The Advocate 04-20-2025 by The Advocate

BY HALEY MILLER |Staff writer

The former Capital Bank building near Lobdell Boulevard may soon be the newest

ABOVE: Bishop Michael G. Duca walks with his candle to share the light with parishioners during Easter Vigil Mass at St. Joseph Cathedral on Holy Saturday The Easter Vigilservice symbolizes the triumph of Christ’sresurrection over death and the dawn of anew era of hope and salvation. RIGHT: Miranda Gendron holds her son, Rocco, as he lights hiscandle from his brother Samuel’s ﬂame during the Mass.

STAFF PHOTOSByJAVIERGALLEGOS

Baton Rouge structure on the National Register of Historic Places —and it could be developed for affordablesenior housing.

The historic designation,ofﬁcially recommended in April by the LouisianaNational Register Review Committee, is the first step in what the owner hopes is thetransformationof

CELEBRATING THELIGHT OF CHRIST

the vacant 12-story ofﬁcetower.Michael Tubre, vice president of TKTMJ Inc., said he was drawn to the sitebecause of the possibility to combine historictax credits with lowincomehousing taxcredits.

“Ourintent is for seniors62 andolder,” Tubre said. “There’s acontinuing, growing need from the baby boomer generation.”

To qualify for the register, abuilding must be at least 50 years oldand meet one or more criteria: have association with ahistoricevent or individual, contain archaeological potential or embody the characteristics of an era. Wooddale Tower,constructed in 1969 and

ä See TOWER, page 9A

BY MIKESMITH |Staff writer

Out on the edge of Louisiana’scoast, aset of giant plant pots stand as reminders of the worst-everoil spill of its kind. Butyou couldn’ttell just by looking at them.

The rows of containers sit under awood frame and netting. Inside grows the same cordgrass thatcarpets the marshes stretching out within eyesight of this spot, in the tiny community of Cocodrie.

It’sall part of an elaborate experiment continuing to reveal someeffects of the 2010 BP Deepwater Horizon oil spill.

“There are alot of lessons learned that will come from this,”saidBrianRoberts, referencing therange of research that the spill prompted. He conceived the cordgrass experiment with colleagues.

“Ithopefully will help us better prepare in the event that something else happens,” added Roberts, the executive director of the Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium, as he walkedelevated planks among the ﬁberglass containers.

April 20 marks the 15th anniversary of the blowout and subsequent spill at the Macondo well off the Mississippi River’smouth in the Gulf.The Deepwater Horizon rig, owned by Transocean and operated by BP,blew up,

STAFFFILE PHOTOByMICHAEL DeMOCKER Fireboats

BRIEFS

Humanoid robots run a Chinese half-marathon

BEIJING In one small step for robot-kind — thousands of them, really — humanoid robots ran alongside actual humans in a half-marathon in the Chinese capital on Saturday

The bipedal robots of various makes and sizes navigated the 13.1-mile course supported by teams of human navigators, operators, and engineers, in what event organizers say was a ﬁrst. As a precaution, a divider separated the parallel courses used by the robots and people

While flesh-and-blood participants followed conventional rules, the 20 teams ﬁelding machines in the Humanoid Robot Half-Marathon competed under tailored guidelines, which included battery swap pit stops

The Sky Project Ultra robot, also known as Tien Kung Ultra, from the Tien Kung Team, claimed victory among the nonhumans, crossing the ﬁnish line in 2 hours, 40 minutes and 42 seconds.

Awards were also given out for best endurance, best gait design and most innovative form.

Houthi rebels report U.S strikes in capital, coast

CAIRO Yemen’s Houthi rebels said Saturday that the U.S. military launched a series of airstrikes on the capital, Sanaa, and the Houthi-held coastal city of Hodeida, less than two days after a U.S strike wrecked a Red Sea port and killed more than 70 people.

The Houthis’ media ofﬁce said 13 U.S. airstrikes hit an airport and a port in Hodeida, on the Red Sea. The ofﬁce also reported U.S strikes in the capital, Sanaa There were no immediate reports of casualties.

The U.S. military’s Central Command, which oversees American military operations in the Middle East, said it continues to conduct strikes against the Houthis in Yemen.

Thursday’s strike hit the port of Ras Isa, also in Hodeida province, killing 74 people and wounding 171 others, according to the Houthi-run health ministry It was the deadliest strike in the U.S. ongoing bombing campaign on the Iranian-backed rebels.

Jersey wildfire grows to 1,000 acres overnight NEW YORK A major wildfire that broke out Friday afternoon in a conservation area in South Jersey expanded to 1,000 acres overnight but was about 50% contained as of late Saturday morning.

Danny’s Wildfire was first reported around 12:25 p.m. in a remote area of the Peaslee Wildlife Management Area in Vineland, in northeastern Cumberland County according to the New Jersey Forest Fire Service.

The fast-spreading blaze initially burned 20 acres, officials said. But by 6 p.m., it had grown to 500 acres with 0% containment. The fire service deployed engines, bulldozers and ground crews, along with a helicopter capable of dropping 300 gallons of water and an air tanker with a 600-gallon capacity In its late-night update, the agency said 20% of the then800-acre wildfire had been contained. That number grew to 1,000 acres by Saturday morning, with 50% containment, officials said. No structures had been impacted by the fire, and no evacuations have been ordered as of Saturday, though some roads remained closed in the area. Peaslee is the state’s secondlargest wildlife management area, spanning nearly 30,000 acres in Atlantic, Cape May and Cumberland counties.

Ukraine wary of Putin’s Easter truce

BY HANNA ARHIROVA Associated Press

CHERNIHIV REGION, Ukraine Ukraine said it would reciprocate any genuine ceaseﬁre by Moscow, but voiced skepticism after Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a temporary Easter truce in Ukraine starting Saturday

The announcement from Kyiv came as Russia and Ukraine conducted their largest prisoner exchange since Moscow’s full-scale invasion started over three years ago. Putin announced a temporary Easter ceasefire in Ukraine starting Saturday, citing humanitarian reasons. According to the Kremlin, the ceasefire will last from 6 p.m. Moscow time on Saturday to midnight following Easter Sunday Putin offered no details on how the ceasefire would be monitored or whether it would cover airstrikes or ongoing ground battles that rage around the clock

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said if Russia is genuinely ready to observe a full and unconditional ceaseﬁre, Ukraine will mirror that approach and strike only in defense.

He said such a gesture, particularly over the Easter weekend, could reveal Moscow’s true intentions.

“If a full ceasefire truly takes hold, Ukraine proposes extending it beyond Easter Day on April 20,” Zelenskyy said on Telegram. “That will reveal Russia’s true intentions, as 30 hours are enough for headlines, but not for genuine conﬁdence-building measures.”

Zelenskyy added that, according to

military reports, Russian assaults and artillery ﬁre continued along parts of the 600-mile long front line.

In response to the ceaseﬁre announcement, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said that Kyiv had in March “agreed unconditionally to the U.S. proposal of a full interim ceaseﬁre for 30 days,” which Russia rejected.

“Putin has now made statements about his alleged readiness for a ceaseﬁre. 30 hours instead of 30 days,” Sybiha continued, writing on X. “Unfortunately, we have had a long history of his statements not matching his actions.”

Putin’s ceaseﬁre announcement came after U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday said negotiations between Ukraine and Russia are “coming to a head” and insisted that neither side is “playing” him in his push to end the grinding three-year war

The two sides meanwhile exchanged hundreds of POWs on Saturday Russia’s Ministry of Defense said that 246 Russian service members were returned from Ukraine, and 31 wounded Ukrainian POWs were transferred in exchange for 15 wounded Russian soldiers in need of urgent medical care.

Zelenskyy said that 277 Ukrainian “warriors” have returned home from Russian captivity

Both sides thanked the United Arab Emirates for their mediation.

Most of the Ukrainians freed in the latest prisoner exchange are young people born after 2000, Ukraine’s Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War said Friday

Thousands gather in London to support trans rights after ruling

BY KWIYEON HA and PAN PYLAS Associated Press

LONDON Thousands of trans rights protesters gathered in central London on Saturday, days after the U.K.’s Supreme Court ruled that a woman is someone born biologically female and that transgender women are excluded from that legal deﬁnition.

With unease growing over what the ruling means for the rights of transgender people, protesters came together for what was billed as an “emergency demonstration” in Parliament Square Activists demanded “trans liberation” and “trans rights now,” with some waving ﬂags and holding banners.

Trans groups are worried that Wednesday’s landmark decision would undermine their rights, even though the U.K.’s highest court said transgender people remain protected from discrimination. The head of Equality and Human Rights Commission said the ruling will mean transgender women will be excluded from women’s toilets, hospital wards and sports teams.

“It’s a terrifying time to have your rights taken away from you,” said 19-year-old transgender woman Sophie Gibbs. “I was disappointed to think that we could live in a society that seems so progressive now but is willing to make such a dangerous

Questions emerge after deadly Florida State shooting

BY KATE PAYNE and HEATHER HOLLINGSWORTH Associated Press

TALLAHASSEE,Fla.—

Amid the abandoned chemistry notes and other debris left behind after a deadly shooting at Florida State University are lingering questions about how the stepson of a beloved sheriff’s deputy tasked with school safety at a middle school became the accused gunman.

Political science student

Phoenix Ikner was a longstanding member of a sheriff’s office youth advisory council and was steeped in the family-like culture of the agency When officers rushed to the university’s student union on reports of gunfire, authorities say it was the 20-year-old who used his stepmother’s former service weapon to open fire, killing two men and wounding six others. As people fled in terror, Ikner was shot and taken into custody He invoked his right not to speak to investigators, and his motive remains unknown as he lies in a hospital bed.

The prosecutor’s ofﬁce is weighing possible charges as stories emerge about a darker side. One classmate recalled him being kicked out of a student club over comments that other members found troubling.

“This is horriﬁc,” Jimmy Williams, the chief of safety for Leon County Schools, said of the shooting. “This is a horrible, horrible event.”

Williams, who has known Ikner’s stepmother, Jessica Ikner, for a decade, said the allegations underscore that “none of us are immune to tragedy.”

Classes and business operations will resume Monday, Florida State announced over the weekend.

“I know it won’t feel like a normal week,” FSU President Richard McCullough said in message to students and employees Saturday “It’s the last one before ﬁnals, and many of you are still processing what happened. Please take care of yourself.”

His stepmother, whose

own alma mater is Florida State, was reassigned from her position as a school resource officer Friday and granted the personal leave she requested, a sheriff’s office spokesperson told The Associated Press. When the alert went out of an active shooter at Florida State University, Jessica Ikner was on duty around 2 miles away at Raa Middle School. A sheriff’s office spokesperson said Jessica Ikner worked to secure the campus to prevent anyone from entering as Raa went into “lockout mode,” along with all of the county’s public schools. She was practiced at this work. Last year, she was named an “employee of the month” by the sheriff’s office, where she has worked for 18 years. Police said they believed Phoenix Ikner shot the victims using his stepmother’s former service handgun, which she had kept for personal use after the force upgraded its weapons. Leon County Sheriff Walter McNeil described Phoenix Ikner on Thursday as having been “steeped in the Leon County Sheriff’s Office family” and engaged in a number of sheriff’s office training programs, adding that it wasn’t a surprise that he would have access to guns. There was no record of him having a criminal record. And in Florida, training and a background check are not required to carry concealed guns in public. When Ikner was a child, his parents were involved in several custody disputes with his biological mother, court records show In 2015, when he was 10, his biological mother, Anne-Mari Eriksen, said she was taking him to South Florida for spring break in 2015 but instead traveled to Norway After returning to the U.S., she pleaded no contest to removing a minor from the state against a court order and was sentenced to 200 days in jail. She later moved to vacate her plea, but that was denied.

and harmful ruling.”

The British government has said the unanimous decision by the ﬁve judges brought “clarity and confidence” for women and service providers.

Out of some 66 million people in England, Scotland and Wales, about 116,000 identiﬁed as trans in the latest census count About 8,500 gender recognition certiﬁcates have been issued.

The ruling stemmed from a 2018 law passed by the Scottish Parliament that required at least 50% women on boards of Scottish public bodies Transgender women with gender recognition certiﬁcates were to be included in meeting the quota.

The Supreme Court said that using a certificate to interpret someone’s sex would clash with defini-

tions of man and woman and, therefore, the anti-discrimination provisions of the 2010 Equality Act could “only be interpreted as referring to biological sex.”

Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney said Saturday that he “understands” the “hurt and anguish” trans people are feeling over the verdict, while accepting that the ruling must be followed.

Many people at Saturday’s protest worried that the ruling could be the precursor to other judgments that diminish the rights for transgender people.

“It’s a Pandora’s box situation where I just think we allow certain things and then we essentially opened up the door to allow way more than we ever thought could be accepted or pushed through,” said Zuleha Oshodi, 29.

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By EVGENIy MALOLETKA

An injured Ukrainian soldier waves a national flag after returning from captivity in a POW exchange in Ukraine on Saturday

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By ALASTAIR GRANT

Campaigners take part in a rally organised by trans rights groups, trade unions and community organisations following the Supreme Court ruling on the definition of a woman in equalities law, at Parliament Square,

Senator Chris VanHollen, right,speakswith KilmarAbrego Garcia, aSalvadoran citizen who was living in Maryland and deported to ElSalvador by the Trumpadministration, in ahotel restaurant in SanSalvador,ElSalvador,onThursday.

Senatorreturns from El Salvador meetingwithAbregoGarcia

BY MARYCLARE JALONICK and ADRIANA GOMEZ LICON Associated Press

WASHINGTON The dispute over the wrongful deportation and imprisonment of Kilmar Abrego Garcia“is not only about one man” but about Donald Trump’sdisregard of the American judicial system as well, Sen. Chris VanHollen said Friday as he returnedfrom athree-day trip to El Salvador to press for the detained man’srelease.

Speaking to reporters just after landing back in the United States, VanHollen offered few answers about what will come next in Abrego Garcia’scase.

Butthe MarylandDemocrat said that he and others will keep speaking out after the Trump administration deﬁed court orders to facilitate his return to the United States and insisted thathewould stay in El Salvador —even as ofﬁcials acknowledged an “error” in deporting him

“It’sabout protecting the constitutional rights of everybody who resides in the United States,” VanHollen said at Washington Dulles International Airport at anews conference with Abrego Garcia’ssupporters behind him.

“It’svery clear that the president, Trump administration, are blatantly, ﬂagrantly disagreeing with, defyingthe order from the Supreme Court.”

Standing next to him, AbregoGarcia’s wife, Jennifer,wiped away tears as the senatorshared her husband’s comments aboutmissing his family

Much uncertainty remains about the future of Abrego Garcia, aSalvadoran citizen who was living in Maryland, after VanHollen was presented with acarefully staged opportunity to meet with him in El Salvador on Thursday.The Maryland senatorsaid that Abrego Garcia reported he’d been moved from anotorious Salvadoran mega-prison, CECOT,toadetention center with better conditions

Abrego Garcia’sstatus after VanHollen left was not known, and there was no

indication that VanHollen’s trip pushedhim any closer to release.

Thecase has become a focal point in the national immigration debate. Democratsinsist that President Donald Trumpisoverstepping hisexecutiveauthority and disrespectingthe courts; Republicans are criticizingDemocrats fordefending aman Trump and White House officialsclaim is an MS-13 gang member,despite the fact that he has not been charged with any gang-related crimes.

VanHollensaidthat Abrego Garcia told himthat he’d shareda cell with 25 prisoners and wasafraidof many fellow inmates at CECOT beforehewas moved to another centerinSantaAna, El Salvador. He said that AbregoGarciareported beingtreated well —but noted that they were surrounded by government minders at the time.

GOP isn’tbudging

TheﬁghtoverAbregoGarcia is the latest partisan ﬂashpoint as Democrats struggle to break through and push back during the opening few months of Trump’ssecond administration.

More Democraticlawmakers havesaid they will fly to El Salvador to push for Abrego Garcia’srelease, but the partisan pressure has yielded no results. President Donald Trump and El Salvador’spresident,Nayib Bukele, have only dug in on keeping himout of the United States. That stance remained even afterthe U.S. Supreme Court called on theadministration to facilitate hisreturn. White House press secretary KarolineLeavitt has said thatAbrego Garcia will “never live in the United States of America again.”

Bukele posted images of VanHollen’smeeting with AbregoGarciaonThursday and saidthat theprisoner “gets the honorofstaying in El Salvador’s custody.”Van Hollen said aSalvadoran government officialplaced other beverages on the table with saltorsugar on the rim to makeitappear they were

drinking margaritas. Van Hollen said neither he nor Abrego Garcia drankfrom the glasses, which in the photo Bukele posted were garnished with cherries.

After days of denyingthat he knewmuchabout Abrego Garcia, Trump on Fridaysaid he knewAbrego Garcia’s prisonrecord was “unbelievably bad” andcalled himan “illegalalien” and a“foreign terrorist.

The president also responded Friday with asocial mediapost saying VanHollen “lookedlike afoolyesterday standing in El Salvador begging for attention.”

More trying to visit

Several House Republicans have visited the notorious gang prison in support of the Trump administration’s efforts. Rep. Riley Moore, aWestVirginiaRepublican, posted Tuesday evening that he’dvisited the prisonwhere Abrego Garcia is beingheld. “I leavenow even more determined to supportPresidentTrump’s efforts to secure our homeland,” Moore wrote on social media.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcementofficials acknowledged in acourt filing earlier thismonth that Abrego Garcia’sdeportation was an “administrative error.” The government’s acknowledgmentgenerated immediate uproar from immigration advocates, but WhiteHouse officials have stuckwiththe allegation that he’sa gang member

The ﬁght has alsoplayed outincontentiouscourt ﬁlings,withrepeated refusals from the government to tell ajudge what it plans to do, if anything, to repatriate him.

The three-judge panel from the 4th U.S.Circuit Court of Appeals unanimously refused Thursday to suspend the judge’s decision to order sworn testimonyby Trump administration ofﬁcialsand said the judiciary will be hurt by the“constant intimationsofits illegitimacy”while theexecutive branch “willlosemuch from apublic perception of its lawlessness.”

BY HOLLYRAMER and KATHY MCCORMACK Associated Press

ATufts University student from Turkey being heldina Louisiana immigration facility must be returned to New England no later than May 1todetermine whether she was illegally detained for cowriting an op-ed piece in the studentnewspaper,a federal judge ruledFriday

U.S. DistrictJudge William Sessions said he would hear RumeysaOzturk’srequest to be released from detention in Burlington, Vermont, with abail hearing set for May 9 and ahearing on the petition’smeritsonMay 22.Ozturk’s lawyershad requested that she be released immediately,oratleast brought back to Vermont, while the Justice Department argued thatanimmigration court in

Louisiana hadjurisdiction

“The Court concludes that this case will continue in this court withMs. Ozturk physically present forthe remainderofthe proceedings,”the judge wrote. “Ms. Ozturk has presented viableand serious habeas claimswhich warrant urgent reviewonthe merits. The Court plans to move expeditiously to abail hearing and ﬁnal disposition of thehabeas petition, as Ms Ozturk’sclaims require no less.”

The ruling camemore than three weeksafter masked immigration officials surrounded the 30-year-old doctoral student as she walked along astreetina Boston suburb March 25 and drove hertoNew Hampshire and Vermontbefore putting her on aplane to adetention center in Basile,Louisiana An immigration judge de-

nied her request for bond Wednesday,citing “danger and flight risk” as the rationale Ozturk is among several peoplewith ties to American universities whose visas wererevoked or who have been stopped from entering the U.S. after they were accusedofattending demonstrations or publicly expressing support for Palestinians. ALouisianaimmigration judge hasruledthat the U.S. can deport Columbia University graduate student Mahmoud Khalil based on the federalgovernment’s argument that he poses anational security risk Ozturk’slawyers first filed apetition on her behalf in Massachusetts, but they didn’tknowwhere she was andwereunable to speak to heruntilmore than 24 hours after she was detained.

PHOTO PROVIDED By PRESS OFFICE SENATOR VANHOLLEN

Clintonreturns to Oklahoma City 30 yearsafter bombing

BY SEAN MURPHY Associated Press

OKLAHOMA CITY Thirty years after the deadliest homegrown attack in U.S. history,former President Bill Clinton returned to Oklahoma City on Saturday to remember the people who were killed and comfort those affected by the bombing.

Clinton was president on April 19, 1995, when atruck bomb exploded, destroying anine-story federal building in downtown Oklahoma City

He delivered the keynote address at aremembrance ceremony near the Oklahoma City National Memorial Museum.

Clinton, now 78, was widely praised for how he helped the city grapple with itsgrief in the wake of the bombing, which killed 168 people, including 19 children.Hesays it was aday in his presidency that he will never forget

“I still remember as if it were 30 minutes ago, coming here with Hillary to that memorial service and saying: ‘You have lost too much, but you have not lost everything. Youhave certainly not lost America, and we will be with you for as many tomorrows as it takes,’ ”Clinton said, recalling his ﬁrst visit to Oklahoma City just days after the bombing, when he spoke at amemorial service for the for the victims. “I do

think we’ve kept thatcommitment.”

Clinton has visited the Oklahoma City National MemorialMuseum numerous times in the yearssince thebombing anddelivered speeches on major anniversaries.

On Saturday,Clinton also cautionedabout the polarizing nature of modern-day politics andhow suchdivisiveness can leadtoviolence, as it did30years ago. He said there is much the nation can

learn from the“Oklahoma Standard,”aterm coined to reference the city’sresponse to the bombing by uniting in service, honor andkindness.

“Today,Oklahoma City, America needs you,” he said. “I wish to goodness every American could just see life unfold here, hearing these stories.”

Otherspeakers included former Oklahoma Gov. FrankKeating and former Oklahoma City Mayor Ron Norick, who were in ofﬁce

when thebombing occurred.

Family members of some of those killedinthe bombing read the168 names of those killedinthe attack

Saturday’sceremony was originally scheduledtotake place on the grounds of the memorial but was moved inside an adjacent church because of heavyrains.

Afterthe ceremony,a procession of bagpipe playersfromthe Oklahoma City Fire Department ledmany of those in attendance across

Courtblocksdeportationsunder 18th centurylaw

BY NICHOLAS RICCARDI and MARK SHERMAN Associated Press

The Supreme CourtonSaturdayblocked,for now, the deportationsofany Venezuelans held in northern Texas under an 18th century wartime law

In abrief order, the court directed the Trump administration not to remove Venezuelans held in the Bluebonnet Detention Center “until further order of this court.”

judge saidthe case raised legitimate concerns. Early Saturday, the5th U.S.Circuit Court of Appeals also refused to issue an order protecting the detainees frombeing deported. The administration is expected to returntothe Supreme Courtquickly in an effort to persuade thejustices to lift their temporary order TheACLUhad already sued to block deportations of two Venezuelans heldin the Bluebonnet facility and

aprocess for themtomake claims in court. Buttherehad been no such order issued in the area of Texasthatcovers Bluebonnet, which is located 24 miles north of Abilene in thefar northern endofthe state.

U.S.District JudgeJames Wesley Hendrix, aTrump appointee,thisweekdeclinedtobar theadministration from removing the two men identiﬁed in theACLU lawsuit because Immigrationand Customs Enforce

berg in Washington, D.C., that the administration initially moved Venezuelans to its south Texas immigration facility for deportation. But since ajudge banned deportations in that area, it has funneled them to the Bluebonnet facility,where no suchorder exists. He said witnesses reported themen were beingloaded on buses Fridayevening to be taken to the airport.

the street to the outdoor memorialbuilt on the grounds where the federal building once stood.

The memorial includes amuseum, areflecting pool and168 empty chairs of glass, bronze and stone etched with the names of those killed. Nineteen of the chairs aresmaller thanthe others to represent the children killed.

Among the memorial’stop missions is to help people understand the senseless-

ness of political violence and teach anew generationabout theimpact of the bombing, said Kari Watkins, the memorial’spresident and CEO.

“Weknew when we built this place we would some day reach ageneration of people who weren’tborn or who didn’tremember the story,” Watkins said. “I think now,not just kids are coming through more and more, but teacherswho areteaching those kids.”

Personalized CharmName Necklaces

Available in sterling silveroryellowgold-plated. Single Name,$65 •Double Name,$90 TripleName, $115 •FourName, $140 Five Name, $165

Please allow2-3 weekstoensure Mother’sDay delivery

MOTHER’S DAYISSUNDAY, MAY11TH

ASSOCIATED PRESS FILE PHOTO By PATSULLIVAN

Aren Almon greetsPresidentBill Clinton aftera prayerservice for the victims of the deadly truck bomb attackinOklahoma City on April 23,1995.

BY NICOLE WINFIELD Associated Press

VATICAN CITY U.S.Vice

President JD Vance met Saturday with the Vatican’s No. 2official amid tensions over the U.S. crackdownon migrants, with the Holy See reaffirming good relations but noting “an exchange of opinions”over current international conflicts,migrants and prisoners.

Vance, aCatholic convert, met with the secretaryof state, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, and the foreign minister, Archbishop Paul Gallagher in the Apostolic Palace. There was no indication he met with Pope Francis, who hassharply cutbackofﬁcial duties during his recovery from pneumonia.

Vance’sofﬁce saidheand Parolin “discussed their shared religious faith, Catholicism in the United States, the plight of perse-

cuted Christiancommunities around the world, and President Trump’scommitment to restoring world peace.”

TheHolySee has responded cautiously to theTrump administration whileseeking to continue productive relations in keeping with its tradition of diplomaticneutrality.

It hasexpressedalarm over the administration’s crackdown on migrants and cuts in international aid while insisting on peaceful resolutions to the wars in Ukraine and Gaza.

Those concerns were reﬂected in the Vatican statement,which saidthe talks were cordialand thatthe Vatican expressed satisfactionwith the administration’scommitment to protectingfreedom of religion and conscience.

“There was an exchange of opinionsonthe interna-

tional situation,especially regardingcountries affected by war,political tensions and difﬁculthumanitarian situations, with particular attention to migrants, refugees,and prisoners,” the statement said. “Finally, hope was expressed for serene collaboration between the state and the Catholic Churchinthe United States, whose valuable service to the mostvulnerable people was acknowledged.”

Thereference to “serene collaboration” appearedto refer to Vance’sassertion that theU.S.Conferenceof Catholic Bishops was resettling“illegal immigrants” in order to getfederal funding. TopU.S. cardinals have pushedback strongly against the claim.

“It is clear that the approach of the current U.S. administration is ydif ferent from usedtoand,e

Thousandstrekthrough N. desert to historic adobechu

BY MORGAN LEE Associated Press

CHIMAYÓ,N.M.— Aunique

Holy Week tradition is drawing thousands of Catholic pilgrims to asmall adobe churchinthe hillsofnorthern New Mexico, in ajourney on foot through desert badlands to reacha spiritual wellspring.

For generations, people of the Upper Rio Grande Valley and beyond have walked to reach El Santuario de Chimayó to commemorate Good Friday Pilgrims began arriving at dawn. Somehad walked through the night under a half moon, carrying glowsticks, ﬂashlights and walking staffs.

Some travelers are lured by an indoor well of dirt believed to have curative powers. Throughout the year, they leave behind crutches, braces and canes in acts of prayer for infirm children and others, and as evidence that miracles happen.

Easter week visitorsfile through an adobearchway and narrowindoor passages to find acrucified Nuestro SeñordeEsquipulasatthe main altar.According to local lore, the crucifix was found on the site in the early 1800s, acontinent away from its analog at abasilica in the Guatemalan town of Esquipulas.

Aspiritual place

Chimayó, known for its artisan weavingsand chile crops, rests high above the Rio Grande Valley and opposite the national defense laboratory at Los Alamos that sprang up in the race to develop the ﬁrst atomic weapon. The iconic adobe church at Chimayó was cast from local mudatthe sunset of Spanish rule in the Americas in the early 1800s, on asite already held sacred by Native Americans. Set amid narrowstreets,

the West, from whatwe have relied on for many years,” Parolin told La Repubblica daily on the eve of Vance’svisit

As theU.S. pushes to end thewar in Ukraine, Parolinreafﬁrmed Kyiv’s right to its territorial integrity andinsistedthatany peace deal mustnot be “imposed” on Ukraine but “is built patiently, day by day,withdialogue and mutual respect.”

Vancewas spending Easter weekendinRome with his family and attended Good Fridayservices in St. Peter’s Basilicaafter meeting withItalian Premier Giorgia Meloni. On Saturday,after introducing his family to Parolin, the Vances got aprivatetour of theSistine Chapel and later visited Rome’sbotanic garden, whereone of hissons in lasti ladia

It wasn’timmediately clear where theywould celebrate Easter.Francis, for his part, indicated he hoped to attend Easter Mass that usually draws thousands to St. Peter’s Square,according to theofﬁcialMass booklet and liturgical plans released Saturday Papalrebuke Francis andVance have tangled sharply over migrationand the Trump administration’splans to deport migrants en masse. Francishas made caring for migrants ahallmark of his papacy andhis progressive views on social justice issues have oftenput him at odds with members of the more conservative U.S. Catholic Church.

Francis also changed church teachingtosay that capital punishment is issible in all cases. appeal from

curio shops and brooks that ﬂow quickly in spring, El Santuario de Chimayó has been designated as aNational Historic Landmark that includes examples of 19th-century Hispanic folk art, religious frescoes and saints carved from wood known as bultos.

Aseparatechapelisdedicated tothe SantoNiño de Atocha, apatron saint of children,travelers andthose seeking liberation and aﬁtting figure of devotion for Chimayópilgrims on the go.

Hundreds of children’s shoes have been left in a prayerroom there by the faithful in tribute to theholy child who wears out footwear on miraculous errands.There are even tinybootstacked to theceiling.

Pueblo people whoinhabited the Chimayóarea long before Spanish settlers believed healingspirits could be found in the formofhot springs. Thosesprings ultimately driedup, leaving behind earthattributed with healing powers.

Away of life

Photographer Miguel Gandert grewupinthe Española valley below Chimayó and made the pilgrimage as aboy

Francis just weeks before Trump took office, President Joe Bidencommuted the sentences of 37 of the 40 people on federaldeathrow Trump is an outspoken proponent of expanding capital punishment. Vance, who converted to Catholicism in 2019, identifies with asmall Catholic intellectual movement, viewed by some criticsas having reactionary or authoritarian leanings, that is oftencalled“postliberal.” Postliberals share some longstanding Catholic conservativeviews, such as opposition to abortion and LGBTQ+ rights. They envision acounterrevolution in which they take over governmentbureaucracy and institutions like universitiesfromwithin, replacing entrenched “elites” with their own and acting upon their visionofthe “common good.”

ROBERTOE.ROSALES

Maria Sandoval leans on ahandmade cross bearing the names of lovedones passed as she waits in line to visit El Santuario De Chimayo in NorthernNew MexicoonGood Friday in Chimayo,N.M.

withhis parents.

“Everybody wenttoChimayó. Youdidn’thavetobe Catholic,” said Gandert,who was amongthose whophotographed the 1996 pilgrimage through afederal grant. “People just went there because it was apowerful, spiritual place.”

Scenes from that pilgrimage —ondisplay at the New Mexico History Museum in SantaFe—include children eating snow conestokeep cool,men shouldering large wooden crosses, infants swaddled in blankets, bikers in leather andweary pedestrians restingonhighway guardrails to smoke.

Ageneration later,Good Fridaypilgrimsstillhaul crossesonthe road to Chimayó. Throngs of visitors often waithours fora turn to ﬁle intothe Santuario de Chimayó to commemoratethe cruciﬁxion.

AdrianAtencio,30, fell to his knees and ran his hands through the red earth in the well of theﬂoor in the Santuario.Atencio,fromnearby San Juan Pueblo, hasbeen making the Good Fridaytrek since age 7. This timeitwas aboutthe future and new beginnings.

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By

Netanyahu: Israel has‘no choice’but to continue fighting

BY WAFAA SHURAFA, JOSEF FEDERMAN and SAMY MAGDY Associated Press

DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip IsraeliPrime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu saidagain Saturday that Israel has “no choice” but to continue ﬁghting in Gazaand will not end the war before destroying Hamas, freeing the hostages and ensuring that the territory won’tpresent athreat to Israel.

The prime minister also repeated his vow to make sure Iran never getsanuclear weapon. Netanyahuisunder growing pressure at home not only from families of hostages and their supporters butalsofromreservist and retiredIsraeli soldiers who question thecontinuation of thewar after Israel shattered aceaseﬁre last month In his statement, he claimed that Hamas has rejectedIsrael’slatest proposal to free half the hostages fora continued ceaseﬁre.

The prime minister spoke after Israeli strikes killed more than 90 peoplein48 hours, Gaza’sHealth Ministry said Saturday.Israeli troopshave been increasing their attacks to pressure Hamas to release thehostages and disarm. Children and women were among the 15 people killed

Saturday

overnight, accordingtohospital staff. At least 11 dead were in the southern city of Khan Younis, several of them in atentinthe Muwasiarea where hundreds of thousands of displaced people stay,hospitalworkerssaid. Israelhas designated it as a humanitarian zone.

Mourners cradled and kissed thefaces of thedead. Aman stroked achild’sforehead with hisﬁnger before body bags wereclosed “Omar is gone Iwishit was me,” one brother cried

out.

Four other people were killed in strikes in Rafah city,including amother andher daughter, according to the European Hospital,wherethe bodies were taken.

Later on Saturday,anIsraeliairstrike on agroup of civilians west of Nuseirat in central Gaza killed one person, according to Al-Awda Hospital.

Israel’smilitary in astatement said it killed morethan 40 militants over theweekend.

Separately,the military said asoldier was killed Saturday in northern Gaza and confirmed it was thefirst soldier death since Israel resumed the war on March 18. Hamas’ armed wing, the Qassam Brigades, said it ambushed Israeli forces operating east of Gaza City’s al-Tuffah neighborhood. Israel has vowed to intensify attacks acrossGaza and occupy indefinitely large “security zones” inside the smallcoastal strip of over 2millionpeople Hamas wants Israeli forces

Recovery hindered afterMyanmar quake

BY GRANT PECK Associated Press

BANGKOK Basic services have yet to be restored to the areas of Myanmar worst hit by ahuge earthquake three weeks ago,and emergency workers recovering bodies and clearing debris are contending with regular aftershocks and lack of resources,humanitarian services say Asituation report issued late Friday by the U.N. Ofﬁce for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, or OCHA, said frequent strong aftershocks continue to shake central Myanmar almost daily,increasing fear and uncertainty among affectedresidents, disrupting response effort sand exacerbatingthe pressure on already limited resources and services.

“Three weeks after catastrophic twin earthquakes hit Myanmar on 28 March, the worst-affected communities are still without safe shelter,clean water and sanitation, stable electricity,health care and essential services,” the reportsaid

The epicenter of the 7.7 magnitude quake was near Mandalay,Myanmar’ssecond-largest city,but it hit a wide swath of the country causing signiﬁcant damage to six regions and states including the capital,Naypyitaw It also worsened an already dire humanitarian crisis triggered by the country’scivil war that had inter-

nally displaced more than 3 millionpeople and left nearly 20 million in need, accordingtothe United Nations.

Areportinthe state-run Myanma Alinn newspaper published on Saturday said the quake’s death toll had reached 3,726, with 5,105 people injured and 129 still missing. It said 1,975 international rescuers and medical workersfrom25countrieshad collaborated with local rescuers in saving 653 people and recovering753 bodiesfromunderrubble.

Myanma Alinn said 65,096 houses and buildings, 2,514 schools, 4,317 Buddhist monasterial living quarters, 6,027 pagodas and temples, 350 hospitals and clinics, 170 bridges, 586 dams and 203 sectionsofthe country’s main highway were damaged by the earthquake.

Myanmar FireServices Department, an official emergency services agency operating in many areas of thecountry,said in statements posted Friday on its Facebook page that rescue workers were carrying out relief, search and cleaning debris from the big buildings, and had returned valuable jewelry, cash,and documents found among the rubble to their owners. It also said that rescuers recovered two bodies from collapsedbuildings in Mandalay. An ofﬁcial from Myanmar Rescue Federation (Mandalay),whichhas beenoperatingalong with thefirefighters, told The Associated Press on Fri-

day that thepriority three weeksonfrom the earthquake wastoclear bodies and debris from under bigger buildings, while also providing assistance to the survivorsaffected by the earthquake.

The ofﬁcial, whospoke on the condition of anonymity because he fearsarrest for speaking withoutauthorization,said the number of bodies recovered daily has decreased to only one or two.

Anotheremergency servicesworker in Mandalay, similarlyspeakingoncondition of anonymity,saidthe number of rescueteams operating in Mandalayhas been steadily decreasing as most of the international rescue teams had returned to their countries after their work to ﬁnd survivors was considered completed. He said local rescue workers were mainly participating in clearing debrisand providing assistance.

The UnitedNationsDevelopment Program earlier this monthestimated that at least 2.5 milliontons, or roughly 125,000 truckloads, of debris from thequake needstoberemoved. It based its estimate on remote sensing analysis of images obtained by satellites UN-Habitat, the U.N. agency for human settlements,said in astatement on Friday that its staffand theMyanmar Engineering Society were collaborating in assessing widespread building damage in earthquake-affected regions

to withdraw from theterritory

Israel also has blockaded Gaza for the past six weeks, againbarring the entry of food and other goods.

This week, aid groups raised the alarm,saying thousands of children have become malnourishedand mostpeople are barely eating one meal aday as stocks dwindle, according to the United Nations.

In Naypyitaw,almost all rescuers have ceased their reliefefforts,while government buildings thatwere damagedbythe earthquake have notyet been repaired and remain in their postearthquake condition, said aresident whoasked not to be namedfor security reasons. In residentialareas, people have almost completed clearing the debris on their own.

Thewar beganwhen Hamas-ledmilitantsattacked southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, killing about 1,200 people,mostly civilians, and abducting 251. Most of thehostages have been released in ceasefire agreements or otherdeals. Hamas currently holds 59 hostages, 24 of them believed to be alive.

Israel’soffensive has since killedover51,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry,which does notdistinguishbetween civilians and combatants.

Thehead of theWorld Health Organization’seastern Mediterranean office, Dr.Hanan Balkhy,onFridayurged thenew U.S. ambassador in Israel, Mike Huckabee, to push the country to liftGaza’sblockade so medicines and other aid can enter “I wouldwishfor himtogo in and see the situation ﬁrsthand,” she said.

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By ABDEL KAREEM HANA

Palestinians carry thebodies of their relatives killed in an Israeli army airstrike, during their funeral in Khan younis, southernGaza Strip, on

leaving 11 crew members dead. Oil gushed into the Gulf for 87 days as attempts to cap it failed In the end, an estimated 4.9 million barrels of crude oil spilled, much of it reaching the shore across the Gulf Coast.

It was the biggest waterborne oil spill in history

In total, oil reached more than 1,300 miles of Gulf shoreline, with Louisiana hardest-hit. Over 200 miles of marsh saw moderate to heavy amounts of oil

The cause of the blowout involved a series of failures. They ranged from poor cementing and well-control procedures to the failure of a blowout preventer, among other factors.

The subsequent fallout was immense, as were the legal ramifications, though the tragedy also led to some positive outcomes. In one notable example, Louisiana has used billions in ﬁnes and settlements to carry out largescale coastal restoration projects in the years since.

But a lesser-known example involved funding for scientific research on oil spills and surrounding ecosystems. BP agreed to grant $500 million over a decade to pay for such research, overseen by an independent body

The money was granted with no strings attached. It allowed the independent body, the Gulf of Mexico Research Initiative, to finance research as it saw fit, said Chuck Wilson, a longtime LSU professor who served as the initiative’s chief scientific officer

A hefty list of research beneﬁted, eventually uncovering findings on the oil’s severe effects on the marsh, dolphins and species that live deep underwater, among many others, Wilson said.

‘A huge addition’

As one striking example, a researcher found shortly after the spill that the number of small ﬁsh, zooplankton and other invertebrates in deep waters known as the mesopelagic zone dropped off by around 70%, said Wilson. Those species form an important part of the food chain

There were also slivers of good news. Wilson notes that the Gulf was accustomed to both natural and accidental oil releases over many years, with lots of bacteria in the water adept at digesting it, and that happened to a large degree.

The 10-year run of the research initiative has now expired, but some of the work continues using other grants.

“You can imagine being able to give out $50 million a year for a 10-year period was a huge addition to available research dollars coming to the Gulf of Mexico,” Wilson said.

Roberts and LUMCON were among those beneﬁciaries, and their ﬁndings on the oil’s effects on marsh have proved far-reaching.

The complex plan they developed involved mimicking natural marsh and tides as much as possible, and that’s

where the giant plant pots came into play — a mesocosm experiment, in scientist-speak.

The 12 pots are 5 feet tall.

Each includes a layer of marsh removed from the area over 1,600 5-gallon buckets of it in total, taken intact by hand. They also hold a total of 50 tons of mud from marshes.

To imitate tidal movement, the pots are connected to tanks holding water from a nearby bayou, delivered at intervals to the pots. It is designed in such a way to mimic a rising and falling tide of up to 2 feet.

Eventually in 2019, about a year and a half after the marsh planting was complete, it was time to spread oil inside the pots. First, it had to be weathered to replicate the state the Deepwater Horizon oil was in when it reached

the marsh. Then it had to be spread among the pots at different levels. Some received none, while others received high amounts.

Roberts and others dressed in protective gear in the hot summer sun to do the job not an easy proposition He said he sweated out significant weight in the process.

That only begins to describe it all.

‘The pieces play together’

Aside from tests to see how the marsh handled the oil, scientists ran other experiments to examine fish behavior in the same circumstances, including survival rates and what they did in reaction to the contaminants.

As for the marsh itself, the level of oil made a big difference, and areas with the heaviest amounts saw cascading effects that speeded

erosion, Roberts explained.

In areas heavily covered, where oil snaked down to the roots, the dying plants no longer held sediment together that maintained the structure of the marsh. That was an especially important

ﬁnding for Louisiana’s coast, which is already losing land at a rapid clip.

“So what you see is oiled areroded much faster than

right? That’s the extreme.”

As time passed, Roberts and other scientists began to see recovery in the interior of the marshes, but not so much on the edges, where the heaviest oiling occurred — as happened with the spill. That can have effects further along the food chain, from algae and invertebrates to, gradually, larger animals.

“There’s a cascade here in terms of time delays and some things responding,” he said. “That’s one of the things that we really had discovered. That it’s a lot more complex in terms of, if you look at one organism or group in isolation, you may get a different story than if you look at how all the pieces play together.”

The BP funding has stopped, but the pots live on and are still being monitored, though not as intensely as before. Roberts said he’d like to ﬁnd more research funding for the experiment for new types of testing.

Wilson said the cumulative knowledge built up through the BP-related research will better serve responders and scientists when the next spill inevitably

STAFF PHOTO By SOPHIA GERMER

Executive director and chief scientist Brian Roberts stands at the marsh mesocosm experiment at the Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium in Cocodrie on Wednesday.

STAFF PHOTO By SOPHIA GERMER

grass grows in the marsh mesocosm experiment at the

Universities Marine Consortium in Cocodrie on Wednesday.

STAFF FILE PHOTO By MICHAEL DeMOCKER

National group runs TV ad backing La. scholarships

Landry’s plan.”

BY PATRICK WALL Staff writer

As Louisiana Gov Jeff Landry seeks nearly $94 million for a program to subsidize students’ private education, a billionaire-backed advocacy group will run a television ad starting Sunday that targets state lawmakers who have challenged Landry’s plan.

Club for Growth, a national group that promotes school vouchers and other conservative priorities, is paying for the ad and a related outreach campaign. Both urge Louisiana voters to contact their state representatives and demand they “fully fund” the new LA GATOR Scholarship Program, which will give eligible families tax dollars to pay for private school tuition and home schooling expenses like laptops and tutoring.

“Tell them, ‘Don’t shortchange our kids,’” a voice-over says while the ad displays phone numbers for the Louisiana House and Senate. The group says it has funded

TOWER

Continued from page 1A

“It is being nominated based upon its architecture,” said Carrie Broussard, assistant secretary for the Louisiana Ofﬁce of Cultural Development.

“It is postwar International Style.”

International Style, according to The Museum of Modern Art in New York City, originated in the 1920s and ’30s in Germany and France. It spread throughout the West in the mid-20th century emphasizing utilitarianism and “rectilinear” forms built with glass, reinforced concrete and steel

The Wooddale Tower application says the building retains many original elements of International Style.

“Distinctive architectural fea-

campaigns in 10 other states promoting programs similar to Louisiana’s. It spent millions in Texas to unseat Republican lawmakers who opposed school vouchers, helping clear the way for that state’s Legislature to pass a major voucher bill this week.

“Make no mistake if you call yourself a Republican and oppose school freedom, you should expect to lose your next primary,” said Club for Growth President David McIntosh in a statement last year Airing Sunday, the ad calls Loui-

siana’s new voucherlike program

“Landry’s education freedom plan.”

Landry, a Republican, has proposed putting $93.5 million into the program next school year But some top state lawmakers, including Senate President Cameron Henry, R-Metairie, want to spend about half that much, keeping LA GATOR’s cost roughly the same as the existing school-voucher program it will replace.

The ad, which should run Easter morning, says viewers should demand that lawmakers “fully fund

its

tures, such as the modern smoked glass curtain wall combined with the ‘sea’ of parking and the intentional lack of internal partitions

to allow accessible and flexible office use are hallmarks of the increasingly car-centric and forward-looking growing commer-

Club for Growth bought airtime on television channels across the state, including those in New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Lafayette, Shreveport and Lake Charles according to ﬁling with the Federal Communications Commission. In Baton Rouge, for example, the ad will air during “Face the Nation” on CBS, while in Lake Charles it will run during “Meet the Press” on NBC.

A Club for Growth spokesperson said they spent “six ﬁgures” on the ad buy and outreach to residents digitally and over the phone. He would not say whether the group coordinated with Landry’s ofﬁce Landry’s spokesperson did not respond to a request for comment.

The ad echoes one last year that featured Landry criticizing lawmakers who tried to scale back the LA GATOR bill. It was paid for by a Louisiana-based super PAC that promotes Landry’s policy agenda.

Some lawmakers, including Republicans who support giving parents more school options, have expressed concern that LA GATOR could drive up state spending as thousands of parents seek state-funded grants to pay for private school.

cial environment of that period,” the application reads.

Following the recommendation of the state review committee, the Louisiana Ofﬁce of Cultural Development has roughly three months to prepare the nomination to the National Park Service, which will then have 45 days to decide whether to award the historic designation.

The state ofﬁce does not pursue nominations without confidence in the historic signiﬁcance of the building, Broussard said.

“Louisiana has a very high success rating on getting our nominations approved,” Broussard said.

Historic tax incentive

Earning a spot on the National Register of Historic Places makes the developer eligible for state and federal historic tax credits. Tax credits boost the competitiveness of an affordable housing project when seeking additional funding sources, such as a Community De-

The new program drew nearly 40,000 applications before the signup period ended Tuesday Most families who applied do not have children in public school, the state Education Department said, suggesting the program will create a major new expense for taxpayers rather than shifting money from public to private schools. Club for Growth, which promotes free enterprise and limited government, describes itself and its political arms as “the largest and most successful conservative political giving group.” One of its main funders is Jeffrey Yass, a billionaire Republican megadonor who advocates for “school choice,” or giving parents public money to pay for private or religious education. In 2023, the group endorsed Landry in his bid to become gover-

velopment Block Grant through the Louisiana Housing Corporation, Tubre said.

“A historic project brings the additional equity from state and federal historic tax credits,” Tubre said. “It lowers the need for the ask of soft ﬁnancing.”

In addition, Tubre said Wooddale Tower is the “perfect” choice for an affordable housing development because it was designed with an open layout.

“A big problem with adapting office buildings countrywide or worldwide is the difﬁculty in transitioning from an ofﬁce layout to a residential layout,” Tubre said. “Whereas this building was intentionally designed to be as open as possible, as customizable as possible.”

He estimated the project will take at least ﬁve years to complete.

“It takes long-term planning for affordable housing,” Tubre said “It’s not just buy some land and build it.”

STAFF PHOTO By HILARy SCHEINUK

The Wooddale Tower near Lobdell Boulevard in Baton Rouge may join the National Register of Historic Places. It is historically significant because of

architectural style, the owner says

yOUTUBE/CLUB FOR GROWTH

Trump administration makes cuts to Native research projects

BY HALLIE GOLDEN Associated Press

At least $1.6 million in federal funds for projects meant to capture and digitize stories of the systemic abuse of generations of Indigenous children in boarding schools at the hands of the U.S. government have been slashed due to federal funding cuts under President Donald Trump’s administration.

The cuts are just a fraction of the grants canceled by the National Endowment for the Humanities in recent weeks as part of the Trump administration’s deep cost-cutting effort across the federal government. But coming on the heels of a major federal boarding school investigation by the previous administration and an apology by then-President Joe Biden, they illustrate a seismic shift.

“If we’re looking to ‘Make America Great Again,’ then I think it should start with the truth about the true American history,” said Deborah Parker, CEO of the National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition. The coalition lost more than $282,000 as a result of the cuts, halting its work to digitize more than 100,000

pages of boarding school records for its database. Parker a citizen of the Tulalip Tribes in Washington state, said Native Americans nationwide depend on the site to ﬁnd loved ones who were taken or sent to these boarding schools

Searching that database last year

Roberta “Birdie” Sam, a member of Tlingit & Haida, was able to conﬁrm that her grandmother had been at a boarding school in Alaska. She also discovered that around a dozen cousins, aunts and uncles had also been at a boarding school in Oregon, including one who died there. She said the knowledge has helped her with healing.

“I understand why our relationship has been the way it has been. And that’s been a great relief for myself,” she said. “I’ve spent a lot of years very disconnected from my family, wondering what happened. And now I know — some of it anyways.”

An April 2 letter to the healing coalition that was signed by Michael McDonald, acting chairman of the National Endowment for the Humanities, says the “grant no longer effectuates the agency’s needs and priorities.”

The Associated Press left

messages by phone and email for the National Endowment for the Humanities. White House ofﬁcials and the Ofﬁce of Management and Budget also did not respond Friday to an email requesting comment.

For 150 years the U.S removed Indigenous children from their homes and sent them away to the schools, where they were stripped of their cultures, histories and religions, and beaten for speaking their native languages.

At least 973 Native American children died at government-funded boarding schools, according to an Interior Department investigation launched by former Interior Secretary Deb Haaland. Both the report and independent researchers say the actual number was much higher

The forced assimilation policy ofﬁcially ended with the enactment of the Indian Child Welfare Act in 1978. But the government never fully investigated the boarding school system until the Biden administration.

In October, Biden apologized for the government’s creation of the schools and the policies that supported them.

Some Jan. 6 rioters pardoned by Trump now embraced as heroes

BY ALI SWENSON Associated Press

JACKSON, Mich. — Ryan Kelley thought he had a good shot at becoming Michigan’s governor in 2022. That is, until he was charged with misdemeanors for participating in the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S Capitol. His campaign sputtered and he ﬁnished fourth out of ﬁve candidates in the Republican primary

Three years later, Kelley says people ask him all the time to run for governor again. In today’s America, where President Donald Trump returned to the White House and within hours pardoned some 1,500 Jan. 6 rioters, Kelley’s twomonth prison sentence for his actions that winter day in 2021 isn’t the obstacle to public life that it might once have been. It may even be a ticket to political prominence.

Far from being sidelined, those who rioted, assaulted police officers or broke into congressional ofﬁces during the violent attack are now being spotlighted as honored guest speakers at local Republican events around the country They are getting a platform to tell their version of events and being hailed as heroes and martyrs. Some are considering runs for office, recognizing that at least among a certain segment of the pro-Trump base, they are seen not as criminals but as patriots.

J6er.” They gasped and shook their heads as Kelley recalled how his young son thought he was dead while he was in federal prison. They urged him to run for governor again in 2026. It is something he said he is debating.

After Kelley finished speaking, attendees said they were touched by his story

“I’ve done much worse and did no jail time,” said 58-year-old Todd Gillman, a woodworker and Republican chairman for the local congressional district. “Thank God people like Ryan Kelley are not intimidated by the lawfare that was used against them.”

Rioters become symbols

ner facts backed up by federal and state election officials and Trump’s own attorney general Trump’s allegations of fraud were also roundly rejected by courts, including by judges appointed by Trump.

“Those who are pardoned can testify, like no one else can, to the horriﬁc power of the federal government to destroy their lives,” Dallek said. “It’s a potent rallying cry, and also probably a potent fundraising tool.” But there also is a danger to elevating them, he said. Many of those pardoned by the Republican president used violence to stop the peaceful transfer of power and juries determined their actions to be criminal.

BY COLLIN BINKLEY Associated Press

WASHINGTON Campus mentors. Move-in events. Scholarships. Diversity offices that made them feel welcome on predominantly white campuses. As U.S. colleges pull back on diversity, equity and inclusion practices, students of color say they are starting to lose all of these things and more.

The full scope of campus DEI rollbacks is still emerging as colleges respond to the Trump administration’s orders against diversity practices. But students at some schools said early cuts are chipping away at the sense of community that helped open the door to higher education.

“It feels like we’re going back. I don’t know how else to describe it,” said Breeana-Iris Rosario, a junior at the University of Michigan, which is closing its DEI ofﬁce and scrapping a campuswide inclusion plan “It’s like our voices aren’t being heard.”

The retreat from DEI has been building for years, driven by Republican-led states that have ordered public colleges to close DEI offices and eliminate programs. But it has accelerated under President Donald Trump and his threats to cut federal funding.

Trump’s administration escalated the battle when it suggested in a letter to

Harvard University that the school should lose its nonproﬁt status for defying federal orders, including a demand to eliminate DEI “to the satisfaction of the federal government.”

At Michigan, students have been told the casualties include orientation events for new Latino, Arab and Asian American students, along with the LEAD Scholars program, a ﬁnancial aid award for Black, Latino and Native American students.

Coming from a low-income part of Detroit, Rosario said winning the scholarship cemented her decision to attend Michigan. She later met some of her best friends at a move-in event for Latino students called Alma. Losing those programs, she fears, could reinforce a sense of isolation among Hispanic students, who make up 6% of the school’s undergraduates.

“It would be hard to find my community if I didn’t have access to these resources,” she said.

Colleges respond

A February memo from the Education Department directed schools and colleges to eliminate race from any decision-making around hiring, admissions, housing, ﬁnancial aid and student life. It warned violators could lose access to federal money

Dozens of universities have since come under investigation, all while the Trump administration freezes billions of dollars at Harvard

and other colleges accused of defying orders on campus antisemitism and transgender athletes.

Michigan was among the first to make major DEI rollbacks, and others have followed to avoid federal scrutiny Others have rebranded DEI offices and scrubbed the term from websites, and others still are standing firm in support of DEI.

At Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, ofﬁcials cited the federal orders when they moved to close the campus DEI office last month.

“It is clear we must be in compliance with them to receive the federal funding that is critical to our present and future,” said Eric Kaler, Case’s president, in a campus message.

Kaler said the office will be replaced by an Ofﬁce for Campus Enrichment and Engagement, though it’s unclear what that will entail. The private university receives about $250 million a year in federal research funding, 16% of its total revenue, according to university data.

Justen Pippens said the DEI ofﬁce was like a second home on campus. The junior called it a “stress-free zone” where he could get personal and academic guidance. He grew so close with one staff member that he came to know her as Auntie. He said it’s unclear whether those employees will have jobs at the new ofﬁce.

Kelley, a 43-year-old commercial real estate developer, is among those ﬁelding new opportunities in the political arena. At a recent county Republican committee event in Jackson, Michigan, Kelley was met with hugs and handshakes. Dozens of attendees hollered and clapped when he introduced himself as “your favorite

It makes sense that Republicans are seizing the chance to showcase Jan. 6 rioters, said Matt Dallek, a historian at George Washington University who studies the conservative movement. Trump has likened those rioters to “political prisoners” and “warriors” for defending him and his false claims that the 2020 election won by Democrat Joe Biden was stolen. There is no credible evidence the 2020 election was tainted or that Trump was the win-

“It is, I think, a mainstreaming, a growing acceptance on the right of political violence, as long as it’s done in the service of Trump and his ongoing election lie,” Dallek said. Kelley, who did not commit violence or enter the Capitol, pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor trespassing charge. He said he saw some things at the Capitol — people breaking windows, for example — that he did not like. But he also ﬂatly denied an audience member’s use of the term “insurrection.”

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By PAUL SANCyA Ryan Kelley, left, arrives before his talk at the Jackson County Republican headquarters April 10 in Jackson, Mich.

college studentsexperience hazing in high school, so a lot of studentsare coming in predisposed (to think) it’s not thatbig of adeal.

should take astronger stand against hazing, because they can be role models to address that, particularly for high school athletes.

BY MARIE FAZIO Staff writer

Nearly eight years ago, the hazing-related death of an 18-year-old LSU student Maxwell Gruver resulted in aharsher anti-hazing law in Louisiana that made hazing afelony with hefty ﬁnes and jail time.

In February,ithappened again.

Southern University

student Caleb Wilsondied earlier this year after being punched in the chest multiple times by members of Southern’schapter of the Omega Psi Phi fraternity in what police have characterized as ahazing ritual His death has reignited conversation about hazing prevention efforts among higher education leaders, legislators and Greek life organizations, and inspired abill that would increase required anti-hazing education for some college and university students.

Those who have studied hazing incidents, like former Dillard University President Walter Kimbrough, say hazing prevention should start before students enter college and be reinforced regularly Kimbrough, who served as president of Dillard University from 2012 to 2022 and is widely considered an expert in hazing incidents, spoke with The Times-Picayune |The Advocate about why hazing happens and what everyone from school superintendents to sports leagues can do to prevent it. The interview with Kimbrough, who is currently serving as interim president of Talladega College, has been condensed and edited for clarity Whydoes hazing happen?

In the 1920s,colleges and universities started toeradicatethe hazing of freshmen, but theculture had to go somewhere. That’swhen we startedtosee hazing cases pick up in fraternities and sororities.

When you put it likethat, it sounds likeanincredible challenge to changesuch alongstanding practice.

It’s so deeply ingrained.

It’sjust aculture thatsays newpeople aren’t viewed as goodenough. Evenona major league baseball team, the rookieshave to do certain things because they’re rookies.

Sometimes Isay it’sthe Protestant work ethic gone wrong.Ifyou think thatanything worth having is worth workingfor,somepeople feel likeifit’sworth being a part of this group, youneed to work for it. Unfortunately,though, thatsometimes takesa bit of aperverted twist and that’swhenhazing happens How long has hazing beengoing on?

Hazingisa600-year-old problem. It dates back to German universitiesinthe 1400s. It was always based on the premise that initially, newstudents coming to college werenot viewed as goodenough by older students and youhad to do something to earn your space to be there In theU.S., hazing started in the 1800swith freshmen.

It’s hard changing that culturebecause people just don’twant to feel like anyone can walk in and become amember of an organizationwithout doing anything when theythemselves had to go through all these trials and tribulationstobecome a member.That doesn’tseem fair,sothat’s part of the challenge.

Are there anymeasures university administrations can take?

We’regoing to have to do moreconsistent year-round anti-hazing messaging. There should be PSAsduring football games or basketball games. When they have commercial breaks, there could be areminder thathazing is illegal. Alot of campuses have electronic message boards and you could run anti-hazing messagesall year long.

We need to alwaysbegiving the message,not just at certain times of theyear when new students arecoming in. Ithink it’s got to be all year round, and on all our different platforms. Ithink it’sjust got to be much more of ablitz in terms of constant awareness.

You’ve spoken about the need to educate students about hazing at an earlier age.Whyisthat?

We need to be much more proactive about talking about hazing prior to college. There’sa hazing.org study thatfound 47% of

Schools really should start talking about bullying in middle school. Hazing is a pretty close cousin of bullying, so it would be easy to add those together

Who should drive that shift?

We need acoalition of groups to talkabout this moreopenly and often and not just view it as acollege fraternityproblembecause it’sbigger than that.

We need superintendents, high school athletic associations. Major league sports

Do peopleseem receptive to shifting hazing education earlier?

It’sbeen ﬂoated some, but no one has stepped up to own it and say we’re going to be the group or groups that lead this new coalition. Ithink it probably should comeout of the fraternitysorority community,but I think alot of times those national groups are too busy trying to put out their own ﬁres that they don’tthink bigger than that. How do stronger criminal laws fac-

tor into hazing prevention? Just having astronger law isn’talways adeterrent. Even at LSU, there’sbeen hazing cases since Max Gruver died, so even the threat of jail has not been asignificant enough deterrent for people to stop hazing. We just have to keep having conversations about it. We don’tdoenough until there’sabig blow-up, and then everybody’shair is on fire, trying to figure out whattodo. Ithink that we’re going to have to really spend time just talking about it over and over and over and over again.

LOUISIANAPOLITICS

Johnson, Scalisebreakingfundraising records

Duoleading effort to keep GOP Housemajority

WASHINGTON —Ifany proof is neededthat the Nov.3,2026, congressional midterms weigh on the minds of House Speaker Mike Johnson,R-Benton, andHouse Majority Leader Steve Scalise, RJefferson,then look no further than the remarkable $44 million the two last week announced having raised to help Republican candidates.

Republicans hold 220 of the House’s 435 seats and 218 are needed for abare majority. Johnson and Scalise so far have been able to pass controversial bills by one and two votes

The GOP can’taffordtolose support from more than three of its members in the coming weeks when Congress takes up the big beautiful” budget bill that will include President Donald Trump’s legislative agenda.

That slim majority —and history —give Democrats hope that, come the 2026midterm elections, they could seize control of oneof the levers of power thatthe GOP now controls. Since the 1970s, with the exception of 2002, the party whose candidate lives in the White House lost control of the House in the midterms.

Crystal Ball, the respected politicalhandicapping outﬁtafﬁliated with the University of Virginia, last week found Democrats narrowly ahead 209-207 inseats safe for one party or the other.

Nineteen races are toss-ups.

“Democrats should ﬂip the House next year,” Crystal Ball predicted.

All of Louisiana’sfour Republican and two Democratic House incumbentsare considered safe.

Last week, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee released its list of 35 targeted House seats. That number includes 10 seats in districts Trump

Bill would add governors’ appointees to PSC

Abill in the Louisiana Legislature would add two new seats to the Public Service Commission, both appointed by the governor

The PSC currently has ﬁve members, elected from districts across the state. The two appointed members would serve at large, representing the whole state, and would be subject to conﬁrmation by the state Senate. The commission regulates power companies, internet providers and other utilities throughout Louisiana.

Rep. Daryl Deshotel, RMarksville, who is sponsoring House Bill 413, saidhe wants to add the new seats because of an inﬂux of new data centers to Louisiana with huge power requirements.

won byatleast 10 percentage pointsinNovember; three GOP seats in districts Vice President Kamala Harris won; and eight others that are consideredcompetitive.

“House Republicans are running scared,and they should be. They’re tanking the economy, guttingMedicaid,abandoning our veterans and making everything more expensive. In short,they’ve lost the trust of their constituents, and it’sgoing to cost them the majority,” DCCC Chair Suzan DelBene, aDemocratic representative from the stateofWashington, said in astatement.

Johnson raised more money than any other Republican speaker duringamidterm cycle —a feat hesees as thenation rallying aroundTrump’spolicies to shrink the size of government, raise

CAPITOL BUZZ staff reports

“That’s alot of new power comingtoour state.Ithink they’re going to be extremely busy If you’re adding broadband on topof this, Ijust don’tthink ﬁve people shouldbe tasked with that,” he said “I thinkit takesa biggereffort to make that happen.” If passed, the bill would dilute the powerofthe ﬁve elected members.Deshotelacknowledged that “the current PSC members hate it,” but said he had“talked to past PSC members who tell me it’sverymuchneeded.”

tariffs on imported goods, and deport immigrantswho snuck into thecountry without proper documentation.

“The American people are enthusiastic about keeping House Republicans on offense in 2026. While we deliver our commonsense America First agenda, we are also building amassive campaign war chest by hitting the ground running in theﬁrst quarter,” Johnson said in astatement.

The money mostly is distributed to GOP candidates, committees and state parties.

As amid-level House manager before ascending to the top spot in October 2023, Johnson didn’tshine at fundraising. Open Secrets, aWashington-based nonproﬁt that tracks campaign contributions, showedthat,for the2022 election cycle, Johnson

The bill was originally scheduledfor ahearing last week, but Deshotel pulled it from the agenda, saying it “caught people by surprise.” He anticipates it will be heard sometimeinthe third or fourth week of the session.

FEMA grants to help airport, Barbe High Louisiana has received morethan $8 million in grants from theFederal Emergency Management Agencytohelp pay for repairs from hurricanes Laura and Ida.

The Calcasieu Parish School Board will get more than$7million for repairs to Barbe High School, which was badly damaged by Hurricane Laurain2020.

The Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport will also receive more than$1million to repair

raised $1.3 million while the average House member brought in $3 million In the2024 cycle, as speaker, Johnson upped his gamebyraising $19 million, coming largely from retirees, pro-Israel groups and Lockheed Martin, the government’slargest contractor,according to the data Open Secrets organized.

He announced harvesting $32.2 million during the ﬁrst three monthsof2025 forthe 2026 campaign. The latest reports, which are through March 31, haven’tyet been analyzed Scalise, on theother hand, has been aleading fundraiser for years. It’s part of the reason why he has been in the top echelons of Republican power since 2014. He has raised morethan $225 million since joining leadership.

damage from Hurricane Ida, which struckin2021.

U.S. Sen. John Kennedy, R-Madisonville,announced the grantsina news release this week.

The grants come amid questions over the futureof FEMA and the role it plays in disaster recovery

President Donald Trump and Kristi Noem, the homeland securitysecretary, have bothsaid FEMA should be eliminated and someofits functions dispersed among other state agencies. Some conservatives have long argued that states should shoulder more of the burden of recovering from disastersinstead of leaning on federal taxpayers.

Legislature off on Monday,back Tuesday

The Louisiana Legislature will not convene on

Open Secrets found that Scalise, in the 2024 election cycle, relied on conservative groups, Realtors, pro-Israel factions and retirees forthe funds he raised. Similar to Johnson’slatest haul, the analysts haven’thad time to collate the information that wasgiven to the Federal Elections Commission weekbefore last.

Scalise announced gathering morethan $12 million in the ﬁrst quarter of the 2026 election cycle.

“It’smore important than ever we deliver President Trumpan even stronger House Majority, and we’re working overtime to ensure we have the resources required to stay competitive and the top-tier candidates we need to win,” Scalise said.

Email Mark Ballardat mballard@theadvocate.com.

Monday, but committees andﬂoor actionwill resume Tuesday. Committeesofboth chamberswill meet beginning at 9a.m. The Senate is scheduledtogavel in at 3:30 p.m. andthe House at 5p.m

The agendasinclude bills on car insurance,one of the most controversial issues of the sessionsofar,and on proposed changes to Louisiana’s taxand spending laws thatvotersrejected in aconstitutional amendment earlierthis year, amongmanyother issues. To seefull agendas and schedules, visit legis. la.gov.

SUNDAY NEWS SHOWS

ABC’s“This Week” Sen. Chris VanHollen, D-Md.; Rep, Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y.; TomHoman, President Donald Trump’sborderczar.

NBC’s “Meet thePress” VanHollen; Sen. John Kennedy,R-La

CNN’s“Stateofthe Union” VanHollen; Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn.; Rep. TomEmmer,RMinn.

CBS’“Face the Nation” VanHollen; Lee Zeldin, Environmental Protection Agency administrator; Gov. Maura Healey, D-Mass.; Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, R-Pa.; Austan Goolsbee, president and CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago. “Fox News Sunday” Van Hollen; Interior Secretary Doug Burgum. The Associated Press

Mark Ballard

MANUEL BALCE CENETA

House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-Jefferson, right, with House Speaker MikeJohnson, R-Benton, fromleft, and House Majority Whip TomEmmer of Minnesota, speaks during anewsconference at the Capitol in Washington.

Today,she and herteamare using music therapytoheal and comfort.

Their work is improving memory, strokerecovery, motor function and so much more.

With Our Lady of the LakeHealth and LSU behind them, imagine the mysteries of the mind they will unlocknext.

That’s the impact of champions.

Mandy Creekmore

Medical Music Therapist, Our Lady of the Lake Health AdjunctInstructor, LSU

Learn howweare improving the health of Louisiana.

Judges warn Congress that more moneyisneededfor security

BY MARK SHERMAN Associated Press

WASHINGTON The federal judiciary is warning that Congress is notproviding enough money for judges’ security,atatime of escalating threatsand chilling efforts at intimidation.

More than ﬁve dozen judges handling lawsuitsagainst theTrumpadministration are receiving “enhanced online security screening” that typicallyincludes scrubbing their personalinformation from the internet, two federal judges appointedbyRepublican presidents wrote on behalf of the judiciary in aletter to congressional appropriators.

President Donald Trump, senior aide Stephen Miller and billionaire Elon Musk have railed at judges who have blocked parts of Trump’sagenda,threatening impeachment and launching

personal attacks. Trump’s call to impeach the judge who temporarily halteddeportations using an 18th century wartimelaw prompted arare quick response from Chief Justice JohnRoberts. Roughly 50 people have been charged with crimesin connection with the threats, U.S. Circuit Judge Amy J. St. Eve and U.S. District Robert J. Conrad Jr.said. Trump appointed St. Eve to thefederal appeals court in Chicago during hisﬁrst term. “In extreme cases, the U.S. Marshals Service has been requiredto take extraordinary measures to ensure thesafetyofjudges,” St. Eve andConrad wrote. Authorities have yet to make any arrestsinhundreds ofincreasingly unsettling and unwanted pizza deliveries to the homes of judges and theirchildren, U.S. District Judge Esther Salas saidduring an online

forum on Tuesday

The most recent deliveries,thisweek,havebeen sent in thename of Salas’ late son, Daniel Anderl, who was shot dead at the family home by adisgruntled lawyer in 2020.

The messageisunmistakable, Salas said. “‘I know where you live, Iknow where your kids live, and do youwantend up like Judge Salas. Do you want toend up like her son?’”she said.

Last month, asisterof Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrettwas the victim of abomb threat in Charleston,South Carolina, police said. No bombwas found, police said.

The judges’ letter was sent last week,but posted online Friday by thejudiciary.It calls the current funding levels unsustainable, nearly $50 millionless thanwhat the courtsrequested just for security.

BY DAVID BAUDER AP media writer

WASHINGTON Afederal judge who ordered the Trump administration to stopblocking The Associated Press from presidential events refused Friday to take immediate steps to getWhiteHouse officials to comply —anincremental development in atwomonth disputebetween the global news agency and administration ofﬁcialsover access.

The case, which has significantfree-speech implications under the U.S. Constitution’sFirst Amendment, centers on thegovernment blocking AP’saccess to cover events because the outlet won’trename theGulf of Mexico in itsreports.

U.S. District Judge

Trevor N. McFadden, who handed theAPa victory last week in its efforts to endthe ban, said it’s too soon to say that President Donald Trump is violating hisorder —asthe AP suggests.

“Weare not at the point where we can make much of adeterminationone way or another,” said McFadden, ruling from thebench “I don’tintend to micromanage the White House.”

The AP’slawyer, Charles Tobin, wouldn’tcomment about the judge’sdecision after the proceedings. The White House issuednoimmediate comment.

For two months, the White House hasessentially banned AP reporters and photographers from their traditional spot covering events in smaller spaces like the OvalOfﬁce and Air

Force One.The AP says it’saviolationofits freespeech rights,enshrined in theFirst Amendment, to punish anews outletfor an editorialdecision —an argument McFaddenhas endorsed. In response,the White House this week issueda new press policy that occasionally lets theAPand other wire services into events it usedtoroutinely cover at alltimes. Since McFadden’sruling took effect, an AP photographer was allowed into the Oval Office on Thursday afterthree days of being blocked. Areporter has yet to be allowed back in, but the White House said an AP reporterwill be part of the coverage rotation on Saturday—whenreporterswill follow Trumpinavan to where he plans to play golf.

in Solon, Maine.

ASSOCIATED PRESS

By ROBERT F. BUKATy

Maine’shidden‘SistineChapel’ inspires artistswith70-year-old frescoes

BY PATRICK WHITTLE

Associated Press

SOLON, Maine Fromthe outside, it looks like any other New England church building: aboxy,white structure with asingle steeple surrounded by an old stone wall, setagainst rolling hills and pine forest

Inside, though, the South Solon Meeting House has asecret unknown even to some who drive through the tiny Maine town every day

The interior of the building is covered in 70-year-old fresco murals thatencourage some in the state’sart community to describe it as “Maine’sSistine Chapel.”

The murals were painted by artists in the 1950s and, while they have long been appreciated by visitors,the recent creation of awebsite dedicatedtothem by students at Colby College in Waterville, Maine, has generated new interest in the paintings.

Véronique Plesch, aColby professor of art, hopesthe building inspires more appreciation of frescoes.

“I fell in love with the place, becauseIhavestudies frescoes all my life,”

said Plesch, who is amember of theboard of the historicalsociety that cares forthe meeting house. She added that thepaintings should stay in public places and not be in private institutions

The meeting house was built in 1842 and hosted churchservicesuntil the 1940s, though there were periods of closure, such as timesofwar

Adecadelater,Margaret Day Blake found the building in astate of disuse and the former student at the nearbySkowhegan School of Painting and Sculpture put out acall for young artists to paint frescoes under the school’s supervisionin 1951.

Theartistswere given creativefreedomand told therewould be no limits to subject matter,but that Biblical scenes would “offer rich and suitable” imagery Theinterior was covered in such scenes from 1952 to 1956 and the walls remain adorned with frescoes, including one that references Leonardo da Vinci’s “The Last Supper.”

Anotherfresco depicts the binding of Isaac, in

whicha hooded Abraham prepares to sacriﬁce his son on God’sorders. The Great Flood is depicted as it was by Michelangelo at the Sistine Chapel at the Vatican Twoofthe 13 artists Sigmund Abeles of New York City and Sidney Hurwitz of Newton, Massachusetts —both in their 90s, are stillliving. Bothspoke fondly abouttheir time at themeeting house.

“Wewould go outthere and paint and then take a lunchbreak in the cemetery behind the building. It was a very idyllic time,”Hurwitz said. “I very much enjoyed it.”

Today,the meeting house, which is open to the public without locks on itsdoors, serves as acommunity gathering and performance space. Many of itsold features, including box pews made forsmaller people of adifferent time, are still intact

Abeles recalled painting thescene of Jacob wrestlingwith theangel from theBook of Genesis.

“It’savery,veryspecial place, anditwas aunique experience” to workonthe frescoes, Abeles said.

Visitors viewthe frescoes at the South Solon Meeting House on April 6

PHOTO

BY MARYPEREZ Sun Herald

Even those who don’t know casino executive John Ferrucci after his30years on the Mississippi Coast probably recognize his voice.

That’sbecause he was the voice of Silver Slipper Casino commercials for nearly 20 years since it opened in late 2006 in HancockCounty.

Theideacamefromthe parent company’sCEO, Paul Alanas, who told Ferrucci he wanted him “to be the face of the Silver Slipper,” Ferrucci recalled recently

“When Ifirst got here, people thought it was aNew Orleans accent,” he said. “That’sclose enough, close enough.”

Ferrucci’seffective campaign lasted for two decades, buthedelivered his last radio spot in March.

“People just responded to it, like, unbelievable,” he said.

Ferrucci retired in early April as general manager of Silver Slipper and chief operating ofﬁcer and senior vice president at Full House Resorts, parent companyof Silver Slipper,but he will continue in aconsulting role.

His résumé is extensive. It all began when Ferrucci left his job as ateacher with amaster’s degree and a$15,000 salaryafter 10 years. He doubled that, earning $30,000 his ﬁrst year as ablackjack dealer in Atlantic City,and he worked his way up.

Since then, he’sled or worked at six Gulf Coast casinos, with thousands of fel-

THE GULF COAST

Casino GM retires

lowemployeeshe says are responsible for the success of thecasinoindustry

He welcomed top singers and comediansand put$1 million on display before giving it away. He guided acasino comeback from bankruptcy, and he helped casinos survive hurricanes andnavigate recessions, an oil spill and thepandemic.

Jersey meetsMardi Gras

After adecade of working in Atlantic City for Caesars and Harrah’sinthe 1980s, Ferrucci wasathis fourth yearatacasinointhe Bahamas when he was recruited by Grand Casinos. He had to look on the map to ﬁnd Gulfport,Mississippi.

“They ﬂew me in tointerview,” he said,and he arrived on aTuesday in March. MardiGras parade ﬂoats and revelers blocked his way to the casino and his interview

It didn’tstop him

“I went back to theBahamas, packed up andcame back as the director of table games for theGrandCasinos,”herecalls.Thatwas 1993 and three other casinos were open on the Gulf Coast —Isle of Capri, the President and BiloxiBelle.

In 1994, he was promoted to vice presidentofoperations for Grand Biloxi Casino. As he sits on thedeck of TheBlind Tigerrestaurant in Biloxi, theformer site where much of the Grand Biloxi operated,herecalls howthe GrandTheaterwas on one side and the hotel tower on the other

The second tower north of thehighway is nowHarrah’s Gulf Coast after Hurricane Katrina in 2005 demolished thebuildings southofBeach Boulevard.

“Thatwas agreat opportunityfor me, because when Igot promoted to assistant

generalmanager here,the theater reported to me. We booked allthe acts, andwe got to meet all those celebrities. It was alot of fun back in that day,” he said.

TomJones,Dionne Warwick,Willie Nelson, Wayne Newton, Ray Charles and so many others playedthe Grand Theater He posed with each of them, but said, “I don’thave awall big enough for all the pictures.”

His job also was to hire key people, including casino hosts.Heneeded 13 hosts andalreadyhad 10 of them, so he told the head host to stop bringing candidates in for interviews. An hour later,hebrought in Bridget. She got thejob and the guy

“We’ve beenmarried24 years,” he said. Moving up,movingback In 1997, he was hiredto

help bring the Palace Casino outofbankruptcy and reopen the casino. The next year,hewent to New York to open atribalcasino, but he returned to South Mississippi in 2000.

He teamed up with Paul Alanis, president of Pinnacle Entertainment and owner of Casino Magic, which Ferrucciwould be selected to manage.

In early 2005, Alanis decided to buy President Casino Broadwaterand move operations to Hancock County

The investors bought it on April 15, and Ferrucci worked at the President for four months, whenthe barge wasdamaged by Hurricane Katrina. Silver Slipper Casino was the ﬁrst in Mississippi to be built on land after the regulations changed. Silver Slippersuccess

“Bridget and Istood there on the pierdown in Hancock County,where the Silver Slipper wasgoing to be born,” Ferrucci recalled.

There wasn’tanyone in sight, and only thesound of the wind whistling through what was leftofthe pier

“Are you sure you want do this?” his wife asked.

“I think I’msure Ido, because Paul’sinvolved, and he’s gotagood plan, andI like it. So, yeah,” he said.

Twenty years later,hehas risen to become the chief operating ofﬁcer of Full House Resorts, amajor casino company,while continuing as general managerofSilver Slipper

The crowd pouredinto Hancock County destination on opening day,Nov.9,2006, according to an account in theSun Herald. The casino put 700 peopletowork on the Mississippi Coast after Katrina.

“Wewere the Hancock County tourism business of

theyear for2007. Our ﬁrst year.Wewere thrilled,” Ferrucci said at the time. They didn’tbuild awedding chapel overlooking the water as originally planned, but they did build ahotel tower,a larger parking garage, new restaurants and an RV park on the beach. The 2008 promotion to display and give away $1 million is stillremembered as one of the best in the ara. A stack of $100s and$20s was secured in aclear case, with $20 bills mixedintomake it look more impressive,he said. It wasthe largest amount given away by any casino to date.

What’s next

The newmanager is already in place at Silver Slipper Angi Truebner-Webb worked with Ferrucci from 2010-2019, before being promotedtoworkinfinance and management at two Full House sister properties in theMidwest. Now she’s taking over at the Hancock County casino on the water She recalls whenshe met Ferrucci

PHOTO By HANNAHRUHOFF John Ferrucci has retired from the MississippiGulf Coast casino industryafter 30 years.

Fisherscelebrate seafoodorder butothersfearoverfishing

BY PATRICK WHITTLE Associated Press

PORTLAND,Maine Presi-

dent Donald Trump’sexecutive order to boost the U.S. commercial fishing industry drew praise from commercial ﬁshing groups and condemnation from environmental organizations who said they fear cutting regulations will harm fish populations that have already dwindled in some areas of the oceans.

The order represents a dramatic shift in federal policy on fishinginU.S waters by prioritizing commercial fishing interests over efforts to allow the ﬁsh supply to increase.

The president described his decision as “an easy one” that will improve the U.S. commercial fishing industry by peeling back regulations and opening up harvesting in previously protected areas.

“The United Statesshould be the world’sdominant seafood leader,” he said Thursday,citing the nation’sseafood trade deﬁcit, whichis more than $20 billion.

Some environmental groups cited the importance of relying on the MagnusonStevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, which has guided U.S. ﬁshery managementfor nearly 50 years and was intended to combat overﬁshing.

The number of ﬁsh stocks

on thefederal overfished listgrew from 40 in 2013 to 47 in 2023; conservationists said they fear that number will grow with weakened regulations.

“Theseexecutive orders don’tloosen red tape —they unravel the very safetynet that protects ouroceans, our economy,and our seafood dinners,”said Beth Lowell, vice president of Oceana, aconservation group. “For decades, the U.S. sciencebased approach to ﬁsheries management has rebuilt declining stocks, kept American ﬁshers on the water,and protected important places and wildlife.”

Some sectors of theﬁshing industry have beenhit hard by environmental changesand overfishing, including in theNortheast, whereonce-lucrativeindustries forMaineshrimp and Atlantic cod long ago dried up. West Coast species,including some kinds of salmon, have also been depleted.

There have also been successes. The federal government said last year it was abletoremove Atlantic coast blueﬁsh anda Washington coast stock of coho salmon from the overﬁshed list.

Fishermen sai abrighter future the Trump execut The changesr “thoughtful, st proach” that could

Scientists search forw

BY MARIA CHENG Associated Press

JAMESTOWN, St. Helena

Whale sharks shouldn’t be hard forscientists to ﬁnd. They are enormous —they are the biggest fish in the sea andperhaps the biggest ﬁshtohaveever lived. They are found in warm oceans allaround the world. By shark standards, they are slow swimmers.

But they somehow manage to also be very private: Scientists don’tknow where they mate, and they’ve never observed it before. They do ﬁnally have some clues, though. Scientists suspect the magic may be happening in the waters around St. Helena, aremote volcanic island in the South Atlantic Ocean where Napoleon Bonaparte was once exiled and died. It’sthe only place in the world where adult male and female whale sharks are known to regularly gather in roughly equal numbers —and food doesn’tseem to be the main attraction.

Kenickie Andrews, the marine conservationproject manager at the St. Helena Trust says he’sseenmale sharks chasing females, nibbling on theirpectoral fins and “displaying themselves”tothe female sharks, akin to mating ritualsobservedinother sharks including great whites.

“What we’ve seen here is classic shark courtship behavior,” he said. “Tothis day we haven’t seensuccessful copulation, but it is proof (whale sharks) arein our waters tryingout these behaviors.”

Whale sharks typically measurefrom 39 to 59 feet, weigh up to 14 tons and are plankton eaters;all sharks

line to America’sﬁshermen, said LisaWallenda Picard, president andchiefexecutive ofﬁcer of theNational Fisheries Institute in Virginia.

“The EO outlines key actions to benefit every link in the supply chain from hardworking fishermen to parents who serve their family this nutritious andsustainable protein at home,” Wallenda Picard said. “Importantly,the order calls for reducing unnecessary regulatory burdens on ﬁshermen and seafood producerswhile also promotingthe many beneﬁts of eating seafood as part of ahealthy, balanced diet.”

Trump’sorder came on the same dayheissued a proclamation allowing commercial fishing in Pacific Islands HeritageMarine National Monument. The monument was created by President George W. Bush in early 2009 and consistsof about 495,189 squaremiles in thecentralPaciﬁcOcean.

Environmental groups, some of whom vowed to challenge attempts to weaken protections in certain areas, also criticized that move.

withconservation group Earthjustice. “Wewill do everythinginour powerto protect the monument.”

Countering conservation groups,the Trump administration arguesthat restrictionssuch as catch limits andcompetition with wind powercompaniesfor ﬁshing grounds have held back one of the country’soldest enterprises.

“Inadditiontooverregulation, unfair tradepractices have put our seafood marketsatacompetitive disadvantage,” Trump’sexecutive order stated

The order order gives Commerce SecretaryHoward Lutnick amonth to identify “themost heavily overregulated ﬁsheriesrequiring action and take appropriate action to reduce the regulatory burden on them.”

It also calls on regional fishing managers to find ways to reduceburdens on domesticﬁshing andincrease ﬁshing production.

Theorder also calls for the development of acomprehensive seafood trade strategy.

It charges Lutnick with reviewing existing marine monuments, which are un

ASSOCIATED Aperson swims Helena in the Sout

have aunique white spots on side.

Scientists say to know where are mating and so they can protect areas, possibly ingmarinereser threats like fish banned. Whale designated as endangered by theInternat for Conservation the group says lation has been pleted.”

SimonPierce, studied whale shark ally,saidheh graphed suspect scarsonfemal St.Helena, probabl when male sharks pectoral fins to them and get into position.

Suspected wha matingbehavior been reported in and the sharks in places like Mexico, Arabian Sea and dives, but tha amount tomale of immature femal

By The Associated Press

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina

Pupy the elephantarrived at her new home in asanctuaryinMato Grosso, Brazil, Friday following a1,680mile overlandjourney from azoo converted into an ecological park in Argentina’s capital where she had spent 30 years in conditions criticized by activists.

TheBuenosAires mayor’s office saidina statement that the last elephant livinginthe Argentinecity’s “Ecopark” arrivedather destination in Brazil’sAmazon rainforest “inperfect health.”

The 35-year-old African elephant wastransported in alarge iron crate with thickbars strapped to a truck, amission for which she had been trained for several months. The truck wasﬂanked by vans ﬁlled with caretakers and veterinarians.

Pupy (pronounced POOH’-peeinSpanish) did not require sedation during theﬁve-day journey to Elephant Sanctuary Brazil, the first refuge forelephants in Latin America locatedin the municipality of Chapadas DosGuimarães in Mato Gross state, Argentine authorities

“Everything

-Amy G.

Officialsseek fixfor Ascensionred dust

Wasteponds plague neighbors

BY DAVID J. MITCHELL Staff writer

Ascension Parish government

drainage workers arepreparing to cap a4-acre section of the “red mud” waste ponds at aclosedre-

ﬁnery in hopes of controlling dust that has plagued nearby neighborhoods for several yearssouth of Gonzales.

The plot is atest site for alarger plan that could take up to four

Changes to closed primary elections mulled

Lawmakers, officials looking to abolishthe IndependentParty

BY ALYSE PFEIL Staff writer

Afraid of locking people out of the voting process when Louisiana’snew closed primary elections begin next spring, lawmakers and state officials are reworking how voters register for apolitical party —including abolishing the Independent Party altogether. For years, some Louisianans who don’tidentify as Republican or Democrat signed up to vote as “Independent,” in some cases thinking they wereregisteringunaffiliated with aparty.But in fact, they were registering as members of the Independent PartyofLouisiana. That didn’tmatter much previously,because Louisianahas had open primary elections where anybody can vote for any candidate. But the state’srecent switch to closed primaries for several major races means that voters registered as “Independent” will belocked out of some votes So, aproposal makingits way through the Louisiana Legislature would eliminate the Independent Party and move those voters to unaffiliated “no party” registrations instead. There are 149,464 voters registered as members of the Independent Party,according to Louisiana Secretary of State’s Office data. Under the new rules established for closed party primary races last year,voters registered as Republicans must vote in the Republican Party primary and voters registered as Democrats must vote in the Democratic Party primary Unaffiliated voters who check the box to register as “no party” can choose to vote in either the

ä See CLOSED, page 2B

years to cover about 105 acres of pondswithdirtand used asphalt and concrete, partially closing more than 400 acres of the ponds, according to aparish planand other regulatory papers.

That longer-term planisexpected to require more than 6,720 truckloads of dirt to be delivered to the site over the life of thejob.

Thework on the testplot is beginning about two weeks after DEQ, LAlumina and the parish

signed aformal agreement. The Parish Council approvedthe deal last year.Earlier this year,residentswere submitting comments to thestate Department of Environmental Quality urging it to sign thedeal.

“This marks acritical step forward in our efforts to protect our residentsand begin the process to mitigate this area,” Parish President ClintCointment addedina recentstatementonthe plans

The estimated 15 million tons of toxic red mud are thelegacy of years of alumina production

in Burnside, thewaste byproduct of anow-shutteredplant thatwas formerlyownedbyOrmet, later Almatisand nowLAlumina.

Theleveed-offimpoundments east of La.44and north of La. 22 hold the rust-colored waste, aprocessed version of bauxite ore with naturally occurring and slight radioactivity as well as trace heavy metals.

The waste mud can dry out and get lifted up by the wind.

The dust has been the source of regular complaints to DEQ from residentsinthe Pelican Crossing

neighborhood, regulatory papers show, withsome as recentasthis February “Reddust still blowing off-site from theold Ormetfacility. Was really badSunday(2/9) andisstill blowingtoday (2/11),” aDEQ complaint description states. Thered dust is among several legacy problems, which also include waste tire dumps,thatnew DEQ Secretary Aurelia S. Giacometto has focused on in her ﬁrst year in office. She has created

BY CHARLES LUSSIER Staff writer

In thesweeping changes that East Baton Rouge Parish Superintendent LaMont Cole is proposing, the stretch of neighborhoodsthat have longfed intoCapitol High would see the most upheaval.

Thebiggest changewould be at Capitol High itself. Thehistorically Black high school would give up its longtime home on North23rd Street and move almost two mileseast, where it would merge with Capitol Middle.

“They told us theywouldn’tjust moveusout thereand forget about us,” CapitolHighPrincipalBrandon Fontenot said. “They would follow us all the way.”

Fontenot spoke Wednesday to the Capitol Highgovernance committee, aspecial community board set up two yearsago when the school re-

turned to local control after 15 years of state oversight. Fontenot said Capitol Middle has most of the elements for asuccessful high school campus, except afootball stadium, which the principal said he has been promised as part of the transition.

Cole had unveiled his long-brewing “realignment” plan the day before. That proposal is set for aﬁnal vote at aspecial meeting at 5p.m Monday,April 28. That is three days earlier than originally planned. Any approved changes would go into effect in timefor the start of the 202526 school year in August.

UnderCole’sproposal, atotal of 28 BatonRouge public schools would seechanges, and 16 attendance zones would be redrawn. More than 10,000 children and 1,400 staffmembers would be impacted.

Six of those 28 schools and2,000 of those impacted students are located within a2-mile stretch in the heart of Baton Rouge, which school ofﬁcialsare callingthe “Capitol Zone.” It stretches fromEasyTown in the west, where thehighschool is lo-

cated, to theMelrose subdivision in the east, where themiddleschool is. Merging Capitol High and Capitol Middle on the middle school campus is clearly the biggest change proposed for thezone.

“The reality of thesituation is Capitol High is an old facilityand it’sbeing underutilized, and we have to do something for those students now,” Colesaid.

Very underutilized. The 1000 N. 23rdSt. campus, built in 1960 and considered in “poor” condition, can accommodate nearly 1,000 students but currently enrolls fewer than 200. For most of its 75-year history, the school educated 1,000-plus students ayear By contrast, the middle school at 5100Greenwell Springs Road is much newer,built in 2004.

The proposed changes would morethan triple the enrollment of the high school to almost 600 students. It would absorb the 270 middle schoolers from Capitol Middle —sixth graders wouldhead to nearby Capitol Elementary.And

it would addanother130 students by expandingthe high school’sattendance zonetotake in students who currently enroll at other high schools.

“Wewon’t lose children to Tara anymore. We won’tlose children to Broadmoor anymore,” Fontenottold the governance committee. “They will feed into Capitol.”

In deciding whichschools need changes, Cole has focused on academic performance, student enrollment and the age of buildings.In particular,heistrying to reduce the ranks of “D”and “F”schools in the school system.

Both Capitol High and Capitol Middle are “F” schools. Capitol High, however,has been an “F” school only for ayear,while Capitol Middle has been an “F” school for several years, so long thatitisin danger of immediate statetakeover Cole said State Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley is expecting himtomake bigchanges to lift

STAFF PHOTO By JAVIER GALLEGOS

Children gather around to get their Easter eggs during the8th annual Build aBasket East Event on Saturday

FirstLouisiana measlescase

conﬁrmed in NewOrleans

BY MISSY WILKINSON Staff writer

The Louisiana Department of Health on Saturday reportedthe state’sﬁrst conﬁrmed case of measles this year in the greater New Orleans area Once nearly eradicated andpreventablebyvaccines, the highly contagious virus has raised public health alarms as anationwideoutbreak reached 800 cases as of Friday

The New Orleans case is in an unvaccinatedadult from Region 1, which includes Orleans, Jefferson and St. Bernard Parish. The LouisianaDepartmentofHealth said the patient, who is in isolation and has been treated at ahospital, likely contracted measles through international travel. Last year,Louisiana sawthree measles cases, theHealth Departmentsaid, all in the greater New Orleans area and all travelassociated. The department’sOfﬁce of Public Health is working to identify and notify those who have comeinto contact with the infectedindividual.

CAPITOL

Continued from page1B

the middle school —and to do so soon.

“He said to me very plainly,‘If you don’tdosomething, Iwill,’”Cole recalled.

“I attended Capitol Middle, I taught there, and Iwas the principal for two years,” he continued. “So this is really tough for me.”

To turn things around, Cole is giving Fontenotachance to show what he can do.

Fontenot took over as Capitol High’sprincipalin2023afterformer Superintendent SitoNarcisse wagedasuccessful public campaign to bring the high school back under the control of the EastBaton Rouge Parish school system, with promises of building anew facility anda partnership with nearby Baton Rouge General Medical Center Itsreturn so far has not been so auspicious.

The high school currentlyhas about half the students it had under the previous managementand droppedfrom a“D” to an “F” let-

CLOSED

Continued from page1B

Democratic orRepublican closed primary

But voters registered as members of the Green, Independent or Libertarian parties cannot vote for candidates running in April’s closedparty primaryraces

Those includecontests for one U.S. Senate seat, all six Louisiana seats in the U.S. House of Representatives, two state Supreme Court seatsand two spotsonthe Public Service Commission.

Independent Party of Louisiana

Executive Director William Bryan endorsed the dissolution of his party,calling it an “act of fairness.”

“We’re in support of this bill so that these voters are eligible to vote,” he told apanelofHouse lawmakers this week.

House Bill 420, sponsored by

New Orleans’Health Department couldnot immediatelybereached forcomment.

Of the 800 casesnationally so far thisyear,therehavebeen 10 clusters —deﬁned as three or more relatedcases —accordingtothe U.S. Centersfor Disease Control and Prevention Measles cases have been reported in Alaska, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Kentucky, Maryland, Minnesota, NewJersey,New York, RhodeIsland, Tennessee, Vermont and Washington. Texas is driving the high numbers, withanoutbreak centered in thewestern part of the state that started nearly threemonthsago and was up to 597 cases as of Friday.Two unvaccinated elementary school-aged children died from measles-relatedillnesses near the epicenter in Texas, and an adult in NewMexico who wasnot vaccinated died of ameasles-related illness.

The HealthDepartment said the best waytoavoid measlesistoget the measles, mumpsand rubella (MMR) vaccine.

ter grade. Four outofﬁve students enrolled lastyear werechronically absent,missing at least 10% of the schoolyear.Meanwhile,proposals to build anew school at thesite have stalled, due in part to the potentially high cost for so few students.

Fontenot, however,told the governance committee that the school is showing improvement this year, which he expects to see reﬂected whenthe state releasesschool performance scoresnextfall. For instance,the school is second only to Tara in the percentage of ninthgraders who are on track for graduation.

Going through each of thehigh school indexes, Fontenot saidthe school’sperformance scoreshould improve toa“C.” He cautioned thatisa “prediction” and could still change depending on how spring standardized testinggoes and how the state does itscalculations.

It wasgood news to Edgardo Tenreiro, CEO of Baton Rouge General Medical Center

“Itwill be agood thing to letthe community know we’vehad abig leap,” Tenreiro said.

Tenreiro has started partnerships with agrowing number of public

Rep. Beth Billings, R-Destrehan, would bar apolitical party in Louisianafrom callingitself “Independent Party” or “Independent,” a prohibition that was in place before2014. Voters being switched from Independent to “noparty registrations would be notiﬁed by theSecretary of State’s Ofﬁceof the changeinstatus

The bill would also createaformalmechanism for arecognized political party to voluntarily dissolve.

Bryan said many voters registered as Independentbefore the closed partyprimary systembecame law, “and it’sthrough no fault of their own that they won’tbeable to voteinthisupcomingelection.”

“Rather than 150,000 Louisianians not being able to vote, Ithink it’s onlyfairthat we just go ahead andsupport this bill,” he said.“The best we can do is try to limit the damage to …the people who are goingtohavetheir righttovote

Thestate’s legislative leadersissued statements Saturday saying theyare monitoringthe situation and urged concerned residentsto consult their physicians.

“As Louisiana learns of its ﬁrst reported case of the measles, the legislature will continue to monitor the situation and support our experts at the Department of Health.”Senate President Cameron Henrysaid, “Anyone in the New Orleans region who is concerned about potential exposure should contact theirprimary physician for guidance.”

“After speaking with the Louisiana Department of Health about the ﬁrst reported case of the measles, I have been reassured that preparations had been taken ahead of the outbreak in Texasand that ourDepartment of Health partners were ready for this possibility,” Speaker of the House Phillip DeVillier said. “Familieswho have questions or might have aloved one experiencing symptoms can reach out to their local doctor foradvice and additional information.”

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

schoolslocated near the hospital’s Florida Boulevard facility,including Capitol High. Tenreiro said he supportsCole’splanasaway to secure the school’sfuture and avoid the need to make expensive repairs or new construction at the historic Capitol campus. He also has agreed to start similarmedical programs at two more nearby schools, Capitol Elementary andMelrose Elementary “What’s more importanttousis therelationshipthat we have with the principal,” Tenreiro said. “That’s what makes thebiggest difference.”

The future of the high school campus at North 23rd Street is uncertain. The tentative plan has involved creating affordablehousing along with anew school and perhaps other components. Cole said it won’tbeaschool anymore, but said he will workwith local community organizations and organizations, including BREC and the Baton Rouge Area Foundation, to do something new there.

“We’re notgoing to leavethat facility vacant,” he said. “Wewill work with thecommunityand the alumni to repurpose that facility for something great in that area.”

restricted.”

LouisianaSecretary of State Nancy Landry this week told lawmakers that many voters who registered as Independent “do not realize that they aremembersof aparty,” and the previous prohibitiononthe politicalpartyname “Independent Party” wasinplace “becauseofthe confusion that it caused for voters.”

“Withthe closed party primariesstarting next year,we’re concernedaboutthose voters being confused,” she said. “This bill would dissolve theIndependent Party,prohibit future parties to be named Independent Party because of thatconfusion, and move all of the Independent Party’scurrent members into‘no party,’which is an unafﬁliated status which will allowthemtovote in theclosed partyprimaries in 2026.”

ElectionsinLouisiana Louisianahas roughly2.9 mil-

WASTE

Continuedfrom page1B

special Tiger Teamstobring a cross-disciplinary approach to these long-standing issues and, agency ofﬁcials said, the start of thetest trial in Burnside is asign of those teams’ progress.

“This approach wasdesigned to bring focused attention, technicalexpertise,and newmomentum to asite where progress had stalled for years,” DEQ ofﬁcials said in astatement.“To date, the L’AluminaTiger Team has dedicated more than1,000 staff hours to advancing asolution, and this is thestart of avitalundertaking to protect the community.”

In astatement, DEQ officials added theagency had been waiting on aformal commitmentfrom LAlumina to sign the ﬁnal deal on April 1, following earlieragreements reached last year.That datealso coincided with DEQ’s approvalofLAlumina’s“partial closure plan that endorsed the parish’splan to conduct atrial before the work across Ponds 4and 5.”

The two ponds have been “identified as the highest priority due to their current conditionand proximity to residences” for the useofLAlumina’sexisting closure funds, DEQ officials added. They arebothnearest the Pelican Crossing neighborhood LAlumina officials didn’timmediately respond to arequest for comment on Monday.

In an interview last week, Cointment saidparish crews were still in the logistics phase of capping thetestplot, includingpreparing to work on the unstable redmud that has seen equipment sink into it in thepast.

Once the parish begins the work, itscrews will place a6-inchdeep cap across the4-acre stretch of red mud, the parish president said.

DEQ officials are requiring the parishtotestthe success of growing grass on the 6-inch layer of dirt because the red mud can leach highly alkaline runoff when rainfalls and inhibit the grass’ growth.

Cointment said the work time frame for the ﬁrst 4-acre test plot will depend on weather as crews will try to cover the mud whenit is wet to avoidcausing dust problems

“I don’twanttocreate an even biggerproblem in helping to solve the problem,and so these are things we aregoing over with our staff,sotheyunderstandthat,” Cointment said.

lionregisteredvoters.

Of those, roughly 657,000 are unaffiliated voters registered as “no party.” About 15,000 are registered as members of the Libertarian Party and 2,800 are registered with theGreen Party

There are roughly 1.05 million registered Republicans and 1.1 millionregistered Democrats.

Last year,lawmakers passed two laws setting up anew system for primary elections for aselect number of offices: U.S.House and Senate,state Supreme Court, Louisiana Public Service Commission and Board of Elementary andSecondaryEducation.

Underthe new rules,only the Republican and Democratic parties can hold primary elections for these races

That’sbecause, just for thepurposes of closed partyprimary races, only political parties that have received at least 5% of the vote in an election forstatewide

Early work on the partial closure plan, according to theparish, also called for toxicity testing of the red mud and runoff water in the ponds to help determine what kind of protective equipment workers will need.

Under the recentlysigned agreement, the parish will be able to reimburse itself witha $5.5 million fund LAlumina and its predecessors set aside to close the entire site

The parish plans to use almost the entire closure fund, however, to tackle Ponds 4and 5, according to parish plans. About $2 million of thatspending is to buy excavators andotherspecial equipment, including amphibious machines, to work on the soft red mud.

Though parish government is stepping in to address the red dust problem, DEQ had required LAluminaand its predecessors to pay into afund to closeall of its waste ponds so the companies could dumpwaste foryears. LAlumina currently hasone employee associated with the site

Under the recently signeddeal, the remaining threeponds, which containred mudbelow their containment levee and generally are covered withwater,will be left to LAlumina. Maintenance of the ponds thatthe parish will cap will also remain the company’sresponsibility

In all, Ponds 4and 5cover about 150 acres but the parish plans to apply dirt on 100 acres combined, covering the slopes and stacked peaks that rise above the height of thepond containmentlevees by nearly threetimes.

Parish officials believe it is these elevated sections of the ponds that arecausing thedust problems. Left uncovered would be the outer perimeters of the ponds, which diplower than the containment levees androutinely hold standing water from rain runoff.

Under the parish plan, once thefullcapping job begins,work would be conducted in 1-acre plots in agrid-like pattern designedtominimizedust, starting on the eastand working west. The parish also plans to install an irrigationsystemand drainage culverts.

Theparish plans to use dirt fromdrainage projects, state highway projects and the nearby AirProductssiteinBurnsidefor the cover material. Air Products is planning to build a$4.5billion low-carbon hydrogen plant along the Mississippi River.

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

ofﬁceorinthe last presidential election can hold closed primary elections in Louisiana. Candidates who want to runin theseraces notasa Republican or aDemocrat can only run in the fall general election. And, in order to qualify for the election, thesecandidates can only do so by collecting therequired numberofvoter signatures through the nominating petition process.

LOTTERY

FRIDAY,APRIL18, 2025

PICK 3: 6-9-2

PICK 4: 3-5-3-2

PICK

National WWII Museum expandseducation space

Meraux donation will allowfor focuson education

BY ANTHONY MCAULEY Staff writer

The National WWII Museum said Thursday that it plans to further expand its “education corridor” on Magazine Streetafter the donation of property from the Arlene and Joseph Meraux Charitable Foundation

The three adjoining properties in the 900block of Magazine Street are adjacent to the museum’sJohn E. Kushner Restoration Pavilion, which is located across the street from the museumowned Higgins Hotel. The Kushner building houses several significant World WarIIartifacts, including a restored patrol torpedo boat, andfeatures theSTEMInnovationGallery

The additional spacewill be used for staff offices, meeting rooms, artifact and equipment storage, and “future needs as the institution prepares to dramatically expand its educational programs to support students, teachers, scholarsand lifelong learners,both in Louisiana and throughout the country,” the museum said in astatement.

Nextphase

The museum’sleaders said in November 2023, when celebratingthe completion of the $47 million Liberty

Pavilion —the seventhand final exhibitionelement in its main, 6-acre campus that future expansion would focusoneducation.

Earlier this month, the museum broke ground on a new educational facilitythat will be in the1000 block of Magazine Streetatthe intersection of Magazineand Poeyfarre, ablock away from the Meraux properties. That $12million, 34,000-squarefoot expansion was made possible largely because of a $7.5 milliongiftfromTexas rancher Timber Floyd and hiswife, Peggy “This meaningful donation comes at an ideal timeasthe Museum prepares to grow its educational impact,” said Stephen Watson,the museum’sCEO, in Thursday’s statement.

The museumdidn’tdisclosethe valuationofthe Meraux properties, which cover about18,000 square feet and have acombinedassessed value by the Orleans Parish Assessor’sOfﬁce of just under $2.6 million.

Educationmission

The National WWII Museum wasthe brainchild of educationalists—University of New Orleanshistorian StephenAmbrose andhis friend andcolleague Gordon “Nick” Mueller.Asitgrew from a modestidea to house aD-Day exhibition into the colossal $420 million “Road to Victory” project,the museum incorporated several educational elements along the way Twofloors in theHallof Democracy,which opened in 2019, house alibrary and are

‘education

along

devoted to scholarly research aboutthe warand its impact, as is the Jenny Craig Institute for the Study of Warand Democracy Themuseum also has an agreement with Arizona State University for an online master’sdegree in WorldWar II studies, with about 200 studentsenrolled. It hosts regulareducational conferences

at the Higgins Hotel.

“Atthe Meraux Foundation, we believe that education is apowerful force for change,”Meraux Foundation President Rita Gue said in the statement announcing the property gift. Gue’suncle Joseph Meraux served in theU.S.Coast Guard during World WarII.

The properties acquired

earlierinApril at 1042-1060

Magazine St. will serve as a space where exhibits are created andstored,aswell as for programs to educate about that process. Called the Floyd Education andCollections Pavilion,itwillalso containthe Sanderson LeadershipCenter,which will host education courses for CEOs, military ofﬁcers andothers lookingto acquire leadership skills. In May 2024, the Museum’s Board of Trustees approved a10-year strategic plan through 2035 thatincludes a$260 million fundraising initiative. The plan aims to enhance campus facilities, improvevisitorexperiences and broaden educational outreach, the museum saidatthe time.

Test setfor Bonnet CarreSpillwayamidriver rising

MississippiRiver’s rise mayreach threshold for opening

BYJOSIE ABUGOV Staff writer

The Mississippi River’s rise in recent weeks is prompting the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to performatest run of the BonnetCarreSpillway on Monday,preparingfor the possibilitythat it will have to be openedfor the ﬁrst timein ﬁve years.

Current projections show water levels right around the trigger for at least apartial spillway opening. The river has been rising over the past couplemonths, which is common for the spring,as rainfall from storms in the Midwest and South trickle down to Louisiana.

Forecasts issued Friday morning say significant rises will occur on the lower Mississippi for the next two weeks, with the river crestinginNew Orleans at 16.5 feet on April 27. The Bonnet Carreopens when the river flow rate

reaches 1.25 million cubic feet per second, which usually translates to around 17 feet on New Orleans’ Carrollton gauge, or roughly 17 feet above sea level. At this point in the ﬂood cycle, however,higher flows are correlatingwith slightly lower elevation, said Matt Roe, aspokesperson for theNew Orleans district of theArmy Corps. This could mean opening the spillway at 16.5 or 16.6 feet

“Operation of the spillway is still in the forecast,” said Roe, but the agency is waiting to seeifthe forecast pans out as projected before making arecommendation to open it.

If aspillway opening does happen, it is not likely to be long,asforecasts indicate river levelswill gradually falla fewdays aftercresting.

“We’re still monitoringthe forecast daily and talking to theNational Weather Service daily to getafeel for how close theforecast is going to be to actual conditions,”Roe said.

Thetestrun

The Bonnet Carre Spillway,located inNorco, links

the river to Lake Pontchartrain throughfloodways and bays that areopened at high riverlevels. Opening thespillwaysalleviates pressure on thelevee system in south Louisiana, but the rush of fresh water intothe lake can harmcommercialshrimp andoyster fisheries. Thespillway has not been opened since 2020.

The “test opening” on Monday is something the Corps tries to conduct every year when thewater gets high enough, regardless of whether it plans to open the Bonnet Carre.

“It’sjust areal-world experiencefor thecrews to get out and open the structure,” Roe said.

TheBonnetCarre was built followingthe ﬂood of 1927, and the technology at the structure is largely unchanged, Roe said, making the opening a“very laborintensive process” for the crews.

Opening the structure requires using cranes to individually lift acertain number of timberbeams called “needles” fromthe bays of thecontrol structure.When this process is initiated, water is typically

already seeping through the structure, straining against the timbersdue to the high river levels.

“Whenthe river is high enough like it is going to

be on Monday,wedohave water passing through the structure, and so it will very closely emulate an actual operation,” Roe said. During the test run, crews

will open afew bays and then close them that day

Email Josie Abugov at josie.abugov@theadvocate. com.

PROVIDED PHOTO

The National WWII Museum’s newbuildings in the 900 block of Magazine Street, whichwillbeused to helpdevelop its

corridor’

that strip of the Warehouse District. The buildingswere donated by the Arleneand JosephMeraux Charitable Foundation.

Allen, Mary Christian

Mary ChristianAllen,a devoted mother,beloved Mimi, passionate educator, and faithfulservant of the Lord, passedawaypeace‐fully surrounded by her familyonApril 16, 2025,at the ageof77. Born on Sep‐tember6,1947,inBluefield, WestVirginia, Mary spent her childhood in Port Arthur,Texas,beforemov‐ing to Louisianatoattend LSU in BatonRouge.There, she earned herdegreein ElementaryEducation and began herlife’sworkinthe classroom.Teachingwas not only Mary’s career—it was herministry. She pouredher heartintohelp‐ing children learn, grow, and feel seen andvalued. Her dedication to educa‐tioncontinued even in later years, as shere‐turnedtoschool to earn a Master’sDegreeinEduca‐tionalLeadership. She wentontoworkwiththe Louisiana StateDepart‐mentofEducation as aDis‐tinguishedEducator, shar‐ing herknowledge and wisdomwithteachersand schools across thestate Marywas adevoutChrist‐ian whofound deep joy and peaceinstudying God’s Word.Her faith was a guidinglight throughout her life anda source of comfort andstrength to her familyand allwho knewher.She livedher life withgrace,humility, com‐passion,and alovingspirit thatreflectedthe heartof Christ. Shewas most affec‐tionately knownas“Mom” and “Mimi” to herfamily, roles shecherished above all.Maryissurvivedbyher daughters,JenniferAllen Vicknair(Jared) of St.Fran‐cisville, LA,and Sara Allen McCumsey(M. Scott) of Mandeville, LA;her sister, Diana Lauhon; specialfam‐ily member,JenniferDavisPound;and her five grand‐children: ChristianAntle, LuciMcCumsey, Isabella McCumsey, Caroline Mc‐Cumsey, andMichael Mc‐Cumsey. Sheisalsolov‐ingly remembered by many cousins,in-laws,nieces, nephews,and close friends.Marywas pre‐ceded in deathbyher cher‐ished son, JeffreyAllen; her father,RobertChrist‐ian;her mother,Bernice Lonquest-Guillory; her stepfather, John “Doc Guillory;her stepmother, ThelmaChristian; her brother,Steve Christian, and thefatherofher chil‐dren, AlvinAllen.The fam‐ily wouldliketoextend their heartfeltgratitude to the GentivaHospice team for theircompassionate careand supportduring Mary’s finaldays. Their kindnesswas atruebless‐ing.MaryChristian Allen’s lifewas atestament to faith,love, andservice Thoughshe will be deeply missed, herlegacylives on inthe countlesslives she touched andthe enduring faith sheinstilled in her family. Amemorialservice for Mary will be held at ThompsonFuneral Home, 7738 FloridaBlvd.,Denham Springs,LA70726 on Friday, April 25. Visitation will take place from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.,followedbythe service at 12:00 p.m.

sultant, quickly establishing areputationfor integrity, honesty, passion and hard work. Arwinwas known for beingfiercely loyal to and protective of those she loved. Shedisdainedsanctimony, puffery, hypocrisy, racism, bigotry and misogyny.The many people who requested that she keepa confidence can take solace in knowing it willbeburied with her.She was authentic, and herswas amonumental standardoffriendship.Arwinissurvivedby her beloved son Ryan Nichols, his daughter Grace,his wifeTess, her sons McKinley and Justin and their granddaughter Harper;her twin brother Warren Scott"Pat" Patrick, Jr.; sisters Nancy Patrick (husband John) and Cheryl Landry(husband Winston); cherished cousins Charlotte Wright, Scottie McKnight and her husband Markham. She waspreceded in death by her parents, Nell Hammond Patrick and Warren ScottPatrick, Sr. Herfriends aretoo numerous to list, but it was one's goodfortune to be one, and you know who you are. Tallulahisbut 138 milesfrom Baton Rouge. Arwinnever forgother rootsthere,returningoften,speaking almost daily to her brother Pat. Yetin her alltoo brieftime on earth, Arwin traveledlight yearsfromwhereshe grew up. In the original sense of the word, she was...awesome.The family would like to thank Hospice of Baton Rouge forits support in caringfor our belovedArwin in herfinal days. And heartfelt thanks and profoundgratitude to Shonda Ellis and Kristle Green fortheiramazing dedicationand care. In lieu of flowers the family suggests acharitablecontribution to: The Clover House (formerly Kingsley House)(https://www.clove rnola org/give/), American Cancer Society Patrick F. Taylor Hope Lodge(https:/ /www.cancer.org/supportprograms-and-services/ patie nt-l odgin g/h opelodge/new-orleans.html) or Hospice of Baton Rouge (https://www.hospicebr.or g). Visitationwill take place Monday, April21, from 4:00-6:00 pm at Rabenhorst Funeral Home, 825 Government Street, with alater date to be determined fora Celebration of Lifeand Burial plans in Tallulah, La.

Bercegeay, Virgil Joseph

Virgil Joseph Bercegeay, born February4,1928, in Gonzales, LA, passedaway on April 15, 2025, at the age of 97. Virgil is precededin deathbyhis firstwife, AudreyLeBourgeois Bercegeay (Married on August2,1945),his second wife, Ruby Dozier Bercegeay (Married on July 5, 1997); his son and daughter-in-law,Ernieand Mona Bercegeay; and daughter-in-law, Cindy Bercegeay. He is survived by his children, Jim, Wayne, Rodney(JoAnn), Patty, and Tammy (Numa); 13 grandchildren; and numerous great grandchildren. Visitationwill be at St.MarkCatholic Church, 42021Highway621, Gonzales, LA 70737, on Tuesday, April22, 2025 from 10:00 am until Mass of Christian Burial at 12:00 pm. Burial to follow at Hope Haven GardensofMemory,604 E Highway30, Gonzales, LA 70737.

IsidoreCatholicChurch Willie is survived by his lovingand devotedwifeof 73years,Helen Bordelon Berthelot,and histen chil‐dren: Willie "Billy"Berth‐elot, Jr.(Ann),Gayle Berth‐elotBroussard (Steve), Jeff Berthelot,Tommy Berth‐elot(SueEllen), Denise Berthelot (Audrey), ChristieBerthelot Zeringue, Jack Berthelot (Tonya),Brent Berthelot (Suzanne), BrianBerthelot (Hillary),MichelleBerth‐elotWyble;40+ grandchil‐drenand great-grandchil‐dren; onebrother-in-law and ahostofniecesand nephews.Willieispre‐ceded in deathbyhis par‐ents, brotherand five sis‐ters, as well as many brothers-in-law andsis‐ters-in-law;sons-in-law HerbZeringueand Jamie Wyble.Serving as pallbear‐ers will be Willie's grand‐sonsMark, Joshua K. Joshua R.,Hunter,Hayden and Justin.Honorarypall‐bearers will be Andrew and ParkerBerthelot.Relatives and friendsare invitedto jointhe familyfor thevisi‐tationatBaker Funeral Home, 6401 Groom Road, Baker,LA, on Tuesday, April 22, from 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. Thevisita‐tionwillcontinue at St Isidore Catholic Church 5657 Thomas Road,Baton Rouge,LA, on Wednesday, April 23, from 9:00 a.m. until theMassofChristian Burialat11:00 a.m.,offici‐atedbyFatherFrank Bass The gravesideservice with militaryhonorswillfollow atHillcrest Memorial Gar‐densMausoleum,inBaker, Louisiana.The family would like to expresstheir gratitude to theHomeIn‐stead Care Pros as well as tothe nursesand aids with Clarity Hospicewho pro‐vided such compassionate and loving care to ourpre‐cious father.Inlieuof plantsand flowers, please considerdonatingtoyour favoritecharity.Please visit www.bakerfunera lhomeonline.com to sign and leavea messageon the digitalguestbook or to send flowerstothe family inmemoryofWillieM Berthelot,Sr.

Bozeman,Lisa Grider

Philippians 2:3"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather,in humilityvalue others aboveyourselves"

Lisa GriderBozeman,63, of BatonRouge,LA, passed away on April 17, 2025.

Lisa was born January 10, 1962, in Little Rock, Arkansas, thedaughterof Kenneth Grider and Iva Jean Vanlandingham Grider. Lisa graduated from BelaireHighSchool in 1980, then went on to LA Tech, earning adegree in Chemical Engineering Lisa married Terry Edward BozemanonAugust 4, 1984, at Florida Boulevard Baptist Church where they met.They were happily married for40years.

Lisa was along-time member of FloridaBoulevard Baptist Church and attended Woodlawn Baptist Church for thelast two years. She had an unwavering faithinGod that she was unashamed to share with others.

Lisa found themost joy in raising her children and spending endless hours at thebaseball, football,or soccer field watching and supporting all3 of them as they played in highschool and college.She had a beautiful gift of forming deep lasting friendships with so many wonderful people and willbesorely missed by everyone who knew her. Once she found anew pet, it was instantly givena hilarious name and ahome forlife, because she identified with thesacred relationship of anyone "adopted."

Lisa'sfavorite time of year was thefamily summer beach trip to Florida where she woulddoher best to makeeveryone reenact thesame traditions year after year.

She was Gammy to 3 granddaughterswho loved her dearly and couldn't waittogoto"Gammy's house".

Lisa was exceptionally smart and had awitty sense of humor that wasn't always politicallycorrect, and she had azeal for life that was infectious.

She is survivedbyher husband TerryBozeman; her children Kellen Bozeman and wife Candace, Brennan Bozemanand wife

Sarah, and Conner Bozeman; grandchildren, Asa, Charlie, and Parker Bozeman; father Kenneth Grider; brother Randy Grider; nephew CadeGrider. Preceded in death by her mother Jean Grider. Visitation willbeheld April24from 5:00pm7:00pm witha memorial servicefrom 7:00 -8:00 pm at Woodlawn Baptist Church.

Connolly,Pamela Rose Wilde

It is with greatsorrow that we share PamConnolly was recently called to her Heavenly Home. Adevoteddaughter, sister, cousin, friend,wife,mother, and grandmother passed peacefully andwill be greatlymissed. Born and raised in NewOrleans, Pamgraduated from Ursuline Academy and attended LSUNO. She married and moved to her new home of Baton Rouge, where she raised her family,meticulously tendedto her home, and forged many new friendships, in addition thosefrom her hometown, which she held dear.Pam's beautyboth inside and out was exceeded by her incredible devotion to her family and attending to their every need. While working for many years withLaWomen'sHealthcare Assoc. Pam(an incredible cook) made time to prepare amazing homemade meals, help her children with detailed school projects, and theirhomeworkfor several hoursevery evening, and passionatelypursuing numerous do it yourself projectswith her house and gardens. She was preceded in death by her parents, Earl and Rita Mumphrey Wilde,and her belovedhusband of 53 years, John "Jack" Connolly.She is survived by her brothers, JimWilde (Sarah), Terry Wilde (Anne), and CraigWilde (Pat),her dear cousin Maria Campeaux, and her children, Brian Connolly (Kelly) and Jennifer Courreges (Doug), and her grandchildren, Harrison and ClippenConnolly and Sophie and Jaxson Courreges, as wellasmany family and friends. Pam was also committed to her faith and her adopted Church and Parish of Our LadyofMercy. We also wish to express ourheartfeltand sincere gratitude for thecare and comfort recently provided by her team at The Landmark and LifeSource Hospice. Memorial Services willbe held for close family at a laterdatetobedetermined.Inlovingmemory of PamelaRose WildeConnolly, aproud 1964 graduateofUrsuline Academy of NewOrleans, donations may be madetothe Serviam AnnualFund at Ursuline Academy, 2635 State Street,New Orleans, LA 70118 or online at uanola.org/give.

Delores Marie Dupuy née Smith,77, diedinBatonRouge on Thursday, April10th, 2025. Born the third of four sisters on February 6th, 1948, Delores grew up on St.Catherine Avenue,parishionerofSt. Gerard and student at Redemptorist. She fondlyrecalledplaying with dozens of cousins around her grandmother's house on LafayetteStreetduring the '50s. She worked forAT&T as atelephone operator in BatonRouge and Mobile, AL until marrying on October5th,1974, undertaking motherhood as her vocation, and observantly raising her family in St.Louis King of France parish. Loyal wife and devotedmother, allfondly remember her as akind, gracious, and demure hostess of innumerable family events, particularlyChristmas Eve Delores is survivedby her sisters, Sister Jean Marie Smith,SSND, Catherine Louise Edwards,and Frances MarionLocker; Charles EugeneEdwards, who introduced Delores to her husband;her five children Richard Craig,Jr. (Kerry),AdamJoseph, Sr. (Hope), ChristopherAllen (Tammy), Bernadette Elizabeth, and Max Elliot; grandsons Adam Joseph,

Jr., DanielJeffrey,and Galen Conrad Diderot Dupuy; andinnumerable nieces, nephews,and cousins. Shewas preceded in death by herhusband, R. Craig Dupuy, Sr.; herparents, Jean Francois Smith andEdna Marie Smith née Rodriguez; andbrother-inlaw Darrell PaulLocker Herfuneral mass willbe held at St.Thomas More on Friday, April 25th at 2PM, preceded by ahalf hour visitation,followed by a service at themausoleum chapel at Greenoaks Memorial Park, andthenat 4:30 PM by arepast at Lake HouseReception Center.

Fitzsimmons, The Honorable Brady Michale

TheHonorable Brady Michale Fitzsimmons, retiredJudgeofthe Louisiana First Circuit CourtofAppeals,passed away peacefullyathome on April 14, 2025, surrounded by family. He was83. Born in NewOrleans on July 17, 1941, to Huyet WalterFitzsimmons and Henrietta MaeTruxillo in NewOrleans,Bradybegan collegeatMarquette University in Milwaukee, graduating from SpringHill CollegeinMobile.A devout Catholic, Brady'seducation centered on 8yearsof education providedbythe Jesuits. He received his Masters from LSUand his JurisDoctor from Loyola, NewOrleans.His early years were spent in New Orleans, Knoxville,TNand Mobile,Alabama. He maintainedcontact through the years with lifelongfriends from St CatherineofSiennaand McGillInstitute in Mobile In 1969, Bradymarried A. Geraldine Mannion. Together, they had4 beautiful sons: Brendan Dalton Fitzsimmons (d. 2022)(Katie Groh) grandchildrenBarbara, Dalton; Ian HuyetFitzsimmons (Katherine), granddaughters Marenand Rowan; Cavan Michael Aherne Fitzsimmons (April)granddaughters Brayden and Callan; andDevinPatrick Fitzsimmons (Kate) grandchildrenLiam andNora. Bradybegan his professional career as acollege English instructor.Upon completinghis law degree followingprivate practice he began hisdistinguished legal career that would span nearly four decades serving as apublicdefender andassistantdistrict attorney. In 1988, Bradybecame aDistrict Judge in St TammanyParish Subsequently, in 1995 he waselected to the First Circuit Court of Appeals whereheserveduntil2005. Bradyremarriedin2000 to Margaret Katherine Jackson.Theyretired to Santa Rosa Beach, Florida in 2015. Bradycontinued to serve with integrity, fairness, and adeep commitmenttojustice at therequestofthe Louisiana SupremeCourt on anumberofkey mattersuntil 2023.

Bradywas alifelongstudent of literature,heenjoyed family, traveland art.Inretirement, Brady and Katherine spent 20 years of wonderfulsummers in Montanamaking lifelongfriends. He was predeceased by his parents, younger brother, William "Billy" Patrick Fitzsimmons andhis eldest son,Brendan.Heisalso survived by 3stepchildren, Virginia Ruth,Patrickand PaulJ.Gregory.

He will be sorely missed and remembered for his faith, hislove of family, appreciation of friends and hispassion for the law as a devoted public servant. He wasknown notonlyfor his sharp legal mind but also for hiscompassion, humility, andunwaveringbelief in thedignity of everyindividual whoenteredthe courtroom over whichhe presided.Hereferredto hisjudicialservice as "toilingthe in the vineyards of justice."

Amemorial service will be held at theirhome parish,St. Rita Catholic Church on Friday, May2, 2025, at 2:00pm in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida. A Memorial Mass and recep-

tion will be held at St Joseph Abbey locatedat 75376 RiverRd. St Benedict, LA on June 23, 2025 with a1:00pm visitation,Mass at 2:00pm and a reception at theAbbey Retreat Center to follow Intermentwillbeprivate In lieu of flowers, the familyrequests that donationsbemade in Judge Fitzsimmons'honor to the followingcharity: Tunnel to Towers,2361 Hylan Blvd., Staten Island, NY 10306 or donationsupport@t2t.org To share memories, expresscondolences and sign theonline guestbook, please visit www.daviswatkins.com.

Donald George Kozan, Sr.,a native of Albany,LA, and aresidentofBaton Rouge,LA, passedawayon April 18, 2025, at theage of 88. Donald graduatedfrom LSU where he wasonthe 1957 football team.He wentontograduatefrom DentalSchool at Loyola UniversityinNew Orleans. Hewas adentist in Central, LAfor over 40 years. Don‐ald wasanavidhunter, who also enjoyed ﬁshing and playinggolf. He loved tospend time with his family, especially his grandchildren.Survivedby his belovedwifeof67 years,Eugenia Pierce Kozan;children, Karen Kozan Piper(Mike), Don Kozan,Jr. (Susan), and Julie KozanRobert; grand‐children, Michelle Kozan, Joshua Kozan(Brandi), PierceAndermann,and Ry Robert; great-grandchil‐dren, CalebKozan,Grant Kanada, andChristopher Kozan.There is no wayto properlyexpress ourlove and thanks to hiscaregiver and friend Rhonda Chat‐man.Precededindeath by his mother,Margaret Kozan Boutte;and brother, Wayne Kozan(Paula).Fam‐ily andfriends areinvited toattend thevisitationat Jefferson BaptistChurch, Baton Rouge, on Tuesday, April 22 from 10 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. Agraveside ser‐vicewillbeheldat Greenoaks Memorial Park, Baton Rouge, at noon

The Lord'sfaithfulservant, Margaret Tullier Landry, wascalledhome on Monday, April 14, 2025. Shewas 91 years old, anative of Brusly anda residentofBaton Rouge.She wasa graduate of Brusly High School andenjoyed

KozanSr.,DonaldGeorge

Landry, Margaret Tullier

Dupuy, DeloresMarie

Bascle, Arwin

being ahomemaker. Her favorite activities included cooking, baking, sewing, and tending to her flower beds. Margaret's generosity and contributions to multiple charities was something she did as apriority. Her devotion to Christ our Lord was always unwavering. As the Apostle Paul wrote, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." Margaret is survived by daughter, Amelia (Amie) Marie Landry Neal and husband Dewey A. Neal; granddaughter, Haley Margaret Neal; step great granddaughter, Angelina Kay Neal; brother, Joseph C (Cal) Tullier and wife Earlene Gallier Tullier; brother -in-law, Larry Daigle; three generations of nieces and nephews, numerous Godchildren and many friends. She is preceded in death by husband, George H. Landry Jr., father Paul A. Tullier and mother Amelia Crochet Tullier; stepmother Ethel LaBauve Tullier; sister, Rita Tullier Farris and husband Anthony E. (Tinker) Farris, Sr.; brother, Charles E. (Charlie) Tullier, Sr. and wife Marie (Tiny) Bourg Tullier; foster mother, Eloise Tullier Wroten and husband Ernest E. Wroten; foster brother, Ernest E. (EJ) Wroten, Jr andwife Betty Heck Wroten; brother-in-law, Thomas (Newton) Landry and wife Dominica (Mamie) Salpietra Landry; step sister-in-law, Antonia (Lena) LaCashio Landry; brother-in-law, Francis (Larry) Landry and wife Eve Hebert Landry; sisterin-law, Constance (Connie) Landry Daigle; sister-inlaw, Georgianna (Georgie) Landry Balser and husband James (Jim) Balser; step grandson, Chad Alan Neal and best friend Ida Guidroz Bonaventure. Margaret loved her family, friends, and neighbors dearly and enjoyed spending time with them. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend and will be missed by all who knew her. Visitation will be held at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, 11441 Goodwood Blvd, Baton Rouge, LA on Monday April 21, 2025, from 1:00pm until the time of the Mass of Christian Burial at 2:30pm, celebrated by Father Jeff Bayhi Burial of cremated remains will immediately follow at Roselawn Memorial Park The familywould like to

expresstheir gratitude for allthe love,prayers, help, and supportreceivedfor Margaret from family, extendedfamily, neighbors, and friends. The family kindly requests in lieu of flowers donations be made to the charities of your choice.

Leteff Sr., Warren Ray

Warren Ray Leteff, Sr passedawayonThursday, April 10, 2025,atthe ageof 80. Ray was agraduate of BakerHigh School and retired from Exxon Chemical Plant after 32 yearsofservice.Hewas ahonorary 32nd degreeMason and servedasleader of Lodge 414. Ray enjoyed studying religion and traveling; he was especially proud of his trip to Jerusaleum and the Holy City.Healsoenjoyed spending time with family and friends. Rayissurvived by his wifeof30 years, Kathy;children, Wendy and Ray, Jr.Leteff, TravisDavid,BrooklynBreland, and Kathy Kerst; grandchildren, Haley and Adam Leteff, Gianna Nguyen, Arabella Breland, RobertO'Husky,and Angel Kerst; siblings,LarryLeteff, Juanita Gurisco, and Linda Boitnoit; and ahost of otherfamily members Ray is precededindeath by his daughter,Patricia; grandchildren,Kellyand Maverick;parents, Claude and Mary;and seven siblings. Visitation willbeat Greenoaks Funeral Home, 9595 FloridaBlvd., Baton Rouge, LA, on Monday, April 21, 2025,from11am until the funeral service at 2pm. Burial willimmediately follow at Immaculate Conception Catholic Churchcemetery,12369 LA -416, Lakeland, LA. Family and friends areinvited to signthe online guestbook

at www.greenoaksfunerals .com

McIntire,Joyce DeArmond

Joyce DeArmond McIntire, age83, alifelong resident of BatonRouge, passed away peacefully at her home on April 16, 2025, surrounded by her family Joyce was aproud alum of St.Joseph'sAcademy and Louisiana StateUniversity, where she earnedher degree in Home Economics, at atime when that was incredibly unusual for a woman to do so. She workedatthe Louisiana Department of Education until thebirth of her first grandchild,when she joyfullytookearlyretirement and steppedintoher most treasured role—being a grandmother,betternow known as "Nana." She was an integral part of thefamilybusiness, Overpass Cleaners,where no customer left without seeing photos of hergrandchildren.A true social butterflyand thequintessential Southern lady, Joyce adored her hometown of BatonRouge,cherished visits to NewOrleans, celebrated MardiGras with gusto, and never passed up aglassofchampagne or aPimm'sCup with family and friends. She lived life with joy,warmth, and a deep love forothers. Joyce is survivedbyher beloved son, Ronald "Trey" Klein McIntireIII;her treasured grandchildren; Allison NevonMcIntire,Carter Hamilton McIntire,and Hunter KleinMcIntire, alongwiththeir mother Brandy HeardMcIntire; her sister, JonnieLuKleinpeter; her sister-in-law, Catherine "Sis" Pegues; and her nieces and nephew. She is also survivedbyher devoted caregiver, Fanny McClain, who became family and was

lovinglyknown as "her person" over thelast four years. She was preceded in death by thelove of her life,her husband of 50 years, Ronald KleinMcIntire Jr.; her parents, Johnny and Lucille DeArmond; and her aunt and uncle, Bessie and Harry Stabiler. Visitation willbeheldatSt. Agnes Catholic Church on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.,followedbya Mass of ChristianBurial at 11:00 a.m. Entombment willfollowatResthaven Gardens of Memory. Pallbearers willbeCarter McIntire, Hunter McIntire, Nolan Hutchinson, Trey Esnard, Beau Blackmon, and JordanLeJeune. The family extends heartfeltthanks to Trey Esnard,Fanny McClain, Barbara Chase,Betty Roberts,Dr. Adrian Landry and Audubon Hospicefor theexcellent care Joyce received until her final breath. Your compassion will never be forgotten. In lieu of flowers,the family kindly requestsdonations be madetothe Alzheimer'sAssociation. Family and friends are invitedtosignthe online guestbookorshare personal condolences at www.resthavenbatonroug e.com.

Debra Moore Richard passed away on Sunday, April13, 2025, at her home at theage of 62. Bornto thelateHarlanMoore and CherryHowze Moore,Debra was avivacious, loving,and caring personwho touched thelives of everyone she met.She is survivedbyher devoted husband, Barry Richard;her son, Scott Kleinpeter, II andhis wife, Marybeth; her sister,Amanda Darlene Moore; her brother, Harlan Landry Moore and his wife,

Kelly, and theirchildren, Brennan and Aubrey Moore.She is also survived by herstepson,B.J. Richard andhis son, Henry; andher stepdaughter, BonnieD'Antonio, herhusband, John, andtheir children,Claudia and Elliot. Visitation will be held at Seale Funeral Home, Livingston,Thursday, April 24, from 9a.m. untilservice at 1p.m. Burial will follow in theNew RedOak Cemetery, Livingston. Settoon

Saia, Dean Anthony

Dean A. Saiapassed away peacefullyathis home on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, at theage of 63. He wasa residentand native of Port Allen, LA. Amemorial service will be held at Wilbert Funeral Home, Port AllenonTuesday, April 22, 2025, from 8:30am until Rite of Christian Burial at 11am, celebrated by Father JerryMartin. Intermentwill follow at Roselawn Memorial Park, Baton Rouge Dean is survived by his sons, Garrettand Jack Saia; mother,Josie Gentile Saia; siblings, JerrySaia andwife Jill,SharonSaia Burns andhusbandCharlie, andTracie SaiaLoupe andhusbandAlton "Bubby";and numerous nieces andnephews. Preceded in death by hisfather,Sam A. Saia; andgrandfather, Jack Saia. In lieu of flowersdonations may be made to Holy FamilyCatholic Church or yourcharityof choice

IrvinE.Settoon III, known as “Pajo”,passed awayApril 18, 2025, at Jef‐fersonManor Nursing HomeinBaton Rougeat the ageof52. He wasa na‐tiveofPlaquemineand res‐ident of BatonRouge.He was aformerdeckhand witha love forthe waters ofSouth Louisianaand he loved to cook.A visitation willbeatWilbert Funeral HomeinPlaquemineon Tuesday,April 22, 2025, 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. A MassofChristian Burial willbe2 p.m. at St.John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Plaquemine with burialtofollowinGrace MemorialPark. Irvinissur‐vived by hismother, Jacqueline“Jackie”Gilbert and husbandSteve; brother,TaylorGilbert;fa‐ther, IrvinE.Settoon,Jr. and girlfriend Cheryl Vaughn; andgrandfather IrvinSettoon,Sr. Irvinwas precededindeath by his grandparents, Iris Charles CalleganSrand Audrey DaigleCalleganand Mil‐dredGaudetSettoon.Pall‐bearers will be JayRam‐agost, Cory Callegan, ChantzCallegan, Adonis Callegan, WallaceSettoon, Joe Settoon andChris Set‐toon.Pleaseshare memo‐riesatwww.wilbertserv ices.com.

Richard, DebraMoore

OPINION

OUR VIEWS

TheEaster messageisone of hope in an uncertainworld

Editor’snote:This editorial, in modiﬁed form, has marked previous Easter holidays in this newspaper

The Easter story,the victorious ending of a tale of brutal cruciﬁxion,suggests thatthere’s a powerful answer to the pain and evil that have touched the worldthroughouthuman history That’swhy the Easternarrative can resonate not only with Christians but in secular society,too. Any story of hope is needed now more than ever, as recent headlines have reminded us.

On this weekend’sEaster,asonothers, there’s trouble afoot on our anguished planet. The stories of terrorism and war abroad and violence close to home continue to dominatethe headlines. And the newspapers oftoday wouldhave been familiar to our grandparentsand greatgrandparents, as there is once again large-scale warfare in Europe, strifeinthe MiddleEastand unrest in our hemisphere.

We hope for victory for theUkrainian people, peace in Gaza and an end to chaos around the globe, but we know that those ravaged populations will be in need of resurrection,today’s theme, for many years to come.

All this is pretty grim stuff.

Illness and death are ever-presentparts of the human condition, as the Easter story reminds us.

Yetour capacity to be shocked andhorrified by accounts of death and violence in our communities and around the worldis, perhaps, one of the more affirming things aboutthe human spirit. We believe that cruelty is an aberration —that we’re made for something better than bringing darkness to someone else. That brighter spirit has been reflected in neighbors helping neighbors, even under the most difficult conditions.

Easter is the holiest day in the Christian calendar,and this Sunday,believers are gathering at their houses of worship to pray and reﬂect on the miracle of life renewed, when allwas thought to be lost.

In whatever form, Easter speakstoour basic faiththat love will ultimately transcend hate, that good will triumph over evil, that our better angels will prevail, that miracles arepossible.

In the classic children’sstory “Charlotte’s Webb,” author E.B. White suggested thatbelief in miracles is perhaps not so strangeathing when we consider the presence of the everyday miracleswetake for granted.White waswriting particularly about the life of abarnyard, where the wonders of pigs andducks and spiders were spectacles so grand —but so routine —thatfew visitors thought of them as special.

Spring is like that, too, of course. After the frost and cold of winter,the greening trees and emerging blossoms are an extraordinary thing, but they’re avictoryweusually overlook.

Easter is aday to hold such gifts close to heart, to believe once again in renewal —ofthe world and in ourselves.

CORRECTION

Aletter in Thursday’s paper incorrectly said that Kilmar Abrego Garcia is an American citizen. He has legal protected status butisnot acitizen. We regret the error

Thehopewecan find from thepope

PopeFrancis making snow angels. That image adorned thecover of an issue of The New Yorker in December 2013. Ihave acoffee mug Ipicked up in Rome early on in his pontificate depicting him as asuperhero, cape and all —you could trip over similar souvenirs in the Eternal City during his first years as pope. However you look at it, Pope Francis has gotten people’sattention Church leadership isn’tabout one side winning over another,but authentically trying to figure out what God’s will is as it relates to thetradition of theChurch and through discernment of God’sactual guidance in real time. There have been times when I’ve wondered if Francis trusts theHoly Spirit to workout themess more than mostofusdo. Evil tries to disguise itself in subtle ways. But transparency in all things natural and supernatural can tear off the masks evil wears to disguise itself and removeobstacles to living in the truth.

Francis has now entered the autumn of his days. He makes the rare appearance at the Vatican, praying withanelderly nun on pilgrimage or blessing ababy to thejubilant surprise of his parentsashewas wheeled into St.Peter’sSquare in “civvies,” as lay attire would be referred to if hewere any other priest. Francis was dressed forconvalescence —areminder that he is following thelead of his predecessor John Paul II in showing dignity in suffering. There’sa mercy andgrace that radiates from aperson whosuffers well, under thehumane care of doctors who act as stewards of lifewhile it is still withus. It does underscore one of the most underappreciated aspects of Francis —his commitment to the sanctityofall human life, especially in its most vulnerable forms. He’sinone such form/stage now Interpretations of Francis and his legacy remain diverse. My own National Review had him on the cover

holding an upside-downtextbook. He’s been dubbed “The Great Reformer,” but there are scandal watchers —and victims—who would argue he hasn’t lived up to the name. In truth, his legacy has not been solidiﬁed and is astory that is still being written. Afamous secular sociologist once said to me that Pope Francis looks like he really believes what Jesus said quite clearly —inthe Sermon on the Mount. The media has captured that aspect of him,holding babies and embracing the disabled and the homeless, seeing in everyone the wonder of God’s creation and the miracle that is their individual selves. That samesociologist said if morepeople lived like Jesus did —and commanded —wewouldn’t have someofthe problemsthat plague us. So, actually care forthe orphan, along with the widow and sick. If we do such things, we will be superheroes ourselves.

Email Kathryn Jean Lopez at klopez@ nationalreview.com. LETTERSTOTHE

GUIDELINES: Letters are published identifying name, occupation and/or title and the writer’scity of residence

TheAdvocate |The Times-Picayune require astreet address andphone number for verification purposes, but that information is not published. Letters are not to exceed 300 words. Letters to the Editor,The Advocate, P.O. Box 588, Baton Rouge, LA 70821-0588, or email letters@ theadvocate.com.

Better buy your “Forever” stamps now,because theU.S. Postal Service (USPS)has announced another price increase. On July 13, the cost of aﬁrstclass stamp is scheduled to rise from 73 cents to 78 cents. The plan is to raise prices four more times by 2027. Meanwhile, it appears for many people that service is declining. As akid Icouldn’twait for the“mailman”toarrive, always at the same time and thesame person each day.At Christmas, there were deliveries in the morning and afternoon. For awhile Icollected stamps, especially those from overseas. Beforethe internet,mail was how people kept in touch. In 1985, the price of aﬁrst-class stampwas 22 cents. My grandparentssent “penny postcards.” Domestic post cards will now cost 62 cents, more if you mail them to another country

TOWN SQUARE

Irecently sent abook from one major East Coast city to another.It was by media mail, the cheapest rate. Normally it takes four to five days to arrive. This time it took 11 days. The postal service webpage said the book sat in theoriginating post office for aweek before moving. My local post office is usually understaffed, even when there are long lines. Those whoapply for passportstake up large amounts of time and keep the rest of us waiting to mail asingle item Amajor contributor to the rising prices of stampsisthe postal service’sobligation to its retirees. As Axios reports: “The (USPS) faces substantial pension obligations, with unfunded liabilities totaling $409 billion against just $290 billion in assets. This is largely due to asystem where USPS is responsible for its own retirement funding, unlike other federal agencies which receive annual appropriations.

The USPS is required to pre-fund retiree health beneﬁts, and this mandate, along with other factors, contributes to the signiﬁcant unfunded liabilities.” As prices go up, usage declines. It’s similar to states run by Democrats. As they raise taxes, morepeople leave. Even moreleave after taxes are raised again to makeupfor lost revenue. Bills can now be paid through online banks. Free digital holiday cards can be emailed.

President Donald Trumphas proposed shutting downthe postal service and rolling it into the Department of Commerce. Since 1792, the post ofﬁce has had exclusive rights to deliver letters. Lifting that restriction would open things up to competition and presumably lower prices. What we have now is too expensive and inefﬁcient. It’s timetostampitout.

Email Cal Thomas at tcaeditors@ tribpub.com

For an upcoming feature,weasked youtoconsider matters of religious faith. We want to know: Howimportant is your faithtoyour daily life, and what role, if any, should it playinpublic life? Send responses to letters@theadvocate.com.Wewill publish aselection of the best responsesina future edition.

Kathryn Jean Lopez

Cal

Thomas

COMMENTARY

Abandoning free marketwon’t help insurancerates

It’sbad enough that Gov.Jeff Landry is hindering some fairminded bills to rein in lawsuit abuse and, collaterally,helpbring down insurance rates. What’sworse is his full-court press to hinderthe insurance free market altogether For chimeric short-term advantages, the long-term result likely would be far worse, meaning higherprices and less choice for Louisiana insurance consumers

Landry is pushing aconcentration of powerthat is counterproductive for the economy and unwise for the political system, along with offering atempting opportunity for corruption. Namely Landry seeks to givethe insurance commissioner unilateral authorityto“set” insurance rates, as if asingle ofﬁcial is wiser than the laws of supply and demand. On the broader lawsuitabuse front, often known as tort reform, Landry’sclose ties to plaintiffs’ lawyers surely play arolein him opposing good billspushed by Insurance Commissioner TimTemple. While Landry claims to be for a“balanced approach” between insurance companies and plaintiffs, he vetoed akey tort reform bill last year and is reported, behind the scenes, to oppose two entirely sensible reform billsthis year.

One would change Louisiana’s

unusualsystem (copied by only 11 other states) that allows aplaintiff to recover at least some damages even if he is up to 99% at fault for an accident.The billLandryopposeswould insist that only those less than 50% at fault for an accident could collectdamage awards From apurely logical standpoint, howdoesLandry’sstance, and Louisiana’s current law, make any sense? Why shouldthe culprit in an accident be the beneﬁciary in court?

The second wisebill that Landry nonetheless is reported to oppose would cap awardsfor “pain and suffering” ata still-generous $5 million. Awards forpain and suf-

fering, remember,come on top of payments for actual damages and losses. Louisiana is rare among statesright now in having no painand-suffering cap; even plaintifffriendly Mississippi caps pain and suffering at $1 million. Landry’s position isn’tbalanced: It’sa sopto triallawyers. With thatbackdrop, Landryappears to have an unreasonable animus againstinsurance companies. His support for theinsurance ratesetting bill, with an amendment personally drafted by thegovernor,seems like moreofthe same but by different means As originally drafted by Rep. Robby Carter,D-Amite, House

Bill 576 already wasdicey from a free-market perspective. Its main thrust was to allow the insurance commissioner,onhis own, to reject insurance rate increases even in acompetitive market. Even that wasn’tgood enough for the governor,though. He said at an April 16 House Insurance Committee meeting that he personally stayed up late the night before to amend the bill signiﬁcantly As drafted, the bill essentially requiredthe commissioner to assess the data behind the rate request and to refrain from rejecting the request “if the rate is actuarially justiﬁed.” In short, in giving the commissioner so much added power,itatleast directed him to use data to justify arate disapproval. The governor’slanguage deletes all references to actuarial soundness.

Moreover,itgives the commissionerpower notjust to reject rate requests, but actually to “specify interim rates.” Rather than being amereregulator,the commissionerwould become nearly a commissar,all-powerful within his realm —with the authority to make insurance companies kiss his ring for an arbitrary,rather thandata-driven, grant of rates adequatetostay in business. Temple himself is against the bill, seeing it as adeterrent to real marketcompetition and as an unchecked authority that future commissioners might abuse.

The governor’sradical amendment was too muchfor Daniel Erspamer,president of the conservative Pelican Institute think tank. Already scheduled to testify to the committee, Erspamer had submitted a“white card” indicating mixedfeelings about, but not opposition to, the bill. After seeing Landry’samendment, Erspamer changed it to a“red card” of opposition, expressing not only concerns about “more government overreach creating more barriers to opportunity and the free enterprise system” but also about “empowering one individual with undue power.”

For Landry,power,not conservative principle, is the key.Before the committee, he said not once but twice that he wasﬂabbergasted by Temple’s opposition because “I’ve never seen apolitician not want more power.”

In this case, Landry is setting Temple up as the fall guy,asthe governor told radio host Moon Griffonthat “if the rates don’tgo down, that’son[Temple].”

Thus, giving Temple the power also would meangiving Temple the blame, even as trial lawyers who are big donors to Landry keep taking him to their hunting camps. And all while Louisiana’s“tort hell” keeps insurance rates high but keeps the plaintiffs’ bar in high cotton.

Quin Hillyer canbereached at quin.hillyer@theadvocate.com.

DOJchanges mean more politics,lessenforcement

There are all kinds of ways to measure the vast changes in the Department of Justice since Donald Trump returned to the White House, two former New Orleansbased U.S. Attorneys said last week. One is to consider how the administration has quashed the agency’straditional independence from political forces. Forthe ﬁrst time since the Watergate era, the White House is directly calling the shots, Kenneth Politeand Harry Rosenberg said at aforum sponsored by Loyola’sInstitute of Politics (where Iserve on the board). That extends to monitoring and ﬁring individual prosecutors, denying promotions to those who don’tendorse Trump’slie that the 2020 election was stolen and investigating the president’sperceived enemies Another is to look at who’saround. Polite, who has served in several senior DOJ roles and was U.S. Attorney for Louisiana’sEastern District underBarack Obama, described an eerie ghost townin the department’sheadquarters, with entire divisions —civil rights, environmental enforcement, tax enforcement, public integrity —all gutted.

AndRosenberg, who was U.S. Attorney in theEastern District under President George H.W.Bush, noted achange he saw while handling an environmental case in court recently.There were eight inmates awaiting their hearings, he said, and seven of them were immigration cases.

lent drug-related crime and environmental crimes.

“I think that was atelltale sign that that is —without adoubt here, in Texasand elsewhere —isgoing to be ahuge prioritywithin every ofﬁce,” Rosenberg said.

There’smuch, much moretosay about the extent to which Trumpis weaponizing the Justice Department,and both attorneys spoke bluntly of the damage to effective law enforcement and thevery notion of the rule of law —all of which is being widely covered nationally

But Rosenberg’scourtroom observation pointstoapart of this sprawling story that deserves more focus: Howchanges to the DOJ’s priorities are ﬁltering down to the state and local levels.

That matters all over thecountry,but it really matters in Louisiana.

Polite noted that the ofﬁce bothmen ran “punches above itsweight” in investigating and prosecutingpublic corruption, vio-

Allofthosefunctions arenow diminished, thelawyers explained, as the departmentshiftsresources to immigration, an area that’sbeen so minor afocusthat those cases —usually over illegalreentry —typically fell to entry-level attorneys. Rosenbergjoked that immigrationduty was one step above the “duck docket,” or prosecutions for hunting on baited ﬁelds.

Polite said he hopes theofﬁce may still be able tosqueeze someresources to handle homegrown gang cases from budget lines meanttocrack down on transnational drug cartels. Local U.S.Attorneys remain free to prosecutepublic corruption cases, he said, but theshift and the loss of brainpower in Washington matter

“When you talk about having the expertise and the resources tomakethose investigations hit home in termsofactual convictions, the public integrity section was home for much of that work across this country.Itnolonger exists,” he said. In general, Polite said, “the priorities that this administration has announced don’t necessarily dovetail withthe priorities that U.S. Attorneys …really need from alocal standpoint.Weneed prosecutors whoare

investigating fraud. We need prosecutors whoare investigating public corruption. We need prosecutors whoare investigating environmental crime. What will this mean …interms of affecting the quality of life forfolks here?” Excellent question. Imagine if federal authorities had not been able to investigate and ultimately convict public ofﬁcials who’d used their ofﬁces to enrich themselves over the years —Ray Nagin, Edwin Edwards and manyother names come to mind —orcrack downonfraudsters and polluters, or help perennially strapped local police and prosecutors piece together complex racketeering cases against violent gangs like the one led by Telly Hankton?

Actually,wemay not need to imagine for long.

The new reality Polite and Rosenberg described sounds like open season forall sorts of bad actors to do their worst without having to worry much about how federal authorities might respond. Feel safer and better protected yet? I don’t.

Email StephanieGrace at sgrace@ theadvocate.com.

Southern,Xaviercould move up with research status

Howard University in Washington, D.C., became the ﬁrst historically Black college or university (HBCU) to reach R1 research status in the Carnegie Classiﬁcation of Institutions of Higher Education this year Eight Hispanicserving institutions (HSIs) were also upgraded to this same R1 status. Howard alumni, faculty and students have called the school they love “The Mecca” for many years. Now they have another reasontosupport that claim. Howard is one of only 187 higher education institutions withthat status. There are more than 5,800 Title IV postsecondary institutions, including more than 2,600 four-year schools. In Louisiana, thereare three R1designated universities: Louisiana State University,Tulane University and the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. Southern University,aResearch 2school, wants to join the ranks. North Carolina A&T State University is actively pursuing movingfrom aResearch 2des-

ignation to R1, narrowly missing thecut this yearbynot graduating three doctoral students. Xavier University of Louisiana is the only Louisiana HBCUwith the new RCU designation in Carnegie’snew Research Colleges and Universities category It recognizes colleges and universities that haven’tbeen recognized fortheirresearch activity including, like Xavier,those that offer noorfew doctoral degrees Xavier has an education doctorate program.That designation givesinstitutionsthat do alot of research and that make alot of investment infaculty,students and staff research away to be recognized. In addition to Xavier, there are 215 institutions that spent more than $2.5 million on research each year to earn that designation. By comparison,Southern is identiﬁed by Carnegie as a“high research” university,hence the reclassiﬁed R2 designation, astep aboveXavier and astep below Howard

TheR1designationearned by Howard andothers requires a minimumof$50 million in total research spending andatleast 70 research doctorates each year

That’sa big reach for HBCU institutions doing research and wanting to do morewhile balancing faculty teaching four,ﬁve and sometimes moreclasses with little time for research.

Mushtaq Gunja, theexecutive director of the Carnegie Classiﬁcation systemsand senior vice president at the American Council on Education, told me that Howard is asuccess story worth noting. Though Carnegie designationsare desiredand helpful, he said theR1, R2 and RCU rankings aren’tfor every school.

HBCUs like Dillard University and Southern University at New Orleansare smaller institutions with enough ongoing academic and ﬁnancial balancing that it limits research investment. Research is not their lane.

Larger institutions such as Southern UniversityinBaton Rouge can more easily aim higher when it comes to research.

AR1designation is possible, and something they have established as agoal.

“Having moreHBCUsattainR1 status could have transformative impacts in theBlack community and society overall by having betteraccessand opportunities to

expand knowledge and representationinresearch ﬁelds,” Dr.Luria Young, Southern’svice chancellor of academic affairs, said in astatement. Among other things, she said R1 status could lead to more expertresearch scholars, more high-performing students and opportunities to drive innovation and impact public policy with data.

With RCU status, Xavier would morelikely consider R2 before reaching even higher.R2designations require research spending of at least $5 million and producing at least 20 research doctorates each year.Southern is in elite company as one of only 139 institutionswith that status.

Xavier is an HBCU jewel with signiﬁcant research. They’re happy to havethe RCU designation,one of only 216 institutions to earn that status.

Though Xavier isn’tpursuing R1 status, they’ll be considering R2 status, according to Dr Marguerite Giguette, Xavier’s provost and senior vice president for academic affairs. They’re celebrating the new status and will talk about R2.

“Weare thrilled,” Giguette told me Thursday.“Our faculty is very excited aboutit.” She cred-

ited ahard-working faculty committed to writing and submitting grant proposals that bear fruit. They’re still celebrating.

“I think that’sanincredible achievement for(Howard) and a statement about what HBCUsare capable of doing,” she said.

The provost said she looks forwardtofaculty conversations about what it would take to aim higher.Probably new doctoral programs. Probably greater faculty and student investment. She knowsthat LSU and Tulane beneﬁt as the top two institutions receiving federal research funds. Xavier is third. Iknow what that means.

As President Donald Trump cuts federal research funding at universities across the nation, all colleges and universities with federal funding are at risk for losing an important part of what makes these educational institutions morethan degree farms.

HBCUsdon’tget enough federal research money.Let’shold our breath that Howard can maintain its status, and that Southern and Xavier can moveup.

Email Will Sutton at wsutton@ theadvocate.com.

Quin Hillyer

Stephanie Grace

Will Sutton

STAFF PHOTO By JAVIER GALLEGOS

Gov. Jeff Landrylistens during aHouse committee meetingoninsurance at the StateCapitol on Wednesday.

SPORTS

LSU returns ta

LSUreturns talent, butgrowing painsexpected

By MICHAEL JOHNSON

LSU tweaks rotation to no avail

BY KOKI RILEY Staff writer

Before the start of every weekendseries, LSU announces its probable starting pitchers. Redshirtsophomore ChaseShoreswas listed as the Tigers’ starter for Game 3this weekend, exactly where he’d been pegged for every series this season But when push came to shove, junior lefthander ConnerWarestarted forLSU,becoming the ﬁrst Tiger notnamed Kade Anderson, Anthony EyansonorShorestostart aSoutheastern Conference game.

“I just felt like to hold them down as best we could,” LSU coach Jay Johnson said,“we just were going to need more guys.” Ware allowed only one runbut the plan to start him didn’twork. Shores struggled in relief after entering the game in the third inning, surrendering four runs on four hits in LSU’s7-4 loss to Alabama at Alex Box Stadium.

“I thought(Shores) didsomegoodthings tonight,” Johnson said. “Obviously, thehome run he’d like to have thatback, buthehad some strikeouts, and Ithought he competed well in the game today.”

Ware’s startdidn’tlast long.Heallowed three hits and awalk and was replaced by Shores after surrendering asingle to lead off the third inning.

That’swhen things started togosouth for LSU. Shores —makinghis ﬁrst relief appearance since March 31,2023 —walked

FORT WORTH team bus pu from the te manifestati in an uncert tion for 202 Phrases s get thrown often too ca the 21 gym this season, even sixthSome of t Shchenniko Kathryn We to compete Alexis Jeffr seasonscut

,Texas As theLSU gymnastics lled away Friday morning amhotel, it was the physical onofaprogram heading ain and different direc6 uch as “end of an era” around alot in sports, sually.Not this time. Of nasts on the LSU roster 10 were fourth-, ﬁfth- or year seniors. hem, such as Alyona va, Tori Tatumand ilbacher,never got achance Others, suchasOlivia Dunne, eyand Chase Brock, got their short by injuries.

Then there were seniors such as 33time All-American Haleigh Bryant, 2024 Olympian Aleah Finnegan, Sierra Ballard and KJ Johnson, major or regular contributors to the Tigers’ drive this season to theNCAA semifinals, afirst-ever No. 1national seed and before that the Southeastern Conference regular-season and championship meet titles. Brock has thepotential to return in 2026. But thebiggest names such as Bryant,Finnegan, Johnson and Ballard—gymnastswho defined and shaped themostsuccessful era of LSU gymnastics —are leaving.

Don’tbesurprised if Bryant, who has expressedaninterest in coaching, is part of

the LSU staff next year in some capacity

Just don’texpect any pinch-hit vault or ﬂoor routines. That part is over,being passed to a new group of gymnasts aiming to keepthe program among the nation’selite.

“We’re going to be young,” LSU coach Jay Clark said. “We’re going to have to go through somegrowing pains. The trajectory might look alittle different early on. It just depends on whosteps up in leadership. Youdon’tknow how voids are going to be ﬁlled until people have to ﬁll it.”

Aroster limit of 20 gymnasts goes into effect next season, somewhat complicating Clark and LSU’sreloading plans.

“We’re going to be thin on numbers

ST DRAFT TA KI NG

Analysis givesview into whether Saints are good at selecting players

The 2025 NFL Draft is days away,soit’sa good time to ask the question: Arethe New OrleansSaints any good at this thing? The Saints’ draft acumen —oflack thereof —has been apopular and polarizing subject in recent years among the team’s passionatefans. We tried to get to thebottom of it by analyzing the results from thelast 10 years of the NFL draft, aspan that coincides with Jeff Ireland’stenure as the director of college scouting. While general manager Mickey Loomis ultimately makes the ﬁnal call, draftsalways have been acollaborative processduring histenure. He delegates draft-day authority to Ireland, awidely

respected disciple of Bill Parcells whose scouting background spans threedecades. It’sIreland’sjob to overseethe entire scouting operation, stack the draft boards andrun the showondraft day “Jeffisarock star,” Saints ﬁrst-year coach Kellen Moore said. Fans aren’tquite as sold.

Some believe the Saints are adept drafters, noting their historic 2017 class —widely regarded as one of the best in NFL history —and their ability to unearth undrafted sleepers such as Carl Granderson, Juwan Johnson and Rashid Shaheed. Ireland’scritics point to the struggles

See DUNCAN, page 6C

Scott Rabalais

Jeff Duncan

Isaiah Foskey

Alontae Taylor

Alvin Kamara

ä See RABALAIS, page 5C

PHOTO By JOHN OUBRE

LSU pitcher Conner Ware throwsapitch against Alabama on SaturdayatAlex Box Stadium. ä See LSU , page 3C

Ewing

BROADCAST HIGHLIGHTS

LSU softball falls to Texas after another late rally

Mia Scott’s inﬁeld single scored Kayden Henry from second base and No. 3 Texas handed No. 9 LSU another heartbreaking loss 6-5 on Saturday in Austin, Texas. Texas (41-6, 13-5 SEC) beat LSU (36-10, 9-9) in another seventhinning rally on Thursday with a game-winning grand slam to take two of three in the series.

The Tigers scored two in the top of the seventh to take a 5-4 lead as Jadyn Laneaux drew a leadoff walk, moved to second on a bunt and scored on Danieca Coffey’s single. Jalia Lassiter followed with an RBI groundout to give LSU the lead.

Hurt Morant leads Grizzlies to playoffs

BY CLAY BAILEY Associated Press

MEMPHIS,Tenn.— Two-time All-Star

Ja Morant promised a sprained right ankle wouldn’t keep him out of Memphis’ play-in game against Dallas with the Western Conference’s last postseason berth up for grabs Friday night.

Morant did more than just play He delivered a thrilling start and yet another addition to his highlight of dazzling plays with a onehanded slam that had teammate Desmond Bane yelling “Showtime!” at him in celebration after Morant elevated so much his eyes were level with the rim.

The guard scored 16 of his 22 points in the ﬁrst half, and Memphis never trailed in a 120-106 victory to take the No. 8 seed and a spot Sunday in Game 1 at topseeded Oklahoma City

“I couldn’t feel it so I was out there,” Morant said with a laugh. Bane never doubted that Morant would play

“I mean he’s MVP-type player, a walking highlight reel,” Bane said. “I was happy he was able to give it a go. I knew he was going to show up.”

Morant had been listed as questionable earlier Friday as the training staff worked to get him ready to play His status was ofﬁcially announced about 30 minutes before the tip.

The guard was injured in the third quarter Tuesday night at Golden State with the No. 7 seed on the line. Morant rolled the ankle coming down on Buddy Hield’s foot. Morant limped off the court and returned in the fourth quarter when he was held to four points as the Grizzlies lost 121-116. Morant took the court late in warm-ups to test his ankle. His young daughter joined him on the

court. ESPN reported during the game that Morant had a second shot for his ankle a couple hours before the start.

The guard occasionally limped to the free-throw line, but that was about the only sign Morant was playing hurt. He finished with nine rebounds, seven assists and three steals before interim coach Tuomas Iisalo pulled his starters in the final couple of minutes for some rest. Morant wound up playing 33 minutes to help the Grizzlies finish off the win.

The play of the night was Morant driving through the lane and up into the air to put back a miss by teammate Santi Aldama with

that right arm high to throw down the thunderous dunk.

Jaren Jackson Jr has seen Morant do a lot of amazing things on a court. This dunk? Jackson called it “crazy.” “He was doing what he does,” Jackson said. “And you know that putback dunk was a huge energy boost at the right time. Dunked all over Santi’s head. It was lit.”

Memphis interim coach Tuomas Iisalo has been with the Grizzlies just this season, and this was Iisalo’s 11th game running the show But yes, he noticed that dunk by Morant going up high for the putback dunk. Iisalo said he has learned not to doubt Morant

much.

“He comes up with some stuff that I’m not sure there’s any other human being on the planet that can do stuff like that ...,” Iisalo said. “As a coach, I just try to stay even keel and I try to stay in my solution mode and not to get too emotionally attached to the game because it’s mostly decision making there But plays like that test that side of me, and it was an amazing play.”

Injuries limited Morant to 50 games during this regular season. He has played 19 playoff games in Memphis’ three postseason berths with the No 2 pick overall in the 2019 draft.

Rockets face Warriors in ﬁrst playoff trip since 2020

BY KRISTIE RIEKEN AP sportswriter

HOUSTON Houston faced the Golden State Warriors in the playoffs four times between 2015-19, and each time the Rockets were sent packing.

On Sunday night, the No. 2 seed Rockets return to the postseason for the ﬁrst time since 2020 and will face their old playoff nemesis Steph Curry and the seventhseeded Warriors in Game 1 of the best-of-seven Western Conference series.

While Curry, Draymond Green and Kevon Looney were around for all those battles with the Rockets, including wins in the Western Conference ﬁnals in 2015 and 2018, there isn’t a player remaining on Houston’s roster who played in even one of those games.

And these Rockets aren’t worried about what happened in the past.

“This ain’t that team,” Houston’s Fred VanVleet said.

Indeed.

Those teams were led by James Harden, whose trade demand sent the Rockets into a full rebuild that made them one of the NBA’s worst teams for three seasons. Coach Ime Udoka was hired before last season and Houston improved to 41-41 before making another jump this season to end the playoff drought

“We’re not just happy to be here,” Udoka said. “We wanna obviously make some noise as well.”

These new-look Rockets have veterans VanVleet and Dillon Brooks, but rely heavily on a young core of high draft picks led by Jalen Green, Jabari Smith and Amen Thompson.

“They are the No. 2 seed for a reason,” Curry said. “They have played well all year long. They play a certain physical style of defense, and they are super ath-

letic.”

The Warriors got the seventh seed with a 121-116 win over the Memphis Grizzlies on Tuesday night in the Play-In Tournament to return to the playoffs after failing to make the postseason after losing the play-in last season.

Dillon the villain

Brooks embraces the villain role for the Rockets with his aggressive play and piled up the league’s second-most technical fouls this season with 16.

In this series he’ll face Green, who also has a penchant for collecting technical fouls and was three behind Brooks with 13.

With the two of them facing off for potentially seven games, many expect there to be some ﬁreworks That led to Brooks being asked how many ejections he expects in the series.

“I don’t know,” he said. “I’m not going to get ejected I’ll leave that to somebody else.”

Butler at the line

Jimmy Butler had made 63 of 68 free throws in eight April games before missing six at the line — 12 for 18 on Tuesday night. It marked Golden State’s ﬁrst victory in the play-in rounds after going 0-3 in games played in 2021 and last year

The knack “Playoff Jimmy” has for drawing contact and getting to the line has meant so much to the Warriors.

“Incredibly quick ﬁrst step and crafty feel for the game,” coach

Steve Kerr said ”.. He’s clearly one of the best iso players in the NBA and a lot of that efﬁciency just comes from drawing contact and so I can’t tell you how valuable that is for us, what it does for our team to settle the game down and setting our defense up. There’s a reason our whole season shifted

when we got him, he’s that good.”

The Warriors were 23-8 in the regular season after acquiring Butler from the Heat.

Underdogs

The Warriors are the betting favorites and have been picked by many prognosticators to win the series despite the Rockets being a much higher seed.

Golden State last won the title in 2022 and two of its other titles came in 2015 and 2018 after they beat the Rockets to advance to the NBA Finals. Houston won its only titles in 1994 and 1995.

Udoka said the Rockets don’t care that they’re the underdogs in this series and can’t concern themselves with outside noise. The rebounding factor

Golden State has allowed costly opponents offensive rebounds contributing to second and third chances in recent games. The Warriors were beaten 50-39 on the boards by

the Grizzlies and 42-25 in a 124-119 defeat to the Clippers in the regular-season ﬁnale last Sunday Kerr has stressed “scrapping and getting to every loose ball.”

The Rockets led the NBA this season by averaging 14.6 offensive rebounds and Golden State was ﬁfth with 12.5.

Kuminga’s role

High-flying forward Jonathan Kuminga’s role has diminished since Butler joined the team. Sidelined by an ankle injury earlier this year, Kuminga didn’t play the past two games though Green fully expects him to factor into the rotation against the Rockets.

“He’ll contribute. He’s great. He’s getting his work in. That’s all you can do in that situation is get your work in,” Green said. “And he’ll be meaningful for us in that series. I have zero doubt about that. I think the challenge for him is to stay mentally engaged, as it is for anyone in that situation.”

LSU pitcher Sydney Berzon (155) took the loss after surrendering two runs on three hits in two-thirds of an inning in relief of starter Jayden Heavener

Skenes bobblehead gets Pittsburgh fans lined up Paul Skenes doesn’t just make baseballs go fast. The Pittsburgh Pirates ace and former LSU star can make merchandise ﬂy off the shelves, too.

Fans began lining up outside PNC Park more than five hours before Saturday’s game between Pittsburgh and Cleveland in hopes of landing a bobblehead featuring the reigning National League Rookie of the Year The gates didn’t open until 90 minutes before the first pitch. Lines stretched out in all directions from the park early Saturday afternoon.

Demand grew so great that the club pledged to make sure everyone in the expected sellout crowd who did not receive one will have an opportunity to obtain one.

Dodgers star Ohtani, wife welcome first baby girl

Two-way star Shohei Ohtani is now a father

The Los Angeles Dodgers slugger posted on Instagram on Saturday that his wife gave birth to a girl. Manager Dave Roberts also acknowledged the news in an ingame interview Saturday with LA visiting the Texas Rangers.

The 30-year-old Ohtani missed the first two games of the series matching the past two World Series champions. Before the game Saturday, Roberts said he didn’t have an update on the baby, but was hopeful Ohtani would rejoin the club Sunday “I am so grateful to my loving wife who gave birth to our healthy, beautiful daughter,” Ohtani wrote on Instagram. “To my daughter, thank you for making us very nervous yet super anxious parents.”

Duke junior guard Proctor declares for the NBA draft

Duke guard Tyrese Proctor is entering the NBA draft and skipping his senior season.

The team announced Proctor’s move in a social-media post Friday night. The 6-foot-6, 183-pound junior from Australia was a threeyear starter and one of Jon Scheyer’s first recruits when he took over for retired Hall of Famer Mike Krzyzewski.

Proctor, who reclassiﬁed to get to college a year early in 2022, came on in the second half of his freshman season, then was a complementary scorer averaging in double ﬁgures for the rest of his college career He also worked as a reliable defender

Proctor averaged 12.4 points while shooting a career-best 45.2% from the field and 40.5% from 3-point range this year

Alcaraz, Rune to play for title in Barcelona

BARCELONA Spain Top-seeded Carlos Alcaraz will play Holger Rune for the Barcelona Open title after straight-set semifinals on Saturday No. 2-ranked Alcaraz beat No. 14 Arthur Fils 6-2, 6-4, while Rune dispatched Karen Khachanov 6-3, 6-2 on the outdoor clay Alcaraz holds a 2-1 record against the 13th-ranked Rune The pair of 21-year-olds have yet to meet on clay. Alcaraz won their last meeting at 2023 Wimbledon. Alcaraz won his ﬁrst Monte Carlo Masters title last weekend and will be searching for his third title of the year and 19th of his career He won the Barcelona Open in 2022 and 2023. “It’s been a really fun and great week, and let’s see if we can end with a trophy,” Alcaraz said.

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By GEORGE WALKER IV

Memphis Grizzlies guards Ja Morant, left, and Desmond Bane celebrate late in the second half of their NBA play-in game against the Dallas Mavericks on Friday in Memphis, Tenn.

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By CARLOS AVILA GONZALEZ

Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors claps and urges on the crowd in the second half of a play-in game against the Memphis Grizzlies on Tuesday in San Francisco.

Westbrookfuels Nuggets’ comeback to edge Clippers

BY ARNIE STAPLETON

AP sportswriter

DENVER Russell Westbrook, whose lategame follieshung over the Denver Nuggets as they navigated the stunning dismissals of coach Michael Malone and GM CalvinBooth on the eve of the playoffs, came up clutch against his former team in crunch time Saturday.

“That’swho he is,” Nikola Jokic said afterwatching Westbrook hit an uncontested corner 3-pointertogive Denver atwo-point lead late in regulation and then knocking the inboundspass away from—and off of James Harden with9.6 seconds left in overtime to help seal Denver’s112-110 win over the Los AngelesClippers.

“I just know that (inbounds)play,” from being there the previous two seasons, Westbrooksaid.

Westbrook had plenty to do with L.A.’s whopping 20 turnovers, including an uncharacteristic seven from KawhiLeonard.

“Russ is Russ,” interim coach DavidAdelmansaid after improving to 4-0. “Defensively,he’sabsolutely incredible. He wasplaying freesafety out there. Ithoughtalot of the reasons why the turnovers happened, evenif it wasn’thim forcing it, (was) just theway he wasroaming around and impacting the game.

“And then offensively he attacked, Adelman said. “Wemaybe could have pulled it out and executed. Butthat’swhatRuss does. Idon’tthink he’sgoing to change after17years. If he sees somebodyinfront of him 1-on-1, he’sgoing to attack.And thenhe made an enormous 3.”

Jokic scored 29 points andfinishedone rebound shy of atriple-double.Aaron Gordon added 25 points and Jamal Murray 21 as the Nuggets overcame a15-pointfirst-half deficit to power past the hottest team entering the playoffs.

The No. 5seed Clippers’losswas their firstsince March 30 at Cleveland. They rolled intothe playoffs having won 18 of 21, includingtheirlasteight

“If you turn over 20 times against the team that is No. 1inoffensive transition,

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By DAVIDZALUBOWSKI

DenverNuggets guard Russell Westbrook, right, looks to pass the ball as Los Angeles Clippers guard James Harden, left, defends in the second half of their first-round playoff series SaturdayinDenver.

then you’regonna lose thegame,”lamented Clipperscoach Tyronn Lue.

Harden led the Clippers with 32 points. Leonardadded 22 and Ivica Zubac had 21.

Leonardshrugged off the loss, saying the team’smood was “still good. JustGame 1. Youknow, Denver’s agood team, especially at home. Still got Game 2.”

That’sMonday night at Ball Arena.

Adelman said the key to the late comeback wasactually when Denver closed the second quarter on a13-2 run to pull to 53-49 at halftime.

“It felt like one of those games where you’re just slowly crawling uphill,” Adelmansaid

AndWestbrook was leading the way,comingupbig despite missing 12 of 17 shots overall.

“A lotofpeople put alot of emphasis on missing so many shots,” Westbrook said. “Butinthe playoffs, all you need to do is just win the game. Idon’tgive adamn about how many shotsyou miss, make. Just make winning basketball plays defensively,offensively.”

Andhedid just that.

Siakam,HaliburtonhelpPacers

race past Bucksfor a1-0 lead

BY MICHAEL MAROT

AP sportswriter

INDIANAPOLIS Pascal Siakam keptitsimple Saturday.Hegot to his spots, hit hisshots andmade the plays.

The three-time All-Star ﬁnished with 25 points and seven rebounds while Tyrese Haliburton added 10 pointsand 12assists to lead the Indiana Pacers past the Milwaukee Bucks 117-98 for a1-0 lead in theEastern Conference best-of-seven ﬁrst-round series.

“It’sjust playing the game theway it’ssupposed to be played —not alot of thinking, just play the game,” Siakam said after going 10 of 15 from the ﬁeld. “I thinkaslong as we play the right way and we get theshots we’re supposed to get and we wanttoget, that’swhat’simportant.”

Siakam took full advantage of the festive atmosphereasIndiana hostedits ﬁrst series opener since 2014.

Team ofﬁcials handed out gold T-shirts that lit up Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Fans repeatedly counted the seconds ittook for twotime leagueMVP GiannisAntetokounmpo to shoot free throwsand heckled Bucks forward Bobby Portis.And theyroaredwith delight when WNBA starCaitlinClark and others appearedonthe videoboard But what they wanted —and needed most —was afast start.

“The series is one-seventh over,and Game 2willbemonumentallymoredifﬁcult than this one,” Pacers coach Rick Carlisle said, referring to Tuesday’sgame. “Everybody on our team has got to be armed and danger-

ous. Striking the right balanceiseverything for our team.”

The Pacers certainly were balanced.

MylesTurnercappeda 19-point,fourblock performance with alate 3-pointer to seal thewin after Milwaukeehad cuta 28-pointdeficit to 107-95. Six Indiana playersfinished in double figuresand Milwaukee made just one basket over the final 5:24.

It was eerily reminiscent of last year’s ﬁrst-round series, which Indiana won 4-2.

Antetokounmpo led the Buckswith 36 pointsand 12 rebounds after missing all six games lastyearbecauseofa calfinjury.

This time, the Bucks played withouttheir otherAll-Star, Damian Lillard, whocontinuestowork his way into game shape after battlingdeep vein thrombosis in his right calf.Hemay return in Game 2.

Thedifference was defense.

Indiana negated Antetokounmpo’simpact over theﬁnalthree quarters withtraps, doubleteams and against defenders of all sizes.

The result: Antetokounmpo hadonlyone assist and nobody else scored more than15 points. Plus, theBucks, who shot aleaguebest 38.7% on 3-pointers, were limited to just 2of16inthe ﬁrst half and ﬁnished 9 of 37.

ButAntetokounmpo also took issuewith Milwaukee’sdefense.

“I think we were late, like we got into scrambling mode and they would createfor thenext guyand that’swhattheywant you to do,” he said. “Wedidn’thave enough urgency.Going into Game 2, hopefully we can changethat.”

Knicks usea21-0run in the 4thquarter to beat thePistons

BY BRIAN MAHONEY AP basketball writer

NEWYORK Jalen Brunsonscored34points, Cam Payne had 11 of his 14 in the fourth quarter and the New York Knicks stunned the Detroit Pistons with a21-0 run in theﬁnal period to rally for a123-112 victory Saturday night in Game 1oftheir ﬁrst-round playoff series.

Karl-Anthony Townshad 23 pointsand 11 rebounds in his ﬁrst playoffgame with the Knicks and OG Anunobyalso scored23 points for the No. 3-seeded Knicks.They will host Game 2onMonday night. The Pistons held up wellfor more than threequartersoftheir ﬁrst playoffgame since 2019 and had a98-90 lead,a little more than nine minutes from ending their NBArecord, 14-game postseason losing streak

BY LARRYLAGE AP sportswriter

ANNARBOR, Mich. Michigan quarterback Bryce Underwood showed glimpses of the growingpains he will likely experience as afreshman and ﬂashes of the promise thatmade him the nation’stop-rated high school football recruit in the team’s spring gameonSaturday

Underwood was12of26for 187 yards with ascrimmage-ending, 88-yard pass to tight end Jalen Hoffmanona reverse ﬂeaﬂicker in a17-0 win for the Blue over the Maize.

He also recoveredhis fumble, had apair of delay-of-game penalties,several errant throws —highand wide —and some dropped. Underwood lost 12 yardsontwo sacks and gained17yardsonthreeruns.

“Hedid well,” coachSherroneMoore said.“Made some really good throws and had some things we need to clean up and getbetter at.”

As the Wolverineswrapped up spring football in front of about 40,000 fans at the Big House,all eyes were on Underwood and he has become comfortable with that.

“It’sjustthe pressure thatcamewith my arm,” Underwood told The DetroitNews earlier this spring. “I can’tstop that.”

Underwood was sacked on his ﬁrst snap andhis ﬁrst completion went fora loss

LSU

Continuedfrom page1C

theﬁrst batter he faced before surrendering athree-run home run to Richie Bonomolo that gave Alabama a3-0 lead.

“He had areally good weekend,”Johnson said of Bonomolo. “Even when we got him out, it was hard. It was really hard.

“He hit agood pitch out today. Ithink that was tough because Idon’tnecessarily believe that was necessarily abad pitch.”

Shores gaveupa runinthe fourth and another in the fifth before he was replaced by redshirt sophomoreleft-hander DJ Primeaux. Only three of the four runs Shores allowed were earned,but it was an errant throwfrom the big righty in the fifth that allowed the unearnedrun to come across in the fifth.

“I’m very comfortable starting him, have beenfor (nine)weeks in arow,” Johnson said. “So that didn’tchange. This was a little bit of a, ‘Hey,how do we get through tonight with being tapped out(with) your two best guys out of the pen.’

TheLSU relievers followingShoreskept the Tigers (34-7, 12-6 SEC) within striking distance, tossing 31/3 scoreless innings and allowing just one hit until the ninth inning.

Primeaux ended the fifth witha fly outand got thefirst two outs of thesixth before hitting the next batter.Freshman right-hander MavrickRizy came in for Primeaux and walked twomen to load the bases, buthegot out of the mess withagroundoutthatended the inning.

Rizy recorded another groundout to start theseventh before allowinga single and exiting for freshman left-hander Cooper Williams,who gottwo outs to maintain LSU’stwo-run deﬁcit.

Tostarttheeighthinning,Williamshitabatter and forced afielder’schoice before freshman right-hander William Schmidt entered as the sixthLSU pitcher.Schmidt stranded runners on first andsecondbase by getting a groundout anda fly out.

“Weneedthose guys,” Johnson said. “And Ithought there were some good steps.Cooper Williamsand DJ were awesometonight.”

The ninth got rocky after Schmidt walked two batters. He then came out forredshirt sophomore right-hander Jaden Noot, who gave up ahit, got astrikeout and allowed asacriﬁce ﬂy that extendedthe Alabama (31-10, 9-9) lead to three.

Noot walked the next hitter to reload the

He did throw some darts, usually in the ﬂat, and was quick enough to escape collapsed pockets to pick up yardage with his feet.

Underwood is expected to compete with sophomoreJadyn Davis andFresnoState transfer Mikey Keene for playing time ahead of the season-opening gameonAug. 30 at homeagainst Fresno State. “It’sa battle,”Moore said.“It’s goingto go all the waytofall camp.”

Underwood is motivated to startand kickoff alegacy-building career withlofty goals.

“A couple of Heismans and at least one natty,” Underwood said last month in an interview on the Rich Eisen Show Underwood knows there will be people doubting he can live up to the hype.

“’He’sjust afreshman. He won’t be good enough,’” Underwoodsaid. “I might keep that chip my whole three years.”

He attended Belleville High School, about 15 mileseast of Ann Arbor,and ﬂippedhis commitment to Michigan after telling LSU coaches last year he intended to play there.

TomBrady,aformer Wolverine and seven-time SuperBowl winner,talkedwith Underwood duringthe school’s recruitment via FaceTime and Oracle founder Larry Ellison, one of the world’srichest people, also connected with him

LSU’sStevenMilamwatches his hitagainst Alabama on Saturday night

bases before coming out for junior righthander Jacob Mayers. Mayers walked the fourth batter of the inning to allowthe Crimson Tide to extend their lead to 7-3. By the endofthe night, LSU’seight pitchers had walked10batters, hit twoothers and allowed nine hits. They also struck out nine and only allowed one extra-base hit. “Mavrickwas ﬁring it up there pretty good. So was Chase, so was William, so was Noot,” Johnson said. “And they’ve improved. It’sjust the command pieceisthe last piece for those guys really having a chance in their baseball careers.”

The Tigers’ bats struggled through the first fiveinnings.They hadfour hits and their only run came on asolohomer from junior Jared Jones in the third inning. But their fortunes flipped in the sixth after Johnson madeacall to the bench, inserting sophomore Jake Brownasapinchhitter witharunner on and two outs. And on the first pitch he saw,Brown lifted aball over theleft-field wall to cutLSU’sdeficit to 5-3.

“Itjust happened to be the ﬁrst pitch was the one Iwas kind of looking for,kind of the one Iworked on hitting the most,” Brown said. “Welike to call it our ‘go zone,’ so that was kind of my pitch.

“I triedtodrive it, andIwas kind of lucky enough to get it into the wind stream.” Brown stepped up again in the ninth, blasting arun-scoring triple to cut Alabama’slead to 7-4, but it wasn’tenough to spark alate comeback.

LSU’snextmatchupisonTuesday against Northwestern State.

TobiasHarrisscored 25 points forDetroit, but just three in thesecond half. Cade Cunningham had21pointsand 12 assists, but the Knickslimited the star guard to 8-for-21 shooting in his playoff debut Brunson, who missed 15 games late in the season with asprained right ankle, was just 4for 15 in theﬁrsthalf and appeared to be hobbling in the third quarter after tweaking his ankle again. But he changed out of his green sneakers andfound anothergear in thefourth along with the Knicks.

ThePistons remained winless in the postseason since Game 4ofthe 2008 Eastern Conference ﬁnals.

By the time they scored again,the Knicks were ahead by 13 points, thedelirious fans inside Madison Square Garden roaring louder with every Pistons miscue after they played with such poise for much of the game Payne converted athree-point play to start therun, Brunson scored and Payne made a 3-pointer to tie it at 98, andthe onslaught would lastfor nearly five minutes.Payne and Brunson combined for the first 17 points beforeJoshHarthad thefinaltwo baskets to make it 111-98 with 4:50 remaining.

PHOTO By JOHN OUBRE

at Alex Box Stadium.

The relativesize of three red snapper will be important when the private recreational red snapper season opens May1in Louisiana’soffshore waters. The fish at the top measured alittle more than 16 inchesand weighed nearly 4 pounds.The middle fish measured 19 inches and weighed 6pounds,and the snapper at the bottom measured 23 inches and weighed almost 10 pounds. The minimum for a ‘keeper’ red snapper is 16 inches for recreational anglers.

FILE PHOTO By JOE MACALUSO

OUTDOORS

Getready! Redsnapper season opens next week

BY JOE MACALUSO Contributing writer

Happy Easter,and hope you feel the peacethis spring brings you and yours. This spring celebration ushers us into the fishing season, if it hasn’tbegun in earnest already,with reports of ﬁrst-rate sac-a-lait and speckled trout catches blowing up on chatsitesand message centers And if you’re an offshore angler,know the private recreational red snapper seasons opensnext week. That’sright, May 1this year. Private anglers and statecertiﬁed charter operations are allowed to take four snapper per person per day as long as they measure 16 inches or longer.The season will be open daily until state fisheries managers determine landings have reached our annual catch limit.

Federally permitted charterboats have adifferent season. There are more rulesto these offshore trips.

Fishermen need aRecreationalOffshore Landing Permit along with the required state ﬁshing licenses. There is no charge for the ROLP and you can get the permit from Wildlife and Fisheries’ website wlf

TUESDAY HUNTING SEASONSPUBLIC

HEARING: 10 a.m., Herring Room, state Wildlife &Fisheries headquarters, Quail Drive, Baton Rouge. Public comment limited on amendments made to 2025-2026 hunting seasons in original proposed seasons, baglimits &regulations.

TUESDAY-THURSDAY

COMMERCIAL FISHING LICENSE/BOAT REGISTRATION

RENEWAL: 8a.m.-3:30 p.m., LDWF ofﬁce, 468 TexasGulf Rd., Bourg. Also April 29-May 1, LDWF ofﬁce, 2045 LakeshoreDr., Suite 438, New Orleans. Call LDWF Licensing (225) 765-2898.

SATURDAY BATONROUGE SYMPHONY

SPORTING CLAYS: 8a.m., Bridgeview GunClub, 1365 MikeCazes Rd., Port Allen Donations $150/shooter, $600/4-shooter team. Participants need ear/eye protection &shotshells (71/2 or smaller )Breakfast, coffee &lunch provided. Website registration: brso.org (tab “Sporting ClayShoot”).Call (225) 383-0500, Ext. 107. 14TH ANNUAL BOATING EDUCATION LAGNIAPPEDAY: Daylong sessionsatnine statewide locations. Successful completion earns Safe Boating Certiﬁcate. Lunch provided

Playingalongside twin,Iwaiﬁres 64 forLPGAlead

Former LSUstar Lindblad also atop leaderboard

By The Associated Press

LOSANGELES Akie Iwai

shot an 8-under 64 playing alongside hertwin sister Saturday forashare of the third-round lead in theJM Eagle LA Championship with Lauren Coughlin and Ingrid Lindblad.

Coughlin made a5-foot birdie putt on par-4 18th for a66, and Lindblad —tied forthe second-round lead with Ashleigh Buhai after acareer-best 63 —shot68 to match Iwai at 17-under 199 at El Caballero Country Club.

Top-ranked Nelly Korda was threestrokes back after aclosing three-putt bogey in her ﬁnal start before her title defense next week in Houstoninthe major Chevron Championship.

Iwai, the 22-year-old Japanese player in her ﬁrst season on the LPGA Tour holed a60-yard wedge shot for eagle on the par-5 ﬁrst and had six birdies in her bogey-free round.

NOTEBOOK

la.gov— andyou’llneedit for taking allreef fish along with somepelagic species. It’s alsoagoodideatobecomefamiliar withall snapper species. Different snappers have differentminimum-length limits and daily creel limits. Agood illustration cameina rodeo several years ago whenafishermen came in with twosnappers to weigh for arodeo. He believed he had hisdaily limit (two backthen) andone was ared snapper.The other was ablackfin snapper,aspecies with adaily limit of 10, and the angler admittedthey caught, butreleased, more blackfin snapper that day becausethey reached their red snapper limit.

Next, federal regulations require the use of nonstainless steelcircle hooks along with adehooking tool to remove hooks Gulf reef fish with minimumdamage. Both recreationaland commercial fishermen need them or adescending deviceriggedand readytouse whenfishing for reef fish.

Because Louisianaovercaughtits allotment in 2024, this year it will have an 894,955-pound catch limit, down from 934,587 pounds

in 2024.

The idea behind opening theseason May 1—itwas April 15 last year —isto have some remaining allotment left for the Labor Day weekend.

What’s up

Veterans Open bass tournament organizers have moved off aMay 3date to sometime in July

Becausethey’re happening on thesame weekend, Swollfest and the Catholic High Alumni Fishing Rodeo aretrying to get anglersto enter both.

Swollfesttakes in June 4-7 at GrandIsleMarinawhile

Catholic High’srodeo runs June 5-7 from Fourchon Marina. Stay tuned for updates.

Anotable event

TheBaton Rouge Symphony is holding its annual Sporting Claysfundraiser Saturday at the Bridgeview Gun Club in BatonRouge. This unusualmarriageis amajor contributor to the symphony’seffort to keep classical musicinour Capital City

The entry fee getsshooters breakfast and lunch, but you’ll need to bring eye andear protection and your shotshells.

CALENDAR

Preregistration requested. Website: wlf.louisiana.gov/ page/boater-education (tab “FindACourse Near You”).

HUNTING SEASONS

TURKEY: Area A: through May 4; Area B: through April 27; Area C: through April 20. SQUIRRELS: Statewide,May 3-25, privatelandsonly.

AROUND THECORNER

APRIL 27—SOUTH LOUISIANA HIGHPOWERCLUBMATCH: 8:30 a.m., Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Range,St. Landry Road, Gonzales.CMP GSSM, NRA match rifle or service rifle, 200-yard/50-rounds match course &Prone matches. Fee$15 members, $20 nonmembers,$5juniors. $25 annual club (first match free) &Civilian Marksmanship Program membership (allows purchases from CMP). Call (337) 380-8120. Email Mike Burke: SouthLaHighPower@ hotmail.com

APRIL 28—RED STICK FLY FISHERS FLYTYING: 7p.m., Orvis Shop,7601 Bluebonnet Blvd. Open to public.Handson clinic coveringbasics of ﬂy tying. Materials andtools provided. Website:rsff.org

APRIL 30-MAY1—BASSMASTER COLLEGE SERIES/LUNKERS TRAIL: Buggs Island, Mecklenburg County, North Carolina. Website:bassmas-

ter.com.

MAY1—LA. WILDLIFE &FISHERIES COMMISSION MEETING: 9:30 a.m.,Joe Herring Room, state Wildlife and Fisheries headquarters, Quail Drive, Baton Rouge. MAY1-3—MLF TOYOTABASS SERIES/SOUTHWESTERN DIVISION: LakeEufaula Eufaula, Oklahoma. Website: MajorLeagueFishing.com

MAY1-4—MLF BASS PRO TOUR: LakeChickamauga/ Nickajack Lake, Chattanooga, Tennessee. Website: MajorLeagueFishing.com

MAY2-3–FFI GULF COAST CLASSIC: 9a.m.-5 p.m. daily, Gulf State Park Learning Campus, Gulf Shores, Alabama. Fees $10-$15. Seminars, casting clinics, ﬂy tying. Fly Fishing Film Festival May3 Hosted by Gulf Coast Council of FlyFishersInternational event. Website: fﬁgulfcoastclassic.com

MAY2-4—LA. HIGH SCHOOL/ JUNIOR BASSMASTER STATE CHAMPIONSHIP: Ouachita River, Monroe. Call Tommy Abbott (504) 722-6638. Website: louisianahighschoolbassnation.com

MAY3—FLYFISHING 101: 9-11

a. m.,OrvisShop, Bluebonnet Boulevard,Baton Rouge. Fee free. Basics of casting,rigging,ﬂyselection. Equipment furnished. All ages, adults to accompany15-and-younger.

This four-shooter team competition brings some of thetop shotgunners in our area andthe prizes forin team, top man and top woman divisions with opportunities to improvescores at a bonus station. There’sa“supermulligan” to replacing your worst score. Website registration is suggested:brso.org to the “Sporting Clay Shoot” pulldown or call (225) 383-0500, Ext. 107.

Abig thankyou Hunters for the Hungry is taking time to thank our state’shunters for donating morethan52,000 pounds of venison and hogs to processing centers, whichturned the donated proteintofood banks andsoupkitchens across thestate.Itmeant slightly more than 200,000 meals for theneedy Tears

Donald Braud,adear friendto many and an extraordinary bass ﬁshermen, died earlier this month

Losing adad, abrother and agood friend is painful enough,but losinga kindhearted, always friendly man makes it tougher Condolences to his family andfriends. Braud will be missed, mightily missed.

Preregistration required. Call Shop(225) 757-7286.Website: orvis.com/batonrouge

FISHING/SHRIMPING

SHRIMP: Inshore season closed except in Breton/ Chandeleur sounds &all outside waters open.

CLOSED SEASONS: Greater amberjack, redsnapper (private recreational season opensMay 1);gag, goliath &Nassau groupers in state/ federal waters.

OPEN RECREATIONAL SEA-

SONS: Gray triggerfsh,ﬂounder; lane, blackﬁn, queen and silk snappers &wenchmen among other snapper species; all groupers except closed for goliath &Nassau groupers in state/federal waters.

LDWF UPDATES

CLOSED: Pearl River WMA (Old U.S. 11 gate &shooting range; flooding); Hope Canal Road/boat launch (MaurepasSwamp WMA, levee construction); Blackhawk Boat Landing,Annie’sLake, Lincecum, Union Point,Dobbs Bay&Routen Camproads and the Warren Trailhead (RichardYancey WMA, flooding,culvert failure);Grassy LakeWMA all roads &trails (flooding).

EMAIL: jmacaluso@theadvocate.com

“Only one bogey forthe first three days, so that’salways really good,” Coughlin said. “Made somereally good parsaves outthere today and kind of in the middle of the round when I didn’t, kind of lost it there for alittle while, but was able to steady it and keep it going there at the end.” The 32-year-old player from Virginia wonthe CPKC Women’sOpenand Women’sScottish Open last year for her first LPGA Tour victories. Lindblad had four backnine birdies. The 25-yearold former LSU star from Swedenisinher first season on the tour Ina Yoon,another LPGA Tour rookie, wasfourth at 15 under after a64. Korda shot a67toget to 14 under. She hadaneagle —hitting inside 2feet on the par-5 16th —and four birdies in aback-nine charge muted by twobogeys —the last on 18 when she misseda11/2-foot par try

“I want to just win the tournament,” the six-time JLPGATour winnersaid. “I want to win at least one tournament this year.” Twin sister Chisato Iwai wastied for 12th at 11 under after a70. The sisters earned LPGA Tour cards last year at the qualifying tournament, withChisato finishing second and Akie tying forfifth. Akie didn’tthink it wasan advantage or disadvantage playing with her sister “Nochange mind becausejustanother player, opponent,” she said. With thetemperature in the mid-70s after barely getting into the 60s the previous two days, Coughlin birdiedthe first three holes and four of the first five. She parred the next 10 holes, then birdied two of the last three.

“Obviously,alittle upsetwithmylastputt on the last hole,” Korda said. “That’sjust really unfortunate. Other than that, Ihit some really solid shots. Made some good putts, too, but unfortunately did not make the last one. It stinks!” Minjee Lee, the 2021 winner at Wilshire Country Club, also was 14 under along with Rio Takeda. Lee shot 70, and Takeda had a 64. Second-ranked Jeeno Thitikul hada 68 to topthe group at 13 under Two-time defending champion Hannah Green was 11 under after a69. Buhai, tied forthe lead after each of the ﬁrst two rounds, had a77todrop into atie for 39th at 8under Thetournamentisthe final event of the tour’s West Coast swing. It is beingplayedatElCaballero because of renovations at Wilshire,withplans to return to Wilshire next season.

Crews hits twoHRs; Nats holdoff Rockies

ByThe Associated Press

DENVER— JordanBeck

took acalled third strike from Kyle Finnegan to end the gamewith arunneron third, and the Washington Nationals heldontobeat the Colorado Rockies 12-11 Saturday afternearlywasting a10-run lead. Former LSU star Dylan Crews homered twice, hadthreehitsand four runs; James Wood had fourRBIs,three hits and ahome run; and Josh Bell homeredasWashington built a12-2 seventh-inning lead. Allfour home runs wereoff Chase Dollander Colorado has lost seven straight, dropping to abig league-worst 3-16. The Rockiesclosedwith an eight-run seventh capped by Beck’s three-runtriple

off Jose A. Ferrer Finnegan walked Hunter Goodman starting the ninth and gave up atwoout RBI triple to Mickey Moniak, who had four RBIs. Beck took a1-2 fastball on thelow,outside corner,giving Finnegan his seventh save in seven chances Washington’sMacKenzie Gore (2-2) tied his career high with 13 strikeouts, allowing tworuns andfour hits in six innings. Dollander (1-2) allowed nine runs —six earned and nine hits in four innings, Crews made adiving head-ﬁrst catch on Sean Bouchard forthe ﬁrst out of the eighth. The Nationals, whose 12 runs were aseason high, averaged 2.8 runs per game during a1-5 slide before arriving in Denver

Local ﬂavor dominates Crescent City Classic

BY SPENCER URQUHART

Staff writer

The 47th Crescent City Classic saw the New Orleans area represented well as both the top male and female ﬁnishers are tied to the race’s host city

With 18,000 participants announced as running or walking the 6.2-mile course consisting of famous New Orleans streets, Saturday’s Crescent City Classic saw New Orleans residents Evan Pardo and Kir Selert take home ﬁrstplace awards.

Pardo is a 22-year-old Slidell native who’s currently a senior at UNO as a member of the track and field team. He broke through with a time of 31 minutes, nine seconds to cross the finish line first.

“(First place) feels amazing,” Prado said. “I’ve been training so hard for this. I just had to put it together the last 2 miles and believe in my training. I’ve always loved running this (Crescent City Classic).”

The 37-year-old Selert is from New Jersey but has lived in New Orleans for nine years. She was the Crescent City Classic’s top woman for the second time in three years with a time of 36:07

“I feel at home here (in New Orleans),” Selert said. “Part of falling in love with New Orleans is falling in love with everything there is to see. That’s why the (Crescent City) Classic is great.”

Pardo’s first-place time was 26 seconds ahead of second-place ﬁnisher Bryant White. Pardo credited his dad and UNO track coaches for his success as a runner

“My dad used to run back in college for Louisiana Tech, so I just followed his footsteps,” Pardo said. “I was a little kid and ran a 7-ﬂat mile, so I knew I had the potential. I have a good coach (at UNO). My training has been going well.” White, a Westwego native, ﬁnished with a time of 31:33. In third place was Evangeline native Jarrett LeBlanc at 31:41, followed by

Slidell’s Hunter Appleton at 31:58 and Birmingham, Alabama, resident Caleb Van Geffen at 32:00. Selert credited her City Park neighbors for helping her achieve a time that was more than one minute faster than second-place female ﬁnisher Mikayla Tinkman.

“My neighbors (and I) run at City Park every day,” Selert said.

“I didn’t really care about my time, but I really did want to run well for my neighborhood and the people I see every morning who say hi to me. I’m trying to do it for something larger (than myself).” Tinkman, from Canada, ﬁnished with a time of 37:09. Tiel Westbrook of Richmond, Virginia, ﬁnished third among women at 38:06 followed by New Orleans’ Michelle Parks at 38:21 and Thibodaux’s Stefanie Slekis at 38:50.

Costume contest

The Crescent City Classic’s Easter weekend date encourages runners to get dressed up, and there was a costume contest held after the race.

A group dressed up as “Wizard of Oz” characters was one of four ﬁnalists and won the ﬁrst-place prize decided by the Racefest audience.

“It was really fun,” said Darien Hunter, who was dressed as a witch. “It was a lot running with the cape and makeup and all that kind of stuff, but it was worth it in the end.”

The other finalists included a group of bees, a famous wrestling duo and a person dressed as the famous New Orleans dog Scrim.

Email Spencer Urquhart at surquhart@theadvocate.com.

the third round of the RBC Heritage tournament on Saturday

Kim leads by 1 at Hilton Head

BY DOUG FERGUSON AP golf writer

HILTON HEAD ISLAND, S.C. — The vibe at Hilton Head Island is all about ease and relaxation. It felt like anything but that to Justin Thomas on Saturday in the RBC Heritage. His two-shot lead was gone in two holes partly because he of a one-shot penalty on the par-5 second hole when he informed the rules official his golf ball might have moved a little more than a dimple (it did).

His worst swing of the day on the 11th hole put him in shallow water inside a red hazard line. He tried to play the shot and barely moved it 15 yards, but not before the mud and muck splashed into his face and led his caddie to tell him he smelled like a wet dog (he did).

“That didn’t seem worth it,” Thomas said, loud enough for the gallery to hear and to laugh. Thomas at least ended the day on a high note, rolling in a 15-foot birdie putt on the 18th to make up

ground on Si Woo Kim, who played bogey-free until the ﬁnal hole at Harbour Town.

By then, Kim had done enough to still post a 5-under 66 and take a one-shot lead over Thomas (69) and Andrew Novak (66).

“When you win golf tournaments, you need to salvage underpar rounds when you don’t have your best stuff,” Thomas said. “I just fought and tried to stay patient and then was able to salvage a score to where I’m right there tomorrow.”

Kim didn’t exactly have that peaceful feeling when he headed to the ﬁrst tee two behind Thomas and without a win in two years.

“It’s been a while to play in the ﬁnal group, so it feels weird.

Then a little bit of maybe pressure,” Kim said. “Not the pressure, a little bit like feel weird at the start.”

He started birdie-birdie to catch Thomas. He took the lead when Thomas had his mud-ﬁlled adventures on the 11th and made bogey

Kim stretched the lead to as many as three shots until it suddenly got tight again. Novak birdied the par-3 17th to complete his bogey-free round. And there was a two-shot swing from the final group when Kim came up short of the 18th green and just into the hazard, from here we chopped out of mangled grass and missed the par putt.

“I played great — only missed the last hole, so that’s not a big deal,” Kim said. “So I play pretty much 35 holes really decent. So I’m not going to worry about the last hole for tomorrow I’m in good position. I’ve been playing good.”

And Thomas made his birdie.

“It was huge,” he said “I played really well today, really solid. Just didn’t have much to show The course is getting very difficult, very ﬁrm and fast Yeah, it was nice to see an iron shot get up there pin-high and roll that putt in there. It’s nice to ﬁnish off like that and ride that momentum into tomorrow.”

RABALAIS

Continued from page 1C

unless we can pull some people out of the transfer portal,” Clark said.

That remains to be seen, but from the perspective of where the Tigers ended 2025, they will have a great 1-2 punch to build around in Kailin Chio and Konnor McClain.

Chio had a dazzling freshman season, earning seven AllAmerica honors en route to being named SEC Freshman of the Year a year capped by a 9.975 to win the NCAA vault championship Thursday It’s the same event Bryant won as a freshman in 2021.

Expectations for Chio and comparisons to Bryant will be immense, but at this point she appears poised to lead LSU into a new era as a sophomore.

McClain should be right there as well. Her sophomore season was hampered by an Achilles tendon tear she suffered in May during ﬂoor warmups in a preOlympic meet. But as a junior, the former U.S. nationals allaround champion may well possess more talent than any other LSU gymnast. She simply needs to get all the way back to being a consistent all-arounder something McClain was never able to do in 2025.

Freshman Lexi Zeiss also became a major contributor for LSU, a regular on vault and bars. And don’t forget 2024 SEC bars champion Ashley Cowan, who will be a senior next year LSU gymnastics fans hardly got a glimpse of two talented freshmen in 2025: Kaliya Lincoln and Zoe Miller Miller didn’t compete at all this season because of a shoulder issue. Lincoln, an alternate for the 2024 U.S. Olympic team, performed on vault and some on floor through the first half of the campaign, but she was shut down after LSU’s win March 7 over Georgia and earlier this month underwent shoulder surgery She is an exceptional and explosive gymnast who could join Chio and McClain as huge contributors for the Tigers. “She should be fine” for the start of the 2026 season, Clark said of Lincoln. “Zoe’s got a shoulder on the other side that we’re hoping we can just strengthen and not have to do surgery on.”

In addition to whoever LSU might attract in the transfer portal, the Tigers will welcome three talented freshmen: Nina

OKLAHOMA WINS 7TH

GYM NATIONAL TITLE

FORT WORTH,Texas Audrey Davis posted a 9.9250 on the uneven bars in the final rotation on Saturday, and Jordan Bowers followed with a 9.8875 to help the Oklahoma Sooners win their seventh NCAA women’s gymnastics championship. Oklahoma finished with 198.0125 in their 11th trip to the finals in the last 12 seasons. UCLA — with eight national titles — placed second with 197.6125. Missouri (197.2500) was third and Utah (197.2375) fourth.The Tigers’ previous best finish was fifth in 2022.The Utes — with 49 straight championship appearances — lead with nine titles but none since 1995. Six of Oklahoma’s championships have come since 2016 under coach K.J Kindler, who took over the reins in 2006.

Associated Press

LSU gymnast Kailin Chio holds the individual championship trophy following her win on vault during the NCAA semifinals on Thursday at Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, Texas. Chio scored a 9.975 in the event.

Ballou, Haley Mustari and Elyse Wenner Both Ballou and Mustari have qualiﬁed for DP Nationals (formerly JO nationals) next month. Wenner is coming off of a concussion she suffered in December and has not competed this season.

“My expectation is that we’ll be right in the thick of it again,” Clark said.

The goal will be to keep the bus idling until after LSU can capture another NCAA title come next April.

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

STAFF PHOTO By MICHAEL JOHNSON

STAFF PHOTO By SCOTT THRELKELD

Evan Pardo of New Orleans wins the 47th Crescent City Classic on Saturday.

STAFF PHOTO By SCOTT THRELKELD

Kir Selert of New Orleans finishes first among women during the 47th Crescent City Classic on Saturday.

STAFF PHOTO By SOPHIA GERMER

Remarkulous Davis warms up before taking off in the first group of the Crescent City Classic on Saturday.

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By MIKE STEWART

Si Woo Kim putts on the 18th green during

in Hilton Head Island, S.C.

Salary-cap expert talksCarrinjuryfallout

BY MATTHEW PARAS Staff writer

The New Orleans Saintsare in a bind with Derek Carr

If the quarterback trulycan’t play next season because of his shoulder injury,did the Saints know about the ailment when they chose to restructure hiscontract? And if they didn’t, wouldthathave affected their decision?

Those are among the many questions still unanswered as the Saints’ drama with Carr continues to unfold.

Where do the two sidesgofrom here?

From acap perspective, as long as Carr is on the roster,nothing will change. But if the Saints want to move on —whether through trade or cutting him —there are salary-cap ramifications to each move. To break them down,the Times-Picayune talked with NFL agent and salary-cap expertJ.I. Halsell about what’spossibly next for the two sides.

When canSaintsmoveon?

The most likely scenario is in 2026.Because Carr’s contract is already guaranteed for this year —his restructure did not change the fact that he’sset to make $40 million in 2025, even though it lowered his cap ﬁgure to $20.4 million —the Saints would incur hefty charges if they wanted to move on beforenext season.

Releasing Carr before June 1, for instance, would leave $80.1 million on the books, because it includes the remaining money converted into asigning bonus because of various restructures. For instance, in March, the Saints converted more than $28 millionofCarr’s$30 million salary into asigning bonus and spread that bonus over several years. When aplayer is released, the remaining chargesare accelerated to one year

“You areobviously not going to cut him before June1,” Hal-

DUNCAN

Continued from page1C

of recent high picks —Isaiah Foskey (2023), Trevor Penning (2022), Payton Turner (2021) and MarcusDavenport (2018)

The ﬁndings from our study produced support for bothsides. While the overall results were more positive than negative, with the Saints boasting ahigh hit rate in the draft’searly rounds, the team has struggled recently to replicate the success it enjoyed in 2016 and 2017.

“New Orleans had that (2017) draft, and that setsyou up,but it’s so hard to maintain it,” said Daniel Jeremiah, adraft analyst at the NFL Network. “That’snatural that you are going to have some ups and downs.” For the analysis, we usedPro FootballReference’sApproximate Value to gauge adraft pick’svalue. TheAVmetric assigns anumeric value to players each seasonbased on their playing time, statistical production and honors earned For context, an above-average season for an NFL starterwould be an 8-11 AV.APro Bowl-caliber season would be anythingfrom 12 to 20. An average NFL starter would earn a5-7. Anything below that would be abackuporreplacement-level player

Adeﬁnitive answer is difﬁcult to attain. The player procurement process always has been more art than science, and there’snoNFL draft scoreboard to determine winners and losers. As such,the results are highly subjective.

“There arehugeerror bars around (NFL draft success), largely because there are so many different factors that go into it, from coaching to injuries to luck,” said Matt Manocherian, aformer NFL scout and theCEO of Sports Info Solutions, asports analytics company.“There are deﬁnitely such things as good evaluators and staffs, butina given year that may or may not show up in the overallresults.”

Alook at our ﬁndings:

Top-endquality

The Saints rank second behind the Kansas City Chiefs in the overall quality of their draft production, withanaverage AV of 15.5 per selection, trailingonly Kansas City’s 16.3. The Saints have drafted four All-Pro players in that span: Zack Baun,Ryan Ramczyk, Trey Hendrickson and Michael Thomas. That total is surpassedbyonly the Cowboyswith ﬁve, and Chiefs, 49ersand Ravens with six each.

Lack of opportunity

The Saints’ strong performance

sell said If the Saints wanted to cut Carr after June 1, they could manage that $80 millionbyspreading out the charges over 2025 and 2026. Halsellsaid Carr’scap figure would remain $20.4 million in 2025, thenthe Saints would have $60 million in deadmoney in 2026 as aresult of Carr’scontract.

Thatmakes 2026 more realistic, Halsell said.And then, he thinks theSaintswilluse apost-June 1 designation on Carr rather than absorb his dead hitofnearly $59.7 millionatonce. Doingsowould leave $19.2 milliononthe Saints’ books in 2026 andthe remaining $40.5 million in 2027. Whende-

claring apost-June 1cut,however, teams must carrythe entire cap hitonthe books until that date, so theSaints would be stuck with Carr’s$69.2 million cap hit until June 2, 2026.

“Theydothis withalot of their contracts. It really is structured for themtomove on from him with the post-June 1designation next year,” Halsell said, later adding, “My sense is they’ve always plannedtohavethat$40 million dead money number in 2027.

“That’swhy Isay fromacap management, contract managementstandpoint,itsucks that he’s hurtand you guaranteed him $40 million this year,but any other op-

tion besides going through with what (the Saints) hadplanned on froma cap management standpoint,puts(them) in anegative situation.”

What if atrade presents itself?

If Carr’sshoulder can heal in time for theregular season, and if he wantsout of NewOrleans, the music almost hasstoppedplaying andthe quarterback could be without adancepartner

TheCleveland Browns have added Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickettthis offseason. The Giants signedRussell Wilson and Jameis Winston. The Las Vegas Raiders traded for Geno Smith, andthe Seattle Seahawks

theﬁrstround

hascome without the beneﬁt of premium picks. They,along with theGreen Bay Packers, are one of two teams without atop-10 pick in the last decade. By comparison, NFC South division rivals Atlanta andCarolinahavehad ﬁve top10 picksapiece in that time. The New York Giants have had the most with eight.

2017 sparkles

The Saints’ famed 2017 class remains the NFL’s best draft class of thedecade. The sevenmanclass was strong from top to bottom and produced stars Hendrickson, Ramczyk, Alvin Kamara and Marshon Lattimore, althoughHendricksonearned his ProBowl andAll-Pro honors with the CincinnatiBengals.

“You get three starters in a draft and acouple of other contributors, that’sa really good draft,” Jeremiah said. “You get fourstarters, that’s outstanding. Three (starters) would be the benchmark.”

Qualityoverquantity

The Saints believe strongly in the evaluation skills of Ireland and his scoutingstaff. The club’s conﬁdence in acquiring players whom Ireland has identiﬁed as “Saints guys” has shaped itsentire draft philosophy andled to a quality-over-quantity approach. Since2015, the Saints have made thefewest draft selections (62) in the NFL.Bycomparison,

thePackers have madeanNFLhigh 97 selections in the same span. The Saints’ strategyoftargeting players they have graded highly and positioning themselves to takethem,often via trade, has helped produce thelow number The club’shistorically aggressive approach tofreeagency also contributes to its low draft pick total. Compensatory draft picks are awarded to clubs that suffer anet loss of free agents during theprior year’sfree agency period. Since thesystem began in

1994, the Saints have received the fewest number of compensatory picks awarded by the league.

Sweetspot

This quality-over-quantity draft strategy gives the Saints fewer bites at theapple but also tends to yield ahigher hit rate, especially on the draft’sﬁrst two days. Of the 31 playersselected by the Saints in Rounds 1-3, 21 developed into multiyear starters and ﬁveothers —Penning, Taliese Fuaga, KoolAid McKinstry,Baun and Bryan

signedSam Darnold.The Pittsburgh Steelersappear to be waiting for Aaron Rodgers, whosaid Thursday he’sstill undecided on whethertoretire or keep playing.

So, whowould trade forCarr?

Then, there’salso the injury factor “Without knowing the severity of hisshoulder injury —but if it’s one that he couldmissasigniﬁcant amount of theseason, if not the entire season —Idon’tthink anyone’ssigning up to trade for that contract,” Halsell said.

Any team that would want Carr nextseason wouldbeonthe hook for the league minimum $1.2 million salary,but the final year of Carr’scontract in 2026 holds a$40 million base salary and a$10 millionrosterbonus. Those arenonguaranteed, however,soateam can get out of it.

Halsell said the Saints also would have to wait until after June 1to trade him.Doing so before that date would accelerate almost $79 million worth of cap chargesonto their books, whereas trading him after wouldleave $19.2million in 2026 and then almost $59.7 million the next year

The Saints’ other options include seeking arbitration if NewOrleans questions thevalidityofCarr’s shoulderinjurybyﬁling agrievance, Halsell said. If Carr were to unexpectedly retire, that’streated similar to arelease in whichhis dead money would accelerate into one year.(Though the Saints could also perhaps seek to get some of his bonus money back if he were to retire early.)

For now,the Saintsand Carr appear to be in aholding pattern. “From apure cap management standpoint, Idon’tthink it changes muchofwhat they were going to do with his contract and managing his cap number this year and next year,” Halsell said. “From apractical standpoint, yeah, it sucks because you’ve guaranteed him $40 million in cash this year.”

Bresee —are projected to join them after the 2025 season.

To use abaseball analogy,the Saints hit alot of doubles in Rounds 2-3 of the draft. Players such as Vonn Bell, Marcus Williams, Alex Anzalone, Pete Werner,Paulson Adebo, Adam Trautman and Alontae Taylor developed into solid, multiyear starters. They’re not stars, but they’re also not misses.

“(Rounds 2-3 are) the best bang foryour buck because the cost is signiﬁcantly less (than Round 1), and Idon’tknow that the odds are that much worse in termsof ﬁnding guys that can start for you and can have an impact,” Jeremiah said.

In aslump?

The Saints have not been nearly as successful in recent drafts. Each of the club’slast ﬁvedraft classes has ranked near the bottom of the league in collective Approximate Value. Those drafts also have lacked star power, producing just twoPro Bowlers —Baun in 2024 and Erik McCoy in 2019. Baun, of course, earned his invitation after leaving New Orleans forPhiladelphia.

“The Saints had an all-time great draftin2017, but it’squite common to see teamsfollow great drafts with bad ones and vice versa,” Manocherian said. “You could certainly say ateam has been hot or in aslumpbyplaying the results, but when this happens, it doesn’tmean that they are somehow all suddenly worse at their jobs.”

The Saints have selected just nine starters in the seven drafts since the heralded 2017 haul. Five other draftees —Adebo, Baun, Trautman, Kaden Elliss and C.J. Gardner-Johnson —have moved on via trade or free agency and are starting forother teams.

“Wealways used to look at guys that were still in the league, where maybe they (draftees) weren’table to stick on your roster,but you evaluated the talent correctly that those guys have madeitonother teamsand they found away to survive in the NFLfor awhile,” Jeremiah said. “That’susually apretty good sign that you’re doing the right process and doing it the right way.” Jeremiah added one morepoint that might be overlooked when it comes to the Saints’ draftfortunes: The absence of star quarterback Drew Brees has made everything moredifﬁcult.

“When you have the elite, elite, elite Hall of Fame quarterback, it makes alot of those (draft) picks play above their level, as well,” Jeremiah said. “(The Saints) have been navigating waters without that the last couple of years.”

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTOByTyLER KAUFMAN

NewOrleans Saints quarterback Derek Carrthrows the ball during agameagainst the Carolina Panthers on Sept. 8inNew Orleans.

RANDOM

Adog,a neighborhood, andthe promise of Easter DannyHeitman AT

New natural gas lines are coming to my old Louisiana neighborhood, and the advance teams have been busy this spring as they sortout where everything should go. Survey crews combed the streets last month, placing tiny ﬂags in our yards to mark out water lines and other utilities so theycan be avoided when the digging starts. Meanwhile, we homeowners have had our own knotsto untie.

All of us are doing our best to cut the first grass of the season while dodging those little stakes that dot our lawns. I’ve been struck by how quickly our eyes adjust to acceptnew parts of our daily landscape. Those miniature flags, bright orange, green, and yellow,now seem as much afixture to me as the azaleas withtheir April blooms or the Japanesemagnolia’spurple petals, cupped like votive candlesasthey bask in the sun.

All this digging in my small corner of the city has nudged me to think of my neighborhood’stwin lives —the one I see above ground each day, in the winding sidewalks andgiantoaks, andthe quietworld that trembles below,among the clay and the worms and the tiny bulbs and seeds doing their secretwork.

Inevitably,this brings my thoughts to Foster,our faithful terrier,gone some years now but seldom far from mind. If you’ve ever had aterrier, then you’ll know that they embrace this double view of life above and below the ground all the time.

Like most other terriers, Foster loved to burrow —so much so that he’d wiggle deep beneath the blankets once he’d talked himself into our children’sbeds.

Foster’szeal for excavation made my walks with him an adventure.

We’d be strolling along the pavement, taking in the birdsong and sunshine, when his nostrils would flare and his body would tense, like afishing line tightenedbyacaptive perch. Then the furious diggingwould begin, thedirt and grass flying as he threw clods of earth from his tiny paws. Iassumed he’d sniffed out a mole and was on the hunt. What worried me, though, was the matter that he was vandalizing aneighbor’slawn. I’d tug on the leash and urge him along, but it was ahard slog for me and that fierce little mutt. He was a predator entranced by his prey, not easily budged from his vivid dreams of conquest.

Inow walk alone these days as Ipad along familiar blocks —aritual that has moved me, as Easter arrives,todwell on an abiding miracle. The wonders of the season —the greening dogwood and trailing jasmine, the salamanders sunning on my front porch —have risen from the cold, black soil beneath our feet.

It’sbeen asolace in this anxious year to think thatlife ﬁnds away to push throughthe darkness.

CORRECTION: Last week’scolumn included the wrong name for the magazine that Graydon Carter edited during the later yearsofhis career.He’smost famous for editing Vanity Fair Email Danny Heitman at danny@dannyheitman.com

Old and young

Knocking on Eastermorn

BY ROBIN MILLER Staff writer

The key to successful egg pockingisboiling eggs point-side-down.

“You turn themupside down, like this,” Sharon Juneau said, removing adyedegg from abasket. “It makes theegg harder on that end.” Why? Becausethe egg’ssubstance gravitates to the pointed end, where thepocking happens. Or knocking, as theycall it in Marksville, whichhappens to be the“EggKnockingCapitalofthe World.”

Legislativeproclamation

That’snot aself-proclaimed title —the LouisianaLegislature ofﬁcially awarded themonikerto Avoyelles Parishin2011, naming it for Marksville’sannual egg knocking competition on Easter Sunday But even withits status as parish seat, Marksville can’ttake sole credit forthishonor. Theegg pocking, or egg-pacqueing, actually begins withCottonport’sPockin’ on the Bayou celebration on the Saturday before Easter

“Pâcques is theFrench translation for Easter,” said Juneau, whose latehusband, Carl “Pappy” Juneau organized the annual festival. “Our celebration happens on the Saturday before Easter,and it all startedinthe 1950s withCarl

ROBIN MILLER

STAFFPHOTO By

Marksville residents Brent Scallan and Linda Adams demonstrate the correct wayofegg knocking in the Avoyelles Parish Tourism Commission office in Mansura. Adams’ late husband, EarlAdams,was an organizer of the annual Marksville competition.

and his friends.”

Startedinalocal store

Carl Juneau didn’ttake credit for the tradition in a2017 interview with TheAdvocate,but hiswife is right —Cottonport’sannual egg pocking competition wouldn’thave

evolvedifhe, Jack Jeansonne,Leland Gautierand Jack Royhadn’t metupfor beers at T-Jim’s Grocery and Market. It wasthe 1950s. World WarII had ended afew years earlier,and

What arethe originsofthe Easter Rock

Hattie Addison Burkhalter carries thebanner during theEaster Rockat Original True Light Baptist Church in Winnsboro in 2017.

BYROBIN

Staff writer

No oneknows exactly when the Easter Rock ceremony

PROVIDED PHOTOByTHE WARD 1COMMUNITy FOUNDATION

aliketurnout for the Easter on the Red River celebration in Effie, where the egg-knocking contest annually attracts more than 700 contestants.

MILLER

COMMUNITY

Kiwanis Club

The Division 8E and 8W Past District Officersofthe Louisiana-Mississippi-W. Tennessee District of KiwanisInternational met at DrusillaSeafood Restaurant on April2.Shown are, from left,seated, Past Governor BruceHammatt, Past Lt.Gov.Donna Leggett, Past Executive Director CharlieFord,Past Lt.Gov.PhilDeVincenti, Past Lt.Gov.Morris Welch; standing,Past Lt. Gov. Chuck Morgan, PDOPresident Bob Blanchard, 8E Lt. Gov. MatthewRobinson, Past Lt.Gov.GaryLaBauveand 8W Lt.Gov.CherrylMatthews

Kiwanis leadersplan KeyClubcentennial

The Division 8E and 8W past district ofﬁcersofthe Louisiana-Mississippi-W.Tennessee District of Kiwanis International metApril 2atDrusilla Seafood Restaurant

Members discussed thehighlightsofthe recent Mid-Year Education Conference in Natchez, Mississippi. Plans for the LAMISSWTENN District 82nd annual Key Club Convention in Tupelo, Mississippi, were also discussed.

The convention will celebratethe 100th anniversary of Key Club International. The past district ofﬁcers will help promote the 2025 Club LeadershipEducationseries which will provideinteractive virtualsessions June 10-Aug.12for allclubboard membersand ofﬁcers.

Kiwanis Club of LSU board member Morris Welch promoted the LSU Kiwanis 37th annual CajunJambalaya Sale heldonApril 10 at LSU’sNelson Memorial Building. Ascension Kiwanis board member Donna Leggett announced its 4thannual Bowling Tournament on May 4atPremier LanesinGonzales.

BR postal workeraddresses nationalgroup

U.S. Postal Service employee Tameka Brown of Baton Rouge spoke during aNational Rural Letter Carriers’ Association panel at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C., on March 25.

The panel discussed possible privatization of the U.S. Postal Service, saying many Americans may not think the change would impact them on aday-to-day basis.

“They depend on us,” Brown said, adding that the Postal Service is more than just “carrying the mail and parcels…we’re aservice to them.”

“They’re scared,” Brown said, urging U.S. customers to be vigilant.

Rural Letter Carriers’ Association

TamekaBrown of Baton Rougeaddresses aNational Rural Letter Carriers’ Association panel at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C., lastmonth.

“Call your elected ofﬁcials, because we’re the lifelinefor [customers] …and we’retrying to ﬁght for the American people.”

Brown serves Denham Springs on her carrier routeand expressed concerns about the impact of the potential privatizationofthe U.S. PostalService on the customers she works with daily Don Maston, president of the National RuralLetter Carriers’ Association, was the main speaker at the meeting.

BatonRouge Navy Club

The Navy Club of BatonRouge, Ship661 USSKidd, held its monthly luncheon on Aprl8 at Piccadilly Restaurant on Sherwood Forest Boulevard.Shown are, from left, Jack Laws, Bus Di Palma, JerryPugh, Billy Dean, TomHirscheyand Rick Munch.

Outstanding MatureGirlz Organization

On April 8, membersofthe Outstanding Mature GirlzOrganization, leadersand parents gathered to supportEast Baton RougeParish City Constable Terrica Williams.The organization combined both serviceand learningwith theirinteractive session called ‘Blooming With Knowledge&Growing With Hope,’inwhich the girls walkedawaywith valuable life skills to help them grow personally,and for community service, helpedto fill additional Easter baskets forConstableWilliams’annual Easter Egg Hunt. Shown are, from left, front row, McKenna Phillips, Elise Lee and RiyahJolla-Ross; back row, Sashika Baunchand, Anya Marchan, Ellen Lee, Emma Peavoy,Williams,Shannon Peavoy,Karleigh Keller and Sarah Holliday-James.

Broadmoor United WomenInFaith

Broadmoor United Women In Faithmembers hosted amission event on March22titled ‘March Mission Madness.’Shown are, fromleft, PamBarlow, Lenora

Susan

Ainsworth,

and Cynthia

Plaquemine Garden Club

Members of the PlaquemineGarden Club attended theirFounder’sDay Tour on April 8 that included the GreatRiver Road Museum and Houmas House Estate and Gardens in Darrow.Gathered are, from left, kneeling,Marla Bueche, Missy Bertrand,Jelina Ourso and Bernadine Legendre; standing,Donna Noel,Kathryn Campesi, Janet Bryant, Jeannine Dunn, Johnette Gourgues, LouAnna Canella, Lucky Songy, TrishRamirez, Jan Romero, Donna Carville, Linda Panepinto, PeggyAlonzo, Jennifer Markins, Diana Crowson, Kathleen Doyle and StaceyAllain.

COMMUNITY GUIDELINES

The Community column runs Sundays in the Living section and accepts submissions for news of events that have taken place withcivic, philanthropic, social and religious auxiliary organizations, as well as academic honors.

Submissions shouldbesentbynoon Monday to runinthe upcoming Sundaycolumn. If submitting digitally,weprefer JPG files300KB or larger

Identify those pictured by first and last names as viewed from lefttoright, rowbyrow.We prefer emailed Community column submissions to features@theadvocate.com.We also accept submissions by mail at P.O. Box 588, Baton RougeLA70821.Aphone number must be included.

Maybejustdon’t invite theloudmouthed bullies?

Dear Miss Manners: Should Iwarn particularly conservative guests thatanannual party they attended last year has growninsize and will include amore eclectic group of people?

My husband and Ihosted alast-minute holiday open house last year Many of theattendees were generally conservative, reﬂecting the nature of my immediate neighborhood. This year,weplanned the party well in advance, and it has doubled in size. It will include many new friends —including gay couples, ardent liberals anda trans woman.

Several of last year’sattendees are very conservative, and acouple of them can be loudmouthed bullies. They are not our close

friends. Should Iadvise them prior to attendance that the makeup of theparty will bedifferent this year,and that they maybeoffended bysome of theother guests? It feels “icky,”and my instinct is just to let it go andtrust people to be kind and tolerant.But I worry about friction. Gentle reader: Rather than testing everyone’skindness and tolerance too much —including your own tolerance for your neighbors —Miss Mannerswould like to focusonadifferent virtue: responsibility Agood host seekstomake her guests reasonably comfortable andwelcome. Your warning will accomplish that for no one, and therefore needs to be rethought At thevery least, Miss Manners wonders at your inviting people you believe will yell at your other guests Dear Miss Manners: Iwas taken out

to dinner in atown where Iwas giving atalk. My hostess parked her car using her latehusband’s disabilityparking tag, which was due to expire in afew months, and then put aservice vest on her dog so she could bring him into therestaurant. Icommented that Ididn’tknow her dog was aservice animal, and she said he wasn’t, but that the restaurant is not allowed toask for proof and that he was very well-behaved. (He was, indeed, and mostly slept under thetable as we ate.)

ButIhad afamily member with asevere physical disability and know how hard thestruggle was for these accommodations. For instance, someone who REALLY needed aspot closer tothe restaurant missed thechance to park there. Andno, aperson with a service animal should not have to prove it constantly,but theprac-

tice should be trustworthy Iwanted to say something expressing my disapproval, but Iwas aguest. Idid mention my family member,but Idon’tthink anything registered.

Gentlereader: Youdid register your disapproval —both by your question andyour demeanor and you know to avoid this person in future. And you did all this without being rude yourself Miss Manners rates that as a greater success than putting your host in achoke hold and forcing her to move the car,given that thedog disturbed no one and the parking tag was about to expire.

This may not be as satisfying as you had hoped, but when we, as a society, demandthat every injustice be met with Total War, the net result is worse, not better Dear Miss Manners: Iamcurious what the etiquette is at agathering when music is playing in a

friend’shome on the voice-controlled device. Is it OK foraguest to speak directly to the device to ask it to play asong?

Gentle reader: Many of us remain skeptical of manufacturers’ claims that if only we keep paying forupgrades, tomorrow’sdevices will be smarter than the dimmest cat. Until that does happen —and the household devices can make claim to being morethan objects —agood guest waits forthe host’spermission before touching, or talking to, the inanimate residents.

Sendquestions to Miss Manners at herwebsite, www missmanners.com; to her email, dearmissmanners@gmail.com; or through postal mailtoMiss Manners, Universal Uclick, 1130 Walnut St Kansas City,MO 64106.

PROVIDED PHOTO

Lockett, Sandy

Marsha Amighi,

Lyle, Christy Harelson, Marty Badon, Carol Wiltz, Ann Middleton

Swanson.

PROVIDED PHOTO

TRAVEL

Oxford,Miss. hascharm,literatureand an arts fest

BY JANRISHER Staff writer

Oxford, Mississippi, is as charming as the day is long with its picturesque square, gentle rolling hills, deep rootsin storytelling traditions, array of notable cuisine, abookstore that is hard to beat and, of course,the lovely Ole Miss campus steps away from downtown.

The 28th annual two-day Double Decker Arts Festival, set for April 25-26, is acelebration of spring in the South.Inrecent years, the arts and music festival has seen crowds and weather that make the weekend representativeofa postcard-worthy Southern town.

In short, the Double Decker weekend, which includesmore than 100 artists selected by a jury who sell their wares, avariety of musical performances and afun run make foraknockout of aweekend.

The festival got its name from the double-decker bus that the city brought from England in 1994 as asymbol of the city’s connection to the British university town that inspired the city’s name: Oxford, England.

In Mississippi, Oxford punches above its weight culturally Home to Nobel Prize-winning William Faulkner,his home Rowan Oaks is available totour, and some people pay homage to the lauded American writer by visiting his grave in St. Peter’s Cemetery and leaving abottle of whiskey

These days, Square Books downtown is acornerstone of the town’sliterary heritage —and a joy to peruse.

Established in 1979 by Richard and Lisa Howorth, the independent bookstore has grown into four shops: the main Square Books, Off SquareBooks, Square Books Jr.and Rare Square Books —all on and around the squarein downtown Oxford.

SquareBooks hosts author events weekly,including

TRAVEL TROUBLESHOOTER

By ChristopherElliott

frequent Square Books to pay homage to its well-earned place in the world of books.

The store’s creakywooden ﬂoorsand shelvesfull of Southernclassicsand notable authors make it aplace for avid and aspiring readerstoget comfortable andﬁnd something newtoread Oxford food scene

The food sceneruns the gamut. Trya dish fromJames-Beard winner JohnCurrence, chef, author, entrepreneur,and owner of four restaurants in Oxford (Bouré,Big BadBreakfast, City Grocery andSnackbar) or frequent aspotlike Taylor Grocery The ramshackle local legend on the outskirts of town is amust for down-home catfish in anorush setting. Saint Leo, a2017 JamesBeard Foundation“Best New Restaurant” semifinalist, serves a tasty arrayofwood-fired Italian options anda swanky cocktail menu.

There’s also newcomerGood Eats, which serves alunchtime burgernot to be missed.

Otherlocal favoritesinclude Bottletree Bakery,Ajax Diner andHandy Andy with its no-frills barbecueand burgers that hit the spot.

Accommodations

Hotelrooms can be hard to come by in Oxford on busy weekends, but options aregrowing. The Inn at Ole Miss, on the university campus, is a20-minute walk to downtown. The rooms arespaciousand well-kept —and the restaurant offers an indoor pub atmosphere or tables outside

The OliverHotel with Juliet balconiesand acozy library has old-schoolallure

Thacker Mountain Radio Show, aweekly live radio show featuring author readings andmusical performances. Big-time writers

Booking.comstill seekingpayment afterhotel room

Ibooked ahotel in Wroclaw, Poland, through Booking.com.

There arealso Holiday Inn Express &SuitesOxford and the Roundabout Oxford RV and WaterResort, whichhas RV sites andcottageswith kitchens and porches.

Email Jan Risheratjan.risher@ theadvocate.com.

Christopher Elliott

Icanceled my reservation well within thefree cancellation period. But then Idiscovered a chargeonmycard for the full amount of $742. Ireached out to Booking.com and arepresentative told me Iwould be refunded within 10 days That didn’thappen. Icalled back and this time, arepresentative told me to wait one month, since the property made thecharge and it is the hotel’sresponsibility to process the refund.

Ithen escalated this to the property.I sentmybank account details.Ahotel representativeinformed me it couldnot refund to an Indian account and that Booking.com would have to process it. After making close to 30 callstothe

hotel, Iescalated my case to Booking.com. But it just reiterated its policy: It can’tissue refunds, sincethat’sthe responsibility of the hotel.

Each time Italktocustomersupportthey spin adifferent story.They either saymy refund is being processed or thatthe merchant name is amismatch. Ialso discovered that the propertyhas negative reviews forsimilar transactions with other people, yet Booking.com took noaction. In one of my conversations, acustomer representativealsomentioned they were investigating the property,but that its hands were tied. Canyou help me getmymoney back? —AmanChawla, New Delhi

Youmade yourreservation through Booking.com, so the companyshould help you get a refund, no matter who charged your card. This is adisturbingly common

problem when you’re dealing with an online travel agency Since there’smore than one party involved —anonline agency, an airline or hotel, and often a thirdentity that buys roomsor ﬂightsinbulk —there are alot of ﬁnger-pointing opportunities. In my experience, companies rarely missa chance to do that, which is endlessly frustrating for customers like you. When you cancel ahotel room within the cancellation window, you should expect toget aprompt refund.

Butyour hotel had done this to other guests who canceled, and the property had negative reviews toprove it.Soplease, next time read the hotel reviews and consider booking areputable propertywith one of the major

hotel chains. I’m alittle dubious of the claim that aPolish hotel couldn’trefund your Indian account. It had no problem charging you the ﬁrst time, so what’sthe problem with refunding you quickly? Clearly,there wasabreakdown in communication between Booking.com and the hotel. I’mnot sure if that wasintentional on the part of the hotel or just aproblem of incompetence. It doesn’treally matter.Booking.com should have stood by your purchase andrefunded you as promised Youmight have been able to get this ﬁxed quickly by appealing to one of the customer service managers at Booking.com Ipublish the names, numbers and emails of the top Booking.

com managers on my consumer advocacy website, Elliott.org. Icontacted Booking.com on your behalf Arepresentative told me that the company is committed to “seamless travel experiences” for its customers. “Inthis case, our customer service team has identiﬁed that there wasadelay in processing the customer’srefund and has since escalated the full refund payout to the customer’s Booking.com wallet,” the representative said. Youreceived afull refund.

Christopher Elliott is the founder of Elliott Advocacy,anonproﬁt organization that helps consumers solve their problems. Email him at chris@elliott.org or get help by contacting him on his site.

PROVIDED

Waterside village withstood it all ... until Katrina

BY ROBERT MERRILL ROGERS Contributing writer

Not too very long ago, before the storm of a lifetime, there was a quaint section of town just beyond the levee, curiously known as Bucktown. It was a unique village within a city, the kind of neighborhood so characteristic of New Orleans. It was a veritable gumbo of vibrant people and places. Shrimp boats and oyster luggers lined the canal. The docks were strewn with all manner of fishing gear trawl nets and otter boards, crab traps, wooden crates and hampers, ropes and cables — all the fixtures of a fishing village. Ramshackle shanties built on stilts and clapboard houses with tin roofs fronted the thoroughfare. To one degree or another, these buildings had weathered all previous tropical storms and hurricanes. Like the timeliness of the people living and working there despite adversity they were still standing at least until Katrina.

One memorable restaurant and bar perched precariously out over the water was a great place

EGG

Continued from page 1D

life in Avoyelles Parish was just returning to normal. Easter was just around the corner, which triggered memories among the foursome

They talked about how much fun they once had knocking eggs. So they drove home, each returning to the market with a dozen boiled eggs and began the pocking game. Beers were bet, a crowd gathered and the store owner suggested they start a competition.

“So, our competition began in 1956,” Sharon Juneau said Celebrations grew

The celebration now includes children’s activities and food vendors as does the Easter on the Red River at the Ben Routh Recreational Center in Efﬁe in its 20th year, which also happens on the Saturday before Easter

The Efﬁe festival has an added element of Easter bonnet competitions for both men and women, along with an egg toss for all ages.

But it’s the egg knocking that takes center stage in the Saturday celebrations, culminating in the annual Marksville Egg Knocking on Easter morning, averaging 700 competitors.

“Our competition began in 1957,” Marksville Mayor Brent Lemoine said.

He sits at a conference table in the Avoyelles Parish Tourism Commission Ofﬁce in Mansura on the Friday before Palm Sunday. Joining him are Sharon Juneau; Cottonport resident and past Easter bonnet contest winner Elaine Juneau; Marksville resident and longtime egg knocker Brent Scallan; Linda Adams, whose late husband Earl organized the Marksville competition; and Marsha Wiley, chairwoman of the Efﬁe celebration

Beginnings in Marksville

Lemoine and Scallan trade stories across the table of how the Marksville competition actually began in local barrooms, names like Reno’s, J.C.’s and Bailey’s Nightclub, all located near the courthouse. The contests were so intense that egg knockers bet big

CURIOUS

Continued from page 1D

Festival in Natchitoches and the Smithsonian Folklife Festival in Washington, D.C. Its name refers to the rocking motion of a procession that takes place on the night before Easter, which once was practiced in northeast Louisiana Black churches from Lake Providence to Ferriday

“Today, the Easter Rock takes place only in the Original True Light Baptist Church in Winnsboro,” said folklorist Susan Roach, a retired professor of English at Louisiana Tech University “And it’s not a church per se. They have it in the church but True Light has no active congregation.” But it does have wooden ﬂoors.

Other area churches stopped hosting the procession after trading their wood-frame buildings for new structures with concrete ﬂoors.

“Wooden ﬂoors are important,” Roach said. “True Light’s congregation moved into another build-

to celebrate the everyday events of life, whether a special anniversary or just the close of a workday a place to enjoy just being alive. The boiled crabs, raw oysters and fried shrimp were outstanding, the Dixie beer was cold and refreshing, and the people were all “naturally Naw’lins.” It was a place where customers did not seem to mind the occasional smell of not-so-fresh shrimp hulls and crab shells emanat-

ing from the nearby dumpsters, or that sometimes a misguided cockroach would scurry along the peeling wallpaper There were always characters hanging out there at the bar, characters like Shake-‘n’-Bake. He blended in with the surroundings, slumped over the bar drinking a beer and smoking a cigarette. His rummy eyes roamed around the place, taking in the sights, looking for something. With his torn and

stained striped T-shirt, he looked like he had just gotten off a workboat. His wrinkled skin was the color of beef jerky, but what you remembered about ole Shake-‘n’Bake was that he had the shakes, I mean serious shakes. If he held his beer in one trembling hand, it was all he could do to bring the ever-present unﬁltered Lucky Strike to his lips. His eyes watered and he squinted as the cloud of smoke enveloped his face.

Many times, he would tell of when he had been impaled with the barb of a stingaree. He languished for days in pain and agony often lapsing into unconsciousness. When he ﬁnally recovered, he couldn’t stop shaking. Sometimes in his story, he would substitute the serrated bone of a catﬁsh, but the truth was plain and simple, he simply drank too much. As the old folks would call it, an old-fashioned case of the DTs.

The old brick walkway to the lake made for a romantic stroll on a moonlit night. Despite the unseemly reek of day-old seafood in the dumpsters, the trip was a vision of Steinbeck’s Cannery Row with dilapidated, ramshackle ﬁsh camps overgrown with all manner of vines and trees stunted

money on each round.

“It was serious business and my uncle would bet $50 and $100,” Lemoine said “Then we started competition on the courthouse square in 1957, and over 300 would attend each year.”

The rules are simple for all three Avoyelles competitions and have never changed. Basically, it boils down to who has the hardest egg pun intended. When two competitors agree to do battle, one person holds a hard-boiled egg, usually small, or pointed, end up, and the other taps it with the small end of his or her egg. The idea is for a competitor to crack the competition’s egg without breaking his own. And it’s at 9 a.m Easter morning at the end of sunrise Mass when competitors gather in Marksville’s courthouse square for the big Egg Knocking standoff.

A good egg

Meanwhile, back in the tourism conference room, Juneau still

ing, but the original True Light still has a wooden ﬂoor.”

Roach explained that the wooden ﬂoor is essential to capturing the sound that comes from the procession.

“They do this shufﬂe step on the wooden ﬂoor, and when that many people are doing that, it starts to sound like a drumbeat,” she said. “If you listen to a recording of the Easter Rock, you can hear that. It’s an essential part of it. It provides a beat for the music, because there are no instruments during the ceremony.”

Roach has written extensively on this subject. She even helps participants prepare True Light’s building (circa 1900) for the ceremony People from throughout the state attend the ceremony

The procession, which symbolizes the anticipation of Christ’s resurrection on Easter morning, begins between 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Holy Saturday There was a time when the procession lasted until the next day’s sunrise service, but now it ends well before midnight.

“The term ‘rock’ itself — the name for both the ritual and the movement in the ritual — has also

holds the egg she removed from her basket earlier in the meeting

She gives it to Scallan, who taps it against his teeth.

“You tap it against your teeth like this,” he said, clicking the pointed side against his front and canine teeth. “You listen to how it sounds. If it sounds hollow, it’s not going to be a good egg.”

And this egg?

“Oh, this one’s good,” he said. Scallan, meanwhile, turns to Adams, who stands at the edge of the table holding her own dyed egg. Scallan, still holding Juneau’s egg, suggests they demonstrate an egg knocking round.

Adams holds her egg in a precision grip between her thumb and fingers, with the egg’s pointed side facing upward. Scallan holds his egg in a similar grip with the pointed side facing downward.

How it’s played

This is where rules come into play; the person holding the bottom egg stands completely still

been given various explanations,” Roach wrote in an essay for the virtual book, “Delta Pieces: Northeast Louisiana Folklife” at louisianafolklife.org.

“When asked about the meaning of the term ‘rock,’ interviewees gave us different views,” Roach continued.

One of Roach’s interviewees, R.B. Kelly, cited a biblical source for the rock: “Elijah rocked to the coming of the Lord.” Kelly’s reference actually refers not to a Bible verse but to a traditional gospel song titled “Elijah Rock,” which is said to parallel the rocky mountain where the prophet Elijah sought refuge in God in 1 Kings 19:9-18. The song is also said to be connected to another verse associated with Elijah and a “rock,” Psalms 18:2, which describes God as a “rock, my fortress, and my deliverer.”

“R.B. Kelly sees the rock as representing the rolling away of the rock from Christ’s Tomb,” Roach wrote. “Most likely, the rock reﬂects the side-to-side movement.”

Preparation for the Easter Rock begins with rearrangement of church pews to face a long table

with salt spray There were sounds of rustling in the shrubs, crickets merrily chirping, and the splashing of ﬁsh in the waterway Along most of the way there was the memorable fragrance of jasmine, sweet olive and an indescribable mixture of tropical exotics.

The walk to the bridge was a walk from reality to fantasy Even on the hottest summer night, there would be a cool breeze blowing and the gentle lapping of the incoming waves against the pilings. But that brings us back to the present and a reality of life. What seems eternal can be so very transient. As time goes by, the memories become vaguer and more whimsical. Eventually, the memories become dreams and Shake-‘n’Bake, the old restaurant, the walk to the lake, they all remain alive only in the late-night slumbers of the old folks who remember — Rogers lives in Metairie.

Human Condition submissions of 600 words or fewer may be emailed to features@ theadvocate.com. Stories will be kept on ﬁle and publication is not guaranteed. There is no payment for Human Condition.

dietary supplements did, indeed, make the shells harder

“The people who buy their eggs start in January, and they go all over Louisiana, everywhere on a Sunday ride, and gather dozens of eggs from people’s yards,” Juneau said.

“And then they boil them in coffee grounds, then knock them on their teeth to see how strong they are.”

Now here’s where things get a little bit complicated. The rules allow only for chicken eggs, but guinea hen eggs also qualify Guinea eggs are stronger, but it wouldn’t be fair for the Guinea egg knockers to compete against the chicken egg knockers.

“So, we have two separate categories,” Lemoine said. “The only problem this year is that Guinea eggs are a lot more expensive — they’re selling for $30 a dozen.”

That, along with the rising cost of chicken eggs, surely would hamper this year’s competition, right?

Right?

Egg prices don’t matter

“That’s not stopping anybody,” Lemoine said. “People have been gathering their eggs, and they’re going to compete in the egg knocking.”

while the holder of the top egg does the tapping. Everyone around the table agrees that there’s no advantage to holding either the top or bottom egg, because the weaker shell naturally will crack.

As does Adams’ egg. Scallan takes on another competitor, then another He’s on a roll.

That’s when Juneau decides that she’s going to take back her egg.

“I’m saving this one of the competition,” she said, laughing. “I’m serious.”

Finding eggs

Juneau bought her eggs from a farmer, which is the standard way of gathering eggs for the competition these days. Some competitors raise their own chickens, supplementing the birds’ feed with pebbles and crushed oyster shells, believing the mix will make the eggshells stronger

The late Carl Juneau, in the 2017 interview, pointed out that an LSU study for the federal government discovered that the homemade

in the center The table, symbolizing Christ’s tomb, is covered by a white tablecloth representing purity It’s topped by a bowl of red punch symbolizing Christ’s blood, 12 cakes representing Jesus’ 12 disciples and 12 lanterns representing the 12 tribes of Israel. Rounding out the table decor are Easter eggs, which are broken to symbolize the breaking of Jesus’ grave. A group of women dressed in white, symbolizing the women who discovered Christ’s empty tomb on Easter morning, march in with the leader carrying a banner representing Jesus’ cross. They start out singing “When the Saints Go Marching In,” then move on to “Oh, David” and ﬁnally “The Lord’s Prayer,” before starting over with “The Saints.” Meanwhile, the procession moves counterclockwise in a circle. Researchers speculate this coincides with the Congo sign of the four moments of the sun of dawn, noon, dusk and midnight then back to dawn, coinciding with birth, life, death and the afterlife. With the singing comes the

It’s not because there’s big money on the line. Winners will be awarded cash prizes of $100.

That’s all.

No, these contests are about accomplishment and bragging rights, which is why competitors in Saturday’s contests also pock eggs in Marksville on Sunday Still, not everyone is on the up and up. There have been some cheaters along the way, competitors who try to knock their way through with wooden or epoxy eggs.

“Sometimes an egg is just too good, and you have to stop and check it,” Lemoine said. “We caught one guy who had made an egg out of epoxy.”

Dyeing isn’t required, and boiling isn’t necessarily a rule either Lemoine remembers some competitors bringing raw eggs to the contest, believing boiling weakened the shell. Those matches ended in a big mess.

Email Robin Miller at romiller@ theadvocate.com.

shufﬂing.

“Ellen Addison describes how the rock step is done: ‘Just get out there and move your foot from one side to another, but you ain’t supposed to cross your legs

They say you’re dancing when you cross your legs. But you don’t do that,’” Roach wrote. “The Winnsboro group is quick to caution that the Rock is not a dance.”

Roach said the ﬁrst scholarly publication about the Easter Rock was written in 1942, noting that participants remember the tradition as predating the Civil War. As for its concentration among northeast Louisiana Black churches, no deﬁnitive explanation has been found.

“I do know that it’s led by women, but men can participate,” Roach said. “And by the end, anyone attending can participate, and they do.”

Do you have a question about something in Louisiana that’s got you curious? Email your question to curiouslouisiana@ theadvocate.com. Include your name, phone number and the city where you live.

FILE PHOTO By RICHARD ALAN HANNON

State Rep. John Labruzzo, R-Metairie, left, looks on as Rep H. Bernard LeBas, D-Ville Platte, center, Rep. Nancy Landry, R-Lafayette, and Rep. Robert Johnson, D-Marksville, compete in an ‘egg-knocking’ competition on the House floor in 2011, the year the Louisiana Legislature proclaimed Avoyelles Parish the ‘Egg Knocking Capital of the World.’

LOUISIANABAKES

Sweetstrawberriesmakethisthe perfectpound cake

On arecent Saturday morning, Iventured out to my local farmers market. The weather was perfect andsigns of springabundant.

Olivia Regard

After grabbing acup of coffee from a market vendor Inoticed along line forming at one booth.With my curiosity piqued, Iwandered to where the crowds were gathering and quickly realized the line was to purchase strawberries. Iknewat that moment Iwouldbegoing home with aﬂat of farm-fresh berries.Flat in hand, Imade my way around the market nibbling on the juicy berries, visiting with friends and contemplating how best to savor the sweetness of spring.

Strawberry season is one of my favorites of the foodcentric seasons in Louisiana. While Louisiana strawberries are known for their sweetness and size, strawberriesare alsoone of the most nutrientdense foods. Ounce for ounce, strawberries have more vitamin Cthan oranges and are agreat source of potassium, folate, ﬁber and magnesium. Over the next few days, we enjoyed the fresh berries several different ways. We made strawberry basilsorbet (Recipe from Louisiana Bakes,April 2, 2023), dipped the berries in chocolate, added the berries to fresh salads and yogurt, and experimented with cakes. The recipe below is a mashup of my go-to olive oil cake and pound cake recipes with the added twist of roasting the berries. And, while the bakingprocess is abit unorthodox —you’ll start witha cold oven —the result will be a perfect pound cake ﬁlled with bright, juicy strawberries.

Roasted Strawberry Olive OilPound Cake

6cups strawberries, hulledand halved or

1. Place arack in the middleofthe oven andpreheat oven to 375 F.

2.Stir togetherstrawberries, 1/2 cup sugar and adrizzle of olive oil in alarge glass or ceramic baking dish. Roast strawberries for 20 minutes, stirringand rotating the pan once while roasting until softened and some of the moisturehas bakedout of theberries. Remove from oven and allowthe strawberries to cool.

3.Turn off the oven and allowthe oven to cool completely.(Note: To cool the oven quickly,leavethe oven door slightly ajar.The oven needs to be completelycooled before baking the cake.)

4. GreaseaBundt pan with nonstick baking sprayand setaside

5. In asmall bowl, sift or whisk together ﬂour,baking powder,baking soda and salt.

6. In amediumbowl, whisk eggs andremaining 1cup of sugar.

Many Americansare fortunate to havedental coverage fortheir entire working life, through employer-provided benefits.Whenthose benefits end with retirement, paying dental bills out-of-pocket can come as a shock, leading people to putoff or even go without care. Simply put —without dentalinsurance, there may be an importantgap in your healthcare coverage.

When you’re comparingplans ...



 Look forcoverage with no deductibles. Some plans mayrequire you to payhundredsout of pocket before benefits are paid.

 Shop forcoveragewithnoannual maximum on cash benefits. Some planshaveannual maximums of $1,000.

especially if you’re on afixed income.

Ask about the

Ouncefor ounce, strawberries have more vitaminC than oranges and areagreat source of potassium, folate, fiber andmagnesium

Whisk in the sour cream and olive oil then add the lemon zest, lemon juice and vanilla extract.

7. Add the dry ingredients to wet ingredients and whisk together untilsmooth. Fold in the roasted strawberries and any juices that collect in thepan and gently stir to combine.

8. Spoon thebatter into the prepared pan.

9. Place the cake in the cold oven on arack set in the bottom onethirdofthe oven. Set the oven temperature to 300 F. Allow the oven to preheat with cake inside and bake until acake tester inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean, approximately 1hour,40minutes.

10. Allow cake to cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then invert cake onto awirerack to cool.

Roasted Strawberry OliveOil Pound Cake

PHOTOSByOLIVIA

The memories at Donna’s

Owner recalls the music and people of the famed New Orleans club

BY GERALDINE WYCKOFF

Contributing writer

Folks in New Orleans know her simply as Donna from Donna’s, a hole-in-thewall bar, music venue and down-home restaurant at North Rampart and St. Ann streets. Donna Poniatowski Sims, author of “Donna’s Bar & Grill — New Orleans,” ruled as the bartender and coowner along with her amiable husband, Chef Charlie Sims, who regaled as kitchen master of what became known as New Orleans brass band headquarters.

Regulars at the timeworn pink building at 800 N. Rampart St. will recognize the musicians who made the place happily buckjump and swing Crescent City-style, from its opening in 1993 to its regrettable demise in 2010. Donna Sims, now retired and living in Bywater, sets the scene with 400 photos she took through the years and stories she relates in a written “voice” that sounds much as it did when she chatted up friends and patrons as she tended bar (Full disclosure: I was one of those friends.)

A remarkable element of Sims’ ﬁrsthand account is just how many details of events and seemingly minor conversations she recalls. She says her memories were sparked by the photographs she took of the brass bands, jazz musicians and Mardi Gras Indians who performed at the club. The snapshots were invaluable for her to identify the oftenchanging members of the young, up-and-coming brass bands. She was able put names to the faces I do have notes, though not a journal,” Sims explained during a recent interview, adding that naturally she and Charlie would also exchange stories.

By MARGARET STEINMAN COURTESy OF DONNA PONIATOWSKI SIMS

Donna Poniatowski

good eye,” he said, and then offered her instruction. “He really got me interested in photography,” Sims said.

Sims’ memory aids her greatly in the book’s ﬁrst chapter when she writes about the history of the building. She tells of conversing with the great-greatgrandchildren of the building’s original owner, a free woman of color for whom it was designed. The women related that their “GG” ran a confectionery and displayed her sweets in the downstairs windows.

When Sims wasn’t behind the bar, she taught biology, chemistry, anatomy and physics to high school and college students. She found her teaching experience helped her deal with the young musicians in the brass bands.

“Oh, yes indeed, it did,” she emphatically stated. “I love teaching high school kids. They are interesting, highly intelligent by then and a lot of fun.”

“When I was tending my bar I heard a lot of stuff and I just remembered it,” she added with her usual laugh “The other thing was that I have a lot of memorabilia — I have a lot of posters and I have a couple of huge calendars from different years So I had resources of my own.”

Through the lens of a music lover

Donna shot all of her photographs in the book using a Canon camera that she found early one morning on a French Quarter stoop.

With no responses to her quest to ﬁnd the owner, she decided that since she had it, she wanted to learn how to use it.

Much later, the late great photographer Herman Leonard came into the club and admired a couple of her photos hanging on the wall

“You know Donna, you have a really

“They come up into your place to play and you know that they’re are not quite an adult yet. Patience and a lot of kindness has to go along with that. Where I think it’s really beautiful is that the older musicians are that way with the younger musicians They take a lot of time and patience with these kids.”

Sims’ experience as a schoolteacher is also evident in her style of writing, especially when she’s explaining terminology unique to New Orleans, like second-lining and jazz funerals.

Charlie Sims had been a chef employed by Amtrak on the City of New Orleans line that linked his hometown of Chicago to New Orleans. He was a huge presence at Donna’s for his talent at a hot stove, hilariously holding court with those gathered in the small kitchen and sharing his love and knowledge of modern jazz.

Charlie Sims died in 2017 at the age of 81.

A happy place

Another “real deal” element of Donna’s was Sylvester Francis, who knew the proverbial everyone and would soon found the Backstreet Cultural Museum.

“He was very instrumental in helping us get started,” Donna said.

Importantly Francis brought Benny Jones, leader of the Treme Brass Band, to the club and introduced him to Donna and Charlie.

“We just wanted it to be a happy place,” Donna Sims said. “We just felt like we were a community place where everybody was welcome.” She credits the artists for the music and humorous banter that livened up the bar “They became clientele,” Donna said, again with a laugh In “Donna’s Bar & Grill — New Orleans,” Donna Poniatowski Sims ﬁguratively reopens the doors of the small, kind of funky pink building on the corner of North Rampart and St. Ann streets. It was indeed a happy place.

Geraldine Wyckoff is a music journalist in New Orleans. Email her at gwnomusic@yahoo.com.

‘Merely tolerated, violently persecuted’

BY RIEN FERTEL Contributing writer

“The Jewish South” by Shari Rabin, Princeton University Press, 296 pages

Charleston, South Carolina, it might come as a surprise, was once the center of Jewish life and culture in the United States, hosting the nation’s largest population of Jews numbering around 800 in the 1820s — and one of the oldest synagogues in the Americas, Kahal Kadosh Beth Elohim, built by enslaved labor in 1749.

Jewish Southerners have at times been merely tolerated, violently persecuted and often socially marginalized, according to Shari Rabin, a professor at Oberlin College.

“I am convinced,” she writes in her crucial survey, “The Jewish South,” “that anyone who truly wants to understand the history of the South, or the United States, needs to know their stories.”

In French Louisiana, the Code Noir of 1724 required the colony’s administrators “to drive out all Jews who may have established their residence there.” As “declared enemies of the Christian name,” they were given three months to leave.

Rabin makes the point that no Jews likely lived in Louisiana at the time.

The expulsion rule would be ignored, and by 1759, there were reportedly six Jews living in New Orleans, including Isaac Monsanto. A merchant originally from The Hague, Monsanto would eventually be expelled by Spanish colonial governors before opening an illegal storefront in the nearby swamps of Manchac.

covers the years spanning Reconstruction through Jim Crow, when, Rabin writes, “most Jews adapted to the norms of southern whiteness, which meant at least tolerating — and in some cases enthusiastically embracing” the worst of the South’s Lost Cause culture and politics.

Monsanto likely received a Catholic burial, though we do not know whether he was forced. This Christianization of Jewish life and lives would be a harbinger of things to come. At the outbreak of the American Revolution, most Jews in the Lowcountry cities of Charleston and Savannah supported the patriots, while others remained British loyalists.

Post-revolution, they gained all the privileges bestowed by White citizenship, but they now lived under new, oppressive laws and public norms, including the compulsory closure of their businesses on Sundays and swearing by Christian oaths if elected to ofﬁce. By the 1840s, an estimated 50% of Jewish men in New Orleans were marrying Christian, mainly Catholic, women (a full century later, my New Orleans-born paternal grandfather would do the same).

By midcentury, New Orleans outpaced Charleston as the center of Southern Jewish life. The Crescent City had four congregations, a Hebrew Benevolent Society and an asylum for widows and orphans.

In New Orleans, as throughout the South, Jews participated in the system of chattel slavery In 1830 Charleston, 83% of Jewish households owned enslaved persons, a notch below the 87% average. Jewish men, as throughout the nation, engaged in relationships with enslaved and free women of color

Judah Touro, a prominent philanthropist for whom Touro Synagogue and Touro Inﬁrmary are named, fathered Narcissa Wilson with a free woman of color named Ellen Wilson. Narcissa would go on to marry Richard Gustavus Forrester, a prominent Richmond, Virginia, lawyer who was also the child of a Jewish man and free woman of color

In “The Jewish South,” Rabin dissects the myth that Jews uniformly supported the Confederacy Many certainly did, most notably Judah P. Benjamin, who represented Louisiana in the U.S. Senate before holding multiple high-ranking ofﬁces with the Confederate States of America and appearing on the CSA’s $2 bill.

As with many Southerners, Jews had diverse and shifting loyalties during the Civil War — some enlisted, some ﬂed, and many felt compelled to stay quiet.

Some of the book’s strongest research

It’s not for nothing, the author reminds us, that Flannery O’Connor called the region “Christ-haunted.”

Prominent New Orleans Rabbi Max Heller, for instance, insisted on the “benevolence of separation,” yet implored his congregants to show Black Americans “our active sympathy, our energetic aid.” Around the turn of the century, Southern Jews increasingly began to embrace a Reform Judaism that Christian conservative Southerners found more tolerable.

Rabin spends several pages detailing the life of Leo Frank, the man convicted and lynched for the supposed murder of 13-year-old Mary Phagan in 1913 Atlanta, to elucidate the era’s descent into violent antisemitism.

Phagan was, in an important detail that historians often left out of the story until the success of the 1998 Broadway musical “Parade,” en route to a Confederate Memorial Day celebration.

Frank’s lynch mob would be instrumental in the revival of the Ku Klux Klan at Stone Mountain a few months later

During the Civil Rights era, many congregations continued to remain politically neutral, despite the rise in antisemitic material being published throughout the South increasing 400%, according to Rabin, in the last half of the 1950s. During this time, the proportion of Southern Jews dipped dramatically, from 9% in 1900 to 4% by 1943.

Northern Jews would prove vital to the 1961 Freedom Ride and Freedom Summer of 1964, yet when Jackson’s Rabbi Perry Nussbaum visited jailed activists, Jewish congregations throughout the South objected. White supremacists targeted Nussbaum’s synagogue and home in bombing campaigns that also struck Jewish temples and community centers in Atlanta, Miami, Nashville, Jacksonville and Meridian.

These attacks agitated many to ﬁnally and fully support the cause.

Rabin ends her narrative in 1967, except for a brief epilogue that rushes through the last six decades. I wanted more: the rise of Jewish communities in South Florida, the pushback against the vile bigotry of David Duke, the disappearance of Jewish-owned businesses that once bolstered the main streets of most every town and city (like the Godchaux’s department store chain in New Orleans, as one example).

Here’s hoping for a sequel.

Rien Fertel is the author of four books, including, most recently, “Brown Pelican.”

PHOTO

Chef Charlie Sims and

Sims at the door of their kitchen at Donna’s Bar & Grill in New Orleans.

PHOTO By DONNA PONIATOWSKI SIMS

George French Henry Butler Mark Braud and Bob French smile one night at Donna’s.

Shari Rabin

PHOTO By DONNA PONIATOWSKI SIMS Leroy Jones and Gregg Stafford cut up at Donna’s.

By The Associated Press

Today is Sunday,April 20,the 110th day of 2025. There are 255 days left in the year.TodayisEaster

Todayinhistory

On April 20, 1999, two students shot andkilled 12 classmates andone teacher and injured 23 othersbefore taking their own lives at Columbine High School, near Denver,Colorado.

On this date:

In 1812, the fourth vice president of the United States,GeorgeClinton, died in Washington at age 72, becoming the ﬁrst vice president to die while in ofﬁce

In 1912, Boston’sFenway Park,now theoldest active stadium in Major League Baseball,hosted itsﬁrst ofﬁcial baseball game in front of an estimated 27,000 spectators. (The Red Sox defeated the New York Highlanders 7-6 in 11 innings.)

In 1914, militia and Colorado National Guard members opened ﬁre on an encampment of striking coal miners and their families in Ludlow,Colorado; at least 19 people in the camp, including 12 children, and one National Guard member were killed in the“LudlowMassacre.”

In 1971, the Supreme Courtunanimously upheld the use of busing to achieve racial desegregation in schools

In 1972,Apollo 16’slunar module, carrying astronauts John W. Youngand Charles M. DukeJr.,landed on the moon

In 1986, following an absence of over six decades, Russian-bornpianist Vladimir Horowitz returned to the Soviet Union to perform aconcert at the Grand Hall of the Tchaikovsky Conservatory in Moscow.

In 2010, an explosion on theDeepwater Horizon oil platform, leased byBP, killed 11 workers and caused ablowout that began spewing an estimated 200 million gallons of crude oil into theGulf of Mexico. (The well was ﬁnally capped nearly three months later.)

In 2021, former Minneapolis police ofﬁcer DerekChauvin was foundguilty of murder and manslaughter charges for the killing of George Floyd;Chauvin was later sentenced to 221/2 years in prison. Today’sbirthdays: Actor George Takei is 88. Actor Jessica Lange is 76. Actor Clint Howard is 66. Former MLB ﬁrst baseman Don Mattingly is 64. Actor Crispin Glover is 61. Actor Andy Serkis is 61. Actor Shemar Moore is 55. Actormodel Carmen Electra is 53. Reggae musician Stephen Marleyis 53.Rapper Killer Mike is 50. Actor Joey Lawrence is 49. Model Miranda Kerr is 42. Former NFL linebacker Luke Kuechly is 34.

Visitors ignore houserules,are reprimanded

Dear Heloise: My husband and I didsomething very similar to J.T.K. and R.E.K. by writing a letter to everyone who abused our hospitality when we bought our lake house. We thought thematter was settled, but little did we know that we opened acan of worms.

Hints from Heloise

My stepdaughter (my husband’s child) said at ﬁrst they were offended, but they decided to “forgive us” andshowed up on our doorstep with their three kids and two other children from their neighborhood.

sent them to alocal hotel, but bothfamilies decided to go homeinstead. Both my husband and Ihave health problems, and we’re not in the mood for freeloaders who leave wet towels on the beds, don’tlift a ﬁnger to help around the house, or ask toborrow our home, car,boat or money

My husband sat them down, said under no circumstance were they staying, and listed our reasons why.They had planned to stay over the Fourth of July weekend without warning, but my husband told them to leave.

We had two other people try to worm their way in at other times, both claimingthat they never received the letter.We

P.S. We bothlove reading your column. Keep up thegood work! —Tess and Frank, in Michigan Tess and Frank, we received an unusual number of letters on this subject, so apparently it’snot uncommon for people to forget their manners and ask for permission to visit someone else’shome. —Heloise Wettingcoffee filters

Dear Heloise: Wetting acoffee filter before brewing, also called blooming or rinsing, can improve the flavor of the coffee. Wetting the filter helps with temperature control, consis-

tency and extraction. Here are someofthe reasons why:

n Temperature control: Wettingthe ﬁlter helps maintain a consistent brewing temperature.

n Consistency: Wetﬁlters perform moreconsistently than dry ﬁlters.

n Extraction: Wetting the ﬁlter helps create amore uniform surface forwater to pass through, which improves extraction.

n Washing: Wetting theﬁlter removes dustand chemicals from themanufacturing process.

n Sealing: Wetting the filter helps it seal to the brewing device, which minimizes bypass. How to wetthe filter: Place thefilter in the coffee maker Pourhot water over the filter Discard the rinsing water.Add coffee grounds. Note: Somesay that the difference in taste between wet and dry filters may be minor, and somepeople may not be able to tell the difference. Oth-

ers say that they got better ﬂavor and extraction times from a dry ﬁlter —Don S.,a loyalreader Cleaning cobwebs

Dear Heloise: Thank you forbeing such an inspiration. Whenever Ihave an “aha” moment, I always think of you. Ispotted a cobweb high up in acorner by the ceiling. Instead of grabbing abroom, which is awkward, Iused my grabber stick with afolded dish towel held in its suction cups. The handle waseasier to hold, and it was super lightweight, making the chore abreeze! Karen B.,Warren, Ohio Spring cleaning reminder

Dear Readers: Spring cleaning is just around the corner for manyofus. Make it easy by doing one room per day.Really dig into it, and don’tforget the closets. It’ll be over before you know it! —Heloise

Send ahinttoheloise @heloise.com.

Dear Harriette: I’ve been dating my boyfriend for more than ayear now,and we get along great in most areas. However, I’ve noticedwehave different approaches to money.I’m focused on saving, investing and planning for the future, while he prefers to live in the momentand spend freely.He likes to buy random infomercial items off of the internetorspontaneously buy newitems like expensive appliances Itold himthatthese aren’t smartfinancial decisions, and he told me to not worry.Iworry that our financial differences couldleadtoconflict down the road,especially when it comes to majorlife decisions like buying ahome, traveling or retirement planning. Ilove my boy-

friend, but Idon’twant money to become aconstant sourceof stress. HowdoIdetermine if this is something we can work through? —Conflicting Values

Dear Conflicting Values: Talk about your views on money in the context of your desires for thefuture.Ask your boyfriend howhe sees his life in ﬁve to 10 years. Does he want to buy ahome? What type of workwill he do? Does he want to travel? Whatever you careabout,ask him his views on it. Then describe to him your dreams and interests and your thoughtsonhow to manifestthem Bring up your ideas on saving and investing in the future. Ask him if he is willing toworkwith you to make aplan that includes putting money away ratherthan spending it. Perhaps you can agree to createa joint account for savings or investing, to which you each deposit aﬁxed monthly amount.This can allow him to continue to have some

moneytospend as he pleases while also contributing to the plans for the future.

Dear Harriette: Ilove my friends, but Ican’thelp feeling like the least impressive one in the group. They’re all beautiful, stylish and successful. They have great jobs and exciting sociallives and always seem so confident. When we go out together,Ifeel like Ifade into the background. Guys approach themfirst. People compliment themmore, and Ican’tshake the feeling that Idon’tmeasure up. It’snot that I’m unhappy withmyself, but being around themsometimes makes me question my own worth. Istart picking apart my looks, my career progress and even my personality Iknow they don’tintentionally make me feel this way They’re supportive and kind, but Istill find myself struggling withinsecurity whenever we’re together.Ihate feeling like I’m

in constant comparison mode, and Idon’twant my self-doubt to ruin these friendships. How do Istop feeling like the least impressive friend? How can I build my conﬁdence without distancing myself from the people Ilove? —LessThan

DearLessThan: Take astep back and assess your attributes. What is special about you? Be honest. Then look in

‘Orient Express’ tickets

Tickets are on sale for Sullivan Theater’s production of “Murder on the Orient Express,” opening April 25 on the Sullivan stage, 8849 Sullivan Road, Central. Tickets are $25. Visit sullivantheater. com/tickets.

‘Cabaret’ in Ascension

Tickets are on sale for Ascension Community Theatre’s production of “Cabaret,” opening April 24 at the theater, 823 N. Felicity St., Gonzales. Tickets are $20-$35. Visit actgonzales.org.

At Opera Louisiane

Tickets are on sale for Opera Louisiane’s production of “Paglicacci” on May 16 and May 18 in the Manship Theatre in the Shaw Center for the Arts, 100 Lafayette St., Baton Rouge. Tickets are $25-$100. Visit operalouisiane.com.

May the 4th

The Louisiana Art & Science Museum, 100 S River Road, Baton Rouge, will celebrate Star Wars Day and Astronomy Day from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. May 4 with Star Wars Day at LASM: May the Fourth Be With You Admission to this family-friendly event is free as part of the Free First Sunday program. The day will be ﬁlled with fun activities for all ages, including hands-on “Star Wars”themed crafts and activities, astron-

ON THE ARTS AND CULTURE

The Louisiana Art & Science Museum will celebrate ‘Star Wars Day’ on May 4.

omy shows at the Irene W. Pennington Planetarium for a reduced price of $5 and demonstrations from the Baton Rouge Astronomical Society Guests are encouraged to come dressed as their favorite “Star Wars” characters. A major highlight of the event is the 2 p.m. showing of “Star Wars: The Worlds Within” in the planetarium. Visit lasm.org.

Ode to Warhol

The Art Guild of Louisiana’s member show, “Ode to Andy Warhol,” runs

through May 8, at Independence Park Theatre, 7800 Independence Blvd., Baton Rouge. Gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. Admission is free. Visit artguildlouisiana.org.

BRSO Chorus with Bocelli

The Baton Rouge Symphony Chorus, under the direction of David Shaler will be performing with internationally acclaimed tenor Andrea Bocelli and the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra on June 10 at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans. The concert begins at 8 p.m. Tickets are $80-$250. Visit ticketmaster.com/event/1B00613EC61A504C.

At Baton Rouge Gallery

Baton Rouge Gallery center for contemporary art, 1515 Dalrymple Drive, Baton Rouge, is showing the exhibit “Real-Life Experience: Juried High School Exhibition” through May 1.

The exhibit features approximately 70 original works of art by public and private high school students in East Baton Rouge Parish. Hours are noon to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. Admission is free. Call (225) 383-1470 or visit batonrougegallery.org.

Baton Rouge Symphony events

Tickets are on sale for the Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra’s Concerts in the Cosmos series performances, “Country Hits: A Tribute to Country Music Legends” at 7:30 p.m. April 23-24 in the Pennington

Planetarium at the Louisiana Art & Science Museum, 100 S. River Road, Baton Rouge. Tickets are $40.

Tickets also are on sale for the symphony’s Orchestral Series concert, “Carmina Burana,” featuring the Baton Rouge Symphony Chorus, at 7:30 p.m. May 1, in the Raising Cane’s River Center Performing Arts Theater, 300 St. Louis St., Baton Rouge. Tickets are $24-$70. For tickets to both events, visit brso.org.

Jazz series

The Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge’s monthly 2025 Alvin Batiste Jazz Society continues through Dec. 17 in the Virginia and John Noland Black Box Studio at the Cary Saurage Community Arts Center, 233 St. Ferdinand St., Baton Rouge. This series celebrates the legacy of jazz great Alvin Batiste while highlighting a mix of local and national artists.

Each performance features either a full concert or a concert followed by an open jam session — creating space for creativity, connection and community General admission tickets are $10 and $5 for students.

The continuing lineup includes:

n MAY 21: George Bell with House Trio, followed by open jam session

n JUNE 18: Yolanda Robinson with House Trio

n JULY 16: Mike Esneault with House Trio, followed by open jam session

n AUG. 20: Ed Perkins with House Trio, followed by open jam session

n SEPT. 17: Bob Sheppard with House Trio

n OCT. 22: Jeremy Davenport with House Trio and Strings

n NOV. 19: Leon Anderson Group

n DEC. 17: Patrick Bordelon with Central High, followed by open jam session For tickets and more information, visit artsbr.org/abjs-info.

At Cité des Arts

Tickets are on sale for Cité des Arts’ production of “Reunion,” written and directed by Patricia Cravins.

The show will have three performances at the theater, 109 Vine St., Lafayette, during Festival International de Louisiane.

The show focuses on a prominent Creole family that’s forced to confront a long-held secret at an annual family reunion.

Performances will be 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. April 26, and 2 p.m. Sunday, April 27. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased by visiting citedesarts.org/events/reunionwritten-and-directed-by-patriciacravins-2025-04-26-14-00.

Also, registration is open for the theater company’s two-week ﬁlmmaking workshop, “Movie Magic 101,” for students in the sixth through 12th grades. The workshop runs from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. June 30July 11 at the theater. Cost is $330 for the course. Payment plans are available. Visit citedesarts.org.

Baton Rouge Gallery to open ‘Movies & Music on the Lawn’ series

Staff report

Baton Rouge Gallery — center for contemporary art, 1515 Dalrymple Drive, will open its 2025 spring season “Movies & Music on the Lawn” movie series with its annual Kids Night on April 26. The spring season will ﬁnish on May 24. Admission is free with complimentary bottomless popcorn Since 1998, the series has engaged contemporary Louisianabased musicians to compose and perform original scores for silentera classic ﬁlms that are projected

on a towering inflatable screen under the stars in BREC’s CityBrooks Community Park.

The series kicks off April 26 with Kids Night with “Flow” with music by kids from BR Music Studios.

The evening will begin at 7:30 p.m. with activities for families courtesy of Knock Knock Children’s Museum. Then at roughly 8:30 p.m., kids of all ages will have the chance to enjoy this year’s Oscar winner for Best Animated Feature, “Flow,” while students from Baton Rouge Music Studios perform an original score from the ﬁlm live.

Audiences the world over continue to be captivated by this ﬁlm from Latvian director Gints Zilbalodis. A tale of survival, “Flow” takes audiences on a journey alongside a courageous cat after his home is devastated by a great ﬂood.

Then, on at 8 p.m. May 24, Movies & Music on the Lawn is set to feature one of the strangest, wildest and furriest slapstick comedies ever made.

Quickly achieving status as a new cult classic the 2022 film, “Hundreds of Beavers,” will be presented alongside an original

score from Baton Rouge’s own Breadstick Space Opera; and in a ﬁrst for Movies & Music on the Lawn, the night will also feature live Foley effects from Clay Achee and Michael Russo.

From director Mike Cheslik, “Hundreds of Beavers” is set in a 19th-century winter and follows an applejack salesman who ﬁnds himself up against an army of beavers after losing everything in a freak snowstorm. With no weapons or supplies, he’s forced to rely on sheer cunning and pure luck to outsmart the beavers — all played by actors in full-sized mascot cos-

tumes — and survive in the wilderness. Providing an original and neverbefore-heard score for the film will be a local band built on the fusion of sounds from earth and elsewhere, The Breadstick Space Opera, which has shared the stage and opened for musicians such as George Porter Jr and The Honey Island Swamp Band.

The band will be accompanied by a pair of experienced Foley artists creating sound effects for the ﬁlm. For more information, visit batonrougegallery.org/movies-music-on-the-lawn.

In ‘The Wedding Banquet,’ a queer landmark is reborn for today

BY JAKE COYLE

AP film writer

NEW YORK The filmmaker Andrew Ahn grew up in what he calls “a Blockbuster Video family.” They would rent three or four movies every weekend. When Ahn was 8, his mom rented the VHS for Ang Lee’s “The Wedding Banquet.”

“She was like, ‘It’s this Asian movie that White people are talking about,’ ” Ahn remembers. “She rented it not knowing it was queer.”

Lee’s 1993 ﬁlm followed a Taiwanese immigrant New Yorker (Winston Chao) who attempts to marry a woman (May Chin) to placate his parents and hide his gay partner (Mitchell Lichtenstein) from them. It was a still-rare gay, Asian American rom-com that became an Oscar-nominated landmark.

When Ahn, 39 was approached about revisiting “The Wedding Banquet,” he was daunted. But, as the son of Korean immigrants, Ahn, whose movies include “Driveways” and “Fire Island,” felt like he had something to contribute.

“Throughout my career I’ve tried to explore this balance between sexuality and culture and family,” Ahn said in a recent interview over coffee. “I saw many gay ﬁlms coming of age as a gay man where those things felt kind of siloed. Here, you could see how they were so intertwined Watching it when I was 8 years old really set the bar.”

Ahn’s “The Wedding Banquet,” which opens in theaters Friday, is the most personal of remakes. Even that word, “remake,” his collaborators avoid when talking about it. Ahn’s ﬁlm, starring Kelly Marie Tran, Lily Gladstone, Bowen Yang and Han Gi-chan, revisits and rebuilds Lee’s queer comedy of errors for a new generation.

“It started with a very simple proposition: Nobody is remaking ‘The Wedding Banquet,’ ” says producer James Schamus, who co-wrote both the original and Ahn’s ﬁlm. “The only way this ﬁlm gets made is if we reenvision and take inspiration from Ang Lee’s original movie. But the fundamental requirement was: It must be something new and it must be something of our time.”

Just as Lee’s film was, Ahn’s “The Wedding Banquet” is “something ﬁxed in history,” as Gladstone says. A jubilant farce, radi-

ant with queer love, “The Wedding Banquet” arrives 32 years later as both a big-screen symbol of what’s changed for LGBTQ people since then, and what hasn’t. Made last year, “The Wedding Banquet” premiered at the Sundance Film Festival just a week after the inauguration of President Donald Trump ushered in new challenges for the LGBTQ community That’s prompted Ahn and his cast to reconsider, and double down on, what this “Wedding Banquet” means for right now

“It’s creating a space where joy is an act of resistance,” says Gladstone.

“The joy of that community is under profound threat,” Schamus says. “You would say to yourself maybe: Is this the time to have a queer romantic comedy? Things are not that funny right now The answer to that very reasonable question is: This is what you’re ﬁghting for That joy is profoundly important for everybody.”

Expanding the wedding parties

Ahn’s “The Wedding Banquet” centers not one couple but two. Min (Han) is in love with his part-

ner, Chris (Yang), but, to fool his soon-to-visit grandmother (Youn Yuh-jung), Min tries for a sham wedding with Angela (Tran), their friend and housemate. She’ll earn enough money in the transaction to pay for her IVF treatment with her partner, Lee (Gladstone).

Here, the family traditions are Korean, not Taiwanese. The intergenerational relationships (also visiting is Angela’s mother, played by Joan Chen) have evolved. And the questions facing the couples — to marry, to have children are much different than they were for closeted gay couples decades ago.

“The stakes in the original are placed in survival,” says Yang, the “Saturday Night Live” performer who also starred in Ahn’s “Fire Island.” “The sham wedding has to happen as a way to preserve this relationship that he has. To me, the thematic thing in this version is about community It’s about roots. It’s about establishing a sense of place.”

Ahn’s antic yet sensitive film, set primarily around the Seattle home of Lee, a member of the Duwamish Tribe who purchased it to reclaim her family’s land, is a tex-

tured portrait of a careening and chaotic but deeply loving home.

Ahn, whose previous ﬁlms have been warmed by a gentle sincerity, creates a patchwork dramedy stitched together by the intimacies and uncertainties of its two couples.

‘This film is the most like me’ For Ahn, much of the movie came straight from his own experiences, so much so that, he says, he takes critiques of the ﬁlm personally

“There are a lot of moments I’ve drawn from my life. The argument in the alley between Kelly Marie Tran’s character and Lily Gladstone’s character, and Kelly’s character says, ‘If it happens, it happens,’” says Ahn. “That’s something my boyfriend said to me the ﬁrst time we talked about having kids.” Tran, who came out publicly while making “The Wedding Banquet,” found herself playing a character unusually close to herself, and in a working environment unfamiliar to the “Star Wars: The Last Jedi” star “The whole crew and the whole

cast being primarily queer wasn’t something I experienced before,” says Tran. “And I didn’t realize how healing that would be.” Gladstone concurs: “Everybody who knows me well says that this film is the most like me of anything I’ve done.” Yang, who was subjected to scientifically discredited “conversion therapy” as a teenager, says both versions of “The Wedding Banquet” correlate with something profound for him. He saw Lee’s film while in college, when he was concealing his sexuality from his parents. The film’s ending struck him as a kind of aspiration for him and his family Maybe they could reach that level of understanding one day, he hoped.

“The movie ends on uncertainty but it still ends with this hug and it gave me this weird hope that if I could get to that point with my family, then things will be OK, then I could jump off from there,” Yang says. “So I have this personal check-in where I can chart the arc with my own family, where I’m now very transparent with them about that part of my life, where they’re asking me if I’m dating anybody, which I never thought would happen.

“It’s a pretty amazing benchmark for me.”

‘A high quality-of-life project’

Whether “The Wedding Banquet” will connect with audiences the same way Lee’s film did remains to be seen. But what’s already clear is that Ahn’s film reverberates with a spirit of tenderness and hope that will be sustaining for a wide swath of moviegoers. Gladstone, who signed onto it after her Oscar-nominated performance in “Killers of the Flower Moon,” refers to the ﬁlm as “a high quality-of-life project,” and her costars hope the movie has a similar effect for its audience.

“It’s very complicated to be celebrating a community that’s also being persecuted at that very moment,” says Tran. “It’s a lot to hold and to acknowledge all of it. I’ve deﬁnitely had that experience before, not particularly with the queer part of my identity but with the Asian part of my identity What a privilege to be part of this beautiful piece of art that celebrates this community.”

“Now that we’re facing headwinds, it kind of loops back to survival,” says Yang. “Both ﬁlms are about survival. They are just each other’s corollary.”

PHOTO PROVIDED By BLEEKER STREET

Kelly Marie Tran, from left, Lily Gladstone, Han Gi-chan and Bowen yang star in Ang Lee’ ‘The Wedding Banquet.’

PROVIDED PHOTO By LOUISIANA ART & SCIENCE MUSEUM

EARS TO THE GROUND

“We’re just blazing ourown trail, focusing on safelistening

That’sthe whole purpose of Jrumz. People love the story. Thecompanyfounder is an African American woman and an audiologist, and Istarted by helping kids hear.”

DR. LANA JOSEPH

BY RICH COLLINS Staff writer

In the fall of 2018, Dr.Lana Josephmade aunique “house call.”

The New Orleans audiologist took an Uber to the Smoothie King Center,where afew giantbodyguards usheredher backstagefor an appointment with Drake, the rap superstar who was in town to perform Joseph injected silicone into Drake’sears, creatingthe mold that would be used to make new, custom in-ear monitors, atype of fancy wireless earbuds used by most professionalmusicians on stage.

The experience andothers like it got Joseph thinking: In herlineofwork, shehad madeplenty of ear molds, but whatwouldittake forher to createthe monitors themselves?

Afew years later,whenthe pandemic disrupted busi-

ä See JRUMZ, page 2E

Dr.Lana Joseph, an audiologist whohas been building herown brand of earbuds and headphones, listens to music at her High LevelSpeech &Hearing office in Harahan.

STAFF PHOTO By CHRIS GRANGER

BY STEPHANIE RIEGEL Staff writer

19-year-old financial institution expanding into Texas Melville

nowhas more assetsthan in its home base of Baton Rouge. “Our biggest market nowis Dallas, followed by Houston,” said Chairand CEO Jude Melville, 50. Founded in 2006 by Melville’s uncle, the lateformerGov Buddy Roemer,b1Bank initially targeted what Roemer and his founding board members felt was an underserved market in the state: growing businesses that were too small for large nationaland regionalbanks to bother with but too big for small community banks to handle. That’sstill b1’s bread andbutter Butin2015, the bank, then called Business First Bank, moved into consumer banking with the acquisitionofAmeri-

can Gateway,alongtime communitybank in Baton Rouge. At the time, b1 had agrowing portfolio of commercial loansbut needed to build up its deposits. American Gateway hada solid core of depositsbut someproblem loans on its books.

The deal pushed b1 over the$1 billionmark in assets, setting the bank on apathtogrowth. It has since acquiredﬁve more banks in Louisianaand Texas,including, most recently, Dallas-based Oakwood Bancshares, which added $862 million in assets to b1’sbalance sheet. Business leaders for decades have decried theloss of banking headquarters across Louisiana. Overthe past 30 years or so,

ä See B1BANK, page 2E

Baton Rouge

Cason E “Casey” O’Banion has been named president of the Young Entrepreneurs Academy of Baton Rouge O’Banion replaces YEA BR founders Deborah Sternberg and Michael Roth, who are moving to New York to be closer to family He recently served as director of entrepreneurship at the Baton Rouge Area Chamber

He earned a bachelor’s in creative writing from LSU, a master in ﬁne arts from Antioch and USC and a law degree from LSU Paul M. Hebert Law Center O’Banion is a published author and adjunct member of the LSU English department, teaching legal writing.

Lawrence “LJ” Baker Jr has been hired as chief strategic initiatives ofﬁcer and physician recruitment director at Lane Regional Medical Center Baker is a retired Army lieutenant colonel and decorated com-

bat veteran. He has more than six years of hospital administration experience, most recently as chief human resources and strategic initiative officer for Sierra Vista Hospital in Truth or Consequences, New Mexico. He earned a bachelor’s in criminal justice from Fort Valley State University and is pursuing a master’s in health care administration from Central Michigan University Global Campus.

Franklin Associates has promoted three employees.

Kyla Jones is now vice president of operations.

Jones has been with the ﬁrm for 17 years, leading human resources for eight years and operations for more than four She earned a bachelor’s in psychology from LSU.

PEOPLE IN BUSINESS

Johnathan S. Hill is vice president of advisory services. Hill has been with the company for six years. Heearnedabachelor’s in business administration and management from Southern University, a master’s in ministry from Luther Rice College & Seminary and is working on a doctorate in organizational leadership from Regent University

Portia Johnson is vice president of disaster and grants management.

Johnson previously held leadership positions with the Louisiana Office of Community DevelopmentDisaster Recovery and Louisiana Housing Corp.

She earned a bachelor’s in sociology from LSU and a law degree from Southern University Law Center

New Orleans

Mary Jones has been promoted to senior director of financial services for the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center

Jones is a 40-year veteran of the convention center She earned a degree in business administration from LSU.

Natalie Barranco has been promoted to chief executive ofﬁcer of PRIME

Jade Simmons has been promoted to director of ﬁnancial operations. Simmons has 17 years of experience in business management and has worked with KIPP New Orleans Schools, LSU Health Sciences Center and the Louisiana Public Health Institute.

She earned a bachelor’s in psychology and a master’s in business administration, both from the University of Dallas.

PHOTOS By

health, in 2022. Three years later she’s sold roughly $500,000 worth of headphones, wireless earbuds and in-ear monitors.

JRUMZ

Continued from page 1E

ness at Joseph’s Uptown speech and hearing clinic, she had time to brainstorm the idea properly And that research paid off.

In 2022, Joseph launched Jrumz, an audio electronics startup focused on safe listening and hearing health. Three years later, she’s sold roughly $500,000 worth of headphones, wireless earbuds and in-ear monitors mostly via her online shop and Amazon.

Joseph said she earned her ﬁrst design patent for a pair of wireless earphones in February She has applied for three more and is planning to expand into hearing aids this year Even though now she’s a player in the $800 billion-plus global consumer electronics market, Joseph said she’s not trying to compete head-to-head with global tech titans like Apple, Sony and Bose.

“We’re just blazing our own trail, focusing on safe listening,” she said.

“That’s the whole purpose of Jrumz. People love the story The company founder is an African American woman and an audiologist, and I started by helping kids hear.”

Spark of inspiration

As a child growing up Marrero, Joseph had a speech impediment that took years to diagnose but only a few months to treat. Inspired by that experience, she became an audiologist and, in 2016, founded the High Level Speech & Hearing Center to provide early intervention for children with speech and hearing disorders.

In the near decade that followed, the clinic grew and now has contracts to provide screenings for more than 200 Louisiana schools and day care centers.

“That’s my main bread and butter,” she said. “I have a great team and 10 years in the game. I learned to outsource. Now I serve

holds

in the role of CEO and CFO.”

Though the clinic provides pediatric care, Joseph has also built up a clientele of musicians on the side. They come to her for hearing tests and custom-ﬁt, in-ear monitors, which allow them to hear themselves sing and play their instruments while blocking out distractions on a noisy stage.

“Preferably, you want an audiologist to take an impression of your ears,” she said. “An average Joe could potentially damage your hearing.”

Zoom calls, mass production

When Joseph began researching how to create her own audio electronics brand in 2021, she hunkered down and turned her apartment into a lab of sorts.

“There were days when I didn’t take a shower, and days when I barely ate,” she said. “Everything was about, how the heck do I create a headphone company?”

She created her first in-ear monitor using components from Knowles Corp the company that makes the “drivers,” or miniature speakers, inside earbuds and inear monitors.

Ultimately, Joseph realized she’d need to partner with manufacturers in Asia to mass produce

her products. That involved latenight calls and Zoom meetings during business hours on the other side of the world. Her first product, the Jrumz XP01 universal in-ear monitor, debuted in January 2022. It has been followed by five other designs, including the Clarity line of headphones.

In the years since, she’s manufactured fewer than 10,000 units altogether. Her total investment in the business, all self-funded, is in the high six-ﬁgure range. But Joseph said the focus has been on quality over quantity and designing products that sound good at reasonable volumes.

“Audiology taught me that people turn up the volume not because they can’t hear what’s being said but because they can’t understand. We don’t sacriﬁce bass, but we give more high frequencies so it’s a balanced sound.”

No more freebies

Though Jrumz is small, highproﬁle performers are taking notice of its products.

When rapper Doechii performed at the 2025 Grammy Awards, where she won “best rap album” honors, her onstage sidekick, DJ Miss Milan, was wearing a bright

red Jrumz in-ear monitor

At the 2023 Super Bowl, Emmywinning actor and singer Sheryl Lee Ralph used a Jrumz monitor when performing “Lift Every Voice and Sing.”

Other Jrumz users include members of the Grammy-winning New Orleans group Tank and the Bangas, singer/songwriter/producer Babyface and Adam Blackstone, who is the music producer for Nicki Minaj, Justin Timberlake and others.

Still, Joseph has to work hard to get the word out and she counts marketing among her biggest expenses and frustrations.

She hired a high-proﬁle ad agency for a while but switched to the boutique marketing company Newtral Groundz, run by fellow New Orleans entrepreneur Brent Craige, to create Jrumz social media content, which posts mostly on Facebook and Instagram.

She paid to be the ofﬁcial headphone partner of the New Orleans Pelicans for the last two years and regularly attends industry gatherings around the country

For several years, Joseph traded free products for promotion, but she’s not doing it as much anymore.

“Artists promise to mention me on social media, so I would go out there, fulﬁll my end of the deal and they would never post,” she said. “So I stopped doing that. People ask me for free stuff, and I say, ‘I’ll give you a discount, but I’m not giving you anything for free, unless I know that I’m going to get value from it.’

Joseph eventually hopes to get her products on store shelves but doesn’t have the budget to make it happen at least not yet.

“You can have a great product, but that’s not enough,” she said. “You have to ﬁnd someone to pitch you to retailers, and you have to pay them to even have the conversation.”

Email Rich Collins at rich. collins@theadvocate.com.

Business Advisory Solutions

Barranco cofounded the consulting firm and previously was chief operating ofﬁcer

She earned a bachelor’s in math with a minor in business administration from Millsaps College and a master’s in business administration, with a concentration on accounting and taxation from Tulane University

Regina Griffin Graff has been hired as director of operations for the company Graff has more than three decades of expertise in finance, accounting and business operations.

She earned a bachelor’s in accounting from the University of New Orleans.

from page 1E

banks once domiciled in the state have been acquired by larger banks with headquarters in other Southern cities.

Large, national banks offer loans and other ﬁnancial services, as do their regional counterparts and smaller community banks. But banking industry watchers have noted that having midsized banks, with local headquarters, means more top executives who can boost civic leadership and offer localized lending decisions.

Moving in from the periphery In Louisiana, b1Bank is a medium-sized ﬁsh in a small pond. It is the state’s sixth-largest bank, with 3.5% of in-state deposits about $4.6 billion as of June 30. In Texas, b1Bank is a much smaller ﬁsh, with fewer than 1% of all deposits in the state. But the pond is so much bigger and growing — that Melville and others see more opportunities to expand. Banks in Texas last year had $1.44 trillion in total deposits compared with less than $132 billion in Louisiana.

“In some ways, it’s actually easier to break into these markets in Texas because it’s a growing pie,” Melville said. “It’s not like you’re going after someone else’s customers.”

Melville said b1’s strategy for nudging into the Dallas and Houston markets has been focused on outlying communities around the periphery of the big cities like Addison, Frisco and McKinney near Dallas or Pasadena outside of Houston, rather than “plopping ourselves in the middle of downtown.”

“Those are communities that need community banking,” he said. “It is a little easier to attack something if you divvy it up a little bit.”

The strategy makes sense, according to banking experts.

“Dallas and surrounding areas would be attractive to any Louisiana bank because they are growing,” said Jonathan Briggs, a banking analyst, who spent much of his career in New Orleans before moving to Dallas three years ago. “Louisiana is not.”

Between 2018 and 2022, b1 grew by 40% per year, outperforming peer banks, whose annual asset growth averaged 11% during the same period, according to a report prepared by Southeastern Louisiana University

Long-term plans?

B1 has also expanded in recent years into new product and service lines. It created a network of more than 100 smaller community banks around the country that it partners with, providing back-ofﬁce functions, portfolio management, loan administration and other services for a fee.

It’s a way for the bank to diversify its revenue stream.

“We also believe that part of being a community bank is helping other community banks succeed,” Melville said “A stronger economy is better for all of us.”

Banks like b1, as they grow, often become targets for acquisition by regional or national banks. Melville said his goal is to create something “meaningful, regional and lasting.”

“We are business people and have a ﬁduciary, so I can’t say we would never be acquired,” he said. “But that is not why we come to work every day We want to build something that will last.”

Email Stephanie Riegel at stephanie.riegel@theadvocate. com.

STAFF

CHRIS GRANGER

Dr Lana Joseph, an audiologist who has been building her own brand of earbuds and headphones, pulls out boxes of her products at her High Level Speech & Hearing office in Harahan. Joseph launched Jrumz, an audio electronics startup focused on safe listening and hearing

Joseph

a pair of her earbuds.

O’Banion

Jones

Simmons Baker Jones

Johnson Graff

Hill Barranco

La.pursuingmore‘aggressive’manufacturing

BY ANTHONY McAULEY Staff writer

TimJohnson has been in the persuasion business since he left LSU in the late 1980s with adegree in political science and history

As a26-year-old, he founded The TJCGroup,the consultancy ﬁrm that he’sbeenrunning ever since and represents many of the largest oil, gasand chemicals companies operating in the state.

He was able to catch the wave of community advisorypanels, which had just started to develop in the 1980s when the Chemical Manufacturers Association, nowknown as the American Chemistry Council, was rolling out its Responsible Care initiative. That initiative was aresponse to acrisis of trust after aseries of environmentaldisasters and scandals in the preceding decades.

“I started thisﬁrm as part of a process with communityadvisory panels in October of 1990and just sort of grown the ﬁrm since then,” the now-61-year-old Johnson said.

The TJC Group now has about three dozen employees, including several registered lobbyists, Johnson is not afraid to admit, despite the enduring jokes about the profession.AsHuey P. Long once said, government is like arestaurant with waiters from both main parties serving just one dish. “No matter which set of waitersbrings you the dish, the legislative grub is all prepared in the same Wall Street kitchen,” he said.

But as Johnson once said when he was advocating to locate aproposed $2 billion new bridge across the Mississippi River in Iberville Parish: “If you’re not sitting at the table, you’re on the menu.”

The following Q&A has been edited for clarity and length.

What do you think of Gov.JeffLandry’sefforts so far to improve the environment for business to operate, including making it easier for industrytoget permits?

We are still in aposition where it is easier to get permits in other places than it is here. From an industry perspective, that is ahuge issue in terms of speed to market, cost of building afacilityand the

TimJohnson, founder and CEO of The TJC Group,which represents many of the largest petrochemicals companies in Louisiana, said the state’s more aggressiveapproach aimed at boosting manufacturing will ‘pay dividends.

risk of building afacilityand how you de-riskthose things. Ithink we’re making some effort in those areas.

There have been some high-profile industrial wins in the past year.Doyou thinkthere is apositive shift in the waythe state is seeking to attract manufacturing and will it have legs?

We’re thinking about bringing additional manufacturing jobs here and what it takes to do that.

Ithink the reimagination of Louisiana EconomicDevelopment is going to pay some dividends. Look at this new group, Leadersfor a BetterLouisiana(an industry lobbying group thatwas the result of themerger in January of The Committee of 100 for Economic Development and the Council for

aBetterLouisiana)

Ithink thatthey were heavily engaged in researching what other Southern stateswere doing in termsoftheir economic development policyand economicdevelopment efforts,and have really brought afresh perspective to that department andhow it’sgoingto operate going forward. Ithink the more aggressive approach is going to pay dividends. You’ve said that theindustrial corridor along theMississippi River hasbeen unfairly saddled with the “Cancer Alley”moniker. In community meetings, what do you tell folks wholive in thoseparishes?

We recognizethat thetopics are very sensitive.Whenyou start talking to families about cancer,weall have been impacted by that, right?

So, as industry,we’ve got to do that withgreat understanding and great compassion. We approach theconversation around cancer in Louisiana and any impacts that industry may or maynot have with compassion andunderstanding. ButI thinkthatpartofwhatwe have to talk about is responsibility forour ownhealth. There are certain decisions that we have to make andifyou look at the population as awhole, there are tons of statistics andstudies that show that the people who work inside industry in Louisianaare some of the healthiest people in our state. There arereasons forthat.

They’vegot great health care coverage, they have preventative care, theyhave wellness plans that have education around diet and alcohol abuse andsunlight andall of those things. And so they tend to be healthier.Whenwegointo communities andwetell individuals, particularly folks who are less fortunate, that there is nothing you can do about your own health, that theplants arekilling youand that’s just afact, Ithink that’sadisservice.

What’sanexample of an industrial project that is being held up by that kind of communitycampaigning?

The biggest oneright now is the one that gets all the headlines, the Formosaproject in St James Parish. Ithink it is the poster child for the difﬁculty in moving atransformational project forward.

The St.James Parish government is for it so what has been the difficulty?

It has attracted atremendous amount of attention nationwide and thatactivist group, RISE St.

James, has received heavy funding from Bloomberg dollars and some other areas. The Michael Bloomberg Foundation andhis initiative “Beyond Petrochemicals” have been fighting againstjust about everything that St. James Parish looks to do.

Just to be clear,do youworkfor Formosaor St.James Parish directly in making thecase for the plant?

We runanorganization here called Industry Makes, agroup of plants, contractors andservice providers organized to at least push back on someofthe anti-industry activism that we’veseen. The tagline is: “Let others make noise, we make everything else.” Formosa is part of Industry Makes, but we don’tdoany work directly for Formosa.

Some recentwinsinLouisiana comeunder the banner of the state’s“All of theAbove” energypolicy,which seeks to pursue opportunities on the clean energyfront as well as traditional fossilfuels.President DonaldTrump’s administration has sought to roll back some of thelegislation and policies supporting those investments. Does that worry you? Idon’tknow if I’ve used the word “worried” yet, but it’scertainly something to consider.There are lots of conversations going on at veryhigh levels about thecritical importance of theinvestment those tax credits have brought in terms of what has been announced and anumber of projects are very dependent on those tax credits. So, we are hopeful and have an expectationthatthose taxcredits will remain, in some form or fashion.

EmailAnthony McAuley at tmcauley@theadvocate.com.

Louisiana’s Menhaden Industry Celebrates the Beginning of the 2025 Fishing Season with Blessing of the Fleet

Thisarticle is broughttoyou by the Louisiana Commercial Fishing Coalition LLC

Louisiana’s Menhaden Industry Welcomes the2025 Season

As Louisiana’smenhaden fishing industry prepares forthe 2025 season, beginning Monday,April 21, fishermen, their families,and localcommunities are gathering forthe annual Blessing of the Fleet.This year’s event, being held on Easter Sunday, blends faith, family,and a deep connection to the seaasgenerations of fishing familiescome together to honor their wayoflifeand seek protection for the season ahead.

Fordecades,the Blessing of the Fleet has been asolemn momentof unity, with industryworkersand their families,local leadersand clergy coming together to pray fora safe and successful fishing season. From Plaquemines to Vermilion, menhaden steamerswillbe adorned with flagsand fresh paint, as captains andcrews bowtheirheads in prayer–continuing atradition thathas safeguarded fishermen foroveracentury

This gathering is alsoatime to recognizethe dedication and resilience of the industry’s workers. Former Louisiana Department of Wildlifeand Fisheries

Secretary Madison Sheahan visited Westbank Fishinglast year and described menhaden ﬁshing as “one of our state’s toughest jobs.” The startofthe season serves as areminder of the sacriﬁces thesecrews and their families make,as

well as the challenges they face working on the open water.

ALegacy of Louisiana

Menhaden Fishing

Themenhaden

ﬁshery hasbeen acornerstone of Louisiana’scoastal economyfor over acentury.Since the late 1800s,Louisiana’snutrient-rich estuaries have supported vast menhaden populations,making it one of theGulf of Mexico’smost productive ﬁshing regions

In the 1980s,Louisiana’smenhaden industry operated morethan 80 vessels and 11 processing plants. However, due to economic pressures and industry consolidation, only twoﬁshing companies remaintoday –Westbank Fishing in Empire and Ocean Harvestersin Abbeville –together operating aﬂeet of 27 vessels.Despiteconsolidation, Louisiana’smenhaden industry remains amajor economicdriver,generating $419 million in annual output and supporting over 2,000 jobs.Fishermen and processing plantemployees earn

morethan $50,000 peryear,with beneﬁts thatprovide stabilityfor coastal families

Theindustry alsocontributes over$62.4 million in procuring goodsand services from 32 parishes,extending its impact far beyond our coast

“The Blessing of theFleet isn’tjust about theseason ahead,”said Francois Kuttel, PresidentofWestbank Fishing. “It’sabout recognizing thegenerations of hardworking ﬁshermen who have made this industry what it is today.

Sustainabilityand Innovation: Ensuring aFuture for the Industry

In additiontoits economic impact, Louisiana’smenhaden industry is recognized as one of themost sustainable in the world. TheMarine Stewardship Council (MSC) has certified thefishery forresponsible harvesting practices, and the latest stockassessmentfromthe Gulf StatesMarine Fisheries Commission confirms thatmenhaden populationsare healthyand growing.

“Weinvest in science-backed conservation efforts to maintain ahealthy ﬁshery forfuturegenerations,” said Ben Landry,arepresentativeof Ocean Harvesters.

This commitmenttosustainabilityis matched by theindustry’s embrace of new technology. Amajor innovation forthe 2025season is theadoption of ultra-high molecular weightpolyethylene Spectra/ Platina netting. This fiber is tentimes strongerthannylon, enhancing durability andsignificantly reducingfish spills caused by net tears. With allLouisiana menhaden vessels nowequipped with this cutting-edgenetting, theindustry continues to improve efficiency and minimizewaste.

Looking Ahead to the 2025 Season

As the2025season begins, Louisiana’s menhaden industry remainsapillarofthe state’s working coast.The Blessing of the Fleet serves notonly as asignalfor the start of another harvest butasa reminder of the industry’s resilience in theface of economic, environmental,and regulatory challenges

From the Blessing of the Fleet on Easter Sunday to theﬁnalhaulon November 1, menhaden ﬁshing continues to be driven by resilience, responsibility, andadeep connection to Louisiana’s coastal heritage.Industry leadersare committedtoinnovation,sustainability, andensuring that futuregenerations can carry on this time-honored tradition

PROVIDED PHOTO By TIMJOHNSON

The United States is steeped in atrade war that will hurt people who can least afford it at atime when consumers are already,and rightfully,spooked about rising prices.

An Economist-YouGov poll showedthat 80% of Americans expect the tariffs announced by President Donald Trump will raise their costs; 47% expect prices will increase alot In preparation, many people are stockpiling goods from coffee to hair extensions to toilet paper

Ialready knew somewould encouragepanic buying and hoarding.

“It’snot abad idea to go tothe localWalmart or big box retailer and buy lots of consumables now,” billionaire Mark Cuban wrote on Bluesky.“From toothpaste to soap, anything you can ﬁnd storage space for,buy before they have to replenish inventory Even if it’smade in the USA, they will jack up the price and blameitontariffs.”

With all due respect to Cuban, this advice is wrong for so many reasons.

Here’swhy you shouldn’tstockpile toilet paper or other goods.

Youcan’tpay rent with what’sinyour

Fool’sTake: Dell set to benefitfrom AI demands Tech companies are spending billions to expand their computing infrastructure to handle artiﬁcial intelligence workloads, and Dell Technologies (NYSE: DELL) is positioned to beneﬁt.Dell generates most of its revenue from selling PCs and related accessories, but 46% comes from itsinfrastructure solutions group, which includes servers.

The stock has fallen roughly by half from its 2024 all-time peak —inpart due to concernsover tariffs and the impact that trade conﬂicts could have on Dell’s supply chain. Dell believes it has

prices for paper towelsortheir

morning cup of java.

Michelle Singletary

THE COLOR OF MONEy

personal storeroom. Part of the panic is thefear of affordability. That’sunderstandable.

Theconcern is not without merit.The Budget Lab at Yale University crunched thenumbers looking at the effects of Trump’stariffs and the retaliatory levies. The tariffs disproportionately affect clothing and textiles, with consumers facing prices upward of 64%higher on apparel in the short run, accordingtoaBudget Lab report.

Overallprice increases are estimated tocost the average household $4,700 per year (in 2024 dollars) If consumers change their spending habits, the loss is still signiﬁcant,anestimated $2,700 per household.

Butif Trump’stariff binge pushes the U.S. economy into arecession, many people will have bigger worries than higher

aresilientsupply chain and that it will be able to navigate these obstacles.

The company’s backlog of orders for AI servers was recently $9 billion,and its infrastructure solutionsbusiness’sgrowthis offsettingthe weak sales of its PCs.Dell expects revenue to increase by8%in2025, driven by server demand Dell forecasts that the addressable market for AI hardware and services will grow at an annualized rate of 33% over thenext several years to $295 billion by 2027. Demand should grow for its PC business over thenext fewyears as businesses and consumers upgrade to AI-capable machines. Theend of Microsoft’s support for Windows 10 could also beacatalyst for stronger PC sales.

Importantly,Dellstock looks

If you lose your job, then your top ﬁnancial prioritywill be paying for necessities such as your rent, mortgage or auto loan.

There is too muchuncertainty about the tariffs.

Prices might not spike, leaving you withtoo manyitems in your pantry when the money could have been better used to boost your emergency fund or,most importantly, pay down debt

“You have no idea how supply chains areactually going to respond to this,” saidMartha Gimbel, executivedirector at the Budget Lab. “Trying to predict this is afool’serrand.”

As we’veseen already,Trump is unpredictable. His tariff policies areinflux,making longterm financial planning difficult Youcould get stuck with acloset full of toilet paper that wasn’t such agood buy after all.

“You have no idea how much you’regoing to need of things, you have no idea how your needs are going to change,” Gimbel said. “You don’twant to end up in asituation whereyou’re bartering toothpaste.”

Hoarding coulddrive up prices even more.

cheap, with arecent forwardlooking price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 8.5. It’sa dividend payer, too, with arecent yield of 2.5% and arecent dividend hike of 18%.

Fool’sSchool: Youneed

an investing strategy

For best resultswhen investing, it’sgood to have asound strategy. Without one, you might fall prey to hot stock tips or end up ﬂittingfrom stock tostock and trading too often. Spend sometime reading up on investing. You’ll want tolearn about different kinds of investments,along with their risks and how they tend to perform. (For example, stocks tend to outperform bonds and many other investments over long periods.) Develop reasonable expectations

We’ve been here before. During theheight of the pandemic, consumers stockpiledshelfstable foods, hand sanitizer, disinfectants, bottledwater and toilet paper.

Shoppers descended on supermarkets andbig-boxstores, snapping up items as soon as they hit the shelves. This created shortages andcontributed to predatorypricing.

It might make economic sense to go ahead andbuy thatnew car if you were alreadyinthe market and able to handle the loan payments. But if toomanypeople panic buy because of tariffs, prices could soar simply because of demand. Again, the money could be betterusedtoboost your emergency fund.

Tying up yourcashcan reduce your financial flexibility

If you spend toomuchonnonperishable food items, clothing or other items, you might not have enough to cover unexpected expenses, suchasacar repair

When faced with budgetary constraints, households understandably prioritize certain debts, such as their mortgage or auto loan, according to an analysisbythe FederalReserve Bank of New York.

—understanding, forexample, that over many decades, the stock market has averaged annual gains of around 10%. It’s also good to learn about great investors and how they invest, and about great businesses and how they survived and thrived over time.

As you form your own strategy,here are somefactors to consider:

n How involved do you wantto be, and how much time will you spend on investing? Many people will be best off sticking with a simple, low-feeindex fund such as one that tracks the S&P 500. It can grow powerfully over time.

n What’s your timeframe? Money you won’t need forat least ﬁve (ifnot 10) years can be parked in stocks, but shortertermmoney is best placed in less volatile investments such as CDs

In the last quarterof2024, credit cardbalancesclimbed by $45 billionfrom the previous quarter, ballooning to $1.21trillion, according to the New York Fed. With less money coming in, you do whatyou have to do,which sometimes means notpaying your credit cardbill. There’s alreadyan“upward trend in credit carddefaults,” the New York Fed reported. If you have to pause payments on your credit cards, that can sink youfurtherinto debt. The median averagecredit card interest rate for March was 24.2%, according to Investopedia, which tracksrates everymonth. Evenbeforethe trade war kickedoff by Trump’stariffs, consumers were feeling pressed. In February,the share of households expecting aworse ﬁnancial situationone year from now rose to 27.4%,its highest level since November 2023, the NewYork Fedreported last month. It’snot wise to tie up money on things youcould do without in a pinch.

EmailMichelle Singletary at michelle.singletary@washpost. com.

or money market accounts.

n What are your goals and risk tolerance? If you want your money to grow quickly and you can stomach volatility,consider including somegrowth stocks in your portfolio. If you’re more risk-averse, you might focus on blue chip stocks, dividendpaying stocks or undervalued stocks. Lower-risk choices also include index funds, because they can be very diversiﬁed.

n What kind of asset allocation do you want? If you’re young, you might invest 100% in stocks. As you approach retirement, you might want to devote part of your portfolio to bonds.

n Will you makeconsistent use of tax-advantaged retirement accounts such as IRAs and 401(k)s? It’s smart to do so. Develop aplan —and then stick to it.

Motley Fool

2New Orleans defense firmsjoin forces

TwoNew Orleans defense ﬁrms —Mouledoux, Bland,Legrand &Brackett and Nalley,Dew and Miner —have combinedand will operate under theMouledoux, Bland, Legrand &Brackettname, handling claims in the insurance, maritime, transportation and workers’ compensation areas.

Nalley’sattorneys and staff will move into MBLB’soffices in the Hancock Whitney Center.The move brings the number of attorneys on staff to 60.

MBLB, which has an office in Lafayette, recently expanded into Chicago.

BP makes oil discovery off coast of Louisiana

BP has made an oil discovery in the Gulf south of New Orleans, about 120 miles from the Louisiana coast.

The discovery in the Far South prospect co-owned by BP and Chevron could potentially include acommercial volumeofoil andgas

BP ofﬁcials said the ﬁndwill help the companymeet its goalofdelivering 400,000 barrels of oil per day fromthe region, which hasbeen renamed the Gulf of America by the Trump administration.

Burkenroad investment conference set for Tulane

BurkenroadReports will hold its annual investment conference from 8a.m. to 1p.m. Friday,inthe LavinBernick Center on the Tulane University campus, 29 McAlister Drive.

The conference will featurepresentations from leaderswith 15 public companies, including Pool Corp., Cal-Maine Foods, Crown Crafts, b1Bank, VieMedHealthcare and Amerisafe.

TomPutnam, the founderofFenimore Asset Management, and his daughter Anne will be the keynote speakers. They will discuss their investment business and TomPutnam’sdecision to hand it overtohis daughter

The conference will also feature apanel discussion on alternative investments and venture capital.

The event is free,but registration is required. Visit freeman.tulane. edu/burkenroad-reports/investment-conference.

Trump’sglobaldisruptioncomes amid U.S. dominance

BY PAUL WISEMAN AP economics writer

WASHINGTON By declaring atrade war on the rest of the world, President Donald Trump has panicked globalﬁnancialmarkets, raised the risk of arecession andbroken the political andeconomic alliances that made much of theworld stable for business after World WarII.

Economists arepuzzledtosee Trump tryingtooverhaul theexisting economicorder and doing it so soon after inheriting the strongest economyinthe world. Many of the tradingpartners he accuses of ripping off U.S. businesses and workers were already ﬂoundering.

“There is adeep irony in Trump claiming unfairtreatment of the American economy at atime when it was growing robustly while every other major economy had stalledorwas losing growth momentum,” saidEswarPrasad, professor of trade policy at Cornell University.“In an even greater irony, theTrump tariffs are likely to end America’sremarkable run of success andcrash the economy, job growth and ﬁnancial markets.”

Trump and his tradeadvisersinsist that the rules governing global commerce put the United States at adistinct disadvantage. But mainstream economists —whose views

Trump and his advisers disdain —say the president has awarped idea of world trade, especially a preoccupationwith trade deﬁcits, which they say do nothing to impede growth

Theadministrationaccuses other countries of erecting unfairtrade barriers tokeep out American exports and using underhanded tactics to promote theirown.In Trump’stelling, his tariffs are a long-overduereckoning:The U.S. is the victim of an economic mugging by Europe, China, Mexico, Japanand evenCanada.

It’struethatsome countries charge higher taxes on imports than the United States does. Some manipulate their currencies lower to ensurethat their goodsare price-competitive in international markets. Some governmentslavish theirindustries with subsidies to give them an edge.

However,the United States is still the second-largest exporter in the world, after China. The U.S. exported$3.1 trillion of goodsand

services in 2023, far ahead of thirdplace Germany at $2 trillion.

Thefear that Trump’sremedies are deadlier than the maladies he’s trying to cure has sent investors fleeing American stocks. Since Trump announced sweeping import taxesonApril 2, theS&P 500 has cratered 6.8%.

Trump andhis advisers point to America’slopsided tradenumbers —year after year of huge deﬁcits —asproof of foreigners’ perﬁdy He’s seekingtorestore justice and millions of long-goneU.S.factory jobs by taxingimports at rates not seen in America since thedays of thehorse and buggy

“They’ve taken so much of our wealth away from us,”the president declared at aWhite House Rose Garden ceremony to celebrate the tariffs announcement. “We’re not going to let that happen. We truly can be verywealthy. We can be so much wealthier than any country.”

Butthe U.S. is alreadythe wealthiest major economy in the world. And the International Monetary Fund in January forecastthatthe United States would outgrow every other major advanced economy this year Chinaand Indiadid grow faster than theUnited States over thepast decade, buttheir living standards still don’tcome close to those in the U.S. Manufacturing in theU.S.has been fading for decades. There is widespread agreement that many

American manufacturers couldn’t competewithaninﬂux of cheap imports after China joined the World Trade Organization in 2001. Factories closed, workers were laid off and heartland communities withered.

Fouryears later,nearly 3million manufacturing jobs had been lost, though robots and other forms of automation probably did at least as much to reduce factory jobs as the “China shock.”

To turn around this long decline, Trump has repeatedly unsheathed the tariffs that are his weapon of choice.

Trumpviews tariffs as an all-purpose economic ﬁx that will protect American industries, encourage companies to open factories in America, raise money for the U.S. Treasuryand give himleverage to bend other countries to his will, even on issues that have nothing to do withtrade, such as drug trafﬁcking and immigration.

Thepresident also sees asmokinggun: The United States has bought more from other countries than it has sold themevery year forthe past half-century.In2024, theU.S. trade deﬁcit in goods and services cametoawhopping $918 billion, the second-highest amount on record.

Trump trade adviserPeter Navarro calls America’strade deﬁcits “the sum of allcheating” by other countries.

However,economists say trade deficitsaren’tasign of national

weakness. The U.S. economy has nearly quadrupled in size, adjusted forinﬂation, during that half-century of trade deﬁcits.

“There is no reason to think that abiggertrade deﬁcit meanslower growth,”saidformer IMF chief economist Maurice Obstfeld, seniorfellowatthe Peterson Institute of InternationalEconomics andan economist at theUniversity of California, Berkeley.“In fact, the oppositeisclosertothe truthinmany countries.”

Atrade deficit, Obstfeld said, does not mean acountry is losing through trade or being “rippedoff.”

The fasterthe U.S. economy grows, in fact, themoreimports Americanstendtobuy andthe wider the trade deﬁcit tends to get. The U.S. trade deficit —the gap between what it sells and what it buys from foreign countries —hit arecord$945 billionin2022 as the American economy roared back from COVID-19 lockdowns. Trade deﬁcits typically fall sharply in recessions.

Nor are trade deficits primarily inflicted on America by other countries’ unfair trading practices. To economists, they’re ahomegrown product, the result of Americans’ propensity to save little and consume more than they produce American shoppers’ famous appetite for spending morethan the country makes means that achunk of the spending is used for imports. If the United States boosted its saving —for example, by reducing its budgetdeficits —thenthatwould reduce its trade deficit as well, economists say

“It’snot like the rest of the world has been ripping us offfor decades,” said Jay Bryson, chief economistatWells Fargo. “It’sbecause we don’tsave enough.”

The flip side of America’slow savings andbig tradedeficits is a steadyinflowofforeign investment as other countries sink their export earnings into the United States. Direct foreign investment into the U.S. came to $349 billion in 2023, the World Bank reported, nearly double No. 2Singapore’sinflows. The only scenario in which tariffs reduce theU.S.deficit is if they cause investment in the U.S. to crash, said Barry Eichengreen, an economist at the University of California,Berkeley. That“would be adisaster.”

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By MARK SCHIEFELBEIN

Economists are puzzled to see President DonaldTrump trying to overhaul the existing worldeconomic order and doing it so soon after inheriting the strongest economy in the world.

Announcements

Anyone knowingthe whereabouts of Abel Estuardo Flores Menendez please contactthe Alford Law Group, LLCat(225)803-9184. 137388-April19-21, 3t $85

of Estate of Robert JamesSmith and Estate of HelenWilliamson Smith please contactAtty.BenjaminD Beychokat(225) 906-0050. 136861-April 18-20, 3t $97

comorPatriciaBott, EntergyOpera‐tions, Inc.,639 Loyola Avenue.L-ENT-4C, NewOrleans,LA70113 w/in 30 days,ref Job#2021-103.

MANAGEMENT ThePackaging Supervisor is responsi‐blefor leadership andcoordinationof activities

Anyone knowingthe whereabouts of Johnny Turner andIrmaTurner please contactAtty.Benjamin Beychokat(225) 906-0050. 136863-April 18-20, 3t $85

Yarbrough, CSRS,onbe‐half of WoodstockPlan‐tation East,LLC)

S25-04-P PreliminaryPlat forUniversityClubPlan‐tation 13thFiling: This

57.74-acre property is lo‐catednorth of Audubon LakesDr, Memorial TowerDr, andPurple Martin Ct,and southof HarvestonWay,onTract R-2-A-1-B-2-A, Woodstock Plantation,inSecs. 45 & 52, T8S-R1E, GLD, EBR, LA Theapplicant requests a preliminaryplattosubdi‐vide onetract into 74 de‐velopablelots, 6green‐spacelots, and3 lots each with aprivate re‐tentionpond, with new public streetswithside‐walksand subsurface drainage,publicsewer lines, anda street con‐nectiontothe north, and revoking portions of an existing right-of-way and an existing drainage servitude, in theR (Rural) ZoningDistrict. (Appli‐cant:JosephYarbrough CSRS,onbehalfofWood‐stockPlantationEast, LLC)

S25-05-F Subdivision with a flag lotat 11465 and 11557 Honore Lane: This 4.503-acre property is lo‐catedonthe northside of Honore Ln east of Siegen Ln,onLot-Y,W.W PecueTract,inSec.48, T8S-R2E, GLD, EBR, LA Theapplicantrequests approval of aprelimi‐nary/finalplattosubdi‐vide onelot into three, includingone new flag lot, in theM1Light Indus‐trial, BOff-Street Park‐ing, andC1Light Com‐mercialZoningDistricts (Applicant:KelvinTillot‐son)

S25-06-F Subdivisionat 4635, 4645,4667 and4733 Floynell Drive: This 3.51acre combined property is on theeastsideof Floynell Dr northof Oliphant Rd,and is com‐prised of Lots 642-645 (in‐clusive),Jefferson Ter‐race Subdivision,inSec 58, T7S-R1E, GLD, EBR, LA Theapplicantrequests approval of aprelimi‐nary/ﬁnalplattosubdi‐vide four lots into sixin theA1SingleFamilyResi‐dentialZoningDistrict. (Applicant:Phillip Thomas,onbehalfof JJKKInvestments,LLC)

S24-09-F-REV1Dedication of NewServitudesat 15673 &15775 OldPerkins Road:These

properties

comprisedofTractsA-1Aand

Mansur Property,inSec 49, T8S-R2E, GLD, EBRP LA.The applicantre‐quests to dedicate new public sidewalk servi‐tude andprivate drainage servitude across both lots.(Appli‐cant:Brian Aguillard,PE, PLSonbehalfofConti‐nental Enterprises, LLC) Zoning Commission Z25-03 A1 to LC3on PerkinsRd: This 2.99-acre property is locatedat 12663 PerkinsRoadon TractD-2 of theLouis B. Kleinpeter property,in Sec. 55, T8S-R1E, GLD, EBR. Theapplicant re‐quests zoning change from theA1(Single Fam‐ilyResidential)tothe LC3 (Light Commercial Three) Zoning District.(Appli‐cant:JackWarner, on be‐half of St Margaret’s EpiscopalChurchof BatonRouge) Z25-04 RtoGOL on PerkinsRoad: This ap‐proximate11-acre prop‐erty is locatedat17240 PerkinsRoadona por‐tion of Lot10-A-1-Aand a portionofLot X-3ofthe Highland Road Acres Property,inSec.56, T8SR2E, GLD, EBR. Theappli‐cant requests to rezone from theR (Rural)tothe GOL(GeneralOfﬁce Low Rise)ZoningDistrict. (Applicant:Lance Hahn & LanceBourgeois,onbe‐half of theChurchofthe Highlands)

Z25-05 RtoNOonDirec‐torDrive: This 0.77-acre property is locatedat 7935 Director DriveonLot A-1-Aofthe OldJefferson Property,inSec.51, T8SR2E, GLD, EBR. Theappli‐cant requests to rezone from theR (Rural)tothe NO (NeighborhoodOf‐ﬁce)ZoningDistrict. (Ap‐plicant: Harry Mitchell, Jr,onbehalfofJames Morrison, III)

T25-04 &Z25-06 Alcohol Beverage Sales: Amend Title7 Uniﬁed Develop‐ment Code to change howalcoholic beverage saleslandusesare al‐lowed; rezone allNC-AB C-AB-1,and C-AB-2 prop‐erty to otherdistricts; andprovide forrelated matters 137029-apr20-28-may 5-3t $228.31 My Addressis: 5166 ADAMSAVE

I, BLAKEELLIS FOSSIER akaBLAKEELLIS FOSSIER,have been convictedof3699002543.25(c) PC -Sexual Perf byChild <14yrs Employ/Dir/Promo Sexual Motivation TEXAS. Date Convicted: 4/1/2024. My Addressis: 12010 LAKE SHERWOOD AVES BATONROUGE,LA 70816, East

I, ERIC DWIGHT ALEXANDERSRaka ERIC DEWIGHT,have been convictedof 14:78.1- Aggravated Incest.DateConvicted: 3/14/2001. My Addressis: 12252 ARENADRBATON ROUGE, LA 70811, East BatonRouge Parish Race:Black Sex: Male Date of Birth: 9/01/1960 Height:6'1 Weight: 178 Hair Color: Brown EyeColor:Brown Scars/Tattoos: Louisiana 137436, Apr20-21 2t $250.00

I, MICHAELPAUL

Date of

7/7/19687 Height:5'3 Weight:115 Hair

Black EyeColor:Brown Scars/Tattoos: Louisiana 137484, Apr20-21 2t $250.00

IncludesNormalInstallation: AirCooledGenerator&ATS,Taxes, Labor,Permits,SurgeSuppressor, Battery,4”ConcretePad, GasPlumbing(abovegroundupto20’), &NormalElectricalWiring(upto60’).

Generator,Taxes,Labor,Battery, 4”ConcretePad,Permits, SurgeSuppressor,GasPlumbing (abovegroundupto20’), NormalElectrical &Wiring(upto30’).

Meet with an InstallDesigner Completethe In-Home Assessment

- Location of generator -Sizerequired -How it works -How install happens -Qualify for financing - Answer questions

Receivea Written Quote -Location of generator - kW sizerreport -Install details -Total Price

ScheduleInstallation

- Pick install date - PayDownPayment -SignAgreement

LOUISIANA

THE HEART OF THE MATTER

3D virtual reality technology used to operate on newborn

BY MARGARET DeLANEY Staff writer

Theodore Evans was born on a Thursday

Three days later, on Dec. 8, 2024, as the family prepared to go home from Lakeview Hospital in Covington, Veronica Evans handed her son off to a nurse for his ﬁnal checkup. When the nurse came back without him, Evans knew something was wrong.

Theodore had a slight heart murmur, according to the doctors at Covington hospital where Evans gave birth, which was “very common in babies,” the nurse explained.

“So much happened after that,” Evans said. “It’s kind of a blur.”

Another hour went by while doctors did various tests on Theodore. They came back to tell Evans that her son had two heart defects: a hole in his left ventricle, or VSD, and a narrow aorta, also called a coarctation of the aorta. He was transferred by helicopter to Manning Family Children’s in New Orleans. Before takeoff, the Evans family was visited by a pastor who prayed over Theodore.

“The whole thing was deﬁnitely an emotional whirlwind,” Evans said. “It broke my heart to see my 3-day-old baby hooked up to so many machines.”

After being transferred to a cardiac intensive care unit, doctors at Children’s met to discuss treatment op-

CT scans and virtual reality create a

tions for Theodore. Part of that treatment plan included new virtual reality technology to create 3D imaging of Theodore’s heart.

Using virtual reality

Dr Ernesto Mejia, Theodore’s doctor, said working to develop the technology

that reduced the amount of time the infant and others are under anesthesia had its share of twists and turns.

One day, Mejia said his boss walked by his ofﬁce and thought he was spending his time playing video games.

ä See HEART, page 2X

Molly Kimball

Core values

Expert shares tips for protecting a part of the body you may not think about — abs

By Mayo Clinic News Network (TNS)

ROCHESTER, Minnesota It is a large part of the body that lies deep inside, out of sight and perhaps out of mind: your abdominal core. A new and rapidly developing area of medicine focuses on abdominal core health, including how people can incorporate it into a healthy lifestyle and how to address complex medical problems that arise when it is compromised. Dr Charlotte Horne, a metabolic and abdominal wall reconstructive surgeon at Mayo Clinic, explains what abdominal core health is, how to protect it and risk factors for problems that may require surgery

“The abdominal core is the outside muscular container of your abdominal wall,” Horne said. “This starts at the diaphragm and goes all the way down to the pelvic support muscles. Most of the core is muscle and connective tissue. It’s a muscular container that holds your internal organs in. Every time you breathe, bend, bear down to have a bowel movement, you’re using these muscles.”

The abdominal core includes abdominal muscles that people may think of as the ”six-pack,” and oblique muscles and tissue that wrap all the way around the upper part of the abdomen and connect to the midline of the body Horne added. Many nerves lie between the layers of muscle and tissue, including those that extend to the groin, thighs, back and hips.

Those muscles function as a unit and that unit needs to operate well for you and your body to perform daily activities, Horne said. One way to strengthen the structural integrity of your abdominal core is to engage it during your normal activities, she explains: You do not have to do thousands of situps or become a bodybuilder

“One of the things we’re realizing is that we need to educate people how to appropriately engage those muscles when they do everything from going from lying to sitting and sitting to standing, lifting objects and other basic movements in their daily lives,” she said. “When people do yoga or Pilates, they think about pulling their belly button into their spine. That helps stabilize the deeper muscles of the abdominal wall.”

Improving abdominal core health involves conscious engagement of the abdominal muscles, “bringing everything in and holding it in,” Horne said.

Risk factors for abdominal core problems are wide-ranging. They include cancer treatment; inﬂammatory bowel disease; chronic or severe coughing; and complications from pregnancy (diastasis recti) and surgery The most common problems are hernias, when part of an organ or tissue bulges through a weak spot in muscle.

ä See CORE, page 3X

AtOchsner65Plus,ourtrustedteamofproviderstakesaninnovativeandcomprehensive approachtoprimarycareforadults65andolder.Alongwithyourphysician,webuildateam thatprovidescustomizedcarewithyouruniquehealthneedsinmind.Offeringextended visittimes,acomprehensivecareteam,andﬁtnessandcommunityrooms,allinacalm, comfortableandcaringenvironment.

STAFF PHOTO By MARGARET DeLANEy

3D image of a patient’s heart at Manning Family Children’s hospital in New Orleans.

PHOTO PROVIDED

Veronica Evans consoles her 3-day-old baby, Theodore, before he is transferred by helicopter to Manning Family Children’s in New Orleans for heart surgery

HEALTH MAKER

Louisiana hospital hosts global conference

Mary Bird Perkins celebrates advances in cancer technology

BY MARGARET DeLANEY

Staff writer

Elekta, a company based in Sweden, is one of the world’s leaders in developing some of the most cutting-edge cancer treatment technologies — and Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center has worked with them since 2008 in implementing some of these tools in Baton Rouge.

Now, Mary Bird Perkins is signing an agreement with Elekta to serve as a clinical test site for the company’s emerging technologies. This means that, through Elekta, Mary Bird Perkins will be the ﬁrst to provide patients with access to some of the most advanced technologies available in the world.

This month, the cancer center hosted a conference with medical physicists and leaders in cancer technology from around the world to talk about new technologies and various ways to implement them in Louisiana.

Dr Jonas Fontenot, a medical physicist and president and CEO at Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center in Baton Rouge, did his clinical research training at MD Anderson in Houston before moving to Louisiana 16 years ago.

Dr Sotirios Stathakis, also a

HEALTH NOTES

Alzheimer’s conference offered in New Orleans

The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America will host a conference on April 23 at the Embassy Suites Hotel New Orleans Convention Center, 315 Julia St., New Orleans. It will feature some of the top local experts in the New Orleans area in medicine, dementia and caregiving. Attendees will learn about everything from healthy aging to early detection, longterm care planning, local resources and more.

The Educating America Tour was founded over eight years ago to provide critically important information to families and individuals concerned about their memory, including resources that are available to support them.

“We generally focus on speakers that provide greater education and understanding of Alzheimer’s disease, brain health and wellness,” said Charles Fuschillo Jr., president and CEO of the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America. “We also discuss the current state of new therapies that have been approved or other trials that are on the horizon

The conference is free and open to all patients, families, health professionals and more. Cancer infusion center opens in Ascension

Our Lady of the Lake has expanded cancer services to Ascension Parish. The new Our Lady of the Lake Cancer Institute St. Elizabeth Infusion Center brings lifesaving treatments to the area, providing patients with advanced cancer care.

The facility opened on Feb. 27, with 15 infusion chairs in a 4,109-square-foot space The team at the Lake is able to provide personalized treatment to all patients receiving chemo or non-chemo medications, or blood products.

Woman’s Hospital offers mobile mammography

Woman’s Hospital brings lifesaving breast imaging to East Baton Rouge Parish with its mobile mammography coach. The coach makes mammograms more accessible than ever offering advanced 3D mammogram technology at convenient times and locations across Louisiana. A physician’s order is required, and appointments are strongly encouraged.

Health Notes is an occasional listing of health happenings around Louisiana. Have something you’d like to share? Contact us at margaret delaney@theadvocate.com

medical physicist and chief of physics at Mary Bird Perkins, joined the cancer center two years ago Before coming to Louisiana, Stathakis was at Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio with a special interest in therapeutic radiation oncology

without losing any precision and accuracy

How do you go about making decisions about which clinical trials, research and emerging technologies to bring to the hospital?

Fontenot: How do you separate steak from sizzle? It’s really hard.

Technology in general, is sometimes hard to navigate what is real and what is marketing. Through the vetting process, our leaders determine if there is a real opportunity to do better for patients than our prevailing standard.

If we think a new technology will help us take care of patients better and we have surveyed the technology and the clinical data around it — we work to make it happen.

What are specific “cutting-edge cancer treatments” available now in Baton Rouge?

Stathakis: The last technology we installed, on Dec. 11, 2024, was the Elekta Harmony probe a linear accelerator primarily used for radiation therapy It was the ﬁrst linear accelerator in the United States that provides efﬁcient cancer treatment delivery

HEART

Continued from page 1X

He was actually creating 3D images of hearts with a virtual reality headset and game controls.

Mejia tries to “segment” everything he can taking various CT scans and creating a 3D rendering of the images in the ﬁles. He can choose colors and use tools to look around the heart (and inside it as well).

Not only can the technology do a 360-degree scan of various body parts; it can also go inside the organs — in Theodore’s case, showing the hole inside the heart. Mejia and the surgical team were able to look inside Theodore’s heart in order to see how big the hole in his ventricle was and determine the best way to approach surgery For Theodore, Dr. Farshad Anvari was able to see that going in on the other side of the heart would prevent him from cutting into the thicker part of the heart.

“(The doctors) showed us a really detailed map of Theo’s surgery,” Evans said. “We did not know this was brand new technology I didn’t ﬁnd out until a month later.”

Anvari was so thorough on how he was going to ﬁx it, Evans said, as well as the possible complication and side effects after Theodore’s surgery

According to Anvari, Theodore’s heart surgeon, without this advanced planning, the unexpected larger size of the patient’s hole in the ventricle could have extended the procedure time by at least two hours.

Reducing surgical time is especially critical for newborns, as it minimizes physiological stress and promotes faster recovery Science shows that an extra hour in surgery can increase recovery time by an entire day, let alone the stress the event puts on the body (especially in a baby as young as Theodore)

“Thirty minutes to an hour might not seem like a huge amount of time, but that’s time not on the heart/lung machine. That’s less time under anesthesia,” Mejia said. “That means the recovery is going to be smoother That means that the hospital stay is going to be shorter That means there is going to be less complications.”

The virtual reality also has the ability to model shunts and skin ﬂaps used in surgery

This can help doctors understand the amount of graft, or muscle, needed to cover the size of the hole (and account for extra material in order to maximize blood ﬂow and optimal pressure in the vessels).

“It’s just been such a game changer in the last five or six surgical kiddos,” Mejia said. “It takes so much guessing work out of what you think you’re going to ﬁnd during surgery — because we already know exactly what’s there and we can plan appropriately.”

We have technologies that are in alpha testing — gathering data for FDA approval or FDA submissions. And we will use them clinically as soon as they are FDA approved. We also have our MRI Unity that is used in combination with the linear accelerator, all in one machine. This allows for what we call adaptive radiation therapy Basically, we are changing the plan to deliver the dose that the physician has prescribed on a daily basis.

We are able to take into count the anatomical variations of each patient. That way, we can not only more precisely and accurately deliver the radiation that they need, but also deliver safely We no longer need to radiate extra normal tissue that would cause negative side effects.

Fontenot: One exciting area that we are likely to see additional development from us in the next several years is an area called theranostics which involved the intersection of radiation therapy and systemic therapies like chemo.

How will access to new technologies directly impact locals and Louisianans?

Fontenot: The reason that we have the physicists, the physicians and the staff here who are capable of supporting those technologies is

because they were attracted by the access to technologies and resources that we have. That’s why I came here — because I knew advanced technology opportunities would be available. We live in Louisiana, which is historically a difﬁcult state to attract super high caliber scientists, physicians or medical staff.

It feeds into this appetite that I think we want to want to bring new technologies into the organization to further our ability to care for patients. We certainly have ambition to move the needle. We are in the bottom 10 of states in how often

Louisianans get cancer or die from cancer

As we grow as an organization, it is my aspiration that part of lessening the burden for our patients means removing as many barriers as possible.

I really think of where we are today as more oriented to the beginning of our journey as an organization and how we can scale our mission to reach as many parts of underserved areas of our state and region as possible.

Email Margaret DeLaney at margaret.delaney@theadvocate. com.

PROVIDED PHOTO

Theodore Evans, at one week old, was the first surgical patient to receive treatment after consulting new virtual reality technology at Manning Family Children’s in New Orleans. His father, Joshua Evans, comforted him after the surgery.

Manning Family Children’s introduced the FDA-approved VR technology, Elucis, in 2022 and has spent the past two years integrating the technology into its heart center program.

Now, with the success of its ﬁrst surgical case, the hospital plans to expand the use of VR segmentation for patients with more complex congenital heart defects and other pediatric specialties.

Thursday’s child has far to go

The new technology can be used beyond surgical effectiveness.

According to Mejia, the technology has emerged as a potential teaching tool for young fellows to recognize what they are looking for during surgery Mejia said the VR imaging can also help when physicians need to consult with other programs on speciﬁc patients and optimal treatment options.

“Anyone can hop on the headset and see exactly what we’re talking about, including patient specifics,” Mejia said. “Instead of sending two-dimensional scans back and forth.”

The extremely detailed scans are ideal for communicating with

patients, families and parents about what surgeries will look like.

For Evans, that extra tool answered questions and calmed nerves.

“The whole thing was very sobering. All of the emotions didn’t really come out until after the surgery,” Evans said. “The VR images gave us something tangible. Once we knew what the problem was, the path forward became

clearer We were a little lost before.” At four months old, Theodore is just like any other baby according to his mother

“You can’t even tell other than the scar,” Evans said.

Theodore was born on a Thursday had heart surgery the following Thursday and was sent home with a healthy heart the next Thursday His dad, Joshua, and his big brother and sister were waiting with open arms to welcome him, just in time to celebrate Christmas at home in Lacombe.

Email Margaret DeLaney at margaret.delaney@theadvocate. com.

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU

The Louisiana Health section is focused on providing in-depth, personal accounts of health in the state.This section looks at medical innovations, health discoveries, state and national health statistics and re-examining tried and true methods on ways to live well.

Health editions will also profile people who are advancing health for the state of Louisiana. Do you have a health story? We want to hear from you. Email margaret.delaney@ theadvocate.com to submit health questions, stories and more.

PHOTO PROVIDED By MARy BIRD PERKINS CANCER CENTER New Elekta Harmony 1 technology is available at Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center in Baton Rouge.

Fontenot

Stathakis

PHOTO PROVIDED Theodore Evans enjoyed his first Christmas with his family in Lacombe.

STAFF PHOTO By MARGARET DeLANEy

Dr Ernesto Mejia uses virtual reality to map out patients’ hearts before surgery at Manning Family Children’s hospital in New Orleans.

Eat Fit Live Fit

Whenitcomestoeverydayhydration,hibiscustearankshigh onmylistforﬂavorful,satisfyingsipping. Slightly tartand naturally refreshing, its deepruby hue alone makes it feel special, anda quick squeeze of citrus adds alittle zing as it transforms thecolor from red to pink Also afantastic base for zero-proof cocktails, hibiscus is astar ingredient in four recipes from our book, “CRAFT: The EatFit Guide to Zero Proof Cocktails.” While you can absolutelyuse storebought hibiscus tea (until recently,that’s howI’ve always made hibiscus tea),if youhappen to have accesstoa hibiscusplant blooming near you, it can be incredibly satisfying to make hibiscus tea straight from theplant.

It’s not just any hibiscus,though. And it’s not the petals that aresteeped,but instead the ruby-red calyxesthat hold theﬂowers.

Hibiscus Roselle, also known as Flor de Jamaica, is thevariety of hibiscus that’s used to make hibiscus tea, says Linda Franzo, owner of Passionate Platter cooking school and amemberof the NewOrleans HerbSociety. The calyxes arethe bulb-like parts that attach HibiscusRoselle’s small white ﬂowers to its deep red stems.

Healthbeneﬁtsandwhatto keepinmind

Beyond its vividcolor andtaste, hibiscustea can help supporthealthy blood pressure levels when sipped regularly, helpingtobring both systolic and diastolic numbers down anotch.Most of thestudies that reportedsuchﬁndings used 2-3 cups aday for anywhere from twoweeks to three months,withvery fewreports of negative side effects. Like many other herbal teas, hibiscus teaisalso rich in plant compoundsthat

Getrecipesforhibiscusdrinksandother‘zeroproof’cocktailswhenyoudownloadour freeEatFitmobileapp.VisitOchsnerEatFit.orgtolearnmore.

can help protect cells from oxidative stress, an imbalanceoffreeradicalsthat can leadtocelldamageand mayplay a role in conditionslikecancer, Alzheimer’s and heart disease.

That said,ifyou’re taking medications— particularlyforblood pressure or diabetes —check with your healthcare provider before making hibiscus teaa daily drink. And if you’re pregnant or nursing, it’s best to skip thehibiscustea for now—oratleast discuss it with your physician ﬁrst.

Pickingyourcalyxes

IfyouhaveaccesstofreshHibiscus Roselleplants,ﬁrstmakesurethey haven’tbeentreatedwithpesticidesor otherchemicals.

Thebesttimetoharvestisafterthe ﬂowersfalloffbutbeforethecalyxes dryout,saysFranzo.First,pullthecalyx fromthestemandremovethehard greenseedpodfrominsidethecalyx (Youcansavetheseedsfornextseason.) Rinseeachcalyxtoremovedustanddirt beforesteeping.

MollyKimball,RD,CSSD,isaregistereddietitian withOchsnerHealthandfounderofOchsner’sEatFit nonproﬁtinitiative.Formorewellnesscontent,tuneinto Molly’spodcast,FUELEDWellness+Nutrition,andfollow @MollykimballRDand@EatFitOchsneronsocialmedia. Emailnutrition@ochsner.orgtoconnectwithMollyor scheduleaconsultwithherteam.

BY THENUMBERS

Youmightﬁnddriedcalyxesavailable forpurchaseatspecialtyteashopsand grocerystores(e.g.IdealMarket),aswell asatsomesupermarketsandhealthfood stores.

Howtosteep

•2cupsboilingwater

•6-8freshhibiscuscalyxes(or2tablespoonsdriedhibiscuscalyx)

•1teaspoonfreshlemonorlimejuice (moretotaste)

Placethecalyxesinalargemasonjar, heatproofpitcherorteapotwithaninfuser.Pourintheboilingwaterandsteep forabout7to10minutes—enoughtime todrawouttheﬂavorwithoutbecoming bitter.

Straintoremovethecalyxes,thenadd lemonorlimejuice.Servehotorallowto coolandserveoverice.

Funsciencefact:Whenyouadda splashoflemonorlime,you’llseethe deep-redteaimmediatelyshifttoa gorgeouspinkhue.Thiscolorchange happenswhentheacidityincitrusjuice interactswiththepigmentsinthehibiscus—particularlytheantioxidant-rich anthocyanins.

Servingideas

Infusions:Changeupthetea’sﬂavor proﬁlewithingredientslikefreshbasil, mint,lemongrassorlemonzest,adding injustafterthehibiscusteaisremoved fromtheheat.

Zero-proofcocktails:Usehibiscustea inplaceofjuiceorsodainyourfavorite zeroproofcocktailrecipes—ormakeone ofthedrinksfrom“CRAFT:TheEatFit GuidetoZeroProofCocktails.”

Popsicles:Freezecooledhibiscustea (optionallysweetened)inpopsiclemolds foratart,ruby-huedtreat.

ONLy 1LA. PARISH HASHIGHERLIFEEXPECTANCyTHANU.S.AVERAGE

According to the Centers for Disease Control andPrevention, the national lifeexpectancy in the United States in 2021 was 76.4 years —inLouisiana, it was 72.2 years

The averagelife expectancy changes greatly based on genderwith women living to 80.2 years and men to 74.8 years nationally (75.9 years for women and 68.8 years for meninLouisianans). Lifeexpectancy for each Louisiana parish ranges from 68.2 years in Morehouseto 78.5 years in Cameron— a10-year difference.

Only oneparish, Cameron, had more than the national averagefor life expectancy.(Though it’sworth noting that the averagepopulation of aparish in Louisiana is 71,840,and Cameron Parish only has 4,728 residents —so its results could be more skewed with fewer outliers.)

The parishes with highest averagelife

CORE

Continued from page1X

“Coughing can causelarge hernias. When you’re coughing, you’re bearingdown and there is asudden, acute change in intra-abdominal pressure, almost like punching from the outside in or from the inside out,”Horne explained.“When you’re doing that all of the time, it causes signiﬁcantstress to your abdominal wall.” Avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can help protect abdominal core health. Smokingincreasesthe risk of chronic coughing, while heavyalcohol consumption to the point of cirrhosis can cause hormonal changes that in turn weaken the abdominalwall, Horne said. As knowledge about abdominal core health grows, approaches to protecting it and healing it are ad-

expectancies are:

n CameronParish, with an averageof 78.5 years

n St.TammanyParish, with an average of 76.5 years n Ascension Parish, with an average of 76.3 years n Lafayette Parish, with an averageof 75.8 years n PlaqueminesParish, with an average of 75.8 years

Theparishes with the lowest average life expectancies are:

n Morehouse Parish, with an average of 68.2 years

n Bienville Parish, with an averageof 68.7 years

n Washington Parish, with an average of 68.9 years

n Webster Parish, with an average of 69.5 years.

n St. LandryParish, with an average of 69.6 years.

Anew and rapidly developing area of medicine focuses on abdominal core health, including howpeople can incorporate it into ahealthy lifestyle and howtoaddress complex medicalproblems that arise when it is compromised.

vancing, Hornesaid. For example: n Pregnancy causes muscles to expand to accommodate ababy, and sometimes thosemuscles do notgoback to normal. Exercise

regimens during andafter pregnancy can help to stabilizethem. n Health care experts are realizing thatrestrictions on movement after surgery may not helpand

sometimes may be harmful. Rather than telling people nottolift anything, it maybemore appropriate to explain how to safely reengage those muscles and tendons, Horne suggested

n People with inﬂammatory bowel disease are likeliertohave surgery andtherefore are likelier to develop hernias. Surgeons nowknow that in those patients, mesh should be placed in different anatomicplanes to prevent the mesh from touching thebowel and potentially causing problems later,Horne said.

n Pelvicfloor physical therapy can help women experiencing urinary or fecal incontinence after pregnancy or menopause, she said.

n There is growing recognition thatmesh used to repair hernias isn’tone-size-fits-all. Horne’sresearch focusesonhernia repair in women,including mesh and mesh techniques. In her practice, Hornespecializes in complex hernia surgeries.

“Mostofthe patients that Icare for have more of their abdominal contents outside of theirabdominal cavitythaninside,” sheexplained. Even with hernias as large as 10 to 15 centimeters, surgeries canbe performed witha robot to minimize the incision, or can be done with a mix of roboticsurgery andminimal open surgery,Horne said. She uses 3D-printed modelstohelp plan surgeries. Sometimes Botox is used to lengthenthe abdominal wall muscles, sheadded.

“The best part is that patients go from adysfunctional abdominal wall to one that is functional within aboutaweek in thehospital,” Horne said. “Seeing them at theircheckup ayear later is the best thing because they go from saying, ‘I couldn’tdo anything,’ to ‘I’ve gone on all these trips; I’ve done all these things that I’ve wanted to do for years but haven’tbeen ableto.’ They are so happy that they can put that whole thing behind them,whichisgreat.”

DREAMSTIME PHOTO

Molly Kimball RD,CSSD

FIRSTFLIGHT

Instructor teaching BatonRouge high schoolersto fly

BY SERENA PUANG

Staff writer

In 2001, Ezzie Smith took his first flightlesson.Hewas afreshman in college, andhe was given theopportunity to learn at amonthlongflight program in Delaware through an ROTC course. Within three weeks, he was flying by himself, but after he got to New Orleans, he realized he didn’thavethe resources to continue his training. He wouldn’tget intoaplane cockpitagainfor another 17 years.

“I vowed that the next time Idid,” he said, “I would not put it down.” Smith continued in his career,he gothis degree in criminal justice andsociology, became apolice ofﬁcer,and eventually madeacareer change andbecame an assistant principal at Arthur Ashe Charter School. Butwhenhehad to have back surgery in 2018, he spent a coupleofweeksbedridden,during whichhehad timetocontemplate what he really wanted to dowith his life.

“When Iput my feet on the floor, Iturnedinall thepaperwork to be aflight student at the closest flight school Icould find,” hesaid Smith hascome alongway since then.He got hisprivate license, became aflight instructor,and is lookingforwardtoone daytransitioning to full time aviation.Starting this school year,healsoteaches ground school to students at Helix Aviation Academy,the aviation career oriented arm of Helix Community schools founded in 2021. At Helix, children whohave never had theopportunity to go to an airport, muchlessride on aplane,can learnabout careers in aviation, take aclass with aprofessional pilot and even sit inside a plane.

‘Exposureiseverything’

As aﬂight instructor,Smith has trained kids as youngas12. People can’tget their licenses until they’re 17, but there’snolimit on when they can start accumulating hours. For kids who are in closeproximity to aviation, he said, itiscommon to gettheir pilot’slicense before their driver’slicense.

There are lots of ways one could accumulate hours forpilot’slicenses, but Smith chose the ﬂight

instructor route so he could one day teach his daughters to flyifthey wanted.

“I can’tgive themaschool. Ican’t give them an airline, butI cangive them apilot’slicense,” he said.

According to areportbythe Federal Aviation Administration’s Women in Aviation AdvisoryBoard, only 3.4% of airline pilots areBlack and only roughly 5% of pilotsare female. Smith attributes this to the lack of access andresources many Black students have to careers in aviation from ayoung age. According to U.S. News and World Report,Helix Aviation Academy’s student populationis94.6% Black, and 90% of students areclassified as beingeconomicallydisadvantaged They have 383students, andthey plan to expand the campus to offer one more grade every year.This year’s ninth graderswill becomethe school’sfirst class of tenth graders next year.Intwo more years, they’ll be the first graduating class.

“Whatwe’re doing now is exposing and giving ourkidsthat proximity,” he said. “Exposure is everything.”

Helix Community Schools is a network of charter schools in Baton Rouge. There are fourcampuses in Baton Rouge. Their model and mission is to close the gapbetween students and jobs in industriesthat mayseemout of reachotherwise. Theyalso have alegal academy,a STEAM-based learning academy andplan to open an AI/medical academy in thenext school year.PrestonCastille,president andCEO of Helix,istakingﬂight lessonswith Smith.

“If you’re goingtoteach our studentstofly,” he told Smith, “you should teach me.”

He’s 10 hours into the roughly 40 instructor-supervised ﬂight hours he needstoget hisprivate license and spent his Mardi Grasbreak squeezing extrahours in.

Smith is no stranger to squeezing hoursinontop of afull-timejob. It took himﬁve to sixyears to get his own private license while he was working as an assistantprincipal.

“I would get offatthree o’clock from school,” he said, “and Iwould drive to the local airport or the oneinHammondorhere (in Baton Rouge) andﬂyfor onehour and then drive home.”

Ground school with Smith

The plane he ﬂiesinto Helix Aviation Academy’s airport campus in lateFebruaryissmall.It’sa Piper Cherokee Warrior.It’sa single-engine planewithfourseats. Getting into the cockpit feels narrower than getting into most cars. But that’s where youstart,hesaid as he instructed ninth graders to “never despise small beginnings” during ground school.

Licenses are cumulative. Getting aprivate license leadstoaninstrument license which allows you to ﬂy in clouds or bad weather,and all that is apart of the journeytogetting a commercial license

In order to flycommercial jets, would-bepilotshave to start with ground school to learn the basics whichiswhatSmith teachesto

See FLIGHT, page 2Y

JanRisher LONG STORy SHORT

Hope in empty spaces

My motherwas notafan of wearing white before Easter. It was arule as hard and fast as “No singing at the table,” or “Share with your brother.”No white pants or shoes until Easter (and notafter Labor Day, for the record).

Buying anew Easter dress was oneofour ritesofspring. Even though Iappreciated the pastels of Easter, nothing represented EasterSundaymore than white to me.

By the time Ireached junior high school,I hadmyown ideas aboutstyle andinsistedondriving the decisionprocess about which dress Iwould wear on Eastermorning. My gentle mother setbasic guidelines and had veto power, but forthe most part, she went right alongwith my sartorialchoices

WhenIthink aboutthe Easters from long ago, the memory that stands outmostisn’tofthe many raucous, near blood-sport Easter egghunts with dozens of cousins. Instead, it was early,early on the Eastermorning whenI was in the ninth grade

Our small town hostedacommunity sunrise service at the school’s football ﬁeld. Those who joinedthe service satinthe home-teamstands with aview to the eastsotheycould watch the sun rise.I grewupgoing to those services everyyear.When Ireached the ninth grade, someoneincharge of the program decidedthattheywould get various youth to participate in the service. Iwas askedtodoaprayer. Iremember being happy about this for avariety of reasons —one of which wasthat Ihad pickedout areal winner of an Easterdress thatyear.Itwas white with bold andcolorful ﬂowers embroidered on the tiny cap sleeves andaround the trim alongthe hem. Ithought that dress wasstunning.

The night before Easter, I haditout andmadesure it was ironedand ready. Part of the excitement of Eastermorning in 1979was seeing which dresses everyone else had pickedout. With asigniﬁcant lack of humility,Iwas certain thatmine would shine brightly Ihad to be at the football ﬁeld early thatmorning so Iran out the door before the rest of my family andheaded that way I’m not sure at what point Irealizedthatitwas cold, as in very cold, but Idoknowthatbythe time Idid, it wastoo late.With no cellphone to calland ask Mom to bring asweater,I took my place in acoldmetal folding chair on acindertrack,wearing anear sleevelessdress, shivering for at leastanhourfacing the bulk of my town sitting in the bleachers as the sun rose behind me.

WhenIthink aboutthe coldestI’ve ever been,that sunrise serviceand white dress always come to mind. It was the sleeveless part thatnearly did me in. To be sure,itwas not the Eastermorning Ihad envisioned.

All these yearslater,Irecognize thatIclearly missedthe whole point of Easter that year Evenstill, Idoremembersomeonethatmorning talking about the empty tomb andthe hope it represents.

Lately,I’ve thought about that coldmorning andre-welcomed the notionthatsometimes hope doesn’tarrive with awhole lotof fanfare.

Regardless of religious belief, I believe most, if notall of us, can

STAFF PHOTOSByJAVIER GALLEGOS

Students Camilo Sanchez, left, and Tyveon Anderson look around the cockpit of aPiper Cherokee Warrior airplane in awe during aclass with flight instructor Ezzie Smith at Helix Aviation Academy on Feb.25.

Pilot and flight instructor Ezzie Smith answers students’ unfiltered questions regarding the airline industry.

Q&A WITHPEGGy

Canadian recruitedtoteach French in La.stayedtodomore

Feehan taught, consultedand recruitedfor CODOFIL

BY LAUREN CHERAMIE Staff writer

Peggy Feehan is anative French speaker,born in New Brunswick, Canada, andeducated there. She taught high schoolscience before moving to Louisiana in 1999, when she was recruited by the Council for the Development of French in Louisiana to teach French, which she did until 2006.

Feehan earned her master’sdegree in educational leadership from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette in 2007.

From 2006 to 2014, she was a consultant, first for St.Martin Parish and then for the Louisiana Department of Education. In February 2015, she began working for CODOFIL, where her main duties included recruiting French teachers from France and Belgium. In 2018, Feehan was appointed as CODOFIL’s executivedirector

She is married to Scott, executive director of Lafayette’sFestival International, and togetherthey are raising their two children, Elaine and Jeremi, in French and English. What are some of the programs that CODOFIL is working toward rightnow?

We are astateagency that has legislative mandates, so that’s ﬁrst and foremostwhat we do: education, economic development and community development.

When the phone rings, we’ll try to fulﬁll everybody’sneeds, like if it’sputting musicians in touch with afestival in Canada or a French publisher who wants to tour schools down here to sell their books. The scope of what we do isvery wide, on top of our legislative mandates.

FestivalInternational is coming up in Lafayette. Is CODOFIL planning anythingin particular for the festivities?

We’re going to have atent not far from theFais Do-Do stage with some French tables. There’s aFrench immersion program in Nova Scotia, Université SainteAnne, that’scoming to recruit We’ll have information about the scholarships we manage as well.

PROVIDED PHOTOS PeggyFeehan is executivedirector at the Council for the Development of FrenchinLouisiana.

As a‘transplant’ from Canada, whyisit importanttoyou to keep French alivein Louisiana?

My goal when Imoved here was nottobethe CODOFIL director,it just happened from onejob to the other.WhenI applied to be director,I had beenhere for threeyears, and Ireally wanted to do more.

Where Igrew up, Iwas raised in French. Ilearned English in school, like people learn French here.

TheAcadian people fought for their language, so it’sabattle that I’ve fought my whole life growing up —kindoflike arebel demanding French services and French rightsand French schools. Igrewupinthat environment, so it translates well to workingfor French inLouisiana,although at a different level.

In New Brunswick, French is an official language, so there’s real rights for citizens, andthatreally doesn’texist over here. But the ideaofpreserving alanguage, or ﬁghtingtokeep it alive, certainly is similar

Arethere anynotable people in Lafayette who are keeping thelanguagealiveina unique way?

Certainly,the CODOFIL employees doalot intheir respective jobs.

When you think aboutthe LafayetteInternational Center,which is an arm of Lafayette Consolidated Government, they do alot of trades internationally —sothere’s alot of Frenchinvolved in their day-to-day jobs.

In this file photo, Lt.Gov.William H. Nungesser presided at the ribbon-cutting and dedication of Lycee Francaise School’sPriestly Campus. Shownabove are, front from left, Nungesser,Dr. ChaseMcLaurin, High School Director Tiguida Mathieu, Consul General of FranceinLouisiana Nathalie Beras and head of French Schools of NorthAmerica Olivier Boasson of the French Embassy in Washington, D.C. Second roware DonahueFavret Contractors Presidentand CEOJohn Donahue III, Louisiana Association of PublicCharter Schools ExecutiveDirectorCaroline Roemer,ExecutiveDirector,Louisiana Association of PublicCharter Schools, CODOFIL ExecutiveDirectorPeggy Feehan, Amis du Lycée FrançaisSupportingFoundation Chair Ashley-Nicole Grosse and Lycee Board Chair Dr.Shearon Roberts.

CavalierHouse Books on Jefferson Street has French books, andtheydid that intentionally to service theFrench-speaking families and the kids in French immersion. Parents whoput their kids in French immersion—not just in Lafayette but statewide —itmatterstothem

Theold folkswho spokeFrench first, they’re dying, so we need little kids in school learning the language to keep French alive. The parents are really the biggest French supportersbecause they’re puttingtheir kids in theprogram What are thebenefits of young people learninga second language?

For akid,it’slike agame. There’s no effort. Being bilingualinanother language certainly hasalot of cognitive beneﬁts. It’sreally good for brain development, and the earlier

theylearn,the better.Inschooling, theyounger the better, because you want to front-load with language.

Curriculum in Pre-K is nothing compared to curriculum in fourth grade. So we can front-load alot of language without having to worry about learning all that we need, or ﬁnishing the curriculum.Inﬁrst grade, youcan back offthe French to introduce more content, like social studies content in French. They already understand thelanguage,soit’snot learning social studies and French at the same time—it’sjust learning social studies in French.

Do youhaveany tips for adults who are learningFrench? Ourwebsite, louisianafrench. org,launchedduring COVID, when we were getting phone calls asking if we taught French, which

we don’t. Thewebsiteincludes free resources forbeginners or continuing learners.

There’salso abig networkof French tables around the state, andwehaveacalendar available at CODOFIL.org/tables.Weinvite people to visit those French tables and sit down with French speakers to either listen or participate. They’re held at different locations around the state, sometimes in alibrary,cafe or for lunch at a restaurant.There’s onerule:Ifyou sitdown at thetable, you speak French. Youcan listen andtella storyordoasmuchoraslittleas you want. It lets locals and tourists visit in French, learn different accents and continue their learning. Email Lauren Cheramie at lauren.cheramie@theadvocate. com.

FLIGHT

Continued from page1y

the students at Helix. For Smith, thegoal is for graduates to leave high school with their private licenses if that’swhat they want, but he’salso aware that not everyone is goingtowantto be apilot.

There is more to careers in aviation than beinga pilot. Careers in aviation can be in marketing, ticket agents, teaching,surveillance, air traffic control, engineering, mechanics,

maintenance andmore and some of these careers can belucrative According tothe U.S. Bureau of LaborStatistics, as of 2023, the median salaryfor aircraft mechanics andservice technicians is $75,020, for air traffic controllersit’s$137,380, forairline andcommercial pilots it’s$171,210. More experienced people can makemuch more Withoutexposure,many studentsatHelix would never have knownto put in forthose jobs. They wouldn’t haveknown they existed

Along with many others, the students are thinking about the spate of recent accidents involvingplanes too. During alate February visit to the school, when Smithtook questions, the veryfirst one was about all the planes falling out of the sky. In the course of the hour,theyasked other practicalquestions:Doyou need insurance for this?

What if aﬁre starts?

In response to concerns, he reminds students that ﬂying is the safest form of travel. Thestatistic he always shares with students is that198,000 ﬂights take

place perday with a99.7% accuracy rating.

“I would notbeafraid becausethosestatisticsare in your favor,” he said. “That’s also why Ineed themtobe in the aviation industry.If Iknowexcellence is in the aviation industry,wecan reduce badthingsfrom happeningevenmore. That’s why they have to learn the things theyneed to learnnow.”

Smith is happy to answer student questionsbecause it’spartoftraining the next generation.A2024 report by the AviationTechnician Education Councilproject-

ed a20% shortfall in maintenance techs by 2028. After takingthe ninth gradersthrough the basics of flying, Smithallowed them to get in the plane for themselves, two at atime. Sittingshouldertoshoulderinside the cramped cockpit, Smith pointed out the basic controls Does he get claustrophobic spending so much time in asmall plane?

“Notatall,” he says.“Too much sky.”

Email SerenaPuang at Serena.Puang@ theadvocate.com

RISHER

Continued from page1y

appreciatethe idea of focusing on hope in the face of emptiness. With allthe things that distract,worry andconcernus, this time of year can be areminderofthe good thatcan come from leaving space for hope in things unseen and unearned. Granted, there is a chance thatthis season may notfeel hopeful. Some chairs areempty Some storiesdon’t have tidy endings. Thattensionispartofthe Easter story too.

Empty doesn’talways mean loss. Sometimes, what is empty is just the space where something newcan rise Whatever youbelieve, wherever youare this weekend, Ihopeyou ﬁnd aquietand hopeful moment —one thatfeels like stepping into warm sunlight afterthreedays of dark andcold.

EmailJan Risher at jan.risher@theadvocate. com.

STAFFPHOTO

JAVIER GALLEGOS

Pilot and flight instructorEzzie Smithcloses the

Academy on Feb.25.

Fellowship whosupportsJames Beardﬁnalist announceswinner

Junior League of NewOrleans awards WE Fellowship

BY JOYHOLDEN Staff writer

On April 10, six women stood in front of judges and pitched their business presentations forthe Junior League of NewOrleans Women’sEntrepreneur Fellowship, agrant that could change their lives.

Kaitlin Guerin is proof of that. As owner of Lagniappe Bakehouse, Guerin was the 2024 fellowship winner.She turned her year of funding and support into being named afinalist for the James Beard Emerging Chef Award.

Supporting women

The fellowship was created to support afemale business owner withfunding as well as mentoring and inkind services, and has delivered results since 2018.

Only 39% of U.S. businesses have women majorityownershipaccording to American Express OPEN, “The 2017 State of WomenOwned Businesses Report.” Access to female mentors, resources, and role models can ignite femaleentrepreneurship. As awomen’s trainingorganization, JLNO’sprofessional membership is able to guidewomen who want to scale their businesses through the fellowship. In order to apply for the fellowship, women must be either themajoritystakeholder or 50/50 co-owner of abusiness and function as the manager.Other requirements include the business being incorporated from one to ﬁve years, located within 40 miles of New Orleans and making less than $750,000.

After an application process, the ﬁnalists meet with consultants for coaching on their presentationsand then pitch their business plans.

“I am always so inspired at the pitchcompetition,” said Junior League community council director Catherine Rigby,“so Ireally look forward to hearingall of the pitches. We also will have our winner fromlastyear tell us alittlebit abouther past year as theWEFellowship winner.”

The2025 fellowship ﬁnalists were AshleyLeJeune, Deshaunya Ware,Diana Davis, Laura Fenner, Kelley Wolfe and Stephanie Dupuy Laura Fenner won with hercompany Chateau Sew& Sew, afabricretail storeand sewing-enthusiast hub that offers classes and private lessons for awide range of experience levels.

TheWEFellowship offers winners thefollowing for one year:

n Mentoring and support services from Junior League of New Orleans members

n $7,500 cash grant pro-

vided by Fidelity Bank

n $5,000 worth of accounting advising from Amanda Aguillard, CPA— Owner, PadgettLouisiana

n $5,000 worthoflegal services from Jones Walker

n Accesstomeeting space in Uptown New Orleans

n Tuition to Junior League

New Orleans’ Get on Board nonproﬁt board training program

n Business coaching and evaluation by Trepwise Consulting

n Feature in Lagniappe, Junior League New Orleans’ quarterly magazineto5,000 readers

n Opportunities to market to Junior League New Orleans members n One year of membership dues(a$220 value)should thefellow meet eligibility criteria andelects to join JLNO

n Branding photography package from Jillian Marie Photography

n Feature in Inside New OrleansMagazine.

n Twoprofessional coaching sessions led by Rayne

Martin.

The Junior League of New Orleans is serious aboutsupporting women.

With nearly 1,700 members,theytouch amultitude of spheres of inﬂuence. Through training,programming, volunteering and organizing, the Junior League of New Orleans —like sister organizations around the state and country —works toward its mission of advancing women’sleadership for meaningful community impact.

The Junior League of New Orleans, whichturned100 in 2024, vacillates between being the 10th and 11th largest Junior League in the world. Thelocal league hasthree goalsthatshape itswork: improving economic opportunities for women and supporting women’s potential to seize those opportunities, providing needed family

support to alleviate the burdens on women caregivers, andpromoting information andresources forwomen’s health.

‘Down-to-earth group’

Tara Waldron, current president of Junior League New Orleans, has been an active member for11years. When she was alaw student at Loyola University Law School, Waldronlearned that the organization would be a great way to give back,meet women in various ﬁelds and build social and professional relationships.

“These are womenwho arejugglingfamilies, jobs, everything else,” Waldron said. “Most of the women are getting their hands dirty volunteering, and making whatever needs to happen, happen.It’sa very down-toearth group.”

Rigby,aShreveport na-

As theregion’sonly

we provide expert careclose to home. At Our Ladyofthe Lake Cancer Institute, we want to make sure younever miss amoment of what really counts. We deliver theexpertise, resources and compassionatecareyou need toﬁght cancer.That’s why we’rethe region’sleading cancer treatment destination. That’s why it allcountshere. Learnmoreatololrmc.com/cancer NicholasLeBlanc,MD, Thoracic Surgery

tive,got involvedwithJunior League NewOrleans soon after moving to the city 10 years ago. She says volunteering is what drew her to the organizationbut has come to see the organization as so much morethan that.

“Our members have trainings throughout the year for various things,professional and personal,” Rigbysaid.

“It’sgreat for that aspect of learning new things —really having anetwork of women to prepare you foryour professional andpersonal life whoare also volunteering.”

Waldron says that the membersofJuniorLeague are always looking at what ways they can support women and children in the area, evaluating how their programs are doing and making the programssuccessful. Email Joy Holdenatjoy holden@theadvocate.com.

PROVIDED PHOTO

Laura Fenner of Chateau Sew& Sew, the winner of the 2025 Junior League of NewOrleans WE Fellowship

STAFFFILE PHOTOByIAN MCNULTy

Kaitlin Guerin, 2024 fellowship winner,and Lino Asana opened LagniappeBakehouse as a Central Citybakerycafe in an oldtownhouse. Guerinisnow a finalist forthe James Beard Emerging Chef Award.

FAITH & VALUES

Wrestling Church seeks converts with baptisms and body slams

BY JILL LAWLESS Contributing writer

Sitting around a wrestling ring, churchgoers roared as local hero Billy O’Keeffe body-slammed a fighter named Disciple. Beneath stained-glass windows, they whooped and cheered as burly, tattooed wresters tumbled into the aisle during a six-man tagteam battle.

This is Wrestling Church, which brings blood, sweat and tears — mostly sweat to St. Peter’s Anglican church in the northern England town of Shipley It’s the creation of Gareth Thompson, a charismatic 37-year-old who says he was saved by pro wrestling and Jesus — and wants others to have the same experience.

Thompson says the outsized characters and scripted morality battles of pro wrestling ﬁt naturally with a Christian message.

“Boil it down to the basics, it’s good versus evil,” he said. “When I became Christian, I started seeing the wrestling world through a Christian lens. I started seeing David and Goliath. I started seeing Cain and Abel. I started seeing Esau having his heritage stolen from him. And I’m like, ‘We could tell these stories.’”

A match made in heaven Church attendance in the U.K. has been declining for decades, and the 2021 census found that less than half of people in England and Wales now consider themselves Christian. Those who say they have no religion rose from 25% to 37% in a decade.

That has led churches to get creative in order to survive.

“You’ve got to take a few risks,” said the Rev Natasha Thomas, the priest in charge at St. Peter’s. She acknowledged that she “wasn’t entirely sure what it was I was letting myself

in for” when she agreed to host wrestling events.

“It’s not church as you would know it It’s certainly not for everyone,” she said. But it’s bringing in a different group of people, a different community than we would normally get.”

At a recent Wrestling Church evening, almost 200 people — older couples, teenagers, pierced and tattooed wrestling fans, parents with excited young children — packed into chairs around a ring erected under the vaulted ceiling of the century-old church

After a short homily and prayer from Thomas, it was time for two hours of smackdowns, body slams and ﬂying headbutts. The atmosphere grew cheerfully raucous, as fans waved giant foam ﬁngers and hollered “knock him out!” at participants.

Some longtime churchgoers have welcomed the infusion of energy.

“I think it’s absolutely wonderful,” said Chris Moss, who married her husband Mike in St. Peter’s almost 50 years ago.

“You can look at some of the wrestlers and think” she scrunched her face in distaste But talking to them made her realize “you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover.”

Wrestling was a lifeline Thompson, whose wrestling moniker is Gareth Angel, both wrestles and presides over the organized mayhem. He’s a mix of preacher and ringmaster, wearing a T-shirt that says “Pray, eat, wrestle, repeat.”

He’s loved wrestling since it provided solace and release during a troubled upbringing that saw him survive childhood sexual abuse and a period of homelessness as a teenager

“I could watch Shawn Michaels and the Rock and Stone Cold (Steve Austin)

and I could be like, I want to be like them,” he said.

“So it’s always been an escape for me, and a release and a way to get away from stuff. But then God has obviously turned that around now and it’s become this passion.”

He found Christianity in 2011, ran his ﬁrst Wrestling Church event in a former nightclub-turned-church in 2022, and moved to St Peter’s last year

As well as the monthly Saturday night shows, his charity Kingdom Wrestling runs training sessions for adults and children in a back room of the church, along with women’s selfdefense classes, a men’s mental health group and coaching for children who have been expelled from school.

For many in the closeknit community of U.K. wrestlers and fans, religion

is a new ingredient, but not an unwelcome one

“I’m mainly here for the wrestling,” said 33-year-old Liam Ledger, who wrestles as Flamin’ Daemon Crowe.

Sitting in a pungent changing room as wrestlers discussed ﬁght plans, donned knee pads and laced up their many-holed boots, he said it’s a bit “surreal” when baptisms are held between bouts.

“It works both ways,” he said. “There’s people that come here that are big on religion, and they’re here for all of that sort of stuff And then they go, ‘Oh, actually this wrestling is sort of fun.’”

Kiara, Kingdom Wrestling’s reigning women’s champion, said the organization has helped her bring her Catholic faith into her wrestling life

“It’s thanks to Kingdom Wrestling that I’ve had the

confidence to pray in the locker room now before matches,” said Kiara, 26, known outside the ring as Stephanie Sid. “I invite my opponent to pray with me, pray that we have a safe match, pray that there’s no injuries and pray that we entertain everybody here.”

Going for growth

Only a handful of people have gone from watching the wrestling to attending Sunday-morning services at St. Peter’s, but Wrestling Church baptized 30 people in its first year

Thompson, whose brand of born-again Christianity is more muscular than many traditional Anglicans’, plans to expand to other British cities. One day, he says, he may start his own church.

There has long been overlap between Christianity and wrestling in the

New concept underscores the importance of food

Poor diet remains the leading cause of mortality among adults

BY JOY SAHA

Contributing writer

Editor’s note: This story, created by Joy Saha for Salon is part of the Solutions Journalism Network. Louisiana Inspired features solutions journalism stories that provide tangible evidence that positive change is happening in other places and in our own communities — solutions that can be adopted around the world

In 2012, Wholesome Wave a nonprofit organization working to end food and nutrition insecurity — launched its Produce Prescription Program. The program combines healthcare with nutrition incentives, offering those who have a diet-related illness with prescriptions for healthy foods, namely fruits and vegetables.

Wholesome Wave’s ongoing initiative is just one of many so-called food pharmacies The emerging concept is an extension of the Food is Medicine (FIM) movement, which emphasizes the correlation between healthy eating and longevity. Food pharmacies are exactly what their name suggests: Healthcare organizations and medical professionals provide patients with physical prescriptions for healthy foods along with resources highlighting the importance of a wellrounded diet.

Many pharmacies work in tandem with the healthcare system, although several exist outside of the system.

A 2021 research article published in the American Journal of Preventive Cardiology explained that food pharmacy programs “primarily focus on removing barriers to healthy eating, such as ﬁnancial constraints, through

coupons and financial incentives to promote consumption of healthy foods, particularly fruits and vegetables.” Some programs may also take extra steps to make nutritional education more accessible.

“Food pharmacy programs may also target a variety of barriers, such as a lack of knowledge of healthy eating and cooking skills through inclusion of nutrition or culinary education, a lack of household or community support through peer-support components in the program, or a lack of geographic access to fresh produce through transportation assistance or facilitation of establishment of new locations for vendors of healthy foods,” the article speciﬁed

Poor diet remains the leading cause of mortality among adults in the United States, according to the National Institute of Health (NIH). The most common dietrelated illnesses include type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease (CVD), obesity and certain cancers. As of 2022, 126.9 million Americans ages 20 and older have some form of CVD, the NIH reported.

Today obesity remains the second leading cause of preventable death in the States. Over 40% of adults nationwide are obese, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported in September. Twenty-three states have the highest adult obesity rates, which the CDC deﬁnes as 35% or higher: Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas Delaware, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, West Virginia, and Wisconsin

Diet-related illnesses disproportionately affect underserved communities that live in food deserts. “Access to healthy nutritious foods is an essential social determinant of health and is heavily influenced by local

U.S., where figures like Thompson’s hero Shawn Michaels proudly proclaim their faith. But Britain is a less religious place, and Shipley, a former mill town 175 miles (280 kilometers) north of London, is a long way from the Bible Belt. Thompson, though, is unfazed by doubters.

“People say, ‘Oh, wrestling and Christianity, they’re two fake things in a fake world of their own existence,’ ” he said. “If you don’t believe in it, of course you will think that of it. But my own personal experience of my Christian faith is that it is alive and living, and it is true. The wrestling world, if you really believe in it, you believe that it’s true and you can suspend your disbelief.

“You suspend it because you want to get lost in it. You want to believe in it. You want to hope for it.”

as medicine

environments and community infrastructure,” the NIH speciﬁed, adding that evidence-based policy solutions are a necessity to “foster an equitable and climate-smart food system” that improves overall nutrition and eliminates health disparities. That’s where food pharmacies come into play.

Per the American Journal of Preventive Cardiology, studies have shown that food pharmacies are effective in lessening social, physical and ﬁnancial barriers to healthy eating The prevalence of food pharmacy programs has also increased in recent years.

In the spring of 2017, the New York City Health Department launched Pharmacy to Farm, a program that gives funds for fresh produce to low-income

New Yorkers who receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits and are on medication for hypertension. Similarly Geisinger Health System introduced its Fresh Food Farmacy in Pennsylvania to help food-insecure patients suffering from type II diabetes.

A study cited in a 2018 article published by the New England Journal of Medicine’s Catalyst journal found that Fresh Food Farmacy patients’ hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c) levels dropped an average of 2.1% compared to a 0.5 1.5% drop when exclusively on medication.

On October 21, the DMV-based Capital Area Food Bank announced its partnership with Unity Health Care to launch a new food pharmacy in Wash-

ington, D.C The program provides approximately 40 pounds of medically tailored groceries on a bimonthly basis to foodinsecure patients suffering from chronic conditions Patients receive fresh produce and shelf-stable foods that are low in sugar and high in fiber and nutrients.

Despite its beneﬁts, food pharmacies have their fair share of limitations, including financial constraints, lack of neighborhood availability and personal barriers (like a “lack of desire” to eat fruits and vegetables among certain patients), the American Journal of Preventive Cardiology noted. The programs, however, are still a step forward in the right direction to reduce dietrelated chronic diseases and food insecurity

PROVIDED PHOTO

Wrestling in the name of God takes place at St. Peter’s Anglican Church in the northern England town of Shipley

FILE PHOTO By ROBIN MAy

The 7th Annual On Cuisine de Jardin Cook-Off invited participants in the Lafayette Parish School Garden Initiative to use vegetables from their school gardens and local produce to create a savory healthy meal at David Thibodaux High on Feb 4, 2023.

SUNDAY, April 20, 2025

CURTIS / by Ray Billingsley

SLYLOCK FOX / by Bob Weber Jr

GET FUZZY / by Darby Conley

HAGAR THE HORRIBLE / by Chris Browne

MOTHER GOOSE AND GRIMM / by Mike Peters

ZIGGY / by Tom Wilson

ZITS / by Jerry Scott and Jim Borgman

SALLY FORTH / by Francesco Marciuliano & Jim Keefe

PEARLS BEFORE SWINE /byStephan Pastis

grams

directions: Make a 2- to 7-letter word from the letters in each row Add points of each word, using scoring directions at right. Finally, 7-letter words get 50-point bonus. “Blanks” used as any letter have no point value All the words are in the Official SCRABBLE® Players Dictionary, 5th Edition.

word game

instructions: 1. Words must be of four or more letters. 2. Words that acquire four letters by the addition of “s,” such as “bats” or “dies,” are not allowed. 3. Additional words made by adding a “d” or an “s” may not be used. 4. Proper nouns, slang words, or vulgar or sexually explicit words are not allowed.

todAY's Word — APHorisMs: AF-or-izims: Concise statements of a principle.

Average mark 42 words Time limit 60 minutes Can you find 58 or more words in APHORISMS?

ken ken

instructions: 1 -Each rowand each column must contain thenumbers 1through4 (easy) or 1through6 (challenging) without repeating 2 -The numbers within the heavily outlinedboxes, called cages, must combine using thegiven operation (inany order)toproduce the target numbersinthe top-left corners. 3 -Freebies: Fillinthe single-boxcages withthe numberinthe top-left corner

instructions: Sudoku is anumber-placing puzzle based on a 9x9 gridwith several given numbers. The object is to placethe numbers 1to 9in theempty squares so that each row,each column and each 3x3 boxcontains the same number only once. The difficultylevel of the Conceptis Sudoku increases from Monday to Sunday

directions: Complete thegridso that numbers 1–132 connect horizontally, vertically or diagonally

Sudoku

Edited by Rich Norris and Joyce Nichols Lewis

By zHouQin BurniKeL

Managing entries

super Quiz

Take this Super Quiz to a Ph.D.

SUBJECT: AMERICAN TV CATCHPHRASES

Identify the character noted for the line. Bonus points if you can name the TV series. (e.g. “Well, isn’t that special?” Answer: The Church Lady (“Saturday Night Live”).)

Today’s deal is from a rubber bridge game, where the bidding is much closer to the system recommended by Charles Goren years ago. South’s two-club bid promised 10 points and North’s two-spadebidshowedextras The normal contract was reached. South played low from dummy ontheopeningheartleadandcaptured East’s 10 with the queen. He played the ace and another diamond to West’s king, and West shifted to a club, won with dummy’s ace as East played an encouraging card. South cashed the queen of diamonds, disappointed that the suit did not split 3-3, and led a diamond to West. East completed a good picture of his hand by discarding a low club and the queen of spades. West exited with a spade and declarer could take no more than eight tricks, drifting down one. On a good day, this diamond suit would have produced four tricks for declarer A better bet for four tricks was the club suit, but South needed two entries to his hand — one to set up the clubs and another to enjoy them He should have won the first trick with the ace of hearts, cashed the ace of clubs, and led a diamond to

TAURUS (April 20-May 20) The possibilities will be endless once you start moving. Channel your energy into something that leads to positive results. Fixing your living space to accommodate your needs will help you get ahead.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20) Question everything. Knowledge, experience and connecting with the right people will help point you in a better direction. Curiosity will lead to a learning experience that enables you to formulate your next move.

CANCER (June 21-July 22) Planning ahead is necessary Let go of the past and see what the future holds.

his ace. He could then lead clubs until East took his king. He had plenty of low cards to discard from dummy Eventually, South would force another entry to his hand in the heart suit and make his contract.

Tannah Hirsch welcomes readers’ responses sent in care of this newspaper or to Tribune Content Agency inc., 2225 Kenmore Ave., Suite 114, Buffalo, Ny 14207. E-mail responses may be sent to gorenbridge@ aol.com. © 2025 Tribune Content Agency

Change is an essential process if you want to improve your life. Distance yourself from negative influences.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) Getting together with old friends will brighten your day Groups that address issues of concern will motivate you to join forces with or support someone who can help make a difference.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) Set boundaries, know your limitations and protect your reputation, assets and meaningful relationships. An upfront, positive attitude will ward off trouble.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) Pay attention to paperwork, contracts and joint ventures. Trust your instincts and opt to handle whatever you encounter swiftly and succinctly Home and domestic improvements will make your life easier

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) Stick close to home; venturing out will lead to unsafe situations or difficulties with those you encounter Put credence in personal improvements that boost your confidence.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) Be wary of wheelers and dealers. It’s in your best interest to avoid gam-

bling, temptation and indulgent behavior Trust your instincts, not a sales pitch.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Physical improvements will boost your morale, giving you the courage to say and do things you may be too shy to do otherwise. Discipline and persistence will pay off.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) Keep an eye on what others are doing. Look for the positive, and you’ll find a niche that comes naturally and encourages you to follow your heart and do your own thing.

PISCES (Feb 20-March 20) You’ve got some good ideas, but don’t turn

something simple into a complex affair Stick to basics, work with what you’ve got and avoid unnecessary expenses.

ARIES (March 21-April 19) Raise awareness and participate in events that help you understand where your presence skills and experience will have the most impact. Take better care of your health and well-being.

The horoscope, an entertainment feature, is not based on scientific fact.

goren Bridge

wuzzLes

1. Spock ("Star Trek").2.EdMcMahon ("The Tonight Show Starring JohnnyCarson") 3. Howie Mandel ("Deal or No Deal").4.Tattoo ("Fantasy Island").5.Ralph Kramden ("The Honeymooners"). 6. Ed Sullivan ("The Ed Sullivan Show"). 7. Maxwell Smart ("GetSmart").8.Fred Flintstone ("The Flintstones").9.DonaldTrump ("The Apprentice").10. RegisPhilbin("Who Wants to Be aMillionaire"). 11.Fred Sanford ("Sanford and Son").12. TommySmothers ("The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour"). 13. Latka Gravas ("Taxi").14. Vinnie Barbarino("Welcome Back, Kotter").15. Lou Grant("The Mary Tyler Moore Show").

SCORING: 24 to 30 points —congratulations, doctor; 18 to 23 points—honorsgraduate; 13 to 17 points —you’replenty smart, but no grind; 5to12points —you really shouldhit the booksharder;1point to 4points —enroll in remedial courses immediately; 0points who reads thequestions to you?

Saturday's Cryptoquote: Wishing aHappy Passover andHappy Easter toall our readers who celebrate! —From your puzzle friends