Parish address Wednesday. The investment reﬂects the parLivingston Parish is on track to ish’s effort to manage its expanspend more than $100 million ﬁx- sion while limiting the strain it ing its roads by the end of Parish places on infrastructure. LivingsPresident Randy Delatte’s first ton maintains nearly 2,000 roads,

Staff writer

many of them aging and battered. As the parish has grown, congestion has become an everyday headache for area drivers. Much of the road spending under Delatte’s leadership is being directed toward the $80 million Better Roads Livingston program, a multiyear initiative launched in

late 2025 to upgrade 263 roads across the parish. The program, which Delatte said was “one of the clearest examples of your taxpayer dollars being put back to work,” is expected to improve about 140 miles of roads

ä See ROADS, page 3B

2B ■ Sunday, August 16, 2026 ■ theadvocate.com ■ The Advocate

Quarter police program getting more drones Funding secured to expand emergency response

BY SOPHIE KASAKOVE Staff writer

The New Orleans Police & Justice Foundation, a police booster organization, has committed to providing $500,000 to purchase an additional three emergencyresponse drones for the New Orleans Police Department, allowing the program to expand more quickly than previously known. The funding supplements $250,000 allocated by the French Quarter Management District in March for a single remote-piloted police drone and docking station that can respond to 911 calls in the historic neighborhood. Foundation spokesperson Matthew Stone said the funding will support deployment of three drones, mostly in and around the French Quarter. But he said they could also be used in other parts of the city and that the foundation is seeking more donors. The technology has the potential to serve “as a force multiplier” given the NOPD’s staffing issues, according to Michael Harrison, the city’s deputy mayor for public safety, and will let commanders deploy officers and other public-safety offi-

lll

cials more efﬁciently. “NOPD could dispatch drones to quickly assess a situation,” Harrison said in a prepared statement Friday, “allowing ofﬁcers to receive information more quickly, potentially saving valuable time and allowing police resources to be focused where they are most needed.” New Orleans police were told about the additional money in January after the FQMD declined to provide their full request for $740,000, foundation leaders said. The donation wasn’t publicly announced, but it represents a boon for department leaders who’ve said it will help them respond more quickly to dangerous incidents. They are hoping to launch the first French Quarter drone in the coming months and want to expand what’s known as the Drone as First Responder Program in a fashion similar to the recent deployment in Jefferson Parish. To ACLU Louisiana and Eye on Surveillance, advocacy groups that have worked to halt the program and put guardrails around it in recent months, the expanded funding adds to concerns that the program will operate without enough public scrutiny. “They have to be held accountable,” said Sarah Whittington, advocacy director of the ACLU of Louisiana. Meanwhile, public safety groups like the Metropolitan

Crime Commission and the NOLA Coalition, an advocacy group focused on crime and quality-of-life issues, have said the drone technology, deployed properly, can help offset NOPD staffing shortages. “When the city is struggling to hire more officers and find funding for more officers. … you don’t pay overtime to drones,” said Rafael Goyeneche, president of the New Orleans Metropolitan Crime Commission. “At some point the police department is not going to be able to do more with less.”

Expanded funding New Orleans police publicly proposed the program in January and sought $740,000 from the FQMD to purchase up to four drones. It came after Jefferson Parish purchased a fleet of 23 first responder drones last year that have been deployed to emergencies, and as part of a broader push in other parts of the U.S. Cities in New York, Arizona, California and several other states have incorporated drones during emergencies, using them to evaluate whether 911 calls are legitimate before dedicating stafﬁng, and giving ofﬁcers information to enter an emergency situation safely. After FQMD board members decided to fund the purchase of one drone at a meeting in early March, 8th District Capt. Samuel Palumbo said that other part-

ners would instead support further expansion. At that point, the foundation’s leaders had made a verbal commitment that they would raise $500,000 to cover five years of costs for four drones, said Melanie Talia, CEO of the Police & Justice Foundation in an interview Thursday. In a letter to NOPD Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick in late March, Talia wrote that the foundation was prepared to deposit an initial $95,900 donation and that the city attorney would need to draft a formal agreement. “I remember saying ‘Why didn’t you say us’?” said Talia of Palumbo’s comments about financial support. “We had already committed to these funds.” That agreement “is still a work in progress,” Talia said, but the foundation sent a check to the city from the first donation in March “so they could move forward.” The City Council voted 4-3 in April to approve the FQMD funding for the program. Mayor Helena Moreno said in an April interview with local data analyst Jeff Asher that in addition to launching first-responder drones in the French Quarter, the city is “expanding that over to the 7th District and New Orleans East.” “We’re not just deploying drones just to go watch; it’s about specific response to an ongoing already dangerous situation,” Moreno said. She

said she would get “as much information as possible from our NOPD about the very speciﬁc use of the technology” to make a “decision on whether it aligns with my views on what is really necessary as far as crime ﬁghting in New Orleans.”

‘What are you going to do?’

with Eye on Surveillance, said the additional money raised more issues for her about the motivations of the funders. “This adds even more concern to this program and to the use of police drones in the city,” she said. In a statement on Tuesday, an NOPD spokesperson said that the department is “committed to ensuring our ofﬁcers have the tools they need while maintaining clear policies, responsible deployment practices, and open communication with the residents we serve.” NOPD officials said in their Tuesday statement that they are “awaiting procurement of necessary equipment” to launch the program but didn’t detail the number of drones it had yet purchased. For residents and business owners, that means it’s still unclear when the drones may begin responding to emergencies and how broadly they’ll be used. It has also left some wondering if the technology will balance public safety against the potential for misuse. “On the one hand, it sounds invasive,” said Mona Lisa Savoy, president of the 7th Ward neighborhood association. “But on the other hand, when there are not enough cops, what are you going to do?”

As NOPD has neared launch, advocates have raised alarms over the program and changes to the department’s drone policy. The Drone as First Responder Program will allow 8th District officers to pilot the drones to the site of emergencies and support first responders. Police have said they will not be used for broader surveillance. But in June, a revision to the department’s 2024 policy was made public that said drones could be equipped with weapons. That provision was quickly removed after public criticism, and the department said it was a “draft policy and had not been officially adopted.” Last week, the City Council voted unanimously for an ordinance requiring quarterly reports to the council on drone flights. Still, critics say the rules don’t go far enough, and have also blasted a July 1 change that removed a required quarterly review of drone use by the NOPD’s Professional Standards and Accountability Bureau. Email Sophie Kasakove In an interview Thursday, at sophie.kasakove@ Edith Romero, an organizer theadvocate.com.

‘Duck Dynasty’ couple head to Texas for series

‘It’s going to be building blocks’

BY JUDY BERGERON

BY WILLIE SWETT

After finding TV fame on the West Monroe-set “Duck Dynasty” series, Jep and Jessica Robertson hope to make a splash on their own new non-scripted series. “Jep & Jess: Beyond the Bayou” will premiere at 8 p.m. Saturday on Great American Family and GFAM+. The show is also streaming on Great American Pure Flix. For 11 seasons, from 2012 to 2017, “Duck Dynasty” on A&E followed the large Robertson family, led by patriarch Phil Robertson, and its Louisiana hunting and outdoor company specializing in handmade duck calls. Beyond the business, the show stressed family and faith while highlighting the quirky personalities of the main and secondary cast. “Duck Dynasty” became a hit, leading to a line of popular merchandise, books, podcasts, spinoff series (including “Duck Dynasty: The Revival,” “Duck Family Treasure”) and the headquarters becoming a northeast Louisiana tourist spot. During the show’s run, the family also made headlines for its controversial, ultra-conservative views. Phil Robertson’s disparaging comments to GQ magazine in 2013 about same-sex relationships and African Americans even triggered his indeﬁnite suspension from the series. A&E backtracked on the suspension after fan complaints. “Leaving behind the Louisiana bayous that ﬁrst made them household names, Jep and Jessica are building a new life in Texas, transforming Comanche Moon Ranch (outside Dallas) into a thriving community rooted in craftsmanship, hospitality and legacy,” states a show synopsis. “Along the way, viewers will witness the joys and challenges of creating a place where neighbors become family, love grows deeper, and every project serves a greater purpose.” Jep and Jessica Robertson are the youngest son and daughterin-law of Phil and Kay Robertson. Phil Robertson died in 2025, and his widow and much of the rest of the family still live in West Monroe. “More than a home and lifestyle series, ‘Jep & Jess: Beyond the Bayou’ is a weekly destination where purpose, faith, meaningful work, enduring relationships and authentic community take center stage,” the show synopsis also states. Meanwhile, “Duck Dynasty” is still available on several streaming platforms.

Hailey Moak, 40, stood in the shade outside Walk On’s Bar and Bistreaux on Poydras Street with a nearly empty 24-ounce cup of Twisted Tea and a cigarette, nodding toward the Superdome up the street. “We want to see what they are going to do,” she said hours before game time. “That’s what today is all about.” Moak said they’d already “won big.” Her sister with the season pass was out of town, so “the tickets were free” as the Saints 2026 preseason ofﬁcially started on Saturday afternoon at home against the Jacksonville Jaguars. “Stay hydrated, 115 today folks,” a Superdome employee bellowed through a bullhorn near Champions Square as hard core Saints fans endured a heat index over 100, prompting an extreme heat advisory. Moak and others around the stadium were especially excited about the team’s prospects behind second-year Saints quarterback Tyler Shough. “I love Shough, I love him,” said Tyrone Snyder, 69, who had pulled a dolly from his Toyota Sequoia on Poydras Street and placed a large Igloo ice chest on it. Snyder has been selling cold drinks and water outside Saints games for five years. “Preseason games determine the regular season,” he insisted. The baking heat drew some fans toward Snyder’s and other vendors’ businesses. “I’m not gonna lie, I gotta pace myself,” said one young guy in a Saints jersey with a popular new name on the back: rookie wide receiver Jordyn Tyson. The fan just lost to a friend in

Jep, Jessica Robertson back on TV at ranch Staff writer

Email Judy Bergeron at jbergeron@theadvocate.com.

Saints fans come out for first preseason game

Staff writer

AT RANDOM

Continued from page 1B the cool of our old house, the windows grow slick with dew, and we rise each morning to ﬁnd them fogged like a bathroom mirror. My wife and I eat breakfast in the front room while the clouded panes slowly clarify, and as our views resolve, it’s as if the house is quietly opening its eyes.

STAFF PHOTOS By SOPHIA GERMER

New Orleans Saints fans cross Poydras Street before the first preseason game against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Saturday at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans.

Cooper McKee, 9, of Mississippi, wears a helmet in Champions Square before the preseason game Saturday against the Jacksonville Jaguars at the Caesars Superdome. a race to chug the Bud Lights they’d bought on Poydras. Heavy trafﬁc surrounded the stadium as the sound of bucket drums and the smell of smoke rose from food trucks while vendors hawked black and gold necklaces, and of course Drew Brees gear. The quarterback who led the Saints to win the 2010 Super

What we first see are birds at the feeder. It’s been a banner time for rose finches this summer, but we get other gifts of color, too. With many birds in seasonal molt, the summer palette for birdwatchers can be uneven. A red-bellied woodpecker who arrived the other day was nearly bald, but as a bald guy myself, I felt more sympathy than disdain as he helped himself to hulled sunflower

Bowl was inducted Aug. 8 into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, and he was top of mind for many fans outside the gates on Saturday. EJ Fleetwood, 67, a firsttime season ticket holder from Chalmette, arrived 30 minutes before the Champions Square gates opened in a Garrett Hartley jersey. He promised he’ll be “breaking out Drew Brees in the regular season.” “He’s got his superstitions,” April Fleetwood, 52, a cafeteria manager at Chalmette High School, said of her husband. And a fresh helping of hope for the upcoming season. “I think it’s going to be very good. It’s going to be building blocks, you can see it. You know, it might not be this year, but it’s not that far away,” EJ Fleetwood said of the team this year. Though plenty of fans came out Saturday, some traditions had to wait until the regular

seeds. Minus their best plumage, the molting woodpeckers and cardinals who graze beneath the canopy of our crepe myrtle look a bit like their dinosaur ancestors, which chimes with the primordial quality of August in Louisiana. That feeling deepened the other afternoon when I reached toward the mailbox and found a green lizard dozing on the lid. He looked like a ﬁtting companion

season. Eugene “Pop” Maurice and Donnatte Maurice usually leave their home in Violet around 5 a.m. to get to “under the bridge,” as they call their tailgate spot beneath the highway overpass at Claiborne and Poydras. They’ve been posting up there for the last 15 to 20 years. But the tailgate, which normally features red beans and rice, ribs, a large TV, a DJ, a porta-potty, and a lot of good feelings, won’t start until regular season. “A lot of people aren’t going to come” for preseason, explained Pop Maurice. For now, they don’t have to cook or host. Instead, the couple managed to go inside and watch the game in the Caesars Superdome with friends and family. They still got their parking spot under the overpass. Email Willie Swett at willie. swett@theadvocate.com.

for the skink who lives in one of our bluebird houses, peeping out sometimes like a cuckoo sprung from a clock. The school buses combing the neighborhood tell me that summer is fad-

LOTTERY

FRIDAY, AUG. 14, 2026 PICK 3: 8-4-0 PICK 4: 2-9-1-5 PICK 5: 9-4-2-2-0

ing, which is news I take to heart. August has its wonders, but I’m seldom sad to see it go. Email Danny Heitman at danny@ dannyheitman.com.

MEGA MILLIONS: 3-23-27-46-60 MEGA BALL: 11 Unofficial notification, keep your tickets.

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Teen pleads guilty in paid hit He says he was ‘struggling’ at the time BY QUINN COFFMAN Staff writer

Anthony Torregano Hayes was 18 when police say he accepted $2,000 in cash to carry out an afternoon hit on a 44-year-old man because the teen was “struggling.” Hayes, now 20, pleaded guilty Wednesday to reduced charges of manslaughter and possession of a stolen ﬁrearm. His sentencing is scheduled for later this month. Just after 1:30 p.m. on Sept. 13, 2024,

Baton Rouge police responded to a call at a residence in the 3500 block of Brady Street. There, they found Johnny Green dead from multiple gunshot wounds. After arriving on scene, detectives learned that Green had just arrived at his residence when an unknown man fired multiple shots at him, according to Hayes’ arrest affidavit. Multiple .223 caliber rifle shells were found on scene. Witnesses told detectives the suspect was seen fleeing on a bicycle and carrying a rifle. Surveillance footage of the suspect and bicycle was posted to CrimeStoppers, and a witness identified the shooter as Hayes.

The witness, identified as a family member, said they confronted Hayes and that he admitted to carrying out the killing in exchange for $2,000 cash. When asked why he agreed, Hayes said “because he was struggling,” according to the affidavit. Hayes was also arrested for a separate crime in October 2024 and admitted to police to possessing a .223 caliber rifle. It is unclear if Hayes knew Green before agreeing to kill him, and police have not identified the person who paid Hayes the $2,000. Email Quinn Coffman at quinn. coffman@theadvocate.com.

Basin Bridge crackdown cites 26 truck drivers BY KRISTIN ASKELSON Staff writer

Louisiana State Police cited 26 commercial truck drivers Thursday during a targeted enforcement operation on the Atchafalaya Basin Bridge aimed at keeping trucks out of the left lane. The joint operation, which covered portions of the bridge in St. Martin and Iberville parishes, was launched

after State Police received numerous complaints about commercial vehicles traveling in the left lane. Commercial vehicles are required to remain in the right lane while crossing the bridge. State Police said violations can create safety hazards and contribute to trafﬁc delays. Troopers from Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Regions I and II worked with air support units during the operation.

Officers conducted 26 commercial vehicle inspections and issued 26 citations for disregarding traffic control devices requiring trucks to remain in the right lane. Troopers also identified four additional safety violations and placed one commercial driver out of service. State Police said proactive enforcement efforts will continue along the Atchafalaya Basin Bridge to improve safety and keep traffic moving.

Alleged killer of BR woman caught in Memphis A man has been arrested after he allegedly shot a woman in Baton Rouge and ﬂed with her body to Memphis, Tennessee. The Memphis Police Department contacted Baton Rouge police to report they had stopped 50-year-old Tyronne CRIME Brazille for a traffic BLOTTER violation on Thursday and discovered Lanesstaff sa Bradford, 50, dead reports in the passenger seat from a gunshot wound, according to a BRPD news release. Baton Rouge police say the shooting happened at Independence Commu-

ROADS

Continued from page 1B by the end of 2027. Several road improvement projects in Livingston, North Walker and Watson are already underway. Brad Holleman, a senior vice president at Forte and Tablada, an engineering ﬁrm that oversees much of the parish’s construction, said the extensive roadwork is needed to help Livingston catch up on the past while simultaneously planning for the future. “We cannot take our foot off the gas,” Holleman said. The Wednesday event, organized by the Livingston Parish Chamber of Commerce, saw its highest attendance in history and convened leaders from nearly every corner of the community: Delatte, Sheriff Jason Ard, several state legislators, mayors, council members and business leaders. “The cohesiveness in that room … I’ve never seen that like I saw it this week,” council member Erin Sandefur said, referring to the luncheon. “It made me proud to represent Livingston Parish, proud to be from Livingston Parish, proud to just be there.” It was the chamber’s ﬁrst event under interim CEO Angela Alessi, who took over after the resignation of longtime CEO April Wehrs. Alessi said the

PERMIT

Continued from page 1B “We urge LDEQ to follow the law and require Hyundai to evaluate cleaner technologies and conduct a thorough environmental justice review to ensure the permit protects local communities and plant workers from harmful pollution,” said Andrea Issod, Sierra Club senior attorney. “If they do not, Hyundai Steel will be just another source of pollution in a region already known as ‘Cancer Alley.’ ” Donaldsonville Mayor Leroy Sullivan said he plans to attend the public hearing and speak in favor of the permit. He said he believes LDEQ has the right restrictions in place and that it, along with industrial companies, “have come a long way over the past years to make sure that the environment is safer and that the plants are operating in a safe manner.” “I think that when you look at the Hyundai facility and

nity Park, 7500 Independence Blvd., after Brazille and Bradford allegedly got into a verbal argument. Brazille then ﬂed the area and drove through several states before being stopped in Memphis, the release states. He was taken into custody in Memphis as a fugitive and is awaiting extradition to Baton Rouge. He will face a charge of murder in connection with Bradford’s death, police said.

lice report. Officers responded to the area of East Myrtle Drive around 11:45 p.m. and found the woman with an apparent gunshot wound, according to the Baker Police Department. The Coroner’s Ofﬁce later identiﬁed the victim as 18-year-old Anireeyah Blue. The woman was transported to a hospital, where she later died from her injuries, police said. The woman’s identity has not been released. Investigators said no motive has been established at this time. Anyone with information is encourAn 18-year-old woman is dead after aged to contact Crime Stoppers at a shooting Friday night in Baker, po- (225) 344-7867.

Police: 18-year-old dead after shooting Friday in Baker

luncheon is designed to bring together the parish’s business and government leaders to provide updates directly to the public, build relationships and ﬁnd ways to work together. “Everything that goes on with the government affects the businesses in this parish, and that’s who we represent,” Alessi said. “We have to make sure that we’re all working in collaboration and communicating with each other, so it only makes sense for us to all be in the same room together.” Parish leaders gave updates on several long-awaited road overhaul projects. This month, Livingston opened the Cook Road extension, a four-lane road, separated by grass medians, that links Pete’s Highway to Juban Crossing north of Interstate 12. The project took 23 years to complete. The Cook Road project is being followed by another major improvement on one of Livingston’s key arteries: Juban Road. The widening of Juban Road (La. 1026) from I-12 to U.S. 190 (Florida Boulevard), overseen by the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development, has dragged out for years, much to the chagrin of Livingston drivers. At the Wednesday event, leaders said the roadway was 97% complete. The new road will have four lanes instead of two and be separated by a 5-foot-wide raised median. It is also set to include bicycle and pedestrian paths and a two-lane roundabout at

the type of industry that it is, the environmental impact I think would be minimal to some of the other industries that we have in the state of Louisiana,” Sullivan said. In addition to LDEQ’s public hearing, Park said Hyundai will host a community open house from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Aug. 27 at the Lemman Memorial Center in Donaldsonville. “The open house will provide residents with an opportunity to learn more about the project, speak directly with members of our team, ask questions, and receive information on topics including environmental protection, safety, jobs and workforce development, and the project’s broader community and economic impact,” he said.

the intersection of Juban Road and U.S. 190. The discussion at the luncheon also focused on drainage, a constant concern in the parish. “We have worked over the past three years to change the way that the parish approaches growth,” Delatte said, pointing to parishwide zoning, now fully implemented, as well as a new framework for ensuring proper drainage across the parish. Leaders are developing a parishwide drainage master plan for the first time, Delatte said. The parish’s public works department also completed more than 97 miles of roadside ditches and more than 42 miles of lateral ditches over the past year. Delatte highlighted millions of dollars in outside funding that allows parish projects to be completed without increasing taxes. He discussed a nearly $20 million federal grant secured this year for a 200,000-squarefoot multipurpose building that would host community events and double as an emergency shelter. Livingston also received nearly $12 million this year for its Flood Mitigation Assistance Program. The parish’s flood rating was reclassified in 2025, from a CRS class 10 to a class 7, which took effect in April. Officials said it is expected to lower insurance rates for homeowners. “We’re working toward a class 5; class 5 will give us a 25% discount on flood insurance,” Delatte said.

tors so the state can speed up review of permits, modiﬁcations, licenses, registrations or variances. The coalition has criticized the expedited process, arguing that it reﬂects a broader trend of complex industrial permitting decisions being moved through the state with limited public scrutiny. The group also raises concerns about the administration rushing through the process under nondisclosure agreements. Louisiana collectively offered incentives worth $2.6 billion to Hyundai, a package that amounts to roughly half the overall cost of the $5.8 billion steel plant that the company will build in Donaldsonville. These deals were made under NDAs. The coalition is also raising concerns about “LDEQ’s Expedited permit process short, 30-day time frame for The permit was processed public comment” on 2,165 as an expedited permit in pages of draft permit maaccordance with Louisiana terials. The coalition wants Administrative Code Title to have at least 60 days for 33, Part I, Chapter 18, which public review, though LDEQ allows applicants to pay for is only required to give a 30overtime or outside contrac- day notice.

■ Sunday, August 16, 2026 ■ 3B The Advocate ■ theadvocate.com greatly

Obituaries Andersen, Clara Stuart

Clara Stuart Andersen, age 94, died peacefully on July 25, 2026, in her hometown of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She was born on December 20, 1931, the sixth of seven children of Walter Bynum Stuart and Rosa Gautreaux Stuart. She attended local schools and graduated from Baton Rouge High School in 1948. In 1951 she married Paul K. Andersen, an Iowa native and electrical engineer at Humble Oil (now Exxon Mobil). In 1960 she was the mother of three young children when her older daughter's school asked her to lead a Camp Fire Girls group. Though initially hesitant, she agreed. This new role was the start of her long voluntary career and her interest in informal education and lifelong learning. She led her younger daughter's Camp Fire group through high school. She was later elected to the local council's board and asked to head their volunteer development efforts. Clara continued this work at the national level as a volunteer representative of Camp Fire, leading training workshops and advising councils in three states until the mid-1980s. In 1988 she joined a group of women who were career and life-planning consultants to conduct workshops aimed at helping others find a path forward in their lives during periods of uncertainty and indecision. She said she was drawn to this project because of her own past struggles, including a serious depression following the birth of her third child. She later wrote that sharing her experience and knowledge to help other women was deeply meaningful to her. Although she was unable to pursue formal higher education, Clara was intellectually curious and an avid reader of philosophy, psychology, and faith and spirituality. At St. James Place she participated in a creative writing group. She described herself as a lifelong "student of life." Her family was central to her life. She and Paul were married for 70 years and often said their family was their greatest achievement. Clara was a loving mother and grandmother, who wanted her children to be self-reliant and caring adults. Her family and friends enjoyed her gracious hospitality and good cooking. They also knew they could always find in her a sympathetic ear. Clara was a long-time member of St. Aloysius Catholic Church. After Paul converted to Catholicism in 1986, they volunteered for 20 years as peer counselors for Retrouvaille, a program to help couples struggling with their marriage. It was a shared experience they later said strengthened their own marriage. In her last years, she faced the challenges of physical decline with great courage and never lost her warm smile. She will be greatly missed. Clara is survived by her

Clara is survived by her three children and their spouses: Kathleen Stuart Andersen (Daniel M. Fox), Richard Paul Andersen (Martha Hebert Andersen), and Susan Andersen Staub (Jack G. Staub); six grandchildren; and nine greatgrandchildren. She is also survived by her brother Robert M. Stuart and her nieces and nephews. The family is enormously grateful to the staffs of St. James Place and The Hospice of Baton Rouge for their kindness and care. Visitation will be on Monday, August 17, 2026, at St. Aloysius Church, 2025 Stuart Ave., from 9:30 a.m. until the Funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in honor of Clara S. Andersen to St. Aloysius Church or to a favorite charity.

Bailey III, Cmdr. William Rufus

Bill Bailey passed away unexpectedly on July 25th, 2026, in Dubuque, Iowa, on vacation after visiting Mt. Rushmore, something he always wanted to experience. He is missed greatly by all those who knew and loved him. He was born in Memphis on September 9th, 1955, into a Navy family which strongly influenced his values and life. Bill grew up in four states and three countries in Europe and Africa before the family moved back home to Baton Rouge where he attended Lee High School. He earned his Bachelor's of Science Degree at ULL. Bill was proud of being an Eagle Scout and his time as a St. George Volunteer Fireman. He achieved the rank of Commander in the Navy and retired after working for the State of Louisiana. Bill had a quick wit, enjoyed tabletop wargames with his friends, and all things historical. Bill's parents were William Rufus Bailey Jr. and Nelrose Montgomery Bailey. He is survived by sisters Anne Berman (Roger), Amy Lopez-Ona (Eugene), brother Robert Bailey, and many nieces and nephews. Visitation at Greenoaks Funeral Home, 9595 Florida Blvd, Baton Rouge, on Monday, August 17th, 2026, at 1pm until the memorial service at 2pm. Burial with military honors will follow. In lieu of flowers, please donate to your favorite charity in memory of Bill.

Broussard, Inge A. 'Dee'

Inge A. "DEE" Broussard 85 of Baton Rouge died August 12, 2026. Mrs. Broussard was born "Ingeborg

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Schuller" August 12, 1941, daughter of Josef and Franziska Schuller in Weiden, Germany. Dee moved to the US at the age of 7 and in May of 1954 Dee became a US citizen and lived on a ranch in Wyoming. She always said this is where she grew her love for animals. In 1977, Dee moved to Baton Rouge and met Arthur "JIM" Broussard, the love of her life. They were married in February 1982 and spent 38 years living together in New York and Alabama before returning home to Baton Rouge. Dee was a successful business owner of the Candle Shop in Baton Rouge for many years, until going to work for the East Baton Rouge Parish Traffic Court until retiring at age 70. Dee was very active alongside Jim volunteering with the Greater Baton Rouge State Fair. She loved spending time and traveling with friends and family, all while enjoying a glass of wine. Dee was preceded in death by her mother Franziska Schuller and husband Arthur Broussard. Dee is survived by two children; Kelly Berry of Baton Rouge and Todd (Amanda) Smith of Taylor, AR. Three grandchildren; Drake (Kathryn) Berry of Natchitoches LA., Justin (Clare) Smith of Boerne, TX., Kaci Smith of Longview, TX., and 9 great grandchildren. And family; Jeannie (Chick) Streat of Baton Rouge, Bruce (Peggy) Broussard of Baton Rouge, Suzy Thibodeaux of Prairieville, LA, Bettye Baldwin of Colorado Springs, CO., and Burt (Patsy) Broussard of Anacortes, WA. Dee has two very special friends Diane Duplessis of Baton Rouge and Sue (Johnny Lane) Veuleman of Natchitoches, LA. Dee also kept lifelong ties with many old family friends in Germany which she visited many times. The family extends their greatest gratitude to the caregivers Danna Mclin, Sharon Rameriz and The Hospice of Baton Rouge for their care and love provided to our mother. Visitation will be held at Greenoaks Funeral Home, Camellia Parlor, 9595 Florida Blvd, Baton Rouge, Louisiana on August 18, 2026, from 10:00 am until memorial services beginning at 11:00 am. Burial will follow at Greenoaks Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers or gifts memorials may be made to Alzheimer's Services of the Capital Area "Charlie's Place" https://alzbr.org

Budd, Shirley Landry

Shirley Landry Budd passed away on Friday, August 14, 2026, at her home in Brusly surrounded by her family, at the age of 80. She was a native and lifelong resident of Brusly. Visitation will be at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Brusly on Wednesday, August 19th, from 9:30 a.m. until Mass of Christian Burial at 11:30 a.m., celebrated by Rev. Arun John. Burial will follow in the cemetery. Shirley is survived by her husband of 60 years, Ernest J. Budd; their children, Troy Budd and wife Melanie, Tara Budd Patrick and husband Frank; grandchildren, Adam and Jacie Budd, Jordyn and Luke Patrick; sister-in-law, Vera Jane Landry; and special niece, Sandra Wiley. Shirley was preceded in death by her father, Collins Landry; mother, Marjorie LeRay Landry Smith; brother, Percy James Landry; and nephew, Michael Landry. Pallbearers will be Frank Patrick, Luke Patrick, Adam Budd, Ricky LeRay, Micky Bourgoyne, Terry Wiley and Terry Wiley Jr.

Edwards, Mary Ann Braud

Mary Ann Braud Edwards, a native of St.

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James Parish, has been a trailblazer throughout her life. She was a member of the first graduating class of Magnolia High School in 1953 and earned a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from Southern University & A&M College in 1957. She later earned a Master's in Education, plus 30 from Nicholls State University and Southeastern University, and Reading Specialist Certification from Nicholls State University. Mrs. Edwards dedicated 32 years to teaching exclusively in St. James Parish and was one of two teachers who integrated the faculty of St. James High School. Her commitment to her students and strength of character helped guide African American students through an important period of change. She credits Principal Mark Bergeron for his fairness and support during that time. In retirement, Mrs. Edwards continued to serve her community through the Louisiana Retired Teachers Foundation, a past District IV president of Louisiana Retired Teachers Association, St. James Catholic Church, and the Tri-Parish Alumni Association of Southern University. She also established a book-giving program for children in St. James and Ascension Parishes. Above all, Mary Ann treasures her roles as wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was married to Lloyd C. Edwards for 59 years until his passing in 2019. She is the proud mother of Monique, Antonio, Herbert, and Lauren, grandmother of five: Theo, Orlando, Christa'lyn, Ryan and Taylor, and great -grandmother of Ethan, Chloe, and Jaylen. A devoted Southern University Jaguar and New Orleans Saints fan, Mary Ann enjoys traveling, especially with her daughter Monique, and is a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. She remained an active and faithful member of St. James Catholic Church. Relatives and friends of the family, along with the priests and parishioners of St. James Catholic Church, are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial at St. James Catholic Church, 6613 LA-Highway 18, St. James, Louisiana 70086, on Saturday, August 22, 2026. Visitation will begin at 9:30 am., Recitation of the Rosary at 11:00am; with the Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 12:30pm. Rev. Michael O'Rourke will be the celebrant. Arrangements are entrusted to D.W. Rhodes Funeral Home, New Orleans, Louisiana 70125. Please visit www.rhodesfuneral.com to sign the online guestbook and share memories and condolences with the family.

Gill, Nolan 'Coach'

Nolan Gill, Jr. was born on December 26, 1951 and gained his angel wings on August 11, 2026 after a lengthy illness with Alzheimer's. Nolan known to most as simply "Coach" was deeply loved by his players. As deeply as he loved his teams, his greatest joy was his family. The same dedication, patience and fierce loyalty he brought to the sidelines, he brought home. He showed his family every day what integrity and servant leadership looked like in action. Nolan graduated from Glen Oaks High School in 1970 lettering in all four sports and earning all-district punter. He received a football athletic scholarship to Southeastern Louisiana University graduating in 1975. He lettered four years earning the Leadership Award voted on by the coaches and the Captain's Award voted on by his fellow teammates. He was also selected unanimously All Gulf South Conference in 1974 and Honorable Mention Little AllAmerican. After graduating from SLU, Nolan spent 33 years coaching, teaching and mentoring high school students. His career began in 1976 at GOHS as assistant coach. Later he spent coaching stints at Tara,

Northeast and Denham Springs High School serving the latter as Athletic Director and Head Football Coach. However, 25 plus years were at GOHS. During his tenure there he, his team and coaches would earn seven district titles; play in two state semi-finals. Nolan was named five times Coach of the Year. He also served as Head Coach of the Great Eight All Stars in 2008. In 2023, the new GOHS Fieldhouse was named the "Coach Nolan Gill Fieldhouse" in his honor. After retirement, Nolan enjoyed playing golf with his buddies, sons and grandson. He also loved to spend time at his farm in Magnolia, MS with all his grandchildren. Nolan is survived by his high school sweetheart and wife of 53 years, Kathi McCullough Gill; two amazing sons, Brandon and Byron (Jessica) Gill; four perfect grandchildren, Sidney, Lucas, Annlee and Madeline Gill; brother, Ronnie (Kathy) Gill; brother-inlaw, Murray (Ellen) McCullough; sister-in-law, Garylyn Gill; numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. Nolan was preceded in death by his father, Nolan Gill, Sr and mother, Myrtle Ann Doming Gill; brother, Robert Gill; nephew, Robby Gill; In-laws, Sidney and Bobbie Bueto McCullough. Friends, family and former players are invited to attend services at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 865 Hatchel Lane, Denham Springs Tuesday, August 18 with visitation from 9:30 am to 12 noon. Mass will follow at 12 noon, being officiated by Father Al Davidson. Private interment will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to the Alzheimer's Services of the Capital Area, 3772 North Blvd., Baton Rouge, LA 70806. The family extends their sincere gratitude to Pinnacle Home Health and Hospice, Brooke, Chantel, and Shana and his incredible care provider, Alice Winnfield.

warmth and patience that would come to define him in every other chapter of his life. He was an early supporter of the Special Olympics. He was a longtime volunteer of WYES, sharing in its commitment to educational programming and community, supporting his belief that "it is in giving that you receive." Ben held a lifelong belief in the power of the number 52, fittingly, according to gematria, the numerical value of the name 'Ben' is 52, a quiet reminder that even in the smallest details, he was exactly who he was meant to be. Blessed with the luck of an Irishman, Ben lived a marvelous life that spanned the globe. He believed his greatest successes were measured not in material achievements, but in relationships and memories. His guiding philosophy to "treasure the moments" was more than a saying; it was the way he lived every day. Whether meeting someone for the first time or reconnecting with an old friend, Ben had a rare gift for bringing people together. His warmth, curiosity, optimism, and genuine love for others (humans and all creatures great and small) made him beloved by those whose lives were brighter for having known him. The greatest way to honor his memory is to live as he did with gratitude, generosity, and an appreciation for life's simple gifts. Above all, treasure the moments. Hip, hip! A Memorial Mass and celebration of his life will be held at St. Mary's Assumption, 923 Josephine Street, New Orleans, on Saturday morning, August 22nd, 2026 at 10:00. Visitation will begin at 9:00.

Gremillion, Bonnie Rae Holliday

Goliwas Sr., Benjamin Fane

The Admiral is on the Bridge. Benjamin Fane Goliwas Sr., affectionately known as Ben, Benjamin F., and Pops, passed away peacefully, surrounded by love, on June 29, 2026. Born on July 21, 1942, in New Orleans, Louisiana, Ben was the seventh of eight children born to Walter Joseph Goliwas Sr. and Mary Fane Goliwas. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sisters Mary Jo Thibodeaux, Colleen G. Holthaus, and Peggy G. Bourgeois, and his brothers Robert Edward Goliwas and William Joseph Goliwas. He is survived by his sister, Frances Joy Goliwas, and his brother, Walter Joseph Goliwas Jr. He is now joyfully reunited with Delery "Del" Eagan Strassel, his longtime love and companion. Ben's heart was full of the love of his family, including his children Elizabeth Goliwas Bodet (Robert †), Benjamin Fane Goliwas Jr. (Holly), Laura Goliwas Kuhlke (Chris), Andrew Alvin Goliwas (Madeleine), and Ynyra OShea. He held an unbounded love for his grandchildren who brought him great joy: Elizabeth "Ella" Kuhlke, Henry Kuhlke, Elizabeth "Libby" Bodet, Zachary Goliwas, Margaret "Maggie" Goliwas, Marcel Dubois, and Dominique "Mika" Dubois (Justin). He had the opportunity to hold the hand of his great granddaughter Juniper Alaine Berdahl-Dubois. Having served as a sailor in the U.S. Navy, Ben was affectionately known as "The Admiral." Few things brought him as much joy as being out on the water. Ben felt most at home with the wind in his sails and the horizon ahead of him, a passion that also inspired his support of the Ocean Conservancy and its mission to protect the waters of the world. He founded the grassroots organization Home Port New Orleans, where he was instrumental in coordinating the crucial removal of storm debris from Lake Pontchartrain after Hurricane Katrina. Ben dedicated much of his life to early childhood education, shaping young minds with the same

With deep love and gratitude for a beautifully lived life, we announce the passing of Bonnie Rae Holliday Gremillion. She peacefully departed this life surrounded by her children on Sunday, August 9, 2026. Family and friends are invited to attend services at Greenoaks Funeral Home, 9595 Florida Blvd., on Friday, August 21, 2026, with visitation from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm followed by a service at 12:00 pm, officiated by Rev. Brandon Sikes. Interment will immediately follow at Greenoaks Memorial Park. Please visit www.greenoaksfunerals.c om

Jones, Joan Alford

Joan Alford Jones passed away on August 9, 2026 at the age of 87 years. She was born in Baton Rouge, LA on November 2, 1938. She was a resident of Central and Zachary. She graduated from Baker High School. She attended Southeastern Louisiana University. Joan worked as a school bus driver for EBR Parish schools for 33 years. Joan was preceded in death by her husband Carl Jones and parents Herman and Iona Alford. She is survived by her daughter Cindy Jones Kutz (Bryan). Survived by brothers Daryl (Sara) Alford, Lynell (Judy) Alford and sister Cheryl Anne Esdorn. Her grandchildren are Brandon Drake Kutz, Justin David Kutz (Brandi) and Blaine Dylan Kutz. A special thank you to Compassus Hospice Care, Oakwood Assisted Living and Grace Rehab for their companionate care. In lieu of flowers, donations in Joan's memory, may be made to Holy Angels (a special needs residential care facility for Blaine Kutz) Donations web site: laholyangels.org. A "Celebration of Life" will be held at the Kutz residence on August 22, 2026. Time: 2:00-4:00pm Contact family for address.

LeBeau, Elton 'Pap'

With grateful hearts and unwavering faith in God's promises, Elton (Pap) LeBeau Sr. peacefully entered into the presence of his Lord and Savior on August 8, 2026. Pap was born on May 11, 1933, to Elphege and Adley LeBeau of Brignac, Louisiana. He was the youngest of six children and was preceded in death by his wife, Lynois Sheets LeBeau; his son, Elton Louis LeBeau Jr.; his son-in-law, Ronald "Ron" Squyres; his parents, Elphege and Adley LeBeau; his sisters Ronie (Ernest) Tureau; Ealia (Hickley) Waguespack; and brothers Welmon, Hilton and Acklin (Enell) LeBeau. Pap was the proud father of Elton (Debbie) LeBeau Jr.; Carla (Robert) Waggenspack; Anita Armand; Mary LeBeau; and Glenda Squyres. He was a loving grandfather to Shannon and Jonathon Santone; Adam, Brian, Cathy Landry, Derek, and Emily Waggenspack; Rachael Buratt, Jessica Armand, Rebecca Montgomery, and John Armand; Courtney LeBeau; Jarrod Solar and Morgan Nesser. He is also survived by 34 great grandchildren, 4 greatgreat grandchildren, and another great grandchild on the way. From humble beginnings during the Great Depression, Pap built a life defined by devotion. Devotion to his wife of 62 years, Lynois, who he lovingly cared for in the years following her stroke. Pap's love for the Lord was evident through every aspect of his life. He found joy in prayer, saying the rosary, and peace in the promises of eternal life with his beloved Lynois. He shared his faith through caregiving, compassion, honesty, and unyielding trust in God's plan. He taught us that faith is often strongest in the ordinary moments of life. He grew up farming with his parents' picking strawberries with his dad and daylilies with his mom. He later became a rancher raising cattle with his family. He retired from Ormet Corporation and boasted of the wonderful friendships he made there, and the time spent working beside his son, Elton. After retirement, he enjoyed spending time with his family, camping, and traveling to flea markets and auctions with Lynois. Pap learned about survival and resilience during the Korean War. He enlisted in the United States Navy on August 29, 1951, where he proudly served for four years. He was stationed in Sasebo Japan where he received the rank of Boatswain Mate and served aboard the USS Leo. After two years, he was reassigned to the legendary destroyer, the USS KIDD 661 where he attained the rank of 3rd Boatswain Mate. His time in service reflected his enduring commitment to helping others and his steadfast sense of duty. Visitation will be held at Holy Rosary Catholic Church on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, beginning at 8:30 am with the Funeral Mass at 10:30 am. After mass, there will be a funeral procession to the burial at Lake Cemetery located at 45049 Lake Martin Road in St. Amant, LA, with Military Honors to be rendered at the graveside. After burial, a memorial gathering will be held at Holy Rosary Catholic Church Parish Center. Pall-

bearers will be Shannon Santone, Jonathon Santone, Adam Waggenspack, Derek Waggenspack, John Armand and Dustin Landry. Honorary Pallbearers will be Brian Waggenspack, Jarrod Solar, Joshua Nesser, and Randall Skillern. The family would like to offer a special thank you to the staff at Old Jefferson Community Care Center and Clarity Hospice for their love, care, and compassion for our dad. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Elton (Pap) LeBeau Sr's name to the Ronie Tureau Food Pantry or Full of Grace Cafe, both located at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, 44450 Highway 429, St. Amant, LA 70774.

Lyons, Leonard Gregory 'Greg'

Leonard Gregory "Greg" Lyons, Sr., passed away at his home on Monday, August 10, 2026, at the age of 79. He was a lifelong resident of Plaquemine, La. Greg was a talented musician from an early age, learning to play nearly any instrument he picked up and had a beautiful singing voice. He was a graduate of Plaquemine High School where he was a star center on the football team and was named an All-American center. After graduating, he put his music on hold to serve in the U.S. Air Force at Carswell AFB, Fort Worth, Texas and received a Honorable Discharge in 1972. Following his service, he returned to his lifelong passion for music, eventually forming and playing in his own band. He never missed an opportunity to share a song. Greg is survived by his children, Richard "Ricky" Lyons (Rae), Tammy L. Rosso Granger Falcon (Gary), and Leonard "Lenny" Lyons (Stacey) whom he shared with his first wife, Wanda Fisher Lyons Gregoire; grandchildren, Matthew and Seth Rosso, Thomas Granger (Katelyn), Madalyn Brumley (Sage), Anthony and Kambri Lyons, Colton Lyons (Erica), and Bailey Lyons (Trey); greatgrandchildren, Blaire Brumley, Reese and Summer Lyons, Tatum Harrington, Kaegan, Karson, Breelyn, and Bryson Granger; brother, Walter "Frankie" Lyons; and numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his parents, Charlie J. Lyons and Ethel Pendas Lyons Businelle; stepfather, John H. Businelle; siblings, Charles "Boogie" Lyons and Thomas Marvin Businelle; and sister-n-law, Artie Blanchard Lyons. A private family celebration of life will be held at a later date. Special thanks to the first responders for the profound dignity, respect, and care they showed to Dad and our family during a challenging time. Please share memories online at www.wilbertservices.com.

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The Advocate ■ theadvocate.com ■ Sunday,August 16, 2026 ■ 5B

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Mallett, Margaret Myers

Martine, Charles Francis 'Bud'

strength, and love that will continue to guide her family for generations. A Celebration of Life will be held at First Pentecostal Church of Denham Springs Chapel on Saturday, August 22, 2026, at 1:00 p.m., where family and friends are invited to gather to honor her memory.

take place afterwards at Serenity Oaks in Prairieville, LA. "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." 2 Timothy 4:7

is 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m., with services at noon. Interment will follow at 3:00 p.m. at Resthaven Gardens of Memory, Baton Rouge. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to FBCZ Missions.

Myers, Diane Woods

Margaret Myers Mallett, a devout Catholic, was the second of nine children born to Luke, Sr. and Mamie Kinney Myers on April 17, 1936, in Jennings in Jeff Davis Parish. As a teen she cared for her maternal grandparents, Elvina and Leo Paul Kinney. After graduating from Jennings High School, she attended SLI (now UL Lafayette) where she met Joseph "Joe" Mallett also from Jeff Davis Parish. On August 4, 1956, they were one of the first couples married at the newly formed Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Jennings, of which her family was a founding member. Margaret and Joe began their family in Welsh before moving to Baton Rouge for Joe's work. In Baton Rouge they were a founding family of St. Pius X Catholic Church. Upon moving to Wilson in East Feliciana Parish, they joined Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Jackson where she was active with the Alter Guild and was affectionately known as the "Donut Lady". Margaret was strong willed, and her superpower was being a mom, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She loved and honored the uniqueness of each of her children while always giving unselfishly to them. Her family was her life, and her life was her family. She was a dedicated homemaker and talented seamstress while raising her children. Her sewing skills were well known in the community. She entered the workforce when her children were in high school and college and worked until the age of 70 as a counter clerk and seamstress at several Baton Rouge area dry cleaners. After retiring Margaret's passion was quilting with her friends and traveling to quilt shows all across the South. In the last few years of her life, she lived at La Plantation Retirement Community in Denham Springs where she enjoyed putting puzzles together with her friends. While there she was well cared for by the staff of La Plantation, Gentiva Hospice, Deborah Watson, Pamela James, and her entire family. Margaret passed away on August 11, 2026, in Denham Springs. She was 90. Margaret is survived by her four children Lenora Harding, Sonia Mallett and partner Katherine Whitney, Tina Hall and husband Andy, and Vern Mallett and wife Michelle; grandchildren, Jenifer Ceballos and husband Tony, Richard Mark Harding, Jr., Julia Whitney, Brandon Hall, Angela Potter and husband Stephen, Kyle Mallett and wife Megan, and Adam Mallett; great-grandchildren, Kamron and Mirabella Harding, Noah Ceballos, Chadwick and Noah Potter; brothers, Andrew and Charles Myers; sisters, Marcelite Sonnier and Martha Louviere; and numerous nieces and nephews. Margaret is preceded in death by her husband; her parents; her daughter, Gwendolyn Mallett; brothers, J.C. and Luke Myers, Jr.; and sisters, Sr. Elizabeth Myers and Marie LeBlanc. Pallbearers are Vern Mallett, Richard Mark Harding, Jr., Kyle Mallett, Adam Mallett, Brandon Hall and Kamron Harding. Visitation will be held at Matthews Funeral Home, 511 N. Cutting Ave., Jennings, LA on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, from 9:00am until 12:30pm, with Recitation of the Rosary at 10:30am. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 1:00pm in Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 703 S. Lake Arthur Ave., Jennings, LA, celebrated by Rev. Anil Alexander. Burial to follow at Calvary Cemetery, Evangeline Rd., Jennings, LA. After the burial service, family and friends are invited to spend time together at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church Family Room. Arrangements have been entrusted to Matthews Funeral Home JENNINGS, 511 North Cutting Avenue Jennings, LA 70546

Russell, Thomas Leroy 'Tommy' Charles "Bud" Francis Martine, a resident of Burnside, Louisiana, passed away on August 11, 2026, just days before his 83rd birthday. He was born on August 16, 1943, in Burnside, Louisiana. Bud was a devoted husband, loving father, proud grandfather and greatgrandfather, successful businessman, avid fisherman, and loyal LSU fan. Of all the roles he held throughout his life, none meant more to him than his family. In 1962, Bud married the love of his life, Kathleen "Skipper" Milano Martine. Together, they shared nearly 64 years of marriage, built a family, and created a lifetime of memories. Bud is survived by his loving wife, Skipper; his daughters, Julie Martine and Dana (William) Clouatre; his sons, Barry (Sheree) Martine, Shawn (Renee) Martine, and Keith (Sherry) Martine; and his sister, Carol Long. He was the proud grandfather of Kayla (Ashley) Bourgeois, Anna Gore, Heidi Gore, Casey (Jessica) Clouatre, Dustin (Blair) Clouatre, Mason (Gabrielle) Clouatre, Reagan Martine, Rhett Martine, Amanda (Kade) Sheets, Brady (Christyn) Martine, Corrie Martine, Kelsi (Reed) Babin, and McKenzie Martine, and was blessed with 22 greatgrandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ernest Martine and Ida Chauvin Martine, and his sister, Virginia Leger. Bud was the owner of Ernest Martine, Inc. Trucking, where he spent many years building and operating the family business. He was a hardworking man who understood the importance of determination, responsibility, and providing for his family. Bud enjoyed fishing and cheering on his LSU Tigers, but his greatest enjoyment came from being with his family. He especially loved attending his grandchildren's sporting events and rodeos and took great pride in their accomplishments. Whether at family gatherings, ballgames, rodeos, or simply spending time together, Bud was happiest surrounded by those he loved. Above all, Bud was a great dad and a wonderful grandfather. His greatest legacy is his family—the five children, 13 grandchildren, and 22 great-grandchildren who will carry forward the values, stories, traditions, and love he gave them. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered by his family and all those who had the privilege of knowing and loving him. Visitation will be Monday, August 17, 2026, at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Darrow, LA, beginning at 8:30 AM. Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11:30 AM, with a Committal Service to follow at Hope Haven on Hwy 30 in Gonzales, LA.

McKenzie - Zuber, Norma Lee

Norma Lee McKenzie, 88, of Plano, Texas,on August 9, 2026. Born on January 18, 1938, in Hodge, Louisiana, to Reverend Leo Zuber and Mattie Zuber. She was preceded in death by her father, Reverend Leo Zuber; her mother, Mattie Belle Zuber; her son, David Greer; and her granddaughter, Haley Greer Guy. She leaves behind her two daughters, Patti Dyer and Tammie Vosburg; her seven grandchildren and her seven great grandchildren, She also leaves behind someone she loved, Ann Reed. Her legacy of faith,

Diane Woods Myers, a beloved wife, mother, sister, and friend, entered eternal rest on August 5, 2026 at age 66. Visitation will be held August 22, from 9:00-11:00am., followed by the service 11:00am at Neely United Methodist Church.

O'Daniel, Timothy 'Tim' Charles

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of a beloved husband, father, Paw Paw, and friend. On his 61st birthday, he peacefully took his final breath. Though our hearts are broken, there is comfort in knowing that he was surrounded by his family and held in the love that meant so much to him. He fought cancer with incredible strength and courage. Through every difficult moment, he continued to love his family, share his laughter, and remain the man they had always known him to be. His battle may have been difficult, but his spirit never stopped shining. He was a man whose love could be felt in the way he cared for his family, the stories he shared, the laughter he brought into a room, and the music that came from his heart. To his wife, he was a devoted husband and lifelong companion. To his children, he was a loving father, a source of strength, guidance, and unconditional love. And to his grandchildren, he was simply Paw Paw—a name filled with memories, hugs, laughter, and a love they will carry with them forever. Music was more than something he enjoyed—it was a part of who he was. His voice had a way of bringing people together, and when he sang, he gave a little piece of his heart to everyone listening. His songs will continue to live on in the memories of those who were lucky enough to hear him. He taught his family many things, but perhaps his greatest lesson was how to love deeply, laugh often, cherish family, and make the most of the time we are given. Cancer may have taken his final breath, but it never took his courage, his love, or the beautiful legacy he leaves behind. Now his suffering is over, and he can rest peacefully. He will forever be loved, forever missed, and never forgotten. His voice may be silent, but his song will never end. He is survived by his loving wife of 42 years, Dana; sons, Shane (Bonnie) and Shawn (Melissa); beloved grandchildren, Bentley, Bradey "Sweetie Pie", Weston, Avery, Austin, Landon, Braxton, and Reid; brothers-in-law, Duane (Renee); Dwight (Cindy) Pittman and Johnny Johnson; brothers, Richard Bridges and Tommy Edds; sister, Suzanne Cook; and mother-in-law, Jan Johnson, along with countless nieces, nephews, and friends. He is preceded in death by his mother, Shirley Starling; sister, Pamela; brother, Jimmy; and grandmother, Vercie Lee Taylor. Pallbearers will be Shane and Shawn O'Daniel, Duane and Dwight Pittman, John Shaheen "Shop", and Christopher Williamson. Honorary pallbearers will be Mike Decaire, and Weston and Austin O'Daniel. Visitation will be at Ourso Funeral Home in Gonzales, LA on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, at 9:00 AM with a Celebration of Life Service to follow at 11:00 AM. A Committal Service will

Thomas "Tommy" LeRoy Russell, Jr., 73, of Zachary, Louisiana, passed away peacefully on August 9, 2026, with his wife of 54 years, Brenda, by his side. Born in Baton Rouge on February 7, 1953, Tommy graduated from Glen Oaks High School in 1971, where he met Brenda Seal. They married on June 3, 1972. Tommy spent more than 50 years building pools throughout Louisiana with Russell Pool Company alongside his family before retiring in 2017. A cancer survivor, Tommy lived his faith with humility and devotion. He was a longtime member and Deacon at First Baptist Church, Zachary, where he served as Chairman of the Deacons, taught Sunday School, served on numerous committees, participated in mission trips, and helped develop the church's television ministry. Tommy was also a longtime LSU football season ticket holder and TAF Purple Blazer recipient. He was best known for his generosity, love of Jesus, devotion to family, and desire to help others. He is survived by Brenda; siblings Mona Sappenfield, Darrell Russell, and Keith Russell; children Lee, Cynthia, and Elizabeth; and nine grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Betty Russell. Visitation and services will be held Monday, August 17, at First Baptist Church, Zachary. Visitation

Walsh, Joseph Peter 'Deacon Pete'

Deacon Joseph Peter Walsh (Deacon Pete) entered eternal life on Sunday, June 21, 2026, at the age of 87. Rite of Christian Burial was held on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at St. Patrick Catholic Church. Born on January 28, 1939, in Brooklyn, New York, Deacon Pete lived a life defined by faith, service, intellectual curiosity, and love for others. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering and Master of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering. After serving in the United States Army, he contributed to the Apollo space program, working on the coating of the heat shields to protect craft upon reentry into the Earth's atmosphere. He had a lengthy career as a Chemical Engineer at Exxon-Mobile, including assignments living in Greece, Spain, and France with his family. Deacon Pete was an avid reader, who could swim, play the flute, sculpt, and was an expert at history, games, learning,

and so much more. Deacon Pete completed his diaconate formation in 1996 in the Diocese of Baton Rouge, where he served for more than 30 years. His ministries were widespread and include: prison, youth, the Rosary, homeschooling, Charismatic, Evangelization, Respect Life Committee, Magnificat, and visiting the sick and homebound. He initiated both the Seven Sisters Ministry and That Man is You at St. Patrick's Catholic Church. His joyful faith, sense of humor, and genuine concern for others made him a trusted mentor and spiritual father to countless people. He is predeceased by his parents, Joseph and Marie (née Balassi); Joan (née Cuscé) his beloved wife of more than 57 years. He is survived by his children: Maura; Stephen (Danielle); Christine; Karen Wilcox (Clifton); Jo Anne Mundt (Michael) and nine grandchildren. The family would like to acknowledge the care provided to him by the nurses and staff at Clarity Hospice and At Homecare of Louisiana. Memorial contributions may be made to the Retirement Fund for Priests through the Diocese of Baton Rouge or the Women's New Life Clinic. Any memorial cards to the family may be sent through St. Patrick Catholic Church or through Resthaven Gardens of Memory & Funeral Home.

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

OUR VIEWS

Ten years ago, community faced flood together When the rains finally stopped in August 2016, we looked around and barely knew where we were. A vast swath of south Louisiana from Baton Rouge to Lafayette and towns and cities nearby had been pounded for 50 hours straight after a flash flood warning on Aug. 11 sounded the alarm. It would become known simply as The Great Flood of 2016, and it broke rainfall records many thought impossible outside of a hurricane. Around 7 trillion gallons of water was dumped on the region, with an average of 18 inches of rain over three days in some hard-hit areas. When it was over, nearly 91,630 homes were damaged and 13 deaths were reported statewide. The landscape of entire neighborhoods was completely transformed. It was hard to make out major landmarks or identify where a neighbor’s yard began or ended. But out of this chaos, community blossomed. If we forgot where we were amid the unceasing waters, we would never forget who we were. Soon, boats were out, neighbors began helping neighbors, checking on shut-ins and bringing food to those in need. The road to recovery would be long and arduous, with some homes taking more than a year to rebuild. It was through that long haul that communities across the state came together in big and small ways. Volunteers pulled up soggy carpets from flooded homes. Those on high ground offered rooms for storm victims to stay long term. Everyone shared what they had and never counted the cost. Last week, we marked the 10th anniversary of that catastrophic event, and it is worth reflecting on the lessons it left us today. While all that water came as a shock to many, the reality of the risks we live with every day in coastal Louisiana should be very real, even for those further inland. It should be clear that all our fates are connected, just like the rivers and bayous that crisscross our environment. It also should be clear that we need to make strategic investments at every juncture to make our coast more resilient. We can never let up. Several projects after the Flood of 2016 have been completed, but many more are underway but still not finished, including the Comite River Diversion Canal and the “Five Bayous” project in Baton Rouge. Billions in federal dollars paid for raising houses and other flood-control projects. We have said before and say again that a state like Louisiana relies on a robust federal disaster response and relief system. We urge our lawmakers in Congress to remember this when efforts to roll back the national safety net periodically gain traction. Yet we know, as Louisianans, we can always face any challenge together. Our strong ties to community and family have gotten us through many a storm. Ten years ago, an unexpected flood proved that once again.

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House looks like blight, but there’s more to it Vegetation and neglect are trying to erase a little-known — but important — link between Louisiana and the Harlem Renaissance, the Black cultural and intellectual movement that blossomed in the 1920s. Arna Bontemps, a key Faimon ﬁgure in the movement, Roberts was born in Alexandria in 1902. His family lived in the city for only three years before joining the Great Migration to the West Coast. In the 1920s, Bontemps landed in New York, where he wrote acclaimed books, poems and essays. He also befriended other Black luminaries like W.E.B. Du Bois and Langston Hughes. So his time in Louisiana was short. But in the 1990s, his childhood home was moved from its original location to Third Street in downtown Alexandria, just steps from the Red River. There, it opened as a museum, where it served to recount Bontemps’ life and the Renaissance’s story. Over time, however, funding became an issue. The museum went to being open by appointment only, then permanently closed. A news story in

2018 featured a plea for community help to maintain it. Today, it looks like blight. Bushes grow around its historical marker, and the plaques are faded and difficult to read. Overgrowth obscures the front porch and door. Some siding has fallen off and at least one window is missing. I reached out to Alexandria Mayor Jacques Roy’s office. Deputy Chief Administrative Officer Michael Caffery told me that the city owns the lot, but the Arna Bontemps Foundation owns and is responsible for the house. “We have actively sought to make contact with the point person for the foundation since we entered office in 2022, unsuccessfully,” Caffery told me. “We’ve made numerous attempts to speak to people about it.” Periodically, people have told city officials they are in contact with the family, but those efforts have generally resulted in little or no improvement, Caffery said. The Louisiana secretary of state’s website says the foundation’s status as a Louisiana nonprofit was revoked in 2024. The most recent audit on file with the Louisiana legislative auditor is from the fiscal year that ended in July 2017.

My efforts to contact anyone connected to the foundation were also unsuccessful. All of that is a shame. Arna Bontemps may not have been in Louisiana for long, but he is an important example — among scores of good ones — of how people forged in the Bayou State affected the country and the world through their creative or intellectual expression. Part of the problem is that Arna Bontemps is not a household name. He’s not Louis Armstrong, Jon Batiste or Irma Thomas. I had never heard of him before reading a recent column by longtime Alexandria journalist Bob Tompkins in the online publication Rapides Parish Journal. But that doesn’t mean he wasn’t important, or that his house shouldn’t be preserved so that the public will continue to learn Bontemps’ story. If the foundation can’t do it, the city should step in. If the city is unable, then the state should get involved. Like all good writers, Bontemps’ words will endure. It’s only right that his house be allowed to do the same. Email Faimon A. Roberts III at froberts@theadvocate.com.

Learning to appreciate view from afar It’s often said that familiarity breeds contempt. That certainly seems to be the case in today’s political environment. The long-standing political parties are being spurned by all sides as voters seek new ideas and new voices. But it’s also true that when you look around at other political systems, Arnessa there’s much that works Garrett in our own despite the current dysfunction. Travel often provides an up-close look at the beneﬁts and drawbacks of how other countries run. And often when I return from traveling abroad, I am struck by how much the rights and freedoms we take for granted here are unparalleled elsewhere in the world. Indeed, it’s not only the freedom to express our views that sets this country apart, but also there is a broad

freedom from government intrusion that our Constitution guarantees. The beneﬁts of American citizenship cannot be overstated, and it’s no doubt why we attract immigrants from all over the world. Still, it’s easy to lose sight of that when we have serious debates over the direction of our country. Let’s hope that even those who are on opposing sides of the political spectrum have an interest in maintaining the foundational freedoms we have come to enjoy. Having debates is good, but they should be predicated on a healthy respect for the systems of government that have long sustained us. Nowadays, from the fringes, we are seeing arguments that the basic ideals on which this country was founded are no longer valid. Let’s hope we don’t have to learn the lesson of “absence makes the heart grow fonder” when it comes to our freedoms. Turning to our letters inbox, it seems

that many of you may have been traveling as well in recent weeks, as we received fewer letters than usual. The week of July 23-29, we counted 30 letters. The topic that most concerned you was the fight between New Orleans officials and state officials over the indictment of Attorney General Liz Murrill. We logged five letters on the topic. Then there were several topics that got two letters each, including Mardi Gras, Meta ads on our website, socialism and voting. For the week of July 29-Aug. 6, we received 49 letters. We received five letters that fell into the miscellaneous category, but voting was the most popular topic, with four letters received. Then a number of topics prompted two letters, including a potential SpaceX development in Vermilion Parish. Arnessa Garrett is Managing Editor | Opinion Page Editor. Email her at arnessa.garrett@theadvocate.com.

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COMMENTARY

Helping Ukraine can mean beaucoup jobs for La. When it comes to helping Ukraine, striking while the drones are hot also could beneﬁt Louisiana. U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson and Majority Leader Steve Scalise, and indeed the entire Louisiana delegation, should help. This past week, a group from the internationally acclaimed nonproﬁt group Razom for Quin Ukraine, led locally Hillyer by former Saints executive and city councilman Arnie Fielkow, traveled throughout Louisiana on a goodwill tour for that brave but beleaguered nation. Razom was doing more than just spreading kumbaya, however. It also was promoting important economic development opportunities for Louisiana. The timing is certainly right. As has been well reported, Ukraine seems to have gained a slight but tenuous upper hand in its existential war against Russian attackers. Meanwhile, the U.S. Senate on Aug. 7 overwhelmingly passed a major bill allowing tough sanctions to be levied on countries that purchase Russian oil and other products — but the bill still must pass the House, where Johnson and Scalise hold sway. It was in the immediate wake of that Senate vote that the Razom group toured Louisiana, urging House passage of that bill, plus requesting more assistance. But the newest part of the pitch was

ASSOCIATED PRESS FILE PHOTO By TETIANA DZHAFAROVA

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy gives a news conference in Kyiv in 2025. the bit about Bayou State business opportunities. “The most obvious [opportunity] is in defense tech,” said Daryna Lesniak, the D.C.-based “advocacy coordinator” for Razom. “We are seeing a lot of partnerships already with the Ukrainian drone manufacturers entering the U.S. market,” including a manufacturing plant in Ohio and completion of “a phase of the U.S. drone dominance program” that will help meet the defense needs of the U.S. itself. Remember, the quality of Ukrainian drone technology in some ways exceeds that of the American military, so this is a way Ukrainian know-how can be put to work with U.S. employees

to bolster American defenses. It’s a prototypical win-win scenario for everybody. “Louisiana is actually very well positioned to beneﬁt from this,” Lesniak continued, envisioning possible production or spinoffs here, “because the state already has a strong manufacturing and industrial base, and obviously major port infrastructure and an aerospace and defense presence.” She also stressed that, with Ukraine being one of the world’s greatest agricultural producers, a big opportunity exists for partnership with American agricultural technology programs. But how does that help Louisiana?

Postwar rehabilitation, that’s how. “Ukraine’s agricultural exports are dependent on ports in Odessa that Russia has [signiﬁcantly damaged], and this has really reduced Ukraine’s export capacity,” she said. “So Ukraine really needs investment and things like grain terminals and loading equipment. … Louisiana companies have the expertise that Ukraine would need to rebuild its agricultural export infrastructure.” Pushing these and similar messages, Razom’s team met on Aug. 11 with a group of greater New Orleans economic development executives, and it held similar meetings in Baton Rouge and Shreveport. Harrison Crabtree, executive director of the World Trade Center of New Orleans, said he was intrigued and impressed. “I think Louisiana companies can absolutely play a role on the defense side,” he said, speciﬁcally citing drone-related opportunities “through both private companies and also our number of major military installations.” He also is particularly interested in how Louisiana can help Ukraine in the area of “rapid recovery.” “As we well know, in Louisiana we have extensive experience in rebuilding after major disasters: everything from setting up new school systems to creating a new energy grid, to preserving culture, to rebuilding the basic infrastructure that a society needs,” Crabtree said. “So, taking those experiences that we’ve learned

through decades of hard work, and really lending that expertise and that technical knowledge to the Ukrainian government, is a huge opportunity.” All of which is even more reason for the Louisiana delegation to ramp up assistance for Ukraine. Indeed, Johnson and Scalise should make passage of the anti-Russian sanctions bill the House’s ﬁrst order of business when Congress’ August “recess” is over. The sooner the U.S. can squeeze Russia and thus help bolster Ukraine’s bargaining position, the better. The sanctions bill should be easy and quick. But there’s plenty more the U.S. ought to do — and again, support from Johnson and Scalise is key. Most urgently, not only should the U.S. give Ukraine permission to build its own defensive Patriot missiles, but we should pour more money, quickly, into U.S. domestic Patriot production both for our own needs and to sell to Ukraine immediately. Russia, alas, is increasingly successful at launching missiles to kill Ukrainian civilians and destroy hospitals, energy infrastructure and cultural heritage areas. There is absolutely no good reason to refuse to help Ukraine this way. And, as Razom’s Louisiana tour made clear, the downstream opportunities for Louisiana alone could well repay whatever aid America provides. Email Quin Hillyer at quin. hillyer@theadvocate.com.

Landry’s trashing New Orleans? Must be election time In the beginning of Jeff Landry’s quest to become governor of Louisiana in 2023, there was New Orleans. The city featured prominently in his tough-on-crime ads and in mocking rhetoric that played well among his base, but terribly in the city that was the butt of his attacks. After Landry won, the city and state saw several Stephanie years of productive detente Grace and even some actual joining of hands and minds on hosting last year’s Superbowl and ﬁghting crime, which started dropping before he sent Louisiana State Police’s Troop Nola to town and continues to wane. So why is the governor now back to trashing the city? Must be time for the next election. Sure, we’re more than a year out from the 2027 vote. But now is the time when potential challengers are watching and weighing, trying to assess the governor’s strength, and insiders are wondering if there’s an opening for former Democratic Gov. John Bel Edwards, or a more moderate Republican like Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser or former U.S. Rep. Garret Graves, either of whom could attract Democratic votes. And while incumbents are generally

hard to knock off, particularly in a state dominated by one party — well, Landry’s numbers could be better. One poll from last spring showed him with just a 43% approval rating. Late last year, another had him at 39%. Early in his tenure he did muscle through some major legislation, including to undo bipartisan criminal justice reforms that reduced the state’s nationtopping mass incarceration rate, and that was targeted to nonviolent offenders. He also leaned on lawmakers to change the way Louisianans vote. Landry wasn’t able to secure party primaries for all, but he did get the Legislature to switch to a more restrictive system for Congress and a few other ofﬁces, despite polls showing that few voters wanted their choices at the ballot box limited. They haven’t had a chance to weigh in on that, but they have been able to vote on a host of constitutional amendments the governor pushed. For two years in a row, every one of them went down to defeat. And by the way, what exactly was Louisiana supposed to get out of Landry’s trek to Greenland as President Donald Trump’s absurdly titled “special envoy,” where he got dissed in front of the television cameras by children? Of course Landry can claim some victories, the biggest being the attraction of ma-

jor investments capped by the giant Meta AI data center in remote Richland Parish. These AI centers have become increasingly controversial around the country, but less in Louisiana, at least so far. Yet there are signs of unease, including over his broad use of non-disclosure agreements. Several of his GOP allies in the Legislature have pushed back, noting that the people they represent expect their elected ofﬁcials to level with them on matters that impact their communities. And so, with another election on the horizon, his focus turned back to New Orleans. This past legislative session, he and his allies pushed beyond all reason to eliminate judicial ofﬁces in the city, most dramatically the clerk of Criminal District Court and also several judgeships. The idea wasn’t unreasonable, but the way Landry and legislative Republicans pushed it — including invalidating an election that had already happened without analysis of the potential savings, as if it were some sort of emergency — was the stuff of political theater, not sober rightsizing. Same for Landry’s recent rhetoric following the indictment of his ally Attorney General Liz Murrill, which should never have happened and was quickly quashed — but which never would have happened

had Murrill not threatened to remove the mayor, district attorney and City Council majority. Rather than cool things down, Landry went ballistic, painting Mayor Helena Moreno and the city’s other newly elected leaders with the managerial sins of their predecessors, when in fact they’re working responsibly to dig themselves out of the hole. Then came his condescending comments about a place that still drives much of the state’s economic activity and, as always, lives in the world’s imagination. Forget Drew Brees’ emotional tribute to the city’s soul at that Hall of Fame speech; the governor of the state said mockingly that “New Orleans thinks they’re so special” — a line that instantly appeared on T-shirts and entered New Orleans’ vast lexicon. So, frankly, should the ever-quotable James Carville’s assessment of the situation, as told to my colleague Tyler Bridges: “Lawyers have a saying: If you have the law, pound the law. If you have the facts, pound the facts. If you have neither, pound the table. If your approval rating is stuck in the 40s, pound New Orleans.” Couldn’t have said it better myself. Email Stephanie Grace at sgrace@ theadvocate.com.

Forthcoming munitions crisis is both foreseeable and dire During the 1979-1980 hostage crisis, a defiant Iran starkly demonstrated the limits of American power. Forty-five years later, it is doing the same thing, although in vastly different circumstances. Back then, when the postVietnam military was at a low ebb, we didn’t strike Iran, and a long-shot rescue operation ended in abject Rich failure. Lowry Now, with the U.S. military at its most proficient and professional in history, we have inflicted punishing blows against the regime but still haven’t been able to impose our will, in part because we are running low on the munitions necessary to prosecute the war. Not only is this embarrassing, it is dangerous. If Operation Midnight Hammer — last year’s lightning strike against Iranian nuclear facilities — demonstrated the prowess of the U.S. military and sent a useful deterrent message to our enemies, the Iran War is now doing the opposite. We’re running low on missiles and inter-

ceptors in a months-long conflict with a beleaguered second-rate power. What would happen in a drawn-out war with a major adversary? President Donald Trump has posted a thunderous denunciation of leaks to the media about our depleted weapons stocks, and the leaks are indeed irresponsible. But this problem is a matter of public record and has been tracked by outside organizations. At the end of July, the Center for Strategic and International Studies estimated that, out of an arsenal of 2,330 Patriot interceptors before the Iran war, we had roughly 800 remaining. We were down to roughly 250 THAAD interceptors from 450 at the start of the war. On top of this, news organizations are reporting that we are almost out of ATACMS — a ground-launched precision-strike missile — and Precision Strike Missiles, the newer, longer-range successor to ATACMS. This isn’t comforting at a time when a war with China could be in the offing. Even before Operation Epic Fury, a war game involving a conflict in the Taiwan Strait conducted by CSIS had the U.S. running

out of key munitions in days or weeks. What happened? This is a crisis a long time in the making. As defense analyst Mackenzie Eaglen of the American Enterprise Institute has warned for years, skimping on the acquisition of munitions was an easy way to meet constrained Pentagon budgets, and we relied on optimistic scenarios about potential wars to justify chronically insufficient production. For some understandable reasons, we also emphasized sophisticated missiles and interceptors over “good enough” systems. This led to Iran, for instance, forcing us to use highly expensive, difficult-toreplace interceptors against cheap, bulk threats from drones. All this means that we’ve expended ordnance that it will take us years to build again. According to media reports, we’ve used about half our supply of Tomahawk cruise missiles, when we’ve been manufacturing fewer than 100 a year. We need to put missile production on a wartime footing, and leverage hungry new defense firms to produce cheaper precision missiles and interceptors at scale.

In World War II terms, it’s the difference between the easy-to-maintain and massproduced Sherman tank and the exquisite and powerful but ultimately impractical Tiger. Whatever advantages the Tiger had in armor and punch, you’d still rather be the U.S. with 50,000 Shermans than the Germans with 1,500 Tigers. The Trump administration has been talking the right game, and there have been encouraging moves. It has signed agreements to acquire 10,000 cruise missiles over three years at a cost of a few hundred thousand dollars each, far less than a Tomahawk at more than $2 million. Wars always bring surprises. It should have been a shock to no one, though, that contemporary military conﬂict is largely missile warfare, or that we’d have trouble sustaining prolonged hostilities given that we started out with inadequate stocks. The American way of warfare is often to mess it up before adjusting and getting it right. The course correction here should be considered the most urgent priority of U.S. national security. Rich Lowry is on X, @RichLowry.

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

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8B ■ Sunday,August 16, 2026 ■ theadvocate.com ■ The Advocate

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TODAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

A t-storm around in the p.m.

Hot; a p.m. thunderstorm

Hot; a stray afternoon t-storm

An afternoon t-storm or two

A t-storm around in the p.m.

HIGH

LOW

HIGH

99° 76°

LOW

HIGH

99° 77°

LOW

98° 77°

Beaumont 96/75 Port Arthur 95/75

Baton Rouge 99/76

Lake Charles 96/77

New Orleans 97/79 Houma 95/76

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

Hattiesburg 102/77

Alexandria 102/76

Lafayette 96/77

10s

20s

30s

40s

50s

LOW

HIGH

LOW

97° 74°

YESTERDAY

Baton Rouge through 5 p.m. Saturday

Jackson 102/76 Many 100/74

HIGH

95° 75°

TEMPERATURE

Longview 104/75

-0s

LOW

Monroe 102/77

Shreveport 103/76

-10s

HIGH

97° 76°

Another Extreme Heat Warning has been issued for the Baton Rouge area. It was issued because heat index values could rise to 115 or higher this afternoon while the actual temperatures will be in the upper 90s. Expect a mostly sunny, very hot and humid day with a slight chance of showers and storms. The heat risk for many of us is extreme today, so heat illnesses are possible. Be sure to stay hydrated and take frequent breaks if exerting yourself outdoors and remember the very high UVI.

60s

70s

80s

90s 100s 110s

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

Sunrise today Sunset tonight Moonrise today Moonset today

AUG 19

HIGH

12:16p 7:08a 7:14a 8:50a 2:19a 1:15a 3:27a

LAST

AUG 27

Atlanta Austin Boston Charlotte Chicago Dallas Denver Houston Las Vegas

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

6:32 a.m. 7:46 p.m. 10:31 a.m. 10:02 p.m.

FULL

City

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

97°/77° 92°/74° 93°/73° 102° in 2023 58° in 2004

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

FIRST

PRECIPITATION

TODAY

96 102 79 94 86 103 84 99 100

77 74 69 75 67 80 60 76 83

NEW

SEP 4

t s s t t s t s pc

SEP 10

98 102 74 94 80 105 90 98 104

MON. Lo

78 77 68 76 65 82 65 79 85

t s sh t pc s s s s

FT.

0.4 1.0 1.6 1.5 0.8 0.9 1.0

LOW

7:22a 12:44a 12:06p 2:53a 10:15a 7:48a 11:17a

0.00” 0.73” 2.90” 42.22” 39.99”

FT.

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0.3 0.6 0.6 0.9 0.6 0.6 0.7

MAIN POLLUTANT Particulates

FT.

LOW

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--- --- 8:22p 0.3 8:56p 0.8 1:40p 0.6 8:30p 1.5 11:59p 1.1 10:43p 1.4 3:31p 0.6 --- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ---

City

2:43a 3:34a 4:23a 5:12a 6:01a 6:49a 7:35a

Los Angeles 84 Miami 94 Nashville 101 New york City 79 Philadelphia 80 Phoenix 107 St. Louis 93 San Francisco 72 Seattle 77

8:55a 9:45a 10:35a 11:24a 12:13p 12:36a 1:23a

TODAY Lo

67 80 78 70 72 87 72 59 58

3:06p 9:17p 3:56p 10:08p 4:47p 10:58p 5:36p 11:48p 6:25p ---7:14p 1:01p 8:01p 1:48p

pc pc s sh t t t pc pc

87 96 95 83 89 113 86 71 81

MON. Lo

69 79 74 70 72 92 71 60 57

pc t t c c s t pc pc

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

FLOOD STAGE

34 48 48 35 27 22 17

SAT. 24-HOUR STAGE CHANGE

1.20 18.60 21.30 7.80 4.20 3.71 2.50

-0.10 +0.28 +0.20 +0.10 none -0.13 +0.01

22.14

+4.15

-1.53

+0.11

18 29 8

-1.22 10.00 1.36

-0.02 -0.04 +0.02

13 15

2.50 0.81

-0.01 -0.02

47 34 29 20 12 6

8.19 5.22 3.94 4.02 2.90 2.52

+0.65 +0.35 +0.21 +0.17 none +0.16

data as of 7 a.m. Saturday

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SPORTS

T H E A D V O C AT E.C O M

S u n d ay, au g u S t 16, 2026

Preseason loss doesn’t dampen Saints’ good vibes

NFL PRESEASON: JAGUARS 24, SAINTS 20

STAFF PHOTOS By BRETT DUKE

New Orleans Saints quarterback Zach Wilson, right, throws the ball as Jacksonville Jaguars safety Caleb Ransaw defends during a preseason game on Saturday at the Caesars Superdome.

WHO’S NO. 2? QB Wilson shines, heats up battle vs. Rattler

BY LUKE JOHNSON Staff writer

Spencer Rattler earned the start for the New Orleans Saints’ preseason opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars, but it was Zach Wilson who looked the part. Checking in midway through the second quarter of the Saints’ 24-20 loss, Wilson showed off the tantalizing talent that once made him the second overall pick in an NFL draft, leading a pair of scoring drives to close out the first half and setting New Orleans up for another one had it not been for a missed field goal. Rattler was efficient but pedestrian, with his eight completions netting just 42 yards. He also took a pair of sacks, one

1Cn

of which resulted in a lost fumble inside his own 10-yard line. The difference in their performance was stark enough for coach Kellen Moore to ﬁeld questions after the game about whether he may have to rethink the order of his quarterback depth chart. “We’ll see,” he said. “We’ll continue to get Rattler these guys all these different reps. I think the world of our quarterback room. At the end of the day, I think it’s as talented a group as I’ve ever been around.”

ä See SAINTS, page 6C

The New Orleans Saints kicked off the 60th season in franchise history Saturday with an exhibition game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. The game itself — a mostly forgettable 24-20 Jacksonville win — was less notable than the aura that suffused it. A new vibe, one filled with hope and optimism, accompanies this Saints team, and it was tangible on the sidelines and in the stands at the Caesars Superdome. Jeff In the end, the Saints fell Duncan one play and 2 yard shorts of completing a last-second comeback win, but the final score did little to diminish the positive energy and momentum the Saints are feeling these days. “It was the first game for a lot of our younger players, and our message before the game was, ‘Go for it,’ ” coach Kellen Moore said. “It was a fun game. We started off fast and we had an opportunity at the end. I love the way our guys competed. A really good battle for our guys.” The fresh vibe and new direction were apparent before kickoff as Tyler Shough took over the duty of leading the Saints’ pregame huddle, cementing his status as the team’s unequivocal leader in his second season. The pregame chant wasn’t the only thing new. The club’s game-day operations staff rolled out a new hype video along with a discounted menu at the concession stands. There was even a new group of faces in the team’s cheer crew. Likewise, there were also a lot of new faces on the field, as the Saints elected to rest most of their regulars so Moore and staff could get an extended look at their backups. One of those new faces, Ty Chandler, got the party started early with an 86-yard return of the opening kickoff. Seconds later, Audric Estime was skirting around left end for a 9-yard touchdown run, and “Stand Up and Get Crunk” was pulsing through the Superdome sound system. In between, several other new faces flashed.

ä See DUNCAN, page 6C

No. 5 has deep roots in Pickett family

ä Scott Rabalais: Daniels commits unforced KOKI RILEY Cornerbackk’s BY Staff writer error in No. 5 squabble. PAGE 4C jersey choice The committee had just begun a new session “And we basically sat my brother down and its youngest member. has nothing with In the Pickett family, wearing the No. 5 told him, ‘Yo, we need to see a championship, just a tradition; it’s a promise to uphold conference championship or something. You to do wiith isn’t a standard of athletic excellence. And though need to keep this going.’ ” A championship standard. That’s what the No. Jonathan, 14, is only in middle school, his older former LS SU brothers DJ and Jaylen wanted to remind him 5 has meant to the Pickett family since Jaylen, now 28, started wearing the number when he what the jersey means to their household. quarterback The committee itself — made up of Pickett was in eighth grade. DJ, a sophomore cornerback at LSU, was no siblings who wear the number — is an inside within the family. The panel doesn’t have older than 5 when he started donning his older Danieels joke the jurisdictional power to strip or bar kin- brother’s number. He didn’t wear it last season

LSU cornerback DJ Pickett

STAFF PHOTO By MICHAEL JOHNSON

folk from wearing the number. But what isn’t a laughing matter is the high bar the number represents. “Something I mess with my brother Jonathan about is he hasn’t won a Super Bowl,” Jaylen said. “And me and DJ, when he came to town recently, we were like, ‘Hey man, we need to have a committee meeting.’

as a freshman with the Tigers, but the Freshman All-SEC selection changed his number from No. 3 to No. 5 once LSU began preseason camp Aug. 5. But little did he know that a simple jersey swap would create such controversy.

ä See PICKETT, page 4C

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2C ■ Sunday,August 16, 2026 ■ theadvocate.com ■ The Advocate

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IN BRIEF

BROADCAST HIGHLIGHTS On TV AUTO RACING 7:30 a.m. NTT IndyCar Series FS1 9 a.m. Motocross Championship CBSSN 11 a.m. NTT IndyCar Series FOX BEACH VOLLEYBALL noon Manhattan Beach Open CBSSN 3 p.m. Manhattan Beach Open CW WOMEN’S COLLEGE SOCCER 11 a.m. Ohio St. at Clemson ACCN FISHING 7 a.m. Bassmaster Elite Series FS1 GOLF 11 a.m. St. Jude Championship GOLF 1 p.m. St. Jude Championship CBS

1 p.m. 2 p.m. 3 p.m. 4 p.m.

LPGA: Portland Classic USGA: U.S.Amateur USGA: U.S.Amateur PGA: Boeing Classic HORSE RACING noon Saratoga Live MEN’S LACROSSE noon Maryland at Philadelphia MLB 11 a.m. Baltimore at Tampa Bay 12:30 p.m.N.y.yankees at Toronto 2 p.m. St. Louis at Chicago Cubs 6 p.m. Seattle at Houston RODEO 11 a.m. PBR: Team Series 12:30 p.m.PBR: Team Series

FROM STAFF AND WIRE REPORTS

GOLF NBCSN NBC GOLF FS1 ABC NBCSN MLBN ABC NBC CBS CW

MEN’S SOCCER 8:55 a.m. Arsenal vs. Manchester City ESPN 10 a.m. West Ham United at Burnley CBSSN 2:15 p.m. Mantova at Lazio CBSSN 6 p.m. Richmond at Omaha CBSSN WOMEN’S SOCCER 8 p.m. Washington at Angel City ESPN SOFTBALL 7 p.m. Team Brown vs.Team Klinger MLBN SWIMMING 1 p.m. Pan Pacific Championships NBC TENNIS 10 a.m. Cincinnati-ATP/WTA TENNIS WNBA 4 p.m. Indiana at Atlanta ESPN 6 p.m. Portland at Phoenix ESPN

These games hold most intrigue for Pels The NBA released its schedule for the 2026-27 season on Thursday. The New Orleans Pelicans will look to rebound after back-to-back seasons of winning less than 30 games. Here are the 10 Rod most intriguing Walker games on the Pelicans’ schedule.

Oct. 31: Hawks at Pels As crazy as it may sound, CJ McCollum has yet to play a game in the Smoothie King Center since being traded from the Pelicans to the Washington Wizards after the 2024-25 season. McCollum is now with the Hawks (along with former Pels players Dyson Daniels, Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Buddy Hield). McCollum ﬁnally gets his tribute video.

STAFF FILE PHOTO By SOPHIA GERMER

San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama, center, holds the ball in front of New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson, left, and Pelicans forward Trey Murphy, right, during a game at the Smoothie King Center on Oct. 24. the Big Apple to the Big Easy. It’ll be Jose Alvarado’s ﬁrst game in the Smoothie King Center as a member of another team. Expect the fan favorite to get lots of love in his ﬁrst game in New Orleans since being traded in February.

Jan. 14: Pels vs. Spurs

The Pelicans, like the Saints, will play a game in Paris. While Nov. 20: Pels at Thunder New Orleans is a city with deep There is no team that has had French roots, the crowd at the its way with the Pelicans quite Accor Center will be heavily prolike Oklahoma City. The Pelicans Spurs. The Spurs, who reached have lost their last 13 games the NBA Finals last season, are against the Thunder. That in- led by French superstar Victor cludes the first-round sweep in Wembanyama. the playoffs in 2024. The Thunder will once again be among Jan. 28: 76ers at Pels the favorites to win it all in June. The 76ers will be one of the This is the Pelicans first chance league’s most watched teams to end their skid against a team now that they have added LeBthey haven’t defeated since No- ron James and Jaylen Brown to their roster. The lineup of James, vember 2023. Brown, Joel Embiid, Tyrese MaxDec. 16: Knicks at Pels ey and VJ Edgecombe is one of The NBA champion Knicks, the most star-studded lineups fresh off winning their first title the NBA has ever seen. LeBron since 1973, make the trip from signed a two-year deal, so this

isn’t expected to be his last ever first glimpse of a different roster. game in New Orleans. But you can expect the Smoothie King Feb. 14: Clippers at Pels Center (and every other arena in This isn’t just Valentine’s Day; the league) to be buzzing when- it’s also Super Bowl Sunday. It’s a 1 p.m. tipoff, so fans will have a ever the Sixers show up. chance to catch the Pels and then Feb. 2: Pels at Magic get home in time for the Super Mosley returns to Orlando to Bowl. Obviously, this gets a little face the Magic team that he was more interesting if the Saints are in charge of for the previous five in Inglewood, California, playing seasons. Mosley had plenty of in the NFL’s big game. success against the Pels when he was with the Magic, with Orlando April 11: Bulls at Pels winning nine consecutive games The past two season finales against New Orleans. Can Mos- have been irrelevant. The Peliley flip the script now that he’s on cans’ playoff hopes had been the other side and give the Pels dashed long before getting to their first win over the Magic the second week in April. Will since December 2021? this year be different? Will the Pelicans be jockeying for playoff Feb. 12: Rockets at Pels position or at least a spot in the Kevin Durant and the Houston play-in tournament at season’s Rockets come to the Smoothie end? If they are, then consider King Center the day after the this season a success. If not, Feb. 11 trade deadline. Will the surely major roster changes will Pelicans make a move and shake follow. things up at the deadline like they did last season with the Alvarado Email Rod Walker at trade? If they do, this will be the rwalker@theadvocate.com.

WNBA icons say discourse is a part of success BY DOUG FEINBERG AP basketball writer

UNCASVILLE, Conn. — During this Hall of Fame weekend, nearly everyone would like the attention to be on basketball, but it’s difﬁcult to ignore the conversations that are swirling around the WNBA — especially with some of the league’s greatest icons being enshrined. The ongoing vitriol centered around race, gender and sexuality makes for daily headlines. They are part of an undertone to fouls and physicality that have come with the evolution of women’s skills, all of which overshadow the impressive play that can be seen during the WNBA’s 30th year. Hall of Famer Dawn Staley, who is getting inducted again Saturday with the 1996 Olympic women’s basketball team, sees a positive side to the negativity. Staley said there are similar parallels between what the WNBA is going through and what the NBA went through in the early stages of its growth. “All the big pieces and all the things that are happening from a racial standpoint, from an officiating standpoint are great. They’re great because the NBA went through it — the NBA went through all of it,” she said. “So this is just badges of honor. Will we get through it? We will get through it.” What the NBA had to deal with was who could play in the league.

TEMPE, Ariz. — Arizona Cardinals rookie running back Jeremiyah Love will not practice this week because of a sore ankle. Love — the No. 3 overall draft pick out of Notre Dame — hurt the ankle during the team’s preseason 27-14 win over the Las Vegas Raiders on Thursday. Love was impressive in his debut, running for 58 yards on 11 carries. The Cardinals do have considerable depth at running back with James Conner, Tyler Allgeier, Trey Benson and Bam Knight on the roster. Benson is dealing with a left knee injury while Conner is coming back from a foot injury that caused him to miss most of last season. Also Saturday, the Cardinals put rookie guard Chase Bisontis on injured reserve, ending his season.

Blue Jays place All-Star Guerrero on injured list

Oct. 21: Pacers at Pels The Jamahl Mosley era begins in the Smoothie King Center. The Pelicans lost last season’s season opener on the road against the Memphis Grizzlies. Prior to that loss, the Pels had won their previous three openers. Can Mosley get the team off to a good start and win his Pelicans’ debut? For what it’s worth, Mosley won his last three season openers in Orlando. Tyrese Haliburton, who missed all of last season with a torn Achilles, is expected to make his return for Indiana.

Cardinals rookie RB Love to miss a week of practice

It was an all-white league when it was launched and there was resistance to integration. The WNBA has been hit lately with a narrative on whether transgender women — people assigned male at birth who transition to align with their gender identity — should be allowed to play in the league. There has never been one. There have been players in the league who were assigned female at birth and later came out as transgender or nonbinary. Polarizing views have become a major topic of conversation. WNBA players’ union president Nneka Ogwumike said she feels awful for the transgender fans who have supported the league for so many years. “It really breaks my heart to think about how these conversations may be affecting people who have supported us for so long,” she said.

Making a point WNBA players have used their platform to engage in social and political discussions, but Ogwumike believes there is an underlying agenda to the off-court questions players are constantly being asked about. “It’s super unfortunate because we’re now in a time where I think there’s a lot of different agendas that are being used for something perhaps bigger and broader that people can’t see now that they’re using women’s sports for,” Ogwumike said. “It’s

very concerning, but what I really do hate is that we are using a very nuanced conversation — and evolving conversation — to continue to marginalize these groups that we advocate for.” Ogwumike understands the tough balance that’s going on with the news media and on social media. “Even something as simple as you guys asking actual basketball questions. I think it’s very helpful,” she said. “I think it’s a very delicate line for me because it’s like, OK, you know, we want to act like your job is to cover this game, you know, and our job as athletes is to play it and to also give you what we can. But then it’s also like do I want to seem insensitive by not talking about the things that are going on?” Staley agrees that it’s unfortunate that all the great things happening on the court are put on the backburner in discussions. “It’s an incredible product that we’re missing out on because we got distractions every time,” she said. “There’s something great happening, there are always distractions placed in your life, but you got to be able to handle them.”

Vitriol can’t be ignored There are so many more eyeballs on the WNBA now, with viewership 17% higher than last season’s record-setting year. Attendance is also strong again this season. Not all attention is good, though.

As the league continues to grow in popularity, social media attacks directed at players have skyrocketed and betting on the sport also has increased. “I think it was more swept under the rug in the past, but now it’s not because you can’t,” Hall of Fame inductee Candace Parker said of the personal and threatening comments directed at players. “We can’t tell every player to just deal with it. That’s not how it works. I know I’m proud that some people think that they’re anonymous when they make comments online and they’re ﬁnding out that they’re not. There are going to be repercussions. “Unfortunately, that’s the climate in our country right now, to be honest with you. And I think women always feel it more and it’s always been that way, from top to bottom.” Chamique Holdsclaw said she had disagreements with teammates during her WNBA days from 1999-2010, but those were kept in the locker room and not brought out on social media, which was in its infancy. “I’ve had teammates that I may not agree with their politics or beliefs,” Holdsclaw said, “but we all know that as long as the locker room is good, we’re good.” There isn’t much kept in the locker room in today’s WNBA, or any sports league, and leagues are coping with the repercussions of those public discussions.

TORONTO — The Toronto Blue Jays put six-time All-Star Vladimir Guerrero Jr. on the seven-day IL Saturday because of concussion symptoms and selected outfielder Daz Cameron from Triple-A Buffalo. To make room on the 40-man roster, right-hander Lazaro Estrada was designated for assignment. Also Saturday, Toronto recalled left-hander Ricky Tiedemann from Buffalo and optioned right-hander Chase Lee to Triple-A. Guerrero left Friday’s 3-1 victory over the Yankees following a collision with New York rookie shortstop George Lombard on a chaotic play at third base in the sixth inning. Lombard was trying to leap over a sliding Guerrero at third base when his knee and thigh struck Guerrero’s head.

Yankees OF Judge plays catch for first time during rehab

TORONTO — Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge played catch in New York on Friday as he continues working toward a return from a broken right rib. “Just part of the ramp-up to baseball activity,” manager Aaron Boone said of Judge before Saturday’s game against the Blue Jays in Toronto. Judge hasn’t played since May 31, but the three-time AL MVP and eight-time All-Star has said he intends to return this season. He was cleared to begin light workout activity on Aug. 5. Boone spoke to Judge and said the slugger responded well to throwing for the ﬁrst time in his rehab. However, Boone didn’t know when Judge might be ready to rejoin the Yankees.

Seahawks, CB Witherspoon agree to four-year deal

SEATTLE — The Seattle Seahawks and cornerback Devon Witherspoon have agreed to a four-year, $132 million contract extension, with $101 million guaranteed, a person with knowledge of the deal told The Associated Press on Saturday. On March 26, the Seahawks exercised their ﬁfth-year option on Witherspoon, but elected to sign him to a long-term deal on the same day they started preseason play against the Dallas Cowboys. Witherspoon, 25, was selected No. 5 overall by the Seahawks in the 2023 draft. In the same round of that draft, the Seahawks selected wide receiver Jaxon SmithNjigba, who in March agreed to a four-year, $168.8 million contract with $120 million guaranteed.

Dodgers’ Ohtani will throw another bullpen session

LOS ANGELES — Shohei Ohtani will throw another bullpen session following a successful outing on Friday as the Los Angeles Dodgers’ two-way superstar works his way back from a left knee injury that has kept him from pitching since July 3. If Ohtani makes it through that workout without issue, he would likely progress to throwing batting practice, manager Dave Roberts said Saturday. Ohtani threw before the Dodgers’ 3-1 win over the Milwaukee Brewers on Friday night. Ohtani had lubricant injected into his left knee on July 12, keeping him out of the All-Star Game. He is 8-2 on the mound this season with a 1.79 ERA and 95 strikeouts in 852/3 innings, to go along with a .290 batting average, 27 homers and 74 RBIs in 113 games.

The Advocate ■ theadvocate.com ■ Sunday,August 16, 2026 ■ 3C

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Southern takes field for open scrimmage BY TOYLOY BROWN III Staff writer

A freshman was responsible for Southern’s first explosive play on Saturday. Deandre Mansfield saw daylight between his right tackle and right guard. The 5-foot-10, 170-pound running back devoured the space created by the second-team offensive line and ran for a 75-yard touchdown. The Ouachita High School product’s acceleration was impressive as he flew by the last remaining safety. That was one highlight during the Jaguars’ first open scrimmage of preseason camp at A.W. Mumford Stadium, but first-year coach Marshall Faulk, his coaching staff nor any of his players were made available to speak to the media at the conclusion of the scrimmage. One of the themes of camp has been secrecy as the Jaguars prefer not to reveal much ahead of the season opener against Alabama State at 2 p.m. Aug. 29 in Birmingham, Alabama. That was illustrated by Faulk’s shift from wanting to announce his starting quarterback in the spring to now deciding to answer that question when his top signal-caller trots onto the field against Alabama State. The Jaguars also had an announcer tell people in the stadium not to record video. Southern played three of its seven quarterbacks listed on the roster. The first one Southern used with the first-team offense was Christian Johnson, a Hutchinson (Kansas) Community College transfer. The junior joined the team in early June and appears to be the most likely starter. The 6-foot, 206-pound quarterback looked comfortable running the offense. His poise was evident during the third drive of the scrimmage when he dropped an inaccurate snap, turned to pick it up and swiftly ran about 8 yards into the end zone. During Johnson’s first drive, he delivered a crisp 17yard pass to redshirt freshman

STAFF PHOTO By MICHAEL JOHNSON

Southern wide receiver Damien Henderson runs after a catch against cornerback Michael Williams during a scrimmage on Saturday at A.W. Mumford Stadium. Daejawn Smith on an out route toward the left sideline. Johnson’s best play of the second drive was with his legs when he escaped a collapsing pocket for a 20-yard carry. The most frequent targets of passes with the first-team offense were Smith, a Louisiana Tech transfer, and returning redshirt junior Cam Jefferson. Johnson’s best throw was to 6-3 returning junior wideout Malachi Jackson. From the opposing 35-yard line, Johnson ﬂicked an accurate 27-yard pass down the left sideline over man-to-man coverage. The other two quarterbacks were Ashton Strother and Wyatt McCauley. The duo had moments of sound play with the

second- and third-team offenses but weren’t as impressive throwing the ball. McCauley, a Long Beach State transfer, seems to be the likely thirdstring quarterback. He had one impressive fade pass caught in the left corner of the end zone, but a penalty ﬂag was thrown to nullify the touchdown. Strother, who played 10 games for Southern last season, led the team’s second drive. He looked similar to how he did in the spring, with his best throw happening during the game’s sixth drive. After a five-step dropback, he lofted a pretty 23-yard pass to Jackson. The Southern defense didn’t have too many eye-catching moments during the scrimmage,

but there were times when the ﬁrst-team defensive line did a good job of bottling up likely starting running back Trey Holly. The most impressive moment on defense came from freshman linebacker Hunter Schnakenberg, who was involved in the pass rush. Despite being successfully blocked by redshirt junior Ramirez Young, who was playing right guard, the freshman remained persistent. The 6-3, 200-pound Schnakenberg leaped to deflect a pass over the middle with his right hand. The ball ﬂoated in the air and was almost intercepted by graduate student cornerback Eric Reed, who couldn’t corral it.

The defense also appeared to be more dominant during the two-minute drills that Johnson and Strother led to end the scrimmage. Forward progression didn’t come as easily thanks to solid pass coverage on deep and medium passes. One area of growth for Southern will be cleaning up penalties, especially of the pre-snap variety. The offense and defense each had four penalties Saturday. The Jaguars don’t want to repeat last year’s poor habits when they had the second-most penalties (107) and were third in penalty yards per game (71.4) in the SWAC. Email Toyloy Brown III at toyloy.brown@theadvocate.com.

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No. 5 quarrel subtracts from Daniels’ reputation

Daniels’ reaction

History of No. 5

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Utah QBs Dampier, Ficklin to tag team plays on offense BY JOHN COON Associated Press

SALT LAKE CITY — Two quarterbacks will share snaps in Utah’s offense for a second straight season. Devon Dampier and Byrd Ficklin have both returned to the Utes, looking to build on successful debut campaigns. But this is not a typical setup of two quarterbacks battling in camp to earn the right to lead the offense. Dampier will start and Ficklin will serve as his backup. That doesn’t mean both players won’t see plenty of snaps. First-year offensive coordinator Kevin McGiven plans to feature both Dampier and Ficklin in the offense, much like his predecessor Jason Beck did in 2025 before departing to Michigan. “Both of them embrace their role,” Utah coach Morgan Scalley said. “Both of them are very competitive and understand their number can be called at any time. It also allows for us to be a little bit creative and do some things with their skill sets that can cause issues with defenses.” Defenses struggled to corral Dampier and Ficklin last season. Their explosive running helped Utah put together one of the top offenses in the Big 12. The Utes led the Big 12 in total offense (482.9 yards per game), rushing offense (266.3 ypg) and scoring offense (41.3 points per game) last season while

AP FILE PHOTO By TyLER TATE

Utah quarterback Devon Dampier looks to throw the ball during a game against Cal Poly on Sept. 6 in Salt Lake City, Utah.

also ranking in the top four nationally in all three categories. Dampier and Ficklin combined to produce 66% of Utah’s total yardage and 39% of the team’s rushing yardage. Maintaining or exceeding that level of production will be critical for a Utah team facing uncertainty because of inexperienced offensive and defensive lines in Scalley’s ﬁrst full season at the helm. McGiven is tailoring his playbook — which resembles, conceptually, the schemes that Beck used with the Utes — to showcase the abilities of both players. Becoming a more complete quarterback is a common goal Dampier and Ficklin share heading into the new season. Dampier played through a sports hernia for much of last season.

Even while not playing at 100%, he still threw for 2,490 yards and 24 touchdowns while adding 835 yards and 10 scores on the ground. He also proved to be an accurate passer, completing 63.5% of his attempts and throwing just five interceptions. His best performance came in the Las Vegas Bowl, where he threw for 310 yards and two touchdowns in a 44-22 victory over Nebraska. Now back at full strength, Dampier wants to make strides as a passer and believes what he is learning from McGiven’s offense can unlock his full potential. Ficklin also wants to progress into being more of a true dual-threat playmaker. He struggled through the air during his first career start against Colorado, completing just 45.5% of his passes. That contrasted sharply with his running production as he churned out 151 yards for his first career 100-yard game. “Last year, I was more of a runner,” Ficklin said. “This year, I want to become more of that complete quarterback.” Even though Dampier is the starter, he credits sharing the quarterback room with Ficklin as an effective catalyst for his own progression as a dual-threat quarterback. “We just keep elevating each other where, eventually when he takes over, he’s gonna be that guy, and he’s also pushing me to be that guy right now,” Dampier said.

%* 35

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Both DJ and Jaylen were football stars at Zephyrhills High in Zephyrhills, Florida. Jaylen went on to play four seasons at Eastern Michigan, while DJ was the No. 11 player and No. 2 cornerback in the nation, according to the 247Sports Composite, when LSU landed him. Before either Pickett wore the No. 5 and starred at Zephyrhills, their father also played at the school but wore No. 12. The Pickett family had developed a reputation for gridiron excellence in the Florida town years before Jayden and DJ began their careers. Their uncle, Ryan, played 14 seasons in the NFL and won a Super Bowl with the Green Bay Packers in 2011. When he began his football career, Jaylen wore No. 12 in honor of his father. But for as much as he looked up to him, he also wanted to carve out his own path. That’s how he decided to start wearing the No. 5 instead, in part as an ode to Reggie Bush — the star Southern Cal running back was his favorite player growing up — but mostly as a way to start his own legacy. “I had started to get comparisons to my father,” Jaylen said. “And something I told myself was, ‘I want to be like my dad, but I also want to make a name for myself.’ ” What Jaylen couldn’t have anticipated was that his siblings eagerly would follow in his footsteps. Besides DJ and Jonathan, four sisters and two cousins either wear the No. 5 or want to. Janet, 16, dons the jersey for her high school basketball team. Jaz wears the number on her high school dance team. Maya, now 21, wore it in high school while earning scholarship offers in three different sports: basketball, track and volleyball. “She deﬁnitely has the argument for best athlete in the household,” Jaylen said. “Maya has it because she

“Your number means a lot,” LSU great Marcus Spears (No. 84) said in the forward for my book. “For a lot of guys, it’s the number you had since little league. Guys put a lot of pride in it. It matters.” Pickett is far from the ﬁrst LSU player, or player anywhere, to be promised his special number while being recruited. “In recruiting, they promise you everything,” LSU All-SEC quarterback Rohan Davey (No. 6) told me. “ ‘Can I get 6?’ ‘Of course!’ ” Davey arrived at LSU and found another quarterback, Bryan Sparacino, had the number. “I went up to him and was like, ‘I’ve got to get 6 from you, Sparky.’ He looked at me like, ‘Who the hell is this freshman?’ ” Davey got the number. So did Pickett. Daniels should make amends with LSU and take to heart something another LSU great said last week. “I know Joe’s (number) hasn’t been worn, but somebody will wear it,” Leonard Fournette (No. 7) said. “I promise you, no player is bigger than the brand. No player is bigger than the LSU brand.”

Supe

On Wednesday, ESPN reported that Washington Commanders quarterback and former LSU star Jayden Daniels sent a cease-anddesist letter to LSU on Aug. 5, informing the school that it could no longer use his name, image and likeness. The letter is the result of LSU allowing Pickett to wear No. 5, the same jersey Daniels wore during his two seasons in Baton Rouge. The number has not been retired, but no LSU player has worn it since Daniels won the Heisman Trophy in his second year with the program in 2023. LSU declined to comment on the matter Thursday. In a statement to ESPN, a spokesperson for Daniels said the “family is deeply disappointed and feels profoundly disrespected by LSU’s decision to give Jayden’s number to another player.” DJ shared his perspective on the situation with reporters on Thursday, saying: “I’ve been wearing the number my whole life, since I was 4 years old. That was the number I was promised. I wish Jayden the best. Good player, he did real good here.” Pickett’s father, Damien, told The Advocate on Thursday that DJ does not plan on changing his number, adding that LSU had not told the family he could no longer wear it. “Honestly, man, this right here makes us want to wear the number more,” Damien said. “LSU has not said anything to us about the number, about us being able to wear the number. Coach (Lane Kiffin) has been in full support of my son through this process.” When asked about the jersey swap, Kiffin told the media last week a promise was made to Pickett during the former five-star prospect’s recruitment that he could wear the number at LSU. That pledge was made under coach Brian Kelly’s regime, not Kiffin’s. Kelly told ESPN that the number was promised to Pickett during his recruitment, but he decided against giving it to him because Daniels didn’t approve. Damien told The Advocate that the family asked the four finalists in DJ’s recruitment — LSU, Oregon, Miami and Georgia — whether DJ could have the number, and each school had no issue with him wearing the jersey. But once DJ’s freshman year began, Damien suspected that acquiring the jersey could be an issue. He said the family doesn’t appreciate how Kelly and his staff handled the situation, believing that their lack of transparency contributed to the family finding itself in the middle of this controversy.

has offers in three different sports, and DJ had offers in two. I only had offers in football.” As the oldest of 11, Jaylen has in some ways become a parental figure for his younger siblings. That’s certainly been the case with DJ, who would sometimes stay at Jaylen’s house for three weeks at a time during the summer when he was in high school. One morning, while DJ was staying with Jaylen, he missed a summer workout because a teammate — who lived in the area and usually drove him to sessions — didn’t pick him up from the house. Instead of giving DJ the morning off, Jaylen made his brother work out with him. He didn’t go easy on the future LSU cornerback. “He ended up throwing up that day,” Jaylen said. “And I definitely had a conversation with him like, you would rather do your school workouts than pull that stunt. “It was almost in a sense, like, you’re not going to have the perception, especially to our father, that you’re going to come over here and just hang out and not handle your business.” DJ, an eighth grader at the time, wasn’t happy with his brother that day. But he had learned a valuable lesson, and Jaylen had fulfilled his duty as a role model. “I wasn’t perfect. I had my hiccups in high school, had my fun in college,” Jaylen said. “But I just wanted to balance that out. It was in a sense of, like, we (as siblings) can have our own accountability.” Since that day, Jaylen hasn’t seen his brother trip up once as he’s ascended to the top of the LSU cornerback depth chart. Jaylen plans on attending at least four LSU games this season. That’s when he’ll be able to watch his brother continue the No. 5 legacy underneath the bright lights of Tiger Stadium. “I think DJ’s done a lot more for the No. 5 than I ever could have imagined, even to the point where kids are looking up to him, wanting to wear No. 5, that aren’t even related to us,” Jaylen said. “It (started) with just our siblings, but now it’s on a national level.” Wednesday’s news made sure it would stay that way, turning a tale about family pride into a narrative about cease-and-desist letters and NIL. But this latest development in the story was never part of the Pickett family’s plans. DJ wears the number to honor his brother and family, not to follow in the footsteps of an LSU legend. No committee is needed to find that truth. “We never thought it would come to something like this,” Damien said. “We never looked at it as being an issue. “Jayden has his legacy. That’s the last thing we want to try and take away from him.”

ability to tout him to future prospects, but Kiffin has to side with his current player. How could he have done otherwise? What if he didn’t and it came to light that Pickett transferred over not getting the number? n I can’t find blame with Pickett in this situation. He said he’s worn No. 5 since he was 4 years old, so not surprisingly he wanted it again. Frankly, Daniels should be flattered to share the number with such a talented player. Pickett was a five-star high school recruit, a freshman All-American in 2025, a second-team preseason All-Southeastern Conference pick at SEC media days and likely will play in the NFL himself. It isn’t as if LSU decided to give No. 5 to some random walk-on. In 2020, I wrote a book called “LSU By the Numbers” (shameless plug), choosing the best Tiger who wore each number in program history, 1-99. My No. 5 was two-time All-American Skyler Green. As great as Green was, if I revised the book I’d have to pick Daniels, who would deserve that honor as much as he deserved the Heisman three years ago. I don’t believe most of us understand just what a number means to a lot of athletes, how big a part of their identity it is.

Continued from page 1C

“If we would have been told during our recruiting process and they had said, ‘Hey, No. 5 is not being issued. We can’t promise you No. 5, but we can talk to Jayden and see what Jayden has to say. If he gives his blessing, he does. If he doesn’t, he doesn’t,’ (we would have) moved forward,” ‘ Damien said. “If we were to have had a situation like that, it probably would not have blown up like this.” According to Damien, his son’s wish to wear Daniels’ jersey is not meant as a sign of disrespect toward the quarterback and what he accomplished at LSU. DJ wearing No. 5 is personal; the number is tattooed on his left arm. “He never looked at the number like, ‘Oh, I want to wear five because of X, Y and Z,’ ” Damien said. “ ‘The only reason I wear this number is because of my family, because of my brother, because of what we do, because of what I do.’ ”

focused on his job as Washington’s starting quarterback in the middle of training camp. Daniels did not play Friday in the Commanders’ 20-7 preseason win over Miami and did not speak to reporters in Washington afterward. n Team Jayden has a point in all of this: His number is being treated differently than the No. 9 worn by 2019 Heisman winner Joe Burrow. No LSU player has worn No. 9 since Burrow left LSU in January 2020, the national championship trophy in one hand and a victory cigar in the other. LSU has made it clear it is no longer in the business of retiring football numbers and has not except for Billy Cannon’s No. 20 after he played his last game in the 1960 Sugar Bowl. Burrow said last week he was told by LSU that his number wouldn’t be used again. The school should have a more consistent policy about using or not using numbers of highly accomplished players. n The anti-Lane Kifﬁn crowd will use his decision to let Pickett wear No. 5 as promised as another opportunity to bash him. That’s wrong. He made the right decision, especially if it turns out that keeping Pickett out of the transfer portal meant giving him the number. LSU may permanently lose the beneﬁt of Daniels’ goodwill and

PICKETT

talented, apparently affable young man has become a meme with countless derogatory references on social media and in the media to his surprising act. Father Michael Alello of St. Aloysius Church in Baton Rouge posted on X that the church was changing 5:30 p.m. Mass to 6:30 p.m. and that the ﬁfth commandment was under further review. Former NFL star Chad Ochocinco said Daniels needs to move on and focus on his role as an NFL starting quarterback. When a priest and a guy who literally changed his name to a number aren’t on your side, you’re losing. Allow me to tick off a few observations if I may: n While the court of public opinion is, like Daniels’ cease-anddesist letter, not legally binding — and though he has his supporters — overall his reputation has been greatly damaged by this episode. Either Daniels got bad advice — a lot of ﬁngers are being pointed at his helicopter mom and agent Regina Jackson — or he is just being petulant about the whole thing. Since he displayed no such character traits in his time at LSU, I’ll default to the bad advice theory. On top of being turned into a national laughingstock over this, Daniels comes off looking like he’s not

I don’t know whether Jayden Daniels ever stepped on an ant hill on the practice ﬁeld while he was at LSU, but he certainly kicked one over last week. The former LSU Heisman Trophy winner and now Washington Commanders quarterback and/ or his team (not the Commanders) sent LSU a ceaseand-desist letter demanding the school stop using his name, image and likeness. Why? Because the school issued Scott No. 5 to current Rabalais the Tigers sophomore cornerback DJ Pickett for this season. The number is the one Daniels wore during his two seasons at LSU, seasons capped by his remarkable 2023 season in which he won the Heisman. He doesn’t own the number, though, just like he doesn’t own the copy of the Heisman Trophy LSU got and that he now apparently wants to go to his high school. The trophy still was displayed Friday in the lobby of the LSU football complex. And the No. 5 is still on Pickett’s jersey. All Daniels has earned from this episode is widespread scorn and heaps of jokes at his expense. A

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The Advocate ■ theadvocate.com ■ Sunday,August 16, 2026 ■ 5C

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OUTDOORS

Hunters sharing, a big trout and sadness BY JOE MACALUSO

Contributing writer

Something old, something new and something sadly very blue this week. The old is the continuing march of our state’s Hunters for the Notebook Hungry push into the early September start of the hunting seasons. Yep, it’s coming soon, and H4H has scheduled its annual Clean Out Your Freezer Day for Aug. 23 at locations across the southeastern and Acadiana area parishes. This drive is the ﬁrst step in the 30-year-plus push to set its slogan in stone — hunters who care share. It’s a chance to take what’s left from last season’s efforts aﬁeld and put this extra into the hands of folks in food banks and soup kitchens. And, it’s a collection for more than game. Fish and other frozen meats will be accepted at 20 locations from Slidell west to Eunice and most points in between. The fire station on Brightside Drive in Baton Rouge is the newest location. “We’re at a stage where we want to increase awareness of our collection,” H4H director Julie Grunewald said. “We want our outdoorsmen and women to know they can share with the less fortunate among us.” Last year’s 18,500 pounds collected turned into what the receiving organizations like the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank and Second Harvest estimated to be 75,000 meals. The total haul over 30plus years stands at a little more than 570,000 pounds, producing an estimated 2.25 million meals.

CLEAN OUT YOUR FREEZER LOCATIONS Locations for Hunters for the Hungry’s Clean Out your Freezer Day set Sunday,Aug. 23 include: Acadiana: 10 a.m.-3 p.m., benefits The Refinery Mission. Cajun Field, 2351 W. Congress St., Lafayette; Fire Station, 100 Park Ave., Eunice; First Assembly of God Church, 3555 Verot School Road,youngsville; Giles Nissan, 4383 I-49 Service Road, Opelousas Baton Rouge area: 1-4 p.m., benefits the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank. Bass Pro Shops, Range Avenue at I-12, Denham Springs; Bowie Outfitters, 8630 Perkins Road; CCA Louisiana, 12241 Industriplex Blvd.; Cabela’s, Louisiana 30 at Interstate 10, Gonzales; Fire stations, 3150 Brightside Drive and 5758 Claycut, Baton Rouge; 11646 Sullivan Road, Central City; St. George, 7027 Antioch Road, 16415 George

O’Neal Lane and 9214 Jefferson Highway; 4525 Main St., Zachary; The Red Boot Deli, 12430 St. Helena St., Clinton Houma/Thibodaux: 1-4 p.m., benefits Plymouth Rock Baptist Church. Rouses Market, 1410 St. Charles St., Houma; Rouses Market, 204 N. Canal St., Thibodaux. Metairie: 10 a.m.-2 p.m., benefits the Second Harvest Food Bank. Puglia Sporting Goods, 1925 Veterans Memorial Blvd. Slidell: 1-4 p.m., benefits Second Harvest Food Bank. Rouses Market, 1644 Gause Blvd. For locations, dates and times in Lake Charles, Marksville, Monroe, Natchitoches, Pineville, Ruston, Shreveport/ Bossier City and Natchez, Mississippi, go to Hunters for the Hungry’s website: cleanoutyourfreezer.com

The H4H effort continues during the hunting season, accepting donations of freshly taken deer and hogs for processing at locations across the state, and a postdeer season effort called “Hogapalooza.” “It’s a big help, and the organizations we support can’t wait for these donations,” Grunewald said. All the organizers ask is that the donated items be properly labeled.

You also can contribute via a check-off when buying hunting licenses and by personal donations, which help defray the cost of processing deer and hogs into meals.

Joe Macaluso

Big trout The new is a personal record for Brad McAdam, who knows how to beat the heat. He fishes Lake Pontchartrain at night, and what a night it was on Wednesday

PROVIDED PHOTO

Brad McAdam is beating the heat by fishing the bridges in Lake Pontchartrain at night. Not in his wildest angling dreams did he believe the trip he made to the U.S. 11 bridge Wednesday night would produce what he said was “a once-in-a-lifetime” speckled trout, a spotted giant weighing 8.33 pounds. It stands as the leader heading into the closing days of the summer-long S.T.A.R. tournament.

into early Thursday. It started out to be a night, but turned out to be THE night that included some heart-stopping minutes near the U.S. 11 bridge. Factored into the eventful hours working soft plastics around the bridges was Murphy’s Law — you know the thing about “if it can go wrong, it will.” Seems a friend told McAdam about baitfish balling up around one spot on the bridge, a place a friend has limited out on keeper redﬁsh. In what he said was choppy water (there was

a 12-knot wind), he said he caught three white trout, a couple of catfish and ladyfish while his fishing partner hooked a nearly 24-inch redfish. “When I went to net the fish, the net broke and the redfish went through the top rim of the net. We lost that fish, but managed to net an 18-inch redfish,” McAdam said. A lack of action prompted a move to an unproductive spot, then a move back to the original location between the railroad trestle and the U.S. 11 bridge. That’s where it happened: a strike on the offering, a Zoom Super Fluke Junior rainbow shad color with the tail dipped in chartreuse dye. “I thought I’d finally hooked a redfish. There was bait everywhere and we hadn’t seen a trout, but when the fish came to the top, it caught me off guard. It was a huge trout,” he said. Ah, but no net. “The trout jumped once, then twice and I made the mistake of trying to haul it in, but didn’t realize the weight of this fish,” he said. “I went to the back of the boat and tried to bring it in over the transom. The fish jumped again and I barely got it over the transom. You just don’t ever get that many chances with a big trout like that. When I went to weigh it, the hook fell out of its mouth.” Turns out the massive fish measured slightly more than 27 inches long and the scales at Chagg’s Sporting Goods hit 8.33 pounds, easily the heaviest trout of the summer and, when certified, the Metairie angler will take the lead in CCA’s S.T.A.R. tournament.

Sadness Friday, Aug. 14, was a day of tears for more folks than we’ll ever know. Skip Bertman’s death filled Facebook pages far and wide Bertman and became another chapter in a personal 42-year-long relationship with a man and his family. Lots of you know I covered LSU and college baseball for Capital City Press sports for 22 seasons, the last of which was LSU’s first national championship in 1991. Years with LSU coaches Jim Smith and Jack Lamabe preceded the eight seasons covering Bertman’s teams. What a ride to writing about six NCAA regionals and five College World Series trips and the glory-filled highs and the few lows this man and his family brought to LSU and Louisiana. There likely would be a debate for the four men to be immortalized on the Mount Rushmore of college baseball coaches, but there would be no challenge for choosing the ﬁrst one — Stanley Bertman. It was easy to come away from those eight seasons knowing Bertman was the best coach I’d covered if only for one reason — that he gave his teams and his players the best chance to win any game. That came from his depthless knowledge of baseball and the detailed work anyone who paid attention could see in his practices. And, he hired good assistants. Heartfelt condolences to his family. He will be missed — mightily missed.

CALENDAR TUESDAY

LAFAYETTE KAYAK FISHING CLUB MEETING: 6 p.m., Pack and Paddle, 601 E. Pinhook, Lafayette. Call 337-232-5854. Website: lafayettekayakﬁshing.com

WEDNESDAY

FLIES & FLIGHTS: 7-9 p.m., Rally Cap Brewing, 11212 Pennywood Ave., Baton Rouge. Casual fly tying. Open to public. Email Chris Williams: thefatfingeredflytyer@gmail. com

THURSDAY

ACADIANA FLY RODDERS PROGRAM: 6 p.m., Pack and Paddle, 601 E. Pinhook, Lafayette. Open to public. Email Darin Lee: cbrsandcdc@ gmail.com. Website: acadianaﬂyrodders.org

FRIDAY-SATURDAY

NSCA SPORTING CLAYS EVENTS: Wilderness Club, Lafayette.

ONGOING

STATEWIDE TOURNAMENT & ANGLERS RODEO/S.T.A.R.: Through Sept. 7, Coastal Conservation Association’s summer-long ﬁshing event. Tagged redﬁsh, coastal/offshore species categories & youth division. CCA membership required. Website: ccalouisiana.com/star

LOTTERY HUNT

BLACK BEAR DECEMBER SEASON: Application period ends Aug. 28 for 42 tags in seven areas plus Secretary tag to be auctioned. If drawn, bear hunter training course attendance is mandatory. Applications website: wlf.la.gov with $50 application fee. Email David Hayden: dhayden@wlf. la.gov

AROUND THE CORNER

AUG. 23 — SOUTH LOUISIANA HIGHPOWER CLUB MATCH: 8:30 a.m., Ascension Parish

Sheriff’s Range, St. Landry Road, Gonzales. NRA XTC & FClass match rifle or service rifle, 200-yard/50-rounds match course. Fee $15 members, $20 nonmembers, $5 juniors. $25 annual club (first match free) & Civilian Marksmanship Program membership (allows purchases from CMP). Call Mike Burke 337-380-8120. Email: SouthLAHighPower@ hotmail.com AUG. 23 — CLEAN OUT YOUR FREEZER DAY: 1-4 p.m., most of the 21 Louisiana sites and in Natchez, Mississippi. Collection of frozen game and fish for distribution by local food banks. A Hunters for the Hungry project. Website: cleanoutyourfreezer.com AUG. 24 — RED STICK FLY FISHERS FLY TYING SESSION: 7 p.m., Bluebonnet Regional Library, 9200 Bluebonnet Blvd., Baton Rouge. Brad Dunne featured tyer. Open to the public. Materials and tools available for beginners. Website: rsff. org AUG. 24-27 — GULF COUNCIL MEETING: Golden Nugget, Biloxi, Mississippi. Public comment 2-5 p.m. Aug. 26. Final action on electronic reporting rules for federal for-hire reef fish/migratory pelagic permits; amendments offered for for-hire red snapper management. Website: gulfcouncil.org AUG. 27 — ATCHAFALAYA REGION/QUAIL FOREVER BANQUET: 5 p.m., City Club, Baton Rouge. Supports quail habitat conservation. Sponsorships available. Email Joseph Guercio: ch3089@qfofficers.org AUG. 27—ACADIANA BUGS & BREWS: 6 p.m., Pack and Paddle, 601 E. Pinhook, Lafayette. Casual fly tying and local beers provided. Open to the public. Email Darin Lee: cbrsandcdc@gmail.com. Website: packpaddle.com AUG. 27 — LA. OUTDOORS FOREVER PROJECT SELECTION BOARD MEETING: 9 a.m., state Wildlife & Fisheries headquarters, 2000 Quail Drive, Baton Rouge.

PRINT ADVERTISING

WORKS

AUG. 28-29 — RIDE THE BULL XV: Bridgeside & Wakeside Marinas, Grand Isle. Kayak ﬁshing for redﬁsh in Caminada Pass. Registration/ check-in 3 p.m. Aug. 28. Fishing 7:30 a.m.-2 p.m., Aug. 29. Registration website: FishingChaos.com. Rodeo website: ccalouisiana.com/ ridethebull

FISHING/SHRIMPING

SHRIMP: Spring inshore season closed except for Breton/ Chandeleur sounds; all outside waters open. Fall inshore season opens 6 a.m. Monday in east & west zones and 6 p.m. Monday in central zone. OPEN RECREATIONAL SEASONS: Gray triggerfish; flounder; lane, blackfin, queen and silk snappers & wenchmen among other snapper species; all groupers except closed for goliath & Nassau groupers in state/federal waters. CLOSED SEASONS: Private recreational red snapper; recreational/commercial greater amberjack (recreational season Sept. 1-Oct. 13); bluefin tuna; gag (Sept. 1-30 season), goliath & Nassau groupers in state/federal waters.

LDWF UPDATES

CLOSED: Hope Canal Road/ boat launch (Maurepas Swamp WMA, levee construction); Reserve Relief Canal Boat Launch by order of Corps of Engineers (Reserve Relief Pump Station construction) with alternate launch locations at Pete’s Landing, the Akers boat ramp & Bonnet Carré Spillway boat launch. DRAWDOWNS: Saline Lake (through Oct. 5); Iatt Lake (through Oct. 5); Clear-Smithport Lake (through Nov. 16); Lake Bistineau (through Nov. 30); Henderson Lake (through Nov. 2); Cheniere Lake (through Nov. 15); Chicot Lake (Sept. 8-Jan. 4); Grand Bayou Reservoir (Sept. 8-Jan. 4). EMAIL: jmacaluso @theadvocate.com

The

CADILLAC Commute CAR CARE TIPS

Why summer is the best time to drive LSU’s campus. Join CJ PATTON from GERRY LANE CADILLAC as we take a summer cruise through LSU’s campus. With classes out for the season, they explore the quiet oak-lined streets, discuss campus wildlife, and highlight why summer is the absolute best time to enjoy a smooth, peaceful drive around LSU.

CJ P AT T O N

anager General Ma

6C ■ Sunday,August 16, 2026 ■ theadvocate.com ■ The Advocate

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SAINTS

THREE AND OUT: ROD WALKER’S TOP THREE TAKEAWAyS FROM SAINTS’ PRESEASON OPENER

SHINING STARS ON D Kellen Moore didn’t play any of his offensive or defensive starters. The good news is it gave fans an opportunity to see the backups. The first-team defense has been rock solid in training camp practices. On Saturday, the reserves showed they can hold their own, too. Linebacker Jaylan Ford was all over the field, recording seven tackles and an interception on the Jags’ first two possessions. Jayden Price, Jonas Sanker’s backup at the Star position, had an interception. Cornerback Martin Emerson had three pass breakups. It was good to see their playmaking in practice transfer to the game. They are quality depth pieces that will be counted on.

NOTHING SPECIAL Phil Galiano’s special teams unit struggled last season, so much so that there were questions about whether Moore would retain his coordinator. Galiano’s unit got off to a blazing start when Ty Chandler returned the opening kickoff 86 yards to set up a touchdown 21 seconds into the game. But special teams had its struggles after that. Ryan Wright followed up a 55-yard punt with one that went just 15 yards. The Saints had penalties on four plays on special teams. And Charlie Smyth missed a 52-yard field goal. Tanner Brown, who is battling for the kicker position with Smyth, made both of his field goals (including a 49-yarder) and probably has a slight edge right now.

QB2 BATTLE? This time a year ago, Spencer Rattler and Tyler Shough were battling to be the Saints’ starter. Rattler won the job but was replaced by Shough nine games into the season. There was no battle for the No. 1 spot this time, as Shough has taken over as the team’s unquestioned leader. Rattler seemed to be the obvious No. 2 QB, but there may be more of a competition after Saturday. Rattler completed 8 of 11 passes for 42 yards but was sacked twice and also had a fumble. Zach Wilson completed 11 of 16 passes for 145 yards and a touchdown. The battle for QB2 could be heating up.

Saints marvel at rookie’s 2-sack outing Undrafted DE Heldman impresses in preseason outing

BY MATTHEW PARAS

Staff writer

Michael Heldman has a strange sack celebration. Intentionally so. After bringing down the quarterback, the New Orleans Saints rookie defensive end holds out two fingers with one hand and then waves the other as if he were summoning a magic circle — a tribute to Marvel’s Dr. Strange, the superhero played by Benedict Cumberbatch in the comic book ﬁlms. The celebration is certainly unorthodox, but that was the point. The night before his ﬁrstever preseason game, Heldman scrolled through TikTok as he searched for inspiration in case he recorded a sack. The Saints’ other edge rushers had urged the rookie to be prepared, and Heldman didn’t want to disappoint. Knowing he was a big Marvel fan, Heldman’s algorithm served him clips from the movies. The studying paid off when he got to break out the celebration twice in Saturday’s 24-20 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars at the Caesars Superdome. “I didn’t want to copy anyone or just do something normal,” Heldman said. “(Giants edge rusher) Brian Burns does the whole Spiderman thing, so I can’t do that. And I was like, ‘No one’s ever hit the Dr. Strange. That’d be kind of cool.’ ” Heldman’s explanation, as silly as it sounds, actually explains why — and how — an undrafted rookie made such an impression in his preseason debut. First, the 23-year-old understood his teammates expected him to be one of one. Beyond listening to their advice, Heldman knew he had to deliver with his craft. On each of his sacks, Heldman got the win because of adjust-

SAINTS

Continued from page 1C Starter Tyler Shough watched the preseason game from the Caesars Superdome sideline along with the rest of the offensive and defensive starters — 32 Saints players, in total, watched the game in their warm-ups. That left a lot of work for players such as Rattler and Wilson alongside teammates who were either rookies or fighting for roster spots. The Saints are familiar with who Rattler is. The third-year quarterback has started 14 games since New Orleans selected him in the fifth round of the 2024 draft, showing some signs of promise despite playing on a depleted roster that went 1-13 in those starts. He entered camp firmly entrenched as the No. 2 option behind Shough. The Saints jumped out to an early lead after Ty Chandler took the opening kickoff back 86 yards, setting up a 9-yard Audric Estime touchdown run on New Orleans’ first play from scrimmage. But that fast start fizzled out quickly for the offense. Rattler’s first three dropbacks featured an overthrow and a pair of sacks, both of which ended drives. The second of those sacks featured Rattler spinning out of one sack only to lose control of the football inside his own 10yard line when a pair of defenders converged on him. “I’ve got to avoid the fumble

STAFF PHOTO By DAVID GRUNFELD

New Orleans Saints defensive end Michael Heldman, left, sacks Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Carter Bradley during a preseason game on Saturday at the Caesars Superdome. ments he made throughout the game. Early on, the pass rusher could tell the opposing tackle had a habit of swatting his hands down to slow his rush. After getting knocked down to the ground a few times, Heldman set the bait: He started the same move, then dipped and ripped underneath to create separation.

backed up (deep in my own territory),” Rattler said. “I tried to get out of some pressure, probably (should have) just tried to dirt it, or go down and move on to the next play.” Rattler was on the field for five possessions, and he did find a rhythm eventually. On his final drive, he worked the short area of the field, completing seven of his first eight passes on that drive for 48 yards to push the ball to the Jaguars 25-yard line. But then the Saints went backward when a Rattler pass to the flat was snuffed out for a 6-yard loss, and New Orleans ended up settling for a long field goal. Rattler finished the game completing 8 of 11 pass attempts, but he managed only 3.8 yards per pass attempt. Three of his five possessions resulted in either a three-and-out or a turnover. Wilson’s first series didn’t look much better; he fired a pair of incompletions as the Saints went three-and-out. But Saints defensive back Jayden Price gifted the offense a short field when he intercepted a Carter Bradley pass and returned it to the Jaguars 28-yard line. And Wilson took full advantage of a well-executed Moore play call. Jacksonville bit hard on his play-action fake, and he floated a ball down the sideline for a wideopen Bub Means. The play was initially ruled a 28-yard touchdown, but referees determined on video review that Means stepped out before crossing the plane. No matter, as Wilson hit rookie

“I mean, I’m an undrafted rookie,” said Heldman, who played college football at Central Michigan. “I’ve got to do everything to make this team.” Heldman’s chances of making the 53-man roster, as striking as his debut was, could still be steep. The Saints have an established foundation of Chase Young, Carl

tight end Oscar Delp for a touchdown on the next play, putting the Saints ahead 17-6. He followed that up by leading a scoring drive to close out the first half. Starting from his own 5-yard line with 1:02 on the clock, Wilson connected on a pair of explosive pass plays — one perfect throw down the sideline to Means for a gain of 37, then another sideline shot to rookie Barion Brown for a gain of 28. “Zach, his arm talent is amazing,” Means said. “He’s a baller, for sure. He’s going to take risks. He’s going to throw it.” Wilson’s third-down pass to Means from the Jaguars 11 fell incomplete with four seconds remaining, but the Saints collected a field goal to push their halftime lead to 20-6. New Orleans gave Wilson one more drive in the third quarter, which he nearly derailed by taking an ugly 14-yard loss on a sack. But Wilson responded by firing completions of 8 and 14 yards, setting up kicker Charlie Smyth for a 52-yard field goal that he missed wide right. “Zach is a really talented quarterback. He’s a really, really good football player,” Moore said. “I’ve enjoyed seeing him grow through the whole offseason program, from OTAs to training camp to now. Zach … just turned 27. He’s still got tons of growing to do, and he’s done a great job applying himself this year in our system.” Email Luke Johnson at ljohnson@theadvocate.com.

enough plays in training camp that make his rise worth monitoring. And though he’s undersized for his position, the 6-foot3, 268-pound pass rusher made a noticeable leap in his ﬁnal collegiate season with 101/2 sacks. It was enough of a breakout for the Saints to sign him to a contract after the draft. “He just continues to play the right play style,” Saints coach Kellen Moore said. “You just keep playing the right way, keep battling and good things are going to happen for you.” What adds to Heldman’s performance is that days earlier, he felt as if he wasn’t playing the right way. Heldman said he was left embarrassed by how he performed in Thursday’s joint practice against the Jaguars. He pointed to two glaring mistakes. On one, Heldman misplayed the run as a pass — resulting in a huge gap that the running back exploded through. On the other, Heldman forgot to drop back in coverage — resulting in a pass right over his head. “I’m looking around like, ‘Ugh, can you go to the next clip, please?’ ” Heldman said. Heldman embraced his mistakes. And he knew he couldn’t let the practice linger. He thought of Jon Gordon, a guest speaker who addressed the Saints about being either a hero or a warrior. A hero, Heldman said Gordon shared, wants the game to be over so they can enjoy the win. A warrior, by contrast, attacks every second of the game. “I’ve never had this much excitement going into a game before,” Heldman said. “It was just like, ‘Kept hunting. Kept hunting.’ ” And when his hunt succeeded, Heldman stuck out his fingers, waved his other hand in a circle and delivered a performance that the Saints would marvel over all on their own. “I was just really excited for him,” linebacker Jaylan Ford said.

Granderson and Cam Jordan, none of whom played Saturday. And even if Jordan (hamstring) opens the season on injured reserve, Tyree Wilson and Anfernee Jennings — both of whom were rested against the Jaguars — have been ahead of Heldman on the depth chart. Email Matthew Paras at matt. Still, Heldman has made paras@theadvocate.com

DUNCAN

Continued from page 1C Veteran quarterback Zach Wilson served notice that he plans to challenge Spencer Rattler for the backup job by carving up the Jaguars’ reserve defense. He completed 11 of 16 passes for 145 yards and a touchdown for a nifty 118.0 passer rating. If Wilson keeps it up, the Saints might just have a new backup quarterback because the incumbent Rattler was less than impressive, connecting on 8 of 11 passes for 42 yards and losing a costly fumble deep in his own territory. The game also served as a first look at the Saints’ 2026 draft class (other than Jordyn Tyson), and for the most part, it was a promising debut. Rookie defensive tackle Christen Miller showed the stout run-stuffing skills that led the Saints to select him in the second round. Miller finished with four tackles in about a half of work. Massive right guard Jeremiah Wright wreaked havoc early on before noticeably hitting a wall. He’s going to be fun to watch in the trenches. And kicker Tanner Brown showed off his powerful right leg with a pair of field goals, including a 49-yarder. There were plenty of other highlights. Jayden Price continued his

ascension with a beautiful read and interception of Carter Bradley in the second quarter. Undrafted free agent edge rusher Michael Heldman was a one-man highlight reel in the second half. He ﬁnished with six tackles, including team-highs of three tackles for loss and two sacks. “We started fast and that’s been a point of emphasis this offseason,” Moore said. “We have to learn the sustaining part of this thing, but I was really proud of the way our guys competed tonight.” While every NFL season tends to feel new in August, this one has felt distinctly different throughout the offseason. The vibe. The voices. The faces. Just about everything feels fresh and new. With longtime stalwarts Demario Davis and Taysom Hill gone, and Cam Jordan and Alvin Kamara in reduced roles, a new group of front men has emerged. Shough, Chase Young, Kaden Elliss, Kool-Aid McKinstry, Travis Etienne and David Edwards have stepped into the fore and will lead this team along with veteran holdovers Erik McCoy, Chris Olave, Zach Wood and Justin Reid. This feels — and acts — like a new team. Whether it’s new and improved remains to be seen. The regular season will provide the referendum. Email Jeff Duncan at jduncan@theadvocate.com.

The Advocate ■ theadvocate.com ■ Sunday, August 16, 2026 ■ 7C

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SAINTS NOTEBOOK

NFL PRESEASON ROUNDUP

RB Estime’s strong day ends in pain

Watson leads Browns on 2 scoring drives in preseason loss to Bears

BY LUKE JOHNSON AND MATTHEW PARAS Staff writers

Things could not have started better for running back Audric Estime as he made his latest push to make the New Orleans Saints’ 53man roster. After Ty Chandler started the game off with a bang, taking the opening kickoff 86 yards back to the Jacksonville 9-yard line, Estime finished it off on the next play. He took a handoff from Spencer Rattler around the left tackle, then stiffarmed a defender on his way to the end zone. It was the start of an impressive performance for Estime, who enjoyed a solid close to the 2025 season and appeared to ride that momentum into training camp. He rushed five times for 28 yards and a score while taking first-team running back snaps Saturday against STAFF PHOTO By BRETT DUKE the Jaguars in a 24-20 loss. But Estime’s game ended on New Orleans Saints running back Audric Estime runs for a touchdown a sour note when he corralled a against the Jacksonville Jaguars during a preseason game on Saturday at pass from Rattler in the flat and the Caesars Superdome. appeared to get his leg caught up under him as he was being tackn Running back Travis Etienne n Safety Julian Blackmon led for a 6-yard loss in the second n Running back Alvin Kamara n Safety Terrell Burgess (lower quarter. Coach Kellen Moore said afn Miller (back) body) ter the game that Estime was getn Neal (hamstring) Moore opted to lean on the restting medical imaging done on his n Wide receiver Chris Olave heavy plan because of Thursday’s ankle to get a better idea of the n Wide receiver Jordyn Tyson (hamjoint practice against the Jaguars, severity of the injury. which saw the team’s starters take While Estime was able to leave string) n Wide receiver Devaughn Vele extensive reps. the field without assistance from n Tight end Juwan Johnson The Saints also did not play the medical staff, he spent a conn Tight end Noah Fant rookie wide receiver Bryce Lance siderable amount of time in the n Left tackle Kelvin Banks and edge rusher Tyree Wilson, despite blue injury tent on the sideline. n Left guard David Edwards the two technically being active. After his lengthy examination, n Center Erik McCoy Moore said Friday that Wilson was Estime tested things out briefly on n Right guard Cesar Ruiz dealing with “bumps and bruises.” the sideline before jogging to the n Right tackle Taliese Fuaga locker room. Kicker battle n Defensive end Chase Young New Orleans already has dealt n with some attrition at running Defensive end Carl Granderson Rather than splitting up their n Defensive end Cam Jordan (hamback. Kendre Miller (back) and Devin duties by halves or quarters, the Neal (hamstring), Estime’s primary string) Saints alternated their two kickers n Defensive tackle Vernon Broughcompetition for the No. 3 running by kick in Saturday’s preseason back job, both have missed more ton opener. n Defensive tackle Nathan Shepherd than a week of training camp with Incumbent Charlie Smyth made both n Defensive tackle Davon Godchaux of his extra points, while challenger their respective injuries. Tanner Brown made both of his field (ankle) Spectators only n Defensive tackle John Ridgeway goal attempts from 49 and 29 yards. Smyth received the only opporThe New Orleans Saints stuck to (back) n Linebacker Kaden Elliss their plan. tunity in the second half, but he n Linebacker Pete Werner They rested their starters for pushed his 52-yard field goal atn Linebacker Chris Rumph (ankle) Saturday’s preseason opener, just tempt wide right. n Linebacker Danny Stutsman as Moore said they would. Several “It was kind of a rough back and n Cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry other players were also unavailforth,” Moore said. “Based on the n Cornerback Quincy Riley type of kicks they were each going able due to injuries. n Cornerback Rejzohn Wright (hip) to have, we might have to adjust The following players did not n Safety Jonas Sanker and apply it. Both those guys had suit up for Saturday’s contest: n Quarterback Tyler Shough n Safety Justin Reid their opportunities.”

The Associated Press CHICAGO — It was a mixed bag for Deshaun Watson. Same for Shedeur Sanders. Watson led the Browns on two scoring drives in the first half of Cleveland’s 34-10 loss to the Chicago Bears, and Sanders tossed an ugly interception in the fourth quarter of Saturday’s preseason opener. The QBs are competing for the starting job in coach Todd Monken’s first training camp since taking over in January. “There were some things operationally that I know we can clean up, but I thought at moments we threw the ball well, and that’s what we needed to see,” Monken said. Watson was 11 for 15 for 126 yards but lost a fumble in his first game in almost two years. Sanders was 6 for 11 for 79 yards while playing the third quarter and first part of the fourth. KC Concepcion had a 14-yard touchdown run for Cleveland on the first play of the second quarter. The wide receiver, who also had three receptions for 27 yards, was a first-round pick in this year’s draft. VIKINGS 13, GIANTS 10: In East Rutherford, New Jersey, everything is new for Kyler Murray after joining the Minnesota Vikings, so he made sure to soak in every little thing, from the flights and bus rides to the purple-and-white uniform. “I’ve never been more excited to play a preseason game,” Murray said. “Reality’s set in.” In his first game action since being named the starting quarterback, Murray led a drive that ended in a field goal on the way to a 13-10 victory at the New York Giants on Saturday in each team’s preseason opener. RAMS 20, CHIEFS 12: In Kansas City, Missouri, there were a whole bunch of raised eyebrows when the Los Angeles Rams drafted Ty Simpson in the first round in April. Maybe there shouldn’t have been. The surprising pick of the Super Bowl contenders shined in his preseason debut against Kansas City on Saturday, going 21 of 25 for 190 yards with a pair of touchdown passes to Dean Connors. Justin Fields completed all four of his passes in his first quarter as the backup to Chiefs quarterback Patrick

AP PHOTO By DAVID BANKS

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson passes during the first half of a preseason game on Saturday in Chicago.

Mahomes, whose only time on the field Saturday was for the coin toss. Seventh-round pick Garrett Nussmeier played most of the way for Kansas City, going 13 of 19 for 98 yards, while fifth-round draft pick Emmett Johnson ran 12 times for 59 yards and was perhaps the biggest bright spot for the Chiefs offense. BILLS 29, PANTHERS 14: In Orchard Park, New York, it didn’t takeJosh Allen long to grow accustomed to his new surroundings by overseeing a pair of scoring drives to kick off the franchise’s new era with a preseason-opening win over the Carolina Panthers on Saturday. In Buffalo’s first game in its new $2.1 billion Highmark Stadium and first under new head coach Joe Brady, Allen showed his familiar elusiveness in completing a 9-yard touchdown to Keon Coleman to cap his second and final offensive series of the day. RAVENS 24, EAGLES 7: In Baltimore, Ja’Kobi Lane had a 16yard touchdown catch during a promising night for Ravens rookie receivers, and Baltimore beat the Philadelphia Eagles on Saturday night in the preseason opener for both teams. Lane, a wide receiver from Southern California selected in the third round of the NFL draft, finished with three receptions for 38 yards. Fourth-round selections Matt Hibner (tight end, Southern Methodist) and Elijah Sarratt (wide receiver, Indiana) combined for 11 receptions and 127 yards to help Jesse Minter win his preseason head coaching debut.

SCOREBOARD Odds Sports Betting Line MLB Sunday

American League FAVORITE LINE at TAMPA BAY -142 N.Y Yankees -123 Chi White Sox -114 Texas -143 Kansas City -124 at HOUSTON -136 National League FAVORITE LINE at ATLANTA -130 Miami -127 at N.Y METS -174 at CHI CUBS -162 at SAN FRAN -134 at LA DODGERS -172 Interleague FAVORITE LINE Boston -121 San Diego -115 Philadelphia -115

UNDERDOG Baltimore at TORONTO at DETROIT at ATHLETICS at LA ANGELS Seattle

LINE +116 -100 -106 +117 +101 +110

UNDERDOG Arizona at CINCINNATI Washington St. Louis Colorado Milwaukee

LINE +106 +104 +140 +130 +109 +139

UNDERDOG at PITTSBURGH at CLEVELAND at MINNESOTA

LINE -102 -108 -107

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

W 22 21 22 19 12 10 8

L 12 12 14 14 22 23 25

Pct .647 .636 .611 .576 .353 .303 .242

GB — ½ 1 2½ 10 11½ 13½

x-Minnesota Golden State x-Las Vegas Dallas Portland Phoenix Los Angeles Seattle

W 28 24 24 20 14 13 12 7

L 7 9 11 15 20 22 21 29

Pct .800 .727 .686 .571 .412 .371 .364 .194

GB — 3 4 8 13½ 15 15 21½

WESTERN CONFERENCE

x-clinched playoff spot Friday’s Games Indiana 98, Dallas 87 Portland 84, Seattle 82

Saturday’s Games

New York 82, Connecticut 75 Washington 80, Los Angeles 70 Minnesota at Las Vegas, n

Sunday’s Games

Chicago at Seattle, 4 p.m. Indiana at Atlanta, 4 p.m. Portland at Phoenix, 6 p.m..

Golf FedEx St. Jude Championship At TPC Southwind Memphis, Tenn. Purse: $20 million

Yardage: 7,288; Par: 70 Third Round Scottie Schefﬂer Sam Burns Sungjae Im Tommy Fleetwood Jake Knapp Brian Harman Si Woo Kim Hideki Matsuyama Alex Noren Viktor Hovland Tom Kim Kurt Kitayama Patrick Cantlay Wyndham Clark Nicolas Echavarria Chris Gotterup J.T. Poston Adam Scott Matt Fitzpatrick Jordan Spieth Nick Taylor Jacob Bridgeman Pierceson Coody Rickie Fowler Jackson Koivun Maverick McNealy Keith Mitchell Patrick Rodgers Xander Schauffele J.J. Spaun Gary Woodland Ludvig Åberg Bud Cauley Ryan Gerard Harry Hall Russell Henley Alex Smalley Max Homa Aaron Rai Justin Thomas Michael Brennan Ryo Hisatsune Matti Schmid Sam Stevens Cameron Young Nicolai Højgaard Michael Kim Collin Morikawa Jordan L. Smith Sudarshan Yellamaraju Corey Conners Michael Thorbjornsen Ben Grifﬁn Min Woo Lee Shane Lowry Sepp Straka Ricky Castillo Eric Cole Harris English Aldrich Potgieter Alex Fitzpatrick Matthew McCarty Rory McIlroy

68-61-68—197 67-70-62—199 66-66-67—199 66-68-68—202 65-70-67—202 70-64-69—203 70-68-65—203 66-70-67—203 71-66-66—203 68-64-72—204 69-72-63—204 65-73-66—204 69-66-70—205 69-66-70—205 68-66-71—205 66-70-69—205 71-68-66—205 66-70-69—205 70-67-69—206 65-69-72—206 69-68-69—206 69-70-68—207 71-66-70—207 68-73-66—207 71-70-66—207 68-70-69—207 69-66-72—207 67-69-71—207 67-72-68—207 71-69-67—207 66-71-70—207 68-65-74—207 66-72-70—208 70-70-68—208 72-68-68—208 71-70-67—208 68-68-72—208 73-67-69—209 72-66-71—209 70-67-72—209 73-70-67—210 69-70-71—210 73-70-67—210 69-71-70—210 69-69-72—210 73-70-68—211 65-72-74—211 71-69-71—211 71-73-67—211 70-65-76—211 71-71-70—212 65-75-72—212 73-71-69—213 67-71-75—213 69-72-72—213 68-73-72—213 72-74-68—214 72-72-70—214 68-75-71—214 71-71-72—214 71-74-70—215 73-72-71—216 74-70-72—216

Pro football NFL Preseason Glance Thursday’s Games

Cincinnati 16, Detroit 14 Pittsburgh 28, Green Bay 9 Indianapolis 13, New England 13

-13 -11 -11 -8 -8 -7 -7 -7 -7 -6 -6 -6 -5 -5 -5 -5 -5 -5 -4 -4 -4 -3 -3 -3 -3 -3 -3 -3 -3 -3 -3 -3 -2 -2 -2 -2 -2 -1 -1 -1 E E E E E +1 +1 +1 +1 +1 +2 +2 +3 +3 +3 +3 +4 +4 +4 +4 +5 +6 +6

Arizona 27, Las Vegas 14 L.A. Chargers 27, Houston 7 Tennessee 19, San Francisco 13

Friday’s Games

Denver 27, Atlanta 7 Tampa Bay 24, N.Y. Jets 16 Washington 20, Miami 7

Saturday’s Games

Buffalo 29, Carolina 14 Chicago 34, Cleveland 10 Minnesota 13, N.Y. Giants 10 Jacksonville 24, New Orleans 20 L.A. Rams 20, Kansas City 12 Baltimore 24, Philadelphia 7 Dallas 17, Seattle 7

Jacksonville 24, New Orleans 20

Jacksonville 6 0 8 10 — 24 New Orleans 7 13 0 0 — 20 First Quarter NO_Estime 9 run (Smyth kick), 14:39. Jac_FG C.Little 54, 1:55. Jac_FG C.Little 32, :17. Second Quarter NO_FG T.Brown 49, 7:49. NO_Delp 1 pass from Z.Wilson (Smyth kick), 3:02. NO_FG T.Brown 29, :00. Third Quarter Jac_Long 1 pass from Bradley (J.Taylor run), 8:53. Fourth Quarter Jac_FG C.Little 36, 8:35. Jac_J.Taylor 2 run (C.Little kick), 4:55.

A_70,011.

Jac NO First downs 19 18 Total Net Yards 275 277 Rushes-yards 36-118 16-56 Passing 157 221 Punt Returns 2-18 3--6 Kickoff Returns 4-100 5-185 Interceptions Ret. 0-0 2-26 Comp-Att-Int 14-25-2 27-42-0 Sacked-Yards Lost 4-24 4-35 Punts 4-43.5 5-42.6 Fumbles-Lost 0-0 1-1 Penalties-Yards 8-50 8-66 Time of Possession 35:12 24:48 INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS RUSHING_Jacksonville, Taylor 22-78, Dallas 10-26, Pena 1-8, Bradley 2-4, Mullens 1-2. New Orleans, Estime 5-28, Chandler 6-24, Dekkers 1-4, Donaldson 4-0. PASSING_Jacksonville, Bradley 10-17-1-105, Aguilar 1-1-0-43, Mullens 3-7-1-33. New Orleans, Z.Wilson 11-16-0-145, Dekkers 8-150-69, Rattler 8-11-0-42. RECEIVING_Jacksonville, Pena 3-58, C.Williams 2-28, Brayboy 2-25, Trammell 2-18, Boyd 1-19, Cameron 1-17, Wortham 1-9, Dallas 1-6, Long 1-1. New Orleans, Means 4-77, B.Brown 4-53, Palmer 4-33, MorenoCropper 3-49, Austin 3-24, Welch 3-16, Delp 3-10, Chandler 1-0, Donaldson 1-0, Estime 1-(minus 6). MISSED FIELD GOALS_New Orleans, Smyth 52.

Auto racing NASCAR Cook Out 400 Results Saturday

At Richmond Raceway Richmond, Va. Lap length: 0.75 miles (Start position in parentheses) 1. (10) Joey Logano, Ford, 400 laps, 73 points. 2. (2) Chase Briscoe, Toyota, 400, 52. 3. (23) Austin Cindric, Ford, 400, 48. 4. (14) Denny Hamlin, Toyota, 400, 46. 5. (13) Chase Elliott, Chevrolet, 400, 38. 6. (30) Kyle Larson, Chevrolet, 400, 31. 7. (8) Christopher Bell, Toyota, 400, 36. 8. (3) Josh Berry, Ford, 400, 40. 9. (5) William Byron, Chevrolet, 400, 30. 10. (25) Alex Bowman, Chevrolet, 400, 27. 11. (32) Tyler Reddick, Toyota, 400, 28. 12. (18) Ross Chastain, Chevrolet, 399, 25. 13. (1) Ryan Blaney, Ford, 399, 40. 14. (31) Shane Van Gisbergen, Chevrolet, 399, 23. 15. (4) Ty Gibbs, Toyota, 399, 22. 16. (20) Daniel Suárez, Chevrolet, 399, 21. 17. (6) Ryan Preece, Ford, 398, 20. 18. (35) Noah Gragson, Ford, 398, 19. 19. (16) Austin Dillon, Chevrolet, 398, 18. 20. (7) Bubba Wallace, Toyota, 398, 22. 21. (19) Chris Buescher, Ford, 398, 16. 22. (12) John H. Nemechek, Toyota, 398, 15. 23. (33) Austin Hill, Chevrolet, 397, 0. 24. (17) Riley Herbst, Toyota, 397, 13. 25. (11) Connor Zilisch, Chevrolet, 397, 12. 26. (9) Brad Keselowski, Ford, 397, 11. 27. (21) Erik Jones, Toyota, 396, 10. 28. (26) Michael McDowell, Chevrolet, 396, 9. 29. (29) Cole Custer, Chevrolet, 396, 8. 30. (27) Todd Gilliland, Ford, 396, 7. 31. (28) Ricky Stenhouse Jr, Chevrolet, 396, 6. 32. (34) Ty Dillon, Chevrolet, 394, 5. 33. (15) AJ Allmendinger, Chevrolet, 394, 4. 34. (37) Cody Ware, Chevrolet, 392, 3. 35. (36) Josh Bilicki, Ford, 391, 0. 36. (24) Zane Smith, Ford, 366, 1. 37. (22) Carson Hocevar, Chevrolet, engine, 279, 1. Race Statistics Average Speed of Race Winner: 98.339 mph. Time of Race: 3 hours, 3 minutes, 2 seconds. Margin of Victory: .392 seconds. Caution Flags: 4 for 31 laps. Lead Changes: 29 among 10 drivers. Lap Leaders: R.Blaney 0; C.Briscoe 1-2; R.Blaney 3; C.Briscoe 4-6; R.Blaney 7-31; J.Berry 32; T.Gibbs 33; B.Wallace 34-36; R.Blaney 37-78; C.Briscoe 79-106; R.Blaney 107-124; C.Briscoe 125-171; J.Logano 172-178; D.Hamlin 179; R.Blaney 180-181; J.Logano 182-233; D.Hamlin 234; J.Logano 235-243; C.Briscoe 244-279; K.Larson 280281; T.Reddick 282-288; C.Briscoe 289-323; J.Logano 324; C.Bell 325-341; C.Briscoe 342360; J.Logano 361; C.Briscoe 362; D.Hamlin 363; C.Bell 364-375; J.Logano 376-400 Leaders Summary (Driver, Times Led, Laps Led): C.Briscoe, 8 times for 171 laps; J.Logano, 6 times for 95 laps; R.Blaney, 6 times for 88 laps; C.Bell, 2 times for 29 laps; T.Reddick, 1 time for 7 laps; D.Hamlin, 3 times for 3 laps; B.Wallace, 1 time for 3 laps; K.Larson, 1 time for 2 laps; J.Berry, 1 time for 1 lap; T.Gibbs, 1 time for 1 lap. Wins: T.Reddick, 5; D.Hamlin, 4; T.Gibbs, 2; R.Blaney, 2; C.Elliott, 2; S.Van Gisbergen, 2; C.Briscoe, 1; C.Hocevar, 1; D.Suárez, 1; J.Logano, 1. Top 16 in Points: 1. D.Hamlin, 923; 2. T.Gibbs,

820; 3. R.Blaney, 813; 4. T.Reddick, 803; 5. C.Briscoe, 663; 6. C.Bell, 659; 7. C.Elliott, 657; 8. C.Hocevar, 644; 9. C.Buescher, 637; 10. K.Larson, 629; 11. W.Byron, 600; 12. D.Suárez, 597; 13. J.Logano, 586; 14. B.Wallace, 565; 15. S.Van Gisbergen, 544; 16. A.Cindric, 526. NASCAR Driver Rating Formula A maximum of 150 points can be attained in a race. The formula combines the following categories: Wins, Finishes, Top-15 Finishes, Average Running Position While on Lead Lap, Average Speed Under Green, Fastest Lap, Led Most Laps, Lead-Lap Finish.

Tennis Western & Southern Open Results Saturday

At Lindner Family Tennis Center Cincinnati Purse: $9,415,725 Surface: Hardcourt outdoor Results Saturday from Western & Southern Open at Lindner Family Tennis Center (seedings in parentheses):

Men’s Singles

Round of 64 Alexander Blockx (28), Belgium, def. Mariano Navone, Argentina, 6-3, 6-4. Flavio Cobolli (7), Italy, def. Miomir Kecmanovic, Serbia, 6-1, 4-6, 6-3. Adolfo Daniel Vallejo, Paraguay, def. Valentin Vacherot (15), Monaco, 6-3, 6-3. Martin Landaluce, Spain, def. Matteo Arnaldi (31), Italy, 6-4, 4-6, 6-4. Alejandro Tabilo (22), Chile, def. Jan-Lennard Struff, Germany, 6-3, 6-4. Thiago Agustin Tirante, Argentina, def. Novak Djokovic (3), Serbia, 2-6, 6-4, 6-4. Jakub Mensik (14), Czechia, def. Mattia Bellucci, Italy, 7-5, 2-6, 7-6 (5). Rinky Hijikata, Australia, def. Luciano Darderi (19), Italy, 6-4, 6-2. Alex de Minaur (5), Australia, def. Quentin Halys, France, 1-6, 6-3, 7-6 (4). Terence Atmane, France, def. Tomas Martin Etcheverry (26), Argentina, 6-3, 7-6 (4). Tommy Paul (18), United States, def. Hubert Hurkacz, Poland, 6-4, 6-7 (3), 6-3. Arthur Fery (32), Britain, def. James Duckworth, Australia, 6-4, 2-6, 7-6 (4).

Women’s Singles

Round of 128 Zhang Shuai, China, def. Kayla Day, United States, 2-6, 6-2, 6-2.

Transactions Major League Baseball

American League CHICAGO WHITE SOX — Activated C Jake Rogers. Optioned C Edgar Quero to Charlotte (IL). LOS ANGELES ANGELS — Sent LHP Yusei Kikuchi on a rehab assignment to Rancho Cucamonga (CAL). SEATTLE MARINERS — Claimed RHP Troy Watson off waivers from Detroit. TAMPA BAY RAYS — Optioned RHP Chris Roycroft to Durham (IL). Recalled RHP Joe Boyle from Durham.

8C ■ Sunday, August 16, 2026 ■ theadvocate.com ■ The Advocate

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PRO BASEBALL MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL

LOUISIANA PROS

American League

Major league hitters Player Alex Bregman Dylan Crews Jake Fraley Jake Rogers David Fry Hunter Feduccia Tommy White Josh Smith

State ties Pos LSU 3B LSU OF LSU OF Tulane C Nrthwstrn St. 1B LSU C LSU 3B A LSU 2B

Minor league hitters Triple A

Team (Organization) Cubs Nationals Rays Red Sox Guardians Dodgers thletics Blue Jays

G 120 71 28 40 71 68 23 55

AB 475 266 82 104 143 156 90 154

R H 69 120 40 58 6 19 15 19 16 26 18 37 8 22 12 33

2B 23 11 7 4 4 8 2 3

3B 1 0 0 1 0 1 0 1

HR 16 10 2 3 6 3 0 2

RBI 61 27 5 11 13 13 1 9

SB 3 8 3 1 0 0 0 4

Avg. .253 .218 .232 .183 .182 .237 .244 .214

OPS .751 .662 .690 .617 .639 .665 .528 .585

Player Drew Avans Jacob Berry Tre’ Morgan Hayden Cantrelle Julian Brock

State ties Pos Southeastern LF LSU 3B LSU 1B UL SS UL C

Team (Organization) Albequerque (Rockies) Jacksonville (Marlins) Durham (Rays) Iowa (Cubs) Round Rock (Rangers)

G 83 77 49 86 57

AB 288 258 180 230 203

R 48 42 27 41 30

H 58 67 46 54 43

2B 8 17 7 9 9

3B 2 0 1 5 1

HR 1 6 14 3 6

RBI 38 36 34 23 35

SB 21 18 1 22 3

Avg. .201 .260 .256 .235 .212

OPS .570 .776 .877 .712 .676

Carson Roccaforte Kyle DeBarge Jacob Burke Edgar Alvarez Taylor Young Cade Doughty Jorge Corona Miguel Useche Colin Tuft Luke Hill

UL UL U-High Nicholls La. Tech LSU La. Tech UNO Tulane Episcopal

OF SS OF 1B 2B 2B C C C 3B

Northwest Arkansas (Royals) 107 Wichita (Twins) 95 Birmingham (White Sox) 72 Knoxville (Cubs) 85 Tulsa (Dodgers) 55 New Hampshire (Blue Jays) 46 Birmingham (White Sox) 47 Knoxville (Cubs) 65 Chesapeake (Orioles) 74 Akron (Guardians) 57

425 369 255 270 194 140 150 219 252 194

80 106 59 76 48 64 40 47 41 64 24 36 25 35 41 61 45 56 44 50

18 20 14 13 14 8 5 12 14 16

5 1 2 1 0 1 1 1 5 1

30 12 5 9 5 3 7 11 12 11

78 40 25 33 32 19 21 40 39 45

20 26 15 1 14 3 1 6 23 9

.249 .206 .251 .174 .330 .257 .233 .279 .222 .258

.860 .671 .698 .652 .901 .722 .740 .875 .808 .913

Kyle Walker Daniel Dickinson Ethan Frey Teo Banks Jared Jones

Rummel LSU LSU Tulane LSU

2B SS OF OF 1B

Asheville (Astros) Wisconsin (Brewers) Asheville (Astros) Wilmington (Nationals) Greensboro (Pirates)

80 96 70 72 78

306 309 267 217 284

51 60 45 31 61

77 80 77 53 89

20 18 16 11 11

1 0 1 1 0

4 8 10 4 16

33 53 56 27 56

31 43 19 8 0

.252 .259 .288 .244 .313

.719 .815 .845 .681 .938

Connor Rasmussen Brady Marget Conner O’Neal

Tulane SS Tulane 1B Southeastern C

Columbia (Royals) Charleston (Rays) Ontario (Dodgers)

70 67 61

217 237 208

39 48 29

58 81 47

11 18 10

3 0 0

2 5 7

29 62 33

11 1 1

.267 .342 .227

.766 .919 .727

Cardell Thibodeaux

Southern

FCL Braves

.190

.658

State ties LSU Centenary LSU Southeastern LSU UL LSU LSU UL LSU UL McNeese LSU McNeese St. LSU La. Tech La. Tech Dutchtown McNeese St. St. Paul’s LSU

Team Pirates Royals Blue Jays Yankees Phillies Astros White Sox Rangers Orioles Athletics Athletics Astros Royals Brewers Rockies Cubs Marlins Tigers Nationals Tigers Orioles

G 25 24 25 24 25 17 44 43 20 14 55 48 45 44 32 31 28 18 14 1 13

GS 25 24 25 23 25 17 4 1 20 14 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

IP 134.2 134.2 139.0 118.0 130.0 88.0 61.1 54.0 113.2 72.2 52.0 50.0 46.2 48.2 26.2 27.2 32.2 23.2 23.1 1.2 14.1

W-L 9-11 5-7 6-11 8-6 4-9 7-5 4-4 3-1 9-3 5-7 3-1 2-3 1-7 3-3 0-2 0-1 2-0 1-1 1-0 0-0 1-0

SV 0 0 0 0 0 0 6 23 0 0 11 6 10 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 1

H 114 139 139 125 143 68 43 26 109 73 48 50 47 36 27 34 34 12 25 0 14

ER 58 66 70 58 77 45 15 11 42 36 21 22 32 20 15 19 20 4 10 0 11

BB 37 46 38 41 46 50 20 14 41 33 34 19 26 18 17 16 16 9 4 2 10

SO 166 104 138 117 138 87 80 56 93 84 70 41 49 41 28 31 29 15 26 1 17

ERA 3.88 4.41 4.53 4.42 5.33 4.60 2.20 1.83 3.33 4.46 3.63 3.96 6.17 3.70 5.06 6.18 5.51 1.52 3.86 0.00 6.91

WHIP 1.12 1.37 1.27 1.41 1.45 1.34 1.03 0.74 1.32 1.46 1.58 1.38 1.56 1.11 1.65 1.81 1.53 0.89 1.24 1.20 1.67

Player Grant Rogers Jackson Nezuh Chase Solesky Eric Reyzelman Paul Gervase Ricky Castro Kyle Keller Brendan Cellucci Cole Henry Brian Metoyer Eric Orze

State ties McNeese UL Tulane LSU LSU Tulane Southeastern Tulane LSU LSU-Alexandria UNO

Team (Organization) G Buffalo (Blue Jays) 22 Sugar Land (Astros) 18 Louisville (Reds) 25 Scranton (Yankees) 31 Oklahoma City (Dodgers) 29 St. Paul’s (Twins) 26 Worcester (Red Sox) 23 Buffalo (Blue Jays) 39 Rochester (Nationals) 20 Syracuse (Mets) 39 St. Paul (Twins) 7

GS 22 17 7 0 0 9 0 0 2 0 0

IP 101.0 84.0 57.1 37.2 35.1 60.1 31.1 44.2 19.1 42.2 7.0

W-L 3-9 2-20 5-6 2-3 2-1 6-2 3-30 6-2 1-0 3-2 0-0

SV 0 69 0 1 3 0 0 2 4 3

H 124 40 72 32 25 75 27 38 17 33 4

ER 66 3 41 27 20 37 14 17 8 21 2

BB 33 7 22 21 31 23 22 22 2 24 1

SO 62 101 54 60 45 67 39 47 14 67 5

ERA 5.88 4.29 6.44 6.45 5.09 5.52 4.02 3.43 3.72 4.43 2.57

WHIP 1.55 1.26 1.64 1.41 1.58 1.62 1.56 1.34 0.98 1.34 0.71

Kade Anderson Kenya Huggins Anthony Eyanson Fidel Ulloa Blayne Enlow Beau Blanchard Keagan Gillies Nathan Blasick Tayler Montiel Aidan Anderson

LSU St. Augustine LSU LSU St. Amant ULM Tulane UNO Tulane McNeese

Arkansas (Mariners) 17 Midland (Athletics) 23 Chesapeake (Orioles) 17 Hartford (Rockies) 30 Columbus (Braves) 18 Chattanooga (Reds) 21 Chesapeake (Orioles) 28 Hartford (Rockies) 31 Amarillo (Dbacks) 33 Birmingham (White Sox) 26

17 9 16 0 0 11 0 0 0 0

87.2 72.1 73.1 39.2 21.1 76.0 31.2 54.2 51.1 37.0

10-1 1-4 5-0 5-2 1-2 5-5 2-0 10-4 3-2 1-1

0 3 0 7 0 1 2 6 3 03

45 89 39 30 23 84 28 42 45 7

11 53 12 11 19 47 16 20 25 18

12 43 27 22 12 32 9 22 26 14

128 74 103 42 24 74 38 60 69 23

1.13 6.59 1.47 2.50 8.02 5.57 4.55 3.29 4.38 4.38

0.65 1.82 0.90 1.31 1.64 1.53 1.17 1.17 1.38 1.38

Justin Loer L.P. Langevin Jarret Whorff Christian Little Andrew Landry Chase Shores Jackson Lancaster Ty Floyd Jacob Mayers Dylan Carmouche Chandler Welch

LSU UL La. Tech LSU Southeastern LSU La. Tech LSU LSU Tulane Tulane

Spokane (Rockies) 29 Quad Cities (Royals) 34 Rome (Braves) 33 Everett (Mariners) 33 Hudson Valley (Yankees) 30 Tri-City (Angels) 12 Bowling Green (Rays) 26 Dayton (Reds) 10 Greenville (Red Sox) 18 Win-Salem (White Sox) 17 Wisconsin (Brewers) 22

0 0 0 0 0 12 0 8 11 4 1

54.2 46.2 42.2 44.0 40.0 48.0 34.0 32.0 54.2 37.2 56.0

2-3 5-3 1-4 3-4 2-3 3-2 1-1 0-2 2-3 2-2 6-4

2 1 2 8 1 0 1 0 1 0 2

43 17 55 23 41 47 45 19 34 48 52

35 15 43 14 20 26 39 11 26 33 34

45 37 15 22 18 20 26 18 52 24 32

54 5.76 90 2.89 41 9.07 53 2.86 46 4.50 54 4.88 36 10.32 37 3.09 73 4.28 41 7.88 52 5.46

1.61 1.16 1.64 1.02 1.48 1.40 2.09 1.16 1.57 1.91 1.50

Michael Lombardi Brennan Stuprich Sam Brodersen Luke Holman Thatcher Hurd Logan Forsythe Kade Woods Stephen Still

Tulane Southeastern Louisiana Tech LSU LSU La. Tech LSU Dunham

Columbia (Royals) 20 Tampa (Yankees) 10 Frdricksburg (Nationals) 22 Daytona (Reds) 4 Tampa (Yankees) 11 Augusta (Braves) 24 Augusta (Braves) 23 Frederick (Orioles) 14

15 7 0 4 11 5 0 12

80.1 41.1 28.0 6.2 43.0 45.1 25.0 57.0

2-3 2-2 1-1 0-0 1-5 2-2 2-3 2-5

0 0 2 0 0 1 0 0

61 37 31 5 25 34 31 50

29 21 15 2 19 22 20 30

48 13 23 1 25 40 24 28

114 38 36 9 53 48 24 69

3.25 4.57 4.82 2.07 3.98 4.37 7.20 4.74

1.36 1.21 1.93 0.90 1.16 1.63 2.20 1.37

Grifﬁn Herring

LSU

ACL Rockies

31.1

3-2

7.18

1.88

Double A

High A

Single A

Rookie

Major league pitchers

Player Paul Skenes Seth Lugo Kevin Gausman Will Warren Aaron Nola Spencer Arrighetti Grant Taylor Jake Latz Brandon Young Gage Jump Hogan Harris Bryan King Alex Lange Grant Anderson Jaden Hill Phil Maton Cade Gibson Jacob Waguespack Will Dion Tanner Rainey Cam Sanders

Minor league pitchers Triple A

Double A

High A

Single A

Rookie

East Division

National League

Tampa Bay New York Boston Toronto Baltimore

W 74 68 65 61 59

L 47 55 57 64 63

Pct GB .612 — .553 7 .533 9½ .488 15 .484 15½

Chicago Detroit Minnesota Cleveland Kansas City

W 64 60 60 59 50

L 58 63 63 64 73

Houston Texas Seattle Athletics Los Angeles

W 63 60 57 48 48

L 60 63 66 74 75

Central Division

West Division

Friday’s Games

East Division Atlanta Philadelphia Miami Washington New York

W 73 65 62 60 54

L 49 58 61 64 69

Pct GB .598 — .528 8½ .504 11½ .484 14 .439 19½

Pct GB .525 — .488 4½ .488 4½ .480 5½ .407 14½

Milwaukee Chicago St. Louis Cincinnati Pittsburgh

W 75 72 62 59 60

L 48 52 61 62 64

Pct GB .610 — .581 3½ .504 13 .488 15 .484 15½

Pct GB .512 — .488 3 .463 6 .393 14½ .390 15

Los Angeles San Diego Arizona San Francisco Colorado

W 74 66 65 51 49

L 49 57 58 72 74

Pct .602 .537 .528 .415 .398

Central Division

West Division

Friday’s Games

GB — 8 9 23 25

Chicago White Sox 9, Detroit 5 Pittsburgh 8, Boston 4 Toronto 3, N.Y. Yankees 1 San Diego 7, Cleveland 5 Baltimore 6, Tampa Bay 5 Houston 10, Seattle 7, 10 innings Kansas City 7, L.A. Angels 6 Athletics 8, Texas 3

Chicago Cubs 3, St. Louis 0 Cincinnati 1, Miami 0 Pittsburgh 8, Boston 4 N.Y. Mets 4, Washington 1 Arizona 2, Atlanta 0 San Diego 7, Cleveland 5 Colorado 5, San Francisco 2 L.A. Dodgers 3, Milwaukee 1

Chicago White Sox 4, Detroit 3 Toronto 4, N.Y. Yankees 1 Baltimore 4, Tampa Bay 3, 10 innings Philadelphia at Minnesota, n Cleveland 6, San Diego 1 Seattle 10, Houston 5 Boston at Pittsburgh, n Kansas City at L.A. Angels, n Texas at Athletics, n

St. Louis 8, Chicago Cubs 4 San Francisco 7, Colorado 1 N.Y. Mets 5, Washington 4 Miami at Cincinnati, n Philadelphia at Minnesota, n San Diego at Cleveland, n Arizona at Atlanta, n Boston at Pittsburgh, n Milwaukee at L.A. Dodgers, n

Baltimore (Rogers 7-8) at Tampa Bay (Peralta 5-9), 11:15 a.m. Boston (Sandoval 1-1) at Pittsburgh (Skenes 9-11), 12:35 p.m. N.Y. Yankees (Weathers 5-7) at Toronto (Cease 7-5), 12:37 p.m. Chicago White Sox (Burke 7-6) at Detroit (Anderson 4-4), 12:40 p.m. San Diego (Mize 4-7) at Cleveland (Bibee 4-12), 12:40 p.m. Philadelphia (Painter 2-8) at Minnesota (Kremer 2-4), 1:10 p.m. Texas (Bradford 0-1) at Athletics (Lopez 5-4), 3:05 p.m. Kansas City (Cameron 6-8) at L.A. Angels (Johnson 2-6), 3:07 p.m. Seattle (Woo 8-8) at Houston (Brown 3-2), 6:20 p.m.

Arizona (Soroka 8-3) at Atlanta (Elder 8-7), 12:35 p.m. Boston (Sandoval 1-1) at Pittsburgh (Skenes 9-11), 12:35 p.m. Miami (Pérez 6-9) at Cincinnati (Lodolo 3-2), 12:40 p.m. San Diego (Mize 4-7) at Cleveland (Bibee 4-12), 12:40 p.m. Washington (Irvin 2-6) at N.Y. Mets (Scott 3-3), 12:40 p.m. Philadelphia (Painter 2-8) at Minnesota (Kremer 2-4), 1:10 p.m. St. Louis (Dobbins 2-3) at Chicago Cubs (Cabrera 5-4), 2:15 p.m. Colorado (Hughes 0-4) at San Francisco (Tidwell 0-0), 3:05 p.m. Milwaukee (Henderson 6-2) at L.A. Dodgers (Skubal 7-6), 3:10 p.m.

Saturday’s Games

Sunday’s Games

Saturday’s Games

Sunday’s Games

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By PAUL BEATy

BOX SCORES N.Y. Mets 5, Washington 4

San Francisco 7, Colorado 1

Toronto 4, N.Y. Yankees 1

Washington

Colorado

New York

ab r h bi Crews rf 4 0 0 0 Chaparro 1b 2 2 1 1 Ortiz ph-1b 1 0 1 0 House 3b 4 1 1 3 Abrams ss 4 0 0 0 Ford c 3 0 0 0 Jac.Young cf 4 0 2 0 Lile dh 4 0 0 0 Nuñez 2b 4 0 1 0 Pinckney lf 2 1 1 0

ab r h bi Ewing cf 4 1 0 0 Lindor ss 4 1 2 1 Bichette 3b 4 0 1 0 Benge rf 2 1 1 1 Jar.Young 1b 4 0 2 2 Semien 2b 3 0 0 0 Baty lf 2 1 0 0 Polanco dh 4 0 1 0 Pache pr 0 1 0 0 F.Alvarez c 4 0 1 1 Robert pr 0 0 0 0 Totals 32 4 7 4 Totals 31 5 8 5 Washington 000 103 000 — 4 New York 200 001 002 — 5 DP_Washington 1, New York 1. LOB_Washington 4, New York 8. 2B_Jar.Young (11), F.Alvarez (11). 3B_Pinckney (1). HR_Chaparro (7), House (9), Benge (14). SB_Ewing (16). IP H R ER BB SO Washington Lord 2/3 1 2 2 4 1 Dion 4 1/3 0 0 0 1 7 Cosgrove H,3 1 2 1 1 0 1 Ribalta H,11 1 0 0 0 0 1 Beeter H,6 1 2 0 0 1 1 Cruz L,0-1 BS,0-2 1/3 3 2 2 1 1 New York Manaea 6 1/3 6 4 4 2 7 Núñez 1 1 0 0 0 1 Yan W,1-0 1 2/3 0 0 0 0 3 Núñez pitched to 2 batters in the 8th. HBP_Manaea (Pinckney). WP_Beeter. ABS Challenge_Yan (Ball-Conﬁrmed). Umpires_Home, Nestor Ceja; First, Willie Traynor; Second, Chris Guccione; Third, Charlie Ramos. T_2:54. A_34,737 (42,136).

San Francisco

ab r h bi ab r h bi McCarthy lf 4 0 1 0 Gilbert cf 4 2 3 3 Carrigg cf 4 0 1 1 Devers dh 5 1 1 1 Moniak dh 3 0 0 0 Eldridge 1b 4 0 1 1 Amador ph 1 0 0 0 Lee rf 3 1 2 0 Rumfield 1b 4 0 0 0 Basabe 2b 4 0 1 0 Castro 3b 4 0 1 0 Cavanaugh c3 1 0 0 Veen rf 3 0 0 0 Hill lf 3 0 0 1 Norby 2b 3 0 1 0 Kennedy 3b 3 1 1 0 Sullivan c 3 0 0 0 Koss ss 4 1 1 0 Tovar ss 3 1 1 0 33 710 6 Totals 32 1 5 1 Totals Colorado 001 000 000 — 1 San Francisco 001 600 00x — 7 LOB_Colorado 4, San Francisco 7. 2B_Norby (13), Devers (29). HR_Gilbert (6). SF_Hill (1). IP H R ER BB SO Colorado 6 3 1 Lorenzen L,3-11 3 2⁄3 4 6 1 ⁄3 3 1 1 0 0 Mushinski Gordon 4 3 0 0 0 4 San Francisco Webb W,8-7 6 4 1 1 0 7 Seymour 2 1 0 0 0 3 Smith 1 0 0 0 0 1 HBP_Lorenzen (Kennedy). WP_Mushinski. ABS Challenge_Moniak (Strike-Overturned to Ball); Koss (Strike-Overturned to Ball); Lorenzen (Ball-Overturned to Strike); Lorenzen (Ball-Confirmed); Mushinski (Ball-Overturned to Strike); Hill (Strike-Confirmed). Pitch timer violations_Rumfield (batter). Umpires_Home, John Bacon; First, Brian Walsh; Second, Gabe Morales; Third, Lance Barrett. T_2:26. A_35,069 (41,915).

Toronto

ab r h bi ab r h bi Grisham cf 3 0 0 0 Bateman cf 4 1 2 0 Rice dh 4 0 0 0 Lukes rf 3 0 1 1 Ramos lf 4 0 0 0 Kirk dh 3 0 1 1 García 1b 4 0 1 0 J.Sánchez lf 1 0 0 0 Jones rf 3 1 1 0 Straw pr-lf 2 0 0 0 Chisholm 2b 3 0 0 0 Okamoto 3b 4 0 1 0 Lombard ss 2 0 1 1 Giménez ss 4 1 1 0 McMahon 3b 3 0 0 0 Valenzuela c 3 1 0 0 Wells c 3 0 1 0 Smith 2b 2 0 0 0 Caballero pr 0 0 0 0 Clement ph-2b2 1 2 0 A.Sánchez c 0 0 0 0 McAdoo 1b 4 0 2 2 Totals 29 1 4 1 Totals 32 4 10 4 New York 010 000 000 — 1 Toronto 001 000 12x — 4 DP_New York 0, Toronto 1. LOB_New York 3, Toronto 12. 2B_McAdoo (1). SB_Jones (6). S_Lukes 2 (6). IP H R ER BB SO New York Schlittler 5 1⁄3 4 1 1 3 7 Headrick L,6-2 1 3 1 1 0 1 2 Blackburn ⁄3 0 0 0 1 1 2 Hill ⁄3 3 2 2 0 0 1 De los Santos ⁄3 0 0 0 1 0 Toronto Fisher 1 0 0 0 1 0 Tiedemann 1 2⁄3 2 1 1 0 2 Woods Richardson 2 1⁄3 0 0 0 1 2 Fluharty 1 0 0 0 0 0 Miles W,5-2 1 1 0 0 0 1 Rogers H,26 1 1 0 0 0 1 Varland S,28-29 1 0 0 0 0 3 Headrick pitched to 4 batters in the 7th. HBP_Hill (Valenzuela). Pitch timer violations_Blackburn (pitcher); De los Santos (pitcher). Umpires_Home, Nic Lentz; First, Hunter Wendelstedt; Second, Brock Ballou; Third, Vic Carapazza. T_2:44. A_42,580 (39,150).

THIS DATE IN BASEBALL Aug. 16

1920 — Shortstop Ray Chapman of the Cleveland Indians was hit in the head with a pitch in the fifth inning by New York’s Carl Mays. Chapman suffered a fractured skull and died the next day. It is the only field fatality in major league history. 1927 — Babe Ruth of the New York Yankees became the first player to clear the roof at Comiskey Park in Chicago. Ruth’s home run came off White Sox pitcher Tommy Thomas in the 8-1 win. 1947 — Ralph Kiner hit three successive home runs to become the first Pirates player to ever accomplish the feat as Pittsburgh beat the St. Louis Cardinals 12-7 at Forbes Field. 1950 — Hank Thompson hit two

inside-the-park home runs in the Giants’ 16-7 rout of the Brooklyn Dodgers at the Polo Grounds. 1967 — Jim Maloney of Cincinnati retired 19 consecutive Pirates but had to leave the game after he injured his ankle by stepping in a hole at Forbes Field. Billy McCool allowed two hits over the ﬁnal 2 2-3 innings to give the Reds a 4-0 victory over Pittsburgh. 1987 — Tim Raines of the Montreal Expos went 5-for-5 with four extra-base hits and the cycle in a 10-7 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates. 1987 — New York’s Darryl Strawberry drove in ﬁve runs with four extra-base hits to lead the Mets to a 23-10 rout of the Cubs at Wrigley Field. 1989 — Tom Drees pitched his third no-hitter of the season

for AAA Vancouver, beating Las Vegas, 5-0, in the 7-inning opener of a doubleheader. He had consecutive 1-0 no-hitters, beating Calgary in nine innings (May 23) and Edmonton in seven (May 28). 1996 — With 23,699 fans at the 25,644-seat Estadio Monterrey, the San Diego Padres defeated the New York Mets 15-10 in the ﬁrst major league regularseason game played outside the United States or Canada. 2009 — Derek Jeter hits an RBI double off Seattle’s Doug Fister in the 3rd for his 2,674th hit as a shortstop, surpassing Luis Aparicio’s all-time leading total for the position. 2011 — Albert Pujols of St. Louis reached 30 home runs for the 11th consecutive season in a 5-4, 11-inning loss to Pittsburgh.

2012 — Major League Baseball approves the sale of the San Diego Padres from John Moores to a group headed by local businessman Ron Fowler, which also includes former Los Angeles Dodgers owner Peter O’Malley and pro golfer Phil Mickelson. The sale is for $800 million. 2013 — Grant Holman of Chula Vista, Calif. struck out 13 and became the first player to toss a no-hitter in the Little League World Series since the 85-pitch rule was put in place in 2007. 2018 — Jose Bautista hit a grand slam and had a career-high seven RBIs and the New York Mets set a franchise record for runs, forcing the Phillies to use two position players for the final three innings of a 24-4 victory in the first game of a doubleheader.

St. Louis Cardinals rookie outfielder Joshua Baez celebrates with his mother yris Carmen Baez after he hit three home runs in his MLB debut Saturday against the Chicago Cubs.

Cardinals OF Báez makes HR history in MLB debut The Associated Press CHICAGO — Joshua Báez smashed the first pitch he saw in the majors about 450 feet, then flashed a grin to the St. Louis dugout as he began his home run trot. “There was a calmness and a smile, like, ‘I’m here,’ ” Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol said. “It’s rare for me to pick my head up to enjoy parts of it. He didn’t exactly give us an option but to actually take a step back and enjoy the heck out of what was going on there.” There never has been a show quite like it. Báez became the first player to hit a home run in each of his first three at-bats in the majors, leading the Cardinals to an 8-4 victory over the Chicago Cubs on Saturday. Called up from Triple-A Memphis before the game, Báez had 30 members of his family in attendance at Wrigley Field. The traveling party, which included his mother, Yris, gathered on the field for photos afterward in spite of rain. “It’s just unreal,” the 23-yearold Báez said. “To not only get a hit, but three home runs? It’s crazy.” He did it with flair, too. The first

came on the first pitch he saw from Matthew Boyd and landed an estimated 449 feet away in the bleachers in left-center. The left fielder’s next at-bat ended with a solo shot down the left-field line and the third, on his ensuing atbat, went the opposite way, giving him five RBIs. Major League Baseball said Báez was the first player in modern baseball history to hit three home runs in his debut. The league cannot say with certainty whether the feat happened before 1901 because of a lack of game logs. “He hit three different pitches for home runs. He had a great game. He beat us, for sure,” Cubs manager Craig Counsell said. Báez showed plenty of power in the minors this season. When he was called up, he was leading all Triple-A hitters with 34 home runs, including four multihomer games. He’s the ninth player to make his major league debut for the Cardinals this season. Báez also is the 11th St. Louis player to homer in his first career at-bat (the last was Lane Thomas in 2019) and sixth in club history to homer on the first pitch. Former pitcher Adam Wainwright last did it in 2006.

LOUISIANA INSPIRED: After welcoming refugees, Slidell real estate agent joined Ukraine’s army 5D

FAITH: Sister Helen Prejean continues her work — and her writing 4D

LIVING

T H E A D V O C AT E.C O M

S u n d ay, au g u S t 16, 2026

1dn

Jan Risher

Apparently, I needed a $10 flyswatter I have bought more things in the last 11 months than I have in the last 11 years. I am not happy about that claim, but it’s true. The purchases — from a longer chain pull for a ceiling fan to an oven, refrigerator, sofa and bed — have been necessary because of our house fire in August 2025. Shopping in the wake of a fire is largely utilitarian: light fixtures, socks, rug pads, a can of spray starch, all the furniture, doors, latches, knobs, tile, sinks, flanges. I didn’t even know what a flange was, but I do know that the list goes on and on. Whatever joy I once derived from shopping is long gone. (Except for purses. I still enjoy my quest for the perfect purse.) All that said, there is one item that arrived last week that has me rejoicing — a flyswatter. I had forgotten how satisfying it is to own something that has the sole purpose of smacking a fly. For reasons not fully understood, flyswatters have been missing from our lives for years — and I’m so happy I have one again. Flyswatters played a much larger role in my childhood than they have in recent decades. I’m not exactly sure what happened to them. Where did they go? What happened to the flyswatter, a word that rhymes so perfectly with ice water — thank you, Lyle Lovett? They used to be everywhere, but my family hasn’t owned one for years. Until last week. That absence doesn’t make a lot of sense since flyswatters are quite effective at the task at hand, and flies are very much still around. Maybe because I’ve spent a lot of time at a construction site lately, I’ve noticed the glaring hole in life more. Maybe it’s because air conditioning works so much better now than it did when I was a kid. Maybe more windows have screens. My quest to learn more about the decline of flyswatters led me to Iza van Riemsdijk, a Dutch internal medicine and nephrology specialist who owns more than 3,300 of them. Her collection of very ordinary and very exceptional swats from all over the globe has been turned into a museum display in multiple countries. She launched her collection in 1989 in Japan when she spotted a bow tie-shaped pink swatter with tweezers in the handle for picking up dead flies. Riemsdijk’s internet footprint is a strange one. Along with information about interesting and mundane swatters, her website includes

STAFF PHOTOS By ROBIN MILLER

Emily Bevins stands before the backdrop of the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine’s sculpture ‘In Our Hands,’ while talking about her table filled with artwork-in-progress focusing on the connection between the Vet Med teams’ hands and their patients. Bivens was the fifth artist to work in the vet school’s artist-in-residence program.

KINDRED SPIRITS From a heartbeat to helping hands, LSU Vet Med artist makes animal care part of the composition

BY ROBIN MILLER

she witnessed the veterinary team develop a treatment plan speciﬁcally for the bird, which had an abscessed foot and a damaged wing. But their hands most impressed Bivens as she watched them carefully connect with the eagle’s feathered body. The connection was personal, caring and reassuring. And it was through this connection between human hands and animal patients that she developed the art form for her residency.

Staff writer

“Do you want to listen?” The question came from a member of the LSU Vet Med team treating an American bald eagle for an abscess known as bumblefoot, but Emily Ward Bivens wasn’t looking at the bird’s foot. Her focus was on the stethoscope being offered to her. It was an opportunity that she wouldn’t pass up, an experience she hadn’t anticipated when she was named the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine’s 2026 artistin-residence. Bivens knew she’d be visiting different departments within the school to gather ideas and inspiration for her onsite artwork, but she never envisioned herself participating in the process. So, she immediately answered the stethoscope offer with a resounding “yes.” “Even now, I think about how great that moment was,” Bivens said. “I was able to listen to the heartbeat of this bald eagle, and

Fifth artist-in-residence Bivens arrived on campus July 13. Her four-week residency ended on Aug. 7 with an exhibit opening Emily Bevins began her process by and presentation in the Vet Med’s taking photos of the connection library. The exhibition will continbetween LSU Vet Med teams’ ue through Sept. 7. She was the fifth artist chosen hands and the teams’ clients. for the LSU Vet Med’s Artist-inthat kind of experience just gives Residence Program launched in you the idea of the magnitude 2022, a ﬁrst-of-its-kind U.S. veteriof what they’re doing at the vet nary school residency exploring school.” the intersection of art and science While the bald eagle’s heart beat ä See ARTIST, page 6D a steady rhythm in Bivens’ ears,

ä See FLYSWATTER, page 6D

Teen photographer goes viral with water park photo shoot Glen Oaks High School football players jump into a pool at Blue Bayou during a photo shoot for the team’s media day. PHOTO By KEITH JOSEPH

BY JOY HOLDEN Staff writer

At 18 years old, Baton Rouge local Keith Joseph is experiencing his 15 minutes of fame. A 2026 Liberty Magnet graduate and former linebacker, Joseph is making waves on social media for his creative high school football team media shoots. His aquatic shots of the Glen Oaks High School football team at Blue Bayou Water Park have generated over 113,000

When I see the picture and it looks good, I just get excited.” KEITH JOSEPH

views on Instagram and even made it to SportscenterNext’s Instagram page. Joseph’s photography business, Shot By Mane, has been busy this summer. Joseph said that he’s photographed about seven Baton Rouge high school football teams so far for their media day pictures — something that has become increasingly more extravagant as social media has captured the attention of athletes and fans. NFL, college and high school

teams and players are connecting with photographers to create out-of-the-box photo shoots at unorthodox locations. The flashy photos help players get seen. Of the high school football teams Joseph has photographed, he has shot at Raising Cane’s for Brusly High School, Perkins Rowe for McKinley High School and Topgolf for Liberty Magnet High School. Joseph said the players are

ä See PHOTOS, page 6D

2D ■ Sunday, August 16, 2026 ■ theadvocate.com ■ The Advocate

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COMMUNITY

PROVIDED PHOTO

Assumption Parish School System State Superintendent Dr. Cade Brumley speaks to the Assumption Parish School System employees during a back-to-school kickoff celebration.

Assumption schools begin year with Brumley

Assumption Parish School System employees recently gathered at the Assumption Parish Civic Center for a back-to-school kickoff celebration. The group heard words of encouragement and guidance from local school leaders in preparation for the new school year. The state’s top education leader, Superintendent Dr. Cade Brumley addressed the crowd of teachers, school administrators and staff who were dressed in navy blue T-shirts with the year’s back-toschool theme of “Igniting Excellence.” The event included presentations on various guidelines and requirements, entertainment by local students, and refresh-

ments and giveaways provided by local businesses. Brumley told the crowd he had visited some of the district’s schools last school year and was pleased to see familiar faces and reconnect with local educators. He also said he made a point to check the state’s most recent accountability scores to see the reports on those schools he visited. The state’s measurement of improved literacy among early grade levels, which was released over the summer, showed Assumption Parish’s K-3 students had a 21% increase overall in reading on or above grade level for beginning-to-end-of-schoolyear comparisons. That same report showed every grade improved with kindergarten students posting the largest gains.

PROVIDED PHOTO

Zachary Lions Club Zachary welcomed its second Lions Club on June 26 at a charter night banquet at the Zachary High School gym. Shown are, from left, seated, Dorothy Watkins, Pauline North, Karen Breaux, Debra Franklin, Linda Johnson, Reagan Carter, Deborah Wicker, Mary McManus, First Vice District Gov. Tony Hardy; standing, Past District Gov. Harry Theriot, District Chair LC Thomas, Charles Stokes, Marvin Hamilton, Eileen Hamilton, Cynthia Miller, Sandra Douglas, Janice Dunn, Carolyn Bergeron, Monica Stewart, Kennedy Stewart, Elvis Collins, William King, Past District Gov. Jimmy Robert and District Gov. Elbert Hill.

PROVIDED PHOTO

Baton Rouge Navy Club The Baton Rouge Navy Club, USS Kidd, Ship 661, held its monthly luncheon at Piccadilly Restaurant on Tuesday. Gathered are, from left, seated, Doc LeCompte, Adrian Fortier and Gidget McIntyre; standing, Tommy Straight, John Harrell, Bus Di Palma, Chick Streat, Jerry Pugh, Tom Hirschey, Clifton Smith, Rick Munch and Jack Laws. Not shown is Raymond Acosta. PROVIDED PHOTO

Kiwanis Club of Ascension Members of the Kiwanis Club of Ascension donated 96 clear backpacks filled with school supplies to CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) in Ascension Parish. Backpacks will be distributed to vulnerable children navigating the court and foster care systems. Ascension Kiwanis meets at 6 p.m. on the first and third Wednesday at Frank’s in Prairieville. Shown are, from left, Donna Leggett, PR chair; Troy Pater, incoming treasurer; Boni Pater, secretary; Kristin Rosendale, president; Codie Witmer, CASA recruiter and Avah Videgaray, advocacy supervisor.

COMMUNITY GUIDELINES The Community column runs Sundays in the Living section and accepts submissions for news of events that have taken place with civic, philanthropic, social and religious auxiliary organizations, as well as academic honors. Submissions should be sent by noon Monday to run in the upcoming Sunday column. Because of space limitations, organizations that meet monthly or more are limited to one photo per month. If submitting digitally, we prefer JPG files 300KB or larger. Identify those pictured by first and last names as viewed from left to right, row by row. We prefer emailed Community column submissions to features@theadvocate.com. We also accept submissions by mail at P.O. Box 588, Baton Rouge LA 70821. A phone number must be included.

Talk to discuss protecting Atchafalaya Basin

The LSU Hilltop Arboretum welcomes Dean Wilson, executive director of Atchafalaya Basinkeeper, who will give a presentation about the challenges facing the FYI BR Atchafalaya Basin staff and why its future matters to south reports Louisiana. From 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Aug. 25 at the arboretum, 11855 Highland Road, Baton Rouge, Wilson will discuss how sedimentation and current management practices are affecting the Basin’s ability to function as a ﬂoodway and the potential implications for communities throughout south central Louisiana. The presentation will also examine the broader role of the Atchafalaya Basin in supporting wildlife habitat, water quality and the cultural and economic vitality of the region. Wilson came to Louisiana in 1984 en route to the Amazon. After living in the Basin’s deep swamps for four months, he fell in love with the swamps, lakes, bayous and rivers of the Atchafalaya Basin. He

chose to stay in the Basin, working as a commercial ﬁsherman before forming Basinkeeper in 2004, a member of the Waterkeeper Alliance. Visit lsu.edu/hilltop/programs/ adult/discovernature.php to register and buy tickets.

Mobile bookstore celebrating first birthday It has been one year of books, events, new friendships and bringing Chapter Twenty Mobile Bookstore around the community. Chapter Twenty will celebrate its one-year anniversary with a market and party from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Sept. 18 at Le Chien Brewing Company, 101 S. Hummell St., Denham Springs. The market will include vendors for shopping, six local authors to meet, live music, Le Chien’s food and drinks, three giveaway baskets, and of course, the Chapter Twenty mobile bookstore.

Magnolia Children’s Group to hold gala Magnolia Children’s Group invites the Baton Rouge community to attend its Inaugural Magnolia

Gala: An Evening of Hope Under the Stars, 6 p.m. Sept. 24 at Church of the King, 2037 Quail Drive, Baton Rouge. The inaugural fundraising gala will bring together community leaders, businesses, families and more to support Louisiana’s children in foster care. Guests will enjoy dinner, live entertainment, inspiring stories, a silent auction and opportunities to invest in the future of children who have experienced abuse, neglect and trauma. Money raised during the Magnolia Gala will directly support the organization’s mission as it develops Louisiana’s ﬁrst traumainformed foster care campus, expands family support initiatives and builds sustainable programs that equip children and caregivers with the resources they need to ﬂourish. Community members are invited to purchase individual tickets, reserve tables, become event sponsors or contribute auction items. For tickets, sponsorship opportunities or additional information about the Magnolia Gala, visit magnoliachildrensgroup.org/ magnolia-gala or follow Magnolia Children’s Group on social media.

The Advocate ■ theadvocate.com ■ Sunday,August 16, 2026 ■ 3D

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TRAVEL

Expert advice, hacks for rising travel costs Amid inflation, consumers looking to save money

“Cruise lines and resorts release their lowest pricing and best perks, such as free drink packages, onboard credit, and kids-sail-free promos, at the opening of booking windows,” Bixler explains. Waiting even a few months usually means paying more for the same cabin or room category on a cruise or at a resort. And not to worry, if a lower-cost promotion comes out at a later date, you may still be able to get that promotional deal applied retroactively to the cost you paid earlier.

BY MIA TAYLOR TravelPulse (TNS)

Whether it’s gas, groceries, energy bills, or yes, travel costs, it’s hard to avoid the sticker shock of rising prices these days. When it comes to travel expenses, in particular, the July Travel Inflation Report from NerdWallet reveals that average U.S. travel costs are 10% higher compared to this time in 2025. The report, which combines data from individual travel categories tracked by the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Consumer Price Index (such as airfares, lodging, meals and rental cars), also indicates that airfare is far steeper in 2026 than it was last year, up a staggering 26.5%. The price tag for eating out and entertainment is also up, but more modestly at 3.4% and 3.6%, respectively. Lodging prices, meanwhile, have increased about 4.8%. Despite these price hikes, Americans are not interested in giving up on travel. And who can blame them?A survey of more than 3,000 people conducted by travel insurance marketplace Squaremouth found that more than half of respondents (54%) plan to cut spending on other areas of their lives to prioritize travel in 2026. Which areas are getting the axe exactly? About 19% of survey respondents said they’ll reduce retail shopping and 12% said they’ll cut back on dining out in order to make more money available for travel. If you’re reluctant to put a pause on travel as well, but would like to find ways to rein in the especially steep costs of a vacation, read on. We asked travel industry insiders to share their top tips for scaling back travel expenses amid inflation. Here’s what they had to say. Shift your flight budget toward more budget-friendly and dollarstrong countries Booking flights is likely the deci-

Use hyper-local travel experts

DREAMSTIME sion with the largest marginal impact on your travel budget, says Evelyn Duran, of the tour company Ecuador & Galapagos Insiders. Consumers can help reduce this cost by looking for less expensive flight destinations. “Round-trip flights to Ecuador from Miami or Houston are currently some of the least expensive international flights, costing $400 to $600, while flights to Europe range from $900 to $1,400,” explains Duran. Many of the countries that are less expensive to fly to also offer an especially favorable exchange rate for the U.S. dollar (meaning your vacation dollars will go further)

All-inclusive tour packages You can protect yourself against continually rising travel costs by booking an all-inclusive tour package for your next vacation. In most cases, when you travel via a package tour (offered by companies like Intrepid, Trafalgar, G Adventures, Contiki, Ecuador & Galapagos Insiders, and the like), everything from restaurants to activities and accommodations is included for one set price. “When you book an all-inclusive trip ... you can lock in current prices for your entire family,” explains

“Shifting a Disney or Universal trip by even two or three weeks, before or after spring break or the first weeks of summer, can cut airfare and even hotel rates by a quite a bit,” says Bixler. “Families with any flexibility with school Shoulder and off-season calendars are saving the most by This tried-and-true hack has moving off already popular travel been around for quite some time dates.” and is often relied upon by freCruises and all-inclusive resorts quent globetrotters. Instead of visiting a destination Another way to help combat risduring its peak season, such as ing travel costs is by booking a summer in Europe, try visiting cruise vacation or an all-inclusive during a time that’s less popular resort, advises Bixler. Here too, with travelers. Think: October or package deals can help cap your November in the case of Europe, spending and make budgeting for for instance. your trip more predictable. “Traveling during the off-season “With airfare up and discount or shoulder season is one of my options limited this year, a cruise top recommendations for travel- or an all-inclusive resort locks in ers looking to stretch their budget food, resort and entertainment without compromising the overall before it climbs any further,” Bixexperience,” says Julie Crotts, a ler explains. “I’m steering more travel advisor with Fora. budget-conscious families toward “I typically suggest dates outside these because there’s no surprise of peak periods, when travelers bill or resort fee after you have can often find more competitive paid.” rates on accommodations, flights and activities while enjoying few- Book your vacation early er crowds.” Crotts adds. This tip may not be for everyone This hack also works for theme (procrastinators, we’re looking park vacations, says Bethany Bix- at you), but if you’re comfortable ler, travel advisor with Wish and locking in a vacation for 2027 now, Wayfinder Travel, who specializes it may save you a great deal of money, says Bixler. in Disney vacations.

Duran. Moreover, by doing a little research online, it may even be possible to ﬁnd tour operators offering sales or special promotions on all-inclusive packages.

During an inflationary travel environment, it can be helpful to work with local travel experts to craft your travel experience. “Local travel experts have the best pricing because they have relationships with the lodges, guides, transportation providers, and activity providers, and they have the most pricing options available,” explains Vummy Kihaule, a travel expert with Tanzania Safaris. When a local travel expert does the travel planning, you can also avoid the retail cost of booking transfers, activities, and accommodations, adds Kihaule. “Local travel experts even provide authentic activities that travelers miss when they travel plan on their own,” says Kihaule.

Practice ‘slow travel’ Another increasingly popular hack to help scale back the cost of travel is to visit fewer places during the course of a trip and stay longer in each place. This approach is known as “slow travel.” “Attempting to travel to more places only adds to the cost of travel due to the hidden costs that come with moving around more like the cost of checking luggage, flights, and transfers,” says Kihaule. Slow travel also offers the beneﬁt of allowing you to get to know each place you visit more deeply and provides more support for local economies and businesses. It’s an approach that Kihaule says will make your journey even richer and more memorable.

TRAVEL TROUBLESHOOTER By Christopher Elliott

After flight was canceled, $844 refund sent to wrong bank I booked flights with Viva Aerobus from Tijuana to Hermosillo, Mexico.The airline canceled the flights, and I requested a refund.Viva Aerobus would not refund to my American Express card. Instead, it said it had to wire the money to my U.S. bank account. Christopher I sent the airline the details for an internaElliott tional transfer. My bank is Northrop Grumman Federal Credit Union. I found a SWIFT code for the bank online and included it in the forms. It turns out my bank does not use a SWIFT code or an intermediary bank.To make matters worse,Viva Aerobus performed the transfer but used a different SWIFT code than the one I provided. It sent the money to Navy Federal Credit Union. I

am not a member there, so that bank will not help me. I have sent several emails to customer service and the CEO, but nobody will reply. I also filed a formal complaint with PROFECO, Mexico’s consumer protection agency. Can you help me get my $844 refund? — Carol Bartell, Carlsbad, Calif. When an airline cancels a ﬂight, it’s required under federal rules to refund you if you decide not to travel. But what we have here is a comedy (or maybe a tragedy) of banking errors, and it is difﬁcult to know who gets the blame. Let’s start with the refund itself. Viva Aerobus should have simply reversed the charge on your American Express card. It is unclear why the airline insisted on a wire transfer, but that require-

ment set the stage for the confusion that followed. You admitted in your correspondence that you searched for your bank’s SWIFT code online. That is dangerous. You should always contact your bank to verify wire instructions. As you found out, your credit union does not use the SWIFT system. However, Viva Aerobus made a significant error as well. You provided a specific code, but the airline’s records show it sent the money to a different one. As you correctly point out, it directed your refund to Navy Federal Credit Union instead of Northrop Grumman. When a wire transfer hits a bank where the beneficiary has no account, the funds are typically

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rejected and returned to the sender. This process can take time, and money often sits in limbo while banks reconcile the error. You did the right thing by escalating your complaint. You contacted the airline’s executives (I list the names and numbers for Viva Aerobus executives on my consumer advocacy site, Elliott. org). You also ﬁled a complaint with PROFECO, Mexico’s consumer protection agency. For Mexican airlines, PROFECO is often the most effective route to a resolution because it has regulatory authority over carriers like Viva Aerobus. Since the airline stopped responding to you, it may have been ignoring you. When a consumer

protection agency gets involved, your case may get transferred to a different department that handles government complaints. Unfortunately, that often freezes direct communication with the customer to instead handle the issue through ofﬁcial legal channels. I contacted Viva Aerobus several times on your behalf. Finally, Viva Aerobus responded to you via your PROFECO complaint. It processed a new refund for $844, the full amount of your ticket. Christopher Elliott is the founder of Elliott Advocacy, a nonproﬁt organization that helps consumers solve their problems. Email him at chris@elliott.org or get help by contacting him on his site.

4D ■ Sunday, August 16, 2026 ■ theadvocate.com ■ The Advocate

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FAITH

‘The dignity of all life’ At 87, Sister Helen Prejean continues her work and her writing

Sister Helen Prejean

BY BOB WARREN

seem to some that she is taking sides. Now, in addition to the advocacy work, she also tries to prioritize the needs of a victim’s family, making sure to reach out to them when she becomes a prisoner’s adviser. “It’s just unbelievable, the dark mystery they’ve been plunged into,” she says of the families. “Here, your loved one’s alive, and by that night at 10 o’clock, they’re dead … And they (the victims’ families) need healing help.”

Staff writer

It’s been more than three decades since Sister Helen Prejean’s ﬁrst book, “Dead Man Walking,” chronicled her experiences as spiritual adviser to two men on Louisiana’s death row. Her gritty depiction of their executions renewed the nation’s debate over capital punishment. Prejean is 87 now, an age where most folks have long called it a career. Not her. The Catholic nun, a Baton Rouge native and New Orleans resident, recently helped produce a graphicnovel adaptation of her best-known book with the aim of reaching a new, younger audience. She’s also writing a new book, about another man on Louisiana’s death row, Manuel Ortiz, who was convicted in the 1992 murder of his wife and another woman in Kenner. Do nuns ever retire? “This one doesn’t,” she said during a recent interview in the small New Orleans apartment where she lives and works amid her many books and papers. Next year will mark 70 years since she joined the Congregation of St. Joseph. She doesn’t plan to slow down. But a quick nap isn’t a bad idea between appointments. “That chair right there,” she said, pointing to an upholstered recliner, next to a TV tray covered with books. “It kicks out.” She is committed as ever to talking about her work and the death penalty. The speaking engagements continue, probably “20 or 30 a year,” though more are now done online. And, of course, there’s the new book. “Well, Random House is cutting me a lot of slack,” she said. “So I kind of decided we’re going to try to get a manuscript to them by the end of December.” She said she draws strength and inspiration from prayer. Some of the art on the walls of her ofﬁce also carry spiritual messages. A print of Fra Angelico’s “Annunciation” hangs near her computer — the Archangel Gabriel telling the Virgin Mary she will give birth to Jesus. “But we get small annunciations to do God’s work all the time,” Prejean says. “Dead Man Walking” has sold more than 800,000 copies, she says. The 1995 movie version starred Sean Penn as a death-row inmate and Susan Sarandon as Prejean. Sarandon won an Academy Award for it. Prejean still marvels at the reach her book has had. She said she spoke recently with a student, an eighth grader, who

‘Trust your artist’

STAFF PHOTOS By DAVID GRUNFELD

Some items in Sister Helen Prejean’s home office in New Orleans include a photo from the 1995 film based on her book, ‘Dead Man Walking.’ told her she had read “Dead Man Walking” three times. Prejean was ﬂoored. “It’s a heavy book,” she said. As she often does in interviews, Prejean refers to her Cajun roots as she describes the feelings she had when that ﬁrst book was conceived. In short, she thought it would be a waste of time. “It just seemed passive,” she said of the thought that people would want to read what she wrote. “We’re from Louisiana — we talk. We tell stories.”

‘God woke me up’ Prejean says public opinion continues to shift toward opposing the death penalty, and notes that keeping the debate going helps move it further in that direction. The Catholic Church has increasingly opposed capital punishment and supports abolishing it; in 2018 Pope Francis revised the catechism to affirm that all uses of the death penalty are “inadmissible.” Prejean cites recent Gallup polls showing a 52% approval rate for the death penalty, down from a peak of 84% in 1994. Twenty-three states do not allow capital punishment. Nineteen people have been executed in four states in the U.S in 2026, all by lethal injection. Twelve were in Florida and four were in Texas. The last person to be executed in Louisiana was Jessie Dean Hoffman Jr., who was convicted in the 1996 rape and murder of a woman

in St. Tammany Parish. His March 2025 execution was Louisiana’s first in 15 years. Gov. Jeff Landry and Attorney General Liz Murrill both support the death penalty, saying it fulfills promises made to victims’ families. Prejean, who joined her order in 1957, describes her early life as one with blinders on, a life where she had very little recognition of issues such as racial prejudice, even though she lived in the segregated South. Moving into the St. Thomas public housing development in New Orleans in 1982, where she worked with the poor and saw the difficulties in their lives, was pivotal. “I’m still so grateful God woke me up,” she said, explaining her transformation from someone who talked about religion to a person who tries to live the teachings of

Jesus. Another eye-opener came later that year, when she began corresponding with Patrick Sonnier, who was on death row after being convicted in the rape and murder of a teenage couple in New Iberia. After witnessing Sonnier’s 1984 execution in the electric chair, Prejean initially said, “Never again.” She vomited after the execution. But months later she was back at the Louisiana State Penitentiary at Angola, this time corresponding with and visiting Robert Lee Willie, another man convicted of murder. “Dead Man Walking” chronicles Prejean’s time with Sonnier and Willie, but since then, she has been spiritual adviser for six additional executed inmates. “You have to be really clear: What’s your job and what’s God’s job?” she said when asked to describe her work with death-row inmates, including accompanying them their executions. “What’s your job? What’s the boundary of what you can do? I know my job is to give dignity and to respect them. That’s what I do.” As the new adaptation makes clear, Prejean doesn’t shy away from what she considers the missteps in her early work. She said she very painfully learned the devastation felt by crime victims’ families, and the hurt they sometimes feel over her work with the men on death row. She said she understands it can

The graphic novel took six years to complete. Rose Vines wrote the book’s script and Catherine Anyango Grünewald did the illustrations. It includes some updated information on the death penalty and decades of court decisions surrounding it. Two recurring characters, an owl and an ant, make appearances to offer comment throughout the book. Any good book can transport a reader to another place, Prejean said. “But the difference here is that you can go between the picture and thinking about it, and the words about it.” S h e p r a i s e d Vi n e s a n d Grünewald’s work. The three conferred often, “but they really did the work.” Prejean spent less time with Grünewald on the illustrations. She recalled Sarandon’s advice to her, decades ago, about such matters: “Here’s the thing you gotta do. You gotta trust your artist,” Prejean said. Prejean spends much of her day writing in her apartment-ofﬁce, at a computer with a view of the bird feeder on a small patio outside. The working title of the book she is now writing is “Cry Justice: The Ordeal of Manuel Ortiz and the Louisiana Justice System.” Ortiz, a native of El Salvador, was convicted of ﬁrst- and seconddegree murder in the 1992 killings of his wife, Tracie Williams Ortiz, and Cheryl Mallory, in Kenner. Prosecutors said Ortiz hired someone to kill his wife so he could collect insurance money. Prejean believes he is innocent and has been his spiritual adviser for a couple of decades. As she advocates for Ortiz, Prejean says she will continue to work to abolish the death penalty. “I’ve got a lot more to go ahead (of me),” she said. “And I feel there’s hope in the Gospel message about the dignity of all life, and that we can grow. So mostly, I do have hope.” Reporter Bob Warren writes about faith and spirituality in Louisiana. Contact him at bwarren@theadvocate.com.

Five north La. priests move step closer to canonization BY LIZ SWAINE

Staff writer

SHREVEPORT — While it is true that New Orleans is the home of the Saints, it may not always be the only Louisiana city to make that claim. Five priests who lived and died in north Louisiana in 1873 have been formally accepted by the Vatican and are currently in the “Roman Phase” of the process of sainthood. For years, the story of the men, who are also referred to as the Five Martyrs, was little known. They were young priests from Europe who volunteered to come to Shreveport to minister to the sick and dying during a virulent Yellow Fever epidemic. Each knew the dangers, and each, eventually, died in the short outbreak that also killed a quarter of the city’s population.

The story of the priests is now the subject of three books and a graphic novel, but was mostly unknown until the work of historian and retired Louisiana State University Shreveport history professor Cheryl White and others. A documentary, “The Five Priests,” was named the 2021 Best Feature Documentary at the White Cannes World Film Festival. Their story is one worth repeating, said the Rev. Duane Trombetta of downtown’s Holy Trinity Catholic Church, which is home to a Minor Shrine to the Five Priests. “They were serving people regardless of the people’s faith practices. They just wanted to be there to offer a word of kindness, intercessory prayers, a cold compress,

a glass of water, and they were doing so without regard to others’ backgrounds, histories, or faith practices,” Trombetta said. “So, we believe that alone is an important part of their legacy.” Another part of the legacy of the ﬁve — Isidore Quemerais, Louis Gergaud, Jean Pierre, Jean-Marie Biler, and François LeVézouët — is that each knew they were coming to a place they would likely never leave. Trombetta said the Minor Shrine has drawn visitors from across the U.S. and Europe to their 130-yearold church, which was also named a Pilgrimage Destination for the church’s Jubilee Year of Hope in 2025. Sainthood for the priests could bring many more visitors. It is never a quick process, said White. The deeds of the ﬁve are making their way through the steps to canonization. Right now,

they are considered “Servants of God.” “At this phase, what it means is that it’s no longer Shreveport, Louisiana. It’s no longer a diocesan process. It is now under the authority of the Holy See. So they will take everything that we sent and will now begin the process of producing a scientiﬁc biography of all ﬁve of our priests that will be presented to Pope Leo,” explained White. “Venerable is the next title,” and is a decision of the pope, said White. “But once they are venerable, then you know it’s the matter of just waiting on a miracle.” Louisiana currently has no canonized saints, nor do Texas or Arkansas. There are only 11 in the United States, which includes Mother Teresa of Calcutta, who did not live in the United States but did establish missionary houses here. White is hopeful: “We have been

told, verbally told this by people within the dicastery, that ours is ‘a beautiful cause.’ They were very struck by the actions of our ﬁve priests, you know, in those extreme historical conditions. That every single one of them made the decision to offer their life in succession is a truly remarkable, and I think standout story.” Trombetta said the speed of the canonizations doesn’t matter as much as the narrative the ﬁve created for Shreveport and northwest Louisiana. “The story remains that they truly lived lives of heroic virtue, and they did serve the sick, and it made our city something that we would consider a city of heroes.” “Their mark, their legacy on the city of Shreveport makes their story far beyond just a Catholic story or just a story of priests,” he said. “That really leaves its mark on our city.”

The Advocate ■ theadvocate.com ■ Sunday, August 16, 2026 ■ 5D

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LOUISIANA INSPIRED

‘A pull on my heart’ BY JENNA ROSS Staff writer

Nichole Robichaux was a real estate agent in Slidell. Now, she’s a medic in Ukraine. Six months after Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, her family welcomed a pair of refugees into their Louisiana home. She advocated for Ukraine in Washington, D.C. She studied the Ukrainian language. But she felt a deep calling — one she has trouble explaining, still — to do more. Last year, she traveled to Kharkiv to deliver medical supplies: bandages and splints, hand warmers and antibacterial ointment. She experienced the country’s cities and met its people. As sirens wailed, she got a tattoo. “It felt like I was completely at home,” she said back in October, during an interview in a Slidell coffee shop. “Nothing felt foreign to me. … “I actually felt more at home in Ukraine, really, than I do here.” So she made a decision: She’d study to become a medic, then join the war effort. In February, she enlisted in the Ukrainian army. The 46-year-old spoke by phone in late July about work, fear and the sirens that no longer keep her up at night. This interview has been edited for length and clarity. It’s been a while since we’ve spoken. Could you place me where you are in the country, in the city, in the room? I’m in eastern Ukraine, on the border of the Donbas and Kharkiv regions. My unit operates mostly in the Donetsk area. So I stay out here and do evacuations when we have injuries or, unfortunately, deaths. And then I also do a lot of tactical medicine training for soldiers. Did you expect training to be a piece of what you would do? I didn’t, actually. Most of my days are in the classroom. I ﬁnished my EMT program

Slidell real estate agent joined Ukraine’s army, aiding soldiers as a medic on the front line

Q&A WITH NICHOLE ROBICHAUX

soldiers who are hurt. Or we also go on reconnaissance missions. Two weeks ago, we had to do one on foot, which was miserable because we were being followed by Russian drones the whole time. We had to cross a big, open field, which is the worst thing to be doing with drones in the area. About two minutes after we crossed the field, a drone came over us. Luckily, we were hidden in the tree line by that time. What does that feel like, in your body and in your mind? It’s kind of an out-of-body experience, because you’re like, ‘What am I doing? This drone is trying to kill me.’ It’s hard to explain. I didn’t even get scared at the time, which is really weird. It’s just so bizarre, the feeling of having PROVIDED PHOTO someone hunting you. Russia’s Rubicon unit, which is Slidell resident Nichole Robichaux studied to be an EMT in order to their big drone force, is operatserve in Ukraine as a medic. ing in our area now, so we are getting a lot more injuries lately. and took my tests. Then I had to Remind me: What was your medical train- Two guys in my battalion died do video testing to complete the two weeks ago, and it was pretty ing or experience before this? program, as I was getting here. gruesome. They were guys I had I had worked for my dad, who Then I went on to do some more worked with, because they were was a doctor. Medicine has altraining in tactical medicine once ways been in my blood. on the evacuation team. So it was I came to Ukraine, because those disheartening to learn about their My sister had a bone marrow are more useful skills for what passing. It just makes you angry, transplant when she was 9 years we’re doing over here. It’s called old and I was 25. I lived in the hos- because it’s just all so tragic. Tactical Combat Casualty Care What are you seeing there on the front pital with her as she went through training, and it was created by the that process, which was about lines? What do you want people to know U.S. military and adapted to this about what you’re seeing? three months in isolation in the war. We teach these skills to as There’s actually people still children’s oncology unit. many soldiers as possible, so that living in some of these villages, So when you were thinking about how to they can provide first aid and first be of service to Ukraine, it made sense to some civilians. We, in the milicare until a medic can arrive. do so as a medic? tary, don’t understand. Why are That way, they can keep each I just kind of felt the pull on my you still living here? other alive. heart. Especially once I visited But they don’t want to leave Can you give me an example of a tactical here. When I came here and met their homes. A lot of them are elmedicine approach? Something you hadn’t the people here and saw what derly and they don’t feel like they learned while training to be an EMT? they were living with every day should have to leave, even though It starts with stopping massive — that’s when I knew I had to do it’s extremely dangerous. bleeding. Something like 85 to something major. When you’re driving in, you’re 88% of preventable battlefield When you’re not in the classroom, what’s driving past destroyed car after deaths here are caused by masa typical day like? destroyed car, and you’re just Some days, if we have a call hoping your car isn’t the next one sive hemorrhage. So stopping of an injury, we have to go close to get hit. Your driver drives fast, massive bleeding is the No. 1 to the front line and pick up our and you hold onto your seat. priority.

Who are you serving alongside? Are they mostly international? Mostly Ukrainian? In my department, it’s all Ukrainians. But I have a lot of international soldiers in my unit. So it’s a mix. Ukrainians are always so grateful to meet someone who comes here just to help, for the idealism of it. I wish we had more support in the U.S. for Ukraine. It’s difficult being here and not being able to explain it. But they appreciate my individual contributions and understand the difference between the person and the country. And they’re appreciative of the past support. That’s one thing that always touches me. I see a lot of troops wearing American flags on their plate carriers, their body armor, still. You held off on leaving Louisiana until your two kids were a little older and could better understand your reasons. How has it been for them? It’s been difficult. I missed my son’s graduation from high school, and that was really hard. And my younger son is not happy I’m here. They both support Ukraine and understand the reasons I’m here. But it’s really hard to have your mom go and sign up for this work. Do you still feel at home there? Definitely. I definitely do feel very much at home here. Now that I live closer to the front, we get constant sirens — all the time. It’s more trying. Although much of it fades into the background. The aerial sirens I don’t even hear anymore. If it’s at night, I just kind of roll over and fall asleep. But it’s harrowing, living in a situation where you’re constantly hearing about people in your city being injured. Contact reporter Jenna Ross at jenna.ross@theadvocate.com.

Powering Progress A New Home for Discovery, Research and Collaboration at LSU

Shell Research Laboratories

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“The opening of the LSU Our Lady of the Lake Health Interdisciplinary Science Building is a testament to the power of partnership and what can be achieved when industry and academia come together around a shared vision.

Shell USA, Inc. committed $2.5 million to the Our Lady of the Lake Health Interdisciplinary Science Building as part of a $27.5 million investment in energy-related initiatives at LSU. Shell Research Laboratories offers advanced research environments to enable faculty and students to work together on complex, real world challenges.

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shell.us/louisiana | #PoweringProgress

6D ■ Sunday, August 16, 2026 ■ theadvocate.com ■ The Advocate

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ARTIST

Continued from page 1D with disciplines ranging from visual art and music to poetry and ﬁlmmaking. Bivens came to LSU from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, where she is a distinguished professor of humanities and director of Graduate Studies in the School of Art. But she is no stranger to south Louisiana. It’s where her fascination with the natural world began at an early age, observing a large colony of armadillos beneath the old house of her childhood in Baton Rouge, which prompted her to pursue a career as a biologist before switching to art. Bevins’ parents still live in Baton Rouge, so visiting the capital city is like coming home. And it’s where she maintained a second-story studio overlooking the Vet Med’s “In Our Hands” sculpture above the school’s Stephenson Pet Clinic. The view wasn’t intentional, but it played perfectly into Bevins’ art theme of helping hands connecting with animals. Her message becomes even more vivid when unrolling one of her ﬁnished works. Well, “unravel” might be a better word, because each piece is a watercolor-based print on a long, narrow roll of watercolor paper attached to a white board by a magnet. Each piece requires two sets of hands to unravel, and each changes shape each time it’s reattached to the board.

STAFF PHOTO By ROBIN MILLER

Emily Bevins explains her artistic process while standing beside her work table in the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine. Bevins was the LSU Vet Med’s 2026 artist-in-residence.

Sculptural installations Just as the Vet Med’s patients are different, so are Bivens’ watercolor-based, sculptural installations. “Each piece is an interactive exercise,” Bivens explains. “I wanted to reﬂect the subjects that I’m seeing, but I also wanted to think about something inherent in this place — that everything that happens here is really interactive and is specific to that patient, that moment, STAFF PHOTO By ROBIN MILLER those clinicians and those residents. So, I came up Emily Bevins works on a watercolor-based drawing, which will be with this idea of creating transferred to a long strip of watercolor paper in a one-time print process. these long prints where Each of her prints depicts the connection between the LSU Vet Med you needed somebody else to be able to fully un- teams’ hands and their patients. derstand them.” Which also gives the interac- pens when my hand, with your nected with patients and spread tive viewer an understanding hand, unravels it, they become them across her worktable. After that, Bivens used waof the hands-on interaction be- part of the composition.” Bivens spent the first two tercolor-based color pencils tween Vet Med teams and their weeks of her residency photo- and pens to draw some of these patients. “The idea behind art being graphing the hands of faculty scenes on a light box screen. tactile is that it’s vulnerable to and residents interacting with She then covers the image with touch,” Bivens said. “It records patients. She printed out the a gel medium, which transfers touch just like the patients in photos, then cut out the part it to the watercolor strip. “When I start, the screen has the vet school. And what hap- of the photo where hands con-

nothing on it,” Bivens said. “It’s a screen that allows you to print anything silk screen. This process that I’m doing is not the norm, and that’s because it is a monoprint — a one-time print. Usually, printmaking is about reproduction. For me, it’s about vulnerability and translation, so once I print it, it’s gone from the screen.”

impressed with that. That stuck with me.” Along the way, conversations with faculty and students reinforced the things Bivens was observing. Anais Musso, a clinical instructor of animal osteopathy, had one such conversation with Bivens while delivering a book to the artist’s studio. “It’s been really amazing to ‘Constant awe’ see how she’s able to connect For this project, though, Biv- what we do with what she does,” ens prints the image a second Musso said. “There are so many time on the long watercolor interconnections in what we do strip from the remnants of the but don’t see, but she sees them. leftover image on the screen. I have been in a state of conThis creates a ghostly image on stant awe.” the roll, creating a reﬂection. “I really wanted it to have an- Email Robin Miller at other life, a kind of ghosting im- romiller@theadvocate.com. age,” she said. And though Bivens’ experience with the bald eagle hasn’t yet made it to print form, experience, itself, helped her form a clear understanding of the Vet Med’s work. “From day one, I realized that what’s going on here is this idea of a social science with a very caring and loving relationship to animals,” Bivens said. “And it’s individualized to that patient and the patient’s needs, as well as the owners’. They don’t just look at the numbers, they look at the patient, and I was really

It’s been really amazing to see how she’s able to connect what we do with what she does. There are so many interconnections in what we do but don’t see, but she sees them. I have been in a state of constant awe.” ANAIS MUSSO, a clinical instructor of animal osteopathy at LSU Vet Med on Emily Bevins

PHOTOS

Continued from page 1D

often ready with poses they’ve already practiced and ideas for group shots. If they’re hesitant, he helps them come up with ideas. “It just comes down to them being creative. I like what’s different,” Joseph said. “I try to get something that’s going to shock the eye.” The Blue Bayou location was Joseph’s concept. He reached out to a former classmate who worked at the water park this past summer and asked for the manager’s contact. The manager then passed along Leisure Sports managing partner Glenn Haggerty’s information. Joseph called and emailed him, and after some back and forth, Haggerty and Joseph agreed to a date and time. PHOTO By KEITH JOSEPH Joseph said the team had a Glen Oaks High School football players float down the lazy river at blast. He knows the Glen Oaks head coach, Byron Wade, and Blue Bayou for the team’s media day photo shoot. Joseph said that Wade is surprised by all the attention but catch the eye. fall when he attends the Univer“When I was playing football, sity of Louisiana at Lafayette. He feels blessed. I brought my camera to a JV hopes to join UL’s media team. Sports photography is the way game and started taking pic- “When I take pictures, espeAlthough Joseph took photog- tures there. From there, it just cially sports photography beraphy his senior year at Liberty, took off,” Joseph said. cause I played football, I know Since then, Joseph has ex- what to look for,” Joseph said. he had already gotten into the hobby through making football panded his business into lifestyle “When I see the picture and it mixtapes. He started making shoots, prom photos, graduation looks good, I just get excited.” them for himself and then for pictures and senior portraits. friends. Crafting the mixtapes He plans to branch out into La- Email Joy Holden at joy. taught him to ﬁnd images that fayette and Lake Charles this holden@theadvocate.com.

FLYSWATTER

PROVIDED PHOTO FROM LSU VET MED

Emily Bevins, left, listens to the heartbeat of an American bald eagle while an LSU School of Veterinary Medicine treats its for an abscess on its foot.

Crumbine eventually named the device the “flyswatter.” Continued from page 1D For decades, flyswatters were standard household equipment. Then came air conditioning, better window screens and bug zappers, scholarly papers with titles like which killed insects without requir“Steroid-Withdrawal at 3 Days After Renal Transplantation with ing anyone to get up from the couch. Anti-IL-2 Receptor (alpha) Therapy: Bug zappers had their own problem, A Prospective, Ranof course: They killed indiscriminately, good domized, Multicenter bugs along with the Study.” pests. I have a feeling she But I’m still not and I could be friends. sure what happened I do love a person to the flyswatter. At willing to be dedicatsome point, my famed to varied interests. Apparently, humans ily simply stopped have been annoyed by having one. There flies for a very long was no great decision. time. Three thousand No moment when we years ago, Egyptians announced that we may have used cerwere a flyswatter-free household. emonial fly whisks This summer, I made from ox tails or decided the time had horsehair. One, made STAFF PHOTO By JAN RISHER come to bring back of ostrich feathers, the old technology. was even found in Tu- A new flyswatter Finding a flyswattankhamen’s tomb. In 1900, Robert R. Montgomery ter to purchase wasn’t as easy as it patented a contraption called a “flyused to be. Eventually, I found a $10 killer.” Fortunately, the name got leather number that, I must say, is better. incredibly effective. A few decades later, according to Turns out purses aren’t the only a 1948 account in The New Yorker, thing I can still get excited about Kansas health official Dr. Samuel purchasing. Crumbine was at a Topeka softball Apparently, a flyswatter will do it too. game when he heard the crowd I swung it at a fly on the kitchen chanting, “Swat the ball.” counter last night. He began urging Kansans to “swat I missed. the fly,” and, in the spirit of the game, I didn’t care. a schoolteacher named Frank H. Rose created a “fly bat” by attaching Email Jan Risher at jan.risher@ a piece of screen to a yardstick. theadvocate.com.

Symphony League honors 17 in senior class of Les Jeunes Amies lll

Seventeen senior members of Les Jeunes Amies de la Symphonie were honorees at the Baton Rouge Symphony League’s fall luncheon at the Baton Rouge Country Club on Aug. 9. The young women will be presented during the league’s Bal de la Symphonie on Nov. 28 at Crowne Plaza. Les Jeunes Amies is a service organization of girls who are daughters and granddaughters of members of the league. During their four years in high school, these young women perform volunteer service beneﬁting the BRSO and the Louisiana Youth Orchestra. This group has also promoted the league’s mission of fostering music education through various projects, including Symphony on the Geaux, a summer camp to promote the arts among children. Prior to her presentation, each girl will have devoted at least 70 hours to volunteering and activities with the Les Jeunes Amies program. The seniors who will be presented are: n Emma Harper Blumentritt, a student at Sequitur Classical Academy and daughter of Mary and Rud Blumentritt; n Harper Channing Brown Rachleff, a student at St. Joseph’s Academy and daughter of Kenneth Brown and Matthew Rachleff; n Mary Skylar Grace Gettys, a student at St. Joseph’s Academy and

Blumentritt

Brown

Gettys

Heck

Howell

Knipe

Kronenberger

LeBlanc

Manne

Olinde

Raacke

Rheubottom

Scott

Smith

C. Strittmatter

M. Strittmatter

daughter of the late Stephanie Gettys and Lawrence G. Gettys and Jessica Schellack Johnson; n Margaret Isabella Heck, a student at St. Joseph’s Academy and daughter of Loredana and Ryan Heck; n Kathryn Leah Howell, a student at St. Joseph’s Academy and daughter of Krystal and Victor Howell Jr.; n Olivia Marie Knipe, a student at St. Joseph’s Academy and daughter of Candice and James Knipe III; n Elena Kathryne Kronenberger, a student at St. Joseph’s Academy and daughter of Anna Kathryne and Brian Kronenberger; n Vivienne Estelle LeBlanc, a student at St. Joseph’s Academy and daughter of Jill and Mi-

chael LeBlanc; n Guidry Greer Manne, a student at St. Joseph’s Academy and daughter of Angelique and Gamon Manne; n Diane Claire Olinde, a student at the Episcopal School of Baton Rouge and daughter of Yvonne and David Olinde; n Cameron Elizabeth Raacke, a student at St. Joseph’s Academy and daughter of Kristy Foret Raacke and Jourdan Raacke; n Ava Taylor Rheubottom, a student at the Episcopal School of Baton Rouge and daughter of Dr. Tara Rheubottom; n Agatha Jane Schellack, a student at The Dunham

School and daughter of Kathryn and Jonathan Van Schellack; n Lyncoln Grace Scott, a student at St. Joseph’s Academy and daughter of Tracey Morgan-Scott and John Scott; n Riley Christine Smith, a student at Parkview Baptist High School and daughter of Sarah and Kenneth Smith II; n Charlotte Mae Strittmatter, a student at St. Joseph’s Academy and daughter of Dr. Heather Strittmatter and Adam Strittmatter; n Mary Sloan Strittmatter, a student at St. Joseph’s Academy and daughter of Dr. Heather Strittmatter and Adam Strittmatter.

Jonas Brothers to headline halftime show for NFL season opener By The Associated Press

“The Jonas Brothers are global entertainers whose MELBOURNE,Australia — The Jo- music connects across gennas Brothers will perform at erations, making them the halftime of the NFL’s season opener between the San Francisco 49ers and the Los Angeles Rams at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Australia, the NFLannounced. The game will air on Netflix on Sept. 10. The Jonas Brothers will be part of the entertainment lineup for the league’s international schedule this season involving seven countries and four contents. “We couldn’t be more excited to perform at halftime during the NFL’s ﬁrst-ever regular season game in Australia,” the Jonas Brothers said in a statement. “Playing at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground in front of such passionate Australian fans is an incredible honor.” The Jonas Brothers — featuring Nick, Joe and Kevin — have sold more than 20 million albums and recently landed a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Tim Tubito, the NFL’s senior director of global game presentation and entertainment, said the league’s ﬁrst regular season game in Australia is a landmark for the NFL.

ideal artists to help us celebrate this historic game in Melbourne,” Tubito said. “We look forward to deliv-

ering a memorable halftime performance for our fans in Australia and those watching around the world.”

The Advocate ■ theadvocate.com ■ Sunday,August 16, 2026 ■ 7D

WEDDINGS, ENGAGEMENTS and ANNIVERSARIES

Engagement, Wedding and Anniversary announcements are paid notices in The Advocate. They appear in Sunday’s Advocate. To submit an announcement, go to The Advocate’s website at www.theadvocate.com, scroll down to the bottom of the page, look under ‘’Our Sites’’ and click on ‘’Celebrations’’. The deadline is noon Monday. For more information call (225) 388-0738 or e-mail nuptials@theadvocate.com.

Celebration of Baton Rouge Couple’s 70th Wedding Anniversary

Drs. Gary and Carol Ter Haar celebrated their monumental 70th wedding anniversary on August 11th. Their love story began at just 16 years old, leading to their marriage in Forest Grove, Michigan, on August 11, 1956. In 1965, the couple relocated to Baton Rouge when Dr. Gary Ter Haar accepted a position as Vice President of Health and Environment at Ethyl Corporation. Dr. Carol Ter Haar went on to earn her PhD in education from Louisiana State University and subsequently enjoyed a distinguished career as a professor at Southeastern University. Now in their 90s, the couple attributes their vibrant health to an active lifestyle, their Christian faith, and their cherished tradition of Saturday brunch at Mason’s Grill. The Ter Haars will commemorate seven decades of devotion with a celebration on Saturday, August 22nd, surrounded by family and friends.

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8D ■ Sunday,August 16, 2026 ■ theadvocate.com ■ The Advocate

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BOOKS

‘A VESSEL AND CONDUIT OF DIVINE POWER’ New biography sheds light on Mahalia Jackson’s role in the Civil Rights Movement

BY RIEN FERTEL Contributing writer

”Mahalia Jackson, Moving On Up a Little Higher: The Story of an American Civil Rights Pioneer,” by Timothy B.Tyson and Mary D.Williams, Liveright, 256 pages. Of the many celebrities and civil rights luminaries who attended and performed at the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom on August 28, 1963, Mahalia JackReview son was a singular, uniting force. The “World’s Greatest Gospel Singer” was a superstar of stage, screen and the recording studio, having launched a niche musical genre to mainstream success two decades earlier. Before that, the New Orleansborn artist had become a leading civil rights champion, bridging the sacred with the unholy realm that is American politics. The march’s organizers scheduled Jackson toward the end of a long day, knowing her rendition of “I’ve Been ’Buked and I’ve Been Scorned” — never shy to sing, she added an impromptu performance of “How I Got Over” — would reenergize the crowd of 250,000-plus for the program’s final speaker, her friend Martin Luther King Jr. As the reverend wrapped up his prepared notes, Jackson, seated on the dais to his immediate left, shouted out in the interactive, call-and-response exchange of the Black church: “Tell ’em about the dream, Martin!” For the next six minutes, King improvised, expanding on a theme explored in his recent speeches: “And so even though we face the difficulties of today and tomorrow, I still have a dream.” Though there’s debate whether King registered Jackson’s rallying call, his speech would become one of the most famous in history. This flip side of the celebrated singer, the unsung political activist, is the subject of Timothy B. Tyson and Mary D. Williams’ new biography, “Mahalia Jackson, Moving On Up a Little Higher.” “Tragically neglected as a major civil rights pioneer,” they write, Jackson “deserves to be remembered in the same breath

Martin Luther King Jr.

FILE PHOTO

as many of the most prominent leaders in the movement.” More scholarship on Jackson is sorely needed, and Tyson and Williams make for an interesting team. He is a bestselling historian, most recently of “The Blood of Emmett Till” (2017), a book that resulted in the reopening of a Justice Department investigation into Till’s 1955 Mississippi lynching, as well as charges of spurious research on the author’s part. She is a gospel singer and civil rights scholar. Together they have taught a series of community courses throughout North Carolina titled “The South in Black and White,” which led to their most recent collaboration. Mahala Jackson — she would add the ‘i’ later in life, as if willing herself to stardom — was born in 1911, in a three-room shotgun brimming with her mother’s sisters and their children, located along the levee of the Black Pearl section of Uptown New Orleans. At age 5, Halie, as she was called, was orphaned and left to the watchful eyes of her network of aunts and the family’s two houses of worship: Plymouth Rock Baptist, where she’d started singing in the children’s choir a year earlier, and Mt. Moriah Baptist (unfortunately, the authors mistakenly conﬂate the two churches, both of which remain in operation today). At the time, the Black church, in the authors’ telling, was hardly the place for a young civil rights activist in the making. Jackson’s version of the gospel blues — heavily inﬂuenced by Blues Empress Bessie Smith, her guiding light of a more secular sort — would forever earn the derision of more conservative congrega-

tions, who accused her of sneaking “the devil’s music” into the Lord’s sanctuary. Tyson and Williams credit a teacher at McDonough 24, Orlando Capitola Ward, a Black activist who would later become the founding editor of the Louisiana Weekly (still one of the nation’s most notable Black newspapers), for Jackson’s early political awakening. He exposed the teenager to “a passionate sympathy for the Black working class and a rare openness to interracial coalition politics.” In the winter of 1931, a 20-yearold Mahalia accompanied an aunt to Chicago, joining the more than half a million Black Southerners who relocated to the Windy City during the Great Migration. Homesick and freezing, she again found refuge in the House of the Lord, joining the congregation

and choir at the Greater Salem Baptist Church. There, Jackson quickly linked up with two tireless men who had ﬂed Jim Crow Georgia for Chicago: Thomas Dorsey and William L. Dawson. The former was a prodigious composer of gospel songs, the latter the leader in the city’s burgeoning Black political machine. Together, they pushed the young New Orleans transplant in the dual directions that would deﬁne the rest of her life. From these beginnings, Tyson and Williams trace Jackson’s twin trajectories at a dizzying pace. Dawson encouraged her to stump for politicians near and far, including presidential hopeful Franklin D. Roosevelt. Alongside Dorsey, Jackson traveled the Baptist circuit, performing for churches and conventions nationwide.

In 1947 Jackson would record the song that made her an icon: “Move On Up a Little Higher.” Written by Memphis minister William Herbert Brewster, the smash hit anticipated the era of nonviolent mobilization to come: “March all around God’s altar / Gonna walk and never get tired / Gonna fly, Lord, and never falter / I’m gonna move up a little higher.” It remains the bestselling gospel single of all time, with upward of eight million copies sold. For the next quarter-century, until her death in 1972, Jackson was a bona fide celebrity and civil rights champion. She used her gravitas to insist on Black political power and economic uplift, and her capital to fund Mahalia Jackson’s Glori-Fried Chicken, a fast-food franchise that aimed to foster entrepreneurship and build wealth within the Black community. Despite Tyson and Williams’s best efforts to recast their subject as a preeminent civil rights activist, their biography too often feels like a career highlight reel. They portray Jackson’s principles but not her passions — what she did but not who she was. While reading this book, I often found myself returning to Mark Burford’s award-winning “Mahalia Jackson and the Black Gospel Field” (2018), which offers a deeper account of Jackson’s glory-bound trajectory, as well as Jackson’s 1966 unfortunately neglected autobiography, “Movin’ On Up.” Curiously, though both Tyson and Williams are credited as coauthors, their book ends with an afterword solely attributed to the latter. These brief pages show what could have been — a more personal reflection on why Jackson matters today. “Mahalia remains a vessel and conduit of Divine power,” Williams writes. “She is the love that transformed her into God’s guiding light for the freedom movement that will never let us turn away.” Rien Fertel is the author of four books. He recently won his fifth Best Critical Review Award from the New Orleans Press Club.

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AT THE TABLE Two versions of south La.’s sweetest treat: bread pudding Bread pudding may be one of south Louisiana’s most beloved desserts, but its roots lie in simple thrift. Originating in medieval Europe, cooks found a practical way to transform stale bread into something delicious. The tradition crossed the AtlanOlivia with French and Regard tic Spanish settlers and found a lasting home in Louisiana. Today, bread pudding is anything but humble. From the French Quarter to cafes along the Bayou Teche, chefs continue to reinvent the classic with creativity and flair. During a recent visit to New Orleans, I sampled two memorable versions: a traditional bread pudding with bourbon sauce at Beggars Banquet in the Lower Garden District and Commander’s Palace’s inventive bread pudding soufflé, a lightened take on the classic achieved by folding whipped egg whites into a traditional bread pudding. Inspired by these desserts, I revisited “Cooking Up a Storm: Recipes Lost and Found from The Times-Picayune of New Orleans,” the post-Katrina cookbook created to preserve the city’s culinary heritage. Among its six bread pudding recipes, we first baked the traditional Creole Bread Pudding, reminiscent of the one served at Beggars Banquet. Then we ventured into decadence with Palace Café’s White Chocolate Bread Pudding with White Chocolate Ganache. Introduced when the restaurant opened in 1991, the Brennan family’s over-thetop creation proves just how far bread pudding can rise from its modest beginnings. Whether classic or lavishly reimagined, bread pudding remains a delicious reminder that Louisiana’s greatest culinary treasures often begin with simple ingredients, cherished traditions and a determination never to waste good food.

White Chocolate Bread Pudding with White Chocolate Ganache

Makes about 16 servings. Recipe is from “Cooking Up a Storm: Recipes Lost and Found from The TimesPicayune of New Orleans.” Bread Pudding: 6 cups heavy cream 2 cups whole milk 1 cup sugar 1 1/4 pounds white chocolate (morsels or small pieces) 4 large eggs plus 15 egg yolks One 24-inch loaf stale French bread (see note) White Chocolate Ganache: 1/2 cup heavy cream 1/2 pound white chocolate (morsels or small pieces) 2 ounces dark chocolate, grated, for garnish PROVIDED PHOTOS

Creole Bread Pudding

Creole Bread Pudding Makes 8-10 servings. Recipe is from “Cooking Up a Storm: Recipes Lost and Found from The Times-Picayune of New Orleans.” Bread pudding: Butter for greasing 3 large eggs 1 cup sugar 1 quart milk 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/2 teaspoon grated nutmeg 10 cups stale French bread cubes (1-inch cubes) 1 cup raisins Bourbon Whiskey Sauce: 1 1/4 cups water 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1/4 cup bourbon 1 1/2 teaspoons cornstarch 2 teaspoons unsalted butter 1. Preheat the oven to 350 F. 2. Generously butter a 9-inch-by-13-inch baking dish. 3. In a large mixing bowl,

beat the eggs with an electric mixer or a whisk until frothy. 4. Beat in sugar, milk, vanilla and nutmeg until thoroughly incorporated. 5. Add the bread and raisins and stir well by hand. Set aside and let the bread soak for 15 minutes. 6. Pour the bread mixture into the prepared dish and smooth the top. 7. Bake until set, approximately 45 minutes. 8. While the mixture bakes (or prior to serving if baking ahead of time), combine the water, brown sugar and nutmeg in a medium saucepan. Bring to boil over high heat. 9. In a small bowl, stir together the bourbon and cornstarch, then stir into the sugar mixture and cook until the mixture thickens and is smooth, about 8 to 10 minutes. Stir in the butter and serve warm. 10. Serve the bread pudding at room temperature with the warm sauce drizzled on top.

Experts weigh in after Pitt reveals end of sobriety BY THERESA BRAINE

New york Daily News (TNS) NEW YORK — Experts are weighing in on Brad Pitt’s bombshell revelation that he’s hopped off the proverbial wagon after seven years of sobriety, noting that while some people who quit drinking alcohol can resume, success is not a given. “ W h e n he said he’s drinking moderately after seven Pitt years of abstinence, there’s a bunch of different things going on there,” clinical social worker and policy advocate Joe Schrank told The Hollywood Reporter. “Typically speaking, alcoholics are just a horrible source of information about themselves.” However, it has been

known to happen, Schrank said, noting that the World Health Organization has found cases in which “with moderate drinking, even after long periods of abstinence, there are lots of people who ﬁnd success of clinical signiﬁcance and life improvement.” Where Pitt would fall on that spectrum is anybody’s guess, he said. “I was sober for seven years. And then I got back off the wagon,” Pitt told Esquire in a recent interview. “In a more restrained manner.” Getting “overconfident” once or twice taught him that “big quantities” are a no-go but that “a few” glasses of wine are manageable. “I can’t have a lot,” he said. “I have to be professional about it.” The admission, an aside in a wide-ranging interview, raised eyebrows in the re-

covery community given the star’s very public embrace of sobriety after joining a 12-step program following his 2016 split from wife Angelina Jolie. He has opened up about “boozing too much” and its effect on visitation and custody with the six children the two share; reflected on alcoholism and mulled past mistakes with Sir Anthony Hopkins; expounded upon the feeling of safety he had in AA meetings, and candidly admitted it had provided a needed “reboot” after his breakup. Although he reportedly had good relationships with his kids back in 2022, four of his children with Jolie are dropping his surname. Alcoholics Anonymous, which Pitt attended for 18 months after Jolie ﬁled for divorce in 2016, sees sobriety as all-or-nothing with no exceptions, Schrank pointed out.

1. Stir together the cream, milk and sugar in a large heavy saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil, then remove from the heat and carefully add the white chocolate pieces. Allow the chocolate to melt for several minutes, then stir until smooth. 2. Whisk together the whole eggs and egg yolks in a large mixing bowl. Slowly pour the hot cream and chocolate mixture into the eggs in a steady stream, whisking constantly as you pour. Use a rubber spatula to scrape out all of the chocolate from the warm pot. Set the pudding mixture aside. 3. Preheat the oven to 350 F. Thin-

ly slice the stale French bread and place in a 9-inch-by-13-inch metal baking pan. 4. Pour half of the pudding mixture over the bread and allow it to cool for about 5 minutes. Use your ﬁngers or a rubber spatula to press the bread into the pudding so that the liquid is absorbed and the bread becomes very soggy. Pour the remaining pudding over the bread and stir. 5. Cover the pan with aluminum foil and bake for 1 hour. Remove the foil and bake, uncovered, for an additional 30 minutes, or until the bread pudding is golden brown. 6. While the bread pudding is baking, make the ganache. Bring the cream to a boil in a small saucepan. Remove from the heat and carefully add the white chocolate. Allow the chocolate to melt for several minutes, then stir until smooth. 7. Allow the bread pudding to chill for 6 to 8 hours to allow it to set completely. 8. When ready to serve, preheat the oven to 275 F. Run a knife around the inside of the pan and invert the pudding onto a wooden board. Cut into squares for serving or cut into squares, then halve the squares to make triangular slices. 9. Place on a cooking sheet and heat in the oven for 15 minutes, or until warm. Serve the pudding topped with warm White Chocolate Ganache and garnished with the grated dark chocolate. Baker’s note: If you don’t have stale French bread on hand, thinly slice a fresh loaf and dry in a 275 F oven.

White Chocolate Bread Pudding with White Chocolate Ganache

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10D ■ Sunday,August 16, 2026 ■ theadvocate.com ■ The Advocate

TODAY IN HISTORY By The Associated Press Today is Sunday, Aug. 16, the 228th day of 2026. There are 137 days left in the year. Today in history: On Aug. 16, 1977, Elvis Presley died at his Graceland estate in Memphis, Tennessee, at the age of 42; 41 years later, in 2018, singer Aretha Franklin, known as the “Queen of Soul,” died in Detroit at the age of 76. Also on this date: In 1777, American forces won the Battle of Bennington in what was considered a turning point of the Revolutionary War. In 1812, Detroit fell to British and Native American forces in the War of 1812. In 1861, President Abraham Lincoln issued Proclamation 86, which prohibited the states of the Union from engaging in commercial trade with states that were in rebellion — i.e., the Confederacy. In 1896, gold was discovered in Canada’s Yukon Territory, sparking the “Klondike Fever” that would draw tens of thousands to the region in search of fortune. In 1948, baseball legend Babe Ruth died in New York at age 53. In 1954, the first issue of “Sports Illustrated” was released. In 1962, the Beatles fired their original drummer, Pete Best, replacing him with Ringo Starr. In 1978, James Earl Ray, convicted assassin of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., told a Capitol Hill hearing he did not commit the crime, saying he’d been set up by a mysterious man called “Raoul.” In 1987, people worldwide began a two-day celebration of the “Harmonic Convergence,” which heralded what believers called the start of a new, purer age of humankind. In 2014, Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon declared a state of emergency and imposed a curfew in the St. Louis suburb of Ferguson, where police and protesters repeatedly clashed in the week after a Black 18-year-old, Michael Brown, was shot to death by a White police officer. In 2020, lightning sparked the August Complex wildfire in California. More than 1,600 square miles — greater than the size of Rhode Island — would burn over the following three months. Today’s Birthdays: Actor Julie Newmar is 93. Film director Bruce Beresford is 86. Actor Bob Balaban is 81. Ballerina Suzanne Farrell is 81. Actor Lesley Ann Warren is 80. Actor Reginald VelJohnson is 74. Singer/author/TV personality Kathie Lee Gifford is 73. Singer J.T. Taylor (Kool and the Gang) is 73. Movie director James Cameron is 72. Singer/actor Madonna is 68. Actor Angela Bassett is 68. Actor Timothy Hutton is 66. Actor Steve Carell is 64. Country musician Emily Strayer (The Chicks) is 54. Actor/ filmmaker Taika Waititi is 51. Singer Vanessa Carlton is 46. Country singer Dan Smyers (Dan & Shay) is 39. Actor Rumer Willis is 38. U.S. Olympic gold medal swimmer Caeleb Dressel is 30. Actor Piper Curda is 29. Tennis player Jannik Sinner is 25. Actor Seth Carr is 19.

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Guests never compliment her cooking food that was being eaten. The assumpDear Miss Manners: For years, I have entertained and loved every moment of it. tion was that anyone who could afford to But lately, when having people over, they entertain dinner guests could also afford just spend time talking about an underpaid cook. Any signs of restaurants they have been to enthusiasm for the meal created and what a wonderful experience suspicions of cook-napping. it was. So when cooks demanded real I am a good cook, schoolwages, prompting many hosts to trained, and take pride in what I take an interest in cooking their serve. I am fed up with nobody own food, the rule had to be canJudith making comments about what I celed to allow the guests to offer Martin compliments. have prepared and instead raving MISS about a restaurant. Unfortunately, that also unMANNERS My husband says I am too critileashed endless talk, not only about restaurants, but also about cal and should lighten up. I say, diets, nutrition, gastric symptoms, prefI am fed up. One of these days, I am going to serve arsenic, and that will serve erences, prohibitions and other unappethem right! tizing subjects. It is not just your friends, Gentle reader: Well, that would shut them so it might be difficult to find more interup, and get people — even strangers, no esting guests. doubt — talking about your meals. To keep you from poisoning the ones Yet Miss Manners sympathizes with you have, Miss Manners will allow you you, mainly on the grounds of how to do some shameless fishing, prompting deadly dull those conversations must be. them to be more gracious. She remembers when any discussion of After listening to yet another paean to food at the dinner table was considered a restaurant, you might say, “Oh, dear, impolite. that all sounds so good. I can never comThat rule would not have helped you, pete with those wonderful chefs they because it also banned talk about the have.”

Dear Miss Manners: Referring to “guys” has become a constant refrain during newscasts: “Now over to you guys” for every opening, and “Back to you guys” for every conclusion. No matter how formal and expensive a restaurant is, the server will greet customers with “How are you guys?” They will then come around during the meal to inquire “How are you guys doing?” and end with, “You guys have a nice night” — regardless of the gender of the diners. Is anyone else bothered by this? It is getting worse every day. Once you start noticing it, it can drive you crazy. Gentle reader: Indeed. And the widespread use of “guys” to address women is particularly mystifying after the fraught learning process of changing job titles from masculine to neutral — “fireman” to “firefighter,” “stewardess” to “flight attendant,” and such. Miss Manners is just grateful she is not the language police. Email Miss Manners at dearmissmanners@gmail.com.

See a doctor for advice on best diet plan Dear Heloise: I’m trying to lose some weight before my son’s wedding in December. There’s so much controversy about what to stop eating and which diet plan is best. At 61, with bad knees, I am not going to the gym, not running in a marathon, and wouldn’t last on a diet that starve a gerbil. Any Hints from would hints for a chubby woman Heloise in her 60s? — Patty W., in River Falls,Wisconsin Patty, please make it your ﬁrst priority to see a doctor and get a clean bill of health, as well as suggestions for a diet that you can stick to without spending a small fortune. Most diets that use common sense and healthy eating, along with some form of mild exercise, will usually work. Stay away from TV ads that promise miracles for weight loss. I wish there was a magic pill for weight loss, but from the letters we get, there are too many scammers who promise results and only deliver empty promises. — Heloise

Here comes the bride Dear Heloise: I’m getting married in November with the white dress, veil,

ﬂowers, and all the rest that goes into a church wedding. I normally don’t wear makeup, and I’d rather not wear it on my wedding day. But my mother’s insisting that I need a full face of makeup and big hair, both of which I don’t care for at all. Why’s it so important ton your wedding day? — Chloe H., in Lima, Ohio Chloe, I think your mother’s correct on this one. A little makeup — especially some lipstick, a light blush, and mascara — will bring out your features in photographs. If you want to skip foundation and all the other things, this is ﬁne. But I believe you’ll be surprised at how nice you’ll look with just a hint of makeup to enhance your natural beauty. As for “poofy” hair, well, just explain that you aren’t comfortable with this look. — Heloise

Ladder safety rules

where on the ladder. Read it! n Use both hands to climb. Carry tools inside a tool belt. n Paint every other step a bright color to use as a visual when climbing. n Do not overextend your reach while on a ladder. It’s safer to just move the ladder. n If you’re working with or near electricity, use a wooden or ﬁberglass ladder. Do not use a metal ladder. n Inspect the ladder rungs to make certain that none are broken or cracked. — Jean D., in New Jersey

Washing food Dear Heloise: I’ve been hearing a lot about how to properly clean fruit before eating it. Just running it under the tap isn’t enough apparently. My doctor said that he runs his fruit under tap water but also scrubs each piece with baking soda to rub off the coatings that are sprayed on fruit and vegetables. Does this really work? — Ellen Y., in Indiana Ellen, yes, baking soda removes about 99% of pesticides and residue; however, it isn’t a disinfectant and doesn’t kill bacteria. — Heloise

Dear Heloise: Last week, my husband fell off a ladder when one of the rungs broke in half. He broke his wrist, but it could’ve been much worse. The clinic that we went to gave my husband a list of ladder safety tips, and I thought that I’d pass these tips onto your readers: n All ladders have a weight and height limit. It’s usually printed on a label some- Send a hint to heloise@heloise.com.

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STAFF PHOTO By ENAN CHEDIAK

Mechanical engineer Guillermo Ochoa, left, looks over Chris Thompson’s shoulder at Search Fund Accelerator’s New Orleans office. The firm offers a program in which it will pay a salary to ‘searchers’ interesting in looking for companies to buy and will front the money to make the deal.

New Orleans ﬁrm pays entrepreneurs as they search for companies worth buying BY RICH COLLINS Staff writer

In 2021, former New Orleanian Rachel McGrath knew she wanted to be her own boss, but she didn’t want to start her own company. So she became a “searcher” instead. McGrath accepted an invite into a program run by the New Orleans-based ﬁrm Search Fund Accelerator, which paid her a salary and covered her expenses during a yearlong hunt for a business to buy. The ﬁrm coached her through the acquisition process and fronted the money to make the deal. The result? Since 2023, McGrath has

IDEAS &

INNOVATION

McGrath

been the CEO and part-owner of a specialty chemicals company in a small town in Pennsylvania, and she’s already grown the business by acquiring a Florida-based competitor. McGrath, who first moved to New Orleans in 2013 to work for Chevron, said the search fund financing model — where investors gamble on promising entrepreneurs’ ability to find and run profitable businesses — was a great fit for her. “Buying a company wasn’t on my radar until an oil and gas engineer like me came to one of my MBA classes and talked about doing it,” said McGrath, who has degrees from MIT and Harvard’s business school. “People don’t want to sell to some private equity guy

in a sweater vest, and it’s a lot easier to convince them if you’ve had a real job.” McGrath isn’t the only one who believes she has what it takes to run a company and is looking for innovative ways to make it happen. Though search funds trace their roots back to Stanford University in the 1980s, the ﬁnancing model has exploded in popularity this decade as classes on the topic have proliferated at the nation’s top business schools and a robust ecosystem supporting entrepreneurship through acquisition has developed outside of academia. There are nearly 900 funds supporting

ä See ENTREPRENEURS, page 2E

Bernhard Capital is reaching ‘a big, big milestone’ several this year alone for BerWith more acquisitions, exits, south La. ofnhard Capital, the largest private equity ﬁrm between Houston and private equity firm is bucking the trend Atlanta with nearly $6.5 billion in

BY STEPHANIE RIEGEL Staff writer

On Monday, Baton Rouge-based Bernhard Capital Partners announced it had finalized a $1 billion deal to purchase a Virginiabased engineering and consulting firm, Bowman Consulting Group, that works with utilities, governments and large industrial clients around the world. Two days later, the private equity firm closed on its purchase of New Mexico Gas Co., a $1.25

billion acquisition that brings the number of regulated utilities Bernhard Capital owns to ﬁve, not including the upcoming purchase with partner Stonepeak of CLECO for nearly $6 billion. And in September, the firm is expected to launch its fourth infrastructure services fund with a target of $1.5 billion — money the ﬁrm will use to acquire and invest in more companies that design, build and service utilities and industrial facilities. The developments are the latest

assets under management and 22 active portfolio companies with some 28,000 employees across the U.S., including 3,500 in Louisiana. At a time when many private equity firms are struggling to do deals and generate attractive returns to their institutional investors — as of June 30, private equity ﬁrms had more than 33,500 unsold companies in their portfolios, Pitchbook reported, twice as many as a decade ago — Bernhard Capital is bucking the trend.

ä See BERNHARD, page 2E

Sparks fly during fabrication at the Epic Piping facility in Livingston. Bernhard Capital Partners has sold the parent company of Epic Piping and has exited all of the companies that it invested in through its first infrastructure services fund launched in 2014, which raised $750 million. STAFF FILE PHOTO By BILL FEIG

2E ■ Sunday,August 16, 2026 ■ theadvocate.com ■ The Advocate

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One question to ask before you consolidate debt When you’re struggling to pay off high-interest credit card debt, taking out a consolidation loan can feel like a smart financial move. A personal Michelle loan Singletary carrycan an THE COLOR interest rate OF MONEy of about 7% if you have a good credit history, compared with credit cards charging 20% to 30%. Personal loans lock borrowers into fixed monthly installments over three to five years, making monthly payments more affordable. If you stick to the scheduled payments, you come out ahead. But what happens when everything doesn’t go as planned? In my experience, when people get a consolidation loan, they get a false sense of relief. Using an installment loan to clear your cards without addressing the underlying problem often turns into a financial game of whack-a-mole. You swing the mallet and knock down your credit card balances. But if your paycheck still isn’t enough to cover your expenses, your money problems persist. So you start reaching for those cleared-off credit cards again just to survive. Before you realize it, you’re stuck paying off the new loan along with fresh card balances. You haven’t won the game; you’re now swinging at twice as many targets. According to a new report from the nonprofit credit counseling agency Money Management International, a staggering 45% of new clients seeking help with their debt have personal loans. Among these clients, the average loan balance is nearly $19,000, up 11% from 2025. “Sometimes this becomes a bit of a shell game,” said Ted Rossman, principal consumer finance analyst for MMI. “The problem is when you pay off debt with more debt, and then you run up the cards again, you might actually be even worse off than before, unfortunately, and that’s a trend that we’re seeing.” More than half of the agency’s clients are millennials (ages 30 to 45), with an average debt of $43,533. Gen Xers (ages 46 to 61) carry the heaviest debt load of any group, averaging $53,350. Gen Z adults (ages 18 to 29) make up only 16% of clients, with an average balance of $22,848, but their indebtedness is growing faster than anyone else’s. Over the past year, MMI’s clients in this age group grew by 35%, and their average debt rose 12%. For people in their 20s, Rossman said, “There’s not as much of a cushion. They haven’t had time to amass a lot of savings. Their early-career salary is not keeping pace with student loans and housing and childcare.” Before you apply for a personal loan, ask yourself one critical question: Have I permanently fixed the cash-flow gap that created this debt? For millions of households, debt isn’t driven by reckless spending but by inflation. Higher prices for food, housing and utilities continue to outpace people’s paychecks, forcing them to rely on credit to make ends meet even after consolidating their debt. “People are in debt often for very valid reasons,” Rossman pointed out. “It’s medical bills, it’s car repairs, it’s groceries. It’s not usually a vacation or a shopping spree. ... A lot of

times it’s just day-to-day living outpacing their paycheck.” If you’re looking for debt relief, stop swapping one loan for another. Consider working with a nonprofit credit counseling agency. You can find a reputable one through the National Foundation for Credit Counseling at nfcc.org or by calling (844) 865-2828. Specifically, look into what’s called a debt management plan. Here is why it often succeeds where a consolidation loan fails. Help negotiating lower rates: The average personal loan rate as of May was close to 12%, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis. The average client working with MMI in 2025 had about $24,000 in debt. The agency says it was able to help its clients reduce their interest rate, on average, from 27.91% to 7.66%. Although you can find a comparable rate on your own for a consolidation loan, you’ll need to shop around and have a good credit score to qualify for one. Built-in guardrails: Under a debt management plan, creditors require you to close the credit cards enrolled in the program. This eliminates the temptation to run up balances again while you pay off your debt. Credit score recovery: Initially, you might see a drop in your score due to closing accounts, but it will recover. Successfully completing the debt management plan can help improve your credit history over time. A study conducted by researchers from Ohio State University on behalf of the NFCC found an average 50-point increase in credit scores after about 18 months of counseling, according to Bruce McClary, a spokesman for NFCC. That boost can push you into a scoring tier with better rates when you need to borrow again. Affordable relief: Stay away from for-profit debt settlement companies. Their promise of a quick fix or of being able to “pay pennies on the dollar” is a costly trap. These companies often charge thousands of dollars in fees and instruct you to stop paying your bills to pressure creditors into negotiating a lower payoff. But this strategy can severely damage your credit score. Many borrowers end up deeper in debt than when they started. With a debt management plan, most people can expect an average activation or setup fee of $35 to $55 and an average monthly maintenance fee of $25 to $40, McClary said, noting that fees can be waived in cases of extreme hardship. Accountability and coaching: Maybe you were a spendthrift, or perhaps you struggle with budgeting. Counselors take a holistic look at your finances. If you want, a counselor can help you manage your expenses and track your spending throughout the payback process. “That level of ongoing support is not provided through a debt consolidation loan,” McClary said. Think of a counselor as the angel on your shoulder, helping you adjust your spending and steering you in the right direction. Stop playing whack-amole with your money. Working with a nonprofit credit counselor gives you the support and structure to finally end the cycle of trying to borrow your way out of debt. Email Michelle Singletary at michelle. singletary@washpost. com.

ENTREPRENEURS Continued from page 1E

searchers in North America, according to a new Stanford report. And more than 100 of those have launched in the last three years as private equity ﬁrms with money to spend look for new ways to buy into main street businesses. Search Fund Accelerator, founded in 2015, is a pioneer in the industry, bolting together a network of investors with intensive, hands-on coaching. The firm’s headquarters is in New Orleans because its founder, Tim Bovard, married a local a decade ago and moved his operation to town from its former home in Boston. Though located far Bovard from the nation’s private equity hotspots, Search Fund Accelerator was recently featured in a Wall Street Journal article as it has built a portfolio of 19 ventures, including two worth over $100 million — and its current batch of searchers hopes to add to that number. “There are a lot of younger people who want to run a business,” Bovard said. “They can either launch a startup, where the probability of failure is 90%, or there’s entrepreneurship by acquisition, where you buy a business from a retiring owner or someone who wants to transition out. It’s a pretty compelling proposition.”

Needle in a haystack There are multiple ways to buy a small business. Some entrepreneurs save or raise enough money for a down payment and apply to borrow the rest from the U.S. Small Business Administration. Others turn to family or friends. And a third category, the searchers, seeks investment from a group of traditional search funds that follow practices that have coalesced since the model was pioneered by Stanford professor Irving Grousbeck and other industry icons. Searchers usually pitch many funds in the hopes of raising money from about a dozen of them to cover two years of salary, rent, data costs and travel related to a search. If the process uncovers a viable company, searchers go back to the funds to ask for the cash to buy it in exchange for a major stake in the venture. Funds usually take 70% to 75% ownership, and a searcher becomes the company’s new CEO, unlocking levels of ownership by meeting predeter-

mined milestones. Bovard’s Search Fund Accelerator goes a step further, providing office space, training, data, mentoring and feedback to members of each year’s cohort. The firm helps them write letters of intent, negotiate acquisitions and acquire bank financing. It provides all the capital required to make a purchase, negating the need for entrepreneurs to cobble together investments from multiple sources. The only catch? Search Fund Accelerator is highly selective, choosing only a handful of candidates out of hundreds of applicants each year. Bovard said the key to success is pairing these hand-picked entrepreneurs with businesses boasting recurring revenue, low ongoing capital investment needs and a national market. Not every hotshot MBA grad has the requisite real-world experience and willingness to “jump into the void,” he said. Successes from previous Search Fund Accelerator cohorts include a psychologist and former U.S. Army officer who purchased and grew a behavioral health business in Arizona, an engineer who bought a pump repair company in Houston and more than doubled its annual revenue, and an entrepreneur who bought and sold an Arabi-based elevator service company. In all, the firm and its searchers have made 27 acquisitions. Guillermo Ochoa, a native of Mexico City who is working out of Search Fund Accelerator’s New Orleans office this year, hopes to add another one to the list. The mechanical engineer moved to Los Angeles in 2018 while working for Bimbo, the massive global commercial bakery. In his off-hours, he earned his MBA from UCLA, where a search fund class changed his career’s trajectory. “It was one of those moments when things clicked,” he said. “I didn’t have the background to launch a startup, but I always wanted to have my own business.” After earning his degree, Ochoa considered buying a company on his own with help from an SBA loan or investors. In the end, though, he chose to partner with Search Fund Accelerator. He set his sights on manufacturing and industrial services companies nationwide and entered into negotiations with about eight of them, from hot sauce manufacturers to makers of plastic car parts. Earlier this summer, he signed a letter of intent to make a purchase. He’s doing due diligence that could lead to a closing in October. “I hope it works out,” he said. “It will

be nice to stop cold calling people and start running a business.”

Interest in search funds growing One of the factors fueling the growth of search funds is the “silver tsunami” of baby boomers approaching retirement age, meaning more than 1 million businesses may hit the market between now and 2035. “A few of the retirees just want to get the biggest payday they can get, but the vast majority of them care about who’s going to take over their baby,” Bovard said. “They’re looking for a younger version of themselves if they don’t have a child who wants to take over.” But as the number of searchers grows, so does the industry’s failure rate, which hovers around 50% — although Bovard said his firm’s is closer to 20%. “A lot of the people who are going into this are probably perceived by sellers as too young with backgrounds too focused on consulting, investment banking or private equity,” he said. “Those are wonderful CVs coming out of an MBA program, but do they know how to run an elevator company?” The rising popularity of social media influencers promoting the benefits of buying businesses has also created more searchers, as has Harvard’s wellattended annual conference focused on “entrepreneurship through acquisition.” It all adds up to a process that McGrath said looks different from five years ago. “When I was searching, we were Googling and emailing people before making a connection and eventually visiting strong leads,” she said. “But the increased volume of emails and new filters have made it harder to get through.” She said today’s searchers are relying more on business brokers, trade shows visits and other creative measures to raise their profile. Some are starting their own podcasts to get attention. Les Alexander, a New Orleans native who teaches at the University of Virginia’s business school, said things won’t be slowing down any time soon. “I think this trend is going to continue at least for the next five years,” he said. “The rate of return for investors in this space is almost 34%, and for every dollar investors are putting in, they are getting nearly five back. You can’t get that from any other asset class I’m aware of.” Email Rich Collins at rich.collins@ theadvocate.com.

BERNHARD

Continued from page 1E Since the beginning of this year, the firm has sold Gray Casualty and Surety, United Utility Services and the parent company of Epic Piping, one of its original portfolio companies. The deals mean Bernhard Capital has now exited all of the companies that it invested in through its first infrastructure services fund launched in 2014, which raised $750 million. “We’re very excited about that,” said Bernhard Capital managing partner Jeff Jenkins, who co-founded the firm in 2013 with the late Jim Bernhard. “To exit all the companies from our first fund and meet the targeted return for our investors is a big, big milestone.”

PROVIDED PHOTO By JEFF JENKINS

Jeff Jenkins, left, and the late Jim Bernhard, co-founders of private equity firm When Bernhard and Jenkins launched Bernhard Capital Partners, attend the closing dinner of The Shaw Group in 2012 Bernhard Capital nearly 13 years ago, at the Windsor Court in New Orleans.

A bet on the ‘re-industrial revolution’

the Gulf Coast was on the cusp of what experts correctly predicted would be an industrial construction boom predicated on the abundance of cheap natural gas. Bernhard, who had grown The Shaw Group over two decades into a publicly traded energy and industrial services juggernaut before selling it to CB&I for $3 billion, and his younger mentee, Jenkins, saw an opportunity to leverage their experience and capitalize on the growing demand for companies that provide industrial and infrastructure services and power. In the years since, tens of billions have been spent across the country — including along the Gulf Coast — on the construction of new liquefied natural gas export terminals, petrochemical facilities and artificial intelligence data centers, fueling the need for more power plants to keep them running. At the same time, nuclear power plants are being recommissioned and new technologies are opening the door for small modular reactors to be built behind the fence lines of large industrial facilities. Bernhard Capital’s portfolio companies are doing work in all those spaces. “Their thesis has always been around infrastructure and services businesses and they have consistently focused on that, coming from an operational background with deep insight into energy and other industries,” said Gay Le Breton, managing director at investment banking firm Chaffe and Associates. “These days, we see a lot of private equity firms interested in these areas but when Bernhard Capital was formed that wasn’t so much the case.” So far, the firm has successfully closed its first three infrastructure ser-

vices funds, which raised $750 million, $1.2 billion and $1.42 billion respectively. The fourth fund, announced last week by the trade pub Pitchbook, seeks to raise $1.5 billion as it looks to capitalize on surging power demand across the U.S. Bernhard Capital ofﬁcials declined to comment on the report. Separately, the firm has two infrastructure utility funds that have funded its investments in regulated utilities — a $530 million fund that closed in 2020 and a second fund that is set to close early next year and is targeting $2 billion. Speaking broadly about the opportunities the ﬁrm sees in its future, Jenkins said, “We think growth prospects in front of us are large. Spending will be big in this re-industrial revolution.”

The other deal, the acquisition of New Mexico Gas, came after a nearly twoyear battle with opponents, including environmental activists and several key elected officials in the state who argued that Bernhard’s financing model could lead to rate hikes and that its “complex web” of holding companies could make regulatory oversight more difficult. The company is New Mexico’s largest natural gas distribution company with more than 530,000 customers and more than 12,000 miles of pipelines. Bernhard Capital eventually won over regulators, committing to keep the utility’s corporate headquarters in the state and to providing the capital for upgrades to the company’s infrastructure. The firm also agreed to a rate freeze until 2028. “New Mexico is an amazing community,” Jenkins said. “We think there is a New acquisitions lot of opportunity there. We are interThe two newest acquisitions will grow ested in investing in states and utilities Bernhard Capital’s holdings on both the that have the opportunity for growth.” infrastructure services side and in the regulated utilities sector. Email Stephanie Riegel at stephanie. The Bowman deal will give Bernhard riegel@theadvocate.com. Capital an engineering services and consulting firm with 2,500 employees worldwide and clients that include regulated utilities, governments and large data center developers. In 2021, the firm’s founder, Gary Bowman, took the company public. Now, it’s going private again, and Bowman will stay on in an executive leadership role, a model Bernhard Capital has adopted with many of the companies it has purchased. “We are institutionalizing founderowned businesses and we are fortunate that some of the best in the industry THEADVOCATE.COM/SUBSCRIBE want to partner with us,” Jenkins said.

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TALKING BUSINESS A S K T H E E X P E RT S

Century-old building material mass timber is having a moment Q&A WITH CHRISTOPHER AND SHAWNA MEyER

BY RICH COLLINS Staff writer

When husband-and-wife architects Christopher and Shawna Meyer — cofounders of the firm Atelier Mey — moved from Miami to New Orleans last year to join the faculty at Tulane University, they brought with them their appreciation for mass timber, a natural building material popular in Europe and Canada but still finding a foothold in the U.S. Essentially “plywood on steroids,” according to the Meyers, mass timber is an engineered wood product that can be used to make beams, wall panels and other components of commercial structures, apartments and single-family homes. Early forms date back more than a century, but modern breakthroughs have made it stronger and more versatile. Christopher Meyer is leading a course on the benefits and uses of mass timber this semester and hosting a symposium on the topic this fall. The Meyers also plan to start construction on a mixed-use building in New Orleans, though they won’t be the first to deploy mass timber in Louisiana. It’s been used to create the frame for a 2-year-old chapel on the campus of Loyola University and — on a much bigger scale — several buildings at Meta’s Hyperion data center in Richland Parish. In this week’s Talking Biz, the Meyers explain why they hope to see more implementation. This conversation has been edited for brevity and

FOUNDERS OF ATELIER MEy

PROVIDED PHOTO

Haley Smith, from left, former project architect at Atelier Mey, and Shawna and Christopher Meyer built ‘House in the Garden’ in Miami using mass timber, used in the shelf behind them, a natural building material the Meyers describe as ‘plywood on steroids.’ clarity. First off, what exactly is mass timber? Christopher Meyer: It’s an engineered product that’s assembled by gluing together layers of solid wood to produce a structural panel. It is most readily understood as a very large piece of plywood that can be anywhere from a few feet to 60 feet in length. Its thickness is based on structural needs, and it can be cut to form beams as well as panels. Where and how is it made? Shawna Meyer: In the Southeast, we have manufacturers of cross-laminated timber in Dothan, Alabama, and Conway, Arkansas, using Southern yellow pine, which has only been used this way since about 2019. What are the benefits and best uses of it? CM: The best use for it in building is when we can expose it to the interior as much as possible. This allows the structural system to also serve as the interior ﬁnish, eliminating other

materials, reducing environmental impact and construction costs. It’s a biogenic material, meaning it originated from living organisms. No toxic chemicals are added. Studies have shown that being surrounded by wood often provides a comforting feeling. Also, a building made from mass timber, by default, eliminates some paint, drywall and other offgassing materials. It also has other applications — to create temporary roads during construction, for instance. Mass timber is often used in commercial construction, but it’s less common in residential. Do you hope to change that? SM: Most people who are building are thinking about cost, so we highlight the economy of working with mass timber for a couple of different reasons. One is it’s milled in a factory and comes on-site as parts that are craned off a truck and put into place … in some cases, in just a few days.

That speed means savings on labor costs. When you scale up to larger projects, savings are ampliﬁed. How did you become interested in this? SM: In 2018, we moved to Miami. Chris took an assistant professor position at the University of Miami, and we launched our practice. Through that process, being immersed in both local academics and curriculum, we saw a huge void: wood was basically a bad word there because, after Hurricane Andrew in 1992, Miami made it its mission to change the code, which was great at that time. But this was 2018, and none of those codes had been reviewed based on advances in material building methodologies over the last 30 years. We applied for a wood innovation grant from the U.S. Forest Service in 2019 that was really focused on an education platform in Miami and Southern Flori-

da, building networks that linked academics, practitioners, professionals with this emerging network of mills and mass timber. As we were settling in Miami, we decided to test the material out by building a structure, which was a big risk for us because it wasn’t funded by grants. But we were able to lean on the business and knowledge networks we had developed. Where is mass timber most used today, and where is it still emerging? SM: In Europe, it’s used everywhere in a lot of ways, including single-family homes. In the United States, it’s used a lot in the Northwest. In the Southeast, Atlanta has really been the urban hub that’s leading its deployment. CM: The most common use is in two-, three-, and four-story, mixed-use buildings. Right now, some of the biggest usage in Louisiana is at data centers. There’s a building under construction at Louisiana Tech using the timber, and the chapel at Loyola uses it, although it is hidden from view. What’s your plan to build something this way in New Orleans? SM: We’re planning a mixed-use structure in the Irish Channel that will include a home, studio ofﬁce and an apartment. It’s two stories on a narrow lot, so we’re building up. CM: We want to be an open book for the city to see a project like this happen. We

want this to be a prototype, and we also want to familiarize suppliers and erectors with the territory. We’re hoping to break ground in October and be ﬁnished by next summer. What about extreme weather — and termites? CM: Mass timber is solid, which means it will be harder for objects to penetrate your house during a storm. The fastening and hold-downs are just as strong as any other material, like concrete. SM: Every house has organic materials that termites want, so the best prevention is mitigation. In Miami, we didn’t put the vegetation right next to the house so we’re not encouraging those sorts of habitats. And the walls are exposed on the inside, so we’re going to see if there’s anything happening. I don’t think anything is termite-proof, but you can manage it by being aware and taking preventive actions. How is the transition from Miami to New Orleans going? CM: This city is incredible because of the people who live in it. The quick description is “good people, good food and good music,” and that’s an easy thing to be around. But the community bonds together to understand itself as a larger entity, almost like a family. Email Rich Collins at rich. collins@theadvocate.com.

$2.8 billion in customer savings. And that’s just the beginning. Over the next 20 years, Entergy Louisiana customers will see $2.8 billion in bill savings from Entergy data center service agreements under our Fair Share Plus pledge. Our Fair Share Plus pledge protects existing customers and ensures data centers pay their fair share for the power they use. Customers across the state will also see economic beneﬁts, including millions in new community investments and tax revenues, new jobs, and stronger local infrastructure. We’re committed to powering the families and businesses we serve – today and for future generations – while keeping energy affordable and reliable for all. Learn more at Entergy.com/DataCenters/Louisiana. A message from Entergy Louisiana, LLC © 2026 Entergy Services, LLC. All rights reserved. Not paid for at customer expense.

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ACROSS THE REGION

Shreveport accounting ﬁrm expands to India as revenue, ranking grow BY LIZ SWAINE Staff writer

After 80 years in business, the Shreveport-based accounting firm Heard, McElroy & Vestal has gone multinational with an office in Ahmedabad, India. The India office, which opened Aug. 3, will join the company’s roughly 170 employees in Shreveport, Monroe and Longview, Texas. Ahmedabad is the largest city in the western Indian province of Gujarat and a prime location to find sharp accounting professionals, said Roy Prestwood, HMV’s managing partner. According to Prestwood CPA|Trendlines, the number of U.S. accounting graduates has fallen to its lowest level in roughly 20 years. The tax profession is facing a severe and deepening talent drought. HMV has job postings for experienced team members in all three U.S. offices. The trend encouraged Prestwood to look beyond traditional hiring markets. “We were looking for teammates, and so it adds an additional level of capacity for us. We’ve hired folks that are CPAs, chartered accountants, enrolled agents, and so they have credentials all of their own and they’re there to support our team here in the United States,” he said. Though new to Shreveport, offices in India are not new to the industry, said Prestwood. The country’s largest accounting firms — Deloitte, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Ernst & Young and KPMG — all have locations in India, most in every major commercial hub. According to Reuters, these centers employ upward of 160,000 people who work in auditing and tax processing. “We started looking into it for ourselves, like, oh, if we could add

STAFF FILE PHOTO By LIZ SWAINE

Heard, McElroy & Vestal employees help in a downtown Shreveport cleanup in 2021.

PROVIDED PHOTO

Heard, McElroy & Vestal, with employees in Shreveport, Monroe and Longview, started as an accounting firm in Shreveport in 1946, but now includes a family of companies that offer accounting for businesses and individuals, including tax planning and preparation, audit and assurance, business valuation, wealth advisement, mineral management and retirement plan services.

PROVIDED PHOTO

Heard, McElroy & Vestal employees change wreath lights on downtown Shreveport Christmas decorations in 2021. some capacity, it would really help our team in our busiest times of the year,” said Prestwood. “So far, it’s been a delightful process, and I think a very successful one.” The ﬁrm is also celebrating revenue growth. HMV was recently alerted that it has moved up on the

INSIDE Public Accounting annual ranking of ﬁrms across the country. It is now at No. 173 with revenues of $31.8 million.

Changes along the way HMV was started as an accounting ﬁrm in Shreveport in 1946 by

C. Berton Heard, Charles McElroy and Charles Vestal, but now includes a family of companies: HMV Wealth Advisors, Business Valuation Consultants, Align Mineral Management and HMV Retirement Plan Advisors. These related companies offer accounting for businesses and individuals, including tax planning and preparation, audit and assurance, business valuation, wealth advisement, mineral management and retirement plan services. Though tax, audit and accounting work is the “heart” of what they do, Prestwood said, “We really think of ourselves now as more of a professional services ﬁrm.” The latest of those services has been created to help businesses navigate artiﬁcial intelligence. “We’ve started up an innovation

group that is helping our clients figure out all the new changes that are occurring in technology driven by AI,” he said. That includes educating firms on AI, figuring out the right AI tools for each company, and setting up security and rules around the use of it. Prestwood said the company is always looking for new growth and hiring opportunities. He is quick to give credit for the firm’s growth to HMV’s employees. “I mean, day in and day out, they’re coming to work and with an attitude of being a servant leader, and just taking care of people’s needs, and when you do that, good things come,” he said. Email Liz Swaine at Liz. Swaine@theadvocate.com.

Working What’s

in Greater New Orleans business

with Michael Hecht President & CEO GNO Inc.

Good News on Homeowners’ Insurance For the better part of a decade, GNO, Inc. has partnered with state and federal officials to try to lower homeowners’ insurance rates. Our effort to lower rates even went international - GNO, Inc., Commissioner Temple, LED Secretary Susan Bourgeois, and others traveled to meet with Lloyd’s of London to discuss ways to reduce exposure and lower rates for homeowners. This work, combined with a recovering reinsurance market, is paying off: • • • • • •

Premium growth has nearly stopped, with annual increases essentially flat so far in 2026, down from 4.6% in 2025, 6.6% in 2024, and double digits the two years before that Fewer carriers are asking for more money: only four have filed for rate increases this year, down from 27 last year and 50 in 2024. Nine have filed for decreases 21 new carriers have been licensed to do business in Louisiana over the past three years, seven of them in 2026 alone. Homeowners who used to get two or three quotes can now get six or seven Commercial real estate rates are down about 30% on average, according to Ben Albright of the Independent Insurance Agents of Louisiana Fortified roofs have grown to roughly 14,000 statewide, among the fastest-growing counts in the country Citizens, the state’s insurer of last resort, has seen enrollment drop nearly 20% from its 2022 peak, down to roughly 114,000 policies as of June

Louisiana Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple points to two main drivers of this improvement. First, Temple, GNO, Inc., and others successfully advocated for regulatory reform. Our reform package curbed excessive bad faith claims, eliminated rules that scared away insurers, and funded new incentives for fortiﬁed roofs. Second, the reinsurance market that backs most Louisiana carriers has recapitalized after several storm-free years, pushing global catastrophe reinsurance prices down 16% year over year as of June, the steepest annual drop in 25 years. We are seeing the results on the ground: home sales in Greater New Orleans rose 10% in the ﬁrst half of 2026 over the same period last year, a rebound

You can read more from Biz New Orleans here

brokers tie directly to easing insurance costs. Site selectors and company executives routinely cite insurance costs as a factor in location decisions, which makes a healthier market relevant well beyond individual homeowners. The work continues. At the federal level, GNO, Inc. leads the Coalition for Sustainable Flood Insurance, a national coalition it founded in 2013 that now counts more than 900 member organizations, pushing for reform and reauthorization of the National Flood Insurance Program ahead of its September 30 deadline. GNO, Inc. also built an online resource for homeowners trying to navigate the improving market: the Louisiana Insurance Discount Guide walks through wind mitigation credits, FORTIFIED roof discounts, the $10,000 tax credit, and grant programs available at the state, parish, and federal level, including up to $35,000 in city-funded roof grants for eligible New Orleans homeowners. Visit gnoinc.org/insure.

You can read more from the NOLA.com here

A greater choice for business

gnoinc.org

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CONNECTING LOUISIANA TALENT WITH LOUISIANA OPPORTUNITY

Find Your Next Opportunity. Visit LouisianaNow.jobs

Your next career could be closer than you think. Discover opportunities with Louisiana companies looking for talent like you.

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NATION & WORLD Today’s children could prosper in tomorrow’s shortage of young workers BY TIM HENDERSON Stateline.org (TNS)

Today’s children could be the first generation since the 1970s to do better than their parents, as young workers become more sought after and well paid. They may even see a surplus of housing to make their lives even easier after recent shortages. An abundance of young workers will turn into an undersupply by 2040, with better pay and a surplus of housing, demographers predict. Immigration and artificial intelligence are wild cards, and young workers will still be saddled with taxes to support aging boomers for a while. Some states are already seeing a shortage of young workers. North Dakota and South Dakota routinely have twice as many job openings as people looking for work, and those jobs often require physical labor that AI could never replace. Oil fracking in North Dakota, for instance, is hard, sweaty work, and truck drivers have to move the oil. “Really a lot of the Midwest is still investigating things like autonomous systems, but we’re not really there yet. So labor shortages are a thing and are an issue,” said David Flynn, an economics professor at the University of North Dakota. Those issues will hit more states, including Washington and Nevada, where people looking for work still outnumber job openings by almost 2 to 1. Today’s small children have a brighter future economically than any generation since the surge of baby boomers aged into adulthood in the early 1970s, swamping the job market and dampening pay for 20-somethings ever since, said Steven Ruggles, director of the Minnesota Population Center at the University of Minnesota. “The second half of the boomers were particularly the victims of this,” Ruggles said. “They got here after things had been going great after World War II and wages had been going through the roof, and

GETTy IMAGES/TNS FILE PHOTO By ROByN BECK

Pump jacks are seen on the Bakken Shale Formation, near Williston, N.D. A recent report is predicting that the future labor market will see a shortage of young workers for the first time since before baby boomers became of working age.

“Americans born in the 2020s might be the first cohort in a half century that earns significantly more than their parents did.” STEVEN RUGGLES, director of the Minnesota Population Center at the University of Minnesota and author then all of a sudden the bottom falls out because there’s too many of them.” Ruggles in May published a paper titled “The pig in the python” about the slow progression of baby boomers through the national economy, maintaining that a coming shortage of young workers will give them more prosperity. “We are on the verge of a radical reshaping of labor markets in which new workers will be in extremely short supply,” Ruggles wrote in the report. “We may ﬁ-

nally see real (inflation-adjusted) wages of the young exceed the levels of the early 1970s. Americans born in the 2020s might be the first cohort in a half century that earns significantly more than their parents did.” For the first time since at least 1910, people leaving the labor market will outnumber young newcomers by 2040, and rising pay may not be the only change. Housing could become more affordable too. “If construction activity remains elevated, changing demographic trends could lead to a growing oversupply of housing in more markets,” the Mortgage Bankers of America concluded in a June white paper. “We expect that this will lead to falling prices for both single-family and multifamily housing at the national level.” The “potential for oversupply and falling prices” will affect

house prices most in states such as Arizona, Florida and Texas because of fast construction — more than Massachusetts, New Jersey and New York, where building has been slowed by costs and restrictive zoning, the paper noted. While the prospect of better pay and lower housing costs is something to look forward to, demographers caution that such a turnaround has been predicted before. Some “really smart economists” turned out to be “dreadfully wrong” in the 1990s when they predicated a housing market crash based on lower demand from aging boomers, said Richard Jackson, president of the Global Aging Institute, a Virginia-based research ﬁrm. “The thesis was that the baby boom was moving beyond its household formation years and there’d be a collapse in housing prices. It never happened,” Jackson said. Labor supply was also un-

expectedly boosted by women and immigrants, he noted, putting a lid on wages for the young. Still, the future drop in the numbers of young people is fairly certain, he said. “Most of the relevant demographics is already locked in. These people have already been born and so absent some Hollywood catastrophe like a colliding comet, we know how many 30-year-olds there are going to be 15 years from now,” Jackson said. Immigration is also a wild card, with many recent arrivals drawn by the need for skilled young workers in construction and other trades. “It definitely helped prolong the glut of labor,” Ruggles said. “Wages might have turned around a little quicker if there had been less of a boom in immigration, but to some extent the immigrant jobs were ones that didn’t directly compete with U.S. workers like farm labor.” It’s hard to predict the effect of the Trump administration’s mass deportation agenda on future arrivals. Ruggles said his analysis holds across a wide range of possible immigration outcomes. The population of young adults could grow “a bit” or shrink over the next 20 years depending on immigration policy, said Julia Gelatt, associate director of the U.S. Immigration Policy Program at the nonpartisan Migration Policy Institute. Without immigrants and their children, the population of children and young adults would have shrunk by 5 million after the year 2000, according to a 2024 MPI report co-authored by Gelatt. “Whether any of that translates to higher wages seems pretty uncertain to me,” Gelatt said. “With slower population growth, or population stagnation, labor demand is unlikely to keep growing at the pace it has been. There will not be the same growth in the number of people buying goods and services. And nobody is sure yet of how AI will affect labor markets.”

LOOKING BEYOND:

Jones Walker on Representing Louisiana’s Construction Industry Leaders Pt. I

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The Advocate ■ theadvocate.com ■ Sunday,August 16, 2026 ■ 7E

NATION & WORLD

Lab testing plasticware created from sugar Researchers hopeful of engineering biodegradable packaging alternative BY JENNIFER MCDERMOTT

Associated Press

WOBURN, Mass. — At a Massachusetts lab, pebble-sized pellets are transformed into forks and films that won’t leave persistent microplastics in the environment. These are bioplastic pellets. CJ Biomaterials ferments sugar to make plant-based polymers that microbes will consume. These alternatives to traditional plastics made of fossil fuels are seen by some as one of many solutions needed to confront global plastic pollution. At the company’s Woburn research facility, lab technicians recently poured pellets into a molding machine to make forks. The test forks were thin enough for home composting, though too bendy for stabbing a steak. Other batches have been rigid, similar to a typical plastic fork. The technicians melted pellets to roll out flexible films for food packaging, like a bag for baby carrots. The film was quite strong but not stretchy like cling wrap. They are figuring out how their biopolymers can make products with attributes similar to conventional plastics, but that can go in a composting bin instead of a trash can. Forks and films are breaking down in the lab’s compost bin. Straws that were added are long gone. A recently tossed-in knife showed pitting on the surface as bacteria colonized it, starting to consume the material. Plastics have never really fundamentally been disrupted. Now, interest in bioplastics is growing because of concern over microplastics. It’s the new “wild card” in this market, said the company’s marketing director Leah Ford. “I’ve been doing this for a long time and the compostability has always been a really strong driver. But with the greater understanding of microplastics, I think, that’s

going to change how people think about materials,” she said. Traditional plastics last for decades or even centuries as they fragment into harmful microplastics and even smaller nanoplastics. Microplastics have been found in the ocean and the air, in our food and water, and in a wide range of body tissues. The Trump administration, while rolling back many environmental regulations, says it will address contamination from microplastics. Bioplastics are biobased, meaning they are made completely or partially from a renewable resource, commonly corn or sugar cane; or they are biodegradable, meaning that they break down completely via a natural process. They can also be both, like the polymers made by CJ Biomaterials. It’s a leader in manufacturing polyhydroxyalkanoates as a polymer that is marine and soil biodegradable. CJ Biomaterials is trying to replace conventional plastics that are single-use or can’t be recycled when contaminated with food scraps. Food waste decomposing in landﬁlls emits methane, a potent greenhouse gas that warms the planet. A container made of pellets from CJ Biomaterials with food scraps could be sent to a composter, unlike a traditional plastic container. The Woburn lab’s shelves display the company’s successes: compostable cutlery, straws, coated cups for hot beverages and frozen food pouches used in the United States, sushi trays, ramen containers and reusable paper towels. Lab employees dine with compostable cutlery, drink from compostable cups and make coffee with compostable pods. These products last on shelves because they are not exposed to microorganisms in water or soil. CJ Biomaterials feeds sugar to microbes that convert it to PHA

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By CHARLES KRUPA

Katie Byun holds up a compostable knife, which was made with plastic made from plants, that was starting to break down after about two months in a home composting test bin at CJ Biomaterials in Woburn, Mass. for energy. The company collects the PHA and turns it into granules. Pellets of this are then sold to other companies that can melt them down and mold them into products. These same bacteria will consume PHA in a compost pile, breaking it down within six months, Ford said. CJ Biomaterials is part of the $32 billion South Korean conglomerate CJ Group. It has been producing PHA at a manufacturing facility in Pasuruan, Indonesia, since 2022. World Wildlife Fund sees biobased plastics as part of a suite of solutions that are needed. They can reduce the world’s dependency on fossil fuels that cause climate change, said Erin Simon, a WWF vice president. She said the world needs to reduce the amount of plastic being produced, then make the rest sustainably. Nations are trying to confront the spiraling plastic pollution crisis by crafting a landmark treaty. They

have yet to agree on any effective methods to stop plastic pollution, though negotiators plan to meet again early next year. U.S. Sen. Jeff Merkley, D-Ore., has held congressional hearings on plastic pollution, including one exploring alternatives for single-use plastics. He also views bioplastics as one option with potential, among many that are needed. But, he said, more information is needed about how they break down and impact ecosystems and health. Environmental groups, including the Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives, argue that bioplastics maintain the single-use paradigm and distract from real solutions. Some say farmland shouldn’t be used to grow crops for plastic instead of food. Globally, biobased plastics represent roughly 0.5% of the more than 440 million tons of plastics produced annually, according to the in-

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dustry group European Bioplastics. Production is projected to double by 2030 due to rising demand and the emergence of more advanced applications and products, it said. There are obstacles to widespread adoption. Bioplastics typically cost more than conventional plastics. Major cities have municipal composting programs, but they are limited elsewhere. A growing number of composting facilities accept compostable bioplastic products, though some refuse out of concern about degraded soil quality. And because bioplastics and conventional plastics often look and feel identical, they can be mixed up and cause problems for composters. Marcus Eriksen, co-founder of the 5 Gyres Institute and a researcher, said people should use biodegradable options, especially for packaging. Otherwise, he said, “we’re going to ﬂood the entire biosphere with micro- and nanoplastics.”

8E ■ Sunday,August 16, 2026 ■ theadvocate.com ■ The Advocate

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PEOPLE IN BUSINESS Staff report South Louisiana businesses and nonproﬁt groups recently announced the following promotions, new hires and resignations.

Baton Rouge Dr. Lexi Champagne has been hired by Baton Rouge General, where she will be based out the primary care clinic at its neighborhood hospital in Prairieville. Champagne, an Ascension Champagne Parish native, completed her residency at BRG’s Family Medicine Residency Program. Investar Bank announced the hiring of two new executives. William Callihan, who previously worked for Hudson Housing Capital, Renaissance Neighborhood Development Corp. and CapiCallihan tal One, has been named senior vice president and commercial market

Fool’s Take: Considering Microsoft

man School of manager for the Baton RougeBusiness, also based bank. He serves on the will be based in Touro LCMC New Orleans. Health governDrew Hampson, who previing board and as the treasurously worked for Hearthside Lovell er of the Press Bank, joints InClub of New vestar’s Lafay- Orleans. Hampson ette team as a LSU New Orleans announced vice president and commercial the hiring of two new public relationship manager. safety execuMichael Doerr has been promottives. Eddie Compass, ed to senior vice president and who was chief senior commerof the New Orcial banking sales manager leans Police Defor First Horipartment durzon Bank. ing Hurricane Before join- Compass Katrina, chief of campus seing what was then Iberia- curity for Delgado Community Bank in 2010, College and security chief for Doerr Doerr worked Louisiana, has been appointed as a vice president of com- executive director of safety and emergency mercial banking for Whitney preparedness. National Bank in Baton Rouge. Jose Campuzano, New Orleans who previously worked for the Larry Lovell, a veteran strategic Defense Decommunications consultant who spent two decades with partment poPeter Mayer Advertising, has lice, Louisiana launched a new firm, Larry Campuzano State Police and Lovell PR. Dillard UniverLovell, a guest lecturer at sity, has been named the LSUTulane University’s A.B. Free- NO’s new police chief.

Microsoft shareholders have had a disappointing year, with shares up about 4% as of early August. But Microsoft shares are rather attractively priced for would-be investors. The stock’s Motley forward-looking Fool price-to-earnings ratio was around 25 in early August, below the ﬁveyear average of roughly 29. The company has a lot going for it: It encompasses not only the ubiquitous Windows operating system, but also the dominant Ofﬁce 365 suite of applications, the second-largest cloud computing platform Azure, the

Xbox gaming platform and even LinkedIn, among many other offerings. Like other huge tech companies, Microsoft has been investing heavily in artiﬁcial intelligence and incorporating it into many of its products and services. Some investors are concerned that it has been spending billions of dollars on AI infrastructure, but it will take a while to see how those investments pay off. In the meantime, its Azure platform is growing robustly, and the company’s contracted backlog (a source of future revenue) recently doubled year over year to $627 billion. Microsoft is also a dividend-paying stock. Though it recently yielded only a bit over 0.7%, the payout has been growing at an aver-

Resource Bank announced the hiring of a trio of commercial and private banking officers. Brandi Joseph and Tim Keller work out the bank’s Metairie branch, while Brandon Walker works out of the Baton Rouge branch, Joseph though he will work from the new Gonzales branch when construction is complete. STEM NOLA announced the hiring of two new staffers. Shaq Cossé was named the new business client manager for Keller the educationfocused nonproﬁt. Cossé, a board member of Southern Partners Fund and Raices Cossé Nuevas, previously worked Walker as a program manager for Son of a Saint and Louisiana Bucket Brigade. Mia Augillard, Augillard who previously worked for the Boston-based public relations firm PAN Communications, was named the organization’s communications director.

age annual rate of 10% over the past ﬁve years. Long-term, risktolerant investors are likely to do well investing in Microsoft. (The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Microsoft.)

Fool’s School: Think twice before renting out property Buying properties and renting them out may seem like a ticket to great wealth. It certainly has helped plenty of people get rich, but it’s generally not as easy as it may seem. The upside is clear: You can collect regular rent payments from tenants and can deduct many expenses related to your real estate business, such as repairs. The income you receive can offset the mortgage and other costs. Over time, the value

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of your property should (but may not!) increase, and, if you’re a handy sort, you might save money on repairs and upkeep by doing much of the work yourself. But you won’t just start out collecting checks. You’ll first need to find and buy the right kind of property. Then you’ll need to find good tenants, and it’s not always easy to tell the good from the bad. Bad tenants can deliver massive headaches, perhaps being delinquent in payments or damaging your property. You might hire a property management company to find tenants and manage them and the property, but that can cost you around 8% to 12% of the rent collected. If you need or want to evict a tenant, it can be trickier than you expect, as tenants generally have legal protections. Even

Across Louisiana Drew Taggert, who previously worked as a partner at the Houston-based law ﬁrm Bracewell, has been named general Taggart counsel of Danos. First Horizon Bank announced the hiring of a new executive and three new associates at its Lafayette ofﬁce. Larr y Lanclos, who formerly worked for Cadence Bank, Business First Bank and St. Martin Bank & Lanclos Trust, has been named vice president and commercial relationship manager. Tyler Pierret was hired as a commercial portfolio manager, while Ami Snell and Kelsey Breard were hired as commercial credit analysts. Do you have personnel changes to share or other ideas for our business coverage? Drop us a line at biztips@ theadvocate.com.

when things are going well, you’ll occasionally have a month or two between tenants when the property is uninhabited and not generating rental income. And, of course, you’ll be on the hook for not only any mortgage payments, but also expenses for property taxes, insurance, maintenance and repairs. (For example, you may need to repaint between tenants and occasionally replace carpeting.) You may even be paying for utilities, unless you have your tenants doing that. Read up on local investment property laws — and perhaps also read a book such as “Real Estate Investing for Dummies,” by Eric Tyson and Robert S. Griswold. Remember that you can always invest in stocks or funds focusing on real estate instead.

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MADE IN LOUISIANA

Big Easy Blends rolling out kids’ breakfast drinks Company moves to make more of it own products BY GRACE MAYER

Staff writer

In the nearly 20 years that Big Easy Blends has been blending juices, frozen drinks and pouched cocktails, the manufacturer has become better known for making private-label products for big national brands like Welch’s and ICEE than for its own beverages. That may be starting to change. Earlier this year, the Elmwoodbased company launched a new brand, Blendology, that makes a line of breakfast and lunch drinks — fruit slushies and yogurt smoothies — for school kids. Packaged in the company’s signature pouches, Big Easy Blends has started selling the Blendology drinks to K-12 school districts and distributors around the country. Since its launch in July, the company has already inked deals with school systems in over a dozen states, including California, Texas and Florida. And the company’s three founders expect the pivot to be big for the business, which did $20 million in sales last year. Every day on average, just over 12 million students in K-12 schools in the U.S. receive breakfast for free or at a reduced price at school, according to data from the Food Research and Action Center, a nonproﬁt that publishes research and data on federal nutrition programs. Lunch participation is nearly double that amount. Big Easy Blends’ products are also meeting a particular health moment, as parents express concern about artiﬁcial food dyes and added sugars. Blendology products have none. “A lot of people say schools are the largest restaurant chain in the nation,” co-founder Sal LaMartina said.

Craig Cordes and Sal and Antonio LaMartina began Big Easy Blends manufacturing Cordina freezable alcoholic drinks. Their Elmwood Big Easy Blends launched their new juice slushie and yogurt smoothie operation eventually pivoted to making private-label products but are product line, Blendology, in July. changing focus back to their own brand — this time pouch products for ers were being lauded in Inc. Mag- school kids. Blending business strategies PROVIDED PHOTOS By BIG EASy BLENDS

Big Easy Blends got its start in 2007, when Antonio LaMartina pitched his brother Sal LaMartina and Craig Cordes, a high school friend, on a plan to sell alcohol in Capri Sun-style pouches — a vision born from college and young adult years spent partying. At the time, the trio were early in their careers in auditing, sales and the financial services, yet undeterred by their inexperience. They faced a significant learning curve building Big Easy Blends, they say now. “We had no experience in alcohol. That’s when my brother would say, ‘Wrong, I have a lot of experience in alcohol,’ ” Sal LaMartina said. The result was Cordina Frozen Cocktails, a product line that included Mar-GO-Rita and Pina-GOLada drinks. Working in the alcohol space was exciting for the founders, and it helped build their company’s name recognition and reputation. In those first five years, Big Easy Blends built its own manufacturing facility — later growing the factory from 55,000 to 95,000 square feet in Elmwood. It also became clear in that time making their own alcohol products wasn’t sustainable. “We lost a ton of money,” LaMartina said. “We never made money in the alcohol space.” In 2012, while Big Easy Blends’ agave-based cocktails and found-

azine’s 30 under 30 list and sold in Walmart and Walgreens locations around the country, the founders were plotting a new direction. They pivoted away from making their own frozen cocktails to building a robust business licensing and manufacturing juice and alcohol products for well-known brands, including Aldi and Airheads. Their ﬁrst big client was Slush Puppie’s ICEE frozen slushies. “We thought we would sell maybe 20,000 cases of ICEE product the first year,” LaMartina said. “We sold like 200,000 cases in 90 days.”

Adult cocktails to kids juice About a year ago, Big Easy Blends’ leadership team sat down and reflected on where they wanted to go as a business and what they wanted to be known for. They knew their strengths were in creating flexible pouch packaging and creating frozen products. They also knew they wanted to create healthier products. They realized their company was built for kids, said LaMartina. “Alcohol to kids’ drinks. It’s a pretty far spectrum from where we started,” said Cordes, the chief financial owner. “It’s kind of indicative of how we’ve grown as people as well as owners.” Developing their first products — a fruit juice slushie and a yogurt smoothie — began a year ago. They

wanted to create a healthy product line with real fruit and no added sugars. The team was also operating under tight time constraints, aiming to get products in schools before the start of the 2026 school year. Creating a yogurt smoothie that was shelf-stable, key for school kitchens with limited fridge storage, was a new challenge. They hired a former Unilever food scientist who spent months developing the smoothie, conducting countless trials, adjusting fill levels and product formulations, before finally landing on a combination that worked. “All the way up until our very first production run, the smoothie was foaming out of the pouch. It was a complete mess,” LaMartina said. “We threw away six figures worth of product.” On the factory floor, 18 tanks that can hold 2,000 gallons of product blend liquids together, yielding a sorbet-like texture for Blendology’s products and Big Easy Blends’ other licensed products. “There’s some secret sauce in our equipment that helps us bind all of the ingredients together so that the ice and flavor are not just separating,” LaMartina said. Then, two production lines, one for the juice slushie and another for the smoothie, fill and seal 360 pouches per minute, five days a

week, 24 hours a day. The smoothie and juice pouches are filled upside down. When kids tear off the tops of their frozen juice pouches — which come in four flavors — they can collect 40 finger puppet cartoon characters. Blendology products are currently being shipped to schools in 15 states, including California, Florida, Texas, Maine, Georgia and Colorado. The Big Easy Blends team is working on sending bids to school districts in New Orleans and throughout Louisiana. And it’s waiting to hear back from bids in around 42 states, said Morgan Ebersole, customer service sales coordinator. Big Easy Blends’ 40-person team is already working on more products for schools. Currently, around 90% of the company’s business comes from making licensed products, while 10% is from the Blendology brand. Over time, Big Easy Blends hopes to get those figures closer to an even fifty-fifty split, LaMartina said. “We’ve never seen so many yeses,” LaMartina said of the Blendology products. “Our biggest concern right now isn’t, can we create a good product? We’re starting to worry, can we keep up?” Email Grace Mayer at grace. mayer@theadvocate.com.

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10E ■ Sunday, August 16, 2026 ■ theadvocate.com ■ The Advocate

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Why Louisiana? The Risk and Reward Behind a $32 Billion Data Center Push

In less than 18 months, Louisiana has transformed from virtually no hyperscale data center presence to hosting three of the largest projects in the country, led by major digital leaders. A $10 billion campus in Richland Parish,1 a $12 billion investment across Caddo and Bossier Parishes,2 and a $10 billion River Bend facility in West Feliciana Parish1 represent a combined $32 billion commitment that places Louisiana at the center of the national data center boom. Construction is now underway. Developers chose Louisiana for good reasons. The state’s industrial

With conﬁrmed projects now spread across the northwest, northeast

contractors have spent decades building reﬁneries, chemical

and southeast of the state, underwriters are watching how that

plants and LNG facilities — complex, high-stakes work at scale.

geographic concentration accumulates across their books.

This expertise transfers directly to data center construction, and

Power and water draw are legitimate community concerns. Data

it’s a meaningful edge. Louisiana contractors are already building

centers consume both at a scale that strains local grids and utility

data centers across the country because they’re among the best

capacity. Some Louisiana power companies are already planning

at this type of work. Siting a project in the state keeps that talent

upgrades to support the new demand. Longer term, on-site

close, resulting in faster project delivery and tighter cost control.

generation, including small modular reactors, may reduce grid

Site selection also reﬂects a clear-eyed insurance calculation. Two of the three major projects sit in North Louisiana, near the Arkansas border. Locating away from the Gulf Coast hurricane corridor materially changes the underwriting math.

dependency for future builds. These aren’t unsolvable problems. But they need to be part of the project plan from day one.

Building success: What it takes to get it right Done right, projects of this scale bring lasting returns. The tax revenue will ﬂow into Louisiana communities over decades, into

“

These facilities are in North Louisiana because it’s more affordable to secure the coverage and limits required — it’s an insurance decision as much as a location one.

”

Troy Wagener, Area Executive Vice President, Gallagher

education, infrastructure and economic development, well beyond what direct employment from a data center operation alone would deliver. Louisiana moved early in this cycle and secured a strong position. Getting that right starts before ﬁnancing closes, with construction risk, supply chain exposures, power strategy and operational coverage all aligned from day one. That includes parametric triggers for business interruption — coverage that activates without a

The risk picture in Louisiana

physical loss — which matters when a grid failure or supply chain

Louisiana’s broader property and casualty market, by Wagener’s

delay can cost millions before a single claim is ﬁled.

current read, is stable. The insurance market is absorbing an

Gallagher’s Data Center Solutions team works with developers,

unprecedented volume of high-limit construction requests as data

contractors and operators across the full project lifecycle. To

center builds accelerate nationwide. Excess liability and commercial

connect with our Louisiana team, visit AJG.com/louisiana.

automobile liability for contractor ﬂeets — already under pressure in large construction programs — face genuine capacity constraints when a single site is worth $10 billion to $15 billion. In Louisiana speciﬁcally, those pressures are sharper: commercial automobile liability rates for construction rank among the highest in the country, and excess liability capacity for large industrial programs is genuinely constrained. That friction shows up in pricing, deductibles and what carriers will actually put on the table.

Troy Wagener

Area Executive Vice President

Scan the code to connect with us.

Climate perils compound that scrutiny. North Louisiana avoids the worst of the Gulf Coast hurricane corridor, but major storms still push wind and rain well inland. Inland ﬂooding and severe convective storms are live perils across all three project locations.

1“Louisiana’s Growing Data Center Pipeline,” BIZ Magazine, 3 Mar 2026. 2“Amazon Selects Louisiana for $12 Billion Data Center Campuses in Major U.S. Expansion,” Louisiana Economic Development, 23 Feb 2026.

AJG.com/Louisiana | The Gallagher Way. Since 1927.

The Advocate ■ theadvocate.com ■ Sunday,August 16, 2026 ■ 1F

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$385,000

NEWLY UPDATED! 6726 PINE ISLAND AVE. $245,000, Approx. P & I $1,480 Forest Heights S/D Off Mickens Rd, 3BR 2BA, w/Cent/H/A Freshly Painted Int./Ext. New Ceramic FLR thru out, & New Kit Countertop Enclosed Screen Patio, Rear Dbl Carport w/Storage Shed & F'd B.Y. Call Charles for Your Showing 225-266-4078 Roy Carter Realty 225-357-6436

COMMERCIAL PROPERTY Selling Business only not building. Don't have enough workers to run. Has great potential in Reeve's shopping center. Has all equipment needed to boil crawﬁsh, fry seafood plates amongst other foods with warmer in front. Asking price 50k negotiable and rent is needed to negotiate with landlord. Call or Text Steve 225-341-9235

Baton Rouge Rental

MOBILE HOME 1, 2 & 3 BR mobile homes, $675 & up 6061 Plank Rd. CALL 225-978-4653

APARTMENT AREA 5 1BR $600, 2BR $700 Tigerland. $500 Deposit. 225-475-1737

MONICA C. JARREAU

APARTMENT 655 North St Subsidized Efﬁciency Apartments cpabr.org 225-383-5551 TDD/TTY 711 RELAY

(225) 718-3025

BROKER/REALTOR/OWNER

monicacjarreau@gmail.com

JARREAU REALTY, LLC 3900 Oakland Road Lakeland, LA 70752 www.jarreaurealty.com

LICENSED REAL ESTATE BROKER IN LOUISIANA, USA

VILLAGE WOODS RETIREMENT COMMUNITY

HOUSE 3Br/1Ba $950/month $700/deposit. 2571 72nd Avenue. Section 8 welcome. Call 225-355-6004 HOUSE Nice Sub. 3Br/2Ba Brick, Cent A/C Heat $1200/m $600/d 225-387-6033

Beautiful 5 year old Bardwell Construction home with 3BR/2BA, open floor plan and covered patio and outdoor seating and landscaping. Quartz counter tops, custom cabinets and so much more. Move in ready!

ROOMS FOR RENT Furnished Rooms. $125/wk. $500/mo. 225-933-7560

2BR FOR SALE! 55+ Gated Condo Community, pool, clubhouse, guesthouse & planned social activities. Located between BR General and OLOL Hospitals.

NEWS 24/7 ON

RATES REPORTED AUGUST 6, 2026

WEEKLY BATON ROUGE AREA

MORTGAGE RATES

Rate column provided by Liberty Mortgage Information Service • Call 225-361-6565 to have your company added to “ad”

JUDE BRIDWELL

HANCOCK WHITNEY

HANCOCK WHITNEY 225-603-1777 • Jude.Bridwell@hancockwhitney.com hancockwhitney.com/jude-bridwell • NMLS 92661

1-800-256-4636 HANCOCKWHITNEY.COM •

30 YEAR FIXED

6.625% / 0 points / APR - 6.81%

15 YEAR FIXED

6.0% / 0 points / APR - 6.39%

HANCOCK WHITNEY 225-229-8783 • Bill.Holt@Hancockwhitney.com hancockwhitney.com/bill-holt • NMLS 148394

30 YEAR FHA - VA

6.125% / 0 points / APR - 6.54%

JARED GARY

ANGEL LEWIS

15 YEAR FHA - VA

5.625% / 0 points / APR - 6.24%

TIM DUBNANSKY

MICHAEL HEBERT

ADJUSTABLE

Jumbo sofr 10/1 Arm

SPECIAL

30RD - 5.125% / 0 / APR - 6.49%

CRAIG COLEMAN

HANCOCK WHITNEY 225-664-1314 • Craig.Coleman@hancockwhitney.com HancockWhitney.com/Craig-Coleman • NMLS 684734

NATE BEECHAM

HANCOCK WHITNEY 225-248-7428 • Nathaniel.Beecham@hancockwhitney.com HancockWhitney.com/Nate-Beecham • NMLS 115300

JEREMY WEIMER

HANCOCK WHITNEY 225-978-2592 • Jeremy.Weimer@hancockwhitney.com hancockwhitney.com/jeremy-weimer • NMLS 175288

BILL HOLT

HANCOCK WHITNEY 225-413-6094 • Angel.Lewis@hancockwhitney.com hancockwhitney.com/angel-lewis • NMLS 700876

HANCOCK WHITNEY 225-603-2505 • Jared.Gary@hancockwhitney.com HancockWhitney.com/jared-gary • NMLS 88626

HANCOCK WHITNEY 225-252-6976 • Tim.dubnansky@hancockwhitney.com hancockwhitney.com/tim-dubnansky • NMLS 82027

HANCOCK WHITNEY 225-715-1133 • Michael.Hebert@hancockwhitney.com hancockwhitney.com/michael-hebert • NMLS 79769

DIRECT ACCESS: www.theadvocate.com CLICK HOMES >> THEN MORTGAGE RATES Quotes above are based on loan amount equal to or above $200,000 • Conventional loan max is $484,350; Jumbo loans exceed $484,350• NQ - No Quote • Special programs include BA (Balloon), B (Bond), CS (Construction), CV (Convertible), J (Jumbo), LL (Lot Loan), RD (Rural Development) • Quotes are not guaranteed and are subject to change daily • Info provided by LIBERTY MORTGAGE INFORMATION SERVICE - 225.361-6565 • Points listed do not include Origination Fee (normally 1% of loan amount) • Rates quoted are for 30 day lock • For additional information on mortgage programs, call the lender.

classifieds.theadvocate.com Search Search& &Place PlaceAds AdsOnline Onlineatatclassifieds.theadvocate.com classifieds.theadvocate.com* Call * Call -Friday Us Monday-Friday 8AM-5PM at 225-383-0111 8AM-5PM at 225-383-0111

Announcements Anyone knowing of the whereabouts of MARY ANN SANFORD and her heirs, assigns or legatees, please contact Barrington R. Neil, Attorney at Law, 328 Government St., Baton Rouge, LA, 70802, Ph: (225) 344-1704. 197528-Aug 15-17, 3t $102.70

ANYONE knowing the whereabouts of any property owner, heir or other related person, in regard to the properties listed below, please contact the East Baton Rouge CityParish, Department of Development – Neighborhood Revitalization Ofﬁce at 225-389-8680. 2704 TECUMSEH ST DAVID AND KATIE EVERITT 3586 CANONICUS ST PAULETTE JACKSON 2601 NORTH BLVD GREGORY STEVEN LATHAN 2628 EDGEWOOD DR MACWCP II LLC 1834 GAYOSA ST VALENTINO BUILDERS, LLC 2963 TECUMSEH ST UNITED COMPANIES LENDING CORPORATION 8225 DENBO DR TERYL CHAMBERS VINCENT 4676 SHERWOOD ST EVA M SCOTT HARRIS 1075 PARLANGE DR THE ESTATE OF VIVIAN MOORE AND THE ESTATE OF 1137 S 15T RUSSELL KELLY 725 N 26TH ST MARION L REDDITT SANDRA R GORDON & KATHY R JONES 2536 HURON ST EAST BATON ROUGE PARISH SCHOOL BOARD 2515 HURON ST ISAAC HENRY MASON 3224 TECUMSEH ST ROBERT JORDAN 2842 FAIRFIELDS AVE TSCHAKIWA J SMITH 5562 WINBOURNE AVE EBR OFFICE OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT 3461 N FOSTER DR JENNIFER SMITH BELL 3419 MYRTLELAWN ST INVEST PROPERTIES, LLC 4121 PROVOST ST CLAUDE WASHINGTON 4062 PROVOST ST IVY LEE REED & LORRAINE GRAY REED 6233 MATTHEWS ST VANCE ALLEN SMITH 2425 70TH AVE LESTER J MENDEZ 1556 FRATERNITY ST MODERN DAY MANAGEMENT, LLC 3430 NEWBURY DR JBFH CORPORATION 3422 ARBOR VITAE DR HANH T TRAN 233 GATEBRIAR AVE SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY ATTN: AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH & EXTENSION 6453 ARBOR VITAE DR IVORY L WHITFIELD 8268 INNOVATION PARK DR WILLIE E ZANDERS 1925 BRIGHTSIDE DR JENNIFER KAY ROSZELL 2605 TOULON DR FRANCIS N TRAN 9721 JUDI AVE DALE WAYNE GORDON, JR 9397 W DARRYL PKWY MERCHELLE ROBINSON 2135 VICKERS DR JAYLIN JOHNSON 650 WOODDALE BLVD CADLES OF WEST VIRGINIA, LLC 725 S BURGESS DR HJOHNNY ENGLISH DAWSON 10332 OLD HAMMOND HWY RESHONDA RICHARD 2683 LINWOOD AVE MARY T GANT 643 WINDINGWAY MARY KELLY 1486 FIG ST LEOLA ROBERTSON SCOTT 4234 MAPLE DR TAMMY BROWN 2500 ERIE ST

EAST BATON ROUGE PARISH SCHOOL BOARD 1250 W GRANT ST FRANKLIN WATSON JUANDRIKA MILLER-WATSON 3046 BRANDYWINE THE ESTATE OF JOSEPH PEYTON PARKER, JR 1728 N 44TH ST DONNIE L CARTER 5544 MADISON AVE KIMBERLY DESHAWN ROGERS 3424 BEECHWOOD DR GLORY DAVIS 2585 DOUGHERTY BERNARD KIBODI 2806 EATON ST TAYLOR WILLIAMS 4284 O'DELL ST THE ESTATE of ELNORA PROFIT JOHNSON C/O BETTY JONES 4030 O'DELL ST BERNARD JONES 914 N 36TH ST WARDEL MARIE JACKSON 1185 N ACADIAN THWY E BRIA COLEMAN 1572 SORA ST BENJAMIN THOMAS 1914 72ND AVE ALAN W JUDERJAHN 3014 69TH AVE THE ESTATE OF MAE ALMA BEACHEM / C/O TABBITA REED 763 FLICKER ST FRANK B MILICAN, JR 6739 VINEYARD DR CAROLE SCOTT 5624 TIOGA DR PATRICK SIGNATER, JR 848 BAIRD DR JONATHAN BARON WILLIAM PEAK 3324 CRESTAIRE DR MICHAEL DELONE 3683 EATON ST THOMAS HUBBLE, II 9166 W POMONA DR DOUGLAS JOSEPH CAULFIELD 1608 THOMAS H DELPIT DR EVONNE THOMAS/ MABLE SCOTT 2107 CEDARDALE AVE CLARENCE E HALL 3789 KEOKUK ST JBJ REALTY LLC REGISTEREED AGENT: JONATHAN GORDILLO 1502 LEHMANN ST WILMER HARDY AND LISA SUMMERS MILLER 4025 MONROE AVE ISAAH DUNN JR & KIM YVETTE BURKES DUNN 2608 WASHINGTON AVE CRAIG T AND FANNIE MAE G JOHNSON 16444 CEASAR AVE CARLOS GARCIA 3829 FLORIDA BLVD WALEED MOHAMED AHMED ALGAMAL 2432 DELTA ST MILDRED SIMS GIVENS 2024 SILVEREST AVE ROY DOUGLAS CHAPPELL 5822 LARCHWOOD DR VICTOR DUNCAN 527 W BUCHANAN ST BERNICE R SIDEBOARD 963 MAXIMILIAN ST CHARLET PROPERTY GROUP, INC /C/O BRENT CHARLET 1073 SOUTH S AMEKA THOMAS 1201 CHARLES T SMITH DR LPI VI LLC 5080 JACKSON AVE TEVH, LLC

3904 MONROE AVE MARGARET MCCLAIN SNYDER 4044 ODELL ST THOMAS WASHINGTON, JR 990 N 35TH ST KESHANDRA LATRECE MCINTYRE 7911 KEEL AVE BSC INDUSTRIES LLC 7951 KEEL AVE HABITAT FOR HUMANITY OF GREATER BATON ROUGE, INC 1947 MARINER DR CHUQING HE 12617 WARWICK AVE RCF 2 ACQUISITION TRUST 10094 AVENUE B ESTATE OF WOODROW GEORGE 1923 75TH AVE LADONNA ROBERTSON 5915 WRIGHT DR GREGORY WILLIAMS 1923 HARDING BLVD TINA HENDERSON 8114 BAYOU FOUNTAIN AVE MICHAEL S JOSEPH 1724 LAUREL ST ROBERT KYLE PHILLIPS JAMES LUTHER MARTIN 14314 SUNNYHILL AVE BRANDON WASHINGTON 2045 SAINT CROIX AVE TERRY L PIXLEY 5252 BRIGHTSIDE VIEW DR PAUL J MOONEY 2432 DELTA ST MILDRED SIMS GIVENS 2578 JURA ST ANN DEAN ROBERTSON 1162 N 35TH ST VELMA MILTON 790 N 35TH ST RITA D MILLIGAN 4608 OSBORNE AVE KENDRICK T HUNT 1246 N 37TH ST VANESSA BROWN 1355 N 36TH ST PRESTON CHUBE 6586 GLEN OAKS DR MARLON M MCCOY 1621 SWAN AVE VIEWPOINT DEVELOPMENT & CONSTRUCTION COMPANY 2943 REBECCA LYNN AVE NATHAN G WILSON 8855 GOVERNOR PLEASANT DR BRON R NOEL 763 FLICKER ST FRANK B MILLICAN, JR 10591 AVENUE D DAVID EVERITT 5435 SILVERLEAF AVE DANIEL G BOWMAN 5858 KILONA DR CHARLENE PORTER 3425 GERLANDO DR ANDREW GRANT 5133 N AFTON PKWY E&E PREFERRED PROPERTIES, LLC 7767 TOM DR HARRY P ROBERT 196825-Aug 10-16, 7t $6,033.10 Anyone knowing the whereabouts of Bob Dean, Jr. is requested to contact Attorney Raushanah S. Hunter in reference to a pending legal matter at (225) 356-5252. 197674-Aug 15-17, 3t $88

Place a Classiﬁed ad?

Anyone knowing the whereabouts of James Calvin Johnson is requested to contact Attorney Raushanah S. Hunter in reference to a pending legal matter at (225) 3565252. 197675-Aug 15-17, 3t $88 Anyone knowing the whereabouts of Rochelle Pullins is requested to contact Attorney Raushanah S. Hunter in reference to a pending legal matter at (225) 356-5252. 197671-Aug 15-17, 3t $85.90 Anyone knowing the whereabouts of the heirs of Harold W. Adams, please contact B. Kyle Kershaw, Attorney at Law, 212 Laurel Street, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, 70801, telephone number (225) 336-9600. 197678-Aug 15-17, 3t $96.40 Anyone knowing the whereabouts of Tiesha Laniece Tendell is requested to contact Attorney Raushanah S. Hunter in reference to a pending legal matter at (225) 3565252. 197765-Aug 15-17, 3t $88 Anyone knowing the whereabouts of Tommy Jefferson, Sr., A/K/A Tommy Jefferson is requested to contact Attorney Raushanah S. Hunter in reference to a pending legal matter at (225) 356-5252. 197677-Aug 15-17, 3t $94.30

BATON ROUGE LA 70808 NL ESTATE SALES LLC August 14-16, 2026 253 Steeplechase Ave Fri-Sat. 8am-5pm Sun. 10am-4pm

Garage Sales BATON ROUGE GRAYWOOD ESTATE SALES 7979 Delaville Drive Sun 08/16 9am-4pm Mon & Tues 08/17-18 9am-2pm

graywoodestatesales.com

FABULOUS SALE WITH FABULOUS DEALS!!! …you know it’s …special… it’s an NL Sale!!!! For news & pix, go to: nlestatesales.com (No large handbags accepted.) Garage Sale Opens @ 7 a.m. #’s up at that time. All major Credit Cards accepted, Cash & Checks. No Venmo.

Recreational Vehicles

Something for everyone. store.nola.com

CAMPER-CAMP EQUIP 2005 Casita 17' Camper For Sale. Good condition $6000. 225-397-4617

When you need the news. Wherever you read the news.

If you know or have any information about the whereabouts of Jeremy Paul Ross, please contact Attorney Marlon Watkins at (225) 412-2993. 197701-Aug 15-17, 3t $79.60

Employment GENERAL HELP The Diocese of B.R. Child Nutrition Pro‐ gram is seeking FT school Cafeteria Mgrs., Cooks, & Porters. HS Diploma or Equiv. and BG Check req. Apply at www.cnpbr.org/employment

Merchandise APPLIANCES Side by Side stainless steel Whirlpool Refrigerator, like new. 36"X 69". $500. Call 225-205-3316.

For Sale: (Crypts) 2 Double Depth, Double Companion Niches(Crypts). Located-Lake Lawn/Metairie. $5500 ea. 757-647-6748 cq5280@aol.com MISC FOR SALE Prof. Surveyor Retiring. Top Con Total Station, auto level. All equipment and instrument available $3000 for all 225-978-8306

The newspaper of record for Baton Rouge

225-388-0111

Join Our Nursing Team For a complete list of opportunities and beneﬁts, visit BRGeneral.org/Careers or call Human Resources for more information at 225-381-6464.

BRGeneral.org/Careers

Pets / Pet Services Directory PETS • SUPPLIES • SERVICES • OBITUARIES • LOST & FOUND

PLACE YOUR PET SERVICES INFORMATION IN THE PET SERVICES DIRECTORY TODAY! • IT IS FAST AND EASY! • CALL 225-383-0111 AKC Belgian Malinois Pups Beautiful, Easily Trained $2,000.00 601-299-0264 www.psdkennels.com AKC long hair miniture Dachshunds Shots and wormed $800.00 985-2220577 rio.remi@yahoo.com

CATS RAGAMUFFIN & RAGDOLL KITTENS www.CatsByFrancy.com/kittens $1500up! Reg. Shots & Guaranty 337-230-3150

Frenchie Pups Merle pups 7 weeks old ready to go next week $2,500.00 504-723-8131 Send text for more picks. Males and females available demfrenchiesdeaux@gmail.com frenchiesdeaux.com

Mia's GoldenDoodles 6-11-26 3M/2F Vet Chkd, $800 SERIOUS INQUIRIES ONLY!! CASH ONLY! 5043077786 5045411098

PUPPIES For Sale! Adorable! 1/2 Pomeranian 1/2 Chihuahua $200, Full Blooded Toy Poo‐ dles $500 228-669-0077 TEACUP POODLES MALTIPOOS POMS YORKIES Miniature and Toy Goldendoodles UTD. S/W Please Call 504-259-2222

The Advocate ■ theadvocate.com ■ Sunday,August 16, 2026 ■ 3F

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Public Notices Sex Offenders

Public Notices

Public Notices Sex Offenders

Scars/Tattoos:

Legal Notices

ARKANSAS 197694, AUG 16-17 $250

PUBLIC NOTICE --The Louisiana Ofﬁce of State Parks is requesting proposals for a PublicPrivate Partnership pro‐ ject to design, construct, and operate a high-qual‐ ity recreational vehicle campground and related amenities. For more in‐ formation go to opportu‐ nitiesinlouisiana.com. 192994-jul 2-aug 31-t

I, Brian Christopher Green, have been convicted of 5-14-125 SEXUAL ASSAULT - 2ND DEGREE. ARKANSAS Date Convicted: 11/03/2023. My Address is: 2080 Lobdell BLVD #2303 Baton Rouge, LA 70806

SUBSCRIBE TODAY

Race: BLACK Sex: MALE Date of Birth: 8/30/1988 Height: 6'1" Weight: 260 Hair Color: BLACK Eye Color: BROWN

LOUISIANA 197467, AUG 16-17 $250

APPLIANCE REPAIR Window Air Conditioners, Washers & Dryers, Freezers & Refrigerators

ALL Work Guaranteed.

Thank You for Your Consideration

Call 225-301-7575

Doors & Door Hardware

Install & Repair Commercial • Residential Call Daniel 225-436-2759

WE PAY CASH FOR YOUR UNWANTED VEHICLES!

STAY INFORMED

I, Lemoine Warner Jr. AKA Moine Warner AKA Nunu Warner, have been convicted of 15:542 - Failure to Register/Notify as a Sex Offender. Date Convicted: 02/02/2022. 14:81 - Indecent Behavior with Juveniles. Date Convicted: 01/28/2010. My Address is: 9147 Tracy Ave Baton Rouge, LA 70814

SUBSCRIBE TODAY

Public Notices Sex Offenders

Height: 5'8" Weight: 190 Hair Color: BLACK Eye Color: BROWN Scars/Tattoos:

Race: BLACK MALE Sex: MALE Date of Birth: 8/14/1978 Height: 5'3" Weight: 135 Hair Color: BLACK Eye Color: BROWN Scars/Tattoos:

197714, AUG 16-17 $250

I, JAMES MADISON MARSHALL JR AKA JAMES MADISON COON AKA KERWIN CUSHENBERRY AKA LIL JAMIE MARSHAL AKA COON MARSHALL AKA JAMMIE MARSHALL AKA SANDRA MARSHALL, have been convicted of 14:81 Indecent Behavior with Juveniles. Date Convicted: 07/16/1999.

Public Notices Sex Offenders

My Address is: 1725 W Catalpa St Baton Rouge, LA 70815

LOUISIANA

JOHNNIE BOYS

INSURED

Public Notices Sex Offenders

Race: BLACK Sex: MALE Date of Birth: 1/30/1990

FREE TOWING | CASH AT PICKUP

Cars • Trucks • RVs • Boats • Motorcycles • Golf Carts

CALL OR TEXT 225-715-4852

LANDSCAPING Year-Round Christmas & Holiday Lighting Now Available

SUMMER HOUSEWASHING SPECIAL!!

DISCOUNT FOR FIRST RESPONDERS

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tree trimming/flower bed clean up/flower bed designs/irrigation/ lighting pathways/prune & mulch/weeding/drainage/sod/pergola deck/power washing/stump grinding/consulting available

CALL FOR SPECIAL PRICING! INSTALL NEW ROOFS, J-W METAL, ROOFING* SHINGLES, FLAT, & REPAIRS. STOP ALL LEAKS! CARPENTRY & PAINTING Lic/Ins. 225-205-9537 MILITARY DISCOUNTS

*Senior Citizen Discount

LEAK SPECIALIST

FIND AND FIX LEAKS ON ANY ROOF All work 35+ years of guaranteed experience No job to locally! big or small • Flashing • Gutters • Siding • Tree Pruning • Carpentry • Fences

FREE ESTIMATE!

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STEVE ROBINS

tree service

Member of the BBB Licensed & Insured FREE Verbal Estimates to EBRP Residents 50 Years Experience Pruning & Trimming of Large Trees Small Tree Removal

Call 225.925.0610 Reasonable Rates for Quality Work!

Public Notices Sex Offenders

LOUISIANA

My Address is: 11550 Southfork Ave #311 Baton Rouge, LA 70816 Race: WHITE Sex: MALE Date of Birth: 2/2/1971 Height: 6'2" Weight: 180 Hair Color: BROWN Eye Color: BLUE Scars/Tattoos:

197474, AUG 16-17 $250

197463, AUG 16-17 $250

I, QUINTON Anderson ADAMS, have been convicted of 14:43.1 Sexual Battery. Date Convicted: 01/08/2013. 14:45 - Simple Kidnapping. Date Convicted: 01/08/2013. My Address is: 4717 MONARCH AVE BATON ROUGE, LA 70811

I, MICHAEL Rene DEBATES AKA MICHAEL RENE DEBATES AKA Mike DEBATES, have been convicted of 14:42.1 - Forcible Rape. Date Convicted: 08/29/1996. 14:44.1 Second Degree

FREE ESTIMATES

ON ALL TV’S THAT NEED REPAIR WHEN BROUGHT INTO THE SHOP!!

SHERWOOD TV & APPLIANCES

NEWS 24/7 ON

Public Notices Sex Offenders

Scars/Tattoos:

Kidnapping. Date Convicted: 08/29/1996.

LOUISIANA

Race: BLACK Sex: MALE Date of Birth: 01/10/1994 Height: 5'5 Weight: 160 Hair Color: BROWN Eye Color: BROWN

NEWS

24/7 ON

THE COMPUTER DOCTORx 40 years experience

*In-Home major appliances serviced at a charge.

WASHERS, DRYERS, REFRIGERATORS, FREEZERS, ELECTRIC & GAS RANGES

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HandyMan

We are your go to company for your Gutter and Patio Top installations

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CALL 225-305-3776 FOR YOUR FREE ESTIMATE

Residential Rentals

Commercial Leasing

PROPERTIES & HOME CARE

LA CASH FOR CARS

Public Notices Sex Offenders

Rooﬁng Replacement & Repairs Carpentry • Painting • Drywall Repairs Pressure Washing • Concrete Work Swimming Pool Fill ins • Decks & Fences CALL BILLY • (225) 445-3139 • 40 YRS. SERVING BR

Home Repairs

Call For A Free Estimate • I Look Forward To Working With You

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10% OFF Craig Gremillion 225 503-5681

Top of the Line Landscaping Lawn Service

QUALITY PAINTING

Theodore Smith, Jr. • Call/Text: 504-401-0661

Over 30 years Experience • No Jobs Too Big or Small FREE Estimates

LAWN SERVICES, Trim bushes, cleaning flowerbeds, landscape design, re-landscaping, lawn service maintenance. also do lighting & irrigation. licensed & Insured. 24 years experience.

1st Landscaping Job 5% off

• Interior/Exterior • Pressure Washing • Sheetrock Repair • Texturing/Acoustics • Handyman Work

225-256-8518

Quality Care Q

ROOF LEAKS STOPPED Free Estimates Licensed & Insured

No Job Too Big or Too Small

Roofing & Maintenance R

James Wells DBA

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N f or R i on A New R Roofs Repairs Any T Type R Rooff Roofing • Painting • Carpentry

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• Wood Refinishing • Affordable Prices • RELIABLE • No Mess Left Behind • Licensed & Insured

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• All Types Roofing & Repairs • Fllashings • Sheet Metal • Dry Wall • Painting • Masonry • Carpentry C • Flooring • Electrical Spe cialty Ventilation and Insulation

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Call Casey For a Free Estimate

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Doug’s Tree Svs.

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FIREWOOD Free Est. • 225-333-8593 • Lic/Ins.

To advertise here, please call 225-383-0111 or visit us at servicedirectory.theadvocate.com

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LA-22-13526

YOUR LEGAL COMPASS THROUGH

LIFE

FREE ESTATE PLANNING WORKSHOP 7 STUPID ESTATE PLANNING MISTAKES TO AVOID IN 2026

CALL

225-224-8099 TO REGISTER!

POCHE ESTATE PLANNING LAW FIRM 4960 Bluebonnet Blvd., Suite C, Baton Rouge, LA 70809

2S ■ Sunday, August 16, 2026 ■ theadvocate.com ■ The Advocate

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ACT NOW TO PUT YOUR PLAN IN PLACE IN JUST 7-8 WEEKS Yes, knowledge is power, and the choice is yours. But you MUST ACT NOW to put your estate plan in place. It all starts by attending one of Laura Poche’s free educational events which makes it clear that regardless of your net worth, if you want to preserve your hard-earned assets or have people in your life you need to protect or have causes that you want to promote, EVERY PERSON NEEDS A LEGAL ESTATE PLAN. Let Laura Poche and her professional and knowledgeable staff make this process as easy as possible so you can live with PEACE OF MIND.

BATON ROUGE

Monday, August 24 Poche Law Office 4960 Bluebonnet, Ste. C 2:00pm - 4:30pm

REFRESHMENTS PROVIDED AFTER

BATON ROUGE

Tuesday, August 25 Poche Law Office 4960 Bluebonnet, Ste. C 11:30am - 1:30pm LUNCH PROVIDED AFTER

BATON ROUGE

Wednesday, August 26 Drusilla Seafood 3482 Drusilla Lane 5:30pm - 8:00pm

DINNER PROVIDED AFTER

BATON ROUGE

Thursday, August 27 Poche Law Office 4960 Bluebonnet, Ste. C 9:30am - 12:00pm LUNCH PROVIDED AFTER

CALL 225-224-8099 TO REGISTER!

The Advocate ■ theadvocate.com ■ Sunday, August 16, 2026 ■ 3S

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LAURA POCHE INVITES YOU TO ATTEND A FREE WORKSHOP TO LEARN ABOUT:

• How can I keep the government out of my estate settlement?

• What are the two biggest and most expensive mistakes families make when trying to avoid nursing home poverty?

• How can I keep my not-quite perfect son-in-law and my over-controlling daughter-in-law from having influence over my estate settlement?

• How can my family avoid estate tax, and other taxes they might face when I pass away? • How do I start the five-year look back period for nursing homes without having to give everything away to my family while I am alive?

• Why do most lawyers love Probate, and want my estate to go through it? • Should I have a Will or Trust (or both)? • Can my patchwork quilt of Wills, Powers of Attorney, Living Wills, and Beneficiary Designations actually be a time bomb waiting to explode?

• How do I ensure that my estate won’t incur legal expense when I die, preserving 100% of my assets for my family?

CALL 225-224-8099 TO REGISTER! POCHE ESTATE PLANNING LAW FIRM 4960 Bluebonnet Blvd., Suite C, Baton Rouge, LA 70809

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7 STUPID ESTATE PLANNING MISTAKES TO AVOID IN 2026 If you have ever wanted to eliminate worry because you don’t have a program in place to protect your estate and family, without a slew of untimely legal and tax problems, then this will be one of the most important workshops you ever attend. I am going to show you how to bulletproof what you have today, and what you leave your kids tomorrow. You’ll be able to take advantage of my estate planning legal strategies without you or your loved ones having to deal with Succession Courts, long estate settlement delays, Medicaid liens, nursing home poverty, and death tax. But before I do that, let me tell you a story of how we helped Mary.

MARY’S STORY “As a couple with an only child, we thought a Will was all we needed. WRONG! My husband died, and I had to go through Probate - a nightmare, and very costly. It also took over 9 months. I didn’t want our child to go through that, so I gave her an ad to a Poche’ Law Firm workshop, and she and her husband were impressed. They had Laura set up a particular kind of Trust that took care of their estate planning, but what about me? I decided to go to a workshop, and made my appointment. Laura answered all of my questions, and even got my financial advisor in on a conference call. I could not have been more pleased and relieved that my estate plan is now in order. Kudos to Laura and her professional staff. I highly recommend her for all estate planning needs.” Mary, Baton Rouge, LA

IMPORTANT GUIDELINES FOR OUR WORKSHOPS:

Workshops are open to FIRST-TIME ATTENDEES ONLY and are geared towards people who want or need your legal estate plan in place quickly. Please have your personal calendar handy at the workshop so you can choose to start your plan NOW! If married, both spouses must attend a workshop to ensure that all decision-makers are involved in your family’s coordinated plan. All people who attend will receive a FREE copy of the updated 2nd edition of Laura Poche’s Book, “Estate Planning Advice by a Woman for Louisiana Women: A Guide for Both Men and Women About Wills, Trusts, Probate, Powers of Attorney, Medicaid, Living Wills and Taxes.”

CALL 225-224-8099 TO REGISTER! POCHE ESTATE PLANNING LAW FIRM 4960 Bluebonnet Blvd., Suite C, Baton Rouge, LA 70809

What the research says about erythritol PAGE 3

DISCOVERy | INNOVATION | LIVING WELL

HEALTH

LOUISIANA

N O L A.C O M & T H E A D V O C AT E.C O M

S U N D AY, AU g U S t 16, 2026

Molly Kimball 1N

STAFF PHOTO By ENAN CHEDIAK

Angela Laisure, left, administers chemotherapy to Victoria Autin in July at the University Medical Center in New Orleans.

‘LIKE A GIFT FROM GOD’ As Louisiana seeks bigger role in cancer drug trials, a patient discusses her treatment

BY MARGARET DELANEY Staff writer

Victoria Autin started college, determined to become a veterinarian. “I loved horses,” she said. In her second year at school, away from home, Autin’s gynecologist found a cyst on her ovary and recommended surgery to remove it. “That’s how it started,” she said. “Before then I just rode horses. I rode four-wheelers. I did pretty much what any 19-year-old would be doing, not expecting a bombshell to be dropped in

my lap.” Her surgery went well, and the recovery was not terrible, Autin said. But she’ll never forget Dec. 2, 2019, when she walked into her gynecologist’s ofﬁce with her grandmother, and he told her she had cancer. “I guess you could say I just went numb,” she said. “I think a part of me, I feel, was left in that room that day.” Autin has a juvenile granulosa cell tumor, a rare gynecologic cancer in the hormone-producing connective tissues of the ovaries. “The granular cell tumors and juve-

nile granular cell tumors tend to happen in younger patients than more common ovarian cancer,” said Dr. Amelia Jernigan, a gynecologic oncologist at University Medical Center in New Orleans. Between initial oncology appointments, Autin, the oldest of seven children, found out she was five weeks pregnant with her ﬁrst child. She chose to hold out on chemotherapy and radiation until it was safe. In the next five years, Autin, who lives in Amite, traveled multiple times a week for lab work and chemotherapy.

She lost all of her curly chestnut hair ﬁve separate times. She gave birth to two children. She had four surgeries to remove tumors that had grown back and, eventually, a complete hysterectomy. The cancer would always leave. But it would always come back. “I appeared strong, but I was broken,” Autin said. In 2025, Autin and her family started shopping for better options. They went to Little Rock and Shreveport and

ä See TRIALS, page 2X

At BR hospital, magnets step in for stitches and staples BY MARGARET DELANEY Staff writer

First doctors sewed organs together. Then, they stapled. Now, they’re using magnets. In April, surgeons at Our Lady of the Lake in Baton Rouge performed the hospital’s first magnetic small bowel resection and connection, or anastomosis, in a patient. Since then, the hospital has performed 10 surgeries using the new technology. An anastomosis is commonly performed in gastrointestinal surgery when surgeons need to reconnect sections of the digestive tract. “We were one of the ﬁrst ﬁve in-

stitutions in the country to access it,” said Dr. Mark Hausmann, a bariatric surgeon at Our Lady of the Lake hospital in Baton Rouge. There’s been discussion about connecting organs using magnets over the years in the surgical community, according to Hausmann Hausmann, but the tech has been awaiting approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The magnets are more consistent than sewing or suturing or stapling and require less time under

anesthesia. “This may be the next step for more consistency, less scarring, less bleeding and more consistent healing,” Hausmann said. “There are fewer variables here.” The octagon-shaped magnets were developed by GI Windows Surgical, a medical device company. In the minimally invasive robotic surgery, an incision is made through the tissue of the bowel. Then, the robotic tool shoots out the otolock, or magnet-holder, in the inside of the bowel. The surgeon then pulls the otolock tight

STAFF PHOTO By JOHN BALLANCE

GI Windows’ magnetic anastomosis platform is an innovative surgical technology that uses magnets to create anastomosis, or surgical ä See MAGNETS, page 3X connection between two parts of the gastrointestinal tract.

More answers. More memories. ochsner.org/EndCancerBR

Michelle A. | Breast Cancer Patient

2X ■ Sunday, August 16, 2026 ■ theadvocate.com ■ The Advocate

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HEALTH MAKER Parents seek pediatric sleep advice from N.O. expert Contributing writer

BY MATT HAINES

Q&A WITH DR. NILONG VyAS

Dr. Nilong Vyas is a pediatric sleep consultant in Gretna who has patients in Louisiana and around the world. She received her medical degree from LSU, a master’s of public health from Tulane University, and completed her pediatric residency at Children’s Hospital in New Orleans before beginning work as a general pediatrician at Lake Vista Pediatrics. In 2014, after seeing how central good sleep was to nearly all of the challenges her patients and their families faced, Vyas began her own pediatric sleep practice: Sleepless in NOLA. She was named a Women in White Coats Hero of the Year as well as Top Sleep Consultant in the U.S. and has worked with countless families and individuals — including celebrities such as Ashton Kutcher, Mila Kunis, and Mahershala Ali — to help improve the sleep habits of their children. This interview has been edited for length and clarity. How did you get into the field of pediatric sleep consulting? It started while I was working at Lake Vista Pediatrics. Over the last two decades, our society is becoming much more aware of the importance of sleep. That’s partly because of all the talk about sleep on the news and in social media, for example, but also because of the popularity of wearables that allow individuals to track their sleep. I noticed an increasing number of families coming in to discuss their children’s sleep issues. But doctors are so overburdened. When you get 15 minutes to discuss the entirety of a child’s health, it simply isn’t

and healthy metabolism. If a child is hyperactive, they’re probably not a bad kid — they’re just not getting enough sleep. If a child is obese, a lack of sleep may also play a role. It affects everything. I tell parents that it’s not like their child will never learn to read and write if they don’t sleep well. But they probably won’t reach their full potential. Yikes. So then what are the common pitfalls that get in the way of children getting good sleep? For infants, pitfalls can include inconsistent sleep windows, leading to overtiredness that creates a barrier to good sleep. Another issue is what we call “sleep onset associations,” meaning the baby is unable to sleep without a certain action or behavior. For example, if a mother always feeds their child when it’s time to go to sleep — maybe because the baby is crying — then the child will associate nursing with sleep. This can lead to sleep problems and overfeeding. Toddlers can also suffer from sleep onset associations, which might include thinking they can only fall asleep if they’re in the same room or bed with one or both parents. This is also an age where we see bedtime resistance and stalling — I call it “shenanigans” — where children ask for one more hug, or one more book, or one more sip of water or potty before bed. They might expose inconsistency between caregivers and this can all lead to an inconsistent bedtime and inconsistent sleep. For school-age children, too much screen time or caffeine before bed can cause

Dr. Nilong Vyas, right, helps improve the sleep habits of children. enough time to deal with complicated problems like sleep. The quick advice we would give was what we were taught at the time: let the child cry it out. For a newer generation of parents, “cry it out,” felt a little harsh. And, as I raised kids of my own, I felt similarly. I thought there had to be a different way, and that’s when I began to develop my own methodology, which linked childhood sleep to nutrition, the behavior of parents, and the behavior of the child. I started Sleepless in NOLA more than 12 years ago, and these are factors I address with the families I work with. Can you tell us a little more this shift from “cry it out?” Over the course of generations, society has shifted from households that involved extended families caring for children together,

toward the nuclear families of modern life. Increasingly, that involved both parents working. With less time, busy and tired parents were taught to put their kid in the crib, close the door, and let them cry until they ﬁgured it out and eventually fell asleep. In the last 15 years, however, parents are armed with more information. They want an approach that gets to the root of their child’s sleep issues while matching their values as parents. That can still involve “cry it out,” but it usually involves something gentler. What I have learned over the years is that kids have the ability to get great sleep. We as parents, however, do things to interrupt that because the knowledge isn’t there. My goal is to increase that knowledge and work

PROVIDED PHOTO

with parents to understand what habits we need to alter to allow our children to get the sleep they need. Which brings us to an important question: Why is sleep so important for children? Famous British neuroscientist Dr. Matthew Walker said, “Sleep is the greatest legal performance-enhancing ‘drug’ that most people are probably neglecting.” And it’s true. For infants, sleep is when development happens. It’s crucial, and newborns should be sleeping up to 17 hours each day. During deep sleep, speciﬁcally, is when growth hormones are secreted, which leads to actual physical growth and immunity strengthening. For toddlers and for older children, sleep drives a host of important functions: memory consolidation and learning, mood, memory,

a problem. So can “social jet lag.” One example of this is when parents let their children sleep late on the weekend. If the child wakes up at noon, they will also stay up later, likely resulting in too little sleep on Sunday night and creating a sleep deficit on Monday and throughout the week. Too often I find that parents succumb to children who resist naps or bedtimes. They throw up their hands and say, “Maybe my kid doesn’t need that much sleep.” But they do, for the sake of their development. It’s important that the adult sets those boundaries for them. How do you work to solve these challenges? People like to toss around the word “guru” when talking about sleep, and I think that comes from these Instagram sleep coaches who found some success with a solution that worked for their specific child. But there is no guarantee that a so-called “magic bullet” will work for your child. I consider myself a pediatric behavioral sleep expert because I work with parents to seek out behavioral modifications that they can implement for their child. It’s more of a partnership between us than a one-sized approach or secret. After a consultation, we look at the child’s sleep schedule, their sleeping environment, and the family’s belief systems and goals around sleep. Sometimes you just need someone in your corner to help you find and enact the right behavioral modifications for your family. To me, that’s what a good pediatric behavioral sleep expert can be.

TRIALS

Continued from page 1X ﬁnally New Orleans. Jernigan introduced her to a new clinical trial using targeted chemotherapies. “Meeting her was like a gift from God,” Autin said about Jernigan. “If I had to choose it all over again, I’d go back to her each time.”

Finding the glitter and glue Autin was introduced to a clinical trial, the first use of potential drugs on human patients, at University Medical Center in New Orleans. Every 21 days, she packs a bag and travels to the hospital for treatment that uses antibody drug conjugates, a new class of chemotherapy drugs. The formulas can identify specific receptors, or beacons, expressed by cancerous tissues in the body. Once the drug finds those receptors, the chemotherapy can isolate cancerous cells and begin to attack them. “It’s like putting glitter on glue,” Jernigan said. “The [chemotherapy] actually sticks to the tumor to deliver these hefty doses of chemotherapy right to the tumor. We can get really therapeutic doses at the tumor level without it being as toxic to the person as a whole.” So far, the treatment has worked for some of Jernigan’s endometrial cancer patients. “It worked really nicely in the GYN malignancies,” she said. “In my world, antibody drug conjugates are what immunotherapies were five years ago.” Dr. Shou-Ching Tang leads the charge for Phase 1 clinical trials at LSU LCMC Health Cancer Center, building out early drug developments in Louisiana. “Phase 1 is the bottleneck of all drug development,” he said. “Most importantly, it enables us to bring drugs to our patients in need of drugs that are never marketed. It’s before FDA approval.” For Autin, the clinical trial

STAFF PHOTOS By ENAN CHEDIAK

Shelinda Brown, right, performs an electrocardiogram on Victoria Autin in July during cancer treatment at the University Medical Center in New Orleans. has been tough, but effective. Her tumor is notoriously resistant to any standard care, Tang said. “Fortunately, her tumor responded,” Tang said. Her tumor not only responded, but responded so well that she has taken 16 cycles of the new chemotherapy since September. Autin’s tumor shrank after two cycles of chemotherapy by more than 60%. “It’s a testament to how well this type of drug could work,” Tang said. The day after her first treatment in the clinical trial, Autin was out riding horses. “I felt OK,” she said. But, between her third and fifth sessions, symptoms started to hit her harder. She experienced morning sickness from morning until 3 p.m., then she was back to herself until 10 p.m. Mouth sores started popping up. By the time the symptoms go away, it’s already time to

pack her bags for her next session. In current chemotherapy treatments, it’s expected to experience hair loss, numbness and tingling, nausea and vomiting, anemia, low platelets, low white counts and, sometimes, admissions to the hospital. “This is all the side effects of the poison,” Jernigan said. Autin expects to be on the drug until the cancer’s gone.

Building a cancer hub Phase 1 clinical trials are just one element in expanding the cancer care for Louisianans. In July 2022, Louisiana leaders announced their intentions to become a National Cancer Institute-designated cancer center, joining 74 other centers in 36 states given that designation by the National Institutes of Health. An NCI designation has several criteria: laboratory research in several fields; transferring research into

clinical practice; innovative clinical trials in the community; outreach to residents; education of health professionals and showing improvement in specific, measurable areas, such as lowering smoking rates or increasing lung cancer screenings. Over 30,000 Louisianans are diagnosed with cancer each year. The goal of the NCI designation is to bring cancer care closer to those who need it, said Dr. Lucio Miele, the director of the LSU-LCMC Health Cancer Center. “The patients here are not going to move to Boston to be studied,” Miele said. “This is a competition. There are other institution applying. But we’re Louisiana, and we’re going for it.” To become a national institute, LSU-LCMC needs to prove that they have the infrastructure and funding to last. Because of LSU’s statewide footprint, they have taken the lead for the state.

Victoria Autin shows off a photograph of herself, Fred Soileau and two of their children Daesyn, 6, and Rayleigh Soileau, 3. In the initial application, only LSU-LCMC’s facilities will be measured for NCI designation. “The NCI needs a ‘winwin’ situation,” Miele said. “They can’t take over infrastructure.” The application process itself takes years and thousands of pages of documented progress in all levels of cancer care, Miele said. The team at LSU-LCMC has already begun collecting their accomplishments, but will begin writing a formal application in 2029. It’s common for clinicians to hover in the Phase 2 to Phase 3 arena when it comes to studying new drugs and medicines for treatment. Expanding the Phase 1 trials, however, is what sets institutions apart nationally. “No one’s going to hand it to us,” Miele said. “If we can handle one of these, it’s a sign that we can handle complicated clinical trials as well.”

Clinical trials beneﬁt more than just science. Patients who enroll in clinical trials often do better than those who do not, even if they receive a placebo treatment. “That’s probably because of all the eyes on your chart and the extra care you get on a trial,” Jernigan said. Autin has fought cancer for over six years. And she doesn’t plan to stop. “My whole life, I had everything planned. I knew what I wanted out of life. Being told those three words, ‘You have cancer’ changed everything,” she said. “Going through another option that could possibly save many other people’s lives. I thought, ‘Why not?’ I have two beautiful babies that need me here, and if this is the medicine that saves my life, then I would choose to do it all over again.” Email Margaret DeLaney at margaret.delaney @theadvocate.com.

The Advocate ■ theadvocate.com ■ Sunday, August 16, 2026 ■ 3X

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Eat Fit Live Fit B R O U G H T TO YO U BY

Molly Kimball RD, CSSD

Erythritol: what the research really says

he evidence linking excess added sugar to negative health effects is extensive, spanning far beyond weight and blood sugar. A consistently high intake is linked to obesity, type 2 diabetes, fatty liver disease, cardiovascular disease, inflammation, anxiety and certain cancers. For many people, reducing added sugar may be one of the most impactful changes they can make for their long-term health. But that raises an obvious question: What should we use instead? Aside from providing sweetness, sugar contributes moisture, browning, caramelization and texture – especially important in baked goods. Stevia and monk fruit can work well in coffee, tea, yogurt and smoothies. But because they are intensely sweet, they do not work well as the sole sugar replacement in baking. Erythritol helps fill that gap. It provides bulk and structure with little to no effect on blood sugar, making it useful in baking and lower-sugar products. You will find it in many “zerosugar” foods, beverages and sweetener blends such as Truvia, Swerve and Lakanto, as well as in recipes and products featured in this column. But some readers have asked about headlines linking erythritol to heart attacks and strokes.

What Does the Research Show and How Concerned Should We Be?

people are routinely advised to reduce added sugar, lose weight and improve metabolic health. Yet they are also warned about alternative sweeteners, leaving many with conﬂicting messages and no practical path forward. For now, the evidence linking excess added sugar to adverse health outcomes is far more robust than the evidence raising concerns about erythritol. That does not mean erythritol is risk-free. It means we are still learning.

less attention. Many blood samples used in the study were collected between 2001 and 2007, before erythritolcontaining products and baking blends even existed.

Why Does That Matter?

Because erythritol is not only something we consume. Our bodies also produce it naturally. In fact, one of the most surprising aspects of the 2023 research, at least for me, was learning that our bodies make erythritol on their own. Researchers acknowledged that many of the elevated blood levels observed in those earlier samples likely reﬂected erythritol produced within the body rather than consumed through food. In other words, the study found an association between higher blood levels and cardiovascular risk, but it did not show that consuming erythritol caused heart attacks or strokes. Since then, several other studies have shown that erythritol may increase platelet activity and clotting potential under certain conditions. Those ﬁndings

The question stems largely from a widely publicized 2023 study in Nature Medicine. Researchers found that people with higher blood levels of erythritol were more likely to experience heart attacks, strokes and other major cardiovascular events. The headlines understandably raised alarm. But one important detail received

So, Should You Use Erythritol?

deserve further study. At the same time, we have decades of evidence showing that excess added sugar contributes to many of the health conditions we are trying to prevent. Preventive cardiologist Dr. Carl “Chip” Lavie is the medical director of cardiac rehabilitation and preventive cardiology at Ochsner Health. He noted that erythritol is not a topic he follows closely and is not a major focus among fellow cardiologists. He emphasized, however, that “the harms of added sugars are very high.” That perspective highlights the challenge consumers face. As Joanne Slavin, PhD, RD, professor of food science and nutrition at the University of Minnesota, points out,

Molly Kimball, RD, CSSD, is a registered dietitian with Ochsner Health and founder of Ochsner’s Eat Fit nonproﬁt initiative. For more wellness content, tune in to Molly’s podcast, FUELED Wellness + Nutrition, and follow @MollykimballRD and @EatFitOchsner on social media. Email nutrition@ochsner.org to connect with Molly or schedule a consult with her team.

Those with a history of stroke, cardiovascular disease or clotting disorders, as well as those taking medications that affect clotting, should discuss signiﬁcant dietary changes with their healthcare provider. For most people, erythritol remains one of several tools that may help reduce added sugar intake while researchers continue to study its long-term effects.

The Bigger Goal: Resetting Your Sweet Tooth

I don’t think the ultimate goal is ﬁnding the perfect sugar replacer. A better long-term strategy is gradually retraining our taste buds to expect – and crave – less sweetness. Start small. Reduce the sugar in coffee, tea or other beverages by 25%. Once that feels normal, reduce it further. The same approach works in baking. Our taste buds can adapt. Foods that once tasted only mildly sweet begin to taste plenty sweet, and the craving for intensely sweet foods can start to fade. That’s the direction I continue to encourage, not because any one sweetener is perfect, but because learning to enjoy less sugary sweetness overall may offer the greatest beneﬁt.

BY THE NUMBERS

TWIN BIRTH RATES DOWN IN U.S., BUT LA. SEES RISE TWIN BIRTHS

Although Louisiana saw an uptick in the last year, the state is still on a decline overall since 2014: 38

Louisiana twin birth rate

U.S. twin birth rate

36 35 34 33 32 31 30 29 28

’14 ’15 ’16 ’17

’18 ’19 ’20 ’21 ’22 ’23 ’24

Source: National Center of Health Statistics via March of Dimes

The twin birth rate, or twin births per 1,000 total births, rose nearly 80% from 1980 to 2014, then began a steady decline into the last decade. In Louisiana, however, the twin birth rate declined overall in the last 10 years, but jumped from 2023 to 2024, according to data collected by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Trends in twin childbearing are collected by the National Center of Health Statistics and the CDC as a public health interest for increased maternal and neonatal risks compared to single pregnancies. In the U.S., the twin birth rate declined an average 1% per year from 2014 to 2024, from 33.9 twins per 1,000 births to 30.1 twins per 1,000 births. In 2024, 109,195 babies

Staff graphic

were born as twins in the U.S. Louisiana’s twin birth rate, however, fluctuated greatly over the last decade with: n 35.6 twin deliveries per 1,000 live births in 2014; n 33.2 in 2015; n 34.1 in 2016; n 34.4 in 2017; n 34 in 2018; n 32 in 2019; n 33.2 in 2020; n 33.9 in 2021; n 32.4 in 2022; n 31.7 in 2023; n 34.8 in 2024. One frequent explanation pinpointed by research is the improvement in IVF techniques and policies that encourage single-embryo transfers. Michigan and Mississippi have the highest twin birth rates. And as of 2024, mothers between the ages of 45 to 54 had the highest twin birth rates in the United States.

STAFF PHOTOS By JOHN BALLANCE

ABOVE: Dr. Mark Hausmann talks about the GI Windows magnetic anastomosis platform. BELOW: Hausmann shows off the device.

MAGNETS

resections. “Indications are going to Continued from page 1X expand,” Hausmann said. “I think over time it will be able to connect stomach to against the exposed lin- bowel tissues. We’re curing of the small bowel and rently only using it for gasattaches the eight-sided tric bypasses with small magnet. bowel anastomosis.” They repeat the process on another section of the Email Margaret DeLaney small bowel, then connect at margaret.delaney the two parts with the @theadvocate.com. magnets. Over time, between 10 days and two weeks, scar WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU tissue will grow around the organs and heal the small bowel. Once the The Louisiana Health section is Health editions will also profile scar tissue has formed, focused on providing in-depth, people who are advancing health for the magnets have nothpersonal accounts of health in the the state of Louisiana. ing left to attach to and will fall away into the state. This section looks at medical Do you have a health story? We small bowel to be passed innovations, health discoveries, state want to hear from you. through. Currently, the FDA has and national health statistics and re- Email margaret.delaney@ only approved the use of examining tried and true methods on theadvocate.com to submit health the magnets to connect ways to live well. questions, stories and more. parts of the small bowel, most commonly in bowel

4X ■ Sunday, August 16, 2026 ■ theadvocate.com ■ The Advocate

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Right care. Right team. Right away.

Scott Sonnier, MD Hematology Oncology

David Osafo, MD Hematology Oncology

Ochsner Health and MD Anderson Cancer Center have clinically integrated to provide advanced cancer care, right here in Louisiana. That means access to life-saving clinical trials for innovative therapies, more specialists and more resources for our patients. Through this collaboration, Ochsner is the ﬁrst and only provider in Louisiana with a fully integrated cancer program based on MD Anderson’s standards and treatment plans. Same-day appointments are available. Learn more at ochsner.org/EndCancerBR.

Ochsner MD Anderson Cancer Center at Ochsner Cancer Center – Baton Rouge

Ochsner MD Anderson Cancer Center at Ochsner Medical Complex – The Grove

SUNDAY, AUgUSt 16, 2026

CURTIS / by Ray Billingsley

SLYLOCK FOX / by Bob Weber Jr.

GET FUZZY / by Darby Conley

HAGAR THE HORRIBLE / by Chris Browne

ROSEBUDS / by Supr Dee

MOTHER GOOSE AND GRIMM / by Mike Peters

ZIGGY / by Tom Wilson

SALLY FORTH / by Francesco Marciuliano & Jim Keefe

ZITS / by Jerry Scott and Jim Borgman

PEARLS BEFORE SWINE / by Stephan Pastis

wonderword

scrabble grams

word game

directions: Make a 2- to 7-letter word from the letters in each row. Add points of each word, using scoring directions at right. Finally, 7-letter words get 50-point bonus. “Blanks” used as any letter have no point value. All the words are in the Official SCRABBLE® Players Dictionary, 5th Edition.

instructions: 1. Words must be of four or more letters. 2. Words that acquire four letters by the addition of “s,” such as “bats” or “dies,” are not allowed. 3. Additional words made by adding a “d” or an “s” may not be used. 4. Proper nouns, slang words, or vulgar or sexually explicit words are not allowed.

todAY's Word — tenderest: TEN-derest: Most easily chewed; most succulent. Average mark 39 words Time limit 60 minutes Can you find 67 or more words in TENDEREST?

For more information on tournaments and clubs, email NASPA – North American SCRABBLE Players Association: info@scrabbleplayers.org. Visit our website: www.scrabbleplayers.org. For puzzle inquiries contact scrgrams@gmail.com. Hasbro and its logo SCRABBLE associated logo, the design of the distinctive SCRABBLE brand game card, and the distinctive letter tile designs are trademarks of Hasbro in the United States and Canada. ©2026 Hasbro. All rights reserved. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

cryptoquote AxyDLBAAxR iS LONgFELLOW One letter stands for another. in this sample, A is used for the three L’s, x for the two O’s, etc. Single letters, apostrophes, the length and formation of the words are all hints. Each day the code letters are different.

AnsWers to ALL PuZZLes Are on inside BAcK PAGe

Sudoku

ken ken instructions: 1 - Each row and each column must contain the numbers 1 through 4 (easy) or 1 through 6 (challenging) without repeating. 2 - The numbers within the heavily outlined boxes, called cages, must combine using the given operation (in any order) to produce the target numbers in the top-left corners. 3 - Freebies: Fill in the single-box cages with the number in the top-left corner.

instructions: Sudoku is a number-placing puzzle based on a 9x9 grid with several given numbers. The object is to place the numbers 1 to 9 in the empty squares so that each row, each column and each 3x3 box contains the same number only once. The difficulty level of the Conceptis Sudoku increases from Monday to Sunday.

hidato directions: Complete the grid so that numbers 1–132 connect horizontally, vertically or diagonally.

AnsWers to ALL PuZZLes Are on inside BAcK PAGe

Los angeLes Times sunday Crossword puzzLe — Edited by Rich Norris and Joyce Nichols Lewis “THree’s Company” By riCH KaTz aCross 1 Best of the best 5 Syrup source 10 That partner 14 Fistfuls of dollars 18 Authorize 19 Cookies with a “You asked for it” collaboration with 29-Across 20 Surrounding glow 21 La Scala solo 22 Ron + (Kristen + Alexander Graham) 24 Clint + (Francis Scott + KeeganMichael) 26 NYC drama award 27 Slangy contraction 28 Land between Can. and Mex. 29 Peanut butter cup brand 30 Sally + (Julia + Philip) 34 Like stress balls and fidget spinners 35 End of term? 36 “Knock yourself out!” 39 Suzuki who won nine batting titles in two countries 43 Knocked out 44 Some reservoir residents 48 Barry + (Elliot + Jimmy) 51 Nia + (Elton + Tommy) 54 Othello’s betrayer 55 Bulgarian, e.g. 56 Endow with, as authority 58 Autonomous vacuum 59 Utmost degree 60 Aligned 62 Labors mightily to accomplish

63 Grover + (Alton + Helen Gurley) 68 Term of endearment? 71 Leveraged __: corporate acquisition 72 “Print to” option 75 Really sad 76 Sound from a kettle or a snake 78 Actor Epps 80 Island home of the Hana Highway 81 (Adam + Minnie) + Helms 83 Fiona + (Lemmon + London) 85 Speaker brand 86 Theater reviewers 89 Plug’s place 90 Channel that rarely fails to make one cry 92 Matinee hrs. 94 “The Return of the King” king 98 Cleary + (Faith + Jonah) 104 Small donkeys 105 Ballerina’s turning point 107 Ancient France 108 “So Sick” R&B singer 109 Keith + (Garfunkel + Carney) 111 (Underwood + Fisher) + Johnny 114 New Mexico art hub 115 Santa’s specialty 116 Leading 117 Nikon rival 118 Nikon products 119 Novelist Émile 120 Baking gloves 121 Pt. of IMF down 1 Defense witness, often 2 Basic skateboard trick

3 Many a Seanan McGuire work 4 Sheepish sort? 5 Crib accessory 6 Venues that often have corporate names 7 Nails, as with snowballs 8 “U r 2 funny!” 9 Start at the beginning? 10 Guitar player’s aid 11 Hawaiian dance 12 Nest egg letters 13 Holy 14 Boat trailers? 15 Schoolyard retort 16 Certain hardware store patron, casually 17 Smart-alecky 18 Lead-up to a date? 23 Convertibles 25 Lotto game 28 Thrifted, perhaps 31 Bleak 32 Spots for scrubs 33 “ManningCast” brother 34 In stitches 37 “__ well that ends well” 38 Smokestack dust 39 “Game, set, match” 40 Puss, in Paris 41 Top temperature 42 Skater Midori 43 101, for one 44 Tricks 45 Measures of resistance 46 Liberty org. 47 Hurdle for a DAto-be 49 Pain relief brand 50 Donated 52 “Oh, __ up!” 53 Connect 56 Williams with five Wimbledon singles titles 57 Whirlpool 61 Captures 62 Completely wreck

63 Eggnog spice 64 Concede a golden goal, say 65 Of all time 66 Nose-tapping sounds 67 Kind of roast 68 Site for film fans 69 Lawnmower brand 70 Sanskrit honorifics 72 Rat or Brat follower

goren Bridge

73 Team led by Mike Krzyzewski for 42 seasons 74 Clenched hand 76 Munich mister 77 Terse affirmative 79 Provide a new look 80 Prefix in many a Scottish surname 82 Printer function 83 Closer at the Globe 84 Kid

wuzzLes

97 Wimbledon surface 99 Everglades wader 100 Like Machu Picchu 101 Listed, to a Brit 102 Antibacterial brand 103 Kind of Kind, in Köln 105 Texter’s “Bye for now” 106 Peak near Olympus

110 Aussie hopper 111 Vid taker 112 Sashimi choice 113 Ecol. or geol.

super Quiz Take this Super Quiz to a Ph.D. Score 1 point for each correct answer on the Freshman Level, 2 points on the graduate Level and 3 points on the Ph.D. Level.

Good bidding, good playing Today’s deal is from a tournament in Brighton, England. South was the late Nissan Rand, from Israel. East’s preemptive raise to five diamonds, vulnerable, might have been too aggressive. It might have been badly punished. Rand, however, had no interest in defending five diamonds. He made a “forcing pass”, ostensibly asking partner to decide whether to bid on or double. Rand’s bid of five hearts, pulling partner’s penalty double, was a show of strength. It showed a hand that would be happy to be raised to six if North thought he had a suitable hand for slam. A weaker hand would have bid five hearts directly over the five-diamond bid. North, with all prime values, raised to six hearts. Rand ruffed the opening ace of diamonds lead and drew trumps in one round. Expecting West to have the ace of clubs, Rand led a low club to dummy’s king. He discarded the 10 of clubs on the king of diamonds and led a club to his queen and West’s ace. West

87 __ sock 88 Winter puddle topper 90 Many a “Who Framed Roger Rabbit” character 91 Fake 92 Landing spot of Noah’s Ark 93 Liquids 94 Borders 95 Like most farmland 96 Shady spot

SUBJECT: WORDS How is your vocabulary? (Example: “Cheval” is French for what animal? Answer: Horse.) FRESHMAN LEVEL 1. Regicide is the act of killing what? Answer________ 2. What is a pollywog? Answer________ 3. Word for a hand in which all the cards are of the same suit but not in numerical sequence. Answer________ 4. Triskaidekaphobia is the fear of what? Answer________ 5. What word for a specific time of day can be spelled the same forward and backward? Answer________

was helpless. He had to lead a spade, yield a ruff-sluff, or set up dummy’s nine of clubs. Had the clubs split 3-3, one club ruff would establish dummy’s nine as the twelfth trick. Very well done! Tannah Hirsch welcomes readers’ responses sent in care of this newspaper or to Tribune Content Agency inc., 2225 Kenmore Ave., Suite 114, Buffalo, Ny. 14207. E-mail responses may be sent to gorenbridge@ aol.com. © 2026 Tribune Content Agency

GRADUATE LEVEL 6. “Postbellum” refers to the period after a ____. Answer________ 7. What word refers to the fear or dislike of strangers or people from other countries? Answer________

8. If something is superfluous it is not ____. Answer________ 9. “Caveat emptor” warns the ____ to beware. Answer________ 10. A protractor is used to measure ____. Answer________ PH.D. LEVEL 11. What word means a gripping listlessness or melancholia caused by boredom? Answer________ 12. “Staple” is to “fasten” as “knife” is to “____.” Answer________ 13. Correct the misspelled word: “He definitely attempted to accommodate the seperate couples.” Answer________ 14. What four-letter word can go in both blanks? “pitch____” and “___lift” Answer________ 15. “Carpe diem” is a Latin phrase for “seize the ____.” Answer________

ANSWERS TO ALL PUZZLES ARE ON NEXT PAGE

zodiaC LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) Take positive steps toward your goals. Live, learn and execute your plans with passion and charisma. How you prepare and promote something will determine your returns. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) What you observe will serve you far better than jumping in and interacting without sufficient background information. Someone’s actions or emotional responses will be far more informative than a conversation. LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) Pay attention to how you present yourself to others. A simple but elegant look will attract many, and a kind word will

help you seal whatever deal you are trying to make. Don’t let impatience ruin the mood. SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) Be cognizant of what you say or the promises you make. Don’t back yourself into a corner that might jeopardize your reputation or authenticity regarding what you do for a living. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) Get in the game and show everyone what you can do. Your insight and ability to get things done will attract attention and the help you need to reach your objective. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Designate more time and effort into your rela-

tionships. Protect against those trying to lead you astray or emotionally manipulate you. Guard your reputation, and offer only verified facts. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) Get into the driver’s seat and start moving in a direction that satisfies your soul. Partnerships can turn into profits. Choose someone who is moving in a similar direction. PISCES (Feb. 20-March 20) Improve your surroundings. If you feel comfortable, you’ll achieve more. Refuse to let criticism daunt you. Stand alone, follow your heart and live life pursuing what makes you happy.

ARIES (March 21-April 19) Don’t let anger take over. Pay attention to how you look, feel and get along with loved ones. Nurture relationships, and explore options that offer a positive and lucrative way to earn a living. TAURUS (April 20-May 20) Take a pause to reevaluate your situation. Overreacting will leave you at a loss. Focus on self-improvement and discarding what you don’t need or is standing in your way. GEMINI (May 21-June 20) Reach out to someone from your past you want to reconnect with. Engage in projects

that make your surroundings more convenient. Practical changes will put your mind at ease and help you gain clarity. CANCER (June 21-July 22) Think twice before you say something in anger. Channel your energy into personal growth, improvement or a positive lifestyle change. You’ll gain the most by pursuing something you can do alone. The horoscope, an entertainment feature, is not based on scientific fact. © 2026 by NEA, inc., dist. By Andrews McMeel Syndication

dustin / by Steve Kelley & Jeff Parker

Answers to puzzles super quiz 1. A monarch (king or queen). 2. A tadpole. 3. A flush. 4. The number 13. 5. Noon. 6. War. 7. Xenophobia. 8. Needed (necessary). 9. Buyer. 10. Angles. 11. Ennui. 12. Cut. 13. Separate. 14. Fork. 15. Day.

SCORING: 24 to 30 points — congratulations, doctor; 18 to 23 points — honors graduate; 13 to 17 points — you’re plenty smart, but no grind; 5 to 12 points — you really should hit the books harder; 1 point to 4 points — enroll in remedial courses immediately; 0 points — who reads the questions to you?

Cryptoquote Answer Saturday's Cryptoquote: Summer is delicately made. While it is, it is ceasing. — Genevieve Taggard

word GAme Answer teed teen teeter tend tender tenet tense tenser tent tented tern terse test tested tester tree trend

enter entered entree erne need nerd nest nested nester netted deer deet dense denser dent desert detente

deter detest reed rend rent rented reseed resend resent resented reset rest rested retest retested seder seed

seen seer send sender sent serene settee setter sneer sneered steed steer stent stern stet street

sudoKu Answer jumble Answer

Crossword Answers

jeFF mACnelly’s shoe / by Gary Brookins & Susie MacNelly

sCrAbble Answers

FoXtrot / by Bill Amend

wuzzles Answers

Ken Ken Answers

hidAto Answers