DannyRobert, right, stirs his pot of jambalaya while chatting withMikeGonzales and KurtWaguespack during the Gonzales Jambalaya Festival on Saturday.
Cooking began early Saturday morning as Gonzales expected to welcome at least 90 cooks in this year’sWorld Champion Jambalaya cook-off. The Gonzales Jambalaya Festival, in its 59th year, was originally envisionedasaway to showoff Gonzales during the Memorial Day weekend. The first contestwas held on the streets of downtownGonzales. It’snow held at the Lamar-Dixon Expo Center See morephotos, 1B
Attendees line up to watch competitors cook jambalaya during the Gonzales Jambalaya Festival on Saturday.
LouisianaCatholics call LatinMassabeloved ritual
Popularity grows amid controversy of it dividing church
BY BOBWARREN Staff writer
When Wesley Franatovich settles into achurch pew for the Latin Mass at St. Patrick’sChurchin New Orleans, he feels asense of calm wash over him.
There’sritual and mystery and choreography,and in that, Franatovich said, “there’scomfort.”
“And Ithink people arelooking for asense of comfortthese days,” Franatovich, a29-year-old New Orleans real estateagent and longtimeRoman Catholic, said Mass at the church. “A lot of people are searching forthings that ground them in away —a lotofpeople see that in the Latin
ä See MASS, page 5A
BY CLAIRE GRUNEWALD Staff writer
to do the report like apolice officer would.” Doggett worksfor On SceneServices, a private company contracted with the city of St.GeorgesinceSeptember.The city has athree-year contract with the company for $1.5 million ayear.Sofar,OSS has eight
Can anyone stop U.S. Rep.
Julia Letlow from becoming Louisiana’snext senator? That’s the keyquestion that has emerged in the days after Louisiana’sSenate primaries.
Political experts say Letlow, R-Baton Rouge,holds adominantposition after running first in the May 16 Republican primary with President Donald Trump’s powerful endorsement and eliminating Sen. Bill Cassidy,R-Baton Rouge,from the contest.
But state Treasurer John Fleming, who finished adistant second in the GOP primary,isnot conceding the race to Letlow
STAFFPHOTO By JAVIER GALLEGOS On Scene Services founder and CEO Ethan Cheramie, left,reads client surveys during a ride-along with fieldagent Brennan Doggett in St. GeorgeonFriday.
STAFF PHOTOSByJAVIERGALLEGOS
asip of his jambalaya broth during the Gonzales Jambalaya Festival at Lamar-Dixon Expo Center on Saturday.
Letlow Fleming
BY TYLER BRIDGES Staff writer
ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By GREGORIO BORGIA Pope Leo XIV,left, presides over the funeral of late Cardinal Emil Paul Tscherrig in St.Peter’sBasilica at the Vatican on May15.
ä See AGENCY, page 5A
BRIEFS FROM WIRE REPORTS
Officials seek cause of N.Y. shipyard explosion
Investigators were combing through a New York City shipyard on Saturday trying to find the cause of a fire and an explosion that killed one person and injured more than 30 firefighters and other first responders.
Authorities provided no major updates to the incidents that occurred Friday afternoon in the Mariners Harbor neighborhood on the north shore of Staten Island. Besides investigators, some firefighters were at the site as a precaution Saturday, officials said.
Firefighters were called to the shipyard about 3:30 p.m. Friday on reports that there was a fire, heavy smoke and two workers trapped in a basement area, city Fire Commissioner Lillian Bonsignore said. Less than an hour later, as firefighters and emergency medical personnel were working the scene, an explosion rocked the site, officials said A civilian died, and another was wounded. Authorities said a fire marshal and a firefighter were seriously injured, while 29 firefighters had minor to moderate injuries and four emergency medical personnel had minor injuries. All were taken to area hospitals.
“We got very lucky this day,” Bonsignore said at a Friday evening news conference. “We got lucky in the sense that none of our people were killed. It’s unfortunate we had one fatality, and they did everything they could to get to that person.”
Details released on Britney Spears DUI stop
LOS ANGELES Britney Spears refused to get out of her BMW for about 10 minutes before her driving under the influence arrest in March. When she did, the singing superstar smelled of booze and appeared drunk in field sobriety tests, according to a police report and dashcam video obtained Friday by The Associated Press.
“Her speech was rapid and slurred, her gait was unsteady, and she was fidgeting with her fingers,” the report from the California Highway Patrol said. “Her mood changed from confrontational and agitated to flamboyant and compliant. She also appeared to speak with a British accent at times.”
Spears told officers, “I could probably drink four bottles of wine and take care of you, I’m an angel.”
But she said that in actuality she only had one drink, a mimosa, hours earlier, and she put her level of drunkenness at “zero.” Breath tests put her blood alcohol level at .05 and .06, below the .08 level at which someone is presumed impaired in California.
A bottle of Adderall — the stimulant used to treat attentiondeficit/hyperactivity disorder — was found by an officer in her purse, and was not prescribed to her, the report said. She also gave a blood sample for a drug test, but those results were not included in the report.
Remains of divers killed in Maldives repatriated COLOMBO, Sri Lanka The remains of four Italian divers who died deep inside an underwater cave earlier this month while diving in the Maldives were repatriated early Saturday, a Maldivian government spokesperson said. The four coffins arrived at Milan’s Malpensa Airport in the middle of the day The bodies were taken to a morgue and autopsies were due to begin on Monday, according to Italian news agency LaPresse.
Five Italian divers went missing on May 14 while exploring the cave about 160 feet in Vaavu Atoll. The body of their Italian diving instructor was recovered outside the cave at the time and has already been returned home. A high-risk operation to recover the bodies faced hurdles and was initially suspended after Mohamed Mahudhee, a Maldivian military diver who was part of the recovery team, was killed. Three Finnish expert deep and cave divers joined the mission and located the four bodies last week in the innermost chamber of the cave at a depth of around 200 feet. The recreational diving limit in the Maldives is 98 feet
negotiated.’
Trump: Iran deal ‘largely negotiated’
Proposal said to include ending war, reopening Strait of Hormuz
BY MUNIR AHMED, SAMY MAGDY and MATTHEW LEE Associated Press
ISLAMABAD, Pakistan President Donald
Trump said Saturday that a deal with Iran on the war, including opening the Strait of Hormuz, has been “largely negotiated” after calls with Israel and other allies in the region.
“Final aspects and details of the Deal are currently being discussed, and will be announced shortly,” Trump said on social media, with no details. He said he had spoken with leaders from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar Pakistan Turkey, Egypt, Jordan and Bahrain, and separately with Israel.
Iran, meanwhile, had signaled “narrowing differences” in negotiations after Pakistani army chief Asim Munir held more talks in Tehran.
Twelve weeks have passed since the U.S. and Israel attacked Iran on Feb. 28, killing top Iranian officials including its supreme leader and interrupting nuclear talks between the U.S. and Iran for the second time in less than a year Iran fired at Israel and at neighbors hosting U.S. forces, shaking Gulf nations that had considered themselves safe havens in a tough region.
A ceasefire has held since April 7. But Iran’s decision to effectively close the Strait of Hormuz for ships carrying regional oil, natural gas and other critical supplies has been a focal point of global concern and economic pain.
Suspect dead after opening fire near White House
Bystander struck in exchange, officials say
BY DARLENE SUPERVILLE and ALANNA DURKIN RICHER Associated Press
WASHINGTON A person who opened fire Saturday on a White House security checkpoint is dead after being shot by officers who returned fire, the U.S. Secret Service said. It was the third incidence of gunfire in the vicinity of President Donald Trump in the past month.
The law enforcement agency said in a preliminary statement posted on X that the person in the area of 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue “pulled a weapon from his bag” shortly after 5 p.m. and began firing. The officers returned fire hitting the suspect, who was taken to a hospital where he later died, the Secret Service said.
The suspect was identified as 21-year-old Nasire Best, said a law enforcement official who spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the investigation.
ment earlier in May A bystander was also struck on Saturday, but a law enforcement official said it wasn’t clear whether that person was struck by the suspect’s initial bullets or those fired subsequently by officers.
Secret Service said none of its officers were injured, and that Trump — who was at the White House at the time was not “impacted.”
Journalists working at the White House on Saturday evening reported hearing a series of gunshots and were told to seek shelter inside the press briefing room. In a social media post, FBI Director Kash Patel said officers were responding to shots fired and said he would “update the public as we’re able.”
He described it as a “Memorandum of Understanding pertaining to PEACE” that still must be finalized by the United States, Iran and the other countries that participated in the calls. It capped a week in which the U.S. weighed a new round of attacks on the Islamic Republic that would break a fragile ceasefire.
There was no mention of Iran’s nuclear program and highly enriched uranium, which Iran has sought to discuss later There was no immediate comment from Iran or Israel. Trump said speaking with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who had pressed the U.S. to go to war went “very well.”
Earlier on Saturday, a regional official with direct knowledge of the Pakistan-led mediation efforts said the U.S. and Iran were closing in on a deal to end the war
The official, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss closed-door deliberations, cautioned that “last-minute disputes” could blow up the efforts. This is not the first time in recent weeks that a deal has been described as close.
The official said the deal would include an official declaration of the war’s end, with two-month negotiations on Iran’s nuclear program. The Strait of Hormuz would be reopened and the U.S. would end its blockade of Iran’s ports.
Iran state TV earlier quoted Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei as describing the draft as a “framework agreement” and adding: “We want this to include the main issues required for ending the imposed war and other issues of essential importance to us. Then, over a reasonable time span, between 30 to 60 days, details are discussed and ultimately a final agreement is reached.”
He said the Strait of Hormuz is among the topics discussed.
But Baghaei told Iran’s official IRNA news agency that nuclear issues are not part of current negotiations.
“Our focus at this stage is on ending the war on all fronts, including Lebanon,” he said, adding that lifting sanctions on Tehran “has explicitly been included in the text and remains our fixed position.”
The Iranian-backed Hezbollah’s AlManar TV reported that the Lebanese militant group’s leader received a letter from Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi saying Tehran will not abandon its allies. There is a fragile, U.S.-brokered ceasefire in the Israel-Hezbollah war in Lebanon, a conflict that began two days after the Iran war started.
Trump earlier said he was holding off on a military strike against Iran because “serious negotiations” were underway and at the request of allies in the Middle East. Trump has repeatedly set deadlines for Tehran and then backed off.
DOJ scrubs its website of news releases about Jan. 6 defendants
BY ERIC TUCKER Associated Press
WASHINGTON The Department of Justice is acknowledging it has removed from its website news releases about criminal cases related to the Jan. 6, 2021, riot, calling the information about the prosecutions “partisan propaganda.”
The purge of news releases documenting criminal charges, convictions and sentencings is the latest step by the Trump administration to dramatically rewrite the history of the assault on the Capitol, when hundreds of supporters of Republican President Donald Trump stormed the building in an effort to halt the congressional certification of his 2020 election loss to Democrat Joe Biden.
Trump, on his first day back in office in January 2025, pardoned, commuted the prison sentences or vowed to dismiss the cases of all of the 1,500-plus people charged with crimes during the Capitol assault, including those convicted of attacking officers with makeshift weapons such as flagpoles, a hockey stick and crutch
On Monday, the Justice Department announced the creation of a $1.776 billion fund meant to compensate Trump allies who feel they were unjustly investigated and prosecuted. Acting Attorney General
Todd Blanche has not ruled out that rioters convicted of violence will be eligible for payouts, prompting bipartisan anger in Congress.
After a journalist on Friday observed on the social media platform X that the Justice Department was “quietly” removing news releases on its website that were related to the Jan. 6 attack, including about a Texas man who pleaded guilty to assault and also faced separate state charges of soliciting a minor, the department responded through its “rapid response” account that there was “nothing ‘quiet’ about it.”
“We are proud to reverse the DOJ’s weaponization under the Biden administration. We will do everything in our power to make whole those who were persecuted for political purposes,” the post said. “This includes stripping DOJ’s website of partisan propaganda.”
Among the releases removed from the site were those concerning seditious conspiracy cases against members of the Proud Boys and Oath Keepers, far-right extremist groups. The Justice Department, in an unopposed motion last month, asked a federal appeals court to vacate those seditious conspiracy convictions, a request that was granted Thursday The department on Friday moved to dismiss the cases against the group members.
It was the third time in the past month that gunfire has broken out near the president following incidents at the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner in April and near the Washington Monu-
Evidence of the shooting was visible on a sidewalk just outside the White House complex, where yellow crime scene tape snaked across the pavement and officers with the U.S. Secret Service placed dozens of orange evidence markers on the ground. Medical material, including what appeared to be purple surgical gloves and kits typically used by emergency medical personnel, were also seen. The Metropolitan Police Department said on its X account that the Secret Service was working the scene and cautioned people to avoid the area. The scene is near where a gunman ambushed two members of the West Virginia National Guard last November
ASSOCIATED PRESS FILE PHOTO By AMIRHOSEIN KHORGOOI Container ships sit at anchor on May 2 in the Strait of Hormuz off Bandar Abbas, Iran. President Donald Trump said Saturday that a deal with Iran, including opening the strait has been ‘largely
ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By ALEX BRANDON Police and members of the Secret Service block streets Saturday around the White House in Washington after a shooting at a checkpoint.
Second Ebola treatmentcenterset ablaze in Congo
18 with suspected infections flee
BY JUSTIN KABUMBA and WILSON MCMAKIN Associated Press
BUNIA, Congo— Angryresi-
dents of atown at the epicenter of the Ebola outbreak in eastern Congo attacked and burned atent that was part of ahealth center where people are beingtreated for the virus, the staff there said Saturday. It wasthe second such attack in the region in aweek.
No onewas hurt in theattack, according to initial reports but as patients ran out to escape the fire, 18 people with suspectedEbola infections left the facility and are now unaccounted for,a hospital director said.
The angry residents had arrived at the clinic in the town of Mongbwalu on Friday night and set fire to a tent set up for suspected and confirmed Ebola cases by the
metbyprotests from families and friends.
Acommunalburialfor Ebola patients in Rwampara took place on Saturday undertight security as tensions between health workers and thelocal community ranhigh, said David Basima, ateam leader with the Red Cross overseeing burials.
Armedsoldiers and police monitored the burials as RedCross workerscladin whiteprotective suits lowered sealed coffins into the ground. Crying family members stood at adistance.
neral wakes and gatherings of morethan 50 people in an efforttocurb thespread of the virus.
TheWorld Health Organization has said that the outbreak now poses a“very high” risk for Congo —up froma previous categorizationof“high” —but thatthe risk of the disease spreading globally remains low
WHODirector-General TedrosAdhanomGhebreyesus said on Friday that 82 cases and seven deaths have been confirmedinCongo,but that the outbreak is believed to be “much larger.”
Doctors Without Borders humanitarian group, Dr.Richard Lokudi, director of the Mongbwalu hospital, told The Associated Press.
“Westrongly condemn this act, asitcausedpanicamong the staff and alsoresultedin the escape of 18 suspected cases intothe community,” he said On Thursday,another treatment center,inthe town of Rwampara, was burned
down after family members were bannedfromretrieving the body of alocal man suspected to have died of Ebola.
Thebodiesofthose who diedofEbola can be highly contagious andlead to further spread whenpeople prepare themfor burial and gather for funerals.The dangerous work of burying suspected victims is being managed wherever possible by authorities, whichcan be
Ukrainiandrone attack triggers fire at Russianoil terminal
By The Associated Press
AUkrainian drone attack caused afire at another Russian oilterminalovernight, localofficials in Russia’s Krasnodar regionsaidSaturday,inwhat appearedto be the latest attack on Moscow’svital oil industry Authorities in the city of Novorossiysk said falling drone debris sparked afire at an oil terminal, injuring twopeople. Russia’sAstra news outlet said Ukrainian drones struck the Sheskharis oil terminal and depot, the terminus for Russian state-controlled pipeline company Transneft’smain oil pipelines in the region.
Images posted by Astra appeared to show smokerising above the oil terminal, but they could notbeverified.
On Saturday afternoon, Ukraine’sGeneral Staff said its forces hadstruck the Sheskharis oil terminal overnight. “The facility provides shipment of oil andoil products for export and is involved inmeetingthe needs of theRussianarmy,” the General Staff wroteon Telegram,addingthatUkrainian forces had also hit atanker in the Black Sea belonging to Russia’sso-called “shadow fleet.
Ukraine has expandedits mid- and long-rangestrike
capabilities, deploying drone andmissiletechnology that it has developed domesticallytobattle Russia’s 4-year-old invasion. AttacksonRussian oil assets thatplay akey part in funding theinvasion have becomealmostdaily occurrences.
Meanwhile,the death toll froma Ukrainiandrone strike overnight into Friday on acollege dormitory building in Starobilsk, acity in Ukraine’sRussia-occupied Luhansk region, rose to 18, thepress service of Russia’s Ministry of Emergency Situations said. According to the ministry,60people were wounded in the attack.
Basima said his team, after arriving at thescene, “experienced alot of difficulties, includingresistancefrom young people andthe community.”
“Wewereforcedtoalert theauthorities so that they could come to ouraid, just for safety,”said Basima.
Authorities in northeastern Congo on Friday banned fu-
There is no available vaccine for the Bundibugyo virus, araretypeofEbola, which spread undetected for weeks in Congo’sIturi province followingthe first knowndeath, while authorities tested for another,more common, Ebola virus and cameupnegative. There are now 750 suspected cases and
177 suspected deaths, though more are expected as surveillance expands. Dr.Jean Kaseya, directorgeneral of the Africa Centers forDiseaseControland Prevention, said aresponse to the outbreak must include building trust with communities. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies said on Saturday that three of its volunteershad diedfrom theoutbreakinMongbwalu The agency said it believed the three healthcare workerscontractedthe viruson March 27 while handling dead bodies as part of ahumanitarian missionunrelated to Ebola. If confirmed, this would significantlypush back the timeline of the outbreak fromthe previous first confirmed death in late April in the town of Bunia, the capital of Ituri.
ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By MOSES SAWASAWA
Asanitation worker from the Bunia city governmentsprays chlorinetodisinfect the central market on SaturdayasIturi province continues to combat an Ebola outbreak, in Bunia, Congo.
Officials: Coal mine blast in China kills at least 82
By The Associated Press
BEIJING A gas explosion at a coal mine in China’s northern Shanxi province killed at least 82 people, local officials said Saturday, in what was the country’s deadliest mining accident in recent years. The official Xinhua News Agency said the accident at Changzhi city’s Liushenyu coal mine happened on Friday evening.
At a news conference late Saturday, local authorities said 82 were dead and that more than 120 people were hospitalized. Two were still missing. The death toll was a revised, lower number from earlier reports by state broadcaster CCTV that said 90 had died.
The scene at the coal mine was “chaotic” in the immediate aftermath of the accident, they said, and figures provided at the time were initial and not definite.
The explosion was under investigation, local officials said, adding there were “serious violations” of the law
by the mine’s operator They did not elaborate on any specific violations.
Earlier on Saturday Xinhua reported that rescue work was pressing on a day after the accident, with hun-
VENEZUELA
Marines conduct rapid response drill at U.S. Embassy
By The Associated Press
CARACAS, Venezuela The U.S. military conducted a rapid response exercise involving Marines and military aircraft in Venezuela’s capital on Saturday, more than four months after the ouster of then-President Nicolás Maduro
Two Marine Corps Osprey aircraft, which have characteristics of both a helicopter and a fixedwing airplane, flew over the recently reopened U.S. Embassy in Caracas. They landed in the parking lot with the downdraft blowing tree branches. Forces then descended from the aircraft.
“Ensuring the military’s rapid response capability is a key component of mission readiness, both here in Venezuela and around the world,” the embassy said on Instagram.
Venezuela’s government had announced the drill earlier this week. Foreign Minister Yván Gil said the United States would conduct the exercise to prepare “in the event of medical emergencies or catastrophic emergencies.
The drill comes almost two months after the U.S. formally reopened its embassy in Caracas. The reopening followed the restoration of full diplomatic relations with the South American country after Maduro’s ouster in early January
Some Caracas residents gathered near the embassy
to watch the aircraft, while a few dozen others gathered elsewhere in the city to protest Saturday’s exercise. The protesters held a Venezuelan flag with the message “No to the Yankee drill” written over it
U.S. military aircraft last flew over Caracas on Jan. 3, when elite forces rappelled down from helicopters and captured Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. Both were taken to New York to face drug trafficking charges They have pleaded not guilty Squadron markings on the Ospreys that landed in the capital Saturday identified them as belonging to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 263 The same squadron is currently deployed aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima in the Caribbean Ocean. Maduro and Flores were flown to that warship immediately after their detention
The head of U.S military operations in Latin America observed the exercise firsthand. Marine Gen. Francis Donovan, head of the U.S. Southern Command, also met on Saturday with senior Venezuelan officials and embassy staff.
U.S. Southern Command said on X that Donovan arrived in one of the Ospreys for his second official visit to Caracas this year During a visit in February, Donovan met with Venezuela’s defense and interior ministers.
dreds of rescuers and medical personnel sent to the site.
Among the injured, many were hurt by toxic gas, according to CCTV Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for an all-out
effort to rescue the missing, Xinhua reported. Xi also called for a “thorough investigation” and accountability “in accordance with the law.”
Xinhua later reported that
those responsible for the company involved in the mine accident have been “placed under control,” citing the local emergency management bureau.
An investigation team sent by China’s powerful State Council, equivalent to the country’s Cabinet, would be conducting a “rigorous and uncompromising” probe into the deadly explosion, a separate Xinhua report said following Xi’s remarks.
Wang Yong, one of the hospitalized miners, told CCTV in a video interview that he smelled sulfur “like firecrackers” and saw smoke.
“I told people to run,” he said. “As I ran, I saw people being choked by the smoke. And then I blacked out.”
The state broadcaster also reported that blueprints provided by the coal mine did not match the actual layout, hampering rescue efforts.
The coal mine, operated by the Shanxi Tongzhou Coal & Coke Group with an annual production capacity of 1.2 million tons, was placed on a national list of disaster-
prone coal mines by China’s National Mine Safety Administration in 2024 for having “high gas content.” Shanxi province is known as China’s main coal mining province. With a size larger than Greece and a population of around 34 million, the province’s hundreds of thousands of miners dug 1.3 billion tons of coal last year, almost a third of China’s total.
In China, coal remains a key energy source due to its lower cost and high availability, even as the country accelerates its transition toward green energy Mining disasters have been common although authorities had implemented measures to improve safety over the past years. In February 2023, 53 people were killed after a collapse at an open-pit mine in northern China’s Inner Mongolia region. In November 2009, an explosion at a mine in northeastern China’s Heilongjiang province killed 108, according to state media.
Protesters clash with police in Serbia
Anti-government rally held in Belgrade
BY JOVANA GEC Associated Press
BELGRADE, Serbia Clashes erupted between groups of protesters and riot police after a huge anti-government rally on Saturday in the Serbian capital of Belgrade by tens of thousands of opponents of the country’s autocratic President Aleksandar Vucic.
While the rally at a central square in Belgrade passed peacefully, groups of young assailants later clashed with riot police, throwing flares, rocks and bottles at police cordons. Police responded with pepper spray as they charged forward to disperse them.
The groups, including apparent soccer hooligans, rolled trash cans into the streets as shield-carrying riot police tried to surround them Police parked antiriot vehicles in a central Belgrade area to block the demonstrators from returning and the violence soon ended. Police said 23 people were detained.
Crowds of protesters earlier on Saturday streamed into central Belgrade, many carrying banners and wearing T-shirts inscribed with the “Students win” motto of the youth movement which organized the gathering. Columns of cars drove into Belgrade from other Serbian towns earlier in the day Vucic has sought to curb the mass demonstrations that have shaken his hardline rule in the Balkan country Big crowds on Saturday suggested the dissent persists more than a year after protests first started to de-
ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By DARKO VOJINOVIC
A man throws a cobblestone at riot police on Saturday as clashes break out during a rally led by Serbia’s protesting university students who are pushing for major political changes in the Balkan country run by President Aleksandar Vucic, in Belgrade, Serbia.
mand accountability for a train station tragedy in Serbia’s north in November 2024 that killed 16 people.
Serbia’s state railway company on Saturday canceled all trains to and from Belgrade, in an apparent bid to stop at least some people from coming from other parts of the country
The president said in a video on Instagram on Saturday that protesters “have shown their violent nature and that they cannot stand political opponents.” Vucic, who was on his way to China for a state visit, added that “the state is functioning and will continue to work in line with the law.”
Anti-corruption protests forced then-Prime Minister Milos Vucevic to resign in January 2025 before authorities pushed back hard against the protesters.
XINHUA NEWS AGENCy PHOTO By CAO yANG
Rescue workers prepare to descend into Changzhi city’s Liushenyu coal mine Saturday in the aftermath of an explosion in Qinyuan county in northern China’s Shanxi Province.
Mass.” There’s a reverence about it.”
Franatovich said a favorite moment comes when the congregation, together with the priest, sings the Nicene Creed in Latin: Credo in unum Deum.
“It’s powerful,” he said.
The Latin Mass has been in the news lately, following Pope Leo XIV’s escalated warnings to the Society of St. Pius X that its planned consecration of bishops without papal consent is a schismatic act. The group was formed in 1970 in opposition to the Roman Catholic Church reforms of the Second Vatican Council in the 1960s and largely broke with Rome in 1988.
One of the group’s hallmarks is its adherence to the Latin Mass.
But in south Louisiana, where the Latin Mass has enjoyed a growing following in recent years, and where the various dioceses have allowed it with some restrictions, the controversy surrounding the practice is muted.
“For those who are devotees, the traditional Mass is not a controversial thing,” said the Rev Brent Maher, pastor of St. Agnes Catholic Church in Baton Rouge.
“Vatican II brought change,” he said. Many people appreciated it, he added,
but some did not. Maher said St. Agnes, which offers Latin Mass on Wednesday evenings and Sunday mornings and is the lone church in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Baton Rouge authorized to do so, often draws 250 people or more.
“We have a good mix of people, but a large number of them are young families,” Maher said. Also called the Tridentine Mass, Latin Mass became increasingly rare following the reforms of the Second Vatican Council Among the most notable differences between Latin Masses and contemporary Masses is that the priest spends much of his time with his back to the worshippers and, of course, most of the Mass is said in Latin.
Pope Francis reimposed restrictions in 2021, concerned that the growing use of Latin Mass might divide the Church.
Those restrictions spelled out when priests must use the vernacular, or the common language of the place where the Mass is being said, and allowed bishops to decide whether and where to have Latin Masses in their dioceses.
But many Catholics, particularly traditionalists, find comfort in the rituals, motions and language used in the Latin Mass. “It’s important to recognize the complexity,” said Tom Ryan, chaplain of Loyola University in
AGENCY
Continued from page 1A
full-time employees working in the city and is in the process of hiring two additional ones.
“A lot of people are interested by it, they’re like ‘Oh, that’s an interesting concept,’ ” Doggett said while patrolling during his Friday shift. Doggett said for some crashes he can assess which driver is at fault, but most of the time, he is just gathering information, like drivers’ personal statements, for the insurance companies to make that decision.
St. George Police Chief Todd Morris said about 7,000 crashes happen every year in city limits, with most not resulting in injuries. Morris brought the idea of contracting the private company to the city about a year ago, with the idea of freeing up manpower for State Police and the East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office, who would typically handle crashes.
New Orleans, who is also a professor of theology and ministry “The beauty is the Latin. There’s tradition in Latin. Latin can also be a unifying source.”
Ryan also said that residents of New Orleans and south Louisiana often hold tighter to traditions, religious traditions among them.
“I do think Catholicism here is a bit more traditional than other places,” he said.
On the other side, Ryan said, some might use the Latin Mass as a way to separate themselves from others in the church or to suggest that it somehow holds a deeper meaning. Also, he added, “the appeal can be limited. There’s only so many people who will do what it takes for the effort to understand it.”
Maher, meanwhile, said the theological issues between the Vatican and the Society of St. Pius X go much deeper than the Latin Mass. Ryan agreed and add-
ed that it’s likely a broader issue of power
There are a few Society of St. Pius X-affiliated churches in the region, but efforts to contact them for comment were not successful.
An Archdiocese of New Orleans spokesperson, Sarah McDonald, said new Archbishop James Checchio has not issued any formal statements on the Latin Mass, which a small number of archdiocesan churches offer The Latin Masses the archdiocese recognizes are not those affiliated with the Society of St. Pius X, McDonald noted. Checchio was scheduled to attend a Latin Mass on Sunday at Our Lady of Mount Carmel near Covington.
‘Each little gesture’
Our Lady of Mount Carmel’s Latin Mass services have grown in popularity in recent years. The church’s pastor, the Rev Damien Zablocki, was not available for comment for this story
Inside St. Patrick’s, a Gothic-style church built on Camp Street in New Orleans in 1840 as a place for Irish immigrants to worship in splendor and designated a National Historic Landmark in 1975, snippets of the Rev Garrett O’Brien’s Latin words floated over the pews early Wednesday morning. Around 25 people attended. Most appeared to be middle-aged or older; many of the women wore chapel veils covering their hair The weekday Masses are usually faster, with less singing, than the High Latin Mass offered on Sundays. O’Brien declined to talk to a reporter following the Mass, saying that he thought any comments regarding the Latin Mass should come from the archdiocese Maher, 41, recalls the first time he attended a Latin Mass. The Denham Springs native was 20 at the time and in the seminary He said he tagged along with
a friend who asked him to help serve at the Mass.
“I walked out and said, ‘What in the world was that?’ ” he recalled. “It was very, very different.” But he embraced it and now loves saying Latin Mass.
“Each little gesture has a value and a purpose and a meaning. There’s a lot of chanting — it’s part of the obligation,” he said. “And your Latin has to be up to snuff.”
Franatovich said it’s often easy to spot first-timers sitting in the pews of a Latin Mass.
“It’s so interesting to watch them,” he said, adding that the reactions are often a mix, with some seeming to enjoy it and others not so much.
It’s not for everyone, he says.
“You’re less focused on the words, and more on the actions and motions, I think,” Franatovich said. The Associated Press contributed to this report.
ing public safety matters.”
Ethan Cheramie, a former personal injury attorney, started the company several years ago in New Orleans and said it aims to help law enforcement better utilize its resources.
Cheramie said it’s the difference between having law enforcement chase down a suspect and spending time handling a civil matter, which is where his private company comes in to help.
“I want the guy with the gun responding to violent crime,” Cheramie said The company launched its first vehicle in New Orleans in 2018 and is looking to grow across the country and within the state.
“I want the guy with the gun responding to violent crime.
That’s not our purpose. We’re not writing citations either We’re truly there to serve.”
ETHAN CHERAMIE, founder of On Scene Services
“We just think it’s a way for us at St. George to help our public safety partners,” he said
“We just see it as a positive, not only for St. George but for the parish and the state.”
Since OSS started in September 2025, it has responded to a total of 3,220 calls for service in St. George, including 1,339 crashes and 812 neighborhood patrols, as of mid-May The agents also handle neighborhood patrols, traffic mitigation and parking complaints.
“We’ve expanded their role once we got everything worked out,” the chief said.
“Our deputies and troopers now are being able to be freed up and do more press-
All of the OSS agents are former law enforcement officers with at least five years of patrol experience, Cheramie said. The agents are also unarmed on the job.
“That’s not our purpose. We’re not writing citations either We’re truly there to serve,” the founder said about agents not being armed Louisiana State Police Trooper Shelby Mayfield, spokesperson for Troop A, wrote in an email that services like OSS can positively impact its operations, even if State Police does not contract them.
“When local agencies are able to use OSS to handle minor civil traffic crashes, it can help keep troopers available to conduct proactive patrols and enforcement operations focused on preventing serious injury and fatal crashes,” Mayfield said “This allows law enforcement personnel to dedicate more time toward addressing hazardous driving behaviors such as impaired driving, distracted driving, speeding and aggressive driving.”
STAFF PHOTO By JAVIER GALLEGOS Field agent Brennan Doggett logs his neighborhood patrol on a laptop during a ride along with On Scene Services in St. George on Friday.
Gaza flotilla activists allege mistreatment in Israeli custody
Boat riders say they were beaten, tortured by soldiers
BY MOGOMOTSI MAGOME Associated Press
JOHANNESBURG South African activists who were detained when their boats were intercepted while trying to breach Israel’s blockade of Gaza alleged Saturday they were beaten and tortured by Israeli soldiers in a detention facility.
The Global Sumud Flotilla of 50 vessels was intercepted Monday in international waters some 250 miles off the coast of Israel as they
sought to breach the blockade and deliver aid to Palestinians in Gaza.
The activists said they were held for several days in Israel’s K’tziot prison where some said they were shocked with electricity while being interrogated about their participation in the flotilla.
The Israeli government has denied allegations of mistreatment of detained flotilla activists, saying they were false and entirely without factual basis.” There was no immediate response to the activists’ accusations Saturday
The activists were welcomed by pro-Palestinian supporters and their families as they arrived in South Africa from Turkey on Saturday morning.
They said many of them received harsh treatment, especially when the Israeli soldiers learned they were from South Africa, a country that has taken Israel to the International Court of Justice and accused it of committing genocide in Gaza.
“We were denied access to water for a while. Food they did give us, food that was not suitable for human consumption. We were denied access to toilets for many hours, and the minute we started protesting we were shot at with rubber bullets,” said activist Faizel Moosa. Moosa, a former anti-apartheid activist during South Africa’s liberation struggle against white mi-
nority rule, said the treatment they received under detention was the worst he had ever experienced.
“Having experienced detention under the apartheid regime during the struggle, this was far worse. It just goes to show that this is what Palestinians go through on a daily basis,” said Moosa.
Dr Margaret Connolly, who was among an Irish contingent in the flotilla, said she had never been so frightened as she described dehumanizing conditions in detention.
She said some people were struck with guns. Detainees who had been stripped of their clothes and denied blankets had to huddle together in the cold to prevent hypothermia.
Connolly the sister of Irish President Catherine Connolly, was among a group of 15 Irish activists who were greeted by cheering supporters and family members as they arrived home in Dublin on Saturday
She said Israeli forces didn’t provide enough water or toiletries, and her medical kit was confiscated, preventing her from providing proper medical care. She said bread bags and shirt sleeves used for bandages and slings were later taken away
“They wanted us to suffer,” Connolly said. “A lot of the soldiers with American accents, shouting down: ‘You should have thought of this before you came.’”
SENATE
Continued from page 1A
On Thursday morning, he challenged her to three televised debates before the June 27 Republican runoff and said he wanted to discuss issues on which she was attacked during the primary.
Letlow declined later that day, saying in a statement, “It’s no wonder John Fleming wants a do-over after how poorly he performed in the Moon Griffon debate.”
candidates as possible,” Anderson said.
What’s next?
Cassidy issued a call for three televised debates during the primary, but Letlow agreed only to a debate hosted on the radio by Griffon, a Lafayettebased conservative talk show host.
Meanwhile, the two Democratic candidates competing in a separate June 27 runoff farmer Jamie Davis and business owner Gary Crockett — are expressing optimism about their campaigns, even as their race begins to get contentious.
Davis is refusing to participate in the roadshow that several nonprofits want to organize in the Democratic runoff as they did in the primary
To replace Cassidy, Letlow has to win two elections where she is currently heavily favored. She needs to defeat Fleming in next month’s runoff and then vanquish either Davis or Crockett in the Nov 3 general election Letlow won 45% of the vote in the Republican primary, followed by Fleming with 28% and Cassidy 24%. Only the top two finishers advance to the runoff.
“She has got to be considered the front-runner by far,” said John Breaux, who served as a senator from 1987 to 2005.
Anytime you get almost 50% in the primary, it’s almost impossible for anyone to overcome that. If I was in a race and ran that far behind, I’d seriously consider whether to run or not, especially with the president and governor (Jeff Landry) against him.”
Davis said Crockett “made frivolous accusations about me and my campaign, to the point that I needed to seek legal counsel.” He declined to provide specifics Crockett, interviewed later, said all he had done was call out Davis campaign workers who tore down his signs. Crockett added that he called Davis twice after Saturday’s results to congratulate him but didn’t receive a response.
The two co-organizers of the roadshow — Melissa Flournoy of 10,000 Women, and Quentin Anderson of Bayou Progressive — both expressed disappointment with Davis’ decision not to attend the events.
“I think voters should always get as much information and access from the
On Tuesday, Fleming said he didn’t know whether he would compete in the runoff, saying he first needed the results of a poll.
“Are the 24% who voted for Cassidy wanting to vote for Letlow or Fleming?” he asked that day “We don’t know It’s something you have to measure.”
He posted the result on social media Wednesday: A survey by his pollster John Couvillon, showing Letlow with 45% and Fleming with 44% The other 11% were undecided in a poll of 640 voters.
“Fleming is tied and surging,” said his Facebook post.
“This is a whole new race,” Fleming said in an interview Thursday “I think it’s 50-50. Now, this is not about removing Cassidy This is about two candidates for the Senate. One is conservative and has a clean background. The other has a very thin résumé, a weak voting record, a liberal voting record. I think when people compare us side by side, they’ll see two different candidates.”
Fleming’s own poll showed a better outcome than a hypothetical survey taken on May 11-12 by Greg Rigamer, a New Orleans-based pollster for major lobbyist Alton Ashy That poll, of 600 voters, showed Letlow leading Fleming, 41% to 35%.
“John Fleming won’t go down without a fight in the runoff,” said Albert Samuels, a political science professor at Southern University “But he’ll be tremendously outspent, and he has a lot of ground to make up. Letlow has largely ridden the endorsement of Donald Trump. She hasn’t been the perfect candidate, but in the Trumpified Republican Party, she doesn’t have to be.”
Fleming’s path to victory requires him to win over a good chunk of Cassidy voters, even after Cassidy told reporters on Tuesday that he won’t endorse in the race.
Woody Jenkins, who narrowly lost the 1996 Senate race and now chairs the East Baton Rouge Parish Republican Party, which has endorsed the treasurer, believes that Cassidy’s fierce attacks on Letlow during the primary mean that the senator’s supporters will turn to Fleming in the runoff.
“Cassidy spent many millions painting Letlow as a liberal,” Jenkins said. “How can Cassidy supporters turn around and support Letlow?”
That’s not how Pearson Cross, a political science professor at the University of Louisiana at Monroe, sees it.
“It’s unclear that voters who previously supported Bill Cassidy would now turn their allegiance to Fleming since he is rightly seen as more conservative than Letlow,” Cross said.
The Cassidy voters might simply stay at home
The turnout for the primary was 27%. Analysts expect a lower turnout on June 27 There won’t be any constitutional amendments on the ballot or other statewide races. Parishes and towns throughout Louisiana will have millage renewals on the ballot, along with some local races.
The Letlow campaign expresses confidence, noting she led in 52 of the state’s 64 parishes on May 16 and
in all six congressional districts.
Fleming ran strongest in northwest Louisiana, an area he represented in the U.S. House from 2009-17.
“Cassidy’s coalition was suburban, college-educated, traditional Republicans concentrated in Jefferson, East Baton Rouge, and Orleans,” the Letlow campaign said in a post-race analysis. “In every one of those parishes except Orleans, Julia finished a close second to Cassidy Fleming was a distant third.”
Letlow has already announced endorsements from U.S. Rep. Steve Scalise, the Republican majority leader from Jefferson Parish, and from five sitting Republican senators.
Historical parallels Louisiana election history
does show that candidates who finish second can win the runoff.
Breaux, for example, trailed then-U.S. Rep. Henson Moore in the 1986 Senate race, 37% to 44%, but won the runoff with nearly 53%.
Breaux said he secured the victory by getting the backing of the candidates who didn’t make the runoff. Like Breaux, they were Democrats, while Moore was a Republican. That strategy won’t apply in this year’s Senate race because that was a jungle primary, and this year’s election is a closed primary
In 1987, then-Secretary of State Paul Hardy trailed then-Lt. Gov Bobby Freeman in the jungle primary to be lieutenant governor 29% to 40%. Hardy defeat-
ed Freeman in the runoff with 53% of the vote.
“I got out my vote,” Hardy said this week. “He didn’t.” But on that score, Letlow has a big advantage, said Ryan Cross, a political strategist.
“The Donald Trump voters will do what he tells them to do,” Cross said.
“They will show up.” Jenkins has his doubts saying that many of Letlow’s voters were motivated by the president to end Cassidy’s Senate career
“That anger is gone for the June 27 runoff election,” Jenkins said. “Now people are turning to who is the best person for the job. One of the things going against Letlow is her lack of experience and her lack of any sort of statewide grassroots contacts.”
Each day, IvyGrahamworks with families goingthroughsomeofthemostdifficulttimes oftheirlives.AsaDenhamSprings-basedfamily lawattorney, Graham helpspeoplenavigate divorces,custody disputes,child supportand alimonypayments, adoptionsand children with specialneeds.She also handlessomeof themoreroutine legalmatters,suchasestate planningandsuccessions
“A lotofmyworkislistening to people’s storiesoftheir broken hearts,thengiving them sometimesveryblunt realitychecksof howthe situationwillunfold,”Grahamsaid. “Itaketimetolistentowhatisbotheringthem andhelpthemnavigatesituationsthatmayfeel insurmountable,whilealsogivingthemavery honestdirectionofwhattheycanexpectinthe weeksandmonthsahead.
“Peoplecometouswhentheyare hurting. Theywantsomeoneelsetofeeltheirpain.But alegal payout doesn’t fixabrokenheart,” she said.“Itellthemallthetimethattheirlifewill change.Nomatterhowgoodorbadyoursituationwas before,itwillbedifferentfromthis pointforward,and they need to make aplan onhowtomoveonwiththeirlife.
“Thosedetailsaresoimportantbecauseevery caseisdifferent,”shesaid.“Thespecificsofyour situationplayabig role in the finaloutcome Youcan’tgoonGoogleandfindoutwhatwill happeninyourparticularcase.”
Graham addedthatshe encourages people whoneedafamilylaw attorney to evaluate multipleoptionsbeforemakingafinaldecision.
Graham’stalentforbalancinglegalrealities withpersonalfeelingshasmadeherastandout attorneyinBatonRougeandearnedherthe2026 Silver Best of BatonRouge AwardinFamily Law.GrahamtookBronzehonorsinthesame categoryin2025
“It’sanhonor that thepublicseesthatour office puts ourclients firstand arethe best advocateswecanpossiblybeforthem,”shesaid Aslegaldramashavebecomemorepopular thaneverontelevisionandstreamingservices, Graham said sheoften hastocounsel clients abouthowsituationsplayoutintherealworld. Often, thereare only ahandful of potential outcomes,shesaid
“Yourrelationshipwithyourattorneyis so important, andeverybody handlescases andthose relationshipsdifferently,”she said “You canshopyourcasearounduntil you find somebody whoyou feel comfortable with Theselegal issues aretoo importantto howthingswillgoinyourlife.Findsomeone whoyoucantrulytalkto,whoknowsthelaw andwhoisgoingtobehonestwithyouabout what to expect.”
Crockett
Davis
Cassidy
ELIMINATE BACK PAIN AND SCIATICA
If youare over35and suffer from thefollowing •Sciatica•NeckPain• Disc Herniations •Lower Back Pain •Radiating HipPain •Numbnessinthe Legs andFeet
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We areDr. ScottLeBlanc andDr. Dana LeBlanc, ahusband andwifeteam, that ownLeBlanc Spine Center.Wehave helped thousandsofpatientsget outofpainwithSpinalDecompressiontherapy treatments,and we love what we do.Discissuesare common,and patients sufferingare usuallygiven limitedoptions of treatment. We runthese big newspaperadvertisementsto letpeopleinthe community know thereisanotheroptionoftreatment forpain- withoutmedication, injections,orsurgery! NON-SURGICALSPINALDECOMPRESSION is a breakthrough,non-invasivetreatment that hasbeen proventoreverse disc herniationsand relievenerve pain in theneckand lowback. During theprocedure,aspinaldiscisisolatedand aseriesofdistraction andrelaxationphasesoccur at averyspecific angle, targetingthe source of pain.A vacuum can be createdinsidethe disc andthe negative pressure delivers nutrients, oxygen,and fluidfromsurroundingtissues,toassistwithrepairofthe damaged disc Thetreatment is not painfulatall,and most patients read or even take anap whileontreatment!
PROOFTHIS TREATMENTWORKS There’splenty of researchtobackupthe claims of Spinal Decompression Therapyand itseffectiveness.Hereare just afew of thepublished scientificstudies
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•“Good to excellentreliefin86% of patients with Herniateddiscs”- TheAmericanJournal of Pain Management
•“Decompression Therapyreported a76.5% with complete remissionand 19.6%withpartial remission of pain anddisability” -Rio Grande Hospital, Department of Neurosurgery
At LeBlancSpine Center, we utilizeadvanced, FDA-clearedtechnologythatisproventoeffectively alleviatepain.
It’s importanttonotethatnot everypatient is a candidatefor Spinal Decompression, whichiswhy we prioritize athorough individual assessment foreachpersonwho walks throughour doors. Ourhighsuccess rate in pain relief stemsfromour commitment to only taking on patients whom we confidently believewecan help
IcametoLeBlancSpine Center with lowerbackand legpain that Ihad been dealingwithfor severalmonths. Before this,Ihad triedpain medicine andshots forthe pain,but they didn’t give me the relief Ineeded.Since startingcarehere, Ifeel100%better. Thestaff hasbeen very pleasantand friendly,and I’mreally pleased with theservice Ireceived. One of thebiggestchanges formeisthatI cansit down withouthurting, whichis something Icouldn’tdobefore. Idon’t have anything negative to sayabout my experiencehere. It’s agreat placeto come to,and l’ve alreadyrecommended someone here becauseofhow much it hashelped me
BarbaraBrown (Retired) HometownDonaldsonville, LA
IcametoLeBlanc SpineCenterbecause Ihad beensuffering forabout 2years with pullingin my lowerbackdownintomylegs. Ihad tried physical therapybut wasstillsuffering. AfterstartingSpinalDecompression treatments,Iamnow 70%improved! Ihaveless pain with walkingand more mobility.I have less pain in themorning when waking up,and Ican nowlift, bend,dohousehold chores and otherdaily activities with less pain.I am treated wonderfully by thestaff andIdorecommend LeBlancSpine Centerveryoften others.The doctorsare honest andsincere
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Forthe next 7days, we areofferingaspecial “Decompression Evaluation”offer,atnocostto you! What does this offer include? Everything we normally do in ournew patientevaluations:
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Youwill sitwiththe doctor oneonone to go over your x-rays,and you’ll gettosee everything first hand
At LeBlancSpine Center,weare honest with our patients andwegivepersonalizedattention and analysis to each case.Wetruly enjoymeeting with patients to answer theirquestions andtohelp find outifSpinalDecompressiontreatmentscould be theanswertotheir pain
Thereisnochargeatall andyou don’tneedtobuy anything.You have nothingtolosebytakingus up on this specialoffer andyou will getanswers to what is causingyourpain. If youhave seenour ads in thepastand have thoughtabout calling, don’t hesitate.You don’thavetogoonlivinginpain, missingout on activities andother part of life that youenjoy.Callustoday!
LeBlanc SpineCenter
Before coming to LeBlancSpine Center, I suffered from lowerbackpain when standing andaconstantdullpaininmylower left hip fornearly threeyears.I hadCTscans,anMRI andeventriedphysicaltherapy,which only gave me somerelief. Afriendrecommended LeBlancSpine Center, andI’m so glad they did. Thedoctors andstaff aretop-notch-wonderful competent, andgenuinely interested in helping theirpatients.Since startingcare, I’ve improvedabout 80%. Ican nowstand longer,walk, fish,and enjoyactivitiesthatwere previouslylimited by pain.Infact, I’meven planningtwo vacationsthisyear. Before my visits,Ifeltlikemyworldwas shrinking. LeBlanc SpineCentergavethatworld back to me,and I recommendthemwithenthusiasm
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A damaged chemical storage tank that authorities fear is at risk of exploding or rupturing in Southern California is gradually getting warmer despite efforts to reduce its internal temperature, a fire chief said Saturday No injuries were reported after the pressurized tank overheated Thursday and began venting vapors at a company site in Garden Grove, according to the Orange County Fire Authority Evacuation orders were issued for 40,000 people, and several shelters remained open Saturday, including at three high schools. Officials have no timeline on when residents can return to their homes.
Fire Authority Division Chief Craig Covey said Friday evening that efforts to cool the tank appeared to be working. But on Saturday he backtracked, saying a reading conducted by drones Friday showed the temperature on the outside of the tank, not the inside.
Cooling the tank is important because the liquid chemical’s flashpoint is 50 degrees, according to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health If the chemical heats up, it can release a vapor that is harmful to people’s health. It can cause respiratory issues, itching and burning eyes, nausea and headaches, said Dr Regina Chinsio-Kwong, the Orange County health officer Covey said emergency crews were able to see the
troubled tank’s temperature gauge in person late Friday
“Unfortunately I do have to report that the temperature was 90 degrees,” Covey said Saturday “Yesterday morning it was 77 degrees when we backed down. It’s been averaging about a degree an hour increasing.”
The concern is that the tank could fail and crack, releasing the liquid chemical onto the ground, or it could explode from pressure buildup, Covey said. If the contents spill, containment barriers have been set up to prevent the chemical from getting into storm drains or reaching creeks or the nearby ocean, he said. Purdue University engineering professor Andrew Whelton, who gets called into emergencies and disasters where public safety and health is at risk, said the “best-case scenario is that the tank springs a leak and spills the chemicals on the ground and people are warned about what to do to protect themselves.”
The damaged tank is located at GKN Aerospace, which makes parts for commercial and military aircraft. The tank holds between 6,000 and 7,000 gallons of methyl methacrylate, used to make plastic parts.
“Letting this thing just fail and blow up is simply unacceptable to us,” Covey said. He said the valves on the tank are broken or “gummed up” and prevented crews from removing the chemical or relieving the pressure on the tank.
In a statement GKN Aerospace said it was focused on working to ensure the safety of the community, its employees and responding agencies.
Initially, residents in Garden Grove were ordered to leave. Evacuation orders were expanded Friday to some residents of five other Orange County cities — Cypress, Stanton, Anaheim, Buena Park and Westminster. Some residents with pets said they planned to sleep in their cars.
BY SILVIA STELLACCI Associated Press
ACERRA, Italy Pope Leo XIV on Saturday greeted one by one families who lost loved ones to illegal toxic dumping in an area near Naples, tied to a multibillion criminal racket run by the mafia.
Many paused to share photographs and other mementos of children and young people who have died or are battling cancer because of the pollution.
Leo’s visit to the so-called Terra dei Fuochi, or Land of Fires, came on the eve of the 11th anniversary of Pope Francis’ big ecological encyclical Laudato Si (Praised Be), and indicates Leo’s commitment to carry on his predecessor’s environmental agenda.
“I have come first of all to gather the tears of those who have lost loved ones, killed by environmental pollution caused by unscrupulous people and organizations who for too long were able to act with impunity,” Leo said in remarks to family members and local clergy inside Acerra’s cathedral.
The pontiff recalled that the area now dubbed the Land of Fires was once called “Campania felix,” Latin for blessed or fruitful countryside, “capable for enchanting for its fertility, its produce and its culture, like a hymn to life.
“And yet — here is death, of the land and of men,” the pope said.
The European Court of Human Rights last year validated a generation of residents’ complaints that mafia dumping, burial and burning of toxic waste led to an increased rate of cancer and other ailments in the area of 90 municipalities around Caserta and Naples, encompassing a population of 2.9 million people.
The court found Italian authorities had known since 1988 about the toxic pollution, blamed on the Camorra crime syndicate that controls waste disposal, but failed to take necessary steps to protect the residents. The binding ruling gave Italy two years to set up a database about the toxic waste and verified health risks associated with living there.
Bishop Antonio Di Donna estimated 150 young people had died in the city of some 58,000 over the past three decades — emphasizing in his opening remarks that the number didn’t take into account adults and victims in other municipalities.
He urged the pope to admonish those who continue to pollute, noting that the dumping of tons of toxic waste was reported a day earlier near Castera. Di Donna said that Italian officials had identified dozens more human-caused contamination sites throughout the country, including the Venetian port of Marghera, and the leaching of PFAS forever chemicals into groundwater near Vicenza.
“We say to those brothers of ours ensnared in evil and seized by a mirage of fabulous earnings: Convert, change your ways, because what you are doing is not
only a crime, it is a sin that cries out to God for vengeance,” the bishop said. The pope later greeted the mayors of the 90 communities impacted by the toxic dumping, and greeted thousands of people waving yellow flags and chanting “Papa Leone” along the route of his popemobile and in a central piazza. The victims include Maria Venturato, who died of cancer in 2016 at the age of 25. Her father, Angelo, said he hopes to speak with the pope to explain their reality, “not for me for the next generation.”
“I’d like to give these young people a future, so I’m asking for the pope’s help with this. That is, I’m making a strong appeal to him to go to those in power and say, ‘Look, let’s heal this land of fires,’ ” he said on the eve of the pope’s visit. Inside the cathedral, Filomena Carolla presented the pope with a book containing memories from the life of her daughter, Tina De Angelis, who died of cancer at the age of 24.
“I’m just angry at the people who poisoned the soil, because what did our children have to do with it? What did they have to do with it, so young,” Carolla told The Associated Press on Friday
ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By SALVATORE LAPORTA Pope Leo XIV rides on his popemobile Saturday during his one-day pastoral visit in Acerra, Italy.
ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By ETHAN SWOPE Water is sprayed on a tank that overheated on Friday at an aerospace plant in Garden Grove, Calif.
Rubioarrives in Indiaahead of Quad talks
U.S. seeksto reset strainedties
By The Associated Press
NEW DELHI U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived in India on Saturday ahead of ameeting next week with his counterparts from India, Australia, and Japan, members of the Indo-Pacific strategic alliance known as the Quad.
Rubio’sfirst official tripto Indiacomes as Washington seeks to stabilize relations with New Delhi after ties soured over President DonaldTrump’stariff policies, which raised duties on several Indian exports.
Much of Rubio’sfour-day visit,however,willfocuson amulticity tour,alongwitha gala reception in New Delhi marking the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence.
“There’sa lot to work on with India, they’re agreat
ally and partner.Wedoa lot of good workwith them so this is animportanttrip,” Rubio said ahead of his visit to India Rubio arrived in eastern city ofKolkata early Saturday and was scheduled to visit Mother House,the headquarters of the Missionaries of Charity,founded by Mother Teresa. In coming days, he will alsovisit northern citiesofAgraand Jaipur, knownfor iconicmonuments andpalaces
LaterSaturday,Rubio called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi and “shared U.S. perspective on variousregional and global issues, including the situation inWest Asia,” a statement by Modi’soffice said.Modi reiterated India’s support for peace efforts and stressed the need to resolve conflicts through dialogue anddiplomacy,itsaid.
DHSthreats to ‘sanctuary city’ airports worrytravelindustry
BY JOSH FUNK and RIO YAMAT AP transportation and airlines Writers
The travel industry is on edge afterHomeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin reiterated his threat to withdraw U.S. Customs and Border Protectionofficers from airports in so-called“sanctuary cities” in amove that could jeopardize international flights.
ternational visitation,”the industry groupsaidFriday in astatement. Details of themeeting were first reported by The Atlantic.
The U.S. Travel Association said that Mullin confirmed he is considering withdrawing CPB officersin ameeting where the trade group was pressing its concerns about other proposals the Trump administrationis considering that couldhampertravel. U.S. Traveland themajor airlinesquickly condemned theidea, and even Transportation Secretary SeanDuffy saidit doesn’tmake sense to him.
“U.S. Travel believes such amove would have devastating consequences for the travel industry and communities that depend on in-
Duffy told acongressional hearing earlier this week that he wasn’tfamiliar withMullin’s remarks, and he’d like to learn more about the context and maybe ask Mullin aquestion about what he meant.But Duffy said it would be abad idea to start restrictingtravel based on political views. After all, at somepointDemocrats will be in charge and “you will all switch spots at one point —hopefully nottoo soon Mr Chairman,” Duffy said.
“Wehave peoplefrom aroundthe worldand around the countrythat need to be able to fly intoall different kinds of places. We shouldn’t shut down air travel in astate that doesn’tagree with our politics,” Duffy said. So it’snot clear how much support this idea has within theadministration, though President DonaldTrump
has previously threatened to withhold funding from sanctuary cities
There is no strict definition for sanctuary policies or sanctuary cities, but the terms generallydescribe limited cooperation withImmigration and CustomsEnforcement.And courts have rejected the idea of pulling funding from them in the past.
In Trump’sfirst term in office,in2017, courts struck down his effort to cut funding to the cities
It’s not clear exactly which citiesand airports Mullin might target,but the Justice Department lastyear publisheda list of three dozen states, citiesand counties that it considerstobesanctuary jurisdictions.
TheAirlinesfor America trade group was quick to saythe idea would hurt the economy and disrupt travel
“Reducing CBPstaffing at major airports would have a devastating effect on the airlineand tourism industries, causing asignificantoperational disruptiontocarriers, travelers andthe flow of international cargo.”
By The Associated Press
PHNOM PENH, Cambodia Two separate traffic accidents in Cambodia on Saturdaykilled at least 14 garment factory workers and injured 79 others, mostly women. The garment sector is Cambodia’smainexport earner,with low labor costs being its competitive advantage. Salaries, including overtime, generally amount to $200-$300 amonth. The firstincident occurred in the province of Kampong Chhnang, approximately 37 miles northofthe capital, Phnom Penh, whena heavy cargo truck crashed into an open-top trucktransporting workers to their factory Nine people were killed and 44 injured, according to a statement issuedbythe Labor Ministry. The second crashoccurred
in the southeastern province of Svay Rieng, oneofCambodia’smain garment-factory hubs.Abus carrying workers veered off the road and overturned, killing five and injuring 35 others.
Flatbed trucks are the usual method of transportation available for workers. They often lack seats or benches, forcing passengers to stand, significantly increasingthe risk of injury or death.
said the meeting was productive andfocusedonways to deepen U.S.-India cooperation in security,trade and critical technologies.
Rubio is also scheduled to hold abilateral meeting with India’sExternal AffairsMinister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar on Sunday On TuesdayinNew Delhi, Rubiowill participate in the ministerial meeting of the Quad that has repeatedly accusedChina of flexing its military muscles in the South
Mullin
sadorinIndia, in asocial me-
post said Rubio extended an invite to Modi on behalf of Trump to visit the White House in thenear future. He
BY LAURA UNGAR Associated Press
CINCINNATI The first time
5-year-old Calvin Owens wentoutside in more than amonth, he met up with his canine friend Hadley on a hospital patio. Despite being tethered to equipment with wires and tubes, the little boy managed to stand up near his wheelchairlong enough to toss her aball
He smiled as she ran to fetch it. Caregivers cheered
“Look how good you’re doing!” said Hadley’shandler, Schellie Scott. Such small victories and moments of joy are common whenever Hadley or one of the other three facility dogs at Cincinnati Children’sHospital show up. These furry caregiversaren’tthe typical therapy dogs volunteers bring to hospitals to comfort patients. They are specially trained, full-time working dogs that provide emotional support during stressful procedures, motivate kids to move around and make hospitals seem less scary.And experts say their ranks are growingatchildren’s hospitals across the nation.
Amounting body of researchshows that even short interactions with facility dogs can improve children’soverall well-being, decrease the pain they feel andreduce signs of stress, like cortisol levels and blood pressure.
“These dogs are making a real difference,” said Kerri Rodriguez, director of the Human-Animal Bond Lab at the University of Arizona “They can provide alittle bit of normalcy,alittle bit of comfort, in areally stressful, sterile environment that kids might not feel comfortable in.”
Although no onetracksthe number of facility dogs in children’shospitals, Rodriguez points to the continual growth of the annual Facility Dog Summit, wherehandlers and other participants network and where atten-
dance nearly doubled from 2024 to 2025. Other types of hospitals also have full-time dogs, but experts say children’shospitals account for most of the expansion in programs.One large nonprofit, Canine Assistants in Georgia, has aspecific children’s hospital initiative through whichithas placed more than 80 dogsnationally
Dogs havebeen on the job for years at places such as Mount Sinai Kravis Children’sHospital in NewYork, Norton Children’s in Louisville, Kentucky,and St. Louis Children’sHospital.And new programs keepsprouting up. In March, Johns Hopkins Children’sCenter in Maryland introducedits first two facility dogs.
Hospitals generally get thedogs from nonprofits. Organizations such as Canine Companions, where CincinnatiChildren’sgets itsdogs, breed, raise and train them, then place them with hospital staff members but still own them. Dogs and handlersliveand work together
Althoughhospitalsdon’t pay for the dogs, they’re responsiblefor costs such as food and veterinary care, which can add up, especially since most are larger breeds like Labradors or goldenretrievers. Hospitals usually fundraise or seek grants to cover thecosts.
Experts saythe benefits of these sorts of “animalassistedtherapies”are clear.A2022 studyRodriguez coauthored analyzed asurvey conductedacross 17 children’shospitals. Pediatric healthprofessionalsdescribed how facility dogs providedacomforting presence,built rapport, and normalized thehospital environment for children and families. A2021 studyinthe Journal of Pediatric Nursing concludedthat animal-assistedtherapies werebeneficial for controlling painand bloodpressure in children and teens. Other research also found these therapies
reduce anxiety and pain and can even improve heart and lung function.
Facility dogsare allowed in moresensitive areas of the hospitalthanvolunteer dogs,and sometimes serve particular hospital units. Opal, one of two St. Louis dogs, splitsher time between the pediatricbehavioral health unit and the child protection program. No matter where thedogs work, keeping them clean is key
Hadley, in Cincinnati, is bathed twice amonth because she works in the cancer and blood diseases area, where kids might have reduced immunity. Shegets even morebaths,orcleanings with special wipes, if she’spotentially exposed to germs.Handlers use leashes andballs that can be easily cleaned, and people must sanitize their hands before and after touching the dogs. If apatient is in isolation, the dogstays outside the room. The oneexception is if adyingchild wants adog to be close. In thosecases,
caregivers sayconcerns about germsare outweighed by the need to easefears and provide comfort
Hadley’sworkdaystarts whenever herhandler Scott —whose jobasachild life assistant involves keeping patients’lives as normalas possible— arrives at the hospital. Hadleymostly sees patients,but also gets breaks when she can just do what she wants.
On arecent morning, the Labrador-golden retriever mix raced around agrassy dogplayarea with hercanine co-worker, Grover
While Grover is calm and chill, Hadley gets so excited sheshakes her head to toss balls to herself.
“Hadley loves life,” Scott said. “Hadley lives big.”
Insidethe hospital, the dogs get constant attention Forhandlers,“it’slike being the assistant to afamous person,”joked Scott.
Signs of the dogs’ celebrity status are everywhere.
They appear on closedcircuit television shows filmed by the hospitaland
beamed into patient rooms. Photos of the dogs, themed forholidays or events, line the hallways. And there are mailboxes where kids can droplettersorpicturesfor the dogs and get replies.
Patients can also get trading cards for each dog with stats like breed and birthday, bandanastodecorate for their furry friend, or littlestuffeddogs. Caregivers create books featuring the dogs to show kids about procedures or treatments they’re about to undergo.
Kidshospitalized forlong stretches get to know the dogs well.
Aspen Franklin, a14-yearoldfighting alife-threatening immune disorder,has been coming to thehospital since she was atoddler and wasrecently hospitalized forweeks. At times, Hadley has snuggled beside her in bed.
“She hasa calming presence,” Aspen said. “That is a comfort to me.”
Like other facilitydogs, Hadleyalso helps herfamily cope. WhenAspen’syounger
brother Emory donated his cells for herbone marrow transplant,Hadleyspent time withhim —and other visiting siblings.
Having Hadley around “is really nice because they’re away fromtheir animals at home,” said their mom, Brittney Franklin,whose family has two dogs and a cat.
Franklin recentlywatched as Aspen painted withHadley.The dog couldn’tgoin her room so soon after her transplant, so Aspen dabbed colors on asmallcanvas and handed it to Scott, whoput it in aplastic bag and smeared peanut butter on top. Just outside the room,Hadley eagerly licked it up. Apiece of abstract art emerged. Hadley’snext patientwas Calvin,the littleboy she metonthe patio. Calvin has arare, severetypeofchildhood arthritisand recently had abone marrow transplant. Though he could only stand fora few moments at atime, he madethe effort repeatedly to play with Hadley
“He’ssuch astrong little man,” Scott said.
After Calvinwentinside, Hadley met up with 11-yearoldBethanyStriggles, who recentlyfinisheda chemotherapy treatment forbone cancer.The girl hurled the ball allthe waydown the hallway, andHadleybounded happily to retrieve and gently return it. Bethany rewarded her with an ice pop.
“She helps me exercise more,” Bethany said. “She’s energetic and happy and always likes to see me.” But Hadleydoes eventually tire. When that happens, she goes back to an office affectionately knownasher lair,where she has treats, toys and abig dog bed. Above the bed is abulletin board covered withdrawings, photos and notes. One, written on orange construction paper,contains asmall, pink handprint andthe words: “Thank youfor being my BEST FRIEND.”
Border wall work desecratingsacredsites,leaders say
BY JULIE WATSON and MORGAN LEE Associated Press
TECATE, Mexico White sage burning, Norma Meza Calles gathers guests at aMexican wellness resort into asemicircle facing Kuuchamaa Mountain and asks everyone to close theireyesand feel its presence.
“This is sacredtouslike achurch for youall. The mountain is our healer,our psychologist,” said Meza Calles, aKumeyaay Nation tribal leader who explains that in its creation story a shaman transformed into the mountain. “Hereis where we gather strength to live in this difficultworld.”
Then she calls for amoment of reflection. Butthe silence is pierced by the crushing of rock. U.S. federal contractors have been blasting and bulldozing Kuuchamaa, whichstraddles both countries, to make way for new sections of wall along the U.S.-Mexico border
Indigenous leaders say that in theTrump administration’srush to build border walls, contractors are desecrating Native American sacred places and cultural sites at an unprecedented pace, more than 170years after the international boundary split the territories of dozens of tribes
Blastsonsacredmountain
Barrier constructionhas ramped up along the 1,954mile border even as illegal crossings have plummeted to historic lows. Much of it began this year afterthe U.S. Department of Homeland Security waived cultural and environmental laws.
In California,explosions on Kuuchamaa send rocks hurtling down its Mexico side.
“Wefeel that in our DNA,” said Emily Burgueno, a California member of the Kumeyaay Nation, adding that “body” and“land” arethe sameword in the Kumeyaay language. Some tribal leaders met with DHS officials to urge them to protect Kuuchamaa andare looking into legal action.
“No one everconsented or supported the use of dynamiteonthe mountain,” Burgueno said.
The nation consists of more than adozen tribes in California and Mexico’s Baja California In Arizona, DHS con-
Skiles, aretired Big Bend National Park ranger
“Thereare pictographs, paintings of shaman figures and various things that we don’tknowhow to interpret,” said Skiles, describing thedrawings on his family’s ranchlands.
After community backlash, CBP’sonlineplanning map showed the30-foot-wall plans were scrapped for surveillance technology, patrols andsome vehicle barriers. A segment in the national park and neighboring Big Bend RanchState Park wouldrely on technology alone.
have littered,polluted and trampled sensitive habitat, the agency says. CBP also says 535 miles of remote, rugged border terrain will solely rely on detection technology
Many tribes would prefer that to walls.
It’s afelony
Tribes along the border
mentand fines. In 1992, the National Park Service listed KuuchamaaMountain, also called Tecate Peak, in the NationalRegisterofHistoric Places, giving it limited protection. It noted that “discarding or disturbing the mountain’snatural state would be sacrilegious.”
tra ct or sl as tm ont h carved through amassive 1,000-year-old fish-shaped geoglyph called “Las Playas Intaglio.” The rare drawing, etched into the desert floormuchlike Peru’sNazca Lines, was created on alava field in what is now the Cabeza PrietaNationalWildlife Refuge
The Tohono O’odham Nation said it had pointed out the site on its ancestral land forcontractors to avoid
“This was adevastating andentirely avoidable loss,” Tohono O’odham Chairman Verlon Jose saida statement.“There is nothing more important than ourhistory,which is what makes us whoweare as O’odham.The site was also an irreplaceable pieceofthe United States’ history,one none of us can everget back.”
U.S. Customs and Border Protection said that acontractor “inadvertently disturbed”the site west of Ajo, Arizona, on April23, but it vowed to protect the remaining portion. CBP Commissioner Rodney Scottis talkingto tribal leaders to determine next steps
Members of the Inter-Tribal Association of Arizona, which represents 21 tribes, traveled to Washington last monthtolobby against a 20-foot secondary wall being built along thatsection of theborder,aswellasa primary 30-foot bollard wall planned on TohonoO’odham tribal lands.They met with Homeland Security Secretary MarkwayneMullin,a Cherokee Nation member, who listened but made clear his intent is to build more border walls as fast aspossible, theTohono O’odham Nation said in astatement.
Undercontract
The Trump administra-
tion says the barriers are necessary to keep people and drugs from entering the U.S.illegally.Itwants walls to cover at least 1,400 miles of the border
Trump’s“Big Beautiful Bill” devoted over $46 billion to the effort.
CBPhas awarded contracts or begun constructiononover600 milesof new border wall, withcompanion surveillance technology.A double wall is planned or underconstruction along another 370 miles.
In Arizona, wherethe Patagonia Mountains descendtothe border,heavy machinery crawls along freshlygraded roads to extenda double wall that could block awildlife corridor for endangered ocelots and jaguars.
Jaguars have long coexisted with the TohonoO’odham, whoconsider the species “spiritual guardians,”AustinNunez, atriballeader, said in a2025 lawsuit that unsuccessfully challenged theDHS waivers In Sunland Park, on New Mexico’sborderwith Mexico, crews this yearset off blasts on Mount Cristo Rey, apilgrimagesitetopped with alimestone crucifix.
CBP is seeking to seize a strip of the mountain owned by the Roman Catholic Churchfor wall construction.The DioceseofLas Cruces asked ajudge this month to deny the land transfer as an affront to religiousliberties and the “faithful who seektocommunewith God on Mount Cristo Rey.”
In western Texas, the federal government in February notified ranchers on the Rio Grande east of Big Bend National Park of its interest in theirland that contains canyonland pictographs and petroglyphs,said Raymond
CBP says it recognizes the importanceofnatural andculturalresourcesand is workingtominimizethe construction’simpact, including leaving drainage gates open in wildlife corridors for animal passage Illegal border crossings
“are all experiencing the sametragic desecration of ourcultural and sacred sites,” saidBurgueno,chair of theKumeyaayDiegueño Land Conservancy,anonprofit organizationinCalifornia that works to protect Kumeyaay lands. “This is a great example of thefederal government not following federal laws.”
Desecrating asacred Native American site on U.S federal or tribal land is afelony, punishable by imprison-
Rising 3,885 feet above sealevel,Kuuchamaahas also captivatednon-Native people.
SarahLivia Brightwood Szekelysaid her father,Edmond Szekely, felt themountain’shealing energywhen he arrivedinTecate, Mexico, as aHungarian Jewish refugee during World War II, and started the renowned wellness resort, Rancho La Puerta, which she now runs. “There areall of these people thathaveadeep relationship with the mountain,” she said.
When companiesexplore thepossibility of openingorexpanding theirbusinessesinBaton Rouge, oneofthe firstquestions is aboutthe localworkforce talent pipeline.And,asleaders rethinkjob requirements,theyincreasingly want to know aboutthe strength of thelocal K-12 school system
“TheK-12studentsrightnowaretheemployees that companiesare goingtohireinthe future.It’s so importanttoensuretheyare gainingasolid educationalfoundation,”saidSandy Michelet, vicepresidentofhumanresourcesatSparkhound an IT consulting companyinBaton Rouge. “The classroomknowledge is important, butK-12is alsowherekidslearnaboutleadership,teamwork interactingwithothers, problem-solving,and good decision-making.”
Thedirectrelationshipbetween qualityK-12 educationand localeconomicgrowthisone reason that localadvocates areconcerned about data that show ahighrateofteacher turnover in East BatonRouge Parish Public Schools. Baton RougeAlliancefor Students Action is urging district leaderstodevelop acomprehensive workforcestrategytoattract,develop,and retain high-quality educators.
ThelatestdatafromtheLouisianaDepartment of Educationand an EBRSchools Compensation Studyshow:
•One in fiveteacher vacanciesinLouisiana areinthe East BatonRouge Parish School System
Anderson addedthatmanyprospective teachersalsoweigh workplaceculture, professional support, andlong-termgrowthopportunities just as heavilyascompensation. “Ifwewanttotreat teachers as theprofessionalsthattheyare,itrequiresustoget innovative abouthow we supportthem,” shesaid. “Wecan’t just supportnew teachers or school leaders. We have to be therefor everyone on theeducation continuum. Salary increasesare always nice butwesee that people want to work in schools wheretheyhave theresources they need and feel appreciated.
Accordingtothe Alliance Action survey, otherreasons teachers gave forleaving theirjobs included school cultureand morale,aswellas safety concerns.InNorth BatonRouge,student behavior andadministrativesupport were top concerns,while teachers in Mid-City were more likely to leavedue to workload,compensation, andlong-term financialstability.Excessive workload andpersonalfactors played alarger role in SouthBaton Rouge.
•Nearlyone in four teachers leaveEBRPSS each year,with70percent exitingwithin fiveyears
•The district spends up to $25,000 perteacher on recruitmentand onboarding,totalingan estimated$25 millionannually
An Alliance Action survey of 109EastBaton Rougepublicschoolteachersfound that thetop reason educatorsleave is becauseofsalaries. Otherfactors includeexcessive workloads, a lack of supportfromadministrators,student behavior,and alackofrespect forteachers.
“Every childdeservesaccesstoahigh-quality education, andthatstartswithahigh-quality teacherinevery classroom,”saidAdonica Pelichet Duggan,CEO of BatonRouge Alliance for Students Action.“Thedatamakes clearthatwe arefalling shortinaparticularlydifficult moment nationwide,and that requires urgent,strategic action from theschoolboard.”
TheLouisiana Resource Center forEducators focusesonalternative teachercertificationand helpingprofessionals from otherindustriestransition into educationcareers. Taylor Anderson, LRCEexecutivedirector,saidshehearsoftenfrom people whohaveastrongdesiretoteach andgive back to localyouth.Yet,manyhesitatetostart thecertificationprocessoversalaryconcerns.
“There’s beenabig push to professionalize teaching, but thesalariesstill don’talways reflectthat. Thecostoflivingisincreasing, butteacher salaries aren’t always able to keep up,” Anderson said.“It canbehardtogointo educationknowing that youare likely goingto take amajor salary cut.
“The absenceofaneducatortalentstrategy hasrealconsequencesfor students,” Alliance Action leadersnoted.“Withouta plan to address thetalentproblem,teacher qualityvarieswidely across schools, andaccesstoopportunity becomesuneven. Michelet said Sparkhound hasseenthat focusing on employeeretention,development, andcareerplans canpay dividends andhelp companiessucceed in thelongrun.The same approach canworkineducation,she said “I thinkthatifwewantbetteroutcomesfor students,weneedtotreat educatorslikethe talented professionalstheyare,just like thebest companiesdo,”Micheletsaid. “Goodcompanies identify topperformers andensuretheyfeel valued andsupported.Weneedtodothe same thingwithteachersinschools.You have to have strong teachers whofeelliketheyworkinastrong culture, have developmentopportunities,and feel appreciated. Ultimately,the BatonRouge Alliance for Students Action wantstosee acomprehensive educator workforceplanthataddresses recruitment,retention,and professional development. “Ifweget this right, BatonRouge canbecomea modelforhowacommunityinvestsinitseducators anddeliversonthe promiseofpubliceducation,” said Pelichet Duggan.“This is ultimately about outcomes:for students,for families,and forthe future of BatonRouge.”
ASSOCIATEDPRESS PHOTO By GREGORy BULL
Construction crewswork on anew border wall segment near the end of apreviously built section on Kuuchamaa Mountain.
BY ELYSE CARMOSINO Staff writer
Early learning centers can play an important role in helping kids develop a healthy relationship to screens, experts say
Last week, the Surgeon General’s Office issued an advisory about screen time among children and teens, calling it a public health concern and warning that exposure to screens often begins before a child has even turned 1. Experts recommend that children between the ages of 2 and 5 get no more than an hour of screen time per day, while children under 2 should get none. Yet one recent study found that the average U.S. 1-year-old spends 53 minutes in front of screens each day, which soars to an average of 150 minutes by age 3. The prevalence of screens, and the risks for young children, make it crucial that early childcare centers responsibly monitor screen use, said Amanda Staiano, a developmental psychology and public policy expert at the Pennington Biomedical Research Center in Baton Rouge.
Staiano and her team put together the state’s first Screentime Regulations Toolkit to help early learning centers do just that.
The 20-page guide outlines the state education department’s existing screen policies, which prohibit activities on electronic devices for children under 2 and limit in-class screen time to two
EDUCATION
importance of having adults actively monitor young children’s screen use by using the technology alongside them and talking to them about what they’re watching.
Staiano spoke to The TimesPicayune | The Advocate about how screens affect developing brains and ways schools and parents can make the most of the screen time kids do get.
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity
What led your team to create the Screen Time Regulations Toolkit?
The Louisiana Department of Education regulates early childcare centers, and they added an electronic device policy a number of years ago that says these centers need to limit screen time to no more than two hours a day while a child is at the center
hours per day
It also offers guidance on how schools can incorporate limited educational screen time into the school day and educate parents on responsible use.
Data have linked excessive screen use in young children to less physical activity, higher obesity rates, worse cognitive development and delayed social skills.
But Staiano doesn’t necessarily advocate for a complete screen ban.
Instead, she supports what the toolkit describes as a “smart screen” approach, which emphasizes using screen time in a way that’s educational while encouraging students to think critically about what they’re being shown.
The guide also emphasizes the
We created the toolkit to try to educate centers about this, but also to provide them tools and resources on how they can comply with these regulations, or maybe even do better than these regulations.
What does research tell us so far about the impact of screen time on developing brains?
Screen time research is so ubiquitous, but on different devices, it can be hard to accurately measure how much time kids and families are even spending with screens.
But there seems to be more and more research emerging that not only are we seeing links between screen time and performance on cognitive tests, but we’re also seeing how screen use physically changes the brain
In one study, researchers found links between excessive screen time and the loss of white matter (connective nerve fibers that help communicate information to different areas of the brain).
Many studies have also shown that excessive screen time can cause poorer executive functioning and worse academic and psychosocial outcomes.
How much screen time should children get each day?
It depends on who you ask. Generally, there’s acknowledgment that a child shouldn’t have any screen time until about 18 months, but things like FaceTime would be OK, for example, in cases where family members live out of state and it’s a way for the kid to interact with them.
There’s a period of time in toddlerhood and early preschool where the recommendation is about one hour of quality co-viewing time per day. That means co-watching educational content from reputable companies, where the parent is sitting down with the kid and explaining what’s happening and asking questions like they would when reading a book.
Once a child reaches school age, the American Academy of Pediatrics suggests that families make a media plan together to decide how much screen time is appropriate
What are some ways parents and schools can reduce kids’ screen time?
There are a lot of recommendations families can follow to help them have a healthier relationship with screens.
Typically, households have kids
WE’RE ASKING EXPERTS ACROSS THE STATE HOW TO TACKLE THE BIGGEST CHALLENGES FACING LOUISIANA SCHOOLS.
of multiple ages who have different needs and preferences, so research indicates that having boundaries and rules in the household is what seems to be most beneficial for kids. The important thing is to have everyone in the family agree with those rules and stick to them.
Families should also be aware that those rules might change a little bit during the summer months.
That’s OK, but we don’t want screens in the bedrooms, we don’t want screens to interrupt sleep, and we want to avoid prolonged sitting in front of screens.
How much screen time should young children get at school?
I think we’re introducing screens in early elementary in ways that aren’t really necessary Of course, kids need to know how to operate a computer, but they’ll learn that at home Through school, they’ll be typing out papers and learning how to find credible information online, so I think schools really need to focus on media literacy and teaching kids how to be smart consumers of media.
Schools need to have their own policies on how and how often screens are used so they can ensure it’s for educational purposes. Ultimately, I recommend avoiding screens entirely in the early years and then incorporating them as they make sense with the curriculum.
We all need to be smart consumers of screens.
If we try to totally restrict them, which isn’t really possible in this day and age, we’re going to be sending kids out into the world as unsophisticated users.
Email Elyse Carmosino at ecarmosino@theadvocate.com.
Single GenZwomen outpaceGen Zmen in homeownership
Butthere still is overalldeclinein first-time buyers
BY ALEX VEIGA Associated Press
LOS ANGELES Single GenZ women are outpacing their male counterparts whenit comes to buying ahome. They accounted for35% of all homebuyers in their generation, while single Gen Zmen represented 18%, according to survey data from the National AssociationofRealtors.
NAR surveyed people who bought ahome between July 2024 and June 2025. The survey included homebuyers from several generations, from Gen Z, ages 18-26, to the Silent Generation,ages80to100 No other generation had a bigger share of single women homebuyers than Gen Z. OverallGen Zers,which the survey definesasthose born between 1999 and 2011, still only made up 4% of all homebuyers during the survey period. And at the time of the survey,the share of U.S. homes bought by firsttime buyers of all ages sank to the lowest level on record going back to 1981. First-time buyers often don’thave equity from a previous home to put toward adown payment. That was the situation for Bri LaFluer.After years of socking away half her pay,working two jobs and aided by a slowing housing market, she bought her own home in 2023atthe age of 24.
“I’ve always been areally independent person and I just wanted my own placeto have peaceand quiet by myself,” said LaFluer,now 27. Her home search began in 2021, but historically low mortgage rates made the market ultra competitive, which turbocharged prices. Twoyears later she finally landed ahouse in Baldwinsville, N.Y., about 15 miles from Syracuse, that was built in 1900 and has three bedrooms, and 11/2-baths andabig yard. She gotitfor $175,000.
“I feel like it was meant to be and this just ended up being the perfect house for me and my dogs,” she said.
Acontentcreatorfor a
“I did notgoout andwas driving an old beat-upcar,” saidBerry,asocial media contentcreator.“It was not fun.”
The penny-pinching paid off in 2023,whenBerry bought hertwo-bedroom, one-bath home in Charleston, Tennessee, asmall town about 45 miles outside of Chattanooga. She was just 23.
Berry had alwayswanted to be ahomeowner, but the
goal took on more urgency aftera periodwhen she and herboyfriend werebouncing between living in shortterm rentalsorcouch surfing with friends.
Berry got her home,one of two units in aranch-style duplex,for $218,000.She financed the balance after making a$7,000downpaymentwith a30-year mortgage at 6% interest.
“I do think it’s pretty frickin’ awesome that I’m
ahomeowner andthatI became ahomeowner at 23,” she said. “I will saythatafterIput in the offer,I wanted to puke.Iwas like,’Oh my God, did Idothe right thing?’
Berry’snow looking at the possibility of buying the otherhalfofthe duplex some day. “That could be agood opportunity forustohaveand likerent out half of it,” she said.
video game company,LaFluer livedwith her mom and paid amodest rent, which helped her save up faster for the $20,000 down payment
The NARsurvey data are thelatestsignthatsingle women overallare becoming homeowners atgreater rates than single men. Gen Zhomebuyers aremuch more likelythan homebuyers in all othergenerations to be unmarried.
But single women across the generations made up a quarterofall homebuyers in the July 2024-June 2025 period, according to NAR. Single men, meanwhile,accounted for 11% of all home purchases.
This has been alongstanding trendgoing back at least to 1981. In 2006, at the height of the mid-2000s housing boom,the share of homes bought by single women peaked at 22%,accordingtoNAR. For single men, their share of homeownership peaked at 12% in 2010.
Experts saythereisno one-size-fits-all answer to why across the generations single women outnumber single men as homeowners.
Women noware outpacing men in college attendance, which can lead to higher incomes, saidJessicaLautz, NAR’sdeputy chief economist.
Theytend to have astrong desire for homeownership as away to secure their independence,something they historically could not easily do alone.
“Itwasn’tuntilthe 1970s where women were legally protectedtohave amort-
gage on their own,”Lautz said. “And they have embraced this and been very strongly embracing this.”
Aspiring Gen Zhomeownersfacea number of challenges to affording ahome: They’re typically just getting started in their careers, withtheir best incomeearning years ahead.They areunlikely to be married and may have student loans to pay off.
Their median annual income of $76,000, as of 2024, also was the lowest compared to homebuyers from all other generations, according to NAR.
Years of soaring home prices have furt her stretched the limits of affordability.While home price growth has slowed andprices havefallen in manymetro areas,prices are mostly still rising.
The median U.S. home sales price stoodat$417,700 last month,up0.9% from a year earlier,according to NAR.
Still, Gen Zhomebuyers are also more likely to receive financialhelpfrom family,and many aresavvy aboutlooking into communitygrants or other payment assistance programs for first-time homebuyers. And 1in10tappedtheir 401(k) retirement savings plan to put toward their down payment,according to NAR.
Otherhomeshoppers have no recourse but to saveupontheir own.
That’swhat Mariah Berry focused on when many of her fellow college grads were going out and living it up.
Louisianahomeownersarefacingsomeofthehighest insurancecosts in thecountry,and many areasking thesamequestions:Whyareratesclimbing?Whyare quotessodifferent? Andwhy does it feel impossible to predictwhatinsurance will cost from year to year?
drivingrates down.We’re alreadyseeingthiswork in thecarinsurancemarketplace
Q: Whydotwo neighbors on thesamestreetpay wildly differentinsurance premiums?
Q: Whydoesmyinsurance go up everyyearevenwhen I’ve never filedaclaim?
In2019,rateswererelativelylowcomparedtotoday’s market.Louisianahadn’thadacatastrophichurricane seasonsinceGustavin2008,andmanyinsurershadbeen lowering rates. It wasn’t uncommon foraninsurance companytoinsurea $300,000 home with apremium as little as $300 to $600 annually In2020,Louisianawashitbyfivehurricanesinasingle season,andthefollowingyear,HurricaneIdadevastated thestate.EvenareasliketheCapitalRegion,whichwere sparedtheworstofIda’sdirectimpactcomparedtothe riverparishes, stillabsorbed thestatewide rate fallout in theyears that followed.Meanwhile theCOVID-19 pandemic disruptedsupplychains, andlumberprices nearlyquadrupled.Repairsthatmayhavecost$10,000 beforesuddenlycost$20,000to$30,000 Thehighvolumeofclaimswasn’tadequatelycovered by thepremiumsinsurerswerecollectingatthe time In2022,approximatelyadozeninsurerseitherbecame insolventordecidedtowithdrawfromLouisiana.When thathappens,thecompaniesleftbehindtakeonmore exposure,and ratesmustincrease. Localand national insurancecompanies also rely heavilyonreinsurance,which,simplyput,isinsurance forinsurance companies. Ourlocal insurers pay apremium to global reinsurers.Whenlossesfrom adisastersurpass theregionalproviders’deductible threshold, reinsurancecompanies help coverthe remainingportion of insurers’claimscosts Insuranceisallaboutpoolingrisk.Worldwidelosses likeearthquakes,mudslides,andfiresaffectreinsurance pricingglobally. That meansevenhomeownerswith no claims canstill seeincreases if losses rise across Louisiana, or around theworld
Q: Whyhaven’t ratesstabilizedyet in Louisiana?
This partiallycomes down to howinsurance rate increasesare regulated. Insurancecompanies must file rate changeswiththe LouisianaDepartmentof Insurancefor approval,which candelay howquickly premiums reflectcurrent market conditions.Bythe time ratesare approvedand putinplace,we’re often alreadyenteringanotherhurricane season.
In recent years, Louisianalawmakers have passed reformsdesignedtoattract more insurers backinto themarket,includinglimited“file-and-use”legislation intendedtospeeduppartsoftherateapprovalprocess Thesereforms ideallyincreaseinsurer profitability, increasing competitioninthe market,and ultimately
Whilelocationmatters,insurersalsousedozensof data points when determining premiums,including creditscore,roofageandcondition,priorclaimshistory homemaintenance,elevation andflood exposure distancefromthecoast,liabilityrisksontheproperty, rebuildingcosts,andmore.InBatonRougespecifically, floodzonereclassificationsafterthe2016floodreshaped whatsomehomeownerspayforfloodinsurance,even on thesameblock
Acaptiveagencyworkswithoneinsurancecompany Anindependentagencycancomparepoliciesfrommultiple insurerstohelpclientsfindsuitablecoverage.Wecanalso helpclientsbundlepoliciestoqualifyfordiscounts,even whencoveragecomesfromdifferentinsurers. Differentcarriersalsoweigh risk differently. One companymayheavilypenalizeanolderroofwhileanother mayfocusmoreonanotherfactorsuchascoastalexposure “Wesee houses everyweekthatone carrierwill writewithout blinking andthe next onewilldecline outright,”saidCalebMurphy,officemanageratChabert InsuranceofBatonRouge.“Sometimesit’stheroofage Sometimesit’sacrackinthedrivewayoratreelimbon thegutters.Eachcompany hasits ownappetite, and that appetite changesthroughoutthe year Theonly waytoknowwhereyourhomefitstodayistoactually runitthrough multiple carriers.”
Most Louisianahomeownersbenefitfromhaving theircoveragere-shoppedeverytwotothreeyears,or anytimethere’s amajor lifeorpropertychange. An independentagent
ASSOCIATED PRESS FILE PHOTO
The National Association of Realtors surveydata is the latest sign that single womenoverall are becominghomeowners at greaterrates than single men.
photo by:Tim Mueller Photography
Miss. casino pools offering day passes
Cool off this summer at one of these hot spots
BY MARTHA SANCHEZ Staff writer
Six casinos across the Mississippi Gulf Coast are advertising pool day passes this spring and summer Visitors hoping to cool off for the day will
find most options in Biloxi’s casino row.
But the Hollywood Casino in Bay St Louis is also offering an option that could lure tourists from Louisiana.
Prices are highest on weekends and holidays and range from $10 weekday passes to $375 deluxe cabanas.
Hollywood Casino Gulf Coast
The Hollywood Casino in Bay St. Louis features a pool, lazy river, hot tub and swim-up bar
The amenities are open to guests of the casino’s hotel and RV park but other visitors can rent cabanas for the day.
Cabanas cost $75 Monday through Thursday and $100 on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. They can be booked through the casino’s website.
Guests younger than 18 must be supervised by adults who are at least 21. No outside coolers, food or drinks are allowed.
711 Hollywood Blvd., Bay St. Louis
Pool hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday through Sunday
Treasure Bay Casino and Hotel
The pool at Treasure Bay Casino and Hotel in Biloxi features cabanas, food and poolside cocktails between Memorial Day and Labor Day Day passes are available for visitors who are 21 and older Passes cost $10 Monday through Friday, $20 on weekends and $25 for special events. They are available for purchase at Agua Bar and Grill on the upper pool deck.
The casino asks day pass visitors to bring their own towels.
1980 Beach Blvd., Biloxi
Open daily
Beau Rivage Resort & Casino
Pool guests at the Beau Rivage Resort & Casino in Biloxi can relax with views of the Gulf. Nonhotel guests can access the pool by renting a gazebo, cabana or two kinds
of loungers. Gazebos fit up to six guests and include personalized service, a shade canopy, bottled water four cushioned loungers and two chairs. A gazebo rental costs $125 Monday through Thursday, $250 on Fridays and Sundays and $325 on Saturdays and holidays.
Private cabanas fit up to eight guests and include personalized service, an umbrella, a TV, ceiling fan, safe and refrigerator
They cost $75 Monday through Thursday $150 on Fridays and Sundays and $375 on Saturdays and holidays.
Poolside loungers cost $60 Monday through Thursday, $80 Fridays and Sundays and $100 on Saturdays and holidays.
Loungers cost $50 Monday through Thursday, $60 on Fridays and Sundays and $70 on Saturdays and holidays. Rentals can be booked on the Beau Rivage website or by calling (228) 386-7684.
875 Beach Blvd., Biloxi
Pool hours: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
The pool at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Biloxi includes cabanas, palm trees and a swim-up bar It is cashless, and outside guests must be at least 21.
Day passes for nonhotel guests cost $30 Monday through Friday and $40 on weekends and holidays.
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Previous dental work canwear out.
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Treatment is expensive especially the servicespeople over 50 often need.
777 Beach Blvd., Biloxi
Pool hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Harrah’s Gulf Coast
Guests at Harrah’s Gulf Coast can enjoy a pool with views of the Mississippi Sound and Deer Island.
Nonhotel guests can purchase day passes for $19.99 Monday through Thursday and $24.99 Friday through Sunday Day passes are available for purchase on the casino’s website.
The pool is adults-only after 8 p.m.
280 Beach Blvd., Biloxi
Pool hours: 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Golden Nugget Biloxi
The pool and bar at the Golden Nugget in Biloxi includes over 100 chaise lounge chairs, 12 cabanas and 10 daybeds. It is cashless, and nonhotel guests can buy day passes Monday through Sunday, excluding holidays. Guests must be 21 or older to purchase pool passes, which have limited availability
Depending on the day, wristbands cost between $20 and $30, daybeds cost between $50 and $150, and cabanas cost between $150 and $250.
Prices are highest on weekends, and passes can be booked online.
151 Beach Blvd., Biloxi
Open daily
BY JUSTIN MITCHELL Staff writer
becoming expensive ones. The best way to preventlargedental bills is preventive care. TheAmerican Dental Association recommends checkups twice ayear.
Consider these national average costs of treatment. $274for acheckup $299 for afilling $1,471 foracrown.3 Unexpected bills likethis can be areal burden, especially if you’re on afixed income.
“Medicare&You,”Centersfor Medicare&Medicaid Services,2025. 2 “Aging changesinteeth and gums”, medlineplus.gov,4/17/2022. 3 FairHealth, Inc. National average dentalfees. Datacurrent as of July 2025;subject to change
“Absolutely love” “I absolutely love my dental insurance. My dentaloffice files the claims,leaving me with very little balancetopay.” Dorothy P.,TN
SUN HERALD PHOTO By HANNAH RUHOFF
The pool at Harrah’s Gulf Coast casino in Biloxi is a favorite place to cool off with a swim and a frozen daiquiri.
LOUISIANAPOLITICS
Officialswaiting on detailsfor
Moneywould come faster,but there mightbeacatch
WASHINGTON —Onthe August
2005 morning after Hurricane Katrina passed, agood many south Louisiana households woke up thinking, “Well, that wind event wasn’tthat bad.”
Mark Ballard
Only the people near failing levees initially knew just how bad the flooding would become. And that’s the worry about akey FEMA Review Council recommendation that the Federal Emergency Management Agency is consideringfor gettingfederal money to disaster survivors quickly
Right now,public comments are being collected on the council’s150 or so suggestions. State andlocal officials are happy about getting federal assistance quicker but unsure, at least until details are ironed out, about the centerpiece for making that happen Trump’spanel suggested
RAPID Parametric Block Grants to send money to state treasuries within 30 days, rather than the often yearslong approach of paying only after services have been renderedand vetted. But that means sending the money before all the damage assessments are made.
“We’re recommending that they use parametrics to do that.
It’sbased on historical datathat the community has about the damages caused in the past,” said Mark Cooper,a member of the president’stask force. He is aBaton Rouge consultant who headed the Governor’sOffice of
End of legislative session approaches
The Louisiana Legislature has about aweek to pass anew congressional map, abudget andany other legislation before adjournment on June 1.
Capitol Buzz STAFF REPORTS
After a10-hour hearingThursday,the House and Governmental Affairs committee passedan amended version of the state’snew voting districts for Congress. While it is broadly similar to the versionthe Senate passed —it would create one majority-Black, solidly Democratic districtand fortifyfive safe seats for Republicans —some of the changes have irked senators,who say they may undo the changes.
Time is running out for those negotiations. The House meets Monday to read the bills in, and the full chamber will vote sometime later this week. That gives only afew days for the Senateto reject the amendments anda conference committee to hash outa compromise. Meanwhile, the Senate Finance
Homeland Securityand Emergency Preparedness under Republican Gov.Bobby Jindal and was chief of staff to Democratic Gov.John BelEdwards.
FEMA would calculate whether adisaster isbig enough for the federal government to get involved, and if so, how much money would be sent within 30 daysbased on the size of the storm, rather thanthe amount of damage.
Essentially,the idea is that a Category 5storm with sustained winds of more than 157 miles per hour would receive ahigher gradethan aCat 3storm with sustained winds of 111 to 129
Committee on Thursday passed an amended version of the budget for the next fiscal year,which starts June 1. Because the latest revenueforecasts came in lower than anticipated, the committeewas required to cut the budget,eliminating extra money for school vouchers and school operatingexpenses, among other things.
The full Senate still needs to pass the budget,and the House must concur with amendments.
Andlegislators are still working with Gov.Jeff Landry to figure out which state employees will getraises,ifany Henrycastsdoubt on party primaries bill
Louisiana SenatePresident Cameron Henry,R-Metairie, is raising doubtsabout abill that would allow major political parties to choose whether no-party voters should be allowed to participate in their primaryelections.
“I don’tlike it,” Henry said ThursdayofHouseBill 906, which needs to pass the full Senate before headingtoGov.Jeff Landry’sdesk.“No partyisabout roughly one-third of thevoting population.Idon’tknow why
miles per hour
What concerns some local and state emergency managers is that thecalculation might not be enough to trigger federal reimbursements, thereby stretching already tight local and parish budgets.
The New Orleans School District, for instance, bought privately offered parametric wind insurance for 2024, but the 105-mph winds of Hurricane Francine, which caused more than $1 billion in damage, did not meet the policy’strigger.That left local taxpayersonthe hook for damage to school facilities, according to the Congressional
you would tell someone—even if they wanted to votefor you that they can’t.” HB906 has also faced staunch resistance from someSenateDemocrats, though theheads of both stateparties have said they are on board withthe plan.
Louisianahas approximately 813,000 no-party voters, making up around 27% of theelectorate, according to data from theSecretary of State’sOffice.
Supporters of HB906, which is sponsored by state Rep.Beth Billings, R-Destrehan, say only membersofthe Democratic or Republican parties should be able to choose who participates in their primaries.
Currently,some primary electionsinthe state—including those for U.S. House and Senate seat —are partly closed: Republicans vote for their preferred Republican candidateand Democrats vote for their preferred Democratic candidate, but nopartyvoters can choose which primary toparticipatein. That arrangement was acom-
Research Service. Mitch Orgeron, president of Lafourche Parish, said parishand stateofficials for years have complainedabout FEMA’s disbursement system that was bogged down in bureaucracies imposed by Congress. He and others want block grants that officials at the scenecould spend to address needs, ratherthanrequirements setinWashington. Buttheirdelight in FEMA moving toward thatmodel is tempered by the lack of parametric details at this point, he said.
“Each storm hasawhole setof dynamics thatcan generate different typesofdamages because
promise the Legislature came to in 2024, when it decided to abandon its“jungle primary” system for congressional races at the governor’sbehest. At the time, senatorssaid privately that Henry and Landry engaged in shouting matches over the proposal.
TenCommandments monument bill passes
The Louisiana Legislature has passed abill to put aTen Commandments monument on the grounds of theState Capitol.
SenateBill 307, by state Sen. Rick Edmonds, R-Baton Rouge, would require the state commissioner of administration to facilitate the installation of such amonument if adonor steps forward to pay forit.
The bill, which passed the House in avote of 74-23 on Tuesday and the Senate by a26-7 vote Wednesday,specifies that the stateisnot to pay forthe structure.
Support forSB307 mostly fell along party lines, with Republicans in favor of it and Democrats opposed.
The bill also would expand a statestatute that deals with the display of religious documents, adding language that paints re-
youmay have some storms that aregoing to be largely surge with not awhole lot of wind, right? And thenyou could have anotherstorm thatisawhole lot of wind with not awhole lotof surge by virtue of the direction it takes, howfastitintensifies as it approaches the coast, so on and so forth,” Orgeronsaid.
The Centerfor Economic and PolicyResearch,a left-leaning economicpolicythink tank based in Washington, calculated property damages roughly the same for HurricaneHarvey, which made landfall near Houston as aCategory4 storm, and HurricaneKatrina,which was aCat 3storm.
“Underthe ‘parametric trigger’ rationale, survivors of Katrina would have received less aid, despite the fact that the storm wiped entire towns alongthe Gulf Coast offthe map,” the center’sanalysis reported. “FEMA’s implementationofparametric triggers could be more about cost-saving andshifting risk away from the federalgovernment ratherthanabout using an innovative tool to improve aid.”
“Whatare the trade-offs?” askedBrigadier GeneralJason P. Mahfouz, director of the Governor’sOffice of Homeland Security andEmergency Preparedness. His staff is gaming out how the FEMA proposals would have impacted Louisiana during past disasters.
“Moving things quicker,getting from recoveryquicker,closing outdisasterrecovery grants andpublic assistancegrants quickerisonly going to mean a bettervalue forthe taxpayers at alocal anda federallevel,” Mahfouz said. “I think grant money is always going to be there.”
Email Mark Ballardat mballard@theadvocate.com.
ligion as akey part of American government. It cites the Mayflower Compact, ashort statement that establishes agovernment among the English settlers who sailed aboard the Mayflower to Plymouth, Massachusetts, in 1620.
“The Mayflower Compact of 1620 wasAmerica’s first written constitution and madeaCovenant with Almighty God to ‘form a civil body politic,’”SB307 says. “This wasthe first purely American document of self-government and affirmed the link between civil society and God.” SB307 comes two years after Louisiana passed acontroversial law directing schools to display the TenCommandments in classrooms. Gov. Jeff Landry and other supporters have said the law represents amuch-needed return to traditional values in public education.
Opponents have argued it infringes upon students’ religious freedom and breaches the separation of church and state, but a recent court decision upheld a similar law in Texas.
Henry
Edmonds
STAFF FILE PHOTO By SOPHIA GERMER
HurricaneIda damaged aboardwalk on the BayouCoquile Foot Trail in Marrero.
Officials sink bid for carbon capture votes
BY DAVID J MITCHELL Staff writer
Louisiana legislators have blocked a new series of attempts to allow local governments or their voters to decide whether to permit carbon capture and sequestration in their communities.
St. Vincent de Paul goes upscale in BR
Thrift store showcases curated items
BY OLIVIA TEES Staff writer
Sunnie Johnson-Lane knows the power of a good thrift find, and she appreciates the idea of having something so unique that no one else could replicate it.
It is one of the reasons she decided to start Rosalie’s Boutique, an upscale curated thrift store run by the Society of St. Vincent de Paul.
As CEO of St. Vincent de Paul, Johnson-Lane saw the market demand for a thrifting boom after COVID-19 specifically for vintage and antique items She saw the store as the perfect way to showcase the numerous donations of unique and designer items that the organization receives.
“It’s a ministry disguised as a boutique,” Johnson-Lane said at the ribbon-cutting on May 16.
The idea for the boutique was something she had wanted to execute for a long time, but the post-COVID market gave her the final boost of confidence.
“I could see that the types of shoppers are changing and the level of enthusiasm and sophistication of thrift shoppers change,” she said.
The store has four main sections: the clothing, which is lovingly displayed neatly on cascading racks; the home decor nook nestled in the back of the store; a “man cave” dedicated to men’s clothes and sports memorabilia; and a jewelry room with two glass cases displaying unique pieces.
One of the most unusual items in the store is a framed and signed painting by George Rodrigue, the famous Louisiana painter who died in 2013.
The store is located in the old dive shop at 5555 Government St., and for the next few weeks, it will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday through Sunday After that, it will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday to Sunday, with Monday and Tuesday reserved for restocking
Proponents argued the bills would have extended basic democratic principles to a high-interest issue, as similar laws have for video poker, gambling and alcohol sales. But industry representatives and their legislative allies aired concerns about creating uncertainty for new invest-
ing that has drawn $100 billion in proposed projects since 2018.
The state’s energy secretary also suggested the bills may be unconstitutional and could endanger Louisiana’s ability to continue to regulate such projects, though some legislators later questioned that analysis.
The issue has gained increasing political traction, cutting across party lines, including in the recent election for U.S. Senate. Under carbon capture and sequestration, companies would inject and permanently store waste carbon dioxide deep underground. The technology would allow major industries to cut emissions that drive climate change and create low-carbon products for foreign markets. But it has raised controversy over what residents see as risks to aquifers and property rights in rural parishes where major underground storage sites and delivery pipelines are being proposed. Industry officials say those concerns are overblown and call carbon capture a safe
ABOVE: Dozens of line dancers fill the dance floor Saturday during the Gonzales Jambalaya Festival at the Lamar-Dixon Expo Center. LEFT: Braden, left, and Kory Waguespack prepare their jambalaya to be judged for competition.
BREC superintendent finalist shares his goals
Williams wants park users to see agency’s value
BY CLAIRE GRUNEWALD Staff writer
As Baton Rouge’s park agency negotiates a contract with its next superintendent the current CEO of a Texas city is gearing up for his
return to Louisiana and transition to lead the area’s sprawling parks system.
The BREC commission earlier this month unanimously selected Brooks Williams to be the park agency’s next superintendent. The board picked Williams from a group of three finalists to begin negotiations for the position.
“BREC has the opportunity to be a significant player in the community and really set the tone for where Baton Rouge is going,” Williams said Wednesday “I can’t say how excited I am.” BREC conducted a national search for a new agency head this year after former superintendent Corey Wilson announced in March 2025 that he would not seek a con-
tract renewal. Janet Simmons has served as interim superintendent since June 2025. Williams is currently the city manager and CEO for the city of Ferris, Texas, which is outside of Dallas. He assumed his role in 2019 and said he has worked the past seven years to get the city to financial stability and improve employee retention.
STAFF PHOTOS By JAVIER GALLEGOS
University of New Orleans president stepping down
Johnson leaving for provost post in St. Louis
BY MARIE FAZIO Staff writer
University of New Orleans President Kathy Johnson, who led the university through a financial crisis and helped navigate its return to the LSU system, will step down at the end of June, university officials said Friday Johnson has accepted a role as executive vice president and provost at Saint Louis University. Jeanette Weiland, who was hired as UNO’s interim chief administrative officer earlier this year, will serve as interim chancellor and chief administrative officer After the university officially transitions to the LSU system in July officials said, LSU will launch a nationwide search for an LSU New Orleans chancellor Johnson did not comment on Friday about her departure. But University of Louisiana system President Rick Gallot said the system was thankful for her service.
“We are very grateful to Dr Kathy Johnson for her leadership, service and commitment to the University of New Orleans during an important chapter in the institution’s history,” Gallot said “Her
dedication to students, faculty and staff helped position the university for this next chapter, and we wish her continued success.”
The announcement is another pivot for a university that is preparing for a bigger shift, as continued low enrollment and budget concerns have sparked its transition back to the LSU system. That system governed UNO from its founding in 1958 until 2011.
Weiland’s understanding of higher education and New Orleans will benefit UNO, LSU system President Wade Rousse said in a statement.
“As the University of New Orleans rejoins the LSU System,” Rousse said, “her (Weiland’s) experience and vision will help position LSU New Orleans for a strong and successful future.”
Inheriting a crisis
Johnson, who previously served as chief academic officer of Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, was hired in 2023 as UNO’s first permanent female president. She immediately inherited a full-blown budget crisis.
Other than a slight boost before the COVID pandemic, the university’s enrollment had been on the decline for the better part of two decades since its 2003 peak, when it enrolled more than 17,000 students.
By the time Johnson succeeded
John Nicklow enrollment was just 6,602 students — fewer than the 6,700 students who enrolled in 2005, when New Orleans was swamped by Hurricane Katrina and subsequent levee failures.
“The biggest opportunity right now is strengthening our enrollment through diversifying the students that we serve, and making sure that they are retained successfully through their time here,” she said in an interview her first year on the job.
Johnson instituted a series of cuts to trim the budget, including rounds of layoffs and furloughs and spending and hiring freezes. The university also closed some academic buildings.
Amid the crisis, state lawmakers passed legislation to jumpstart the process of shifting the university back to the LSU system. Proponents of the move, which will become effective July 1, have said they hope bringing UNO under the LSU umbrella would financially stabilize the university and boost its enrollment.
The state also allocated $20 million to UNO, which the university used to pay off some of its longstanding debts.
‘We’re stabilized’
In March Johnson announced the closure of UNO’s liberal arts building, which needed $20 million in repairs and was consid-
ered unsafe. Officials also said the university would lease the Human Performance Center to Ben Franklin High School, a public high school adjacent to campus that needed more space.
In an interview Friday, Weiland, who joined the campus as chief administrative officer in March after having worked as a consultant, said the changes “shored up this university and gave us a shot.”
UNO has also brought back pest control, custodial and groundskeeping services that had been cut, and it has bumped minimum pay for full-time employees to $40,000 a year she said.
“We’re good, we’re stabilized,” Weiland said “We can do our therapy sessions about the past, the PTSD because it’s real. But we are forward looking, we are forward thinking and we have to win.”
In her March letter to the university community, Johnson said the moves would reduce structural costs and allow LSU New Orleans more leeway to act on new opportunities.
“Transitions test institutions, but they also clarify who we are,” Johnson said. “I am confident that by making disciplined, forward-looking decisions now we are building a stronger foundation for the next chapter of our university’s story.”
Clergy sex abuse survivors could see checks in fall
Archdiocese of N.O reached $300M settlement
BY STEPHANIE RIEGEL Staff writer
Nearly six months after the Archdiocese of New Orleans reached a more than $300 million settlement with survivors of clergy sex abuse, ending its longrunning bankruptcy case, most of the funds have been deposited into the trust and survivors could see payments as soon as this fall. But key “nonmonetary” provisions that also were part of the settlement between the church and hundreds of abuse survivors have yet to be finalized, a courtappointed trustee overseeing the settlement told U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Meredith Grabill at a hearing Thursday Those provisions call for establishing stricter abuse reporting procedures, new child protection measures and a public archive of past clergy abuse cases
“There are complex things that are outstanding and need to get done,” said attorney Don Massey, the trustee in the case.
Massey said he has sought but not yet received information from the archdiocese about its Internal Review Board, an anonymous board that evaluates abuse allegations against clergy and about the process it is using to redact sensitive information that will be posted in the archive.
“I would like to see data that I am not getting,” he said.
Massey’s remarks came during a hearing to update Grabill on the progress the archdiocese has made in the months since settling the case, which was one of the longest, costliest and most con-
BOUTIQUE
Continued from page 1B
This resale shop is not replacing the thrift store that closed in March on Plank Road. It is an additional place to shop. JohnsonLane said a new thrift store will open in Greenwell Springs in June, which will replace the North Baton Rouge store. The organization also operates thrift stores on Staring Lane and on La 30 in Gonzales.
Johnson-Lane said a huge inspiration for opening the store is her 22-year-old daughter Faye, who loves to shop for vintage and antique items. She said she decided to combine her passion for fashion and unique items in a way that would benefit the mission.
“It’s a great way to raise awareness about our mission with a new audience, because I think that especially younger shoppers are really attracted to these types of shops,” Johnson-Lane said.
tentious of the roughly four dozen church bankruptcy cases around the country
On balance, Massey said he is pleased with the progress and hopeful that the information he has sought from the archdiocese as well as a meeting he has requested with Archbishop James Checchio this summer — will result in full compliance with the settlement terms.
“I believe with effort, communication and collaboration we will get this done,” he said.
Ian Gunn, an attorney for the archdiocese, said in court Thursday that “the Archdiocese is proud of the way we have responded to nonmonetary provisions. We feel like we are working not only to do the bare minimums but to execute the spirit of the provisions.”
Archdiocese spokesperson Sarah McDonald said the archdiocese was “confused” by some of Massey’s statements.
“We have met every single deadline and are in full compliance with all provisions of the nonmonetary commitments,” she said. “Like the court and the settlement trustee, we are focused on implementing the nonmonetary provisions in the spirit in which they are intended to protect our youth and rebuild any lost trust in the Church.”
‘Well on his way’
Of the $304 million that will ultimately fund the settlement trust nearly $230 million has been deposited into the account so far, according to Massey’s report to the court. The money has come from several sources The archdiocese and its parishes and charitable organizations have each put up $65 million. Another $70 million came from the sale of Christopher Homes, the church’s portfolio of apartments for low-income se-
niors.
Six settling insurance companies have also put up a total of $30 million and another $75 million is expected by early June from Travelers Insurance, which settled after the other companies.
Those funds will be distributed over time and in different amounts to hundreds of survivors whose claims are currently being evaluated by a court-appointed claims administrator. Each eligible survivor will be awarded a certain number of points based on the nature and duration of their abuse, which will determine the amount of their award.
Massey said the claims reviewer and his team are “well on his way” in the process and that fund distributions should begin this fall.
Better communication
With respect to the nonmonetary provisions, Massey stopped short of criticizing the church while also conveying impatience. Massey said he has “very limited information about the status of the Internal Review Board action and activity,” which did not meet for the nearly six years the bankruptcy case was ongoing.
“We have requested discussion with the Archdiocese to discuss the extent to which there are credibly accused abusers who should be publicly identified but have not been, and what steps the archdiocese is taking to assure their inclusion on its abuse list,” Massey said in his update to the court.
Massey also said he has limited information about how the Archdiocese’s “intake” process for abuse complaints and any subsequent reporting to law enforcement is occurring.
And he suggested that Aymond’s small-group meetings
with survivors earlier this year over the first weekend of Mardi Gras were not well attended because survivors had little advance notice, were dealing with parade conflicts and may have felt triggered meeting in churches.
“Better communication, prior coordination and openness on site selection that included neutral sites should have mitigated the complaints and potentially enhanced the number of survivors who opted to attend the sharing sessions.”
McDonald said, “These provisions were meticulously negotiated over the past five years to respect people’s privacy and include specific actions and responsibilities for those involved in their execution to protect our children in our programs today while addressing the various needs of those who were unfortunately hurt in the past.”
She added that Checchio, Aymond’s successor, continues to meet with survivors.
At Thursday’s hearing, Grabill encouraged Gunn to work with Massey and to set up a meeting with him within 30 days to address his concerns, noting that as trustee, it’s his responsibility to ensure the plan provisions are enforced.
“When he feels comfortable, we can all feel comfortable,” Grabill said.
She also said she will schedule another status conference for September, when she will expect an update on the nonmonetary provisions.
“Because I don’t think hearing what I’ve heard, I can just say ‘good luck’ and not bring you back in here,” she said.
Email Stephanie Riegel at stephanie.riegel@theadvocate. com.
Continued from page 1B
and effective method of dealing with greenhouse gas emissions.
In a series of 7-9 or 7-8 votes on Tuesday, the House Natural Resources and Environment Committee turned down six bills on so-called local option elections or police jury votes for carbon capture and sequestration
Similar measures have failed in past years in the committee as the panel has continued to serve as a bulwark against most efforts to ban or restrict the technology or submit it to local political control, often in defiance of the committee’s chairman, said state Rep Brett Geymann R-Lake Charles.
The first of the bills to fail would have extended the option to all parishes in Louisiana. Later bills that were rejected applied to four parishes where major carbon storage projects are planned: Allen, Beauregard, Rapides, Sabine and Vernon parishes.
State Rep. Mike Johnson, RPineville, proposed two of the bills: House Bill 5, which would have allowed parish local options statewide, and House Bill 6, which would allow a local vote in Rapides only
Johnson told the committee that his bills weren’t about blocking carbon capture and sequestration or CCS, but giving residents a voice and allowing their police juries to control land-use decisions
He said the Rapides Parish Police Jury, when it rejected a resolution opposing CCS recently, passed another resolution that asked him to seek a local option vote.
“This is not anti-business. It’s not anti-property rights. It just about respecting local self-government and allowing communities to share and to shape their own future,” Johnson said Industry representatives countered that Louisiana is competing with neighboring states for CCS. Local option bills would create uncertainty that could drive those investment dollars elsewhere and set a precedent for similar kinds of local oversight on other industries.
“That cannot be the message we send to businesses looking to grow in this state. This is an issue where Louisiana has to speak with one voice. That’s the responsibility of this body It cannot be parsed into parish-sized pieces,” said Patrick Robinson, vice president of government relations for the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry
The state won approval from the federal government to regulate CCS in 2024. Dustin Davidson, Department of Conservation and Energy secretary, told the committee that if the local option bills were to pass, EPA could seek to revoke that authority and review injection permits with rules less stringent than the state’s. He said local votes would inject a political rationale into reviews that wasn’t based on technical and scientific reasons. He also argued that the bills would be unconstitutional if adopted because they would be substituting local rules for federal law In later testimony however he acknowledged that he had nothing in writing from EPA warning such a change could come to pass. Some committee members like state Rep. Lauren Ventrella R-Greenwell Springs, a lawyer, raised questions about his constitutionality claims and wanted more research
State Rep. Rodney Schamerhorn, R-Hornbeck, had three rejected local option bills — for Beauregard, Sabine and Vernon parishes and he pointed out that the state Department of Environmental Quality requires local government backing for new landfills
The vote for HB5, which would have allowed local option elections on carbon capture statewide, went as follows: “yes,” Geymann; Dewith Carrier, R-Oakdale; Kim Coates, R-Ponchatoul a; Jason DeWitt, R-Tioga; Shane Mack, RLivingston; Danny McCormick, R-Oil City; and Ventrella; “no,” state Reps. Ken Brass, D-Vacherie; Jacob Braud, R-Belle Chasse; Jessica Domangue, R-Houma; Travis Johnson, D-Vidalia; Jacob Landry, R-Erath; Joseph Orgeron, R-Golden Meadow; Neil Riser, R-Columbia; Paul Sawyer, R-Baton Rouge; and Jerome Zeringue, R-Houma.
LOTTERY
FRIDAY, MAY
PHOTO By OLIVIA TEES
Rosalie’s Boutique, an upscale curated thrift store run by the Society of St. Vincent de Paul includes a home decor nook.
La.approvesFolgers’tax breakrequest
City haddenied exemptionfor N.O. East plants
BY SOPHIE KASAKOVE Staff writer
Five years ago, New Orleanspolitical leadersused newly granted powers to reject The Folger Coffee Co.’s request for atax breakrelated to upgradesatits New Orleans East coffee roasting plants City officialsargued at thetimethat the request, under thestate Industrial TaxExemption Program, didn’toffer enough jobs or high enough wages to make up forthe lost tax revenues.
Gov.John Bel Edwards, who had institutedITEP reforms to give more power to local leaders, took their side.
Last year,the decision was quietly reversed. In September,Gov.JeffLandry’sadministration approved the long-contestedexemptions after the state Board of Commerce &Industry gave its ownapproval in August. The decision exempted Folgers on the taxes levied on nearly $200 million of investments in bean roasting and packaging equipment at its New Orleans facilities, according to Devin Johnson, communications director with the Orleans Parish Assessor’s office, though he noted that the actual taxed value is lower because of depreciation.
The approval means that New Orleans will only receive asmall fraction of the taxrevenues from Folgers’ investments at theplants, which the company has argued it made under the promise of continued exemptions. Under the changes, Folgers can recoup taxes already paid to the city that Landryhas determined are exempt —atleast $4 million.
TopNew Orleans officials only learnedabout the change in recent weeks.In statements, they criticized Landry’sdecision, arguing that it disregardedcity officials’ earlier rejection of the exemptions and cuts into the city’stax revenues. Moreno said the exemp-
BREC
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He said the city had not completed audits for three years before he arrived. Now,the city has had clean audits for acouple of years in arow “BREC is coming out of aperiod that I’m familiar with,” he said. “There’s somewhat of anatural fit there.”
In recent history,BREC has faced accusations of mismanagement. Critics of the agency point to several years of state audits that were submitted late and found misappropriated funds and weak financial safeguards.
While Ferris is significantly smaller than Baton
tions were previously rejected because they“did notmeet the standards set to protectthe peopleofNew Orleans.”
“Wefollowed the law only to have thecouncil’swellreasoned decisions reversed by the statein2025,”said Moreno,who ledthe council’s effortin2021 to reject Folgers’ bid toavoid an estimated $25 million in taxes over 10 years. “My position remains the same: Thecity has significant infrastructure andpublic safety needs, andany type of incentive or exemption must be carefully scrutinized for fairness, transparency,and whether it is in the interestofthe peopleofNew Orleans.”
Council PresidentJPMorrellnoted that the exemptionshavebeenreinstated at atimewhen the city is strugglingtodig itself out of acash crunch. Cityand state officialsagreed to embed the statelegislative auditor at City Hall to “figure out how to live within our means,” Morrell added. “But if the state is able to reduce our means without our input, how are we ever going to be able to live within them?”
In astatement, Landry said hisadministrationhad “protected more than 680 Louisiana jobs, and kept Folgers atop taxpayer in the City of New Orleans—operating for years to come.”
FrankCirillo,aspokesperson forJ.M.Smucker Co.,the Fortune 500 parent company of Folgers, alsodefended the exemptions.
“Along with meeting the obligations respective to these applications, we have aconsistent recordofcapital investment to expand our operations andcapacity in New Orleans which has strengthened local employment, enhanced industrial competitiveness, andsupported continued economic growth in theregion,” Cirillo said.
The decision isthe second major movebyLandryto side with Folgers in its dispute with the city in recent years, records show In 2024, the administration settleda legaldisputeover Edwards’ ITEP reformswith
Rouge, with apopulation of just over 5,000, Williams said he would also draw on hisexperience as thechief quality officer of the HurstEuless-Bedford Independent School District, which is between Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas, and currently hasabout 23,000 students enrolled.
For approaching the job, he said listening and learning from the commission, BREC employees and the communityare always important first steps.
“There are more players butthat’sstill the battle,” Williams said, comparing the approach tothis position to his previous posts.
Williamssaid it would be important to prioritize the organizational structure of BREC to preventfuturedysfunction, and he emphasized
Folgers by paying the company $3 million and committing to help thecompany win back the payments it made to the city while those reforms were in place.
The settlement “was about protecting taxpayers, protecting jobs, and cleaning up amess we inherited fromthe previous administration,” Landry said in astatement.
Along-runningdebate
Folgers has roasted coffee at itsNew Orleansfacility for more than 65 years. As one of the city’sonly large manufacturers, they have long received taxexemptions through the state’s ITEP program, which saves companies millionsofdollars on investments at existing facilitieswiththe hope thatthe taxbreaks will help support morejobs
TheITEP programfaced controversyin2016over the inabilityoflocal officials to make decisions related to property taxes of facilities in their jurisdictions.That year,the Edwards administrationapproved apair of executiveorders requiring companies to showthat investments would createor retainjobs and giving local assessors, sheriffs, school boards, and parish councils asay in the tax breaks.
In arareuse of their newfound authority,the New Orleans CityCouncil, School Board andSheriff’s Office rejected Folgers write-offs for its Chef Menteur Highway andOld Gentilly Road plantsin2020 and 2021, with officials citing the city’s need for tax revenue given pandemic-related budget shortfalls.
Folgers officials appealed the local entities’ decision to thestate commerce board, whichgreenlit some but not all of the exemptions in 2023. Edwards overruled the board, and Folgerssued the state and Edwards claimingthatthe newITEP rules violatedboththe state constitution and a2010 agreement between the state and Folgers.
As it battled thedecision in court, Folgersbegan paying its new taxbill. But $4.1 million paid for bills between
executing BREC’sgoals better andensuring it has more visibility in thecommunity
“Weneed to start to immediately show the public and our users that they are getting avalue out of BREC,” he said. “The visible win really is thegoal.”
Right now,one of the biggest conversations surrounding Baton Rouge parksisthe futureofthe City-BrooksCommunity Park, and more specifically thefuture of its golf course. Some people have publicly advocated leaving thepark as is, emphasizing thegolf course’shistoric designation. While some want to see it significantlychanged, withmore wide-ranging features addedtothe site.
Williams saidheunderstands there arediffering
Stuckey, Jerry Zoar BaptistChurch at 3p.m
Obituaries
2019 and2022 didn’tgointo the city’scoffers, according to Folgers’lawsuit.Rather, the companypaidunder protest,a processthrough which ataxpayer disputing atax bill can pay in escrow withnopenalty
Aftertaking office in 2024, Landry—who as attorney generalfrequentlyclashed withEdwards —reversed Edwards’ ITEP restrictions. He signed an executive order in February 2024 that removed requirements for companiesseeking thetax breaks to create or retain jobs.
In thesettlement agreement signed with Folgers that December,Landryand thestate economic development office agreed to sign off on the company’sexemptionapplications, along with any renewaland phased applications filedwithin 60 days. He also agreed to pay the company $3 million, and “cooperate to the extentpossible in supporting Folger’s efforts to recoup its tax paymentsmade under protest.”
It is unclear how much Folgers paid under protest in total andwhen it will recoup the payments.
Shawn Anglim, apastor at First Grace United Methodist Church and aleader with TogetherNew Orleans, an advocacy organization that pushed for ITEP reforms under Edwards, criticized the settlement, arguing that Folgersshould be paying more in taxesata timewhen the cityisinabudget hole.
“People areleaving the city, the city is raising taxes andnickel-and-diming New Orleanians trying to pay for essentialservices,” said Anglim. “Weneed to workwith city leaders and elected officials …tosay this is unacceptable.”
In astatement last month, LEDspokesperson Emma Wagner said that “the ITEP applications at issue were reviewed at thelocal and state levels and ultimately concluded through theapplicable legal framework.”
Wagner did not respond to aquestion about which local body reviewed the exemptionapplications and when.
opinions on themaster plan for City-Brooks and that it’sbest to bring people to thetable to findcommon ground.
“Eveninthis situation in BatonRouge at the end of theday,you gotgroups that wantthe best for Baton Rouge,” he said.“There’salways competing interests.”
Williams has tiestoLouisiana, as he usedtolive in the Lafayette area andhis wife’s family is from thestate. His family alreadyroots for the Saintsand the LSU Tigers.
“We’rethrilled about coming back,” he said.
Aspokesperson with BREC said Wednesday that the agency is still engaged in contract negotiations, and until the agreement is finalized,itisunabletoprovide additional comment about an official start date.
Banta, DorellaBolotte
DorellaBolotte Banta passedawaypeacefullyat herhomeonMay 9, 2026, at theage of 92. Born on April 6, 1934, in WhiteCastle, Louisiana, Dorellawas thevaledictorian of her high school class. Though shewas offered ascholarship to nursing school, she chose instead to begin buildinga familywith her husband, Frank W. Banta, Sr Dorellaraised four beautiful children,often on andoff thetowboats her husband pilotedalongthe mighty Mississippi River. Shebecame abeloved figureinthe town of St Gabriel, knownespecially forher extraordinary cookingand unforgettable wedding cakes. Herradiant smileand beautiful singing voicebecame cherished fixturesatSt. Gabriel Catholic Church,where parishioners frequently placed"unofficial orders" for hertreatsfresh from the oven Dorellanevermade a small pot of gumbo; she cooked as though the whole town might stop by —and often they did. Alongside thegumbo,she kept aspreadofdishesto satisfy everytaste. She careddeeply forher family andfound hergreatest joy in gathering lovedones around thedinnertable.
Sheispreceded in death by herhusband, Frank W. Banta, Sr.; herparents Julien Bolotte and Louise Laglue; hersiblings Howard Bolotte, Julius "Shoot" Bolotte Sr., Harold Bolotte Sr MauriceBolotte Sr., andMargaret Bolotte; herchildrenGenie LaPlace andJamie Banta; her grandson Jared LaPlace; andher daughterinlaw Sarah Banta. Sheissurvivedbyher sons Frank Jr.(Sandy) and Robert,and herson in law Steve LaPlace. She leaves behind seven grandchildren whoweredearly cherished:Jessica Gulley, Robbie Banta, Chase LaPlace, Brooke Hays, DanielleVincent, andMary Banta, alongwith eleven great grandchildren. We trust she nowrejoices in God's embrace, reunited with those she loved. As afinal actofgenerosity, Dorellachoseto donate herbody to science in support of medical education andresearch.
Familyand friends are invited to avisitation at 10:00 a.m., followed by a Memorial Mass at 11:00 a.m. on June 2, 2026, at St GabrielCatholic Church, 3625 Highway75, St Gabriel, Louisiana.
Barbara AnnSperry Bearden passedawayon Tuesday, May19, 2026, at the age of 90. Shewas a member of St.James EpiscopalChurch, Pi Beta Phi LA Beta Chapter, Junior LeagueofBaton Rouge, CharityBall Association Baton Rouge Green.She wasa fabulouscook, whereshe lovedmaking meals for everyoneinher home. Shebelonged to multiple supper clubsand book clubs. An avidreader,she wasa supporter of thelibrary. Barbara was an incredibleseamstress and enjoyedflowers and gardening.She wasprecededindeathbyher husband, Roby Bearden,Jr; her parents, JamesLawrence andIsobelSperry; andher sisters, Betty JaneSperry andImogene Miller. Sheis survived by herchildren, Elizabeth Bearden Allman (Paul), Mary Lura Bearden and John Sperry Bearden; grandchildren, Rachel Whitey Fennie (Adryan), John Beal WhitleyIII, Robert Bearden Whitley, CarolineElizabeth Whitley, Lura Elizabeth Stabiler, WarrenSethStabiler Charles Roby Bearden; great-grandchildren,Grey Bearden Fennieand William Bennett Stabiler; andnumerous nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held at St.James EpiscopalChurch, 208 N4th St Baton Rouge,LA70801, on Saturday, May30, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. until Funeral Service at 11:00 a.m. celebrated by Reverend Lynn Hooks. Entombment will follow at ResthavenGardens of Memory. Pallbearerswill be John Sperry Bearden,JohnBeal Whitley III,RobertBeardenWhitley, WarrenSethStabiler, Charles Roby Bearden Adryan Kentae Fennie, PaulManattAllman.The familywould like to give special thanks to St.James Episcopal Church andclergy, thestaff of St.James Place, The Hospice of Baton Rouge,all friends and familyfor their love and support. In lieu of flowers, donationscan be made to TheHospice of Baton Rouge,St. JamesEpiscopal Church,and Cancer ServicesofGreater Baton Rouge
Berthelot, Howard Maurice
"Eternalrest grantunto him, OLord, and letperpetuallight shineupon him." Howard Maurice Berthelot wasbornJune15, 1935, in Whitehall, Louisiana. He died peacefully on May19, 2026, at his home in Gonzales. He was
4B ■ Sunday,May24,2026
90. For 71 years, Howard walked through life beside his beloved wife, Gloria Helen Aime Berthelot. Howard began his professional career in industry at Burnside Terminal, followed by Texaco in Convent, and later retired from management at Marathon in Garyville. Howard is survived by his children, Kent and JoAnn Berthelot, Kathi and Lane Stout, Laurie and Ricky Hoffman, and Clay and Wanda Berthelot; his grandchildren, Christian and Josie Berthelot, Mitchel Courville, Dylan Berthelot, Tiffany Mouch Vincent, Misty and David Millet, Trey and Brandice Mouch, Clint and Brandy Hoffman, Cody and Destiny Hoffman, Ashely and Sam Denton, and Chase and Emily Berthelot; his sisterin-law, Barbara Villar; 19 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Gloria; his father, Amaluce Morrise Berthelot; his mother, Mildred Brown Villar; and his stepfather, Moise Villar. Howard was blessed to be the last surviving childamong both his father's and mother's children. His siblings were: Gerald Villarand his wife, Rose Marie, Robert Villar, Lionel Villar, Lorena Morrow, OdeliaHoover, Veronicque "Noon" Delatte, Dorothy "Dot" Lear, Robert Berthelot Sr., Lloyd Berthelot, Lionel Berthelot, and Suzanne Priest. Visitation willbeheld May 28, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Catholic Church in St Amant, followedbyMass at 11:00 a.m., celebrated by Father Matthew Lorrain.
Gary Louis Black, Sr. was born in Baton Rouge, LA on November 28, 1950. He died peacefully in the comfort of his home on May 20, 2026, at the age of 75.
Gary was fascinated with the outdoors as a child. This passion inspired alife of adventures fishing and hunting with friends and family in South Louisiana, namely Port Eads, Pierre Part, and Norwood.Thoughtful and precise, he could find fish in the Gulf or marsh. He was atrue marksman in aduck blind or deer stand.
Throughout his formative years, Gary excelledin multiple sports and wasa star athlete at Lee High School. His successonthe fieldearned multiple scholarshipoffers. He was the first member of his family to attendcollege when he committed to the LSU Football (Outside Linebacker) and Track & Field (JavelinThrower) teams.
While at LSU, the Feature Twirler of the LSU Tigerettes caught his attention: Marsha "Hoppy" Scarle of Ponchatoula, LA, who became his adoring wife of 51 years. As acouple, Gary and Hoppy heard and believed The Gospel of Jesus Christ. They were members of The Chapelon the Campus where Reverend DonaldTabb developed acommunity of college students who grew spiritually, started families, and established lifelongrelationships.
1974 was an eventful year for Gary. He graduated from LSUwith aBusiness degree, entered the insurance industry through an opportunity with future business partner Danny Price, andmarried Hoppy
As his businessgrew,so did his family. Gary and Hoppy welcomed their sons Gary Jr. in 1978 and Barrett in 1980. They spent the next 20 years attending every game and performance, proudly supporting Gary Jr., an exceptional athlete, and Barrett, anatural musician
On theprofessional front, Gary and Danny worked together for several years before moving to Omni Group in 1983. In 1993, they branched out to start Price &Black, an independent wealth management and insurance brokerage firm. Gary's sister Colette joined the company in 1998 and was an integral part of their success.
Arthur J. GallagheracquiredGary'sdivision of the organizationin2012. Shortly thereafter, he addedhis son Barrett to the team. Gary retiredin 2016following aParkinson'sdiagnosis,concluding an impressive 42-year career- 18 of which he worked alongside hissister.
Gary was atechnician and expertinhis craft. He was respectedbycolleagues, clients, carriers, and competitors alike. Known for his integrity, diligenceand wisdom, his business philosophy was based on Proverbs such as 21:5: "Steady plodding brings prosperity;hasty speculation brings poverty".
Garywas aloyal,kind, and faithful husband. He was patient, steady,and graciousasafather. To his siblings,hewas supportive and considerate,serving as acalming presence in their lives. He washospitable and reliable as a friend, atrusted confidant.
Beinga grandfatherof6 brought "Big G" immeasurable joy. Hewas intentional,engaged, and dependable. He wasdeeply loved by his grandchildrenwho cherish memories of excitingdaysatLakeVerret ridinganinner tube, jumping offthe party barge, or seeing alligators in the canals.
AdevoutChristian, Gary invested his adultlifeinto the ministryofThe Chapel on the Campus,both locally and globally. He functioned in various capacitiesover the years. On the Deacon board, he managed finances and cared for "theleast of these". He also supported internationalefforts throughthe Missions Committee. Additionally,hewas dedicated to the visionofThe Chapel Trafton School and served as President of the Board He was quietly generous, compassionate,and took the workofthe church and Christianeducation seriously. Through hisinspiring life, Gary taughtthe valuesofgratitude,contentment, consistency, and forgiveness. He responded to thecallofMicah 6:8 "to act justly .lovemercy and walkhumblywith your God".
Gary was precededin deathbyhis paternal grandparents Norman Cole Black, Sr. (Gladys Triche), maternalgrandparents Louis Langlois(JennieCarles), parents Norman Cole Black,Jr. andMary Lou Langlois Barney,and siblings FredNormanBlack and Cherie Black Vaughn
He is survived by his wifeMarsha "Hoppy"Scarle Black, siblings Colette Black Dowden (Phillip), MichelleBlack Fisher (Bill), and KimMarieBlack, childrenGaryLouisBlack, Jr (Caroline) andBarrettJohn Black (Amy), and grandchildren Sofia Mary Black, PattisonMarieBlack, Naomi Elise Black, Gary "Louis" LouisBlack III, Julia AlexanderBlack,and Elliott Jude Black.
The family extends profound appreciationto Suzanne Hebert and her team at No Place Like Home, who cared forGary with dignity and honorat the end of his life
Aprivate burial service for the family willbeofficiatedbyReverendSteve Elworth at ResthavenGardens, where Garywill be laid to rest
Apublicgatheringand lunch to celebrate Gary's incredible life willoccur on Monday, June 8th at 10:00 AM at The Chapel on the Campus, 3355 Dalrymple Drive,Baton Rouge,LA 70802.
well as her beloved fur baby, "BuddyMan"; sister, Martha Fay Mendoza; and numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by her parents, Ernest Allen, Sr. and Nora Carline Allen; siblings, ShirleyAllen, Vivian Allen Smith, RobeliaAllen,MarvinAllen, and Ernest Allen, Jr. Please sharememories online at www.wilbertservices.com.
"Godhas me in thevery palms of his hands; I'm protected,covered,and blessed. Throughout all of my trials and tribulations, He was onlypreparing me for my test. God has me in theverypalms of his hands; For he promised to never letmego," Safe in Palms of His Hands by Latisha Georgetown. LeoP Canova,born August 17, 1928, passedaway on May 20, 2026. He was Honorably Discharged from theArmy NationalGuard of Louisiana in 1956 and a long-timeretiree form Louisiana State University Agricultural and Engineering Department.Visitation willbeatSt. John theEvangelist Catholic Church in Plaquemine on Tuesday, May 26th, from9 a.m. until Mass of ChristianBurial at 11 a.m.,celebrated by Rev. Martin Lawrence.Entombment willfollow in Grace Memorial Park. Leoissurvivedbyhis son, L. Phillip Canova,Jrand his wife Rita;and granddaughter, AbbieCanova. He was preceded in deathbyhis wife, DorothyDaigleCanova; grandson, P. LeeCanova; parents, JosephCanova and MaryMilanoCanova; siblings,Joseph Canova, Jr., Samual JosephCanova Charlie Alex Canova Josephine Mary Canova Van Houten, Rose Mary Canova Beard,and Catherine Mary Canova. The Familywouldliketogivespecial thank youtoApril Georgetown and her family.Their care, compassion and comfort to Leo willalways be remembered. In lieu of flowers,memorial donations may be madein Leo'sname to St.Johnthe Evangelist CatholicChurch in Plaquemine, LA
Clara AnnWomack deVeer, alifelong resident of Gonzales, passedaway peacefully at home on Sunday, May 17, 2026. She was born on May 28, 1944, to thelate Clarence Floydand Gladys (Broussard) Womack.
vivedbyher twoyoungest brothers, James "Jimmy" Womack (Peggy Moran) and Archie Womack (Diane Hughes), pluscousins and in-lawswho were like siblings, and nieces and nephews who considered her a"extra Mama."
AMemorial Service will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at the Womack FamilyCemetery, on Womack Laneoff Hwy 621 in Gonzales. In lieu of flowers,the family requests memorial donations be made to St.Jude Children's Research HospitalorGentivaHospice Care.
Duthu, Jackie N.
Jacqueline "Jackie" NaquinDuthu, 71, passed away on April 14, 2026. Born on August 19, 1954, in Houma,Louisiana, shewas thebeloved daughterof thelateRoyce andGloria Naquin. Jackie wasa devotedmother, grandmother,and friendwhose life wascentered aroundher family. She is survived by hertwo sons, Dale Luke (Bree) andKevin Duthu (Meghan). She was aproud andloving grandmother to Aiden,Connor,and Ethan Luke, whobroughther immense joyand whom she loveddearly.She is also survived by herbrother Jody Naquin, andniece, Sarah Naquin. Jackie shared meaningful chapters of herlifewith Dale Luke Sr.and later with Mark Duthu, with whom she spent42years. She waspreceded in death by herparents, Royce and Gloria Naquin,and her brother, BarryNaquin. Jackie wasknown for her unwaveringsupport of her children, nevermissing a sportingeventorband concert. Herpresence in thestands andaudience wasa constantsourceof encouragementand love Shecherishedher time spentinher hometown of Houma,especially at Fisherman'sRetreat, where she createdlastingmemories with familyand friends. She also spent time livinginBirmingham, whereshe formed several lastingfriendshipsthat she treasureddeeply. She welcomedeveryperson with awarm smileand a hug, instantly making you feellikepartofher family. To know herwas to know unconditional love and true friendship. Acancer survivor,Jackie showed incrediblestrength andresilience, facing life'schallenges withdetermination andgraceShe willberememberedfor herlove of family, herstrength,and thecountless ways she showed up for thepeople she loved. Herlegacylives on through herchildren andgrandchildren. Relatives andfriends are invited to attend theMemorial Service at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, May28, 2026, at ResthavenFuneral Home, 11817 JeffersonHighwayin Baton Rouge.A Visitation will be held at thefuneral home beginningat9:00 a.m. Familyand friends may sign theonline guestbook or leave apersonal note to thefamilyat www.resthavenbatonroug e.com.
Engolio, John Edward 'Skeeter
Anna JaneAllenBroussard,a loving mother,sisterand friend, passed awaypeacefully at OurLady of the LakeonSaturday May16, 2026,atthe age of 82. Visitation will be held at WilbertFuneral Home, Plaquemine on Tuesday, May26, 2026, from 9am until religious services at 12pm, conductedbyPastor Frank Manguno. Entombment willfollow at Grace Memorial Park,Plaquemine. Anna is survivedby her beloved son, Johnny "Tootsie" Delapasse;as
Clara marriedher high schoolsweetheart, Robert "Bobby" deVeer on June 22, 1961, and they shared almost 60 years together before he passed away on December31,2020. Some of thethings Clara enjoyed were quilting, cross stitching and crafting.She was involvedin several sewing groups, including The Circleof Friends, Thread Benders, and The RiverCityQuilt Guild. But what she enjoyed most were her "blessings:"her grandchildren and greatgrandchildren.She lovedwatching them grow and listening to them tell storiesand laugh. Clara was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, BobbydeVeer; threesisters, Jeanne Aucoin, Barbara "Bobbie Allemanand Edith Linda Womack; and abrother, Floyd "Sonny"Womack. She is survivedbyher threechildren, Robert deVeerJr. (Lori Goodson), VickiFrick (Paul),and Jeffery deVee(Stacy Rogers); seven grandchildren, Colby deVeer (Britney Blanchard), Erica deVeer (Lindsey Sheppard), Joshua Frick(Alanna Jeffcoat), Nicholas deVeer (Madison Rankin), JuniperFrick(Laura Wakelin), BrookeBabin (Jake) and Jacob FrickKing (Charlie);and five greatgrandchildren, Charlotte Harper, Hunter, Ryleeand Cassidy. Clara is also sur-
To be absent in thebody is to be present in spirit with Jesus. Chad Michael Dupree, Jr. was received intothe loving arms of Jesus on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at theage of 25. He was akindhearted,smart, witty, Transformer, Star Wars, Hamiltonloving, gamer witha call on his life to use histalents to worship theLordand spread hislovewithBOLT WorshipBand through music. Chad Michael left an outstanding impressionon anyone he encountered. Youcouldsee God in his smileand thetwinkle in his eyes. Youcouldhear God in thekindnessofhis voice and thechuckle of his laughter. Youcould feel Godinthe warmth of his hugs and thegentleness of hishand on your shoulder reassuring you"it'llbe alright." Chad Michael was God's masterpiece sent to this world as agift and his impact reachedacross the world!Our heartsare brokenbut we rejoice in knowing he is home! Visitation willbeheldatBeam of Life Tabernacle(BOLT) 33225 Hwy 75, Plaquemine, LA 70764, on Thursday, May 28, 2026, from 5to 9pmand willresume on Friday, May 29, 2026, from 10am until religious services at 1pm, conducted by Apostle Frank Manguno and PastorJeana Manguno.Interment willfollow at Grace Memorial Park, Plaquemine. Chad Michael is survivedbyhis mother, JenniferDugas; father, Chad Dupree, Sr.; sisters, Taylor and HarleyDupree; step siblings, Malaina and Braxton Lewis; maternal grandparents, Rhondaand JosephDugas, Jr.; paternal grandmother,Susan Dupree; paternal greatgrandmother,Shirley Dupree; Godmother, Kaitlin Morales Lemoine;Godfather, Morgan Parlow; Godchild, Kohen Strickland; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins,& many friendshe met along theway,including his DeepSouth Equipment family.Preceded in death by paternal grandfather,Louis "Palou"Dupree; paternal greatgrandparents, Whitney Dupree, Sidney and Lois Tullier Falcon; maternal greatgrandparents, Loretta"Mimi" Carline Medlen, and Stanley Carline.Pallbearers willbe Tyler McQuiston,Treylon Martin, JosephDugas, IV Austin Daley, GioireManguno,and Frank Manguno, Jr. Honorary pallbearers willbeJoey"Funcle" Dugas; Joey "PorkChop" Dupree; MorganParlow, Jedidiah Dugas, Drew Strickland, Kohen Strickland,Braxton Lewis, and EthanWunstell.The family wouldliketothank everyone forthe love and support shown to us here and across theworld. As Chad Michael would say this isn't goodbye,this is "See ya in alil bit."Hehas fought a good fight; he has completed therace and kept thefaith. We wouldliketo thank Dr. R. Lester Hixon and PediatricCardiology Associates staff fortheir 25 years of love,support and care forChad Michael. Also thank youtothe staff of OLOL Hospital CCU for alltheir love and care during Chad Michael's stay. In lieu of flowers donations can be madetoLOFDAL International Missions, www.lofdal.com. Please share memories online at www.wilbertservices.com.
John Edward Engolio, Jr lovingly known as "Skeeter,"was born on April 13, 1938, in Bayou Goula,Louisiana, and was alifelongresident of White Castle. He cherished growingupinthe country, wherehedeveloped the Broussard, Anna Jane Allen
extraordinary work ethic that defined hislife. Skeeter graduatedfrom WhiteCastleHigh School, served in theU.S. Army National Guard, andbegan hiscareerinthe sugar industry at SuppleSugar Factory, wherehelearned thebusinessinside and out. In 1962, he began his long anddistinguishedcareer at Cora Texas Sugar Factory. Knownthere as "Chief," Skeeter played an instrumental roleinthe company's significant growth andsuccess. He traveledthe worldassessingand transitioningsugar mills andremained dedicated to thesugar industry throughout hislifethrough hisweldingrod business andhis service on theCora Texas Board of Directors untilhis passing.Skeeter workedhard, buthealso knew howtoenjoy life to thefullest. Hiszest for life wascontagious. Afierce tennis competitor, avid hunter,and passionate fisherman, he pursued huntingadventuresonfive continents. He was alongtime camp owner in Grand Isle anda proudmember of theTallyHoHunting Club, wherehecollected countless deer,squirrels, speckled trout, snapper andeven more unforgettable stories.In1995, he marriedVicky Wintz,and togethertheysharedmore than 30 wonderful years of marriage filledwithtravel, adventure, andcherished memories. Whilethey lovedexploring theworld together,nothingmeant more to them than time spentwith familyand friends. Skeeter hada generousheart anda deep love forhis family, friends andcommunity. He served proudlyasGrandKnight of KnightsofColumbus Council4346 and generously shared his woodworking talents, creatingmany beautiful pieces in support of hisgranddaughter's school. Skeeterwas a proudand loving Poppato hischildren, grandchildren,and great-grandchildren.His stories were legendary, andhis advice, guidance, and unwavering support were beyondmeasure. Skeeter'spresence, laughter, andlove will be deeply missed by all who knew andloved him. John was preceded in death by hisgrandson, JonWallace; parents, Johnnie Engolio andStellaVicknairEngolio; brother, Guy Engolio; and sister,FrancelleEngolio. He is survived by hisloving wife, VickyWintzEngolio; children, Suzette Engolio Wallace, Tiffany Bould (Phil), andCasey Crow (Veronica); six grandchildren,Wendy Miller(Jacob), Gabrielle Rymer(Kye), ChelseaBould,Kevin Crow, Mary LynnCrow, andAlex Crow;fourgreat-grandchildren, Noah Sanders, William Sanders, Oliver Miller,and Jasper John Rymer; sisters, FrancesEngolio andGeorgetteEngolioBeachem(Robert); brother, George Engolio; sisters-in-law, Robbie Tomeny andSundraBabin (Luke); numerousnieces andnephews. In lieu of flowers, the familyasks that donationsbemade to St.Lillian Academy, a school for childrenwith communicationand learningchallengesthatwas especially dear to Skeeter's heart. Visitation will be held at historicSt. Paul Church in Bayou Goula Louisiana, on Wednesday, May27, 2026, from 10am untilMass of Christian Burial at 12pm. Entombmentwill follow at OurLady of Prompt Succor Cemetery in WhiteCastle, Louisiana. Please share memories online at www.wilbertservices.com.
Canova, LeoP.
Dupree,Chad Michael
BlackSr., Gary Louis
deVeer,ClaraWomack
Marguerite Viola Junius Jones, 90, of Baton Rouge Louisiana, passed away peacefully on May 20, 2026, surrounded by her daughter, granddaughter, and great-grandchildren in her final hours. Born November 24, 1935, Marguerite dedicated her life to education, service, and faith. She served with distinction for 34 years as abeloved educator ,shaping generations of young minds with joy and purpose. Marguerite is survived by her four children, Cassandra Peoples, Carmen Braxton, Pierre Jones, and Colette Watts; ten grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; five brothers and two sisters. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Freddie Jones; her parents,Ernest and Ether Junius; and four sisters. She was deeply loved, widely admired, and will be forever missed by all whose lives she touched. A viewing (wake) will be held from 8:00 AM to 10:30 AM on 2026-06-06 at St John Baptist Church, 31925 Lacroix Rd.
Lamar AnthonyLandy, Sr. was born on October 28, 1946, and went to his heavenly home on May 21, 2026. He was alifelong resident of Donaldsonville, LA. He was agraduateofAscension Catholic. He was aretiredhead Operator at Texaco/Shell-Motiva. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, cooking, and following Ascension Catholic sports. He leaves behind to cherish his wife of 61 years, Audrey Seymour Landry; daughter, MichelleCassard (Dennis); son, Dwayne Landry (Amanda); eight grandchildren, Coty (Shelby), Tyler, and Shelbi Landry, Madisyn and Marley Cassard, Rylee (Kade) and Harlee Landry and Kristine Amick; six greatgrandchildren, Blaysen, Bentley, Drake, Kathryn, Lilith, and Charlie; sister, Suzanne Gomez (Gary); and godchild, John Hurry Preceded in death by his parents, Norah and Louise Falcon Landry; son, Lamar Landry Jr.; and brother Honore Landry. Visitation will take place at Ascension of Our Lord Catholic Church, 716 Mississippi Street, Donaldsonville on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Mass of resurrection will begin at 12 p.m. with Fr.Matthew Dupre presiding. Burialto follow in the church cemetery. Pallbearers will be Coty Landry, Tyler Landry, Jamie Hurry, Troy LeBeouf Lenny Carmouche, Benjamin Carmouche, Gary Gomez and Fred Gomez. Honorary pallbearers will be John Hurry, Bentley Landry, Drake Landry and Blaysen Smith. Memorial donations can be made to Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation in honor of his two granddaughters, Rylee Landry &Marley Cassard.
nioryear. Healso was the defensive captainand did allofthe punting. AHS had averygoodteamthat year,scoring 168 points and allowingonly34in10 games. Thatyear,Rufus also met his beautiful wife, Maureen, at AHS. They had five children. His multi-talented professional life entailedbeing quitesuccessful in the oil and gas industry, where he owned several oilfield service companies in chemicals,engineering marine services and investmentbanking.Hewas also involvedinthe political arena,havinglobbied the Louisiana Legislature and the U.S. Congress. He was also deeply involved with statewide political campaigns in Louisiana and additionally, he offeredhis servicestothe legalcommunityasanexpertwitness and jury consultant. Rufus was an avid golfer,hunter, fisherman, bodybuilder, musician, readerand writer,having writtenhis 553-page autobiography. He was alsoa very gooddancer. He was ahigh-time aircraft pilot, havingowned some ten airplanes and accumulating some 10,000 hours as a pilot-in-command. Rufus is survivedbyhis wife, Maureen; four of his five children,Jill, Dina, John, and Joey;and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren Per his wishes,a memorial service willbeheldin his memoryata laterdate. Servicesand care were provided to the familyby Kilpatrick'sRose-NeathFuneral Home in Many, Louisiana
Sandra Griffon Landry, affectionallyknown as "Coochie," passedaway peacefully on Thursday, May21, 2026,ather home in Baton Rouge at theage of 87. She was anative of Plaquemine,Louisiana;a 42-year resident of White Castle,Louisiana;a 20-year resident of Plaquemine, Louisiana;and most recently aresidentofBaton Rouge. Sandra was adevoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who filled her home with love and laughter.Whether she wasplaying cards, rootingfor the LSU Tigers, visiting with family and friends, or spending time with her gardenclub, she brought joyand laughter to every occasion.She wasa faithful parishioner of St.John the Evangelist Catholic Churchduring the years she livedinPlaquemine. Sandra is survived by her husband of 64 years, Alton J. Landry Sr.; their children, Alton "Al"J.LandryJr. and wife,DebbieCarona Landry; SandraLandry Dugasand husband, Roland; Charles"Charlie" Landry; Heidi Landry Safford; and Brandon Landry and wife, MackenzieTolliver Landry; 11 grandchildrenwho lovingly called her "Meme", Griffon Landryand wife, Haley; Meredith LandryRase and husband, Larry; Jacob Dugas and wife, Jennie; Claire Dugas; Anna Lee Landry; Austin Saffordand wife, Rebecca; Caroline Safford Morris andhusband, Martin; Will Safford; Jett Landry; Sloan Landry; and Lawless Landry; and four great-grandchildren, Landry Dugas,Lucy Dugas, John DavidDugas, and JuliaSafford; as wellasnumerous nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly.She is also survived by her sister,Glenda GriffonRoth Murphy; and sisters-in-law, Dorothy Grif-
fon, AudreyWalker, Gerry Rodgers Yarbrough, Joyce Hymel (Charles), Norma Hernandez, Joanne Nastasi,and MarionSanchez Sandra waspreceded in death by her parents, Charles "Bobbie"Griffon Jr.and Sara Young Griffon; her sister, Sara AnnGriffon Sarradett,and husband, Paul;her brother, Tommy Griffon; and her brothersin-law,Alfred Roth,Don Murphy, Bobby Walker, Kenneth Hernandez, L. J. Nastasi, and Zeke Sanchez. The family would like to express special thanks to her caregivers, Javetta Queen and LindaDetrox, and thecompassionate staff of Hospice of Baton Rouge for their loving care and support. Visitation will be held at St. John the Evangelist CatholicChurch on Wednesday, May 27, beginning at 9:00 a.m. AMass of Christian Burial willbe celebratedbyReverend Martin Lawrence at 11:00 a.m.,followedbyinterment at Grace Memorial Park Mausoleum. PallbearerswillbeJacob Dugas, Austin Safford, Griffon Landry, WillSafford, Larry Rase and MartinMorris. Memorial donations may be madetoSt. John the Evangelist CatholicChurch or St. JudeChildren's Research Hospital.
Moore,Berkley Rhorer
Berkley AnnRhorer
Moore, loving mother,sister, and friend,passed away on May 16, 2026, at theage of 84. She wasborn on November 21, 1941, in Plaquemine, Louisiana, daughter of thelate James and Rosemary Rhorer. Berkley was adevout Catholicand aproud parishionerofSt. George Catholic Church, whereher faith was an integral part of herlife.She cherished thejoys of outdoor life particularlyhunting and fishing, activitiesthat brought hergreat happiness and connectiontonature Berkley AnnRhorer Moore willalways be remembered as aloving mother, gifted seamstress, and wonderfullycreative soul whose kindness touched everyone who knew her. She had aremarkable talent for sewing and crafting,creating beautiful things with her handsand pouring love into everything she made. Whether through a thoughtful handmade gift, acarefully stitched piece or simple moments spent with family and friends, Berkley madepeoplefeel cared forand special
More than anything, Berkley was an incredible mother. Her love,strength, humor, and generous heart were thefoundationofher family.She was admired not onlyfor hertalents, butfor the warmthshe brought into every room. She was truly lovedbyall who had theprivilegeof knowing her, and her memory willliveon throughthe countless lives she touched.
Berkley is preceded in death by her husband,Anthony "Tony" Moore, Jr.; parents, JamesBerkley Rhorer and Rosemary OlivetteSchlatre Rhorer; and brothers, James Edward Rhorer, Theodore Andrew Rhorer, and Richard Schlatre Rhorer. She is survived by her children, Anna Babin-Neal (John Neal); and Thomas A. Babin; fur baby, Tiny; sister, Janie Rhorer Brandt (JamesCarl Brandt), brothers, William Frederick Rhorer (Sandra Brooks Rhorer), and Charles BrenttRhorer (Carol Newman); sisters-in-law, Barbara Bardin Rhorer,Vickie
ScallianRhorer, and Susan Rhorer McMahon; and numerous nieces and nephews.
The family wouldliketo extend theirsincerest gratitudetothe staff at St. James Place Wellness for theirextraordinary care, and also theteams at BatonRouge Rehab Hospital andBaton Rouge General Bluebonnet for their exceptional support.Special thanks are giventoDr. Henry Patrickand Dr. R. Todd Cooley, as wellasthe compassionate caregivers at Hospice of BatonRouge. We would like to invite allwho knew and loved Berkley to join as we commemorateher life.A visitation willbeheldonTuesdayMay 26, 2026 at St. GeorgeCatholic Church, 7808 St.GeorgeDr.,inBatonRouge,from 9:00 AM, until Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 AM. An intimategraveside ceremony willfollow. Pallbearers will be Thomas A. Babin, John A. Neal,James Rhed, Joseph"Joey" Poché, James Maryman, and Todd Jones; as wellashonorary pallbearers WilliamRhorer, BrenttRhorer, and James "Jim"Brandt. We greatly appreciatethe outpouring of love and support and ask forcontinuedprayers as we navigatethrough this time of loss. Your kind words and thoughts have meant theworld to us. In lieu of flowers,donations may be madein Berkley'smemory to St. GeorgeCatholicChurch, https://o svhub.co m/stgeorgebatonrouge/giving/ funds/memorial-gift She leavesbehinda legacy of love,creativity, and devotionthat willnever be forgotten.
Harold E. Reid,beloved father, grandfather, husband, and friend,passed away on Thursday, May 21, 2026, at theage of 95. Born and raised in Central, Harold was born on December 13, 1930, son of the lateK.Frank and RuthC Reid.After graduating fromCentral HighSchool, Harold proudly served our country in theUnited States Navy during theKorean War. Prior to his retirement, Haroldworkedas an operator forAllied Chemical (Honeywell). He was alifelong member of Zoar Baptist Church, a community that was central to hislife
Harold was an avid outdoorsman. He lovedfishing,deerand squirrelhunting,and cherished time spent cattlefarming or in his garden. In hisleisure time, youcouldoftenfind him on his porch, tracking theweather and counting cars on Joor Road
Harold is preceded in death by his wife of 42 years, Mary Jane Campbell Reid;his parents, Frank and RuthReid; sister, Ruth Morgan; and brothers, Edward Reid andFrank Reid
He is survivedbyhis wife of 21 years, Mary Lou Smith Reid;children, Debora K. Reid-Palmer (James), Randy Reid (Debbie), and ByronReid(Peggy);step-
children, Tee El Webb (Robbie), Tanya Byrd,and Cathlene Crain (Mark); grandchildren, Kellie Syfert (Mitch) and Randi Reid Bascom (Dan); and five step-grandchildren Thefamilywould like to extendtheir heartfelt gratitude to Harold'sdevoted sitter, TiffanyBertholot; as well as Briannawiththe Hospice of Baton Rouge; andTanya Byrd,Tee El Webb,Mitchand Jewell Freeman for their kindness andsupport. Thefamilywould like to inviteall whoknewand lovedHarold to join them as we commemorate his life. Avisitation will be held on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, at Zoar Baptist Church,11848 Hooper Rd, in Baton Rouge,from10:00 AM untilfuneral services at 11:00 AM.A graveside service will follow at ResthavenGardensof Memory, 11817 Jefferson Hwy., in Baton Rouge,at 1:00 PM.
Thelma MaxineRoot passedaway on Wednesday, May20, 2026, at the age of 93. Relativesand friends are invited to attend theFuneral Service at 2:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 28, 2026, at ResthavenFuneralHome, 11817 Jefferson HighwayinBaton Rouge.The visitation will be held at thefuneral home beginningat1:30 p.m. Intermentwill follow at ResthavenGardensof Memory. For full obituary please visit www.resthave nbatonrouge.com
elford, aresident of Gonzales, Louisiana, died peacefully on May17, 2026, at the age of 86. She wasbornin Wager, Tennessee on November 19, 1939 to Alphonso Henry and Nona Gay Smith. Sheispreceded in death by herloving husbandof62years, Bobby K. Shackelford; herparents; herbrother Ronni;and sister Linda("Dudda"). She wasa loving wife, mother, grandmother,great-grandmother, aunt, and friendto so many. Sheissurvived by herdaughter, Sherlyn andhusbandWill Cannon; son, Richard andwife Libby Shackelford; andson David andwife Kelly Shackleford. Shehad nine grandchildren, Shaddy, Kaylyn,Randi, Elizabeth, Grant, Dane,Kacie,Karlie, andJessie. Shealso had eleven great grandchildren,Avery,Piper,Ellie Maddy, Michael,Braden, Sa'Lynn, Tela, Gaige, Gino andSydnie. Sylvia spent herlifedevoted to caring for herfamily, friends and community. Shewas an active member of the First United Methodist Church of Gonzalesand served as the choirdirector here for over 20 years. Shewas also aSundaySchool teacher andworship team member. Hercreativity andlove for decoratingmeantthat theChurchwould always look beautiful; especially duringthe holidays. Sylvia also devoteda lotofher time to theAmerican CancerSociety. This particular programhelda special place in herheartasshe wasa breast cancer survivor herself. When Sylvia wasnot volunteering or caringfor herfamily, she wastravelingwith thelove of herlifeBobby. They lovedtaking theirmotor home on adventures;especiallytothe mountains. They shared abeautiful life togetherand Sylvia is finally reunited with Bobby for theirbest adventure yet. Visitation will be held at First United Methodist ChurchGonzales, 224 West Constitution Street,Gonzales, Louisiana 70737, on Tuesday, May26, 2026 from 10:00 am untila memorial service at 11:00 am. Thanks to hercaring and devoted sitters, Brenda, Alima, Harriet, Sharon, and Beatrice andthe staff of The Parc. In Lieu of flowers donationscan be made to theSt. Andrews United Methodist ChurchMusic Ministry.
Root, Maxine
Landry, Lamar Anthony
Landry,Sandra Griffon
Reid,HaroldE.
Landry, Rufus Joseph
OPINION
Memorial Day areminder of what true devotion to country lookslike
Editor’snote:This editorial, withvariations, has been published on previousMemorial Daysin this newspaper
Barbecues, sales, pool parties and an unofficial summer kickoff. For many,those arethe things that Memorial Day heralds. The last Monday in May has become aday of celebration and relaxation.
Those current markersofMemorialDay are far from its founding in the aftermath of the Civil War, whencommunity membersacross the country adorned graves withflowersasa way to remember their war dead.
Thesedays were known as “decorationdays,” asolemn commemoration of the tollarmedconflict takes. In 1866, aladies’ group in Columbus, Georgia, lobbied for aspecificday onwhichto place flowers on Civil War-era graves.Then, on May 5, 1868, agroup of Union veterans issued an order that was known as the“Memorial Day Act” which is oftenrecognized as theformal starttoMemorial Day.
In the years since,Memorial Day has been consistentlycelebrated throughtwo world wars, conflicts in Korea, Vietnam,Iraq, Afghanistan and now Iran. In each of these conflicts, American military members haveput themselvesin harm’sway in service of ourcountry.Theyleft family and loved ones to answer the call to protect ournation. Hundreds of thousands of them nevermade it home.
Memorial Day should prompt us to think about the sacrifices of those who have raised theirhands,taken theoath andofferedthemselves up in defense of others. Forsome, that meant the ultimate sacrifice. For others, terrible injuries.For all, we offer ourgratitude andrespect, sentiments that should be as steadfast as their resolve.
We should also remember that theirsacrifices are ongoing —the war in Iran has so far claimed the lives of 13 service members. Tensions roil regions around theglobe.American soldiersface peril every day.At home, that means many families’ Memorial Daycelebrationsare cloudedwith concern fora lovedone on active duty
In Louisiana, we arefortunate to havethousands of current soldiersstationed in installations across the state, from BarksdaleAir Force Base in Bossier CitytoFort JohnsoninLeesville to the Naval Air Station in Belle Chase to the Louisiana National Guard TrainingCenterin Pineville. Those Americans could be sent, at a moment’snotice, into battle.
We are not immune to theevolution of Memorial Day from quiet commemoration to summer inauguration.
Butthisyear,asweeat,shop, swim or relax, we urge everyone to offer asolemn remembrance forthose whohave died,a heartfelt thanksto thosewho have retired anda fervent prayer for thesafety of those still serving.
LETTERSTOTHE EDITOR ARE WELCOME. HERE AREOUR
GUIDELINES: Letters are published identifying name, occupation and/or title and the writer’scity of residence
TheAdvocate |The Times-Picayune require astreet address andphone number for verification purposes, but that information is not published. Letters are not to exceed 300 words. Letters to the Editor,The Advocate, P.O. Box 588, Baton Rouge, LA 70821-0588, or email letters@ theadvocate.com. TO SEND US A
Meta moneyjolts Richland Parish coffers
To listen to some, Meta’sDeath Starscale datacenter in Richland Parish spells nothing but doom. They say it’s going to use too much power and water,itdoesn’tpay enough taxes and it won’temploy enough people.
There is some merit to these arguments.
Butthat probably matters little right now to Richland Parish’s elected officials. In March, they saw thefirst Meta deposit intolocal coffers: more than $22 million, in aparish where normal total sales tax collectionshave hovered around $20 million annually
sales tax revenue: $2.3million).
The transfer came as part of Meta’s payment in lieu of taxes, or PILOT, agreement with the state. Part of the incentive package the state used to lure the company,that agreement allows Meta to pay far less in sales and propertytaxes than other businesses do.
Almost$12 million will go to the school system (normal yearly sales tax revenue: $7.9 million, per 2024 audit), about $8 million will go to thepolice jury (normal yearly sales tax revenue: $6.4 million) and roughly $2.6 will go to thesheriff’s office (normal yearly
The school money is earmarked for salaries and benefits, as well as maintenance and operations. Most of the police jury’smoney will be used for roads and drainage, and somewill go to the parish’sailing courthouse. Regular sales tax collections have also skyrocketed. Three quarters intothe fiscal year,local officials project morethan $50 million in collections for this year,due to the increase in business for local mom-andpops and anumber of new businesses that have sprung up to support the construction. In other words, Richland Parish is likely to collect north of $70 million between thePILOT and actual sales taxes, almost four times the amount from before Meta decided to build the center,which it has called Hyperion.
“I’ve never seen anything like it there’snocontext forit,” Shreveportbased attorney Mike Busada, who worked on the incentive package, told me.
Andthat’s thetension. The promise of big money —and it is really big for Richland Parish —isalmost enough to distract from thefact that this is just
couch change forMeta. The company is valued north of $1.5 trillion, and last year it reported morethan $200 billion in revenue. It has morethan 3.5 billion users. But without Louisiana giving up those incentives, the deal probably doesn’tget done. It’s possible that in the future we will regret what the state gave up to get the data center.Maybe the AI economy will go belly up or Meta will decide to go in adifferent direction. Maybe the sameconcerns that have led other communities around the country,even those in relatively business-friendly states like Texas, to push back against data center development will also take root here.
Maybe alot of things will happen. What is certain, though, is that three years ago, Richland Parish was in the samebleak spiral that much of rural Louisiana faces: poor,declining population, fewprospects foraturnaround. Meta can’tand won’tsolve all those problems. It mayeven create some new ones. But fornow,it’sbrought a wordrarely heard in those parts: potential.
Email Faimon A. Roberts III at froberts@theadvocate.com.
Wealwayswelcome readers sharing their concernsabout what’sgoingonin their community in letters to the editor. But sometimes, coordinated campaigns to have multiple community members write aboutthe same issue can have alimitedeffect. That’sbecause givenour space constraints in print, we can’t run every letter we get, andlettersthatrepeat the same talking points areusually the first ones to getleft out. Iunderstand the impetus for these letter-writing campaigns. Whenadvocacy groups coalesce around asubject, many people wanttoknowhow they can immediatelyhelp advancethe cause. One of theeasiestwaysisto write aletter to theeditor.It’saconcrete step that makes everyonefeel involved, anditcan help bring wider awareness to theconcern.
Arnessa Garrett
But Ialwayshopethatactivism doesn’tstop there. Thereare many waystomakeyourvoice heard. Calling elected officials at thecity, state andnational level is one. Going
to your city council meeting or to the state Legislature and speaking about your issue is another option. Lots of decisions get made in places youmay not expect. Learn about the boards and commissions in your area what they do and when they meet. Often, it’seasier to be heard in asmaller setting. And some of these bodies rely on volunteers to serve. Put your name in the hat or organize support for acandidate who has your concernsinmind. It’shard sometimes to find the time to be an active citizen, as we all have work andfamily roles to fulfill, but it’sworth it to getinvolved if you care aboutyourcommunity.It’samazing howafew passionate citizens can move the needle andbenefit everyone. I’ve seen it happen many times in my career Turning to ourletters inbox, for the week of May7-14, we received awhopping 138 letters, more than double the amount we normally get. Some of that
had to do with the ongoing legislative session. But abigger portion were letters about utilities, which prompted my musings about letter-writing campaigns. We received 42 letters about high electric bills and other utility issues in the course of three days. We usually average around 60 letters a week. So while Ican’tsay for sure it was an organized effort, it seems something spurred this unusual outpouring. We have heard loud and clear that this is an issue that matters to alot of folks. The next most popular topic also prompted higher-than-average commentary,but this felt more organic given that it was atopic muchinthe news recently.The Supreme Court ruling on the Voting Rights Act prompted 21 letters. Had it not been for the avalanche of writers on utility bills, that would have been the highest weekly total for asingle topic so far this year It was abusy week, but an eventful one. Though we can’tprint all your letters, we are glad to know that we serve an engaged community of readers.
COMMENTARY
When politicianschoosetheir voters,not vice versa
Back in 2014, 1,273,589 Louisianans voted in the Decemberelection that sent Bill Cassidy to the Senate and Mary Landrieu packing after three terms. Six years later,when Cassidy cruised to reelection on the same day Joe Biden beat Donald Trump, 2,071,543 people voted.
Just over aweek ago, 401,161 took part in an election that was just as consequential, the Republicanprimary that effectively ended Cassidy’scareer.
This was not amistake,ora simplebyproduct of declining overall voter turnout, which is areal concern for another day. It happened by design of the Republicans in theLouisiana Legislatureand Gov.Jeff Landry,who in 2024 concocted anew election system that would punish the Baton Rouge gastroenterologist for having had the temerity to acknowledge that Trump incited the violent Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol and vote to convict him followingthe impeachment trial.
The driving theory behind the
newlaw wasn’t just that the fewer voters who got achance to weigh in, the better.Itwas thata certain select group of voters shouldhave adisproportionate say overwhether anyone whostrays from the party line should live to serveanother day And don’tlook now,but those same lawmakersand that same governor are at it again.Anunder-theradar bill to restrict participation in the new party primaries still further is racing itsway through theLegislature, in asession already dominated by maneuvering to restrict the influence of Black voters in this year’sU.S. House elections, thebetter to keep the chamber in GOP hands. HouseBill 906 by stateRep. Beth Billings,R-Destrehan, which haspassedthe House and the Senate &Governmental Affairs Committeeand onlyawaits action in the full Senate, would yet againupend the primary system adopted in 2024 for Congressand a handful ofother offices. That lawallowsvoterswho
aren’tregistered in aparty —a group thatnow numbers813,000 strong out of nearly 3million totalvoters—tochoose whether to take part in theDemocratic or Republican Party primary. The proposed bill would give the party bosses power to restrict participation to only thosewho are registeredDsand Rs, effectively disenfranchising everyone else in this crucial step of the electoral process.
As state Republican Party Chair Derek Babcock bluntly put it: “Most Republicans Italk to, they want Republicans to pick who the candidate’sgoing to be.”
The converse is apopular sentiment among some Democratic leaders as well.
But it’snot something most voters are clamoring for.Landry didn’tcampaign to make this change when he ran in 2023. And polls show that mostLouisiana voters prefer thefamiliar open primary system that allows everyone to support candidates of their choice, no matterthe party.
Add this latest move to the alleged “emergency” congressional
redistricting fight set off by the U.S. Supreme Court’sconveniently timed decision in the Louisiana v. Callais case, featuring hearings in which Republican lawmakers rudely brushed off concerns over hard-won voting rights, and the only real conclusion is that the politicians in Baton Rouge think theyshould get to choose their voters, notthe other way around. Consider what’sstill happening in the maddash to complete new House maps. The rough district boundaries are mostly set, but even now,individual lawmakers areshifting the lines around, the better to give them or afriend an uncontested shot or to push arival into adifferent, less favorable district. Which of these potential representatives in Washington might be the voters’ actual choice is an afterthought, if it’sathought at all.
We’ve seen enough of this around the country to know that when politicians pick their voters, onecasualty is truly competitive elections featuring diverse points of view Consider what happened last
Saturday.Several factors surely fed the low participation, including Landry’slast-minute decision to cancel House races and confusion over the new party primary system.
But also likely contributing was the dispiriting reality that Cassidy and his GOP opponents, state Treasurer John Fleming and Trumpand Landry-backed U.S. Rep. Julia Letlow,basically only spoke to the most conservative voters who would dominate the GOP primary, not anyone who might have even marginally different views.
It’snot really astretch to describe all this as rigging elections to amplify the voices of those who are most partisan and effectively muting those who don’tsubscribe to either party’sorthodoxy.The end goal is not ameaningful debate over ideas. It’sapreferred outcome. And we wonderwhy both political parties —not to mention the politicians who perpetuate these schemes —are so unpopular
Email Stephanie Graceat sgrace@theadvocate.com.
Flimsiness of Landry’s so-calledmandate nevermoreclear
Gov.Jeff Landry was elected with 51.6% of the vote in 2023. Fewer than 548,000 voters chose Landry to replace Gov.John Bel Edwards.
Landrycalledita mandate Aclear plurality,yes. Aclear majority,well, yes. Amandate, no In March 2025, the guv had four constitutional amendments on the ballot, things he said needed to be changed, quickly, to move the state forward. He and his super-majority Republican Legislature sought to make more underage suspects subject to more felonies by adding to the listofeligible felony crimes, rewrite the state tax code and, remember this, they wanted to expand the court system. All four amendments went down in flames. Each was defeated by more than 60% of the vote. Black, Democratic and liberal-progressive people got the credit. The voter turnout expectation of 12% jumped to a21% reality,and welove-Jeff-but votershelped.
This month, there were five constitutional amendments on the May 16 ballot. Amendment 1 sought to significantly broaden the number of unclassified state government jobs, giving the Legislaturethe freedomtoreclassify
unidentifiedjobs and subject them to at-will status. Amendment 2would’ve giventhe new, predominantly White city of St. George its own school district, breaking away fromthe mostly Black East Baton Rouge Parish school district.Amendment 3 proposed public school teacher payraises, but only by dissolving long-standing trust funds. Amendment 4would’ve given local governments the option to reduce some business property taxes based on inventory Amendment 5would have raised
the retirement age for state judges from 70 to 75, achange that would have affected about 40 judges.
Somequick, postelection analyses pointed to Black power voting and heavy Democratic turnout as the primary reasons why the amendments failed. I saw something different Black and Democratic voters may have led the charge, but White, Republican conservatives who once loved Landry have had enough. More than 70% of the voters in
St.Martin, Landry’shomeparish, chose Landry as governor in 2023, but 50% of them voted no on the spring 2025 ballot amendments.This month, his parish voted54% no on the teacher pay raise and 57% on the business inventory amendment. They voted62% no on Amendment 2 and awhopping 74% and 75% no on Amendments 1and 5, respectively Ilooked outside of New Orleans to neighboring suburban parishes. Isaw the same thing. In Jefferson Parish, where the population is roughly 50% White and 50% Black and Latino, more people votedonthe amendments (about 71,000 or more on each one) than votedfor U.S. Senate closed primary elections (fewer than 65,600), and Jefferson voters overwhelmingly voted no on four of the five amendments. Cameron Parish is small in Republican southwest Louisiana. It’smore than 93% White. Four of the five amendments were rejected, with margins of 57%70%.
LivingstonParish is Republican and about 91% White. Voters theresaid yes to St. George getting itsown school district and yestofolding trust funds to give teachersaraise. But Amendments 1, 4, and 5went down with 74%, 62% and 77% of the votes.
St.Tammany Parish is more than 70% White and Republican.
Shy of 50,400 people voted in the U.S. Senate primaries, but four of the five amendments went down by percentages of 51%-72%. These are afew examples showing that what happened on May 16 was driven by Black and Democratic voters and buttressed by White Republicans who don’ttrust their manJeff when it comes to fundamental, significant changes.
Landry had a56% approval rating in early 2024. That dropped to about 51% in late 2025. Now he’s polling about 36%. One recent poll indicated that 58% either disapprove of how Landry is leading or they’re unsure. These weren’tpolls of Black and Democratic people. Each included across-section of Louisianans.
Landry has an 0-9 record on constitutional amendments. There’sarecall Landry movement that’spicked up enough support that GOP operatives decided they had to respond with a “don’trecall” push. Hundreds of people have been showing up to oppose the proposed 5-1 congressional district mappushed by the governor and the Republican-led Legislature, diluting Black representation.
If Iwere the governor,I’d slow things down, perhaps to ahalt, and consider alternative options. He can start by doing what’s best for Louisiana, not what’s best for President Donald Trump.
WhydoesAOC thinkbillionairescan’t
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez doesn’tbelieve in billionaires.
On apodcast the other day,she said that it’simpossible to make abillion dollars without lying, cheating or stealing.
“There’sacertain level of wealth and accumulation that is unearned, right,” AOC declared.
“You can’tearn abillion dollars.You justcan’t earn that. Youcan get market power,you can breakrules, you can abuse labor laws, you can pay people less than what they’re worth, but you can’tearn that.”
No rational person looks at the top 10 list of wealthiest people in the United States and thinks, “What have any of those people done forus?”
The New York congresswoman makes it sound as though ourbillionaires are the equivalent of Russian oligarchs who gottheir riches through government favor, when, in reality,they tendtobe epic entrepreneursand legendary investors who create stupendous value out of nothing.
Typical of her,AOC is taking astrength of American society —its openness to talent and innovation—and portraying it asa fundamental problem.
It’shard to imagine life nowwithoutAmazon, Tesla, Google or Facebook, for example.
Judgingbythe list, becoming abillionaire is quite simple —all it requires is unbelievable talent matched to ferocious will and prodigious executive ability,resulting in aworldchangingbusiness enterprise. The idea that anyofthe most famousU.S.entrepreneurs got where they are through, say, wage theft is laughable. Thetransformative nature of these businesses is self-evident. Jeff Bezos didn’t just open up acorner store or adepartment chain.Herevolutionized theretail industry. He saved Americans untolddollars through cheaper goods and spared them untold time andinconvenience by obviatingthe need to travel to and from aretail outlet
There’salso the fact that these enterprises wouldn’texist absent millionsofconsumers deciding that they are useful to them. If Facebook had 300,000 users rather than 3billion, Mark Zuckerberg wouldn’tbesowealthy Defending her categorical dismissal of the possibilityoflegit billionaires, AOC tried to clarify on Xbysaying someone can “make” abillion dollars, but that’s different than “earning” it. She cited as an example Airbnb, blaming it for high housing prices in the United States. This is abizarre accusation to makeagainst aplatform that simply allows people who want to rent out their homes or apartments on ashort-term basis to connect with people interested in renting them. Again, aconcern like Airbnb wouldn’tbesosuccessful if people didn’tfind it valuable.
The Washington Post points out that guests spent an astonishing $30 billion on Airbnb rentals in the first quarter of this year, while the company’snet income was arelatively paltry $160 mil-
site of the approach favored by the socialist AOC.
One can, forinstance, fairly criticize Elon Musk forgetting tax credits forTesla’selectric cars, but the green-energy extremist AOC actually supported the credits (Trumpeliminated them).
lion. New York City,bythe way, basically banned Airbnb and still has ahideously expensive realestate market. Now,it’scertainly true that businesses maneuver foradvantageand work to avoid regulatory costs and impose them on competitors. Thebest waytoprevent firmsleveraging public policy for their advantage, though, is to have minimal state involvement in our economy in the first place. Needless to say,this is the oppo-
The socialist economy envisioned by the likes of AOC would be morestatic and less free. It would lavish subsidies on businesses engaged in favored activities and punish businesses engaged in disfavored ones. The economy would, in general, be morepoliticized. There might be fewerbillionaires, but we’dbe poorer forit.
Despite what AOC thinks, becoming abillionaire isn’teasy, and it’snot possible without creating substantial benefits for the rest of society.Becoming a celebrity congresswoman whois hostile to the sources of American success and whoevangelizes for economic ignorance is, unfortunately,much easier Rich Lowry is on X@RichLowry
Stephanie Grace
Will Sutton
ASSOCIATED PRESS FILE PHOTO
Gov. Jeff Landryrecords asocial media video outsidethe White House in 2025.
AP PHOTO U.S. Rep. AlexandriaOcasio-Cortez, D-N.y.
Rich Lowry
LSU bats silent as Alabamaadvances
BY JIM KLEINPETER
Contributing writer
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. LSUsoftballhung around theTuscaloosa superregional longerthan expected Saturday but only because of four hours of rain delays
The Tigers were overmatched again by the Alabama pitching staff and fell in their bid for the Women’sCollege World Seriesaftera 4-1 loss at Rhoads Stadium
The loss ended aseasonofimproved play for LSU (40-19) with asecondsuperregional berth in three seasons, and it sends the No. 1-seeded Tide (54-7) to its 16thWCWS
The Tigers, who outhit Alabama 7-6,gave
abetter account of themselves after getting onebaserunnerand having 21 consecutive batters retiredbyace Jocelyn Briski in Friday’s8-0 loss.
LSU broke anine-inning scoring drought when Alix Franklin doubledand scored on asingle by Tori Edwards in the third inning off Alabamastarter VicMoten to tie the game at 1-1. The inning before LSU loaded thebases on two hits and awalk, but Jalia Lassiter’slong drive to the warningtrack was caught by Kristen White. After those innings,LSU had onlythree runners andstruck out12times
ä See LSU, page 3C
JBY RODWALKER Staff writer
amahl Mosley didn’thavehis own place or hisown car
All he really hadwas adream and awork ethic.
Mosley was in his mid-20s at thetime.Hehad played afew yearsofprofessional ball overseas,but he was readytogive that up
One ofthe first people Mosley toldabout his future endeavors was RonnieDeGray, hisformer University of Colorado teammate who had become morelikeabig brother DeGray,livinginDenver at the time,was surprised. But he knew Mosley well enoughtoknow that if Mosley set out to do something, he would do it. So DeGray made Mosley an offer
Tigers have worstseason in more than 40 years
an abysmal 9-21 record in Southeastern Conference play,there is a99.9% chance that LSU will notbe part of the NCAA’s field of 64 for the first time since 2011 (there wasnotournament in 2020). It’sreally worse than 99.9%, but Irounded off for brevity By any measure, this wasLSU’s most dreadful baseball season in morethan 40 years, since before Skip Bertman arrived in 1984 to transform the Tigers into the embodiment of the slogan on the back of The Intimidator billboard at The Box: The powerhouse of college baseball. LSU’s overall .517 winning percentage is its worst since 1982, and the Tigers’ .300 SEC winning percentage is their worst since 1978. Perhaps most shocking of all, LSU went0-16 against
STAFFFILE PHOTOBy
MICHAEL JOHNSON
Sam Leavitt LSU Quarterback
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Kyle Busch died after pneumonia progressed into sepsis
BY STEVE REED AP sportswriter
CONCORD,N.C. Kyle Busch died after severe pneumonia progressed intosepsis, resulting in rapid and overwhelming complications, according to astatementreleased by his family Dakota Hunter,vice president of Kyle Busch Companies, said in anews release the family received the medical evaluation on Saturday Busch, atwo-timeNASCAR champion, died at 41 on Thursday, aday after passing out in aChevrolet simulator
Sepsis is considered alife-threatening medicalemergency that occurs when the body has an extreme, overactive responseto an infection,causing theimmunesystemto damage its owntissues andorgans, according to the Centers for DiseaseControl and Prevention. Typically the immune system releases chemicals to fight off pathogens like bacteria, viruses or fungi, but with sepsis the response goes into overdrive. The results can cause widespread inflammation, form microscopic blood clots andmake blood vessels leak.
Busch was thought to have had asinus cold while racing at Watkins Glen on May10and radioed in to his team saying thatheneeded a“shot” from adoctor after the race. However,hebounced back to win the Trucks Series race at Dover last weekend, and thenhe finished 17th in the All-Star race on Sunday. Busch, who was preparing to race Sunday at the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway,was testing in the Chevrolet racing simulatorinConcord on Wednesday when he becameunresponsive and was transported to ahospital in Charlotte, several people familiar with the situationtold The Associated Press.
During the emergency call placedlate that afternoon, an unidentified caller calmly told the dispatch:“I’ve got an individual that’s (got) shortness of breath, very hot, thinks he’sgoingtopass out, andisproducinga little bit of blood, coughingupsome blood.”
The caller said Busch was lying on the bathroom floor inside the complex and tolddispatch “he is awake,”accordingtoaudio provided by the Cabarrus County Sheriff’s Office. The man then gave directionsonwhere emergencyrespondersshouldgoand asked that they turn off any sirens upon arrival.
NASCAR driverBrad Keselowskisaidhe knew Busch wasn’tfeelingwell recently “Yes, but Iwon’tgointoany specifics,” Keselowski said. “But then when he ranthe Trucks race last week,those (thoughts) were honestly kind of erased in mymind.”
Keselowski said running multiple races on the same weekend can be difficultona driver’shealth —but most don’t want to miss arace for fear of being replaced
“There’snoshortage of drivers that would love to take my seat or anybody else’sseat if we weren’tfeeling well, and Ithink every driver feels that pressure,” Keselowski said “All athletes do. It’s not unique to NASCAR in that sense. We’re all thinking to ourselves, ‘I don’twant to be replaced.’ Soyou try to power through it the best you can.” Keselowski said Busch’s unexpected death has forced him to pay attention to his own health moving forward.
Chase Briscoe said Busch’shealth issues served as a“wake-up call” for him andother drivers, who often put asidedealing with potential issues because they are so busy travelingaround the country and competing on aweekly basis.
He said if something feelsoff, “you needto get checked out.”
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Somber mood surroundsCoca-Cola 600asracing communitytries to processBusch’s sudden death ‘It’seerie
BY STEVE REED AP sportswriter
CONCORD,N.C.— NASCAR
driverConnor Zilisch found himself in bed scrolling through social mediaonhis phone, growing more depressed with each post he read about Kyle Busch.
Forthe first time in his life, Zilisch hada hard time getting himselfmotivated to go to the racetrack.
He’snot the only one grapplingwith the sudden and tragic death of the sport’s 41-year-old superstar
On Sunday night, 39 Cup Seriesdrivers return to the track for the Coca-Cola 600 justthree days after the death of Busch, who had morewins (234) thananyone across NASCAR’sthree national series.
Severe pneumonia progressed into sepsisand resulted in rapid and overwhelming complicationsthat ledto Busch’s death, according toa statement released Saturday by hisfamily
“It just doesn’tfeel like a real raceweekend,”Zilisch said. “Like theentire vibe in the garage, it’seerie here. It’s gloomy.It’sjust, it’s goingtobetough come Sunday for sure. There’sgoing to be alot of emotion. It’sgoing to be sad.”
Rain washed out qualifying on Saturday and the gray, overcast sky servedasafittingbackground for the sombermood enveloping Charlotte Motor Speedway and its 11/2-mile track.
Former Buschrival Joey Logano saidthere is simply nothing normal aboutthis weekend.
“It’sdefinitely avery differ-
ä Coca-Cola 600.
5P.M.SUNDAy,PRIME
ent vibe. Inever really felt anything like this before at the racetrack,”Logano said.
“You just kind of seeless smilesand everybody is sad. It’sanemotion that we’reall feeling —asraw as it can be —and we’re all trying to handle it in our own way. There are some pretty heavy emotionsonour hearts.”
Added driver Zane Smith: “This doesn’tseem real. He was Superman.”
Reigning racechampion Ross Chastain said he knows only one waytodealwith Busch’sdeath.
“Go race,” said Chastain, whocelebrated the comefrom-behind 2025 winby slammingwatermelons on the track from the roof of his car, his signature move.
“I know withKyle, that’s what he would want to do. So, no question in my mindabout coming in and going to work andgoing to race,” Chastain said. “It’s what we do.”
Thereare reminders of Busch everywhere. The track’soversized video board features an in memoriam photoofBusch. Thescoringtower on the infield lists just onenumber on thevery top:8
That’s been Busch’scar number thepast four seasons since he madethe move from Joe Gibbs Racing to Richard Childress Racing.
Every car in the field will carry ablack No.8 decal on Sunday to honor thetwo-time Cup Series champion.
Despite the overwhelming sense of sadnessatthe
Rookie Johnson has best WNBA game with Storm Zia Cooke scored 16 of her career-high 25 points in the first half, rookie Flau’jae Johnson had her best gameofthe season and the Seattle Storm beat the Connecticut Sun 77-59 on Friday night. Johnson, the No.8pick in the recentWNBAdraftout of LSU, had 17 points, seven rebounds and five assists, allseason bests. Natisha Hiedeman added 11 points for the Storm (2-4), who avenged alast-second loss to the Sun on Wednesday.Seattle won 89-82 at Connecticut in the second gameof the season. Diamond Millerhad 13 points for Connecticut (1-6)and Aaliyah Edwards scored 10. Brittney Griner missedher fourth straight game with arib injury
Russell clashes withF1 teammate after victory MONREAL George Russell clashedearly with Mercedes teammate Kimi Antonelli in the Canadian Grand Prix sprint race Saturday,sending the teen star into the grass in an entertaining victory from the pole.
Russell —who later took the pole for his Grand Prix title defense Sunday at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve —fended off apair of attacks from Antonelli on the sixth of 23 laps as thedrivers made contact in Turn 1, forcing the 19-yearold Italian into the grass.
The teen sensation —the winner of thelastthreeGrand Prix races —accusedRussell of pushing himoff before demandinga penalty in radio rant. Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff toldAntonelli to “concentrate on the driving, please, not on the radio moaning.”
Struggling Cubs recall OF Alcántara from Triple-A
The scuffling Chicago Cubs recalled outfielder Kevin Alcántara from Triple-A Iowa before their game Saturday against Houston anddesignatedinfielder Nicky Lopez forassignment. The Cubs lost 3-0against the AstrosonSaturdayand are2-11 after a20-3 run that included two 10-game winning streaks that had propelled them to 27-12, the best record in the majors on May 8.
track, NASCARCEO Steve O’Donnell neverconsidered postponing the race.
“Kyle Busch wouldprobably be pretty (ticked)off if we didn’t race, so we’re goingtohonor hismemory, O’Donnell said.
Reddickonthe pole
Cup Series points leader TylerReddick will start on the pole after rain washed out qualifying on Saturday.Ty Gibbs will be alongside Reddick on thefront row Drivers got in some practice laps on Saturday during abreak in the wet weather but more rain is in the forecast for Sunday,which could make NASCAR’slongest race of the season even longer Hill fillsinfor Busch
Austin Hill, who normally competesinthe O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, will replace Busch and represent Richard Childress Racing in theNo.
33 car RCR made the decision to temporarily retire Busch’s No. 8until his 11-year-old son, Brexton, is ready to take over and race. Austin Dillon also will race for RCR on Sundayashe looks to winhis secondCocaCola 600.
Runningthe double Katherine Legge will look to become the first woman to complete “The Double” on Sunday,when she begins the dayrunning theIndianapolis 500 before making the trip southfor the Coca-Cola 600. Although manyhave tried to run“TheDouble,” only Tony Stewart (2001) has completed all1,100 miles.
The 23-year-old Alcántara was batting .242 with 15 home runs and 32 RBIsin41games with Iowa.His 15 homers weretiedfor themost by aTriple-A player entering Saturday.Alcántara hasplayedin13 gameswith the Cubs during callups over the past twoseasons and has a.238 average with one RBI in 22 plate appearances.
Formula 1world champion Prost injured by intruders Swisspoliceare investigating an alleged robbery amid reports that four-time Formula 1worldchampion Alain Prost was injured during ahome invasion.
Swiss tabloid Blick reported late Fridaythatthe 71-year-old Prost suffered ahead injury from intruders whoforced his son to open asafe during the incident Tuesday morning.
“The perpetrators entered the residence while the occupants were present, threatened them, andforced onefamily member to open asafe before fleeingwith the stolen goods,” the public prosecutor’soffice said in astatement. “Despitethe extensive search operation launched, the perpetrators have notyet been apprehended at this stage.”
Ionescu ready to make season debut with Liberty Sabrina Ionescu is ready to make her season debut forNew York after suffering afoot injury in the preseason. The star guard of the Liberty practiced Saturday and said afterwardshe’sgood to go against Dallas on Sunday Ionescu, who averaged 18.2 points, 5.7 assists and 4.9 rebounds last season, knew the injury wasn’t major when she went downagainst Connecticut on May 3. Coach Chris DeMarco saidIonescuwould be on aminutes restriction and with New York playing back-to-back games, he wasn’t sure whether she would also play on Monday against Portland. The Liberty were3-2 without Ionescu. New York is still missing BetnijahLaney-Hamilton,who is outfor personalreasons. DeMarco said she wouldn’tplay Sunday
ASSOCIATED PRESS FILE PHOTO By STEPHEN SPILLMAN
Connor Zilisch prepares to compete in aNASCARCup Series race at Circuit of the Americasin Austin, Texas, on March 2.
Blue Jays hand Skenes back-to-back losses
The Associated Press
TORONTO George Springer hit his 65th leadoff home run and the Toronto Blue Jays sent former LSU star Paul Skenes to losses in consecutive starts for the first time this season, beating the Pittsburgh Pirates 5-2 Saturday for their fourth straight win and seventh in 10 games.
Skenes (6-4), the reigning National League Cy Young Award winner, allowed four runs and a career-high nine hits and one walk in five-plus innings with two strikeouts, just his second time with fewer than five this season. His ERA rose to 3.00.
Skenes left after giving up four straight hits in the sixth. In his previous outing, against Philadelphia on May 17, Skenes tied his big-league high by giving up five runs.
Tyler Heineman also homered for the reigning American League champions, his first since July 19. Patrick Corbin (2-1) allowed one run and five hits in six innings with a season-high seven strikeouts. Jeff Hoffman struck out the side in the ninth for his fifth save in eight chances.
Pirates pitching coach Bill Murphy and manager Don Kelly were ejected in separate incidents in the sixth. Murphy was tossed after home plate umpire Alan Porter initially missed a challenge request from catcher Henry Davis, while Kelly was tossed for arguing a checked swing call.
Springer homered on Skenes’ third pitch of the game, snapping the right-hander’s 15-inning road scoreless streak. Springer has five
LSU
Continued from page 1C
Even after losing such stars from the 2025 College World Series championship team like Kade Anderson, Anthony Eyanson and Jared Jones, no one expected the 2026 Tigers to turn into a baseball version of Spirit Airlines. They were preseason No. 2 in most polls, making LSU unquestionably the most disappointing team in the country this year
How did the Tigers become such a disaster movie? Well, as the Titanic didn’t only sink because it hit the iceberg, there were a combination of factors.
Here’s the rundown:
INJURIES: By season’s end, the LSU weekend rotation of starting pitchers — Casan Evans, Cooper Moore and William Schmidt — all missed at least some playing time. Heavy-hitting right fielder Jake Brown was shelved after breaking a bone in his hand April 19. Outfielder Chris Stanfield, catcher Omar Serna and second baseman Seth Dardar were all in and out of the lineup because of ailments.
PITCHING: LSU was first in the SEC in strikeouts, yes, but last in walks and wild pitches, and second to last in team ERA. Several pitchers the Tigers were counting on from 2025 — such as like Zac Cowan, Cooper Williams and Jaden Noot — regressed statistically DEFENSE: LSU fielded .981 in 2025 but just .967 this season Transfers Zach Yorke at first and Trent Caraway at third were never up to the task defensively, mitigating the superb glove of shortstop Steven Milam.
RECRUITS AND TRANSFERS: Baseball recruiting is a high-wire act, a balance between signing great players with risk of losing them to a pro contract. LSU got hit much harder by the 2025 major-league draft than expected; only eight recruits made it to campus and one of those was injured LSU then had to fill in with late transfers for whom the gamble didn’t pay off.
COACHING: Jay Johnson and pitching coach Nate Yeskie didn’t forget how to coach after last year, but as Johnson admit-
LSU
Continued from page 1C
overall after whiffing 11 times the night before.
“We talked before the game and our media team had a hype video for us reminding us why we’re playing, why we’re here,” Franklin said.
“The energy was awesome, we were light, the mood was great. Alabama is a really good team, competitive.”
Said LSU outfielder Char Lorenz:
“We tried to learn from what we didn’t do so well yesterday, trying to
NOTEBOOK
homers this season and is second in leadoff homers to 81 by Hall of Famer Rickey Henderson.
Marcell Ozuna’s two-out RBI double tied the score in the sixth, but the Blue Jays took a 4-1 lead in the bottom half on Jesús Sánchez’s run-scoring double, Ernie Clement’s RBI single and a run-scoring, double-play grounder by Andrés Giménez.
ted, he didn’t get enough out of this year’s team. At times, Johnson seemed consumed by what he perceived as a lack of financial support compared to other power programs. His comment in early April that he had no interest in following former Tennessee coach Tony Vitello in becoming a major league manager “at this time” sounded like a veiled threat.
The chapter on the 2026 season is closed. The question now is whether Johnson can craft a roster to help LSU return to Omaha in 2027.
A lot has to go right for the Tigers to make that trip. With Derek Curiel, Brown and Stanfield leaving, LSU must rebuild the outfield If Johnson puts promising freshman Mason Braun out there he will have to find a new first baseman unless fellow freshman William Patrick can fill one of the spots. LSU likely has to replace Milam at shortstop and find a new third baseman.
Can LSU keep both catchers Cade Arrambide and Omar Serna happy enough to stay? Their combination of catching and being the designated hitter may do the trick, but it’s not a given. Johnson needs both, along with Braun, to be the core of the 2027 offense.
There are positives. LSU signed 24 players to the nation’s No. 2-ranked recruiting class More freshmen are sure to find their way to campus next year than they did this year And frankly, the fact that the season is over puts Johnson and his staff in a better position to take advantage of the transfer portal when it opens June 1. They’ll also be better prepared to fill any holes poked in the Tigers’ recruiting class after the draft (July 11-12).
If there’s anything that is certain, it’s that Johnson is already working hard on building next year’s team. If LSU doesn’t return to the CWS, it won’t be because he didn’t put in the hours. But unlike this year, there won’t be a broad assumption that the Tigers will make it. The question going into 2026 was could LSU repeat. The operative phrase going into 2027 is “wait and see.”
build off of those things. At the end of the day, they’re a good team, we weren’t supposed to win. We didn’t have anything to lose, and that’s the mindsetweweretryingtowinwith.”
Briski replaced Moten after the second rain delay and pitched the final three innings for her fourth save. Sierra Daniel broke the Briski spell with a one-out single in the fifth. The only other runners for the Tigers were on a one-out walk to Lorenz in the sixth and a double by Lassiter in the seventh. “They have one of the best pitchers — if not the best — in the country, and she showed up this
Astros
ALVAREZ LEAVES GAME EARLY: In Chicago, Houston slugger Yordan Alvarez left Saturday’s 3-0 win over the Chicago Cubs in the middle of an at-bat in the sixth inning because of a back spasm and will miss the series finale as the Astros try for a sweep.
Alvarez said through a translator he experienced tightness in his right scapula, or shoulder blade, earlier in the day and “didn’t give
it time to go away.”
“I was going through my routine before going to hit,” Alvarez said. “I was lifting some weights and felt that the scapula felt a little tight and I couldn’t really raise my right arm a whole lot.”
After fouling off a pitch from Colin Rea and falling behind 0-2 in the count in the sixth, Alvarez appeared to be in discomfort. Manager Joe Espada sent Zach Dezenzo to pinch hit, and Dezenzo struck out on the next pitch.
“Espada came up to me and took me out of the game just to give it some rest and not make it worse,” Alvarez said. “So I just followed his direction.”
The three-time All-Star said Espada planned to give him Sunday off before the injury surfaced Alvarez is batting .300 with 15 homers and 31 RBIs.
Cardinals
TORRES HOMERS IN MLB DEBUT: In Cincinnati, Bryan Torres hit a tworun homer and also singled in his major-league debut at age 28, helping the St. Louis Cardinals beat the Cincinnati Reds 8-1 on Saturday in the opener of a day-night doubleheader Torres, who first played minor league ball in 2015, hit seventh and played left field. He worked a fullcount walk from Chris Paddack (06) in the second, singled on a cutter in the fourth, grounded out in the sixth, flied out in the seventh and homered to right-center on a fastball from Jose Franco in the ninth. Torres signed a minor league contract with Milwaukee in 2015, was claimed off waivers by the San Francisco organization in December 2019, became a free agent after the 2021 season and spent two years with the independent Milwaukee Milkmen of the American Association. He signed a minor league deal with the Cardinals in September 2023, was added to the 40-man roster in November and played for Puerto Rico in this year’s World Baseball Classic. Torres was recalled from Triple-A Memphis on Friday after hitting .336 with 10 doubles, two homers, 16 RBIs and 10 stolen bases in 36 games.
Southern third baseman Kenyon Hughes dives back to first base during a pickoff attempt in the third inning of a game against UAPB on April 26 at Lee-Hines Stadium. Southern fell 5-1 to Florida A&M on Saturday as the Jaguars’ season ended in the SWAC Tournament.
Southern bats go quiet as season ends
BY TOYLOY BROWN III Staff writer
Ryan Hunter didn’t need to chase a 2-0 pitch. But when the Southern leadoff hitter saw a fastball, he hammered it to right-center for a home run. The Florida International transfer couldn’t have asked for a better first at-bat. His team needed a win to force an if-necessary game against Florida A&M in the Southwestern Athletic Conference Tournament.
Despite the riveting start, the Jaguars couldn’t make enough plays to keep their season alive. No. 2-seeded Southern (29-23) fell 5-1 to No. 3-seeded FAMU (30-22) on Saturday at Rickwood Field in Birmingham, Alabama. FAMU is heading to the SWAC title game, where it hopes to bring the conference trophy back to Tallahassee, Florida, for the first time since 2023. The Jaguars won their most games in a season since 2019, when they went 32-24. The last time they won the conference tournament was in 2021, which was coach Chris Crenshaw’s first season leading the
weekend and did a great job,” LSU coach Beth Torina said. LSU starting pitcher Jayden Heavener retired the first eight batters she faced with four strikeouts before running into a fit of wildness in the third inning. Ninehole hitter Kristen White walked on four pitches with two outs, then Heavener threw three consecutive wild pitches to send White home. There was more trouble in the next inning. Alexis Pupillo homered over the right-field fence, her second of the series and 19th of the season, to make it 2-1. Heavener seemed ready to right herself
program Saturday’s game was a rematch from Thursday when the Jaugars lost 15-6 to the Rattlers. Similar to that defeat, Southern struggled to get players on base consistently In the second inning, FAMU starting pitcher Jesus Campa retired the side in order The right-handed graduate student controlled the game through six innings. He allowed one earned run on five hits with one walk and three strikeouts. Southern started freshman Alexavier Lebron, who allowed three hits, two earned runs and a walk over two innings. Freshman Rupert Blackwood took over in the third but struggled with his command, walking four and giving up one hit and two earned runs in an inning of work. Crenshaw pulled him after he issued back-to-back walks in the fourth.
Jayden Lawrence was next out of the bullpen. The freshman right-hander helped Southern escape the inning, allowing only a sacrifice fly to right by FAMU sophomore Jay Campbell that brought home redshirt senior Wil-
against the next two batters, but Audrey Vandagriff singled, Ambrey Taylor doubled her to third and both scored on a single to left by Salen Hawkins. Hawkins was in a 2-for-30 slump before that hit. Heavener allowed four runs on six hits with eight strikeouts and four walks. “I thought she was a good matchup all along,” Torina said. “Paytn (Monticelli) had just thrown so well for us down the stretch is why I went with her (on Friday). Jayden was a good match and it proved to be true. I thought she threw really well and I was proud of her It was
liam Brown. Lawrence followed with scoreless fourth and fifth innings to keep the Rattlers in check. He couldn’t maintain that sharpness in the sixth when he walked three. The third walk came with the bases loaded, pushing across another run as Southern fell behind 5-1 entering the seventh. Lawrence finished with two strikeouts, three walks and one run allowed in three innings.
Senior right-hander Quincy Thornton took the mound in the seventh and kept the Rattlers off the board the rest of the way In the ninth, he allowed a pair of singles and hit a batter with one out but escaped the jam with back-to-back strikeouts.
Thornton struck out three and allowed two hits and three walks. Southern needed four runs to send the game to extra innings, but FAMU retired the side in order to end the Jaguars’ season. The offense was cold as it was limited to one run for the first time since March 15, when it lost 15-1 to South Florida on the road.
The Jaguars finished with five hits to FAMU’s six.
a solid finish for her.”
LSU could return six of nine in the starting lineup and two of its top three pitchers for next season. Torina hopes her team takes a lesson from the Alabama series. “It’s a good reminder for our team that being in the top eight is a huge deal and playing at home (in the super regional) is a huge deal,”
ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By JON BLACKER
Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes throws to a Toronto Blue Jays batter during the first inning of a game in Toronto on Saturday. MLB
STAFF FILE PHOTO By MICHAEL JOHNSON
NBA
Spursseeking answers when Wembyisonbench
BY RAUL DOMINGUEZ Associated Press
SAN ANTONIO It’stempting, but the San AntonioSpurs will not play Victor Wembanyama every minute of regulation against Oklahoma City even as they trail the Thunder 2-1 in the Western Conference finals.
Instead, San Antonio has to find away to play better when Wembanyama rests because Oklahoma City is dominating when the 7-foot4star from France is on the bench.
The Thunder is two wins away from returningtothe NBA Finals with Game 4onSunday in San Antonio.
Oklahoma City has won two straight by an average of 12 points since Wembanyama had 41 points, 24 rebounds and three blocks in 49 minutes during San Antonio’s 122-115 double-overtimevictory in Game 1onMonday
As the Spurs seek solutions, playing Wembanyama more minutes is intriguing but not viable.
“The idea is there,” San Antonio coach Mitch Johnson said, smiling, “but, yeah, Ithink as we’ve seen it, him fresh or somewhat fresh is still the best. We don’t want to sacrifice our style of play and the identity that we’ve been building since October.”
The Spurs were aplus-4in Wembanyama’s39minutes in Game 3’s 123-108 loss to the Thunder on Friday.That number may seem inconsequential, but San Antonio was minus-15 as ateam and its main reserves were in the negative by double digits.
MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had ateam-high 26 points, but the rest of the Oklahoma City starters combined for 21 points.
Their scoring wasn’t needed Friday The Oklahoma City bench outscored San Antonio’s76-23 and was a combined 14 for 29 on 3-pointers. The76bench points are the most in the conference finals since theNBA went to
ä ThunderatSpurs
7P.M.SUNDAy,NBC,PEACOCK
the 16-teamplayoff format in 1984.
“We’ve dealtwith alot of injuries throughout theyear, but it’s built us,” Thunder center Jaylin Williams said. “It’sbuilt us as ateam. It’s built us as players to be ready for the moment, to be ready when your nameiscalled.”
Williams had aplayoff careerhigh 18 points, and fellow reserve Jared McCainfinishedwith 24 points.
TheSpurs opened Game 3ona 15-0 run,the longest run to open a game in theconference finals since theplay-by-play era beganin1997. San Antonio led 19-4 when Wembanyama subbed outwith seven minutes remaining in the quarter, but theThunder cut the deficit to 24-19 bythe time he returned with 3:44 remaininginthe first
TheThunder’sdepthalso allows it to throwmultiple bodiesatWembanyama and looks to wear on him and theSpurs. “I know I’mnot going to play as many minutes as (Wembanyama)is, so the minutes I’m out there I’m trying to make hisjob as toughas Ican make
it,” Williams said.
Making matters worse forthe Spurs is twooftheir primary playmakers and scorers are battling injuries.
Point guards De’Aaron Fox (sprained right ankle) andDylan Harper (right adductor soreness) played in Game 3but were notat 100%. Fox also appeared to injure hisleftankle in thethird quarter but returned shortly after exiting for thelocker room.
“They came out of the game, finished on their own accord,”Johnson said. “I took them out, so that’s aplusand as of nowweexpect them to be readytogo. So,those guys are giving us all theygot,and Icommend themand tip my cap because they’re competing and they’re not 100%.”
Therewas no update on their playingstatusasofSaturdayafternoon.
Thediminishedhealth of Fox and Harper along withOklahoma City’sphysicalityhave slowed San Antonio’susual breakneck pace offensively
The Spurs played reserve center Luke Kornet alongside Wembanyama at times Friday in an attempt to improve its rebounding and spark afasterpace, but the Thunder limited that as well.
“That’sbeen good for us all year,” guardStephon Castle said of the Spurs’ pace. “I don’tthink it’sjust against them that it’s crucial that we have those possessions, but, Imean, Ithink that comes from getting stops first.” Castle did not want to give away any strategy,but he did say the Spurs discovered some “schematic stuff” that should fixtheir lapses on both ends for Game 4. Regardless, San Antonio hastofind away to keep playing with Wembanyama on the bench. “I feel like eachand every one of us has got to be better,” Wembanyama said. “Yeah,Ithink it’s just that as ateam, as an organization, there’sa lot of new experiences. We’re just goingtohave to find theanswers.”
MOSLEY
Continued from page1C
“If you’re serious, you can stay with me and my family,” DeGray told him. “Don’tworry about money.Grind it out and do what you’ve gottodo. He worked hisbuttoff andthe restishistory.”
Fast forward 20-something years and Mosley is now the head coach of the New Orleans Pelicans.He was hired on Monday,just three weeks after he was fired by the Orlando Magic. He lasted fiveyears in Orlando, resurrecting ateam thatwon just 21 games the season before he took over.Heled the Magictothe playoffs each of the past threeseasons, buthewas let go theday aftera Game 7loss to the No. 1-seeded Detroit Pistons in aseries in which the Magic blew a3-1 lead.
Nowhetakes over aPelicans team in the same shape the Magic were in when he took over there
The Pelicans won just26 games this season after winning only 21 theseason beforethat. It’llbeupto Mosley to turn things around He secured the job overa list of finalists that includedformer All-Star point guard Rajon Rondo, Brooklyn Netsassistant SteveHetzel,ex-Los AngelesLakers head coach Darvin Ham and James Borrego, the Pelicans interim coach this season. When all was said and done, Pelicans executive vice president of basketball operations Joe Dumars decided on the most proven coach among the group. While Mosley never got past the first round in Orlando, his work there earned respect around theleague. He was runner-up for NBACoach of the Year in the 2023-24season
One NBA front office executive who wanted to remain anonymous had this to say about Mosley and his time in Orlando:
“Jamahl did an incredible job of resetting the culture in Orlando by establishing adefensive identity anddemanding accountability,” the executive said. “Their offensive players bought into defending every night. The Magic went from a
MOSLEY ADDS SHAMMGOD TO STAFF
NewOrleans coach Jamahl Mosleyis starting to assemble his coaching staff. GodShammgod will joinMosley’sstaff as an assistant coach, asource confirmed to The Times-Picayune on Saturday. Shammgod, 50, spent this season with the Orlando Magic underMosley. Prior to his one seasoninOrlando, Shammgod was aplayerdevelopment coachfor the DallasMavericks from 2019-25. Before that, he was aplayer development coach at Providence, his alma mater.
Shammgod helped lead Providence to the Elite Eight of the 1997 NCAA Tournament.The former point guard,who played 20 games in the NBAwith the WashingtonWizards,wasknown for his elite ballhandling skillsduringhis playing days.
Twoother assistants on theOrlando coaching staff —Bret Brielmaier and Dale Osbourne —also could join the Pelicans coaching staff. Brielmaier and Osbourne both arrived in Orlandoin2021 when Mosley took over.
Prior to that, Brielmaier was an assistant with the Brooklyn Nets and Cleveland Cavaliers.
Osbourne’s previous stop waswith the Portland TrailBlazers,where he wasan assistant coach under TerryStotts from 2012-21.
RodWalker
bottom-five defense to oneofthe best defensive teams in the NBA. That type of transformation starts with the coach setting standards and commitment from theplayers.”
Mosley knows all about commitment. Ask anyone who has worked with him andthe first thing mentioned is his work ethic. DeGray sawitwhenMosley got thatfirst gig working as a low-paid scout and player development coach in Denver
“He was working damn near 20hour days,” DeGray said. “He was staying withus, but we never saw him because he lived in thePepsi Center (now known as Ball Arena).” Mosley rarely got afull night’s rest.
Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jaylin Williams and coachMark Daigneault chat during the second half of Game 3inthe Western Conference finalsagainst the San AntonioSpurs on FridayinSan Antonio. Williams scored aplayoff career-high 18 points in Oklahoma City’s123-108 win.
OKCbench scoring points in bunches
BY TIM REYNOLDS AP basketball writer
Ordinarily,this wouldhave been adisaster. Oklahoma City hadthreestarters combine to score seven pointsinGame 3of the WesternConferencefinals on Friday night. Fewpeople probablynoticed. That’show good theThunder bench was—again. They’ll give outanMVP award when theseWestfinals areover, andifthings keep going like this,itmight be agood idea to cut it up into parts andjust hand it outtothose on theOklahoma Citybench. The Thunder reserves outscored theSan Antoniobench 76-23 on Friday night, ahuge reason why the Thunder beat the Spurs 123-108 for a2-1 series lead. Jared McCain scored 24 points for theThunderfor aplayoff career best. Jaylin Williams —the forward, with Thunder guard Jalen Williams out with hamstring issues again —hit five 3-pointers and scored 18,which alsowas aplayoffcareer high. And Alex Caruso had 15 points, giving him 63 in this series —the bestthree-game scoring span of his career “I like proving my support sys-
acallwith
John Goble during agameagainst the Phoenix Suns on March31 in Orlando, Fla.
There were timeswhen thenNuggetsstarCarmelo Anthony would callMosley in the wee hours of the morning because he wanted to get some shots up in thearena And there were othertimes when Kenyon Martin would call at an odd hour because he needed someone to rebound for him.
Mosleywould wakeup, borrow one of DeGray’scars and make the drive to the arena. Mosley’sfoot was in the NBAdoor,and he wasn’tabout to let it slam shut on him.
Mosley is 47 now. Afterhis time in Denver,hehad coaching stops as an assistant withthe Cleveland Cavaliers andDallas Mavericksbefore takingoverinOrlando. Nowhe heads to theBig Easy,where things will be anything but easy as he tries to breathe life intoafranchise that hasadvanced past the first round of the playoffs only twice.
The people whohave known Mosley thelongest know he will putinthe work.
Aki Collins, an assistantatColorado when Mosleyplayedthere, has been in thecoaching profession foralmost 30 years. He’s spent mostofhis time on thecollege level, but he also had astint with theOklahomaCity Thunder
“Jamahl wasn’tthe most talented playerthat I’ve ever coached,” Collins said. “But by far, he’s the
hardest working player I’ve ever coached.Thatspeaksvolumesof who he is.”
Collinskeeps up with Mosley and watchedthe highsand lows of his time in Orlando.
“Because of whoheisand the person Iknow,Ibet he’staken some time to think about what he could have done better,”Collins said. “He’sreflective enough as ayoungman andhis egoisnot so bigthat he can’tlook in the mirror andsay,‘HeyJamahl, whatdid you do wrongorwhat could you have done better?’ As acompetitor and aprofessional, he’ll look in the mirrorand if he’sinthe same situation again and say,‘How do Iget adifferent outcome?’ That’show he is and what he’s going to be about.”
Defense and player developmentare Mosley’sstrong suits, evident by the Magic being one of thetop three defensive teamsin theleague in two of the last three seasons. Mosley loves the details. When he took over in Orlando,heinstalled abellinthe practice facility.Whenever someone took a chargeorblocked ashot or dove on the floor,the bell would ring. It was Mosley’sway of drilling into his players’ heads the importance of making those type of plays duringgames. Those plays often sep-
temright,” said McCain, amidseason pickup in atrade with Philadelphia. “The peoplewho really believe in me,Ilike proving themright.” Oh, they wereright. And they hada lottotalkabout Friday night.
“Wetalkabout it alot, in practice and throughout the whole playoffs: Be ready and stay ready,” McCain said. “Coaches have done agreat jobofthat. We all are hoopers and we all know what to do out there, especially this team. It’sa very mature team. Coming in, Ijust wantto be as readyasI can, no matter what it is.”
He’s notalone.The entire OKC bench has been ready throughoutthe whole series.
The Thunder got 50 points from its reserves in Game 1, then 57 in Game 2. On Friday,the benchmob struckagain.
The 76 bench points were the most by ateam in aconference finals game sincethe NBAwent to the 16-team playoff format in 1984. Theprevious markwas 69 by theLos AngelesLakers in 1985. Only two Thunderstarters scored in double figures —MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had 26 points andChetHolmgren had 14.
arate the average teamsfrom the great ones.
While Collins raves about Mosley the coach, he gives just as much praise to Mosley the person.
“You don’thave to feed his ego to make him feelimportant,” Collins said. “People gravitate to guys like him because he’sreal. There’snothing pretentious about him.”
Despite Mosley being agood guy, he has atoughness about him,too. Just askJaquayWalls, who played with Mosley at Colorado Walls recalls aparticulargame against rival Colorado State.
“Wehated those guys and they hated us,” Walls said. “There was a littledust-up and Jamahlwas right in the thick of it. I’m not saying he was the only one, but he was the first one. From that day on, Jamahl was my mom’sfavorite player.“
Thattoughness checksone of the main boxes Dumars was looking forinacoach.
“Wecannotget bangedaround, pushed around,” Dumars said in April. “Wehave to be physical and compete every night.”
It’llbeuptoMosleytoinstill that toughness. His college buddies surely believe in him
“Looking back at it,you can see why he’swhere he is,” Walls said. “He was oneofthose dudesthatalways did and said the right things.” Mosley,Walls,DeGrayand afew of their college teammates are in a groupchat. Almost 25 yearsafter their playing days, they make sure to keep up with each other
They text during the tough times, like when Mosley was fired.
“Keep grinding, Bro. You’ll be back in no time,” Walls wrote. And they text during the good times, like when Mosley landed a job just three weeks later
“Back like you never left.”
Not that anyone in thegroupchat wassurprised.They knew Mosley would bounceback. They’ve seen him grind, livingbythe words their college coach Ricardo Patton hung in the Coloradolocker room:“Who are youwhen no oneislooking?”
Smith knows exactly who Mosley is.
“I guarantee you this: Jamahl is aworkaholic.”
ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By PHELANM.EBENHACK
Former OrlandoMagic coach Jamahl Mosley, right, argues
official
Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama AP PHOTO
By ASHLEy LANDIS
Kim hangs on to Byron Nelson lead
BY SCHUYLER DIXON AP sportswriter
McKINNEY,Texas
Si Woo Kim
lost all of the five-shot lead
he built a day earlier while flirting with sub-60 history at the CJ Cup Byron Nelson
The 30-year-old South Korean still managed to maintain an edge over a couple of major champions, including hometown favorite and reigning champion Scottie Scheffler, heading into the final round.
Kim shot 3-under 68 on Saturday for a two-shot lead over top-ranked Scheffler and 2023 U.S. Open champion Wyndham Clark, who had matching 65s.
“It’s fun being in contention,” said Clark, a threetime tour winner seeking his first victory since Pebble Beach in 2024. “Whether you have to shoot 8 under to win or 1 under to win, it’s fun because you still feel the same heat.”
holes on the front nine.
“Two shots back going into tomorrow, so I’m looking forward to the challenge,” said Scheffler, who is looking for his 21st tour win. “It’s always fun when I get to play with Si Woo. I think it’s good for the community to have two guys that are local up there on the leaderboard. Should be a fun day tomorrow.”
Clark was standing over the putt before what ended up being one of his early birdies when he stepped away and dabbed at his nose. He made the putt, but was still dabbing at his nose a few holes later “I don’t really know,” the 32-year-old said
Sungjae Im, Kim’s countryman, followed a secondround 61 with a 67 and was another two shots back with Stephan Jaeger and Tom Hoge. Jaeger’s 64 was the low round of the day at the TPC Craig Ranch, and Hoge shot 66. Zach Bauchou (66) was 16 under, one shot ahead of Brooks Koepka (66) and three others. Koepka, who opened with a 63, is looking for his first win since returning to the PGA Tour from LIV Golf.
pionship in April. It was gone by the 11th hole.
Kim, the field’s secondhighest-ranked player behind Scheffler at No. 24, was in position for a 59 in the second round but had a bogey at 18 that forced him to settle for 60. His five-shot lead was tied for the second-biggest on tour through 36 holes this season behind Rory McIlroy’s six-shot edge when he defended his Masters cham-
Three bogeys in a span of four holes — all on putts inside 10 feet dropped the four-time tour winner into a tie with Clark at 18 under Clark had earlier pulled within a stroke with a short eagle putt on the par-5 ninth.
Kim, a Dallas resident, answered with three birdies over the next four holes a day after he had 12.
“I was thinking about too
Djokovic ready to set Grand Slam record
BY ANDREW DAMPF AP sportswriter
PARIS Novak Djokovic
will set a record the moment he steps on court for his opening match at the French Open against Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard in the night session on Sunday
Two days after his 39th birthday, Djokovic will play a men’s record 82nd Grand Slam tournament — one more than Roger Federer and Feliciano Lopez. For all his experience, though — he shares the record of 24 Grand Slam singles titles with Margaret Court — Djokovic comes to Roland Garros with hardly any match preparation.
Djokovic lost to Croatian qualifier Dino Prižmic at the Italian Open in his only match on clay this year after two months out due to a right shoulder injury
“I wanted to play more but my body was not allowing me,” Djokovic said, adding he “was far from ready to compete” in Rome. “But, still, I needed at least that one match just to have the score called by the chair umpire and have experience of the nerves before I eventually come
“I feel like if I’m healthy and I’m able to maintain that level of freshness throughout the tournament. then I feel like I have always a very good chance. I have proven
much scoring like first 10, 11 holes,” Kim said. “So I’m just trying to be back to kind of like yesterday Yeah, just trying to hit the good shots and trying to like, all the mojo’s back.”
Clark took the lead on a scrambling birdie at the par-5 12th, making a 15-foot putt after a bunker shot with his right foot in the grass, his flexed right knee almost touching the ground.
Kim, Scheffler and Clark were tied at 19 under when
Kim went in front with a birdie on the short par-4 14th after Scheffler and Clark settled for pars after trying to drive the green. Clark got even again but Kim went in front for good with a birdie at the par-3 15th.
Scheffler, a four-time major winner who ran away to an eight-shot victory at last year’s Nelson, answered his first bogey of the tournament on the par-3 fourth with three birdies over the final five
to Roland Garros, which at that point I didn’t know if I was going to be able to play or not.
“Thankfully, the response of the body and the preparation has been positive in the last 10 days, so here I am, and we’ll see what happens.”
Djokovic will also tie French players Richard Gasquet and Antoine Gentian with a men’s record 22nd appearance at Roland Garros. He has reached at least the quarterfinals in 19 of the last 20 editions and raised the Coupe des Mousquetaires trophy in 2016, 2021 and 2023.
Despite his reduced schedule as of late, it should be remembered that he reached this year’s Australian Open final where he lost to Carlos Alcaraz. With Alcaraz, the twotime reigning French Open champion, sitting out Roland Garros and Wimbledon with an injured right wrist,
Djokovic sees a chance for himself in the lower half of the draw He would meet top-ranked Jannik Sinner, who is on a 29-match winning streak only in the final.
“I feel like if I’m healthy and I’m able to maintain that level of freshness throughout the tournament,” the fourth-ranked Djokovic said, “then I feel like I have always a very good chance. I have proven that in Australia this year I always have that belief in me when I’m on the court.”
Along with 2015 champion Stan Wawrinka, who is playing his final French Open, Djokovic is the only former men’s singles champion competing in Paris.
The 80th-ranked Mpetshi Perricard is 6-foot-7 and known for his big serve. He’s also French, which could make for a divided crowd on Court PhilippeChatrier
ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO
Novak Djokovic reacts after winning a point against Dino Prizmic during their match at the Italian Open in Rome on May 8.
ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By ANDREW MEDICHINI
OUTDOORS
STAFF FILE PHOTO By ROBIN
Alligators, including this adult sunning on a log in Lake Martin, have been the subject of a nearly 10-year-old debate about opening a recreational alligator hunting season to help control the population explosion across Louisiana. Earlier this month, the Wildlife and Fisheries Commission posted a notice for a proposed Oct. 1-31 recreational season. As many as 5,000 hunters will be drawn in a lottery.
LWFC proposes alligator hunting season in October
BY JOE MACALUSO
Contributing writer
After more than 10 years of backand-forth debates, the Wildlife and Fisheries Commission passed a notice to open a recreational alligator hunting season.
It’s scheduled to run Oct. 1-31, and it’s framed to cut into the increasing numbers of alligators in swamps and marshes This proposed season will be separate from the long-established commercial season, and all those in the system with commercial harvest tags will not be able to take alligators in the new program. The proposed season will be open to as many as 5,000 Louisiana-only resident hunters drawn by lottery to receive two tags each in one of eight statewide zones.
Other regulations are outlined in the notice and will follow ratification after the public comment period ends June 26. Public comment can be e-mailed to Jeb Linscombe: jlinscombe@wlf.la.gov
Wildlife and Fisheries also announced plans for a commercial alligator lottery for 23 state wildlife management areas, 28 public lakes and one Corp of Engineers property beginning Aug. 26. The application deadline is June 15, and paperwork can be found on the agency’s web page — wlf.louisiana.gov — under “Lottery Applications.” There is a $5 fee plus a $3.50 transaction fee.
Rain limits fishing
Rain and the related late-spring weather patterns have limited fishing across the southern parishes Bayous and rivers are running high and most lakes are muddy from runoff. Coastal and offshore waters have had moderate to downright rough conditions, situations that have meant inshore and near-shore trips have been limited to getting out in the brief periods (mostly early morning) between thunderstorms. And the 2-4 foot offshore seas are not what this Memorial Day holiday week-
FISHING RESULTS
possess red snapper and other offshore and reef fish species.
Bluefins
McLaughlin, Team Penske hoping to rewrite the 2025 script
BY MICHAEL MAROT AP sportswriter
INDIANAPOLIS Scott
McLaughlin waited 12 months to erase the worst memory of his life.
Petersburg because they improperly used the pushto-pass button on restarts a rule that was changed earlier this month after a dozen drivers did the same thing at Long Beach. The new rule will allow all 33 drivers to use it on restarts Sunday, the first time on an oval.
McLaughlin
ä
He spent the time contemplatin g th e ha un ti ng images of a spinning car hitting the wall last May before the race had even started, his hands flapping in anger and the frustration sinking in as he climbed out. All the inconsolable McLaughlin could do was cover his face.
He’s not going to blow it Sunday at another sold-out Indianapolis 500.
“What happened there was a nothing burger,” Newgarden said when asked about Long Beach. “I mean look, I don’t have much to say about it, it doesn’t matter to me. I’m here in Indianapolis.”
p.m.,
Tyer: Carlos Adams. Featured Fly: Sand Flea Spoon Fly. Website: www.rsff.org
end anglers wanted to see, especially not the CCA folks ushering in this weekend’s opener of the summer-long
S.T.A.R. fish-a-thon.
Red snapper
A day after releasing the first numbers from the May 1 opening of the private recreational red snapper season, Wildlife and Fisheries secretary Tyler Bosworth signed off on a move to allow a five-fish-per-angler limit on red snapper through Monday (Memorial Day). The usual daily limit is four and that will be the daily limit starting Tuesday Through May 10, the LA Creel survey estimate is that 40,344 pounds of red snapper have been taken thus far in the private season. That’s 4.6% of our state’s 882,439-pound quota for 2026. The survey showed landings in the first seven-day period were up from the 8,307 pounds taken in the May 1-3 opening period.
A reminder is red snapper must measure at least 16 inches, and all anglers need a fee-free Recreational Offshore Landing Permit along with up-to-date state basic and saltwater licenses to
CALENDAR
Bassmaster Elite CLARENDON COUNTY, S.C Final top 10 from the four-day Bassmaster Elite held on Santee Cooper Lakes with anglers, their hometowns number of bass weighed in parentheses (five–-bass daily limit), total weight in pounds and ounces and prize winnings. Also listed are Louisiana anglers, the big-bass & contingency winners. Only the top 50 in the 99-angler field moved to the third round, and only the top 10 advanced to the final round: Top 10: 1, Chris Johnston, Peterborough, Canada (20) 113 pounds, 12 ounces, $100,000. 2, Brandon Palaniuk, Rathdrum, Idaho (20) 94-0, $20,000. 3, Drew Cook, Cairo, Georgia (20) 92-9, $15,000. 4, Cory Johnston, Otonabee, Canada (20) 92-3 $13,500. 5, Pat Schlapper, Eleva, Wisconsin (20) 90-3, $11,750. 6, Justin Hamner, Northport, Alabama (20) 85-10, $11,000. 7, Kyle Welcher, Valley, Alabama (20) 839, $10,500. 8, Tucker Smith, Birmingham, Alabama (20) 82-8, $10,300. 9, Bob Downey, Detroit Lakes Minnesota (20) 77-5, $10,200. 10, Greg Hackney, Gonzales (19) 71-2, $10,000. Other Louisiana anglers: 50, Tyler Rivet, Raceland (13) 40-6, $5,500. 58, Caleb Sumrall, New Iberia (10) 30-7. Phoenix Boats Big Bass: Kyle Norsetter, Cottage Grove, Wisconsin, 9-14, $2,000. Rapala CrushCity Monster Bag: Chris Johnston, 32-8 $2,000. TUESDAY
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 HUNTING SEASONS SQUIRRELS: Through May 24, statewide, private lands only. AROUND THE CORNER MAY 31 — GARAND/SPRINGFIELD MODERN MILITARY MATCHES: Poydras Gun Club Call Michael Burke (337) 3808120. JUNE 1-3 — GULF COUNCIL MEETING: Hilton Airport Westshore, Tampa, Florida.
Federal fishery folks closed the recreational take of bluefin tuna in the Gulf effective Thursday for the rest of 2026. Their data indicated the quota has been “reached and exceeded.”
The commercial fishing sector is not included in this closure.
The gag order Offshore fishermen finally have an answer to a possible opening of a season on taking gag grouper
The Gulf Council will open federal waters to a season Sept. 1-30.
Talking turkey
State Turkey Program manager Cody Cedotal was close to jumping out of his skin when he outlined the first numbers from this year’s “record-setting” spring turkey hunt.
Cedotal told the Wildlife and Fisheries Commission that in 2026, hunters took 4,024 gobblers — marking the first time since 2009 the take was more than 4,000 birds. The data was gathered quickly because of mandatory reporting of used turkey tags.
Cedotal said this year’s take was better than 2025 (3,576 birds) and 2024 (3,695).
“Many hunters again reported increased encounters with jakes, which is an indicator of good reproduction in some areas,” Cedotal said. “Similar reports were noted over the last five years.”
Other game
The commission also finalized dates and regulations for a third black bear hunting season and all the other seasons, including limits and public-land hunting regulations for resident game and migratory birds and waterfowl.
While the length of the black bear season is the same as 2025 — Dec. 5-20 this year the number of tags in the lottery will increase to 42, including 20 in Bear Area 4, eight in Area 1, four each for areas 2-3, and two each for areas 5-6-7.
Agenda items: red grouper commercial quota, shrimp bycatch, for-hire data collection, recreational anglers deep-water grouper permit & red snapper post-season accountability measures & regional recreational greater amberjack management. Public comment 7:45-11 a.m. June 3. Website: gulfcouncil.org
JUNE 4 — LA. WILDLIFE & FISH-
ERIES COMMISSION MEETING:
9:30 a.m., Joe Herring Room, state Wildlife and Fisheries, Quail Drive, Baton Rouge. JUNE 4-6 — CATHOLIC HIGH
ALUMNI FISHING RODEO: Fourchon Marina, Port Fourchon. Adult & Youth divisions. Inshore, Rig & Offshore divisions. $50 & $100 Redfish Stringer, Mangrove Snapper, Red Snapper, Speckled Trout & Offshore Grand Slam calcuttas. Check-in/registration party Thursday, 5-8:30 p.m. Weigh-in June 5, 4-6:30 p.m. & June 6, 3-6 p.m. Website: catholichigh. org/alumni. Call CHS Alumni Relations (225) 228-0831.
FISHING/SHRIMPING
SHRIMP: Spring inshore season open; all outside waters open. OPEN RECREATIONAL SEASONS: Private recreational red snapper; 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: Greater amberjack; bluefin tuna; gag, goliath & Nassau groupers in state/federal waters. Commercial greater amberjack season closed.
LDWF UPDATES
n REOPENED: Pearl River Wildlife Management Area & shooting range.
n CLOSED: Hope Canal Road/ boat launch (Maurepas Swamp WMA, levee construction) EMAIL: jmacaluso@theadvocate. com
Instead, McLaughlin intends to take full advantage of a second chance on Indianapolis Motor Speedway’s 21/2-mile oval, and he hopes to show everyone what he’s learned and how resilient he’s become as he tries to write a worst-to-first script.
“No doubt I’ve come back stronger from it,” he said.
“I don’t think I’m driving differently this year because of it. I’m just looking forward to getting back into the race, creating a new storyline, getting on with it. I’d love to go zero to hero, of course, but driving with emotion like that is probably a detriment. I’ve just got to go out there, execute and see what I’ve got.”
The 32-year-old New Zealander has returned to Indy with a steadier, more determined mindset to prove he won’t make the same mistake twice. He didn’t duck any questions about what happened, even if it still seems inexplicable.
But at Team Penske, it’s not just McLaughlin seeking redemption this weekend.
Last May might have been the worst for team founder Roger Penske since 1995, when neither of his two-time 500 winners — Al Unser Jr or Emerson Fittipaldi — made the 33car starting field, with the open-wheel split keeping Penske away from Indy for the next five years.
In 2025, the trouble started long before McLaughlin crashed while warming up his tires as he was driving past pit lane. Two-time reigning champion Josef Newgarden and 2018 Indy 500 winner Will Power were both penalized following a post-qualifying inspection that showed each car had illegally modified rear attenuators.
It marked the second time in 14 months The Captain’s team had been tarnished by a cheating scandal. In April 2024, Newgarden was stripped of his win and McLaughlin lost his third-place finish at the season-opening race in St
But the second infraction sent both cars to the back of the starting grid, essentially ending Newgarden’s opportunity to become the first driver in race history with three straight 500 wins and Power’s chance to add a second Indy crown in his contract year Three key team executives president Tim Cindric, IndyCar managing director Ron Ruzewski and IndyCar general manager Kyle Moyer were fired. The three drivers’ raceday results were subpar, too, for a team with a record 20 Indy wins Power was the team’s best finisher, in 16th and one lap behind the leaders. Newgarden dropped out with 66 laps to go and came in 22nd. And McLaughlin, Penske’s top qualifier, didn’t complete a single lap.
This year, McLaughlin and Newgarden came back to Indy with a new teammate, David Malukas, who drives the No. 12 car Power occupied for more than a decade. McLaughlin also has a new race strategist, Cindric. And while Malukas and McLaughlin already have put Team Penske in more favorable position this May, starting third and ninth, Newgarden struggled in qualifying. He’ll start 23rd, in the middle of Row 8, though it’s still a nine-spot improvement over last year’s starting spot. The combination at least gives Penske’s team a fighting chance on the track he owns. “I’m just going into it like I do any race,” Malukas said when asked about starting on the outside of Row 1. “I’ll just watch previous race starts from that position, just getting a collection of data to see where people funnel out, funnel in. I’ll just go with the flow.” Newgarden, however, will have to manage traffic all around him after earning his worst starting spot since 2013 with the exception of last year’s penalty And then there’s McLaughlin, who has a second chance to prove to his fans and the team that last year was an aberration and this year could have a storybook ending.
“I feel like last year sucked and stunk, but it’s part of my journey,” he said. “I feel like I’ve gotten years of experience in one. It was a tough thing. I never wish that upon my worst enemy, as I’ve said It’s something I’ve grown from, for sure. But it put a lot of perspective in my life.”
MILLER
ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By MICHAEL CONROy Scott McLaughlin, left, and Helio Castroneves head into the first turn during practice for the Indianapolis 500 on Monday at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Indianapolis.
COLLEGE BASKETBALL
By NAM y. HUH
ASSOCIATED
‘The fans love the Cinderella story’
KU coach Self felt ‘helpless’ before meeting with doctor
BY VAHE GREGORIAN
The Kansas City Star (TNS)
KANSAS CITY, Mo.— If Bill Self had it to do over again, he wouldn’t have been quite as candid about the personal crossroads he was staring at starting March 22, after his Kansas Jayhawks lost 67-65 to St. John’s in the second round of the NCAA Tournament.
But rather than evade or dismiss postgame questions about his coaching future in the context of his health gone volatile the past few years, Self treated them as entirely valid.
In the process of explaining that he still loved coaching but wanted to feel well enough to do it properly, murmurs that he may consider retiring erupted into a national storyline.
100% accurate.”
And it wasn’t an option, he said, to reflexively keep going and then figure out later whether he should coach into the season.
Delaying it, he said, “crushes next year’s opportunities.”
Changing his mind later, he said, would feel like “I’ve been dishonest to everybody.”
So he had to decide ASAP to be either all-in or all-out.
And retirement initially was the expectation for the 63-year-old Self, who led KU to national titles in 2008 and 2022 and was inducted in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2017.
gate his issues and what risks coaching itself was posing.
Gridlocked as he might have been overall, Self wasn’t working through lists of pros and cons.
Quite the opposite, actually
Entering that appointment with a specialist his doctors had recommended, Self said he felt “helpless” because he wasn’t controlling the narrative or the decision. And going into it Self figured the doctor would say, “Bill, it’s time” and that would be that. But the doctor didn’t say that at all. And he did speak to what Self considered the most vital point of all: that the stress of the job was not putting him further in jeopardy
Coaches debate whether NCAA Tournament expansion
will actually help the
mid-majors
BY COLLEEN KANE Chicago Tribune (TNS)
CHICAGO Illinois-Chicago
men’s basketball coach Rob Ehsan said he thinks the NCAA Tournament is one of the greatest sporting events in the United States, if not the world.
He is “100% supportive” of the NCAA giving more athletes a chance to experience it by expanding the Division I men’s and women’s tournaments from 68 to 76 teams. Loyola coach Drew Valentine is equally in favor of the expansion. Amid all of the laments on social media about the NCAA messing with an already perfect event and opinions so split among coaches that the National Association of Basketball Coaches declined to issue a position Valentine is staying level-headed. Only eight teams are being added. He doesn’t think that will affect the integrity and quality of the tournament.
“The exclusivity and how hard it is to make it and how gratifying it is to hear your name called in the bracket and see your name come across — adding eight teams isn’t taking away from that,” Valentine said. “Even if it got to 96, where it’s like a fourth or a third of the teams in, I still think that’s exclusive. It’s not like they’re just letting everybody in.”
However, a big question being asked in the wake of the NCAA’s May 7 announcement of the expansion, which will include a 12game opening round, is what types of teams will benefit.
Will teams such as Loyola and UIC — or others in midmajor conferences such as the Atlantic 10 and Missouri Valley — receive more spots? Or will the expansion pave the way for more programs in the bottom half of the Power Five conferences (the Big Ten, SEC, Big 12, ACC and Big East)? That is, after all, why the power conferences pushed for the expansion.
Valparaiso coach Roger Powell played for Illinois in the national championship game 21 years ago, but he said the beauty of the NCAA Tournament also lies in giving teams like his Beacons the chance to make a run.
“If we see expansion helping more programs like the mid-majors, it makes the NCAA Tournament still relevant and beautiful and exciting,” he said.
Ehsan, whose team competes with Powell’s in the MVC, hopes the NCAA takes that into consideration.
“If the NCAA could come up with a way with the expansion to add a few of those teams to be not Power Five teams, it would add an incredible amount of positive
excitement to the NCAA Tournament,” Ehsan said.
“The fans love the Cinderella story It’s why it’s called March Madness. I think it’s an absolute no-brainer if they could figure out a way to include some of those good, mid-major-type teams into the field with expansion.”
Mid-major beneficiaries?
When the NCAA announced the news, it heavily promoted the idea that more athletes will have a chance to participate in the tournaments and that it will distribute more than $131 million in new revenue to schools over the final six years of its broadcast rights agreements.
The organization noted that the 24 teams in the opening round, which will include the 12 lowest-seeded automatic qualifiers and 12 lowest-seeded at-large invitees, will have a chance to earn at least two basketball fund units if they win their first game.
Valentine said that financial opportunity is real.
“That does mean a lot of good for a lot of different programs,” he said. “And especially when we are in this rev-share era where we’re paying our players, the opportunity to gain more revenue is really, really important for all programs, not just the nonpowers.”
The extra opening-round games, however mean that more lower-seeded teams will have to win a game just to make the 64-team bracket, as opposed to just four teams during the First Four era.
Valentine noted the winners of those games will face challenges from a travel standpoint: having to get from Dayton, Ohio, and the other play-in site to the firstround sites and play games a couple of days later
But he doesn’t think it takes away from the prestige of making the NCAA Tournament. He’d love to be in the 64-team bracket but he would gladly take the play-in opportunities too. He has seen what the NCAA Tournament does for programs as an assistant on Porter Moser’s Final Four and Sweet 16 teams at Loyola and as coach of the Ramblers team that made the first round in 2022.
Powell, entering his fourth season at Valpo, agreed playing in the opening round wouldn’t take away from the accomplishment of making the tournament.
“It doesn’t matter. It’s the dance, man,” Powell said “I would not complain about being in an opening-round game. I would love it.”
So where do mid-majors fit in this new world?
The NCAA said that since it went to a 68-team field in 2011, the publicly an-
nounced “first four out” to miss the men’s tournament has consisted of 38 powerconference schools (including the Big East and the old Pac-12) and 22 schools from other conferences. On the women’s side, since going to 68 teams in 2022, 14 of 20 “first four out” schools have been from power conferences.
If the Big Ten and SEC earn nine or 10 bids like they did this year, that means any additional teams from those conferences would come from the bottom half Among the announced first four out of the men’s tournament in March, Oklahoma, Indiana and Auburn all had conference records below .500, with the Sooners’ and Tigers’ marks the worst at 7-11. San Diego State was the only team from outside a power conference among the first four out.
Ehsan wondered how extreme it could get if the selection committee doesn’t emphasize bids for schools outside of the Power Five.
Could a team with just five conference wins make it?
Could the entire 16-team SEC make it while the Missouri Valley still sends only one?
He appreciated the comments Arkansas coach John Calipari made to ESPN about the situation, arguing that half of the additional bids should go to non-Power Five conferences.
“You have to help the midmajors,” Calipari said.
“That’s amazing that somebody in his position, at a Power Five, would say something to the degree of we should allow more mid-majors,” Ehsan said. “I 100% agree. I think it will get a lot of negative attention potentially and it could be not great if this just adds seven or eight more Power Five teams that are all under .500 in their conference.”
How the NCAA could go about helping the mid-majors is up for debate. One coach noted that the National Invitation tournament awards a bid to each of the top 12 conferences in the KenPom ratings. What if a factor in an expanded NCAA tournament is making sure a handful of the highest-rated conferences outside of the Power Five — such as the Nos. 6-12 conferences — have at least two bids each?
Besides the Power Five, only the West Coast, Atlantic 10 and Mid-American conferences received more than one bid in the 2026 men’s tournament
The MVC was the nextranked conference after those eight based on NET rankings, and Powell believes other teams besides MVC tournament champion Northern Iowa could have been successful in the NCAA Tournament.
As he sat in his office for an interview with The Kansas City Star on Tuesday Self figured he could have finessed the matter better and lamented that he’d said too much.
“Which obviously got more traction probably than what I had hoped it would have,” he said, smiling. “When you start it and you say a little bit, you can’t put the paste back in the tube.”
Then again, he was facing a true quandary after a series of heart-related issues — among other ailments over the past few years — that he increasingly felt made for no way to live.
So the fact he was facing a dilemma, he said, “was
From late in the regular season through that season-ending game against St. John’s and into the first few days of Self’s retreat to determine his future, that’s how he was mentally girding himself.
“I thought I was most likely out after our last road trip to Arizona,” he said, “just because I felt so bad.”
Beyond acknowledging his depleted energy during the Big 12 Tournament, Self declined to elaborate on specifics of that bad feeling.
Suffice to say, though, that and much more was on the mind of Self and his family when he went to Dallas in late March to get what he called an “extra opinion” — on how to miti-
“I needed to hear that,” Self said. “I needed to hear that my profession wasn’t the reason why I felt bad.” Indeed, he heard that neither coaching nor lying on a beach was going to minimize or enhance what he called “the situation that I had with my heart.”
Between that assurance, some tweaking of medications and yet more attention to diet and exercise, Self left the appointment embracing what he said he’d been told by the doctor he declined to name:
“ ‘There’s no reason why you can’t feel well and do this as well as, as efficiently as, you ever have,’ ” he said.
“So I probably went from thinking I was done to feeling really good and excited within (that) threehour meeting.”
The CADILLAC CARCARETIPS Commute
It wasn’t built forcar dealerships or shopping centers. See what Airline was actually designed for. We investigate whyAirlineHighwayis notoriously longand straight, yet incredibly chaotic to drive.
Join CJ PATTON from GERRYLANECADILLAC as we consult artificial intelligence to uncover the highway’s1930s origins as adirect, curve-free route between the Baton Rouge and New Orleans airports-andwhy modern developmenthas turned thatstraightline into abumper-to-bumper standstill.
PRESS FILE PHOTO
Illinois-Chicago coach Rob Ehsan reacts during a game against Northwestern on Nov. 12, 2024, in Evanston, Ill. Ehsan said he supports the NCAA expanding its Division I men’s and women’s tournaments from 68 to 76 teams.
Remembering ‘Soul,’abass player who neverleftthe groove alone
Last February,Iaskedfor flowers of praise for Lee Allen Zeno. Amaster bassplayer for 64 years, Zeno toiled in the shadows of the stage and studio, backing up stars like multiple-Grammy winners Buckwheat Zydeco and Buckwheat Zydeco Jr., King of Rock ‘n’ Soul Solomon Burke, country great Charlie Rich, Soul Queen of New Orleans Irma Thomas and many,many others. Zeno was neveraheadliner but he was beloved by musicians and fans who tuned into his golden groove.Friends tagged him with the appropriate nickname, “Soul.” Zeno battled cancer for decades and announced in February that he had enough. He was ending chemotherapy and spending his remaining days with family and music. He died May 3athis residence in Lafayette. He was 71.
Toooften, we ignore socalled sidemen likeZeno or wait until they’re gone to sing their praises. I’m happy to say people responded to the call for bouquets while Zeno was still with us. Emails, texts and calls to my original column werestrong There were even seldom-seen, handwritten notes
But Zeno was still playing during the finale of asold-out Louisiana Crossroads show at the Acadiana Center for the Arts More than 30 musicians played throughout the program that celebratedthe Medicine Show, aseries of music fundraisers that established the Tommy Comeaux Endowed Chair in Traditional Music at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.
ä See ZENO, page 4D
Mail time
The fifthannual Postcard Project is officially open.This year,akindergarten classstarted it off— entirely by accident.
BY JANRISHER | Staff writer
swelaunch the fifth annual Postcard Project, Ihave to say —it still surprises me.
Whenwestarted it in 2022, Iexpected it to be aone-time thing. Asummer experiment. Away to see whether peoplestill believed in the mail enough to useit. They did.
So we diditagain. And again.And again. One thingwe’velearned over five years: finding apostcard is harder than it used to be.
Stores that once stocked spinning racks of them have stopped. Even hotel gift shops often come up empty.In2025, areader in West Virginia visited eight different places beforeshe found one to send.
ä See POSTCARD, page 4D
ARETHEY NOW?
Thenewspaper’s features team has tracked down those elected Most Likely to Succeed from theClass of 2006 from area Baton Rouge
schools —to see where that title took them 20 years later
PROVIDED PHOTO
In 2024, bass playerLee Allen Zeno playedatthe 37th annual Zydeco Extravaganza at Parc International in Lafayette
Herman Fuselier
STAFF PHOTO By CHRISTOPHER MARTIN
Krewe of Iduna
The Krewe of Iduna board of directors
hosted a court social for the 2027 Iduna royal court at the home of 2027 Ball Captain Beth Browder on May 1. Browder announced the royal court for the krewe’s 66th annual Carnival ball.
They include: Queen Iduna LXVI Phoebe Elizabeth Hemmerling, King Bragi LXVI
Krewe of Iduna
The Krewe of Iduna 2027 royal court includes, from left, Anna Elizabeth Watson and Emry Elizabeth Weiler, maids; Beth Browder, ball captain;
Dr Scott Allan Hemmerling, and maids and dukes Anna Elizabeth Watson, Weston Dale Barbour, Ava Cecille Hoffman, Noah Robert Baldridge, Emry Elizabeth Weiler, Austin Paul Fletcher Marley Camille Kador Jason Paul Cheek, Zoe Omera Smith and John Jacob Ballon.
Queen Iduna LXVI ladies in waiting are Caroline Mae Cheek and Abigail Lee Boudreaux Esquires to the king are Elijah Carson Hall and Riley Foster Boudreaux. Pages to the ball captain are Esmarelda Natalia Contrares, Mabel Elizabeth Fletcher, Mia Kate Shaughnessy Everett Thomas Ford, Bennett Henry Boudreaux and Timothy Samuel Ballon.
Krewe of Iduna board of directors, in addition to Browder, are: Jenny Heroman Koenig, president; Dr Jayme Looper, first vice president and court chair; Brandi Aydell, second vice president and krewe chair; Kayla Fletcher, secretary; Jennifer Labauve, treasurer; Amy Cheek, decorations chair and auditor; Skylar Baldridge, parliamentarian and public relations chair; Mckenzie Allen, member-at-large; and Susan Bennett Lindrew, past ball captain 2026.
WBR Garden & Civic Club
Members of the WBR Garden & Civic Club visited Avery Island’s McIhenny Tabasco Factory and then toured the island on April 7. Gathered are, from left, front row, Joy Hobbins, Linda Bres, Laurie Roche, Lorry Trotter, Kali Marionneaux, Carol Nevsetzer, JoAnn Newchurch, Cathy Hebert, Penny Saia, Shirley Catanzaro and Ada Hebert; back row, Dena Culpepper, Debra Eidson, Pam Walsh and President Kim Callegan.
Krewe of Romany
Past queens of the
al
Daughters of American Colonists
Methodist Church for their annual picnic.
are, from
Krewe of Romany gathered at The Crown Bistro for their tradition-
tea to honor Queen Romany LXXVII Bella McGucken.
Sisters Adrienne Lambert, Queen Romany LXXIV, and Amelia Lambert, Queen Romany LXXVI, hosted the event. Queens shared memories of past Mardi Gras seasons while also welcoming McGucken into her role as the krewe’s reigning queen.
PROVIDED PHOTO
Krewe of Romany
Gathered at the Romany tea are, from left, Dr Destinee Hines, Ashley Fabre, Amelia Lambert, Bella McGucken, Adrienne Lambert, Toni Hayes, Kathleen Grob and Bonnie Scioneaux.
PROVIDED PHOTO
Members of the Thomas Jefferson Chapter Daughters of American Colonists met at Piccadilly Cafeteria recently to celebrate Armed Forces Day. Shown are, from left, Brittney Kean; Brenda Ricks; Patti Milan, state regent; Pat Gallagher, chapter regent; Carol Howell; Denise Malesik and Candice Binder
PROVIDED PHOTO
West Side Women’s Club
The West Side Women’s Club held its May luncheon at the West Baton Rouge Museum, Port Allen. Members viewed a display of tea party hats from the Louise Fertitta Collection. Shown are, from left, Amy Stephens; Babs Babin; Ruth Stanley chair; Alice LeBlanc and Julie Graffeo. Not shown are Mary Altazan, Ann Dugas and Pam Walsh.
PEO Chapter C
Members of PEO Chapter C gathered May 11 at Broadmoor
Shown
left, Bridget Damratoski, Suzanne Sexton, Helen Taylor, Linda Chauviere and Lyn Taylor
PROVIDED PHOTO
PROVIDED PHOTO
PROVIDED PHOTO
Friendship Force Baton Rouge
Members of Friendship Force Baton Rouge met for lunch on April 16 at the Blue Iguana. Shown are, from left, front row Bill and Laura Jeansonne Clara Maynard, Lisa Gibbs and Michael Stokes; back row are Emily Taylor and Chris Frink.
PROVIDED PHOTO
Kid-friendly activities,hiking, museumsawait
BY REBECCA DELATIN Contributing writer
Broken Bow,Oklahoma, keeps popping up in conversation. It seems to be gaining popularity with south Louisiana families looking for achange of scenery within aday’s drive. The cityhas alot to offer,whether visitors are looking to stay in ayurt or at afull-service resort, take astroll along the river or see arhinoceros, sip wine or taste whiskey
The real draw to the area is Beavers Bend State Park. Situated in theOuachita Mountains, the park sports lush pine and hardwood forests,nestled between the Mountain Fork River and Broken Bow Lake.
The lake is actuallya man-made reservoir with construction completed in 1970. Driving north over Beavers Bend Dam, to the left, there are viewsofthe sprawling lake peppered with islands and boats. To the right, there is aforest valley far below the level of the opposing side’slake. Surprisingly,despite all this talk of trees and dams, Beavers Bend State Park is not named after abarknibbling rodent but rather an earlyChoctaw settler, John Beavers, who owned portions of the land around the time of the park’sdevelopment.
Tourists and locals alike take full advantage of the lake and river.Broken Bow Lake is 22 miles long containing severalislands and boasting 180 miles of shoreline. Local recreational facilities offer guided fishing trips and lake tours (with choice of pontoon or tiki boat), as well as jet ski, paddleboat, kayak and ca-
Broken Bowhas lots to offer
forced into absurd curves and bends in the rock. Tree Trail is an easier loop that crosses through blue-gray slate along streams, over wooden foot bridges and through the forest. The trail is dotted with informational signs that describe someofthe natural features and history of the area. The entrance to Tree Trail is just outside the OklahomaForest Heritage Center,which is agood first stop when visiting the park. Driving through the park is free, but those planning to stay must purchase a parking pass. After buying aparking pass, pick up souvenirs at the giftshop and browse the free museum exhibitions.
where every room has a view of Broken Bow Lake, cabins of various sizes, campsites fortents and RVsand twoyurts (named “Happy Hearth” and “Bear Tracks”). Choctaw Landing Casino &Resort has multiple amenities on-site, including a swimming pool, bars, restaurants, deli, convenience store, and, as one of their billboards touts, “the only Starbucks in 70 miles.” There is avacation rental boom in Broken Bow with luxury cabins of every shape and size. Airbnb listings offer amultitude of features such as fully outfitted gamerooms, backyard saunas, pickleball courts, elaborate play sets and more.
noerentals
Enjoying adip Gap swim beach throughthe mores partsofthe river tain Fork Park is way to beat the h OklahomaDepartm Wildlife Conservat tains catch-and-release trophyfishing areas are stocked year trout, so fly fishermen fling their strings hopes ofcatching breaking rainbow Butthere’splenty on landifwater’sn thing. Exploring thep ingtrails is apopular Friends Trail is am
TRAVEL TROUBLESHOOTER
By ChristopherElliott
Italy’sITA Airway
Dioramas painted by Harry Roussel, one of the creators of the iconic Smokey Bear,tell the history of forestry in the region. The Wood Art Collection displays the works of many
Places to eatand drink
Spending timeatMountain Fork Brewery comes easily.From brick oven pizza to craft beer from the
Christopher Elliott
Ibooked two ITAAirwaystickets fortravel from ChicagotoTurin, Italy,fourmonths ago. Shortly after Imade my reservation, Ilearned Icould not travel due to primary osteoarthritis in my right hip. Isubmitted amedical certificate from my orthopedic surgeon covering the travel dates and requested a refund for my ticket and adate changefor my wife’sticket. ITAinitially confirmed it received the documentation, but later denied my refund, claiming the certificate lacked a“prognosis” covering the travel dates
ITAwouldn’tspecify what additional information wasrequired, and phone support couldn’tconnect me to anyone whocould resolve the issue. How can Iget ITAtohonor the refund or customer service blau, Champa Ouch! I’m your hip dia teoarthritis pain and reduc completely long transatlantic impossible Youactedr ingmedical promptly submitting Airways. Refunds anteed whe condition, but tative asked paperwork all thecrite The diffic
Reader wants to letdownbeaugently
Dear Harriette: For the past few months, I’ve been seeingthis guy, going on afew dates and hanging outwith him in social settings. Lately,there have been alot of things going on in my personal life with my family,and Idon’tthink I’m in the right head space to be there for him. We were never technically a couple, but we were working toward getting there. The other day,Itexted my guy telling him that I think we should just be friends. He told me he understood and asked if Ineeded anything. He is still being extremely flirtatious, even asking me if friendscan still
FARM
blueberries are bursting off the bushes this month. He says the last frostinmidMarch hit alot of farms further north and destroyed their crop, butitmissed Waughsome Farm.
“Wehave alot of blueberries to pick, and theblackberriesare coming. They get rolling closer to Memorial Day,”Waugh said.“It should be agoodseason for both of them. It’sjust funny how the timing is alittle different every year.”
Open days and hours will vary,accordingtothe season,weather and available ripe fruit. Waughsome Farm will post open days and hours at least aday in advance. The farm will close early if they run outof fruit or if there is inclement weather, includinglightning, in the area. Check the farm’swebsite or Facebook page before heading over for last-minute announcements.
GRADUATE
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earned his master’sdegree.
Harriette Cole
SENSE AND SENSITIVITy
kiss. Ilike him, but Iknow I’m not readyfor arelationship and don’t want to hurt him. How can Imake him understand that I’m notinthe right head space to date him without hurting his feelings? —Friend Zone Dear Friend Zone: Decide if flirting without strings worksfor you. Youenjoy hiscompany. If you think you cancontinuetodothat casually without feeling the need to commit, maybe he can be fun for this time in your life. If youfear that you maydevelop feelings for him or vice versa —thatcould lead to confusion and pain, stay firm and stop goingout with him
Dear Harriette: I’m in theprocess of looking for an apartment with two of my friends before heading into my senior year of college. Their budget is alittle lower than mine, making it unrealistic for us to get an apartment near school, nor get theamenities that Iwant. Adishwasher and in-unit washer and dryer would make my life way easier,and it’s looking like that’sunlikely.Recently,another friend who has asimilar budget to mineasked if Iwould like to look for apartments with her I’m at acrossroads, and Idon’t know what todo. Idon’twant my original two friends to get mad at me for deciding to get an apartment with someone else,
but Iwould be able to live closer to school andget the amenities I want. Ithink I’mleaning toward gettingthe apartment with the other friend closer to school. How can Ibreak the newstomy friends with minimal fallout?
Apartment Hunting Dear Apartment Hunting: Think about who you believe you would be mostcomfortable living with among your friend choices. The biggest challengewill be being in thecompany of these people on a daily basis. Think about personalities, anythingyou know about how they live now,etc. If you still think that the person with the bigger budget is right for you, go to your other friends and
tell them that you have changed your mind and you no longer want to movewith them.Behonest but not brutal. Explain that you want to live closer to campus and you want certain amenities that aren’t in the collective budget. Since that is important to you, you will be seeking accommodations that match your desires. Tell them as soon as possible so that they don’tget caught without enough support to be able to meet their needs.
Sendquestions to askharriette@ harriettecole.com or c/o AndrewsMcMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.
There is no entry fee, and fruit pickers can bring their ownbagsand containers to bring thefruit home after it’s weighed andpaid for Waugh says refrigerating or freezing the berries as soon as possible is the best route to preserve them
Newpricing process Waughsome Farm has changed the pricingscale
The farm will be open this week from 8a.m.to10a.m. on Memorial Day,May 25.
for this season.Last year, the buckets weremeasured by volume— $10 aquart, but this year,they will be measured by weight —$8a pound.
Also,each bucket will have abag inside, and when customers go to check out, the bagwill be liftedout, weighed and then sent home with them. Generally,a
1-gallon picking bucket can hold 5to6pounds of picked fruit.
Waugh says this newprocess should speed things up and makeitmore fair
Another new option is the WaughsomeFarm-branded “Golden Bucket” for $40 that you can take home. Any fruit picked into the one-gallonGolden Bucket will be 50% off for the current season, and 10% off for later seasons —only one golden bucket per person. The discount is limited to one gallon of fruit per visit. To provide thebestexperience, check whetherreservations are required before your visit. The number of open reservations is based on the amount of fruit available to pick. If reservations are not specifically mentioned on the Facebook page or website,then it’sfirstcome, first-served. For moreinformation, visit
And it’sHouston where helives and works todayasaprincipal process control engineerfor Celanese Chemical. By conventional means, Woods’ life has been asuccess. So, why was he surprisedby his senior class favorite title?
“I wasn’tthe class valedictorian,” he said. “I was ranked number five or six in our class, so it was probably abit of asurprise when Ithink of the people in my class whose grade-pointaverages rankedhigherthanmine. ButI was probably more familiar with the embodiment of our senior class, which wasprobablywhy I came to mind.” Woods was definitely on his classmates’ minds that year,because the seniorclass also voted him “Most Outgoing.”
Looking back now,Woods credits his parents for his success.
“My parents were my inspiration, especially my dad, because growing up, we had to make straight A’s,” Woods said.“That was always his expectation. So,I would say that tutelage and that structure theyprovided is the basis for what I would considersuccess to have been then.”
PROVIDED PHOTO By THE MCKINLEy HIGH SCHOOL ALUMNIASSOCIATION
Terrance Woods, right, was voted by McKinleyHigh School’s ‘Most Likely to Succeed’ by his senior class in 2006. Today, he is aprincipal process control engineer for Celanese Chemical in Houston. His classmate, Kahlia Gager, left,also shared the class favorite title.
POSTCARD
Continuedfrom page1D
For multiple summers, areader named Michael G. has sent postcards he made himself from the ends of Kleenex boxes, the fronts of cereal boxesand the backsides of campaign mailers
So for year five, all postcards are welcome —store-bought, vintage, homemade, improvised.
To spark inspiration for readers, Itexted afew artist friends to ask whether they’d be willing to make apostcard, photograph it and mail it in.
Rosemary Goodellgot right to work and sent an image of apostcard she painted earlier this week whilevacationing in New Mexico. Barbara Hoffman sent an imageof aquilted postcard she madeand is already mailing. My husband did a quick sketch of aMississippi River bridge.
Then Itexted Kelli Scott Kelly Kelly is aprominent visualartist who teaches at LSU and is known for her work withvintage fabrics and found objects.
Louisiana artist Rosemary Goodellpainted thisscene, creating a postcard for the 2026 Postcard Project, while vacationing in Taos, N.M.
Louisiana artist Julio Naudin painted this image of a bridgeacross the Mississippi River for the 2026 Postcard Project.
He thinks back to the Terrance Woodshewas 20 years ago— lookingatthe future, thinking aboutwhathe wanted to do in life. He says he always knew he wasgoing to be either an engineer or adoctor and today he is fulfilling oneofthe two aspirations as achemical engineer
Woods
But now,hesees success differently Today,hedefines success as his “overall balance and happiness of life.” Which, for Woods, means his life now travels adifferent path. His career is important to him, but connections with the people in his life have become top priority Woods isn’tmarried, and most members of his immediate family still live in Baton Rouge.
ZENO
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Zeno was grooving in thebackground as usual. But as emcee, I sneakedupbehind Zeno to share his history and fate with the audience. The standing ovation waslong and loud for Zeno, who was touchedbythe response. He served as an instructor with the University of Louisiana Lafayette’straditional music program. Iasked his advice for students.
“Though youcan achieve allthesedifferent things, youhave to ask yourself, ‘Am Iof living or am Iexisting? Right?,’” Woods said.“AndsoI don’tlive to work.Iwork to live.”
Email RobinMiller at romiller@theadvocate.com.
“If you’re going to play —play If you’re not goingtoplay,leave it alone,” he said. Thanksfor neverleaving the groove alone,Mr. Lee. Thanks to all whohelped him see, feel and enjoy his flowers.
Herman Fuselier is executive director of the St. Landry Parish Tourist Commission. A longtime journalist covering Louisiana musicand culture, he lives in Opelousas.His “Zydeco Stomp” show airs at noon Saturdays on KRVS 88.7 FM.
When Ipulled up her name in my phone, it appeared as “Kelly Kelly.” Ithought to myself, “I thought she spelled her first name with an i.” But Isentthe text anyway,included alink to aprevious year’slaunch column and two photographs of homemade postcards. She respondedimmediately. She would be happy to makeone, she said, andasked whether the postcard needed to be Louisianathemed.“That works,” Iwrote back,“butitcan really be about anything you’d like.”She said she was going to have her whole class makepostcards. LSUisout of class. ButIfigured shemustbeteachingsomething special and moved on.
The next morning, she texted: “Ok! So arewejust designing the front?Ordowewrite something too?”
Itold her ideally both —that the messages areoften thebest part, that the project runs through Labor Day and thatIwriteabout its progress throughout the summer She wrote back:“My kids painted thefront. What kind of message should they write on back?” My kids.
Itoldher whatever they’d like Imentioned that many of the college-agedinterns whohelpwith the project have never mailed anything, that messages from previous years have come from all over theworld and said things I still thinkabout.
An hour later,she sent aphotograph of the bagoffinished postcards.The inscription on the outside read: “To: Jan ª Mrs. Kelly.”
That’swhen it landed. Somewhere in the momentum of texting, Ihad completely forgotten that earlier this year that Imet another KellyKelly.She teacheskindergarten at University Lab School Aneighbor’schild is in herclass. Ihad texted the kindergarten teacher The postcards the 5-year-olds created are extraordinary —Louisiana through and through: snoballs, alligators, crawfish, king cakes, beadsand beignets. Beautifully painted. The full confidence of people who have notyet learned to second-guess themselves.
When Ireached out to Kelli Scott Kelly to tell her the story,she chuckled along with me and said, “Well, that waswhat was supposed to have happened.”
Baton Rouge quilter Barbara Hoffman quilted thispostcard of fabricand mailed it in to helplaunchthe 2026 Postcard Project.
And, Ithink she’sright. The kindergartners inspired a newgoal thata reader suggested last year: Getting postcards from as manyplaces across Louisiana as possible, not just from the state as awhole. If you’re in Natchitoches, Cut Off, Dry Prong, Shreveport, Waterproof,Bunkie, Zwolle or anywhereinbetween, consider this an invitation.
The rest of the world is out there, too. Send bought,found, painted, quilted, cut from acereal box or drawnbya5-year-old whosigns things with aheart postcards. The goal includes any and everywhere Louisiana,all 50 states and as manycountries as possible.
Send postcards to: JanRisher, The Advocate, 10705 Rieger Road,Baton Rouge, LA 70809. The 2026 Postcard Project runs through LaborDay
STAFF FILE PHOTOByHILARy SCHEINUK
Owner ChairityWaugh chats with aguest while readying their freshly picked blueberries and blackberries to go home last year at WaughsomeFarms in Prairieville.
PROVIDED PHOTO
STAFF PHOTO By JANRISHER
PROVIDED PHOTO
AT THE TABLE
Memories recall alighter versionofmac andcheese
BY DEBRA BROUSSARD TAGHEHCHIAN Contributing writer
“Have you noticed?” Iasked.
“Oh yeah, Ihave noticed.The price of our groceries has really goneup,” said my friend Mary.“Iamhavingtoadjust the way Icook. It made me startthinking about how our parents and grandparents cooked and were able to feed everyone on their limited budgets.
“And you know,kids these days are so stuck on eating mac andcheeseand chicken nuggets. These items can get expensive.And,moreover,these highly processed foods arenot that good for them,”Iexplained. “I startedmakingmy mac and cheese the way my mom would make it, and the kids really like it.”
“Well, Iwant that recipe,” Mary said When Iwas growing up,macaroniand cheese was not served very often.Usually,wewould have it as part of ourSunday lunch served alongside abeef roast or a roasted hen. We would also have fresh vegetables from the garden andsliced cantaloupe.
As Ilook over today’spopular recipes for mac and cheese, many of them call for three cheesesblendedintoawhite sauceand poured into abaking dish.This is then topped with evenmore cheese and baked. No doubt it is delicious, but quite frankly,itisvery calorie-dense.
The recipe we used, as withmost of my recipes,has just afew easily found ingredients. We alwayshad eggsand milk on the farm, so all we had to buy wasthe macaroni and the cheese
The cheese selected for thisrecipehas ahistory in American gastronomy. Iuse deluxe pasteurized process American cheese. This is not to be confused with Velveeta. This product is made using real milk andemulsifying saltsfor acreamer, richer flavor and melt. It wasfirst developed as acheese that would be shelfstable and was distributed to low-income families, the elderlyand food banks. Lotsofwonderful grilled cheese sandwiches were made with that cheese. It was also stirred into grits and casseroles. Just for achange, try this recipe. The sauce that is created is lighterinflavor than athree-cheesemac and cheese.The melted cheese blends with the milk,making for asilky sauce.
“Dinos Down South ABC,” written by Ashlyn Blanchard; illustrated by Alexandra
Elliot
In “Dinos Down South ABC,” 26 dinosaurs rhyme their way through the letters of the alphabetand the landmarks of the South. Join the Ankylosaurus on ajaunt to the Atchafalaya Basin or watch the Zuniceratops hang with zebras at the Audubon Zoo. Discover why dinosaurs make the best local tour guides.For childrenages3 to 6.
“Hannah Bear and LuLu’s Southern Sneaux Party,” written by Julie Hooks; illustrated by Drew Beech
The air is crisp in the Honey Hollow Woods, and the sister cubsare busy getting ready for their big winter party.But Magnolia, the newest resident of the woods, is feeling homesick and missing her favoritepart of the season: snow Determined to make their new friend feel welcome, Hannah and LuLu spring into action with aplan —and oneingredient that could make all the difference. This picture book is atale of friendship,creativity and the magic of the season. Forchildrenages3 to 8.
“Henry the Star-Spangled Spaniel,” written by Amanda Martin; illustrated by Zoya Malik
“Henry theStarSpangled Spaniel” is a32-page illustrated children’sbook that follows acourageous and curious pup on atimetravel adventure through America’sfounding moments,encouraging literacy,imagination and adeeper understanding of history
Henry,acurious Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, discovers thathis birthday is shared with the United States of America. The book is a funway to celebrate America’s250thbirthday
“Roux’s First Day,” written by Julie Gerdes Becnel and illustrated by Cullen Bernard Rouxhas never felt so nervous. She’s about to begin “kinderswamp-garten,” and she will be theonly rougarou in her class. As she walks to school beneaththe toweringcypress trees, one by one, fellow swamp creatures join in, each one different from thenext. With their help, Roux’sjitters melt into joy,and she discovers thatwhat makes us different is also what makes us shine. Roux’s tale is acelebration of belonging, courage and the magic of being yourself. For children ages 3to8
Summerishere, andthatmeans summer readingisinfull gear.During thesummermonths, readingwith children is oneway to counteract the “summerslide,” or loss of academic skills when school is notinsession. Here are afew curated local books forchildren under theage of 10.
“Where’d YouGo, Kitty,” written by Samantha Schott Boudreaux;illustrated by Kimberly BroadbridgeNavarrete Alittle girl named Cecilia catches a prized parade throw, alittle stuffed orange cat, at aMardi Gras parade, and the two becomeinseparable.
Cecilia names her stuffed animal “Kitty” and takes it everywhere, including some of New Orleans most iconic venues, such as CaféduMonde, City Park and Sal’sSnoballs in Metairie. Cecilia is always misplacing Kitty,but someone always finds it until they can’t. For children ages 5to8
“Mo Skeedeaux Visits the Smoky Mountains,” written by Sheila Wells Flynn
This story about Mo blends adventure, imagination and emotional learning through the journey of aCajun mosquito.
Mo leaves the familiar Louisiana bayou and explores the misty peaks of the Smoky Mountains. Along the way,the story gently introduces themes of curiosity, emotional awareness and resilience. For children ages 4to9
Summer booksoffer somethingfor everykindofreader
I’ve been reading “The Correspondent,” Virginia Evans’bestselling novel about amodernretiree, Sybil, who composes handwritten letters to acquaintances near and far.She even writes notes to authors of books she’s just read, perfectly at ease dropping afew lines to Ann Patchett, Joan Didion or Larry McMurtry It’show Sybil continuesthe thread of thought she’straced through their books. Though few of us wouldfollow Sybil’sexample, I’m drawn to her sense of reading as adiscussion between reader and writer, an idea withspecial resonance here in Louisiana. We value lively talk in this part of the world and books, at their best, can bea memorableform of conversation In the spirit of celebrating that connection, Ioffer some ideas at this time of the year forgreat summer reads. This isn’tmeantto be aTop 10 list; I’m just talking up afew books I’ve recently enjoyed and that you mightlike, too.
I’ll start with “Rebecca Sue,” a wonderfulnew memoir by Kathleen Norris about the author’s bond with her mentally and physically challenged sister.Norris has written beautifully about matters of thesoulinbookssuch as “The Cloister Walk” and“Amazing Grace,” and what Ilike best about herwork isthe way it tries to reconcile thehighideals of spirituality with the often messy realities of daily life. In this way,“Rebecca Sue”isvintageNorris. Ifoundasimilar sensibility in
“Ordinary Time,” anew memoir by Annie B. Jones that explores “lessons learned while staying put.” Jones once thought her grown-up life would bring glamour and adventure in abig city Instead, she wound up running abookstore in asmall Georgia town.With an open heart that refrains from bland earnestness, Jones writes about how she’s found adeeply meaningful life in apart of thecountry that many of us would overlook.
LikeJones, poet Connie Wanek is keenly attentive to how what
we call “ordinary life” can yield moments of mystery and wonder It’swhy “How to Sing forMoney,” her recent collection of poems, has been such an abiding companion for me. One of my favorite poems in the book is “Avocado,” which follows afamily uncle as he shops for his wife.Like most husbands with agrocery list, he’s hard-pressed to fulfill the directionshe’sbeen given. In 14 lines, Wanek has aptlysummarized the foibles of matrimony
Another recent favorite is “Bookish,” British writer Lucy
Mangan’slove letter to the joys of reading.
“I’ve come to realize that possibly the greatest of books’ virtues is patience,” she writes. “They will wait forustoget to them, they will wait forustoreturn to them,they will allow as many repeat visits to their pages as you ever want.”
All the morereason to enjoy books this summer,and every season of the year
Email Danny Heitman at danny@ dannyheitman.com
Danny Heitman DannyHeitman
At Playmakers
Tickets areonsalefor Playmakers of BatonRouge’s production of “Newsies Jr.,” opening June 3inthe Reilly Theatre, 10 TowerDrive, LSU campus. Tickets are$20-$30. Visit playmakersbr.org.
‘Still Here’
Tickets areonsalefor Waco TheatreCenter’s “Still Here
Lived Experience” June 3-8 at Jolie Salon Grand, 240Range 12 Blvd., Denham Springs. The immersiveexperience explores the stigma carriedby Black Women with HIV/AIDS. Visit wacotheatrecenter.com.
At MidCityCivic Theatre
Tickets areonsale for Mid City Civic Theatre’s inaugural production, Shakespeare’s “Much AdoAbout Nothing,” opening June 12 on its stage at 7155 Florida Blvd.
Tickets are$20-$40. Visit midcitycivic.org.
At theOld Capitol Louisiana’s Old StateCapitol, 100 NorthBlvd., is showing “Bought ForASong: AYoung Nation Expands,” featuring the Louisiana Purchase agreement, signedbyNapoleon Bonaparte, through July 11. This exhibit is on loan from the National Archives in celebration of America’s 250th anniversary
The museum is also showing “Japanese WarBrides: Across AWide Divide,” throughJune 13, exploring the story of morethan 45,000 Japanese women who immigrated to the United States after World WarIIand howtheir bold passage reshaped communities across the country
Admission is free to all
CAA seeks help during kitten season
FYIBR staff reports
Companion Animal Alliance is experiencing asignificant increase in kitten intake as peak “kitten season” arrives, creating an urgent need for foster homes, adopters and community support. Kitten seasonrefers to the time of year when shelters experience adramatic increase in kittens entering their care due to higher feline birth rates during warmer months.
For the month of May, Companion Animal Alliance is seeing adaily average of 10 neonatal kittens entering its care, ranging up to 8weeks. So far this year,neonatal kittens have accounted for approximately 25% of the organization’stotal cat intake.
Based on intake trends from May of last year,the organization is projected to take in more than 200 kittens this month alone.
Companion Animal Alliance is asking for monetary donations to support their efforts this kitten season.
n $25 covers the cost of care for one neonatal kitten for one week
n $50 covers the cost of wet food forone kitten between 4and 8weeks of age
n $100 covers the cost of care for kittens from 0to4 weeks of age
events. Visit louisianaoldstatecapitol.org
‘A Refugee’sOrigin’
The Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge’s ShellGallery will open “A Refugee’s Origin by K.T.Ho”runs through May 29 at theCary Saurage Community Arts Center,233 St Ferdinand St. The showisamixed media exhibit exploring Vietnamese Diaspora, colonial legacy and survival.
Admission is free. Visit artsbr. org/shell-gallery
Call forartists
Build East Baton Rougeis calling for artists tosubmit designs telling theCity of Zachary’s story in apublic community mural on the Zachary City Hall Annex,4650 Main St., Zachary.Submission deadline is May30. All materials must besubmitted electronically to info@ buildbatonrouge.orgwith “ZacharyMural RFPSubmission” and artist’s name in thesubject line.For requirements, email Ashleigh. mchugh@cityofzachary.org.
Presence Fest Presence Fest,acommunitydriven arts and worship experience, will take place from 3p.m. to 8p.m. May30 in Scotlandville Plaza, 8551 Scotland Ave. ThePresence Fest bringstogether live gospel music,visual artand local entrepreneurshipinone immersive outdoor environment.
Admission is free. Visit presencefest.com.
Acadianexhibit
The Council for theDevelopment of French in Louisianais
n $200 covers the cost of care for kittens from 0to8 weeks of age
Communitymembers can also support the organization by:
n Becoming afoster for neonatal kittens
n Adopting available cats and kittens
n Donating kitten supplies such as formula, wet food, blankets and litter
n Spaying and neutering pets to help reduce future overpopulation
To learn more about fostering, adopting or donating, visit caabr.org.
FranU offers summer studentexperiences
Franciscan University will host four summer programs designed to help high school studentsexplore their vocation while experiencing the university’sFranciscan mission of service, faithand community.
Summer at FranU will take place June 11-12 and will provide students witha two-dayresidential campus experience. Participants will engage in activities inside FranU’sSimulatedEnvironment Teaching Hospital, attend amock theology lectureand connect with other high school students. Theprogram is limited to 60 studentsand includes meals and aT-shirtwith registration.
The Franciscan Experience Summer Institute will be held July 13-18 for high school un-
supporting Franco Fine Arts Exchangeand its upcoming groupexhibition, “Acadian Looking Glass,” through May 31 at Cité des Arts, 109 Vine St., Lafayette. The showfeatures work by morethan 15 Acadian artists representing Acadiana, the United States and Canada. Formoreinformation,visit FrancoFAE.org.
At LSUMuseumofArt
The LSU Museum of Art in the ShawCenter for the Arts, 100 Lafayette St., will host Free First Sunday from 1p.m to 4p.m.June 7, featuring a lecturebyartist Edgar Cano at 2p.m.and artactivities inspired by the museum’s “South Arts Southern Prize& State Fellowships forVisual Arts” exhibition. Admission is free. Visit lsumoa.org/calendar-1/2026juneffs. Also, the museumwill host afreesummer reception from 6p.m.to8 p.m. June 11 celebrating its exhibits, “South Arts Southern Prize& State Fellowships forVisual Arts” and “ReVision: Women in Photography. Visit lsumoa. org/calendar-1/2026/summerreception.
At LASM
The Louisiana Art&Science Museum, 100 S. River Road, will host “RandomActs of Science,”featuring free admission and a$5unlimited pass for planetarium shows,onits Free First Sunday,June 7. Also, registration is open for the museum’sNASAAstro Campfor students in the fifth through eighth grades, set for July 8-10 at the museum, 100 S. River Road. Cost is $325. A$75 nonrefundable deposit due at booking. Visit lasm.org.
derclassmen interested in theology, mentorship and service.
The six-day residential program will focus on faith formation, community and theCatholic intellectual tradition while introducing studentstocampus life at FranU.
The university will also hostthe Louisiana HOSA Future Nurses Program July 20-23 in partnership withLouisiana HOSA.
The four-day program is designed for high school sophomores and juniors interested in nursing careers. Participants will explore patient care, health issues, study skills,job readinessand postsecondary education through hands-on learning experiences.
The Great Books Summer Institute will take place Aug. 7-8 and center on the theme “Friendship and Fellowship.”
Hosted by FranU’sGreat Booksprogram, theinstitute will featureseminar discussions, lectures, readers’ theater and recreation focused on classical and contemporary texts. Authors studied may include Aristotle, St. Thomas Aquinas,J.R.R. Tolkien and Zena Hitz. Activities will be led by FranU faculty and students. Registration information andprogram details are available at franu.edu/ admissions/experience/prospective-student-events. html.
BY ANDREWDALTON AP entertainment writer
LOSANGELES The owner of themusic of “A Charlie Brown Christmas” andother “Peanuts” television specials filedfourlawsuits Wednesdayagainstdefendantsincluding the U.S. Department of the Interior,alleging they illegally used the jazzy ditties of pianist Vince Guaraldi in social mediaposts anda video game. Lee MendelsonFilm Productions filed thesuitsinfederal courtsinNew York and Washington, D.C. The defendantsalso include avideo game company,anauction house and abelt-maker
One lawsuit argues the Interior Department did nothavepermissiontouse Guaraldi’sarrangement of “O Tannenbaum”from “A
Charlie Brown Christmas” in adigital holidaycard posted to social media
The department said in an email to The Associated Press that it does not comment on litigation. Another lawsuit alleges HeritageAuctionsillegally used “Linus and Lucy” thebeloved non-Christmas song the kids dance to in “A Charlie Brown Christmas” that has become the de facto “Peanuts” theme —inposts on Facebook and Instagram promoting an auction of collectibles. Similar claimsof social media misusecome in anothersuit against Buckle-Down Inc., abelt companythatmakes “Peanuts” themed products. Christina Rees, arepresentative of Heritage Auctions, said in an email, “At this time, Heritagehas notbeen
served withorreviewed the complaint. If andwhenwe receive it,wewill review the allegations and respond as appropriate.”
Email messages seeking comments from the other defendants were not immediatelyanswered Lee Mendelson Film ProductionsofBurlingame, California, was founded by and is named for the producer whocollaborated with “Peanuts” creator Charles Schulz and director Bill Melendez to create the TV specials based on Schulz’s comic strip, starting with 1965’s“ACharlie Brown Christmas.” Mendelson, whodied in 2019, hired the jazz pianist Guaraldi to provide the mellow,often melancholy music,including “Christmas Time Is Here” and “Linus and Lucy.”
By The Associated Press
Today is Sunday,May 24, the144thday of 2026. There are 221 days left in the year
Todayinhistory:
On May 24, 2022, an 18-year-old gunman opened fire at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, killing 19 children and two teachers. The gunman, Salvador Ramos, aformer student at the school,was also killed. It was the deadliest shootingata U.S. elementaryschool sincethe 2012 attackon Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut.
Also on this date:
In 1844, SamuelF.B. Morsetransmitted the message “What hath God wrought” from Washington to Baltimoreasheformally opened America’sfirsttelegraphline
In 1883, New York’sBrooklyn Bridge at the time the world’slongest suspension bridge, openedtotraffic
In 1935, the first Major League Baseball game to be played at night took placeatCincinnati’sCrosley Field as the Reds beatthe Philadelphia Phillies, 2-1.
In 1937, in apair of rulings, theU.S. Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of the Social Security Act of 1935.
In 1941, during World WarII, theGerman battleship Bismarck sank theBritishbattle cruiser HMS Hood in the NorthAtlantic,killing all but three of the 1,418 men on board. (The Bismarck would be sunkbyBritish battleships three days later.)
In 1962, astronaut ScottCarpenterbecame the second American to orbit theEarth as he flewaboardthe Aurora 7Mercury spacecraft.
In 1974, American jazz composer and bandleader Duke Ellington,75, died in New York.
In 1994, four Islamicextremistsconvicted of bombing New York’sWorld Trade Center in 1993were eachsentenced to 240 yearsin prison.
In 2021, the European Union agreed to impose sanctions on Belarus over the forced diversion of aRyanair jetliner flyingfrom Greece to Lithuania to arrest journalist Raman Pratasevich, akey foe of authoritarian Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko. Today’sbirthdays: Comedian Tommy Chong is 88. Musician Bob Dylan is 85. Actor Gary Burghoff(M*A*S*H) is 83. Singer Patti LaBelle is 82. Actor Priscilla Presley is 81. Actor Jim Broadbent is 77.Cinematographer Roger Deakins is 77. Actor Alfred Molina is 73.Musician Rosanne Cash is 71.Actor KristinScott Thomasis66. Author Michael Chabon is 63. BasketballHall of Famer Joe Dumars is 63. Actor John C. Reilly is 61. Basketball Hall of Famer Tracy McGrady is 47.Dancer-choreographer Mark Ballasis40. Country singer BillyGilmanis38. RapperGEazy is 37. ActorBrianne Howey is 37. Actor Daisy Edgar-Jonesis28.
Dear Miss Manners: After two hoursatarestaurant with a group of friends, everyone had eaten, the check had been settled, yet no one left We stayed at the table for another 30 minutes, chatting away The restaurant was not busy and no one was waiting for atable. ButIcan’thelp but thinkthat we lingered far too long. Sure, arestaurant is asocial gathering spot, but it’salso aplace of business. And since we had no further business there, Ifeel we should have been on our way
Forhow long is it acceptable to linger at arestaurant table after the check has been paid? Is that even aquestion for etiquette to answer? Is there apolite way to suggest to the group that it might be time to moveon?
Gentle Reader: Unlike the genii of legend, Miss Manners takes
no pleasure in recognizing that what Gentle Readers have requested is not what they want. Andsince she also does not limit them to three wishes (or questions), she will both answer your question and solve your problem No: In the absence of clientele clamoring for the table or waitstaff noticing that closing time has come and gone, there is no etiquette rule requiring your friends to decamp. No doubt some restaurateur is poised to invent such arule, but as he or she has plenty of free time due to that restaurant being empty,wecan safely discount any etiquette rules from that quarter In fact, it would be rude to boss your friends around by tellingthem toleave. But that’snot want you wanted anyway.You wanted to know if you could go home.
Andthe answer to that is yes. Wait forapause in the conversation, say how delightful it has been to catch up, and go. After twohours, the only question your friends will ask is, “Now whydidn’tI think of that?”
Dear Miss Manners What is the etiquette forcommenting on someone’sweight? It is a close friend and neighbor who is stout, but not obese. Iwas chided fornot noticing their weight loss, so Iamasking for input. As arule, Iavoid talking or asking about someone’s weight loss or gain, lest it be taken as rude or insensitive. Saying something like, “Oh, Isee you have lost weight” could imply that Ithought she was overweight before, or that Iamcruel and uncaring if she is dealing with illness.
Gentle Reader: This is definitely atrap, because you are right not to comment. But how to avoid being snared will de-
pend on whodid the chiding. If it was the stout-but-notobese neighbor,then stall while you try to find out what is going on: “I am so sorry I didn’tsay anything. Please tell me about it.”
Youcan then either protest that you did not comment because she always looks so good (in the case of deliberate weight loss) or because you really just wanttoknow how she is feeling (in the case of illness).
If athird party is prompting you to comment, then Miss Manners strongly urges you to thank them —and do nothing of the sort.
Send questions to Miss Manners at herwebsite, www.missmanners com; to heremail, dearmissmanners@gmail. com; or through postalmail to Miss Manners, Universal Uclick, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City,MO64106.
Dear Heloise: We enjoy your tipsand knowledge, but we do have acommentregarding the personthat only uses thestore wipes when leaving the store. My husband and Iare bothmilitary veterans and shop at our local base commissary (grocery store).Whenever we shop there (or other stores), we insist that we use thewipes. The reason for this is that one year,myhusband obtained acart for us and was using it to shop.Within aday, he was sick, so we looked at theback of his throat.We’ve never seen aclear uvula hanging down at the back, but there it was. Irushed him to our local urgent care. We’reglad that we did as the doctor was able to diagnose him with aforeign type of strep throat.Hestated
that he knew about this when he was overseas but had never seen it in the United States. We told thedoctor that all we did was shop at our local commissary,where there are manypeople from different areas of the U.S. and other countries. So, he suggested that each and every time we shop, we should wipe down the carts, especially the handles. We now do this wherever we shop.
—L.and P.,militaryveterans
Falsemedical claims
Dear Heloise: I’m writing in responsetoyour reply to Coleen, in Maryland, regarding concerns that nonmedical personnel at insurance companies makedecisions about patients’ healthand medical necessity. There are several factors to consider regarding theoversight roles of insurance companies: n Systemic fraud: Millions of dollars are paid annually for unnecessary tests
or services that were never performed.Addressing this fraud is acritical component of industry oversight.
n Documentation requirements: Often adenial occurs because aprovider failed to submit the necessary clinical documentation to support the medical necessity of atest. When apractice submits a prior authorization, it’stheir responsibility to provide the required clinical information. It’simportant to look at the broader contextofhealthcare costs, including high charges that are associated with emergency room visits forminor issues.
Iencourage consumers to review their plan options carefully prior to purchasing them and consider how their clinical information is shared between the providers and insurers. —Cheryl, in Texas Cheryl, insurance fraud, as you mentioned, is aserious matter and can send someone
to prison with alarge fine. In the end, it’ll ruin their future in anumber of ways. The huge dollar amount that fraudsters expect to receive is usually cut downinanappeals court, and their attorneys will expect to be paid apart of their winnings. It’s along, drawn-out procedure, and the stress alone is hard on everyone involved. So, think twice before filing afalse claim! —Heloise Home canning
Dear Heloise: Every year,I do somehome
Howsouth Louisiana can stay in the game as asporting eventsdestination 3E
census data points to state’s challenges maintaining population 7E
RCoast geospatial data analyst Dallon Weathers standsonnew land being built in Quarantine BayinJanuary.
PROVIDED PHOTO
RALLYING POINT
PROVIDED PHOTO
Christy Swann, aformerNASA scientist andfounder of the climatetechstartup RCoast, saidshe’s always lovedbeaches and collecting data.
BY STEPHANIE RIEGEL Staff writer
Pecan Island is asleepy, marshy strip of coastal Louisiana with afull-time population of about 100 people, afew dozen camps sitting high on piers and wind-battered oaks that have stood for decades on fields of willowy swamp grass. Improbably,itseems, it is also the potential site for anew aerospace facility In recent weeks, astate legislatorand othersources have confirmedthat an aerospace company is in talks to buycoastal land in the VermilionParish area fromExxonMobil, which has owned 136,000 acres there
“SpaceX aspires to launch alot of rockets unlikeanythingwehave seen
ERICBERGER, senior space editor at Ars Technica
BY RICH COLLINS Staff writer
TheNew Orleans“doomsday story” has been thetalk of southLouisiana this month.
The Guardiannewspaper, summarizing an academic climate study released earlier this month, saidthe city has reached the “point of no return” due to sea level rise, sinking land andan eroding coastline, andthatit’stimeto plana decadeslong relocation of one of the world’smost well-known cultural centers.
likely gave them anew slide for their pitch decks.
The international coverage of the report sparked avariety of responses locally, ranging from gallows humorto criticisms about the authors’ methodology. Butfor agroup of Louisiana entrepreneurs building businessesaimed at solving problems relatedto coastalerosion,itdid something elseentirely: It created anew sense of urgency,and it
This decade, theburgeoning startup scene in south Louisiana— bolsteredbyagrowing number of entrepreneurial support organizations, governmentprograms, school-based businessincubatorsand local investors —has produced ahandful of promising companies thatare developing technologies designed to address existential threats to Louisiana and other low-lying coastal areas.
Climate-tech startup Natrx haspatented away to build artificial reefsand breakwaters that mimicnature’s method of protecting coasts and creating habitats. RCoast usesdrones to collect data about coastal areas to help assess risk and plan protection. AndGlass Half Full is turning recycled glassintosandthat can be used to rebuild land.
SpaceX is thecompany the state is targeting with the incentives.
since the 1950s. At the same time, legislators are finalizing apackage of bills that giveaerospace companiesgeneroustax breaksand expansive protections against lawsuits. Sources familiar with thesituation say Elon Musk’s
In apost on Musk’ssocial mediaplatformXearlierthis month, the company confirmed it is looking to expand, though it stopped short of naming aspecific location. “It’snosecret that we intend to launchStarshipa lot,targeting thousands of flights peryear,” the post said, referring to its powerful, reusable rocket. “That cadence will requirethe ability to launch from many different locations, so we are constantly exploring to find viable sites to expand Starship operations in thefuture.”
STAFF FILE PHOTOByMICHAEL JOHNSON Natrx has created concrete modular shapes designed to promote the development of habitats for oysters and other marine life whilereducing flooding and wave impact.
Supporters of these ventures and others like them believe innovation will play akey part in protecting Louisiana and other vulnerable communities around the world. All the “doomsday” talk this month, they say,just provides inspiration.
“There’snothing Louisiana knows better than water management,” said Beaux Jones, president and CEO of The Water Institute, anonprofit research organization that supports startupspursuing solutions to climate threats. “Weneed to build on what we’re good at.”
Breaking waves
Investors have beenbetting big on Natrx, one of the area’smost notable climate tech startups.
The 8-year-old company which now splits its operations between Louisiana and North Carolina, has raised roughly $7 million on its way to becoming arevenuegenerating resilience and restoration company with patented technology,amanufacturing facility in Amelia and more than 85 completed deployments worldwide.
TadSchwendler,Natrx’s chief operating officer,said the company aimstomake coastal restoration andprotection faster and cheaper by creating lightweight breakwaters and reefs that mimic natural systems. It builds its modularstructures by injecting moisture into a concrete mix,resultingin complexity and variability not possible with traditional molds or forms, according to Schwendler
“The process is analogous to how oyster shells or seashells are made,” he said.
When installed, the modular shapes are designed to promote the development of habitats for oysters and other marine life while reducing flooding and wave impact.
Upcoming project locations include Port Lavaca,Texas, and Waikiki, Hawaii. The company’stech is also
ROCKETS
Continued from page1E
LouisianaEconomic Development has declined to comment
Amongthe many questions swirling around Acadiana, where Pecan Islandis located, is why an aerospace company with billion-dollar rockets and satellites and high-tech testing and launch equipment would be eyeing marshland on the vulnerable edgeofthe south Louisiana coast?
Aerospace experts who track SpaceX and its competitors say there are plenty of reasons.
“SpaceXaspires to launch alot of rockets —unlike anything we have seen before which means they need alot more launch facilities,” said EricBerger, senior space editor at Ars Technica,a technology and science news website. “That would be an advantageous location for them to launch from.”
‘Stupidly loud’
One of the advantages coastal Vermilion Parish offers to acompany like SpaceX is itsproximity to water —both the Gulf and the Intracoastal Waterway SpaceX’sreusable rockets are too large to be transported by truck or rail,sothey must be moved by barge from the test site to alaunch padand,once recoveredin theGulf, backtoa facility where they can be prepared to launch again. The area also provides easy access to much-needed fuels —natural gas and methane.
“Vermilion givesthem Gulf access between Boca Chica, Texas, (where the SpaceX Starbase hub is located) andCapeCanaveral, Florida, where it has launch pads,” said Kimberly Siversen Burke,directorofgovernmental affairs for Quilty Space,a Floridafirm thatadvises aerospace companies.
“It has methane infrastructure nearby in Cameron and fabrication access through the Port of Iberia,”
used to protect linear industrialinfrastructure closer to home, where sediment can erode, making oil and gas pipelinesunstable.
“Wedesigned permeable structures thatslowthe flow of waterand create conditions thatmakes the sediment settle, thesame way themarsh creates oyster reefs,”Schwendler said SchwendlersaidNatrx, which also has developed software to manage its installations, is contributing to an essential and growing industry
“Most of the world’s resources are concentrated on coasts, and Louisiana can be the world leader in applying erosion solutions inthe real world,” he said.
Bird’s-eye view
As Natrx wallows in sediment andsand,the coastal datacompany RCoast is taking amore high-level approachtoerosion —specifically,400 feet in theair —as it deploys drones to gather data about threatenedcoastlines.
she said.
Thesite is also remoteand sparselypopulated, though it teems with waterfowl, fish, migratory birds and other wildlife that havemadeit aseasonalduckhunting ground and apeacefulretreat for sport fishermen.
The acoustic buffer that thousands of uninhabited acres of marsh could provide is attractive to the company,Burke said, after the dozens of federal and state lawsuits that SpaceX is fighting in south Texas over the environmental destruction, noise disruptions,property damage and beach closures its rocket testing facility has caused.
Incentive bills making their way through the Louisiana legislature would make it illegalfor residentstosue for damages if rocket testing or launchesharmed the area or theirproperty. The bills also would also prevent localgovernments or organizations from trying to legally block the company from coming.
“Louisiana preemptively baked in legal cover for an operation that will be stupidly loud and industrial once active,” Burke said.
AI data center satellites?
Burke said she thinks SpaceX would want to use the site to testits rocket engines, known as Raptors. Thesite could alsobeused to refurbish existing hardware and possiblyfor some manufacturing.
Berger said he believes SpaceXmay want to use thesite to launch orbital satellites, which followthe polar orbit in anorth-south direction around theEarth.
Coastal Vermilion is uniquely situated to launch such satellites.
“You need to launchthem to the north orsouth, and if youlook at amap of where thatarea is, it sits nicely looking south,” Bergersaid.
“You could fly along way before you hit land again and go over apretty unpopulated area of Mexico.”
SpaceX operates about 9,500ofthe 14,000 or so satellites orbiting Earth, pro-
Founded in 2023 by former NASA scientist and selfprofessed data nerd Christy Swann, the youngcompany uses lasers and cameras to quantify erosion and flood risk while helping landowners, businesses andgovernments determine the effectivenessofsand fences, seawalls and other interventions.
“Mywhole life, I’veloved collecting data and building instruments,” said Swann, who grew up spending time at her family’sbeach place in Surf City,North Carolina, beforeearning her Ph.D. studying coastal land. “I’m addicted.”
Swann, who moved to New Orleans in 2016 to work at the Stennis Space Center, said she left government to help “everyday people” and pursueideas morequickly Herstartup nowhas seven employees, ahandful of Louisiana investors andhundreds of thousands in revenue from its work in five states.
Swann saidshe’sabig believer in theeffectiveness of nature-based solutions like
viding thecompany’sStarlinkInternetservice to customers worldwide. Earlier this year,itnotified federal regulators of intentions to launch up to 1million lowEarthorbit satellites, part of alarger plan to operate artificial intelligence data centers from space
“The advantage of south Louisiana is that you can launch almost due south into polar orbits,” Berger said.
Lightningspeed
Givencoastal Louisiana’s climate vulnerability and marshy terrain, it might seem incredible that acompany like SpaceX would consider expanding to the area.
Burke said the fact that the Gulf “might reclaim that area one of these hurricane seasons” is why she believes amodular infrastructure or engine testing site is more likely than afull-blown launch complex.
“I’msure Raptor test stands, tank farms, integrationbays and support equipment areexpensive,but it’s not like they’re building a cape-likelaunchcomplex designedtosurvive for decades,”she said.
Berger,however,said he thinks the company could one day launch satellites from there, noting that south Texas is also low-lying and sits in the path of hurricanes.
“Starbase is just afew feet abovesea level,” he said “South Louisiana might be alittle different because it’s more marshy,but it’s only afew feet lower than south Texas.”
Whatevercould be planned for the area, bothexperts said it will be disruptive. If the company were to come, Bergerpredicts, it would move swiftly
“If Elon decides this is apriority,theycould be launching Starship rockets in 18-24 months,”Berger said. “SpaceX does things so differently.Iftheyare aligned withthe state and want to move forward, it could happen really fast.”
Email Stephanie Riegel at stephanie.riegel@ theadvocate.com.
dunes, reefsand vegetation versus concrete andstone seawalls,but thesystems require planning and management to remain effective.
“We’ll recommend building sand fences at just the right angle to capture wind-blown sand during thewindy seasonand then planting vegetation to stabilizethe dune,” she said. “Like farming, you have to workland that is constantly changing.”
Swann said RCoast’sgoals include building a“massive database” and training machine learning to predict the best mitigation strategies for erosion so communities can learn from each other
Her part-timehometown, in particular,isaplace she wants to protect
“Weknow we have to adapt to increased stormsand flooding, but we’re not going to let New Orleans become Atlantis,”she said.
Turningglass into sand
One of themost wellknown coast-focused companies in south Louisianais GlassHalfFull, foundedin
2020 by then-Tulane University seniors Franziska Trautmann and Max Steitz.
An enterprise that began humbly by grinding up bottlesinthe backyard of a Broadway Street frathouse now has afee-based residential glass collection service and operates free drop-off centers in several Gulf Coast states.In2024, it closed a$6.5 millionfunding round led by Benson Capital,and in early 2025,itopenedits glassprocessing facility in Chalmette that can turn recycled glass containers intoacrushed glass, which is soldtobottle manufacturers.
The company also grinds recycled containers into glass sand, which it has supplied to ahalf dozen land restoration efforts in Louisiana, including 150 tons —equivalent to about600,000 beer bottles —earmarked fora St.BernardParishmarsh project this summer
Several newcomers are following the lead of Trautmann and others.
New Orleans-basedSinkCo Labs wonacash prize from a
Shell-sponsored competition in December and now is testing aplan to make apulp out of sugar cane by-products and other biodegradable material and inject it into sedimentalong Louisiana coastlines. The venture will set up shop at Newlab, an accelerator forindustrial companies scheduled to open in the 9th Ward next year Two-year-old startup Sediment is earning $25,000 for itsparticipation in theGulf Blue Navigatoraccelerator programhostedbythe University of Southern Mississippi in Gulfport. The company’sproprietary camera, duetohit themarket this year,takes an instant measurement of sediment grain sizes, replacing aprocess thatusedtotakeweeks and is necessary for successful coastal restoration projects. Other participating companies in this year’sUSM cohort include severalmaking artificial reef products plus asoftware venture that uses artificial intelligence to improve underwater mapping. Jones,ofthe WaterInstitute,saidthe current concerns about New Orleans’ future can be acall to armsfor allofthese founders,spurring morecoordination with government and large institutions like the U.S. Army CorpsofEngineersand the NationalOceanicand Atmospheric Administration. Some of the startups themselves havealready joined forces: RCoast is collecting data at someofGlass Half Full’sproject sites and Natrx is exploring ways to use Glass Half Full’ssand and RCoast’sexpertise.
Tulane professor Jesse Keenan, oneofthe authors of the climate report that unleashedafloodofcoverage, thinks that’sthe right idea. “People often incorrectly spinthe headlines as an abandonment of New Orleans,” he said. “Tothe contrary,the paper is acall to accelerate investments in adaptations, from sediment to synthetics and from pollutionto people.”
EmailRich Collins at rich. collins@theadvocate.com.
STAFF FILE PHOTOByMICHAEL JOHNSON
TALKING BUSINESS
How south Louisiana can keep the home field advantage
BY JONAH MEADOWS Staff writer
For nearly three decades, Jay Cicero has been responsible for attracting major sporting events to New Orleans.
After getting his start with the Shreveport Captains minor league baseball team, Cicero became the third full-time employee of the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation in 1990 Since 1997, he has been the organization’s president and CEO.
Today, the sports foundation has 12 employees and an annual budget of about $2.6 million, more than half of which comes from public money Structured as a 501(c)4 nonprofit organization, meaning it can engage in limited political activity it bids on and manages major sporting events on behalf of the city and state.
As New Orleans prepares to host the 2028 College Football Championship and aims for a record 12th Super Bowl as early as 2031 — while facing the prospect of more competition from new stadiums in larger cities — we sat down with him to talk about what the city needs to do to remain in the game.
Interview has been edited for clarity and length.
What makes New Orleans a sports town?
It starts with the Saints, of course. We’re an event capital of the country, and a Saints game, it’s an event.
It’s very New Orleans, it’s very music- and food-oriented and celebratory So I think it starts there, but the fact that we have these annual special events each year, and then we are able to add these one-time events really sets New Orleans apart from other cities.
The location of the Caesars Superdome is part of it — walking distance from all these hotel rooms
be able to host these other events?
So when folks come to us and say we want to build a certain facility, we’re like, “OK, make sure you build it for the business of travel sports.”
Tad Gormley Stadium is the largest track and field stadium in our area, but the track itself, it’s no secret, is not in great shape and has not been renovated in some time. As the years went on, the resources were not available to maintain it and keep it in a world-class shape. Katrina didn’t help either Does New Orleans have the capacity to support another pro team?
It really depends on the sport itself and the facility being used. I think minor leagues could survive here, but they would need local ownership, the right type of marketing associated with them and it would have to be a sport that the public is interested in.
With minor
and the river and our own built-in entertainment district with the French Quarter That’s an asset that every other city wishes they had. How is the competition for major events changing?
You’ve got Nashville that is about to finish a new stadium with a roof on it right across the street from their current stadium, and they have a lot of downtown hotel rooms, very walkable city, entertainment city, so they’ll be competitive in the future. But you have other new stadiums that are coming or being planned that have roofs on them Denver is proposing to build a new stadium; Chicago, too, although
they’re having issues with the location of it; Washington, D.C.; Kansas City; Cleveland.
The business of stadiums is changing across the country When all these new stadiums open isn’t exactly sure, but they certainly will be in the mix for the Final Fours and Super Bowls and other major events that move around the country What can New Orleans do to stay competitive?
Continue to renovate the Superdome, for sure. Continue to build hotels downtown, especially higherend hotels. As these special events get more corporate travel associ-
ated with them, those travelers are looking for a higher-end hotel. Airport expansion would be extremely important. Not only people arriving, but the pressure point really is the day after, when people are leaving, because almost everybody leaves at the same time.
Are we missing sports facilities? Do we need to build more?
We definitely need new or expanded facilities for other sports. When someone comes to us and says we want to build a natatorium — great, because we don’t have a natatorium. We don’t have that many pools that are suited for the competitions where we can bring in 1,500 people to compete in swimming events, because of deck space, basically How much more would it cost to build something that’s a bit bigger and then have the right specs to
STAFF FILE PHOTO By CHRIS GRANGER
Jay Cicero is president and CEO of the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation, which bids on and manages major sporting events on behalf of New Orleans and Louisiana.
AROUND THE REGION
Small La. drone builder to help NOAA charting vessels
BY ADAM DAIGLE Acadiana business editor
A third-generation business owner, Stuart Chance saw an opportunity in 2018, when a defense contractor that bought out his employer, ASV Global, started to ignore its commercial clients.
So, he went out on his own and started his own company, Chance Maritime Technologies.
In the years since, the Lafayettebased company, which designs, builds and operates uncrewed surface vessels, has grown steadily, adding more to its client base. Earlier this month, it landed a $21.6 million contact with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to deliver up to eight versions of its high-powered ocean drone — the Chance LR30 — to support the agency’s new charting and mapping vessels.
Stuart says his company, now with 24 employees, is still growing.
“We’re outgrowing the buildings that we’re now in,” he said. “We were in one building, and we’ve been in two buildings for about a year and half. We’re about to be in our third building, and we’re looking at building a whole new facility here in Lafayette.”
Stuart’s company signed on to provide the vessels over five years. They’ll be used by the NOAA to deliver tools and information that help mariners safely transport the $2.3 trillion worth of cargo that comes in and out of the nation’s ports and harbors, the federal agency said in a recent release.
The Chance LR30 is 30 feet long and features a climate-controlled, 12-foot payload bay along with an integrated standard 19-inch rack with AC and DC power options, company officials said in announcing the deal. It also offers direct operator control, supervised control with semiautonomous capabilities like collision avoidance, dynamic course tracking and even fully autonomous operations, NOAA officials said.
CEO Stuart Chance, center, and members of his team stand in front of a Chance LR-30 unnmanned survey boat at Chance Maritime Technologies in Lafayette.
geoning commercial spaceflight industry
Earlier this year Metal Shark Boats in Iberia Parish was sold to a national manufacturer In April 2025, Texas-based startup Saronic announced it was buying a shipyard in Franklin to manufacture autonomous vessels Two months later, Bollinger Shipyards announced its work modifying a barge to serve as a landing platform for reusable rockets, its latest contract driven by advances in commercial spaceflight. At the moment, most of the demand for these high-tech, autonomous vessels is coming from the defense sector Chance said it remains to be seen whether demand will materialize on the commercial side.
“Uncrewed systems provide more efficiency in data collection, ensuring that our nation remains at the forefront of scientific innovation,” NOAA administrator Neil Jacobs said.
Last year, NOAA hosted keellaying events for two new charting and mapping vessels to expand its fleet, and the boats will complement its traditional seafloor mapping methods.
The vessel the federal agency is buying from Chance maritime is designed for hydrographic survey, Chance said. It’s big enough to have necessary endurance and speed but small enough at under 10,000 pounds to be transported to and from sites. It can be transported and launched by trailer, meaning it can enter water from almost any ramp.
company’s chief technology officer “The Chance LR30 will seamlessly adapt to NOAA’s evolving mission. Whatever the agency needs to do next — new sensors, new survey areas, new discoveries — this platform is ready for it.”
“Uncrewed systems are transforming how we understand the ocean,” saids Michael Scherer, the
The deal also strengthens the maritime sector in Acadiana and south Louisiana, which is getting a boost from cutting-edge software, artificial intelligence and the bur-
Working
ASweet Win forSt. Bernard
Ihopeeveryonehad acelebratoryMother’sDay! Thanks to all themoms out there.
Nowfor thenews:
For117 years, Dominohas been refining sugar in St. BernardParish.Now,with its largestcapital investment ever,Domino’sparent, American Sugar Refining (ASR), is committing to thenext 100 years.
Dominowill invest $785 million in theChalmette Refinerytointroducemodernized refining capabilities designedtoimprovereliability, reduceenergyand waterconsumption,and supportfuturedemand. Theproject will help retain 500 jobs, while creating over 50 newdirect andindirect jobs.
GreaterNew Orleans, Inc. worked closely with ASR, LouisianaEconomic Development, andSt. Bernard officialsonregulations, incentives,and workforce to help securethe win forSt. Bernard andthe region
“DominoSugar has operated in Arabi forover100 yearsand has consistently been recognized as oneofSt. BernardParish’s topemployers and taxpayers,” St. BernardParishPresident Louis Pomessaid. “This project represents another significant investment in St. Bernard,helping to secure existing jobswhilecreating newones. I am extremely proud to supportAmerican Sugar Refining, Inc. while they continuetomakeSt. Bernard Parish abetterplaceto liveand work.”
“Marine vessels are difficult,” he said. “The ocean is always trying to break everything you put in it. There’s definitely room for improvement, and our goal is to move the ball down the field and keep pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.”
Email Adam Daigle at adaigle@ theadvocate.com.
Construction is underway, with completion of thefirstphase andcommercial operations anticipatedin2028.
PS -Louisiana companies, makesureyour businessisregisteredatSourceLouisiana.com to enter thepipeline forcontract andvendor opportunitieswith development projects statewide Registeryour businessat SourceLouisiana.comhere>>>
STAFF PHOTOS
By LESLIE WESTBROOK
Electronics and marine technician Nick Carpenter works on a boat control box.
Production manager Brad Hebert works on a boat at Chance Maritime Technologies.
Michael Hecht President &CEO GNO Inc
CONNECTIONS THAT COUNT
$1Billion
Woodside Energy and itscontractors commitmenttoin-statesupplierswith thesupport of Source Louisiana
Source Louisiana is the state’s official directory connecting local businesses to major projects.Itenables contractors to identifyqualified Louisiana companies early in the process, aligning services, certifications and capabilities withproject needs. With more than 75,000 businesses in the system, it is freetojoin and designed to position businesses for real opportunity.
Staff report
SouthLouisiana businesses and nonprofit groups recently announced the followingpromotions, new hires and resignations.
BatonRouge
Trent Oubre has been elected to the board of directors of the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry Oubre, a partnerat the Baton Rouge office of the law firm BreazealeSachse, is chair of theLABI Employment Relations Committee and has frequentlyspokeat LABI’sannual conferences on workers’ compensation
Jeanne Bourgeois Avant has been promoted to manager
Fool’sTake: PepsiCo for growth andincome
of property operations and compliancefor SRSA Gulf South Manag em ent. Avant,who is also president of the Louisianachapterofthe InstituteofReal Estate Management, will continue working as property manager for theBaton Rouge office in addition to thenewly created position.
Chelsea Gstohl has been promoted to senior vice president of member experience at Pelican Credit Un ion. Gstohl, who began workingatthe creditunionwhile attendingLSU,has led its
contact center since 2022.
HenryHays hasbeen named apartner at thetechnology consultingfirm Sparkhound to lead adedicatedAIstrategy practice.
Hays, thefounder of Henry Hays Consulting, built an artificial intelligence curriculum at LSUand hasdelivered more than 150 keynote presentations to executive audiences.
NewOrleans
StaceyCerrone has been named leader of the ERISA Complex Litigation group at Jackson Lewis.Cerrone, who joined the firmin2020, waspreviously the officelitigation manager at theemployment law firm’sNew Orleansoffice.
Wanda Weinberger hasbeen hiredasthe banking centermanager of First HorizonBank’s PanAmerican Life location.
Weinberger has more than 35 yearsofexperience in financial services, including leadership positions with Frost Bank, JPMorgan Chase,Wells Fargo, Texans Credit Unionand ASI Federal Credit Union.
Jo sh Ge ttys has been hiredasthe Gulf Coast Preconst ru ction Leader at in thePensacolaoffice of Woodward, aNew Orleans design-build firm.
Aveteran of U.S. Army Special Operations Command, Gettys has more than25yearsofexperience in estimating, preconstruction, development and project leadership.
Benton Hilbun and Merri Underwood,both of whom worked forRenasantBank, have been hired by Republic Business Credit.
Hilbun, who was senior vice president at Renasant, becomes asenior vice president and business development officer Underwood, whowas assistantvicepresident for
operations and portfolio administrator for Renasant, becomes assistant vice president and account executive Bayouparishes
AmyVaccarella has been hired as the superintendent of Catholic schools for the Diocese of HoumaThibodaux, effective July 1.
Vaccarella, whowas previously chief technology officer forSt. Mary Parish School Board, is the principalofPatterson High School.
Do you have personnel changes to share or other ideas forour business coverage? Drop us aline at biztips@theadvocate. com.
If you’re seeking asolid, dividend-paying blue-chip stock, consider PepsiCo (Nasdaq: PEP). Its dividend recently yielded 4%, and the payout has roughly doubled over the past decade. It has been increased annually formore than 50 years, too. PepsiCo benefits from being diversified beyond beverages into food and snacks. In addition to its ownership of beverage brands such as Pepsi, Mountain Dew and Gatorade, it also ownsthe FritoLay snack brands and Quaker Foods. Through the first three quarters of 2025, PepsiCoenjoyed solid international growth, while volumesdeclined in North America. Management remains focused on accelerating growth and optimizing its cost structure, since the company seems to have reached alimit with raising prices to keep up with inflation.
PepsiCo’slong-term goal is to
deliver4%to6%annualorganic revenue growth and high-singledigit earnings-per-share growth. It aims to enhance itsgrowth rate through strategic investments; PepsiCo bought Poppi for $1.65 billion last year and strengthened its long-term strategic partnership with Celsius. In response to concerns from activist investor ElliottInvestment Management, PepsiCo also plans to cut 20% of its product offerings, lower some food prices and invest more in marketing.
Fool’s School: Buffett has passedthe torch
Warren Buffett has stepped downasCEO of Berkshire Hathaway and handed thereinstohis longtime manager,Greg Abel.In early May,the company’sannual shareholder meeting happened as usualinOmaha,Nebraska, with many thousands attending. Abel led the meeting; Buffett was in theaudience.
Forthose worried abouthow the company will fare now, there was alot of reassurance as Abel shared the stage with multiple heads of various divisions, includ-
ing insurance, theBNSFrailroad andNetJets.Abelassured investors that he will maintain the company’sculture andprinciples,saying: “As aconglomerate, we live by the fact that we hate bureaucracy”and “WewantBerkshire to endure.”
He also said: “We’veheard many times: The ABCs —the arrogance, bureaucracy,complacency that can creep into acompany—will kill acompany, andweintend to neverallowthattohappen.
Here aresome nuggets from the meeting.
On artificialintelligence: Abel said, “We’re notgoingtodoAIfor the sake of AI” andmanagement will require anyAIuse to boost the value of thebusiness. He noted that some of Berkshire’ssubsidiaries are already employingit in differentways—and that the proliferation of energy-hungry data centers usedfor AI processing is atailwind for Berkshire’s energy operations.
On opportunities: Thecompany’spile of cash(andcashequivalents) hasgrown further under Abel, andisnow around $380 billion. Abelnoted in hisletter to shareholders, “While some of this
capitalisrequired to support our insuranceoperations and protect Berkshire against extremescenarios, it also constitutes our dry powder (to pounce on opportunities).”
In aCNBC interview during the meeting, Buffett noted that the stock market has “never had people in amore gambling mood than now. But that doesn’tmean that investing is terrible. It does mean that prices for an awful lot of things will look very silly.” And “If you’re buying one-day options, or selling them that’snot investing, it’snot speculating, it’sgambling. Just totally.”
My Dumbest Investment: Wish I’dused Roth IRAs
My most unfortunate investment decision wasinvestinginmy401(k) beyond the companymatch during my working life. Iwish I’d put more money in aRothIRA instead. Roth IRAs are unbelievably beneficial whenyou approach or enter retirement.The Affordable Care Act doesn’tcount Roth IRA withdrawals as income, and such withdrawals are not subject to required minimum distributions, as withdrawalsfromtraditional IRAs and 401(k)s are. In fact, withdrawals from Roth IRAs aren’tsubject to incometax at all.
Roth IRAs are heaven-sent, and Suze Orman agrees. Please tell your friends. —T.J Felton, California First, congratulations on maxing out your company’s401(k) matching contribution. That was asmart move —those matching dollars are free money! We also agree that Roth IRAs are terrific. Here’sone reason: Youcan invest in almost any stock or bond via an IRA, whereas 401(k)s typically restrict you to alimited menu of funds. Still, Roth IRAs aren’talways best. For example, while the tax-free withdrawals are great, some people would do well to grab the up-front tax deduction for a traditional IRA contribution. Also, IRA contribution limits are much lower than those of 401(k)s. Do you have asmart or regrettable investment move to share with us?Email it to tmfshare@fool.com.
William H. Hines,ManagingPartner bhines@joneswalker.com 504.582.8000 201St. CharlesAvenue NewOrleans,LA70170-5100
LA-25-18980
Beyond isn’taplace —it’samindset. Andit’sabeliefthathas poweredusfor over80years We areJones Walker LLP,a firmdrivenbyanentrepreneurial spirit,adeepsenseofcommunity, and afierce determination to deliverexceptional serviceand valuefor our clients. Since1937, our firmhas been committed to workingwithcommunity leaders to developbusiness opportunitiesacrossthe state. We aresteadfast in continuing ourdedicationtogobeyondinadvising clientsand supportinginitiatives andorganizations that make Louisiana abetterplace to live andwork
Oubre
Avant
Gstohl
Cerrone
Weinberger
Gettys
Vaccarella
Hilbun Underwood
Motley Fool
BY THE NUMBERS
Data points to La. population shifts amid job stagnation
BY JONAH MEADOWS Staff writer
Of the 305 cities, towns and villages in Louisiana, nearly 3 out of 4 lost residents from 2020 to 2025, according to population estimates released this month by the U.S. Census Bureau.
In the 18 cities with more than 20,000 people, more than half are shrinking, including New Orleans, which this year dropped below Cleveland to become the 54th most populous in the nation.
Meanwhile, the population has declined in 50 of Louisiana’s 64 parishes, with a net loss of nearly 40,000 residents statewide. Were it not for international migration, that number would be more than three times larger It’s no mystery where people are going.
“You can almost hear the sucking sound of Houston and Dallas pulling our people that way,” said Tim Slack, a sociologist at LSU.
The top five fastest-growing cities in the country, and six of last year’s 10 biggest population gainers, are all in Texas according to census data.
Intra-state moves
The latest municipal-level population estimates show that Louisianans are not only leaving the state but redistributing themselves around it.
Within the state’s 10 metropolitan areas, only two principal cities — Hammond and Lafayette have posted significant growth. In most metro areas that have grown, the increase has come from outside their core cities.
“Both in terms of absolute growth and percentage growth, we’re largely not
LESLIE WESTBROOK
Work-life balance
talking about the principal cities that anchor metro areas, we’re talking about communities that surround those places,” Slack said.
Lafayette Parish presents a microcosm of this pattern
The parish has grown by 6.7% since 2020 even as the city itself grew by just 1.6% Surrounding communities — such as Carencro, up 43%, and Youngsville, up 26% — are fueling that growth. While high costs and safety concerns contribute to pushing residents out of the state’s core cities more affordable housing and more appealing school districts are helping in pulling residents toward the suburban and exurban fringes of metro areas, experts say, as long as they remain within commuting range of jobs.
Allison Plyer, chief demographer at The Data Center in New Orleans, said the No. 1 reason that people are willing to move long distances is because of work opportunities, followed by social networks.
“People will tolerate very high housing costs if there are jobs,” Plyer said. But the number of jobs in Louisiana has grown by less than 1% over the past decade, compared with a national average of nearly 10%, according to total nonfarm payroll data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
“Someone might move from New Orleans because of poor schools to St. Tammany — that’s true,” Plyer said. “But in terms of the
total population loss, it’s because we have stagnant job growth.”
Last year’s jobs data is somewhat more promising.
The state added about 3,300 people from 2024 to 2025 while adding about 8,300 jobs. That could signal continued population growth on the horizon.
But, at the same time, the international immigration to Louisiana that’s offset the number of people who move out-of-state has dramatically slowed since 2024. And, if current trends continue, the Census Bureau projects international migration will decline by another 75% next year For Louisiana, which would have lost more than 130,000 residents since 2020 were it not for migrants
from abroad, that decline could erode any population growth fueled by recent job creation.
Getting smaller
The places that have lost the largest share of their population are all communities of fewer than 10,000 people.
Of the 22 towns to have shrunk by 8% or more since 2020, a majority are located in the Upper Louisiana Delta in the state’s northeast corner
As for the largest cities in the state, there are some encouraging signs.
Baton Rouge has posted two years of modest population gains following three years of declines, though it remains more than 3,000 people smaller than it was in 2020.
Lake Charles, which suffered one of the sharpest population drops in the nation after it was struck by hurricanes Laura and Delta in 2020, has now posted three consecutive years of growth, adding more than 1,200 residents from 2024 to 2025 — though it remains
nearly 2,300 people smaller than it was before the hurricanes. And in New Orleans, which has lost 22,000 people over the past five years, the rate of decline has slowed. The Big Easy shrank by only about 1,300 people last year compared with an average of nearly 5,000 people each of the previous four years. But a slowing decline does not necessarily signal growth to come. Even if New Orleans were to create a massive surplus of jobs, Plyer explained, the people who fill them could wind up living outside the city
“It’s interesting that the mayor is saying she’s going to turn around the population loss. That is something that one Detroit mayor after the next has promised to do and not succeeded,” she said. “It’s a very, very hard thing for a single city to do because they’re part of a metro area.”
Email Jonah Meadows at jonah.meadows@ theadvocate.com.
Anyone knowingthe whereabouts of Rodney Harrispleasecontact Atty.BenjaminBeychok at (225) 9060050. 188610-May23-25, 3t $85
$85.00
Anyone knowingthe whereabouts of SilasBrown or heirs, please contactAlexisTukes,Esq.at(225) 326-7365. 188533-5/23-24-25-3t $85.00
Anyone knowingthe whereabouts of theEstateofMurielDeniseJones, theEstateofEdwardHarold Kornbacher andMonique Marie Kornbacher please contactAtty Benjamin Beychokat(225) 906-0050. 188612-May23-25, 3t $109
ANYONE knowingthe whereabouts of THEUNOPENEDSUCCESSION OF ALICEJACKSON contactEthel Clay Attorney at Law, (225) 906-0435. 188784-5/23-24-25-3t $85.00
Anyone knowingthe whereabouts of Tommie L. Gaines or heirs, please contactAlexisTukes,Esq.at(225) 326-7365. 188567-5/23-24-25-3t $85.00
STATEUNIVERSITY, Gram‐bling, La.OnJune 9, 2026 at 2:05,P.M.for:“50018260026” RoadwayRecon‐struction, CollegeAv‐enue.Atwhich time and placethe bids will be publicly opened andread aloud. Anybid received after closingtimewillbe returned unopened Per-Bid Meetingissched‐uled on May26, 2026 at 11:00am,atthe Facilities Conference Rm,1 Facili‐ties Drive, Grambling, LA 71245. Copies of thespecifica‐tionsmay be obtained in electronic format by vis‐itingthe Stateof Louisiana, Office of State Purchasing,LaPAC Web Site, https://wwwcfprd. doa.louisiana.gov/osp/ lapac/dspBid.cfm?sea rch=department& term=53 Copies of specifications areon file in theOffice of theDirectorofPurchas‐ing, GRAMBLINGSTATE UNIVERSITY,Grambling, La.Toobtain acopyof thespecificationsfrom GramblingState Univer‐sity,call(318)-274-3280 or e-mail walkere@gram edu. Bids must be returned to thePurchasingOffice at purchasingbids@gram. edu by thedue dateand time referenced.Bids must be submittedon theforms enclosed with thebid specification,and in strict conformity with theintentofsamewith‐outmodifications. Bids must be signed in ink, dated, andtitle of person signingthe bidshouldbe shownonthe bid. Evidence of GeneralLia‐bility Insurance, Auto Li‐abilityInsurance,and WorkersCompensation Insurancerequiredfor this contract.Nobid may be withdrawnafter the scheduledclosing time forreceipt of bids forat leastthirty(30) days TheUniversityreserves theright to reject anyor allbids, andtowaive any informalities.
Evidence of authorityto submit thebid shallbe required in accordance with R.S. 38:2212(B)(5) and/or R.S. 39:1594(C)(4). An EqualOpportunity Employer
GRAMBLING STATE UNIVERSITY GRAMBLING, LOUISIANA Erin Walker Director of Purchasing TO APPEAR:5/6/2026 BIDDUE:6/9/2026
Second Judicial Circuit CourtofLeonCounty, Florida(“the Court”) placed Weston into liqui‐dation (casenumber 2022 CA 001378).The Courtappointedthe De‐partmentofFinancial Services of theState of FloridaasReceiver, and CANTILO& BENNETT, L.L.P. as SDRfor Weston Allclaimsagainst We‐ston must be submitted on theapproved POC form andwillbetreated as claims againstthe Weston liquidationes‐tate TheCourt hasestab‐lished August 8, 2026, as theClaimsBar Date,pur‐suanttoSection 631.181(5),Florida Statutes.POCsmustbe postmarkedordelivered to theSDR by this date Claims submittedafter August 8, 2026, will be denied andforever barred By the Claims BarDate allclaimsmustalsobe noncontingentand liqui‐dated to be eligible to shareinany distribution of estate assets.POCs that remain contingent or unliquidatedafter Au‐gust 8, 2026, will be barred from participating in distributions.
TheCourt previously es‐tablisheda Claims Filing Deadline of August 8, 2023. POCs filedafter Au‐gust 8, 2023,but on or be‐fore August 8, 2026, will be treatedas late-filed claims.Late-filedclaims areunlikelytoreceive anydistributionpay‐ments, except as maybe permittedunder Section 631.181, FloridaStatutes. Claims submittedafter August 8, 2026, will not be acceptedas filed claims in theestate. POCforms andsubmis‐sion instructions are availableat https:// weston-ins-liquidation com, whereyou canalso find additional informa‐tion aboutthe receiver‐ship,important receiver‐ship documents, and FAQs.Ifyou have ques‐tionsabout this notice or wouldliketorequest a mailed copy of thePOC form,pleasecontact the SDRbycalling 512-4786000 or 800-579-6817 toll free. 187718-may17-24-31-3t $853.09
TheCityofCentral Plan‐ning &ZoningCommis‐sionswillholdpublic hearings on Thursday May28, 2026, at 6:00 pm at CentralCityHall, 11530 Sullivan Road,Central,LA 70818, to consider the following: Planning Commission None Zoning Commission
Z-26-0002: Rezoning at 9821 Joor Road.Request to rezone LotB-2-A-1 Erving J. BourgTract from R/A(Rural/Agricul‐tural) to B-1(Neighbor‐hood Business) zoning district.Comprising4.23 acres. (Applicant/Owner: GavinGafford)
Z-26-0003: Rezoning at 12332 Joor Road.Request to rezone LotD-5-B,W.C Watts Tract, from R-2 (Single-Family Resi‐dence) to B-1(Neighbor‐hood Business) zoning district.Comprising1.50 acres. (Applicant/Owner: Cole Foreman)
PUBLIC NOTICE
TheCityofSt. George Planning &ZoningCom‐missions will hold public hearings on Monday June 1, 2026,at6:00pm at St.GeorgeFireDepart‐ment,14100Airline Hwy, St.George, LA 70817, to consider thefollowing: Planning Commission S260018 Combinationof Lots at 16072 AirlineHwy: This ±133.35-acrescom‐binedpropertyislocated on TractA,B,and Cof theAlvin D. Martin Tract, in Sec37, T8S, R2E, GLD, EBR. Theapplicant re‐quests to combinethree tracts into oneinthe R RuralZoningDistrict. (Applicant:Joseph Yarbrough, CSRS,LLC,on behalf of Recreation & Park Commission -EBRP) Zoning Commission SP-26-0003 Site Plan at 18605HighlandRd: This ±17.06-acrespropertyis locatedonLot 10-A-1, 10A-2, 10-B,9-D of theMon‐tanEstates,inSec 54 T8S, R2E, GLD, EBR. The applicantrequestsa site plan to constructa new headquarters anddistri‐bution/warehouse build‐ing(totaling 743,708 sq ft.) in theHC2 Heavy Commercial Twoand C2 HeavyCommercialZon‐ingDistrict. (Applicant: BrandonHebron, Hebron Engineering Services LLC, on behalf of AIM Higher LA,LLC) PD-26-0004 Change to SPUD DevelopmentPlan &SP-26-0004 Site Plan for Kenilworth Scienceand Technology Academy: This 10.2-acre combined property is locatedat 8716 Siegen Ln and12581 PerkinsRd, on LotF-4 andTract D-1ofthe Louis B. Kleinpeter Tract, Sec 55, T8S, R1E, GLD, EBR. Theapplicantisrequest‐inga majorchangeto SmallPlannedUnitDe‐velopmentand aSite Plan to constructthree educationalbuildings anda secondaryaccess on PerkinsRdinthe SPUD SmallPlannedUnit Developmentand C1 LightCommercialZoning Districts. (Applicant: HasanSuzuk,Friends of PelicanEducational Foundation)
SP-26-0007 Site Plan at 16072Airline Hwy: This ±133.35-acrescombined property is locatedon TractA,B,and Cofthe AlvinD.MartinTract,in Sec37, T8S, R2E, GLD, EBR. Theapplicant re‐quests approval of asite plan to demolish theex‐isting frontage road baseball fields andother structures,and construct threebaseball fields,two multi-use fields,a 3,800 sq ft restroom building anda maintenancelot with apolebarnand two maintenancebuildings associated parkinglots anda promenade throughthe park,onthe proposed TractA-1 (Case #S-26-0018) in theR Rural Zoning District.(Appli‐cant:Aaron Vancel CSRS,LLC,onbehalfof Recreation &ParkCom‐mission- EBRP)
CU-26-0004 Conditional UsePermitat9100 Blue‐bonnet Centre Blvd: This 2.88-acre property is lo‐catedonLot 4ofthe Bluebonnet Center prop‐erty,inSec 58,T7S,R1E, GLD, EBR. Theapplicant is requesting acondi‐tional usepermittoin‐stalltwo sets of inter‐nally litchannel letters on therooftopedge(to‐taling 50.47 sq ft perroof sign)inthe C2 Heavy CommercialZoningDis‐trict. (Applicant:Ti Cabirac, Signworx,onbe‐half of 9100 Bluebonnet Centre BR,LLC)
T-26-0003 Bulk Storageof HazardousMaterials: AmendTitle 7ofthe Uni‐fied DevelopmentCode to establishstorage of hazardousmaterialin bulk as ause with stan‐dards; andprovide forre‐latedmatters
I, JEREMY Edward REIFER,have been convictedof14:81.3Computer Aided SolicitationofaMinor Date Convicted: 01/13/2010. 14:81Indecent Behavior
T-26-0002 Swimming Pool in Side Yard.Amend Title 7Unified Development Code andAppendix1 ComprehensiveZoning Code to allowswimming poolsina side yard and providefor relatedmat‐ters 187212 May12, 14, 17, 24 4t $75.70
T-26-0004 Signsand Bill‐boards: AmendTitle 7 Unified Development Code to update regula‐tionsfor signsand bill‐boards;and providefor relatedmatters T-26-0005 Street Name Change Procedures: AmendTitle 7Unified De‐velopmentCodetoup‐date street name change
FROM FARM TO CAFETERIA
Super local: Louisiana schools embrace nutrient-dense lunches grown on campus
BY MARGARET DeLANEY | Staff writer
The greens inside the greenhouses at Rayville High School are lush, brilliant shades of green. Ten years ago, Richland Parish Food Network Services was given a grant through Seed Change, an initiative of the National Farm to School Network to expand the use of locally grown produce in schools through changes in procurement, education or the addition of school gardens.
Rory Gresham, the greenhouse manager, runs three greenhouses at Rayville High. The first is for germination. Seeds stay there for the first three weeks before being moved to either the tomato greenhouse or the lettuce greenhouse.
A decade ago, Gresham did all the work Now students clamor to get into the agriculture and wellness classes that teach them the ins and outs of gardening and farm-to-table eating.
“It’s amazing how many students come up and tell me that they didn’t know lettuce had a taste,” he said.
The Seed Change program and the Louisiana Farm to School Alliance bring fresh, healthy food into cafeterias and increasing food and ag-
ricultural literacy in the classroom Learning the habits — and taste — of healthy eating young can have lasting effects on both children and the families at home.
“Only good things can come from gardens,” said Catherine Carmichael, a dietitian and researcher at Pennington Biomedical Research Center in Baton Rouge
Even windowsill herb gardens and vegetables grown in reused containers can be beneficial for classrooms to teach students about the fundamentals of fresh ingredients.
“We can give them lifetime skills that they will take with them,” she said.
ä See FARM, page 4X
‘Better than a textbook’
BY MARGARET DeLANEY Staff writer
When Madison Mora decided to apply to medical school, she thought her only option was to stay in Louisiana. A graduate of LSU, and a Baton Rouge native, Mora wanted to stay close to home but she also wanted adventure, even if that adventure included large spiders, snakes and in a city across the world from her family In 2022 Mora applied to The University of Queensland Medical School-Ochsner Health.
The two institutions, over 11,000 miles apart, partnered up in 2008 to create a four-year medical program that split students’ learning into two parts: two years of preclinical training in Brisbane, Australia, and another two years of clinical work in New Orleans.
“That sounded amazing to me,” Mora said. “I wanted to get out of here, challenge myself and see a different side of the world.”
Three months after her application went through, she packed her bags and boarded a 17-hour flight across the world for medical school.
The University of Queensland, a public research university located in Australia’s capital, hosts 500 students each year The internationally recognized university welcomed its first batch of New Orleans’ 100 students in 2009
“It’s amazing how much (the cities) have in common,” said Dr Ron Amedee, the UQ-Ochsner MD Program director based in New Orleans. “The words might be a little bit different, but we share a common language that neither one of us quite understands.”
There are plenty of differences, however, in the programs: Australian schools go from January to November students are in front of patients within six weeks of the program and the healthcare system is free.
Two institutions, over 11,000 miles apart, partner for four-year medical program ä See AUSTRALIA, page 2X
PHOTO PROVIDED By OCHSNER HEALTH
Dr Ron Amedee, program director of The University of Queensland Medical School - Ochsner Health, speaks to 2025 graduates ahead of ‘Match Day’ in New Orleans.
PROVIDED PHOTO
Rory Gresham tends to a tomato crop at Rayville High School.
HEALTH MAKER
BR doctor releases book on living with cancer
Guide aims to help kids understand, process diagnosis
BY MARGARET DeLANEY Staff writer
His patients know him as Dr Sanjay Juneja, but on TikTok, YouTube and Instagram, he is TheOncDoc to his almost halfmillion followers.
Starting when he was at LSU Health Shreveport, the Baton Rouge hematologist-oncologist dances, lip syncs and uses humor to provide medical information in videos that usually run one minute or less.
In May, he released his first book.
“We Need To Talk About Cancer,” written for ages 10 to 14, is a compassionate, evidence-based guide to help kids understand and process a cancer diagnosis, whether it’s their own or a loved one’s.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity
What sparked your journey in health?
I really wanted to be a middle school science teacher I had a formative science teacher at Glasgow Middle School.
I realized you can unlock so much of this otherwise encrypted value of the world when you learn physics and chemistry.
If you don’t know the wiser then you’re sleeping on all of this really cool stuff.
I ended up getting into a car accident in high school, and I lost my eyesight. I was legally blind for weeks.
When people asked afterward if I was terrified that I wouldn’t ever see again, I at first was
AUSTRALIA
Continued from page 1X
“It’s not like two years just in the books at a typical medical school,” Mora said.
Amedee said the experience sets the students apart both when they begin their rotations in various medical specialties as the final courses of their doctorate, but also as medical school graduates.
“I think it’s a huge distinguishing characteristic of our program to this day,” Amedee said. “Students in the interim get more clinical hours, more research time and volunteer hours to add to their résumés.”
Dr Marcus Davis, a primary care physician who graduated from the international program in 2022, said the hands-on learning was “better than a textbook.”
“I feel more comfortable shaking a person’s hand,” Davis said.
“I think it built the foundation for key clinical and exam skills that I’ve only developed and built on since then.”
Mora felt “less intimidated” to speak with patients when returning to Louisiana after two years. In Australia, she performed exams. She presented to attending physicians. She planned patient care. Learning preventive care Davis was born in New Orleans. His path to medicine was paved by repeat childhood visits to orthopedic emergency rooms.
“A lot of X-rays,” he said. “I always wanted the doctor to show me my broken bones.” Davis joined a six-week boot camp for high schoolers interested in medicine. He heard about the possibility to study abroad for medical school then. When he got accepted into Ochsner’s Australia program, he was ecstatic then fearful.
“I thought ‘Oh my god, I have to jump on a plane and got to Australia for two years?’ I had never really traveled out of the country,’” Davis said. “I was scared, but I just told myself to get on the flight and not look back And it was the best decision ever.” Davis road-tripped up the California coast with his girlfriend, now his wife, in 2017 before flying to Australia to begin medical school the following January His first impressions: the seafood rivaled Louisiana.
“And I have high standards for seafood, being from New Orleans,” Davis said. “It was scary and intimidating (being in a new city), but I felt comfortable with the uncomfortable.” What stood out to Davis was the
proud that I wasn’t scared. Then I asked myself: “Why wasn’t I scared? That doesn’t make sense.”
Then I realized it was because my doctor in Baton Rouge did a beautiful job of explaining to me what the problem was, what the trauma did and what our goals were moving forward.
He walked me through all of the mini hurdles to jump and high-five about The way that he explained everything to me, and oriented me to each goal, I first appreciated that a scary thing can be a little less scary when you know what’s ahead of you.
That’s what made me want to be
a doctor
Why did you first turn to social media to teach the public about health?
As a doctor, I get to teach people all the time about cancer and how it comes in many forms. I thought, if I’m doing that in clinic for 20 patients a day, why not try to use these analogies and metaphors on social and democratize this information?
How did the idea of a book come about?
It was, in part, my wife. We were watching the morning news, and they were talking about the next 40-year-old celebrity that has kids and was diagnosed with cancer Lauren pointed out that it was
weird how we see cancer in clinics and on the news, but nothing is really geared toward the children on everything that they’re hearing all around them.
Where can they go to begin to understand what this nebulous and often terrifying thing cancer is?
On top of that, oftentimes kids aren’t even allowed in their adult cancer clinics because they carry different kind of germs and illnesses. They’re not even privy to having the family conversation in these settings.
That’s where the book started.
I use the metaphors I used in the book all the time with my adult population. It was geared toward to be mutually beneficial.
The difference is that the book has a significant portion at the end on the emotional and psychological impact that is hard to find.
Not knowing what to say is fine.
It’s OK to show your fear Tell me about how you mapped out each step of the cancer journey and then simplified each one in clear language.
I had a unique vantage point because I had my local population
— my patients. I also got to see what people were asking because my social media presence. At the time, I had like 75,000 followers and hundreds and thousands of comments on videos that helped me appreciate or understand where certain deficits were.
What have been the initial reactions after publishing this book?
I’ve had, sadly, dozens of messages from everyone I’ve ever met. Just about everyone has someone in their immediate family that has cancer
What really surprised me was the number of pictures I got of kids reading the book just a word or a tag on Instagram. I could have never known how much this would mean to people or how much was able to be said in this book.
It’s been deeply humbling. The whole purpose of this was to make it accessible, and especially with young kids.
What’s next?
Before this, I had been working on an adult book. It’s directed toward millennials, because we’re getting cancer, our parents are getting cancer
We’re at a time where cancer is so prevalent. In the book I’m working on, I use analogies and references that we all grew up with — Harry Potter analogies included.
We are in a time of an overabundance of information without any regulation of validity My hope is I can equip someone to navigate that overabundance in a somewhat reasonable or consistent manner
Email Margaret DeLaney at margaret.delaney@theadvocate. com.
“The traditional competitive environment is eliminated because you only have each other to rely on. That was really nice. We already had a community built in. You have people all around you. A little family.”
MADISON MORA
overarching focus in Australia on preventive medicine and care. As a country with free healthcare, the resources for treating disease, chronic illness and symptoms are much more adept than hospitals in the U.S. Davis finds that American hospitals often treat problems after the fact.
Davis shadowed a physician in a family medicine clinic in Wellington Point, Australia, just 45 minutes outside of Brisbane.
“The focus they had on preventative healthcare was incredible,” Davis said. I really learned and cherish that It stuck with me.”
When he came back in 2020 for his clinicals in New Orleans, it was just as the world was beginning to shut down for a global pandemic.
‘A little family’ abroad
Although it was Mora’s first time on the southern hemisphere, the culture shock was not too jarring. It helped that she came with a crew of 99 other Americans. She
noticed the competitive side of medical school took a back burner
“The traditional competitive environment is eliminated because you only have each other to rely on,” Mora said.
“That was really nice. We already had a community built in. You have people all around you. A little family.”
While there, Mora and her fellow students made the most of the geographically convenient vacations available to them: vacations in Thailand, Bali, Vietnam. Mora even met her spider-averse mother in New Zealand for a little family getaway
Davis and his band of Louisiana students had family members ship them Tony Chachere’s seasoning to cook with.
Mora went back to Australia for an eight-week rotation in pediatrics after graduating from medical school in New Orleans.
“I think I have a gift with kids,” Mora said.
However, she probably won’t be moving across the world anytime soon.
“It definitely crossed my mind, but my mom would kill me,” Mora said. “I also want to serve my home. These are my people. I want to make this place better and I’m glad I have the tools in my toolkit.
So, I’ll be staying here.”
Email Margaret DeLaney at margaret.delaney@theadvocate. com.
FILE PHOTO By APRIL BUFFINGTON
Dr Sanjay Juneja records a TikTok video at his home.
PHOTO PROVIDED By OCHSNER HEALTH
The 2025 graduating class of The University of Queensland Medical School - Ochsner Health gathers before Match Day, a celebration of medical students being ‘matched’ with their residency programs.
PHOTO PROVIDED By DR. MARCUS DAVIS Dr Marcus Davis, right, a family medicine physician who graduated from The University of Queensland Medical School - Ochsner Health, visits the Australian Zoo.
Maternity care desertsare common in Louisiana:Nearly one-third of parishes (29.6%) are maternity care deserts, according to 2026 data released by Tulane University’s Newcomb Institute. In 2024,Louisianahad the 13th-highest percentageof women living in acounty living in amaternity care desert —no birth centers, certified nurse midwives, familypractice physicians, obstetriciansor hospitals that provide obstetric care. Less access to maternity careisassociated with worse maternal and infant outcomes
The national statewide average formaternity care desertsis
3.7%,significantly lowerthan Louisiana’sat 7.8%
These states had the greatest percentageofwomen living in a maternity care desert: n Mississippi with 19.4%; n West Virginia with 17.5%; n Kentucky and South Dakota with 16.7%; n North Dakota with 16.6%; n and Arkansas with 15.6%
These states had 0% of women living in amaternity caredesert: n Connecticut n Delaware n Hawaii
n Maine n Massachusetts n NewHampshire n NewJersey
n Rhode Island. In 2024, data from March of Dimes revealed that over 35% of counties areconsidered maternity care deserts.That means that in 1,104 U.S. counties, there is no birthing facilityorobstetric clinician. In Louisiana, 19 of its64parishes areconsidered maternitycare deserts.
There is indication of arise in maternity caredeserts in Louisiana, according to Tulane’s research. Compared to 2022 estimates of maternity care deserts in Louisiana conducted by the March of Dimes, there are more deserts in 2026. Research from Tulane, released
in Mayand based on November data, placed Louisiana parishes into three categories based on available maternity care: full access, limited access and care desert. High access to maternity care —defined for Tulane’sreport as twoormore facilities in the parish —varies across the state. These parishes have full access to maternity care: Acadia,Allen,Ascension, Beauregard, Bossier,Caddo, Calcasieu,Concordia, East Baton Rouge, Franklin, Iberia, Iberville, Jefferson, Jefferson Davis, Lafayette, Lafourche, LaSalle, Lincoln, Livingston, Morehouse, Natchitoches, Orleans, Ouachita, Rapides, Richland, St. Landry, St.
Mary, St.Tammany,Tangipahoa, Terrebonne,Vernon,Washington and Webster
These parishes have limited access to maternity care: Avoyelles, East Feliciana, Evangeline, Jackson, St. Bernard, St. Charles, St. Helena, St. John the Baptist, St. Martin,Tensas, Vermilion and West Baton Rouge. These parishes have zero access to maternity care, also called acare desert: Assumption, Bienville, Caldwell, Cameron, Catahoula, Claiborne, De Soto, East Carroll, Grant, Madison, Plaquemines, Pointe Coupee, Red River,Sabine, St. James, Union,West Carroll,West Feliciana and Winn.
New treatment can track tumors
‘More precise, more personal’ technology offered at N.O. hospital
BY MARGARET DeLANEY Staff writer
Ochsner MD Anderson in New Orleans now offers cancer treatment technology that can track tumors during radiation, following the path of patients.
The technology, developed at Stanford University called RefleXion, can track tumors in real time during radiation, helping doctors target cancer more precisely while protecting healthy tissue.
Although Food and Drug Administration approval for the technology is limited to patients over 21 with specific bone and lung cancers, the personalized therapy tech could open the door for more patients, especially those with hard-to-treat cancers, to safely receive radiation.
Conventional radiotherapy uses static images and scans taken before treatment to plan radiation administration MRI-guided radiotherapy uses real-time imaging but is unable to fully track tumor position changes, resulting in less precise targeting.
The new radiotherapy uses positron emission tomography, a medical imaging technique that uses radioactive tracers to create detailed images.
These tracers have been developed to be absorbed only by cancer cells, to precisely image the tumor in real time.
They act as a biological beacon, signaling to doctors where to administer radiation, and allow for continuous radiation beam adjustment to account for tumor movement caused by the patient’s normal body activity, like breathing.
“If a patient has moved during radiation, it’s impossible to know,” said Dr Christophe Marques, a radiation oncologist with Ochsner Health. “Instead of radiating the tumor, we have to radiate normal tissue, too.”
RefleXion keeps the margin of error small, preserving more normal tissue than standard radiation methods.
“That means less recurrence. More cure. Less side effects. Better patient experience,” Marques said.
The FDA approved the technology for bone and lung cancers because of their “extreme tissue densities,” Marques said.
In standard lung cancer radiation treatments, patients are placed in an immobilization box, a pretty tight vacuum device to keep them still.
“With this tech the patient will be more comfortable during treatment,” Marques said. “We don’t have to squeeze them.”
This treatment also aims to address the challenges of treating
FARM
Continued from page 1X
Nearly 56,000 Louisiana students have been impacted by the statewide program, with 88% of students showing a greater interest in eating a healthy diet
Establishing healthy habits
Childhood obesity has become a leading public health crisis in America, with 1 in 5 children affected.
According to the National Survey of Children’s Health, 23.1% of Louisiana children are living with obesity, with Louisiana hovering as the third-highest state. Louisiana ranks near the bottom for several health statistics: coronary heart disease, high blood pressure, cholesterol.
“Child obesity is at the center of that,” said Dr Randy Del Mundo, a primary care practitioner and internist at Ochsner Health in Prairieville. “Particularly in Louisiana, we have communities who have a barrier to access healthy foods, a safe place to play or recreation and also access to preventative care.”
In the past four decades, science and medicine have identified obesity as a chronic and complex metabolic disease that can lead to several health conditions.
“Obesity is a metabolic disease. This is a lifelong illness. A lifelong endeavor,” Del Mundo said. “It’s not just weight. It’s the health ramifications that come after the weight.” Obesity is linked to certain cancers, Type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
Small, incremental changes are the key to addressing the diet in adult obesity patients, Del Mundo said: drinking water, eating more
multiple tumors in different locations in the body
“Imagine you have a patient with three to four (tumors) in different places in the body You have to set them up individually, treat them, shift the patient to treat the next one, et cetera,” Marques described.
Biology-guided radiotherapy streamlines this process by concurrently imaging all tumors in the body allowing for the simultaneous treatment of multiple tumors, including those whose positions shift due to the patient’s body movement Marques and the team at Ochsner MD Anderson hope that their use of the new tech opens the door for future clinical trials: treating neuro tumors, prostate cancers and more.
“The most important thing patients should know is that the safety of this tech has been demonstrated,” Marques said.
“If anything it has become even safer.”
Email Margaret DeLaney at margaret.delaney@theadvocate. com.
whole fruits and vegetables, get-
ting adequate sleep and engaging in physical activities.
“It takes the whole family in regard to healthy eating and healthy eating habits,” Del Mundo said.
“Changing lifestyles as an adult is much harder.”
Carmichael leads the training programs for nutrition professionals in Louisiana cafeterias.
This year, representatives from 29 different Louisiana parishes participated in the courses.
Part of the course addresses how to make fruits and veggies look more appetizing to eat — boiling broccoli a certain way to retain its luscious green color and cutting up apples to make it easier for young children to eat.
“A whole apple in front of a 6-year-old is daunting,” Carmichael said.
“We want the kids to look forward to their meals, for lunch time to be a positive experience
for them.” For farm-to-cafeteria programs, student eagerness for the lunch line often is synonymous with pride of their crop.
“My students think they’ve grown the best cherry tomatoes in the state,” Gresham said. “They want to see it in their salads every day.”
A changing landscape
Established in 1946 under the National School Lunch Act, the National School Lunch Program serves free or reduced cost lunches — no more than 40 cents — to eligible children. Nearly 30 million children participated in the program in the 2023-24 school year
Children qualify for meals through their families’ enrollment in federal food assistance programs, or their status as unhoused, a runaway in foster care or an immigrant. Students may
also qualify based on household income and family size
Schools that participate in the program must comply with federal nutrition standards to receive reimbursement for meals.
With new dietary guidelines released this year by the Trump administration, those standards are changing.
The guidelines take a new stance on “highly processed” foods, and refined carbohydrates, urging consumers to avoid “packaged,
prepared, ready-to-eat or other foods that are salty or sweet, such as chips, cookies and candy.”
Although school lunches have reduced highly processed foods and sugary drinks, the challenge to come will be potential portion sizes for carbohydrates, proteins, sugars and dairy products.
It’s a long road ahead, according to Carmichael.
The Agriculture Department will have to translate the recommendations into specific requirements for school meals The process then moves to a state-level decision to food sourcing and the pipeline from farmers to cafeterias.
The latest national school nutrition standards were proposed in 2023 but won’t be fully implemented until 2027. Louisiana schools likely won’t see these changes for a number of years, Carmichael said.
“School meal programs are bigger than any fast food company in the nation,” Carmichael said. “That’s a huge undertaking. Think of the purchasing power for school cafeterias.”
Email Margaret DeLaney at margaret.delaney@theadvocate. com.
BEYOND THE SCALE
STAFF
PHOTOS By BRETT DUKE
Raj Mitra, left and Christophe Marques stand in front of a biology-guided radiotherapy machine at Ochsner MD Anderson Cancer Center at Ochsner Baptist in New Orleans.
Members of the radiation oncology team — front row, from left, Katie Chauff, Alison Poche, Latrice Mashia and Diane Couch; back row, from left, Raj Mitra, Christophe Marques and Jeffery Zeringue — stand next to a biology-guided radiotherapy machine at Ochsner MD Anderson Cancer Center
PROVIDED PHOTOS
Farmed lettuce at Rayville High School in Richland Parish
Tomatoes are grown at Rayville High School.
From prevention to lifelong care: How Ochsner Health supports women’swellness
By Amanda McElfresh amcelfresh@theadvocate.com
Thisstory is brought to you by OchsnerHealth.
Women’shealth is not defined by asingle momentormilestone. Instead, it is ajourney thatevolves from adolescence into young adulthood, midlife, then into menopause and beyond. Ochsner physicianssay thatat each of thesestages,the keytowomen living healthier lives is consistent, personalized care thatlooksbeyondsymptomsalone and focuses on the whole personand their overallwellness.
“Aswomen, we care forsomanypeople and often have professional obligations,too We balance thatwith hormonal shiftsatdifferent times in our lives,aswell as emotional factorslikeanxiety, depression and burnout. All of thatcan affect awoman’shealth outcomes and qualityoflife,”said Cassandra Pillette,MD, primary care,Ochsner Health Center –Cordoba in Lafayette. “That’swhy having atrusted healthcareprovider is so critical. Theycan guidewomen through preventivescreenings, managing chronic conditions and setting health goals.”
Dr.Pillette said annual wellness visits with aprimary care physician areanimportantway forwomen toensurethatkey health indicators likeblood pressure, cholesteroland blood sugar arewithin normal ranges.It’salsoatime toschedule or undergo screeningsfor differenttypes of cancer,bone density, infectious diseases and other conditions.
Awoman’srelationship with her OB/GYN becomes moreimportantasshe movesinto her late teens and early adulthood. Annual well-woman exams offer consistentopportunities to addressreproductivehealth and overall well-being. Thesevisits alsomark the beginning of preventivescreenings.During theseappointments,OB/GYNs conduct comprehensivepelvic exams to look forabnormalities.Pap smears, whichtypically start at age 21, areusedtodetect cervicalchanges thatcould lead to cancer.Mammograms aregenerally recommended starting at age40for women of averagerisk.
CassandraPillette,MD PrimaryCare
OchsnerHealthCenter-Cordoba inLafayette
“Preventivecareshould be individualized. Patients should be able to have arapport with their provider and feel comfortable discussing their health history, risk factorsand family history,” Dr.Pillette said. “A physician who knowsyou well canbe life-changing and life-saving.”
Navigatinglifechanges from adolescence to adulthood
Forwomen, acomprehensiveapproach to managing their healthincludes regular visits with an OB/GYN.Physicians recommend thatgirls have their firstOB/GYN appointmentbetween the ages of 13 and 15 typically around the onset of menstruation. Theseearly visits aredesigned to build comfort,trust and arelationship thatfacilitates open conversations about menstrualcycles and development. Teens usuallydonot need internal exams unlesstheyhavesymptoms likeabnormal bleeding or pain.
Aholistic approach to changing health needs
Wellnesspriorities shift as women transition into their40s and 50s.Perimenopause –the transitional phaseleading up to menopausewhenhormone levels fluctuate significantly –often begins during theseyears. Symptoms caninclude irregularcycles,hot flashes,nightsweats, sleep disturbances,mood changes,brain fog, jointpain or weightgain.
“OB/GYNsmay alsohelpwomen managebroader health concerns We seewomen at all stages of lifeand focus on treating the entirepatient, not only reproductivehealth concerns,” said Anna ClaireSaucier,MD, obstetrics and gynecology, Ochsner Health Center –O’Neal in Baton Rouge. “Weknowthatwomen go through hormonefluctuations thatcan impact their physical and mental well-being. Finding ways to managethoseimpacts and help womenhavebetteroverall health is an importantpart of whatwedo.”
“Perimenopauseisa continuum rather than asingle moment in time. This phaselasts an averageofabout four years, but canrange from twoto10years dependingonthe individual,” said Elizabeth Lapeyre, MD,obstetrics andgynecology,Ochsner HealthMenopauseand Women’s WellnessCenterinNew Orleans “Most women enterperimenopauseintheir mid-40s,although some may begin as early as their late 30soraslate as their early 50s.”
Menopausetypically occursbetween the ages of 45 and 55 and is defined as 12 consecutivemonths without aperiod. This is a natural biological processthatoccurswhen the ovaries stop producing estrogen and progesterone.The lowerlevels of thosehormones increasethe risk forconditions such as heart diseaseand osteoporosis,which means regular healthcarevisits should remain apriority.
ists in cardiology, neurology, psychologyand other areas if awoman needs moreadvanced screeningsortreatments
“Wetakeamultidisciplinary,holistic approach to each patient,”Dr. Lapeyresaid. “Wetalk alot about nutrition, exercise, stress managementand sleep.All of that is critically importanttoawoman’sphysical and mental health.”
At anystageofawoman’slife, prioritizing her health canoften fall behind the demands of caring forfamily,work and daily responsibilities.Dr. Pillette said shehopes more women takethe time forannual wellness visits,appropriate screeningsand discussing symptoms so theycan thriveasthe best version of themselves
Dr.Saucier said womenshouldschedule an OB/GYN appointment between annual visits if theyhavesymptoms such as irregular periods,pelvic pain or infertility.
“I think sometimes women ignorethose concerns because they’ve been told thatit’s normal. Thoseissues could actually indicate an underlying problem,”Dr. Saucier said. “Women shouldn’tfeelliketheyhavetolive with thoseissues or deal with them on their own. One of the best aspects of Ochsner is thatwehaveaccesstosomanyspecialists who treat both common and complexconditions.It’seasyfor us to discusspatients and managetheir conditions together.”
“The physical and mental changes as women entermenopausecan be dramatic. Alot of patients come to us and saytheyjust don’tfeel likethemselves.Manyofthemexperience neworworsening anxiety as they try to understand whatishappening,”Dr. Lapeyresaid.
The Ochsner Health Menopauseand Women’sWellnessCenterhas four menopause-certified physicians,aswell as one provider board-certified in integrativemedicineand another in lifestylemedicine. That means theycan treatall aspects of awoman’shealth, Dr.Lapeyresaid. Theycan also quickly referpatientstoOchsnerspecial-
If awoman is looking fora newhealthcare provider,Dr. Pilletterecommended searching Ochsner.org,reading patientreviews and asking forsuggestions from family and friends.Prospectivepatients canalsomeet with providerstoask questions and seeif theyhavearapport thatcan be the basis for along-term health partnership
“Healthcareisnot optional, especially if youhaveothersdepending on you,”she said. “You cannot takecareofothersifyou are not taking care of yourself.Don’twait until something feels wrong. Routine visits and an ongoing relationship with atrusted physician candetect problems early,reduce longterm problems and support health through every stageoflife.”
All three of Marguerite Albares’ssons —ages 11, 9and 6— have gone through an after-school reading program that has nourishedtheirlove of books. ThePrime Time reading program offered at theirschool, Homer Plessy Community School,has brought the family favorite books and quality time together Albaressaysher sons are always the first ones to sign up for the family literacy programwhen it’s offered.
“I feel like it is an amazing resource,” Albares said. “You receive these wonderful books, dinner andtime withcommunity.The overall love for reading is somethingthatoccurs throughoutthe whole time that we’re there, and Ifeel like that givessucha positive example to the children.”
In its 35th year,Prime Time is reaching more children and families and increasing literacy levels in Louisiana.
The Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities program brings families together for shared meals, guided story reading and open-ended discussions about “big ideas”like courage and fairness. By engaging bothchildren and their caregivers, the program aimsto buildearly literacy andstrengthenthe home learningenvironment in astate that historicallyfaces significanteducational and economic challenges.
Prime Time is offered in all 64 parishes of Louisiana. Thespring2026 program cycle included 43 approved programsacross20parishes, andthe fall 2026 program cycle will be announced June 1.
Restovic began her career withthe organization 20 years ago as an assistant director in thePrime Time program. She says Prime Time hasbeen abig part
of her professional life since then.
“Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities is an organization that, for half acentury,has preservedLouisiana history and been astewardofits stories,” Restovic said. “WithPrime Time specifically,we’re using stories andstorytelling to build, essentially,Louisiana’s future.”
National blueprint
In the last 20 years, Prime Time has evolved. Onething that remains consistent,Restovic says,isthat theprogram hasalways responded to community needs. Whatstarted out as aprogram in 1991that only operated in libraries for families with six to 10 year-old children nowoperates in schools, childcare centers, Head Starts, community centers andchurches.
Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities began reaching youngerchildrenin 2012 with Prime Time Preschool, which launched with seed funding fromthe Baptist Community Ministries. Anew study titled “Reading Relationships and Readiness: Evidencefrom thePrime Time Preschool Program,” released on May 5, revealed that the Prime Time Preschool fosters empathy and curiosity in children by framing reading around universal human values.
The study found that Prime Time participation is essentially equivalent to moving achild from the50th percentile to the 70thpercentile in four developmental areas: literacy,math, cognitive development andphysical development.
Prime Time won the Library of Congress American Prize award in 2025, one of the highest literacy honors it gives. Otherstates, including Nebraska, Washington,Florida andGeorgia,are adoptingPrimeTime’smodel.
“This made-in-Louisiana program is asuccessstory that is now anational blueprint for early childhood literacy and I’m really proud of that,” Restovic said. “Louisiana is exporting aliteracy model that is turnkey.Itworks justas well in LouisianaasitdoesinGeorgia. It works as well in urban settings as it does in rural communities.”
PrimeTimeReading
Prime Time’ssuccess is based on proven humanities-focused strategies to engagefamilies in literacy andearly learning programs.
The family reading program features five pillars of learning and teaching:
n Promoteinstruction that centers the children and families
n Usethe Socratic methodofopenended questions
n Develop higher-order thinking skills
n Make connections to quality literature
n Use collective learning to bond studentsand families aroundreading Christine McCourtney,aPrime Time programcoordinator and the head of early childhood literacy at New Orleans Public Libraries,has facilitated Prime Time Reading since2012. Shesaysthat PrimeTimefitsright into what New Orleans Public Libraries are doingtoboost childhood literacy
“Weoffer story times at all of ourlocations, but thePrime Time reading program is just alittle extra special and alittle different,” McCourtneysaid. “It’sa six-week commitment
ä See READING, page 2Y
Howadream, anda nun, showed me my truerself
Afew yearsago, when Ifirst walked into Istanbul’sGrand Bazaar,vendorswerecalling out in English. Tourists were negotiating. The whole beautiful machineryofcommercewas running loud and fast. Icould track all of it.
So Iwalked deeper in.
Past the stalls selling Turkish Delight and spices to tourists, pastthe point wheremostspoke English and into the back corridorswherethe chatter was entirely beyond me.Noone translated. No announcement made sense. Unlike earlier,Icouldn’ttake everything in. My husband and Iended up stopping at what we think was alittle cafe for the merchants.Wehad tea. The server recognized we were fish out of water and showed us how to drink the tea the Turkishway —with the sugar cube resting on our tongues. Through charades and demonstrations, we connected.
The conversations happening 2feet away were as understandable as birdsong. Still, Ican only describe that lack of understanding as a strange relief.
My reaction mayrequiresome explanation: Inotice things conversations at nearby tables, the subtext under what someone is saying out loud or the shift in aroom’s mood.
In the 1987 film “Broadcast News,” Holly Hunter’s character is told, “It must be nice to always believe you know better ...”
She looks at him and says,“No. It’sawful.”
When Ifirst sawthat film,I was young but old enough to recognizesomeofmyself in her character.Ialsosaw the ways shegot on other people’snerves For yearsafter that, Itried to dial myself back —totake up lessroom and soften my edges
However,about 15 yearsago, aDominican nun from New Orleans named Sister MaryAnn Culotta helped me change that. She led adream workshop. I didn’teven know what adream workshop was when Iwalked in the room,but by the time Ileft, the experience had changed my take on life.
Basedonadream Ishared with thegroup, Sister MaryAnn and the other participants in the circle helped me realizethat people could handle me or they couldn’t—either way,Iwould be happier being my fullest self.
I’m still not completely sure how the dream workshop processworks,but life has been fuller and more fun since. If I wanttowear orange shoes or pink glasses, Ido—sometimes both at the same time.
Butliving fuller goes beyond my sartorial choices
The GrandBazaar gave me one of those discoveries.Inthe back corridors, surrounded by language Icouldn’tdecode, along with sights and scents I didn’trecognize, the peripheral noisefell away
What remained was whatever Ichosetofocus on. Irealizenow that narrowing can feel like agift —different from Sister MaryAnn’s, but related.
I’ve felt it before, in other forms too. For example, the first time Iwent contradancing, I had no idea what Iwas doing. Contra dancing is afolk tradition where everypersoninthe line matters. The caller sets the sequence. Onewrong stepsends
See RISHER, page 2Y
Albares
McCourtney
The LouisianaEndowment for theHumanities’ Prime Time ReadingProgram at Langston Hughes School
NewOrleans CityCouncil member JP Morrell presents Miranda Restovic witha proclamation from themayor and the City Council on May5
‘We
INSPIRED DISCUSSIONS
ASK THE EXPERTS
BY BOB WARREN Staff writer
When the Rev Luis Duarte became pastor of St. Jerome Catholic Church in July 2025, he had no idea how deeply his church and congregation would be impacted by the federal government’s immigration sweeps
Duarte said around 20 members of the Kenner church have been detained since the immigration sweeps dubbed “Catahoula Crunch” were launched late in 2025. Duarte said he isn’t certain what has come of all the cases.
“I don’t have anything against any government,” Duarte said. “The government has the right to do what they consider is good for the citizens and for the country But when you see things like what’s going on here in the community You know your parishioners are not criminals and you say ‘There is something wrong here.’”
Kenner and Jefferson Parish have long been home to a thriving Hispanic population St. Jerome, where Duarte says perhaps 75% of the 2,000 or so families are Hispanic, was the scene recently of a program to kick off “Love Your Immigrant Neighbor,” a Louisiana Interchurch Conference initiative that seeks to bring people of all denominations together for prayer and to hear the voices of those impacted by the immigration
sweeps. A native of Colombia, Duarte, 36, arrived in New Orleans a decade ago to study at Notre Dame Seminary He spoke only Spanish when he arrived, and learned English while studying for the priesthood.
Duarte steered clear of much of the politics around the immigration sweeps, one of the campaign platforms of President Donald Trump. But he says it has taken a toll on many people who are just trying to keep their jobs and families intact This interview has been condensed and edited for clarity What is the road you’ve taken to get where you are now?
I came (to New Orleans) in 2016. I was 26. They said we need bilingual priests. I was studying in Colombia, philosophy and theology. I said “Oh, sorry, I don’t speak any English.” (They) said, “That’s OK.” I prayed about it at the time. I had
never thought about coming to the United States. That wasn’t part of my plan. But God had a different plan for me. I studied for two more years, after the eight years I had already spent studying philosophy and theology I was 17 when I started my whole journey to become a priest. (Duarte was ordained in 2020.)
You said members of your congregation became apprehensive in late 2025, with reports that U.S Border Patrol agents were coming to the New Orleans area. What happened next? (A woman named) Alma, she was a member of the choir. She was two blocks from St. Jerome. She was coming to Mass and she was stopped. No reason to stop her, it was probably like, 8:10 in the morning. The family called me [and], then I talked to her and she said, “Oh, Father, I don’t have even a (traffic) ticket.” She even paid for a lawyer and they couldn’t do anything
for her So it was November, December then January and she said ‘I’m going to sign to be deported.’ She’s back in Honduras.
Tell me about your congregation. This parish was founded in 1963. From that moment, they didn’t have a Hispanic community But some years later, because they saw the demographics and that the Hispanic community was growing, then they opened a Spanish Mass. It has been, like, more than 40 years with the Hispanic community (Kenner’s population is around 65,000, with nearly 30% of its residents being Hispanic or Latino, according to the latest Census data.)
What do you feel is unique to your parish? What makes it stand out? Here, I have, like, 40 (church) groups. You can come any day from Monday through Sunday and if you come at night there is something going on here. There is always something going
that.”
The library registrations for the Prime Time sessions fill up quickly, and many of them are returning families, McCourtney said.
persistence, problem-solving) and physical development.
for all the families and 90 minutes a week. For the first 30 minutes, it’s all about family meal time and getting to know each other The next 60 minutes is really when we actually do the program.” Throughout the reading, librarians ask questions to make sure the children are engaged and understanding. They also model taking turns and waiting — readiness skills for preschoolers.
The parents also learn ways to read together at home, and then ask their children questions during the play time that follows the story time.
Albares says she has made friends with families that she wouldn’t have known otherwise by participating in their Prime Time sessions at Plessy They get to connect with each other over a shared love of reading.
“I love the fact that even these early childhood picture books turn into really deep conversations for the parents. It feels like we’re in this mini book club for kids books because there’s so many deeper messages and meaning to the books,” Albares said. “It’s been really special to see the adults take it to the next level, and then the children are chiming in and seeing
“People come from all over the area because they really want to be a part of this program,” she says.
‘A proven blueprint’
A five-year study, the results of which were announced by the endowment on May 5 in New Orleans, found that Prime Time Preschool participants consistently outperformed their peers in critical school-readiness domains.
The study analyzed PTP results for 915 participating preschoolers, using data from Teaching Strategies GOLD, an assessment tool required for publicly funded Head Start programs.
“We knew anecdotally from qualitative data that we were making a difference, but this was a way to really use a statewide adopted assessment to test the efficacy of the program,” Restovic said. “And the study reveals that this familyfocused approach is a proven blueprint.”
Among the study’s findings were:
n A significant boost in literacy and math. On average, PTP children scored 0.19 to 0.20 standard deviations higher than comparable nonparticipants.
n Broad growth beyond academics in cognitive skills (attention,
n Resilience through crisis: Positive outcomes were consistent across five years (2017—2022), proving the program’s effectiveness even through the disruptions of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The “Reading Relationships and Readiness” study found that Prime Time works because of its dialogic approach that turns story time into conversations.
Empowering caregivers is another strength that the study identified as cause for its success. By providing high-quality take-home libraries, Prime Time addresses structural barriers like lack of access to books or economic stress.
Early investments are critical, the report emphasized. Some estimates suggest that high-quality early childhood programming can provide up to an 18% return on investment for states over time.
“When you walk into a room and you see the moms hugging their little ones, and they are listening to a story and sharing, that’s Prime Time magic,” Restovic said. “You are creating an experience that they’re going to want to replicate. And that’s when families commit to literacy and build literacy-rich homes. “The home literacy environment is one of the strongest predictors of long-term academic success.”
on and that is so beautiful A lot of young people come to this community — probably it is because when you come here you find somebody that speaks Spanish We come to worship God in both languages. How have immigration enforcement operations impacted St. Jerome?
Most of the people here are Hispanic, and though many of them had documents, they were afraid to go out. We went form having like 500 people, to having like, 200, or even 100 people coming to Mass. They were so afraid they were watching Mass (on livestream) Usually we have like 20 people watching Mass because they all come (in person). But (after the crackdown) we had, like, 100 people watching. They were afraid even to come to worship God.
Has the immigration issue been divisive for the St. Jerome congregation? Does part of the congregation support the sweeps?
Actually it was the opposite Because the community probably because they have been together for many years, they were the ones bringing food to the people in their homes. They come and ask “Father, what can we do?” I said, “Let’s bring food to people It was the Anglo community that took care of the Hispanic community.”
As someone who arrived in the United States from a different country, does that put you in a position to better understand what some of your congregation faces? I think one thing is to speak the language. An-
other thing is to understand the culture. And I’m coming from the same culture. And for me that is a plus to be a pastor in a community like that. I know the people I know how they act. How they speak How to accompany them. For me it is a blessing. We have wonderful priests (who) speak Spanish, but sometimes it is not only knowing how to speak the language, but knowing why they are doing what they are doing. Do you ever feel any concern for yourself? No, actually, I never do I have my documents. I ask the Lord, I say, “Lord, now they need me.” I never fear anything I say, “God, it’s your will. You’re the one that brought me to the United States so if it is your will that I go out, I’ll go You arrived not speaking very much English. How difficult was it to learn the language while also studying for the priesthood? When I started here my biggest fear was to hear confessions. “What if I don’t understand what they are telling me?” (He chuckles.) But thank God I’ve never experienced anything like that. I was so disciplined in learning English and the Lord helped me with that. And New Orleans is a wonderful city The people are so friendly I have found that the people are so open. The tradition of New Orleans is to be a multicultural city so I think that makes this city so beautiful. Email reporter Bob Warren at bwarren@ theadvocate.com.
STAFF PHOTO By BOB WARREN
Father Luis Duarte, right, pastor of St. Jerome Catholic Church in Kenner, greets Matt Rousso, a former pastor of the church, after a service on April 29.
STAFF PHOTO By JAN RISHER
Saffron tea prepared the Turkish way, ordered via charades and smiles in the back of Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar
BRCC unveils a new center supporting mental health
BY JOY HOLDEN Staff writer
The students at Baton Rouge Community College now have a defined, separate place for mental health — The Safe Space, a renovated, multifunctional office for Counseling and Accessibility Services The former Office for Student Life in the Bienvenue Student Center has been transformed into The Safe Space, which now offers a meditation room, relaxation pod, private rooms for counseling, licensed counselors, counseling interns and space for workshops.
Counseling and Accessibility Services, which has traditionally facilitated the accommodations process for students with a psychological, learning or physical disability, has moved around the campus multiple times, so this new ordained space right off of the student union provides some stability and visibility.
“Before, students saw Counseling Accessibility Services like, ‘I have to go there to get accommodations,’” said Sarah Barlow provost/vice chancellor for Workforce and Student Development. “It was like a perfunctory duty of what they needed to do. And now they know that they have a place that’s special for them, and students who might not need accommodation still have a place of respite and care.”
The Louisiana Department of Health subsidized The Safe Space through their Mental Health Fund, and the renovation was completed in less than a year
“Their commitment recognizes what we know to be true, mental health is public health, and when we strengthen one, we strengthen our entire community,” Barlow said.
The Safe Space opened in January 2026 for students and faculty
The official ribbon cutting occurred April 29. Provided services will include individual and group counseling, crisis intervention, referral support, workshops, peer support and connections to community-based providers for ongoing care.
The renovation is part of the larger vision of educating the whole student at Baton Rouge Community College, Barlow said.
The community college has recently opened a food pantry and a clothes closet on campus to support students’ needs.
“The more that you can connect with the student and make them feel cared for and that they belong, it’s better all around,” Barlow said.
For Dianna Gilbert Depron, the director of enrollment management, opening The Safe Space and holding the ribbon cutting was the fulfillment of over a year of hard work Gilbert-Depron says the office has seen a 10% increase of student involvement.
“We are making sure that mental health is a priority and providing a space for them in a space where there is student belonging,” Gilbert-Depron said.
Prioritizing mental health
BRCC has nontraditional students pursuing higher education, and many of them have jobs, families and financial stressors in their lives. Providing a place to go when their burdens are too heavy was capital on the minds of the community college administration.
“The Safe Space represents a proactive, compassionate response to the realities facing our students,” Barlow said. “We know that our students are balancing complicated lives outside of the classroom along with their educational journey, and too often, those challenges go unseen or unsupported. This center has been intentionally designed to provide accessible, stigma-free support for our campus community.”
Alisha Diggs, a licensed professional counselor with Counseling and Accessibility Services, echoes Barlow’s sentiments.
“We asked ourselves, ‘Where do students and faculty go when all that they carry becomes too heavy and they need a safe space to break down?’ It’s not in a classroom and it’s not in an office, but in a place where they can escape and take a moment to just breathe. And the answer to that question is exactly why The Safe Space is here,”
Diggs said
At the ribbon cutting, Diggs reiterated the college’s commitment to care and supporting students
She hopes The Safe Space is used so often that it grows even more.
Ashanti Watson, a BRCC student, has found comfort and relaxation
in The Safe Space already
“This is a great place to just have a break,” Watson said. “The world is so fast- paced, and we are always running. We forget to give ourselves 10 to 15 minutes to just slow down. And this is the perfect place to do so. We have the privilege to have it and use it.”
Barlow, who has worked either as a faculty member or in the chancellor’s cabinet for 16 years, is proud to see the completion of The Safe Space project.
“A healthy mind is essential to persistence, completion and success. We are not just opening the door and cutting the ribbon, we are opening possibilities for healing, growth and a stronger, more resilient campus community,” Barlow said. “Having a center like this and a place for people to go really means that we’re providing holistic care.”
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Our tomorrowdepends on whatwedotoday.Together, we arepowering progress forabrighter future.Louisiana is whereweliveand we’reproud to call it home
The former Office for Student Life in the Bienvenue Student Center at Baton Rouge Community College has been transformed into The Safe Space, which offers a seating area and relaxation pod
PHOTOS PROVIDED By ARMONDO FRANK
Mental health counselor Alisha Diggs, left, stands beside Baton Rouge Community College student Ashanti Watson, as she speaks at the ribbon cutting for The Safe Space on April 29.
FAITH & VALUES
Pope Leo XIV’s to-do list one year later
BY NICOLE WINFIELD Associated Press
VATICAN CITY — Unlike Pope Francis, who shook things up early on with a flurry of reforms, appointments and new structures, Pope Leo XIV has sought to find his footing and take a longer view of his pontificate.
Leo has made some significant decisions so far, and has several challenges looming Key appointments
Several upcoming appointments in the U.S. and at the Vatican will give Leo an opportunity to shape the church’s hierarchy and central governance more to his liking and priorities.
Chicago Cardinal Blase Cupich turned 77 in March, two years over the normal retirement age for bishops, meaning Leo could soon name an archbishop for his hometown.
In December, Los Angeles Archbishop José Gomez turns 75, giving Leo a chance to name a new leader for the largest U.S. archdiocese.
He already has named Archbishop Ronald Hicks to replace retiring Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York, but that appointment “didn’t ideologically code dramatically one way or the other in keeping with Leo’s overall kind of approach to a lot of these decisions,” said Michael Moreland, professor of law and religion at Leo’s alma mater, Villanova University
At the Vatican, British Cardinal Arthur Roche turned 76 and heads the liturgy office, which was responsible for enforcing Francis’ controversial crackdown on the old Latin Mass. Roche’s eventual successor will be scrutinized to see how Leo might address the divisive issue.
Another Vatican heavyweight is American Cardinal Kevin Farrell, who at 78 is well beyond retirement age but still heads its family and laity office. He also serves
as the camerlengo, who oversaw the conclave that elected Leo, and the most sensitive Holy See committees that are responsible for financial investments and the city state’s highest court of appeal.
Canadian Cardinal Michael Czerny’s 80th birthday in July will not only make him the oldest Vatican prefect -– he heads the Vatican’s office for migrants, the environment and development — but also will exclude him from voting in the next conclave. That will reduce the number of voting-age cardinals to 117, below the threshold of 120 that is the usual cap for the number of cardinals under 80 who can vote. That suggests Leo could in the next year announce his first class of new cardinals to choose his successor
Changing Francis’ policies
At the start of his pontificate, Francis called for young people to shake things up in their dioceses and “make a mess.” Leo already
has sought to clean up some of these messes.
In April, the Vatican canceled a Francis initiative, the World Day of Children, which had raised questions about what it aimed to accomplish and why The cancellation followed Leo’s formal suppression of the ad hoc pontifical commission that Francis had created for the event in 2024.
In December, Leo dissolved a Holy See fundraising commission that was created under questionable circumstances in 2025 while Francis was hospitalized in his final weeks of life. The commission included only Italians with no professional fundraising experience. Its president was the assessor of the Secretariat of State, the same Vatican office that Francis had previously stripped of its ability to manage assets after it lost tens of millions of euros in a scandalous London property deal.
Leo then announced a new committee to develop fundraising proposals and structures.
“The Holy Father was clearly paying attention,” said Ward Fitzgerald, president of The Papal Foundation, a group of wealthy U.S. donors who fund papal charity projects in the developing world. “He realized that it was not going to be highly functional.”
Leo also abrogated a 2022 law issued by Francis that concentrated financial power in the Vatican bank Leo issued his own law allowing the Holy See’s investment committee to use banks outside the Vatican, if it made better financial sense.
Leo also met with activist survivors of clergy sexual abuse, who said he promised to engage in dialogue as they press the Vatican to adopt a worldwide policy of zero-tolerance for abuse. Francis had met regularly with individual abuse survivors, but kept advocacy and activist groups at arm’s length.
Key audiences with Leo Leo’s private audiences have provided clues into areas of interest and concern,
suggesting he’s open to hearing a variety of views even if he betrays little of his own opinions.
That was he case when he met March 16 with Gareth Gore, author of “Opus: The Cult of Dark Money, Human Trafficking and Right-Wing Conspiracy Inside the Catholic Church,” about alleged abuses in the powerful Opus Dei movement.
On Feb 6, Leo met privately with a delegation from Courage International, a church-run organization that says it helps people with same-sex attraction live chastely Critics have accused Courage of being anti-gay and promoting conversion therapy, something it denies.
Leo met March 5 with Stephen Bullivant and Stephen Cranney, authors of “Trads: Latin Mass Catholics in the United States.” They had conducted a survey about Catholics who attend the traditional Latin Mass.
Leo is well aware of the controversy surrounding Francis’ crackdown on the Latin Mass and has expressed an eagerness to speak with traditionalists to understand their views as he weighs how to heal the divisions over the old liturgy
Looming problems
The Latin Mass dispute could come to a head July 1 when four new traditionalist Catholic bishops are consecrated in a ceremony without Leo’s consent. The bishops belong to the breakaway traditionalist group, the Society of St. Pius X, and their consecration will pose the biggest challenge to Leo’s authority to date. If performed, it would amount to a schismatic act all but ensuring their automatic excommunication.
The Vatican has already made clear it opposes such a joint structure, and has also voiced disagreement with German proposals to formalize blessings for same-sex couples, which Francis had allowed but only on an informal, spontaneous basis. There could be a confrontation when the German proposals are submitted to Rome for final approval. Big issue to come
While some would say the top issue facing Leo is his relationship with President Donald Trump and a possible trip to the U.S. — none is planned this year — Leo would probably point to his long-awaited first encyclical. Expected in the next few weeks, it deals with artificial intelligence and other peace and justice issues.
Leo already has said he considers the AI revolution to be similar in existential scope to the concerns over workers’ rights at the turn of the century confronted by the previous Pope Leo XIII, in his landmark encyclical “Rerum Novarum” (“Of New Things”).
“Like his namesake Leo XIII with the Industrial Revolution, Leo clearly sees the church as having something important to offer in an era of what may turn out to be epochal technological change,” said Dan Rober associate professor of Catholic studies at Sacred Heart University
The SSPX is a fringe group within the overall traditionalist Catholic family But traditionalist Catholics in full communion with the Holy See are watching what Leo will do. On the opposite side of the spectrum, the Vatican faces the prospect of a major break with the German Catholic Church over its long-term reform process known as the Synodal Path. That has led to the proposed creation of a permanent mixed body of German bishops and lay Catholics who would jointly make decisions, in a major break with Catholic ecclesiology that puts governing power in the hands of bishops alone.
Former Presbyterian church fosters Amish roots music
Musicians record music, videos in rural Pennsylvania
BY MARK SCOLFORO Associated Press
McCOYSVILLE, Pa. — Conrad
Fisher’s musical journey has taken him from an Amish country upbringing in Pennsylvania to Nashville and back. These days the singersongwriter has been making videos and recordings of musicians with Amish and Mennonite roots — building audiences well beyond the conservative religious communities.
In April, Fisher took the stage in a former Presbyterian church that he bought for a song and converted into a performance space and recording studio he calls Ragamuffin Hall, in the rural Pennsylvania community of McCoysville.
Fisher performed two soldout concerts with Ben and Rose Stoltzfus, a married couple whose Amish background and church choir harmonies have drawn millions of YouTube clicks. It was a sort of warmup for shows they’re playing together in the coming months at much larger theaters in Pennsylvania and Indiana.
“Ragamuffin Hall,” Fisher said, “is supposed to be a place where those weird things that’ll get you ostracized everywhere else, we’re like, ‘Oh, no, that’s a gift. And here’s how you use it.’” Fisher’s parents were both raised in Amish families but his father joined a Mennonite congregation as a young adult. Among the Mennonite churches Fisher attended as a boy musical instruments were rarely used.
Nonetheless, his father was a fan of Johnny Cash and didn’t look too closely at what was on Fisher’s MP3 player When Fisher’s brother came home from a camping trip with a mix CD featuring Chuck Berry, Buddy Holly the Everly Brothers and the Beach Boys, it changed his life.
“It blew my mind, right?” Fisher, now 31 recalled He started learning keyboards and then guitar, bass and drums before adding music production — “mostly because I was dead set on making a living with music.”
“My buddies would be like, ‘Hey I wrote a song for my girlfriend. Can you do a track?’ And I’m like, sure.” Converted church
He moved to Tennessee as a young adult and for three years immersed himself in the songwriting industry — the Oak Ridge Boys even recorded one of his tunes. But the road life didn’t suit him — particularly bar gigs.
“There’s drinking and carrying on,” Fisher said. “It’s just not me. I’m not a prude, but I just don’t enjoy that scene.”
Fisher considers his wife and three children his main priority and he remains a faithful Mennonite — his pastor once asked him why he didn’t just start a cabinetry business and launch a prison ministry Yet his music production work eventually grew to the point three years ago that he could stop working as a carpenter.
In 2022, Fisher learned an old brick church several miles from his home was up for sale
After he laid out his vision for making it into a music incubator, they sold it to him below market value.
Musicians now regularly
find their way to Ragamuffin Hall, mostly to record “clean country music” and rootsy bluegrass with a heavy dose of gospel. The acts he’s recorded include an Amish man who played steel guitar with his son’s band, a musician who drove for hours from Missouri and an Amish band from Ohio. In April, he sprinkled his own songs between tunes made popular by Waylon Jennings Alison Krauss and Don Williams. After a short set by Fisher’s five-piece band, they stayed on stage to back up Ben and Rose. Fisher used an electric guitar fashioned from a beam recovered during his renovations of a church stairwell.
A paradigm shift on stage
The insular culture and unadorned lives of conservative Anabaptist people aren’t often associated with music,
but Amish sacred music dates back half a millennium. Their 900-page hymnal — the “Ausbund” — was composed in part by Anabaptist prisoners in 16th century Germany and is still used today
Fisher’s Amish roots and ability to speak Pennsylvania Dutch, the Old Order Amish dialect, has helped build rapport with likeminded musicians.
But Amish church music is almost always group singing only, without instruments or soloists. And the community generally discourages public performances and other “acts of pride.”
“There’s a lot of great talent in that community that goes undeveloped because,” Fisher said — using a Pennsylvania German phrase — “that’s just, ‘we don’t do that,’ you know.”
That’s the sort of pushback he received in February af-
ter uploading a rollicking, live version of “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot” to YouTube. Fisher felt compelled to respond.
“I’m a believer, I’m a man of faith, and I’m not ashamed of that,” he replied in a video message. “But I do play a lot of different kinds of music, just like, you know, if you’re a shed builder you build sheds for all kinds of people, not just churches and schools.”
Elam Stoltzfus, director of the Nicholas Stoltzfus Homestead in Wyomissing, Pennsylvania, said it was “one of the shocks of my life” to attend a charity fundraiser last year at a farm where Ben and Rose performed.
(Stoltzfus is a common name among the Amish.) There were bright lights, a video screen, barbecued chicken and vendors selling T-shirts, CDs and books. Stoltzfus, whose family
left the Old Order in the mid1960s when he was 10, said the gathering was packed with Mennonite and Amish people. They weren’t dancing, but they did clap. “I was thrilled to see this happen, because I knew this was a paradigm shift,” he said. “When I was a teenager, it would never have happened.”
Fans on social media
Amos Raber, of Goshen, Indiana, also grew up in a “horse and buggy” Amish family and considered himself Amish until he turned 22. Nowadays, he supports his family with concert performances and revenues garnered from what he says are millions of clicks a month on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Music and Facebook. In recent decades, Raber said, he’s seen Amish youth increasingly come together with guitars to sing But they can still run up against prohibitions on public performances.
“Most times, if you see someone who’s really Amish doing that kind of thing, they’re probably not going to be Amish long,” Raber said. Since they began recording and performing music, Ben and Rose have left their Amish church and joined a different Christian congregation. They declined comment for this story LeRoy Stoltzfus, a singer-songwriter living near Lancaster, was 13 when his family left the Amish church. He said changes in the Lancaster Amish settlement in recent years have made it easier for people to leave without losing contact with families and friends, a process called “shunning” that has long fascinated outsiders.
ASSOCIATED PRESS FILE PHOTO By ANDREW MEDICHINI
Pope Leo XIV meets with representatives of the world of culture at the Leon XIV Campus of the National University in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, on April 21, the ninth day of his 11day pastoral visit to Africa.
ASSOCIATED PRESS PHHOTO By MATT ROURKE
Conrad Fisher, Rose Stoltzfus and Ben Stoltzfus perform at Ragamuffin Hall, a former Presbyterian church, in rural McCoysville, Pa., on April 25.
SUNDAY, MAY 24, 2026
CURTIS / by Ray Billingsley
SLYLOCK FOX / by Bob Weber Jr
GET FUZZY / by Darby Conley
HAGAR THE HORRIBLE / by Chris Browne
MOTHER GOOSE AND GRIMM / by Mike Peters
ZIGGY / by Tom Wilson
ZITS / by Jerry Scott and Jim Borgman
SALLY FORTH / by Francesco Marciuliano & Jim Keefe
PEARLS BEFORE SWINE /byStephan Pastis
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.
word game
instructions: 1. Words must be of four or more letters. 2. Words that acquire four letters by the addition of “s,” such as “bats” or “dies,” are not allowed. 3. Additional words made by adding a “d” or an “s” may not be used. 4. Proper nouns, slang words, or vulgar or sexually explicit words are not allowed.
todAY's Word — trAMPinG: TRAMping: Stepping heavily
Average mark 47 words Time limit 60 minutes
Can you find 71 or more words in TRAMPING?
ken ken
instructions: 1 -Each rowand each column must contain thenumbers 1through4 (easy) or 1through6 (challenging) without repeating 2 -The numbers within the heavily outlinedboxes, called cages, must combine using thegiven operation (inany order)toproduce the target numbersinthe top-left corners. 3 -Freebies: Fillinthe single-boxcages withthe numberinthe top-left corner
instructions: Sudoku is anumber-placing puzzle based on a 9x9 gridwith several given numbers. The object is to placethe numbers 1to 9in theempty squares so that each row,each column and each 3x3 boxcontains the same number only once. The difficultylevel of the Conceptis Sudoku increases from Monday to Sunday
directions: Complete thegridso that numbers 1–132 connect horizontally, vertically or diagonally
Sudoku
Edited by Rich Norris and Joyce Nichols Lewis
By zaCHary gaLLardo &
marQuez
goren Bridge
Italian in China
Today’s deal is from a recent competition in China.
South was visiting Italian star Giovanni Donati. North bid his shapely hand very aggressively and caught a suitable hand from partner. It required careful handling by Donati, who was up to the task.
Donati ruffed the opening club lead in dummy and led a heart to his king and West’s ace West persevered with clubs, again ruffed in dummy. This was the position: NORTH
♠ K Q ♥ Q 10 8 7 6 3 ♦ A 3 ♣ Void WEST EAST
♠ 9 7 5 ♠ A 8
♥ 9 ♥ J 5
♦ J 8 5 4 ♦ 10 9 7 6
♣ K 9 ♣ A J SOUTH
♠ J 10 3 2
♥ Void
tricksfollowedbyaclubruffwith the queen of spades. He cashed the queen of hearts, discarding a club, and ruffed a heart with the jack of spades. He exited with his last club and just waited for his 10 of trumps to take a trick. Nicely done!
wuzzLes
super Quiz
Take this Super Quiz to a Ph.D. Score 1 point for each correct answer on the Freshman Level, 2
(Example: She is the “Beauty” in “Beauty and the Beast.” Answer: Belle.)
FRESHMAN LEVEL
1. His girlfriend was named Minnie.
Answer________
2. She is befriended by seven dwarves.
Answer________
3. She disguises herself as a man to take her elderly father’s place in battle.
Answer________
4. His nephews were named Huey, Dewey and Louie.
♦ K Q 2 ♣ Q 10 3 Donati led the king of spades. Had East taken his ace, Donati would easily have handled the rest, given the normal splits in the major suits. East, however, withheld his ace Donatinextcashedthreediamond
GEMINI (May 21-June 20) Initiate change for the right reason. Do your best to help others or to make a difference that will help you find greater meaning and purpose in your life. Challenge those who take advantage of others
CANCER (June 21-July 22) Protect your reputation, home and loved ones. A conflict of interest will require thought and going through the proper channels to avoid getting trapped in someone else’s dilemma.
LEO (July 23-Aug 22) Take liberties, ask questions and be blunt about what your expectations are. Anger won’t solve problems, but sizing up
situations and being willing to compromise will help you find common ground. VIRGO(Aug 23-Sept.22) Achangethat influences where or how you earn a living looks promising but is also emotionally challenging. Someone will dismantle your plans by twisting your words or misleading you. LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) Don’t take a risk that can cause insult or injury Patience and practicality are necessarytoavoidtemptationandmaking poor decisions. Overindulgence will be counterproductive.
SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) Whether it’s networking, attending a demon-
stration or learning something that helps you market yourself for topnotch jobs, what you discover will offer insight into what to avoid and what to embellish.
SAGITTARIUS(Nov 23-Dec 21)Useyour intelligence to guide you through the ups and downs you encounter at homeandwhendealingwithchronic health issues and matters that are counterproductive due to money management or joint ventures.
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Put your time, effort and energy into building a lifestyle that brings you greater stability. Wise decisions regarding how you run your household will
contribute to who you surround yourself with.
AQUARIUS (Jan 20-Feb 19) Enjoying events or spending time with interesting people will boost your confidence. A change to your surroundings or lifestyle will enhance personal growth Don’t let anger stop you from looking for happiness.
PISCES (Feb. 20-March 20) Keep your opinions and plans to yourself. Participate in social events that offer something that intrigues you. An opportunity to expand your interests and friendships will lead to a lifestyle change.
ARIES (March 21-April 19) Be creative, and choose your words and actions wisely Keep your emotions under control and your thoughts on completing unfinished business.
TAURUS (April 20-May 20) Pay attention, use your energy to complete your mission and honor your promises. Stand up for your beliefs, and don’t give anyone a chance to make you look bad.
SCORING: 24 to 30 points —congratulations, doctor; 18 to 23 points—honorsgraduate; 13 to 17 points —you’replenty smart, but no grind; 5to12points —you really shouldhit the booksharder;1point to 4points —enroll in remedial courses immediately; 0points who reads thequestions to you?
Saturday's Cryptoquote: If you're so mad you could just cry,thencry.Itterrifieseveryone.— Tina Fey
