The Times-Picayune 08-07-2025

Crystal Jones, 30, staresWednesdayintowhat remainsofthe Metairie apartment she sharedwithher children,ages1 and 6months, before the trio had to escape through aback windowduring a fire at the building.

Neighbors, off-duty firefighter help

rescueresidents from blaze

Twoinjured,1critically, at Metairie complex

BY MICHELLE HUNTER Staff writer

Crystal Jones carefully ducked underthe yellowcaution tape that stretched across herblackenedfront porch Wednesday morning.

Soggy bits of charred wood crunched underfoot as she navigated the debris, walking in asoft boot that protected thefoot she’d gashed theday before whileescapingher burningMetairie apartment.

Jones, 30,had to shatter awindow after rising flames blocked her front door

“I dropped my 1-year-old in the grass, and Ijumped through the window with my (6-month-old) baby,” Jonessaidas she worked to gatherupwhatever she could find in the apartment: diapers, formula, children’sclothing, hercellphone and any toys that were salvageable. Seven people narrowly escaped the blaze thanks to help from neighbors, good Samaritanspassing by and responding fire crews who worked together to rescue the trappedresidents.

Thetwo-alarm fire took hold Tuesday evening at thefourplex in the4400 blockofWest Napoleon Avenue,according to East BankConsolidated Fire Chief Charles Hudson.

Aman,Jones’upstairsneighbor,remained in critical condition Wednes-

day at UniversityMedical Center.A 4-year-old rescued by firefighters from thesame apartment was in stable condition at Manning Children’sHospital, parish officials said.

ä See FIRE, page 5A

Trump-Putinmeeting possible,official

Presidents couldgather next week to discuss warinUkraine

BY MICHELLE L. PRICE AssociatedPress

WASHINGTON President DonaldTrump

could meet in person with Russian President Vladimir Putin as soon as next week as he seeks to broker an end to the Russia-Ukraine war, aWhite House officialsaidWednesday The officialcautioned that ameeting has

notbeenscheduled yetand no location has beendetermined. The official was not authorizedtospeak publicly and spoke to The AssociatedPress on condition of anonymityto discuss internal plans.

The White House saidTrump wasalso open to ameeting withbothPutin and UkrainianPresident Volodymyr Zelenskyy

Ameeting between Putin and Trump would betheir first since Trump returnedto office this year.Itwould be asignificant milestone in the 3-year-old war,though there’sno promise such ameeting wouldleadtothe endofthe fighting sinceRussia and Ukraine remain farapartontheir demands.

Trump, appearingbefore reporters later at the WhiteHouse, didn’tanswer questions about apotentiallocationfor ameetingbut said “there’s averygood prospect thatthey will” meet.

The presidentdeclined to predict how closehewas to reaching adeal to end the fighting, saying, “I’ve been disappointed before withthis one.”

Secretary of State MarcoRubio,who was asked in an interview on Fox Business about apotential Trump-Putin meeting, said “a lot has to happen before that can occur.”

ä See TRUMP, page 4A

Levee board selection draws scrutiny

BY ALEXLUBBEN Staff writer

Another of Gov.Jeff Landry’sappointments to akey New Orleansareaflood control board has stoked controversy with government watchdog groups questioning whether he skirted the law with his pick.

Landry tappedKerwyn King, an engineer and founder of King Consulting Engineering, to sit on the board of the Southeast Louisiana Flood Protection Authority-East. That move has left the agency’s nominating committee, theindependent boardformedafter HurricaneKatrinato put forward prospective board members, scratching their heads. They didn’tsubmit King’sname to the governor The nominating committee sent aletter to Ryan Roberts, the director of boards and commissions at thestate’sDivisionof Administration, asking the governor for an explanation.

“I would welcome the opportunity to discuss thisfurther as soon as practicable, as it seemsthat the Governor’sappointment of Mr.King does not follow the current legislation requiring that all appointments be madefrom an independent nominating committee process,” Windell Curole, the chair of the nominating committee, wrote in the letter shared with The Times-Picayune.

BY MEGHAN FRIEDMANN Staff writer

Louisiana prisonsand thephone companiestheycontract withhavegotten a reprieve from slashing the cost of calls to inmates after the Federal Communications Commission postponed arule it issued last year to require the pricecuts. It’s at least atemporary win forstate leaders and law enforcement officials who argued the FCC overstepped its authority and did not base the rule on proper evidence. The lower ratescouldalsocreate budgetary challenges forthe state andsheriffs, as correctional facilities typically receive a commissionoff the rates prison phone companies charge —earlier this year,the state saidthe lower rates wereexpected to leave a$4millionholeinthe correctionsbudget.

ä See CALLS, page 5A

Astronaut who was stuck on space station retires

CAPE CANAVERAL Fla. One of NASA’s two previously stuck astronauts has retired from the space agency less than five months after his unexpectedly long spaceflight came to an end NASA announced Butch Wilmore’s departure on Wednesday Wilmore and Suni Williams launched last summer as test pilots on Boeing’s first astronaut flight What should have been a weeklong trip to the International Space Station turned into a stay of more than nine months because of Boeing’s malfunctioning Starliner Starliner came back empty, and Wilmore and Williams returned to Earth in March with SpaceX.

Wilmore, 62, had already retired from the Navy Williams, 59, also a retired Navy captain, is still with NASA.

Selected as an astronaut in 2000, Wilmore logged 464 days in orbit over three missions. His final spaceflight made up nearly two-thirds of that total: 286 days. Musk voted least liked public figure in poll

A Gallup poll ranking more than a dozen public figures in terms of popularity found that Elon Musk has the highest unfavorable rating while Pope Leo XIV is loved by many

The survey was based on telephone interviews with roughly 1,000 adults July 7-21, during which they were asked about 14 of the most reported-on people alive.

The first American pope scored a 57% favorability rating to only 11% unfavorable. Nearly a third of respondents said they no opinion on the pontiff.

While Musk recorded a 33% favorability to Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu‘s 29% the lowest score in the poll — Musk’s 61% unfavorable rating topped Netanyahu’s 52% negative ranking, making the Tesla founder the least popular of anyone in the poll

The lowest favorability rating went to U.S Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who was liked by only 26% of respondents. Only 38% of those surveyed had an unfavorable opinion of him and nearly the same number had no thoughts one way or the other

President Donald Trump had a 41% favorable rating to a 57% unfavorable mark with 16% or respondents giving no opinion Autobahn motorist hits 199 mph, fined $1,000

BERLIN A motorist was clocked driving at more than 199 mph on the Autobahn west of Berlin, a record high at more than 124 mph above the speed limit, German police said The speedster, who was not identified, was caught while racing along the A2 highway near Burg on July 28.

The driver was handed a fine of $1,043, stripped of two points from his driver’s license and banned from driving for three months, the Magdeburg police office said Tuesday

Germany’s Autobahn motorways have captured fascination and interest around the world for their lack of speeding limits

Limitless speeds aren’t universal on the Autobahn, though, as parts of the motorway are subject to speed limits. The section of the motorway where the record-breaking driver was caught has a limit of 74.5 mph.

5 soldiers shot at Ga. Army base

BY RUSS BYNUM and MIKE CATALINI Associated Press

FORT STEWART,Ga.— A sergeant shot

five soldiers Wednesday at one the country’s largest Army bases before he was quickly tackled by other Fort Stewart troops, forcing a brief lockdown, officials said.

Few details were immediately available about what led to the gunfire, but officials said the shooter was Sgt. Quornelius Radford, 28, who used a personal handgun, not a military firearm.

Radford opened fire where he worked but officials wouldn’t speculate about a motive, authorities said.

The injured soldiers are stable and expected to recover, said Brig Gen. John Lubas The soldiers who tackled Radford helped ensure his arrest, said Lubas, who commands

the 3rd Infantry Division.

“These soldiers, without a doubt, prevented further casualties or wounded,” he said.

This latest act of violence on a U.S. military installation sites that are supposed to be among the most secure in the country — again raised concerns about safety and security within the armed forces’ own walls.

The Army said it’s investigating the shooting. There were still many unanswered questions, including the scope of the injuries and the shooter’s motive.

The injured were taken to the hospital and three underwent surgery, officials said.

Army records released to The Associated Press show that Rad-

ford enlisted in January 2018. He worked as a supply sergeant and has not been deployed.

Radford faced an Aug. 20 hearing in Hinesville, a small town near the base, on accusations of driving under the influence and running a red light just after 1 a.m. on May 18, according to a citation and court filing. He was given a blood test and freed on a $1,818 bond, the documents said.

Attorney Sneh Patel is representing Radford in the traffic case but not the shooting as of Wednesday, he said in an email. He cited attorney-client privilege in declining to comment about any his conversations with Radford.

Law enforcement was sent to the 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team complex shortly before 11 a.m. The shooter was arrested at 11:35 a.m., officials said. The lockdown lasted about an

Poll: 35% in U.S. call 1945 atomic bombings justified

BY BRENDAN RASCIUS Miami Herald (TNS)

American public opinion toward the atomic bombing of Japan has changed significantly over time.

The latest poll from the Pew Research Center reveals that less than half of Americans currently view the bombings as justified, marking a notable drop from earlier years.

The survey was conducted ahead of the 80th anniversary of the bombings of the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The two nuclear blasts killed around 200,000 people, many of whom were children, and left survivors with debilitating side effects, including higher rates of cancer and chronic illness.

The attacks which took place on Aug. 6 and 9, 1945 — were quickly followed by Japan’s surrender to the U.S., which brought an end to World War II.

They also signaled the dawn of the nuclear age, sparking a worldwide arms race that has led at least nine countries to develop atomic arsenals.

In the recent Pew survey, 35% of respondents said the bombings were justified, while a slightly smaller share, 31%, said they were not justified. An additional 33% said they were not sure.

The results appear to follow a trend of declining support for the nuclear attacks.

In 1945 — in the immediate aftermath of the bombings — a Gallup poll found the vast majority of Americans, 85%, approved of the U.S. decision to drop the newly invented weapons on Japanese cities.

Many years later, in 1990, another Gallup survey revealed that a much smaller

share of respondents, 53%, approved of the attacks. In four subsequent Gallup surveys conducted between 1991 and 2005, approval fluctuated between 53% and 59%.

In 2015 — on the 70th anniversary of the bombings a Pew poll found 56% of Americans believed the attack was justified, while 34% said it was not. However, this survey did not include a “not sure” option, unlike the most recent one.

The latest survey which sampled 5,044 U.S. adults June 2-8 — also revealed noticeable differences in views based on gender, partisanship and generational lines.

For example, 51% of men said the bombings were justified, while just 20% of women said the same.

Similarly 51% of Republicans and those who lean Republican said the attacks were justified, while just 23% of Democrats and Democrat-leaning respondents said the same.

Older Americans were also more likely than their younger counterparts to approve of the U.S. bombings. Nearly half of those 65 and older, 48%, said they were justified, while just 27% of 18- to 29-year-olds agreed.

The poll — which has a margin of error of 1.6 percentage points — also asked respondents whether they believe the development of nuclear weapons has made the world more or less safe.

The vast majority, 69%, said the creation of atomic weapons has made the world less safe. Just 10% said it’s made the global community more safe, and 21% said they were not sure.

When asked if nuclear weapons made the U.S. in specific safer, 47% said no and 26% said yes.

Man charged with hate crimes after museum shooting

BY ALANNA DURKIN RICHER Associated Press

WASHINGTON — The man accused of fatally shooting two staff members of the Israeli Embassy in Washington outside a Jewish museum has been indicted on federal hate crimes charges, according to court documents unsealed Wednesday

The indictment, filed in federal court in Washington, charges Elias Rodriguez with nine counts, including a hate crime resulting in death The indictment also includes notice of special findings, which would allow the Justice Department to potentially pursue the death penalty Elias Rodriguez is accused of gunning down Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim as they left an event at the museum in May He was heard

shouting “Free Palestine” as he was led away after his arrest He told police, “I did it for Palestine, I did it for Gaza,” federal authorities have said. Rodriguez had previously been charged with murder of foreign officials and other crimes, and the hate crimes charges were added after prosecutors brought the case to a grand jury It means prosecutors will be tasked with proving Rodriguez was motivated by antisemitism when he opened fire on Lischinsky and Milgrim, a young couple who were about to become engaged

Prosecutors have described the killing as calculated and planned, saying Rodriguez flew to the Washington region from Chicago ahead of the Capital Jewish Museum event with a handgun in his checked luggage. He purchased a ticket for the event about three hours

before it started, authorities have said in court papers. Witnesses described him pacing outside before approaching a group of four people and opening fire. Surveillance video showed Rodriguez advancing closer to Lischinsky and Milgrim as they fell to the ground, leaning over them and firing additional shots. He appeared to reload before jogging off, officials have said.

After the shooting, authorities say Rodriguez went inside the museum and stated that he “did it.”

“I did it for Palestine, I did it for Gaza, I am unarmed,” he spontaneously said, according to court documents. He also told detectives that he admired an active-duty Air Force member who set himself on fire outside the Israeli Embassy in February 2024, describing the man as “courageous” and a “martyr.”

hour After it was lifted, cars began to move through the normal security checkpoint at the main gate.

The Army’s 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team was created in 2016 when the service added more than 200 vehicles to an infantry unit of roughly 4,200 soldiers. Also known as the “Spartan Brigade,” the Army has called the unit its “most modern land fighting force.”

Located about 40 miles southwest of Savannah, Fort Stewart is the largest Army post east of the Mississippi River by land area. It’s home to thousands of soldiers assigned to the Army’s 3rd Infantry Division and family members.

President Donald Trump called the shooter a “horrible person” in comments to reporters at the White House.

The FBI was at the fort to help investigate, said Deputy Director Dan Bongino.

Top player in Minn. fraud scheme gets 28-year sentence

BY SARAH NELSON Minnesota Star Tribune (TNS)

MINNEAPOLIS A man portrayed by prosecutors as one of the pinnacle players in the massive Feeding Our Future fraud investigation received a nearly threedecade federal prison sentence Wednesday

U.S. District Judge Nancy Brasel sentenced Abdiaziz Farah, 36, to a 28year prison term during a hearing in a Minneapolis federal courtroom after a jury convicted him last year of 23 counts on a variety of offenses, including wire fraud, conspiracy to commit money laundering and conspiracy to commit federal programs bribery

“You’ve shown utter and flagrant disregard for the laws of the United States,” Brasel said to Farah after handing down the sentence, calling his actions motivated by “pure, unmitigated greed.”

Through his restaurant Empire Cuisine and affiliated sites, Farah and his co-conspirators claimed to feed 18 million kids at various food sites and submitted $49 million in re-

imbursements Farah enrolled the Shakopee-based restaurant in the federal child nutrition program in April 2020, making him one of the earliest participants in the plot. The only other defendants in the same echelon as Farah, acting U.S. Attorney Joe Thompson described in court, are the fraud’s ringleaders, Aimee Bock and Salim Said. Jurors found both guilty this spring in the $250 million scheme. Farah personally pocketed $8 million of the proceeds, which he used to buy a number of luxury items including a Tesla, Porsche and real estate in Kenya. Farah was also previously accused to trying to flee to Kenya and found guilty of attempting to obtain a passport by falsely claiming his was lost. Instead, federal agents had seized the document during search warrants carried out early in the investigation. Farah pleaded guilty in June to helping orchestrate the attempted bribery of a juror during his own trial last year in an aim for an acquittal. He awaits sentencing in the separate case.

Report: Taliban use judicial system to oppress women

BY EDITH M. LEDERER Associated Press

UNITED NATIONS Afghanistan’s Taliban rulers have “weaponized” the legal and judicial system to oppress women and girls in what amounts to “crimes against humanity,” the independent U.N investigator on human rights in the country said.

Richard Bennett said in a report to the U.N. General Assembly circulated Wednesday that after seizing power in 2021 the Taliban suspended the 2004 constitution and laws protecting the rights of women and girls. These include a landmark law that criminalized 22 forms of violence against women, including rape and child and forced marriage.

The Taliban dismissed all judges under the previous U.S.-backed government, including approximately 270 women, replacing them with men who share their extreme Islamic views, lack legal training and hand down decisions based on edicts issued by the Taliban, he said.

In addition, he noted that the Taliban have assumed full control over law enforcement and investigative agencies, systematically purging Afghans who worked for the previous government.

Bennett, who was appointed by the Geneva-based U.N. Human Rights Council, focused on access to justice and protection for women and girls in his report. He said he held meetings, focus-group discussions and one-on-one interviews with more that 110 Afghans inside and outside the country. He did so remotely because the Taliban have refused to grant him a visa to travel to Afghanistan.

Since the Taliban took control of

Afghanistan, their crackdown on women and girls has been widely reported and globally denounced.

Taliban leaders have barred education for women and girls beyond sixth grade, banned most employment, and prohibited women from many public spaces, including parks, gyms and hairdressers.

New laws ban women’s voices and bare faces outside the home.

The Taliban remain isolated from the West because of their restrictions on women and girls and have only been recognized by Russia.

Bennett said the Taliban did not respond to an advance copy of the report and a request for information about their efforts to ensure access to justice and protection for women and girls.

The Taliban defend their approach to justice by claiming they are implementing Islamic sharia law, but Islamic scholars and others have said their interpretation is unparalleled in other Muslimmajority countries and does not adhere to Islamic teachings. They say protecting the legal rights of women is a priority

Bennett said, however, that women have virtually no rights.

“Today there are no women judges or prosecutors and no officially registered female lawyers, leaving women and girls with fewer safe channels to report abuse or seek redress,” he wrote. “Coupled with a lack of female officials in the police and other institutions, the result is widespread underreporting of violence and discrimination against women and girls.”

Bennett said access to justice for girls “is further undermined by the dismantling of key legal safe-

guards and institutions protecting the rights of children,” including juvenile courts and juvenile rehabilitation centers.

The Taliban requirement that a woman must be accompanied by a male relative also creates barriers to filing complaints and attending court proceedings, he said, and disproportionately affects widows, women who are the heads of their households, the displaced and disabled.

“Women who engage with the Taliban court system — whether as victims seeking redress, to resolve family issues, to obtain official documents or as alleged offenders face a hostile environment,” Bennett said. “Courts often reject complaints made by women and are especially reluctant to accept cases relating to divorce, child custody and gender-based violence.”

Facing these obstacles, Bennett said, women increasingly turn to traditional and informal justice mechanisms, including formal jirgas and shuras community councils of elders — and informal mediation by religious leaders, community elders or family But these are all male-dominated and raise “serious concerns about the rights of women and girls,” he said. He said international forums offer the best hope for justice. He pointed to the International Criminal Court’s request on Jan. 23 for arrest warrants for two senior Taliban leaders accused of crimes against humanity for persecution “on gender grounds.” And he urged all countries to support efforts to bring Afghanistan before the International Court of Justice, the U.N.’s highest tribunal, for violating the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women.

Dozens killed seeking aid in Gaza as Israel weighs further action

By The Associated Press

DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip At least 38 Palestinians were killed overnight and into Wednesday in the Gaza Strip while seeking aid from United Nations convoys and sites run by an Israelibacked American contractor, according to local health officials. The Israeli military said it had fired warning shots when crowds approached its forces.

Another 25 people, including several women and children, were killed in Israeli airstrikes, according to local hospitals in Gaza.

The latest deaths came as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was expected to announce further military action and possibly plans for Israel to fully reoccupy Gaza. Experts say Israel’s ongoing military offensive and blockade are already pushing the territory of some 2 million Palestinians into famine. A new U.N. report said only 1.5% of Gaza’s cropland is accessible and undamaged.

Another escalation of the nearly 22-month war could put the lives of countless Palestinians and around 20 living Israeli hostages at risk, and would draw fierce

opposition both internationally and within Israel.

Netanyahu’s far-right coalition allies have long called for the war to be expanded, and for Israel to eventually take over Gaza, relocate much of its population and rebuild Jewish settlements there.

Of the 38 Palestinians killed while seeking aid, at least 28 died in the Morag Corridor, an Israeli military zone in southern Gaza where U.N. convoys have been repeatedly overwhelmed by looters and desperate crowds in recent days, and where witnesses say Israeli forces have repeatedly opened fire.

Nasser Hospital, which received the bodies, said another four people were killed in the Teina area, on a route leading to a site in southern Gaza run by the Israeli-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, an American contractor The Al-Awda Hospital said it received the bodies of six people killed near a GHF site in central Gaza.

GHF said there were no violent incidents at or near its sites, and that the one in central Gaza was not open on Wednesday It said the violence may have been re-

lated to the chaos around U.N. convoys Israel facilitated the establishment of four GHF sites in May after blocking the entry of all food, medicine and other goods for 2½ months Israeli and U.S. officials said a new system was needed to prevent Hamas from siphoning off humanitarian aid.

The United Nations, which has delivered aid to hundreds of distribution points across Gaza throughout the war when conditions allow, has rejected the new system, saying it forces Palestinians to travel long distances and risk their lives for food, and that it allows Israel to control who gets aid, potentially using it to advance plans for further mass displacement.

The U.N. human rights office said last week that some 1,400 Palestinians have been killed seeking aid since May, mostly near GHF sites but also along U.N. convoy routes where trucks have been overwhelmed by crowds It says nearly all were killed by Israeli fire.

This week, a group of U.N. special rapporteurs and independent human rights experts called for the GHF to be disbanded, saying it is “an utterly disturbing example of how humanitarian

U.S. selling Russian superyacht

BY FATIMA HUSSEIN Associated Press

WASHINGTON The United States is auctioning off the $325 million yacht Amadea, its first sale of a seized Russian luxury ship since the start of Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine

The auction, which closes Sept 10, comes as President Donald Trump seeks to increase pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin to end the war. The U.S. has said it’s working with allies to put pressure on Russian oligarchs, some of whom are close to Putin and have had their yachts seized, to try to compel him to stop the war

The 348-foot-long yacht, seized three years ago and currently docked in San Diego, was custom built by the German company Lürssen in 2017. Designed by François Zuretti, the yacht features an interior with extensive marble work, eight state rooms, a beauty salon, a spa, a gym, a helipad, a swimming pool and an elevator It accommodates 16 guests and 36 crew members.

relief can be exploited for covert military and geopolitical agendas in serious breach of international law.”

Determining the real ownership of the Amadea has been an issue of contention because of an opaque trail of trusts and shell companies. The yacht is registered in the Cayman Islands and is owned by Millemarin Investments Ltd., also based in the Cayman Islands. The U.S. contends that Suleiman Kerimov, an economist and former Russian politician, who was sanctioned by the U.S in 2018 for alleged money laundering, owns the yacht. Eduard Khudainatov, a former chairman and chief executive of the state-controlled Russian oil and gas company Rosneft, who has not been sanctioned, claims to own it U.S. prosecutors say Khudainatov is a straw owner of the yacht, intended to con-

Gaza’s farmland has been destroyed, contributing to hunger crisis Israel’s air and ground war has destroyed nearly all of Gaza’s food production capabilities, leaving its people reliant on international aid.

A new report by the U.N.’s Food and Agriculture Organization and the U.N. satellite center found that just 8.6% of Gaza’s cropland is still accessible following sweeping Israeli evacuation orders in recent months.

Just 1.5% is accessible and undamaged, it said. The military offensive and a breakdown in security have made it nearly impossible for anyone to safely deliver aid, and aid groups say recent Israeli measures to facilitate more assistance are far from sufficient.

Professorwho revealed Lake Maurepas pollutionpulledfromteam

Southeastern says move wasunrelated to work

BY DAVID J. MITCHELL Staff writer

ASoutheastern Louisiana University professor’sremoval as a leadingresearcher for ateam that uncovered high levels of pollution in Lake Maurepas has led to concerns over whether she was being sidelined because of her work —an allegation the university categorically denies.

Fereshteh Emami,auniversity analytical chemist, wasremoved from her post on the research team last week, even though she and other scientists were poised to potentially nail down the sources of high concentrations of lead and other heavy metals with anew $2.3 million phase of work, she and universityofficials said.

Emami was notified of her removalinaterse letter July 28,she said. Since then, the university has provided hermore details, though her lawyer,William Most, said he isn’tconvinced.

“Almostaweekafter theuniversity removed Dr.Emami from the project, she was told thatthe removal was for issues suchasdelays in data collection,” Most said in an email. “It is implausible that this is the university’strue motivation: abruptly removing aproject’s leaderwith no replacement does nothing to speed things up.”

He added that “we areworking to determine therealreason for Dr.Emami’sremovaland whether it is consistent with theuniversity’s

CALLS

Continued from page1A

But the decision to halt thelower rates upset some members of the Louisiana Public Service Commission, who believed the current rates are extortionate. And criminal justice advocates have argued phone calls are key to rehabilitation, as they allow inmates to stay in touch with their communities and loved ones

The rule, which is now being reconsideredand won’ttake effect until 2027, would have set amaximum rate of 6cents per minute. That would have more than halved the rate at Louisiana state prisons, which as of February charged 14 cents aminute.

It is unclear whether Louisianaever changed those rates in accordance with the rule, established througha 2024 FCC order. The deadlines for implementing the new rule originally varied from between Aprilofthis year and April 2026, an FCC spokesperson said in astatement.

The Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections didnot respondto questions.

“The suspension gives the FCC more time to reevaluate the 2024 (order) and hopefully come to amore reasoned decision regarding rate caps and safety and security features,” Lester Duhé, aspokesperson for Attorney General LizMurrill, said inastatement.

Meanwhile, advocatesof lower rates expressed disappointment and outrage that the FCC put the rule on hold Foster Campbell, astate public service commissioner who for years has advocated forlowerrates,said phone companies profit off the backs of incarcerated people.

“It’shogs at the trough, and they want every,every penny they canget,” he said. “Greedy,greedy,greedy Unbelievably greedy.” Campbell noted that inmates’families typically end up paying the costof the calls, adding that children should have the rightto talk on the phone with their parents.

Whythe FCCheldoff

In aJune 30 announcement postponing the rule, FCC Chairman Brendan Carr said the rule, meant to ensure reasonable rates forprison phone calls, was having unintended consequences.

academic freedomprinciples and the law.

Universityofficialsdisputethat Emami’sremoval,first reported by theLouisiana Illuminator,was anything other than an unrelated personnelmatter

“Per university policy, Iamunable to discussthe specifics of her removal from the project as this is apersonnel issue. Ican state that this actionisunrelated to the alleged reasonsdiscussed in the Illuminator story and other media outlets,”said Michael Rivault,the university’s chiefspokesman.

The research is linkedtoAir Products’ controversial carbon capture plansfor Lake Maurepas

The company financed it as partof athree-year,$10 million project by the university team on which Emami hadservedasone of theprincipalinvestigators.

Findings reported last fall

Last fall, theteam reported on thehigh concentrations of pollutants in the lake and saidthat three rivers feedingit, the Amite, Blind and Tickfaw,were likely important sources. It alsoraised the prospect that at least some metalcontaminationtiedtothe Blind River “may be linked” to documentedseepage problems from minetailing ponds at Atlantic Alumina in Gramercy

To reach that conclusion, the study used statistical analyses of when and where heavy metal concentrationswere detected in the lake.

Atlantic Aluminadisputes its wastetailingsites, known as red mudponds, aretiedtoEmami’s findings. Also known as Atalco, thebauxite refinery in Gramercy hashad erosionproblems in the

containment levees around the red mudwaste,which is lacedwith heavy metals andlow-level radioactive elements

In the fallof2024, state andfederal inspectors documented the levee erosion, someseveral feetdeep, and watery seepage from it into surrounding swamps and drainage areas

The company, whichhas been referred for state enforcement, saysthe levees weren’tbreached, red mud tailings neverescaped and the erosion problems were shortlived. Though statewater testing found theseepage had abnormally high alkalinitythat is comparable to ammonia solution, Atalco says the seepage is essentially surface water

“Werespectfully believe it is inappropriatetoattribute the presence of toxic metals in thelake and alleged toxic wastespills to Atalco, particularly in light of the company’scontrary statement,”the company said.

“As Atalco hasnoted,there have never been any material breaks of levees —ormud lakes —atthe Gramercy refinery.”

Subsequent Department of Environmental Quality inspections this Mayand June —afterEmami’s first round of research concluded —detected similarerosionand seepage problems with some discharges havingastrongorangecolor and causticodordrainingintoswamps tiedtothe Blind River

Following reports of Emami’sremoval,commentary swirled about the motivations,including from state Treasurer John Fleming, who has been campaigning for U.S. Senateand has made opposition to carbon sequestration apolitical plank.

Emami remains atenured professor with eight years at Southeastern.

‘Continued research’

The university hassince embarked upon avigorous defense of the Maurepas project without initially revealingwhatled to Emami’s removal. The university’spresident reiterated Southeastern’scommitment to transparency to respond to what he termed as “significant misinformationand disinformation.”

“Southeastern Louisiana researchersare nationally recognized for their scientific contributions and the university is fully committedtothe continuedresearchof LakeMaurepas as hasbeen demonstratedthrough prior decades of research, current research activities, and future research to ensure thehealth of thebeautiful natural resourcethat is Lake Maurepas forgenerationstocome,”William S. Wainwright, Southeastern president, wrote in amessage to faculty and staff on Tuesday

Kyle Piller, the research team’s leader,said Air Products doesn’t have influence over theproject and didn’tknow aboutEmami’sremoval until he sharedanewsaccount about it

Emami’snewly funded phase of work anticipates adding sevenmore buoys to thelake armed withbetter equipment to detect heavy metals, pursuing close to adozen newwater sampling sites up the Amite, Tickfaw and Blind, and installing three airmonitors in the industrial corridoralong the Mississippi River

She saidshe had faced someinternalresistance on the research team aboutthe installationofcostly air monitors so far from the lake.

ButEmami said that theteam’s research found air flow from the riverregionheads east over the lake half of the year

The monitors are targeted for suspectedtoxic hotspots on the river.Emami said air pollutants can end up in the water column.

In response to Emami’sclaim about internal pushback over the monitors, Piller said that, from a scientific perspective, theuniversity hadnoissueswith airmonitoring but it raised budgetaryconcerns. AirProducts, which hadaskedfor more study of the rivers, didn’tprovide moremoney for the airmonitors, so the cost had to be covered by the existing contract, leading to detailed discussions, Piller said.

“Ultimately,wemoved funds around from within the existing contract to facilitate thepurchase of theadditionalequipment,” he said.

Southeastern andAir Products officials saidthat the newphase of the study is continuing.

Pillersaidthe team is looking to hire Emami’sreplacement. Air Products officials said that the university and company also are looking formorefunding forfurther lake research beyond 2025.

“We’ve been assured by SLU leadership that the work envisioned in this project will be completed by researchers at the university,” said Christina Stephens, AirProducts spokesperson. “Weare in discussions withSLU aboutresearch beyond the end of the current agreement, which expires in December 2025.”

DavidJ.Mitchellcan be reached at dmitchell@ theadvocate.com.

And, he added, “there is concerning evidence that the 2024 decision does not allowproviders andinstitutions to properlyconsider public safety and security interests when facilitating these services.”

Prisonsystems reported facing significantfinancial obstacles to implementing the new rule by the originaldeadlines,asimplementationoften involved contract negotiations with correctionsagencies and restructuringproviders’ systems, according to the FCC spokesperson.

Some have said it costs more to run communicationssystems for correctional facilities because of special technologies that help monitor calls there.

Challenges underway

Agroup oforganizations haschallengedthe ratecap suspension, filing an administrativeappeal with the FCC last week.

The decision to postpone the rule was made by FCC staff, so the organizations must first follow the agency’s administrativeappeal process beforeitcan take theissue to court, according to Andrew Schwartzman,senior counsel for the Benton Institute for Broadband& Society,one of the organizationsappealingthe decision.

“We’re challenging it becauseit’sanoutrageous abuse of theFCC’sauthoritytoput theserules on hold,” Schwartzmansaid.

“It’sacruel effort to take away thehard-won rightto enableincarcerated people and their loved ones to communicate and to keep their families together.”

Meanwhile, aseparate legalbattle is underway in the 1st Circuit Courtof Appeals, whichisconsideringpetitions from multiple states, phonecompanies andsheriffs to reviewthe rule. In astatement, Aventiv Technologies said it challenged the rule in court to advocate“foraregulatory framework grounded in the operational realities of supporting facility safety and preserving communication access for incarcerated individuals andtheir lovedones.”

Aventiv is the parent company of Securus Technologies, whichcontracts with Louisianatoprovideprison communications services. Louisiana and the state’s sheriffs’ association arealso among those petitioners.

EmailMeghan Friedmann at meghan.friedmann@ theadvocate.com

“A number of institutions” planned to limit access to communications services for incarcerated people as aresult of therule, he said.

FIRE

Continuedfrom page1A

Jordan Lord spotted smoke about 5p.m. Tuesday while driving southon Clearview Parkway near West Napoleon Avenue.

As president and district chief of theWestwego Volunteer Fire Company No. 1, he was off-duty and leaving ashift on his second job, but headed toward the building to help.

“I saw flames over the roof,and thick black smoke,”recalled Lord, who parked his SUV at the intersectionand hopped out

Lord spotted the adult male burn victim on the right side of the building’s balcony,which was already an inferno. The man made his way down the fierystaircase, suffering severe burns, he said.

Quickly delegating tasks to bystanders, Lord asked one group to keep people away from alive power line that haddroppedtothe ground. He directed another group to keep an eye on theadult burn victim and asked otherstokeep people at asafe distance.

Lord saw another resident, aman whoalsolived on thesecondfloor, dash back into the apartment to rescueadog. He helped direct the man back down the left staircase, which was not yet burning.

On theside of thebuilding, as Jones scrambled to safety,she spottedher upstairs neighbors through a window,trapped by flames and screaming, she said.

Aneighborbroughta

ladder around theback of the building, placing it at a second-story window tohelp people escape.

Lord hadcome aroundthe rear of the building by then, drawn by the sound of amother shouting that her baby was still inside, he said. Another passerby climbed the ladder and tried to find the childbut was driven back by smoke.

Lord then climbed in through the windowtofind the child.

“I couldn’t see my hand in frontofmyface, thesmoke wassobad,”hesaid, managing to clear one room before

turningback. By then, equipment-clad crews with the East Bank Consolidated Fire Department hadarrived. Video shared on social media shows the firefighters scaling the ladderand climbing through the window as black smoke poured out.

Five firefighters were treated forminorinjuries, includingsmoke inhalation andheat exhaustion.One was kept overnight for observation while the others were released, Hudson said.

It took crewsabout45minutes to bring the blaze under

control, according to Hudson. The cause of the fire is still underinvestigation.

FivepeoplehavediedinJefferson Parish fires this year Louisiana State Fire Marshal Bryan Adams on Tuesday encouraged allresidentstoprotect their homeswith some alarms. The department’s Operation Save-A-Life program provides free smoke detectors for residents who do not have one or need help with installing one. The fire marshal’soffice said it’salso essential to have afire escape plan that families practice often.

BRIEFS

FROM WIRE REPORTS

Wall Street closes higher with Apple rally

NEW YORK A rally for Apple led Wall Street higher on Wednesday as U.S. stocks reclaimed more of their sharp losses from last week.

The S&P 500 rose 0.7%. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 81 points, or 0.2%, and the Nasdaq composite climbed 1.2%. Apple alone accounted for more than a third of the S&P 500’s gain. It rose 5.1% ahead of a White House event where it was expected to announced an increase to its U.S. investments of an additional $100 billion over the next four years.

Trading elsewhere on Wall Street was mixed following a jumble of profit reports. McDonald’s and Shopify rose following their latest updates, while Super Micro Computer tumbled after its earnings and revenue came in below analysts’ expectations. McDonald’s climbed 3% after reporting stronger profit and revenue for the spring than analysts expected. Offerings tied to the “Minecraft” movie proved to be a hit for the restaurant chain.

Shopify jumped 22% after the company, which helps businesses sell on the internet, said it made more in revenue last quarter than expected.

They helped offset an 18.3% slump for Super Micro Computer, which gave back some of the huge gains the server maker has made recently Super Micro came into the day with a nearly 88% gain for its stock so far this year, but it reported weaker profit and revenue for the latest quarter than analysts expected.

WhatsApp takes down 6.8M accounts

NEW YORK WhatsApp has taken down 6.8 million accounts that were “linked to criminal scam centers” targeting people online around that world, its parent company Meta said this week. The account deletions, which Meta said took place over the first six months of the year, arrive as part of wider company efforts to crack down on scams.

In a Tuesday announcement, Meta said it was also rolling new tools on WhatsApp to help people spot scams

Meta noted that “some of the most prolific” sources of scams are criminal scam centers, which often span from forced labor operated by organized crime — and warned that such efforts often target people on many platforms at once, in attempts to evade detection.

That means that a scam campaign may start with messages over text or a dating app, for example and then move to social media and payment platforms, the California-based company said.

Former X CEO to lead weight-loss company

Linda Yaccarino, the former X CEO who left the social media company last month in the wake of yet another Elon Musk controversy, has been named the top executive at health company eMed. eMed Population Health provides support for patients on GLP-1 medications, such as Wegovy and Ozempic, that treat diabetes and obesity

“Our mission is revolutionizing how people receive safe, effective care for chronic condition management through GLP-1 therapies, while building the programs and technologies needed to sustain lasting health outcomes,” Yaccarino wrote in a post on Tuesday In a statement, eMed said Yaccarino’s experience would be “instrumental” as the company looks to expand its services to accommodate more “national and global employer and government partnerships.” Yaccarino left X in July after two years as CEO, a day after the company’s AI chatbot Grok declared itself “MechaHitler” and repeatedly sexually harassed Yaccarino. It’s unclear if her exit was directly connected to Grok’s outbursts but the company later apologized, blaming a system update.

BUSINESS

NOLA.COM/BIZ

Mall retailer Claire’s files for Chapter 11

BY ANNE D’INNOCENZIO AP retail writer

NEW YORK Mall-based teen accessories retailer Claire’s, known for helping to usher in millions of teens into an important rite of passage ear piercing but now struggling with a big debt load and changing consumer tastes, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.

Claire’s Holdings LLC and certain of its U.S and Gibraltar-based

subsidiaries — collectively Claire’s U.S., the operator of Claire’s and Icing stores across the United States, made the filing in the U.S Bankruptcy Court in Delaware on Wednesday. That marked the second time since 2018 and for a similar reason: high debt load and the shift among teens heading online away from physical stores.

Claire’s Chapter 11 filing follows the bankruptcies of other teen retailers including Forever 21, which filed in March for bankruptcy protection for a second time and eventually closed down its U.S. business as traffic in U.S. shopping malls fades and competition from

online retailers like Amazon, Temu and Shein intensifies.

Claire’s, based in Hoffman Estates, Illinois and founded in 1974, said that its stores in North America will remain open and will continue to serve customers, while it explores all strategic alternatives.

Claire’s operates more than 2,750 Claire’s stores in 17 countries throughout North America and Europe and 190 Icing stores in North America.

In a court filing, Claire’s said its assets and liabilities range between $1 billion and $10 billion.

“This decision is difficult, but a necessary one,” Chris Cramer,

CEO of Claire’s, said in a news release issued Wednesday “Increased competition, consumer spending trends and the ongoing shift away from brick-and-mortar retail, in combination with our current debt obligations and macroeconomic factors, necessitate this course of action for Claire’s and its stakeholders.”

Like many retailers, Claire’s was also struggling with higher costs tied to President Donald Trump’s tariff plans, analysts said. Cramer said that the company remains in “active discussions” with potential strategic and financial partners.

Apple commits $100 billion more to U.S. manufacturing

At ceremony, Trump also announces 100% tariff on computer chips

BY JOSH BOAK Associated Press

WASHINGTON Apple CEO Tim Cook joined President Donald Trump at the White House on Wednesday to announce a commitment by the tech company to increase its investment in U.S. manufacturing by an additional $100 billion over the next four years.

“This is a significant step toward the ultimate goal of ensuring that iPhones sold in the United States of America also are made in America,” Trump said at the press conference. “Today’s announcement is one of the largest commitments in what has become among the greatest investment booms in our nation’s history.”

As part of the Apple announcement, the investments will be about bringing more of its supply chain and advanced manufacturing to the United States as part of an initiative called the American Manufacturing Program, but it is not a full commitment to build its popular iPhone device domestically

“This includes new and expanded work with 10 companies across America. They produce components — semiconductor chips included — that are used in Apple products sold all over the world, and we’re grateful to the President for his support,” Cook said in a statement announcing the investment.

During the ceremony Trump also said that he will impose a 100% tariff on computer chips, likely raising the cost of electronics, autos, household appliances and other goods deemed essential for the digital age.

“We’ll be putting a tariff on of approximately 100% on chips and semiconductors,” Trump said. “But if you’re building in the United States of America, there’s no charge.”

The Republican president said

companies that make computer chips in the U.S. would be spared the import tax. During the COVID-19 pandemic, a shortage of computer chips increased the price of autos and contributed to an overall uptick in inflation.

The new manufacturing partners include Corning, Coherent, Applied Materials, Texas Instruments and Broadcom among others.

Apple had previously said it intended to invest $500 billion domestically, a figure it will now increase to $600 billion. Trump in recent months has criticized the tech company and Cook for efforts to shift iPhone production to India to avoid the tariffs his Republican administration had planned for China.

While in Qatar earlier this year, Trump said there was “a little problem” with the Cupertino, California, company and recalled a conversation with Cook in which he said he told the CEO, “I don’t want you building

in India.”

India has incurred Trump’s wrath, as the president signed an order Wednesday to put an additional 25% tariff on the world’s most populous country for its use of Russian oil.

The new import taxes to be imposed in 21 days could put the combined tariffs on Indian goods at 50%.

Apple’s new pledge comes just a few weeks after it forged a $500 million deal with MP Materials, which runs the only rare earths producer in the country That agreement will enable MP Materials to expand a factory in Texas to use recycled materials to produce magnets that make iPhones vibrate.

Speaking on a recent investors call, Cook emphasized that “there’s a load of different things done in the United States.”

As examples, he cited some of the iPhone components made in the U.S. such as the device’s glass display and module for

identifying people’s faces and then indicated the company was gearing to expand its productions of other components in its home country

“We’re doing more in this country, and that’s on top of having roughly 19 billion chips coming out of the U.S. now, and we will do more,” Cook told analysts last week, without elaborating.

News of Apple’s latest investment in the U.S. caused the company’s stock price to surge by 5% in Wednesday’s midday trading. That gain reflects investors’ relief that Cook “is extending an olive branch” to the Trump administration, said Nancy Tengler CEO of money manager Laffer Tengler Investments, which owns Apple stock.

Despite Wednesday’s upturn, Apple’s shares are still down by 15% this year a reversal of fortune that has also been driven by the company’s botched start in the pivotal field of artificial intelligence.

Disney reports quarterly profit, streaming deal with WWE

BY MICHELLE CHAPMAN Associated Press

Disney’s profit and revenue climbed in its fiscal third quarter as the entertainment company continued to add subscribers to its streaming service and see strength at its domestic theme parks. It also raised its full-year adjusted earnings forecast on Wednesday and announced a deal with WWE that will see the sports entertainment company’s premium live events, like WrestleMania, streamed by ESPN The Walt Disney Co. earned $5.26 billion, or $2.92 per share, for the three months ended June 28. A year earlier it earned $2.62 billion, or $1.43 per share. Excluding certain items, earnings were $1.61 per share. This easily beat the $1.46 per share analysts polled by Zacks Investment Research were looking for Revenue for the Burbank, California, company totaled $23.65 billion, falling slightly short of Wall Street’s estimate of $23.68 billion. Disney subsidiary ESPN struck a rights agreement with TKO Group’s WWE to become the exclusive U.S. domestic streamer of the sports entertainment company’s premium live events starting next year Aside from gaining access to WrestleMania, ESPN will also air marquee events such as the Royal Rumble, SummerSlam and Survivor Series. Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed, but The Wall Street Journal said that it’s a five-year deal worth more than $1.6 billion. The wrestling events will be available on ESPN’s new streaming service, which is set to launch next month for $29.99 per month, with select ESPN cable channels also airing them.

revenue potential,” Mike Proulx, Forrester vice president, research director, said in an emailed statement.

“Sports is the big headline coming out of Disney’s latest earnings report, and for good reason. Live sports programming (like WWE Premium Live Events) amasses captive audiences that advertisers crave, and Disney is prioritizing programming with the highest ad

Revenue for Disney Entertainment, which includes the company’s movie studios and streaming service, edged up 1%, while revenue for the Experiences division, its parks, increased 8%. Disney’s direct-to-consumer business, which includes Disney+ and Hulu, posted quarterly operating income of $346 million compared with a loss of $19 million a year ago. Revenue climbed 6%. Total paid subscribers for Disney+ came to 128 million subscribers, up from 126 million in the second quarter

Judge hears arguments over ‘Alligator Alcatraz’

Detention center violates environmental law, tribe says

BY DAVID FISCHER and MIKE SCHNEIDER Associated Press

MIAMI A federal judge

heard arguments Wednesday over whether to stop construction of an immigration detention center — built in the middle of the Florida Everglades and dubbed “Alligator Alcatraz” — because it didn’t follow environmental laws. Until the laws are followed, environmental groups and the Miccosukee Tribe said U.S. District Judge Kathleen Williams should issue a preliminary injunction to halt operations and further construction

The suit claims the project threatens environmentally sensitive wetlands that are home to protected plants and animals and would reverse billions of dollars’ worth of environmental restoration

The lawsuit in Miami against federal and state authorities is one of two legal challenges to the South Flor-

ida detention center which was built more than a month ago by the state of Florida on an isolated airstrip owned by Miami-Dade County A second lawsuit brought by civil rights groups says detainees’ constitutional rights are being violated

since they are barred from meeting lawyers, are being held without any charges, and a federal immigration court has canceled bond hearings. A hearing in that case is scheduled for Aug. 18.

The detention facility has

ignored a review process required by the National Environmental Policy Act, and the lawsuit was meant to assert the public’s rights to make sure environmental harm does not occur, Eve Samples, executive director of Friends of the Ev-

erglades, testified in court

Wednesday

The new detention facility would likely lead to an immediate reduction in habitat for endangered Florida panthers and would likely increase the risk of panthers killing each other or being hit by vehicles, Randy Kautz, a wildlife ecologist and former Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission researcher, testified.

Kautz cited studies showing panthers generally stay at least 650 feet from areas with human activity and 1,600 feet away from bright artificial lights at night, translating to about 2,000 acres of potentially lost habitat surrounding “Alligator Alcatraz.”

Florida Democratic Rep. Anna Eskamani, who took a July 12 tour of the facility with other state and federal lawmakers, in court described an active construction site with recentlyerected tents, new asphalt and temporary lights. Florida Division of Emergency Management director Kevin Guthrie told members of the tour that the facility would be able to hold 4,000 detainees by the end of August and the center had

about 1,000 workers, some of whom lived at the facility and others who commuted, said Eskamani.

Under the 55-year-old federal environmental law federal agencies should have examined how the detention center’s construction would impact the environment, identified ways to minimize the impact and followed other procedural rules such as allowing public comment according to the environmental groups and the tribe. It makes no difference that the detention center holding hundreds of detainees was built by the state of Florida since federal agencies have authority over immigration, the suit said.

Attorneys for federal and state agencies last week asked Williams to dismiss or transfer the injunction request, saying the lawsuit was filed in the wrong jurisdiction. Even though the property is owned by Miami-Dade County Florida’s southern district is the wrong venue for the lawsuit since the detention center is located in neighboring Collier County which is in the state’s middle district, they said. Williams had yet to rule on that argument.

Federal agents use rental truck for raid at L.A. Home Depot

BY NATHAN SOLIS, RACHEL URANGA and BRITTNY MEJIA

Los Angeles Times (TNS)

LOSANGELES After weeks of relative quiet, Border Patrol agents raided a Home Depot in Westlake on Wednesday as a top federal agent warned, “We’re not leaving,” and posted images of half a dozen border agents running from a Penske truck through the parking lot As many as 16 immigrants were reported rounded up and arrested in what U.S. Border Patrol Sector Chief Greg Bovino called “Operation Trojan Horse.” The

Homeland Security removes age limits for ICE recruits

BY REBECCA SANTANA Associated Press

WASHINGTON The Department of Homeland Security said Wednesday that it is removing age limits for new hires at the agency responsible for immigration enforcement, as it aims to expand hiring after a massive infusion of cash.

The department said in a news release that it would waive age limits for new applicants so “even more patriots will qualify to join ICE,” the agency responsible for finding, arresting, detaining and removing people who are in the U.S. illegally

The agency is at the center of the Trump administration’s efforts to carry out President Donald Trump’s mass deportation agenda. Earlier this summer Congress passed a spending bill that gives ICE money to hire 10,000 more staff. Currently, ICE applicants must be 21 years old and no older than 37 or 40, depending on what position they are applying for In an interview with “Fox & Friends,” Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said applicants could be as young as 18. “We no longer have a cap on how old you can be or you can continue at age 18, sign up for ICE and join us and be a part of it. We’ll get you trained and ready to be equipped to go out on the streets and help protect families,” Noem said. The agency promoted the age-limit changes on social media with enthusiastic tones, casting the immigration-enforcement efforts as not only patriotic but also epic and even cinematic.

early-morning raids revived fears of more widespread sweeps that organizers had hoped would ease with a federal judge’s order, affirmed by a 9th Circuit Court of Appeals panel, that immigration officials cannot racially profile people or use roving patrols to target immigrants.

“For those who thought Immigration enforcement had stopped in Southern California, think again,” acting U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli posted on X, shortly after the raid.

“The enforcement of federal law is not negotiable and there are no

sanctuaries from the reach of the federal government.”

A day laborer said around 6:45 a.m a yellow Penske truck pulled up to the laborers who had gathered in the parking lot The driver told them in Spanish he was looking for workers.

Several of the men gathered around the truck and then someone, it was unclear who to him, rolled up the back of the truck. Masked agents, one wearing a cowboy hat, jumped out and started chasing people. People scattered.

“This is the worst feeling ever,” said the day laborer, who has been

going to the store to pick up work for several years.

Video on social media captured the moment the back of the rental truck opened. When Penske Truck Rental was asked about it, they said they were looking into it.

“The company was not made aware that its trucks would be used in today’s operation and did not authorize this,” said Penske spokesman Randolph Ryerson.

“Penske will reach out to DHS and reinforce its policy to avoid improper use of its vehicles in the future.”

He added: “Penske strictly pro-

hibits the transportation of people in the cargo area of its vehicles under any circumstances.”

On July 11, a federal judge temporarily blocked federal agents from using racial profiling to carry out indiscriminate arrests after the ACLU, Public Counsel, other groups and private attorneys sued over the practices saying that the region had been “under siege.” Department of Justice attorneys argued the order hinders them from carrying out federal immigration enforcement, but the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the order

Once-hailed mRNA vaccines scourged in new Trump term

BY AMANDA SEITZ Associated Press

WASHINGTON President Donald Trump hailed as a “medical miracle” the mRNA vaccines developed to combat the deadly COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Now, his health secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr is effectively halting the vaccine technology’s advancement. Kennedy announced Tuesday that the federal government is canceling $500 million worth of mRNA research development contracts, putting an end to U.S.-backed hopes for the vaccine technology to prevent future pandemics, treat cancer or prevent flu infections

It’s a sharp pivot from how Trump and top officials described the technology during his first term.

Here’s a look at what Trump and some of his closest advisers have said about mRNA vaccines that were credited with slowing the

pandemic five years ago.

What ex-CDC director said “A COVID-19 vaccine is the thing that will get Americans back to normal everyday life,” said then-CDC Director Robert Redfield in a statement Sept. 16, 2020.

Americans were still donning face masks as one of the few ways of protecting themselves from a virus that had killed nearly 200,000 in just over six months. Redfield promised that the new vaccines — developed for the first time using mRNA technology would offer a return to normalcy

‘Don’t let Biden take credit’

“Don’t let Joe Biden take credit for the vaccines because the vaccines were me, and I pushed people harder than they’ve ever been pushed before The vaccines are there are those that say it’s one of the greatest things. It’s a medical miracle,” Trump said on Nov 26,

Judge issues temporary injunction against cancellation of NEH grants

BY GARY FIELDS Associated Press

WASHINGTON A federal judge in Oregon issued an injunction Wednesday temporarily stopping the mass cancellation of National Endowment for the Humanities grants to humanities councils around the country saying the cancellations were likely unconstitutional U.S. District Judge Michael Simon, an appointee of President Barack Obama, issued a temporary stay on action taken in April by the National Endowment for the Humanities, saying the claims made by plaintiffs in the case were “likely to succeed on their claim that the withholding of the funds at issue in this case is unconstitutional.”

Defendants’ conduct reflects a “deliberate decision to flout Congressional command and refuse to spend appropriated funds,” the

opinion said, noting, “The United States Constitution exclusively grants the power of the purse to Congress, not the President.”

The Department of Government Efficiency and the National Endowment for the Humanities canceled dozens of grants to state and local humanities’ councils in April as part of President Donald Trump’s cost-cutting efforts.

The Federation of State Humanities Councils and the Oregon Council for the Humanities filed suit in May to reverse the funding cuts.

Simon said in issuing the stay that the record contained “unrebutted evidence of irreparable harms,” noting that “when these programs are cancelled, there can be no do over and no redress.”

Simon said the defendants were “likely violating statutory obligations and principles of separation of powers that have existed for decades.”

2020, during a news conference in the White House.

Weeks earlier, Trump had lost the election in a bitter race against Democrat Joe Biden. As the Republican grappled with leaving Washington and continued to plan for the rollout of the COVID-19 vaccines, he reminded reporters that he oversaw the development of the new shots.

“They say it’s somewhat of a miracle and I think that’s true,” Trump said on Dec. 8, 2020 during a speech at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building.

The event celebrated “Operation Warp Speed,” the government-funded project that accelerated vaccine development with pharmaceutical companies. Trump was promoting the shots as the government prepared to offer them to health workers.

What ex-HHS director said “It’s clear that many Americans are learning

these vaccines are safe and extraordinarily effective,” then-Health Secretary Alex Azar said on Dec. 16, 2020, at a news conference. The government was shipping out mRNA vaccines to states, preparing to distributed it to the masses.

Azar noted that a vast majority of Americans between 70% to 80%, according to polls — intended to get the new COVID-19 vaccine that would be available to the public in the coming months.

Operation Warp Speed

“It takes somewhere between five and 10 years to put a vaccine on the street.

Look what we did. Now, that’s because of the great work of the scientists who had done the research on mRNA vaccines and others because of industry working on this, they just didn’t wake up one day and start working on it,” “Operation Warp Speed” Chief Operating Officer Gus Perna said during a

podcast interview that aired on May 9, 2023. Reflecting in an interview about his time overseeing “Operation Warp Speed,” Perna credited the mRNA technology with the government’s ability to get shots in arms mere months after the pandemic started claiming lives in the U.S. in 2020. Crowd boos booster news

“Take credit because we saved tens of millions of lives Take credit Don’t let them take that away from you,” Trump said on Dec. 19, 2021 during a live interview with former Fox News host Bill O’Reilly Daily COVID-19 deaths had ticked down to 1,500 compared to 3,000 from a year earlier after Americans began receiving their first doses of the mRNA vaccines. Trump revealed to O’Reilly and the audience that he had just gotten a COVID-19 booster The crowd booed.

Massive central California wildfire keeps growing

By The Associated Press

SANTA MARIA, Calif. — Rising temperatures on Wednesday posed new challenges for firefighters who have made incremental progress against a massive wildfire in central California that injured four people as it became the biggest blaze in the state so far this year

More than 870 remote homes and other structures at the northern edge of Los Padres National Forest are threatened by the Gifford Fire, which grew only slightly overnight after burning out of control for days.

The fire has scorched at least 131 square miles of Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties, with just 9% containment. It surpassed the 126-square-mile Madre Fire, which erupted last month in southeastern San Luis Obispo County, as the state’s largest fire of 2025.

Crews working in steep, inaccessible terrain will be dealing with temperatures in the mid-90s on Wednesday and above 100 on Thursday, said Capt. Scott Safechuck with the Santa Barbara County Fire Department.

“We have hot weather, and we have low relative humidity,” Safechuck said Wednes-

day. “So we expect extreme fire behavior.” Luckily, winds are expected to remain relatively calm, he said.

Wildfire risk will be elevated through the weekend across much of inland California as the heat wave intensifies. The southern part of the state has seen very little rain, drying out vegetation and making it “ripe to burn,” the National Weather Service for Los Angeles warned in a statement.

Triple-digit temperatures are forecast for the Sacramento Valley A dozen major blazes are burning statewide, and officials warn the threat will only grow in August and September, typically the most dangerous months for wildfires. Across the Sierra and northern parts of California, months of little to no rain are “pushing conditions toward critical levels faster than usual,” according to a wildfire forecast by the California Department of For-

Mich. representatives demand Canada contain fires

BY MELISSA NANN BURKE and CAROL THOMPSON

The Detroit News (TNS)

WASHINGTON The seven Michigan Republicans in the state’s congressional delegation issued a joint statement Wednesday blaming Canada for wildfires whose smoke caused air-quality issues across the state in recent weeks, asking the Canadian government to “take immediate and decisive action to contain these fires and prevent future wildfires.”

“Instead of enjoying family vacations at Michigan’s beautiful lakes and campgrounds, for the third summer in a row, Michiganders are forced to breathe hazardous air as a result of Canada’s failure to prevent and control wildfires. This recurring crisis is putting public health at risk — especially for seniors, pregnant women, children, and those with respiratory conditions,” the lawmakers said

“This cannot continue as an annual threat to our communities.”

The statement follows a letter to the Canadian prime minister sent by U.S. Rep. John James on the same issue last week,

“to express the outrage of our constituents” about the third summer of smoke and pollution from Canadian wildfires.

James, who is running for governor, noted that 69 million Midwest residents were under air quality alerts — a figure larger than the population of Canada and said the situation is “actively damaging the U.S.-Canada relationship.”

This week, forecasters had extended a statewide air quality advisory, anticipating that smoke from the wildfires would linger over the state and cause unhealthy levels of particle pollution. At times, air quality could be bad enough that it would be unhealthy for everyone and not just sensitive groups, according to Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy meteorologists.

The Canadian Embassy didn’t immediately comment on the Michigan lawmakers’ remarks Wednesday Wab Kinew, the premier of the province of Manitoba, where wildfires killed two in May blasted a similar letter sent by six members of Congress from Minnesota and Wisconsin last month, claiming that the lawmakers were “trying to trivial-

ize and make hay out of a wildfire season where we’ve lost lives in our province.”

Climate change is fueling the Canadian wildfires, said Jonathan Overpeck, dean of the School for Environment and Sustainability at the University of Michigan. Burning fossil fuels and loading greenhouse gases into the atmosphere is warming the planet, which allows the atmosphere to hold more moisture. That causes more extreme droughts and more extreme rainstorms, Overpeck said.

Although it’s harder to prevent fires in a warming world, it’s reasonable for U.S. lawmakers to ask Canada to do more to manage them, Overpeck said. But as the Trump administration aims to end the federal government’s ability to regulate greenhouse gas emissions, Overpeck said it is also reasonable for Canadians to complain about the U.S dismantling its climate policies.

“They’re probably not happy the U.S. is pulling back on our fighting of climate change, which they know in Canada pretty clearly is the real problem. They are fighting climate change much more fiercely than we now are,” Overpeck said.

estry and Fire Protection, or Cal Fire.

“In Southern California, the threat is driven by persistent drought, high grass loads, and weakening coastal moisture,” Cal Fire said.

More than 2,200 personnel are battling the Gifford Fire, which grew out of at least four smaller fires that erupted Friday along State Route 166, forcing closures in both directions east of Santa Maria, a city of about 110,000 people. The causes of the fires are under investigation.

Flames are racing through a vast, mostly unpopulated region that includes forestland, ranches, large canyon properties and agricultural parcels growing wine grapes and strawberries.

Officials reported four injuries, including a firefighter who was treated for dehydration. Over the weekend, a motorist was hospitalized with burn injuries after getting out of his vehicle and being overrun by flames.

France’s biggest wildfire has area larger than Paris

BY SYLVIE CORBET and HERNAN MUNOZ Associated Press

SAINT-LAURENT-DE-LA-CABRERISSE, France — France’s biggest wildfire in years was spreading quickly Wednesday in a Mediterranean region near Spain after leaving one person dead and several injured, authorities said. The fire burned an area larger than Paris, and the military was called in to help.

French Prime Minister François Bayrou deplored a “disaster on an unprecedented scale” in the region.

Over 2,100 firefighters and several water bomber aircraft battled the blaze that broke out Tuesday afternoon in the village of Ribaute in the Aude region, a rural, wooded area that is home to wineries.

The fire, which has burned 39,500 acres, remained “very active” on Wednesday and continued to progress as night fell, the local administration said. The weather was hot, dry and windy Villagers sought to help douse the flames or save their homes and small businesses, and described their alarm at the fire’s speed. Ash filled the air and coated windows and cars.

“The sky was blue, and then less than an hour later the sky was orange,” said Andy Pickup of SaintLaurent-de-la-Cabrerisse.

Man pleads guilty to federal charges

Callihan accused of murder-kidnapping in Tangipahoa Parish

BY WILLIE SWETT Staff writer

Daniel Callihan, accused of a brutal murder-kidnapping in Tangipahoa Parish in the summer 2024, pleaded guilty Wednesday to federal charges stemming from the case and will now not have to face the federal death penalty

Callihan entered his plea to charges of kidnapping resulting in death and transporting a minor across state lines to engage in criminal sexual activity before U.S. District Judge Lance Africk at the federal courthouse in New Orleans Callihan faces life in prison. But Callihan, 37, also faces state criminal charges in Hinds County, Missis-

sippi, and in Tangipahoa Parish, which could result in the death penalty Callihan is accused of killing Callie Brunett, 35, who was found stabbed more than 50 times inside her home in Loranger in Tangipahoa Parish in June 2024, and is also accused of killing one of her two daughters, according to court records and investigators.

Hand-painted rain barrels await installation in flood-prone neighborhoods. Green Light New Orleans and Entergy New

teamed up to install the barrels around New Orleans on Wednesday.

Callihan allegedly kidnapped the two young girls after killing their mother, authorities have said. The body of Brunett’s 4-year-old daughter, Erin, was later found near Jackson, Mississippi, where Callihan was apprehended. The other girl, then 6 years old, was found alive nearby The missing children prompted a large search and intense media coverage. At

Port of South Louisiana chief steps down

BY ANTHONY McAULEY Staff writer

Paul Matthews has resigned as chief executive of the Port of South Louisiana after a three-year stint in charge, which saw both a return to growth but also some failures, including

BY JOSIE ABUGOV Staff writer

Laura Jayne had been waiting a year for a local nonprofit to install a rain barrel at her Hollygrove home She could use it to grow her budding garden and shave a few dollars off her water bill in the process. A floral-painted container finally arrived Wednesday morning, as members of Green Light New Orleans and Entergy New Orleans volunteers attached the barrel to the side of her home. In honor of the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, the environmental organization that began just after the storm teamed up with around 40 Entergy volunteers to install roughly a dozen rain barrels at houses around the Hollygrove, Leonidas and the Fontainebleau neighborhoods on Wednesday Green Light has placed over 3,000 rain barrels across the New Orleans area since 2015 The containers are hard to miss around

backs of trucks on Wednesday

BY BOB WARREN Staff writer

JPSO deputy fires gun during Metairie traffic stop

Staff report

A Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office deputy fired a service weapon after a driver armed himself during a traffic stop in Metairie on Wednesday afternoon, according to authorities. No one was shot, said Sgt. Brandon Veal, spokesperson for the department. The man was taken into custody but he has not yet been identified.

The stop occurred about 1:45 p.m. on Earhart Expressway, just east of Clearview Parkway, Veal said.

The Sheriff’s Office did not disclose what led the deputy to pull the

CHIEF

Continued from page 1B

facilities dotted throughout its 54mile jurisdiction along the Mississippi River from Waggaman in Jefferson Parish to Convent in St. James Parish.

When he started in mid-2022, the Port of South Louisiana had not seen growth for several years after the headwinds of the first Trump administration’s import tariffs, the COVID pandemic and the ensuing supply chain disruptions had crimped trade volumes.

“Under Matthews’ leadership, the Port reversed a seven-year decline in tonnage, achieving consecutive years of increased cargo throughput and revenues,” the port said in a statement Wednesday “His administration secured millions in state and federal funding, renewed longterm industry leases, and initiated over $1.5 billion in capital projects, including major investments in renewable energy infrastructure.”

However, there were also setbacks during his tenure. An early focus was to push through a $400 million new terminal to be built in the nearby community of Wallace by Greenfield Louisiana, a unit of Greenfield Holdings of Denver, which operates grain elevators at Crowville and Delhi.

Matthews and the port had backed the project’s planned 54 silos, which was to have had capacity to hold around 11 million tons of grain. However, after persistent opposition from some local activist groups and long delays in permitting, the company decided last year to pull out of the project.

Bold bid

The port’s boldest move under Matthews was a $455 million bid in early 2023 to buy Avondale Global Gateway, the former shipyard on the West Bank that had been acquired by T. Parker Host five years earlier for $60 million.

That deal came under intense scrutiny from public officials and industry watchdogs who questioned the price and the deal’s strategic rationale. Port of South Louisiana later

LEADER

Continued from page 1B

near the end of this month to lead Louisiana Central, a 10-parish regional economic development group based in Alexandria

“I am honored to join the team at St Tammany Economic Development Corporation,” Richardson, who hails from Franklinton, said in a news release, adding that he looks forward to continuing efforts “to position St. Tammany as destination of choice for businesses to locate, advance and thrive.”

When Masingill’s departure was announced in May, St. Tammany EDC said it would embark on a national search for a successor Richardson is a northshore native with more than a decade of economic development experience across the state, the organization said.

During his time with the Baton Rouge Area Chamber, Richardson oversaw business development across the nine-parish region and helped secure $20 billion in new investment and more than 7,800 jobs, St. Tammany EDC said.

Before his work at the Baton Rouge Chamber, Richardson was a senior business development manager at Louisiana Economic Development, managing a portfolio of over 60 domestic and international projects, and securing more than $1 billion in capital investment across the state, St. Tammany EDC said. Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Susan B. Bourgeois said in a statement that Richardson understands the northshore’s “unique strengths, challenges, and opportunities.”

BARRELS

driver over The deputy removed the man from the vehicle and began a pat-down search, but the man resisted and pulled out a gun, according to authorities.

“In response, the deputy discharged his service weapon at least once but did not strike the suspect,”

Veal said.

The man’s gun was recovered at the scene The department said the man has a felony criminal conviction that bars him from possessing a firearm.

The department did not release any other details about the incident, including what charges the driver will be jailed on.

abandoned the deal, after independent consultants hired to evaluate it said it didn’t make sense even after a $100 million price cut.

Wednesday’s statement said Matthews would be pursuing “new professional endeavors.” He was not immediately available for comment.

Before his gig at Port of South Louisiana, Matthews, 41, had risen quickly at two other major Louisiana ports. He was a Tulane graduate and earned an MBA from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, then worked in banking in central Louisiana before finding a mentor in Gary LeGrange, the former president and CEO of the Port of New Orleans.

He was hired as deputy director at the Port of Plaquemines in 2017 and earned a reputation for securing federal monies and pushing through expansion projects He also ruffled feathers among some local officials who accused him and his boss at Plaquemines of a lack of transparency over deals.

Moving up

Cox, who takes over at Port of South Louisiana on an interim basis, started as a dock hand 25 years ago with Coastal Cargo Company He also has served as terminal manager at Associated Terminals, overseeing terminal operations Globalplex, the Port of South Louisiana-owned multimodal facility at Reserve.

Major projects underway at Globalplex include the $46 million development for Life for Tyres Group, an Ireland-based company that recycles tires. The 10-acre project is expected to create 46 permanent new jobs.

Another is the $1.3 billion Woodland Biofuels project that is seeking to turn sugar cane and other plant waste into natural gas, methanol and ethanol, while burying any carbon emissions underground.

Both of those projects are expected to come online late next year, though it is still not clear what effect recent cuts in green fuel programs by the Trump administration might have on their progress, Cormier said.

Email Anthony McAuley tmcauley@theadvocate.com.

“Couple that with a broad and proven track record in economic development leadership, and he is uniquely positioned to lead St. Tammany EDC into its next chapter of innovation, growth, and success,” she said. In his new role, Richardson will be responsible for advancing the organization’s mission to drive jobs and spur the economy

Under Masingill, the parish was successful in landing several highprofile investments, including the new Costco near Covington, an Amazon delivery facility set to open soon in Slidell and the $46 million Agile Cold Storage facility in Pearl River. Masingill was also at the front of a push to create a logistics corridor along Interstate 12.

Masingill will continue in his role through Aug. 22 and help with the transition, St. Tammany EDC said.

“St Tammany is known across Louisiana and the Gulf Coast region for being an amazing community with a strong quality of life where people want to live,” Richardson said. “My vision is to build on that foundation to ensure our parish economy helps reinforce and support that reputation, leveraging economic growth and opportunity to take St. Tammany to even greater heights.”

Joan Coffman, who chairs the St. Tammany EDC’s Board of Commissioners, said the agency wanted a new leader who could hit the ground running.

“We were so pleased to find that our ideal candidate, Russell Richardson, was just down the road — bringing with him incredible experience, clear leadership skills, and strong familiarity with our area as a longtime former resident,” she said.

the city, with colorful designs often painted by local students.

“It floods all the time, and I feel like if everybody had one of these, it would probably be a great thing,” said Jayne, who works at Loyola University “We take water for granted in this city.”

The rain barrels have an array of environmental and economic benefits, explained Christian Ryan, the executive director of Green Light The barrel is attached to the downspout — an exterior pipe that connects to the gutter system

Over the course of a year, each rain barrel diverts an average of 2,220 gallons from the city’s storm drains. Residents can use the rainwater to tend to their gardens, or even to flush the toilet in the case of utility failures, without upping their water bill This results in average annual savings of $32, Ryan said.

Green Light serves everyone within the New Orleans levee system. By minimizing the amount of stormwater that needs to be pumped, the rain barrels also help lessen land sinking and shrink the city’s carbon footprint.

“If you can imagine a network of 3,000 barrels, it really adds up for our collective impact,” Ryan said. “And then of course the captured water is great for watering gardens, or any sort of nonpotable use.”

Volunteer event

The plastic rain barrels themselves have an environmental component as the nonprofit acquires the containers from food suppliers Zatarain’s and Perrone and Sons.

“These are barrels that would otherwise be going to the waste stream because they’re not recyclable around here,” Ryan said.

“Keeping these big chunks of plastic out of the landfill is pretty awesome.”

Entergy has partnered with the

CALLIHAN

Continued from page 1B

the time of his arrest, Callihan told TV reporters he had killed Brunett and her daughter

After the prosecutors outlined the crimes for which Callihan was accused, Africk asked Callihan, “You agree that’s what you did?”

“Yes,” said Callihan, who wore a navy blue prison uniform.

“Your family is in all of our prayers,” Africk told three members of the victims’ family who were in the audience. He said what Callihan did was an “evil, depraved, callous act.”

environmental organization for nearly 20 years. Back then, Green Light was installing energy-efficient light bulbs in homes across the city, similarly helping residents cut utility costs and reduce emissions. In total, the group has installed more than 600,000 light bulbs.

Entergy shareholders have awarded the nonprofit $800,000 in grants and company employees have logged more than 1,000 volunteer hours with Green Light. From linemen to accountants, the Wednesday event included a wide range of company volunteers. One of the installed rain barrels was even painted by Entergy employees.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity for Entergy New Orleans to come together with the community,” said Stephanie Willis, the company’s director of public affairs, who helped set up the rain barrel at Jayne’s home. “It’s been hot, but worth it.”

‘A tiny organization’

The process of installing the rain barrels is more involved than simply plopping a plastic container next to a pipe. Before setting up the barrel, Green Light employees need to make sure the

Attorney Michael Simpson said in a news release. “This successful prosecution is the result of the significant collaboration by local, state, and federal agencies across Louisiana and Mississippi. Their collective dedication and hard work ensured that Mr Callihan will now face justice.”

Africk also said that the family’s desire not to have the surviving child testify may have shielded Callihan from the death penalty. “It’s very ironic that the victim’s family’s attempt to shield the 6-yearold victim from having to testify in this case and the associated pain and suffering the young girl would endure, probably shielded the defendant from the death penalty,” he said.

“Today’s resolution ensures that Daniel Wayne Callihan will be held accountable for his heinous and atrocious crimes,” acting U.S.

FILES

Continued from page 1B

City Council Vice President Helena Moreno did not respond to requests for comment

Hundreds of court files in the city’s custody were relocated last week from containers and office trailers to a Public Works yard at the direction of New Orleans Public Works Department Director Rick Hathaway, Lombard said Tuesday “I’m highly upset about it,” Lombard said of the incident he called a “catastrophic failure.”

After he learned that at least one container had been thrown away, along with other debris, his staff began searching the landfill

Tuesday By Tuesday afternoon, Lombard said they had recovered most of the files, but it’s unclear how many are still lost. At the Public Works site where they were held, “documents were strewn across the yard, caught in the wind and scattered beyond the secured perimeter,” Lombard said.

The files contain sensitive information related to criminal cases

ground is level, the downspout is nearby and the container is in a convenient spot for the resident.

If installing over soil, they place six heavy planks under the barrel to make sure the heavy bin doesn’t wobble.

After setting everything up, Green Light drills a hole into the downspout and the barrel and connects the two openings with a tube. On the Wednesday volunteer event, a team of eight Entergy employees and Ryan helped install Jayne’s barrel.

But usually only a single Green Light worker Robyn Barturen, does the installations She has installed over 200 barrels on her own.

“I’m like Mission Impossible,” Barturen joked. “I don’t need to go to the gym.”

The organization has only three employees. Ryan said that the figure used to be higher, but nonprofit giving is “getting harder and harder.” There are approximately 400 people on the waitlist for the barrels, and getting off the waitlist can take anywhere from six to 24 months.

“We’re a tiny organization that does extraordinary things,” Ryan said.

pi, including murder, kidnapping and sexual battery. Victoria Cox, who has been identified as an accomplice by authorities, also faces murder and kidnapping charges in Louisiana and Mississippi.

Outside the courthouse, Kerry Cuccia, Callihan’s attorney, said, “He has taken responsibility for this act.”

Wednesday’s arraignment in U.S. District Court in New Orleans, Callihan’s second in federal court in this case, came after a grand jury handed up the superseding indictment in July The kidnapping resulting in death charge carries a minimum sentence of life in prison

The U.S. Attorney’s Office in New Orleans had initially charged Callihan with the same crimes in January in a bill of information. Callihan faced a July 28 trial date that was postponed after the grand jury’s indictment. Until taking the death penalty off the table with Callihan’s plea on Wednesday, federal prosecutors had not disclosed whether they would seek the death penalty in his case. Callihan also faces state criminal charges in Louisiana and Mississip-

dating back decades. Among them are closed capital cases involving murder and aggravated rape. The impact of missing court records could prove detrimental to the legal process. The Louisiana Supreme Court has previously removed a Baton Rouge judge from office for her handling of

The prosecutor in Tangipahoa Parish, District Attorney Scott Perrilloux of the 21st Judicial District, had previously argued that Callihan should first be tried in Tangipahoa Parish since that is where the crime occurred Callihan faces two counts of first-degree murder there, and Perrilloux had said prosecutors would seek the death penalty

“The plan here is a global resolution to cases in all three jurisdictions,” Perrilloux said at the courthouse on Wednesday. This was a start, he said.

The next court hearing for Callihan in Tangipahoa Parish is in October, Perrilloux said.

Hinds County District Attorney Jody Owens, whose office is prosecuting Callihan in Mississippi, similarly called Wednesday’s plea a “first step.”

“This is a horrendous, true crime episode,” Owens said “It was more than difficult to watch.”

Africk set sentencing for Nov 19 and noted that before serving the federal sentence, Callihan will have to serve any sentences imposed by the state courts.

Email Willie Swett at willie. swett@theadvocate.com.

lost records. Between 1996 and 2002, the office of former Baton Rouge criminal district Judge Sharon Hunter lost records of 11 trials, including four homicides and an attempted murder Appeals courts ordered nine new trials and a new sentencing hearing.

One man won a new trial on charges of killing his 6-month-old daughter after records pertinent to the case, such as his testimony and the baby’s aunt, who witnessed the killing, vanished.

A spokesperson for Lombard’s office said on Wednesday that his office was still sorting through the recovered records to determine what was missing.

Gertrude Geddes

Lee, Douglas Williams Jr., Clarence Bieniemy Sr., Eric Greenwood Chaplain,Joan Cole,Alicia Lalla,Pauline Copeland, Patricia Lake Lawn Metairie Dobbins,J Trumbach,Paula Dunn, Larry Littlejohn FH

Guss, Olivia

Jordan,Lucas

Jordan Jr., Clarence

Guss, Olivia

Majestic Mortuary

Jordan Jr., Clarence Lalla,Pauline St Tammany Lee, Douglas

LewisSr.,Kenneth EJ Fielding

Lockett, Myron NewtonJr.,Lawrence Muntz,Alice Roth,Olga NewtonJr.,Lawrence Honaker PellerIII, Stephen Copeland, Patricia Petty,Kenneth SegraveSr.,Francis Riley,Albert West Bank Roth,Olga Robinson FH SegraveSr.,Francis LewisSr.,Kenneth SylvesterJr.,Martin Petty,Kenneth Trumbach,Paula Williams,Eunicestine Williams,Eunicestine

Obituaries Williams,Keshoine

Williams,Shirley

Williams Jr., Clarence EJefferson

Garden of Memories

Chaplain,Joan

Muntz,Alice LA Muhleisen

Dobbins,J NewOrleans

Boyd Family Dunn, Larry Jordan,Lucas Riley,Albert SylvesterJr.,Martin Charbonnet

Bieniemy Sr., Eric Lockett, Myron Williams,Keshoine Williams,Shirley

With heavyhearts, we announcethe passingof EricBieniemy, Sr on Mon‐day,July28, 2025 at his homesurrounded by fam‐ily.Ericwas born on Octo‐ber 11,1950 in NewOr‐leans,LAtothe late Ollie, Sr. andIda MaeCummins Bieniemy. Mr.Bienemy is survivedbyhis wife,Bar‐baraGuillory Bieniemy; children, Eric Bieniemy,Jr. (Mia),TroyBieniemy(Lau‐rie), Cory Bieniemy (Je‐nessa), Kimberly Bieniemy (Roy),DanaBieniemyand RyanBieniemy; stepchil‐dren, AnastasiaSimon (Nick)and Christopher Simon,aswellasa host of grandchildren,other rela‐tives andfriends.A Cele‐bration Servicehonoring the life andlegacyofthe lateEricBieniemy, Sr., will beheldatSaint John Insti‐tutionalMissionaryBaptist Church,2538 JacksonAve NewOrleans,LA70113 on

Friday,August8,2025 at 9

am. IntermentSoutheast Louisiana Veteran’sCeme‐tery, Slidell, LA.Visitation8 aminthe church.Please signonlineguestbook at www.charbonnetfuneralho me.com. Charbonnet Labat Glapion,Directors (504)581-4411.

Chaplain,Joan Silbernagel

It is with greatsadness thatweannouncethe passing of ourmother, JoanSilbernagel Chaplain, age 84, who passedaway peacefullywithfamilyby her side on Saturday,Au‐gust2.She wasbornSep‐tember1,1940, in NewOr‐leans,attended theAcad‐emy of Holy Angels,gradu‐ating in 1957, andhas lived inRiver Ridgesince 1968 Joanwas adevoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother,and friendwho will be deeply missed. Sheisprecededin death by herhusband of 57 years,AlbertCharles Chap‐lainJr.;her son, StephenE ChaplainSr.;her parents, Charles LouisSilbernagel Sr. andLouiseBerry Silber‐nagel;brothers, Sidney Campo,Allen Silbernagel, Charles SilbernagelJr.;and her sister,AudreySilber‐nagel.Joandevoted herlife toher familyand is sur‐vived by herchildren, Gwynne M. Chaplain,Al‐bertC.ChaplainIII (Cheryl), Beth C. Myer (Wayne),and DavidM Chaplain(Amanda). She was thelovinggrand‐motherofStephen Chap‐lainJr.,SydneyFaucheaux (TJ), John Dawes, Lindsey Boudin(Matt),Oliviaand Emma Myer,and Daisy Chaplain. Shewas the great-grandmother of Gracelynn andReece Chaplain, Reeseand ThomasFaucheaux,and Charles Boudin.She held a special placeinher heart for Sarah, Josh,James, Jack, Bryan, Finley,and Tessa.Joanisalsosurvived byher sister-in-law, MudeanC.Bulot,and many niecesand nephews. The familywould like to thank the doctorsatLCMCER, the NeuroICU team at LCMC, cardiologist Dr.Sax‐ena,and hisstaff forthe exceptional care forJoan. Wewould also like to thank the doctors, nurses, and staff at St.Joseph’sCapen‐ter HospiceHouse in River Ridge fortheir compas‐sionate care of their mother.Relatives and

friendsare invitedtoat‐tenda memorial mass at St. Matthew theApostle Church,10021 Jefferson Highway,River Ridge, on Friday, August 8, at 11:30 am. Visitation will beginat 10:30 am until Mass time Intermentwillbeprivate In lieu of flowers, dona‐tions canbemadetothe AmericanHeart Associa‐tion, PO Box840692, Dallas, TX75284-0692 or the Woman’s NewLifeClinic, 4612 S. ClaiborneAvenue, New Orleans, LA 70125.

Cole, AliciaDawn Walker

AliciaDawn Walker Cole died as she lived, with grace, surrounded by love in thewarm home she shared with her husband Frank, and their son Rägan

She is survivedbyher husband Frank Cole,Jr., son Rägan Orion Cole mother Loretta Gilberti Walker Tuminello,stepfather HenryS.Tuminello, Jr., sisterVickiWalker Fank (Steven), stepsisters Marie Tuminello Barrios (Tim), AliciaTuminelloLirette (Troy), and Michelle TuminelloGambina, along with many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins.She is preceded in deathbyher father, Robert E. Lee Walker, Jr. and stepbrotherStephen Michael Tuminello

Aliciawas bornonMay 13, 1960 in NewOrleans to Lorettaand Robert Walker. After Robert'sdeath LorettamarriedAlicia's beloved stepfather Henry. The blended family livedin Harahan, were parishioners at St.Ritaand active at Riverside Country Club.

She and Frank met when he saw her rollerblading in AudubonParkand tried butfailedinattracting her interest. They fellinlove at aSaints game some years laterwhen they were reintroducedbymutual friends.

After marriage, they moved intoa lovely 1800's barge boardshotgun that they remodeled over the years and decorated with color, light,and art.Alicia happily tendedher vibrant garden, and routinely shared cuttingsand seeds with family and friends. She died peacefully there on August 2, 2025 with Frank and Rägan by her

sideamid vasesofflowers from hergarden

Aliciagraduatedfrom William Carey Nursing School and until days before herpassing workedat TulaneUniversity School of Medicine,Louisiana Center for Bleedingand Clotting Disorders. Shetouched countless lives over her25 years at Tulane. Atrueadvocate for herpatients, she consistentlydemonstrated professionalism, grace, andempathy. She will be trulymissedbyher patients andcolleagues alike

Shetook joyinher work, in herfamily, in gardening andinnature.She loved laughingwithfriends and familyatthe many Saints game partiesshe and Frank hosted

Sheloved spendingtime at the familycottage in Ocean Springs, MS.where she honeymooned and spent last Fourth of July when herhealthstill permitted.She felt fortunate in havingsurvivedher cancerdiagnosis long enough to enjoy years of asatisfying, but challenging, life that outlasted all predictionsand allowed herto see herson grow to manhood.

Shewill be missed but neverforgotten by the many familymembersand friends sheleaves behind.

AMass will be held in herhonor on Wednesday, August 27 at 11:00 am at St Rita Catholic Church,7100 JeffersonHwy, Harahan, LA 70123. In lieu of flowers, donationsmay be made to theAmerican Cancer Society. Amass of christian burialwill be held at 11:00 AM on 2025-08-27 at St.Rita Church,7100 JeffersonHwy.

Patricia Faciane Copeland, 82, left us on the evening of July 31 sur‐rounded by herfamily. Pat was along-time resident of the Slidellareaand agrad‐uateofSlidell High School She also spenta signifi‐cantamount of time in Belle Chasse,LA. Sheis survivedbyher loving hus‐bandof20years William (Bill)Copeland, daughter RoslynRiedieHotard(Den‐nis)son,L.J.Riedie (Denise); 3grandchildren Brent Hotard (Maggie), LyndseyR.Indest(Jacob),

andShane Riedie (Nikki), great grandchildren: Abi‐gailand Madeline Indest, Blaireand Lane Hotard and Camryn Riedie.Also survivedbyher sisters Carol Renaud,Beverly Ervin,SheilaLogiudice, various nieces and nephews,and extended familyofBill. Shewas pre‐ceded in deathbyher motherMaryHelen Velicco,her father George AlbertFaciane andsisters SandraDorrand Sylvia Dorr. Patenjoyed traveling withBilland spending time inthe SmokyMountains She wasanavidsportsfan supportingher grandchil‐dreninsportingendeavors and cheering forthe Saints and LSUTigers. Patcher‐ished hertimewithher familywiththe visits from her grandchildrenand great grandchildrenbeing the highlights.Pat finished her career in accounting withthe RTAand then con‐tinuedasa teacher'saide inthe St.Tammany parish school system.Relatives and friendsofthe family are invitedtoattendthe memorialservice held on Monday, August 11, 2025, atHonaker FuneralHome, 1751 GauseBlvd. West Slidell, LA 70458. Visitation willbegin at 10:00 am with the memorial servicebe‐ginning at 12:00 pm.Inter‐mentimmediatelyfollow‐ing at Forest Lawn Ceme‐tery. In lieu of flowers, do‐nations to Cancer Associa‐tionand Lung Association are appreciated.

J. MichaelDobbins died onJuly30, 2025 at East Jef‐fersonHospitalafter com‐plicationsfroma stroke.A nativeofNew Orleansand a life-longresidentofKen‐ner,Louisiana,heispre‐ceded in deathbyhis adoredson MichaelEd‐wardDobbins andhis beloved wife of 51 years, Berdine WybleDobbins Alsoprecededindeath by his parentsRalph &Mary Dobbins of NewOrleans and hisin-laws Leoand Lydia WybleofVillePlatte, Louisiana.Heissurvived byhis daughter ErinnEliza‐bethDobbins of NewOr‐leans andhis brother Ralph J. Dobbins (Linda)of Houston,Texas.Alsosur‐vived by hiscousinLouise Dobbins Cashmere (Tom) ofCovington,LAand Mary LouiseWilliamsonofCali‐fornia, aniece JackiWyble ofVille Platte,Louisiana andseveral greatand

4B ✦ Thursday,August 7,2025 ✦ nola.com ✦ TheTimes-Picayune great grandniecesand nephews of VillePlatte Louisiana,and closefriend Marylin GasquetofNew Orleans,LA. Mike wasborn onEasterSunday, March 28, 1937 andwas 88 years old at thetimeofhis pass‐ing.HeattendedE.T.Mer‐rickGrammarSchool and Alcee FortierSeniorHigh School. During hissopho‐moreyearasa member of the FortierROTC, he was named HonorCadet of the Year. Upon graduation he attended Southeastern Louisiana CollegeinHam‐mond, LA.where he was awarded aBAinBusiness Administration. He then entered themilitaryser‐viceand proudlyservedas a member of theU.S.Army Counter Intelligence Corps atFortSam Houston, San Antonio,Texas.Anactive sportsenthusiastall his life, he played on hisUnit’s several sports teamsand was amemberofpost championshipteams in football, softball,and bowl‐ing.Anactivereaderall his life, he hadanextensive li‐brary,mostofwhich cen‐tered on WWIIhistory,and was aCharter member of the National WWIIMu‐seum. Upon releasefrom activemilitaryservice, Mikefound employment in the insuranceindustry. He servedinseveral capaci‐tiestoinclude underwriter, districtmanager,and sales agent.Hewas transferred fromNew OrleanstoJack‐sonville, Floridaand then WashingtonD.C.Hehad previouslymet hisfuture wifeBerdine whenworking inNew Orleansand while inWashingtonD.C.con‐vincedBerdine it wastime, and they were marriedin St. Matthew’s Cathedralin D.C.and residedinAlexan‐dria, Virginia whereson Michael wasborn. He was thentransferred to Miami, Florida where daughter Erinn wasborn. He and Berdine decideditwas timetomovebackhometo New Orleansand settledin Kenner. Mike became an insurance salesagent re‐maining in that capacity for therestofhis career winning many topsales awards. Mike andhis wife liked to travel.Overthe years they made five trips toEuropeand severalto the Caribbean. Mike also coached Little League Baseballand served on the Fortier Reunion Committee class of 1954. Afterclose to 50years in theinsurance industry, Mike retiredand pursued hisavidinterestin golfand fishing. Mike now joins hiswifeand son, whose deathin1999 he never really got over.Rela‐tives andfriends arein‐vited to attend theFuneral Service at L. A. Muhleisen & SonFuneralHome, 2607 Williams Blvd Kenner.Vis‐itation will be held on Thursday,August7,2025 from6:00p.m.to9:00p.m and on Friday,August8, 2025 from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.followedbya Funeral Service from 10:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Laterthatday a Graveside Servicewithan inurnmentwillbeheldat MetairieCemeteryat3:00 p.m.all arewelcome.To share memories or condo‐lences, please visitwww muhleisen.com

Larry R. Dunn, 78 passedawayonJuly14, 2025, in Harahan, Louisiana.BornonJuly6, 1947, in NewOrleans Louisiana.Larry waspre‐ceded in deathbyhis par‐ents, Roland A. Dunn and GloriaP.Dunn. Aproud graduateofCarverSenior HighSchool in NewOr‐leans,Class of 1965, Larry pursued higher education atSouthernUniversityat New Orleans(SUNO), where he earned aBache‐lor of Sciencedegreein Science andMathematics Larry served hiscountry honorably in theUnited StatesArmyfromDecem‐ber 11, 1969, to December 22, 1971. Followinghis mili‐taryservice,Larry built a successfulcareerwiththe CityofHouston.His work there culminated in retire‐mentafter yearsofdedi‐cated public service. He is survivedbyhis loving sis‐ters: Pamela D. Shepherd ofAtlanta,Georgia;Paula D.Perry andher husband Albert; brothers Donald W. Dunnand Reginald K. Dunn withwifeSylviaofEllicott City, Maryland.Healso leavesbehindgodchildren: AlainaR.Dunnand Bran‐don Dunn; cherished aunts: GwendolynP.John‐son andOliviaP.Burns of Newark,New Jersey;as

well as numerous nieces, nephews,other relatives, and friendswho will miss him dearly.Precededin death by hisbrother-in-law Michael Sheperdand niece Melanie S. Samuel.A MemorialGathering will be heldonFriday, August 8, 2025, from 12:30 p.m. to 2:00p.m.atThe Boyd Fam‐ily FuneralHome, 5001 Chef Menteur Hwy. NewOr‐leans,LA70126. Pastor BennieScott, officiant. Pri‐vateInterment at South‐eastLouisiana Veterans Cemetery, Slidell, Louisiana.Guestbook On‐line: www.anewtraditionbe gins.com(504) 282-0600 Donavin D. Boyd andLinear BrooksBoydOwners/Fu‐neral Directors.

Guss, Olivia Yvonne

Olivia Yvonne Freeman GusswentHometoGlory onTuesday,July29, 2025 at the ageof92. “Momo”,as she waslovinglyknown was thefamilymatriarch She is survived by herde‐voted daughters, Margaret Chopin(Donald)and LeatriceHines (Jerome) and caring son, RoyJoseph Jr.;grandchildren,Pastor Cardell (Chastity) Barbarin, Corey Barbarin,Sr. and DantrellFord; greatgrand‐childrenand ahostof other relativesand friends. She is preceded in death byher parents, Mary LouiseGreen andFelix Freeman;her husband,Gill Guss; son, GregoryJones; grandson, DemarFord; and great granddaughter, Des‐tinyBrock.Oliviaattended Hoffman Elementary School,St. Monica Catholic School andwas agraduate ofBooker T. Washington HighSchool.She furthered her educationatSouthern UniversityofNew Orleans. She wasa lifelong educa‐tor in theNew Orleans PublicSchool system Oliviaoperateda daycare centerfunded by St Mark’sCommunity Center She wasalsoemployedas a seamstress at Sigmor SewingFactory,and the manager at theLittleGen‐eralStore.Relatives and friends of thefamily, also pastors,officers andmem‐bersofFirst Mount Calvary Baptist Church,Greater St StephenFullGospelBaptist Church andManna Baptist Church,employees of Sew‐erage andWater Boardof New Orleansand Musi‐cian’sVillage,members of the Zulu Social Aidand PleasureClub, andthe New Orleans Kidney Center,are invited to attend theCele‐bration of Life beginning 10:00 a.m. on Friday,Au‐gust8,2025 at FirstMount Calvary BaptistChurch, 2919 SixthSt.,New Orleans, LA. Rev. Uyless D. Landry III, pastor,officiating. Church visitation from 9:00 a.m.until thehourofser‐vice. Entombment to follow atMount Olivet Cemetery, 4000 Norman MayerAve New Orleans, LA.Rev David M. PatinSr. and GwienaMagee Patin, Fu‐neral Directors. Profes‐sionalservice entrustedto LittlejohnFuneralHome, 2163 AubryStreet, NewOr‐leans,La. 70119,Cal K. Johnson,Funeral Direc‐tor/Manager.Info: (504) 940-0045.

LucasAntonio Jordan passedawaypeacefullyat his home surrounded by familyatthe ageof49. BornonDecember22, 1975 hewas thecherished son ofSheilaJordanand Larry Jordan. He is survived by his loving siblings Yashica Jordan, Joseph Jordan,and Ayanna Jordan,along with a host of nieces,nephews, and great-nieces and nephews whomhedeeply loved.Lucas wasa skilled handyman, expressive artist, andgiftedpoet. He was knownmostfor his unwaveringlovefor family and thegentle, caring spirit he shared with everyonearound him. He was preceded in deathby his brotherLukeJordan, stepsonRoddrickVondell

Sims Jr., andgrandparents LillieMae Jeanpierre and JosephWilson. Relatives and friendsare invitedto celebrate hislifeonFriday, August8,2025, at True Vine Baptist Church,2008 Marigny St., NewOrleans, LA. Viewingbeginsat9:00 a.m.followedbyFuneral Service for10:00 a.m. offi‐ciatedbyRev.Dr. Donald C. JeanJacques Sr.Interment willfollowatRestlawn ParkCemetery, 3540 US-90, Avondale, LA 70094. Guest‐book Online:www.anewtra ditionbegins.com(504)2820600. Linear BrooksBoyd and DonavinD.BoydOwn‐ers/FuneralDirectors

Jordan Jr., Clarence Adolph 'Shady'

Clarence Adolph Shady" Jordan,Jr. -God’s willonearth with Clarence Adolph“Shady” Jordan,Jr. was complete on Thursday July17, 2025. Clarence was bornonJanuary 3, 1953 to the Late Clarence A. and Dorothy M. P. Jordan.He was thegreatestson brother,nephew, husband, father, uncle,cousin, God‐fatherand friend to allthat knewhim.Clarencewas baptizedatMorning Star Baptist Church under the leadershipofRev.Willie Williams at ayoung age. Hesanginthe choirfor manyyears.Healsowas a memberofthe Freemasons inhis young adultyears Clarencewas anativeof New Orleans. He attended Frances T. Nicholls High School.Clarencewas one ofthe firstAfrican Ameri‐canstoGraduatefrom Nichollsin1972. He at‐tendedLoyolaUniversity and begantoworkfor manyyears at Mckenzie Bakeryuntil they closed in the late 70’s. Clarence workedfor theNew Or‐leans SteamboatCompany where he worked andre‐tired after 42 years. On De‐cember6,1980, Clarence married theloveofhis life the late Henrietta Happy Jordan. From that union there were four children Monique,Shevonda, Neoshakeyana, Jordan and MargaretBennett. Nine grandchildren Monice Rahsaan,Toreyal,Taylor, Torey Jr., Trinity, Derrick, Janyla, Juelz. Twogreat grandchildren,Jordanand Greylen.Clarenceleavesto mourn sevensiblings Clark,Zachary,Joseph (Raven),DarrylJordan, ChiquitaJordan-White (Kelvin), ViolaJordan-Vick‐nair(Gabriel) andTerrell A. Shook (David). Threeaunts Eunice Dorch, Joycelyn Jor‐dan,Naomi Evans. Ade‐voted mother-in-lawIrma Kincey, sister-in-law Loretta K. Jenkins(Elbert). Special Friend Brenda Jack‐son anddevoted family friendDebra Reed.A great hostofnephews,nieces, Godchildren,stepsisters and brothers,cousins,and close friends. Clarence alsoleavesingreat mourn‐ing TheNatchez Steam‐boatFamily. Clarence is loved by many;hewas close notjusttohis family but everyone he passedby through his72years of life Helived thechurch hymn If Icould help somebody asI travel alongthenmy livingshall notbeinvain” Clarencewillbemissedby all.Relatives andfriends of the family, also Pastor,of‐ficers andmembers of New LightBaptist Church are allinvited to attend the FuneralService on Friday August8,2025 at 11:00 am atNew LightBaptist Church,1435 Feliciana Street,New Orleans, Louisiana 70117. Rev. Dr GregoryDavis,Pastorand Officiant. Visitation will begin at 10:00 am.Burial willbeprivate.Profes‐sionalarrangementsen‐trusted to Majestic Mortu‐ary Service, Inc. (504) 5235872.

Lalla,PaulineMaxwell

PaulineMaxwell Lalla age 89, peacefully passed awayonWednesday,July 30, 2025. Shewas born on June 29, 1936, in Doney‐loop,CountyDonegal,Ire‐land, to thelateAndrew and Mary Maxwell. The eleventhofthirteen chil‐dren, Paulinelosther motheratthe ageoftwo and waslovinglyraisedby her aunt,RoseMcNally She wasprecededindeath byall hersiblings, includ‐ing herbeloved sister Sadie,whose faith and strengthhelpedshape her throughouther life.Pauline attendedboardingschool inIreland,a formativeex‐periencethatnurturedher independenceand deep‐enedher lifelong Catholic faith.Asa young woman, PaulinetraveledtoNew Or‐leans,where shemet the now late Nicholas “Nick” Lalla while workingata local restaurant.Nickbe‐camea regularcustomer, and theirfriendshipgrew intoa lastingand devoted relationship. Pauline stayedinNew Orleans, where sheand Nick builta lifetogethergrounded in love, faith,and family. A proud andfeistyIrish woman,Paulinehad a laugh that could fill aroom and aspiritthatmade everyonefeel welcome. Above all, shefound her greatestjoy in beinga de‐voted wife,a loving mother, anda proud grandmother.She was happiestwhensurrounded byher children andgrand‐children. Sheissurvivedby her sevenchildren: Michael (Darlene), Chris‐tine, Karen(Casey),Janice (Brad), Annette,Paul (Rachel)and Nicholas Paulinewas adevoted grandmother to Jánelle, Michael,Jessica,Curtis, Lexie,Lauren, Nicholas Mallory,Alexandria, Jacob, Kate, Hope,Haley,Hanna Alex, Connor, Joseph,Do‐minick, anda cherished great-grandmother of six. The familyisdeeply grate‐ful to allofPauline’scare‐giversfor theircompas‐sion, kindness, andsup‐portinher finalyears.Rel‐ativesand friendsare in‐vited to attend avisitation tobeheldatGreenwood FuneralHome, 5200 Canal Blvd.,New Orleans, LA,on Friday, August 8, 2025, startingat11:00 am with a Massat1:00pm. Interment tofollowinGreenwood Cemetery. We also invite you to shareyour thoughts, fond memories and condolencesonlineat www.greenwoodfh.com Your shared memories will helpuscelebrate Pauline’s lifeand keep hermemory alive

Lee, Douglas MacArthur 'Papa'

Douglas"Papa"Mac Arthur Lee, age82, was bornonMay 5, 1943 in Batchelor,LA. He departed thisearthly home on Sun‐day,August3,2025 sur‐rounded by hisfamily. Dou‐glaswas aLouisiana truck driveruntil hisretirement. Douglas wasthe loving husband of LindaFaulk Lee for over 50 years. Beloved fatherofSandra, Edward, Tessua, Douglas, and Christopher Lee. Devoted brother of Alonra,Barbara Ann, Carolyn, Cynthia, Loretta,Robin,Sybil,Myra, Charles,Ronald, Gerald (Dematrice),Donald (Shirley),and Rickey (Glo‐ria). Belovednephewof MaryConley, JessieConley, KencieFaulk,Gwendolyn Faulk,and Albert Faulk. De‐voted godfather of Franklin Faulk.Adoring brother-inlaw of Selina Faulkand Vanessa Faulk. Devoted

Willie JamesLee; two nephews Clifford Faulkand StevenFaulk;and his mother-in-law Lillie Mae Faulk.Relatives andfriends ofthe familyare invitedto attend theCelebration of LifeService on Saturday, August9,2025 at Gertrude GeddesWillisFuneral Home, 2120 JacksonAv‐enue,New Orleans, LA 70113 at 12:30 p.m. Visita‐tionfrom11:30 am until 12:30 p.m. PrivateBurial. You maysignthe guest book on http://www.ger trudegeddeswillis.com Gertrude Geddes Willis Fu‐neral Home,Inc.incharge (504) 522-2525.

LewisSr.,Kenneth Keith

KennethKeith LewisSr. departedthisearthly life onSunday, July 27, 2025, at the ageof65years old. Mr Lewis wasa lifelong resi‐dentofOrleans Parish.He was awelder, apainter, and an all-around jack of all trades.Kenneth Lewis Sr. wasborntothe late Maryand RalphCasby on April 16, 1960. In 1978, he married Peggy Royand through that union was born: Kentrle(Lemar) Johns Sr., KeliciaLewis, Kenneth (Ke’Shawn) Lewis Jr.,and KarleneLewis.He was also thefatherof KendraWilson. He wasthe grandfather to:Keion Keiontae’,Kenneth III, and KentazLewis,Fareionta’ Harris, Kaylaand Lemar Johns Jr., Braliyaah Brown, Sha’Nell, A’Janell andEar‐nellPatterson,Deshawn Noil, De’jah Wilson,and De‐mariWilson. He wasthe great-grandfather to KeimyriaLewis,Ka’Lani Cary, andKai’ven Johns Mr. Lewiswas theloving brother of Terry Casby, Tracy (Wency)Casby Sr., Roslyn(Anthony) Matthews, andAdana (Michael) Cummings. He is survived byhis companion, Carolyn Wilson,his godmother, and a host of aunts, uncles,rel‐atives, andfriends.Mr. Lewis wasprecededin death by hisparents,Mary and RalphCasby.His ma‐ternalgrandparents, Mary and Curtis Lewis, andpa‐ternalgrandparents, Helen and RalphCasby,and his brother,Kim Casby. Ken‐nethloved beinga member ofthe Mohawk Hunters; he found joyinringing hisbell asheparaded throughthe city. Hisamazing story‐telling left familyand friends laughing forhours Heloved to paintwithhis special twist, of course You always endedupwith Kenneth’s speciallineona wallsomewhere.Heloved tojokeand clownwithhis kidsand grandkids. He alsotaughthis grandkids togardenand draw.Take yourrest. We will truly missyou.You’reresting in the arms of themaster, where we allhopetobe one day. We love younow and forever. Relativesand friends of thefamilyare in‐vited to attend thememor‐ial serviceonSaturday, Au‐gust9,2025 at Robinson FamilyFuneral Home 9611 LA-23, Belle Chasse LA.be‐ginning at 10AM. Funeral planningentrusted to RobinsonFamilyF.H.(504) 208-2119. Foronlinecondo‐lencespleasevisit www robinsonfamilyfuneralho me.com

sister,Katie Jean Street,Al‐lison Montana, Jr.and Tootie"Montana.Heis survivedbyhis 98-year-old mother, PearlLockett; stepbrother,Arthur Lock‐ett, Yvonne Montana, Shavonne Montana-Martin, DanaMontana anda host ofnieces, nephews, other relatives andfriends.A Celebration servicehonor‐ing thelifeand legacy of the late MyronCarey Lock‐ett will be held at Israel Baptist Church,1701 MaraisStreet,New Or‐leans,LA70116 on Satur‐day,August9,2025 at 11 am. IntermentSt. Louis#3. Visitation10aminthe church.Pleasesignonline guestbook at www.cha rbonnetfuneralhome.com. Charbonnet LabatGlapion, Directors (504) 581-4411.

AliceMae Martinez Muntzpassedawaypeace‐fully on Sunday,August3 2025 at theage of 88, after a courageous battlewith Alzheimer’s diseaseand lung cancer.She is pre‐ceded in deathbyher beloved husbandof56 years,Henry Muntz, and her late son, Michael Muntz. Loving mother of EvelynFrantz(Steven)and BrendaMuntz (David). Daughterofthe late Jose Martinezand thelateRos‐abelRoussel Weilbaecher. Formermother-in-law of Kathleen C. Muntz. Proud grandmother of David Frantz(Natalie),Jared Frantz(Veronica), Alicia Frantz, Rachel Boudreaux (Kaleb),Jessica Muntz, LaurenMuntz, Hunter Muntz, Hayley Morgan, BrookeMorgan, andstepgranddaughter,Ashley Morgan. Survived by 13 great-grandchildren.A na‐tiveofGrand Point, New Orleans,and aresidentof Metairiefor 61 years. She retired from Latter &Blum Realtor.The familywould liketothank herwonderful caregiversatthe Peristyle Residence:Gwen, Lana Kimberly, Katherine, and manyothers; Hospice Team: Monique, Cherie, and Brittany;Private Sit‐ters: Vanessa andJoyce Relatives andfriends of the familyare invitedtoattend the FuneralService at Gar‐den of Memories Funeral Home, 4900 AirlineDrive, onSaturday, August 9, visi‐tationwillbegin at 10:30 a.m.witha mass at 1:00 p.m.Interment will be at Greenwood Cemetery,5190 Canal Blvd., NewOrleans, La. 70124.

LeDreamer Lee; twobroth‐ersLeonard Lee, Jr.and

late Lawrence AlvinNew‐ton Sr.and LillianE.Con‐nerly;Devoted father of Keith (Barbara),Dale, Dar‐ren (LeRoyce)Newton, Leslie (Keith)Morgan, Donna (John) Adams, and LawrenceIII (Lisa),Quinn, Chris,Corey,Lance (Christina) Newton;Cher‐ished brotherofJerome (Douglas) Newton andthe lateWarrenNewton. He is alsosurvivedby23grand‐children, numerous greatgrandchildren,and ahost ofnieces, nephews, cousins, otherrelatives, friends,and hisbeloved dog. Relativesand friends ofthe family, also employ‐ees of BohBros, areinvited toattend theFuneral Mass ofChristian Burial at St Maria GorettiCatholic Church, 7300 Crowder Boulevard,New Orleans, Louisiana on Monday,Au‐gust11, 2025 at 11:00 am; Visitationwillbegin at 10:00 am;Interment:Mt. OlivetCemetery, 4000Nor‐man MayerAvenue,New Orleans,Louisiana.E.J FieldingFuneralHomehas been entrustedwithfu‐neral arrangements.The Newtonfamilyinvites you toshare thoughts,fondest memories, andcondo‐lencesonlineatE.J.Field‐ing FuneralHomeGuest Book at www.ejfieldingfh com

Stephen DominicPeller, III, age 73, of Pass Christian, passed away Thursday, July 31, 2025. Stephen Dominic Peller, III, was born on September 13, 1951, in Meridian, Mississippi, the only child of the late Stephen D. Peller Jr. and Yvonne Brewer Peller. Always sensing where the action was, he made it to Woodstock the summer before attending the University of Mississippiat Oxford, then landed in New Orleans to begin asuccessful career in insurance. Steve blossomed in NewOrleans, loving the Gulf Coast, its people and restaurants, the Garden District and Pass Christian, Mardi Gras, and the Southern and Pass Christian Yacht Clubs. Steve grew up on freshwater, waterskiingon lakes and rivers near his father's hunting cabin, winning championships until he broke his leg on a submerged log. His zest for fun and friendship were contagious; his quickwit, sincere interest in other people, and his adventurous spirit grabbed your heart. He could fix anything—cars, houses, broken relationships—transformingstrangers into friends on land, lake, river, or sea. Steve was particularly proud of his advance work for George H.W. Bush's presidentialcampaigns.Hepartiedwith his Proteus Crewe and raced along the Gulf Coast and East Coast all the way to Cuba. He broke his foot on an America's Cup yacht in Newport. He lived life to the fullest. Steve married Mary Elizabeth Hays of Gulfport and New Orleans on Nov. 27, 2004, and shared alife of parties, close friends, standard poodles, and gourmet food. Steve's smile and handshake greeted you at the door of their beautiful Prytania Street home (as did their giant poodles), agenerous pour of bourbon warmed your soul (his collection was famous), andstories were told. At dinner, you learned that Steve was on intimate terms with barbeque, Boudin sausage, and turducken, averitable pitmaster with his Green Egg. He and Mary knew every out-of-the-way New Orleans restaurant and bistro Steve also knew great sorrow. His only child, his beloved Christopher, died young. Adouble funeral was held February 26, 2016, in Metairie because Steve's first wife, Signa "Sisi" Coiron Lamothe, died four days after Christopher of abroken heart. Visitation will be held at 10:00 a.m. and the funeral service will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 9, 2025, at St. Peter's-by-theSea Episcopal Church in Gulfport, Mississippi,with areception at Gulfport Yacht Club following the service. (PCYC is hostinga big race that day that

Steve would have loved ) From GYC you can see Steve's belovedCat Island, just over thehorizon. Riemann Family Funeral Home,Gulfport, is honored to serve the Peller family.

Petty,Kenneth Joseph

KennethJosephPetty departedthislifeonFriday, August1,atUniversity Medical Center in New Or‐leans.Mr. Petty was68 years oldand aresidentof Harvey. He attended Fred‐erick Douglasand Lincoln HighSchools. He worked for R.N.Templeman Lum‐ber Companyfor over 25 years.Son of thelate MelvinPetty Sr.and the lateRuthWrightPetty Beloved father of William Ganes III, Zanell Drope, La‐toyaKennedy,Anna Gard‐ner,Andra Gardnerand Jessica Morris.Nephewof Beverly Austin.He is also survivedby22grandchil‐dren, 8great-grandchil‐dren, aunts, uncles,nieces, nephews,cousins,other relatives andfriends.Rela‐tives andfriends of the familyare invitedtoattend the funerals serviceonFri‐day,August8,2025 at Robinson Family Funeral Home, 9611 LA-23, Belle Chasse,LA. Thevisitation willbegin at 1p.m.fol‐lowed by a2 p.m. service officiated by Rev. Joel Ful‐ton.Funeralplanningen‐trusted to Robinson Family FuneralHome(504) 2082119. Foronlinecondo‐lences, please visitwww robinsonfamilyfuneralho me.com

Albert (Damon)Riley passedawayonJuly26, 2025, at theage of 72.He was theson of thelate CottrellRiley, Jr.and the lateNancy Franklin Riley. Albertissurvivedbyhis daughter, ShontelMinor (Cory), son, DamonA.Riley (Cori), grandson Cory J. Minor,Jr.,and grand‐daughters CharlieP.Riley and GreysonA.Riley,sis‐tersMattieMcCoy andGail Riley,brothersMichael Riley (Marsha) andTer‐rance Riley. He is also sur‐vived by a host of otherrel‐ativesand friends. Albert isprecededindeath by his beloved sister BarbaraEs‐telle andbrother Cottrell Riley,III. Family andfriends are invitedtoattend the MemorialService on Satur‐day,August9,2025, for4:30 p.m.atThe Boyd Family Fu‐neral Home,5001 Chef Menteur Hwy.,New Or‐leans,Louisiana 70126.Vis‐itation will beginat3:30 pm. Thefamilywillhave a private interment. Guest‐book Online:www.anewtra ditionbegins.com(504) 2820600. DonavinD.Boydand LinearBrooksBoydOwn‐ers/FuneralDirectors

Olga Melancon Roth passedawayonSaturday, August2,2025. Shewas borninNew Orleans, LA on August24, 1934. Sheissur‐vived by herchildren, GeorgeRothIV, Elizabeth Brown (Willy)and Patricia Brown (P.J.);grandchildren DanielBrown (Melanie), AliciaCornwell(Jeremiah) and Chad Brown(Maycie); and greatgrandchildren Loren Cornwell andCalvin Brown. Shewas preceded indeath by herhusband, GeorgeF.RothIII; herpar‐ents Olga BauerMelancon

andLouis Melancon;and her brother, Fred Melan‐con.Olgawas anativeof New Orleansand aresi‐dentofLewisburg.She was the ownerand founder of The HouseofRothCeram‐ics in Harahanand also a Northshorerealestate agent.She will be missed byall who knew andloved her.Inlieuof flowers, con‐tributionsinmemoryof Mrs.OlgaRothmay be madetothe American Heart Association, PO Box 840692, Dallas,TX752840692, https://www.heart org/Relatives andfriends are invitedtoattend the memorialservicesatE.J FieldingFuneral Home 2260 W21st Avenue,Cov‐ingtonLA70433 on Friday August8,2025, at 11:00 AM withvisitationonFriday beginning at 9:00 AM.E.J FieldingFuneralHomehas been entrustedwithfu‐neral arrangements.The Rothfamilyinvites youto share thoughts,fondest memories, andcondo‐lencesonlineatE.J.Field‐ing FuneralHomeGuest Book at www.ejfieldingfh com

FrancisB.Segrave Sr., 94, of Slidell, Louisiana, passedawayonSaturday, August2,2025, in Coving‐ton,Louisiana.Frank,ashe was known, wasbornJan‐uary3,1931, to Walter and SophieSegrave in New YorkCity. As achild the familymoved to NewOr‐leans.Hewas agraduate ofHolyCross High School, and in 1972 graduatedfrom TulaneUniversity. In 1960 hemarried Mary Evelyn Armiger in NewOrleans where they livedand raisedtheir familyuntil movingtoSlidell in 1993 Frank enlisted andserved inthe Army National Guard for 18 years, andretired fromSouth CentralBell / AT&Tafter 38 years. Frank was preceded in deathby his wife,EvelynSegrave; two sisters, AudryDomecq, JoanMunch; andone brother,William Segrave. Heissurvivedbythree children, FrankSegrave Jr (Colleen), ConstanceS.Bel‐lone(Michael),RobertSeg‐rave(Tonya);one brother, WalterSegrave Jr.and sis‐ter-in-lawCarol Segrave (William);seven grandchil‐dren, JeffreySegrave (Leah), AimeeBoelling (Jason),Christopher Bel‐lone, Evelyn Bellone, Adam Segrave,Aaron Segrave, TessieSegrave; five greatgrandchildren,Brooklyn Boelling,VioletBoelling Cecilia Segrave, Jesse WhittingtonJr.,Angelo Whittington; andnumer‐ous nieces,nephews,other relatives andclose friends. The only thingFrank loved morethanTulanefootball and baseball wasspending timewithhis family. He loved hishomeand friends inEdenIsles.Hewas al‐waysthe life of anyparty Hewas an avid golferand fishermanaswell. The familywould like to thank Ginaand Greg Weberas wellasthe staff andcare‐giversofAvantiSeniorLiv‐ing in Covingtonfor their support,kindness, andlov‐ing care of Mr.Segrave.Fu‐neral Services will be held atHonaker FuneralHome, 1751 GauseBlvd. West, Slidell, LA 70460, on Friday, August8,2025. Visitation willbegin at 9:00 am fol‐lowed by theFuneralMass at11:00 am.Burialwillbe inForestLawnCemetery. Pleasevisit www.honaker forestlawn.comtosign guestbook.Arrangements byHonaker FuneralHome, Inc.,Slidell, LA

SylvesterJr.,Martin C. 'Marty'

Martin "Marty"C Sylvester,Jr.,age 43, Tran‐sitionedtoEternal Life on Tuesday,July29, 2025, at EastJefferson General Hospital. Martin arrivedon February20, 1982, at Char‐ity Hospital to theHoly Union of Pastor Martin C. Sylvester,Sr.,and Lady CleoPicquet Sylvester. De‐voted Husbandof21years tohis BeautifulBride,Crys‐tal Barthelemy.LovingFa‐theroftwo;Mariyah Chloe' Sylvester,BlessedDaugh‐ter,and Martin C. Sylvester III, BlessedSon.Godfather ofEssenceTarrence, Big Brother of ArsenioDecelle Sr. (Tremaine) Sylvester, GodsonofGwendolyn HowardPhelpsand Darnell Sylvester.Martinwas the heart of hislateGrand‐mother, Ella MaeSylvester, and hislateGrandfather Arthur "Jim"Picquet.Mar‐tin's transition leaves be‐hinda host of nieces, nephews,other family members,relatives,and so manyfriends.Relatives and friends, Pastors, Offi‐cers, andMembers of the GardenofPrayerFamily Worship Center,and St LukeBaptist Church,as wellasall neighboring churches in St.Bernard Parishand Plaquemines Parish; employees of UPS, UnitedParcelService,Inc., and PhoenixHighSchool are invitedtoattend the Celebration of Life Service, honoringthe life of Martin "Marty" C. Sylvester, Jr., on his Transition to Eternal Life; Saturday,August09, 2025, for11:00 a.m. at the GardenofPrayerFamily Worship Center,2605 Mun‐sterBoulevard,Meraux, LA 70075. Visitation will begin at9:00am. Pastor Merlin FloresSr. of GreaterMt. Olive MBC, officiating. In‐terment will follow at Prov‐idenceMemorialPark& Mausoleum,8200 Airline Drive,Metairie, LA 70003 Repastwillbeheldatthe GardenofPrayerFamily Worship Center Banquet Hall. Guestbook Online: www.anewtraditionbegins com (504)282-0600. Linear BrooksBoydand Donavin D.BoydOwners/FuneralDi‐rectors

PaulaAnn Trumbach, born and raised in the French Quarter of New Orleans, LA and along time resident of Metairie, LA,passed away August 2, 2025. She was89years young.

Paulaispreceded in death by her parents, Eric Eustice and Anna Dugas Trumbach and her brother EricNoelTrumbach.

Paulaissurvivedbyher brother, Louis Winston Trumbach (Maria) of Covington, LA;her sister, Fay Trumbach Kellyof Folsom, LA;her sister-inlaw, Emma Jean Trumbach (Eric) of Moselle, MS; 6 nieces and nephews, 6god -children whom she spoke to and of often, and innumerable life long and newly formed friendships. She wasagoodfriend to many and LOVED helping others. She was also thefamily historian, keeping in touch with distant aunts, uncles

andcousinsthroughout theyears.

Paula wasafaithful Christian wholoved the Lord, andwas amember of St.Ann Catholic Church & Shrine for manyyears.

Paula attendedand graduated from St.Louis Cathedral GradeSchool andthenHoly Angels Academy in 1954. Shewent on to work in theshipping industry for many years before retiring.

Ourfamilywould like to thank thestaff at Heritage ManorofMandeville and Lakeview Regional Medical Center for their care and comfort.

Relativesand friends are invited to attendthe Funeral Mass at Lake Lawn MetairieFuneral Home, 5100 PontchartrainBlvd in NewOrleans,onSaturday, August 9, 2025. Visitation will begin at 1PMwith a Mass followingat3 PM Paula willbelaidtorest privately in Lake Lawn Parkata later date.

To view and sign the familyguestbook, please visit lakelawnmetairie.com

Dr.Eunicestine "Mama Eunice"TalleyWilliams was born on November 30, 1939, to thelateLem Talley and ElizabethSatterwhite TalleyinPineMountain, Georgia.Her Christianjour‐ney beganatanearly age. She wasa faithfulmember ofthe Church of Christ in New Orleans(Carrollton) for over 16 years. Shewas a faithfulgreeter who al‐waysworea warm smile Dr. Williams wasmarried tothe late EddieWilliams Sr. To theirunion they raisedthree children La‐Creda JoyWilliams, Robert Williams Sr KennethTal‐ley.Dr. Eunice Williams was aself-employedCos‐metologist forover65 years andthe ownerof New Expression Full-Ser‐viceSalon UntilKatrina de‐stroyed thecity. Mama Eu‐nicejoinedVogueEspree under theleadershipofDr. MercedesToreganoand was thetreasurer of that educational club followed byjoining ExquisiteCre‐ations underthe leader‐

ship of Dr.JacquelineClark and served as 2ndvice president.She furthered her career with the Louisiana StateBeauti‐cians andBarbers Associa‐tionand theNational BeautyCulturist League where sheobtainedher PHD in Arts andScience She wasa member of the State andNationalHair Cutting TravelingTeam. Dr Williams wasawarded Womanofthe Year"in 2000 with ThetaNuSigma NationalSororityChi Chap‐ter.She took prideintrain‐ing otherstylist on howto use theweave machinefor thatnatural look which was becoming anew trend.She traveled allover the worldasaninterna‐tionalstylist andeducator. She landed ajob at JC Pen‐ney (Lakesidelocation) where sheenjoyed working until,she retired. On Friday, July18, 2025, theangels carried Mama Eunice through thosepearlygates where shewas reunited withher parents, herhus‐bandand brothers Hay‐wood (Sarah), Maxand Palmer. Left to celebrate her life andcherish her memoriesare herdevoted children, JoyWilliams, RobertWilliamsSr.,Ken‐nethTalley, Noreen Young and AnnJefferson;her sib‐lings KathrynGarnerand JohnTalley(Annie) as well as44grandchildren,sev‐eralgreat grandchildren, and nieces,nephews, cousin, otherrelatives and devoted friends. Relatives and friendsofthe family are invitedtoattendthe funeral serviceonFriday, August8,2025 at theCar‐rollton Avenue Church of Christ4440 SouthCarroll‐ton Ave.,New OrleansLA 70119. Thevisitationwill begin at 9a.m.followedby a 10 a.m. service. Brother KirkGarrisonwillofficiate, and entombment will fol‐low in Mount Olivet Ceme‐tery, 4000 Norman Mayer Ave NewOrleans LA 70122. Funeralplanningen‐trusted to Robinson Family Funeral Home,9611 LA-23, Belle Chasse,LA70037 (504) 208-2119. Foronline condolences,pleasevisit www.robinsonfamilyfuner alhome.com

Fallingbirth rates, outmigration painttroubling picture forLa.

Troubling demographic data is nothingnew for Louisiana.

But apair of recent stories paints avivid picture, not just of our losses, but whoisgaining from them.

In the first, reporter Emily Woodruff found that Louisiana has seen asteep dropinbirth rates over the last decade-plus. Specifically, Louisiana had almost 11,000 fewer birthsin 2024 than it did in 2013, adrop from more than 63,000 to just over 52,000, or 17%, according to preliminary data from the National Centerfor Health Statistics and the Centersfor Disease Control and Prevention.

The speed of the decline has increasedinrecent years, the data showed

The problem can be partially traced to areduction in the number of women aged15-44 who live in Louisiana. There were roughly 29,000 fewer women in that age group in 2023 than therewereadecade prior,Woodruff’s analysis found.

And even though Louisianamaintains arelatively high fertility rate —women here are more likely to have children thanwomen in other parts of the country —thathas also been droppingprecipitously.Inraw numbers, for every1,000 women, there are about 60 births in Louisiana. That’shigher than the national averageof54.5, but still 10% lower than it wasa decade earlier

There are, of course, anumberofreasons for the reductions in fertility: higher costs for housing and child care, economic uncertainties and evolving attitudes toward childbearing and parenting. And among Louisianans who want to raisefamilies, otherstates offer the tempting luresthatcomewith amore vibranteconomy.

“Thenumber one reason people movelong distances is for job opportunities,” oneexpert told Woodruff. Per census data, about 129,000 more people leftthe state than moved in between 2020 and 2024. Alarge number of those were likely people in their 20s and 30s, in their prime familystarting years, expertssaid

Thosewho move often head west to Texas, the second story showed.Using data aboutoneway rentals for the first seven months of the year,the moving company U-Haul notedthat Louisiana is among the top five origin statesfor people headedtoHouston,Dallas, Austin and San Antonio. None of this should be asurprise.Louisiana’s population uptick lastyear —largely duetothe way international immigrantswere counted did little to mask that thestate is on theverge of what is atroubling demographic precipice. The problem is especially worrisome giventhe large gains being experienced by otherSun Belt states, including Texas. These stories highlight thedepth andtrajectory of what is awell-known problem. There are solutions, but they won’t be easy,and they should be multipronged: an improved business climate should come alongwithupgrading “quality-of-life” issues that make places attractive to families. Otherwise, Louisiana will continuetolose, and other states, like Texas will gain.

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 LETTER, SCANHERE

Louisiana’saffordable housing shortage is gettingharder to ignore. Rents are rising; wages aren’tkeeping up, and across our state, from LakeCharles to Lafayette to New Orleans, families are struggling to find adecent place to livethat doesn’tbreak the bank.

That’swhy Iunderstand the concern many Louisianans are feeling about housing aid cuts under President Donald Trump’slatest budget Idon’tagree withthese cuts. In a perfect world, we’dsee morefederal support, not less, for themost vulnerable.

It’stime for state and local leaders to step up withsolutions of our own. The truthisthat Louisianadoesn’t have enough affordable housing to meet demand.

Arecent study by LSUShreveport found that our state is experiencing asevere shortage of available affordable units for lowincome renters. In fact, there are fewer than 65 available units for every 100 very low-income households. The best way to fix asupply shortage is to build moresupply

Butthat’s not happening nearly fast enough. Onereasonisthat Louisiana’sown zoning and permitting rules areholding us back It shouldn’tcost an arm and aleg, or takeyears of red tape, to build safe, decent homes in areas that need them. Butthat’s what too often happens. We need to reexamine ourpriorities. Some of themosteffective reformsthe Biden administration focused on helping communities modernize and streamline housing rules that drive up costs andslow construction. Louisianashould do thesame.

Washington may not ride to the rescue this time, but Louisiana still has choices. We can removelocal barriers to building new housing. We can fight against federal overreach that would make developmentmore costly or chaotic. And we can work together,across party and parish lines, to bringcommonsense housing solutions to every corner of this state.

That’sa fight worthpursuing, no matter who’sinthe White House.

CHARLES MELANCON formerU.S.representative

Rhetoric puttingICE agents in danger

I’m totally disgusted listening to thenews from liberal television broadcasts. Their support of the liberal Democrats in our government has mademedisgusted with how thepeople in the Democratic Senate and House of Representatives are acting like juvenile delinquents. They are spewing nothing but garbage and puttingthe lives of law enforcement officers in jeopardy while doing so. Members of local, stateand federal law enforcement agencies have ajob to do.

Inever thought Iwould ever see theday when people from this country would support such nonsense, but we are even seeing a Democratic socialist running for mayor of New York Citywith what appears to be agood deal of support I’m aware that there are those who do not support our president’s goals, but that is no reason to advocate for violence. President Donald

Trumpisdoing what he believes is in America’sbest interest, and Democrats and Republicans should support him because he is our elected president Immigrants who came across the border illegally have already committed acrime, but there are those who either don’tunderstandthat or just want to undermine our laws. Ihave heard plenty from the agitatorsand theliberal left, and now it is time for the other side to take action.

We cannot have mayors telling their police departments not to support ICE and not to assist them in making arrestsand enforcing the laws of the United States. If you agree with this letter,contact your government representative and tell them to support Trump. Stop the outrageous rhetoric and help prevent what could be aloss of lives.

PAUL ESKINE Metairie

This Fourth of July weekend, my family of five set out foranaffordable vacation, hoping to create lasting memories. Instead, we were ensnared by aspeed trap in Cheneyville, asmall towninRapides Parish. After stopping to eat in Bunkie, we continued through Cheneyville, where the speed limit abruptly dropped from 55 mphto35mph with minimal signage. Before Icould adjust, an officer issued asteep fine, directing me to the town’smayor’scourt —a system that feels morelike arevenue schemethan apursuit of justice. This experience highlights abroader issue: Small Louisiana towns like Cheneyville rely on speed traps to sustain their budgets, targeting travelers with sudden speed limit changes and opaque mayor’scourts. These courts, where mayors act as judge and jury,often lack impartiality and accountability,leaving drivers with little recourse. If atown’s survival depends on such predatory practices, perhaps it’stimetoquestion whether it should remain incorporated at all. Unincorporation could shiftgovernance to parishes, ensuring fairer oversight and reducing reliance on exploitative fines. Iurge lawmakers to act. Ban mayor’s courts, mandate clear speed limit signage and require transparent municipal budgets. Louisiana’sroads should be safe, not profitable. Iencourage readers to share their stories and demand reform to end speed traps and mayor’scourts.

BRANDON

BERNOS Hammond

From the floods, our thoughts will remain Forever poisoned, forever stained

All of those beautiful young lives lost We will all surely cost

So many families will now have to continue on With muchhardship and left to mourn We should all unite and pray As one, on this day

Atragedy for

Howa jazz second-line

ledto JamesCarville

To ask what jazz funerals havein common withfamed political consultant James Carville soundslikethe set-up for some mordantwitticism, butit’snot. This very month the answer,the connection, isLouisiana-based journalist/author/ documentarian Jason Berry In that connection, moreover, we can celebrate some of Louisiana’swonderful uniqueness. This is abig month for Berry, whose work for decades has spanned groundbreaking researchoncivil rights andonthe Catholic Church’schild-abuse scandal, but who has been known longest as a nuanced chronicler of Louisiana’smusic and culture.This month, in ahomestate culmination of a20-year labor Louisiana Public Broadcasting (Aug 20) and WYES-TV in New Orleans (Aug. 26, Aug. 30 and Sept.16) will air Berry’sdocumentary,“City of AMillion Dreams: Parading for TheDead In NewOrleans.” Within aweek of that announcement came official notice that Berryhas inked adealtowrite an authorized biography of Carville,the outspoken Democratic campaign ace.

anyoneelse is capable of understanding exactly who Iam—inways that I’mnot sure that I can explain sometimes.”

Noting that he already has published memoirs andbeen the subject of two major documentaries, Carville said this bookisdifferent: “I do think it’s not goingtobethe standard political biography.” Then, specifically referencing Berry’snew documentaryand other work with admiration, he said Berry “knows the musical stuff, he knows the history and all theCatholic stuff. and how much civil rights and race has shaped my life.”

Berry said that in conversations throughthe years with Carville, he felt the same connection.

maybe lenses, through which tosee thehistory of New Orleans and its race relations. Traditional jazz clarinetist Dr.Michael White, who two days ago kicked off this newspaper’sseries of Katrina-related essays, is acentral focus of Berry’sdocumentary When it was first released, Ireviewed “CityofaMillion Dreams”with great enthusiasm: “Hurricane Katrina blows through thefilm with tremendous emotional force. Without an obvious, driving, central narrative, sometimes the film doesn’tseem to be going anywhere in particular (although it is), but even when it spins off as if to mimic the improvisational style of jazz, itsvisual and auditory richness keeps the viewer enthralled.”

Many things are wrong with the Florida migrant detention center officially named “Alligator Alcatraz,” but least of these are the gators and pythons that populate the environmentally sensitive Everglades, where the prison is located.

What the Trump administration has created with the facility’scontroversial placement is an unsanitary,mosquito-plagued gulag where caged menessentially serve as research subjects for psychological experiments. The proposition presumably being tested is that menimprisoned in crowded, deprived circumstances eventually (how long?) will become deranged and violent, necessitating their deportation.

One auteur,for what seem to be two very different subjects.

As Carville explains, hiswillingness to work with Berry on thebook —Berry’s idea, and on which Berry has full editorial control, Carville none —has almost everything to do withBerry’s recordonLouisiana cultural topics such as that in the jazz funeral documentary For the new “James Carville has Something to Say,” Carville said he agreed to cooperate because “so much of who Iamorwas shaped bycultural, familial, religious (background, and) Ithink Jason understands that better than anyone else. (and)more than

DOG DAYS OF SUMMER

“Think of 1960, James is 14 and he’s from Carville, Louisiana, and he would go into Baton Rouge to CYO dances listening to Irma Thomas and Ernie K-Doe andArt and Aaron Neville Black and other [cultures’] musicians on thestagejust as the civil rights battles were exploding on television news,” Berry said. “You have thecultural crossroads of Louisiana: Youhave race and you have music, and Ithink in avery real sense James… carried that crossroadswith him.”

Yep, this certainly doesn’tsound like a“standard political biography.”

Meanwhile, Berry’sdocumentary airs this month. More than 15 years in the making andthen released to film festivals in 2021 when COVID restrictions still were depressing turnout, “City of aMillion Dreams”isnow used as course material at universities includingTulane,Loyola, Georgetown and Berkeley.But it never has been on TV in Berry’shomestate.

Thefilm usesjazz funerals and HurricaneKatrina as dual motifs,or

It’sscorching hot outside and this lovable poochis having ablast cooling down butitlooks likethe cool catsinthe air conditioning have athing ortwo to say about all this. So, what’sgoing oninthis cartoon? you tell me.Bewitty,funny, crazy, absurd or snarky— just trytokeep it clean.There’snolimit on the number of entries.Thewinning punchline will be lettered into the word balloon and runMonday.Inaddition, thewinner will receivea signed print of the cartoon along with acool winner’sT-shirt! Honorablementions will also be listed.To enter, email entries to cartooncontest@ theadvocate.com. Allentries mustinclude your name, home address and phonenumber. Cell numbers are best.Thedeadline is midnight on Thursday. Have fun with this one, everyone!— Walt

Similarly,it’ssafe to say that alarge part of what has madeCarville not just asuccessful political guru but also a unique celebrityisthat he, too, always seemstospeak improvisationally, authentically,with no filters. And although Carville and Berry —both oldstyle political liberals (but not modern hard leftists) —advocatepolicies far from my conservative political tastes, Ishare withthem the sense that deep cultural ties ultimately should unite us as Americansand certainly as Louisianans.

Either way,everyone should watch “CityofaMillion Dreams”onlocal public TV stations this month. As my earlier review said, you’ll see “such a sense of the exotic as to be deliciously disorienting.

It’snot too much of astretch to wonder if Berry’sbiography of Carville, when it comes out in two years, will likewise carry asense of theexotic and also asense of wisdom that comes from aculture of resilience and joy Email QuinHillyer at quin.hillyer@ theadvocate.com

It’sbeing describedbythe mediaas an “autopsy,” an examination byDemocrats as to why they lost thelast presidential election and acongressional majority.According to TheNew York Times, the autopsy will notinclude Joe Biden’s decision to seek asecondterm, or Kamala Harris’ poor performance in seeking the presidency when Biden dropped out. Biden and Harris were only the faces of the obstacles Democrats face. Their real problems go much deeper

transgenderism, gender-affirming surgery, same-sexmarriage,abortion, opposing school choice, and ahostof other secular-progressive policieswill only repeat their recent defeatsshould they continue running on and defending those policies in coming elections

Let’sturn to adefinition of autopsy: “a surgical procedure that consists of athoroughexamination of acorpsebydissection to determine the cause, mode, andmannerofdeath.”

By choosing such aword,the media and their fellow Democrats appear to believe the party —atleast this party as currently constituted —isdead. Since the secular left doesn’tbelieve in aresurrection, what are they to do to win sufficient credibility to retakethe presidency and acongressional majority?

To paraphrase an old Elvis Presley song in adifferent context, Democrats are“Caught in atrap.Theycan’t walk out.” The party of higher taxes, neverending entitlements, open borders,misspending, big government, regulations, biological males in women’ssports,

Their only hope is to ditch the entire social agenda and get backtowhere the party used to be on theeconomy,jobs and arigorous foreign policy that keeps our enemies under control. See JFK.

That’sunlikely to happen, becausethe future of the party appears to have been seized by radicals like Zohran Mamdani, New York City’s Democrat candidate for mayor, and Minneapolis Democrat Mayor JacobFreywho is seeking reelection.AWallStreet Journal editorial describesFrey as “Mamdani II” and reports he was “snubbed at arecent Democratic convention, whose delegates instead endorsed Omar Fateh a35-year-old socialist state senator.”

That’sjust another step in the left direction, something like renominating Kamala Harris for president and expecting adifferent result.

SummarizingFateh’splatform, the Journal editorial says: “Fateh is proposing rent control andmore public housing, includingwith funding from ‘a dedicated levy’. (codefor higher taxes)

“He says Minneapolis shouldn’tbea ‘playground for developers.’ Hisstance on the homeless is to promise ‘a compassionateapproach to encampments,’ including saying he’ll work to ‘ensure that residents have access to lifesaving infrastructure like hand-washing stations, portable bathrooms, running water,safe needle disposal programs, and storage for personal belongings.”’ Oh,and then Fateh is trotting out the tired Democrat line that the wealthy are not paying their “fair share” in taxes. There may not be enough room in Floridafor all thepeople who want to join New Yorkers leaving for climes that practice what used to be called common sense. It doesn’tappear Democratshave learned anything from voters. The only way they can hope to makeacomeback —ifthey choose not todrop their social agenda —istotry to cover up past and current positions that have turned off red state voters. Given all the video, audio and print that has recorded those positions and radical statements, astealth approach is unlikely to work. After an autopsy,the body is usually buried. SomeRepublicans are pondering whether to create athird party. That won’tbenecessary if Democrats continue to promote dead ideas.

Email Cal Thomasattcaeditors@ tribpub.com

The desired effect has been to terrorize migrants who have entered the country illegally or, in many cases, have overstayed their visa —amisdemeanor.Some unknown number of undocumented migrants not yet in detention have begun self-deporting. At least 11 people have died in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody since January

Though the White House under President Donald Trump might see self-deportation as the hoped-for result of magnifying migrants’ fears with the threat of hellholes such as Alligator Alcatraz, the greater andmore loathsome consequence is the dehumanization of those people, mostly brown-skinned, most of whomrisked life and limb to seek work and a better life.

This is not to excuse breaking U.S. laws to gain entry,but to point out that the Trump administration —namely Stephen Miller,the president’stop adviser on immigration policy —seems to be trying to change the way Americans see immigrants —not as human beings but as animals deserving less consideration than lab rats.

The center,hastily constructed on an airstrip in the middle of the Everglades, has no infrastructure for human needs, such as bathrooms and sewage disposal. Each cage housing 32 men contains three exposed toilets (no privacy), and sewage is removed from the area by the truckload. Recently,about 600 menare incarcerated, but the facility has capacity for 3,000 and room to expand. Around the White House, this is no doubt a chuckle aminute. Nobody loves anickname more than Trump: Remember “Little Marco” Rubio, now his secretary of state? “Alligator Alcatraz” keeps everyone mindful of the lurking presence of gators, whichare unlikely to enter the compound, and pythons, whichdon’tespecially enjoy the company of humans. It’smeant to terrify

If the prison staff are safe from wildlife, then the prisoners are, too —unless they attempt to escape, whichwould probably get themshotbefore any gator opened its triple-liddedeye. Trump’sclaim, meanwhile, that the detainees are “some of the most vicious people on the planet” is in fact not so. More than athird of those at Alligator Alcatraz (I can’tbelieve we’re forced to use this phrase) have immigration violations but no criminal convictions or charges in the United States, according to the Miami Herald and the Tampa Bay Times, whichobtained alist of more than 700 people either imprisoned or scheduled to be sent to the Florida facility “Some are asylum seekers. Others arrivedunder humanitarian parole, or thought they were here with permission awaiting the result of ongoing legal cases,” the Miami Herald’seditorial board wrote, contrary to Trump’scharacterization (“menacing migrants”).

Even if all of them were felons (they are not), all people in the United States have aconstitutional right to be treated humanely,ifnot for their sake, then for the country’sown selfrespect and sense of decency.Americanshistorically have subscribed to laws createdtoprotect, among other rights, human dignity

At Alligator Alcatraz, menhave complainedof infrequent showers and poor hygiene. Lights remain on throughout the night, resulting in sleep deprivation. Overcrowding leads to anxiety and depression.

If these menwere puppies, there would be riots. Meanwhile, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi L. Noem, who shot and killed herown “untrainable” 14-month-old hunting dog Cricket, recently said that U.S. Immigration andCustoms Enforcement detained a“cannibal” who “started to eat himself” on an airplane.

On Trump’srecent visit to the East Coast version of Alcatraz, as he put it, he told reporters that the government would be teaching detainees how to run from an alligator.Wearing ared cap, this time emblazoned with “Gulf of America,”he moved his hands in the fashion of an alligator’s tail and said: “Don’trun in astraight line.Run like this. And you know what? Your chancesgo up about 1%.”

What ahoot, that guy

Oneneedn’tbeamigrantsympathizer or an environmentalisttofind this situation insupportable, especially at acost of $450 million ayear.This president is so incapable of empathy, anew word is needed to describe him. Perhaps “Trumptilian.”

Email Kathleen Parker at kathleenparker@ washpost.com

NewOrleans Forecast

is good considering it wasveryhot last week. The tropicsare activebut there are no threats to our area for thelong term.

Keshoine MarieWilliams passedawayonWednes‐day,July23, 2025 at theage of45. Keshoine wasborn onOctober 1, 1979toCyn‐thiaMcDanieland Michael Williams in NewOrleans LA. Shewas Cynthia’s‘Mir‐acle’ childand theonly child.Keshoineleavesto cherish precious memo‐ries, mother,Cynthia Mc‐Daniel; bonus father,Leroy McDaniel; father,Michael (Cynthi)Williams; furbaby, MarleyWilliams; stepsis‐ters, KizzyMcDanieland Sabrina Sanders; Godchild ClarkeHull(nannybaby); auntsand uncles,Loretta (Theodore)Cowart, Stephaine Tate (Gregory Winfield),Timothy Jackson and Steven (Romanda) Tate, as well as ahostof other familyand friends. Keshoineisprecededin death by hergrandparents, Hazel Jacksonand Armour Tate; uncle,Charles Hamp‐ton;cousins,Frank Brooks Latisha Davisand Melissa Lumar.A Celebrationser‐vicehonoringthe life and legacyofthe late Keshoine Marie Williams will be held inthe Chapel of Charbon‐net LabatGlapion Funeral Home, 1615 St.Philip Street,New Orleans, LA 70116 on Saturday,August 9,2025 at 1pm. Interment Private.Visitation12noon inthe chapel.Pleasesign onlineguestbook at char‐bonnetfuneralhome.com Charbonnet LabatGlapion, Directors (504)581-4411

DEATHS continued from Williams,Shirley ElizabethFranklin

ShirleyElizabeth FranklinWilliamswas born tothe late Henryand DorotheaRileyFranklinon January 24,1938 in NewOr‐leans,LA. Shewas joined inHolyMatrimony to the lateArthur “Bill” Anthony Williams,Sr.,and together, theywereblessed with seven children,Catherine FranklinNeal, John Jack‐son,Arthur,Jr.,Vionne Quarles Williams,Van Williams,Melvia“Moosie Williams,and Novita KnightWilliams. In addi‐tiontoher children,Shirley isalsosurvivedbynine grandchildren,seventeen great grandchildren, twelve great-great-grand‐childrenand ahostof nieces, nephews, otherrel‐ativesand friends. Shirley's impact waspro‐found andher legacy lives oninthe generationsshe raisedand thevaluesshe instilled.Family, friends, and colleagues of Pas‐sages NorthShore, JenCare (Westwego), Clover Day Care, NAWInvestments and theOak Harbor com‐munity arelovinglyinvited toattend thefuneral.A Celebration servicehonor‐ing thelifeand legacy of the late ShirleyWilliams willbeheldinthe Chapel ofCharbonnetLabat Glapion FuneralHome, 1615 St.PhilipStreet,New Orleans,LA70116 on Fri‐day,August8,2025 at 10 am. IntermentMount OlivetCemetery. Visitation 9 am in theChapel. Please signonlineguestbook at www.charbonnetfuneralho me.com. Charbonnet Labat Glapion,Directors (504)581-4411.

Clarence K. Williams,Jr., age 85, wasbornonNo‐vember12, 1939, native of Terrebonne andresidentof Houma,LA. He passed awaypeacefullyon Wednesday,July30, 2025 Clarenceattended Gram‐bling StateUniversity. He was amemberofNew Ris‐ing SunBaptist Church and BlaineC.Lodge No.14 F&AM. He wasalsoa Con‐trolRoom Operator for Shell OilCompany until his retirement. He leaves to cherish hismemories, his lovingwifeMarySpearman Williams;his children Keith “Aida"Muhammad and KendricWilliams. Clarencenow joinsinrest withhis parents, Clarence Williams,Sr. andMyrtle Coleman Williams;sister, Armente Jamesand grand‐parents,Agnes Coleman, Eddieand Earlineand Alice Williams.Relatives and friends of thefamilyare in‐vited to attend theCele‐bration of Life Serviceon Friday, August 8, 2025 at New Rising SunBaptist Church,230 St.Charles Street,Houma,LA70360 at 11:00 a.m. Visitation from 9:00a.m.until 11:00 a.m. In‐terment NewRisingSun Baptist Church Cemetery You maysignthe guest book on www.gertrudeged deswillis.com.Gertrude GeddesWillis-Terrebonne FuneralHome, Inc. in charge(985) 872-6934.

BY MATTHEW PARAS Staff writer

The first leg of training camp for the Saints is done

The Saints will travel to Californiafor the next part of camp Wednesday and will be out west until Aug. 15. The team will train once again at UC Irvine, with its Sunday preseason opener against the Los Angeles Chargers on deck. With 11 practicesinthe books, and a shift out west coming, let’s take amomenttomap out a53-man roster now that

we have plenty of information available.

Quarterback(3)

SpencerRattler, TylerShough and Jake Haener: All three quarterbacks are in themix for thestarting job, with Rattler having the strongest camp of the trio. Each one has proven worthy of aroster spot.

Runningback(4)

Alvin Kamara, Clyde Edwards-Helaire, Devin Neal, Velus Jones: No, Kendre Miller isn’tonthis list. As of now,the third-year running back hasbeen too inconsistent through

nine practices and he’sbeen outshone by several other backs. Maybe theSaintsretain himbecause of hisoverall talent,but at this point, it should no longer be considered asurprise if NewOrleans ends up moving on. Running back has also been acompetitiveposition battle for New Orleans, and Jones has done anice job of creating an opportunity.Hehas home-run caliber speed— andthe Saints could use more of that. He also provides special teams

ä See SAINTS, page 4C

Ward,Hunteramong rookiestowatch

BY TERESA M. WALKER AP pro football writer

NASHVILLE,Tenn. Impressive and fantastic are acouple of the words that have been used to describe Tennesseequarterback Cam Ward as the No. 1-overall pickinApril’sdrafttakes over as thestarter for afranchise that won just three games last season. Yes, the preseasonmeans manyrookies will be surrounded by thehype that madethem top draft picks, even if some might be taggedalready as potential bustssoon to be forgotten. Ward isn’tthe only one being watched closely to seehow hisfirstNFL season turns out. Travis Hunter will have to

show he really can playwide receiver and cornerback in the NFL,justlikehedid in winning the Heisman TrophyatColorado. TheLas Vegas Raiders certainly hope Ashton Jeanty runs through defenses like he did at BoiseState. Abdul Carter won’thave to carry theNew York Giants’ pass rush by himself. Then there’sShedeur Sanders, whowas projectedtobea firstround selection but who wasn’t taken until thefifth round by Cleveland. After his draft slide, everybody will be monitoring what Sanders does all season long. Here’s acloserlook at some

ä See ROOKIES, page 4C

The LSU Tigers have reached the quarterpoleofpreparations for their blockbuster Aug. 30 season opener at Clemson, scheduledtogothrough their seventh dayofpracticeon Wednesday(no media access).

Forsome reason, college football has neverhad ahigh school jamboree-like exhibitiongame, andcertainly no slate of preseason gameslike the Saints will embarkonSunday against the Chargers. The task is to figure outhow to be the best you can be foranabrupt opening test. In LSU’scase, atesttosee if the Tigers have whatittakes to beat afellow top-10opponent on the road andsnap an interminable five-game losing skid in openers.

Howreadydoes LSU look to do that at this point? Notatall ready, but the Tigers don’thavetobe. They have to build to apoint, notbethere the first week of August.

“These arethe days Ineed to developour football team,” coach Brian Kelly said afterTuesday’spractice. There areany numberofthings to sayabout the Tigers at this point of preseason camp.Hereare five observations aboutwhat’sgoing on at LSU on the field:

Nuss on point

It may be unfair to quarterback Garrett Nussmeier to make this kind of comparison, but it certainly is backed up by some impressive evidence: right from the first practice, he hasremindedmeofJoe Burrow in August 2019. Nussmeier hasbeen pinpoint accurate most of the time, andperhaps just as importantly has looked to have great chemistry with his squadronofreceivers.

Not everymomenthas been perfect. Kelly described Monday how Nussmeier got “baited” into throwing an interception to Harold Perkins when the latterdrifted back into coverage. And he was bent awkwardly as he went down under pass rush Tuesday(ano-no, even in full contact drills) in aswallow-the-whistle moment for everyone concerned with LSU football.

Nussmeier immediately got up and was fine, but it served as areminder thatin2025 the Tigers will go as far as No. 13’sright arm will take them. Backupsneed work

That’sbecause backup quarterbacksMichael VanBuren (a transfer from Mississippi State) and Colin Hurleyneed work. Both have been highly hit andmiss in their drills in practice, though VanBuren, particularly,shows good running ability

LSUrecruit,Olympiantop U.S. gymchampionships

BY SCOTT RABALAIS Staff writer

One year after the Paris Olympics, New Orleans becomes the center of the gymnastics universe Thursday through Sunday, with the Smoothie King Center hosting the Xfinity U.S. Gymnastics Championships.

Atotal of 140 gymnasts are expected to compete in the men’sand women’ssenior and junior divisions, vying forindividual national championships as well as spotson the U.S. teams for the senior and junior world championships later this year Thecompetition starts Thursday with the men’spreliminaries, followed by the women’sprelims Friday. Men’sfinalswillbe Saturday and the women’sfinalsSun-

day.All the senior sessions will be streamed liveonPeacock, with the women’sfinalsonNBC.

In addition, ESPN will telecast an episodeof“SportsCenter”from the championships at 5p.m. Friday as part of its “50 States in 50 Days” tour.

LSU gymnastics coach Jay Clark said that for anon-Olympicyear, this meet is as bigasitgets for gymnastics in this country

“It is the pinnacle of elitegymnastics in this country,” Clark said.

“Thisisthe championship they train for.Itwill determine an awful lot for them going forwardto the next Olympic games.”

While four members of the2024

U.S. men’sOlympic team are competing,this year’schampionshiprepresents anew chapter for American women’s gymnastics.

Absent amongthe competitorsis seven-time Olympic gold medalistand nine-timeU.S.all-around champion Simone Biles, whohas neither ruled out or committed to competing in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

The only oneofthe five members of the gold medal-winning U.S. women’s team from Paris in the field is 17-year oldHezlyRivera, who committed to LSU in September Rivera’scurrent plan is to enroll at LSUafter the2028 Olympics. For now,she enters the championships as one of the favorites.

“I am not adding any extra pressure on myself,”the Hackensack, New Jersey,native said Wednesday.“I’m just going to do what I

ä See GYM, page 6C

LSU’s SEC schedule now set

BY TOYLOY BROWN III Staff writer

The Southeastern Conference

released the dates for LSU men’s basketball’s conference schedule on Wednesday Conference play begins Jan. 3 and concludes March 7, which will be referred to as “Rivalry Saturday.” This will be a day when several traditional league rivalries compete, including LSU-Texas A&M.

The SEC Tournament will be March 11-15 in Nashville, Tennessee, at Bridgestone Arena.

LSU went 14-18 overall and 3-15 in the SEC last season. Its three victories came against Arkansas, Oklahoma and South Carolina. It won those games by four, three and 14 points.

The Tigers didn’t beat any team in the top nine of the SEC standings and two of their wins were against teams with the four worst conference records.

LSU has announced two nonconference games so far It will play one contest at Boston College in December and a neutralsite game against Drake in November in the Emerald Coast Classic basketball tournament.

Email Toyloy Brown III at toyloy.brown@theadvocate com

LSU MEN’S SCHEDULE

LSU women’s schedule has another homecoming

Tigers will play near Morrow’s Ga. hometown

BY REED DARCEY Staff writer

The LSU women’s basketball team has played a nonconference game in Angel Reese’s hometown Baltimore, Aneesah Morrow’s hometown Chicago and Mikaylah Williams’ hometown Bossier City

Now the Tigers are set for a trip to Flau’jae Johnson’s old stomping grounds.

On Nov 9, LSU will face Georgia Southern in Statesboro, Georgia — a city that sits just more than 50 miles west of Johnson’s hometown Savannah The game is one of 13 nonconference contests on the Tigers’ 2025-2026 schedule, the entirety of which was revealed on Tuesday

The marquee matchup on LSU’s nonconference slate this season is an ACC/SEC challenge game against Duke at Duke That game is set for Dec. 4.

Once the calendar flips to 2026, the Tigers will play 16 games against all 15 of its Southeastern Conference opponents. This year, their annual home-andhome matchup is with Texas, last season’s league runner-up.

Reigning league champion

South Carolina is set to visit the Pete Maravich Assembly Center on Saturday, Feb. 14.

Johnson, an All-American and projected first-round WNBA draft pick, could’ve declared for the 2025 WNBA draft, but decided instead to return to LSU for her senior season.

She’s now the only scholarship player left from the team that won the program’s first national championship in 2023.

As a junior, Johnson scored a career-high 18.6 points per game while shooting 47% from the field and 38% from 3-point range.

She also averaged 5.6 rebounds and 2.5 assists per night.

U.S. Open singles champs to get $5 million in 2025 Prize money at the U.S. Open will rise to nearly $85 million across all competitions this year including a record $5 million each to the women’s and men’s singles champions, and total player compensation is jumping 20% to $90 million, the most in tennis history Novak Djokovic, Coco Gauff and 2024 U.S. Open champions Aryna Sabalenka and Jannik Sinner were among 20 players who sent a letter to four Grand Slam events in March seeking more prize money The U.S. Tennis Association announced the payouts Wednesday for the year’s last Grand Slam tournament, which begins with the new mixed doubles event and its $1 million top check on Aug. 19-20. Singles competition starts on a Sunday — Aug. 24 — as those brackets expand from 14 days to 15.

Tennis player Svitolina faces online hate post-loss

Ukrainian tennis player Elina Svitolina has spoken out about the deluge of hateful abuse she received online from frustrated gamblers after losing a match in Canada, including messages wishing her death and celebrating Russia killing her compatriots. Following her straight-sets loss to Naomi Osaka in the quarterfinals of the National Bank Open on Tuesday night, Svitolina posted screenshots of the messages on Instagram.

One abuser hoped that Russia “kills all you (expletive) Ukrainians.”

The abuse was directed at her while other racial slurs also targeted her husband, the French tennis player Gael Monfils, who is Black.

Pawol becomes MLB’s first female umpire Jen Pawol is set to become the first woman to umpire in Major League Baseball when she works games this weekend between the Miami Marlins and Atlanta Braves on Sunday Pawol, a 48-year-old from New Jersey, worked spring training games in 2024 and this year She will become the fifth umpire to debut this year MLB’s move comes 28 years after the gender barrier for game officials was broken in the NBA, 10 years after the NFL hired its first full-time woman official and three years after the men’s soccer World Cup employed a female referee. Pawol in 2024 became the first woman to umpire big league spring training games since Ria Cortesio in 2007.

By The Associated Press

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Scottie Scheffler returned home from his British Open victory, made a few brief appearances in New York and used the claret jug to get 15-month-old son Bennett into the men’s grill at Royal Oaks in Dallas He is rested. The key for Scheffler, regardless of the tournament, is to be ready But this is the time of the year, even with $15 million at stake, not to be grinding on the range.

“At this point in the year, that extra practice is maybe only going to be draining for me a little bit, and that’s something that I’ve learned to manage as my career has gone on,” Scheffler said Wednesday after his pro-am round in the FedEx St. Jude Championship. The tournament at TPC Southwind is the start of three straight FedEx Cup playoff events that culminate with the FedEx Cup title to whoever wins the Tour Championship.

In a revamped postseason, the $25 million to the winner has been split up into three parts. Scheffler already picked up $10 million for leading the FedEx Cup in the regular season (along with $8 million from the Comcast Business Top 10 bonus program).

The FedEx Cup leader after the BMW Championship next week gets $5 million, and the winner of the Tour Championship all 30 players start from scratch this time gets $10 million.

The TPC Southwind is where

Scheffler last missed a cut in 2022

(when the postseason was for the top 125 players, not the top 70).

This year he comes to the postseason off a double major season — the PGA Championship and the British Open — and has finished in the top 10 in his last 11 tournaments dating to March.

It’s safe to say his game is in reasonably good shape. Now it’s about conserving energy for August stops in Memphis, Baltimore and Atlanta.

“I would say my prep week last week definitely looked a bit different than it would have looked before the Scottish Open (in July) and definitely looked a little bit different than it would have looked if you go back to the beginning of the year when I was coming off injury,” he said.

“So making sure I’m rested, ready to play,” he said. “My game is in a good spot, and I feel like some extra practice at this point in the year can almost be detrimental in terms of just physical and mental fatigue.”

Scheffler stopped in New York for a brief appearance on the Jimmy Fallon Show and to attend the Happy Gilmore 2 premier A lot of time included that silver claret jug he picked up from a dominant victory at Royal Portrush.

“We had a party two weeks ago at home with some of our friends, and everybody got to drink out of it. It was a lot of fun,” Scheffler said.

He also has brought golf’s oldest trophy to his home course at Royal Oaks — Justin Leonard brought the claret jug to the course when he won the Open in 1997 and there was one time he went with

just his son. “He whacked some golf balls around, and we hung out for a bit,”

Scheffler said “I took him to the 19th hole with me, and I got some pretty funny pictures with Bennett sitting in the 19th hole at the men’s only grill where you’ve got to be I think you’ve got to be 19 to get in there, but I figured

Gurriel makes history, crushing 103.9 mph pitch Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Lourdes Gurriel crushed a 103.9 mph fastball from San Diego Padres reliever Mason Miller into the left-field seats for a two-run homer in the eighth inning, tying the game at 5-all. It was the fastest pitch hit for a homer since MLB started pitch tracking in 2008. It was part of a two-homer night for Gurriel. The veteran also hit a two-run shot in the first inning. The hard-throwing Miller was acquired from the Athletics at last week’s trade deadline.

He routinely throws over 100 mph and hit 104.2 mph with his hardest pitch on Tuesday night. The Padres won the game 10-5 in 11 innings.

Browns rookie Sanders to start in preseason opener

Rookie Shedeur Sanders will start Cleveland’s preseason opener Friday night against the Carolina Panthers.

Browns coach Kevin Stefanski said Tyler Huntley, who signed with team earlier this week, is also expected to play if he can get up to speed with the playbook. Joe Flacco, Cleveland’s projected starting quarterback this season, is healthy but will not play Kenny Pickett and Dillon Gabriel will sit out while rehabbing from injuries. However, the Browns communications staff confirmed later that Sanders will start.

The 6-foot-1, 212-pound Sanders fell to the fifth round of the NFL draft after winning the 2024 Johnny Unitas Golden Arm award. Sanders remains fourth on the Browns’ depth chart.

COLLEGE FOOTBALL

Ohio State’s QB conflict remains

Competition between Sayin, Kienholz still too close to call

BY JOE REEDY AP sportswriter

COLUMBUS, Ohio After the first quarter of Ohio State’s preseason practices, the competition between Julian Sayin and Lincoln Kienholz for the starting quarterback spot remains too close to call.

“The competition continues,” coach Ryan Day said. “They both have had good moments and moments where they’re growing. I will say I’ve been pleased with the progress. It’s going to go right down to the wire.

“The positives of having a competition is that you know every day you got to bring it. The guys are always on edge, they’re uncomfortable, they’re working at it. I think that’s healthy for the entire building.”

A quarterback competition the season after winning the College Football Playoff championship is routine at Ohio State. The circumstances, though, are different.

In 2015, Cardale Jones and J.T Barrett both had experience as they battled Jones led the Buckeyes to the title when he started the Big Ten championship and both CFP games after Barrett broke his ankle against Michigan.

Sayin and Kienholz have a combined 34 pass attempts and 90 college snaps. They are competing to replace Will Howard, who transferred from Kansas State and threw for a Big Ten-high 4,010 yards and 35 touchdowns in leading the Buckeyes to their sixth national title.

Quarterbacks coach Billy Fessler is looking for consistency,

Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin participates during a practice on Friday in Columbus, Ohio.

especially as the Buckeyes start getting more into situational scenarios during practices the next two weeks.

“We have to be great on third down and in the red zone. That’s where quarterbacks make their money,” Fessler said. “We’re in a spot where we’re getting more and more of those situations every day So it’s an opportunity for those guys to go out and compete.”

Sayin has shown better arm strength, though Keinholz has more athleticism after playing three sports in high school.

Sayin originally committed to

Alabama as the top-rated quarterback in the Class of 2024 and was taking classes when Nick Saban retired. Sayin then entered the transfer portal last spring and came to Ohio State. He played in four games, including the CFP first-round contest against Tennessee, and was 5 for 12 for 84 yards and one touchdown while taking 27 snaps.

The sophomore is the slight favorite to emerge as the starter for the Aug. 30 opener against Texas, but he hasn’t paid any attention to the outside hype. “I feel like I’m developing in my

footwork accuracy and mechanics. It’s just all about building confidence. You make a great play, you start to build that confidence,” Sayin said.

The last snaps Kienholz took in a game were in the 2023 Cotton Bowl against Missouri after starter Devin Brown was injured in the first half. Keinholz struggled, as he completed only six of 17 passes for 86 yards.

However, the junior had a great offseason and was one of eight Ohio State players named an Iron Buckeye, which goes to players who excel during offseason workouts.

“As a freshman going in there, I didn’t really know a whole lot. I didn’t really know how protections worked and I mean, now that’s something that I feel like I’m pretty good at, and I go out and and execute that well,” Keinholz said. “I’ve been in the offense for three years now, so it’s something that I think just more time, more reps and film study, it’s helped me get better.”

Freshman Tavien St. Clair is also getting snaps, but is still getting up to speed with the offense. He did come in as an early enrollee and participated in spring practices.

Besides quarterback, Day and the coaching staff are looking for some of the positions to get an established starting group toward the end of the week. Day used a phrase from safeties coach Matt Guerrieri in comparing this week to the third round of a golf tournament, which is typically called moving day

“This is moving week. We want to have our identity and it doesn’t need to be in stone, but the players can tell us what we’re doing and what our identity is coming out of this week,” Day said.

Season could be memorable for Penn State

BY JASON MACKEY

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

(TNS)

PITTSBURGH Speaking over the weekend during Penn State football media day, coach James Franklin did a respectable and entertaining job of trying to temper expectations.

Analysis

Repeating something he says often, the 12th-year coach insisted that standards are always high inside the Lasch Football Building. Franklin also joked that preseason rankings will never adorn the walls of his basement man cave. Good stuff. Exactly what he should say But I take issue with one part of Franklin’s comments. This year is different at Penn State. A lot different. It’s a departure from anything Franklin has experienced at Penn State, and I’m genuinely excited and curious to see how it all pans out.

Several publications have picked Penn State to debut at No. 1 in the country Others are predicting the Nittany Lions will win their first national title since 1986 Not sure either option is crazy

“We want to spend our time working on what will allow us to do the things we want to do this year,” Franklin said. “Not talking about goals and those types of things.” Again, pitch-perfect. Nobody should take a victory lap in early August. But on the outside, most of us have functional eyeballs and

RABALAIS

Continued from page 1C

Maybe LSU could scrape out a win should Nussmeier get hurt at some point with Van Buren or Hurley in the right circumstances, but it looks like a big if right now

Like old times

Speaking of blasts from the past, Perkins has shown in practice the “See ball, crush ball carrier” Perkins he was as a freshman in 2022. Playing LSU’s Star position (a hybrid between safety and linebacker), one play he’s a standing rush end, another he’s dropping into coverage, yet another he’s making a tackle in intermediate space at the boundary After a mostly ineffective

brains. We can look at Penn State, as well as the top teams from around the country, and reach a fairly logical conclusion. If the Nittany Lions can stay healthy, they should be damn good, again a top-four team in the nation and almost assuredly more.

It starts with quarterback

Drew Allar, who returns for his third year

Arch Manning (Texas), Cade Klubnik (Clemson), Garrett Nussmeier (LSU) and even LaNorris Sellers (South Carolina) have generated plenty of hype, but I consider Allar right in the thick of that group.

It also might be weird for the 6-foot-5, 235-pounder to look around and see actual receiving talent, which is inarguably the biggest X-factor when it comes to Penn State’s offense.

Remember this was a group that failed to catch a single pass against Notre Dame in the Orange Bowl, a three-point heartbreaker of a loss.

As much as Penn State fans should be excited about the return of Allar along with the nation’s best backfield duo in Nick Singleton and Kaytron Allen, the receivers may have gone from weakness to strength in one offseason.

Trebor Pena was terrific at Syracuse and racked up 941 yards and nine touchdowns on 84 catches, earning All-ACC honors. Devonte Ross was a 1,000yard guy at Troy Kyron Hudson could be an important intermediate option after transferring from USC.

2023 and a mostly injured 2024, I want to see Perkins be the disruptive, playmaking force he once was in a real game. That’s a way’s off, of course, but the good news is he has shown great change of direction and speed in his first action of any kind after tearing his ACL 11 months ago against UCLA He’s definitely looked more effective than linebacker Whit Weeks, who still appears to be ramping up from the broken ankle he suffered in December in the Texas Bowl.

All about the O-line

At this point, it certainly appears LSU’s coaches have locked in on the following starting lineup with the offensive line: Tyree Adams at left tackle, former center DJ Chester at left guard, Virginia Tech transfer Braelin Moore at center Josh Thompson at right guard and Weston Davis at right

They chose Penn State because of Allar, along with what secondyear offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki has with his innovative scheme full of shifts, motion and deception.

The Nittany Lions have also gone from having a patchwork offensive line early in Franklin’s tenure to having a group that has a ton of depth, returns four starters and might also be the best in the county

“We’re in a different spot,” Franklin said. “That’s not just good for our offense. That’s good for our defense. Iron sharpens iron every single day.”

Look elsewhere around Penn State’s offense, and there’s so much to like:

— The loss of Tyler Warren will be felt, but the Nittany Lions have ample depth at tight end, led by Khalil Dinkins (6-4, 251), a redshirt senior from North Allegheny Dinkins has 23 career catches but five for touchdowns. He should grow his role plenty in 2025.

“I don’t think enough people talk about Khalil Dinkins,” Franklin said.

Or Luke Reynolds, a secondyear tight end who could eventually become Warren 2.0.

— Singleton and Allen are so productive that we probably take them for granted. They were the only running back duo to each eclipse 1,000 yards in 2025. Singleton finished with 1,099 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns, Allen 1,108 and eight.

— If Allar plays better in big games, look out.

tackle. Obviously this could change and the Tigers do have three to four other players who they could throw into the starting five. But barring injury this looks like the unit. How has this group looked? There’s room for improvement, for sure. Running backs have found some holes and the protection of Nussmeier has been mostly good, but with four new starters the cohesiveness is clearly not there yet. There is still time for that, but LSU had better be up to the task. Clemson throws a pair of preseason All-ACC defensive lineman at LSU in end TJ Parker and tackle Peter Woods. It isn’t overstating things to say LSU’s season rests on how well the offensive line plays. Quarterback and skill positions will be potent. Defense is deeper and appears to be improved. If the line can open holes for runners and

Red Sox sign rookie phenom Anthony

BY JIMMY GOLEN AP sportswriter

BOSTON The Red Sox signed rookie phenom Roman Anthony to an eight-year, $130 million contract on Wednesday, spending some of the cash they saved by trading Rafael Devers away on a player they hope will be the centerpiece of the next generation of Boston stars.

The 21-year-old outfielder, who has 159 major league at-bats so far, is signed through 2033, with a team option for 2034. The deal was announced with the Red Sox on a seven-game winning streak heading into Wednesday night’s game against the Kansas City Royals.

“We’re playing such great baseball. I didn’t want to be a distraction to anyone,” Anthony said in a pregame news conference attended by his parents and sister and teammates along with members of the ballclub’s ownership, front office and coaching staff. “But I knew that this is where I wanted to be, and I’m having a blast. And I just wanted to continue that.” Anthony is batting .283 with two homers and 19 RBIs in 46 games since making his debut in June. The team is 32-16 since his callup, including a 10-game winning streak heading into the All-Star break and seven straight wins when he signed his deal.

“This is a guy who was the No. 1 prospect in the sport. We’ve seen the impact that he’s had on our major league team in just over 150 atbats,” Chief Baseball Officer Craig Breslow said. “And so when we think about the future of this organization, there’s no question that it got brighter today.”

The separator for Penn State could ultimately be its defense, always a calling card but one that could be truly exceptional when it comes to speed and playmaking. This is probably the fastest Nittany Lions defense in some time.

Penn State ranked seventh nationally last year in yards per play allowed (4.67), but that number could easily drop.

I’ll be most curious to see the maturation of edge rusher Dani Dennis-Sutton, who had 8.5 sacks in 2024 but should find himself on the Abdul Carter plan.

Another senior, Zuriah Fisher, will likely line up opposite Dennis-Sutton and has been productive when healthy Edge rusher Enai White (Texas A&M) and linebacker Amare Campbell (North Carolina) are two more transfers with experience who’ll help talented returners such as linebacker Tony Rojas, cornerback A.J Harris and safety Zakee Wheatley, among others. Instead of a potential dropoff after losing defensive coordinator Tom Allen, the Nittany Lions got better, plucking Jim Knowles from Ohio State. Knowles saw what the Buckeyes did last year with so much returning talent, the same as Michigan the year before that — a national title. The blueprint is there, along with massive expectations, even by the Nittany Lions’ standards. Now, they have to go out and give Franklin a reason to decorate his basement.

protect Nussmeier, the Tigers can be a CFP contender If not, another 8-4 season is not out of the question. Punting needs to improve

After ranking a wobbly 109th in net punting in 2024 (36.6 yards per kick), the Tigers said goodbye to Peyton Todd and brought in transfer Grant Chadwick from Middle Tennessee. He had a net punting average of 40.8 yards per kick at MTSU, 29th nationally Chadwick’s kicks we’ve seen (admittedly a small sample size) have been a mixed bag: high and deep with good hang time, not nosing over, low drivers. LSU needs that extra 4 net yards or so this season in the punting department.

For more LSU sports updates, sign up for our newsletter at theadvocate.com/lsunewsletter

Anthony’s nine-figure deal, which includes a $30 million team option for 2034, buys out his five or six years of team control, and at least two seasons of free agency He could still become a free agent at 30.

“I don’t know what the future holds, but I believe that I will be the best version of myself every single day,” said Anthony, who received a big cheer when he came to the plate in the first inning. “It was a deal that was obviously more than enough for me and for my family and at a place that I want to be in.”

The Red Sox have struggled to hold onto their homegrown stars lately, trading away 2018 AL MVP Mookie Betts when they couldn’t sign him and then watching Xander Bogaerts leave as a free agent. The team appeared to break the trend when it signed Rafael Devers to a 10-year $313 million deal in 2023; instead, it traded him away this season when he refused to change fielding positions.

The roster churn has led to just one postseason appearance in the past six years, as well as a feeling among fans that the team isn’t willing to spend what it takes to compete for championships.

“Yes, in the past when we haven’t signed homegrown players, it’s hurt,” team president Sam Kennedy said.

But Anthony now joins pitcher Brayan Bello, outfielder Ceddanne Rafaela and infielder Kristian Campbell as a future core signed to long-term deals. Pitcher Garrett Crochet, who was acquired in a trade, was also signed to an extension that would keep him in Boston until 2031.

“It’s a special group,” Anthony said. “I try not to look too far into the future, but we’re having a lot of fun and playing good baseball right now

“It’s super exciting when we talk about how young we are and the mix that we have of the great veteran guys that we have. So there’s a lot to be excited about.” Kennedy acknowledged that the unsteady roster has been difficult on fans, who buy their favorite players’ jerseys only to watch them leave.

“It’s OK to fall in love with our stars, and recognizing that a lot of these guys will be around for a long time,” Kennedy said.

“We’re not done yet, but it’s headed in the right direction. And signing our homegrown, young, talented guys is a huge part of that,” he said.

“That’s been the key piece of having success in our time here is locking up our homegrown talent who want to be here.”

Giants’ DL determined to live up to hype

BY STEPHEN WHYNO AP sportswriter

EAST RUTHERFORD,N.J Dexter Law-

rence set out to quiet the chatter minutes after the first practice of New York Giants training camp

The veteran defensive tackle had already challenged his fellow players not to listen to the outside noise.

“They want to talk about our Dline and all this,” Lawrence said, “but we haven’t done anything yet.”

Linebacker Brian Burns shared the same thought process a few days later, with a little more profanity tossed in, acknowledging what the formidable front looks like on paper And while adding No. 3 overall pick Abdul Carter to a group already featuring Lawrence, Burns and Kayvon Thibodeaux has the potential to make this an elite pass rush, those involved are quick to insist they need to prove it first.

“Everything looks good with the names that we have and the potential and this and that,” Burns said. “It’s all on us. We can take this as far as we want to go.”

Teammate Darius Muasau called it “the best D-line in the NFL right now,” which is lofty praise that can get tossed out there in the dog days of summer with camps in full swing and before any meaningful games are played. Even the exhibition season might not be an indication of what the unit can do. That will get tested in September with the gauntlet of opening at NFC East rivals Washington and Dallas and at home against defending AFC champion Kansas City, followed by then Justin Herbert and the Los Angeles Chargers. Coach Brian Daboll, among many others, is looking forward to seeing how Lawrence, free agent signing Roy Robertson-Harris, Thibodeaux, Burns and Carter handle hefty expectations.

“Hype doesn’t get you any-

ROOKIES

Continued from page 1C

of the NFL rookies to watch this season:

Cam Ward

The Titans tried to temper expectations for the rookie during the offseason. They embraced giving him as much work as possible and listed him as the starter to start the preseason with Will Levis’ decision to have season-ending shoulder surgery Ward has shown the ability to adapt quickly after playing at three different colleges. He set a Division I record with 158 touchdown passes in his career. He threw for 18,184 yards during his college career while running for 473 yards and 20 more TDs. He became an AP All-American at Miami.

Titans coach Brian Callahan, who worked with Joe Burrow as a rookie in Cincinnati as the Bengals’ offensive coordinator, has studied how other top picks fared in their rookie seasons at quarterback, hoping to help Ward avoid missteps.

“There’s really no stone unturned when it comes to getting a rookie quarterback ready,” Callahan said. “And there’s nowhere I won’t look for potential edges or advice or anything like that. So it’s been a fun process for sure.”

Travis Hunter

Yes, Jacksonville plans to give the man they traded up to select at No 2 overall a chance to play both offense and defense in the NFL. The Jaguars have Hunter listed as a starting wide receiver and a backup cornerback to start the preseason. Hunter is getting plenty of work with the offense, where the Jaguars want Hunter to help receiver Brian Thomas Jr and franchise quarterback Trevor Lawrence. Jacksonville also is making sure Hunter gets practice time on defense. Hunter did join Charles Woodson (1997) as the only fulltime defensive players to win the Heisman Trophy The Jags have packages for the rookie to contribute defensively

“He’s still learning,” Jaguars coach Liam Coen said.

Ashton Jeanty

The Raiders finished last in the NFL in 2024 by managing just 79.8 yards rushing per game. That’s why they selected Jeanty at No. 6 overall and made him the highestdrafted running back since Saquon Barkley was taken No. 2 overall in 2018 by the Giants.

Jeanty’s production easily won over the Raiders, overcoming concerns about his size at 5-foot-8

where,” Daboll said this week

“Action does. So, whatever people think or they say, good or bad, the only thing that really matters is how we go about our business and ultimately producing when it matters.”

Even tying for the worst record in the league last season at 3-14

— the 30th-ranked offense shouldered a bigger slice of that blame — only seven teams had more sacks than the Giants’ 45.

Lawrence set a career high with nine, Burns was next with 8 1/2 and

Thibodeaux figures he should have had more than 5 1/2 with so many half-sacks part of his total

“Probably would’ve been, you guys can do the math, maybe seven or eight if I were to finish those,” Thibodeaux said. “Just making sure that I get everything I deserve this year.”

Burns noticed a positive change in Thibodeaux at some point last season, which has continued into camp. Defensive coordinator Shane Bowen said Wednesday he routinely shows clips of the 2022

Vegas

PRESS FILE

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Travis Hunter makes a reception during the team’s rookie minicamp on May 10 in Jacksonville, Fla.

and 208 pounds. Jeanty led the nation by rushing for 2,601 yards and 29 TDs last season, averaging 7.0 yards on 374 carries.

He just missed Barry Sanders’ college record set in 1988 by 27 yards and finished second to Hunter in the Heisman voting. Now Jeanty just has to prove he can help the Raiders run in the AFC West.

Abdul Carter

Unlike Ward, who got Hall of Fame quarterback Warren Moon’s permission to wear his No. 1, Carter was sacked by Hall of Fame linebacker Lawrence Taylor in his quest to wear No. 56 even though he came to the Giants after 12 sacks at Penn State and after leading the nation with 23 1/2 tackles for loss last year

The third-overall pick in April won’t have the pressure of carry-

ing the Giants’ pass rush, a unit that features three-time Pro Bowl tackle Dexter Lawrence and edge rushers Brian Burns and Kayvon Thibodeaux. The 6-3, 250-pound Carter will have the chance to be rested and strong throughout games.

Shedeur Sanders

Projected to be drafted as high as No. 2, Sanders had to wait until No. 144 overall to hear his name called during the draft. Now the quarterback is at the back end of a crowded quarterback room. The Browns have him fourth on the depth chart behind veterans Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett and fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel, a third-round pick.

But it is Cleveland, where four different quarterbacks started at least one game during the 2024 season.

No. 5 pick running to the ball as an example to other players.

“K.T has impressed me about how he handles himself in the building,” Burns said. “He gets in early (and) he does his thing. All in all, he flipped that switch last year, so I expect big things from K.T.”

SAINTS

Continued from page 1C

value as a gunner, which gives him the edge over undrafted free agent Marcus Yarns and others. Neal’s multi-week hamstring injury could affect his spot, but that’s not an automatic disqualification.

Wide receiver (6)

Chris Olave, Rashid Shaheed, Brandin Cooks, Cedrick Wilson, Mason Tipton, Dante Pettis: Outside of Olave and Shaheed, this unit could use a boost. Cooks has made an impact as a leader in the room, but he’s having a quiet camp from a production standpoint His spot should still be safe. The last three spots are up for grabs, but of them, Tipton has been a training camp all-star for the second straight year That gives him an edge over 2024 fifth-rounder

Bub Means, whose presence has hardly been felt in practice. Pencil in Pettis as this team’s punt returner, by the way

Offensive line (9)

Kelvin Banks, Trevor Penning, Erik McCoy, Cesar Ruiz, Taliese Fuaga, Landon Young, Dillion Radunz, Will Clapp, Shane Lemieux: The starters have been fine. It’s the depth that’s a concern. Clapp and third-stringer Kyle Hergel have had multiple bad snaps, and the issue doesn’t seem to be going away Young is back at swing tackle after mainly playing guard last year, but would he see the field if an injury occurred to either Banks or Fuaga? The Saints have the option of inserting Radunz at guard and moving Penning back to tackle if need be, though we haven’t seen this combination in camp.

Tight end (3)

Juwan Johnson, Jack Stoll, Moliki Matavao: Coach Kellen Moore said Taysom Hill and Foster Moreau will travel to California with the Saints, but neither tight end has yet to practice as they recover from knee injuries. If either can be ready in time for the regular season, they’ll certainly be on this roster If neither is ready, they’ll open the year on Physically Unable to Perform list and have to miss at least four games. But we’re in wait-and-see mode, leaving only three tight ends for this projection.

Edge rusher (4)

Chase Young, Carl Granderson, Cam Jordan, Isaiah Foskey Defensive tackle (6) Bryan Bresee, Davon Godchaux, Nathan Shepherd,Vernon Broughton,Khalen Saunders, Jonah Williams: Let’s start with Foskey Much of the same logic

“He’s going to be put in positions to succeed, and that’s just due to the guys we have on the line,” Burns said. “Me, Dex, K.T., he’s going to have 1 on 1s. He’s going to have opportunities to show what he can do.”

Bowen, going into his second season running New York’s defense is putting the onus on himself and his staff to find ways to get impact players on the field in the correct situations. That might mean Burns, Thibodeaux and Carter all lining up on an obvious passing down to show what they all can do.

“We’ve got to make sure we do a good job of finding ways to utilize them,” Bowen said. “To have three guys that can roll and play and do different things for us, it really opens up the creativity for us.”

Nabers says he’s ‘fine’

After not participating in all of team drills at practice Wednesday, top receiver Malik Nabers said he was fine and called it part of the plan devised by coaches and trainers.

Asked if it was about managing his lingering toe injury, the secondyear pro said it was about everything. It’s unclear how much, if any, Nabers will play in the preseason opener Saturday at Buffalo.

Hudson leaves

With standout left tackle Andrew Thomas still on the physically unable to perform list and rehabbing to return from surgery in October for a Lisfranc injury in his right foot, James Hudson has been filling in that spot with the first-team offense. That is, until midway through practice Wednesday Hudson left the field with training staff and did not return. Rookie Marcus Mbow, a fifth-round pick out of Purdue, took over in Hudson’s absence.

The organization — and bettors — expect big things from Carter, too. He’s a heavy favorite at less than 3-1 on BetMGM Sportsbook to be AP Defensive Rookie of the Year after 12 sacks in 16 games in his final college season at Penn State, during which he also led the NCAA’s Football Bowl Subdivision in tackles for loss.

about Miller can be applied to Foskey, who has been invisible for much of camp. But would the Saints really give up on both 2023 picks in one offseason? That’s tough to see, so for now, Foskey makes it — even if Chris Rumph and undrafted free agent Jasheen Davis have looked more impressive.

The interior of the defensive line, meanwhile, remains just as crowded. Jonathan Bullard’s insertion in the group added another layer, but the veteran lately has appeared to work with the second and third string than the starters. There are still questions about whether the Saints keep both Shepherd and Saunders, but Shepherd’s presence with the starters has been noticeable of late and Saunders is probably needed to play nose tackle if Godchaux gets hurt.

Linebacker (5)

Demario Davis, Pete Werner, Danny Stutsman, Nephi Sewell, D’Marco Jackson: One of the more surprising elements of camp is how many first-team reps that Stutsman has gotten as a fourth-round pick. Managing Davis’ workload factors into that, but the rookie’s opportunities are also reflective of how quickly he’s gotten himself up to speed. As for the last two spots, Sewell and Jackson appear to be ahead of the rest of the group, including second-year linebacker Jaylan Ford.

Cornerback (4)

Kool-Aid McKinstry, Alontae Taylor, Isaac Yiadom, Quincy Riley

Safety (6)

Justin Reid, Julian Blackmon, Jordan Howden, Jonas Sanker, Terrell Burgess, J.T Gray: Only four cornerbacks may appear light, but realize that Burgess can be the backup nickel in the event Taylor has to miss time. Burgess has had a solid camp and he even rotated in with the first team during Sunday’s long scrimmage. That gives him a narrow edge over Ugo Amadi, who also has been used in several spots.

Specialists (3)

Blake Grupe, Zach Wood and Kai Kroeger: Given how the quarterbacks are listed, it was mildly surprising the Saints didn’t do the same bit with their three-man punting battle. The situation became murkier Wednesday, when the Saints waived incumbent Matthew Hayball, who was listed as the starter That leaves James Burnip and Kai Kroeger to battle for the job.

Email Matthew Paras at matt. paras@theadvocate.com

NFL

up before a

Kicking job in jeopardy

BY RICK FARLOW Associated Press

FLOWERY BRANCH, GA. — Younghoe

Koo’s six-year hold on the Atlanta Falcons’ kicking job is on the line after his career-high nine missed field goals last season.

Koo entered training camp with a strong vote of confidence from coach Raheem Morris. Koo made 25 of 34 field goals last season, and Lenny Krieg was added to the roster for training camp to provide competition. Krieg, a rookie from Berlin, Germany, has the leg strength to make the competition interesting, so accuracy will be important beginning with Friday night’s preseason opener against Detroit.

Koo’s nine misses last season almost doubled his previous career high of five in his seven-year career Koo, signed by the Falcons in 2019, was a 2020 Pro Bowler His 2024 misses included some crucial field goals that could have led to wins for Atlanta, which finished 8-9 with two straight overtime losses to close the season. In a 20-17 loss to the Saints on Nov 10, Koo missed three field goals, including one which was blocked. It was the first career game with three missed field goals. Koo also battled a hip injury and landed on the injured reserve list on Dec. 18.

“It wasn’t the best season,” Koo said Monday “That’s the motivating factor I’ll just move on. Mentally and physically I feel great It’s just like any other offseason.”

Enter Krieg, who played for the European Football League’s Stuttgart Surge for two seasons (20232024) and made 19 of 26 field goal attempts with a career long of 52 yards.

On Tuesday, Krieg said training camp has been “really enjoyable” and “a great experience.”

“I have a lot of fun,” Krieg said, adding he is determined to “keep working hard.”

Koo said Krieg is “a great dude.”

“He works hard. I try to help him any way that I can,” Koo said, adding his goal is to “do my part and be the best version of myself.”

Krieg is looking to learn from Koo’s experience.

“He’s been great,” Krieg said.

“He’s a great resource for me to give me insights about his routines, his work ethic and his way of thinking about kicking. It’s a great relationship. I really appreciate him for being so open and so welcoming to me.” Despite the competition, Koo does not feel any more pressure that he had in years past.

“It’s the same thing,” Koo said.

“(When) Week 1 comes, it doesn’t really matter what you’ve done or what you haven’t done in the past.

It’s what matters right there so I just try to get ready for that.”

Morris was the secondary coach in 2019 in his first stint with the Falcons when Koo signed with Atlanta. Morris says he still believes in Koo and that confidence makes the veteran the favorite in the preseason competition.

“I am really excited to see Younghoe have a bounce-back year and really excited to watch him come back,” Morris said. “I’ve got so much confidence in Younghoe because I started with him.”

When he’s not serving as the mentor to Krieg, Koo’s new role off the field is helping quarterback Michael Penix Jr learn how to play golf. Penix has been critical of his lack of consistency in his new hobby but Koo says he sees potential in Penix’s swing.

“He’s got something that you can’t teach, which is speed,” Koo said. “He hits the ball harder than anybody I’ve seen. The ceiling is very high.”

Young quarterbacks in spotlight as Commanders, Patriots share field

BY KYLE HIGHTOWER AP sportswriter

FOXBOROUGH, Mass Drake Maye isn’t exactly measuring himself against Jayden Daniels

But the New England Patriots quarterback is keeping tabs on what his Washington Commanders’ counterpart — and others from their draft class are up to heading into their second NFL seasons. Maye and Daniels were on the field together Wednesday for a joint practice between the teams in advance of their exhibition game on Friday

For Maye it was a reminder of the potential and expectations they both carry “I saw him out there I congratulated him. What a year he had,” Maye said. “I think there’s always in the back of your mind the draft class you came in with, and anytime you play him, especially, it’s a little different. I think I’m just trying to worry about myself but at the end of the day, keep up with those guys. Those guys are — him and Caleb (Williams) and Bo (Nix), those guys are good friends of mine, and they’re friends until we play each other.”

Friday’s game won’t count in the standings and the Commanders will be approaching it as such with Washington coach Dan Quinn announcing before practice that Daniels will not play in the exhibition. With backup Marcus Mariota also nursing a lower leg strain, quarterbacks Josh Johnson and Sam Hartman will handle the offense for Washington.

Receiver Terry McLaurin, who is on the physically unable to perform list with an ankle injury in addition to “holding in” as contract talks continue, was among the Commanders players that didn’t make the trip.

But Maye is expected to see action, with first-year Patriots coach Mike Vrabel saying that all healthy players would receive at least some playing time.

High intensity

While there was no tackling allowed during Wednesday’s session, it didn’t stop tempers from flaring during a pair of scuffles

The first featured just minor shoving between linemen. But the second, after Patriots rookie running back TreVeyon Henderson got tangled up with a Command-

From fashion fines to man in charge

Glenn’s former Jets teammates proud of his NFL journey

BY DENNIS WASZAK JR. AP pro football writer

FLORHAM PARK,N.J Aaron Glenn

had an expensive sense of style when he played for the New York Jets.

Mainly because of all the fines he had to pay

The current Jets coach was a Pro Bowl cornerback with a flair for fashion. That included his game day socks, which didn’t always adhere to NFL regulations.

“I think he was like the most fined guy on the Jets, not because of his demeanor on the field but because of the way he wore socks,” recalled former Jets teammate Jason Fabini, an offensive tackle who played with Glenn from 1998-2001 “I think he got fined every game because he wouldn’t have the green showing or something. You’ve got to ask him about that.

“He wanted to look good.”

Well, he certainly played good, the hits to the bank account notwithstanding. Glenn played eight of his 15 NFL seasons with the Jets and became one of the league’s top cornerbacks. He returned to his original team in 2012 as a scout for two years before coming back again last January, this time as the guy in charge.

“It gives me goosebumps to see him out there, really, and to be the head coach,” said Ray Mickens, a former cornerback who played with Glenn in New York from 1996-2001. “Going all the way back to our college days when we played together at Texas A&M and how he carried himself in college, seeing him be a head coach now, everything that he went through to get to where he’s at right now, I think, has been nothing short of amazing.”

Fabini and Mickens were among about a dozen former Jets teammates who spent Tuesday at the facility to have breakfast, watch practice and celebrate Glenn’s new role as a first-time NFL head coach.

“It’s always good to see those guys and I want those guys to be part of what we’re trying to build because they’ve been there and they understand exactly what it is to be a Jet,” Glenn said.

“There’s a number of things that goes into playing for this team and those guys know what it is. We’re teaching our guys what it is and those guys have been through it.”

Many of the former Jets have kept in touch with Glenn over the years, through his time as Detroit’s defensive coordinator the last four years and the seven years he was a defensive backs coach, first with Cleveland and then with New Orleans.

And the sense of pride they all share in Glenn’s latest achievement, being back with the franchise for which they played together, is strong.

“I’m not surprised that he became a head coach,” said Pro

Football Hall of Fame center Kevin Mawae, a former LSU star who played with Glenn for four seasons. “I mean you watch his career and how he played the game and how he prepared and, I mean, other than the fact of all the fines he paid for not having enough white showing in his socks, the guy did things the right way

“He was a professional on the field and in the locker room and meticulous about his game. And that’s why he had such a long career and that’s what’s making him a successful coach.”

Glenn is one of five current head coaches to lead NFL teams for which they once played, joining Detroit’s Dan Campbell, New England’s Mike Vrabel, Houston’s DeMeco Ryans and the Los Angeles Chargers’ Jim Harbaugh.

Glenn has tried to glean things from the coaches for whom he has played, including Bill Parcells, and those for whom he has coached, including Sean Payton and Campbell, and created his own approach to leading a team. He has focused on changing the culture of a franchise that has the longest active playoff drought in the NFL at 14 straight seasons. Glenn has talked a lot about finding the right guys, ones who fit the style of these current Jets.

“You’ve got to be built for New York,” Mickens said. “You’ve got to be built for this. And No. 1, obviously we know that A.G.’s built for it and I think that he’s looking for players that are built to play here.”

Glenn has already had to make difficult decisions, such as releasing Aaron Rodgers during the offseason — a move that didn’t surprise Mickens.

“He’s going to draw a hard line in the sand on a lot of things,” Mickens said. “And sometimes veteran players and it’s OK, you know, you could be a Hall of Famer or whatever if you’re not willing to do this and if you’re not willing do this, then you know what, you’ve got to move on.”

Glenn has also found parallels in what he and his teammates experienced when Parcells took over a team that went 1-15 under Rich Kotite in 1997 and brought New York to the AFC championship game two years later

“He knows New York and he knows what it takes to win here,” Fabini said of Glenn, “and if he wins here, what’s going to happen.

“So I think that’s awesome.”

ers defender, caused players from both sidelines to rush the field as even Vrabel jumped into the ensuing scrum.

“That’s just how the game goes. Two teams with very competitive coaches, and players are representative of their coach,” Commanders cornerback Mike Sainristil said. “We’re out there competing and they’re competing. But just being able to de-escalate situations before they get worse is very professional. Sometimes things happen. Guys start chirping. It’s the game of football.”

Maye liked the fire his teammates showed during the exchanges.

“That’s what we’re trying to build, I think, and it starts with the coach. The intensity, bringing it every day, taking no (nonsense) when we’re out there on the field,” he said. “But also, it comes to a time where, with our guys offensively, and getting over there and getting some tussles, and kind of having some penalties, and extra after the whistle can get us in trouble. But for mentality, I like it. I think that’s what you want. I mean, I almost got in there, but I think maybe another day maybe. We’ll see.”

NFL players can still use ‘smelling salts’

BY JOSH DUBOW AP pro football writer

NFL players will be allowed to use “smelling salts” during games after all.

The NFLPA sent a memo to players on Wednesday saying that the ban that the league informed teams about on Tuesday only prohibits team employees from distributing smelling salts and any other ammonia inhalant during pregame activities, games and halftime on the sideline or locker rooms.

“The NFL Players Association is aware of the memo issued by the league Tuesday regarding the use of smelling salts and ammonia capsules,” said the memo to players, which was obtained by The Associated Press. “We were not notified of this club policy change before the memo was

sent out. To clarify this policy does not prohibit player use of these substances, but rather it restricts clubs from providing or supplying them in any form. The NFL has confirmed this to us.”

The memo from the league prohibited any club personnel from providing or supplying products such as ammonia capsules, inhalers, ammonia in a cup, and any form of “smelling salts.” The league cited a warning issued from the Food and Drug Administration in 2024 that there was no evidence citing the “safety or efficacy” of the products and that they have the potential to mask symptoms of concussions. Smelling salts and other similar products have been a staple on NFL sidelines for years with many players believing they can provide a sudden jolt of energy or alertness.

Hold the mayo LIVING

BY BETH DOOLEY

The

Potato salad, asignature summer dish, is defined byits maker My grandmother’ssalad was substantially swathed in mayo, while aGerman aunt crowned hers with crisped bacon and plenty of dill. My neighbor tosses in olives, tomatoes and peppers for an Italian twist It’sone of the easiest dishes to make, but success depends on afew basic tenets —starting with the right potato. Choose small, firm, waxy potatoes —fingerling, Yukon gold, Yellow Finn or any of those mixed baby potatoes. These all hold theirshape when cooked. Avoid russet potatoes; they’re toofloury and fall apart. Cut the potatoes to the same size in halves or quarters before cooking to be sure they’re done at the same time Cook the potatoes in boiling water that is as salty as thesea. This ensures the potatoesabsorb the salt early on so you’re not oversalting after they’re done. Don’tcrowd the pot,they need room to bubble away Watch the pot! Start checking after about 10 minutes. The potatoes should be tender, but not too soft and mushy.Insert aknife into the center; if the potato slips off, it’sdone. Drain the potatoes right away,transfer to abowl and, while they’re still hot, sprinkle with the vinegar you’re using in thedressing. This ensures they’ll absorb that snap and zing that gives the salad alift Oncethe potatoes have cooled abit, dress them witha heavy hand. They take in flavors quickly and can become bland. Toss in the other vegetables and herbs after thepotatoes have cooled, so the crisp additions stay crisp. Be sure to tastebefore serving, adding in vinegar,salt and pepper and red pepper flakes as needed. Make the salad early in the day,then enjoy aslice of summer.

Picnic-Perfect

Potato Salad

Serves6to8.Recipe is from Beth Dooley.This light, bright salad reliesonasharp vinaigrette for zing and olives for vigor.Noworries about mayonnaise sitting out in the sun. Make it in the morning so the flavors have achance to marry, and pile on the herbs

2pounds new or waxy potatoes, sliced to be the same size Salt for the water

¼cup white wine vinegar, divided 1teaspoon Dijon mustard

½cup extra-virgin olive oil

¼cup thinly sliced green onions, white and light green parts

¼cup pitted, sliced green olives

¼cup sliced cherry tomatoes

¼cup diced red or orangebell peppers

¼cup chopped basil

2tablespoons chopped parsley Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste Pinch red pepper flakes, to taste

1. Put the potatoes into apot andadd enough water to cover by 2inches; add plenty of salt. (It should taste briny as thesea.)

2. Set over high heat, bringto aboil, reduce the heat to asimmer andcook until the potatoes are just tender,about 10 minutes. Drain and turn into abowl. Toss the hot potatoes with about 1tablespoon of the vinegar.

3. In asmall bowl, whisk together the remaining vinegar, mustard and oil. When the potatoeshavecooled to roomtemperature,toss in the vinaigrette, then the onions, olives,tomatoes, peppers, spinach, basil and parsley.Season to taste with salt, pepper and red pepper flakes.

4. Allowthe flavors to marry foratleast an hour before serving. Youcan make this ahead, cover and refrigerate overnight, but be sure to bring it to room temperature before serving.

This summer,both of my collegeaged kids moved home. In the time that they were away,Ihad forgotten how often they eat!

Both my son and my daughter have becomeconfident home cooks and make many of their own meals. But theother day,they wanted tomake a meal to bring to apotluck dinner party. They asked my advice for arecipe that was both inexpensive and tasty enough to share with acrowd.

Isuggested our favorite enchilada recipe. We have madethis enchilada recipe for years, and now my children have added it to their repertoire. The recipe is great to share withcollege students because it fits into tighter budgets and schedules The dish can feed acrowd or fill a refrigerator with delicious leftovers. Plus, young adultsgain confidence and

Liz Faul

SalsaVerde Enchiladas areperfect foraparty or no-brainer weeknightmeal ä See ENCHILADAS, page 2D

Salsa Verde Chicken Enchiladas

8. Recipe by Liz Faul.

1. Preheat the oven to 400 F.

2. Remove themeatfroma rotisseriechickenand cutthe chicken into bite-sizedpieces Setaside in abowl to be used in theenchiladas.

3. Open acan of black beans, drain thecan into acolander and rinse with water.Pourdrained beans into the bowl with the chicken. Mix the beans and chicken together

4. Place alargepan over low heat, pour two cansofsalsa verde sauce, chickenbroth,lime juice, sliced green onions andchopped fresh cilantro.Heat on mediumlowheat, stirfor 5minutes, and turn off the heat

5. Next, pour approximately ½ cup of warmed salsa verde sauceinto the bowl of chicken andbeans. Stir sauce to coat chicken and bean mix. Leave the rest of the salsa mix in the pan.

6. In alarge glass baking dish, place some of the salsa mix to coat the bottom of the dish. Then add about ½ cup of the chicken and bean mixture to each of the tortillasand roll themup. Place tortillas rolled with chicken and beans in the prepared dish.

7. Add the sour cream to the remaining salsa mix in the pan. Stir the sour cream into the salsa mix until smooth.Pourthe creamy salsa mix over the prepared chickenand beantortillas in the baking dish. Topthe dish with the shredded cheese. Cover the dish with tin foil.

8. Placethe baking dishinto the oven and bake at 400 Ffor about20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is completely meltedand slightly browned. If you like the cheese to be golden brown, removethe tin foil for the last 5 minutes.

Garlic shrimp an iconic restaurant dish forthe home

Gambasal Ajillo (Garlic Shrimp), RECIPE 2D

TNS PHOTO By LINDA GASSENHEIMER

BY LINDAGASSENHEIMER Tribune News Service(TNS)

By The Associated Press

Today is Thursday,Aug.7, the 219th day of 2025. There are 146 days left in the year

Todayinhistory

On Aug. 7, 1974, French high wire artist Philippe Petit performed an unapproved tightrope walk betweenthe two towers of the World Trade Center in New York, over 1,300 feet above the ground; the event was chronicled in the Academy Award-winning documentary“Man on Wire.”

Also on this date:

In 1789, the U.S. Department of Warwas established by Congress

In 1942, U.S. and other allied forces landed at Guadalcanal, marking the start of the first major allied offensive in the Pacific during World WarII.

In 1960, Côte d’Ivoire gained independence from France.

In 1964, Congress passed the Gulf of Tonkin resolution, giving President Lyndon B. Johnson broad powers in dealing with reported North Vietnamese attacks on U.S. forces.

In 1971, the Apollo 15 moon mission ended successfully as its command module splashed down in the Pacific Ocean.

In 1978, President Jimmy Carter declared the Love

TODAYINHISTORY

Canal environmentaldisaster in Niagara Falls, N.Y a federal health emergency; it would later top theinitial list of Superfund cleanup sites.

In 1989, aplane carrying U.S. Rep.Mickey Leland, DTexas, and15others disappearedoverEthiopia. (The wreckageofthe plane was foundsix days later; there were no survivors.)

In 1990, President George H.W.Bush ordered U.S troops andwarplanes to Saudi Arabiatoguard the oil-rich desert kingdom against apossible invasion by Iraq. In 1998, terrorist bombs at U.S.embassiesinKenya and Tanzaniakilled 224 people, including 12 Americans.

In 2007, San Francisco’s Barry Bonds hit home run No. 756 to break Hank Aaron’s storied record with one out in the fifthinning of agame against the Washington Nationals, who won, 8-6.

In 2012, to avoid apossibledeath penalty,Jared Lee Loughner agreed to spend therest of his life in prison, acceptingthat he went on adeadly shootingrampage at an Arizonapolitical gatheringin2011 that left six peopledead and 13 injured, includingU.S. Rep.Gabby Giffords.

In 2015, Colorado theater

shooter James Holmes was spared thedeathpenalty in favor of life in prison after ajury in Centennial failed to agree on whether he should be executed for his attack on apacked movie premiere that left 12 people dead.

Today’sBirthdays: Singer Lana Cantrell is 82. Former FBI Director Robert Mueller is 81. Actor John Glover is 81. Actor David Rasche is 81. Former diplomat, talk show host and activist Alan Keyes is 75. Country singer Rodney Crowell is 75. Actor Caroline Aaron is 73. Comedian Alexei Sayle is 73. Actor Wayne Knight is 70. Rock singer Bruce Dickinson is 67. Actor David Duchovny is 65. Actor Delane Matthews is 64. Actor Harold Perrineau is 62. Jazz musician Marcus Roberts is 62. Country singer Raul Malo is 60. Actor David Mann is 59. Actor Charlotte Lewis is 58. Actor Sydney Penny is 54. Actor Greg Serano is 53. Actor Michael Shannon is 51. Actor Charlize Theron is 50. Rock musician Barry Kerch is 49. Actor Eric Johnson is 46. Actor Randy Wayne is 44.

Actor-writer Brit Marling is 43. NHL center Sidney Crosby is 38. MLB All-Star Mike Trout is 34. Actor Liam James is 29.

Guacamole

Serves 4-6. This recipe was shared with me bymyfriend, Casey Palascak, and based on theguacamole from apopular restaurant calledRosaMexicano.

3tablespoons finely chopped white onion (divided)

2tablespoons finely chopped fresh cilantro (divided)

2teaspoons finely chopped jalapeño

1teaspoon salt

4small ripe (but not too soft)

avocados (peeled and cut into large pieces)

3tablespoons finely diced tomato

Abag of corntortilla chips for dipping

NOTE: If you have amolca-

ENCHILADAS

Continued from page1D

independencewhen they learn to cook ameal for themselves. Cooking at home is not only essential forphysical health, but it can alsoboost mental health by reducing stress and increasing self-esteem. Choosing easy, semi-home-made recipes is agood place to start on a path to cooking confidently

This enchilada recipe uses the meat from arotisserie chicken, acouple of jars of salsa verde —a green salsa made from tomatillo and green peppers —and pre-packaged grated Mexican cheese. However, the dish is easy to tailor to your tastebuds by leaving out the meat entirelyand

jete,ora mortar andpestle, use it to make thepaste and fresh guacamole.

1. Make apaste: In awide bowl, add one tablespoon of finelychopped onion, one tablespoon of the freshly chopped cilantro, two tablespoonsjalapeñoand the salt. Use afork to mash the salt into theonions,herbsand pepper to form apaste.

2. Addpeeled and cut avocado into thebowlontop of

using beans andrice inside thetortilla. Youcan also substitute the salsa verde for red enchiladasauce, and flourtortillas can be substituted for the traditional corn ones. Make it yourown —you can’t go wrong with beans or meat wrapped in atortilla covered with salsa and cheese. These salsa verde enchiladasare tangyand delicious on their own,but an array of sides likeguacamole or freshly sliced mango complements thedish.This week,anold friend, Casey Palascak, who now lives in California, stayed at our housefor afew nights,and shetold us about her favorite guacamolerecipe that shemakes for her guests. She recalled thefirst time she had it at arestaurant called Rosa Mexicanoin

Sister-in-lawstrikes back

Dear Annie: Inever thought that Iwould be writing a complaint to one of these columns, but here it goes. Imarried my husband 12 years ago, and Iwas excited because that meant (well, Ithought) that Iwould be gettingseven sisters. My husband is the only boy among seven girls. Well, his youngest sister has an attitude as thick as molasses. Ihave tried throughout the14 years Ihave known her to get her to likeme, but she will only talk to me when she wantsto, and she gets away with everything. Acouple of years ago, my family andIwere at afamily dinner,and she was there. Everything was going well; some of thesisters (including her) were in thefamily room, and we were all talking, having apleasant conversation. Things changed when an accident Icaused occurred.

the paste.Gentlyfoldthe saltyonionpasteintothe avocado.

3. Add the remaining ingredients on top of the avocado: twotablespoons chopped onion, one tablespoon freshcilantroand three tablespoons of finely diced tomato. Gently stir the guacamole.Serve it in the mixing bowl or mortar/ molcajete. Best usedasa dip with corn tortilla chips.

Washington, D.C. Because of the short ingredient list, Palascak enjoyed theguacamole made tableside. With this fun food storyin mind, we took turns chopping awhiteonion (which made our eyes tear up), jalapeño pepper,cilantro and salt. Our tearsturned to laughter as we poured acouple of glasses of cold rosé and talked about old times In minutes,wemade a bowl of fresh guacamole in atraditional molcajete and gobbled down this delicious dip withtortilla chips. It was so good that we immediately made asecond bowl and ate it, too. Apro-tip is to cut extra onion, cilantro and jalapeño and save them in a Tupperware in therefrigerator so they can be ready to add to the avocado for the inevitable next batch you’ll want to make.

Annie Lane DEAR ANNIE

sister-in-lawdoesn’tallow anyone to kiss herchild. Well, whenitwas time for my family to leave, I gotuptograbthe stuff thatwehad brought, andwithouteventhinking, Ikissedher daughteronthe head She thensmacked me acrossthe face andyelledatme, saying thatnobody kissesher.I haven’t been to afamily gathering with her there since, for I’m afraid thatshe is going to run acrossthe room andslapmeagain. His othersiblings kept making excusesthatshe was pregnant andwas having acomplicatedpregnancy Every time I’minthe same room with her,my anxiety goes through the roof.Ihavebeen through counseling, andevenmy counselorsaystostay away Well, Ihad lunch with one of his other sisters, and the topic came up. She said that Ican’trun away from it forever and that I

have to face my fears. Do I have to face my fears? Or can Istay away as long as I want, even if it is until I’m old and dead? —Confusedin South Dakota

Dear Confused: Her protective instincts (no doubt intensified by her pregnancy) don’texcuse what she did. Slapping someone is assault, and it crosses a very clear line. Your anxiety around her makes perfect sense, and you’re not “running away” by protecting yourself and choosing to limit contact. In fact, distancing yourself is ahealthy boundary and perfectly acceptable option. That said, if part of you is wondering whether aconversation could help clear the air,that might be worth exploring —but only on your terms. If there’shope formutual respect moving forward, it could make family reunions awhole lot easier

Sendyour questions forAnnie Lane to dearannie@creators.com.

This Cruella de Vilofa

Son’sbehaviorcutstripshort

DEAR HARRIETTE: My husband and Irecently planned aweekend trip out of town, and we arranged for our children to stay withtheir aunt, my husband’ssister,while we were away.Wethought everything was going well until, halfway through our trip,wereceived a call from her saying that one of our kids had started acting out. She told us that she doesn’ttolerate that kind of behavior in her home and insisted that we come pick him up immediately.I was shocked and honestly upset.Iunderstand that our son can be ahandful at times.He’sgoing through abit of arebellious phase, but Ifeel like she overreacted. We trusted her to

help us out, and instead of trying to manage the situation or even calling us for advice on how to calm him down, she madeus cut our trip short and madeusfeel like we were being irresponsible parents forgoing away in the first place. Nowthere’stension between us, and I don’tknow how to approach this. Am Iwrong forfeeling like she could have handled things differently?

—Not Helpful

DEAR NOTHELPFUL: Didyou inform your sister-in-law of your son’srecent behavioral shifts? It sounds like you knew that he could be difficult, but you may not have communicated that clearly to her.Sure, she could have tried harder to

care foryour children and give you and your husband amuch-needed respite. It also sounds like you could have communicated more specifically about your children’sneeds and idiosyncrasies.

Both of you could have done better.Tomend the situation, speak to her and admit that you could have been morecommunicative about your son’s potential challenges so that she would have been better prepared. Tell her you wish she hadn’tgiven up so quickly as you really needed sometimeaway Acknowledge that you both could have handled the situation differently.Ask for forgiveness and moveon.

Sendquestions to askharriette@ harriettecole.com.

Reusinggreetingcards fornotes

Dear Heloise: LikeCarolyn, in Dayton, Ohio, Ialso like to reuse items. Iuse the back of greeting cards for lists and notes. They are pretty and easy to find in your purse. (I know,I know,this is what phones are for, but are they ever handy? Mine are always in another room.)

—BonnieWaterhouse, in Burbank, California Shredded paper

Dear Heloise: Ihave asuggestion for M.K. and Judy A., who each commented recently on what todo with shredded paper.They mentioned puttingitout on recycling day (which is not

always accepted), using it in gardens mixed with soil or compost, using it to pack fragile items, or putting it in the trash. My wife and I found that we can take it to our local animal shelter They appreciate it and use it in the bottom of the cages that they house their animals in. I’m sure that any other animal shelter would welcome it, too. —Jim D.,inTiffin, Ohio Silencingunwantedcalls

Dear Heloise: I’ve set up my smartphone so that if Iget aphone call that isn’tin my contacts, Iget asilent notification of the call, but it doesn’tring. If it is someone important, they can leave message. —Bob via email

Theeyeshaveit

Dear Heloise: Here’show Imake atravel eye/sleep mask: Ifold afacial tissue in quarters lengthwise and crease. Then Idaub afingerprint-sized pat of hand lotion on my temples. Next, I“glue” the tissue across the bridge of my nose and over my eyes, then secure it to my head. My friends may laugh at me, but this keeps the light out. Plus, it’ssoft and comfortable! —Helen M., in Illinois Send ahinttoheloise@ heloise.com.

Gambas al Ajillo (GarlicShrimp)

Yields 2servings. Recipe is by Linda Gassenheimer

¾pound shelledshrimp

1tablespoon olive oil

4garlic cloves, crushed

Several drops hot pepper sauce

½cup drysherry or white wine

1teaspoon cornstarch

2tablespoons parsley

Saltand freshly ground black pepper

1. Heat oil in askillet over medium heat.Add garlic and saute until garlic starts to turn golden, not brown.

2. Add shrimpand saute forabout 1to2minutes.

3. Mix 1tablespoon sherry withthe cornstarch in a small bowl. Add the remaining sherry and hot pepper sauce to taste to the skillet and toss well.

4. Add the cornstarch mixture and bring liquid with the shrimp to asimmerfor several seconds to thicken the sauce. Sprinkle with parsley and salt and pepper to taste. 5. Divide in half and place on twodinnerplateswith the rice. Serve immediately NUTRITION INFO PER SERVING: 308 calories (22 percent from fat), 7.7 gfat (1.2 g saturated, 3.4 gmonounsaturated), 276 mg cholesterol, 34.8 gprotein, 10.3 gcarbohydrates, 0.3 gfiber,222 mg sodium

YellowRice

Yields 2servings. Recipe is by Linda Gassenheimer

LEo (July23-Aug. 22) Refuse to letyour emotions filter intoyourfinancial or professional decisions. Focus on what you know and present yourself and your ideas with finesse.Work to make positive change.

VIRGo(Aug. 23-sept. 22) Focus on moneymaking projects. Network and engage in conversations that allow you to market your attributes and express your desires. Someone will show interest in how you live and who you are.

LIBRA(sept.23-oct. 23) Don't underestimate what the people around you are capableof. An in-depthaccount will be difficult for otherstodeny. Stickto facts; embellishment will come back to haunt you.

sCoRPIo (oct. 24-nov. 22) Followyour heart, say littleand do what pleases you. Choosetoeducateyourself instead of tryingtoredirect others. Reconnecting with someone will impact your vision.

sAGIttARIus (nov. 23-Dec. 21) Make home andprospects your focalpoint. Utilizing your skills andtime effectively will help youimprove your situation at a price you can afford. Negotiatingon your own behalf will pay off.

CAPRICoRn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Be open to suggestions, but don't immediately adopt what others want. Don't waste your timearguing when you know what's best for you. Align yourself with people who share your values.

AQuARIus (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) Put your energy to good use.Refuse to let anxiety

build or stop you from reaching your full potential. Avoid people who bring you down, confuse you or cost you.

PIsCEs (Feb. 20-March20) Jumping to conclusions will cause problems. Do your research, prepare your questions and talk to the powers that be to help point you in theright direction.

ARIEs (March 21-April 19) Share your thoughts openly. The more you stew over endless possibilities, theless you achieve. Proactivity will help youwin favors and establishyourselfasthe goto person.

tAuRus (April 20-May 20) What you do will have agreater impact on others than what you say. Focusing on your endgame and distancing yourselffrom peoplewho provoke you and waste your timewill soothe your soul

GEMInI(May21-June 20) Up your game and revise how you use your skills to suitcurrent needs. Awholehearted approach to change will be like abreath of fresh air, giving you themomentum to capture positiveattention.

CAnCER(June 21-July 22) Refuse to let youremotions make youlook bad or give someone the chance to take advantage of you. Theprogress you make working on personal growth will be consequential.

The horoscope, an entertainment feature, is notbased on scientific fact. ©2025 by nEa, inc., dist. By andrewsmcmeel syndication

Sudoku

InstructIons: sudoku is anumber-placing puzzle based on a9x9 grid with several given numbers. The object is to place the numbers 1to9inthe empty squares so that each row, each column and each 3x3 box contains the same number only once. The difficulty level of the sudoku increases from monday to sunday.

Yesterday’s Puzzle Answer

By PHILLIP ALDER Bridge

That well-known humorist A.N. Onymous said, “Too many people confine their exercise to jumping to conclusions, running up bills, stretching the truth, bending over backward, lying down on the job, sidestepping responsibility and pushing their luck.”

One of those words is relevant to this deal.West leads the diamond king against fourhearts. How should South plan the play?

AfterWestopened oneno-trump, showing 15-17 points, Southand North pushed into game Southfaces apotential loser in each suit. But since only 15 high-card points are missing, he knows thatWesthas them all.

South wins the firsttrick and plays a heart to his ace. If both opponentsfollowsuit, another heart lead would endplay West. He could cash the diamond queen, but then would have to sacrifice atrick whatever he did.Here, though, West takes the second heart, cashes the diamond queen, and exits safelywith his last trump, East discarding diamonds.

South wins in his hand andplays aclub to dummy’s king. Westtakes thenext cluband leadshis last club. How can South avoid aspade loser?

Westisknowntohavethequeen.Buthe will nothave adoubleton —why not?

Because if Easthad five spades, he would have run from one no-trump into twospades.

South must try abackward finesse. He ruffs thethirdclub and leads his spade jack,running it if West does not cover. Or,ifWestdoes cover, declarerwins with dummy’s king, then plays aspade to his eight,hoping thatEast has the 10. ©2025 by nEa, inc., dist.Byandrews mcmeel syndication

Each Wuzzle is aword riddle which creates adisguised word, phrase, name, place, saying, etc. For example: nOOn gOOD =gOOD aFTErnOOn

Previous answers:

word game

InstRuCtIons: 1. Words must be of four or more letters. 2. Words that acquire four letters by the addition of “s,”suchas“bats” or “dies,”are notallowed. 3. additional words made by adding a“d” or an “s” may notbeused. 4. proper nouns,

words, or vulgar or sexually explicit words are notallowed.

toDAy’s WoRD ALLEGED: uh-LEJ’D:Accusedbut not proven or convicted.

Average mark 14 words Time

Can youfind23ormorewords in ALLEGED?

dIrectIons: make a2-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. allthe words arein the Official sCraBBlE® players Dictionary, 5th Edition. For more information on tournamentsand clubs, emailnaspa –north americansCraBBlE playersassociation: info@scrabbleplayers.org.Visit ourwebsite:www.scrabbleplayers.org. For puzzle inquiries contact scrgrams@gmail.com Hasbro andits logo sCraBBlE associated logo,the design of thedistinctive sCraBBlE

and

ken ken

InstructIons: 1 -Each row and each column must contain the numbers1 thorugh 4(easy) or 1through 6 (challenging) without repeating. 2 -The numberswithin theheavily outlined boxes called cages must combine using the given operation (in any order)to produce the target numbers in the top-left corners. 3 -Freebies: Fill in the single-box cages withthe number in the top-left corner

Yesterday’s Puzzle Answer

WiShinG Well

HErEisaplEasanT liTTlE gamE that will give you amessage everyday.it’s a numerical puzzle designedtospell out your fortune. Count the lettersinyour firstname. if thenumber of letters is 6ormore, subtract4.ifthe numberislessthan 6, add 3. The result is your key number.startatthe upperleft-hand cornerand check each of yourkey numbers, left to right.Then read the messagethe checked figuresgive you.

Aug. 7, 2025

RED DRESS RUN RED DRESS RUN

ANNUAL CRIMSON WAVE THROUGHTHE FRENCH QUARTER IS SATURDAY

Dirty Linen Night:Another DirtyL en Night: Anothe chancefor agallery stroll chance foragallery stro

EATLIKEA GIRL: Localspots offer specials inspired by internet craze page 9

don’t miss don’t miss don’t miss

The Brees Dream Foundation is the beneficiary of the weekend of matchups at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, including a celebrity showdown of Drew Brees and tennis luminary Andre Agassi at 5 p.m. Saturday. Doors open at 7 a.m. daily. Admission is free Thursday, Friday and Sunday and $10 Saturday; VIP experiences available. nolapicklefest.com.

The museum in City Park is marking the closing of the “New African Masquerades” exhibit from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday with music from Bamboula 2000, curator-led tours, art making, exhibition-inspired beverages and light bites available from Café NOMA. Tickets start at $15. noma.org.

nola pickle fest romance bookstore day noma at night katrina anniversary gala

Love is the air Saturday at Garden District Book Shop, 2727 Prytania St., where a party celebrates local romance authors and the genre of works with signings, games and more throughout the day. At 4 p.m., authors Juliette Cross, Farrah Rochon, Molly Tillis and Alexandra Vasti will take turns tending Bar Epilogue with libations inspired by their work and answering questions. gardendistrictbookshop.com.

quartet warehouse and puzzle sale

Friends of the Jefferson Public Library has everything you’ll need for a perfect rainy day: jigsaw puzzles, school supplies, books, DVDs and CDs. The sale is from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., or while supplies last, Saturday at the East Bank Regional Library, 4747 W. Napoleon Ave., Metairie. The event is held in conjunction with the library’s Puzzle Extravaganza from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. The free event features a used puzzle swap and a 500-piece jigsaw puzzle contest for adults. jplibrary.net.

Russel Honoré, the retired Army lieutenant general who headed the military response in the 2005 hurricane’s aftermath, will be the keynote speaker at 7 p.m. Saturday at the Cannery, 3803 Toulouse St., in Mid-City. The event will include food and entertainment. Tickets start at $25. levees.org.

The Valachia Cimbalom Folk Quartet will perform at 3 p.m. Sunday at the Deutsches Haus, blending traditional Czech with contemporary influences, followed by an after-party with the ensemble. Tickets start at $10. deutscheshaus.org.

Antiques Forumlooks back at Southern amusements

Staff report

The New Orleans AntiquesForumat

The Historic New OrleansCollection gives insight into pastimes andthe cultural intricacies of the region through “objects that reveal the sights, textures and storiesoflife’spleasures amid the region’scomplex history,” accordingto information from the forum

The theme is “Delight& Distraction: Material Culture of Southern Amusement,” and along with three daysof activities and seminars will besessions on board games, the circus, pleasure gardens and how the breedingofrace horses catapulted the sport to nationalat tention. Also on tap will bepresentations on Pontchartrain Beach, the 1884 world’s fair, Southern Jewish summer camps,billiards, handmade cloth dolls and ceramics and glass.

Tours ofthecollection’svault will also be available. The schedule also includes receptions and dinner with thestaff and speakersfor the forum.

The events Friday through Sunday will

Collectibles such as this 1931 postcard of Pontchartrain Beach maybe among the objects at Antiques Forum held by The Historic NewOrleans Collection.

PROVIDED PHOTO

primarily beatthe Williams Research Center,410 Chartres St. Full forum or day passes are available, starting at $60. For information and a schedule, visit hnoc.org.

ABOUTLAGNIAPPE

The Lagniappe section is publishedeach Thursday by The Times-Picayune | The NewOrleans Advocate. All inquiriesabout Lagniappe should be directed to theeditor.

LAGNIAPPE EDITOR: Annette Sisco,asisco@ theadvocate.com

COVERDESIGN: Andrea Daniel

CONTRIBUTINGWRITERS: Victor Andrews, Doug MacCash,Chelsea Shannon

GETLISTEDIN LAGNIAPPE

Submiteventsto Lagniappe at least two weeksinadvance by sending an email to events@theadvocate.com.

ON THECOVER

Asea of redtakes over the French Quarter during the 2024 RedDress Run. Photo by Sophia Germer. This year’s charity eventisSaturday. DougMacCash has thedetails on Page 6.

art art art

UNWASHED MASSES

DirtyLinen

Night, theFrenchQuarter’s slightly unkempt artblock party, is Saturday

Dirty Linen Night is asultrymidsummer street party in the 300 to 1100 blocks of RoyalStreet, where thousands of attendees stroll dozens of art galleriesand shops, having aslightly less refined time than they did at the big White Linen Night art soiree aweek earlier up onJulia Street.

The tongue-in-cheek title of the party —Dirty Linen Night is meant to encourage attendees to get one extra wearing from the rumpled summer fashions they wore to White Linen Night before sending them off to the cleaners.

Think of it this way: Dirty Linen Night is like White Linen Night’sless polished youngersister,who hangs out in da Quarter and doesn’tcare if there’s atelltale grenadine stainonher white summer shift.

DirtyLinen NightisTHE night

The big difference between the Julia Street art scene and the Royal Street art scene is that mostJulia galleries feature the works of adifferent artist each month. At the startofeach month, all the galleries present nighttime opening receptions.

Down on Royal, the galleries tend to be single-artist showplaces or salons with standing selections by several artists.Mostdon’thave regular opening receptions throughout the year.Which makes the annual Dirty Linen Night event especially important. On Royal Street, Dirty Linen Night is THE night. Matt Rinard, the president of the Royal Street Arts Districtassociation, said that, businesswise, Dirty Linen Night can be asalvation, becauseit

STAFF PHOTOSByDOUGMacCASH

Master expressionist Harouni poses with an unfinished sculpture in his galleryat 933 RoyalSt.

takes place in the depth of thesales doldrums forthe French Quarter galleries and shops. First of all, tourists are scarcer in the heat of August, during hurricane season, he said.

And according to Rinard, some locals just seem to forgetabout the French Quarter as an artdestination. Others, he said, are fearfulofcrime, or the perception of crime anyway.Though, he pointed out, there’sgoing to be an especially healthy policepresence during Dirty LinenNight.

Cocktailsmakeall artlookbetter

There’salwayssome amazing art to be discovered, but even for folks who aren’tintoart, the big party is a bargain. Basically,Dirty Linen Night is free. But adults whobuy a$20 wristband can get aglass of wine or acraft cocktailatthe bars inside most of the galleries. When else can youspend an eveningimbibing in the VieuxCarre

David McPherson stands beside his painting ‘Composition37’ in his galleryat1029 RoyalSt.

Square artist Stacy Mac displays anew canvastitled ‘I Spywith Wally G’ at Duerty Boys gallery, 901 Chartres St.

for 20 bucks?

DIRTY LINEN NIGHT

WHEN: 6p.m. to 9p.m. Saturday

WHERE:

300 to 1100 blocks of Royal Street and the surrounding area

ADMISSION: Free; $20 wristbands allowaccess to adult beverages in most participating artgalleries and shops

INFORMATION: dirtylinen.org

Artist Craig Tracyposes with hiscollection of striped props in hisgalleryat509 RoyalSt.

Let’sface it, nothing makes art look better than atouch of alcohol, and better yet, proceedsfrom wristbands benefit the Please Foundation, which

providescollege scholarships to at-risk students.

Email Doug MacCash at dmaccash@ theadvocate.com.

art art art

ART PREVIEW

On a recent stroll down Royal Street and nearby, we visited several galleries and scoped out some of the art to look forward to for Saturday’s Dirty Linen Night. Here are a few not-to-miss stops.

MORTAL MACHINE, BOXCAR AND GRAPHITE GALLERIES

940, 938, 936 Royal St.

These three galleries side-by-side feature what is affectionately known as lowbrow art. It’s the sort of painting and sculpture inspired more by comic books, tattoos, graffiti and such. But don’t get the wrong idea. Despite its inherent humor and outrageousness, the paintings and sculptures at Mortal Machine, Boxcar and Graphite galleries are some of the most carefully composed, meticulously executed work you’re going to find.

DAVID

MCPHERSON GALLERY

1029 Royal St.

McPhereson’s brand of abstraction transforms the New Orleans landscape into a soul-soothing modernist broth,

of high-end international art. Look for stirring ceramic sculptures by Woodrow Nash, who combines Benin-inspired, attenuated figures with bold modern color

Tanner stands beside his eerie, enlarged rendering of a bird’s skull at his 625 Royal St. gallery.

with a dash of Chagal and a soupçon of Mondrian.

HAROUNI GALLERY

933 Royal St.

The Iranian-born artist Harouni captures a state of human bewilderment and woe, with a rather brutal style that seems both introspective and universal. Part of the pleasure of visiting the expressive master’s gallery is laying eyes on his splendidly cluttered workplace.

TANNER GALLERY

625 Royal St.

Tanner’s amazing intricate, layered forest scenes are both naturalistic and nightmarish. There are certainly unseen ghosts amid his tangles of trees and the barking of an unhearable dog baying in the distance.

CRAIG TRACY GALLERY

509 Royal St.

Never mind painting nude models on canvas, Craig Tracy paints directly on nude models, transforming flesh into mesmerizing, trompe l’oeil landscapes and animals. RSVP to see Tracy paint live from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at info@craigtracy.com. Afterward, the gallery will open to the general public.

ANGELA KING GALLERY

241 Royal St.

King gallery has long been a source

DUERTY BOYS

901 Chartres St.

Though Dirty Linen Night takes

place mostly on Royal Street, be sure to scout for galleries on the surrounding blocks. At Duerty Boys, you’ll find paintings by Jackson Square artist Stacy Mac, whose compositions include as many as 400 tiny, seemingly random images, from a flamingo to a tennis ball to Kermit the Frog and on and on and on.

events events events

ANDFOR ACAUSE RED. HOT.

Getdressedfor the annualscarlet scamper in theFrenchQuarter

Aparticipant crosses the finish line during the2024 Red DressRun in NewOrleans.

BY DOUG MacCASH Staff writer

The Red Dress Run is like an annual hallucination. At 10:15 a.m. Saturday, roughly 3,000 athletes —touse theterm generously —will pour intothe streetsof the French Quarter for a11/2-mile run. The jogging mob will be clad in avariety of skirtsand dresses, from summer shiftstoburlesque costumes.This includes women and men alike. Some small percentage of the runners will be sober; all are likely to be sweating from every pore.

By SOPHIA GERMER

To behold thepassing stampede is aflabbergasting experience, even in the Vieux Carre,where eyebrow raising sightsare predictable. To participateisprobably ahoot.

In its31styear,the Red Dress Run is a charity event that raised$150,000 for area nonprofits in 2024. The run is presented by the local chapter of theHashHouse Harriers, an international organization thatproudly describesitselfas“adrinking club witharunning problem.”

Considering that thereare 52 Saturday mornings to choosefromeach year,why oh whydothe Hashers, as they’re known, choosetohold their big event in sweltering August? Organizer Brooke O’Bryant said

it’sbecause there’ssolittle else going on thatthe Hashers can make abigger contribution to the local economythan at amore comfortable time of year.

Youcan betthe Quarter will be rocking Saturday whatever the temperature, withofficial Red Dress Run participants, a substantial audience along the curbs, and hundreds of nonregistered joggers who customarily crash the run along the way

The big news this year is that the starting point of the Red Dress Run is changing from the Crescent Park on the riverfront in the Marigny to the entrance to Armstrong Park on North Rampart Street

O’Bryant said that for years, the run began at Armstrong Park but moved to the Crescent Parkin2017.

But, O’Bryant said, it was uncertain if Crescent Park would be available this year, as management of the site has changed. So

the event wasmoved back Park.

It is aHasher custom tha 2025 Red Dress Run will n in advance, though specta thepath will return to the where ahugepost-run par O’Bryant said when we day’srun we should put th quotes, since running isn’ The most energetic part complete the circuit and r starting point in mere min disappear into the Quarte back abit later,” O’Bryan choose your own adventu she said.

Red Dress Run fashions over the years, O’Bryant s everybody seemed to be w same red dress from Ama

back to Armstrong that the route of the not be announced spectators can be sure starting point, party takes place. refer to Saturthe word run in t really required. participants will return to the minutes; others will Quarter and “mosey t said. “It’s a ture kind of day,” ons have evolved said. Last year, wearing the Amazon, she said.

Taylor Swift tributes were also popular and before that, Barbie outfits were big for a while. Some runners form thematic groups, like the gang that wore red nurses’ uniforms and carried syringes filled with booze-laced Jell-O.

It costs $89 to be an official participant, which includes flowing kegs and open bars, 10 food stations and music by Cowboy Mouth and the Crescent Kings. The first 2,500 runners receive a Red Dress Run umbrella.

Runners will begin gathering at Armstrong Park at 9 a.m.; the “run” proceeds at 10 a.m A post-run party in the park starts at 11:30 a.m. and continues until 4 p.m. For more information, visit the New Orleans Hash House Harriers site

Email Doug MacCash at dmaccash@ theadvocate.com.

LEFT: Participants in the 2024 Red Dress Run fill the route along North Rampart Street.

RIGHT: A participant in a red dress takes off their shoes along the route.

RED DRESS RUN

WHEN: 9 a.m. Saturday; race starts at 10 WHERE: Armstrong Park TICKETS: $89

INFO: noh3.com

Post-run party is from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. the park

‘Bad Guys’ sequel good animated action entertainment

BY MARK MESZOROS

The News-Herald (Willoughby, Ohio) (TNS)

Look, the Bad Guys are trying their best.

In the new animated romp “The Bad Guys 2,” the gang of anthropomorphic animals led by the Sam Rockwellvoiced Mr. Wolf has served its time in the slammer for its crimes. They’re looking to become productive members of society, but each is having trouble landing a job. Mr Wolf, in fact, interviews at a bank, telling the manager that some of his best memories are from banks.

“You robbed us three times,” the interviewer says.

“That was THIS bank?” an embarrassed Mr. Wolf asks.

The sequel to 2022 family-friendly hit “The Bad Guys” — which brought the animal antiheroes from Aaron Blabey’s bestselling book series to the big screen — is an improvement on the solid original, thanks largely to action sequences that are downright impressive.

The action chops are clear from the movie’s opening sequence, set five years earlier in Cairo. After making an elaborate entrance, the needlessness of which perplexes then-new team member Ms. Tarantula (Awkwafina), the Bad Guys steal the black muscle car that will become synonymous with Mr. Wolf from an Egyptian billionaire (Colin Jost). To say the chase scene that follows the theft is totally bonkers may be an understatement, as it rivals the best of what the “Fast and Furious” franchise has to offer. (Of course, an animated movie doesn’t have to hire a bunch of stunt drivers and effects folks, block off city streets, etc., but still.)

Back in the present day, Mr. Wolf is puttering around in a hatchback that can barely make it up a hill. If the lack of employment weren’t bad enough, someone is committing crimes that look a lot like the kinds of heists the Bad Guys used to pull. Soon, Mr. Wolf suspects one of their own, a suddenly easygoing, kombucha-drinking Mr. Snake (Marc Maron), who regularly disappears, supposedly to take part in activities such as yoga classes.

PROVIDED PHOTO By UNIVERSAL PICTURES/DREAMWORKS ANIMATION

The Bad Guys are back — and doing their best to be good — in ‘The Bad Guys 2.’

‘THE BAD GUYS 2’

HHH

STARRING: Voices of Sam Rockwell, Marc Maron, Craig Robinson,Anthony Ramos, Awkwafina, Natasha Lyonne, Zazie Beetz, Richard Ayoade,Alex Borstein

DIRECTORS: Pierre Perifel, JP Sans

MPA RATING: PG (for action/mild violence, rude humor and language)

RUNNING TIME: 1:44

HOW TO WATCH: In theaters

We soon learn, however, that the recent crimes are the work a trio of troublemakers, the Bad Girls: scheming snow leopard Kitty Kat (Danielle Brooks); beefy Bulgarian wild boar and engineer Pigtail (Maria Bakalova); and Doom (Natasha Lyonne), a wry raven who’s worked her way into Mr Snake’s normally cold heart.

The Bad Guys — rounded out by Mr Shark (Craig Robinson) and Mr Piranha (Anthony Ramos) — make a

pact with their onetime pursuer, police chief-turned-commissioner Misty Luggins (Alex Borstein), to help her catch the gals.

According to the production notes for “The Bad Guys 2,” sales of Australian Blabey’s graphic novel series for young readers have jumped from 8 million to 32 million since the release of the first movie. That’s not surprising, as there’s a lot to like with this mix, including the voice work.

The smooth approach to Mr Wolf by Rockwell (“Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri”) is especially laudable.

Plus, Awkwafina (“The Little Mermaid”), Robinson (“This Is the End”), Ramos (“In the Heights”) and podcaster-comic Maron (“Stick”) can be counted on for laughs.

Brooks (‘The Color Purple”) impresses, too, bringing just the right edge to Kitty Kat, whose informative background is revealed over time.

The aforementioned opening sequence is but a taste of the action to

come, as our heroes must take to space — just like a fan-favorite “Fast and Furious” pair does in 2021’s “Fast and Furious 9” — to stop the Bad Girls from using a special magnet to steal all the gold on Earth.

Working from a screenplay by Etan Cohen, who wrote the first film, and Yoni Brenner, returning director Pierre Perifel maintains a tight grip on what easily could have become an unwieldy machine. Along with all the action, he has more characters to juggle, including the villain from the first flick, Professor Marmalade (Richard Ayoade), and Gov. Diane Foxington (Zazie Beetz), who continues to hide her criminal past while growing closer with Mr Wolf.

Perifel is helped out by co-director JP Sans, who was the head of character animation on “The Bad Guys.”

This is a winning formula, and given that Blabey has put out several “Bad Guys” titles, we certainly expect the crew will be back sooner than later for more good-bad behavior.

food food food

3New Orleanseateries savoring thecraze with ‘girldinner’deals

The “girl dinner” craze that started as an online trend has madeits wayto New Orleans, withmany restaurants offering specialsfor ladies looking for something different than atraditional meal.

urday and 9a.m. to 3p.m. Sunday

Chelsea Shannon

The term (and tune) originated as an internet joke from TikTok creator Olivia Maher, who shared her dinner of bread and cheese withher followers in 2023.

Agirl dinner can come in all shapes and sizes, from asimple cheese and meat platter with some winetoa collection of food thatamountsto something more filling. One themost popular girl dinner combinations is a Caesar salad, French fries anda martini or Diet Coke.

Restaurants from Nebraska to New York have begun offeringgirl dinner deals, typically priced between $20 and $50, depending on the offerings.

Three New Orleansrestaurants are also onboard.

JUSTINI’S

3162 Dauphine St.

Noon to 9p.m. Tuesday through Thursday,noon to midnight Friday, 11 a.m. to midnight Saturday and 11 a.m. to 4p.m. Sunday

The first restauranttohop onthe trend, JusTini’sdecided to go with “girl lunch” instead of “girl dinner.” The Bywater restaurant is offering guests aCaesar salad,trufflefries and achoice of adirty martinioralemon drop martini for $25. Therestaurant’s deal is available from Tuesday to Thursday

JUNIOR’S ON HARRISON

789 Harrison Ave.

11 a.m. to 9p.m. Monday to Wednesday, 11 a.m.to10p.m. Thursday to Sat-

The Lakeview restaurant offers girl dinner all day on Thursdaythat guests can build from amenu of $7 items. For example, amartini, Caesar salad and truffle fries combo would cost$21 before tax and tip

Andthat just scratches the surface! Junior’sisalso including its frozen cocktails as agirl dinner option.

SIDECAR PATIO& OYSTER BAR 1114 Constance St.

4p.m.to9 p.m.Monday to Thursday, 4p.m.to10p.m. Friday,noon to 10 p.m. Saturda nd to 9p Sunday

For $25, the guests at Sidecar Patio&Oyster Bar in NewOrleans canorder ameal that includes achopped wedgesalad, Parmesan wafflefries, three rawoysters and achoice of either an espresso martini or aglass of cava

give your feet abreak 50-75% off shoe sale

stages stages stages

jazz Bring back the

Vocal legendslike Lena Horne, Billy Holiday and Dorothy Dandridge come to life in a musical theatrical experience opening Saturday at Ashé Powerhouse Theater

“Belle Noire: An OdeToBlack Songstresses of Eras Past”pays tributetoBlack female singers in an immersiveconcert experiencecreatedbynative NewOrleanian Kayla Lewis.

Blendingprojectionsand visuals,the show features live jazz, dancingand offers “a cabaret-meets-theater” experience that looks at theiconic women whosangthrough theeras, including such luminaries as Ella Fitzgerald, Eartha Kittand Josephine Baker

“‘Belle Noire’ is aheartfelt tribute born from thebond my mother andIshare over thegolden age of Black female jazzlegends,” Lewis said. “I’m excited to bring together some of thebest performers —including manyofmyfamily members —tohonor the women who shaped myself and many other Black artists into who we are today.”

“Weweren’tseeing much of this type of performance anywhere —not on YouTube, not online,” said Leila Lewis, Kayla Lewis’ mother.“Not just singers in pretty gowns, but theatrical, characterdriven shows. So, we figured if we started it, maybe others would be inspired to follow.”

What began as afamily project to film Lewis performing classic songs becamethe present show

Serving as choreographer and director is Mickey Davidson, of NewYork, part acadre of Big Apple talents involved in the show

In addition to Kayla Lewis as featured vocalist and dancer,several members of

stages stages stages

herfamilyare taking part in the show, from performers to musicianstoillustrators, including herfather,Kerry Lewis Sr.Other performers include Gabrielle Lewis, Sammy Coleman, Adante Power, DandyWellingtonand Darnell Williams. Brian Davis is also choreographer

“Wewant audiences to feel themagic of thoseglamorous women whopoured every ounce of soul into asong,” Lewis said. “This is more than aconcert it’satribute, aresurrection anda love letter to those who camebefore us.”

Aportion of the proceedsfrom the show benefit New Orleans nonprofits including Second LineartsCollective and New Orleans Dance Collection. The showisat7 p.m. Saturday and 3p.m. Sunday at 1731BaronneSt. Tickets start at $25.50. Visit bellenoireshow.com.

KELLEy

As Maggie the Cat, Rebecca Elizabeth Hollingsworthattempts to break through to thereticent Brick, playedbyBrandon Kotfila in ‘Cat on aHot TinRoof,’the next productionbythe Tennessee Williams TheatreCo.

The‘Cat’ staysput ... fornow Another to the TinRoof” by the Tennessee Williams

founding artistic director of thelocal company,said this will be the“second and final time” thestageplay will be extended.

Considered one of Williams’ finest works, theshow show is part of the company’s10th season. For details on tickets and times, see below

In production

“CATONA HOTTIN ROOF”: 7:30 p.m. Thursday to Saturday,3p.m. Sunday; Marquette Theater,Loyola University, 6363 St. Charles Ave. The Tennessee Williams Theatre Company’sversion of the classic set on aprosperous plantation in the Mississippi Delta populated by BigDaddy and Big Mama Pollitt.Trouble is brewing as thewonderfully wretched family (withsons Brick and Gooper and their wives Maggie andMae) keep secrets and circle like vultures amid Bid Daddy’sbirthday and “successful” medical tests. Tickets start at $40. tweatrenola.com.

“THE CRUCIBLE”: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, andMonday through Aug. 14; Big Couch, 1045 Desire St. FatSquirrel stages Arthur Miller’sfictionalized story of the Salemwitchtrials thatlooks at betrayal, consequencesand howtruth can often become avictim when hysteria takes hold. Ticketsstart at $25. fatsquirrelnola.square.site.

“SCHOOL OF ROCK: THE MUSICAL”: Opening 7:30 p.m. Saturdayand running 7:30 p.m. Fridays andSaturdays and 2:30 p.m. Sundays through Aug. 24; 30 by Ninety Theatre, 880 Lafayette St., Mandeville.Singer-without-a-band Dewey Finn turns the students of a snootyprivate school from honor rollerstohardrock ’n’ rollers to compete in the Battle of the Bands, allwithout their parents or the school administrators finding out. Tickets start at $32. 30byninety.com.

Email Victor Andrewsatvandrews@ theadvocate.com.