The Acadiana Advocate 04-06-2026

Police: Driver in parade crashwas impaired

18 injured Saturday at LaoNew year Festival

BY OLIVIA TEES Staff writer

achangingindustry

BY CLAIREGRUNEWALD Staff writer

Rhonda Landry-Pochéremembers

picking strawberries with her Paw Paw side by side, as he told hertopickthem fast and by the stems.

Her grandfather was the second owner of the family farm, taking over in the 1930s, and he and his family put in years of long hours of manual labor to ensure the success of the strawberry business.

“He’d sit in therocking chair and talk to the kids about hismulenamed Ada, andhow they didn’thavetractors then (onthe farm) andhow he andhis mule would work,” Landry-Poché said.

Nowdecades andplenty of technology advances later,at61years old, Landry-Poché owns the family farmas it celebrates itscentennial this year

The fourth-generation, family-owned Landry-Poché Strawberry Farm was established in 1926 and is locatedinthe smalltownofSpringfield. This strawberry season, thefarmplanted 120,000 plants across 6acres. The farm currently suppliesthe Robert Fresh Market stores in theNew Orleans area, but customerscan alsocome to the farm to buy strawberries during the season and even pick them themselves. The farm alsohosts field trips nearly every day

Trumpissuesfiery

rescued awounded aviator whose Irandowned plane fell behind enemylines.

BY MATTHEW LEE, BASSEMMROUE, KONSTANTIN TOROPIN and SAMY MAGDY Associated Press

TEHRAN, Iran President Donald Trump on Sunday made expletive-filled threats against Iran and its infrastructure if it doesn’topen the Strait ofHormuz by his Tuesday deadline, after American forces

Adefiant Iran struck infrastructuretargets in neighboring Gulf Arab countriesand threatened to restrictanotherheavily used regional waterway, theBab el-Mandeb Strait off theArabian Peninsula.

Trump on social media vowed to hit Iran’s powerplantsand bridgesand said thecountrywould be “living in Hell” if the Strait

of Hormuz, crucial for global trade, isn’t opened. He ended with“Praise be to Allah.”

Trumphas issued suchdeadlines before but extended them when mediators have claimed progresstowardending thewar,which has killed thousands, shaken global markets and spiked fuel prices in just over five weeks.

Multiple videos and pictures online show aman crashing ablue Chevrolet sedan intoparadegoersand trapping one person underneath the vehicle at the Louisiana LaoNew Year FestivalonSaturday afternoon. Acadian Ambulance transported 11 victimsbyground and two victimsbyair after the crash, according to apost on X. Atotal of 18 individuals were injured at the festivalnearBroussard,according to the Louisiana State Police. Todd Landry,57, of Jeanerette, was arrested on counts of driving while impaired andfirst-degree negligent injuring, careless operation and open container,Louisiana State Police said. Landry has no prior criminal history In aFacebook post Sunday,the Iberia Parish Sheriff’s Office said it is extending its heartfelt thoughts and prayers to the victims, their families and the Laotian community during this difficult time. “We stand with those affected and ask our community to keep them in your prayers,” the post said. Deputies responded to the corner of Savannakhet and Melanconroadsinconnection witha vehicle that struckmultiple peopleattending the festival,the Sheriff’s Office said.

During the investigation, Landry showed signs of impairment and submitted abreath sample indicating ablood alcohol level of 0.137%, according to

ä See PARADE, page 4A

BY JA’KORI MADISON Staff writer

In acourtroom runbyteenagers, the judge calls the session to order,the prosecutor makes acase —and the defendant is another student.

It’sall part of Teen Court in Acadiana, where students take on real legal roles such as judge, juror,prosecutor and defense attorney to help peers navigate minor legal infractions, from truancy to theft. The programoffers teens facing minor charges asecond chance —holding them accountable while helping them avoid a criminal record and redirect their path.

“These are real crimes,and the kids takeitseriously,” said Tyra McWhorter, the program’sdirector.“From intake to resolution, they understand the accountability involved.”

BRIEFS

Gasoline tanker burns after hitting power lines

FORT WORTH, Texas A tanker truck in Texas hauling gasoline erupted into a fiery blaze Sunday after colliding with another vehicle and knocking over power lines, leaving the truck driver in critical condition, Fort Worth authorities said.

The 18-wheeler was carrying 9,000 gallons of gasoline that began leaking after the truck spun off the road near a gas station. The downed power lines then sparked a fire around 1 a.m., Fort Worth Fire Department spokesperson Craig Trojacek said.

“The driver of the 18-wheeler was trying to do everything he could to keep the gas from draining into the parking lot of the Valero gas station when it lit off,” Trojacek said.

The driver was hospitalized with burns, but no one else was injured, Trojacek said. Fire crews spent hours spraying the tanker with water and used sand to try and contain the gasoline, he said. Firefighters left the scene about 7 a.m.

Videos of the fire show what appears to be front of the truck engulfed in flames as plumes of smoke rise.

Toddler hurt by wolf at Pennsylvania zoo

HERSHEY, Pa A toddler was lightly injured by a wolf at a Pennsylvania theme park zoo after he crawled under a fence and stuck his hand into the animal’s enclosure, officials at the zoo confirmed Sunday

The child was never inside the wolf habitat at the ZooAmerica North American Wildlife Park, which is part of the Hersheypark theme park, and the officials characterized the injuries as minor without elaborating After the “unsupervised” child reached the metal enclosure around the wolf habitat on Saturday morning and put his hand through, a wolf approached “and made contact with the child’s hand,” according to a statement from the zoo.

“This type of response is consistent with natural animal behavior, and was not a sign of aggression,” the zoo said in a statement. “Our habitats are designed with multiple layers of protection, and clear signage and barriers are in place to help ensure safe viewing. Guests are expected to remain within designated areas and closely supervise children at all times.”

4 killed in Alabama car crash during pursuit

TROY, Ala. — Four people died when a car that was being pursued by an Alabama state trooper went off the road and hit a tree, authorities said Sunday.

The driver was trying to elude the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s highway patrol on a rural road in southeast Alabama’s Pike County when the crash occurred late Friday night, ALEA spokesperson Amanda Wasden said in an email No other vehicles were involved.

Wasden said the crash was under investigation, and no additional information was available. Her email did not say what prompted the pursuit.

The driver and two passengers, one of them a 17-year-old, were not wearing seat belts and were thrown from the sedan. The third passenger was not ejected, but all four were pronounced dead at the scene.

A story in Sunday’s Books section listed incomplete information about the Books Along the Teche Literary Festival and Rick Bragg’s appearances The Rick Bragg Great Southern Writer and Book Club event will be at 11 a.m. Saturday in the Doc Voorhies’ Wing of the Bayou Teche Museum, 131 E. Main St., New Iberia, and the Great Southern Writer Symposium and Book Signing featuring Bragg will be at 3:30 in the Sliman Theater at 129 East Main St., New Iberia. Organizers recommend registering for the events. For a complete schedule and more information about the event, visit booksalongthetecheliteraryfestival.com. The Advocate regrets the error

Pope urges peace in first Easter Mass

Christians celebrate in Jerusalem, Gaza and Tehran

BY COLLEEN BARRY and PAOLO SANTALUCIA Associated Press

VATICAN CITY Pope Leo XIV celebrated his first Easter Mass as pontiff with a call Sunday to lay down arms and seek peace to global conflicts through dialogue, but he departed from a tradition of listing the world’s woes by name in the Urbi et Orbi blessing from the loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica.

Leo, the first U.S.-born pope, emphasized Easter’s message of hope as a celebration of Jesus’ resurrection after being crucified.

“Let us allow our hearts to be transformed by his immense love for us! Let those who have weapons lay them down! Let those who have the power to unleash wars choose peace! Not a peace imposed by force, but through dialogue! Not with the desire to dominate others, but to encounter them!” the pope implored.

With the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran in its second month and Russia’s ongoing campaign in Ukraine, Leo acknowledged a sense of indifference “to the deaths of thousands of people to the repercussions of hatred and division that conflicts sow to the economic and social consequences they produce.”

Without mentioning the wars by name, Leo quoted his predecessor, Pope Francis, who during his last public appearance from the same loggia last Easter reminded the faithful of the “great thirst for death, for killing, we witness each day.”

Francis, weakened by a long illness, died the next day on Easter Monday.

The Urbi et Orbi blessing, Latin for “to the city and the world,” has traditionally included a litany of the world’s woes Leo followed that formula during his Christmas blessing. There was no immediate explanation for the shift

Earlier, Leo addressed some 50,000 faithful from an open-air

at the Vatican.

altar in St. Peter’s Square flanked with white roses, while the steps leading down to the piazza where the faithful gathered were filled with spring perennials, symbolically resonating with the pope’s words He implored the faithful in his homily to keep their hope in the face of death, which lurks “in the abuses that crush the weakest among us, because of the idolatry of profit that plunders the earth’s resources, because of the violence of war that kills and destroys.”

Speaking from the loggia, the pope announced a prayer vigil for peace April 11 in the basilica.

Small shifts in traditions Leo greeted the global faithful in 10 languages, including Arabic, Chinese and Latin, reviving a practice that his predecessor Pope Francis had let lapse.

Before retreating into the basilica, Leo stepped forward out of the loggia’s shadow and waved to the cheering crowd below He later greeted people in the piazza from the popemobile that took him all the way down Via della Conciliazione

toward the Tiber River and back.

During the marathon that is Holy Week, Leo also reclaimed the tradition of washing priests’ feet on Holy Thursday, a gesture of encouragement toward clergy, after Francis had chosen a more inclusive path, traveling to prisons and homes for the disabled to wash the feet of women, non-Christians and prisoners.

The 70-year-old pontiff also became the first pope in decades to carry the light wooden cross for the entire 14 stations during the Way of the Cross on Good Friday Christians in the Holy Land

Traditional ceremonies at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, revered by Christians as the traditional site of Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection, were scaled back under an agreement with Israeli police. Authorities have put limits on the sizes of public gatherings due to ongoing missile attacks.

The restrictions also dampened the recent Muslim holy month of Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr holiday, as well as the current weeklong Jew-

ish festival of Passover On Sunday, the Jewish priestly blessing at the Western Wall — normally attended by tens of thousands was limited to just 50 people.

The restrictions have strained relations between Israeli authorities and Christian leaders. Police last week prevented two of the church’s top religious leaders, including Latin Patriarch Pierbattista Pizzaballa, from celebrating Palm Sunday at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Gaza’s Palestinian Christians At the Holy Family church in Gaza City, Catholics young and old gathered for a traditional Easter Mass. Singing, they formed a queue in the aisle, waiting for their chance to kiss a sketch of Jesus held by a member of the clergy who wiped the glass frame between turns.

“There is great joy, especially after the ceasefire and after nearly three years of suffering and being unable to celebrate all the holy holidays,” said George Anton from Gaza City “People are somewhat relieved and more stable.”

Armenian Christians

Armenian Christians observed Easter at a church in Iran’s capital on Sunday, striving to maintain a sense of normalcy five weeks into the war Families embraced and children exchanged painted eggs at the St. Sarkis Cathedral in central Tehran. Iran’s capital has been targeted by daily airstrikes since the United States and Israel launched the war on Feb. 28.

“Whether we like it or not, we have young children who do not understand what’s going on,” said Juanita Arakel, 40, an English language teacher “They just need to feel normal.”

The Islamic Republic, with a population of about 90 million, is home to some 300,000 Christians, mostly Armenians, and three seats in parliament are reserved for Christians.

“Our calls and prayers are that we will be able to end this war,” said Sepuh Sargsyan, the archbishop of the Armenian Diocese of Tehran. “Our calls and prayers are that we will be able to end this war.”

3 killed as tree falls at Easter egg hunt in Germany

BY DAVID MCHUGH Associated Press

FRANKFURT, Germany

Three people, including a 10-month-old girl, were killed Sunday when high winds toppled a tree in northern Germany during an Easter egg hunt, police said.

Around 50 people from a nearby residential facility for new mothers, pregnant women and children were attending the event in woods near the town of Satrupholm at about 11 a.m. when a 100-foot tree fell on the group, police said in a statement.

Four people were pinned under the tree.

A 21-year-old woman and a 16-year-old girl were treated by first responders but died at the scene, while the woman’s 10-month old daughter died later in the hospital.

An 18-year-old woman suffered serious injuries and was brought to the

stein region where the facility was located said they were “deeply shaken” by the accident.

“Our thoughts are with the family members of the dead, with the injured, and with everyone who had to

experience this terrible occurrence,” regional Gov Daniel Günther, Interior Minister Magdalena

and Youth and Families Minister Aminata Touré said in a joint statement carried by the dpa news agency

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hospital by helicopter

The facility is part of the state-funded child welfare system and supports pregnant women and new mothers who need help, according to its website.

Grief counselors were sent to the scene. Pictures from the scene published by the Bild

news site showed several Easter eggs scattered on the ground and two of the victims covered in white sheets.

The area had been under a high winds warning from the German weather service.

Government officials from the Schleswig-Hol-

Congo to receive third-country deportees from U.S. under deal

By The Associated Press

KINSHASA, Congo Congo will receive some migrants as part of a new deal under the Trump administration’s third-country program, its government said Sunday, the latest such African nation to receive migrants being deported from the U.S. The deportees will start arriving in Congo this month, the Congolese Ministry of Communications said in a statement, without further details on the date or the number of deportees expected.

It described the arrangement as a “temporary” one that reflects Congo’s “commitment to human dignity and international solidarity.” It would come with zero costs to the government with the U.S. covering the needed logistics, it said.

The U.S. has struck such third-country deportation deals with at least seven other African nations, many of them among countries hit the most by the Trump administration’s policies that have restricted trade, aid and migration.

The Trump administra-

tion has spent at least $40 million to deport about 300 migrants to countries other than their own, according to a report released recently by the Democratic staff of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Lawyers and activists have raised questions over the nature of the deals with countries in Africa and elsewhere. Several of the African nations that have signed such deals have notoriously repressive governments and poor human rights records — including Eswatini, South Sudan and Equatorial Guinea.

Ukraine’sleader: Mideastwar couldpullawaysupport

Zelenskyyworries

Iran warcould furthererode U.S. support

BY SERRA YEDIKARDES and SAMYAKULLAB Associated Press

ISTANBUL Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed concern thata prolonged U.S.-Israeli war on Iran could further erode America’ssupport for Ukraine as Washington’s global priorities shift and Kyivbraces for reduced deliveries of critically needed Patriot air defense missiles.

Ukraine desperately needs more U.S.-made Patriot air defense systems to helpit counter Russia’sdailybarrages, Zelenskyy said, speaking to The Associated Press in an exclusive interview late Saturday in Istanbul.

Russia’srelentless pounding of urban areasbehind the front line following its fullscale invasion of Ukraine more than four years ago has killed thousands of civilians. It hasalsotargetedUkraine’s energy supply to disrupt industrial production of Ukraine’snewly developed drones and missiles, while also denying civilians heat and running water in winter.

“Wehave to recognize that we are not the priority for today,” Zelenskyy said. “That’s why Iamafraid along(Iran) war will give us lesssupport.”

Loss of focusonUkraine

The latest U.S.-brokered talks between envoysfrom Moscow and Kyiv ended in February with no sign of a breakthrough. Zelenskyy, who has accused Russiaof “trying to drag out negotiations” while it presses on with its invasion, said

SyrianPresident Ahmad al-Sharaa, right, shakes handswith

Zelenskyy on Sundaybefore ameeting at the People’sPalace

Ukraine remains in contact with U.S.negotiators about a potential deal to end the war andhas continued topress for stronger security guarantees.

But, he said, even those discussions reflectabroader loss of focus from Ukraine.

His most immediate concern,Zelenskyysaid,are the Patriots—essential for intercepting Russian ballistic missiles —asUkraine still lacks an effective alternative.

These U.S.systems were never delivered in sufficient quantities to begin with, Zelenskyy said,and if the Iran war doesn’tend soon,“the package —which is notvery big for us —I thinkwill be smaller and smaller day by day.

“That’s why,ofcourse,we are afraid,” he said.

Interlinkedwars Zelenskyy hadbeen counting on European partners to help make the Patriot purchases despite tight supply and limited U.S. production capacity

But the Iran war,now in its sixth week, has sent shock waves through the global economyand pulled in much of thewider Middle Eastregion,furtherstraining these already limited resources,diverting stockpiles and leaving Ukrainian cities more exposed to ballistic strikes.

For Kyiv,akey objective is to weaken Moscow’seconomy and makethe war prohibitively costly. Surging oil prices driven by Iran’sclosure of the StraitofHormuz are undermining thatstrategy by boosting theKremlin’s oil revenuesand strengthening Moscow’scapacity to sustain its war effort In his interview withthe AP,Zelenskyy saidRussia draws economic benefits from the Mideast war,citing the limitedeasing of American sanctionsonRussian oil.

“Russiagets additional money because of this, so yes, they have benefits,”he said.

Russianofficials said Sunday afire broke out at amajoroil refinery in theNizhny

Novgorodregionafter a drone attack, while another dronedamaged apipeline at theRussianBalticSea portof Primorsk,hometoamajor oil exportterminal. No casualties werereported. Russia could reap awindfall from asurge in oil prices and the U.S. temporary waiveronRussianoil sanctionsdesigned toeasesupply shortagesasthe Iran war continues. Russia is one of the world’smain oil exporters, andAsian nations are increasingly competing for Russian crude oil as an energy crisis mounts

In response, Ukraine has intensified its long-range drone attacksonRussianoil facilities, which have rattled Moscow

Reneweddiplomaticpush

To keep Ukraine on the international agenda,Zelenskyy has offered to share Ukraine’shard-earned battlefield expertisewiththe United States and allies to developeffective countermeasures against Iranian attacks

Ukrainehas metRussia’s evolving use of Iranian-made Shahed drones with growing sophistication, technological ingenuity and low cost.

Moscow significantly modified the original Shahed-136, rebranded as the Geran-2, enhancing its ability to evade air defenses and be mass produced. Ukraine responded withquickinnovation of its own, including low-cost interceptordronesdesigned to trackand destroyincoming drones.

Zelenskyy said Ukraine is ready to share with Gulf Arab countries targeted by Iranits experienceand technology,including interceptor drones and sea drones, which Ukraine produces —more than are used up —with funding from Americans and its European partners.

In return, these countries could help Ukraine “with anti-ballistic missiles,” Zelenskyy said.

In late March, as the Iran war escalated, Zelenskyy visited Gulf Arab statesto promote Ukraine’s singular experience in countering Iranian-made Shaheddrones, leading to new defense cooperation agreements.

Zelenskyy hasalsopositioned Ukraine as apotential partner in safeguarding globaltrade routes, offering assistance in reopening the Strait of Hormuz by sharing Ukraine’sexperiences securing maritime corridors in the Black Sea.

Zelenskyy was in Istanbul fortalks withPresident Recep Tayyip Erdogan, a dayafter theTurkish leader spokewithRussian President Vladimir Putin.

Zelenskyy saidthey discussed peace talks and apossible meeting of leadersin Istanbul. He also said there could be newdefense deals signed between the two countries soon.

Followingthe talksinIstanbul, Zelenskyy andTurkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan arrived in Syria on an officialvisit Sunday, Syrian state news agency SANA reported.

Writing on X, Zelenskyy said he discussed the wars in the Middle East and Ukraine with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, and that there is “strong interestin exchanging militaryand security experience” between Ukraine and Syria.

Russia stepsupoffensive Each year as the weather improves, Russia moves its grinding warofattrition up a notch.However,ithas been unable to capture Ukrainian cities and has made only incrementalgains across rural areas.Russia occupiesabout 20% of Ukraine, including the Crimean Peninsula, which Russia seized in 2014. On the roughly 750-mile front line stretching across eastern andsouthern parts of Ukraine, short-handed Ukrainian defenders are getting ready for anew offensive by Russia’slarger army

The commander-in-chief of Ukraine’sarmed forces, Gen. Oleksandr Syrskyi, said Russian troops have in recentdaysmadesimultaneous attempts to break through defense lines in several strategic areas. One thing Zelenskyy says he hasinsistedonand will continue to do so —aterritorial compromise and giving up land will not be on Ukraine’sagenda.

In Ukraine, meanwhile, droneattacksovernight into Sunday killed at least one person and seriously wounded another in the city of Nikopol, authorities said Three people were wounded in the Ukrainian port city of Odesa in aseparate drone attack.

Pressure mounts on London festival to pull Ye from headline role

BY PANPYLAS Associated Press

LONDON Pressure was mounting Sunday on American rapper Ye to be pulled from his headline role at a London music festival this summer,after criticism from U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer Pepsi already has withdrawn its lead sponsorship role of the Wireless Festival at Finsbury Park in north London between July 10-12. Other sponsors of the event,

including Budweiserand PayPal, are beingurged to follow suit.

Pepsi didn’tprovide an explicit reason for its decision to pull out of the event, even though publicity for the festival promoted the eventunder thebranding “Pepsi presents Wireless.”

“Pepsihas decided to with-

draw itssponsorship of Wireless Festival,”the company said in astatementSunday Ye was booked perform in front of around 150,000 revelers over the course of the festival’sthree nights.

Ye,formerlyknown as Kanye West,changed his name in 2021, and he has drawn widespread controversy in recentyears for aseries of antisemitic remarks,and hasvoicedadmiration for Adolf Hitler Lastyear,hereleased asong called “Heil Hitler” —a few

months after advertising a swastika T-shirt for sale on his website.

The 48-year-old musician apologized in Januaryfor his antisemitic remarksinaletterpublished as afull-page advert in The Wall Street Journal. He saidhis bipolar disorder led himtofall into “a four-month long, manic episode of psychotic, paranoid and impulsive behavior

that destroyed my life.”

Fans of his at asold-out concertFridayatSoFiStadium in Los Angeles, his first major U.S. performancein nearly five years, appeared to separate his personalbeliefs and public statements fromhis music —and were ready to forgive afterhis January apology letter

However,Starmer said it was“deeply concerning” that therapperwas booked to perform at the long-established festival, “Antisemitism in any form is abhorrent andmust be confrontedclearly andfirmly wherever it appears,”he said in remarks published by TheSun on Sundaynewspaper.“Everyone has aresponsibility to ensure Britain is a place where Jewish people feel safe and secure.”

By The Associated Press

NEW YORK A$656 million judgment againstPalestinian authorities has been reinstated by appeals judges, following aU.S. Supreme Court ruling in favor of Americans killed or wounded in attacks in Israel.

The decision from the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals comes adecade after it first tossed outaverdict against the Palestine Liberation Organization and the Palestinian Authority on the grounds that U.S. courts couldn’tconsider lawsuits against foreign groups over overseas attacks that were not aimed at the United States. But the appeals courtrein-

statedthe judgmentinlight of aSupreme Court ruling last June upholding a2019 law enactedbyCongress to allowthe victims’ lawsuits to go forwardagainst the Palestine Liberation Organization andthe Palestinian Authority

“Weconclude thatthe original judgment for the plaintiffs shouldbereinstated. Thatconclusionisconsistent with the plain importofthe Supreme Court’sdecision,” thejudges said in adecision dated March30.

“Our client familiesare veryrelieved that the court hasreinstated thejudgment withoutrequiringa new trial. They have been waiting foraverylongtime for

justice to be done,” attorney Kent Yalowitzsaid in an email.

Nitsana Darshan-Leitner, another attorney for the plaintiffs, said she was pleased withthe decision after22yearsoflitigation.

The victims had suedunderthe Anti-Terrorism Act, which was signed into law in 1992 to open U.S. courts to victims of international terrorattacks

The victims and theirfamiliesassertthatPalestinian agents either were involved in the attacksorincited them.

ThePalestinianshave consistently argued thatthe cases shouldn’tbeallowed in American courts

PARADE

Continued from page 1A

state troopers. In Louisiana, anyone with a blood alcohol limit of or over 0.08% is considered intoxicated.

STRAWBERRY

Continued from page 1A

“This is our 100th year just a lot of history I just hope that we can carry on and be able to do this for many years,” she said “The strawberry industry is a dwindling industry and that breaks my heart.”

Louisiana’s Berry Belt

Louisiana’s strawberry industry goes back to the 1800s, when many people moved to Louisiana for its warm weather and rich soil, perfect for strawberry farms. The industry thrived in the Florida Parishes due to its proximity to the railroad and the influx of Hungarian and Italian immigrants into the area.

The success of growing the state fruit earned the southeast part of the state the nickname: “Louisiana’s Berry Belt.”

The strawberry industry, mainly in Livingston and Tangipahoa parishes, peaked around 1931, just a few years after the LandryPoché farm was established.

That year, there were approximately 14,500 acres in production, according to Clark Robertson, an assistant county agent with the LSU AgCenter in Livingston. By 1988, that number had dropped to a little more than 900 acres

Last year, Louisiana had 49 strawberry producers growing on a reported 193 acres total, the majority being in Livingston, Tangipahoa and St. Tammany parishes, Robertson said. He estimates those numbers to be on par for this season as well. Depending on the weather, the season typically runs from February to early May

Surviving changing times

Landry-Poché, with the help of her husband, Darryl, took over the farm 20 years ago. In the past two decades, the pair and their farm have gone through many changes in the industry Poché said the price of farming the strawberries has risen, and he knows a couple of farmers who have gotten out of the industry in the past few years.

“Unfortunately, it’s just a dying business,” Poché said. “We’ve been fortunate;

“We are profoundly saddened by the news of the incident near the festival grounds. We are awaiting additional details from authorities as they become available,” said the parade organizers in a Facebook post.

Louisiana officials, including Gov Jeff Landry and Attorney General Liz Murrill, said they were praying for victims of the crash and would offer support if needed.

“I’m praying for all those injured and impacted by this

terrible tragedy and will be following up with responding law enforcement agencies to offer support,” Murrill said in a statement.

Landry was booked into the Iberia Parish jail. The investigation into the crash is ongoing.

Rhonda Landry-Poché and Darryl Poché are celebrating 100 years of the Landry-Poché Strawberry Farm, which was established in 1926 by Landry-Poché’s great-grandfather Santos Bazile.

we’ve had some bad years, but we’ve had some good years, too. I don’t like to really talk about the bad stuff; I like to talk about the good stuff.”

Before they took over, Landry-Poché’s father was growing 35,000 plants, but he had no outside sales. So then, when the pair began operating, they looked to sell to grocery stores and upped their production.

For several years, they increased to 250,000 plants due to the demand from grocery stores. Then the 2016 flood shut down their business for the entire

season and destroyed one of the houses where their workers lived. So, after that, they scaled down to growing about half as many plants.

“I’m to a size now where I’m happy because I can supply my stores. I can supply to people that come up here, and it really balances out,” he said.

Poché said it’s hard to find local residents who will farm, and the farm relies on migrant workers who come to the country on H-2A temporary agriculture visas.

He did note that while there have been recent is-

sues in the crawfish indus-

try due to a shortage of foreign workers, their farm has not had similar challenges. Those who work at crawfish processing plants would fall under H-2B visas for seasonal manufacturing, and those have a federal cap, while H-2A visas do not have a cap.

‘It takes a village’

If you go to the LandryPoché farm, it’s more than likely that the people manning the counter or aiding the field trips are all related to each other in some way

Darryl Poche said his son, Jonathan Poché, began growing vegetables on the farm a couple years ago and sells them at farmers markets.

“Hopefully they’ll take it over one day and we’ll work on keeping things going,” Darryl Poché said while pointing out his son and two grandchildren on the farm

Thursday

Mark Landry, Landry-Poché’s brother also helps on the farm with the manual labor and, like his brotherin-law, was crowned the Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival King in 2013.

“As a family, we work together It takes a village,” he said.

Landry emphasized how important it is for the family to come together and care for the farm.

“We have been able to keep it going for 100 years It’s about the tradition of what we are doing, not about the money,” he said.

CASES

Continued from page 1A

Teen Court handles actual misdemeanor cases referred by schools, parents, city prosecutors and community members, where they’ll be judged by a jury of peers who will assign punishments like community service hours or a personal development program. Before entering the courtroom, students undergo training for their chosen role.

Court sessions involve the prosecutor presenting the case, the defense responding and a jury of peers deliberating on the outcome.

Sentences are tailored to each individual, including counseling, community service or educational programs, and are only completed after both the teen and their parents agree to the plan. Once fulfilled, the offenses can be expunged, offering a fresh start.

“This diversion program works,” McWhorter said.

“The defendants that come through teen court listen to their peers, and that’s powerful.”

For students like seniors Andrew and Jeremy, who have been involved in Teen Court since middle school and now help lead courtroom proceedings, the connection is stronger because they’re speaking to peers their own age.

“It’s not just what happened, but it’s why,” said Andrew “You get their story and understand what pushed them to that point.”

Jeremy added that the peer-to-peer dynamic helps create a level of trust that sometimes traditional courtrooms with adults often lack.

“Everyone has a voice, but not everyone’s voice is heard,” he said. “Teen Court gives them that chance.” Originally active in the early 2000s, Teen Court paused for several years due to funding challenges. In 2021, it was reestablished as a cornerstone program under the Garon Paul Atkinson Lewis Foundation, a nonprofit launched by Iberia Parish School Board member Raymond “Shoe-Do” Lewis after his son Garon was killed in 2019.

Lewis said his experience in public service and deep ties to the community played a key role in bringing the program back.

“I’m a go-getter I’m a fighter for the people,” Lewis said. “This parish knows my reputation, and I knew we needed something that would help our youth before it’s too late.”

program with a vision to make it more engaging and effective with expanded services.

“We wanted to make it exciting, give the kids a real say, and let them develop leadership skills,” McWhorter said. “It’s Teen Court 2.0.” McWhorter, who has worked with youth in the area since 2002, helped redesign the program to be more dynamic, studentcentered,and responsive to real-life challenges that teens face.

“We’re able to share their side of the story,” Jeremy said. “They feel much better and can make better choices after.”

Teen Court is a high-profile component in a larger suite of programs under the foundation. Through initiatives like My Evolution 180, students receive mentorship in anger management, life skills and character building. Other programs include fatherhood mentoring, girls’ circles, college tours and tutoring partnerships with local colleges.

“The kids are building programs themselves,” McWhorter said. “We ask them, ‘Do you want help?’ If yes, we guide them.”

The Teen Court program itself sees an average of four to seven cases per month, with around 20 students actively participating in courtroom sessions. Students rotate roles, and some return as mentors or volunteers after their own Teen Court experiences, completing a cycle of giving back

McWhorter said she’s witnessed dramatic transformations, from youth facing serious criminal charges to students pursuing college and careers.

“Teen Court is real court,” McWhorter emphasized. “They’re held accountable, they learn their triggers, and they get a chance to change. This program works.”

For those who assume it’s just kids in a mock courtroom, both students and program leaders say that perception is what many overlook compared with the program’s real influence.

“We’re able to sit down with them, hear their story, and speak for them,” Jeremy said “When they leave, they feel better and they’re more likely to make better choices.”

Andrew said the program goes deeper than handing out consequences; instead, it focuses on understanding behavior

“It’s not just about what they did but it’s about why they did it,” he said “We take the time to understand that, and that makes a difference.”

“It seems Trump has become a phenomenon that neither Iranians nor Americans are able to fully analyze,” Iranian Culture Minister Sayed Reza Salihi-Amiri told visiting Associated Press journalists in an interview in Tehran, adding that the U.S. president “constantly shifts between contradictory positions.” Both sides have threatened and hit civilian targets like oil fields and desalination plants critical for drinking water Iran’s U.N. mission called Trump’s threat “clear evidence of intent to commit war crime.” Iran’s joint military command warned of stepped-up attacks on regional oil and civilian infrastructure if the U.S. and Israel attack such targets there, according to state television.

The laws of armed conflict allow attacks on civilian infrastructure only if the military advantage outweighs the civilian harm, legal scholars say It’s considered a high bar to clear, and causing excessive suffering to civilians can constitute a war crime.

Dramatic rescue

An intense search followed Friday’s crash of the F-15E Strike Eagle, while Iran promised a reward for the “enemy pilot.” It was the

first known American aircraft to crash in Iranian territory since the U.S. and Israel launched the war on Feb. 28. Trump said that the service member was “seriously wounded and really brave” and rescued from “deep inside the mountains” in an operation involving dozens of armed aircraft. He said a second crew member was rescued in “broad daylight” within hours of the crash.

A senior U.S administration official said that before locating the second aviator, the CIA spread word inside Iran that U.S. forces had found him and were moving him out, creating confusion for Iranians. The official spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss details not yet made public Iran also shot down another U.S. military plane Friday, demonstrating the perils of the bombing campaign and the ability of Iran’s degraded military to hit back. Neither the status of the A-10 attack aircraft’s crew nor where it crashed is known.

On Sunday, Iran’s state television aired a video showing what it claimed were parts of U.S. aircraft a transport plane and two helicopters — shot down by Iranian forces during the rescue operation.

However, a regional intelligence official briefed on the mission told the AP that the U.S. military blew up two transport planes because of a technical malfunction and

brought in additional aircraft to complete the rescue. The official spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the covert mission.

Iran’s joint military command later said the U.S. bombarded its own aircraft to “prevent embarrassment for President Trump.”

Two Black Hawk helicopters were hit but navigated to safe airspace, according to a person familiar with the situation who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the sensitive information.

Diplomacy continues Trump’s deadline centers on alarm over Iran’s grip on the Strait of Hormuz, critical for global shipments of oil and gas from the Persian Gulf as well as humanitarian supplies Some ships have paid Iran for passage.

An Iranian presidential spokesperson, Seyyed Mohammad Mehdi Tabatabaei, said on social media that the strait can reopen only if some transit revenues compensate Iran for war damages.

Egypt said that Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty had spoken with U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, and with Turkish and Pakistani counterparts. Russia said that Araghchi also spoke with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov

For Lewis, reviving Teen Court was not just about discipline but about opportunity and prevention.

“There needs to be a change,” he added. “Programs like this give kids a second chance and keep them on the right path.”

Lewis and the foundation’s team, including McWhorter, revived the

Lewis and McWhorter hope to expand the program across Louisiana, partner with other nonprofits and provide broader training workshops for youth and adult volunteers.

For Lewis, that growth is essential not just for the program, but for the future of the community he serves.

“When you invest in these kids now, you’re investing in the future of this parish,” he said. “That’s what Teen Court is all about.”

A top Iranian adviser, Ali Akbar Velayati, warned on social media that Tehran also could disrupt trade on the Bab el-Mandeb, a key chokepoint to and from the Red Sea Diplomatic efforts continued. Oman’s Foreign Ministry said that

and

foreign

from

Iran rescue considered acomplicated extraction

BY SEUNG MIN KIM, MATTHEW LEE and SAMY MAGDY Associated Press

The United States pulled off adaring rescue of two aviators whose fighter jet was shot down by Iran, plucking the pilot from behind enemylinesbeforesetting off acomplicated extraction of the second service member whohid deep in themountains as Tehran called for Iranians to help capture him.

The CIA looked to throw off Iran’sgovernment before the crew member was found, launchinga deception campaign to spread word inside the Islamic Republic that it had already located him.

required the U.S. to remain completelysilent to avoid jeopardizing the effort, even as thepresidentand top members of his administration continuouslymonitored the airman’slocation

The White House and the Pentagonrefusedto publicly discuss details about the downed fighter jet for well over 24 hours after theinitial crash,particularlyabout the first crew member rescued from the F-15E Strike Eagle —aneffort that Trump later said took seven hours in broad daylight over Iran

The United States and Iran’sgovernment then were both racing to find the second crew member,a weapons systems officer,whose location neither side knew

Wreckageisshown at what Iran’sstate TV claimed wasthe site of adowned American transportplane and twohelicopters involved in arescue operation in Isfahan

and two helicopters that were part of the rescue operation. Iran’s joint military commandsaid the destroyed aircraft included two C-130 militarytransport aircraft and two Black Hawk helicopters in the province of Isfahan, where the rescue took place.

Even as PresidentDonald Trump and other U.S.officials described an almost cinematic mission, rescuers faced major obstacles, including two Black Hawk helicopters coming under fire and problemswithtwo transport planes thatforced the U.S. militarytoblow them up.

“This is the first time in military memory that two U.S. Pilots have been rescued, separately,deep in Enemy Territory,”Trump wrote early Sunday on his Truth Social platform. “WE WILL NEVER LEAVE AN AMERICANWARFIGHTER BEHIND!”

In apair of social media posts, Trump said theoperation over the weekend

The CIAspread wordthat the U.S. had found himand were moving him by ground to get him out of Iran, according toasenior Trump administrationofficial who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss details not yet made public.

The confusion allowed the CIA to uncoverthe location of theservice member, who was hiding in amountain crevice, the official said.The intelligence agency sent the coordinates to the Pentagon and theWhite House, where Trump ordered arescue operation

Meanwhile,ananchor on achannel affiliatedwith Iranian statetelevision had beenurging residentsinthe mountainous region of south-

west Iran where thefighter jet went down to hand over any “enemypilot” to police andpromised arewardfor anyone who did.

Trump said the American aviator was being “hunted down” by enemies who were “getting closer and closer by thehour.”The UnitedStates wasmonitoringhis location continuously,hesaid.

At theright moment, Trumpsaid,hedirectedthe militarytosenddozensof heavily armed aircraft to rescue the crew member, whothe president said is “seriously wounded” but will recover Iranian state media reported that airstrikesin southwestern Iran on Sat-

urday killed at leastthree people and wounded others, in the same areawhere themissing American crew member was believed to be.

The American rescue mission ran into major challengesbehind enemy lines. Iran’sjoint military command claimed it struck two U.S. Black Hawk helicopters takingpart in theoperation.

Apersonfamiliarwith the situationsaid the two helicopters were able to navigate to safeairspace, although it’s unclear if they landed or if crew members were injured. The person spoke on the condition of anonymitytodiscuss the sensitive information.

Then, the U.S. militarywas

forced to bringinadditional aircraft to complete the rescue of the second service member due to atechnical malfunction, according to aregional intelligence official briefed on the mission

The U.S. blew up two transport planesitwas forced to leave behind because of the mishap, said the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the covert mission.

Iran’s state televisionon Sunday aired avideo showing whatitclaimedwere parts of aU.S. aircraft shot down by Iranian forces, alongwith aphoto of thick, black smoke rising. The broadcastersaidIranhad shot down atransport plane

“The fact that we were able to pull off both of these operations, without aSINGLE American killed, or even wounded, just proves once again, that we have achieved overwhelming Air Dominance andSuperiorityoverthe Iranian skies,” Trumpsaid on social media. Trump, however,did not mention that asecond military jetalso went down the sameday as the F-15E. Iranian state media said Friday that aU.S. A-10 attack aircraftcrashed after being struck by Iran’s defense forces. AU.S. official, speaking on conditionofanonymityto discuss asensitive military situation, confirmed asecond U.S. Air Force combat aircraftwent down in the Middle East on Friday.The official provided no other detailsonwhat happened and no information on the status of the crew Kim and Lee reported from Washington, and Magdy from Cairo. Associated Press writersLisa Mascaro and Konstantin Toropin in Washington, Farnoush AmiriinNew York and Julia Frankel in Jerusalem contributed to this report.

On NASA’s moon mission, biggestheadachehas been toilet

BY LOREN GRUSH Bloomberg News (TNS)

As NASA’s ArtemisIIastronauts make their wayto the moon over the weekend, their test flight has gone surprisingly well without any major issues, save forone piece of technologygiving the crew grief: the toilet. The Lockheed Martin-built Orion crew capsule that’s carrying the Artemis II crew to the moon is equipped with what’sknown as the Universal Waste Management System for the astronauts to use during the 10-day mission. It’sroughly the same space toilet that’sused on the International Space Station.

But getting the complicated piece of equipmentto work properly during the flight has become arecurring issue.

The UWMS co me s equipped with afunnel and hose for urination, and there is aseat with ahole for bowel movements. Since the astronauts are in microgravity, the toilet relies on air flow that pulls waste into the toilet and ensuresthe capsule stays clean.The astronauts canalsouse footstraps and handles to stay in position On Artemis II’s first flight day,the toilet indicated an issue right afterthe crew got to space. Mission specialist Christina Koch, who proudly declared herself the “space plumber,” wasableto get the toilet working again with some help from Mis-

AviewofEarth in seen Thursdayinaphoto taken by NASA astronaut and Artemis II commander Reid Wiseman from the Orion spacecraft’s windowafter completing the translunar injection burn.

sion Control.

It turnedout to be aproblem with the toilet’spump, whichneededextra water to be wet enough and primed foruse

“Once we figured outthat we didn’tput enough water in,we putmoreinthere made surethat it was essentially primed– the pump was primed –and then thetoilet came right back up,” said Judd Frieling, the ascent flight director for ArtemisII. Notsofast.

The toilet once again started acting up. Unlike on the InternationalSpace Station, where wastewater iscontained,treated and recycled in aclosedloop system,the wastewater on the Artemis II mission is periodically dumped overboardthrough-

outthe mission.During these dumps,gleaming particles stream acrossthe window of Orion, as seen by video taken by the crew

Oneofthose wastewater dumpsstopped prematurely.NASA suspected that a buildup of icemay have been blocking thevent nozzle that allows thewastewater to drain out into space.

As NASA troubleshot the issue, the agency determined that the crew shouldn’tuse thetoilet for urination to be safe.

“Copy,weare ‘no go’ for toilet,” Koch acknowledged at one point.

The problem is there only so much room forurine to collect

“The urine tank that is in the vehicle is only about

Sweden releases sanctioned tanker duetolackofevidenceitcausedspill

By The Associated Press

FRANKFURT,Germany— Swedish authorities have released atanker sanctioned by the European Union that had been boarded and detained on suspicion of causing an oil spill in the BalticSea.

The Swedish Coast Guard said they had not found sufficient evidence that the Flora 1tanker was at fault forthe 8-mile-long spillthat had been discovered Thursday Investigators also established that Cameroon had confirmed the vessel was sailingunder that country’s flag, which had not been clear when the vessel and its 24-member crew was stopped Friday,the coast guard said.

TheFlora 1was put on the EU’slist of sanctioned vessels for carrying Russian oil while “practicingirregular andhigh-risk shipping practices.” Unsafepracticescan include turning off the automatic trackingsystem that transmits the vessel’slocation to other ships. The sanctions are aimed at the“shadow fleet”that emerged in response to a pricecap on Russian oil imposed by the Group of Seven democracies to limit the revenues that fund Russia’s invasionofUkraine.The cap was enforced by barring insurance andshipping companies from handlingoil abovethe cap. Thefleet is madeupofagingtankers with ownership and insurance based incoun-

triesthatare not observing the price cap. The age of the vessels andtheir lack of Western insurance has raised safety concerns about oil spills and who would get thecleanup bill.

The Flora1was owned by aHong Kong company as of late 2025 and has also been sanctioned by theUK, Canada, Australia, Switzerland, New Zealandand Australia, according to the Ukrainian government.Ithas changed its name six times andits flag country nine times. It has been observed turning off its automatictracking system, astepthathides a vessel’slocation, and engagingina ship-to-shiptransfer,which can be away

the size of asmall, like your office trash can,” Debbie Korth,NASA’s Orion deputy program manager,said during anews conference. “So we want to makesure we can empty it out before we put anything else in there.” However, thecrew was

still “go” for bowel movements, as those waste materials are collected in watertight bags. And as abackup for urination, the crew could still use what are known as Collapsible Contingency Urinals,which arelongtube-like containers that are designed

to control the flow of liquids.

“Wecan do alot of extraordinary things in space right now,but nailing this capabilityisone that we needto certainly work on,” NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman said Sunday on CNN’s “State of the Union.”

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BY ADAM DAIGLE Acadiana business editor

Ex-Board member faces more theft charges

BY ADAM DAIGLE Acadiana business editor

A former Lafayette Parish School Board member who resigned after being accused of shoplifting has been arrested on more complaints of theft.

Chad Desormeaux was arrested Sunday by Carencro police on two charges of theft, according to records from the Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office.

Desormeaux, who resigned the day after he was cited last week for shoplifting from the self-checkout station at Super 1 Foods in Carencro, was charged with one count of felony theft and another count of misdemeanor theft, according to Carencro Police Chief David Anderson

The additional charge came after staff at Super 1 reviewed records and footage of Desormeaux’s prior visits and discovered other instances where he allegedly stole items, including multiple visits in one day, that totaled over $1,000 in merchandise, Anderson said.

After news of Desormeaux’s initial arrest surfaced, employees with the Walmart Supercenter in Carencro called police with allegations that he stole items from them as well, Anderson said. That led to the misdemeanor charge.

Desormeaux was later released on $3,500 bail, records show Desormeaux was initially arrested on Tuesday after Super 1 staff reported that Desormeaux was caught on camera not scanning several items at a selfcheckout station.

When police went to his home, Desormeaux admitted to stealing items valued under $500 and was given a misdemeanor summons to appear in court.

Desormeaux was elected in October 2023 as the Carencro-based District 2 representative on the School Board. He claimed 69% of the vote over challenger Stasia Herbert-McZeal in an election to replace term-limited board member Tommy Angelle.

Former stockyard to be a live music venue

Richard Sale Barn to reopen in Abbeville on April 11

BY JOANNA BROWN Staff writer

In a previous life, Richard Sale Barn was a vital link in Vermilion Parish’s cattle industry — a stockyard accessible on the bayou where farmers and ranchers gathered every Tuesday for livestock auctions.

Johnny Richard grew up on the property that hugs the Bayou Vermilion, where the old barn stands sentry for a bygone era. His grandfather, Jean Avery Richard, built the first structure and started selling cattle there. The business expanded with his son, John Avery Richard II, who built the wooden barn that now stands just outside the center of Abbeville — complete with a tiered auction arena that creates the perfect stage for live music.

“So many people would come to the sale on Tuesday to find out how everyone else was doing,” said Johnny Richard, who also ran a saddle-making and repair business out of the barn.

“’How’s your crop growing? How are your cattle doing?’ You know, these were French-speaking people. My grandfather would sit right there with a straight-backed chair, and we were part of the industry that kept Vermilion Parish alive.”

The stockyard was last active in the early 1980s when point cattle sales started moving closer to Interstate 10.

Johnny Richard and his wife, Kathy, placed the barn on the historic registry in 1996 and began hosting live music in the space over 25 years ago — finding out in the process that you can hear everything in a wooden auction room.

“We have a lot of musician friends, and we started having little get-togethers where we would sit here and cook, and they would play music and they kept telling us how great the acoustics are,” said Kathy Richard.

A unique feature of the venue is its lack of dance floor, which wasn’t needed when the space was filled with locals making livestock purchases. Instead, tiered seating stands at an intimate distance from the stage, where performers such as Zachary Richard, Michael Juan Nunez, Tommy McLain and Michael Doucet have played over the years.

It’s a true listening room — something of a rarity in Acadiana, where music and dancing and carousing tend to go hand-in-hand.

Said Kathy Richard: “When I go up and say hello to folks, I remind them that music is primary, conversation is secondary You can go out into the reception area for conversations, and the musicians really feed off that. They know that you’re paying 100% attention.”

The performance space has been closed over the past year for building upgrades, and muralist Robert Daf-

‘I am grateful for the opportunity to serve my community’

Pham

I received Amedisys Home Health’s Excellence Award and Best Team Player Award, recognizing strong sales performance and collaborative leadership. My career has focused on strengthening Acadiana’s health care market by promoting inclusivity, cooperation and meaningful partnerships across organizations. To further this mission, I founded the private Facebook group 337 Healthcare Business Development, Marketing, and Sales, which encourages collaboration, networking and camaraderie among health care professionals. I recently joined Acadian Ambulance as community relations supervisor, supporting clinical initiatives while promoting improved and inclusive emergency

‘Learning to trust and bet on myself’

For The Acadiana Advocate

Dr Madeleine Groth is owner and doctor at Madeleine Groth DDS LLC. She is a native of Shreveport. What are one or two of your greatest business and/ or community achievements?

Groth

I have worked as a dentist in private practice in Acadiana since moving here in 2016, but in 2022, with a 2-year-old and a 9-monthold, I bought my own practice in downtown Lafayette. Over the past four years, we have grown the office tremendously and have exceeded even my own lofty hopes and aspirations. Taking the leap to bet on myself and invest in my career and the way that I provide for my family was the scariest step I’ve ever taken, but it makes me proud of myself in new and wonderful ways, and I am endlessly grateful for the support I

have had along the way What’s your favorite thing about what you do for a living? My approach is to always spend time with each patient so I can understand their goals and hesitations My favorite part of this process is how it can totally transform the way people view “going to the dentist” and take what has potentially been an anxious or even terrifying experience and turn it into a positive, empowering and comfortable one. I once had a young patient tell me that the way we helped him overcome his fears inspired him to pursue a career in dentistry, and that was one of the best moments of my 10 years as a practicing dentist. You bought your own practice in 2022 and nearly doubled output since then while growing your team and receiving local accolades What

Changing rules to benefit crimevictims deserves support

State Sen. Jay Morris is proposing aconstitutional amendment giving prosecutors and crime victims the right to ajury trialin criminal proceedings —aright presently reserved for criminal defendants alone under existing Louisiana law

The U.S. Constitution gives defendants the right to trial by jury but no right to ajudge trial. In the federal system and 30 other states, the prosecution must agree to ajudge trial. At ahearingonMarch 17, several criminal defense advocates spoke against the amendment Not asingle opponent addressed therights of the victims.For that matter,they never even uttered the word “victim.”

It is curious how criminal advocatescelebrate differences between Louisiana and federal law when they benefit violent criminals and sexual predators but are quicktocriticize differences and argue for parity with federal law when they do not. They argued that the amendment should be rejected because prosecutors cancharge some felony offenses without agrand jury indictment and that the amendment would mean defendants would have to wait longer for atrial. These arguments, however,are redherrings, given that under existing law,defendants have a right to apreliminary examination and can file aspeedy trial motion.

If opponents can tell me why a13-year old little girl gunned down in her grandparent’s home by agang member who initiated astreet war in aquiet residential neighborhood in Shreveport or an infant who was tossed to her death off the Cross Lake bridge by her mother should have less righttoajury of their peers than thecriminals who killed them, then please do so. If theycannot, then Ifind their opposition unpersuasive.

CHRISTOPHERS.BOWMAN assistant district attorney—Special Victims Unit, CaddoParishDistrict Attorney’sOffice

LETTERSTOTHE EDITOR

AREWELCOME.HEREARE

YOUR VIEWS

CPRA leadershipseems lost andmission forgotten

While listening to Executive Director Michael Hare give testimonyregarding the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority’s2027 annual plan, Iwondered if the top brass atthe agency had forgotten acritical aspect of their mission. It’sintheir name.

Restoration

During this year’spresentation, Iwas struck by the overwhelming focus on the protection aspect of the mission.Little talk was given to restoration, as the current administration has declined to follow that aspect of their mandate, focusing instead on the festival-ready slogan of “rock the coast.” What happens to rocks on the soft substrate of Louisiana’scoast? They sink. Then they either become boating hazards or require more rocks; rocks piled on rocks. The leadership seems to think this is aprudent use of resources.

When the agency does grant attention to therestoration side of its mission, it is toward thevigorous pursuit of land bridge projects. These are not new projects, but

theway they are being modified and touted gives thereal impression that those atop the CPRA’s chain of command think of these as massive levees. These projects are nowhere near shovelready,extremely vulnerable to storms, require expensive and extensive dredging and don’trely upon thenatural processes of the river to build. Putanother way,these projects will not sustain themselves. They will cost billions and be subject to the sameincreasingly astonishing erosion and sea-level rise rates that our entire coast faces. All that money,work and diesel spent dredging washed away Without projects that engage the river’s land-building capability at ascale that matches thecrisis our coast and the communities face, this version of the agency can hardly be taken seriously.They are missing acritical component of their mission, and the irony is, it is right there in their name. DONALD DAVIDSON NewOrleans

KennedyatBookFestwas illuminating

Living in La., youtake thebad with thegood

Ilove getting the paper.It’salifelong habit.

As an 88-year-old devoted New Orleanian, Ihave manyreactions to what Iread.

Today,I am overcome and moved to share areaction and opinion. Ron Faucheux writes, “numbers tell whyLouisiana lags other Southern states.”

An example: “Our population fell by about 40,000 between 2020 and 2025. Texas’ population wentup by 2.6 million. Florida’sbynearly 2 million.” And later in the article, he says that “Louisiana’seconomy has been built on the foundation of oil and gas, petrochemicals, refining, ports, agriculture and tourism.” He concludes the interesting and informative article by reminding us that “wehave along way to go.” Well, Iamovercomeeven further to read Alex Lubben’sreport on the front page that there is a“push to shield oil companies” with a“trio of bills” that “would block climate change suits.”

What adisaster forour population! Once again, an obviously uninformed and uncaring legislative schemeisapparently driven by ego and self-absorbed concern over personal financial status. It is ahorrible timetolive in Louisiana, but Iamgrateful beyond words to be aNew Orleans resident and enjoy the benefits and delights of acity of tourism, beauty and joy where “la vie est belle!” Tourism surely is better forusthan the injuries inflicted by oil and gas and petrochemicals.

DEANNE AIME NewOrleans

Retiredfolks canhelpshoulder burden of jury duty

TO SEND US ALETTER SCAN HERE

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

Iapplaud U.S.Sen. John Kennedy for agreeingtoa conversation with Walter Isaacson at therecent NOLA Book Fest, at which there was apacked audience in the 1,000plus seat Dixon Hall. Isaacson was afair and persistent interviewer,and Kennedy was honest, forthcomingand open about some of his positions, which were not particularly popular withthe audience, as well as acknowledging the frequent dysfunction of Congress. He was also clear on anumber of issues, including dignity and respect for all immigrants collared by ICE, and he noted that the Constitution mandates they are presumed innocent until proven guilty by due legal process.Hecondemnedthe politics of hateand anger He was clearthat thebombing of achildren’sschool in Iran was amistake, and as such,shouldbeadmitted openly.Hewas candid aboutsome of the mechanics of the

Senatethat he would change werehegiven thechance. He is against U.S. “boots on the ground” in Iran for regimechange, and he offered many more clearly reasonable opinions on current events, to the agreement of theaudience, for which frequentapplause signified approval. Not surprisingly,hewas often entertaining, yet theconversation was packed withsubstance.

Iwas left with amost favorable respect for Kennedy,even though I, and manyinthe audience, disagree with some of his political stances. For anyone seeking to understand Kennedy better,Istrongly suggest watching his conversation on YouTube.

Thank you, Sen. Kennedy.And, Icould not agree with your quote more when talking about different races and ethnic origins: “To abear we all taste like chicken.”

DAVID ELIZARDI Metairie

Inspection stickers arenecessary in La.

Theidea of gettingrid of inspection stickers is abit ridiculous. Yes, it’saninconvenience, but for good reason. Whether it be window tinting, working headlights,working tail lightsorworking brake lights, those items need to be checked for public safety.How does getting rid of inspection stickers in any way help lower auto insurance rates, which Ithought was apriority? And then theproposed $6 ayear sticker which has theVIN or other information like insurance, which can change every six months, is completely ridiculous and atotal waste of money.That is acash grab. While you’re at it,Iwould like to complain about those pesky stop signs and red lights. They are an inconvenience as well.

HERB WILSON Mandeville

Irecently completed aweek as a jurorona federal trial. The talk in the jury room about serving andthe sacrifice to do so was eye-opening. Missed school andpaycheckswerementioned. WhenIreceived my jury duty summons, there was abox to opt outifIwas 70 or older.Idid not check thatbox Iurge those of youwho are in thatcategorytoopt in and maybe spare some youngerworker a missed paycheck.Comeon, Boomers, stepup.

DEBRA BOUDREAUX Gretna

Renewables need to be in theenergymix, especially now

If there was ever atime to emphasize the strategic value of renewable energy,itisnow We may be the largest producer of oilonthe planet, but we still paythe world pricefor oil. Ajudicious mix of EVs, biofuel andregulargas for transportation, andwind, solarand natural gasfor home electric use, would go alongway toward

frominterruptions in any

DANIEL DELAUREAL Lacombe

Honor, don’tmock,the plumbers

Evidently,Jimmy Kimmeldisagrees. The late-night host took ashot at newly confirmed DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin, who used torun aplumbing business, by saying, “We have aplumber now protectingus from terrorism.”

The gibe was asetup for aline about Super Mario —the Italian plumber starring in the Nintendo game —but the premise was that there was something inherently ridiculous about aplumber ascending to aposition of major responsibilityin Washington, D.C. Yes, why couldn’t Markwayne Mullinhave made something of himself by getting, say,alaw degree rather than devotinghimself to afamilybusiness involving nasty little things like pipes andjoints?

Oneproblem with callingMarkwayne aplumber is that it drips— no punintended —with condescension. The other is that it significantly understateshis businessbackground, which involved leveraginga small, struggling family concern intoa mini-business empire in Oklahoma, including areal estate firm, construction company andrestaurant.

Anyone doubting the drive andacumen it takes to create and manage such enterprises shouldtry doing it himself.

BeforeascendingtoDHS secretary Mullin was the onlymember of the U.S. Senate without afour-year college degree, which is considered ademerit by the same kind of peoplewho tend to look down on plumbers.

But Mullin’spath is afamiliar one for many Americans. He wasincollege when his father fell ill, andhe quit his studies to take over the business.

Washesupposed to shirk that responsibility and instead complete, say,adegree in sociology or ethnic studies?

In the scheme of things, that Mullin was aU.S. senator is agreater reason to be suspicious or dismissive of him than that he once ran aplumbing business.

No one who has had their life disrupted by some disastrousleak is

ever sad to see the plumber show up —it’salittle like how someone who haschest pains must feel when seeing acardiologist. Plumbingrequires problem-solving andattention to detail, as well as physicaldexterity andstamina. A plumber oftenhas to come up with a hypothesis about an unseen problem, fashion away to test it with minimal disruption, andthen undertake the work to fix it in close, suboptimal spaces. Years ago, Iwas moving my late mother out of the houseshe had lived in for decades, and there was —perfect timing— abad leak in the basement

Aplumbershowed up, aguy in his 20s, and while looking around the cellar,hestopped andstared at the ceiling.

After along, awkward silence, I asked,“Whatare you doing?”

“Thinking,” he replied. He was figuring out where thepipes likelywere in the ceiling, and which he should try to cut and join —a puzzle he couldn’tget wrong without inadvertently doing damage and adding to theproblem. It should never be underestimated

how plumbing and other trades require considerable thought and analysis, even if they exist outside the college-education industrial complex. Becomingaplumber takes years of training, just not at acollege campus; plumbers learn their craft during onthe-job apprenticeships

It’sa paththat leads to well-compensated work. The median salary of aplumber is about $62,000, while the median salary of all U.S. workers is roughly$49,000.

That ourculture nonetheless systematically undervalues practical, hands-on skills and, instead, mindlessly valorizes the four-year college degree is adisservice to all the talented Americanswho work in the trades; pushes people to get four-year degrees that they might not need and will saddle them with student debt; and makes it harder to develop the workers that manufacturers —including in the defense industry —are seeking.

In short, that we now have aCabinet secretary that is aplumber is somethingtobewelcomed, rather than mocked.

Rich Lowry is on X, @RichLowry

Panicthreatens august Starsand Stripes

Oh, no. Stars and Stripes is under fire again.

Controversy is not exactly unknown to the legendary military newspaper Born during the Civil War, Stars and Stripes has taken all sortsofflak and survived, impressively for apublication owned and operated by the U.S. militarythatnevertheless calls itself an “independent” voice.

As someone who served overseas as adrafted Vietnam-era army journalist, Ican tellyou that military journalism is not an oxymoron. Or,at least, it’snot supposed to be.

commercial messaging app Signal. Included in thechat group was the editor of TheAtlantic, who later revealed details he had learned

Hegsethalso imposed apledge on journalists nottogather or transmit information about military affairs that hadnot been approved by his department for release. Most credible media groups refused to sign his pledge and have been denied Pentagon press credentials.

But “Stripes,” as its commonly called in the service, has anew and imposing critic: Secretary of Defense PeteHegseth, famous —orinfamous —for his personal crusade against“woke” culture and its imagined effectson the nation’s“warfighters,” the Trump administration’sideologically loaded term for the people most of us call service members.

As Stars and Stripes revealed,the Defense Department issued a“modernization plan” for the paper with alarming stipulations. It “limitsthe use of wire services,bars comics and other syndicated features,” and,rather ominously,requires that “content must be consistent with ‘good order and discipline,’ aphraseborrowed from the Uniform Code of Military Justice,” the paper reported As afan of Stripes goingback to my military days, Iimmediately wondered what changes Hegseth’s culture warmight bring. It looksa lot like an attempt to make thepaper less interesting to its readers, not to mention less credible as an independent voice of news and analysis. It’snot exactly asurprise coming from Hegseth. This is the same secretary of defense, you may recall, who famously shared sensitive information regarding U.S. military strikes on Houthi rebels in YemeninMarch of last year over the unsecured

Stars and Stripes is owned by the Defense Department but is run by civilian editors.

Thepaper’sstaff does include service members, who work underthe mentorship of civilian journalists. Congress members of both parties have consistently supported the publication’s mission to produce independent journalism consistent with theprinciples of theFirst Amendment.

Thememo says that Stars and Stripes will continue to “operate with editorial independence.” However,as Stars andStripes reported, Pentagon chief spokesperson Sean Parnell asserted that going forward, the paper would be “by the warfighter and for the warfighter.”

Stars andStripes editor-in-chief Erik Slavintold NPR that the phrase “good order and discipline” raises concerns that reporters who are in the U.S.military might face courtmartial.

“If they were to complete astory that the Defense Department did not like, and did not find ‘consistentwith good order and discipline,’would they be in legal jeopardy?” Slavin asked.“We don’tknow theanswer to that.”

The prospect immediately brings to mindone of the most famous stories in Stars and Stripes history: the clash between Generals George Patton and Dwight Eisenhower during World WarIIoverthe wildly popular “Willie andJoe” cartoons of Bill Mauldin. Grimy,mud-caked and weary,Wil-

lie and Joe portrayed for the folks back homethe thoroughly miserable conditions faced daily by our GIs —and managed to squeeze afew chuckles of knowing laughter out of thereaders. Patton,anotoriously tough and humorless commander,considered “Willy and Joe” tobeathreat to discipline and morale —quitethe opposite of the way many fans saw thecartoon. Patton threatened to ban Stars and Stripes, but Eisenhower defended thepaper as more of asupport for morale than athreat.The paper remained independent.Mauldin went on to win two Pulitzers and the Army’s Legion of Merit.

Asimilar story is told about the cartoon GI “Beetle Bailey.” The strip was starting to build an audience in theearly 1950s when the Tokyo edition of Stars and Stripes banned it out of fear it would encourage service memberstoadopt Bailey’s generally lackadaisical attitude and behavior

Asecond ban was imposed in 1970 after the introduction of the strip’s first Black character,Lt. Jackson Flap,whose Afrotechnically was way too voluminous to pass regulation in thereal world, afact that delighted me andmany of my fellow Black service personnel in the late stages of theVietnam Warera.

Sometimes in media, you don’t know what’s going towork until you tryit. Afree press enables journalists and others to express themselves and react honestly and candidly,which in thelong run builds trust and credibility with skepticalaudiences.

It’sunclear what threat Hegseth perceives in Stars and Stripes as it is currently run, but Isuspect he’sgoing to find out that alot of Americans still believe that afree press is worth defending, even and especially when it serves the people who serve our nation.

Email Clarence Page at clarence47page@gmail.com

“White House deploys Marco Rubio to clarify messaging aboutIranconflict.” So readsthe headline on the front page of the Washington Examiner’s website in the early hours of April 1, the third month of U.S. military operations against Iran, which have been taking place since Feb. 28.

Thatprominence was overtakenasitwas announced thatPresident Donald Trump would address the nationonthe waronWednesday night. But it’sstill worth noting and could turn out to be more significantasthe end of the secondTrump term comes into view.

Rubio’s videomaking the case for the Iran offensive is only two minuteslong, straight to the camera, with adarkbackground relieved only by the redand white stripesof the flag. Succinctly,hemadea case for military actionnow

“Undernocircumstances,” Rubio said, “can acountry run by radical Shia clericswith an apocalyptic vision of the future ever possess nuclear weapons, and under no circumstancescan they be allowed to hide and protect thatprogram and their ambitions behind ashield of missilesand drones that no one cando anything about.”

At greater length but in asimilar fashion, he made the same casethat day in atelevisioninterviewonAlJazeera, in terms pitchedtoits audience notjust in the United Statesbut also in the Gulf. Only oneotherpersonbefore hasheldthe offices of secretaryofstate andnationalsecurity adviser: Henry Kissinger,from 1973 to 1975. In thatcapacity,Kissinger conducted high-level diplomacyinthe Middle East and left no distance in his public statements between his views and those of the president he served, although behind the scenes,aslater revealed, there were differences Similarly,Rubio obviously speaks carefully to leavenodistancebetween his statements and those of the president he serves, to whom he refers in respectful terms. But he’s able to do this andtoappeal to others, including inveterate Trump haters, allatthe same time

Thatwas apparent in his Feb. 14 speech at the MunichSecurity Conference where he earned standing applause fromhis predominantly European audienceeven as he repeated,diplomatically phrased, the same criticisms of what Donald Rumsfeld called“Old Europe”voiced numerous timesbyTrump and, at the same conferencea year before,toaverydifferent reaction, Vice President JD Vance.

Simultaneously pleasing antagonistic audiences is ararepolitical talent, not often seen in anation where most who climb to high elective office do so as candidatesofdefinitionally adversarialpolitical parties.

Some presidents have hada charmand sense of humorthatextendedtheir appealsacrosspartisanlines. Some have done so in rallying voters to respond to attacksonAmerica. Trump, perhaps recognizing thatthis is notagift to which he owes his rise to the presidency,makes little visible effort at this.

There aremanydifferences between the two men who were secretary of state and national security adviser. Kissingerwas adazzling scholar who impressed everyone at Harvard University Rubio first went to college on afootball scholarship, thenearneddegrees from the University of Florida andthe University of Miami Law School. Kissinger, in his prime, dated movie stars. Rubio is alongtime family man.

OnceinAmerica, Kissingeralways lived in the Northeast Corridor (Manhattan, Cambridge and Washington), Rubio in semitropical Miami and raffish LasVegas.Kissinger never ran for public office. Rubio was elected to the West Miami Councilat27and to the term-limited Florida legislature at 29 (winning aprimary runoff by 64 votes), andhegot his colleagues to elect him as speaker six yearslater

But the biggest political difference is that Kissinger, born acitizen of Weimar Germany,was ineligible to run for president. Rubio notonly ran for president in 2016 but might conceivably have won in the absenceofTrump’scandidacy and the millions spent against him by backers of his former mentor,former Florida Gov.Jeb Bush. And Rubio might conceivably run and win in 2028, though he says he will support Vance, and VancesaysthatRubio is “my closest friend in the administration.” There are obviously some differencesbetween them on foreign policy: Rubio plainly favors the Iran attacks. Vance seems dubious. Of course,there’s lots of time before 2028, and we don’tknowwhat’sgoing to happeninthe Strait of Hormuz over the next week

But Idofeel sure that Rubio, who showed impressive rawpolitical talent in his rise to oneof Florida’s U.S. Senate seatsinthe first decadeof this century andwho made aserious presidential run in the seconddecade, has now shown impressive skills as anational leader in the third decade. Is there more ahead in the fourth?

Michael Barone is on X, @MichaelBarone.

Glassbottlerecycling programbeginsinFrenchQuarter

Thousandsofpounds of wastewould be diverted from landfill, officialssay

BY JOSIE ABUGOV Staff writer

Apilot programtoexpand glass

recyclingtoFrenchQuarter bars and restaurants could help divert thousands of pounds of bottles and cans from the landfill —and bring some of it to Louisiana’s coastline.

The French Quarter Management Districtlaunched an initiative in March with the localrecycling organizationGlass HalfFull, which collects glass around the Gulf South and converts thewaste into sand and gravel for coastal restoration projects and other uses

The French Quarter district will cover the costs of thefirst month of glass recycling, typically the most expensivecomponent of the service due to setup and onboarding. Franziska Trautmann, the founder of Glass HalfFull, said first-month costs can run up to $500 for larger commercial businesses,and that subsequent months are significantly lower Glassrecyclingisnot covered under the city’ssanitation services

“When we talk to bars and restaurants about starting to recycle glass, they’re hesitant about trying it out while also having to pay for the service,” Trautmann said.“It’s nice to basically remove anybarriers to entry for recycling in the Quarter.”

PHAM

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response for the autism community

My communityinvolvementincludesserving on theexecutive leadership council for theAmerican Cancer Society,which honored me with the inaugural Andrew Bellard Legacy Volunteer Award in 2024. Ialso hold board positions with the Lafayette Council on Aging, Fosters for Grandparents and the Children’sMuseum of Acadiana. In 2026, I joined the Boys and Girls Club of Acadiana’smarketingcommittee.Iamalso a One Acadiana Ambassador and was named Ambassador of the Year in 2022in recognition of my commitmenttoregional growth and community service. Volunteering and fundraising for nonprofit organizations have been ameaningful part of my life for many years.I am grateful for the opportunity to serve my community and look forward to continuing this work for yearsto come Collectively,Iamproudto have helped raise more than $1.8 million in support of local community nonprofits. What’syour favorite thingabout what you do for aliving?

My favorite aspect of my current work is the ability to serve individualsof all ages and backgrounds, rather than being limited to aprimarily geriatric population.Ialso value the support and respect Ireceive from my leadership andmanagementteam. Their trust and encouragement have created astrongsense of belonging,and Itruly feel thatthis

GROTH

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learning to trust and bet on myself. Icould do that with the clinical knowledge that Ihad accumulated from school or from otherpractices where Ihad worked. But making that investment in myself and betting not only my success,but my family’ssuccess as well, was a huge learning curve. Every day,Ifelt stronger in doing it based on the connections that Icould build with my patients and my staff and feeling thatreciprocal trust in me. If Icould put my trust in them and invest in them, and Iwould get thatback, that’s what helpedmepush through it. Icouldneverdo this by myself, and it’sonly with the people who love and

The French Quarter district received an $8,500 grant forthe project from Keep Louisiana Beautiful, astate agency underLt. Gov. Billy Nungesser’soffice focused on litter prevention and recycling.

The initiativebegan in mid-March and will run through April 15. After that, thebusinesses can decide whether to pay for theglassrecyclingservices themselves.

“This is goodfor cleanliness.

This helps our businesses save money in thatway,” saidMichelle

iswhere Iammeanttobe. Youcreated acommunity-building grouptoencourage partnerships in health care and now lead initiatives thatsupport clinical needsand the autismcommunity.What inspiredyou to startbuilding that “we’re in this together” culture?

Well, Ihaven’t been in the sales and business development market for too, too long. Iwould say in the last sixyears is whenI started Istarted offasaphysical therapist assistant and thentransitioned tobusiness development, so I’m nottrained in marketingor sales. Ijustsaw thatopportunityand said, “Oh, well great! Ilike to talk to people. Ilike to meet people.”

But Idid see when Ifirst started that there was a huge disconnect. The competition wascompetition It was alittle bitmore cutthroat because we wanted to meet our quotas. Around COVID is whenwewere encouraging each other to work with one another.So what if there’stwo home healthcompanies in the area that wantto participate in this event? They’re all goingtocome anyway.Why notjust invitethem?

Icomefrom averylarge family.Inclusivityisvery important to me. Inever want anybody tofeel left out because it’snot fair.Just because they work for another agency or work for the competitiondoesn’tmean they’re not good people. That’swhy Iencourage the community to gettogether, market andmakefriends That way we can share resources. The moreresources we have, the better we can serveour community, andthat’sa huge tool for sure.

support me and work with me every day,and my patients whoput their trustin me.That is the biggestcompliment Icould ever receive.

Email AdamDaigle at adaigle@theadvocate com.

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Courseault, executive director of the local district. “Wehope that allofthose things come together smoothly sothat it can be environmentallyimpactful,but also really be abetter quality of life in theQuarter.”

The relatively small recycling project comes amid controversy around thefutureofrecycling across the city

New Orleans officials in March gave up themajority of afederal grant aiming to expand curbside

STOCKYARD

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ford has been busy putting the finaltouches on therestored “Abbeville Commission Co.” sign on the side of thebarn. Allthisispreparationfor dedicating the new “June and Ernest Atchetee Theater”atthe Richard Sale Barn, which will host the Mike Dean Band with guest Gabe Wootton on Saturday “The community has been behind us 100%, whichmeansalot to me and

recycling to all households, arguingthatitcould result in additional costs for the city.Meanwhile,Mayor Helena Moreno has raised the possibility of nixing curbside recycling altogether andraising trash fees as her new administration deals withadeep budget deficit.

The French Quarter has three recycling drop-off locations for residents. Restaurants and bars in the area have previouslyparticipatedinthe growing Mardi Gras recycling efforts.

“Wereally are going to have to continue to push our drop-offlocationstotruly support thecommunity,itseems,until the recycling bins forOrleans Parish as awhole conversation is really ironed out,” Courseault said.

Trautmann said that almost all establishments continue the glass recycling program after first implementing it. The program involves recycling pickups usually between one and three times a week, depending on the size of the bar or restaurant.

GlassHalf Full is aiming to collect more than 10,000 pounds of glass through the monthlong trial project at six French Quarter businesses, including Hotel Provincial, Prytania Theatres at CanalPlace and Antoine’s.

Nicole Maddox, sommelier and beverage manager at Antoine’s, said implementing Glass Half Full’sprogram at the historic restaurant wasa “dream project,” as she had previously volunteered withthe organization andunderstood its benefits.

“For our bars, the majority of our trash is glass, so it made amassive difference,” Maddox said. The establishmentisdefinitely planning to continue theservice after the trial month, she said, and estimates that the pilot program savedthembetween $600 and$700 with the costs of bins, startup fees and other aspects of the service.

Courseault said the French Quarterdistrictisreapplying forthe state grant next year andwould like to seethe funding award amount doubled.

Email Josie Abugov at josie abugov@theadvocate.com.

Kathy,”Johnny said.“Yeah, it’s my family’s history,but it will hopefully live on long after us. Cattle took care

of ourparish andtook care of the people here,and in alot of ways,we’re losing that. People comeand share abouthow theyusedtocome to the sale with their grandfather or someone, and it’s apart of their history that should be remembered.” Community members are welcome to attend the ropecutting and dedication ceremonyat10:30 a.m. April 10 at Richard Sale Barn, 1307 S. Henry St.inAbbeville. The Mike Dean Band will perform Saturday,with doors opening at 6p.m. Ticketsare forsaleonline at $25.

enterpriseswhere available. Lafayette Parish School System Kristie Sam, Purchasing andProcurement Coordi‐nator AdvertisementDates: April6,2026 April13, 2026

Advertisementpublished in theofficial journalof theLafayette Parish School System 182126-APR6-13T

UCLA storms past S. Carolina to claim NCAA title

BY DOUG FEINBERG AP basketball writer

PHOENIX It’smissionaccomplished for UCLA.

Gabriela Jaquez, Lauren Betts and therest of the UCLA seniors secured the first NCAA women’sbasketball national championship in school history —a goal that was setafter losing in the first Final Fourlast season. Jaquez scored 21 points, Betts added 16 and UCLA routed South Carolina79-51 Sundayinthe title game.

“I knew we were going todoit. Coming to UCLA, we all set out for agoal, and Iimagined this moment,” Jaquez said. “I imagined it so many times, and Iamjust so,soproud. Crying alot, the confetti, all of the fans beingheretosupport us,myfamilybeing here,itjust means everything. Celebrating with this group, like .I’m so happy.”

The near-record lopsided victory completed the Bruins’ journey through this year’s March Madness. The Bruins ran through theiropponentsthisseasonwiththeir only loss coming in November,toTexas in a Thanksgiving tournament.

“It’simmeasurably more than Icould ask or imagine,” UCLA coach CoriClose said. “It’sbeyond my wildest dreams.”

UCLA (37-1) was led by Betts and her

ä See NCAA, page 3C

Mulkey facing keyquestions as offseason heatsup

Replacing twoassistant coachesapriorityfor LSU

BY REED DARCEY Staff writer

Last offseason, the LSUwomen’sbasketball team underwent abit of afacelift. Eight players cycled out of the program, either because they exhausted their eligibility or decided to enter the transfer portal. This year should be quieterfor theTigers. Just ask coach Kim Mulkey, whotoldWAFBTV on Thursday that she expects only one of herpotential returners to enter her name into theportal when it openson Monday: freshman point guard Divine Bourrage. Thingscan change. The portal will be open through April 20, and players who have already decided to transfer have begun the early stages of finding anew school. But as of Monday,itlooks like LSU will have to replaceonly two regular contributors this offseason: guardFlau’jae Johnson and forward AmiyaJoyner.Star guards Mikaylah Williams and MiLaysia Fulwiley should return. So, too,should pointguard Jada Richard, center Kate Koval andthe bulk of the nation’stop-ranked 2025 freshmanclass:ZaKiyah Johnson, Grace Knox and Bella Hines.

‘INTHE ZONE’

LSU sophomore Cade Arrambide celebrates withteammates after hitting ahome runagainst Tennessee on Sundayat LindseyNelson Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. Arrambide set aschool record with fourhome runs Sundaytolead LSUtoa 16-6 win overTennessee.

BY KOKI RILEY Staff writer

KNOXVILLE,Tenn. Chaoshas defined LSU baseball’s series finales for thepast two weeks.

An error cost theTigers aseries victory against Oklahoma twoweeks ago. Last Sunday,theyscored17runs against Kentucky to take down the Wildcats afterfalling behind 7-0 in the early innings.

But Easter Sunday was awhole new level of bedlam for LSU, as theTigerscame back from a5-0 deficit to win 16-6 over Tennessee in 12 innings.

“I think this is oneofthe better wins that I’ve been a part of since I’ve been here, honestly,” redshirt junior right-hander Gavin Guidrysaid. “It wastough early,and we had every opportunitytokind of just say, ‘Here we

go again, things aren’tgoing our way.’” “… And(instead)just everybody in thedugout refused to say that and just kept fighting, staying in it, and good things are going to happen. Especially on aSunday,anything can happen.”

LSU scored 10 runs in the 12th to pull away from the Volunteers. Junior Steven Milam gave the Tigers a7-6 lead on an infield single before sophomore Cade Arrambide hit agrand slam that gave the Tigers afive-run advantage. Redshirt juniorEddie Yamin, sophomore DerekCurieland Milam then tackedonfive moreruns with atwo-run single, arun-scoring triple and atwo-run homer,respectively In ahistoricperformance, Arrambide’s blast was his

asitreally been 10 years, afull cade since former LSU golfer mylie Kaufman was playing in the algroup on Masters Sunday,one roke off the lead and one arm ractically in agreen jacket? Things didn’tturn out Kaufman’sway that day Hetumbled out of contention with afinal-round 81, slipping from second place all the way into atie for 29th in what would be his one and only Masters appearance. Soon his game eroded as well, with injuries eading eventually to him missutorwithdrawing in 64 of his rofessional starts.

from bit player in the televised golf world to that effervescent guy with the catchy, earworm of aname whonow seemstobe everywhere. That includes being back at the Masters this week as part of Amazon Prime’sinaugural coverage of the fabled tournament during Thursday and Friday’sfirst

But as one door closed on Kaufman’s life in golf, another soon opened. Nearly four years ago, he began a broadcasting career that has taken him

Scheffler in Augustawithnewborn in tow

BY DOUG FERGUSON Associated Press

AUGUSTA, Ga. Two-time Masters champion Scottie Scheffler arrived at Augusta National on Sunday,and he brought thewhole family with him. All fourofthem. Scheffler,who tends to keep his golf separate from his home life, had not shared any information since withdrawing from the Houston Open two weeks ago because of theimpending birthofhis second child. He said wife Meredith gavebirth to aboy on March 27. They named him Remy “Wejust liked it,” Scheffler said about the name. His first son, Bennett, wasborn in 2024before the PGA Championship.“We didn’t have very many good boy names, to be honest with you.” There he was, in astroller Meredith was pushingunderthe famous oak tree by the clubhouse, 9days old and already at hisfirst Masters.

It added to the sights rarelyseen anywhere else on the Sunday before amajor.That holds truewith so much about the Masters.

Reigning champion Rory McIlroy has been at theclub all weekend, watching theAugusta National Women’sAmateur onSaturday and handing out trophies to a group of boys in the annual Drive, Chip and Putt National Finals on Sunday McIlroy has talked about how much he looked forwardtoreturning as the Masters champion and enjoying all the perksthatgo with it. He was in his green jacket during the Drive, Chip and Putt, and posed with Maria Jose Marin, the ANWAwinner and first Colombian to join the rollcall of Augusta National winners

Then he headed out to thegolf course withhis father,Gerry,and Augusta member Jimmy Dunne. Next up is the Masters Club dinner Tuesday and the elaborate menu he has put together “Itisthe most exclusive dinner club in all of sport, and Ithink we should all feel very fortunatethat we are there,” he told Golf Channel after his part in the trophy

ä TheMasters, 2P.M.THURSDAy,ESPN

presentation Sunday.“But we’re there because of the hard work andthe good play that we’ve been able to produce.”

He also mentioned two players who won’t be at thedinner —Tiger Woods, arrested andbriefly jailed for suspicion of driving under the influence during aMarch 27 car crash, and Phil Mickelson, who is tending to apersonal health matterathome.

“Unfortunately,there will be acoupleofguys that won’tbein that room, which is ashame, but Iwanttomakesure that they’re acknowledged as well,”McIlroy said.“They’ve been twoofthe greatest championsthat theMasters hasever seen. Butit’sgoing to be areally cool night. Ican’t wait. Ihope everyone enjoys the dinner and enjoys everything that I’ve selected ” Bryson DeChambeau also was

at Augusta National on Saturday for the end of the ANWA, consoling Asterisk Talley after the 17-year-old hittwo shots into Rae’s Creek for aquadruple-bogey 7on thepar-3 12th hole that cost her a chance to win.

DeChambeau grew up about 45 minutesaway from where Talley lives in thecentral valley of California. They know each other well.

“Obviously,I’vehad difficult moments in my career,and if there’sanything Ican do to support her, that’swhatI’m here for. That’swhy I’m here to support,” DeChambeau toldreportersSaturday

He teed off Sundaybyhimself after theDC&P was over,walking to slaphands and posefor photos with kids and spectators some 100yards down theright side of the tee. “I’ve got to go play,” he told them before running to catch up with his caddie There are exceptionsfor run-

ning at Augusta National.

Alsothere wasGary Player,the three-time Masters champion whowill be hitting the honorary tee shot on Thursday. The Black Knight was on theputting green as theBoys7-9 division waspreparing for its putting competition on the 18th green.

There was8-year-old Landyn Kelly from Henderson, Nevada, rapping40-footputts toward thehole with 90-year-old Player watching with amazement.

“What atouch! What atouch he has, man!” Player exclaimed. Scheffler took this Sunday to play with BlakeSmith, hislongtime manager, whohad never played Augusta National. Schefflerand McIlroyare fighting some history this week.Adam Scott in 2013 is thelast player to win the Masters after having three weeks off.

“I’ve been practicing,”Scheffler said. “I’ve been able to do agood amount at home.”

Michigan stands betweenUConn,dynasty hopes

BY EDDIE PELLS Associated Press

INDIANAPOLIS There’sadynasty brewing in college basketball. And, in aperfectly fitting twist, UConn can cement that statusby overcoming aMichiganpowerhouse that is racking up historically impressive numbers, hoping to go down as one of the sport’s greatestteams itself.

Those are the stakes in Monday night’stitle game between the Huskies and Wolverines.

Connecticut is trying to become the firstprogram since John Wooden’sUCLA behemoth of the 1960s and ’70s to winthree championships over afour-season span, while Michigan is trying to cap off aMarch Madness string of dominance, the likes of which were last seen by this very UConn program that won it all in 2023 and ’24.

“Thisrun they’re on is one of the best —probably the best —since John Wooden,” Michigan coach Dusty Maysaid.“If we thinkriding in on awave is goingtotake care of UConn, then we’regoing to be very disappointed at about 11 o’clock tomorrow night or whenever the game concludes.”

The Wolverines (36-3), seeded first in the Midwest, are listed as a61/2-point underdog by BetMGM Sportsbook. Even with his team’s front-runner pedigree, coach Dan Hurley of UConn (34-5), aNo. 2 seed out of the East, is leaning into the underdog role, not fighting it

“There’sbeen plenty of times in the history of this tournament where the best team hasn’twon it,”Hurley said. “You’vejustgot to be better one night. The good thing for us, it’snot aseven-game series.” In another twist with plot-shifting potential,the statuses of both Wolverines forward Yaxel Lendeborg and UConn guard Solo Ball could play heavily into this game. Ball was walkingaround in a boot Sunday after spraining his leftfoot in the firsthalf of UConn’s 71-62 win over Illinois. Lendeborg tweaked his knee and ankle when

ä NCAA championship: UConn vs.Michigan, 7:50 P.M. MONDAy,TBS

era. Four of their starters came to Michigan this season, as May fashioned aquickrebuild in his second year in Ann Arbor.This is May’ssecondtriptothe Final Four in four seasons. His first came with Florida Atlantic.

“What makes Dusty Mayspecial as acoach is obviously his eye for talent, his ability to constructa roster,the fact that he insulates himself with an excellent coaching staff, and his ability to build team andculture,” Hurleysaid. “He’sgot aspecial eye forhow to put together agreat team.”

Spaun winsTexas Open for firsttitle since U.S.Open

SAN ANTONIO— J.J. Spaun came up with twobig shots at the end of a long, wet Sunday,one leading to birdie and the other foreagle that carried him to a5-under 67 and a one-shot victory in the Valero Texas Open forhis first title since the U.S. Open last summer Spaun wonfor the secondtime at the TPC San Antonio, with one big difference. His victory four years ago got him into the Masters. This time, his spot at Augusta National has already been secured. Robert MacIntyre,who hadled for so muchofthe tournament, completed 12 holes Sunday morning in the storm-delayed tournament for an even-par 72 to stay ahead by one shot going into the finalround. MacIntyre closed with a 70 to share second place with Matt Wallace (68) andMichael Kim (69)

Astros placeace Brown on 15-day injuredlist

WEST SACRAMENTO,Calif. The HoustonAstrosplacedace right-hander Hunter Brown on the 15-day injured list Sunday with aright shoulder strain.

Brown, whowon 12 games with a2.43ERA in 2025, pitchedsix strong innings to lead Houston to a9-2 victory over the Boston Red Sox on Tuesday night. He earned the winbyallowing only one hit with twowalks and eight strikeouts.

Brown reported shoulderdiscomfortduring aroutine throwing session on Friday,according to manager Joe Espada. Brown then flew to Houston to be examined by team doctors.

Espada told MLB.com atimetable for Brown’sreturn is pending further examinations.

Boozer on mend physically, emotionally after loss

INDIANAPOLIS Duke star freshman andtop NBA prospect Cameron Boozer is still healing, both emotionally after the Blue Devils’ devastating March Madness loss to UConn and physically after suffering afacial injury in that game. The 6-foot-9, 250-pound forward said Sundayhesustained“acouple of fractures” during the Blue Devils’ loss in the Elite Eight. Boozer,who on Friday was named The Associated Press men’s national player of theyear, was hurt last week when he went up for ashot against 7-foot-1 center Eric Reibe. Reibe’sleft elbow struck Boozer near his right eye. On Sunday,the swelling around his right eye was down. Boozer said he opted against surgery in favor of giving it timetoheal.

Oats, Alabama agreeto extension after Sweet 16

TUSCALOOSA,Ala. Alabamaathletic director Greg Byrne announced Sunday he has finalized acontract extension with basketball coach NateOats.

Byrne announcedonsocial media Oats has signed the deal “that will makehim one of the top five compensated men’sbasketball coaches in the country.”

he landed awkwardlyinthe first half of Michigan’s91-73 semifinal beatdown of Arizona.

Both have vowed they won’t missMonday’s game.

“He played the second half like a38-year-old at the YMCA —and areally good38-year-old at the YMCA,” May said of his 15-pointper-game All-American. “Whatever version of Yaxel we get, it’s going to be somebodythathelps us play betterbasketball.”

TheWolverines are the first team to score 90-pluspoints in fivestraight tournament games. They are trying to become the fifth team towin sixtournament gamesbydouble digits. The other

four: 2009 NorthCarolina,2018 Villanova andboth of therecent UConn teams.

“When you get to theFinal Four andyou know youhavethe best team, that was adifferentlevel of pressure than in ’23 where we weren’treally sure,”Hurley said of his’24 squad.“But there’salso somepressure even if you’re whatever —the underdog,because we’re one game away from having anational championship with this team.”

Roster building

TheWolverines roster is areflection of what college hoops looks like in the transfer-portal

UConn is built differently with what Hurley would call judicious use of the transfer portal (Tarris Reed, for instance, came from Michigan)combinedwith players who have become entrenched on acampus with 18 national basketball titles —six for the menand 12 forthe women

The best example of that: Alex Karaban, who, with atitle, could becomethe first player since the UCLA dynasty to win three national titles over his college career

In need of atailor

One casualty of allthisUConn success: Hurley’ssideline wear

He has worn the sameblue suit at March Madness dating as far back as 2012 whenhewas coaching Rhode Island.

He also wears the same socks andunderwear andeats eight M&Ms before games —but none of them green.Anything to keep thegood mojo going.

“The pants are fine,” Hurley said. “It’sthe jacket thatisreally —the lining is aproblem.There’s like three holes. WhenIstick my arm in theright,there’slike three differentplaces (you can stick your arm), andifyou can see it,it’slike the lining is coming through. “I’mgoing to have to get atailor in the offseason.”

Byrnesaid“appropriate members of the board of trustees have been notified of the proposed termsofthe newagreement and it will soon be formally approved through the board process.”

Oats ledAlabama to the Sweet 16 of theNCAATournament, where the Crimson Tide lost to Michigan90-77 on March 27. Alabama reached theEliteEight each of the previous twoyears andthe Final Four in 2024, where it lost to UConn.

Georgiahires McNeese women’shoops coach

ATHENS,Ga. Georgia on Sunday announced Ayla Guzzardo,who led McNeese to aschool-record 29 wins this season, has been hired as theLadyBulldogs basketball coach.

The moveannounced by athletic director JoshBrookscame only one day after Georgia announced it hadreached amutualdecisionto part ways with Katie AbrahamsonHenderson after four seasons. In herfirstseason at McNeese, Guzzardoled a19-win improvement for the Cowgirls, who finished 29-6. McNeese lost to Stephen F. Austin in the Southland Conference Tournament final after winning theregular-season conference championship. Guzzardo spent one season at McNeese after three at Southeastern.

fellow seniors andgraduate students, like Jaquez —who played all four years with the Bruins. She also had 10 reboundsand fiveassists in front of her brother Jaime, who plays for the Miami Heat and flew in to attend the game towatch his alma mater win.

The group that coach Closeput together through acombination of high school commitments and transfer portal playerscapped off their stellar careerswitha championship, scoring all the pointsin the title game.

“Connectivity.Attention to detail. Youknow Ilooked them in the eyes before in the locker room, before the game, and Isaid, ‘I’m so proudtobe abletosaythis,”Closesaid.“Because all year we’ve been saying the talent is our floor,but our character will determine our ceiling.’”

The title is UCLA’s first sincewinning the 1978 AIAWchampionship, which wasthe postseason tournament for women’sbasketball before the NCAA took over in 1982. The championship game loss

LSU

Continued from page1C

fourth of the day.Hehit three solo homers, including asolo shot in the 11th inning that gave LSU a6-5 lead, before the grand slam. Arrambide enteredSunday’sgame with just four homers. He finishedthe day setting the LSU record for homers in asingle game and becoming the first player to ever hit four homers in agame against Tennessee.

Arrambide said afterwards that he had never even hit three homers in agame before Sunday, let alone four

“I was just in there focused on my plan… compete, run good (atbats), and get apitch Ican drive,” Arrambide said. “And Iknew this morning, Iwas feeling good, my batting practice (and) everything. Ifelt like Iwas in the zone.”

After Arrambide’s11th-inning blast, Tennessee tied it in the bottom half of the inning after catcher Levi Clark hit asacrifice fly to center field that scored the tying run and was afew feet away from becoming awalk-off homer.But Guidry,despite giving up the run, finishedthe inning to allow LSU

MULKEY

Continued from page1C

“You cannot understand the value of having all of them come back,” Mulkey told WAFB. “That’s how you build it. That’show you getoverthe hump of an Elite Eight.” If Mulkey and her staff can indeed hang on to those players this offseason,thenwhat parts of the roster will theystill have to address? Let’stake alook at the top questions facing the 2026-27 Tigers before the transfer cycle heats up.

Who’srecruiting?

Mulkey thought she had addressed this question, butthenthe assistant she hired to replace Gary Redus accepted UCF’shead coaching job —and he did it aweek after he agreed to work at LSU.

Now Mulkey’sback to square one. She stillhas to hirenot one, but two assistant coaches to replace the pair who left for Rutgers: Redus and Daphne Mitchell. They ran alarge chunk of theTigers’ recruiting operation for the past three years, but they won’t this offseason. As of Monday,the only three coaches on staff are Bob Starkey,Kaylin Riceand Seimone Augustus.

Mulkey told The Advocate on Saturday that she plans to hire two new coaches“soon.”She can’t waste much time,but thegood news for the Tigers is that they don’tnecessarily need to sign a large transfer class this cycle.

Who’splaying in thepost?

Perhaps LSU’smost urgent needs lie in the frontcourt. Joyner’s out of eligibility,and she led the Tiger posts in minutes played this past season.

Mulkey and her staffneedto land at least one transfer toround out their frontcourt, and they need to sign at leasttwo if they want to move ZaKiyah Johnson back to her natural position. She wasrecruited as aguard,but LSU slid her down to the post before her freshman year to balance out the roster and maximize her playing time.

LSU’slast-second loss to Duke exposed some potential issues here. In that Sweet 16clash, theTigers struggled to grab rebounds.

was the second straightfor the Gamecocks,who won thetitle in 2024. Dawn Staley andher Gamecocks (36-4) will be favored to return tothe game’sbiggest stage with atalented group of expected returnees, led by Joyce Edwards and Agot Makeer

Like their 51-44 semifinal win over Texas, the Bruins were locked in defensively, anchored by Betts She finished with 11 rebounds and exited the game with 3:45 left, giving Close ahuge hug. The6-foot-7 senior earned Most Outstanding Player honors of the Final Four “UCLA isa quality team with very experiencedplayers who got atasteofbeing in theFinal Four last year,and you make adjustments,”South Carolina’sStaley said. “From last year to this year —theyplayed determined last year, but theyplayed more determined this year because theywere so close.”

Offensively,the Bruins hada much easier time than in the semifinalgamethat saw theteam score only 20 points in the first half. The Bruins surpassed that totalinthe opening 10 minutes against South Carolina. Kiki’sRice 3-pointer just before thefirst-quarter buzzer

(22-11, 6-6 SEC) to retake the lead in the 12th.

Guidry tossed51/3 innings in relief after enteringthe game with twoouts in the seventh. He allowedjust two hits and one run.

“(Iwas) just competing in the zone,letting my defense play,” Guidry said.“Andthen just theoffense (came) through big late.”

LSUclawed its way back into the gamethanks to foursolo home runs,including three consecutive blasts in the seventhinning, that cut its deficit to one before an infield single from junior Jake Brown with two outs and the bases loaded in the ninth inning tied the game at5-5. Additionally,inthe midstofthe ninth-inning drama, Johnson got ejected afterArrambidestruck out on aquestionable thirdstrike call that resulted in the second out of theninth.

“When Iget kicked out of the game,most of the time Iexplain it like I’m deadand watching my life happen,” Johnsonsaid.“I’ve never felt more alive in my life than watching theextra innings there.”

LSU’safternoon was anything but pretty before the extra innings, particularly in the third, when the Tigers committed three

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTOByROSS D. FRANKLIN

madeit21-10 as the Bruins got off to astrong start and South Carolina struggled with17% shooting, it’spoorest quarter of the season.

TheBruins extendedthe leadto 15 points in thesecond quarter by clogging up the paint on defense and working the ball inside on offense for a36-23 lead at the half.

UCLAput thegameawayinthe

third quarter,opening the period with a12-3 run. Jaquez had five points during the spurt. South Carolinanever threatened again as the Bruins outscored them 25-9 in theperiod. “Wejust didn’thave it today.We tried, but we just didn’thave it today,” Staleysaid. “They were the better team.”

LSU CATCHER SERNA EXITS GAME WITHINJURY

LSU freshman catcher OmarSerna was not diagnosedwithaconcussion, but he wasnot healthyenough to returntothe game on Sunday, coachJay Johnson said following the Tigers’ dramatic 16-6win in 12 innings.

Serna exited the game after colliding with Tennessee center fielder Garrett Wright on aplayathome plate in the third inning.Hewas eligible to returnifLSU athletic trainer Isaac Trujillo had medically cleared him to play,but Trujillo didn’t believe he should returntothe game, Johnson said.

“He was coherent,”Johnson said.“I mean, he talked to the team (after the game).

Wright, whowas tagging up from homeplateona fly ball to right field, ran into Serna before scoring and giving Tennessee a1-0 lead.Junior right fielder JakeBrown’s throwhome had forced Serna to positionhimself furtherupthe third base line, leaving himvulnerable to crashing into Wright

Trujillo examined Serna beforethe freshman exited for redshirtjunior Eddie yamin. yamin finished Sunday’s game going 2for 5witha double and an RBI

errors andsurrenderedfive unearned runs that placed them in a 5-0 hole. Fourofthe fiveruns Tennessee (20-12, 4-8) scored off LSU in the third camewith two outs. First, with center fielder GarrettWright on second and one out, seniorfirst baseman Zach Yorke dropped aroutine throw from secondbase that allowed Tennessee to put runners on thecorners. The Volunteers then scored on the next play after asacrifice fly to right. Brown hada chancetogun down Wright at home from right

LSU guard Mikaylah Williams slaps hands

following the team’s70-65win over TexasonJan. 11 at the

Maravich Assembly Center.Williams is likely to

TheBlue Devils pulled down 20 offensiveboards, and each time theyearned an extra possession, theydenied LSU achance to run its signaturetransition offense.

The Tigers scored only four fast-break points and assisted just eight field goalsthatnight.That’s why they didn’tget achanceto play for atrip to the Final Four

“Wejust couldn’tget three stops in arow,” Mulkey said. “We couldn’trebound the ball so that we couldtakeoff in transition.It was kindoflike we were moving in mud.”

Koval and Knox couldforma dependablestarting frontcourt duo next season. Koval, a6-foot5sophomore, improved as adefender,screener and rebounder as the year rolled along. Knox, an athletic 6-2 freshman, proved that shecoulddefend,run the floor and finishtough shots around the rim against SEC competition.

ButLSU couldstill use some more size. AllofMulkey’sbest teamshavehad imposingpost players. Theportal should have a few she and her staff can recruit Will LSUadd anotherfreshman?

The transfer portal isn’tthe only avenue through which Mulkey and herstaff can round out theirroster They can also dip back into the high school ranks,especially be-

cause two of the players they’ve pursuedhavenow reportedly reopened their recruitments. Oliviyah Edwards is now reconsidering herchoicetoenrollatTennessee, and Trinity Jones is rethinking her decision to begin her career at Clemson. Both are five-star recruits, accordingtoESPN. Edwards, a 6-foot-3 forward who can dunk, is the second-best player in the country. Jones, a6-1 guard, is thenation’s No. 11 recruit Because LSU signed fivefreshmenin2025, it took amoreselective approach to recruiting the 2026 cycle. In November,Mulkey and her staff inked only one high school prospect: LolaLampley,an Indiana wing and McDonald’s AllAmerican Jones was down to LSU, Tennessee,TCU,UCLAand Clemsonbeforeshe signed. Edwards considered LSU, South Carolina, Southern Cal, Florida andWashington beforeshe committed to theLady Vols.She’s saidthat she has aparticularly closerelationship withGabe Lazo —the former Tennesseeassistant coach who justrecentlybackedout of thedeal he signed to join Mulkey’sstaff so he could become UCF’snexthead coach instead.

Email Reed Darcey at reed. darcey@theadvocate.com.

South Carolina avoided the most lopsided loss in championship history of 33 points, set in 2013 when UConn defeated Louisville.The Gamecocks also surpassed the titlegame record lowof44points by Louisiana Tech in 1987 against Tennessee.

The Gamecocks were trying to cement their name as the premiere program in the sport with afourth championship and third in the past five seasons. It just wasn’tmeant to be Sunday as they had their worst shooting gameofthe season against atalented UCLA team.

“This is not the ending we wanted, but we got here. No one thought we would, and we did it,” said Tessa Johnson, who ledSouth Carolina with 14 points.

Makeer added 11 for the Gamecocks.

“The score speaks for itself.” said Gamecocks senior Raven Johnson, who played in fiveFinal Fours in her career Closehas beenatUCLAfor 15 seasons, but her connections go deeper withthe school as she was mentored by the legendary Bruins men’scoach JohnWooden,who won10national championships at the school.

see. Fifth-year senior Seth Dardar dropped shortstop Milam’s throw to second with two outs. The big mistake allowed leftfielder Blaine Browntocome up to the plate and blast agrand slam that gave Tennessee a5-0 lead.

“Itiswhat it is. We can’tdothat,” Johnson said when he was asked about the errors. “Like, we can’t do that. That’smyquote.” If it weren’tfor their late rally theTigers’ defensive struggles would have wasted astrong day fortheir pitching staff.

—Koki Riley

field after catching the flu out, but his throwwas too far up the third base line, andWright ended up being safe at the plate.

The throw was ruled an error andthe play resulted in freshman catcher Omar Serna exiting the game because he collided with Wright on his way home. LSU athletic trainer Isaac Trujillo checked out Serna before he wasreplaced by Yamin.

After an intentional walk put two runners on base, another LSU error loaded the bases forTennes-

RABALAIS

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where he played from 2010-14 before turning professional. He quickly shot up through the ranks andwon the PGA Tour’s Shriners Hospitals forChildren Open in October 2015, earning him an invitation to the 2016 Masters. Kaufman said growing up playing in his hilly hometown and at LSU’swindy University Club prepared him wellfor Augusta’schallenges.

“I grew up on acourse with slopey greens and fairways,” he said. “Anditwas awindy week. My timeinBaton Rouge really helped me as agolfer because it can get really windy out at the U-Club, and you have to be able to shape your ball.” Kaufman opened the Masters with rounds of 73-72, then shot a 3-under par 69 in the third round that was Saturday’sonly sub-70 score. That vaulted him into the final group, one stroke back of his friend andMasters champion, Jordan Spieth. Both men struggled. While Kaufman shot 81, Spieth shot 73, around marred by twoballs he dumped into Rae’sCreek at the 12th hole. Spieth would finish three shots behind Englishman Danny Willett, whoclosed fast with a67tofinish at 5under

“It would have been great to have played agreat round of golf and have had achance coming down the stretch,” Kaufman said. “Obviously that didn’thappen.” What eventually happened for Kaufman was broadcasting golf He got his first chance at the 2022 PGA Championship, which led to afull-timegig in 2023. Again, it was something he felt his experience at LSU helped him with “LSU really prepared me for broadcasting,” Kaufmansaid. “I was amarketing major and Dr (Tommy) Karam really prepared alot of us LSU athletes.

“Once Istarted getting into this field, Irealized how much Ienjoyed it. It’s asink-or-swim job.You can do it or you can’t.” Kaufman has played an expanding role with NBCand Golf Channel’scoverage. Starting

Fifth-year senior right-hander Grant Fontenot, in his first start at LSU,would’ve tossed three scoreless inningsifitweren’t forthe errors in the third. Seniorrighthander Zac Cowangave up just onehit in four innings in relief. Sophomore left-hander Danny Lachenmayer only faced one batter after Cowan, but he handed the ball offtoGuidry, whowentonto have his best outing of the season. LSU returns homefor amidweek nonconference matchup against Bethune-Cookman on Tuesday before hitting the road again next weekend. First pitch forTuesday’s game is setfor 6:30 p.m., andthe game will be available to stream on SEC Network+

as aroving on-course reporter, Kaufman has also worked as an analyst in the booth. Recently, he’staken on an enhanced role with Golf Channel’s“Live From …” telecasts from the bigger tournaments, doing shot reenactments or illustrating how players might have played akey shot differently

Then there’s“Happy Hour with Smylie” at select tournaments televised by NBC/Golf Channel, where he will sit down to chat with players after their rounds, like his old buddy Spieth at this past week’sValero Texas Open.

“I was lucky to get the opportunity (to do Happy Hour) in Phoenix in 2023,” Kaufman said. “They were looking for someone to host on the 16th green and no one was saying yes. Igot acall from the producer who said, ‘Would you mind doing this?’ and Iwas like, ‘Heck, yeah!’ Iwas nervous and scared, but Ididn’tpass up the opportunity

“I know all the guys. Iknow how we talk about golf,communicate about it. What players like and don’tlike to be asked. Maybe Ican ask aquestion a non-player wouldn’task.”

Kaufman’s media reach also includes the podcast realm with “The Smylie Show,” which has gone from SiriusXMand Apple podcasts to being aregular segmentonthe GolfChannel.

It’sahectic life, especially now that Kaufmanand his wife, Francie, have a3-year-old daughter and a5-month-old son. No, it’snot playing and winning on the PGA Tour or teeing it up in the Masters. But for Kaufman, in some ways it’sbetter

“I really do miss playing on the PGATour,” Kaufman said.

“But it’ssuch achanged landscape. When Istarted struggling with my game, and seeing how the PGATour has shrunk as it’s gone on, Ithink about my quality of lifeand not having to chase something in golf and still being fulfilled.

“Something would be missing if Iwasn’taround golf.It’smy passion and agreat opportunity to cover agreat gamethat I love.”

The game, with aguy named Smylie calling the shots, loves him right back.

Adell robs 3 homers in Angels’ win

BY MIKE DIGIOVANNA Associated Press

ANAHEIM,Calif. You’ve done something special when Torii Hunter, a nine-time Gold Glove Award winner known for his acrobatic catches, calls what you just did “probably the greatest defensive game I’ve ever seen.” That was the praise Hunter heaped on the Los Angeles Angels’ Jo Adell after the right fielder made three home run-robbing catches, the last a spectacular leaping grab while crashing into the seats near the right-field foul pole in the ninth inning of a 1-0 victory over the Seattle Mariners on Saturday night “I’ve never seen three home run robberies in one game, and I’ve never seen a guy on the third one fall into the stands, catch the ball and keep his feet in like he’s a wide receiver,” said the 50-year-old Hunter, a special assistant to the general manager who watched the game from the bench. “I was jumping up and down. I almost passed out.” Adell, who struggled on defense for several years before transforming into a Gold Glove finalist in 2024, leaped high above the yellow line on the wall in straight-way right field to deny Cal Raleigh of a solo homer in the first inning, and he made a nearly identical catch to deny Josh Naylor in the eighth.

J.P Crawford then led off the ninth with a drive toward the rightfield corner, where Adell raced toward the ball leaped to glove it, flipped over the low wall and fell

into the first row of seats before holding his glove up to present the catch, which was upheld after a replay review

“After the first one, I was pretty fired up,” Adell said. “When I got to the second one, which looked identical to the first, I thought, ‘Wow my routes are on point tonight.’

The third one was just grit. Top of the ninth, you have to get it done. It was crazy

“You just get there, then it’s decision-making. The ball was hit high enough to where I could get there. I watched it (into my glove), fell over and ended up in somebody’s lap. I don’t know who it was, but it was a

softer landing than I expected. The fans were as fired up as me.”

According to Inside Edge, Adell has 10 home run robberies since 2020, tied with Kyle Tucker of the Dodgers for the most in the big leagues. The outfielders with the most home run robberies in the entire 2025 season were Jacob Young

SCOREBOARD

of the Nationals and Fernando Tatis of the Padres, both of whom had four

Adell was the first player in baseball history to rob three homers in one game since tracking began in 2004, according to Sports Info Solutions.

“It was like a movie scene,” Hunter said about Adell’s third catch.

“It was like the music was playing, then he caught the ball, then he went down and we didn’t see him anymore. The music paused, he came up and said, ‘Yeah!’ I started cheering and almost blacked out.”

Hunter the former Minnesota Twins, Angels and Detroit Tigers star, has worked extensively with Adell on defense during the past few years. Adell famously had a ball squirt out of his glove and over the fence for a home run in Texas as a rookie in 2020.

“His impact has been huge,” Adell said of Hunter “It’s mental when you’re out there it’s a mindset of going to get the baseball, being aggressive. Early, I was caught in between on some plays, and sometimes that happens.

“When you err on the side of being aggressive and trying to make the plays, you’d be surprised at how many plays you make. That’s the mindset Torii had all those years, winning all those Gold Gloves.”

The Mariners were so impressed with Adell’s glove work that someone scrawled this message on a whiteboard in their Angel Stadium clubhouse before Sunday’s series finale: “Game plan Don’t hit the ball to Joseph Adell.”

Still skating at 87 LIVING

Inside a hockey league where age doesn’t stop the game

BY PANASHE MATEMBA-MUTASA

SAN JOSE, Calif. — As players in the San Jose Sharks Masters League streak across the ice, Ed Asato trails behind the play, stick ready At 87, he still skates in the league’s over-60 division.

Though he isn’t as quick as he was when he first picked up the sport decades ago, his enthusiasm hasn’t faded.

“I’m having fun, and I’m thankful,” he said. Every Monday at midday, teams of older hockey players gather at Sharks Ice in San Jose to face off.

Many are fathers. Some are grandfathers.

They say hockey keeps them physically active, socially connected and in touch with their younger selves. At this stage of life, the game is less about speed or winning and more about staying active while maintaining camaraderie.

The recreational league draws players from around the Bay Area, many of whom first stepped onto the ice as children.

The hiss of blades gliding over the ice mixed with George Thorogood’s “Bad to the Bone” as a home team player chased the puck. Sticks clacked in quick succession as passes moved up the ice. Every so often, a shot sailed wide, the puck banging loudly against the glass behind the net.

During a shift change, Dean Tait watched from behind the glass, removing his helmet and taking a drink from his water bottle.

“My first skating lesson, my dad tied my skates, pushed me onto the rink and closed the door,” said Tait, 61 the adult hockey manager at Sharks Ice. Tait grew up in Quebec, where hockey is woven deeply into everyday life.

“In Quebec, there’s an outdoor rink on every block,” he said. “We’d take our sticks, no helmet, no equipment, and just play.” Tait later moved west and eventually to the Bay Area in 2002, where hockey remained part of his routine even while working in tech and raising two young children

ä See HOCKEY, page 6C

Multi-series microdramas project headed for Louisiana with a Hollywood titan involved

BY JUDY BERGERON | Staff writer

Microdramas could help revive Louisiana’s film industry

Irrevocable Designee LLC executives say they are finalizing a three-year, 72-series deal with Hollywood producer Tommy Harper’s Tiny Verticals, with production expected to be based at Celtic Studios in Baton Rouge and the series distributed globally on Harper’s new VeYou platform.

Last agreements are yet to be signed, but production in Baton Rouge could begin as early as May

in

or verticals.

The new small screen

What’s a microdrama?

A relatively new, but soaring streaming entertainment trend originating in China, microdramas are sometimes called vertical series. They are short-form shows designed to be watched on a phone held upright. Episodes typically run 60 to 90 seconds, with full seasons binged in about two to three hours. Subscribers download the streaming platform’s app and receive a few free episodes before being charged a fee to view more episodes. Average costs can range from $10 to $20 a week.

Irrevocable’s Patrick Mulhearn and Baron K. Davis compare

ä See PROJECT, page 6C

By The Associated Press

From soft peach to vivid pink and purple blooms, spring arrives in a burst of color across the Northern Hemisphere In Washington, D.C. and Tokyo, streets and parks are awash in a sea of cherry blossoms. Across the plains of Greece’s largest peach-producing region, orchards unfurl like a pink veil over the landscape, while in London parks burst into bloom. And each spring, a

It is possible to getfalse positive TB test

Dear Doctors: Igot atuberculosis skin test for my health care job and tested positive. Afollowup blood test was also positive, and Iwas diagnosed with latent TB. However, Ihad no known exposure. Seven months later, both tests were negative.I never received any treatment. How can this happen?

Dear Reader: Your experience is agood example of some of the challenges withtesting for latent tuberculosis. Let’sexplore abit about the disease and thetesting process for health care workers. We hope this will help shed light on what may have happened in your case.

PROJECT

microdramas to classic soap operas —addictive stories designedtokeep viewers coming back day after day

Typically with asmall, young and attractive cast, their titles are meant to be tempting to the teen/ young adult crowd

“Don’tMess With aPrep SchoolPrincess,” or “The Millionaire’sBillionaire Wife.”

But Harper doesn’tplan to stop there. He sees action series, mysteries and more in Tiny Vertical’sfuture, Davis said.

WhoisTommy Harper?

Tommy Harper is aveteran Hollywood producer often described as a“franchise whisperer,” with credits that include major studio hits such as “Top Gun: Maverick,” “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” and work on the Star Wars franchise, as wellas television projects like “Wednesday.” He previously worked in Louisiana as unit production manager on the Baton Rouge-shot “Battle Los Angeles”(2011) and remained connected to the state. More recently,as Harper began his search for ahome base for microdrama production, he reachedout to former Celtic Studioshead Kevin O’Neil, who brought the proposal to Mulhearn. Firstthings first

Dr.Elizabeth Ko

Dr.Eve Glazier

ASK THE DOCTORS

Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious respiratory disease caused by abacterium known as Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It spreads through droplets expelled by an infectedperson. This could happen when coughing,sneezing, laughing or speaking. People living with weakenedimmune systems, whether due to illness or medical treatment, have ahigher risk of infection. Symptoms include asevere coughthat laststhree weeks or more, chestdiscomfort or pain, fatigue,feverand chills. TB can also causelossof appetite, night

sweatsand unexplained weight loss. For some people withTB, coughing will produce sputum that is tingedpink with blood. Screening for TB is commonin health care settings. The tests are meant to identify people who have been infected withtuberculosis bacteria. This includes finding those with something known as latent TB. This is when thebacteria arepresent in thebody,but the immune system is able to contain them. Someone withlatent TB is not infectious. However,itispossible for the microbe to become active and trigger an infection. The skin testfor TB is atiny injection on the inside of the arm. It delivers asmall amount of purified protein called tuberculin. The skin will have areaction to the protein if the person’simmune

“I’ve been in several vertical microdramas with millions of views.

My mostrecent show,‘In the Palm of His Hand,’ has over 110 million views after only amonth on ReelShort,” said Lemoine.

In addition to theChinese-owned ReelShort, herwork can be seen on majorvertical video streamers DramaBox and GoodShortaswell as other smaller apps.

LemoineportraysFrancescaFranconi, daughter of the head of the Franconi family,in“Palm of His Hand.”

“The malelead, Matteo, is my adoptedbrother whoIamtrying to marry so that Ican lead the mafia family,” she explained.

“I am the primary female villain. It was such afun role to play.”

$175,000. In addition, “Becauseof Her” will receive money upfront from the new GeauxldenOpportunityMedia Fund. Through Irrevocable Designee, Mulhearn andDavis created thefund for Harper’sproductions as wellasotherindependent Louisiana projectstheyplan on financing in the future.

Such mafia verticals are heavy-hitters in the trending market

The 2018 Parkview Baptist graduate said she’d jump at the chance to return to BatonRouge to workonmore microdramas

“It would be so special. And Iwould love to show my co-stars around my hometown. Ithink it could be agreat place to shoot,” she said.

‘Aslongasthe storyisgood’

“Because of Her,” the first seriesslatedfor Baton Rouge, is already written and moving into casting It will star Kasey Esser, aprolific microdrama actor whose workhas drawn more than 500 million views acrossdozens of projects.

The production will also lean into brand integration and product placement acommon feature of the format —with aLouisianabased clothier in asupporting role.

“We’re going to start with Louisiana’sversion of ‘brand entertainment,’”explained Mulhearn. “Haspel clothing will be prominently featured in ‘BecauseofHer.’ Laurie Lipsey Aronson, CEO/owner of the clothier (known forits signature seersucker suits), will be serving as an executive producer

“Also lookfor cameos by some local notables you’ll recognize,” Mulhearn added.

And that’sall he’ssaying about the debut series, taking advantage of the unofficial golden rule of soapoperas —“Leave them wanting more.” Show them themoney Financing for film and TV projects is multi-layered, with Louisiana’s filmtax credits luring some companies to head south. But often, it takes more than that.

Tiny Verticals is set to receive a40% tax credit from the state on all qualifying production spends in the state. Expenses incurred outside Louisiana, such as any pre- and post-production costs in Los Angeles, for example, are not eligible for the credit. Microdramas require small casts, short shoots and minimallocations. The average cost per series is

“Mythinking is this:ifyou’re going tofinance an independent film, it’svery rare that you’re going to have onlyone sourceoffinancing or one person who’s going to be writinga check,” Davis began. “You need to be abletokind of divide thatup among anumber of people. So, we want mom-and-pop investor types. It could be adentist anda lawyerand awelderand whoever, you know,who might want to go in together.

With investors forthe first few months of vertical drama production in place,the fund will be seeking more interested parties in the nearfuture,Davis said

“We’ve got to get on this path ofevolving as an industry.And that, youknow, means accesstocapital,” Mulhearn said.

Mulhearn credits the relationship with Harperasthe potential difference maker for theprojects.

“I’m not saying that it’s going to, you know,bring ‘Top Guns’ here for years, but Iamsaying that this relationship, it’spriceless that somebody at that level would wanttosee us succeed here,” Mulhearn said. Harper’sVeYou platform will be available for download on April 7. Go toVeYou. com for more info. Adozen-plusand counting Louisiana native Emily Lemoine already has more than adozenmicrodramas to her credit.

Lemoine,26, headed for Los Angeles just afew weeks after graduating from LSU in December 2021 with abachelor of arts in theatre performance.

“I did not want to wait tables, so Istarted doingPA (production assistant) work and also audience coordinating for showslike ‘AGT’ (‘America’sGot Talent’), ‘American Idol’and ‘Dancing with the Stars’,”she said. Lemoine beganlanding paying actinggigs just last year,and is looking for new representation to take her to thenext level in her career

Microdramas would be something new forNew Orleans actor KC Simms (“Boots,” “HitMan,” “Mike”),and acting back in hisBaton Rouge hometown wouldonly addtohis interest.

“In terms of auditioning for one of these, as long as the story is good andit’s paying decently,I’m all for it and being back at home would mean the worldto me,” Simms said. “Being able to go on set to shoot something, then being able to see my mom and dad afterwards, or even just driving back down Plank Road or Corporate (Boulevard) after getting off set.”

Simms,26, is all for people tellingstories in newand creative ways.

“It seemsthat with microdramas it also might open up adoor for new filmmakers to tell their stories as well, with howinexpensive andrepeatable they are to create,” he said.

He says he is concerned about the reliance on speed prompting some to take more shortcuts with artificial intelligence.

Since COVID-19 and the writers’ andactors’ strikes of 2023, Simms,aUNO graduate, has pivoted tolive theater In January,hestarred as JohnPrentice in Lorna NCompany’sproduction of “Guess Who’sComing to Dinner?” in Thibodaux, which he said was “one of themostimportant acting experiences I’ve had.”

He is now portraying poker-playing Steve Hubbell in Irene Collective’s“AStreetcar Named Desire” at Big Couch New Orleans.

If the Baton Rouge deal is finalized,microdramas may not replace blockbuster filmmaking in Louisiana, but they could fill agap —bringing steady work and new opportunities as the industry continues to find its footing. Email Judy Bergeron at jbergeron@theadvocate. com.

system has seen tuberculosis bacteria before. Bottom line: The skin testisdetecting an immune memoryofthe bacteria, and not themicrobe itself. Like the skin test, aTBblood test measures whether the immune system has amemory of the TB bacteria. If so, this would suggest aprior or existing infection. The difference is that the blood test is even more specific than the skin test. Given your lack of symptoms, the doctorsoverseeing your tests were led to the diagnosis of latent TB. Falsepositives in these types of tests, which identifyimmune markers rather than thediseasecausing bacteria, can happen for afew reasons. One possibility is exposure to non-tuberculosis mycobacteria. These are found in water,dust and soil. They have

proteins that are similar to TB bacteria. Another is abrief exposure to TB bacteria that, thanks to astrong immune response, did not result in alasting infection. Laboratory and testing errors are also possible. In your case, you had no knownexposure to TB and negative results on your repeat tests. It is likely those initial positive tests caught aborderline immune response that wasnot connected to aTBinfection. This response had faded by the time you wereretested.

Sendyour questions to askthedoctors@mednet.ucla edu, or write: Ask theDoctors, c/oUCLA HealthSciences Media Relations, 10880 Wilshire Blvd.,Suite1450, Los Angeles, CA, 90024.

TODAYINHISTORY

By The Associated Press

Today is Monday,April 6, the96th day of 2026. There are 269 days left in the year

Todayinhistory:

On April 6, 1917, the United States entered World WarIasthe House joined theSenate in approving adeclaration of war against Germany that was then signed by President Woodrow Wilson.

Also on this date:

In 1830, Joseph Smith and others met in Fayette, New York, to form the Church of Christ —now known as The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

In 1862, the Civil War BattleofShiloh began in Tennessee as Confederate forces launched asurprise attack against Union troops, who beat back the Confederates the following day

In 1896, thefirst modern Olympic Games formally opened in Athens, Greece.

In 1954, Sen. Joseph R. McCarthy,R-Wis.,

HOCKEY

Continuedfrom page5C

In 2008, he joinedthe over35 divisionatSharks Ice.Today, he manages therink’s adultleagues,which include about 2,500 players, 16 referees and 40 scorekeepers. Divisionsrange from18and older to special bracketsfor players over 35, 50 and 60.

Like many players in the older divisions, Tait has felt therealities of aging on the ice.

Games are slower now,he said,and injuries take longertoheal. In 2016,hedislocated hiskneeand spent six months recovering before returning to play

Still, the draw of hockey remainsstrong.

“It’sa drug,” said Mark Belinsky, 69,who hasbeen playing since he was a 10-year-old boyinChicago. “You get high when you’re on the ice.”

For Belinsky,the game still delivers thesame rush

responding to CBS newsman Edward R. Murrow’s broadside against him on “See It Now,”claimed in remarks filmed forthe program that Murrow had, in the past, “engaged in propaganda forCommunist causes.”

In 1968, 41 people were killed by apair of explosions spurred by anatural gas leak at asporting goods store in downtown Richmond, Indiana.

In 1994, Rwandan President Juvénal Habyarimana and Burundian President Cyprien Ntaryamira were killed when the jet they wereriding in was shot downbysurface-to-air missiles as it attempted to land in Kigali, Rwanda.

In 2009, apowerful predawnearthquake rocked central Italy,leaving more than 300 people dead, morethan 1,500 injured and thousands of buildings heavily damaged in the historic city of L’Aquila and surrounding villages.

In 2012, five Black people wereshot, three fatally,

—the feeling of gliding acrossthe ice, thesatisfaction of aclean shot, the bite of cold air filling his lungs. But experience has also taught caution. “If ajumbo-sized guy’s gotthe puckand Iwanna chase him down, I’ve gotta reconsider now because of physics,” he said with a laugh.

His teammates chuckled nearby

Bob Gianni, 70, who has been playing since he was 8, said he now spends more time strategizing to avoid getting hurt. He’s already hada hip replacement and creditshis abilitytokeep playing to “good doctors.”

“At our age, you gotta keep moving,” Gianni said.

Asatolives by that principle as well.

The shortest playeronthe team, he is often dwarfed by younger,faster skaters.

When thepuck comesnear him, amore agile player usually reaches it first.

Still, Asato follows the play,determined.

in Tulsa, Oklahoma; Jake England and Alvin Watts, whoadmitted to targeting the victimsbecause of their race, pleaded guilty to murder and were sentenced to lifeinprison without parole.

In 2018, asemitrailer truck collided with abus carrying ayouth hockey team to aplayoffgame in western Canada, killing 16 people and injuring several others. Today’sbirthdays: Actor Billy Dee Williamsis89. Film director Barry Levinson is 84. Actor John Ratzenberger is 79. Baseball Hall of Famer Bert Blyleven is 75. Actor Marilu Henner is 74. Actor Michael Rooker is 71. Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz is 62. Football Hall of Famer Sterling Sharpe is 61. Actor Paul Rudd is 57. Actor Zach Braffis51. Actor Candace Cameron Bure is 50. Musician Robert Glasper is 48. Musician Jack Stauber is 30. Actor Peyton List is 28. Formula 1driver Oscar Piastri is 25. Actor Casey Simpson is 22.

Before each game,he mentally runs throughhis rules: recognize the situation, make adecision, execute.

“But when Iget on the ice, Iforget everything,” said Asato, whopickedupthe sport at 59. Whatkeepshim playing at nearly 90, he said, is the community,the mental focusthe game requiresand the occasionalsmall victory along the way “I don’ttouch thepuck muchanymore,” he said. “But once every couple of years I’ll score agoal.”

HOME-DELIVERED EVERYDAY

ARIEs (March 21-April 19) Participate in something that helps you recognize your talents. Choose to fine-tune your spending or projects to avoid unnecessary debt. Peace of mind comes from doing what's right and best for you.

tAuRus (April 20-May 20) Scrutinize what lies ahead before you take a chance, make a move or start something new. Time is on your side, and ironing out all the kinks is necessary to avoid backtracking.

GEMInI (May 21-June 20) Personal and financial growth are within reach. A positive attitude will lead to rewards and opportunities to get ahead and to make a difference that will encourage you to broaden your scope and agenda.

cAncER (June 21-July 22) Focus on work, not personal or emotional issues. Too much of anything will defeat the purpose. Take a step back and consider the outcome before you initiate change or take on more than you can handle.

LEo (July 23-Aug. 22) Learn and explore the possibilities. You'll gain insight into what's possible if you try something new or volunteer for a cause dear to your heart. Clear the path, and go after your heart's desires.

VIRGo (Aug. 23-sept. 22) Truth matters, and being on the right side of history will make a difference. Sign up for events, projects or pastimes that will give you the boost you need to build confidence.

LIBRA (sept. 23-oct. 23) Hold your thoughts before sharing. Enjoy your

time with people who make your life better. Refuse to let raw emotions take over a conversation that can influence your relationships.

scoRPIo (oct. 24-nov. 22) You can talk your way in and out of anything if you are factual and bold. Opportunities will sprout from your ability to be frank and to follow through with confidence.

sAGIttARIus (nov. 23-Dec. 21) Emotions and domestic issues will require patience, planning and setting boundaries. Shared space and expenses will lead to stressful situations. Change begins with you.

cAPRIcoRn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Observe before stepping into something that has the potential to backfire on you. Get the lowdown, consider the consequences and focus on maintenance and lowering your overhead.

AQuARIus (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) Make a budget, and improve your living space, lifestyle or qualifications. Set yourself up for success, and you'll find your niche. It's time to let your past go and to turn your dreams into a reality.

PIscEs (Feb. 20-March 20) Expand your mind; consider the possibilities and the cost to reach your goal. A diversion or change of location will spark your imagination and encourage you to revise your plans.

The horoscope, an entertainment feature, is not based on scientific fact. © 2026 by NEA Inc., dist By Andrews McMeel Syndication

Sudoku

InstructIons: Sudokuis anumber-placingpuzzle basedona9x9 grid with several given numbers. Theobject is to place the numbers 1to9 in the empty squares so that each row, each column andeach3x3 boxcontains the same number only once.The difficulty level of theSudoku increases from Monday to Sunday

Saturday’s PuzzleAnswer

nea CroSSwordS

La TimeS CroSSword

By PHILLIP ALDER Bridge

William Arthur Ward,who coined many inspirationalmaxims, said, “A true friend knows yourweaknesses but shows you your strengths.”

Abridge player with aweak hand can sometimes do well by sounding strong Look at today’s South hand. North opens onediamond. What should South do?

Thetextbookstell South that without sixpoints, he should pass. However,he hastwo five-card majors —and we love majors. He ought to bidone spade. Yes, it is not without risk, but he has areasonable chance to improve the contract

Here, North will raise to fourspades Thatwould perhaps give South momentarypause,butwhenheseesthedummy, it will easehis concerns.

After West leads the club queen, how should declarer planthe play?

If South had passed over onediamond and West hadpassed also, that contract wouldprobablyhavegonedownone.But maybe West would have balanced with two clubs or (better)a takeout double. Then, though, North-South would have had asecond chance to find their spade fit. South hasthreetop losers: two hearts and one club. He needs to establish his heartsuit. Andusually,inthis situation, declarershouldimmediatelyplayonthat suit.

So,South wins with dummy’s clubace and leads aheart to, say, his nine and

wuzzles

Wuzzle is

West’s jack.West cashes the club jack, then shifts to the diamond 10. Declarer wins with dummy’s ace and playsanother heart South trumps the next diamond and ruffs aheart

By AndrewsMcMeel Syndication

adisguised word, phrase, name, place, saying, etc. For example: NOON GOOD =GOOD AFTERNOON

Previous answers:

word game

InstRuctIons: 1. Words mustbeoffour or more letters. 2. Words that acquire fourletters by

Average