The Times-Picayune 05-14-2026

AG threatensleaderswithremoval

Murrill’slatestsalvo

BY JAMES FINN Staff writer

Louisiana Attorney General

LizMurrill on Wednesdaywarned Mayor Helena Moreno and other top New Orleans electedofficials that she would seek their removal from office if they do not “officially retract” support for electing anew court clerk, adramatic escalation in araging dispute over that role.

In aletterto Moreno, District Attorney Jason Williams and five City Council members, Murrillsaidthe officialswere at risk of violating several statelaws after a council vote this week to trigger an election for thenewly merged clerk’soffice and appoint an interim

clerk. Murrill’swarning drew asharp response from Moreno, who said she wouldn’tbe “intimidated” from pursuing thelegal fightover who should oversee the parish clerk’soffice. Murrill accused the officials of “usurping” the authority of Chelsey

Napoleon, whoMurrill argues is the city’slawfulclerk

Underlegislationenacted by Louisiana’s Republican-controlled Legislature this month, Napoleon, who won reelection last year as Orleans Parish clerk of civil court, took over the duties of the criminal clerk’s office, which had been aseparate elected office. Moreno, Williams and amajority of the councilcontend that the law created anew position that mustbe fi

STAFF PHOTOSByJAVIERGALLEGOS

Sen.Royce Duplessis, D-New Orleans, from left,and Sen.Gerald Boudreaux, D-Lafayette, speak Tuesdaytocommittee Chair

Sen.Caleb Kleinpeter,R-PortAllen, during aSenate and Governmental Affairs Committee meeting

Senate OKscongressional

mapwith oneminoritydistrict

Cleo Fields’House seat targeted forelimination

BY TYLER BRIDGES Staff writer

Republicans who control theLouisiana Legislature are moving forward witherasing one of the state’stwo Black-majority congressional districts, after aSenate committee approved aplan to do so earlyWednesday morning afteranall-night hearing.

ä In House vote,Louisiana poised to temporarily moveback to open primaries PAGE 5A

BY

ELYSE CARMOSINO and PATRICK WALL Staff writers

Louisiana students areoutpacing their peers in most states in reading andmath growth,evenasmuchofthe country strugglestorecover from a“learningrecession,” according to anew report.

Louisiana rankedfirst among statesin reading growth and second in mathprogress from 2022 to 2025,accordingtothe latest “Education Scorecard,” which analyzed test scores from nearly40states.The District of Columbia came out ahead when included in therankings Louisiana also wasthe only state to surpass pre-pandemic learning levels in both subjects —adistinction it also achieved on the last scorecard. Still, the progress was uneven, with someschool districts yet to get most students’ scores back to pre-2020 levels.

Jenkins of Shreveport saying, “itisripe forlegal challenges.”

“We’re pleased but not satisfied,” state Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley said in an interview.“We have to maintain that momentum.”

The bill wouldessentiallyreturn Louisiana to the congressional map it had in 2022 that produced five safe Republican seats and one New Orleansanchored Democratseat,won that year by U.S. Rep. Troy Carter

ä See proposed districts. PAGE 5A

The Senatevoted 27-10 on partisan lines Wednesday afternoon, with Democrats opposed, to suspend its rules to be able to take up themeasure, SenateBill 121, on Thursday Afterbattling throughout thenight Democrats plan to continue raising objections to SB121, withSen. Sam

Rep.Edmond Jordan,DBatonRouge, who chairs theLegislative Black Caucus, promised alawsuit calling for the creation of two winnable seats for Democrats.

In the meantime, Jenkins conceded, “The (Republican) majority is full speed ahead with this map. Idoubt that any attempt to amend it will succeed. We may be stuck withwhat we have.”

ä See MAP, page 5A

To getthe results, researchersatHarvard,Stanford andDartmouth analyzed test scores forstudents in grades 3-8in over 5,800 school districts across 38 states. They found that students in moststates made little progress in reading over the past three years, continuing anational slowdowninlearning that began more than adecade ago and wasworsened by thepandemic’sschool disruptions. Students nationally are still about half a grade level behind pre-pandemic reading scores, and doing only slightly better in math.

BY JOSIE ABUGOV Staff writer

Louisiana hunters will be able to catch up to 10,000 more alligators this fall as partofanew recreational season, another milestonein the stunning population resurgence of the ancient reptiles stalking the state’s wetlands.

The new lawpassed by theLegislature and signed last week establishesthe state’s first recreational season, separate from theexisting threemonthcommercial period where licensed hunters canharvest alligators on designated lands andwater bodies. All lands and water bodies statewide will be available for recreational hunting, excluding those enrolled in the commercial program. The sponsor of the bill, state Sen. Rob-

ertAllain, R-Franklin,calledthe law“the first of its kind in Louisiana” and an important step to expand opportunitiesfor recreational hunters.

“We’reoffering anew way to address nuisance or overabundant alligators while still maintaining ourimportant commercial alligator industry and controlledharvest limits,” Allain,a commercial alligator hunter,said. Allain

ä See ALLIGATOR, page 4A

NTSB urges training to deal with cockpit smoke

Safety experts recommended Wednesday that airlines develop realistic training to prepare their pilots to deal with smoke filling the cockpit like what happened on a Southwest Airlines plane after a bird strike.

The National Transportation Safety Board said the pilots who safely landed that plane back in New Orleans told investigators that the situation they encountered was far more challenging than anything they had ever experienced in training.

“If such an event occurred at night or in instrument meteorological conditions, the consequences could be catastrophic,” the NTSB determined.

The Federal Aviation Administration receives reports of smoke in the cockpit almost daily, but the NTSB said the agency still doesn’t require airlines to conduct realistic smoke-incockpit simulations. Instead the training usually just consists of a discussion of what to do in that situation. The FAA didn’t immediately respond Wednesday to the new recommendation

The Southwest pilots at the controls during this incident in December 2023 said they had trouble seeing their instruments and checklists They quickly donned oxygen masks and followed emergency procedures to land. None of the 139 people aboard were hurt.

Gastroenteritis outbreak confines 1,700 to ship

PARIS Over 1,700 passengers and crew on a British cruise ship were ordered to remain on board after an outbreak of gastrointestinal illness, French authorities said Wednesday

The Ambition was midway through a 14-night cruise from Belfast and Liverpool that was due to take in ports in northern Spain and along France’s Atlantic coast. It reached Bordeaux on Tuesday evening, according to the operator, Ambassador Cruise Line.

The prefect of NouvelleAquitaine region and Gironde department, Étienne Guyot, suspended disembarkation from the Ambition and restricted the vessel’s interactions with the port of Bordeaux.

He acted on the recommendation of the regional health agency, the Agence Régionale de Santé Nouvelle-Aquitaine, the joint statement said.

Up to 50 passengers showed symptoms consistent with acute digestive infection after the ship’s captain alerted French authorities on Tuesday evening, the statement said. Those affected were treated by the ship’s doctor and isolated in their cabins.

Murkowski flips on Iran vote

Senate Republicans barely block Democratic legislation to halt war with Iran

sylvania the only Democrat to oppose it, yet the close tally reflected growing unease with Trump’s war

Several other Republican senators have signaled they want Congress to weigh in on the direction of the conflict.

the war and has circumvented legal requirements to gain approval from Congress to continue the military campaign. It claims that it has “terminated” hostilities with Iran because the U.S has entered a ceasefire.

doesn’t appear that hostilities have ended.”

‘Ocean Dream’ diamond sells for more than $17M

GENEVA A 5.5-carat triangularcut diamond billed as the largest fancy vivid blue-green diamond known to exist sold for more than $17.3 million on Wednesday, Christie’s said, calling it a record price for a stone of its kind.

The “Ocean Dream,” the standout offer at the auction house’s Geneva sale of jewelry, was found in central Africa in the 1990s. The price easily topped the presale estimate to fetch around $9 million to $13 million.

Rahul Kadakia, president of Christie’s Asia Pacific, said that an unspecified private client was the buyer, and the stone took about 20 minutes to sell an indication that interest was high. The price was more than double that of the roughly $8.5 million that the gem, which was featured among rare colored diamonds at the Smithsonian Splendour of Diamonds Exhibition in 2003, sold for at Christie’s in 2014

BY STEPHEN GROVES Associated Press

WASHINGTON Senate Republicans on Wednesday again blocked Democratic legislation that would halt President Donald Trump’s war with Iran, but the number of GOP senators voting against the war grew Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska voted against the war for the first time since it began at the end of February Two other Republicans, Sens. Susan Collins of Maine and Rand Paul of Kentucky, also voted against the war as they had done previously

The war powers legislation ultimately failed to advance 49-50, with Sen John Fetterman of Penn-

“There will be a day and it might be soon, I believe — where this Senate will say to the president, ‘Stop this war,’” Democratic Sen. Tim Kaine of Virginia, who has spearheaded his party’s tactic of forcing repeated votes on the war, said before the vote.

Even if it passes the Senate, a war powers resolution would have a slim chance of passing the House and would also certainly be vetoed by Trump. But Democrats say the votes are about building political pressure on the president either to withdraw from the conflict or seek congressional authorization to wage the war

The White House, meanwhile, has asserted that it does not need congressional authorization for

That posture has created tension between the Republican-controlled Congress and the White House because presidents under the War Powers Resolution of 1973 are required to obtain authorization from Congress after 60 days of engaging in a conflict.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told lawmakers this week that the U.S. could start attacking Iran again without the White House seeking congressional approval He told Murkowski during a hearing on Tuesday that the Trump administration believes it has “all the authorities necessary.” Murkowski voiced skepticism about that argument. She pointed to the troops and war ships deployed to the region, saying, “It

Senate confirms Trump pick Warsh as Fed chair

BY CHRISTOPHER RUGABER and JOEY CAPPELLETTI Associated Press

WASHINGTON The Senate confirmed President Donald Trump’s nominee to lead the Federal Reserve, Kevin Warsh bringing new leadership to the world’s most powerful central bank at a fraught moment for the global economy

Warsh, 56, a former top Fed official, was confirmed Wednesday in a largely party-line 54-45 vote and will replace Jerome Powell as chair at an unusually dif-

ficult time for the independent agency

Inflation has topped the Fed’s 2% target for five years and is now rising faster because of spiking gas prices. The Fed’s interest rate-setting committee is divided and saw the most dissenting votes in more than three decades last month.

And Powell, after years of personal attacks from Trump and an unprecedented Justice Department investigation, plans to remain on the Fed’s board even after his term as chair ends, potentially creating a competing power center

Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., said that it’s critical that a Fed chair “understand not only the macro” but also “appreciate the microeconomy: and that’s the hardworking Americans, their jobs and their livelihoods.”

“Kevin Warsh is just such a person,” Thune said.

Trump has demanded change at Fed

The Fed has faced threats to its independence from Trump, who has repeatedly attacked Powell for not cutting interest rates Trump also sought to fire Fed governor Lisa Cook and launched an investigation into Powell’s Senate testimony about a building renovation

The probe of Powell had threatened to derail Warsh’s nomination as Republican Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina vowed to withhold support until the investigation was terminated. The probe was ultimately dropped in April. Every Republican voted for Warsh on Wednesday, as did Democratic Sen. John Fetterman of Pennsylvania.

Kevin Hassett, director of the White House’s National Economic Council, said in a Fox News interview on Sunday that he believes the markets are relieved that Warsh “is going to help lower interest rates over time.”

“Obviously, data driven,” said Hassett.

“I’m not putting any pressure on Kevin Warsh.”

In December, Trump said on his social media platform that he wanted a Fed chair who would cut interest rates

when the stock market rose — the opposite of what traditional economics would prescribe — and added, “Anyone that disagrees with me will never be the Fed chairman!”

Trump’s comments have fueled concerns over whether Warsh will set rates based on economic conditions or instead seek to appease Trump, even if doing so could worsen inflation. At Warsh’s confirmation hearing last month, Sen. Elizabeth Warren, a Democrat from Massachusetts, derided him as a “sock puppet” for Trump.

“I will be an independent actor if confirmed as chair of the Federal Reserve,” Warsh said.

Critic of the Fed’s leadership in past Warsh has been highly critical of the Fed’s recent track record, particularly the inflation spike in 2021-22, the worst in four decades.

He has called for limiting the Fed’s communications, which would be a sharp shift after decades of growing transparency He has argued that some of its communications tools, such as quarterly forecasts of where its key rate may head, have made it harder for officials to switch gears.

Senate Democrats have also condemned Warsh for not fully divulging the details of his wealth, which amounts to at least $100 million. His investments include stakes in Polymarket and SpaceX, but he hasn’t revealed the size of those holdings. He promised to sell all such assets within 90 days of being sworn in.

Difficult economic conditions

The Fed is still grappling with how to respond to the 50% spike in gas prices caused by the war in Iran. The increase has boosted inflation, which reached 3.8% in April.

The Fed is tasked by Congress with keeping prices stable, which it seeks to do by raising its short-term rate to make borrowing and spending more expensive, cooling growth and inflation.

The Fed typically looks past temporary price increases that stem from supply disruptions such as the war’s cutoff of oil through the Strait of Hormuz, because those prices typically level off or even fall — once supply is restored.

But the Fed also followed that approach after the coronavirus pandemic snarled global supply chains. Inflation turned out to last longer than expected, and Powell and other Fed officials have acknowledged that they waited too long to raise rates. Inflation surged to 9.1% by June 2022.

Republican leadership has continued to back the war with Iran, arguing that the stalemate in the Strait of Hormuz that has blocked most commercial shipping puts more economic pressure on Iran than it does on the U.S.

“Iran’s economy is on life support. Its leadership is eliminated,” said Sen. John Barrasso, the No. 2 Republican in leadership, during a floor speech Wednesday He also argued that the Democratic effort on the war is all about undermining Trump. Forcing the issue just as he arrived in China for a summit would “pull out the rug from under him,” Barrasso said.

Democrats plan to keep forcing weekly votes on war powers resolutions and are looking ahead to put limitations on Trump during the debate over annual legislation that authorizes and funds the military

Prosecutors to retry S.C. murder case after court ruling

BY JEFFREY COLLINS Associated Press

COLUMBIA, S.C — Alex

Murdaugh’s murder convictions and life sentence for the deaths of his wife and son were overturned Wednesday by the South Carolina Supreme Court because the court clerk at his trial suggested he was guilty Prosecutors say they plan to retry Murdaugh, which likely means there will be another lengthy trial for the case that because of the combination of money, power, Southern accents and treachery has become a true crime sensation with several streaming miniseries, bestselling books and dozens of true crime podcasts.

Murdaugh, 57, will remain in prison. He pleaded guilty to stealing around $12 million from his clients and currently is serving a 40-year federal sentence.

Murdaugh’s lawyers pointed out that trial will look a lot different, as the justices also ruled days

of evidence at the murder trial about how Murdaugh stole from clients shouldn’t be allowed next time. Still, the ruling is a win for Murdaugh, who admits to being a thief, liar, insurance cheat and bad lawyer, but has adamantly denied killing his wife Maggie and younger son Paul since he found their bodies outside their home in 2021. Murdaugh told investigators for months he hadn’t seen his wife and son for about an hour before they were killed. But investigators eventually cracked the passcode on Paul Murdaugh’s phone and found a video with a barking dog and Alex Murdaugh’s voice five minutes before the young man stopped using his phone. In their unanimous ruling Wednesday the South Carolina Supreme Court said the conduct by Colleton County Clerk of Court Becky Hill “egregiously attacked Murdaugh’s credibility” by suggesting to jurors his testimony could not be trusted.

U.S., China seek to repair damage from tariff war

BY PAUL WISEMAN and CHAN HO-HIM AP business writers

WASHINGTON During a tumultu-

ous 2025, the United States and China proved how much they could hurt each other in a trade war Now

Presidents Donald Trump and Xi Jinping are meeting in Beijing to repair some of the damage.

A decade of conflict between the world’s two biggest economies has left U.S.-China trade greatly reduced from the boom times of the 2000s and 2010s, forcing companies to regroup. Many American firms have shifted production out of China to countries like Vietnam and India. And Chinese firms have scrambled to find new customers in Europe and Southeast Asia. But the two countries are finding that they still need each other. “The idea of somehow China being totally independent of us and us being totally independent of China, I think, is a fiction,” said Wilbur Ross, who served as U.S. commerce secretary in Trump’s first term.

This week’s summit is primarily about keeping the economic relationship stable, with only modest policy announcements expected.

A trade truce reached last October likely will be extended, while China may announce plans to buy American soybeans, beef and Boeing airplanes. U.S. officials also have teased the creation of a Board of Trade.

Watching closely will be American farmers who were shut out of the Chinese soybean market for most of 2025, as well as U.S. manufacturers who lost access to China’s rare earth minerals they need to make everything from smartphones to fighter jets.

In China, manufacturer Michael Lu is hoping the Xi-Trump summit will herald more positive signs.

Chances of U.S.-China commerce going back to the roaring trade of 15 years ago may be slim, but factory owners in China are expecting for at least some improvements.

“The U.S. used to be a more stable market,” said Lu, founder and CEO of gift box producer Brothersbox in the southern city of Dongguan

Freefall in U.S.-China trade

Before Trump began slapping taxes on Chinese imports in 2018, the average U.S tariff on China

stood at 3.1%. Now, even after coming down from the triple-digit levels they briefly hit last year, they are still at almost 48% according to Chad Bown of the Peterson Institute for International Economics.

In 2016, the United States did more business with China than any other country Trade between the two countries — exports plus imports accounted for more than 13% of America’s trade with the rest of the world. By last year, China’s share had been halved to 6.4%. Mexico and Canada had leapfrogged China to become the top two U.S. trading partners.

China sold far more to the United States than it bought. The U.S. deficit in the trade of goods and services with China peaked at $377 billion in 2018. Last year, it was down to $168 billion, the lowest since 2004.

Still, China has exported so much to other markets — Southeast Asia and Europe, in particular — that it recorded a record global trade surplus of $1.2 trillion last year

Chinese find workarounds

The American government’s statistics probably overstate the drop

in U.S.-China trade. Many Chinese companies have relocated to Southeast Asian countries like Vietnam and Thailand and now send their stuff onto the United States, dodging U.S. tariffs. The Trump administration wants to crack down on these “transshipments.”

As China sent fewer goods to the United States last year, goods imports from Southeast Asia surged up 42% from Vietnam 44% from Thailand, 24% from Indonesia.

“It would be wrong to think that China is no longer relevant for the U.S. market,” said Zongyuan Zoe Liu, senior fellow for China studies at the Council on Foreign Relations. “Chinese goods are still coming into the U.S.” Velong Enterprises, which was founded in China’s southern Guangdong province in 2002 and makes kitchen gadgets and grilling tools for Walmart and other U.S. retailers, diversified its supply chain in the years since Trump’s first term in the White House in order to serve U.S. customers, including by adding production capacity in Cambodia and India.

“Most serious manufacturers did not simply ‘leave China,’” said Ve-

Vatican issues final warning to breakaway traditionalist group

Latin Mass group plans consecration of bishops without papal consent

BY NICOLE WINFIELD Associated Press

ROME With Pope Leo XIV’s first big crisis looming, the Vatican on Wednesday issued a final warning to a breakaway group of traditionalist Catholics that their planned consecration of bishops without papal consent constitutes a schismatic act that incurs automatic excommunication Leo is praying for enlightenment so that the leaders of the Society of St Pius X “may reconsider the extremely grave decision they have made,” said a statement from the Vatican’s doctrine czar, Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández.

The statement appeared to be a last-ditch effort to head off the group’s planned July 1 consecrations of four new bishops. If they go ahead, they will amount to the gravest challenge to Leo’s authority to date, as he seeks to heal divisions with traditionalist Catholics that worsened during the Pope Francis pontificate.

Formed in opposition to Vatican II

The SSPX, as the group is known, was founded in Écône, Switzerland in 1970 in opposition to the modernizing reforms of the 1960s Second Vatican Council, which among other things allowed Mass to be celebrated in the vernacular rather than Latin.

The group, which celebrates the pre-Vatican II Latin Mass, first broke with Rome in 1988, after its founder Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre, consecrated four bishops without papal consent. The Vatican promptly excommunicated Lefebvre and the four other bishops, and the group today still has no legal status in the Catholic Church Yet the group has continued to grow, with schools, seminaries and parishes around the world and branches of priests, nuns and lay Catholics who are attached to the traditional Latin Mass. The growth poses a real threat to Rome since it amounts to a parallel Catholic church. Today it counts two bishops, 733 priests 264 seminarians, 145 religious brothers, 88 oblates and 250 religious sisters representing 50 nationalities, according to SSPX statistics Dialogue ends and a crisis looms The current SSPX superior, Rev Davide

Pagliarani, announced earlier this year that new bishops would be consecrated July 1 to tend to the faithful, arguing that the SSPX’s two remaining aging bishops can no longer minister to such a global reality

The Vatican invited Pagliarani for talks, but the same theological and practical problems that have prevented rapprochement for 50 years seemingly left the two sides at an impasse.

In recent comments on the SSPX website, Pagliarani reiterated the need for the new bishops. He expressed satisfaction that his announcement had triggered debate about what the SSPX considers to be a crisis afflicting the church, including religious pluralism and confusion about the faith.

“Now what is at stake today is not an opinion, nor a sensibility, nor a preferential option, nor a particular nuance in the interpretation of a text, but the faith and morals that a Catholic must know, profess, and practice in order to save his soul and reach paradise,” he said.

Traditionalists watching how Leo responds

The looming consecrations, which would incur automatic excommunications, have created the first tangible crisis for Leo, who has sought to pacify relations with Catholic traditionalists that worsened under Francis after the Argentine pope cracked down on the spread of the old Latin Mass.

Francis in 2021 reimposed restrictions on celebrating the old Latin Mass that Pope Benedict XVI had relaxed in 2007. Francis said he was reversing his predecessor because Benedict’s reform had become a source of division in the church and been exploited by conservative Catholics opposed to Vatican II. But the move riled Francis’ conservative critics and it became one of the most divisive acts of his 12-year papacy, such that Leo began his pontificate promising to heal divisions.

While the SSPX is out of communion with the Holy See, plenty of Catholic traditionalists who are loyal to Rome and opposed Francis’ crackdown are sympathetic to the SSPX plight and are watching how Leo handles the challenge.

Rorate Caeli, a traditionalist blog that has closely followed the issue, said Francis’ crackdown, known by the Latin name of the document, Traditionis Custodes, actually created the “crisis” that the SSPX today laments. “Traditionalists fully understand the need for respect for authority; but we cannot have both at the same time: a stated will to destroy the traditional Roman Liturgy forever (Traditionis custodes) and a complete prohibition of means to salvage that,” Rorate Caeli wrote Wednesday

long CEO and founder Jacob Rothman. “Instead, they built multicountry supply chains around China.”

Contending with erratic tariffs

The trade war with China has taken a toll on Appu Jacob Varghese, who owns Zion Foodtrucks, a small food truck manufacturer outside Colorado Springs that imports Chinese equipment for its trucks.

“Last year,” Varghese said, “a lot of my hair turned white.”

What tormented Varghese was the erratic way Trump imposed his taxes on Chinese imports. They changed unpredictably from week to week — and briefly shot up to a terrifying 145% Zion Foodtrucks relied on Chinese suppliers for the cooking and fire-suppression equipment that goes into its $50,000 to $60,000 food trucks.

Zion’s customers typically signed a fixed-price contract and took delivery of a brand-new food truck six weeks later Trump’s fluctuating tariffs meant the Varghese’s costs were bouncing around wildly — but his contracts kept him from raising prices. He managed to get through the

year but he knew he needed to find suppliers outside China. These days, he gets about half his cooking equipment from Vietnam and Thailand, and the firefighting gear comes from U.S. and Israeli suppliers.

He speaks highly of his Chinese suppliers but doesn’t expect to ever rely so heavily on them again.

Shifting away from China

A lot of U.S. companies are pulling back from China. Apple has moved some of its production of its iPhones to India. Nike has stepped up production in Vietnam.

“Trade tensions can flare up quite quickly and that makes the U.S. firms hesitant to rely too heavily on Chinese supply,” said Sarah Tan, a Singapore-based economist at Moody’s Analytics whose focus includes China.

InStyler, a hair appliances company outside Los Angeles that once relied entirely on Chinese suppliers, is shifting some production to South Korea and France and is eyeing Italy, Vietnam and Mexico. Tit-for-tat

The trade skirmishing between Beijing and Washington has extended beyond traditional tariffs and counter tariffs.

The United States has blocked shipments of the most advanced computer chips to China, and the Chinese have blasted back by periodically cutting off supplies of rare earth minerals crucial for electronics.

Last year, the Chinese limited exports of tungsten a super strong metal used in defense, aerospace and medical device production — because it can be used by the military as well as by private industry China controls about 80% of the world’s tungsten.

China also stopped buying U.S. soybeans, delivering a well-aimed blow at Trump’s supporters in rural America. After U.S China talks in October, the Chinese resumed the purchases. But U.S. soybean exports to China nonetheless dropped 75% in 2025.

“We are the No. 1 trading player They are next in line,” said former commerce secretary Ross. “We have to coexist in some way The question is, what will be the rules of the road, and who will benefit the most from those rules.”

“imprisonment” even as she said he “appears to be an innocent bystander” to the dispute.

“To avoid further litigation and the statutory consequences,” Murrill wrote, “you should officially retract your support for this usurpation of (Civil Clerk) Chelsey Richard Napoleon’s office and take no further action supporting or recognizing the fictional new office or Judge Johnson’s appointment to it.”

Murrill said Gov Jeff Landry would appoint replacements if the local officials are removed. The threats from the Republican attorney general to some of New Orleans’ most prominent Democratic local leaders sharply intensified the legal and political battle over two relatively parochial city positions, which began after the Legislature enacted its sweeping changes to the clerks’ offices earlier this month.

It also added to the general sense of confusion about who was currently running an office that, in addition to overseeing court records, is charged with holding elections in the parish. The U.S. Senate primary as well as a host of other state and local elections are set to take place Saturday Moreno responded to Murrill’s letter in a video posted Wednesday on social media, suggesting that Murrill could be violating a state law concerning threats to elected leaders. “It is surprising that the attorney general put all of this in a letter, considering there is also a criminal law that prohibits intimidating or threatening a public official in an effort to try to influence their decision or change their position,” Moreno said. “Bottom line: I’m not going to be threatened, I’m not going to be intimidated, and I won’t back down.”

The letter contained “a variety of ethical and professional conduct issues,” Moreno said. She urged Murrill to let litigation over the new law run its course rather than resorting to “threats.” In a prepared statement,

Williams, the district attorney, called Murrill’s letter “deeply disappointing, profoundly troubling and legally incorrect.”

“The statute now being invoked is a relic of the Reconstruction era, born out of one of the most turbulent and divisive periods in Louisiana history, when rival governments, disputed officeholders, and political violence threatened the stability of civil authority itself,” Williams said. “For such language and authority to now be directed at elected officials in New Orleans who are carrying out their legal and constitutional responsibilities is deeply concerning.”

Swirling debate

The debate that escalated on Wednesday was touched off earlier this month after the Legislature passed its law eliminating New Orleans’ clerk of criminal court. The law known as Act 15, turned the criminal clerk’s duties over to the separate civil clerk’s office.

Supporters cast the legislation as a needed reform to the only parish in Louisiana with distinct court systems for criminal and civil matters.

But New Orleans leaders have criticized the move as an unnecessary incursion by the state. Many say the legislation appears to be retaliation against Calvin Duncan, a formerly incarcerated prison counsel who was released after a judge ruled him innocent of a 1981 murder Duncan won the criminal clerkship last fall with 68% of the vote despite opposition from Murrill and other conservatives.

Only after Duncan’s victory did the Legislature move to eliminate the job he had won. Gov Jeff Landry signed the law on April 30, four days before Duncan was set to take office.

A tangle of litigation is unfolding in multiple courts as Murrill wages her battle with New Orleans officials.

Napoleon filed a lawsuit on Tuesday in Baton Rouge challenging Johnson’s interim appointment and the City Council resolution calling for a special election.

On Wednesday, Judge Tarvald Smith of the 19th Judicial District Court in Baton

But Louisiana is one of a small number of states bucking the national trend in reading. The researchers attribute that largely to the states’ focus on growing students’ foundational learning skills through a phonics-based approach known as “the science of reading.” Louisiana students are performing just over a fifth of a grade level above their 2022 level on state reading tests, putting it first among 35 states in reading growth and behind Washington, D.C.

Louisiana was one of just five states, plus D.C., where students made any meaningful growth in reading scores from 2022 to 2025. The national picture is brighter in math, with almost every state in the analysis seeing improved math scores during that period Again, Louisiana was a leader: Students

Rouge denied her request for a temporary restraining order and set a hearing for Monday

After filing a separate challenge in federal court, records show Duncan has retained two high-powered attorneys, Pratik Shah and Margaret Rusconi from the Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld firm, to argue a challenge to the new state law

In the meantime, the dispute has raised questions about who is managing the clerk’s duties. Whether Napoleon was present Wednesday in Civil District Court was unclear A visit by a reporter to her office in the downtown courthouse offered no clarity

“I don’t have that information to give you,” repeated a woman who identified herself as Napoleon’s assistant.

One judge said court staff were unaware who was running the clerk’s office Wednesday

“It’s a real distraction in our work,” the judge said of the uncertainty “A distraction in legal matters only hurts you, your litigants and citizens.”

Geri Broussard, Napoleon’s attorney, insisted that Napoleon remained in charge of the clerk’s office even after the council resolutions and after Johnson prepared a declaration naming her to handle the office on Monday That doesn’t mean that Napoleon is conceding the council’s authority Broussard said.

“Judge Johnson has been cooperative,” Broussard said. “I recognize it as being a compromise of two individuals hellbent on maintaining the smooth operation of this office until it can be decided by a court of law.”

‘Everybody’s overreacting’

Dane Ciolino, an ethics expert, attorney and law professor at Loyola University, said Murrill’s letter to the local officials entered “uncharted territory.”

“It seems like everybody’s overreacting here,” Ciolino said. “You don’t see a lot of instances where those statutes have ever been used. The simple answer for this is for everyone to wait until the Louisiana Supreme Court resolves the issue.”

performed roughly .43 of a grade level above their 2022 levels, landing Louisiana at second place out of 38 states, and third, including D.C., in math growth.

“While much of the country is still recovering from learning loss,” Gov Jeff Landry said during a news conference Wednesday at Park Elementary School in Baton Rouge, “we’re not catching up — we’re leading.”

Annual improvements

Experts and state officials point to a few reasons for Louisiana’s strong academic growth.

Starting in 2021, Louisiana adopted several policies modeled after ones that helped Mississippi students make major reading gains. Teachers were trained in research-based reading instruction that focuses largely on sounding out words, and many schools hired literacy coaches. The state also adopted new reading assessments for younger students and launched tutoring programs for struggling

While Ciolino said there was “no need” for Murrill to “threaten” local officials, he questioned whether the City Council needed to call a special election for the position before the courts have weighed in.

Moreno and Williams called for the new election last week, arguing that transferring one clerk’s duties to another created a new position that must be filled by voters. Murrill, Landry and Napoleon pushed back, arguing that the Legislature had merely mashed the offices together without creating a new position.

The City Council members who received Murrill’s letter are Council President JP Morrell, Council Vice President Matthew Willard, District A council member Aimee McCarron, District C council member Freddie King and District E council member Jason Hughes Council members Lesli Harris and Eugene Green, who voted against calling the election, did not receive copies.

“We will not be intimidated, and these council members will always stand for what’s right,” King said in a video response Wednesday, appearing with the four other members who received the letter

Asked why Murrill has taken such a keen interest in the mechanics of New Orleans’ clerk of court, her spokesperson, Lester Duhe, said Wednesday that as the state’s chief legal officer, she is “ensuring (local officials) follow the law.” Murrill had asked the city officials to allow the Supreme Court to weigh in before calling the special election, Duhe said.

“She is very serious about this, obviously,” he said.

On Wednesday, a spokesperson for the Louisiana secretary of state confirmed that the office received a petition to recall Murrill from office. Such an effort faces a high bar: More than 20% of Louisiana’s statewide electorate about 500,000 voters — would have to sign it before November 9, 2026, for the recall to head to voters, the secretary of state’s spokesperson said.

Staff writers Matt Bruce and John Simerman contributed to this report.

ALLIGATOR

Continued from page 1A

The recreational program will run throughout October, starting this year Certified hunters ages 16 and older will be eligible to enter the lottery which will give 5,000 winners two tags each to harvest alligators in the region where they applied

While all parishes will be included, more tags will be allotted in the central and northeast portions of the state than the coastal zones.

Jeb Linscombe, the alligator programs manager at the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, noted that recreational hunters are able to enter the existing lottery, though the licenses and tags themselves are considered commercial.

The areas eligible under the commercial program are narrower than those allowed under the new program The majority of the commercial season takes place in Louisiana’s coastal zone, Linscombe said, and 80% of it is on privately owned land.

The new statewide recreational program is “completely separate,” Linscombe said. It applies to all land and water bodies not encompassed in the commercial system.

“If you win the lottery, you can go anywhere so long as you can get permission to hunt that property,” said Linscombe.

Louisiana has seen a drastic turnaround in the population of its wild alligators, which were once listed under the Endangered Species Act. Habitat loss along Louisiana’s eroding coastline, along with unregulated hunting, drove the declines, which culminated in a total ban on hunting from 1962 to 1972.

Since the state launched its alligator management program over 50 years ago, Louisiana’s wild alligator population has soared from less than 100,000 to more than 3 million, according to the wildlife and fisheries agency There are also nearly 1 million alligators on farms.

During the closed seasons in the 1960s and ’70s, the state wildlife agency developed a commercial hunting program for landowners who

readers.

“To be the only state above its pre-pandemic levels in both math and reading shows what’s possible when state leaders stick with evidence-based interventions and give districts the support they need to follow through, said Thomas Kane, a Harvard professor who helped create the Education Scorecard, in a statement.

But some school districts, including St. Charles, Vernon and St. Mary parishes, continue to lag behind

Cade Brumley, state superintendent of education, center, receives applause Wednesday during a presentation at Park Elementary in Baton Rouge.

STAFF PHOTO

2019 levels in reading, according to the report. Others, such as Vernon, St. Martin and St. Landry parishes, lag in math.

Improvement across districts nationally has been U-shaped, researchers said, with more growth seen among the highest-income and lowest-income school systems than in middle-income districts, which received less federal aid during the pandemic than their low-income peers.

Louisiana got about $4 billion in

would, in exchange, protect the coastal wetland habitat that alligators call home. The program also allows wildlife officials to more closely track alligator populations in those areas and the level of hunting that can be sustained.

The wildlife department estimates that the program, along with the farm-raised alligator industry, generates more than $250 million each year in economic activity Allain called the resurgence of the species the “greatest conservation story in America.” Aspects of the program have been used for the management of crocodilian species around the world, the agency said.

Increasing hunting opportunities for Louisianans has also been a goal of the wildlife department under the current administration, Tyler Bosworth, the secretary of the agency, told legislators in March. This includes expanding hunting opportunities to the blackbellied whistling duck and black bears, as well as gaining state control of the amberjack season. Gov Jeff Landry also hosts his own alligator hunt each year, a major political fundraising event that has drawn the likes of Donald Trump Jr and Charlie Kirk.

Allain said the legislation faced little pushback and passed without any “no” votes. Linscombe noted that some landowners expressed concerns about trespassing, but that the department has pledged to work with them. Last year, the commercial hunt yielded at least 38,000 alligators, Linscombe said. The addition of 10,000 recreational tags is unlikely to translate to another 10,000 harvested animals.

“You never harvest everything you offer,” Linscombe said. The wildlife agency prohibits the sale of all parts of the recreationally harvested alligators, including hides and meat. Hunters can catch the alligators by hook and line or snatch hook only Pole hunting and free shooting are not allowed. Rare albino alligators are also prohibited from the harvest, and hunting one could result in a fine of more than $10,000 or imprisonment for up to a year

federal aid to help K-12 schools recover from the COVID-19 disruptions. The funds allowed Louisiana to spend nearly $6,000 per child — above the national average of $3,700 — on summer learning and tutoring. The report warns chronic absenteeism could jeopardize progress. While most states’ absenteeism numbers improved post-pandemic, Louisiana still struggles to get kids back in the classroom, reporting a 22% absenteeism rate last year — 5 percentage points above 2019.

Brumley said the state has made a concerted effort over the past two years to address the issue, working with districts to standardize attendance data collection and assemble teams to address the causes of absenteeism.

During the pandemic, “school became optional in the minds of some people,” he said. “We’re still working to overcome that mindset.” The Associated Press and staff writer Charles Lussier contributed reporting.

Open primarieseyedfor Houseelections

BY MEGHAN FRIEDMANN Staff writer

Louisiana is on track to temporarily return to ajungle primary system for its U.S. House races after Gov.Jeff Landrysuspended this month’sclosed primaries so the state could redraw its congressional map to favor Republicans in the wake of aSupreme Court ruling that deemedthe current map unconstitutional. Under House Bill842, which the Legislature passed Wednesday,voters would select their preferred House candidates from alist of Republicans andDemocrats on the November ballot. The top two vote-getters in each district would head to arunoff in December,regardless of party

That plan was incorporated into HB842 through amendmentsadded by aconference committee, a small group of state representatives and senators who meet in private to hammer outamendments to bills in the final stages of the process.

Typically,bills only go through that stage when thetwo chambers disagreeonthe particularities of legislation, but they can sometimesinclude substantive changes.

The House approved the changes toHB842 in a67-27 vote, while the Senate’svote was 29-7. Thebill dealswith abroad set of changes to Louisiana’s election code.

State Rep. Beau Beaullieu, R-New Iberia, who sponsored HB842, said on the House floor that Louisiana needed to temporarily revert to an open primary because thesecretary of state did not have time to hold aclosed primary and arunoff ahead of the general election.

Louisiana’sSenate primaries remain closed and will be decided when voters go to the polls Saturday.The state adopted aclosed primary system for the U.S. House and Senateraces in 2024 at Landry’sbehest

Candidates who ran for the House in thesuspended election will have to sign up to run

ELECTION 2026

again. Under HB842, which needs Landry’ssignaturetotake effect, qualifyingdates would run from Aug. 5toAug. 7. HB842 was passed hours after the Senate and Governmental Affairs Committeehelda tense overnight hearing to redrawLouisiana’scongressional map. Alandmarkdecision

In thewake of aSupreme Court ruling that declared Louisiana’s existingmap unconstitutional, Republicans in thestate have moved to create amap that would give theirparty more seats during the upcoming midterms

Louisiana has six House seats. Twoare held by Black Democrats, who picked up aseat in 2024 after Landry and the Legislature responded to civil rights litigation by adding asecond majorityBlack district. The rest of the seats are held by

Republicans. Previously,just one of Louisiana’sHouse seatswas in amajority-Blackdistrict. Aboutone-third of Louisiana’spopulation is Black.

Using theVoting Rights Act, civil rights lawyers argued that, for Black Louisianans to be fairly represented, candidates favored by the Black community should be able to win twoofthe state’s House seats. Butthe new 4-2 map sparked morelitigation —this time by Whitevoters who said it discriminated basedonrace.

That lawsuit, Louisiana v. Callais, went allthe way to theU.S SupremeCourt, which ruled that lawmakers cannottakerace into account when they draw election maps. Their decision upended the Voting RightsAct, whichfor decades hasbeen usedtoensure Black candidatesget aseat at the table.

Otherpolitical battles

The ruling has roiled Louisiana politics, whereBlackDemocrats

already wereupset after Republicans passed legislation to merge the New Orleans civil and criminal clerks’ offices. Thelaw shut CriminalClerk-elect Calvin Duncan out of office; Duncan is a Black lawyerwho overwhelmingly wonthe electioninNovember

The Legislature also is considering abill to eliminate some judgeships in Orleans,which critics say will also reducethe numberof Black elected officialsinthe state. The debate over Louisiana’s congressional maps is partofa national gerrymandering effort in which Republicans and Democrats are trying to tilt as many districts as possible in their favor ahead of theNovember midterms. Other Republican-led Southern states, such as Tennessee and Florida,alsomoved to eliminate majority-minority districts after theCallais decision. Thoughthey may no longerconsider race, lawmakers are allowed to consider political party andworktoprotect incumbents when they draw voting maps.

With that expectation, the new map is scrambling plans for who might run in the newly designed districts.

The effort to eliminate a Black-majority district is also stirring up Black voters, who have packed town hall meetings in recentdays held by Carter and U.S. Rep. Cleo Fields,D-BatonRouge, who is slated to lose his district in the new map.

Black voters turned out in large numbers proportionally during the sevenday early voting periodin advance of Saturday’sprimary elections.

“People are angry,” Carter said in an interview.“People are deeply concerned about their democracy.”

Republican lawmakers in Louisiana are responding to pressure from President DonaldTrump to deliver at least one more Republican seat to buttress the GOP campaign in the upcoming midterm elections to retain their majority

This move comes in the wake of aU.S. Supreme Court ruling that invalidated Louisiana’scurrent congressional map that has four Republicans and two Democrats, Carter and Fields.

Immediately after theSupreme Court ruling, Gov Jeff Landry canceled the House elections for this Saturday’sprimary elections.

The Legislature on ThursdayapprovedHouse Bill 842 to reschedulethe U.S. Houseprimary elections forNov.3,withaDecember runoff. Qualifying would take place from Aug. 5-7.

Meanwhile, Republican state legislators are advancing plans to draw new maps for those elections.

Passing SB121 Wednesday morning overcame several hurdles, although the outcome never seemed in doubt. The Senate and Governmental Affairs Committee took hours of oftenemotional testimony from dozens of people on Friday who objected to the Republican plans, as hundreds of other critics congregated in the hallway and nearby committee rooms.

The committee reconvened at 7p.m. Tuesday and didn’tpass the new congressionalmap until 4:25a.m.on Wednesday

More people testified against the Republican effort, and the debate got heated at one point between Sen. Royce Duplessis, DNew Orleans, and Sen. Jay Morris, R-West Monroe, the sponsor of SB121. Republicans rejected Senate Bill 407 by Sen.EdPrice, D-Gonzales, that would createtwo winnable districts for Democrats without either having amajority of Black voters.

In the end, four Republicans on the committee— Sens. Greg Miller of Norco, Mike Fesi of Houma and Blake Miguez of New Iberia —consistently outvoted the three Democrats: Sens Regina Barrow of Baton Rouge, Duplessisand Jenkins.

has expresseda desire to run for theHouse,saidhe didn’tlike the new district because it puts him in Carter’sdistrict.

“It’satough vote for everybody,” Sen. Caleb Kleinpeter,R-Port Allen and the committee chair,said in an interview Wednesday.“We all have relationships in this building. It doesn’t matter if you’re Black, White, Democrat, Republican.”

Legislators expect the SenateonThursday to pass the committee-adopted bill virtuallyintact. Morrison Wednesday said colleagues are bombarding himwith requested tweaks.

“A mapnever makes everybody happy,” he said in an interview

After theSenate passes SB121, thebill would be heard by the Houseand Governmental AffairsCommittee. Its chair,Rep.Beau Beaullieu, R-New Iberia, said Wednesdaythathe doesn’tknow yetwhenit will hear the bill. In this fall’selections, thenew map would eliminate Fields’district, which runs from Baton Rouge to Shreveport,picking up Black-majority precincts alongthe way. TheLegislature and Landry created that districtin2024 when they approved the current map. Under thenew map, each district would have slightly more than776,000 resi-

dents.

“I like to live in the district where Irun,” McMakin said. McMakin said he would try to amend his home into the district when SB121 goes before theHouse and Governmental Affairs Committee.

he still plans to run forthe House Republicansdidn’tseem to have aclear path forward in the immediate aftermath of theSupreme Court ruling andLandry’sdecision to cancel the elections because the Legislature would have to make acontentiousdecisiontoeliminate oneBlackmajority district by pitting Fields against Carter But Fields solvedthatissue last week by announcinghewouldnot runagainst Carter. Also weighing in on the overall shape of the congressionalmap were U.S. Rep. Steve Scalise, whose 1stCongressionalDistrict mostly surrounds New Orleans, and House Speaker Mike Johnson, whose 4th Congressional District stretches from Shreveport to Lake Charles.

Nearlyhalfofthe voters in Carter’sdistrict would live in New Orleans and a thirdwould be in Jefferson Parish,mostly on the west bank. The district would stretch up theMississippi RiverintoEastBaton Rouge and Iberville parishes.

The new map would move EastBaton Rouge andLivingstonparishes outofthe 5th Congressional District —which is currently held by U.S. Rep.Julia Letlow and orient the district more toward Monroe. Whomight run?

Misti Cordell, aRepublican in Monroe appointed by Landrytochair thestate Board of Regents, was already running for the 5th District seat under themap that theSupreme Courtnullified.She saidonWednesdaythatthe mapapproved earlier that morning is even better for her StateRep.Michael Echols, R-Monroe, also said he likes thenew district. Sen. Stewart Cathey,RMonroe, said he would run for that same seat.

Fields’ 6th Congressional District would now have a White-majority andbecentered in Baton Rouge.

State Sen. Rick Edmonds,

R-BatonRouge, said he plans to runfor that seat.

StateRep.Dixon McMakin, R-BatonRouge,who

McMakin said that Garret Graves, who lost his Whitemajority seat in the 2024 redistricting that created Fields’ district, would be the instantfront-runnerfor the new 6th District, if he chooses to run Graves didn’trespond to a text asking forhis thoughts.

Miguez was running to replace Letlow in the 5th CongressionalDistrict, although he doesn’tlive in the district. He didn’trespond to atextasking whether

“You always take incumbencyinto account when you do redistricting,” Senate President Cameron Henry,R-Metairie and a former legislative aide to Scalise, said in an interview In astatement, Scalise saidheisconfident that state legislators “will produce anew map that providesfairrepresentation andprotects communities of interest.”

BRIEFS

FROM WIRE REPORTS

Tech stocks rebound while most others fall NEWYORK A rebound for technology stocks led Wall Street to records Wednesday, even though the majority of U.S. stocks fell following another discouraging update on inflation Gains for tech stocks led the way, like Micron Technology’s 4.8% and On Semiconductor’s 11.1%. They had stumbled the day before after momentum suddenly halted for stocks riding excitement around artificial-intelligence technology.

Nvidia, the chip company that was among the first faces of the AI boom, rose 2.3% and was the strongest force pushing upward on the S&P 500 because of its immense size.

Earlier in the day Japan’s SoftBank Group Corp said that its profit for the 12 months through March zoomed by nearly five-fold from the previous year as its AI investments paid off. China’s Alibaba Group said its AI and cloud growth accelerated in the latest quarter and its stock that trades in the United States rose 8.2% even though its overall results fell short of analysts’ expectations. But the majority of stocks outside of the technology industry fell, as pressure builds on Wall Street.

United attendants ratify pay hike, boarding pay

United Airlines flight attendants have approved a new labor contract that will bring their first pay increases in six years — along with boarding pay, a long-sought change that compensates crew members for the work they do before the plane leaves the gate.

The five-year agreement, ratified on Tuesday, covers nearly 30,000 flight attendants at United It includes an average 31% pay increase this summer, boarding pay worth an additional 7% to 8% in compensation on average and $741 million in retroactive pay, according to the Association of Flight Attendants

“The contract will immediately change the lives of United Flight Attendants, especially our thousands of new hires who have been hired since the pandemic,” said Ken Diaz, president of the union’s United chapter “Our solidarity delivered the goods.”

The union said the deal also secures expanded job security, restrictions on red-eye flying, pay for lengthy delays over 2 1/2 hours, higher retirement contributions, 10 weeks paid parental leave and the elimination of 24-hour on-call reserve schedules.

“The United Airlines Flight Attendant contract now leads the industry in total value for flight attendants and it should,” said Sara Nelson, president of the AFA, which represents more than 55,000 flight attendants across 20 airlines. Texas county pauses data center construction

A rural Texas county on Tuesday approved a one-year pause on the construction of new data centers in unincorporated areas, citing public safety and public health concerns

The 3-2 vote by county commissioners in Hill County, roughly 55 miles south of Fort Worth, appears to be the first by a Texas county Residents and local officials had aired concerns about how a proposed 300-acre development by Dallas-based developer Provident Data Centers in north Hillsboro could impact the quality of life in the rural county through noise pollution and consuming large amounts of water and electricity

Representatives of data center developers pleaded with the county to reject the moratorium and said they are bringing money to the county for schools and roads. Hill County Commissioner Jim Holcomb said that many developers called him the night before, as late as 10 p.m., asking him to vote down the moratorium.

Producer price index spikes by 1.4%

Rising cost of living frustrating Americans

BY PAUL WISEMAN AP economics writer

WASHINGTON U.S. wholesale inflation came in hot last month. Producer prices rose 6% from a year earlier, the highest point in more than three years, as the Iran war pushes up energy prices and intensifies pressure on companies to pass along their rising costs to consumers. The Labor Department reported

Wednesday that its producer price index — which tracks inflation before it hits consumers — shot up 1.4% in April, the biggest monthly gain in more than four years. Energy prices climbed 7.8% from March to April and 22.7% from a year earlier Gasoline soared 15.6% from March and diesel, the dominant fuel used in shipping, jumped 12.6%.

Gasoline prices, which have already become painful for many Americans, rose again overnight to a national average of $4.51 per gallon, according to motor club AAA.

Excluding volatile food and en-

ergy costs, so-called core producer prices rose 1% from March and 5.2% from April 2025. All of the numbers released Wednesday caught economists off guard and altered the dynamic at the U.S. Federal Reserve and its fight against inflation. Prices are rising at a time when Americans are already frustrated by the high cost of living. Affordability is likely to be a key issue when voters go to the polls Nov 3 to determine whether President Donald Trump’s Republican Party maintains control of the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives.

U.S. grocery prices rose in

“This report will set off alarm bells at the Fed and add fuel to the political conversation about affordability, wrote Carl Weinberg, chief economist at High Frequency Economics. “The results are so far above expectations that this update will set off alarm bells in the financial markets, too.

After the United States and Israel attacked Iran on Feb. 28, Tehran closed off access to the Strait of Hormuz, through which a fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas passes. The oil shock shows no sign of letting up.

April, but gas jumps weren’t the only reason

Trade policies, extreme weather have weighed on costs

BY DEE-ANN DURBIN Associated Press

Americans paid more for their groceries last month, but high gasoline prices resulting from the Iran war were only one of the reasons why

Prices for food eaten at home rose 2.9% in April compared to the same month a year earlier, according to government figures released Tuesday That was the highest yearover-year inflation rate for the category since August 2023.

Prices at restaurants, fast-food chains and other places to get prepared meals also increased putting overall food prices up 3.2% in the last year, the Labor Department’s consumer price index showed.

Fuel prices have soared while the Iran war prevents cargo ships from passing through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital corridor for global oil supplies. Diesel fuel powers fishing boats, tractors and the trucks that ship 83% of U.S. agricultural products. As of Tuesday the average price per gallon was up 61% from a year ago, according to AAA

The meat, produce and dry goods vendors that supply Sparrow Market, a small independent grocer in Ann Arbor Michigan, all added fuel surcharges to their deliveries in recent weeks, owner Raymond Campise said. Wholesale prices for meat, produce and some other products also have gone up, he said.

“For independent markets operating on narrow margins, even small increases can have a major impact,” Campise said.

The full impact of rising energy costs on food likely has not hit retail grocery prices yet in the U.S., according to Purdue University economists Ken Foster and Bernhard Dalheimer Higher costs to produce, process, store and transport food can take three to six months to show up on supermarket shelves, where prices typically fall slowly once increased, they said.

“Most of what we’re seeing now in the food price chain probably predates the conflict,” Foster, a professor of agricultural economics, said. “We’re cautiously waiting to see what the June numbers and the May numbers might show as they come out in terms of the extent to which energy shocks in the Strait of Hormuz and shipping blockades and so forth are going to impact food prices.”

The consumer price index measures changes in what people in U.S. cities paid at retail stores for meat, bread, milk, produce and other grocery staples. Over the last 20 years, grocery prices increased an average

of 2.6%, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Prices for perishable and refrigerated products tend to increase faster than prices for packaged goods when energy is an issue. Consumers paid 6.5% more for fresh fruit and vegetables in U.S. cities last month than they did in April 2025, and 8.8% more for meat, the Labor Department reported. But U.S. trade policies and extreme weather also have weighed on U.S. food prices in the last year In July 2025, the Trump administration imposed a 17% duty on fresh tomatoes imported from Mexico; consumer prices rose 40% in the 12 months before April. Dry weather in the Western U.S. has been one of many factors pushing up beef prices, which in April were 15% higher year-overyear Coffee prices were up 18.5%, partly due to drought and other weather conditions that have hurt global coffee production in recent years.

“Today’s CPI showed that food prices have been rising 3.2 percent in the past year, but the story behind that number is more complicated than just an energy shock,” said Dalheimer, an assistant professor of macroeconomics and trade in Purdue’s Department of Agricultural Economics.

Prices for some foods remained more or less flat or declined over 12 months. Milk and chicken dipped slightly Butter cost 5.8% less in April than it did a year earlier Egg prices fell 39% as farmers rebuilt flocks that were decimated by an ongoing bird flu outbreak.

Food prices and broader inflation are likely to feature prominently in November’s midterm elections. During his 2024 campaign, President Donald Trump often cited the prices of bacon, cereal, crackers and other groceries as reasons why voters should return him to the White House.

Some food producers say they’re struggling now because of higher fuel costs. The Southern Shrimp Alliance, which represents shrimpers in eight states, said some boats haven’t left the dock this spring because they can’t catch enough shrimp to compensate for the cost of diesel.

Fuel typically makes up 30% to 50% of the costs for U.S. shrimpers, but because they supply only 6% of the shrimp that Americans consume, they have limited ability to raise prices or add surcharges for fuel, the organization said.

Higher fuel prices may also be impacting food costs in other ways. Part of April’s 5% annual increase in prices for nonalcoholic beverages may be due to the petroleum derivative that goes into making plastic bottles, Foster said.

“It’s possible some of that’s starting to seep down the supply chain and get into those prices,” he said.

Over the next year or more, Americans could also see higher food prices due to spiking fertilizer costs, since around 30% of the world’s fertilizer travels through the Strait of Hormuz.

BY ETHAN BARON The Mercury News (TNS)

In 2020 San Jose financial technologygiantPayPalproudlyannounced it would spend a half a billion dollars to support Black and minority businesses and communities because, in the words of then-CEO Dan Schulman, “Black lives matter.”

On Tuesday, the company agreed to a $30 million settlement with the federal government to resolve claims that the $500 million Economic Opportunity Fund was discriminatory

The U.S. Department of Justice said Tuesday that the fund “gave a preference to businesses based on race, color, and national origin,” but was not implemented to address “any specific instances” of discrimination.

“This Department of Justice is delivering on President Trump’s

vow to root out illegal DEI from every corner of corporate America,” said acting U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche. “American corporations are on notice: you will face our aggressive enforcement if you use race or national origin to discriminate against qualified Americans.”

The government’s contention that DEI is by nature discriminatory relies on the concept of “reverse discrimination,” in which dominant groups are seen as victims of racism, said University of CaliforniaSanta Cruz lecturer Nolan Higdon, who studies the technology industry and U.S. culture and politics. Higdon rejects the concept

“To be able to be racist you have to have the power over other people,” Higdon said. “People of color don’t have power over other people in the United States.”

The Justice Department noted the

Equal Credit Opportunity Act prohibits creditors from discriminating against applicants “on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, age” and other protected characteristics.

PayPal in agreeing to the settlement admitted no liability in connection with the fund, the settlement agreement said. The federal government in the agreement said it had not found PayPal’s fund violated any laws, including the Equal Credit Opportunity Act.

When PayPal announced the fund in 2020, it said it would put $500 million into supporting businesses owned by Black people and under-represented minorities including through direct investments in Black- and minority-led startups and minority-focused investment funds.

“For far too long, Black people in America have faced deep-seated

injustice and systemic economic inequality,” Schulman said in the announcement. “Black lives matter and we need to drive transformative change. We must take decisive action to close the racial wealth gap that sustains this profound inequity.”

Schulman stepped down as PayPal CEO in 2023 and Enrique Lores is now its chief executive. Under the agreement announced Tuesday, PayPal will create a new program called the Small Business Initiative that will waive $30 million in fees on about $1 billion in financial transactions by U.S. small businesses engaged in farming, manufacturing technology, or other industries if the business is certified as veteran-owned The agreement specifically mentions that artificial intelligence enterprises are included among eligible technology companies.

Georgiajoins redistrictingeffortfor 2028

BY JACK BROOK, JEFF AMY,SOPHIE BATES and DAVID A. LIEB Associated Press

BATONROUGE As Republican senators in Louisiana advanced aplan Wednesday to eliminate one of two majority-Black congressional seats before the November midterm elections, Georgia’sgovernor announced that he will call lawmakers back to worktoredraw legislative voting districts for the 2028 elections.

The developments showed the far-reaching ripples of a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling that struck down Louisiana’scongressional map as an illegal racial gerrymander,weakening the protections of the federal Voting Rights Act.The decision has prompted various Republican-led states to try to dismantledistricts with large minority populations that have elected Democrats. Since the court’sruling,

Tennessee andAlabama already have acted to implement different House maps that could help Republicans win an additional seat in the November elections, where control of thecloselydivided chamber is at stake. A similar effort fizzled Tuesday in the South Carolina Senatebut maynot beover Theredistricting efforts to undominority districts are the latest in a10-month-long national redistricting battle that already has involved about one-thirdof thestates. It gained steam when President DonaldTrump urged Texas Republicanslast year to redraw House districts in an attempt to winmore seats in the midterm elections. Democrats in California responded with their own new districts.Numerous Republican states have redistricted since then Republicans thinkthey couldgainasmanyas15 seats so far from newHouse maps in Texas, Missouri,

North Carolina, Ohio,Florida, Tennessee and Alabama. Democrats, meanwhile, think they could gain six seats from newmapsinCalifornia and Utah. The Virginia SupremeCourt last week struck down aredistricting effort that could have yielded four more winnable seats for Democrats.

Georgialooking forward

Republican Georgia Gov Brian Kemp called aspecial legislative session on redistrictingtobegin June 17, the dayafter runoffs will settle party nominees for the November elections. Kemp hassaidhedoesn’t want to change Georgia’svoting districtsfor this year’selections, becausesomeballots already have beencast for Tuesday’s first round of primaries.

The governor’sproclamation is the first to focus on the 2028 elections since the Supreme Court’sruling in the Louisiana case. Other

states could follow,including Democratic states such as New York that were already looking at ways toenactnew legislativedistricts by thenext presidential election.

By acting now, Georgia Republicans could guard against thepossibilitythat aDemocrat could win the governor’srace in November and vetonew voting districts if the legislature had waited to act untilits regular session next year

Five of Georgia’s14U.S. Housemembers areBlack Democrats. The easiest targetfor Republicans could be U.S. Rep. Sanford Bishop’s districtinsouthwest Georgia.Republicanscould also try to pick off one or more of thefourDemocrats who representparts of the Atlanta area, but spreading out toomany Democratscould make moreRepublican districts competitive. Kemp’sproclamation allows new boundaries not

only forU.S. House districts butalsofor thestate Senate and state House. Acourt previously ordered some state House and Senate districtsberedrawntohelp Black voterselect more candidates, voiding amap the GOP-controlled legislature drew after the 2020 Census. Republicans could choose to revert to that maportake amore aggressive path, especially in the 180-member House, where the GOP’smajority has shrunk over time to 99 seats.

Miss.calls offsession

Republican Gov.Tate Reeves on Wednesday called off next week’s special legislative session that had beenplannedtoredraw Mississippi Supreme Court districts. But he said he expectslawmakers to redraw the state’scongressional, legislative andSupreme Court districts before the 2027 elections. In asocial media post,

Reeves said there is no longer an immediate need to redrawSupreme Court districts. Afederal judge had previously ordered the districts be redrawn, ruling thatthe current mapviolated the Voting Rights Act by diluting the powerofBlack voters. The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals overturned that ruling this week,following the SupremeCourt decision on Louisiana’sdistricts. The case will now return to alower court forfurther argument.

Mississippi already held primaries for its 2026 congressional elections. Any redistricting by Republicans ahead of the 2028 elections likely would target U.S. Rep. Bennie Thompson,the only Democrat amongfour House members.

Amy reported from Atlanta, Bates from Jackson, Mississippi, and Lieb from Jefferson City Missouri.

Republicansblock effort to reverseCFPBchanges

BY KEN SWEET

Associated Press

NEW YORK SenateRepublicans

blocked an attempt by agroup of Democrats to roll backseveral policy changesmadeunder President Donald Trump to thenation’s consumer protection laws,ranging from how medical debts are collected to overdraft fees and consumer protections for members of the military

The push by Senate Democrats on Wednesday wasa maneuverto force vulnerable GOP senators to takepolitically difficult votes in an election year as Democrats try to hammer Republicans on the economy.The Senate rejected three Democratic resolutions, largely along party lines.

The votes were tied to rule or regulatory changes made by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau since the Trumpadministration took over the bureau in

February 2025. Thebureau has rescinded 67 policies under its acting director,Russell Vought,who is also President Donald Trump’s budget director.Vought has publicly said that hisgoal is to effectively dismantle the agency

“TheTrump administration is hell-bent on destroying the agency,” said Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts, the top Democrat on theSenate Banking Committee.

Warren added that the changes at the bureau signal that “the Trump administration has abandonedconsumers andismaking life more expensivefor them.”

The Democrats offered more than adozen other resolutions by voice vote to roll back the administration’sCFPB policies, but Republicans blocked each one.

The votes could be usedasammunition against vulnerable GOP senators upfor reelection this year,including Susan Collins of Maine, Dan Sullivan of Alaska and

John Cornyn of Texas. Collins voted withDemocratsontwo of the three resolutions.

Onevote Democrats sought was for the CFPB’s policy change on overdraftfees. The Biden administration issuedguidance in 2024 requiring banks to obtaintheir customers’ affirmative consent beforecharging an overdraftfee. That guidance was repealed under Trump, which Democrats argue will lead to more Americans paying overdraft fees. The Senate voted down theresolution 47-53.

“Whenthey got rid of this rule, it showed that (Trump) didn’tcare about Americanslivingpaycheck to paycheck,” said Sen. Chris Van Hollen, D-Md.

Congresscreated theCFPB in the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis and subsequent recession, designed to operate as an independent financial regulator withbroad enforcement authority over consumer financial products andser-

vices.The bureauestimated in 2024 that it had returned $17.5 billion to American consumers and had imposed $4 billion in finesand penaltiesagainst financial companies.

But since February 2025, the CFPB has largely been inoperable. Thebulk of thebureau’s staffremains under orders not to work, andmuchofthe CFPB’sbusiness thesedaysistounwindprevious work the bureau did underPresident Joe Biden, aDemocrat, and in Trump’s first term. The bureau’s operating budgetisexpected to shrink as well after Trump’sbig taxand spending cuts law reduced theamount of money the bureau receives from the Federal Reserve.

“Russell Vought is unilaterally defacingthisagency and taking it apart,” said Sen. Jack Reed, D-R.I Republicans have defended Trump’schanges at the bureau. Republicans largely see the CFPB as an agency with too muchcentralized power and unaccountable

to Congress, and they have repeatedly attempted to diminish it since its creation.

“I can’t think of aworse way to govern than the Biden administration’sapproach to the CFPB and the playbook that they used time and timeagain, putting onerous pressure on smallbusinesses,” said Sen. TimScott, R-S.C., chairmanofthe Senate Banking Committee.

Democrats used the CongressionalReviewAct,a lawthatallows Congress an opportunity to overturn rules issued by federal agencies once those rules are finalized. The1996law wasused sparingly in its first twodecades, but its use increased during Trump’s first term, whena Republican-controlled Congress overturned morethan adozen rules finalized during President Barack Obama’sDemocratic administration. Democrats, in turn, used the law in 2021 to overturn several Trump-era policies.

Senators on path to forfeitpaychecks during shutdowns

BY JACOB FULTON

CQ-Roll Call (TNS)

WASHINGTON Frustration over government shutdowns has led senators to consider what was once unthinkable: forfeiting their pay duringa funding lapse.

In arare show of bipartisanship, the Senate voted unanimously Wednesday to move forward on aresolution thatwould withhold member paychecks during future shutdowns, amove that comes after months of protracted spending fights and nearly back-to-back, record-breaking funding

lapses. On a99-0vote, theSenate invoked cloture on amotion to proceedtoa resolution from Sen.John Kennedy,RBaton Rouge, which would require the Senate secretary to withhold compensation for the duration of ashutdown. Sen. Pete Ricketts, R-Neb., whowas returning to Washington after aSenate primary Tuesday night, missed the vote but would have voted in favor of the measure, according to his office. The change in Senaterules wouldtakeeffect on the date of the 2026 midterm

elections. Under the 27th Amendment tothe Constitution, congressionalsalaries can’t be changeduntil afteranintervening election. The proposalcomes after extendeddebateamidlast fall’sfunding lapse andthe subsequent fallout about bothmember pay and compensation forfederal workers during shutdowns.

Overthe course of last year’s43-dayshutdown,lawmakersonbothsides of the aisle introduced competing legislation to withhold their paychecks during government shutdowns. Lawmakers also offered bills that

would allowpay to flow to federal workers during a lapse in appropriations. But theWednesday vote marked the firsttangible step forward from either chamber on the matter

“This is about sharedsacrifice,” Kennedy said on the Senatefloor ahead of the vote. “Thisisabout putting our money where our mouth is.”

The resolution still has multiple procedural steps to go beforea finalvote, but the overwhelming support for theproposal indicates that it could be on aglide path to adoption.

Frustration with the tactic of partially shutting down the government has been growing in the months since the fall shutdowncame to aclose —and the extended funding lapse at the Department of Homeland Securityonly addedfueltothe fire.Thatpartialshutdown, which lasted 11 weeksand endedearlythis month, broke last year’srecord.

The Senate Rules and Administration Committee advanced Kennedy’s resolution on avoice vote in December.Ranking member Alex Padilla, D-Calif., expressedconcernatthe

time that theresolution, as distinct from abill, doesn’t carry the force of law Butthe 99-0vote Wednesdaysuggested no senatorwould be preparedto challenge theSenate rules change in court. The vote also could increase pressure on the Housetoadopt asimilar rule

AHouse bill similar to Kennedy’sresolution, from Rep. Bryan Steil, R-Wis., would carry the force of law and apply to both chambers. Steil’sbill advanced from the House Administration Committee in March on a 10-0 vote.

BYGENE JOHNSON Associated Press

For

five hours, the 11 survivors of aplane crash off the coast of Florida floated on a life raft, with no means of calling for help and no idea if anyone was coming to save them. As athunderstorm approached, they gatheredunder atarp for whatever protection it might offer

Then, search and rescue crews from the U.S. military appeared overhead, members of those crews recounted during anews conference Wednesday

“You could telljust by looking at them that they were in distress —physically,mentallyand emotionally,” said Air Force Capt. Rory Whipple, acombat rescue specialist who jumped into the water and swam to the survivors. “You have to imaginethe emotionalinjuries that they sustained out there, not knowing if someone was going to rescue them.” The plane, aBeechcraft 300 King Air turboprop, was on its way from Marsh Harbour,onthe Bahamian island of Great Abaco, to Grand Bahama International Airport in Freeport when it suffered engine failure Tuesday,

to survive aditchinginthe ocean,” said Piowaty,who commanded aHC-130J Combat King II plane that assistedwiththe rescue “From what I’ve seen,for all those people to survive is pretty miraculous.”

Thedowned plane’s emergencybeacon alerted the U.S. Coast Guard to its location. At the time,the Air Force Reserve’s920th RescueWinghad acrew already airborne conducting atraining mission in aHH-60W JollyGreen II helicopter The crew was redirected to help withthe search.

authorities said. Thepilot ditched the plane in thewater about50miles off Vero Beach, Florida, andmanaged to getits 10 passengers, three with minor injuries, ontoa yellow life raft Air ForceReserve Maj. ElizabethPiowatycredited those efforts, saying the pilotwould have beenconcernedabout oceanswells and slowing theplane as much as safely possible before impact. “I’ve not known anyone

Piowaty said that after locating thesurvivors, her aircraft passed overhead and dropped asurvival kit that included two additional rafts, foodand water.The survivors were then able to spread out, andthe crew of the HH-60W,including Whipple, was able to hoist themtosafetyamid 3- to 5-foot swells,raising the last survivor just afew minutes beforethe helicopter would have been forced to refuel. There wasnosignofthe

11

Judge says Kouri Richins is ‘simply too dangerous to ever be free’

BY HANNAH SCHOENBAUM Associated Press

PARK CITY, Utah A Utah mother who published a children’s book about grief after the death of her husband will serve a life sentence without the possibility of parole for his murder, a judge ruled Wednesday Kouri Richins was convicted in March of aggravated murder for lacing her husband Eric Richins’ cocktail with five times the lethal dose of fentanyl at their home near Park City in 2022. A jury also found her guilty of four other felonies, including insurance fraud, forgery and attempted murder for trying to poison her husband weeks earlier on Valentine’s Day with a fentanyl-laced sandwich.

Judge Richard Mrazik said Richins is “simply too dangerous to ever be free” when handing down the sentence on the day that her husband would have turned 44.

Her attorneys said they will appeal the conviction and sentence. Richins has been adamant in maintaining she is innocent, saying Wednesday that the verdict was “an absolute lie.” Richins stood at the podium in a lime green jail uniform as she asked her sons, who were not present in court, “Please just don’t give up on me.” She encouraged them to always “be like your dad.” Prosecutors said Richins, a 35-year-old real estate

agent with a house-flipping business, was millions in debt and planning a future with another man She had opened numerous life insurance policies on her husband without his knowledge and falsely believed she would inherit his estate worth more than $4 million after he died Eric Richins’ father, Eugene Richins, had urged Mrazik to impose a life sentence without the possibility of parole to protect his grandsons, who were ages 9, 7 and 5 when their father died.

“This sentence is important so Eric’s three sons never have to live with the fear that the person responsible for taking their father could ever harm them again,” he said The case captivated truecrime enthusiasts when Richins was arrested in 2023 while promoting her children’s book about a boy coping with the death of his father

Sons say they’re afraid

Richins’ sons “are not props for some twisted children’s book about grief and loss, and yet that is what they’ve been reduced to by Kouri,” said her sister-in-law Katie Richins-Benson, who now has the boys in her care.

Social workers read letters from the sons, who all said they would feel unsafe if their mother was ever released from prison.

The children said Richins threatened to kill their animals and showed them videos of famished children in war zones when they refused to eat undercooked food

“You took away my dad for no reason other than greed, and you only cared about yourself and your stupid boyfriends,” said the middle son, now 11. He described having to “be a parent” to his younger brother because his mother did not

watch over them. Richins made the boy paranoid about sitting on his dad’s side of the bed, saying he might die, too, he alleged.

The oldest son, now 13, said he also felt like he had to take care of his siblings and noted that his mother often would lock him inside his room while she drank.

“I will and have always prioritized your safety,” Richins said in court after hearing her sons’ statements.

Greg Hall, a longtime friend and business associate of Richins, told reporters he was disappointed by the sentence and urged people to “have an open mind” about her

Trial cut short by defense

The trial was scheduled for five weeks but ended early when her defense team rested its case without calling any witnesses.

Her attorneys said they were confident that prosecutors had not produced enough evidence to convict her of murder

The jury deliberated for just under three hours before finding her guilty of all counts.

During the trial, prosecutors showed the jury text messages between Richins and her lover in which she fantasized about leaving her husband and gaining millions in a divorce. Prosecutors also displayed the internet search history from Richins’ phone, which included queries about the lethal dose of fentanyl, luxury prisons and how poisoning is marked on a death certificate.

The defense argued that Eric Richins was addicted to painkillers. Prosecutors countered by showing police body camera footage from the night of his death in which Kouri Richins tells an officer that her husband had no history of illicit drug use.

Museum’s ‘Knight Rider’ car gets speeding ticket

BY DAVE COLLINS Associated Press

It’s a mystery on the streets of New York City What traffic law violator with unpaid fines is driving a black Pontiac Trans Am that looks like the car with the talking computer from the 1980s TV series “Knight Rider,” and even has the same license plate?

Officials at an Illinois museum are among the people who would like to know The Volo Museum near Chicago, which has a replica of the show’s Trans Am that hasn’t moved from its exhibit in years, recently received a $50 traffic ticket from the Big Apple, alleging its car was doing 36 mph in a 25 mph zone in Brooklyn on April 22.

The ticket came complete with traffic camera photos showing a black Trans Am with the California license plate KNIGHT, the same plate as the car on the show and the novelty one on the museum’s unregistered car The license plate is also connected to five other unpaid traffic violations in New York City since late 2024, city records show

How the city linked the plate to the museum was not immediately clear City officials did not immediately respond to email and phone messages Wednesday

“The fact that we’re legally tied to a movie prop is interesting,” said Jim Wojdyla, the museum’s marketing director “We’re known for having our Hollywood cars from TV and movies, but I have no idea how we

got registered from a ticket in New York to the plates in California to the Volo Museum in Illinois. We’re still trying to figure it out.”

The museum has requested a hearing challenging the ticket.

“It’s really amusing,” Wojdyla said. “We want to find out who this Knight Rider guy is because, birds of a feather We just want to know is this from a museum, is this just a guy that built this car as a hobby? And it looks pretty damn accurate. We’d like to meet those guys.”

“Knight Rider” starring David Hasselhoff as a crime fighter aired on NBC from 1982 to 1986 and featured KITT, the black Trans Am with a snarky talking computer. (KITT stands for Knight Industries Two Thousand). Around 20 KITTs were built for the show but only five of the originals remain, Road & Track magazine has reported. There are also numerous replicas around, including the museum’s The Facebook group Knight Rider KITT Car Club for people who own replicas has nearly 19,000 members. According to the California Department of Motor Vehicles, a person with the last name Knight renewed their registration for the state plate KNIGHT in March.

The Volo Museum is having fun with the ticket trouble on social media. It recently changed its header on its Facebook page to “Home of the Knight Rider KITT that famously got a speeding ticket in New York City without ever leaving its exhibit in Illinois!”

S&WB paneladvancesstormwaterfee

Move throws wrench into MayorMoreno’splans

BY BEN MYERS Staff writer

Members of the Sewerage& Water Board on Wednesday bucked Mayor Helena Moreno’s planto pay for arange of infrastructure projects, signaling they would instead move forward with afee just for drainage —despitelacking necessary support from CityHall. The rift over how to pay for fixes to distressed water pipes, pump

stations, roads andother priorities is part of abroader power struggleover theutility and its funding.

State lawmakersappear poised to give theCity Council broad authority over the agency’soperations, andMorenowantsCityHalltocontrol revenue with amultipurpose parcel fee.

The Moreno administration wanted aS&WB consultant, Raftelis Financial Consultants, to come up with aparcel feeproposaltopay

for any number of projects, but a S&WB committee on Wednesday refused to vote on acontract extension for that work.

The committeeinstead approved adifferent contract extension to finalize only astormwater fee, which Raftelis has been working on for more than three years.

S&WB membersinthe meeting questioned thetiming and purpose of the parcel fee idea, especially considering that adrainage prop-

ertytax is set to expire next year

That millage, one of three, provides about aquarter of theS&WB’s $74 million in annual drainage revenue, which is already far short of whatthe system needs, S&WB officials say “The system is, in manyways, in astate of critical disrepair,and we allexperience that every time we receive even asort of regular rainfall within the city,” S&WB mem-

LOOKINGFOR BUBBLE

Two-year-old Denzel Lampkin Jr.sends bubbles driftingthrough the air while playing in City Park in New Orleans on Tuesday.Denzel wasvisitingthe parkwith hisfather enjoying the sunnyday

BYJONI HESS Staff writer

Aline of residents snaked across three rooms Wednesday inside the tight corners of Gwangi &Hollywood CommunityCenter in Algiers.

They waitedtoink theirsupport fora statewide push to recall Gov.Jeff Landry,an effort started by residents long opposed to theRepublican governor’spolicies.

But the finalstraw,residents say,was the governor’sdecision last week to postpone theongoing U.S. House primary election to make way for anew congressional map that might eradicate two majority-Black districts.

Recall organizers in response fileda petition with the Louisiana secretary of state on May 4. Since then, signing locations have popped up across the state,everywhere from the GovernmentPlaza indowntown Shreveport to the Howlin’ Wolf in NewOrleans to athrift store in Arabi.

“He has indicatedtomethatthe interests andrights of people who look like me and

vote likeme, are not as valuable as the people who look like him,” said retiredArmy Maj. Tracy Riley,aBlack Democrat, of the governor,who is White.Rileyvolunteered on Wednesday to wavea“Recall Here”sign to direct trafficalong Newton Street. Per statelaw,organizershave 180 days from their filingdate to collect signatures from 20% of registered Louisiana voters 500,000 people —onapetition asking the state to call areferendum on Landry as governor.Ifenough people sign, thestate would be forced to put theissue on aballot

The chances of arecall areslim.Atleast in the past six decades, there has not been a successful recall of astatewide elected official, Louisiana secretary of state records

show.Instead, recalled politicianshave held smaller,parish-level offices.

“They’re going to have to raisea lotof money,and they’ll have to run it like atraditional political campaign to even have a shot,” said Robert Collins, apolitical analyst and Dillard University professor Landrydid not return arequest forcomment.

Thegovernor’sdecision came aday after theU.S.SupremeCourt ruledthatthe state’s congressionalmap is unconstitutional, sparking national headlines and widespread controversy Criticssay it threatens to shrink Black

berTylerAntrup saidatthe meeting. “If we don’t properly fund our stormwater management system, we cannotcontinue to exist.” Moreno’sinfrastructure director,Steve Nelson, spoke to committee members Wednesday but failed to sway them before their vote.

“The prioritieswill shift over

FEE,

Bail denied for ex-N.C. officer

He planned mass shooting at afestival, police say

BY MARCO CARTOLANO and MISSY WILKINSON Staff writers

Aformer North Carolina lawenforcementofficer accusedofthreatening to commita mass shooting at aNew Orleans festival will be held without bail pending adangerousness hearing, an OrleansParish magistrate judge ruled Wednesday Christopher Gillum,45, wasbooked into theOrleans JusticeCenterona felonycount of terrorizing after being extradited from FloridaonTuesday On Wednesdayafternoon,the former Orange County Sheriff’s Office officerofthe monthsat shackledinan orangejumpsuit, hishands steepled at his knees.

Assistant Attorney GeneralDaniel Smart asked magistrate commissioner Robert Blackburn to hold Gillum without bail under Article 313, or “Gwen’s Law,” untila dangerousness hearing. Defense attorney Dylan Utley agreed, and Blackburn set the hearing forWednesday,May 20.

“I’m working with Mr.Gillum to hopefully secure his release in away that wouldmakeeverybody feel safe,” Utleysaidafter Gillum’s firstappearance.

upcoming race forthe twoatlarge seats on the Slidell City Council features five candidates, including four whoare current members of the council. The race involves current at-large

N.O. area gets high marksfor watergrades

ButPlaquemines Parish,Bogalusa considered failing

BY JOSIE ABUGOV

Staff writer

Louisiana’sannual gradesfor drinkingwater systems have been released, showingprogress in much of the New Orleans area and pristine scores for areas of St. Tammany,but parts of Plaquemines Parish and the city of Bogalusa werehandedfailing marks.

The water system grades issued by the state Department of Health, which cover 2025, are intended to evaluate asystem’slong-term sustainability to provide safe water.A low grade doesnot pose an immediate health risk.

The grades are calculated based on seven different categories, including federal and state water quality compliance, customer satisfaction and financial sustainabilityofthe system. That means asystemwithanAorB grade could stillhave federal violations, such as New Orleans’ Carrollton plant, and afailing system might be docked because it is underthe leadership of a fiscaladministrator,such as in Bogalusa.

“It’sanatmospherecreatedfor transparency to have citizens know more about their water,” said Steven Joubert, an engineering services chief at the Health Department.

In New Orleans, the Carrollton plant, operated by the Sewerage & Water Board, earned aB,its high-

est grade since theLegislature mandated the monitoring in 2021. It received aCfor 2024 and aDfor 2023. Water systemsinAlgiers, as well as Jefferson,St. Bernard and St.Charles parishes,receivedA or Bletter grades. Butthere were some failing systems in the region, such as two of the four districts in PlaqueminesParish, as well as in Bogalusa.

Despite some weak spots, the systems in southeast Louisiana fared better than other parts of the state, Joubert noted. Of themore than 900 water systems monitored statewide, less than 100 received DorFgrades in this year’sreport.

Around three-quarters of these systems wereinnorthern Louisiana, hesaid “It’smeant to capture theyear in review,” Joubert said. “As far as sampling measures that we do, if therewas anytypeofalarming understanding that comes from that, thenthatwould be given to the public in an immediate fashion within 24 hours’notice.”

ImprovementinNew Orleans

New Orleans’ Carrollton system lost 18 outofapossible 100 points, due to an outstanding federal order and financial rate study,aswell as unresolved issues in the operations and maintenance category.

Ceara Labat, chief of communications forthe city’sSewerage& WaterBoard, also notedthat both the Carrollton and Algiersplants lost points in the customer satisfaction category

“For all large utilities, it is unrealistic to haveless than 10 validated complaints,and therefore we do

notsubmitacustomercomplaint log,” Labat said.

The system did not lose any points over federal water quality standards for contamination or violating theU.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s lead and copper rule. However,federal agencies note that no level of lead in water is safe and the majority of households thatparticipated in SWB’swater testingprogram found lead in their water

The Algiers plant’s grade also improved, receiving an Acompared to the previous year’sB.Labat said bothsystemsgot extrapointsfor implementing waterstorage plans. At theCarrollton plant, repairing leaking valves and aleaking water main also contributedtothe higher grade.

Failingsystems

Thewater grades in Plaquemines Parish were an outlier to the larger trends in the area. The Belle Chasse and Port Sulphur systems both received failing grades, though Port Sulphur scored somewhat lower Officials from Plaquemines Parish did not respond to requests for comment.

Joubert said that many of the issues in Belle Chasse are related to its water towers, with the system losing 20 points for significant infrastructure deficiencies. It also lostpoints in the operations and maintenance categories and for being noncompliant with afederal administrative order.Though Belle Chasse’sgradedropped from aDlast year,the system didnot losepoints over anycontamination violations.

Port Sulphur,however,lost pointsfor federal contamination violations and state-level chlorine violations, as wellasunresolved infrastructure deficiencies.The system didnot violate federal lead and copper rules, theHealth Departmentfound. The failing grade wasactually aslight uptick forthe system

“Lastyear they had a41, and this year they have a46,” Joubert said.

“So it’samodestimprovement,but it’sstill an Fgrade.”

Bogalusa, meanwhile, saw a steep drop from aB to an F, losing points formultiple infrastructure deficiencies as well as lacking an operator.The Washington Parish cityalso sawalower score due to financialsustainability issues,as thecity has been placed under the control of a fiscal administrator

Don Jones, the acting director of Public Works forBogalusa, said thecityexpectstohaveawater operator by the end of next month andthathehas addressed allofthe infrastructure issues since he returned to the position in June.

“We’ve got agood water system,” Jones said. “Wetake pride in our water.”

In nearbySt. Tammany Parish, there was also afailing system in theOzone Pines subdivision, whichhas receivedanF for the past three years. David Cougle, a member of the Parish Council, said he believes everyone in the subdivision is on well water or communitywells, “someofwhichare very poorlymaintained.” The subdivision lacks an owner andoperator,said Chris Tissue, the director of the parish’sutility department.

The parish government is con-

Police pursue Moon Walk stabbing cold case

Homicide occurred 45 yearsago

BY MISSY WILKINSON Staff writer

Forty-

five years ago, as football fans flocked to New Orleans for Super Bowl XV between theOakland Raiders and the Philadelphia Eagles, an assailant in acowboy hat stabbed aman 15 times and left him to die on the French Quarter’s riverside Moon Walk steps.

“He had to be nuts. That’s just my personal opinion. Idon’twant to give the guy adefense before I nab him,” Detective Pascal Saladino told Associated Press reporters in aJan. 25, 1981, article titled “Slayer Stalks Moon Walk Strollers.” Saladino did not nab the suspect or an accomplice alleged to have actedasalookout.Now,NOPDDetective Joseph Jeffersonbelieves he can finish what his predecessor started and solve the murder of Donald Faul, 30.

“I have reason to believethat the suspect is alive,” Jefferson said at aTuesday media briefing. Aphone call sparked his interestinthe cold case. “Once you start digging, things startpopping up. .Itkind of took on alife of its own.” Faul had traveledfrom Lafayette to New Orleans to attenda basketball game at the University of New Orleans, Crimestoppers GNOexecutive director Darlene Cusanza said Tuesday.The insurance claimsreporter anda lady friend listened to jazzinthe French Quarter,made abeignet run at Café du Monde and took an early-morning riverside stroll.

There, athin, mustached man in awide-brimmed hatand long coat commented on thecold, Cusanza said

“They were approached by the perpetrator whilehe(Faul) was

embracingthe woman,” Saladino said in 1981. “The attacker came from behind and just started to punch him several times.Healso tugged on hercoat, andshe fled from thearea.”

The woman flagged down an NOPD cruiser on Decatur Street. They returned to the Moon Walk to find theassailant gone and Faul dying from stab wounds to his upper body

“Hewas stabbedviolently,maliciously,15times,” Cusanza said.

Faulwas pronounced dead at the scene. Acirca-1981 sketch depicts the perpetrator andhis accomplice, but neither that composite nora$20,000 reward turned up thesuspects.

“This family,like all families, wantstofindjustice,” Cusanza said. “The family doesn’twant their brother forgotten.”

Thereward for tips leading to an arrest andindictmentnow stands at $5,000, Cusanza said. In 1981, the NOPDdescribed the suspect as aslender man 35 to 40 years old, 5foot, 10 inches tall with short brown hair,according to The Times-Picayune/The States-Item. Jefferson said the accomplice had shoulder-length blonde, curly hair Eventhough themurderwas 45 yearsago, Jefferson believes the public may have valuable information

“That’snot normal foryourregular,everyday citizen to see something like that, so that probably would stand out in their memory,” Jefferson said.“So whoeverhas some pertinent informationthat could lead to the furtherance of this investigation, Iwelcome it.”

Anyone withinformation about this or other coldcases may call Crimestoppers anonymously at (504) 822-1111 or NOPD Homicide Section Cold Case Unit detectives at (504) 658-5300. Crimestoppers tips can also be submitted online by visiting crimestoppersgno.org.

solidating the Ozone Pines subdivision into alargerparish water sector system,whichwill require installing substantial new infrastructure forhomes currently connected to the failingsystem. That project is estimated to be completed this fall, Tissue said.

TastyTammanywater?

Despitethe onefailing system, water quality reports for St. Tammany showed amostly pristine picture,withmultiple systems receiving perfect or near-perfect scores.The Health Department gave Covington’swater supply a grade of 100, and Mandeville’ssystemreceiveda 105 through bonus points.

JakeGroby,the superintendent of Mandeville’s Water andSewer Department, said the Southern Hills Aquifer that supplies water to the parish —and many other parishes in the state —plunges deep underground, offering a fresh supply.The city also adds ammonia and chlorine to make the “best tasting water,” atitle the city earned last year when it won a statewide blind taste test.

Joubert noted that some aquifers in the state are easier to treat, while others, including those in northLouisiana,are more likely to producebyproducts during the treatment process.

“Maybe northshore, St. Tammany, they have abetter starting source water from the aquifer,and so their systems are not having to work as hard to treat the water for the customers,” Joubert said.

Email Josie Abugov at josie abugov@theadvocate.com.

Continued from page1B

Gillum was detained at aDestinhotel on April22, wanted in Orleans Parish for allegedly planning to travel to afestival in New Orleans to commitamass shooting before dying by suicide by police, officials said. His family membershad alertedlaw enforcementtohis allegedthreatstoharm “Black people,” prompting policein Burlington, North Carolina, to issue an intelligence bulletin asking forhelp locating Gillum Ahead of his arrest, officials said avehicle registeredtoGillum wasspotted by alicense plate reader in Okaloosa County multiple times on April 21. ThefestivalGillumintended to open fire on wasnot named, but his arrest came ahead of the first weekend of the New Orleans Jazz &Heritage Festival. Gillum previously worked for the Chapel Hill Police Department as an officer andfor the Orange County Sheriff’sOffice in North Carolina as adetention officer. If convicted of terrorizing, he faces up to 15 years in prison and a fine of up to $15,000

Continued from page1B

time as resourcesare applied and the problem is addressed,whatever the problem may be,” he said.

“A parcel fee would allow for the flexibility to shift.” Nelson has said aparcel fee proposal would be presented to the public before the end of the year

Asked what the committee’sdecision means for ongoingcollaboration with the S&WB, Nelsonsaid, “We’ll have to continue discussions on the path forward.”

If the full board approves, the latest Raftelis contract extensionwill include public education on the stormwater fee. But it’snot clear theproposalwillget that far. Raftelis has advised the S&WB that City Council approval is needed to put the stormwater fee on the ballot.

The council has generally alignedwithMoreno on S&WB matters, including unanimous support for Metairie Republican state Rep. Stephanie Hilferty’spending

bill to give thecouncil authority over the utility.Council President JP Morrell, theonly one thus far to speak about the issue, has opposed the stormwater fee idea, callingit adouble tax Astaffer for Morrellsaidhe wasn’tavailable to comment on Wednesday. Stormwater vs.parcel

The stormwater feeproposed by theS&WB would tap new revenue from nonprofitand other tax-exempt property owners, who currently represent about40% of the city’scombined property value. Raftelis is also proposing to combine the threedrainage taxes into asingle millage, with a15% reduction in the overalltax rate. The new consolidated millage and fee rates would generate an additional$50 millioninannual revenue, which is the shortfall S&WB needs to cover to pay for operations, maintenance andrepairs, according to Raftelis estimates. The Raftelis contract extensionthe committeeapprovedon

Wednesday,which thefull S&WB will consider at itsMay 20 meeting, would increase the consultant’stotal compensation for work on thestormwater feeto$1.6 million. The original contract, which was signed in December 2022 for $96,000, has already been extended twice.

Underthe previous contract extensions,Raftelis calculated stormwater runoff fromevery property in thecitytodetermine what theywould pay under anew feestructure. Existing property taxes for drainage would be deducted from the fee, withthe aim of ensuring no oneisonthe hook for more thanwhat they already pay in taxes. TheMorenoadministration and S&WB officials have privately discussed anew type of fee since the start of the year,initially centered on thestormwater fee. City officialsshiftedthe focustoa multipurpose parcel fee after aseries of major water main ruptures this year.They say aparcel fee would allow flexibilitytopay for the system’smostpressing needs,which

could include drainage, water system or sewer system repairs.

Aparcel fee would include a stormwater component, building on the work Raftelis has already done.Itwould also include aportiontied to the wear and tear that properties contribute to roads, a calculation theMorenoadministration wanted Raftelis to come up with Manyotherdetailsaboutaparcel fee still need to be ironed out, includinghow it might factorexistingwater andsewer rates.It’s also not clear howdedicated portionsofthe feecould shifttoother uses —how revenue tied to stormwater runoff could shifttosewers, water pipes or roads, forexample.

“This is all newrevenue,and so we have to figure out. …How is it dedicated? Whatare the approvals for that? What is the process for theprojects being selected that would be funded,” saidLeo John Arnett, themayor’spolicy director,after the committee meeting. Email Ben Myers at bmyers@ theadvocate.com.

Bookkeeper pleads notguiltytoMetairiebusinesstheft

Womanaccused of fraudulentchecks

BY MICHELLEHUNTER Staff writer

AMandevillewoman working as abookkeeper at aMetairie construction company hasbeen charged with stealing several thousand dollars from her employer by writing fraudulent checks, according to authorities

COUNCIL

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occupy because of term limits.

Thecity’sterm-limitrules allow district members to run for atlarge positions after serving two terms as district representatives. TomAbney is the lone candidate in the race who is not acurrent council member.

Abney,Burgoyne,Dunham and Tamborella are Republicans. Denham is aDemocrat. The election is May 16.

Abney

Alifelong resident of thecity, Abney’sroots grow deep in the community.Walter L. Abney Elementary School on Kostmayer Avenue is named after his grandfather, who donated the land for the school, the candidate said. In 2022, Abney made an unsuccessful bid for the District Aseaton the council. In that race he had 38% of the district’svote in ahead-to-head election against Denham, who wasthen the district’sincumbent.

Abney is aretired school bus driver in St. Tammany Parish, having worked in that position for 24 years. “I’m retired and Ican devote my full attention to the City Council,” he said. “I think the councilman at large should be afull-time position.”

Abney said some of his priorities includeresolvingthe city’s flooding issues, promoting governmental transparency and remaining in constant contact with citizens to keep abreast of their needs and views on variousissues.

If he wins the council seat, Abney vows to hold atown hall meeting within 10 daysofthe election to get input from citizens.

Burgoyne

As apolitical newcomer, Burgoyne was elected to one ofthe two at-large seats on the council in 2022, thus making him eligible for reelection tothat post. He says he’s hadfour years of proven results on the council, having spent his first term fighting for improveddrainage, supporting economic development, and ensuring everyneighborhoodhas avoice at CityHall.

Burgoyne is aretired teacher and school administrator who spent 27 years in the St. Tammany Parish school system, including 17 years as assistant principal at

RECALL

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voters’representation in the state and throughout the country and is adagger to voting protections enshrined in law since 1965. Supporters, including Landry and Attorney General Liz Murrill, have championed the ruling as away to prevent the racial discrimination they say occurred under the old system.

Aseparate recall effort was launched Wednesday against Murrill, by the same organizers The redistricting fight alsocoincided with the Republican-led Legislature’sgutting of several Orleans Parish judge seats, including the criminal clerk’soffice that 68% of votershandedtoCalvin Duncan last fall.

Four days before Duncan wasset to assume office, Gov. Jeff Landry signed Act 15, the state law that merged the Orleans Parish’scivil and criminal courts and booted Duncanout of ajob. That law is being challenged in court. The recall’sorganizers, Baton Rouge residents Marian Hills and Katelyn Stepter,have said Landry’s actions undermine fair representation and the real-world needs of the state’svoting electorate. They also say his leadership prioritizes hard-

Michelle Miller,52, appeared in Jefferson Parish Magistrate Court on Tuesday and pleaded notguilty to theft valued over $25,000, money laundering and forgery Miller wasarrested March 20 following an investigation by the JeffersonParish Sheriff’s Office. Miller’sboss reached out to authorities in Januaryafter hisbank notifiedhim about asuspicious check,accordingtothe Sheriff’s Office The bank told him that awoman

had come in attempting to casha check from hisbusiness for$5,265. It’s notclear what led bank officials to be leeryofthe transaction. But when contacted, theconstructioncompany’sowner instructed them not to issueany cashonthe check, according to theSheriff’s Office. Investigators later learned the check had been written by Miller on behalf of thebusiness andmade payable to cash, something that isn’ta standard practice for the

business, according to the Sheriff’s Office.

Thecompany’sowner beganreviewing other checks handledby Miller and madepayable to cash. He found18that were fraudulent, according to the Sheriff’s Office. The checks, issued between July 2025 and January 2026, totaled $44,552. Miller was the only bookkeeper for the company and the only personwith access to the business’ physical checks, according to au-

thorities. Only she and the owner had the authority to approve checks through the company’s system Miller denied any involvement when confrontedbythe company’s owner,according to authorities. She wasbeing held Wednesday at theJefferson Parish Correctional Center in Gretna. Bail was set at $102,000.

Email Michelle Hunter at mhunter@theadvocate.com.

Slidell High School. He has amaster’sdegreeineducationfrom LoyolaUniversity and adoctorate from Vanderbilt University. If reelected, Burgoyne saidhe would continuetofocusonpublic safety,economicgrowth and creating walkable neighborhoods, amongother priorities.

Leveraging his background in education, Burgoyne said he would also seek to partner with local businesses to create mentorship and training programs that keep Slidell’sbrightest young people in thelocal community

“I asked what people want in Slidell. They said: ‘Wewantgood service fora goodvalue.Wewant things to work right.’ So do I.”

Denham

Oneofthree districtcouncil members now running for acitywide post, Denham was first elected tothe District Aseat in 2018. Four years later she collected 62% of the vote to win reelection If elected again, Denham saidshe will service the entire city with the same drive she displayed as adistrict council member District Aincludes asection of central Slidell between FremauxAvenuetothe northand Old Spanish Trail to the south.

“I am runningfor CityCouncil at largebecause Ibelieve our city works best with leadership that listens, plans responsibly, andacts with integrity,” she said. “Every voice deserves tobeheard. My commitmentistoserve the entire city with fairness, transparency and common sense.”

Aretirededucator who along with herhusband founded the Slidell Adult Health CareCenter, Denham said she sees “a newspirit of cooperation and respect growing within our city leadership. “Togetherwecan make Slidella stronger city.”

Dunham

Theowner of afamily business, Dunham was first elected to the open District Bseat on the councilin 2018, receiving 53%ofthe vote in atwo-candidate race. Four years later,hewas automatically reelected when no one signed up to run against him District Bencompasses the southernmost section of the city, south of Old SpanishTrail.

In his campaign, Dunham has stressed the importanceofsupporting and strengthening local small businesses, which he refers to as “the back-

line policies over impactfullongterm solutions

Many past recall efforts even of parish leaders have fizzled, due to alack of signatures. That was the downfall of the effort to recall former Mayor LaToya Cantrell in 2023 when mostofthe 67,000 signatures organizers saidtheyobtained —some from the likes of Donald Duck, Mickey Mouse andother Disney characters— were deemed invalid by the Orleans registrar

So too did organizers behind a 2017 effort to oust former Jefferson Parish President Mike Yenni end theircampaign early,after they fellfar short of the roughly 90,000 signatures they needed

The organizers behind the latest effort, however,say they are approaching things methodically

“Weare trying to be very precise on how we do this, because we know thatthere’sgoing to be somefoolishness atthe end,” saidattorney Michelle Charles, aDemocrat who helpedlaunch apro bono legalclinic at Gwangi earlierthisyear

Ensuringpeople write dates in the proper format,verifying ID cards and witnessing signaturesare all part of their protocol for success, she said. The signing sheets are separated by parishofresidency Organizers and community members have gotten the word out largely through social media, word

bone of Slidell.”

If elected to thecitywide post, the Armyveteran and lifelong Slidell resident says he will continuepushing ahead withcritical infrastructure projects and cleanup of blighted properties

He alsopromisestobeaccessible to constituents andtokeep public safety as oneofSlidell’stop prioritiesbysupporting the police department.

“As alifelong resident of the cityofSlidell, it will always be my priority to takethe time to listen to the concerns of all Slidell residents,” he said.

Tamborella

In 2018, Tamborella amassed 59% of thevote to winthe council’sDistrictE post in ahead-tohead battle of political newcomers. DistrictE straddlesInterstate 10 andGause Boulevard in theeast/central section of Slidell. ANavy veteran, Tamborellabuilt a26-year career at NorthropGrummanInformation Technology,where he providesprogram operations management and financial oversight on federal, state andlocal government contracts.

As adistrict council member, Tamborella said he brought a fresh perspectivetothe council while focusing on accountability, infrastructure, andpublic safety

He also championedresponsible growthbypushing to ensure land useand zoningupdates that reflectwhat residentswant for their neighborhoods If elected at large, Tamborella said he will focus on revitalizing cityrecreation facilities, investing in long-term solutions that protect neighborhoodsfrom flooding, andimproving storm protection “Mypromise is simple: Iwill work hard to growour economy, protect the qualityoflife we cherish, and find practical solutions to thechallenges facing our city.”

Othercouncil races

In othercouncil races, Rene Arcemont,a Republican, and Landon J. Washington, aDemocrat, are running for theDistrict Aseat; Sean Fadely and Fabian L. Hartley,both of whom registered as “no party,”are running in District B; Megan Haggerty,a Republican,and Belinda Parker Brown, no party,are running in DistrictC;Shawn Jones and Dominick “Nick” Spadoni III, both Republicans, are running in DistrictE;and JohnGrigg andTimothy“Tim” Rogers, both Republicans,are running in District G.

of mouth anda website called‘LouisianaDeserves Better’ where signinglocations are updated regularly, andoften change by the day.

Malik Rahim, owner of theGwangi center andformer member of the NewOrleansBlack Panther Party, said thecrowds of people joining therecall effort thistime hold weight.

“This here is areminder that power lies in the strength of the people,” saidRahim, aDemocrat and acelebrated civil rights activist who spentmorethan 40 years in solitary confinement at the Louisiana State Penitentiary at Angola.

Collins said organizerswill have to publicly communicate thereasons thegovernor should be recalled to motivate enough people to come on board, such as through direct mail, the radioortelevision ads.

Even if they fail, their efforts could drive moreturnout in the upcoming U.S. Senate election and otherelections. Turnoutnumbers statewide have persistently been low,headded “It’snot impossible. It’s because the numbers you havetoget are so large. On astatewide level it’s very difficult even on acitywidelevel likeinNew Orleans,” Collins said. Email Joni Hess at joni.hess@ theadvocate.com.

BY MICHELLE HUNTER Staff writer

The JeffersonParish District

Attorney’s Office formally filed charges against alongtime employee of Deanie’sSeafood who is accusedofstealingmorethan $40,000 from the popular Bucktown restaurant. Cynthia Esquerre, 51, of Metairie, was charged with one count of felony theft, according to court records. She pleaded notguilty May 5. Esquerre was arrested in March following an investigation by theJeffersonParish Sheriff’s Office. She wasemployed at the Deanie’slocated at 1713 Lake Ave., Metairie, and worked in the seafood market, according to Sgt Brandon Veal, spokesperson for thedepartment.

Esquerre on occasion also served as the on-duty manager according to authorities. Investigators accusedher of stealing moneyfrom the business by altering cash registertransactions and then pocketing thedifference. The restaurant’sowners discovered the financial discrepancies

after conducting an audit, according to the Sheriff’sOffice. Between December 2025 and February 2026, the owners found documentation of $40,929 worth of thefts, according to the Sheriff’s Office. Restaurant officials noticed that whenever Esquerre was on vacation,the thefts stopped.They would resume when she returned to work, according to authorities.

Esquerre was being held Tuesday at the Jefferson Parish Correctional Center in Gretna. Bail was set at $50,000 for the theft charge, though she was being heldwithout bail forviolation of probation, court records said. Esquerre was sentenced to two years of active probation after pleading guilty to possession of cocaineinOctober 2024, Jefferson Parish court records showed. Her probation officermoved to have herprobationrevoked after her arrest in the theftcase forfailure to pay probation costs and failure to complete 100 hours of communityservice, court records said.

Email Michelle Hunter at mhunter@theadvocate.com.

Whitetiger

It’s believed she oncebelongedto NBAyoungBoy

Staff reports

Awhite tigerlastseenasa weak and unwell cubafter its rescue from aLouisiana home is nowahealthy,full-grown tiger namedNola, as seen in arecent online post by “AnimalPlanet” documentarian Forrest Galante.

Nola can be seen sitting comfortablyinalarge tree, witha meal of raw chicken laid out on nearby branches,inthe large, fenced-in outdoor area of the California exoticanimalsanctuary where she now lives and plays.

Galantevisits her— on the other side of the fence —with oneofthe tiger’scaretakersat the Lions, Tigers &Bears animal sanctuary in Alpine, California.

“She’s doing well,” the sanctuary employee tells Galante.

Thetiger was rescued by authorities in late 2017, after they learned through social media thatshe was being illegally kept as apet in Louisiana —it’sbelieved she was owned by Kentrell Gaulden, the Baton Rouge rapper who goes by NBA YoungBoy.

Gaulden can be seen in aFacebook post fromthat time,talking to alittle white tiger cub lying on asofa in ahouse.

The cubwas cared forat first by the Audubon Nature Institute

in New Orleans, then arrangements were made for her to go to the California animal sanctuary

The baby tiger suffered from parasites, had no fur on her face and was malnourished when authorities rescued her,the sanctuary employee tells Galanteinthe recent video.

But that’sall behind Nola now Galante, whose AnimalPlanet show“ExtinctorAlive”follows him traveling the globe searching foranimals he believesto be wrongly classified as extinct, speaks to the camera with abit of perhaps tongue-in-cheek advice.

“Don’tbearapper,and if you arearapper, don’tget atiger,” he says.

Angelico, Blaise

Blaise,Felthus

Brandt,Marilyn

Chaney,Mairian

Fasola,Lisa

FeltonJr.,Alfred Fuchs, Olive JacksonJr.,Ulysses

Marrero,Charmaine

Mary III,Paul Ragas, Verna

Raymond, Daisy Reed,Yvonne Rodriguez, Elaine

Sears, Marshall Singleton,Alice

Sylvester, Marie Thomas,Richard Williams,Oscar EJefferson Garden of Memories

Angelico, Blaise Collings,James

NewOrleans

Boyd Family

Raymond, Daisy

Charbonnet

JacksonJr.,Ulysses

Marrero,Charmaine

DW Rhodes

Singleton,Alice Thomas,Richard

EstelleJWilson

Chaney,Mairian Lake Lawn Metairie

Brandt,Marilyn Fuchs, Olive

Majestic Mortuary

Reed,Yvonne

Sylvester, Marie River Parish

Hobson BrownFH

FeltonJr.,Alfred

St Bernard CharbonnetLabat

Blaise,Felthus West Bank

DavisMortuary

Sears, Marshall Mothe

Clark, Stewart Robinson FH

Ragas, Verna

Williams,Oscar

Obituaries

Angelico,Dr. Blaise Andrew

Dr.BlaiseAndrewAn‐gelico, abeloved physician, devotedhusband,and lov‐ingfather, passedawayat home in Metairie LouisianaonMay 6, 2026. He was74years old. Dr Angelicowas born on No‐vember 17, 1951, andwas theson of Blaise N. An‐gelicoand DorothyB.An‐gelico.Following hishigh school graduation from IsidoreNewmanSchool in NewOrleans,hepursued hiscollegiateeducation at theUniversityofVirginia wherehewas an Honors

Scholar, member of Zeta PsiFraternity, andlived on theLawnduringhis fourth year.Uponreceiving his undergraduatedegree, he went on to studymedicine andreceivedhis Doctor of Medicine from Louisiana StateUniversitySchool of Medicine.Dr. Angelico’s career in Internal Medicine spannedmultipledecades andtouched thousandsof lives. Hisdedicationtohis patients andhis profession wasaninspiration andhis legacy will be remembered as oneofintegrity,service andkindness. As afather he wasa source of quiet strength andleadership; giving guidance when needed,praisewhenwar‐ranted,but always show‐ingloveand respectto‐wardshis boys.Evenwith ademanding work sched‐ule, he made it apriorityto be presentinall aspectsof hissons’ lives. In retire‐ment,heand hiswifeof49 years, JanetB.Angelico, enjoyedtraveling overseas to exploreEuropeancoun‐tries. Whileathome, he en‐joyedgardening,reading, spending time with his family,friends andgrand‐children,and wasanactive member of Munholland MethodistChurch.His warmth,generosity, and presence will be greatly missed. Dr.Angelicoissur‐vivedbyhis wife,Janet B. Angelico; hisbrother, RichardA.Angelicoand his wife Diane; hischildren Blaise M. Angelicoand his wife,Ashley, Andrew P. An‐gelicoand hiswifeAnne; hisgrandchildren Thatcher,Hadley, Chan‐dler,Carolineand Henry. A memorial serviceand re‐ceptionwillbeheldat 11:00am Friday,May 15, 2026 at Munholland Methodist Church in Metairie,Louisiana.A visi‐tation will be held priorto theservice at 10:30am Burial will follow at 2:00pm at Garden of Memories.In lieu of flowers, donations canbemadetoMunhol‐land MethodistChurch

Blaise,Felthus Elizabeth

Felthus ElizabethBlaise, age 81,a native New Or‐leanian,entered into eter‐nal rest peacefully at her homeonFriday, May8, 2026 while with her beloved husband,Ervin Blaise. Shewas born on January 8, 1945 to thelate Felthus andElizabeth ThorntonCavalier. In addi‐tiontoher parents, Felthus isalsoprecededindeath byfoursiblings, Mary Har‐ris,Dorothy Sanders, Geral‐dineShanksand Oliver Thornton. In addition to her belovedhusband,she alsoleavestocherish pre‐cious memories,her chil‐dren, Jacqueline Alexander (Ivan), Andrea Hawkins, Alvia PeterHarris(Karen) Capucinca Harris-Roberts, JimmieHarris(April) andL Trescott Harris (An‐toinette); grandchildren, Keyoka, Jemeka,Caprice, Allison,Felthus,Clarance, Isaac,IV, Keianna,Katrina Alyssia, Trescott,Abrielle, Alvia Peter; eightgreat grandchildren;siblings, Lu‐cille Johnson, Nancy Cooper,Annette Neal, CherylTillis, Toni Faye Cos‐ton,Stephanie Combre, Rickey, Gerald,Lawrence, Alfredand TerryCavalier, aswellasa host of nieces, nephews,cousins,other familyand friends. Rela‐tives and friendsofthe family; Pastor,officers and members of FirstBaptist Church of Verrettare in‐vited to attend thefuneral A Homegoing Celebration honoringthe life and legacyofthe late Felthus Elizabeth Blaise will be heldatFirst BaptistChurch ofVerrett, 3737 Bayou Road, St.Bernard,LA70085 onSaturday, May16, 2026 at11am, Pastor Jasper Shaw, Officiating. Inter‐mentwillfollowinthe church cemetery.Visita‐tion9 am in thechurch Special thanks andappre‐ciation to OchsnerHealth Medical Center,Pete Sanchez CivicCenter, LCMCHealthCareCenter, Fresenius Kidney Dialysis Centerand EaganOchsner HomeHealth Care.We could nothaveenjoyed our loved onefor such along timewithout you. Please signonlineguestbook at www.charbonnetfuneralho me.com. Charbonnet Labat Glapion,Directors (504)581-4411

gardening,shelling at the beach, sewing, swimming, and pearl stringing.Her recipes were always uniquelyher own, made witha dash of love anda pinch of joy. She had alove formusic and Broadway plays.

Marilyn's greatest joy was her family and her home, where she warmly welcomed all who entered

8200 AirlineDr. Metairie,LA 70003. Arrangements En‐trusted To Estelle J. Wilson FuneralHome, Inc. 2715 Danneel ST.NOLA70113. In‐formation:(504) 895-4903 Tosignonlineguest book pleasevisit www.estelle jwilsonfh.com

at St.Charles Avenue Bap‐tistChurch,at7100 St Charles Avenue,onMay 16, 2026 at 2p.m.Pleasevisit mothefunerals.com to view and sign theonlineguest‐book

Clark, Stewart Collings,James

Marilyn Boudreaux Brandt,beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, nurse, and friend, passedaway peacefully on May 9, 2026, surrounded by thelove she spent alifetimegiving BorninNew Orleans, Louisiana, on March 26, 1938, Marilyn liveda life devotedtofaith, family friendship,service, and joy.

She is survivedbyher beloved husband of 65 years, Lloyd Brandt; and their four daughters,Karen Brandt (Bryan), KimBurr (Doug), Kathryn Berrigan (Brian), and KarolBrandt (John). She was aloving grandmother to five grandchildren: AliciaPerry (Brad), PiaBordelon (Jude), Victoria Gilberti (Brian), Bailey Grote (Will), and Blake BrandtBerrigan. She was also blessed with seven great-grandchildren: Hannah Perry, Makayla Bode, Bradley Perry, Peter Bordelon, Gwyn Bordelon, Alice Perry, and Blake Grote.

She is further survived by her sister, PhyllisBerry (Jimmy); her brother,Carl Boudreaux (Diane); and her brother-in-law, Tommy (Andrea). She was preceded in death by her parents, Norrisand Evelyn Boudreaux, and her grandson, Blake Brandt Berrigan.

Marilyn was a1956 graduateofUrsuline Academy,the last class of theLeprechauns. She completed Mercy Nursing School in 1959 and devoted over 20 years of service as anursery nurse at Mercy Hospital.In1983, she earneda certificationin jewelry designfrom Delgado University.

Marilyn and Lloyd shared aremarkable65year marriagefilledwith devotion, laughter, and adventure. Together, they especiallycherished their travelstoHiltonHead and Maine. Marilyn proudly embraced her role as a Fisherman's wife, building alife rooted in partnership, loyalty, and shared joy.

She wasa respected leader in her community, servingasPresident of Mercy Nurses' Alumni President of SALA (St AngelaMerici Ladies Association), President of theCityParkWomen's Tennis Club, President of theCPA WivesClub of New Orleans, Queen Mother of theChattyatsRed Hat Club, and Troop Leader for Brownies and Girl Scouts.

Marilyn was therecipient of the LouisianaGreat 100 NursesAward, recognizing her courage, competency, compassion,and care, and she received the Victor B. Marquer Award in 2018 for her distinguished servicetothe NewOrleans Dental Association.

AdevoutCatholic, Marilyn livedher faith throughservice, offering prayers, mass cards, meals, and spiritualsupport to those in need. She spearheaded theYouth Cabbage ball Summer ProgramatSt. Angela Merici and remained actively involvedinprograms at St. AngelaMerici and Mt.Carmel Academy.

She was deeply engaged at Green Acres Country Club, enjoying tennis, diving, and swimming and treasured thefriendshipsshe builtthere.

Marilyn delighted in MardiGras, holiday decorating, card groups, coffee gatherings, and garage saleadventures with friends. She was an avid traveler who lovingly plannedfamily trips, especiallyher cherished journeys to visitlighthouses around theworld,which she documented and shared withher family.She was along-time volunteer of Chef's Galabenefitting St.Michael's Special School and volunteered at The World's Fair.

"Mere"was aconstant presence in thelives of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, faithfully supporting their many activities, including dance, scouting, cheerleading,volleyball, tennis, diving, and theatre

Among her many talents, she enjoyed cooking

We extend our heartfelt gratitudetothe University Medical Center MICU staff forthe exceptional,compassionate,and dignified carethey providedto Marilyn and her family

In lieu of flowers,donations may be madetothe NewOrleans City Park Botanical Gardens in honor of Marilyn's love of beauty, nature, and theserenityof thegardens.

https://neworleanscityp ark. org/support-y ourpark/donate/

Relatives and friends are invitedtoattend the funeral servicesatSt. AngelaMerici Catholic Church, 901 Beverly Garden DriveinMetairie,on Friday, May 15, 2026. Visitation willbegin at 11 AM with aMemorialMass following at 12 PM.Marilyn willbelaid to rest in Lake Lawn Park Cemeteryona laterdate.

To view and sign the family guestbook, please visit lakelawnmetairie.com

MairianDarlene Sansom Johnson Chaney,"entered eternal rest"onApril 28 2026 at herresidence.She was 74 yearsold.Mother Chaneywas on the Mother'sBoard Ministry of Greater MacedoniaBaptist Church.She is thedaugh‐ter of thelateWillard B. Sansomand TheresaY Sansom. Wife of thelate Joe Chaney,Jr, Beloved motherofClarice Johnson ofBufordGeorgia,LaKenya McBethofAngleton, Texas, KandriceJohnson,Jevone Johnson,Sr. of Manassas Virginiaand thelate TreazellSansom, Angelene Johnson,and Devone John‐son,Sr. Sister of Shena Clayborne andthe late Pa‐triciaGregory, WillardSan‐som,Sr. andAlSansom. Alsosurvivedbyher care‐taker andclose friend Doris Vaughn, 23 grandchil‐dren, 20 great-grandchil‐dren, anda host of nieces, nephews,cousins,other relatives andfriends.Rela‐tives andfriends of the familyalsoPastor, officers and membersofGreater Macedonia BaptistChurch New Generation Fellowship Church,and Employees of Orleans Parish Sherrif'sof‐fice areinvited to attend the Homegoing Celebration onSaturdayMay 16, 2026 at10:00 a.m. at Greater Macedonia BaptistChurch 2711 Danneel Street,New Orleans,LA70113.Visitation from9:00a.m.until 10:00 a.m.service time.BishopE Craig Wilson officiating. In‐terment:Providence Memorial Park Cemetery

Clark, StewartJay

StewartJay Clark, 80, of New Orleans, Louisiana, passedawayonMay 4, 2026, after acourageous battlewithcancer. Born on January 26, 1946, in Scran‐ton,Pennsylvania, to Al‐bertand DorothyClark, Stewart liveda life defined byintellectualcuriosity deep devotion to music, and an unwavering love for his family. Stewartearned his undergraduatedegree fromConcordia University beforeserving as aChap‐lain'sassistant during the Vietnam War. Afterhis mil‐itary service, he pursued his passionfor music, com‐pleting hisDoctorate of Music at theUniversityof Texas.His distinguished career in choral musicin‐cludedteachingchoraldi‐recting at both Tulane Uni‐versity andthe University ofTexas at Dallas,aswell asserving as Director of the Dallas Symphony Cho‐rus.Later in hiscareer, Stewart transitioned into medical management, working at LouisianaState UniversityHealthSciences Centerand subsequently atMercy Family Center, demonstrating thesame dedicationand profession‐alismthathad definedhis years in music. On March7, 1980, Stewartmarried KristinaSkold,beginning a partnership that would sustain andenrichboth their livesfor over four decades.Outgoing, intel‐lectual,and steadfastin his convictions, Stewart was aman who cared deeply abouthis family. He was unwavering in hislib‐eralpolitical viewsand never shiedawayfrom thoughtfulconversation. Hewas alover of music and agiftedchefwho showedhis love forothers through themeals he pre‐pared forfamilyand friends.Stewart is survived byhis belovedwife, KristinaClark;his daugh‐ters, JessicaClark Chan‐damuriand Rachel Clark Tangney.Hewas preceded indeath by hisparents Dorothy andAlbertClark, and hisbrother,AlbertE Clark.A celebrationof Stewart'slifewillbeheld

'Jimmy

James"Jimmy" Collings passedawayonApril 23 froma terminal illness. He was born on August 27, 1952 to Robert andFran‐coise Collings.Heissur‐vived by hisyounger brother KennyCollingsand precededindeath hisolder brother PeterCollings. He was born in Norwich, Con‐necticutand raised in Je‐wittCity, Connecticut. Jimmy hada adventitious life, danced to hisown beat, andwasn’tscaredto takea risk.First bartender atClancy’s, he then moved ontoopening up theRiver Shack in 1990, renovating Racketeerswhich is now South Port MusicClub. Also, in 1990 he marriedhis wifeSamanthaCollings and they hadtwo boys,Ian and McCormickCollings. His last venturewas the ShimmyShack in Harahan which hasbeen open for23 years,and hispersonality and witare on thewalls throughoutthe building Hewas thefunniestguy, entertainer,& apaininthe a$$, butmostofall he was the best father andhus‐band, andmybestfriend. Pleasejoinustocelebrate thisone of akindguy's life onMay 16, 2026 at Gardens ofMemoriesFuneralHome, 4900 AirlineDr.,Metairie, LA70001 for12noon.Visi‐tationbeginsat10a.m.An after partyinhis honorwill followatthe Shimmy Shack,1855 Dock St New Orleans,LA70123.

away peacefullyatthe age of 65, on May 2, 2026 in the comfort of her on home surrounded by her loved ones. Lisa was diagnosed with extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma in March 2025, but she did not let her diagnosis define her Lisa "The Warrior" put up a great fight and died with a smile on her face. Sheis preceded in death by her parents: Anthony and Olga Fasola, Sr. and her siblings: Mark Fasola and Sharon Fasola. Lisa was born and raised in New Orleans, where she graduated from Dominican High School. She was displaced to Arlington, TN (Memphis) in 2005 due to Hurricane Katrina. Lisa loved to scuba dive, take her yearly beach trips with the "Florida Girls", whip that limo bus around like a racecar, and most importantly, spend time with her children and grandchildren. Lisa knew howto bring love and excitement into every room she entered and was known for so many of her yatty sayings... "Ya hear me?!"

She is survived by her loving husband: Danny Jackson (his two children and six grandchildren), her two beautiful children: LaurenMaenza and Scott Sherman (along with their spouses and six grandchildren), and her siblings: Anthony Fasola, Jr Ann Marie Sequeira, Missy Fasola, four nephews and one neice.

Aservice will be held on Saturday, June 6, 2026 @11:00am at Saint Ann Church, with avisitation beginning @10:00am.

**Please wear red to honor Lisa "The Warrior"! Celebration of Life to follow. Aservice willbe held from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM on 2026-06-06atSaint AnnChurch, 4940 Transcontinental Street

Alfred J. "Chucky" Felton Jr. Anative of Garyville, LA., passed away on April 25, 2026.Son of the late Alfred FeltonSr. and Pauline Borne Felton. Father of Melanie Iweze, Tyrone Felton, and Damon Ceasar. He is survived by six grandchildren and four great grandchildren: his siblings, Mary C. Harvey, Claudette M. Felton, Kim F. Jones, Kerry Felton, Sr. Michelle Marshall and the late Paulette and Brenda Felton. Two aunts, Earline and Agatha Borne, ahost of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. ACelebration of Life will be held on FridayMay 15, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church 777LA44, Reserve, LA, Rev. Peter Damian Harris, O.P. Celebrant. Viewing from 8a.m. until service time. Interment in St. John Memorial Gardens Laplace, LA. Professional Service entrusted to caring staff of Hobson Brown Funeral Home 134 Daisy Street Garyville, La 70051

Olive

Marie Rodriguez

Olive Marie Rodriguez Fuchs peacefullydied on May 7, 2026, at the age of 91. Olive graduated from Metairie Park Country Day School and attended LSU. In 1955, she married John Charles Fuchs, Jr. They residedinMetairie and raised 3children: Mary Fuchs Gaudin (Hilary), Suzanne Fuchs Mueller (Walter), and Davidand their children continued the Country Day tradition. She loved hosting family holidays, attending parades and balls, international travel, and wasa regular bridge player. Olive was also askilled seamstress, including needlepoint,making clothes and costumes for her children and grandchildren. At several times, Olive ownedresidencesin Destin, Florida that she shared with familyand friends. She was amember of philanthropic and social organizations. She supported and donated to multiple charitable causes including St. Catherine of

Sienna, EastJefferson Hospital,and PEO as a50year membersupporting womenineducation. She enjoyedwatching all sports as an avid Saints and LSUfan and attended Super BowlXLIV to watch herbeloved Saintswin Olive was precededin deathbyher parents, Anthony and Josephine Rodriguezand herhusband. Sheissurvivedby her children, her brother Antonio J.Rodriguez (Virginia), grandchildren: JonathanGaudin, Walter Tyler Mueller (Andresa), ChelseaGaudinFavret (Thomas), Courtney Mueller Sharp (Dylan), HilaryGaudinRobin (Hunter), Mary Olivia Gaudin Dupepe (Hunter), great grandchildren: Francis, Collins, Alina Marie, Rileyand nephews Jake and Stephen. Our grateful hearts are appreciativetothe longtermlovingand dedicated care provided by Charlestine Jones, Donna Manning, Shantrell York, Tomekia Bradley, and Valerie Williams. Relatives and friends areinvited to attend the Funeral Mass at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home, 5100 PontchartrainBlvd New Orleans,LA70124on Friday, May15, 2026,at1:00 p.m. Visitationwillbegin at 11:00 a.m. until service time. Interment will follow in Metairie Cemetery. To view and signthe online guest book, please visit www.lakelawnmetairie.co m

UlyssesD.Jackson,Jr., onWednesday,April 22 2026, departed this plane ofexistence to beginhis new life journeywithhis Lordand Savior Jesus Christ. He lived84amazing years andbrought joyto everyonehe met. Ulysses was born on January26, 1942, to UlyssesD.Jackson Sr. andIrene ChalkJackson DoddAlbanyHebrard in New Orleans, LA.Lovingly known as “Jack, Junior,” and “Paw PawJack,”he proudly served hiscountry firstinthe United States MarineCorps andlater in the Army.Jackwas prede‐ceased by hisparents and his brother, Benjamin.He was twicemarried, firstto Barbara (deceased) and secondtoElsee.Tothese unions, no children were born. He leaves to cherish his memories,his daughter inlove, JoyWashington Morgan(Anthony);grand‐daughter, Azrien-Shai (“Old Folks”); MichaelMor‐ris;special lifelong friend, Mrs.Bernadine Washing‐ton Keyser;his travel club “ClassicSoulCruiseand Travel”;and amultitude of other family membersand friends who lovedhim dearly. He will be truly missed. Allwho arecon‐nectedtohis long and wonderful life areinvited tocelebrate thelifeand legacyofMr. UlyssesD Jackson,Jr.,onSaturday, May 16,2026, in theChapel ofRoses at CharbonnetLabat GlapionFuneral Home, 1615 St.Philip Street,New Orleans, LA at 1:00p.m.Visitationat12:00 p.m.A receptionwillfol‐low.Private burial will take place at alater date Pleasesignonlineguest‐book at charbonnetfuner‐alhome.com. Charbonnet Labat Glapion, Directors (504)581-4411

CharmaineLaBeauMar‐rero, passedawayon Wednesday,April 29,2026 atthe ageof90. Adevoted wife, extraordinary mother, loving andnurtur‐ing grandmother, Mrs. Marrero liveda life rooted infaith,familyand love Charmaine wasbornon

October16, 1935, oneof eight children,toJohnand Norma OlivierLaBeau. A lifelongCatholic, shewas educatedatCorpusChristi Elementary, Xavier Preparatory High School and Xavier University of Louisiana where shere‐ceivedher Bachelor's De‐greeinEducation.She later obtained herMasters De‐greeinEarly Childhood Ed‐ucation from theUniversity ofNew Orleansand spent 25years as an educator in the OrleansParishPublic School System.Charmaine had an adventurousspirit and embraced life fully. She traveled extensively withher husband,children and friends, creating mem‐ories across theglobe Evenatthe ageof88, she embarkedona cruise to Bermuda,a testamentto her curiosityand love of exploration.She hadan outgoing personalitywhich drewher to join many meaningfulorganizations throughouther life,includ‐ing,The Legion of Mary The Amulets, TheLinks, Inc. andJackand Jill of America.Inquieter mo‐ments,she also lovedto read, garden andplay Bridge. Alover of music and thearts, Charmaine often attended Broadway shows,the operaand the ballet. Survivorsinclude her children,Roy (Kathryn),Keith,DeniseSt. Cyr (Steven),Christopher (Shannon),JenniferLewis (Christopher) andPatrick (Angele); fifteen grandchil‐dren; sevengreat-grand‐children; sisters, Susan LaBeauGalbreth, Janice LaBeauand AnnMarie LaBeauWilliams, allof whommissher dearly.She isprecededindeath by her husband,Dr. RoyMarrero Sr; siblings,JoanLaBeau Mathieu,Norman, Darryl and AlvinLaBeau..A Mass ofChristian burial honor‐ing thelifeand legacy of the late CharmaineLaBeau Marrero will be held at ResurrectionofOur Lord Church,9701 Hammond Street,New Orleans, LA 70127 on Saturday,May 16 2026 at 11 am.Internment St. Louis#3Cemetery. Visi‐tation9 am in thechurch In lieu of flowers, thefam‐ily requests donationsto XavierUniversityof Louisiana's GapFund Pleasesignthe online guestbook at www.cha rbonnetfuneralhome.com. Charbonnet LabatGlapion Directors (504)581-4411.

Mary, PaulEugene

Paul EugeneMary III, 91, of Bay Saint Louis, MS, passed away on Wednesday, May 6, 2026. Paul is survivedbyhis sister, CynthiaSue Mary. Services willbeheldon Monday May 18, 2026, at Our Ladyofthe Gulf Catholic Church, with visitation at 9:00 a.m.,and Mass of ChristianBurial at 10:00 a.m. Graveside service willtakeplace at 2:30 p.m. at Hope Mausoleum & St. John Cemetery, 4841 CanalSt., NewOrleans, LA View and sign online tributeatbslef.com Ragas, VernaMae Turner

VernaMae Turner Ragas peacefullydepartedthis lifeonSaturdayMay 9th, at Ochsner Health Center in Gretna, Louisiana, sur‐rounded by her five chil‐drenand otherfamilyand friends.She leaves behind a life marked by devotion and committed love forher family. Shewas 78 years old.Verna wasborntothe lateLeonand Elvina Williams Turner on January 5,1948, in Potash Louisiana.She wasa na‐tiveofPortSulphur Louisiana andafter Hurri‐caneKatrina sherelocated toCollege Station, Texas for19years before making

herway back home to Plaquemines Parish.She was adevoted mother to Iven andAlvin Edgerson, Dwanna Riley, GilbertC Ragas,Cynthia Bazile(Tor‐rance)and thelateIan P. Ragas.A loving mother-inlaw to Trinette Edgerson Avery RileySr. andKim‐berly B. Ragas. Shewas the proudestofher 22 grand‐children: Ivy(Christopher) Iva, Ivielle, Demarcus, Christopher,Alvin Jr., Ash‐ley,Avery Jr.(Angelle), Au‐tumn, Ashton,Shai, Tasia, Ian, Aiden, Jaeda, Jayvion, Keyvondrick,Isaiah, Lamarcus, Zaquavion, Jay‐dorian, andAngel along withher 7great-grandchil‐dren. Shewas thesisterof MaryParker(late Lionel), AltheaPepper(Michael), SheilaCamese(late Eddie), Vincent Turner (Devora), MyraManuel(Alton),and LorraineLafrance.Verna was preceded in deathby her sistersConnieand June Turner,her brother VictorTurner. Also,her nephews Cordelland CantrellParker, nieces KendraParkerand Atasha Turnerand herthree clos‐est friends: Mary Jane Gib‐son,Barbara Proutand Ce‐celia Reed,all of whomshe misseddearlyand often sharedfondmemoriesof. Verna wasloved by so manyand will be deeply missedbyall herfamily, friends,co-workersaswell asher threeGodchildren: LorraineWilliams, Dwayne ParkerSr. andDelishia Davis.Relatives and friends of thefamilyare in‐vited to attend thefuneral service on Saturday,May 16thatthe GreaterMace‐donia BaptistChurch lo‐cated at 27796 Hwy23, Port Sulphur,Louisiana 70083 The visitation will beginat 9am followed by an 11am funeral service. Rev. Man‐drelPansy,Sr. will offici‐ate.Interment Fisher CemeteryHighway 23, Port Sulphur,Louisiana.Funeral planningentrusted to RobinsonFamilyFuneral Home9611 LA-23, Belle Chasse LA.70037 (504) 2082119. Foronlinecondo‐lencespleasevisit www robinsonfamilyfuneralho me.com

DaisyMae Russ Ray‐mond, born July 1, 1946, passedawaypeacefully on May 2, 2026. Survived by her belovedand devoted son,GregoryRuss, other familyand friends. Rela‐tives andfriends of the familyare invitedtoattend the FuneralServiceson Saturday, May16, 2026, for 10:00 a.m. at Little St.John M.B.C., 2404 So.Rocheblave St.,New Orleans, LA 70125 Visitationwillbegin at 9:00 a.m.PastorDarrenMiddle‐ton,officiating. Interment willfollowatMt. Olivet Cemetery, N.O. LA.Guest‐book Online:www.anewtra ditionbegins.com(504) 2820600. Linear BrooksBoyd and DonavinD.BoydOwn‐ers/FuneralDirectors

Yvonne DavisReed,Jan‐uary18, 1950 –May 10, 2026. ThefamilyofMrs Yvonne DavisReed sadly announces herpeaceful transitiononSunday, May 10, 2026, at theage of 76. A lifelongresidentofAlgiers, Louisiana,Yvonne wasa devoted mother,grand‐mother, educator,sister, auntie, andfriendwhose kindnessand dedication touched countless lives throughoutthe NewOr‐leans community.Bornon January 18, 1950, to thelate Jonas DavisSr. andLouise ThomasDavis,Yvonne was raisedwithstrongfamily values, faith,and apassion for education. Shegradu‐atedfromL.B.LandryHigh School in 1967 before con‐tinuing heracademicjour‐ney at OurLadyofHoly Cross College, where she earnedbothher Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees Yvonne dedicatedmany years of serviceasa school teacherwithinthe New OrleansPublicSchool system. Shewas admired bystudents, colleagues, and parentsalike forher patience, compassion,and unwavering commitment tohelping children suc‐ceed.Her legacy in educa‐tioncontinues throughthe manylives sheinspired throughouther career.She leavestocherish herloving memoryher children: Damon Reed (Marcella Reed), Demetria Reed Parker(DarnellParkerSr.), LawardReed,Keenon Reed (Tashonda Reed), and Larry Rainey (StaceyP Rainey).She wasthe proud and loving grandmotherof Darniesha Yvonne Parker, Darnell Parker Jr LaceyC Rainey, Larriane D. Rainey, Damon Reed Jr., Tyrus Reed,Keenon Reed Jr., Keion Reed Sr., Kendrall Reed,KendaeReed,Isis Evans,Kevonte Peyton, Ke’SanPayton, Keemon Payton, SaNaiyaCocker‐ham,Ja’Quan Brown, Ke‐ironWilson, DestinyJa‐cobs, Laward Smith, Nigel Knotenand Lavard Smith. She wasprecededindeath byher belovedgrandson, KendrickUssin. Yvonne is alsosurvivedbyher loving sister, Drucilla DavisFas‐sitt. Shewas preceded in death by hersiblingsEdna M.Arbuthnot,Jonas Davis Jr.,Betty DavisClark,and GeraldDavis Sr.Mrs.Reed willberememberedfor her warmspirit, strength,wis‐dom,and deep love for family. Herhomewas al‐ways filledwithlaughter, guidance, anduncondi‐tionallove. Sheleavesbe‐hinda legacy of faith,edu‐cation, anddevotionthat willcontinue to live on in the hearts of allwho knew and lovedher.The family extends sinceregratitude for allprayers,calls,visits, and expressionsoflove shown during this difficult time. AFuneral Servicewill beheldonSaturday, May 16, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. at Faith is theVictory Christ‐ian Center,3145 Alex Korn‐man Blvd Harvey,LA 70058. Visitation will begin at9:00a.m.Interment will beinRestlawnParkCeme‐tery. Professional arrange‐mentsentrusted to Majes‐

523-5872.

Rodriguez, Elaine Masset

Elaine Masset Rodriguez, age 92 years, passedawayonFriday, February 27, 2026. Loving motherofKaren C. Schott (Bob) and Edward Rodriguez(Kimber). Elaine hadeight grandchildren andeight great-grandchildren.Relatives andfriends are invited to attenda funeralservice at St.Francis Xavier Church,444 Metairie Road on May15, 2026. Visitation is from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. followed by afuneral mass. Followingthe mass is a celebrationoflifenext door to theChurchinthe St.Joseph Hall from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Aprivate burialservice will take place on June 1, 2026. In lieu of flowers, make donationsbynavigating to MetairieHumane.org (click thelinkfor "Donate" and then "InMemory/Honor Donations").

Sears, Marshall

Marshall Searsentered eternal rest at Passage Hospice on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, at theage of 71. He wasa native of New Orleans,LA, anda resident ofMarrero,LA. Marshall was aself-employedland‐scaperand hadvarious jobsthroughouthis life.He loved gardeningand hada deep love forantique cars especially classicChevro‐lets. Belovedhusband of Lenovia B. Searsfor over 50 years.Lovingfatherof MarshallDwayne(Chas‐sity) Sears, Sr.and Anya Clarisse Sears(Lawrence) Morris. Sonofthe late RobertSears,Sr.,and Eliza‐bethMarshallSears Grandsonofthe late Cleo Turnerand Victoria Mar‐shall. BrotherofAmanda Johnson,Renitha Pitts,Vic‐toria C. Sears, KevinWash‐ington, andthe late Mar‐sha Lenox, Robert Sears, Jr.,RaymsaSears,Laitia Cole, RobertaSigler, Phillip Sears,GeorgeSears,and Lizesse Sears. Marshall is alsosurvivedby6 grand‐children, anda host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends.Relatives and friends of thefamily, also pastors,officers,and members of RegularBap‐tistChurch andall neigh‐boringchurches arein‐vited to attend theHome‐goingCelebration at Regu‐

OUR VIEWS

Ourpicks for constitutional amendmentson May16ballot

Voters will weigh in on five proposedconstitutional amendments in Saturday’s election. The Times-Picayune and Advocatenewspapers make these recommendations.

Amendment 1: Job creation outside the state civil service system. No State employees fall into two categories: classified workers whose employmentisoverseen by the Civil Service Commission andwho have certain jobprotections, and unclassified employees who serve at will. Amendment 1would allowthe Louisiana Legislature to shift jobs from classified to unclassified without commission approval.

The idea behind the proposal is to make government agencies more nimble; amongother things, putting more jobs into theunclassified categorywould make it easier to hire and fire workers.

We support the goal of making government work better for citizens, but we are concerned that the amendment could lead to large-scale disruptions of the workforce and reintroduce thesortofpolitical influence thatcivil service was designed to prevent

Amendment 2: New public school districtin the city of St. George. Yes.

The fight overapotential school districtfor the St. George region of East Baton Rouge Parishhas raged formorethana decade; in fact, it is what led to the incorporation in 2024 of the new city

Amendment 2asks voters statewide to allow thenew district to raise local revenue andto draw down money through thestate financing formula for public schools, key stepstoward making the break from theEast BatonRouge Parish school system.

We have expressed concernsoverhow anew schooldistrictwould impact other students in the parish. But we alsonotethatSt. George schoolsystemsupportershave gonethrough the process laid out before them

Amendment 3: Dissolveeducation trust funds and raise teacher pay. Yes.

Louisiana’s educatorswould get amodest but permanent raise, rather than theone-time stipends lawmakers have been doling outin recent years, if voters approve thisamendment. Money for an additional annual $2,250 forteachersand $1,125 for support staff would befreed up by dissolving three education trustfunds and paying down retirement debt.

Interest and investmentreturns fromthese funds are currently used forvariousneeds, including higher education andearly childhood education. If the amendmentpasses, legislators indicate they’ll find other resources to keep fundingthese priorities, andwehopetheydo.

Amendment 4: Local optiononbusiness inventory property tax. Yes.

This amendment wouldallow local parishes, at their own discretion, to reduce or eliminate the tax now assessed on business inventories. Louisiana’sinventory tax isananachronistic and costly administrativeburden thatputsLouisiana jurisdictions at acompetitive disadvantage to the 41 states that impose nosuch levy. Because the tax applies not to profits but toinstock inventories, some businesses with small profitmargins are forced to pay taxesashighas their net earnings. That’sanobvious deterrent to small business and ajob killer

Because afew heavilyindustrializedparishes rely on the inventory tax for alargepartof theirgovernment funding, this amendmentdoes not eliminatethe tax automatically butinstead givesparishes achoice.

Amendment 5: Raise mandatoryretirement age for judges. Yes.

Amendment 5would raise themandatory retirement age for judges in Louisiana from70to 75.Thiswould allow judges to runfor terms as long as 10 years if they havenot reached their 75th birthday We think this is areasonable proposalgiven that people are generally livinglongerthanthey once did and that many retired judgesstill work on an ad hoc basis.

YOUR VIEWS

Thereare ways U.S. can addressits illegaldrugissue

Fivestepstoameliorate ourillegal drug problem:

One, focus on demand, not supply Trying to stop the supply of drugs is awaste of money.Drugs like fentanyl are too small toeasily detect.

Two, the states need to get out of thedrug treatment business and do diagnosis and referral and in-home follow-up of persons treated at privatefacilities or by physicians.

Private facilities will give the states the names of clientswho were discharged in order toget future referrals. In-homefollow-up will illuminate thebest drug treatment programsfor different types of people.

Three, women need their own drug treatment centers. Women addictsare subject to physical and sexual abuse. Separate treatment facilities for juveniles and theelderly are also needed.

Four, drug prevention programs are activities that will keep our youthoccupied.

Drug education programs have produced minimal results. We need activities such as “teen nightclubs”

As afather of twins, one in heaven and one here on earth, this thought weighs on me often.

After losing my daughter,Imade adecision in my son’shospital room: no father should feel unprepared, unseen or unsupported during one of themost critical moments in his life.

In Louisiana, we highlight maternal health, infant mortality,early childhood and family stability,and we should. Butthere is agap in those conversations. We continue to overlook a major factor in improving these outcomes: fathers. Since that loss, I’ve dedicated my time to helping fathers show up for their families from pregnancy through postpartum and beyond. I’ve led workshops, hosted events and served in leadership roles advancing fatherhood engagement. Yet, despite thework, fathers are still treated as an afterthought. That doesn’tmake sense. When fathers are present and supported,

and sports that let everyoneplay Music, artsand hobbies can be helpful. Schools should require everyone to be part of aschool-approved group.

Five, persons who cannot afford a privatedrug treatment facility can be sent to astate-run facility that does not treat drug addiction but keeps them in adrug-free environment. These facilities would provide work to do, meals and aplace to sleep. Exercise equipmentand a varietyofgames would be available. No cellphones or internet access would be allowed. However,family and friends could visit during the evenings and on weekends. Religious services would exist forthose who desire them. The beauty of these facilities is that they will be inexpensive to run as they do not require any professional staff. Plus, these drugfree facilities will serve as acontrol group for thehighly expensive privatetreatment centers.

JAYWIERIMAN Metairie

outcomes improve for mothers, children and communities. We see it in maternal health, child development and reduced stress at home, leading to stronger family systems. We also seethe consequences when fathers are left out, especially in communities impacted by incarceration.Rebuilding those family connections is central toour DadReady model andoften thedifference between breaking cycles or repeating them.

If we are serious about strengthening families, we must be just as intentional about preparing and supporting fathers as we are about supporting mothers. Thisisn’tabout choosing one over the other; it’s about recognizing what’smissing. The work is happening. It’s just not being seen, funded or scaled. Fatherhood is familyhood. Will we continue to overlook it or finally invest in it?

ANDRE APPARICIO founder of Dad-A-Port

We don’t have to accept senseless killingsinLa.

Have we had enough yet? In one week: eight children killed in Shreveport, one teen killed and five wounded in Baton Rouge, and one massshooting suspect intercepted before he could murder people at Jazz Fest. How’s everyone enjoying their freedom? Louisiana is one of the nation’smost gun-friendly states. As of 2024, we allow concealed carry without apermit, allowing anyone to carry firearmsvirtually anywhere. When there are no rules and no checks on firearms, you get dead teenagers at the mall. Youget dead children at school. Youget anation of people so convinced of the necessity of unchecked gun rights that they will watch the carnage flow again and again and never put twoand twotogether Mental health is often blamed as the culprit, rather than lax gun laws, but it’snot either-or.Two things can be true. And besides, cries forbetter mental health services are ahollow argument unless one is ready to vote for universal healthcare.

Our health insurers have sold us out, the gun lobby has sold us out and our lawmakers have sold us out. Until we the people decide we’ve had enough, the senseless killings will continue unchecked.

MOLLYCLEAVER NewOrleans

Voters forced to choose partycan choose to create confusion

Avery large group of Louisiana voters whohave been abandoned by both dysfunctional political parties and are now listed as “NoParty” are being forced by the Republican Party to choose aparty in order to vote in the upcoming congressional primary election. Ithink it would be agreat idea if we all chose the Democratic Party, whether intending to vote that way in November or not. It would send amessage to the Republican Party leaders, not that Ithink they care, and it would confuse them and the political pundits trying to predict the general election. At least we could have alittle fun while submitting to our mandate.

Prairieville

La.man on amission forUkraine

Even as Ukraine is reportedly turning the tide against Russia’saggression, itsdefensive war rarely garners much news coverageanymore. Nonetheless, New Orleanian Arnie Fielkow is on a mission to rouse more grassroots American support for Ukraine’scause It’sarighteous mission.

Quin Hillyer

Fielkow,whose past public roleshave included being aSaints executive,city council member,and CEO ofthe Jewish Federation of Greater New Orleans, is embarking on asix-month assignment leading Communities for Ukraine, aproject ofthe New York-based Razomfor Ukraine. Razom, whichmeans “together” in Ukrainian, is rated by both Forbes andFortune magazines among the top 10 nonprofit organizations in Ukraine,and arguably is the most prominent U.S.-based proUkrainian outfit. It saysithas delivered $205 million in aid to that Eastern European nation since the 2013-14 Maidan movement that threw out apuppetgovernmentcontrolled by Moscow

The timing of Fielkow’snew undertaking is fortuitous, as will shortly be explained, but first, IaskedFielkowhow he got involved.

“In 2007, when my wife and Iadopted two beautiful Ukrainian daughters, itbegan my 20-year love affair with the country,” Fielkow said. His family traveled there several times before the war,and Fielkow himself has made fourseparate trips there (or to itsborder) since Russia’sbrutal invasiononFeb. 24, 2022

On his first visit, just weeks afterthe invasion, he visited atrain stationinSlovakia about 5miles from the Ukrainian border,where he met agroup of about 30 orphan children and their one adult leader fleeing the highly volatile war.

“They were freezing,” Fielkowsaid of conditions which, in that month, saw regular temperature drops atnight to about 32 degrees. “And Ithought that, but for the grace of God, these kids could have been my daughters.” Fielkow handed them about 50 warm knit caps from the Black and Gold Sports Shop in Metairie, featuring Saints colors and logos, and, he said, “you would have thought Iwas giving them gold, as they were so excitedto receive anything.”

Not that this was the point —the warmth was the goal —but he said he

thinks he inadvertently created acadre of Saintsfans in Eastern Europe.

More poignant still was when, on the sametrip,sponsored by the Jewish Federation of North America, he was on thePolish-Ukrainian border when aUkrainianman tooold for military serviceappeared, carrying little else except asmallish box thatheobviously treasured.

Proddedtosay what was in the box, the man explained thatduring World WarII, hisparentshad hidden numerousJews, protecting them from theNazis. Yearslater,the YadVashem World HolocaustMuseum in Israel had added his parents to itsfamous Righteous Among the Nations list of some 28,000 people who “took great risks to save Jews duringthe Holocaust.”

In thebox that the man dared not leave behind in Ukraine —this was when most ofthe world still thought theRussiansweregoing to completely overrunhis country —was the medal giventohis parents from YadVashem.

Fielkow:“The man said that‘80 years ago, myparentshelped your Jewish community escape the Nazis and Iwant youtoknowthat today your community is helping my family escape awar.’ The entireroomwas crying.”

Anyway, Fielkow has continued to be involved withRazom’s efforts,and nowhewill shepherdthis six-month program. In it,Fielkow will lead athreepersonteam on threetrips to key U.S. statestobuild moregrassroots engage-

ment on behalf of Ukraine through meetings with interested citizens,business leaders, journalistsand local officials. This Sunday,the team starts visiting threecities in Florida, beginning withMiami, which has asubstantial number of Ukrainian refugees. Another trip will visit New Orleans,Baton Rouge and Shreveport.Another will go to New York, Pittsburgh and one other cityin Pennsylvania to be determined. All this occursagainst thebackdrop of multiple reportsinAmerican media —not prominent enough, but still reports —thatUkraine may now have the upper hand as Russia’s manpower and economy arewaning. This is exactly what was predicted lastSeptember by former Tulane provost and leading Russian-affairs expert Fred Starr,who told me thenthat “Russia is definitely and unquestionably losing this war.” Ukraine’sremarkable courage, along withits astonishing advances in drone technology and advancement,may indeed be putting dictator Vladimir Putin on his heels All of which makes Fielkow’sawareness-raising jobeven more important. National lawmakersneed to hear that Americans still want their country to materially support Ukraine, in order to end the war on favorable termsand ensurethatPutin is chastened beyond repair

Email Quin Hillyer at quin.hillyer@ theadvocate.com

Living in aDemocraticfantasy world

Anew poll suggests that asizable number of Democrats —more than 40% in some cases—believethe attempts on President Donald Trump’s life were fake.

The poll, which surveyed 1,000 Americans over the age of 18, was conducted by NewsGuard andYouGov.Itaskedpeople to respond to three statements:

“The assassination attempt againstDonaldTrump at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner in April 2026 was staged.”

Thehilarious Rubio meme is making Americalaugh

ocratic respondents.

findings wasthat theassassination attempt that seemed mostundeniably real —the Butler incident —was the eventthe largest number of Democrats characterized as fake. On that day, Trumpwas shot and was visibly bleeding, while one man was killed andtwo others were seriously wounded, all of it captured on video and still pictures by several press photographers. And now many people, mostofthem Democrats, cannot accept that it happened.

“The assassination attempt against Donald Trump at aTrump presidential campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, in July2024 was staged.

“The assassination attempt against Donald Trump at Trump International Golf Club in September 2024 was staged.”

The pollsters found that 34%of Democrats said the Correspondents Dinner attempt was staged; 42% of Democrats said the Butler shooting was staged; and 26% said the Trump golf club incident was staged.

By way of contrast, 13% of Republicans said the Correspondents Dinner attempt was staged; 7% of Republicans said the Butler shooting was staged; and 7% said the Trump golf club incident was staged.

The Republican numbers are bad enough, reflecting an information system and troubled culture in whichfewer and fewer people believewhat they read and watch. But the Democratic numbers are off the scale, reflecting something far beyond that —a political atmosphere in which some people will believe anything abouttheirhated opponent,that he is afascist,adictator and aman who would stageelaborate phony assassination attemptsfor political gain. One striking aspect of thepoll’s

TheNewsGuard analysis notes that, “Minutes after Secret Service escorted ableeding Trump off thestage, social media lit up with claims that the shooting was staged, arguing, forexample, that Trumpfaked the shooting witha‘blood pill’ and that photojournalistsatthe scene had been tipped off. Nearly two years later, that narrative continues to gain traction, with claims by some social media users that an actual Russian plot to stage an assassination in Hungary that never came to fruition is proof that the Pennsylvaniarally shooting was also staged.”

Thepoll questions gave respondents theoption of saying they were “not sure” whether each of the assassination attempts was staged or not. When you combine thenumberofpeople who said that aparticular event was definitely staged with those who said they were not sure whether it was staged, youget amajority of Americanswho question thereality of the Trumpassassination attempts. Forthe Butler shooting, acombined 53% said it was staged or they werenot sure; for the Correspondents Dinner, 56% percentsaid it was staged or they were not sure; and for thePalm Beach golfcourse incident, 52% said it was staged or they were not sure. Again, these figureswere dominated by Dem-

These are huge numbers of people who believe theassassination attempts are massive lies or might be lies. The numbers are so striking that NewsGuard included an editorial note: “After we received these resultsfrom YouGov,wewere so surprised by the survey findings that we asked YouGov to go back and recheck the data. They did so and confirmed their findings.”

For Democrats,the resultsare reminiscent of earlier polls that measured credulity about the most sensational allegations in the Trump-Russia controversy of the president’s first term. In late 2018, the Economist and YouGov asked respondents about this statementconcerning the2016 election: “Russia tampered with vote tallies in order to get Donald Trumpelected president.” Wasittrue or false?

First of all, the statement was clearly false; there has never been any evidence that Russia tampered with vote tallies in the2016 U.S. presidential election.

But31% of Democrats told pollsters thestatementwas “definitely” true, and another 36% of Democrats said it was “probably” true. That was atotal of 67% of Democrats —two-thirds of theparty —who believed Russia definitely or probably tampered with 2016 votetallies.

Of course, at that time, experiencing fantasies about Trumpand Russia was an everyday experience for many Democrats and their allies in the press. Indeed, watching some news coverage from thetime, who wouldn’tbelieve thewildest stories about Trump? Now, thephenomenon has been updated with new material —the assassination attempts —but thewillingness to believe anything is the same.

Email Byron York at byork@washingtonexaminer.com.

“My favorite thing about our current politics” is not aphrase Iuse alot. In fact, it’saphrase Idon’tuse at all. Covering politics today is a grim dance between the vicious and the idiotic, between repulsion and despair.Itisthe journalistic equivalent of bonking your temples with a ball-peen hammer.Repeatedly Except forthe lone ray of sunshine that cut through the poisonous fogofthe culture war, the one wanhope that escaped from whatever bargain-basement Pandora’sbox launched us into this demented era. Ispeak, of course, of the Marco Rubio meme.

For those whoare not wasting too much time on social media, Ican finally say you are missing out. Rubio memes are the mostdelightful thing to hit modern politics in decades. The entire family can enjoy them, from your MAGA uncle to your #NeverTrumpniece, from your “resistance lib” cousin to your “abundance bro” brother

The gag is simple. Remember when Rubio kept adding new jobs to his portfolio? First, President Donald Trumpplucked him from the Senate to becomeSecretary of State. Next thing we knew,Rubio took on roles as interim national security adviser and acting archivist of the United States. Well, somemerry memester figured out it would be funny to makepictures of Rubio finding out he had yet another job. Like “president of Venezuela,” which seemstobeanearly example of this meme, posted soon after the U.S. military operation in the South American nation in January Soon, the memes werejoyously multiplying. There wasRubio finding out he was the new manager of Manchester United. Or the new shah of Iran. And then there’smyfavorite, the artificial intelligence-generated video of Rubio discovering he’sthe new chief executive of Anthropic.

People whoshare the memes may have wildly differing viewsonthe underlying events at which they gently poke fun. But whether you view the Venezuela raid as atriumph or awar crime, you can still get agood chuckle out of Rubio costumed up forathird-rate marching band.

Somereaders will be tempted to respond that we shouldn’tmake jokes out of terrible things. But this is exactly the attitude that is making American politics impossible.

Human beings have always told jokes about terrible things because laughter makes those things slightly less terrible to live through. We makelight of our failures and misfortunes, crack wise at funerals and in warzones, jeer at dictatorships and plagues. Because often the alternative is helpless sobbing.

Naturally,itmatters what kind of jokewetell. There are hilarious classic jokes about the stupidity of antisemitism and decidedly unfunny memes where the punch line is “the Jews.” But that’swhat makes the Rubio meme so heartwarming. They’re something we can all laugh about, even when there’snothing to celebrate. Ilived in Manhattan when the newsbroke that President Bill Clinton had been carrying on with White House intern Monica Lewinsky This wasahighly polarizing event, to put it mildly,and my family divided along predictable lines. My Republican relatives thought it was an outrage that should end his presidency, while the Democrats believed it was aprivate matter being scandalously exploited by rapacious Republicans. In overwhelmingly Democratic Manhattan, the latter sentiment prevailed. New Yorkers werestaunchly behind Clinton and outraged at Republican overreach.

That didn’tmean they couldn’thave funwith it. Everyone —the traders at the bank where Iworked, the real estate ladies at my mother’s office, the guy at the bodega —had aClinton joke they wanted to tell you. The late-night hosts had a field day Today’ssuccessors to Jay Leno and David Letterman trafficless in lighthearted, nonpartisan fluffand moreinself-serious jabs designed to elicit what comedian Seth Meyers has dubbed clapter: an ecstatically enraged audience applauding remarks that tickle their political funny bone, but aren’tactually,well, funny I’mnot suggesting that Rubio memes can cure us of that disease. Like mostmemes, they have too short ashelf lifetopromise any lasting treatment. Already,they are rarer and less funny than they used to be, and soon the internet will turn to something else. But the spirit that animates them doesn’thave to die. As long as Americans push past partisan differences and laugh together,then there’sstill achance we can find moreenduring points of agreement. MeganMcArdle is on X, @asymmetricinfo

with meteorologist DamonSingleton

Well,

ficiating. Visitation will begin at 8:30 a.m. until ser‐vicetimeatthe abovenamed church.Interment: RestlawnParkCemetery, Avondale, LA.Arrange‐ments by DavisMortuary Service,230 Monroe St., Gretna, LA.Toviewand signthe guestbook,please gotowww.davismortua ryservice.com

Singleton, Alice Bourgeois

DEATHS continued from Joshua Sr Jasmine, Vin‐centJr.,Jordan, Jailyn, Nicholas, K.P. Jr Rene Maya, andMattinisha; and her great-grandchildren: Joshua Jr Reginald Jr Ryan, andReneJr. Sheis alsosurvivedbya host of nieces, nephews, greatnieces, and greatnephews.Alicewas pre‐ceded in deathbyher hus‐band, Lionel SingletonSr., son,Vincent LeeSingleton Sr.,ten siblings;Israel, Eve‐lyn,Mary, Rosemary,Pearl, Shirley,Clifford, Edward Joel, and Roland Bourgeois. Familyand friendsare in‐vited to attend theCele‐bration of Life serviceon Friday, May15, 2026, at RhodesFuneralHome, 3933 WashingtonAve,New Or‐leans,LA70125. Viewing willbegin at 10:30a.m., fol‐lowed by theservice at 11:00 a.m.

On April30, 2026, Alice Bourgeois Singletonpeace‐fully passedawayatthe age of 85. Alicewas born onJanuary 18, 1941, to the union of thelateIsrael Bourgeois Sr.and Matilda Burns Bourgeois. Mrs. Alice dedicated many yearsof service as amanager of several hotels,where she developed astrongpas‐sionfor hospitalityand helping others.After retir‐ing,she devotedherself to being alovinghomemaker and enjoyeda life sur‐rounded by theloveofher sonsand family. Alice loved traveling, familyva‐cations,sports, outdoor adventures, andattending festivals.She wasraised between BatonRouge and Ponchatoula before even‐tuallysettlinginNew Or‐leans,Louisiana,withher latehusband,LionelSin‐gletonSr. Shewas oneof thirteenchildrenand is survivedbyher twoliving siblings, OscarBourgeois and Charlene Bourgeois. Mrs.Singleton was the beloved mother of six sons: Lionel SingletonJr. (Lana), VincentLee Single‐ton Sr., KirkpatrickSingle‐ton (Cynthia), Dwight Sin‐gleton(Lori), Jerome Sin‐gleton(Suretta),and her youngestson,Timothy Sin‐gleton(Lakisha).She also leavestocherish hermem‐oryher grandchildren:

SylvesterSSF,Sr. Marie Antoinette

Sister MarieAntoinette Sylvester, SSF (nee Willie MaeSylvester)the daugh‐terofWillieSylvester and Cecile HenrySylvester en‐teredeternal life on Satur‐day, May9,2026. Shewas 97 yearsold.SisterMarie Antoinette wasbornin Breaux Bridge,Louisiana on February 24, 1929. She enteredthe Congregation of theSisters of theHoly Family on September8, 1948, made FirstVowson June 14, 1951, andPerpet‐ualVowsonJune 14, 1956. Sister MarieAntoinette hadcelebratedmorethan 75 yearsasa Sister of the Holy Family.Toprepare for herministryineducation, Sister MarieAntoinette re‐ceived aBAineducation anda master’s degree in educationand Academic Counseling fromXavier University of Louisiana. Sister taught in thefollow‐ingplacesinLouisiana: Bastrop, even before she became aSister, Donald‐sonville,St. Catherine, Marksville,HolyRosaryIn‐

stitute, St.Raymond,St. Joan of Arc, Corpus Christi, St.Paulthe Apostle, New Orleans, St.Pauland Im‐maculate HeartofMaryin Lafayette andSt. Mary’s Academy; in Texas: San Antonio, Galveston, St Nicholas,Our Mother of Mercy, andHolyRedeemer in Washington,DC. Sister also worked as FinanceAs‐sistantatSt. Mary’s Acad‐emybesides beingAcade‐micCounselor.For many yearssisterwas thelocal treasureratthe mother‐housebalancing accounts accurately to thelast penny. Shemoved to Lafon NursingFacilityofthe Holy Family followinga serious fall more than twoyears ago, whereshe kept up a very active phoneministry with herfamilyand friends. Sister MarieAn‐toinette wasprecededin deathbyher parents, her sister Mrs. HazelBroussard andbrothers: Harold Sylvester, Raymond Sylvesterand Anthony Sylvester. Sister is sur‐vivedbyher sistersMrs GenevieveMatthewsand Mrs. Veronica Honore.She is also survived by nieces, nephews, grandniecesand nephews, herfriend, Con‐stance Birabent,beloved students,friends andSis‐ters of theHoly Family Rest in Peace, Toinette! Mass of ChristianBurial will be held on Thursday, May14, 2026, at theChapel of theSisters of theHoly Family at 6901 Chef MenteurHwy.NOLA70126. Visitation begins at 8:00 a.m. Wake services begin at 9:15 a.m. andMassof ChristianBurialat10:00 a.m. IntermentatSt. Louis Cemetery #2.Professional arrangements entrustedto Majestic Mortuary 504-5235872.

Thomas,Richard James

Richard JamesThomas entered eternal rest on Sunday, May 3, 2026, at the ageof72. Born June 13,

1953, in Saint Joseph, Louisiana. Richard was educated in theTensas and Orleans ParishSchool Systems and baptized at Saint John Missionary Baptist Church. He was preceded in death by his parents, Willie and Mollie Smith Thomas, and two brothers, John L. Thomas and Willie LeeThomas, Jr. He leaves to cherish his memory one brother, Robert (Ordelia) Thomas; three sisters,Alice Thomas, RobertaThomas Brown, and Maple Thomas (James); alongwith ahost of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends. Relatives and friends of thefamily are invitedtoattend aFuneralService at HavenTrinityMethodist Church, 1238 JolietStreet NewOrleans, Louisiana on Friday, May 15, 2026 at 10:00am. Visitation willbeginat9:00am. Rev. Charles Washington, Pastor, will officiate. Internment: Private. Arrangements by D.W.RhodesFuneral Home,New Orleans, Louisiana. Please visit www.rhodesfuneral.com to signonline guestbook.

Oscar“Dr.Nunu” AlphonseWilliamsentered eternal rest on Tuesday, April 28, 2026. Oscarwas bornonOctober 7, 1953, to the late Joseph andVicto‐ria Williams,Sr. Beloved husband of Barbara ThompsonWilliams, for35 years.Lovingfatherof MickeriaSr.,Trenisha, Ray‐gina, andDixie Sylve, step‐fatherofWanda,Charlotte, Wendall Thompson,and the late Denise Mercadel Brother to Joseph Sr., Josephine,David Sr Carl Sr.,CalvinSr.,Jeneta, Eliza‐beth, thelatePenny Viola, Avis, Dwight Sr., Carolyn, Steven,Winona, and

Roshon.Alsosurvivedby ninegranddaughters, fif‐teen grandsons, seven great grandchildrenand one great-greatgrandchild aswellasa host of nieces and nephews. Relatives, friends,members of St ThomasCatholicChurch, AssumptionMission Church,aswellasall neighboring churches of Plaquemines;employees ofPlaquemines Parish Gov‐ernment,formerBrown and Root, andPhoenix HighSchool areinvited to attend.A celebrationser‐vicehonoringthe life and legacyofthe late Oscar Dr.Nunu” Williams will be heldatSt. Thomas Catholic Church 17605 Hwy15, Point-ala-Hache,LAonSat‐urday May16, 2026. The visitationwillbegin at 9am followedbyan11amser‐vice. Father SampsonAb‐duliofficiatingand en‐tombmentwillfollowinSt. ThomasChurch Cemetery Funeralplanningentrusted toRobinsonFamilyFuneral Home 9611 LA –23, Belle

Chasse,LA70037 (504) 208 – 2119. Foronlinecondo‐lencespleasevisit www robinsonfamilyfuneralho me lar BaptistChurch,901 5th Street,Gretna, LA on Fri‐day,May 15, 2026, at 10:00 a.m.PastorT.A.Hodge,of‐

Saints set to play Steelers in Paris

Teams will face off in league’s first regular-season contest in France

BY JEFF DUNCAN Staff writer

The Pittsburgh Steelers are the Saints’ opponent for their Week 7 game in Paris, the NFL announced Wednesday

The game, which will be the first NFL contest in France, will be played Oct. 25 at Stade de France. Kickoff is set for 8:30 a.m. It will be the Saints’ fourth regular-season contest overseas following prior appearances (2008, 2017 and 2022) in London.

“It is a privilege for the New Orleans Saints to take part in the

season game in France,” Saints owner Gayle Benson said in a statement. “Louisiana’s relationship with France is centuries deep, and this game represents another meaningful step in strengthening those cultural and economic ties.”

The six-time Super Bowl champion Steelers were a bit of a surprise after media reports in February indicated the Cleveland Browns would serve as the Saints’ opponent for the game, which was part of the league’s nine-game International Series. The NFL is expected to announce the full schedule for the 2026 regular season Thursday

At the time, Benson denied the initial reports that the Browns would play in Paris, saying the opponent had not yet been determined by NFL officials.

ä See SAINTS, page 5C

STRUGGLES MOUND ON THE

BY KOKI RILEY Staff writer

Wachs could propel Tulane to conference tourney

BY GUERRY SMITH Contributing writer

If the Tulane baseball team performs well enough at Rice this weekend to qualify for the American Conference tournament, the league’s reigning player of the week likely will be the catalyst.

ä Tulane at Rice 6:35 P.M. THURSDAy

Jason Wachs, a sophomore one-man wrecking crew from Pembroke Pines, Florida, paces the Green Wave in batting average (.337), hits (64), doubles (21), home runs (eight), RBIs (52), runs (47), slugging percentage (.584) and on-base percentage (.465.). He leads the league in doubles and ranks among the top 10 in all of the other categories, but average (.004 shy) and home runs (one shy).

“I finally complimented him in the team speech on Sunday (after Wachs hit a tie-breaking three-run homer in the seventh inning against South Florida),” coach Jay Uhlman said. “I told him I take you for granted because it’s just kind of what you do, but he’s a man’s man. He plays hurt. He plays tired. He never complains He works He doesn’t show up his teammates. He’s everything you want in a player.”

Uhlman’s reference to playing hurt was not a generality Wachs has persevered through persistent hip pain all season, prompting Uhlman to move him from right field to designated hitter 11 times to ease his workload, even though he possesses the best arm on the team.

Jay Johnson paused for a long time before answering the question.

“What’s been the most frustrating part of the pitching this season?”

His response could’ve gone in several different directions. He could’ve talked about LSU’s inability to fill up the strike zone. He could’ve discussed how the Tigers were far and away the worst team in the Southeastern Conference when it came to throwing wild pitches. He could’ve mentioned how injuries marred a starting rotation that already had to replace Kade Anderson and Anthony Eyanson, both of whom are destined to be major leaguers.

But after mulling over those options, LSU’s coach finally

Ugochukwu

BY TOYLOY BROWN III

writer

landed on an answer that was none of the above.

“We had a couple guys coming out of the bullpen not ready when they came out of the whole thing,” Johnson said on Saturday, after the Tigers gave up 13 runs in their second of three losses to Georgia “You can’t give this team extra chances. When we bring a guy in out of the pen, it’s to get that guy out. That’s the first guy out; we don’t have time for them to get the third guy out.”

Johnson is right. It’s taken too long for LSU relievers to extinguish fires once they enter the game.

But that specific issue doesn’t fully explain the Tigers’ weekend 14.32 ERA as a pitching staff, or the 66 walks they issued in 76 innings against Georgia, Texas A&M and Mississippi State. And it isn’t the only reason why LSU heads into ä See LSU, page 4C

looks to be a steal for Wade, LSU

Divine Ugochukwu looks like a decent high-major backup point guard at first glance. The LSU commit

composite that uses multiple recruiting services Positionally, he’s touted as the No. 45 point guard on 247Sports and the No. 17 combo guard on On3. Why did coach Will Wade prioritize adding a lead ball handler with little buzz to his roster? Ugochukwu has all

The hip began bothering Wachs around the conference tournament last season and did not improve when he returned in the fall after resting it in the summer

“Before the spring, it was like, well, it’s go time now,” he said. “I didn’t really have a choice. I just played through it.”

Through treatment, training and diligent weight-room work, Wachs is one of three players who have started every game for the Wave, along with shortstop Kaikea Harrison and left fielder Tye Wood. He will opt whether or not to have surgery at the end of the season — a decision he hopes will come

Ugochukwu’s eye-catching explosiveness wasn’t highlighted at Michigan State due to a small role with a star backcourt mate.

ä See UGOCHUKWU, page 2C

He blew by defenders with ease, especially when they were late to close out at the 3-point line. Ugochukwu’s burst generated easy layups in the half-court and in transition. His fast first step also created openings for interior passes to teammates after drawing defenders to him. His precociousness as a downhill threat was seen in his scoring efficiency at the rim as a freshman at Miami. He made 64.4% of his 73 rim attempts and was assisted on only 6.4% of those shots. To put that in perspective, LSU’s former point guard Dedan Thomas was assisted on 8.1% of his rim scores.

BROADCAST HIGHLIGHTS

LSU to face Auburn again in quarterfinals

Tigers look to reverse close loss at SEC tournament

BY CHARLES SALZER Contributing writer

If the Division I quarterfinal women’s tennis match between 10th-seeded LSU and No. 2 Auburn is anything like the one staged by the teams in the championship of last month’s SEC tournament, fans can expect another thrilling encounter Auburn won the SEC title by a score of 4-3, an outcome that came down to a third-set tiebreaker in the final singles match that was on the courts. Eva Ionescu won that tiebreaker 7-2 over LSU’s Kinaa Graham in the No. 6 match, but it didn’t diminish an impressive showing for LSU at the SEC tournament.

LSU (22-9) and Auburn (35-3), two of the eight teams that advanced to quarterfinal play at the Dan Magill Tennis Complex in Athens, Georgia, will play at 9 a.m. Friday If the Tigers win, they advance to a semifinal match on Saturday The national championship match will be played Sunday

“The position we’re in right now might be the equivalent of the baseball team making it to Omaha,” LSU coach Taylor Fogleman said. “I think it’s a wonderful accomplishment, more so for us because of what the program has done over the course of its history, and our players aren’t taking it for granted.”

LSU comes into the quarterfinal having won seven of its past eight matches. Five of the wins

were against ranked opponents, including an SEC semifinal win over Georgia, which was ranked No. 1 at the time.

The win over the Bulldogs set up a second meeting with Auburn, which had defeated LSU 4-2 on March 7 in Baton Rouge. For the SEC tournament meeting, LSU’s lineup had been tweaked, and the changes led to improved results.

“I think there’s a little bit of an evolution of our team, and learning about ourselves and our players,” Fogleman said of his lineup.

“The first time we played Auburn, we were working through some things, especially with doubles that I feel like we’ve ironed out. We’ve shifted one or two things in singles so it’s just an evolution of the season.”

For the last half of the season, LSU’s doubles lineup has featured Cadence Brace and Kayla Cross at No 1, and Kayla Cross

and Ella McDonald at No. 2. In singles, the lineup has also been consistent with Brace playing No. 1, followed by Cross at No. 2, McDonald at No. 3, Addison Lanton playing No. 4 and Carolina Kuhl at No. 5. LSU has slotted either Graham or Alexia Marginean at No. 6 during its late-season surge. The lineup changes had LSU within a tiebreaker of winning the SEC tournament, and feeling like it can play with anyone in the country

“If you look up and down the line, the last eight teams that are here, including us, have all had a really good year,” Fogleman said. “There aren’t any easy matches at this stage, but over the course of the season, maybe the last four weeks really, we’ve proven to ourselves that we’re bringing what we’re capable of We certainly have the ability to beat anyone.”

LSU transfer target Graves talks NBA future

BY TOYLOY BROWN III

Staff writer

LSU transfer target Allen Graves spoke publicly about his college recruitment for the first time since entering the portal on April 10. The former Santa Clara forward told ESPN’s Jeff Borzello that the only two schools he’s discussed transferring to are LSU and Duke. Graves also said that Kentucky has reached out to his agents, but Duke and LSU are his top two choices, Borzello reported.

The 6-foot-9, 225-pound Graves announced his intentions to enter the 2026 NBA Draft on April 7 and is currently participating in the draft combine. While he has until May 27 to withdraw and return to college basketball, Graves told Borzello that he would prefer to remain in the NBA draft if he’s a first-round pick.

On ESPN’s latest mock draft, Graves is projected to be the No. 22 pick by the Philadelphia 76ers.

Graves is rated the No. 4 player in the transfer portal by 247Sports, No. 6 by The Athletic, and No. 16 by On3. The Ponchatoula native was one of the best freshmen and most all-around mid-major players in the country last season. As a redshirt freshman, he averaged 11.8 points, 6.5 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 1.9 steals and 0.9 blocks per game. He also shot 51.2% from the field, 41.3% from 3 and 75% from the freethrow line. Graves helped lead Santa Clara to a 26-9 record and the Broncos’ first NCAA Tournament berth since the 1995-96 season. He was named the 2023-24

Continued from page 1C

He played with second-team AP All-American point guard Jeremy Fears, who led the country in assists per game (9.4). In the first nine games, Ugochukwu came off the bench and played at least 12 minutes four times. He played with Fears in the starting lineup for the next 12 contests, and his sophomore campaign ended after he broke a bone in his foot during a Feb. 4 loss at Minnesota.

Overall offense

Michigan State muted Ugochukwu’s driving talent because they relied on Fears. While the Sugar Land, Texas, native’s leash to slash was shorter, he was still viable thanks to major growth in his 3-point shot.

After shooting 17.6% on 1.2 attempts from beyond the arc in

Ponchatoula’s Allen Graves drives in against Natchitoches Central’s Ja’Dell Demery during the Division I nonselect basketball championship on March 9 in Lake Charles.

Gatorade Louisiana Boys Basketball Player of the Year as a senior at Ponchatoula High School. That season, he led his team to a 30-4 record and a second-straight Non-Select Division I state championship. He averaged 20.9 points, 12.1 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 2.6 blocks and 1.6 steals.

Graves is the younger brother of former LSU guard Marshall Graves, who played for coach Johnny Jones during the 2016-17

2024-25, he made 44.2% on 2.0

3-point attempts last season. While the improvement was great, expectations should probably be tempered because it was only a 43-shot sample size in 22 games.

Ugochukwu also made only 10 of 18 free throws, which is poor but too few to draw significant conclusions from.

LSU fans should be bullish on his playmaking ability While not an all-world passer, he didn’t play loose with the ball. His 2.3 assiststo-turnover ratio is impressive and he’s unselfish. Ugochukwu is a fine ball handler and sound at passing to rollers in the pick-and-roll. One clear weakness is his lack of off-the-dribble shooting. He didn’t look to shoot pull-up 3s and didn’t display intermediate scoring counters.

Ideal on-ball defender

What seals Ugochukwu’s case as an underrated player is how respectable he was on defense. He

season and for Will Wade from 2017-20. Both Wade and Jones are back with the program as the head coach and assistant head coach, respectively

“This journey has been nothing but a blessing, and I give all the glory to God for every opportunity and every challenge that has shaped me,” Graves said in a statement announcing his intent to enter the draft. “I’m beyond thankful for my family that has supported me every step of

was a pest as an on-ball defender

Coach Will Wade likely loves that his new guard has the size, with a 6-8 wingspan, according to multiple reports, and the overall athleticism to pressure teams. Ugochukwu has nimble feet and the intensity to fight around through screens. He has good lateral quickness and the speed to recover if an offensive player gets a step on him.

As a freshman, Ugochukwu used his long arms to average a steal per game. Last season, he flashed good gap defense, digging his hands on a driver’s dribble. The aggression and physicality Ugochkwu plays fit with what Wade has had in the past in pesky guard defenders. One area that can be cleaned up is his attentiveness to cutters.

Final verdict

Ugochkwu combines tantalizing offensive ability without the downside of being a defensive liability His advanced stats and game tape

45-year-old Venus Williams to play in French Open

PARIS Venus Williams will play in the women’s doubles at the French Open this month together with Hailey Baptiste, who is 21 years her junior

The American pair were among the entrants confirmed on Wednesday by organizers for the clay-court tournament at RolandGarros, which begins on May 24 in western Paris.

The 45-year-old Williams will not play in the women’s singles. Williams was a wild-card entry at the Australian Open, where she lost in the first round and became the oldest woman to compete in an Australian Open singles main draw

A seven-time major winner in singles, Williams previously held the No. 1 ranking in both singles and doubles.

Indy 500 officials expect 2nd straight race-day sellout

INDIANAPOLIS The world’s largest single-day sporting event will be run in front of another full house, and central Indiana residents will be able to watch the telecast of the Indianapolis 500 live.

Race organizers announced Wednesday that reserved seating for this year’s race would be sold out by the end of the day and that the local blackout would be lifted.

Official attendance figures for “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing” are not announced, but there are an estimated 275,000 grandstand seats around the 2.5-mile oval and the total crowd, which includes general admission tickets on the infield, reaches an estimated 350,000.

Patriots aware of reported charges against Hutchins

BOSTON — Patriots seventh-round pick Quintayvious Hutchins was arraigned Wednesday morning on domestic assault and battery charges on a family or household member in Newton District Court, the Middlesex District Attorney’s office stated. Hutchins, 23, pleaded not guilty and was released on personal recognizance, the DA’s office said. The defendant was ordered to stay away and have no contact with the alleged victim.

The Patriots released a statement to reporters about the matter.

“We are aware of the report involving Quintayvious Hutchins,” the statement read. “We take these matters very seriously and are in the process of gathering additional information. We will not have further comment at this time.”

Islanders’ Schaefer unanimous choice for Calder Trophy

the way I’m grateful to Bronco Nation for believing in me. This path is not one that I have walked alone. With that faith and foundation, I’ll be declaring for the 2026 NBA Draft.”

LSU currently has four players on its roster for next season: Kentucky transfer forward Mo Dioubate, Brazilian pro center Marcio Santos, Michigan State transfer guard Divine Ugochukwu and Kansas State transfer guard Abdi Bashir

over two seasons indicate he can be a genuine starter in the SEC. While some doubt may creep in because of his limited raw production after last season ended prematurely, the 6-foot-3 guard is still worth betting on. Expecting him to be great right away is probably too ambitious. His development will likely be a process, especially as Ugochukwu adjusts to a larger responsibility He also needs to add more scoring counters — like a floater for the times when he’s cut off from the paint.

If Ugochukwu doesn’t start as the lead guard because Wade signs a moreproveninternationalplayer,he can help contribute to winning. He can space the court, attack the paint with ferocity and throw neat dumpoff passes if he draws a crowd.

A guard with his dimensions who can do all those things and defend is a building block to a winning team at worst. At best, Ugochkwu could be poised for a breakout year if handed the keys to the offense.

NEW YORK Matthew Schaefer of the New York Islanders is the unanimous winner of the Calder Trophy as the NHL’s rookie of the year The league surprised him with the award Wednesday

Schaefer, the No. 1 pick in the draft, was the Calder front-runner from just about the time he made his debut on opening night at Pittsburgh. He scored 23 goals to tie Brian Leetch’s record for the most by a rookie defenseman and finished with 59 points.

The 18-year-old became the face of the Islanders franchise and helped them make a playoff push before falling short in the final couple of weeks of the regular season. He received all 198 first-place Calder votes.

Rangers’ Eovaldi feels good despite scratched start

ARLINGTON, Texas Texas Rangers right-hander Nathan Eovaldi threw a bullpen session Wednesday and said he felt good two days after being scratched from his scheduled start because of left side tightness. Eovaldi first felt what he described as minor tightness while playing catch Sunday He still felt it when he woke up the next day, and met with team trainers before he was supposed to pitch in the opener of a series against Arizona.

“We just did some of the testing that they have for it. I felt it on a few things and we just didn’t feel the need to push it,” Eovaldi said Wednesday “I’ve experienced

Newman’s senior duo look for ‘surreal’ ending

Pitcher Sauska, catcher Wilson lead Greenies in state championship series

BY SPENCER URQUHART Staff writer

Newman pitcher Christian Sauska and catcher Charles Wilson have been playing baseball together since they were 7 years

old

Both seniors, Sauska and Wilson lead a Newman team competing for a state championship for the first time since 2003. The duo has formed a close bond after working together for so long.

“(Sauska and Wilson) have just had that connection,” coach Patrick Adams said. “One would be on the mound and one would be behind the plate, and they would just flip.”

Adams settled on Wilson as the everyday catcher this year instead of a two-way role, with Sauska serving as Newman’s ace pitcher and starting in the infield when not on the mound.

After falling short in either the second round or the quarterfinals the past three years, Sauska, Wilson and Newman’s four other seniors have a chance to go out as state champions.

“(This season) been surreal,” Sauska said. “We’re such a tight group of seniors It’d be hard for us to be good leaders if we weren’t such close friends We’re looking to end it in the best way possible this weekend.”

No. 2-seeded Newman (28-7) will take on the No. 1 University High (29-9) in a best-of-three series for the Division III select title starting at 11 a.m. Thursday at McMurry Park in Sulphur

“We really believed we could make it to Sulphur this year,” Wilson said. “(Sauska and I) have had a great connection. We’re able to know what we want to do.”

Both Sauska and Wilson will play college baseball next year

Sauska is headed to Penn (Philadelphia), and Wilson to Amherst College (Amherst, Massachusetts).

“(This year’s success) is something that has been culminating,” Adams said. “It’s going to be tough to replace (Sauska and Wilson).”

Sauska starts at either first or third base when not on the mound and serves as a middle-of-the-order bat alongside Wilson. Sauska was the winning pitcher in all three of his playoff starts this year, allowing no earned runs in 20 innings

The senior right-hander set the tone in Game 1 of a semifinals series against Dunham, pitching a complete game while allowing five hits and one walk to go with eight strikeouts in a 4-1 win.

“I was excited because I got to set the tone for the entire series,” he said. “In these big games, our offense has been able to score runs

Leaumont a step away from completing mission

Senior helps lead Brother Martin in title series vs. Catholic

BY CHRISTOPHER DABE Staff writer

Bronson Leaumont prepared for this to be the best baseball season of his life. As the only returning senior starter in the Brother Martin lineup, the third baseman decided last summer to put all his focus on giving the Crusaders their first state title in 30 years. That chance will come in Thursday’s rematch against Catholic-Baton Rouge in the opener of a bestof-three Division I select championship series for the second year in a row at McMurry Park in Sulphur Game 1 is set for 5:30 p.m.

“I’ve never had a complete full season of being able to concentrate on a sport,” said Leaumont, who quit playing football after his junior year so he could put his yearround focus on baseball His decision made an impact — especially in pressure situations. Most recent was the double that drove in the winning run for a 2-1 victory that opened a semifinal series sweep of St. Thomas More last week. Before that was the grand slam in the bottom of the seventh that ended a 7-3 victory against rival Jesuit. Leaumont moved into the No. 3 spot in the batting order after hitting seventh during his first season as a starter last year

“There’s an inherent pressure that comes with hitting higher in the lineup,” Brother Martin coach Jeff Lupo said. “You’re expected to drive in runs. You hit with more of a target on your back. He’s come

early, which really makes me feel a lot more comfortable.”

Seniors Jack Falgoust and Collier Villere have stepped up to pitch key innings. Falgoust is the No. 2 starting pitcher and Villere is the primary closer

“If Jack is on the mound and throwing his (breaking ball), and then Collier comes in, it’s just a change of pace and works really good for us,” Adams said “(Villere’s) slider moves. He has the mentality of a closer.”

While Newman is a seniorheavy team, underclassman have stepped up in sophomores Tanner Robert and Augie Sauska.

The younger brother of Christian Sauska, Augie pitched four innings in a decisive Game 3 to advance past Notre Dame in the quarterfinals.

“Just to see how resilient we were in that (quarterfinal series) says a lot,” Christian Sauska said.

“Seeing (Augie) step up in Game 3 was awesome.”

Game 2 of the series is scheduled for 11 a.m. Friday A third game, if necessary, will take place at a later date.

“(U-High) has got a couple of college (pitching prospects),” Adams said. “We’re going to have to compete our butts off. We’ve been in close games all year even before the playoffs, and I think that’s prepared us.”

Email Spencer Urquhart at surquhart@theadvocate.com.

Young, Thomas see PGA Championship in different ways because of their fathers

BY DOUG FERGUSON AP golf writer

NEWTOWN SQUARE, Pa. — For a major that has long sought an identity apart from the other three, one element of the PGA Championship stands out. It’s one reason two-time champion Justin Thomas and Cameron Young, among the favorites this year, hold it in high regard.

The opening tee shot Thursday at Aronimink will be struck by Braden Shattuck, the PGA director of instruction at Rolling Green Golf Club, just 10 miles (16 kilometers) down the road.

He is among 20 club professionals in the 156-man field. All of them will be back to their day jobs next week, giving lessons and ordering merchandise, not on to the next PGA Tour stop that pays close to $2 million to the winner Young’s father was one of those professionals.

up in more pressure situations.”

Leaumont has faced a different mix of pitches than he did last season more breaking pitches than the steady diet of fastballs he saw last season.

“I trained for that,” Leaumont said. “I expected to see different pitches.”

Leaumont’s fall consisted of four weekly team workouts at the school plus three days with a personal trainer

“He’s always had that pure love for the game,” said Leaumont’s father, Craig, who pitched to his son nightly until a couple of years ago.

Leaumont is quick to credit teammates with putting him position to deliver clutch hits.

Brady McCluskey’s single and Tyler Durand’s sacrifice bunt put a runner in scoring position when Leaumont delivered against St. Thomas More.

The uncommitted Leaumont was not the only senior who shined in the semifinal series. Pitchers Blaise Tingstrom (Delgado) and Drake Amedee (LSU Eunice) both went the distance in their semifinal starts. The team’s other senior is Caden Vallee.

“We’ve got a great group of guys,” Leaumont said. “I think we have a real opportunity Our mindset is a little better than it was last year.”

Brother Martin, which last won a state title in 1996, lost the two games to Catholic by scores of 2-0 and 8-1.

“The two worst games we played all year,” said Leaumont, who entered the offseason intent on making a better showing in the state finals.

“That was our mindset from Day 1,” he said One year later, Leaumont has his top-seeded team back where it wanted to be now with a chance to complete the mission.

Dave Young, recently retired as the golf director at Sleepy Hollow in New York, was never among the club pros who qualified for the PGA Championship But he worked them as a rules official, and was part of the rules committee at the Masters. He played one PGA Tour event, the 1998 Buick Classic in New York.

“The PGA Championship, for our family, is a great week,” Young, now the No. 3 player in the world, said Wednesday. “My dad was a PGA of America professional forever, kind of embraced the whole package of that. Unfortunately, he never qualified for it, but he was a very good player and had a number of chances to throughout his career

“Yeah, it’s a cool one for us just given his connection.”

Mike Thomas also recently retired from Harmony Landing in Louisville Kentucky Justin Thomas recalls being in the clubhouse at Valhalla at age 7 — his dad was a PGA officer then — when Tiger Woods won the 2000 PGA Championship. He was in the gallery at Valhalla for the 2008 Ryder Cup, high-fiving Phil Mickelson when the Americans won.

Best of all was winning the PGA Championship in Quail Hollow in 2017 and Southern Hills in 2022. That embrace with his father — his grandfather also was a longtime pro — was special.

“I’m well aware everybody feels like it’s the fourth major when it comes to all of them,” Thomas said. “It doesn’t to me. I couldn’t care more of the two I have It obviously has special meaning to me. I was lucky to have the access I did. I probably got to see and do things a lot of kids didn’t. But it motivated me a lot.”

Even with the 20 professionals, who qualified in the national tournament two weeks ago at Bandon Dunes, the field has 136 touring pros that represent by far the strongest field of the four majors.

The PGA Championship likes to

ä PGA Championships, 11 A.M.THURSDAy, ESPN

hang its hat on field strength, with 97 of the top 100 in the world. What holds it back is the feeling that it doesn’t seem much more than a PGA Tour event on some of the courses where it is played and the score that often wins.

Scottie Scheffler won at 11-under 273 at Quail Hollow last year Xander Schauffele won at 21-under 263 at Valhalla the year before. Single digits under par won three years in a row before that.

“You don’t know what you’re going to get,” said Harris English, the runner-up last year “I’ve played a handful now It’s more like a glorified PGA Tour event. The setup is nothing crazy.”

That will be put to the test at Aronimink Golf Club, which hasn’t hosted a major since the 1962 PGA Championship won by Gary Player A restoration project from roughly a decade ago has added some fairway bunkers and removed a lot of trees, creating a more open feel of the course The greens have been the biggest topic this week, renowned for the size of the contours that put a premium on distance control with the irons.

“It’s very, very classic Northeast,” Young said. “The grasses are very familiar The rough is pretty thick, but I feel like it’s a

nice combination. The fairways, they’re not super narrow, but they are firm enough that if you hit bad shots that land in the fairway, they can get in the rough.” Key to the week is the weather

The forecast changed in the PGA’s favor, with rain expected only Wednesday night into the early part of the opening round, and mostly dry the rest of the week. The faster a course, the harder it gets to control shots. That has been Scheffler’s domain that has kept him atop the world ranking for three years, helped him to victory last year in the PGA Championship and makes him the betting favorite this week Rory McIlroy stepped into a shoe that was a half-size bigger and a little wider and had some cushion around the blister on his right pinky toe. He was all better Wednesday for nine holes of practice and doesn’t anticipate any problems the rest of the week. Young and Thomas played the front nine for their final practice session, and they will be in the same group for the opening two rounds. For a windy afternoon of practice, the sight of them embodied one aspect of the PGA Championship. Their fathers were following along, both golf professionals, both of whom taught their sons the game. On Thursday, Young and Thomas and the strongest field chase after the Wanamaker Trophy

Anunoby not ready, but Knicks can wait

BY BRIAN MAHONEY AP basketball writer

GREENBURGH, N.Y

OG Anunoby

could only participate in some parts of practice when the New York Knicks returned to work

Wednesday Luckily for them, they still have time to wait.

With at least a few more days before the Knicks would start the Eastern Conference finals, they can be patient with Anunoby’s recovery from a hamstring injury that forced him to miss the last two games of their second-round sweep of Philadelphia.

Coach Mike Brown said the starting forward did some things, though not when the Knicks went full speed. He said Anunoby looked fine with what he did, though it certainly sounds like there’s a gap between what that was and the intensity of an NBA postseason game.

Brown added that he isn’t sure when Anunoby can do more — and the Knicks don’t even know how soon that would need to be. Game 1 against Detroit or Cleveland could be Sunday, though the series wouldn’t begin until next week if those teams, who were tied 2-2 entering Game 5 on Wednesday go the distance.

“They told me what he could do today They have not told me what he could do tomorrow, so I don’t know what he’ll be able to do for

Game 1,” Brown said.

Anunoby is one of the Knicks’ most important players, a top defender whose offensive game has hit its peak during this playoff run. The Knicks were able to win two games without him against a tired Philadelphia team that never recovered after needing seven games to beat Boston in the first round, but it would be difficult to beat the top-seeded Pistons or Cavaliers without him.

Brown isn’t thinking that far ahead. The Knicks plan to take Thursday off and practice again Friday, and he said only then will he ask for his next Anunoby update.

“At least for me, I’m taking it one game at a time,” Brown said.

“I don’t want to know from medical or anybody else anything beyond that, because when I do that stuff I get my hopes up and I don’t like doing that at all.”

The Knicks have plenty of reason for hope after a dominant run through the first two rounds. They have won seven straight games since falling behind 2-1 against Atlanta in the first round and outscored the Hawks and 76ers by a combined 194 points, the largest margin ever through a team’s first 10 postseason games.

They finished off the Hawks on April 30 and were back on the court against the 76ers on May 4. They could be idle more than twice as long this time.

Foul calls are up in the NBA, but it’s expected

BY TIM REYNOLDS AP basketball writer

CHICAGO NBA referees are calling about 11% more personal fouls per game so far in these playoffs than they did during the regular season, a differential that’s on pace to be one of the largest in NBA history And in the league’s eyes, that’s to be expected.

Mindful of criticism from players and coaches that seems like a constant in any postseason, the NBA’s senior vice president of referee development and training freely acknowledges that there is a difference between regular-season basketball and playoff basketball a point that nobody within the league likely would largue.

But refereeing, Monty McCutchen insists, doesn’t fundamentally change at playoff time.

“It would be very difficult on our players, on our coaches, most certainly on our referees, if the intensity of a seven-game series that we see in the playoffs exhibited itself over 82 games,” McCutchen said at the NBA draft combine. “NBA playoff basketball is one of the great spectacles of all sport in my opinion. You get the combination of the passion and strength of our players and coaching staffs in tight spaces over seven-game series. And I think that that absolutely makes for a different game.”

Given the stakes of the postseason, it’s only natural for every play to come under more scrutiny and for emotions to run hotter

— San Antonio star Victor Wembanyama was ejected from a playoff game this week for elbowing Minnesota’s Naz Reid, a play that led to Spurs coach Mitch Johnson saying his team’s 7-foot-4 star is constantly dealing with some sort of physicality that goes over the line and inevitably will force him to react. “At some level, you have to protect yourself,” Johnson said. “Every single play on every single part of the floor, people are trying to impose their physicality on him I get it. We get it. That’s part of the game.”

— Austin Reaves and the Los Angeles Lakers held an impromptu meeting at midcourt with referees after a playoff loss in Oklahoma City to voice concerns.

— Cleveland coach Kenny At-

ously it’s good for recovery, but mentally I’m watching the games, I’m just like just waiting, just waiting to get back out there.”

Brown has some experience. His Cleveland Cavaliers swept the first two series in 2009, then were off more than a week before the opener of an East finals series they lost to Orlando. He replaced an ailing Steve Kerr for most of the 2017 postseason as the Golden State Warriors swept their first three series, leaving them a 10-day gap between the end of the West finals and the start of the NBA Finals.

“I’ve been part of sweeps, I’ve been part of getting swept and been part of long layoffs and short turnarounds, so you worry about different stuff at different times,” Brown said. “Like, quick turnaround you’re like: ‘Oh my God, we can’t prepare. Oh my god, guys are tired.’ And long layoffs, you’re like, ‘Oh my gosh, we got too much time, we’re not going to stay sharp.’”

He said the key during long layoffs is to manufacture ways to keep players’ minds sharp and the Knicks believe it will work.

kinson pointed out that Cavs star guard Donovan Mitchell wasn’t getting to the line very often in Games 1 and 2 of the series with Detroit; Mitchell got there 11 times, total, in those games (both Cleveland losses) and got there 11.5 times on average in the next two games (both Cleveland wins). That, in turn, led to Pistons coach J.B. Bickerstaff to comment after Game 4.

And those are just some examples.

“Standing up for your team is a job descriptor of an NBA head coach and most certainly I don’t begrudge a head coach the desire to represent for himself, his team, most certainly his players,” McCutchen said. “That’s part of the voice of an NBA head coach that I have an understanding of My job is to take those commentaries and decide or see what is true and what is avocation. And now, even if it is true, it’s very important that I’m not putting my foot on the scale of a series.”

Playoff referees — not all referees get playoff assignments, and the roster of officials gets pared down after each round based on performance study tape after games, just as they do in the regular season. Every call is evaluated, and McCutchen has said several times in recent years that the league’s referee corps is constantly striving to do better

“We’re not putting our whistles in our pocket,” McCutchen said.

“That being said, I think it’s fair to debate, talk about passionately, like many of our fans and people in the media do, about whether that’s the appropriate enough of whistles to blow But we are trying to meet the moments of the passion of the playoffs in a way that upholds our standards.”

That tends to come with more calls. The NBA is seeing an increase in foul calls from the regular season to the playoffs for the 66th time in its 80-year history. This season is seeing a differential of higher than 10% in that regard for only the sixth time in the last 60 years. (The five biggest increases in that differential, ranging from 13% to 17%, all took place between 1949 and 1955.)

McCutchen looks at the playoffs this way: Aggression is good, rough is not.

“The first series we had what, four days’ break I think it was? That was good enough,” forward

TULANE

Continued from page 1C

later rather than sooner

Tulane (25-28, 10-14) can as-

sure itself a spot in the tourna-

ment by sweeping Rice (31-22, 13-11) in a series that starts Thursday, continues Friday (both 6:35 p.m. starts) and ends Saturday (1:05 p.m.). Anything short of that will require help from other teams in the league for the Wave to keep playing.

“We know all year we haven’t been playing great, but we’re a gritty team,” Wachs said. “We’re going to do everything it takes to get it done.”

Road woes

To get to the tournament, Tulane will need to play much better away from Turchin Stadium than it has to this point.

The Wave won three of its four conference series at home, finishing 7-5, but it is 3-9 on the road with a lone series victory at Wich-

LSU

Continued from page 1C

its final series in SEC play against Florida on Thursday (6:30 p.m., SEC Network+) on the precipice of missing the NCAA Tournament for the first time in 15 years.

LSU finds itself in this position — with only 29 wins and on the outside of the NCAA tourney picture with only a week left in the regular season mostly because of its struggles on the mound.

The Tigers posted a 9.95 ERA in three of their past four weeks of SEC play, nine contests against Texas A&M, Mississippi State and Georgia. They held multirun leads in four of those games but lost them all, and allowed at least 10 runs in six of those crucial matchups.

The Aggies and both Bulldog programs have three of the better offenses in the SEC, if not the country They also faced LSU in ideal offensive circumstances, hitting in smaller ballparks and warmer weather Injuries to two starters junior right-hander Cooper Moore and sophomore right-hander Casan Evans — also left the Tigers’ rotation severely undermanned, especially against Mississippi State.

But after having one of the best starting rotations and pitching staffs in the country last year and bringing back pitching coach Nate Yeskie and several contributors from last season — Evans, senior right-hander Zac Cowan, sophomore left-hander Cooper Williams, sophomore right-hander Mavrick Rizy, etc. — LSU went from second in the SEC in ERA to last.

“I think if you asked (Yeskie), he would wish we were in a better spot as I do with this pitching staff and we’ll make some adjustments in totality of everything,” Johnson said. “But that’s no different than offensively in the middle of the year We needed to get out of some of the stuff I like to do and do what we needed to do for this group of

Josh Hart said “This right now, I think at least a week if not nine days, that’s a long time. So obvi-

ita State. Taking at least two of the three in Houston is paramount.

“It’s about bringing the energy,” Harrison said. “It starts on the first pitch and the first batter, passing the baton. We have to keep playing team ball. Lay a bunt down Take a pitch and play for each other.”

Tulane has dropped eight of its past nine road games, getting outscored 72-32 in the defeats. The Wave will try to carry the momentum it generated in two seasonsaving home victories against South Florida after receiving a tongue-lashing from Uhlman following a 16-6 drubbing last Friday

“Some of the words he said really stuck with us and kind of lit a fire under us for sure,” senior third baseman James Agabedis said. “In times like that, you never listen to the tone of what he’s saying but what he’s truly saying. None of us took it personally but we used it to motivate us.”

Up and down Rice, which fell 14-3 at Houston on Tuesday had won six in a row

players, which we have. And I just think that’s part of coaching.

“If you try to run the same play on 3rd and 2 and you get a 2-yard loss, I would think most offensive coordinators wouldn’t run it a seventh consecutive time. Everything that you don’t do as well as you want, you look at it, and you make adjustments.”

Many of the flaws with LSU’s pitching staff this season are the same issues they had in 2025. The Tigers led the SEC in wild pitches, and they issued the third-most walks a season ago. But LSU was able to mitigate those mistakes by holding opponents to a .219 batting average and accumulating a league-leading 760 strikeouts.

The difference this season has been the Tigers’ inability to contain those flaws. They’ve thrown 15 more wild pitches this year than they did in all of 2025. Despite having played 15 fewer games, they’re also seven walks away from matching last year’s total. The talent/ceiling of LSU’s pitching staff was still there this season.

The Tigers lead the conference in strikeouts and sit in the middle of the pack in home runs and opponents’ batting average.

The problem, instead, has been their floor

“Our job is to try to have the roster built, have the blueprint or platform to help navigate the challenges that you have,” Johnson said. “Like we had plenty of challenges last year, (against) Mississippi State and Alabama were down 6-1 (with) Kade Anderson last year, who was the No. 3 pick in the draft.

“But we had enough complementary pieces to be able to navigate around that, a good enough offense to come back when you’re down five, (and) good enough when you’re behind relievers to keep (the score) close enough.And then when we took the lead, we could go to Zac or Casan to win. So I look at it as, can we maybe support our flaws (better)? And we have not supported them as well this year.”

None of these systemic issues

“I think we have our plan,” AllStar Jalen Brunson said. “Obviously utilize rest, but then when we’re in the gym we’re doing everything that we need to do to stay in rhythm, stay having the edge that we need to have, focusing on the things that we need to focus on and continuing to prepare.”

under former Tulane coach David Pierce before losing Sunday at East Carolina. The Owls are last in the American in hitting (.245) and runs (113) during conference play, a statistic that might bode well for the Wave, which won series against the three other lowest-scoring teams in the league. Then again, who knows? Rice was swept at home by Memphis in mid-April. Two weeks later, the Owls outscored UAB 38-14 at Reckling Park.

“This has been a random year in a lot of different ways,” Uhlman said. “I’m not going to try to make predictions, but we need to go in and play the good way we know how to play.”

Lagniappe

Uhlman said J.D. Rodriguez (52. 5.60 ERA) would start the opener and the rest of the weekend would be determined later All three pitchers in Rice’s weekend rotation, which has been rock solid during league play, are righties. Tulane has struggled in particular this year against left-handers.

will be fixed overnight, even as Johnson tries to set up his pitching staff for his success a week before the SEC Tournament. With an at-large bid to the NCAA tourney no longer a possibility, the Tigers will need to win five games in six days in Hoover, Alabama, to make an NCAA regional, starting next Tuesday Johnson, with that in mind, did not list a starting pitcher for Thursday’s game against Florida, likely meaning that either right-handed sophomore William Schmidt or Evans will be saved to some degree for the Tigers’ first game in Alabama.

“Focus on this (weekend), with an eye on (Hoover),” Johnson said. “That is the best way, I would say that.”

Unless LSU pulls off the improbable and wins the SEC Tournament, Johnson will have plenty of time this offseason to determine what his pitching staff will look like next year

LSU’s incoming freshman class, according to Perfect Game, includes 12 pitchers, six lefties and six righties. The transfer portal opens on June 1, and the Tigers have 17 pitchers who are eligible to return next season.

Johnson will have to make a lot of tough decisions between the end of this year and this fall to determine what the pitching staff will look like heading into his sixth season in Baton Rouge. The outcome of his choices just can’t be as frustrating as it was in 2026.

“We have talented pitchers, but taking that talent and making it usable skill takes experience,” Johnson said. “It takes coaching, it takes (a strong) mindset, it takes pitch development, it takes all of those things, and then you get better as you go with time. And so we just got to keep working on that.

“I feel good about some of the adjustments that we’re going to make with some of it. I want to wait to move forward with that until we get closer to next fall.”

Email Koki Riley at koki.riley@theadvocate.com.

WORLDWIDE TOUR

49ers go to Mexico City after Melbourne opener in NFL’s 9-game international slate

BY DAVE CAMPBELL

AP Pro Football Writer

The San Francisco 49ers will bookend the NFL‘s largest-ever international slate, playing the 2026 season opener in Melbourne against the NFC West rival Los Angeles Rams and facing the Minnesota Vikings in Week 11 in Mexico City

Covering eight stadiums, seven cities and four continents, this year will feature nine games outside of the U.S. for the most the league has ever staged. Sixteen teams, half of the NFL, will play internationally in 2026.

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell has declared the goal of 16 games annually outside of the U.S After this season, the league will have played 71 games in 12 international cities. Melbourne, Paris and Rio de Janeiro are first-time hosts in 2026.

The league had months ago announced the Melbourne matchup as its first game in Australia, in addition to several of the participating teams for the nine-game slate, which was fully unveiled

Wednesday The complete 17-game schedules for all 32 teams will be released Thursday

Netflix also announced, as part of a new deal with the NFL, a Thanksgiving Eve broadcast as part of an expanding package of regular-season games. The Green Bay Packers will play at the Los Angeles Rams on Wednesday, Nov 25.

The 49ers have long been one of

SAINTS

Continued from page 1C

Instead, the opponent is Pittsburgh, which went 10-7 and won the AFC North division last season. The Saints have a 9-8 advantage in the all-time series, including wins in four of the past six meetings.

The Steelers have won six Super Bowl titles, tied with New England for the most ever, but they have a new look this season. Out is Mike Tomlin, head coach of the past 19 seasons.

They are now coached by Mike McCarthy, who served as the Saints’ offensive coordinator from 2000 to 2004. Pittsburgh’s general manager is New Orleans native Omar Khan, a former Archbishop Rummel High School and Tulane graduate.

“It will be tough,” Saints general manager Mickey Loomis said.

“The Steelers have a long history of success and traditionally always are a very physical team We are looking forward to the matchup. Their general manager (Omar Khan) and their head coach, Mike McCarthy have both worked for the Saints. I have a lot of respect for them and the jobs that they do and they are going to be a difficult opponent and hopefully we will put on a great game, and it will result in a Saints victory.”

The game is technically one of nine home games on the Saints’ 2026 schedule. As a result, the Saints will have the customary benefits: first choice of uniforms, locker rooms, and final pregame introductions.

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell announced the Saints’ participation in the game at his state-of-the-league news conference before Super Bowl LX in San Francisco, California. The league officially announced the Steelers as the opponent on Wednesday when it unveiled the full 2026 International Games schedule, which will see a record-breaking nine games played across four

the NFL’s most prominent brands, and they’ll be the road team for the Thursday night opener on Sept. 10 against the Rams on Netflix. That game will kick off on Friday morning at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, which is 17 hours ahead of California time.

San Francisco will be the home team at Estadio Banorte in Mexico City, where they have marketing rights as part of the league’s global markets program along with the Rams and eight other teams. The Rams also have rights in Australia.

The 49ers will then play the showcase Sunday night game on NBC on Nov 22 against the Vikings, who last year played the NFL’s first international multicity road trip with a game in Dublin in Week 4 followed by a game in London in Week 5 The Vikings were the road team in both of those games last year too.

San Francisco last played in Mexico City in 2022. The league has also committed to playing there in 2027 and 2028.

Broadening footprint in Brazil

The Dallas Cowboys will be the home team in Rio de Janeiro at Maracana Stadium against the Baltimore Ravens on Sept. 27, a late afternoon Week 3 game that CBS will broadcast. Neither team has marketing rights in Brazil, where the league has staged games in Sao Paulo in each of the last two years. The NFL has committed at least

three games in five years to Rio. More football for breakfast

All six games in Europe will kick off at 9:30 a.m. Eastern time, an exclusive broadcast window before the traditional afternoon start times that cover the majority of the schedule each week.

There are three games in London, the league’s most common international site with 45 regular-season games since 2007. The Jacksonville Jaguars for the first time are moving consecutive home games abroad as a renovation begins on their home stadium. They’re one of 10 teams with rights in Britain.

The Jaguars will play the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 5 at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Oct. 11 and then face the AFC South rival Houston Texans in Week 6 at Wembley Stadium on Oct. 18. The Washington Commanders will be the home team at Tottenham on Oct. 4 when they face the Indianapolis Colts.

The New Orleans Saints will be the home team for the first game in Paris in Week 7, facing the Pittsburgh Steelers on Oct. 25 at Stade de France. The Detroit Lions will be the home team for the league’s third game in Munich, facing the New England Patriots on Nov. 15 in Week 10 at the home of German soccer club Bayern Munich. The Lions are one of 11 teams with rights in Germany

As previously announced by the NFL, the Atlanta Falcons will be the home team in Madrid in Week 9 against the Cincinnati Bengals on Nov. 8 at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium. This will be the second game in Madrid, where neither team has marketing rights.

for a

before an NFL news conference

continents seven countries and eight stadiums next season. Melbourne (Australia), Rio de Janeiro (Brazil), London (U.K.), Paris (France), Madrid (Spain), Munich (Germany) and Mexico City (Mexico) will all host international games in 2026 as part of the league’s long-term commitment to global expansion

“The 2026 NFL season will feature our most expansive and ambitious international slate yet, with regular-season games spanning Melbourne, Rio de Janeiro, London, Paris, Madrid, Munich and Mexico City,” said Peter O’Reilly, NFL executive vice president of club business, major events and international. “This year’s recordbreaking schedule will see a host of world-class NFL franchises and star athletes play in some of the most iconic sporting venues in the world, underlying the league’s global growth vision and bringing our fans internationally closer to the game than ever before.”

The NFL has targeted Paris as a priority international market in recent years as league officials expand the international series to new cities around the globe. The

Netflix announces new NFL package

BY JOE REEDY Associated Press

Netflix has expanded its inventory of NFL games and will have a season-long presence with the league under a new deal announced Wednesday The streaming service will have five regular-season games as well as the

on March

80,698-seat Stade de France is the national stadium of France and the largest sporting facility in the country It served as the host site for various events at the 2024 Summer Games, including the opening and closing ceremonies.

Saints and New Orleans tourism officials are collaborating to turn the game into a Washington Mardi Gras-style event, with multiple parties and marketing programs leading up to the game.

“We are excited to be selected to play in the first regular season game to be held in France,” Benson said in February “This moment is special not only because of the strong cultural connection between Louisiana and France, but also because we will compete before a growing Saints fan base in Paris.” Team officials said season-ticket holders will receive a 10% price reduction on tickets and parking to reflect the cost of the lost home game. Fully paid season-ticket holders will receive a credit and refund. Season ticket holders will also be allowed priority presale access to a lottery for tickets for the Paris game.

Florida AG subpoenas NFL over Rooney Rule

BY ROB MAADDI AP pro football writer

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier has issued a subpoena to the NFL as his office investigates whether the league has committed potential civil rights violations related to the Rooney Rule and the league’s other employment practices, policies and programs.

Uthmeier, who threatened possible enforcement actions against the league in March if it didn’t suspend the 23-year-old rule, sent the subpoena along with a letter to NFL executive vice president and attorney Ted Ullyot on Wednesday

The subpoena commands the league to appear at the attorney general’s office in Tallahassee, Florida, on June 12. It asks the league to produce extensive documents, including “all diversity reports, coaching census data, or demographic surveys that reflect the race and sex of coaching staffs from 2017 to the present.”

“All in all, the Rooney Rule and the NFL’s related ‘inclusive hiring’ policies — and the NFL’s representations about these policies — continue to raise significant concerns under Florida law,” Uthmeier wrote in the letter

The Rooney Rule requires teams to interview at least two external minority candidates

Uthmeier

for head coach, general manager and coordinator positions. At least one minority candidate must be interviewed for the quarterbacks coach position. NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, speaking at the league meetings in March, acknowledged the changing political landscape for diversity initiatives in the U.S., but added that he didn’t believe there should be any legal issues with the league’s policy

The NFL didn’t comment Wednesday

But in a letter to Uthmeier on May 1, the league said: “The NFL’s pursuit of top-tier talent led to the adoption of the Rooney Rule in 2003. Importantly, the Rooney Rule does not impose any hiring quotas or mandates, and it does not license clubs to consider race or sex in making hiring decisions. Hiring decisions for NFL teams are made by the individual clubs — not the League — and those decisions are based on merit. The Rooney Rule neither requires nor permits any team to make a hiring decision based on race, sex, or any other protected characteristic. To do so would be an express violation of League policy.”

Foreign ticket-holders from WC qualifying countries won’t pay bonds to enter U.S

BY SEUNG MIN KIM and MATTHEW LEE Associated Press

WASHINGTON The Trump admin-

istration is suspending a requirement that foreign visitors from countries that have qualified for the World Cup and have bought tickets for the soccer tournament pay as much as $15,000 in bonds to enter the United States, the State Department said Wednesday The department imposed the bond requirement last year for countries that it said had high rates of people overstaying their visas and other security issues as part of the Republican administration’s broader crackdown on immigration.

Travelers to the United States from 50 countries are required to pay the new bond, and five of those countries have qualified for the World Cup — Algeria, Cape Verde, Ivory Coast, Senegal and Tunisia. Citizens from those five countries who have purchased tickets from FIFA are now exempt from the visa bond requirement. World Cup team players, coaches and some staff had already been exempt from the bond requirement as part of the administration’s orders to prioritize the processing

of visas for the tournament.

“The United States is excited to organize the biggest and best FIFA World Cup in history,” Assistant Secretary of State for Consular Affairs Mora Namdar said. “We are waiving visa bonds for qualified fans who bought World Cup tickets” and opted in to the FIFA Pass system that allows expedited visa appointments as of April 15. In its own statement, FIFA said the announcement shows “our ongoing collaboration with the U.S. government and the White House task force for the FIFA World Cup to deliver a successful, record-breaking and unforgettable global event” and thanked the administration for the partnership. The waiver is a rare loosening of immigration requirements under the administration and will ease travel burdens for at least some visitors to the U.S. for the World Cup, which begins June 11 and is co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.

The administration has taken dramatic steps to restrict immigration in ways critics say are incongruous with the unifying message a global sporting event such as the World Cup is supposed to project.

Toss tangy dressing with salad forlight, tastymeal

BY LINDAGASSENHEMER

Tribune News Service (TNS)

Crunchy,fresh vegetables paired with tender cubes of chicken create adinner salad that’s easy toprepare and full of flavor

The chickenistossed in atangy dressing that lightly coats every ingredient, bringing abright and savorytaste to each bite

The crisp lettuce, colorful vegetables and juicy pieces of chicken provide avariety of

breast, cut into1-inch pieces

1. Mix salad dressing andhoney together in abowl. Add 1tablespoon of the mixture to alarge skillet andset the remaining dressing aside.

2. Heat the skillet and add the chicken. Sautechickenonall sides for 5minutes. Ameat thermometer should read 160 F.

3. Add 3cups of salad each to two dinner plates. Spread chicken,scallions, tomatoes, red bell pepper and feta cheese, mint and croutons evenly over the salad.

4. Drizzle remaining dressing over salad.

NUTRITION INFO PER SERVING: 550 calories(29 percent from fat), 17.6 gfat (7.6 gsaturated,4.7 gmonounsaturated), 162mgcholesterol, 51.1 g protein, 47.0 gcarbohydrates, 7.8 g fiber,667 mg sodium.

Outof this world

Pasta Fagioli al Forno

Serves 6-8.

12 ouncespenne pasta

Mymom taught English, typing and shorthand at Straight Business School at Claiborne and Esplanade avenues —aplace with roots stretchingback to 1868, when it evolved from Straight University. During those long New Orleans summers, she’dbring me along to her classroom, where I’d sit in theback with books and puzzles, trying to keep myself occupied. But eventually,something caught my attention morethan anypuzzle could: laughter

typing, subjects that could easily feel like drudgery

“Why do you all have so much funinclass?” I finally asked her

Her answer changed how Iwould eventually approach my own teaching. “I don’t want to get bored with what

1can whole plum tomatoes 1pound bulk Italian sausage 1onion, chopped 1carrot, chopped 1celeryrib,chopped 4garliccloves, minced 2tablespoonstomato paste 1teaspoon dried oregano ½teaspoon kosher salt

away is the instant change of scenery There’ssomething about escapingthe rigors of everyday life for anew (and hopefully) exciting adventure that’s deeply rewarding for one’smental health. Doneright,you come back home feeling recharged Another plus is being

My mom was laughing. Her students were laughing. They were having thetimeoftheir liveslearning shorthand and

I’m teaching,” she explained, “so Imake it pleasant and fun for myself. AndImake it fun

See LESSONS, page 2D

½teaspoon dried basil

¼teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

¼teaspoon pepper 1can (15 ounces) cannellini beans, rinsed and drained ½cup gratedParmesan cheese, divided ½cup mincedfresh parsley, divided 2cups shreddedfontina or provolone cheese

1. Preheat oven to 350 F. Cook pasta according to package directions for al dente and drain.

2. Drain tomatoes, reserving juices; coarsely chop tomatoes. 3. In a6-quart stockpot, cook and crumble sausage with onion, carrot, celery and garlic over medium-high heat until no longer pink, 6-8 minutes and drain.

4. Stir in tomato paste, seasonings, chopped tomatoes and reserved juices; bring to aboil.

5. Reduce heat; simmer,uncovered, 10 minutes. 6. Stir in beans and ¼cup each Parmesan cheese and parsley.Stir in pasta.

7. Transfertoagreased 13-inchby9-inch aking dish; sprinkle with fontina cheese and emaining Parmesan cheese.

8. Bake, covered, 20 minutes. .Uncover andbakeuntil cheeseismelted, 10-15minutes.Sprinkle with remaining parsley

PHOTO By MONICA BELTON

Honey Lime Chicken Enchiladas Casserole

Serves 4-6.

2cups

1tablespoon

1. Preheat oven to 350 F.

LESSONS

Continued from page1D

formystudents because they learn and retain more in afun atmosphere. When you take the pressureoff with humor,they stop thinking, ‘This is work, this is a chore,’ and they actually absorb it.”

Years later,when Istarted teaching cooking classes, those words echoed in my mind. Some people are nervous about cooking. Some find it intimidating. But if I could make it fun, the way my mother made typing fun, they would learn more and retain it better

Over the years, countless students have told me, “You make that look so easy.”

That’sall Mom. That’sher legacy of teaching with joy instead of pressure. Ironically,Inever actually learned to type. Every summer,Mom woulddraw akeyboard on posterboard, circles with letters and numbers, just like the real thing and tape it in my bedroom window above the desk where my typewriter sat “Look at the board, not your fingers,” she’d instruct. Then she’d call up fromdownstairs: “Are you practicing your typing?”

I’d yell “Yes, ma’am!” and

2. In alarge bowl,place the honey,limejuice, chili powder and minced garlic or garlic powder.Whisktogether thoroughly to combine.

3. Place the cooked and shredded chicken in the bowl, stir to combine and cover with plasticwrap. Allowtomarinate30minutes or upto1 hour,inthe refrigerator

4. Cook the tortillasand set aside.

5. In amediumbowl, combine theenchiladasauce and the heavy cream.Spread about ½cup of themixture

bang afew keysloudly so shecould hear.Tothisday,I canplay piano,but Ipeck at akeyboard

What Ireally loved about thosedaysatthe Business School werethe vending machines. Every once in a blue moon, Icould pick out my own snack,those little Lance crackers orTom’s products. They probably weren’tthat good,objectively speaking, but to a kid? Pure delicacy,because Iwas with my mom, having asnack, having fun

That spirit of nourishment,both literal and emotional, stayed withme into my own parenthood. During the summer,myson, Kevin, had two-a-day practices. I’d start something in theoven, drop himoff at morning practice, comehome to finish cooking while he showered and got aride with ateammate. He’d arrive homewith 10 to 12 teammates in tow

The rules were simple: pick up Gatorade or water on theway.Throw practice clothes in thewashingmachine. Eat. Then lay down. They didn’t have to sleep, but they had to getoff their feet, watch TV,read and drink that gallon of fluid before afternoon practice.

I’d make big pots of spaghetti and meatballs, pans of meatloaf with

Surlywaitressruins restaurant experience

Dear Miss Manners: At a restaurant,isthere away to ask to be served by a waiter or waitress other than the one assigned to our table?

My wife and Ihave patronized alocal establishment for several years, but have sometimes been served by a waitress who, on her best days, is unfriendly,indifferent, unwelcoming and forgetful about our orders.

in thebottom of acast-iron skillet,a10- to 12-inch size.

6. Place atortilla down. Addalarge spoonful of the chicken mixture all over the tortilla. Sprinkle with beans anda little sauce. Cover with cheese, then repeat with remaining layers.

7. On the last layer, endwith atortilla,sauce and cheese.

8. Bakethe enchiladas for 30-35 minutes, untilthe cheese is melted and bubbly and starting tobrown on top.

9. Serve with salsa, olives, sour cream or whatever flavors you like.

oven-baked potatoes, food that gave them protein and carbs, and fuel for young athletes. While they rested, I’d fold their laundry They’d grab their clean clothes and head off to afternoon practice.

Oneday,their coach approached me. “I’ve heard you have acouple kids coming over,” he said. When Iconfirmed it, he started naming names, all myregulars. “How do you know?” I asked.

“Because they have more energy than anybody else.” It was worthevery penny of my food budget.They were good kids. It helped them. They enjoyed it.And just like my mothertaught me,when you remove the pressure and add nourishment, whether it’slaughter in aclassroom or meatloaf around atable, people thrive That’sthe recipe Ilearned from Mom.

Kevin Belton is resident chef of WWL-TV and has taught classes in Louisiana cooking for 30 years. The most recent of his four cookbooks, “KevinBelton’sCookin’ Louisiana: Flavors from the Parishes of the Pelican State,” was published in 2021. EmailChef at chefkevinbelton@gmail. com.

Guinness Chocolate Cake

Serves 10-12. Recipe is by simplyrecipes.com.

FOR

1. Preheat the oven to 350F

CAKE

Continued from page1D

with, and allow you to experienceand understand the local culture in avery hands-on/mouthopen way On arecent trip to the east coast of Ireland, that meant two things: the fresh, local seafood —think salmon, mussels, oysters and DublinBay prawn —and

2. Grease an 8- or 9-inch springform pan with butter andline the bottom with a round ofparchment paper

3. Place stoutand butter in alargesaucepan.Cook over medium-high heat untilthe butter hasmelted 4. Add cocoa powder and sugars and whisk together Take offthe heat and allow it to cometoroom temperature.

5. In another bowl, beat together sourcream, eggs and vanilla extract until very, verywell combined. Add to the butter-stoutmixtureand whisk together

6. In another bowlwhisk together flour,baking soda andsalt. Addtostout-butter mixture and whisktogether until it just comes together

the dark,iconic dry stout that is available by thepint (and,thankfullly,half pint!) in every pub on theisland. Onedish Iknew I’d have to try to re-create back homewas thedense, velvety Guinnesschocolate caketopped with creamy white frostingmyhusband andIenjoyed at Caffe Nero in Belfast while admiring its grand, copper-domed city hall. Cakeisagreat pick-me-

7. Pour intothe prepared panand give the pana few shortdrops ontothe countertop to shakeout the air pockets in the batter.Bake at 350 Ffor 50-60 minutes

8. Allow to cool on awire rack. Runaknife around the edge to separate the cake from the panand popthe ring off the springform

9. While cake is cooling, prepareicing.Using afood processor or by hand, mix confectioners’ sugarto break up lumps.

10. Add cream cheese and blend until smooth. Add heavy cream and mixuntil smoothand spreadable.

11. Spread athick layer of icingoverthe top of the cake only (to resemblea pint of Guinness!) and serve.

up any timeofday,soI didn’tfeel bad enjoying the stout cake for breakfast before along (and damp) day of sightseeing. The fact it’s aseasonal treat traditionally served around Christmas and St. Patrick’sDay —get it while you can! —added to its appeal. Curiously,Guinness doesn’thave arecipe for stout cake on itswebsite, so Ihad to search the web and my memoryfor guidance.

Judith Martin MISS MANNERS

On one occasion, she treated two people in our party —a72-year-old woman and her adult son, who has special needs —with absolute disdain. Iwanted to complain to management, but thelady asked me not to. She chose to leavebefore therest of our small party had finished our meals —and she had organized theouting!

At asubsequent luncheon, Igrimaced when Isaw that this waitress would be our server and, as Ifeared, once again found myself apologizing to therest of my party for my restaurant choice.

This restaurant is asmall family-owned business,

over 100 years old and now in its third generation. Itsservers are generally older womenwho, frankly, all seem to be looking forwardtothe end of their shifts. But at least they are adequate, unlike this server.They all have been there foryears, so Isuspect there is afair amount of mutual loyalty between the owners and the waitstaff. Iwould like to continue to support this restaurant, and Idon’twant to have this waitress fired or disciplined. Ijust don’twant her as my server Is there away to replace her,even after we have been seated, without upsetting her and having to worry through dinner that she might “accidentally” spill aplate of pasta on my head?

Gentle reader: At the risk of seeming impertinent, do you also wonder about having the chicken after you’ve ordered the pasta?

Miss Manners only asks because your precondition —that no corrective action be taken until you’ve already been seated and

assigned the surly waitress —isboth insurmountable (assuming pasta as a wardrobe accessory is also non-negotiable) but also inexplicable. Call the restaurant during non-dining hours and ask to speak with the owner.Explain the problem, and ask if he or she can think of any waytoavoid your party ever again being assigned this waitress without either embarrassing her or requiring you to pick adifferent eating establishment. The thought of retaining alongtime customer without having to discipline a possibly difficult long-term employee may prove motivating. It maybeassimple as agreeing that, if servers have assigned areas (or will have, going forward), you have just noticed that your favorite table is outside of hers.

Sendquestions to Miss Manners at herwebsite, www.missmanners. com; to heremail, dearmissmanners@gmail. com; or through postal mail to Miss Manners, Universal Uclick, 1130 Walnut St Kansas City MO 64106.

Trycleaninghintfor abig party

Dear Heloise: Cinco de Mayo is one of my favorite excuses to feed acrowd —chips, salsa, tacos,the works! The aftermath? Lessexciting. Greasy plattersand salsa-covered dishes took thebetter part of an hour to clean after guests left. Now every serving tray and basket gets lined with parchmentpaper before thefood goes out. When theparty’s over,just lift the paper and toss it out; the tray underneath doesn’tneed anything no soaking, no scrubbing, and no dried salsa waiting for you thenext morning! The parchment handles grease and moisture without sticking or tearing, which makes it more reliable than paper towels or foil for this kind of use. Cut it to fit, or justfold the edges up slightly around thesides.

My daughter was recently stranded on the highway foranhour and ahalf with abroken-downvehicle, without shade from the Florida sun. An umbrella won’t fixthe car,but it blocks direct sun, reduces exposure, and makes along wait morebearable. In hot climates, standing on sun-baked asphalt without shade is draining. Acompact folding umbrella doesn’t take up much space, and it works forthe rain as well. It’s the kind of thing you forget until you need it, then you’re glad that it’s there. Consider adding it to your list the next time you check your emergency supplies. —Marilyn, in TheVillages, Florida

Brownclump in vinegar

It’ssuch asmall thing, but it genuinely changes how thenight ends. You get to enjoy the last hour of theparty instead of dreading about what’swaiting for you in thekitchen.

Leslie A., in Bayside, New York Pack an umbrella

Dear Heloise: Acar emergency kit usually includes jumper cables, a flashlight, and a first aid kit, but an umbrella deserves aplace in the trunk, too.

By The Associated Press

Today is Thursday, May 14, the134th day of 2026. There are 231 days left in the year

Todayinhistory: On May 14, 1804, the Lewis andClark expedition,organizedtoexplore theLouisiana Territory as well as the PacificNorthwest, began its journey near present-day Hartford, Illinois.

Also on this date: In 1607, Jamestown, the first permanent English settlementinNorth America, was established by membersofthe Virginia Company

In 1796, English physician Edward Jenner successfully inoculated 8-year-old James Phipps against smallpox by using cowpox matter.(Smallpox would be declared the first fully eradicated human disease in 1980.)

In 1948, theindepen-

Dear Heloise: Brownclumps keep forming at the bottom of our apple cider vinegar after we transfer it from agallon jug to asmaller bottle. What causes this, and how do we prevent it?

—MichaelKey,via email Michael, there’sno need to worry; the brown clumps are harmless. They’re called the “mother of vinegar,” and they’re a natural mixofgood bacteria and cellulose that is found in raw,unfiltered apple cider vinegar.Transferring vinegar exposes it to air and movement, and

TODAYINHISTORY

dent state of Israel was proclaimed in TelAviv by David Ben-Gurion, who becameits first primeminister

In 1955, representatives from eightCommunist bloc countries, including theSovietUnion, signedthe Warsaw Pact in Poland.(The pact wasdissolved in 1991.) In 1961, Freedom Rider civil rights activists were attacked by violent mobs in Anniston and Birmingham,Alabama. In 1973, NASA launched Skylab, the first American space station, from Kennedy Space Center in Florida. In 1988, an inebriated driver of apickup traveled the wrong way on a Kentucky interstate and slammed into achurch group bus, killing 24 children and three others returning homefrom an Ohio amusement park. The fiery collision wasone of America’sdeadliest drunken driving crashes on record.

this exposure can cause anew mother to form in the smaller bottle —often within aweek or two. Somepeople value the mother forits probiotic benefits and keep it in. If you don’tlike the texture, strain the vinegar through a fine-mesh strainer or a coffee filter before pouring it into the smaller bottle. Keeping the vinegar in the fridge after transferring it will also slow the process. Filtered apple cider vinegar has fewerclumps but doesn’tcontain the mother No matter what settles at the bottom,your vinegar is safeand ready to use. Heloise

Smartershowerhabits

DearHeloise: To conserve our precious water resource, I’m very mindful of how Ishower.For instance, Iwill make sure that all my products are ready to use, take the tops off, and remove them from their containers before Istart running the water.Ileave the lids off while the water runs and put them back only after I’ve finished. I also turn the water off or make it adrizzle while I’m shaving or pumicing. With the average shower using up to 20 gallons of water, anything we can do to conserve water is worth it. Montana A., via email

Sendahinttoheloise@ heloise.com.

In 2022, an 18-year-old White supremacist wearing body armor opened fire in asupermarket in apredominantly Black neighborhood in Buffalo, New York, killing 10 people before being taken into custody.(The gunman, Payton Gendron, was sentenced to lifeinprison without parole in February 2023.)

Today’sBirthdays: Baseball Hall of Famer Tony Pérez is 84. Filmmaker George Lucas is 82. Filmmaker Robert Zemeckis is 75. Musician David Byrne is

TAURUS (April 20-May 20) Say no to responsibilities thatdon'tbelong to you. Your timeisbest allocated to something thatmakes adifference to you, your attitude andyourpersonal, physical and financial well-being.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20) Own whatever situation you find yourself in, and implement positive change.Volunteer for a positionofleadership whereyou can make adifference to those youreach out to.

CANCER (June 21-July22) Stand your ground, but don'tinvite unwarranted trouble.Overreacting will be to your detriment, especially when dealing with professional associates or those you count on forassistance.

LEO (July23-Aug. 22) Gather information that helps you find your happy place. A lifestyle change that helps youspend less and experience more willchange your mindset and give yousomething to look forward to.

VIRGO(Aug.23-Sept. 22) You'll retain information. Setyourselfuptolearn, research and integrate with teachers and thosewho can assist you in padding your brain, attributes and physical skills with new possibilities andcapabilities.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) Be careful what you agree to or promise. Situationswill escalate quickly if you aren'tprecise regarding your wants and desires. Pay attentiontodetail, andquestionanything that appears problematic.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) Whetheryouare eager to learn or engage in technology

thatcan make your life or skills useful moving forward, the improvements will payoff by keeping you competitive.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23-Dec.21) Stand up andbecounted. Takeanenergetic approach to life, love and your happiness, but stay within your budget.You don't have to impress anyone by paying their way.

CAPRICORN(Dec.22-Jan. 19) One step forward and three stepsback. Take a moment, reorganize your thoughts and map out aplan that's doable. Be aware of those eager to stand in your way or take advantage of your time.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) Don'tdawdle when youhavesomuchtoachieve.Consider howyou earn your livingormanageyourmoney andwhatyou can do to up your game. Achange at home will encourage youtolower your overhead.

PISCES(Feb.20-March 20) Protect yourself from unsavory situations thatcan result in debt or liability.Taking on too much or overpayingfor somethingwill set you back. Study your options when time and money are at stake.

ARIES (March 21-April 19) Your speed, positive attitude and whatgoal you accomplish will make others pauseinwonder. Put your talents to work foryou,and the sky's thelimit.Don'tfear being different.

The horoscope, an entertainment feature, is not based on scientific fact. ©2026 by nEa, inc., dist.Byandrews mcmeel syndication

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

TODAy'S CLUE:R EQUALS H

Sudoku

InstructIons: sudoku is anumber-placing puzzle based on a9x9 grid with several given numbers. Theobject is to place the numbers 1to9 in the empty squares so that each row, each column and each 3x3 box contains the same number only once. Thedifficulty level of the sudoku increases frommonday to sunday.

Yesterday’s Puzzle Answer

Bridge

BY PHILLIP ALDER

Franklin Delano Roosevelt said, “Repetition does not transform alie into a truth.”

Butonedoeshopethatrepetitiontransformsatruth thatissometimes overlooked into atruththat is remembered. As an example, how do thedefenders defeat fourhearts in this deal after West leads the spadeace?

Thebidding is instructive. Over West’s textbooktakeout double, North’s redouble indicates at least 10 high-card points andfewer than four-cardheartsupport (Note that in the United States,atwodiamond response is typically treated as natural and nonforcing,showing along suit in aweak hand. With agood hand that isn’tsuitable foraforcing one-level response, responder must start with redouble.) After this redouble, thesimplest rule is that either the opening pair buys the contract or theintervening side plays in something doubled for penalty. Under West’sspadeace, East dropshis three, the lowest carddenying both the spadequeen anda doubleton. Westcontinues with the spade queen. Now East shouldplayhis eight, starting ahigh-low withhisremainingdoubleton.ThenWest cashes the spadeking. But what should hedoattrickfour?Westhas14high-card points and dummy has 13. That leaves 13 for East andSouth.The declarer must have the diamond ace, club ace and club king.Itishighlyunlikelythatthedefenderscan gain aminor-suittrick.And if so the fourth defensive trick will have to comefromtrumps. West should lead his last spade. This promotes East’s heart jack to the setting trick. ©2026 by nEa, inc., dist. By andrews mcmeel syndication

wuzzles

Each Wuzzle is aword riddle which creates adisguised word, phrase, name, place, saying, etc. For example: nOOn gOOD =gOOD aFTErnOOn

Previous answers:

word game

InstRuctIons: 1. Words mustbeoffour or moreletters. 2. Words that acquire four letters by the addition of “s,” such as “bats” or “dies,” are not allowed. 3. additional words made by adding a“d” or an “s” may not be used. 4. proper nouns, slang words, or vulgar or sexually explicit words arenot allowed.

toDAY’s WoRD VERtIGo: VER-tih-go: Dizziness.

Average mark 21 words

Time limit 35 minutes

Canyou find 30 or more words in VERTIGO?

YEstERDAY’s WoRD —LInGERs

dIrectIons: make a2-to 7-letter word from the letters in each row. add points of each word, using scoring directions at right. Finally, 7-letter words get 50-point bonus. “Blanks” used as any letter have no point value. all the words are in the Official sCraBBlE® players Dictionary, 5th Edition.

Yesterday’s Puzzle Answer

Formore information on tournamentsand clubs,email naspa –north americansCraBBlE playersassociation:info@scrabbleplayers.org. Visitour website: www.scrabbleplayers.org. For puzzle inquiries contact scrgrams@gmail.com. Hasbro andits logo sCraBBlE associated logo,the design of thedistinctive sCraBBlE brand game card, and thedistinctivelettertile designs are trademarks of Hasbro in the United states and Canada.©2021 Hasbro. allrights reserved. Distributed by Tribune Contentagency, llC.

ken ken

InstructIons: 1 -Each row and each columnmust containthe numbers 1thorugh4 (easy) or 1through 6 (challenging) without repeating 2 -The numberswithin the heavily outlined boxes, calledcages, must combine using the given operation (in any order) to produce the target numbers in the top-left corners. 3 -Freebies: Fill in the single-box cages with the number in the top-left corner.

WiShinGWell

HErEisaplEasanT liTTlE gamEthat will give you amessage every day.it’s a numerical puzzle designedtospell outyourfortune.Count theletters in yourfirst name. if the number of letters is 6ormore, subtract 4. if thenumberisless than 6, add 3. Theresult is your key number. start at theupperleft-hand cornerand check each of yourkey numbers, left to right. Thenreadthe message thechecked figures give you

SD039-26 Resubdivision of Lots Y, aportion of Lots,A,B,C,D,and Par‐cel15-2intoLot Y-1in Sections 39 and40, Town‐ship 12 South, Range12 East,SoutheasternLand District East of Missis‐sippi River, ThirdMunici‐palDistrictand bounded by OldGentillyRoad, the L&Nrailroadright-ofway, andJourdan Road Municipaladdressis 6600 OldGentillyRoad. (PolicyD) SD047-26 Resubdivision of Lots 28 and29intoLot 29-A, Chef MenteurSub‐division,Third Municipal District andbounded by Chef MenteurHighway thenorthernboundaryof theChefMenteur Subdi‐vision,the Marques Canal, andthe southern boundaryofthe Chef MenteurSubdivision Municipaladdressesare 21740-21750 Chef MenteurHighway.(Policy D) SD048-26 Resubdivision of Lot1 into Lots 2and 3 in Square 517, Federal City,Fifth MunicipalDis‐trictand bounded by RaphaelSemmesStreet Hunley Street,Constitu‐tion Street,Savage Street,and Guadalcanal Street.Municipaladdress is 755 RaphaelSemmes Street.(Policy D) THECITYPLANNING COMMISSIONWILLHEAR PROPONENTS ANDOPPO‐NENTSTOTHE ABOVE PROPOSED SUBDIVISION.

pp of asuccession repre‐sentativetosellsucces‐sion prope1iy from asmall succession needstobe publishedonceand in theParishwhere the proceedingispending or where thepropertyislo‐cated, andshall state that anyoppositionto the proposed sale must be filedwithinten (10) days of thedateofpublica‐tion By OrderofClerk

of 248 feet,moreor less to BayouBarataria; thence go in asoutherly directionalong theright descending lineof BayouBarataria adis‐tanceof145 feet,moreor less; thence go South76 degrees 52 minutesand 43 secondsWesta dis‐tanceof242

24, 584 square feet.Or0.564 acres. Improvements thereon bear Municipaladdress of 2375 Privateer Blvd Barataria, LA 70036, LA 70072. Your applicantas Executor will be selling thepropertyfor $70,000.00, cash payable at privatesale, whichin‐cludes thedecedents undividedinterest. Pur‐suanttoCivil Code of ProcedureArticle 3443, notice of theapplication f i

gruppenicker@gmail com 187403-may14-1t $70.53

NOTICE 24thJUDIDICAL DISTRICT COURT PARISH OF JEFFERSON STATEOFLOUISIANA NO.652709 DIVISION “C SUCCESSIONSOFELISE RITA WILDEY AND STEPHENF.WILDEY, JR JUDICIAL ADVERTISE‐MENT Please take notice that a Petition forAuthority has been filedbythe Ad‐mininstratrix to executea Quitclaimof theunimprovedproperty ownedbythe Succes‐sionslocated in the District of Barataria. Anyopposition shallbe filedatleast 8daysfol‐lowing theadvertise‐ment RaymondB.Landry Attorney forPetitioner 2341 Metairie Rd Metairie,LA70004 504-837-4950 187442-may14-1t $38.87

NAYS:Green, Harris- 2 ABSENT:0 RECUSED 0 AND THE RESOLUTION WASADOPTED. NOCP 9053

as SenateBill 256, during the 2026 Legislative Session; and WHEREAS,Act 15 abolishes the offices of Orleans Parish Clerk of Civil District Court and Orleans Parish Clerk of Criminal District Court and creates anew office described as “Orleans clerk of court,”or“clerk of court forthe parish of Orleans” as of 12:00 a.m. on May4,2026; and WHEREAS,Article 5, Section28ofthe Louisiana Constitution provides that “a clerk of the district court shall be elected ...;”and WHEREAS,Althoughtherewereelections held in 2025 for the offices of Orleans Parish Clerk of Civil District Court and Orleans Parish Clerk of Criminal District Court, no person has yet been elected as “Orleans clerk of court;” and WHEREAS,Anoffice that has yet to be filledisispo facto vacant pursuant to Stateexrel. Sanchez v. Dixon, 4So.2d 591(La. Ct. App. 1941); and WHEREAS,The office of Orleans clerk of court has yet to be filledand thereforeisvacant; and WHEREAS,La. R.S. §18:602(E)(2)(a) provides that, if the unexpired term of the office of clerk of adistrict courtisgreater than one year the governing authority of the local government subdivision in which the vacancy occurs shall issue aproclamation ordering aspecial election to fill the vacancy; and WHEREAS,The term of the Orleans clerk of court is four years and began on May4,2026, pursuant to Act 15; and WHEREAS,Therefore, the unexpiredterm of the office of Orleans clerk of court is greater than one year and the City Council, as governing authority of the local government subdivision in which the vacancy occurs, is directed by La. R.S. §18:602(E)(2)(a) to issue aproclamation ordering aspecial election to fill the vacancy; and WHEREAS,La. R.S. §18:602(E)(2)(a) sets out certain procedural requirements related to the calling of the special election that must be met; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NEW ORLEANS That SECTION 1 Election Call. Under the authority conferred by La. R.S. §18:602, Article VI of the Constitutionofthe StateofLouisiana of 1974, other applicable provisions of Title18ofthe Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, as amended, and other constitutional and statutory authority supplemental thereto, be it proclaimed that aspecial election is hereby orderedfor November3,2026, between the hours of six

May 14, 2026

‘FOUR LOST SONS’ EXHIBIT LENDS VOICE TO GRIEVING MOMS PAGE 6

What ties Beyoncé’s Met Gala dress to New Orleans? page 9

Life’s a Cinderella story at Kenner’s Rivertown page 4

don’t miss don’t miss don’t miss

shades fest

Rain threw more than a little shade on Shades of Praise’s performance at Jazz Fest this year, prompting a cancellation. But the interracial gospel choir’s voices will be raised in song in special makeup concert at 2 p.m. Saturday at First Presbyterian Church, 5401 S. Claiborne Ave. The concert is free, but donations are welcome at the family-friendly event. shadesofpraise.org.

parasol promenade

The Leading Ladies Guild of the Jefferson Performing Arts Society will “Promenade through the Hoildaze” for its annual luncheon at 11 a.m. Friday at Chateau Golf & Country Club, 3600 Chateau Blvd., Kenner. The gala event includes a purse pull, wine pull and raffles. Plus, the promenade — all to raise funds to help the Jefferson Performing Arts. Tickets start at $100. facebook.org

dining by design

The historic BK House, 1113 Chartres St., brings back the popular culinary-meets-creativity event at 5:30 p.m. Sunday with elaborate and imaginative dining and floral creations by more than a dozen locals. Cuisine will be provided by Pigeon Catering and Events, plus libations and live music. Tickets start at $150. bkhouse.org.

asian heritage festival

‘girl bye’ premiere

ew Orleans native Ryan gers’ network comedy special, escribed as “a fearless, laugh-outloud exploration of the personal and political: addiction, gay marriage, homophobia, family and everything in between,” debuts Friday on OUTtv. Recorded at Sports Drink Comedy Club here, the show will also be livestreamed on OUTflix. ryanrogerscomedy.com.

The colors, flavors and culture of Asia meet the exuberance of a south Louisiana festival from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday at Lafreniere Park, 3000 Downs Blvd., Metairie. The Asian Pacific American Society’s event includes cultural performances, food and craft vendors and information tables from community organizations. The free event will be near the carousel. apasnola.com.

‘wwii

in the shadows’

The National WWII Museum’s popular Dinner with a Curator series takes a look at spies and espionage in the Crescent City at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday in the U.S. Freedom Pavilion of the museum, 945 Magazine St. Historian Bradley W. Hart will talk about Hitler’s spies, Hoover’s G-men and the operations in New Orleans. The dinner includes locally based cuisine and cocktails. Tickets start at $77, and sales end 48 hours prior to the event nationalww2museum.org.

‘violent femmes’ author event

The ’80s alternative group gets the literary treatment in Nic Brown’sbook, part of Bloomsbury Publishing’s331/3 series. Awriter, musicianand professor,Brown had access to the Femmes and their archives and details the creatio of such songs as “Blister in the Sun,” “Add It Up” and more. The event starts at 6p.m.

music music music

Paramore’s Hayley Williamsmaking NewOrleans stop on solo tour

BY MARCO CARTOLANO Staff writer

Singer Hayley Williams, frontwoman forthe rock band Paramore, will perform at Champions Square in October as part of her second solo tourofthe year

WednesdayatGarden District Books, 2727 Prytania St., Uptown in theRink. Brown will readand then chat with localauthor E.M. Tran. Admission is free but an RSVP is suggested. gardendistrictbookshop.com.

ABOUTLAGNIAPPE

The Lagniappe section is publishedeach ThursdaybyThe Times-Picayune |The NewOrleansAdvocate. All inquiries about Lagniappe should bedirectedto the editor.

LAGNIAPPE EDITOR: Lauren Walck,lauren. walck@theadvocate.com

COVER DESIGN: Andrea Daniel

CONTRIBUTINGWRITERS: Victor Andrews, Marco Cartolano,Will Coviello, Doug MacCash, Justic Mitchell, Keith Spera

“The Hayley Williams Show” tour will makeits New Orleans stop on Oct. 10. Williams announced thenew tour on Thursday while still on her “Bachelorette Party Tour.”

Williams released her third solo album, “Ego Death at a Bachelorette Party,” to acclaim n2025. Paramore’smost recent album was “This is Why” in 2023.

Williams —who was born in Meridian, Mississippi, and formed Paramore in Franklin, Tennesee—rose to fame with the band n the mid-2000s, breaking out n 2007 with thepop punk album Riot” and themultiplatinum single“Misery Business.” The band’s commercial success continued on albumslike 2009’s“Brand New Eyes” and2012’sself-titled album.

Williams has further experimented with alternative rock on her solo albums.She was nominated for five Grammys this year,including for Best Alternative Music Album.

Williams will be joined in New Orleansbyrapper and singer Rico Nasty and alternative pop duo Magdalena Bay.The show is scheduled for 7p.m.

Tickets go on sale Thursday.

GETLISTEDINLAGNIAPPE

Submit events to Lagniappe at leasttwo weeksinadvance by sending an email to events@theadvocate.com.

ON THECOVER

Awindow into the Art Conscious gallery in Arabioffers aglimpse of the exhibit by WaltaFocq protesting police brutality. PhotobySophia Germer. Art writer Doug MacCash writes about the showonPage 6.

Hayley Williams, frontwoman of the band Paramore, will performOct. 10 at Champions Square in New Orleans as partofher ‘The Hayley Williams Show’ solotour. ASSOCIATED PRESS/INVISION

stages stages stages

FairyGodmother Elise Spurlock, left, whips up abit of magic to help Cinderella,played by Gabrielle Treas,get ready for the ball in the Rivertown Theaters for the Performing Arts production of ‘Rodgers +Hammerstein’s Cinderella’ opening FridayinKenner. PROVIDED PHOTOS

Myth makers

Rivertowntakes ‘Cinderella’ to

theballand NOLA

Projects lets

‘Medea’loose on theGreenway

Victor Andrews

Women steeped in fairy tales and myth get the spotlight in apair of shows opening this week around the metroarea, withacertain Ella takingoff in Kenner and aGreek mother making a bold statement on the green spaces of New Orleans.

‘Rogers+ Hammerstein’s Cinderella’

Cinderella’sstoryhas been told alot. Dame Julie Andrews was one of the first to step out of the cinders and dazzle audiences as the lucky gal in the Rodgers and Hammerstein versionofthe classic tale. AndLesley Ann

Warren took aturn in alater version of the sameshow Disney’sanimated film from 1950 features the work of Mack David, Jerry Livingston and Al Hoffman. In the morerecent live-action Disney flick, Lily James dons the glass slipper.Inbetween, Disney also produced aversion of the Rodgers and Hammerstein show with Brandy and the late Whitney Houston as the fairy godmother But RivertownTheaters forthe Performing Arts in Kenner will mount the 1957 version written fortelevision (and Andrews) and recently revived on Broadway that is filled with the melodies,

stages stages stages

magic and a bit of mayhem.

The show opening Friday is packed with some of the writing duo’s most memorable songs, like “Impossible,” “In My Own Little Corner,” “Ten Minutes Ago” and “A Lovely Night.”

“This production follows the beloved Rodgers and Hammerstein adaptation, which brings a contemporary edge to the traditional story,” said Kelly Fouchi, producer of the show “While it keeps the timeless magic, including the pumpkin, the glass slipper and the transformation, it adds a layer of intelligence and wit.

“It’s a version that balances the ‘happily ever after’ with a genuine sense of purpose and kindness.”

Those “transformations” are keys to the show, but Fouchi said they include more than just the sartorial sensation of Cinderella’s gown.

“There are about five different magical moments in this one scene,” she said. “Executing the costume changes for Cinderella and the Fairy Godmother, where rags turn into shimmering ballgowns in front of the audience’s eyes, requires incredible precision from the costume team and the performers.”

and Saturdays and May 28, and 2 p.m. Sundays through May 31 at 325 Minor St. Tickets start at $52. Visit rivertowntheaters.com.

‘Medea’

The NOLA Project takes a turn in the great outdoors (where so much early theater occurred) and reaches back to ancient Greece for the story of a woman seeking vengeance at any cost.

The modern adaptation of “Medea” by Alistair Elliot brings the story to life and transcending time in this local production.

“‘Medea’ is one of the most urgent

Bryce Slocumb directs, with Brian Martinez as musical director and Kery Lambert as choreographer.Gabrielle Treas takes the lead as Ella, with Elise Spurlock as the godmother. Charles Mukaida is Topher, the prince, while Chrissy Bowne is the stepmother, and her daughters are Candice Moss and Kelly Amstutz.

Additional characters include Michael Breath Jr., Jimmy Murphy, Juan Luis Wiliiams and Avery Gerosa, Bailey Hall, Brady Lewis, Brittany Martin, David Browning, Emily Ann Mohler, Emily Clulee, Emory Farber, Gunna Bergsveinsdottir, Jared Augustus, Jessica Holl, Kerry Lambert, Liam Noble Favre, Liam Van Vrancken, Logan Breaux, Rebecca Browning, Sophie Stechmann and Virginia Borne. Also appearing are Anna Grace DePaula, Avery Drago, Ginny Bourg, Nathan Borne, Nina Schneider, Penn Tschirn and Taylor Nguyen

The show is at 7:30 p.m. Fridays

stories ever written — about power, about motherhood, about what happens when a woman has nothing left to lose,” NOLA Project artistic director Tenaj Wallace said. “And it turns out that story is just as alive today as it was in ancient Athens. And it wouldn’t be a NOLA Project show if we didn’t add our own twist to it.

Director Gab Reisman said, “We’re interested in what Medea is saying about unpaid labor, the unequal expectations of women and men when it comes to parenting, and what it looks like when a marriage implodes in acrimony

“But tragedy can’t exist without comedy, so I’m also going to be looking for ways this play can make us laugh and surprise us.

“We’re also building an immersive nod to The Festival of Dionysus, where every spring ancient Athenian citizens would stop work, hang at the theater

for a few days drinking wine, and judge that year’s crop of new plays.”

Taking part in the production are ensemble members Natalie Boyd, Megan Whittle and Kristin Witt, with Robinson J. Cyprian, Jon Greene, Aria Jackson and Roney Jones.

The show marks the fourth NOLA Project to be staged on the Lafitte Greenway, 436 N. Norman C. Francis Parkway Chairs are recommended for the concrete venue.

The show is at 7:30 p.m. Friday through Sunday, plus May 22, 24 and 28-30. Tickets start at $20. Visit nolaproject.com.

Brazilian Bombshell,” stage and film star Miranda made a string of wartime movies featuring her trademark kilowatt smile and colorful fruit-adorned headpieces. Tickets start at $47. nationalww2museum.org.

”CHAPTER TWO:” 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday; Playmakers Theater, 19106 Playmakers Road, Covington. Neil Simon, the Tony and Pulitzer Prize winner, penned “Chapter Two” as a semi-autobiographical look at his second marriage to famed actor Marsha Mason. Tickets start at $15. playmakersinc.com.

“CHERRIES JUBILEE”: 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sundays through May 17; Jefferson Performing Arts, Westwego Performing Arts Center, 177 Sala Ave., Westwego. Four local playwrights penned the story of five friends who met when they attended Newcomb College and the sweeping journey through their lives, both good and bad. Tickets start at $42. jpas.org.

In production

“BOOK OF MORMON”: 7:30 p.m. Thursday to Saturday, plus 2 p.m. Saturday and 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Sunday; Saenger Theatre, 1111 Canal St. Broadway bulldozer from the creators of “South Park” pokes fun at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints via a pair of mismatched young missionaries (one perfect, one hopeless) who are sent to Uganda. And despite the fact that the situation is rather dire, there’s plenty of “worlds collide” situations that erupt into hilarious yet touching moments. Tickets start at $51. saengernola.com.

“CARMEN MIRANDA: SAMBA IN TECHNICOLOR”: 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday; BB’s Stage Door Canteen, National WWII Museum, 945 Magazine St. Known in her heyday as “The

“GOD OF CARNAGE”: 7:30 p.m. Thursday to Saturdays 3 p.m. Sunday, 2 p.m. May 16, through May 17; Le Petit Théâtre du Vieux Carré, 616 St. Peter St. Star power drives this show about adults behaving like children with Julie Lake, Conrad Ricamora, Marie Lovejoy and Joshua Mark Sienkiewcz as two sets of parents of 11-year-old boys who had a dust-up on the playground. What begins as an earnest attempt to keep things calm descends into an emotional evening. Tickets start at $35. Visit lepetittheatre.com.

“PRIMARY TRUST”: 7:30 p.m. Thursdays to Saturdays and 2:30 p.m. Sundays through May 24 with gala opening Friday; Contemporary Arts Center, 900 Camp St. Crescent City Stage’s production of the story of Kenneth, a man who leads a simple life that gets upended when he loses the only job he’s ever known. From his daily mai tais with Bert to letting the world in, the story is a mix of humor, heartbreak and the unexpected. Tickets start at $35. crescentcitystage.com.

Email Victor Andrews at vandrews@ theadvocate.com.

‘We’re still

protesting’

Mothersdrive theemotion behind exhibit callingfor justicefor slainBlack men

“The FourLost Sons” exhibit at Art Conscious gallery in Arabi is designed to be agut punch.

The show features huge portraits of four Black men from Louisiana who’ve died in altercations withpolice or in the custody of authorities.

The artist, who goes by thepseudonym Walta Focq, frames the incidents as tragic examples of police brutality and systemic racism.During apreview of the exhibit,

he said he wants visitors to “imagine you have achild, then imagine that child dies, then imagine that child was killed by people whowere supposed to protect him.” Truth is, nobody wants to consider that sort of scenario, but, as Focq points out, forsome people, it’sreality.Calling attention to the problem via art is the goal of “The Four Lost Sons.”

ä See EXHIBIT, page 8

Sabrina Foster stands between paintings of her sonGlenn Foster Jr., aformer Saints playerwho is among the subjects of the ‘FourLost Sons’ exhibit at ArtConscious in Arabi.Glenn Foster was killed by law enforcement in December 2021.

STAFF PHOTOSBySOPHIA GERMER

FARLEFT: A painting on silk portrays Deaughn Willis, whowas killed in 2022 by an East Baton RougeParish sheriff’sdeputy.

LEFT: An installation is dedicate to Dontrunner ‘Trun’ Robinson.

‘THE FOUR LOST SONS: FOUR MOTHERS FIGHT FORJUSTICE’

Open by appointmentfrom 11 a.m. to 4p.m. throughJune 27

ArtConscious, 6601 St.Claude Ave.,Arabi (504) 388-8325

Large paintings of Glenn Foster Jr., left, and Ronald Greene are part of the ‘Four Lost Sons’ exhibit at Art Concious in Arabi.

STAFF

PHOTO

SOPHIA GERMER

By

art art art

EXHIBIT

Continued from page 6

An ironic coincidence

Focq said “Four Lost Sons” was scheduled to coincide with the anniversary of the death of Ronald Greene, who was beaten and repeatedly tased by State Police officers on May 10, 2019, following a high-speed chase near Monroe.

The project began five years ago, when Focq created a public art protest to mark Greene’s death. Focq applied images of Greene and his plaintive last words — “Yes sir,” “I’m sorry,” “I’m your brother” and “I’m scared” — to a highly visible bicycle rental rack on busy Julia Street in the Central Business District.

Word of Focq’s protest artwork reached Greene’s mother, Mona Hardin. She and Focq became acquainted, and he said he was swept up in her experience.

But it was only recently that Focq realized the show’s opening would take place on the eve of Mother’s Day.

The coincidence is grimly poetic. From the start, the mothers of the four

dead young men in Focq’s portraits have been involved in the project. The exhibit opened May 9.

Contacted by phone, Hardin said the anniversary of her son’s death is tough.

“Every year, going on that journey is really, really heavy,” she said. Despite the pain, she welcomes the reminder of her son’s death that Focq’s exhibit represents. “When he got killed,” she said, “he became a statistic, a number on a pile of other numbers.”

She hopes the art exhibit reminds the public of his dreadful demise.

In the exhibit, Focq memorializes Greene in a pair of painted portraits as well as an exacting reproduction of the bike rack that he’d transformed in 2021.

Ghostwriter

The artists, whose professional Walta Focq identity seems to be based on a vulgar expression of bewildered outrage (he signs his artworks WTF), said he began “The Four Lost Sons” project because he believes art should “be about something, and I can’t think of anything more important.”

Focq said he sees his role as a “ghostwriter,” helping the four mothers tell their stories. He declines to share de-

public art

five years ago, with images of Ronald Greene and his last words on a highly visible bicycle rental rack on busy Julia Street in the

Business District.

tails of his background, except to say he’s a middle-aged White man. Focq won’t say if he has any formal art training, but it’s quite clear he’s skilled and aware of contemporary art practices. In his portraits of the four slain men, he used various techniques to emphasize their individuality. And in lieu of conventional canvas, he painted their huge faces on unusual materials such as bedsheets, charred ceiling tiles and patterned polyester fabric, lending a real-world feel to the artworks.

In the exhibit, Focq also puts focus on Dontrunner Robinson, a young man who reportedly suffocated from choking on a bag of drugs during a confrontation with Baton Rouge police in 2013, with a bike rack sculpture facsimile of the one he built for Greene.

And the artist’s portrait of 25-yearold Deaughn Willis, who was killed by East Baton Rouge Parish sheriff’s deputies in search of his twin brother, is divided into a checkerboard pattern that looks like both photographic pixels and the sort of plaid shirt a young man might have worn.

‘Fighting for justice’

In the week before the opening of the show, Sabrina Foster toured the

galley, wearing a No 97 New Orleans Saints jersey Her son Glenn Foster Jr. played defensive end for the team in 2013-15, before embarking on a career as a businessman.

The 31-year-old reportedly died in the custody of Alabama authorities after a speeding violation and highspeed chase led to his arrest. The exact details of his death remain unclear, which has left his mother suspicious and unable to achieve closure.

Foster said her family is pursuing a civil case against those she believes are responsible.

Glancing at her son’s smiling face in one of Focq’s portraits, she wistfully said, “That’s Glenn.”

Like Hardin, Foster sees Focq’s exhibit as a way to honor her son’s spirit. “This will give me the opportunity to keep talking about him. The more I talk about it, the better it goes for me,” she said, referring to her emotional state.

When Focq first broached the idea of the show, Foster said she bought in. “I loved the idea that we’re still protesting, still fighting for justice,” she said.

Email Doug MacCash at dmaccash@ theadvocate.com.

art art art

Jay-Z, from left, Beyoncé and Blue Ivy Carter arriveMay 4at

The Metropolitan Museum of Art’sCostume Institute benefit gala celebrating the opening of the ‘Costume Art’ exhibition in Newyork.

ASSOCIATED

PRESS PHOTOBy EVAN

AGOSTINI

Is Beyoncéleaning into herLouisiana lineage?

MetGalagownrumored to have drawninspiration from Creole painting

BY DOUG MACCASH Staff writer

Pop diva Beyoncé glittered at The MetropolitanMuseum of Art’s Costume Institute benefitgala in ManhattanonMay 4.

The superstar singer appeared at the arty party in aform-fitting translucentgown that trailed along, gray, feathery train. Strikingly,the outfit was adorned with abejeweled skeleton motif that matched her anatomy.

Online sources identified thedesigner of the gown as Olivier Rousteing and reported thatithad been inspired by aspooky 1944 lithograph of askeleton wearing atranslucent frock.

The artist who created theprint, titled “Visitor,” was arenowned New Orleans-born artist named Caroline Durieux, who was aprofessor at both Tulane University andLSU, where

ARCHIVE IMAGE

Caroline Durieux near CityPark’s fountain, circa 1975

sheinfluenced generations of Bayou Stateartists from the1930s to 1960s. Durieux, who’slong life spanned 1886 to 1989, was known for her paintings and prints that satirized

‘Visitor,’ a1944 lithograph on paper by Caroline Durieux, may have been the inspiration forBeyoncé’s stunning 2026 Met gala gown.

PROVIDED PHOTO By COLLECTION OF THELSU MUSEUM OF ART, BATONROUGE

thefoibles of society.Baton Rouge art collector Jeremy K. Simien said that the pioneering female artist oftenbrought a“Southern gothic edge” to her art.

“Visitor,” Simien said, probably reflects Durieux’sknowledge of Day of the Dead imagery that she became acquainted during her three-year sojourn to Mexico Cityinthe 1920s.

Simien said Durieux was known for employing experimental media in her work. He said he owns one of her pieces that was created using radioactive ink. Simien said he recently considered buying an example of the original edition of the “Visitor” print on Ebay,but theprice, which was in thethousands of dollars, wasn’tin hisart acquisition budget at the moment.

The artwork’srelation to the immeasurably famous Beyoncé would have probably enhanced itsvalue

considerably,hesaid. “I screwed up big,” Simien said, laughing. Though the relationship between Beyonce’sMet Gala gownand Durieux has been widely reported, the source of the information is unclear.Nonetheless, Simien said it makes sense, since Beyoncé has long celebrated her Louisiana roots. Her maternal grandmother,Agnez Dereon, was born in NewIberia, and her grandfather Lumas Beyince was from Abbeville.

“It’spretty clear what’sgoing on,” Simien said. “She’svery much involved in her Creole heritage.”

Durieux donated atrove of her artworks to LSU, including “Visitor,” because she hoped to preserve a record of her career with the university,according to Michelle Schulte, chief curator of the LSU Museum of Art. Atraveling exhibit of her works is planned forthe fall.

Email Doug MacCash at dmaccash@theadvocate.com.

Hugo Armstrong stars as the older Robert Pearson in ‘Watching Mr. Pearson.’

PHOTO By KT PICTURES

An aging actor contends with loss, younger self

‘Watching Mr. Pearson’ director, cast to attend local screenings

BY WILL COVIELLO Gambit Weekly

In “Watching Mr. Pearson,” Robert Pearson, a wealthy actor well out of his prime, decides he hasn’t driven into town in too long, so he pulls his 1956 Porsche 356 Speedster out of the garage. Caroline, who he employs to help care for him, isn’t eager to get in the sporty convertible’s passenger seat, but she can’t let him drive alone. It’s a wilder ride than she wants.

Pearson looks distinguished with his white beard and still has some swagger about him, but mostly he reminisces about his glory days on the silver screen and spends his days at his beachside home. Caroline realizes that reading old scripts with him pulls him out of his increasingly quiet and distant shell.

The film is rich in cinema references

and reverie, but it’s a portrait of a person coping with growing vulnerability and relying on others for help.

Pearson spends some of his time watching his old films. The movie opens with what looks like a classic black-and-white film noir, with a driver’s view of a car careening down a twisting highway while a trumpet sounds a moody and ominous note. In other films within the film, the much younger Pearson stars in dramas and action movies from different ages, including 1970s style political thrillers.

The character of Pearson was inspired by actors with long distinguished careers, like Paul Newman and Jack Nicholson. Newman famously had a vintage Porsche Speedster, and in his later years, he lived in Connecticut, where “Watching Mr. Pearson” was filmed.

Aging isn’t easy on anyone, and Pearson denies elements of it. After the drive into town, an old acquaintance mistakenly compliments him for dating the young and beautiful Caroline. Pearson doesn’t want to admit that she’s more like a traveling nurse and

not a girlfriend, and Caroline’s feelings are hurt by the old men’s objectification.

While Pearson is fortunate to live well, he has no apparent connections to family, and many of his old friends are gone. Caroline sincerely cares for him, but he’s also her boss, and as an immigrant pursing legal status, having a job is important. Another assistant, Miguel, is attentive, but he secretly wants to be a screenwriter and has his own concerns. Pearson also has a financial adviser, and at times, he has no idea if he can trust her or his own memory

In some scenes, Pearson argues with his much younger self or with characters he played long ago. That exposes questions about what’s going on in his mind as he ages, sometimes gracefully and sometimes not. Some of his old ways pop entertaining surprises on his assistants.

Reviving Pearson’s old characters brings out his old strengths, and he jokingly chides Caroline for stepping on his lines or dramatic pauses. He’s much less sharp about the way the world has changed around him, and it leaves open

the question of who’s really giving his life direction.

Hugo Armstrong looks the part of an aging legend. The veteran film and stage actor captures his alternating charm and vigor and confusion and anger Polish actress Dominika Zawada as Caroline projects a natural affection for Pearson. As young Pearson, Sam Bullington doesn’t look like a Hollywood leading man, but he’s strong in the scenes confronting the old man.

This is Dillon Bentlage’s directorial debut, and he’s worked on the TV series “Atlanta,” Steve McQueen’s “The Occupied City” and more. He is on a tour attending screenings and engaging audiences, and he’s doing outreach to spark discussions about aging and mental health.

Bentlage, Zawada as well as screenwriter Simon Kincade are set to attend screenings of “Watching Mr Pearson” and participate in Q&As at 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at Zeitgeist Theatre & Lounge, 6621 St. Claude Ave., in Arabi.

For tickets and information, visit zeitgeistnola.org.

food food food

Dedicatedburgerspotwith boozymilkshakes, more opensinWarehouse District

BY JUSTIN MITCHELL Staff writer

Anew restaurant on Magazine Street is bringing the burger spot trendtothe Warehouse District.

Patty’sBurger Bar quietly opened in April and is attached to Boulevard American Bistro. The menufocuses on avarietyof smash burgers, hand-spun malts and boozy milkshakes.

are popping up across New Orleans. 2

Potna’s recently opened to fanfare in Mid-City,and Bub’sBurgers has expanded Uptown andtothe northshore since opening on Banks Street.

PATTY’S BURGER BAR

805 MagazineSt. (504) 527-5872 11 a.m.to10p.m. daily

The burgers are made smash-style, with crispy edges from the grilland a potato bun toasted on both sides. There’s avegan option and burger of the month (lamb in May) and amenu of more than40bourbons to try —including VanWinkle.

The Philly cheesesteak burger has shaved rib-eye atop abeef pattywith American and Monterey jack cheese, grilled onions and Patty’s sauce,a mayonnaise-based aioli withpepper, seasonings and ahintofrelish.

Patty’scomes at atime when restaurants focusing solely on burgers

There’salso classic spots like Port of Call in the French Quarter and the Original Slap Burger inside Marie’sBar &Kitchen in the Marigny that are swarmed withtourists, influencers and foodies on theweekends.

What’s different though, is the local burger restaurant trend hasn’tyet reached the stretches of downtown.

Company Burger closed in the South Market district during the pandemic after Shake Shack opened in Canal Place in late 2019.

Other popular spots with burgers include District All Day,Walk-Ons Bistreaux and Copper Vine.

Brewery Saint Xhad adouble brisketsmash burger that was popular among locals, but the spotnear theSuperdomeclosed earlier this year